It's been awhile...

I wanted to check in and tell you that things are continuing to go well.  I should be a size 14 by Christmas!  Huzzah!!!  Oh, and I'm now a swirling vortex of sex appeal.  Ask all the guys in Provo.  They're practically wiping the drool off their faces when I walk by.

I'm kidding.  But I am noticed now and I've noticed that men are giving me a good glance from head to toe on a fairly regular basis now.  This makes me happy.

My size 16 clothes are getting baggy... YAY.

I'm so happy now I could cry.

I love who I am now and I'm so excited to keep improving myself.

OH, I'm sure you're all wondering why I'm in Utah.  HAHAHA!  My bad.  I came to apply for a job.  Not sure it'll pan out.  But I sure hope it will.

Life is wonderful, splendid, fantastic, superb!  I'm beyond happy.  I'm pretty excited to see how everything will be panning out in the future.

Ok, I feel like I'm rambling now.

Much love my darlings!

~Mychal

P.s.  Anything ya'll want to hear about in particular?  I haven't had much to talk about lately.

Another Timeline...

Me now!!!

Little Red Dress

So...

I have a few exciting tidbits to share today.

1. I bought my first pair of size 14 pants today!  Huzzah!  That was my goal size.  They are a little snug... but it just gives me additional incentive to lose the last bits of weight.  Plus... if I'm a 14/16 right now that means I can get LOADS smaller.  AWESOME.

2. I want a dress.  And I am thinking about purchasing this one...

Thoughts?

3. I am now, officially, moved into my room!  I have PRIVACY.  Wonder of wonders, miracle of miracles! The most wonderful aspect is that my room is big enough and has enough room to entertain visitors/guests.  Now I just need to find a few people who can stand me enough to come over.

4. I'm feeling much better emotionally.  Crazy thing, I've been doing something I haven't done in a very long time.  Praying.  I've noticed that it is helping.  It is helping a lot.  I feel a lot more patient, and relaxed.  I also don't feel as lonely or lost anymore.  I guess, overall, I just feel happier.  Funny how God can help you not feel so alone.

5. I've been thinking a lot about the fact that I'm single.  Yeah, what else is new.  But I'm glad I am.  I was wishing earlier that I was brave.  I wanted to believe that I could put myself out there, that I could really show guys I was interested in that I was interested in them!  But alas... I'm a giant chicken.  And that's ok.  Because I'm really ok with being patient.  Maybe it's all the soul searching I've done over the past 72 hours, but I really mean it this time.  I'm oddly ok with the fact that no guys are attracted to /want me, because it's only for right now.  I won't be single forever.  I have goals and aspirations and they'll come to pass in time.  I need to learn to be patient and I need to finish working on changing to become the ideal me.  I'm a hot mess right now, I don't blame any guys for not wanting to step in this hot mess (even if it is a hawt hot mess).  I've been listening to people whine and complain about people cheating on them, wandering eyes, how difficult life is, and how they can't find anyone that embodies all the qualities that they want.  I find it interesting that people are so busy worrying about what they want, they forget that they might not have all the qualities that other people want... Isn't it ironic?  Hahaha.  So mayhaps, if I work on being a better person, eventually some poor shmuck will think I'm the bees knees.  Love is a choice.  I honestly and whole heartily believe this.  Attraction is not, but love is.  This life is all about making choices.  We get to choose who we want to love, who we want to be with, and who our life companion will be. AWESOME.   


Life is awesome.  


And so are you my dah'lings!


I love you.


~Mych

I'm a runner...

First things first...

1. I weighed in today.  
2. I've lost 4 more lbs since the last time I weighed in.
3. I've reached 60 lbs of weight loss total!

Now,  I need to admit something.  I suppose I need to admit it to myself more than you... but maybe admitting it to ya'll will help me believe it myself.

I feel like I should finally admit that I'm a runner.

HOWEVER, I'm not a runner in an athletic sense...

I'm more a runner from emotions.

Hence why I haven't posted for a few days/weeks.  Has it been months?

Regardless of how long it's been, I've realized that I run from anything that makes me feel emotion.  My friends, my family... even myself on occasion.

I hate feeling emotion!  Good or bad, it's exhausting.  Sometimes I wish I was a robot.

A few days ago I thought I had a "break through" wherein I was no longer afraid of "rejection".  I think this was a silly way for me to convince myself that I didn't have emotions or feelings anymore.  That I was neutral, safe, and secure.

FALSE.

I'm a woman!  Of course I have emotions.  Tidal waves of them.  And it SUCKS.

I honestly, truly, and wholeheartedly feel bad for guys.  To try to understand the female mind... is literally impossible.  We women don't even understand it!

Here's what I do know.  I'm tired of being a giant chicken!  I want to take more risks.  I want to live on the edge.  I want to make mistakes. I want to mess up.  I want to create things.  I want to break things.  I want to fix things.  I want to live.  I want to love.  I want to exist.

No one ever found happiness and success by waiting for it to fall in their lap.  I've decided that my life must be the hybrid- fusion-compilaton of a BBC Period Drama Miniseries and an Action Thriller Move.  I DEMAND it!  I want suspense, adventure, and excitement!

I do believe in fairies.  I do.  I DO.

I want my life to "hurt like heaven".  I want it to be filled with color.  I want it to be a full of memories.  I want it to be filled with emotion, good and bad... even if it is exhausting.

And with that, I leave you with a most elevating, uplifting, inspiring song.  It is in my opinion anyway...

Much love dah'lings!
~Mych

It's been a LONG time...

Sorry loyal followers.  I know it has been a very long time since I last posted.  Please forgive me.  The house is nearing completion and it will be much easier to write when I have my own privacy...

So I'm planning on weighing in Friday... or Monday... cross your fingers for me.  I'll blog a good long bit to catch ya'll up on my life at that time.

Much Love,
~Mych

Shopping

Ok,

BIG NEWS

As of today, I've lost 55 lbs!


Bigger news... I'm down 5 dress sizes!!!

YES.  Yes I am.  :)

I went clothes shopping for the first time in... forever and I didn't buy ANYTHING from the plus size section!  I bought all my clothes, skirts, blouses, shirts, sweaters, jeans, & bras from the normal size person section.  It was amazing.  This was the first time ever that I have left a clothing store feeling ELATED as opposed to depressed.

I fit into a size 18 comfortably (I like things a little loose) and a size 16 snuggly.  But the 16 zips/buttons up and there is no pudging/muffintop.  This is a good sign.  My goal was to be a size 14 by my birthday in February... my physician says "Mychal, keep up your hard work and you'll be a size 14 by Christmas."

AHHHHHHH!  I should be a size 14 by Christmas!  Amazing.

Now... who would like to see a few pictures of my new shoes & accessories?


Yes... I got my nails done.  I took my mom and she had the first mani/pedi she's had in her life.  She fell in love.  I got my nails done because it makes me feel: hot, sexy, pretty, & feminine.  I haven't had them done for like 7 months. I deserved it???  Besides, my whole family loves me because they're great back scratchers.

Are these hats not ADORABLE?  They go with my gray peacoat so well!






Ok, LOVE these boots.  Couldn't resist.  They look amazing with my jeans.

And finally...

DRUM ROLL PLEASE.



HOOKER SHOES!!! 

They are 5 inches and I feel EMPOWERED when I wear them.










I love life.

And I love YOU!

Until next time my dah'lings.

 ~Mych

Flashback

So...

I was sifting through the old pictures on my handy dandy phone, when I came across this:

SWEET BABY JESUS did I cringe when I saw it.
Mom & Pop did a little bit too...

That was me at my April Graduation.

How utterly horrifying!

I took this picture when I reached 45 pounds of weight loss.

Shall we compare?


Here they are side by side.

Oh my gosh, my face was so fat!!!

I'm going to make my mother track down where the full body shots are from that day.  I know we have a few... I have to compare them to the pictures in my last blog post 51 lbs.

In other news, I weigh in on Monday.  Should have a few more lbs knocked off my shrinking body.  YAY!

I have to genuinely say, I'm really beginning to like who I am and how I look.  I've still got a ways to go with my goals... but I really do like the new me.  I'm so excited to love who I am in the very near future.

I went rifiling through some old bags of clothes (the remodel/addition has stretched into the beginning of fall, and as such I needed to track down some warmer clothes) and pulled out every pair of jeans I own, all my old sweatshirts, and some old shirts... ALL of which I swim in.  I had to throw all my old jeans away because there was no way I could wear them.  Not even to brand cows in.  A belt wouldn't have been enough.  Exciting!  But also frustrating.  I have to wait 3 more weeks before I can go buy some new pairs.

I think I'm going to try on my old prom dress tomorrow...

It will be both historic and EPIC.

I'm super happy.

Life is good.

Love you dah'lings!

-Mych

51 Pounds

Yeah, I've lost 51 lbs!

Check it out.

A.M.A.Z.I.N.G.

Dah-lings,

I know I've mentioned them in a video post... but I have to RAVE about them in the written word, I just HAVE to!  So, there are these 2 amazing women that have started a societal revolution; Beauty Redefined (http://beautyredefined.net) is helping me change my life, change my attitude, and change my perception of myself.  I'm not even joking.  Their website/movement has helped me convert from wanting the body of a sexy celebrity to wanting celebrate my beautifully feminine body!

In the beginning of this whole "total makeover," the motivation was to become beautiful.  To have the body and looks that would drive men crazy, and subsequently make me happy.  I WAS SO WRONG.  

I've often wondered why I can see the beauty in others but not in myself.  I'm sure you all do the same thing.  You see all the wonderful, beautiful, amazing qualities of others, but you see very few in yourself.  Am I right?  Yes.  Beauty Redefined is helping me alter my personal blue print of beauty.  All those qualities I "think" I need to possess physically to have value or worth... they were created, manipulated, and influenced by the media and by society.  WOAH!  For a person who "doesn't like to be told how to live, think, or feel" I'm sure being told how to live, think, and feel.  Beauty Redefined helped me make that realization and is helping me have the motivation to love who I am more and more each day.

Understanding the real ideal of beauty is helping me accept and love myself.  I've NEVER felt like this before.  Beauty Redefined has helped me come to several key realizations:

1. I am not defined by my weight.
2. I am beautiful.
3. The women on TV and in magazines really don't look like that.
4. Real women with real curves are beautiful!  Reality is beautiful.
5. Being healthy and happy is more important than meeting the false societal requirements of said "beauty".
6. My value is not determined by my sex appeal to men.

Now, don't get me wrong.  I still have days, occasional bouts, and frequent moments of "I'm not pretty, I'm fat, I'm undesirable." HOWEVER it seems like every time that happens... Beauty Redefined posts something that helps remind me that I am beautiful.  That I am real.  That I have value.

THANK YOU.  THANK YOU.  THANK YOU.

The joy and freedom you've helped me achieve is beyond explanation.  I wish everyone could feel and understand what I'm barely beginning to.  It's a personal goal to help others achieve what you've helped me achieve.

So followers... FOLLOW THEM.  Because they are A.M.A.Z.I.N.G.  I'm proud to be part of the "fight" to take back beauty.


Just sayin'.

MUCH LOVE
-Mych

OMEffingG

GUYS!!!

Holy shiz balls.  You're not going to believe this...

So, last week I started the push for more weight loss.  Since that weigh in I've lost 10 lbs!

Because I'd gained 3 lbs back (thanks Aunt Flo), I've really only lost 7.  But who cares!  I'm still ecstatic!

That makes a total of 48 lbs of weight loss!  A.W.E.S.O.M.E.

Just sayin'.

Love ya!

-Mych

Video Post #3

My Dearests,

I LOVE YOU.

And I ramble... a lot... in this video post.

I also use the words "super" and "like" extensively.

My apologies.

-Mych

Balance

Dah-lings!

My next 6 weeks are going to be INTENSE.  Expect weekly updates regarding my weight loss, goal updates, and general AWESOMENESS.

And in 6 weeks, I'll post another picture timeline!  Gah!  I'm so excited... I can barely contain it!

Okay, okay.

I need to settle down.  It's time to talk about something pertinent.

I had some trouble deciding on what I wanted to blog about today/this week.

One suggestion was to talk about "how stupid boys are, haha".  Which, while valid, is simultaneously voided by the fact that we women folk are pretty stupid too.

I've decided to take a different avenue today.

I want to talk about CONFIDENCE.

Now, I've never been exceptionally good with the self-confidence thing.

Part of my whole, entire self-help, top to bottom, inside and out, makeover, was to help me discover confidence. I know that to a lot of people, my total makeover may seem vain, shallow, and selfish.  Odds are, you think that because you've never dealt with a lack of confidence so strong, that you actually hated yourself.

What!?  Mychal, you hated yourself!?  I don't believe that.


Believe it baby.  It's the truth.  I was rooted so deep in my self hatred that I couldn't allow anyone else to not hate me. Vicious cycle isn't it?  That's why I was a total and complete b*tch... especially to guys.  If you feel unloveable, you refuse to believe that anyone could ever love you... so you make sure they can't love you.  I was so disgusted by myself that I was sure no guy could ever be attracted to me.  I believed that all men found me repulsive and as such, I treated them accordingly.  This was never the case... but I was to damn dumb at the time to figure it out.

But never fear!  I'm growing out of it!

I have decided that I hate the fact that other people can see your value and beauty long before you ever see or recognize it yourself.  That is so BASSAKWARDS.

My new look/body is gaining some attention.  Which, while flattering, is freaking me the eff out.  It's so hard to believe that I'm "hot", "sexy", "attractive", "beautiful", or even just "cute".

But you know what... I AM. I hate the fact that society thinks it gets to dictate the ideals of beauty.  WHO THE HELL DO YOU THINK YOU ARE!?  I'd like to decide what I think is attractive and what is unattractive.  I hate people who try to tell me what to do/feel/think.  So you know what... I think I'm eye candy.  Yeah, that's right.

And you know what... I think you're eye candy too!  And I think we should all own the fact that we're hella good looking.

My new mantras include (but are not limited to):

Pretty is what you ARE, beauty is what you DO.
and
I'm sexy and I know it.


And even if I can't accept them all the time... they're true.  So I need to get over it.

I will be a balanced compilation of self-awareness, compassion, intelligence, humility, and confidence because THAT is what makes a person "hot", "sexy", "beautiful", and "cute".

Woof.

I now step down from my soap box.

Until next time my loves!

-Mych

Timeline... ish

Weight loss picture/timeline...ish  thing --

Me at my heaviest.

Me, 30 lbs lighter.

Me, 41 lbs lighter.

Differences?  I see a few.

Love you dolls!

-Mych

Unexpected

My darlings!  I'm in Provo (WHAT!?).  Yes, I am.  Hard to believe as it may be, I'm here and I'm having a great time!

I have to tell you something that, while unexpected, is extremely satisfying and fulfilling.  EGO BOOSTER.

Boys LOOK at me down here.  For the first time in my life, guys are looking at me.  They're looking at me in a "I'm checking you out way."

Exciting!!!!

One stopped on the street while he was walking to school to check me out with my wavy hair, my figure showing blue shirt, white shorts, and bright red wedges.  Ok... so I'll admit that I was trying to look hot, and I was trying to be noticed... and it worked!  I pulled it off and it felt AMAZING.

And.....

Later that night I went to Macey's (wearing under armour sweats and a red shirt) and another guy hit on me!  This time verbally.  And yes... I flirted back.  It felt...

AWESOME.

EPIC.

SATISFYING.

ELATING.

EFFING FANTASTIC.

I feel so good!  I'm really loving the new me.  I can't wait to lose another 40 lbs... if losing the first 1/2 is this amazing, I can't fathom what the end result is going to be like.

Woot!

Love you dolls!  Ya'll are the best!  Your support continues to propel me toward success.

-Mych

Video Post #2

The last video was crap.

My apologies.

Much love my darlings!

-Mych

Video Post!

Thoughts???

Do we like?

Love,
Mych

***Addendum

BIG NEWS!!!!

I met my summer goal!  It's almost the end of summer and I've lost a total of 41 lbs!

I'm GEEKING OUT.

And I got my nerd glasses yesterday!
 ** Addendum **
Here is the photo:

Can life get better?  I submit that it cannot.

Breathe

I finally have time to sit down and breathe.

Let's catch up, shall we?

First of all, I wanted to say thank you for aiding me in my selection of style and shape for my new glasses.  I have selected 2 pairs which will be here this week.  I shall take pictures and post them for your viewing pleasure upon my acquisition of them.

Here's a rundown of my life for the past few weeks:

I'm living in 700 square feet with 5 people.  Stressful.

• The addition to the house is going well.
• Tensions are high as no one has any privacy, anywhere.

I recently drove to Pocatello for a job interview.  Time-consuming

• The interview went well.
• I got to visit my brother.

My weight loss is progressing.  SLOWLY.

• I will be weighing in again on Wednesday.  Everyone cross their fingers and send skinny-ish thoughts my way.  I really want to meet my 40 lb weight loss goal by the end of August.
• On a happier note, my skinny jeans (that once fit fabulously, then I couldn't fit in at all) are now baggy-falling-off-my-hips jeans.  Hurrah!  That was exciting. 
• I got a few pairs of Under Armour workout pants and I look HOT in them.  Just sayin.

My workouts have been fluctuating in regards to what time of the day I'm working out.  Agitating.

• Sometimes it is in the morning, sometimes in the evening.  This bothers me greatly.  I am a creature of habit, a creature of routine.  I now pledge to get up early every morning and work out. 

My goals, my goals, my goals.  I think I'm doing pretty well on the goal front.

• After a stint in the glums, I've rebounded back to the outgoing, funny, and happy Mychal.  I need to work a bit more on my relationship with the Man upstairs and work on making friends, but other than that... I'm progressing with all my goals pretty well.

TOPIC CHANGE

A post or two back, I wrote about my dream-guy-love-life-pipe-dream.  After some replies, advice, and an epiphany (and thanks to someone I follow on twitter) I wanted to share a quote that has helped change my views in regards to that aspect of my life.

"When you stop being the girl who needs a man, you become the girl a man needs."

Love it!  When I started changing my life, I was doing it for me.  I want to like who I am.  Some how that feeling/reasoning got convoluted and began to incorporate other people's views (particularly that of men).  I need to do this for me.  I need to change for myself, not for anyone else.  The only person I need to prove something to, is me.  I am a strong, confident, independent woman.  No man can ever make me "happier", if I'm not "happy" first.  I can't make a man "happy" if I'm not "happy" with myself.  It's a cruel cycle, but it's true.  I don't need a man to achieve my goals, or to make me happy.  Fully understanding and living this idea, will help me on my journey to become the woman I want to be.  

Thank you for the continued love & support!  You dolls are the best!

Love,

Mych

Time for...

Followers, it's time for... A Poll!!!

This blog has never had a poll before!  This is life changing.  *wink wink

Who's excited?  Me (and hopefully you).

Why?  My old glasses broke!

Why is that exciting?  Because now I get new ones!


What does that have to do with me?  I need your help to pick out the best pair/style!

I'm trusting you guys.

Below are pictures, located on the side of the blog is the poll.  Please choose the pair you think fits my personality, style, and features.

Or... just choose the pair you like the best!

Thanks dolls!

Choice #1

 Choice #2

Choice #3

Choice #4

Choice #5

Choice #6

These are not listed in preferential order...

Love,
Mych

I'm Back

I'm back dah-lings!

I know it's been quite a few days since my last post.  I haven't felt much of a desire to post anything because I've been down in the dumps.  I hate when that happens.  It took me awhile to pull myself out of it, but I did.  

So what to talk about... hmmm...

I've been exercising 5-6 times a week for an hour.  I also lift weights and work on my abs every other day.  I haven't noticed a huge difference yet.  I know the weight loss is slowing down dramatically and it's taken a pretty severe tool on me emotionally.  It wouldn't be so bad if my weight didn't fluctuate so much.  I haven't measured in over a week because the last time I weighed in (I weighed in on a Wednesday & a Thursday) my weight fluctuated 3 lbs.  Yeah... it's only three lbs, but it punched me in the stomach. 

I've been working really hard to stay on track, which means stay between 1200-1500 calories a day and exercise regularly.  I've splurged a few times, but afterwards the guilt always propels me to exercise much more rigorously.

Side note:

I've finally got all of my Reebok Zigs.  Want to see a picture of them!?  Ok ok ... here you go.

ME LIKE!  They're bold, eccentric, jubilant, garish, and outlandish.  Much like me!  hahahaha

Confession Time

I have to admit something.  I'm pretty disappointed... and I'm disappointed in myself.

I know I'm working on me, for me.  I want to like who I am.  I want to love how I look.  

BUT...

I won't lie about the fact that I thought guys might start to be more interested in me.  The fact that they're not... SUCKS.

I try to convince myself that it's ok.  That they don't know what they are missing out on.  I don't need a guy to be happy.  Someday, when I look the way I want, they will all want me and none will get me... blah blah blah.

I mostly just want to get over the disappointment.  I think every girl has a pipe dream where some amazing guy is attracted to who they are and not how they look.  I'm no exception, I wanted a guy to want me, right now, because I can make him laugh, I'm loyal, I'm intelligent, I'm kinda-sorta-talented.  And then in 9 months or a year, I'd be the girl he deserves.  The girl people would stare at and go "WOW, he's lucky."  And he would feel lucky because he knew I worked hard to become that person.  And I would know that he wanted the REAL me and that the physically fit me was a PHAT bonus.

Yeah... I know that's LAME.  But it was my pipe dream.

Oh well, life happens and we roll with it!

Until next time dolls!

Love,
Mych

Uh-oh

Hello followers!  Have you missed me?  I sure missed you!

In case you were unaware, I spent the weekend up in the mountains at my family's cabin.  It was beautiful, serene, calm, and completely void of internet and cell phone service.

Needless to say, vacations make it super duper hard to stay on track.  I slipped up... on more than one occasion.  There was much weeping and wailing, and gnashing of teeth after I was naughty.  My mom pointed out some valid points to help me make peace with/and not hate myself.

1. I've been on a hardcore diet for 8 weeks.  I haven't been exposed to such a large volume of naughty food and my cravings were exacerbated by the fact; I didn't have a hunger suppressant and some family members made and offered me naughty camping trip food delights (when they knew I was on a diet).

2. It was a vacation!  It was two days... and I stuck to my three bite rule.  Although... it was three bites of multiple things...

3. EVERYONE slips at some point.  The key is to whip myself back into shape... pronto.

4. I was good for a majority of time on my trip!  I had protein rich, low calorie yogurt for breakfast, lean turkey, lots of veggies, and the most delicious foil dinner I have ever had in my life.  Chicken and veggies that stewed in their own juices and melded with a delectable combination of spices... YUM.  And HEALTHY.

I'm glad I'm home, back in the exercise routine, and the healthy eating habits.  I know that I'm not screwed... but I'm super worried about Wednesday Weigh-in.  I can't shake the feeling that I'm a ginormous cow.  Some intense workouts and a severe attitude regarding my diet for a few weeks will help get me back in the shape my brain visualizes that I need to be.

Sorry I let ya'll down.  I'll make it up to you over the next few weeks.  Scouts honor.

Until Wednesday dolls.

Love ya!
Mych

Relief

I was REALLY nervous about weighing in at home today.  We made the transition from 500 calories and doctor supervision to 1200-1500 calories with self supervision and exercise.  I've been at it a week.

I've decided to continue to weigh in on Wednesday... so I weighed in this morning.

*GULP*

I'm down another 2 pounds!  I am so relieved!  So I'm at a total of 34 lbs of weight loss in 7 weeks. I'm feeling really confident that I"ll reach my 40 lb goal by the end of the summer.  If I keep working hard, 90 lbs by next summer should be a doable goal.

Fun Fact
Being able to have a much more rigorous exercise regimen has been amazing.  I feel more fulfilled, energized, confident, and relaxed pushing my body to its new limits.  I've found a whole new wave of energy and I'm gaining more with each pound I lose.

Life is good.

Thanks for your continued support!

I couldn't do it without you guys.

Much love,
Mychal

Lifestyle

Today we're going to tackle a few questions and comments from followers.  Gah!  I love doing this.  You guys make blogging so much more fun!  It's hard to think up stuff myself... 


Question:


Were you a carb lover?


To which I reply... what do you mean was!?  


HELL YES I LOVE CARBS.  I miss them like crazy.  The Bible says man can't live on bread alone; but I sure tried.  Carbs and I have a long history.  Bread, pasta, potatoes, corn, cookies... coat it all in chocolate and I still can't get enough. The hardest part with my diet has been the severe reduction of carbs.  Carbs and I can never have the relationship we used to have... the relationship I want to have.  


Part of becoming the person I want to be meant a serious physical overhaul.  The biggest sacrifice I had to make was carbs.


I don't know when my brain made the switch from "I want to feel good, so I'll eat food" to "I want to look good, eat different food and exercise more!"  But it happened, and when that moment happened I started my diet.


I think people need to be careful when they use the word "diet", and I think I need to apologize for using that noun so extensively.  I am dieting yes... but I think a more correct observation/statement would be this, "I'm making lifestyle changes."


People don't get to diet for 6 months, lose 40 or 50 pounds and then go back to their old lifestyle without packing back on the pounds.  Diets work because it's supposed to be for life.  Diets are supposed to teach us portion size,  healthy types of food, in conjunction with physical fitness. 


Yeah, that just sounds yucky doesn't it!?  I know that I've never had a pleasant image of dieting.  I wanted to exercise and eat whatever the hell I wanted, and I still wanted the weight to come off.  Yeah... doesn't work like that.  Changing my diet and my over all lifestyle wasn't something I wanted or was comfortable doing and I'd assume that most people feel the same way.  


I mean... who wants to go from warm homemade biscuits with fresh cut strawberries in the morning , a yummy turkey sandwich with whole grain bread at lunch, a stuffed pork chop with homemade rolls and mashed potatoes for dinner, and a warm chocolate chip cookies with vanilla ice cream for dessert to plain yogurt with berries, a green salad, and some steamed veggies with a chicken breast for dinner.  


BREATHE!  I'm over exaggerating.  But that is what it feels like right!?  


I know it sounds awful, horrible, and terrible.  But it is SO worth it!  


I know that nobody is perfect, I've messed up once or twice on my diet.  I'm a woman.  I get it. Sometimes, every 4 weeks or so... you need a piece of chocolate, and you need it before you kill someone.  If you have to have it... make it 3 chocolate chips, and eat them one at a time... VERY slowly.    


Opinion:  Do not cheat.  When you start a low/no carb diet... get anything tempting AWAY from you.  Or make sure you have the strength to stay on track.  You've got to break the love connection with those deliciously naughty foods.  You need a few weeks to really make a clean break.


Tip:  Once you've broken ties with carbs and naughty food, then and only then, if you're out on a date and the guy buys you dessert... remember the three bite rule.  Three small bites is all you can allow yourself!  Pace yourself. Savor each bite. And let the guy do most of the damage to the chocaholic-betterthansex dessert sitting on the table in front of you.  


I'll admit, the only thing that has come close to easing the pain of my lost carbs (beyond the elation of losing over 30 lbs) is the sense of confidence I get after I say no to something naughty.  When people around you see you being healthy... they're impressed.  They notice you; and it feels GOOD.  Vain I know, but oh so true.  


I feel better too!  And I don't know how or why... but my stomach doesn't miss naughty carbs anymore.  My eyes and my brain do, but my stomach doesn't.  I'm not as hungry as often, I've got more energy, and I'm losing weight because 8 weeks ago I made the decision that looking good would make me feel better than food ever could.


WOW.  I'm not sure if that even made any sense... sorry Abby (p.s. send in your recipes and I'll get to your other questions). 


Ok, next question:


What is your plan of action for facing disappointment along your journey, such as low weight loss numbers or hurtful comments from others?


An excellent question indeed.  My initial response would be, some weight loss is better than no weight loss.  A few weeks/entries ago I only lost 2 lbs and a dear friend made a valid point when cheering me up... - 2 lbs is better than 0 lbs!  That really stuck with me, so I think I'll be happy with any type of loss.  Now, were I to lose 0 lbs... I'd be sad, but it'd give me an increased desire to work harder and lose more weight over the next week.  Heaven forbid I gain weight, because I'd be devastated beyond comprehension... I wouldn't quit.  I'll never quit.  I've lost over 30 lbs and I'll be damned if I'm not going to meet my mini-goal by my 23rd birthday.  I've never wanted anything so bad in my life (not including Mike Rowe, Patrick Warburton, or Marcus Mumford).  


I've been lucky enough to have a very supportive group of followers and while I've had some snide remarks made in my direction, the positive feedback and amazing support from my followers has helped those few hurtful things roll of my back.  There is too much positive energy surrounding me to let any negative energy last long.  


And I thank you friends, family members, & followers for creating an atmosphere were I feel safe and confident in expressing my thoughts, my success, and my failures with you.


Well, that wraps it up for today.  


Further questions, comments, concerns, & ideas for posts are welcome!  Check out the new "Contact Me" tab to get in touch with me.


Thanks dolls!
Love,
Mychal

Acknowledgement

I'm acknowledging and tying to make peace with the fact that I'm not going to be losing 4-5 lbs every week anymore.  I'll only be losing 1-2, maybe 3 lbs if I'm LUCKY.


And that's okay... I think.


I know that I've been focused mainly on my weight loss goals... which I am succeeding at.  I actually read through my first post and saw that my goal was to lose 40 lbs by the end of the summer... a goal which I am actually going to complete!


But I think I need to look at my other goals.  This is a complete transformation.  I'm changing everything inside and out.

Goals:

1. Be outgoing  -  I have mixed feelings about my progress on this goal.  I have found that I can be extremely outgoing in certain situations, but in others I completely shut down.  For example, there is a guy I am interested in… but I shut down every time he tries to talk to me.  My family has even noticed, which means he has probably noticed… ummm embarrassing.  However, when I’m at a church function or in the grocery store I have no problems carrying on conversations with people.  HELP.

2. Exercise & Lose weight. LOTS of it.  -  No need for a refresher on that one… that’s going well.

3. Laugh more  -  There has been significant progress on this goal.  I’m finding humor in everything now.  When I find humor that leads to…

4. Make others laugh more  -  This!  I am really good at this.  I make my mom, my grandma, my dad, and my friends laugh all the time.  Shedding all this excess weight (physical and emotional) has helped me uncover my comedic side.

 
5. Serve others  -  Not doing much pubic/community service as of now.  I’m trying to do lots of things around the house and I’m trying to be supportive of other people trying to change their life via blogs and twitter.  It’s not much… but it’s better than nothing.

6. Get to know God again  -  I’m slowly beginning to believe/trust in God again.  I try to have frequent conversations with Him.  My eyes are slowly able to see Him in small moments of everyday.  I understand on a fundamental level that He is helping me with my journey… much of my success has to be attributed to Him.  He put amazing people in my life who have turned out to be incredible supporters.  He has given me the strength to be committed and dedicated to my goals… because I can promise that I don’t have the strength to do it on my own.

7. Be happy  -  Progress on this is exponential.  I feel better than I have in years.  I can honestly say I am happier now than I was in high school or college.  I don’t want my followers, friends, or family members to think that this has been influenced by them… I was only unhappy for the last 8 years because I was unhappy with myself.  I tried to convince myself that it was because I didn’t have a boyfriend, or I wasn’t married, or because I didn’t have money or material possessions… but the real reason was because I didn’t like who I was.  Whi'le I've had amazing friends and family that supported me, recognized my value and worth, and loved me regardless of my imperfections, none of that really matters when you don’t see anything good about yourself… you can’t ever be truly happy when you don’t care about yourself.  But that has all changed.  I’m beginning to genuinely care about myself and that has made the world of difference in my overall happiness. 

Wow.  Can we say word vomit?   

Until next time loyal followers (whom I love oh so very much).

Tips and a Proposition

Abby,

Here is another post just for you!

I'm glad you like my blog.  It's cool to think that someone other than my friends and family is following my life changing journey!


I know you had a requested a few recipes from my mom and I... which I would be happy to share with you if we had any.  Hahaha


I do have a few tips and a proposition for you though:


Tips:


1.  It sounds cliche... but I keep a food journal.  IT WORKS!  I'm much more accountable for everything I put in my body now.  That's where I would start.  My mom and I look at each other's everyday so we both make sure we've been good at and between meals.

2.  Keep everything low fat!  Lean meats and low fat products will greatly expand a low calorie diet.

3.  Small portions... or weigh your food.  I have a food scale and I weigh my protein, fruits, and veggies.  This helps keep your portions the right size and also helps you be accountable for what you're eating!

4.  Don't be afraid to season things!  My mom is a spice fanatic.  She uses a variety of spices to make various proteins and veggies taste OUT OF THIS WORLD.  Some staple spices that we recommend are: cumin, curry, garlic, onion, basil, oregano, and salt (I love salt).  Feel free to try anything though!

5. Be careful of carbs!  I usally eat 1 piece of Melba toast or 3 Melba Toast Snacks at lunch and dinner.  If it's any other type of carb, make sure it's healthy and is the appropriate serving size.  Be wary of sugar.  I use and artifical sweeteners.  Most doctors recommend Stevia (great on fresh fruit!).

6.  Snacks: On my diet snacks are discouraged.  However there are several vegetables that are "free" to eat at any time.  Cucumbers, tomatoes, lettuce, red onion, and celery are a great snack in between meals.  Sugar free, low fat jello is also an appropriate snack, or it can be eaten as a dessert with your meal (I like to mix it with my fruit)!

Proposition:
When I read your comment to my mom, she had a great idea!  She said that if you would like to send her one of your favorite recipes she'd be more than happy to look it over and make a few alterations that would make it lower fat/calorie, but still delicious!

Yeah... she's the shiz.  I'm super lucky.

So if you want to leave a recipe or two in a comment or email it to mychalsayscakeordeath@gmail.com she'll alter them and I can email it back to you or post it here on the blog!

Hope this helped!

Energy

Holy Shiz Balls!  It is so much easier to exercise 32 pounds lighter!  I feel incredible!  I'm dog tired after my cardio/dancing routine... but I still feel AMAZING.  Working out with my mom is a BLAST.  We encourage each other to work hard and by the end of the work out... our endorphins have us on cloud nine, at least I'm on cloud nine.  Mom and I have decided upon an interval workout/system/thing... intense cardio one day, lower impact cardio and weight training the next.  I'm pretty excited.  To keep my attention I have to switch things up... A LOT.

Gah!  I'm so jazzed I can't hardly stand it!  I'm already ready to work out again!  Tomorrow morning can't come fast enough.  Working out at 4 in the afternoon wasn't the best idea (being it's the hottest part of the day) especially since I'm a morning person.

Oh!  I have a few questions to answer from a follower.  I'll identify you by name since you left a public comment.  Hope that's ok!

Abby,
I'll try to get some pics of me just smiling.  I just hate my smile... hahaha
As for my diet, for 6 weeks I was on a doctor monitored low calorie diet with supplements ($200 for weekly appointments and anytime support).  I was allowed 500 calories a day. 250 for lunch and 250 for dinner.  If you look at my post "Answers" it will give you some more details about what I was allowed.  I'm currently maintaining/losing additional weight with a vigorous exercise regimen and living the 17 day diet.  My amazing mom is my support and co-loser.  :D  It's been fun.  My new shoes are Reebok Zigs and the style I have been buying I got of the Amazon website, on sale, for about $80.00.  They're a relatively inexpensive running shoe (as some running shoes can reach prices over $200) and they are SO COMFY.  My old Nike's would hurt my feet after about 1/2 hr.  I exercised for 45 minutes today and they didn't hurt my feet at all!  I buy men's shoes because I have wider feet.  The great thing about the Zigs is around the side of your foot and around your heel, the sole protrudes ever so slightly to give you additional support.  I love em.

Hope this answers some of your questions!

Mychal

P.s. Dear Followers,

If you have fun ideas for my workouts or if you have more questions... PLEASE feel free to leave comments or email me at mychalsayscakeordeath@gmail.com

Thanks guys!

Pictures

Ok, this post might be long... but there will be pictures so stay with me.  

Let us begin with the fact that today is weigh in day. 

And the measurements are in:

• I've lost 3 more pounds... which is VERY exciting.  In 7 weeks I have lost 32 lbs.  Total inches lost = 22 inches.  WOOF!  

Pictures

The first pictures I'll be sharing today are of my new white and blue Reebok Zigs.  I love them so much I got a second pair.  They are comfortable, stylish (at least I think so...), and they seem to push me into a "lets bust out this workout biznitch!" attitude. The other pair will be delivered in a few days and will be white and yellow.  I'll post pictures of them as soon as I get them.  

Ok, now I'm going to show you some pictures of me...

Everyone needs to be aware of how painfully self-conscious I am.  To start with... I should note that it was hard to find pictures of me from a few months ago when I was 30 lbs heavier.  I've never liked myself, let alone my body.  I didn't want to be captured on film, but lucky for you loyal follwers... I have diligent friends and family that caught some of me.

Now, I've just now started to see the physical difference in myself and when I thought about posting photos I realized that I haven't posted pictures before this because I've been afraid it isn't really noticeable and that people would look at me and go... "so what's different?" But oh well... I'm just going to go for it...

Ok, deep breath.  Gadfrey Moses I'm so embarrassed... 

Fat Pictures

These are REALLY embarrassing!  I feel icky looking at them.

New Pictures

I really hope that there is a noticeable difference... 

Well... here they are: