Let me start by saying I’m a Shaklee 180 blogger. It’s in the title of the post and there’s a disclosure at the end of this post but I want to make it clear. I applied for and was accepted into the Shaklee 180 Blogger Program. Yesterday, I told you a little bit about why I decided this was the program I wanted to try. Now I’m going to tell you a bit about what this program is all about.
If you’re not interested in losing weight or changing your lifestyle, I’m cool with that. I’m mainly doing this for my own personal accountability. And I’m being accountable by posting some oh-my-god-I-can’t-believe-I-posted-those pictures. I mean, my neighbors read my blog. They’re all going to see what I’ve been desperately trying to conceal for months!
So if you click away, it’s totally fine. But if you’re interested, read on.
Shaklee is not “sponsoring” me. They are providing me with all of the products I need for 180 days of the Shaklee 180 program. The idea is 180 days to do a turnaround. Turn around your eating, turn around your exercise, turn around your lifestyle.
In case you can’t do the math, that’s SIX months.
Yeah, I was afraid of that kind of commitment too. But I’m literally taking it one day at a time, one month at a time.
Here’s how it works for me: Based on my weight and activity level, my calorie intake is set at about 1200 calories per day. It’s different for every person. Some of the women on the program have a luxurious 1800 calories a day but for me to lose weight, I need to go that low.
Keep in mind that as I start working out more, my body needs more calories. I track all that just to keep tabs on things but I’m not letting myself starve. If I’ve had a particular good workout, I’ll eat something extra. But I’m letting my body tell me when I need food and I’m really listening before I shove something in my mouth.
Back to the program…
Every month I get a kit in the mail that looks like this. Shake mixes, meal replacement bars, snack bars, energizing tea. It’s all there.
I basically replace two meals a day with either a shake or a bar. That was a HUGE adjustment. It wasn’t so bad for breakfast but I usually like a hot lunch and a shake doesn’t cut it.
I will say, though, that I’ve gotten used to it. I actually enjoy the shakes (and in the months to come I’ll tell you more about them and how I like to prepare them). And when I just feel like I can’t drink my meal, I’ll have a bar. I never in a million years thought a bar could ever satisfy me for lunch. But it does.
And here’s the beauty of the program. After all of that during the day (along with some healthy snacking), I look forward to dinner where I can have FOOD!! And because I’m feeling better, I’m happy to make healthy choices for dinner because I’m just happy to have REAL FOOD.
When I go out to eat, I look only at the “lite” menu sections. Again, limiting my choices is making it so much easier for me.
Are there exceptions? You bet. Book club every month. St. Patrick’s Day party. BlissDom conference. Easter dinner. I have some indulgences in both food and drink but I make it the exception and not the rule and remember that it takes my body a few days to get back on track.
I’ve also started working out. I hate that term because it can mean so many different things. For me, I’m just trying to find something I don’t hate that will still give me results. So far, my favorite things are walking (with a few jogging steps thrown in), yoga, pilates, and Just Dance on the Wii!!!
Now, the real question is… IS IT WORKING?
Go easy on me because I’m about to reveal the results I’ve achieved in four weeks time. Here are my week by week results*:
* People following the weight-loss portion of the Shaklee 180 Program can expect to lose 1-2 pounds per week.Â
That’s a total of 4.5 lbs and 4.5″ in 30 days. Not dramatic but certainly a healthy pace. And I have pictures too.
I definitely notice the difference. You may, you may not. But *I* notice the difference and that is what makes this worthwhile for me.
Incidentally, I know you’re supposed to look worse in the “before” picture but, geez, could I have at least brushed my hair? Or picked a cuter outfit?
So there it is. I’m still mortified by my own body but I’m OWNING it. I’m working on it.
If you have anything positive to say, I certainly wouldn’t mind hearing it. Or if you have any questions about the program, I’m more than happy to answer what I know based on my personal experience!
This is a sponsored post as part of the Shaklee Corporation blogger program. I have received free products, online support, and incentives for participating. My opinions are my own.Â
26 comments
You are definitely right about a healthy pace. Plus a weight loss is a weight loss, no matter the amount, and that’s awesome 🙂 Congrats on the inches too!!
Thanks, Ashley! I just want to keep the momentum going. The pounds are still dropping but those inches need to GO!
I can definitely see the difference, You not only look smaller, you look firmer. Major kudos.
You know, I’m glad I have the pictures because I really noticed the difference in posture. I think it’s the diet AND exercise. And thank you!
I can see a difference. And that is an awesome pace. Good for you!! Keep it up. 🙂
I’m hoping I can keep it up. The weight loss is going okay but definitely need to tone it up!!
The brushing your hair comment made me laugh. So glad this is working for you. I’m trying to find the discipline to lose a few pounds before a big birthday in July. It’s hard. You are doing it. That’s so great. Keep it going.
Okay, seriously. What was I thinking? “Hey honey, come take some pictures of your fat, unkempt wife in really unflattering clothes, m’kay?” And then HE DID IT! Thanks for the encouragement!
I commend you putting it all out there! I cringe at MY own body when I catch a glimpse of it in the mirror, so definite kudos to you. I do see a difference! Way to go!! I think this may be the program for me, now I have to just get Hubby on board.
I was beyond cringing. I was practically crying every time I got dressed. The only thing that was helping me was knowing I was going to start this program. It’s been a lifeline for me!
You look great!
Thank you, Kim! It does help when I brush my hair 🙂
Girl I am so proud of you! You are rocking it and I definitely see a difference. I have been doing a different program (WW) and the slow and steady changes take forever but I know they will last! Can’t wait to see your progress.
That’s the thing. I’ve never been one for slow and steady. I want it all NOW. But keeping track helps me see that slow and steady wins the race 😉
I think this is so great! Good for you for taking the opportunity to do a turnaround and be an inspiration for others. I totally see a difference. Looking forward to following alone.
Thanks, Nina! This was soooooo hard for me to post but it’s definitely keeping me accountable. Now I have to make sure I do even better in 30 days!
Oh my gosh, I am sorry, Fadra, but I am totally laughing out loud over here at your “before” pictures. The third one down especially… what is that face??? LOL. Okay, I DO see a difference… You should be proud, mama!
I think that’s my normal face MOST of the time!! You only get to see my conference face 🙂 I’m working hard. Just have to keep the momentum going. Thanks for laughing with me and not at me. Or wait a minute…
Congrats! I can totally see a difference. You are doing a great job. Keep it up.
Okay you amaze me and these photos tell the story! I look at the inch loss in number and then I see the photos and my draw drops! You go girl! As you know I am here to support you! Call on me!
I absolutely see the difference – that’s what I hate & love about photos, they never lie – and I applaud your effort.
Now I’m off to take my boys and our Border Collie out for a hike, before getting a salad for lunch.
You are looking fab! And you are right — pounds don’t really matter — it’s how YOU look and feel. Keep on rockin’, girlfriend!
[…] things. So I usually will at least brush my hair (unlike other times I’ve posted pictures of myself looking rather unkempt), wear matching workout wear, put in some small earrings, and wear lip gloss at a […]
I just found your blog. I can see the changes that you have made in just a few weeks. I can’t wait to read on and see more. I would like to know what other products you have tried, such as Shakeology or Xyngular, etc? What are your comparisons of those products and systems to this one?
Hey, look at it this way! In 4 more weeks, you’ll be at most 126 pounds (which is in the 120’s – yay!) Then 4 more weeks pass and you’ll be 122 pounds… 4 more weeks 118 pounds – then you’ll be really happy!
I’m on that same journey using the 180 kits working out it’s one of the best programs I been on keep up the good work