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WEIGHT LOSS

Let's talk about weight loss. Slimming, weight loss, Marie France, FMS, and more. Always consult your doctor before starting a fitness program.

My personal weight loss story.

Weight loss at Marie France

We have our own weight loss stories to tell, each unique in its own way. But to succeed, the key is that we need to remember that a low calorie, well-balanced diet accompanied by regular and effective exercise is the proven safe and medically accepted way to lose weight. There are no short cuts, so to speak, even if most slimming centers claim you don’t need to diet or exercise.

I had this in mind when I started a program with Marie France, a secret I had kept until now. I am under no illusions about slimming down in less than three months or less because that is way too impossible for me. I am in this for the long haul although at that time my commitment was 70 percent, even less. Of course, I could have easily taken the easier and cheaper route by taking Bangkok pills or China-made Ballerina but a friend landed in the hospital. I was shocked when my mom told me her close friend died because of diet pills. I was not that desperate.

I was 151 lbs when I went for consultation because of an ad I read stating that they have this buy one, take one promo. My consultant, Evelyn Meriales, asked what my goals are and the kind of diet I am in. She took measurements and told me the starter program is 25 sessions of FMS or Fat Mobilisation System, the star on their menu of treatments, for general weight loss. And since I have problem with the tummy area, some Physique Inch Loss sessions to flatten the tummy. It’ s a 15 minute treatment using a machine that is equivalent to 225 sit ups that helps build, tone and firm up sagging areas while strengthening body muscles. A series of wires with small suction cups are placed on the abdominal area which gives a tingling jolt, sort of like a million ants are going up and down your tummy.

If you have problem dealing with the cold, then FMS is not for you because you are wrapped in solution- soaked bandages for 25 minutes, its coldest peak reaching at 15 minutes. To keep warm, they offer you a hot water bottle, towels and coffee. You cannot shower at least four hours after the treatment as the mentholated solution, Swiss-made and exclusive only to Marie France, has to stay in your body. The effectiveness of this system of cold wraps and compresses is based on the premise that by withdrawing heat you stimulate the body, or jolt it , to burn of excess fat. It speeds up your metabolism so that you burn off 2,000 calories in two days.

The normal metabolic process would normally let you burn 1,000 calories a day. That is why you are given a list of what foods to avoid during the treatment, which would last at least three to four weeks. This is key, I tell you, because you need to follow the low calorie, low fat diet they recommend, which also includes taking small meals six times a day and portion control. Just enough to keep you nourished, not famished because later on, in my desire to make the most of the treatment, I was skipping meals. Very bad. I felt lightheaded and weak because I was running on empty.

Breakfast would be the most important meal of the day. After I hit the gym in the morning, I ate oatmeal, wheatbread and buy soymilk at the food concessionaire at the reception. I have never been a fan of soy but I became one after. Lunch I had light soup and half a cup of rice with any food viand we have at home. Salt, red meat and sugar are kept at minimum. Tofu became a mainstay in our menu. Being such a coffee addict, I substituted refined sugar with Equal, avoided coffee creamer and drank green tea more.

You also have to watch what you eat eight hours before bedtime as it will make or break your weight loss plan. That would be mid day, depending on what time you plan to get to bed. Carbs and sweets are the main culprit to the bloated tummy you often find the following morning so avoid pastas, bread and crackers. Fresh greens, tofu and grilled seafoods are highly recommended.

The nutrition survey they handed to me got me started on my daily food diary, a habit I would recommend to dieters because by tracking your food intake, you are able to discipline yourself into eating right. You allow no room for cheating. Well, of course, I did cheat every now and then but you have to allow room for that once in a while. The trick is to get back on track the minute you find enough strength to resist that mocha frap, or that slice of Belgian chocolate cake. Keep that checklist tacked on the refrigerator, give yourself a pat on the back and file it as soon as the day ends.

Since I am a regular at the gym, I was told to just stick to aerobic exercises and avoid weight lifting as it will add bulk to my frame. I found out that FMS made me sweat more so I guess that would explain why one friend who tried it told me all she lost was water weight. I was told at Marie France, however, to drink plenty of water as all the fat and waste are shed through the natural process of elimination.

Body measurements are taken once every week. I lost 2 cms in my arms and hips, shaved off three from my waist. The weight might fluctuate or stay the same but you will appreciate the results when it translates to dress sizes. Mine went down from XL to medium.

At one point during the treatment my weight plateaud. Three treatments and the weigh in stayed the same. I was told to follow a diet that consists of only fruits and veggies alternating with protein rich foods every other day. These diet plans are handed out to you by your consultant.

My after treatment plan

After my program, I took advantage of the momentum I gained by being more active. I took tennis lessons at Olivarez in Sucat which I thoroughly enjoyed. I recently took up running and even got one friend to join me once in a while. I still watch what I eat but I have relaxed quite a bit. I follow the after six and low carb diet since my goal is to flatten my tummy. I also use a thermoactive firming cream I use thrice a week. You can’t buy this anywhere else. The best thing is that I don’t really need much of any help from MF anymore. All I need to do is maintain my weight.

Most of my friends are aghast when I tell them I don’t eat rice. What they don’t know is that I consume a lot of wheat bread as substitute, along with my favourite starch-laden kakanin. Portion control is my best ally at this point and movement, activities I enjoy. Even Oprah would agree with me. When I watch TV I don’t sit, I move around or I have this trampoline, the one Tintin Bersola-Babao used to endorse, infront of the TV. I bought a bike that can be folded and stashed at the rear of the car.

I was never a fan of fad diets like Atkins and stuff. I say do what you feel will work for you. Something you can live with for the rest of your life because along with the weight loss is a lifestyle change, a complete overhaul of your life. I have gained control over food and my cravings. The trick is to walk away and divert your attention. I buy my fave food, eat a small portion and then leave the rest in the ref. When it is time for my meal, I take another small portion and reheat it. This way I get to prolong my enjoyment of the stuff I love.

To tell you honestly, it was never my intention to divulge my weight loss secrets when I started this site. I had been prodded time and again by my consultant Evelyn Merieles, to tell my friends that I was once a Marie France client. I still get invites to their anniversary parties, the last being their 25th year. Dawn Zulueta was their endorser at the time and I often ran into her at the reception and elevators at GT Tower. At one event I approached her and told her I once interviewed her at the launch of Johnson & Johnson baby bedtime bath. She was very gracious and accommodating. She is still an MF endorser along with Aiko Melendez and recently, Iza Calzado.

These are celebs who chose the non-invasive method rather than go under the knife because the results are natural unlike surgery such as liposuction. If you can afford the treatment which by the way can be paid zero interest for three months, then go for it. It will give you the boost you need to get on with the program so to speak. Remember though the most important of all: you and your motivation for losing weight. Never underestimate the power of what I call the 3D’s: determination, dedication and discipline.

For consultation, call Evelyn Meriales at 0916-6428630 or call 8994-BODY.

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