Day 15 of 100 – Feeling Good Started With Drinking Coffee
Hello there! How are you? Hello! Hello! It’s Thursday night. Oh my gosh, I am so tired. I still have prep work to make my lunch for tomorrow. I am going to a 3-day convention where I’ll get built up, re-energized, and get out from behind the computer for 3 days. I’ll be here tomorrow for my live video though you can bet your bottom dollar. So, we are on day 15 of my 100 videos in 100 days. The story of my weight loss continues, but I started feeling good by drinking coffee! If you remember, we were talking yesterday about what to expect when you start making changes to your diet and you make changes to your diet. There are some things you need to prepare for. There’s a way that you can get mentally prepared to make those changes just like I did. I mention those on yesterday’s video.
But for those of you that don’t know me. My name is Carla Gardiner. I’m known as the Fiery Grandma. I’m known as the Fiery Grandma because I work from home leading women to have more fun, learning how to gain the confidence to look good, feel good and do good while updating their outdated wardrobe using $5 jewelry. If you are over 50 and just need to get out that rocking chair and have more fun, come on along. If you’re under 50 and you need a mentor, I have 20 years of experience in networking. I can show you how to make money while learning how to accessorize. But that’s not what these videos are about. These videos are about, well, the short segment is about my weight loss journey. Everybody was asking me “Carla, what are you doing to lose the weight? We have watched you slowly shrink since you moved to Idaho”.
It all started with this wonderful coffee my friend, Beth, shared with me. I started feeling good, getting mentally prepared drinking coffee and then when I felt better, I wanted to lose weight. However, I realized that it takes more than that. You can’t just drink coffee to lose weight. You can’t just take a magic pill or drink a delicious shake because they all work somewhat, or do they? Once you quit using them, you put it back on plus some, I know, I did it for 30 plus years.
I was so sick and tired of that diet roller coaster and made a decision to change my lifestyle. I did it and haven’t looked back since. I am so happy about how I feel and look, my confidence is back! So, what did I do? By the way, just so you know, my husband was NOT on board with it. He told me, “I am not doing this. You’re not going to make me”. Now if you know me at all … I was like “fine, I’m not asking you to join me.” But I was at that point that I didn’t give a rip about what anybody else thought, including my husband. I was going to do it, period. He actually quit cooking for me. So, I am back in the kitchen even though I work and he doesn’t. Shhh, don’t tell him, but, he only lasted about 3 days and then gave in. And guess what? He started eating the way I ate, the delicious foods weren’t so bad and he went from size 40 waist to 36. He hasn’t been in a size 36 waist since we were dating some 40 years ago. So, does it work? Yeah. He cheated which makes me so mad. He still drinks his Budweiser. He still has his bread. But I don’t care. You know what? I really wanted to stick to this.
Tonight’s step is really the biggie. We talked last night about what’s going to happen after you take this step and that was you are going to go through a detox. Everybody is different. I was in total denial. I didn’t think it would happen to me. But oh yeah, it happened. I will give you the short and the sweet of it and then on tomorrow’s video, I will go a little deeper into it. We have a 3-day convention tomorrow. And it’s going to be really, really good. It generally wipes me out because I really focus.
(rabbit trail) Look at this necklace. This is so cool. I am falling in love with this chunky stuff. Wearing jewelry like this is really out from my comfort zone but I am liking it.
So, here’s what I did. First of all, every week I watched a video, a documentary and they were free. You can find them on PBS. I have to go back and see. I will make a list on this and bring you guys a recommendation of what I watched because the program that I’m using … I’ve got to get in there and finish up my lunch … Tomorrow, I’ve got half of an avocado, a large handful of blueberries, about 5 cut up strawberries and I’m making some chicken salad with celery sticks. You guys, that is so filling and it’s very good and makes me feel good, too believe it or not. I really thought when I started this way of eating, I was going to be hungry. It is so flavourful. The combinations of the foods are so healthy (hey Leanna, I can’t wait to meet you next Friday. Yeah! You are coming to my neck on the woods and there is no way, you are coming from Florida and I’m 20 minutes from where you’re going to be and I’m not going to be there, I’m going to be there.)
So anyway, here’s how I started. The first thing was to cut out (and you that know me, know that I am black and white. There is no grey for this grandma. No. It’s black or white all the way. Do it or don’t. There is no try. It is done). This is going to make you cringe but you wanted to know so I’m giving it to you. This is the real deal, raw on live video. I gave up, no I didn’t give it up. I eliminated all sugar. All as in 100%. Do you realize what that means? Sugar. I’m not talking about the white stuff only. I’m talking about, reading the labels when you go shopping, what you give your kids, what you give your grandkids? Yeah, all processed food. Every food that has any sugar, sucralose, imitation sweeteners went into the garbage … out. I went through the pantry and out it went. Now, keep in mind, Rich wasn’t doing this. He was not on board so I had to be careful of what I threw out in the pantry. I had to respect his wishes to the garbage that he is going to put in his body. But I needed to get rid of all of the temptations that I would eat.
So back to what I eliminated. Sugar, all processed food. So, you are probably thinking, holy smoke, what do you eat? Well, I eliminated the fruit. The fruits that I eat for right now during weight loss mode is berries and nuts. So, here’s what I eat – any kind of meat and I had to retrain my brain because I’m not a big meat eater. I will eat a steak as long as there’s no nasty fat. The texture is a thing with me, how about you? I’ll eat a nice, flavourful lean steak occasionally. But I’m not big on it. I do love vegetables and we eat all the veggies we want.
Next, I’ll learn more. I see my nutritional therapist on Friday and be able to ask questions. I’m not 100% clear on the difference between keto and paleo. I think the way I started was somewhere in the middle of the two. All I know is, this is what I did. Meat, plenty of vegetables, berries, nuts, and healthy fats. When I mean healthy fats, it was real butter, not margarine, coconut oil, avocado oil, I forget what other kinds of oil but I like coconut oil so I stick with that. The key was to watch my portions. It took me a while to figure it out. I’ve lost almost 50 lbs since February, so about 7 months.
I am in love with this lifestyle and it makes me feel good. People have been asking me what am I doing. I was spending a lot of time in answering messages and I thought “you know what? I’m going to get on here and walk them through exactly what I did. So, if they have questions I’ll direct and point them in the way they should go”. That’s what I am doing.
My first step was getting my mindset straight using my feel-good coffee. Then, I made my decision. Next, I implemented the simple steps beginning with eliminating sugar. No bread. No pasta. No processed foods. If it’s in the box, I don’t eat it at all. Tomorrow I’ll share what came next.
So, I hope that this helps and inspires you in some way to take control of your health, of your weight loss. I hope it helps you understand that you don’t need fancy products to do it. You can do it yourself by eating real food and using customized micro-nutrients specifically designed for you. But you have to get up here (pointing the head) right first (your mindset) and then you’ve got to want to make a change. And it can’t just be a change for today.
So, I’m going to let you go. I’ve got to get my lunch ready for tomorrow. I think I get to crash and burn early. I am just wiped out today and I’ve got a full weekend to go and I got to be focused to learn more. So, now it’s time for you to gain the confidence to look good, feel good and do good, too. Oh, you know what? If this helps anybody or if you know anybody that is looking for help, needs a kick in the britches or simply looking for answers, share this video with them. Most importantly go have some fun. We take life way too seriously.
Before you go, I want to offer you an opportunity to learn more about your health with a free, in-depth assessment. I have room for a couple of people this week. Let’s see where you are, where you want to be and if working with me is for you. Click here to contact me for your assessment, today.
"Very well put. I've been with a health and nutrition company for over 26 years and I understand exactly what you are going through. I shiver to think what my health might be today at age 68 had I not stuck to my guns as far as practicing what I preach. Yes, I fall off the wagon regularly but my daily routine life reflects taking care of my health. That way I can keep up (somewhat) with my 7 grandchildren. You keep it up, Carla". 
"For most people the thought of venturing out there in pursuit of your dreams, in a place outside of your comfort zones is just what stops them. But I could sense your excitement not resentment in going against the competition. In planting your stake and truly making a difference in the clients experience. That's ultimately what matters, the rest just falls so easily into place. Thanks for that reminder"! 
Carla, I’ve got to say that I LOVE your focus on the joys and challenges facing women over 50. I’m definitely in that camp! I’ve been inspired by your candor, practical ideas, and refreshing determination to joyfully tackle life. The hours we’ve spent on the phone, in person, and through social media have enriched my life immeasurably. YOU are one Fiery Grandma, and I love your style! 
I have known Carla Gardiner for 6+ years. We met at a business training for bring business online. She is a business women at heart and willing to do the hard things to make the results show up. I have watched her run a business, work a job and take care of her family. She is a go getter when it comes to putting in the work to build her business to the level of being able to enjoy her grand kids.
She is the example that age is not a limit it is a tool for sharing knowledge to those she empowers to use their own skills and talents. Excuses are fuel to push her to learn and apply. I have seen her scared to death about implementing new technology and rock it out despite the learning curve.
I love watching you grow into your greatness Carla! Don’t slow down. 
"Carla, you are a model for me to follow. I love your site. And, I like what you have to say - very kind, very gracious. I have to say though that nothing in my life has ever been crystal clear". 
"I've known Carla for 5+ years and can tell you that she has lived every bit of this and more. We shared tears and laughs and hard work....you will enjoy getting to know Carla."
Good to know you’re making such great progress Carla
Thank you, Dee…so good to hear from you.