I'm so happy right now! I didn't expect such good results at my WI. On my scales this morning, I was 165.4. At the center, it was actually 164.5!!!! Must have been all those trips to the bathroom. LOL We also did my measurements. Even though I only lost 5.5 pounds this month, I lost 7.5 inches. To date, I have now lost 48 inches!!! I definitely needed to hear that. Can't wait to see what my numbers will be next month. :)

Candi - congrats on your 2.5 lb weight loss - it's great that you're 3 - 4 months in and still losing at that rate. Good luck with getting back on track in regards to your exercise. As a matter of fact, my daughter is napping with my mom so I think I'll go throw on my shoes and hit out while it looks overcast outside for a short walk.

JenB72 - congrats on kicking that scale in the hiney and showing a loss - AWESOME!:carrot:

JenB-- woohoo! You have less than 15 lbs. to go to your goal. That's amazing. I think your attitude is so awesome. It takes such dedication and perserverance to stay on plan like you are when the scale isn't moving much. Way to go!

Thanks, Ladies! Actually, the 150 was the MRC goal for me. I'm thinking more like 140 before I start stabilization. One of my mini-goals is 147...my wedding weight. :)

Hey ladies!!! You guys are all doing so freaking amazing. I have been on hiatus lately, clinical rotations are crazy insane. I am on oncology (cancer) right now, and it is so depressing especially this past week when I had to euthanize two patients. So needless to say, I hit the bottle and the dessert...completely off plan, but I have always been an emotional eater. Luckily I only gained half a pound, and in the past couple days of being back on plan I lost 1.5...so now I am on the winning side again. Phew!

Lately I have been getting bored with just the typical HNS powder plus water routine. I was wondering if anyone has a great smoothie/mixed HNS type drink. I did a cider with the lemon and orange HNS, cinnamon stick, two tea bags, and a clove in the crockpot the other day and it was refreshingly different. I welcome any new ideas. You guys rock for support and I really need to get on here more, so I don't feel like I am missing out.

What are you studying to be exactly???

I thought the same thing-- but I'm guessing a vet? Most human patients don't get euthanized. :shrug:

Anyhow, I have a friend who mixes her HNS (concentrates-- not sure it would work well with powder) with sprite zero. I've done that before. One of hte counselors at my center suggested freezing them and eating them like an ice pop. I haven't tried that yet. I've also mixed them with water and frozen fruit in fruit smoothie for lunch. Those actually turn out pretty well because the blender kind of frappes the protein and it makes it frothy/creamy tasting.

[QUOTE=coarkkayaker;3945988]I'm taking HR6, fish oil, b6 and the HNS drinks - that's it. And yes, I take a ton of meds for my bipolar (BP1). That's why they refused to put me on the "regular menu" plans. I had to have a plan made by a nutritionist and it doesn't change, like I read everyone changing their menu colors - mine stays the same. I've been on it 5 weeks now.

Most people start on a yellow menu for 5 days, then a blue menu for 6 days, then green for the rest of the program. I think the changes in the beginning are just to jump start your weight loss.

I'm glad you are running it by him. Hopefully it's not related, but just withdrawals or something similar.

Savvy, if you have a good blender, crush up some ice with a little water and put some clear HNS on it like a snow cone. Especially if it is hot, this is very refreshing! Or how about trying this from the cookbook:

Frozen Hot Cocoa
12 oz can diet cream soda
1/2 pkg creamy hot cocoa hns
1/2 pkg vanilla cream pudding hns
ice

Blend in a blender until smooth. There are pages of drink recipes in the cookbook. Maybe others will tell you their favorites!

Congrats to everyone who has had progress this week!

This sounds so yummy, I think I will try it tonight - thanks for sharring.

Walked in the parade tonight with 4 consultants from MRC, my 8-year-old daughter and 7-8 other clients and had a ball! It was very hot but the slight breeze made it tolerable and we just had a lot of fun handing out coupons and beads. Before MRC I never would have agreed to walk in a parade with my weight loss pinned to the back of my shirt, and I would have missed a great experience with my daughter! Losing this weight is about so much more than a number on a scale or a smaller clothing size, I am gaining confidence, making new friends and becoming more open and outgoing and it feels great!

They teased me at the center today. We ordered MRC T-shirts for the parade and I requested they order me a 2XL (I wanted to be comfortable and make sure it would fit) - Well, they were sure that would be too big and had me try on a large this morning - not only did the large fit, but it was a bit baggy. They teased me mercilessly about not being able to see the weight loss, but I am still amazed that the large not only fit, but was a little baggy.

Do not let the scale dictate how your day/week/month/life goes. Take control, stay OP and be patient and look for those NSVs (non-scale victories).

Mariah

Mariah - that is so great! Can we say NSV?????? Congrats on your 50 lb loss and on undertaking something you wouldn't have before. One of my main reasons for beginning this weight loss journey and being serious about it is my daughter, while she's young, I want to be around for her lifetime and also be healthier so that we can enjoy life together.

I was having some cravings and temptations earlier...I don't know if it was the Guggle that I took or just having my Hot Cocoa HNS, but I'm much better and definitely more relaxed now...almost bed time and I'll have made it. Yahoo!

There is so much motivation here. You guys are awesome. Congrats to all the losers this week, and the "small shirt" NSVs are great to read! Someone else said this as well, but I can't wait until I can shop in the "normal" size departments instead of the plus size ones.

Mariah, I might need you to repeat that bit about not letting the scale dictate how things go when I hit a plateau. Those are great words.

I am so loving this program. My first HNS this morning made me nauseous, so later in the day I tried adding a little more water and drinking them a little more slowly and it helped. I'm looking forward to Friday when I get to weigh in again, get my 10 lb stone and sign the 10 lb board!

I'll call my center about this tomorrow, but do any of you know what they have/do to help with muscle cramps? My butt and legs are cramping up on me!

I am studying to be a vet...I graduate in may. Being so busy makes staying on plan pretty tough. Thanks so much for all the ideas. I will be sure to try them out :)

What is a 10 pound stone?

You get stones for certain weight loss achievements. I had lost 10 lbs so far, so they give you a stone with that on it as a souvenir.

I want to congratulate all the losers.. I am sorry I have not been on past couple of day to check on everyone . My sister is having tests done to see if there is a recurrence of Cancer and my mind is all over the place.. Did not weigh in Tuesday. I should know something concrete on this next Thursday. There are times I wish I was not a nurse, and this is one of them. Less one knows sometimes the better ...

I will weigh in tomorrow and check back with you with results.

Wishing everyone a nice day .Such wonderful motivation ..

Patzi

Okay Ladies, here’s the lecture I got from my doctor yesterday…please note that I am NOT knocking the program – just passing along what I was told was wrong/right for me and my health.

I have a toxic level of B6 in my system. It seems there is B6 in the HRC-6 supplements which MRC has me taking 6 daily. Then they have me taking a strait up B6 Vitamin. And there is B6 in the multi vitamin they have me taking 2 times daily. When we added it all up, it roughly came to 5500% of the daily allowance. I should also add that I have not taken this information back to MRC to discuss it yet, so I don’t know what they have to say about it. I just know that I had to pay $400 extra because of my medical condition to have a special menu made for me to keep from upsetting the balance of my meds. (He said my meal plan was fine. I get 1200 calories a day and he said that’s good.)

This is why I’ve been feeling crazy these past couple of weeks. So, he’s directed my to stop taking everything except for the multi vitamin. The doctor I’m referring to is a psychiatrist…so he knows what “messes with the brain” – so to speak.

Anyway, if any of you are bothered with agitation, sleeplessness, irritability…(it causes a lot of things that you’ll find in a google search), this MIGHT be the culprit and you might want to check it out.

Good news is that I lost 3 pounds last week. I was so surprised at my WI – I got to officially declare the 10 pound point, sign the board and got my stone. We did the little celebration party in the lobby, it was fun.

Sorry to be so long … it’s just that this almost cost me my job, so I wanted to put this out-there any the event anyone else is having the same issues.

Congratulations to the losers – what a wonderful group of losers to be a part of!

Unfortunately, not every center does this. My center hadn't heard of it before but liked the idea. We do sign the board when we hit each 10 pound milestone. They also give us a strip of ribbon each time they measure us to represent how many inches we lost. I got a 4 foot ribbon yesterday. :)

coarkkayaker- I'm so glad you got some things figured out. I wonder what the center will say?

BTW...I had my first creamy last night. I made the pudding and it was really thin. I even put it in the ref. to thicken a bit. What's up with that? Do I need less water? I did what the directions said. Of course I ate/drank/slurped it anyway, but just wondering if there is a trick. When I weigh in today, I'll ask about it? Any other HNS that are really tasty? I love, love, love the grape. Wildberry is OK, and lemon is a bit powdery. What are the opinions out there?

Congrats to all the successes I've been reading about. This is an awesome support tool!

patzi - so sorry to hear about your sister's medical problems. I'll say a prayer for the results of her tests.

coarkkayaker - Wow! That is A LOT of B6. I'm happy to hear that you were able to discuss this with your doctor and receive confirmation and information to help you. Knowledge IS power. I hope you begin feeling on a more even keel soon. And congrats on reaching that 10 lbs lost marker!

LetHerOut - I also have to add extra water to my HNS drinks in order to get them down. They're not bad tasting, it's just different and something you have to get used to, I guess.

Brandy8188 - did you have the Vanilla Creme? I guess it's not meant to be thick. I made the Double Chocolate first and it was pudding consistency, but the vanilla creme was thinner. But I actually like the vanilla creme better...the chocolate I think is an acquired taste, but the Hot Chocolate is SOOOOOOOO on point. I had one last night and look forward to having it again tonight.

We also don't receive a stone at my center. Once I hit -10 lbs, I was all ready to receive it, but I just got to sign the board and then I got ribbon for how many inches I'd lost.

I made it through yesterday without giving in to the TOM cravings that we driving me crazy. I also ran to the bathroom like a million times yesterday so hopefully I'm getting rid of some of this water retention...

Patzi--I will keep your sister in my thoughts. I know what you mean about being a nurse and knowing too much. But not to keep the worst case scenario in mind. My teen son has had a couple of testicle surgeries and we may be heading for an orchidectomy. But as I told him, "We don't KNOW yet, so only worry a little until it's time to worry a lot."

coararkayaker (I congratulate myself everytime I spell your name right)--I'm glad you found some answers so SOON. That was a great idea taking your MRC meds to your doc. And congrats on the weight loss.

My center used to give stones but not every counselor did so I had three when I should have had five. I put them in my change purse and loved to see them there when I would be digging around in there. I also hung the pink ribbons from my rearview mirror of my beetle.

Jen- a FOUR FOOT ribbon. That's almost as tall as you are! How wonderful.

coarkkayaker; good idea to take your MRC meds to a medical professional, since the consultants are NOT medical professionals! Why did he have you stop the fish oil?

Patzi: Keeping you and your sister in my thoughts and prayers

JenB72: Four foot ribbon? Wow! That's fantastic!

Congrats to all the losers and keep up the good work!

coarkkayaker - that is really good to know. Thank you for sharing. I hope this will allow you to stay on program and lose, lose, lose! Congrats on the 3lbs!

That's too bad that not all centers do the stones... I'm awfully excited for that small token of achievement! Someone here had mentioned putting magnets on the back and putting them on the fridge. I think that's a great idea!

As far as the HNSes go, I've only tried the concentrates so far and I liked the mixed berry, kiwi melon, pomegranate, and grape. The orange was just ok. But I also had it when I still had toothpaste taste in my mouth, so that didn't help. :-)

That's crazy about hte B6. That's another reason I don't get into the supplements. I think it's fine if a person chooses to do that, but aside from the cost and my not being totally convinced that they give significant results, I'm just not comfortable putting stuff in my body that I don't know much about. I'm not an organic eater or a germophobe, but you hear all sorts of horror stories about herbal stuff because it's not regulated the same as medications are. I've been desperate to lose weight before, but diet pills (like ephedrine) have always freaked me out, and I tend to think of the supplements at MRC in the same category. They also tend to push SO MANY pills on you that I wonder about drug interactions.

I hope you start feeling better soon. I'm anxious to hear what your center has to say about it. Please let us know!

brandy8188 - I usually play with the amount of water that I use with my supplements. I tend to use less with puddings, but more with the drinks to cut the flavor. Just depends on your tastes. Something I love is using the liquid concentrates as flavoring on snow cones. Just perfect for this time of year. I love using the Mixed Berry concentrate for them.

luvs2read79 - Congrats on making it through yesterday. Just take it a day at a time.

WI today and I'm down another pound! That made me very excited since it's only been 2 days since I've been there. (busy weekend) Anyway, I've lacked some energy since beginning this plan. They suggested some vitamin D. (I live in the NW where we aren't experiencing record heat. Just clouds and rain. :(
I bought the blue raspberry HNS and it takes just like kool aide. Yum! I'm also going to add less water to the pudding. It will probably be more like pudding that way.

Keep up all the hard work ladies!

coarkkayaker: so glad your doc was able to help you out! I've had reactions to vitamins and herbs before, for example niacin and the corti-trim, so I keep an eye on the totals of all supplements and never take any individual B vitamins except a multi-B. I have read a lot of information about side affects if you don't have the right proportions of B's and take some individually, as they are all meant to work together. Unless a doctor tells you that you have a shortage of B6, please think twice.

I am so sorry not all centers do the stones. Bummer. I'd be happy to share mine and send a pic of my 10 lb stone to anyone who doesn't receive one from their center. :)

Congrats to the losers today! I started my 5th week and thinking I might be hitting a plateau. Is that too early?

I don't think it's too early to hit a plateau. In fact, I think it's just the right timing. If I stayed on a plateau for a week, I always gave metaquick a try. It's the shake/bar and then a regular dinner. However, they've started letting you have two shakes instead of a shake and bar, so I would go with that. I always got hungry on just the bar for lunch, but the shake really fills you up. It's loaded with protein. That was usually enough to kick me out of a plateau. Also, I liked the change from normal food. I didn't have to think about breakfast and lunch, so it was a nice change.

I LOVE the creamy hot cocoa and the cappuccino supplements!

"I LOVE the creamy hot cocoa and the cappuccino supplements!"

TeacherLady79: I just bought the cappuccino supplement for the first time yesterday. I enjoyed it hot last night (even though it's 105 outside!) with a little Torani Sugar Free Caramel syrup. I was wondering if you have any other ideas for using it? Maybe something cold?

Patzi - hope all is well with your sister. I will keep you guys in my thoughts & prayers.

Congrats to all the "losers"!

It's been a slow losing week for me. I went to WI this morning and I'm down 2.5lbs for the week. It was also time for my measurements.. Not quite a 4 foot ribbon like Jen.. but close! 3.75 feet! Which is 45"!! That's 11" in 30 days! I'm real happy with that. The majority of the 11 was from my bust, mid section and waist... which I have really been noticing because the size 16 pants I bought about a month ago and getting pretty baggy. I'm hoping to go out this weekend and buy a few new tops and a new pair of pants (maybe 14s???). I'm swimming in my 4x shirts.. so I think I can get into a 2x.

Hope everyone has an OP weekend! Stay cool!

I want to thank everyone for all the prayers and thoughts relative my sister. Should know something next Thursday.

I want to congratulate all the losers, and all that received the loss of inch ribbons..

Today my maintenance weigh in is up one pound. So.... back to drawing board. My additions this week were very lean turkey bacon, one slice and a homemade oatmeal cookie.. I will omit those two and see how weigh in will be Tuesday.

Wishing everyone a wonderful weekend and a great weight loss.

Patzi

I did It half way there!
GO ME!

Candice--you've had a rough couple of weeks so maybe your next weigh-in will be better. Also you've just added exercise back. That can play havoc with the scales until you have your routine down. Enjoy your shopping!

Patzi- homemade oatmeal cookies are my favorite! Never been a chocolate person. I can't wait to get to maintenance. I'm sure you'll get this figured out.

lostcause- that is awesome! A great milestone.

victorialynn- I think you can hit a plateau anytime. Our bodies are all so different, we shouldn't be surprised when we're not in sync with everyone else. Just stay OP and ride it out. We'll be here with you.

brandy8188 - Congrats on your loss!!!

Candi - Congrats on your loss and ribbon!!!! Love the pic! Keep it up!!!!

Patzi - I'll keep your sister and family in my prayers.

Lostcause - Woohoo!!! It's all downhill from here. ;)


I was proud of myself today. Despite the heat, I put on my workout gear, put on the sunblock, grabbed my headphones and went for my lunchtime walk at the zoo. Got in 1.5 miles and the best part was being able to take a shower in the middle of the day to cool off. Loved it!!!!

I went weigh in today and was up .4. Not surprising since I did some cheating this weekend.

But, my counselor asked what reward I was going to give myself when I got to goal. I told her I had no idea and never thought about it. What are your suggestions? For those of you already at goal, what did you do to reward yourself?

Everyone have a great weekend!

Come to think of it, I never did reward myself when I met goal. I was just so delighted to be able to wear small clothes again, wear a belt with jeans and a shirt in the pants, no more tunics, that I never thought about it.. Hmmmm.
Maybe I need to catch up on this .

Patzi

brandy8188 - Congrats on your loss!

Goneforgood1128 - we've had HOT, HOT weather also and I've had Hot Cocoa for the past two nights, with a bit of Walden Farms Caramel Dip added...hmmmmmmm, I look forward to it - that's my dessert for the day.

Candi - congrats on your pounds and inches lost - you are such an inspiration!

lostcause - AWESOME job - here's to getting the other half off!

JenB72 - you are my workout inspiration, I CANNOT walk in this oppressive heat. Motivation!

patzi - the way you work the program and evaluate things is amazing. I hope that I reach stabilization/maintenance and are as focused as you.

I went to weigh-in today and was down 3 lbs since Tuesday, so that's 3.5 for the week. Thank God! I was bummed earlier this week and also dealing with TOM cravings, but I made it through. Yay me!

Oh Junie!

So close and yet so far. Hang in there and we'll get to goal together!

Weighed in today and was down 2lbs for a total of 11.5. Yay!

Victorialynn, I've read of a lot of plateaus hitting between 10 and 12 lbs. I think you're right on track. ;-)

lostcause, congrats on getting to the halfway mark! That's awesome! And Candi, you are so amazing. Great work, lady! Congrats to all the other losers. We can do it!

junie, I can totally understand the lack of motivation when you're so close to goal. I was right about where you are several years ago with LA Weight Loss and I ended up dropping the plan and gaining it all back - and then some (a lot) more! Have you had them check your body composition lately to see if you're at a healthy body fat? I'm just wondering if it might be worth it to change your goal up to 150 and start on stabilization. I mean, that's a preferable alternative to backsliding and re-gaining! You're so close, but my previous experience is precisely why my goal is 150 or a healthy body fat percentage.

ETA: I'm a major emotional eater. I pretty much don't know how to deal with intense emotions without soothing them with food. Well, my grandpa, whom I'm very close to although I live 1200 miles away from him, is dying. He has a matter of hours. I am really struggling with the cravings and don't know how long I'll be able to hold out against them. I have no interest in real food tonight. All I want is chocolate cake. An entire chocolate cake.

Patzi:
You should definitely reward yourself! I've already rewarded myself once, when I signed the 20 lb board! I had a pedicure! Haven't thought about the one for when I get to goal. Hmmm...!