Dear Shannon,

I try and watch you on TIO but I have a night job. Your are me and I am you; same weight (now you've passed me) same attitude and same size. I would like to know how hard/easy Dieting for Dummies is? I have bought and tried Weight Watchers, Body for Life and Atkins did great on Atkins but too hard and gained it back. Body for life cost $40.00 for the book and I now feel sick about buying it. I want a real womans opinion and how this diet makes you feel and any tips about working in an office where the 100 or so other (mostly over weight) woman are sitting at desks for 8 hours eating candy, junk etc and are always ordering take out, planning potluck dessert night and potluck dinner night? Hope to hear from you.

Sincerely,

Leona Schmidt

RESPONSE:

I have debated over these questions forever as you might well imagine from the horrible tardiness of my reply. Do not go out and spend anything on the book. I debated on sending it to you and I will if you wish but the book's name said it all. It is all common sence. Sad but true. My trainer Greg told me white flour turns immediately into sugar and is like poison to your thighs. There is something to rethink and cutting out white bread and pasta (alternatives of course) will make a huge difference. Pot luck can consist of anything you wish to bring. You know the ingredients in your choices. Drink lots of water before the event and remember this is a social event not a licence to indulge. Have a little bit of everything that interests you . Denial will only come back to haunt you. Avoid any desserts and go for a special coffee instead. When the ladies bring in something sweet for you all to try, have a health smart or sweet power bar if the urge overtakes you. You will never feel guilty and your thighs will thank you. It will always be a stuggle but remember the just sweets of your reward. Thank you for watching and I hope you get to watch all the episodes.

Shannon

Shannon -I just wanted to let you know that I am really enjoying watching Taking it Off. I am working on the same goals of slow, permanent weight loss. I am trying to view it (this time around!) as a permanent lifestyle change in the way I eat and exercise. It is working, but it can be hard to wait for the results when the scale moves so slowly! But it is worth it, and I will be healthier in the end. I am similar in weight to where you were when you started, so I feel an extra connection with you. I also wanted to let you know that I love your sense of humor about the whole thing. You have a great attitude, are honest with yourself, and find the funny side of struggles. Keep up the great work on all fronts!

A fan in Ontario, Kate

RESPONSE:

Wow- Kate in Ontario. Thank you for your warm response to the program. I am so glad you get me. Everyone wants the quick fix - myself included! I have a ways to go but this summer I was able to go sleeveless. The little fat hanging over my elbow has been eliminated. I can touch my toes. My thighs are not fighting for space. TALK ABOUT GRAPHICS.!! WAY TOO MANY DETAILS. I think you get the picture. It is the small things that add up to feeling good again. Never forget how you feel right now! Be gentle with yourself. Remember this is a lifestyle change. Do not give up your life. Find a social outing that involves exercise. What a new concept that was for me. Think about cute clothes over the winter you may get into. Think less layers. Think about all those tent dresses that will look horrible on you next year. Think 30 lbs in 6 months. Only 5 a month. We can do it. Thank you again for getting me. I appreciated the kind words.

Shannon