~*Rev up your heart rate for Valentine's Day*~

[**Jennifer**]

How many of us are already contemplating Valentine's Day plans? Avoiding the chocolate that has been out in the stores for the last 2 weeks...making plans for dinner, or dessert ;) with those significant others...

How many of us are doing something for ourselves? Exactly! We're still not putting ourselves first! This Valentine's Day (and throughout February) let's give ourselves the best present ever- the gift of good health and longer life. Time to commit to the cardiovascular exercise that leads to a healthy heart, and fat burning!

Who's with me? Post your goals for the next 4 weeks, and let's focus on breaking a sweat & revving things up!

Click here for Valentine's Day Avatars (http://www.boomspeed.com/jenr/vday.htm)

[Hotcupojava]

Yep. I'm in! I'm still not ready to give up and I'm doing my best to sweat my butt off (literally). I bought a new work ou DVD and it's TOUGH! But right now, the BF wants the computer to EBAY, so let me work on those goals, and I'll get back to you. ;) I'm in Dragon. Snapping Turtle coming through.

[hikein2005]

Hi chickies...
Have a little time before dinner...waiting for the chicken veggie soup to heat up. I'm in on this new challenge! Goals? Oh...do I HAVE to???? LOL!!!

OK...
One thing Ihave to remember that a goal is just that...it doesn't mean that I will get there, but I need something out there to keep me focused...something that will motivate me! So here goes:

1. Working out--I plan to start again!!! How's that for a goal? OK, seriously...I hope that I can at least do 3 cardio workouts weekly in the first two weeks then up it to 4 in the next week and then 5 by the last week of Feb. Toning needs to start happening soon, too. I'm shooting for 3 toning sessions weekly through the end of the month. This may seem small to some, but I know my health is important right now and sleep is as valuable to me as working out these days!

2. Food--I plan to eat some!!! LOL!! Oh, I am on a roll now! This is, of course, the hardest part. Lisa tells me that she has a plan for me! Hmmm! I guess I will have to wait and see...something about WW core! Two weeks of that...I should have started today, but I didn't! :o

3. Water---gotta hydrate myself, for sure! Lots of it! Need to start drinking water again before I leave the house in the morning and then fill my glass as soon as I get to work! I find I don't have time to drink otherwise, except at lunchtime and on my way home. So my goal is to get in 40 oz. before I leave work every day and then another 30 once I get home! Gulp, gulp, gulp!

Alright...my stomach is starting to growl which means I gotta feed me!!!

Hope to hear from all you wonderful chickies tonight!

Hugs!

[**Jennifer**]

All right. Finally 5 minutes to myself, and a clear head.

My biggest goal has to be the exercise. I did fine until mid-January when the anniversary extravaganza began, followed by work out the wazoo. Exercise was the first thing to go by the wayside. I need a prod, and I'm committing to 20 minutes of cardio, minimum, each work day. Weekends, gotta make sure there is movement there, too. My rule to myself- if I don't sweat, it don't count. Period. Pushing that shopping cart & walking a mile in the store is great "lifestyle" stuff, but no more excuses- no more counting that as real activity. I need to get this fat off, and half-assing it is not helping me in any way, shape, or form.

So.... 28 days, lots of sweat planned. Add more water, and watch the food. Food comes easiest with the pre-planning, so that I can do. Prod the heck outta me, chickies. I'm going to try to get here to post before work each day, or I'm going to have to give my shadow ex-lax daily to get a few free minutes when I can have the moments of privacy to get here. Last thing I need is her lurking here, right? ;)

[Hotcupojava]

I like your post Jennifer. I like the self talk. It's tough, but not self depreciating. I'm with you. I'm shooting for five days in a row of cardio. Now my problem is lack of exercise and menu planning. I wish it were as easy for me as "some" people LOL. I'm feeling motivated, but apprehensive. Maybe I should call it "hopeful." ;) At least the drinking of water is easy for me.

[MsRD]

Evening all! :wave:

I'm in! January was lost.....exercise, food, water, the works went down the tubes. BUT January is over and I am ready to begin anew. The goal is to get everything back on track....hate being so general, but that is it! And I have banned heretofore and forevermore all pre-packaged granola bars from my house......they are evil!

Jenn.....thanks for getting us started. And for reminding us to re-think and re-set our goals.

Mary.....i love your 'still not ready to give up'......that is just the inspiration I need!

Julie....I can tell that you are feeling better and are ready to commit to a healthier February!

I was listening to the radio this AM and they had a talk on exercise, developing a healthier lifestyle, etc etc. In a nutshell, he said that in order to make major lifestyle changes, a person cannot dwell on the long-term goal entirely. One has to take the small steps necessary, focusing instead on each day. He gave the example of a football coach.....the long term goal of a winning season.....but having his team focus more on the individual plays that make up each game. That is what I have to do.....focus on each aspect of this new regimen, count every small success, and together it will take care of the long term goal.

[miss_elisha]

You know I'm in, chicks!

Goals:
1. Drink more water. I know for a fact that this helps me tremendously. If I don't drink enough water I don't lose weight. Simple as that.
2. Exercise. I think I exercised all of 3 days in January. And again, I know for a fact that if I don't exercise I don't lose weight. Again, simple as that. So 4 days a week, every week, of at least 20 minutes cardio.
3. Strength train. At least 3 days a week.
4. Watch the eating. If I decide to stick with the SBD (I'll write more on that topic later, tomorrow probably), follow that as closely as possible. If I decide to go back to calorie counting, follow that as closely as possible.

That's it. Let's make this February our best month ever!
~Elisha

[ChickNextDoor]

May I join in here? :^:

My goals are to start weight training. I can't go to the gym and have no room for a full workout station but I'm going to start with my small weights and work from there. I started small on my treadmill and bike and have made a go of it.

I'm also going to do better with mixing my exercise up. Instead of every evening getting on the bike, I'm going to alternate days like I did in the beginning. Alternating between the treadmill and the bike. I think I'm creating a habit and I need to mix it up.

That's my story for this month. Good luck to everyone. :)

[squabb56]

Here we go again..... I lost my wonderful and inspiring post.... but I'll make a special effort to re-do it. UGHHHH

Hi Everyone :wave: and welcome Chick :welcome:

Of course I'm in .... I have been waiting... with baited breath... for chance to renew my commitment. So here goes...

1. Eat OP everyday - that means stay within my points limit of 26 (including the use of flex and activity points to keep on track).
2. Exercise everyday for 30 minutes minimum (yes, Jennifer, and sweat too. I enjoyed the minute challenge from last month - so I'm going to keep that one up on my signature. My goal 840 minutes for February.
3. Drink at least 80 oz of water everyday. Make that extra effort to keep the water flowing on the weekends - where I often leave myself high and dry :lol: without my bottle of water sitting in front of me all day.
4. In keeping with my Long Term goals 199 by June 1st and GOAL (130-150 I think) by my 50th birthday June 1st (2006) I will see a five pound loss for a weight of 215.
5. I will work on my core strength and flexibility by doing yoga 2-3 times per week and by purchasing a fit ball and book at work outlining exercises and fit those in 2-3 times per week after my morning workout.
6. DH wants to (as his goal) hike the summitt of Mount Rainier. He wants me to go too so I want to be in condition for this in late August - September. I hope that I can manage it with my knee problems.... we'll see. I really wanted to do the multi day hikes around the base (more my speed) but we'll see.
7. I will continue to work toward my organization goals (at home and at work) and put my focus on purging files and gathering income tax papers and receipts.

Whew....

Had to laugh today when I drove past a sign that said EXTREME LAZER TAG - I immediately turned it around to EXTREME TAZER LAG and thought of our group, especially Hikein. I think we all had extreme tazer lag at the end of January. We need to find a way to keep ourselves in focus and support each other. I wanted to take this opportunity to thank everyone for the help and support offered along the way... know that I expect this to continue :lol3: and I will have my tazer on ready too.... and hugs available when needed.

I've started the new month with a very successful day. I ate OP 23/26 points. I drank 90oz of water. I did WATP 2 miles express this morning, went for a 15 minute walk during my lunch break and swam for 30-45 minutes tonight. If I keep this up I'll beat my 840 minute challenge for sure. (90 minutes exercise today WHOO HOO)

Well now that we are on a new month I know everyone will focus on their personal goals and challenges and embrace them with a viliant effort and renewed ambition.

Well hugs everyone :grouphug:

Gotta go -- just noticed it's 11:23.... I have to get up at 4:30 :yawn:

[squabb56]

Here we go again..... I lost my wonderful and inspiring post.... but I'll make a special effort to re-do it. UGHHHH

Hi Everyone :wave: and welcome Chick
Of course I'm in .... I have been waiting... with baited breath... for chance to renew my commitment. So here goes...

1. Eat OP everyday - that means stay within my points limit of 26 (including the use of flex and activity points to keep on track).
2. Exercise everyday for 30 minutes minimum (yes, Jennifer, and sweat too. I enjoyed the minute challenge from last month - so I'm going to keep that one up on my signature. My goal 840 minutes for February.
3. Drink at least 80 oz of water everyday. Make that extra effort to keep the water flowing on the weekends - where I often leave myself high and dry :lol: without my bottle of water sitting in front of me all day.
4. In keeping with my Long Term goals 199 by June 1st and GOAL (130-150 I think) by my 50th birthday June 1st (2006) I will see a five pound loss for a weight of 215.
5. I will work on my core strength and flexibility by doing yoga 2-3 times per week and by purchasing a fit ball and book at work outlining exercises and fit those in 2-3 times per week after my morning workout.
6. DH wants to (as his goal) hike the summitt of Mount Rainier. He wants me to go too so I want to be in condition for this in late August - September. I hope that I can manage it with my knee problems.... we'll see. I really wanted to do the multi day hikes around the base (more my speed) but we'll see.
7. I will continue to work toward my organization goals (at home and at work) and put my focus on purging files and gathering income tax papers and receipts.

Whew....

Had to laugh today when I drove past a sign that said EXTREME LAZER TAG - I immediately turned it around to EXTREME TAZER LAG and thought of our group, especially Hikein. I think we all had extreme tazer lag at the end of January. We need to find a way to keep ourselves in focus and support each other. I wanted to take this opportunity to thank everyone for the help and support offered along the way... know that I expect this to continue :lol3: and I will have my tazer on ready too.... and hugs available when needed.

I've started the new month with a very successful day. I ate OP 23/26 points. I drank 90oz of water. I did WATP 2 miles express this morning, went for a 15 minute walk during my lunch break and swam for 30-45 minutes tonight. If I keep this up I'll beat my 840 minute challenge for sure. (90 minutes exercise today WHOO HOO)

Well now that we are on a new month I know everyone will focus on their personal goals and challenges and embrace them with a viliant effort and renewed ambition.

Well hugs everyone :grouphug:

Gotta go -- just noticed it's 11:23.... I have to get up at 4:30 :yawn:

[hikein2005]

Joy...I had to laugh when I read your post about the tazer lag!!!!! That IS funny! And yes...I am in dire need of that tazer, even today with a new month and all, but....

I just want to clarify something so y'all don't think I'm being a sissy here with the exercise. I've been soooo sick this last week. Yesterday was my first full day back at work in over 2 weeks because of this illness! I'm very fatigued and I'm hoping that I don't have or this doesn't turn to Pneumonia. I have a Dr. appt. this afternoon and will talk with my Dr. in lenght about exercising and getting started again. If she gives me the thumbs up, I will start slow. I don't want any relapses and I DO want to get healthy again! It felt so good last year to be exercising 4-5 days a week and even though the weight was not melting off, I had waaaaaaaaaaay more energy! This is something I need.

My goal this year is to hike the Adirondacks in August with my sister. 4 mountains in 5 days! It's going to be quite an adventure, but I WILL BE READY!!!! I wish just ONE of you lived near me so we could get in shape together with hiking. I need to find a hiking partner (like you Joy, my husband does NOT enjoy that kind of thing, which is why he is NOT going with me on this adventure!) So, I guess the next best thing is to get going with this exercise and stop procrastinating....ok...I really HAVE been fatigued and although in the mornings I have the best intentions...by supper, I'm ready for bed~! It's a vicious cycle, ya know!

So, I am going to start over this month, if the Doc says "ok" today! I will start again with my signature line for exercise and will start slow. I know you all will be here rooting for me, like I will root for you! It wouldn't help to have a few prayers/good vibes sent this way, either! ;) Thanks!

(Climbs off of soap box....)

Hugs to all of you!!! I absolutely CAN NOT do this without you wonderful chickies!!!

[lisa girl]

Everybody, your goals sound so good -- and your enthusiasm is so catching!! I've got a feeling this is going to be a group full of "losers" this month...........Losers of Lotsa Weight that is!!! :)

I am going to participate in the challenge in my own way. I am having some major surgery on the 17th of this month, and I will not be able to exercise for about 6 weeks. Additionally, I will be relying on others to help me with meals and whatnot, and I don't know how that will be. Sometimes we just are not in complete control of things - sometimes we just have to do the best we can. Just wanted to clarify that I won't be posting regularly....but that I am not Dropping Out..and I DO support you all!! So...with that said...I will be working hard up until the 17th, and who knows?? Maybe I can drop a pound or two!!!!

My goals are to:

Drink my water like a good girl
Exercise at least 4-5 times a week
Eat sensibly

***Good news!! I went to a water aerobic class on Monday with one of my friends and I loved it!! Joy, didn't you say that you do these classes?? Anyway...I am planning to go to this class on Mon., Thurs., and Sat. The water was so warm..and I felt like I got a good workout without hurting my back!! Yay!! Also, it felt good to BE OUT OF THIS HOUSE and do something for myself. I'm feeling good about this class.

Hope you all have a terrific day filled with much happiness!!

(((((((((hugs))))))))))),
Lisa

p.s. Julie, give me a doctor's report girlie!!

[miss_elisha]

Morning chicks!

Motivation level: 8

I feel a good day coming on! Today's my day off, and there's an avocado waiting for me in the kitchen, so all is well. I'm going to get my taxes done, and clean my room, and exercise, and drink lots of water! Period! I'm also going to find that free gym pass so I can eventually use it. :lol:

As for the South Beach update I referred to in my last post... yeah, so I'm a little disappointed that my weight loss has slowed already, and I'm over a week in and still craving carbs like a fiend, and I feel slightly nauseaus all the time. A few years back I had my dr. put me on diet pills, and I felt like there was a giant ball of gas in my stomach all the time, and it made me not want to eat (but I did anyway, because I still got hungry--therefore the diet pills weren't very helpful), and that's what I feel like now. I think that Phase 2 might be better, since I get to add back in some carbs, like whole-grain bread. Maybe that will soak up some of whatever it is in my stomach. I'm going to stick it out with the SBD for another week of Phase 1, plus 1 week of Phase 2, then I'll decide if I'm going to stick with it long-term or not.
If anyone else has tried South Beach or any other form of low-carb, have you experienced that problem, or am I just weird? (I know I'm weird, and I'm ok with that, but you know what I mean! :lol: )

Ok... comments!

ChickNextDoor: Welcome to the group! We're a great bunch of chicks!

Joy: I think you're right--we were ALL experiencing Extreme Tazer Lag! Someone needs to dust off that tazer and get us moving!

Lisa: I wish we had some water aerobics classes around here. I love being in the water! (I was a lifeguard during high school.) And if it helps you get healthy, that's an added bonus! And I hope everything goes well with your surgery. It's a good idea to keep up with the exercise and diet until then, too--exercise improves your body's resiliency so you'll bounce back even faster!

Julie: As for something I meant to say about 2 weeks ago... avocados are great. There's guacamole, of course, which I could spread on just about anything--it's great on hamburgers. I also like them chopped up in scrambled eggs, or strips in any sort of wrap, or sliced and grilled--they're great on sandwiches. Or in salads. Or as a dip. Anyway, the hiking sounds like a good time. I wish I had someone to hike with too (Steve's not a big hiker). Of course, the mountains I live in aren't excessively large, but they're still mountains! And on the starting slow thing, I think that's a good way to go about it. We have to start somewhere, and you need to make sure your body can handle it after all the sickness.

And on a completely different note...
February marks my 1-year anniversary here at 3FC, and also the 1-year anniversary of the most (and only!) successful diet I've ever been on, and because of that I'm thinking about how much I've accomplished in the past year. At this time last year I weighed about 240 pounds. But I started exercising and limiting my portions and I got down below 200. Then August came and it just stopped, and I crept back up over the holidays. The way things stand now, I'm back over 200 (barely) and I've hardly exercised in months.
The way I'm looking at it, this is my New Years. This is the time for me to renew my committment to losing weight, eating right, and exercising. If I can follow last year's pattern, I'll reach my goal weight of 160 by August (and hopefully I won't have to start over again next February! :lol: ).
I know that one of the main things that helped me get where I am, helped me stay on track, was you chicks. And for that I am very grateful. Thank you.

It sounds like we're all ready to make another go at it, so let's go!
~Elisha

[gabwill]

Well I am in. My goals?
Drink plenty of water
Exercise 5-6 days a week
Not to sit down in front of the TV/Computer more hours then I workout/am up and around

So far so good. Yesterday, I did workout yesterday.. was at mommy and me for 9 then came home to workout and left as soon as I could and went to the mall (that has been more and more lately... don't have too much feminine clothes but am becoming more and more comfortable with trying it on- as soon as I get a job I can go spend on it). Then when I came home after 5 I sat for the first time all day.
Today will be harder... I didn't get up as I said that I would and had to go bring hubby to work so when I got back I showered and am waiting for the lady to arrive for our appt today and then have to go out in town for a few things. When I finally get done with that I will see but then DD has an appt for 215 this afternoon so don't know how much will get done. I am aiming for an hour of workout since I doubt I will have any luck with any more then that. The later it gets in the day, the less likely I will do anything at all.
Tomorrow and the rest of the week will be easier then today though which is good for me. Well gotta go straighten up a little before she gets here in about 20 minutes.

[**Jennifer**]

Hey there chickies! :) While my shadow/hemmerhoid is busy on the phone, I am desperately trying to get in here to post. Arrrgh! Can I do it? Can I type like a fiend & get this sucker done in time? :^:

Mary- I hear ya, chickie. I'm not ready to give up, either. Even if it takes me the whole year to re-lose what I did last year, I have to do this. It's a matter of feeling like crap, or feeling like I can move this carcas around. And with the self-talk, someone else echo it too, so I learn to listen!

Julie- Hope you get a good report from the doctor- fill us in! I'll keep my fingers crossed for you!

MsRD- I have this mental picture of you opening the front door & flinging granola bars everywhere...I know, I'm punchy, but I laughed out loud at the mental image. :)

Elisha- your month was so much like mine- it all started off on the right foot, but then post-anniversary, I was horrible. And Happy 3FC Anniversary to you! Here's to making this second year even more amazing than the first.

ChickNextDoor- Welcome to the group! This is a terriffic group- make yourself at home!

Joy- I LOL'd at Tazer Lag...if I start to lag behind again this month, tazer the crap outta me! I need it! (and maybe that'll perk up my perm, too! ;) )

Lisa- Just wanted to let you know that you will be in my thoughts, and you know your girls will check in with you and make sure you are being taken care of. Rest, recover, and don't push it- we'll take you as a cheerleader on the sidelines, and you can jump in with both feet when the doctor gives you the all clear.

I think I got everyone- now for the brief update of the day. My chili that I had thawing out was gone from the fridge. made plans to run out & get chicken breast and yellow rice & fresh fruit, but as my roid (who was driving) pulls out, she decided she wanted something else. "Baby Pizza" which is a personal size pizza. I blotted up as much as I could, and used a lot of black pepper to make that fill me up & taste like it was filling. Diet coke, some water, and a Zone bar for breakfast. I'll still be under on my #s, but you know that I certainly didn't want to have something that non-nutritious on my first day back at it with a vengeance.

So, dinner tonight- either the chicken breast I was talking about, or I'll stick with chickarina soup. I also am planning my sweat session- 30 mins of face reddening, hair-soaking sweat. WATP- 2 miles, with stretchie. No excuses. And then, I'll save the lessons & stuff for my new class, and check in.

Hope everyone is having a great hump day!

[MsRD]

Hello!

Second day into the challenge.....and I have yet to start. I had to reprimand an employee yesterday, so today she brings me chocolates and :cookie: oatmeal cookies to apologize......LOL! What a kid!

ChickNextDoor.....Welcome! We are always glad to see a new face here! I like your idea of mixing up the exericse..:sunny:...that uses different muscle sets every time!

Squabb......do I hear an echo? :lol3: You drank 80-oz of water today? You really should be wearing a life jacket for safety's sake.

Hikein.....you are right. :goodvibes: Your health is the most important thing to consider, so I am glad to hear you are checking with the doctor.....and then start slowly so you can build your strength back up again.

Lisa.....Sounds like you have a full month planned. I will be thinking of you and your surgery and wishing you well. :goodluck: Do keep in touch here, please

Elisha......Happy Anniversary! I have been at 3FC a year also, but have not had the tremendous success that you have....:bravo:.....40 pounds is awesome!

Gabwill.....I love the 'no more puter time than exercise time'...:yes:...that is a good rule of thumb! I think I will write that down and post it on top of the puter.

Jenn.......I probably should have thrown those granola bars far and wide; however, I ate them all and that is why I am here! ;)

[Hotcupojava]

Just doing an evening check in. I did my new Leslie Sansone DVD again today. It's tough. But I like it. She doesn't blab and small talk to the other walker/joggers. My food is doing good, and my water is just under the high mark I set, but I don't think anything is coming off yet. I believe I'm starting to retain water(YEAH, LIKE LAKE SUPERIOR!!) but this too shall pass. I've been reading and posting in journals, wow, there's so many. I have to start over every hour or so to catch the new ones. Good luck to all here. Have a great evening.

[miss_elisha]

Evening ladies!

Guess what? I actually worked out today! Yay! I even did an UB circuit! Yay!

Today did not turn out as I had planned though. I decided to go visit my grandma, since I haven't seen her since Xmas. Man, her puppy is as big as our shepard, and sitll growing! At least I got a good workout playing with him all day. Then I come home and dig out the stairclimber.
Grandma asked me if I had lost more weight, and even though I haven't lost much, I proceeded to tell her about the South Beach Diet. I think I confused her, because she kept asking me random questions about it in the middle of other conversations all day long. And for dinner, she drove me to Wendy's to get a salad because she said she didn't have any diet-friendly food in the house. :lol:

Anyway, calories are still at around 1380, and I'm getting the munchies a bit, so I might go find something to snack on.

Hope everyone has a great night!
~Elisha

[Lucia-1]

Hi Chickies,

I just posted on the 'New Year...' thread before noticing this one. Over January I got my eating back on track, but regular exercise did not happen. So my exercise goal for February is to do at least 40 minutes of cardio per day. I want to kick my weight loss along (that has been my goal for some time now), and I know my lack of daily exercise is the reason this is not happening. So, February is the month I'm going to get revved up and get the cardio happening!

Julie - Good luck at the Dr. Take care of yourself :) .

Have a great day everyone.

[squabb56]

:wave:WoW everyone is so motivated and on track - YOU MAKA ME PROUD :high:

Well I had weight in today - I finally reached my January goal (2 days late & a dollar short) But the good news is that I was down 1 pound. That leaves 4 pounds for the next 26 days....

I ate OP today - I have to get back into journalling my food on the calendar - kinda slipping the last few days. I found that really helps me gauge where I'm at and be accountable. As far as I can remember I've used 29 points (allowed twenty six - but I earned 4 activity points today) I did 90 minutes of exercise again today. WW DVD 30 minutes and yoga for 30 minutes and two coffee break 15 minute walks. Today I tried to be sure to walk faster by moving my feet more quickly.... felt GOOD to pick up the pace. Downed 64 oz of water/tea today.

Hikein - Hope your Doctor gives you the go ahead.... I know you really want to get back to it -- I can't wait to hear you beggin' for the tazer to be ready again :rofl: l realize that you are doing the best you can while you are sick (pulls foot out of mouth) our bodies are sure to let us know if what we can do and can't do. {{{{Julie}}}}

MsRD - What are you waiting for - cookies and chocolate aren't the end all - eat them or give them away and get back here :lol: I've got my hand extended to pull you onto the band wagon.

Elisha - Good for you :cp: work out and upper body WOW. I need to go visit my Grandma too - I haven't seen here since Christmas either..... Thanks for the reminder of the important stuff.

Lucia - I'm impressed "exercise goal for February is to do at least 40 minutes of cardio per day" Mine is set for 30 - although I've been surpassing it I wasn't quite ready to commit to an extra 10 minutes everyday. Good for your - that should really kick up your weight loss. You are getting close to your goal - aren't you?
Java - What's the name of the new Leslie Sansone DVD. I've just started with here and have been doing the WATP 2 mile express - do you recommend the new one? I used to post in the journals but found I couldn't keep up with the posting and commenting to everyone ( reciprocating encouragment) and felt bad - what a great group there tho. How many days in a row is it for you now with your exercising?
Gabwill "Not to sit down in front of the TV/Computer more hours then I workout/am up and around" - I gotta follow your lead on this one - I seem to spend hours on the computer - reading emails and posts and and and.... I've also been thinking that I should limit my time - and make sure I go to bed at a reasonable and not spend endless hours into the night on the computer. Sounds like you've got good do-able goals.
Jennifer - Who is the "roid"? your assistant? Sounds like you need to tell her to back off and give you some space....maybe you need to use the tazer :lol: I've really been enjoying the WATP thanks for the heads up. I think I'll need to get more volumes though - I also got a free DVD from Blockbusters which looks like a sampling of a number of workouts - I think I'll take a look at that one tomorrow morning ...
Lisa - You inspire me with your incredible attitude, and like the others have said keeping up your fitness will definately aid you in your recovery. Great set of goals you got ther too ;)

Well it's 10:27 - I really want to get some rest - 4:30 a.m. comes early.... (been on computer 90 minutes - exercised 90 minutes today....that works for me)

:grouphug: Have a successful and rewarding day tomorrow - you deserved it.

[hikein2005]

Wow...I'm gone for a day and look at all this activity!! I'm so proud of all of you...mostly for checkin in and reporting to duty, but also for everyone being here for one another! What a great bunch of gals we have!

OK, the Dr. Appt.!!!!! My appt. was for 3:30. I didn't get into the exam room until almost 5pm and she didn't see me until after 5:30!!!! I finally got out of there after 6pm!!!! I thought about leaving, but that wouldn't have solved everything...and sometimes that's just the way life is. Wait!

So, she checked my lungs and I do NOT have Pneumonia or Bronchitis. :D At least she didn't diagnose me with either!! She put me on another inhaler which I will use twice a day to help get this cough/spasm under control. I talked to her about exercise! She said YES!!! She also said for me to take it slow, initially and to use my albuterol inhaler before I start...to open up my bronchi! So, thumbs up for the activity level! YEA!!!!!! I plan to start SOMETHING tonight!!! And if you don't see it on my next post (that I have exercised!) I will be ready for that tazer, dang it!!! It might not be much, but I'm gonna do it!!!

Went out last night (after the very long Dr. appt.) with a girlfriend. I had a most yummy gourmet pizza with artichokes and sun dried tomato and feta cheese and olive oil! It was oh so good and I have 1/2 of it left so I'm planning on taking that for lunch today! I'm sure it's not on the Core diet, but I'll start that next week. One thing at a time!!!

Thanks to all of you for your comments. I don't have time this morning to comment to everyone, but you all inspire me! Lisa, Jen...I'll get with you later! ;)

Hugs to everyone!!!!

[miss_elisha]

Morning ladies!

Motivation level: 7

I still can't find that stupid gym pass. I don't know what happened to it. I'm going to check in my car, and if it's not there, it's anybody's guess where it could be. That stinks!

However, I've decided that I'm going to actually buy the elliptical/gazelle/some sort of machine when I get my tax rebate. (Yes, I did my taxes yesterday, and I'm getting back a bit more than I expected.) Still, I wish I could find that stupid pass. It's gotta be here somewhere, but I've looked EVERYWHERE!

*sigh*

So I'm going to Steve's tonight to fix dinner and use his high-speed internet connection, and most likely his bike too (since I already had my bag packed for the gym).

Ok, I've gotta get ready for work. Have a great day, chicks!
~Elisha

[dilleight]

Hello people
Happy Feb!

Well I ate a load of biscuits last night. Grrr. After I promised myself not to. Slippery slope syndrome.

Eilis

[**Jennifer**]

Hey chicklettes! Well, exercise did not go as planned last night, but at least food did. When I got home, I was just going to log in to my last course & download what I needed to, but then I had 100 pages of stuff to print, lesson by lesson, so it ended up taking me quite some time to get all that stuff done. Today, the minute I get home, I am stripping down, getting the sports bra on, and sweating up a storm! No excuses!

Woke up groggy this morning, was in a hurry because I had to meet our long time attorney's paralegal to pick up a check. We ended up meeting for lunch, but I still did well! Yay, me! LOL.

Plan for the day:

Breakfast
2 chocolate mint Zone bars
vitamins!
12oz diet coke
24oz water

Lunch
roasted turkey breast (very lean)
1 oz cheddar cheese
toasted wheat bread
fresh cantalope & honeydew chunks
16oz diet coke

now sipping more water- gotta get in my H2O!

PM exercise
Sweat my butt off- WATP, min 30 mins.

Dinner
Chickarina soup
poss 1 oz cheese if protein is still low for the day.

MsRD- whatever the reason you're here, granola bars or no, we're happy to have you! :grouphug"

Mary- go Java! I can't even find time to get to the journals- with the 'roid here, I am lucky to even be able to log on to read. Dang people expecting me to work! ;)

Gabrielle- shoot, I missed you yesterday- sorry!

Elisha- if you can't find the pass, join the discovery.com health National Body Challenge & there's a free gym pass good thru sometime in March. Last ditch backup plan.

Lucia- always good to have you around!

Joy- the 'roid is my shadow- one of the other assistants here in the office. She's like a little yappy dog- always at your heels, always up your butt- I swear, if I stop short one day she's going to land IN my butt. She's in the cubicle next to mine now, and if she hears me typing more than 10-15 keys at a time, she has to come see what I'm doing. It's getting real old, real fast. Grr.

Eilis- step away from the biscuits! ;) And when you do, drag me away from the Hershey Kisses they are giving us here at the office! Do they not know that this is just evil?!?!?! ;)

Ok, gotta shuffle a few more things around on my desk now that my shadow is back. I'll report when sticky & red in the face- if I don't report in, I will need a public flogging- from everyone!

It's almost Friday! :D

[gabwill]

Well yesterday was hell. The lady that was supposed to be here for 9 didnt' show up until 930 (which meant I cold have done my exercise and showered and done everything before she got here instead of waiting for her to get here first) then it lasted 20 minutes and she wasn't that polite. Thinkfully I won't have to deal with her too often since she isn't the one that will handle DD. Then we went out in town to do errands and stuff. Being that DD had a drs appt at 215 I decided I didn't want to take a ride back home so that I would sit on the couch and not want to go and drive 35 minutes to get to her drs appt so we stayed out until about 130. Figured that I would get there early just in case there were any openings before. Finally at 2 the 1 oclock appt was called. Now I am there with a cranky 21 month old since she didn't have a nap and don't get seen until a little after 315. The nurse that sees her to do her vitals and stuff doesn't know what he was doing. First time her measured her length she shrunk over an inch and then she lost almost 4 lbs. He redid them and she lost more weight. I am getting worried since she is already small and he was telling me that she is only 13 lbs (2nd weight was even lower). Finally he got someone else to come and do it since that jsut didnt' make sense to me and that female got it to work. Turns out she gained 2-3 lbs in the past 3 months (she is now a little over 18 lbs). Then it turned out that it wasn't her dr that was seeing her since there was other drs with no one to see they decided to help dd's dr out. We didn't get out of there until after 2 (that was a 215 appt after all). By that time I am drained and still have to go put gas and pick up dh from work. I do everything and he calls to tel me he is ready so I pass by the squadron and 20 minutes later he walks out of there. Then while we are leaving he gets called back to help another crew out. 30 minutes after that he is back in the car and I made him drive home. I got here and was laying on the couch, he got Jasmine fed and changed and everything. I stayed on the couch watching tv. Sucks since I just made that rule yesterday but of course I was out all day. Very hectic. Food was crap since I ate anything that I could (including an ice cream sundae which I really can't stand too much of so that should tell you how much I ate) which I regret now since I feel nasty thinking about it.

Anyway, that was yesterday. Today, I woke up from a nightmare about dd getting kidnapped. I woke up late so didn't get to get the money out of the car for mommy and me (payment is do the first thursday of the month) and Jasmine didn't wake up until after 8- not normal for her it is usually before 630 lately. So I had to hurry and bathe her and get her hair done beofre having to be at mommy and me for 9. Then had to feed her too. Not a good thing. Well that went well and got to play with basketballs and stuff. There was another birthday in the group so there was cupcakes (tuesday was the first time she ate icing since there was a bday then too). But today instead of eating the cupcake she ate chex mix. It was funny since the cupcake was there first and then one of the moms put the chex mix there. All the other little ones we eating their cupcakes but Jasmine only wanted the chex mix. Funny. Then when we came home I did my workout. Went buy a new one on dvd so figured that I would try it out since I didn't do it yesterday. It has 3 different types of workouts. Cardio, kickboxing and strength with each a different intensity. Then they combine the intensities together to make a long one (they put it like that to be able to do either one of the 20 minute ones or the 45 minute one of the 20 minujte ones) I did the cardio today and dd started acting up. 45 minutes seems better then nothing so that was fine. Anyway. That is all for my day so far. I will try to post later today again. Bye until then!!

[hikein2005]

Hi all,
Just a quick check in to let you know that I survived another day!

Gabrielle...your nightmare Dr. appt. makes mine sound mild!!! I didn't have a baby with me, so it made mine a bit more bearable!! But geesh...don't you think these offices could credit us for the inconvenience. I mean c'mon...if we were an HOUR late (not to mention TWO hours), don't you think they would charge us for the inconvenience...or at least make us reschedule!!!

Couple of things about today's events. Eating was not good. Not that I didn't plan, but it was a hectic day and things kind of fell apart and I went seeking chocolate this afternoon! I can't remember what I found, but I do know it wasn't chocolate...just some cake with icing!!! YUCK! Hubby made taco salad which is always a good thing when I haven't eaten well during the day. I can pig out on salad!!!

I drank, drank drank gallons of water today (OK, maybe not gallons, but at least ONE gallon!) Still downing it. Might have something to do with the thirst I developed while eating my "veal parmagean" at work today. The veal patty was salty and fried!!! Not sure why I ate it! I was hungry I suppose and didn't want to wait to heat up my much healthier chicken veggie soup!

I had hubby take pictures of me tonight with my workout clothes on. I must say it is disgusting, but I am going to use them as a tool to motivate me to start and continue working out! Did I say I didn't have "belly fat"????? That was a LIE!!!! I have belly fat and butt fat and thigh fat and boob fat!!! The only thing NOT fat about me is my face and my ankles!!!

Alright, so since Dr. gave me the ok to start working out, I am going to go do some toning right now. At least that shouldn't make me cough too hard!

Jennifer...I don't see a post from you...did you work out?

Dill...Good to hear from you even though the biscuits were a callin!!!

Elisha...You continue to motivate me! That piece of equipment is just waiting for you!!! Have fun picking it out!

Joy...kick bootie girl on the exercise! I'm proud of you! I'll be joining you soon! And yea on the pound!

Lucia...you sound so motivated. February is going to be your month, girl!

Mary...Yea on the new leslie DVD. It's so much easier to take her when she's not yakking!!! LOL!

MsRD...any cookies or goodies get in your way today?

Lisa...didn't hear from you today. Hope all is well on the homefront!!! Please...I can't bear any more crises from GA!!!!! ((((((((((Lisa)))))))))))

Hugs to all!

[MsRD]

Hello All :)

It was a good day today.....food and water were great, and I have part of my exericise done, but still need some more. Exercise is the hardest for me, so that is what I am going to concentrate on this month. It has to be EVERY day..:tread: even if just for a few minutes.....moving moving moving!

Mary....you are on target with your exercise, food and water! :cp: There is no stopping you now!

Elisha.....how sweet and thoughtful that Grandma took you out for a salad, instead of tempting you with stuff you shouldn't have.:cool: Everyone wants to help you succeed!

Lucia.....I am so impressed with your 40 minutes or cardio! That scale is going to move now! :goodscale:

Squabb.....thanks for the hand up..:yes:...I'm with you on the bandwagon now1

Hikein.....good news from the doctor....about time! Start slow..:halffull:...just moving a little will probably feel good to you.

Dilleight.....biscuits? You mean like baking powder biscuits.....or is that more like our cookies or crackers? How can I get lost in the translation, when we speak the same language? :)

Gabwill......the past couple of days have been super hectic for you! And you still manage to get in your exercise..:cb:..you inspire me to do better!

Jenn.....doesn't your little 'roid have anything to do? She is either super-efficient in getting her work done and having all that extra time.....or someone should add a few more responsibilities to her load! Next time there are extra duties, ;) you should volunteer her!

Haven't been feeling too well the past couple of days...:dz:...still plugging along, muttering, "I will not get sick.....I will not get sick....". Think I will finish up what needs to be done tonight and get some extra sleep.

[Lucia-1]

:wave:

I reached my cardio goal yesterday afternoon, then went into the garden and did 1 hour of gardening. With rain and heat, everything has started to get an overgrown look, so I weeded (that never ends!), started pruning and planning for autumn in the vegie garden.

Julie - Glad to hear you are free to exercise! Don't worry about your food, it will all fall back into place! Photos can be a real wake-up call, can't they? I use the timer on my camera to take mine. I have them in my journal and look at them often. They have been inspiring me during the tough times, reminding me that I do need to do this!

Jennifer - Thanks for the welcome, it's always nice to have support, motivation and accountability in my corner.

Eating today is on plan, exercise was a 45 min :D walk, it was such a lovely morning. Have a great day everyone!

[hikein2005]

Yea!!!! Cross that off the list. I did 20 minutes (abs) of this Yoga/Pilates DVD I have and did some free weight stuff and some leg toning! I'm pretty proud of myself too. :D DD came down about 1/2 way through the DVD and interrupted the flow of things and after I walked her back upstairs to her bed (she worries when she can't hear me in the office next to her room, I think?) I finished the rest of the ab section on the DVD and then went into the leg toning and then the free weights for my arms!

I'm feeling good about finishing up the day this way. I am trying visualize myself without all that fat! Hmmm...maybe I can do some photo enhancement this weekend! :D That will surely motivate me!

Anyone got any good recipes that involve green peppers? I have about 5 of them in my fridge right now! I love to sautee them with garlic and onions but 5 of them is a pretty big stir fry!!! Maybe some sort of cube steak with pepper mix??? I'll figure something out. It's gonna be a busy weekend!

Hope everyone has a good Friday. I'm going down to finish watching the Happy Days reunion! I used to love that show!!! What a great cast of "characters"!!!

[Hotcupojava]

I did the dreaded mile on the dreadmill today :tread: . I nearly cried, :stress: :bb: fighting with myself to do it. But I got on. I wanted to quit right away. I thought I'd go a half a mile, but once I got all sweaty and out of breath, I figured I could maybe try a little longer. Actually it's the music that gets me through :goodvibes . I did my mile and was hurting big time, but glad that I'd applied myself and fought through the whiner in me that wanted me to stop. Food isn't horrible, but I need to plan better. My water is just below my high mark goal. I'm hoping if I just keep plowing ahead, my success will catch up with me. Here's hoping. :goodluck:

Good evening to all you read here. Maybe slow and steady will get me "SOMEWHERE!"

And Joy, the Leslie Sansone DVD is called WATP Walk Jog. It's in the power series. Jennifer found it on Ebay, I think. I paid about ten bucks for it at Walmart.

[Hotcupojava]

Somebody tell Julie it's only Thursday. I don't have the heart to burst her bubble. :D

[squabb56]

WAY TO GO EVERYONE :cp: :cb: :jig:
We're on a roll now :spin: :rolleyes: :dizzy:

:cheers: Here's to another OP day :) I ate 28.5 points today / 26 points allowed but used my activity points to balance out - Yes the activity comes through to save the day (again) Good thing I did it. I'm up to 64oz of water today and have a cup of tea and a half a bottle of water here to drink whilst I ramble (on and on and on) :lol: I did a DVD sampler I got free from Blockbuster today :strong: there are three 10 minute work outs - the first is pilates for buns & thighs, the second an ab workout and the third is a motabolism (sp?) workout - done by the same person who does the Weight Watchers simple easy moves. (or something like that). Went pretty well - but I didn't have hand weights so just moved my arms for some of the strengthening exercises - I guess my arms themselves were heavy enough - sure worked up a sweat. I guess I'll have to add hand weights to my ever growing list of props etc. that I need. I went for a walk at coffee this morning - had some knee pain so I think I'll take an off day tormorrow or maybe just ride the stationary bike for 30 minutes - ???:?:??

Well I want to get a good nights sleep tonight (it's 8:07 now) and so I'll sign off.

Hikein - I'm so glad your on the mend and that you feel well enough to exercise. Good for you :bravo:

:grouphug:

[ChickNextDoor]

Hello Everyone, just getting ready to go to bed. It's been a long day and I just want to sleep it all off. I ate pretty well today but I think my Mom is trying to sabatog me. I had to take her and show her where to pick my DD up from preschool. (she is suppose to help out after my surgery, we shall see though) Anyway she fixed this pumpkin stuff like a dessert but not really sweet like pie. She gives it some crazy name. She had me a big slice waiting for me. She knows full well I can't eat that stuff and then gets all weird when I take a bite and don't eat it all. Sheesh!! She does this alot too. I'm getting annoyed.

I worked out through CSI and ER tonight. I don't remember who was talking about the treadmill but I can totally relate. I couldn't do it without my music. I especially need Kid Rock yelling in my ears when my legs are burning. :lol: Tonight was bike night though. I can't miss my Thursday night shows.

I gotta go to bed. Ya'll have a great day.

[scorchin]

Hey guys,
I'm in things have settled down a bit and I'm finally able to sit down at the computer and work on my plans.
EVERYONE SOUNDS LIKE THEY ARE DOING GREAT. I know how you guys feel about not giving up its hard to not want to eat what most of the people around you are.
This months plans are
Continue my exercise journal
RE- Start my water log http://www.chartjungle.com/# this website has bunch of neat charts including a water log .
I have been exercising at least 4 days a week for the last 3 weeks I'm so happy yippeee. I got a WATPS DVD it has the two mile walk and the weight loss 4 mile walk on it. I like it. I also have got a belly dancing DVD from my sister and it fun so now I have 4 videos to pick from. plus me and hubby go walking every tuesday and thursday (weather premitting)
Can anybody esle think of a few good videos that to expensive say under 20$ or even $15.
Well Lets see today me and hubby went walking for 2mls.
Yesterday bellydancing 20mins
Well talk to u lovely ladies later,
Heather

[miss_elisha]

Morning chicks!

I found my gym pass! Yay! It was under my storage boxes under my bed. How it got there, I have no idea, but I'm sure glad I decided to put stuff away (finally)! But as it turns out, I have to schedule an appointment before I can go, so I'm going to walk over at lunch and do that, probably for Tuesday of next week since that's my day off.

Hmmm.... things are going ok with the diet. I'm at 200.4 this morning, but that's not "official." I think I'd be doing better if I stuck to it a little more strictly. I'm eating the general foods I'm allowed, but I'm not always eating the low-fat versions. It's hard when someone else is cooking, but I'm trying, I really am! I was having some wicked chocolate cravings the other day, but I was saved by sugar-free Hershey's with Almonds! I got a small bar on my way home the other day and ate half--they're really pretty good--so yesterday I picked up a bag of individually wrapped minis. Now if I can only find some carb-free/fat-free potato chips and sugar-free/fat-free ice cream that actually taste good I'll be all set! :lol:

Steve cancelled dinner last night because he got the chance to pick up some extra hours at work, so we rescheduled for this evening. We're going to stay in and watch Star Wars on DVD. I plan on getting on his bike for a while. My arms are still sore from that UB circuit I did on Wednesday, but I admit that I may have pushed it a bit.

I have GOT to drink my water today! Do we have a tazer for water, or just one for exercise? :lol:

Ok, I need to stop rambling and get moving! Have a great day, chicks!
~Elisha

[**Jennifer**]

Ok, what the heck am I doing? I got home, I told hubby that he had exactly 30 minutes to figure out what he wanted to do before I did the WATP video. We needed to run out & pick up a few things, and that led to dinner at Olive Garden, and no WATP. Then, he worked until nearly 1am once we got home, and I couldn't sleep well until he was in bed, so needless to say, I didn't get out of bed until 7:10, having to leave at 7:40 for work.

So, where did I go wrong? I think I need to have the "even if you are planning to eat crap, I can't DO THIS" conversation with hubby again. I know he means well, and that he's trying to carve out some quantity time, as busy as he is, and as busy as I have been. It can't keep revolving around crappy food choices.

I think this weekend, while he is working, I need to do laundry, clean out the fridge & cupboards, and make a list. Then, I will drag him shopping. At this point, I don't care if I have to make a crappier version of his sauce & stuff & get more meals prepped & frozen, get some chicken breasts marinated...stuff like that. I can't ask him to juggle that on top of everything else.

Everyone take your turn with the tazer. I have no one to blame but myself.

[gabwill]

Well I got up at 5 this morning (too early considering I tried to stay up to watch CSI And ER last night.. didn't make it through ER at all). I did Cinnamon rolls so that was bad of me but hubby took most of them with him to work so I only go two of them. That was helpful. Played a video game for about 30 minutes nad then got up to get my rear moving. I did the rest of the new video I have (40 minutes kickboxing section and 30 minutes of strength training). I don't think that I will do anything else though. 1 hour 10 minutes should be enough for today since it really kicked my butt. It is new so I should be used to the moves after doing it a few times. I have decided to do all of my cardio bootcamp dvd (50 minutes total) and my kickbutt DVD(2 45 minute workouts) on monday wednesday and friday from next week on down and on tues, thurs, and sat will me the newest workout dvd I got (30 strength, 40 kickboxing and 45 cardio) and my choice between a 30 minute run, bellydancing, taebo or taifit. Depends on what I want that day I suppose. That should keep me interested in working out all month.
Usually I would take sunday off but since I didn't workout on wednesday this week I will do 1.5 hours of workout then. Don't know what yet. I made hubby promise that we workout together tomorrow since he got the okay from the dr. I figured that we could do the kickbutt 1 and depending on how he and dd are feeling after that then we may do the 2 also. We are supposed to be going to San Diego tomorrow and wanted to leave early so I hope we get up early enough to do it before we leave. Considering that he may have to work late tonight (he found that out a little while ago) I doubt that he will want to still workout with me but atleast he is trying. He is getting a gut and hates it. The meds he is on make him eat so much food and he is never full on them. He gained about 20 lbs in 1.5 months (he has been taking these pills for 2 months now and found out two weeks ago that they have this side affect but nothing he can do since he needs the meds).

Anyway, now for comments.

Julie- yeah it was horrible. Believe me, I don't take her with me for my appts. I make sure hubby has off for that amount of time. Usually the military is understanding about stuff like that but not always. Good job on finishing the workout. Don't you just hate abs? I know I do. I can't stand doing anything for them but try to push through that whole section on my dvds. Can't stand it though.

MsRd- Believe me I had to fight myself to get up and do something. Wednesday, I lost and didn't do a thing and yesterday after 45 minutes DD fought me and won since I quit after that and played with her instead but today I won and did what needed to be done... well the minimum of what I wanted to do but it is still something. Oh and what I used to do when I first started exercising was split up doing a little (about 10 minutes each time 3 times a day). It was mostly walking, sit ups or something that didn't require much. Then I got my hand weights and started doing a little with those. It got me through since I am so down if I don't do something through the day now.

Lucia- I have always wanted to garden but not out here in Cali. There are so many things around here (poisonous snakes and stuff) that I wouldn't feel comfortable with it and thing is we get in trouble if we kill them on base. Not a good thing.

ChickNextDoor- I know the feeling about your mom trying to destroy what you are working for. Fortunately I don't live near her to let her do it with food but she is always asking why I need to lose weight. Why I do the "boring" stuff during the day (exercise). I even stopped bringing it up to her since I got tired of hearing it. I do know the feeling too well though.

Heather- what bellydancing tape do you do? I am looking for a new one since I am growing tired of the one I have now. The new DVD that I have is Ultimate Body Challenging Workout. It breaks it up into 9 workouts plus 3 workouts that each include 3 of the 9 workouts. It was 19.99 at suncoast. They also have another workout there that I haven't tried that is by the same company that says it is for beginners for either 14.99 or 19.99. Other then those I am not sure.

Well have to go for now and play with the little one.

[Hotcupojava]

Did one mile WATP, but as "UN-motivated" as I was feeling, that was a major feat. Food it pretty good and water is pretty much on target.

Miss Elisha: Do be careful with those sugar free chocolates! Trust me on
this, I speak from experience. Just one more than your body
can take and you'll find yourself doubled over in tummy pain.
Problem is, you can never tell how many is too many. For me
it's about four. :(

I hope everyone is doing great and ready to enjoy a wonderful week end. It's supposed to be really warm here. I'm hoping someone with a big screen TV, a comfortable couch and some healthy snacks invites me over for the super bowl. ;) I'm not really a fan of either team, but that's not the point, it's the SUPER BOWL! I used to be a big fan, but when you date someone that doesn't watch ANY sports, you get out of the habit, just to be with them and what they like. Turns out we both enjoy being outside, so that replaced my sports. But anyway, I hope you all enjoy the week end.

[MsRD]

Happy Friday! :dance:

Friday at last! I am not looking forward to weigh-in day tomorrow.....i am sure it is going to reflect all my sins for the past month! Gotta do it! If I start over from scratch, I do......I cannot quit. I feel my health is slipping in little ways....so this year has got to be major committment time for me. I can do it.....with your help.

Lucia.....I love to garden! Around here, gardening doesn't start until mid-May....and that is just one more reason to get into shape! Gardening is hard work and I better be ready for it!

Hikein......Great job on the toning workout! I'll bet it made you feel great.

Mary.....I am so proud of you for fighting and winning the battle of the dreadmill! To keep going when there is negative motivation demonstrates true dedication!

Squabb.....you are doing a super job! Everything is coming together for you now!

ChickNextDoor.....I know Mom means well......feeding people is just what Moms do. Did you know that the Pilgrims thought of pumpkin pie as a vegetable and not a dessert? That should put things right!

Heather.....Wow.....you have kept up your exercise plan for the past 3 weeks! Way to go! I hope by next month I can say the same thing!

Jenn......MMMMMM......Olive Garden.....that is soooo good, but the portions are so big! I love to go out to eat, but it is so hard to eat healthy at some restaurants. We went out tonight and I had......tossed salad, baked walleye, seasoned rice and mixed veggies, and tea. Not bad, but, again, the portions were bigger than I should have had. Just have to concentrate of making good food choices.....and not cleaning my plate entirely!

Gab.....how nice that you and DH can workout together! It sure does help in the motivation department! And I like you idea of 3 workout sessions at 10 minutes each....even I can do that!

[squabb56]

Hi everyone :wave:

Well -- confessional time -- today has not been so good. Planned sleep in day - no morning exercise. I have a meeting every Friday - so no brisk walk either. Went out for lunch and had french onion soup and buzzard wings at Red Robins. Oh yeah, I had an egg salad bunwich -white bread :yikes: and a peanut butter cookie. Then had eight california roll sushi's with coffee when DH & I got home from work. Steak and baked potatoes and coleslaw later on.... (wish I could do a picture with my fat cheeks blown out). So today's pretty much a write off.

Tomorrow morning I will get up and do my 2 mile express plus the abs work out and the pilates buns and thighs.... :strong: then on to the house work, go out to buy DD & DF a birthday present and have a lesson from my carpenter friend on how to cut crown moldings so they come out right... we've been really frustrated :mad:trying to do it although it's supposed to be so easy.... gotta paint the primer on the walls in the ensuite too... hope to keep really busy.

Birthday dinner for DD and DF on Sunday (if he decides to come - he's being ornery SP? okay miserable....) acting like I only invite him so he can give DD a ride. His birthday is on Feb 11 & DD is on Feb 6th - I think it only fair that I have one birthday party - less expensive and less work - and everybody SHOULD WANT TO BE TOGETHER during family celebrations I THINK. I'm planning to make pork snitzel (with applesauce) scalloped potatoes au gratin, carrot raisin and walnut slaw and asparagus. DH & I are going to attempt to make a low cal - low fat carrot cake (applesauce instead of fat and splenda instead of sugar) and ice it with whipped light cream cheese, splenda and vanilla. We'll see how it turns out.

So I guess Sunday will be a partial write off too - although I will attempt to stay low for breakfast and lunch (no waffles this week - did I tell you that DH made WW waffles that were to die for last Sunday? Had them with ultra light cool whip and a canned peach in light syrup). I will exercise in the morning and try to watch my portions - I'll do my best.

I really need to lose a pound by next Wednesday to keep on track so I'm 215 by the 28th of February. So.... I cannot afford to lose focus if I want to see the results I have challenged myself to.

Probably a pretty busy weekend - I'll try to check in quickly but if I can't everyone have a great weekend and be good to yourselves - You deserve it!

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Yeah .... I guess I wasted far too much time on this... but isn't my beating heart pretty???

[ChickNextDoor]

Your beating heart is totally cool. It might just be my motivation for this next week. ;) I've eaten well today and really worked out hard tonight. My days have been so packed that I haven't been able to workout till night and that is messing me up. One of my kids took one of my weights and I spent 30 minutes looking for it today before finally giving up. I am going to just use the one I have I guess. I'm terrible with weight training but I'm going to give it a real try this next week. And I am going to get a couple of those weighted balls too. I'm just not sure what exactly to do with them. :?: I need to do something about my back. I noticed the other day that I'm looking pretty good till you see me from the back. I need to tone those lower back muscles.

I have a belly dance dvd that I have never even opened. :o So many are commenting on using these dvds so I am going to bust it out tomorrow. I don't even remember the name. Is it really a good workout? Do you feel like an idiot? LOL!! I tend to have kids in and out of the room while I workout and I know if one starts laughing then I will too. And then it will be over. :lol:

I have a few dvds so I might start putting together a weekly workout schedule. I'm a creature of habit and breaking these old workout habits has been my goal. I just need to put that into play.

Super Bowl weekend and DH and I have no plans. I can't believe it. Neither one of us like the teams so while we will undoubtedly watch, it just won't be the same. Oh well, there's always next year.

Have a great weekend everyone! :^:

[scorchin]

Elisha- glad u found ur gym pass
Jennifer- Making a list is always best I think My hubbyloves going shopping with me that way he can pick out his meals he wants and I can pick out meals I want.
Gab-Sounds like ur doing great keep it up girl I have a easy one it has these twins on it and they do a 30 minute basic moves and 30 minutes of fat burning. You can do them both or sep.
Hotcup- I know what ur saying about dating someone whos not into sports my hubby isn't and its kind of weird because my whole family and I are, I have gotting out of the habit of watching them.
MsRd- I know you can do it.
Joy- You sound really busy, but u seem focused I can you can do it. I love u heart very pretty. How long did it take?
Chicknextdoor- I feel funny doing my bellydancing tape i think because my hubby makes fun of me his grandma used to do it so he thinks its funny. I have a workout journal I put what i want to do for that week and for the last three weeks its worked pretty well.

Well today I did my slim in 6 stretching for 14 minutes. I didn't get to do the strepper like I planned but Ill do it tomorrow plus do my WATPS Tape. Food was good stayed on my point range 18-23 I change them up. next week it will be 20-25 pnts week and the following it will be 23-27 then 20-25 It pretty much has to do with my TOM I get bad cravings so this way I can eat more then normal with my 23-27 week(period week) and burn it off with my 18-23 week. I think its working i'm not weighing until my birthday next month. Man today at school I was so tired I started falling asleep Hubby had to wake me up lol.
Well its like 4 am here so I better get off to sleep
Take care,
Heather

[lameducklucy]

I'm here I'm here!!!! :D

OK. So. Down to 45 hrs at work this week, and in the middle of moving. ACK!

Today is a full-out packing day. We will be doing absolutely nothing except packing the stuff we want to keep and throwing out the crap we don't want to keep.

I haven't had a change to work out all this week, STILL. After we get moved, it'll be awesome. Our new house is about 5 minutes to our new office (which we'll be moving to in March/April), and about 20 from our current office location. SO. Since I don't have a 1.25 hr commute every morning anymore... YAY!!!

I can actually wake up at 7, do my FULL workout, take a shower & get ready, and still be to work at 8:30 am. :D So not this monday, but the monday before valentine's day... I OFFICIALLY CAN START WORKING OUT AGAIN!! :D


In other news, I have been trying to keep my food choices healthy, but it has been really hard. We get home at 8 or 9 every night, and you expect me to cook?! HAH! So we've been eating pretty crappy stuff lately. I DID make 2 big changes, though.

1 - Instead of my regular 1 liter of Mt Dew to take to work, I now take a sf, 0 cal fruity sparkling water soda with me every day, which has Splenda in it. :D MUCH better.

2 - I grind my teeth when I type or think or basically do anything, so I have to suck on hard candy or mints a lot. Well, mints get real old real fast. I found some sf/ff strawberry flavored hard candies at the store, and got a bag. They're perfect. No calories, no sugar, and made with Splenda, too. So I have a whole bunch at work to suck on instead of sugary mints or jawbreakers (which are my favorite).

Also, I just thought of one last thing I've been doing, even while we've been eating unhealthy foods and not sleeping enough and hardly working out. I HAVE been very conscious about my serving sizes lately.

Part of this stems from the fact that my mom was told by her doctor that her blood pressure is rather high, and while her cholesterol is low, she needs to start losing weight or she's seriously going to hurt herself. It scared her. But, when I go over to hang out with her, or we go out shopping and stop for lunch, or we all have dinner together... she doesn't have normal serving sizes. I think she'd laugh if she was forced to have an actual serving of food. She usually takes probably 2-3 times what a normal serving should be. I just worry.

We've talked about going to play Bingo once a week; I've thought about making it a workout and bingo. One of her best friends, the one who had ovarian cancer, is really worried about her, and keeps asking her if she'll sign up to go to Curves, and they'd go together. I want her to go.

The thing that makes me so upset about this is that my dad is disabled, and can't absorb vitamins from his food very well (he gets injections once a week in his stomach), so he eats junk food and he isn't allowed to eat vegetables high in fiber or fruits, and he's allergic to so much stuff, he basically drinks coke, and eats junk or deep-fried food all the time. And SHE has to take care of him. And she KNOWS what she's doing to herself. If she lost 20 lbs, she would be in way better shape and her heart wouldn't be in as much danger. Ugh. :(

Anyway, I'm off to pack! :D Hope you're all doing well, and I WILL update! I WILL! :D

[squabb56]

Happy Saturday :wave:

Chick - Let me know how the belly dancing goes.... Sounds like your right on track with working out and eating :yes: Sounds like you need to schedule yourself some ME time in the morning.

Heather - Your modified points program sounds very interesting. I'm going to follow your lead and create a workout journal that's pre-planned so I don't have to decide what I'm doing each morning (probably lead to better choices and a more balanced program.

Lucy - Way to go with the recent life style changes! I worry about my parents too. My Dad - who is a very miserable and bitter person - is also diabled (stroke) and my Mom looks after him - that's about all her life is - she smokes like a chimney and is getting further and further out of shape - I think maybe she feels "hopeless" and doesn't even attempt to do anything for herself - maybe some marterism (sp)... I'm sure she worries about Dad as much as I worry about her....

I am OP so far today (early) but I had to trade my exercise time for house work - which is exercise anyways to make time for all I need to do today. I'm off to clean the car up - bake a cake etc etc etc

I'm changing my signature. I was talking to my Doctor this week and he confirmed that 130 is far too low for a goal weight.... so I'm changing it to 150 - probably more maintainable when I get there - still 69 pounds to go....

Oh well gotta go

:grouphug:

[MsRD]

Hello All! :wave:

No weigh-in today. We overslept, so hit the ground running this AM...just grabbed a donut (sigh) and ran! :hyper: DH and I went to a antique auto parts swap meet.....then back home and off to the store to pick up Depends for my Mom....on to see Mom and drop off aforementioned unmentionables. Fortunately, I arrived at the home just as they were getting ready for lunch, so I didn't stay. I then had to drive into the city to pick up a prescription for DH (he forgot he needed it refilled....grrr), and ran into trouble with the new health insurance covering it. I had to pay for it in full.....and will have to get the doctor to call the insurance Monday to say that he has tried other meds for this condition, but this one works the best for him. (We go thru this every time we change insurances......I really hate health insurance companies!) Then....on to the grocery store, which was an absolute zoo, home again, unpacked groceries. and am now hiding in the puter room. Being busy doesn't really bother me, but the eating plan just goes out the window......when in a rush, I always reach for something fast and easy, and we all know that isn't always the healthiest choice.

Squabb.....your birthday dinner sounds delicious! :chef: Let us know how the carrot cake experiment worked out. Sounds like your Mom has her hands full.....btdt.....and she (and your Dad too!) could be suffering from depression. It is very common in stroke victims.....and primary caregivers.

ChickNextDoor.....didn't you know that laughing during a workout just increases the number of calories burned? ;)

Heather.....I keep hearing about all your workout tapes & DVDs.....maybe it is time for me to include something like that in my workout. so far, I have just been doing low-impact aerobics :dancer: (just to get started and keep from hurting myself!).....might be a good time to kick it up a notch!

Lucy....congrats on the new house! And it sounds like, despite your busy schedule, you have made some really positive changes healthwise! :cp: Good for you! Maybe you could get your Mom to see a nutritionist...someone outside the family to get her on the right path.....or maybe just a good book on nutrition and health that she could put into practice. Joining Curves with her friend is such a good idea!

Breaktime is over......time to tackle this house! :)

[Hotcupojava]

Yep, actually got up and started one. I started to sweat, doing the option of the low impact version, got bored and walked away from it :no: and took my shower. Well, I did move a little. Tomorrow is weigh in and rest day (and incidentally Super Bowl Sunday). It'll be the first one in thirteen years that I'll be available to watch. Despite begging for invites :shrug even on the WORLD wide web) no takers.:sorry: Pooh Bear doesn't watch sports, so I may get to see it, I may not. What ever happens, happens. I know I'm PMS and I'm pretty sure I'm retaining LAKE SUPERIOR! So I don't have high hopes for my weigh in. BUT (and that's a rather laaaarge turtle butt) once my "visitor" leaves, perhaps I'll see some benefits from my efforts, (so so or not). I have been trying. I simply have to work harder. :strong:

Is it my vivid imagination, or does that snowman in my icon look like a snow turtle?

[Lucia-1]

Hi Chickies,

Big news! I stepped on the scales this morning to find I have lost 5lbs! :dance: I feel great. Eating is on plan today, and exercise will be an after dinner walk this evening.

Joy - With regards to your heart, a thing of beauty is never a waste of time :) .

MsRD - I love to get out in my yard too, gardening is also a great way of toning (all that weeding).

Chick - I'd love to try bellydancing, but am a little nervous taking a class. What company made your DVD?

That's all for today, have a great day!

[squabb56]

:wave:

Just a quick check in. I swam 20 lengths tonight so I guess I need to change my signature. Did'nt get half of the stuff I wanted to do done today - but what's new :?:

Way to go on the five pound loss Lucia.

Java - keep on keepin' ON. ;)

MsRD - I know it's really hard to keep your resolve when life is so busy. Just try to make the best choices you can.

I also changed my goal to 150 on my signature. I was talking to my DR and he said that 130 wasn't realistic. We'll see how it looks WHEN I get there.

:grouphug:

[hikein2005]

Morning Chickies! It's Superbowl Sunday! (Big Deal!...Sorry!) We don't do football around here, so it's just another Sunday to me! LOL!

Just checking in...not sure why! Haven't had a real successful week or few days. Stop that, Julie...that's not positive talk!!!!

OK, ok!!! I admit that it's been difficult to get back into the exercise routine...I exercised on Thursday and that's been it. I still am finding it difficult to find enough energy to just get up and do it! Yesterday I worked for about 6 hours then came home, vacuumed and then played with DD...did some fun stuff...but it wasn't really moving much! Then we watched a movie and ate pizza last night! :o

This morning is church. It's supposed to be another warm day (up to 50 yesterday!) so I just may find the inspiration to go for a walk this afternoon! That will feel good!

I'll check back later today!

Lucia!!!!!! Way to go on the 5 lbs!!! I am soooo proud of you!!!! Great job! All that hard work and perseverance has paid off!

Mary...at least you gave it a valliant effort with the exercise...maybe today?

Hugs to the rest of you...I will make comments later!

[MsRD]

Good morning! :sunny:

OK.....finally stepped on the scale this morning, and found I was only up a pound from 2 weeks ago.....when I was up 2 pounds. It looks like I lost 8 pounds in the last year, and gained back 3. Not exactly stellar, but I am headed in the right direction!

I did some low impact yesterday evening for 15 minutes.....and another 15 minutes this morning.....and I feel GREAT! I feel like I am finally doing something positive for myself......(now, duh, RD, if you do this every day, you will feel great every day...:idea:....what a concept!)

JavaTurtle.....you are doing super with your exercise too! Take the day off.....when TOM leaves, you will have more energy, and I know you will see results on the scale. As for the snowman.......well, it is melting there around the bottom....;)...so maybe that is where you see the resemblance?

Lucia.....congrats on the 5 lb loss! :bravo: You are on your way!

Squabb......20 lengths of the pool! That is quite an accomplishment...:cheer:....think of those calories burned! Think of all that muscle toning! Somehow, swimming never seems like exercise to me......more like fun!

Julie.....you haven't got yourself back to 100% yet, so exercise is going to be hard for awhile. Baby steps, baby steps! Are you taking any vitamins? :)

It is supposed to be in the mid 40's today.....I think we will grill burgers for dinner. This kids will be here for most of the day.....but will probably leave before the game comes on. So, I will watch the game in peace and quiet......we have some pools going at work, so by this time tomorrow, I could be a rich woman! (yeah right) Anyway, got stuff to do........later!

[Lucia-1]

Hi Chickies,

I have just come back from a 40 minute walk, and thought I would get a quick post in before I go to work. Still on a high from yesterday's success on the scales. I have decided I am going to keep the appointment with the nutritionist today. I'll see how I like her, besides, I have some success to report! I'll see if I get a pat on the back :lol: .

Julie - Don't be too hard on yourself. :goodvibes After being so unwell, it'll take time for your energy levels to return.

MsRD - I've done the same thing. Lose some weight only to gain a little back. On the positive side, you aren't back to where you started :) . Hang in there!

That's all I have time for, don't want to be late for work ;) . Have a great day everyone.

[scorchin]

Lucy- sounds like ur are busy and getting lots of exercise moving.

Squabb- I find it much exercise to do it that way I don't miss it as much. I have missed I think two times of exercising that way, but made up for it with my day off. Cake sound interesting lol. Don't give up be positive. So what if u didn't get it all done at least u got some of it done. I never finish everything I want to do that day.

MsRd- Health insurance are stupid lol I hate them.I have medicaid and medicare and they aren't anybetter if my presription is over 6months old but still has refills on it they can't do it grrr..... Hey if u do get rich u gonna share it with me?

Hotcup- Don't feel bad cause u walked away it starts like that u'll work you way up to exercising longer and longer. I can see where ur coming from on the snowman he looks like a carmel turtle I have in this ice cream of mine.

Lucia- Congrats on the 5 lbs. Natural journays made my dvd its by Veena an Neena its a basic moves and fat burning dvd.

Hikein- Congrats on getting ur walking in today.
I haven't exercised yet today but will here in a little bit yesterday I did a ml on the WATPS tape and Today Ill do my SI6 Abs and my strepper my hubby made me. I So glad today is my last day for 18-23 pnts I hate having to pass up on something I want to stay this low on pnt range hehe. U know I was just thinking I haven't used my banked pnts in a long time I keep forgetting I have them hehe. I started selling and making to sell ebook on ebay I made a awesome valentines day one it has some really cool valentines day sweets I just wish I could eat them hehe. Well speaking of food I"m hungry and gonna make me some lunch.
Laterz, Heather

[hikein2005]

Just wanted to check in with you all and let you know that I did get in that walk today with DD and one dog! It was only around the block but was nice to only have on a fleece sweater...no mittens! Yea! :) AND...DD and I played in the yard for a while and built a snowman and a "fort". It was actually the beginning of a fort, but Mommy got tired of shovelling the snow into the buckets, so we did the snowman instead! It's the ugliest looking snowman I've ever seen, but hey...DD is VERY proud of it! She designed it all by herself! I just lifted (UGH!) the middle part onto the bottom part!! OH...I also shovelled the sidewalk where the snow had drifted after hubby had snow blowed...but today it was VERY HEAVY and MELTING snow, so 10 feet of shovelling was HARD work!! So...I guess I feel good about movement today...and food!

Food was decent.
B-fast: Coffee, creamer & a zone bar
Lunch: lettuce salad with lots of other veggies and cheese & turkey & egg w/salad dressing
Snack: One of my home made whole wheat/bran chocolate breakfast cookies!
Supper: Another good salad with Tyson chicken breast strips and some home made guacamole (made w/ plain yogurt...was good!) and a few chips!

That's been it today! I'm feeling good about the day, all in all!

I'm feeling conflicted about some things, though! I took those pictures of me in my workout clothes earlier this week. UGH!!! I feel extremely FAT when I look at them! Who am I kidding? I AM fat!! (5'2" and 170 is FAT...no way around that!) But, I still get compliments from people telling me "you look good!" I think they genuinely mean it, but I don't know how to respond to it. I don't feel good! I haven't lost any weight since last summer...I haven't worked out since November (to speak of) and I generally feel like I look like crap! I guess maybe I feel like I don't deserve to hear those kinds of comments! I got one today from a lady at church. I know she meant it because she kept saying "really, you do!"

I am soooooo far from where I really visualize myself, but I know that I have had some successes in the last year (about 12 lbs). STill, I feel far from expecting positive comments from others! Geesh...listen to me ramble!!!! Maybe some others have experienced some of the same things and can clue me in on how I should respond or react to these comments!

My goal this week is to start my "Fly Lady" control journal back up again...and get things back in control! I NEED to find time to work out during the week...no exceptions! I need to start toning and start feeling better about myself! I just need to find the time. Any suggestions would be helpful!
I am sure that working out before work is a feasible solution if I could drag my *** out of bed every morning to do just that!!!

So...here's my schedule:
Up by 6:30am, shower, dress, b-fast for DD, make lunches, get DD in gear to get ready.
Out the door by 8:00am
Drop DD off at school, head to work
(This is the time I was walking this past summer/fall between dropping her off and starting work, I sometimes have 20-30 minutes. Weather has been crappy since November, so sidewalks are not walkable!)
Work 9-5
Home by 5:30
Usually make dinner, clean up (it's usually pushing 7 by then)
Spend time with DD and hubby or on computer (this might be a good time to workout?)
Get DD ready for bed by 8:30
9pm MY TIME (or usually finishing up some housework or something!!!!)
In bed before 11 (or as some of you know, I turn into a pumpkin!!! ;) )

Phew! I'm tired just looking at that schedule! What's a girl to do? I KNOW I can do this. I also KNOW I HAVE to do this! How do the rest of you manage jobs and families and then get in the exercise? I'm sure there's a way to do this. I did it before, but somehow now it seems harder! UGH! I'm sorry to be whining...I just feel so overwhelmed sometimes by all of it! I wanted to plan some meals this weekend...and do some prep/cooking but ran out of time! So that's why Fly Lady will come in handy! I need to get back in control again!

Thanks for listening...and do know that I have read each and every entry here and am so proud of all of you for all the work you do to get yourselves healthy! I want to be proud of me...and I will be some day! I will remember that I have been sick for a while and thank you for that reminder. I will try not to be so hard on myself, but I'm gonna start crackin the whip here real soon!!!! (Tazer, anyone???) LOL!

Hugs,

[ChickNextDoor]

Well I never got the chance to bust out the bellydancing dvd this weekend. I'll post the name tomorrow. I did really workout well this weekend. I got a new magazine this weekend. It's called Looking Good Now! and it is from the makers of Shape & Men's Fitness. It is about real people losing weight. This is the premiere of this mag and it has awesome recipes and stories. The cost was just $1.99 and Walmart has it 10% off that. There are quite alot of exercises and motivational stuff. I did the exercise plan and it knocked me out. I totally dig this mag. There are some great exercises in it for when you just don't have alot of time. And not filled with advertisements for drugs either. ;)

Saturday I got on the treadmill for a hard powerwalk 1 mile. And did some weights. Crunches and butt lifts. Along with push ups and squats.

Then today I did the following

AM
1 mile on treadmill
weight exercises
crunches
butt lifts
push ups

PM
10 miles on bike
weight exercises
crunches
butt lifts
push ups
squats

I'm hoping for a good weigh in tomorrow. I changed it till Monday from Saturday. Doing a challenge with some friends and we all agreed to weigh in on Mondays. Please oh please let there be loss. :lol:

[miss_elisha]

Morning chicks!

Well, the scale is back up to 202.8 this morning. I hate these stupid daily fluctuations! (I know, I know, if I don't step on *every* day I won't see them!) But today is official.

I've decided to stop following South Beach and go back to calorie-counting. It wasn't working like it said it would, and I felt nauseaus all the time. I had a single slice of whole wheat toast with my breakfast yesterday and I felt SO much better. I'm still going to limit my sugar and processed carbs somewhat, but not as much. I'm also going to start posting my menus.

Breakfast:
coffee with splenda and FF half and half
bagel with FF cheese, LF mayo, egg, and sandwich steak (I've really been craving this, and I figure it's better homemade than at McD's!)

I don't know about the rest of my meals today, but I will post them this evening.

I'm excited about my gym visit tomorrow. In addition to counting calories, I've decided to exercise my butt off--literally! I've got to do something to get my metabolism moving again. I was hoping that SBD would do that, but apparently not. I'm going to try every machine in that gym until I find one I actually like that burns super calories! And then I'm going to buy one so I can use it at home!

Oh, and I've got to start drinking more water! Back to One Diet Soda Per Day, and THAT'S IT!

Julie, I know exactly what you mean. I understand that I lost weight last year, but I look at myself and I still see fat, and I still feel ugly. When I started SBD and told some of my friends about it, they all said that I looked fine and didn't need to lose more weight, yada yada yada. But I'm still not comfortable with myself. How do you explain that to someone who has never been unhappy with their body? I tell them the same thing I tell people about makeup: it's not about how you look, it's about how you feel, and I need to feel better. Well, that's what I tell the ones that matter. Everyone else I just smile and say thanks.

Anyway, I've gotta go get ready for work. I hope everyone is having a healthy, happy day! I'll be back this evening.
~Elisha

[gabwill]

well this weekend was horrible. On friday afternoon I weighed myself and added 3 lbs to my body (147). DD was sick with a runny nose but I did do my exercise that morning. Saturday, DD was feeling better so we were going to go to San Diego but I was feeling horrible... sore throat, runny nose, fever, so I didn't exercise. Then we ordered pizza that night so that was a waste. Yesterday we stayed home to watch the game and I was still feeling like crap but dd was completely better (well in the afternoon there were no more signs of sickness in her). Today I woke up feeling alot better even though my throat is still a bit sore. DH called from work to see how dd was feeling... nothing wrong with her and she even has her appetite back. Then I asked if he wanted to workout with me tonight (feeling good enough to do something today so figured that I would) and if not then I would workout before he got off and after this lady comes for dd's appt. Well he was feeling up to it as far as now goes so we will do something that won't take everything out of me and him. Anyway, that is all the time since I need to shower and get dd ready for this lady. Bye!

[hikein2005]

oh...so not good to me!!! Blah! It's rainy AND Monday today, so double whammy! On a good note...all the snow is melting away!!! But don't worry...it will be back soon! Temps will be plumetting and snow is on it's way! Ah...Winter in Michigan. Everyone I know has started tanning...winter blues! :( Sure makes one FEEL better with a little color on the skin! :o

OK...I plan to go workout as soon as DH leaves here in a minute. DD is working on homework (I know...in kingergarten!!!) so I should have some time to do that. Kitchen is cleaned up, food put away, I started folding laundry...but it will wait!

Anyway...food started out good today...got progressively worse as the day went on...

B-fast: 2 hard boiled eggs, a Zone bar & coffee w/ low carb creamer
Lunch: Small serving (2/3rd c.) mac & cheese, stewed tomatoes, 4 oz. hamburger
Supper: 3/4 cup spaghetti sauce & 1/2 cup spaghetti noodles, 2 pieces garlic bread

I haven't drank enough water yet today, but am chugging as I write this!

I wieghed in today...still at 170 (plus .5)!!! UGH!!! Like...I thought I would be any less??? :dizzy:

Gabrielle...way to go on exercising even when you don't feel good! You are a trooper and an inspiration!

Elisha...I felt the same way about SB. I guess some things just aren't right for some people!

Hope all the rest of you get to check in some time today!!!!

[MsRD]

Hello All!

Whew....made it thru Monday! A busy day at work, but that's just the kind that I like! A friend and I are making plans for a power shopping trip to an outlet mall in April.....wouldn't it be great if my weight was down and I could do some clothes shopping! I probably should set some kind of goal......but any weight loss would be okay with me.

Lucia.....There is nothing like a little success reflected on your scale to keep you motivated for the next few days!

Heather.....Sure I would share my Super Bowl Pool winnings.....if there were any! Lady Luck was not shining on me this year....maybe next year!

Julie......I think shovelling snow counts as a major workout! Good for you! I know how you feel.....it is hard to accept compliments when you don't feel you deserve them. I generally say something like...."Thanks....but the battle wages on." And, as far as being overwhelmed by my daily schedule.....I hear you on that one too! I just signed up for FlyLady for the first time last week, so I hoping that will make a difference!

Chick......that really sounds like a neat magazine. I will have to look for it in the stores!

Gabwill.....so sorry you had a 'sickie' weekend. It is just that time of year, and everybody I know is battling some kind of virus or flu. Glad DD is feeling better, and you are up for a workout!

I have to sit down tonight and pay the bills.....have a great evening, chickies! :)

[Hotcupojava]

Yeah, my "Walking Nazi B**ch" Sister talked me into doing my new WATP Walk Jog DVD. And as soon as the cool down started, she wanted to do it again. So we did. We walked through the jogging parts, on the second time through, but it actually felt good. Along with a sensible lunch and dinner and drinking water all day. Good Turtle. Good Turtle. Sunday my weigh in day went well. Three pounds down and it's during TOM. So I'm hoping that will be even better once my "visitors" leave. Okay, finishing a load of laundry to hang up and I'm off to bed. DUDE! That freaking fly on the banner of this page, buzzing, is driving me NUTZ! :mad:

[squabb56]

Hi Chickies :wave:

Gotta make it quick - promised myself only one hour on the computer a day (new rule). Hopefully this way I'll get more done and get to bed earlier.

Anyways just checking in and reading posts - everyone is doing so well.

For many of us life has it's challenges, ups and downs, flu's and colds, kids and work etc. etc. etc. and as long s we try to keep mindful of healthy eating we will be going in the right direction. My Dr. asked me the other day how long it took me to gain all the weight - he said it wasn't reasonable to expect to lose it quickly. He said a pound a month -- that even seems low to me.... But anyways as an old lady of 48 - I'm doing it for my health ... not to look like a 20 year old again.... my point is stick with it... don't give up and deal with the problems head on as they come along.

Anyways I ate OP today 26/26 (still have the last two for popcorn w/DH after I sign off). I did WATP 2 mile express, a 10 minute ab work out , a 10 minute buns and thighs workout and went for 2 15 minute brisk walks during my :coffee2: breaks. I have consumed 72 oz of liquid (water & herbal tea) today.

Anyways (seems to be the word of the day) I gotta FLY -- go read my emails.

:grouphug:

[Lucia-1]

Hi Chickies,

I kept my appointment with the nutritionist yesterday, and if I was expecting a pat on the back, I certainly didn't get it :lol: . She read through my food journal, and said that if I had left the iced coffee and cheesecake alone, I could probably have doubled my weight loss. Then she read through my exercise journal and said she wasn't very impressed by my lack of effort! I don't know if I caught her on a bad day, or what her problem was, but I didn't make another appointment as she told me too. Another thing I didn't do was come home and comfort myself with food :D . I've fought some battles to lose my #15, and I'm keeping on with what I'm doing! Anyway...that's my moan out of the way for today!

Eating has gone to plan today, and I walked for 45 minutes again this morning.

Squabb - I think anyone who has fought a battle with weight will be guilty at sometime of being impatient with how long it takes to see results. Your Dr sounds like a very reasonable man.

Turtle - WTG on the exercise and #3.

MsRD - Thanks for the encouragment, a loss does spur you on to bigger and better!

Julie - Hang in there! The scale will soon start to move in the direction you want ;) .

Have a great day everyone.

[scorchin]

Julie- Glad you got your walk in
Chick- You did a lot of exercisng wtg
Elisha- I had my husband hide my scale until my b-day otherwise I weigh on it everyday and if don't see what I want I get depressed.
Gab- GLad your feeling better and working out too.
Ms Rd- Darn I was looking forward to some spending money lol
hotcup- Sounds like you did a great workout
Joy- WTG on the water and exercise
Laucia- Hopefully you caught her on a bad day, she didn't sound very nice. I'm very proud of you for not eating after you got back.

Today I did my WATPS tape only 1ml though . School was tonight it was interesting we are doing a fun project that involves making stuff up I love those hehe. It will be our last project for that class. Tomorrow if its not raining me, hubby and dog are going to go walking at the park for two miles. I can't believe how out of shaped I have become in the last month. anyways, food was good today had 21 points this weeks pnt rng is 20-25. Well I"m off to bed nighty nite

[120by430]

Hi everyone! I'm Jess & new here, & if I'm not welcome then that's fine. I'm going to be 18 on the 26th. I started January at 140 pounds & was down to 134 on February 1st. My goal is a pound a week. I started out working out an hour/day for about 6 days a week. Then I plateaued a little bit & lost nothing one week. I (maybe falsely) attributed it to exercising, because I didn't exercise for the last week & 1/2 of the month & that worked for me. But this week I decided to just work out an hour/day & not weigh in at all until Saturday (my weigh in day) & see if exercise really slows my weight loss down. So my goal for this week is to exercise an hour per day. I'll update on Saturday with my result!

[squabb56]

Morning :wave:

Just a quick welcome to Jess :goodvibe: Nice to have you here, the more the merrier I say.

Scorchin - My DH and I were discussing how out of shape we were from about 2 years ago when we were hiking and walking every day. We have a Sun Run in Vancouver in April - DH is joining a work club to run it - I think I'll go and hopefully walk run (Walk one minute - run one minute). It is 10K - so we have to really start training now - sure doesn't take long to get out of shape.... but at least it's not 2 years for you :D


Lucia - What a difference between the messages from my doctor and your nutritionist.... I think you are doing a great job - being really motivated and keeping on plan

Hotcup - Sounds like I need to buy a copy of the walk/jog dvd to get my training started - Way to go - doing it twice. :cp:

MsRD - Shopping in April - WHOO HOO what a great ST goal & reward :yes:

Hikein - How was the workout with DH :?: The weather definately affects me too but I haven't gone for any color yet .... but maybe I will ...

Gabwill - good this we can re-new our goals whenever we need to Monday - looks like a fresh start.... You can do it - plus if your mindful always - your not doing that bad. {{gabwill}}

Miss Elisha - I want to work my "butt off" too - but literally :lol3:

Gotta get to work - will check in later.

:grouphug:

[miss_elisha]

Howdy chicks!

This will be a short one as I have to get ready for my first-ever gym session!

Eating has not been great these past few days. Since going off the SBD I kind of went crazy and had all the stuff I've been avoiding for 2 weeks. I hope I've gotten it all out of (or back into, whichever way you want to look at it) my system. I did stick to my One Diet Soda Per Day rule yesterday. Steve stayed over last night and fixed me a big breakfast. But it's ok, because I'm going to work it off today! Then Mom and I are going to look at some home exercise equipment. She wants a strength-training machine, I want cardio, but we both recognize the need for both, so I told her if she would help with the finances I might consider getting both. We'll have an entire home gym! Wouldn't that be awesome?!

One other note--you're all talking about tanning beds (Julie!)--don't do it! Those are so bad for you! Not only can the light cause cancer, but sun damage (even fake sun) ages your skin faster than anything else, making you look older than you are. Invest in a good self-tanner, they're much healthier and much more cost effective! Take my word for it, ladies, I'm a beauty advisor! :lol:

Ok, I've gotta run. Everyone have a great day!
~Elisha

[ChickNextDoor]

Lucia-Your nutritionist sounds like a freak. I might have just walked out on all that 'supportivness'. LOL!! I'm glad you laughed it off and didn't need the comforts of food. I'm very proud of you b/c I tend to grab something when my feelings get hurt and that just causes more troubles. So way to go!!

Julie-I haven't had a chance to respond to your earlier post but I have a second. I read what you were posting about not having the time and it really made me think. There are days when I get so overwhelmend with taking care of everything and everyone, that I just sit down and cry. :( I started just telling whoever that I needed a minute and went and did a few short exercises or got on my bike for a couple of miles. Every little bit helps and it usually helped with my mood. Good luck to you though hun, it's really rough when you feel like you are trying your best and still getting beat down.

To everyone else, I think you guys are awesome. Each of you has a great outlook and know where you are going and where you have been. Keep it up!!

Schools out here for the flu so I'm entertaining kiddos today and for the rest of the week. Hopefully that means I get a little extra workout time when we get up though. My oldest can entertain the littles. Today has been a great eating day and exercising too. Still have 7 pounds to ditch before the 21st. I know that might not happen but I'm thinking positively.

Good day all...

[Lucia-1]

Hi Chickies

Thanks for the encouraging words about my visit to the nutritionist. To be fair to her it was only her second week at her new workplace. However, I am not going back, I have come so far in the last twelve months, and for me, the fact that I didn't drown my feelings with food is significant. Anyway, I have all the support I need here with this great group :D .

Joy - The walk/run 10K sounds like a great fitness goal, and you are giving yourself plenty of training time :bravo: !

Chick - I read your comment about becoming overwhelmed at times by taking care of everything and everyone. I can identify with this. It seems to be mostly women who carry this burden. There are days when I feel I just could not cope with one more demand or request made of me. I have realised my inability to say no was one of the major reasons I used food for comfort. Keep positive about the #7 ;) .

That's all for now, have a great day everyone.

[MsRD]

Hello all! :wave:

Being a creature of habit, after breakfast each morning, I toddle out to the kitchen, put my dishes in the dishwasher and then take 2 Tums (for calcium) and 1 multiple vitamin pill. Until this morning, that is......put my dishes away and then took 1 Tums and 2 vitamins! :rofl: Zowie! Have I had energy today!

JavaTurtle.....did I tell you the scale was going to be kind to you this week? Three pounds! You get a gold star for that one!

Squabb.....one pound a month does sound frustratingly low, but Dr may have a point there. And, while you are at it, if the end result is looking like a 20-year-old, I'd take it!

Lucia......glad you blew off that bonehead of a nutritionist (and I don't care if she is new!) I don't think I would go back either! You have accomplished quite a lot in the past year, and you deserve the praise that goes with it. Stick with us....we'll get each other thru this.

Scorchin.....Taking a walk in the park sounds so good! I have been cooped up in the house for waaayyy too long this winter, and am looking forward to getting out with the dog!

Jess......Welcome! We are always happy to have new people! Your workout schedule is incredible.....as is the results you have been seeing on the scale! I can see you are going to be an inspiration to me!

Elisha......your out of control eating makes me think that maybe it is your body making up for something it was missing on SBD.....all the more reason to try a diet plan that is healthier for you! I would love a home gym......let us know what you decide on!

Chick.....You are doing so great on your eating and exercise! You may just make that goal after all!

Way too tired tonight......can't figure out if it is the late nights or the early mornings that are getting to me!

[Hotcupojava]

Howdy all. Thanks for the applause on my loss.

I'm striving to do even better this week. I think I may be getting a cold. I've been feeling a bit fever-y and my throat felt sore, but the hot tea I had when I got here, helped. The popcorn too.

I'm going to figure out how to respond to you all, sooner or later. Sitting here at work, with nothing else to, you'd think I'd get this figured out. Hmpff.

I'm bored. Somebody CONTACT ME. :lol:

[miss_elisha]

Morning chicks!

Motivation level: 8

The gym was awesome! It totally kicked my butt though, and I'm a little sore today as a result. That's ok, it's nothing I can't handle. I was going to go back today and just do cardio (since I did an entire strength training circuit yesterday), but my calves are protesting that plan of action, so I guess I'll take the day off. I might do some yoga or pilates though. And back to cardio tomorrow!

Eating, however, was not good. I'll spare you the details, but know that it was gruesome. And I didn't drink nearly enough water. I woke up this morning with a splitting headache (3rd day in a row I've had a headache), and that usually only happens when I get dehydrated, so my goal for the day is to drink a *lot* of water.

We went to look at equipment, and even my brother went. I decided to go for an elliptical, simply because the gazelle doesn't seem sturdy at all and Mom thinks she would fall off. Yeah, they're more fun, but they also seem more likely to break and/or cause injury. We found a bowflex-type machine on clearance that I would LOVE to have, but I don't have the money for it just yet. If it's still there when I do get money, it's mine. I doubt it will be though, it was a really good deal, and the last one.
*sigh*
I'm going with the elliptical, and if Mom wants to help pay for a strength machine that's good too.

Ok chicks, I've gotta go. I'm going to attempt to eat healthy today, which means I have to find something different for breakfast. :lol:

Have a great day, chicks!
~Elisha

[hikein2005]

I am gonna start taking names and kicking butts if I don't see some certain people posting here more regularly!!!! You know who you are!!! Get your butts over here and post! I don't want any excuses!

Happy Chinese New Year...the Year of the Rooster. I celebrated today with, of course...Chinese food and plenty of it! I spent the afternoon with my DD's Kindergarten class telling them all about Chinese New Year, doing crafts and educational stuff, like learning how to count in Chinese! It was so much fun! I loved it and so did she!

I did not exercise yesterday. I plan to yet tonight, but need to make a run to Walmart first! It's Aunt Flo's time to visit and I was not prepared! ;)

Not much else to say. Hope everyone is well!

Elisha...glad you got your workout equipment. Sounds like a whole lot of fun!
Your home sounds like it will be, if not already, a virtual gym! Glad you enjoyed the gym experience too! It can be intimidating if you've never gone before. It was for me!

Hugs!

[Lucia-1]

Hi,

Just a quick post before I head off to work. I have a later start today, so I'm having another :coffee: before I go. It's been raining all night, so I haven't been for my walk this morning. I'll get my WATP DVD out this evening.

MsRD - Thanks for your support re: nutritionist. I didn't expect sympathy from her, but I do need some understanding, and I think only those who have/had a weight problem can give that. That's why I keep checking in here ;) .

Julie - Your afternoon at your daughter's kindergarten sounds fun! It's great for children to be exposed to other cultures, they are always so open to new things.

Well chickies, my coffee mug is empty, guess I'd better haul myself off to work. Have a great day.

[gabwill]

well yesterday was good. I did 45 min. cardio, 40 min kickboxing and 35 min strength training. When hubby got home yesterday we started kickbutt video but we only did 20 minutes of it since he wasn't feeling up to any more. I figured that it would be wise and take a bit more time then his dr suggested since he was feeling bad afterwards. It is sad since he has always been active and that is one of the slowest dvds I have (least impact and everything) and we were talking about him joining the bball team for his squadron on base since he hasn't played with the league since we were in NO. He loved it but it got too much to take on with him working two jobs and me working over night we would never see each other so he quit (back then we were just saving money and now since we don't have that money saved any more we want more now LOL). NOw since he can't even get through that I doubt that he will be physical on the court with other marines. I don't know I feel bad for him since he is the one that got me off the couch and in the gym in the first place (I was very wide at one time and only now am I slimming down even though I am still wide and want to get rid of that).

Today I haven't done anything. As soon as DD woke up, I dressed her, fed her, took a shower, did my hair and hers and we went job hunting... have so many applications to fill out tonight so taht I can bring them back tomorrow. Well I have to go. She is too cranky and needs a nap but doesn't want one since she thinks I am doing something. Guess I have to go.

[MsRD]

HI!

Grrrr.......I am so mad right now,:mad: I c