Starbucks is SO Worth Second Place
I’ve not said a lot around here about New Year Resolutions simply because its very stressful for me to fail publicly. Most of my issues are internal and are safely between me and Jesus. But for example if I put it out there I would like to, oh say, lose 20 lbs. and in a few weeks a weight loss is not obvious, my paranoid self thinks you are thinking, “Lisa just has no follow through. All talk, that girl.”
A fact with which I would agree wholeheartedly.
But this year when a friend at church announced she would like to lead a First Place group, I was very excited. Mostly because the basis of the program is spiritual well-being as well as physical but also because this particular friend is one of those kinds of girls who will whip my sorry tail if I cheat hold me accountable and not apologize for it.
This program is based on the Diabetic Exchange List and requires a lot of charting and counting of food exchanges. It’s a little confusing at first but I’ve found all the work required to record the food has actually helped taken my mind off eating the food. Can that possibly make sense? I told our leader I felt like I was trading one bondage for another, but at least option number two won’t expand my 4-baby waist-line.
So here’s the thing. I’ve been very diligent when I know I’m going to be out for lunch to look up restaurant websites for nutrition information and decide ahead of time what I’ll eat. This way, I’m not as tempted to cheat and I’ll know exactly how to chart my food.
I didn’t look up Starbucks.
I thought I could just say no. I didn’t look to see how many calories my beloved Caramel Apple Spice had or how having it with whip cream is just a tad more fattening than without.
I pulled up to the drive thru and was thrilled to find out they offered sugar free caramel sauce. Check. I’ll have that. Then I asked if they had fat-free whip cream. Is there such a thing? Anyway, they did not so I had a fast decision to make. Do I keep the whip cream or say no? I mean really, how harmful can one measly squirt of whip cream be?
“Ohhhhh???? Okay. Give me the whip cream.”
I only ordered a Tall and got the sugar-free caramel sauce so I’m still figuring it’s not all that bad. I came home, pulled out my Live-It Sheet and logged on to Starbucks.com. Just in that one drink there are four of my allowed six exchanges of carbs and 1 1/2 of my allowed 3 exchanges of fat.
First of all, I have to say it was worth it to totally blow supper. The problem was, I had nothing left I could eat save for a fat-free vegetable that wouldn’t put me further over in one of the categories.
So I ate 2 STINKIN’ CUPS of green beans. And since green beans are basically the only green vegetable I like I get to look forward to 13 weeks of stuffing my face with them when I’ve totally messed up the rest of the day.
BUT – aside from the food part I’m really looking forward to the spiritual. I am totally a stress eater so my weight fluctuating is normally directly related to how little I am caring for myself and allowing God to care for me. This program focuses on balance and I don’t know of any of us that don’t need an exchange of that.
So have any of you ever done First Place? Another program you’ve tried that worked? Anything you are doing now?
So far I’m encouraged and I really think First Place is do-able. I would be ever so happy to get back to my pre-baby weight simply for the fact I know I’ll have to physically feel better. I also look forward to helping lead these women through the Bible Study portion and see us as focused on feeding our inner man as we are shrinking the outer one.
Blessings on all you girls. I pray God gives us each the resolve to accomplish His purposes in our lives!
p.s. If spiritual and physical fitness are among your goals in 2008 and you don’t have an accountability group, head over to CWO today to participate in Live Well. Darlene has excellent articles on the topic and has formed a free, online support group that meets each Wednesday.
Well bless your heart. That just really stinks. But good for you for salvaging the day and eating green beans for dinner. I’d have declared the day a loss and eaten a regular dinner. You’re a better woman than I am.
But then I already pretty much knew that.
Some of our ladies did First Place last year, and even those who did a different Bible Study joined them for the Pilates class beforehand.
I have got to do something myself. There is entirely too much of me that is fearfully and wonderfully made. In fact, I think we’re getting past fearfully to scary! :-)
I’m laughing at the green beans. I am so impressed with your discipline to EAT them and stick with your new way of life. You are an inspiration to us out here. Especially since I just came back from a pot luck supper where there were 14 desserts (mind you, there were 15 of us there!)… I suppose you can guess what I ate – yep, dessert. My discipline is not as strong as yours, but you encourage me to work on it.
I haven’t heard of First Place. It sounds tedious so I’ve got to hand it to you. I loooove green beans, but I do’nt know if I could eat very much of them without butter. I should give it a better try.
Merrie, Linda, and Sail –
I promise you I have very little resolve. Right now my discipline is strictly external – I’m scared of being embarrassed in front of my church girls! I really want them to succeed and I’ll feel like I failed them and myself if I can’t do what they desperately want to.
More importantly, the spiritual focus of Christ being more satisfying than a KitKat is a bigger goal for me than the weight. :)
much love to all of you!!
Lisa
Hmm, maybe I shouldn’t comment considering that my blog is named after a drink at Starbucks :)
you are cracking me up!!!
Oh Lisa,
You never fail to bring a smile to my face!! Much luck with First Place. I’ve heard wonderful things about it. Keep us posted on your progress. And know that I’m praying for you!! Oh and I have to add, I would have chosen the Starbucks too. . green beans or not!!
~Cheryl
You go girl!! After doing the Tabernacle study of Ms. Moore’s, I realized that He is dwelling within me….that just hit me so fresh over and over….and I gotta take care of this tent that he has given me. I’m going to do better.
You will too! We all will!
Love~
Fran
Lisa,
I decided for myself that 2008 needs to be the year I get serious about my food addiction…I so do need to lose some weight, but felt it was more than losing weight…that this issue is a control issue of mine that needs to be surrendered to the Lord. So far it is a battle, but one I have hope of winning with God’s leading.
I do have a suggestion… I purchased the book “A Woman of Moderation” by Dee Brestin. She was a guest on Midday Connection on the Moody Radio station one day, and I heard her talk about this book. This book would be a great addition to your “First Place” plan. Although the book offers helpful suggestions for eating…it too tackles the spiritual aspect with a lot of helpful advice. A bonus is that Dee Brestin starting today will be on Midday connection every Wednesday for several weeks working through the book I mentioned. It is kind of a radio broadcast study on the book.
Blessings as you continue on your journey!!
I’m trying to figure out all this diet things too!
I’ll pray for you…could you pray for me? I need to lose 50 pounds!!
Oh, I agree the caramel apple spice is totally worth eating 2 cups of green beans later – I think. I am not currently doing anything except feeling conviction that I should. I loved what you said about eating more when you weren’t allowing God to care of you. That is totally me and I don’t think I ever looked at it like that. I’m certainly an emotional eater. The moment someone hurts my feelings, I head to a drive thru :) Give me some chocolate!
I have done First Place, 2 or 3 times and yes it works. I am super strict when I know I have to weigh in with people. Unfortunately, the whole scale thing sends me into bondage! LOL But it is only because of prior eating disorder issues, nothing to do with the program. I recommend it to anyone. And always exercising along with a healthy eating program. You will do great!
Hi Lisa,
I have never done First Place, but have read about it. Seems like a great program that will get results and has the great spiritual component, but does also seem to be a bit tedious. If you are looking for a program, Weight Watchers is much simpler, allows more for “treats” and seems easier to stick to. I have used many of its principles in my weight loss.
I’m with you Lisa! I also need to lose weight–again! I promised myself that this is the last New Year’s I’ll resolve to lose weight. I’ve never done First Place. I’ve done Weight Watchers, it doesnt have the spiritual, but does teach good life styles when come to eating and going out. Thanks for the tip on Live Well. I’ll check it out.
Blessings in Christ–
I have done first place and it does work. The best part of it is the fellowship and Bible studies. I found the program, however, to be like WW used to be before they invented the points system.
It’s really based on healthy living.
Remember that your body is a temple for the Lord, and you want to create the best temple possible! That usually helps me get through a temptation.
love your honest humble happy holy heart
Oh girl, what a wonderful post. You will do great, I just know it! I did this program the first time in 2001. I was looking at my old records and I (in 2001) weighed- in at the goal I am trying to meet now!! Oh my! Why I thought I was FAT then is beyond me!!! I’m hanging in there with ya girlfriend! Good Luck! ummmm…… have you had your water today????
OH Oops! I have a little something for you over at my blog………
however, after looking at some of your past posts….I see that you have already been given this gift! Oops!
Oh well, you deserve it again…from me!
Loved this post by the way! I sure do need to lose some lbs. myself!!! I just love food way too much! ;)
I try low carb, low fat while still watching my portion size. I also do an exercise routine (nothing strenious, just jogging, ab lounge) I am trying to make it more of a lifestyle than just another diet(diabetes, heart disease runs in my family). During the week I am very strict, but on weekends I lighten up a little bit. The most important thing is to find something that works for you. BEST OF LUCK!!
I stumbled upon Kimkins back in the summer. I lost 24 pounds! I was very strict and worked out 4 to 5 days a week, Walk Away The Pounds by Leslie Sansone. I still do the workout and it really reshaped my bum and thighs. And what girl doesn’t love that? I eased up over the holidays with the eating and the exercise, but now am back on track. Trying to lose the last 15 pounds! I wish you luck. After 4 kiddos, I understand how hard it is.
That Starbucks sounds really good right now!
I do not make any resolutions although I am thinking I have got to get my bum to the gym. I seem to be suffering from Dunlap disease and it has got to stop!
God bless,
Kim
I have tried many different things. I’ve tried to cut back on sugar or avoid sugar. I’ve tried watching wheat products (which mind you is no easy task). But most things I tried, I found myself giving in and giving up and going back to eating those foods. I finally found something that worked for me. Last January (2007) I picked up a book at a local Christian bookstore. It really helped me. It was what the authors called a “grace-oriented” approach to weight loss. Some of the basic ideas reminded me of things I’d heard about Weigh Down. Eat smaller portions more often. Eat only when you are truly hungry. Stop when you’re not quite full but are satisfied. No focusing so much on WHAT I ate as to HOW I ate. It talked about learning to eat slowly and focusing on your food and enjoying it. There were more things in this book as well. I began seeing that it worked for me. I started losing weight. It is not a diet but a lifestyle change – learning to eat differently. It dealt with the spiritual and emotional as well as the physical. The thing I had the hardest time with was wanting to eat more when I was getting full simply because the particular food tasted soooo good. I can say that I got to where I was eating probably close to half of what I used to eat. I used to eat too much. And I still can’t eat like I used to. It’s much better for my body. I still eat smaller amounts but I eat whenever I am hungry which many times means I eat several times throughout the day instead of 3 big meals. I know this is a lengthy post. Just thought I’d share what worked for me after trying so many things. BTW, when I started this new approach to eating, I did also do some exercising. So I know that also helped.
Hope you have a great week!
Karen
http://www.homesteadblogger.com/tagblog
I’ve never done First Place — but so need to do something. At this moment there is a flan in my fridge that I BROUGHT home (I was too full of Chile Rellenos to eat it at the restaurant!) to have tonight (Bedtime snack you know) It is NOT green beans!!!
sigh! Bless you for the will power. (As a pastor/pastor’s wife for 30 years, I do understand that motivation to not be embarrassed!!!)
Lisa, it was you that introduced me to the love of my life(caramel apple cider that is.) And I fully support you with First Place, but there is no way I am messing with the most perfect drink ever. However if it would make you feel any better, I will not get extra caramel and whip cream from now on, but the fat free I don’t think I can do. Not with this anyway.
BTW how did it taste?
Love ya,
Tammy
I too have had to recently start eating a diabetic diet. I too love Starbucks, however I tried a “skinny latte”. Ok, can I say NASTY!!! It was not quite the same. So now when I go to Starbucks it’s a venti ice water for me and a daydream of the real deal mocha latte. Good luck to you!
I’ve been reading your blog for awhile & enjoying it.Thanks for the info on the Starbucks. I had wondered how the sugar free Starbucks was. My hubby & I are diabetic so we have to eat diabetic friendly. I am not interested in losing weight, just controlling my blood sugars. Sp what you are doing with the diabetic stuff might help me out. Best wishes & God Bless..
hey tammy! lol
believe it or not, the sugar free caramel sauce didn’t taste any different at all. it was quite scrumptious actually. and i normally do ask for extra whipcream so maybe i did pretty good after all? :)
and amanda…venti ice water…i’m rolling. girl, i wouldn’t bother to go to starbucks for ice water..
that would totally be sonic that has the best ice EVER!
you girls make me laugh so much…I’m crazy about every one of you! :)
Hey Lisa,
I actually was in a 1st place group this past semester of small groups. I loved it! The tracking process is a little hard to get used to, but it’s a lot like weight watchers. I just love that 1st place keeps you accountable and helps you with discipline (which I need a LOT of help in that area). To encourage you, I lost 20 lbs in the 3 1/2 months that I did it. So you go girl!!! You do have to learn though, not to beat yourself up over little slips. Just enjoy it while you’re eating it and try to do better later. :) YOU CAN DO IT!!!!
I did First Place years and years ago. It’s a great program, and like you said, it balances all areas of our life. Love that you’re doing this…and congrats on staying on track with those green beans!
Considering me being pregnant and all, I am not dieting! I will say that I would love to be enjoying the food that I’m having to MAKE myself eat right now! BLAH!
I do commend you for eating the 2c of green beans, even though the thought of that at the moment is super disgusting!
I’ve never done First Place. This summer I lost about 15 lbs using Sparkpeople.com. I have to really be careful because I have a tendency to become obsessive about those kinds of things (calorie counting). After doing it for 2 months straight I kind of got the hang of keeping up with a rough estimate in my head. It really just helped me make wise decisions although I didn’t deprive myself.
Someone also mentioned Leslie Sansone. I love her DVD’s. I’ve got the DVD w/ the 1 mile, 2 mile and 3 mile on it. I’ve actually done the 1 mile, 3 whole times since I found out I was preggo! LOL!
I think the important thing is to look at our bodies as something God has entrusted us with. Just like with our money, we should also be good stewards of our bodies. Prayers for you and your First Place group!!
You’ll do wonderfully on First Place! Good luck!
p.s….since the sugar free sauce didn’t taste any different, I wonder if they used the regular stuff? I’m sure those restaurant people get a big kick out of everyone starting to order, “fat free” and “no mayo” and a whole bunch of other special stuff on Jan 1!
Girl I laughed out loud at your green bean comment because that’s the only First Place Vegetable that my family eats too, so when my Mom did First Place a few years back, we ate grean beans ALL THE TIME!!! Wish you all the best!
First Place is a wonderful program. Don’t get discouraged at first, because it will take you a little while to “figure out” the eating program, once you get it, you’ve got it for life. :-) When you need vegetables at the end of the day you can drink you some low sodium V-8. I’m not crazy about it, but I do drink it to count as my veggies.
I’ve done First Place and really had success with it! You can do it!!
I go to Weightwatchers, but I might check out Live Well since there’s not really a Christian component to my dieting.
I do have a dear sister in Christ who has helped me establish a weight training program, in addition to my cardio activity. I’m sore today, but it’s a good sore… I know I worked hard :)
God bless, Lisa… we’ll all pray for one another, ok?
Heather
I have never tried first place, I did the low carb addicts diet and it worked for me, but now I eat smaller portions and healthy food and yes I try to EXERCISE!! (YUK). Our bodies are His temple so we need to care for them right? You can do it!!
God Bless.
I want Starbucks right now! …with the whip cream! So so worth it!
Love you,
Angie xoxo
The fat girl and skinny girl inside of me argue all the time. One wants a cheeseburger, the other demands a carrot stick.
But there is one thing these two chicks agree on and that is a beautiful thing! So, the next time you venture to starbucks, order this, and every part of you will be happy!
Grande
skinny (meaning fat free milk)
sugar free vanilla latte
7 pumps of the sf vanilla
single shot of expresso
no whip
a little extra hot
and if you want to amuse your barista by getting to write on every box on the side of the starbucks cup- you can also request decaf. And that will do it!
It will help you lose weight.
It will entertain your barista.
It will annoy the other customers in line behind you.
And it will allow you an opportunity to extend grace to them all.
A spiritual experience for sure!
And oh my goodness- you made my day by listing my blog— seriously I think I need to go order one of these drinks just to celebrate— only wish you could come join me!
Smiles~
Lisa, “First Place” sounds like a great plan! I recently found out I’m diabetic, and eating like a diabetic really does help you lose weight.
Thanks so much for your comment on my Internet Cafe post. I LOVED the comment about being a beagle our a bulldog Christian. Perfect!
Oh yes, I love First Place. I did it for the first time 7 yrs. ago, and it has worked.(Lost 25 lbs. and kept it off until the babies came) I got into it very serious after each baby, and for the most part I still stick with it. I can do the 1200-1400 plan in my head and work around that.
If you love frappes, I have a fabulous recipe that is all free except using a milk exchange.
Other faves: breakfast: toast with peanuty butter and raisins on top.
snacks at 10 and 3: have a 100 Cal. pack. I always take a snack with me so I am not tempted.
you girls are a wealth of fat free information! :)
Lysa, I need to try your SB recipe. I’m not really a coffee drinker (yikes) but this sounds like mosty french vanilla which I do like so I might could handle it! lol
Erin, love 100 calorie packs. I keep the grahams in my purse.
I’m also loving vanilla yogurt with uns. frozen strawberries. it’s like a desert and only counts a milk and a fruit – 2 of my hardest areas.
thanks for all of your great feedback girls! I promise to be posting something new soon…been kinda crazy round here! ;)
Lisa
Hi Lisa- I have just come upon your blog today and have loved reading it. I am in the transition stages of becoming a preachers wife….a bit nervous, but have peace also. Anyway, I saw you were starting First Place. I see the other great comments that you have gotten about it….It does work. A sister church that I participate with has MANY people on it and they have all done so well. I am going to lead a First Place class starting next week and wish you well. I want to be sucessful and know it works! I pray that we both will be very sucessful. I need to loose 35 pounds!!YIKES!!! Best of Luck to you.
Accountability does help. My husband has been very kind to me when he sees me slipping and has even offered to make a few VERY low cal meals.
Love your story about the Starbucks! It had me laughing.
You have a wonderful week! God Bless!
Well…my resolve is to lose 20plus pounds before I hit age 45…in August. It’s been a long time coming! I’m kind of doing Weight Watchers, and just cutting out most sugar and carbs…it hasn’t been too bad, andI’ve actually done pretty well…until…a small bag of doritos, sun chips, some m@m’s, and a pop tart some how ended up on my table in the snack shop at our college gym. And then they disappeared, only to be found on my hips! So…your starbucks is now looking pretty good, huh? I’ll do really well for awhile, and then go crazy…and forget WHO I’m eating for…THE GLORY OF GOD. I’d join your group if I lived near you…let me know how you are doing!!!
God bless!!
First visit to your blog and have enjoyed it. I laughed out loud about the green beans. I work at First Houston and when I began 5 years ago, my office was in the First Place offices. So, I felt compelled to join and I lost 50 pounds. When I moved to the second floor in Ministries, well, let’s say I began following the Last Place plan and gained back the weight over time. I have heard through the grapevine that First Place is going to have a major revamp and it will be easier to keep up with the food exchanges and all that. Loved the Bible Studies and I was fortunate my group leader was Carole Lewis. She is over the whole shabang.
I will be back to read more. Love it!