Hark! Is that a Lost and Not Found blog post, mine eyes see?

Despite the lack of posts in the last, oh, six odd weeks, I have not given up blogging!*  Let's celebrate this return from an oh-so-long blogging absence with an announcement!

I've lost 30 pounds in six weeks!

There is not a typo in that extra-large sentence up there, I really have lost 30 pounds in six weeks** through a program called Take Shape for Life. Take Shape for Life has three main components and some other smaller ones.  Let's break it down, shall we?

1) I have a health coach.
My health coach, Alison, is so great for me.  The first week on program was a little tough, adjusting to the lower calorie, low carb meal plan (more on that below).  She called me every day to see me through the transition.  Now we talk once a week about how the week has gone, what my goals are and any questions I have about the program.  I couldn't do this without her.

2) I eat five Medifast meals a day.
The Medifast meals are foods that I buy from Medifast (I order once a month). They typically come in powdered form, but they are some things, like cereal, bars and pretzels, that come in their final form.  There are lots of options, but my favorites are Peanut Butter Soft Serve (ie, ice cream), all of the shakes and the brownies (just add water and then microwave or bake and you have a warm, moist, chewy, chocolatey piece of goodness).
The meals are low calorie, low fat and low on the glycemic index, but they have plenty of protein and vitamins. Plus, on the program you eat every three hours so you're not really hungry. Let me adjust that statement: the first week I was hungry as I adjusted to the new diet, but I've been good ever since!

3) I eat one Lean and Green meal each day.
I call the Lean and Green meal my "real food."  For the Lean and Green, you get one serving of lean protein, three servings of vegetables and one healthy fat. This real food helps to feel normal - I can still eat out*** or eat at a friend's house - but at the same time it gives me the opportunity to start some healthy and controlled eating habits.

Anyway, I once again feel like I could do this thing. I'm on track and focused on my goal of losing a significant amount of weight. Before I started this program I felt kind of hopeless. I kept trying to get back on track with counting calories or new diets and kept giving up. I was full of fear.  It was a very discouraging period. I feel much better now and can picture myself doing this program for months until I have lost my 100 pounds (and maybe even a few more after that!). I've decided that I think being able to picture yourself succeeding, is a big part of actually succeeding.

Obviously, the last time I lost a significant amount of weight I did not succeed at the "not finding it again" part (get it - Lost and NOT Found??).  But I'm a big believer in learning lessons from the past, and I think I can see where I went wrong with the not finding it again.

Now, I'm sure you have some questions. If I get enough in the comments section, I'll post a Q and A blog. Side note: if you want me put you in touch with my health coach Alison, so you can get started on Take Shape for Life, let me know!****


*I just get easily distracted from blogging by television, books and real people.
** They will tell you if you sign up that you will  lose 5-7 pounds a week the first two weeks and then after that you'll lose about 1-2 pounds a week.  But so far, most of my losses have been a bit higher than those numbers.
***But I've only eaten out about 6 times in 6 weeks. Talk about a lifestyle change!
****I don't get compensation for a blog like this. I've just always been open about my weight loss efforts and want to share with you the program that's helping me.