A Dog's Tale, My Tale

Day 22

I went to a rescue shelter in Lexington this afternoon to adopt a puppy that had been rescued from a puppy mill. 3 1/2 half hours later, I left with a 6 year old schnauzer named Scooter. He was so sad and scared, and his story tore at my heart. I had to adopt him instead. 

Scooter belonged to an 85 year old woman who had 7 other dogs and 4 cats. She was a recluse and took care of her animals, having vets and groomers come to her. She never went outside, therefore neither did her pets. She loved them and cooked for them, etc. She passed away two weeks ago, leaving provisions for the animals to stay at the house with someone to come take care of them daily until a home could be found. Scooter was one of the last two pets placed, and his foster family returned him today.

Because Scooter never went outside, and his owner could not get up and play much, he's a bit overweight. He needs some exercise and a healthy diet. He's also a bit emotionally distraught. He's still mourning the loss of his owner. He's even taking herbal remedies to help balance his emotions. It's pretty sad. At Pets, Inc. he wanted attention but wouldn't be assertive to try to get it, like the others were. Jane, the VP of Pets, Inc. said she thought he'd be a good fit for me, since school often keeps me late. Training a puppy may be hard. 

So I thought for awhile. I had envisioned getting a puppy that would play fetch, something Sebastian won't do. I wanted a dog that was a contrasting color of Sebastian. A smaller dog. One that would make me googly-goo and talk in a high pitched voice. Scooter isn't that dog. But Scooter's story got to me. Scooter is a lot like me. The canine Debb!

I, too, am overweight and need to get healthy. I'm now eating the right food at the right time, and working to be healthy. I needed to regain some emotional balance. In July of 2012, I was diagnosed with uterine cancer. It was early, stage one. I was very lucky. One surgery and the doctor removed it--at the cost of my ovaries, uterus, etc--a total hysterectomy. While I am pleased beyond measure that the cancer was removed, I am also saddened that, even though I had no immediate plans in the works, I no longer had the choice to have a baby, let alone the fact that parts of my body had been removed. I was exhausted and depressed, and now taking my natural "remedy"--Xyng--I am returning to normal Debb. I couldn't help but feel a kinship with Scooter, so I made him part of my family. 

There are other psychological similarities, but I'll save those for therapy!

Who knows, he may help keep me on track?!?! And if Sebastian has his way, Scooter may be running around rough housing in a couple days!

Tomorrow, back to business!

You Asked for It!

Day 13

Lesson 1--Take afternoon snack to faculty meetings! (Not a horrible or long meeting, but my body is already used to the schedule.)

Lesson 2--Just because I can stay up to 2 a.m. Watching Bones on Netflix, doesn't mean I should.

Lesson 3--Be more specific on the blog. 

I'll take care of lesson 3. First, I'll begin with an apology. I am so excited about the Xyngular products that I've purposefully tried not to gush, or as a friend said tonight, "puke information" at everyone. (I know, pretty gross, huh? I like it!) I tend to bubble over when I'm excited about something, and I guess I undershot a bit. So, here goes!

Xyngular, a health and wellness company, has been around since 2009, so it's a relatively young company. Right now Xyngular makes 8 products aimed at weight loss, energy, mood, and general health. 6 of the eight come in a kit called Ignite, which is what I've been blogging about. While I love the science behind the products, Tonight I'm just going to give you a brief product overview, a simple run-down of the plan that turns your body into a "fat burning machine"!

Xyng--Xyng is an all natural supplement made of herbs, vitamins, and minerals. It increases focus, decreases appetite, improves focus, and elevates mood. It gives you a calm energy instead of hyping you up. Personally, I have never felt so peaceful and positive. About thirty minutes after taking Xyng when I wake up, I can feel it working. My experience is not unusual.

Super Fruit Global Blend--I love this super fruit juice! With breakfast you take a shot of 1-4 ounces or mix it in with the LEAN shake.  Global blend is a blend of the super fruits and berries we've been hearing about: gogi, açai, blueberry, cranberry, raspberry, apple, grape seed and grape skin to name a few. The antioxidants found in these fruits, combined with adatogens that help keep our body in homeostasis, and nutrients that help our body create primary antioxidants, help promote a healthy immune system, descrease inflammation, balance endocrine hormones, and produce many other benefits. Those that know me know that I have problems with my ankle and foot that flares up, especially in the winter. In the 13 days that I've been taking a shot of Global Blend, I have not needed to take the first anti-inflammatory. A friend on a call tonight began using the Xyngular products because she had chronic migraines and without medications now has no more migraines.

The next 4 products make the Core 4, and are targeted for weight-loss.

LEAN Shake--This is a vanilla shake powder that tastes like cake batter! It contains proteins and the essential amino acids that the body needs. LEAN boosts metabolism and increases energy. It is meal replacement on the Ignite system, and is awesome recovery after workouts.

Accelerate-- (I'm just going to quote product information: "A thermogenic blend formulated to accelerate your metabolism, suppress your appetite, and increase your stamina so you can lose weight while staying focus and active throughout the day." I love Accelerate. I swear I can feel it working! (That was my input!)

Flush--Don't let the name frighten you like it did me! Flush, too, is all natural and is a daily gentle cleanse that aids in weight loss, maintaining energy by helping with digestion, and removing toxins and free-radicals. It helps keep your insides clean, but does not keep you in the bathroom. (You know you were wondering!)

Cheat+--A miracle in a bottle. Cheat+ is a capsule filled with Japanese Konnyaku root that expands once in you stomach not only making you feel fuller sooner, but also trapping 25% of the fat and calories, disguising them as fiber, and moving rough your system. Cheat+ also contains green coffee bean to help regulate blood sugar and phytosterols that help control cholesterol.

These products work! If you've followed the blog so far, you've read about my results. Honestly, I've never been so excited by something that could be helpful to so many people.

Please contact me if you have questions or would like further information. For me the time was right to begin. Is it your time now?

Watch this video. The people are real--I've talked to some of them!!

Testimonials

Kicking Off Ignite Cycle 2

Day 12

Well, I'm back for round 2, cycle 2 of Ignite. Was it hard? Naaahhhhh... .I actually looked forward to it. Over the weekend, I lost almost 2 pounds, bringing my total to 13.5 in 12 days. Bring on the new week!

Because of my size, I've always not planned what I would eat. Somewhere in the deep crags of my psyche I rationalized, "People expect a fat person to think about food all the time." So I didn't plan meals, pack lunches, etc. to fight that stereotype that I only perceived people having.

Well, ladies and gentlemen, I've been doing nothing but thinking of food. And I don't feel bad about it. I had fun today cooking chicken for my protein snacks this week. I've got a head of cauliflower in the fridge, and I'm trying to decide whether to make some garlic mashed cauliflower for dinner, or use it to make a pizza crust--or if I have enough for both. It's fun. Yay!

I've been so excited to use the Xyngular products that I have taken the time to set goals. My Xyngular back office on my site, gives me resources to set short and long-term goals, so my goal (a-ha) is to work on them and go for broke by blogging them Tuesday night. That way my thousands...uh, hundreds...uh, tens of readers can cheer me on and kick my butt when needed!

If you want to learn more about this Xyngular stuff that I am ecstatic about, check out my website. (Do you know how long I've wanted to say that? My website! I feel like a grown up.) Debb's Xyngular Site

It's 10:30 on a Sunday night, and I am not dreading going to work tomorrow. TGIFX--Thank goodness I found Xyng! My life has changed!

An Epiphany

Day 7

Eating day number 3. These days drive me crazy because I feel I haven't worked hard enough. I am comfortable that I only put healthy, good things in my body today, so I've done my job! 

Today was a great day at work, and I attribute it to Xyng. I had energy to teach those middle school-ers theatre. I played the acting games with them, instead of just observing and coaching. I picked up necessities from Kohls right after school, walked the dog for 15 minutes as soon as I got home, vacuumed the floor, rearranged living room furniture, organized the kitchen some, listened in on a business call, worked on the business some more, contacted three people about Xyngular, got everything ready for work tomorrow, took another short walk with the dog, and am now blogging. I say that, not to brag, but because 3 weeks ago, that would not have happened. Then, it was home, begrudgingly taking the dog to do his business, so I could get back up to my third-floor apartment, so I could eat my fast food, check Facebook, and crawl off to bed for nights of restless sleep. I'm doing nothing different, except the Xyngular products, and I think Xyng is key for this component. 

I hesitated writing this because I thought to myself, "Maybe it's a fluke. I must've had a good day today." Then it hit me that this was defeatist. I need to recognize what was going on and celebrate it, not wait and expect it to fail. I think it's a turning point for me. I need to work on my thought patterns, while the Xyngular products work on my body. As my friend just texted me, replace the old tapes with new ones!

If your interest is piqued, and you'd like to hear more about Xyng, please do not hesitate to email me at MyXyngJourney@gmail.com, or inbox me on Facebook. I'd love to share more! 

Celebrating Progress of Friends

Day 6

Well, Sebastian and I returned to Lexington today. I choked back the tears as much as possible as I told my mom and dad, sisters, brother-in-laws, and nieces goodbye. I munched on my homemade beef jerky and drank my water and envisioned what it will be like once I reach my goal. Once I got home, I was met with some wonderful motivation!

I was hanging with my friends, Heath and Julie, when I got back, and they have just finished their second eight day cycle of the Ignite plan. Holy cow! What a difference! Heath, Julie, and I have been friends since Newberry College about 20 years ago, so they were the ones to share the miracle that is Xyngular. I have Heath's permission to share his pictures, so take a look:

I am so proud of Heath and Julie both, and it feels great great to know real before and after people. Oh, Heath's not done yet, but he is looking great and staying with the plan and is 27% of the way to his goal. We were discussing tonight what our favorite Xyngular products are. He loves Xyng--an herbal blend that boosts energy and metabolism, promotes focus and general feeling of well being, and elevates mood. Naturally! 

Sometimes I feel infomercial-esque, but I cannot help how excited I am to have found Xyngular and a great Xyngular family for support. I want to share it with everyone--everyone who has struggled with weight, everyone who wants to tone up, everyone who wants to feel better, no longer need their medication, get rid of aches and pains, migraines, arthritis, gout, etc. I've never felt this way about anything else!

Ok, school starts tomorrow, I must calm down and go to sleep. Before I go I will update you on me--holding steady at 9 pounds! That's nine in five days, I won't complain that I didn't lose any more. As long as it picks pack up--hahaha!

One last thing, I mentioned Sebastian. You must see him, because he'll probably be creeping up in many posts.

For the Love of Tacos--Day 5

Happy New Year! 

Technically this post is for 12-31-2012; I'm just a night owl, and this is when I like to write. Making myself write more is one of the purposes of this blog, so if you see poems in the near future, don't be too frightened!

Down to business. Halfway through cycle one, after 4 days, I've lost 9 pounds. NINE! It's unbelievable, and I question the scale, which has been acting wonky, but I got the same weight three times, so I'm going with it!

Almost had a meltdown today. As I said before, I never feel deprived or hungry. I didn't even have a hard time turning away my sister and brother-in-law's birthday cake with that really good icing. Then came today, my last day with my family. Day Five is an eating day. I had some yummy pasta again--which I probably will on most eating days until I learn how to make quinoa--lots of veggies, and my protein for lunch. In the past, on my last day at home my mom makes tacos. They are not fancy. They're probably not overly authentic. (She uses Old El Paso.) But something about the way my mama cooks the meat, cuts the veggies, I don't know what else, sprinkles in love maybe, makes her tacos the best thing in the world to me! 

I told mom I'd be able to eat the meat and veggies--not the shells, cheese, or sour cream--and it was fine for me at 1:00. But come 5:00, it was another story. The thought of not having cheese or shells made me a little bit sad, but no sour cream?!?! For those of you that do not know me well, sour cream has been almost its own food group for me in the past. The thought of having a taco without any of that rich, creamy goodness drove me to the cliff. Then I thought--no shell??? My mind went to a little negative place for a minute. I even texted my friend, Heath, to make sure I could not have shells. I knew better than to bring up the sour cream. He assured me that I could not, told me to take a Xyng, drink my water, and smile. Foiled!

I wish I could say that I sucked it up, ate meat and veggies while everyone else munched on those crispy corn shells piled high with the same meat and veggies I was eating plus a slathering of sour cream topped with cheese. Sadly, I can't. I did not cheat, however. For this, you may shout, "YAY!" My mom, with a late in the game save (tried to come up with a witty sport metaphor), changed the menu! Thanks mom! She is being so super supportive! I'd like to give her one of those Burger King crowns to wear! What's more, my dad didn't even complain. She's a miracle worker!

I write all this because a.) it was a little comical, and b.) to show you that it's not all a cake walk. It's sad to give up some of my favorites, especially when I am sure that, for some reason, those tacos have become a comfort food for me. Tonight may have been an ecellent chance for me to do some personal growth, but Mama realized that Ive been working and growing a lot lately, and she swooped in and rescued me a bit. We all need someone to be our support. (I'll be yours, if you need me to!)

When I stop and think, I realize the rewards of sticking with the plan are going to be so much bigger than this small sacrifice. Also, I realize that I am thankful for those two days in between each eight day cycle when I can eat what I want, sensibly. And  it's just two days away. Now I'm not going to go insane, but I have my niece's birthday party on Saturday. It will be my second off day. I might just stop by my mother's for a hug, some support, and a taco.

Happy New Year!

Day Two and Day Three--A Little Late

 Carbs, oh how they call to me! And my eagle eye can find them even in the dark. Day Two really made me see what an emotional eater I am. The Xyngular Lean shakes really satisfy my sweet tooth. However, I got a bit emotional, was not hungry, but some uncontrollable urge turned me into a rabid beast. I'll say it again, I wasn't hungry! 

I stayed true to the course, even when my family was eating leftovers from Christmas Dinner--turkey, mashed taters and gravy, baked mac and cheese, pineapple apple casserole, chocolate chip cookies. I will admit that I did succumb and had a teaspoon of the mac and the casserole, then immediately texted my friend because I felt I had derailed myself. (Really, a teaspoon. Full disclosure, here!) 

Fast forward to midnight, a surprise visit from my sister and brother-in-law from Kentucky, and a table filled with goodies. I was good, and it wasn't that hard. Typically I would've mindlessly eaten although I wasn't hungry. I took the opportunity to get in an extra 12 oz. of water. (And I did ask my mom to cover up one of the snacks that was calling to me, which she did. Thanks mom!)

Day Two was a bit harder than day One, but I in no way felt deprived. And when I weighed the morning of Day Three, I had lost another pound!

On to Day Three--

My first eating day, only 1 shake (breakfast). I felt like I did nothing but eat all day. Today I really felt, or paid attention to, the effects of Xyng. This is the first time since my surgery that I have felt like I had enough energy to get through the day. As I write this, I realize I have not written my story yet. Topic for tomorrow's post? Maybe....

My mom surprised me by going to the store and buying me Egg Beaters and a couple of other things that she knew I could eat today--100% wheat pasta! (Have I told you how much I love pasta?) She's been so supportive, and plans to order her Ignite kit in the next couple of days.

It's been a crazy busy day that has already turned into Day Four. Tomorrow: my story and maybe even THE CHEAT SAGA!!!!!

                       

              

In the beginning. . .

My path with Xyngular begins today. My story will follow, but I will suffice it to say that I initially considered using Xyngular products because of Xyng. My lack of energy since surgery in September of 2012 had been constantly troubling and, more importantly, frustrating me. I decided about two weeks ago that I was going to take steps to actively change this. Two of my "besties" began using Xyngular Ignite about ten days ago, and in one week, achieved significant results, so I decided to go whole hog, so to speak, and begin my journey with Xyngular. And it begins today.

Please check my blog often, as I post results, recipes, and share stories, joys, and struggles as I add a little Xyng in my step!