Hi - my name is Cheryl Caliri, or as many of you know me, “chenbru” on VFL.com Discussion Boards. My journey, like many of your’s, is and has been a long one. I am still on the road, but I am confident that with God's help, my family, and the support of Melaleuca, I will reach my destination.
I have had weight issues for a very long time. It is hard for me to really remember a time when I was not overweight. Over the years I have done a lot of different "diets," all of which helped me to lose a few unwanted pounds—after which I gained those plus a few more.
When Melaleuca introduced VFL.com, I was so happy! I joined right after convention. Then, nothing really happened. I logged in and kept track of what I ate, but did not lose any weight. I was going the through the motions of participation, but was not ready to commit. I certainly was not taking advantage of all that was available to me with VFL.com.
In November, when the Beat the Holiday Bulge Contest was announced, I was ready to participate—it was the fuel for my fire and I was determined to lose weight! Not just for the contest, not just to do it, but to really lose weight for myself, my family, and my children. I had looked into a mirror and really did not recognize the person who was looking back at me. In my mind I was not that heavy. In my mind I was overweight, but not that bad. Reality is not always a good thing. But what I chose to do with that reality has definitely changed who I am today. And it will continue to be right there with me along this journey.
My start date: November 13, 2006 - was THE day, a day that most overweight people dread—the scale and initial weigh in. I was wearing a very tight size 16 pants and 2XL shirt. I knew I would not like the numbers that I would see on that scale—220.6 pounds! Wow! I really did not think it would be that high. That Monday, I also went to a local gym to find out about membership and to see what they had to offer me. I joined the gym a few days later. Some of the biggest and immediate changes for me included: exercise (something foreign to my body) and eating 5 times a day (I typically ate about 1 time a day). I cut out soda, caffeine, and salt, and increased my water intake to about 100 oz per day. Each and every workout, I am armed with my Access™ Bars. I almost feel guilty eating one prior to a work out, they are so delicious, and after my work out I have my bottle of Sustain® Sport Berry Burst waiting for me. The circuit trainers have commented on my loss of inches, which I know the Access Bars have definitely aided in.
The VFL.com site is great! If you have never written down what you take into your body it can be shocking to see just how bad you are eating (even if it was only 1 meal). I learned so much from the VFL.com Discussion Boards, there is just a wealth of information there and so many knowledgeable people who visit and post on the boards. There are many at VFL.com who have helped me in ways that only someone who has “been there, done that” could help. They are real people who have or had the same issues or problems that I have. It is great to be able to ask a question and know that I will get answers and get the reassurance that I can do this.
My journey is not over. I still have a ways to go, but I am confident that I will make it. There is no looking back now that I have conquered these first steps and made some real life changes and created new habits. Again I have wonderful support on my side.
As of September, my current statistics are as follows: I have lost 35.6 pounds and 35 1/2 inches. I now wear a very comfortable size 12 pant and size M top. I weigh 185 pounds and my goal is to reach 145 pounds.
I know that I will make it there. Hoping the BEST for all of you!
- Cheryl
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