Hold the Phone, No Toblerone

So today was another breakthrough day. I went to see New Moon ... I'm leaning toward Jacob ... OMG have you seen that body!?! But aside from the candy on the screen, there was some interesting candy in my purse.

Poppy and I had gone to Dino's before the movie, and had our Sunday treat a pizza and hefenweizen (yum!), but then we didn't do dessert. So when we went to the movie, Poppy got Dibs and I got Toblerone. Now usually, I'd be all over that. I mean calories don't count in a movie theater, right??? But we'd just eaten and surprisingly I was full. And I didn't want the chocolate.

So there I sat, in the theater, with a chocolate bar lurking in my purse ... only today, it was left un-eaten. Un-craved. Un-desired! Can you imagine? I'm so impressed with myself, can you tell? Seriously, a sugar junkie like myself leaving candy unopened. It's amazing. A miracle for the season. Even later when a little sugar craving hit, I was like well, do you want a 560 calorie Toblerone bar with no nutritional value or do you want a 50 calorie IsaDelight, filled with Niacin and Chromium? Hands down, the IsaDelight was the choice. The Isagenie's magic is working!

Shopping in My Closet

Needed a boost today, so I went 'shopping' in my closet. Avoided the crowds at the mall by trying on things that haven't fit for more than two years. And guess what? I can wear them now, and they look great! So, it's been less than three weeks and I've released a whole size with Isagenix!

And I have to say, my smaller clothes rock! And while I'm not down to the hippest stuff yet, I feel like I'm well on my way. If that's not incentive to keep going, I don't know what is!

Much Better Today ...

Today I stuck to the program, a shake day. And I feel SO MUCH BETTER!!! The cankles have gone away again. Yep, I've just admitted it, when I don't stick to the program, and eat wheat and sugar and drink alcohol, which is basically, well ... more sugar, I suffer from edema. My ankles swell into a most unattractive and uncomfortable state ... but Isagenix balances that out.

I don't know the particulars of how it works. Truthfully, I'm not big on the science of it, but I know it's been formulated by John Anderson, a total genius, and it's brilliant. My closest friends, you know, members of the inner circle who tell you how it really is, have

commented on not only my skin, but my energy level and the magical change in my body.

To me, Isagenix is magic. It's changed my world overnight. It's given me a community of supportive coaches and tools to nourish my body properly. And it's absolutely amazing, putting the right things into my body has virtually eliminated the cravings.

I am so grateful for this newfound peace. The Evil Muppets have been given a rest. An unexpected blessing of the Isabody Challenge!

Craving a Cleanse

Ok, so I hope everyone had a safe and happy Thanksgiving. I did, but I have to say, I'm ready for a pure shake day or even a cleanse day. I've spent about 4 days of the past week and a half enjoying a little too much food and drink. Wine with Wendy A., Beer and Sourdough Bread with Poppy, Champagne and Cupcakes with Cheryl and finally, the dinner below with my first Wendy, Wendy G. (there are 5 Wendy's in my life, so it might get a little confusing.... )

Although Wendy G and her family live in Oakland, her parents live in San Diego county, so I drove there and back today as part of our annual Thanksgiving tradition. We had a marvelous dinner -- turkey, dressing balls, mashed potatoes, bread, green beans and sweet potato won tons. Dessert was pumpkin chiffon pie and apple crisp with freshly whipped cream. Don't even get me started on the wine selection. Even though everything was in moderation, still on the drive home I started to feel ... yucky. A little toxic, like, ok, I've had enough of this carb loading, alcohol drinking, free for all eating, not part of the program mischievous crap!

I need to get back to the program. No, I WANT to get back to the program. Not just because of the contest, but because it feels better. Since starting Isagenix a couple of weeks ago, I've made huge strides in bringing previously unconscious eating behaviors to light. So it was interesting tonight, to look at the pattern and FEEL the results. Bloaty. I feel bloaty. I'm drinking some cleanse right now and will take the IsaFlush before bed.

I'm sure I'll feel better in the morning. It's weird, the rebel in me had to get this out of my system. And even she's ready to get back to program now. Ha! I guess this is part of furthering the new concept ... Enough. I've had enough.

Next step, adding more exercise. I'm thinking about Martial Arts!

Life + Isagenix = Success

Life: Requires flexibility. There is no 'good' or 'bad' food. Just foods with higher and lower nutritional content.

Isagenix: The key to new balance, new control.

Success: Success comes from integrating the Isagenix program with life.

Have a Safe and Happy Thanksgiving.

Muppets on Dancing With The Stars ...

Can you imagine having an Evil Version of this dancing in your head?

Time for Change

Yesterday I learned the hard way it was time to change my thinking. I was wrong about the whole not eating thing. Don't go hungry. Hoarding is bad ... even if it's calories.

I'd waited all day to eat. But at dinner I was very restrained. Even though I was extremely hungry, I had only one piece of sourdough bread with my Cream of Zucchini soup -- a feat previously unheard of for this girl, let me tell you. But one is enough. I am adapting my thinking to coincide with the Isagenix lifestyle. And really, it's time.

Here's where I learned not to starve ... within a few hours of eating, I was trolling the kitchen again. Looking at the leftover bread, staring at the Hefenweizen beer and fighting with my Evil Muppets about whether to go around the bend ...

It was a duel to the end between Old and New Thinking.

Old Thinking: You've already consumed alcohol and eaten bread tonight, there's only a little bread left, just 1 beer left, just eat and drink it so it doesn't haunt you.

New Thinking: You've had enough, if you're still hungry, have an apple, have some more soup, have an IsaDelight. You had some fun, no need to go overboard.

I'm so proud, New Thinking won!

This is transformation. This is the alchemy of Isagenix. Feeding the body, mind and soul.

Since this is the season of celebration, I'll say it once again. I am so grateful for Isagenix, for Mindy, Ellen, Nina and the team.

Make the change! Don't wait until the new year, start today! Just do it! Now is the time for you change your diet, cleanse your body and transform you life!

Sunday Dinner ...

Table is set for a simple Sunday dinner with my friend Poppy.

All I've had today is an Isagenix shake, an Isa Delight, a couple of chocolate wafers and lots of spa water to be able to afford this calorically.

Tonight's menu is so worth it!

Homemade NF Cream of Zucchini Soup

La Brea Bakery Sourdough Bread

Hefenweizen w/ Fresh Lemon

I am Blessed with Plenty to be Thankful for!

So Much to Say ...

Hi .. so much cool stuff to say about today. I met Ellen Bradley Ganus (she's amazing) at a meeting with Mindy, realized part of my transformation might be financial, went to an incredible art exhibit put on by a client at the Rose Cafe in Venice, took pictures and video to put together for her, then cracked a bottle of wine with a friend in need.

Yep, that's right. I drank wine. Just a few glasses, but it was for a good cause. My dear friend Wendy needed to vent. Ahh, relationship stuff that's best accompanied by fruit of the vine .. what can I say ... I'm so NOT PERFECT, but I'm looking to win the Isabody Challenge anyway.

So yeah, I've had a few glasses and have much to share that will have to wait because it's late ... my goal was to write every day, but I'm never one to turn my back on a friend. My dining room table holds more confidences than most Catholic church confessionals. I don't know why but people love to tell me their juicy secrets. Probably because I keep them safe. I'm honored people tell me their stories.

But for now, I'm off to bed. Will write more about my fun day later ...

The picture is of one of my favorite pieces from today's exhibit by artist Cassandra Tondro aka the Mad Scientist. Enjoy!

First Cleanse Day

Well, have almost survived my first cleanse day ... did it with my IsaBuddy Nina. She reported having more energy than usual. She's a campaign manager for LA City Council candidate Chris Essel and said she really got them going at headquarters today.

It was fun to have a friend. I'm glad it was Nina.

I'm on my last IsaCleanse drink, my last few ounces of mandatory water for the day. I'm happy to report, it wasn't nearly as bad as anticipated. In fact, it wasn't bad at all. Aside from being cold and an occasional bit of lethargy, I felt pretty normal.

Of course, I didn't know what today would be like, so I had a pretty light schedule. I've done cleanses before and they've been painful, like having a really, really bad hangover.

Mindy told me it wouldn't be like that, but I didn't believe her, not really. She was such a support today. She checked in with us a few times to make sure we were doing ok.

It's great to have support and a team.

Tomorrow, a picture of me in my jeans ... I have no idea how much I've lost, I abhor the scale. But I couldn't resist trying on my favorite premium denims. They've been pretty tight lately, like muffin top bloated tummy uncomfortable tight. Tonight, there was none of that. It's been years since these jeans have fit like that. If ever, really.

I'm losing in odd places, like my fingers and wrists. I no longer feel like a stuffed sausage skin sack. I could go on, but I'll stop for tonight. Sorry no pictures this evening ... like I said, it was a light day. Until tomorrow ...

Ariel, not Ursula ...

Just in case you have the wrong impression of me from the Ursula shot, this is what I look like on a good day ...

Monster's Delight

Today was a bit of a struggle, the sugar and salt monsters compelled me to consume. Potato Chips, Coldstone Ice Cream ... called to me today. The monsters danced their usual dance and threw tantrums and demanded attention.

This time I acknowledged their presence. Ignoring them only makes them stronger (It's a superpower, I think) Hello there my old friends. Yes, I see you. I hear you. But today is not your day. Your day is Sunday. I've learned to give them a meal once a week. The monsters demand to be fed.

Then I ate a small potato, followed by an IsaDelight. A snack for my scandalous creepy friends. Surprisingly, that was enough for them. The compulsions they created gradually slipped away. This is the magic of the Isagenix program. This is the antidote I wished for. So today I danced with the monsters, and ended in a tenuous peace. We'll see how long it lasts when I do my first cleanse day on Friday!

Isagenix Glow

Before I ever knew about Isagenix, I was at a Heartlink meeting and noticed some of the women had a special light about them. It wasn't just their skin, which was gorgeous, it was more. Something intangible and something unexplicable ... I remember thinking to myself, I want to look like that ... I wonder how ...

Then Mindy spoke about Isagenix Nutritional Cleansing and how it could change your life. I was curious and wanted to try it. Still I was skeptical (remember the Angel and Devil on each my shoulders) ... then she told me who was using it. She named the women in the room I'd picked out for their healthy glows. Seriously. Every single one used Isagenix. At that moment I was in. I knew this product was about to help me change my life.

Feelin' Souper

People are starting to notice a difference in me and it's only been about a week. Two of my close friends have said, "there's something different about you," but when I asked them what exactly they couldn't describe it. "you just look ... better," they said.

And you know what, I do look better. I'm claiming it. I'm working hard on not only looking but feeling better. To stick to the Isagenix program and put thought into the food I eat. I am cooking again on a regular basis.

Granted, I'm not perfect at this. The oppositionally defiant rebel still needs her lattes. Only now they're talls and instead of grandes and weekly instead of daily. I've turned my attention to healthier pursuits.

One thing I'm doing again, since winter is here, is making soup. I love soup. It's sort of an obsession for me. A few days ago, I made my first soup of the winter ... cream of Zucchini. (nonfat version, of course) It went way too quickly. Between friends and family, it didn't last a day. And now I've got requests for more! I love the picture above. It's got my favorite Martha Stewart Dutch Oven and it's filled with the gorgeous ingredients that are the basis just about all of my veggie soups!

Soups are a great way to augment the Isagenix program. Between the Isagenix, the spa water and the healthier eating, I'm seeing and feeling results really quickly. More about soups later, for now it's late and i'm off to get some rest. Until tomorrow, this is the Isagenie wishing you a fantastic day!

Balance ...

Isagenix is teaching me about balance.

Tonight is Sunday and I have a weekend ritual that involves eating. My friend Poppy and I are addicted to Dino's Pizza and Heifer Meister beer. We love to get together and enjoy a meal. We have a small pepperoni pizza, drink a beer then go and get a little ice cream, or like tonight, we got Menchie's Frozen Yogurt. We don't go completely crazy, we just have a bit of fun.

In order to prepare for this evening, I drank a shake and had some soup today. I adhered closely to the Isagenix meal plan provided by Mindy, my coach. I drank a whole pitcher + some of the spa water I've been making and didn't obsess about food all day.

In the past, I'd have been like, well, I'm eating tonight, so I might as well eat today and I would have spent the day indulging my every food fantasy. But today was different. I can't explain it, other than to say Isagenix and the team is giving me a deep-seated knowledge that I can do this. I will do this, I am doing this. Not just for the look of my body, but for the way I feel.

After less than a week on Isagenix, I feel cleaner, clearer and lighter. Mentally, physically and spiritually. Yesterday's blog was funny. I made fun of myself. I had a good time doing it. The picture of me was taken before I found the Ursula picture. It was ok for me to poke fun at myself. Hey, I am where I am. It doesn't mean I'm going to beat myself up, It doesn't mean I'm going to deny it. And it doesn't mean I'm going to stay where I am. For the record today I felt more like Ariel than Ursula. See, balance.

Today I am celebrating! I am celebrating a new found sense of peace, a new balance. Not perfect, not permanent ... just what is at this moment. I love it when a wish comes together!

Switched at Birth ...

Go ahead and laugh ... you know you want to!

I did when I thought of it.

Perhaps this is where my wicked sense of humor comes from?

I'm thinking with Isagenix help I'm going to be looking more like Ariel than Ursula real soon!

A Key to Success

Drink more water ...

It's a key to the Isagenix Challenge!!

Better Today ...

So I made it through yesterday, and today was much better. The headache and the irritability are pretty much gone ... and most of the cravings. Although round about 9 or 10, I'm craving something and stalking my fridge. It's partly hunger and adjusting to the new dietary restrictions ... and partly emotion. A large part emotion. Although truthfully, I can't tell you what I'm feeling when I'm grazing.

It's a compulsion probably due to the evil Muppets that dance and sing in my head. They say all sorts of nasty, scary things to me. Sometimes I hear them loud and clearly, sometimes they just make static. Either way ... eating seems to shut them up. Now I must find a better way.

So yes, today was better. Mindy has challenged me to drink more water. Ugh! There's water in Diet Coke, but that SO DOESN'T COUNT. I know this, but still the rebel inside me defiantly marches on. Isagenix is all about the DETOX, baby!

That's it for tonight ... until next time, thanks for reading. Here's to sticking to the program. I wish I had some inspirational quote or something to share. Ahh, here's one ... "Be Bold and Mighty Forces Will Come to Your Aid." Cameron Crowe, Almost Famous.

Rough Day Today

Today was a rough one (you'd never know it from the smile on my face ... but that was last night) ... today my second REAL day on Isagenix and I felt like crap all day. My head hurt and it felt like nothing was clicking. Everyone was on my nerves. I did some writing in the morning. Something inside me revealed -- this deep, dark secret ... one that's been lurking for years, surfacing only occasionally in 'the other shoe dropping sort of way.' You know, when things are starting to look up.

It's a message that plays like this ... you are fat and therefore don't deserve a relationship, you don't deserve success, you don't deserve love. Oh, yeah, and your feelings, they don't matter. So suck it up kid .. this is you life.

I got here today by looking at the mandatory photos for the Isagenix Challenge. OMG! I never really saw how big I was until I looked at the pictures! Ugh!!!

Then I wrote a manifesto of sorts, a declaration of why I'm doing this and the above message revealed itself.

It's almost midnight and I made it through the crap. I called on friends, I told them my story. I'm a storyteller, it's what I do for a living, but I rarely reveal my true hurts to friends. Usually I laugh them off, then I stuff down my feelings secretly when no one's looking.

But this time, I'm doing it differently. This time I'm really changing. Isagenix is not a diet, it's a detox system ... I'm detoxing my body, my mind and my soul.

Clearly, it's not going to be easy 100% of the time. There will be days, like today, when I feel like giving up. But here's the thing, I've got a coach, Mindy Schinnerer, who really cares. She reached out to me today just because she wanted to make sure I was ok.

So yeah, today was a rough one, but I'm still here. Still sticking to the program. And I'll be back tomorrow to continue this journey.

This is my wish. I wished for a healthy life ... thanks to the Isagenie ... it's time for that wish to come true.

Isagenix Day 1 -- Touching My Stuff

Day 1 Isagenix ... just got my stuff and i've been playing with it all day. Don't you just love the gorgeous Isagenix packaging?

I looked over the material then I fought off the urge to instantly rebel ... All I wanted was a Dino's Pizza ... oh, boy.

Instead I tried a vanilla shake, a chocolate shake and the dark chocolates.

(but not all at once) Yummy!!!

Am making soup tomorrow. Nonfat cream of zucchini ... low cal and delicious and great to augment the program. Hopefully soup will allow me to drink a latte in the morning. Oops, was that me confessing to cheating already!

Yes, I'm one of THOSE -- I suffer perpetually from oppositional defiance -- Although its been tempered with age, I still have an Angel on one shoulder and a Devil on the other. The Angel is chanting, this will work, you know it will, you've seen the people around you. The Devil, he's a loud one, screaming, oh, yeah, sure, another fad, another diet, another thing to fail at .... have a some cake, how 'bout a pizza ...

Hey ... Anyone got any duct tape?

I do admit, I felt better instantly when I tried the shakes and supplements. It's like my eyes opened wider and my brain got a bit clearer. It was magic and major incentive for me!!!

Being healthy and fit is a life wish for me ... this is my adventure, thanks for sharing it with me. I'll be keeping you posted on my progress ...