I discovered a shortcut

After three years of this, I finally figured out a quick way to save custom entries. I used to either cut the label off a package or copy it by hand to create a new recipe for a food in the PFA. Lately, I have just grabbed the package and lay it across my printer and copy it. You have to have an All in One sort of printer, but it is so convenient. When I get to the computer then I have a photocopy of my nutrition facts right there ready to go.

POSTED BY MEMBER GODDESSRENEE2 ON NOVEMBER 08, 6:44AM    

	1 COMMENT:
	LizziTish said... LOL! I do the same thing! Too funny. Beth

As the seasons change...

I can see the weather cooling down here (at least we are in the 70's now). I have seen a huge drop in my body fat and scale weight. When I began this last rotation, I had no idea I could accomplish what I did in this amount of time. Now as I see what I am eating, it really hit me that I am eating exactly as the bodybuilder/fitness model eats. My old attitude was, yuck, how can they live on that stuff? Well, I'm here to say that it's not that difficult. Adding a few spices here and there along with modifying recipes I am now down to 147.5 lbs this am. Over ten pounds in two months for me at 50 is a goal I had only dreamed of. What has been on my mind lately is now that I am nearing my ultimate goal...what next? I have spent the last 12 years so focused on being disgusted with my body. All of a sudden with this lifted, it opens up lots of energy for a more positive day to day life. Just being aware of how much negative energy I had been feeding myself has really been on my mind. So now I get to make some new goals, and having a mentor like Wendi, I truly believe was key for me. Making a goal and being accountable makes all the difference. No bathing suit shots yet, I seem to keep forgetting, so this am I took one leaving the house for work. Of course my new kitten is always close by!

POSTED BY MEMBER GODDESSRENEE2 ON NOVEMBER 01, 6:57AM    

	10 COMMENTS:
	rooney3 said... Renee, I gotta say you're lookin' smokin' girl!
	DebC said... Looking great Renee! I never really thought about poor self-image holding me back. Even when I was at my lowest, I still had poor self-image and the older I am getting, it doesn't seem to go away. I never thought about self-talk or what I really thought about myself would matter in the weight loss area, just the right food and exercise.(and alot of willpower) I guess I need some self-soul-searching to get out of this rut and move on to HOT! Thanks for a great blog! debbie
	LizziTish said... And what a journey this has been for you, Renee! Congratulations on a job well done. You look GREAT! Beth
	29640red said... hi renee, i saw a couple of days ago on KLBANDITS blog page that you said you were having trouble with your hip . this might be of some interest ,and you might wanna check it out .my back was taking a real pounding in the truck and i got great results from this guy. the website is EGOSCUE .COM AND IF YOU LIKE TO READ HE HAS BOOKS TO USE ALSO. you can do this at home and it i9s a series of excercises done in order to alieveiate chronic pain . IF you listen to xm radio he has a show on channel 170 at 12 e.s.t . on saturday morn. i hope this helps ,it is worth a try, just apply the same attitude you applied to this program . and once again great job on your success . take care ed
	Maxine said... I join you on the Hurrah for Wendi!!! team. I agree that it is amazing to be eating the number of calories we are and continue on an accelerated fat loss as we go! Who cares if it is a bit blander - just sodium we are missing and we know that the flat tummy would never be there with a bunch of it in our body!! I know what you mean about hating your body, although I have been able to spend most of this rotation with a better body image than ever before. I told Wendi this morning that I'm having the time of my life at present with the results happening too, I'm just so happy for you TOO!!! Glad you're where you are in your head this day, because that photo shows that your body is sure there! Just to continue to enjoy it all and the new goals of what you will accomplish in life come to mind!!!~Maxine~
	wendi said... Hot, Hot, Hot! I'm so glad you're where you want to be. Keep us posted on the next adventure! Wendi
	Jeanie said... It's so easy to have a poor body image but your image is looking really, really good!
	grarey said... The harm we do to ourselves w/ a bad self-image is amazing. It is carried around for years and hangs itself on every event in our life. I've been trying for 40 years to get a body that wouldn't embarass me. You look fantastic and I know that with your new body is a new mental health. Thanks for sharing so much in your posts. Gwen
	DurtGurl said... Look at you chickipoo!! That is the bod of a 20-something in the mirror... I love the look of the flared jeans, big shoes, beaded belt, and shorty top. You've got style and a body to go with it! Congrats on dipping past the 150 mark to new lows. You're an inspiration.
	Suzy said... You look really, really good in that picture. I can't believe you weigh any more than 120lbs in fact. Really glad I'm doing this and you blogs have been helpful - I'm also planning to lose the weight from an illness. Thanks for the inspiration.

Another drop!

I am now down to a low I have not seen in at least ten years. I am at 148 lbs (I'm 5'9")this morning and I still can't believe I am getting on the scale and seeing these numbers...but I'll take it! I am craving some special foods, but day to day I know what I have to eat to keep doing this so I don't let it affect me. I just tell myself on the 2000 calorie day I can have a little of whatever it is I'm craving. Of course, that rarely seems to happen when I get there. So since the beginning of September I have lost about ten pounds!This is unheard of in my prior rotations, so I am glad I found the magic numbers that work for me. Getting enough Omega Fats really seems to keep cravings at bay and keeping my carbs within a reasonable range seems to keep the fluid levels low. What is more astonishing is I've had this hip problem and have done no cardio whatsoever. Another first! I really can't wait to start seriously lifting again to see how low I can go next year after increasing my muscle mass. Being lean is one step for me, but restoring my muscles to a level from my youth would be my next challenge. I'm beginning to believe that there may be crossovers between what I have learned here and changing other areas of my life as well. The key is finding what works and having the support necessary to get there. This is my final week with Wendi (sniff sniff) and the most incredible change I have seen in terms of goal setting and accomplishment. My goal was 150, and I passed that up. I now can set new goals that I haven't even considered before. What a great experience this has been. I still hope to have some pictures taken this weekend. Today I went through my winter clothes and found a pair of pants I bought in hopes of one day fitting into, and this morning I am wearing them! That day is today!

POSTED BY MEMBER GODDESSRENEE2 ON OCTOBER 25, 6:39AM    

	7 COMMENTS:
	DebC said... Awesome Renee! You are a fighter and I knew you would get where you want. And winter pants in NO, it can't be that cold there yet. But heck, they fit, strut your stuff. debbie
	ChefKimmer66 said... You are on a roll Renee and there is no stopping you - Great job! As your time with Wendi is ending mine will be beginning and I hope to have similar results. Kim
	29640red said... you have done great with this program, very commendable!! i hope it continues ,good luck ed
	sandyzona said... Good for you Renee! Your perseverance and your willingness to share your journey's up & downs are a real help and inspiration to me. It really helps to hear the little things that help (or hinder) other PFA'ers progress. Thanks for sharing. Sandy
	wendi said... Wow! What a way to end our work together, Renee!!! You have lost 11# since we began working together and 9# below your low since beginning the PFA- you are the poster child for perseverance and the importance of the right attitude. I'm so happy for you!
	Jeanie said... For us slower losers, your post is very, very encouraging!
	mary2 said... Congratulations on your new low! I know the feeling of being at a weight you were a long long time ago. It was at least 10 years ago that I was at my present weight. I've been consuming the omega fats too, I truly believe in getting enough of them. I'm holding off working with Wendi because I've been having progress on my own. I don't average 1 1/2# a week but I'm losing.My weight goes up and down but overall my weight chart shows I'm going down. If I hit a wall I will definitely give her a call. Reading blogs by you and others have helped me tremendously.Thanks!~Mary

I hit another milestone!

This morning I got on the scale and had dropped another pound, while on one of my higher calorie days also! I weighed in at 150 lbs this morning which is what my driver's license says I weigh! At 5'9" tall I"m getting very close to my goal of 140-145 lbs. All this with no cardio to boot, absolutely unheard of in my old book. I think I have figured out what my hip problem is and it won't require any surgery thankfully. So today I really feel great about my progress and when I look in the mirror I don't see a fat person any more.

POSTED BY MEMBER GODDESSRENEE2 ON OCTOBER 18, 6:50AM    

	6 COMMENTS:
	ChefKimmer66 said... Congrats Renee! Conquering the mirror is something I haven't quite figured out yet but I'm glad to hear it is possible. Your progress is wonderful. Kim
	Maxine said... Wonderful news (again!!)!!! ....so glad you see in the mirror what we have seen in your pix for some time! YOU ARE NOT A FAT PERSON! In fact your new mantra starting RIGHT NOW is: RENEE IS A THIN PERSON - YAHOO!!!! ~Maxine~ P.S. That's at least 2 admitted "mind" transformations in 2 days to go along with their body transformations - I wonder how many more are out there in PFA land this day?
	Imdetermined said... Hurray for you!! There is a woman in my gym who does nothing but cardio - no weights, nothing but treadmill, every day, 45 minutes. I just want to go up to her and shake her sometimes - either that, or give her the cardio queen crown. Your progress is amazing. Sheryl
	grarey said... It's hard to believe I know somewthing here that you don't! I'm glad your mind finally got a clear picture of your body, you really are a beauty. Glad to hear your hip will recover w/o surgery. Gwen
	AC said... Congrats on the milestone, aren't they wonderful? Count me another mindset convert, all my friends have been telling me "hey skinny" enough now that I believe it myself.lol. Cheers, Allen.
	mary2 said... Renee, I love to read how well you're doing. Not having to be a cardio queen is amazing, isn't it? Keep up the good work!~Mary

Automatic Pilot....Trained Conditioning?

Whatever you want to call it, I have noticed we are so much creatures of habit that we aren't really aware of it. Whatever foods I eat over a few weeks period of time become the new norm. With this in mind, and knowing that the change itself is nerve wracking for my brain, it's so much easier to make healthy choices and let that become the new norm than to eat the way I used to. There was a time when sitting down to a whole avocado with tomato smothered in dressing, chicken with the skin or a steak, some french bread loaded with butter and garlic, a few (as in 3-4) glasses of wine was a normal weekend dinner for me. Although it still sounds a bit appealing (I am not a big dessert fan), I just won't allow myself to creep up to that level of fat and empty calories. Now that I think about it though, if I really wanted to cheat for a meal that would be a good start! Only problem is, once I start, lying to myself that I don't eat like that all the time becomes my new mantra. So what do you think? Is automatic pilot keeping you from accomplishing goals in your life. Today I am dedicating my thoughts to finding ways in which I have allowed my habitual thought patterns and actions to get in the way of what I really want. Who wants to join me?

POSTED BY MEMBER GODDESSRENEE2 ON OCTOBER 16, 7:6AM    

	3 COMMENTS:
	LizziTish said... I'm kind of hoping automatic pilot is what will help me MEET my goals. I want to set the good stuff in place, and then let it do its thing. I've been working at this for so long, the PFA can no longer be in the center of my day as it has. I don't have time for fiddling and finding ways to make chicken more palpable. I'm sure Wendi is bored to tears reading the same stuff on my menus day to day, but so be it. I try to throw something in there now and again (to see if she's paying attention) to shake things up. But at this point, its "set it and forget it". Guess that's why you made it to 20% first. ;)
	Imdetermined said... Yeah, Renee - I'll join you! I'm sure everyone has an automatic pilot even in the way they speak to themselves (not out loud, hopefully) and the things they think about themselves. Like, "I could NEVER [fill in the blank" or "I'll always be stuck [fill in the blank]". With me, it's "I'll always be stuck being a lawyer" and "I could never look like Monica Brandt/Wendi/Renee!" Well, WHY!?!?!?!? or WHY NOT?!?!?! I am with you. I'm changing this automatic pilot way of thinking. I am going to get serious about writing that book I've always wanted to write! And the way I'm blasting out squats and lunges in the gym - like an ANIMAL! - maybe I CAN have Wendi's legs or your silhouette (even if I never get a photo spread in Muscle & Fitness!) No more automatic pilot. Good post! Sheryl
	mary2 said... I've been in that "Set It and Forget It" mode myself. I bought some couscous a while back and still haven't looked for a way to make it. Maybe with winter around the corner I will get more ambitious and change my menus up a little.~Mary

Chaching!

Okie dokie....I made a B score on my body fat finally. Hit the big 20%. Most of my pants from last year on in the Goodwill bag right now. I've had some serious hip joint issues so exercise hasn't been much of an option lately, when I'm able to do that again it will be great.

POSTED BY MEMBER GODDESSRENEE2 ON OCTOBER 15, 9:50PM    

	4 COMMENTS:
	LizziTish said... Well, you beat me to the 20%, Renee! But that's okay...I know how hard you've worked. Congratulations! Beth
	Imdetermined said... The Shadow Knows........... Renee, your pictures just prove that we have found the Fountain of Youth right here at PT! You wear it well! Sheryl
	Jeanie said... I can't wait until my shadow looks as good as yours!
	grarey said... Legs for days! Renee your silhouette is so feminine. I appreciate your success because it gives me hope that if I am persistent, I will achieve goals I never thought possible. The pictures are fabulous. Gwen

TGIF!

Okay so I'm back down to my lowest weight again. One thing I have to say is that my body does a great job of hitting a low and staying there. Not to say it doesn't drop, but in the last three years on the program I never regained any of the weight I lost. Another little perc I'm discovering is that I am much more resilient towards stress than ever before. In my youth I was not good at weathering the storms of life, and although the storms still exist, I seem to know that I will get through it fine. I used to get hysterical over weight gain and feel so frustrated about what I did not understand with my body. Now I take everything at a much more relaxed pace, and I don't know if it's age or confidence in what I'm doing. Maybe a bit of both, but it's a huge life lesson for me to be able to challenge myself and know that somehow I will get there. I can see I have a new situation on the horizon and that is a problem with my left hip. I now wish I wasn't such an animal in my youth with working out. Back in the 80's and 90's compulsive exercise was how I learned to maintain my weight. I think I just figured that injury happened to other people. Overuse causes joint breakdown, and now at 50 there is much pain from pounding the turf for all those years. I am going to have an XRay soon and we will see where this goes. I've attached another picture from my High School Reunion.

POSTED BY MEMBER GODDESSRENEE2 ON OCTOBER 13, 6:46AM    

1 COMMENT:

Maxine said... Renee: I believe it is age (i.e.maturity) + confidence gained through ones'life experiences. It is getting a frame of MIND transformation along with a physical transformation....a sense of who you are, where you are in life (goals accomplished/yet to be accomplished) giving a sense of peace - whether through an acceptance that a higher being (for me it's through my recommittment to my church faith at this point in my life) or merely an acceptance of self at a less conscious level. So go out and enjoy this day for who you are NOW!~Maxine~

My Reunion

Last weekend turned out to be a great weekend. I gracefully walked into my 30 ish HS Reunion and had the time of my life. It surely didn't hurt that I worked so hard over the last few years taking care of myself. What was the most obvious to me were all the smokers had aged about ten or more years in appearance ahead of us. I gained about three pounds in water weight and have lost two of those three as of today. So that part isn't bad at all!

POSTED BY MEMBER GODDESSRENEE2 ON OCTOBER 11, 7:7AM    

	7 COMMENTS:
	DebC said... You look great and it sure looks like you had a great time. You sure deserved it. Have a great day! debbie
	ChefKimmer66 said... Renee- You look wonderful and much younger than your classmates! You're a walking example of how taking care of yourself can slow the hands of time. Kim
	tominct said... Good for you Renee! You look great!
	Maxine said... That's a wonderful report Renee, and a great photo to demonstrate it. You look fabulous! (if you are like me: PFA + hair dye = numerous years off our biological age! Carry on with the good stuff!~Maxine~
	pringle said... You seem to be having as good of a time as you look. You are positively radiant. Peggy
	grarey said... Renee, you look great in the picture! It's funny that the more you take care of yourself, the older everybody who doesn't looks. I'm so glad you had a wonderful time. Gwen
	Chantelle said... You look great and I am sure you had the time of your life at the reunion. Great job.

I hit the 40 lb mark this am!

It didn't happen overnight, but I am now 40 lbs less than I was 3 years ago! None of it has creeped back up and I dropped another couple pounds this week. I seemed like I wasn't going to lose the two pounds, but then all of a sudden I woke up this morning and there it was on the scale! What is so funny is that, I have adopted a new kitten who weighs two pounds, and he would not get off the scale while I was trying to weigh myself. I stood there and weighed the same, then when he stepped off the scale, the weight also dropped. You should have heard me scream and seen the look on my face! So I found the right amount of calories 1400-2000 as well as changing my ratios daily and keeping my fats at 20% of omega fats only. I could almost shout it out to the world I'm so happy at the moment. I just need to get pictures to share now!

POSTED BY MEMBER GODDESSRENEE2 ON OCTOBER 04, 6:53AM    

	8 COMMENTS:
	DebC said... You have always been such an inspiration to me. No matter what your circumstance, you are right there eating right and working out. And now, you are kicking butt, awesome! Strut your stuff and have fun!! debbie
	ChefKimmer66 said... Renee- This is just awesome news! You have educated and inspired so many of us - you deserve the rewards you have worked so hard to achieve. Great job! Kim
	Maxine said... Wow Renee! I am so pleased to hear this news! What an accomplishment. Now this weekend: repeat after me "Nothing tastes as good as thin feels" "NOTHING tastes as good as thin feels".....~Maxine~
	wendi said... I couldn't be happier for you! When you emailed me and asked for help to lose 7# in a month, I thought I was crazy to sign on but here you are, 3 days shy of your reunion and down 5.5 pounds- Do you want to reset that goal now?
	pringle said... Fantastic!! I could hear you shouting it out through your blog.
	Imdetermined said... What do you mean, you could ALMOST shout it out to the world??? SHOUT IT OUT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You've got a great reason!!! So, your neighbors think you're a little nuts - so what!?!? Great job! Sheryl
	Jeanie said... What an awesome way to start the day! The kitty will probably never go near the scale again!
	grarey said... Fabulous. My first thought though: did you scare the kitten? Put some heavy shoes so you can stay on Earth. This will keep you high all week. Gwen

Countdown Begins

Well the big 30 + reunion is but a few days away. I have all my ducks in a row as best as I can. I've lost another 5-6 pounds I believe (is that right Wendi?) which I thought I never would cross this threshold. Although I have not hit my goal, I am but about 3-4 pounds away. The most incredible part though, is that now that I have gone this far, I see where I can take it even further. I realize that my schedule and lifestyle do not allow for me to live in a gym, however, I am enjoying the whole goal setting process. I could not have done this without Wendi's encouragement as well as keen sense of what sort of ratios and calories and when to do it. I feel after almost three years of being on this program that the last month has been a huge leap. I cannot forget where I started though, at 191 lbs just three years ago, and not once 'slipping' up or reversing my new found eating methods. The new mantra I carry with me is this....No matter how tempting the cocktail or bit of food smells, looks and appeals to me, it pales in comparison to how I am feeling now about my body. I was a size 14 and now a 10 again. My old fighting weight was an 8, and who knows what this girl can do!

POSTED BY MEMBER GODDESSRENEE2 ON OCTOBER 03, 7:2AM    

	3 COMMENTS:
	Imdetermined said... Renee, I don't know who you're reunioning with, but I'm sure you'll floor them all. At 50 and a new all-time low - that's gotta be pretty sweet! So what if you didn't hit goal - you will! Keep fighting! Sheryl
	Jeanie said... I totally grok your not going back for any cocktail or tidbit of food. Three years ago I was at 228 and a TIGHT size 22. No going back!
	grarey said... Having been over 191#, I understand your thrill at going the opposite direction on the scale. You look fantastic and I hope you'll enjoy all the attention you get at your reunion. Gwen

One More Week

One week from today is my 50th birthday. My husband is flying in to spend the weekend with me, and asked me what I wanted to do. The immediate thought was to have a jazz funeral here for my youth...But then again I know I can't get away with that. Since I'm not near my family I have no clue what people do on their 50th birthday. I have to work so I'm sure it will pass without much hoopla. Aging is something that you don't even think about until you get close to mid life. I always lived in the moment and never even thought about the issues ahead in terms of losing my youth. I am a believer in attitude is everything, HOWEVER, I am also going to fight this process like a warrior!

POSTED BY MEMBER GODDESSRENEE2 ON SEPTEMBER 18, 9:34AM    

	2 COMMENTS:
	Maxine said... Renee - if youth were defined as being 50 yr. old or less, then we have a lot of very dead "young" people on this earth!!!!! I would suggest one of the following: spend a lovely evening with your hubby and celebrate the milestone birthday in what ever way you both enjoy! What you celebrate is not your lost youth (because YOU have retained youth by being on this program) but all that you have gained...be it good health/happiness/a fantastic lover/a great relationship/the ability to use hair dye and WOW people when they say "you are how old????!!!!" and /or the fact that you are not a candidate for a real funeral because you never changed your eating habits and exercise when you did!~Maxine~
	grarey said... Renee, I am younger, more fit and much slimmer that when I was 50. I also don't have as much stress. It is a great triumph to age and look fabulous. You, my dear, are one of those setting the new standard. If your husband has been away for a while you won't want to spend it w/ people giving you denture cream, but with someone who can enjoy your youthfulness and experience. Gwen

Okay now something is really happening

This seems like nothing short of a miracle for me. I'm down to my all time low and still going! I'm beginning to lose track of how much I'm losing each week, but I used to be a 1/2lb a week loser. I know I started in at 158 on my first day of a short conditioning phase. I think I was at 155.5 a week ago, and just started fat burning on Thursday. I'm down to 153.5 this morning. I'm certain that some of this is fluid loss, and if I go up a pound that will still be okay with me. I have a feeling I will be seeing my goal weight before the end of the year for the first time now in the three years I've been slowly working with the PFA.

POSTED BY MEMBER GODDESSRENEE2 ON SEPTEMBER 17, 2:45PM    

	4 COMMENTS:
	DebC said... Renee, you are doing awesome, don't question it. Just keep on keeping on. Have a great day! debbie
	Maxine said... Hey Renee - use the weight recording feature (or a pencil!!!!) - just kidding! When it happens it is just so amazing we can't always believe it! I bet you are excited to get up and get to the scale every morning now. Thanks for sharing your joy with us. ~Maxine~
	wendi said... You are going to be the death of me!!!!! Every time you drop you are sure it's a fluke. You are having success, like it or not- get used to it and quit waiting for the other shoe to drop!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Oh, and great job- I'm proud of your dedication and hard work! Looks like that reunion goal may come sooner rather than later, huh? :-)
	pringle said... Great job! You can do it!

Down again this week

I'm down another pound and feeling great tonite. I've even eaten at a restaurant with practically no difficulty finding something which worked. I'm really motivated now!

POSTED BY MEMBER GODDESSRENEE2 ON SEPTEMBER 04, 8:15PM    

	5 COMMENTS:
	DebC said... You are doing great!! Keep it up! Have a great day!! debbie
	ChefKimmer66 said... Awesome!!! Kim
	Maxine said... That's wonderful Renee! Great to have you back blogging again! Thanks for letting us share your joy!~Maxine~
	RBinMS33 said... You are just a fat burning machine! You keep this up and we're gonna have to tie an anchor to you in a strong wind ;o)
	grarey said... Whatever you're doing, your body is loving it. Oh joy! Gwen

I'm excited now

This morning I'm starting to see another change in my body. I'm down two pounds in less than a week and the incredible part is I'm currently at 1800 calories and I've done no cardio this week! I'm in standard mode and working with Wendi which I am certain will be the coaching, accountability, and feedback I need to get back down to my most comfortable weight. I have some challenges ahead this weekend, but I have a plan which I'm certain will not be impossible to follow. I hppe everyone has a terrific weekend and is able to stay focused on the big (or shrinking) picture!

POSTED BY MEMBER GODDESSRENEE2 ON AUGUST 31, 7:59AM    

	4 COMMENTS:
	DebC said... Isn't it great when you get excited again. And there are several people getting Wendi's help and the fat seems to be falling off everyone. You will do great this weekend. When you put your mind to something, watch out. Have a great day! debbie
	ChefKimmer66 said... Renee- you've found the formula...your hard work and dedication combined with Wendi's unemotional guidance makes for a very successful FB. Great job! Kim
	RBinMS33 said... Hey Renee! One more round of FB, huh? Cool deal. Heck, with all you've done so far and with Wendi in your corner as well, I have no doubt you'll do an awesome job. Keep us posted, k?
	grarey said... I just gave myself a shot of hope looking at your pictures, weight & BF. You have numbers I understand and seem achievable. Thanks for posting today. Hope the next few months will be kind to all the good work in New Orleans. Gwen

One year anniversary of Katrina

Well today is an emotional day in my city here in New Orleans. It's been a rough year in the history here of this incredible place. Although it's a long way from recovered, we have done really well despite all the negative reports you see on television. I've attached a view from my office here in the Bywater on the second floor. If you ignore the abandoned cars you will notice that in front of me is the mighty Mississippi Riverwith dowtown and the French Quarter not far away. I would not have this view if the piers in front of my window had not burned down after the storm. I am running a commercial construction company so you can well imagine I'm a busy girl.

POSTED BY MEMBER GODDESSRENEE2 ON AUGUST 29, 8:6AM    

	1 COMMENT:
	DebC said... It is so great you are there. I bet you are kicking butt getting things built and running again in NO. Have a great day!! debbie

Here I go again!

I have maintained my weight now for a while and have decided to go into fat burning one more time before going into conditioning over the winter. I just began this week in standard mode with Wendi and Monday I was at 159 and this morning I'm already at 156.5. I am hungriest in the am so I try to feed myself as much as I can during this time. My goal is to drop the final 10-12 lbs I have left to get to my weight before my hormones fell through the floor. I will be doing more blood work this fall to see how the Bio Identical Hormomes are doing and whether I need to adjust them to reach the goal of where they were in my thirties. I have fallen a bit behind on them over the past month, so I will be really focused on making sure I do everything according to program to regain my youth!

POSTED BY MEMBER GODDESSRENEE2 ON AUGUST 26, 7:50AM    

	1 COMMENT:
	grarey said... Someone asked me yesterday if this a program you do forever and I had to stop and think. How can a person leave? I'm glad you're still around. Gwen

Still Shrinking!

I feel like I've been doing this program forever and basically I don't even log in regularly because my meals are pretty much memorized. Although I consider myself to be in maintenance at the moment, my body fat and scale weight is still dropping. I've lost 35 lbs to date and can actually start to see my youthful body return. This weekend I will be going out of town for a bbq which requires a bikini and I'm actually looking forward to it for a change.

POSTED BY MEMBER GODDESSRENEE2 ON JULY 28, 11:27AM    

	6 COMMENTS:
	chris said... Awesome! You are living proof that eating clean can make a world of difference. Enjoy your bbq and your new bikini body! - Christine
	Maxine said... Renee - take your digital and post us a photo of you & the bikini ok?~Maxine~
	grarey said... You look fantastic in your Jan. photo so I can only imagine how great you look now. Good job. Gwen
	Chantelle said... Great job! Strut your new body this weekend and know you deserve the compliments and look of admiration you will get (some people don't compliment because they are jealous- you could help them become a new PFAer).
	Chantelle said... Great job! Strut your new body this weekend and know you deserve the compliments and look of admiration you will get (some people don't compliment because they are jealous- you could help them become a new PFAer).
	mon said... Congratulations! Have a great time at the bbq showing off your awesome bod!

Still Shrinking

I've been so busy in the rebuild of New Orleans and have been following my regime despite my crazy hours. I've been eating clean since I got home last April, but my exercise schedule has been less than spartan. I'm now at 158 lbs down from 191 when I began the program. At 5'9" I am not yet at my ideal weight, but feel sooo much better than I used to.

POSTED BY MEMBER GODDESSRENEE2 ON JULY 08, 5:20PM    

	5 COMMENTS:
	rooney3 said... Great job, Renee. Nothing to do but continue on with the plan!
	ChefKimmer66 said... Great to hear from you Renee. You've truly adopted your healthy eating as a lifestyle if you can continue with it in all the circumstances you've been through. Kim
	Maxine said... Mark this time in your life calendar! You must be so proud of your accomplishments. It is always amazing how in the process of helping others we can help ourselves too. keep it up and check in from time to time!~Maxine~
	wendi said... Nice to hear from you! Congratulations on sticking with it despite so many crazy turns that would have thrown the majority of people off track!
	grarey said... You sound good, you look great, you're doing important work and you're home...congratulations. Gwen

I finally have a moment tonite...

I've so missed the time spent on the PFA, with my new job helping with the rebuild in New Orleans, I'm putting in twelve hour days pretty much. Although I have been fortunate to do all my cooking at night for the next day, I haven't lost much fat. Tomorrow I start my new modified lifting routine for home. The new treadmill is in place and I have enoyed having it next to the bed. I will take pics as soon as I get my hands on a new digital camera!

POSTED BY MEMBER GODDESSRENEE2 ON JUNE 09, 10:5PM    

	3 COMMENTS:
	ChefKimmer66 said... What a pretty picture! You look terrific Renee. Kim
	wendi said... You look fantastic, Renee! I'm proud of you for sticking with it despite incredible obstacles!

A Completely Different Life

After living the last three years without working full time I'm back in New Orleans and doing just that. I even worked yesterday on Sunday. My only saving grace is my new treadmill right next to my bed. I am proud of myself because I cook every night and prepare enough food for the next day at work. I have been so busy I could barely fit lunch in, but today made time for a small meal at 10 am, 1 pm, and 4 pm. I felt much better for it also. I hope to restore a sense of routine again so that I can get started on yet another rotation! I still have about 15 more pounds to lose and sometimes wonder if it will ever burn off

POSTED BY MEMBER GODDESSRENEE2 ON MAY 22, 9:33PM    

	3 COMMENTS:
	RBinMS33 said... Treadmills are cool and make life really simple, especially on rainy days. On your lunches, if you have the fridge space, why not take an afternoon and cook them all up at once. That's what I do and it saves me a ton of time.

Preparing for the big move

This week I am working on some menus that will get me through the transistion of moving back home. What would be great is if I could generate a shopping list from my menus, I will somehow work on this.

POSTED BY MEMBER GODDESSRENEE2 ON MARCH 26, 10:53PM    

1 COMMENT:

RBinMS33 said... Funny you should mention a shopping list. I make up a list every week for Rach to pick up while she's out. I'll have my menus spread out on the counter and I'll go through one item at a time. Potatoes....6oz on Mon, 8oz on Tue, 7oz on Wed, etc. I add up each item for the week and then get a little extra. Recipes are a little tougher, but I have them printed out in my "PFA" book so I just take the requirement on my menus and do the math with the recipe.

New Discovery About Hip Pain

I've been having some hip pain and a snapping sensation on my left hip joint. After doing some research I found that this is caused from a tight tendon called the IT Band. In my running days I had the same problem but it affected my left knee. They say it may have started in my aerobic dancing days from an under developed inner thigh muscle. So I've learned now to remember to stengthen this muscle as well as stretch the IT band regularly. I've had this problem for almost 20 years, and it's amazing how it progressed without me taking note until it got this bad.

POSTED BY MEMBER GODDESSRENEE2 ON FEBRUARY 17, 2:14PM    

1 COMMENT:

RBinMS33 said... I'm glad you caught it before it got any worse. Sounds like you have a game plan on making it better too. Good deal. What you said about stretching makes total sense. I too have learned to incorporate a quick couple of minutes of stretching before each lifting session. After that, a quick one minute brisk walk on the treadmill to get the blood circulating and I'm ready to go. Sometimes I stretch afterwards, sometimes I don't, but always before. I've found that I don't have near the "aches and pains" that I did before when I wasn't stretching. Makes a difference!

Restless in Fairbanks

I've been sick going on my second week now. The good news is my weight is down to 158...a huge goal just to get below 160. I began this at 191 so I'm pleased. Funny how when one is sick the desire to work out is stronger than ever. I've attached a pic from a couple weekends ago of Michael and I. I was feeling pretty proud of that fact that we are middle aged and still looking pretty good on the dance floor

POSTED BY MEMBER GODDESSRENEE2 ON FEBRUARY 15, 10:40PM    

	2 COMMENTS:
	RBinMS33 said... Sorry to hear about you being sick. Having the desire to workout when you're sick is a good thing. It means you miss it. A small workout might not be such a bad thing as long as you can get enough rest to recover. Feel better soon! And yes, you still look good on the dance floor. :o)
	urvashi said... What're you talking about middle aged? You don't look middle aged at all. You look great. Question for you. Did you lose a lot of hair during your hypo-untreated days and if so, did it all come back? I lost a lot and while some of it came back, not all of it has. Yours looks so great, I have hair envy! Any advice?

I'm still shrinking

I've uploaded some pics today. They are dark as it's just dark out all the time. None of my pants fit anymore, but it's hard to tell in these pics a huge difference. I think the older ones I took further away from the camera. Anyhoo, I have about ten more pounds to go then I buy new pants.

POSTED BY MEMBER GODDESSRENEE2 ON JANUARY 30, 11:47AM    

	6 COMMENTS:
	Riotgrrrl said... Fabulous...an inspiration as always.
	RBinMS33 said... Looking good, Renee! Keep up the good work!
	redboxingirl said... You look so alive and vibrant! Keep up the great work. I love hearing about your journey! It has been worth it. Jan
	urvashi said... You look GREAT! You truly inspire me. I love to read your posts and hear about your journey through all the health issues, the success with this program and what it took for you to get there. I can see that the end results are truly worth everything you've gone through. You look healthy and that's very attractive.

New Pics of Aurora

I've attached a new pic of the sky here in Fairbanks. This is the final weeks of an incredible stay here. This pic was taken recently by a friend of mine.

POSTED BY MEMBER GODDESSRENEE2 ON JANUARY 07, 3:24PM    

	7 COMMENTS:
	rooney3 said... Incredible!
	PFAPete said... That's one of the most amazing things I've ever seen !!!
	hope said... Breathtaking!
	wendi said... You are so lucky and I am so jealous!
	tjs50 said... Holy cow that is awesome! I've seen comets and other awesome astronomical sights, but never AB - it's on my wish list.

I'm still here

I have not been posting regularly in some time,but I'm still here! I've been absorbing myself in other projects and have just not taken the time to post. I've been doing this so long that I have my diet down, literally on excel sheets. I had a computer crash about a month ago and lost all my records for the past two years. I decided that maybe that was a sign to start working from this day forward. My biggest challenge up here in Fairbanks right now is exercise as I'm housebound. Cardio has been next to impossible as it's been as cold as 33 below zero. I've designed a circuit training sort of routine that seems to work for me. I've been taking bio identical hormone replacement therapy and I really feel it's starting to work. My weight has dropped about seven pounds in the past month or so. Since I've lost all my records I have no clue what week of fat burning I'm in any longer, but as this is my third rotation, I don't feel so emotionally attached tot he time anymore. I can really start to see changes now in my body and am enjoying the program.Oh and the picture is just to remind you I still have a sense of humor!

POSTED BY MEMBER GODDESSRENEE2 ON DECEMBER 08, 11:29AM    

Back to Reality

Well I've had a fantastic short vacation. Snowboarding yesterday was pathetic at times, but I can see with continued determination I may actually get it. It's amazing after taking a short break how refreshed and renewed I feel towards my goals. I had enough space to come up with some solutions to my challenges.

POSTED BY MEMBER GODDESSRENEE2 ON NOVEMBER 27, 12:34PM    

Fun in Anchorage

Okay, so I've been offline a bit lately. All I can say is I've been busy. I've taken a break from working out and fat burning this holiday to enjoy myself down in Anchorage. Thanksgiving was incredible as I took a tram up to the 7 Glaciers Restaurant at the Alyeska Resort. My meal included smoked trout, squash soup, pheasant salad, roast duck, and champagne. Not to mention a sampling of 3 fab desserts. Feel bad? Not one bit! My weight is on the decline and this break is all I needed to get back to Fairbanks and get with the program. Today I'm snowboarding as I also hope to tomorrow. I bought some new equipment and hopefully will get better at it.

POSTED BY MEMBER GODDESSRENEE2 ON NOVEMBER 26, 11:50AM    

It's Snowboarding time!

Today I learned a new sport, snowboarding! I got to go on the army base where they have a ski slope with practically no one on it. My teacher was a 26 year old soldier who just returned from Iraq. I may have been the oldest snowboarder there, but I have a new passion! Talk about a HIIT workout! I'm feeling it tonite, and hope that I can still walk tomorrow. The season is short here due to the fact the the weather is so darn cold and the hours of sunlight so short. I'm now down 6 pounds from my highest weight in this rotation. I have three pounds to go to get to my lowest weight in fatburning from last rotation. I feel though that I'm doing much better with the new hormone therapy.

POSTED BY MEMBER GODDESSRENEE2 ON NOVEMBER 19, 12:12AM    

I Found Max

Today has been an incredible day for me. My dog Max has been missing since hurricane Katrina. He was living with my ex beau at the time. Ty would not evacuate as he could not leave Max, so they endured the storm. I contacted him after the storm and had them go to the roof to be rescued as the flood waters were coming into the city. Ty was hit in the leg by a bullet and Max jumped off the roof. Ty found help to get to the Convention Center and after three days was airlifted to the airport and flown to a hospital in San Antonio Texas. We've been looking for Max ever since and today I was sent a link that shows a fireman with Max and the president. http://animal.discovery.com/features/katrina/photos/20050910/20050910_06.html We are now working on contacting the fireman. It's been an emotional day, but I'm glad he's safe.

POSTED BY MEMBER GODDESSRENEE2 ON NOVEMBER 14, 12:58AM    

	2 COMMENTS:
	ChefKimmer66 said... Congratulations Renee! I know how close we get to our pets and for all of those that have gone through so much in these hurricanes my heart goes out to them.

Taking Action despite distraction

Today I really had to stay focused. Being inside for days on end is very depressing and requires lots of motivation to do the simplest of chores. When I used to work 50 hours a week I would dream of days to myself like I now have. But lately I have to play all sorts of mind tricks just to get myself to do the laundry or clean the house. Being without sunlight I'm sure has a lot to do with this, besides the fact it's twenty below zero outside. So I've just kept working at taking baby steps, even if it seems silly. I'm not waiting until I "feel" like doing something, but instead I prepare myself to begin doing it instead. I find if I can just get to the beginning then I have a fighting chance at actually finishing the task. Today, I actually am getting a ride to the gym for the second day in a row!

POSTED BY MEMBER GODDESSRENEE2 ON NOVEMBER 09, 5:12PM    

Another Day in Paradise

Here I sit in my room looking out at 20 degrees below zero again. I've dropped a couple more pounds on the scale, I'm assuming most of it to be fluids. Just to see the numbers dropping on the scale really helps. I've been busy with small projects and trying to make my time up here pass as quickly as possible. Keeping myself from being bored is a daily goal, it makes me wonder how elderly people survive who are also house bound.

POSTED BY MEMBER GODDESSRENEE2 ON NOVEMBER 08, 11:48AM    

Noticing a change already

Today it became obvious that my new thyroid meds are already working. I just feel better, more uplifted and more energetic. My doctor told me I should notice this quickly, but I did not believe I would see it in less than a week. I also have noticed that my hair is not falling out in patches as it has been for years, maybe it's a fluke, but hopefully this trend will continue. My husband just did not think it was fair I could lose so much hair and still have more than he does. As for my weight, I'm down 4.5 pounds from Sunday and holding. This is a great change from the direction it has been going in the past month. Just having these small changes makes a world of difference in my motivation level.

POSTED BY MEMBER GODDESSRENEE2 ON NOVEMBER 04, 4:33PM    

My trip to the hospital

What a day, sometimes I wonder if me and accidents just will never end. Today I was picking up a large glass vase when it actually broke in half and severed my ring finger. I unfortunately cut it all the way across down to the bone. So I spent the afternoon in the hospital getting it stitched together. Geez! I did have some fun though with the intern. After the doctor put it back together and I knew I was completely numb, the young male intern approached my finger ever so carefully. Just as he began to touch the wound, I jumped and shouted out in pain! OMG! He about had a heart attack. The doctor swore next time I would not be allowed any anesthesia. The poor kid, good thing he had a sense of humor, he kept giggling until he was done. As for me I just gave everyone the finger if they gave me any flack.

POSTED BY MEMBER GODDESSRENEE2 ON NOVEMBER 02, 8:33PM    

It's starting to happen, the scale is dropping

I'm following my doctors advice, making some subtle tweaks in my diet, and changed my thyroid meds to all natural. I'm down down 4.5 lbs since Sunday! It may be fluids, but it's a great start. I actually feel better this morning and not like I'm carrying around a 5 pound bowl of jelly in my tummy.

POSTED BY MEMBER GODDESSRENEE2 ON NOVEMBER 02, 12:0PM    

	3 COMMENTS:
	rooney3 said... That's my girl! There's no quit in that dog, is there?

TRICK OR TREAT!

Today was a significant day in my goal of improved health. This afternoon I met with my doctor here and went over the results of my hormone testing. Even though I have been taking Synthroid apparently it is not working! The reason for my struggling so hard with losing weight is because my thyroid hormone is slow with a reading over almost 3 and my free T3 levels way too low. So it confirms what I've been learning that synthetic hormone replacement is not very effective. It does not treat T3 which is what is preventing me from losing weight, my basal temp is too low meaning my metabolism is not burning hot, my hair is falling out at a rapid rate, my skin is dry, anxiety and depression returning, and the list goes on. So tonite I picked up a prescription for natural thyroid replacement. My estrogen and progesterone levels were very normal, but my testosterone and DHEA levels were low. So we are supplementing with Natural HRT on those also. He wanted to make sure I was not getting any aspartame and staying off any starchy carbs that are processed. Not even my Ezekiel bread until my hormones get back on balance. I will be increasing my glutamine to 2000 mg a day as well as adding in L Cysteine and L Tyrosine to my supplements. Apparently the glutamine does more than just preserve muscle, it also cuts cravings for refined carbs and alcohol! He said that at the rehab center here they have the Alaskan natives on 4,000 mg a day to cut alcohol cravings! Who woulda thunk it? As you can tell I'm overjoyed at the information I got today. I have been struggling for far too long and getting no where with conventional doctors and my weight loss efforts. While in the office I met with the receptionist who had also lost 50 lbs on the same program, and several other patients too, one who had lost one hundred pounds. My doc said I was way ahead of the game on my diet and exercise. He insisted that I will start to feel better immediately and will begin to see the scale and my measurements drop at a consistent rate now. They will have me weigh in at their office every week until I move, so they can monitor my progress. I once again have hope that I can see this through and will see my goal within the next three to four months!

POSTED BY MEMBER GODDESSRENEE2 ON OCTOBER 31, 10:20PM    

	3 COMMENTS:
	ChefKimmer66 said... Renee- I am soooo happy for you! Just think, you were considering moving back to New Orleans instead of staying in Alaska through the winter and now you have found a doctor in Alaska that will help you get back in good health and reach your goals. That shining light in the Alaska sky is now your smile and excitement for life returning. Congrats! Kimmer
	wendi said... Words cannot express how happy I am for you! I know being in Alaska has not been easy for you and I have to believe that THIS is the reason you were meant to be there! You're on your way, girl! Wendi

Failing this rotation

Now I'm not freaking out, and have nothing but positive anticipation still in my heart. I failed two weeks already when I had to return home to New Orleans. This week will be my third. I went out to dinner this week to celebrate my anniversary. Let's just say it was the best meal I've had in ages. All five courses! Of course I did not eat all of each dish, but still I know I failed and just left it at that. My goal now is to start on Monday in standard mode with my high days set for 1800 calories and just go from there. My weight is still up, but I'm going to do some fibrous carb days today and tomorrow. I'll just begin on Monday with a renewed sense of determination and hopefully Ric will forgive me for failing this rotation. This is my first! I have a huge sense of not wanting to let Ric down, but my body just does not seem to be responding as it should. My follow up check up on Monday with my doctor will hopefully reveal some hidden roadblocks in my metabolism. One thing certainly is different and that is although I am disappointed, I'm not hysterical over the fact I've put on so much weight. I guess that is because no matter what I know I have this program and the support of this group. Thank God for small miracles heh?

POSTED BY MEMBER GODDESSRENEE2 ON OCTOBER 29, 3:42PM    

1 COMMENT:

wendi said... Don't do 2 fc days, Renee, just one to shock your system. As for 'failing', I don't think there is anyone utilizing this program that would ever consider this rotation a failure. Despite major odds and obstacles, you have persisted and remained true to your goals. Changing from PT mode to standard mode is not a failure, it's just a change- don't give the program more power than it deserves. The true testament to your success is the fact that you are still here doing the work. I, for one, am giving you a standing ovation! Hugs to you! Wendi

Aurora Borealis

This picture shows what the sky looks like here at night. If you have ever heard of the northern lights we are in full swing with this bazaar yet beautiful phenomenon. The first time I saw it, I first thought it was just a strange sort of fog. Then it began to move like ribbons and whip around in various patterns. After this the 'fog' began to turn to brilliant reds, greens, and purples. My first response was fear, as it consumed the sky. My response after this was a flood of tears as I was overcome with the beauty and kaleidescope of colors and shapes I was witnessing. What most people don't know is that this light show also makes crackling noises like electromagnetic pops. So despite the cold and difficult situation here, I have experienced some pretty awesome sites!

POSTED BY MEMBER GODDESSRENEE2 ON OCTOBER 28, 4:10PM    

Weight is still on the rise

It just does not seem humanly possible to continue to gain weight despite being in my 6th week of fat burning. This morning I was up another pound from my record highest. So I'm now up almost ten pounds from my last rotation. What this means is I have gained back all the weight I lost in my last rotation. I fell off the wagon on my cardio this week, and need to get back into resistance training. I have not had the sort of motivation to get busy with having to workout in the house as I had planned. All I can hope for is that the bloodwork I had done yesterday will shed some light into what is going on with my body. I'm wondering if I should be on a special diet with different ratios, this weight gain every week seems a daunting task and so far away from where I want to go.

POSTED BY MEMBER GODDESSRENEE2 ON OCTOBER 27, 10:18AM    

	1 COMMENT:
	wendi said... email me backdoor and let's look at your program, okay? Wendi

Signs of Hope

I met today with an anti aging specialist who works with natural hormone replacement and weight control. I can't even begin to say here how much hope he gave me. After initial testing he is convinced my thyroid and other hormones are out of balance. Apparently my synthetic hormone meds have not performed as they should to correct the functioning of my thyroid. I will be meeting with him again on Monday to go over the tests. I am just a little bummed that I will only be here a couple months and will have to start all over again finding a new doctor who is on the same page as me in the next city and state I live. But he seems to think he can get me on the right track and that is what my goal is. Finally a sign of hope that I will shed the rest of my fat and reach my goals with more realistic losses than I've been seeing.

POSTED BY MEMBER GODDESSRENEE2 ON OCTOBER 26, 1:58PM    

Bedroom Cardio

Okay I know what y'all are thinking...Where is your mind? Here it is 'real world'. So solid ice outside this am, I did not have it in me to set foot outside. The boilers in the apartments went out over the weekend, which means NO HEAT! Hellloooooo I can't imagine a worse punishment besides the weather being in the teens, than an apartment at 60 degrees. So I put on my mp3 player, after lying to my brain saying 5 minutes only. I started doing some routines, and had flashbacks to the days I used to teach a class called Cardio Funk (low impact aerobics and hip hop combined). I guess once the endorphins kicked in I was all over the dancefloor..cough! I mean bedroom rug.Before I knew it, my fourty minutes were up. Since today was double cardio, I had a repeat command performance in the late afternoon. Sometimes I have to kick myself in the butt just to remind myself that cardio can be done anytime, anywhere, regardless of the conditions!

POSTED BY MEMBER GODDESSRENEE2 ON OCTOBER 24, 8:16PM    

	1 COMMENT:
	klbandit said... Dance like nobody's watching, girlfriend! I give you props ~ turning lemons into lemondade everyday, aren't you. KL

Beer.....

Just thought this explains clearly what most Alaskans do with their free time.

POSTED BY MEMBER GODDESSRENEE2 ON OCTOBER 22, 7:11PM    

Goddess visits the North Pole

North Pole Alaska that is! I went to Santa's house up here. It was a blast. There is nothing like an afternoon in twenty degree weather and lots of Christmas music and celebration to make one feel like a kid again.At the North Pole it's Christmas every day of the year!

POSTED BY MEMBER GODDESSRENEE2 ON OCTOBER 22, 7:8PM    

Friday

Two cardios again today. No drop in weight on my sixth week of fat burning. I made an appt today to see a hormone specialist for next week. I'm trying with all my might to hang tough through all this. I think the most difficult part of this whole transition for me is staying motivated during the challenging times. This week I've been so discouraged and have had no way to get to the gym, I haven't even done any weight training! I know I'll pay dearly for this down the road. Hopefully I will find some sort of motivation to get through this. I'm focusing on this picture of me before my hormones went south. Just to get this body back......sigh!

POSTED BY MEMBER GODDESSRENEE2 ON OCTOBER 21, 7:25PM    

	2 COMMENTS:
	rooney3 said... Renee, for all the problems you're going through right now, I think this picture of you is wonderful! Don't let your head decide your mood. You're OK, girl. A few extra pounds might be very frustrating for you right now, but it has no bearing on the way your friends here feel about you.

Now I'm set up big time

Okay tonite I bought a pair of slush boots by Columbia that can handle the cold and slush. I also bought some nifty clips that go on the soles of my shoes like chains for car tires. I cannot wait to hit the snow in the morning, bring it on!

POSTED BY MEMBER GODDESSRENEE2 ON OCTOBER 18, 11:41PM    

More snow

Today brought on more snow than I've seen up here yet. I still do not have my ice clips for my shoes, so I gingerly did my cardio without falling. When I got in the house I decided to extend my cardio by dancing in the bedroom. This may be an option I will be resorting to more regularly as the weather continues to get colder. My weight is still climbing, this am it was up another pound for a gain of 8 pounds to date in this rotation. I reweighed myself though and it dropped back down to yesterday's weight. Last night I made a new friend who told me she was dying of cancer. I kept thinking I'm sure she would give anything to deal with what I consider to be struggles compared to her life situation. Amazing how God brings people and circumstances into our lives to help us appreciate what we have.

POSTED BY MEMBER GODDESSRENEE2 ON OCTOBER 18, 9:2PM    

	1 COMMENT:
	ChefKimmer66 said... And your upbeat look on life will help your new friend through a very painful time in her life. It's a two-way street and you bring a lot to a friendship Renee.

Still hanging in there

Well I've gained three pounds this week, and still cycling my calories in fifth week of fat burning. I've done 6 cardios in the snow. This pattern of weight gain is what I saw before with hormonal changes, and it has nothing to do with "calories in and calories out." I'm sticking with this and hope to see some sense of normality soon. I am definitely discouraged, but without a solution at this point have no choice but to continue. In the past when I wasn't on program, without having my calories controlled or doing cardio I gained 25 pounds in one year, so hopefully my gains from hormone imbalance won't be so severe during this third rotation. I've had to do my cardio in the snow and posted a picture from yesterday's workout.

POSTED BY MEMBER GODDESSRENEE2 ON OCTOBER 17, 12:37AM    

Very Very Frustrated

In my fifth week of fatburning I'm continuing to gain on the scale. My weight just keeps continuing to rise at a rate of about 1/2 pound a day. I have put on almost 3 pounds this week which is putting me now at seven pounds higher than I was at the end of my last rotation. I removed half my sodium and gained another 1/2 pound last night! I'm hoping that it's temporary. I'm ready to do two more cardios today which will put me up to 6 and after tomorrow I will be at 7 cardios this week and a 3 pound gain to boot. Even in the third rotation I find this process to have challenges which are new. I never put this sort of weight on in my first two rotations.

POSTED BY MEMBER GODDESSRENEE2 ON OCTOBER 14, 11:5AM    

	1 COMMENT:
	rooney3 said... There has to be something else going on with your body, Renee. You can't be gaining anything but fluid at the rate of 1/2 pound (1,750 calories) a day, during a period when calories are being cycled out of your diet.

Fluid Retention?

This am I woke up to a 1.5 lb gain on the scale. With some help I'm going to try to find the cause. I'm certain it has to be from fluid retention, and I sure hope to see some losses soon.

POSTED BY MEMBER GODDESSRENEE2 ON OCTOBER 12, 4:18PM    

	1 COMMENT:
	wendi said... Let me know how those changes work for you, Renee- you're almost there, so you're body is resisting! Wendi

Ice Cardio

Okay, so yesterday was great doing cardio in the snow. Today, however, it was on ice and I was not preparing for the rink. I need some special shoes with better traction or something. It's a balmy 28 degrees right now and the sky is brilliant blue. Tonite will be the night for viewing the Aurora Borrealis. I am showing off the boots I designed myself and paid an Eskimo to make for me. I also had two food discoveries that I'm pleased with. Oatmeal pancakes and Walden Foods Fat Free Ceasar Dressing.

POSTED BY MEMBER GODDESSRENEE2 ON OCTOBER 11, 5:2PM    

Snow Cardio

Today at 15 degrees in Fairbanks I did cardio in the snow for my first time. What a blast! I used to have all sorts of excuses as to why not to do cardio. What I thought would be the most challenging weather conditions, actually turned out to be the most fun.

POSTED BY MEMBER GODDESSRENEE2 ON OCTOBER 10, 11:43PM    

Back from New Orleans

I have failed the last two weeks while visiting my home with no internet connection. Food choices were a disaster as there was little healthy food available. I can't begin to explain the disaster that is left of my city. My home was saved, which is obvious I was blessed. I gained about 3 pounds from the trip, and ate as best I could with what was available. I was not able to exercise as I was either traveling long days or working long days. I have had nothing but huge disasters get in the way of my progress, but learning to bounce back seems to be my focus right now. I can't wait to eat healthy again and get back on the exercise program I was.

POSTED BY MEMBER GODDESSRENEE2 ON OCTOBER 09, 10:33AM    

	6 COMMENTS:
	LizziTish said... I'm glad your trip was safe and that your home was intact. I know it seems like such a long journey in the PFA for you...but you have really made great progress. Really great. I hope you see that. And you did it with despite all the obstacles that have been thrown your way. And you've inspired many others thru your journey. Keep the faith; we are all here cheering you on. A cyber hug to you.
	klbandit said... Renee, So happy that your home was spared. Remember, you're not in this alone. I will be here with you and cheering you on ~ just as you've been there for me. There is no end to this process, only refinement. Sometimes, it just takes us longer to refine ourselves, that's all. Keep the faith, girlfriend!
	wendi said... Welcome home, Renee. You have done an amazing job of maintaining through some exceptionally hard circumstances. Most people, myself included, would have thrown in the towel had they been faced with the adversity you have endured. Give yourself the much deserved credit and when you get home, keep your eye on the prize! Wendi

Program Changes

This week I tried an experiment of eating every two hours instead of every three and reducing the portion sizes. This morning my scale weight is down one pound, so this may be a new system that works for me. I'm eating 6 meals each one every two hours. This leaves time for me to go to bed hungry also.

POSTED BY MEMBER GODDESSRENEE2 ON SEPTEMBER 15, 5:32PM    

Today's Focus

Today I'm trying to direct my energy towards focusing on the sense of accomplishment when I have a successful day as my reward. So many days are filled with boredom and apathy that I need to remind myself that the reward is in the moment, the empowerment I seek is now. Working hard without having a daily sense of accomplishment doesn't work for me. So this is today's focus, find that sense of accomplishment in the doing, not in the results.

POSTED BY MEMBER GODDESSRENEE2 ON SEPTEMBER 14, 12:31PM    

	1 COMMENT:
	rooney3 said... Excellent pics, Renee! Keep it up! Ric.