Detox Day 12

Here's My Story ... Sad But True

I was probably 10 pounds overweight when I began to experience the thrills of menopause!  When my period stopped, the hot flashes hit me like a marshmallow over an open fire.  So, I began HRT and the weight began to pack on, almost right before my eyes.  After six months, I had shockingly gained almost 20 pounds.  With 30 pounds to lose, I desperately looked for a diet and exercise plan to help me.

I tried several, but none of them gave me the results I wanted.  It was painful checking the scale, week after week, with no movement.  Even though I was following the plan very carefully, with very little cheating, I'd lose about one pound per month.  So, when one plan fizzled out, I became frustrated and quit.  Then, I'd gain a couple pounds and try another plan.  However, to my surprise, I discovered I enjoyed exercising.  For me, it was just finding the right program that made me want to come back for more.

After almost 3 years and quitting HRT, I finally lost my 30 pounds.  It was a long, hard battle, but I had won.  Or, so I thought.   About a year ago, I began having trouble with my knee.  It would swell up, and click when I walked.  For a while, I layed off of exercising.  But, when I resumed, the swelling and clicking began.  Then, it got so bad that I had to have my knee drained.  Yuck!

My doctor told me there was no tear, but the knee cap was jagged.  So, he recommended that I stop doing lunges, squats, and repetitive movements.  Well, for me, that's when exercising became dull, and I lost interest.  Pretty soon, I starting eating poorly, and you guessed it, I gained weight.

Finally, out of desperation, I went back to the doctor 6 months later.  And, a second MRI showed a tear, and I had surgery last November.  Once I finished therapy in early January, I was looking for another diet plan and found Suzanne Somers.  Her plan made sense to me.  Prior to starting I weighed myself, as I had been avoiding it for many months.  That's denial at it's best.  To my horror, and shock, I had gained all of those hard-earned 30 pounds back.

Like many of you, I know I have an uphill battle.  So, I'm really hoping this plan makes a difference, and decided to share my journey with women who have experienced the same kind of set-backs.  Mainly due to being over 40.  I invite you to take the ride with me, as I'd love some company.

Today's eating plan - Today is an easy day, as all of my meals are leftovers.  Yeah!  No prep work or dirty pots and pans.

Breakfast - A fruit smoothie using 1-1/2 cups of fruit and a splash of juice.

AM Snack -   I always seem to be hungry for this snack after having my delicious fruit smoothies for breakfast.  But, that's what these snacks are for, so I one oz. of cheese.

Lunch - Leftover turkey burgers from Day 8, and a side salad.

PM Snack - 10 skinless almonds seasoned with sea salt and vinegar.

Dinner - Leftover ginger chicken from Day 10 and steamed asparagus, seasoned with Montreal Chicken Grill Mates by McCormick.

Beverages:  fell short today; six 8-ounce glasses of water and a cup of Sleepy Time Tea.