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Month 6: This is NOT the end. It’s just a new road. #ShakleeBlogger

photo-9 copyWow, is this really it?
If you had told me last February, when I got the email inviting me to join the Shaklee Blogger program, I never would have believed that it would have made such a drastic change in my life.
I thought I'd lose a few pounds, maybe kickstart me on my to losing some of the weight I'd put on recently.

Never did I think it would change my entire family.
The way we eat, the way we play, the way we live.
Never did I think I would lose more than 40 lbs.
I look forward to my workouts, and am feeling better and healthier than I EVER have before.
Never did I think that this would be the first step to a totally different life.
For me, for Jamie, and even for Max.

When I started in March, I figured it was as good a time as any to set a final weight loss goal. Go big or go home, right? 🙂
I decided that I wanted to lose a total of 50-55 lbs. From my starting weight of 218 lbs, that would put me at around 165, which I thought would mean I could comfortably wear the pair of size 10 jeans that have been taunting me from the top shelf of my closet for years. (I started in a size 16/18)

I lost 10 lbs in my first 2 weeks on the program, so getting off to a huge start like that made it easy to keep motivated. Not only me, but it motivated Jamie, too! He started counting calories, and we made healthier choices for our whole family, and he too has dropped a ton of weight since we started making these healthy decisions.

I don't think I would have been as successful as I have been if it wasn't so easy to follow. Two meals a day replaced, and a healthy third meal. I loved having it made simple when I'm on the go, but it still leaves flexibility to eat when I “need” or want to. Our weekend breakfast at the diner? I just order eggs and fruit instead of french toast, and then do bars or smoothies for my later meals. I have “Team Lunch Tuesdays” at work, so instead of sadly sipping my smoothie while my co-workers chow down on delicious catered meals, I make that my main meal of the day instead.

I've had a blast dressing this new body of mine, both buying new things, and rediscovering things in the back of my closet that I'd forgotten about! Sure, I'm wearing more belts, and layering and sometimes, admittedly, just tugging my pants up a lot, but as I slowly replace my wardrobe with things that fit this version of me, I've learned some tricks and adjustments to make my current pieces still work:
[himage]dottedfinal1dottedfinal2[/himage]If you haven't been following along this whole time, I've been posting and making monthly videos since March. I documented my starting weight and measurements in my first post, and came to terms with how unhappy I was with those numbers. By the time I recorded my first video, I was already realizing that being on the program was changing the way I looked at food.

I continued losing for my second month's post, and loved making my month 2 video post, where I did a little fashion show of clothes that hadn't previously fit me. I hit kind of a bump in the road come month three, but I was honest with myself and realized that Shaklee wasn't to blame, I was. I also wrote a post I still love, that celebrated what I love about myself, and I was able to invite some friends to join me in celebrating their gorgeous. The availability of the Shaklee180 app has been a huge reason I've been successful, so I made an app tour video for May, showing just how easy Shaklee makes it to track and stay on the program.

Screen Shot 2013-08-26 at 7.43.46 PMFor month four, I focused on rewards, and compiled a list of non-food based rewards to help keep you motivated and inspired. I had the great pleasure of getting to tour the Shaklee HQ that month, and shared some highlights for my video, and was also thrilled to be invited to join Dr. Jamie in one of the online Turnaround Talks.

July brought around a big day for me; my birthday on the 4th! Back in May, I had set a goal to lose 36 lbs by my 36th birthday… and I did it! I was so happy that I even posted a bathing suit photo online, in that month's post, along with a “love letter” to a weight loss support group I'm in through my mom's group. Just for fun, and to celebrate my 36×36 goal, I revisited some of the clothes I tried on in my month 2 video, and shared it in my July video.

For my final video post, I made a slideshow of my progress, and I find myself watching it almost daily, to remind myself how far I've really come. And now, here I am. My final post as a #ShakleeBlogger, and I'm in awe of what I've accomplished.

officialshaklee

 

March 1August 29Totals
Weight218 lbs.174 lbs.44 lbs. lost!
Waist39 inches31 inches8 inches
Hips47 inches 40 inches 7 inches
Bust42.5 inches38 inches 4.5 inches
Thigh25 inches 21 inches 4 inches
Calf15 inches 14.5 inches .5 inches
Upper Arm12 inches 11.5 inches .5 inches
TOTAL INCHES25.5 inches!

 

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I feel like a broken record sometimes, I say it so often. But if I can do this? YOU can do this. If you want to learn more about the Shaklee180™ program, please go here for information. Ready to start your transformation today?

So here's what it comes down to, this last six months: You can make the changes, and don't think you can just do it alone. Shaklee180™ is there to get you going. What you (I) do with the rest of your (my) life? We can both do ANYTHING.

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Disclosure: This is a sponsored post as part of the Shaklee Corporation blogger program. I have received free products, online support and incentives for participating in the Shaklee Corporation blogger program. People following the weight-loss portion of the Shaklee 180™ Program can expect to lose 1-2 pounds per week. All opinions are my own. I am also a Shaklee distributor.

Comments

    • Lizz says

      I got a swear from Jenni! I’m so excited! 🙂
      Thanks, lady! I *am* proud.
      I’ve worked my (literal) butt off for this!

      Reply

  6. Cristi Comes says

    Wow Lizz you really rocked it! You look so fantastic, happy and confident. I really admire your dedication and passion for making such positive changes for your health! Love. 🙂 Shaklee is so lucky to have you as one of their bloggers!

    Reply

  7. Cam says

    WOW! Even though I’ve seen you a few times since then, and thought you looked amazing, I can’t believe the before and afters! Congratulations! Great job!

    Reply

  9. Laney says

    LIZZ! You look so freaking cute! I’m really proud of you. When I’m done birthing this baby, I’m giving Shakelee a call! xoox

    Reply

    • Lizz says

      You should! I don’t know if I’ll still be a distributor by then, but if I am, let me know when you’re ready!

      Reply

  12. Elaine A. says

    Okay, I’m just going to say it, your BUTT looks REALLY good! I need to get mine back in shape too. 😉 You are certainly an inspiration to many! It’s amazing what we can do when we set our mind too it. I can see the pride and enjoyment of all your accomplishment on your beautiful face, Lizz! Congrats!!! 😀

    Reply

  13. Jennifer Ziegenhirt says

    Great job Lizz, you look amazing! So awesome that it’s had such an overall massive impact on your family. And isn’t crazy yo hold Max and feel the way that extra weight stressed your body before? You totally inspired me to attempt a 40 by 40 and I’m happy to report that with a tad over 2 months to go that I’m already down 28 pounds’ so thank you :).

    Reply

  16. Greta says

    Wow, that’s amazing! And you look so HAPPY in your “after” pictures. I love that. It’s amazing what changes a family makes when mom makes them first, isn’t it?

    Reply

  22. Helena says

    I am your before picture. Now I have to figure out how you did this! After a month of exercise and counting calories I have lost exactly no weight. You just look so happy and healthy, and I want to feel like that! Congratulaions, you are inspiring!

    Reply

    • Lizz says

      Hey Helena,
      The Shaklee180 program really did work this well for me; it can for you too!
      Don’t get discouraged! Are you sure you’re eating *enough* calories?
      How did you arrive at the number of calories you’re eating every day?

      Reply

  24. Jess says

    Okay so is it entirely weird that I got a little choked up and mama bear proud? Because I did. And if that means I’m a total weirdo, then so be it. You look amazing, and more importantly, I can see the joy emanating from you in all of the after photos. Rock on sister!

    Reply

  28. Kelly says

    This is amazing! You are so inspirational. I must try Shaklee when I’m not pregnant anymore (not sure if its recommended for breastfeeding so if it’s not, then after!) Thanks for letting us follow your journey with you. I’ve loved it!

    Reply

  31. Rachel says

    You are inspirational Lizz! Proud of you and all that you’ve accomplished. And I know it won’t be the end of your transformation!

    Reply

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