I’m looking back at my first e84 challenge blog from the perspective of almost ten weeks later. With a little over two weeks to go in my twelve-week challenge, I’m four pounds from my goal and at last measurement, eleven inches smaller. Six of those inches have come from my hips! I’m now wearing clothes I bought thinking I’d eventually wear them, clothes I wore years ago, or some clothes in the in-between stage of “too big” and “falling off.” Hindsight now tells me that I didn’t really believe I’d be here. My eating habits have changed and I’ve learned new ways, all without dieting, counting calories, points, fat grams … most of all, without depriving myself of eating exactly what I want. I just eat a lot less, I don’t eat “just because,” and I feel better than I have in years.
My 15-year old son has shed 25 pounds. Noticeably.
Excerpts from April 30, 2011 “I Begin”
Common wisdom tells us to let others know when we are embarking on any type of self-improvement plan, like quitting smoking, starting an exercise program, losing weight – the thought being that we would have not only the support but the conscience, a la Jiminy Cricket, to keep us on track.
And so, not only I have begun, but my son has also begun our e84 challenge. 84 comes from the fact that there are 84 days in twelve weeks, the length of our challenge. “E” stands for “EvolvHealth ™,” the company selling the products we will use.
At the end of twelve weeks my son and I will be leaner and stronger. Our goal for this period is to reduce our weight by 10%. When my friend, Joe Manzanares, first asked me if I’d like to join him in his e84 challenge, he told me I could lose 18 pounds. When I later found out that this should represent 10% of my bodyweight, I was simultaneously flattered (happy that I looked like I weighed 180) and suspicious (did I really look like I only weighed 180?). In any case, I’m actually planning to take off 20 pounds. You do the math. And, Joe, really, thanks for the compliment!
Because, seriously? Just wait until I am at my goal. I will look better than I have ever looked as an adult. Why? Even though my weight has crept up over the last decade (an average of three pounds per year, according to statistics for people in their forties), I’m in better shape now than I’ve ever been. Ever. So, I’m pretty excited to begin my challenge!
More about my son in a future blog – suffice it to say that he’s looking forward to having some tools that will help him achieve his optimum weight.
Today, I invite you to begin your own e84 challenge. Join thousands of others who are feeling and looking better, some for the first time in their lives. It’s simple. Set your goal and choose an e84 challenge package at www.sharonhayward.myevolv.com. Questions? Call me at 616-450-8531 or come to an e84 challenge party. Call Joe, my friend who changed my life with one question. He can be reached at 303-923-8061. However you do it, just do it.
Here’s to your healthy, happy future! See you tomorrow!