30 Day Challenge: Our participants' progress

Teresa, 59

Pharmaca store: North Boulder
Starting weight: 185
Supplement: PGX

Week one: Catrina helped me establish a routine on my first visit! I'm diligently sticking to it. I'm getting breakfast in first thing in the morning and exercising nearly every day since our first discussion. I'm extremely bad about weighing myself, but I'll see tomorrow where I'm at!  
Week two: 183 lbs. I've been thrilled with Catrina, my nutrition counselor. She's established guidelines for me to follow from morning to evening. She's encouraged me and helped me feel joy throughout this process. I feel more invigorated and refreshed.  

This plan is easy to follow. I've exercised almost every day. And I'm doing things I enjoy, like signing up for an Italian class at CU! More importantly, by eating regular meals I have not experienced drops in my blood sugar. I've been eating fresh veggies and fruits. And I snack less, especially at night.

Thanks for this opportunity! I am honestly having FUN along with feeling more toned!
Week three: My week 3 weigh in confirmed my feelings. Due to a back/leg injury, myworkout routine was limited, as was my weight loss. However, I didn'tgain either. I was exactly the same--to the ounce! I did feel a bitbloated. Catrina is happy with my 3 lb loss last week. My leg injury does feelbetter after a massage and chiropractor treatment.I'm low on my PGX pills--so I'll get morefrom the store.Still trying to follow the three-meal plan. I need to plan my meals better,especially for lunch. Though I'm retired, my busy schedule keeps me on theroad a lot. So I must prepare a fresh lunch for the road!I'm incorporating fresh foods, fruits and veggies into each meal and forsnacks. I've been given the right tools for the job--thanks to Pharmaca and Catrina for this support! I do feel moreenergetic, enthusiastic, and "regular."

Final weigh-in: 177 lbs.

Susan, 56

Week one: Week 1 went well. I am feeling really good about doing this and am working with Courtney to keep it moderate so I can stay on a version of the program after reaching my goal weight. At first it was challenging to find snacks that are appealing.  Now I am having trouble at the end of the school day.  Though I snack throughout the day and have a good lunch, my energy level falls in the afternoon.  By the time that the students leave, I am too weak to focus, though I still have plenty of work to do. It's solution is intrinsic to my success-I must be able to think and work.
Week two: I am really happy that I am doing this--working with Pharmaca--as this is really difficult! Courtney's support is invaluable as my weight is coming off soooooo sloooooooowly. Being hungry and tired, I have not added regular exercise. Courtney helps me think it out and the good news is I'm sticking with it. I don't know what I'll do without her as I want to keep going. Thanks, Courtney!

Week four: I have some good news. I started at 168.5 (morning, no clothes, digital scale on a tile floor). Last Monday the scale said 162.0. That's a 6.5 lb. loss since starting with you.

I'm so excited  that I have successfully gotten off sugar and have transitioned back onto healthy carbs.  The PGX seems to be working as I definitely feel fuller.
But that's not all--this morning the scale said 160.5!! My clothes are getting looser. I can feel space in my body when I move. This time next week I could be under 160. Wow.  

Thank you so much for helping me down the healthy path.  I feel that I can sustain the way that I'm eating. It is so healthy and balanced. I am not craving anything. I do not know if I would be where I'm at without your support.   

Sarah, 34 

Pharmaca store: Seattle - Madison Park                                   
Starting weight: 157
Supplement: CLA

Week one: 157 lbs. Now that my body has adjusted to more exercise and a better diet, I am feeling great! I'm limiting my calories to around 1,250-1,400 per day with at least 30-60 minutes of exercise. So far I've dropped 3 lbs. I've done some yoga, swimming, running and a bit of resistance training.

My practitioner, Jenna, recommended that I try adrenal support to keep my hormones and blood sugar balanced-this has really helped my energy level, as I find I'm less groggy in the mornings and have a more level, sustained energy throughout the day.  Jenna also suggests starting my day with a nice big dose of protein, so I'm experimenting with different smoothies and protein powder, as well as eggs, turkey and greens. My husband has also joined in which has been fun--we're going to the gym and running together.

Week Two: 154 lbs. This past week was a challenge for me.  Due to a huge winter storm here in Seattle, I was stuck in my house all of last week--I did some yoga at home, but definitely fell off the wagon a bit, as we weren't able to get to the store, etc. I've maintained my weight from last week and am hoping to make greater strides this week to make up for those days that I ate fatty foods and didn't get much exercise. Today is a new day!

Week three: Since I missed my last appointment due to the storm, I was really worried that I might not have lost any more weight, but I did!  Well, one pound anyway.

Challenge wise, I think my main issue has been getting daily exercise, and really working my body hard, as Jenna has recommended. Now that the weather is better I've started on some more running and also walking with 3 lb weights. My energy level is good and though I still have a ways to go to reach my goal, I am feeling like it's not so far away and am really trying to focus on keeping up healthier habits for the long term.  

Joanna, 63

Pharmaca store: Seattle - Madison Park
Starting weight: 187
Supplement: Lean+ Extra Strength

Week one: 190 lbs. Jenna has been very helpful in discussing the foods I eat as it relates to my Type 2 diabetes. Simple things (such as adding a few almonds when I have a piece of fruit), are really helpful. Next we are trying to make exercise a bit more interesting by adding different activities to my daily routine. Exercise is a challenge for me as I find it so boring!

Week Two: 192 lbs. I had a great meeting with Jenna. She continues to provide much-needed advice regarding medications and food choices. I have not been able to exercise, but lost three pounds due to her work with me and my eating habits. Working with Jenna had made major changes to the way I look at food. Thanks to her I am now on the right track.  

I have now come to rely on Pharmaca as a source of great products and wellness advice. Glad I have developed a lasting connection to the wonderful staff in the store.  

Caitlin, 27

Pharmaca store: Menlo Park                      
Starting weight: 155
Supplement: Lean+ Extra Strength

Week one: So far so good. I've been feeling good and don't feel like I'm really missing much. Trying to keep my "skinny jeans" in the back of my mind to keep me motivated. I've been doing really well at eating healthy and trying to increase my workout (either number of days or number of hours). I've been using a free app on my iPhone that helps me track my calorie intake and exercise.

The hardest part is the social part. I usually go out on Friday or Saturday night for drinks with friends. I don't normally workout on the weekends but if I want the extra calories I'll have to squeeze in some additional workouts. My boyfriend was great this weekend and went on a hike with me.   

I'd say the biggest benefit of this event is having someone to be accountable to and knowing that I am going to be weighed and "tracked" each week. I'm looking forward to my weigh-in on Thursday and hope that this weight loss will keep me motivated to stick to my diet.

Week two: 150 lbs. Last week I was sick so I had to cut back on my exercise. Since I wasn't working out as much I tried to be careful about what I ate (to stay under my daily calorie allotment). Using the app on my phone (and recording all my meals, calories and exercise) makes it really easy. At any point in the day I can see where I am.

I also seemed to be hungrier last week (compared to the first week). This week I am going to try to start the day with more protein. I also didn't do a great job of planning ahead with meals cause I wasn't really feeling up to cooking. This week I've already purchased all my food and am planning ahead for meals. In the end I was able to lose a few pounds last week which I was happy about given the circumstance.

Week three: 149 lbs. My practitioner told me that I look at lot more toned and lean. I see much more muscle definition too. Trying not to focus too much on the number. For next week she suggests that I try to eat more protein and try to fit in some more yoga. She also suggested I added a supplement for stress. She thinks that my lack of weight loss (even though I've increased my workouts and cut back on food) could be due to extra stress that I am dealing with and extra cortisol in my body.

Did a much better job of eating this week. I am trying to retrain myself to go to the grocery store on Sundays and shop for the week. It benefits my wallet and waistline. Although this seems easy for most, I have lived without a kitchen for the last 5+ years so I am way out of practice. I am happy this week as I feel that I have finally got in the swing of things, working out more, making meals for myself and eating healthier.

After seeing everyone else's results I feel very happy that I have the time, money, motivation, knowledge and resources to make the changes I have. Really hoping I can stick to this long term. 

Week four: 147 lbs.

Michele, 58

Pharmaca store: Sonoma
Starting weight: 159
Supplement: PGX

Week one: So far so good. I still have a sugar craving every now and then but I've been doing just fine. It's a new way of life. Not having to eliminate fats but just changing to healthy fats is a big change. I was always afraid of them during my zillions of diets. It's my birthday and I told my family I didn't want a cake. They know what I'm doing and are so supportive that they came marching in with a fruit platter adorned with candles! Awesome!

Week two: Well, I'm in love with Shizandra...that's for sure! I was having sugar issues last week....I was disappointed that my weight stayed the same but happy that this is the first time I feel calm about trying to lose weight. Usually it takes up my entire being.

I have not worked out which is so unusual for me. My job has changed and I need to get to meetings quite early practically every morning so there's an adjustment I have to make. I took a bath last night which is the first in about 8 years. I've been sleeping better. I'm hoping to continue working with Shizandra for months, as it takes a little while to break these habits! Good luck everyone!

Week three: Well, life sure doesn't stop because of new eating patterns! We worked like crazy last week and traveled on the weekend. Not easy but a major difference from three weeks ago. My choices have changed. I had sugar on two days and I woke up shaking. That's what was happening prior to starting the challenge. My last blood results showed that I was pre-diabetic. Scary. I am losing VERY slowly and finally started working out! Hopefully that will make the difference. Sugar makes me tired and shakey. Isn't that enought to make someone stay away? NO! Now I know what a smoker must go through to quit. Shizandra is on my mind all the time and I hear her words of wisdom every time I'm stuck! She's the best and I'm very lucky to have gotten to know such a wonderful and knowledgeable person.

Week four: My home scale said 153 but when I went to the store, it was 156 (boo). I finally started back to working out. My sleep is huge because I start the day rushing and can't get my breakfast prepared and then I crave sugar. Is there anything to help that?

Valerie, 57

Pharmaca store: South Boulder
Starting weight: 155
Supplement: Lean+ Extra Strength

Practitioner recommendations: Valerie and I discussed ways to bring more exercise into her day, such as using the spinning bike for 10-20 minutes. Adding more protein to her diet has curtailed some of her need for snacking during the day. We talked about drinking Vitamineral Greens in between meals to balance blood sugar levels. Drinking more water throughout the day is another one of her goals.
Week one: I am feeling motivated and encouraged but struggling with hunger. (I am hypoglycemic and trying to change some eating habits.) I do well with this kind of public accountability and so I am very thankful to have this opportunity.
Week two: 155 lbs. I had a rough start but have gotten into a good space with all the changes now. I am exercising more, adding in more protein, drinking more water and experimenting with gluten-free. I am feeling good and am liking the direction my body is going. The daily food diary has been a real eye-opener for me. I am thankful for this challenge; I feel like the changes I am making during this month will be long-term.
Week three: 154 lbs. I am now experimenting with being gluten-free to see if that helps generate some more weight loss. Marisa is very encouraging and is helping me tweak the program more. This has been a very good challenge for me and I am taking away lots of new ways of thinking about the way I eat.

Week four: 152 lbs.

Julia, 45

Pharmaca store: South Boulder                                       
Starting weight: 181
Supplement: PGX

Practitioner recommendations: We discussed healthy, low-calorie "munchies" for late night snacks such as hard boiled eggs, turkey slices and celery stalks instead of popcorn, crunchy breads, and other refined carbs. Julia is adding more "burst" exercises to her day, such as jumping jacks and sprints during the dog walks to increase her metabolism. She is taking the initiative to add circuit training twice a week and loves to hike and bike when the weather permits.
Week one: I am feeling well and have enjoyed learning more about nutrition from my practitioner. Per her advice, I have been eating more protein at breakfast and when I feel the urge to snack, I first drink water and then try to eat veggies. I started the supplement last week too and that is going along fine, but I do still get snacking urges in the late afternoon. Old habits may still be hard to break, but I am moving forward!
Week two: 178 lbs. Feeling good but after losing 2.5 lbs the first week, I stayed about the same the second week. Decided I needed to be more serious about what I was eating... Seems I was testing the limits a bit and it didn't work. My practitioner suggested I really cut out the refined carbs and keep using veggies and protein as replacements. My mantra this week is "Dough = NO"!  I have also been writing down everything I eat and that has been useful for her to see my eating habits (good and bad). My breakfasts have been the biggest change, with much more protein and greens. I am also exercising more and really enjoy the healthy eating info from my wonderful practitioner.
Week three: 177 lbs.

Week four: 178 lbs. 

Lisa, 43

Pharmaca store: Oakland
Starting weight: 221
Supplement: CLA

Week one: I have officially kicked off the program with my new coordinator Ciel. I am working to eliminate caffeine and gluten as well as eating more balanced meals. I am drinking a lot more iced tea and water, eliminating diet soda. I will continue with working out, but may add in one or two more days of aerobic exercise.
Week two: 221 lbs. This was offficially my first week and first official weigh-in. I maintained, but I am not discouraged. I am happy to say I have been off all diet soda for 3 weeks (prompted by being in this challenge), and I am focusing on nutrition this month. I am making better choices and am feeling better overall. I am learning a lot from Ciel, and am making really good changes. I am drinking more water, moving more and feel generally better.

Cyrus, 30

Pharmaca store: Seattle - Madison Park                                               
Starting weight: 290
Supplement: CLA

Week one: I didn't get my supplements until the middle of last week, but I have been taking it and feeling fine. I find planning meals to be difficult for me. I am trying to mostly eat at home, and somewhat keep track of my calorie intake. I have had urges to eat certain things, and I have been fighting them. Being sick last week made it difficult to exercise but I am trying to get on the horse again this week. After reading a lot, I plan on tweaking my diet to help me lose weight faster and meet my goals.