Bill Phillip's | Transformation

Wrapping Up Week 1

All things considered, my first week was truly amazing!!  I've done a lot of reading and learning, and I've made some super significant changes!!!

*  Went to the market on Friday & used the "Suggested Foods" shopping list.  Love the Myoplex bars & the shakes.  YUM!  I spent a really long time shopping because I just wasn't sure where to find the "healthier" items I was looking for.  I can't believe how much better I feel physically and emotionally this past week from eating better foods and eating the right way.  My caffeine intake is down to only 1/day (if that).  I've printed several recipes from the BFL website & making a mealplan I am confident I can follow.  This has been huge progress this week.  I am pleasantly surprised that I really haven't suffered any uncontrollable "cravings" for the nasty stuff I was poluting my body with before the Program.

*  Workouts!  I love this part.  I've been increasing my distance & time on the treadmill this week and it really feels great!  My biggest concern was the strength training (weights) because I don't belong to a gym & only currently have 2, 3 & 5 lb dumbbells.  Again, I used my BFL book & found upper & lower body exercises I can do (for now).  The first day after my upper body workout, I was actually pretty sore in my shoulders & even my biceps.  It was somewhat disturbing to me that my triceps are so weak, but I am super anxious to improve that area!

*  Setting an example - This is the very best part for me.  My kids haven't had a soda in 4 days.  Both of the boys seem to be adjusting well & Dalton (my 15 year old) has really taken an interest in improving his nutrition and eating the right foods at the right times in the right combination.  We've had some awesome discussions about the "Transformation" process.  We've talked a lot about balance this past week and he seems to be catching on.  He's even been cooking himself & asking me to teach him how to cook healthy meals.  I am really excited he is taking an interest.  I have a ton more energy this week already & have set daily goals for myself (i.e., sticking with my daily menu plan, working out, applying for jobs, quality time with the kids, etc...)

*  Potential melt-down turned into an opportunity to help!  My 74 year old mother lives with us & has for several years.  After my dad passed away she went into a pretty bad depression & hasn't taken good care of herself ever since.  I am the only living relative (other than my kids) she has left (and vice versa).  My mom's usually daily routine consists of smoking 2 packs of cigarettes in her bedroom with all doors & windows closed, drinking 5-6 bottles of Diet Pepsi, and snacking on the chocolate & cheetos & other junk she has stashed in her bedroom dresser drawers.  She doesn't get dressed anymore and has really little to no social life other than her weekly visit to her hairdresser.  It's been so hard to watch her deteriorate over the years and it was even worse when I realized I was quickly becoming just like her.

Mom ended up going to the Emergency Room Friday night by rescue squad after blacking out in the hallway.  She fought going & was even more upset when she was admitted!  Long story short...While she was gone this weekend, Jeff, Dalton & I spent 5 hours scrubbing & dusting & vacuuming & cleaning her bedroom & bathroom from 2 years of dust & debris in her room that she hadn't touched.  There was so much junk piled up on her bed that I don't know how she had a spot to sleep.  I was truly embarrassed for her.

Since she's been home, I have been really trying to set a good example, suggesting a nutritious diet, and sharing with her how fantastic I have been feeling since starting my Transformation only 1 week ago.  She's gotten worse since she got home & is convinced she can't get around without a walker any longer.  I found out today that she is having the kids go "fetch" her cigarettes for her & wait on her hand & foot when I'm not around  -- Putting a stop to that immediately!!  She's also calling my cell phone (while she is upstairs & I am in the basement) to ask me to get her another diet pepsi or carry a plate from her room to the dishwasher for her.  I spoke with her doctor today & he wants Jeff & I to come in with my mom to see him (so she can't distort the truth -- as has been our previous experience) and he intends to tell her she needs the Body for Life program or she is going to end up in an assisted living facility.  This is the same doctor who introduced me to Bill's book several years ago...way before I was ready to hear it!  I owe him my life today!

As I watch my mom deteriorate every day, I can't help but think to myself, "There, but for the Grace of God, Go I!!!"  I remain 100% convinced that I have only been given this amazing gift by an act of Divine Intervention.  Please, please, please keep me & my mom in your prayers that she may be able to find what I have here & that I can set a positive example for her as I continue to make progress on my Transformation.

 *  Last but not least of this week's changes...  I LOST 2 LBS!!!!!  Woo Hoo!  I can't remember the last time I felt this good!!!  I am so truly blessed!!  :-)