Isagenix Isa Body Challenge...Reflecting Back on 90 Days

Me a Few Weeks Into Challenge

Sitting here listening to John Lennon's "Stand by Me" as I reflect back on the last 90 days, my own participation in the Isagenix Isa Body Challenge...sad that the 90 days are over gone away far to fast, yet thrilled at the new man I see standing in front of me when I look in the mirror.  It has truly been a life changing event for me, one filled with a certain amount of fear, but also a great deal of pride at where I have come.

Will take my measurements and weight myself at the end of the 9 Day Cleanse for Life I am in the midst of and weigh myself, so the final statistics are not in, but one but has to look at me to see the difference.  I've shrunk, but in a very good way, my once noticeable Budda Belly all but gone, the new smaller 36" waist pants bought at the 60 day mile marker already too big for me.  I still wear a large shirt, but they are hanging a bit on me, the sleeve seams no longer fitting tight on the shoulder blades.  

Taken Around Halloween

I would be lying if I said this has been easy, though parts of it were, days, sometimes weeks breezing by without a problem, then BOOM, a brick wall that I would run smack dab into.  

Thanksgiving was one of those times...I love cooking/baking, being in the kitchen, and have traditions that go back decades.  Pumpkin and Pecan pie, homemade of course.  Deviled eggs, sour cream mashed potatoes with giblet gravy, stuffing just like my Mom used to make, a large turkey because the table just doesn't feel right with a small one in the center of the table, olives of various variety, fresh green beans with almond slivers sprinkled over the top.  I was good (good being relative), had just one plate of food, and not overloaded.  Yet, a part of me wanted to FEAST.  I waited, had desert later in the evening and was so tempted the next morning to have a slice or two of pie with my morning coffee, but resisted the urge, having my IsaLean shake instead.

Stay FOCUSED on the goal, keep your eye on the prize.

A December Pic...Changing

Came into December weighing 175...met my goal for November but just barely.  That was one of those down times.  Holidays are hard, and December in some ways is one big month of Holidays, and with my Mom gone, I long ago decided I would carry on her traditions...miss her a whole lot sometimes even though she has been gone since 1993...WOW...20 years as of this May 3rd, 2013.  

Tradition is important.  Spent 3 days baking dozens upon dozens of cookies and Mom's Christmas Morning coffee cake...I love her coffee cake, and in the past would DEVOUR IT...here it is January, gave three fourths of it away, have had a few small pieces, but there is still some left in the freezer.  Times change.

By the time December 26th rolled around, was really not sure I could make my own goal of hitting 170 pounds by December 31st.  I stuck to the program...mostly...but everywhere I went there were all my favorite treats.  I love Christmas ham...brown sugar glazed, pineapples and maraschino cherries candied in the baking ever so tempting, plates of cookies and cakes, and memories of Mom smiling as I went back for a second plate, or found my way into the kitchen after midnight to make myself up a plate of leftovers because everything was just so good.  Couple all this with the fact that I love food, and am guilty at times of finding comfort in food, and the holidays were a rough time.

Six days to reach my goal of 170, and I had actually GAINED one pound from the beginning of December!  Spent most of that day and the next letting self doubt creep in, started listening to those voices we need to avoid, but often don't...luckily, I'd also decided to do a two day cleanse on the 26th and 27th, and stuck to it.  On the morning of the 28th after two days on Cleanse for Life I got on the scale...173 POUNDS...I can do this, 170 is reachable, I got four days!  

Motivation is a great thing!

I got on my stationary bike, cranked up my consumption of water, and religiously followed the program as I worked hard on being a product of the product, my coach's (Andrea Hameed) words burned into my mind...Chocolate or Vanilla.  

In a perfect story, I would have met my goal, but fact is when I woke up on January 1, 2013 I was just shy of where I had wanted to be weighing 171 pounds.  The old me would have played the FAILURE card on myself...but, as I said, these 90 days have started to change me into who I have always been meant to be.  I went out to the kitchen, had my Isalean shake and got on with my day knowing it would only be a day or two and I would for the first time since the 1980's find myself getting on the scale and weighing under 170 pounds!

Certain things stick in my head, make me smile.  I bought two new belts when I went shopping, both of them 36 inch.   One of them has six holes in it...I was in the second one when I put it on the first time.  Last week I put the belt on, and it is in the sixth hole (inside hole), the belt now too BIG FOR ME!  That same morning I took out an old favorite denim shirt that I had bought back in 1998 at the Gap store in Plattsburgh NY.  Had not worn the shirt since 2004...NINE YEARS.  It fits, and very comfortably I might add.

NYKO 2013 is, too a great deal, over with as I write this...sure, it goes on through tomorrow, but most of this late night and tomorrow is all about goodbyes for those who were lucky enough to attend.  I sit here tonight a bit sad and melancholy as my personal 90 Day Challenge comes to an end.  Through the tears, the laughing the victories, it has been ONE HELL OF A GREAT TIME for me.  I know my journey to a new me is not over, that more victories lay ahead...but, I am sad that these very special 90 days are over, sad at having to say Goodbye to a challenge that has shown me there is a beautiful, wonderful person who has always been inside of me who is starting too emerge. But even in my melancholy I am Thankful, and know that at the end of the 90 Day Challenge I am walking into my future a winner.

Some Special Thank You's on This Special Night

First, Andrea Hameed who introduced me to Isagenix...her own story, her testimonial touched me, woke me up, and sparked something inside of me that made me say yes to Isagenix and the 90 Day Challenge.

The incredible and supportive friends on Facebook in the Isagenix community, far too many for this man who is not used to having friends can mention, but want to call out a few anyway.  

Elisabeth Anderson, Candace Tweady Woods, Kelly LeBlanc, Sheila Marie Jackson, Monica Cicere Ludwig, Angela Taylor-Shatzer, Joanne Spark, Lily Van Loo, Heather Wood Johnson, Kathy Doss Rhoden, Kathy Ong, Jen Battilora, Jo-Ann DiLorenzo, Deanna Dante Bello, Casey Karen James, Randy J Dunbar, Tanya Becks, Gregory Valiquette and everyone else who has helped me along the way, given advice, picked me up when I had fallen down.  You folks are ALL GREAT, and I love being a part of the Isagenix family.

Not a part of Isagenix?  Would you like to be?  Give me a call at (845) 693-4513, text me at (845) 346-6523 or email me at isagenixguru@gmail.com and let me walk with you as you start your own journey to the beautiful you that has always been inside waiting to come out.

 

Alcohol...Did You Know?

How many of us go out for a special dinner, or have guests in and start off the festivities with a cold beer, cocktail, or a glass of wine?  With dinner, we have a bottle wine, or maybe another drink, and then after dinner cordials with our coffee and desert.  Maybe that is not such a good idea...at least for those of us who are working on losing weight, participating in the Isagenix Body Challenge.

 

Did you know...

 

Alcohol has zero nutritional value, only empty calories

Alcohol cannot be stored in the body in any form (fat, glycogen, amino acids etc).

 

So when a individual drinks alcohol, their body uses the alcohol as its main energy source, STORES any additional calories they consume. Break it down...what does this mean in simple English...If you drink with your meal, the calories in food will  be stored rather than burned off as energy.

 

This is why you might develop a beer belly – from food you are eating while your body is busy metabolising the alcohol!

 

With all the parties and opportunities to imbibe between now and the New Year, this is something to keep in mind when you think about having that second, or third drink.  Remember...Water is Life!

Dedication... When "The Chips" Are Down...A SHOUTOUT To Amy Austin

I always like reading great testimonials from my Isagenix friends who are over on Facebook.  Being successful in losing weight means being dedicated to where you are wanting to go, especially when the "chips" are down.  This morning while catching up on Facebook I came across a testimonial from my Isa friend Amy Austin who lives in Canada.

 

She received a difficult phone call, and one of those old demons was sitting on her shoulder encouraging her to stop and get a bag of chips, to fall off the proverbial wagon and break her two day cleanse that she was/is being so good with.  Perhaps out of will power, or perhaps because the cosmos had her get on the scale this morning finding out she had already lost seven pounds saw her ignore that tempting voice!  WAY TO GO AMY!

 

Here is the link to her article.  Go give her a "Job well done" comment in her blog!

What's in Season...Trying A New Widget

Hello Readers:

As I work toward getting healthy and SLIM, looking for some new widgets that my readers and I might find useful...today looking through the list of widgets that are available right in my Blogger console, found one that I am trying out for the next few weeks as it looks promising.  To find it, simply scroll down to the bottom of my blog and try it out.

 

This is a FRESH FOODS widget...how cool is that?  You can choose what state you live in, what month it is, and it tells you the fruits and vegetables that are in season for you with little pictorial icons.  Click on any icon and it opens up a new page that gives you a brief history of the fruit or vegetable you are considering for your meal.  It gets better...over on the left side are various links to RECIPES!  I love recipes.

 

So, for those of you looking for fresh fruits and veggies, for those of you looking to find new recipes for some of your favorites foods, give it a whirl and let me know in the comments section of this article what you think of it.

Starting Another Deep Cleanse Here

Have just started another two day deep cleanse here...got in my stationary bike ride covering 7.23 miles, and burning a total of 170 calories, so that is always a great way to jump into it.  In looking back on my last cleanse, realized I was a bit lack in my water intake, so this time around, making sure that the all important water component of the program is where it is supposed to be...for those wondering, to maximize weight loss you should take your total body weight and divide by two, and that is the number of ounces you should be drinking in water each and every day.  So, for myself rounding up to 180 pounds, I should be consuming 90 ounces of water a day.  To put that in perspective, that is just under six one pint bottles.

 

Another issue I am staying up on this time around...taking advantage of my Isasnacks, and I also have my Isa Delights, which is new.  (Have to contact my coach to see how many of those Isa Delights I can have during a cleanse day...I know that the snacks are pretty well unlimited.)

 

Have deliberately set my weight loss goal easy this month...Thanksgiving is next week, and as much as we want to behave, I know I am going to indulge a bit more than I should.  So, my goal during this 30 Day Cleanse period as I work on my Isagenix Body Challenge make over is to be under 175 pounds by the end of it on December 6th, 2012 which will put me within striking distance of 170 by the end of the 90 days...MY SUPER GOAL...165 pounds.  That would be SO SWEET.

 

Took a walk down to the local coffee shop in hopes of speaking to a prospective associate today, but she was not around.  Will call her later in the day and set up an appointment with her to get her signed up and started on her first 30 Day Cleanse...am thinking it might be wise to time it so that she can start the Monday after Thanksgiving.  This time of the year is such a tough time of the year to jump into this program as there are so many pitfalls in your path.  Holiday meals, parties, visiting friends and finding a plate of cookies put out on the coffee table...did I mention Eggnog...I love, love love EGGNOG.

 

Another bottle of water is in order, and maybe an Isa Snack, so going to end this here...in short, the Cleanse is GOING WELL.

Is Your Scale NOT MOVING?

I have been having trouble moving the scale downward, and was pondering the issue when I found a link to a great article on the Isagenix Health Blog on Facebook.  After reading it, have decided to share it with my readers, and put a link to the article in my sidebar...YES, it is that good!   Thank you Isagenix for creating such great information for those of us wanting to get healthy, wanting to lose weight.  Don't know about Isagenix?  Email the Isaguru, or call me at (845) 693-4513

 

Can’t Make the Scale Budge? 11 Questions to Ask Yourself

March 20, 2012

by Ina Nozek, DC, MS, CCN

Losing stubborn weight is easier with these 11 tips.

Amazing transformational changes to our health and our body composition are seen with the Isagenix nutritional cleansing and fat burning systems, but every now and then we get “stuck.” Sometimes the weight seems to be coming off too slowly, or compared to other people’s results it doesn’t feel “up to par.”
What I’d like to do is give some tips on how to optimize weight/fat loss results so that you can reach both your health and your weight loss goals. Before you get discouraged, here are a few questions you can ask yourself:

1. Are you drinking enough water? The products do an amazing job at helping your body cleanse away toxins, but it’s your job to flush those impurities out with adequate hydration from pure, plain water. It is extremely important to consume at least eight to 10 full glasses of water each day, as is standard advice. On hot days or if performing physical activity, drink a few ounces more along with the sports drink Want More Energy?® that replenishes lost glycogen, vitamins and electrolytes.
2. Are you moving your bowels well each and every day? Constipation could hinder weight loss results. Rather than carrying around pounds that build up in the colon, regular and complete bowel movements are important in managing your ‘true’ body weight. If necessary, increasing the amount of IsaFlush! (containing magnesium) and fiber that you are taking each day will support regularity. FiberPro and FiberSnacks! can be used to get your required amount of daily fiber, which will certainly support gastrointestinal health.
3. Are you taking in enough or perhaps too many calories? Take a look at the meals and snacks that you consume on your Shake Days. Make sure to follow the program with 400- to 600-calorie meals consisting of whole, natural foods.
4. Are you letting too much time go by between your shakes and your meal and/or snacks? Timing is everything! Your shake or meal should hold your appetite for three to four hours. If there is more time than that between meals, you need to choose a healthy, balanced snack to curb hunger. This will keep your blood sugar stable and prevent your body from slowing your metabolism to conserve energy.
5. What are your food choices? Many of us may be absent-mindedly hindering results by reach for excess sugars and/or starches. Snacking on high-glycemic, low-fiber foods, or having a handful of this or that throughout the day can be enough to slow things down. Be aware of what you are choosing to eat.
6. Are you sleep deprived and/or stressed out? Either of these issues can cause your stress hormones to be out of balance and lead to increased fat storage—especially around the belly. If you are under a lot of stress and/or not sleeping restfully at night, I suggest you double up on your Ionix Supreme. Meditation and light physical activity may also be helpful in restoring your natural rhythms.
7. How often are you cleansing? For some of you, you may be cleansing too often and for others, you may not be cleansing enough. Keep your body guessing! Two consecutive Cleanse Days is the deepest advisable cleanse and the most effective way to burn fat. However, some people may do this too often. In which case, I recommend that you switch things up. Perhaps do double Cleanse Days every other week. Or, you can try one Cleanse Day one week and then a two Cleanse Days the next week. Maybe switch to drinking 1 or2 ounces daily (“daily cleansing”) for a while instead. Two to four ounces of Cleanse for Life before bed on an empty stomach may be helpful for many people, too. Remember to hydrate well throughout the day whether you are “deep” or “daily cleansing.” The key to all of this is to keep your body guessing by making sure to switch things up!
8. Are your foods settling? Food allergies and sensitivities may be playing a role in slowing weight loss results. Be aware of what foods you are eating and whether or not they are “jiving” with your body. Avoid any obvious foods sensitivities or intolerances.
9. Are you maximizing your meals? If not, consider Vanilla IsaPro! Adding 1 scoop of IsaPro to 1 or 1 ½ scoops of IsaLean shake can be helpful for optimizing your metabolism. The boost to protein can make a huge difference to anyone with a sluggish metabolism. Extra protein also keeps your appetite satisfied longer and promotes maintenance of muscle, a key element for plateau busting!
10. How many steps do you take every day? Get out there and move! Exercise is so important for our general health and it makes a huge difference in transforming our body composition. Daily exercise increases metabolism naturally as we build muscle. Incorporate strength and resistance training as well as cardio exercise for optimal fat burning results.
11. Are you following the plan? Are you committed to getting the best results? Are your food choices optimal? Are you adding too many extra calories to your shakes and to your snacking? Be honest with yourself. If we are honest with ourselves, sometimes we realize that we could be more committed and disciplined. For some of us, it’s this discipline that makes all of the difference in achieving our goals. Then maintenance becomes a lot easier. Stay strong in order to truly transform your body so that you can look and feel your absolute best!

Using Your Facebook To Maximize Your Isagenix Exposure

I've been on Isagenix now for about five, going on six weeks.  The changes that I have been experiencing are nothing short of miraculous.  I feel healthier, have lost so far about 15 pounds, and shed some 24 body inches.   Those are results I want to share, the products to me a magic I want to share with friends and family, as well as the much larger audience on the world wide web...in short, now that I am a product of the product, I want to develop a business/a residue income stream created by making others healthier, sharing with them what I have found in using Isagenix.  Being a blogger, having over years created web presense for various interests that have seen hundreds of thousands of visitors, am a firm believer that using Social Media (including Facebook) is a great way to interact with a much larger audience...especially since we all have only so many family and friends that we can share our testimony with.

 

Today, want to write/share about a powerful Facebook tool we as users wanting to market ourselves tend to overlook that is available to all of us who are on, and use Facebook in sharing our stories in our efforts to introduce to others the magic that is Isagenix.

 

See yourself writing a GREAT Facebook update in your timeline, something you want to keep there for a few days, even a week right up at the top of your timeline...

I've lost 14.5 pounds and 24 body inches in my first 30 Day Isagenix Cleanse.  If you are wanting to lose weight and feel healthier, are wanting more energy, please friend me here on Facebook, private message me, or visit me at www.22s.com/isaguru or http://sherwoodmartinelli.isagenix.com.  In a hurry to get started with your own journey then call me directly at (845) 346-6523 so I can get you enrolled today.

 

I post this, and want to keep it at the top of my timeline for a week...Facebook lets you PIN an item to the top of your time line for a period of seven days!  Here is how you do it.

 

Using the Pinning Feature

Pinning needs done manually. When using this feature, your pinned status update will not move from where you “pin” it no matter how many status updates you add to your Facebook page for a period of seven days.

One at a Time:

You can only pin one at a time during a seven day period, so choose carefully what you want to pin.

Where Your Pinned Post Will Appear:

Pinned posts always appear at top of your Facebook Timeline (on the left).

The Length of Time that Pinning Lasts:

Once you pin a post on your page, it will remain pinned for seven days unless you unpin.

How to Pin a Post:

To pin a post, click on pencil icon that appears in upper right  corner of your status update. Once you have selected the pencil icon, select “Pin to Top.”

How to Unpin a Post:

Click on the pencil icon in the top right corner of  pinned/choose the “unpin” option.

Come back often to see more tips and suggestions to help you master using Social Media to build your Isagenix downline.

 

 

 

 

 

Are You A Homemaker Looking For A Part Job? Perhaps Networking Marketing Is Right For You

My Isagenix Stash

Was in one of my Facebook groups the other night reading posts when I came across something that I did not know...seems that women make up the lions share of people involved in network marketing, and they ARE VERY GOOD AT IT.  

It was not something I had given much thought to, but once I read this fact, wondered first why it was that women make up a larger percentage of the people in this industry, and what makes them so good at.  A bit of research indicates the following explanations on why women are great networking marketers.

1. Women are good listeners, and better at relationship building than men are.  These skills allow them to really understand their customers and their needs.

2. Women's intuition...seriously, without having all the facts women have an innate ability to determine what a customer is thinking, and whether or not someone is a great prospect to be an associate.

3.  Women are more willing to learn...a man will drive around for hours rather than stop and ask for directions, while a woman is much more willing to ask for help, which makes them better at learning the in's and out's of network marketing.

4.  Women as a general rule make most of the buying decisions in a home...they seek out information about the products they are considering bringing into the home, and want personal recommendations from friends who have experience or knowledge about a product.

5.  Women really like the flexibility of schedule that being a network marketer affords them.

6.  Women are really good at finding consensus, which (IMO) make them much better at building a team (downline) than are men.

Sure there are other reasons that make women great at network marketing, but these really struck a cord in my own mind.  So, if you are a woman, and you have been looking into network marketing, if you have been wondering if it is the right opportunity for you, would love to explain the Isagenix business model to you, and introduce you to their wonderful line of products.

Drop me an email at Isagenix Guru, or call me at (845)346-6523

Do You Know Someone Who Personifies the "Heart Of Isagenix"

In the middle of my 2 day Deep Cleanse, thinking about everything I have experienced in the past thirty days of my 30 Day Cleanse, waiting on my product that was delayed due to Hurricane Sandy I decided to sign into my Isagenix backroom and see what was in my in box...two alerts, so openned them up and found out that Isagenix is looking for nominations for their "Heart of Isagenix" recognition.  Thought I would post the press releasae/note here so that anyone who sees it who thinks of someone deserving can act on those feelings. 

 

As for myself...nominating my coach Andrea Hameed who, IMO, truly represents every facet of what makes Isagenix such a wonderful company, product and family.

 

Heart of Isagenix

 

Monday, November 5th, 2012

Tell Us Who Has the “Heart of Isagenix”

 

It’s time to show your appreciation for that leader you know who epitomizes Isagenix®. Do they serve and help others; hold open meetings and honor their team members’ achievements? If so, then it’s time to nominate them for our special “Heart of Isagenix” award. (Vote only once though, please!)

 

Here’s what we’re looking for in this special person:

• Goes out of their way to help and inspire others to reach new heights
• Clearly sets organizational direction and purpose within their team
• Displays and reflects unique strengths, culture, values and beliefs that align with the Isagenix mission
• Helps everyone believe that they are part of something bigger than themselves by being a part of Isagenix
• Truly pays attention to people and honors others’ achievements
• Holds open meetings and regularly volunteers to train with Isagenix so they are not only helping their team members, but everyone in Isagenix as a whole
• Communicates regularly and challenges others all while growing in cycles and rank advancements
• Supports and attends Isagenix events regularly including Celebration, New Year Kick Off and Isagenix University

 

So, if a certain leader or team member just came to mind who truly exemplifies the Heart of Isagenix award, please send your nomination to Recognition@IsagenixCorp.com with their name and where they are from. Please be sure to include your name and ID number along in the email.

 

Voting for Heart of Isagenix ends December 10, 2012 and the winner will be announced at our 2013 “Focus on Your Future” New Year Kick Off!

 

Want to know who else will be recognized on stage at New Year Kick Off? Check it out on NewYearKickOff.com’s “Recognition” page.

My Isagenix Journey...A Review On This My 30th Day Of The Cleanse!

Cannot believe it has been some 36 or so days since I was introduced to Isagenix through the incredible testimonial of Andrea Hameed who had/has lost/shed/purged an incredible 130 plus pounds while become a healthier happier person.  For some reason, her story awakened a desire in me to address some of my own health/energy issues, to give the Isagenix program (lifestyle) a chance.

 

The Road To Change Starts With One Step

When I made the decision, became a member (associate), and placed my first order, I was skeptical, but I also knew I had to do something to effect some serious changes.  I was lethargic, overweight with my weight bouncing between 193-205 pounds depending on how many snack cakes, cookies and boxes of poptarts were in my cupboard (late night grazer here), almost all the weight on my gut as people made remarks about my budda belly, and occassionally asking me how far along I was.  Too be honest, all of this, the direction of my life also had me a bit depressed and I was becoming a bit of a recluse, finding it easier to spend more time inside, and less time outside interacting with the world.

 

My product arrived, and I was committed to give it 30 days...had/have even entered the "Isa Body Challenge" contest, learning later on in the month that in doing so, I had made a committment to myself that would last far more than 30 days...in hindsight, it was/is as it should be...permanent positive changes require permanent modifications in how we live, and how we nurture our mind, body and soul.  I looked at the pictures I took for that challenge this morning, and WOW does not do justice to the so very visible changes, let alone the changes I feel in myself that are not so visible to the naked eye.

 

Some of the big changes happening?

 

1.  I am exercising...Hurricane Sandy slowed that down a bit, but once this post is up, and I have showered am grabbing my camera and going out for a BRISK five mile walk this morning.

2.  My energy levels are way up.

3.  Not sure what my total body inches lost are going to be when I take them tomorrow, but A LOT comes to mind. 

4.  Not only am I fitting into shirts and sports coats I could not wear, but am being able to COMFORTABLY button them.

5.  Have lost/shed/purged weight...I am in the second day of a Deep Cleanse (third this month), and it looks like I will officially end this fast under 180 pounds...a weight I have not seen in at least ten years.

6.  Cannot explain it, but I look healthier.  Face is thinner, skin looks better and has a glow to it, and things like my finger and toe nails look healthier and feel stronger.

 

The other great things...people in my daily life are noticing the changes, commenting on them and that is giving me a chance to talk about the product that has/is effecting those changes...in short, I have become a product of the product, have become a walking billboard for Isagenix every time I walk out my door...that is pretty cool.  I feel more confident...it is easy to pretend things like a bulging budda belly don't bother you, to make jokes about it yourself, but it does bother you, clothes that are too tight, that seem accentuate the weight that needs to be lost bother you, and all that takes a toll on the self confidence, and in hindsight starts steamrolling down a dark road toward an ever deepening self loathing and depression...30 days into my Isagenix Journey (thanks to the support, help and encouragement of so many) sees me rounding a bend to woods that are thinning out, a beautiful meadow just up ahead, the sky brightening as its rays kiss the flowers growing along the roadway's edge.

 

Looking forward to the end of my first 30 days on Isagenix, and the arrival of my next 30 day supply of a product I just love having in my life.

 

Some special thank you mentions to many of my Isa friends on Facebook

 

Andrea Hameed my coach, and Elisabeth Anderson who is a GREAT MENTOR.

Jim Rhoades who took time out from a meal with friends to speak to a friend of mine who's dog has cancer.

 

Laurie Kelley, Annamaria Longfellow, She She Killough, Kelly LeBlanc, Gregory Valiquette,  Amy Austin, Rick Reynolds (great emails...you should sign up for them and his cleanse team),Deborah Yaffee, Randy J Dunbar, Jo-Ann DiLorenzo, Phil Zulli, David Kamnitzer, Kjersti Cote and everyone else who has shared their wisdom and cheered me along my path these 30 days. 

 

It was with your support, each of you as cheerleader who has it made it not only possible, but much easier for me to be sitting here today looking at the path of the past 30 days with a smile on my face, and a glow in my heart.

Sunday Morning Shake...Thinking On Body Challenge

Sitting here about to get seriously motivated and drinking down my morning shake, and was looking around on the internet and came across an Isagenix article that shares 20 TIPS for those of us competing in the Isagenix Body Challenge, and thought I would share those tips here for my readers.

20 Tips to Becoming an IsaBody Challenge™ Winner

Try these easy tips to keep you on track to reaching your health and weight-loss goals this year and inch your way closer to becoming a winner. (full article)

1. Set Goals — Visualize how you want to look and feel. Set a realistic goal and go for it. Don’t look at the overall picture or you will get overwhelmed. Develop smaller goals along the way, whether it’s losing a certain amount of weight each month or fitting into those skinny jeans you haven’t been able to wear in months.
2. Stay Positive — Identify the crutches that can interfer with your success. Turn negative thoughts into positive ones or they will hold you back. Create positive affirmations, write them down and read them daily. Feed yourself with positive information such as listening to the coaching calls on the challenge Web site and reading motivating books. Eliminate excuses like lack of time, the expense of the products and many others that will just get in the way.
3. Create Visual Reminders —Purchase a pair of jeans or little black dress that you want to fit into and leave them in an area where you’ll see them every day. They’ll help keep you motivated every time you see them.
4. Get Motivated — Think about your family and the people you love most and ask yourself if you want to be there for them in the future. Don’t ever say “I can’t.” Come out of the old view of yourself, and change your mindset. Instead, say “today I can!”
5. Mind Over Matter — Remember that Isagenix is not a diet; it’s about changing your lifestyle and improving your health. Don’t procrastinate. Be willing to make sacrifices and it will happen. Write your dreams down and believe in them. No one can make you feel bad about yourself unless you let them.
6. Recruit a Friend — Try an Isagenix system with your spouse or friend. Sharing the experience will help bring you closer together. Recruit your friends or family to join the challenge with you so you can work together.
7. Make it a Family Experience — Incorporate Isagenix into your family lifestyle. Encourage your kids to try IsaLean® Shakes to improve their health as well.
8. Stick to the Rules — Follow the systems as intended. Don’t micromanage yourself in the process. Use the products every day the way they are intended. Be 100-percent committed.
9. Get Moving — Exercise regularly. The more you do it, the better you’ll feel. Don’t work out hard; work out smart. Have fun doing it. You can still watch the baseball game, but do it from a treadmill at the gym or at home. For extra energy before your workout in the morning, take Ionix® Supreme when you first wake up and then have your IsaLean® Shake after your workout.
10. Stay the Course — If you mess up one day and eat something that isn’t good for you, just keep going and don’t give up. Don’t sabotage your efforts; just get back on track. If you hit a weight-loss plateau, work a little harder to make up for it.
11. Eat Healthy — Cut processed and sugary foods from your diet because they’ll only drag you down. Stay away from soda and coffee. Fill up on fruits, vegetables and other Isagenix products. Make your meal decisions healthy ones. Keep healthy food on hand, like a bowl of assorted fresh fruits, but only one of each. The color and variety will keep you satisfied. Buy things like meat in bulk and wrap and freeze them individually so you can pull them out and enjoy the right portion size.
12. Don't Give Into Peer Pressure — Don’t let pressure to eat out with your friends or others keep you from reaching your goals. Learn to say “no” and modify your plans so they don’t revolve around food. If you eat out, find the healthiest options on the menu. Don’t skip out on enjoying special occasions—just plan in advance for them. If you’ll be attending a wedding at the end of the month and you want to enjoy the meal, save up your calories for it and work out extra hard.
13. Reward Yourself — Reward yourself along the way. Do something for yourself that makes you happy and healthy. Go shopping. There’s nothing like trying on new clothes and seeing how much your body has changed to inspire you to work even harder. Give yourself permission to cheat once in a while. The body needs the break occasionally. Just cheat responsibly and make it the exception, not the norm.
14. Stay on Schedule — Develop a rhythm and stick with it. Be consistent. Just try the products for 30 days — you have nothing to lose, but some weight.
15. Get Support — Ask your family and friends for support. There are plenty of people out there who want to encourage you and help you to succeed. Connect with other challenge people. Reach out and ask for help, listen, and use the information you receive. Trust your coach. They’ve been though the same thing. Get to know your team, and ask them to hold you accountable.
16. Product Tips — Try all of the products and don’t give up on them if you have a hard time at first with the taste. As you improve your nutrition, the flavors will taste different. Incorporate IsaDelight™ on your Cleanse Days; it makes cleansing so much easier.
17. Shake it Up — Start with daily IsaLean® Shakes. They’re exactly what your body needs, especially when you’re busy and don’t have time to make breakfast in the morning. Try adding a little bit of seasonal fresh fruit to your daily shake to give your routine some variety and a little extra flavor.
18. Cleanse Days — If you’re hungry on Cleanse Days, you should have a little something. A small handful of almonds can often do the trick. When you get an urge to eat a snack or treat, brush your teeth to get rid of the craving. Keep yourself busy. Watch your favorite TV show to keep your mind off of food and cleansing. Get a manicure or pedicure to relax.
19. Track Your Progress — Take monthly measurements to track your progress and stay motivated. Taking your measurements is vital. There will be times when the numbers on the scale don’t change, but your measurements will. Don’t be discouraged when you don’t see results overnight. Keep at it.
20. Take Advantage of Available Resources — Take advantage of the support tools that are available within your team and through Isagenix. Attend Isagenix events to connect with people. Stay informed by listening to team calls, attending Isagenix events, trainings and tuning into Webinars. They’re goldmines for support and inspiration.

Saturday Morning Isa Update

Been a wonderful Isagenix week here for me. 

In what was a big creative moment for me, got my new Canon L series 100 lens on Monday, and have spent some part of every day since playing with it, seeing what the lens can do, and what it can do just amazes me.  Never have I had the priviledge of using a lens that gives me the clarity and depth of field that this lens gives me.

 

Tuesday and Wednesday did my second Isagenix Cleanse. for Life deep cleanse, and because I remembered to actually eat some of my Isagenix snacks, it was a much easier experience than my first deep cleanse...On Thursday morning I took my body measurements for the first time since going on the program, and the results are miraculous.  I've lost so far 16.5 total body inches, with the largest loss in my gut (Budda Belly).  In just two short weeks...ended the cleanse on my 14th day of my 30 day Isagenix Cleanse, I can see a very noticable change in my body shape, and in the fact that my clothes are already fitting much looser.

 

Some other changes I am noticing...think of it as David Lettermans Top Ten List.

 

1. Noticing that my eyes are sparkling again.
2. My face looks healthier...I get chip munk cheeks when I gain weight, and face is thinning down.
3. My finger and toenails look healthier...more pink, and less brittle.
4. I am getting thinner everywhere.
5. With Isagenix and the exercise I am getting, my body seems to be getting more tone and definition.  Still not BUFF, but seeing tone.
6. Emotionally feeling better about myself, and see myself caring more about how I look and how I present myself to the world.
7. I seem to have more mental clarity, am able to focus better.
8. The Isagenix combined with the water I have been drinking has my bodily functions working better.
9. Find myself exciting and embracing of this new lifestyle...Isagenix is a life/lifestyle choice, not something you pick up and put down.
10. My energy levels are WAY UP!

Going to go back in my post today and see how I am doing on the goals I set for myself, and already know that if I get my stationary bike ride in today, have hit one of my most important goals of the week, which was to bike or hike at least 5 out of the 7 days in the week...so, as I stated, has been just a fabulous Isagenix week.  One thing I want to fucus in on more, is KNOWING THE PRODUCT, and how to best share it with friends, family and strangers.  Everyone have a great day.

First Day of Deep Cleanse Coming To End

My coach has me doing a five-two-five-two program for the first part of my cleanse.  Five days of shots and a shake, a two day Deep Cleanse, then five days of shakes and two days of Deep Cleanse...coming to the end of the first day of my second deep cleanse...just drank my forth installment, and feeling pretty good.  Hungry, so in half an hour after the cleanse and my water are settled, going to treat myself to an Isa Snack. 

I had a decent day...took my new lens out and photographed for several hours today.  A lot of driving (to the point of being almost lost), and a lot of walking.  Would see something, park the car and then walk around to get the shot, including a one mile walk up to our Fire Tower where unfortunately the gate to the tower was locked, so was not able to go to the top which was my plan.  Came home and did some basic editing, and though learning this new lens is going to take some time, got a few shots that I like.

My energy levels are fine today, but noticed this second Deep Cleanse seems to be hitting me a bit harder on the emotional side than the first one.  Best way to describe it, is I just feel and have felt most of the day down, almost but not quite sad, and a bit out of sorts.   Thinking a part of that might have to do with the fact that I ate some foods this weekend that were great on the taste buds, but not overly healthy and am wondering if that might have something to do with it.

Hoping at the end of this cleanse to see my weight under 180 pounds...been at least a decade since my body has seen anything under 180, so fingers are crossed.

Thinking I might crawl into bed early and read a book till I fall off to sleep.

Evening Update...Blog Now Can Be Read In 35 Languages

I don't readily admit it, but am a bit of a Geek here.  I am constantly looking for new gizmos and gadgets that make my blog accessible to a greater audience.  This e vening I decided to try out the Google Language Gadget on this blog...you can find it over on the right side bar just down from the top of page.  Click on the drop down menu and select your language, and instantly the blog is translated into one of 35 languages from around the world.

 

This for me is such exciting news for my Isagenix blog, truly will allow me to share my own journey, and the opportunity that is Isagenix to a world wide audience with the click of a mouse.  Looking at the various countries that Isagenix does business in, looking at the company's potential for world wide expansion, this gadget truly excites me.  Cannot wait to reach a point where I can qualify myself to sign up Associates in foreign nations around the world.

 

In other news of a more personal nature:

 

1.  For those who have my blog since its inception, you'll understand the significance of this...I unburied my bike today, and tomorrow will start making it road ready.

2.  Got my new Canon L series 100-400 MM Zoom lens...WOW, what a lens.  Did take one picture with it...shared above, but it poured down rain ALL DAY, so it was not the day to be taking such a delicate piece of equipment out in the woods for a few hours.

3.  Getting myself ready for my second two day Deep Cleanse...this time I will remember to eat my Isa Snacks.

Waiting On Camera Lens, Setting Weekly Isagenix Goals

Big thing for me today is waiting on my Canon L series 100-400 MM Zoom lens.  For anyone who is familiar with digital cameras, its arrival is a BIG DEAL for me, and sure you understand it.  So hurry up Fed Ex!  Even though it is raining out, so wanting to get it soon enough to at least go out and play with it a little bit.  

Yesterday, starting laying out a few goals that I am going to further outline below...one of them was to use my stationary bike or go hiking at least five out of the seven days this week starting today and running through Sunday.  This morning I biked, covering 7.11 miles and burning off 166 calories.  My goal is to look at pushing my ride time up to 48 minutes next week.  Putting a nutritious super food like Isagenix into my body is not enough to take me where I want to go...I have to exercise as well.  So, my goals for the week:

1.  Use my stationary bike, or go out hiking (at least five miles) a minimum of five out of the next seven days from October 15-21.

2.  Stick to my Isagenix Routine.

3.  Do my second two day Isagenix Deep Cleanse...this starts tomorrow morning.

4.  Water,,,,drink lots and lots of water each day.  Right now, that means at least 90 ounces each and every day.  As someone who has never been a big water drinker, this is a HUGE ONE for me...so far, have managed it.

5.  Work on my blog more...already put up the new Contact Me page today, and have also put up a page that goes right to my page on the Isagenix website.  So, want to keep working on this, but can check it off and it is ONLY MONDAY.

6.  Keep reading Isagenix group posts, watching Isagenix videos and learning.  Wanting to start putting some of the things I am learning right here on the blog so people have easy access to them.

7.  Continue to work on sharing the Isagenix way of life with my friends.

8.  Unload my car, take care of laundry, and clean the apartment...UGGGG...there is a full morning or afternoon's work.

9.  Get my LeMond (a real bike) out, put air in the tires and get it road ready.

10.  Since I cannot afford a personal trainer, do some online research on what it is I need to do to get in shape, do set goals, and come up with a workout routine.

I think that is a good list of ten goals for the week.

What Isagenic Can Do For You..."Jill's Birth" Video Needs No Words

Rarely am I speechless, and rarely is there a "You Tube" video that needs no words of explantion...I was just friend-ed by Jill Birth on Facebook, and feel honored...especially after watching her transformation video on You Tube, seeing what Isagenix has helped her too achieve...as a newbie to Isagenix, as a person wanting to have my own transformation, could not ask for a more awe inspiring video to help boost my own ego as I begin my journey.  If have landed in my little space here on the internet, if you are wanting to lose weight, or are just looking for some inspiration as you effect change in your life, watch her video...it will bring tears to your eyes...tears of both understanding, sadness, and in the end, tears of joy and celebration.  To Jill, thanks for accepting my friend request, and for sending me the note that had a link to your beautiful transformational video.  I on my eleventh day in Isagenix watched that video with tears and my eyes, and look forward to the day when I can look at my own before and after pictures...thanks for the beautiful share.

Sunday Thoughts, and Isagenix Challenge Update

Sitting here mid-afternoon on Sunday looking over the past week amazed at everything that is going on, proud of what I have accomplished, but also wanting to keep my eye on the ball and set new goals for the week and months ahead.  There is no denying that my first ten plus days on Isagenix have changed me in ways I cannot yet measure, though some changes are noticeable.

1.  Highly elevated levels of energy.

2.  Twelve pounds of lost weight.

3.  I look (and feel) healthier.

4.  Seem to be more focused and on some level more goal oriented...IE, worked out in some fashion 7 out of my first ten days on the program...if I get my stationary bike ride in today, 8 out of 11.

At times, caution is the word of the day.  When I look at my gut and realize I still need to lose at least 20-25 more pounds, it is easy to see doubt wanting to creep in and I pull myself back to the here and now with the old adages of "Rome wasn't built in a day" and "Take it one day at a time".  Today I am on program, today I got some exercise, today I drank the required amount of water to both hydrate and cleanse my body.  Each of these are small daily victories that I need to celebrate on what is a journey of not days, but months, even perhaps years as I embrace and move into a new life and lifestyle, one of being a healthy and happy human being.

On the subject of celebrating (and looking ahead) should celebrate my victories over this past week, some of which are identical to things listed above.

1.  Began using Isagenix...actually started the week before when the product arrived.

2.  Took my body measurements, and entered (at urging of my coach) the Isagenix Body Challenge...more on that shortly.

3.  Lost both inches and pounds this week.

4.  Completed a two day Deep Cleanse.

5.  Walked a total of ten miles this week, and rode my stationary bike another 35...this last one really excites me.

My Contest Before Picture

The Body Challenge was a tough decision, and requires a lot of long term commitment...first example, is entering the challenge locks me in, commits me to dedicating myself over to Isagenix, listening to my coach and getting myself in better shape for a period of not just a few weeks, but for a period of 90 days, three months...longer when you read the fine print in the contest rules and see you are required to maintain what you have gained if you finish your duties before the contest ends which I believe is in June of 2013. (If you are going to enter anything, it helps to read the rules...I read them last night, then copied and pasted them into an email to myself so I can refer back to them as I move forward.)

Being on Isagenix for three months is the easy part...I am committed to that.

The rules make it clear that the challenge involves not just losing weight, but actually getting in shape, becoming a healthier person, and this means exercising, working out, training even.  They suggest getting a personal trainer...that is not within my reach right now, so need to look to plan B...TRAIN MYSELF.  Tough one, as to do that, I need a CLUE.  Yes, I know getting on the stationary bike or going out for a five mile walk/hike is a good start, but that is not really training.  Did stop in my travels this weekend to purchase two eight pound weights...people getting in shape, training, always seem to do weight training, so it seems like a good idea on my part.  In the movie Rocky, he was always running up and downstairs...I've not ran in years, let alone ran up stairs!

Can you tell by now I am far from a personal fitness trainer?  So, consider this a call for help...if any of you are personal trainers, or have worked with a personal trainer, would LOVE SOME SUGGESTIONS in the comments section down below.  In the meantime, later today and into tomorrow going to start letting my mouse do the walking as I start trying to come up with some kind of a training program to go along with what Isagenix is doing for me.

There are other things in the rules...IE, a 200-500 word essay on how Isagenix is positively changing your life.  I got time to fuss, fret and worry about that one later.  We can supplement our essay with a video...my first thought...OMG, I need a video camera, and a film crew (can one volunteer friend constitute as a film crew?).  AS my mind reels in a thousand different directions, I remember...FOCUS on today, set your goals and move forward ONE DAY AT A TIME.

So, that being said, as far as the contest is concerned going to commit to the written word a few simple goals for this coming week.

1.  Stay on Isagenix, and complete my second two day Deep Cleanse.

2.  Walk or ride my stationary bike at least 5 out of the next seven days.

3.  Do some research into personal fitness, and begin laying out a fitness plan for myself that respects where I am right now, while also pushing me to attain specific goals in the weeks to come.

Hope everyone is having a great Isagenix Sunday.