Last month I went to see my doctor for a regular check up and she told me I was obese. My response was, “Dang and I still look good!” (I’ve always dealt with tough crap through humor.) The truth was, this scared me. I’m terrified of getting high blood pressure and ‘beetus – two conditions that run in my family. As hard as it was to hear, being called obese was the kick in the rear I needed to get back on track. Enter, Profile Plan by Sanford.
What Is Profile Plan?
When Profile Plan by Sanford reached out to me on a collab this year, it was honestly perfect timing. It was RIGHT after my doctor appointment so I was super motivated to start. Profile Plan is a weight loss plan that was developed by physicians and researchers at Sanford Health. The program is backed by science, and there are special plans for pregnant and nursing mothers, as well as plans for people with dietary restrictions. When you start the plan, you get assigned a coach that you can either go into the store to visit, or meet with virtually/by phone.
The plan has 3 stages – Reduce, Adapt, and Sustain. In the Reduce stage, you lose the most weight because your body is in mild ketosis. You go into the Adapt stage when you’re about 10-15 pounds away from your goal. After you reach your goal, you learn how to Sustain.
How Does Profile Plan Work
During your first visit, you will be measured so that you can track your progress. You’ll also receive a Smart scale (it syncs so you and your coach can follow your progress), cookbook, resistance bands, shaker bottle, and a journal (so you can track how you feel and what you eat).
Like I said before, in the Reduce stage your body is in mild ketosis which is why you lose a bunch of weight pretty fast. In this stage, you’re not to eat any grains or fruit. You can, however, have limited alcohol and caffeine, and as many vegetables as you want. You’re supposed to eat every 2-3 hours (seriously, and no skipping meals). You have to have at least 4 cups of vegetables a day (but if you’re like me you’ll eat way more to help you feel more full). Another big thing is that you have to drink lots of water (at least 64 oz per day).
It may sound like a lot to keep up with, but when you meet with your coach for the first time he or she will give you a meal plan! In most cases you will start with drinking a few shakes a day and a fiber drink, and eating your veggies, a bar, and 1 home cooked meal for dinner. During this stage, they don’t ask you to exercise, they mostly want you to focus on your nutrition. Personally, I need exercise in my life so things went a little different for me.
How My First Month Went
I’d love to sit here and say that Profile Plan was super easy to stick with and share some CRAZY results with you. But that would be a lie. I had PLENTY of slip ups because my brain craved more of the foods I’m used to eating. (When those late night munchies come around its hard not to give in.) On top of that, I’ve been sick for the last week, which made me crave comfort food more than ever. That being said, even with my few slip ups I did lose 10 pounds this month.
The first week of my plan went really well. I was super motivated and excited to try all of the shakes, bars, and drinks I got! In addition to the meal plan, I went to my gym, Grit Fitness, about three or so times a week. I was on top of it!
Here’s what I ate:
- Thursday
- Breakfast – Profile Maple Pecan Shake
- Snack – Profile Banana Cream Pie Shake
- Lunch – Profile Chicken soup w/ ramen broth, cucumbers, and carrots
- Snack – Profile Cinnamon Bar and a cheese stick
- Dinner – Salmon, asparagus, mushrooms, and spinach cooked in EVOO
- Snack – Profile Strawbery Cheesecake Shake, cucumbers, hummus and sriracha, and a cheese stick.
- Water – 8 glasses
- Exercise – Grit Fitness Pure Strenght (weight lifting class)
- Mood – I felt most hungry at night. I got more tired than usual after my workout.
- Friday
- Breakfast – Profile Salted Caramel Shake
- Snack – Profile Mint Chip Shake and some cheese
- Lunch – Cheese stick, Profile Vegetarian Chili with peppers, onions, and garlic
- Snack – Double Berry Bar and some coconut chips
- Dinner – Salmon, broccoli, spinach, pickled okra, and an omelet with cheese
- Snack – hummus, green peppers, cheese
- Water – 4 glasses
- Mood – I realized I eat way more and home. Also, late night cravings and a minor headache.
- Saturday
- Breakfast – Profile Strawberry Cheesecake Shake
- Snack – Mint Chocolate Shake
- Lunch – Profile Chicken Soup with sautéed onion, zucchini and carrots in EVOO
- Snack – Profile Double Berry Bar
- Dinner – Chicken, onions, spinach and cheese
- Snack – Cucumber (the whole dang thing) and some hummus
- Water – 8 glasses
- Exercise – I cleaned all dang day but I wasn’t hungry at all.
- Mood – I night binged chicken, hummus, and cucumbers
As you can see, the first few days I did pretty good, but still a few times slipped up off plan. It was fine. For the most part I felt good and accomplished. Sunday I didn’t track my food (I forgot/got lazy), and Monday I ate ATROCIOUSLY lmfao. I almost didn’t share this but here goes.
- Monday
- Breakfast – Profile Maple Pecan Smoothie
- Snack – 2 cupcakes
- Lunch – 3 pizza slices
- Snack – Cauliflower pizza with marinara and too much cheese
- Dinner – Profile Chicken soup with zucchini, shallot, mushrooms, Carlin and green peppers
- Snack – 2 tbsp peanut butter and 5 dark chocolate almonds
LMFAO – I guess you could say that day didn’t go as planned, but honestly I’m not mad about it. By the end of the week I’d whipped myself back into shape and realized I’d lost 6 pounds! I’d share with you what I’ve been eating the rest of the month, but honestly I didn’t properly track. For February, I will do my darndest to keep up with it so I can show you what I’ve been doing and hopefully get better results.
For the rest of the month, I did pretty well until this last week when I got sick. I honestly tried to stay on plan, but my cravings got the best of me. One thing I have realized is that going out to eat with friends almost always leads to me not eating right. Because of that, I started having friends meet me at places like juice bars, nightclubs, and hikes. It’s all taking a bit of getting used to but I’m finding my way.
Do I think Profile Plan Is Working?
So far, I have to say yes! On the days that I stick to plan, I feel super accomplished. Other days, I try to show myself a little grace. One thing that has been super helpful is the private Facebook group for Profile Plan members. People share recipes, their pitfalls and wins so it’s super encouraging to see that you’re not in this alone.
Goals for February
- Stick with the plan more often.
- Physically go see my coach each week.
- Check-in with people on the Facebook group.
- Workout with Grit 3 times/week.
If you’re interested in trying out Profile Plan, you can learn more and sign up at www.profileplan.com/gingermarieblog ! My friends get $100 off their plan by using code GINGER
