Last September, I shared openly my struggles with my Weight Loss Roller Coaster. What came from that post was a month long time of accountability here on my blog, as women tackled some personal aspect of fitness, diet or exercise.
Ten months ago, I used the words, “Enough is enough,” and much to my chagrin, I have gained nearly an additional ten pounds since then. If any of you struggle with food, or lack of discipline in the work-out department, you can understand the frustration of those slowly creeping pounds. That month of doing thirty straight days of exercise was extremely successful. The first few days were SO incredibly difficult, but by the end, I felt great, had more energy, curbed my appetite, toned and could do push ups with the best of them. Then, once I finished, I stopped, as in, stopped exercising completely. I don’t think that is what they had in mind about starting a new habit.
I have moaned and given excuses until I am blue in the face. My family must be tired of hearing me complain, and yet I do nothing about it. So this past Monday, I began a 7 day regimented Detox Diet. Day 1 was only fruits (no bananas), Day2 was strictly vegetables, now I am on Day 3 – a mixture of veggies and fruit, and yes, this is hard. I will be adding in proteins on day 5 and 6, but the bottom line was I needed something to break my carb addiction and this diet does that and cleans out my system at the same time. I know many of you will want to have details and I will share them once I am through. I don’t want to post anything until I have done it myself. Some will say that is not a balanced diet, but eating like this for one week clears out the system, and that is my goal. (I’m sure it’s better than heading to McDonald’s for fries.) 🙂
I posted on my Balancing Beauty and Bedlam Facebook Fan Page how I was frustrated with myself and many of you chimed in that you wanted to do the Shred again, so here we are with the point of this post: Accountability for the month of August. Join me, beginning August 1, for one month.
You may want to read some of my entries and comments under my Fitness category pertaining to the 30 Day Shred. Now that I know how tough the first few days are, I am seriously dreading it, but I am keeping the end goal in mind. Last time, I didn’t miss a day, this time, I will not be so legalistic. I am committing to doing it at least 5-6 times a week and hopefully, the first week, I will do a straight seven days, but again, stay at a level you feel comfortable.
Below is what I wrote last September, and my words have not changed since then.
Please know that where ever you are coming from, whether you have 100 pounds to lose, or just realize you need to get back to making healthier eating choices, we are in this together, and if we encourage one another along the way, we CAN do it!
Starting Monday, I am taking back the physical aspect of my life and beginning Jillian Michael’s 30 Day Shred. Twenty minutes a day of sheer torture, but if we do it together, I think I can manage. I can do anything for 20 minutes, can’t I? Join our group as we hold each other accountable. I will be checking in here on the blog, but daily I will check in on my Balancing Beauty and Bedlam Facebook Fan Page, and we can all share how we are doing. Many of you are excited to join in. I know I need it.
So, are you in? Remember, it doesn’t have to be the 30 Day Shred. It may just be committing to drinking ten glasses of water a day or walking consistently. Just pick one area to focus on – it’s all in the little baby steps.
I am SO in! I was just telling a dear friend from school that I feel like I’m getting fattened for Christmas or something, and it needs to stop!!! No more fried stuff or pastries for me.
I’m in too! I actually started a 30 day cleanse over a week ago…I’m on day 11 today! I’m really feeling good too. Sometimes your body just needs a break and mine sure did!!! I’ve had two surgeries since March 8th so I was in definite need of a major detox!!!! My surgery was for carpal and cubital tunnel (wrists and elbows both arms, 12 weeks apart) so in addition to the trauma of surgery I am just now released to exercise!!! So, I’m all in for this one!
I’m in! I am like you – did the 30 Day Shred last summer, and then fell off the wagon – no, make that JUMPED off the wagon. My goal will be to work the C25K program in the month of August – it’s 3 days/week. On at least 2 of the off days, I’m going to do Jillian’s yoga DVD – I SO miss yoga.
This is so timely! I’m going to focus on avoiding sugar. I’m going to allow myself one serving per week & avoid it the rest of the time. *gulp*
How ironic…. I bought the 30 dat shred video back in the spring at a yard sale and just started working out again this week. Me and my husband are doing a boot camp at the community center on Mon and Wed, so I plan to do the the shred at least three other days of the week. Look forward to your posts!
I have the 30 day shred (somewhere) I’ll find it and join this challenge with ya’ll.
I love the Jillian Michael’s Shred it!! I’m so in!! Frustrated with my weight beyond belief.
I started a “diet” back in the middle of March. I’ve most 34 pounds since then. It’s been slow, but it has actually worked this time. I’ve really been at a standstill this last 2 months though…mostly of my own doing. I’ve definitely lapsed in my discipline! So I decided to get on with it starting this past Monday! At any rate, you said you had a problem with carbs so I wanted to tell you about a book I read. It really helped me…and I don’t particularly consider carbs to be my downfall! It’s called “Carbs From Heaven, Carbs From Hell”–written by Dr. James Krystosik. He’s actually a chiropracter & talks about how chiropractis medicine deals far more with naurural healing & nutrition than what most people realize. I’m one of those people…or, at least, I was! Most of us know that there are good carbs and bad carbs and we have a pretty decent idea of what we should and shouldn’t eat. But he really breaks it down in his book. He explains why the good carbs are so good for you. They include phytochemicals which have antioxidant & anti-inflammatory capabilities…among many other effects as well. He talks about why “carbs from Heaven” are a far better source of fuel for your body than bad carbs, fats or even protein. He explains the many, many ways fiber helps your body(including lowering cholesterol!). Once you read his book, you realize that there’s really no point in putting something in your body that isn’t good for it! I mean, I honestly did not realize that eating the right foods can actually help with aches and pains! I have quite a few of those these days. Oh, he also talks about food allergies. Not necessarily the type that would cause anaphylaxis, like we automatically think. These allergies have far less obvious symptoms like inflammation, headaches, even weight gain! I just checked the book out at my local library. It really is far more interesting that what I’ve made it sound. I don’t read a lot, yet I couldn’t wait to pick it up, learn some more & even take notes. It was quite educational. Sorry this is so long! Hope it helps! I will be trudging right along with you in this battle of the bulge 🙂
This couldn’t have come at a better time for me. I got some lab results back yesterday which I’m not quite happy with. I have some goals to improve two numbers, plus I’d like to drop 10 lbs. I don’t have the shred, but I do exercise 5x week and I eat healthy. So far, not so good. I don’t know if I’m being impatient or if I’m doing something wrong that I haven’t really seen any results in my weight for 2 weeks. I’m trying to stick to a 1200 calorie a day diet. Don’t know if that is hurting me by not getting enough calories. Anyway…I’m in!!
Nancy
I’m all in! I seriously needed this! I’m going to pick up Jillian’s Shred video this week. Is there a diet that goes along with it?
I highly recommend Weight Watchers where you attend the meetings. I started at the beginning of April and I have lost 18 pounds eating a balanced diet and still being able to enjoy foods I like. I wish you the best with your weight loss.
I don’t have the 30-day shred, but it definitely sounds like something I could get into! Outside of the YMCA and my favorite elliptical, I’ve been doing some of Jackie Warner’s DVDs, which totally kick my butt…however they’re getting a little monotonous.
Thanks so kindly for the push!
I’m ready to do the 30 day shred! I just ordered it on amazon – and it’s only $6.72!! Awesome price!! I have prime membership, so shipping is free as well. Looking forward to the exercises!!! (or maybe not the exercises, but the results)
That is a GREAT price… 🙂 I think you will be cursing me, instead of saying you are looking forward to the exercises after day one…hahah
I would love to join in the accountability here! I am wanting to tone what I have, and am struggling to consistently make time for exercise. So I am committing to 3 hour exercises a week for the month of August. Also, to drink more water, at least 6 glasses a day. thank you for the challenge. Started on the exercise yesterday.. so tomorrow it’s back to Kathy Smith.. lifting weights to lose weight! 🙂
@Jen Burns, just did exercise 2 of the 3 this week… thanks for the accountability!
Wow, I’m really in the same place — nothing zips, and I’m spending a lot of time beating myself up, though I keep it pretty much to myself. With two teenaged girls in the house, the first thing I need to do is model self-love for qualities that are more than skin deep. Still doesn’t keep me from growling to myself on a daily basis, though…. I’m working out 5+ days/week weightlifting and running, but I need to address my eating habits. I’m looking forward to hearing how your first week detox diet goes. It sounds like just the sort of kick start a person needs to get the heck going.
I’m in.. I’m Metabolic Effect’ing it tho this time. Jillian is good but she was hard on my knees. Too bad we can’t all get online and do it..lol! Talk about accountability!
Jen, I assume we’ll start August 1st? How perfect… a Monday to start the month off!
Want to lose weight, not starve AND still eat CARBS? Can you say FIBER? I just discovered the book “The F-Factor Diet (Discover the Secret to Permanent Weight Loss)” by Tanya Zuckerbrot, M.S., R.D. (I borrowed it from my library so check with your library before you buy.) If you eat 35 or more grams of fiber per day, you will feel fuller longer and not have the urge to overeat plus fiber-packed foods are healthy and good for you. There are 3 levels to this diet (or I prefer to say “way of eating for life”): (1) 2-Week Accelerated Weight Loss; (2) Weight Loss (1-2 lbs. per week); and (3) Maintenance. I thought it was going to be hard to find foods with high fiber but she lists them in her book. I love this plan because it uses real food, not fiber drinks and supplements. I believe they should require high school students to read it to understand nutrition and why fiber is so beneficial because I wish I had this knowledge way back then. Very easy to read and follow this way of eating for life.
I’m intrigued by your detox. I can’t wait to hear how it works and exactly what you have to do. I’ve never really understood the point, but known that they’re “good” so I’m definitely looking forward to your post on that!
Best of luck! My August goal is going to be to get stuff done around the house. I’m working right now to narrow down the area, but I did the kitchen in July and it worked out well. So August deserves a project area for itself!
~Kristi
Yes, I’m in. I need some accountability!
I ordered my Jillian Michaels 30 day Shred from Amazon and it is ‘supposed’ to be here Friday. If it is, I will be joining you on Monday. However, please note:
1) I have been unsuccessful in my fight with food willpower
2) I have been unsuccessful in maintaining a diet regimen
3) I have a husband that previously dieted with me that refuses to commit to a food/exercise regimen with me and snacks ALL NIGHT.
4) I have saboteurs at work… You know who I mean. Those that say “One piece won’t hurt”.
I previously lost considerable weight and was a 125 pound size 4 (with FABULOUS clothes). Now, I am back up to 157/160. I cannot seem to get up the will to workout and eat right. I am hoping if I write it here and possibly blog about it, that it will be motivation (besides those fabulous clothes that I want to get back into!) I need to stay on track.
I want to thank you for not only writing about your struggle, but attempting to get all your readers to eat healthier and lose those extra pounds we put on. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!
Denise – I hear you. My fabulous clothes went mainly to Goodwill, but I still have a few. On Monday, I was at the same weight as you and would love to be at 135, which is where I was at when I started blogging. That was thin (around 7/8), not too thin, but a great thing, BUT I don’t NEED thin. Want it, but don’t need it. I would be thrilled at 145, and just try to maintain that again.
@Jen,
Jen, You are exactly where I am with weight and have exactly the same goals. I will try to join up with you guys and get some form of exercise everyday in August.
However–as we returned to Ky. from the Outer Banks, I took your advice and stopped by the Pepperidge Farm Outlet store. Oh my–not a good way tostart to lose weight!!
I’m in! I’m not sure where I am weight-wise, but if I have anything to lose, it’s no more than 5 lbs. It’s more a matter of getting myself in shape and staying there!
I think I know what mystery detox diet you are talking about! Whenever I feel myself getting lazy with my eating and exercise plans I go back to it for a week to give myself a kick start! The first time I tried it I lost 14 pounds in the first week. From there I continued healthy/balanced eating and did not immediately gain all of the weight back. Day 2 is always the hardest for me…if I make it past that one I am fine!
Now that you mention it….I think it might be time to give myself another kick start. I’ve been rather lazy and indulgent so far this summer and I think it’s starting to show. So I’m in too! I already have the next few days of meal plans put together so I will jump in on Monday.
Best of luck to you and everyone else!
Allison
14 pounds? YOu go, girl. I know they say it’s possible. I would be thrilled with 7, knowing that I will gain 2 pounds of it back from water weight.
Great, Great! I have lost 32 pounds since January and have been “fall’n off the train” need to get back on the weight loss, eating right, excercising “train”. Here I come accountability!
Let’s hop on that train together. 😉
I was doing great there for a while–walking or doing pilates 4-5 days a week ( or 30 day shred, putting Jillian on mute), but I’ve torn a ligament in my foot and am down for a few more weeks at least! 🙁 So, I’ve joined Weight Watchers and am trying to get into a routine with the little physical therapy I’m allowed. Thanks for the accountability!
Wow are we having the same weight/food/habbit issues? One month ago I had said I was done with not taking charge and that was about 10 pounds ago. I guess I just had to let it go a little bit longer to realise that I need to make some changes. I too have been cutting off the carbs to basically break myself of those laden calories. It’s as if at a certain point I have to abstain from them to break the hold they have over me. It’s craaazy but true!
Now that my ankle injuries are all healed I really need to start running again…I’m hoping to start soon, probably as soon as summer classes are done with. I have no motivation to run after being at college all day!
What a great idea. I’ve been getting my life back in order. I’ve started using doTERRA EO and vitamins and supplements. That has been a life saver. Now, I have to get back to the gym but, totally need some accountability. It’s so easy to be too busy for the important things in life. 🙂
I would love to know the name of your detox diet/regime. 🙂
I would love to join you all I have started a cleanse in March and went on a program and have lost 74 pounds so far. I am still over weight but I am loving the new me even if I still have that much more to lose. I am doing rejuvenation21. It is all organic food, no sugar, no dairy, no breads. Meat fruit and veggies. And only certain ones. Oh i think they are changing their name to weight tamers. But very easy a lot of energy, but then I have a friend who is doing the same program and is having a heck of a time. Anyways would love to be a part of this no matter what everyone is doing. We can get our lives back I am living proof! Thanks and good luck to all of you!
Jen, I’ve had those extra pounds creeping up in recent years, especially this year! I’ve tried numerous things, including diets and exercises that worked for me in the past, but they just aren’t cutting it for me now. Like you, I don’t necessarily have to get back to what I once weighed, but I do want to lose some weight and also not be so flabby. Most of all, I want to be healthy and actually sleep at night. I’ve struggled with insomnia ( I’m writing this at 4:00 a.m.!) and it ebbs and flows, but I think if I could get overall healthier it would get better. Thanks for the challenge and I really like that it starts on a Monday.
Forgot to say that I’ll pray this weekend about the direction God wants me to take with diet and exercise and have a plan in place for Monday.
I’m in…just what I needed to stay focused! Thanks
Oh dear, count me in. I pledge to exercise at least 3days a week ( school starts Monday so back to work full time) and resist goodies in the teacher’s lounge! I need to lose10-15 pounds so I can wear my clothes!!
I’m in. I’m going to do the T-Tapp basic program instead of the 30 day shred. We just found out that we need to move in the next 30 days so things are a little stressful around here. But I need to excercising!
Got my 30-Day Shred DVD in the mail over the weekend – yes!
I’m in too! Thanks for doing this!
Just found your blog this evening….well, technically last night and have been doing a lot of reading. Love your blog and all the valuable information.
I am wondering how the 30 day shred went and if by chance there will be another one. It’s so much easier when you have others for encouragement not to mention having others to whom you must be accountable.
I hope it worked for all of you but, alas….I need some help in the form of people to do this with me….to help me break my carb and sugar addictions. I don’t have 100 or even 50 pounds to lose. It’s more like 25-30. I’m so tired of the roller coaster I’m on. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Sincerely,
Trisha
I lost 8lbs. on the 30 day shred about 4 years ago. oops-gained it back! Then I read your post about the 17 day diet. It gets better-I wrote and told you I lost 12lbs in 17 days! Then came the holidays, and just plain not paying attention to my choices. I am now returning to the 17 Day Diet and am working (hard!) on trying to exercise..not my favorite thing-and making better choices.
Thank you for posting on these programs. They have been encouraging! I hope you are finding success at whatever point you are at right now. Blessings to you…