Wow! I can't believe it! Today marks another Milestone for Freedom. Who would have thought June 20th, 2006 that on this day, 30 months later ....

Freedom would be ringing its bell and marking the momentous occasion of the 2 1/2 year anniversary of My Appetizer Diet Journey and the successful loss of 40 pounds! And to think, Barack Obama gets to share this special day with me by going down in history as the first black President of the United States.

All kidding aside, it is an historical day for the United States and I wish you good luck as you begin your first days in office, Mr. President. The whole world is watching is as true today as it was when it was chanted some 40 years ago in similarly stressful times.

While the whole world has not been watching me, I have left it all up here as a measure to hold myself accountable for reaching my goal and maintaining the loss. A few of you have followed me here and in public forums during my journey and I thank you for your interest and support.

I'm still keeping the blog up and, I know I've said this before, trying to bring some new material to it and I'm seriously considering making a move to break 175. I have a physical coming up next month and we'll see what the old doc says. Remember that you should always consult your physician before beginning diets, especially those where you intend to make significant changes. I highly recommend using Vitamark's Appetizer Diet products...and yes I am a distributor. A very happy one at that.

Catch you Soon and Thanks for Following!

Gery
Vitamark ID 580935

July 20, 2006 Weght: 219 Waist: 42
January 20, 2009 Weight: 179 Waist 36

Yes, January has come and gone. So has February, March and now three other months. We've had a whirlwind first half of the year around our place and I guess I've done everything but update this blog.

It isn't that there hasn't been any progress. The fact is I got a little supersticious! If you go back to the beginning of this blog you will see that I steadily but slowly have reduced my weight. I've done it with no ill side effects and without any huge changes to my daily regimen other than changing my eating habits and including the family of Appetizer Diet products in my daily routine. However my best periods of weight reduction seemed to come when I wasn't posting. Sounds silly but I think you can figure what I was thinking.

Well here it is almost two years from the time I started my Journey. Back in the beginning I noted that I had limited success at losing weight in the past. It always ended with me regaining what I lost (and usually a little more). During what I called My Appetizer Diet Journey I never saw more than a couple of pounds reversal from what I lost and I always lost it right back and continued to lose some more.

For some unknown reason I never posted any progress pictures. Perhaps I was waiting for that grand finale pic. Since I have steadily lost I guess never really thought it was time. A picture taken Father's Day weekend though changed my mind I had to share it so here's the scoop.... In the picture above On July 20, 2006 I started this journey Weight: 219 Waist: 43 Hips: 42 BP 164/82 Pulse: 78

Sunday June 15, 2008 I recorded the following statistics
Weght: 186 Waist: 36 1/2 BP 136/70 Pulse 66

And the pic that's got me bragging? Here you go...

Do you find yourself putting items into the shopping cart that weren't on your list when you got to the supermarket? Retailers actually arrange their stores to encourage impulse — and often unhealthy — buys!

Just think about the candy bars right by the cash register or the aroma of fresh baked goods that greets you as you walk in the door. Is this a coincidence? Not a chance!

Fight back with these tips:

• Make a list, so you'll know what you need and go straight to it!
• Shop the outer walls of the store, where fresh produce, meats, dairy, and grains are displayed. Avoid inner aisles that are filled with processed items!
• Never shop on an empty stomach! Plan supermarket trips after a meal, when you won't be as tempted!
• Read labels. If it's high in fat, calories, salt, and preservatives, put it back!
• Avoid "free" samples. This little taste often winds up triggering an unnecessary purchase.
• Bring a friend to help you stay focused.

Thanks for reading.