WEEK 12
Elaine and Kristin: 143 Pounds Lighter,
Relationship Even Tighter

What an amazing journey this has been for myself, for my mother, and for our relationship. Since starting Medifast this past April, together we have shed a grand total of 143 pounds! That's 572 sticks of butter we're no longer carrying around! We've shed 70 of those pounds during the Mother-Daughter Challenge.

While there are too many people to thank individually for their support these past three months, I do want to take a moment to express my love and thanks to my teammate and number one cheerleader, my mother.

Dear Mom,
You inspire me every day with your positivity. The delight I see in your face and hear in your voice every time something smaller fits, someone compliments you, or you are able to do something active, is utterly contagious. When I look at you now I see a strong, loving, kind, beautiful, proud and JOYFUL woman. These are all the things I desire in my life, and I sincerely hope I am becoming a reflection of the attributes I see now so clearly in you. I know these strengths have always been there in you, but the intimacy of this experience has only made your positive qualities more radiant for me. I am absolutely convinced that I could not have done this without you! I know we will continue to support each other until we reach our goal weights and our goals in life.

I LOVE YOU!

WEEK 11
I must've jinxed myself last week by saying I'd never had a week without losing on Medifast; this week I was even. Still, I'm so proud of losing weight overall while on vacation, no easy feat! I wasn't perfect, but I did my best and now I'm back home and absolutely 100% on plan. I went for my run this evening (in the rain, no less) and I've never felt better.

I was able to do exciting and fun things on my vacation, many of which I can attribute to my weight loss. My husband and I went on an amazing kayaking trip together! We kayaked 4 miles and hiked 2 miles to a breathtaking waterfall and got to swim beneath the falls. This place was only accessible by kayaking and hiking; I never would have been able to get there without losing 80 pounds! The kayaking was so much fun, I think we may have found a new hobby to enjoy together.

I'm so excited to be starting back to work tomorrow. Of course us teachers enjoy the summers at least as much as our students, but I've really been craving the routine of my full daily work schedule and the company of my students and coworkers. I also know that Medifast is easiest for me when I'm following a regular routine. Being back home with my dogs, back to work, and back to my regular Medifast and workout routine truly feels like home sweet home.

WEEK 10 - On the Road, Again
My losses continue this week with another 3 pounds lost while on vacation at the beach! I can't help but feel encouraged every week on Medifast because the scale keeps going down. I haven't had a single week without a loss!

Every day that I've been on vacation I've noticed more things I'm able to participate in given my now 80 pound total loss. I've hiked trails to see beautiful waterfalls, jumped into the ocean from a 25-foot high rock, snorkeled with sea turtles, and walked all day every day without feeling tired. I would have had much less fun if I were still carrying around all of the extra weight I've lost so far.

Sticking to the plan 100% has been more difficult this week, but I've been hanging in there and doing the best I can. This vacation has made me realize how important my regular schedules and routines are. When I'm on the run it takes a lot more planning to stay on plan. Following a schedule really helps me get in all of my 6 small meals and stay on plan. I am hoping this will be a habit I'll carry with me for my lifetime.

WEEK 9 - On the Road
I'm on vacation at the beach for the next two weeks, so I've taken Medifast on the road with me. The first day was difficult with many hours spent on the plane and jet lag to deal with, but I'm settling back in to my routine as much as I can.

I have a Cappuccino or Blueberry Oatmeal pancakes for breakfast in the morning. Whether I'm on the beach or in the car, my Chocolate Shake and Caramel Nut bar are easy to take with me on the go. I've been lucky to find good salads and seafood choices most places for dinner. I usually have one last shake or a Cranberry Mango drink before bed.

There are many temptations, but so far I've been able to stick to my plan and have a good time. This will be the first vacation ever for me to lose weight rather than gain! I've lost 4.2 pounds this week and I'm going to keep going strong. When I get back home I'll be not only relaxed and rejuvenated, but also that much closer to a healthy weight.

WEEK 8 - Secondhand Medifast
I had a great week, losing another 3 pounds. That makes 72.8 pounds lost, 27.8 since starting the Mother-Daughter Challenge. I am getting so close to my 75 pound mini-goal, I can taste it!

I've been feeling much happier and healthier lately. I'm returning the machine I used for sleep apnea this week, I'm able to keep moving all day without feeling tired, and I'm exercising daily (sometimes twice!). Not only am I feeling the benefits of my weight loss, but I'm also seeing it impact those around me.

The experience my mom and I are sharing is supporting both of us. My husband and I can share in more activities like running, swimming, and camping since I am no longer limited by my size. My dad is trying to live more healthfully. He's eating the Lean & Green Meals with my mom, and he's doing the Couch to 5K running program with me. I'm so excited to run in our race together in November. My good friend Kelly is also training to run with us, and she's lost 5 pounds herself! I am also bringing my new, healthier mentality to work, hoping to impact my students' lives. Individuals with disabilities are among those with the highest risk for obesity and other related health problems. I know that my increased activity level and healthier food choices is already changing our classroom environment.

The reports are in, and it seems clear that secondhand Medifast is good for your health!

WEEK 7 - The Neverending Story
I was not surprised at all to see that I'd lost only one pound and change this week after last week's big loss. I've noticed that I seem to follow a pattern of one big week followed by 2 or 3 slower weeks. This is fine by me, though, since a "slower" Medifast week seems to be equal to a good week on other diets! Prior to starting this diet, I really felt that the amount of weight I needed to lose was insurmountable. With Medifast I have managed to see a decent loss every week so far, and it has kept me really motivated. Starting with 190 pounds to lose, and now moving toward less than 100 to lose, I'm beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel.

I'm planning ahead for my upcoming vacation and trying to make sure everything will be in place to help me stay on plan. To be honest, I am a little worried that having a more erratic schedule and being away from home might trip me up. I'm determined to keep losing this weight, however, so I plan on staying active and sticking with the 5 &1 Plan during my trip. I'm also trying to anticipate potential pitfalls. For example, I'm bringing Medifast Cranberry Mango drinks to enjoy while others are having cocktails, and I'm pre-packing each day's food in a plastic baggie to take on-the-go.

Here's to another good week along this journey; I'll toast you all with my Cranberry Mango!

WEEK 6 - Short And Sweet
This has been another wonderful (and very busy) week along my Medifast journey. I was so excited to weigh-in this morning and see that I finally had one of those Big Weeks I've been aiming for... 7 pounds down this week! That makes 23.4 pounds down for the Challenge and 68.4 total on Medifast. I feel so happy and proud of myself. I am also right on target to meet my mini-goal of losing 75 pounds by the time I go on vacation in August. I can already anticipate how much more I will be able to do than if I still weighed 350 pounds.

A few highlights from my week, brought to you by the power of weight loss:
• Shopping in my own closet and finding piles of stuff I fit into (and more I will soon fit into!)
• Being able to wear my wedding rings again because they're no longer cutting off my circulation
• Shopping for hours on end without being tired
• Enjoying the summer weather while "perspiring" like a lady rather than sweating buckets
• Searching for the perfect but elusive "goal dress" in a size 8... still looking!
• Spending quality time with a old friend, paddle-boating around the Inner Harbor in a silly dragon-shaped boat
• Learning to accept and appreciate compliments on my weight loss
• Keeping up with my students without feeling exhausted by the end of the day
• Managing eating out and eating on the go with ease

Thanks for all your continued support, and good luck this week to my fellow Medifasters. Keep up the good work!

WEEK 5 - Like Mother Like Daughter
This week I weighed in at 288.6 pounds when I stepped on the scale Sunday morning. That's 3 pounds that bit the dust this week, 16.4 for the Mother-Daughter Challenge, and 61.4 since starting Medifast! Wow! I am so happy with my progress. Of course sometimes it seems like the weight can't possibly come off fast enough, but steadily averaging 3 pounds per week lately is truly wonderful. I wouldn't turn my nose up at a 5 or 6 pound week, but at this rate I certainly can't complain.

I want to take a break from talking about myself this week and talk about my beautiful and amazing mother instead. I think one of the main reasons I'm so invested is this program is because Mom and I are doing this together. The obvious benefits of having a buddy to lean on and someone to be accountable to are definitely influencing our success. More importantly, my mom and our relationship with each other have become such inspirations to me throughout this process.

My mother truly has the biggest, kindest, most open heart of anyone I've ever met. She would do anything, anywhere, anytime for a loved one in need. I'm always amazed by how giving and caring she is for others, without even thinking twice. She sees the best in people and it shows in how she treats everyone in her life. Because I can tend to get down on myself and even be judgmental of others, Mom's positive attitude is so important for me. She's so enthusiastic and joyful about losing weight that I can't help but feel the same when I'm around her. It's contagious!

Perhaps the biggest inspiration Mom has given me while doing Medifast is watching her try so many new things. We're all creatures of habit aren't we? Mom is the perfect example of that, especially with food, and now she's trying so hard to replace the old habits with newer, healthier ones. She has always had very strong preferences for certain foods and refused to touch the others on her "no" list. Now she's using new spices and methods to jazz up her veggies and lean meat, and she's trying new recipes all of the time. When I see her drinking plain water after kicking a decades long major Diet Coke habit, I'm still in shock! Lately, she's even started exercising, something I never thought I would see my mom do. So far I've seen her giving her all at water aerobics, walking, and riding her stationary bike. It makes my heart smile to think about it.

Although I think we have a very strong love and friendship, of course no mother-daughter relationship is absolutely perfect. Especially issues surrounding weight and body image are very difficult for mothers and daughters to communicate about, and historically this has definitely been a problem for us. Medifast and the Mother-Daughter Challenge have only brought us closer than ever, however, since we're fighting this battle together. Sharing our weight loss and our daily ups and downs with each other, I am finding more and more that I aspire to be like my mother in so many ways.

WEEK 4 - MEDIFAST RECRUITER
I lost another 3.8 pounds this week, for a total of 13.4 lost during the Challenge and 58.4 total since starting the Medifast program. Wow! When I think about the difference those 58 pounds have made in my life I am amazed and so grateful. I can't even imagine how much better I will feel after another 58 pounds!

Here are just a few of the many things I can do now that couldn't do 9 weeks ago:
• Play fetch with my dogs
• Comfortably wear shoes other than sneakers
• Go walking, and even jogging
• Cross my legs easily
• Fit into most of the clothes in my closet (many are way too big now!)
• Go all day without taking a nap
• Fit into seats at some restaurants
• Climb stairs without sweating and being out of breath
• Sleep at night without sleep apnea disturbing me (and my husband)
• Swim laps

There are so many more benefits than I can even begin to write down. The best part is that I know this list will keep growing as I keep shedding all the weight I've been carrying around for so many years.

Success breeds loyalty enthusiasm, so I obviously couldn't be a more enthusiastic proponent of the Medifast program at this point. Whereas at first I was timid about telling others I was doing Medifast, now I want to shout it off the rooftops. I tell anyone who asks or notices my weight loss what my "secret" is. I can't help it, I want to share my good news!

So far, besides my mother and I doing the program together, I have also talked my mother-in-law, one coworker, and another coworker's mother into trying Medifast. I have become an unabashed Medifast Recruiter! I truly believe that if you are overweight, unhappy about it, and ready to make changes in your life, this program can work for anyone. While I know that I can't possibly lose all my weight during the Mother-Daughter Challenge, I'm not discouraged. It's not always easy, but I am in this for the long-haul and for the first time in my life I know I will succeed. Like the slogan says, "I choose health!"

WEEK 3 - WORKING IT OUT
Growing up I was heavily involved in athletics. I swam competitively year round, and always felt completely at home in the water. My parents had taken me to water babies classes as an infant and I never turned back! So many of my childhood memories take place at our neighborhood pool, from hanging out with friends all day (I was a true pool rat!) to breaking records at swim meets and seeing my name all over the record board.

I also played on a travel soccer team all the way through high school and played for my high school basketball and field hockey teams. I loved the rush of competition and the adrenaline surge of physical exertion, but most of all I loved being a part of a team. I am quiet and shy by nature and don't connect with people very easily on my own. Being part of so many teams was important to me and was a big part of my identity.

When I stopped participating in athletics after going away to college there was suddenly a big hole in my life. Not only was I steadily becoming more unhealthy and more unhappy, but I also became very isolated. I started a routine of missing out of many fun and healthy activities because of my weight.

While doing the Medifast plan I've been slowly trying to add exercise to my mostly sedentary life. I started with a weekly yoga class taught by another teacher at my school. Then I started walking the track with my students during their adaptive P.E. About 3 weeks ago I took a huge leap and decided to start the Couch to 5K running plan with some other MyMedifast users. I was shocked and elated after finishing the first workout of the program. I felt so proud and happy, it almost brought me to tears! I've stuck with the Couch to 5K at my own pace and it's really given me a boost in energy and confidence. In fact, I feel so good that I've been able to go to the pool and swim laps this past week. I can't begin to describe how it feels to be able to reclaim that part of myself. Being in the water has always been one of the only places where I feel completely free and happy. I completely forget my weight problems and any other stress in my life when I'm swimming laps; it's more therapeutic than a "workout."

This week I logged another 1.8 pound loss, totaling 9.6 for the challenge and 54.6 since starting Medifast! I was hoping for a bigger loss this week after really bumping up my exercise, but I think the extra exercise is building more muscle and might account for the numbers on the scale. To get a better sense of my progress, I also measured this week. I've done this monthly rather than weekly. I was stunned to measure a total loss of 15.5 inches, including 4 inches each off my waist and hips! I guess it's all working out, even if the scale doesn't always show it.

WEEK 2 - MILESTONES
I never, ever would have thought that weighing less than 300 pounds would be an important milestone in my life. Weighing in today and logging another 5.2 pounds down put me at 297.2 (Twophoria!). It is such a relief to know that I will never, ever for the rest of my life weigh more than 300 pounds.

At some point when I was in college I remember visiting the doctor and realizing that I weighed 200 pounds. I was mortified. I had always avoided the doctor because of being weighed. When I hit that landmark, however, I was too embarrassed to go back for almost five years. By the next time I stepped on a scale I weighed 285. I had no idea how I had gotten there. Even today I can't really say what I ate during that time period, because my eating was so mindless and out of control. Since then my weight has gone up and down, but always more up than before. I have never felt in control over my eating, and there was so much shame and sorrow tied up in my weight.

Since starting Medifast my self-esteem and sense of control over my life have grown immensely. My husband keeps teasing me that I suddenly have become "vain!" I am pretty laid back and have generally never put much effort into my appearance. I think this is partly because I've never felt worth it because of being overweight. I also felt like I would look ridiculous if I tried to dress well and wear makeup, because I would look like a lost cause trying too hard. Lately my husband has been shocked (in a good way) to see me wearing makeup, getting pedicures, and caring about my clothes a little more. I don't think I'm being vain, but I am less self-conscious and less likely to avoid the mirror at all costs.

I find that I am doing more cooking now than I did before Medifast. I appreciate the taste of food, especially vegetables, so much more than ever before! It's fun to experiment with spices and flavors I never tried before. I've been compiling a book of recipes from the MyMedifast recipe discussion board, and when it's done I look forward to sharing it with my mom and my Medifast buddies.

Here is a recipe I came up with to mimic my favorite Mexican Lime and Garlic Soup:
1 Medifast Cream of Tomato Soup
1 cup water
1/2 cup Ro-tel Tomatoes, drained
Squirt of lime juice
1 oz low-fat cheese
— Mix soup, water and tomatoes and microwave for 1 minute 30 seconds. Add lime juice and season as needed. Stir and top with cheese.

NOTE: from Medifast Nutrition Support - This recipe looks good! Remember to deduct the tomatoes and cheese from your Lean & Green Meal and the lime juice from your condiments: 1/2 cup tomatoes = 1 vegetable serving (out of 3); 1 oz low-fat cheese = 1 oz lean meat; 1/2 oz lime juice = 1 condiment serving.

Finally, I want to wish my beautiful mom a wonderful birthday this past Friday! Sharing her birthday celebration together this year was extra special for us, because this year is the start of a new life for both of us. She and I are both so happy to be doing this together; I wouldn't have it any other way. I am sure that by next week mom will have attained a milestone of her own: under 250!

WEEK 1
I lost 2.6 pounds for the first week of the challenge, for a total of 47.6 pounds lost on the Medifast program since April 24! I was really hoping to break out of the 300s this week, but I can't be too disappointed as long as the numbers keep going in the right direction.

When I first decided to take control of my life and chose to start Medifast, I wrote down a list of reasons that this is important to me. For years my weight has held me back from some of the experiences I really want in life. I listed all of the things I will be able to do when I have reached my healthy goal weight. I carry the list with me all of the time and it helps me stay motivated and on plan during tough times. I'd like to share it with you:

I want to be comfortable in my own body. I want to feel confident when I meet someone new. I want to be able to sit in any chair, anywhere, without it ever crossing my mind that I might not fit. I want to shop for clothes in the ladies (not womens!) department at any store I feel like. I want to be able to have children one day, and to be an example of how to live healthfully and happily. I want to look forward to social events, not dread them. I want to walk up stairs without being out of breath. I want to ride roller coasters. I want to walk with people behind me and not think they are laughing at me. I want to sleep comfortably and wake up refreshed every morning. I want to be happy with who I am. I want to be able to look in the mirror instead of avoiding it. I want to ski. I want to hold hands with my thin husband and not think about what other people are seeing. I want to be able to chase after my students quickly and easily. I want to go jogging with my dogs. I want to go hiking and tent camping. I want to hug my loved ones and not think about my stomach being in the way. I want to paint my toenails. I want to be able to do downward dog and feel like it's a "resting position." I want to swim laps in the pool and float freely in the ocean again. I want to wear high heels. I want to dance. I want to ride on my husband's motorcycle with him. I want to love myself. I want to wear shorts and tank tops. I want to enjoy a little good food, a little good wine, and a few good friends. I want my feet and heels to feel fine when I get out of bed in the morning and all day. I want to ride horses. I want to wear 16 inch necklaces. I want to feel beautiful inside and out. I want to feel my age, not older. I want to smile and laugh with my whole body and soul. I want to live a long life and enjoy every minute of it.

Since I've been living more healthfully and making positive changes in my life, I am experiencing so many more beautiful moments every day. In the past there have been so many things I've missed out on. I truly feel like I'm reclaiming myself. I'm learning to embrace all of these new experiences with a sense of optimism and joy I haven't felt in a long, long time.

Background

Kristin grew up loving food, but also loving sports. She started binge eating around age 12, but her constant involvement in athletics kept her from ever tipping the scales past just a little overweight. While she had gained weight steadily since early adolescence, it was when she went to college that Kristin really began to pack on the pounds.

The same unhealthy eating habits combined with abandoning all physical activity were a recipe for disaster. As we all know, gaining weight can be a vicious cycle, and in Kristin’s experience the binge eating became worse with each pound gained. Kristin gained 100 pounds during college, and has continued to gain in the 5 years since.