Ship Day MEPS Part 1

Hey y'all! I was just scrolling through, checking out my old posts when I saw the one I posted from Houston when I shipped out. Apparently, I said I was going to write about my MEPS experience that day. Well, now I'm going to try and remember it enough to do so. That day was a hard, crazy, jam-packed, emotional rollercoaster, so hang in there!

Alright, let's start out with that Monday, 5Nov12, when I was getting ready to head to my recruiter's office. My mom decided to come over about 6 am, and was helping me clean (of course that's what I was worried about). My husband went to work until about 11, then came home to take me to my recruiter's office at noon. It still didn't feel real at that point. Even when I told him bye. I wish I would've taken more time to tell him goodbye, since I didn't even have 5 minutes to at MEPS. Anyway, I wore some workout clothes there, since I planned on working out at the hotel gym. Then, I had a plastic bag I would put them in to give my husband to take home when I saw him at MEPS.

First thing we did when we got to Memphis was head to the MEPS. Not everyone will do this, though. My MEPS liked to have the shippers (if there were more than 5) come in the night before to go over paperwork to shorten the process, and have plenty of time to fix mistakes if applicable. I was there doing all of that for about 2-3 hours. Then we took a shuttle to the hotel to get ready for the night. Immediately, I went to the fitness room and set to work. I was in the same situation this time as last time with weight. So of course I hadn't eaten anything all day, and didn't plan to for the rest of the night. I spent as much time as possible on the phone with my husband, mom, sister, whoever. I think I may have Skyped my SIL this time, too. I went back and forth between my room, where I relaxed and talked on the phone, and the fitness room. Then we had a briefing around 2030ish, that was exactly like the first time.

After that, I spent a bit more time in the fitness room. Finally, I called it quits and went to my room for the evening. I actually lucked out and didn't have a roomie, woot! So, I made a sauna out of the bathroom and sat there for about 10-15 minutes before I gave up! Then, I Skyped DH one last time (and Ted was with him, of course!) and went to bed. I had my first alarm set for 0300, so that oh-so familiar foghorn went off and I was up! I decided to head down to the fitness room one last time (obsessive? Yes. I was trying to make sure I would ship!) then came back up and took a shower and got ready. I didn't bring my flat iron or blow dryer, since it seemed unnecessary. I really didn't care what my hair looked like! (I actually have several photos from that day…I may just post some for y'all to see how terrible I looked! Oh, I even have a before/after pic from the day I shipped, and the day I sepped.) Anyway, it was almost 0430 at this point, and I was packed and ready to go! I didn't want to leave my room just yet, so I called my mom. She's a bazillion (60) years old, and has all kinda of medical issues (including a million kinds/locations of arthritis) so she's up and down all night, and usually is up for the day between 0300-0400. So I called and told her how much I loved and appreciated her and couldn't wait to see her at the MEPS (her and DH came together). I ended the call and went to check out.

I was dressed in my jeans, plain black tee, and black fleece jacket with my Asics on. I was a hot mess. But, luckily I wasn't being judged (there) since everyone else (except the few Marines shipping) looked the same. Hooray for already falling into the military uniformity! Ha! So, after what seemed like for-ev-er waiting on the shuttle to the MEPS, it finally arrived and we set off. I still wasn't nervous or anything at this point -- mostly sad. I REALLY didn't want to leave DH, and I knew I was going to full on lose it when I saw my mom. The stories DH told me about their drive back home was heartbreaking. Anyway, MEPS stuff. Yeah. We got there at roughly 0600 (also, for future reference and to save you a good yelling, you pronounce it zero-six-hundred, not oh-six-hundred. I learned that the second night, and luckily the MTI I was talking to didn't scream. But, I heard plenty of trainees get reamed for it), and things started out just like the first time. We were kinda given priority over the DEPpers, since we had flight itineraries and such.

I think I'm going to break here, and start a new post for the rest. It'll probably (definitely) be super emotional, so have a tissue handy! Any time I think back to that day, I almost feel sick with sadness. I try very hard to just block it out. Which is why it's a little difficult to recall everything, since I've tried to wipe it from memory (at least the MEPS part -- I will never forget Zero Night, and I'm not sure how some people do!).

Have a great evening, and Aim High! I'll be back soon with Ship Day MEPS Part 2!

P.S.
I think I'm just going to have a whole post dedicated to my pictures, since I just saw how many I'd like to share!! =]

The 3-Day Diet -- Does It Work?

Hello all! I know it's been quite some time since I've updated. I apologize sincerely! I've had a lot going on, and FINALLY landed a job after 4 months of waiting! Then, sadly, my house was broken into, and the people who did so took all of our big electronics (including my laptop! So this is on my phone - hang in there!) and one of DH's guns. It sucks, most definitely, but we're not defeated!

Anyway, my post today is on the now-popular 3-Day Military Diet. I'm not sure how it got the title of a "military diet", since it actually came from the cardiac unit at UAB Hospital in Birmingham, Alabama. I think it's because military recruiters give it out to recruits just before heading to MEPS, since once you're operational, weight standards aren't really an issue. I do want state, though, this diet is NOT a long term solution. It's for people like us, who have a deadline for a weigh in they have to make. Following it any longer than one go-around may lead to some sort of complications. And, no matter who you are or your metabolism, you will gain the weight back. Maybe not all of it, but some. Also, make sure and consult with a physician before starting this, or if you experience any unusual behaviors or weird feelings while taking this. Nonetheless, this is the title it has been given, so we shall proceed.

I actually partook in this diet -- twice. Once before swearing into the DEP at MEPS, and then before shipping out to BMT. We all know I was struggling with my weight at those times, so my recruiter gave me a printout of this diet, and told me to have at it. Obviously, if it wasn't safe, he wouldn't have given it to me. But, this diet is VERY strict, and must be followed to the tee. On average, males who follow this diet lose about 7-10 lbs. while females lose on average 5-7 lbs. For me, the first time, I lost 7 lbs. and then 6 lbs. the second go around. The thing to remember is to STAY HYDRATED, with only water, between meals. You cannot substitute/vary any of these things, unless of course you have an allergy. Salt and pepper may be added in moderation, but no other seasonings. That includes mayo or what have you for the tuna. Personally, I like plain tuna. I'm also one of the pickiest eaters you'll ever meet, so this diet didn't bother me at all. The only thing I had issues with trying to get down was the cantaloupe. It was terrible, but I ate it. I will say, however, that on a few of the things, I couldn't find. Like the string beans, for example. Instead, I think I ate green beans. I felt like that was an okay sub, since it was still a bean. And every time there was an option for 'greens' I ate broccoli. I'm slightly obsessed with it. I steam it and, normally, add some garlic salt. Alas, I didn't for this diet, but it was still yummy!

Okay. Enough of that, lets get to the food! I'm going to break it down into days, then meals.

*****DISCLAIMER: I am NOT responsible for any results of this diet, be it positive or negative. Participation in this diet is solely up to YOU, the reader, and the results fall on you, be it positive or negative.*****

DAY 1

Breakfast - Black coffee or unsweetened black tea (the normal, like Lipton), a half of a grapefruit, 1 slice of whole wheat toast, 1 tablespoon of peanut butter.

Lunch - half cup of tuna, 1 slice of whole toast or 1 slice cheese, coffee or tea.

Dinner - 2 slices of any meat (approx. 3 ounces) 1 cup of string beans, 1 cup of beets or carrots, 1 SMALL apple, 1 cup vanilla ice cream. (Yes, you read that correctly. But only ONE CUP!!)

DAY 2

Breakfast - coffee or tea, 1 boiled egg, 1 slice whole wheat toast, half of a banana.

Lunch - 1 cup cottage cheese or half cup of tuna, 3 saltine crackers.

Dinner - 2 hot dogs, 1 cup broccoli or cabbage, half cup of carrots or turnips, HALF cup of vanilla ice cream.

DAY 3

Breakfast - coffee or tea, 3 saltine crackers, 1 slice cheddar cheese (2 ounces), 1 SMALL apple.

Lunch - 1 hard-boiled egg, 1 slice of whole wheat toast, coffee or tea.

Dinner - 1 cup tuna, 1 cup beets or carrots, 1 cup cauliflower or greens, 1 cup cantaloupe (eww), HALF cup of vanilla ice cream.

Remember to be drinking PLENTY of water, and ONLY water, between meals. Absolutely nothing else, including gum/mints. If a meal doesn't state to drink coffee or tea, drink water. And also remember the coffee or tea, for all meals it's included in, must be black/unsweetened. That includes lemon! Also, make sure you have whole wheat bread for toast, get the tuna in water, not oil, and regular tuna, not albacore. And for the coffee/tea, just drink the equivalent of a standard sized coffee mug. DO NOT SUBSTITUTE! The one and ONLY reason to do so, would be if you have an allergy. This is a chemical breakdown in your body, and any variations may cause in-effectiveness, or less than desirable results. If you just don't like something in this diet, don't do it. Simple as that.

If you already have a fitness routine in place, make sure and stick with it during this. Don't over-do it, though, and don't add any more to it. Some blogs I've seen have been recommending adding extra to work-outs, which is poor advice. Over-doing it could lead to serious health issues, since you're almost starving yourself on this (sad truth). Like distance for a run, or heavier weights. Just keep a normal routine in place for these 3 days. Fitness is a huge role in weight loss, especially cardio. So stick with it! But be aware of your body, and what it can/cannot handle. And again, check with a doctor if you feel odd, or injure yourself while on this diet. If you have any serious medical conditions that require dialysis or special medication (such as diabetes) I cannot recommend ENOUGH to speak with your doctor first. Print this out and give him/her the full menu and ask if it's okay, or if they can refer you to a dietician that can develop a meal plan specifically for you.

That's it so far on this post! If I remember anything important that was left out, I'll update! In the mean time, if you have ANY comments or questions, please ask! The main thing I want to stress is that while this diet worked quite well for me, it may not for you. If you're doubtful about it, ask a doctor, nutritionist, personal trainer, or whomever about it first. Every person is different in terms of metabolisms and overall health, body type, size, ability to process different things, etc. If you start feeling sick while on this diet, please stop immediately and seek medical attention. You don't want to injure yourself or fall ill before your ship date, and DEFINITELY don't want to ship that way. Also, let your recruiter know that you're on this diet, that way he or she can give you more feedback on it. Like I said, my recruiter gave this to me, but not all recruiters are the same, and might prefer you didn't do this. If that's the case, LISTEN to them. While you're certainly a "number" for them, you're still a person and they don't want you to harm yourself in any way. Your recruiter knows what's best, and if they don't, your doctor most definitely does!!

That's all for now, folks! Have a great day!!