Well, it has been two and a half  weeks since I began the Take Shape For Life Program and I must say, I am ecstatic with the results thus far. Since I began this program on January 7th, I have lost 14 lbs and several inches.  My energy level is higher than it has been in ages and I feel amazing. My mind is focused on the end goal and my willpower has really surprised me. As someone who is always around food and cocktails, I must that I am a bit shocked that I have managed to go two weeks without bread, pasta, flavored coffee creamers, wine or chocolate.  I think the one thing I miss most is my nightly glass (or two) of wine.

I had my first cocktail (ok, cocktails) last Sunday while watching the San Francisco 49ers beat the Dirty Birds. I figured I would treat myself for my hard work and since I was off the next day, why not? I stuck with Grey Goose Pear and club soda to avoid any unnecessary or extra calories.  It tasted divine but after two, I was tipsy.  You are not supposed to drink alcohol on this program so shhhhh, don’t tell anyone.  If you are looking for healthier alternatives when in comes to alcohol, be sure to stick with lower-carb options like vodka and club soda or rum and Diet Coke. It is best to order them single tall so you get more of the mixer. Low calorie beers like Mich Ultra are great and if you want wine go with a nice glass of red or a glass of bubbly.

As for exercise, I have not done much during this initial phase due to the low caloric intake. I do plan on dusting off my running shoes and getting back into the groove because this girl wants to have her chocolate and eat it too! Anyway, time to go make my yummy Mac n’ Cheese for lunch. Yeah, I am sick of it but hey, the results are worth it.  Besides, hot sauce makes everything better!

Well, it is Friday night and all my friends are out sipping on cocktails and eating sinful food. I am home blogging and sipping on ice water. Jealous? You know you are. Well, I wanted to give you all an update on last night’s evening of temptation at Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse. I survived the night without cheating or taking even a sip of vino. I was surrounded by bread, wine, creamy sauces and a decadent piece of carrot cake. None of them made me cheat and I am very proud of myself. Now, I did eat a little more than I was supposed to, but I made sure it was all protein.  I had some fresh Ahi, a salad with roasted beets and a few small pieces of steak. Not exactly on my diet, but I am proud of myself. When I weighed myself this morning, I was ecstatic to see that I have lost 5 lbs. If I can keep this up I should reach my goal in not time.

Do I miss eating normal food? YES! The first two days were rough but by day four, my body had adjusted to the program and I am getting full faster. All I can do is take one day at a time. I do not plan on falling, but if I do, I will pick myself up and keep going.

Well, that is all for tonight, I am wiped out after a long week and too dang tired to type. I promise to be more enchanting tomorrow.

Goodnight dahlings!

Just in time for my fourth day of Take Shape For Life, tonight I am going to be challenged with a media food tasting at Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar. As I sit with fellow food writers, I will be presented with luscious steaks and delicious wine. Can I survive the night without cheating? It is going to be tough but I am determined not to stray from my diet while attending this tasting at one of my favorite restaurants in Tampa. Take a look at this menu: Savor & Sip. Wish me luck, I am going to need it.

All in all I am actually surprised at how well I am doing on this program considering the fact that as a food blogger,  my life revolves around food.  As of last night I had lost 2 lbs in three days, so I am anxious to see where I am at after a week. I will say that I am very impatient when it comes to weight loss and want to hit the gym in addition to the program, however, due to the low caloric intake I need to hold off on any vigorous exercise during this first phase. I also need to stop weighing myself so much and just focus on the weekly results and how my clothes fit.

For anyone out there that is struggling to stick to a program, I do have a few things to share that help me stay on track:

• Water, Water, Water: It is crucial to stay hydrated and drink about 120 oz, if not more, of water each day. Water can get boring so I add packets of True Lemon to give my water some flavor. It tastes great and has many benefits. Before I know it, I have exceeded 120 oz. If you have never tried True Lemon or any of the True Lemon products, I highly recommend them. Check them out here. If you live in Tampa Bay, you can pick some up at Publix.
• Tea: Herbal teas are a great way to curb cravings between meals. While at work, I sip on various teas and they help relax me and take my mind off of hunger. Ice tea is also great, just be sure to only sweeten with Splenda or any other non-aspartame sweetener.
• Inspiration: Post pictures of your weight loss goals everywhere. You need to be reminded of why you are taking this journey and that the end result is a happier and healthier you. I, for example, want to lose 20 lbs no later than my birthday in March and created a Pinterest board filled with images of what I want to achieve.  When I feel like “cheating” I pull up the images on my phone or computer and the urge to cheat goes away.  Check out my board here.
• Reward Yourself: Set milestones for yourself with rewards. I, for example, LOVE champagne and will not have any until I lose my first ten lbs. As soon as I do, I am going to my favorite restaurant and having one glass with a healthy meal. When I reach my goal of twenty lbs, I will be shopping for some new clothes.
• Heat Things Up: Hot sauce is a great way to spice up a bland meal while dieting. I add hot sauce to my steamed veggies and suddenly they are not so boring anymore. You can also try different flavors and discover new spices.

Well darlings, I must get ready to go to Fleming’s. I will be back tomorrow with a full report. Ciao!

Day three has come and gone and I have been faithful to my diet. As of today I am down 2 lbs and am starting to have a lot more energy. I have cravings for bacon and wine but I am ignoring them. One of my favorite things to do after a long day of work is to have a glass of wine while I blog or browse Pinterest. As I type this I am drinking sparkling mandarin water in a champagne glass. I am not sure why but it tastes better in a champagne flute.  Work was tough tonight as I served bacon cheese burgers with sweet potato fries, mac n’ cheese and all types of yummy cocktails. Not sure why but almost every dish I served tonight had bacon in it, which is very cruel to a hungry girl on a diet.

Last night while at dinner with my kids, my son asked why I was not eating any of the complimentary chips served before dinner since he knows I love them. I tried to explain that I am trying to “eat healthy” and avoid certain foods. I opened a can of worms and he began asking a hundred questions, like if I could eat chocolate, or cookies or candy. He then proudly announced to other diners that his mommy was on a diet and really needs to lose a few pounds. I almost died from embarrassment.

Anyway, I am not going to lie, dieting sucks. I am craving so many yummy things and have to play tricks on myself so I don’t cheat. One thing I did today was to pull out all of my skinny jeans, which are size 1 and 2, and try them on. As I struggled to pull them over my knees, the bacon cravings stopped…at least for the moment. All I can do is take one day at a time and I have about 36 days left until Valentine’s Day, which is my goal deadline.  Can I do it? I am sure as hell going to try.

Well, I am off to bed to dream about bacon.  Until tomorrow………..