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diet

Nutrisystem, My Real Weight & Photos to Prove it

by Deborah Cruz 2013/06/04

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nutrisystem, weight loss, diet, health, healthy

Yep, I’m pretty excited in the morning! Never mind the hair, this is a woman on a mission.

Yesterday, something exciting happened in my life, I went back on the Nutrisystem program. I am about come clean and get really honest with you about my weight. GULP! As many of you know, I was the poster child for eating disorders for 8 years. You know what having eating disorders for that amount of time does to your body? It really messes up your metabolism. My body was essentially in starvation mode for those 8 years and when I finally began to eat like a normal person, my metabolism dug it’s heels in and said, “nu-Uh bitch, you’re not starving us again. We’re holding on to everything.” Which, I deserved. My poor body has been through hell. Well, then it snowballed out of control.

2013/06/04 10 comments

Parenting

Like Giving Candy to a Baby~ Candy for Children as Reward for Behavior

by Deborah Cruz 2012/03/05

written by Deborah Cruz

Candy for Children as a Reward for Good Behaviors

Candy for children as rewards is like giving candy to a baby, and about as responsible. In a world where kids are being put on diets and touted as being problems for their obesity, how is it tolerated that some teachers are still using sweets as a reward system for educational accomplishments or good behavior? Are you in shock? I am and I am pissed off.

I have encountered teachers who group children into different candy groups and if they accomplish their tasks for the day, they are rewarded with that treat. The treats range from sweet sugary cereals, to skittles, M&Ms, and gummy bears to name a few. Why?

Children accumulate tickets for good behavior or good listening skills, they can then cash the tickets in for sweets or special treats like lunch with the teacher or sitting in a special place. Of course, you have to save a lot more tickets to earn the non-sugary rewards. It is almost as if the children are being encouraged to take the easy reward, the route of instant gratification. Isn’t that how we’ve gotten to the current status of obesity in this country?

Candy for Children as Rewards should be Illegal

I am not a fanatic. I do believe that kids can enjoy the occasional piece of candy, in moderation. Candy is not the devil but it is also in no way a necessity in a child’s life. Candy for children as a special treat is fine but it should not be used as a reward system and given and withheld dependent on a child’s achievements. By doing this, we are teaching children to associate food with celebrations and achievement. We are teaching our children to eat their feelings. The 6 year old buying chocolate to celebrate knowing her addition facts is the same 500 pound woman who will be drinking a 32 ounce coke in the morning to “celebrate” waking up.

From personal experience, I know how hard it is to change your path of bad eating habits once they are learned. Those children that the teacher is giving candy and pop ( oh yes, they can earn tickets for pop too! I don’t even allow my girls to have pop at home and all they need to do is earn enough tickets, for doing what they are supposed to be doing anyways, and they can buy soda pop and candy at free will) to are being expected to have self- control that is most likely beyond their maturity level. I think it’s ridiculous. I have had to sit my daughter down and explain that she is not allowed to purchase ‘treats’ at school that she is not allowed at home. I also explained the effects that sugar has on your health, your teeth, the sugar highs and crashes, etc.

This is being done in a first grade class. What first grader do you know that wouldn’t eat themselves sick on sugar if given the chance? I’m pissed that they are given this option. Aren’t there nutrition guidelines enforced on school lunches for this very reason? This teacher’s reward system, undermines the entire shift in nutritional focus.How would you approach the teacher? I’ve told my daughter not to take the candy and she listens. But why should she have to feel punished? I think the candy should not be an option. What do you think about candy for children as a reward system for good behavior and good grades?

Candy for Children as Rewards should not be an option

Photo Source

2012/03/05 13 comments

Health

Change~I just had a Come To Jesus Meeting..with Jose!

by Deborah Cruz 2011/08/17

written by Deborah Cruz

*Change anyone?* It’s that time of year again. You know what ‘m referring to, no not back-to-school, that was Monday. It’s a little over a month until my birthday and you know that can only mean ONE thing…mental, physical and spiritual inventory must be taken. This is my process so this morning I had my first ( of what will be many, many) come to Jesus meetings over the next year. I had it with Jose. No, it’s not some nickname we Latinos have for the almighty, it’s my little brother who is one ( as I found out the hard way this morning) hardcore, ass kicking personal trainer.Seriously, it’s his profession. I knew that he knew how to take care of himself, obviously. He’s always been in top physical shape since he was old enough to lift his first dumbbell. But we’ve never lived in the same city. Now, we do. This is Jose.

This is Jose. This is 200 lbs. of badass personal training in a 160 lb. bag of cuteness.I think the photo says it all *Charming*

He who rejects change is the architect of decay~Harold Wilson

Doesn’t he look sweet? That’s what I thought. What you are looking at, my friends, is my salvation ( physically speaking anyways). Two years ago, we moved to a new city. My life hit the reset button. I joined Weight Watchers and lost 25 pounds. Life was good. Then the Big Guy was downsized. Life was not so good.I had to quit the program and since I am very apparently a stress eater, I ate those 25 pounds right back on and with them came a few more. I was depressed about it. Former eating disorder girl say what. It’s really hard trying to stay the straight and narrow when what you are doing is so NOT working. But I do. I fight the urge every day to seek the comfort of the path that I know. I fight to be a good example for my girls. I fight to be the change I want to see in the world for the young girls today. I want to be better than my circumstances.

Then last year, right smack dab in the middle of the whole commuter marriage fiasco, I was offered an amazing opportunity to be a Nutrisystem Nation Blogger. Again, I lost that 20 pounds and felt amazing. But then life started spinning out of control again. Then we had to put the house on the market, we were going to be moving and I was stressed beyond capacity. There was my old friend ( arch nemesis) food to comfort away the uncertainty. That is if comfort means to bury it deep down and surround it by a giant hug of fat. But the only uncertainty it remedied was the uncertainty of whether or not I would gain back those 20 pounds again. Guess what? I did! What can I say those damn 20 pounds llloooovvvveeee me! Me, not so much feeling that love.

If you don’t like something change it; if you can’t change it, change the way you think about it. ~Mary Engelbreit

That brings us to this morning. We are moved. I am hitting the reset again. Hopefully for the last time for a long time. I am exactly where I am supposed to be. I am happy. I know it. I feel it in my very core ( well, that and a terrible side stitch that I haven’t been able to shake since my brother boot-camp). I have committed myself to the ~~drill Sargent~~ my little brother and made a promise to myself…I will feel comfortable in this skin of mine.Body dysmorphic disorder and Bulimia/Anorexia can all be damned. I’m not having it, ever again. With the help of my brother, the MOST invested, no nonsense personal trainer that anyone could ever ask for, fueled by a genuine concern and love for his sister, the next year will bring about huge change. I have a goal that I want to hit by my birthday next year and he is going to help me reach my goal. This is one of those moments in life where you are standing at a cliff and you have to decide if you want to take a chance and jump or maintain the status quo. I’m jumping! After this week, I may not be walking but I am jumping.

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We're going to call this the official BEFORE photo. I'll allow you to see me a sweaty mess but sweaty ponytail, no makeup and luggage under my eyes..A girl's got to maintain some tiny dignity:)

This journey is about more than just losing weight. It is about changing my entire lifestyle..forever. It’s no diets or gimmicks, it’s me facing the mirror and taking a good hard look at myself. It’s hard work personal training with my brother and learning to make good, healthy choices with real food. It’s me learning to live in the world. It’s me learning to love my body for all that it is and none of what it’s not. This is me, yelling it from the top of the cliff. I am proclaiming it to the world. It will happen. And this time when the first 25 pounds comes off, I’m giving all the clothes that are too big to the homeless shelter.I will do it every 25 pounds until all I am left with are the clothes that fit who I become.

My change starts right now

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2011/08/17 9 comments

Weight Loss

Nutrisystem Update~ Week 23

by Deborah Cruz 2011/04/18

written by Deborah Cruz

I have been on my Nutrisystem journey for 23 weeks now. It’s felt like a long trek. Of course, I guess nothing worth having is ever easy, is it? After gaining, 1.5 pounds last week, I have lost .5 pound this week. I know I should be really excited and happy that I have lost ….anything. My brain knows this, my body knows this, my heart not so much. I’m not referring to the physical health of my heart. I am referring to my heart that gets discouraged and sad with every movement of the scale. It’s always been this way. Maybe it always will be. All I know is that I feel like losing weight is a really steep uphill battle for me. I’m trying to stay positive but every time I see a commercial or success story, I feel like I should be further along. I feel like this…

Nutrisystem has been amazing. They are supportive and offer so many great recipes and tips. The food is awesome and pre packaged for convenient portion control. The problem is that I’ve been letting life get in the way. I get distracted by life. Running around with the girls, traveling, trying to get this house sold and keeping it clean, running out the door at all times of the day and night to accommodate for showings. Traveling to take the girls to visit my husband. What it comes down to is I’m letting my life run me instead of the other way around. I have to break the cycle of overwhelming chaos. I feel like I’m treading water here. Anybody have any ideas of how to mentally prep myself to stay on task?What do you do to keep yourself from losing sight of your goals? How do you stay the course,when it seems there are constant storms blowing in?

If you are interested in more information about this great plan please feel free to contact Nutrisytem or call 888-853-4689. What do you have to lose? Aside from a few pounds, that is?

DISCLOSURE: Nutrisystem is providing their program to me free of charge in exchange for my participation in the Nutrisystem Nation Blogging Program and weekly updates. I am not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed in this post are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

2011/04/18 4 comments

Weight Loss

Nutrisystem Update~ Week 22

by Deborah Cruz 2011/04/10

written by Deborah Cruz

I learned a very important Nutrisystem lesson this week; if you don’t stick to the program…it doesn’t work. This past week was spring break for my girls and in all the craziness of trying to pack and get to my destinations, I forgot my food. I watched what I was eating at the beginning of the week.I was very strict on what I was putting into my mouth. But then at the end of the week, we were in a hotel and my only options were eating out.We were in the car, in the hotel and traveling between spots.It was a lot of eating on the fly and some not so great choices.The result? I ended up gaining 1.5 pounds for the week. I won’t make excuses, I know what I did wrong. So the lesson is, if you don’t follow the plan..you will NOT lose any weight. And if you are running around spring break eating a burrito as big as your head…you WILL gain a pound and a half, maybe more, especially if you drink a Mexican beer with it.Lucky for me, I had my kids with me and I didn’t or the collateral damage could be much worse.

If you are interested in more information about this great plan please feel free to contact Nutrisytem or call 888-853-4689. What do you have to lose? Aside from a few pounds, that is?

2011/04/10 4 comments

Weight Loss

Nutrisystem Update ~ Week 21

by Deborah Cruz 2011/04/04

written by Deborah Cruz

Well, I was very excited last week with Nutrisystem and my second consecutive 2 pound weight loss. I was all cocky on my high horse, doing my happy girl dance. Well, this week, the week that must not be discussed because the water retention runs so high that it’s physically impossible to wrangle my wedding ring off my finger before bedtime,I have gained a pound. I can say that I am eating what I am supposed to, drinking my water and exercising. I am assuming either I have hit a plateau or I am experiencing some insulting water retention.Why insulting you ask?Because it is certainly hurting my feelings. This brings my grand total to 21 pounds in 21 weeks.WooHOO, go me!

If you are interested in more information about this great plan please feel free to contact Nutrisytem or call 888-853-4689. What do you have to lose? Aside from a few pounds, that is?

2011/04/04 2 comments

Weight Loss

Nutrisystem Update~ Week 20

by Deborah Cruz 2011/03/27

written by Deborah Cruz

Nutrisystem Update~Week 20 I am happy to report that I am down 2 more pounds. Excuse me while I do the happy dance…again this week! I am convinced that the whole writing every single food that passes my lips is the key for me. The Nutrisystem food is keeping me feeling full and losing weight. Another key component are the snacks. I’ve never been a big snacker. It just seems to be what always derails me on a diet is that I wait for the meal and then I over indulge..usually on carbs.

Thank God the Nutrisystem food allows me carbs. There are so many awesome pastas, pizzas, and snacks i.e brownies,ice cream and chocolate that it really helps with the variety.The spice of life you know:) I have been on the program for 5 months so I am getting a little bored with the same foods.Naturally, I have a few favorite Nutrisystem meals that I get all the time.This probably is the real culprit. But lucky for me the ever evolving Nutrisystem foods and the company as a whole are coming out with new foods all the time. Also, there are a lot of Nutrisystem nutritionist approved recipes that I have not checked out yet and I they look mighty tasty, so I see myself checking them out very soon.

Spring break is right around the corner, but I;m not sure my new bikini body is road worthy yet but it will be soon! How about yours? If you are interested in more information about this great plan please feel free to contact Nutrisytem or call 888-853-4689. What do you have to lose? Aside from a few pounds, that is?

2011/03/27 2 comments

Health Mental Health

Letting my Full Figured Freak Flag Fly

by Deborah Cruz 2011/03/23

written by Deborah Cruz

Today , I stopped over at The Curvy Girls Guide and read an article about all these brave women telling the world their weight and posting beautiful pictures of themselves. In the article Getting Real about Your Weight, I was hit immediately by how deeply I could relate to the first paragraph

“For twelve years, I have hidden my weight from my husband, refusing to step on a scale in front of him. This man sees me naked every day. He’s been in the bathroom while I pee. He’s held my hair while I vomited (from the flu…not tequila…give me some credit here). He has touched every single inch of my body. Yet, my weight has been a shameful secret.”

I have spent most of my adult life, as long as I can remember, obsessing over my weight. Always wanting to be just that 10 pounds less. I’ve been a 5 and a 20 and everywhere in between. This is not an easy thing for me to admit..or accept. I am very sensitive about my weight and have gone to extremes to keep it down. This is evidenced by the time my all consuming fear of the freshman 15 sent me into an 8 year battle with anorexia and bulimia. So obviously, when I see these women being so loud and proud. I am simultaneously impressed and proud of their courage but at the same time the thought of sharing my actual weight “in numbers” horrifies me and I think I would avoid it at all and any costs.

But in the fall of 2009, when I was the heaviest that I have ever been, I just felt that I had to tell my husband. I know he has eyes and can see but for the same reasons that I kept my deep dark secret, I needed to be honest with him.For the 8 years that I was consumed by eating disorders, I was a liar( to myself and everyone around me..about food), a manipulator ( I could convince people that they had seen me eat, even when they had not), I was not the person that I wanted to be..aside from the body.It left me feeling guilty and shameful. They say you are only as sick as your deepest secrets, well, I needed to unburden myself of the weight secret before into sent me back into another tail spin. I had to be honest with him as a way of being completely honest and accountable to myself.

My husband knows about the history of eating disorder, he was a big catalyst for why I stopped 13 years ago. I just couldn’t face the thought of him finding out on his own and thinking I was completely crazy, or worse marrying him and getting so consumed by the disease that he lost me. Either way, I pulled a Charlie Sheen and I made the decision to stop, and I followed that by 3 years of weekly therapy. Yes, I’ve examined myself inside and out..several times.

But fall of 2009, more nervous than I was the first time I had to break the news to him that we were pregnant, I took a deep breath and I made the decision to say the number out loud. With trepidation, I uttered those three numbers.It was terrifying, sad, and scary.In that moment, I faced my biggest fear.

Now,I am working hard to get this weight off and keep it off the healthy way with the help of Nutrisystem, this really helps me with my portion control. I am also , as an ex Weight Watcher, counting calories and watching points and getting more active. I need control of the weight. I’m not vomiting or starving myself anymore so I have to be sure that I am aware of what I allow into my body. I hate that I am this way but it’s just the way I’ve been hardwired for so long.I always say being an person who had eating disorders is like being an alcoholic, you may refrain from partaking but you have already tasted the forbidden fruit and you know that option is there..looming. I am in no danger of returning.I’m working my journey and I will get to where I feel good in my skin and then I WILL PROCLAIM MY WEIGHT WITH PICTURES AND A VLOG. But for now, I’m still a little too raw about the number on the scale, the size of the jeans, and the way my clothes hang on my body.But I will get there, not to a number…to the feeling, of comfort and grace. Curvy is beautiful but we all have a place where we need to dwell within ourselves that leaves us feeling beautiful and peaceful.This is all that I want, that’s all that anyone wants. Isn’t it?

But I wanted to point out these beautiful , brave women. Please go check out the article and leave them so me love. And if you’ve ever been where I’ve been, love yourself. You are beautiful. You are amazing!

2011/03/23 14 comments

Weight Loss

Nutrisystem Update~Week 19

by Deborah Cruz 2011/03/21

written by Deborah Cruz

Good Morning! Why yes, yes it is! Why, you ask? Because I got on the scale and lost another 1.5 pounds bringing my grand total of weight lost on Nutrisystem to 20 pounds!WooWoot! I hate to say finally but that’s how I feel. That being said. I also feel really motivated.I feel like someone has hit the restart button on my weight loss button!

Since last week, I’ve been a lot more aware of what I am putting into my mouth. Trying to follow the guidelines and , for my own benefit, I have started to write down the calories of everything that is going into my mouth. Which is very helpful to me since I am a very visual person. Seeing everything written down, in front of me, helps me to stay the course on this journey.

Birds are singing and I can smell the smell of grass wafting through the air, spring is here! I’m looking forward to the fresh air work out that I will get walking around my neighborhood with the girls. Here’s hoping the rain stays away. But really, now I’m gunning for 30 pounds. A little rain will NOT deter me. It shouldn’t deter you either. Get out there and do a little singing in the rain. Life is Good!

Also, Don’t forget, Nutrisystem is running it’s lowest prices since 2003 but it won;t last forever. If you have been interested in giving it a try, NOW is the time!

Visit Nutrisystem today or call 888-853-4689. There is no better time than the present to get started on your journey. Bathing suit season is right around the corner! Believe me, I bought one already. It’s adorable and I plan on getting a LOT of use out of it this summer!

2011/03/21 14 comments

Weight Loss

Nutrisystem Update ~Week 18

by Deborah Cruz 2011/03/14

written by Deborah Cruz

This week’s Nutrisystem official weight loss update is that I lost the other of those pesky pounds that I had put back on a couple weeks ago. This brings my grand total to 18.5 pounds lost over the past 18 weeks. A healthy weight loss is 1-2 pounds a week so I’m losing at a healthy, steady pace. I am happy with my progress because ,obviously, any weight lost is good. The weather has been warming up quite a bit, other than that back lash of snow we had last Thursday. What was that about? Anyways, I am planing to get outside and walk as much as I can. I feel like I really need to kick start my metabolism.I realize that Rome wasn’t built in a day and there’s no way that I am going to drop the weight that I want to lose over night. It’s unhealthy and unrealistic. I know that. I just wish that I was seeing more of a result in myself. I feel like I’ve hit a plateau. Which I know happens once I’ve been losing for awhile. Any suggestions of what I can do to kick start my metabolism again? I welcome any and all suggestions.

Visit Nutrisystem today or call 888-853-4689. There is no better time than the present to get started on your journey. Bathing suit season is right around the corner!

2011/03/14 8 comments

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