First, I'd like to introduce myself as I was 8 months ago. My name is Lori Christianson and I have had enough. I haven't been on a scale for 2 years (my doctors scale - not in 10 years), I haven't looked in a full size mirror in at least 1 and a half years (I put my makeup on using a compact mirror), I hang my clothes to dry so I don't risk anything shrinking. I hate myself and cry everyday for letting myself get so out of control. I feel like a fraud because I have to put on a happy front so no one will see how I'm really feeling. I've stopped letting anyone take pictures of me, even with my kids, so I didn't have to see myself. I've stopped calling friends with the excuse that I'm too busy but, in reality, I don't want them to see how big I've gotten. I always feel awful, I'm always tired, I always have migraines, I'm always sad, my joints are always in pain, and every day is a challenge to get thought. This can't go on any longer!
Of course like almost every person battling bulge I've tried and researched a wide variety of weight loss programs, seeking out that one that will work for me. I knew my problem was lazy metabolism and bad habits taken on from when I quit smoking, but I just couldn't find the time to exercise enough or the proper foods to eat so that I could get it going again. I also had to take into consideration that I am a vegetarian and not all programs are designed to accommodate that.
This is when I came to U Weight Loss™ and met Kristine for my free Natural Cleanse and a healthy weight analysis. She listened and I truly believe she felt my pain. Sometimes, having someone understand what you've been refusing to say out loud to anyone is half the battle. She explained to me the 3 steps to healthy weight loss. We discussed how the program could be modified to accommodate my being a vegetarian and the best thing - how it will restart my metabolism. The price was a little scary at first but we discussed several different methods of payment options and found the one that would work for me - after all, I had to ask myself "how much am I willing to spend to save my life?"
My first Detox, I have to admit, was a nightmare for the first few days - I had headaches, bad sleep, was feeling hungry, but I had to put that into perspective too. If you drink too much alcohol, you have to deal with the hangover the next day. Well if, for years, you eat bad food, it takes some time and anguish to flush all the bad stuff out of your system. I thought of it as getting over a body hangover. Plus, it really didn't hurt my feelings any by losing 7.5 pounds and 3 inches in the first week!
The next phase was Metabolic Booster. It was during this time where I really started noticing differences on how I felt. I started sleeping better at night, my energy level increased, the migraines disappeared, and my mood improved. Just in general I was feeling better and knew that something was happening. By the time this little 4-week period was over, I had lost a total of 21.5 pounds and 14 inches, which was not TERRIBLY exciting, considering I had 110 pounds in total to lose, but it was a great start.
Since July 22nd I've been on phase 3 - Accelerator/Reduce and I will be here until I reach my Maintenance Phase. Now I'd like to introduce myself again. Hi, my name is Lori Christianson and I am a proud member of U Weight Loss™. I have, to date, lost 106 pounds. I feel amazing! I no longer suffer from migraines and colds or have difficulty sleeping, I'm full of energy, my joints don't hurt all the time and I look forward to taking on each day. I've been calling friends again just to catch up, I dance every night in the kitchen while making dinner because I can't slow down. When dinner is done, I'm looking for things to do instead of just cleaning up to watch TV and go to bed. I am doing regular yoga 2-3 times a week, I play the WII with my kids, I go shopping just to walk around, I don't look for the closest parking spot anymore, and this Christmas was the first time in about 10 years that I've gone as far as to jump in for a family picture.
I am not joking when I say that U Weight Loss™ has changed my life for the better.
To: Kristine, Tanis, Tanya, Felecia, Sarah, Daniela, Lindsay, and Cheryl; My Team, My Coaches, My Family, My Friends, My Heroes - Thank you all for your continued support!
I need to introduce myself yet again now that the transformation is complete - My name is Lori Christianson, I have lost 106 pounds and 104.5 inches with U Weight Loss™.
You would think, with what I have lost, that would be enough of a booster but for what I have gained - that is invaluable. I'm sitting here in tears (tears of joy!) because I can't believe what I've accomplished over this past year. I have gone from a size 20/22 to 5/6. Size wise, I am a fraction of the person I used to be. Did I ever think it was possible? Sure, but there was always SO MUCH doubt.
I honestly don't know how to describe this feeling but I'm going to try. I guess maybe I feel like a butterfly fresh out of the cocoon or maybe I feel like wound up top ready to spin or maybe I feel like I've been charged by lightning or maybe I feel like a toddler ready to explore everything in reach or I feel just everything for the first time. I've not only transformed outside but inside as well. I want to do things, anything, everything, I want to grasp life with every ounce of energy through my body and enjoy!
Believe it or not, this part would have to be one of the biggest things to my transformation. I've had long blonde hair all my life. Skinny or fat, I've always been able to hide behind having beautiful hair. It was a scary thought to part with it, but 6 months ago I promised my hairdresser that, when I reached my goal weight, she could have free reign with my hair to do whatever she'd like. Really I was giving myself 6 months to brave up to what she might have up her sleeve. Well, a couple of weeks ago, I took a deep breath and I went in for that appointment. My hairdresser was so excited when she took the first 8 inches off. I would have to say I'm impressed - she did an amazing job and I actually feel like it was the finishing touch to my achievement. Now I feel and look like a whole new person.
I actually carry the U Weight Loss™ brochures with me everywhere I go now because I'm constantly being asked what I did. Mostly I'll tell people I stopped making excuses and give them the brochure. So far I know of 4 people who have joined simply because of my success. I'm not out harping or pushing people to lose weight because that's always an individual's choice but anything I can do or suggest to help people feel half as good as I do, I'm all for it. The person I was at the beginning of this adventure is happily sleeping somewhere in a corner. This new Lori is here to stay and LOVING IT!!
Ralph Waldo Emerson: Life's a journey, not a destination
Again, I just can't thank the girls enough - I really can't!
To: Kristine, Tanis, Tanya, Felecia, Sarah, Daniela, Lindsay, and Cheryl; My Team, My Coaches, My Family, My Friends, My Heroes - Thank you All!