MEG & CARLOS' JOURNEY WITH HERBAL MAGIC!

Great party, Good food!

2010-06-24T12:00:00.001-06:00

I remember that for my wife’s birthday party we booked the owner’s lounge at our condo building. I wanted to have the authentic Mexican tacos and Salsa’s, but my wife asked me not to do that, she wanted me to have fun and not cook all night for our guests. So I had to come up with a quick and simple plan for food… Best/non-expensive thing I thought of serving was Pizza from Costco! Just heat/bake in the over for 6 minutes and they are done! But, you know pizza has been the hardest thing for me to quit so I had to come up with a plan b for myself. I made myself a whole pizza from the Herbal Magic cook book and before I knew it, people from the party wanted me to let them in on the secret of the Herbal Pizza!

I promised them that I would give them re recipe. So, here it is. You can always tweak it and make it with your own favorite ingredients. I know that this is by far one of my favorite things to make from the cook book. Make it your own and have some fun. That is one of the things I like about Herbal Magic, you get the guidelines and you get to have fun and experiment with your own favorite ingredients.

Ingredients:

1 Flat-Out Wrap
100 gr. Fat Free Deli Meat (Jamón)
1 oz of Cottage Cheese (Queso)
½ cup of Pineapple
1 Cup of Healthy Choice pasta sauce (Salsa de spaguetti marca Healthy Choice)

- Cooking Instructions:

Preheat the over at 400º
Add pasta sauce to your wrap
Slice and then add the deli meat on to the wrap
Slice and then add the pineapple to your wrap
Shred and then add the cheese to your wrap
Slide into oven until the cheese has melted (8 – 10 minutes)

You will enjoy it!

7,447 feet above ground

2010-06-24T11:34:00.001-06:00

Have you ever wanted to do something but never actually where able to do so? Over 1 year ago I thought I’ve been hiking before. Man was I wrong! I didn’t realize what I was missing on until a few weekends ago. My in-laws where visiting from Mexico and we went to Banff for the weekend. My wife wanted to take them up the Gondola to the top of Sulphur Mountain and we did, I just decided to take the longer way up the mountain. I actually hiked it. It didn’t take me 5 minutes. It took me close to 3 hours but when I got to the top of that mountain, I was actually able to say I did it.

I’ve been doing Herbal Magic weight loss almost 9 months and I’ve lost 116.4 lbs. Not only was I able to do the Sulphur Mountain hike but then we went to Lake Moraine and then Lake Louise and still went swimming at the hotel pool!

Now, I’m only a few lbs away from my goal of loosing 120 lbs and stampede is just around the corner. I wonder how a pair of wranglers would look on me now. I guess we’ll find out in a month!

I wanted to share this picture with you. While hiking around Lake Louise I was jumping on some rocks along the lake. I don’t recall when was the last time I had this much energy. I’m great full I’m able to share these moments with my wife.

From 52" to 36"

2010-06-04T13:17:00.000-06:00

When I first started Herbal Magic weight loss back on September 18th 2009, I weighed 340 lbs and my jeans were size 52”. Looking back, I feel sad that I managed to do that to myself. I think that the worst part of it all is that I didn’t want to accept that I was out of control, that I had the solution in my hands and that it wasn’t going to go away on its own. Being overweight didn’t happen overnight. It literally took me all my life until September 18th to get to the point I was. If a healthier, better looking, happier me was going to happen I had to do it on my own and take my time to learn the right steps to get to a point where I felt comfortable looking at myself naked in the mirror.

When I went into Herbal Magic weight loss in September my personal coach told me based on medical charts, age, and height that my ideal weight was anywhere between 170 and 190 lbs; to me, that seemed too much. I have a big frame and I honestly don’t believe I’m supposed to weigh less than 200 lbs. They totally supported my decision and asked me based on the information I was given if I had a number in mind; I decided that 220 was the perfect number for me.

I’ve officially donated all my old clothes to the Diabetes Society except for but one pair of jeans, one shirt, one pair of boxers, and one undershirt. I have nothing else of the OLD CARLOS. I’ve started to do some shopping again and I’m taking advantage of as many sales as I can find. I started a few months back when I discovered I fit into Banana Republic Clothes, then Gap Clothes. At the recommendation of all my friends at the station, I finally bought new pants. I went to Gap Generation in Deerfoot Meadows and bought 2 pairs of jeans that I honestly love. I no longer wear 52” waist size. I bought 36”. That’s a number that I can’t recall when the last time I wore it or bought it for myself. I have one side of the closet taken by my wife and a bunch of empty hangers on my side that I will start stocking back up with time.

I’m happy to share my experience with Herbal Magic weight loss with you. I know that if I’m able to go through all these changes, you are able to also. I’ve said it a bunch of times and I’ll say it again, we can do this, Together.

Sorry Mom...

2010-05-24T09:13:00.002-06:00

I had all the intention of flaying down to Cancun, Quintana Roo then jump in the bus for 4 hours to get to Chetumal, Quintana Roo then jump in a Cab and go to my mom's house for mother’s day on May 10th (in Mexico, mother's day is always on May 10th) but unfortunately due to some problems with my work permit and finances I wasn't able to go see you and give you the best surprise I could've ever imagined to give you.

I know that it's been over 9 years since I spent a mother’s day with my mom, but it's not that I haven't been trying. It just hasn't been possible. but maybe things happen for a reason. on July 20th it's my mom's birthday and on the 25th it's my anniversary. My wife and I have been planning on going back to Mexico for our anniversary, but we just weren't sure if we were going down to her hometown of Culiacan, Sinaloa or my hometown of Mexicali, Baja California or to my mom's hometown which is also where I was raised and my friends there in Chetumal, Quinata Roo. We had options, but we just where not sure on what to do.

Now based on the current situation, I've agreed to meet my mom up in Mexicali, Baja California for her birthday. That way I can still be with my mom and rest of my family, friends and still give my wife a few days in Disneyland like we want to for our anniversary.

I just hope that it all goes as planned and that this time we are able to do what we want to. Also, I finally did it. I donated all of my old clothes to the Diabetes society. I went from using up half of my closet to one quarter of the space. Now I really have to do some shopping. I know I won’t be able to replace everything over night. But I will get new nicer things as time goes by and as finish taking care of all the legalities of status in this country. Herbal Magic weight loss has most definitely changed my life and I’m certain I wouldn’t have been able to do so by myself. I just can’t wait until I’m able to show my mom what I’ve accomplish in just 8 months. 110 lbs down and only 10 more to go.

Is that really me?

2010-05-24T09:12:00.000-06:00

So close, but yet so far. That's how I currently feel but I understand why. I went to Herbal Magic weight loss today after work and got on the scale I'm only 10 lbs away. I have to accept that I´ve plateau. It's hard to accept, but it's all part of the process. I've lost so much weight and so fast that I have to give my body size (inches) a chance to catch up with my weight loss.

Also, since I'm working out I'm starting to lose inches in certain parts of my body (my belly) but gaining a few inches in other parts (my leg muscle) Since I'm running 2 miles a day. My leg muscle is starting to grow. I've lost 110 lbs so far, and I've lost 103 inches overall. My size loss is finally catching up to my weight loss. I know I will get to my goal before I even know it.

This weekend I have a wedding to go to and I was planning on getting my old suit fix. I thought it would be an easy fix, but then again, I'm not a tailor. I went to visit my tailor with my old suit in hand and my tailor laugh when I asked him if it was possible for him to fix it. His answer? “it would be easier for me to make you a new one from scratch, you've lost so much weight that this has chance for repair” I felt bad, because I bought that suit a while ago and I really liked it. Look at it, I looked good in it!

I had to accept that I had to buy a new suit and I went on a Suit mission. I ended up at The Bay, I asked if Bonnie Brooks was in the building I was really disappointed. I asked one of the guys there if he could help me find a suit. I had no clue of what size I had to buy now since my last one was my tux for my wedding. He measured me and pulled the one I liked from the rack. I tried it on and to my surprise and for the first time ever NOTHING had to get altered, it's like Perry Ellis used me as a Model for that suit. I don´t recall when was the last time I was able to wear a suit and didn't had to get any alterations! And I have to admit that a suit makes anyone look good. I couldn´t believe that was really me reflected in the mirror.

I will show you pictures of me in my new suit next wee after we get back from my friends wedding. You'll be the one to tell me if it looks good or not.

Tomorrow, I go again to Herbal Magic weight loss, and whatever the number in the scale is I know it's a better number than the one I saw 8 months ago. It is not and will never be 340 lbs ever again! One step closer to the real me. I'm finally getting a chance to look the way I feel. Bring it on summer.

Life Happens...

2010-05-04T08:53:00.003-06:00

For the last couple of weeks I’ve been super busy with projects at the station… by the time I get to go home my Herbal Magic weight loss clinic is already closed. And instead of being there my usual 3 or 4 times a week I’ve only managed to go there once this week!

I’m not usually this busy but the girls at Herbal Magic weight loss understand that life happens, and even though I haven’t been in for my consultation I try my best to stay on track with my meals and my water intake.

So far in seven and a half months I’ve lost 112 pounds. 112! I’m only 8 lbs away from my weight goal. I don’t weight 340 lbs any more, I’m no longer wearing 52 inch pants; I’m no longer using XXL shirts! I honestly feel on cloud 9 - So many changes happened so fast, it seems like this is all a dream.

I get to go to Herbal Magic on Saturday and if I’m not closer to my goal weight I know it’s not the end of the world; I just have to be patient and keep doing what I’m suppose to be doing. Just focus, eat healthy, the right portions, work out and drink lots and lots of water.

How is your journey going? Remember that a bump on the road is just that, a bump on the road. It might slow you down but it won’t stop you. It takes more than that to stop us, especially when we are doing this together.

10 More Baby!

2010-04-26T11:37:00.002-06:00

I can’t believe I’ve lost officially 110 lbs! I honestly have no words that could express how I feel. I’m still in disbelief that 7 and a half months ago I was weighing 340 lbs! If you have no clue on what 110 lbs looks like or even feels like, try this:

The last time Justin Bieber and I talked, and by “I” I mean Chelsea Handler, he said on her show that he weighs 110 lbs! So I’ve officially lost a Justin Bieber!

Like I said in one of my Mini Blogs, on Friday I went out shopping to Zellers at Sunridge Mall for new undershirts and socks. I was shocked when I realized the size I had to buy. Seven and a half months ago I was wearing XXL. This Friday I bought LARGE; I took 2 X’s off my size! And to my surprise they’re not even snug! I can’t remember when was the last time I bought a Large ANYTHING!

Seriously I don’t know where would I be if it wasn’t for Herbal Magic weight loss. I know that I’ve added years to my life, years that I’m using to be with my family. I have energy now that I didn’t have before, energy that I will use once my wife and I have kids.

Let me know how you are doing on your journey, my road trip is almost getting to the point I want to get to and I’ve never felt better.

Mmmm Pizza!!

2010-04-14T18:16:00.001-06:00

Oh My God!

It's hard to believe that only 7 months ago I was joining Herbal Magic weight loss and I got on the scale and saw a number that I've promised not to see ever again. 339.4 lbs.

Over the long weekend my wife and I drove down to Seattle and did some serious damage in the outlets. I actually enjoyed shopping! I can't recall when was the last time I actually walked into a store and had fun shopping! I walked into Kenneth Cole and bought a couple of shirts. What size? LARGE! I'm not longer using XXL! I don't know if how else to say how excited I am. I wish you can feel and see my excitement.

This hasn't been easy, but it really hasn't been hard either. Herbal Magic weight loss has given me all the tools that I need to help me get to my goal. Today I don't weigh 339.4 lbs. I weigh 233 lbs. 233!!! I've lost 106.4 lbs in 7 months!!! A friend of mine told me that these last 15 lbs where going to be the hardest, and I can see that he was right, but with my determination and with the help of Herbal Magic weight loss and their coaches and most importantly their recipes I know this is possible.

I'm a big BIG fan of Pizza so big that when I was younger (7 years old) and lived in Toronto for a month they are only two phone numbers I remember: 967-11-11 and 241-0-241. If you recognize these numbers, you probably are a BIG fan of pizza too and I'm actually high-fiving you right now! :)

I've been able to eliminate this craving thanks to the Pizza recipe that they have on the Herbal Magic cook book, and I'll share it with you, it’s easy to make and it takes 20 minutes to get it done:

- Ingredients:

1 Weight watchers tortilla wrap
¼ Cup of Healthy Choices Pasta Sauce
½ Cup of pineapple
50 grams of Fat Free Deli Meat
1 Oz of Cheese

- Cooking Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350ºF
Pour the pasta sauce over the tortilla wrap
Cut the Fat Free Deli Meat into squares and toss it over the tortilla
Grate the cheese and toss it over the tortilla
Cut the Pineapple into bite size pieces and toss over the tortilla.
Just bake for 10 - 15 minutes and you have a great, healthy personal pizza!

If you want to make it "ala Carlos" just add Jalapeño slices over top or if you feel BOLD add Habanero Pepper Salsa to it. Give this recipe a try and let me know how you like it.

This recipe is for one serving and all the ingredients count as a daily intake of 1/2 Protein, 1 Dairy, 1 Fruit, 1 Starch and 1/2 of your free exchange.

Be fearless, accept change

2010-03-30T16:02:00.000-06:00

The weather is changing, that means it’s time to do some Spring Cleaning! I started on Sunday by gathering shirts (size XXL) and pants (size 48) that I don't use anymore and put them into a bag for donations, and then I ended up bagging winter coats. In one way it was hard to say goodbye to my old stuff, but it was just one more step in realizing that I’m not the guy that I used to be six and a half months ago.

Sometimes it’s hard to accept that we are actually changing, but its all part of the Herbal Magic Process. They help you see and accept the changes you are making to a healthier new you.

This week’s recipe is the Fearless Chicken Fingers, it’s easy to make and it takes 25 minutes to get it done:

- Ingredients:

4 oz boneless, skinless chicken breasts (Pechugas dehuesadas y sin pellejo)
½ Cup Corn Flakes (Corn Flakes)
1 Large Egg White (Yema de Huevo)
2 tbsp Fat-Free Salsa (Salsa baja en Grasa)

- Cooking Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350ºF
Cut chicken breast into strips
Coat chicken strips in egg white then roll in Corn Flakes crumbs. To make the Corn Flakes into smaller crumbs I bought a cheap coffee grinder at Wal-Mart for 10 dollars and I granulate my Corn Flakes for my chicken fingers. You’ll see that you won’t use all of the crumbs, but you can still eat them, I put them on top of my vegetables, or you can mix it in with you salsa to get the consistency of a dip.
Arrange chicken strips on a nonstick baking sheet and bake for 20 – 25 minutes. Serve with Salsa for dipping.

This recipe is for one serving and all the ingredients count as a daily intake of 1 Protein, 1 Starch and ½ of your free exchange.

This is a picture of how my Fearless Chicken Fingers ala Carlos looked like at the end with a side of vegetables portions that I was saving for supper, its ala Carlos just because of the Jalapeños that I added to my veggies and to make the Fat-Free Salsa taste even better, I added Habanero Pepper Salsa to it. YEAY! It’s like a Spicy Explosion in my mouth and I Love It! Give this recipe a try and let me know how you like it.

Herbal Magic’s Italian Chicken Bake.

2010-03-23T11:56:00.001-06:00

Back in September when I just starting rolling on the healthy lifestyle I thought I wasn’t going to be able to quit fast food. With 16 pounds to go and entering the home stretch of my program, I’ve noticed that I really don’t miss it they way I thought I would. Herbal Magic has taught me that there are ways to still eat all the food that I love, but made in a healthy way.

I’m going to share with you my top recipes for healthy items, items that I love and still taste just as great as the regular fast food items you would get at any other place.

Today’s choice: Italian Chicken Bake:

This recipe is really easy to make. It actually serves 4 portions so you will basically make supper for 4 nights, or if you are cooking for your significant other, you’ve made supper for 2 nights.

- Ingredients:

4 - 5 oz boneless, skinless chicken breasts (Pechugas dehuesadas y sin pellejo)
Black pepper to taste (Pimienta negra)
Garlic powder to taste (Ajo en polvo)
Thyme to taste (Tomillo)
Basil to taste (Albahaca)
1 Cup of Healthy Choice pasta sauce (Salsa de spaguetti)
4 oz shredded mozzarella cheese (Queso Mozzarella)

- Cooking Instructions:

Preheat oven to 375ºF
Place chicken breasts on a baking sheet, sprinkle with black pepper, garlic powder, thyme, and basil.
Bake for 10 minutes and then flip them over.
Sprinkle same spices over the other side and bake for an additional 10 minutes.
Pour pasta sauce over chicken breasts.
Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese over and heat up until cheeses melts.

Like I said earlier, it serves 4 and all the ingredients count as a daily intake of 1 Protein, 1 dairy and ½ a free exchange per portion.

I can’t stress enough that we all need to start reading the nutritional value on the food that we eat. Everything that we learn of the food that we put into our bodies will make us a little more conscious on making better decisions that are going to help us in the long run.

Based on the Nutritional Value of food I really encourage you to start eating Healthy Choice Pasta Sauce you can find this at any grocery store.

This is a picture of how my Italian Chicken Bake ala Carlos looked like at the end with a side of vegetables portions that I was saving for supper, it's ala Carlos just because of the Jalapeños that I added to my veggies. Give this recipe a try and let me know how you like it.

The Carlos Steak & Veggies on a BBQ

2010-03-16T12:25:00.001-06:00

Last night I went back to Herbal Magic and I got the best news ever! I've lost 102 lbs! That means I'm only 18 lbs away from my goal weight. I can't believe that what I tried so many times before without results is finally working.

For the last few days I've been actually taking advantage of the gym in my building, and I'm really enjoying it. I get to work out with the same people, make each other laugh, and we encourage each other. I'm trying to get into the habit of getting on the treadmill, setting it up at a steady pace of 6 miles/hour and running like my life depended on it. I've been running 1 mile a day without stopping and to me, that's a huge accomplishment. I remember that last summer when Meg and I used to go running I wasn’t able to run for a while without stopping to catch my breath and because my joints hurt. My knees and ankles are not hurting anymore!

After working out I got home I posted on Facebook and Twitter: “Just ran a mile. A mile a day, keeps the doctor away… And supper looks great!” and then, one of our listeners, Sonia, asked what’s for supper? Herbal Magic gives us the daily planning option to plan out what we want to eat each day, and we get to make it fresh! Last night I had "The Carlos Steak & Veggies on a BBQ" Special. There is really nothing special about it, I just think it sounds cooler.

- Ingredients:

BBQ
4 oz Steak
¼ cup of Onion (Cebolla)
¼ cup of Carrots (Zanahoria)
¼ cup of Yams (Camote)
½ cup of Beets (Betabel) [I actually had to look this one up, I forgot its name in Spanish]
1 Jalapeño (this is completely optional, I do because I LOVE Spicy food)
1 pinch of Pepper
1 pinch of Oregano
Pam
Tin Foil

- Cooking Instructions

Turn on and warm-up for 15 minutes at full blast you BBQ
In the mean time you can go ahead and peel and chop the Beets and Yams, then chop the Carrots and Onion.
Using a piece large enough that will allow you to wrap the vegetables place on your counter and add a light coat of Pam.
Add the chopped vegetables and wrap them securely to avoid any spillage.
Once you’ve placed the veggie wrap in the BBQ wait for about 5 to 8 minutes before you flip them over. Please remember to keep the BBQ Lid closed to help keep the heat inside and cook your veggies throughout.
Season your steak with Oregano & Pepper. The secret to a good tasting steak is, the simpler, the better… Less is More!
Then just time out to cook your steak to your liking. I like my steak medium rare, so I wait another 5 minutes after I’ve flip my veggies over and then I add my steak on the BBQ and cook for a few minutes on each side. Don’t close your lid while cooking your steak to avoid overcooking your steak.

Serve on a plate and Voila!

If you think this is all I had for supper, let me tell you that I also had:

1 apple with ½ tbsp of peanut butter and 1 Chocolate Jell-O pudding and I was pretty much done!

Let me know how you like this little recipe, I hope it works for you as well as it does for me.

Herbal Magic "Cooking 101" with Carlos

2010-03-09T12:56:00.002-07:00

I will start posting some recipes that I’m sure anyone can do, your kitchen/cooking skills do not matter. The recipes are simple, fast, delicious and last but certainly not least, healthy!

I like to make these burritos every morning and the cool thing is that you can always change them up to fit any craving you have. I’ll give you the basics and then you can change it accordingly.

I usually buy my groceries at Safeway and Superstore. There are some items I can only get at one place, for example I get Flat Out Wraps (120 calories per) at Safeway. Fat Free Deli you can find it at any market or deli store, vegetables are always great at Superstore. This is how I like to do it just because it helps the morning routine feel like a breeze.

- Ingredients:

1 Flat-Out Wrap
1 Egg (Huevo)
50 gr. Fat Free Deli Meat (Jamón)
¼ Cup of Onion (Cebolla)
¼ Cup of Green Peppers (Pimiento Verde)
¼ Cup of Cottage Cheese (Queso Cottage)
½ Jalapeño
Ground Black Pepper (Pimienta)
Pam

- Cooking Instructions:

Heat up a frying pan
While the pan is heating up chop up your veggies
Add a thin coat of Pam and saute your vegetables just to take off the raw onion taste and to make them a little juicier
Add the Deli meat and keep tossing it around to avoid burning
Add the Egg and then just scramble around with everything in the pan.
Add pepper to taste and Voila!
Just add it to the Wrap and add the Cottage Cheese

For fun and to take further advantage of my time, while my vegetables are cooking I drop to the floor and do 30 crunches and 10 pushups…

That way I do a little something to get that blood flowing early in the AM.

Give it a try and let me know what you think.

E-mail me a picture of your final product to carlos@1015energyfm.com

Did you know...?

2010-03-02T15:35:00.001-07:00

Mother’s Day in Mexico is always on May 10th

I want to give my mom the surprise of a lifetime. Since I was a little Mexican boy I’ve always been a bigger guy, the Big Kid on the Block, and my mom always tried to help me get into a healthier life style. Now, at the age of 29, I’ve manage to do this - thanks to Herbal Magic and the encouragementof my wife.

On May 10th, I'm thinking about flying down home to Chetumal, Quintana Roo, Mexico (4 hours south of Cancun, Quintana Roo, Mexico) and surprising my mom on Mother’s Day. I haven’t spent a Mother’s Day with my mom in over 9 years. I first moved away from home at the age of 17, that’s back in 1998. Fast forward to today and I’m in Calgary.

Through the years, I used to justify not being with my mom on Mother’s day with “I’m away, she gets it” and I forgot the most important thing of it all, she’s My Mom, and we only get one of those in our lives! This year, I want to do things the right way. I want to be with my mom and hug her and let her hug me all the way; it’s been probably over 15 years since she’s been able to put her arms all the way around me.

If this is the first time you’ve read my blog, then I should probably fill you in. I started Herbal Magic back in September of 2009. At the time, I weighed 339.4 lbs. Six and a half months later, I weigh 244.4 lbs - I’ve lost 95 lbs!!! This also means I’m only 25 lbs away from my goal weigh of 220 lbs. I know that I never would’ve imagined myself to weigh this little ever in my life and I’m really looking forward to this last little stretch. I’ve been told many, many times that it would be the hardest one, but I love a good challenge. If losing weight was easy, there would be no one overweight in the world.

I’m not sure if I’ll be able to go home, but as Mother's Day approaches, I'm sure thinking about it.

Wow there, take it easy!

2010-02-23T10:17:00.000-07:00

I was wondering for the last couple of days what was going on with my journey, am I supposed to be sitting on 250 lbs for good?! Is that supposed to be the ideal weight of my body?! Was I ever going to get to my goal of 220 lbs?!

Then, the girls from Herbal Magic told me the truth, I was probably getting too comfortable, I had to go back to square one, measure everything, weigh everything and eating the right portions, no slacking on drinking my water portions... I was getting a little too comfortable eyeballing everything I was eating...

Good news - I've gotten back on track and just by following their instructions and keeping to my actual portions I've dropped a few pounds, I'm down today a total of 93.2 lbs! I tried carrying 90 lbs with my hands and I never realized the amount of strain I was putting my body through. I have to accept that it was hard trying to carry that now, I still don't know how I managed to function for over 28 years with that much weight on me.

Today, I sit back and look at pictures of the old me, the pre-Herbal Magic Carlos and I have to admit I'm lucky I found my wife and that I have a great personality, because God knows she didn't like me for my looks. I still can't believe I allowed myself to get to that point where a simple walk around the corner made me feel out of breath! I'm thankful for all the support I get from the girls at Herbal Magic, I know that I wouldn't be here at 246.2 lbs, just 26.2 lbs away from reaching my goal of 220 lbs... It seems like yesterday when I got on the scale for the first time and I felt so happy for dropping my first 10 lbs.

It took one of my best friends, Meg Tucker from the Chris & Meg Morning Show, to convince me to take that first step that it was much needed. Not for looks; looks would be one of the perks, but for my own health.

I would like to thank the following people: Meg for the encouragement, for the butt kicks and for all the support.

Amanda, Jamie, Kalli, Jessica and Christina, My Herbal Magic Coaches down at Lincoln Park (if you are around the neighborhood stop and say hi to them, they are amazing and super funny), and last, but most certainly not least, my adorable wife, who has to put up with me, and who has to pick me up when I fall down, when I feel that I won't be able to do it she is the one picking me up at home.

I Love You baby.

What would inspire you to take that first step? Call Herbal Magic (403) 246-9629 they will help you land on your feet when you decide to take that first step.

Yet... Another update.

2010-02-22T08:05:00.002-07:00

Good Morning Meg & Carlos,

It has now been 2 weeks since I checked in with you. I am now down 20 lbs and 19.25 inches. Those size 12 jeans that I bought 3 weeks ago are now loose. OH MY GOD what a good feeling. There have been days when I haven’t lost much or even added a few ounces. I try hard not to let those days get to me, after all they don’t happen all that often. I try to look at the bigger picture, like how I am going to look in my wedding dress come October. My cravings have dropped considerably and I find that I can actually hang out with friends at a pub and let them eat all the “old good stuff” and not be bothered by it. The support I have received from both of you and from the Ladies at Herbal Magic is unbelievable. Thanks for believing.

Angie

--

Angie, I knew you had it in you all the time! Congratulations and keep up the good work! We will get to our goals before you even realize!

Carlos

Bumpy Ride...

2010-02-09T10:46:00.001-07:00

Back in September 18th, 2009 when I joined Herbal Magic I knew that losing 120 lbs wasn’t going to be easy. I knew there would be ups and downs - and this week was one of the "downs". I’m still sitting on 254.4 lbs; I’ve officially lost a grand total of 85 lbs, but I still feel like I failed this week, like I’m not doing what I’m suppose to be doing - even though I am.

I remember that when I was on the fence about joining or not (it took me 5 months to join and in that time I managed to put on close to 30 lbs in five months) ! I’m thankful for the 85 lbs that I’ve lost, and I promise that I’ll do everything I can to lose the last 35 lbs. I’m almost there; I can feel my goal getting so close I can taste it!

For now, I need to maintain a clear mind and focus on what I need to do to get there. If I feel like I’m getting off track, I know the girls at Herbal Magic will steer me straight. That’s why I’m so thankful to them - they always manage to find a way to remind me of my goal, commend me on my determination, and help keep my focus in regards to the new me.

I have to focus on the fact that I’ve lost 85 lbs in 5 months, that’s an average of 17 pounds a month - over 4 pounds a week! There is no way I would’ve been able to do this without the help of Herbal Magic.

Trust me, whether you want to lose 20 pounds or 200 pounds, give Herbal Magic a call and book an appointment, it will be the best call you’ll ever make. It’s a hard decision to accept that we need help to take back the control of our life, but once you make that decision everything just gets better. (403) 246-9629

- Goodwill Carlos

Do I really?!?!

2010-02-02T18:44:00.001-07:00

Not that you have to know this but I have one huge guilty pleasure: I've become a fan of Desperate Housewives. My wife has been watching that show for a long time, so I gradually started following the show, and I have to admit it's good!

I was talking to Chris and Meg and they where saying that before I know it I will hit my goal weight of 220 lbs, and that by then I will probably look like Carlos from Desperate Housewives. I mean, the name is already there, and he is also Mexican, so that's 2 out of 3 right there!

I have to agree with what most women say, he is good looking, but I'm not so sure if we really look alike. I asked my wife if she thought there was a resemblance and she said: "Yeah, I can see that". I'm sure it was meant it as a compliment but I'm still unsure, so I'll let you be the judge.

Since I started Herbal Magic I've lost a whopping 85 lbs. Do you need visuals?! YES!!!

After spending a few minutes on the Net researching I've found that:

The average Bicycle build for 2 weighs 85 lbs

An average 42" Plasma Flat Screen TV weighs 85 lbs

This Solid Brass World War II Ship's Bridge Pedestal Telegraph weighs 85 lbs

Oh yeah! the one that shocked me the most was that Lindsay Lohan, this time last year, she weighed 85 lbs! So, basicaly, I lost a Lindsay Lohan!

But, back to the question in hand, do I really look like Carlos from Desperate Housewives?!

You tell me:

Who knew that clothes shopping could be fun!?

2010-01-26T14:12:00.001-07:00

Before I started Herbal Magic I was buying all my clothing on a need-to basis, based only on size - not necessarily things that I liked. I used to walk into a store (usually the Big and Tall) and if I found something that fit me I’d buy it. I was thankful just to have a choice at all. The last pair of jeans I bought were a 52 waist size. Do you know exactly how long 52 inches is?! Well, allow me to illustrate.

Svetlana Pankratova is the woman with the longest legs on Earth! Her legs measured 52” long! That’s He Pingping in the picture with her, the shortest man on earth able to walk. *source: wikipedia.org

My waist didn’t look as good as her legs… Trust me on that one; I don’t want to illustrate this one for your own mental health.

Growing up, my brother was always able to walk into Banana Republic and pick a shirt and walk away - something I always wanted to do. Then, on September 18th, 2009 I decided to start working towards that goal. I joined Herbal Magic after being encouraged by our very own Meg Tucker. Flash forward 4 months - on Friday I went to the BR factory store in Deerfoot Meadows and decided to walk in and see where I was standing to get to that silly, personal achievement, that little milestone.

I decided to try on an XXL and see how that felt. To my surprise it fit me. I couldn’t believe it; it took me a few seconds to realize it actually fit me. One of the staff at Banana Republic walked up to me and said: “that looks good on you, are you thinking of buying it!?". I replied: “you know what, I am…” . He made the suggestion that I should probably try on an XL, because the XXL looked kind of big. I was a little hesitant about it, still happy because I was able to fit into an XXL and I didn’t want to get disappointed by trying on an XL and having it not fit. Eventually after a few seconds of us exchanging thoughts I said: “You know what, you are the expert here, let me give it a try”. I went into the change room, put on the XL, started doing up my buttons, and as I was going further down on my shirt I was getting more and more stoked… I got out of the change room, looked at myself in the mirror and it literally took me a couple of minutes to realize that Yes, that was me standing on the other side of the mirror with an XL shirt on from BR. I couldn’t believe it, so I tried on another one thinking it was probably a shirt that wasn’t cut to the proper size. And it happened again, it fit me.

I was so happy. I decided to send a picture message to Meg, to thank her for encouraging me to join Herbal Magic. I can’t say what I wrote on the MMS because it’s not nice for me to say in public but it went something like: “Dude! I’m wearing an X (insert swear word here) L… an XL!”

Today, I’m wearing my shirt and new pants. It felt nice to actually have choices on what to buy in a store. It’s a feeling that I’m glad I’ve had the chance to experience. And I know that I have to thank first of all: Meg Tucker, then the ladies at Herbal Magic, and last but certainly not least my wife, she’s been my biggest support.

This doesn’t mean that I’m done with my weight loss, I’m almost there. I know that these are the first of many happy moments that I get to enjoy thanks to making the right choices. I’ve lost 81.8 lbs, and my goal is to lose 120 lbs so that leaves me with 38.2 lbs to go. Almost there, and I know that I can make it, Yes I can.

Oh yeah, this is are the new shirt and pants I just bought:

If you want to start your journey, please e-mail me, I will help you!

carlos@1015energyfm.com

I couldn’t have said it better myself Mr. Burgundy!

2010-01-19T09:18:00.000-07:00

I got asked by Chris and Meg this morning- “Hey Carlos, do you notice a change in how you look?” It made me come to this conclusion:

“Mmmmm... I look good. I mean really good. Hey everyone come see how good I look.” – Ron Burgundy

Honestly, it just started hitting me a few days ago. Last night I bumped into a friend Michael Morrison at Olympic Plaza. We were both waiting to see the Olympic Torch go by when he said to me “you look good Carlos… Seriously, you look really good”. That made me feel all warm and fuzzy inside, it also made me realize that maybe I wasn’t the only one noticing the changes to my body, definitely what I need to push for the last 47 lbs.

Since I started doing Herbal Magic on September 18th, 2009; I’ve lost 72.4 lbs and it feels great! Chris even asked me if my wife was feeling a little uncertain about leaving me home alone now that I’ve lost all this weight! HA HA! He was kidding of course. (She’s going to Mexico on Thursday) Let’s be honest, I’m not only doing this for me, she is also the reason why I’m trying to be a little healthier.

GOOD NEWS: The Mrs. and I just moved to a new condo and we have a gym as part of our amenities! Am I crazy?? For some reason I just feel like working out now that I’ve lost all this weight, I guess it is true that you get more energy when you lose weight. That is CERTAINLY the new me!

I’m thankful for all the comments that I’ve received over the last couple of months, for all the “likes” I’ve gotten on my status with my Herbal Magic countdown every Tuesday, it really helps me on this journey of becoming a better, healthier me.

If you want to join Herbal Magic and you think you’re ready to take the first step, you can e-mail me to carlos@1015energyfm.com and I will help you get on t he right path to a whole new you.

This will change your life forever.

Who's the guy in the picture with my wife?

2010-01-12T10:39:00.007-07:00

September 18th seems to be so long ago…I just can't believe I weighed 339.4 lbs less than 4 months ago. Sadly, that was what I weighed when I got married, I just wish there was a way for me to change all those pictures. When I got those pictures back from the photographer I looked at my self and yes, that was in fact me. I mean, don’t get me wrong, I was and still am the happiest man ever, but just couldn’t believe I really looked like that. I never saw myself in the same way that the pictures showed me to be. It was a big reality check for me. I didn’t like the me that I was looking at in my wedding pictures.

Fast forward to this past Saturday night. I went to a pub to celebrate Ian’s birthday for a little while- Erin Wilde was there along with our very own Chris Shine. So, as the night went on, Erin wanted to take a picture of Mr and Mrs Goodwill (that’s my wife and I). Once she was finished, she showed me the picture to make sure I was fine with it before she posted it on Facebook, I heart you Erin, I looked at the picture and it took me like half a second to realize that was ME staring back.

I’m having a hard time getting used to looking at the new me every morning in the mirror, but I’m loving it, I’ve never felt better with myself, I pay more attention on the way I dress and the way I look, I now want to make sure that I look on the outside the way I feel on the inside.

While packing our stuff and getting everything ready to move to our new rental place, I saw a weird pattern. All my t-shirts are dark colors: black, dark grey, navy blue. I guess I was hiding myself behind slimming colors, but I guess that slimming colors can only help so much, I was only lying to myself and fooling no one.

I went to Herbal Magic yesterday, like I do every day (Monday – Saturday), to get weighed and measured. As of yesterday, January 11, 2009 I weighed 263.4. HELLO, THAT’S A LOSS OF 76 lbs! God knows I tried before to be healthy and to lose some weight, I knew it wasn’t going to happen overnight, it took me 29 years to get to the point where I was, but I failed many, many times in my attempts.

I’m so grateful to Herbal Magic and to the girls that have to put up with me every day, they have become a part of my life, a part of this change, and I thank them for their time and their patience. Trust me when I say that this has been a team effort. If I can do this, I’m positive that you can do this too.

If you want to start your journey, please e-mail me, I will help you!

carlos@1015energyfm.com

New Year with New Milestone's

2010-01-05T09:00:00.004-07:00

71.2 lbs down and 48.2 more to go...

Man the last couple of weeks have been a little rough, but it's been worth every single second. I thought that just because I managed to lose some weight over the Christmas Holiday break that the New Year’s long weekend was going to be a breeze, I've never been so wrong in my life!

Even with a long weekend we had a few work related events on Saturday and Sunday where cooking was out of my control, but I guess we have to make the best of them, there are always ways to make sure you make a "normal meal" into something healthy. You could request no mayo on a burger and ditch one of the buns (the top one with the sesame seeds) or Subway for example, You can request a 6 inch instead of a foot long (preferably on a whole wheat bun), ask the sandwich artist to get the inside crumbs off the bread and that way you are having even less bread, the add a grilled chicken breast, lettuce, tomato, green peppers, pepper but no salt and you get an even healthier sandwich!

So, I guess that living live on-the-go, weather you are delivery guy/girl, or if suddenly something happen and you have to leave home in a hurry and didn't get enough time to make y our own meals, you can still make some healthy choices.

The choices that I've been making since I joined Herbal Magic have lead me to lose 71.2 pounds (By the way, why is pounds abbreviated lbs?! Shouldn’t it be pds!? any way…) and to create new milestone’s in my life. Mrs. Goodwill and I were cooking supper a few days ago, she leaned over to give me a hug, she backed away and looked at me straight in the eyes and said to me: “Do you realize that this is the first time since we’ve been together that I’ve been able to hug you all the way and hold my hands?” (Actually she said: “Te das cuenta que es la primera vez desde que estamos juntos que puedo abrazarte completamente y tocar mis manos?” ha, ha, ha)

I’m never going to forget that, it is certainly worth all the little sacrifices I’ve made. I feel like a success, a step closer to my goal, a pound closer to 220.

Thank you all for your support, your e-mails and your facebook comments, I love hearing all your stories, please tell me more about how are you dealing with temptation, because God knows it’s there and we need all the support we can get. Please send your emails to carlos@1015energyfm.com.

I'm here for you to lean on me.

Holy Holidays!

2009-12-30T10:11:00.009-07:00

Wow. It's hard to believe Christmas has come and gone, and that I manage to live through it without any consequences.

This Super Long Holiday Weekend helped me to realize that I can go through all the turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy and pumpkin pie without gaining 10 lbs! Not only did I not gain even an ounce, I managed to lose 2 lbs!

As of yesterday I've managed to lose 70 lbs! Wow, 70 lbs! Do you know what 70 pounds looks like?!

I found some pictures on line from another blogger reflecting what 70 lbs looks like. Take a look.

This Polar Bear Cub weighs approximately 70 lbs

You kids out there getting ready to go back to college . . . Ya gotta have a fridge! This one's pretty small, only 70 pounds. Should fit in your room without a problem.

How 'bout this helium tank? Yeah, that's also 70 pounds.

And well, this ain't no secret, everyone knows I'm a dog lover, let's use that as an example:

This pretty awesome Bulldog is also 70 lbs; sorry Mr. Puppy, you are adorable just the way you are.

It's hard to believe that I started at 339.4 lbs. I was trying to look for something or someone that weighed 340 lbs and I found out that Shaq weighed 340 lbs back in 2007. In that case I guess It's ok to weigh that much, but I'm not 7' 1" (I'm actually 6'0") and also not a professional basketball player (I love basketball but God knows I ain't playing it for a living).

I now know that I'm ready for New Year's - that long weekend is going to be a breeze.

Just 50 lbs shy of my goal, the ladies at Herbal Magic gave me great news yesterday: as of right now, I should be at my weight loss goal (119.4) by Mid May... So, come Stampede, I will be a whole different Cowboy. So, Saddle up, We are going for a Road Trip!

Merry Christmas, I’ll see you later...

2009-12-22T06:25:00.002-07:00

Oh man, you’ve got to love this time of year, this is the time of year where you get to see all of your family and friends and where you even get some gifts. And who can forget about the food? I remember myself last year, I was at my grandma’s house with my family sneaking in and out of the kitchen trying to get a “pre-Christmas” sample of everything that my grandma was preparing for supper. The turkey, the ham, the mashed potatoes, the gravy, and the world famous grandma turkey stuffing (world famous might be a stretch, but trust me when I say that it’s pretty darn awesome).

I was really nervous about going home this year, I wasn’t sure if I was going to be able to stick to my new Herbal Magic health plan while I was there. As it stands, the wife and I had to make different plans this holiday season, and since it’s only the two of us, we are not making a whole turkey or a big piece of ham. Instead, this holiday season we’ve had to say “see you later” to all the amazing food that we normally enjoy in December. Yes, “see you later” because next year when I turn to the new ME, the Carlos sitting at 220 lbs I’ll be able to open the door and welcome back all the amazing food I’ve been missing for the last couple of months.

Today is December 22nd 2009, and I’ve lost a whopping 65 lbs in just over 3 months! I have to say that I feel great with the new me. Before I started Herbal, I used to love this time of year. Everyone would be bundled up in layers – so really, we kinda all looked the same for a few months. I wasn’t the only “big” one – never really realizing that I was only kidding myself. I was out of control and I was the only one that was able to do something about it.

This is why, turkey, stuffing, gravy, ham, pumpkin pie, spinach dip, Coca-Cola...I’ll see you later. This is not a good bye. But, when the right time comes, I’ll see you again with moderation and control.

I have a secret - Goodwill Carlos -

2009-12-14T23:24:00.004-07:00

I don't really know how to start talking about this. I guess it all started by taking a look at Meg's Improvement. How she was excited to be on the right path to living a healthy life. You might actually say she was my inspiration.

Meg tried to convince me to join Herbal Magic shortly after she started her Journey. I went for a consult with the lovely ladies at Herbal Magic and I still was unsure if this kind of program was for me. I wasn't entirely sure I was going to be able to make it work, both financially and emotionally. Back then I was weighing a not so bad, not so good either, 310 lbs.

Meg tried again to convince me to Join Herbal Magic, and I decided to give it a 2nd chance, this time I had to get the advice from my Wife, let’s call her Mrs Goodwill, we both went back to Herbal Magic, started to look at the pro's and con's of making an effort of living a healthy life. Then we had to put the numbers together, and then we realized, living a better healthy life has no price.

I officially started my... let’s call it a Road trip, on Friday September 18, 2009. Only 5 months after my first consultation I was weighing 339.4 lbs, those are Biggest Loser Numbers!!! (Great show to watch but that is topic of another post). In 5 months I added 29.4 lbs to myself. I was on a path to self destruction.

I decided to give it a try for a while, and after the first weekend of giving it a go, I lost 10.6 lbs. Yes, I manage to lose 10.6 lbs by day 3 of Herbal Magic. That's insane!!!

So, officially, I've been doing Herbal Magic for just shy of 3 months, and today, Monday December 14, 2009 I went in for a consultation, and I had to get on the scale like any other day.

Today, I saw numbers on the scale that I haven't seen in a loooong time. 276.8... I've lost 62.6 lbs in less than 3 months! According to Wiki Answers I've lost the equivalent of an average to large size dog!

This road trip hasn't been easy, it really hasn't, like any other road trip we’ll hit bumps here and there, we might even get a flat tire, but we will eventually get there.

Together, we will get to our destination.

2009-11-03T08:27:00.003-07:00

STILL CAN'T BELIEVE IT!!

Thank you SO much to everyone who called and emailed me yesterday.
It has been QUITE the journey to say the least, but one I wouldn't trade for the world.

Thank you to SO many people - man this has been a TEAM EFFORT!!

If YOU want to start your journey, PLEASE EMAIL ME, I WILL HELP YOU!!

Meg@1015energyfm.com

It's TOTALLY POSSIBLE, YOU CAN DO THIS!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I DID IT!! I REACHED MY GOAL!

2009-11-02T08:26:00.008-07:00

I FINALLY DID IT!!

NOW - NOVEMBER 2009!! DOWN ALMOST 64lbs!

It really is truly unbelievable how the last 8 months have unfolded.

Thank you SO much to everyone for helping me with my "journey". It's not finished yet, but WOW...the girl above is NO LONGER! I am SO excited to live a happier, healthier life...

IN SMALLER JEANS!!

If you are considering losing weight, or changing YOUR life, please email me, I can help you. The proof is LOUD AND CLEAR!

2009-10-23T09:04:00.002-06:00

CRANBERRY ORANGE ALMOND DELIGHT!

1 package of cranberries
1 mandarin – peel and all
15 almonds
1 tsp of Splenda brown sugar
sprinkle of nutmeg

WHIZ in the food processor!

THAT IS ALL! SUPER FRUIT!! (kind of like a chutney - Thanks Ian)

SO SO SO GOOD - put in yogurt, with chicken, on sandwiches!

2009-10-23T09:02:00.001-06:00

I HAVE LOST 59.8 lbs!!!!!!!

2009-10-07T06:22:00.001-06:00

BAKED PUMPKIN PUDDING (basically Pumpkin Pie without the crust)

Crust:

None

Pumpkin Filling:

2 cups pumpkin puree
1 cup skim milk
2 eggs
5 tsp Splenda Brown Sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
½ tsp ginger
½ tsp nutmeg
½ tsp pumpkin pie spice

Mix well and pour into pie plate. Bake for 45 minutes or until set. Serve warm or cold, top with berries or crumbled graham crackers. Makes 4 servings (massive) – counts as 1 Vegetable, ¼ dairy, ¼ protein! (if you add graham crackers or berries, add FRUIT and STARCH).

*********************************************

2009-10-06T07:32:00.003-06:00

THANKSGIVING IS HERE!

Hmmmm. Turkey, stuffing, gravy and pie.

Herbal Magic. How does this fit?

IT DOES!!

I am NOT worried in the least, I will be going to my friend Bev's house and will concentrate on MY FRIENDS AND FAMILY, not the food.

I might take my own grilled chicken, because I am NOT eating salt, and let's face it that's where a LOT of hidden sodium appears.

I will ALSO take a dessert for EVERYONE. Baked fruit crumble with Splenda Brown Sugar - and this UNREAL Baked Pumpkin Pudding (HERBAL MAGIC RECIPE TO FOLLOW!)

2009-10-06T07:29:00.001-06:00

I AM DOWN ALMOST 59lbs!! THIS JOURNEY HAS BEEN UNREAL!!

2009-09-23T09:29:00.001-06:00

September 23, 2009
MEET JEN!

Hello everyone, my name is Jenn and I was also inspired by Meg to join Herbal Magic. I did not know what to expect and I have to be honest and say that I was filled with skepticism, uncertainty and fear but I did join the program on September 14.

My story is not unlike many others, even though when you are “in the middle of it”, you feel like you are the only one feeling and looking the way you do.

I have spent most of my life ashamed of how I look. Always looking for people to assure me that I looked “okay”, but yet feeling fat and out of place. I tend to shy away from getting pictures taken and of those that are; I end up destroying most because I just can't seem to like any of them. I don't buy clothes because the experience is altogether frustrating and heart-wrenching.
I think that we have all been at the point where we completely breakdown…..well, I have been there many times. Analyzing everything I would eat and then just really not eating at all. I suppose the concept was a good one in my mind but not so much for the losing weight part. Constantly I would find myself frustrated and angry, to the point of tears. I have not worn a bathing suit or sat in a hot tub since I was 13yrs old (I am 37). I have never taken my kids swimming because I can't bear what my body looks like. Complete lack of self-esteem and feeling valuable has prevented me from experiencing so much. I know in my heart that if I were my "dream size" that I would feel happier and prettier but I also know that happiness should never be based on your looks. Famous tug-o-war of emotions vs. common sense.

“The skies opened up” for me one morning while listening to Meg tell of her journey and success with Herbal Magic. It was the one moment in the last 20+ years that I felt courageous enough to do something to change my life. I needed to just close my eyes and have faith that this could change…..my life could change.
As of today, I have been with the program for 1 week and I am proud to say that I am down 7.5lbs.

If you are wondering if this can work for you, don’t wonder any more. Take the courageous step to just go in and talk to someone because I know it could be worth it for you too. We all need a helping hand and the ladies at Herbal Magic and there to give it to you.

Jenn C

2009-09-15T08:54:00.001-06:00

A MOMENT TO REMEMBER...

I cannot believe it. I went to Chinook Center and INTO French Connection. GORGEOUS store, but one I've never shopped at.

Once inside, I began trying on things I would normally NEVER pick up.

GUESS WHAT??

THEY FIT!!!!!!!!!!!!

This journey is unreal.

2009-09-15T08:53:00.000-06:00

I AM DOWN ALMOST 56lbs!!!

2009-09-08T09:11:00.001-06:00

MEET BRIANNA!

Hey Everyone I’m Brianna and I started Herbal Magic the middle of May 2009. Like everyone, I have had that moment where I realized enough was enough and it was time to finally take control of my life and my weight. I listened to Meg on the radio about Herbal Magic for a few weeks and was so inspired by her stories and knew that I could do the same.

I joined Herbal Magic and to be honest, it hasn’t always been easy! You have some great weeks and some weeks where you want to give up and go back to your old ways. What the girls at Herbal Magic always tell me is though that I didn’t put the weight on in 2 months so its not all going to come off that fast either!

Slow and steady wins the race. They are SO amazing there and the support they give you will get you through those bad days and they will get you to your goal!

The other thing that keeps me going on this journey is the wonderful friends that I have met through Meg and our Sisterhood of the Evershrinking Pants group!! To know that other people have the same struggles that I do just make me realize even more that I can get through this and reach my goal. I am over halfway there and cannot believe how far I have come!

If you are thinking about weight loss and are stuck, please consider Herbal Magic. We are all there to support you in your journey and know that you can do it!!

Brianna J

2009-09-03T06:29:00.001-06:00

EVERYONE, MEET BONNIE!

Hi!

I'm Bonnie, and my Journey with Herbal Magic was also inspired by Meg, and began June 9/ 2009.

I have battled my weight ALL my life. Even when I was younger and very active in sports such as softball and figure skating, my weight was always an issue.

For me...my MOMENT that has brought me to where i am now:~the embarrassment of not being able to buckle the seatbelt on the plane and having to ask in front of other passengers for an extension. I would always want to be first in line so i could ask before other people got on the plane. I knew then that I HAD to do something!!!

My health was also a big concern, I learned a few years back i was diabetic, my sugars were outragous. The path I was on....I was slowly killing myself.

At that time I had contemplated another weight loss program, and was very close to joining. The only problem with that was...I had already tried it before and FAILED! No one wants to fail. So I just kept putting it off. Hearing Meg on the radio, speaking of Herbal Magic and knowing she was a real person and it was REALLY working, was truly inspiring. I tuned in every Tuesday, to hear Meg and her story. I laughed with her, I cried with her, I related with her. I decided that day in my truck that I was going to email Meg and tell her how inspiring she was, and that I was now going to join, after hearing her story.

Meg, with her open arms and HUGE heart emailed me back withen minutes, and before I knew it she had Christina on the phone with me.

BEST DECISION EVER!

The girls at Herbal Magic are WONDERFUL!!! SUPPORTIVE!!! UNDERSTANDING!!!

They are there for me! They want me to succeed! The friends I have made now too, after starting this I will have for life! They are also behind me 100 % even when I myself can't see the light! They are there to listen, laugh and cry with me! And most of all, give me the motivation to keep going...when I have had a bad day!

I am happy to share that after my first 3 months on the program, I took a flight, and I did up the seatbelt....WITH ROOM TO SPARE!!!!!!!!!

I have also gotten my blood sugars under control. This journey isnt always going to be easy, and I know this, but moments like that are what will keep me going!

:) ~Bonnie~

"Success is not final, failure is not fatal, It is the COURAGE to continue that COUNTS"
~Winston Churchill~

2009-09-02T06:21:00.001-06:00

MEET CAT!

Hi, I'm Cat and I started Herbal Magic on April 17th, 2009. I, like most people, had THAT moment when my weight was literally shoved RIGHT in my face. I was buying a wedding dress and when the sales person took my measurements and told me the size of dress we had to order I almost fainted. I cried all the way home. That was a Saturday. A moment in my life I certainly won't forget.

That Tuesday I heard Meg on the radio in what was her first Herbal Magic update. I cried. She was EXACTLY where I had been just that Saturday. So I bit the bullet and went into the Herbal Magic in Okotoks. Man was I scared. As a single mom, with an upcoming wedding how was I ever going to be able to afford this?

As I sat in the office listening to myself it dawned on me, How can I afford NOT to do this? The amount of money I was wasting on junk food, clothes of fluctuating sizes, not to mention I was about to be married and have wedding pictures done. Pictures that were going to be put up on the wall of my new house. Pictures that represented my new life. Did I want to look at pictures for the rest of my life being the size I was? Like I said how could I afford not to do it?

So here I am almost 5 months later and 2 weeks away from my wedding and am 2.6 pounds away from my goal. I am happy to report that when my dress came in it had to be altered 3 sizes!! I still can't believe it!

I've now moved to the second phase of the program and am still losing. Was it easy? Not always, but the staff at Herbal and the friends I have made through the program have been amazing. When I have a bad day and have a meltdown all of the ladies talk me down. They support me when I'm up and cheer for me when I'm down.

If you're thinking of doing Herbal, just do it. Whether you have 25 pounds to lose or 100 pounds to lose don't be afraid. It will change your life for the better. I'm looking forward to starting my new life, much healthier, much stronger and 3 sizes smaller than I was 5 months ago!

Don't be afraid, just do it.

2009-09-01T11:46:00.002-06:00

THE SHARING CONTINUES...MEET DIANE!

My journey with Meg and Herbal Magic started June 2009.
Like many other people I have tried many different programs and for whatever reason did not stick with it.

I listened to Meg daily and cried daily, she was soo inspiring, and "REAL".
She finally made me see that enough is enough
We began emailing and she hooked me up with Christina.

It has been a wonderful journey and I looked forward to final destination!!

Meg has been sooooo amazing on this journey....she REALLY is with me EVERY step of the way, encouragining, helpful, a shoulder to cry on and sooo much more.

The girls at Herbal are also wonderful. When I do have a bad day and am upset about it or want to quit, Christina always reminds me where I would be if I was not on Herbal. She is soo correct!!

I encourage anyone who wants to lose weight to try this. You eat your own food, you get to try fun, exciting new recipes and it is soo rewarding.

I am not saying it's a piece of cake (pardon the pun), there are struggles, good days and bad, but the reward is soo worth it!!

I have realized finally that I am not in a marathon and that I did not gain the weight in two months and so I won't be able to lose it in two months. I have decided to take it slowly, FINALLY do it properly, be healthy and happy!!

Diane

2009-09-01T11:03:00.003-06:00

THE SHARING BEGINS...JENNY'S STORY!

Hi I am Jenny, I started Herbal in June, and I was already doing a weight loss program that had worked ok for me in the past, and then I started listening to Meg on the radio, and decided to email her.

I was getting frustrated with losing at such a slow rate. I was having a really bad day one day, and Meg and I were emailing, and then she called me and left a great message on my phone. She referred me to Christina at Herbal.

I went in, and joined that day, and it's been great ever since.

Don't get me wrong it's not easy every day, but overall it’s a great process and the friends that I have supporting me that I have met through Herbal are frickin AMAZING!

I have been on many weight loss programs and I have never gotten to my goal or even saw it in the future…

Well with herbal I will be at my goal no question Jan 6th, and I can feel that I will get there for the first time in my life!!

2009-09-01T08:46:00.003-06:00

COMING SOON...

I will be sharing the stories from "my girls" - since starting Herbal, I've had the pleasure of meeting some AMAZING new friends. We've named ourselves (ok, Ian named us)...

THE SISTERHOOD OF THE EVER SHRINKING PANTS!!!

Their stories are coming!

2009-09-01T08:31:00.002-06:00

GRAB A CALENDAR!

6 months ago, Feb 10th actually, I was pretty miserable. Nothing fit, my back hurt. I didn’t sleep very well, I was always stressed and I never moved. Well, unless you count from the couch to the kitchen and back. Seriously, I was in complete denial. I was scared. Then I went to Herbal Magic Weight Loss, told Christina that I was terrified – then it all changed.

I quickly realized that once you stop being scared, it’s ok to ask for help. I still cook, I eat AMAZING things - *yes, you can still have peanut butter, you can have ice cream…and before I knew it…6 months had passed and I had lost 50lbs. 50. Everything is different. I sleep, I run, everything fits and I’m SO happy.

So...if you are scared, I TOTALLY GET IT -- but do me a favor RIGHT NOW.

Go get a calendar. Flip ahead 6 months - that will take you to February. Know what that means? You could lose 50lbs between NOW AND FEBRUARY!!!! COME ON, that is RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER!!

Don't wait - book a consultation with the girls - let them SHOW you how easy this really is. I can help you too!

GOOD LUCK - DO NOT WAIT!!

2009-08-28T07:34:00.001-06:00

63 INCHES!!!!!!!!

I started my journey with Herbal Magic Weight loss 6 months ago – February 10th actually. Every week, you hop on a scale and watch the pounds disappear. Did you also know that they measure you HEAD to toe once a week?

Ready for this? I have lost 50lbs and 63 inches. 2 from my neck, almost 10 inches around my shoulders, 9 from my waist and almost 6 inches from each thigh- I could go on. GRAB a tape measure and look at that – it’s incredibly hard to believe, but it’s me – I did it…in 6 months.

If NOTHING fits you, you are TIRED of buying new clothes, bigger clothes, put down whatever you’re doing and CALL HERBAL MAGIC TODAY!!

63 INCHES!!!!!!

2009-08-27T09:55:00.010-06:00

I'VE LOST 50.2 LBS!!!

This morning I was given 50 roses for 50lbs.

THANK YOU SO MUCH to EVERYONE

who has helped with my "journey" thus far --

Here's to the next 11 lbs!!!!

2009-08-25T08:21:00.006-06:00

AS OF AUGUST 25th, I AM DOWN

49.6 lbs!!!!!!!

THAT IS 0.4 AWAY FROM 50.

FIFTY POUNDS!?!?!?!?!?!

I know, it takes me a minute to process that too. I cannot believe that I am almost at the end of my journey...well, the first part anyway. I've decided that WHEN I get to 60lbs, I will lose another 10. More on that later...

For now, it's still ONE day at a time! If YOU want to begin YOUR journey, I can help you, every STEP of the way!!

WHERE DID THE SUMMER GO??

2009-08-20T14:41:00.002-06:00

I can't believe as I sit and type, it's almost the end of August. Rewind to February, when I began my journey with Herbal Magic, I couldn't imagine getting to September, MUCH LESS weighing almost 50lbs LESS!!

Well I did, and I cannot even PROCESS or PUT INTO WORDS how amazing it feels.

I cannot WAIT to finally, once and for all LIVE at my new weight.

No more aches.
No more sore lower back.
No more tears because I had "another bad day".
No more BIG jeans.
No more excuses.
No more - "I'll start tomorrow."

NO MORE.

2009-08-04T07:58:00.002-06:00

I am down almost 46lbs...OMG!!!!!!!

I have a month until my goal, will I make it?

I can't stress out, that's the WORST thing I can do.

All I can do is continue to plan, eat well, exercise and be POSITIVE!!

HERE WE GO!!

2009-07-22T08:05:00.003-06:00

THE JEANS

2009-07-21T14:50:00.001-06:00

Not sure if you've ever heard me tell the story where I had 4 pairs of jeans - Silvers,Sevens, a pair of dark wash ones from The Bay and American Eagles. Well...let's just say I wore them ALL 3 years ago..then STOPPED when I ballooned out of control. Rewind to February 2009- first day of Herbal. I tried ALL 4 pairs on and NOTHING. I'll save you the details, but they all didn't fit in varying degrees of pain (my faves, the Sevens only went to my ANKLES.

MY ANKLES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!) How on EARTH did I go from wearing these EVERY STINKING day to NOT being able to go past my ankles. (insert tears).

Right there, I made a promise to myself- I will try them EACH on, on the first day of the month.

So -- March - ankles. April- above ankles. You get the point. Well - I could almost PASS OUT with what I am about to say.

I just tried ALL 4 pairs on..................and....................THEY ALL FIT!!!!!!!!!

ALL OF THEM!!!

Ok - so maybe not ALL 4 pairs would I wear out yet...but they are ALL ON, UP, AND ZIPPED TO THE TOP!!!!!! EVEN THE SEVENS!!!!!!!!!!!!

So...I pass this on to you. Please go right now, or when you get home and find pants that you cannot wear. Drag them onto your body, as far up as you can get them, and do this ONCE a month...until they are BACK on you. It's a feeling you will NEVER, EVER, EVER forget.

My total as of July 21st!

2009-07-21T14:44:00.005-06:00

I AM DOWN ALMOST 44lbs!!!!!!!

Meg's Random Thoughts!

2009-07-16T06:15:00.001-06:00

I think I've had a breakthrough. Mayo isn't the BEST part of my day anymore.

2009-07-14T07:03:00.002-06:00

I am down almost 42lbs...working my way to 50!

Here's how: I have officially let Christina PLAN everything. Can I do it myself? Sure, but like anything, over time you settle back into ways of not exactly measuring everything, being a little more generous, and perhaps not always picking the BEST choices.

So - - we have decided that EVERY 2 days when I go to Herbal Magic, we sit and plan out what I will be eating, down to the letter. She plans it, I eat it. As LONG as I do that, I will lose.

MY ADVICE: If you want to lose, call Herbal. Seriously, it has changed my ENTIRE life!!! You can also email me, Meg@energy1015.com - - I would LOVE to tell you more!

SAY NO TO STAMPEDE FOOD!!

2009-07-06T06:57:00.004-06:00

I know it's tough. We ALL go to Stampede (if you live in Calgary).
We ALL want to munch on the yummy food...but I caution you.

DO NOT DO IT!!!

Caramel Apple = 340 cals & 14 g of fat
Small Popcorn with butter = 630 cals & 50 g of fat
Fries (1 large) = 614 cals & 34 g of fat
Chili Fries (1 large) = 740 cals & 40 g of fat
Pepperoni Pizza (1 slice) = 549 cals & 27 g of fat
Fried Chicken Wing (1 wing) = 140 cals & 10 g of fat
Beef on a bun, 1 = 450 cals & 20 g of fat -- add nacho cheese = 700 cals & 37 g of fat
Mini Donuts = 1 package 1000 cals & 90 g of FAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

AND MY FAVE...CORN DOG (1) = 460 cals & 20 g of fat

STILL HUNGRY????

2009-07-02T07:41:00.005-06:00

AS OF JULY 2nd, I AM DOWN 39.4lbs!! Ok, let's just say that's 40!!!!!!

40 POUNDS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (If it's now now, it will be by Saturday!)

I have lost the equivalent of a TODDLER. I know. INSANE.
It just hit me yesterday, OMG I have 8 weeks until my goal.
Can I do it?
Will it slow down?
IS THIS REALLY THE HOME STRETCH????

YES, NO and YES. I am VERY excited, still a bit scared, but I know that I will get there, NO PROBLEM. September 7th here I come!!

2009-06-16T09:09:00.003-06:00

UPDATE...or should it be a DOWN-DATE??

AS OF TUESDAY JUNE 16th...

I AM DOWN 37 lbs!!!!!!!!!

2009-06-02T07:15:00.005-06:00

I'M DOING THIS!!

AS OF TUESDAY JUNE 2nd...

I AM DOWN 32.6 lbs!!!!!!!!!

I have to say the last few weeks have been bumpy. I had the "slip" which although didn't affect me too much on the scale, affected my mental state. When something like that happens, it shakes your confidence. You go in and you're the same. You go in and you're slightly up. You go in again and you're back at the same. Three days of that and I had myself asking..."WHEN IS THIS GOING TO GET BETTER!!"

But then I remembered something that I've been trying to live by each and every weigh-in.

As I step on the scale, "HAVE I DONE EVERYTHING I CAN". Was I? No, not for the last couple weeks.

Am I over the "hump" now? Yes. THANK GOD.

SEPTEMBER HERE I COME!!

2009-05-26T07:06:00.008-06:00

ONE DAY AT A TIME RIGHT?

Well, it's now been 15 weeks since I started this "journey" with Herbal Magic. I'm going to be honest. It's NOT always easy.

I could sit and tell you week in week out -"oooh I lost 10, I lost 20" - but there's SO much more to it. SO much more than just a number on the scale. I promised myself if I was going to do this on the air - publicly, that I would share the whole journey.

Well, here goes...

Has the number gone down? YES. Almost 30lbs already, which to all involved, is right on track. Has it been tough though? YES. Not every day, but the last week, SUPER TOUGH. I'm experiencing cravings like you wouldn't believe, I'm feeling tired of being "perfect", and I find that I'm trying to find reasons to "allow myself" the old, bad food that got me here in the first place.

Here's what I know though. I cannot TELL YOU how much the girls at Herbal Magic are helping me. They will NOT let me fail, they will NOT let me get discouraged...EVER.

How? Because we are ALL the same. We're human. We're doing this together. Maybe their goals are to lose less than me, but a goal is a goal, nonetheless. We talk. We hug. We cry...(ok maybe I cry). We share stories about how I am not alone, this is normal, cravings happen and LIFE GOES ON.

Did I give in? Yes. Once.
Did I feel terrible for doing so?
YES - BEYOND TERRIBLE.

But did I get up the next day and move forward? YES. With a run. And lots of water. And a calm head knowing that even though I may have faltered, the NEW ME is able to recognize it for what it was, and move on. A new day, a new number on the scale, EYE on the finish line.

2009-05-19T07:44:00.002-06:00

TRANSITION PANTS ANYONE??

As you may know, I started Herbal Magic Weight Loss on February 10th. It's now been 3 months and I am down PRETTY much 30lbs. 30 lbs, that's 10 lbs a month - I am RIGHT ON TRACK to reaching my goal in September- cannot even TELL YOU how happy I am!

Wanna know something else? I had to buy transition pants last week! K - for anyone who has lost weight before, you know what transition pants are. Your old pants are too big, but NO WAY will you spend cash on really good ones...NOT YET...smaller jeans, more energy and consistent drops on the scale - I swear Christina and I can't even keep up with how well the weight is coming off.

Look. If you've been in my spot and you want to join me on MY journey, please, call Herbal Magic today- the girls are AMAZING!!! (403 214 SLIM).

2009-05-19T07:20:00.003-06:00

AS OF TUESDAY MAY 19th...

I AM DOWN 29.6 lbs!!!!!!!!!

2009-05-01T08:35:00.002-06:00

MY "JOURNEY" UPDATES WILL RETURN ON MAY 19th!

2009-04-28T07:49:00.002-06:00

AS OF MONDAY APRIL 27th...

I AM DOWN 22 lbs!!!!!!!!!

2009-04-28T06:35:00.001-06:00

BACK FROM BARBADOS...UPDATE TO COME!

2009-04-28T06:19:00.005-06:00

BEST LUNCH EVER!

I made this for Frank, Ian and Carlos, so I thought I'd post the recipe. SO EASY and SOOOO DELICIOUS!!

GRILLED CHICKEN BURGER WITH SWEET POTATO FRIES

1 Chicken cutlet (basically butterflied chicken)- Maple Leaf Prime
1/2 oz Cheese - Sharp cheddar
Lettuce
Salsa (homemade)
1 tsp mayo
2 pieces of light bread (Safeway 60% stone thin bread)
1/2 sweet potato

DIRECTIONS

Grill chicken (spritz with salad dressing, shake on Mrs Dash)and set aside. Cut sweet potato into sticks (a la fries, place on baking sheet (covered with tin foil for easy clean up), spray with Pam, shake on spices then bake at 350 for about 40 mins, turning at the halfway point.

Assemble sandwich- toast, chicken, salsa, chicken, 1/2 of the tsp of mayo, lettuce.

DIP for Sweet Potato Fries - 1/2 tsp mayo with 1 or 2 tsp of salsa.

SO GOOD!! ENJOY!!

2009-04-14T06:05:00.005-06:00

AS OF MONDAY APRIL 13th...

I AM DOWN 18 lbs!!!!!!!!!

UNREAL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Barbados here I come!!!
I WAS nervous, but I am ok now. I am IN control of things, I will make great choices and I will come back and be DOWN!!!

Can you tell I am excited? This is so good.

2009-04-09T08:03:00.004-06:00

HAPPY EASTER!

Well, this year will be a BIT different for me, I am going to say NO to the gravy and chocolate. I'm not worried about it being Easter though, because I have a PLAN.

I am going to my friend Bev's house on Sunday, but will be TAKING my own dinner.
Now don't get me wrong...I am NOT afraid of eating her food, I just thought about it and said to myself...I can either say NO and stay home, or GO, take my OWN food and concentrate on the COMPANY.

Here's my plan:

Big salad
Grilled chicken
Sweet potatoes

It REALLY doesn't vary much from her menu, but with Barbados coming up, I'd like to cook as much as I can before I go and I'm thinking if I sub grilled chicken for ham it will probably save on sodium.

SO. To that end, have a WONDERFUL and HEALTHY Easter weekend and if I could offer a tip, when you are thinking of having that second serving of pie...think of my grilled chicken, politely say no thank you and just concentrate on the company.

Meg

2009-04-06T12:51:00.004-06:00

AS OF MONDAY APRIL 6th...

I AM DOWN 16 lbs!!!!!!!!!

That's a 10lb bag of potatoes
A 5lb bag of onions
And 1 lb of butter.

HERE'S TO NEXT WEEK!!

2009-04-03T12:45:00.004-06:00

MEG'S SIMPLE SALSA!

1 pint of cherry tomatoes
1 green onion
splash of red wine vinegar
splash of lime juice
Mrs Dash Table Seasoning (loaded with spices and salt free)

*One of the BEST investments I bought was the Cuisinart Mini Chopper ($49)...TOTALLY saves you from dragging out the blender or spending an hour chopping.

DIRECTIONS

Throw the tomatoes in the chopper, pulse for 3-4 seconds max.
Pour into tupperware, add the onion, vinegar, lime juice and a shake of Mrs Dash

THAT'S IT! It'll last for up to a week, use on burgers, chicken, eggs...EVERYTHING!

PS- this has completely replaced ketchup and bottled salsa for me (which PS is LOADED with sodium).

ENJOY!!

2009-04-03T08:28:00.003-06:00

ANOTHER WEEK DOWN!

It's Friday! Have a healthy weekend...Ian and I are going on our 5km trek and I plan to make more of my homemade salsa today. I'll be sure to take and post a pic!

Meg

2009-03-31T08:59:00.004-06:00

AS OF MONDAY MARCH 30th...

I AM DOWN 14.2lbs!!!!!!!!!

That's a bag of potatoes *10lbs and ALMOST a 5lb bag of onions! Here's to next week!

2009-03-31T08:27:00.005-06:00

WE'RE DOING THIS TOGETHER!!

I want to say a HUGE thank you to everyone for your support yesterday. When I made the decision to talk about "my journey", I knew it would be tough, emotional, but rewarding.

That's definitely the case!

Here are some emails that I received yesterday...keep em coming as we keep shrinking!

Hi Meg,

I just moved to Calgary and I listen to you every morning with my 2yr old. I'm at work now and I this morning was crying in the car. I have a weight problem and girl...I'm GOING to call Herbal Magic and go through this with you! I hope I'll be able to achieve my goals.

Thank you for sharing this on the radio. Thank you. Carla

**************************************

Hey Guys,

I travel to and from Cochrane everyday and SWITCHED to you guys (from your ummmm..competition).....specifically due to the morning show!! Meg, congratulations on taking the step to living the life YOU want. I can relate. I now try and eat healthier. I love the sweets but everything is in moderation. So give it your all, you have support from many o' people!! Stay positive....not just with this but with life my friend.....we all do way better in life when we are happy!! Last thing....I have adopted this quote for my life and it could fit with yours or anyone's...... "BE COURAGEOUS. IT IS ONE OF THE ONLY PLACES LEFT UNCROWDED"

Cheers!

J

***********************************

Hi Meg,

I just heard about your journey and finished reading your blog...and as I wipe away the tears I am inspired by you!! I to, have had many "a ha" moments , yet have not done anything.....till now. You truly have inspired me and the way you were speaking on the air and being soo honest was wonderful to hear .

Thank you and good luck...I know you can do it!!!

You are a beautiful person!! Di

2009-03-29T16:45:00.005-06:00

It's Sunday March 29.

I'm sitting at my computer wondering "how do I start this blog"?

Do I tell you that I've been now doing HM since Feb 10th and that I'm already down 13lbs?

Or do I tell you that not a day goes by where I don't wish I could just eat anything I wanted, but that I've made this choice, to once and for all get to my goal, so right now, the "treats" must wait?

I guess now you know both. It's been a VERY interesting month and a bit. I knew I had to do something- - because I had my "tipping point". You know that moment you have...you see a picture of yourself, or a video, or you receive a comment that just stops you in your tracks? Well, I had it...in the form of a picture/video. I won't say what, I won't say where, but for anyone who has struggled, you know what I mean by "the tipping point"-- the "a-ha moment".

Well, the very next day, I went to Herbal Magic. I had heard a lot about them when I lived in Toronto - it seemed everyone was doing it (and loving it). I was nervous though...REALLY SCARED. I don't know what it is about me, but for most of my adult life, I've wanted to reach my "goal weight", but always fell short. I knew this time was different though, it just had to be. I wanted to just DO IT. No more excuses. No more stopping and starting.

So I called.

And I met Christina.

The rest, I'd like to say is history, but it's only been 5 weeks. Has it been easy? Some days, for sure. Others? I could chew off my ARM because all I WANT is junk food, but I know, in my heart of hearts it's NOT WORTH IT.

Which is why I decided to speak out and share my story.

I hope you come back often, I'll write here every chance I get. I plan to post updates, recipes, pictures (of food, not me...not yet) -- and I also hope this will be a place where YOU TOO can share. I'd LOVE to help, I'm a good listener and if NOTHING else, we can do this together.

PS - my goal is September 7th, one week before my birthday. Here's to the FALL!!

Meg

It's ONLY food...

2009-03-25T13:21:00.005-06:00

AS OF WEDNESDAY MARCH 25th...

I AM DOWN 13lbs!!!

I am DOING THIS! Regular updates coming soon!