Chicks up for a Challenge - Weight Loss Buddies V

We were over 450 so I thought with a new challenge we could start the new thread.

To close out our last challenge (8/1-11/1) we are at:
ajowens 166: 155, 7%, 11lbs
LuckyLindy 186: 165, 11%, 21lbs
Maddiesmom 247: 225, 9%, 22lbs!!!
Mygrits 219
Danceindenver 178: 160, 10.1%, 18lbs
Burgundyrayne 222: 204, 8.1%, 18lbs
Tiff 292.2: 294.8, .8%+
BacktoBasics 263
Neesy 216



For the upcoming challenge I think that the 11/1-1/10??? is perfect but I am not sure what to call it.

aj - I think the original concept was % since we were all starting at such different places but WOW - those are some pretty amazing results so far!! I have a sneaking suspicion that Neesy might be our winner based on percentages.

I'm looking forward to seeing pix of the winner in her new exercise gear!

Burgundy - I'd join you with updated pix but my work has made it impossible to upload pix on my laptop so I have to get my old desktop up and working again which may take a bit. Not that you'll see the difference in my pictures - it doesn't really show, only in what size clothes I wear.

11/1-1/2 (as lindy suggested) works for me. $10 again work for everyone? And one grand prize winner based on highest percent of weight lost? I think Staccie may want to join so let's keep it open for a bit till she comes back. I can't think of a clever name either so whatever you want to call it is fine by me ;)

I would love to join too. My name is Mary. I am a 43 yo married mom of three (DS-26), (DD-19), (DD-17). I have one granddaughter Olivia who is 2 1/2. I have been married 22 years as of Nov. 7. Obesity runs in my family. My mother was always over 350 lbs. Unfortunately we lost her way too young. She was only 64 and died of complications due to her weight. I have a brother who is around 450 and a sister who was over 300 but had gastric bypass. She is now a healthy weight and has maintained that for about 5 years. I have always struggled with my weight. Took diet pills from the time I was in 7th grade but once I had my kids I couldn't tolerate them any more and started gaining. I have been about 50 lbs overweight most of my adult life. Finally decided to do something about it about 3 years ago. I hit 199 and was terrified of getting into the two's with my family history. It has been slow going. I lose and gain the same 10 lbs over and over again. But I have finally committed to doing it this time for real. I haven't seen the 160's since my 2nd daughter was born so that is my first goal but I would love to get into the 130's.

Hope that wasn't TMI! lol!!

My starting weight is 175.

New You by New Year?

Dance- Thats fantastic. Can't wait to find out where she is at!!!

Mary- WELCOME to our group!! And the challenge. There is never TMI in this group of ladies!! LOL. We are single, married, moms and not. We are pretty diverse =) I think all of us have struggled all of our lives and I will be the first to admit... I am committed but still fall off now and again. We are all just hear daily to support eachother in life & weight loss!

To close out our last challenge (8/1-11/1) we are at:
ajowens 166: 155, 7%, 11lbs
LuckyLindy 186: 165, 11%, 21lbs
Maddiesmom 247: 225, 9%, 22lbs!!!
Mygrits 219: 217 Ugh......
Danceindenver 178: 160, 10.1%, 18lbs
Burgundyrayne 222: 204, 8.1%, 18lbs
Tiff 292.2: 294.8, .8%+
BacktoBasics 263
Neesy 216

Wow, ladies you all have done so awesome! I am still shocked at the huge weightloss that took place! BRAVO!!!!!!!!! I did maintain my 5lb loss and then when I weighed today I was 3lbs heavier......go figure. LOL....Anyway, 2lbs down is better than nothing. I am ready for the new challenge, and am getting a plan in place. I like NEW YOU NEW YEAR, OR NEW YEAR NEW YOU. ;-)

How soon will we hear from Neesy? She may just be the winner, but I think ALL of you are winners!!!

I will check in later this evening.

WOW GIRLS---awesome!!!

Burgundy - my camera has been having techincal difficulties but I wanted to post pics in the same swimsuit that I started with, Ill try to go to my moms this week and have her take some, so it may be a day or so before I can get them uploaded, but yes, I would def. like to see before and afters.

As far as the new challenge, I think $10 is fair and responable for everyones challenge. If you want to extend it out to mid January, Im ok with that too. Im going to start looking into the girls vacation soon too, maybe in November and we can take a poll. Anyway, going to watch the Yanks kill Philly, lol, Ill catch up tomorrow morning.

AJ - thanks for the new thread!

Greetings Everyone!

I would like to join you all in this challenge! I am a 27yr social worker living in the Northwestern United States. I started my weightloss journey at age 21 weighing in at about 215lbs. That year I was diagnosed with hypothyroid disorder and began treatment. With the help of Weight Watchers I spent the next five years driving my weight down...eventually reaching my goal weight of 120 in the Spring of 05'. I was only there about a month before I started to gain again and I went all the way back up to 160. I currently weigh about 155 which I have been hovering around for the last year. I am glad to be maintaining but am unhappy with my weight and would really like to get back down to a lower weight. I can't be sure that I'm going to be successful with this but I do commit to full discolsure and an honest effort. I look forward to meeting and getting to know you all! My initial weigh-in is 155 and I'm assuming we weigh-in on Sundays...correct me if I'm wrong.

Hey girls! Finally checking in after a long days work. I am soooooo impressed with everyone. Wow.. can you believe how far we have come in just a short period? WOW. I am amazed by all of you.

Today I weighed..... 189! No change in 3 weeks! Ugh. But... I guess it's better than gaining.. I'm just so scared I'm gonna gain it back. We need to start another challenge right away.

I'm going to bed. I'll check in tomorrow cuz I'm off work. YAY!!!!!!

I would love to join in but im short on cash at the moment. Me and my bf came up with the name on my signature and I think It would be great for this challenge.. "A new rear for the new year" best of lucky ladies I hope you dont mind that I check in now and again :)

Ok, to close the challenge for good:

To close out our last challenge (8/1-11/1) we are at:
ajowens 166: 155, 7%, 11lbs
LuckyLindy 186: 165, 11%, 21lbs
Maddiesmom 247: 225, 9%, 22lbs!!!
Mygrits 219: 217 Ugh......
Danceindenver 178: 160, 10.1%, 18lbs
Burgundyrayne 222: 204, 8.1%, 18lbs
Tiff 292.2: 294.8, .8%+
BacktoBasics 263
Neesy 216: 189, 13% LOSS Holy cow!!!

Well, it appears that Neesy is our grand prize winner! Neesy, if you could send us your email address, we can get you your prize. Congrats! You earned it!! :carrot::carrot::carrot::carrot::carrot:

Welcome to SimpleRhythm and MaryShady!! You have found a very supportive and wonderful group of ladies! Some of us have been together almost a year and share our struggles with weight, daily life, etc. etc. No need to hold back the TMI...we've discussed it all! LOL

AJ: I love the NEW YOU BY NEW YEAR! Perhaps we shoudl weigh in mid-January due to the holidays? I'm up for it either way.

Neesy: I wouldn't worry about not losing for the past 3 weeks, it is probably a plateau since you have been losing so much. Perhaps kicking the cardio into high gear or adding some more fruits/veggies will help you get the boost to kick the plateau in the butt!

I told my trainer yesterday that I was demotivated and didn't want to go to the gym during the week. I think it's mainly due to boredom at this point. I'm like "great, I get to go run in place for an hour and not get anywhere." So, he wrote me some circuit exercises that incorporate weights with the cardio so I don't get bored and I don't plateau. He did a circuit yesterday and man am I sore today. It didn't really require any equipment, except a rower. In case you are interested, here's the workout. (No breaks between the exercises...Mr. Hott is a slave driver!)

5 minute warm up (walking, or the like)
1. Row 300 meters on the rower
2. 40 pushups
3. Row 600 meters
4. Using 10 pound dumbbells, lift the weights over your head until your arms are straight - 40 reps straight...no rest
5. Row 900 meters
6. Thrusts: start by sitting on a workout bench with 10 pound weights in your hand. Stand, then lift the weights up over your head until arms are straight, then bring the weights down and sit - 40 reps straight, no rest
7. Row 600 meters
8. 40 squats, no rest
9. Row 300 meters

Anyone interested in trying! LOL Can't wait to see what he has written for me to do mid-week. Yikes. I'm still sore from this one!!

Have a great night ladies!!!

I would like to join in. My name is Alyssa and I am 27 years old. I am a mom of two (4 y/o boy, 2 y/o girl), work full-time and go to college full-time. I'm busy busy, but I'm determined to make my weight-loss/healthy eating journey a definite priority.

Currently I am at 227. I love this challenge because I am new, and I know that being held accountable will help keep me in the determination!!!

ETA: I forgot to add that my mom was overweight and my dad is overweight. My mom died at the age of 47 due to undetected coronary heart disease-something caused by her weight and overall health. That was four years ago this coming Tuesday (it's going to be an emotional week! My son actually turns 4 this Friday. No, that wasn't a typo. My mom died three days before he was born.) My dad has had numerous heart attacks and two and a half years ago, he had quadruple heart bypass surgery. He is also Type II Diabetic. I had gestational diabetes when I was pregnant with both of my kids, and my chance for having heart disease is right up there, unless I change my ways. But that's not what got me started on my journey. What started my journey was when I saw myself in the mirror. My god-how did I get this big?! So, I'm here, and I'm working it!!!

Hey Chicks,

Neesy, awesome on the weightloss. I am sorry you are working so much, and hope you rest peacefully tonight. I wouldn't worry about gaining, as you have been like a locomotive the last few months! I doubt you will throw that hard work away! LOL...... I am so excited for you when your husband see you. He is going to be so proud of you, and you of him I am sure ;-)

So, did we start the new challenge today? Does it end 1/2/10? It seems we are in agreement of the $10. So, we need official weigh-in amounts for tomorrow, correct? Or are we going to take the weigh-in amounts from todays calculations? I know tons of questions, right? LOL...........

Oh, last question, we caluculate by percentages, so who was the final winner of the last competition? Ok, that's all the questions for now..........Nite.

Hello! Just wondering if there might be room for me?My name is June and I have 3 beautiful children ages 15,11 and 2.I have been married for 20 years.I am trying to lose over 100 pounds and have been having a hard time sticking with any kind of weightloss but I'm not giving up.I am so unmotivated to get myself moving.I do well with my eating early in the day and then the evenings I blow it.I think a challenge just might help me on my journey.If I can join I will weigh myself with and official weigh in first thing in the morning!!

Neesy-congrats!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 13% is amazing. You rock. Let us know your email. I am waiting to buy your gift card til I have it.

Maddiesmom-you did great too. We all did great, I am proud of us. That work out from your trainer sounds tough. I wish I had a rower so I could do it. He is keeping you on your toes.

Tiff-you will rock it on this next challenge. Great to have you back.

Lindy-good idea to go January 2nd or even further into Jan. with the holidays just wrapping up. I really hope I can make it on our girls trip. Tax season would be best.

AJ-thanks for making our new thread.

Dance-hope you get your computer going so we can see pics, I am sure we will see a difference that you dont.

Mary-welcome, this is a great group of ladies here. Join right in.

Grits-now on this challenge you have to catch me, come on you can do it. I think we are just gonna use todays weights as the official start of the new challenge. Not sure when everyone wants to end the new challenge. Neesy was our winner losing an amazing 13%

Simple-welcome, cant wait to get to know you more.

Pammy-check in here when ever you like, all the girls here are very supportive

Alyssa-you are a busy busy lady, where do you find the time. WELCOME

Luv-welcome, join in!!!

I am excited that we are starting a new challenge right away. It helped me so much and I want to thank all of you for keeping me motivated. I am so proud of all of you and your losses. As a group in 3 months we lost a total of 119 lbs!!!!:trampo:

Okay first off... WELCOME to all of the new participants and new group members. I love these girls so much.

Second... all except for backtobasics... =(

I am so proud of all of us but Neesy girl... you kicked A$$! Great job. You worked so hard for your self and your hubby. You deserve it.

Here is what I have for the new challenge. We will start the new challenge today but people can register for the next few. (exceptions made)It will run from 11/1 to 1/11. That way you get a good 10 days after the holiday to drop water weight =) We are going based on % of body weight lost so that every one has a good chance of winning. Every one will provide a 10$ gift card to the winner on the 11 of Jan. Here is my list. If I have forgotten anyone let me know!!!

11/1- 1/11 Challenge

ajowens 155
Browneyedstaccie- ?
LuckyLindy 165
Maddiesmom 225
Mygrits
Danceindenver 160
Burgundyrayne 204
Tiff 294.8
Neesy 216
Maryshady 175
Alyssamichelle 227
SimpleRhythm 153.4
luvmy3 279
Backtobasics.... where are you?

I went to dinner at a friends tonight and way over did it. 2 glasses of fantastic wine, steak, twice baked potato and these little winnie appetizers he put out that I coulndt resist. Weird because pre-diet I would have never even wanted them. Okay tomorrow is a new day and teh start of the new challenge. WATCH OUT GIRLS!! ITS ON!

Love it! I'm excited! Go girls, go!!! :D hehe

This challenge is PERFECT timing! I am a bridesmaid in february and the weightloss from this challenge will help me look better in that dress. I am going to set a lofty goal of 30 lbs in two months. That's 3 lbs a week since this is a 10 week challenge. Y ou know what I just realized I missed. shrinking out of clothes. I haven't gotten too skinny for any clothes in while and I totall miss it! let's hope it happens again soon.

oh and CONGRATS NEESY!!!! You did freakin awesome!

NEESY YOU ROCK!!!!!!!! :bravo: CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!! WOOO HOOOOOOOO!!!! :carrot: :bravo:
Send us your email, so we can 'pay up' and see what you purchase!!!!

I am ready for the new challenge and have already started. Put in your weights ladies and we will start tracking. :dizzy:

11/1- 1/11 Challenge

ajowens 155
Browneyedstaccie- ?
LuckyLindy 165
Maddiesmom 225
Mygrits 217
Danceindenver 160
Burgundyrayne 204
Tiff 294.8
Neesy 216
Maryshady 175
Alyssamichelle 227
SimpleRhythm 153.4
luvmy3 279
Backtobasics.... where are you?

Morning girls!

Im so ready for the new challenge, my bday is January 20th, so the challenge will fall just shy of my bday and I have decided, my bday goal is 130, so lets say my goal for this challenge is 30 pounds, right there with Tiff. I am going to train hard too. I met a guy at the Halloween party I went to and he is personal trainer, well, were not getting serious but he has agreed to help me train (starting today) for free! Were going to go to the park and do some interval training, in the mean time, were going to get to know each other so its a double bonus! Im so excited.

Welcome to all the new girls!

Neesy- CONGRATULATIONS GIRL!!! You look smokin hot and get a gift. Send me a PM with your email so I get to it with your gift card, so excited.

On a separate note, everyone did such an amazing job, Im so proud of all of you! Im sorry Back2Basics has disappeared but who knows, maybe she will find us again.

Today is going to be a great day, I have decided that I need to get back to my normal sleep schedule because that is what is sabotaging my gym time. I am trying to get my mom to do the 30DS but she was cursing me this morning after we did it, so lets hope I can stick with it. With the training from my new boy, I doubt Ill need to do both. Im really happy with how I handled Halloween also, I mean...I ate candy but not too bad, and I made my daughter stop at a certain point so me and her didnt overdose on candy, lol, next challenge is Thanksgiving, which is not a big deal for me because I really dislike most of the food served, now Christmas---thats another story, lol.

Ok, got to get to work, Ill talk to you girls later.

haha...you girls wanna hear something funny? I have found my new motivation. my ex-fiance has gotten married and through facebook stalking it is obvious that she has recently lost quite a bit of weight over the last year. she is my motivation. I want to look better than her. if she can lose the weight so can I. if he can run 5k's...so can I. everytime I want to stuff my face or get out of going to the gym. I will look at her picture. you girls better watch out in the challenge! it's sooo on. I know how long I have to go and I am on a mission to get there.

p.s. sorry for the typos and grammar...any posting during the workday I do will be from my palm.

TIff- I CAN SO RELATE!!! My motivation is somewhat for another person at this point too. Not another female but for a guy and not because I want the guy but to prove to him that I am more successful than what he gave me credit for. We have the same weight loss goal in pounds, so BRING IT! Haha. :P

welcome to all our new folks!

lindy - too funny - I think thanksgiving food is boring and not my favorite too - I thought I was the only one! And winning this challenge would be a nice b-day present for you, don't ya think? The timing is great for me too as we go on our beach vacation in mid-jan. I'm shooting for losing about 15 by the end of the challenge.

tifftiff - hey - no one ever said we had to have "pure and saintly" motives to lose weight. A big part of what got me started in May was knowing I needed to wear a strapless bridesmaid's dress in front of a bunch of my friends and I didn't want to be the chubby one.

I kind of gave myself a cheat day yesterday - ate pasta, some cookies, basically NOT ON PLAN. So I'm back on the wagon and am going to be tracking religiously this week. My boss is in town so I won't have as much control as usual over my schedule but am shooting for a reasonable amount of exercise.

Okay, ladies - what are you all doing today that is going to get you to your goals?

lindy - is that a reference to your ex? Was he really unsupportive of the changes you wanted to make? Such a bummer.

dancer: today I am ignoring the halloween leftovers in the kitchen so that I can get to my goal. after work I am going to the gym and running my a** off (literally).

oh and drowning myself in water. :)

Dance- yeah, my ex was really unsupportive when I was losing weight. He didnt want me to at first, then when he saw I was, he would say thing like "well, you'll just change your mind and slack down the road", whatever.

My plan is to stay on point. Im shooting for a 1300 calorie day, 12 glasses of water and I am seriously cutting back on any sugar for the next 2 months. That means no Pepsi AT ALL, no sweets, no low-fat/fat-free, nothing. Ill indulge occasionally but in other ways, not with sugar loaded items. I have the same drive I did 4-5 months ago and am sooo ready to kill it.

tifftiff and lindy - sounds like you girls are ready to do this! I'm going to try to cut back on carbs this week - still have fruits and veggies but minimal whole grains and try to up the protein a bunch.

Hello all.Thanks so much for letting me join this challenge.Well I have a weight of 267.2 this morning.After a Halloween full of nothing but junk I am ready to start fresh and be accountable for my actions.I need to do this there is no question about it.I am getting forward to getting to know all of you.

Tiff- I understand! My husbands ex is a pretty skinny mini and I always feel like I want to do better than her. She is so not in the picture but in my head she is. lol.

Lindy- New guy!!! Woooowoooo. I am excited to hear about him kicking your butt. You are obviously looking sexy if you are pulling hot trainers!

Dance- Good job getting back on board. I wish I rebounded that fast in the past!

luvmy3- We love to have more voices! And I am excited to leave this last weekend behind me too. Makes me wonder how I will really handle the holidays....

I am going to the vet. Then to the store to get my plan stuff for the first 3 days. Its 80+oz of water. Any meats and unlimited green veggies. 1 orange a day 1/2 with eggs in the am and 1/2 with dinner. Hard and I was STARVING after 3 days last time but it breaks plateaus and gets things moving.

Hey girls! Thanks so much. I can't even believe I lost that much. I remember thinking at the beginning of the challenge that there was no way I would lose much. I sent a pm to AJ with my email. Though I feel bad taking anything cuz you all did so well. Well.. here's to meeting our goals for this next challenge. We can do this! Oh.. and Lindy, I can't wait for our cruise. We're all gonna be looking hot by the time it comes.

11/1- 1/11 Challenge

ajowens 155
Browneyedstaccie- ?
LuckyLindy 165
Maddiesmom 225
Mygrits 217
Danceindenver 160
Burgundyrayne 204
Tiff 294.8
Neesy 189
Maryshady 175
Alyssamichelle 227
SimpleRhythm 153.4
luvmy3 279
Backtobasics-- ?

aj - can you pm along neesy's email to the rest of us that need to send her gift certificates? Thx!! I may switch to eggs in the morning instead of oatmeal to up my protein intake. I know oatmeal is supposed to be crazy healthy but maybe I'll go back to it once I'm off to a good start again.

neesy - congrats again and we're looking forward to seeing pix of you in the new exercise outfit (or whatever) you purchase!

AJ-going thru the 11th on the challenge works for me. I will be in Alabama until the 5th so that gives me a few days to get back into a routine at home.

Tiff-you will look great in your bridesmaid dress by the time it rolls around. I am going to AL in Dec. so I need to step it up and get my sister on board to help me while I am there. Always good to have some kind of motivator to help you along the way. I want to catch up to my sister, she is in the 160s or 150s, not sure which, but I cant wait to get there too. I am drowning myself in water too, almost 60 ounces down, gonna try to get 30 more in today.

mygrits-I am ready for this challenge too!!! Lets do it.

Lindy-thats a good bday incentive, to get to goal. You are gonna rock it with the free training, you lucked out there girl. How long have you been doing 30ds? I have been trying to stay around 1400 calories and if I drink 90 oz of water that is a little over 11 cups.

Dance-I did the same thing yesterday, it was a cheat day and now I am right bacn in this. Sometimes we just need it. I need to go get some fruits and veggies. Wish it was still farmers market weather.

Luv-we're excited to have you and see your results in this challenge, you can do it.

AJ-what plan are you on now, I need to do something to kick start my losses again. Can you send us all neesys email so we can get her gift cards to her, thanks.

Neesy-dont feel bad, you deserve it!!! We are all winners, you just get to buy some great stuff.

I was supposed to work today but at the last minute she decided to take the boys shopping with her, she is a brave woman taking those 2 out. So I stayed home, worked out, gonna make some dog treats in a while. I am gonna give Tae Bo a try tonight. I already did a Biggest Loser DVD, maybe I can keep up with tae bo, I have no rhythm.

Luvmy3- were excited to have you here. In case you cant tell, this is actually a forum of girls who have been together for about a year, give or take a few months, so its a pretty close nit, good group of girls. Im sure you will fit right in. PS- we do not keep anything a secret in here, we are very open, so feel free to jump in.

AJ- yeah, new guy, lol. I was going to take a break from dating but I figure -- hey, if a good one comes along, why pass it up, I could be missing out on something. That being said, Im talking to 3 guys right now but nothing serious or plans to be serious, just enjoying my time and all the attention, hee-hee. I have also been there with the ex gf, where you compare yourself to them, its just force of habit but there is obviously a reason on why they are the ex, lol.

Dance- I found egg whites to be more filling than Oatmeal, just my opinion. I like Oatmeal but it does not fill me up like everyone eles raves about. Egg whites and some turkey bacon definately get me there, along with some grapefruit, yum.

Neesy - GIRL, you know you deserve it good and well! Ill get your email from AJ, any ideas on what your gonna get?


EVERYONE:
Im so glad to hear that other girls are just as pumped up about the cruise. Ideally I would like to do it around tax time so we can just pay it off and be done with it. What is everyone elses thoughts? Is anyone struggling financially where it would be beneficial to push it out further? IDK...just trying to get feedback. Is it agreed upon that a cruise is the way to go? Is everyone interested in a roomie situation or would you want your own cabin? Any plans to bring kids or hubbys? I myself would like to go solo, I can leave Gab with my mom but I dont know if everyone else has that luxury? Are we looking at a short 3-4 day cruise, 5 day cruise? Lets take a poll (copy and paste the response like we did with weigh ins):

Would you prefer a cruise or mountain cabin retreat in Tennessee?

Lucky: Cruise
Mygrits:
AJ:
Burgundy:
Neesy:
Tiff:
Maddiesmom:
Stacie:
Dance:

Anyone else that is interested is welcome to add on, these are just the originals that had showed interest. And if your no longer interested, just say "no interest".

If cruise:

3 Day
5 Day
6-7 Day

Lucky: 5 day (Mexico would be fun)
Mygrits:
AJ:
Burgundy:
Neesy:
Tiff:
Maddiesmom:
Stacie:
Dance:

Lindy - glad you're getting everyone organized. Unfortunately, I'm still thinking I won't have enough vacation time for a cruise as we have a couple of things booked already and my company's kind of stingy that way.

Lucky: Cruise
Mygrits:
AJ:
Burgundy:
Neesy:
Tiff:
Maddiesmom:
Stacie:
Dance: Can't this time

burgundy - I used to do a bunch of tae-bo (back when it was on vhs and I was much skinnier) and really liked it. Hope you do too! Thanks for the reminder - I may have to get some of his stuff on dvd.

Does anyone have zumba on dvd? I hear the classes are fun but the dvds aren't great. Would love to hear your thoughts if you have any.

I would probably go alone. I won't be working around that time (end of jan/feb) because we'll be moving and I'll be switching jobs so I'll be free to go anytime... I think for the cruise.. a roomie situation would be better as it is cheaper. The tennessee thing might be cheaper if anyone is in a financial bind. So.. I'm open for either really.

Would you prefer a cruise or mountain cabin retreat in Tennessee?

Lucky: Cruise
Mygrits:
AJ:
Burgundy:
Neesy: Cruise
Tiff:
Maddiesmom:
Stacie:
Dance:

Anyone else that is interested is welcome to add on, these are just the originals that had showed interest. And if your no longer interested, just say "no interest".

If cruise:

3 Day
5 Day
6-7 Day

Lucky: 5 day (Mexico would be fun)
Mygrits:
AJ:
Burgundy:
Neesy: 5 day- anywhere!
Tiff:
Maddiesmom:
Stacie:
Dance:

Hi Chicks,

Wow, busy board today. I was only gone a few hours running errands and there are 3 pages of chat! It sounds like everyone is very pumped, which is so great!

Neesy, I am being different, and would appreciate you emailing me your mailing address. I found a cute card and decided to just mail the monies to you with a note. I hope you don't mind. If I mail tomorrow you should have in a couple of days. I am so proud of you!

Ok, I was all up for a trip, but now with the new job, I am not sure if I can swing it, especially a five day cruise. I am so sorry and hate to be a downer for you all. I could maybe swing a few days in Tennessee, since that is close, but please don't let me change your cruise plans.

Oh you all had asked about Bubba (husband) and how he was doing with his weightloss. Well, he is down a total of 32 pounds and hopefully still losing. He wants to get to 230, which is where he was when we met and is a good weight of him. So he has 50 to go.

OK, I walked today!!!! Woo Hoo! I haven't exercised since I started working two months ago because of my feet. This morning I basically said 'screw it' and went out the door. It felt sooooooooooooooooooo good. I work 10 hours tomorrow, but I am walking before work. Food has been good and calories are right on schedule. I am making a pack to not eat anything after 8pm - NOTHING.

My goal is to be 190 by 1/11/10, which will be 27 pounds total.

Oh, Burgund.............Bring it on!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Would you prefer a cruise or mountain cabin retreat in Tennessee?

Lucky: Cruise
Mygrits: Can't do 5 day cruise. Could maybe do a few Tennessee days.
AJ:
Burgundy:
Neesy: Cruise
Tiff:
Maddiesmom:
Stacie:
Dance:

Oh---I know that financially a trip wont work for everyone, so no one should feel bad at saying no, trust me, no biggie. I would love to do Tennessee just as much, so I am totally open, just preference wise, a cruise would be fun. Even if its 4-5 of us, it would still be a blast and I have no issues sharing a cabin with several people bc honestly, I am NEVER in the room, lol. I stroll in 2 am and am back out by 8-9 am, lol. Anyway, lets see what everyone else says.

mygrits - I'm so happy to hear about your hubby's progress - that's great news!! And :bravo: on fitting in a walk! I know it must be super tiring standing all day but I think regular exercise gives you more energy in the long run. I'm looking forward to helping you celebrate 190 so you better keep showing up around here ;)

Dance, thanks so much and yes, push me - big time! I am doing good so far, and today has been successful with food. It is after 8pm and I am NOT eating.......lol. I am very proud of Bubba, and pray it continues, because I know he will feel so much better and can eliminate his Sleep Apnea totally. His high blood pressure is already gone ;-)

Lindy, money wouldn't be an issue really, it is the time away from work - with it being a new job. Cruises are fairly reasonable in January-February as the cost starts to escalate around March and then with each month goes up higher until peek season in summer (I use to be a travel agent for cruises). I could probably do a 3 day cruise, but they tend to just go to the bahamas, which may not be as fun for everyone else. The plus is no one would need a passport. Anyway, I can do the next trip though ;-)

Neesy, thanks for the email, I will mail the card tomorrow!

Grits- I'd be up for a 3 day cruise or tennesee. The tennessee thing might work better for me too. I wouldn't have to get a plane ticket or passport and my husband wouldn't be jealous of the trip. haha. We'll figure it out. I'd love for everyone to be able to come.

Lindy- I would love to do a five but if it works better I would be very happy with a 3!! I have to dig up my passport =) I am flexible. Just to throw this out there... We own a 5 brm house in summit county colorado (In the mountains) and its on a lake with some fun things to do. But April is not great there so it would have to be summer. June is amazing there! Green and warm. Just another thought. But I want the cruise =)

Where did some of the new people go? maryshady, SimpleRhythm, PammyFl, alyssamichelle, luvmy3??

I had an okay day. Tomorrow is the big day for the restart so My house is de-foodified and I have lots of meat and veggies =) Water only. I had to empty the house or I would just cheat.

I am so excited. For a cruise... a new challenge. Oh, my goal... 135 by 11th of January. Think that is too much considering how slow the last few can be? I will be maintaining between 135-120 once I feel comfortable. I am a little short girl =) I know you are mostly tall ladies.

I am a short pudgy. lol. Good night girls! Hope today was great.

Greetings Everyone!

I'm still here AJ!!! I just apparently post slower than the rest of the crowd;-)

So today was a total bust for me...I know I just need to crack down and tell myself no...but when your in the habit of giving in it is so hard be your own bully! Part of it is that I'm a total stress eater and so when work gets crazy I use it as a license to eat whatever I want...this has to stop! Tomorrow it's going to be back to business...and if I don't post at least once I give you all full permission to hunt me down and pm me until I can't stand it anymore.

I think I also forgot to tell you that I'm going to be running a half-marathon at the end of this month... So as part of my training I'm going to be running10 miles tomorrow also... I'm going to do it!!! I promise!!! And I'll also try to post tomorrow to let you all know how it went.

One day at a time...right?

Reading your posts you all sound like a great group! I know we are all going to be successfull again this time around!

I'm here also.Just been a busy day.Trying to get myself back on track.I did some food shopping today so that I have all the food I need in the house.Also bought The Biggest Loser for Wii.I need to get myself moving.That seems to be my biggest downfall right now.I don't get up and get moving.Just happy to be a part of this challenge.I could really use the support of others right now.Thanks again for letting me join in!!

Simplerhythm- Wow!! A half marathon is huge! I do the same thing as far as stress eating. Any thing to give me a pass to eat. I think it has to be all or nothing. It is so hard to not say well just one of this today and two of this tomorrow. I am recommitting to myself tomorrow AM!!

Luvmy3- I did the same today! Thats what I had to do to stay on. Bad food out of the house. Good stuff in. What kind of plan are you on? What do you eat in a day?

Simple- Im amazed at your weight loss thus far and a half marathon, awesome! That is my goal, to be able to do HALF of the Disney Marathon here in Orlando Florida. I am far from getting there now but by next year, I should be in good shape. You know what you need to do to get to goal, look how successful you have been up to this point....common girly, maybe its time to switch it up. BTW- and you may be being redundent but Im lazy zatch up reader, lol...what is your program?

Luv- I have my occasional bad days but I try to offset them with some killer workouts. Do you have the liberty of doing that. Like AJ asked, what plan are you on?

AJ-OMG-I WOULD LOVE...LOVE....LOVE to go to Colorado. I have been dying to take a vaca there, Im like you totally easy going but if anyone was game for a Colorado trip, I would soooo be down to go, lol. How have you been doing with exercise lately? I love to here that you did a clean out of your cuboards. What is your hubby saying through this whole process? Is he a healthy eater, does he mind eating healthy?

Now, as for me. I got some much needed sleep yesterday. I decided to skip the run and gym and sleep till 730, omg..it was soooo nice. I plan on going on a 4 mile run tonight bc it is absolutely GORGEOUS here in the evenings. Its in the 70's with a nice breeze, although I need to get my butt out the door right when I get home bc of daylight savings time. Food wise, Im killing it! No sugar and feeling ok. I had a miled headache this morning but I think Im going through Pepsi withdrawal, just like I did last time when I stopped drinking soda. Its cool, just need to get over the hump. I am soooo pumped up again, I love it.

Ok Ladies, I need an intervention. Me, like Simple, have stres related eating issues. We have a huge training at work this week, which includes me organizing events, travel, etc for 30 country managers. So, I am totally stressed, tired, and my day started at 6:45 and will go until 6:00 tonight. That's less time with my family and a lot of pressure to get things done since the officers of our company will be attending the events. Halloween candy has been my food of choice. I was so tired this morning that I had to stop at Starbucks. Then, last night for dinner, I had buffalo chicken poppers with veggies. I have to start anew today. I've been doing so well, I don't want to fail now. I'm half way to my long term goal. HELP!! (Plus I think TOM is coming, I crave chocolate. I'm usually able to say no, but with the stress, I'm eating too many sweets.

AJ: love the Colorado idea! I've never been. It would be very cost effective and we'd be in charge of our own meals, etc. and I think we could share recipes and make different foods. I think that would be fun. I don't think I could do a cruise having a little one. And...I don't think your short and pudgy (I think that was the term you used), you are a cutie patootie!!

Ok, I'm at work with lots to do, I will try and comment on everyone else later. Just needed to get my frustration out!

Good Morning Everyone!

Alright...so the past is the past and today I'm planning on cracking down and setting up a plan and some goals for this challenge. Afterall it is my day off so I should be able to devote some serious time to the endeavor.

LUKCY: My "plan" is a combination of WW and counting calories with The Daily Plate. I also get a good amount of exercise between hiking, bike commuting and working out at the gym. This last year that I maintained I know the exercise was the only thing that really kept me from blowing up. Kind of ridiculous actually...

LUV: Glad to hear you are also cracking down and committing to this challenge! It is exciting to see so many motivated people in one place!

MADDIE'SMOM: Sorry to hear that your work situation is bananas right now... Just try to make the best choices you can and just don't throw the towel in because you've already messed up. You'll be back on the healthy living train in no time...and hopefully I'll be there to welcome you ;-)

Good Luck Today Everyone!

Don't have time to read entries, running late for work. I will catch up tonight when I get home. I am down 2 lbs. Woo Hoo!

Bye for now.

mygrits - 2lbs! Already? Wow - That calls for a happy dance: :dance: :dance: !!! Keep up the good work and you'll blow us all away in this new challenge!! And so glad to hear about your hubby's high blood pressure being gone. It's just more reinforcement that this is something we all need to do and that our bodies will thank us for it!

simple - love your Maya Angelou tag line. And let me join the chorus of oohs and aahs about your running achievements and goals!! You might be interested in checking out the november runners' thread in the exercise forum.

maddiesmom - We're here for you! You've been a weight loss rock star (and workout queen) and you will be again - a few off days won't undo ALL that incredible progress, that's for sure!! As long as you don't use them as an excuse to give up - which of course you're way too smart for!! Sounds like you need some simple solutions that are just as easy as junk food - can you stock up on lean cuisines (or similar) for dinner and keep a bunch of those progresso light soups in your desk for when you don't have time to pack a lunch or go out for something healthy? I bring a yogurt, fruit and carrots with me to work almost every day and that keeps me from snacking on the bad stuff. I think it's rocknrobin (or maybe one of the other longtime success stories around here) that often talks about the importance of the COMMITMENT - there's a lot to this weight loss stuff that we don't do because it's fun or easy but because we're committed and there's no way you're going to let stress eating get in the way of your commitment, right? Do you need to do a fridge/pantry cleanout of candy and other temptations to make it easier? It's much harder for me to cheat when there's nothing around. Come back and tell us how the day is going if you get a sec.

lindy - I went to bed early last night and got oodles of sleep too - boy does that make a difference in your outlook and energy! Good luck with the pepsi withdrawal headaches - they go away after a few weeks in my experience. Looking forward to meeting up next week - if it's not too dark, maybe we could sneak in a walk before dinner.

luv - that's excellent about buying healthy food and the exercise program! Now, what are you eating and how much exercise are you getting today? Tell all! :)

neesy - can you let us know who you've received amazon gift cards (or paypal or whatever) from to make sure none got lost in the process?

Doing well so far this week with eating - I think green tea must surpress appetite or something. Anyone else noticed that? I had a couple of cups of green tea yesterday morning and wasn't hungry hardly at all for lunch which is so not normal for me. Am going to try it again today and see if it helps.

Hope your days are skinny ones!

Ok, first-

Neesy- I noticed that Aj was going to send money to your paypal account, since you had one and I do too, I sent your $10.00 via paypal as well. CONGRATULATIONS again, hopefully you get something cute to wear or fun to exercisise with.

Maddiesmom- SNAP OUT OF IT GIRL!!! Go to the gym and work that frustration out! Bring some healthy snacks to munch on, what about the peanut butter sweet and salty bars, those are just like candy bars and oh so yummy. Or some strawberries dipped in fat free chocolate pudding. Where is Mr. Hot when you need him, lol? Dont sabotage what you've worked so hard to accomplish. Its so much easier to put it on than it is to take it off, we all know this.

Simple- sounds like you have a good plan in place. I did WW once before and was pretty successful, I just dont have the patience to count points these days, lol. So Ill stick with my calorie cycling.

Dance- yeah a walk sounds great. Hmmm...are you familiar with Orlando at all? There is this awesome lake called Lake Eola in Downtown Orlando, and there are tons of restaurants around there too, its about a 15 minute drive (off I-4) from the area you will be in. I can always come to you too, like we agreed, just throwing out some ideas. As far as the green tea, yuck...I cannot drink tea if my life depended on it, so unfortunately I have no comment on that, lol. What?! For once I have no comment?! Thats crazy! lol

Today is going well, Im really hungry today but holding up ok. I was so ready to give into a sushi day, but I have designated Friday's as my indulgent lunch day, any other day I will have to pass on. Time to buckle down. Sushi is not horrible but there are so many other better choices.

Lindy- Sounds great! Atleast that way its just flight and food. No accommodations... I am up for anything. I am only walking really. No real work outs. I need to focus on food right now. I can't get that straight and when I work out I say.... "well I worked out so I can fudge". Boooo. And my hubby is supper supportive but he won't eat anything green unless its pickles on a hamburger. lol. He tries to go out for food and he doesn't talk to me about it. He will eat what ev in the AM then eat out the rest of the day.

VICKY!!- INTERVENTION! No more. Yuck. Stop now why you are still ahead. can you take some pre cut veggies and snacks with you? I love love grapes while others are eating junk because it keeps my hands busy. I am the same way so letting myself eat but not junk is the only way I can handle it.
AND I would love to get together in the mountains. So fun!

simple- I lost 30 lbs on weight watchers many years ago and kept it off for a long time. Its a great plan. Dance loves to run as well BTW!

Sandy- Have a great day at work!!

Dance- Green tea helps me at night when I crave starchy things!! I am never in the mood for it but after I drink it I feel great! Is a vacation to Summit County like a joke to you?? lol. I know for you that isn't getting away at all.

Today is the restart day. I can do this. I am very hungry and grumpy while in this phase so if I disappear, I did not fall off... I am just cranky and isolate myself =) Funny how food controls my moods.

Lindy - Lake Eola sounds great and I love the idea that you were left without a comment - too funny and definitely out of character!

aj - going up to the mountains is always great (you know how often we went hiking this summer!) - I'm sure it will be a blast!! I think I'll get some decaf green tea for nighttime drinking - I like your idea for fending off the munchies but the caffeine (little though it is) would probably keep me up. Best of luck with the restart - do you let yourself have any "free" foods - like, say, carrots or pickles or cucumber salad, that you can eat as much as you want of so you don't get too hungry? If you're having a hard time, come tell us about the cute clothes you're planning to wear when you meet goal and the other changes you think it will mean in your life!

Dance- Lol. My motivation for all of my weight loss... well now that my BP is down, is a single pair of true religion jeans that an old boss gave me for xmas and I have worn them twice maybe. That is my goal. I just want to look good in those!! I never have.

And I get hungry but more from boredom and because I am a starch addict. I can eat all I want. Any meat cooked anyway with no skin and not fried. I can eat any veggies that are green so I eat a lot of cucumbers, bell peppers, green beans and salad. I know this works. I lost 7 lbs that week and it isn't long term. Its just to tell the body that you are in loss mode. Its just hard because I love a good bowl of cereal or a piece of bread!! But I will fit into my jeans on new years so its worth it. And now that I know it works... Its not as hard as the first time I did it in July.

Any body else have a good/bad day?

Hello all! Busy day yet again.My one daughter is off school today due to Election Day.She's 11 and has an additude that I've had enough of for today.
As far as my plan I have been trying to count calories.Just not too sure if I need more or less.I take in about 1400.Exercise is another story.I recently cut my hours at work.I work Thursday and Friday nights 5-10.Paying for childcare for my 2 year old was just too much so we decided I would work 2 evenings and stay home with him.I love being home with him but I have no motivation to move.I just want to stay in my comfy bed and sleep.I joined a gym back in June.My Aunt paid for a year membership for me to help me get healthy.Then my car broke down so i put a hold on the membership for now.I just got my car back but still have to take the hold off the gym.I love doing the Wii fit and have yet to even take The Biggest Loser game out of the package.I just need to figure out what has me in such a funk.I think once I get moving the weight would come off without having so much of a problem.

Sorry so long but thought I'd give you guys a little backround.So what program are you guys on?Any advice?I'm just sick of trying and failing.This time failing is not an option for me.I am 39 and don't want to be fat and unhealthy on my 40th Birthday which is in July.I don't have the best genes as far as health is so I need to do this so I can be there for my children.
Thanks for listening.

luv - I've heard a lot of folks having success with Walk Away the Pounds (google for lots more info!) when they're getting back into exercising or are having a hard time getting motivated to do other workouts. If it's not too cold out, can you take your 2 year old for daily walks? Just 30 min - that's it. Once you start seeing the results on the scale, I'm sure there will be no stopping you!

aj - sounds like a great way to get things kick started again - I may have to do that too, but maybe the week of the 16th when I'm not traveling and hosting dinner parties. Do you skip fruit altogether? And allow eggs? Can't wait to see a picture of you in your TR jeans!

luv - forgot to answer one of your questions - my guess is your calories are on the low side for your ht/wt, which may be why you don't have tons of energy. I like the following calculator:
http://www.freedieting.com/tools/calorie_calculator.htm

ETA: Just plugged in your info on that link and it says you can lose weight on 2100cal/day for your ht/wt/age! So yeah, more calories may speed up your weight loss dramatically - your body is probably in starvation mode right now and is hanging on to every ounce.

luv- I am a multi personality dieter. I cahnge plans back and forth when I stop seeing progress. I am on a plan called slim4life and I calorie count. I am not an exerciser but I love to walk. It clears my head and makes me feel better. I also have started to like running because of Dance. I am still not a "runner" but it grows on you.

Dance- I only get one orange. 1/2 with breakfast and 1/2 with dinner. Its hard! Esp for me "the fruit queen." I am excited though because I am allowed to cook the meat how ever I want so I can have steak three times a day grilled/skillet/broiled... I am so over baked chicken. lol!!

aj - I'm thinking I should be able to run outside tomorrow and I'm shooting for my usual 4.4mi loop. Any interest in some friendly mileage matching? Making each other do it as virtual exercise buddies? (Walking/running/combo whatever)

Anyone else interested?

Yes! I am very interested! I would love that because I had no intention of working out and I need to. 4.4 miles you run... I run/walk. =) Its 95 here today so I will be doing it indoors lol.

Hey All,

Just got back from running and only ended up doing 9.5 miles instead of 10 because I punked out of the last half mile due to shoe/pain issues. Today is going well food wise...although definitely light on fruits and veggies and higher cal than an average day (although not for a long run day.) I also put a link to my food journal in my signature if anyone is interested or willing to keep me accountable.

DANCE: Green tea is rumored to both decrease appetite and work as a thermogen (increases metabolism without exercise and supposedly allows you to burn more calories.) Sounds great and I would drink more of it but find I have to force myself to choke it down most of time. Also, what kind of running do you do? How long have you been running?

LUV: Sounds like your 11yr old is quite a handful! Can you not wait for the teen years?

Woo! to being on track!!!

Simple- WoooHoo!! you go girl. I am so impressed. 9.5 is great. Are you training more before the marathon? Do you train on both road and treadmill? I hope you did give your body enough cals!! Big burner today. =)

Dance-Thanks so much for the info.I thought because I wasn't burning calories I should take in less calories.I could take a walk with my son during the day and I should,but I'm just so unmotivated and plain lazy.

aj - okay - now you're getting me going! I was planning on doing it tomorrow but now I'll try to fit it in today too - if not outside, then on the elliptical. It's on, girl!

simple - hey, you did 95% of your run - that sounds like A+ to me! I'm a casual jogger really and due to shin splint issues I run on dirt trails only. My max distance recently has been 5.6mi so I'm totally not in your league but am thrilled to be out there. I used to run in college and have done it sporadically since but I'm totally sure it's the reason I've been successful in melting off the weight this summer. Really interesting about green tea - thanks for the info. It tasted like grass clippings (I exaggerate, but only slightly!) when I first started drinking it but I've seen in the store that they make it with mint and other flavors included to make it taste better. If you like black tea at all, I've also been told that mixing half-and-half is a good way to get used to it.

luv - I totally sympathize with feeling blah but see if you can make yourself get out the door for 5 minutes. If you're still exhausted, you can always turn back. I have to play these mental games with myself to make myself run sometimes when I'm low energy - okay, most of the time! You've made a commitment to change and no one said it would be easy but boy is it worth it - show us how strong you are and get out there tomorrow for a short walk with your son and come back and tell us what a tough cookie you are for making yourself do it and we'll all do a happy dance. I'm willing to bet you'll feel way better after (go back a few pages to find mygrit's post about her first walk in weeks and how good she felt) even if you don't love every minute of it. Oh, and when you get dressed in the morning, get straight into your walking clothes so you'll have less excuses. YOU CAN DO THIS!

Thanks so much for the boost in my confidence.I do feel so much better when I get outdoors it's just getting to that point.But I will make an effort to get outside and walking tomorrow.I'm also going to try to eat more.I think I have alot to learn about losing weight.I've been doing it the wrong way all my life that is why I am here now.Can I ask a question of you ladies?Does it matter where your calories come from?I mean is it okay to eat something such as cake if I can fit it in?

Dance- Its on! ;) I am going now. Then I am going to swim!! Excited seeing as my pool hasn't been ready until this week.

Luv- I am so sorry you are feeling that way. We all have our days but for me its my life. I am supper committed to work and my art but when it comes to leaving the house esp for a walk I just dread it!!! Thats why I found the laziest way to work out. Either walking on a treadmill in front of a TV during one of my don't look away favorite tv shows or I read a magazine while riding the stationary bike. Maybe try something like that instead. Most gyms have free day care while you are there so its time just for you!!!

aj - Thanks for the push - finished my run and feel great! Sounds like you're going to blow me away though with running and swimming. You are hard to keep up with!

lindy - did you get in your 4 miles as planned? Hope so!

luv - curious to see what others have to say about your question but my take is if you're tracking everything you eat and you budget in a treat (for example, I think Neesy said she budgets a small WW low-fat ice cream cup daily) that's fine but the vast majority of your calories should come from lean proteins, fruits and veggies and whole grains with a bit of healthy fat daily (like almonds, avocados and olive oil, not butter and cream). Treats tend to be pretty empty calories so if you blow most of your quota on a dessert, you'll be starving later and much more likely to go over your daily limit. Some of us also find that sticking to healthy foods when we start a new plan (and throwing out any tempting treats) helps us break bad habits. They say it takes 30 days to create a new habit - not sure if that applies to breaking a sweet tooth but it certainly is easier to resist temptation after you have a few good weeks under your belt.

The other thing that I've learned this time around is that one bad day doesn't mean you give up and quit. Probably seems obvious but somehow it wasn't to me in the past. Stick with this gang and we'll make sure you see progress, even if you have a wobble here or there. And definitely ask anything you like.

Off to catch up on oh-so-exciting expense reports and then take a vanilla bubble bath later - it smells just like cake batter which is about the closest I get to cake these days ;)

Luv: I was in the same shoes you are in a few months ago. I have a 2year old and I was exhausted all the time. I found that actually hiring a trainer helped me out as far as working out and getting off my butt. I figured that I'm paying someone, so I have to show up. It's worked thus far, but it's important to have a trainer that you like. Then as the weight starts falling off, it's easier to go.

Also, as for your question regarding sweets, I think if you have room for the calories it's fine, but you really can't make a habit of eating the simple sugars just because it makes you crave more. I rarely have sweets (except for Halloween apparently! LOL) and it gets easier to say no...especially when you start seeing results. Plus, if you have filling foods, you are less likely to keep eating...500 calories of veggies vs. 500 calories of cake = which do you think will make you satisfied "full wise?"

Someone asked our weight loss plans...mine was WW, but found the meetings at work a waste of money since people wouldn't talk about weight issues. So, I just started eating better and working out. I do use the "points" system but don't count as closely as I should. The working out and being with the trainer has definitely helped.

Ok ladies, intervention didn't work. I ended up having 2 bite size hershey's milk chocolate, then for work, I had to host an appetizers/drinks reception. I held out as long as I could, but had to have some of the appetizers since I had been at work for almost 12 hours (in 3 inch heels no less) and was utterly exhausted and starving. I didn't do too badly, but I still feel guilty. Back on the wagon tomorrow...no excuses!!!

AJ: I know you like Diet Dr. Pepper like me, but my hubby sent me an article about a study that was done on the effects of diet soda on the body and it said that the artificial sweeteners in diet soda actually cause you to increase belly fat...so my next goal is to quit drinking diet soda. I love antioxident green tea (celestial seasonings makes a good one) so I'm going to drink that and see if it helps.

Good night all...it's been a long day!

Staccie: we miss you!!

maddiesmom - if two tiny chocolates and an appetizer is you going off the wagon, my wagon could totally take your wagon! :) Sounds like you did fine - and at the most were eating at maintenance calories! Sorry it was a tough day though... Hope tomorrow is much easier and more on plan.

Dance- I didn't swim. I dunked my hot tired body in a cold pool. lol. Your bubble bath sounds awesome. Think I might have to follow you in doing so. I laughed out loud when I read your post to Vicky =)

Vicky- I love love Diet Dr. Pepper but I how crappy it is. And its not just diet sodas, actually it is the caramel colored flavoring in dark sodas that prevent weight loss. Weird that I still like it. When I am strict I drink Diet 7up cherry and its much more successful. I just LOVE dr. pepper and pepsi so its not the same. I drink a TON of fruit punch crystal light. 90oz a day to get my water in so not much room for soda anyways =)

Wow. You guys have been chatting up a storm. So much to catch up on.. I will have to read it all tomorrow. I'm off the next 3 days. YAY! Cuz today was super stressful. Someone asked me to verify that I got their gift cards. I did and thanks! I got paypal from lindy and AJ and amazon cards from burgundy and dance. Thank you all so much. I have no idea what I will get.. maybe a new workout outfit. Afterall... I'm taking this all the way to the goal. I never thought I'd be this close to my goal.. now I'm wondering if it should be lower. haha.

I'm going for 14lbs by January 11th. That is very doable. I'm gonna kick my metabolism in it's butt this week and get back into an exercise routine cuz I've been slacking and I'm so jealous of how much you guys do. Half marathons and whatnot!


Well I'll catch up more tomorrow. I'm finally getting my military ID in the morning. I'll be an official army wife. haha. I'm so proud.

Oh. and the colorado trip sounds incredible. It's weird cuz a guy from work is moving there next week. So, I've been talking to him all day about colorado and it sounds unbelievable. What a coincidence!

Well, Goodnight!
TTYL!

Hi Chicks,

I wrote all of you this morning, but for someone reason it's not on here.......sorry. I don't know what happened.

Maddiesmom, sorry you had a tough day, but I hope tomorrow is better for you. Don't be too hard on yourself endulding a little at the office hosting you had, as you have lost a lot of weight and done so well.

Lindy and Tiff, you sound so fired up! i am excited to see where you both take this competition!

Neesy, I mailed your card and it will hopefully get there quickly. Let me know when you receive it.

Well, I was down two pounds this morning when I weighed and I worked out again today before work. I am sooo tired. It was a 10 hour day and I am pooped. I think I will skip the workout tomorrow, because it will be another long day at work.

I will check in tomorrow morning. Nite.

Dance: You are hilarious. I guess I just feel "off the wagon" because I haven't been eating all the healthy foods that I usually do. I bring cut veggies and fruit, etc. but we have a full cafeteria in our building that can make you the best, greasiest meal you've ever had, but tastes soooooo good. I need to be like Lindy and leave my wallet at home. I don't carry cash, but they take debit! :)

I'm hoping the stress is close to being over, whenever I think about work my eye starts to twitch. Gotta love stress! Plus, I'm trying to find Madeline a new daycare, which is also stressful. Burgundy: wanna drive down from MI to watch her?!? LOL. She's at a home daycare right now and I don't feel that she's getting the attention/stimulation a 2 year old needs to progress. So, it's searching time...and I know she'll get used to it, but I'm worried about her acclimating to the new daycare. What can do you? I think all moms feel that no one will ever take care of their kids as well as you could. The hubby and I are hoping that by the time the 2nd one comes I can be a stay at home mom...one can dream.

Have a great night ladies! We are quite the chatty group lately! :)

Wow chatty girls here lately, its great to see so many pages of new posts. Now to catch up, this is gonna take a while.

Lindy-Colorado or Tennessee sounds nice, I really miss the mountains. I got some much needed sleep today, slept until 1130, OMG!!!! I went to bed at 1, thats 10.5 hours. I should be rested. Gotta get my butt outta bed earlier tomorrow.

Dance-the tae bo kicked my butt, I didnt finish the whole dvd but I was sweating my butt off. Gonna keep going with it and building up to doing the whole thing. I am gonna give green tea a try, do you add anything to it? I'm a southern girl and we drink sweet tea but I am not about to add a butt load of sugar to something when I am trying to lose weight, lol.

Mygrits-Bubba is doing great, I wish I could lose weight like a man. He has lost the same amount as me. You are doing great being down 2 lbs already. I need to get off my butt and go for walks, but it cold here already and I hate cold.

AJ-de-foodified, lol. I need to do that too. I plan on making cupcakes tomorrow, and yeah I will probably have one but after that, plan plan plan.

Simple-You said it, it is so hard to be your own bully sometimes but you just have to do it. Great job on the 9.5 miles, thats impressive.

Luv-I want that Biggest Loser for Wii, may have to treat myself. Let me know if you like it. I am counting calories and like you, think they might still be too low, I was eating 1200, then upped to 1600. Tried out that website Dance suggested and it said I should eat 1799 to lose.

Neesy-glad you got your money and now cant wait to see what you get. You can totally do 14 lbs, look how much you just lost.

Maddiesmom-I missed you intervention, but like Dance said, I wish I fell off the wagon like you!! You are still doing great. When do you have another session with Hott? Oh, if I lived closer I would def keep Madeline for you, too bad we are so far apart.

Ok that didnt take as long as I thought. Today was ok. I didnt do much workout wise. I am eating ok, just been lazy and not wanting to get up and get moving. Gotta get geared up for this challenge like Lindy!!!! Have family coming over for dinner tomorrow, gonna make a big huge yummy salad. Then gotta go spend the night with the boys(for the new ones, I am a part time nanny) Will have them all day 4am-6pm. Hopefully its nice out and not too cold.

Gonna get some sleep, not as much as last night. Skinny dreams to you all.

neesy - are you going to workout like crazy on your off days? 3 in a row sounds great - enjoy! And I'm psyched to see you reach 175 - pencil skirt and boots, here you come!!

mygrits - the way you're going if you stick to your eating plan, it could be a very fun weigh-in for you this weekend!! Show Bubba that girls can lose weight just as well as guys!

maddiesmom - I think Lindy sometimes leaves her whole wallet in the car if necessary - maybe that can be the last resort :) I didn't mean to make light of your troubles - just joking around - but more seriously do you find that exercising helps with stress management? When you're busy and stressed, it's hard to find the time but it seems to help with my outlook. Hope it's a healthy eating choices day for you!

burgundy - I'm a big fan of splenda although I know it would be better for me to drink things with no artificial sweeteners. I'm thinking I can work on kicking that habit once I lose the weight ;) Way to go on Tae Bo!

AJ - are we on for another 4.4 miles today? I'm in if you are! Anyone else want to join us?

Good morning girls!

Wow, I cant believe I had so much reading to do, I LOVE IT!!! Gosh, I had a ton of comments to make but then your stories started getting crossed, lol...so Im afraid to write anything because I might be getting you guys mixed up. Just know I read everything, lol.

Dance- Im so excited to meet, it will be fun. I love Lake Eola and there are some great restaurants over there, there is also a Panera right within walking distance, not sure if thats your cup of tea, but theres plenty of options to choose from. And YES- I did get my 4 miles in and felt great doing it.

I made it to body works class today, felt great as always, I love that class. I didnt get my jog in because I had to make Gabriella breakfast this morning, normally she eats at my moms because I go to work earlier than she starts school but today my mom had a doctors appt. and was running. Anyway, I might go tonight, not sure. Also, I had a HUGE breakfast today, 3 egg whites, 3 pieces of turkey bacon and a bowl of oatmeal and Im STARVING right now. What gives?!

Ill catch up later.

Hi Ladies,

Thank you for all the kind words to Bubba and YES, I wish I could lose like him! LOL......

Maddiesmom and Dance, I find to reduce my stress I need to workout, especially walking. Workouts increase the endorphins, which make the body relax and feel good. Yea baby! LOL.....

Ok, I keep seeing mentions of Colorado or Tennessee?? Have you all changed the meeting place? I must have missed a comment on here somewhere.......??

Luv and Burgund, let me know about the Biggest Loser Wii, as I would love to have it. I don't have Wii, but hopefully may get it in the next month or so. I think on non-workout days, it would be a fun way to burn some calories.

Lindy and Dance........Dance are you coming to Orlando? I saw mention of Lake Eola on Lindy's writings. I grew up there, and use to hang out at Lake Eola growing up and when my children were young. It was a daily venture of walks, playgrounds and ducks......lol. Oh and then there was their fabulous library we went to alot. My parents still live there, as do my sister, her children and grandchildren, not to mention many old friends. My last job was with the Police Department there. Gosh, blabbling my history here. Anyway, I live about 30 minutes north of there.

Well, doing good, but no loss from yesterday, but that is OK, as I am happy with the 2lbs. Need to go to work, but I will check in later.

Mygrits- only 30 minutes? Are you available next Tuesday (wait..was it Tuesday Dance?)? Were going to grab dinner and take a walk around the lake, it would be so awesome if you could join us! I know your super busy these days, but I just want to throw it out there. As far as the location change, AJ threw Colorado out and it seems like everyone else is on board. Do you think you could swing a Colorado trip in the summer?

AJ- I would definately lock in some time at your house this summer, as I think there are several of us girls that would be totally game for going. I know I am. I have always wanted to go there, in fact, I tell people I want to retire there and I havent even been, lol...Im such a dork.

Dance- I dont know where in Colorado AJ's house is but maybe there is hope that you could meet up for a day or something?

On a separate note, I am coordinating a girls only cruise to Mexico in March, this is mainly with my work and personal friends for 5 days, so anyone who doesnt want to do the Colorado trip but is interested in a cruise, let me know and I can send you the details.

Doing good food wise. I munched on some Cheez-its but kept it in my calorie range. I also have consumed a lot of water, getting back on track with that. AND IM TOTALLY WITH YOU GUYS ON TODAYS RUN, Im going to shoot for another 4 miles tonight. I was uncertain but you talked me into it. Im doing homemade chicken soup for dinner tonight, which isnt too bad. Aside from that, not too much else to report on. So, for the days that I have slacked going to the gym lately, I would like to find a DVD to do at home, I have 30 DS and a yoga DVD but I need something more fun, any suggestions?

Burgundy- my hats off to you on doing the 30DS, I just cant do it. I hate that darn DVD with a passion, lol. I think I rather go to the dental office and get teeth pulled, seriously.

mygrits - if you can join us somehow for a walk and dinner on Tuesday 11/10 that would be amazing! Any chance that's a day off for you?

lindy - if you guys go to AJ's cabin this summer, I would definitely come for the weekend part of the trip, even if I can't get the other days off. It's only a 2 hr drive or so for me. And as far as fun workout videos, I like Tae bo (the one burgundy's doing although I need to get them on dvd now) and in the past I liked some of the mtv hip hop or belly dance workouts, just because they're different and the distraction makes you forget you're exercising. I'm going to stock up on a few videos for the next snow storm - thanks for reminding me!

Good afternoon ladies.Well I took Dances advice and first thing this morning put my sweatsuit on.I had an appointment and decided to put my son in the stroller and walk it.It was a little chilly but did feel really good.My son loved being out in the fresh air.I feel horrible that I've been keeping him cooped up in the house.Maybe I'll just take a couple small walks throughout the day.

Grits and Burgandy- I plan on doing The Biggest Loser today so I will let you know how it is.It's on sale this week at Kmart for $19.99 which is half price so grab it now if you can.Grits I would recommend buying the Wii.The Wii Fit Plus is really great and fun also.I love o play it with my kids.It gets me up and moving and them also.My 15 year old lost 47 pounds doing the Wii Fit and changing her diet tio healthier foods.I am so proud of her.Just wish I could follow her direction.

Simple-Yes my 11 year old is a handful.I do dread her becoming a teenager since she seems to think she's 21 anyway.I have a 15 year old but she is such a great kid.Never a problem,very considerate and helpful.My 11 year old just has a mouth on her.And it works my nerve when she's home all day nagging to do nothing but shop.We've had to cut back this year with spending as I'm sure alot of people have had to and she just has a hard time understanding the difference between needing something and wanting something.

AJ-I have a gym membership at 24 hour fitness.My family background with health issues is not the greatest so my Aunt bought me a year membership.They do have a great childcare there but it's $5 a day.Not too much but I feel when you spend $700 you should at least get the childcare for free.And with 5 times a week your talking $100 a month for 1 child.If I put my 11 year old that's $200.They're nuts.I'm thinking maybe my 15 year old can watch him for 2 hours in the evening so I could go.My husband works days and nights and sleeps in the evening so he would be here ,sleeping in case she had a problem.

Sorry to go on and on.Just trying to catch up and let you guys know a few things about me.You have giving me some great advice the last few days and it is so appreciated.Thanks you for making me feel so welcome!!

luv - :dance: :dance: :dance: :bravo: So glad you got out and proved to yourself that you CAN do this! I'm really proud of you!!! It's great if you enjoy doing workout videos or hitting the gym but when you're getting started, I think setting REALLY realistic reasonable goals (like a half hour walk 5x week, and if you do more great) and sticking to a reasonable eating plan (say 2100 cal/day including lean protein and fruits and veggies but allowing for the occasional treat) will set you up to be amazingly successful! So what's your goal this week? Do you think you can fit in 2 more morning walks (doing the whole sweatshirt on first thing, head out the door right after breakfast before you get caught up with other stuff) by Sunday? I think you can! You don't want me to be wrong, now do you? ;)

Since Lindy got me thinking about it, I ordered a few exercise dvds from amazon - latin, hip hop and belly dance. Will let you guys know if any of them are rockstars!

Lindy- That always happens to me. The more I eat in the morning, the more hungry I am all day. Esp when I eat oatmeal or any starchy food. And We can use it when ever! We just need to figure out what best for every one.

Dance- I am in on the 4.4! I feel great today. Hungry night but great today.

Luv- I just love the alone time. Its fully dedicated to me time! =) I am sorry I made you repeat the bit about the gym. I remember you saying that now. It is ridiculous that you have to pay! Good for you going for the walk. I know it can really help. Walking, even if its a short walk, doesn't feel like a work out to me once I get up and get going. And I told you these are great girls =)

As for me. Day 2 of restart. I went to bed SO hungry. Nights are so hard. I drank a cup of tea and went to bed. When I was out with my husband I was so hungry I almost broke down and had fast food. It was close. I need to not leave @ night. I really do feel better. My head feels more clear and I am thinking about what good foods I can eat rather than what I can get away with.

Hi ladies!

I have lots to catch up. I actually posted something from my blackberry on Monday but it didn't seem to post...I even checked the old thread. I was asking for an intervention...I did pretty bad the last few days.

Anyway, I did ok yesterday and doing well today so I guess I'm out of the funk I was in. I was binging horribly and my mom encouraged it :( That was disappointing. She kept saying oh do you want some ice cream, oh do you want some chocolate, etc. I was pissed. I know she probably didn't mean to, but she knew I was trying to be good :(

I'm in Edmonton and rented a nice posh hotel for myself. When I get back from my meetings tonight I am going to read and catch up. I really missed all of you - I felt like I had no support at all :(

Catch up tonight and then I am back to normal! I am not back to work until Monday but back in Vancouver on Friday and I look so forward to getting back to my routine!

S

Hi everyone.

I just joined this site yesterday. I do not know if it is taboo to join into more than one challenge in the Chicks up for a Challenge section of the forum (I belong to the WOW group) but I saw you guys today and thought that you would not only fit my needs but seemed like a fun group.

I like the idea of a deadline and an incentive. Since my expectation is not to win - please consider it another boost to your "pot".

I understand if it is too late and would not have hijacked your thread but as a newbie I am prohibitted from sending PM's until I have posted a number of times. This will be my third post.

So here is my story.

I am 45 years old and an empty nester. I am a lifetime yo-yo dieter. I lost 35 lbs back in 2000 (only to put it back on) and then I lost 40 lbs. again in 2007. Unfortunately, I have put most of it back on. I have been sabatoging myself mainly in the evenings just overeating and the other day I was stunned to get on the scale and see how badly my behavior had affected my weight. Although, the fact that my clothes were looking even worse was indication enough.

So yesterday I vowed that I would do this again. I need the help of people who can keep me motivated and yet don't mind listening to someone obsess over the trials and tribulations of dieting. Those non-dieters (and there are plenty in my life) just don't understand.


My plan (that has always worked for me) is counting calories and keeping a food journal. My exercise of choice is walking, especially outside with my two walking buddies - the dog and my hubby. But the dog is a sprinter not a marathoner so I don't take him on anything more than 3 miles and my husband's schedule limits his participation. So then I really have to work hard to get myself motivated.

I am 5"3" and weigh 167 lbs (as of 11/2/09) and my goal weight is 135.

Thanks for the consideration. Please let me know if you have room for another member in your group.

STACCIE- WE HAVE MISSED YOU SO! Get over it... put it in your past ans lets move on! Today is a new day and you can get back on the wagon. Neesy won the challenge. And we have lots of new people =) <333333

PopcornGal- Welcome. Many of the girls participate in multiple challenges and short and long terms mini goals. You are always welcome here! Also... my dogs are the same way!! =) I would walk them across this huge park in denver and around the lake and then I had to carry or drag them back to the house. hahaha. Good for you getting support. We are just that. Jump right in anywhere!

ajowens 155
LuckyLindy 165
Maddiesmom 225
Mygrits
Danceindenver 160
Burgundyrayne 204
Tiff 294.8
Neesy 216
Maryshady 175
Alyssamichelle 227
SimpleRhythm 153.4
luvmy3 279
PopcornGal 167

Luv- awesome girl! You did it! You took your first "baby step" and thats where it all begins. Ugh...I cant even tell you the road I have been on since January with "baby steps". From starting out with no exercise, to just walking, to the gym 5 days a week now, same with food...soda, then diet soda, then crytal light, now just water. It comes in moderation and you are doing what you need to do to get there---good job!

Dance- cant wait to hear your feedback on the dvds, would you mind doing them all in one night so we can receive instand feedback, lol--I kid---I kid!

AJ-AWESOME...AWESOME...AWESOME for will power. I am exactly like you, I cannot go out at night because its just an absolute disaster, I have no self control, so I try to stay in as much as possible.

Stacie- awww----we missed you to. Its not as entertaining without your stories and arse comments, lol. Although, I have gotten a few chuckles from your FB page....hee.hee.

Popcorn- you are so welcome to join us. When we started this new thread a few days ago, we had some newbies join us, so jump right on the band wagon. Most of the girls have been together since last December, with a few more hopping on 6 months ago. This really is an awesome group. We are supportive but surely hold each other accountable and try to come up with solutions to the hills we have in our weight loss journey. Dance is by far the best when it comes to that. Me...Im more of your Jillian girl, lol. Anyway, thanks for the bio about yourself. So much of us know about each others personal lives so if something is said that doesnt make sense...feel free to ask away.

Going for lunch now, Ill catch up later.

aj - I so admire your discipline in going to bed hungry - that is the hardest hardest thing for me. I can be good all day but if for some reason I can't fall asleep right away, all I can think about is eating and I'm not very good at resisting. Since I don't have anything tempting around the house, I end up eating fairly healthy stuff but cals are cals as we all know. Any advice on how to get a wimp to grow a spine like yours?

staccie - great to see you again! We've missed you tons. So are you in on this next challenge? Hope so! Bummer about the last few days but you have the next few to make it up in, right? Come post a ton and we'll be here for you all the way!

popcorn gal - glad to have another popcorn fan around! welcome to the gang! These women are the reason I've lost what I've lost, I swear. And if you fall off the wagon and ask for an intervention, well, look out! You should see Lindy doing her Jillian routine! :)

lindy - did the starving go away? Hope so! Any news on the man front? You haven't said anything in a while...

lindy, I'm not sure if you have comcast up in your area but we have comcast down by me. there is a think called comcast on demand and its all sorts of shows and movies that you can watch anytime. well let me get to my point. it also has exercise videos on demand. there are probably at least 20 at all times. so if you have comcast you should check into it!

well I haven't been very present since monday and I'm sure you all know what that means by now. off the wagon AGAIN. We have been getting a lot of activity in but my food has just been horrendus. I have an appt next week finally to get my thyroid straightened out so that is my only hope right now. I just can't seem to overcome my appetitie.

I have a tennis date tonight with a friend and hopefully we r a good match causw I need someone to play with. we decided we can't go to the gym during the week just weekends. so tennis would be my during the week thing. one of the only things I can do close to home when its dark since its dark when I get home now. wish us luck!

I guess I can focus on 1 thing at a time fpr now. this all just trial and error.

Thanks guys for letting me into your group. :hug:

Dance - my husband says I am not discriminating when it comes to popcorn, no matter how crappy it is. LOL I have been known to skip dinner when I am going to the movies and make a meal of popcorn. :corn:


Lindy- I love Jillian. Bring it on - you can kick my arse anytime.;)

Dance- it did go away, after I ate lunch! lol. Um, there are guys here or there, lol...its kinda fun to date and "play the field", because I ultimately have the final say on what I do or do not want to do, aside from that, I get like 3 free meals a week, lol...so thats always a bonus. I know it will get old though, it already is at times, have been separated from my husband for 10 months now, hard to believe, but the experience is good for me.

Tiff- we do have comcast here but I also have Directv and they have something like that. In fact, they have FitTv, which has exercise on 24 hours...omg...I totally forgot I had that, thank you so much! lol Now, lets get you back on track girl. Common, no more excuses, if you cant always stay on plan at least make smarter decisions. Furthermore, pack snacks, pack snack up the ying yang (aka arse,lol) so that you arent going to cheat. You did so well starting off, lets not make this our normal thing this time. We have all lost weight and gained or lost weight and stopped at out non-desired goal weight, NO--NOT THIS TIME!!! This is not why you joined this forum, get your bootay in gear, you having a wedding that is quickly creeping up on you and were not even in the holiday temptation season yet! Ok...enough of my Jillian alter ego, we love you and want to see you succeed. What can WE do to help you? Hmmmmm....

Popcorngal-Welcome!!I just joined this wonderful group of women also.They have been such a support in just 2 short days.I have learned so much and they have gotten me up and moving.

Dance-let us know about the DVD's.I'm open to try something different.I have Fios with some of them on demand which I should try to see if I find a good one to start.

AJ-Don't be sorry for me repeating about the gym.I wasn't too sure if I had posted it anyway.I do think I'm going to start back soon.

Dance- I am not always successful at it but I found that benadryl or ambien on the hardest nights are my saving grace. When I wake up, I am fine. Also, avoiding starches (I know they are good for mood) makes me less hungry. Its so weird and hard but it really helps. I chugged the hot tea too so my tummy was really full when I laid back down! What do you crave at night?

Lindy- I agree. Going out is like one irresistible temptation after another. I went to walmart while I was hungry last night and just pinched my back fat every time I saw fried chicken or bread ect... Remind myself why I am not eating it!!!

Tiff- I am still proud that you are moving in the right direction. And come back even if you are not eating right. We are not here to hate =)

PopcornGal- Welcome and my dad is the same way with popcorn. Esp movie popcorn. When I was gorwing up he would order a large popcorn. Offer us a bit at teh beginning and eat it all himself = ) lol.

Luv- I got the core rhythms dvd off of ebay a while back which is latin dance sponsored by SO you think you can dance. I loved it but I just honestly get lost when things get more complicated. I can always do the basic and I'm like "YEAH! I am doing good!" Then they add more moves and I am like a dog on slick ice. lol.

Is every body having a great day?

Mmmmm! Discovery! There is a new crystal light that is strawberry banana (not my favorite) that is hunger buster. It has tons of fiber and protein and 30 cals!! HUGE. And I am really full. Wow. =)

aj - your 'pinch the back fat' technique had me cracking up! too funny. I will seriously give that a try the next time temptation rears its ugly head! Am off to get in my 4.4 before some community service stuff tonight but will be back with you gals later on...

AJ: I will do three more long runs before the race 11, 12 and 13 miles. I only run outdoors but do cross training on the elliptical and cycling. I also was cracking up at your "pinch the back fat" method...I am going to try it...nothing like a little cognitive behavioral therapy right?

DANCE: I also sometimes buy fruity green teas (right now I have grapefruit, blueberry and peach) and mix them with sweetner and Vitamin C powder for kick. This is tolerable, if not even enjoyable =-)

LUV: I think as long as you are within calorie range you are probably okay...but as Dance mentioned I've also found though that when the bulk of what I eat is high carb/starchy sweet stuff that It is much harder for me to control my calories and I still want to eat because my body is craving substance...so in that respect it can affect your diet.

LINDY: As far as workout DVD's go some of my fav's are Yoga Booty Ballet and also Bollywood Burn.

Welcome STACIE and POPCORNGAL!!!


As for me I ended with about maintinence calories yesterday...meh...blah...today should be better though. I a me with a personal trainer at the Y today (I won three sessions from a contest we did a few months ago!) and so she is going to set me up with a schedule and I am currently highly motivated to kick my a$$ into gear. I also just found out that I'm going to be required to dress up for this big gala for work on the 12th...also motivation as some of my favorite outfits are yet a bit snug. So my first goal of the challenge is to be 148 by the gala...a bit ambitious but I always lose weight more quickly at the beginning of a challenge. As far as excercise today I did 45 min on the Elliptical and am planning on riding my bike to and from my friends house this eve. Food is going to be a little rough as I am going to a potluck and will be unable to control my calories like I can when I eat at home...oh well I'm just going to do the best I can.

Talk to Ya Later!

Dance-I think I could handle the tea with nothing, I like splenda too. I tried stevia but just dont like the taste of it. Good idea getting those dvds for when you cant get out in the snow.

Lindy-I love all the reading too, great to see it so active lately. Doing 30ds was hard, most days I really had to push myself do get up and do it. The last few days were the worst cos I was sick, but it felt so good to actually finish.

Mygrits-I recommend the wii for something on days when you want to stay in, I dont use it as often as I used to but its still nice to have. Wish I would have waited on wii fit plus now.

Luv-great job getting out for a walk this morning. That is my goal for myself tomorrow, to go for a walk. I didnt get to go today, had company all day, then it gets dark so early now, I hate that. Thanks for the tip on the Biggest Loser wii game. I will have to go get that since its half off.

AJ-I have been getting hungry again at night the last few nights, that hasnt happened to me in so long. I just try to ignore it and go to bed, making the tea will help me too. I had a good day, Bandit turned 2 today. He got lots of goodies. I'll have to try that new crystal light, thanks. Pinch the back fat, you are too funny.

Staccie-glad you are back, we missed you. Too bad your mom wasnt more supportive. I have to let my sister and mom know to help me out when I go down in December. Are you in on this challenge??

Popcorn-WELCOME!!!! A lot of us are calorie counters and we all help each other out with everything(personal, weight loss, etc) Cant wait to get to know you. My two dogs are my walking buddies, but now that its getting cold they dont like being out there too long.

Tiff-how much water are you drinking? Hope you finally get your thyroid figured out. Tennis sounds fun, havent played in years. Have fun. You mentioned comcast, I dont have that but I have a channel called veria that has yoga and pilates, I should record some.

Simple-what luck winning sessions with a trainer. I wish it was still bike riding season here. Good luck at the pot luck, just pick wisely and you will do fine.

Today was ok, I did have a cupcake. But I knew I was going to. Didnt get a walk in, I wanted to so bad but was busy all morning, had company all day, then was dark when they left. I am going tomorrow. Was supposed to work tonight but the 2 year old and his dad have H1N1, so I am staying far away from them for now. The mom is a nurse so hopefully they keep it there and not spread it, but I think she still plans on working tomorrow.

Already planning for Thanksgiving. Not making enough for an army like we usually do. Gonna buy a turkey on Friday. What is everyone planning for Thanksgiving.

Gotta get up and put a dvd in and get moving. The night is dragging by so if I workout that should help. Have a great night everyone.

Simple- Just ordered Yoga Booty Ballet lol. I am excited.

Burgundy- I like tea as long as it has honey and I am out like a light. =) HAPPY BIRTHDAY SWEET PUPPY!!!!
:bday2you:

Just worked out. Feeling weak though. I am wanting chicken wings. Boneless though. Not sure whats going on with me =)

Okay I have a question for you ladies about the amount of calories I should be consuming?As you said and according to The Biggest Loser game I should be taking in around 2000 but when I put all the info in on Daily Plate I get 1450.Which do you suppose is right?

Luvmy3: I would start with the higher calories and then work your way down, especially since you want to succeed. I think if you deprive yourself of calories too much at first, the weight will come off, but you are more likely to feel deprived and then binge. Start with 2000 and then work your way down. That's the way I did it and it really seemed to work...especially since you and I were so close in starting weights.

Simple: Don't feel bad for meeting your calories...at least you didn't go over! I'm so impressed by your running. I have trouble running...my max is 1.5 miles, which I have never been able to do before now. Have fun with the trainer! I have one as well (you will here me refer to him as Mr. Hott...as he is a super nice/cute guy and his last name is Hott). He has made such a difference in my weight loss and even though he makes me suffer physically, I have yet to plateau, he gets me in the gym, and gives me a great work out.

Burgundy: Stay away from the H1N1 family...that is some nasty stuff! I had a co-worker who's son had it and it totally floored him for a long period of time.

Popcorngal: Welcome to the group! Sounds like you will fit right in with us.

AJ: Tried something new today...didn't have any soda!! I actually had the Lipton iced tea (I had a raspberry and a green tea with honey). Both were sweetened tea, but tasted really good. Kept me full as well.

For the new ladies, I will re-introduce myself. I'm Vicky, 30, live in Chicago with my hubby and my 2 year old. Been overweight my whole life, but when I turned 30 I realized I didn't want to spend another year unhappy and have my weight keep me from doing things I want to do...especially keeping up with my little girl. I joined a company that is very into health of their employees and started WW at work, and they pay for my gym membership as long as I use it, so I started going, then got the trainer. I'm about half way to my goal and these ladies here have been such a great support and inspiration. I've been with this group since January and the amount of help you get here is indispensible.

Had an ok day, not spectacular. I was running all over our building today with 28 managers from different countries. I must have walked miles around that building (in 3 inch heels no less, and a business suit). Had to have lunch with the managers and the officers of our company (no pressure or anything), so I had a small plate of pasta with a little alfredo sauce and grilled veggies with a small side caesar. They also had desserts, small portions of 4 different desserts so I had a bite or two of each dessert (shame on me, I know, but it had been a looooooooooooooooong day). I'm so exhausted, physically and mentally, that I can't make it to the gym. Plus, Madeline now has a fever of over 100, so I'm going to be emotionally drained as well. So, I have to work tomorrow and then be home with a sick baby in the afternoon. I will go to the gym tomorrow...I have to.

Well, this post is extremely long, so I will talk to you ladies later.

quick check in from me - did my run *right* before it got dark, cold and scary and then spent a few hours doing community service stuff and am starved. And freezing from not bringing a coat tonight so - yeah- you guessed it! It's looking like another 'calgon, take me away' kind of evening so that I can get warmed up. Are you guys even old enough to know what I'm talking about? :)

AJ - I will drink decaf tea right before I go to bed to ward off the munchie monster - good luck with the same on your end! Did you get in your miles?

Lindy - you too?

Thanks for all the background information. I will try to keep all of you straight.

MaddiesMom- sorry to hear your little girl is sick.

Burgundy - glad to hear there is another dog lover in the group. My guy loves the cold weather because he is a hairy Sheepdog named Harry.

SimpleRhythm - the gala sounds like the perfect incentive.

Dancer - I am old enough to know what Calgon is. I am heading to the green tea end of day too.


Tonight I was thrown a bit of a curve ball on the diet but I think I handled it okay. We had to do some unexpected PR for the program that we participate in on Wednesdays where kids read aloud to the dog at the library. The program is new this year and the library made some posters for local businesses. I took three to try to drop off at neighborhood businesses - not easy since it is a historic area in the inner city of St. Louis and there are not a lot of kid type of businesses. Anyway I took one to a coffee house and managed to get in and out without succumbing to the several varieties of gooey butter cake. Then onto a new little French cafe that recently opened with the most outstanding croissants. I had already made up my mind that I would just buy a few croissants for hubby. Then I asked when they are going to start serving soup and found out that they just started. Uh oh - I want to support this place as it is trying to make a go of it in a really cool area. So I take some. It is a large cup of French Onion soup (no croutons thankfully but she did put in shredded cheese). The worst part though was that it came with one of those delicious croissants.

My solution: split my croissant with Harry. So I was able to indulge for a taste without blowing all of my calories and still made it in at my goal of 1200 -1300 calories a day.

Vicky- I am so sorry that Maddie is sick. Good for you walking today! I am a heal girl but I can't walk long distances in them =)

Popcorngal!!- OMG thats what I want. (the sheepdog) Can I see pictures?? I have two small dogs and my next and final dog will be a huge one! I also like Tibetan terrier.

Dance- I will drink my tea too. I did get my miles in. It was hard because I am weak. I had a F*&cking boneless wing from buffalo wild wings tonight. All I have had today is my eggs, orange and some veggies so I think I am okay but OMG it was so good. =( Going to bed now!

Morning, ladies!

Luv - just wanted to post a quick answer before I get to other stuff. Thedailyplate, which I absolutely love for calorie tracking, is a little different about exercise calories (so I ignore that part, although I still like tracking the exercise minutes)- their thought, which many dieters on 3FC don't agree with, is that you can eat back your calories. For example, TDP (thedailyplate) says I should eat something like 1100 cal/day to lose two pounds a week but that's with no exercise. If I run and burn 500 cal (according to TDP which is notorious for overestimating calories burnt), then according to them I can eat 1700 cal that day. This is called 'eating back your calories'. I took the advice of successful folk around here and I stick to my own limit and ignore that part of the tool. I've been eating around 1400 all summer and losing an average of 2lbs a week but with small exceptions (like really long hike days) I haven't been eating back my calories. Does that help at all? I was really confused about that issue too. You can definitely use TDP for food and exercise tracking, just track your food calories to a different goal number in your head and use the exercise part for keeping track of minutes exercised. Hope this helps!

ETA - just to clarify, I got the 1400 number using that calculator link I mentioned earlier and following the advice of other similarly sized and aged folks. Sounds like for you right now that number is around 2000ish but will change over time as you lose weight.

simple - loved your tolerable if not enjoyable comment! Getting to appreciate green tea has been a tough road for me too! Love the sound of the bollywood burn dvd - is it indian style dance aerobics like it sounds? I'm definitely putting that on my list! How did the potluck go?

burgundy - did you fit in your workout dvd? What's the exercise plan today?

maddiesmom - ouch for all day in heels! But I bet you're looking wonderful in that suit after all your hard work! I hope your daughter feels better soon.

popcorn - sounds like a day with a lot of temptations! Hope today is easier!

aj and lindy - are we on again today mileage-wise? I swear, without you guys, I would be having a really hard time making myself do the miles!

luv - any chance you can fit in a walk today?

Started the day with a temptation :mad:

As I was pulling out of the driveway I noticed a box on my front porch. I didn't have time to open it, although it said it was perishable, so I brought it to work. When I opened the package I discovered a bunch of individually wrapped gourmet cookies as a Thank You from our head office for helping out a week back in September.

I have put them out for the entire office to eat - away from my desk of course! I only took a pinch of one so that I could say that I tried them.

It is going to be a tough day to get exercising in as we have an agility lesson right after work and that is my best time to exercise. Harry does most of the running at agility so that doesn't work for me.

Ahhhhh---I used to complain how no one ever logged on and these days I cant even keep up, lol. Its a good "ahhh", the bad thing is, I read your posts and have all these comments and then I go back and am like...wait, who said what; lol. I guess I am going to have to take notes.

AJ- you are so funny with your back fat comment, note to self...pinch back fat at Walmart, lol. You did good yesterday, yes you sucumbed (sp?) to your craving but you didnt make a total mess of it and have 20, because seriously...I could down about 20 buffalo wild wings...mmmmmm. Anyway--focus, lol...good job on your walk/run too.

Simple- thanks for the suggestions, I have heard great things about the Bollywood workout, makes me wonder why my gym has hopped on that bandwagon, they are up to date on all the latest trends. Anyway, I think Im going to give it a go.

Burgundy - a cupcake **what the?!**, lol...j/k. You did good.

I have a lot of work to catch up on, so I cant really comment, its taken me 2 hours to write this much, lol. Ill catch you girls later.

P.S.-I did get my 4 mile walk in yesterday.

Wow. This forum really is going fast now. So hard to keep up! But that is great. I really think that I've only been able to lose this much because of you girls. I've tried dieting before. I've tried 3fc before.. but then I'd go off the wagon.. and stop coming on here. But since I've stayed on here this time and have had the support of all of you.. it's actually coming off. So needless to say I need all of you!

Oh.. and good news. I decided to weigh myself today. I finally broke my plateau! 3lbs since sunday! I hope it sticks. But I was so excited I had to tell you all. Maybe my 1/11 goal is too easy! haha. I sure hope so!

neesy - WOOHOO! That plateau is toast! 3lbs down is awesome!

I'm kind of bummed as I'm having knee issues AGAIN - looks like I'll have to log my miles on the elliptical today which is just nowhere near as fun or endorphin producing. I'm considering finding a physical therapist who can tell me exactly what I need to do to fix it. Anyone had any experience with PT?

Wow! It took me 10 minutes of reading to catch up! I, like Lindy, may have to take notes!

Well, I was on here yesterday, but let me say 'welcome' to Popcorn and Luv! You both sound like you are off to a great start!

AJ, I noticed my starting weight wasn't on your chart to I added below. We must have missed each other on that one.

Dance, I too love Green Tea and drink it often. It tastes good and gives me the pick me up I need during the day.

Lindy, I don't have my schedule for next week yet, but if I am off on Tuesday would love to meet up with you and Dance. I will let you know by this weekend when I get it. Also, Colorado sounds great and I should be able to swing the days off by then. I have always wanted to go there (or move there should I say!), so keep posted on plans.

Neesy, dang can you NOT lose weight???? LOL......You are a machine! Congratulations on your 3lbs.......Woo Hoo!!!

Well, I have been doing good, but did endulged last night and I really don't know why.......possibly fatigue or boredom, but I am ticked at myself today. I have the day off, so am going for a workout in a few minutes. Hopefully doing that, I will 'catch and burn the calories' before they stick to my hips ;-)

I will check in later, and OH, I AM AN DOG LOVER TOO! I have always had pets of all types, but love my faithful companion. I have a German Shephard 'Hondo' you can see photo's on Facebook.

ajowens 155
LuckyLindy 165
Maddiesmom 225
Mygrits 217
Danceindenver 160
Burgundyrayne 204
Tiff 294.8
Neesy 216
Maryshady 175
Alyssamichelle 227
SimpleRhythm 153.4
luvmy3 279
PopcornGal 167

Check in later

Neesy- Woo-freakin-hoo to your 3 lb loss, that is amazing girl!!! Are you doing something different? How many calories are you eating everyday? Wow, Im amazed. Congratulations on getting past your plateau!

Dance - good idea about having a PT look into it. Unfortunately, I have no experience with that, not yet at least, lol. I know how you feel about getting out, I prefer an outdoor run vs. the treadmill.

So, whats everyone doing for lunch today? Oh, I forgot to tell you, my mom signed up for the metabolic diet and it was really interesting, if it works for her, I might try it. It pretty much says that some veggie are raising her hormone levels and stalling her from losing weight. Also, her good and bad cholestorol was both bad, even though she eats all organic and her luten level was high...really interesting considering the healthy nut she is. Ill have to keep you girls posted on her results. She starts her new diet on Monday.

Good Morning Girlies!

Maddiesmom- :hug: sounds like things are kinda tough right now...hope your baby feels better soon and you can get back to your normal routine.

Dance: Yes Bollywood Burn is indian dance fusion aeirobics...whatever that means...and it's a lot of fun and the music is pretty awesome.

Neesy: :cp: for crushing that plateau! Now I know I really have to step up my game just to keep up.

Popcorngal: Bravo on avoiding the cookie monster...he is very persistent is he not?


So the potluck yesterday was fine...the food was healthy but I still ate more than neccessary...hate to offend anyone right? So the result was that my calories broke even again. And funny thing I weighed myself this am and was at 153.8...hmmm, I thought this was a weight loss challege... Anyways I still have 3 days to turn it around and hopefully post some loss by then.

Today is work until 2, hopefully gym for an hour, and then I have another dinner engagement tonight with friends...I know I know...Hope we all stay out of trouble!

I'm not really doing too much different. Those 2-3 weeks where I didn't lose anything.. I wasn't doing my best. I had some alcohol and cheated a couple times. For the past week I've been sticking to my diet.. usually around 1400-1600 calories a day. I walk my dogs a little longer and I have kept busy.. I'm constantly going somewhere and doing something rather than sitting home and watching tv. I did get Jillian's 30 DS. I did that a couple times. I guess I must be doing something right. So.. I'm just gonna stick with it. I think fiber helps a lot too. I eat a lot of oranges and fiber one cereal. And I've been drinking more water. Who knows...


grits- I have that problem too. I get bored and then I over-endulge or eat when I'm not hungry. So.. I've been trying to just stay busy. It's hard!


Lindy- I'm gonna have a lean cuisine. That's pretty much what I only eat. I haven't gotten tired of it yet. and it really helps me to keep my calories in check. I just got a bunch for basically half price last night.. so my freezer is stocked full. Your mom's diet does sound interesting. It made me think too. I wonder what my cholesterol is now. I had it checked a couple years ago and it was too high. That really scared me.

Simple-I'm amazed at how much you have lost already! Great Job! Can't wait to be where you are. What has been your plan? What do you take in - calorie wise?

Good morning ladies!! I was laughing as I was reading all the posts about taking notes,because that's just what I was doing!!I always got up in the morning and read what I thought looked interesting on 3FC but now that I found this group I come right here first thing and usually don't make it anywhere else.

Dance-I totally understand what you mean about not using exercise calories.I have not been using them just figuring it as calories burned.I guess they are there if I should need a few more one day but otherwise I just forget about them.I'm hoping to get a walk in today even if it's a small one.Weather is not too bad so might as well take advange of that.Sorry to hear about your knee.Must be hard to deal with when it limits your exercise.Hope it feels better soon.

Maddie-Thanks so much for the calorie advice.Yesterday I took in a little over 1500.I found it hard to fit anymore food in.Today I am going to add more calories to each meal to see if I can hit the 1900-2000 area.I'm realizing that I really don't need to cut certain things out such as my sugar free international cofee.That's where I can get my extra calories and then maybe it will help me from binging on the bad stuff which I sometimes wind up doing at night when I deprive myself.I hope your daughter is feeling much better.It's so hard when little ones are sick.I worry so much about the H1N1.

Popcorn- Way to go with only taking a bite of the cookie.It's great you didn't eat a whole one or even the whole box.Let everyone else have those extra calories.

Lindy-I loved you analogy about baby steps.That's just what this journey is for me.I just need to remember to take this one day at a time and step by step.Let us know what happens with your moms metobolic diet.I always wondered about those types of diets.

Neesy-Congrats on a 3 pound weightloss.Must feel good to see the scale moving again.

Burgandy and Grits-Tried the Biggest Loser yesterday.Not too sure how I feel about it yet.I only did some yoga because it took me forever to set my profile up.But let me tell you I did wake up this morning with my butt hurting so I guess it worked miscles I haven't use in awhile,but then again I've been lazy.

For you tea ladies have you ever had the Iced Honest tea?I've only ever had the Moroccan Mint but it was sooo good.It was a great treat.
Today and tomorrow are hard days foodwise for me.I work from 5-10 and find it hard to get all my food in and not just grab something towards the end of the night.I don't get my break till 8 so it's hard to tell when I should eat my dinner.I've tried eating at 4 before I go to work but then at 10-11 I'm starving again.

Well ladies hope everyone has a great day.

\

Hi Ladies,

I was just peeking in before starting to clean, or should I say I am 'delaying' having to clean......lol. Neesy, that is so interesting about you eating mostly Lean Cuisine and losing weight. That is was I basically lived on when I lost that 85 pounds 2 years ago. I loved them. I got away from them when I started to eat more organic and health stuff - not that there bad, they aren't. You made me think that possibly I need to re-adjust and look back into what worked for me. Thanks ;-)

Well Lindy is this weather here gorgeous or what? Gosh, the it is so beautiful out, I don't want to be in the house! Hey, and what is up with a Tropical Storm in November?????? Very weird.

Well, I am off to clean, hope all of you have an awesome, weightloss day!

Neesy - Woo Hoo on the 3 lb loss and breaking through a plateau!!!!!

I totally agree with Luv and Dance about not counting my calories burned through exercise. I never know the accuracy and I consider them a bonus at the end of the week when I step on the scale. In the past it has always worked for me to just ignore them.

Lindy for lunch today I had a steak teriyaki bowl from Jack in the Box - it was 650 calories to start but I eliminated 2/3 of the rice to make it a 350 calorie meal.

Looking forward to my green tea before bed time again tonight. Trying to make it my new habit. I always drink it in the morning at work but need to get into the habit at home.

I am on day three. I replaced my half and orange with 8 grapes. I just love grapes and will find any reason to eat them. I know that I can't eat this diet every day because it is only about 600-800 cals but the weight comes off so fast. I put back on prob 5lbs last week and I am back down to 155. I am shooting for 150 for thanksgiving so I CAN DO IT!! Okay I will catch up in a little while. I have to run a million errands.

Luv: I am also crazy about Morrocan Mint Green Tea!

AJ: I'm worried you may be getting too few cals...how long do you plan on doing this diet?

Neesy: Thanks! You'll be here in no time! I lost the bulk of the weight with WW and counting calories (the amount varies usually between 1200-1500 calories depending on exercise)...which is pretty much what I do now. Although I'm finding it harder to control my calories than it was in the beginning. I am also a vegetarian and get a ton of exercise.

Lunch was good...I avoided going out to eat with my co-worker and instead came home and had a sandwich and vanilla greek yogurt.

Simple- Oh this is just a 3 day and its the last day. Its just to change things up then its back to 1500. I am just saying that I wish weight loss was aways this fast and easy. Its just to tell your body that you are in weight loss mode and not maintenance mode. Then its back to regular around here. Thanks for the concern though =)

Hey girls-

Mygrits- OMG, I AM LOVIN THE WEATHER. It couldnt be more perfect. Furthermore, I turned off my air and it feels great to just air out my house. Hmmm...as far as the Lean Cuisines, I just cant do it. I dont really like the taste of them, I did the weight watcher ones for a while and that was ok, but not much better, they are pretty much all the same.

Simple---girl, dont worry abou the gain, we all fluctuate. Um, yeah...I weighed myself this morning and was 168, thats 3 pounds since Sunday, Im willing to bet water weight but who knows **shrugs shoulders**. Anyway, good job at the pot luck. Thats certainly a down fall for me, other peoples cooking. I always feel like I NEED to try another persons cooking because its not like I always get to eat it, ya know.

Neesy - so what are your thoughts on the 30DS? Do you feel you are able to stick with it? Its funny, because I always thought I had a good amount of will power but when it came to 30DS, I just threw in the towel.

Popcorn- Im so glad we dont have a Jack In The Box here. I have friends on the Westcoast and they always talk about their food. In fact, they advertise JIB here in Florida and they have none here, lol...go figure. Anyway, kudos for imprevising. You may be being redundent, but what do you do for exercise? Or is it just diet at this point?

AJ- I didnt realize your calorie level was so low. Hmmmm....you know you have to get "the lecture". Going too low will put your body in starvation mode and you'll just gain it back...blah...blah...blah. Im happy to hear you have the willpower to do it, just be careful honey. :) **BIG HUG**

Simple- I go home almost everyday for lunch too, its my lifeline to a successful diet, although...I am a sucker for sushi once or twice a week, but it is budgeted into my caloric intake.

What is everyone doing for exercise today? I did my 2 miles this morning. Gabriella has soccer tonight, so I wont be able to get my run in but I have Bodyworks tomorrow and plan on going in 30 minutes prior for 30 minutes of deather before me on the Evil Stairclimber Toya (named after my ex-mother in law, hee-hee) I doubt Ill be able to check in anymore tonight, so have a good night ladies...and remember to eat "skinny". :)

AJ- sorry, just missed your post. :) Glad to hear you rback at 1500, that sounds more reasonable. :)

I have a tip for those of you that forget who posts what. I have our thread open in one window or tab and open another window or tab for the reply and reply to each post as I read. That way you know exactly who said what.

AJ-I could do tea and honey. I love honey.

Luv-I was all confused about calories too, Dance knows a lot about it. I was eating 1200 and have since upped to 1600. Still thinking about getting the Biggest Loser for Wii. Need some more options for the cold winter.

Maddiesmom-I am stay far away from the boys for a while until they are healthy again. I have already been sick, dont want it again. Hope Maddie is feeling better.

Popcorn-if I give into something that isnt totally healthy, I try to only eat half and sometimes the doggies get some too. Good job getting rid of the cookies.

Dance-I will admit, I was lazy last night and didnt get my dvd in, I am disappointed in myself. Today is a new day though. Bummer about your knee, I have no advice on PT for you.

Neesy-I feel the same way about all of you. I know I need you now. I ran out of lean cuisines, will have to get some tomorrow. I tried on I had never had the other day, but I think it was a healthy choice. It was lemon pepper fish, NASTY!!!! Great job losing 3 lbs, I am gonna mirror you.

Mygrits-what kind of workout are you gonna do today? Enjoy your day off.

Lindy-let us know about your moms diet. I had steamed veggies and chicken for lunch. Now gotta figure out something for dinner.

Simple-you have lost so much already. Potlucks are always hard. I try to stay away from them but you cant all the time.

Ok, I jumped on the bandwagon with some of you and got out the door to walk 4 miles. It is a cold day out today. I took the dogs with me(of course) We made it 3 miles. Bandit was shivering so bad. He has short fur and was freezing so it made me feel bad so we turned around. I am happy with 3 miles though. I think it snowed a little since I have been home. It was sunny before. Gonna get a walk in tomorrow too.

May I join? I think I need a support group...

Lindy- LOL! Thanks for the love though =) I will be back at 1500 tomorrow and yesterday obviously with my wing I was over. Have fun @ soccer and you eat skinny as well!!

Burgundy- I love honey! I could eat it plain. WoooHooo on the exercise. I am not going to participate today but I am so happy you are in it with us!!!

AND BRI!- Welcome. We have a few new members so feel free to just jump right in. We can move fast but we care very much about each other.

bri- Absolutely. Join right in. Welcome!

Lindy- I definitely can't keep up with it. I'll do it when I can.. It is pretty intense. I'm definitely not doing it every day. I do tae bo.. but even that kicks my butt too. I need to start just running again. I miss doing it plus i want to be able to exercise with my husband. He runs like 5 miles now like it is nothing. I'm so jealous.

Rayne-I stay away from the healthy choice. I never found any I really liked. I pretty much enjoy all of the lean cuisines I have had. I have favorites. I'm someone that can eat the same thing every single day and be happy. I'm just weird like that. But it's crazy that I'm eating pizza and ice cream (lean cuisine/ WW) and am losing. It's great!

Hello Ladies,

Neesy I am with you on the Lean Cuisines, I have many favorites. The flavors are just delicous and I too lost alot of weight on them. I never like Healthy Choice, WW, or others as they taste like crap. For some reason, Lean Cuisines just taste good. I now also enjoy some of Amys and Cedarlake, as they are organic.

Ok, I got my 2 miles jog/walk in, which felt great, and I vacuumed out the car, plus walked Hondo a couple of times today. I hope with that activity I burned extra calories. My food has been good and still have 200 extra calories for my 8pm snack ;-)

Oh, Alina came home today for the night. She is moving her stuff to Kings Bay tomorrow with her brother and Bubba. I have to work. She looks fantastic and is doing good.

AJ, I remember doing the calorie fluctuations when I lost a bunch of weight. There were days I stayed around 8 - 900 and then others when I upped it to 1400. Lindy is right, just be careful so you don't gain the weight back, plus don't allow yourself to be too hungry as you don't want to burn muscle. I did that.

Dance, Staccie, Tiff how's is going? Did you get your workouts in today?

Just tried the YUMMIEST thing and had to share immediately! I'm having people over for dinner tomorrow and made a healthy/spicy black bean dip and wanted to bake some flour tortilla chips to go with but wasn't sure they would turn out so just did a test drive. Since I was only doing one small flour tortilla's worth as a test, I did mine in the toaster oven so the cooking time was shorter. Here's what you do:
-Flour tortilla (can be whole wheat, low carb, spinach, whatever, just not those super thick homemade style ones or they'll never crisp up)
- Spray both sides of tortilla with cooking spray (like PAM) or brush lightly with canola.
- Sprinkle with spiced salt (salt with a bit of cayenne pepper - if you like spicy - and cumin mixed in in a little dish)
- Bake at 350 for 5 minutes in toaster oven, possibly 10 in normal oven but set the timer low and check to make sure they're not burning.

They should be crispy and golden/toasted looking around the edges when they're done. Just polished off mine with salsa and ff sour cream - delish. Not great if you're doing low carb but I have a such a major weakness for salty/crunchy and when you combine that with feel-the-burn heat from the cayenne, I'm in heaven.

Which is nice, as I was kind of grumpy just before my snack - knee is pretty uncomfortable and I've been running up and down the stairs getting stuff done all day so I'm going to call that my exercise for the day. Will give it another shot tomorrow. And will also come back and get caught up properly but didn't want you to miss another second without homemade baked tortilla chips. Seriously - try them and see if they don't rock your world too! Some of the variations on the recipe included dusting them with cinnamon sugar or adding lime juice to the oil for that 'hint of lime' taste.

Dance- That sounds fantastic!! I am going to try it. I make a really good homemade salsa filled with all kinds of veggies and usually just eat it on eggs and salad but now I know how to make yummy chips =)

Neesy- The only LC that I like is the pizza. I don't really like frozen anything like that. EW! If I need pizza that is what I allow myself. Tae bo kicks my butt into the ground. I did it once and my husband laughed the whole time. Way too intense. Like I said... when it comes to coordination I am like a dog on slick ice. How is your time off??

Sandy- What a good idea planning an 8pm snack. Maybe that will help me. Also, my dogs said they want to come live with you because they never get out that much!!

So I walked in on drama in my hall today. Boy hitting girl. So I called the police. Thats a whole other story... Now to the yummy officer that came to my door. OMG. My husband would hate me if he heard me all googly eyed over him but OMG! 6'6" maybe taller. An ex marine so he is so fit and so smooth shaven. Plus I think Marines are sexy anyways. But he was a stud. We talked for a bit after the whole thing about deployment and my brothers and when he left I almost burst out a squeel!! Oh he was so hotttttttt!

On to other news. My plan got changed because I am too active for the one they had me on and I got cheese back. I LOVE CHEESE! and I get an extra starch a day. I can do this. Easy Peasy!

I am proud of all of you for working out. I "ran" to call the police...

<3

AJ - hooray for cheese! :) Sorry about the scary stuff next door - so glad you did what you did.

Just a quick check in...

AJ: glad to here you get to incorporate more foods in your diet...I know when I get too low I get sluggish and tired all the time and life is just plain no fun. Way to be a model citizen calling the police and all that. What happened with the couple? Sorry...I'm a social worker so I have to wonder about these things.

Dance: I've made the tortilla chips before but never the black bean dip...it sound scrumptious though so I'm going to have to give it a try!

Yeah for everyone who did 4 miles today!!!

Hello Ladies,

Unfortunately getting ready for work, but wanted to check in.

AJ, hilarious about the 'hot' police officer/marine......lol. He sounds scrumptous ;-) Sorry you had a scare, but hey, but it sounds like it ended on a good note! You also sound like you are just zooming along with healthy eating and weightloss. Awesome!

Dance, the tortilla sounds yummy. I am a huge tortilla and mexican food lover. I can't get enough sometimes........aka my downfall. Anyway, thanks for the recipe, I will try it.

Well, I was down another pound today........YES. That is 3 for this week and my goal is one more. I know its alot, but it may be water weight too, since I am just starting off......although I did start working again after 2 months, so maybe not. I don't know, but I'll take it.

I will check in tonight when I get home.

LMAO AJ!!! You are so funny! Im soooo jealous, no...not of weight loss, that you had a scrumptious police officer at your door. I am such a sucker for a guy in a uniform. Oh, and hoo-rah for some cheese, you and I would be lethal together, because I too am a huge cheese person, love it.

Burgundy-yay for you joinging us in the exercise. Do you ever sit there and think..a year ago I would have never been able to swing a 4 mile walk/run? I do. I would be dying after a mile. Poor puppy on the cold front. My Lola Bear is like that (god help her if we lived up north, lol) and I bought her a pink petticoat, she looks so darn cute in it.

Bri- of course, hop right on the bandwagon. This is a pretty active forum,be prepared to be held accountable, lol.

Mygirts- is Alina's move going to make her closer or further to you? You'll have to post some pics of her soon. Wow, the weight is just melting off of you. Im convinced that it really is good to go off the diet routine sometimes, just for a week or two, I think it kicks your metabolism into high gear, but then again---Im not an expert, lol.

Dance- OMG, that sounds sooooo yummy. I think Im going to try the cinnamon version because that would be a good counter balance for something sweet. Ill let you girls know how the sweet version goes, yum.yum. Thanks Dance! Hows the weather? Snowing? Did you get to do the eliptical with the knee issues?

Ok, I got 2 miles in yesterday morning but not yesterday evening because of soccer. Today, I did Bodyworks and my 2 miles in the morning, once again--soccer game tonight, so no run. The trainer guy is calling me a slacker bc everyday he wants to meet up, I have something planned, but I really am busy. Gab will be done with soccer in 3 weeks, thank god. On that note, Im going to vent. Gabriella is not a good soccer player, I will admit this but the kids on her team are so darn mean to her, she goes to practice and games and gets put down by them the whole time, to the point where she doesnt even want to go anymore. Now, I dont want her to give up bc shes going to have to deal with mean people all her life but man, I just want to push those kids down, lol...sorry, mean mommy moment. And the parents...their not much better. They all drive their Mercedes and Porsches (no offense if anyone here does) and has their high and mighty attitude and it just irks the heck out of me. Anyway, I told Gab that prove to her team that shes better than them and not a quitter. They are being mean to get to her and if she shows shes upset, that just makes them push harder. There is no point to my story and no need for comment, lol...I just had to get that out. Food wise, I am KILLING IT. I am doing awesome. Soooo proud of myself. Im back on my old diet, which is more balanced and Im happy. NOW, I have noticed extra bloat and my skirt feels tighter but I dont care, Im not gaining (according to the scale) and I dont feel hungry all the time, so Ill take it. Also, I wanted to tell you. Emerald Nuts makes this DELICIOUS Cocoa Roast Almond thing, its in this green container. The almonds are super filling and the cocoa helps curb my sweet tooth. You should look into it.

Good morning everyone.

I finally feel energized for the first morning this week. But I am nervous about weighing tomorrow morning.

How often and when do you weigh in?

I weigh in once a week on Saturday mornings. The theory when I started this 9 years ago was that it kept me better on Fridays when a lot of the weekend partying starts (like food in the office, etc.) and hopefully it gives me motivation to continue my efforts on Saturday and Sunday.

Lindy - Walking is my exercise of choice. Especially when I am getting restarted on exercising again. It clears my head. I like to walk outside mostly but with it getting dark earlier now it is definitely harder.

Burgundy - Great idea on doing double windows for posting. I started it as soon as I read your post.

Bri - Welcome. I just joined too and this is an amazing group.

Grits - great job on the calories and exercise, it sounds like you were active all day yesterday. My 8:00 snack the last two nights was a piece of dark chocolate.

Dancer - thanks for the recipe. I will try it when I am less vulnerable to falling off the diet wagon. BTW I had tea again last night at bedtime - I love your idea. How is the knee today?

AJ - glad you got your cheese back and had the tantalizing eye candy too! ;)

mygrits - holy cow! you go, girl! That's amazing progress in one week - way to go! I'm keeping my fingers crossed about your schedule next week - hope it all works out.

lindy - thanks for th cocoa almond tip - I've been wondering if they are any good! And so glad your sticking to plan no problem - that's great!

bri - welcome!

popcorn - I weigh-in officially on Sundays first thing in the morning but jump on the scale during the week if I think there's a chance progress is happening. I notice that if I think I've slipped a bit in my eating, I avoid the scale like the plague for a few days - sort of a denial thing I guess. If you aren't already doing it, I think it's pretty inspiring to keep a word or excel file with a weekly weight - seeing the downward trend over the months is pretty inspiring when you hit a plateau or have a bad day. Does anyone else do that?

Knee's feeling okay today - may try a short run just for the psychological effects :)

HAPPY FRIDAY!

Quick post cuase I'm off to work for the majority of the day...

Question...Have any of you who have lost a significant amount of weight thought that people were nicer to you or questioned their motives? This is definitely something I've struggled with and I feel like it's leading me to self-sabotaging behavior. Or am I just crazy...???

Have a great day chickies!

Popcorn- I weight in "officially" (as in updating my ticker) on Sunday mornings, right after I wake up, I go to the bathroom then strip down naked and hop on the scale. Occasionally I get on through the week though if I feel "lighter" or "heavier".

Simple- I used to feel that way, but I also found that when I was heavier that I was more miserable and depressed, so Im not sure Im the best judge for that. I can confirm that naturally, A LOT more men are interested, like 3x as many men hit on me than ever before but honestly, thats to be expected. Im just as shallow, as I will not date someone morbidly obese, so why should I expect any less from men. **shrugs shoulders** Anyway, it doesnt matter about the past, just move towards the future.

lindy - can you tell us a little bit more about your daughter and her soccer skills? Is there anything you can work on with her (say, running speed, kicking drills) that would help? If not, and if she hates it, would you be up for having her try something different like dance or gymnastics? I sucked at all "ball" sports but was decent at xc running and have always had a natural aptitude for dance-related stuff. My poor parents (who were major athletes) were totally bewildered when I just didn't get any better at tennis, softball, etc. I've tried again as an adult (tennis) and still no luck so I'm sticking to what I'm good at, or at least capable of improving :) Curious to hear more about her situation... And there's nothing worse than competitive suburban moms in fancy cars ;)

simple - I've seen a lot of people asking that type of question and I'm always baffled at the link between more positive attention and potential self-sabotage. The last thing I want to do when I'm feeling better about myself and I feel like others are reacting to my improved outlook and more slimmer self is go back to the way I was. I guess we're all wired a little differently, but I don't really see how the ideas connect unless it's being afraid of the attention and I guess I'd say that's a good fear to work on overcoming because, girl, you DESERVE the attention with all of your talents and accomplishments! Bask in the glow! And stay away from the bag of cookies ;)

Gorgeous weather expected here today - high in the 70s! Okay, am off to focus on work now...

Lindy- Are you safe?

Awww-AJ, yes I am, thank you for asking!!**BIG HUG**, I really look forward to meeting you AJ, I wish you were closer because I seriously think we would end up being best friends. Anyway, yeah, it happened downtown Orlando. Ironically enough, I have to go to the Downtown Administration Building (which is a block from where the shooting was) every Friday, except starting today, we no longer have to go...whew. Thanks again for your concern. :)

Dance - I have worked with Gabriella a little bit here or there and paid for workshops where they focus on just certain skills but the problem is, soccer is not really my thing either, so Im not much better, lol. I did softball and tennis my whole life, so I decided when Spring comes around, were going to take a shot at Softball and Im going to sign up to coach. Im excited. In general, she just doesnt have the coordination for soccer, shes a ok runner but because she has some extra pounds on her, shes not as quick as the other kids. :( Its ok, she is good in music and art, I just try to keep her in sports for stamina reasons, I dont want her to become a chubby adult because I didnt push her more as a child.

I had a lunch date today and did sushi, I didnt go overboard and consumed about 500 calories, so Im good with that. Ok, gotta catch up on work, have a good day girls.

Lindy- I am so glad you are okay. Its sad. Two days of that. What is your favorite kinds of sushi? Also, I was terrible with ball sports but loved hockey. Also has she tried goalie? Its the only position I was good at. Some kids are not sports inclined and maybe she is an artist or a future computer programer =)

Dance- I heard Denver is going to be 80!! WTF?? Awesome. My parents are golfing. Only in CO can you run your AC and heat in the same day. I miss that. What are you going to do? Just run or are you going to go somewhere (hiking, zoo?)

Its only 83 here today so I am going to try to walk somewhere. Not sure where but I always complain about the heat so I have no excuse now. I am doing well back on more food. I am happy to be done with that. Hope you are all having good healthy days!!

AJ- I love the volcano roll, crunch roll and philadelphia roll. Im also a fan of the shrimp tempura roll but know I should stay away from it, so I do. My date had that today and I had one piece, but thats it. I also LOVE...LOVE...LOVE hibachi....mmmmm. As far as Gab, I definately think shes more of the artsy type kid. Goalie--yeah, shes done that, lol...um, her team is so good, no ball ever makes it to the net, sooo...oh well, no biggie.

Dance- hey, there is this awesome organic restaurant downtown right around the corner from Lake Eola, its walking distance. They have some amazing soups and wraps, Im just not sure if they are open at night, probably but anyway, I thought it would be fun to check that place out if they are open. They also have organic coffee and ice cream, cool huh?

lindy - so glad you're okay - what a scary thing. And I'm up for anything restaurant-wise!

aj - nothing too wild and crazy planned for the day as I have a report to finish. I'll either get in a short run or just take the dog I'm dogsitting for a walk to get a good dose of vitamin D.

I could use some sunshine induced happiness - my bf has been in a pretty bad funk for two weeks and I haven't talked to him the whole time : ( I'm getting kind of lonely - so glad I have you guys! The good part is that I'm not comfort eating my way through this and that feels really good. Oddly enough, I've kind of lost my appetite - for example, it's two in the afternoon here and I'm trying to finish a small container of mixed fruit and that's all I've had for lunch. Definitely not like me but maybe a low appetite day or two will get me off this plateau.

Hugs all around!

Dance- awwww....big hug!!!!!!!! I cannot imagine. How long have you and your bf been together? Has this been the case the whole time you are together? This may be a none of your business moments, so just ignore me if thats the case. Nonetheless, my heart goes out to you, it stinks when you actually have someone and still feel lonely. :( I have those days with no appetite, they come far and few but when they do, I welcome them, lol. Maybe its because you havent been able to run. I noticed that since I cut down on my exercise routine, its helped with my appetite. I dont feel like ravaging things when I get home.

Ok, soccer tonight so Ill be heading out shortly and depending how my day goes, Im not sure if Ill check in tomorrow. The guy I had a date with just called and asked if I wanted to go on another date tomorrow, guess I left a lasting impression, lol...Gab will be with her dad tomorrow, so who knows...maybe. If not, a trip to our local farmers market will definately be an option.

lindy - we've been together for almost 7 years and he's been struggling with depression since he was in high school. He takes anti-depressants sometimes but isn't right now for reasons that aren't entirely clear - hence the funk. When he's in a good place, he's the absolutely perfect guy for me and we have the best time. During his moody periods (one of which was my trigger to get going on this whole weight loss thing in late May when I joined you guys), I try to just do my own thing and not get dragged down with him since that doesn't seem to help. Anyway - sorry to go on and on - I just get wobbly sometimes.

Have a great time on your date(s) and come tell us all about them later this weekend :)

Hi ladies,

I feel so behind and there is just way too much to read so I hope you forgive me if I missed some :)

I got in really late last night after a long delay at the airport. I am emotionally exhausted.

The visit with my sister was great, I miss her so much already. She just 'gets' me. My visit with my mom was ok - she is annoying sometimes but I know she doesn't mean to. She really encouraged me to eat bad, even offering me ice cream and stuff. Now I can't blame her because I am the only one that makes those choices.

I went to Edmonton, where I moved from to work for the Olympics here in Vancouver. I worked for a fantastic company and had a pretty good life, but my career goal was the Olympics and I made it here. Anyway, obviously I have been thinking a lot about what I am going to do after. I've been struggling with how to balance my career and the personal life that I really want. Anyway, I accepted a management job in client services (events) and hospitality there that they created specifically for me and I start in late April. It's going to be great and I feel a huge sense of relief. It was an emotional two days for me though, seeing everyone again, trying not to focus on the next 'phase' of my life too much and focus on what I have coming up these next few months. I promised myself that when I got home, i would not focus on that and just the huge few months I have coming up. And I will do that. I have a 'life' waiting for me when I get there - one with a good job that will allow me balance, friends, family and a city I feel comfortable in. I thought that maybe I was stepping back but how can one step back when they move forward with their personal life I suppose. There is a ton of room for growth there - both professionally and personally.

Now the last two weeks has not been good for eating or exercising. I binged pretty bad a few days. I just keep going back to this after a few successful weeks and it's horrible. I can't keep doing this. I need to be healthy. If not for a physical appearance and confidence but for health. A friend of mine just had a heart attack, he is 30 years old. I see a bunch of people I used to work with at my old company who are very overweight and unhappy. I don't want to be that person anymore.

I've been crying all day today, maybe it's because of self awareness, I really don't know. I feel like I deserve to be physically, emotionally, spiritually and financially healthy and happy. Anyway, I have to try harder, do more and stay focused.

I'm really worried about how I am going to get through the next five months being so busy and stressed. I know exercising and eating well will help that. I know this, I have to do it. I feel like such a failure that I've been this way for as long as I have.

Anyway, enough self pity, sorry I just needed to get that out. You are all so supportive...I can do this

Ok, I have read most of this new V thread - lots of activity and success on here...woo hah!!!

I would love to go to Colorado. I am just unavailable to do anything until June. I am scoping out trips after the Olympics are over and then with the move and starting a new job, etc. Meeting you ladies would be so awesome.

I look forward to jumping back in to the forum. I just put time in my outlook calendar so no one would book me so I could check in at lunch everyday.

Well I will weigh in on Sunday - gulp :( Not looking forward to that but I have to start somewhere. I am at the dentist tomorrow morning and I always weigh myself on the same scale at the gym first thing in the morning. This also gives me a few days for the sodium to leave my body from the past two weeks... and yes I definitely want in the challenge even though I am a few weeks behind.

After the dentist tomorrow, it's off to buy good food and do some cooking, a good workout and starting to catch up on my work emails - I looked and there are over 500 anxiously waiting for me...ewww.

AJ - what's that site again that you put in all your calories and stuff? I like that you posted that.

And I look forward to meeting all the new members...I am the arse girl. More to be explained later :)

S

Hey ladies mind if I join in the chat?

My names Pam im 25, but soon to be 26 at the end of November. I have been "dieting" since me and my ex broke up on our 4 year anniversary (pretty Sh%%^y huh?) on Dec 28 07. I struggle for months at a time but I always end up back on the wagon. I can say most of my weight loss is from this year when I joined 3FC when I REALLY focused on loosing weight and not just casually doing it. I now have a very supportive bf who I love dearly but lives hundreds of miles away from me, which is a huge struggle for both of us. Im planning on relocating to live with him within the next year. I live at home for now with a house full of people (8 to be exact) and I struggle every day because everyone makes jokes about my food choices "YOUR GOING TO EAT THAT, THATS DISGUSTING" "OH A LITTLE BUTTER WONT KILL YOU" Its tough im really surprised I made it as far as I have. Im finding myself having a hard time now to lose weight. Im not sure what i should be doing. If i need to add on more cardio more weights? I just dont really know. HELP ME! :)

Hi Ladies,

Staccie, Congratulations on moving forward in your life and having a plan. I understand your sadness at feeling you deserve so much more in life, and striving for that like you are will enable you to have just that. You are a beautiful, talented, smart, funny and personable woman - who deserves all life has to offer and WILL have that. I wish I would have been as aware as you are at your age. I wish I had set goals in my life's journey as you have, when I was your age. You should be very proud of what you have done already and your plans that you have accomplished for your future! Don't worry now about the next 5 months, just enjoy the experience, stay close to us, and allow us to help you through any stressful moments. Also, focus on April, and how exciting your life will be with the changes coming up. You will do great!

Dance, I am sorry your BF is in a funk, but how wonderful it is for him to have you by his side. It says alot about you, and your love for him. I hope this 'funk' is over soon, and in the meantime stay focused on your health and getting fit. I am glad your knee is better today, but take is easy and don't overdo it.

Lindy......ooooo la la.....another date? Wow, you must have left an impression! I hope tonights date is just as fun!

AJ......I agree WTF with 80 degree weather in Colorado?? That sounds like Florida!!!! I am so proud of your focus......wow! I love cheese to, which is why I can't have it in the house. I will eat the heck out of it melted on Tortilla Chips.......yummmmy!

Hello Pammy or should I say 'neighbor'. I am in Deland, Lindy is in Orlando and Tiff is in SW Florida (Naples I think). Anyway, long distance relationships are tough, but it is wonderful that 3FatChicks has helped you stay focused. In this forum is a close group of 'tough love friends' who will help you stay on track! Welcome!

Today was a long day at work, but I did great all day with food. I didn't get to workout, as I had to be to work early and knew it was a 11 hour day. That was enough. Anyway tomorrow is another work day and then we may leave for Georgia tomorrow night and return Sunday Night. That being said, I will weigh-in tomorrow for Sunday.

Ok, I will write again because I didn't take notes on the past pages and forgot some stuff..........LOL........

Dance, thanks for the congratulations on the weight loss........I am doing my weigh-in tomorrow, so hopefully the loss will stick.

Popcorn, I too enjoy the dark chocolate at night. I eat a few small pieces, as it curbs my sweet tooth and snacking urges.

Simply, I weigh everyday. I only do so I stay on track. I don't allow myself to get 'emotional' over ups and downs because I know my weight fluctuates constantly (as all of ours do). I change my ticker if I lose and as a group we 'report in' on Sundays.

Neesy, how's it going? Do you have alot of hours this week? We are you and your husband meeting up?

Burgund, how is the 30 day shred? I am trying to catch up to you! Stay at 204 and let me do that! LOL..........HA HA!

Ok, I am getting ready to go to bed, tomorrow is another work day. Nite everyone ;-)

Thanks Sandy for the kind words...have a good weekend!!

Welcome Pam - good to see that some readers are now joining in :)

Well I am going to head to bed soon...looking forward to this weekend and getting back to the gym :) and eating decent food again!!

Pammy- OMG thats a terrible living scenario! And awful about the breakup. Good for you for moving on. You are very welcome here.

Sandy- What is in GA? I love cheese too but I am happy going from no cheese to some cheese!! My ham sandwich was oh so much better tonight with swiss!!!

Staccie- I missed you so much. I am sad you are off of vaca but I am happy to have you back!

grits- I work sat/sun. Haven't had to work all that much lately. Not too bad. I saw my husband a couple weeks ago at BCT graduation. ... for about 8 hours. Now he's in maryland. He gets to come home for thanksgiving and christmas though. So.. i get to see him again November 25th.. this will be the first time I can keep him overnight. YAY!

Bri-Welcome and join right in.

Aj-I am so glad to be in on the walking/running with you too. Gotta keep it up. A man is uniform is always a nice treat, yay for the eye candy!!! Did you get to walk outside today? I want 80 degree weather again.

Neesy-I stayed away from the healthy choice today. Sticking to lean cuisine. They were cheaper and had more options. They were on sale at Kroger today. Yay you get to have your husband home all night, will it only be the one night for thanksgiving?

Mygrits-you are kicking some major(in the words of Staccie)ARSE!!!!!! You are gonna catch me!!! 3 lbs this week, man I need to kick it up. I finished my 30 days of 30ds on October 21st, havent done it since. I need to get back to doing it, just dont think I will do it everyday.

Dance-thanks for the recipe, will have to try that sometime. I absolutely love mexican food. Glad your knee felt better today. Hope your bf is out of his funk soon, but glad you are still focused on you and not in the funk with him.

Lindy-I think that all the time, a year ago I would have sat and ate a half or maybe even a whole bag of chips. Now there can be a bag of chips in the house and I wont even touch them. It amazing how far we have come. Hope things for Gab work out and softball is better for her, you are a great mom. Dates dates dates, you are hooking them left and right!!!!

Popcorn-I have a bad habit of hopping on the scale every morning. I hate it sometimes. I officially weigh in with the group here on sundays.

Simple- I have only lost 32 lbs so far so havent seen much difference so far with ppl.

Staccie-thats great about the job, you get to be somewhere you like and sounds like a great job if they made it just for you. How many days, I know you are doing your countdown. Now lets get you back on the wagon and get healthy girly. So glad you are in this challenge this time.

Pam-welcome, jump right in and dont be shy. We have a great group here. Sorry to hear about the comments from everyone that lives with you but you can do it. Let it go in one ear and out the other.

Got my walk in but not exactly sure how far I went. I think I have hit a plateau, havent lost any yet this week. I am so close to onederland and I am gonna stall. NNNNOOOOOOO!!!! Its torture. I just want the scale to say 199.8, come on!!!!

Had a long day, went shopping with my SIL and the kids, she can really shop. Got my turkey and lots of lean cuisines and fruit. Gonna have a yummy orange in the morning.
Gonna get some sleep now. We have overnight guests so I have to be a good host and try to get up before them. Have a great night everyone.

Hi Ladies

OMG it's early........ugh. Anyway wanted to come on here and say hello.

AJ Georgia is where Bubba is from and he is wanting to open a restaurant up there. Yes, a restaurant........food! LOL......He is a phenominal cook and has wanted to do this for years. He is really looking forward to it and has been offered a great deal for a purchase. Although we have only seen pictures, he wants to go up later today and really walk through it and sign the deal. I am a little apprehensive, only because it has been such a hard year and a half with losing so much from the economy, business', etc.. So, we will see. Thanks for asking ;-)

Neesy, Ok I must have missed a day on here when you finally saw your husband, so I need to be filled in. How was he? What did you wear? What did he say about your fantastic body? LOL........How is the Army? I am so glad you will see him over the holidays and over night. Guess we won't here from you on those days! LOL.........LOL......

Burgund, you have done great with all of the food changes and I, like you, see food differently now. Maybe thats why I am feeling apprehensive about the restaurant to???? I don't know. Sounds like you got your cardio in with shopping!

Staccie, I also think if you can really try to stay on healthy foods, it also might help the stress. When I eat crap, higher sodium or sugars, and even caffiene, I don't seem to sleep, or handle stress as well. Just a thought and yes, glad your back!

Ok, I was 3lbs down at 214 today. So, incase I can't weigh-in for tomorrow I will take it. :-) Yiipppeeeee

Off to work, and maybe Georgia after.........

Just a quick check in before I go rake a few leaves.

I didn't realize we "weigh in" on Sundays so ........even though my official weigh in is on Saturday mornings......
I will wait until tomorrow to share my exciting (for me anyway) news.

I will try to check in later today .... I have a clicker seminar with Harry today.

Have a good day everyone.

Heya Friends,

Dance: Relationships are tough! Anyone who doesn't think so hasn't been in one long enough. Good for you though for not letting yourself get pulled into his drama...I've always had issues with wanting to run in and rescue people I care about when they are stuggling...truth is though the decision to change has to come from him and by not getting involved you're going to be in a much healthier/balanced place to help when he is ready =-) Sorry if that souded "preachy"...I'm working on that ;-)

Burgundy: I'm so impressed that you can have your tempting foods around and not give in...I used to be at that place but not anymore...hopefully this challenge will help me to get back! Deep Breath...You will make it to onederland it's just a matter of time...and we'll all be here to celebrate with you when you do!

My Grits: The restraunt sounds exciting! Georgia is one of the few states I've never been to and I would really like to check it out someday. I was born/raised in Seattle, WA so going anywhere in the south is almost as exciting as visiting another country =-) BTW-Woohoo! for losing 3 lbs!!

Lindy: Glad to here you are okay...it was hard for me to even watch the news while it was all going on...it drug on for hours and I was at work so I couldn't even turn it off! BTW your dating life seems like it is really taking off! Are any of them special yet or are you still just checking out the market?

Have a great day girls!

Our weather here has been wild! It's been storming with thunder/lightning/hail/torrential rain and the like for two days now! We lost power early yesterday morning and my alarm clock didn't go off to wake me up. What a way to start the day! Bike commuting is definitely out of the question for a while...

Good news though...I got my new computer! It came in the mail yesterday...it' s just a little netbook but it means that I won't have to deal with the DVD drive falling out while I'm trying to type anymore...

Pam: I laughed because I had just read your post about unsupportive/critical roommates before I walked into my kitchen and found stacks and stacks of leftover desserts that one of my roommate brought home from a fundraiser last night....seriously...seriously... LOL-I have definitely dealt with the comments though as well and it's no fun.

Stacee-Glad to have you back! I also have a hard time staying on track when I'm visiting family...it's like all the old behaviors come back and I don't know what to do with myself! I'm already dreading the holidays...

Today for me is step class and then crazy stress at work. Hopefully I can pop on again to check in this evening but who knows...

Good morning girls from rainy and dreary Vancouver :( but it will give me a chance to get my stuff unpacked, pick up food and get my arse to the gym! I am leaving for the dentist in about 15 min - I hate the dentist (as I am sure everyone does). I know I have a cavity and it's so frustrating because I take such good care of my teeth - but I didn't years ago so maybe it's all long term effects.

AJ - I am glad to be 'home' - in my own bed, with my own shower and stuff. I don't travel well. I missed it on here as well. I figured out how to get it on my BB but it obviously didn't post what I wrote. I will definitely need to figure that out when we are at the Olympics because we don't have access to the internet and I won't be home too much!

Neesy - congrats on charging through the little plateau you had! And exciting about having your husband for a night and some visits coming up. The anticipation must be huge!

Burgandy - you are so close to onederland...push it hard to see it beyond 199for next week. It's so awesome to get there...I can't wait. Have a good time hosting today and enjoying your shopping purchases!!

Sandy - you are so right about the healthy foods, I have to change my frame of mind and just not allow myself treats - because it's definitely not a treat for my arse! A restaurant - well Bubba sounds like he would be a great chef! I understand though the fear of going into something new like that after a tough year - hopefully you guys can work through it and see a light at the end of the tunnel. How is the new job going - are your feet getting used to it? And congrats on the 3 pounds, you are kicking butt!

Simple - my official 'hi' - good to see you on here. I have to search for a new computer during our boxing days sales after Christmas - I use my work one now and will need one for when I move away. I am thinking pink...I'm such a girl. Wild weather - I miss having thunderstorms but definitely not tornados! I just brace for earthquakes here. Stupid question but where are located - I am not sure where PNW is. Hope your class went well and job wasn't too crazy!! What do you do?

Well I am off to the torture chamber otherwise known as the dentist. Good times drooling on myself while I am at the grocery store. Will check in later this afternoon after I get my arse to the gym. I can feel it squeezing together in fear but anticipation (ok that was kind of gross but I swear my arse has a mind of it's own sometimes).

S

morning, ladies!

Pammy - welcome! Sounds like you are doing great with so little left to go to meet goal! What is your eating plan exactly? Maybe it's time to mix it up a bit to get you through those last few.

Staccie- I'm so excited for you to be moving back to a strong support network - I think it makes such a difference. Now, imagine how incredibly cool it would be to be moving back in April all slim and fit! We've got to help you stick to plan and make it happen! When you say 'bingeing' what do you mean exactly? Do you mean going slightly off plan and having a few cookies or are we talking the whole bag (or bags)? Everyone's frame of reference is so different, I wanted to make sure I really understood. It seems like most of us (with the possible exception of the oh-so-strong-willed Burgundy) find that not keeping anything overly tempting in the house is really helpful in preventing major slippage. When I get the late night munchies, so far, I haven't actually jumped in the car and gone to the 7-11 to get the junk food I'm craving - and I'm hoping it stays that way. Is it time for a major cupboard cleanout maybe? Anyway, sorry if I'm overstepping the bounds - just want you to be successful!!

simple - not even the littlest bit preachy! I've found with him specifically that I can help if it's just a little downward blip by providing a distracting or just getting him out of the house but in the big ones there's nothing I can do but wait for them to go away because rational arguments don't work with someone who's in an irrational place and it just upsets us both. Anyway, I'm out of my pity party and had a great time with my friends last night at the dinner I had them over for. Have a great workout and hope work stuff isn't too stressful!

Sandy- Thats sounds so fun and exciting. I lived in Atlanta for 7 years growing up. Pretty there. I hope it is awesome!

PopcornGal- I hope your seminar went well. I have 1 dog clicker trained and on that is scared to death of the noise. Its actually sad. Is your dogs hair coarse of soft? I ask because it is hair not fur right? (like mine and they are super soft)

Simple- Hurray for the new computer!! Thats great. I miss thunder storms I wish I could live somewhere where they are year round!! If you find that place let me know. lol.

Staccie- Well at least you won't be tempted to eat right after!! I hate the dentist too and I go a lot because I love my teeth. Still hate them!

Dance- I am really sorry about that. I haven't yet figured out how to NOT let my husbands funks effect me. We spend so much time together that even if it has nothing to do with me it is deflected at me. I hope he gets the help or meds he needs! How is the weather. Running today?

I am having an off day. Not bad or good just off. I am going to eat well and keep my head down. I have a lot of cleaning to do and I need to work out! I have been so lazy the last 2 days. Boooo!

LINDY- Why oh why are you eating pie???

Popcorn - Your news will be exciting for us too! I look forward to tomorrow in seeing what happened with you this week with your weight!

Simple - Hey Seattle is beautiful and I have always wanted to go there and Alaska........hmmmm, maybe someday. The South is nice, but I have been here forever, so it's not that exciting for me.......lol. My favorite place is anywhere away from Florida! LOL.......Well, as you can tell we didn't go, so we are still planted here at home watching TV. Ahh, such is life in the Spell household.

Simple, wow those storms sounds horrible, but I wish you could send some of the rain and cooler weather out way. We are hot, hot, hot and dry, dry, dry......ahhh, the South. Roommates, oh my gosh I went that round years ago and had roommates from ****. One roommate stoled checks from the bottom of my checkbook, so I wouldn't notice unti they bounced and he left town. My next roommate lived like a cyclone in her roommate, owed me rent and left town.....leaving the cyclone for me to sift through. Oh,,,,, yes, and then there was my last roommate that decided she would like my boyfriend for herself and took advantage while I was at work. Yes, he was a loser too.

Staccie, welcome home! Ahhh, comfy bed, and familiar surrounds.......thats always nice. I hope the Dentist went well today and not too painful. I don't like Dentists and avoid them as much as possible! LOL........Oh, my feet hurt and hurt, but I am adapting and just dealing with it. They aren't as bad if I keep switching my shoes from day to day. Bubba is a good cook, but we just see what the best move would be. Hey did you get your arse moving today? LOL.........How about your eating?

AJ why is your day off and why are you being lazy? Maybe a brisk walk or workout would help you get out of the funk or offness........LOL.......As Staccie says "move that arse!" LOL......

Lindy?????? Micky D's Pumpkin Pie? Hmmmmmmmmmmm

Ok, we are still in Deland and didn't go to Georgia. Just financially felt we better wait for several reasons. I'm not upset, as I am too tired to be. So, I am here and will weigh in again tomorrow. Today my food was good, but didn't get an workout in and feel a little bloated. Anyway, I will check in later.

Bye for now.

Sandy-3 lbs, that rocks!!!!!!!! I am so proud of you for jumping right back in and losing amazingly.

Popcorn-cant wait to see your weigh in tomorrow and be excited with you.

Simple-most times I do very good and stay away from temptations in the house. If there are chips and I want some, I will have 3 or 4 and put the bag away. I have taken plenty of deep breaths today, thanks. I just want to be 199 or lower soon. I know I will get there!!! Yay for a new computer.

Staccie-I am going to try my hardest to see some results from the scale next Sunday. I am not expecting a loss tomorrow, but I am not gonna get down about it.

AJ-did your day get any better?

Today was awesome, the sun was out and it was almost 70. I loved it. I was outside almost all day. Went for a walk in the am with the dogs(2 miles) Then went for a pm walk with some friends(2 miles) SO I got my 4 miles in today. Getting back in the groove with exercise, now my eating is slipping a little, its not horrible, just not as good as it should be. Working on that, tomorrow is a new day and I will do better. Hope you all have losses tomorrow.

Rayne- I go to kroger too! haha. it seems like lean cuisines are always on sale there. I love them.. try the bacon alfredo pizza. it's delicious. My husband comes home on Nov 25 and goes back Nov 28th.. though I have to work the 27th and 28th.. which is going to suck. Oh well. Beggers can't be chosers. Go you! 4 miles! You inspire me! That is so awesome. I need to start walking my dogs longer. You are so close to being in the 1's. I'm so excited for you!

Simple- Sounds like you have a lot going on. I hate waking up late. You sound like you have it all under control. Don't work too hard!

Staccie- I cracked up when I read about you post dental visit. I'm the same way. I feel like someone is staring at me.. like my jaw is huge from the medication and we'll give you a pass on the drool. haha Hope you had a good workout.

Grits-Here's a couple pictures of my graduation outfit that I finally ended up chosing. It was about 2 weeks ago. He didn't really have any reaction when he saw me. I think he was still in shock. He has his phone now so I talk to him almost everyday. He's starting to warm up and be himself again. He definitely noticed a difference, but I got more reaction out of strangers! haha. Though.. he's always been this way to a degree. He never really care about my weight. But he's glad we're both getting healthier and taking better care of ourselves. I think this will be over in no time..especially since I'll be seeing him on thanksgiving and 2 weeks at christmas! YAY! ... Oh . By the way. Size 12 dress! and it had room!

http://i628.photobucket.com/albums/uu7/neesy_20/me020-1.jpghttp://i628.photobucket.com/albums/uu7/neesy_20/me021-2.jpg

Neesy-you look hot in your dress! A size 12!!!! That is so awesome :D

Neesy-so glad your husband is being more of himself since you get to talk more. Thats great. I think I got one of those pizzas, havent tried it yet. May have it for lunch tomorrow. There isnt a Kroger near me so I have to drive an hour and a half to go but with the savings its so worth it. I am so ready to be in the ones and now have hit a plateau but I will get over it and hit it soon, I can feel it!!!!

Alyssa-jump in more with us!!!

Think I am ready to sleep, weigh in tomorrow everyone. There are so many of us on this challenge, its gonna be hard to keep up.

Hi ladies,

Well I got bad news from the dentist but there is not much I can do about it now other than wear a nightguard and stuff. Stupid stress is making me grind my teeth.

I'm still not feeling well today - I didn't do much other than some general cleaning and grocery shopping. I am aiming to get to the gym tomorrow. It was hard to do much today. I hope I get better soon.

Dance - I binged, and I mean binged bad eating things out of boxes, bags, etc. When at home, I don't have it in the house so that is good, but the 7-11 is a short distance away, I just need to try much harder...

I did good today, no appetite though

Well I better go to bed. I am weighing in tomorrow...:(

Good morning.

AJ - Harry is loud noise sensitive and while we were at the seminar out in the country there was skeet shooting going on. I thought he was going to lose it. We go back again today so I hope that is not happening again. I am actually using the clicker to help with desensitizing him to some of his noise issues - the mixer for one. But the real reason I am going to this is to help him in the agility ring. Harry has soft hair although a slight bit more coarse is desirable in the breed. His coat is wonderfully thick though.

Burgundy - I have been splitting my workouts in two like your am & pm walks yesterday. Mainly because I want to kickstart my day with something. Plus not every evening will work for fitting it in with my doggie activities. 4 miles is awesome and you will see that scale in the 190's soon.

Neesy - you look fantastic in your dress. I bet his reaction will be better at Thanksgiving.

Staccie - sorry about your teeth. It is amazing to me how stress manifests itself - for me it is my IBS. I can binge too even if there is no food in the house I just go get some. :(


I am going to try raking (not using the blower) leaves as one of my activities during the week as it involves lots of arm movement and bending.

Hi everyone :)

AJ-You are so funny! LOVE the story about the HOT HOT police officer! I, like you and Lindy, have a thing for men in uniform (fire fighters, police officers-you get the point! lol

I'm sorry that I haven't checked in yet this week. I've been so busy with school, work, and kids. My son turned 4 on Friday-yay!!

I weighed in this morning at 225. That's a two pound weight loss for this week. I should be really happy with that number, but I am getting ready for TOM, so I think I may have lost more. I don't know. I'm bloated and all that fun stuff. I've been doing alternate workouts this week. I need to get back on my 3-mile walk. I might do a 1-mile this morning and then a 3-mile later tonight. My husband has started to walk with me. He says that he loves it!

Anyway, good luck girls! And, I will try to be more diligent about getting on and reading everyone's post on a daily basis! I need motivation too. I feel like I'm falling a little bit. Time to pull the reins back in and take control again!

Good Morning Everyone!

Stacie: Sorry, not a stupid question at all...PNW is Pacific Northwest...I actually live in Seattle, WA. I am a social worker and I work with homeless teens. Lol about the pink computer...mine came in the mail yesterday and it is bright toxic green...definitely not what I was expecting! Sorry to here about the dentist's decree...how frustrating!...are you planning on going with the night guard or just going to let it go? BTW-I think we must be in the same weather system becuase the weather here has been lame also.

Sandy: Wow! You really have had bad luck with roommates! Those all three sound like terrible experiences to have had to go through. I am actually very
fortunate to have two great roommates who are supportive 95% of the time =-)

Popcorn: What kind of dog is Harry? You may have mentioned it already but I must not have caught it...

Alyssa: Welcome! Glad to have you on board.

As for me my WI this week is 153.0...which means a weight loss of .4 this week...which I totally deserve. Oh well, I've gotten my beginning challenge "detox" out of the way and am totally on board to kick some booty next week! Work yesterday was CrAzY and it's going to be cRaZy again today. Hopefully it will just be these two days though. I was going to do my long run today but instead I think I'll wait until Tuesday because I'm just so stressed out already. I think the worst of the storming is over but it's been bloody cold the last two days... Always have to have something to complain about right?

On the fly - my weight yesterday was 160.5.

A 6 1/2 lb. loss.

popcorn - woohoo! That's great! Is that really 6.5lbs since LAST WEEK? Or from an earlier date? Either way, :woohoo:

Simple - .4 x 52 weeks would add up to some impressive numbers! Hope things at work aren't as bad as you were anticipating.

alyssa - happy dance for two pounds gone for good!

staccie - I had grinding issues too and was lucky that the dentist could realign my bite to make it go away. I find being physically exhausted really helps in avoiding grinding (which I still get occasionally). Glad you're weighing in today so we can get you officially added to the list for this challenge!

This has been kind of an off weekend for me but I'm going to try to turn it around as of now. I've got new running shoes that are supposed to help with stability and am going to do a bunch of stretches and exercises then get out for a short run in a flat area and see how my knee does. I'm holding steady at 160ish but am going to try to pick up the pace this week!

Hope the good news keeps on rolling in...

Hi Chicks,

Wow, sorry about the typo's in my last post......LOL.....it was late and I was tired and typing quickly.

Damn! Popcorn....61/2 pounds!!!!! You rock! :fr:

Alyssa congratulations on your 2 pound loss! That is fantastic! :carrot: Happy Birthday to your son. That is such an adorable age ;-)

Simple, a .5 loss is great! Hey it is a loss, not a gain, so you are headed in the right direction. :dancer: If you are bloated, you will see even more loss next week! Bye the way, your career is to commended. You do a great service to those teenagers, who are lost and without family connection or support. Thank you! Incidently, I'm glad your roommates are supportive and not losers like mine were years ago! LOL.........

Ok, I weighed in and lost another pounds - so hey, I am happy I didn't go to Georgia now! I am down 4 lbs for the week! Woo Hoo! :broc: I'll take it. Maybe next week my jeans will be comfortable and not tight for work! Today I am going to workout, then laundry and just being lazy.

mygrits - WOOHOO! 4lbs is awesome - those jeans will be falling off you at this rate! Way to go! Any news as far as whether you have to work on Tuesday evening?

I am still @ 155. Thats fine. I am working hard and it will show eventually. I can lose 5 lbs before thanksgiving and meet my goal. I know it.

Hi ladies,

Well I am 229. I don't think I gained 7 pounds in three weeks, but it's what the scale says so that's what I will use. And who knows, maybe I did. Anyway, that is what I am going with. Sigh. Anyway, my goal is to lose 20 pounds by our challenge - I think it's January 1st right?

I have lots to get done today, I am feeling ok - still a bit headachy - I am convinced it's because of weather here - so humid. I felt like a dried out leather handbag where I was and now I feel like a stuffed rain poncho. Oh well :)

Sandy - woo hoo - you are rocking it girl - that is amazing! So glad to see you back too. You're going to have to make sure that you have a good belt soon otherwise people might be calling you crack...lol. I am scared to try my work pants on tomorrow because they were loose when I left and I know that is not going to be the case tomorrow. But no sense crying about it now, just change it right :)

AJ - you will be like Neesy - all the sudden whoomph - it's gone and you know you are doing amazing and that's what counts. I bet you lost inches.

Dance - hope the shoes work well for you and you get a good run in without too much discomfort. I am thinking it's time for a new pair soon too.

Popcorn - woo wee - that's awesome about your loss.

Simple - we are definitely in the same weather pattern....I am in Vancouver which is pretty close to you. We are in winter now aren't we - no cute snow, just rain and dreariness. Time to stock up on vitamin B! Congrats on the loss and what a fantastic career you have - I agree with Sandy - very awesome. I used to be in that field as well and I know how exhausting it can be, even though it's so worth it :)

Hi Alysa - congrats on the loss!! Hope we get to see you more often :)

Well I guess I better get about my day. It's going to be **** at work this week getting back from 2 weeks off - but I have scheduled all of my workouts in as a priority and also time to eat. I refuse to sacrifice those things for work. I have to. I am sure I will be checking in a lot for motivation and support. I swear to all the people that I love, this is going to be the last time I start over....I'm so tired of that.

My post don't always post! Grrr. I had a big mac. Not sure why I shamed Lindy for pie if I am eating big macs. I don't eat the sauce or the meat so its not a bagillion cals but it could be closer to a million. lol. BAD! and I ate a bite of my dogs ice cream soft serve that I ordered them. (Before they ate off of it!) Well... salad for dinner. I can still stay within my cals but not on plan for the day. Booooo!

Great job on the weight loss ladies!! I hate these lower weight pounds because they stick =(

Staccie- January 11th to give us some wiggle room around the holidays. And you can do 20lbs!! I feel like I haven't lost but I felt better. I was feeling so icky when I eat junk. And Your 7 lbs is prob more from travel, stress and water weight. Sodium too. Drink a ton of crystal light today and tomorrow and if should drop!

Popcorngal- I really want a harry or a larger Polish Lowland. I have not decided but they are my dream dogs other than mine =) I am sorry about noises. My girl is that way. And she really needs agility training. She herds anything. People, dogs, cats. haha. I think she would like agility if for nothing else, to use up that energy. PS that weight loss is amazing! Great job!!!

Mygrits- WOW! you rock @ this. Makes me nervous already for the challenge. I am so glad you saw your daughter!!!

Simple- We are in the same boat. This section of weight is so SLOW!

Dance- Let me know what your fitness schedule looks like and I will match it. I need that. And maybe you can post your meal plans each morning? Do you have access to an eliptical? No much easier on my knees but not as great of a work out. Also, make sure to wrap it tightly before running.

alyssamichelle- 2 lbs is great! I would give anything for even just 1!! You are doing great and you are a great addition to all of us!

Rayen- Lindy- Vicky- Tiff Where are you tis Sunday?

Hey Dance, Oh my you look sooo stunning in that picture. Beautiful hair, smile and just glowing. I love the pooch too. He is definitely 'awe struck' by you and wants a smooch :hug: . LOL........ On Tuesday, big bummer, yes with work, and I won't be able to make it to O'ville. I am sorry, and would have loved to have met up and had some girl fun. :(

AJ, you are doing great and should be so proud of your commitment on here and realizing the changes that you are making everyday to be healthier. You WILL :bike2: lose that 5 lbs by Thanksgiving and hey, maybe you and Dance can have a contest for that!

Staccie, I am so happy you are in this challenge and I think the date is January 11th. I believe it was decided 11/1/09 to 1/11/10. You CAN lose 20 pounds by then, just with healthier food choices and working out atleast 3 to 4 days per week. :running: Even just walking, or some cardio would do it. I understand how starting over can be exausting, but sometimes change is good and this April will be 'new beginnings' for career, health and going forward ;-) :cheers:

Today I did my walk and otherwise was lazy. I decided to just relax for a day after my walk. I am watching Mr. and Mrs. Smith. I love this movie and wish so bad they would have made another one together. They just 'click' on screen. Well, I hope Lindy, Neesy, Tiff's and whoever (too many to remember now...LOL) will check in today for their weigh-in.

I will peek in later.

Just got home from work. I was running late for work this morning and didn't get to weigh myself. I will weigh tomorrow morning. I only weigh myself in the mornings as soon as I wake up.. it's more conistent that way. So.. I'll check i tomorrow. Goodnight! Congrats on all the losses and maintainers!

Hi Ladies,

Well, I maintained, which for me is good after the long and stressful week I've had. Luckily, the 30 country managers are gone, so I can get my head on straight and can get my "normal" work done. It's going to be busy until the end of the year so I have to find a way to work on the stress factor and eating.

Friday was my wedding anniversary so I went out with the hubby for dinner. We had a "tower" chocolate cake as it is called and it was huge! We ended up taking most of it home and sharing it with Maddie yesterday. Then went out to eat yesterday as we lost track of time doing errands and Maddie was starving. Didn't do too badly. Then went out again today to dinner with my best friend from college. Did not do well eating wise, but will improve.

Worked out with Mr. Hott yesterday and wow am I feeling it today. More circuits with pull ups, push ups and sit ups. In the course of an hour I did over 200 sit ups, 100 push ups, and who knows how many pull ups. All the muscles hurt, but in the end, it will be worth it. I'm losing 2% of body fat a month which is good according to the trainer.

I'm totally exhausted so excuse the short "me me me" post. Congrats to everyone on their weight losses and maintaining. I hope to be around more since work has lightened up a bit.

End of the day is here...sigh. Back to work tomorrow and back to my routine. I made all my healthy meals until Wednesday and did very well today. I am feeling tired and a bit under the weather today...I spent a majority of day in or above the toilet (sorry TMI). I sure hope I get better. So I drank tons of water and ate well.

AJ - I saw your pictures on facebook, you are looking so good. When I come visit you this spring we are going to hunt for scorps in our bikini's (well you a bikini and me a suck er all in bathing suit lol. I will definitely be coming to Vegas/Arizona/Mexico in April so I hope we can meet up :) I know that some of the weight is because of the reasons you said so I expect to see some positive changes this week. The way my clothes fit hasn't really changed.

Sandy - thanks for the support and I want to start the next phase of my life and that's really how I see it as a healthier and stronger person. This phase of my life is just as important, but I really want to go back to work and my family and friends as the person I know I can be. I love Mr and Mrs Smith - talk about a beautiful couple and the chemistry in that movie - wow. I think she is so gorgeous but she kind of looks like skeletor lately - she looks so much better with some meat on her! Her outfit in that movie is my target outfit (no not the leather one with the whip - although.....).

Vicky - sounds like a good workout with the trainer. I am seriously considering getting one again to just get me going in the right direction or keep me there, particularly when the Olympics ramp up, but I might save the money for weekly massages :) Glad things are getting a bit slower for you at work...

Burgandy - did I miss you today? I think you have company though right.

Well I off to bed, it's only 830 but I get up at 430 to work out and getting 8 hours of sleep is really important. I have a work BBQ tomorrow night - I wish I could find a way out of it. But I can't :( I can't run from temptations forever!

See you all tomorrow!

Staccie-I think I have been grinding my teeth at night too, sometimes I wake up and my jaws hurt. Ouch. Hope the guard works for you. It sucks to be sick, but at least you are drinking plenty of water and still eating right. Hope you get a good nights sleep and good luck at the BBQ tomorrow.

Popcorn-splitting the 4 miles like that was good for me. I can take my dogs for 2 miles and go 2 miles by myself with out being pulled if they hear a noise or a car goes by. Hows the raking going, that is a great workout. 6 1/2 lbs is amazing, is that in a week??

Alyssa-2 lbs is great. Once TOM is gone you will probably see even more. Congrats. I really wish my husband would walk with me. Trying to talk him into it.

Simple-.4 is way better than .0 right.

Dance-did you go for your run and break in those new shoes. Good job maintaining, I know you want a loss but glad there was no gain.

Mygrits-4 lbs!!! WOOHOOO!!! :D I love Mr and Mrs Smith too. You deserve to relax being on your feet all the time, I know. I worked at Kmart for 7 years, your feet get a beating standing all day.

AJ-great attitude, cant get down about not losing. I would rather maintain anyday than gain. I have never heard of someone eating a big mac without the meat.

Neesy-cant wait to see your weigh in. Are you gonna kick our butts again??

Vicky-I was eating out a lot a few weeks ago and finally told my husband we have to stop and eat at home. We have plenty of food here. Thats one heck of a workout, you are gonna be smokin!! Happy Anniversary a couple days late.

I(like some others today) maintained at 204. I dont like plateaus. I did way better with eating today and went for a walk. Started decorating for Christmas today. No tree this year though.

Gonna do some christmas shopping tomorrow for my nieces and nephews. I'll get up early and do that so I can get home and get my walk in. Our yard is like a big field and there is an old circle drive through it that grew over so we mowed it and if I walk it 10 times its a mile. So now tomorrow to walk at least 20 laps, hopefully more.

Good morning girls!

I really have no good excuse for being MIA this weekend because I was lazy as all ****, lol...sigh...I guess I was just in a mood. That being said...my weigh in reflected 168!!!!!!!! AAHHHHHHHHH---thats a 3 lb. weight gain. Now, I dont think that is entirely realistic to gain that much in a week, especially because I was good all up until Friday. Then it went down hill. I hate dating, lol...well, not really but I ate just crap..crap...crap. Every single day this weekend I had a date that involved food and I did not turn down temptation. And then yes...AJ and Mygrits caught me on FB raving about pumpkin pie, lol...that dang pumpkin pie, I ate 2 every single day this week, bad! Im staying away from there until after the holidays, lol. Now, on the guy front and all these dates, haha--play on playa, thats what my gf's keep saying to me, lol...nope, no one special, no one I want to rant and rave about, maybe in time but Im just enjoying the free meals. I really dont date as much as it sounds, its just when Gab is away (she was with her dad this weekend), I have to cram as much in as possible because I dont want her to see me MIA when shes around, this is extremely important to me. Exercise is ok, not great...not bad. Now, diving right in to you ladies:

Stacie- sorry you hit a small funk coming back from vaca, it happens. But hey-I want to tell you girl, I am so flippin proud of you! You are doing it! You are balancing your work and healthy lifestyle, look at you--blocking out your calendar for 3FC, making sure you get your exercises in...kudos. Oh, and congratulations on having a job lined up back home, awesome! That must be such a compliment when a company creates a position for you. That means you have your shiz together and are top of things. :)

Pammy- WELCOME!!! You and I are so on the same wave length. When something crumby happens to me, like a break-up for someone discourages me, thats when I go in full force with a plan. Im sorry to hear about how your relationship ended but hey...look what came of it, I svelt body and a great new bf, way to turn it around.

Mygrits- sometimes things are meant to happen and sometimes not so much, Bubba will get his restaurant in time, and let me tell you, with all the ranting and raving about his BBQ, you better invite me to your next BBQ at your house, lol..it makes me hungry thinking about it. And a 4 POUND LOSS?! WHAT?! That is amazing, wow...my jaw dropped to the ground when I read that, did you change anything up to get there?

Neesy- glad to hear the hubby is making it home for the holidays. You are looking like one hot mama in your new clothes. Your so tall, everything you wear looks awesome. Have you bought anything with your winnings yet?

Burgundy-woot-woot, go on with your bad self, you and your 4 miles, am and pm walks! Good job. BTW-when your done with your holiday shopping, you can head this way and do mine, lol.

Simple- do you like your step class? I did step class one time at the gym and I absolutely hated, maybe because I have the coordination of 6 month old new born, but whatever..lol. Do you do any other classes? Oh and congrats on your .4 loss, those little bits add up to huge amounts.

Dance- one more day till we finally get to meet! Cant wait! Sorry about the BF thing, I can relate with the not wanting to take depression meds. At one time I suffered from depression and as bad as my life was without taking them and as miserable as I made everyone else around me, I just didnt want to do it, I felt embarassed that a medicine had to control my brain, I know..its dumb reflecting back on it, but at the time, that was my reasoning. Anyway, I hope he starts to get out of his funk soon. Does he exercise? That is actually why I dont have to take meds anymore (or at least I think so), is because I started exercising and just felt better over all.

AJ- BLAH to cleaning days. I need to do one for my house and I just keep putting it off. And as far as your goal, 5 pounds...totally do-able! Just stay away from the Big Macs, lol. Lets make a deal, I stear clear of pumpkin pies and you Big Macs, sound good?

Popcorn- what a great idea! Raking vs. blowing! Thats what I need to do. I have an acorn tree in my yard that I absolutely HATE, it drops so many flippin acorns every week that I usually just put it off until after the holidays because its a waste, but maybe Ill clean them up every week for exercise? Hmmmm. OH and a 6.5 pound loss, really?! What the heck are you doing? Is that in one week time? That is insane (in a good way, lol)-great job!

Allyssa- Congratulations on your 2 lb. loss and welcome to the group. I think you'll fit right in.

Maddie- yay for your anniversary- congratulations! 2% body fat each month..wow, thats what I need to do, measure my body fat. You are doing so well!

Ok, can you tell I took notes this time? At least I was able to cover everything, haha. Ill check in later.

Good morning.

I was gone all day yesterday and then when I got home late last night the computer was down. :mad:

Lots of catching up to do with everyone.

Simple - any weight loss is better than nothing or a gain. You WILL do better this week. Harry is a 67 lb. Old English Sheepdog. He is training in agility - with a few issues for being overly excited in the trial ring. I look forward to taking this weight off again so running in the ring gets easier.

Alyssa - it is hard to find time to do a lot of things when you have kids keeping you busy. 2 lbs is really great especially if you have a birthday party in the week - birthday cake YUM! I don't know where you live in St. Louis but maybe we could meet for a 3 mile walk since we both like that form of exercise and we both live in the same city. :)

Dancer - the fact that you are even moving with a bum knee is admirable. I love getting new shoes, hopefully yours will help with the pain.

Grits - Good job on the 4lb lost. I am looking forward to my clothes not cutting off my circulation too. ;)

AJ - holding steady in my mind is still a positive. I think you will definitely lose your 5 lb. goal by Thanksgiving. BTW - gross on the Big Mac without the meat and the sauce. You took off the best parts. LOL No skeet shooting yesterday so Harry had a much better day at the clicker seminar.

Staccie - I think that being gone for 2 weeks and having the disruption in your routine definitely can explain your weight gain. But you will get back into the swing despite going from a "dried out leather handbag" to a "stuffed rain poncho" (hilarious) and we will all be here to help.

Maddie - maintainig is good especially with that yummy sounding "tower" chocolate cake. WOW on the workout - that is an amazing number of sit-ups and push-ups. I hate push ups.

Neesy - I weigh myself in the mornings too.

Burgundy - good job on the maintenance. I didn't get a chance to rake at all yesterday since I exercised and then groomed Harry then was gone the rest of the day but it is still on my list of things to do. Believe me the leaves are not going anywhere they are just piling up. ;) I like walking my street it is a semi circle and so when I walk the "loop" as I call it I have walked .9 miles. I like the easiness of keeping track.


Several of you asked about my wieght loss. So here is the story.

I weighed in on Monday morning and my weigh in day is actually Saturday. That works for me so I will stick with it and report it on Sunday mornings.

So yes that is 6.5 lbs. for just five days.

I have a few theories on the loss though.

My son was in from California last weekend so after a whole weekend of eating out with him and gorging on Halloween candy of course my weight was up.

Honestly my eating has been out of control - my stretched out jeans were so uncomfortable - even before he arrived in town. I vowed not to buy larger sizes after my last weight loss two years ago and I did stick with that. But now I am like Wilma Flintstone with practically just one outfit that fits me.

With my new resolve to stick to an eating plan by writing it down and upping the activity (significantly) and water intake, plus green tea 2-3 times a day, was like a jump start to my body.

But now for the big theory.

I discovered an article about six years ago (can't find it now -grrrr) about hormones broken down into the 4 week cycle. I found a lot of stuff in it to be true - like brain function being sluggish in week 4 (TOM).

But the interesting thing is that week 3 your metabolism is at its height and that is why so many people eat like crazy the week before TOM. I really have to be careful not to succumb to that.

While I had a hysterectomy five years ago, I still have my ovaries and therefore a cycle. I still have indications of when TOM would be. And when I was losing weight two years ago I noticed a spike in weight loss every 3-4 weeks (cylces get shorter as you get older) and they corresponded with that week 3 thing.

Friday morning I noticed a blemish that is always an indicator of week 3 for me.

I think that explains the high weight loss in just 5 days. Next week will be a reality check I am sure.

On the good side - Hubby commented on the weight loss this morning when I was getting ready for work. Because he was out of town when I weighed in and we have been passing like ships in the night the rest of the weekend he did not know how much I had lost. So it must be showing :)

The stretched out clothes are fitting better but most of my stuff is way too tight - so now I have 2 outfits instead of 1. ;)

Sorry about the length of this post. I just wanted to explain my weight loss.

Hello Chicks,

Well, I am home this morning catching up, then working out, then off to work until 9pm tonight. Ugh. I do enjoy working there now, and have adjusted (except my feet), but there are days when I miss the retirement lifestyle ;-) Well, my food is still good, and I feel focused and on a solid schedule. Lindy, the only changes I have made is a steady routine. My workouts are back when I have mornings off, and I am eating healthy once again and staying away from processed high sodium foods and sugars. Thanks for the congrates.

Lindy you deserve dates and being lavished by others. Being a single working mom is hard, so when Gab is gone with Dad or your Mom, you deserve to go out and eat wonderful meals and have fun! You will get that 3lbs off quickly, don't even worry about it. You are so close to your goal now - it will happen.

Dance you may be inflight, and I am so sorry I won't get to see you tomorrow. I hope you and Lindy have fun meeting. Please take pics!

Burgund, wow Christmas shopping! It is amazing to me that it is already November! Good grief, this year flew by! Thanks for understanding my 'feet'. LOL....I worked in offices for over 30 years, so standing - walking - squatting - standing, is a new experience for me. Did you manage to get your walk in around the circle today? I hope so!

Maddie maintaining is huge and you too (just like Lindy) deserve luxuries with going out and wonderful meals. I am so glad you had time with your friend and then a wonderful evening out with your husband. That chocolate desert sounds awesome! I love chocolate. It sounds like Mr. Hott really gave you a huge workout...wow! It obviously is working, just for the fact you have the percentage of fat loss, plus maintained while eating. Good for you!

Staccie I am sooooo proud of you getting your foods ready for the next several days. This will make a huge difference to how you feel, your stress and even energy. I hope you get a workout or walk in today.

I will check in shortly before work.

Popcorn- thanks for the detail on your loss, makes sense. Jililans Michaels book focuses on how hormonse help or hinder weight loss, which coincides with what you were saying. 6 pounds is still awesome, any which way you look at it---good job!

Mygrits- did you get your schedule for this week yet? Me and Dance are meeting tomorrow night for dinner, then a walk around Lake Eola; gosh, I would LOVE if you could make it.

Dance- ok, I know this is silly, but---what were you going to wear to meet? I was debating on bringing my running pants and tank top since we were going to walk Lake Eola and the place that I was thinking about eating is super casual (like deli style). Idk...thoughts? Lol--Im such a girl.

Morning, girls! Okay, the pity party (mine, I mean) is now OVER! No idea why but I woke up back to myself again instead of the wimpy ball of mush I was over the weekend. Make that, the non-exercising wimpy ball of mush. So, no, I didn't even get in my short run yesterday so I'll try the new shoes this morning. I was thinking about stuff this morning and realized that it was at this point in late may (a week or two into the bf's spring bad mood) that I decided to focus all my energy on improving myself and not on worrying about him. And then I found you guys! 38lbs (and 100s of running miles) later I'm back in a similar spot and am really in a much better place. If he gets his act together, great, but if not, I feel like I could get back out there and meet someone else, something I didn't think when my BMI was obese. Not that women of all shapes and sizes can't find the right guy (quite obviously they can!) but that I didn't feel good enough about myself to do it. Anyway, sorry for the lifetime-movie of the week type saga but wanted to thank you guys for helping me work on myself.

mygrits - I'm so happy to see you totally back on track and am thrilled for your 4lb loss - you must be feeling great! A few more weeks like that, and wow, you'll be wearing a totally different size! Sorry we'll miss you tomorrow but totally understand about work.

lindy - too funny - as I was packing this morning I was thinking - hmmm... how can I fit walking clothes into this tiny suitcase along with the stuff for the gym and work clothes so I'll probably be wearing casual work stuff (capris and a top) and will put on my running shoes for our walk (such a not cute look but oh well :) ) So whatever you feel like is great! Bummer about the repeated pie incidents :) this weekend but I'm sure you'll be back on track this week.

popcorn - love the wilma flintstone comparison! And woohoo for having two outfits! Just think - pretty soon everything will start being too big! Can't wait to see you posting about that! Seriously - closet cleaning out during weight loss is the FUNNEST thing ever. I know, I know - others might say vacation, shopping, etc. is better but no, it's closet cleaning out all the way for me! :)

burgundy - hope the shopping goes well and that you get in a chance to do your walk!

staccie - sorry you weren't feeling so hot - hope you caught up on sleep and got in your work out okay. Have you checked out the chicks in control thread? I've only browsed but it seems like there's a lot of wisdom out there on controlling binge type stuff - I really really really want to see you celebrating your 20lbs (or whatever) lost at Christmas so I was trying to think of what else might help. So glad you're back - just seeing your smile and amazing dimples on your avatar brightens my day!

aj - today I'm shooting for a 3 mile jog - you in? I've been following your suggestion of eggs for breakfast for the last few days and I think you're on to something. I like them soft-boiled - not sure I can get them that way in the hotel I'll be staying at but I'll try.

Will check in later - hope you are all doing great!

Popcorn: Yea! 6.5lbs!!! Very interesting about the hormone cycles. Does Harry do well in agility? It seems strange to me that such a large dog would be very agile. I had my brother's Jack Russell/Aus Shep mix stay with me the year before last and we did agility classes. He was only 15 lbs and super speedy, but also had anxiety issues in a class setting.

Sandy: Awesome loss this week! Now aren't you glad you stayed home instead of traveling =-)
AJ: Yeah I think we are pretty much at the same point in our weightloss which means we really have to be on our game! I definitely believe you can still lose 5lbs by Thanksgiving...You're so close!

Stacee: Sorry to here that you aren't feeling well...this time of year no one's safe...I hope you feel better soon though. So great to here that you have done work similar to what I do... What did you do? How long? It is good to have people to talk to who understand the particular stress of this kind of work! Don't feel bad about starting over again... You may think you are at the same place but surely there is something of value that you have gained from you past attempts... Just try to remember those things when you get discouraged or feel like you are waisting your time.

Vicky: Good work maintaining with all those challenges!

Burgundy: I am so jealouse that you are on top of your Christmas shopping... Way to avoid unessesary stress!

Lindy: You sound like a great mom! I commend your not wanting to involve Gaby in your dating life. It can be so hard for children when they get attached to someome and then the relationship ends and they take it as a personal rejection.



A general thanks for all of the encouragement with my slow loss...I definitely need it!

Today is a BLAH day for me... It's pouring outside so I won't be able to ride my bike to work...again... and everything I try on to wear just makes me feel gross... I know it's just my attitude but I am having such a hard time getting motivated... I'm doing my long run tomorrow so hopefully the rain will break at least some point during the day.

On the agenda for today is a regular work day...step class and then busting out chores at home... and all I want to do right now is go back to sleep...

Have a great day girls!

lindy-I haven't bought anything yet. I'm gonna go internet shopping right now! I'll let you know what I get! and Thanks for all the compliments. I'm about 5'6" .. last time i checked. =)

Dance- I'm glad you're feeling new and improved today. I know when I was heavier. I didn't feel as confident either. But now that we're kicking butt.. no one can stop us!

Popcorn- I'm doing the same thing. As I lose weight, I get rid of the bigger clothes. I don't want to grow back into them. And I'm hoping the smaller clothes will be a gauge for my weight. Though.. I still don't trust it. I think I will always weigh myself regularly. I think in the past.. I gained .. and didn't realize how much I was gaining.. so the scale is in my life forever. I'm liking it more nowadays though. haha

So.. my official weigh in for the week... 186.. nothing more lost from a few days ago. But 3lbs down from last sunday. So.. I'm happy.

Dance- I would love to join you in 3 miles today. I have been lazy too so I need a little less today so 3 is great. I feel like a lump. lol. I am so sorry for your funk! I promise that with looks like yours and the strong personality and intelligence you will find someone in no time if you chose to go that direction! Don't you guys live together though?

I am off to a healthy start. Feeling guilty for yesterday. A big mac turned into a big mac and 2 pb&js. bad bad bad. But I am still at 155. I might not have gone over the upper range of my cals. I need to work out today. I need to try to be upbeat and motivated again!! I can do it. lol. *Talking myself into it.* Have a great Monday ladies!

Ok, lunch went belly up, so to speak. Today was the last day for all you can eat shrimp at Red Lobster and a co-worker talked me into it, Im so pathetic, lol. Im ready to focus for the rest of the day and week for that matter.

Dance- maybe Ill go the same route, casual but still comfy and I will bring my walking sneakers as well. PS- kudos on the pity party being over. We all get in our funks, just as long as it doesnt consume us, were good.

Simple- where are you located at? The weather sounds awfully crumby!

Neesy - woo-hoo for another loss, man oh man, I need to get back in the rhythm with you girls, I as doing so well, now Im slacking these days with cheat days here or there. :(

AJ- way to talk yourself into it! I did an hour at the gym and my 2 mile walk this morning, but Im going to do another 4 miles tonight because of my RL snafu. I dont even want to see what the scale says tomorrow because all the sodium I consumed is going to leave me bloated beyond believe!

Lindy- RL is one of my weaknesses too. I crave it and I can't resist the bread. Its so good!!! And scampi... oh butter. lol. You got snap out of it though. before you know it it will be a month like mine was and so much hard work was a total waste.

I ended up writing that then going ihop. I was goo though. eggs and turkey bacon but man... I could eat ten serving of that stuff!! But I didn't. Not as good as fruit and boiled egg but still okay. Now I wish I could have RL =(

Count me in as a lifetime member of the Red Lobster junkies. I have chosen them on several occasions for my birthday dinner. My son and I always go there on Mom's weekend at the fraternity as it is always in the spring and usually during lent. He and I once decided at the last minute to go to one here in St. Louis and he was laughing because we were both wearing elastic waste shorts so we should have no problem gorging. I am a bad mom - I hope he stays thin like my husband. :o

Simple - Harry is extremely agile and very fast. Sheepdogs would surprise you with their speed. Don't be fooled by their bear like appearance and gait. I am like a little old grandma driving a Porsche when we are on an agility course. Totally out of my element with a high powered dog. His problem is he gets so excited when we are out there that he can't think straight. As you can imagine we are quite a mess out there. :rolleyes:

Grits- I got your card today! Thanks so much. That was sooooo sweet. I'm looking forward to sending you one at the end of this challenge! =)

Lindy-I'm still interested in that cruise to mexico. When/what/where? My birthday is in march. It would be a good gift for myself, besides.. I hope to be at my goal then too. That would be awesome.

Hey Ladies. Thanks for all your kind thoughts. :hug: Sorry I haven't been active as much, and sorry I dont have much time for personals. I have had a crazy weekend helping my sister paint her bathroom. Talk about a total pain. When I got over to her house, she had already painted half of the bathroom and when I went to touch it, it literally rolled off the wall like a balloon. She was soooo mad. We ended up having to run back and forth to town to get primer and stuff to sand with. So needless to say we spent 2 whole days just getting it primed to be painted. I just got my TOM this morning and im hurting terribly. UGH Why us? Oh the other hand im super excited because its getting closer and closer to Thanksgiving and I FINALLY get to spend some time with my bf. :carrot: Im a little scatter brained at the moment so forgive me if I dont make sense :)

dancerindenver- My eating plan is basically just been trying to keep my calories at 1200-14000 calories a day. Which is basically a bowl of cereal and a banana for breakfast, a sandwich for lunch and meat and veggies with rice or potatoes for dinner. I mainly just eat less of what is available. I wish I was almost at my goal. My ticker is to be a "healthy" BMI instead of being overweight. I still havent figured out my goal weight yet im hoping it will come to me.

AHH - I tried so hard to get on here today. Crazy day at work - and I never got anything done, now I am home at 9PM and ready for bed, but wanted to check in. I need some intervention. I did good all day and crapped the bed tonight (well not literally but you know what I mean). I don't know what got into me. Anyway I didn't work out today because I didn't fall asleep until 230AM. But help me god I am getting up tomorrow. I find that if I work out in the morning it keeps me from eating bad because I feel like I wasted it.

Does anyone ever have this problem....you cheat a bit and then it gives you an excuse to just go nuts for the rest? How the **** do I not do that. First of all, why oh why is anything food related worth feeling like sh*t. I'm so frustrated and can't figure this out. I know how awesome it feels to feel good but why can't I keep that damn food out of my mouth.

I'm so mad :(

Ok, sorry rant done...

Popcorn...Red Lobster - you can't go without your buffet pants...

Oh I wish I could break my addiction, obsession with whatever entering my body.

Ok, I am being way too negative...sorry

I am going to get some sleep and try and wake up tomorrow with a better outlook. Maybe I need a therapist or some type of pill.

I'm soo upset :( :(

Staccie, don't feel bad. We have all been there. Even as I am telling myself I am not even hungry and my clothes don't fit I am looking for something that tastes good. Obviously, we are hardwired to seek out immediate gratification and our psyche needs a reason to justify. So we have all been on that - I blew it anyway so what difference does it make merry-go-round.

That is the beauty of this place, we save you the trip to the therapist and you can verbalize your feelings, almost like keeping a journal.

Today is a new day. Just make one small step towards the right path.

Random exercise thought.

Twice recently I have seen a feature, on TV and an article in a magazine, about "shaking things up" on the treadmill to boost your workout - e.g. walking backwards or sideways.

I gave this a try yesterday - OMG!

I must be the world's most uncoordinated person on the treadmill.

I had to slow the speed down to less than half a mile/hour to walk backwards and still almost fell off. Of course it took a few actual tosses off to find that pathetic speed.

I felt like George Jetson on the treadmill with Astro operating the controls.



Today was marginally better. I thought I would do the sideways thing instead.

I could somewhat handle it turned to the right but apparently have no coordination doing it to the left. Eventually I was able to right myself and let go of the bar.

:woops:

Heres a big hoo-rah to Popcorn for her uplifting moment of the day. :)

Stacie AND EVERYONE- popcorn is right, its a new day, get back on the horse and do this. I kinda giggle to myself when I read some of our posts and we say, "today was a bad day, blah...blah..blah (including me), tomorrow is a new day, I will not do it again" - LMAO, yes we will! Of course we will, were only human! Do we not see skinny people at Red Lobster, Olive Garden, Ale House?! YES!!! Skinny people eat too. So, I was thinking about this last night. I have not stuck to my diet like I should over the past month, BUT...dammit, I havent gained any weight either (PS...got on the scale this morning and I was back at 166, so only a 1 pd weight gain). You can diet if your not in it whole heartedly and what I realized is, I lost 55 freakin pounds, thats darn good and if it takes me a year to lose another 35-45, so be it. As long as Im not gaining, Im not going to stress about it. Anyway, Stacie...your doing well, your trying and yes, of course there are times where I eat a little and say "to **** with it" and eat more, it happens, just as popcorn said..its a new day. And you are incredibly powerful, smart and beautiful, you'll get there soon enough. Just dont let a bad day turn into DAYS (notice, plural S, lol).

Neesy- I havent worked out the Mexico details yet but once I do, I will post it here for anyone who is interested. Im looking in March because it falls around taxes and I can just pay everything up front. Ill probably contact the travel agent in December, anyway...Ill keep you posted.

I took my Gabadoo out for breakfast this morning. My mom couldnt bring her to school because of an appointment so I went in an hour late and we went for breakfast, it was so nice. I wish I could do it more often. More times than I can count, I wish I could be a stay at home mom. Im an extremely intelligent woman and have done well for myself in my career and life (heck, I bought my own house by myself in a gated community at 24) but I wish so bad I could be there more. It breaks my heart when she has events at school and I cant make it because of an important meeting or what not. I try to make as many as possible, but theres the rare occasion. Anyway, Im babbling today, sorry. Hope everyone has a skinny day. PS- me and Dance get to meet today!!! YAY!!! We will officially be the first people from this forum that get to meet each other face to face, Im excited. :)

POPCORN- LMAO, thanks for the morning giggle, I dont know whats funnier the George Jetson comment or seeing the bounching smiley on the treadmill that matched so perfectly with your post, lol. Anyway- people at my gym do it ALL THE TIME, its a regular thing and yes, sometimes, for the few that try it and have no idea what their doing, ahem-ME! It is quite comical, so you are not alone.

Well goodmorning ladies! Lindy, I wrote previously and told Dance that I had to work today and would not be able to meet you both. I was so looking forward to putting a face to the typing (lol), but unfortunately I won't be able to. I hope you both have a great time and a nice walk around Lake Eola. It is so nice around there, and I am sure she will enjoy it.

Lindy is right on about Jillian Michaels and her new book about hormones. It makes all the difference to weight loss and STACCIE cravings for binging and food. I love the book and am actually getting ready to read it again. It is a lot of information, but made alot of difference in my eating habits, and hormonal balance, and most of all food cravings. Staccie I used to just seriously crave junk food, fast food, salts, sugars and whatever else. I would eat something and then say to myself "the **** with it" and pig out. I no longer do that, and I attribute it to keeping my hormones and system balance. Anyway, just an idea for you.

Neesy, so glad the card arrived. Your welcome! Oh, and another 3lbs? Wow, congratulations!!! That is huge, you are catching up to Dance and Lindy!!!!

Popcorn, hilarious about the treadmill.........LMAO. Yes, I have been there to and thought I would fly off the back and hit the wall at the gym!!!

Well, doing good, food is good, as is my workouts. If I can beat the rain, I am going to get out there shortly and walk. Lately I am hooked on oatmeal with fresh blueberries mixed in........yummmy and only 170 calories ;-) I weighed this morning and was down another pound. Yes, only 2 to go to this weeks goal.

AJ, how is your day going? Is your food good and hey........did you get your workout in ?????

Dance hope your flight is good and your time in Orlando is wonderful. Take some phone pics for us!

Tiff how are you doing? We miss you.

Morning, girls and greetings from warm Orlando! Looking forward to walking with Lindy later today! AJ - I'm so bummed I didn't get to meet you before you left Denver - hoping we can make up for it at Christmas!

Staccie - I hope today is looking brighter!

Lindy - totally agree that it's more than okay to take the occasional break from our eating plans - as long as the overall trend is downward, we're still doing good! And we all know that if we want to move the dial faster, then we should have less breaks/treats.

mygrits - wow, another pound! Girl, you are cranking!!

popcorn - I'd be up for walking backwards outside but no way on a treadmill - they mess with my sense of reality anyway - too funny!

pammy - you look so great in your progress pics! Girls - if you haven't already, check out her link to photos!

All right - off to visit properties. Hope you all have a great day!

Stacy- Dont worry about it so much. We all have our moments. :)
Popcorn - LOL at the Jetsons thing. I could actually visualize that. Good luck with that haha.
Lindy- Thats so neat going to meet dace and finally being able to put a face to the name. It would be really awesome to have a 3FC reunion one of these days where everyone could meet up. I feel I owe a TON to all of the 3FC woman, and the chance to meet everyone and give everyone a big freaking kiss would be great haha.

Today is a total blah day for me. I have to start cleaning for my bf and his family and I have to help my sister finish painting her bathroom. 15 days till he gets here!!! My TOM is killing me and I really just want to get back in bed. blah...

Pammy- ya know...I remember looking at your before and after pics and being amazed, in fact, Im pretty sure I notated something along the lines of you being really inspirational for me. Anyway - congrats! Ugh...I hate to ask this but Im having a total brain fart...did you tell us what program you were on and when you started your healthy lifestyle change?

Dance- I hope it doesnt do a misty rain like yesterday evening, that poo-poo weather. :( Your going to love Lake Eola, Im just not sure your going to be able to appreciate it as much with it getting so dark so fast. We will see.

Mygrits- YAY! Im so excited to see you back on track and in the zone. Im jealous that you work in a health foods store bc I would love to shop at one but it really is double my budget. Sorry to hear you couldnt make it but I figured as much with your crazy schedule these days. Im just happy you were able to get the job, you definately seem a lot less stressed. :)

Ok, Im still full from breakfast so there is no way Im eating lunch, I physically dont have the room in my belly. I know I should have something small but seriously, Im FULL, lol. Ill catch up later.

Popcorn!- Thanks for the morning laugh. Only because I tried it too and was the same way. Staccie does it when she is bored with it. I was like how the he11? So I tried it with the supervision of my husband and almost died. haha.

No workout yesterday. Of course. Food wasn't great. I just lose it about 7 at night. I need to start getting up @ like 4 and going to sleep at 6!! Its like all of my motivation flies out the window when my husband gets home from class. I cried to an hour last night and he promised to help me push harder if I helped him. =( Does anyone here have a skinny partner that thinks they are fatter than they are? Davey barely has a ounce of fat and weighs less than me and he kind of takes the air out of my balloon. I respect his struggle and his feelings but still... I would give almost anything to be that lean.

AJ-I was about the same weight as my husband when I started this diet. We were both around 240. Though he is 6'4" and I'm 5'6". Thats when I decided... that this is crazy. I need to lose weight. He's 225-230 now. So.. I'm inching farther away. But yeah.. I feel your pain. He eats whatever he wants and is still skinny as heck. Men suck.

Well TOM arrived early so that explains the no weight loss. Also maybe my weird big mac craving but I really haven't craved anything else. No chocolate, no other salts. Weird. Good but weird. I am feeling sick and icky so I will spend today on the couch and tonight in the gym. =(

AJ, I so understand where you are at. Bubba is 6'3 and when we met he weighed 230 and I weighed 240, but I had previously weighed 270 - much larger than him. He was all muscle and I was all fat. It seemed like nothing would motivate me, but I finally decided I would try one more time and I lost down to 180. I did regain some, from major stress from caring for my father-in-law when he was dying of cancer. What worked for me after trying every major diet out there? Keeping a calendar schedule, and realizing I loved myself more than food. I have made mistakes and fallen of the wagon, but I know what works and just have to jump back on it without being pissed at myself. Remember, is is a lifestyle change ;-) Oh, with Tom being here for you, I bet you were down 2 to 3 pounds!!!

Lindy thanks for the compliment ;-) I have learned so much at the Health Food Store and yes, if you ever need anything let me know. I get 35% off nutrients and 20% off foods. I hope you and Lindy have a wonderful time today. Take pics!

Today has been good. I didn't work out, because I have been working most of the day. Food is good though. I started eating an Ezekiel Wrap with loads of veggies, grated cheese and Vidalia Onion Salad Dressing. YUM!

Check in later ;-)

Hi all,

Thanks for the motivation! I am feeling grouchy and annoyed today but less negative about things. People are just getting on my nerves.

Going to Yoga tonight and that will be great. I am eating cajun chicken breast and baked red peppers, zuchinni and carrots right now. Very colorful meal, tastes pretty good too.

Dance and Lindy - you're meeting today, that is awesome! I hope to meet you all one day too!!

Sandy - thanks for the tip, I am totally going to look into that. You guys are much better than a therapist that costs $100.00 an hour!!!

Aj - TOM is visiting heh - what an arsehole. I am such a bloated hag when I get mine!

Popcorn - I've been walking backwards on the treadmill for a long time and it's an amazing workout - but it does take awhile to get coordinated and I had a few 'incidents' lol. Thanks for the giggle!

There are all these guys at work that eat like pigs and are as skinny as Kate Moss (well not really but close) - I hate it! But heh, I wouldn't want something hanging between my legs so I guess I will take being a chick :)

Well I have a busy afternoon...then Yoga, then work for a few more hours and then to bed. I am feeling good - confident about resisting temptations... you girls are the BEST!!!!

I found a skinny picture of me last night and I am carrying it with me now...so when the urge comes I am going to look at that and rub it all over my arse if I have to so I can say no (ok that sounded gross, but I meant it would be with pants on).

S

Lindy-i knew that weight would come off soon. Have you stayed away from the pumpkin pie? I am just about done with my holiday shopping, just one nephew to go.

Popcorn-yay for your hubby noticing the loss and fitting into more clothes. You know, I dont remember ever going to a Red Lobster. My hubby doesnt like seafood so we never go. I've never tried the treadmill thing but you made me laugh.

Mygrits-too bad you have to work and cant meet up with Lindy and Dance. Your oatmeal and blueberries sounds yummy.

Dance-so happy for you that you are focusing on you and letting your bf deal with his issues. You have come a long way and glad you found us here to help you. Have fun in Orlando

Simple-when you bike to work, how far is it? We live so far from everything its not possible to bike, it would take me all day.

Neesy-3 lbs is amazing. You are far away from your hubbys weight now. When I started I was 236 and my hubby was around 265 so I was getting close so, I knew I wanted to do something.

AJ-TOM sucks, relax on the couch and get in a nice workout so you can feel better. Glad your hubby is going to start pushing you more, you are so close to goal.

Pam-painting always seems like a chore. Hope you got it done. Where does your bf live?

Staccie-yea, sometimes when we cheat, we just say whatever and go all in. Its gonna happen, but just get right back to the right way of eating and more forward. LOL about your arse comment

Ok yesterday I ate and ate and ate, but I am not gonna dwell on it just more on. I cant go back and change it now. I have decided to do the grapefruit diet for 12 days and hopefully get over this plateau. That is what I did when I lost 32 lbs in 2005. I was up a couple lbs today so we will see if it helps. Gotta work tonight so gonna eat a nice dinner and stay out of the kitchen over there. I always want to eat there but I am gonna take a book to keep me occupied. The boys will probably be in bed when I get there. Easy night.

Have a great evening ladies.

AJ- Im so sorry honey you had a breakdown last night, it happens, I was in a funk a couple nights ago but didnt care to share because I didnt want to bring others down. Anyway, big hug! I haventgotten my TOM in about 2 months, this isnt anything new though, Im used to it, I have a spastic cycle. Oh and about the skinny partner, yes...every single partner Ive ever been with, even now, these guys weigh less than me in most cases and it is very depressing at times, my husband weighed the same as me and he was 5 inches taller, ugh. Its ok, youll get there and not have to worry about it. And let me tell all you girls, in the experience that I have with dating, all the guys with the exception of 2 (including douchebag Mr. 16, lol) have said the same thing when I say I want to get to 130, they are like--no way, your gonna be a stick, yuck, guys like some fluff. So its funny how we see our body image and what they actually want. Just food for thought.

Mygrits- your meal sounds awesome - I want some, lol.

Stacie- no, your the best! You give me giggles everyday, so thank you! Yoga will do you some good today, especially on extra stressful days. Good lucky getting through the rest of the day...you can do this-no cheating! Kill it girl, common!

Burgundy- noooo, I have steared clear of those darn pumpkin pies because I really cannot have just one. Glad to hear your so ahead with your Christmas shopping, I havent even started, lol. I always hear about the grapefruit diet, I also wanted to know what its about, I suppose I could google it, but youll have to let me know from your experience. I dont think it helps long term but to break through a plateau, do what you have to, I mean...look what I did and it worked quite well. Good luck!

Ok, heading out to meet Dance now. Ill check in tomorrow. Good nite girls - AJ---YOU CAN DO IT!!! Chew gum, do what you have to, dont sabotage your efforts you worked towards all day. LOVE YA!

Dance and Lindy-have fun and let us all know how it goes. Cant wait to meet all of you!!!

Lindy-the grapefruit diet is 2 eggs and 2 slices bacon and 8 oz or 1/2 a grapefruit for breakfast. Lunch-salad with any meat and any dressing and 8oz grapefruit juice or 1/2 fruit. Dinner-any meat, cooked any way, red or green veggies with grapefruit. Eat as much as you want at lunch and dinner. Drink lots of water. Can have diet drinks( I dont) You cant eat any starches. There are lists of things you can and cant have. It says you can lose 10 lbs in 12 day but I am not expecting to lose that much. Just losing any will be fine with me. I did this diet in 2005 and lost 32 lbs in 6 months. I kept it off until early 2008 when my MIL got sick with cancer. I gained it all back in 5 months. My mom also did it back in 2001 and lost over 60 or 70 lbs and has kept it off. Right now I am just looking to get over this plateau and not be a long term thing for me. I cant do it long term anymore. Hopefully this will do the trick.

Rayne- You look really great in your pic!! That diet has been around forever! My grandma use to eat it. =) It works.

Lindy- Thanks for all of the support. I can honestly say that you guys are my only friends right now. I don't know a single person here and still have met no one. I think that has a lot to do with my emotions now.

Lindy & Dance- Have fun!! I hope you took a picture. Did Gab go?

Staccie- Moo ha fa ra bah hah moo! The day is over and even though people are annoying... its over until tomorrow =) I love your skinny picture scrub. lol.

Sandy- Thank you so much! I do love myself way more than food. My heart and my impulses don't always work together but... eh. =) Your sandwhich sounds awesome.

I am forcing my self to eat. But thats good I am not hungry. Lots of protien shakes today. NO SALT! I am going to go walk now. I am feeling pretty slow but I think I can walk.

I just got done cleaning out my closet.. gave bags and bags of stuff away. I have a bunch of clothes that i only wore like once... jeans that were $80+.. so maybe i'll try to sell those on ebay. But it feels sooooo good to get rid of all the clothes that are now too big. It's refreshing. I will never let myself grow back into them. cuz they are gone!!!!! YAY

AJ-Thanks, that is one of the first pictures I have taken from eye level and there is no double chin!!! I used to take all pics looking up at the camera. Were you able to eat anything, at least you have your shakes.

Neesy-it is so fun when you can clean out your closet. I was doing that the other day and my husband told me to keep the nicer things to sell on ebay.

Hey girls.

You guys can always tell when I am on plan. I post endlessly. When I'm not, I disappear. I just can't make myself post to say that I am failing miserably. So I just stay away and ignore the obvious.

So today I was back on plan. I did great, yadda yadda yadda. I'm just not confident that it will last. I mean I hope it will. But who knows. I am trying.

Burgandy love your new avatar!

I think I am going to try the master cleanse that Lindy did a while back to get a jumpstart and get back to where my ticker says I am. Last time I checked it was veeeeeeery bad. I am avoiding the scale now.

This is the cycle that I thnk I have figured out:
Day 1: Do super great on plan and lose several lbs
Day 2: Do even better on plan and lose a bit more
Day 3 or 4: Gain a few ounces, say screw it and gorge.
Day 5-7 (or 20): Eat whatever I want and go to bed every night stuffed
Repeat

How can I break this cycle?? It's kinda ridiculous.

Lindy & Dance: I hope you guys had a blast. Wish I was closer. Meeting you skinny minnies would probably be huge motivation.

Popcorn: HILARIOUS image of your treadmill story!

Pam: Sorry you're in so much pain!

Mygrits: Thanks for asking about me...I always have you guys in the back of my head. I don't know if I will ever be able to post when I am off plan, but I will try. That is an AWESOME discount!

Tiff!- Thats my schedule. I still come here with my head held low but you need us most or at least I need you most of day 4-7!! I wish you would post always!

I worked out. First time in forever. treadmill, bike and weights. Also 10 minutes ball and thennnnn goddess booty dvd =) My first time doing it and I got the dvd 1 week ago. lol. I feel terrible and sweaty but I know I will be grateful tomorrow.

I am going to make a nest on the couch and watch cartoons. Peter pan maybe or UP =) I need to just let go of the rest of today and accept that I am down and out.

Howdy girls! Just got back from walking and having dinner with Lindy - let me just tell you - her pictures don't come close to doing her justice - so slim and the prettiest eyes ever! You get the idea from her photos but even better in person! :) We had a great time and talked about you all lots - can't wait till a larger group can get together!

AJ - woohoo for the workout queen! I'm going to run 4 miles on the hotel treadmill tomorrow - wanna join me?

burgundy - love love love the new avatar photo - you look gorgeous! Really curious to hear how the grapefruit diet goes - I like that it's high protein and some healthy carbs - sounds about perfect!

neesy - ooooh - closet cleaning and giving stuff away - that's the best! Good for you! It didn't occur to me to try to sell anything but none of my big clothes were very cute so it wouldn't have been worth trying.

tiff - I think we've all been on that exact same cycle - on the up a few onces day, come and post about it and we'll help you prevent the 'eat a bag of chips' that usually follows!!!

staccie - the image of you rubbing your (clothed) arse with the photo is cracking me up - too funny! I usually just tape a photo to the fridge but I guess I'm kind of conventional that way ;)

mygrits - we missed you but sounds like you did well eating today - good for you!

G'night ladies - hugs all around to my best girls!

I was feeling so sick and down. I have not lost like any scale weight so I needed to see the change. This is 1 month and 9 days!!! (the first one is) Look at my butt. My cellulite is going and so are my dang love handles!!

http://img194.imageshack.us/img194/4168/backprogresst.jpg

This is amazing but not as much as my over all.

http://img195.imageshack.us/img195/217/progressside.jpg

Now this is amazing. Even after 1 month of committing to regular workouts.
This is from beginning of the first challenge to now.

http://img43.imageshack.us/img43/3531/weightlossprogress.jpg

Very happy now =) No longer craving pizza. lol.

WOW AJ! Great job! What an amazing difference. You're thinner... EVERYWHERE! You have a great figure. I'm jealous! Lookin hot girl!

AJ - wow! Not much more to say than that - but wow!

Heading to bed, I am exhausted had such a long, long day.

Check in first thing tomorrow before heading to the gym

AJ- WOW...WOW...WOW!!! The difference is incredible and Im totally lovin your tats! Im a tattoo girl myself. ;) You have such a smokin bod already, just wait till you get to goal, it will be incredible. Keep you head up and kudos to you for staying away from the pizza!

Neesy- I did the same thing with my clothes last weekend. Isnt it an amazing feeling. My issue is -- now Im wearing the same things over and over. I have to wait till after the holidays to go on a shopping spree. On the positive, my bday is in January, so that will give me an excuse to go out. :D

Burgundy-- thanks for the details on the grapefruit diet, I might try that down the road. I LOVE grapefruit, although, I probably wont after the diet, lol...as those are my feelings about lemonade now, since my cleanse, lol.

Tiff- Ahhhh...the Master Cleanse. Definately not for the faint at heart. My recommendation is to start it on like 3 day weekend. Start it on a Thursday and take off Fri, Sat. and Sun because seriously, those days suck really bad. You cant function like you normally wood and you are cranky as all ****.

Dance AND EVERYONE- OMG---you are so sweet! Thank you! I feel the same way about you. Seriously girls, 160 is something to be proud of for sure, but Dance is so petite looking, I would have guessed she was more around 145 and oh my god, she has the most gorgeous hair I have ever seen (I forgot to tell you that Dance, lol). We had such a great time, it was like we have been friends for year, you would never think that we just met for the first time, thats for sure. And shes right, we talked about all of you and how exciting it will be when we finally get to meet each other. I had a wonderful time and enjoyed every second. Gab didnt go, she ended up hanging out with her friends, so it was just us, but it was good, it gave us time to take our time and get lost (literally-lol, we never did find the organic place).

So, today is a good day. I didnt do the gym today because I got home really late last night (hung out with a friend after meeting up with Dance), did get my walk in but only a mile because it started pouring and I had my dog with me and he and rain dont go well together, lol. Im starving this morning but trying to stay on track and be good, really I just want to ravage the snack machine but Im feeling pretty strong today, so Im in good shape.

AJ - holy cow! You look PHENOMENAL! What amazing progress and what a smokin' bod! I especially love how your upper arms look SOOO toned. Are you finding that all your clothes fit totally differently? Have you had to get rid of a bunch of stuff for being too big?

lindy - So great to see you last night! glad you got to meet up with your friend but you need to stay far far away from those packets of cheezits! If you don't, remember I'm in the neighborhood and could come by and cause a great big scene! :)

Anyone in for four miles today? I'm going to fit mine in after my morning meetings. Keep it skinny out there....

OMG AJ - HOT HOT HOT, WOW you look phenominal!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You should be so proud of how you are reshaping your body!

Lindy & Dance, I am so glad you both got to meet up last night and yes, jealous, as I wish I could have been there.

Burgund, I love your new photo. You look so pretty and yes, slimmer ;-)

This will be quick, as I need to get ready for work, but I wanted to peek in and say hello. Tom is here, so hopefully today won't be too bad ;-( I am going to try to atleast get some workout time in, if I can. I will check in after work. Bye for now.

Can't wait to one day meet you girls - you are the best!

What a crazy morning - just now catching up on everything so I hope I don't miss all the stuff I wanted to say.

AJ - Holy Smokes your transformation is amazing. And kudos to you girl for being brave enough to take pictures of your cellulite. I have had it my whole post-pubescent life, even when I was thin, so I have no desire to document it with a picture. I love animation too. One time did the Disney Workout - walking my way on the treadmill through each Disney picture in the order they were released in the Theater. It was an incentive to walk every day.

Staccie - if I thought rubbing a picture of myself on my arse would help then I would try it. ;) I'm a little more traditional like Dancer too. Thanks for the laugh. It helps keep us sane in this crazy diet world.

Burgundy - your new picture is beautiful. Yay for the straight on photo - hold your head up proudly you look great!

Dancer and Lindy - that is so cool that you guys got to meet each other. Hey Dancer how is the knee doing?

Neesy - it really is cathartic cleaning out the closet. I got rid of a few things that I had never worn or I wore it once when I lost weight two years ago just to say I fit into it. It was hard getting rid of some of my favorite things too but it was best in the long run. Just think of all the room you will have in your closet now for some new small clothes.

Pammy - that is so nice that you are helping your sister with her bathroom. Don't forget to make time for yourself - you deserve it!

Grits - I am not a fan of the vedalia onion thing but blueberries in the oatmeal sounds really good. I will have to try that this weekend. Usually I eat Cream of Wheat with a teaspoon of honey in it on one day of the weekend.

Tiff - please don't stay away from here when you are struggling. Those are the best days to check in. We all care about you and want to see you do well. I find that everday someone on this board says something to help me. And remember it is baby steps. Do not beat yourself up. :hug::hug:


Thanks for all the inspiration girls.

Another random exercise thought.

Yesterday due to time constraints I chose to do the Denise Austin Power Zone - The Ultimate Metabolism Boosting Workout DVD. I bought this five years ago because it got a good write up in a fitness magazine. It comes with a resistance band. It is about a 20 minute workout that combines strength & resistance training with cardio. I find it works pretty well for me.

Has anyone ever tried it?

But when I first got it I couldn't figure out who Denise Austin reminded me of on this video because she was annoyingly PERKY. Then it hit me -

she could have been the twin of SNL's Cheri Oteri's Spartan Cheerleader -Ariana. The only thing missing is Will Ferrill's Craig.

At one particular point I just want to yell out their cheer from the swim meet skit:

"Taco! Burrito! What's coming out of your Speedo?" :cheer3::cheer2::cheer3:

I always look forward to that point of the exercise tape. :exercise:


I have not noticed it as much with two other Denise Austin DVDs that I got since then.

Hey Friends,

Sorry to have gone awol yesterday but I wasn't able to get back to my computer.

Grits: Great tip with the calendar progress chart! I have also done that in the past and it seems to work well for me also. I'am even thinking I should start one up again...

Stacee- Lol...you are hilarious

Burgundy-Love you new picture! It also looks like your face has slimmed down some =-)

AJ- Sorry you were in a funk...You'll make friends I'm sure! Are you involved in any commnity activities? Co-rec sports leaugues, clubs etc are great ways to connect with people. BTW-Your transformation pics were very inspiring...your hard work is definitely showing!

Dance: I'll do four miles today...but it might be on a machine...does that count?

Tiff: Great to have you back! Would it be helpful for you to post at the same time everyday? Then even if you were not doing well you might go on and post just out of habit.

Alright, sorry if I missed anyone but I have to head out for work...I'll update you all about my stuff when I get home this evening.

and remember to make good choices everyone! (oozing with sarcasm)

Thanks to everyone for all the comments on my new pic.

Tiff-we all know what its like to fall off the wagon. Dont feel like you cant come to us and talk about it. It happens to everyone, we are only human. Maybe we can even help you to stay away from the bad stuff.

AJ-you look stunning, love your tattoos. What is the goddess booty dvd?

Dance and Lindy-glad you had a great time and hope we all seem like old friends when we meet.

Lindy-I can still tolerate grapefruit juice, but I love grapefruit. I mainly do the juice on the diet though. I can just down it.

Dance-I am gonna try to get a walk in today, not sure I can do 4 miles, but we'll see.

Mygrits-have a good day at work and get that workout in!!!

Popcorn-I am a fan of workout dvds too when time is limited. I have never done any of Denise Austins though.

Just got home a little while ago, but gonna have one of the boys in a few hours again. Grapefruit diet is going good. I did very well yesterday and already down a lb. I am still up from 204 but I will be back there soon. I need to get up and clean my house a little. I have been neglecting it. Have a great day everyone.

Hey girls...well today has turned into a pretty crumby day, not food wise, just in a funk. Im kinda not feeling so hot. A little is allergies and a little was my dumb decision to walk in the rain last night with my friend (after Dance and I went walking). So, I just want to go home and curl up under my blankets and sleep. :(

Dance - lol, cheezits! Ive steared clear of them today, thank god. Ugh, you are in Orlando when we are having the worst weather ever. Too bad you couldnt be around this weekend, its supposed to be gorgeous.

Popcorn- ahhhhh, those darn perky fitness instructors. The girl that does my bodyworks class at my gym, her name is Michelle and she insanely perky, then she says last week, ok girls, I had 5 m&m's (not packets, like...3 individual M&M's, lol) last night, so we have to workout extra hard this morning for me doing so bad with my eating. GRRRRRRRR....I love her but at that moment, I wanted to kill the B, lol. I mean seriously, I would say that if I consumed 5 packets of m&m's, as this has, ahem...happened (well, maybe not 5 but you get my point).

Burgundy- Im excited to see your results from the grapefruit diet, it seems relatively simple, although, Im sure I would be starving by the end of the day but I sure do love grapefruit so its a possibility I might try it.

simply - miles on a machine definitely count! Mine will be on a treadmill too unless I decide to be adventurous and get out and explore a local park. Probably the treadmill though!

aj - I met some great girls in denver through a belly dance class - any chance there's one of those nearby that you could try?

Hi chicks,

I'm just about to lace up my runners to go to the gym, need to get there today. I am officially old. I am waking up 5 min prior to my alarm going off, all week long - that's never happened to me before. But alas, today I went back to sleep - and slept way too long. Oh well, guess I needed it. Sometimes I like to stay in bed I am convinced because I feel skinnier and in my dreams I am always at least 50 pounds smaller. LOL. I wonder what will happen when I am 50 pounds smaller in my dreams. We have a holiday day today but after the gym I have to work, I have a ton to do.

AJ - I saw on FB that you are having a hard time with your back...hope you are ok!

Sandy - give TOM a good kick in the arse...and have a good day at work!

Popcorn - LOL about your speedo comment. I've never done an exercise video, unless you count Cindy Crawford back in the early 1990's. Needless to say I never did get her body, but I did fake out her mole for awhile :) I prefer going to the gym but it does give great thought about time constraints. I might have to invest in some for the Olympics :)

Simple - have a good day at work!

Burgandy - your grapefruit thing sounds like it's going well for you. I hate grapefruit, I get old lady pucker lips when I try and eat it. I can't wait for you to get under 200....live through others until I get there. It's just something about not seeing that 2 anymore....

Lindy - good on you for steering away from the cheese things...but sorry to hear you are not feeling well. Hopefully it disappears soon!!! And so happy to hear about you and Dance meeting up...and I so agree about the hair - beautiful. Dance how long does it take you to do it?

Hey, I have a question. Does anyone have a little hump on the back of their neck (top of their spine). I've really noticed mine lately and it's bothering me. I had it before when I was heavier and it got smaller as I did. My posture is an issue, I have to work on that!

Lindy- Sorry about your funk. I get it. I am right there with you. I have more problems than... well a lot. I hope you feel better. eat well today no matter what!

Staccie- I am having back problems. Advil helped. I still have precocet if I need it but I slept wrong. I know I did two nights in a row. But I will still work out and stretch. A LOT! Thanks love! And I have that bump too. Its just the shape of the spine. It is suppose to be there. If it hurts you can see a chiropractor but I think it is just you noticing differences. When you lean your head back a bit it should not be as apparent. Your spine is like an s from the side and that is the curvature on the top of the s. =) Look at the attachment.

Dance- I haven't tried that. I would love to. I will look into it!.

Rayne- Someone else here told me about goddess booty. Its a ballet/yoga core work out that really works on your whole body but your butt is the main feature. =) My husband is a butt person. Back in the day I was 145 and I lost 4 lbs and he freaked cause he thought I was losing my butt. lol. Wonder what he will do at 130. hahaha. Gotta keep it.
Thanks every one for the kind compliments. It felt good to see!

I am on my back today. Going to go down and stretch on the ball for a bit. Pain sucks. I hate to just waste a good day! Oh and I am okay on food. I had jimmy deans new de-lights breakfast. 240 cals w/ turkey bacon. It was eh so/so. What ev. Its food.

Not sure where every one is but I could sure use an arse kicking. I woke up and ate that jimmy dean light thing. Then I ate grapes. Then I made pasta salad and ate 1/2 the noodles plain. Then I had a large serving of pasta salad. Oh yeah... I forgot the fat free hotdog. OMG this is what happens when I start my day with starches. BAD. I have to stop. We are going to paradise cafe for salads tonight. Hopefully I can eat that and nothing more. Yeah right. I might now be "binging" but I feel like I have not stopped eating once today. HELP

AJ - will I can kick your arse and then you can kick mine...not only did I not work out, but I also ate bad - and I am very annoyed, grouchy and negative. What the heck is going on with me, seriously. Deep breath I suppose. It's only 4PM and I still could go work out but I am like why, I ate bad food, what difference will it make? I just need to go, I need to go...I know I will feel better about it after...AJ - why do we do this. I wish I could say the right thing...for you and me both.

Maybe because you are in pain? Just eat the salad and start fresh tomorrow!!

I know we are supposed to have a little bump there, but mine seems more like a hump. I have seen it in other overweight people and I have become fixated on it and don't even like to wear my hair up. Well that should be another incentive to get my crap together.

Is there anyway you could go and get a massage or something AJ?

I'm just babbling now...trying to get out of this seemingly 3 week long funk!

I tend to respond well to a reward...but I can't think of anything right now that will even tempt me to leave the house (other than ice cream).

luckylindy- Thank you! It means alot that "I" can be a motivation to someone. My plan has always just been counting calories, nothing else worked for me. I still want chocolate and cake and cookies and everything else "normal" people eat. So I just make room for it in my day. I started my journey shortly after me and my ex broke up Dec, 28 07. I have been off and on since then. I have struggles all the time, and I try to stay active on the forums as much as possible. It helps me stay sane. I love this place!
Aj- I have always had a problem with the weight and partner issue. Im a very tall girl and I have always weighed more than anyone ALWAYS. Its depressing but I have learned to live with it. Even at my "goal" weight its more than most people. UGH! On a side note you look AMAZING in those pics. You go girl! I cant wait to look like that!
Grits- That vidalia onion salad Dressing sounds delish is that store bought or homemade?
Staccie- Glad your feeling atleast a little bit better. I have never tried yoga, but it just doesnt seem to be enough of a workout. What is your opinion?
burgundy- Painting is a total workout too!! My bf lives in Chicago :(
Neesy- I love getting rid of stuff. I just ended up giving my sister half of my clothes that are too big and she gave me all her clothes that are too small... IT worked out perfectly! haha
Tif- I know the feeling. I work really hard then seem to have a day and screw it all up. I wish i knew the fix for it :(
Popcorn- Are you kidding? I do EVERYTHING with my sister. She doesn't go anywhere or do anything without me and the moment she mentioned painting she knew she could drag me along. I love painting anyways and its kind of relaxing in a weird way haha. Seeing my bf in 2 weeks is going to be MY TIME. Were going to Disney and just spending time with him is worth the wait! I use to do Denise Austins daily workouts that use to come on tv every morning. I miss them :(

Today was good for me. TOM is still here and ugh as usual. I managed to get my morning walking in before the rain, even though we only got a tiny drizzle after all of this talk of 4 inches from the hurricane. I guess I cant complain considering this is the only hurricane this year that we have gotten anything off of. Hurricane season ends on my birthday and yesterday my nephew told me its a gift from mother nature. Kids crack me up sometimes. Hope everyones having a good day. :)

Staccie- I am so sorry. I know the feeling and I could work out too. Salad is not going to cut it. I am so hungry. I just want something filling. Mashed potatoes? lol. NO. No food!! Sorry about your day. We need to turn this bus around!

Pammy- You can do it! I would give anything to be tall and lean! I can lose all the weight I want but I can never grow tall =( lol. about the hurricanes though!

Aj- Isnt it funny that we always want what we cant have? Rather it be shorter or taller or a larger or smaller chest? Why are we programed to hate our selfs in one way or another? :rollpin:

I went to the gym. Somehow I managed to argue with my fat personality and the skinny personality won.

Anyway, I signed up for a trainer tonight. Once a week for a few months. I don't need a trainer to learn how to work out but I think I really need someone to help guide me. I found before that I really responded to results. So every Sunday I will get weighed, measured and trained by the trainer. Although it may not be right, when I feel accountable to someone and could get into trouble or disappoint someone, I tend to do better at everything. I must have gotten the strap in school a lot :) They still did that back in the days :) I feel accountable to my friends and family, but somehow a trainer has always bred a lot of success for me. And if that is what it takes, well I am willing to do anything right now to just get me going.

He's one the best at the club and I've chatted to him a few times so I hopeful about this.

AJ - thanks for the sympathy and back at ya :) What did you end up eating? I'm on the bus and picking you up tomorrow morning (I wish in reality!).

Pam - oh so true, we always want what we dont' have. I want little boobs, girls with little boobs want mine (why I have no idea), I wish I straight hair and I have curly, blah blah :) I am convinced we are like this because of the pressure society puts on women to look a certain way. It breeds a sense of 'never good enough' - even women who are so beautiful always think someone is more pretty. Those people that honestly say they love themselves, I always wonder if that is true (and if so, good for them). And now with surgery, you can look almost anyway you want. How the world has changed...

Well I have hours of work to do so I will check in tomorrow!

Oh me you ask? What did I eat? Chinese food. Tomorrow is a new day and I have closed my mouth for the day. Good night girls.

Lindy-Hope you are feeling better and out of your funk. I am hoping to see good results with the grapefruit. You arent really hungry at the end of the day, you can eat as much as you want of meat and veggies or salad. I have the whole diet written down. I will try to pm it to you in the next couple days.

Staccie-woohoo for making with the gym and wrestling with the fat personality and winning!!!!! I would love to have a trainer. I know I could be so much further into this by now if I did. Oh and I get the old lady pucker lips sometimes with the juice.

AJ-my hubby is a butt man too and has to "check out" my pants I wear everyday, but lately it looks like I took a dump in most of them cos they are saggy. But hey that spells results to me, so thats ok. Is your back better? I had a bad binge day like that Monday(I had chinese food too), thats when I decided to do the GF diet for 12 days. Had to get over wanting to eat any and eveerything.

Pam-kids are so funny. I know how you feel being away from your bf. When my hubby and I were dating, he lived in Michigan and I lived in Alabama. It was hard but we made it work. Eventually I ended up moving here and now I want to go back to AL so so so bad. I've been here 9 years.

GF diet day 2 went well. I didnt get my walk in as planned. Had the boys most of the day and the youngest has impetigo and a sinus infection so had to keep him in. Gonna go grocery shopping tomorrow and get all my staples for the next 10 days. Really really hope I can get to 199 on this diet.

Hope everyone is having a great night.

Staccie - woohoo for the new trainer! That's a great idea - it might just give you an extra push when it comes to staying on track and I'm sure it will keep you super focused on your workouts although we all know you love weights anyway. Good for you!!

aj - sounds like your body decided it was tired of the super lo-cal diet yesterday - hope your back isn't bothering you as much. I head back to Denver today and am not even going to try to get any exercise until tomorrow.

burgundy - your loose pants comment cracked me up! Funny how looser clothes can be even less flattering sometimes!! Sounds like the gf diet is going to work for you and you'll bust right on through to onederland. When do you see your sister again? Is it soon? I can't remember.

pammy - the whole self-critical thing is a major bummer, I agree! There must be one thing about yourself that you really like though - what is it? Seems like someone as pretty as you would have lots to choose from!

Off to dye my roots and to get going on property visits for the day. Hope you all have a good one!

oops

Good Morning girls. Not sure what is so good about it though (not a morning person)

I am on day 3 of the lemonade diet master cleanse thingy. Well kinda. I started in the middle of the day on day 1. But all I had that day was raisin bran for breakfast and a salad of just lettuce for lunch. The rest of the day it was just the lemonade. Last night though, I had to go to our friends parents house and have spagetti. I didn't want to, but we have cancelled on them a few times recently and they get quite offended, so I had to go. They are the type of people who make TONS of food and then expect you to eat TONS. Well I just had salad, half a plate of spagetti and 1 piece of garlic bread. I am back to the lemonade this morning.

I had the courage to get on the scale this morning and have a peek. It said 295. Since the highest weight I saw on the scale was like 300.4...I'm pretty happy with that. I'm not looking again until Sunday though.

Now on to you guys:

Dance: Lol. Dye your roots??? You mean your not a natural redhead? I would have NEVER known. You have the complection of a redhead.

Staccie: I'm proud of you for taking a step that you know works (getting a trainer). Plus, even more proud of you beating your fat personality with the skinny one.

Lindy: Hope today is a better day and you are out of your funk.

Burgandy: I toooootally know about the poop in the pants look. I hate it!!! I sure hope you break through to onederland with these 12 days. I wish I could too. HAHA! We know that's not gonna happen.

AJ: I wish you the best of luck in not allowing food to get the best of you today. Oh and the pictures were awesome! The is such a big difference with 20 lbs. I have lost 60...and really when I look at pictures I can only tell in my face and neck...nowhere else.

Anyone I missed: Hope you have a great day of skinny thoughts.

Good morning everyone!

Lindy - Here is something to start your day with: :hug:

Dance - travel days always suck for me no matter how I eat or how active I am so you might as well take the day off - tomorrow is another day.

Staccie - good for your skinny personality kicking butt and scheduling a trainer. You are definitely driving the bus today!

AJ - today will be better. Maybe you can find a nice balanced day food wise. I hate how badly the sodium affects me with Chinese food.

Tiff - it is so good that you are back. It sounds like you really did well last night at the spaghetti dinner.

Burgundy - saggy pants are a GOOD thing! You will be busting into the 190's before the month is out.


I am still waiting for my new exercise DVD's to arrive and am getting to the point where they no longer seem exciting. :(

Thursday's are a tough day for me exercise wise. I have been going to the store on Thursday mornings before work to take advantage of their $10 off of $50 worth of groceries. So not much of a workout in the morning. Then right after work I run Harry out to his agility lesson, by the time I get home it is cold and dark and I don't feel like exercising. Last week hubby was home and was kind enough to walk with me. I could use some suggestions that don't involve walking backwards on the treadmill. Maybe my aforementioned Disney exercise plan should be set into motion for Thursday evenings.

I have been trying to hit this hard since I started last Monday so that I could see the results to keep me motivated. I keep thinking about those Biggest Loser people and how they work out a ridiculous amount of hours a day while they are at the ranch to drop those large numbers. So I am just trying to get more exercise in than I usually would when starting a diet. Hence I have been starting most of my days with 20 minutes on the treadmill. Then in the evening I try to do another 30-45 minutes of cardio. I would love to do more but time does not always allow for it.


KICKing vibes for a successful day out to everyone - please KICK them back.
:kickcan:

I am really feeling over this. Not you guys just the whole dieting thing. I feel so beat. I am still 155/156 and I am just over it. What do I do?