Biggest Loser Challenges - Red Rockets - Week Nine :eek:

I'm off to change my tickers; unfortunately 148 is my official WI for today. It sucks that I am going to have to post a gain but I've used my freebies and it is what it is. Sorry team :(

Good Morning to you all!! Hope everyone had a wonderful weekend. I had ups and downs but I could not wait to logg on today and tell you all that I did it!!! I weighed in at 199 on Saturday!! It has been more than 2 years since I weighed below 200 and this is what I have been waiting for. So I have lost 39 pounds in 20 weeks and I could not be happier. I wish I was a smaller size but that will come too. To celebrate I bought the 30 day shred DVD I have been avioding buying and I have done level 1 for the last 2 days. Now I have been exercising regularly for the last few months and I have done other Jillian Michaels DVDs but for some reason I was afraid of the shred. So I am going to try to do it consistantly. I still have a ways to go but still making it below 200 has made anything seem attainable to me now!!!

CAT- you just had surgery, it takes awhile for everything to even out, you will get it off!!

Good Morning to you all!! Hope everyone had a wonderful weekend. I had ups and downs but I could not wait to logg on today and tell you all that I did it!!! I weighed in at 199 on Saturday!! It has been more than 2 years since I weighed below 200 and this is what I have been waiting for. So I have lost 39 pounds in 20 weeks and I could not be happier. I wish I was a smaller size but that will come too. To celebrate I bought the 30 day shred DVD I have been avioding buying and I have done level 1 for the last 2 days. Now I have been exercising regularly for the last few months and I have done other Jillian Michaels DVDs but for some reason I was afraid of the shred. So I am going to try to do it consistantly. I still have a ways to go but still making it below 200 has made anything seem attainable to me now!!!

CAT- you just had surgery, it takes awhile for everything to even out, you will get it off!!

Whoops- posted on week eight- so I'll repost here.

It's a bit quiet around here- I hope that's because everyone is out & about enjoying the great weather.

A surprise 2 lb drop for me this week- but I did get 2 runs in this week so I guess it really does help LOL

Enjoying some quiet time- the kids are in summer camp so I'm catching up on chores since I don't work until this evening.

Amy- Great job!! Congrats on being below 200!- isn't it a great feeling?

have a great day all!
__________________

Glad I looked for a new thread before I posted on the other one. I have no good news though. I am up 2 pounds from last week. Don't know why, have no explanation. I will just keep on keepin on. This body simply likes to throw me curve balls and never makes things easy for me.

Good luck everyone. Keep working hard. Speaking of working hard......it is time for me to go workout.

Hi All,
Hope everyone has had a good week and weekend, it's been very busy and stressful for me so sorry I haven't been posting. I am proud that I haven't been burying my head in a vat of chocolate or turning to food to get through this last week. Last Tuesday my dad ended up in the hospital, his daignosis is colon cancer and he will probibly have surgery the end of the month. The good news is it looks pretty contained and they are pretty confident that they can get it all. I'm taking him to the dr for more tests tomorrow.
The second big stress in a young lady that I've known since she was a small child, who has been my son's best friend growing up and his first date is in jail accused of murder. This is a shy quiet girl with her whole life a head of her and along with her bf and bf's mother are accused of killing bf's step father. Please add her to your prayers, I'm hoping she is just caught up in events and not part of what happened.
Third stressful thing, (don't they always come in threes?) was a good thing but still stressfull, I took DD and 2 of her friends on an outing for the day. If you can immagine an hour drive with 3 8yo and then get there to find the place we were going wasn't open today. We did have a fun day, I found a great bead shop, and they all had fun. I will confess to a chocolate chip pecan cookie and McDonalds, but did do a lot of walking.

Hope everyone has a great week, I know mine has to be better than last week.
Bette K

Hi Again,
Just wanted to add a few personals, and the last post got long.

Cat: You have been doing great, and it takes a few weeks to get over the trauma your surgery did to your body, don't worry about it.

Mommyofsix: Congrats on getting below 200. That's my goal right now, and isn't it amazing how much of a milestone it is.

CanadaMel: Great job on the 2 lbs!!!!

Mtiger: Nothing worth having is easy to obtain. Just keep going, it's kind of like being in labor, a lot of pain, hard work,and grunting, but at the end you get new life.

Have a great week.
Bette K

Congrats to those who lost weight this past week and (((HUGS))) to those who have gained and/or dealing with a lot of stress right now.

My weight fluctuated up 1.2 pounds this week. Of course this morning that 1.2 pounds was gone, so it just stuck around long enough to ruin my weigh-in for this week. (Sorry team!) Sometimes it feels like it's two steps forward and three steps back. I'm noticing a distinct pattern of my weight fluctuating up every third week which leads me to believe there may be a hormonal connection. I guess I always knew that happens, but it was interesting to see the pattern in writing and to know exactly what the cycle is (never been one to pay attention to that kind of thing before).

This week I will be focusing on staying on plan, drinking plenty of water, and adding some exercise back into the mix.

Congrats to our "losers" first off. WTG! :)

I'm trying an increase in calories this week. I'm not going to lie, it's a little scary, but I'm going to give it this week and next to see what this does for me. I'm eating 1400 cal/day and doing my workouts. To be honest, I'm not sure what else to do, so I'm really hoping this helps break my plateau.

Shannon- Good plan. Stick with it for a while and see what happens. I know it is scary.

Bette- WOW!! Hope everything comes out okay for your loved ones. Tough week. You hang in there.

Lucky- I for one totally believe in the hormone theory. I have a tough time losing and definitely see patterns, although they seem to be changing lately. It gets really tough sometimes so i just keep doing the best that I can.

I was 183.4 today, up 1.5 from my lowest. I hope it is about to take a turn in the right direction. I want that 181 back again. Not to mention the 170's are screaming my name.

I GOT THE APARTMENT! :D

Ugh, looking like this upping of calories may have made me gain a pound... of course, this is just me jumping on the scale before Saturday's "official" weigh-in. But, still. I told myself, okay, just give it time. Fighting the urge to bring the calories back down...

Congrats JasonsLea!

Shannon- That's right. Don't give in yet. Give it some time.

I am going nowhere. Hear me??? Nowhere!!! I am still in the 183's. I'm about to have a fit. I've got goals here that I need to reach. c'mon.

Shannon- That's right. Don't give in yet. Give it some time.

I am going nowhere. Hear me??? Nowhere!!! I am still in the 183's. I'm about to have a fit. I've got goals here that I need to reach. c'mon.

It's frustrating, I know! Seriously, plateaus stink.

Oh, forgot to mention that I bought the Hungry Girl 200 Under 200 cookbook last night! Can't wait to utilize some of the recipes! Going to be using truvia though in exchange for the splenda. Anyone else like Hungry Girl? She seems to have a lot of good stuff.

Oh, forgot to mention that I bought the Hungry Girl 200 Under 200 cookbook last night! Can't wait to utilize some of the recipes! Going to be using truvia though in exchange for the splenda. Anyone else like Hungry Girl? She seems to have a lot of good stuff.

Never heard of Hungry Girl.... will have to go google it.

I agree with Mindy, hang in there. Have you checked the maintainers and/or feather weight threads? I'm sure they would have some suggestions.

JasonsLea - Congratulations on the apartment.

Shannon- I have that book. I haven't made a thing from it. I have neglected all of my recipe books lately. Just haven't been in the mood to cook like that. I should get back with it.

Cat- thanks for sticking with us. There are so few of us chatting these days. It also seems a lot are not posting weights anymore. I like lively active threads and I get bored when not much is happening. Again, thanks for sticking with us die hards.

I am so stuck in the 183's. I worked my a** off last night doing Cardio Max. I was dripping wet, I mean dripping. you would have thought I could lose a little bit, but NO!!! I went up .4. Well it is raining here so I think I am doing WATP inside, 3 miles. Not as good as running, but it will have to do.

Hey ladies! Last week I took a freebie because my weight was fluctuating between 199-203. Hopefully when I weigh in, my body will start liking me again so I can get a good number.

JasonsLea - Hooray for the apartment :)

Rangerchic - I hope your body starts responding positively from your calorie adjustment. Just look at how far you've come; you're so close to your goal. :)

Hi Everyone,
It has been pretty quiet around here, but I have been contributing to the silence so I guess I can't complain. I'll post when I can tho.
I'm getting blood work done in Aug, so I'll be able to see how much the changes I've made will show. I haven't had a fasting test since Feb so we will see how the cholestrol goes on with the changes in eating and the exercise. I have been keeping track of my fasting blood sugars tho and they are doing good. My dr threatened me with a diabetes diagnosis if I didn't get them down.

Jasonslea: Congrats on the apartment.

Rangerchic: You've done great so far, just keep it up and you will soon be at goal.


WE seem to have lost the Question of the Day, I thought I would bring it back and maybe stimulate some conversation.

QOTD Once you reach your goal how do you see your life being different than before you started your weight loss journey?
I see my life being a lot healthier, also I want to figure out some way to work with overweight kids on getting healthier. I don't know how I can do that but really want to.

Everyone have a great week
Bette K

QOTD Once you reach your goal how do you see your life being different than before you started your weight loss journey?

I see my life being different than before in that I will have more energy and I'll feel better about myself. That said, I gave into the temptation for fast food tonight and I'm really disappointed in myself for even going there. I do NOT...definitely do not.....need bacon cheeseburgers added to my hips and thighs. Must do better meal planning.

Ever notice how *knowing* what you should do and actually doing it are two different things? :(

Once you reach your goal how do you see your life being different than before you started your weight loss journey?

I think my weight loss will give me a more positive view on life. Even the process of losing weight and being healthier has changed the way I live my life. I eat differently and I pay more attention to my health.

OK, official weigh-in tomorrow, but looks like I've gained weight this week? I'm up at least a pound, maybe two. I've been eating 1300-1400 cal/day this week, so it honestly makes no sense. The only other thing I can think of is that I changed birth control last week (to a cheaper costing one). The new pill has more estrogen than my previous one. Could this be my problem? If that's the case, I definitely will be getting off of this one after this cycle finishes. Yuck!

And, thanks for the encouragement all. I have checked out the featherweights forum, CAT. It's pretty cool, thanks.

QOTD Once you reach your goal how do you see your life being different than before you started your weight loss journey?

My life will be different in that I have not incorporated exercise into my life as well as a healthy way of eating and preparing foods. I have realized how important protion control and moderation is in all foods and hope that I will continue with my recent awareness as well as pass on all these changes to my children.

I hope to also continue my attitude of not using food as a reward or for comfort. My extended family uses food as a reward for everything and myself since I was young sought so much comfort from food. I hope to pass on my good habits to my family,co-workers, freinds and children. Which would then make my lifestyle change easier on me...

Cat- thanks for sticking with us. There are so few of us chatting these days. It also seems a lot are not posting weights anymore. I like lively active threads and I get bored when not much is happening. Again, thanks for sticking with us die hards.

Hey we are in this together!!! Being on 3FC has been a HUGE help. I too like an active thread but have to admit I've been more active over on the 40 something than I have here. I'll need to work on that.



WE seem to have lost the Question of the Day, I thought I would bring it back and maybe stimulate some conversation.

QOTD Once you reach your goal how do you see your life being different than before you started your weight loss journey?
I see my life being a lot healthier, also I want to figure out some way to work with overweight kids on getting healthier. I don't know how I can do that but really want to.

Everyone have a great week
Bette K

Thanks for bringing this back Bette.
For me my life style change has returned me to the great outdoors. I'm enjoying activities that for years I only watched or dreamed about doing. It's like with my upcoming cruise I have planned two 5-8 mile hikes, a kayak trip, and snorkeling in a 7mm wetsuit. None of this would have been possible or comfortable for me a year ago.

OK, official weigh-in tomorrow, but looks like I've gained weight this week? I'm up at least a pound, maybe two. I've been eating 1300-1400 cal/day this week, so it honestly makes no sense. The only other thing I can think of is that I changed birth control last week (to a cheaper costing one). The new pill has more estrogen than my previous one. Could this be my problem? If that's the case, I definitely will be getting off of this one after this cycle finishes. Yuck!

It's possible. Some studies have linked increased estrogen to weight gain. Have you looked up the side effects of the new pill? Does it list weight gain or fluid retention as a side effect?

OOH I was so happy to see you all here today. I love having people to chat with. I am still stuck in the 180's but crossing fingers that I will see some downward movement soon.

QOTD Once you reach your goal how do you see your life being different than before you started your weight loss journey?

Girls!!! I could write a huge post on all the changes I have experienced so far and predict how things will change with another 35 pounds gone. Let me just say this. My personal life is not what I would like it to be and the newfound attention is really nice. I am starting to re-think my entire world as i know it. My self esteem is changing daily and I am feeling the need to make changes in my life. Somedays I don't recognize myself in the mirror, but I also don't recognize myself emotionally or otherwise. It is the most life altering thing I have ever gone through. I don't have a handle on it yet. It is going to take some time.
Well, enough about me.

Bette- I'm sure those tests will show some changes. :smug:

Robot- A positive attitude is wonderful to have.

Shannon- Hold on a little while longer girl.

Mommy- Good goals.

Cat- The cruise sounds awesome. It's funny how much more active we've become.

It's possible. Some studies have linked increased estrogen to weight gain. Have you looked up the side effects of the new pill? Does it list weight gain or fluid retention as a side effect?

Yeah, it seems to be. So, I've got one more week of the actual pill and then the last week of the nothing ones (or whatever that week is called). Then, I'm going back to the other pill I was on. Might give me headaches for a week or so, but it will be worth it if I don't water retain.

:wave: girls!

1 week till moving day. Things are slowly starting to get chaotic. :dizzy: I'm probably not going to get a bed till next payday and I know I will not have cable/internet for a while so I'll have to get into the library routine again. I need to anyway, there are some vamp books I want to check out. I don't have to get a Uhaul since I have really sweet neighbors who offered to help me move. So happy since I REALLY do not have the money for a Uhaul or anything else basically. The only thing I'm going to 'splurge' on is a fan because I can't sleep without one. I only have like $100 so the rest is going to be spent on food. This just cements my thoughts that staying with the VA in that department is doing nothing for me. I don't even make enough money to get essentials. My friend's got a lead on a job so I'm applying next week. I just really hate to resign my position and then they call me about another position in the hospital. Do yall realize how much paperwork that is?! It's the government! But I'm tired of holding on and going nowhere. And Fields is getting on my last damn nerve. The Im-about-to-throw-bleach-in-your-face-if-you-dont-step-off nerve. Not good. :no:

QOTD: I think I'll be a little more confident. I'll definitely like shopping ALOT more! :lol: I think it'll be nice to have more stamina and not get winded just bending over. :(

OK, so I'm officially up a pound. Going to use my first freebie this week. I just hope I can get under 130 before the end of August (going up for vacation in a month).

*hugs* everyone, hope you have a great Saturday!

HI All,
I'm going to take a freebie this week, my first, TOM hit hard yesterday, and I just feel like crap. don't want to do anything except sit and eat ice cream. OK, I won't do it, but the feeling is there. I'm hosting a big family bar b q tomorrow and that won't help either. Most of the food will be somewhat healthy, we don't have a lot of sweets at stuff like this, but there will be potato salad and other types of salads.

Rangerchic: It that's the only major change you have made then it's probibly what's causing the problem. I know last time I tried the pill I turned into a raging lunatic and stopped after 2 weeks of he**.

Jasonslea: Good luck on your move and with getting a better job.

mtiger: Glad to see more activity too, I will make a bigger effort to post more often.

CAT: Being more active outside is a great plus. Also thanks for being our Fearless Leader.

Everyone Else: It's so great to see how we've changed on our journey. I love being able to come here and see how every is doing. It's a great support.

Have a great weekend!!
Bette K

I've been posting my weights, but have been bad about posting in these threads. It seems like you guys all know each other well, and I feel weird popping in and posting! :)

I'm finally back on track. I had a huge mess up 4th of july weekend, and went up like 8 lbs. I know most of it was bloating and water, but still. And then it didn't help that when I got home, I wasn't into eating good again, and then had my period etc.

I'm finally back down, and actually losing NEW weight, as opposed to the weight I had gained back over the 4th. I'm 232.8. I haven't been out of the 230's in like 6 or 7 years, I think. I'm excited, and have had a really good week. I've been around 1800 cals each day and rode 12 miles yesterday, and ran 1 mile, and walked another. And I was very proud of the fact that for dinner last night we had pizza, my HUGE weakness, and I had 2 slices, and that was it. And was around 2000 calories for the day, and lost weight:) I love having good weeks like this, it helps keep me motivated.

QOTD Once you reach your goal how do you see your life being different than before you started your weight loss journey?

I think just that I'm more active. I ride my bike, I run, I walk. I still have my lazy days, but overall, I'm more active, and I love it. I love mt biking, and running.

One thing I'm worried about is, I leave for vacation next weekend, and I will not have internet access. I used my 2 freebies for the first 2 weeks, as I completely forgot about it, and had internet issues. So I may end up being kicked out next week anyway!

Hi All,

Nice to see some people's lives are moving in the right direction...

II've ad some huge stresses going on, who knows what the scale will tell me on Monday, I have a feeling it will not be kind. There are those people who lose weiht when they are stressed... I am NOT one of them!!!

Have a great Sunday, all! It's back to work for me tomorrow...

This just cements my thoughts that staying with the VA in that department is doing nothing for me. I don't even make enough money to get essentials. My friend's got a lead on a job so I'm applying next week. I just really hate to resign my position and then they call me about another position in the hospital. Do yall realize how much paperwork that is?! It's the government!

Yeah, I know EXACTLY how much paperwork it is. I'm also a government employee. For those of you who don't know....in the private sector they tell you to limit your resume to no more than 2 pages, right? Whenever I apply for a federal job, the resume I submit is more like 22 pages! Plus any other forms that may be required.

I know what you mean about not making enough money to get essentials. Before I went back to school and got my degree in accounting and information systems, I was making about half of what I am now (also in a government position) and it was not enough to support myself. That's sad when you can work full time and it's still not a living wage. Even though I've got student loans out the wazoo, going back to school was the best decision I ever made.

Good luck with the job you're applying for!

OK, so I'm officially up a pound. Going to use my first freebie this week. I just hope I can get under 130 before the end of August (going up for vacation in a month).


You can do it, RangerChic! What do you have planned for your vacation? We're leaving for Vegas Wednesday...trusty laptop in tow, so it'll be like I was never gone. LOL! Have to do something to keep me out of the casinos during the day, right? Otherwise I could go broke ;)


I'm going to take a freebie this week, my first, TOM hit hard yesterday, and I just feel like crap. don't want to do anything except sit and eat ice cream. OK, I won't do it, but the feeling is there. I'm hosting a big family bar b q tomorrow and that won't help either. Most of the food will be somewhat healthy, we don't have a lot of sweets at stuff like this, but there will be potato salad and other types of salads.

Rangerchic: It that's the only major change you have made then it's probibly what's causing the problem. I know last time I tried the pill I turned into a raging lunatic and stopped after 2 weeks of he**.

Everyone Else: It's so great to see how we've changed on our journey. I love being able to come here and see how every is doing. It's a great support.



Sorry to hear you're not feeling good. Ice cream is one of my comfort foods, too, and I can relate to wanting to curl up with a nice cold bowl. I have the same problem you do with taking the pill....it's so bad that I can't even stand myself when I take them! Agree it's great to be able to come here and see how everyone is doing. This is a very supportive and welcoming forum.

I've been posting my weights, but have been bad about posting in these threads. It seems like you guys all know each other well, and I feel weird popping in and posting! :)

I'm finally back on track. I had a huge mess up 4th of july weekend, and went up like 8 lbs. I know most of it was bloating and water, but still. And then it didn't help that when I got home, I wasn't into eating good again, and then had my period etc.

I'm finally back down, and actually losing NEW weight, as opposed to the weight I had gained back over the 4th. I'm 232.8. I haven't been out of the 230's in like 6 or 7 years, I think. I'm excited, and have had a really good week. I've been around 1800 cals each day and rode 12 miles yesterday, and ran 1 mile, and walked another. And I was very proud of the fact that for dinner last night we had pizza, my HUGE weakness, and I had 2 slices, and that was it. And was around 2000 calories for the day, and lost weight:) I love having good weeks like this, it helps keep me motivated.

One thing I'm worried about is, I leave for vacation next weekend, and I will not have internet access. I used my 2 freebies for the first 2 weeks, as I completely forgot about it, and had internet issues. So I may end up being kicked out next week anyway!

Don't feel weird about popping in and posting - like I said, this is a very supportive forum. I do understand how it feels, there are some places I can post and some of the long time members will act like I don't even exist....weird feeling....like I'm not even worthy of saying hello to. (Personally, I think that's just plain rude!)

Glad to hear you are getting back on track! It would be a shame to lose you this far into the challenge....is there any way you can access a computer while you're on vacation? Hotel? Library? Anywhere?

Hi All,

Nice to see some people's lives are moving in the right direction...

II've ad some huge stresses going on, who knows what the scale will tell me on Monday, I have a feeling it will not be kind. There are those people who lose weiht when they are stressed... I am NOT one of them!!!


I'm a stress eater too, and I'm envious as all get out of people who don't eat when they're stressed! Hope things get better for you soon. I hear exercise helps to reduce stress levels....personally, I just get more stressed out if for some reason I have to miss a workout....so maybe a little more exercise would help?

Happy Saturday everyone! I hope you're enjoying some sun and some fun!! :)

Oh no. We're staying at my Dad's cabin in a tiny city in Michigan. Like its a post office and a few resturants, and thats it. He doesnt have cable or a phone there. Kind of 'rustic' in that way - no computer, tv, phone.

I might be ok, if I post my weigh in next friday, and then when I get back, depending on when we get back.

Miriam - I understand, I'm a stress eater too, and I'm not one of those people who lose weight when stressed.

You can do it, RangerChic! What do you have planned for your vacation? We're leaving for Vegas Wednesday...trusty laptop in tow, so it'll be like I was never gone. LOL! Have to do something to keep me out of the casinos during the day, right? Otherwise I could go broke ;)


Ha, thanks! I'm going up to New York to visit family and what have you. I am going to work my butt off to lose what I can in the next 3 weeks... Vegas would be cool, but I'm not a gambler. Good for you in keeping out of the casinos!

What a GREAT weekend. Mack and I went to the park on Saturday and did a 1.5 mile walk around the lake twice. Then we hiked in the mountains on Sunday. My new boots are breaking in nicely and I think will be ready for my trip to Alaska. Mack was laughing at me, one because my new boots match my new winter coat (didn't plan that) and two that I was kicking up the dirt so they wouldn't look new.

Monday mornings are always so difficult when Mack returns to work, especially after his flex Friday three day weekend. I can't wait for him to retire so we are together 24/7. Only 7 years, 7 months, and 7 days.

Well I was down 1.2 lbs. yesterday morning but only .8 this morning for my official WI.

I'm off to workout and will also do bowflex for the first time in three weeks. Decided I would lower my weights by 5 lbs. just to make sure it's "tolerated". Then I need to clean house so I'm sure I'll be checking in from time to time to catch a break.

I'm back! I had a great vacation. Ate like a horse, but then we hiked well over 70 miles, so I imagine it balanced out to some degree. I'm still working on the internet at my new place, but I'll try to get a couple of good pictures up here before this challenge ends.

Still haven't gotten on the scale, but I'm planning on weighing August 1st and making a fresh start for this fall. I would really like to get down to my goal weight by my two year weight loss anniversary (Oct 4). I know that I really should start back immediately, but I have way too much to do this week. I'll be lucky to even fit in sleep!

Happy Monday!! :D

I am in one of those phases where nothing is happening. I know it is mid-cycle time, but man!! Can this get frustrating. Had someone tell me the other day that I looked great the way I was and shouldn't worry about losing more. They also said though that I needed to do what would make me happy. If I could lose the belly pooch and a little more thigh I would be happy. Is that too much to ask??

Hope everyone has a good week. All I am asking for is at least a teeny loss this week.

Working on cutting down my sodium this week as well. I want to keep at 1500mg a day, but trying to keep under 2000mg. I did well today as I came out having consumed 1595mg. It's not easy to keep sodium levels low!

Also, I drank 85oz of water today which is good. I usually drink about 60oz, so trying to up this intake to help my weight loss continue (well, that's the hope anyway). :)

MC - Welcome back. Looking forward to the pictures

Mindy - I too have a pooch that I'm not happy with. Spanx are a wonderful thing but I would really like to not have to wear them. At this point I'm thinking goal will be more like 130-137 but will wait until after I get back from my vacation to reevaluate.

RC- sodium reduction and increased water sounds like a good plan.

Good Tuesday morning to you all!!! Just lost one pound last week, which any loss is great. I have been exercising everyday so far I have done the 30 day shred for 9 days, to day is the 10th day and I will move to level 2. My eating this weekend was not great, My MIL was in the hospital and we were there all weekend and you would think a hospital of all places would have healthier options but I was wrong. Anyway I hope to make up for it the rest of this week. I have had trouble for the past week getting my veggies in, so I am concentrating on drinking my water, getting my veggies in and no splurges. Also this weekend was TOM and the chocolate craving was over the top. Well I guess I am just full of excuses...

Ranger- I think you plan is good. I have been trying to decrease my sodium and you are right it it hard. Keep up the good work.

Mindy- you have done so well. I have read that the belly is the hardest place for women to tone up. So good luck to you!! Also the thighs oh my goodness I wish there was a secret to slimming them down.. let me know if you figure it out..

CAT- you also have done so well. Keep up the good work!!! Enjoy your Vacation!! And I have been thinking of investing in some spanx.

CruiseCAT - I thought I saw a post on the Blue thread where you mentioned e-mailing me? I've cleaned out my backlogged emails and I don't see it. Which e-mail did you use? I didn't send this in a PM, in case that was how you sent it, and therefore my PMs are not working. :?:

DIXIED- Nice pic. You look awesome.

Did a 3 mile, hot, muggy, walk/jog tonight. Got home and felt like I just got out of the shower, except stinky. If that doesn't take off a few ounces, I don't know what will.

WOW!! I thought since nobody had posted since me yesterday, that maybe there was new thread started. I don't see one though. Therefor I am posting here.

Today I was down a little bit. 182.4-First time I've seen the 182's in about 2 weeks. I am hoping it is going to be headed in the right direction now. I have this gut feeling I'll be back up tomorrow though. Went out to lunch today and didn't do diddly squat today. I still need to get in a workout tonight. I hope it helps.

Hello ladies, how goes the week?

I'm experiencing some nasty heartburn or acid or something this morning. Ugh. Everything I drink tastes chalky which is weird. I'm hoping all this crap is from this horrid pill and it takes a hike after this week. Yes, I am almost off this brand of pill. Woo! Next week is the week where the pill has nothing in it, so I am beyond glad. This pill has not only caused me to gain weight, but it has made my dry skin much worse. It is just horrible.

Other than that, I've been doing pretty good with my workouts and all this week I think. I've been sore a bit which is good and means I think I've gotten out of my routine and worked out something "new." The sodium levels are lower, but still working on that. It is not easy at all to keep your sodium low. Been pretty much at 2,000mg or lower, so I'm good with that since I'm drinking at least 80oz of water as well.

Hope you all have a good Thursday! :)

Shannon - Sure hope things get better when you change pills. You are doing GREAT with the sodium reduction and water increase. I still need to work on the sodium but I have been getting my water in this week.

I love when you fill out a "health" questionnaire and they ask if you pee more than 6 times per day; well doesn't everyone when they drink the recommended amount of water?

WOW!! I thought since nobody had posted since me yesterday, that maybe there was new thread started. I don't see one though. Therefor I am posting here.

Today I was down a little bit. 182.4-First time I've seen the 182's in about 2 weeks. I am hoping it is going to be headed in the right direction now. I have this gut feeling I'll be back up tomorrow though. Went out to lunch today and didn't do diddly squat today. I still need to get in a workout tonight. I hope it helps.

I forgot to start a new thread and decided with as slow as it is we would be OK going two weeks in one.

So are you still down to 182?

I love when you fill out a "health" questionnaire and they ask if you pee more than 6 times per day; well doesn't everyone when they drink the recommended amount of water?

Ha, that is so true!

So, ended up at the doctor today... I think I had an allergic reaction to something because I got to work and felt like I couldn't really breathe and felt like I was under water or something. Just felt weird and not right. So, ended up leaving and going to the doctor. The PA I saw said it was just an allergy thing, but I think it was more than that. Anyway, I feel mostly better now, but still not 100%.

Ended up splurging a bit tonight and had a couple slices of pizza which put me at 1500-1600 cal for the day. Not overly bad since I'm eating 1300-1400, but still, shouldn't have done it. However, I'm telling myself it's over and done and tomorrow is a new day. Going to work out in the morning, so as long as I feel okay, going to really push it.

Good Friday to you all!!

It has been slow in here for the past few weeks. Summer time I assume. My kids start school Monday, Football season just began and I did not get to exercise last night. I have been doing the 30 day shred but I missed last night. I wanted to do 30 days sraight. I also did not eat well yesterday as I ate too many starches,I forgot about what I had for breakfast and ate too much but oh well. I am going to up my water for today drink a slimdown shake for lunch and watch my carbs the rest of the weekend.

I must tell you all I have a 16 month old baby boy he is the youngest boy of 6. He is the cutest thing. When I do the shred he just watches me so close. So the other day I noticed when I do the jump rope, he tries to jump too. Then 2 nights ago he was doing high knees. I wish I could film him but he stops when I get the camera. It is the most precious thing. The bad part is when I do push ups lately he has been climbing on my back. Trust me I do not need the extra 30lbs..

Good Friday to you all!!

It has been slow in here for the past few weeks. Summer time I assume. My kids start school Monday, Football season just began and I did not get to exercise last night. I have been doing the 30 day shred but I missed last night. I wanted to do 30 days sraight. I also did not eat well yesterday as I ate too many starches,I forgot about what I had for breakfast and ate too much but oh well. I am going to up my water for today drink a slimdown shake for lunch and watch my carbs the rest of the weekend.

I must tell you all I have a 16 month old baby boy he is the youngest boy of 6. He is the cutest thing. When I do the shred he just watches me so close. So the other day I noticed when I do the jump rope, he tries to jump too. Then 2 nights ago he was doing high knees. I wish I could film him but he stops when I get the camera. It is the most precious thing. The bad part is when I do push ups lately he has been climbing on my back. Trust me I do not need the extra 30lbs..

It really has been slow here. I know for me I've been spending lots of time at the pool and reading.

So am I understanding correctly that all six of your children are boys? My son was an only child and I can't imagine six of HIM. Don't get me wrong he was a GREAT kid but cleanliness was not a priority. I tried to warn his wife but she didn't listen.... funny the same things I warned her about are the things after 4 years of marriage she complains about.

I had to laugh about the 30 extra pounds..... think not to long ago you were carrying an extra 40 lbs.

Ha, that is so true!

So, ended up at the doctor today... I think I had an allergic reaction to something because I got to work and felt like I couldn't really breathe and felt like I was under water or something. Just felt weird and not right. So, ended up leaving and going to the doctor. The PA I saw said it was just an allergy thing, but I think it was more than that. Anyway, I feel mostly better now, but still not 100%.

Sure hope you are feeling better. Any idea what you are allergic to?

Mommy- That was funny about your extra 30 pounds. My friend and I are both between 60and 70 pounds lost. Her DD weighs about 60 some pounds. We joke about how we have lost her daughter. Imagine that. We have lost a 4th grader. Can't believe your children are starting school. Our kids don't come back until Sept. 8th. I'll have to go in about 2 weeks earlier to get ready. My summer is quickly coming to an end. :(

Cat- Yep, keeping this thread is fine. There are not a lot of us posting. It always get this way, but I think it is even quieter this summer. Hopefully everyone is having a good time.

Shannon- Hope you are feeling better. Hey, have that splurge and don't feel guilty. I did today. I had half an order of nacjos, which I only ate half of. They were yummy.

I was back at 182.8 today. hoping to go down a little more tomorrow. The good news is that in July I lost 5.2 pounds. That is awesome for me. Now if I could only lose 3-4 in August, I would be a totally happy camper.

Sure hope you are feeling better. Any idea what you are allergic to?

Nope. Though, my mom wonders if it's that I've been taking in too much omega 3. Could be. Been taking it 5 days a week pre-workout. Whatever it is, I hope it doesn't happen again. No fun at all.

mtiger, good for you on having a treat! we all deserve one every now and again!

Mommy, can't imagine running around with kids all day. A day's work in itself! Obviously, I'm single and all still. Ha. Anyway, try to take some time for yourself, just to workout. You deserve it.

I was back to 181.8 today, but TOM is a week away, so no telling what craziness will take place this week. Hopefully I can break into the 170's after TOM passes through.

:wave: girls!

So I moved into the apartment yesterday. It was just me and Nessa, it was so hot, we were just pouring sweat! But I got moved in and Mrs. Allison gave me some money to put groceries in the fridge. :) I'm without internet/cable so I'll try to post at work when I can. I don't know when I'll get my internet, I really need to get a bed because sleeping on the floor is doing nothing for my bad hips! The apartment is chaos, I missplaced my scale so I couldn't WI this morning. >.< Gonna use my last freebie this week.

I've got to get to work, guys. Have a great week and I'll try to post again soon! :grouphug:

Hey all, I'm still up a pound, sorry about that. Hopefully, it will "disappear" in the next week or two.

In the meanwhile, I took a new pic of myself for my progress set. Talk about a difference, huh? :)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2610/3783913048_9cbbf8af32.jpg

Awesome progress, Shannon -- congratulations!!

I'm going to take my second freebie this week....we're still in Vegas at the moment, flying home tomorrow afternoon. I had such wonderful plans to stay on a diet while I was here but they all went to **** in a handbasket about the time I stepped off the plane. Am really going to have to kick it into high gear this coming week!!!

Good morning ladies, don't forget today is WI day.

I'm down a pound but still not down to my lowest weight along this journey. I try not to kick myself but it's a little frustrating. With my cruise coming up I can almost guarantee that I will gain a few pounds. Speaking of my cruise the stats for the week of the 17th will not be posted until the 20th; both Dee and I will be out of town.

Mack and I did a 7 mile hike yesterday that was very nice. Here are some pictures: http://www.flickr.com/photos/41061493@N05/sets/72157621926561670

Shannon you look GREAT.

Suzanne - Trying to stay on plan in Vegas is like staying on plan on a cruise. Vegas has some of my favorite restaurants. My last couple of trips (I live 2.5 hours away) I have packed a cooler with ALL of my food for the weekend.

Shari - Glad you are in your new apartment. It may take awhile but it will all come together.

Mindy - Hang in there, the 170's are just around the corner.

Hi All,
I hope everyone had a great weekend. It's been so stressful here lately I'm just going nuts. I think I've mentioned it but my dad has been diagnosed with colorectal cancer and has been going back and forth to the dr a lot. I've been doing a lot of the driving and just being there. I don't know what is worse, dealing with all this or dealing with my lazy bum of a brother. Dad will start treatment, radiation and chemo next week for 5-6 weeks then have surgery. I think I can handle everything. DS comes home the end of September, I would like to be under 200 lbs by then. It will be a year since I've seen him and we miss him terribly. He is in the Army.
Yesterday we went to the Amana Colonies, a really great place to visit. We just went for a couple of hours and didn't eat there, the food is awesome and served family style so not a good place to eat if you are trying to lose weight. We walked around the shops, I did sample some wine, I think I'll buy a botle of the black rasberry sometime, it was really good. We ended the day at the Lily pond, the water lilies were blooming and we walked the hiking trail for a while. I love going to the Amanas.

Shannon and everyone, The August issue of Prevention Magazine has a great article about Omega 3s and how our diets are more heavey into omega 6 which caused weight gain. I really liked it.

Everyone have a great week.
Bette K

Good Monday to you all!!! Only down 1 pound, but I knew that. I have made bad food choices and I seem to continue to make them, so today I am back on plan. I have not done well with water today but after I eat lunch I will start chugging..

CAT- the answer is yes..all boys...I have often wondered what it would be like just to have one, but honestly it is hard to even imagine. Our home is always chaos, but we love it. I am sure we will fall apart when they leave but then there is always Grandkids. By the time I am 40 we will only have 2 left at home, a 9 year old and a 16 year old. So that will be our closest change to having one child.

Mindy-yes our kids start super early, but they get out in early May. I actually was ready for them to go back, the older they are the harder to entertain.

Shannon- greatpics- what a difference!!

Suzanne- have a great vacation

Bette- I am so sorry about your Dad..Hope his treatment goes well

Shannon- those pics really show your progress. NICE!!!

Cat- Your pics are beautiful. No place like that around here anywhere. I am planning a weekend trip[ to Lake Michigan in a few weeks. It is pretty there. I think I deserve it.

Bette- Hang in there. I know it's tough. Stay strong.

Mommy- Can't imagine having 6 kids. More power to ya. Get back to those good choices.

I know once school starts my eating will be better. It is more on schedule and routined. Although I have done well this summer. TOM is arriving end of week. I am looking for a whoosh afterwards. I need to drop a few more pounds before school starts.