Lisa, yup that is why I love coming here too.... People here "get it".


My HUGH NSV so far on my journey.... I am down 96 pounds and volunteered to an event Saturday to hang out with the IP coaches at their table. I want other people to benefit healthwise from this program, so I told my coach to use me as an example.

Well never in my life would I have willing shown strangers a photo of me at 280++ pounds (I think I was close to 300 at that time). And say, this was me last April 17th... here I am today after only 7 1/2 months on Ideal Protein and I am already 96 pounds lighter.


To show strangers that photo... even when I don't want to look at it myself.. was hard. I almost was a no show because I was terrified of criticism, and embarrassed to show that picture But I pulled up my big girl panties (well not so big now! ) and went. Everyone I met was very nice and they really listened to me. 7 signed up for the workshop and quite a few took the brochure.

For me, the biggest part of that day was I think I owned my fat for the first time and didnt apologize about it or try to hide from public view. Of course that is much easier to do when you are smaller than the picture.

Way to go Kat!

That is awesome and such a huge NSV. That is soo encouraging. Have a great week!

When I first started IP my wedding rings were a bit tight. Finally got them resized last week. Dropped two ring sizes

How fun to read all of these!!!

My "super" nsv is this: I was volunteering in the library, and digging through my purse for a piece of gum.. I opened a hidden pocket and found all of theses super yummy chocolates I had bought for my grandma-- the second I saw them, it was like Kryptonite! As if it started glowing green and I was SuperMan and could feel it zapping the strength out of me... I hurriedly ripped open a wrapper, but then luckily was called back out to check out some books... after a few minutes working, my strength was back. I saw the wrapper on the ground that I had dropped in haste and RESOLVED to zip up my purse, throw away the chocolates, and let someone else buy them for my grandmother from now on!! Walk away from the kryptonite so it has no power!! Felt really good. =)

It's great to be able to pass up foods that you know will set you back. People will say they are amazed at your will power, but when you have worked/are working so hard toward a goal, it's just not worth it to blow it.

Today I sat in the kitchen at work, eating my egg white omelet and brussel sprouts and salad for lunch (I'm on Phase 4) looking at the last few donuts that a returning summer student brought into the office. My lunch meal left me feeling rather stuffed, but I think I could have turned down those donuts anyway!

These NSVs are so encouraging and motivating

My personal NSVs over the last 4 weeks have to do with being able to make the right food choice in tempting situations:
- At the Movies with the Family (watched "The Croods" fun movie) I had my southwest cheese curls & a bottle of water . . . instead of my usual, popcorn, pop & a bag of nibs.
- Went to Boston Pizza and had a 6oz steak & veggies . . . instead of The Amigo Pizza
-Went to the mall and ate a Chicken veggie salad with no dressing at Subway . . instead of my favorite Pad Sew from Thai Express.
- Helped Make a ton of freezer meals at church with a whole bunch of friends to supply meals for those who need them (illness, surgery, new baby, etc.) and did not have any of the snacks and drinks that everyone was munching on, or taste any of the AmAzing food we were making.

I didn't even feel deprived, and trade off, I felt awesome about my choices
Eating for me is a case of, "This, not that".

Actually... this NSV happened a week ago, but I never posted it... Being able to pull pants down without unbuttoning!!! Especially when they used to be tight and i had a big ol muffin top sticking out after buttoning, and being afraid the button would come flying off. Feeeels goooood.

Two NSVs for me!!

Was at a girls' weekend with 10 or so friends who had not seen me since I dropped the last 25 pounds. I got lots of compliments and inquiries into what I was doing to shed the weight. I know I am looking much better, but sometimes it's hard to really see it on yourself the same way others do... so it was a real EGO BOOST and motivator to gear up for the next 20 lbs!!

Today I was working in the front yard and a neighbor drove by and then stopped. He's only a casual aquaintance - we say hi, wave and make a little small talk every few months. Today he said "Hey, you are looking very skinny these days!" I'm not what anyone would call skinny, but the fact he noticed and stopped specifically to say something really made me feel GREAT!!!

I am never one who looks for compliments from others and I prefer to stay out of the spotlight, but I have to admit that these two NSVs felt reall good after the work I have been putting in!

so today...my son came to our town...a 4 hour drive away as a chaperone for my grandsons field trip to Charleston....and I drove out to Patriots Point Naval Museum to meet them for a picnic lunch....

this is my oldest son....(i have 3 sons and 1 daughter all grown) and 1 of my 3 grandsons, Jacob.

here is the NSV....
I was asked if i was jakes "AUNT" and cliff's "SISTER"!!!!

sister!!!!

IP is not only good for weight loss....it makes you look and feel younger too!

WOOT WOOT!!!

I was just going to say - Rainbow, you seriously look like you're 20 years old in that picture! You look amazing!

Went to my doctor for a follow up on my check-up and he had the results of my blood test. When the topic of my blood test came up, he said that he wished his cholesterol was as good as mine! (His is good, but mine is apparently fantastic. But this isn't a weight-related NSV. Even at my highest weights I had a 135 total count. I guess its in the genes. Thanks mom and dad!

I totally agree! Rainbow you look fantastic!

WOW Rainbow! Definitely look like you 2 are about the same age.

Agree, I would absolutely assume you are that boy's aunt! Wow, you look so young!

Yesterday at karate, the teacher was telling me her older son was amazed by the change in me. He's 13, and we used to see him at the studio all the time, but lately he's super busy with baseball. I guess I haven't seen him for several months, but I saw him Monday evening. His reaction to his mom: "Mom, have you seen Mrs. Jones! She looks beautiful!" I thought that was really sweet! Compliments like that, whether from a kid or a grown up, never get old and are a great motivator.