Thursday, November 7, 2013

8 Months - Setbacks - surgery...

Well, today is Nov. 7, 2013 - almost exactly 8 months since I've started my Healthy Journey!
I have gotten down to 133 lbs....about a month ago - and am back up to 138.5.  Right back at my 50 lb mark (yet again).
September was an incredibly BUSY month...  We were on tour with American Idol finalist, Phil Stacey - which took weeks (mths) preparing for - then the day AFTER the tour was over, my BFF and I headed to
St. Louis for a Joyce Meyer Women's Conf, (which is our annual get-a-way)...where we were rear-ended, which led to me having Whip-Lash... UGH!
So - back home - and having therapy on my neck... now into the month of October, and I have a major Gall Bladder attack...so admitted into the hospital, Gall Bladder OUT - and told to stay off my Weight Loss Program (Medi-fast) for at least 3 weeks....
So - what would most Health Coaches do?  Keep good habits, eat 6 x's a day, and make healthy choices.  What do I do??  Not eat ANYTHING the first week, eat EVERYTHING the 2nd week, and eat sporadically the 3rd week.  Which all equals gaining 5.5 lbs!!!  UGH..really?  CRAZY!
Well... Now that I've gotten out my CONFESSION...  I can now focus on getting back on track.  I've done pretty well this week, and I'm determined, once again...because, believe it or not - those 5.5 lbs., I can FEEL in my JEANS!

Thursday, August 29, 2013

50 lbs - GONE !!!!


                                        HUGE GOAL....  50 LB WEIGHT LOSS!!!!!!!!!!

Ok, I know this blog insert is before my 6 months..but I'm just too happy NOT to share :)

The "big" picture above was taken this past December - Christmas Morning to be exact...  Dec 25, 2012
The picture with my beautiful daughter and  I was taken August 17, 2013.

I started my Healthy Journey - on March 11, 2013...  and I weighed on August 27, 2013 - and reached my 50 LB Weight Loss!!  That is  5 mths and 2 weeks!!!!!!!!!!!!!

If you are looking for an answer for yourself or a loved one....Here is my website and contact information!

                                                             amberkarns.tsfl.com

Blessings to you all!!!!!!!!!

Wednesday, August 21, 2013

5 MONTHS :)

5 months have come (and gone) and I'm just now getting this posted... UGH.

It's been kind of crazy busy here.  A lot going on, and my family and I just got back from our Road Trip Vacation to Minnesota/North Dakota/South Dakota :)  What a blast we had!

1st off...  My weight at 5 months....August 12 - 142.5 lbs!  I am down 46.5 lbs!!!!!!!  That's just a CRAZY dream that has become a reality!

Pics....

















Measurements:
THEN:  Upper Arms: 15.3                       NOW:    Upper arms at 12.5 inches   -2.8
                       Chest  43                                                  Chest at 36.7 inches   -6.3
                       Waist  40.5                                               Waist at 32.7 inches   -7.8
                          Hips 46                                                   Hips at 39.5 inches    -6.5
                       Thighs 28.5                                             Thighs at 25 inches       -3.5

These are Rough measurements - but to say I'm Thrilled is not saying enough :)  I started off a size 16, and now a size 10.
I am 12.5 lbs from my goal (130 lbs).  And we will see...when I get to 130, I will re-evaluate.  See if I'm happy there, or can go a few more lbs..  I'm short, so I could probably lose a little more.  But - we will see!!

As far as the Health Coach Business side of things - I now have 8 clients that I'm so excited to be coaching!  I love the weekly weigh ins - and getting to participate in the JOY they have as they say GOODBYE to that old number!!  :)  Life is Good!

Our VACATION:  That was an adventure...  I planned, and prepped, and still had a few set-backs...but overall, I'd say it was a Success!  I stepped on the scale today - just for good measure, and had lost .5 lbs., while on a "road - trip" vacation!  That was pretty awesome!

Bye for now, my friends...;.

Monday, July 15, 2013

MONTH 4

Well, friends...  I can NOT believe that I've been on the Take Shape For Life (Medifast) program for 4 months now....  and to tell you the truth...  it's been pretty darn easy for me!  I'm almost shocked as to how I do not (for the most part) crave ANYTHING....  Sure if I'm around something that I used to eat all the time (tacos / pizza / baked potatoes) - my first "thought" may be..."I remember how GREAT that tastes"...but then I do a quick reality check to myself...and think of the weight I've lost - and how Great I feel - and those yummy thoughts dissipate.  Instead I fill up my water bottle, find my Healthy food - and keep going...

4 months...  My weight is at 150.5.  I've lost 38.5 lbs in 4 months!  WOW....  I can't stress enough how HEALTHY I feel!  The energy I have is incredible.  I also just realized this week how my Sleep has changed.  When I first started on this program, I remember telling my health coach - I just can't stay asleep.  I was getting to sleep okay, but STAYING asleep was another thing...  I'd got to sleep around midnight - and be awake at 4am.  NOW... I'm ready for bed about 10pm or so - and literally can sleep until 7am!  It feels so good to have SLEEP.  I'm not saying for sure that it was TSFL - but I really think that getting some weight off, and eating HEALTHY really was the key.

Ok...so now for my measurements:

Day 1:                                            Month 4                                               Total Loss
Upper arms at 15.3 inches              Upper arms at 12.4 inches                     -2.9 inches
Chest at 43 inches                          Chest at 38 inches                                  -5 inches
Waist at 40.5 inches                       Waist at 33.5 inches                               -7 inches
Hips at 46 inches                            Hips at 39.75 inches                              -6.25 inches
Thighs at 28.5 inches                     Thighs at 24.9 inches                             -3.6 inches

It's definitely coming off...  NOW - I need to tone!

Here's the PICs....



Tuesday, June 18, 2013

Birthday

Today I turn 42.  And I'm having a GREAT day so far!  :)

2 years ago, when I turned 40, I had a really hard time with that.  I remember the night before, sitting in my bedroom, and literally crying....  I don't even think it had to do with the "number" of years...it was the fact that I was so unhappy with myself - AND moving to the next decade in life being overweight was overwhelming.  I actually decided then to lose some weight...but still didn't.
Here's a picture of me from a few months after my 40th bday...


This year is so different!  I'm 2 years OLDER, but yet feel SO GREAT!  I'm so happy to have lost....
33 lbs so far!  (Yes, that's 2 more pounds this week).  It feels so wonderful to be in my 150's (156 to be exact), and I just feel GOOD.  No more depression.  No more worrying about what to wear.

Now I'm saying...bring it on, 42....  :)

Thursday, June 13, 2013

Month 3

I can't believe 3 months have come and gone...My life has changed so much since then!  Those who have never struggled with weight, probably wouldn't understand how my "life" can change so much...but really, it has!  My whole persona...my attitude...my self-confidence...my lack of depression...my clothes :)

My weight is 158.  Yes, you read that right!  I am in my 150's :)  I'm down 31 lbs.  Very consistent with the 1-2 lb loss typical of the Medifast 5 & 1 plan.  I have now passed my 1/2 way point.  :)  WhooHoo.  My goal is 130 - so I have 28 lbs. left.

Ok...  here's my Stats and pics....

Day 1:                                            Month 3                                               Total Loss
Upper arms at 15.3 inches              Upper arms at 12.4 inches                     -2.9 inches
Chest at 43 inches                          Chest at 39.5 inches                               -3.5 inches
Waist at 40.5 inches                       Waist at 35.25 inches                             -5.25 inches
Hips at 46 inches                            Hips at 41.25 inches                              -4.75 inches
Thighs at 28.5 inches                     Thighs at 26.6 inches                             -2 inches


  
My pants are definitely too baggy...next pic's I'll actually wear something more form fitting...but you can still see the difference!

Ok...so I'll see you again either in a week - or maybe I'll start blogging monthly...unless I need to VENT :) LOL...  Blessings to you all!

Monday, May 27, 2013

Week 11: Grad party & Family Reunion

Week 11 - I lost anther 1.5 lbs.  - Which I am EXTREMELY happy with!
I'm down a total of  26.5 lbs in 11 weeks....Crazy - right?  YUP.

This week was kind of wild & crazy (I know, what week isn't around the Karns' house, right?)

2 of my boys (and I) went and auditioned for "The King & I" with our community theater group, Prairie Players, on Thursday...  Full night - and I was an hour late eating...  (by the way - I am playing one of the Kings' wives, Oldest son is a Palace Guard, and middle son is a Royal child)

Friday - ran errands all day, getting ready to travel to Missouri the next day for my cousins' grad party, and a family reunion the next day....  And Friday night, my parents and my husband & I went to a Dinner Theater (Circa 21) for our early Anniversary.  Had a great time - and yes, I stayed on track :)  They always have a buffet, and I knew that there would be choices for me....  They had Tilapia and Pork (roast) - so I had some of that - and a salad, and mixed veggies....  Yummy, and I was full!

I actually had to eat a 7th time this day - the first time I've ever done that!!!!!!!!!!!!  But, it was late when we got back, and I still needed to get things packed for our trip....

Saturday - we left for Missouri....  It was so good to be around the family again!  We stayed at my aunt & uncles house - and my aunt (who is really more a friend - since she's a year younger than me) and I stayed up pretty late - which means, yes, I ate a 7th time again that day!  I know it's ok...but it makes me nervous for some reason!  Just being real!

Sunday - the family reunion...  There was nothing I could eat there.  Seriously - NOTHING.  But that's ok...I was prepared, and just had my Yummy Honey Mustard Pretzel Sticks!!!  I love those things!  Seriously!  My family left Missouri, and headed home - stopped at Cracker Barrel, and I got grilled Chicken tenders and Green Beans (boy do I love their green beans).

All in all...I say it was a successful weekend!!!

Monday, May 20, 2013

Week 10

Ok, ok...I skipped a week...purely accidental!  I totally thought I posted last week!  LOL...

Last Monday (5/13/13) - I lost 2 lb.

TODAY - I lost 2 lbs. - putting me at a total of 25 lbs.!!!!  I can't tell you how good I feel!  I even had someone tell me at church yesterday how nice and healthy my skin looks!  I know it's because of having a healthy new way of eating!  :)

I'm excited about the future.  And even though I still have some fears about maintaining my loss, onward I go...  Who doesn't have fears about the future from time to time, right??

Loving Life right now!!  :)

XOXO
~Amber

Tuesday, May 7, 2013

MONTH 2 UPDATE:

GGGRRREEEAAAATTTT news:  -21 lbs. lost in 2 months!  WhooHoo!!

I stepped on the scale - and was down -2.5 lbs.  My weight is now 168.  I haven't been in my 160's in YEARS - seriously!  I'm so excited - and can not say enough about TSFL and the Medifast products!

Not only am I doing great and feeling great, but since I have become a Health Coach - I already have 4 clients that I am coaching - 3 of them because they have seen myself and my friend (who started 2 mths before me) and our success!  My friend and I Truly are WALKING BILLBOARDS...

Measurements:
                       Day 1:                 Month 2:             Total loss:
Upper Arm      15.3"                   12.7"                     -2.6
Chest               43                       40.5                      -2.5
Waist               40.5                    36.5                      -4
Hips                 46                       43                         -3
Thigh                28.5                    27.2                      -1.3

Not too shabby :)  And these are "rough" measurements...  Different clothes, etc.
I started at a size 16 - and am  now wearing a size 12.  :)

Here are my pics for this month....



Monday, April 29, 2013

Week 7

I can't believe it's already been 7 weeks!!  Time has flown by, and the pounds have melted off...  I still have a ways to go, but I'm feeling so great!

Today's weight loss was...-2.5 lbs!  Total of 18.5 lbs in 7 weeks!  WHOOHOO....!

Since I started becoming a Health Coach, I also now have 2 clients, and another potential client I am meeting with tomorrow!  So happy to start helping others on their own healthy journey!

Pictures to come NEXT week :)  That will be my 2 months!

Love you all!!

Monday, April 22, 2013

Week 6 (7 Weeks since I started TSFL for the 1st time)

Well, I think I'm going to call myself the "2lb Loser" - because that seems to be my average weight loss now.  I'm NOT complaining :)  I'm happy to see that number GONE every week!  Today, I weigh 172...for the LAST time :)

This week I  made a big decision...  I decided to become a Health Coach!  I'm really excited about this.  I know I've only lost 17 lbs. thus far - but I know I'm on the right path - and why not try to coach others along as I'm being coached myself??  I really believe I can help someone else!  I totally believe in TSFL and Medifast - so why not?

So - yet another NEW adventure for me :)

My life is a very busy one.  I homeschool 4 kids - who are ALL involved in a lot of extra curricular activities - and so I'm chauffeuring a lot, volunteering at their events, etc.  Plus all the birthday parties, weddings, soon to be graduation parties, etc....  And this program is DO-ABLE through all of this!  Stick to the plan - it WILL work for you!!!  :)

Wednesday, April 17, 2013

Week 5

Stepped on the scale, -2 lbs :)  My weight is 174 - I'm down 15 lbs. since I stepped on that scale 6 weeks ago!  Whoo Hoo!

Last week at church was the first time someone 'noticed' that I'd lost weight.  Someone that I hadn't told I was trying to lose weight.  That was a great feeling!!  I'm looking forward to Vacation this summer - we will go see my brother in North Dakota...  can't wait to see his expression!!

I don't have a lot to say this time...  Couple of really "hungry" moments this week - but I just drank a bottle of water, and waited for my 3 hours to get here...I like having more "on the go" foods (pretzels, bars, etc.,) because we are so busy this season with 3 of my kids in a big theater production of The Little Mermaid.  That has taken a HUGE portion of our time...  so having things in my purse, that I don't have to prepare, has been AWESOME.

Until next time....

Monday, April 8, 2013

Week 4 - ONE MONTH

I was a little nervous stepping on the scale this morning.  My hubby and I just came back from a weekend trip, and although I "believe" I did well, it's still hard to gauge how much MEAT I'm getting...is it enough?  Or too much??

So - Onto the scale I stepped....and the needle went down to 176!!!!  I lost 2.5 lbs since last Monday and a One Month TOTAL of 13 lbs.

I also took my measurements again..  Here they are...
BACK   - 37.5"   (-1.75")                            BUST - 40.75" (-2.25")
WAIST - 38.5"    (-2")                                 HIPS  - 43.5"   (-2.5")
Rt ARM - 13.75" (-1.5")                      Rt. THIGH - 28       (-.5")

Not too shabby, Right?  For one month - I can definitely tell in my clothes.  I've gone down a pant size.  Luckily I still have "some" things from my thinner days - in hopes of, "One day I'll fit back into this...".  Well, I'm finally seeing "One Day" starting to happen.  Obviously I have further to go, but what a great start!

TSFL has GREAT, tasty foods.  This month, I selected more "on the go" foods, as I found I ran out of those last month.  So I ordered a lot more bars, pretzels and puffs.  I'm a busy mom of 4 kids who are always on the go -so I am keeping some (non-melting) things in each of my vehicles...just in case - and YES, I have had to use those a couple times!

Ok...here are my Pictures (UGH)...I still hate taking pictures of myself.  Will that ever change?
Can you tell a difference from Week 1???  :)



Wednesday, April 3, 2013

Week 3

April Fools....yes, today is April 1, 2013...and my scale was playing a mean trick on me.  I lost 1/2 a lb.  I know I should be happy with a loss...and really, truly, I am.  But I'm disappointed too...  I think I would have been ok with 1 lb., but 1/2???

So, I had to start thinking back on what I did over the week, and honestly, I did "almost" everything right.  After my talk with my Health Coach, Kim, I realized when I was eating chicken...I was forgetting my healthy fat.  That's important.

I'm also changing up my lean & green time to eat.  I  normally eat it at dinner with my family, but I"m going to eat it for lunch a couple days, and see if that does anything.

So, ONWARD and FORWARD...disappointments and all.  I will NOT give up the fight...

Monday, March 25, 2013

Week 2

"Scale, don't fail me now"...is what my thoughts were as I stepped on it this morning!  LOL.   And when it read  179 - I about jumped (for joy) off of it!!  That's a loss of 4.5 lbs this week, and a total loss of 10 lbs for 2 weeks!!  Oh My Goodness, I'm so excited!

This week I had a couple of rocky days, too...  I wasn't tempted, or anything like that - but I was BUSY - and busy means it's hard to eat on schedule...  I had to eat earlier than "3 hours", a few times, and I know that's "ok" but it makes me nervous, cuz I'm a detailed kind of person - and like to be on schedule. And a couple of times, I was 10 to 30 minutes AFTER my 3 hours :(

On Sat. night, my husband and I ate over at our Pastor and Wife's house - and that went smoothly.  He grilled steaks, and she made a nice salad ( along with other things) but that's what I ate - and my plate was nice and full!

Then on Sunday, I met a dear friend for lunch at a great little place in Geneseo, IL.  I called ahead to make sure they had options that I could eat.  I ordered Baked Chicken, Veggies, and a side salad.  When the salad came, it had slivered carrots, and shredded cheese (duh, I forgot to ask what was ON the salad!).  I did my best to move them to the side without being too conspicuous.  Then my Baked chicken came  -  and was BREADED!!  OH MY... who would've thought?  So, off came the breading and skin...!  I still had a very enjoyable lunch, and had a great time with my friend.

So, stepping up on that scale today... I will admit I was nervous!  But OH - I'm sooo happy.  I put on a pair of jeans that I haven't worn in years!!  They fit great at the waist, a little tight in the thighs, but I'm wearing them RIGHT NOW anyway!  :)

Monday, March 18, 2013

Week 1 - I lost a total of 5.5 lbs :)  So happy to step on that scale and see 183.5!!  I'm so motivated, and feeling AWESOME!

I have to say almost everything I've tasted of the Medifast Food options have been tasty.  Because everyone's taste buds are different, I can't say that I REALLY enjoyed everything...but I'm glad I was able to try different things!  I won't mention what I don't care for - as to not spoil anyone else from trying things.
But I will say that I LOVE the....chocolate chip pancakes, brownies, honey-mustard pretzels, ALL the bars, and most of the shakes!!

My first week of eating 1 lean and green was...interesting.  Little did I know how much 7, 6 or 5 oz. of lean meat really was!!!!!!  I was sitting at the table long after everyone else was finished, and afterwards, I didn't feel "stuffed or gorged", even though I ate a huge plate of food!!  Pretty amazing.

Now onto Week 2 - wish me luck :)

Wednesday, March 13, 2013

3/8/13 - 189 lbs

Ok...  Here I am March 8, 2013...3 days before I started my TSFL and new Healthy Journey.  At this point, I weighed 189.  I am 5'2" tall.  I'm posting this now - because I KNOW that I will be adding new photos - with new updates - as to where I am on my Journey to HEALTH.

Also, here are my measurements....
BACK    - 39.25                      BUST - 43
WAIST   - 40.5                        HIPS  - 46
Rt. ARM - 15.25              RT THIGH - 28.5

Quick backstory...  I didn't REALLY struggle with my weight until my early 20's.  I was diagnosed with PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome).  My husband and I were trying to have kids - with no success.  At that time, I was only about 20 lbs overweight., still my insulin levels were whacky, and the weight stayed on.

But God...  gave us a son, then a daughter.... and my weight kept rising...I was now around 170 (40 lbs more than my idea of a perfect weight for me).  So - when my daughter turned one, and I turned 30 - I decided I was going to do something about this.  I joined Weight Watchers, and over a year I lost 40 lbs, and was back to my 130 lb body.  I walked The Bix (a 7 Mile race), and a week later, found out I was expecting another baby!!  WOW...  Ok, no problem!  10 1/2 months later we found out I was expecting again.  So after my 2 younger boys were born, my weight was again up there...  And that has been my struggle now for 8 years.  NO MORE.

I'm taking my life back.  I'm getting my health back.  I do NOT want to feel sluggish, tired, depressed, sad, frustrated (and on and on) anymore.  My highest weight got up to 194.  I've lost 16 lbs and gained 11 back over the last year, so my starting weight for TSFL is 189.  Goodbye, number...I will never see you again :)

So - if you are reading this - say a prayer for me!  I know that it will be, at times, a struggle.  But with God's help, and with resolved determination, I will SUCCEED!!  If you need prayer with the same struggle (or anything else) - just comment - and I'll be praying for you!