1 month weigh in!

**clintswifeymomof4** · September 5th, 2010, 03:54 PM

Hi all! I just wanted to check in and report that after 1 month on Phen I have lost 10.7 lbs! To some, that may not seem like a lot but to me- I can see a big difference as I know it is real fat loss and not water weight.

For anyone, new or not, that wants to know how I am doing it- I've made a healthy lifestyle change- not a diet. I am drinking water and nothing else (I actually enjoy it now and don't crave anything else b/c I never drank/liked sodas anyway). I eat foods you would find along the perimeter of the grocery store- i.e. real food and not processed, preserved "food" in a box. I am \basically following the food pyramid eating veggies, fruits, whole grains, dairy full of protein, and only good unsaturated fats. Therefore, the foods I am eating are low in sodium which has made me appear less bloated, bulky, and sluggish. I actually eat all day long- but good, healthy foods in correct portions (I use a scale and measuring cups) and have consistently lost weight.

I have struggled with water weight gain (I gained about 3 pounds earlier this week) that I attribute to my "tom" even though I did not have it (hasn't returned since I gave birth) but someone on here reminded me that I will still have the hormonal changes every month whether or not I start. This made sense to me. I posted when I needed encouragement and I am so glad I did. It helped me stay the course and I am happy to report that I lost that "period" weight plus 1.2 lbs for the week. I couldn't have done it without the motivation I get here and from my husband.

I am exercising about 30 minutes a day and trying to at least get my heart rate up when I can't make a formal workout. I try to do some type of exercise even when I am tired and don't want to.

To make "real" losses- you have to make some lifestyle changes. To maintain those losses- you have to stay the course even when you get discouraged.

I hope this can help someone. The month was going to pass whether or not I made changes... I'm so glad I did because I am in a size 12 now from a 14, feel healthier, and have more energy (lost the Phen buzz after 2 days). I am off to the gym now and to pick up my new Phen **. I can't wait to report my results next month. Remember- little losses add up! Good luck everyone and remember that anything worth having, is worth working for!

**RdmdMom** · September 5th, 2010, 04:08 PM

Congrats!!! That is fantastic! 10.7lbs in a month is an awesome number, they all add up!
I'm so impressed by you, I can barely keep up with two kids (boys: age 3 and almost 5) and you have 5!! Kudos to you!! Thanks for sharing your success and keeping us all motivated!

**BubblyBrunette** · September 5th, 2010, 07:59 PM

That's fantastic Nikki! You sound like you eat the same way I do. I also measure everything. It makes it hard when I eat out though and have found that I really no longer enjoy eating out much at all. I'd rather eat what I make for myself then try to find something that won't be too many calories on menu.

Keep up the great work!!!

**clintswifeymomof4** · September 5th, 2010, 09:06 PM

Thanks Rdmdmom and Bubbly! I used to love going out to eat but like you Bubbly- I'd rather stay in and cook now! Stark difference for us b/c we used to eat out 75% of the time. I forgot how much I enjoyed cooking. I'm trying new spices and looking up tasty, fast, and healthy recipes try.

My husband loves to grill so tonight I am making shish kabobs with lean beef tenderloin (filet mignon), cherry tomatoes, onions, yellow squash, zucchini, mushrooms, and red, yellow, and green bellpeppers. The ingredients are so fresh and bright colored... I was salivating just chopping it up. I bought some small red skinned potatoes, sprayed with an olive oil cooking spray, then sprinkled with a garlic and herb spice blend. They are roasting in the oven. This takes the place of a big baked potato loaded with butter, cheese, bacon, and sour cream.

So with small changes to our favorite foods- we are eating healthier and enjoying bigger, better flavors!

Leftover raw veggies can go on a salad topped with steak tomorrow or roasted in the oven with that same spice blend and used as a side with another meal. We have saved a ton of money not going out and buying better quality food. This lifestyle change is awesome! No boring shakes and bars here! lol