I am writing this blog post in response to Miss Theresa's "Hero's" post from earlier today. I tried to write it as a comment at the bottom of that post, but, it got too long, and wouldn't let me post it! So, I created this new post.
Jennifer May 2011
Started program: June 2, 2011
Starting size: 18-20
Current size: 6
Jennifer (left) July 2011
Boy, did my second year anniversary with Julie quietly approach! No pomp and circumstance like the first year, where you say "HEY! I AM STILL HERE!" I haven't "died" from eating just meat and vegetables, I am still healthy (you know a lot of people look upon us as if we are going to get sick if we do this long enough, or at least that has been my experience.....), and there is quite the rush of remembering the momentous occasion-I DID IT!
Jennifer March 2013 (right) Susan (left) is another hero story we're hoping to see here!
No, the second year just kind of shows up. Like a 3rd wedding anniversary, or a 22nd birthday. At least here it did.

The whole year has been quiet! Not much has been too exciting in my world, as I have settled in to just "living my life." For those of you who don't remember much about me-I started June 2, 2011 with Julie, a size 18-20 with high blood pressure and pre-diabetes, and by December 2011 I was an 8. I thought I would be happy there, but, I needed one more size.

So, I did a refresher with Julie, and by February 2012 I was in a 6-8. More 6 than 8. WooHoo! I had done it! When June 2, 2012 rolled around, I enjoyed my 1 year anniversary-wrote a post on here-did a jig, danced a dance, ate some lobster and steak-said many "thank you, thank you, thank you's" to Julie (I still am!) and my friends and family-especially the new friends that I met through Julie.
Jennifer in the September 22, 2012 Warrior Race
How did a year of eating meat and veggies and the occasional potato or popcorn come and go? How did that happen?!?!?! It seemed to be the FASTEST year of my life!!!!
Jennifer June 2013
NOW WHAT?!?!?!!

The soul searching continues....I am still a work in progress.....what do I want now? Where am I going? How do you stay motivated with eating meat and vegetables???? Is this it? Am I continuing on? Do I want to gain weight and get high blood pressure again? Do I want to eat a Snickers bar? Do I want to eat pancakes???? Am I going to be a statistic and gain all of my weight back???? Do I? Do I? Do I????????

The answer is a resounding NO.......

Year two involved a few more refreshers, all the while continuing to follow Julie's plan-both in the river and a little out of the river with potato and then popcorn. I had a slip up in August 2012 when I went off the deep end with the popcorn and half-and-half in my coffee. Freaked me out. Back to Julie I went, and she set me straight.

Things quieted down after that, much to my relief. Then I decided to see Julie (along with 5 others who I knew through FB or this blog) on April 4th, 2013, a week after having breast reduction surgery; poor girls-they were deflated balloons! (sorry if that is TMI) Because of my new boobs, I decided that I needed to "fit into my size 6's better". With Julie's help, I quietly stepped back into the river, and I have been "doing my thing" since. I decided to spend a year in the river working on "getting rid of old fat", something Julie talked about at my most recent refresher. And I am very happy doing it, I might add! (A new thing with my weight loss came the feeling that I like challenges-setting goals, and then seeing them through. A beginning, a middle, and an end.)

I like being in the river. I know a lot of you have been able to "bend the rules" a bit-I have seen it written here and on the FB page (which I have chosen to step away from) about people "eating something they shouldn't, doing 3 hard days, and being 'just fine': continuing to lose weight, not having cravings, motoring along like nothing happened or changed". I don't trust myself to do that. I did that my whole life, and failed miserably. I know some of you viewed my discussions with those that were able to do so on FB as "being judgmental", but, in my eyes, I was more jealous than anything. How can (fill in the blank) go eat pizza, eat a chocolate bar, whatever, and then do "3 hard days" and carry on like they never stopped meat and veggies?!?!?! Why can't I? WHINE WHINE WHINE!

I apologize to anyone who took my jealousy as being judgmental. That was not my intention. Jealousy is an ugly demon. It springs up and spits words out of my mouth, and then is followed by remorse and regret. I have had to "move on" with those envious thoughts. They don't make anyone healthy, and nothing good comes from them. I am back to worrying more about me in a healthy way, trying to work on me so I can become a better person on this earth, not one who is seen as judgmental or envious. I do not want those adjectives describing me!!!! I have accepted that there are people out there that can jump in and out of the river and have no repercussions. I can't be jealous or envious. That doesn't help you or me. It is what it is! I tip my hat to you! And I apologize again.

I chose to quietly let year number two pass by. I did a little "self-hypnosis" today, shed a little tear, thought back to where I was, and then decided "enough of that". I am going to focus on who I am going to be today, and eventually tomorrow. If any of you see me as a "hero", then I tip my hat to you as well!

We all have many diverse reasons for having seen Julie. Some have done extremely well-I am indeed humbled by them-I am inspired and happy for watching the journeys they have been on. They too are in different stages of  working on  "Now What"?????? If I have somehow helped with my rantings in a positive way, then I am humbled. To me, it's a journey that I haven't minded sharing. Especially if someone takes away a positive feeling and uses it to better themselves.

Recommitting, rejuvenating, relaxing-These are the powerful adjectives that I prefer to keep in my vocabulary now-It has been wonderful working on letting go of the negative words that I used to describe myself with....."dropping the rock" as a friend's of mine with a different addiction expressed once. Happy to let it go. A wonderful reminder of where I was. But, I am happier not carrying it anymore.
Jennifer May 2011 (left) and Dec. 2012 (right)
Here's to year 3!


Read more Hero stories... or share your story - send me an email by clicking on my name (Theresa) on the bottom of the list of contributors in the left column of any page.
June 02, 2013
I'm a movie buff. I especially love movies with heroes who inspire me to change my life and the lives of those around me. What happens to all that inspirational energy when the lights come on? Can we tap into inspiration and use it as a motivator to make real-life change? I believe we can.
Self portrait at Cinecitta, Italy's Hollywood, May 2013
After the movie ends, I walk out to my car, and in the minutes, days, or weeks that follow, I  share what inspired me with my friends, I encourage them to see the movie, so they too will be feel inspired.

My goal for this blog is similar: to inspire you to tap into the inspirational energy of those successfully following Julie's program. I've shared my weight loss stories for 2 1/2 years, and as I walk the path toward my goal size, with 101 blog followers, I want to share more than my story. It's time to move the lens away from me and turn it towards you.

You are a Hero

Your weight loss journey makes you a hero. In fact, there are people around you who see you as their hero, even if they are too shy to tell you. I want to create a series of stories on this blog, so we can help inspire others to start (or continue) this weight loss journey.
Storyboard at Cinecitta, Italy
If you're willing to share your story with me, contact me by posting a comment at the bottom of this page with your name and email (I won't publish your details to the blog) and I'll be in touch.
Script at Cinecitta, Italy
It's my dream, that there will be so many responses that I will still be posting stories as I learn how to maintain my goal size and beyond. But, I get ahead of myself when creativity strikes, so I won't make any promises of what is to come. I know there are tons of heroes out there who don't see themselves this way, so know this: if you've followed Julie's program, regardless of how far along in your journey you are, you have a story to tell and I'd love to help you tell it. (My creativity is on fire today!)

Share your story with the rest of us, as these heroes did:
Those of you who are new to the program - please encourage your heroes to contact me. Or, tell their story for them, with or without names and photos (pleas ask them if it's okay to post their photos first). Come on, you know some one who inspired you - share their story!
June 02, 2013
While in Rome, I became painfully aware of just how much I've slacked off from the walking and jogging routine I had established. Last Thanksgiving I injured my shoulder and after two months of physical therapy, I never resumed the exercise routine I had maintained for over a year. That lack of exercise ended this week. I'm back in the gym and I have renewed my focus to keep active. My European friends have active lifestyles and they were a great role model for me.
Theresa walking in France (I couldn't find one of me walking in Italy)
I walked, and walked, and walked, all over Rome during the week visiting my friend Mary. I've known Mary since I was six years old and we've stayed in touch all these years. I visit her in Long Beach almost every year and we've done a lot of traveling over the years. I was disappointed to hear her tell me she thought I was in better shape in Dec. 2011 when we traveled to Washington, DC., but she was right. The week before we caught a train from RI to DC, I had run a 5k. This past December, I turned down the 5k race for medical reasons. But I've been done with PT since Feb., so I've no more excuses.
This was the first part of the steps up to Mary's apartment
My legs ached every night when I was in Rome and at the end of each day, we climbed some 50 plus steps to her apartment. Then I got up again and did it all again the next day. My pain motivated me to return home and resume my workouts and to make my life more active than ever before.
ancient ruins of Ostia Antica
We walked fast and for hours, as we saw the highlights of Rome: Coliseum, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, Piazza Navarone, Villa Borghese, Napoleon Museum, St. Peter's Square, Vatican City, and after walking for hours through the ancient ruins of Ostia Antica, we did some beach combing along the shores of the Mediterranean.
This castle is outside the Ostia Antica ancient ruins
Mary and I took a 2-hour fast train to Assisi, which is a preserved Renaissance town on a hill in the middle of the country. At Assisi, we took a side trip: a 3 mile walk in the woods, which was so relaxing - the cool breeze, the dappled sunlight, the birdsong, the bells in the distance, and a new vista around every corner.
Mary and Theresa at Assisi
While trekking through the woods (shown below), we passed by a small group of "mature" hikers from Holland who were hiking from Rome to Florence. They were 50-70 years old and not a one of them looked a bit out of breath, even though they were walking up a steep hill as we passed them. They were inspirational!
This part of the 3-mile walk we dubbed "drunken woods." 
Mary and I had some great laughs during our visit. For some reason my limited Spanish vocabulary started surfacing and I made up my own international language: "Parlez-vous English? Buena!" Mary tells me that because I was so sincere and good-natured in my efforts to communicate that people took to me kindly. Throughout all our treks in Italy, Mary would turn and smile at me and say, "So who would have imagined when we were teenagers back in Rhode Island that we'd ever be seeing Rome together? Just goes to show, you never know where life will lead you."

At the bottom of the hill, we were rewarded by a beautiful scene (see below), looking back up to where we started. This of course meant we would be walking up hill all the way back. We knew this before we started the hike and it was worth every step, knowing we would reach the town and walk for a few more hours before catching the train back to Rome.
Look how beautiful - oh - and how much further we have to walk!
We don't know where life if going to take us, but I do know I want be as active and healthy as my European friends. Now that I'm home, I'm looking online at Meetup for a people in my area (including RI and CT) who have an established walking group. I may even start my own meetup group! I'll let you know how this works out for me.  Meanwhile, it feels good to be back in the gym!

BTW, if you click on one of the photos, you'll see the images larger and you'll have the option to view each of the photos that size at the bottom of the page.

May 29, 2013
TJ left this message on a post on Before Your First Session (May 8, 2012). I'm reposting her comment here so more of you can see this and provide feedback.
Anxiously waiting for my first appointment. I'm a bit "head-strong" and am hoping she can "get through to me"!!! I'm desperate for this life-change. 
Diabetes and heart disease are just a few miles down the road I'm on now. I need to drop 50 pounds. 
Your posts are encouraging, as nothing else I've tried has ever worked.
Tj, I'm excited for you that you are on the list to see Julie and that you're willing to do this program. As you know from my posts and others contributing to this blog, this program is nothing like anything you've ever done before. It's good that you see this as a life-change, because your life is about to change.
Best to you in your journey ahead.

You're welcome to post comments here to keep us updated on your progress. You too can be a success story who motivates others!
May 28, 2013
My European vacation offered me the opportunity to confirm that I own this program. I had opportunities with each meal to decide how I want to live my life. I chose to live life in balance and to follow the program as Julie taught me.
Tea with my friends; I declined the chocolates.
In the photo above, the sisters (Andrea took the photo) and I enjoyed the one day it was warm enough to sit out front of Andrea's house (in France). We enjoyed a pot of hot tea; I declined on the chocolates. I was amazed how they eat chocolate every day and still keep in good shape. I also realized it's not my fate to indulge this way; daily sweets led to my obesity. As they enjoyed these afternoon treats, I pushed away thoughts of indulging; "tap it away" Julie would say.

I arrived in Amsterdam on a Sunday morning and 24 hours later Helena and I were on a flight to the south of France. After a week at her sister's, we returned to Helena's home where I enjoyed three full days in Delft before I headed to Rome. We spent one day partying with all of Delft, as Queen Beatrice abdicated the throne.
While in Delft, I continued to enjoy life like a local, as we did in France. We went out for coffee in Delft a few times and the day before I left Holland, we went to my favorite place Café Vlietzicht.
Café Vlietzicht
Café Vlietzicht has a variety of places to sit, including an anchored boat, which is where I love to sit. It was so cold that we needed our to keep our jackets on as we listened to the call of birds across the water, watched ducks and sailboats sail by, and enjoyed our coffee.
Scene sitting at Café Vlietzicht
By this time  in my vacation, I was used to giving the cookies they placed on the plate next to the coffee to Helena, as I had done this the whole time while we were visiting her sister in France. This was the "cultural experience" her brother-in-law felt sad that I was "missing" out on - going to wonderful café's and not have the special treats. I didn't feel sad at all, as I've had enough sweets to last me a lifetime.

I have a couple more posts about my vacation that I'll finish and then move on, but I wanted to share photos and talk about my food choices and lessons learned along the way. I hope to help you to think about how you'll handle your vacations.

Two years ago, after a couple months of following Julie, I was going to southern California for vacation and I was nervous about how I would handle my vacation and stay one program, so I went for a refresh. I didn't go for a refresh because I was off program and needed help, but because I wanted reinforcement to stay on program during my vacation. It was wonderful to take this European trip confident that I would stay on program and returning more confident than ever that I own this program. I made choices I feel good about, as I applied what I learned from Julie.

It's been two weeks since I've been home and I feel great, but I've slacked off on my walking. After all that walking, walking, walking that I did in Rome, I've gone in the opposite direction. I can blame this on the fact that I bought a Smart TV a few days after I returned, but there's no good reason for me not to walk daily. I'll write more about walking in Rome in my next post and about how I got back into walking  again. Mind you-this is an affirmation, as I type this has not happened yet!

Meanwhile, here are some more photos I took while celebrating Queens Day in Delft. We watched the actual ceremonies on TV at Helena's, and went into Delft to join in the festivities and then again for dinner. It was wonderful to partake in a part of history that I would have missed entirely had  been at home.
What's a party without music?
The children joined in the celebration too!
Helena enjoyed the celebration too.
The town of Delft was full of treasures for sale too.
Yes, it was this cold. Yes, I still need to lose weight!
And what's a celebration without a clown?

 
May 28, 2013
If this is a dream, I do not want to wake up!!!

Let me continue sleeping, this is such a wonderful dream!!!!

I wasn't going to post about this, but decided I have posted about all the other times, so WHY NOT!!!

I want you all to look at my skirt!!

YUP, just look at it!!!

What size do you think that skirt is?

Come on now, what size?

I'll give you a hint:


DID YOU HAPPEN TO CATCH THAT HINT!!!!!!!!

Let me give you another hint:



May I show you another picture please!!!



I really have nothing more to say as I keep tearing up... an absolute miracle, that about sums it up!!

Julie if you happen to read this post, from my heart, the words Thank You just don't say enough...
May 24, 2013
Linda shared this recipe and I went right home from work today and made it. It's not French cuisine, but i really enjoyed it. It's simple ingredients and easy to make. Be careful that your balance of meat and veggie is good when you make this.
Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls
Ingredients
  • 1 1/2 - 2 pounds lean ground beef
  • 1 tablespoon oil
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1/2-3/4 cabbage, chopped
  • 2 cans (14.5 ounces each) diced tomatoes
  • 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
Preparation
  1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. 
  2. Add the ground beef and onion and cook, stirring, until ground beef is no longer pink and onion is tender. 
  3. Add the garlic and continue cooking for 1 minute.
  4. Add the chopped cabbage, tomatoes, tomato sauce, pepper, and salt. 
  5. Bring to a boil. 
  6. Cover and simmer for 20 to 30 minutes, or until cabbage is tender.
May 22, 2013
While on vacation with my Dutch friend Helena, I spent a few days in Holland and then we went to her sister's farm in France for a week. I had a cottage all to myself and I went to a  car show where you park along the side of the road and watch 200 plus antique cars speed by! We went to the car show in her brother-in-law's 1948 Bentley. Life was good in France.
I stayed in the cottage on the left
The food in France was good too. My friends were accommodating and provided the right foods for me. We went out to eat a few times, but most meals we made together and enjoyed at their beautiful dinner table. When it was warm enough, we ate outside.
We picked these wild flowers on the farm.
Helena and I wanted to treat her sister and brother-in-law to a special dinner to thank them for sharing their home and hospitality. They talked about wanting to go to a special place where the main course is duck, but I don't like duck.
 This is how good 66 and 76 years old looks
One day the sisters and I had lunch out and I took the opportunity to taste Helena's duck. A mere two years ago I didn't like meat, but this program changed all that. I figured it was time for me to give duck a try. I took a bite and I discovered it was delicious!
Abba restaurant where I had lunch with the sisters

In fact it was at this same meal that I had my first taste of celeriac - from Andrea's plate. She had been worried about what I would have with her beef stew, instead of rice, and after she discovered I liked celeriac she bought some at the fresh market to serve with her stew.
Andrea's beef stew with celeriac, roasted eggplant, and tomatoes

Having confidence in my taste for duck, a few nights later we went to their favorite place for duck. It was an incredible dinner, duck and all.
The main duck course was served on a  platter with roasted veggies. Potatoes are for maintenance.
Top: Andrea and Jen (pronounced "young")
Bottom: Helena and the Chef

 This is where we had our duck dinner
Now that I'm home from my vacation, I'm at a loss for what to eat, as my usual foods taste bland. Before I left I was focusing on switching up my meals to avoid repeating the same meals again and again. It seems my taste buds have changed and the time has come to put these words into action by finding some new recipes.
Coffee served after our duck dinner
Even my home brewed coffee doesn't taste the same to me. I had some wonderful cappuccinos while in Europe. I didn't like cappuccino until this trip, but I am hooked now. I'm not sure if I need to buy a cappuccino machine or just give it a few more weeks for my taste buds to adjust.
Coffee at the fresh market
At our last dinner, Jen commented that it's sad I couldn't have the real cultural experience in France, because I didn't have pastry with my cappuccino a few days earlier, or the first strawberries of the season with them that night. I didn't say anything, because I didn't know where to begin. I understood his meaning, but he didn't understand my way of eating and it seemed futile to try to explain.
Jen may not understand a sugar-less diet, but he sure knows how to drive a Bentley!

I've have had a lifetime of (over) eating sweet things. I know what they taste like. I know what I'm missing. I know this way of eating is how I'm going to reach my goal size and then learn how to maintain my goal size. Someone who has never had a weight problem can't relate to they way I eat or how I became so obese. People who do have weight problems don't always get this either. 

Here's a 15 second video from the car show. Click in the bottom right corner to view it full screen size.
And what's a vacation without a little shopping...Helena and I bought this same blouse and Andrea took a nice photo of the three of us having a good laugh...

May 21, 2013