I realize it’s been ages since I’ve posted on this blog. Yet somehow, thanks to all of the people who still visit, it has managed to take on a life of it’s own. We still get a TON of comments here (particularly from those of you are are pretty riled up about the changed Medifast Pretzels!) and I’m kind of overwhelmed at the little community that has built up around this site. I still correspond with a lot of people via e-mail and I really love reading your stories and giving what limited feedback I can.
For the past year, I’ve really been focused on getting my life financially and professionally back on track and I really haven’t had any time to devote to this site. That’s all going to change in 2011. Since it’s a New Year, I thought this would be as good a time as any to give you a quick status update before launching into some of the exciting things I have planned for the coming months.
The Past
When I first launched Get Skinny Be Happy, it was nothing more than a personal blog. I was weighing in at a very uncomfortable 260 pounds and I was not happy with my life. The original blog was very simple, just something I set up on a free Blogger hosting account. In the early days I was trying my best to count calories and follow The Hacker’s Diet (which I still think is pretty cool). I connected with some great people and the fact that I was blogging served as a way to keep me “virtually” accountable to people I corresponded with but never actually met in real life.
It was through one of these people that I first learned about Medifast. I was at about 240 pounds at that time and I decided I would shift the focus of this site and detail my experience with Medifast. I was pleasantly surprised to say the least. I quickly lost 20 pounds and eventually even got down to 203 pounds. This was the lowest I had weighed since college. I started to really explore the community that has grown up around Medifast and began to supplement this site with things like Medifast Recipes and Coupons. These sections brought in a whole new group of people, who were hungry for more information. The site had definitely grown beyond a little personal blog and I began to feel a little inhibited about sharing my weight loss trials and tribulations.
Towards the middle of last year, I became overwhelmed by the whole thing and just let it kind of sit here. I still thought about the site a lot, because we get lots of new comments and emails every day. But, I just wasn’t sure where to take it or what to do with it.
Our lives are not determined by what happens to us, but how we react to what happens to us, not by what life brings to us, but by the attitude we bring to life. A positive attitude causes a chain reaction of positive thoughts, events and outcomes. It is a Catalyst…. a spark that creates extraordinary results. — Unknown
The Future
Now, I have a plan. Starting tomorrow, I’m going to begin a series of posts called 31 Days of Medifast.
31 Days of Medifast is going to be a detailed account of 31 Days 100% on program. I won’t spare you any of the gory details. And there will be photos. Those of you who have followed this blog for awhile know that I get pretty good results for awhile but am inevitably derailed by something. My hope is that you will follow along and post details about your progress in the comments section and this can become a temporary online support group.
My current weight is 201 pounds.
The last few months of my life have been pretty crazy – in good ways and bad. I won’t lie to you and say that everything is totally settled now, but things are getting better. And compared to most of the world, I have nothing to complain about. I do know that when I get stressed out, I have to be very careful about overeating. Stress seems to be my overeating trigger.I knew I was gaining weight and completely avoided the scale for a few months.
But now it’s time to stop being in denial, face reality and move into the future in a healthy way.
I hope you’ll join me!
My thoughts and prayers go with you as you start this new phase of your journey. You can do this! Keep your goal in mind and remember to “stop, challenge and choose” when you are tempted.
Hey Tina, thanks for your comment AND your encouragement!
Keep posting.. I’ll be cheering for you! 🙂
Good luck Christopher! I’m starting the Medifast diet tomorrow. I’m nervous and excited for the journey. I was just wondering if anyone had some helpful hints for me about working out while on MF.
I’m on a competive sports team. We practice 3x a week for 3 hours at a time, plus we work out with a personal trainer once a week. My problem is we’ve been on our off-season for the past 4 months. During these months, I gained a lot of weight due to a little bit of the blues and a lot of laziness! Now I’m dedicated to getting into shape again.
I’ve noticed some suggestions like adding an additional shake on practice and workout days. Anyone have anything else? Let me know! Thanks so much!
my coach told me to add an extra lean protein 30 mins after working out…but i would call medifast, i dont work out that hard….i find that i am hungry alot more the next day after i work out….
Your going to love medifast, i lost 45 pounds in 15 weeks, went from size 16 to a size 8, you will love this diet, i do, im still 17 pounds from goal, cant wait to see how small i can get…this diet is amazing…first week rough but you will love how fast and how easy this diet is….rock it girl
Yeah!!! You’ll do awesome, I’m so excited for you!
Thanks so much for the support! I appreciate it. You all are an inspiration for me!
I came to your site by accident I was looking for a medifast recipe, I loaned my cookbook to some one (mistake) and really wanted to make something. I started medifast last march lost 30lbs in 21/2 months, it was so easy for me, my battle is I love my wine… so when I started having my nightly glass I stopped loosing. Although I did manage to lose another 10lbs in 3 months. But now I am back on track day 4 of 100% program, I’m glad I found you site will continue to check in, and my advice is to look at how far you’ve come, figure out what keeps you motivated and stay focused on that, mine is that I’ve gone from a size 16 to a 10, I want to be an 8 again… Good Luck!
Elaine,
How are things going with your plan? Still on track 100%?
Yes I am down 6lbs this week!
Hi Elaine! Thanks for your comment. Glad you stumbled across the site. I think the majority of people find it due to the recipes. I am with you on loving wine and my love of wine set me back over the last weekend. Good luck and best wishes on your weight loss journey. Would love to hear updates on your progress!
Yes I found it looking for recipes. One good thing about losing ground because of wine is that you really don’t lose too much ground. You won’t lose but I haven’t ever gained because of wine. I set aside a really good bottle for when I reach my goal weight, as incentive… I’m hoping to open it within 2 months… OH, now that it’s online I better stick to it!
OK so I screwed up, had some wine, but only a little!
I’m down for the journey with everyone. I started on Dec 30, 2010 and so far have lost 8 lbs. I’m in this for the long haul. I have about a year in order to get close to a goal weight. I’m so excited to be a part of a group of Medifasters!
Heather,
This journey is a marathon, not a sprint. 8lbs! Good for you. Keep working the plan and it will reward you with great results!
Hi Chris,
Today, 31 March 2011 is my First day on the Medifast program. I was searching for recipes as I am doing this on my own and need to find recipes to keep things tasting great as my Lean & Green meal will be shared with my husband, who wants to shed pounds, but not eat bland foods… Thank you for posting your recipes I am excited to try them and love to cook…. I hope you post again soon as your story is uplifting and Real!!!!
Kind regards,
Sallie
Last year at this time I was 33 lbs lighter and the best I had been in years. I felt like a machine that could do anything and everything it wanted. I was on a healthy high like never before. Today…not the same story. I want it back, yet I struggle to keep it going. I have 20 lbs to lose and 25 if I were to do what is recommended for my height to weight ratio. I know what happened to me. I became cocky and began to think that I could do what I used to do and get away with the eating and “get control” whenever I wanted to. My control got out of control and I need support…daily…sometimes hourly. Yesterday was day 1..again…I need your support, those of you out there, let’s gang up on this weight issue together and get it going again. Life is short and we continue to dwell on weight when we could be living the life…thinner! Anyone ready to join me?
Kathy,
On March 30, 2011, I was at 251.4 pounds, the heaviest I have ever been in my life. I was miserable. I was tired. I had back problems, knee problems, reflux problems and snoring problems I was eating myself to death. MediFast has saved my life!!! On May 12, I stopped taking Nexium. After losing 30 pounds, I no longer NEEDED it. NO REFLUX!!! Also, my knee problems are gone. I had Thorasic shots in my back, and along with the weight loss, my back problems are gone! My wife says I almost don’t snore anymore. I am very happy to say that this morning, June 14, 2011, my scale read 199.4 pounds! I haven’t seen the first digit as a ONE, since the late 1980’s! I am not where I want to be yet, but I know that I WILL get there. My ideal weight is about 175. I’m 54 pounds down with 25 to go. I WILL beat this thing, and I WILL keep it off. I made a decision that I want to see my grandchildren grow up!
my medifast will get here on thursday,but ive been following their general guidlines for about a week,and have lost 6 pounds. i need to lose another 74 pounds,so i hope im up to the challenge.darryl.
This is an awesome site and what a great support system! I was on medifast 2 years ago, got to goal went through job and personal stresses, gained it back and back on it again, what I wouldn’t do to lose 2 lbs in a week let alone 6 how do you do it! I feel the best on this program. Keep this site going it’s wonderful
My husband and I just started MF on 9/3. This website looks like a great resource and I can’t wait to dig into it.
Thank you!