5 Days In

Lindsey and I are now 5 days into the Body By Vi Challenge, and between the two of us we are already down over 13 pounds.  The first couple days were really difficult for both of us.  However, starting to see results and the numbers coming down seems to help with being able to stay on and keep true to the program.

It is definitely a challenge to give up eating two meals a day.  Okay, let me rephrase, the challenge comes from the third meal, and trying NOT to make up for the fact that you skipped (or only had a shake for) the first two.  I fixed a really good dinner last night.  It was a healthy meal with teriyaki chicken, rice, and steamed broccoli.  However, the problem is portion control.  I went a little overboard and ended up taking a small step back on my personal numbers.  Oh well, lesson learned.  I need to realize that even though it is healthy food, I can still only eat reasonable portions and need to be much more vigilant when it comes to portion control.

Also, I think we are both already feeling a little better physically.  We went for a walk together on Saturday, and I even tried to go for a run.  I'm not sure how much of it was from the diet, or how much was from the first decent warm weather and the simple opportunity to actually get out and get some sunshine. Either way, it was great to get out and although I think we were both pretty sore the next day, we are both looking forward to being able to add more physical exercise to our routines.

Day 2 of 90

To answer the first question, NO, I will not be posting a daily update on here every day.  However, being as I have now completed one full day and have a little more insight, I thought I would share what I have learned thus far.

The number one thing to make this program work will be a commitment to it.  Without that, it will not work.  There is no other way to say it.  My reasoning for saying this is that this is not going to be a simple process.  The shakes do not completely fill you from one meal to the next, and therefore, you have to keep some resolve and discipline in order to keep from straying and eating other things in between.  Lots of water seems to help with this.

Also, there are no guidelines for the one meal a day that is not replaced by the shake.  This again leaves things open and therefore requires some individual commitment to losing weight.  Keep the end result in mind and don't over eat and trash what you had already accomplished that day.

My initial thoughts on the drink supplements are that they do not really do a whole lot for you.  However, they do require you to drink an extra glass of water for each of them, and therefore, the simple fact that they get you drinking more water is a good thing.  Hopefully this will become habit forming and will replace other beverages adding to overall health during the program.

The two other supplements that are included are Omega capsules and a pill designed to boost your metabolism.  At this point, I'm not sure what kind of effect either of these really has, but I will stick with them and take them as part of my regular routine.

Anyway, it has only been one day, so that is all the insight I can provide thus far.  However, I am already down 2.2 pounds, so I am looking forward to seeing continued progress.

The 90 Day Challenge

Lindsey and I are starting the "Body By Vi" 90 day challenge.  The plan is to look good for our wedding and be ready to hit the beach for our honeymoon afterwards.  To be more specific, we plan to lose at least 100 pounds between the two of us.  So, with that goal in mind, we decided the Body by Vi challenge would be a good way to get us where we want to be.

We ordered the transformation kit for each of us.  At basically $200 each for a 30 day supply, we are already $400 in and will have 2 months left to purchase.  With this kind of investment, I am really hoping to be able to see some results.

It is the morning of Day 1, and I had my first shake (mixed with skim milk).  The taste was not bad, but I'm sure I will be getting a little tired of it by the end of this thing.  I guess that's why they throw in the additional flavor packs.  There will obviously be a need to start mixing things up a bit.

I am now at work and I have cleaned out my coffee cup so it can be used for water and the two additional packets I am supposed to drink today.  The first one will be a raspberry boost smart energy drink.  I guess we'll have to see if it can give me the boost I am used to getting from my regular morning coffee.  The second does not appear to be much of anything, but is designed to help curb my appetite, so I will save it for later in the day when it might be needed.

Anyway, I hope to continue with further updates and progress.  Wish us both luck!

Best to Worst

... and working on back again.

Three years ago, I was in the best shape of my life.  I was running everyday, eating right, playing basketball regularly, and even ran the Des Moines marathon.  Today, I think I'm in the worst shape I have ever been in.  I don't think I could run a quarter of a mile without having to stop and walk.

That is the best to worst part.  Now, it's time for the "and back again".

Thanks to Lindsey, I have started eating right again.  In the first three days, I have lost five and half punds, and I am looking forward to getting back to where I was.  I know that it is going to take a lot more than just eating correctly. It is also going to take some serious amounts of excercise.  Finding the time to be able to do this is going to be the most difficult part.  However, with Lindsey by my side trying to do the same thing, I am hoping it is a journey that we will be able to take and accomplish together while having lots of fun getting there along the way.

Wish us luck!

UNO

In reading through past posts, I noticed that I mentioned Andrew leaving us for college this fall.  I am happy to say that this is no longer the case as Andrew will be remaining with us and attending UNO.  He still has a little bit of work to do in regards to orientation, scheduling classes, and figuring out the finances for it, but I'm sure it will all come together in time for him to attend this fall.

It would have been really difficult for Carter and Emily to not have him around anymore.  They need as much stability in their lives as we can provide right now, so this was a welcomed change to the plans for 2012. 

Engaged

A few posts back in "A New Year", I stated that one of the planned changes in my life that was on the horizon was a change in marital status.  However, I also stated that in order for that to happen, I needed to get a fiance first.  Well, I am happy to report that the first step is now complete and Lindsey has agreed to fulfill that role.

At this point, it looks like the second half of this (actually getting married), won't happen until sometime next summer.  This will allow both of us time to do the planning and get things ready.  We also wanted to allow a little extra time to let the little ones get used to the idea.  However, Haylee is very excited and her enthusiasm has been helping to win Emily over on the idea.  I have to admit, I am also really looking forward to being able to look down and see a ring on my finger as well.

Time Out

After eating ribs the other night, we cleaned up the table and sat down to watch a little tv.  When I later came back to the kitchen to get myself something to drink, this is what I found:

Yep... puppy had decided that he would like to have the left over ribs now in the trash for his dinner.  Andrew decided that he needed to be put in timeout for his behavior.  However, being as it isn't possible to simply put him in the corner and tell him to stay... this is what he came up with: