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It’s All About Forgiveness!

Posted in The Medifast Program

Today is all about forgiving myself, being humble and starting over. I’ve been on Medifast for 5 weeks now, and last Wednesday I had lost 91/2 pounds…YEAH! But I really wanted that last 1/2 pound so that I could say to the world “I’ve lost 10 pounds in 5 weeks on Medifast” (that number just sounded better). I hopped on the scale the next day and found I’d gained 2 pounds! How could this happen!?!? It was soooo unfair! I stewed all through the day. The scale had won. Other things didn’t go my way on this bleak and woeful day - the wind blew too hard, thereby ruining my fishing/swimming excursion at Camp Frakes - I had 4 kids staring at me with goosebumps and bored expressions as if to say, “Now what LOSER? Come on mother of the year, we’re freezing, we’re hungry and we’re BORED!”

Needless to say, I felt defeated. Later that night I found myself staring into a jar of peanut butter…for a looong time. I’m not sure when it happened but I reached for a spoon - and it was all downhill after that. The next morning I was racked with guilt. I had not had a bout of emotional eating in several months.

Identifying the watch signs that lead up to it all feels important now. And forgiving myself even more so. The old me would beat myself up so much that I would give up my weight loss goals completely. Thank God I’ve grown beyond that one. I accept that I’m human, flawed, and complicated. I know there will be days when I stumble. But the difference today is that I can forgive myself and start anew. I can even find the humor in it. I can share my struggles with you and together we can all forge ahead.

OK, so I’ve just had a strawberry 70 shake. It’s a postcard day today, I think I’ll take a walk by the shore. The vastness of the ocean reminds me how small I really am on this planet. Mother Nature brings my ego into its proper proportion in such a beautiful and gentle way. Today I’ll be grateful for 9 1/2 pounds. I hope you can be gentle and loving with yourselves today.

This entry was posted by The Medifast Program on Tuesday, July 10th, 2007. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

42 Responses to It’s All About Forgiveness!

1 | Kim said:

Genie - good for you that you are looking at this as a journey and not letting your bad day derail you! I hope that you are, for the most part, enjoying Medifast and that you will be inspired by the successes that you can find all over the Medifast community boards. I know that I have been inspired and I also know that this plan gives me a lot of control in that I know it works if I follow the plan. Good luck in your journey! I look forward to following your progress!

2 | murphy2 said:

Thank you for your inspiring entry. I had a day when an attack of emotional eating hit, too. After one slip, I took a walk on the ocean (Pacific), as well. It helps to connect with nature.

3 | Devonne said:

I’ve been following Medifast myself since April 2006, and really this program is a journey. I’m holding firm to the program right now, tackling my last 12 lbs until goal, but there are many times throughout my personal journey with Medifast that I’ve also had to forgive myself and continue on. Good for you Genie for understanding that and getting back on track. Personally, I have a Medifast meal every 2 hours and that keeps me going stronger throughout the day. You’re doing great and are a third of the way towards your goal, so you’ve made great progress. I’ll be anxious to reach your posts and see how you continue to progress. You can do it, keep strong!

4 | jan said:

I enjoyed reading your blog and understand how happy that 1/2 pound can make a girl. I know I am greatful for every ounce I have managed to lose.

And yes you are 100 right. We will all have times when we fall and don’t stay on track as well as we’d like. But losing weight is a difficult process and learning how to pick ourselves up and begin again is an important aspect of any diet. So far so good. I’ve lost 33.5 (did you notice I mentioned the half-lol) pounds since I started MF on April 30th. I have about 14 more pounds to lose but that now seems like such an attainable goal. This program does work and I’m proof of that. Just having a place to write down the good and the bad times has really helped me a lot.

I wish you all the best in your journey to become a healthier you.

5 | Pyra33 said:

Hi Genie - welcome to Medifast! I was absolutely thrilled to read the results that most everyone here is getting on this program. I know all about emotional eating - ha ha, even the good emotions!
Lots of people will be here to hold your hand.
(PS - Luke and Laura are the reason I bought my first VCR!)

6 | Laura B. said:

Genie,
Congratulations on those 9.5 pounds!!! That is a wonderful amount of weight to lose in just 10 weeks!!! I understand very well, though, how we women live by those scale numbers and just 1/2 pound more would have “sounded” so much better!! But I’m glad you can really rejoice over the 9.5 pounds. I rejoice with you!

Emotional eating is a loaded issue, too. My weight problem is ALL emotional-eating related, so I also understand the lure of that peanut butter jar. If it’s a help to you, I just keep thinking that if YOU are struggling (and one-day-at-a-time defeating) these demons, there’s hope for me.

Thanks for sharing your journey. I wish you luck, joy, and peace!

7 | Deborah said:

Genie,
I was so thrilled to see you and I are taking part of the Medifast journey at the same time! I have been a fan of yours since “Laura” was trapped on the island with those “evil Cassadines”! (grin) I know how difficult it is to be handed a negative self image from those who think they know your body better than you. This program has the tools to silence what the small little voice in the back of your head is saying; your weight isn’t good enough. I look foward to seeing you progress and becoming comfortable “in your own skin”!

8 | BarbaraAnne said:

Genie, You are so right it is all about “forgiveness” I am a scale junkie I weigh every morning and I know I should not be doing that. That darn invention anyway ! Don’t let it discourage you just do what I do… I look at it and say “well aren’t we a bit touchy this morning!” Then I get on with my day…. most days the scale and I see eye to eye.. Congrats on your 9 1/2 lbs gone….

Barbara Anne

9 | jkeene01 said:

I’m sure that you will be and inspiration for everyone. I have failed to stick with the program in the past but I’ve challenged myself to reach my goal this time. This is day one so let the weight loss begin!

10 | Laurel7 said:

What an inspiring message! I think a lot of us are in the position of not having been good to ourselves, some for many years. But that can change with something as simple as “it’s OK.” Of course, that has to go along with “now move on,” but you’re right, the first step has to be a positive one, even if it’s about something we haven’t done right. Congratulations on your loss so far, and I look forward to reading more about your progress!

11 | Suzette said:

You are truly an inspiration. I’ve always hated that “diet” word. Way to much to do with my past and relationship with my Mother. However, with someone I admire and respect putting themselves in the public eye with their own battle, perhaps it’s time for me to forget about the past and look to my own future. Three kids into a 16 yr marriage that I began at 20 and a size 8, and sitting here now at 36 as a size …. Yes, it’s time. So, while I don’t have my own shore upon which to walk (just the swamps of Louisiana), I hope you don’t object if I share yours in my mind and try to take this journey with you. Thank you for your honesty, and for giving people like me something better to look forward to. You have so many more people than you realize in your corner!

12 | Tia said:

Oh Genie I am soooo happy that you didn’t give up. It takes a lot of courage to not give up…believe me I have been on that same boat too many times, lol. You should be proud of yourself because I’m proud of you!!!!! Keep it up!!!

13 | Sharon said:

Genie - There are SO many times that I have stared down a jar of peanut butter too. Some times I have taken a spoon and been racked with guilt and sometimes I am victorious over it.
I applaud you getting back up and getting back on plan!! That is what is most important… You only fail when you quit trying! WOW 9 1/2 pounds!! Good for you!!! What a victory.

Forgiving ourselves is just as important in helping us be set free as forgiving others. Good for you that you choose to forgive yourself and move on!

Thank you for sharing YOUR journey with all of us. You are such an inspiration!
Many Blessings,
Sharon =:D

14 | lose4health said:

I too have had my days of digging into the peanut butter, and then afterwards it was all over but the crying. You just have to dust yourself off, forgive yourself, admit you are human, and get right back on the Medifast track. You are doing awesome!! I can’t wait to read more about your journey.

15 | Candace said:

I have a saying that sort of helps me when the craving monster stikes… “Nothing tastes as good as skinny feels.” I saw it several times on the MF website and adopted it for myself. It reminds me of my goals and what I want for myself. AND when I do slip I remind myself that the day I give up I become a failure. (Slippage does not equal failure.) Slips are a part of life and when they happen I pick myself back up and continue on with my journey. I also try to remember that it took a long time for my bad eating habbits to settle in and it will take a while for me to retrain my body for a healthier lifestyle.

Keep up the good work and keep on mixing.

16 | Danielle S said:

Genie, You are doing great. I used to smoke. Whenever I was stressed, a cigarette was it. I quit two years ago and became addicted to food. I ballooned 60 pounds. I am treating this like an addiction to conquer. I think your fortitude shows in how you show accountability. I am proud and inspired by your story. I am here along with you!

17 | Jeanie E said:

I’m so glad to see you are posting your feelings and struggles. The support I have found from the blogs etc. is what has made the difference. No diet has ever offered that and no diet has worked. Medifast works. I have lost 26lbs since 5/7 and with my diet under control I quit smoking. Genie, you can talk about anything you feel here. I don’t know about you but I used food to stop emotions and now they pour out on these pages. So let it pour. We are all here for you. Best of Luck and just do it the MF way! :D

18 | Deb said:

Hi Genie,

So here I sit this morning turning the ripe old age of 46. All I could do is cry. I said to myself this is worse that when I turned 40 or even 30. Then the medifast infomercial came on TV. It seems like I have seen it so many times and just turned the channel and said “yeah sure it works to myself”. Well guys I hope it works, because I got on the phone and finally asked my husband for my birthday present….30 days of Medifast, and he said order it. I just placed my order and after reading your inspirations I am glad I did it.
It’s funny, I said to myself…if I ever want to be as beautiful as Genie Francis than why not work on the plan that she has chosen.
Wish me luck and I look forward to hearing from you Genie on your journey to yourweight loss goal.
You are a true inspiration and I have always wanted to meet you. Talking to you is the next best gift.

Talk to you soon.

Deb

19 | Stacy said:

Thank you for sharing your ups and downs….your forthright and honest approach is appreciated.
What I want to know is, what’s with peanut butter? I too have had the ‘craving’ and have enjoyed a tbsp. or two…but I keep on keepin’ on..and am down almost 45 pounds (since 4/15/07) and about 20 lbs from my goal. The next time I crave peanut butter I think I’ll go try on the clothes I haven’t been able to wear in 6 years :o)
Wishing you continued success,
Stacy

20 | Sue D. said:

Hi Genie -

I have met you and know from the experience that you are a very warm and generous person. You have always struck me as someone who not only sets goals for herself, but achieves them in such a way that it is inspiring to others - - be it your acting career, your store, and now this. Yes, please be kind to yourself. Like most journeys worth taking, there’s bound to be a bump or two along the way. I’d like to be corny now and share with you a quote from the movie ROCKY BALBOA, “It ain’t about how hard you hit. It’s about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward…how much you can take and keep moving forward. That’s how winning is done!”

YOU are a winner!

Sincerely,
Sue D.

21 | Laura said:

Hi Genie,
I never thought I would be on the same weight loss plan as my favorite soap star! As you see your GH character has the same name as me. I also have my moments with the peanut butter jar, but it’s so easy on Medifast to get right back to it. Thank you for sharing your struggles with us- we all need each other in this journey! Best wishes and keep thge faith.

22 | Dorothy said:

Genie,
First of all, let me wish you all the best on your weightloss journey. You have been a fave of mine since the Luke and Laura wedding! I know that is not who you are, you are a human being with feelings and emotions and issues just like the rest of us. It is comforting to understand that, as so many times we see celebrities as perfect people. You are doing great so don’t ever let any “bad” days get you down. Keep up the good work!

23 | Jill said:

Genie,
I have dealt with emotional eating my whole life and after 4 surgeries in 5 years ending with a hysterectomy at age 39 I found myself gaining 70 lbs. in the last couple of years. You are inspiring me to pull out my Medifast stuff and give it another try. If you are reading this, I hope you believe me when I say you are a true inspiration. I’ve been a fan ever since the whole L&L hoopla back in the day and you are as beautiful today as you were then. Your brief appearance on GH left my eyes achy after all the tears and it was absolutely magical. I wish you the best of luck in your struggle and hope for only the best for you and your family! Good luck!

24 | Jhill813 said:

Genie,
I’ve struggled with weight issues my entire life and can empathize with you 100%! I cannot tell you how much you inspire me and how much your thoughts touched a place deep in my soul. We all need to hear words of support, and encouragement. We all desire to be accepted and understood. And, we all need to remember to forgive ourselves. Thank you for reminding me of that!
I don’t think unless a person has struggled with weight issues they can truly appreciate the daily struggle it can be. I’m happy to go along with you on your journey, [I’ve been doing it for almost 29 years in other areas] as I continue to bumble along through mine!
You are beautiful, Genie! You look fabulous! Be kind, tender and gentle with yourself.
I send you butterflies [your angels are always near]
Blessings,
Jhill

25 | Tammi said:

Hi Genie,
Today is day 2 for me but I have done medifast before a couple years ago. I lost tons of weight but the doctor I went to did not give me any transition directions and it was downhill from there.
You are probably thinking this gal has nothing for me, yikes, she is back on it again! But give me a chance. I just realized what made several weeks of my first experience with medifast sabotaged (all shakes by the way for 21 and a half weeks). You know I earned the right to add the half there. Yes all shakes. NO FOOD! Well that was right before they got all this other yummy food. But I loved the shakes. Anyways to the important part. The doctor said I could use a sweetner. I used splenda. Well boy did I use it 5 per shake and I sometimes would just have a 1 pound loss it happened like this for several weeks. And what three years later I discover this is what it was. So Genie, I made a long story of it but wanted to let you and others know that if you are using splenda like I did it may be hindering you.
And like I tell myself Tammi Taco bell will be around later and so will the jar of peanut butter. They will always make that stuff if you need it later. LOL! And you know sometimes if I really want it I will take several big wiffs of it and walk away. Ok do not say I have overwhelming willpower I am sitting at 240 right now that says something about my massive willpower. It is just, you know, sometimes the food just smells better than it tastes anyways.
Good luck on your journey. By the way, my daughter saw your picture and said is that the before or after picture she does not look like she needs to loose weight. Gotta love her. Many blessings
Tammi

26 | kathy said:

Hi Genie,

Well, I feel like someone is where I’m at. I started medifast on 6/7/07 at 197.2 and I finally hit the almost 10 lb mark on my fifth week 187.4 so hey that’s a good thing. I have watched my husband lose 23 lbs to my 9 5/8 lbs and I must say I wasn’t jealous just wanting to see the scale go further down like his. So it excited me to see that I’m not alone. I will go at a steady average of 2 lbs a week and that’s really ok because after 30 weeks it should be a total of 60 lbs and I will have reached my goal weight. So rock on Genie be proud of that 9.5 lbs, I know I am of you.

p.s. I cheated just a tad and got right back on and the pounds came right off as soon as I corrected myself and was good.

kathy

27 | Tanya said:

Dear Genie,
My name is Tanya. Iam a nurse. I have had trouble with my weight all of my life, it just seemed easier to hide when I was younger. Now it’s not as easy. But I must say, that I have watched you as an actress for years and you have come to feel like someone I know, although you portrayed a whole other character, that tends to happen sometimes when you see people in your home on a daily basis on your tv. The good part about that is this: You are on Medifast, and it’s kind of like being on a diet with your girlfriend. I am rooting for you, me and my mom (she’s on it too). Yes we all make mistakes when we try to change the way we eat and live, especially emotional eaters like me, but it is not impossible. I am 33 and please just let me say, that you are as beautiful now to me and every female in my family as you were when we all first laid eyes on you my dear. Keep strong, keep trying, because what would happen if we all just gave in? What would we look like? How would we feel about our appearance? We would leave ourselves open healthwise to a number of illness. So we must continue for our own benefit. As a mother myself, I want to be around for my son as long as I can. Listen we all believe so much in you because you are more than a character we all adore, you are a woman like all of us, giving us inspiration and encouragement. We realize you are only human and we all make mistakes but we want you to know we are here to encourage you right back. We are proud of you for how far you have come already and we will be with you through your weight loss to victory! We are medifasting right along with you. And last but not least, we love you. You go girl!

28 | Tammy said:

Genie,
Thank you so much for your posts. It is so nice to understand that other people have the same daily struggles that I do. Today is day 1 for me. I have drank enough water to keep me in the bathroom for the majority of my work day and I have done suprisingly well staying on track today. All I, or anyone else can do is take this journey one day at a time. I have a huge amount of weight to loose and the mountain seems almost impassable… but I am determined to tackle hill after hill until I reach my goals.
I have tried every other diet known to man and have probably lost and gained hundreds of pounds over the years… but this day is different. It is a new day and all is good. Good luck today Genie

29 | Nunny said:

Dear Genie,

This is my first day to read the Medifast website and it has really been encouraging. I have never watched soaps much, but I watched GH probably a dozen times and you were very good. I think I never got with the soaps because I’m too darn impatient. I want to know MORE FASTER. ha

It’s odd how things have more of an impact on one person than on another but Candace’s response I just read that said, “Nothing tastes as good as skinny feels” is just about the most motivating thing I’ve ever heard (#15 above). I’m 60 years old so that’s saying something. You probably don’t have much to lose and that’s why you’re only losing 2 lbs a week. I have 100 lbs. to lose so I’ve lost 12 lbs. in the last two weeks. Hey, half of it has been just water loss and emptying my stomach. Dang!!! I would love to be as close to goal as you are.

I have a hard time getting back on a diet after I cheat so I need to read more about you guys who can jump back on. Keep up the good journal entries Genie. We’re all going down to the line because nothing tastes as good as skinny feels!!!!!!!!!!!!

30 | Jeannette said:

Genie,
Don’t beat yourself up, you are doing great. I am trying to head off some medical issues before they become big problems and need to lose 30 pounds. I can’t seem to stick to the program on the weekends, but I am re-committing myself this week. Thanks for the inspiration. I think you are doing great. I would love to be down 9.5 pounds!
Stay strong!

31 | Soso said:

Istarted medifast on July 1 2007 so far I’ve lost 17lbs…its great…hang in there…I’ve cheated on the weekends and still managed to maintain my weight lost…

32 | Danny said:

Genie,
I have lost 146 pounds.After seeing you look so amazing at the emmy’s it inspired me to go for that last ten pounds so I joined medifast in hopes of accomplishing my goal
I think the weight loss is a rocky road and at times so difficult when you have a setback that you want to throw in the towel and surrender.I have been in rehab twice for substance abuse issues and have been clean for seven years but my battles didn’t end there.I just have a personality if I like something I am going to do it until I need an intervention lol But I do view food in the same manner because all those frustrations of feeling bad just disappear while your doing it then you have the heavy guilt after just like those days when I used.
Your doing great,everyone has a bad day. Your humble attitude and realizing your human just means you have took a huge step forward to reaching your goal.
Take care,
Danny

33 | Anne Mack said:

Wow, I think it is so great how honest you are. I imagine it is pretty hard to be a “poster gal.” Keep up the good work!!

34 | Di said:

Genie, I also have struggled with weight for the past 20 yrs. or so. I grew up with you on GH and have followed your career. When you are on GH it is the only time I watch! Anyway, I weighted 210 and now am 170, 40 more lbs. to go. I am not on Medifast but sure identify with you. Keep up the good work!

35 | gerry735 said:

I’M ONE OF YOUR BIGEST FAN I WAS JUST READING THE SOAP OPERA DIGEST ABOUT YOUR WEIGHT, PLUS YOU LOOK GREAT AT THE AWARD, I DID MADIFAST LAST NOVEMBER AND LOST 32 POUND I KNOW YOU CAN DO IT. GOOD LOOK ON YOUR JOURNEY AND PLEASE COME BACK TO GH. THANK YOU

36 | Tyne said:

Hi Genie and all of the MF readers!! I have just completed my 3rd week of MF. I have lost to date 11 lbs. I am in my late 30’s with a 2yr old. I was on fertility drugs for over 6 years and that is when all of my major weight gain began (80lbs). I have used the excuse that the hormone drugs helped keep my weight up. After my 2 year post op baby check up with my MD he stated it was time for me to take my weight serious because I was considered Obesed. I have no other health issues so it was time to take charge of my weight. He stated I must commit to MF for atleast 3 months. Not a wk, not a month, but 3 months before I can tell him that it has not worked. I have weighed in at all time 246 lbs. Now I am at 235 and I feel wonderful. I still cook regular meals for my family and make my Lean & Green for myself. It has been very hard and tempting at times, but I keep telling myself I like the way I feel and look. I was able to put on a new shirt I bought 5 years ago this weekend and button it, with out it feeling snugged. So keep going strong and MF is the way to go with out stressing on what to eat each day. I have found it very helpful with the suggestion to pack atleast 5-6 zip-lock bags with my MF in each at the beginning of the week. This way I pull one bag each morning and that is what I have to eat for the day. I also have sprayed a little light cool whip on my puddings to give an extra treat every now and then. This makes me feel like I am eating a sundae. Please do not give up and keep chugging ahead…

37 | Andrea said:

Hi Genie!

I think I am your biggest fan. I wasn’t born during the beginning of the L&L hoopla, but I have been an avid Laura fan since the late 90’s. I’m not part of the medifast program, but I wanted to tell you how absolutely beautiful you look and wish you the best of luck on your journey!

38 | Yogabear said:

Hi Genie

I just ordered my Medifast sample pack. Going to give it a try. I’m a big fan of your work. Thanks for your candor. Your words are very inspiring.

Brian

39 | Caitlyn said:

Genie,
I admire you a great deal for sticking to medifast. I’m trying to lose weight so the modeling agency my parents are taking me to will accept me. My dad told me that if I became a model, there would be a great chance that I would become an actress, like I’m wishing to become. Me and my mom both ordered the sample pack. Can’t wait to try it!!

40 | Trina said:

I took great comfort reading your BLOGs and could completely relate to the “Mom” issues and comfort food. I run a home based agri-business on our ranch in Texas promoting women’s ranch rodeo - and in addition to that job - I’m also a FT ranchers wife and MOM to our 2 little girls, ages 9 and 2 (which sometimes feels like GALAXIES apart, instead of yrs). After 12 hour event days with my business, I just FEEL shell shocked having to please so many people - and add the girls clamoring for my undivided attn after an event - and by the end of the day, I just want to JUMP into the PB jar and chase it down with a 60oz glass of chocolate Ovaltine… with whole milk, of course… ;(( Not good!! As you wrote - I feel the guilt thing the next morning and just want the cycle to STOP! My knees hurt and my jeans are so uncomfortable I can’t even pull myself up on my horses anymore…. I just placed my first order minutes ago and sincerely pray for this cycle to break and my 40 yo body to feel some relief!
Your words and stories were so comforting — just to know other busy Mom’s are going though this too. While you are a wonderful Laura, my personal favorite characterization was Brett from N & S. I have seen the movie hundreds of x’s over - and one of my most cherished gradutaion presents was the book set - which I read both novels at least every 2 years or so. In my minds eye, your image as Brett is always so endearing.) In fact, I almost named one of my daughters that name, I was so fond of that character.
Wish you all the very best, Ms. Francis. Thanks for the opportunity to share.

41 | Denise said:

Hi My name is Denise and I have been pondering about starting medifast. I have been on the web site many times. I need to lose 20 to 25 pounds. I was wondering how much would come off and how fast? I appreciate everyones accomplishments.I look forward to hearing from you.
Denise

42 | tonya poole said:

Hi my name is Tonya Poole I just wanted to say you are doing great with the med-fast plan. I have always had problems with my weight it is and up and down battle. I am going to try the med fast plan keep up the good work Genie. your fan, Tonya Poole

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