A Rewarding Challenge

[TBJ333]

Hello! :wave:

This thread is a new challenge that will start on December 1 and end on December 29. Anyone is welcome to join. Everybody on the challenge threads supports one another, and together we will succeed! :D

***
THE DETAILS

Put simply, in this challenge you will set goals for yourself, and then reward yourself for meeting those goals. We'll use a point system to keep track of our progress, but... this challenge is not a competition among members! It's about personal accountability, not earning more points than another person. :strong:

Step One: Choose three rewards. Let one of the rewards be small, one medium, and one big.

Step Two: Set an overall major goal that you would like to accomplish at the end of the four weeks. Make the major goal something that really would be a challenge.

Step Three: At the beginning of each week, set three goals for that week.

Step Four: At the end of each week, award yourself one point for each goal that you met.

Step Five: At the end of the challenge, add up all your points.

Step Six: Reward yourself!

If you earn at least four points, you will earn your small reward. :D

If you earn at least eight points, you will earn both your small and medium rewards. :carrot:

If you earn twelve points...
OR if you earn at least eight points AND meet your overall major goal that you set for yourself for the month...
you will earn all your rewards. :balloons:

***

If you join us after December 1, PM me and I'll do the math to see how many points you'll need to make your various goals.

I'll post an example. Anybody who has questions, PM me. It would be easier if each of you could keep track of your own points, but if you want, you can PM me at the end of each week and I'll keep track for you.

:goodluck:

[TBJ333]

An example based on my goals...


Step One:

Small reward -- Pedicure
Medium reward -- A nice new suit
Big Reward -- A new bike


Step Two:

Overall major goal -- Lose six pounds. Extremely challenging for me!


Step Three:

Three goals for the week starting December 1:
1. Drink four glasses of water per day.
2. Exercise four times.
3. Eat twenty-four servings of fruits/vegetables.


On December 7, I would award myself a point for each goal that I met. On December 8, I would start over with another list of three goals. I would do the same for December 15 and 22. On December 29, I would add up my points and reward myself.

Wishing success to all of us!

[Forestdawn]

Step One:

Small reward -- New Book
Medium reward -- Pair of good joggers
Big Reward -- Exersize equipment


Step Two:

Overall major goal -- Lose six pounds. If I do that I will be at a new record.


Step Three:

Three goals for the week starting December 1:
1. Do 10 pushups and 30 crunches every second day.
2. Exercise Daily 30 mins.
3. Eat vegetarian/fish 6 days a week. Meat one day or less per week.


There are my goals.

Count me in! :D

[Yogini]

Step One:

Small reward -- Try out a new NIA/Belly Dancing Class
Medium reward --Mix CD from a friend/other low-cost, high value gift
Big Reward -- Take a day off of work JUST FOR ME!


Step Two:

Overall major goal -- Lose 10 pounds.


Step Three:

Three goals for the week starting December 1:
1. Get more sleep.
2. Exercise every day and weight train at least 3 times this week.
3. Eat enough calories (stop restricting so much) and focus on getting more protein!

[Betani]

This sounds fun!

My rewards:

Small= a new sewing pattern
Medium= one of those nifty banana hangers
Large= a new book

My overall goal:

Lose 5 lbs and firmly establish a new healthy habit

Week 1 goals:

1. Log all meals and snacks on paper
2. Include some protein with all meals and snacks
3. No snacks after 9pm, unless it's fruits and/or vegetables

[miss_elisha]

Step One:
Small reward -- Hair Cut
Medium reward -- Step (for step aerobics)
Big Reward -- Sirius radio receiver (granted I don't get one for Xmas :lol: )


Step Two:
Overall major goal -- Lose around 5 pounds/make it to or below 210 (I'm around 214.? right now)

Step Three:
Three goals for the week starting December 1:
1. Eat ONLY 1500-1600 calories per day.
2. Exercise 45+ minutes per session, 5 times per week.
3. Eat 1 fruit and 2 vegetables each day.

[TBJ333]

Welcome, Yogini and Forestdawn!

Betani and Elisha, good to see youse here. :D

[PhysDom]

Step One:

Small reward -- New sports bra
Medium reward -- New workout DVDs (dancing, maybe?)
Big Reward -- New pair of pants for my new job


Step Two:

Overall major goal -- Start and **maintain** a regular workin-out routine.


Step Three:

Three goals for the week starting December 1:
1. Pilates 5 out of 7 days.
2. Research/begin a weight training at home regimen.
3. Journal all of my food for 6 of 7 days.

[Betani]

PhysDom, Yogini, Forestdawn... :welcome2:

PhysDom-- creating and maintaining an exercise routine was my goal last month. It can be done!! I still struggle with the weekends, but that's another habit ;)

Elisha-- I'd love a step someday, but I'm afraid it would be uber-noisy in my upstairs apartment.

Yogini-- I'm with you at not being good at rewarding myself. Even if I stay on track, I feel like I was supposed to all along and don't deserve a reward for it. Money's tight for me too. $6 for a new paperback is a major reward for me!

Forestdawn-- A good pair of shoes can make all the difference. If I hadn't invested in a decent pair of cross-trainers, I wouldn't have been able to get myself to exercise at all!

TBJ-- Hey, are we allowed to repeat a goal multiple weeks? Since I want to make paper food logging my habit for the month, I'd like to make that goal a constant. I'll change the other two each week, though.

[PhysDom]

Yogini-
An idea: I happen to love mix CDs. So maybe one of your rewards would be getting someone to make and send you a CD? It means work for someone else, but I can't imagine that people would mind. If I still have computer CD/burner access when you reach your goals, remind me, and I'll make you one.
Emily.

[Extrinsic Rapture]

I've definetly going to join. I need to think first. One thing at a time LOL

~Rosie~

[Forestdawn]

Thanks for the welcome :) It's day one for me as I'm from Australia. I kept telling myself yesterday I wasn't going to splurge this time but after dinner I weakened and had some chocolate... oh well I'm fully motivated today! I've just been for a 10 min jog/walk So that's not a bad start to the day. With luck I'll have a perfect day today.

Good luck all

Dawn

[Mom2Gillian-n-Alexan]

Step One:

Small reward -- New Shoes
Medium reward -- New Pants and Shirt
Big Reward -- A new bike


Step Two:

Overall major goal -- Lose 10 pounds


Step Three:

Three goals for the week starting December 1:
1. Drink 8 glasses of water per day.
2. Exercise four times.
3. Check and post on this board for support when I am being tempted.

Those small goals may not seem like alot (the support) but, I really have a hard time accepting help and support from others. It is something I need to over come to do this.

[TBJ333]

Welcome, Mom2-Gillian-n-Alexan! Can we shorten your name when we respond to you? :) And your pictures are so cute! Congratulations on your weight loss so far.

All right Dawn, you're the first person up and running... Literally, since you've been jogging. :p

Emily, that was really nice of you to offer to make someone a mix CD. :) Welcome to the group.

Sure, Betani, you can repeat goals. You can repeat as many of them as often as you want. That would be a good way of forming a habit... and I've heard that it takes 28 days to form a habit, so this challenge would be perfect for that.

***

OK, recently, my eating habits have been poor as far as fruits and veggies are concerned. One of my goals for the first week is to eat more produce. Four servings a day will beat my goal.

Here's to a good start tomorrow. :D

[Mom2Gillian-n-Alexan]

Thanks for the warm welcome! Yeah, my name is Cristi, I will add that to my siggy soon hehe

[JoyG56]

Hi :wave: Don't start without me... I'm here.

Step One:
Small reward -- go to the pool for a steam bath
Medium reward -- new exercise dvd (or) new Santana cd
Big Reward -- Christmas outfit
Step Two:
Overall major goal: Lose TEN pounds.
Step Three:
Three goals for the week starting December 1:
1. Get to be by 10pm.
2. Exercise five times.
3. Stay under 1500 calories.
TOTAL Points to date
December 7:
December 14:
December 21:
December 29:

[miss_elisha]

Morning chicks!

:welcome: to Cristi, Dawn, Emily, and Yogini! It's so nice to have you with us! Always love getting new people in our little group!

OK, well, I'm just going to jump right in here!
Today, I feel mentally better, but my body feels not so great. I think I'm getting sick. I hope I'm not getting what my mom had... she was sick as a dog for 2 whole weeks! I don't get sick very often, and when I do it's usually not that bad, but if I'm not feeling better by this afternoon, I'm heading home to curl up under my electric blanket with a cup of hot tea!

I did get in my 30 minutes of Yourself!Fitness last night, even though I *really* didn't want to. I also reset my workout schedule so all of my workouts are 45 minutes. Tonight will be 45 minutes, then tomorrow is my scheduled day off.
If I have time today I am going to make out a calendar and count up all my exercise minutes for the month and incorporate that into my monthy goals. I was doing so very well with exercise the entire month of November, then there at the end I felt myself starting to slip. I WILL NOT let that happen! I've made so much progress in that area and I am NOT going to backtrack! Period.

I didn't weigh this morning. Mostly because food was terrible yesterday, about 1900 calories terrible, and it was all junk. I just could not stop eating. I got hit by the urge to eat something crunchy... there's this big jar of pretzels in our office, and I made about a zillion trips over there, getting only a couple at a time, telling myself that this was my last one. Then I go home... I was half right... Mom didn't get anything out for dinner. I started to make myself a turkey burger and she come into the kitchen and asks if we can cook dinner together. Yeah, ok. Cooking dinner together entails her watching me and maybe getting out the can opener or a spoon or something while I cook. She wants to make chicken enchiladas. Enchiladas take a while to make, and I was hungry before I got home, so she mixes up some salsa con quesa and we have some tortilla chips while we're cooking. Luckily there wasn't much cheese, so it could have been worse.
But it was ok. I didn't finish my enchiladas. We also made some veggies to go with them, so that was good too.

Anyway, ramble ramble ramble...

So I got in my required 30 minutes of exercise, but I still didn't get enough sleep.

Today... eh. Calories should be ok. I planned for the crunchy craving and brough some reduced-fat whole grain Triscuits and a slice of FF cheese. Lunch is roast turkey and veggies (frozen dinner, of course of course).

Oh, and I finally paid some bills and balanced my checkbook, and I have more money than I thought I did, so I may be able to get a couple things at the store, namely fruit. Or I may just have Steve pick some things up for me. Mmm... I want a big crunchy apple. And some tomatoes and cucumbers. Yum.

OK, more rambling. I need to be doing work. Have a good day, chicks!
~Elisha

[Betani]

Not off to a very good start today. Started my workout, but had to quit half way through because of bad side and stomach cramps. Then had to drop everything to get to work in time when I found out it was snowing. Got to work to find everyone unloading extra Christmas cookies in our department. (People must think we don't eat or something...)

Anyway, I did at least get 15 minutes of my workout DVD done, and I logged my breakfast so far, and all I had when I got to work was a cup of decaf with a little bit of creamer. I'm about to go have my morning snack of a grapefruit, a handful of almonds, and a bottle of water.

I hope to be back later for comments. I've had a meeting that lasted longer than I'd thought, so I've got a lot of catch-up work to do!

[Mom2Gillian-n-Alexan]

Today has been okay, I actually had a bowl of cereal for bfast this morning, I think that may be one of my future goals, I dont eat well in the mornings, then in the eves I totally make up for it. So far I have had about half a 32 oz cup of water. YAY!

I was going to go for a walk today, but well 7 inches of that white cold crap in my driveway makes that impossible. I will do my Walk away the pounds dvd when the kids nap.

[TBJ333]

Ooo, I have a giant buise on my arm! Jujitsu class last night. I flopped around the floor again when doing matwork. But I dug the joint locks. Thus the bruise. :)

So far today I've had one glass of water and one class of fruit juice. If it's hot right now, I might go swimming. Plus I should practice some rolls, at least a little.

***

Julie -- Here's a tazer to make you go to the doctor: TAZE!!! Thanks for the compliments on jujitsu. :) I can't see myself flipping gracefully yet, but I sure can see myself flopping around like a snake trying to stand up... just like what happened last night! :lol: I'm taking my bike into the shop today. My plan is to bike on the four days of the week that I don't do jujitsu.

MsRD -- Don't worry about December. Do the best you can. :)

Joy -- Welcome! Glad you made it here! Ooo, steam bath, that sounds relaxing.

Elisha -- Ooo, the calendar sounds interesting. Mind if I copy your idea?

Betani -- Christmas cookies... maybe they'll be the bad dry kind instead of the good gooey kind? One can always hope... :D

Cristi -- Sounds like you have a good start to your day.

***

Last night I was high on endorphins with the pain from class. So I went to the grocery store to do my shopping for this weeks challenge, and I bought fruits and veggies. But people were staring at me in the store.

Picture this: A woman with many tattoos walks into the store, and she's wearing all black. Her shirt advertises a tattoo shop in Minnesota. She's covered in sweat, and she doesn't smell particularly like roses. She has a big red blotch halfway up the forearm. And she looks a little high.

:lol3:

Anyway, I went home bone-tired and slept for a good nine hours.

Happy day to you all!

[Forestdawn]

Well yesterday was ok. I did my 30 mins of exersize and ate vegetarian. I did eat too much but at least it's a start. I put of my crunches so today I made sure I've done them. Haven't been for a walk/jog yet as it's raining but will see if I can't fit that in later.




Cristi - My what beautiful children you have :)

Miss Elisha - Hope your feeling better today, so hard to diet when you're sick, although you don't feel as hungry.


Betini - How did the rest of your day go? Getting 15 mins of workout video done is much better then none.

[Yogini]

Yogini-
An idea: I happen to love mix CDs. So maybe one of your rewards would be getting someone to make and send you a CD? It means work for someone else, but I can't imagine that people would mind. If I still have computer CD/burner access when you reach your goals, remind me, and I'll make you one.
Emily.


Emily, you know...that is a GREAT idea and VERY sweet of you to offer! If you are able to do it when the time comes, that would be cool! If not, the offer warmed my heart all the same :hug:

Betani, I relate! A $6 book is a big reward at this point to me too! I am working on getting better about taking time for and pampering myself. I am working through feeling the same as you describe...that I SHOULD be doing the best I can ANYWAY so a "reward" isn't necessary...BUT I'M WRONG! We all deserve rewards! I'm going to fill in the reward blanks with nice and nurturing (health-related) things that won't cost lots of $$$ right now :)

[honey-dipped]

STEP ONE:
Small reward: earrings
Medium reward: tanita body scale
Big reward: hair straightening

STEP TWO:
Goal: 7 lbs lost

STEP THREE:
Week one goal:
1. exercise 5 times this week
2. walk dog twice this week
3. keep track of calorie intake

[MsRD]

Hello All!

I just finished a long beautiful post, only to have it blasted out into the outer limits of cyberspace......this is getting to be an irritating habit!

But I'm here, and ready for this challenge.
Small reward - earrings
medium reward - new shoes
large reward - new outfit

Major goal - down 5lbs by month end..
Goals for week 1:
1. calories under 1600 every day
2. 180 minutes of exercise per week
3. journal every day

TBJ.....thank you for setting this challenge up for us! I was dreading trying to stay OP this holiday season, and this really makes it fun!

Dawn....Welcome! You are off to a good start already....wow!

Yogini....It is so important to take care of ourselves, and a little pampering never hurt either....even if it is a cup of tea and 15 minutes to ourselves.

betani....This Christmas cookies have started already? My dear coworker brought in cheesecake this AM, but mercifully cut it in very very small pieces so we could enjoy with only minimum guilt

elisha....hope you are feeling better, chickie! This is not the time of year to get sick! do you take any vitamins?

Emily....Welcome! It is so good to see new faces!

Rosie....you are all checked in...have you got your goals set?

Cristi....You children are beautiful! Don't apologize for 'small goals' because those are the ones that make the big goals happen!

Joy....We are both down for a new outfit at the end of this challenge! You and I will be stylin!

Honey....so glad you are here! And, by the way, what is a tanita body scale?

Christmas is less than 3 weeks away (we are celebrating dec 18)....so I better go take the turkeys and jack o lanterns off the fireplace mantel!

[JoyG56]

Hi everybody :wave:

I'm so proud of your efforts WTG

.... me .........I'm off to a P$$$ poor start GRRR... Got 3/4 through a giant cinnamon bun with cream cheese icing for breakfast before I remembered I was going to be counting calories starting again today

Tomorrow will be better. :halffull:

[icedragon6669]

Hi guys

Mind another member!

I might have to think mine out
lets see!

Small reward: ?
Medium Reward: New joggers (properly fitting!)
Big Reward: ?? i really want a proper gym rowing machine, but cannot afford it? maybe being able to put some money away for one?
Biggest reward (reaching my fitness/weight goals!): being able to proceed my application for a job, that requires a strict fitness guidline......... this is my ultimate goal that i must keep in my mind!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I CAN DO IT!!!!!!
?
Big goal : get to 182 pounds (5 pounds off) AND maintain a fitness reguime!

This weeks goals:
1 - 2 cardio workouts, 1 weights workouts ( cardio 1 done!!, weights 1 done!))
2 - calories between 1700-1900 (lately i have been going too low)
3 - drink 4 glasses of water each day!

I am running short of time. i will be back to complete the rewards after i think about it (for a person who is happy with what she has, and wanting for nothing , that is a challange!!!!!!!!)

Sonja

[fitgal2]

Step One:

Small reward -- Magazine subscription
Medium reward -- A new outfit
Big Reward -- A personal trainer


Step Two:

Overall major goal -- Lose 5 pounds. Gain 2lbs muscle


Step Three:

Three goals for the week starting December 1:
1. Drink four bottles of water per day.
2. Cardio four times. Weights 3 times
3. Eat clean-no "treats"

[hikein2005]

but here none the less!
Hi everyone! You don't think you could have dumped me that fast, do you???? LOL!

I need to get with the program. As usual, it has been a super busy week for me...end of month which means the always dreaded extra work brought home and then work is busier than usual with Christmas right around the corner! Last night...we went to visitation of a friend of ours who just passed away. Tonight, there's more socializing and out! It's just crazy, I tell you...

BUT...I am holding my own and NOT giving up! I have been logging all my food since Sunday, and Ihave stayed between 1000-1500 every day!!!! (I peeked and got on the scale...I'm back down to 177 which is now my starting point thankfully) Wooo HOOO!

So...Here's my goals for this challenge!

Step One:
Small reward -- some scrapbooking supplies
Medium reward -- new exercise dvd (something for the bike...any ideas?)
Big Reward -- Manicure & Pedicure

Step Two:
Overall major goal: Lose TEN pounds (this is HUGE for me!)

Step Three:
Three goals for the week starting December 1:
1. E-bike 30 minutes 3 times a week and 40 minutes once.
2. Pack my lunches & plan my dinners the night before.
3. Journal every bite & Stay under 1500 calories.

TOTAL Points to date (You'll have to refresh me as to how this works)
December 7:
December 14:
December 21:
December 29:

[hikein2005]

A big welcome to all the "new" faces that we have not seen before on this challenge board! It's great to have new "blood"! I'll get back to comment sometime this weekend...I promise!

[malpay]

Hey everyone! I am new to this board but would love to participate with this challenge!

Step One-
Sm Reward- girls night movie, no boys!
Med Reward- Refill's for my Scrapbooks
Large Reward- New Perfume

Step Two-

Overall goal- Get up with my Husband in the morning and work out before the girls get up! I have never been a morning person! He keeps telling me how wonderful and peaceful the mornings are!

Step Three-
3 goals for the week-
1. Work out 5 of 7 days, days off will be when Payton has to be to school early
2. Journel food everyday and only one Diet Pepsi, if even any
3. No eating after 7:30pm

So far this is working for me! We have been blanketed by snow, so today's cardio will be sledding with the girls! I think that I will have more fun! :dance:

[PhysDom]

Ok, here's the deal:
I decided to join 3 challenges in one day!!

I have barely even started and I realize that I can't have poor results in all three right away and still feel good.

So I'm dropping this one for the 21-day Challenge (it lets me start over, a bit more forgiving!) and a Dec. Challenge on the 20-somethings forum that counts minutes of exercise during the month (so that I still have plenty of time to catch up!)

I've been focusing so hard on eating, I don't know that I can manage this all, too!

But expect me to be back for the next one, oh yes...

[Betani]

I weighed in at 154 in the morning, so that makes my goal for the month to get down to 149, which is where I was at before I started gaining weight again.

Food Intake:
Breakfast= oatmeal, skim milk, black tea, water
AM Snack= grapefruit, almonds, water
Lunch= mixed greens salad, low-fat string cheese stick, kiwifruit, 1 girl scout cookie, green tea
PM Snack= apple, 2 bite-size reduced fat girl scout cookies, almonds, water
Dinner= pork chop, smashed potatoes
Nighttime Grazing= 2 bowls Kashi Go-Lean, reduced fat peanut butter sandwich, low-fat string cheese stick

Well, I didn't eat after 9, but I did graze too much in the evening. From 5-10pm is my worst time for mindless eating. I'm so tempted to try an over-the-counter appetite supressant. I've struggled with this for as long as I can remember.

I haven't been sleeping well for some reason the past week or so, and this morning it caught up with me. I called off sick today to recover. I slept 5 extra hours, and I'm feeling better already. Praise God for paid sick days and an understanding boss!

***

Yogini-- By chance, have you heard of Flylady.net? Joy told me about it a couple challanges ago, and it's really helped me not be so hard on myself. She helps develope a new habit each month, and this month's habit is learning how to pamper yourself. Flylady's not really about weight loss, but she's a queen about household sanity.

PhysDom-- Wow, 3 challanges at once is a lot to juggle! You're certainly welcome to visit us and get to know everyone, though!

malpay-- :welcome2: I was never a morning person either, but just for the heck of it I tried getting up way earlier to do my exercise DVD when no one could see me (I'm very self-concious). I was amazed how easy it is as long as I get to bed by 10pm. Now, from 5-7am is my most productive time of day!

Hikein-- End of month work. Ugh. For me, the Tuesday after the second Wednesday of each month is busiest. That's budget cut-off before the board meeting, and lots of stuff has to be done and ready to be paid off, because checks only get cut once a month. Great job staying in your calorie range!

Fitgal-- :welcome2: Gaining muscle is a great goal. I really need to focus on that, but that's a few baby steps away for me. :)

Sonja-- :welcome2: A reward doesn't have to be an object. You could treat yourself to a day trip somewhere you don't usually get to go, or go see a new show, or find a local class to learn a new hobby. You could really get creative with this. :)

Joy-- Don't worry about the cinnamon bun, and you don't have to wait until tomorrow. Remember, your next healthy meal is only 2 hours away!

MsRD-- Remember, the Clipboard is your friend. It's not easy, but if you get into the habit of highlighting and copying what you have every few minutes, you haven't lost much because it's still on your clipboard, and you can easily paste what you already have when you start over.

Honey-dipped--:welcome2: Ohh, I covet that scale. I've heard nothing but good reviews from people who have it. It's on my Christmas wish list.

Forestdawn-- The way I see it, eating too much on a veggie day isn't bad at all because the benefits from the healthier food outweigh the extra calories. The only way it could possibly be bad is if you don't exercise at all, or if it is a permanent habit.

TBJ-- I have to admit that I would be curious seeing you in a store without knowing you at all, but I've worked with the public long enough to know not to make assumptions. I admire you. I would love to take a class like that!

Christi-- :welcome2: Your children are beautiful! Leslie Sansone has been a life saver for me, but my body has gotten too used to her workouts, so I've changed DVDs for a while. I'm currently doing "Crunch Cardio Salsa" for a while, then I'll rotate to something else when my body gets too used to that. I miss exercising outside, but I work out so early that it's way too dark to see my watch, and I don't have any other kind of timer I can use. I'd walk forever if there wasn't anything to stop me!

[Forestdawn]

How is everyone going on the challenge? I managed to get my exersize in yesterday. Ate vegetarian but had a little too much cheese with my baked potatoes. I'm feeling good, If not low enough calorie at least I'm eating super healthy so it's a start.

[TBJ333]

Hello, everybody.

The less-junk-food strategy did not work. I tried it for a month, but I gained two pounds. Most likely, I overate in order to compensate. Now I need to think of a different strategy. I am going to go back to calorie counting, because I know that works, and then think up another idea.

So, now I have 8 pounds to lose for my "big goal." Um, that's really a challenge... I might just have to settle for the weekly successes. Although I do like having a goal weight.

***
Malpay -- :welcome:

Julie -- WTG on logging your food! I get my bike back today, so I'm starting biking tomorrow. Maybe next week I'll have one of my goals be the bike training.

Fitgal -- :welcome:

Sonja -- :welcome: What kind of job are you hoping to get? Sounds like good motivation.

Joy -- At least you only went 3/4 of the way...

MsRD -- Hey, I'm going for a new outfit, too, even if that new outfit is a conservative suit. :)

Honey-Dipped -- :welcome:

***

Yesterday was fine. I ate my f/v, exercised for 25 minutes (practiced those darn jujitsu rolls...), and drank water.

Like I said, I'm going to have to go back to counting calories. But I'll wait for next week to make that a formal goal, even though I'm starting again today.

Waaaa! :( I wanted to hit the 30 lbs. lost mark today... *sniffle*

Anyway, happy weekend, everybody.

[babsisawinner]

:) Hi to all you Challenging Chicks,

Welcome to Cristi. Real happy to have you join us.

I'm feeling a bit down today. Had my JC weigh in last night and had gained 1.1. So I'm back to my stinkin' thinkin'...I'm a failure etc. etc. ....

So I have to get that ole postive attitude going.
:sunny:

1. Wow! total loss 12.1 lbs.
2. I have a great smile
3. I am doing something about 'the weight problem"
4. I love myself for who I am right now.
5. I have started posting instead of isolating.

Thanks ...it's so great knowing I'm not alone.

So...yes I'm in the Dec Challenge.

Need to work out my goals and rewards.
I'll get to you all on the details.

Do know that keeping a food and exercise journal has to be part of it. I'm sure that is where I went wrong last week.

Thanks for being there.

Love ya,

Babs

[MsRD]

Happy Friday!
We took our physical inventory at work on Wednesday and now are knee-deep in data entry. It is a mind-numbing venture, but once my eyes cross and my brain turns to oatmeal, I will be fine. :dizzy:

Joy...Those cinnamon rolls are soooo good. But I think you get a gold star for stopping halfway through!:)

Sonja....Welcome! Thinking of rewards was hard for me too! :headache: But I think they are important....some tangible something that reminds us of our success!

Fitgal....You have some great goals there! :high: what magazine are you hoping to subscribe to?

Julie....I wondered where you were..:?: ..maybe under a snowbank somewhere? Hooray for the good scales! Now you are on your way!

Malpay.....Mornings are wonderful, but only if I can linger a bit over a cup of tea and ease myself into the day.....I'm not the hit the ground running type of gal. ;)

PhysDom....Three challenges! Wow! You are really motivated! Stop by and visit anytime..:sunny:...you are always welcome!

TBJ....It is so frustrating to work hard and do positive things and not have it show up on the scale! Hang in there, chickie! :hug:

Babs....I loved your good positive attitude self talk! :) We all need to remind ourselves of everything wonderful about us and not just the areas that still need work.

So far, so good on the challenge.....calories have been under 1600 both days (less than 1200 today, though a healthy snack might be in order later on)....have journalled faithfully.....and I have 60/180 minutes of exercise going! Woohoo! I might have to stop by the jewelry store and do some window shopping for those earrings! :lol:

[icedragon6669]

Hi

I am looking for a job in the police force, and here in oz, there is a killer fitness test to pass! and not to mention me being 30 and most who join are 18-23!! but i am determined!
Last year i kinda woke up and said "what the hell are you doing with your life! i was 280 pound and MORE! lazy , no motivation, no nothing!!!!!!
So i had a long hard think on what i want to do, i have 2 DD, so i have had the family and do not plan any more kids, now it is time to do something for me!!!!!!!
So here i am now! (i even updated my avator, photo taken today!)
my goals are getting to the point when they are no longer really about weight! (if i stayed where i was now for the rest of my life i would be happy!)
but i need to increase the fitness ! (any more i lose is icing on the cake, and i know with what fitness i need to do , i will get down to 170! i just am not focussing on it, turning my motivation to fitness means, that when i get to my goal weight i still have a focus, usually i will get to my goal and just go Cr*p what do i do now, then you have no more goals?? so my goals are going to turn to being fitness based!)
So i am still here, still joining in on the forum, i need accountability!!

Just still have to think up some rewards!
(my biggest goal is of being able to continue my application, without being concerned about passing the fitness test!!! and that is becoming my main focus! i don't crave material things! and i realise there are other goals, but really my lifestyle at the moment is a huge reward!! kayaking, being able to hit the beach without thinking of my weight!, so it is soooo hard to think of anything i want or want to do????) I have set my biggest goal date though!!!!!! end of march, is when i finalize my application!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! hopefully to get into the next september intake.

Babs - try not to take it to heart you had a little gain! you are here, and you want to help yourself get healthier! stick with it, and make sure you journal! that has been my lifesaver, though DH looks at me strange when i write out all i eat!

[hikein2005]

I just typed this REALLY HUGE POST and submitted it and this stupid computer tells me I am not logged in!!!! HOW CAN THAT BEEEEEEEEE???? I TYPED THE STUPID POST, SO I MUST HAVE BEEN LOGGED IN!!! I am soooo mad! I had comments for everyone...I just don't have time to retype it all, so know that I am thinking of all of you and going to do my biking today! Calories were wayy over yesterday with going out to dinner last night!
Hugs to all of you!!!!

[Betani]

After lots of extra sleep, I no longer feel like I've been run over by a truck. I still didn't feel like doing a whole workout DVD, so I did three 5-minute bouts of aerobics moves. minimal, I know, but at least I got moving.

Food intake:

Breakfast= oatmeal, 3 reduced fat Oreos, skim milk, bottle of water, black tea, coffee w/ 1T. eggnog creamer (yum!)

AM Snack= 2 slices whole wheat toast w/ reduced fat peanut butter, clementine, black tea

Lunch= bowl of Kashi GoLean, clementine, bottle of water

Unexpected hubby gift= mint Kit Kat

Dinner= Noodles Warsaw without the noodles (basically turkey sausage and coleslaw mix cooked together in an electric skillet with salt and pepper), diet RC

PM Grazing= 3 reduced fat Oreos, skim milk, coffee filter full of chips, reduced fat peanut butter sandwich, raisins, green tea, bottle of water

Hubby got excited because he'd never seen mint Kit Kats before. It wouldn't have been so bad if he hadn't gotten the Oreos too!

The snack curfew was kept again, much to my surprise. I take a bubble bath every night, and there must be some kind of psychological trigger that tells my stomach that, even though I'm very hungry, this is it. No more. Too bad it doesn't get rid of the hungry feeling, though.

***

Hikein-- When I used to post on Open Diary, that happened to me ALL THE TIME. I'd gotten to the point where I'd have to write my entry in Note Pad and paste it onto the site so it would never have a chance to time out on me. I've never had 3FC time out, but I've gone through buggy times and plain ole human error enough to share your pain!

Sonja-- You are doing awsome! They should hire you for your determination alone! Seriously, it sounds like you really have what it takes.

MsRD-- Ohh, earrings! Get the pretty, sparkly, dangly ones! I miss earrings. I have my ears double pierced, but all 4 holes are crooked, and anything less than 18k gold infects my ears, so I let them close up. I'll still wear magnetic clips for very special occasions, though.

Babs-- One pound is a pretty normal fluctuation. Nothing to worry over. Now my SIX pounds on the other hand... Well, at least I know why. Seriously, though, listing out the positive things about yourself like that is a great idea. I wish I could do that, but when I get down, I can't bring myself to think positively at ALL. I am starting to connect going for a walk with getting out of a funk, though. Must be those endorphins.

TBJ-- Well, this is how we learn, right? Maybe if you combined the junk-food strategy with calorie counting you'll zoom through your goals. Calorie creep and portion creep have taught me many a hard lesson about eyeballing and estimating.

Forestdawn-- Cheese is easy to overdo. But, healthier foods is the first step in all this. A baked potato is a much greater choice than, say, french fries or the like. Good job!

[babsisawinner]

Hi

I thought I'd posted my goals etc. for this challenge...
Oooops must have posted somewhere else. See,,just using the computer is a challenge for me.

By the by ... thanks for the help on getting me up the stuff on how to find this challenge and about names. I'll be fearless! I'll keep reading and posting even though I make a lot of goofs. It's soooo great to have a place to share!

Here's my commitment;

Overall Goal: lose 4 pounds and establish better habbits

Rewards: Still thinking about this.

1st week goals:

1. exercise 3/7
2. Really, really, record food intake
3. drink 6 glasses of water every day in addition to other liquids

I don't have a computer at home. I use work computer or public library.
So I won't be able to check in again until Mon. Hope all goes well for all of you great people.

Babs

[TBJ333]

Good morning everyone,

Last night in jujitsu class, we practiced the circle of fear. Each of us took turns standing in the middle of the circle, and one by one, everyone else would attack us. It was fun, but I totally goofed up. It should be called the circle of embarassment.

Anyway, giant bruise on my hand, so am cutting this post short.

[MsRD]

Hello All!

I spent the day Christmas shopping.....made a lot of progress, but my feet are killing me! Usually I treat myself to a nice lunch when out shopping, but was running behind schedule and stopped at McD's, who apparently were still selling yesterdays burgers (bleagh!) :burger: I wasted all those calories and it didn't taste good either! Anyway, today's calorie journal entry was 1350!

IceDragon.....wow! A long term goal of being able to join the police force....now that is what I call incentive!:carrot:

Julie.....I had the same problem posting here.....you can use notepad and then copy and paste..:comp:....or I just get a post started and post it and then go back and edit it.

Betani......I have the same problem with earrings....they have to be gold, or I get terrible infections. But, I have found a jewelry store that has earrings for sensitive ears..:) ...and I have no problem with them.

Babs......You got some great goals posted! :sunny: Give some rewards some thought....it doesn't have to be much, just something you might enjoy.

TBJ.....that jujitsu class sounds really hard! A handstand! :faint: This is waaayyy beyond my abilities. Hope your hand is all right....maybe get is xrayed if it continues to give you problems.

[hikein2005]

OK...I worked out 30 minutes, so I'm 1/4 on that! I plan to do another 30 minutes sometime tonight. I have to go to a funeral here in a few minutes, so thought I would post a quick post!

Food was ok and I came in around 1300, which is less than I thought it would be before I added up calories!! Today I am already at 740, so I need to have a light dinner (Fajitas without the tortilla and maybe some rice...some fruit for dessert.) I wonder if DD & DH would notice if I threw away the icecream that's in the freezer??? LOL!

Hope everyone is having a good weekend. We got some snow again this weekend. I guess Winter is here to stay for a while in West Michigan! Oh well!

Hugs to everyone!

[Forestdawn]

Just checking in... So far I'm going well but I did miss my exersize yesterday ~ Well it was Sunday lol Anyway I did 60 mins on Saturday and I'm going to try do 60 today to make up for it.


Icedragon - That's so cool joining the police force .. I know if you really want it you will make it and yeah I have heard the fitness test is one of the hardest things to pass.

[MsRD]

Hello All!

It sure was a busy day today! I started out by helping DH move all his puter
paraphenalia downstairs to the basement room.....and, since he is the one with
the bad knees, I was the one doing the toting! Must have made eleventy-four
trips up and down stairs......who needs a stairmaster? Then, it was off to
another fun-filled adventure at the mall. All of the shopping is done, with
the exception of DGS, and I should be able to finish him up tomorrow after
work!

Julie.....Winter is definitely here to stay! We get all that lovely 'lake
effect' snow here too.....totaling around 10" for the past 3 days! As long
as the roads are clear, I can deal with it. great job on the calorie-
counting.....and getting all the exercise in too!

ForestDawn....Wow! An hours exercise every day? You make me feel like such
a slacker :lol:

Yogini & IceDragon.....congratulations for take the top 2 spots in points for the November challenge in another forum! You ladies rock!


Tomorrow night, I have a Christmas party. should be lots of fun, but it does
mean dinner out......planning for some good food choices or portion control,
at the very least! :crossed:

Time for me to get busy.....the weekend has just flown by and there is still so much to do!

[truecanadianangel]

hi everyone, i just found this tread and would like to join.


MY reward

small- manicure
med-pedicure
large-day at the spa includubg a wrap, and a new newyears eve dress!!

Major gol is to reach 225 by december 31st

December 4th-11th weeky goal.
1. to follow my diet plan, and eat all the proper foods
2. to get my christmas presents in the mail on time
3. to excesice 30 minutes per day.

December 31st goal
http://www.3fatchicks.com/weight-tracker/holiday/img/bar-snowmen/goldstar3/lb/262.2/225/238.8/.png (http://www.3fatchicks.com/weight-tracker/holiday/index.php)



Long term goal

http://www.3fatchicks.com/weight-tracker/holiday/img/bar-snowmen/slider-cane/lb/262.2/160/238.8/.png (http://www.3fatchicks.com/weight-tracker/holiday/index.php)


angel

[miss_elisha]

Morning chickies!

Wow, I'm gone for a few days and look at all I missed!

:welcome3: to all the new chicks on this board! It looks like you all have some great goals lined up!

I promise I will make time to comment to everyone in the next day or two, but this post is going to have to be short. (At least short for me! ;) )

I wasn't here Friday because I felt like crap. Didn't go to work. And the roads were nasty anyway, so I wouldn't have wanted to drive. Today I am feeling a bit better, though I am just plain exhausted. At least at this point it doesn't look like I'm going to get sick, and I am used to being exhausted, so I guess I can deal.

The mental/emotional crap I've been feeling is still here. It goes away for a day or so, then it's right back. I'm going to get some St. John's Wort, and I'm going to talk to my dr. next Friday.

To top it all off, ToM should be here Tuesday or Wednesday, so I'm currently in the midst of all the PMS fun... eesh.

I skipped exercise Thursday and Friday because I felt back, but did 45 minutes both Saturday and Sunday, and bowled last night as well (though badly, surprise surprise). Yesterday though I didn't make it through the entire workout, because I started feeling really dizzy and had to sit. I guess that's what I get for trying to do 4 minutes of jumping jacks while I'm sick.

Food has not been great, but not completely horrible either. Thurs, Fri, and Sat calories came in around 1750-1800, if memory serves, but yesterday I managed to get only 1506, and that was with Steve taking me out for Mexican for dinner. I only ate half of my meal, and brought the rest for lunch today. Yum!

Water... eh. I need to be drinking more. Don't we all? I'll do better today, simply because I'm at work, though I may have some hot tea first, just because I can.

What else? Well, still crap. I'm not feeling very Holiday Spirit-y this year. Mom keeps asking me to help her decorate and bake cookies and so forth, and I just plain don't want to. Not to mention that I don't need any more fresh-baked cookies (or any kind, really) in the house, and would everyone PLEASE STOP offering me empty calories I *obviously* don't need?!?!?!?!

Yeah, so... OK, enough from me. I've got some stuff backed up from missing work on Friday, so I'd better get going.

Have a wonderful, health-filled day, chickies!
~Elisha

[malpay]

It is so nice to read how everyone is doing! It really helps my motivation!

I have been doing well, except today I didn't get up with my Husband! We took our kids sledding and to see Santa so my youngest slept most of the afternoon and then did not go to bed until midnight! Then, someone was plowing at 4 in the morning! I just wanted to sleep! So now I will be working out with my children.

I hope everyone has a great start to the week! :carrot:

[Betani]

Ladies and Gentlemen, the Oreos have left the building.

Ok, actually we just finished the bag, but with luck we won't buy more for a while.

I must have been on one heck of a water bloat. From Wednesday morning to Sunday morning, I went from 154 to 151.5. Food intake wasn't that spectacular, so it must have been water.

Speaking of food intake:

Saturday
Breakfast= oatmeal, skim milk, water, black tea, coffee w/ 1T creamer
Snack=clementine, reduced fat peanut butter sandwich
Lunch= Kashi, 3 reduced fat Oreos, lite cheese stick
Dinner= turkey and whole wheat stuffing, small glass red wine
Snacks= water, 3 reduced fat oreos, raisins, lite cheese stick, green tea

Sunday
Breakfast= oatmeal, clementine, milk, black tea
Lunch= Quizno's small honey bourbon chicken sub, diet grapfruit cranberry juice
Snack= 1/2 cinnamon crunch bagel from Panera, lite cheese stick, water, coffee w/ 1T creamer
Dinner= turkey salsa stir fry, small glass red wine
Grazing= 1/2 Take 5 candy bar, milk, green tea
Midnight snack= 2 reduced fat oreos

***

Malpay-- Getting exercise with your kids is a fun way to do it. I know what you mean about the plows. We get early morning street sweepers the rest of the year, too. There is no peace!

Elisha-- I was on St. John's Wort for a long time. I just switched to sam-e and I can feel the difference. It works a lot better, though it costs more. Plus, it has the added benefit of helping the arthritis in my back.

Angel-- :welcome2: Great rewards! I'd love that kind of stuff, but I'm too self-concious to go through with it.

MsRD-- Eleventy-four? My goodness! (Is this what my math teacher meant by imaginary numbers?) I'd swear that Christmas preparations burn tremendous calories.

Forestdawn-- I used to try to make up for missed days of exercise, but soon I was burning myself out. Don't push too hard!

Hikein-- Fajitas make dieting so much easier for me. Just give me the plate of meat, peppers, and onions with some salsa and a touch of guacamole and I'm in heaven!

TBJ-- Yowch! Take care of that hand, chickie!

Babs-- We all make plenty of goofs to go around. Just glad to have you with us! Great goals!

[Forestdawn]

Yesterday I ended up doing 45 mins exersize so I left it at that. Was really good workout though digging a garden bed out. Today I've done my crunches and pushups so I'm off to a good start. I did mess up yesterday almost having a fight with dh and eating till I was over full. Today is another day :)

Elisha .. Hope you feel better soon, def see the docter if you don't. Herbs are a good idea, very calming.

Betani .. Good news on your weight dropping. Even if it is water at least it's gone.

[babsisawinner]

Hi Friends,

This has to be quick. I have to get to the gym :ebike: and than to tutor one of my very favorite students.:carrot:

I've thought of a great long term goal. To be able to sit in an economy airplane seat without having to ask for an extention for the seat belt.:cheer:

:hug:
Babs

[icedragon6669]

Hi guys

yesterday i got in and did a serious weight work out (to a plan) i only could continue for 40 minutes until i was fatigued (i really need to up my cals , but want to do so slowly by adding and extra 100 a week)
I went to various sites generally my maintenance cal intake is about 2900 (with a moderately active life) although fitday says 3300 before activities are added?
so i am currently still only eating about 1500! and have to start bumping that up (or fall flat on my face with all the excercise i do!), so that goal i failed at!
so next week i have to really take the journalling in and make sure i eat 1600-1700.
I have done most of my excercise i set this week, 1 more cardio session! and i have been drinking my water.

I did a 21 day challenge with red balloon! i got to day 19! and had to stop, i was doing an ab challenge but the decline bench really was hurting my back! now i do that routine 2 out of 3 days, so i do not injure myself, and i must say! i am starting to get definition in my abs! (not quite a six pack, but the top 2 are starting to show! either that or i finally have a rib cage!! LOL)

Going to the movies today (while the kids still have school) going to see the brothers grimm, then subway for lunch!

cheers all!
sonja

[hikein2005]

HI all,
Just a quick post here.
Calories today are probably higher than I wanted them to be. I PLANNED to have leftover Fajitas & rice...and did bring my lunch, but my work partner asked me if I wanted chicken, so I had 2 chicken breast strips with 1/2 cup coleslaw and a couple (only 2) potato wedges! I still have to check the calories on that lunch. Supper is going to be healthy...probably the leftover fajitas that I didn't eat for lunch...and maybe some lettuce...maybe a fajita salad...YUM!

I need to get on that exercise bike! I did 30 minutes on Saturday and that's all I've done all week! Where does the time in the day go??????? TOM arrived yesterday afternoon after the Memorial Service...so I really didn't feel good enough to exercise...I always get really crampy the first day! So, I should just go now! I will!

Have a great night!

[hikein2005]

I did 40 minutes on the bike. 2/4 for exercise this week. Just wanted you all to know so I can keep accountable! It says I burned 240 calories which is good since DH scooped me up a very small ice cream cone after I ate a healthy dinner! Total calories for the day including the icecream and the PB cookie I ate this morning is around 1425. Now my tummy hurts!

I journalled all my food and calories for the day.

I packed my lunch today and planned dinner for tonight (leftovers) before I left for work...that should count, right?

Looks like I'm 3/3 today! Woo Hoo!


I think I will go to bed early tonight! I'm tired! :yawn:

[honey-dipped]

Honey....so glad you are here! And, by the way, what is a tanita body scale?


Thanks! It's the company name of this really cool scale on Amazon that I've been coveting lol.

[miss_elisha]

Morning chickies!

Hmm... what to say today. I am one tired chickie! I didn't get to bed until almost midnight last night, and I don't know how that happened... one minute it was 10:30, so I got up to wash my face and brush my teeth, then the next thing I knew it was 11:47. I don't even know what I was doing for that entire hour... I mean, I know I'm a little neurotic about my skin care routine, but that's ridiculous even for me! :lol:

Calories yesterday were in the 1800-1825 range. Odd thing is, all day I felt like I was doing pretty good, at least better than I have been, then I go to add up my calories and wham! I don't know how that happened either.

And water... only about 70 oz, which is low for me.

I did get in 45 minutes of Yourself!Fitness last night though, so that is a good thing. Part of me wants to do another workout tonight to make up for the one I missed on Thursday, the the larger part of me wants to relax and do nothing tonight and go to bed way early. I guess we'll see what happens.

Also, I want to take the time to make this carrot-dill soup I've been wanting to try tonight. It might have to wait for the weekend though. I guess we'll see.

In other news, the house inspector called last night. He went to do the inspection yesterday and the water wasn't on. The electric and gas were, but they missed the water. This is the 4th time it's been postponed for this. Steve was asleep when the inspector called, and he got really mad when I told him. I want to call the realtor and ask her if we can take care of it ourselves so that it actually gets done. This is just downright ridiculous. We are both getting so frustrated, and it makes it even worse that there's really nothing we can do about it.

OK, I've got to go to a meeting. I'll try to make it back today to comment. Have a nice day, chickies!
~Elisha

[Mom2Gillian-n-Alexan]

I have been doing good so far! Does massive housecleaning count as cardio? ;) Like moving furnature and everything LOL I have been on a total housecleaning binge! If it does, I met my excerze goal.. LOL if not then well I will need to do more today huh? LOL

[malpay]

I think that I did to many squats! I can really feel it! At least it is a good feeling! I know yesterday I went over my calorie limit but I was so hungry, my husband was too, I think something was in the air. Today is going great, we stopped at Walgreens to get pics and I let my girls pick a small treat, then nothing for myself. I am quite proud! I am quite the sweets eater, thats why this time of year is hard. I normally gain, so hopefully I can pull off a loss!

Elisha- I find myself to "losing" time, I swear I do nothing different, then boom I have "lost" an hour! It is amazing!

Have a wonderful day chickies!

[Betani]

Food Intake:

Breakfast= oatmeal, clementine, milk, water, tea, coffee w/ 1T creamer
AM Snack= grapefruit, water, almonds
Lunch= salad, kiwifruit, lite cheese, tea
PM Snack= apple, water, almonds, 1 girl scout cookie
Dinner= 2 reduced fat bisquick waffles, 3 turkey sausage links, diet 7up
Grazing= coffee filter full of chips, 1/2 mint hershey bar, zucchini

Food not that great, as evidenced. I'm feeling quite sluggish lately. I snoozed for 40 minutes this morning and missed my workout. I think I'm stressing out about tomorrow. Tomorrow I go in for my Annual Exam, cholesterol test, and depo shot, all at the same time. The worst part of it is that I could only get in at 5:30pm, and I have to fast all day for the cholesterol test. That is a LONG time to go without food. I intend to get up at 5am and have a huge breakfast, hoping that will help.

***

Malpay-- I like that kind of soreness that comes from exercise. It's an empowering kind of feeling. Great job resisting the sweets!

Cristi-- Housework is most definately cardio! Great job!

Elisha-- Maybe you were abducted by aliens! That's right! And they performed tests on you and made you run in a giant hamster wheel, and you don't have to do any more cardio today! Seriously, I zone out from time to time and can't imagine how it jumps from 6pm to 9pm in the blink of an eye. Rest up, chickie!

Hikein-- That's an impressive calorie count for having ice cream!

Sonja-- Even though it's a ways off, I get nervous about switching to maintenance. There's just something about creating an intentional plateau that shakes my confidence. I envy your abs! I'm still trying to clear away "the dunes".

Babs-- Awsome goal. It'll feel so good when you reach it!

Forestdawn-- One mess-up isn't going to set you back. Especially since you're getting your exercise.

[MsRD]

Hello all!

Yesterdays post rocketed into cyberspace again, and I was too tired to do it over. Sorry!

The party was fun.....the calories were still under 1600 for the day, but barely! I am doing well with the calories and the journalling, but my exercise keeps getting put off for some reason. I am 90/180 for the week, so I think that goal will fall short....maybe.

Angel.....Welcome! We are so glad you joined us! Your reward is a day at the spa.....now, why didn't I think of that?

Elisha....How frustrating to have your house inspection go on this long! It sounds like their schedules just aren't meshing right. Let us know how the carrot-dill soup turns out.....and maybe post the recipe, please?

ForestDawn....Gardening is a great workout, and I would definitely count at least a portion of those minutes toward your exercise goal. Right now, my garden is under a foot or more of snow *sigh*, so will have to make do by browsing the garden catalogs.

Babs.....Your goal of 'no seat extensions' on airplanes sounds downright comfortable! And now, where will this airplane be taking you?

Sonja.....You have one serious workout going there, chickie! It is so smart of you to evaluate your calorie intake compared to your exercise plan!

Julie....You and that bike are both getting a workout! You stayed within your calorie range.....and got a pb cookie too? You are my hero!

Cristi.....Housecleaning can definitely qualify as cardio, if done correctly! This is exactly what I should be doing right now.....sure can tell I spent last weekend at the mall insteading of running the vacuum!

Betani.....Hope your annual exam goes well. I cannot believe they are making you fast all day.....better plan a solid nutritious dinner!

Joy.....getting ready for the holidays?

Malpay....Planning a workout with your children makes it seem less like exercise and more like fun. Where do you live in Michigan? Hikein (Julie) and I are from the West Michigan area.....lower peninsula.

I really have to run now.......have a great evening all!

[hikein2005]

Evening chickies...
I just tried to post but remembered before I hit send to copy & paste...good thing! This whole post went into cyberspace...I wonder what is going on with 3FC lately?
I'm tired tonight! Put up Christmas decorations, carried boxes, etc. at work all day today! That should count as something r/t exercise, eh? I didn't get in my 3rd workout this morning, so I really HAVE to get one in tomorrow or I will fall short of that goal!

I'm doing great at journalling and keeping track of calories. Today's calorie's came in at 1290. I feel like I'm not counting something especially after yesterday's with ice cream and & cookie coming in under 1500, but I am really counting everything I put in my mouth...yes, even the 90 calories of creamer (3T) I put in my coffee every morning! I think I do need to eat more in the morning, though. My hard boiled eggs didn't last until noon today! :( I was starving!...oops forgot to add those 3 NIlla Wafers I ate with the residents during Nail Care...So that puts me up to 1335, which is still ok! I like cottage cheese & pineapple, so I could have that in the morning...relatively low cal and I'd be getting my dairy. That's one thing I've really cut out...dairy...since I started counting calories...it just adds up way too fast! I try to eat one of those little yogurts once a day just to get some dairy! And usually I add Kashi cereal in it. Makes it a nice little snack/breakfast! I find eating smaller meals more often helps with the hunger, too. So I try to keep some crackers or something in my desk at work...oops...another thing I forgot. I had some Wheat Thins in my desk, so I need to add another 140 to my total...it's adding up quickly here! I'm up to 1475...OK, I think that's everything! Still under 1500, though! :)

I'm planning to do some shopping in the morning before work tomorrow...Kohl's is having a big sale and they open at 7, so I thought I would go there and see what they have! I have to get DD some brown shoes. DH bought her some cute little winter outfits (he's such a good Daddy). The skirt is pink and brown, so we HAVE to have brown shoes. He was going to buy her some cute boots, but she didn't like them and he went tonight looking for shoes (said he went everywhere!) and looked last night, but can't find any in her size! I'm sure I can find SOMETHING!! Target is my favorite place to shop...they'll probably have them!

OK...that was a random thought! Thursday is weigh day for me. I sure hope the scale is good to me this week! I'm not really feeling a difference yet in clothes, but hopefully soon, I will! I'd sure like to have that 10# gone by New Years! Wow...that' would be a GREAT present to myself! I feel like I have really worked hard at it this week. I just have to keep telling myself "Don't Give Up!" That's my biggest downfall! But I do feel like I've got the mojo right now and for me, that is HUGE! I haven't felt this way in over a year! I'm really not interested in bingeing on stuff I shouldn't have and I am trying to stay away from bad carbs! That's the hardest for me! And once I start, it's so hard to stop! So, I really have to watch it in the next few days here...I've had the PMS chocolate attacks and have eaten 1&1/2 candy bars in two days, so...

Thanks for listening to me carry on!

MsRD...Wouldn't it be fun to go out to cyberspace and try to find all those posts we keep losing????;) Great job on the calories for you, too! Now get going on the exercise, chickie! :drill: Who's got the tazer, anyway? ;)

Betani...Good luck with the exam. I hope you will see some good results! YOu have been working hard to get where you are, so there should be some good changes, don't you think?

Malpay...Squats! Oooooohhhhh....I dread them! I remember in Jr. High (and that's a long time ago) when I played basketball, that was the one thing I dreaded...that and "Hops" (we had cement bleachers and the coach made us hop up and down the bleachers! Talk about killer!!) Good for you on reminding yourself that you are important enough to not have that treat today! Yea you! I'm a big sweets eater, too!

Cristi...Can you come clean my house???? I have some ceiling fans which are in desperate need of cleaning...I really don't like that job! The tree is up now, so that area got vacuumed, but the rest of the house really needs some deep cleaning...LOL!

Elisha...Well, no wonder you are tired, chickie! Midnight? Goodness! And that must have been some facial you gave yourself! ;) I wish you were closer, you could give me some tips on how to take care of my face! It needs help! Oily, open pores in the "t-zone"...I exfoliate frequently...Nothing seems to help! Maybe I need to be more consistent! Ok, now chickie...you need to get back on track! Get out of this pre-holiday funk you are in...we need your motivation back here!!! C'mon now!!!! Sorry about the inspection...again! That is no fun! Let's hope all will go well on this last try! I've got my fingers crossed for you!

Sonja...Great abs...now that could be a goal for me...I'd like to just be able to feel mine!! LOL! You are working hard and you will acheive your goal! Don't hurt your back, though...you need it!

Babs...DH had Gastric Bypass Surgery about 6 years ago...he always dreaded flying for that reason! That is a great goal for you, chickie! Very measurable! Keep up the great work!

ForestDawn...Where do you live that you can dig out a garden bed in mid December??? LOL! We have over a foot of snow ont he ground here and more coming down...and on it's way! Makes me think of Spring! Thank you!

TBJ & Joy...Where ARE you two? I hope all is well...we are thinking of you and sending good vibes toward the WEST...Catch them before they pass you! ;) :goodvibes :goodvibes

I'll be back tomorrow to repor that I have done my biking as promised! It will only be 3 days for me, but there's always next week to meet all those goals, right?

Hugs!

[TBJ333]

Hi everyone!

Just not much to report. Jujitsu is fun, food is bad, hope everyone else is doing well. :)

[miss_elisha]

Morning ladies!

Well, last night I was asleep by 10:30, which is early for me, and I'm still tired today! *sigh*

Let's see... yesterday, I didn't even add up my calories. I didn't do terrible, but I didn't do great either. I'm guessing I had about 1800-1900 calories. *shrugs* Water was ok, and I took my scheduled day off from exercise in favor of sleep and relaxation.

This morning the scale was at 213.6. ToM should be here today, so I'm not too worried.

I have decided on a plan of attack though. I'm going back to the Dr. Phil diet that worked so well when I actually followed it, and it wasn't even that tough. I posted the basic list of allowable foods on my closet door, and I'm going to try to make up a pocket-sized version of that list. Also, last time I was doing this I made up charts to fill in with the types of foods and servings I'm supposed to be eating, and I'm going to print up some more of those today to help me in both planning and tracking my meals. I think I might get a binder to carry with me, then I will have them all together and neatly organized when I go to the dr. next Friday. I may ask her to refer me to a nutritionist, and I'll have the folder ready to show then too.

Also, I'm going to start posting my menus here, because I know it helps with accountability. Any comments and/or suggestions you have are welcome, of course.

So here's today's menu:
Breakfast:
1.5 cups of coffee with FF 1/2 n 1/2
2 sl. reduced-calorie white toast
1 tbsp. Smart Balance Light spread
1 egg
1 sl. FF American cheese

Snack:
Apple

Lunch:
4 oz steak
1 c. steamed cauliflower
Baby carrots

Snack:
1/2 c. LF cottage cheese
1/2 c. pineapple chunks

Dinner:
4 oz. grilled chicken breast
1 c. carrot-dill soup
1 c. green vegetable (snap peas, spinach, or green beans, don't know yet)
Probably also a salad with some stewed tomatoes and oil and vinegar

Tonight will be 45 minutes of Yourself!Fitness, and I'm going to try to get in at least 100 oz. of water before I leave work today. I'm almost done with my coffee already, so that shouldn't be too tough.

In other news... apparently the inspector did half of the inspection on Monday, so he's just got to inspect the plumbing now. He says the gutters and the basement both leak. Steve wasn't happy about that, and understandably so. I still want the house. We knew it's not in perfect shape. I don't know what's going to happen at this point.

Either tonight or tomorrow I'm going to make up a menu for next week. I'll take Steve shopping with me Friday night, or perhaps Saturday morning. I didn't make the carrot-dill soup last night, as Mom had spaghetti almost ready when I got home. That's the one thing she actually will make, because it takes no effort whatsoever. If I make it, on the other hand, I have to spend hours making homemade sauce. Anyway, I'm planning to make it tonight, and if it turns out edibly then I will post the recipe tomorrow. If not, well, you wouldn't want the recipe anyway. :)

And, of course, I am still fustrated with my living situation. Do I even have to say that anymore, or can we just assume it's a given? Mom yelled at me this morning because I said we needed a blender. She said that if I wanted a blender I would have to buy one, because no one else in the house would bother to use it. Umm... I know that, Mother. It doesn't take a blender to make mac & cheese. :P

So I might just go buy a blender today, if I can find one on sale somewhere. Just to be pissy.

Bah... I was supposed to go have lunch with my good friend KR today, the one I refer to as "my personal buddha" because he always makes me feel calm and balanced. But no, meetings have been rescheduled to the point that I now have meetings from 11:30-3:00. I hate that. Part of me hopes they buy us lunch for this crap, but the part of me that wants to lose weight really hopes they don't. I guess we'll see.

OK, this post is already way long, so I'm going to cut it off here. If I get a few minutes, I'll come back later today to post some comments.

I hope you're all having a wonderful day!
~Elisha

[Forestdawn]

Well it's been a week and I've met my goals .. I weighed myself and I've gained 2lbs :( Sigh... My fault for not calorie counting.. It is TOM and I'm bloated as hell so I'm hoping it will dissapear soon.

My goals for week 2 are

30 mins exersize per day.

Limit bread to every second day or less.

Eat fruit for my pre dinner snack .. instead of crackers or worse chips!





Hikien I'm in australia so it's summer and great time for digging. I do a organic vege garden for my hobbie and exersize. Your daily cals are so low .. I'm jealous. I've been so hungry lately I'd never be able to get that low. I'm lucky if I'm under 2000. Really got to try harder to get to 1,800 per day .. that's my goal daily cals.

[Betani]

Food Intake:

Breakfast= oatmeal, clementine, milk, tea, water, coffee w/ 1T creamer
AM Snack= birthday cake, water, almonds
Lunch= salad, tea, lite cheese, apple
PM Snack= grapefruit, almonds, water
Dinner= leftover turkey sandwich, black bean soup, diet root beer
Grazing= chips, dark chocolate Twix, 1/2 bag M&Ms, asparagus

Bad snacks, but I haven't gained since Sunday. Still at 151.5.

Tonight is not going to be pleasant. It's time for my Annual "Peek-And-Poke", breast exam, and cholesterol test. I got up at 5am and had a big breakfast, and won't be able to eat again until after 6pm tonight.

Today hasn't been pleasant so far. I'm slamming my head against a brick wall trying to get a problem vendor to listen to me. It's honestly making me physically ill. My stomache hurts, my head hurts, and I want to cry.

Goals for next week:

1. Continue to log food
2. If I'm given a treat, only eat 1/2 of it.
3. Exercise every day, even if it's only pacing around the apartment for 10 minutes.

***

Forestdawn-- I lay odds 10 to 1 that that's just water weight. Calorie counting is good to do anyway, though. It'll be gone next week, I'm sure.

Elisha-- Does coffee count toward water goals? I didn't think it did because it acts as a diuretic. If it does count, then I'm doing better than I thought!

TBJ-- Thanks for checking in. Just keep plugging along and you'll be fine. For some reason I'm reminded of my piano teacher years ago. She'd say "Play through your mistakes. Don't go back and try to do it over. Just continue on and play your best and no one will care about what you did wrong." Kinda profound, looking back on it...

Hikein-- Those calories sure can sneak up on you, can't they! Sounds like you're doing well, though.

MsRD-- You kept calories in check when there was a party involved?! Awsome!

[MsRD]

Hello all!

Time to tally up this past weeks goals......kept the cals under 1600, journalled every day....but didn't get in the 180 minutes of exercise...I'll take 2 points,please (and halfway to the earring reward!) This next week my goals will be: 180 minutes exercise for the week (or die trying!), journal every day (the only thing that keeps me accountable) and drink 60-oz of water per day (been kinda lax there.....waaaayyyy too much diet coke!)

Julie.....I'm beginning to think that journalling and keeping the calories down are interrelated....that's why this next week I didn't bother to mention calorie counting as a goal (though I will be doing it thru journalling). Just staying accountable is important for me. I have trouble getting enough calcium too.....I usually take a calcium supplement and daily vitamin to get all that I should have (the last bone scan showed some loss, so I really want to get that reversed asap)

TBJ.....Glad to hear from you, and that you are having fun in the jujitsu class. How is that handstand goal coming?

Elisha....Just getting a plan together and making yourself accountable is going to get you back on track! Come on.....we need to see some of that old spirit!

ForestDawn.....congratulations on making all your goals! Those extra 2lbs are just water.....so don't weigh for the next few days and then you will be pleasantly surprised!

Betani......the nice thing about annual exams is that they are just that.....annual. Once you make it thru today, you are home free for another year! And, yes, I did manage to control the calories at our party.....and it nearly killed me to pass up on the chips and drinks and all things snackie!

I have to go inventory the Christmas wrapping paper/bows situation.....should get everthing wrapped in the event the munchkins stop by unexpectedly!

[hikein2005]

Ugh! I should have left alone the apple pie & not eaten the rice from lunch today (Chinese) and I would have been close to my desired calorie count of 1500! I guess that's how we learn! Calories today at 2120!!!! Too bad tomorrow is weigh in! :( And no exercise this morning! I just can't seem to get it done in the mornings! I do try, though and will keep trying! I refuse to give up! (The pie WAS good, though!)

I need to go down and finish decorating the Christmas tree in the family room and then I'm heading to bed. I tried to go early last night, but it was almost 11 before I got there! Maybe that's early for some of you, but I turn into a pumpkin after 10!!! LOL!

Have a great night...oh...Goals for next week...hmmm...I'll update them on my signature!

[Extrinsic Rapture]

Time to put down my goals before this month passes me by...

Be right back

[Extrinsic Rapture]

Step One:

Small reward – A Bag for work
Medium reward -- New exercise video
Big Reward – Cross trainers


Step Two:

Overall major goal – Building Strength.


Step Three:

Three goals for the week starting December 8:
1. Be mindful of my eating
2. Incorporate 2 days of strength training, 1 day flexibility, & 2 days aerobics
3. Indulge in my querks/hobbies: journaling, writing poetry and being a hopeless romantic (a healthy mind and heart…leads to a healthy body *wink*)

[miss_elisha]

Morning chicks.

Yesterday was ok. I did manage to get in my 100 oz. of water before leaving work, and another 30 oz. at home. Calories came in just below 1300. I ate mostly according to plan yesterday, except I had a few pretzels instead of my cottage cheese and pineapple snack, and we had steak with dinner instead of chicken (because we only had 1 peice of chicken in the freezer). And I got in 45 minutes of Y!F with a weight loss focus, so it was pretty much all aerobics.
This morning the scale is only down by 0.2. ToM is finally here this morning, so I'm blaming the scale's stubbornness on that. And my lack of sleep. And stress.
I did make the carrot-dill soup, finally. It was pretty good, once I added a little salt. There was no salt in the recipe, and I even used sodium-free chicken broth, so I didn't feel bad about sprinkling a little bit on top. And I am an admitted salt addict.

Menu for today:

Breakfast:
2 mugs of coffee with creamer
Frozen hash brown
3 turkey sausage links

Snack:
1/2 c. LF cottage cheese
1/2 c. pineapple chunks

Lunch:
I don't know. I have to get something. I might go to lunch with Steve. I'll get a salad or some grilled chicken or something fairly healthy. If not with Steve, I'll just get a salad or maybe some sushi at the store, and have that and more of my carrot-dill soup.

Snack:
Apple, most likely. I have to get that at the store too.

Dinner:
Who knows?

Well, I think it's obvious that I don't really have today planned just yet. Last night was a bit stressful, and planning my meals was not tops on my priority list.

Steve and I had a talk last night. He's moving out. He's not leaving me, he just can't live in my house anymore. (You all probably thought I was exaggerating about how bad it is, didn't you?) I can't blame him for leaving, but at the same time I am mad and confused and I don't really know what to do. He says he's giving the realtor until the end of the week to get the water turned on and the inspection at least scheduled, then he says we're walking away. If that's not done, we're getting an apartment next week. If it is done, we may still try to find a month-to-month rental.

Right now I don't know what is going to happen. I'm worried that my parents are going to resent him for leaving and feel like he doesn't respect them, and then I'm going to resent him for leaving and my parents for driving him out, and it's just going to be a big nasty circle of resentment.

I've always been taught to deal with what you've got until you can get something better. Steve has been taught that if you don't like what you've got then you go out and get something better. He's never not had that option, and he can't understand that maybe it's not an option for me.

OK, I'm going to stop thinking about this before I start crying again.

The good thing about this is it's keeping me very on-track with my diet. I have the urge to run and eat something deep fried and cheesy, but I know that would just make it worse. My diet is the one thing I feel like I can control right now, and I need to hold on to that.

OK, I just talked to Steve, and we're not going to lunch, but he wants me to bring him some Subway for dinner. I can deal with that. I may get a salad. I don't know. I'll get something healthy.

I need to get to work. I hope you're all having a good day.
~Elisha

[Betani]

Yesterday was a very bizarre food day. At 5am I had oatmeal, a clementine, 1 1/2 cartons of Egg Scramblers, 4 links of turkey sausage, 2 slices toast w/ reduced fat peanut butter, coffee w/ 1T creamer, 1/2 cup of black tea, skim milk, and a bottle of water.

Then I didn't eat again until 6:30pm. At that point, I felt I deserved a buffet. 2 plates total. 2 servings hot pepper chicken, 1 serving veggie delight, 1 serving scallops, 1 serving sweet & sour chicken, 1 piece chicken on a stick, and 3 crab rangoons.

Before bed I had some chips and salsa.

As points for the week, I'd say I got 2. I didn't do a good enough job with the protein. Still, 2 out of 3 ain't bad.

I'm still grumpy from the exam yesterday. I hate getting PAPs in general, but my body chose yesterday to spot, so I may have to go back and get it done again!

***

Hikein-- At least the pie was good. ;) No reason to give up anyway. Hope you had a good night's sleep!

MsRD-- I'd take Diet Coke over water much of the time, too. I got to the point where I schedule when I drink my water and that seems to help. 1 bottle with my workout, 1 for my morning break at work, 1 for my afternoon break, and 1 any time in the evening. I often forget that one since I don't have a scheduled time for it, but I usually get it with dinner.

Rosie-- I LOVE your third goal! That stuff is just as important as healthy eating and exercise in my opinion.

Elisha-- I'm praying for you, chickie! (Wisdom and understanding all around, Lord, please?) I've never seen sodium-free broth before. Who makes it? I found a very low sodium chicken boullion at our store, and I think it has just enough for me, while still being healthy. Can't remember the brand, though. I'm a recovering salt-freak, too. ;)

[Forestdawn]

Well yesterday I went well .. except didn't fit the exersize in. Was happy with my eating .. loads of fresh fruit and vegetables. My weight was back to normal but I'm waiting till next week for the offical weigh in before I change anything.

Hikein .. great idea adding your goals to your stats. That way you can keep focused on what you're trying to achieve.

Elisha .. Hope things improve soon. Sometimes a break can do a relationship the world of good .. if it's stressfull... just don't let the added stress keep you away from your goals.. Sounds like your doing well there anway.

[TBJ333]

Hello!

Awarded myself 2 points for last week. Water and exercise were good, but I didn't eat enough fruits and veggies.

This week's goals:

1. Calories 1750 or fewer every day.
2. Bike three times.
3. Commit to weighing myself on Wednesday.

***
Forestdawn -- Congratulations on your weight being back to normal. AND congrats on making your goals. :)

Betani -- Blargh about paps.

Elisha -- Ouch! :grouphug: Sorry to hear about Steve.

Rosie -- Hello. :)

Julie -- Pie... drool... :p I'm going to ease into the bike training this week.

MsRD -- Hey, the handstand is pathetic yet improving. :) I have to kick up from the ground into the handstand. My right shoulder is still weak, so I'm collapsing about a quarter of the way up. Just gotta keep trying. And you can do it on the exercise. :D

***
Ah, heh heh, where to start about last night's jujitsu class?

It involved rotflmao. :rofl: Why rolling? Because I couldn't do the one-handed cartwheels and mid-air flips that everyone else was doing!!! Egad. E-frickin'-gad.

I've been working on the front and back rolls that I told youse about. My head is finally clearing the floor on the front roll, and I can get over on the back roll. I was feeling good about myself for improving. Then last night's class involved the aforementioned insanity. I confess: even with all the happy, cheerful, determined, optimistic thoughts I usually carry around in my head, I was frustrated. I couldn't do any of the new rolls except for a sideways roll (which I didn't do so well at, either), while the rest of the class was flipping though the air.

But the frustration didn't last too long. I'm just going to have to work at these crazy gymnastics. I'm just going to have to build balance, be braver, become more flexible. The end result will be worth it. Not only will I have achieved something that looks darn near impossible... it looks like it will be a lot of fun to do. :D

I figure I might be able to do this stuff in about a year.

[icedragon6669]

OK last weeks goals i will award all three with a point (although the calories one i was under mostly, but i menued and did push it up some, so i definitely made the effort, jut gotta keep at it! got in 2 cardio and 1 weights session! and drank more water!)

This weeks goals are kinda the same
1 - 2 cardio workouts , 2 weights workouts
2 - calories up a little more (an extra 100-200 a day!)
3 - drink at least 4 glasses water a day.

Can't chat! too much to get done!
sonja

[JoyG56]

Weight Loss Tip #60

Hankering for a sweet treat after dinner? You can splurge on dessert -- you just have to limit your portion size. Instead of heaping scoops of ice cream into a large bowl, or worse yet, eating it directly out of the container, plop a few spoonfuls into a small teacup. The dainty serving dish will make a small amount of ice cream seem bigger. So curl that pinky and get in touch with your inner princess.

Joy

[icedragon6669]

Great recipe for dessert !
Try this!!!

1 packet diet jelly - dissolve in 200ml boiling water
add 1 cup drained canned fruit (any type)
add 200 ml (just under a cup of diet yoghurt

blend it all together , pour into 4 cups
regfridgerate until set!
(each serve is only about 60 cal , depending on the fruit and yoghurt used)

or for something different (my variation to that)

1 packet diet jelly - dissolve in 200ml boiling water
add 1 cup fruit (something that can be blended) i used strawberries last time
add 200ml , just under a cup of LIGHT evaporated milk

blend, pour into 4 cups
refridgerate until set
(each serve is about 65 calories)

This really fills you up between meals.. and have 2-3 a day and it is fine!!!!

[miss_elisha]

Morning chickies!

Well, I'm feeling better than I did yesterday. Steve and I are ok. We're going to look for a short-term apartment with the option of becoming long-term.

Yesterday was bad. Too much food, didn't add up my calories. Water was ok but not great. And I didn't exercise. That's the part I feel really bad about. I was just plain exhausted yesterday, probably from being so stressed out all day, and I just couldn't bring myself to do it. But I don't want to let myself get into the habit of skipping my workouts. Today is my scheduled day off, and it doesn't look like I'm going to have time to workout anyway. Steve's dad is taking us out to dinner, and I've got errands to run (grocery shopping, pharmacy, etc).

Also, I'm supposed to go out to lunch with my friend, but due to the snow we got last night I don't know if it will happen. The roads here are nasty, and I hate driving in these conditions, but you do what you gotta do, right? But I didn't bring a lunch today, though I still have the carrot-dill soup I brought yesterday and didn't eat, plus the cottage cheese and pineapple that's been here at the office since Wednesday. I had Wendy's for lunch yesterday, so I didn't eat my snacks.

I forgot to mention this yesterday, but I'm giving myself 2 points for last week's challenge. I did get in my exercise, and I did eat my fruits and veggies.

Oh crap, I have to go to a meeting. Completely forgot about this one. I'll try to come back later to comment.

Have a good day chicks!
~Elisha

[Forestdawn]

Yesterday was pretty average food wize but I did get a full 2 hours exersize in! So I was really happy with that, made up for missing it the other day. I was suppossed to not have any bread but weakened after dinner and had a slice. Today I'm going to try harder.



TBJ333 - Oh dear .. I'd hate the thought of being in a class like that! Just don't do yourself an injury doing all those rolls n flips. Sounded funny though :)


Joy - Great diet tip. A little of what you fancy doesn't hurt at all.

[Betani]

Food Intake:

Breakfast= oatmeal, water, milk, tea, coffee w/ 1T creamer
AM Snack= donut :o , water
Lunch= salad, black bean soup, tea
PM Snack= apple, almonds, water
Dinner= spare ribs, green beans and potatoes
Grazing= 75% less sugar Trix, chips and salsa, box of raisins, 1/4 avacado, zucchini, 1/2 Take 5 candy bar, handful of reduced fat wheat thins

Grazing was pretty bad last night. So was sleep. I haven't been sleeping well at all and I can't figure out why. I keep getting up in the middle of the night, and I can't find any common reasons why from night to night.

Still brain-fried from dealing with problem vendors today, so I'm gonna cut this short. Rest over the weekend should do me good, I hope.

[MsRD]

Happy Friday!

Sure glad the weekend is here.....this Christmas thing is just not coming together and I have to start focusing more on getting things done! I worked on the Christmas cards tonight....and am down to the few that I really have to write letters, as it is the only communications I have with these folks!

Sonja.....good going on achieving all 3 points! you are really focused on those goals!

Joy....As usual, you have come up with another great dieting tip. (Although I do have to admit to ROFL at the thought of connecting with my 'inner princess')

Elisha....So sorry you have to go through all the stresses at home. You and Steve getting an apartment is a wonderful idea.....a little space between you and the folks might just strengthen that relationship.

Betani.....Hope you can get caught up on your sleep this weekend. Have you had more caffeine than usual?....or maybe the problems from work are keeping you up? Get some exercise and fresh air ....that should do the trick!

TBJ.....one-handed cartwheels? Good God. I am totally non-athletic, so mid-air flips are not even in my vocabulary! Some people are just born spectators, ya know!

Rosie.....You made a good point about maintaining a 'healthy mind and heart'. It is so easy to focus on the physical aspect of health living, that we sometimes neglect our souls. Thanks for the reminder!

I have got to get the house decorated this weekend, and presents wrapped. I have been putting off the baking until the last minute, so as to reduce proximity and temptation involved.
have a great weekend!

[TBJ333]

Aloha --

Food these past two days has been under calories, if not the most nutritious.

I still haven't biked. Somebody kick me in the butt in a pedalling motion. :) I am getting plenty of physical activity with jujitsu, but no aerobic exercise.

Speaking of jujitsu, I am getting frustrated on the forward rolls. Before, I could roll over, but I would hit my head on the ground. Now, I can keep my head off the ground, but I can't roll over. I am frustrated because this roll is so basic to jujitsu, and if I can't do it, I can't go further in my study. I talked to Sensei, and he was clear that so long as I am serious about learning, he will not be upset about me taking a long time to learn. Still, you know how I feel... kind of lame. :^:

But last night's class was different. We learned massage. :D

***
MsRD -- Wow, letters. A friend of mine types them on the computer, don't know if that might be easier. And I am a born spectator, too. I was so frustrated when I was practicing the forward rolls this morning. The flipping will be a long, long, time in the future.

Betani -- Sorry to hear about your sleeping problem. When I have trouble, I close my eyes and count backwards from 100, taking a deep breath for each number. That way, even if I don't actually fall asleep, I am giving myself some rest. Maybe that will help you.

Forestdawn -- Good job on all that excersize. And yeah, the jujitsu rolls and flips are humorous... I can't imagine myself ever doing them, but we'll see.

Elisha -- Glad to hear that you and Steve made a decision about the housing issue. Hopefully youse will be happier when you aren't living with your mom anymore.

Icedragon -- Oo, the jello combined with yogurt sounds like it would be nice and smooth. Thanks for the recipe.

Joy -- That serving size tip sounds great. Eating dessert out of a tea cup... that would probably feel like "indulgence." Like a $7 dessert at a restaurant.

***

Hubby is coming home soon. :D

Happy weekend, everyone.

[hikein2005]

I just haven't felt like "checking in" these last few days! I played hookey on Friday with a much needed "shopping" day! I think I have all but one Christmas present done! And believe me...it was a day's worth of shopping! I was just exhausted!

OK...now, confession time! Since Thursday, I have done NOTHING in the "journey" department! I have not logged any food, have not kept my calories (nor cared) below 1500 and have eaten whatever I wanted! I have not exercised but really have not felt like it or had any time! I'd say shopping must count fo rsomething! I'm tired of Christmas already...sorry! It just gets so overwhelming with my job as Activities Director trying to keep all the volunteers coordinated and staff happy and get up decorations both at work and home...finally got the 5th tree decorated last night! Had our work Christmas party tonight and really unwound a bit! It was nice!

I think I'm ready to get back on track now! As far as my points for last week's challenge, I'd say I get one out of 3 points! Did not keep calories under 1500 on 2 days and only exercised twice! I'm keeping my goals the same for this week and I think I will start my week on Sunday. Just makes it easier for me! That way I don't have to count (ha ha) Thursday, Friday & Saturday of this week, right?? ;)

MsRD...you are right...something about journalling and calorie count that go hand inhand! Unfortunately for me (and maybe this is what has made my mood so horrible) the scale did NOT show a loss this week! REally ticked me off! I know I should not give up, but DANG it! Something should happen, don't you think??? Worse part was...it went UP!!! It could have at least stayed the SAME!!!! Grrrrrr!

I'll make some more comments tomorrow when I have a little more time. I'm turning into a pumpkin as I write this, so ta ta fo rnow!!!

[Mom2Gillian-n-Alexan]

GOALS FOR THIS WEEK!

I know I am a tad bit late chimeing in, I have been going gung ho on my house, and getting ready to go to San Diego.

My Goals for the week are

1. Keep the water flowing through my vacation, have a bottle of water with me at least 90% of the time.
2. Limit eating out, and when I do, choose healthy, not fried foods.
3. Exercize at least 2 days out of my 4 day trip.

I think the hotel has a work out room, so I think the working out will be simple, I know they have a pool as well, nothing I enjoy more than a good water cardio work out. YAY! I love the water.

Anyway, I will try to check in, I did wonderful last week and guess what! I dumped 4.8 lbs too! I do think that my monthly is comming next week though, so I am going to try to avoid salty foods to help with that water weight. But, I am pretty good with salt.

Just killing time at the airport! Glad to see you ladies doing so good! Anyone have any advice about eating healthy while on vacation? I would love it!

:hug:

[icedragon6669]

PMS is rolling in!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! i hate it , why do women have to suffer so. the moods, the bloating.......................

AAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHH

ok now that i have vented! LOL!
i did a 2 1/2 hour kayak yesterday and forgot to put sunscreen on my legs! OUCH!!!! i am roasted , stupid stupid me!

eating and excercise is good here, i really don't know about the following week though! i will see
cheers
sonja

[Forestdawn]

Haven't checked in for a couple of days. I did manage one day without bread but was high in calories. Yesterday I had fruit during the day then we went out and all they had at the venue was sandwhiches so I couldn't avoid it .. was a fairly low calorie day in all I think. Exersize I've been great gotten 3 hours in over last 2 days. Nothing like giving the vege garden a overhaul. :)


Great reciepe icedragon, look forward to trying it.

Hikein - Don't worry just start again and keep at it .. we all have setbacks.


Cristi - wow that's great weight loss .. use it as motivation whilst on vacation. Don't try n lose weight just matain and choose the best choices you can. Oh and have fun!!

[MsRD]

Hello!

Ok, so the weekend went something like this:
Calories - astronomical
Exercise - non-existent
Water - ditto
And I am sure glad this weekend is over with and I can get back on plan!

TBj - Jujitsu massage.....now that is my idea of a relaxing time! Don't get too frustrated....just when you are ready to chuck the whole program, the right moves will come and you will succeed! Yes, I do type my Christmas letters on a computer word program.....and then only have to make subtle changes to different recipients and print!

Julie....Ok, your and my 'days off' are over! Back on track......get on that exercise bike and start journalling (well, maybe not at the same time!hehe). The only way we are going to beat this thing is to work work work.

Christi.....Wow! That is one great weight loss......you have really worked for it and it is so good to see the results on the scale. Have a wonderful vacation! I always try to watch portion sizes on vacation and limit the snacks......and exercise whenever possible. Getting a hotel with an exercise room and a pool are a great idea!

Sonja.......Sorry to hear about the PMS trials.......I would tell you what comes next, but it might send you over the edge.....hehehe

ForestDawn.....Your calories and exercise program are awesome! You really have something to be proud of!

I got the tree up and decorated and also some garland and stuff on the fireplace mantel.....and stopped there. There are 6 more totes of Christmas decorations in the basement that I could use.....but really don't feel like dragging them upstairs. (I asked the kids what they thought and they said it didn't matter to them.....just do what I wanted. Hmmm....they did mention the Christmas sugar cookies again, however)
It is going to be a busy week....will check in when I can!

[Mom2Gillian-n-Alexan]

Thanks guys, the good weight loss is because I have veered off track, and am just getting back on, you always loose good weight that first week or two, hence the 10lb goal.

Thanks again, today I did good, I DID have pizza for dinner, but.. I kept it at one peice, and had a snack (apple and granola) when I got back to the hotel room. So, I think it was a pretty good decision.

WE WALKED ALLLLLLL OVER!!!!! I have blisters on my feet from walking sooo much today! LOL


I had a HUGE moment today though... Its something I will only admit here, and only because of what this site is about.

We board the plane, sit down, DARN tight space... go to adjust my seat belt.. and uhm.. hello.. it doesnt fit... SHOOT now what? I have to wear a seat belt on a plane... So, I have to ask for belt extenders, really for only about 3 inches, not much.. BUT my ffffaaaaaatttt siz 28 butt wont fit in a plane seat.

That was my moment, I was screaming inside. I am done.. Even if I never hit my "goal" at LEAST 50 lbs.. its got to come off.. and soooon!

Thanks for letting me have my moment. Thanks for listening, and thanks for understanding!

Cristi

[miss_elisha]

Morning ladies!

This weekend has been... eh. Not good. Caloriewise, I didn't even add them up. Bad. Not as bad as they once could have been on a free-for-all weekend, but certainly not anything I want to brag about. No water to speak of, nor exercise.
I just can't seem to make myself do it anymore. And I have to go to the doctor on Friday morning specifically for a check-up on my weight loss progress, and there hasn't been any progress at all. Today I feel like a fat, lazy, ugly slob who can't even do anything to improve her own life. Right now I really feel like just giving up.
But I know that I would never be happy with myself, so that isn't even really an option.
What I really want to do is quit my job and focus on losing weight and being healthy. But I can't do that. I mentioned quitting in jest yesterday and Steve had a fit. Eesh. I can't afford to quit, and I am perfectly aware of that, thank you very much. Ideally I would quit once we got our house so I would have time to fix it up and make it nice. *sigh* Wishful thinking. I know better.

I'm so glad I have a vacation coming up.

Today food will be ok. Water will be better than it has been. I don't know if I will exercise or not. What I'd like to do is go home and go to bed. Oh hell, I just remembered that I have to do laundry. I don't have any clean socks left, and I have about a zillion pairs of socks, so I really have to go do it. Bah. That's no fun.

Sorry I've been such a downer lately, chicks. I just can't seem to shake it. I don't know what is up with me, and I certainly don't like it. If I'm in a better mood later, I will try to come back to comment.

I hope you're all having a good day.
~Elisha

[Forestdawn]

Yesterday was a wake up call for me. I went swimming with my son and I could hardly fit into my bathers. Fat bulging out everywhere. Made me realize I really am fat. Not just a large normal but fat. Going to have to try alot harder on my diet. Going for a lower carb diet over the next few days and see if I can't budge a couple of pounds.

[TBJ333]

Hi everyone!

Lunch yesterday was a potluck at church. I brought a healthy barley recipe, and ate small amounts of other people's goodies. Then I made the most dee-licious pesto last night. God, it was good. Mmm. Afterwards, Hubby and I baked vegan sugar Christmas cookies. The cookie part was good, but the frosting tasted like soymilk. At least I won't be binging on them. :)

Forestdawn -- Ah, bathing suits, definitely an inspiration. Hopefully a few pounds will budge.

Elisha -- Maybe the doctor can help you with your recent struggles.

Cristi -- So sorry to hear about the plane incident. :grouphug: You've come so far already, don't give up! Keep up the determination that you're feeling right now. :)

MsRD -- Thanks for the nice words. Hubby came back from the mainland, so I'll just have to practice deep tissue massage. Then I'll be good at something for jujitsu. :p Funny how Christmas decorations become more sparse later in life. My parents hardly decorate anymore. I don't do much, either, but I bet Hubby and I will change when we have kids...

Sonja -- Ouch about the sunburn. :( Feel better.

Julie -- The trappings of Christmas would get drab if one had to decorate five trees. Eek! And yes, you should see success, you deserve it. :)

Ah, I had leftover pesto and some fake chicken nuggets for lunch. I'm feeling nice and full. :D Tonight might be the eggplant hotdish... cooking on jujitsu nights is hard, because either I have to eat by 5pm, or else not until 9:30. Eh, whatever, so long as I don't overeat. :)

[Mom2Gillian-n-Alexan]

TBJ Not giving up here! Dont worry about that! Just the opposite actually, I am so ready to slim down, even just get to 300, thats my short term goal.

Today I did okay, I think I have done decent for being on vacation, I had a granola bar for bfast, not the best, but.. better than Mcds! :)

I had a bagel for a post bfast snack.

Lunch I had a turkey sandwich on a crossant, an apple, and a cookie... :( But.. it was lunch, I have done SOOO much exercise this weekend too. We are getting ready to head down to the harbor right now, more walking! :)

Thanks again!

[icedragon6669]

Hi

Sunburn is no longer hurting, still red as hell though! (i told my best friend she wanted to see colour on my lilly white legs, so i got colour!! )
I told the kids i was trying to show them what happens when you don't slip slop slap! i think they got the idea!! LOL!

did a fair bit today a 1 1/2 hr walk during the day, then a 10 min run on the treadmill , but being so hot here i had to stop, after school got out i took the kids to the pool, i only swam 2 laps (100m) but it really exhausted me with the breathing ( first time freestyle swimming in YEARS!), then spent an hour trying to stop 5 little kids from drowning ! they kept jumping on in! and that was a workout in itself, then after dinner went for a 7 km walk, i jogged about 1 km of it.

So i count that i have done 1 cardio! and i already have done 1 weights so far (plus a 2 1/5 hour kayak, which might be classed as my second cardio)
Only one weights session to do and this week is a wrap!!!!!!!
Water is doing miserably so far though! it is really hot, and i keep grabbing for the diet pop! alas some habits are hard to change.

Everyone sounds like they are doing well!
Next couple of weeks might be hard, i will have to be a little easier on the food goal! (gotta enjoy the christmas food) i suppose my goal then will be to get through the rest of the month with some sense of control!

[Betani]

I've been feeling off-kilter lately, and I'll be lucky to get one point this week. Part of the problem is that I didn't get my new perscriptions before my old ones ran out. I'm just now properly medicated :dizzy: and getting back into the swing of things. I've been logging food on paper, just haven't been coherant enough to post here. I'll get better, I promise!

[Mom2Gillian-n-Alexan]

I am doing wonderfully I think.

I had a bagel for bfast, with a little veggie cream cheese spread.

2 bottles of water so far today (18 oz) and one diet coke.. :)

Anyway, we walked more last night, got good exercise, I will work out tonite in the hotel gym, and probably go for another good walk.

Cristi

[TBJ333]

Hellooo --

Last night's jujitsu class was fun. :) We worked on rolls again. I can do a forward roll from standing up (although not with particularly good form :p ). And a few times I even managed to do it from kneeling. So I feel good about making the small improvements. I might not be able to do them perfectly, but I am getting better.

After the rolls, we practiced yawara. Practicing yawara is fun, because I can work on my technique, rather than worry about whether I even can do the art in the first place. I am getting better at wrist locks.

Dinner last night was the eggplant dish. Turned out really, really well. :D Hubby liked it. :love: Tonight might be a Hawaiian style sweet potato casserole. I need to make dessert, too. I did commit to weigh myself tomorrow, so I have incentive not to overeat. :)

I finally went biking this morning. Too late for my three-days goal. But I felt so good afterwards. :D

Happy day to you all. Wish me luck on that scale, 'k? ;)

[icedragon6669]

Lost 3 pounds this week!

BUT still bloated (my rings are tight), but also dehydrated from yesterday! so hopefully they cancell each other out in the next few days.....

another hot day on the way...... (groan!)