100 lb. Club - Accountability, Menus, Plans, Exercise, Stuff......February 2012

Here is a place where you can put down your daily plans, intentions, menu, exercises, have accountability and more!

Come on in, we are a friendly bunch! (Seriously, feel free to join in!)

Good Morning! Phew...getting back into the groove at work and my "normal" crazy, hectic schedule....I could use another vacation, hahaha!

Last night our Zumba instructor did a "bodyfit" class after Zumba to try to get more people interested in it. WOW. So much harder after Zumba, than before....but still great!!! She is going to add the 2nd bodyfit class on tuesdays if there is enough interest. I hope so. It's hard and intense, BUT...it's only 12 minutes.

Tonight is strength training at the gym, which I love!

Beverlyjoy--You are doing great! Keep it up my friend. :)

Hi chicks... I've been out of town with my wonderful stepmom as she had surgery. I am so glad to say that I have stayed really well on my plan while away from home. I am so grateful.

We will be heading home today. Tomorrow I will get on the scale and hopefully it will be OK. I will carry on. It will be nice to be back home in my food comfort zone.

Have a WONDERFUL February, friends.

MJ -- you are rockin' the exercise, as usual. LOVE IT. Go girl...you're doing great. 12 minutes....doable for you. How your water retention doing?

Beverlyjoy--How is your step mom doing? Good for you for staying with your plan while you were away. It can be so easy to go off track when we aren't home...

The fluid retention is back up. Ugh. Very frustrating. One really cool thing, though...my trainer is running this contest, which I am a part of. Sunday was the 4 week mark so he suggested we take progress pics. I wasn't going to because I have to take my "normal" progress pics for him soon anyway, but my DH was home so I decided to have him take them. I am SOOOO glad I did. While the scale says I am up (I know it isn't a true gain, but still....), BUT the pics definitely show positive changes. That made me feel much better. I mean, sometimes it gets hard to keep doing what I am doing when I don't feel as well as I normally would AND to not see results....yea, frustrating!!! But...the pics definitely showed results.

the 12 minutes is HARD. The other night we did three rounds, a minute each of: squat jumps, burpees, push ups, and switch lunges...all as fast as you can, as many as you can. Our instructor knows I will push myself (and that it's ok to push me) so she gets right and front of me and encourages me to go faster, lunge lower, etc. I am always dripping with sweat by the time we are done.....but it is an amazing workout.

Tomorrow is bodyfit and Zumba, then Friday and Saturday is kickboxing (my absolute favorite!).

Hi chicks - yesterday was a healthy day. Grateful for that. Happy to say that I've lost two pounds since last week. My new mini goal is 199. That's very exciting.

My stepmom is doing very well after her shoulder replacement surgery. She's home now. It's kind of amazing that an 86 year old woman only stay 48 hours in the hospital after this surgery. But - she is OK! My cousin is with her now..and then another cousin for the weekend. Next week I will likely go back to stay with her. Thanks for asking, MJ.

I am glad to me home in my food comfort zone. Today - I will work on many of my healthy living goals: eat seated only, no seconds, plan/measure/log food, saying No Choice to unplanned foods, using my resistance techniques when facing cravings/emotion/fatigue, lots of water, stretches & strengthening, and more.

MJ - sorry to hear you are still dealing with the water retention. It's really good that you know your weight gain is caused by water and are not letting it throw you off your course. I love the contest using pictures. Good luck.

Have a great day.

Mind if I join in? I need somewhere I can go to talk/discuss/vent. My skinny, athletic husband has no idea what I am going through and my mom has no interest in jumping on the weight-loss, get healthy bandwagon :(

I am doing good so far this week. My goal is to get in two workouts a day but I am often lucky to get even one. Everything else in life always seems to need my attention more. BUT, I did get a short one in this morning and told DH before he left for work this morning that I would heading to the workout room this evening too. Two points for persistence!! :D
We'll see how it goes.

Beverlyjoy--You continue to do fantastic! Wow...that isn't long to be in the hospital, but she was probably happy to get home anyway. Well...it messes with my head occasionally, but...I do know that I haven't eaten the number of calories extra to have gained that much....yea, there are people in the contest from all over the US, so that's how they judge...we have to send our measurements, weight, and pics. I don't think I posed those pics...I will in a few mins.

dewittmba--welcome!!! Did you get to the workout room tonight?

My knee is acting up a bit, so I actually chose to miss my workout tonight. I am bummed, but it's better than I take care of my knee so I don't miss more time.

VERY exciting news....my trainer has been suggesting repeatedly that I consider becoming a personal trainer myself. Well, today after I told him about something that happened at my Drs appt, he gave me some amazingly nice compliments and strongly encouraged me to consider it again. After looking into it and thinking about it......I have decided to go for it! OMG! I am SO SO SO excited!!!! Imagine...me, the girl who couldn't find her way to the gym last year will someday be a personal trainer. Crazy!!! (My endocrinologist asked if I would help her with some patient support/education. She said that she has a couple patients that are SO frustrated about losing weight and convinced they cannot because they have never seen anyone with the same medical issues as them lose weight successfully before. She said obviously she needs to get their permission and stuff, but wants to do something. I was speechless at first...but told her I would be happy to help anyway I could!)

OH! My other good news for the day...my thyroid nodules have not grown, so I don't need another biopsy right now :)

Here is my 4 week contest progress pic. The pic on the left was taken 12/31/11 and the right was taken 1/29/12. Not bad for 4 weeks! 8 weeks to go!

http://i969.photobucket.com/albums/ae178/marisfan/12-31-11--1-29-12side.jpg

Yes! I did make it to my evening workout :) 45 minutes of kettlebell. My thighs are on fire.

Excellent! Great job!

Hi Chicks - yesterday was a healthy one...yay...am grateful. I fulfilled many of my goals: planned/measured/logged food, ate seated only, no seconds, lots of water, exercise, read my materials, said no way to some extra goodies I came across during the day, lots of water, and more.

TGIF - should have a nice weekend. It's not so hectic like when I was taking care of my stepmom in the hospital. Saw the surgeon about my gallbladder..the poor sad thing. It's going bye bye later this month.

We have a Super Bowl Party on Sunday. I am planning ahead in my mind now to have some healthy things for me to eat.

Dewittmba - welcome!!!! So glad you posted. Kudo's on getting in that workout.

MJ - Great photos! I LOVE that you've been asked to be a trainer. It's wonderful! Let me know if and how it will happen. Alot to think about. Go girl.

Have a great day.

TGIF Indeed!!!

Beverlyjoy--That's too bad that you need surgery, hopefully it will help you feel much, much better! Thank you!!! Well...after talking with my DH and younger brother (who pretty much said DO IT!).........I have decided to do it! I ordered the study materials last night. I can do a lot of it studying (reading and watching dvd's) on my own at my own pace, there are some online resources I can access, then I take the test to get my first certification. I am SO excited! I have been looking for "something"....just wasn't really sure what.....guess this is it! My trainer gave me some wonderful compliments yesterday. He also told me that he feels I would be a fantastic trainer, something he doesn't just "say". I know how seriously he takes his work and how much he cares about the people he works with, so that meant a lot. He said he is willing to help and support me in any way he can, as well. I'll keep you posted on how it is going!!! Good for you for planning ahead for the Superbowl party! Dh and I are staying home and watching it, so at least I'll have all my "normal" food here.

dewittmba--What's your plan for today?

It blows my mind...the girl who couldn't find her way to the gym less than a year ago, will be a trainer someday. Pretty cool! :)

My knee is feeling better. I am pretty sure I will be up for kickboxing tonight!

Have a great day!

Today was tough. The baby decided to have a late party last night so I didn't get to bed until the very early morning. Morning workout was out. I do plan to get down to the workout room for kettlebell tonight.

My eating plan is the same daily. Gluten free, smaller portions, no seconds. Today went ok except for lunch. I was in a training seminar all day so I only had time to grab a banana and a cheese stick to eat in the car on the drive there. At lunch I only had enough time to get to the nearest drive thru. I ended up getting a grilled chicken sandwich. Definitly not gluten-free, but an ok portion size. Better than a greasy cheese burger I guess. I really wish I would have had time to go somewhere that would have had better choices. Oh well, better luck for dinner. It is Friday which means no meat. We'll see what I come up with. It is also dessert night so I do get to have a little treat. Yay!

Hi chicks... yesterday I stayed within the parameters of my plan..but, my food was 'all over the place'. Luckily I didn't eat too many calories. I logged my food, drank lots of water, always left a bite and tired to eat slower.

It's a hard time for us. Three people we love/care about are/were in hospice. One passed away last night. Food will not make my sadness go away. This has been a very stressful week with my stepmoms surgery and these three special people near death. But - I will take it all one day at a time. My stepmom is doing pretty well from her surgery on Monday.

dewittmba - navigating life on little sleep is hard. I hope you got to kettleball. I don't know what it is, but, I love the name. I concentrate on no seconds too.

mj - I LOVE how you are jumping into this new adventure. So exciting. Your trainer sounds awesome. With he as your mentor in this along with your enthusiasm.... I know you'll be a wonderful trainer. Awesome!!

Have a good day, friends.

Good Morning! I went kickboxing last night. It was an awesome class! Heading back there later this morning. Then home to do some food prep, including making the sweet beagle sisters some dog treats. It is sooo cute to watch Casey "guard" the oven while they are baking. Always makes me laugh!

dewittmba--yikes, sounds like a rough night with your little one. Sometimes we have to just make the best choices we can in the situation we are in. You did a great job.

Beverlyjoy--I am so sorry. One issue is hard enough, but w/ your step mom's surgery and three people in hospice and one death...wow. That's a lot. Take care of yourself. Thank you!!!! My trainer is awesome. I have so much respect for him, which just makes his compliments mean that much more. I am SO incredibly excited about this new adventure. I cannot wait for my study material to get here....hopefully by Monday!

Have a great day!

mj- I love kickboxing! I did taekwondo for years so kickboxing seemed like a natural next step. I took some classes once but can't afford it now. Great workout.

Beverlyjoy- This is a kettlebell.
http://i1143.photobucket.com/albums/n623/dewittmba/kettlebell.jpg

They come in different weights and there are lots of exercises and combos you can do with them. You end up doing a lot of squats when using them so you burn a lot of calories using and building such big muscles.

Hi chicks... yesterday was a healthful day... always grateful for that! I really concentrated on working most of the facets of my plan. I accomplished many - grateful for that too.

-eat seated only - almost all of the time (it's so easy to just 'stick' food in my mouth)
- no seconds
- slowed down
- concentrated on TASTING the food
- did my journal work
- read my advantage cards, etc.
- exercise
- sponataneous exercise (walked up and down the stairs for no reason except to do it)
- lots of water
- planned my food ahead of time
- used distractions to resist some unplanned food (gave into a few extra's too

DH and I went to the grocery together yesterday... I made sure no candy bars jumped into the cart!

Today we are going to some friends/neighbor's for the Super Bowl. I'll enjoy the game... but, the commercials, mostly. There will be four little kids running around. I know I'll love that, too. I've planned for some healthy foods and a taste of dessert.

dewitmama - ah-ha! so that's kettle ball. Thanks.

MJ - hoping you had a wonderful day.

Good Morning! Today is my rest day and I am really glad! I can still hear my kickboxing coach yelling "you should feel this in your shoulders and core" from yesterday...I felt it then and I REALLY feel it now! Good stuff! We did lots of speed drills yesterday.

dewittmba--I love it too! When my trainer (I work with a trainer online) suggested it over the summer, I thought he had lost his mind. BUT...everything else he suggested was working, so I figured I would give it a try. I was incredibly lucky and found an amazing school and a fantastic instructor. I go twice per week. I would love to go more often, but it just doesn't work in my schedule.

Beverlyjoy--Doing awesome! Sounds like a great plan for today. Dh has some healthy snacks planned for himself, very proud of him! Lucky for me...it's nothing I like, so no temptation there. I have my healthy snacks planned. If I really, really want a snack during the game, I'll make some popcorn.

Today I am going to lounge with the dogs, do some writing for skinnyms, and read. Ahhhh...nice relaxing Sunday! Enjoy your day!

Hope that eveybody made it through the game without too much damage. Today was my "off" day so no exercise and I did indulge in a couple of desserts. Back on track tomorrow.

Good Morning! Yesterday was my rest day and I took full advantage of it! It was soooo nice :)

Did well with food..stuck to my nutritional plan from my trainer. DH made a homemade pizza w/ lots of veggies and turkey pepperoni and a small amount of baked chicken wings (all organic). I am SO proud of him for eating so well right along with me. Even he is noticing how much better he feels!

dewittmba--Nothing wrong with a little indulgance every once in a while. Good for you for getting right back on track today.

I am dealing with a LOT of fluid retention agian. Ugh...this is REALLY getting old. 6 more weeks of this med....the countdown is ON!

Going to the gym right after work today, can't wait!

Hi chickies... got through the SB party well... along with a very stressful week. However... last night I gave into my cravings for chocolate and had some chocolate milk... then crackers....then extra bread I am planning for a healthy day today!

I am getting some nervous about my gallbladder surgery next week. It's not the surgery.. it's the thought of gaining any weight back. I've read that some folks gain weight after...others don't. I'll have to take it a day at a time.

MJ - sorry about that water retention. At least you know it's not 'real weight' from fat or muscle. Glad you enjoyed your restful day.

Dewitt- yep... hop right back on your plan and you'll be fine.

Have a great day.

Hey guys, I'm back again. You ladies are so consistent. It's comforting that you are always here, kicking butt as usual.

Unfortunately over the holidays I gained back some of the weight I lost, all the way up to 315. I've since lost a few pounds but nothing major. The scale was 312 this morning.

I had a gyno appointment today... She said everything looked good and my BP was good. I think she said 123/74, but she said it kind of fast so I am not 100% sure. I was very pleased that it was normal, I had my doubts due to the weight gain and thinking perhaps I am not very healthy at all. However, I am starting to realize that I am young and have a lot of stamania so I don't know why I am so negative...

Anyway, I have health insurance now so I am shopping for a primary doctor. I want to get some baseline tests done - blood sugar, cholesterol, thyroid, etc. basically, I am terrified of what I will find out, but after my appointment today I am feeling fairly confidient. But we'll see.

Today was good, I exercised for about a hour, came in under my calories today, and feeling pretty jazzed at any rate :)

Beverly- I'm sure you will do great post-op :) I'm not sure how it effects your exercise regimen at all, but hang in there! We know you can do it!

Hi chicks! Yesterday was mostly healthy. Once again I ate extra in the evening. I need to 'nip this in the bud' as they say. I will work very very hard tonight on NOT eating after 7:30.

I went to see my aunt in hospice yesterday. She was having a good day - we had a wonderful visit. I am grateful.

Another relative, who is also in hospice, passed away yesterday. He lives a couple of hours from here. So, I'll go there tomorrow for the visitation and I can swing over to where my stepmom is recouperating from her surgery. Actually, it will work out well - bacause I need to go back there anyway.

Rakel!! - it's wonderful to see you here again. Hop right back on your plan and you will be fine. I am thrilled for you having health insurance now. It's wonderful. Thanks for your encouragement on my gallbladder surgery.

Hi to dewitt and MJ - hope you and anyone stopping by have GREAT day.

Hi! Awesome Zumba and bodyfit classes tonight! I have a feeling my booty will be sore in the morning!

rakel--Welcome back! Great to see you!

Beverlyjoy--How did you do not eating after 7:30? Sorry to hear about your relative. Glad you had a nice visit with your aunt. Thanks! I know...it stinks, but thanks to my trainer and reminders from him...I am trying not to let it get to me!

Still no training materials, yet....hopefully tomorrow!

OH! I have some new articles up on skinnyms.com (I can share the links if you would like) AND someone shared one of the them on the Dr Oz facebook page yesterday. THAT is soooo cool!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Lately I've been exercising while watching an episode of Heavy on Netflix. If that's not solid motivation for losing weight I don't know what is! I working along with 'em! Today my food wasn't too bad, I stayed under my calories but I was starving after lunch. I had a salad that with dressing and all was less than 400 cals, and I am used to eating meals in the 700-1000 range. So, yeah an adjustment but I'm not doing too bad with it. So far anyway.

I was actually excited about doing my workout tonight... I haven't felt that way in a long time. I am trying not to focus on th scale too much, but it felt good this morning when I was down a pound from yesterday. But even if it didn't budge, and if it doesn't budge tomorrow, I will keep going!

MJ- so awesome that your hubby is working on eating healthy too. My husband tries sometimes, but lately it's been a lot of soda and fast food, and I've noticed his energy level has decreased. Hopefully my efforts will inspire him too. At least, the meals I make for us can be healthy.

Hi chicks.. I am still struggling with evening. It's totally stress eating. I am grateful, however, my weight is the same as last Wednesday. I will keep trying. Today, I am going to be going to check up on my stepmon and also an out of town visitation for a family member who passed away. I am going to be packing my healthy food.

Rakel - I am so glad to hear you are excited about your workout!

MJ - I'd love for you to post the links of the articles! I hope those materials arrive soon. It's exciting.

Have a great day, friends.

Hello! I'd like to join too!
I started a month ago and I am doing so well in terms of eating but I need to exercise more. I've started walking as much as I can. Yesterday for example I went to the park despite the terrible weather and walked while listening to Harry Potter (audiobook).
Sunday was fun too. Again terrible weather, it felt like I was in movie set as it was so foggy that the people in front of me were disappearing :)
I have Jillian Michaels 30 day shred but I've been putting it off until I feel strong enough. I tried it on my first or second day and felt unbelievably sore afterwards. Overenthusiastic, I guess. So I decided to take it slow.
Greetings to all :wave:

Hi everyone! Great workout at the gym tonight! My booty is SORE, hahaha!

rakel--You are doing great! Keep going!!! I hope your efforts do inspire your husband, it definitely makes it easier for you and he'll be healthier as well. My dh told me tonight he has lost 25lbs since I started working with my trainer. I am SO proud of him!

Beverlyjoy--You've got this. You CAN do it! Hope things went well today. I'll post the links down below. AND...my training material came today! SO SO SO excited!

Kitcherella--Welcome! Starting with eating and then adding in some exercise is a great plan!

http://skinnyms.com/you-really-can-zumba-with-two-left-feet-and-no-rhythm/

This one (the Zumba one) was linked to the Dr Oz Daily FB page. SO cool!!!

http://skinnyms.com/eating-better-on-a-budget/

These are a couple of the first articles I wrote....

http://skinnyms.com/beating-gym-intimidation/

http://skinnyms.com/things-i-never-thought-i-would/

MJ - AWESOME!!! Thanks so much for the links. I love the messages and your positive enthusiastic attitude.

I did well yesterday... stepmom is doing well. The visitation was so meaningful to our cousin's family.

Kitchella... WELCOME Please feel free to post as much as you like. Folks on 3fc have alot of friendship, wisdom & kindness.

Beverlyjoy--Thank you my friend :)

Hello everyone I hope you don't mind me joining in. I'm very new just trying to establish myself into your forum and get my name out there to make some friends here. I figured I should go ahead and start here after I made my bio on here. My plan is to go a little slow at first. Counting calories (I've started counting just today on an app I downloaded that someone in my family recommended to me), easing into walking or some kind of easy exercising routine.
I want to ease into it for one reason being I don't want to overwhelm myself (I've been down that road before and things got too stressing and made things worse, this time I really want this to stick), two I need to clear up something health wise (small thing that could get bigger if not taken care of), and three I want to gather information on what is a good idea (what works what may not) before I go buy anything. I am right now looking at Zumba but I am not sure about it I've seen a few on here who have and wondered what everyone's take on it was. I just need a lot of ideas I like to change things up when exercising mainly because I get bored if I don't. Any recommendations from anyone? I'm looking for DVDs or even Wii games that may help. Nothing too expensive just something that will be fun as well as help me exercise. Thanks.

Hello all and thanks for the warm welcome.
I am super excited today as I have completed a month eating right and 20 days on 3fc. So this is my first post with a signature/ticker! Yay me, I did it. I am also very proud because I haven't deviated from my plan at all. In fact, I am a bit astonished. I haven't touched fried food, fast food and processed food. And it doesn't feel like a struggle. I hope I will continue to feel like this in the coming months.
As for exercise, continued walking - today I'm going to the beach. I am going to give Zumba a go - I am looking for online videos and I am going to start the Jillian DVD next week. I'll decide which I like best.

MJ - thanks so much for the links and the encouragement. You look fantastic. Becoming a trainer, awesome! You are such an inspiration!

BeverlyJoy - I am sorry for your loss and good luck with your surgery. No wonder you are stressed. But you can go through it for sure!

Dewittmba - we have very similar stats - Let change them!

Rakel - good luck with your health tests. My husband (totally skinny) has fast food sometimes but I choose not. So like you say I am happy I cook healthy meals for us.

Jinxy - Amazing avatar! Welcome! I am taking it slow too in terms of exercise. MJ can point you in the right direction there.

Good Morning! I am SO glad it's Friday. I have a massage scheduled for tomorrow and I am really looking forward to it.

Jinxy--Welcome!!! Of course we don't mind! I think your plan to ease into things is a great idea! I've done the whole 'take on too much all at once' approach and for me...well, it didn't last for long. I know you will find what works for you. I LOVE Zumba. I go to classes and am not familiar with the Wii version or the dvd's, although I have heard from other people there are some good ones. I have learned that I have to be challenged and having fun as well. Try lots of different things...you never know what you mind find you like!

Kitcherella--FANTASTIC!!! You are doing awesome. I am confident that you will keep moving forward. Thank you so much. It took me a looong time and a few attempts, but I FINALLY found what works for me. I am taking updated progress pics and measurements for my trainer this weekend. I can't wait.

kickboxing tonight...great way to end the week!

Have a great day everyone!

I am struggling. I did a bend and twist while unloading the dishwasher. Ouch! Phooey. I can't take any nsaids because of surgery next week. I can take a muscle relaxer - that helps some. I'll try again to make a plan.

We are going to our cousin's for dinner. (Dh's first cousin & his wife) It's been quite a week for them. Each had a parent in Hospice - One did pass away. They will have healthy foods available. Actually, they asked what they can fix that I can eat. That's really very nice.

All I can think about is chocolate. Isn't that crazy? However, I have not eaten any chocolate.

Thanks for your support.

Good Morning!

Beverlyjoy--OUCH!!! Take care of yourself (I know you will). No...no silly at all....I have actually been thinking about chocolate a LOT lately. I think it is becuase it is EVERYWHERE with Valentine's Day coming up. How wonderful of your cousin's to be so thoughtful with dinner.

kickboxing for me, then a massage ahhhhhhhh, then going to do some studying first up is human anatomy.

Have a great day!

Hello all. I am so glad it's Saturday. I can relax a bit and plan/prepare for next week. I have 3 events to plan around - I think I can manage.

I don't really like chocolate so I am not tempted by Valentine's but I will have some issues on Thursday as it is carnival and we have a tradition of having huge meat dinners.

BeverlyJoy - Hang in there. Maybe you should get a massage too.
Mj - Human Anatomy, very interesting, I hope the massage was great.

Have a nice weekend! :)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hi chickies -

My back is feeling some better - grateful for that! I've made my food plan for today. (Have cooked lots of chicken for later in the week.) I will do my journal work and get back to doing what I know works/helps me having a sane relationship with food.

kitcherella - WELCOME Yep... DH said he'd massage my back where it's hurting! Planning ahead is great! Carry on. (you don't like chocolate... that certainly helps this time of the year!)

MJ - sounds like you got your trainer materials. Go girl!!

Jinxy - WELCOME It sounds like you have a good plan/approach as to getting yourself doing a healthy food plan and more. So glad you posted.


I hope you all have a wonderful day. Thanks for your support.

Hi everyone! Hope you are all enjoying your weekend!

Kitcherella--Good for you for planning ahead! That's always key for me!

Beverlyjoy-So glad to hear your back is better. Good for you for having your plan as well. YES! my material came and I will finally have time today to dive right into it. Human anatomy this afternoon. :)

I was able to get my food prep for the week done yesterday, which always helps me stay on track. I took new prog pics yesterday. As soon as I get the comparisons back from my trainer I'll share them. My hip and waist measurement are both down, so that is good news!

Have a great day!

I used to post here a few years back and got almost under 200 pounds when I slipped away and started putting the weight back on. I hope no one minds me coming back and starting to post gain, because I could sure use the help as I start all over.

I have just had the biggest eye opener of my life and I have no choice at this point but to get the weight off and keep it off. It is no longer about appearances, but about life. That is scary, considering I turn 35 on Wednesday this upcoming week. I thought I was too young to have heart problems, but ended up in the ER Friday afternoon with severe chest and back pain. Through the EKG they thought I was having a heart attack. I ended up being admitted and was just released tonight.

While I did not have a heart attack, I now know that I am at extreme risk for heart disease because both of my parents and my grandparents have all had heart attacks. Being obese only puts me at even more risk. My MRI, stress test, and CAT scan all came out okay, but they said I have an "abnormality" in my heart which they cannot do anything about right now. I also have slightly high bad cholesterol and slightly high good cholesterol, so puts me at more risk.

So, I have to lose weight or I go on cholesterol meds and I could very well have a heart attack at a very early age. The doctor and cardiologist told me that I can turn this around right now if I start watching what I eat and exercising.

This was the scariest weekend of my entire life, and I do not want to be in there for a heart attack anytime in the future. I have the book The Spectrum by Dean Ornish, and will be following it, eventually at the more extreme end of the Spectrum, though I will work up to that. I am a vegetarian and his ideas click with me and are supported by tons of scientific research and nothing is extreme, so I have been wanting to do this for awhile. There is no time to start than right now!

OKay, enough about me...happy to be back! My exercise is walking my dogs and Zumba right now.

Good Morning! Monday, again? Really? Haha!

Purplefirefly--Ohmygoodness! How scary! SO SO SO glad you are ok! Of course we are thrilled to have you back with us. Welcome back! You can totally do this!!! I LOVE Zumba!

Yesterday was a weird day....all I wanted to do was nap! So, I basically napped, studyied my personal training info (human anatomy yesterday), took the dogs out to play in the snow, and repeat. It wasn't much of a day off...but it was what I needed apparently. I WILL talk to someone in my Docs office today. The fluid retention from this med is bad (+8lbs today). I did sleep last night, so that's a good thing!

It's strength training for me tonight!

Have a great day everyone!

Today I went to the ortho and got a cortizone shot in my painful lower back. Am hoping it will do the trick.

I had asked my family doctor if I could take some nsaids (I take an old one, Daypro) She said no... not so close to surgery. When the surgery nurse called today to get more info... I told her how I wished I could have used the Daypro. She said I could have taken up to two days before the surgery. Grrrrr That would have nipped this back pain in the bud...so to speak. It's frustrating. Hopefully, the shot will help.

I've been struggling with my food. It's hard for me when I am feeling pain or very stressed out. I'll keep trying.


thanks for your support & wisdom and caring. I'll post again before my gallbladder surgery on Wed. morning.

Hello all!

I am 2 lb down and my plan is ready for this week. I had a NSV yesterday - my students noticed and were congratulating me and there was no test coming up so I figure they were honest ;) .
Purplefirefly - glad you are OK. You can turn this around and your 35th birthday is a great time to do it!
Beverlyjoy - My thoughts will be with you tomorrow, once you put these medical issues behind you will feel better.
Mj - Let us know any interesting things about our anatomy! I feel you - I love napping at the weekends.

And a quote for the day:
Love is composed of a single soul inhabiting two bodies. - Aristotle :val2:

Thanks for the welcome, guys! I am having trouble getting to Zumba classes. My schedule just seems to come after my husband's and I get stuck with the kids, he doesn't make it home in time for me to go, something happens every time I plan on going. I may need to just do an evening walk at home and give up on that for awhile, though I don't want to :( I am getting out for an hour in the morning now, so at least that is something.

Beverly--I hope the back stops hurting soon. Fingers crossed for you!

Hi everyone! So, I finally talked to someone at my Drs office. They cut my med in 1/2 once they found out about all the s/e I was having a hard time with. They really want me to take it until the day before my surgery (3/6). They asked me to give it a week and if it isn't any better to call back. I am REALLY hoping it is better! I know it is important to take it, but not if it is making me feel icky.

Beverlyjoy--Oh that stinks about the med! Hope the shot helped! Do your best with food. Everthing is harder when you ar ein pain.

Kitcherella--CONGRATULATIONS!!! 2lbs, plan ready AND students noticed! Awesomeness!!! I will...I didn't get nearly as much studying done as I would have liked...lack of sleep really caught up with me, but I have that *hopefully* under control now. LOTS of studying planned for this weekend!

Purplefirefly--That stinks about missing Zumba. Hope you can work something out soon. A walk is better than nothing, but not as much fun...

I am getting my hair cut and colored tomorrow. Can't wait!

Hi friends... I am off to say goodbye to my gallbladder. Have a GREAT day.

Hi to all! I hope you dont mind another person joining in!

I typed out this long reply and I guess I took to long and it timed out so this time I will keep it short and simple.

The word accountability really caught my eye on this thread because that is one of the areas that I am lacking. The other is motivation. I feel like I need to be in a place where I can support and encourage others and get the same in return.

In the exercise area I have a treadmill, elliptical machine, and a stationary bike and I dont have a solid set in stone plan about using them, my goal right now is to just use them period :o

In the food area I dont have a lot of wiggle room as far as quality (I live in a state where fresh fruit and vegetables are expensive and lacking. For example I needed a green pepper the other day and I went to the grocery store and had 3 to choose from and got one about the size of my computer mouse and paid 3.59 for it) So my goals in this area are portion control and adjustments where I can afford to make them.

I hope to become an active member in this forum to help myself and others meet their goals. Please be patient with me while I learn how this all works! Thank you in advance for allowing me to join and I look forward to getting to know you :)

I have been under a lot of stress the past couple days and am feeling pressure and tension in my chest. I have to find a way to relieve some stress because I feel I am literally killing myself. I will be listing out the sources of stress and coming up with ideas to get rid of or contain them.

Auty--Is there a farmer's market somewhere near you? Or maybe there will be one come spring and summer? Just thought that might be a way to get some fresh produce at a better price...or have you thought of growing your own? My mom grows tomatoes in containers on her back porch and it isn't expensive.

Hey all!

a) A big hug to Beverlyjoy - time for recovery
b) I am doing well - Mj I found a gym in my neighbourhood, thinking of joining (4 brothers - all kickboxers own the place!)
c) Welcome Auty - sounds like you have a good plan, find local produce and in season - super nice you have equipment.
d) Happy birthday Purplefirefly!!! :bday2: Enjoy your day, good strategy to list the stress sources. I have created a playlist with my favourite disco songs to listen when I am down or just wanna dance.

Take care!

Purplefirefly,

We have a "saturday" market in the summer months, May through August. Its a market held on Saturdays and Sundays in the summer and once in awhile they have a booth called "Alaska Grown" and its produce that has been grown in Alaska. It isn't consistent but when they are there we do try to get some stuff, and then we freeze some things like bell peppers, onions, carrots and stuff like that but we are never able to purchase enough to last through the entire winter. I also live in a small apartment so there really isn't much room to grow produce but I have tried to grow my own herbs (failed but the process was fun, I think I didn't give them enough sunlight so when I try again this year I think I will try to purchase the special lamp).

My husband is in grad school so when it comes to bills that comes first so as much as I want to I can't go through my kitchen and pantry and toss out all the food that is bad for us so my goals are portion control and then weeding out the bad and replacing it with good. Everyone has to start somewhere right? Beginnings are exciting and hard at the same time.

I was thinking about starting a blog to mark my progress and to help me be accountable. I know personally I perform better if I have an audience (using the example of playing an instrument). Last night I took pictures of myself, first body pictures I have taken of myself in I would say a good 4 years, now I just need to get past the shame, over the embarrassment, and muster up enough courage to actually make the first post.

I don't have kids yet, but I do know what you mean by your "schedule comes after your husbands". I also understand the stress and can only imagine how much harder that is when you have a larger family to take care of. I have a song that I relax to, its an instrumental classical song that I am particularly fond of. I close my eyes and focus only on listening to the different notes, chords, and instruments and I find that if I can listen to it a few times with as much concentration as possible, I relax, my heart rate slows, my mind clears, and I can refresh myself both mind and energy. I don't know if that will help.

:dizzy: Time for me to clean this apartment! Does that count as a work out, lol.

Thanks Kitcherella!

Local produce is hard, it snows from September to the beginning of May here! Having equipment is nice now that I dont use it to hang clothes on!

Hi everyone! My schedule has been a bit off this week...so tonight for a cardio workout, I went to my gym and used the heavy bag LOVE it! The funniest part was I turned around and a bunch of guys from the weight room were just standing in the door way w/ their mouths hanging open. I was totally laughing at them. It was great to get some kickboxing drills in for practice during the week.

Beverlyjoy--I've been thinking about you today! Hope it went well!

Auty--Welcome! Sounds like you have some great goals for yourself!

Purplefirefly--YES! Relieve some stress! have you ever done yoga? It's a great way to learn to control your breathing, get some exercise, and just decompress at the same time. Won't solve your problem, of course...just a thought.

Kitcherella--AWESOME!!!

My week has been pretty tight and crazy as well. My son has things going on almost all week at school and his birthday is in the same week as well. Busy, busy, busy I couldn't find the time to workout yesterday because it was so full plus that. I've also got lots to do in my college class tests and next week exams. But luckily I found time today so I'm shifting things around to force it into my schedule. I do not want to lose my footing on my weight, that is starting to come off :carrot:. I'm worried about this Saturday though we are having a small party type deal for my son, with pizza and cake :eek: . I've been good so far, the good news is that I have gotten my son to go with the lower in calories pizza place :lol: (also cheaper).





Hi, Auty welcome aboard! I'm newish as well, I can't wait until I can have tickers :lol:.

mj5, I know how it goes to try and fit stuff in an off week. :lol: Awesome work on making the guys drop their jowls to your kickboxing skills on that heavy bag!!! :carrot::bravo:

Thanks Kitcherella!

Local produce is hard, it snows from September to the beginning of May here! Having equipment is nice now that I dont use it to hang clothes on!

Didn't see Alaska - I see that now! It must be very hard there but also beautiful. lol clothes hanger!

Well my first day wasn't so bad, just another day at home with my doggies and cat. I am using an app on my phone that is called Lose It (recommended by my diabetes and lipids doctor) and according to it I should have 1972 calories a day (I am not 100% sure about this, I don't own a scale and the wii fit tells me that I weigh 271 and I doubt that very much considering I weighed 290 at my last doctor visit about a month ago and I hadn't been trying to lose weight at that point so I will be purchasing a scale tomorrow if I can find a decent priced one).

Lose it says my budget today was 1972, my intake was 1490 and my exercise was 353 so I am clear for 835 calories. I know its beneficial to exercise, and limit calories, but I also know its important to eat the amount of calories I should have and today I struggled with that. I don't feel starved or hungry, so I am hoping this is ok.

Kitcherella, Alaska has its hard to deal with issues, but I do love it here. My profile/avatar is a picture I took of the Aurora Borealis and getting to see that makes it worth the stay! And yes I used my treadmill and my elliptical machine as a drying rack for my clothes, my hubby is now at a loss on where to hang his coat when he comes home lol.

mj5- Thanks!

Jinxy- I am pretty excited about the tickers myself! I don't know about where you are but have you thought about getting a pizza made special for you where ever you are going. If every little bit of effort counts then getting a pizza with half the cheese, half the meat topping, and extra on the veggies would be a positive choice and possibly doable?

Auty - I have Lose it! as well, for some reason I can't download it on to my phone though I do have it on my tablet and PC. I love using it, my mom is the one who pointed it out to me and my Aunt was the one who pointed it out to her. The graphs of your weight are neat you can see where you have been and get a grasp on just how much you did lose even if it was a small amount. So, far I've been under my points mark so just yesterday I switch the intake a bit so that my date crept up a little bit more.
Thanks for your suggestion about the pizza though I may just go with one or two slices and hope for the best. I've learned in the past that if I deny myself something I really like I'll rebel big time. I don't have to worry too much about the cake since fortunately I'm not a big sweet eater at all :lol: (more of the salty type eater).

Day 2 has been pretty interesting! I had to go to the doctor in Jan. for some chest pain (nothing with my heart but more of a rib muscle pain) and not being able to breath. They said it was probably just the flu or a viral infection and it could take a week to 4 weeks for the inflammation to go away. But last night my throat was so sore it was unbearable and today my chest was hurting really bad. So I went to the doctor and he said "Your tonsils are really swollen" and I informed him that this is impossible because I had my tonsils removed in 1992. So he brought in another doctor and that doctor confirmed that I indeed have tonsils and tonsillitis. Upon further inspection they saw the scar tissue from the first removal and came to the conclusion that they grew back. Kinda funny, I never knew that could happen.

Anyways the good news is, back in November at the doctor I weighed 296 and then in January I weighed 287 and today I weighed 276 so even though thats no very much very fast I am hoping it will be a good kickstart to keep me going. It made me feel encouraged anyway, especially since its hard for me with PCOS.

Today my intake was 1360 (so far) with no exercise, and it says I can have 612 more calories to meet my goal but I just don't feel well enough to eat or exercise on any of the machines. My hubby did go on a light walk with me just so I could feel like I did something. (didn't feel well enough to walk around outside so while we were waiting for my antibiotics we did laps around the pharmacy, lol they thought we were weird I am sure.)

Jinxy, I LOVE pizza so it would be hard to limit myself but I believe that is a good goal and so true about depriving yourself! I am trying the approach of eating my meals slower, not in the living room, and having a conversation with the people around me while I eat so that I can get more from the meal. I am not a huge sweet eater either! I crave it once in awhile (usually before my monthly) but my Mama always said I am meat and potatoes girl!

I am going to try to attach a picture I took at the grocery store today. They had a prettier selection of green peppers but the price went up nearly a dollar (4.48 each). Is this price comparable to people that live in the lower 48? (also I am new at this so I don't know if the picture attachment will work)

Hi everyone! I am up way, way, too early. I had a horrible sinus headache and it hurt to lie down. So...I ended up getting up. I'm going to try to get some more sleep, or it will be a loooooong day!

Jinxy--Thanks! It's funny, because when I really started using the weight room last year, I definitely ran in to some resistance to some of the guys who didn't want me in "their" space. In fact, there was only one who was actually nice to me, haha. He and I have become "gym friends" and is kinda like my "big brother" there...makes sure no one is giving me a hard time anymore, helps me w/ form, keeps encouraging me...it's pretty awesome. Finally...once the rest of the guys realized I was there to work hard (harder than a lot of them, I must say...) and I wasn't going anywhere...they have actually welcomed me. Most of them knew that I kickbox, but it was SO funny to see them standing there like that! Good luck w/ the pizza. I LOVE pizza...honestly, either situation would be hard for me...my husband made a healthy pizza for the Super Bowl, but I decided not to have any, I wasn't sure I could limit myself to a slice or two, so I figured it was better to have none.

Auty--Oh no! I hope you feel better. I didn't know tonsils could grow back either. Ugh. Sounsd painful. Don't go too low on your calories. Believe it or not, not eating enough can stall weight loss as well. I will NEVER EVER complain about fresh produce prices in the winter time again. Ever. I had heard things were more expensive in Alaska, but I had NO idea! At my grocery store, I can buy a package of 6 peppers for less than $6 (they are a little more expensive to buy individually...but usually no more than $2/lb). In the summer, we have lots and lots of farmers markets. My grocery store also goes out of their way to buy local, organic fruits and veggies whenever possible. I always knew we were lucky to have such great, fresh produce, but never realized just how lucky!

Beverlyjoy--Hope you are recovering my friend!

Purplefirefly--How are you doing?

Other than this sinus headache, I am doing really well. I went to Body Fit and Zumba tonight. Tonight is kickboxing and I cannot wait! My instructor has a MMA fight next week. I am going to take my 10 y/o nephew. We went to the last one and had so much fun! She is excited that we are coming to cheer her on!

Have a great day!

mj5 - Thank you! I already feel better with the medicine! I figured I need to eat more calories but its going to be a challenge for me, my first day it was hard because I just didn't know what to eat and I realized that this is going to be an adjustment for sure, my diabetes doctor had mentioned once before about drinking muscle milk in between meals to help supplement and I have some and I am going to try that. Its actually harder than I thought it would be to eat the calories I need and still stay within my daily allotment of sugar. Today I have just been nauseous all day and haven't felt like eating much but I actually did better today then yesterday and I purchased some things at the grocery store today to help fill those gaps.

Crazy how the prices are different here, they say its because of shipping and we can only get local in the summer and even that is pricey. I paid 7.99 for one loaf of Rudis Gluten Free Bread today (my husband has IBS and controls it with gluten free products, he doesn't eliminate it but it does help to avoid it as much as possible). In many of the rural villages soda is cheaper than milk, one place we went had a gallon of milk for 12.99 and a 2 liter of soda for 4 something, so you can imagine how many kids get soda in their bottles. I wont even begin to tell you about how much I end up paying for gas when we travel anywhere remote in the summer! lol

I hope your sinus headache clears up soon! Kickboxing seems awesome!

Hello all!
I am proud to announce I just came back from the gym! It was brilliant - the staff were really helpful and the people friendly. I had forgotten how great you feel afterwards -it's been 4 years since I set foot in a gym.
Auty - these are not green peppers, these are gold peppers. Seeing the Aurora Borealis is on my life list! Must be amazing! your picture is fantastic. I hope you get well soon.
Jinxy - Another salty type here! But pizza is definitely a weakness...
Mj - I hope your headache is ok by now - have fun kickboxing tonight!

I wish you all a great day! Here's a quote for the day from J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, 1999, spoken by the character Albus Dumbledore.
It is our choices that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities.

Home sweet home. Thanks for all of your prayers and good wishes. I felt them all.

I am doing better. The surgeon said my poor sad gallblader was 'loaded' with stones. No wonder it didn't work! I am sore, but, better as time goes on. It only really hurts alot when I move around. However, I need to walk... so, it will work itself out. The pain meds are working... I feel loopy, however.

So far, things are going well for me. I haven't been sick to my stomach with the pain meds. This was a big concern. I had excellent care at the hospital.

I am a little wobbly because of the pain medicine - but, I am managing.

I've been keeping my food 'easy' on the tummy, until by digestion gets used to not having a gallbladder in the equation. Crackers/broth/rice/applesauce/lifesavers.

Thanks again...

BTW - I feel like I've ended the surgery 'curse'. (a time when planned surgeries didn't happen for me for the strangest legitimate reasons) YAY

Hi everyone! My headache went away, finally and I felt great for the rest of the day. Kickboxing kicked my booty!!! I think our coach was still on her "training high" from her own workout. We did some crazy stuff tonight...tossing a medicine ball OVER the heavy bag to a partner, squatting, jumping up, and tossing it back. I partnered with one of the guys who is fighting next week (MMA fights). OMG. He kicked my booty and it was AWESOME. Neither of us ended up with a black eye, so it's all good, haha!

Auty--So glad to hear you are feeling better. You will get it figured out...it is hard sometimes to get the amount of calories in. I never thought I would have a problem with eating enough, but it does happen. WOW...those prices are crazy. We eat super healthy, mostly organic produce...I can't even begin to think about how expensive (if you could even find the produce) it would be! My sinus headache finally went away, thank you. Kickboxing IS awesome. Ohmygoodness...I have to say, when my trainer suggested it (I work with a trainer online...perfect for my busy schedule. I get nutritional advice and strength training workouts from him. I also get LOTS of support and encouragement. He is awesome. He has actually enouraged me to start studying to become a personal trainer myself. REALLY hard to believe that ME...who couldn't find her way to the gym less than a year ago...will be a trainer someday.)

Kitcherella--AWESOME!!! I am totally addicted to that post workout high. Funny...before last year, I didn't like to sweat. NOW...I measure my workout by how sweaty I am, haha! Thank you. My headache went away and kickboxing was amazing!

Beverlyjoy--YEA for being home! I am so glad to hear you are doing better. Take the pain meds if you need them, the loopy feeling is icky...but you will heal faster in the long run. SO glad you ended your "surgery curse".

Back to kickboxing tomorrow. Then I get to spend some time with my super fun, 6 y/o niece. She has requested to go to Kohl's (because she has a gift card) and grocery shopping. Totally makes me laugh that she loves to go grocery shopping, but I make it an event. I get coffee and she gets a smoothie. She thinks the cart cupholder things are SO cool. Her favorite part, though, is weighing all of the produce and bulk stuff. She also likes picking out snacks for her uncle's lunch. It takes FOREVER to shop w/ her, but it is totally worth it. I love that she asks all kinds of questions about the produce we buy.

I should have my progress comparison pics any day now from my trainer. I'll share them as soon as I get them.

Have a great night!

I've been feeling my visitor all day, I am very drained and achy. Luckily though come party time I didn't feel like eating much and kept it to two slices, then I had a small slice of cake, and amazingly talked myself out of a second glass of coke (my biggest weakness). Unfortunately, I didn't have time for any exercise today I was on the go constantly (I've been trying to collect and have faxed some of my medical records to another doctor plus have another copy for myself). Also trying to get ready for this party that I had no appetite for (I guess that was a good thing).

mj5 - That's awesome that you have a buddy to look out for you at the gym. Always good to have a "big brother or sister" type hanging around, to back you up :lol:.

Auty - Glad your feeling better. Prices can get you when shipping is put into gear. That happens here in Florida too (I suppose it gets ridiculous up there in Alaska though). The other high price deal is when it is out of season they have to ship it in from elsewhere (like another country or state) .

Day 3? yes I think, lol I have been sleeping so much that I cant keep up with my days.

I didnt meet my calorie intake today because of not feeling well, however I think it may balance out since I am not moving much, and certainly not burning any extra calories. I did drink muscle milk and actually like it, and it has a lot of protein and nutrients in it.

Kitcherella- lol I like that, "gold peppers". Awesome about going to the gym! I cant wait until I feel better and can move around!

Beverlyjoy- I hope you continue to heal well!

mj5- that is so awesome! You would certainly be an inspiration for people because you have met the challenge yourself! I think that would be great for you to do, and how rewarding would it be to help people!

Jinxy- Im sorry you weren't feeling well today, and good job on convincing yourself not to have more coke. I don't drink soda very often, but my drink weakness is tea, and since becoming a diabetic I have to seriously limit my sweet tea, I used to use splenda but then I heard it wouldn't help in weight loss and was actually bad for you. I have been looking into Stevia but I don't know much about it either. Unsweet tea just isn't the same!

I want to thank all of you for making me feel so welcome here, it really brings me a lot of joy to be able to read your posts and share my day with you guys. I already feel supported and feel like I can be more successful just because I have people to share this with! Thank you Thank you Thank you!

Jinxy--Ugh...I hate that drained, icky feeling. Hope you are feeling better. Great job at the party...even though you weren't feeling well. Yea, this guy (his name is Bo) has been wonderful. My very first day there he welcomed me and helped me a lot. I was SO intimidated being in the free weight room (he is pretty intimdating looking...he is HUGE, very well built and muscular and seriously the nicest guy EVER).

Auty--You are SO very welcome. I have been a member of this group for a long time. I struggled for a really, really long time. Almost a year ago (3/17/11 to be exact) I FINALLY found something that worked for me...and I haven't looked back. Sure, there have been times it has been hard and frustrating, but everyone here is so incredibly supportive it helps a lot. You can do this too. Thank you!!! I am really excited about it. I also think because of everything I have been through, I will be able to relate well to people who are struggling.

Back to kickboxing today. Can't wait! Then time with my niece, which is always fun.

Have a fantastic day!

Things are going well for me, still. I slept through the night without needing to take any pain meds. Grateful for that. I had to weigh myself - orders from the surgeon. To make sure I am not holding on to water. It looks like I've gained a couple of pounds. I won't worry about it - it may be water and/or food. It's all OK. I can't go crazy with food/scale now - just need to be cognisant of making good healthy choices.

I am not allowed to do any exercises or stretching right now. I go see the surgeon next week. I'll need the go ahead from him to start that again.

Thanks again for all of your kind thoughts and support. I appreciate it very very much.

Day 4

No exercise today but I have kept a temperature of 102 to 103 all day long I wonder what that did with burning calories. Hoping I feel better soon, getting a little discouraged that I am sick at the beginning of this challenge.

I was able to get closer to meeting my calorie intake today with the help of drinking ensure. I think I was only under by 200 or close to 200 calories.

Not much else going on, in and out of sleep.

I hope everyone has a good day :)

Hi chicks - yesterday I felt a little better than the day before. I am making slow progress - but, moving forward.

All the meds have made my tummy a little queezy. I have anti-nausea medicine which is helping. Today I am going to try to eat more healthful foods. Still they need to be lite-ish. No raw veggies yet - or spicy foods, or lots of fatty foods - or big meals. I was told to add these kind of foods slowly back into my daily plan. That's what I will do.

I am hoping that soon I won't need the heavy duty pain meds and can get by with tylenol. I am not rushing anything, however.

My dear little neighbor girls came over in their cheerleading outfits (5 & 7 years old) They did some cheers to 'cheer' me up. Loved it!

Once again... thanks for your positve thoughts, prayers and support.

I will try to get back for personals soon.

Hi everyone!

Beverlyjoy--So glad to hear you are improving. Your neighbors sound adorable! What cuties!!!

Auty--feel better!

It's my rest day. I am SO sore I am happy to have it. I am going to rest a bit, then study. Have a great day!

Day 6 I think, I told myself I would count the days until I got to a month to try to force myself into a new habit, I may be able to enforce the new habit but I have no idea if I will be able to keep up with the days.

I didn't post yesterday because I slept most the day, didn't even come near to meeting my calorie intake, and didn't exercise. I used the day to force myself to sleep as much as I could because I can tell that now my hubby is getting sick and he is a baby when he is sick so I need to be ready to handle that, poor thing, I cant complain though because he has been a saint helping me this past week!

Today was the first day I felt like doing any kind of exercise, and even then still didnt want to push it. I did 10 minutes on the elliptical machine, and then around 15 on the WiiFit, not to much but something.

I did okay on the calorie intake, not my strong point. I am comforting myself in not going over, and still finding ways to fill the gaps.

2 new things I did today was I made Tomato Barley Dill soup. I used one can of Campbell's tomato soup (low sodium), 1/4 cup cooked barley and added dill to it, I was surprised that it was actually really tasty and the barley really added to it. I also made Quinoa for the first time and was really just unsure on what to do with it so I kept it simple. I boiled it and then added corn and exactly 1tbsp of butter, it was delish! I couldn't believe it. I made that with Salmon patties and beans. Something we have a lot of up here is fish, especially salmon. I am going to try to learn new ways to cook it.

mj5- thank you I do feel better!
Beverlyjoy- I am glad you are feeling better slowly but surely!

Thanks for your continued support!

Hi everyone! Hope you are all doing well! I have been struggling with this medication again, so I called my drs office again. Well, after a little back and forth (and the nurse calling me back because she felt so bad that I was feeling so terrible)...the dr discontinued it. I am SO happy! I'm sure it will take me a little bit to feel "normal" again...but the fluid retention has been out of control (like 12lbs!) and I haven't been sleeping. There is more...but those are the worst. I was only supposed to be on it another week and 1/2, so really I don't think it was going to make a difference.

I have my new strength training workout from my trainer. It looks tough, but fun. I will start it today. I have today off, but a busy day....both dogs to the vet, errands, food prep for my new nutritional plan (which looks yummy!), then lots of study time tonight...dh has to work late so I will take advantage of the quiet house!

I just received my new progress pics from my trainer, so I will share them. They are from 3/17/11 and 2/11/12. I have lost at least 113lbs, with the fluid retention, it is hard to tell how much more.

http://i969.photobucket.com/albums/ae178/marisfan/Mary20Jo20start-Feb20201220side20comp20pics11.jpg

http://i969.photobucket.com/albums/ae178/marisfan/Mary20Jo20start-20Feb20201220back20comp20pics11.jpg

http://i969.photobucket.com/albums/ae178/marisfan/Mary20Jo20start-20Feb20201220front20comp20pics11.jpg

Hi! I am doing OK. Starting to eat more things. I took it too fast... now I need to take it slow.

Somethings are wrong with my computer. I'll try to post.

Hello everybody!

I hope you are all well, I was sick but I am well now. My computer on the other hand, is slowly dying. I might have to replace and I am not looking forward to it at all. I am still doing fine and I am really happy with the gym.

Beverlyjoy - so glad you are doing well, take it easy - :getwell:
Mj - You are AMAZING. I can't get over the fact that your eyes look so much bigger now!! nice you are off the medicine, good luck with the studying :book2:
Auty - Bravo for exercising! one day at a time is fine! As for the salmon (which I love) I cut it in squares and put it on skewers with vegetables in between and it is great. Though I would suggest not using peppers ;)
Jinxy - I really hope you are feeling better by now - good job not drinking that second glass. I quit sugary drinks when I saw Jamie Oliver demonstrating how much sugar they actually contain. :eek:

Knowing is not enough; we must apply.
Willing is not enough; we must do.
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Take care

Beverlyjoy--Glad you are doing a bit better.

Kitcherella--Awww...thanks! I feel amazing! My husband was trying to find a "nice" way to point out that in my "before" pics I took up the entire door (from door knob to hinges) and in my current pic...you see the door knob, but only a "slice" of the door. haha..poor guy, he was stumbling all over himself...I let him off the hook. I know what he was trying to say :) Glad to hear you are feeling better!!! Hope you don't have to replace your computer!

mj5- WOW! You are certainly an inspiration! Thank you for sharing these pictures! absolutely. amazing. !!

Kitcherella- glad you are feeling better! lol I love green peppers and in the summer they are cheaper so I will eat as much as I can! haha

Auty & Beverlyjoy, glad you are both feeling better.
Auty, side note I've been doing exercise routines on the Wii Fit Plus, it is the one I've stuck to so far. Though I have been looking for alternatives to mix it up that are fun as well, since it can get boring day after day.

To Kitcherella :getwell: soon!

mj5, You look awesome! :congrat: and a very very good job you've done so far. I can only hope to one day accomplish that myself.



I'm feeling better my visitor has almost left the building. What I'm very happy about is that my weight has finally gotten over the hump that it was caught on :goodscale. I really can't wait until I get a counter to really see how far I have come. Only a few more days I guess until that happens.

Good Morning! Wow...definitely feeling my new workout from yesterday, but in the best possible way, of course!

Auty--Thanks! I have to say...taking that first set last year was horrible....but SO glad I have them now :) I have to say...I bought a green pepper yesterda (it was 1.99) and I thought of you!

Jinxy--Thank you! Yes, you CAN do it!!! Definitely a good idea to mix it up...not only because it gets boring, but good to keep your body guessing. Glad you are starting to feel better!


Zumba and Body Fit for me tonight! Have a great day!

Good Morning!

Beverlyjoy--How are you doing? Kickboxing tonight! Can't wait! There isn't class tomorrow :( but that's because there are fights tomorrow night and my instructor is fighting. THAT is awesome! I am taking one of my nephews. We went in October (and watched her first fight, that she won, of course!) and it was SO much fun!!! He even took my phone and made a little video of her fight. It was so cute!!! He copied it to a dvd and made me promise to give it to her (which I did). She loved it.

Hope everyone is doing well. :)

Hi friends.

My appointment with the surgeon went well. He gave me the go ahead to drive, do some gentle stretches/a little core/walking more, to try to eat different foods (& see how it goes) and get out do more 'stuff'. I told him that I am so tired. He said... 'you just had two surgeries in one day'. Your stamina will come back. Over all he was pleased. I am grateful for that.

I got up today and have made a plan. I can't go too spicy yet (I don't think)... so I"ll ease into those things. Actually, my stomach has been kind of queezy. I've had three glasses of water. I think I am on my way. I'll let you know how the exercising goes.

Soon we will go visit my family. My Grandson just had his fifth birthday. I can't wait to see them. We are expecting a girl being born into our family in April. I call her Little Pink. It will be so nice to all be together.

Thanks for all of your encouragment, friendship and wisdom.

Have a great day. Be kind to yourself.

PS... my computer is working today. I don't know from moment to moment. I'll have to address that. I am glad I can post now/today.
__________________

I don't know what day I am on ha-ha I knew this would happen.

Today was really tough! Its the closest I have came to meeting my calorie limit for the day and I felt like I could eat myself into oblivion a few times today, and even thought of giving up just so I could! I don't know, maybe my monthly visitor is upon me. I sure hope there is a reason for feeling this way. I loaded my plate with broccoli for dinner to try to fill myself up, and I do feel pretty full right now, not to the point of misery but almost.

Going to spend some time on the treadmill and maybe the elliptical this evening. Nothing big but maybe enough that I wont feel bad for having some hot chocolate this evening.

Hope everyone is having a good day!

1) Goodmorning!
2) All is well here (apart from the computer but nevermind - problems that can be solved with money are not that bad)
3) three new things this week -a) roasted cauliflower - cut in small pieces, put in oven with a bit of olive oil and then add lemon and anything else you might enjoy b) buffalo yogurt - lower in cholesterol and lighter taste. c) calamari with wild rice. All unexpectedly nice.
4) Mini - goal accomplished :carrot: I am 99 kilos no longer a three-digit number!
5) Ready for a nice,long weekend as Monday is a holiday here. :)
6)and a quote.Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishment. Jim Rohn


A great weekend to you! Kisses to all!!! :val1:

Hi chicks: Yesterday was a healthy day. I did eat foods from all the different food groups. I didn't do well with a fresh apple. So, I'll stick with applesauce for a few days. Today I am planning to do my stretches. I accomplished some of my healthy living goals planned/measured/logged food, lots of water, left a bite, took a few deep breathes before each meal/snack, went to grocery & picked up a few healthy foods, and did some extra dustng & moving. I am still really tired, but, the doctor says I'll get my stamina back as time goes on.

DH and I are taking it easy this weekend. Works for me.

MJ - I LOVE seeing your pictures. Wonderful progress. How fun to take your nephew to the match! Some day I am going to do zumba too.

kitcherella - I love roasted vegetables. Such a tastey way to get in more veggies. Happy dance in honor of two digits!

jinxy - that darn time of the month weight is frustrating. Hang in there!

auty - I am glad the extra brocolli helped you get through a tough time.

Thanks everyone for your support.

Hi! I have an appt for a massage this afternoon and I sooooo can't wait. It's a deep tissue massage and my muscles are so sore, it will feel soooo good.

This morning I ordered these cute little 10k charms for my friend and I that are walking a 10k together April. I can't wait to give it to her!

Auty--Hope you are feeling better. How was the treadmill and elliptical?

Kitcherella--CONGRATULATIONS for reaching your mini goal! That's awesome! YUM! I love roasted cauli. I usually roast broccoli and cauliflower together. So good! I like it with lots of minced garlic. Enjoy your long weekend.

Beverlyjoy--Sounds like you are doing fantastic! Take your time, it will take time to get your strength back. Thank you! It will be fun. He is SO super excited (me too!)




On Monday I have my pre-op testing first thing in the am, but I took the whole day off. I'll get to the gym early, go for a nice long "training" walk and have some study time.

Hope you are all having a great weekend!

Today was way better than yesterday :)

A lot of new things today to make this day a good one. First new thing was I started a new exercise plan, or I should say added one. I wanted to do the "couch to 5k" thing because I would love to be able to jog outside this summer so I did the first workout for it, but I have to do the treadmill version right now since I don't think I can jog on the 6 inches of ice and snow covering our road right now. It was actually fun, a challenge for me for sure just starting out but fun, it really helped make the 30 minutes on the treadmill go by a lot faster than if I was just walking bored.

Today was also the first day that we have eaten outside of the home for a meal since I started this. I was kinda nervous and was worried about going over my budget but it was honestly easier than I thought it would be. I ate more calories than one meal should regularly have (850) but I didn't go over my limit for the day (1700 right now) and I was able to not starve the rest of the day for that one meal. I did have to make some sacrifices, and there were some things on that menu that I really would have LOVED to have but I want the weight-loss more. I don't understand the net calories thing, I try to stay in my food budget but if I add exercise and the calories burned to my calorie counter then it says to me *you can consume 300 more calories today* so I get a reading of *Daily calorie budget - Food calories consumed - Exercise calories burned - Net Calories so far today - Calories left to consume* Is it really that easy to just burn 200 calories so I can eat 200 more calories? Makes sense but then I feel like the work I just did was pointless.

I was able to fit in an old pair of jeans comfortably today, I went from a 24 to a 22. I was pretty excited about it because I loved those jeans and was sad to retire them to the closet of "can't wear anymore.

I got a wrist heart monitor and an exercise ball(have no idea what I am doing with that one) but I am hoping to learn those too.

Kitcherella - Good job! and roasted Cauliflower sounds delish!

Beverlyjoy and mj5 - Thanks!

Good Morning!

Ugh...I had a post all typed and my computer shut down...grrr! I'll try to come back later and retype it.

Have a great day!

Hi chicks - the past couple of days have contained healthy food in healthy quantities --- I am grateful for that.

I had the willingness to plan/measure/log my foods, deep breathes before each meal/snack for centering, slowed down some, read my helpful information, did some journalling, lot of water and more. The doctor gave me the go ahead for some gentle stretches -- I did them in my back and legs but, I could do any core/abdominal things as it hurt. In time.

Today I must get my glasses fixed.

MJ - when is your surgery? You've got a wonderful attitude. Carry on.

Auty - your treadmill to 5k is a wonderful goal! Good for you...staying within your daily calories despite eating out. You are making it work! Carry on.

Hi everyone! Hope you are doing well!

Beverlyjoy--your recovery is going well and you are doing awesome! My surgery is 3/6. I have to be there at 7:15am...that's EARLY (since it is an hour drive)...BUT...I'd rather get there and get it done!

Workout done...time to spend some time studying.

I fell off the horse a few weeks ago. Spinach salad for dinner tonight and the first weigh-in in a while tomorrow. Wish me low numbers :^:

Hi everyone, thought I should give an update on myself since it has been a while.

My weight is going back up, I'm not doing anything different, calories are the same, and I'm exercising almost everyday (I take two off days a week, today was an off day because of my back and tiredness). Only thing that I can think of that is different is that I have introduced Pita bread into my diet. But then again this could just be a PCOS thing again. This is one of the reasons I stopped trying to lose weight last time my weight would go down then got back up. It's like I'm banging my head against a brick wall (we all know how well that moves against any body part ). I'm kinda depressed over it right now :( , it's so frustrating. *sigh* I don't want to quit though this time, I've quit so many times before...I gotta be stubborner then my body I guess.

Today was a good day, the scale isnt moving, Im not going over 270 and Im not going below 267, its just not moving but I have to walk away from it and not let it bring me down.

I started workout number 2 on the C25K program. I am taking it slow and doing each workout twice, so it should take me 54 days or around 2 months. I am really hoping this works I would really love to run outside this summer, so many people around here do. It also helped a lot that my husband started the program today too :)

I made a pretty good smoothie today. My doctor recommended protein bars to me but I cant get past the texture and bland flavor of those so I have been getting most of my protein from muscle milk (powder to water version). Today I added it to 3 cups of fruit and water and had 2 cups of the smoothie and my husband had the rest. It was actually nice and only around 200 calories.

Still trying to eat through the unhealthy foods that we have at smaller portions but finding it easy to replace with foods that are better. I read somewhere that people with PCOS have trouble with gluten so I may try to decrease the amount of that in my diet, it would be a huge challenge to eliminate it so I don't know if that will happen.

Still finding it easy to stay under the 1700 calories a day, but may talk to my doctor next time I go in about how I can up my weightloss with the PCOS.

Mj5- I hope your appointment went well today!

Anya- Wishing you low numbers! welcome back!

Jinxy- I feel your pain and understand it. I have no idea how to tackle this PCOS thing and its pretty discouraging, honestly I feel sometimes that its the only thing that discourages me. I sometimes get the feeling of "why am I even trying if its not going to do any good" I just hope my will wont run out before the PCOS decides to move over and show me some results. Its possible, it has to be people have done it, we just have to have faith that we will find "our" way. Keep up the good work and I'm not going to say "dont get discouraged" because thats easier said than done, but if and when you do get discouraged just come and talk about it. :hug:

Auty, I've twice bought one of every protein bar I could find and I found a couple I liked, but they've got so much sugar in them. The ones I liked had a white coating, I think yogurt flavored. One was cinnamon somethingerother. Reminded me of somethingerother from my childhood. With my precise description I'm sure you'll have no trouble finding it :) Very tasty, but essentially candy with protein.

Anya- Lol then maybe the reason I didn't find any that I liked is because I have to have the reduced sugar ones. I think that is also why I prefer the powder, it has only 2g of sugar per serving and I can add it to fruit. Im not really a big sweet eater and when I do want something sweet I prefer fruit. I tried glucerna bars once but they are pretty expensive, so for now this works. I had one bar that I liked the taste of once, but the texture was crumbly and dry and I really couldn't get past that, and then there was a chocolate graham one that was ok but it seemed like I had to chew FOREVER, my jaws literally got tired.

I ate healthfully yesterday. My food changed - nothing healthy sounded good. But, I managed to eat healthy things even though my food changed and went in different directions. I am grateful for that.

I did weigh today and it was 203 - it's where I was towards the beginning of February. I am fine with this - I didn't know how it would go after abdominal surgery a couple of weeks ago.

I accomplished many tasks: measured/logged all food, lots of water, journalling, deep breathes before eating, no seconds, most often left a bite and slower.

I need still need to work on eating only when sitting down.

It's important that I eat healthy food now. The first five or six days after surgery all I ate was soda crackers, lots of graham cracker, jiuce, applesauce, toast, etc. I don't know why - I tried to eat walnuts then. WRONG - not the right thing after gallbladder surgery. At my follow up appointment my surgeon said I can start to eat anything I want. Not a good thing to say to a compulsive eater. He did, however, say to watch the fat until my body gets used to digestion without my gallbladder. I am able to eat new things everyday

Have a great day.

Hello Everyone,
This is my first real post on this site. I am determined to lose weight this time around. I have set 1500 calories as my target for a day. I have started a sensible walking plan. I do 45 minutes of supervised activity for my heart. I feel composed and ready. I just need a place to share and hopefully celebrate. I am always looking for ideas to spur me along. So I hope to make new friends here and get on with the project. Thanks for letting me read all your thoughts. That was a big help!!!

Hello all!
Thank you for your kind words and support. I am still 99 despite drinking and eating more the last few days. I ate out twice and went for a drink with friends. But I kept all other meals clean and healthy, water as usual and went to the gym. I also try to walk as much as possible. I hope March will be a great month for all of us!

Beverlyjoy - You seem to be doing fine, bravo for accomplishing so many things. :cp:
Mj - good luck with your surgery, how was the fight?
jinxy - keep at it, you will get there - every day a clean slate
auty - brilliant you started c25k :cp:
Anya - I hope you saw a low number
luc1313ky - :welcome:

Hi everyone! Ohmygoodness...work has been SUPER hectic...just trying to get things ready for next week when I'll be off. Hope you are all doing well. I've been kinda stressed...just a lot going on at work, letting myself stress about surgery, stuff like that...My trainer sent me a message last night and he is going to call me later this afternoon. Just checking in to make sure I am ok. He is the absolute BEST!

My nephew and I had a fantastic time at the fight. My instructor lost, but she fought HARD. I can't wait to see her in class this week.


luc1212ky--WELCOME!

I'll check in over the next few days as I can...but next week, I'm sure I'll be here a LOT! Thank goodness for the laptop! :)

Thanks for the welcome. Gee, you all seem so positive and happy. I want to feel that way too!!!! I am considering today Day 1. I CAN DO THIS!!! I have a busy day planned. I will walk in a few minutes and then off to work this PM. It will all be good!!!!
Thanks again for taking me in.

Its been a few days since I have posted but I am still staying on track :)
The scale isn't moving down but it isn't moving up so I am being patient and just trucking along.
Its a challenge to get through the day without wanting to eat all the time, I don't know if that will ever go away but I can hope.
I made my favorite meal last night, spaghetti and it was a learning experience. I didn't make garlic bread because I knew I would want to eat it in excess and I also exchanged the regular pasta with qunioa pasta. We also used the leanest hamburger we could find 95% lean. It was tasty, but I did miss the garlic bread but its something I think I can give up for the treat of spaghetti once in awhile.
I have been cooking a lot more, something my husband enjoys :).
I also really like the "high" I get after exercising. Its getting easier to exercise and I am enjoying how I feel after completing a workout for the c25k program.

luc1212ky- welcome!

I hope everyone else is having a good week!