It's Time to Try That Crazy Wrap Thing

I had no intention of ever joining It Works, but the only product that I had ever heard of was "the wrap". I didn't know that they had all sorts of health and wellness products and I certainly had no interest in "the wrap".

Fast-forward to this summer when I learned about some of the other products offered by It Works. Yes, I was skeptical of their weight-loss products, but the health and wellness products had me interested enough to do some research and eventually take the leap. I needed try it myself, form my own opinions, and prove that it did or didn't work.

I am tremendously happy with every product I have tried, so the time has come. . .it's time to test out this wrap thing.

I admit it, I knew nothing about "the wrap".  I presumed you had to wrap it all the way around you, and that it would squish me and make me hot. I could not have been more wrong. 

"The wrap" is actually called the "Ultimate Body Applicator".  It is a non-woven cloth that is infused with a botanically-based cream formulated to deliver maximum tightening, toning, and firming results. It does not make you lose weight or fat! It continuously hydrates for firmer, smoother, more youthful-looking skin, and reduces the appearance of cellulite and skin slackening. This tightening is what makes your problem area look more toned. Problem area? You can use it on your stomach, sides, back, arms, legs. . .pretty much anywhere except your face.

SO I TRIED IT!

So first of all, for a person of my size, it covers my stomach and sides only, so not a squishy body wrap. Once you apply it to your skin, you need to secure it with form-fitting clothing, or saran-wrap (sounds too warm for me), or perhaps a tensor bandage. (It Works also has an item called Fab Wrap which you can wrap around you to secure the applicator as well.) I used a tight tank top over the applicator and then a tight workout top over that. I then noted my thoughts in my iPhone so that I could remember my first impressions.

• I loved the smell, maybe menthol, not sure, but I liked it!
• It felt good on my skin as soon as I put it on, and as I wore it longer, it felt cool on my skin.
• The only "problem" is that you need to drink a lot of water and I was still full from dinner. I just made sure I drank 8 ounces every 10 minutes (I set a timer).
• You might think I'm crazy, but I swear I felt my skin tightening later after the wrap was off for a while (maybe from the cream soaking in and drying).

SO THEN WHAT?

So then I monitor my results for 72 hours (i.e. before and after pictures) and drink tons of water. You need to drink half your body weight (in pounds) in fluid ounces of water daily. You have to stay well hydrated to maximize the results.

AND THEN?

Do it again (after at least 72 hours)! One applicator is just a sample. . .four is a full treatment (kind of like those teeth-whitening strips, you can't expect results after just one strip, you do the whole package).

HOW LONG DOES IT LAST?

As per the product info, "While results from the Ultimate Body Applicator are lasting, you can counteract the results from the Ultimate Body Applicator by eating poorly and not regularly exercising (as is true with any weight loss or body contouring results)." I have read online two to six months depending on your eating, drinking and exercise habits.

SO HERE'S WHAT YOU ARE PROBABLY LOOKING FOR. . .THE RESULTS!!!

I still have three more wraps to do to consider it a whole treatment but these are my one wrap results. It's actually something that I have a tough time sharing because I am literally letting it all hang out. I do still have weight to be lost, and my food-baby certainly isn't getting any help over the holidays, but this is where I am at (keep in mind that my best efforts to eat well have been thwarted by holiday goodies), I think I see teenie-tiny results though.

Note to self: Must try the Stretch Mark cream!

30 Days and Five Pounds Lost!!!

I started this post half way through the week so it got a little long. You are welcome to skip down to the results as that's what it's all about, right?!?!?

Half way through week four and I was seeing no progress. Yes, this is my fault, as I haven't been on my best food behaviour. I haven't been tremendously bad, but I haven't been creating any major calorie deficits. It's not like I picked the easiest time of year to lose a few pounds though, I know! I am also doing zero exercise, so I really have nothing to blame except me. 

BUT. . .

If the Thermofit is supposed to promote the burning of calories, and the Formula FF is supposed to block some of the fat and carbohydrates from meals, then I was hoping to see some sort of result. At least I'm not gaining though, but. . .

SOLUTION?

#1) I am currently taking Thermofit twice a day. One tablet with breakfast and lunch. That is what the "American" instructions advise. (Take one tablet two to three times per day with meals.) So, I am going to switch to the "Canadian" instructions that advise to take two tablets, once per day with a meal.

#2) I am currently taking the Formula FF once a day. Two tablets after the largest meal (usually dinner). These are the "Canadian" instructions. So I'm going to switch to the "American" instructions and take one to two tablets after your two largest meals of the day.

RESULTS!!!

On Tuesday Olive Garden brought in lunch for us at work, and I also had a dinner banquet that night. Wednesday our bosses brought us Christmas dainties...Nanimo bars, butter tarts, peanut butter-marshmallow thingys (those are my favorites), and more! Friday we had Christmas lunch at the Old Spaghetti Factory. Disaster??? No! I lost a pound!!! 

So my 30 day results are that I lost 5 pounds! Not too shabby for someone who has less to lose then I once did. 

So just think. . .if you start January 1st and you lose, on average, five pounds a month, that's 60 pounds you can lose by next Christmas! It seems far away, I know, but just think how happy you would be right now if you had started last January and succeeded?

Week Three! Loving This Journey, Even When the Progress is Slow

Men, you may want to skip to below the minions posted below. . .

What's it like to have a period without cramps? Amazing, awesome, incredible, surprising, wonderful, marvellous, unbelievable!!! It has never happened before! 

An internet search of vitamins to relieve period pain brought me to these results: B vitamins, calcium citrate, antioxidants (including vitamins A, D, and E), and magnesium. Guess what vitamins are in It's Vital Core Nutrition? Yep, those ones, and a whole lot more! Turmeric is also a natural herb that is thought to relieve menstrual pain and an antioxidant, and it's in there too!

I also had absolutely no pre-menstrual cravings. That was possibly the Formula FF doing their job. However, during the first few days I wanted to eat EVERYTHING! I have now returned to no cravings, and in fact, haven't been feeling all that hungry.

Next month, I'm going to try taking Confianza during that time. Maybe I can eliminate the bitchy too! ;)

Confianza helps you deal with physical, emotional and environmental stress in a natural way; their herbal dietary supplement consists of natural ingredients that help you reduce stress and fatigue while increasing your energy levels.

I didn't meet this weeks goal. A loss is a loss though, and I must be satisfied. This is going to be a tough month, but that can't be an excuse. I just have to keep moving forward.

Week Two! Feeling Great and Losing Weight (Ha Ha, Cheesy Title!)

I feel skinny, oh so skinny. . .but I am not skinny! I feel good about myself though! I feel healthy, I feel energized, and I have no cravings. I am finding it so easy to eat proper foods and not load up on junk.

I had an "ah ha" moment this week when I realized that since my cravings are almost non-existent, that dining out is becoming a challenge!

It actually started last Thursday and Friday, but I just hadn't realized it yet. I really couldn't decide where to go for lunch. There was nothing that I really wanted and choosing was almost a chore! Then it happened again this week. One day I ended up asking a coworker if she wanted anything from anywhere so that she could make up my mind as to where I should go! (The other days I brought my lunches.)

One evening I also made myself eat popcorn! I didn't want popcorn, but I had bought some popcorn seasoning that I really wanted to try! This It Works skeptic is quickly turning into a believer!

A slogan that I am beginning to believe in!

So I'm sure you are only here for the results. . .the result is 1.8 pounds. (Can I just say two?) I still can't get motivated to exercise, but I'm thinking New Years resolution maybe.  I am also due for a visit from TOM this weekend so I'm pretty sure I'm probably retaining some water. So as a present to myself, despite the fact that I have NO cravings, I let myself eat all the bad stuff today! Yay!

And shameless plug here since I was asked for the website a couple of times this week:

www.greatgreens.myitworks.com

(This is my own site. A Google/web search may take you to someone else's site, so please use this address to visit mine. Much appreciated!)

Thanks for stopping by!!!

Week One of Fat Fighters and Thermofit! ____ Pounds Gone!

Another Day One - I'm not sure how many of those I have had but the important thing is that they were always a start toward my goals. Sometimes you have to restart, but restarting is better than stopping completely.

My weigh-in this morning was a little disheartening. I am four pounds up from where I should be. Since I am here with the intension of losing that and a bit more, I'm not too worried.

I took one Thermofit with breakfast and one with lunch. I felt bloated after lunch, hopefully from what I ate and not the Thermofit.  I took two Formula FF (Fat Fighter) after supper. I am making an effort to eat well but already felt the bad habits trying to creep back in. I was quick to remind myself not to go there!

Day Two - Already an "uh oh"! Why? I'm going to the Moose game and I WILL be having a Jet Dog, but that's what my Fat Fighters are for, right?

I didn't feel bloated at all today, so I guess it was what I ate for lunch on Day One that caused the bloating, thank goodness!

Day Three - Another challenge. . .my work Christmas party. Yes, early for a Christmas party. Technically they call it a "Holiday Gala" but it's a Christmas party! Five coarse dinner over two hours, I think. I took my Fat Fighter after it was done, but maybe it was too late anyway! That's it! The rest of this first week I HAVE to be good!

Day Four - Just a regular Sunday doing laundry, catching up on my TV shows, and being lazy, but I had no desire to snack! That is completely not normal for my Sunday! Could it be the Thermofit? Thermofit advertises that it "not only boosts your metabolic rate and increases your energy levels but also curbs your appetite so you eat less and have fewer cravings"! Here's hoping!

Day Five - Oh how I want to step on the scale! I want to see if this is working. I feel like it is. Must be patient!

I am continuing to take one Thermofit with breakfast and lunch, and the Fat Fighter after supper. I over ate today, although nothing particularly bad. I think a bigger breakfast is needed, as I found myself hungry for lunch earlier then normal.

Day Six - I was hungry early for lunch and supper again, but really other than that I didn't have any cravings today, and after supper I was good for the rest of the night. I'm not saying that I don't think of eating something bad, but I finding it easy to remind myself that the answer is no.

Day Seven - Worked both jobs today so dining out was in the plan. A 12" sub provides both lunch and dinner! I'm so damn excited to weigh-in in the morning, I can hardly wait! I was tempted to weigh myself at bedtime, but that would be inaccurate. . .I just want an idea of how I did. It's so close now!

The Results - Two pounds gone!!! It might sound disappointing but remember:  1) I ate a lot of crap, 2) no exercise, 3) I'm not just beginning, I already lost weight, the more you lose the harder it gets but NEVER let that stop you! 

I'm looking forward to another week and can't wait to see more results. Another two pounds would be fabulous. Two pounds a week would equal eight pounds for the month. I can totally live with that. :)

Day 30! Repeat Then Try a Facial!

Day 30 has come and gone and is currently on repeat until my new order comes.  So what do I tell you in the mean time. . .

Maybe you just want to go have a look around the website: www.greatgreens.myitworks.com. Please ask questions! You can do it the comments section here, through Facebook Messenger, Instagram, email, text/iMessage, in person, whatever works for you! You can also use the contact form on the website.

You already know that I am in love with my vitamins and Greens. Well, my sister sent me a Facial and OMG! My face is so soft and smooth! It has been 48 hours and it still feels great! I have to add these to the growing list of things I want to buy.

Have I mentioned how soft and smooth my face is?

And one more thing happened while I was writing this post. . .my order arrived today!!! Woot woot!  Day 1 starts Thursday! Triple Threat here I come! 

Week Four: Feeling Better and Some Surprise Effects

Day 23 was my last shift at my other job until November 18th! While I do love that job, I'm so happy to be off for a bit! I can finally have some RNR time! On the weekend, I caught up on some much needed sleep. I really wasn't as productive as I should have been, but that's okay! I was feeling rested and feeling healthy!

And that's the best part! I'm feeling better! I plan to keep taking my It's Vital and Greens and hopefully stay healthy all winter. Some call the Greens their flu "shots".

So here's another thing I have learned and like about It Works. . .so yes, I had to commit to three months of purchases in order to get the product at a discounted price, but when I found myself short on money until payday, I was able to change the date that my order would be processed. That's right, I picked the day that they could process my order. A date that worked for ME. And I did it online. No phone calls, just from the comfort of my couch and computer!

What does this mean for phase two? It means that phase two of my 90 day program will start about 10 days late (depending on when the package arrives), so it will become a 100 day program instead. Plus I will be continuing with my first phase products throughout the program anyway so it's not like I'm taking time off! I'm a little bummed to have to wait, but super excited to get my new products, Formula FF and Thermofit.

Okay ladies, this part is for you.  Men, you may want to press that little "x" in the top corner and exit now because I am going to write about stuff you probably don't want to see.

Okay men, if you are still reading, don't say I didn't warn you!

Ladies, I started my period on Sunday and I was surprised because I had one tiny little cramp earlier in the day and that was all. I had brushed it off thinking it was nothing.  I have also had zero cramps during my period and I usually have awful cramps. Do you want to know why? The It's Vital and Greens! That's why! No cravings, and I don't think I was any crankier then a normal day either. ;) I will definitely pay attention next month to how cranky I am! 

Week Three: Still Sick but Feeling Great!

Day 18 and I am still fighting this cold (and I consider myself to be winning). After two 13 hour work days, it's still remaining a minor presence (thankfully). I have incorporated some other cold fighting tricks. The first being lymph massage/drainage to combat a sore throat. It started last night but I massaged before bed and woke up sore throat free! It came back a bit today, but more massage and some Cold Zing (lemon) tea with honey is holding it at bay.  I will be sure to massage before bed again tonight.

Day 19. . .The lymph massage has completely cured my sore throat.

Day 20! I thought I was losing this battle with the cold. I was so tired! Then I realized that I had not taken my It's Vital or my Greens. I was shocked to feel better within a half hour of taking them. The difference was beyond amazing. Even if it is in my head, It Works, so I'm okay with that!!!

I can't even tell you how strange of a feeling it was to feel "good" while being sick. I can just imagine that if I had been on these vitamins and greens a few weeks earlier that I may not have gotten sick at all. The only bad part has been coughing all night so being super tired in the morning., so I did stay home one day to catch up on some sleep.

I mentioned the cost of the Greens to a co-worker (who is not taking them) and she had the best words of wisdom. There are 8-servings of fruits and vegetables in one serving of greens. . .she said "Just think of how much money you are saving on fruits and vegetables!" She's right, plus I don't have to eat them (I still eat some though).

I am starting to get really exited about the second phase of my 90 day program. My goal will be to lose 10 pounds in 60 days. Sounds reasonable to me, especially with the Christmas season approaching! Any one want to join me?

Week Two - It Works 1, Cold Germs 0 (For Now)

Before I started taking It's Vital and Greens, I felt a bit like I was getting a cold but it never developed. I am quite sure that my It Works products helped me to keep it at bay.

Day 10 brought my first two job day of this journey. I remember driving home and thinking that I felt amazingly awake after 13 hours of work. Then came the next morning, which was thankfully on the weekend. I could barely drag myself out of bed at 8 for a hair appointment though. I ate breakfast, took my It's Vital, made a smoothie with my Greens and headed out. I was still half asleep when I arrived at the hairdresser, but I finished my smoothie and felt great by the time I left.

That afternoon I was out with the kids and missed my second Greens. I was also super tired when we got home so I took an hour nap and felt re-energized. I know - I had a nap, but I still think that the It's Vital and Greens are helping with my energy. They're not going to provide a miracle if you don't sleep enough, but they are sure going to help when you're awake!

Day 12 I worked my second job again (it was Sunday so only a one-job day), and I missed my second Greens again. I am sure that being over-worked and not taking my Greens had led to me being run down and I could feel that cold trying to make an appearance again so I went back to twice-a-day Greens, and extra vitamin C to fight it off. I can happily report that the cold has not progressed past a scratchy throat and a wee bit of chest congestion.

So, at the end of week two, I would definitely say that these products are working for me! I am more than willing to spend the money if these can help keep me healthy and energized! I'm anxious to see if I can keep this cold at bay as I have two 13 hour days ahead!

What Does It Works Do?

I want to tell you more about It Works and the products they offer. As I have mentioned I am a skeptic, but I can't even tell you how much time I have spent looking at the products that I am taking, and then at many of the other products, especially the ones that interest me.

I don't know about you, but several years ago I remember seeing "Have you tried that crazy wrap thing?" advertising cards and Facebook posts.

They never interested me. I was losing weight the old fashioned way, and this sounded like a waste of money as the skeptic in me said "yeah, right". Little did I know that the It Works line went far beyond just the wraps. They promote health and lifestyle! (For more information on how It Works Global came to be, click here.)

In addition to other Body products, they also have a Lifestyle line, which includes premium supplements. They have their Greens line which offer eight servings of fruits and vegetables mixed into water, yogurt, juice, or a smoothie. And they have a Skin line which offers botanically based care for your skin.

I want to tell you more about the products I am trying as well as the ones that interest me to try in the future.

The Greens!

Okay, I've told you about the Greens, I'm taking those right now.

These are the orange ones, I'm taking the berry flavoured ones, and I also plan to get the chews for convenience (plus they taste great).

It's Vital Core Nutrition

I've told you about this one too! The label advises to consult your doctor for use beyond one month so I am asking him the next time I go as it includes the vitamins I used to take individually (although I still take additional vitamin C twice a day).

Confianza

Helps support the body's resistance to stress. I bought this one but haven't tried it yet. It can be taken on an as-needed basis.

Hair Skin Nails

I really want to try this one. My niece is trying it right now. My hair is thin now where it was much thicker in my younger days. Although, it may grow faster too meaning I might be showing more blonde! Yikes!

Lip & Eye

Seriously, might as well just call this one "Eye" for me. That's all I want to try it for. Lessens the look of laugh lines (yes, please) and reduces the appearance of bags and puffiness. Definitely on my list!

Stretch Mark

Does this need any explanation. Two kids, overweight, boobs. Yup, that's about it!

Relief

Sure, why not? My aches and pains make me feel old and prevent me from getting a good night of sleep. My mom is trying this one right now. 

And then there are those "Crazy Wrap Things"

I can't just sit here and be a skeptic and not put them to the test myself so I do plan to eventually try them. Someone I know recently tried the wrap, and yes, she is already skinny, but you can really see the difference in the definition of her curves.  She put it on before a hockey game and took it off during the second intermission.

Part of my skepticism is the before/after pictures online. This is someone close to me though. . .a real, live person! The top two pics are before pics and the bottom two are after.

These I can get you right now if you are interested. They tighten and tone the skin as well as reduce the appearance of cellulite. They are $30 each to purchase individually.

Thanks for reading! If you have any questions please ask. You can contact me through Facebook or fill out the form here.

Week One of My It Works Journey (And What's the Catch Anyway?)

Being the skeptic that I am, I can't believe how much these two products that I am trying excite me (see previous post for product info). There are so many more of the It Works products that I want to try right NOW but I have to be patient and try each product in it's own time.

Rather than a short post every day, I have combined my experience into a one week post. You may skip to the bottom for the week summary if you prefer not to read all of it.

Day 1 - It's Vital & Greens x 2 in H2O 

I already felt like I had energy. Unfortunately, that may not be the vitamins. It could just me as I don't always feel run down, I do get random bursts of energy. It could also be the excitement of finally starting my It Works adventure. 

Day 2 - It's Vital & Greens x 1 in smoothie, x 1 in H2O 

I swear I felt energized (for lack of a better word) today. I had no desire to get a second coffee today. Maybe it's all in my head but so far so good!

Breakfast of champions?

Day 3 - It's Vital & Greens x 2 in H2O 

Still feeling good today. It took me four hours to drink my morning coffee because I was actually awake. I did have a down period this afternoon but I think that was more about what I didn't eat today as I did not have enough protein and I love protein! Tonight was a planned evening of good company and "bad" food. I believe that allowing a "bad" food day here and there is helpful so that I don't give up completely. 

Day 4 - It's Vital & Greens x 1 in smoothie 

I woke up early today, for a Saturday. I have to say that even though it was hard to open my eyes, I felt amazingly awake. I ate breakfast and I took my It's Vital. I started to feel unwell later this morning so I took a shower and made a smoothie with my Greens. And you know what? I still didn't feel great but I suddenly had the desire to go for a walk! 

Day 5 - It's Vital, Greens x 1 in H2O & Greens Chew x 1 

Feeling better this morning. Again when I woke up I was not wanting to open my eyes, but I felt like I could have gotten up and started my errands for the day without dragging my ass as I do every other Sunday.  Hubby bought me a Kale & Feta McWrap for a breakfast treat, which was quite good (but I really usually love anything with Feta), then I took my Greens and got my errands started. I returned home to do laundry and be otherwise lazy (by choice) while I waited to head to my mom's for Thanksgiving dinner. Of coarse I ate waaaay more then I intended. I also had a chance to sample a Greens Chew thanks to my mom. It tasted fantastic! I will need to order some of those soon! 

Day 6 - It's Vital & Greens x 1 in Yogurt, x 1 in H2O  

Happy Thanksgiving! I finally slept in today, but I had to stay up late last night so that I could! I tried my Greens in strawberry yogurt for something and it was delicious. I was going to skip my second Greens since I planned to be lazy this evening, but I changed my mind and decided consistency is probably best. 

Day 7 - It's Vital & Greens x 1 in Cream of Wheat, x 1 in Yogurt 

Tried something different with my Greens today, I mixed them into my Cream of Wheat. It was very sweet, I think next time I need to use two packages of Cream of Wheat (or oatmeal). First day of work after the long weekend so I did consider a second coffee this morning but decided to try to keep to one cup per day. 

Maybe it is all in my head but I really do feel better. Not 100% or anything close, just better. It's only been a week so I know that it will take time to notice a large, consistent change in my energy level but I would have to say it is working so far. 

I haven't been a model eater the past seven days but these first 30 days are not about losing weight. It's about gaining some energy so that maybe I can get motivated again. I should eat healthier though.

Remember, these are not weight loss products that I am taking. I lost 50 pounds the good old-fashioned way. . .eating better and moderate exercise. The products I am taking are supplements to increase my energy levels so that I can get my ass in gear again to lose those five pounds that came back and KEEP them off (although I certainly wouldn't be opposed to losing more).

So I'm sure you are wondering what the catch is with It Works, right? The catch is that you have to commit to a minimum of three months in order to get the product at the lower price (40% off). If you cancel before three months, there is a $50 membership fee. Once your first order ships, you can change your order for the next month. You can also order additional products at any time. You earn points on every order that you can use toward product. (Woo hoo! Free product if you save it up!) You also earn bonus points the longer you are enrolled. (Woo hoo! More free product!)

If you have any questions please ask. You can contact me through Facebook or fill out the form here.

Thanks for your interest (or curiosity)!

Welcome to My It Works Journey

I decided to try It Works. . .not for those wrap things, but for their supplements.  A few years ago I would see It Works stuff everywhere but it was all about the wraps. I figured just another silly fad since they don't actually make you lose weight (although they can help you to appear more toned and firm).

I visited my sister in May. She's 40 with twin baby boys (they are one now).  She mentioned that she was trying Greens from It Works for her energy levels. She had posted in a twin-mom forum about how exhausted she was (she has twins so she should be tired!!!) and someone had recommended it.  By the time I visited her in August, she was a full on It Works distributor, selling the product and recruiting people to sell it with her.  She raved about how great it was for her energy levels.

Now, I am a skeptic. Always.  I spent a lot of time on the internet looking at the products and what people had to say about the products, and I decided that it was worth the chance.  However, I also decided that if I was going to try it, I was also enrolling as a distributor so that if I love it, and other people are interested because I talk about it, then I could sell it too.  And if I don't sell it, I still have some awesome product that came with my distributor kit!

I am starting with a 90 day challenge. . .or at least the first 30 days of that challenge.  It includes the Greens, It's Vital Core Nutrition, and Regular. I have decided to skip the Regular as I don't need any help in that department!

The Greens offer eight servings of fruits and vegetables mixed into water, yogurt, juice, or a smoothie. The It's Vital Core Nutrition is a supplement/multivitamin that just sounds amazing to me as it has all the vitamins that I took when I was losing weight and much, much more!

I have high hopes that this combination of supplements will help me feel more energized because if I have more energy maybe I can get back to exercising and lose some weight and keep it off easier. 

So that's the new path that I have decided to take and I hope that you might like to follow me on my new path.  I can't say where this path will take me but I won't know unless I try.  And if you would like to see more of the products, the website is www.greatgreens.myitworks.com.