I wanted to write up about the experience I've had so far with EMTWL. Please NOTE, these results are different for everyone! Everyone's body reacts differently AT first. However, don't be discouraged.

When I started, I was eating a net of 1200. I was exhausted. As an elementary school teacher, you CANNOT afford to be exhausted. I felt depressed and constantly stressed about my weight. A number was defining me. I had the image that 120lb was the only weight that would allow me to look "pretty". I didn't even see my weight loss progress as anything special. I would think, anyone can loose 15 lb. Easy.

I found this group though. As a math person, the numbers and formulas really drew me in. I also read the experiences both weight loss wise and overall life-style wise. It was inspiring. I made the switch.

I immediately upped my calories to 1800 day one. I felt bloated for a few days. It was rotten. However, with consistent exercise and hydration, it subsided. While the bloating was a pain, the energy I got just within the first few days was AMAZING. I felt myself sleeping better. I felt myself being happier. I even hid the scale and my whole world changed. Everything stopped revolving around that stupid box that sat at my bedside! I wasn't going to let it rule my life anymore!!!

Exercise wise, I do about 30 minutes to an hour each day. I break when my body tells me to break. I was an active athlete for years so my body is use to being pushed. I do the 30 day shred every day (I'm currently on level 3. I took on the challenge for May). I pair it up with a random Jillian DVD (6 week 6 pack and the kettlebell ones are my favorite). I also picked up lifting. I am starting with New Rules of Lifting for Women since I'm so new. I have had to modify some of the exercises in phase 1 since I am in that weird transition phase of graduate student to alumni. Once I get my new card, I can start working out at the gym, but for now, I have to work with what I have. (No barbells )

Around day 5, I upped my calories again to 1900 which was closer to my TDEE cut. Again, the bloating monster reared its ugly head, but I was ready this time. It again subsided a few days later.

Now, I've made the switch to 2000. I am getting ready to do the full reset. I decided to jump up slowly though so my body could adjust. It also allows me personally to adjust to the changes occurring in my body.

So now, what are the results thus far? Well, here are the stats:

START:

Age: 23
Height: 5'7"
Weight: 135 lb
Wrist: 5.5 inches
Waist: 27.5 inches
Hip: 32.5 inches
Forearm: 8.8 inches
Thigh: 21 inches
Calf: 14.5 inches
Body fat %: 14.8

CURRENT:

Age: 23
Height: 5'7"
Weight: 133 lb
Wrist: 5.5 inches
Waist: 27 inches
Hip: 32 inches
Forearm: 8.8 inches
Thigh: 20.5 inches
Calf: 14.5 inches
Body fat %: 13.9

LOSSES:

Weight: 2lb
Inches: 1.5
Body fat: .9%

The weight doesn't even phase me. To me, it's the body fat and inches. In just TWO weeks!!!

I must ALSO mention I'm having my TOM, so I am bloated up like the biggest balloon you've ever seen.

But overall, I feel healthier. I am told that I have a glow to me. I am smiling more. I am EATING more. I have always LOVED food. I love cooking.

Overall, I feel better. I know the reset may set me back weight wise and I will feel the bloating. However, all I will care about is that I feel better. I am no longer depressed. I no longer stress. I can actually now eat and not feel guilty. For me now, I want to make my body stronger and give it the respect it deserves.

So to anyone who has read this, it isn't about the number on the scale. It's about YOU. How YOU feel.

For me now, I am getting ready to enjoy a two week vacation with my fiance, parents, sister, and her boyfriend. I will move up to my TDEE (around 2400) since I find it easier to eat on vacation. Will I indulge? Of course! Will I forget about eating healthy? Of course not. I will still make sure to try and keep my macros in mind. I won't have the opportunity to log in each meal, but I will remain conscious of what I'm putting into my body. However, as mentioned, I will indulge because DAMMIT I DESERVE IT.

I shall keep continuing to work towards a healthier me. I want my body to trust me again. I want to trust me again! I want to not have to stress about food so much and just enjoy life.