Oh Taste and See

That The Lord is Good

January 2015

Sickness. It is all around us and despite taking all necessary precautions and having a remarkable immune system... sometimes it just hits us. And this time it hit ME and hit me HARD! I started sniffling and noticing some annoyances during our Christmas trip to Louisiana and my parents house in Tyler, TX. Natalie and Luke were there with my parents for several days before Chris and I arrived and when we got there Natalie was at the climax of her "upper respiratory infection" or common cold. Luke had suffered this earlier in December and we basically had all just passed it around. Within 2 days of being around a 5 year old who didn't cover her mouth and all of the germs that go with that, I was sneezing and coughing.

I spent the rest of our 2 week vacation running at about 60-70%. The weather that week between Christmas and New Years was miserable at best and one of the worst I remember for a vacation week. Because of the weather, my sickness and the still recovering 2 children we decided to have a LAZY vacation and pretty much did a WHOLE LOT of NOTHING! It is not my style but I must admit it was very relaxing and enjoyable looking back!

Once January 4th arrived and it was time to go back to school I felt like I was improving and thought going back to the routine of work would heal me. Boy was I wrong... I just got worse as the days progressed and during that 1st week back I was literally dying by the time 3:30 hit. I felt like I was a 1st year teacher again just looking at the clock and counting down the hours and minutes until freedom. It was sad... But true!

I am not one to take medication well and I try to avoid it all costs. Now don't label me as one of those "holistic/ weirdos" that is too good for medication but I HARDLY EVER GET SICK so I am already not used to taking medications. In fact the entire 10-12 days that led up to the 1st week of January I had not taken any meds thinking it would heal on its' own. Finally on January 13th I decided I had had enough and went to my school's clinic to be seen.

Oddly enough the same doctor that gave me such a hard time about my Health Risk Assessment appointment back in November/ December was giving me the same exam and was sure to point out my weight and how I still needed to lose what now would be 25 pounds (If you have not read that post it is hilarious and you can find it HERE). But he continued to tell me that I had a sinus infection and I needed to get a shot (YIKES) and be put on a high dose antibiotic.

I left the "quack-shack" as some teachers call it with a bruise on my hiney and a headache but I was on the road to recovery... or so I thought. The shot seemed to make me really dizzy and I was light headed to say the least. I went home about an hour early on Tuesday thinking I would recover over night but as the evening progressed I just got worse and worse. By Thursday I was down right miserable and wondering if I should stop taking the antibiotics. Then it happened... I LOST MY TASTE and smell too! On Friday morning, during our district Rodeo Art show and one of the busiest and stressful times in my teaching year, I noticed I could not taste.

I spent the next 10 day not being able to taste at all. It was absolutely depressing and terrible. I kept thinking I was getting better, which I was beginning to feel better, and I would wake up each morning thinking it was back only to find my breakfasts all tasted the same. There were family celebrations, parties and even a 3 day weekend thrown into those 10 days but through it all I still could not taste ANYTHING!

Oddly enough, I had been battling losing the same 5-6 pounds for well over 2-3 months. I had reached yet another plateau in my weight loss journey and NOTHING seemed to be breaking it! I was frustrated, irritated and annoyed at the non-movement of the scale. But God knew this and I believe he sent this sickness my way to get over that "hump" in my journey. Those 10 days I was depressed and miserable because I was not able to taste but I ate nothing but protein shakes and all pure DIET food. I think I was eating less than 800-1000 calories a day... WHY EAT IF YOU CANNOT TASTE! Through those 10 days I lost the 6 pounds I had been holding onto for so long and now am on a clear track to yet another weight loss goal. 

All of this because I COULD NOT taste due to a common cold. This reminds me how The Lord really does have a sense of humor! Thank You Lord... it was an obscured way to lose weight but it worked! Thank You Lord! 

God is good... ALL the time!

A Near Perfect Bill of Health

BUT... 

December 16, 2014 

So I went into the new district Wellness Clinic this morning for my Health Risk Assessment follow-up appointment. I already had my blood drawn for the what seems like "gazillion" tests that they take the week before Thanksgiving break. This was merely a "discussion follow-up" with the doctor for him to go over all my blood and lab work and basically tell me if I am "at risk" for any health issue. To be honest, I did not know what to expect at this visit but what I got was not even imaginable in my WILDEST dreams! 

I had the very first appointment of the day at 7am because I had heard that they run far behind on a daily basis with these types of visits. I guess too many people ask lots of questions. The nurse took my weight, height, blood pressure and pulse before the doctor came in with the paper work from the lab results. My blood pressure was almost perfect at 118/80 and pulse was normal at 95 bpm. The weight was 1.2 pounds higher than 3 weeks ago but I was happy with that number since I knew I had not been faithful to my diet the past 3 weeks (honestly, this is an understatement... I have been TERRIBLE the past 3 weeks so thanks to Plexus, once again, I am only up 1.2 pounds)! 

The doctor came in and explained all the tests and told me that all of my vitals were great and everything, literally EVERYTHING, was in the "normal/good" range and in some cases, they were "exceptionally good". My cholesterol was especially good and he seemed very impressed with that. He explained the red blood counts, white blood counts and you name it. At the very end he continues with "However, you could stand to lose a few pounds". The rest of our conversation went like this: 

Me- Well actually, sir, I have lost over 80 pounds since this time last year so I am happy with those 80 pounds lost. 

Doctor- Well that is good but you are still (brief pause for him to look up chart) 23 pounds overweight and will be classified as "over-weight" until those 23 pounds come off. AND it looks like you gained some weight since your blood draw. 

Me- (With jaw on the floor mind you) Well, sir, like I mentioned before I am happy with the weight I am at now and will continue to work towards my goal weight in January. Plus, it is the holidays and I am glad it was only 1.2 pounds gained. 

Doctor- Almost rudely interrupting, yes but that is a gain and you need to go in the opposite direction (laughing as he said that). Would you like for one of our wellness dietitians to call you about your diet program? 

Me- No sir, I lost those 80 by myself and I am confident that I can lose these 23 pounds so I will not be (making the quotes in the air) "23 pounds over-weight". 

Doctor- Ok ma'am. It is just my job to tell people of their health issues. 

Me- (cutting him off with an attitude I'm sure) Well you do it well, sir! 

I'm just glad the nurse took my blood pressure BEFORE this conversation because afterwards would have surely been high since I wanted to punch the guy in the face! The follow-up then ended and I made my way out the door. The funny part had only begun as Natalie then was asking why the doctor kept saying "23". It was like that number would haunt me for the rest of the day! 

I am so excited about my clean and near perfect bill of health. I was not expecting such a good report from this follow-up. I didn't know what to expect but not this good. I knew Plexus was helping me with my weight loss but despite reading all the fantastic testimonies of lowered blood pressure, cholesterol and so much more, this was the first time it became apparent in MY life. I think I was dancing on CLOUD 9! And despite the rudeness of the doctor, I was excited about being ONLY 23 pounds away from my target/goal weight! Just a year ago I was 103 pounds away! Thank you Plexus... I know I say it all the time but THANK YOU FOR CHANGING MY LIFE!  

80 pounds down and ONLY 23 to go! 

God is good... ALL THE TIME! 

Let it Go

August 1, 2014 

Can't Hold it Back Anymore... 

My motto for the next 10 days!

For the past 9 months, almost to the day, Chris and I have been living an alternative lifestyle... well, at least for us. We have been making lifestyle changes from our previous days by taking control of our health and OUR LIVES. In November 2013 Chris and I began our journey to new health by beginning to take Plexus Slim, which is a product originally made for diabetics that helps regulate blood sugars. This regulation helps control cravings, hunger and so much more. Since starting in November we have lost over 215 pounds combined and both of us are at our lowest weight of our adult lives. I personally have lost over 55 inches and have dropped nearly 5 pant/ dress sizes. I officially weigh 30 pounds LESS than I did when I got married! I have NEVER felt better! 

During these 9 months Chris and I have made better eating decisions, have added or increased our exercise regimen and have overall changed our way of thinking as far as health goes. We have been changed from the inside out. For example, before Plexus I was drinking 2-4 cans of Coke Zero everyday and far too often these Coke Zeros would become REAL Coke because it was "a celebration" day. Looking back it seemed almost like every weekend I was "celebrating" something and was drinking hard core 150 calorie Cokes 2-4 times each day. In addition to the drink calories I was also adding wasted calories like candy bars, sweets and other junk food on a routine weekly basis. It is no wonder I weighed so much and was severely over-weight, even obese at my heaviest. Since staring Plexus I have completely kicked my diet soda and wine habit, I no longer crave cupcakes and sweets and have lowered my blood sugars because of this. I honestly didn't think it was possible but much to my dismay, here I am today having not had real sweets or Cokes (of any kind) in nearly 9 months! Thank you Plexus!  

I know what you are thinking... "Certainly they had some cheat days in those 9 months!" To this thought, you would be correct. We occasionally, like once a month on date night, would have a "reward dinner" as we liked to call them for all of our hard work and efforts in the weight loss battle. However, EVERY TIME we had one of these meals the following 3-5 days was full of increased and elongated exercise programs and a major reduction calories to make up for the "cheat meal". It almost always felt like a waste to me because I had to over-correct for my mistake for the next 5 days. These Chili's, Babin's, Salt Grass and etc meals rarely  felt "worth it" to me!

But enough is enough.... Today marks the beginning of our "vacation" which includes 2 days at home without the kiddos (in and of itself is a TRUE VACATION) as they are going on vacation with Gigi Shirley and Poppy to St. Louis, MO for an adventure as well as time with Gigi Jackie and Grandpa and then our Summer 2014 7 day cruise to the Caribbean. During these 10 days I plan on enjoying myself and my hubby which will include some sweets and treats. If you know me and my "foodie" side at all (or have read our YOLO Cruise blog from last year...here), you know that Chris and I truly go ALL OUT when it comes to food on a cruise. This is the highlight of a cruise and a cruise line for us. Despite having completely changed our lifestyles and eating habits, I fully plan on going back to my old ways of being a "food snob", as a friend once called me, during these 10 days. However, the days of over-indulging and binge eating are FOREVER gone. But we will share entrees and try as much as we can without stuffing ourselves silly like before. I know that once we get back I will have gained 7-10 pounds (Davis's usually are over-achievers and gain 2 pounds per day instead of the typical 1 pound) I'm sure and will have 2-3 weeks of hard core recovery to make up for it but I KNOW it will be worth it. Besides... YOU ONLY LIVE ONCE!

Be watching for this years' YOLO Cruise Blogs when we get back! I am sure they will be full of pictorial calories! We are so grateful to be able to have this opportunity to go on a cruise (Thanks to our babysitters... Gigi Shirley/ Poppy and Gigi Jackie/ Grandpa) and owe it all to God and His continued blessings! Thank You, Lord for this calorie-heavy opportunity! Once again... I am BLESSED! 

God is good... All the time! 

A Journey to Better Health

February 2014

"Over 120 pounds GONE... For GOOD"

Chris and I have both been over-weight the majority of our lives but all of it came to a screeching halt when Chris attended a Health and Wellness program at his school in early October. Our eyes were opened and we took action... With Plexus! 

Chris’ story

In Mid-October when I was at my heaviest of all time, I attended a Health Fair at my School District where I was told I was “Morbidly Obese” and a “Stroke waiting to happen”. My blood pressure was at a scary high of 160/102 and my cholesterol was high enough the nurse suggested I begin a medication. I was also border-line diabetic. A friend of ours from Oklahoma and Plexus Ambassador, Kay Hawkins, had been posting about Plexus on Facebook and sent my wife and I information about it but I was very hesitant because of the cost and I thought it was just another “diet-fad”. Boy was I wrong. Since starting in November I have lost over 80 pounds, reduced my blood pressure to a normal 115/73, lowered my cholesterol and have started jogging a mile a day again. I LOVE to eat and my wife and I are real “Foodies”. We love to cook and eat out and try new foods. Even though we are losing weight and using Plexus, we are still able to do the things we love. We still go out and celebrate each other and our accomplishments as well as cook amazing meals at home. Plexus is anything but another “diet-fad” and it has literally changed my life. As of February, Kellie and I are able to make enough to pay for our own products as well as make a pretty decent profit. We are both hoping to get “Gem” status soon and with results as good as ours, we are on our way! Thank you Plexus! 

Chris's Before Pictures- November 3, 2013

Kellie’s Story

I have struggled with my weight all of my life. I can remember being in junior high and being one of the larger girls in my class. In high school and college I was always worried and obsessed with my weight to the point of even having an eating disorder. Once I got married I wasn't as obsessed about my weight as much but this made me just gain more weight. In 2010 I lost 65 pounds but shortly afterwards got pregnant with our 2^nd child. This pregnancy led to a gain of about 50 pounds and even after the birth of Luke I was still gaining. It wasn't until I looked through pictures from a cruise Chris and I took in August of 2013 that my eyes were opened to just how heavy I really was. Starting in September a good friend of ours and Plexus Ambassador, Kay Hawkins, had given us so much information about Plexus and even sent us a 7 day trial pack for each of us. On day 3 of the trial pack, I was hooked and knew this is what I needed. I was not hungry and craving junk food and cupcakes, I didn't have the almost daily headaches anymore and I just felt AMAZING! We began our official Plexus journey on November 4th and since then I have lost 45 pounds and am now back down to my Pre-Baby weight. I have not felt this good inside and OUT in as long as I can remember! 

Kellie's Before Pictures- November 3, 2013 

The DURING Pictures: 
We have to remember... "Slow and Steady Wins the race" 

Thanksgiving 2013- Approximately 25 pounds lost combined 

(Within the 1st month!)

December 2013- Kellie had lost close to 20 pounds at this point.

December 2013- I feel SO MUCH better!

January 2014- Chris looks like a new person and dropped over 60 pounds!

January 28, 2013- 65 pounds GONE for good! 

January 31, 2013- Combined we had lost 100+ pounds! 

February 24, 2013- Over 120 Pounds gone and still going strong! 

This product and company has changed our lives forever! We have gotten our lives back thanks to Plexus and we want to share it with EVERYONE we know! 

What are YOU waiting for? Want to change YOUR life too? You can with Plexus! 

www.plexusslim.com/chrisandkelliedavis

Thank you Lord for these amazing results! 

God is good... All the Time!