Tasterie Happiness!

Several weeks ago I had seen a promotion on Facebook for a company called "Tasterie" which allows you to purchase a box of high quality packaged foods/snacks based on nutritional needs for allergy restrictions. Since it was a "half off" kind of deal, I figured I'd give this doorstep delivery service a try. I went to the website, selected "gluten free" {as the box would be for my youngest daughter's allergy needs}, punched in my promo code, and continued checking out. The boxes are mailed once a month and are usually shipped by the 15th. When you submit an order you do be come a "subscriber" so if you don't want to receive a box monthly or you want to change your subscription, all you have to do is contact the company {I wanted to confirm any auto-ship methods and they got back to me within 24 hours}.

I've been tracking the package for several days now anxious for it to come. I didn't tell my Peaches about the food that would be coming in the lightly colored blue box, because I wanted to surprise her. While I was out having  a water balloon fight an all out water war with the kids, the mail man came by with my package! I thanked him, apologized for my appearance, and went inside. I debated if I should open the package first {just to peak around at the contents} so I would have a clue if it would be stuff she liked or not. I didn't want to call her away from the outdoor shenanigans just to be like "Uh, oh....um, thanks Mom."

I couldn't help it, I decided not to open it and called her home from two doors down where she was filling water balloons with her sister and a neighbor girl. "What, Mom?" ..."Come inside." I told her how I had ordered her a special food package from this new company. I also told her {before she unwrapped it} that I wasn't sure if it would be foods she'd enjoy or not. She peeled back the beautifully wrapped package and pulled out each item one by one. Her smile was so bright and she was genuinely thrilled with the contents! She was honest about the things she thought she knew she'd like and others she wasn't sure about, but would try. She kept thanking me over and over.

 I highly suggest you check out the company for yourself and share it with a friend! You can watch a short video about the company and it's beginnings and mission here. At first, I thought I would only get the initial box and discontinue any future shipment. Truthfully, I only ordered it because it was half off. However, after seeing it for myself and based on the response of my daughter's delight, I will continue as a subscriber as long as I continue to be this satisfied! A box this size contained 6 packages {the Udis box has 5 Cranberry Almond bars in it} and 2 recipe cards. Full price cost is $18, shipping is free. I believe the price is fair. The food I received is all GMO free certified and all of the products are of incredible quality.

I stepped outside to take out some recyclables and heard Peaches yell out "Thank you for the box, MOM!" yet again. I love seeing any kid with a happy heart....but, there's something special when your own child looks back at you with the kind of thankfulness that understands how much you love them even in the little things!

Find the Tasterie Facebook Page here.

Accidental Paleo

The more I read, the more frustrated I am that all I have to work with are the Smith Machines at my gym. I've decided I'm using them as minimal as possible, even if that means I'm limited on the weights. Today, I went in for squats. I wasn't even going to go, but when I put my clothes on after my shower I realized I didn't grab the shorts I wanted to wear... I grabbed my running compression shorts. I took that as a sign that I needed to just go to the gym even if I was crunched for time. I got dressed and headed over. I had half the time I normally would so everything needed to count. I wore my Garmin with HRM strap to keep an eye on my work. I grabbed the pre-weighted free bars and found my own space in the mirror. "Break at the hips,  not the knee, look up, sit back, push the earth, UP, and squeeze!" After 12 reps, I did 12 Good mornings, then a total of 20 walking lunges. I repeated this cycle with the first weighted bar, then I swapped for the next bar up {repeat 2x}, then the next bar up again {repeat 2x}. I did a core exercise and one final glute move that sent me to 30 minutes and 305 calories burned. It was time to go!

I made a decision on Monday to tighten the notches of my food belt just a liiiiiiiittle tighter. My eventual goal is to eat 50% protein with fat and carbs at 25%.  After the week of eating "whatever is available" and minimal sleep, I needed a crash course back to the fast track and I didn't want to just get back to eating healthy as usually. I wanted to take my eating to the next level. Monday wasn't too shabby {I goofed on some nutritional info and went a little overboard on protein peanut butter balls trying to get my balance}. Tuesday I posted my entire day to the Facebook page and every day after has been calculated and planned to get as close as possible to the goals I set. It took a few days to get passed feeling a little lousy {since I was so doped up and the carbs for a week and TOM showed up} but thank God, I pressed passed it.

I'm basically eating...

A ton of protein in the form of chicken, fish, and eggs {steak once a week}. Once a day I have a serving of greek yogurt. I also usually have some nut butter on celery and string cheese {which I've been pairing with turkey jerky} at some point during the day. Nuts are always a good portable option to use when I'm going to be out in the heat and don't want to worry about keeping things cool. And, I've been consuming 2 protein shakes a day; Generally one for breakfast {which I mix with milk} and one before bed {mixed with water}. *side note: for the first time ever I mixed raw egg whites in a shake to finish off my quota for the day, rather than cooking them. Jury is out on whether or not I'll ever do that again. ;)

My carbs are sourcing mainly from vegetables. I'm hooked on green peppers, colored peppers, cucumbers, reeeeeally green leafy greens. Once a day I might have 4 oz of berries and 4-5 oz of sweet potatoes.

I haven' eaten chips, bread, ice cream, slurpees, white potatoes, fast food, pop, pasta, or any of that during this past week. I've been taking it one day at a time and keeping my meals regular so that I'm never, ever hungry. I do not feel deprived! It's amazing what you can find if you're looking; Today we went to our local park where they are hosting a Breast Cancer 24 hour event, there were tons of tents with various vendors. When we walked by, we checked to see and the ice cream shop was finally open for business! It was just me with our youngest daughter so we stopped in. I had decided I wouldn't have anything until I saw this:

Terribly dark picture of the label. :/ Bene Vita Frozen Wildberry Greek Yogurt!

 Not just frozen yogurt, but frozen greek yogurt mixed with berries. Score! I ordered a single scoop in a cup.  It was creamy and almost tasted like a cheesecake. I swirled it around in my mouth, savoring every bite. It is empowering when you set your mind to do something and you find a way to make it work in every day life! The treat was great and it will not be damaging to my day in the least bit. At least I know the one place we will frequent this summer has something to offer me too!

I used to hate small/single scoops. Now I appreciate the portion size and control.

I feel empowered. I enjoy the planning. I don't find myself snacking or craving. If I allowed myself treats for working out or cheat meals I would have serious issues maintaining control with the after effects. It might not come back to bite me right away, but the recall of sugar and addiction always lingers ready for a binge. I really want to see my body composition change. I'm not at all unhappy with my weight, I just want to see the work I put in. Eating this way isn't for everyone and I don't think many beginners would survive the "restrictions" but I've come to a place where food is #1 for fuel and if it's pleasurable too, then fine. My husband's cousin made comment "Hella Paleo" on one of my Instagram photos I had taken of my food...hadn't even crossed my mind that that's exactly what my diet has become. I guess I've gone Paleo, accidentally! ;)

While I was out having some one on one time with Peaches, we visited our local petting farm and found this Momma with her babies, ELEVEN in all! They were so precious. We sat just watching them for a few minutes as they followed her every where. It made me very thankful that I get to keep my younglings close, too. 

I still panic.

Ah, summer. I used to despise the heat. Give me the cold, the layers, just let me stay covered up forever. I still feel that way sometimes. It's the time of year when we find ourselves either exposing ourselves to keep cooler or suffer refusing to. I used to be a sufferer. I remember always wearing jeans during the summer. I'd wear short sleeves but you wouldn't catch me dead in a tank top. And, strapless? Forget it! If I had to bear my legs, I'd wear nylons in an attempt to smooth them out and give them color since {like I said before} they were always covered with pants. If I could find shorts that went passed my knee only then would I enjoy a little less cover up. Swimsuits sent me into sheer panic. The terror of someone possibly seeing me, even my own husband, it was enough stress to make me want to vomit. To me, there wasn't a single part of my body that offered any kind of flattery to distract onlookers from staring at how fat I was or making fun of me or ignoring my presence altogether.

I have to say that shrinking from an almost size 20 {at my biggest, post first baby} to a size 6/8 really hasn't improved my self esteem in a swim suit or shorts in front of people. I still panic. It hurts to think that someone might look at me and still see a fat girl...after all this hard work...after thousands of miles, hours in the gym, and meal after meal of healthy eating. Do they think I'm just a pudgy formerly thin girl? Can they tell that I was once fat and I've literally worked my butt off? When they see my "muffin top" do the fully understand that I have about 4 pounds of extra skin at the circumference of my trunk that I try to fold into my waist line, but every time I bend, it makes its way back to the top? Do they know these saggy legs have trained for and run a marathon? That I can squat a decent amount of weight? When I wave and my arms flap...do they know that I'm improving my bench press every week? That my once fat filled biceps actually have toned muscle now? And, yeah I wear push-up bras to support deflated boobs, but do they know that I've built a firm chest and can bounce my pecs better than most men? No, they don't know.

It leaves me, it leaves all of us with a choice to be victimized or walk with pride {not the boastful kind that is arrogant, you know what I'm talking about}. I find it difficult at times to hold my head high when I know that someone gawking at me doesn't know my story. I know we are so much more than flesh and my heart's desire {more than looking like anything} is to shine the love of Christ! This body will fade and I will have much more to answer for than how physically fit I was or am.

Someone recently did ask me "{Do} You workout?" "Yep," I answered with a smile. "Free weights?"..."uh-huh"...that felt like a huge compliment to me! They didn't tell me my figure was "this or that," they just asked if I worked out!

When I look at other women, I see them with a heart of compassion. For the ones that are truly obese, my heart aches to know the bondage they're in. For the ones with loose skin, the ones wearing their stretch marks proudly, I tip my hat! For the women whom God has blessed with awesome genetics who never struggle with their weight --well, I say everyone's got their issues, being thin or fit doesn't = high self esteem whether it was good genetics or not!

I'm on a mission to love my body no matter what and to let the cruelty of ignorant people roll right off, but it's not always easy. Sure I wear shorts just above the knee now, tanks, even strapless. I ask the Lord to renew my mind and to help me see the girl He sees...in all her beauty. I hope that one day I will find total contentment with my physical appearance or else come to a point where I can fully embrace what I am. Some days I'm there and other days I feel myself jerked right back to my old insecurities! I suppose my sweet sisters, we all just need to be reminded to look at each other with love, to be slow to judge, to know we are beloved and beautiful. And, if you see someone who needs a boost, offer a kind word of encouragement that is honestly spoken. Give a sharp elbow to the ribs if you're in a crowd of gawkers by making your words sweet and pointing out admirable qualities such as courage, strength, and beauty!

What am I doing here?

This last week has been amazing in so many ways! Although I'd like to break it down over multiple posts, I'm going to try to just summarize it the best that I can.

Our home away from home...

Starting Sunday night {a week ago Mother's Day} our church transformed into a shelter for folks who currently find themselves without a home. A bus would bring around 30 people by 7pm for dinner, they'd hang out until lights out around 11pm {several would stay up beyond that}, sleep in rooms {designed with mattresses, bedding, and chairs}, wake up at 5am for breakfast, and bus out by 6:45am. We'd never been apart of anything like this before! There's a ton of work that goes into this along with an army of people. I had the privilege of chaperoning for the women Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday nights. My actual shift was 1am-7am, but we were often there at 7pm to enjoy dinner along side our guests, enjoy conversation, and meet any needs that arose. The kids actually camped out in an empty office on airbeds while I stayed up through the night with the other chaperons. I wasn't sure how I'd hold up, but between standing, packing lunches, walking halls, and cooking breakfast, each night passed with an incredible amount of ease. The hardest part was actually coming home and getting some rest. By the end of the week, it had all really caught up with me. I was "zoned out" even when I thought I was wide awake.

Serving Breakfast at 5am

The truth is, even though it was our intention to serve and love on them, we became good friends with many of those who came under our roof. Lives were shared, stories were told, and it was really sad to say goodbye. Many of them, if not all, came back for our Sunday morning worship service. It was awesome to have them there. I'm praying that many of them will continue to come back and stay connected even when thier situation changes and they find themselves no longer in need of shelter.

Unimportant side notes: I went to the gym Monday morning after my first night shift for squats and accessory work. On Wednesday, I went to the dentist to have my teeth cleaned and the stitch removed from my oral surgery/wisdom tooth extraction. 

Thursday evening, we met up with a friend of ours. "T" is the drummer for our church worship team. He's also a power lifter. I'd talked to him 2 weeks ago about several different things from form, to diet, and routine. He invited Jason and I to come where he works out, so we did! I wasn't actually nervous at all until we pulled up and waited for him to meet us there. Nothing but a tattered sign on the door and a garage door half opened where you could visibly see massive tires and all kinds of heavy machinery. Outside sat about a dozen concrete balls which likely weighed just as much as I do. Fear started to creep in. What am I doing here?

T and his family pulled up and I found myself standing in the gym with a crew consisting of 2 other guys. The 5 of us would be working on bench press. No Smith Machines here folks! I was excited. I watched and listened closely to everything I was told. It was my turn to take the bench. T was there to "pick" the 50 pound bar and instruct me on proper lifting. It felt totally different stabilizing that bar on my own. He guided that first set. We rotated through each person. Every time it was my turn, I picked up on something new. By the time I had hit set 3, I was benching like I never had before. It felt amazing! Pinching the muscles in my back, tightening the core, gripping the bar like a boss, and breathing {or rather holding my breath --that was new to me} through the reps. Pretty sure I never engaged my body like that for the bench press --ever! I benched a new record on a sleep deprived body and it felt incredible.

We moved on to the dead lift for some instruction time after everyone had completed their bench reps. By now I was feeling much more comfortable. The guys at the gym were encouraging and professional. Each of them would give tips on training and point out different things. After the bar was set for the dead lift, T watched as I performed the exercise. He told me my form was perfect! I was actually very surprised that I hit it so well considering {again} the use of the free bar. It required a different type of balance, but it felt incredibly natural. The one thing I could do there was drop the weight when I reached knee level. At Planet Fitness, you're not allowed to do that --so I've become accustomed to setting it down. I was absolutely thrilled....and then? Then we moved to the squat rack...

I knew I was going to be in trouble. The Smith Machine has set me up to rely on a counter balance with the bar in a track keeping everything "safely" in line. I told T I was afraid I'd fall over...and I almost did...just me and the bar. I really had to concentrate breaking at the hips, not the knee. It's not really a hard concept, but for what ever reason my body likes to hit and miss on performing it correctly. I left with instructions on how to practice. I've been working on it and I'm not planning to have issues with "breaking" the next time I attempt it. I always thought the squat would be my thing --maybe? maybe not...?


This morning I was back at Planet Fitness. I'll have to admit it was hard to look at the gym the same way after my power lifting experience. The truth is, I cannot afford to go to another gym right now...but, I also can't stay where I'm at and progress the way I want to. I need a free bar! I've got my friends on the look out at garage sales and I'll be looking through ads in hopes to piece together my own Olympic weight set for home. Then, I can use PF for accessory work and cardio. Hopefully this will come together soon, but I'm prepared to be patient. T told my that it appeared to him and the other guy on the crew that I have the "proper genetics to be a great power lifter." They aren't the kind to use flattery, so I took this as an honest assessment from our day of training.

I'll be training twice a week with T after the next week {he's on vacation with his wife}. I've already determined that whatever he says, I'll do. Eat this, lift that, run, walk, whatever! Jason is also along for the journey and stands in support of my quest. He'll be present for much of my sessions working on his own strength. I'm so very thankful for that and for the doors that are opening. I never saw myself doing this and I'm not sure how far I'll go, but for real --it's been love at first site with the "dark side" of the gym. I feel like I've been banging my head on the ceiling for some time now. I'm grateful that someone like T who has a family and full time job is willing to take time to help me get to the next level!

Who's ready to get really STRONG?! This girl!

Detroit 2013!

Yesterday I had oral surgery to have 2 wisdom teeth extracted. The irony in the occasion was that I really needed the work done back in October --when we were full force Marathon training for the Detroit Free Press. The doctor patched the throbbing tooth to buy me time. Well, It bought me a LOT more time than anyone expected so I put it off as long as I could. This past week, I experienced several days with high amounts of pain related to these teeth. It was time to get brave. Reluctantly, I made an appointment for May 1st. I woke up yesterday absolutely dreading it, but I told myself  {and God} that if He could get me through the week up to my appointment pain free, I would not chicken out. For some reason, going into the procedure already in pain just seemed overwhelming. I faced the day knowing what was ahead...trying to not let my nerves shred my attitude. It was hard. When the mail arrived, there was a package. I didn't know we were expecting anything! Jason had this grin on his face as he ripped it open...funny how life works...he held up a hot pink  "In-training Detroit 2013" shirt; the very race that I was training for when I put off the procedure...and here it shows up on the day I'm going in! How does my husband do this?! The shirt was a great reminder that God has and will continue to bring me through. The marathon last October was incredible, it was painful, but I finished victoriously! I've re-evaluated those moments, especially of crossing the finish line, more times than I can think since the Boston bombings. I've never been more proud and more humbled to be a part of an elite group of people.

Let me say that the extractions went very well. The doctor and assistant took excellent care of me. We talked through my fears and he also remembered and inquired about the Marathon. Ya know what? He didn't even ask me about my time. With a smile on his face he said "Did you finish?"..."Yes, yes I did." And, I left it at that. I've really been able to embrace that accomplishment even though the race did not go as planned. I spent yesterday post-op resting. I couldn't wait for the numbing to wear off so I could eat --I was starved! I'm sore and a little puffy, but mostly very relieved and happy to have it done and over.

Speaking of the Marathon and training for 2013, I might as well let the cat out of the bag: I'm highly considering doing the full again. My hang-ups with fully committing at this time are this: 

I'm really beginning to do some serious {for me} muscle building. I'm learning, talking with skilled power lifters, and I'm excited about this! Training for a marathon will not be beneficial to this goal. Running for hours, the mileage required to prepare for the marathon will actually cause me to lose some muscle I've gained. I'm not sure how willing I'm going to be to part with that. But, I have considered that training and running the full might be a good break, an "off season" to lifting if you will....my how times {and mind-set} have changed! Training pretty much ruined the enjoyment I felt towards running {obviously not too bad since I'm considering again} and it drove me straight to the "dark side" of the gym. Blessing in disguise, perhaps? ;)

Also, last year's biggest challenge was that right at the peak of our training, we took in a teenage foster son. Our energy, time, and resources took a direct and very intense turn into the heart of our family. Even though he has moved on, our home is always open to bringing in another child. Should this happen, I would have to be realistic about my ability to train through that again. During that time last year our mileage took a steep cut... even though we had run several half marathons, a 20 and an 18 miler. There was just so much needed mileage we could not complete due to the circumstances. This was not a good set-up leading into our big day.

The Freep gave us a shout out on their FB page! WOOT!

So here's what I'm doing...

Jason has written a 9 week training plan. Last year we trained for 16 weeks and both of us feel like that was waaaaaaay too long. I'm going to begin training 9 weeks out from the Detroit Free Press. Part way into that schedule is the Brooksie Way Half Marathon. It should land precisely on the schedule as a much needed long run and "test drive" for my progress, as well as my attitude towards moving forward. IF the Brooksie goes well and our home life is at a good balance, THEN I will commit and move forward in training for the full. If it's evident that I'd be setting myself up for another 26.2 long struggle, then at that point I will happily register for the Freep U.S. {only} Half. I really did enjoy that part of the course from the marathon perspective and I don't think I'd even mind the late start time. There's one more contingent matter to consider; the race spots are limited. I may have to make a decision based on availability...in which case I will flip a coin. ;)

I never really desired a marathon "re-do." The training, time spent, miles run --I don't want to replace any of that! It was an incredibly special time in my marriage, in my personal growth, and even emotionally. I learned so much and I don't wish it away. This time is going to be different. I know what to expect. I can embrace the longs runs with the perspective of being a "finisher." Physically I will be stronger and mentally I am far more prepared. Jason and I will not be running this race together. I cannot wait for him to run his race, his pace, his best! I love to celebrate his accomplishments. For me? There is an element of a vengeance in my running shoes. I desire to experience that race minus the complications of a painful glute  injury or the heartache of having trained so hard just to take "Plan B" of finishing. I'd like to set a goal and reach for it. I will train better and smarter. And, I will take what I learned from a priceless moment in time tucked in my heart, brain, and feet and show that Marathon what I'm REALLY made of. However it comes down the pipe; Let's do this!

Ahhhhhhhhbviously! ;)

Oh, I stirred the pot a little bit with that Weight Watcher post. I can't and I won't apologize for that. As I stated in response to a reader -- It was a post against a company, not a people. It was meant to be thought provoking. In the end, don't we all do what works for us anyways? I mean, you can try all kinds of methods for a "healthier life" {WW, low carb, high protein, Vegan, "Clean eating," calorie counting, South Beach, Jenny Craig, heck-- there's even a Cookie diet, etc, etc, etc} but you will always end up doing either:

  1. What you can live with. 

~OR~

  2. Nothing at all. 

I just feel sorry for the people who never really grasp it as a lifestyle and end up exchanging one type of bondage {obesity/food addiction} for another {a "program" or the scale; when no longer necessary}. Ahhhhhhhhbviously, that's not all people -as I've been accused of "generalizing." I have friends and family whom I love dearly that continue to attend Weight Watchers. Some are even Lifetimers. I applaud their personal efforts and successes because they chose to be committed to their health. Thank God my personal relationships are not contingent on the methods we use as indviduals! Perhaps the biggest shame in all of this is that you'll never see the commercial I filmed singing the "Points Plus" praises with Jennifer Hudson. SHUCKS! ;)

Guess we'll leave that to Jessica Simps.

Anyways, today I'm incredibly sore from training yesterday. I began a plan written for me by a power litfer friend. It's a "5x5" Month which I will rotate with a heavy lifting month. This month means lifting less than maximum, but using power! It's a series of sets that start lighter and build to a heavier {about 80% of max} where you do the lift for 5 reps, 5 sets. After the main move {either dead lift, squat, or bench press} I move on to accessory strength exercises. I've done calf raises, weighted lunges, extensions, standing hip flex, as well as a more concentrated effort on the core. This plan is only written for a 3 day work out week. I like that I can be flexible with it and use a 4th day just for some HIIT cardio. It's perfect for this time of year when I get to be very active with my family and come along side friends to help them meet fitness goals or just be an encouragement on the road!

Tomorrow I have an appointment to take care of an issue I've been putting of for months. I'm finally going to get 2 wisdom teeth extracted; the top and bottom teeth on the left side. I'm less than thrilled. In fact, I find this more fearful than any of my 3 deliveries. The teeth are perfectly set straight up out of the gum line, so hopefully it will be 2 easy pulls and I'll be out the door. I'm trying not to be too much of a baby over this because I know people, children even, going through some seriously painful times in their life; undergoing treatments I would never want to face. I know God goes before me and that I can have peace in the process. I think I'm going to plug my ears with some music and do my best to ignore the entire situation! Say a prayer for me at 1pm. :)

I think spring has finally sprung--for good! I took all the snowmen off my shelves yesterday and replaced them with flowers and birds. We are ready to wrap up this school year and all the other school-year-long commitments that come with it. It's been a very trying season for so many reasons. We pressed through it all to finish strong! We were just at the library today so the kids could pick books for an end of year report. They've each chosen a country they know little about to research. They're going to give a presentation to an audience {mainly family} in 4 weeks. I love watching them in discovery mode!

Why Weight Watchers isn't stupid...

I wanted to title this "Why Weight Watchers isn't stupid, but you might be...." I realize that this post is controversial and it sounds harsh. Not everyone will agree. Most will relate and the rest can just go on in denial...or else agree and not care. I'm not saying that what I'm about to call out on a multi-million dollar company is anything other than observations...but it makes sense to me so it might just make sense to someone else too. Yes, I have attended Weight Watchers meetings some time ago. Yes, I lost weight while under their influence. No, it didn't radicalize my life. Thank God I escaped before I became Lifetime {which is the highest achievement you can gain, earning you the right to go for free --as long as you weigh in once a month and don't go over their guidelines...Now, isn't that the freedom you always hoped for???}

Weight Watchers is a company which bases the values of food on POINTS, or Points Plus, or whatever they're calling it these days. The way they assess foods and give values to them was perhaps the most revealing when we had these cardboard sliders {a couple "programs" ago} that had you identify fat, calories, and fiber. You would adjust the inner piece of the slide just so, so that when everything lined up, the Point value would be revealed. This isn't the case now. Now there is an unknown type of science behind their points {which seemingly changes every year like clock work} to which you have to use a calculator in order to configure what you're eating to their point standards. You are given daily points based on how much you weigh every week. Along with that, you have a weekly "allowance" and can earn points through activity. There is NO specific science on how much of your allowance you can/should eat and if you ask if you're activity points should be banked or consumed you're either going to get mixed reviews from leader to leader or else expect to hear a choir of crickets!

I would really like to punch Weight Watchers in the face for their methodology. I could write a  multi-page report breaking down how they are robbing people by "helping" them get their life back or achieve "better health" all while living in a real world. It's crap. Absolute garbage, for the most part.

 But, I realize it is one of the better programs out there and I'll tell you who needs it and why:

1. People who have no clue how to eat at all and are starting from the world of constant convenience foods and Twinkies...oh, wait, we don't have those anymore?....okay, Snickers. The program will introduce you to food groups and give you an idea of how they should fit into your day. However, you are still free to eat however and wherever. I've never once heard discussed the dangers of various chemicals found in fast foods or artificial sweeteners or just how addictive sugars really are.

~But, come on! In the world we live in today, with all the healthy advocating and education, you have to have been living in a cave on a mountain to not have a clue about the trash you consume. There are so many flaws from the "all you can eat fruit" to the lack of standards and training within their leadership.

2. People who have no support. Weight Watchers offer meetings for people to attend too. You walk in the door and straight to a scale where you pay way too  much money to have a receptionist weigh you {insert whatever unfiltered remarks you may encounter here} and have it logged. If you had a good week, you may earn a sticker {yippee!} or a charm of some sort. You'll get recognized in front of the crowd and possibly share straight from your lips what made you successful. Some people need that attention, they thrive off of the "atta girl" and the sheer attention is enough to keep them going. For them, the support is needed and it's good.

Are you starting from ignorance or have zero people in your life who will support you? Do you want to keep eating the regular crap that's been killing you and be told "It's okay as long as you eat an unknown scientifically based number of points?" Then Weight Watchers is for you!

The Dangers of Weight Watchers -in my honest opinion.
1. Your daily Points are too low. One person overheard a leader saying that the minimum they were eating {26 points} was "like 1,100 calories or something." HEAR ME -That's not healthy for anyone. Not only do some people only eat these minimum points, but they don't dip into their weekly allowance and they certainly don't touch activity points. This is very scary. This is what keeps Weight Watchers in business. Why? Because you lose the weight by starving yourself and then when you finally realize you're hungry or else you reach goal and want to eat "normal," the weight comes back on! Your body is finally getting what it deserves and it's not going to let it go! Normal does not = counting points and fearing monthly weigh ins for the rest of your life.

If you choose the Weight Watcher way, I think you can avoid this by 1. Eating all your points. Divide your weekly allowance up and consume every bit of it. C'mon! Think back to being a kid--you couldn't wait to spend your allowance! 2. If you exercise more than 3 days a week, start eating back your earned points too. Don't fall into the I-want-to-lose-weight-fast-so-I'll-eat-minimal trap! You can't win, but Weight Watchers can --they keep you and your money coming this way.

~OR~

You can save yourself time and money and count CALORIES and other macros. These are the only "points" that really matter. Learn the REAL value of food. Look at ingredients listed on the package. Are there 6 or less? Get concerned about the chemicals you're consuming rather than "Is it worth 'X' amount of points?" Good health and nutrition will come by being aware of these things, not just leaving it up to a company who derives it's success off of making obese people dependent on them.

Try these free apps/websites: My Fitness Pal or Spark People. There is support and accountability as well as food and weight logs offered through both these sites. I've used them both, but currently use My Fitness Pal. You can adjust all the goals on My Fitness Pal yourself.

Don't even rely on the website's minimal goals but use a non-biased calculator {want to know what you need for daily minimum, select "sedentary" after inputting your personal data. Allow it to calculate. Then, go back and select your actual activity level to see the difference} and always shoot for eating at the top of your range! If you don't find yourself losing weight, then drop by 200 calories for 2 weeks and see how that goes or increase your activity. And, for goodness sake if/WHEN you're going to work out FEED your muscles!

2. Exercise is discussed, not taught. Huge lack of direction. What you will commonly hear about is walking. Weight Watchers will occasional bring in chefs to teach how to cook healthy meals, but how about bringing in a running coach or certified trainer? You've gotta have both. Some "fat" people are in better shape than their thinner friends simply because they MOVE! I'm afraid many of the Weight Watcher graduates are nothing more than a smaller version of their once overweight selves, better known as "skinny-fat" people.

Weight Watchers isn't stupid. They know exactly what they are doing. They know how to breed temporary success so that you need them for the long term. I chose to step away from it and exchange it for REAL freedom. I learned REAL values of foods. Not just nutrients, but also to begin looking at what it is I'm actually consuming. It's been a slow process, but through practice I have gained victory from the sugar addiction and the crap foods I once consumed under the pre-tense that it was still "okay" because it fit into a point system or the thinking that I had "earned it" because I ran 10 miles when it actually had no place or value in my life. Guess what? After 2 years my weight has not suffered a bit. By God's grace, I am stronger, more educated, and healthier than I've ever been. And, I don't owe a single bit of that success to a company whose only goal is to keep you coming back for a LIFETIME.