Drop the Last 15!!!

[Tina30]

Ok ladies here we are! This will be are new meeting place. If either of you have any suggestions for our program throw them out there. Ok a few more days to weigh in so stick with it this week and let's see what we can do. :carrot: :carrot: :carrot:

[Tina30]

Good morning Susan and Angel! I figured I would check in before my day got going! My exercise for the day is going to be another 4 mile walk and then some weights. I think for food I am going to have my cereal and milk with strawberries this morning and then some fruit for a snack before lunch. Lunch today will be a salad with turkey cheese and some lite dressing and some lite wheat thins. Dinner not so sure yet what I am going to make but it will be something good. I am trying to eat like Susan said smaller meals and just fill them in through the day with some healthy snacks it is just sometimes hard with little ones to eat that often. Well I hope you both have a great day and I will check in later to see how you both are doing. Have a great day!

[angel-eyes]

Morning!! :coffee: I found you!!!:D You're food for the day sounds delish! I too had some cereal this morning, but got derailed somewhat while making a cake for my friends bday. hehe...she's a real 'hotdog' nut, and I once saw a cake made to look like a hotdog....so thats what ds and I made!!! It turned out pretty good, just like the picture if'n I do say so!!;) Thank goodness, I'll just drop it off at her house later on.....none for me thankyou!!! Dh has been away all week on a conference, so ds has been sticking to me like glue!!:dizzy: My oldest has been away at a 3 week course (*sigh* I miss him terribly....) but comes home on Saturday!!! :carrot: He called me this morning while doing his laundry!!! hehe...Thats the best skill I've taught him so far.:D Less for me to do. I'll check back later. tc

[artmaker]

Hi, found you both! It's killing me that the sun has been shining all day and I could have had my leaky steps area drying out, but they predicted rain later and I have to train a man with arthritis tonight so I didn't want to take a chance of not being home in time, covered the whole area with the duct taped garbage bags. Sigh. Guess I won't be able to dry it out until Saturday when I am home.

Woke at 3:30 worried about flooding and couldn't go back to sleep so hemmed a pair of really nice linen pants from the Gap that I got at the thrift store, sewed a button on a jacket, and then went back to bed. Then of course, I couldn't wake up in time to work out, so I hope I have the energy to at least work out at the gym tonight after my client is finished. Don't know about you both, but I'm finding as I lose weight, the local thrift store has been a godsend. Paying $4 for a pair of nice pants...and hoping they'll be too big in a few weeks...is a great deal. Luckily I work in a "posh" area of town so the stuff at the store is generally good quality and in good shape.

My eating has been good, and I've been using my new weapon...chewing gum! Sometimes I just crave having something in my mouth, and I'm finding that if I remember to do it, chewing gum is a great solution. Had my usual oatmeal with yogurt and fresh fruit for breakfast; lunch was stir fried kale with chicken and peanuts, and tonight's dinner will be a big salad with cheese.

Guess that's about it. Have a great day! May the sun shine for you.

[Tina30]

Well girls I had another good day! I just finished my walk and the food was good all day! Angel are you sure your best friend is not my husband because he could live on hotdogs everyday if he had his way. You have to let me know how to make that cake because his b-day is coming in August and that would be perfect. Susan I hope you sleep better tonight. It is nice to get cloths at the thrift store especially when they will be to big in a month. I chew gum also when a craving hits I also find that going to brush my teeth helps. I think your right though anything to keep the mouth moving and distract you. I was wondering if you had any specific exercises I could do at home for my lower body. I am what would be considered a classic pear shape and I would love to lose some of the bottom half. I would love some exercises for my glutes thighs and hip area. If you have any suggestions I would love to hear them. I have access to free weights, a step, and a stability ball. Well I am off to take a shower and then some relaxing with my hubby before bed. Have a good night!

[artmaker]

Welll, here I am, another pear, Tina! I do alot of squats. I mean alot! I use my step for that. I do 15-20 squats standing on one side of the step, then 15-20 with one foot on the step, the other on the floor, then 15-20 with the step between my legs so that I am squatting wide, then reverse with the other leg on the step, and finally, squats on the other side of the step with my legs together. Squeeze your butt as you go up each time. Remember with a squat to go back with your weight on your heels as if you are going to sit, and never bend so far forward that your knees are over your toes; they should be over your shoelaces. You can put your arms out as you go down for balance, and as you get better at it, hold small weights. Because of my bad knee, I don't do lunges, but they are good also....lunging forward, back and to the side.

For the backside, the best proven exercise there is to go down on hands and knees and lift one leg up, bent knee, 10-12 times, then repeat with the other. Do it slowly. Another is to use your step.... lying with your feet on the step, (and a few risers underneath), raise your butt in the air, squeezing it while making a bridge, making sure not to arch your back, do it slowly, going up and down. That works the fat in the area between your butt and the tops of your thighs.

Last night was good for me...got on the elliptical for 25 minutes, then some other funky machine, and I didn't eat anything extra. In fact, I wasn't very hungry for dinner so had some cheese on Wasa bread, and a bowl of fresh fruit at work, then an orange when I got home from the gym. Since I always have raw veggies in the afternoon, I wasn't too worried about missing my salad.

Angel, that hotdog cake sounds great! I bet it was well received. How did your day go?

Have a great day.

Susan

[Tina30]

Good morning ladies! Thank you for the suggestions Susan. I will try them tommorow when I do my lower body work. I don't have a bad knee and lunges kill mine so I can imagine how they would feel to you. Glad to hear you had a good day yesterday. I can't believe that tommorow is Friday already. I was really excited to weigh-in until I woke up with my period and that changed it all. I will still weigh I just don't expect to see any loss since I usually bloat up but the good news is it will be a good weigh in the next week. Susan I see me and you have the same amount of weight to lose. At least I think that is were I want to be I am not sure yet. I am afraid when I get there I will still not like what I see and need to lose a few more. I am a bit nervous I have to say about the weekend and holiday coming. This Sat. is my birthday and then the fourth we are going to a family party. I do remember though last year on my birthday my husband took us to Applebee's and I ordered off the weight watchers menu and had a tiny piece of cake he made. I am pretty determined to do this so hopefully the stubborn disaplined person will come out. I just know that I want to really try and then see how I do. Angel it sounds like things are going good for you. I know what you mean though about missing your kids. My son was just gone for the week last week and I missed him like crazy. It has to be hard with your husband and son both gone. How old are your children? Well for today I have planned another walk this evening and some weights since I skipped them yesterday. Food wise I am thinking cereal and strawberries for breakfest some fruit or raw veggies in between for snack and lunch will be another salad with turkey. Dinner will be grilled pork chops with baked potatoes and some cottage cheese. I think I forgot to tell you both that my husband is the pickest eater in the world so I have a hard time with meals. Well good luck to you both today! Have a wonderful day!

[Miss DC]

Hey ladies,
I'd like to join this little thread of yours. First i though i'd give you a little background on me. 2 years ago i lost about 40 lbs (175 to 135) on a really low calorie diet (doctor supervised but unhealthy and unrealistic nonetheless). I lost it in about 3 months and all i had to show for it was a smaller body. I hadn't learned anything and the minute i "took a break" from my low calories i gained weight. I would have weeks when i was losing were i would lose 5 pounds (midway through, not just during the first week) but then when i went back to my old habits i'd gain 5 lbs in a week. I was living in fear that it would all come back on. And eventually it did.

So there i was 2 years later with even more weight to lose. But this time i am taking my time and i am not going to extremes just to see a big drop for one week. I am constantly asking myself if this is something that i can maintain for my lifetime.

So now i've got a little under 20 lbs left to lose and it's not easy. For one thing, i'm pretty happy with where i'm at right now. I've hit the point where a lot of people are commenting on my lose and they're even talking about it when i'm not there. And i appreciate all their kind words, i really do but i can't help but feel both satisfied about where i am and also like i'm under some kind of a microscope. I liked flying under the radar. Now i feel more pressure to succeed (aka, pressure "not to fail") than i did before.

Exercise has been my absolute secret weapon. I work out twice a week with a trainer and then get about 3-5 cardio sessions in during the week. But lately, with this sticky warm weather i'm seeing my motivation waiver. It's getting harder and harder to get up in the morning to go for a run, and it's getting easier and easier to rationalize buying frozen yogurt to cool me off. I haven't gone off the wagon or anything but i've definitely become less focused and a bit less driven. I need to psych myself up for these last 15-20 lbs. I don't mind if they take me months to lose, i just want to keep doing what it is that got me here. The cravings are starting to sneak back in, but i've beaten them before and i will beat them again...right?? hehe.

[artmaker]

DC, what about biking in the morning instead of running, just for a change of pace, and changing your other cardio? If you belong to a gym, maybe take in a kickboxing class, or a biking class, or mini trampoline. Something that would be fun and different and challenge you in a different way, and keep your incentive going. And it is hard to keep up the momentum for long periods of time. Perhaps give yourself a rest week, where you cut back on the intensity of your workouts with your trainer and go for toning rather high resistence. You may be overtraining, and that will eventually take its toll. Cut back to three cardio, and again, vary the type. Make it fun. Go for a hike on the weekend with friends, or again, biking. It's summer...how about swimming for cardio?



Susan

[Tina30]

Welcome DC! The more the better! That is one more person to keep us on the road to losing! I feel alot of what you are saying. I called it getting cocky when I hit the weight I am at now. Everybody would say how good I looked and how skinny I was getting well what I forgot to remember was they were used to me being really heavy so to them I probably am skinny. I also have people who say I should be done I have lost enough. All's I can say is I know when I will be done because I will look in the mirror and see this is the best it is going to get. I think you will find that the other girls are really motivating and Susan has some great exercise ideas. I don't know if you want to do this but we weigh-in on Fridays and we sort of up-date each other daily on our progress for the day. I think together we will do this. Have a good day!

[artmaker]

OK it's Friday and I weighed in at 160. Guess the 159 was a blip on the radar screen. My scale (and weight) yo-yo's one or two pounds during the week, but as long as it doesn't really go up I'm not concerned. I did eat out last night...had a spicey salmon salad at a japanese restaurant, which I thought would be nice and safe....turned out it was raw salmon in some kind of sauce over rice noodles and vegetables. I would have been better off with just sushi. But other than that, I was really good...and what I like about this restaurant...they serve orange slices for dessert, which was very satisfying. However, by the time it was over it was after 8, and I try not to eat so late....what is it people say....after 8, close the gate....? Today I hope to stick to my planned meals.....kale and chicken for lunch, and salad for dinner, with fresh fruit and cut veggies in between. Walked two miles early this am.

I've planned my menus for next week so I can go food shopping tonight....chicken and bulgar and mixed vegetables, and tortellini and vegetables in a yogurt sauce. Those will be my main lunch meals, with salads for dinner.

How is everyone else doing?

[Tina30]

Good morning ladies! Well I am really happy to report that I lost 1 pound this week. I was really suprised since I have my period and all but I have been really good this week with eating and exercise has been awesome. I just have some lower body work to do today and I am taking a break from cardio today. Friday I am usually worn out and I clean all day so I figure going up and down the stairs a million times has to count for something. I am going to try my hardest to behave over the weekend. I think seeing though that all my hard work paid off I will have a easier time sticking to it. I have some friends coming over tommorow night so I will have to be sure to eat a nice filling dinner so I don't snack all night. I hope you all have a nice weekend. Susan did the rain finally stop for you? Everyone keep up your good work! We have not even been at this a whole week so next week should be even better! Have a nice day!

[Miss DC]

Hey ladies,
Thanks for the welcome and the advice. I think you guys are right about changing up my cardio a bit. Bike riding is a great idea. I'm actually going down the shore this weekend (Ocean City, yeah, i'm a born and raised Jersey Girl). We do a lot of bike riding on the boardwalk while we're there. I don't belong to a gym so i don't have access to classes but i do have some dvd's at home that i like and i'm a tennis player so i really should just set up a weekly tennis date with someone. The yucky humidity discourages me sometimes but it's beautiful today so that helps me realize that it's can't be humid EVERYDAY this summer...can it???

One of my other goals has also been to take my running outside. I'm a treadmill girl and rarely run outside. There's a bunch of bike/jog paths by my house. I just have to run a bit to get to them and they're really nice. But sometimes i'm not always comfortable running early or late on my own. I always tell my boyfriend "i'm small, i could get stolen". :) But since the sun is coming up nice and early now and it's staying light till almost 8 pm now i should feel a lot more comfortable.

Anyway, i'm trying to get through my frozen yogurt craving. Sometimes i forget all the work i put in to get me here and forget that to stay here i have to keep working just as hard. I start feeling like a little ice cream won't hurt, or skipping a workout won't hurt. And while that's true in the short term, if i let it become a habit, or use it as an excuse to become complacent, it will hurt me in the long run. Sometimes i feel entitled to my new body, but i have to remind myself that earned it and i have to continue to earn it or i will "earn" back the body i had before.

So anyway, this weekend into next week is nice and busy. I"m heading to NYC for 2 days then down to Ocean City, NJ for 3 days. It will be somewhat challenging, but i've planned for it.

Re-evaluating our motivation is good practice. It won't always be about a lower number on the scale and we will need to find other ways to keep us going even when we find ourselves just were we want to be.

[angel-eyes]

Hi girls.....well I wasn't so lucky afterall......my week long sore throat DID turn into a full blown strep throat!!! I finally went to the urgent care yesterday and was given antibiotics. On a positive note though.....DS IS HOME FROM COLLEGE!!!! I swear, he has grown and matured. Is that possible in only 3 weeks? hehe..... 3 weeks is a long time to be away from MOM!!!! He def. had a great time and now its back home, back to house rules etc etc.....I'm trying to let him have his 'independence' as well but after his all night party (no sleep at all) I did put my foot down and insist he get 4 hours sleep yesterday afternoon when we got back from the drive. Food and excercise has been almost non-existent all week but once these meds are over and my throat is not swollen and infected .....I'LL BE BACK on track for sure!!! Sorry I was MIA all week.

Hello Miss DC....:wave: :welcome3:
__________________

[artmaker]

Hi people! Not sure how to say this, but I had a difficult situation this past week....ended up having a stroke as I was leaving work this past Friday, called 911, and ended up in the hospital. Guess strokes don't respect people with good blood pressure, low cholesterol, and who don't drink smoke or carouse (sp?). Thank goodness it was a very small stroke...after much testing they let me go home last night, and my son flew in from California to be with me til Thursday. As for treatment, two aspirin a day. Being in the hospital made me really think about how I want my life to be going forward...I've already had breast cancer---8 years ago---and now this. I think it's time I really start living my life the way I want it to be. Don't think I want anymore wake up calls.

Anyhow, being in the hospital and eating hospital food put me back down to 159....but I am not supposed to do anything but rest for the rest of the week until I see my gp on Thursday, so I am going to have to be really careful with my eating.

Angel, hope your throat is ok by now. And how nice to be able to enjoy your son again. DC, hope you had a fabulous time in NY and it looks like the weather is cooperating for your OC visit; and Tina, congrats on the weight loss.

Susan

[angel-eyes]

OMG!!! That would def. freak me out. Do they know what caused the stroke? Glad to hear that you are now out and able to be home. Thankfully, your son can visit with you awhile. I bet you had time for some inner reflection, what a very scarey thing to have happen to you. I'm glad to hear you are now okay!!:hug:

[artmaker]

They are not sure what caused the stroke...but everything looks clear now in my brain...there's no blockage showing. Hopefully it was a one time thing and I can move on from it. I see my regular doctor on Thursday and she will hook me up with a neurologist. In the meanwhile, I am so BORED...I have even done all the mending I had sitting around since last year...hemmed two pair of pants, sewed buttons on clothes, and am now going to tackle all the piles of papers on the dining room table. This is NOT the way I want to be forced to clean my house! <grin>

Since my son flew in from CA to be with me, I am having him do all the chores I've been postponing for months. Poor guy.

Anyhow, I will check in later in teh week...won't have much to report since I'm not allowed to do anything but rest....hope everyone's week goes well.

Susan.

[Tina30]

Hello ladies! I have been MIA for a few days! Susan I am glad to hear it was a small stoke only and you are feeling better but I can imagine even a small one is a scare. You will have to keep us updated on your condition and how you are feeling. I hope you all had a nice holiday! I am so tired from running here and there. I am going to admit that the eating was awful from Sat. on and it is really hard for me even today to get back in the swing. I have gained weight this week of that I am sure and it makes me so mad but I guess not mad enough to put the hot dog down. I have to get my head back in this and fast. I am so easily derailed. I will do it though. Susan your scare although not good put some fear into me. I have to take care of myself because if a stroke can happen to a healthy person a unhealthy person is really at risk. Angel I hope you are feeling better. So starting right now I am going to try to get in my water for the day and watch the food. I have to turn this around before I get too out of hand. Well I hope you all have a great day.

[Stephanie Osborne]

DO you gals mind if I join you? I am 25 and looking to drop the last 12 lbs to become that amazingly stunning girl I know I can be. I am a runner and a wanna be gym bunny. Eating is my biggest hurdle in the battle of the bulge. I am a photographer, married for a little more than a year and mommy to a 2 yr old cocker spaniel.

[artmaker]

Hi Stephie, welcome to the group. The more the merrier, and better support for all of us, of course!

Well, another day of enforced rest. I see my GP tomorrow and she willl let me know what I can and can't do, and whether I can go back to work. Meanwhile my DS has cleaned the gutters, fixed the closet door, replaced lightbulbs and caulked all the places that were leaking in the cellar wall and steps from the big storms. Love having him around, but I think, as long as I am deemed ok by the GP, he will be happy to go back to California and away from "chores". It was good having him here. I guess I was a little anxious about being alone this first week after the stroke.

Actually saw 158 on the scale yesterday, but I think it's not here to stay, at least for a while. unless I can start exercising again. My metabolism is so slow right now.

Angel, how is that throat of yours? Tina, good luck with the reversal....getting back in gear is hard...but think about all the great fruits you can get right now, and salads.....this is the time to really push! DC, how were your trips? How did they go?

Susan

[Tina30]

Wow we have quite a little group now don't we! It is wonderful! I can't wait until we all meet our goals. Steph I am glad that you found us. You are really close to your goal keep up your good work! Susan I hope the doctor goes good for you today! Let us know how it went and what the doctor says. It was really nice of your son to come and help you. I bet you were glad to have the company. Angel how have you been feeling? I hope you are on the road to recovery also. I have to be honest with you all I ate awful again yesterday. I don't know what my deal is but I have to turn this around and FAST!! I felt awful by the time yesterday evening rolled around and I know it was due to eating junk all day long. I felt like a failure. I am going to try really hard today to get going in the right direction. I have been feeling a bit down lately and I think the food is a part of that also so I have many reasons to turn this around. DC I hope you are having a nice vaction. When you get back you will have to let us know how it was. Well I hope you all have a great day and hopefully I will report better tommorow!

[angel-eyes]

well today I just forced myself to go to the gym. NO more if's ands or butt's!! hehe, pun intended.... I'm still on a few more days worth of meds for the strepthroat, but I really needed to get back into it with some COMMITTMENT!! Its sooo easy to 'not go' and then before you know it,,,,,,a few days roll into a week and then a month goes by and you think....WHAT THE?? I didn't do too badly either, I was a clock watcher but I know that'll change. So here's to a better day than yesterday....

Hi Stephie....:welcome3: Nice to meet you! Last fall we vacationed in Colorado, WE LOVED IT!!!

Tina.....you and me girl !!! small baby steps!!! Today is my first OP day in a while, plan to succeed on one meal at a time and then the whole day will be OP and a day of success to build on .....then day #2. My eating hasn't been horrible but it hasn't been great either. Too many carbs is my problem....:dizzy:

Susan.....glad you're feeling better. Hope your GP appt goes well and you get the green light!! Enjoy ds while he's here....nice to have him around though, right? Is he married?

[artmaker]

Goood morning! Internist yesterday said they think stroke might have been due to the severe eye migraine I had...compressing a bloodvessel so hard that it caused the stroke. I see the neurologist on Monday, and an eye doctor so that I can drive again...they want to make sure my field of vision is clear.

Definitely hit 158 but after a friend came and fed us all sorts of goodies yesterday it may fluctuate. Need to get back on the wagon today.

DS is going to stay until Monday so he can take me to the doctors. My own personal chauffer (sp?)....it's great....and I can even "kiss" the chauffer!

Hope everyone has a great day...yesterday was a gorgeous day here...haven't poked my head out yet today but the sun is shining.

Susan

[angel-eyes]

Susan.....More doctor visits, well I guess thats to be expected. At least this appt went well. Enjoy your time with your handyman/chauffeur/errand runner/ son!!!! You'll hit the 158....hang in there, one friends goodies isn't enough to bring you back up into the 60's.

[Tina30]

Hello ladies! Well today is weigh-in day and it was not so good for me alothough I knew that it would not be. I gained 3 pounds from last Friday. I am surprised that is it seemings how I ate everything under the sun. I am going to have a way better week next week. I was disappointed with myself but I am not going to let it bring me down. I will use it to push me this coming week. Susan I am glad to hear that your doctors are on the road to finding the cause of the stroke. Good job hitting 158. That is wonderful. Well today starts my husbands vaction so I don't know how often next week I will be checking in. I know we are going camping Sunday thru Tuesday so I will check in on Wed. more then likely. I hope you all have a great weekend!

[Stephanie Osborne]

Well ladies I am 2 lbs closer to goal. My financial struggles along with this 5k I am training for have been doing the trick I guess. SO long and GOODBYE for LIFE! I am tired of losing and regaining this same 2 lbs. I reallly need to make it stick this time. Not much on tap for me today. Just got done with work...gotta get my run in tonight as well as maybe a bit of yoga/pilates. I am sore from strength training earlier this week so man oh man could I use it. Camping this weekend eh? Well have fun!

artmaker - wow can I borrow your DS my hubby has a honey do list that in ancient by now...

tina - I can relate to eating junk breeding eating more junk. You jyst have to be able to turn it around midday...so what if you had a rough morning...follow it with an angelic night :)

angel eyes- I totally get what you are saying about the gym. When you have been away for a while it is so hard to drag yourself back there...but once you get a routine you start to feel like you are on a roll...why ruin a good thing right?

[Tina30]

I was just reading your post Steph and I can't believe how much sense it made to me. What was I thinking when I would have a bad morning and just continue all day with that attitude. I am going to write that quote down and post it on the fridge. I am with you on losing and gaining the same two pounds over and over. I have had it I just want to get out of that grouping and into a whole new one. Well I hope you have a good run tonight and I hope things start to look up for you on all other fronts. Have a good day!

[angel-eyes]

Hey girls....just made it back from the gym and grocery shopping. I did a great elip. workout and then just for fun, I tried the room at the back of the gym which has all the 'curves' style equipment. That was neat, boy did it go by fast also. I did the circuit twice....and was dripping with sweat by the end. Yuck and yeah!!! As for grocery shopping, when did fruit get sooo expensive IN THE SUMMER??? Isn't it supposed to be that way in the off season? I did score in the chicken aisle though... Here I was, just looking at the nice plump chickens that normally run for $7.00 and saw some mismarked for only $1.80. WHAT THE???? okay, normally I would point this out to a clerk, but I ran straight to the checkout counter with my 5 whole plump (and yummy) chickens!!!! :D As you can see, I have no life and groceries are fun for me!!! so sad....:rofl:

stephie....good job!! :cp: woohooo

tina....I'm with you....def. not a good weighin for me either. Last week I forgot to weigh in and then I was sick, so today was a start weight for me to kick off ww's. Just a smidge under 200, but I'll take it. Next week I will be leaner and lighter!!! We can do this Tina!!!

[artmaker]

Angel, good deal with the chickens! I think supermarkets are fun...espec the good ones. i go to a korean market that has the best produce....and really inexpensive fruits....DS took me yesterday and I stocked up on blueberries and strawberries and mangoes. Last night I cooked, and this morning I cooked, so we are set with meals for the rest of DS's visit plus for me for work (if I get the ok to drive again). I used to say that a good supermarket was like church to me....especially early in the morning when no one is around and everything looks fresh and healthy.

This morning DS and I took a walk through the woods near by, ended up taking a side path and doing about 2.5 miles....even tho' I'm not supposed to exercise, I figured it was not exercise...it was life being lived. Felt wonderful to be active again. Monday I see the neurologist and hopefully will get the ok to go ahead with everything else... Had an echocardiogram yesterday which appears to show my heart looks fine.

Stephie, it sounds like you are really on the right track...you sound very positive...may it continue!

Tina, have a wonderful trip!

Susan

[angel-eyes]

Susan....I'm so glad your visit with your son is now in its...."enjoying his visit" phase rather than the emergency stressfull time it was at first. I promise I won't tell your dr. about your long walk/hike...;) It probably did you the world of good to get out and get some fresh air.

[angel-eyes]

Morning!! :wave: I decided to re-think and re-evaluate and then break down my 20 lbs or so into doable smaller goals of 5 lbs each. I would LOVE to be there quicker, but that doesn't seem to be happening, so.....why get frustrated? and since I'm getting healthier as a by product of better eating and excercising......why stress at it!!! I'm now alot healthier than I was 1 yr ago.....I'm now alot thinner than I was 1 yr ago.......and I'm alot happier than I was 1 yr ago!!!! Size 'whatever' is just a number smaller than a 'off the rack' Lg and 16 I wear now. So, I'll take whatever comes!!! I LOVE THESE REVELATIONS!!!! Have a great day.

[angel-eyes]

Morning!! :wave: Just had my breakie.....ww english muffin, slice of cheese and a hard boiled egg. yum yum, and only 4 pts!! Yesterday was a good day, even got some biking in with ds. (gym was closed)...so that was good. Heading out to the gym in a little while, going to do the elip. and workout in the 'curves' room. Just tried that for the first time and was surprized at how hard it was. hehe....the commercials show the ladies having a gay ol' time ....almost having a party!!! NOT!!!

[angel-eyes]

Hello??? okay girls, I'm beginning to get a complex here!! :D come out come out....where ever you are? hehe......

Susan.....How did your dr. appt go? Everything okay? Ds gone yet?
Stephie.....How are you doing? Its been awhile, just busy I guess.....

Yesterday was a great day although the boys were really at each other, I did not go off plan. Usually with stress (heck almost any emotion....) I do a quick fix of something sweet from the pantry, well yesterday I wasn't going to let it get the best of me. :carrot: ....such a proud moment!!!:D Nice to know that I'm still learning all this stuff. Had a great workout at the gym, but an hour of intense weeding beforehand.....my arms were jelly, so no eliptical; I ran 3 miles on the treadmill instead!!! In the spring I started training to run a 5K race, well I think I got burned out because shortly after the race in April the treadmill seemed to much of a chore so I switched to other equipment. Well last night it was fun AGAIN!!! I guess I need to change it up more with a variety of excercises so I don't get bored.

[artmaker]

Hi all! Think Tina is still away on vacation....and yesterday I was tuckered out by all the doctors visits, but I've gotten a clean bill of health from everyone. YAHOO!!!!

Today I'm back at work, but I did get a mile walk in earlier, and about 40 squats, so I feel I'm heading back on track. Looks like the two pounds I lost are back, but that's to be expected with no exercise and eating normally. I didn't want to cut back when my system was under stress. If I'm not too tired I'm going to head to the gym and try to get in the elliptical machine tonight. Angel, how long do you go on the elliptical?

Interesting that your gym should have a curves room...probably smart since people who might feel embarrassed on the other machines might feel more comfortable there.

Ah, it's so good to be back to life again!!!

Susan

[angel-eyes]

YEAH SUSAN!!! That must be such a RELIEF!!!....and wtg on getting some walking in this morning!!! you are raring to go.

My gym has the 'curves' room because the curves location closed down so we assumed their membership and they put all the equipment in the former yoga room. So I feel like having 2 memberships but only paying for the one. Its funny that I never considered that room a real workout until I tried it. I thought...yeah right? but I push myself and really work up a sweat. I suppose I could just sit back and take my leisure time doing it all but I push myself the entire 1 minute rotation time. As for your elip question....it varies but usually its 2x 15 minute segments with weights (or curves room) in between and that usually ends up with almost a 450-500 cal burn or 3 miles. I have a rather peculiar problem with a longer time on the elip (30 min straight)....my toes go numb!!! :o Not sure whether I'm balancing more on the ball of my foot when I do it or WHAT... so breaking it down solves my problem. WIERD HUH?:?:

[Stephanie Osborne]

Ok I am back ladies. I really was super busy. Had to go out of town to take a photo yesterday of the NFL MVP. I was super nervous but he was very nice and surprisingly also very cute! Eating went well over the weekend then seemed to nosedive yesterday. On an upnote on Sunday I got a glorious mind blowingly intense run in along this trail system in town. It really felt good! I think if I can hold the rain off tonight I may try it again at the same location or perhaps drag my hubby out to play some tennis.

angel - Great job on the curves workout. I am so jealous. My gym is pretty old and small and most of the machines don't fit my small frame (I am 5'2) would be nice to be able to use Curves equipment and get it done through circuit training instead of having to be a slave to my freeweights. I am of the same thought as you on the weight. I find when I start worrying more about being healthy and active it slowly starts falling into place.

artmaker - Sounds like you had a beautiful walk on Saturday, sometimes you just need to get out in nature to make you feel a bit better eh?

[artmaker]

Angel.....my toes go numb also after around 15-20 minutes....so not so weird....I thought it was just me!

Curves is generally set up for people who aren't used to exercise and need help.

Steph, welcome back. What sort of work do you do that you take pictures of MVPs?

I remember when I used to run I would occasionally have a really special run...sounds like that's what you experienced...where everything just feels right. If you want to set up a circuit for yourself, you can do that with your free weights and a step (do you have one?) and one of those large swedish balls. I could help you figure one out if you tell me what equipment you have, and what your workout environment is like.

Today woke late...got in 15 min on the treadmill and some triceps sets...am heading back to the gym tonight to work with my arthritis client, then hope to get an elliptical workout in and maybe biceps. I'm trying to ease back into things. Back down to 159 this morning. Yay!

[Stephanie Osborne]

Good morning ladies.

Well got my hubby to come with me to the tennis courts last night and got 2 matches in (about an hour of playing) Also did the "Dance like a fool for 15 minutes" challenge from the exercise forum - so I managed to get a workout in despite missing out on all the daylight. Found out I will be going out of town on Thursday night instead of Friday night and not returning until Monday morning for work. So I NEED to get my run in tonight and add some serious minutes of working out today and tomorrow since I may not have the chance this weekend. Today I begin counting calories...have any of you tried nutridiary.com? It is in my opinion mush better than fitday.

SUSAN - I am a photojournalist for a newspaper. My emphasis is sports although sometimes I do dabble in the other stuff...

As for my workout environment I have a yoga mat, a fitness ball, 10 7 and 3 lb dumbells and an aerobic step. I also have a two story home so I have stairs I can utilize if I need them.

[angel-eyes]

Susan....haha...that is so funny that you have the same problem!!! I had mentioned it to several people over the years and they all gave me the "you're crazy" look so I stopped telling people about it. I feel NORMAL now!! hehe...:D

[artmaker]

No, angel, we are EXCEPTIONAL! Exceptional people always have little quirks to make them even more interesting! <grin>

Stephie...will work on developing a circuit for you. It will be fun for me to try.

Susan

[artmaker]

Morning all! Did 15 minutes of elliptical last night at the gym. Much better for me than the treadmill, as I hold on to the bars, so I don't worry about my vertigo so much. Was going to workout this am before work but ended up reading the rest of a mystery novel I started last night. Bad girl! I will have to workout tonight when I get home.

Hope you all have a great day.

Susan

[Stephanie Osborne]

Well ladies I am down a lb this weekly weigh in and since the last time I measured I have lost at least a quarter of an inch off my measurements. Last night did some running, stairs, stretching, cardio and had an excellent day with calorie counting. I so needed this good news prior to my business trip. It is the motivation I need to be strong while I am away. Just found out my 4 hour drive is actually 8 hours. I leave tonight and will be back Monday so be good while I am gone!

angel - I have one of those not so normal workout ticks...when I do cardio my lovehandles itch. Everyone thinks I am weird.

susan - thanks...I am a baby when it comes to strength training. I basically follow magazine routines when I can but other than that not to up and up with what I should be doing. I am very concerned with my butt/hip/thigh area.
Gotta love the eliptical...though I find I don't push myself as hard on it anymore. I have been using the cross trainer lately to get my arms into the mix.

[Morgaine]

Hey there - can I join in here? I have 13 more pounds to go.

Stephie - I'm a photographer too - I work for a newspaper, but I don't write, so I can't add "journalist" to my title. Unlike you, I get tired of doing sports photos - baseball is the worst for me. I like the features stuff the best.

[Tina30]

Hello ladies! I am back from vaction. Over all it was pretty fun. The kids were so ready for there own beds though and so was I. I am not really a big camper but I have to say that my moms trailer is really nice so you don't feel as is you are really roughing it. The weather was not so good though while we were there it rained everyday. We found things to do though so that was good. I think the kids had a great time so that is all that matters to me. I think for the rest of the week we are sticking close to home and I will be doing laundry for a week I bet. It sounds like all of you are doing great. I did not eat so great but we did get in exercise since we brought our bikes and we were in the pool everyday. I plan on getting back on track with the stady exercise and weights on Monday. It is just so hard when it is vaction time. I am glad to hear all is well with you Susan. That was quite a scare for you though I bet. Angel it sounds like you are doing great with your new found attitude. I am hoping to get with it when my husband goes back to work. Stephie I hope you have a good trip and keep up your good work. Looks like we have a new buddy joining us. Welcome Morgaine!!!!! Hope you find us useful. Well I am off to unload the truck and start the many loads of laundry. Hope you all have a great day!

[Stephanie Osborne]

Stephie - I'm a photographer too - I work for a newspaper, but I don't write, so I can't add "journalist" to my title. Unlike you, I get tired of doing sports photos - baseball is the worst for me. I like the features stuff the best.

I hate features hehe...portraits are hard for me. I always feel like my concepts are just to complex and when you couple that with the fact that I have trouble taking my time it hardly ever turns out the way I would like. Why can't you add journalist to your title? Photo Essays are journalism as well as the fact that you are not in Portrait, Event, Wedding, Artistic photography you work for a paper :) I love sports because it is an observation photo. You don't direct the people just watch as the photo unfolds and be skilled enough to capture it.

[Morgaine]

I guess I just get tired of doing sports all the time. we just went through a pretty lengthy season and my editor wanted baseball photos every week. We would run a half page photo essay, which meant I would run around to 3 or 4 different games so there was some variety in the teams featured.

I LOVE portraits. I do a lot of pics for bands and theatre productions.

[Stephanie Osborne]

See I was lucky I got to follow around primarily two teams during baseball season. We would publish 2-3 photos per game and would have about 3 games a week. Got to follow one team to state and travel to those games. Got around 5-6 photos from those games published if you could feature type photos. Its so challenging I just love it. Some sports I detest like volleyball... Do you keep a portfolio online anywhere?

[artmaker]

It's cool listening (reading?) the two of you talk business....feel like I'm learning something new. Very interesting. What a neat choice of career.

Today was a great morning....walked about two miles, then came back and did my squat routine....[stephie, you might want to try this for your lower body....you squat 10 x with legs together on one side of your step, then squat with one leg up, then squat with one leg on either side of the step with feet turned out, then squat with the other leg up, and finally, squat on the other side of the step with both legs together. Works all parts of the legs, inner and outer, and butt. Just remember to squat back as if you're sitting so that your knees are no further than your shoelaces. I do 20 at each position, but I worked up to it]...finally ended with some heavy duty stretching and flexibility exercises. It felt so good to be active again! Will weigh myself now...Tina, isn't that what we're supposed to do...weigh in officially on Fridays?

Angel, how are you doing? Tina, are you settled back in yet?

Have a great day all!

Susan

[Morgaine]

Stephie - I used to upload my assignment stuff to Smugmug, until I discovered my editor was downloading smaller versions of the original file size and publishing those, which made them look like heck, so now I burn them to CD and drop them off every Monday. I work for a weekly paper that publishes on Friday.

I still have the Smugmug site, but nothing's on there right now. I don't know that I need to do an official online portfolio as this is just freelance stuff and I have a regular full-time job. The extra jobs I get are word-of-mouth and I pretty much have more than I can handle, now.

25 years ago I was trying really hard to break into photography as a career and kept running up against walls. Now that I've relaxed, it's dropping into my lap. I'm too old at this point to start over and pursue it full-time. This weekend freelance stuff is running me ragged at times.

Ok, the rest of you - back to diet talk: (sorry for the threadjack)

I"m trying to get off 12.5 more pounds to get to goal. I just landed a role in a community theatre production where there's oodles of dance numbers, so I will be dancing my hiney off 7 days a week for about 6 weeks. I think that should take care of the rest of the weight. I'm following Atkins, still at induction. Any time I try to up the carbs, I stall. Maybe with all that exercise I won't stall. Hmmm, I'll have to try and see.

[angel-eyes]

Hi Morgaine.....:welcome3: I also think its neat that you two are in the same field. Small world.

Susan....those squats are KILLERS!!!! I feel your pain. hehe

Tina.....Welcome back!! Sounds like you had a great time (rain aside) Sorry about the never ending laundry pile, but vacation is like that. I've never been camping in a trailer, but I'm sure it beats a tent hands down!!! (esp. the AC):D

Great news...I lost 2 lbs this week!! wooohoooo. It feels soooo good to be a loser. ;) And I mean that in a good way! hehe

[Tina30]

Good morning ladies! Well it is Friday and it is hot, hot, hot in my neck of the woods. Well Susan Friday is the official weigh- in day and it was no change since the holidays. I guess I am glad that I did not gain any over the husbands vaction. So right now I am at 156. I am really hoping to get back on track Monday when things settle back down. Glad to hear that you all are doing good with you rountines and eating. Well we are off to go shopping for the beach tommorow. Well I hope you all have a great weekend!

[Morgaine]

I forgot to mention - I am leaving Monday for a week's vacation - camping - so I won't be checking in. I'm making sure to take all the right food with me so I stay on plan. This will be the first time I'm not going to be able to weigh myself everyday. Hubby has said I couldn't bring the scale - I asked. I'm hoping that the following Monday weigh-in will be a pleasant surprise.

[artmaker]

Morgaine...have a great time...it's a good idea to forget the scale. You'll probably be so busy that you won't have time to mess up, and you'll certainly be active. Just think what a nice surprise you'll get. Have fun.

Have a good weekend all...take care.

[Tina30]

Hello ladies! Well I usually don't write on Sundays but I am feeling like I need to write down my plan for the next week so I will have you all to hold me accountable. I don't want to slip anymore so I am starting today with 30 min on my step with a video. I don't think with the heat today I will be going out. I did my shooping and stocked up on lots of fruits and veggies and lean meats so that part is in check. Ok for the exercise plan this is it for the week. Monday- weights and my 4 mile walk - Tuesday- 4 mile walk- Wednesday- weights and walk- Thursday- 4 mile walk- Friday-weights- Sat-OFF Sunday- 30 min Step video. I am going to stick to this for the week if it kills me and see how I do when I am faithful. I think I get so de-railed so fast I don't even know the couple of pounds have creeped on until I step on the scale. I am going to try and get better with that also though. I get on that stupid scale almost everyday and I either get really happy or really sad. I need to start focusing more on just getting healthy then getting to the next number. I sometimes feel like such a hypocrite for giving others advice when I can't stick with it myself. I know I can do this I just need to get my head out of the fridge and do it. Well I hope you all have had a wonderful weekend so far. Today after the step it is relaxing for me and my family. We all went to the beach yesterday and I tell you a day at the beach with three kids is exhausting. We have all had it I think. Tommorow my husband goes back to work so back to reality here at home. I think my diet went on vaction with him. Talk with you all tommorow.

[angel-eyes]

Tina....you sure have the week all planned out!! WTG!!!....I find the same thing, if I don't stay on top of what I'm doing, its soooo easy to get sidetracked. I used to weigh myself more frequently but found that if I gained, I would spiral downward and go off plan.....if I lost, then I was a model citizen. I quickly STOPPED THAT as I was getting obsessive about it. Now I just stick to my Friday weighin's. WE are doing a sorting and de-cluttering day....(oh yippie!) Its amazing how the kids games get piled, movies laid on counters not in their cases....books not put back and besides....we've just too much stuff. Dh and I just watched an organizational type show on tv (Neat) and said.....what if we?...could we?....so we're doing it today!!! WE've been in this house just over 1.5 yr and before that, 3 yrs living here in the south....do we really need our 10yr old parkas? wooohoooo can't wait to DONATE!!! so thats what we're doing today. wish me luck!!!

[artmaker]

Angel, tossing is so hard! I wish you LOTS of luck. I'm doing it now, partly because of the flooding in my basement, and partly because I want to move on with my life and all the clutter is holding me back. All my friends are retiring and moving to smaller places...not that I want to do that, but firstly, all the clutter makes me nuts, and secondly, with the stroke scare, I want to ensure that if anything happens the kids won't have a mess to clean up. Morbid thought, but something I really need to consider.

Tina, sounds like you have a good plan for the week. Hope the weather isn't too brutal and you can follow through with everything. a 4 mile walk in heavy heat isn't fun. Maybe you can have some video tapes handy to substitute if it is too hot.

I was going to be so good this week...was going to grill all my food...but some D@#$ animal chewed up the hose from the propane tank to the grill. Had to pan fry everything...at least it was non-stick. Just doesn't taste as good.

Took a 1.5 mile walk this morning, then did upper body. Feel some sense of accomplishment although I am trying to pace myself as I get back into working out again.

Have a great day everyone!

[Tina30]

Good morning ladies! Well the heat is on where I live, how about all of you? Your right Susan I don't know if walking in this heat is even smart. I walk in the evening though so I am going to see how if feels later. I really hate the heat especially since I have no pool. I think next year that is going to be our investment and I know with three kids it will be well used. Great job Susan on getting your workout in already. At this very moment I feel like flushing my head down the toliet. My two boys are fighting and the youngest one is screaming at the top of his lungs. This is kinda gross but I am going to tell you all. I have a planters wart on the bottom of my foot and it is right on my heel where everytime you walk your full body weight presses down. I have a doctor appt. tommorow and I pray they can do something because this thing kills. I never knew that warts could be painful but I tell you it is one of the most painful things I have ever had. It makes it really hard to walk and when I am done walking I have to sit down or balance on one foot. Well enough of that sick business. Well I pulled out the food journel and plan on doing my weights before my shower. I hope you all have a wonderful day. I am just going to try and stay COOL today! Have a good one! \

Tina

[Stephanie Osborne]

artmaker - Photography is an awesome career choice one of my favorite quotes about it says "What other profession is so much fun that people do it while they are on vacation?" Thanks for the tip on the squats, I will definitely try them.

angel - congrats on the two lbs that is what we like to hear!

tina - no gain is still great! I know it can be frustrating though. Your plan looks excellent, stick to it girl!

OK ladies IM BAAAAAACK...your more tan, very sore now a little richer (yeah right) breath of fresh air! Steamboat was beautiful...although I did not get to see too much of it as I was working. Put in about 32 hours this weekend as I found out last minute I was the tournaments sole photographer. I would say I took 5000+ pictures! But more money in my pocker which is soooooooo neeeeeeeeded. Also booked a wedding so hopefully these financial problems I have been having will be a thing of the past.

The good news is the damage was minimal only 1 lb gained and pretty sure I know where that came from (starbucks is the devil...) So back to my routine this week. Gotta get a run in tonight and hopefully some strength training I have been kind of lax in that area.

How did everyone's weekend go?

[angel-eyes]

Good Morning!! :wave:
Tina....ohhhh yuck!! hate warts, esp. plantar ones. You are going to think this is totally off the wall but......I've tried it and it works. Ds had a wart on his foot (not a plantar though) and dh heard of an old wives tale about putting a pc of grey duct tape on it. You replace it everyday and eventually after 3 wks...it goes away. Yeah right? well we tried all types of wart remover,....compound w....medicated pads etc....so last ditch attempt....we tried the grey duct tape AND IT WORKED!!! not sure why, not even sure I care why!!! Just thought I'd mention it.:D BELIEVE IT OR NOT!!! hehehe.....

Susan, good job on getting your walk in early. I will be leaving soon to the gym, no outdoor walk, run, bike ANYTHING TODAY!!! It will hit 100+ today....:yikes: CRAZY for Missouri !!! We never did too much of the tossing, dh got a migraine yesterday and since it was a room with most of his stuff...we are waiting for a better day.

Stephi....Hi. Glad to hear you're back and on track!! I hear ya on the Starbucks thing....:nono: 5000+ pics, wow...you were busy!!! but can you say? CA-CHING$$.

[mrshillflipper]

Good morning, ladies!

I was just reading your thread and you all seem so wonderful and supportive! I was hoping to join in, if you’ll have me ;) I am 24 years old, married (three years this August) and working on losing my last 10-15lbs. I am a Weight Watchers member and am working on the Core plan. I am having the hardest time lately…I knew it was bad when the husband and I bought Nutella (chocolate and hazelnut spread) at Costco this weekend! Can you believe it?!?!? :fr: Who, in their right mind, needs Nutella in BULK?!?!? At 200 calories for two tablespoons, Lord knows I sure don’t need it!

I have felt better about myself now than I have in a few years and I think I am getting complacent. I know that I would feel even better once I have lost the last bit of weight but I think I am getting tired of the whole project.

Well there you have it, as I break the suction between my fingers and the jar of Nutella, I know I need to make the decision to get the job done!! Any suggestions, motivations, general kicks in the fanny would be much appreciated!

[artmaker]

Well Mrs. Flip...hope you don't mind me shortening your nominclature...let me know if you prefer another one....welcome to the group and #1 thing to do is to GET RID OF THAT JAR OF NUTELLA. It is a dangerous, dangerous item!!!! Give it away, throw it away, let your husband take it to his office, whatever it takes. I remember when my daughter came back from Holland and had been playing volley ball there for a month through some program. She was constantly eating Nutella-type spreads that she brought back...topped with some kind of shaved chocolate. If it hadn't been for the volleyball I think she would have gained 10 pounds in a month. Those spreads are very very dangerous, should be outlawed. Unfortunately, taste even better on a finger than on a knife [grin].

Tina, I've heard the duct tape cure also, and it's worth a try. I had a plantars wart in core of my foot, could barely stand to walk...the doctor tried freezing it and then ended up having to cut it out, which laid me up for a month and then it didn't heal right, which caused discomfort for a year. So...worth trying small cures before going for any big one...

Steph...love your quote....guess it can apply to art also....if only I could make a living at it. Glad your trip went well. Have been thinking about a circuit but didn't get a chance to try to figure one out for you. Will work on it this week.

Haven't gone outside but here it's brutally hot as well.

Am feeling a little down. Went out shopping with friends yesterday, and kept looking in the mirrors and seeing this bottom-heavy middle aged woman and it depressed me no end. I have got to get this weight off and back to my lifting heavy duty to firm up what's left. I have just GOT TO! I keep this image inside of what I will look like but it's hard to maintain the momentum of eating correctly all the time. I've started chewing gum to keep my mouth busy...maybe that will help.

Cheers, Susan

[angel-eyes]

Hi Mrshillflipper :welcome3: I agree with Susan....and as Dr.Phil would say..."what were you thinking?" haha....gotta love those 6lb jars!!!:D I am a choco lover so I know what you mean. Would it be healthier dipping it with celery? mmmm, let me think about it.;)

Susan....don't get too down on yourself. You've come a long way and you're doing such a great job!!!I too went shopping yesterday (to kill some time) and tried some clothes on and was getting discouraged that I ranged 3 sizes. Talk about depressing!!!:( No more of that or I WILL get angry!!!Clothing companies should all get together and make uniform sizes. ggrrrrr

Just got back from the gym and I could barely breathe the air is so hot and heavy!!! Holy cow....thank goodness I was the only one at the gym and could hog the fans while I ran on the treadmill. !!!

[Tina30]

Welcome Mrs. Hilliflipper!!! I hope you gain some insight from us. I agree throw the jar away! I do things like that all the time at the time it does not seem so bad but once you stop to think about it you see how silly it was to even but it in the first place.

Susan this is the first time I have heard you down on yourself. I think we all have those days were we feel bad about ourselves. I know for me I am also heavy on the bottom so when I go shopping with people I always get frustated when they just try something on and it fits and I have such a hard time. Look at it this way when we get to were we want to be we are going to have some awesome curves. I always compare myself to other people and get down on myself for not looking like them. You are doing great though so just stick with it and you will be talking about how you are a hot mama. I also think it helps to look at how far we have come already.

Well my walking partner and I decided it is to hot to walk outside so I am on my own tonight to get my butt on the treadmill. I will do it but I doubt it will be for 4 miles. I get so bored on my treadmill that is why I like walking with someone. We flap our yaps and a hour is over before we know it.

Angel great job on getting to the gym. I am in two different sizes right now so don't feel alone. Keep up your good work.

Steph I am glad you had a good trip. Don't worry about 1 pound you will have that off in a day or so. Keep up your good work!

Talk with you all later! Tina

[mrshillflipper]

Thank you all for being so welcoming!

Susan, I know how you feel! People always tell me "oh, you're shaped like a pair" and I am always saying "Pair?!?! Are you kidding? I passed being shaped like a pair a long time ago! I have moved on to resembling the cast-iron skillet that my Grandmother gave me!" I once read this add "My butt is big and round like the letter C and ten thousand lunges have made it rounder but not smaller and that's just fine. It is a space heater for my side of the bed. It's my ambassador to those who walk behind me. It's a border collie that herds skinny women away from the best deals at clothing sales. My butt is big and that's just fine and those who might scorn it are invited to kiss it."
I have always loved it! It just reminds me of the purpose it serves! Just remember to keep going, look how far you've gone! Maybe because you and I share the same "problem" area we could make some goal together...something like 270 lunges a week (that would be 3 reps of 30 lunges, three times a week)?

Angle-Eyes, you're a genius!!! Why didn't I think of dipping my celery in Nutella!?!??!?! Besides, "they" say that because of the fiber in celery you actually burn more calories digesting it...oh; I see where this could go...You all are right, I'll have to part with my beloved jar of chocolate goodness. It was great while it lasted but all good things must come to an end. Besides, it will never taste as good as getting the weight off will feel.

[artmaker]

Re: bottomheaviness....may grandmother used to say, shaped like a schmoo, well balanced, will never tip over. A Schmoo, for you young'uns, was a character created by a cartoonist named Al Capp in the 40's...little white bowling pin-shaped creatures with legs.

Was supposed to start with a new pt client this morning but she called and cancelled, after I had gotten all the equipment set up...rescheduled for this evening....so I couldn't even work out myself because I would have ended up going to work sweaty and smelly. Oh well, will work out after she finishes tonight.

Flip, ove your quote! I don't do lunges because of a bad knee, but I do do squats...at least 100 every other day, with that exercise I suggested to Stephie. Unfortunately I think my body is getting too efficient at them...I don't even work up a sweat. Maybe I can figure out some sort of modified lunge, just to shake up my body a little. Amazing how efficient the body can get when you do the same exercises continuously. That's why its good to vary your routine every month or so.

Tina, have you ever seen those indoor walking tapes put out by Leslie Sansone...Walk away the Pounds....I have a few, and they're not bad when you're stuck in the house. I think I bought mine at target. They have them for 1 mile, 2 miles, 3 miles, and I think 4 miles.



Have a great day all.

[Tina30]

Good morning ladies! Well yesterday was the first day back on track food wise. I did great! I am back to journeling my food and that always works for me. Exercise was supposed to be a walk with weights. The walk got skipped due to the heat and the weights got done so not a total wash. I think it is going to be cooler today so a walk will be tonight. I have heard of those tapes I guess I just never understood how you walk 4 miles standing in place. I will have to go and have a look at them though.

Mrs. Hilliflipper I love that quote from yesterday! I was cracking up while reading it. It was good to beable to laugh at something the usually makes me so upset.

Susan I hope you are feeling better today. Don't you hate when people cancel at the last min. Well at least you will have your morning free.

Angel hope your husband is feeling better. There is nothing worse then a migraine. I hope it is going to be cooler for you today.

Stephie hope all is going well for you.

Well ladies I am off to the doctor today to see about my foot. I can not take the pain anymore. Wish me luck as I will be bringing all three kids with me. This should be interesting. Well I hope you all have a great day!

[Stephanie Osborne]

Morning ladies. Yesterday was a big old flop. Calorie cycling is the name of the game today starting with skipping this mornings cuppa coffeeeeee (yes I know sad) Some friends came over last night so did not get my run in. I am sooooo bummed. I am going to try getting it done on my lunch hour, but it has been super hot here so we will see. Then maybe I can fit some tennis in...it has been ages since I played.

The scale is still behaving at just the one lb gained this weekend...3 days to turn it around. I think weekly weigh ins are really helping.

angel - wow 100+ that is crazy hot. I do not blame you for making a bee line for the gym. Work that air conditioning huh?

mrshillflipper - Welcome, I just joined in as well and these ladies are great. I think you will like it here.

susan - Have you tried the gallery circuit? I sometimes market my more creative photos that way. Usually you just have to frame/mat them however you would be selling them and bring them in to be judged by the owners and sometimes a panel. If they like it then they give you space to sell your art and take a commission on what you sell. The commission is usually pretty high but since people are buying in an art gallery I usually just up my normal price by the commission amount and viola no change to my wallet. DOn't be too down on yourself hun you are almost there!

Tina - Have you tried listening to music on the treadmill? Sometimes a good soundtrack can be just as good as a good conversation.

[artmaker]

Stephie, haven't done many shows yet with my art...just getting into painting and not ready yet. Was a fiber artist, managed a cooperative gallery at the Torpedo Factory in Alexandria, VA, then did jewelry making and sold out of some shops, but am now into papermaking, collage, and just started the painting thing. And all of that is on hold while I pursue this personal training direction. I have this image of my retirement that I keep in front of me....working half time at personal training and the rest of my time with my artwork....only two years to go! It seems like an eternity, but since I'm working towards it...progress is being made.

This morning went to the gym...did intervals on the elliptical and cross trainer and then came back and did my lower body routine. I'm ready for the day!

Hope you get your run in, Stephie. Tina, the tapes aren't all that bad....she varies the walking with different kinds of steps and speeds. You can turn the sound off and listen to your own music while watching. Flip, I can't get the vision of my butt as a border collie out of my head, love it! Angel, how are you doing? Have a great day everyone!

[Tina30]

Good morning ladies! Well yesterday I went to the doctor and she froze my wart off. I am hoping I don't have to go back but she said I may need one more treatment. As long as the thing stops hurting I really don't care. Yesterday was another great day for exercise and eating. I got my 4 mile walk in and ate way under calories yesterday. I think I am going to try calorie cycling for a bit and see how I do with that. I just find that some days I eat over my limit and some days are under so I guess I am already sort of doing it. I am going to read up a bit more on it though.

Susan you make it to the gym really early huh? I am not one to get up with a smile and start moving. I usually need to sit for about a hour before I can even think about the day. I am not a coffee drinker so I usually sit and watch the news. Good job getting your work out in for the day.

Stephie I hope you got to get your run in. I hate when I have something in my head that I want to do and then it gets postponed. I hope you had a nice night with your friends though. I have always thought tennis would be fun to learn how to play. I would play a little when I was a kid but just always goofing around with it. I will have to look into it some more.

Angel and Mrs.Hilliflipper I hope all is going good with you this week.

Well for me today I am going to get on that treadmill if it kills me and I have weights to do so that is it for me today. It is supposed to be another hot one so I am sticking close to home. Well I hope you all have a great day!

Tina

[mrshillflipper]

Well good morning ladies!!!

Tina, I hope your feet start feeling better! There is nothing worse than grumpy feet! What is this calorie cycling you talked about?

Stephie, I don't know how you do it!?!? I used to run all of the time but I would rather chew out my own tongue than go running! Do you get the "runners high?"

Well, I hate to disappoint you all...but I didn't throw away the Nuttella until last night...and that was only after I ate the stuff for two more nights...I know, I am week…but it was so yummy! But the stuff, and the loaf of bread, is out of the house and I am telling myself I must get back on track. I did go for a walk with the hubby and went to my belly dancing class :belly: so I may have worked off a piece of bread or two and at least ONE serving of the chocolate goodness.

Well, I have to get back to business. I hope you all have a wonderful morning!!!
:flow2:

[Stephanie Osborne]

Good morning ladies. More than made up for my bad day calorie wise yesterday. I did not get my run in as I dropped something on my foot and now it is bruised pretty badly. Only light cardio for me yesterday. I did get about an hours worth of tennis in last night.

Not much in store for me today. Have to work the at home job then do some research for an assignment for tomorrow. Only two more days till the end of the week thank god!

susan - I think your vision of retirement would be very fullfilling. What different fields though huh?

tina - you should look into tennis. it is so fun that sometimes I forget it is exercise. Great going yesterday! I try to calorie cycle as well, works well for some people.

mrshillflipper - Don't get the wrong idea of me now lol...about 2 months ago when I started this running program I could not run for 30 seconds. But I wanted to master it since it was SO HARD. So here I am...I can run about 3 miles. I don't get the runners high per say, but I love the feeling of running fast without it being hard work. Especially when out on a nice trail you just feel so peaceful. Like you are a little kid just running in your backyard.

[angel-eyes]

Morning girls!!...How is everyone today? Well wonders upon wonders, I woke up to find TOM!!! blech! Hate him. Anyways, I'm taking today as a (much needed) day of rest. If anything today, I might get some good ol' walking in on the treadmill. Not much though..... Just did my 'Martha' for the day. We have these fabulous peach tree's in the backyard that we inherited a year ago (when we moved here) and the peaches ARE FABULOUS!! Nothing like the typical clingstone peaches in a can, these are much smaller and white inside. Last year unfortunately, we ate some but not knowing what to do with them, most spoiled or the birds/rabbits got to them. Well today I had the boys out peach picking and we blanched them, skinned them, pitted and sliced them....AND FROZE THEM!!! What a process, but now we have lots of yummy fresh peaches anytime. We probably did about 10 dozen with lots more on the trees still to ripen. It gives a new appreciation to DelMonte !!!!:D

[Stephanie Osborne]

Ok so my address for you to send some of those peaches is....just kidding. How great to have a tree in your back yard. I am from the big city, this is my first summer in a rural area. You just reminded me I should go out to the farmers market this weekend!

[artmaker]

Good morning all! Didn't get to work out this morning...woke around 4, and started cleaning house in anticipation of my grandbaby's arrival on Saturday. She's only 14 months, and just walking, so I've got to clean up all the junk that's sitting around on the floor, as well as clearing low surfaces. Went back to sleep and awoke too late to do any exercise. Hope to get my upper body work in tonight. Am back down to 159...so am pleased....hope I can drop more by the end of the weekend. Have got to keep this momentum going.

Oh, I want some of those peaches! They sound divine. I'm with Stephie...if you start a mailing, I'll give you my address. I used to have blueberry bushes in the backyard...that was great fun when the kids were little...going out and picking our own berries. Unfortunately, after so many years, they've all died. Now tomatoes and basil are about all I tend to.

Hope everyone has a great day.

Susan

[Tina30]

Good morning ladies! Well hold on to your pants because I actually got on my treadmill yesterday. I have not been on that thing in months since I have been walking outside. I took your advice Steph and put my headset on and just walked. I will admit I only walked for 27 min. and that was a bit over a mile and a half for me. I just got so bored on the thing. I am used to having my partner pushing me along. I also did my weights though and that was about 40 min. so I think all in all a good work out day. As for the food I went a bit higher then I would have liked but I made tacos and that is like my all time favorite thing so I splurged a bit. I will keep the count lower today though so it will hopefully balance out. So how are you all doing? Tommorow is weigh in and I am really hoping to see some downward movement on the scale.

Angel I am with the girls those peaches sound yummy. It sounds like alot of work though so if I were you I would keep them and enjoy them year round. I hope all is going good for you this week.

Susan how fun to have your grandbaby come over. Is it really true that with the grandkids it is funner. I sometimes have to tell myself things like that when my youngest 2 1/2 is driving me insane. Everyone always tells me though enjoy them it goes by so fast but to me it seems like sometimes it is in slow motion. I love all three of them to death but sometimes I could pull my hair out when they all agrue and whine. I guess that is just part of the job though and I am lucky because over all they all are really good kids not to mention all adoreable. Congrats on getting back to 159. Don't you hate though when you are so close to the edge. I always like to get in a safe zone as I call it. I played with bouncing between 158-160 for so long and then finally I broke through it. Cleaning at 4 in the morning you are a early riser huh? No thank you! Well I hope you have a good day!

Steph I hope your foot is feeling better. That stinks when a injury slows you down. I hope it starts to heal fast for you. Have a good day!


Mrs. Hilliflipper belly dancing huh? Do you take a class or is it a video you do at home? Calorie cycling as I understand it is you eat higher on some days and lower on others and that way it keeps tricking your body. I guess the key though is to find your groove. I am going to try it for awhile and see how it goes. I will give you a example though of what I should aim for the week. M-1710 T-1368 W-2052 Th-1710 F-1539 Sat-1881 Sun-1710 If you are interested search calorie cycling and there are a bunch of sites to look at.

For me today exercise will include the treadmill and hopefully I can stay on it longer. I am going to pick a peppy cd to listen to. Hope you all have a great day!

[Stephanie Osborne]

Hey Ladies,
Well my running frustrations continue. Got some running, some power walking, stretching, strength training and some stairs in. When things are going wrong I just have to be doing something ya know? Some women clean I workout. Weight is still holding steady.

Today I have to take some photos of a theme park for a story on Monday. Should be interesting trying to avoid all the bad for me food. I would say should be easy since I am broke but it is on the papers dime so its tempting.

susan - back down to 159 is great hopefully you will be able to get a workout in even with that lovely grandbaby coming.

tina - good morning. Hey 27 minutes isn't shabby....can you put your treadmill in front of the tv? That used to work for me.

[mrshillflipper]

Well hello ladies!

Ok, so did I miss the sign up sheet for Angel's peaches??
Susan, you're going to have so much fun with that baby! I am sure she is just kissable in every way! I want grandbabies!!!.....wait...I have to have babies first....

Stephie, don't think about that carnival food! I always end up feeling icky after eating that stuff anyway...And if you think about it, some of it doesn't taste that great anyway.

Tina, how is your foot? Better I hope! Yes, I take a belly dancing class once a week and I try to practice with a tape a few times a week. I really like it! I would suggest it to anyone! It is really good for your abs.

Well, the good thing is that I got rid of the jar of Nutella...only after having the stuff for two more nights! I am just having the hardest time sticking to my diet lately!!! I haven't gained any weight but I'm not loosing either....Although I am really tired of trying. Has anyone else felt like that before w/ their last bit of weight? If so, how do you deal with it? (I know you start by getting rid of the Nutella before you have the chance to eat the whole jar).

Well, back to work for me. I hope you all are having a great day!

[Tina30]

Good morning ladies! The weekend has finally arrived! We are not doing much over the weekend. The weather is supposed to be beautiful so some yard work, biking at the trails, and relaxing on the patio are my game plans. Well weighed in at 155.5 this week so I lost half a pound. I have meals planned for the weekend though so no eating out this weekend. I tend to do good through the week and then on the weekend I think it is party time. I need to stop that if I ever want to get into the 140's otherwise all the hard work I do all week is lost in the weekend. This week was good food and exercise wise so I will try to continue on this path. For me today will be weights and the treadmill or as I have heard it called the dreadmill! I guess that is not the right attitude though to get me through a workout. I wish I could get the fire back I used to have about exercise. I was a fanatic. I would never skip days and always worked out the hardest I could. I think I just need to get back to regular workouts and the rest will fall into place.

Susan I hope you have a great weekend with you grandbaby!

Angel I hope you have a wonderful weekend!

Steph hopefully your foot is feeling better for you! Have a great weekend!

Mrs. Hillflipper I feel you on getting tired of this journey. I feel that losing the last of this weight is harder for me than the 53 pounds lost already. I just try and tell myself that I have come this far and I won't be happy until I finish what I set out to do. Maybe you need to mix it up a bit for yourself. Sometimes just buying a new CD or workout oulfit gets me moving. I hope you have a great weekend!

OK ladies let's not let this weekend de-rail us. Good reports come Monday! Have a wonderful day! Tina

[artmaker]

Morning all! Hope it's a good one for all of you.

Had a disastrous night, ate everything but the kitchen sink, and only left that because it was filled with children's toys that I was washing (from the thrift store) for the grandbaby. Can't believe I did it...not sure why I lost control...haven't done anything like that in months. Well, I guess I ought to be thankful that it's not a weekly thing, which it used to be, and move on. Walked 2 miles this morning, set up toys and books for the baby and tried to get all clutter away from a baby's reach. Yes, Tina, having a grandbaby is much better than I thought. I used to laugh at my friends who went so ga-ga over their grandchildren, and here I am, entranced. She is such a good kid, very calm, happy, and of course, cute (aren't all grandbabies?). Now that she's walking I can take her out to check out bugs and flowers and stuff, and I even went out and bought poster paints to try to do painting with her....maybe she's too young, but no harm trying.

Tina, sounds like you've got a great weekend planned. Hope the weather cooperates.

Flip, that Nutella is sooo dangerous! I don't have any real answers for you...suffer from the same problem...and we are all so different. I keep saying to myself 2 steps forward, one step back will still get me there. I guess maybe reading inspirational stories of people who have gained success....changing your routine and adding something new and exciting...maybe a new exercise video....trying some new recipes? Finding a partner to cook good dishes with, and exchanging every other day? Figuring out when you are most vulnerable and taking steps to change the situation?
good luck!

Stephie, good luck with restraint at the theme park.

Angel, how are you doing?

Susan

[angel-eyes]

Hey girls!! Looks like everyone's up and at'em. Just going to have my coffee and start my day. I stepped on the scale and I lost 1 lb this week, even with TOM.....so thats great!!

Susan.....I bet its a thrill to look after your grandaughter!! I remember only too well when my boys were babies, it was better than watching tv!!! We should always remember to see through the eyes of a child. Enjoy!!!

Stephie....good luck on your assignment. Not sure what to reccommend eating at a fair but someplace MUST have a salad?!! At least you'll get some walking in.

Tina.....How's your foot? I hope its finally on the mend. Do you need to go back for a followup visit? Dh had some minor foot surgery last week, and got 3 stitches....you'd think he was dying!!! :D

mrshillflipper.....Hi ! :wave: How are you?

[Stephanie Osborne]

Did not get my mile in, ended up staying the night about 1/2 way in between Denver and home since it got so late. Also did not abstain from eating bad for me food for dinner. Although small victory stayed away from the theme park food.

So talk about motivation...I have a friend who keeps asking to visit. Everytime she wants to come down I am working but I know eventually we will be able to meet up. When I first started working out she was a runner and I was not. We would go to the gym and she would kill me on the treadmill running laps around me. Well she knows I have been training to become a runner and she wants o have a mock 5k....now my foolish pride says I gotta step it up a notch. Don't you just love a little friendly competition!

mrshillflipper - I can relate. Being that I only have like 9 lbs left I often find myself getting comfortable. Thinking I look great and normal and getting out of my good habits. For me all it takes is to see myself in a bikini...cannot really hide in a bikini then I get to peek at all the parts that still need toning up.

tina - my foot is feeling better, thank you :) Biking at the trails sounds great! Congrats on your half lb loss...every little bit gets you closer to goal. The dreadmill haha isn't that name so perfect?

susan - Theme park went well thanks. Losing control happens. I am gettinbg slightly better at realizing when it is about to happen but I have not gotten to that magical (probably fictitious) point where I can stop it. Just gotta move on :)

angel - Congrats on your lb loss. When you only have a few more to go it just feels so awesome to be that much closer.

[Stephanie Osborne]

Where is everyone?

Had a good weekend despite being up a lb from last week. TTOM is coming so we will just blame it on that.

Friday did stairs, running, power walking, stretching and got in a butt workout. Took Sat off but Sun got in Kickball (2 hours worth....ooooooh so sore) Stretching and a Arm workout. So this exercise bit is coming along nicely.

Not much going on for me. Worked all weekend, working again today. May nap when things slow down later. Tonight will probably just do some stretching and maybe a little Yoga. Still very very sore from kickball. How were your weekends?

[Tina30]

Good morning ladies! I hope all your weekends went well. The weather was really nice here all weekend so we enjoyed being outside without dying of heat exhaustion. My weekend went fairly well. I did get in a nice bike ride yesterday and then went swimming. I did eat a bit more then I should of yeserterday at the bbq but I am back today.

Susan I hope your visit with your grandbaby went good. Does she live far from you? Hope you had a good weekend!

Angel Holy cow girl you are doing great. You must share what you are doing because you are dropping weight every week even with your period.

Steph sounds like you had a good weekend. Kickball huh I have not played that since grade school. It sounds like alot of fun though.

Mrs. Hillflipper I hope your weekend went well for you!

Well not much going on today I am going to get in some cardio and weights today but all exercise will be inside again since the heat is back. Hope you all have a great day!

[Morgaine]

Good day everyone.

I'm back from vacation. I spent a week camping in 90 degree heat and sweating my hiney off. I stayed totally on-plan with the diet and was really excited to come home and weigh-in. I was convinced I'd lost at least 3 or 4 pounds. Well, I only lost half a pound and I was so disouraged that I gave in and had dinner with the family last night and now I'm up 2.5 pounds. Geesh!

[artmaker]

Morgaine....give it a couple of days for the vacation loss to kick in...don't lose hope.

This weekend was a total lost cause for me. Was so busy with the kids, grandbaby and being with inlaws side I don't know all that well and don't like all that much that I ate....out of boredom I guess. Won't even look at the scale because I just know it was a disaster. Well, back on track again.

Being with grandbaby (GB) was great. Now that she is walking, it is so much fun! She walks like Charlie Chaplin, feet out, and her backside wiggles back and forth. She just walks and walks, no particular purpose in mind, just practicing I guess. So cute to watch. We are lucky she is a goodnatured, happy baby, and doesn't mind crowds or strangers. And she likes to be read to....our family is a family of readers, so that's real important.

Anyhow, didn't exercise, ate to excess, but it's over, and I'm back on track. Redoing all the ground I lost this weekend. Oh well, a blip in time.

Got notification that the Arthritis Foundation is having their training session in August, which will give me a certification to work with groups or individuals suffering from arthritis. I'm excited about that. Hope they will also place me with an organization. Would like to start teaching groups or classes or individuals.

Better head home now, hope everyone is doing fine.

Susan

[Tina30]

Hello ladies! Well the little ones are in bed and my husband and oldest are at a baseball game so I have the whole house to myself. I usually don't like being home alone but I have to say it is pretty nice. I just wanted to pat myself on the back a bit. I did the treadmill today for 30 min and 10 of those min. were running. I forgot how much I like walking/jogging. I felt like I got in a great workout. I did weights also today so I only did 30 min. of cardio. I am trying to get back into mixing up the workouts. I think my body is stuck and needs a little push. I just keep looking at my weight tracker and thinking I am so close I can see it. I just want to get there. Anyways I am going to go and read a bit before bed. Have a nice night!

[Tina30]

Good morning ladies! Uh the kids had me up today at 7 and I was none to thrilled. I like to slowly wake up but when the kids are up before you that is not a option. Well yesterday was a really good day for me. I came it 1740 calories for the day and got in both cardio and weights so that sounds like a winner to me.

Susan I am glad to hear that you had a nice visit with your granddaughter. Don't they look adorable when they first start to walk. Don't worry about not having the best weekend food and exercise wise this is a new week and just go from there. My mother and sister-in-law both have arthritis. I know they are often in alot of pain from it. If you have any exercises that you think would help them please let me know. Hope you have a great day!

Steph are you still feeling sore or is it easing up a bit for you?

Mrs hillflipper and Angel I hope you both are doing good!!!

Morgaine welcome back from vaction! Don't weigh yourself for a few days and I am sure next time you do it will be all good. Keep your head up!

Well I hope you all have a wonderful day.

[Stephanie Osborne]

Good morning ladies! Man I am still sore from kickball! Walking downstairs is just killing me right now. Yesterday I did get a brief walk in (25 mins) I am dog sitting for 4 dogs...my house is crazy right now!

Not much going on today...working my at home job as long as I can this morning. Too sore to run tonight I think...but I think I will try to get some more strength training or yoga/pilates in.

tina - swimming sounds divine right now, we are in a bit of a heat spell here.

morgaine - awesome staying totally OP while on vaca! Don't let those pounds get you down, they can be finicky sometimes.

susan - Back on track is the name of the game. That is so exciting about that extra certification!

tina - running feels so awesome and I have heard it is one of the best forms of cardio for toning.

[mrshillflipper]

Well hello beauties!!!

Well, after a weekend full of popcorn, liquorish, ice cream and subway, I am back....The WW scale must have been off this time because it said I lost 6 oz...that just can't be right.

Nothing like a kick in the head from Stephie to get me back on track...You are right, looking at myself in a bikini will do the trick! You know, when I was "younger" I didn't want to just look good, I wanted to look good naked...Now, I just want to look good...from a distance....in a dark room...with ALL of my clothes on!

Oh well, we didn't come this far to let a bad weekend or few days get us down. If it was easy, we all would be skinny and fit. We are all here on this little message board for a reason.

Tina, way to go on the workout!!!! Sometimes we forget how good it can feel when we actually do a workout!

Morgaine, are you kidding me?! Only 1lb??? That is great! It will take you no time at all to get that off! Some people come back from a week of vacation and have gained 10 lbs! Good for you!

So, if you all don't mind me asking, how did each of you lose your weight? What was your "breaking" point, the moment when you decided to go for it and stick with it?

Well, had better get back to it. Hope you all are having a great day!

[angel-eyes]

Hi girls.....this week I feel really run down and I'm coming down with a head cold/sore throat....sneezzing my fool head off also. We leave on holidays soon and the last thing I want is to be hacking my head off while away. I will still be mindful of my food, excercise and (of course) water....but I won't be doing any long workouts.

stephie....kickball eh? sounds like non stop action!! I took ds to a new place called SkyZone. Its large enclosed (meshed walls and matted) joined trampolines. One area was the size of 20 tramplines, and another was 4 together. The smaller one was for dodgeball. You pay by the hour, but believe me my son was just DRIPPING from sweat....he had a ball!!! LITERALLY!!!:D Non stop jumping, diving, throwing and dodging!!! They also have aerobics classes on the trampoline also.

[artmaker]

Angel-that Skyzone sounds like a fabulous place. Didn't you want to try it at all? must have been lots of fun to watch.

Flip...I lost weight by slow hard work. I worked with a trainer for much of the time, and that kept me on the straight and narrow. Working out has never been my problem...it's my binge eating.

Stephie...I didn't know grownups played kickball. I have wonderful memories of it from grade school....but never thought of it as a grownup game. Do you use a big ball and run bases? Or is it a different game entirely?

Tina, so glad you had a good day. Dealing with the kids and still taking the time to care for yourself is so hard. I admire your persistence.

Morgaine, how are you feeling now...back on the straight and narrow?

Today is going to be a difficult day....have a lot of vertigo, but am hoping it will disappear. Am training tonight, and hope to be able to workout afterwards. Found out yesterday that we are going to get a midyear bonus at work...Yay! With all my travel to visit grandbaby, I can use the extra cash.

Have a great day all!

[Tina30]

Good morning ladies! Yesterday was another great day of exercise and eating. Calories came in yesterday at 1370. I have to admit though I am glad I get to eat a bit more today. I will make it healthy though. I am starting to feel so much better with the fresh fruits and veggies and regular exercise. I think I forgot how good I feel when I treat my body right. My energy level is so much higher. Today I have weights and treadmill to do. I am going to a baseball game tonight with the family. It will be nice to get out I just am hoping it does not rain. Hey girls I was just wonder were you all live at. If you don't want to say no big deal but I was just curious to see where we all are at. I live in Illinois near Chicago. Not the best place to live weather wise but a ton to do.

Susan I hope you start to feel better. My dad has vertigo and complains alot about it. Hope your training goes well for you tonight. Have a good day!

Angel sounds like you are doing good. That Skyzone does sound fun. It would be fun for adults to do if there were no kids there to make fun of us. Have a good day!

Steph when you first started running how did you do it. I mean did you just run a straight mile or did you have to walk-run. I just am curious. Hope you have a great day!

Mrs. Hillflipper and Morgaine I hope you both are doing well. Have a great day!

Well off to pick up a bit. Have a great day ladies!!!! Tina

[Stephanie Osborne]

Morning Ladies!
Well still sore from the stupid kickball double header. I am tired of being sedentary....today I will workout no matter how sore I am. Yesterday I had a setback with a piece of chocolate cake but onwards and upwards right? I have to be able to indulge every once in a while if I am going to master this thing for life right? Just need to be on my best bahavior today.

mrshillflipper - I worked in corporate America for quite a while and it had afforded me a very snazzy wardrobe almost all of which I had outgrown. I was stuck in a cycle of buying bigger clothes just to fill them up and need to buy bigger clothes again. I liken this to goldfish syndrom you know a goldfish will grow to whatever the size of bowl he is in...bigger bowl bigger fish etc...Anyway I did not want to buy new clothes and have to give away my others so I decided I needed to get down to business. Most of my loss has come from learning to run.

angel - Yep kickball. it was a blast but I am still sore which I am not happy about, it is so hindering my other workouts. Aerobics on a trampoline would be a blast but I would be worried about injuries.

susan - Its the same game from gradeschool just with middle aged adults :) Our park and rec league hosts it. Its funny the 'official' rules state no Bouncies hehe.

Tina - I followed the coolrunning.com's couch to 5k program. Went from not being able to run 30 seconds to being able to run about 2 miles in a little under 2 months. It is a fantastic program!

[angel-eyes]

Hi girls....
Still trying to cope with this head cold of mine. Onto day 3 now, and I still fell like poop. And....I AM POOPED!!! Major head congestion, so much so that I get the whoosh whoosh affect like a heart beating in my ears!!! NOt much excercising going on, but my food is great and OP. Heck...I even lost 1.5 lbs. Try to stay cool everyone!!!

Susan....yeah, I would have loved to try the trampoline place, but with this cold of mine, I'm very unsteady on my feet and for the last few years....I'm very motion sensitive. I get dizzy watching rides at the amusement park, driving in mountains, sitting in the backseat of a car while driving, stepping down a stopped escalator (watching the lines on the steps) AND jumping on a trampoline. WEIRD huh? anyways, I know my limitations so I"m content to just watch off and on. Besides, my gf and I caught up on all the news for an hour!!!;)

[Morgaine]

Hello there everyone -

I've gotten back on track and I'm down a couple of pounds. Now sitting at 148. One more pound to go and I'll be where I was on 7/12. Basically I've been messing around with the same 3-4 pounds for two weeks.

Dance rehearsals start tonight, so my exercise will be taken care of.

have fun everyone!

[Tina30]

Good morning ladies! Three days in a row of staying on track now that is something I have not done in awhile. I can feel the difference though. I don't feel so blah and my energy is way up. Yesterdays calories came in at 1713 and I got in a 30 min. cardio on the treadmill and weights. I am ready to do this and do it the right way. The ballgame was fun. My husbands work has season passes so they have there own room and sectioned off seating. The kids really liked it. The Jackhammers lost though but still just the company was fun. I will admit I had a ballpark hotdog last night but I had enough calories left for it. Today I am relaxing. I think I will start my new book and since dinner is leftovers I don't have much to do today. Tonight I will walk with my sister-in-law so no treadmill today. I am really hoping to see some good results tommorow on the scale. Well ladies I hope you all have a great day!!!!

[artmaker]

Hi all! Tina and Morgaine, you are doing so well...three cheers!!!

Angel, hope you start feeling better. At least you're getting the benefit of losing some weight during this time. Rest up and don't overdo!

Steph....that goldfish analogy reminds me of a goldfish I had when I was teaching kindergarten....it started out regular sized, black and white and gold, but since it was alone in a huge fishtank, it grew and grew and grew, and by the end of two years the colors had all faded so that it was kind of a mushy white. The kids were amazed.

Used the elliptical last night for 20 minutes after pt training, then woke at 5:30 this morning and went over to the gym for another 40 minutes of cardio. Don't seem to have the stamina I had before the stroke, but that may be due to the few weeks of inactivity. Worked up a good sweat today though, but I'm tired now. It used to be I felt invigorated. Guess it will take a while.

Have a great day all!

[angel-eyes]

wooohooo, sounds like everyone is ON BOARD AND OP!!!

Morgaine....great job on getting back to 148!!! I knew you could do it.

Susan....5:30am? I was still dreaming in la la land!!:D That is fantastic!! I wouldn't worry about your stamina, it is understandable after your stroke. If you continue to have concerns though, please talk with your doctor. We need you healthy!!

Tina....How you doing? A good curl up with a book really sounds good, what are you planning to read? I'm in between books right now.....any reccommendations?

Well last night I sure slept better, didn't wake up until a huge storm at 6:30 this morning. No whoosh whoosh today in my head, so thats good but still stuffy and congested. I'm also taking that 'airborne' fizzy tablet, so hopefully all those vitamins will give a good kick to those germs. My neice and her finance (and his 2 kids) arrive tonight for the weekend. :dizzy: Hopefully all will go well, my boys just love her and we'll be going wedding dress shopping. WW meals are already planned so **fingers crossed**. Have a great day!!

[Stephanie Osborne]

Well ladies today I feel like supergirl. All the bills for the month have been miraculously paid...the house is sparkly and clean...extra hours have been put in for work and best of all I am past my running plateau yeah!!!!! Yesterday I did awesome on calories, got a run in some stretching and even those dreaded stairs. Even though thing with the budget are still crappy I am feeling so much more positive and in control. I can really tell in my eating! Not much going on today have to work the at home job all afternoon. Then I get to give back these puppies I have been babysitting. Will probably go eat out of town (and be good) then come back and get a workout in.

Angel - My MIL has an inner ear infection and her head is doing the same thing. Can't get rid of it. Hopefully yours is just a cold. Hope you get to feeling better.

Morgaine - oooh dance rehearsals that sounds like fun with built in exercise! What kind of dance do you do? I used to do ballet.

Tina - You are doing so awesome really sticking it to those calories and getting that exercise in. You are now our official mascot of thinspiration hehe.

susan - Haha that is just how I feel all white mushy and too big j/k. WTG on getting that exercise in early. That is when you can really tell where a persons priorities are...missing out on sleep to workout...hard to do.

[Tina30]

Hey Steph I just wanted to tell you I checked out that cool running website and I think I am going to try it. I am going to follow the couch to 5k also and see how I do. It looks like it takes you through it nice and slow. Wish me luck.

[Morgaine]

Hello - still bopping around with the same 2 pounds 148-149. Geesh.

Steph - The dance routines we've been doing so far are sort of jazz, I guess, but we'll be incorporating in some tap pretty soon. I can't wait for that.

[Tina30]

Good morning ladies! Well my youngest son keeps getting up earlier and earlier. Today it was 6:30 and I though I was having a nightmare when I heard him. It is so gloomy here today a nice sleep in would of been nice. Maybe a little snooze this afternoon though. Tonight we are going over to the in-laws for my father-in-laws birthday. They are having fried chicken and all the trimmings. Lord help me. I have saved my big calorie day for today though in preperation. Yesterday was another good day for me. I got in my cardio and calories came in at 1535 right on track. The scale was good to me this week also. I weighed in at 153.5 two pounds down from last week and that is with my period here. I could not be more pleased. It just goes to remind me that eating right and exercise do pay off! This weekend is going to be HOTTTTT so inside is my plan. I don't do heat unless I am by water.

Angel hope you have a wonderful weekend with your family coming in from out of town. Wedding dress shopping sounds fun. I got really lucky and the first dress I tried on I loved and better yet it was in a outlet store for 250.00. I am starting a book by a author named Audrey Howard she is really hard to find but if you can she is my fav.

Steph I signed up at that cool running website. It has some great tips and advice. I am going to make 5k my new goal.

Susan I wished you lived closer since you get up so early I could have my son go over to your house for coffee.

Morgaine how is the dancing going. Do you perform in shows?

Mrs Hillflipper hope all is going well for you!

Well ladies have a great weekend!

[Stephanie Osborne]

Well eating was ok last night. Till I binged at 11 pm. Totally was my fault. I need to make sure my calories are spread out more so I dont get the munchies. Ran a little, walked a little, did stairs till I wanted to collapse and ofcourse got my stretch on. Feeling awesome about being OVER my monthly goal for once. Gotta keep it up it is now a personal challenge to see by HOW MUCH I can be over hehe.

tina - careful running is addicting :) I was stalled for 4 months as far as weight goes but the last 2 months of running have been rearranging my body. I lost about an inch and a half off my hips/butt and and inch off my waist just from running alone. Everything just feels a bit more tone and it was awesome for my self confidence. Congrats on the loss, you are doing so awesome!

morgaine - That sounds so fun :) I wish we had a decent dance studio where I live, I miss it.

[artmaker]

Happy Monday all! Just a brief note to say hi before I take off for the gym. It's 5:30, had a good night's sleep, have all my meals prepared for the week--just have to make the salads; house fairly clean, laundry done, plants watered. And I got my haircut and dyed on Saturday. I feel on top of things. Worked out on saturday, did LB; yesterday took a 2 mile walk and then walked around all day downtown DC, ended up at the newly renovated American Portrait and Art Museums.

So new week, here I come!

Talk to you all later.

[Tina30]

Good morning ladies! Today it is HOT HOT HOT!! I think it is like this across the map though. I don't know if I ever mentioned this but I hate the heat and more then that I hate humidity. This weekend was the first in a very long time of good weekends food and exercise wise. I stayed on point with my calories except on Sat. I had a few drinks that pushed me over. I feel like I am back in this again though. I went out and bought a little food scale and I tell you it is really a help. I know they give guidelines for how big a serving size should be but it is nice to see with my own eyes. Not much going on today or this week for that matter. With it being so hot we stay inside. Today I have weights and treadmill to do. I hope you all had a great weekend!

[Stephanie Osborne]

So bad news for my workouts. Last night I was playing in my kickball league. I stretched before it but had not done any running to warm up. Pulled my groin REEEEEAAAAALLLLLLYYYYY badly from sprinting to 1st base as fast as I could go. So now I am hobbling around my house. Takes me 20 minutes to get up my stairs. I am so disappointed as this week is a short one for me. I am going out of town Thursday night on assignment. Eating will have to be 100% angelic to combat this!

Susan - Sounds like you were superwoman this weekend and got everything in order way to go! I am a museum nut, so jealous those are within walking distance of you rofl.

tina - I too have portion distortion. A food scale sounds like a good idea. It is hot hot hot here too. So I hear ya about needing to get that exercise indoors :)

[Morgaine]

Oooh Stephie - that groin pull sounds like it hurts something fierce (although I have to be honest - I thought only guys got groin injuries!) Anyway - I hope you feel better soon.

I switched from Atkins to Scarsdale this weekend and I'm down half a pound. 12.5# more to goal. I'm getting really tired of how long this is taking....

[artmaker]

Morgaine, just think about the alternative....being heavy again....unfortunately this struggle is forever. It might help you to read the maintainers threads....it's never over, unfortunately! You can't get complacent.....too easy to pile to weight back on.

Stephie, love you as Audrey! So sorry to hear about your groin. I did one of those once, slipped down a hill and my legs split out. I can empathize. Hopefully it will just be temporary.

Tina, you are showing such fortitude! I really admire you. Great going!

Came home from work and tried a small circuit idea from Prevention magazine, called 3, 2, 1.....4 mini circuits of 3 minutes cardio, 2 minutes strength, one minute abs. It was fun and I worked up a sweat. Nice for an evening quicky workout.

Time for bed. Night all.