NOTE: Courier-News freelance writer Janelle Walker has signed up for the second round of the "Elgin's Biggest Loser" challenge. Participants weigh in Wednesday nights, and Janelle is blogging the experience exclusively for The Courier-News.
If you heard a high-pitched squeal on Elgin's west side on Wednesday, say about 5:20 p.m., I believe what you heard was me. That was my reaction when I realized, belatedly, what Laura Dion-Jones was telling me.
I had lost another five pounds. In a week.
Now, when I lost five pounds in the first week, all I heard was "Oh, that is water weight," and it comes from just eating healthier. The body flushes out water or whatever.
But the five pounds this week just means something else to me.
Leave Janelle encouragement, why that's important, after the jump.
It is not like I haven't cheated a little bit here and there. I was going through the checkout line at the grocery store on Sunday, and one of those Reeses Big Cups was calling my name. And I savored every bit of that bite.
On the other hand, I can tell when I get on the Gazelle that there are some muscles getting worked now that haven't been in awhile. Particularly in the belly. And the arms.
And one of my friends commented yesterday that she can see it in my face, particularly in my neck. Then I looked in the mirror and noticed the same thing.
My pants are getting looser, I can wear some tops that have been off limits for awhile... and the reunion is next week. 20 years. Still don't think that can be right, cause I still FEEL 25. But at least I can go with my head a little prouder and my back a lot straighter. If I can do another five this week, I will be close to the 20 pounds I wanted to lose before this event, and that much closer to the 30 I am hoping for before an October 2 wedding.
Thank you, everyone who tells me they are checking in on this. Please comment, too, so the Sun-Times and The Courier-News know you are listening!
-- Janelle Walker, Freelance Writer
Wahoo! Go for it Janelle!!!
Yeey! Awesome Job Janelle Keep it up:)
Good job, Janelle! I know you have a long term goal to keep it off, not just lose for your two events, but I just wanted to make your readers aware of that. Keep up the good work. I still haven't met a Gazelle. You'll have to introduce us! EBL Lisa
Glad you're in it for the long haul. Sign me up for Round II with you.
Dear Janelle:
I don't have enough words to tell you how proud I am of you for your weight loss and fitness achievements thus far.
You're a tough cookie to crack, but I believe you're finally getting it - and you know you have to make your new way of eating and working out a forever lifestyle. Look beyond this competition. Look to your future.
You know there are no excuses and also that failure is never an option.
And, go easy on those Reeeses PB cups. What do you think is all that stuff clinging to your Equator . . . besides that raw cookie dough you've been known to down. A-hem.
Keep up the great work.
And I'd like to add that it was not I who told you that your first 5-pound loss was water weight. I never use those outdated words. A 5-pound weight loss is something to celebrate regardless of where it comes from - all you need to know is that it''s off of you.
My best to the best,
Laura Dion-Jones
dionjones@aol.com
www.lauradionjones.com
PS: HGB of "Cosmo" fame took a survey once and found out that the #1 BEST place to meet eligible men was at a wedding! So, about October 2nd? If you buckle down . . . now, you'll really be down by then!
I saw you weigh in on Wednesday and to see your expression when Laura said you lost 5 LBS. was great, your face just glowed, keep up the great job you are doing, it's tough but if you stay focused you will have success.
Michele
Good for you! I'm a fellow-ette EBL2'er and LOVE it. And it's working for me too! Laura Dion-Jones' talks and motivation are priceless. And thanks to Laura for setting up the memberships for us at the Taylor YMCA on McLean in Elgin, IL. Thanks Y! Don't look back - you'll get there, as will I. Best wishes! Thanks Laura!!!
Excellent job.
Funny, I don't remember being absent-minded...
Honor lies in honest toil. — Grover Cleveland
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