Slimmer for a So Cal Summer

[amandamc]

Hi everyone,

Well I have been doing my diet now for just over 2 weeks and have had amazing results. I have lost 16 pounds (7kgs) and have 31 pounds (14kgs) to go. The first two weeks were great, I had great support from my sister, Caro...who introduced me to Cohens.....and from my family. I have even survived hosting two dinners, a few morning teas and going on a trip to San Francisco...without deviating, thanks in large to the tips I have been reading on the forums

I wasn't going to start a diary, but having browsed through everyone elses I have come to realise that they are great tools for motivation, support and give you a history to look back on. It is fantastic to read such inspiring and heartfelt entries.

I am living in Southern California (So Cal), near Edwards Air Force base. I am on a posting with my husband and we are here for 3 years. I am 40 years old and am over weight, and have been for the last 8.5 years. I used to be a firefighter and a very active person, so I didn't really watch what I ate or drank...big mistake. I stopped fire fighting but kept eating the same, the weight slowly crept on to the tune of 20kgs. I am a mother to 4, Lou 18, Nath 13, Rex 3.5 and Cayley 2.

Although I already feel pretty good, my goal is to feel great and fit into all those clothes I have stored in the back of my cupboard. I am looking forward to making and reaching some mini goals and getting to share my story and share in yours.

I would like to send a special thanks to Caro, for the introduction to Cohens and for keeping me laughing all these years.

[tomorrowisnow]

Welcome Amandamc! My sister has just been posted to San Francisco with her hubby - I am already planning a trip for next year lol, I hear the California weather is lovely much like Queensland in Australia.

You are off to a great start, 7 kg's in 2 weeks is awesome!! Keep up the good work.

[wavesnred]

Welcome to the Cohenite club! What an awesome start you've had. Keep up the fantastic work and before long you will be back to that babe with the hot lookin' firefighter figure.

[C-JAYE]

YOU ROCK!!!!!! You were laughing AT me for most of the years!!!!!

And just for everyone else - she was a hot looking firefighter!!!!!!

[C-JAYE]

Hi Manda, can't wait to hear how you are doing.............................. where's the fun in having access to your diary if you never update it..... have a heart!

[C-JAYE]

If you don't update soon I will tell on you!!!!!!

[C-JAYE]

I just saw your facebook photos!!!! You look A-MAZING!!!

[bumblebee]

Sheesh, Amanda, you should do what your sis is telling you!

I'm sure we'd all love to hear how you're going... And put those photos on here, too please!

Caro, maybe she's lost her diary? You should send her the link just in case

[amandamc]

Okay okay...man little sisters can be sooo annoying xx
I have had a great start and have just finished by first 4 weeks. 22 pounds down 25 to go....although I will be very happy with another 14 (which is only another 6 kilos! ) The weight I was after I had my first daughter almost 19 years ago. I cant believe how great this program has been. I have had a few moments of panic...like accidentally freezing all of my carefully prepared lettuce and chicken meals on holiday in the middle of death valley....with no grocery store available.....thank god for apples, tuna and asparagus My family has been very supportive and kind, and so have my friends. We host alot of dinners and there is always the well meaning person saying ...go on one wont hurt....I know that yes it will and am trying to keep the end goal in mind. When I say that I am on a "medical diet" they usually stop though. Trying to remain part of the dinner table I always make a big bowl of chicken or beef strips with spices, green capsicum and mushrooms. This way I can share what I am eating, only take my portion to have with lettuce or veges and also get to feel like part of the group.
Like my sister I look forward to my apple treats and find that a glass of diet coke feels like a treat too.
During the last week I have had laryngitis so my exercise has dropped off a little but I am looking forward to going back to the gym and continuing on with the diet tomorrow. I am at the stage where all of the clothes in my wardrobe fit now and have even started a 'too big' pile. Looking forward to the next 4 weeks and finally having the time to read some other entries.
Its amazing that for so long I have been trying so many diets and exercise programs with only minimal results. I really feel like this will set me up for life, I feel I am learning that I dont need all the sugary treats, I can cut down on portions and will be able to make better choices. I am looking forward and feeling very positive about the future.

Thankyou for the support everyone, it is very encouraging to know that there are many other girls out there going through the same process. I am not only impressed but inspired by all of your stories.

xxAmanda

[C-JAYE]

OMG You have lost 9.5kgs in 4 weeks!!!!!!!!! That's great no wonder your photos look A-Manda-mazing!!

Nanafest for you but I'm taking one off for not posting earlier!


I have hit the halfway mark and we are off to Rocky July 7 for Jan's 70th birthday - so we are both having a treat and going to the hairdressers to get "done". Can't wait!!!! And dinner with Nath Friday so photos, photos, photos for you!!!

You're AWESOME!

[wavesnred]

Hey Amanda ~ Your loss is amazing!!!! (that just does not sound right). Let's try again....Congratulations on your amazing weight loss in just 4 short weeks. Woo-hoo!!

When do "WE" get to see pics?

[amandamc]

Thanks guys, I think that we have all done a great job I will try and pick out a picture today.
Caro - I thought you meant you and Ian would be going to the hairdressers.....how funny.
I am very very proud of you....now if we can just convince the last sister....

xxamandamc

[amandamc]

I put some pics up....even I can see the difference now
The jeans in the first pic in Vegas are now in the "too big" pile.

xxamandamc

[C-JAYE]

OMG OMG OMG, you can really see the difference! I can't weight (!!!!) to see you next year - massive shopping frenzy coming up - best up the holiday budget methinks!!!!

Hey everyone - THATS MY SISTER!!!!!!

[C-JAYE]

Hi Manda, look at my ticker!!!!!!

[bumblebee]

Hey good lookin'! What a stunner! Brilliant work so far, that's some amazing losses we've seen up there from you.

Great work saying no to the people who just don't seem to understand - it's great that you know what's best for you and you're sticking to it!

xxBB

[amandamc]

Hi guys....as of today I am the minimum weight for someone who is 6'4"
I am also the maximum 'standard' weight of someone who is my height
I reached a mini goal and am 1 pound away from a 'normal' BMI my next mini goal..

Keep up the great work everyone and keep smiling, what a wonderful and inspiring group of losers you are.

xx amandamc

[C-JAYE]

OMG OMG OMG - mini-goals rock! And you are over halfway!!! Less to lose than you have lost - you big loser!!!!

And I put you into the Waterwise Challenge for the fortnight - share the love and dancing icons I say!!! Let me know if you want the litreage changed - i put you in for 2 l. Bossy are'nt I!!!! xoxo

[Madison]

Hi Amanda

You're doing so so well! At this rate, you'll be done in no time. It's very inspiring for me as someone who's still on Day....1! Yup, seems like such a long journey ahead but I look at your ticker and think, "I can do it!" Well done on reaching your mini-goal - are you going to give yourself a little reward for getting there (like a nice, hot bath or a manicure)? You deserve it!

[amandamc]

HI Madison,

The real inspiration here is my sister Caryn, you should really read her diary its great...its called The quest for Caro. Its great to see you on here, it definitely gets easier and becomes second nature after a while.
Im sure that you will do well and look forward to sharing your journey
Take care and have a great first week....it really is life changing.
xamandamc