TRANSFORMATION

Imagine the most beautiful butterfly you have ever seen.  Think about where that butterfly started and what it went through to emerge as a free soaring beautiful butterfly!

It was a caterpillar (ok, I know that's not the proper name but stay with me here).   She ended up in a small dark cocoon.    As time passed that butterfly must have thought, "I was an ugly worm and now I've been hidden away in this tomb!  What a life!"  

It made her so mad that she decided she could and would escape this prison!   No matter how bad her life as a worm was, it was better than this! 

She started to move.  Slowly at first and then more vigorously.   She wasn't quite sure what she was moving but it didn't feel like she was making a bit of progress.   Minute by minute.  Hour by hour.   She struggled to free herself.   It seemed like forever.  She would get tired.   She thought about quitting.  Many times she asked herself, “Is it worth it?”

And then...all of a sudden, she saw light break through!   Just that little bit of movement encouraged her and spurred her on to keep reaching and working towards her goal.    She knew she could break free of this prison!

She noticed that the harder she worked at getting to her goal, the stronger she became.  Soon her tiny world was filling up with light!   And then it happened!

She was free!  She emerged!  Once she had felt like a slug on the ground.  But now!  Now she was beautiful!   Her body was drenched in spectacular colors!  And she had wings!  WINGS!   She started to flap her wings and began to soar!  

She was free to be who she was meant to be!   Not a slug.  Not a worm.  Not a caterpillar.  Not a prisoner.   She was a butterfly!  Beautiful and free!

As she flew she realized that it was her determination, her will power, and her dedication that had brought her goal about.  She never lost sight of her goal,  We are no different than this butterfly.

Which do you choose?  To be a slug, a prisoner or a butterfly?

The choice is yours!

copyrighted 2015

caryn cannatella

Skinny Fiber Sales:  www.caryncann2.com

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/Caryncann

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Weight Loss Support Group:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/CarynsChamps

AND THE STRUGGLE CONTINUES

My body has been craving carbs so badly.   And my body doesn't process carbs well.   Probably why I'm 10-15 pounds up, depending on the day.  Sometimes this journey is so hard I just want to give up.   Just roll over, eat until I can't eat another bite.

And then I think of my friend, Debbie, gone at 63.  Or my friend Joe, dead at 61.  Or my ex, dead at 71.   I don't want to die.   Especially from diabetes.   My friend, my sister, Patty, has been with her son for the past year who is in the end stages of diabetes.  He's 38.  I hurt for them both every day.

People who have never had to lose weight really have no true understanding of how difficult it is.  You have to eat to live and for so many of us, we live to eat.  I watch many shows that deal with anorexics an bulimics.   I'm always touched by the tenderness and care with which they are handled.  

But then when I see a program about an obese person, I don't see that same tenderness and love.   We aren't people with a disease.  We are just fat people who eat too much.  We aren't looked at as having a disease.  We are looked at as people with no self-discipline, no self-control, no will power. 

I know how to do it all.   I probably no more about nutrition, calories, the food pyramid, how to exercise and what exercises to do than most.  And I've done it all.   Healthy, unhealthy, strict, lenient, extreme, dangerous.  I've followed plans for a month and for years. 

But you just get tired.   You want your body to act and function normally.  And it doesn't.  You want to just scream WHY ME?  WHY DO I HAVE TO BE FAT?   But you know there are so many people who could scream the same words about what ever condition they deal with daily.

I know I will never be thin.   But I know I can be healthy.  And at this point that is all I am going to work towards. 

So, here I am, struggling with my brain to get into the right frame of mind.   I know what I need to do.  I just have to decide to do it.

And the struggle continues.

copyrighted 2015

caryn cannatella

Skinny Fiber Sales:  www.caryncann2.com

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Twitter:  https://twitter.com/Caryncann

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DON’T TEXT & DRIVE

Yesterday on my way home I noticed a young woman in a car weaving in and out of her lane, slowing down and speeding up. When I passed her, I saw why. She was texting on a major interstate highway during rush hour traffic going over 60 miles an hour.

I just don't understand people who text and drive. There is nothing and I mean nothing that is so important that one has to endanger your life and those of others because you are texting. And don't give me that crap about "I voice text". You still aren't paying attention to your driving.

What are these people going to do if they cause an accident that ends up in severe injuries and/or death? Do they not understand that a death can result in a charge (and prison sentence) for vehicular manslaughter? If you don't care about us on the road and our families, care about yourself and your family.

Please please please don't text and drive. And if something is so important you just have to text, please exit the freeway, park and text till your heart's desire!

This has been a public service announcement from the people who share the road with you, our families and your family.

copyrighted 2015

caryn cannatella

Skinny Fiber Sales:  www.caryncann2.com

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/Caryncann

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/Caryncann

Weight Loss Support Group:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/CarynsChamps

AM I MY BROTHER'S KEEPER?

Every Friday I pick up two cheeseburgers, fries and a large coke from Macdonalds. It costs me $4.36.

I take it a mile down the road to a busy intersection. He is always there. It's his corner. I figure he is in his 40's but he looks like a 60 year old man who has had a hard life. His right foot looks like it was broken at the ankle and never set It's difficult for him to even walk.

I know he is homeless. He always has that backpack with everything he cherishes stuffed inside.

Both streets are very busy. I always honk and pulled to the side. He hobbles over as I roll the window down. Today I hand him the bag and drink. "God bless you ma'am. I can't tell you how hungry I am. Thank you so much." I always watch him take it back to where he was standing. He takes his time opening the bag and laying everything out.

I'm always amazed by his gratitude. $4.36. I probably misplace more than that in change every week.It reminds me to be grateful for every thing, large and small, that is in my life.

It is up to us to help the less fortunate. And there are oh so many in our country who do. Not the government. Not programs. US. Americans. It's part of our DNA.

Love your neighbor as yourself. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.

Are we our brothers' keeper? I think we are.

And there is just no better feeling than the joy of giving to someone you know can never do anything for you. Giving helps others but it helps the giver more.

You can never out give God. He will always return it. Shaken. Pressed down. And overflowing.

It takes so little to individually help someone who is less fortunate than we are. The blessings are overwhelming.

I challenge everyone to be a blessing to someone this week who just needs a little help.

copyrighted 2015

caryn cannatella

Skinny Fiber Sales:  www.caryncann2.com

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THE THREE C’S OF LIFE

It's your CHOICE to take a CHANCE and make a CHANGE!

Are you wanting to get healthy and lose weight? 

I'm not talking about 5 pounds or 10 pounds.   There comes a time when you just can't say "I'm thick", "I'm fluffy", "I'm a chunk monkey', etc.   We can spin it to others like it doesn't matter but WE know the truth.

We don't want to be fat, obese, morbidly obese, etc.  I know!  I've been them all and I'm still fat!

BUT....

I did make a choice to lose weight and get healthy.

I did take a chance by ordering Skinny Fiber and trying just one more time after I had promised myself that I would never ever try to lose weight again.

And I have made changes to become healthier.

Am I successful every day?  No!   Sometimes I do great for a week and then I stumble.

The difference is I just don't beat myself up over it any more and I don't quit!  That is the most important part of a weight loss program.

This is a journey you have to make because it is what you want.  You have to set small goals for yourself.  Down a size; buying a swimsuit.  Going dancing.  Riding a zipline.  Taking a cruise.  Going to a concert.   Taking a trip.  Learning to paint.  These are all things I have set for myself.  Reward yourself often with tangible things you want to try or do.   It does make a difference!!!

Where are you today?   Deciding to make a choice?  Considering taking a chance?  Or are you finally ready to make that change?

It's up to you.   It's your life.  Exist in it or live it.  What's your choice?

copyrighted 2015

caryn cannatella

Skinny Fiber Sales:  www.caryncann2.com

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/Caryncann

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Weight Loss Support Group:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/CarynsChamps

PLANNING & PREPARATON IS THE KEY

I'm going to tell you a secret about weight loss.   No, I haven't perfected it but I know it will help determine your success or lack of success.   At least it does for me. 

You have to plan your food.  That's right!  You can't just wait till you are hungry to decide what to eat.  If you do, the chances are you will grab an unhealthy snack, go to a fast food place or eat more than you should.

Plan your meals for a week.

Make a grocery list around those meals.

Choose a day or an evening and prepare your breakfasts and your lunches for the week, especially  if you work.

Keep a drawer in your fridge that is just for your foods.  Let the kids and family have the rest of the fridge but that one drawer is YOURS!

Keep your fruits and cut up veggies there.  Have some extra protein servings there.  When you are hungry, go to your drawer.

When I don't plan that is when I fall off my food plan.

Now, I know a lot of people losing weight want everyone to think that everything is hunky dorey every day.  IT ISN'T!!  Yes there are times we eat unhealthy.  Yes, there are times we overeat.  Yes, we even gain a few pounds.  But we keep getting back on track instead of giving up. 

I don't know anyone who doesn't mess up while losing weight.  No one.  If they don't admit it, well, they are in denial.  lol

That is why you need to plan.  Planning is the key to staying on your food plan!

As long as I have food for making my meals, prepare some of my meals for the entire work week and have my drawer stocked, I will stay on plan.  If I don't, I'm likely to be eating something that is unhealthy for me.   And for me that is carbs.  Lots and lots of carbs.  

My weight loss stops.  My blood sugar rises.   I get fatigued.  I have no energy.

That 2 hours a week planning and preparing makes it so much easier.  I don't think about what I'm going to eat.  It's already determined.

So, now you know.  Planning and preparation is the key.  Give up a couple of hours of TV or internet or playing games.  Your body will thank you.  You'll feel better and you'll lose weight. 

It works for me!

copyrighted 2015

caryn cannatella

Skinny Fiber Sales:  www.caryncann2.com

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/Caryncann

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/Caryncann

Fan Page:  https://www.facebook.com/mylighterside

Support Group:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/CarynsChamps

MY STORY

MY STORY

Most of us have a story to tell about our weight, our struggles and our hopes.  

Between the second and third grade my abdomen grew exponentially to my body. I can remember sitting at my desk with my belly lying on my thighs.  I knew something wasn’t right. 

Third grade was the first time I was put on a diet. It became an ongoing thing as long as I lived at home.  I was called fatty, fatso, etc. Yeah, those words hurt but no more so than hearing people say, “You have such a pretty face, but…..” Oh I knew what was came after that but….BUT YOU’RE FAT!

School was not a happy place. Home was not a happy place. I tried my best to blend into the walls and just not be noticed! Because when you are fat and you get into an argument or confrontation as a kid, you know the ultimate blow will be, “WELL YOU’RE FAT!”   Knock out!  There is nothing to say after that! 

I was a sad girl who tried to get people to love me by giving gifts and making gifts.  I remember one Christmas I had been up until early morning finishing all the beautiful gifts I had made.  Ponchos, shawls, foot stools, trinket boxes, clothes, etc.  I went to bed after opening gifts and didn’t wake up until the meal was already being served.  As I walked into the dining room, I heard my brother say loudly, HURRY AND EAT, HERE COMES CARYN!  I don’t think I even ate that day, but I never forgot the words and they still sting 45 years later.

I began a journey to find that thin person that was locked away somewhere inside my body.  The things I have done to my body in the quest to overcome being fat.  Starvation (fasting 6 days a week and eating one day). Diet pills, every kind that was on the market.  Fad diets.  Weight Watchers.  Nutrisystem.  Counting calories.  Hynosis.  Experimental drugs that nearly killed me.  Even having my stomach stapled.  None of it worked long term.  Back in 1999 and 2000, I decided to eat clean and exercise. I lost about 100 pounds but I was exercising 6+ hours a day.  I wasn’t working then unless you count exercising! Lol

When I hit 60 I decided, I’M DONE!  No more trying to lose weight. No more depriving myself.  No more diets.  No more anything!  I’d just take my chances.

And then Skinny Fiber came along. I thought.  Ok, I’ll try it and if it doesn’t work, I’ll return it and get my money back.  Even though I’m a diabetic and have an almost non-existent thyroid, I have lost about 60 pounds in the past 18 months.  I’m thrilled to be off my blood pressure medicine,  arthritis medicine, and acid reflux medicine.  My thyroid dose has been decreased.  My fibromyalgia is about gone.  I’m on my way to losing more weight and getting to the size I want to be.  Even my dr. is amazed with my progress!

And I move my body!   Walking or jogging.  Dancing like a fool.   I’m moving my body like nobody is watching.  And if they are, in my mind they are all yelling, “YOU GO, GIRL!”

So what is your story with your weight? What struggles have you faced in the battle to lose weight? It doesn’t matter whether it is 10 pounds or 100 pounds, our struggles are the same. 

And know this:   there is hope.   No matter how old or young you are.  No matter how fat you are.  No matter how little you are now moving.   There is hope.  I'm proof of it.

Help someone while you help yourself and share your own story.  Or just put it into words for yourself.  You will be glad you did.  I am.

copyrighted 2015

caryn cannatella

Skinny Fiber Sales:  www.caryncann2.com

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/Caryncann

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/Caryncann

Fan Page:  https://www.facebook.com/mylighterside

Weight Loss Support Group:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/CarynsChamps

DO YOU GET OVERWHELMED?

DO YOU GET OVERWHELMED?

Do you get overwhelmed?  I do.  Especially when it comes to my house.

Now I do fine running two companies.  Every day I go in and know exactly what I have to do.  I run down my list and get it all down by quitting time.

At home it is a different story.  I always start with good intentions and end up not getting much accomplished.  And then I feel like a failure. 

Now, my house isn't dirty.  It's cluttered.  Not like a hoarder although I had one living in my house for awhile.  lol  I think the problem is I get overwhelmed.  And when I get overwhelmed, I just don't know where to start.  And that's where I get stuck.

Maybe it's that I just hate housework.  My daughter is a great house cleaner.  She can clean my entire house in a couple of hours.  I wish I was like that.  I have a friend and she is like a tornado cleaning her room and bathroom.  When we go out of town, before we leave she is saying "let me clean my room and bath before I leave."  And she does.  I'm satisfied with making my bed and leaving.  And I make my bed every morning and after taking a nap. 

Once I reach that stage of being overwhelmed, I am just stuck like Chuck.  I feel like a spinning top rolling around on the floor and getting nowhere.  I know I'll never be one of those neat freaks.  That is not even a goal or wish.  What I would like is to just have a neat house where the clutter is minimum and I can find everything. 

I've had this once in my life for 5 years.  That's when I had a cleaning lady come in once a week.  She did everything.  My laundry, my ironing, cleaned the entire house, vacuumed, mopped, cleaned the fridge and stove, cleaned the ceiling fans and blinds, dusted, etc.  I loved those 5 years.  And she did it all in 4 hours. 

I was able to maintain that week to week.  Maybe I just need a cleaning lady or to find my Ana and bring her back.

Am I the only one with this problem?

copyrighted 2015

caryn cannatella

Skinny Fiber Sales:  www.caryncann2.com

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/Caryncann

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/Caryncann

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SO, YOU ATE TOO MUCH!

SO, YOU ATE TOO MUCH!

Let's talk about weight loss here.  You have a plan.  You are working it.  You are doing good.  Then the weekend comes.  Or you go out of town.  Or someone brings some goodies by.   You eat too much.  You eat something not on your plan.  What happens?

You feel like a failure!  YOU ARE NOT A FAILURE!  YOU ARE HUMAN!  None of us are perfect.  We aren't going to be perfect on our weight loss journey.  There are going to be times we overeat.  Times we go off our plan, times we just want something we are trying to avoid.

So do we just give up?  Should we throw our hands up in the air and say, "I QUIT!  I'M A FAILURE!  I ALWAYS FAIL AT LOSING WEIGHT!" 

No!  Just enjoy what you ate and when you go to sleep, LET IT GO!  Tomorrow is a new day.  You will wake up refreshed and re-focused.    Don’t wallow in a pool of self-pity.  Just pick yourself up and dust yourself off.  You hit a pot hole; not a 5 car pick-up.  At this point it is easy to get back on track.

Don't give up and don't beat yourself up.  It's not a sprint.  It's a marathon.  One meal will not sabotage your weight loss unless you let it.

copyrighted 2015

caryn cannatella

Skinny Fiber Sales:  www.caryncann2.com

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/Caryncann

Fan Page:  https://www.facebook.com/mylighterside?fref=photo

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FAILURE IS NOT PART OF MY VOCABULARY!!

FAILURE IS NOT PART OF MY VOCABULARY!!

We can learn a lot from babies!

We don't remember learning to walk.  Can you imagine just how hard that is for a baby?  First they have to actually pull themselves up to a standing position. 

Remember seeing a baby wobble back and forth while they hold on to the edge of the coffee table?  We watch as they fall.  We want to catch them but we don't unless they are going to be hurt.  Over and over they fall and get back up.

Once they master just standing up right, they start moving around that table.   They realize that they can move!  It's amazing to watch this happen.   Before you know it, they are ready for the next step.

Soon they are letting go and trying to take that first step without holding on.  I know we have all held our arms out for a baby to walk to us.  I don't know whose eyes are lit up more:  the baby's or our own! 

In a few short months, our baby has gone from rocking on their knees to standing, holding on to walk, letting go, walking and finally running!

Can you imagine if our babies decided after the first fall or two that they had failed and would never get up again?   Can you imagine your baby feeling like a failure who would never walk because they fell down a time or two?

Babies don't know failure.  We teach our children and ourselves failure.

Whatever your goal is at this particular time, view it like a baby.  Fun, exciting, keep trying.  Babies know they can learn to walk.  They see everyone around them walking.   Failure?  It isn't in their vocabulary or experience.

Look around you at the people doing or living the way you want to live.  Do you think their path has been any easier than the one you will have to travel?  Who cares how many times you fall?  Yes, sometimes, you will even get hurt.  Just like babies do.  

All it takes is getting back up and trying again.  You may need a rest.  You may need to think about a better way to try.  The most important thing to remember is:  YOU CAN NEVER FAIL IF YOU GET BACK UP!

At the end of the day, if you have gotten off track for your goals, put it to bed.  Remind yourself of all the things you did right for the day. 

Tomorrow is a new day.  A chance to start over.  Embrace it.  Every day is a new opportunity to focus and walk your path to your goal.  You are strong.  Be like that baby learning to walk.  They know only success!  Failure is not in their vocabulary.  Don't let it be a part of yours!

copyrighted 2015

caryn cannatella

Skinny Fiber Sales:  www.caryncann2.com

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Twitter:  https://twitter.com/Caryncann

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REMODELING TIP OF THE DAY!

REMODELING TIP OF THE DAY!

I love my home.  But every time I walk around I find things the contractors didn't do, or didn't complete.  I was an equal opportunity employer.  I had one white, one black and one latino.  None of them completed the job or completed them properly.  I wonder if I had done work for them the way they did for me, if they would have been satisfied and paid me all the money I paid them.  Sometimes I think, "was it because I was a woman?"  I don't think so.  I just think they take short cuts, do shoddy work and don't complete work.  What we called people like this back in the day was unethical.  Of course, political correctness doesn't allow the truth any more.

So, if you are ever in the position to remodel, here are my tips.

1.  Rethink doing it.   Maybe you should just sell your home and build a new home. 

2.  Get references that are not friends of the contractor.

3.  THEY ARE NOT YOUR FRIEND!   No matter what they say!  They work for you.  Treat them like an employee!

4.  If they want money up front, RUN!  They don't have the working capital to do your job.  That’s like a car dealer asking for money up front to pay for the car for you to buy from them. 

5.  Don't let them use your credit card for any materials.  Period.  If you do, don’t be surprised if you find that they bought things for other people while putting used crap in your home.

6.  Everything must be in writing.  Any changes require an addendum. 

7.  If they don't carry liability insurance, DON'T TALK TO THEM.  One contractor flooded my house twice.   A plumber caused two floods in the house.  Neither had insurance.  My insurance had to pay and it put my insurance in jeopardy.

8.  Never, ever pay everything due until every last thing is done.  Once they get your money, trust me, THEY ARE DONE AND GONE!

After spending $80,000 remodeling, I will have to spend at least $20,000 more to redo my wood floors (flooded 4 times during remodel), redo both bathrooms (the master bath has been remodeled twice already and still a mess), correcting all the electrical problems, and then things like replacing the crappy kitchen cabinets (second set) and all the crown molding (don't ask). 

Like I said, I love my home.  It's old (60 years old) and durable.  It has character and it’s mine.  I don't think they build homes like they did back then.  And I can live it in now while I save the money to fix the stuff that wasn't done or wasn't done properly.  But next time will be different.  I am a more educated consumer on this subject. 

I won't be as nice or as accepting.  It will be my way or no money.  They will know and understand that they work for me not the other way around.  Any demands will be made from me; not them.  I know there are honest, ethical contractors out there.  Next time I'll hold out for that or I'll just continue to live in the house as is.

copyrighted 2015

caryn cannatella

Skinny Sales:  www.caryncann2.com

PUT THE SCALE AWAY!

PUT THE SCALE AWAY!

How many times have you heard:  Put the scale away?  There is a reason for it!

Let's take me for instance.  I completed my 9 day Food Cleanse.  I lost 8 pounds.  That’s 28,000 calories reduced in a week or 3111 calories a day.  Not possible.  Really.  I would have to have weighed over 400 pounds when I started and then eaten what was on the cleanse.   The first week is some fat, water and shock.  Yes, shock to my body!

I stated my 21 day Food plan on April 1st.  Yesterday I completed the first week.  This morning I thought, ok, let's see how I did.  I was down .2 of a pound.  I've had bowel movements that weighed more!  I've peed that much water during the night!  So WHAT IS THE PROBLEM, HOUSTON?

You know what the problem is? 

NOTHING!

That's right!  There isn't a problem.  The scale reflects numbers.  That's it.  Just numbers. 

I know I am losing because my clothes are getting looser.  I know I am eating healthy and have cut out excess calories to lose weight.  The only thing I haven't added back in is walking 3-4 times a week.   Just a side note:  I've never lost a pound exercising but I have toned up my muscles!   The weight I didn’t lose this week, is actually the water weight lost that is now fat loss. 

So what's a girl to do?  Should I give up because I didn't even lose a pound this past week?  Should I go grab a box (or two) of 12 ice creams and gobble them down to show my body who is in charge?  Should I go out and eat at a Mexican restaurant and pack in 3500 calories or more?  Oh, I’ve tried both of those solutions. 

As my therapist used to tell me when I would come up with outrageous ideas, "That's always an option."

What I decided to do instead is put that darn scale away.   Again.  In the closet in the kitchen.  On a shelf.  In the very back.   A place I won't see it unless I am looking for it.

Am I disappointed that the scale did not reflect a greater loss?  Your darn tootin' I am!  Am I going to quit!  NEVER!

I'm going to keep eating just the way I have been for the past 16 days.  Eventually, the numbers will fall.   If I do my part, keep on my food plan and stay focused, then everything will come out in the wash, as we used to say in the country!

The scale only matters if you are in this for the short haul.  I'm not.  I'm in it until the end.  

This truly is my LAST weight loss journey.  If it takes another year or two or three, I'll eventually reach the finish line!  Nothing, and especially not the scale, is going to deter me!

copyrighted 2015

caryn cannatella

Skinny Fiber Sales:  www.caryncann2.com

SIZE 14

SIZE 14

Today is a great day! Today I bought a pair of size 14 capris. And I got them on and zipped them up! Now, don't get me wrong, I can't breathe for more than about 15 minutes and I wouldn't wear them out in public yet BUT.....

 I GOT THEM ON AND ZIPPED UP!

Do you know when the last time I wore a 14 of anything was? 

1967!!! It was the fall of my ninth grade year. I was 14.

NOW I’M DOWN FROM A TIGHT 28 in July 2013!

I am so stoked! Back on track and focused!

If you are looking to get back on track losing weight and getting healthy, come join me! I'm on a new 90 day challenge and I would love to have you with me!

Order Skinny Fiber and get that little help to keep you on track! Order yours here:  www.caryncann2.com

And watch me wearing these capris in a month or so!  WOO HOO!

copyrighted 2015

caryn cannatella

Skinny Fiber Sales:  www.caryncann2.com

JUST FOR TODAY

JUST FOR TODAY

 

Have you ever had a goal that was going to take months and months to accomplish?  That is how it is for me losing weight.  My goal from the beginning was at least 100 pounds.  I knew from the start that this was not going to happen in a few weeks or months.  Oh, sure, that’s how I have approached it in the past.   And that’s one of the reasons I always failed.

This time has been different.  It has been 20 months and I’m still on my weight loss journey.  I have never stayed on a weight loss journey 20 months.  Not even when I had my stomach stapled.  I would get tired, lazy, unmotivated, deprived, etc.  I think this is the first time that my mind has been in the right place to actually see weight loss as a very long term goal.  This time I can see the light at the end of the tunnel.  Oh, it is only a faint flicker in the distance but I see it!  And I know as the weeks go by that light will shine brighter encouraging me to keep going!

Do I have my struggles?  YES!  Do I sometimes want to quit?  YES!  Do I sometimes blow caution to the wind and just stuff my face?  YES!  But for only a day or two only.  Do I sometimes gain some weight?  YES!  Do I get frustrated?  YES! BUT!  I have not given up!  Not once!  I haven’t even considered it.  And that is a big difference this time for me.

What is different this time?  First, I have changed my mindset.  I was and am ready to lose this weight and get healthy.  That is more important to me than stuffing my face day after day.   I have been able to track my progress over the months.  Being able to actually see my progress through pictures has helped me so much.  We don’t always notice the difference when we look in the mirror.  If you can compare two pictures, you will see the difference.   And most importantly, I have not given up!

I think something that helps so much is to approach losing weight as a lot of short term goals.  When you first start on a weight loss journey, it is so difficult.  That 25, 50, 100 pounds looks like a huge mountain you have to climb.  And the truth is, you usually don’t see a huge difference for about 3 months.  It can be overwhelming and depressing.

My goals for eating are short these days.  My attitude when I get up now is “Just for today.”   Just for today I will take my Skinny Fiber.  Just for today I will drink my water.  Just for today I will stick to my food plan.  Just for today I will move.  Just for today I will get 8 hours of sleep.

Just for today.  It’s a much easier goal to embrace and achieve than one 6 months, a year, two years down the road.  It’s doable.

So just for today I am doing what I need to do to accomplish my weight loss goal today.  And this day will turn into a week, a month, a year, and beyond.  I’m doing it.  You can too!  And in the near future, we will get to our destination.

copyright 2014

caryn cannatella

Skinny Fiber Sales:  www.caryncann2.com

I FEEL PRETTY!!!!

I FEEL PRETTY!!!!

WHY YOU SHOULD TAKE UPDATE PICTURES WHILE LOSING WEIGHT

When you take a new update picture it gives you tangible evidence that you are losing weight even if the scale is standing still.  Sometimes we get so caught up on the numbers that we forget our body does not always reflect the number on the scale when we are losing.  I can tell you that I didn’t lose a pound jogging miles every day.  However, I did build a lot of muscle in my thighs, calves and hips.   And that was reflected in those 3 areas becoming much smaller!

If you take an update picture and can see a difference when you put it side by side with your beginning picture, it can keep you motivated.  The past 6 months has been a trying time for me.  I felt like I was just a blob.    I didn’t feel as healthy (probably cause I wasn’t jogging).  I was tired all the time.  I wasn’t eating as well.  It all takes its toll.

I decided to pamper myself.  Got my nails and toes done.  Then I got a perm, cut and color.  Bought me some new earrings and a blouse or two.  My daughter took my picture and when I pizap’d it, I could really see the difference!  When I look at my new picture, all I can think is “I look darn cute for someone almost 62! 

Don’t get frustrated with slow weight loss or even a plateau.  Just keep eating healthy.  Everyone wants to lose a lot of weight fast.  Trouble is, that weight tends to come back fast.  Doctors and nutritionists will tell you that slow weight loss is best and has a better chance of staying off.

If it takes me 2 or even 3 more years to get to my goal weight, I’m ok with that.  I’ll be the same age whether I lose weight, stay the same or gain weight.  I choose to keep losing.

Do yourself a favor.  Take update pictures every couple of months and pizap them so you can really see the difference in your body.  You will be amazed!

No matter what eating plan you are on, you should take pictures.  And if you need that extra help losing weight, join me and start using Skinny Fiber!  No stimulants; no caffeine.  All natural plant based supplement.  Skinny Fiber has helped me and thousands of others in getting healthy and losing weight.  It can help you too!  www.caryncann.com

copyrighted

caryn cannatella

Skinny Fiber Sales:  www.caryncann.com

PORTION SIZES

PORTION SIZES

Let's talk about portion control!  One of the main problems with being on a weight loss program is that we think we are eating less than we truly are.

This is the reason I have to portion my food out.  In my mind and my eyes I think 1 cup is a bowl full, which is usually 2-3 cups.  Get you a plastic container that holds one cup.   It's not a lot of food!  So let's say you fix hamburger helper for dinner.  If there are two of you, it should be enough for 2 meals!  I KNOW!  HOW CAN THAT BE????

Well, here's the deal.  When you eat that one cup of whatever, you should be adding things to it as sides.  Like a small salad.  Add some roasted, grilled, boiled or steamed veggies.  Throw in a piece of wheat bread and a bottle of water.  You will have a satisfying meal that is low on calories, and is portion controlled.

It's really the same for everything we eat.  Especially the stuff we just love to eat with no thought to the calories or portion size.  I tell you.  I have eaten a family size bag of chips in 2-3 settings.  When you check the servings per bag, it's like 10-15!   WHOA!  If I eat them all in the morning, I am way over the calorie count for the day.  And that's not even considering the carb content!

There truly is nothing most of us can't eat.  We just have to learn to do it in moderation.  That is very difficult for me.  I eat mindlessly.  Sometimes I don't think I even taste the food.  Sometimes I don't even particularly care for the food.  That's why I have to portion my food.

There is nothing wrong with candy, cake, cookies, etc.  You just have to say ONE cookie instead of a dozen!  Or ONE piece of fudge instead of 6 pieces and licking the pan too!

It's tough!  I know from my own experiences.  It's tough staying with portion control when some things taste so good you wish you could eat it all.  And I admit it, sometimes I have!

Make a promise to yourself to really find out what a portion size is for the things you put in your mouth.  And then for a week, stick to portion sizes and add healthy side dishes to complete and complement your meals.

I'm betting you will find what I have.  You lose weight when you do!

copyrighted 2014

caryn cannatella

Skinny Fiber Sales:  www.caryncann.com