Support Groups - Secret Handshake

Introduction:

For several months, three of us supported each other in the Exercise forum, and then a couple more joined in. We are a very small and close-knit group of intelligent, motivated people at different points in our journeys. Each of us is focused on exercise, whatever form it takes, as well as overall good health.

We want to keep this group small, so we can give quality attention and support to one another, not only in achieving our fitness goals but in our lives as well.

HELLO, you guys!!! Welcome to the new thread! :wave:

I posted my last update on the old thread, along with the link to our new home. I can't wait to see you guys in the new digs! ;)

:balloons: :dancer: :balloons: :dancer: :balloons: :dancer: :balloons: :dancer: :balloons: :dancer: :balloons:

YEAH SARAH! MAKING THE SECOND GOAL IS AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Congratulations! I am so damn proud of you. I would love to give you a great big hug but since I cannot I'll have a glass of wine and cheer your success instead! :cheers: YEAH SARAH!
I'm getting teary eyed I am so damn proud of you! Just get yourself feeling better! Tell Lorraine no cigarettes near you! How is her new jobby job by the way?

MY update - Well I have been on target with 250-300 minutes of exercise this week. I just got back from helping my friend move for the 3rd time today but she is my longest oldest and pregnant friend...so how can you say 'No' :shrug: 3 hours of lifting and hauling and sweating!!!

I have been doing the 250-300 minutes a week for 12 weeks now and logging in my food for about 6 weeks and I have lost a total of 1 pound. So I am little (okay alot :mad: ) frustrated. I making an appointment with a nutritionist but any other suggestions - I am ALL ears. I may try the Body for Life program because it is a different pattern of eating that I have never tried and maybe with my metabolism, body type I will try it. I am eating between 1300-1600 calories a day depending on exercise and everything and I am LOGGING my food. Did I ever thank you for that suggestion of DIet Power Sarah? Because if I didn't - THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! I tried the Weight Watchers Way and hated it but I hated Weight Watchers too....that's another story for another time as are alot of others I am sure ;) .


Gen how are you? Way to keep pressing on with the running! :bravo: on not eating any baklava because that may have been the ONLY thing I would of ordered :devil:

I am digging the new thread. The title -eh yanni - we can figure out as we go on.

:wave: to Lynne and Candra. I will check in tomorrow.

Quote:
Elegance is refusal. -Coco Chanel

be well.

:lol3: Summer :lol3:

i just knew it...sarah, you would reach your 2nd goal in no time! :bravo: :cp: :cb: :strong: :hat: :doh: oops how'd he get here?? :dancer: :goodvibes :twirly: :queen: :drill: :yes: :balloons: :barbell: :bubbles: :cheers: :cheer: :tread: :goodscale

do you think it's a little overkill?....naw... you deserve it. way to go.
so i guess that means you will back to the crossbow?? sure it does.
and i don't mind the name at all...i was teasing :o
if summer doesn't like it she can change it :devil: . i will just follow along.

well summer the plateaus are hard. i don't know anything about fit for life. i don't know any answers but i thought up a few questions you can think about.
let's see do you want to change your diet up a bit? how about your exercise? i don't know what you eat but since you're using the powerful diet power you have an idea. is your weight loss goal manageable, do you go over your calories (i do often :o ) are you sticking to your fat, carb, and protein % goals, with not too much sugar? what did you set them at? are you getting the right amount of vitamins and minerals? maybe you need more lean protein and less carbs? or maybe it's less fat you need?
ok next...exercise
i know you play tennis, walk fenway and it seems that lately you've added some new workouts. i know tennis can be pretty intensive but there's a lot of stop and go so maybe your heart rate is not elevated for a long enough continuous time? :shrug: is it possible to add an intensive cardio workout. like jogging or biking or an aerobics class once a week? a little change up and jump start...something to shock your system a little. something measurable so you can improve and see the improvent every week or two like distance or speed or time? you know what i mean??? arg...eloquence is not my forte
my sister is having the same problem and i'm trying to help her but we're not having great success. she e-mails me her food everyday and i enter it into my dietpower and tell her the good and the bads news and what she has to do and all that.

i went swimming today. 35 minutes, 24X18metres. it's not easy i tell you. but it felt good.
will i go jogging tomorrow if it stops raining? did i tell you about the 5k race in september? i asked my mom-in-law if she would do it with me and she said yes. she can jog for a long time though, been doing it for a while. i think it will be fun.

happy weekend ladies
good health to you both (and that's to you too sarah)
:queen: :queen:
gen :queen:

Sarah, fantastic job, what an accomplishment!!!!!! Yea to you. Keep up the good work. I would type in all those little pictures, but I don's know how.

Summer, how long have you been on your plateau?

As for me, well, I had lots of computer promlems for the past 3 days and lots of company... what an excuse not to exercise as much and eat with my guests.

However, I really feel the not logging in hury me the worst. I felt motivated when I was logging in for those few days. Well I am back and will keep on coming back.
Thanks to all of you. Lynne

welcome gretchen to our little group. happy to see you here lynne.
today is lazy day, last day of weekend, tomorrow will feel like vacation time when i don't have to get up and go to work and see all those wonderful, well behaved, always happy, cheerful children. i will miss them dearly for the next two weeks :lol3:
nothing to report, all's well

gen

Ok, guys -- this is going to be a quick one, with more to follow tomorrow.

Summer, Gen, and Lynne: You guys are simply wonderful. Your support is so important to me, and I can't tell you how much it helps me and makes my life better. I thank you from the bottom of my heart. :grouphug:

Summer: Plateaus are ugly. There is just no getting around it. It's so hard to keep putting in the effort, and not get that little bump of energy that comes from seeing quantifiable results. You know, though, that this condition will not last forever. It CAN'T, with the amount of effort that you're putting in. I'd like to help you if I can, but I don't really know the specifics of your current nutritional plan. I would find it really helpful if you could share an overview........then I could give you some feedback that I think would apply to your situation.

Gen: I'm so excited for you! This vacation business sounds very nice indeed. I think I've heard of this thing you call a vacation, but I'm not sure I'm really clear on this concept of "two weeks." Could you clarify? ;)

Lynne: I'm really glad that you returned. It's all a learning process, you know? Now you know that what you get here has a valuable place in your plan for wellness and good health. What a good thing to have learned! So what's your plan for the week?

Candra: You around? Hope things are going well with you. :)

I go back to the doctor next weekend; until then, here's my plan for this week:

Monday: 20 minutes cardio (treadmill or bike)
Tuesday: Off
Wednesday: 30 minutes cardio (treadmill or bike)
Thursday: 20 minutes cardio (treadmill or bike)
Friday: Off
Saturday: 45 minutes cardio (treadmill or bike)
Sunday: 45 minutes cardio (treadmill or bike)

It's not where it should be, nor is it where it was....but it's definitely progress. I'll didn't designate HIIT or LSD because I'm going to play that by ear. Right now I can't imagine doing HIIT cardio yet, but you never know. As for treadmill vs. bike, I'm going to play that by ear as well.

More anon.

:)

sarah it works like this. i work and work. and then i get two weeks off. thats fourteen days, a fortnight if you will. during this period i DO NOT go to work at all. even on weekdays. for full time employees who have been working for a minimum amount of years this is the LAW of the land. this is a holiday really, a vacation may imply that i am actually going away during this period and not staying in my home. this is not the case however. at the end of this two week period i do have to return to my regular working schedule however unless i get fired during said period in which case i get a much longer holiday which i may have spend out of my home, in a cardboard box perhaps, so then it may be termed a vacation.okey dokey. :p
sounds like a good week of exercise. now i'm only going to ask one more time then i'll shut up about it until you give the go-ahead. what about the crossbow?
keep up the good work summer, chin up. we'll figure this out.

tomorrow i'm going to the gym with my sis and a friend who is going through a hard time. it should be fun and good for her. we've been friends for almost 30 years and has had the hardest life of anyone i know.
i want to be really good about eating this week (today started off really good but then....) to bring this weight loss thing up a notch. ok tomorrow will be on target and clean. hold me to that please :^:

have fun tomorrow all
gen

Good Morning everyone,

Gen, enjoy your two weeks off. Are you going anywhere special? Or better yet, enjoy staying home and not going to work or any "have toos" :stress:

Sarah: thank you for the encourangement. I am glad I learned the lesson quickly how important you all are to me and my achievement

My Plan with week:
Monday: minimum 20 minutes of the Firm tape
Tuesday: 20 minutes of Pilates
Wednesday: minimum 25 minutes Firm Tape
Thursday: 20 minutes Pilates
Friday: minimum 25 minutes Firm Tape
Saturday: 20 minutes Pilates
**Take a walk on the beach after supper each night about 25 minutes (when the humidity breaks)

Enjoy your day, stay focused, breathe, smile, be grateful for where you are today.

Lynne

Good day, my friends! Well, right on the heels of getting such enormous support and loving care from you guys in response to my having hit my second goal, I'm going to announce that I'm now another pound down, putting me at the 50-pound point. Woo hoo!! :cb: :cb:

Lynne, sounds like you've got yourself a good plan there! Great job mapping it out -- now on to execution! (That was as much for me as for you, since I'm getting back into the swing of things now after the breathing-related time off.) Have you ever heard that expression, "A failure to plan is a plan to fail?" Well, when it comes to weight loss, I believe that with every fiber of my being -- it has been through planning that I have made any progress at all. I swear, if I didn't make a plan for my eats and exercise, I'd end up eating crap and sitting still! :dizzy:

Gen, thank you for elaborating on those vacation/holiday-related concepts. Fascinating stuff. I believe I might like to have one of those sometime myself! ;) Maybe I need to move to Canada. Hey, now there's an idea!! :idea: Eureka!! Then I could marry the woman I've loved for almost 6 years, not ever worry about having health care or living in a safe and clean environment, and not have to live with the knowledge I , like a large portion of the world, hold my country's administration's wisdom and policies in question. But I digress.... :soap:

Summer, hope all's well with you, and that you're keeping your chin up and muscles flexed! I really thought that Gen had some great questions and ideas in her post about your plateau a couple of days ago. I'm really interested in hearing more about your diet, but off the top of my head not knowing the particulars of your eats, I'd suggest smaller, more frequent meals (5-6) and limiting yourself to low-glycemic carbs, drinking gobs of water and really limiting your sodium intake, really watching your fat and keeping it to a max of 25% of your calories, and then finally maybe increasing your (lean) protein percentage slightly, to outweigh your (complex and low GI) carb intake. I really believe that with all of these components and the great exercise you're doing, you can't help but see some movement. Another thing might be to limit your carbs in the evening, consuming the bulk of them earlier in the day -- when you need the energy to sustain you during your more active times. What info are you getting from DietPower? (I'm VERY glad you're enjoying the program, by the way. When I've recommended it to others, they've been disinterested -- perhaps they're deterred by the cost -- but I really think that paying the price of dinner for two is completely outweighed by the benefits the software provides. But I'm preaching to the choir, so I'll shut up. :zip: )

Hey Summer, A thoutht has just occurred to me :idea:
How hard would it be to NOT to weigh yourself for 2 weeks and go strickly on how you feel? This would be hard for me, I weigh myself alot, bad habit, but just a thought. Keep up the good work, DO NOT GET DISCOURAGED, IT WILL HAPPEN.

Lynne

Hey ladies! :wave:


The Plan of Attack for the week:
Sunday: NOTHING
Monday: Walk Fenway at least 20 minutes and Yoga for 30 minutes
Tuesday: Tennis for 60 minutes, walk Fenway for 30 minutes
Wednesday: Walk Fenway for 30 minutes, Pilates for 30 minutes
Thursday: Walk Fenway for 30 minutes and deal with my family (believe me it's exercise)
Friday: Tennis for 60 minutes and walk Fenway for 30 minutes
Saturday: Yoga for 90 minutes and gardening.

Lynne - I like your plan of action. I find starting is the hardest part but once you get going you feel all the better for it. I do most of my exercise in the morning and I am not a morning person :tired: in any sense of the word! but I do it because it gives me energy that I otherwise might not have and time to see my husband when he comes home.

Gen- have fun on your vacation - whatever you may do or not do! :lol: I like that you are mixing up the exercise. I love swimming. My mother used to say I was born with fins. I used to be a competitive diver until I blew out my knee and my sister was a champion swimmer in backstroke. I still love :love: to swim.The smell of chlorine gives me good memories...strange,n'est-ce pas?

Sarah :encore: bravo on the 50 pounds! Keep it up. You are such a role model for me regarding this stuff.

Wow! Lots of great questions on my plateau - That makes me think as well. :chin:

I am trying to keep the chin up. I am still exercising. As with Tennis my husband I continually play and volley and get all competitive but not too many matches with the serve and volley. We just keep going until all the balls are no where near us and then we start again.

As for my eating I have no problems changing it up a bit - it is the learning how and getting into the habit of but I am willing! My Diet Power says I am usually on target with my fat (between 20 and 30%) I can do better with protein and certain vitamins - that much I know! I do not go over calories or if I do I have banked calories so I can do that - especially with weddings and showers this summer. To be honest I get all confused with food :stars: because I have so much info in my head and some of it is probably not true.

I need to find some different exercise to put a shock into my habits - you are right- but no jogging my knees will hate me for a long time. Some times I jog with Fenway...but it is more like he pulls me along! :yikes: Not the best Kodak moment for me.

Lynne I like your idea about not weighing my self for 2 weeks - I will hide my scale - out of sight is out of mind. ;)

Thanks for all your input and questions! Keep it coming because you truly make me better.

Quote:
"A good head and a good heart are always a formidable combination."
-Nelson Mandela

be well.
:lol3: Summer :lol3:

hi ladies,

hope you all had an excellent day. i'm glad i went to the gym tonight because although i do it often i don't really like sitting around all day. i'm not good at make work projects for myself. i hope the cleaning lady comes tomorrow and doesn't leave in horror when she gets here. it's so awful i can't even stand it, i'm a slob it's true :o .
i ended up going to the gym with my sis, my friend couldn't come. i decided we needed to rev things up a bit so i added to all our weights. we haven't upped our weights since...well we just haven't. my sis is still paranoid about bulking. well we managed and then i realized something and said to her "you eealize we are supposed to be working out at this level of effort every time? i think we've been coasting." so we did upper body and crosstrainer for 30mins. it was the first time my arms were sore doing the crosstrainer so we must of been doing something right. tomorrow is legs and jogging, either on track or treadmill. i think i've lost some more weight but the scale is at my moms (at work if you will) so either i go over there in the morning before eating :rofl: or just go along till i go back to work. guess which one i'm more likely to do (hint: see guy laughing on the floor).

summer, sounds like a good week ahead. re your plateau, i'm just wondering if you are getting enough cardio? it's so hard to find something when you have bad knees. what about swimming once a week since you enjoy it. how much protein are you averaging? and sugar? are you getting enough fibre.
there's a tv show here called balance and today they had a guy on talking about increasing your metabolism. here's what he said (or some of it). stress causes your body to release cortisol which in turn causes you to store fat and crave carbs. anti-oxidants help to lower cravings, they are vit C and vit E among others and blueberries are full of them. chromium helps your insulin receptors work better, which then decreases fat storage and increases the metabolism of sugars in your cells. but too much can be toxic. you need iodine for your thyroid which controls so many things in your body, including your internal furnace. good foods: kidney beans, brown rice and wheat germ. that's it in a nutshell. ooooof.

lynne sounds like you have a good week of exercise planned too. when planning is followed by execution then you are a :queen:

sarah just keep being our inspiration. you are doing sooooo great. bravo. if you want to move up here don't forget your parka and igloo saw :p . i polled 30 million of my closest friends and we decided that we'd be more than glad to have you.

gen

Well, yesterday was a success, I exercised, I ate well. I am proud of me. One day behind me and another a beautiful day to focus on- today-

I hope you all have a wonderful, happy :lol: day

Enjoy your journey

Hello everyone! I've finally made it over here! I have heard such WONDERFUL things from Sarah about all of you ! She really thinks you girls are great and I am sure I will too!

Where to start: I'll formally introduce myself to you. I'm 28 years old 5'4", married to Jeremy and I have two dogs, Philly- a shish-tzu and Thome-an american bulldog, along with a cat Maddie! I work for a hospice provider as a Community Education Rep/ Admission Trainer and live in Central Pennsylvania.

My Journey with weightloss: Up until March 8, 2004, I was on a rollercoaster of dieting. Yo-Yo I guess is what they call it these days.. I've tried every fad diet you can think of and managed to get myself up to 225 lbs. I have never been a thin girl but today, I am happily in the midst of my weight loss journey with 64 lbs gone simply by watching calories, cutting out the sugary fatty food and exercise. I didn't think it could be so easy!

My goal for now is to reach 140 lbs. I am currently experiencing a plateau going on 5 weeks. I had a 1 lb loss last week but I think that I just hit the scale at the right time. I'm ok with this for now.. I keep moving forward. Ultimately, I would love to be around 130 or so.. We'll see where my body feels comfortable.

I will tell you that I am a positive person, and love to be a motivator. I do need a little motivation in the exercise department. Ever since my gym closed down, I've been struggling at home. I am hoping to remedy this as Sarah has said so many great things about the CrossBow! This week, I am ordering one for myself. I am pumped up! I am also hoping to get some suggestions from you gals on what to do for some "problem" areas I am dealing with. Specifically... the stomach region. While my stomach has gotten smaller I still have that lovely pouch. Under my arms... kinda flabby.. between the thighs... a little wiggily! What do you suggest??

I am pretty proud of myself considering this is the first time in my life I have really changed my lifestyle of eating rather than jumping on some fad diet for a temporary fix only to gain double the weight back.

I have gone from a size 20 to a size 12/13 I am wearing Juniors for the first time in my life. I haven't been this weight since 10th grade in highschool!!

Wow, this got a bit winded. I hope I didn't bore you to tears!! I am looking forward to getting to know all of you. I am also looking forward to your expertise.. You girls are kicken some butt yourselves I see!! What's your plan of attack?

Thanks again for allowing me to join your group. I am very excited.. Sarah is just wonderful, and I know she surrounds herself with like-minded people so you girls MUST be AWESOME!

I can't wait to get more involved here!

Cheers!

Gretchen, I am SO EXCITED to have you here!! Gee, I didn't know you had that betwen the thigh wiggly thing going on........who knew? ;) Jeez, you think you know somebody. :rolleyes: Just kiddin' punkin' -- I am so, so glad that you found us here, and that you posted such a lovely intro. (Gotta love the nice stuff about me too, Pal-O-Mine! ;) )

I didn't realize you were at this stage with the Crossbow!! That is so cool! Jeremy must have come up with a thumbs-up on it's soundness, etc......Yay!! :cb: Are you going to augment it with free weights? You know, I was talking about squats and lunges, etc... This is so cool!

That reminds me, I owe Gen a response on the whole topic of the Crossbow. Woopsie! Gen, sorry about that, I kept spacing on the response to your kind and caring nudges towards it; I am ABSOLUTELY getting back to it, I just wanted to fix the wheezing thing entirely before I went back to it, not only because I still have trouble breathing deeply, and that's kind of an important of lifting. Also -- and brace yourself for an ICK factor -- my one and only "regular" kitty litter box is located right near it, and I need to make sure the litter is clean and the area is odor free before I spend 45 minutes in the middle of it. Since Lorraine's been working, that means it's up to me when I come home from work, and whenever I do it, I start wheezing again, so I just don't think my lungs are where they need to be to work out with it THERE. But I definitely miss it, and I have NO uncertainties about getting back to it. I just need to take care of the bronchial crap first. Woowee, that took a while, didn't it? Sorry, might have given a bit TMO, but it's the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. Hey do any of you guys remember that theme song??? Man, it remains, for me, one of the rockingest theme songs I've ever heard!!!

Lynne, GREAT job on your OP day!!! Doesn't it feel great?? :D

Gen and Summer, I really appreciate your positive feedback on my little milestone! You don't know how far it goes to keeping me motivated and on track.

Gen, I'm glad to hear that you upped your weights -- sounds like you made a good call! I was lifting to failure most of the time, and, after upping the amounts, I was so proud to see my weightlifting capabilities increasing......I highly recommend it. And that information you shared with Summer about nutrition was AWESOME!! Thank you so much -- that's great stuff!! Hey, how's your DietPower performing these days? Are the troubles over?

Summer, I just really applaud you for staying positive through your plateau........are you measuring? I forget. As for cardio that doesn't hurt your knees: swimming, elliptical, biking (depends.) What about lifting weights? Have you considered incorporating some weight training, to focus less on overall pounds than on body fat percentage? Might be an interesting direction to take your body. You could still do your pilates, tennis with your hubby, and the yoga bootie thang, just augment with weights 2-3 days a week. I dunno.....food for thought!

Update on my exercise: I did my cardio tonight instead of yesterday, so I'm on track so far for the week. :)

Night, lovelies!

Gretchen, Thank you for sharing. Is the Crossbow a weight (type) machine. I think would definately help define and strengthen those mentioned areas.

Once upon a time (120lbs ago), I did alot of weight lifting and studing personal training to help me with learning more about weight lifting and cardio. I learned that weight lifting was one of the best ways to tone and define areas. It is very hard for women to bulk, :strong:

Good morning, actually afternoon here; :dizzy:

Gretchen, Thank you for sharing. Is the Crossbow a weight (type) machine? I think that would definately help define and strengthen those mentioned areas.

Once upon a time (120lbs ago), I did alot of weight lifting and studing personal training to help me learn more about weight lifting and cardio. I learned that weight lifting was one of the best ways to tone and define areas. Many women worry about the bulk. It is very hard for women to bulk, :strong: Therefore, do not worry about that. I never bulked and I lifted heavy weights, low reps, every other day. My personal trainer only recommended 2X a week.

Reommendations: Never begin with heavy weights, always hold a pelvic tilt to support your back, do not hold your breath, remember to breathe, inhale through your nose, exhale through your mouth, not fast, but controlled.

I cannot weight :lol: to get back to that.

Anyway, Gretchen best of luck to you with the Crossbow, let me know how it works for you. I currently just started back with using my Firm tapes. I am up to 25 minutes, which is better than nothing. I will return to my old exercise routine :strong:

I am looking for some advice myself. Living near the beach I have LOTS of visitors. Mostly family. Well, to them they are on vacation or away. Well they eat like they are on vacation and this makes it so hard for me. My brother, his wife and my mother were all at my house last night and they wanted to go out to eat, I chose not to. Trying very hard to stay in control. I stayed home with my son and nephew. They brought us all back an ice cream. I ate it... :^: I was not afraid of hurting their feelings... maybe I was afraid of being left out. I don't know. But my will power went right out the windo when I seen it. To top it off, I had no WW points left.
:( Help

I like the WW points, I am use to it and it is easy for me. What are some other programs or plans that others are following? Maybe a change will give me a little kick :kickcan:

Can't wait to hear from you all, stay positive. WE CAN DO IT, YES WE CAN!!!

Good Afternoon!

It is less hectic here today so I can actually write :write:

Welcome Gretchen to this wonderful and friendly group. :wave: I am trying to get the tummy (pouch included) tighter. As for underarms - I do tricep curls, pushups and yoga and they look good...gotta say! Thighs -again yoga and lunges, plies and pilates. Still a work in progress there. ;) My goal is to get to be 125 pounds and I am currently 149. I am 27 and have been married for around 4 years soon. We are thinking about a family but I want to be healthier and not closer to 200 when I am pregnant.

Sarah I am measuring and the tape has not moved in either direction - but my calves are .25 inches leaner! I thought I did alot of cardio - yoga is considered cardio, I have a few cardio-aerobic tapes (not my favorite :p ) and I have a nori-trac for the winter time. Weights would be good to add... you are right on that part - I know I need to lose body fat so I take your advice to heart.

Gen you had a good point about stress...I have so much of that :yikes: -Whereas I may not freak (because I am so used to it) out my body may. I am thinking about starting my own business because I am not in love with my job - I like it...but that is a long drawn out process right now. Why can't dark chocolate have anti-oxidants??? The information is useful - I will start looking into more vitamins and such - Thanks!

Lynne my Aunt lost tons of weight and frequently has guests and she has a shelf in the pantry just for them for snacks and such or she make kick *** hummus and guacamole or babaganouj to snack with chips, pita or veggies and when it comes to eating out she usually does appetizers - so she tastes not indulges. We (her and I) avoid chain restaurants like the plague. I wish I give you more advice but have no idea about WW anymore.

Speaking of food for thought...I'm hungry :hun:

Quote:
I have flabby thighs, but fortunately my stomach covers them. -Joan Rivers :lol:

from my favorite movie:
Life is a banquet, and most poor suckers are starving. -Rosalind Russell, as Aunti Mame

be well.

:lol3: Summer :lol3:

from my favorite movie:
Life is a banquet, and most poor suckers are starving. -Rosalind Russell, as Aunti Mame

be well.

:lol3: Summer :lol3:
Hey Summer -- no time for a big post now, but I guess I didn't mention that I was raised by Auntie Mame! I was raised (from the age of 5 months) by Marion Tanner, whose nephew was Edward Everett Tanner, pennamed Patrick Dennis. He based the character of Mame on his Aunt Marion, who was the person I called, "Mommy." She was FAR more interesting and together than the character, although she shared with Mame the important stuff: eccentricity, optimism, a completely unorthodox life, creative life decisions in NYC, a wonderfully open mind..... She was amazing. Remind me to tell you more, if you'd like! Oh, and Will Geer, her lover and a fine Shakespearian actor, was my godfather. I have a bunch of pictures from newspaper articles, and one of them is of Angela Lansbury (young and lovely) looking at a photo of me when she was visiting Marion while prepping for the role, which she went on to play (beautifully) on Broadway for years. And Rosalind visited too -- but hated Marion and was rude to her. (But she kicked in that role, didn't she??)

Holy :censored: I would love to hear more!
How cool is that!

hi summer,

i'm nat actually sure which is the good news and which is the bad news here. :p
so i hate to tell you but choclate does have anti-oxidants! and yoga could be considered a cardio exercise if it gets your heart rate up, so you would want to periodically check your heart rate while you are doing it. but yoga is great regardless. i haven't gone for a while the class doesn't really fit my schedule.

lynne, it's so hard sometimes when others around you are eating away and you feel left out or have to leave yourself out but it's important not to stop living. if they are going to a restaurant that you are sure has nothing good to eat suggest an alternative. but remember not every meal has to be the meal of a lifetime, have something healthy and focus on the conversation and fun. so eating the appetizers is a good idea. you can get a large salad with grilled chicken or shrimp or beef and the vinaigrette on the side (then you dip stuff into it and you end up using a lot less and still get the flavour), grilled veggies, an order of veggies and vinaigrette and an appetizer portion of meat like a skewer or small plate of chicken wings. if people are going to bring back ice cream either ask them to bring back some sorbet or just measure out 1/2 cup for yourself and put some fruit on top to make it a bigger portion. you can order something you like and ask for a seperate plate. then measure yourself a decent portion (since portions are soooo out of control) put the rest on the other plate and hand it back to the server. just don't stop living because you are more than your weight.
sarah, summer and i don't do ww. i don't much about it either. we bought a comp. programme called dietpower (sarah owns about 30% of the stock i think :lol: ) that tracks our calories and metabolism and exercise. there is a ww thread here though, you could check that out.

sat is our annual picnic for friends and family so i will have to put my own advice to the test. :crossed:

sarah that is really cool. i've heard of the movie but have never seen it. i'm going to check the video store.

i didn't work out yesterday. today is jogging clinic. 6min jog, i min walk X3 (i'm guessing). did i tell you about the 5k race in sept? going to sign up for that.
my appartment is so clean :cloud9: it's incredible how much cat hair and dust accumulates around here, i have to swiffer 5x a day to keep up! i'm thinking of having someone come in more often. this is just too good.

sarah, summer and i don't do ww. i don't much about it either. we bought a comp. programme called dietpower (sarah owns about 30% of the stock i think :lol: ) that tracks our calories and metabolism and exercise. there is a ww thread here though, you could check that out.

hey gretchen :wave:
have a good thursday all

gen

hi again,

the run went ok. i got some cramping so i stopped a few times to stretch it out and ran an extra four blocks at the end to make up for the time lost. on my way there i realized hey! i'm really hungry, i haven't eaten since noon and it's 6pm. i got those little stomach pains. so i didn't know how it would go. i was disappointed in the cramping because i hadn't had it in a while and did eat a banana :cb: in the afternoon, oh ok so i did eat since noon (that was breakfast by the way :lol: )

tomorrow is legs and crosstrainer

so wassup?

gen

Hey I havent posted in a while:wave:

Man school is staring in some weeks:( I hate school. I love to stay up reeeeealllly late. Then school comes ana then I cant. Hopefully this school year goes quickly.:) Well I did my exercise today.:cp: But I ahvent lost anymore weight. Im going to try a little harder. So I can get new smaller some clothes:) Wow everybody writes theese long big stories and all I write is a little paragraph.
:m::wave:

Ok, time to check in on how I've done on my exercise. So far I'm completely on track with my scheduled exercise. I've biked 4 times so far this week, no HIIT yet, but I was still able to keep up a good pace! Now I just have to hit again tomorrow, and I'll be at 100% for meeting my commitments for the week!

I've lost another 2 pounds, so I'm down 52 now! I would SO love it if I could knock another one off by Monday or Tuesday, so I could have a jump start on this Labor Day challenge I've got going. I'm supposed to reach 222 by September 6, and that's just over 4 weeks away. 10 pounds to go. You do the math. I'm trying to be realistic, but I have a feeling I can do it....I really do. Even if I don't, I'll still have progressed, so since I know it's a little on the aggressive side going into it, I'll be nothing but happy if I've shown good progress and have given it my all.

Candra, good to hear from you! I'm glad we didn't lose you! Great job getting the exercise in; since you want to lose weight, how's the food going? Do you track what you eat? Sorry to hear about the end of summer approaching -- but I'm sure it'll be good also to get back in the swing of things and see what kind of a summer everyone had!

Lynne, how's it going with you? Did you get answers to your WW and other plan-related questions? Did you come to any decisions about either sticking with WW or trying out something else? Yeah, none of us here do WW -- I have very little knowledge about the program. I've just heard that it works for some people and not for others! I think that's true for any program; you're just going to have to find either the program -- or combination of programs, like I did -- and then give it a good chance to work for you. It takes time sometimes to get the hang of it and settle into a groove. Keep us posted! What about the exercise? Did you end up calling any of your friends? How are you finding 3FC overall?

Summer, good job on the calves! I don't know if you're actually focusing on them, but just in case you are, another thing (in case you didn't already know about them) that's really good for them is doing standing calf lifts -- I'm sure Gen does these too -- you stand with weights in your hands and your feet below your hips pointed forward; then you just raise up until your own the balls of your feet. It's really effective at making them more shapely and tight, and giving you that little diamond calf when you're lean. I do them with my heels hanging off the back of the CrossBow base, so my heels are lower than my toes, and then I raise all the way up. I do it without weights, because I'm already heavy, and I'm looking for a range of motion in the exercise. I do 4 sets of 15-20, with the last set done to failure.

I hope things are going better for you in the plateau department. Have you shaken anything up yet in either your eats or exercise?

Gen, you are just my running HERO! I swear! I'm so proud of you, I really am. Did I read that it's important to have carbs before running? Could that be? Maybe you were just hungry? That crosstrainer sounds awesome!! I would love to have access to one of those, they sound GREAT! How did it go today with that and the legs? I love that feeling afterwards, don't you?

Gretchen, thanks again for your support with the drama at the other forum; having you know where I'm coming from really helps me to know I'm not out of my mind and overreacting to something that wasn't there. It's great to have you here with us! How's the exercise going this week? I know eats are great, and I know you've lost more, but I don't know anything about the moving of the :censored: . Did you and Jeremy order the CrossBow yet?

Hope you ladies are doing great!!! I'm feeling a little blue, just checking in, I'm going to go back try to do something productive.........Lorraine's sister and her kids are coming next weekend, and I'm going to do some detailing to prepare for the white glove! ;) Can't wait to hear from you all.

It is a bearutiful day, not too hot, not too cool. Well the beach was a little cool. Yesterday was pretty busy, but I was able to avoid the fast food places and did not over eat. However, I was not able to exercise. Unless I can add, running in and out of hockey rinks with two hockey bags, two sticks and goalie pads :lol: My son and his friend had hockey camp, then awards, then later a hockey game.

Today, well so far I have survived. I have had 16 people here today. We all had breakfast, I did not have lunch because we are going out to eat tonight. My sister inlaw is having another baby boy and my mother, my other sister inlaw and myself are taking her out to eat and we all bouthg a bunch of baby clothes and diapers and wrapped them up for her. Kind of like a mimi shower.

Again, I was not able to exercise, but have been running around since 7:30 this morning, football, the beach, chasing and playing with kids. Busy day.

Well I will check in tomorrow to let you know how well all of your advice worked for me tonight at dinner.

Keep up the great work and thank you for the support.

hi all,

today we had out annual picnic, a little thunder and rain and then it cleared up. good thing: i now know that you can put all that food in front of me, you know chips, cookies, cake, hot dogs etc. and i didn't even want to indulge. some years i would just sit at the table and talk and eat and eat and talk. but this year this is what i had 1 turkey hotdog, 1 hamburger with cheese, tomato, lettuce, some bean salad, three cookies and some watermelon. and 3 beers. the thing is i wasn't depriving myself, controling my urges nothing i just ahd what i wanted and that's what i wanted. the less you eat the stuff the less you want it, i guess i've changed my hunger triggers too. and i'm going to eat a chocolate bar later and enjoy it and that's it. i'm not trying to be sanctimonious or anything like that i just wanted to tell where i am with this thing right now. who knows maybe next week everything will change again? i know all too well what it's like to struggle but it sure is worth it!
then i did something i've never done before. i'm NOT the perky type but i got up and having noticed that no-one brought bats this year rounded people up for a game of soccer baseball. we played for over an hour and i was exausted and sore and it was great! that was definitely my exercise for the day.

sarah, you're my hero! when i read your post in the other forum i just wanted to yell I LOVE YOU for that. you have such a great way with expressing yourself in writing. i haven't responded because i'm afraid anything i say will be construed as either judgement and critical or sappy and insincere. i just want to support everybody in this forum and feel really happy that i found a place where everyone else is so supportive also.
good going on the bike and :bravo: on your continued loss. you are doing soooo great. i can't wait to hear your plans for next week.

lynne, sixteen people! ooof. focus on the company and the fun and not the food. and running around and playing with the kids can sure be a form exercise. you'll do great. hang in there.

candra, good to hear from you again. i never liked school either but it sure comes in handy later on.can you think of anything that would make it more fun this year? maybe some sprort or activity you could join? you couldn't pay me to join anyting when i was in school (too cool for that you know? more the smoking in the bathroom type) but i kinda regret it now. good going on the jumping! you could go old school and add some pushups and situps to that to work your arms and abs.

summer, what's up? hope you are having a good weekend and not worrying about the plateau, just a tweak here and there and it all sort itself out.

hey gretchen. it's funny, i responded to a post the other day about periods and it made me think of the book "are you there god? it's me margaret." and now i'm thinking that one of the characters in the book was named gretchen. that book and harriet the spy were my favorites. i hope you are having a good weekend too. glad you joined us.

btw sarah you are usually so right about so many things but now i have to say you are indeed wrong. :o i do not work my calves. tell if you think, and join in here anyone and anywhere else for that matter, if you think this is stupid but this is what i was thinking about my calves. they're pretty big (well i think so and i've been told "hey, you have big calves!") and hard so i thought why work them out? they will get enough work when i jog, crosstrain, squat and whatnot. i do no not want them, yes yes i know women don't bulk, to grow bigger by 1mm. so what do you guys think?

i had my bodyfat measured on one of those scales like you have sarah and it's 37.3%. i don't know what the margin of error on this machine is. does anyone know?

ok i've :blah: enough
take care
gen

Gen, I just wanted to post a huge thank you for saying what you did about that other thread. I've been feeling just so sad about it, and you really made me feel a little better. I have been feeling awful that I let myself get pulled into the whole childish, unpleasant mess, and then that noone else had a single thing to say about what I saw to be really obvious. A couple of people have PM'd me about not leaving, but they both said they were afraid of publicly posting anything supporting what I said. I also heard from one of the Maintainers who voiced support and invited me to make that forum my new home. I totally hear where you're coming from, I just think it's sad that people are afraid to post supportive words for fear of how they'll get interpreted. Behold the power of a bully! :( I shouldn't let her run me off, but I just don't have the inclination to wrangle with such a nasty person.

I really appreciate your kind words, and I really want you to know that you made me feel better. Thank you very much, you sweet friend. I sure am glad I have you for support! :grouphug:

Hey everybody! Again, Thanks for the warm welcome! Wow.. I have had quite a few weeks of a nasty plateau.. let me tell you! I am so happy to finally be past that.. I think so anyway! I am down 2 lbs this week. Today I did some cardio and later this evening I plan on doing some light weights. I have not purchased the CrossBow yet. I am teetering due to the fact that Curves is moving in .5 miles down the road. I KNOW that if I do the year membership it will be total motivation to go as much as possible. I don't know yet.

I am feeling so great today! Just really on top of the world. I had an excellent evening last night and today is off to a great start! I did my weekly measurements and my waist is down to a 32 on its way down too! I bought a size 11 dress on Friday and I'm lovin' that! Life is good.

I hope everyone is doing well! I plan to become more frequent 'round here. Sorry I have been kind of lax with posting. I am going to make it a point to get here more often. You girls certainly have the right attitude and support system goin on here.

Hope you had a great weekend.

Hey
I went off, well I didnt go off I just didnt reallly count my calories but I really didnt over eat. Im going back on counting calories. ^_^ Today was my day of rest for my exercise. :) I love to jump rope its good excersise too.And I have been doing some crunches and lifting some weights. :wave::m:

Good Morning to you all, :coffee:

Well I survived my chaotic weekend, we had alot of fun. Thanks for the support and advice from all. ;)

Sarah, I am sorry, but I am lost, I do not know what happened?? I guess I missed something along the way. I am sorry to hear that you were upset due to others responses :shrug:

Gretchen: :cb: :cb: :cb: :cb: :bravo: :cp: :cp: :dance: :dancer: :dancer: :dancer: :cheer: :cheer: :cheer: :cheer:
I knew you would get through it and you did with grace. I am so glad that you did not give up or into it. Yea for you.


Thanks everyone, I love this thread, everyone is great :) :) :) :) :)

Well, my first week, I lost 1lb. I will take it I did not have a plan or wrote anything down. I did not follow my exercise plan, either. I am looking forward to this week. I am definately more prepared.

Well, my plan this week is to alternate pilates and my firm tapes every morning before work. I have also written up menu plan for each meal for the whole week. I will be more focused.
also my son has gone away with my brother for 4 days :) :( I am looking forward to doing alot of work around the house: the lawn, cleaning closets, laundry, lots of work to be done.

Congratulations, Lynne, on your first pound lost!! VERY exciting! Now imagine what you're going to do with your new organization and focus! You're fully armed now to battle that fat, and I have every confidence in your ability to do anything you set your mind to. I KNOW you're going to succeed, Lynne!

Here's my update: I followed my exercise plan last week; this week is going to be a little tougher because I've got so much going on, but I'm going to do my best to stay on track:

Monday: Bike 30 minutes
Tuesday: Bike 30 minutes
Wednesday: Bike 30 minutes
Thursday: Bike 30 minutes
Friday: Bike 30 minutes
Saturday: Off
Sunday: Off

I've got to go to court twice this week -- 2 speeding tickets - zoom zoom :rolleyes: and I have a dentist's appt. after work one night, also with Lorraine's sister and thetwo kids coming this weekend, we're working at hyperspeed to get the house in showing order. She hasn't visited either of the places we've lived together (so she's never seen how we live together) and I am really feeling the pressure to impress her with a beautiful, inviting, and comfortable home. I want her to know that I have created a nice home for Lorraine.....so we had an enormously busy weekend hanging shelves and special lighting, etc., in our office -- we're still not altogether moved in after buying our first home together, and so while there's a lot of pressure on us right now to get it all together, it's at least spurring us into action to get it finally taken care of!

Summer and Gen, hope you guys are doing well.

Gretchen, nice to see you around these parts, and I know I've said it before, but congrat's on the size 11 and the 32 inch waist! Woo Hoo, hummina hummina, and all that.....as for the Curves membership, sounds great, provided you don't ever intend to lift weights. It's different from a regular gym. But some people really enjoy it and get a lot out of it!! It depends entirely on your fitness goals and how you want exercise to impact your body. I'm sure whatever you do will be great. Good luck with the decision!

Talk to you guys soon.

Merrick, I believe you're referring to this:

"I have been feeling awful that I let myself get pulled into the whole childish, unpleasant mess, and then that noone else had a single thing to say about what I saw to be really obvious. A couple of people have PM'd me about not leaving, but they both said they were afraid of publicly posting anything supporting what I said. I also heard from one of the Maintainers who voiced support and invited me to make that forum my new home. I totally hear where you're coming from, I just think it's sad that people are afraid to post supportive words for fear of how they'll get interpreted. Behold the power of a bully! I shouldn't let her run me off, but I just don't have the inclination to wrangle with such a nasty person."

This post contains Sarah's opinion of me as a person and relates to threads that have since been deleted. I was content to let it go, but have received numerous PMs suggesting I request this particular post be deleted as my posting history at 3FC in no way indicates me to be either a bully who has control of the board or a nasty person who runs people off. I feel people are entitled to their opinions, but in the interest of keeping my private message box controllable, I request that Sarah keep such comments to PM.

Thanks. I truly hope we can all move on.

Introduction:

For several months, three of us supported each other in the Exercise forum, and then a couple more joined in. We are a very small and close-knit group of intelligent, motivated people at different points in our journeys. Each of us is focused on exercise, whatever form it takes, as well as overall good health.

We want to keep this group small, so we can give quality attention and support to one another, not only in achieving our fitness goals but in our lives as well.


arrrrg. i've written and deleted, written and deleted, cannot get the words and tone right.
i want it to stop but if i don't respond i will feel i've gagged myself when what i really want to do is scream "get out!".
i know, i know, we are, in fact, posting in public. i see that many people read our posts and some have indeed posted their welcome suggestions and comments. we enjoy that, please don't stop. at the same time, i can't help but feel in some way, maybe misguided way, that this is our space. perhaps since i feel this way i should stick to personal messages, something truly private, but i wont.

here is something i wrote a couple of days ago but was unable to post:

"Ever since I met sarah here, one of the very first persons I have met, I have known her to be only supportive, kind and loving. I have also known her to be honest, brave and committed, with herself, with me and with anyone else to whom she responded. And not one to toot my own horn, (this is only from what she has said to me) I think she pretty much feels that I have returned her goodness in kind. We absolutely support everyone’s effort and understand that all our roads may be different, meandering through different pathways depending on challenges we each come up against. I suppose we were, quite independently, but I believe with a shared spirit, trying to give our own philosophical perspectives.

I wish everyone peace and health in mind and body and give a huge shout-out to all the amazing women and men here who inspire, support and motivate"

i ask, with no humility whatsoever, that this space be respected. please keep any disagreements in the threads and forums in which they originated.

now,
i'm off in two hours for the spa. woohoo. i'll be back tomorrow evening soaked, rubbed, scrubbed, kneaded, oiled up and ready to hit the gym!

gen

Gen, I love you and I thank you. I mean it.

I wish everyone peace and health in mind and body and give a huge shout-out to all the amazing women and men here who inspire, support and motivate

i ask, with no humility whatsoever, that this space be respected. please keep any disagreements in the threads and forums in which they originated.




That's a very nice thing to say, and I agree that this forum is filled with amazing people! That includes ALL of you :)

I would like to take this one step further and ask that any disagreements be left off of the forum as a whole, and not just confined to where they originated. We are one group with a common goal, and that is support and respect for each other during what can be a difficult process at times. The same guidelines that apply to the forum also apply to the PMs. There's no room for negativity, and it hurts our ability to succeed.

There's no reason to bring anything up from the past, period. Think of past disagreements like an extra slice of cake or pizza. There's nothing you can do about it now, so put it behind you and make each new meal (or post) a positive aspect of your lives, so that we can all succeed at losing weight and making our lives better.

Thanks :)

I have to echo Gen's statements

We are here to encourage each other and not tear each other down. We are all on a difficult path of weight loss/maintenance and need no more negativity then there is in our world. I ask that disagreements be kept out of this thread - this is not what we are about. Yes we may have differing opinions but it is respected that diversity brings us more not less.

If you are not here to inspire, help, listen or motivate - kindly leave. If you are here to be positive, empathize and motivate - you are welcome.

I do not want those in this thread to feel as they are not supported since that is our original pledge to each other. That is why I am seconding Gen's statements - we support here - anything else is not what we are about.

Respectfully
Summer

Now can we get back to what we are here for? How is everyone today?

Quote:
"An Eye for an eye and we all go blind." - Gandhi

Thanks Suzanne - I guess we posted at the same time.

Hey
I went off, well I didnt go off I just didnt reallly count my calories but I really didnt over eat. Im going back on counting calories. ^_^ Today was my day of rest for my exercise. :) I love to jump rope its good excersise too.And I have been doing some crunches and lifting some weights. :wave::m:
Hey Candra -- It just occurred to me that I didn't tell you that I'm happy that you're back on track with the calorie-counting! I thought it, but I didn't say it -- sorry about that! I know it can be a pain sometimes, but it just really helps out with keepin you on track -- after a while a lot of people just kind of go on auto-pilot, but that's after a long time doing it, and not usually while they're still in losing mode. I'm glad that you're lifting weights too -- that's awesome! Are you using machines or free weights or what? I have a CrossBow that I was using and loving it, and I'm about to get back to it. Jumping rope is supposed to be really good for you too, so it's good you have fun doing it! :D

Anyway, hope you're doing well and it was good hearing how you're doing!

I am sorry for bringing it up. I was completely lost in the mix. However, I still do not truely understand what is going, nor do I want. I can only state that Sarah was my angel and led around this site, she has always been supportive and kind with her words to me. As for Jillegal, I have never had a problem with you either. I am sorry this is happening. I agree with everyone else. That this site is only for good. :)

Again, I am sorry I asked. I hope we can go back to supporting, and caring about each other :grouphug:

Sarah, thanks for the inspiring words, and suggestions. I feel ready for this week, thanks to you and everyone else.

Please have a good day. :D

Good Morning :coffee:

Let's wipe the slate clean and start back to why we are here. Support, Inspire, Motivate and Listen. I love you ladies for that I truly do.

My bum is sluggish today. :tired: I consider getting out of bed exercise and I went to bed at 10 pm last night. Last week I ended up doing about 255 minutes of exercise a little short of the goal. So I am aiming for 270 again :strong:

This week:
Sunday: Nothing
Monday: Aerobics with weights (a nod to Sarah) and Walking Fenway - total of 60 minutes
Tuesday: Pilates and Walking Fenway - total 40 minutes
Wednesday: Walk Fenway and Yoga -120 minutes
Thursday: Walk Fenway and Aerobics with weights - total 60 minutes
Friday: Walk Fenway and Tennis (if no rain) - 90 minutes
Saturday: Yoga in the morning because I have a weding and my younger brother leaves for college :yikes:

I have decided I am going to see a nutitionist. I have no been a plateau for 12 weeks. Exercising between 250 and 300 minutes a week and eating within the calorie range I should according to diet power (1200-1300 calories) and I have banked calories for occasions such as weddings. :dunno: So before I pull out any of my hair and scream - I just need to talk to someone who is not as confused about food as I am.

Gen you running machine you! I am in awe of your hard work and that you are enjoying your exercising! How was the spa? how is the kitty holding up?

Lynne :cp: on the one pound. Take it a day at a time. You are doing wonderfully and just find exercise you find fun. (No, it's not an oxymoron...usually)

Candra kep up the exercise and counting! That is a great way to go! I'm glad you found something like jumping rope that you like to do - what a workout you must get! :tread: Are you on any other boards discussing this too - like the just for teens site?

Gretchen :bravo: on the new measurements and dress size! That would make my day too! I would dance the night away in that dress. I love Curves - I did that before I got married. One month I was the top loser! When I got engaged I was 5'2" and 176 pounds - I weighed more than my future DH! :fr: so with portion contol and exercise I was 140 for the wedding. I am stalled at 150 right now but I will eventually get to my goal of 125.

Sarah I hope your spirits are brighter and you are doing well today! How are you breathing? How is Lorraine and all the dogs and cats? (I am not missing anything am I?) Thank you for being such an encourager and a friend. I hope you are finding exercising easier this week.

Wow...long post....

Okay - I need more coffee :coffee2: before I really start to ramble.

Before I forget...When is everyone's b-day?

Quote:
"Most people rush after pleasure so fast that they rush right past it" - Soren Kierkegaard Either/Or

be well.

:lol3: Summer :lol3:

Summer,
I think you may not be eating enough, to fullfill the energy needed for all the exercise you do. That is alot of exercise. Your body, may be hoarding what it does get, to avoid starvation. When a person exercises that extensively, it needs, good calories to use as fuel. :strong:
You are doing a ton of exercise, not that, that is a bad thing, but feed your body girl.... :eating2:

Gretchen congrats on the new dress size, now all new clothes... :D :D :D
you gotta love that.

Have a wonderful day to everyone. :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

Hey there chickypoos! Ok, quick update tonight, longer one tomorrow!

I had my moment in court for speeding charge number 1 - this judge was no joke! She was uncannily like Judge Judy, minus the abuse! :lol3: Anyway, I did still get a break; long story short - she reduced the speed to 19 miles over the limit (20 in VA gives you a reckless driving charge, :eek: ) so I was understandably relieved! I'll go to some weekend driving school for a Saturday or two to get the points reduced. Yikes, next time I'll just wake up earlier.......alright, alright, I get it now! (Some of us learn harder than others, apparently!) So, one down, one to go. Friday's court appearance was one I requested in the hopes that I can reduce the fine and penalty (to no points.) What can I say? I like to drive fast! (I think it's somehow connected to my roots as a New Yorker -- not the driving, obviously :dizzy: , but the hurry up and get there part. It's a pace thing.)

Exercise is on track. *check* Eats are on track. *check* Positive attitude is on track. *check* Water's on track. *check* Life is good!

Lynne, I'm finding your advice to Summer very interesting. Summer, do you think there could be anything to what she's saying about your calories? In thinking of the amount of exercise you consistently perform, those calories are rather low. I'm VERY glad that you're investing in a visit to a nutritionist -- that's a wise investment in yourself. I'm glad you made that call. How about your inches and the fit of your clothes? Firmness of what you've got? It's a head-scratcher. :chin: (Chin, too!)

I sure do hope that Gen is having a luxurious, decadent and self-indulgent time getting pampered at the spa......:queen: she deserves every single moment of pampering and I hope she wallows in the pleasure! I can't wait to hear all about it!

Well, I'm trying to avoid the scale for a little longer, but I'm happy to say that now that Lorraine is consistently weighing herself, she is down now a known 12 pounds since I removed back in March when I removed all the heavy cream from the house! :rofl: It's a bittersweet pleasure for her, let's just say that.... ;)

Gretchen? Gretchen! Where are you, bud?

Candra, :wave: hope you're just jumping and jumping........and counting those calories too!

Later, lovelies!

Hey, Summer -- sorry, m'dear, I completely forgot to tell you how excited I am that you're incorporating weights into your routine. :yes: VERY good news!

hello ladies,

well that was indeed wonderful.
here's what i did. or i should say what happened to me.
we drove up the laurentians, mountains for some, hills for others.
on check in we were informed that we had been upgraded due to a mistake when booking the room. aaaw that's too bad. :lol:
after going to our rooms i went and did 1/2 hour on the crosstrainer while my mom lounged by the pool. took a dip in the pool but it was 90 degrees or something so that didn't last too long.
supper, bed (tv and then sleep for me)
up, breakfast and to the spa
1. sea salt scrub, harsh but good and facial mask at same time
2. shower off in one of those showers with all the jets (hydrotherapie is a big word for shower btw.) nice though
3. all over massage, feels good on those aching thighs (see crosstrainer)
lunch
4. steam bath with eucalyptus oil....mmm
5. pressotherapie...know what this is? i've done it before...it's better than it sounds. you lie down and put on these big balloon boots that go up to the top of your thighs. then, first one then the other they inflate and squeeeeeeze your legs from the toes to the top of thighs. and then while one deflates the other leg gets squeezed. over and over for about 20 minutes. i tell you it feels so good if you have aching legs. not for those who have varicose veins however.
6. jacuzzi bath with mud and marjoram oil. it supposed to reduce inflamation, i don't believe a lot of the hocus pocus but it sure felt good. while i was waiting to use the shower and lady who works there said i didn't need one, that usually people don't take one. i said i wanted to wash the mud off, she insisted, i insisted and then i had my shower. :shrug:
i used my time wisely and thought up a top ten list of hunky guys for a thread in the men's corner. :o :lol:
then we came home, got stuck in traffic for an hour, and I ran through the pouring rainstorm to the front door.
all in all, a wonderful time, with my most generous mom/boss.
the only thing that was bad was the food! it was just awful! we made a joke of it after a while (we had a plan that included the meals). oh man, everything absolutely everything was just awful. how can you scew up canned tuna fish??? french toast? oh well, we just laughed about it.
didn't go to the gym as planned this evening.

i see everyone is doing great on their plans. that sounds like a good week ahead summer. tell us what the nutritionist says.
my kitty is doing fine. i give him his "treatment" about 1-2 times a week and the vaseline (orally!) is really helping. i hope all sundry pets (between all of us there really are lot of them) are doing well too. daisy (my other cat) hasn't brought any pets of her own home again so keeping the door closed must be working. :p do you have any pets candra, lynne and gretchen?
i think your rope jumping is great candra, how long do you do that for? congrats :cp: gretchen on your recent successes...you go girl! this process sure takes a lot of patience.
wow for lorraine! just don't tell her we are pulling for her ;) . it's amazing what a difference one little change can make.
i think you all are great :grouphug:

tomorrow:
gym or swimming in my sister's mother-in-law's pool, weather depending
and then off to the baseball game: expos :( vs. arizona, two of the worst teams, should be a close one!
thursday:
driving range (fun outing for the girls, will probably include drinks at some point, drinks are mandatory if i'm going to golf!) we were going to actually play golf but the club wouldn't have us, not good enough they said, i think they also suspected a lot of goofing around was going to happen.
and then running 7min run, 1 min walk X 3
friday:
weights and cardio

take care all

gen

Good Morning to all :coffee:

Gen, how great was that!!!!!! I thought I was lucky, I decided to work at home today so I did not set my alarm and my son is still away therefore I sleept till 8:25 this morning. :p That sounds wonderful. I love body work. There is nothing like it. too bad the food wasn't good, still have the great expereince.
yes I do have a dog. His name is Ernie, he is half black lab, half rottie. He is great with kids. He is a good dog. He was an awful puppy. He barked all night, messed in his crate, ate everthing in sight when out of his crate. This went on for 2 1/2 years. He was a scared puppy, he was placed in 6 home by the time he was 6 months old- when we took him. My mother conviced me to take him. What was I thinking???? It really paid off, he is great now. He was forced to step up to the plate, when my other dog Mitch passed away, he was the alpha dog. I miss him terribly :( Now Ernie is the alpha dog- the only one actually.

Summer, I too would love to hear what the nutritionist has said. Keep us informed.

Sarah, :nono: on the speeding tickets. I can't believe how stict they are down south (of me). We do not have to go to court unless request it up here is Mass. It is amazing how different things are in different states. Good Luck :goodluck: :crossed:

Candra, hope is well, Love to hear how things are going, good or no so good.

Well things here are great, my eating is on traget, my exercise is a littel different, instead of doing the tapes, bustin my hump around the house doing big projects while my son is away. Still ok because I am moving and sweating. hopefully I will do a tape today.

Enjoy this day, it the only one we have for today :)

Hey:wave:

Whats up? Guess what all I lost 2 pounds^_^. And I am moving ^_^Yeah!
I would just like to say congrats to everyone on there weight losss:cp: I have 4 doggies 2 Jack Russels, 1 White German Shepherd, and 1 shepherd mix. Also I have 3 hampsters and 1 cockatiel and 2 doves.:)I love animals. I did exercise today. I dont think I missed one day of exercise maybe one. I cant remeber. I am feeling so good. Doing exercise makes you feeel sooooo grest and energized. I asked my sister if she wanted to do exercise with me but she said no.:( But hopefully she decides to start. Well of of you have a great day. God Bless :wave:

Good Morning :coffee: :lol: :lol:

My Baby is coming home today. I can't wait. Just in time for football to start, so I can sit there in the rain and watch for 2 hours. That really sounds sarcastic, but I really do not mean it that way. I love watching him play sports. With the up and coming practices Monday thru Friday 5:30-7:30 pm, I am going to do my best to take advantage, walk (if there is a place to) for a few miles, and read. I love to read. I will make the best of it. At hockey I do not get to do that, There is no place to walk, the rinks are so crowded and the seats are to dirty to sit and read.... therefore I stand and freeze. I am sorry about babbling on about my son and sports :blah: :blah:

Anyway, mnm great job on the weight loss, good for you. Once upon a time I loved to exercise. I look forward to that feeling again, soon.

Yesterday, I exercised I am up to 31 minutes of the firm cardio. I stayed within my WW points. The kicker :kickcan: of it is I went to visit my cousin at her mother's cottage ( my cousin lives in Maine) and we had cake, which I thought was going to push me into using my flex points and it did not :sunny:

Well I am off, back to work, so I can get out of here early and go Food shopping (from my planned menu for next week), before my baby comes home.

Good day to you.

Hello, my friends!

I'm very sorry for the lull on my end; first I was madly preparing for the arrival of Lorraine's sister and the sister's kids, and then they arrived, so I haven't been online much! The visit is going well! It's not without its challenges, but all in all, it's pretty ok, I'm happy (and more than a little relieved) to report. They're still here, so I've got to make this quick, but I'll give more info later.

I'm not sure if I mentioned that I'd lost a pound or not, but if I did, it's now two! I'm now down 54 pounds. I did 4 of my 5 days of cardio last week, and will be back later to give this week's plan.

Gen I was drooling when I read about your experience at the spa. Seriously, I'm talking about a little spittle.... ;) I would have been like, "Feel free to do with me what you will: apply, massage, dribble, knead, rub, dip, dribble, pummel, dab, anoint, immerse, cover, submerge, cover, soak, spread, slather........just do it, and do it to ME!" :p If they wanted to stick marjoram in my ears and then have me say a prayer to it while soaking in a vat of honey, I'd have said, "Alrighty! Sounds great! Need that prayer whispered or sung?" :lol: I'm glad you and your mom had a great time, Gen -- it's wonderful that you have such a great relationship!

Lynne -- how's your son?? I think you're a real sweetheart, and am SO looking forward to hearing your next fitness/weight loss report!!

Candra, CONGRATULATIONS on the 2 pounds!!! :cp: :cp: Great news!!! :cb: :cb: You go, girl!!

Summer, WHERE THE HECK ARE YOU???? Throw us a bone, at least!

Gretchen, I thought you were going to report her MORE, not LESS, you goofball! How are you doing lately??? I miss you, bud.

Take care, lovelies -- I MISS YOU GUYS!!! :grouphug:

Sarah, I am so glad to hear all is well on the home front. It is wonderful to have guest. But in my case it is wonderful to see them go. My son is very good, thanks for asking. he had a blast, did a lot of things his mother :D would not have allowed. He ate nothing but junk, stayed up late every night, went knee boarding on the lake (going fast), and even drove his own go kart. I would have had a thousand heart attacks, but he had a blast. I guess it is time to loosen the apron strings.

Congrats, to all of you, whom lost weight. :bravo: :bravo: :cp: :cp: :cb: :cb: :dance: :dance: :dancer: :dancer:


Well, I am not doing so well. I am not off to a good start. I know my doctors told me I have a bad metabolism, but this is ridiculous. However, I am not trying as hard as a should. I cannot seem to get going, well actually stick to a plan. I was really :( :( this morning when I got on the scale and was up 2lb. I thought I was doing ok, not great, but ok. I did not follow everything to a tee, but definately better than my past behaviors. I logged onto the dietpower link on your thread Sarah, and I received 15 day trial CD. I got it yesterday, so I am hoping to install today and take a look. However, I still have lingering guest. I thought my sister inlaw was going to be good for me, but last night she showed up with ice creams for myself and my son. :devil: Oh yea I ate it. :^: :^:

Where has everyone been. I feel like we are drifting :( :(

I also, must go, therefore, I will log in again with a different plan for this week. I am going to do this, I must to this.

Have a great day and I will check in later. :wave:

Good Afternnon Ladies!

Sorry that I was MIA. I have been crazy busy - my parents anniversary, my in-laws anniversary, my younger brother left for college and a wedding. A very cool weekend but I am pooped and a little hungover. ;)

This week eating was OP, and I banked calories for the weekend. Exercise was not on as point as I would of liked but exercised 4 out of 7 days for an 40 minutes to an hour.

Lynne I am sorry you feel :( and that wea re drifting. I apologize - I will try to be more dilligent and posting more often because you are right, we are supposed to be here for check ins ad check ups! Keep your chin up and take everything a day at a time. :sunny: It gets better! and I am glad your son is home safe, sound and had a great time.

Sarah enjoy Lorraine's sister and kids. I hope you don't go too batty! :dizzy: Congrats on :cp: another 2 pounds! That is amazing! Thanks for the laugh re: drooling over Gen's spa visit. It hurts my head to laugh but that's my fault
:s:

Candra congrats on the 2 pounds :bravo: That is quite a full house you have with all those pets! I am sure there is never a dull moment.

Gen! Love the spa! I am glad you had such a wonderful time. I love pressotherapy. I usually get that when my knees are injured because it helps to reduce the swelling if the boots are chilled. As for golfing - I call that bogie beers because they just seem to go together :lol: All in all how was your vacation?

:wave: Gretchen!

I have to go and may go to FL soon because alot of clients were effected by Charley. Say a little prayer, would you?

My plan for this week:
Sunday: Not a thing!
Monday: Walk Fenway and Aerobics with Weights
Tuesday: Massive Cleaning, Walk Fenway (weather permitting) and yoga
Wednesday: Walk Fenway, clean and Aerobics with weights
Thursday: Walk Fenway and Tennis
Friday: Walk Fenway, Clean, yoga
Saturday: Clean for a big party....

Quote:
Life is like playing a violin in public and learning the instrument as one goes on.
Samuel Butler

;) Summer ;)

hi ladies,

i guess i've been missing too. sorry :o
sounds like everyone's been busy, people coming, people going. i haven't been home much myself.
thursday we went to the driving range. i've only played once before. lots of laughing, goofy girls. so my swing was ok leading in but the softball batting follow through was tough to quell and i did something to my hip that hurt a lot and is still not gone. i know i looked pretty goofy because my friend had the same problem and she sure looked goofy. :lol: ooooh. pain and bad form: not good. it's getting better though and i went to an aerobics/muscle tone class with my step-mom this morning at the Y. am i crazy? last day of vacation and i don't get to sleep in??? :( last day of vacation, sigh. oh yeah, and since golfing was thursday and hip pain was thursday and running clinic was thursday, i did not go.
so it's back on schedule this week. i'll let you know what that schedule is. as per advice in wwl forum i will be stepping up my weight lifting workouts which means lifting to failure from now on.

lynne, every next meal, day, week is a chance to get back on plan. boo on your sister-in-law for being so mean/generous with the ice cream (like boo for my dad for being mean/generous for making me a breakfast this morning of pancakes, eggs and bacon). i'm sure it will be easier now that things are getting back to normal at home. let us know how you like the diet power. once you get used to it, it only takes a couple of minutes. i find it easy to keep the measuring cups and spoons and scale out on the counter so i know what i'm eating. the only problem i have is when i measure something out by volume and dietpower has by weight or vice-versa. but they often write something like 5.6oz per cup then you can just use the handy calculator. oh and sarah said she's going to bring us all to the bahamas on her stock profits so be sure to buy it!

good for you candra :cp: on losing 2 lbs. it's going to be fun shopping for school clothes!

sarah, i'm gald things are going well with lorraine's sister and son. and good for you for keeping up with the cardio. you are doing amazing! i'm so happy for you. inspirational as always :high:

summer, sounds like another good week of exercise and wow for you on banking calories (i haven't managed that feat myself) just be sure you're not eating to few calories. when is your appointment with the nutritionist?

hey gretchen!

well i'm happy we are back after our hectic weekends
gen

Well, thank you all for being patient with me yesterday, I must have sounded like a whine-bag. Things have been stressful. I have not had much time to myself, constant guests. For the past six years, I have been on overload and my family has been there to help me with caring for my son and support for me. Well I am done with school and I am only working 1 job and I am home alot more. Therefore, it is very hard to take all the company. I have been a b...h lately, I need my alone time. I have 3 more weeks of guest and summer will be over.

Well, my main focus has been on the food, but this week I am going to try to focus on the exercise:

I still have a food plan, but exercise will be my focus, my son has football practice Mon-Fri for 2 hours each night, so I am hoping to walk a mile or 2, while he has practice.

Exercise Plan:
8 miles of walking
Firm Tape, 3X for 30 minutes each time
Pilates 2X, 20 minutes each time

Hopefully I won't try to get it all done in 1 day :lol: :lol: :lol: only kidding.

Have a great day, enjoy you life. Stay positive

Hello, ladies!

Alright, so because I'm at 230, I'm all antsy and ready to get out of the 230's YESTERDAY -- so I'm TRULY on a mission this week!

I'm going to reduce my week's overall calories by a little, and I'm going to be just a cardio princess!

Here's this week's plan:

Monday: walked Louie for 30 minutes
Tuesday: Bike HIIT for 20 minutes first thing in AM; Bike intensely for 20 minutes after work
Wednesday: Bike HIIT for 20 minutes first thing in AM; Bike intensely for 20 minutes after work
Thursday: Bike HIIT for 20 minutes first thing in AM
Friday: Bike HIIT for 20 minutes first thing in AM
Saturday: Bike for 40 minutes, with 20 minutes at intense speed
Sunday: Walk on treadmill for 30 minutes

My intention is to lose at least 3 pounds this week, to reach 227. I know that over the longterm, it's a bad idea to reduce my calories from a weekly total of 9,800-10,500 while at the same time increasing my energy output. This is just a little bump though.

I'm not going to hit Onederland by Thanksgiving if I don't start knuckling down...so let the knuckling commence!

My agenda tonight was to tell you about my plans for me, me, me -- I will close by telling each of you, you, you that I think the world of you guys, and I'm so very grateful to have your presence and support in my life. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for all that you give to me. :goodvibes

Hey

I havent posted in awhile. I went to a concert the other day. I had a lot of fun. But I stood so long. Man did all that standing hurt my back and feet. But I rested and im all good now.:) Guess wat all I went from 161 to 155^_^ 6 Pounds yea!!! Hopefully I can make it to my labor day challenge goal which is 150. I wonder if I can do it or not, I thik I can. Im moving. Man I have a lot of packing to do. Well I g2g. :grouphug::wave::m:

Oh yea and my exercise plan is all week is

Jog, Jump Rope, Crunches, Weights, Pushups, Pullups.

sarah and candra you two are going :crazy: this week. good for you! nothing motivates like success and you guys are going great.
congrats on the 6 lbs candra :balloons:
and sarah wow on 230...if i didn't beleive it i wouldn't believe it. that's so amazing!
ok i have to keep up, have to keep up...
today we worked out to failure. that's the plan from now on. it's HARD! mantra: i gotta fail to succeed, fail to succeed...
monday: we did upper and cardio on crostrainer.
tuesday: 5 a 7 (that's a little after work party) then:
lower (lifting to failure, did i mention that? :p ) and treadmill, hill program/jog/walk
wed:upper treadmill walking
thurs: running clinic run 9 minutes/walk1 X2 (i think)
fri: lower, crosstrainer

today i signed up for a wed night swimming class for intermediates adults. (i didn't know it was sign-up day today and i got the last spot! my sis will do it too but on friday mornings) i only realized this summer that you're supposed to breathe out in the water and not gulp for air on the stroke, so i got alot to learn. it starts sometime in sep. btw i never was able to get up at 9:45 on saturdays for yoga. you'd think i'd know myself better :rolleyes:

lynne, you're doing great, you've got alot on your plate right now. :soap: : but you can still do this while you're busy, just work at it until it becomes a lifestyle. and don't let others decide for you what you want to do, how you spend your time, what you eat, they invariably make bad decisions.
good idea to work out while your son practices!

have a goodnight all
gen

:cp:everyone :) :) :)

Candra you're such a cutie pie! You made me smile with that..... :D

I'll post more later.....

My Nutritionist's Appointment is Monday...How do you print out your food from Diet Power?

i've never tried it. under user there's "set up printer" and on the food page a print button. i can't try it because because i'm out of ink. try help.
good luck
gen

ok quick one
went to the gym, weights, treadmill. treadmill didn't go as planned, cramping in my calf, i finished the half hour but had to walk most of it.
what i did today: i signed up for the fitness instructors course. it runs from 28 sep to sometime late dec. it's every tuesday evening. oh boy this should be fun. i'm psyched.
tomorrow...back to the gym and beyond!

hope you :queen::queen::queen::queen::queen: are all well
gen:queen:

Good Morning to you all :coffee:

Great job, on the 6 pounds, Candra, that is fantastic, you must be proud of yourself, I know I am proud of you. Way to go. Keep that up and you'll reach your challenge before Labor Day. :strong: :strong:

Well cannot really post much, major problems with connecting with work for the past 3 days. Therefore, I have been trouble shooting. God forbid the company talk me through it, we post back and forth, crazy, but I will get through this.

Thanks for the support to all of you. :D :D

Hey

Im tired Ive been tired all day. I did some what Of a workout today for 20 minutes. ahh Im gonna go to bed. And just remeber to :)

good Morning to everyone :coffee:

How is everyone? hopefully enjoying their summer days. The end up summer is creeping upon us. :( :( :( :( :( I love the summer. However it is an extremely busy time for my son and I. I have been walking and I did a little bit of the firm tape yesterday, due to football, getting in the way. I have been watching what I eat but not journally. Which is ok, because my focus this week is the exercise. I have been wearing my perdometor. Still trucking along.

Hope everyone has a great day. Keep up the great work. I am so proud of each and everyone of you. I love logging in here every morning. Thanks to all of you for being here ;)

Enjoy :lol: :lol:

Hello, lovely ladies! :wave:

Things are going great here -- I've lost 2 pounds since Monday (3 if I believe 5 out of 6 readings on the scale -- I decided to err on the side of conservatism, for once in my life! ;) And I'm working out every morning before work -- HIIT cardio and I'm loving it! I don't yet love the getting out of bed part, but by the time I've woken our little dog up and pulled him out from under the covers in our bed, made it down 2 flights of stairs, let him out to do his morning stuff, and settled onto the seat of the exercise bike with CNN on before me.......life is good! I'm riding for 20 minutes, about 5 1/2 miles, and over 400 calories.... pretty good for a start to the day! I invite you to visit my blog for more on my upcoming exercise routine, as I go into considerable detail. Oh ****, I'll just repeat it here:

* M-F: HIIT biking; 20 min.; first thing in A.M.; on an empty stomach
* T, SA: Weights; 40-50 min.; protein and simple carb immediately afterwards
* W, SU: Steady rate cardio; treadmill and/or exercise bike; 40-60 min.

I've reduced my daily calories somewhat, but I'll play that by ear going forward. I think I'll still do a few lower cal days, but I'm going to make sure that I'm getting plenty of protein and complex carbs on my weight training days especially.....with protein isolate and simple carbs right after the weights.

I'm really focused on increasing my rate of loss a bit -- again, lots about that on my blog, but I just think I can do a bit better than I have been -- and the biggest factor in that will be the increased exercise.

How are you guys doing?? Lynne, I look forward to hearing more about how you're exercise is going! Good job on the pedometer -- how many steps are you getting in now? I have to say that I agree with Gen about the nice sister in law who gives you off plan stuff......and while I will mourn the end of summer a bit myself, it does sound like it will be somewhat easier for you to establish those healthy behaviors and turn them into habits without as many guests trying to show their appreciation in ways that don't help you. :goodvibes

Candra -- glad to hear you worked out even when you were tired! :high: And congratulations again on those 6 pounds!

Gen -- I just want to say that I am SO, SO, SO enjoying your presence at 100 lb....it is so AWESOME to have you joining in there!!! I love you, man!!! And I'm so impressed with your exercise life, you just don't even know. You are completely inspiring to me. :encore:

Summer -- I hope everything's going ok with your Florida work stuff. I miss you! As for printing in Diet Power, I truly do not know. I would strongly recommend that you go to the dietpower website's forum and see if someone has already answered that question in their technical or support forums. If not, pose the question yourself, and I'd trust that you'll get some response soon....I've noted that lots of people who use the software help one another with questions and technical support, not just the DP employees. Chances are, someone else has asked that question, though. Good luck, and keep us posted, dearie!

Gretchen -- I'm not sure if you'll read this or not....I get your updates at 100 lb, but not everyone here does..... :( You should come here and share the love, girlfriend! Spread the joy, know what I mean?

Congrats :cp: On those two pounds :cp:
Congrats to everybody:cp:

Does anyone know a good exercise chart that tells how many calories you burn when you do this or that. It seems like everyone I go to says a different amount. I did my exercise today. I ran all the way from my basment to my top floor a few times. Then I did crunches and weights.ect. I feel Happy^_^. :grouphug:

hi everyone, i'm soooo sore and it's late so a quick one.
i ran today. a total of 24.5 minutes with 11 minutes walking. my sis said it's leg day tomorrow but i said NO WAY! arms is all i've got.

candra, you go girl! wow you really are doing great.
ditto sarah, ditto lynne. (sorry it's all i got left :o )

:yawn: :dz:
gen

Does anyone know a good exercise chart that tells how many calories you burn when you do this or that. It seems like everyone I go to says a different amount.
Here (http://www.caloriesperhour.com/) you go! It's important to factor in your age, gender and weight. Good luck!

Hey everybody.. I have been negligent yet again... :(

I am doing well this week. Went back down to the 800 calories. It just works for me. I feel really great about it. I think this is what I needed to get the last few pounds underway. At least I know that when I increase my calories to a more normal "maintenance" level that I won't gain.. Anyway....

I started taking the new diet supplement Lean System 7. I really really like it. I don't know if its a mental thing with me or what but I just feel so more "on it". I peeked at the scale but I am not going to jinx myself because the last time I got too excited it didn't turn out as I thought it would. I'll update ya on Sunday!! :)

Gen and Summer, Candra and Lynne... and the rest of the gang-- How are you girls?? Thanks for not shunning me outta here for not posting as much as I should. Things have been crazy hectic at work and my weekends have been jam packed. Matter of Fact, I am expecting my sister to arrive any minute. She is in this weekend... Getting married in October so we are getting some things accomplished on the "to do" checklist. It is coming along nicely.. This weekend we put the flowers together.. My Mother in law is a bridal consultant and bouquet designer.. I am sure they will be gorgeous when finished! My family lives 4 hours away which has its perks and non-perks.. I miss them but I also enjoy living freely without being under the watchful eye of parents. (Not that mine are like that because they aren't....You know what I mean!!)

I will be back in the am with more... My sis just pulled in.. I must greet her!

You guys really do inspire me and I am so happy to know you're here!

Sarah... my rock... Love to you sista!! :)

hello all you heroines,

gretchen, this group has a lifetime membership, no shunning allowed (somebody please put that in the bylaws, thanks) good to hear from you. how long do you plan on eating 800 cals? i helped my sister with her wedding, crazy busy stuff. can you tell us what this supplement is, and what it's supposed to do?
i didn't realize summer was in florida, i hope she's doing well.
lynne, i hope you are well too. hang in there you're doing great!
candra, way to go turning the house into your own private gym.
sarah, an inspiration as always.

today: upper body weights, i was a little weaker than last time but had a good workout, cardio: 30 mins hills on crosstrainer
tomorrow: what is this? getting up earlier than on a weekday to go running in the park? who am i becoming? scary stuff.
going with step mom and friend to run in the park. we call it a mountain but since i don't want to get laughed at for our pimple on the earth, for our purposes, i'll call it a park. actually i will go with them but i will see their backs breifly and then be on my own. i don't know how long we will be gone but will run as much as i can (with walking breaks of course).

this week went by very quickly, i hope it means things went well not that i'm getting older. ;)

btw, i eat well during the day, good food, appropriate serving sizes. it's the evenings that seem to be hard. i eat healthily but i think the servings are too big. i got to get a handle on that. i haven't lost any weight in over two weeks. :(

btw #2 no sushi listings on the diet power :mad:

happy weekend all
gen

i guess i'm the only without a life :p no worries hope you guys are having a good week end.

so today i went for a run this morning, was up at 8:15. 3 sets of 10 run/1 walk. hard and fun. huffing and puffiing.
i bought an odometre/ speed thingy for my bike today. i wanted to do that for a while now i have to read the instructions so i can use it tomorrow.
party tonight should be fun, but i wont get to drink as much i like to ;) because of biking tomorrow, don't want to be hungover and puking by the roadside :p
i did buy some hair dye ( :o roots are showing) and got my eyebrows waxed and plucked. now i just need a shower and maybe a nap???

"talk" to you guys soon,
gen

Hey :dance:

Guess what all my scale said I lost another pound. I wonder if I actually did. I think I did because I can feel a differnce on how my pants fit on my legs and stomach ecspecially my legs. I feel happier since I have been doing exercise for about a month.:):):):cp: to all. Oh yea and thanks for a link to that calorie counter site.:cp:

Good morning...afternoon..whatever it is- Hi! :coffee:

threw a party last night and I am a little tired. Last person left at 2:30am. Luckily my DH was on the ball and helping me to clean as the night went on so it did not take forever.

I was eating LOTS of strawberries and dipping them in chocolate fondue with Kahlua! ;) and Margaritas to wash it down!

Crazy with work this week so I apologize for not checking in as much as I should. I had to travel a bit but they wouldn't allow me to go to Florida. Long Story. I am getting a newer computer so I may have to be offline for a couple days while I synch it up.

I have my appointment with a nutritionsist tomorrow! :crossed:

Sarah :bravo: on another 2 pounds! and I am so glad to see you doing your HIIT again. I completely and utterly understand about working before work and the getting out of bed part :tired:.

Gen I like the running in the park - that sounds like a wonderful change of scenery and you get to be outdoors! My time for cravings seems to be aound 2-4pm. :hun: I hope you are having a wonderful time biking!

Candra :cp: on the pound! Keep up the ggod work!

Lynne how are you? summer is almost past! How was exercise this week - for me it was hard to be motivated.

Gretchen :nono: We do not shun! Ihope you had a great time with your sister - My sister lives 8 hours from me so I love when she comes back into the city! My DH and I planned our wedding - we had so much fun ...does that make me crazy??? What is Lean System 7? I always wonder why pills put numbers on them :chin: I am glad you are feeling well but please be careful with 800 calories because doctors usually supervise diets under less than 1000. I just don't want you hurting yourself.

off to play Tennis!

Quote:
I believe in getting into hot water; it keeps you clean. G. K. Chesterton (1874 - 1936)

be well.

;) Summer ;)

Hi guys! Had a great great weekend with my sister. I went shopping and bought tons of new clothes. We also got the flowers underway for her wedding. They are the most beautiful flowers I think I have ever seen. They are armheld style wildflower bunches.. Just totally beautiful.. Hopefully they will be complete soon. Just a few more final touches are needed. I will post pictures soon. I

Gen & Summer Lean system 7 is a dietary supplement with a lot of citrus extract and other natural ingredients. Supposively it is to assist in bypassing fat. I somehow think it has a "laxitive" kind of effect on you if ya know what I mean.

I am down to 157 which is awesome considering that a few times over the last couple of weeks the scale seemed to be stuck at 162. I feel great about it!

Gen, I have an odometer on my bike too. They are pretty cool and for the most part are accurate. You have to make sure you place the magnet thing on your spokes in just the right spot to get the most accurate reading. It's pretty simple to hook up.

Summer- Thank you so much for your concern with the 800 cal. You can ask Sarah, she had the same concerns about me when I first started the 800 cal. This calorie range works very well with my metabolism. I have actually done the 800 calories for months then I decided to gradually go up to 1000-1200 at which point I quit losing weight. I do consult with a dietician who advised against the 800 calories until I proved that my body and metabolism could support it. She told me that I am truly an exception to the rule on this one and now she seems ok with it. I get a good variety of food and I truly do not feel hungry. The strangest thing is when I eat more calories I want more. For some reason I feel so much more in control on the 800 and that truly is my losing range. I feel just great too! I really do appreciate your concern. Thank you!

Sarah- how are you chicada? I haven't see ya for a while.. YOU KNOW WHAT??? I TOTALLY FORGOT THAT THIS WAS THE WEEKEND THAT WE WERE SUPPOSED TO DO LUNCH!!! I was looking at my planner today to see what my week was like coming up and low and behold I have it written right there!!! I don't know how I missed it. I am so so so so so sos so sorry.... We have got to get this straightened out and finally get together!!

Hope you all had a good weekend. I sure did.. I am way way tired today. Back to the grindstone tomorrow.

Cheerie-O!

This will be a quick one.....much to do at work, alas, and miles to go before I sleep. And miles to go before I sleep.

Quick stuff on me, to get it out of the way: still doing the daily morning HIIT stuff, and I did another additional 45 minutes at steady rate yesterday. I've lost 3 pounds since this time last week, so that's ALL good! I'm now down to 227, and 57 pounds lost.

Lorraine's in Rhode Island till Friday for training; she'll return for the weekend and then turn around and go to Pittsburgh for another week. Then she's back for a month, only to turn around and go to Vegas for another week. Life is good in Hollywood Video! Sad for me, though. And for the animals, who will be FREAKING OUT in all manner of unspeakable and disgusting ways until her return. Poor Louie is going to get the crap beaten out of him, I'm sure. They really are like kids, and when one of us is away, all **** breaks loose. Oh well, what are you gonna do, right? All's fair in love and war. Gen, wanna say that in French just to make me happy? I'll throw in some Italian, just so we can all feel continental: Tutto e' giusto nel'amore e la guerra.

Gretchen, big, goofy grouphug going out to you! :grouphug: Anyone wanna join me in singing cumbaya or roasting some marshmallows around the fire? No? How about fresh red peppers? Anyway, no worries about this weekend; I totally got that you had lots of stuff planned, so in the words of my dear, sweet Lorraine, "Don't you worry your pretty little face about it." I am here and not going anywhere....so why don't we look at something about 3 weekends from now, what with Lorraine being out of townskies? Is that ok with you? By then you'll weigh like 110 pounds, and I'll be down another few myself! ;) Glad that Lean System 7 is to your liking. At the risk of sounding like a wet blanket, you might want to do some research on the citrus thang....that's about to get banned for being unsafe. I don't know much about it, just that it's on the FDA's hit list as the next ephedra. I totally don't agree with them on the ephedra thing, and have absolutely no concern about it's safety in moderate doses, so I wouldn't automatically poo poo the citrus extract thing, but I would look into it just so you can proceed with full knowledge. You're a smartypants, and you'll do what you think is best, I'm sure. :)

Lynne, where are you? I miss your smiling face!

Summer, you party animal -- can't wait to hear how it went at the nutritionist once you get your computer transition sorted out!

Candra, how's it going, Miss I Jump Rope and Lose Lots of Weight?

Gen, my love, you go on with your running, walking, biking, lifting-to-failure, elliptical-riding, no extra bread-eating self. You are just a MACHINE, and I can't WAIT to hear about your next adventure! (I still laugh about that running/walking story, when they forgot to tell you to stop running! :lol3: I laugh with love and no small admiration.....)

Toodleoo, ladies.....I send you all gratitude and my undying admiration. :goodvibes :goodvibes :goodvibes :goodvibes

Candra, how's it going, Miss I Jump Rope and Lose Lots of Weight?

LoL. Im doing good, but I went off my diet a little today:(. I havent lost anything but I havent gained anything. well I got to get to bed. :wave:

:cp: Congrats to everyone

do you realize that by exercising today i can eat 800 more calories? is that insane or what??? the question is will i eat that much? i haven't lost any weight in over two weeks! i'm full now and have no snack foods in the appartment besides fruit. i rarely have a desire to eat fruit. i put them in smoothies. that includes cereal, crackers, cheese, bread, peanut butter, yoghurt, anyting that doesn't need to be cooked. not even quick stuff like canned soup. after dinner snacks, they would do me in i tell ya. i want cake. i have no cake.

so today i biked, lifted, climbed and ran.

i want to hear what you guys did. i want to hear from you period. wassup???
sarah i didn't know you had a blog. i started reading it. very cool, very good stuff.
candra, you're doing so great, don't worry if you haven't lost recently. it's not always constant but if you do what you know is good then it will come. have you been school shopping yet? any cute new outfits?
summer, so, so what did the nutritionist say? sounds like a fun party. :hat: :cheers:
lynne, how are you doing?
gretchen, a few years ago i bought some kind of thing that doesn't allow you to absorb fat from your food. i was concerned because knowing a little biology (my major), i figured that it would have a strange effect when using the bathroom. so i asked if it would and the guy said no. of course i wanted to believe him so i did. he was wrong and i had to stop taking them or become a pariah in the commuity at large, if you know what i mean. so be careful with that stuff, if it's the same kind of thing.

good day all
gen

Hey there, you guys!

I'm glad you read my blog, Gen! I started it sometime in July, and I have really been enjoying it. So if ever you're wondering about how ol' Sarah is doing and she hasn't posted an update here, you can at least get a glimpse into Sarahland in my blog! It's not really a full-blown diary or journal, per se -- I don't give a HUGE amount of detail into every facet of my daily life -- and I see you nodding gratefully! -- but I do share snippets and I try to give an accurate sense of my state of mind. (And the state of my weight as well.) Like I said, I'm enjoying it, and I just LOVE IT when I get comments!! *hint* *hint* ;) Gretchen has one too now, so you should check out the link in her siggy as well! Gen, I wish you had one, because I just love how you view the world and yourself within it. I wish you lived closer, because I enjoy the heck out of you, I really do! Tell your mom i said she made a good girl. She gave a gift to the world. Hey I saw the movie "Taking Lives" the other night, which is supposedly set in Montreal, and holy cow is that an absolutely LOVELY city! No WONDER you do everything outside!! I'm really glad that you asked 30,000 of your closest friends if they minded my moving to Canada, because I am completely sold on Montreal now. Can Lorraine and I, and our 8 animals, stay with you till we get settled in? :lol3:

Summer -- I can't wait till you come back! I grew accustomed to your face, dearie.... :)

Candra -- how's it going? I agree with everything Gen said, as usual. Are you back on plan?

Lynne -- Hope everything's going well with you, and that you're finding it easier to stay on plan without the houseguests. I see by your signature that you're now 2 pounds down; congrat's on the 2 pounds! I'm looking forward to hearing more about your plan. Are you still on WW or doing your own thing?

Gretchen -- it was great talking to you last night -- I posted a comment on your blog today. I am really looking forward to the 100 lb get-together in October. Gen, it's a very long way for you.....but if you're up for a trip to Pittsburg on the weekend of October 16th and it's doable for you, I would be INCREDIBLY excited to meet you there as well!!! A few of us will be there...keep you eye on the forum to see who's coming. In addition to the 100 lb folks, Jack and Meg are supposed to go as well......very cool!

I'm tired!!! This early morning working out is a killer!! I'm not sure I can maintain it on a daily basis.....I hate to sound lame, but that "Woohoo I feel energized from exercising at 6 in the morning!" feeling just hasn't kicked in yet! :^: I sure am enjoying the One Week Challenge at the 100lb forum though....the participation has been great, and it really seems like most of the participants have gotten a lot out of it! That is so cool.

Hugs to everyone -- I love you guys! :love: :love: :love: :love: :love: One for each of you! :)

Good Afternoon Ladies!

Computer stuff will be ongoing all week so I am posting while I have a chance.

I went to the nutrionist on Monday and it was good. She said I was eating pretty healthy but not good enough (obviously). She was surprised that I needed someone to talk to because I don't look overweight but after weighing myself :p and looking at my diet she assessed me and my habits. She said with my body shape (when I gain it all goes to the middle) and my height 5'2" that I should lower my carb intake and increase my veggies and protein. This is not eliminate carbs like Atkins are go on strict 2 week phase like south beach just lower the carb intake to 75- 100g/ day - 75 preferably...I was easily doing twice that :yikes: and she told me to get chelated calcium magnesium supplements to go along with my multi-vitamin and add some falx seed oil (tastes awful!) as well. I go back for a check up in two weeks. So I feel better that it is not full elimination - just a cut back. She also recommended trying pilates more often along with the exercise that I am doing

Candra not losing is better than gaining and sometimes that just means your body is getting adjusted. So keep up the good work. :)

Gen you are the work out :queen: yeah for you! sounds like you need fun recipes so fruit can be more fun for you and better than cake! I totally understand those cravings though... I understand way to well. When I have those cravings I am trying to replace it with something not completely eliminate it so I don't slip up and binge.

Sarah darling how are you? How does Lorraine like the new position? Travelling alot it looks like but I hope she is happier. How is your job - the crazy busy season over? how are you feeling? You sound like you are doing wonderfully

Gretchen congrats on losing 5 pounds :cp: and I am glad you are feeling good. I am glad you understand my concern...I just want happiness and health for you!

Lynne how are you? how is the exercise going? I hobe the flow of guests is ebbing for you!

I am back to work...

Quote:
Most women's magazines simply try to mold women into bigger and better consumers. Gloria Steinem (1934 - )

be well.

;) Summer ;)

Hey girls... Checking in today.. I have been busting my rear with Leslie Sansone!! We've been walking away the pounds every single night and it feels great! Since Sunday I have lost 2 additional pounds which brings me up to the 70 lb loss mark. I'm lovin this! My original goal way way back probably like me 3rd or 4th post was to lose 50 lbs by September 26-- 1 Month before my sisters wedding. I could have never imagined I'd be 20 pounds beyond that in AUGUST!! I'm going on 6 months here and I cannot believe how quickly this time went on. I am just elated!

Sarah, you're such a sweetie. I have truly found a great long-term friend in you for sure! I feel like we have known each other forever! You know you've found a great friend when it just clicks that easy! I am totally excited about the gathering in Pittsburgh not to mention the shopping spree at IKEA!! I need to make my reservations today!

Gen- thanks again for all your concerns. It is much appreciated. It's great to know that there truly are people who care about your well being.

I'll be back in a few... Conference CALL!

hey,

wow gretchen, congrats to you! seems like you are doing all the right things because you smashing right through your goals.

friday and saturday were a mini marathon for me. friday i did upper body weights in the afternoon and later in the evening did outdoor hill jogging, up up up oof. i was breathing so hard a couple walking turned around to look at me and i said "it's HARD!" and they said "you go girl" so on i went. of course my step mom barely broke a sweat :lol:
then i got up early this morning for a another go on the mountain. and that was after a half bottle of wine and a pint and a half of beer the night before. oooooh i can't drink like i used to :o so it was hard going but better than staying in bed i say. of course it nice to know my dad will make breakfast for us when we get back. it's so hot and muggy (typical summer weather for us up here) that it's really hard. the 5k is next week end and i tried to do some of the course today...i don't think i can do it...i was really dying out there...it's more up up uphill. i think i may have lost some weight...finally after the big push last week but i'm afraid to find out. oh well.
two things.
1) my cold is going away after 2 days???? unheard of. so exercising seems to be really boosting my immune system. can't think what else it could be.
2) exercising changes your period. now some people experience a reduction in frequency and duration but me? oh no not me. my like clockwork four week cycle since the age of twelve when i became a woman for the first time ;) had now become a THREE week cycle! now who needs that??? that's extra days of bloating and an increase cost in tampons. sheesh.

so what's going on? anyone have a story to tell?

good weekend all, good health and good cheer
gen

Hi ladies :wave:

It is weird - I have not received any e-mails to let me know that anyone has posted. So I am sorry to have missed you all this weekend.

I have been concentrating on the advice the nutritionist has given me (I am trying to be better about taking advice :o ) and I have not done badly thus far. Though I did go the Irish Festival this week and had a couple drinks but all in all I was pretty good!

My exercise as of late has been alot of pilates, yoga and tennis. I know I need to incorporate weights. I just need to find something fun with weights that makes me want to do it. I gotta say with Yoga my arms have not looked this good in a while - they are actually cut. ;)

Gen way to be the marathon exerciser! I bet you feel wonderful! I wish I could go hiking with you because that sounds fun! You can do the marathon - no nay saying! Put your goal at running 2/3rds of it. I hope it won't be as muggy for you so it is a little easier. :crossed:

Gretchen :cp: on the 70 pounds! Way to over reach the goals. That is so amazing.

Sarah I hope you had a nice weekend with Lorraine before she had to go travel again. How are you? How are you feelng? How is the home zoo?

Lynne I hope you are relaxing more now that the summer season is wrapping up! How is the exercise?

Candra how are you?

I must run. be well lady loves.

Quote:
If you can't be a good example, then you will just have to be a horrible warning. - Catherine Aird

;) Summer ;)

Hey everybody!

Just checking in briefly here. I hope you all had a good weekend..

Gen, It sounds like you busted your hiney this weekend!! Good for you! That is so awesome that your cold is gone in two days. What a difference being healthy has on our immune systems. Just another added bounus to being consious of health! This lifestyle definitely has a ton of perks!

Summer- I also consulted a nutrtitionist when I began the journey. Actually to be more accurate (wink wink Sarah) I was about a month or more into it. I found it to be very beneficial. She challenges me. I challenge right back. I always have tons of questions!

Sarah- you hanging in there? I am sure you are like 259% (like that number?) On plan today.. I have no doubt. I read your blog today. It's amazing how we immediately attack ourselves for a little off plan action when in reality, it's not as bad as you think. I think we pretty much summed all that up during the conversation we had on Saturday. Don't you think? I was thinking about it today and I think that truly, was your body's way of saying "wait a minute here" I am working so hard and getting so little food!! HELP! You'll see... It'll all work out. You've been my biggest cheerleader so now it's my turn!

I've been doing my Walk away the pounds videos as you all know.. Well, I've started the 3 mile tape and have incorporated that into my existing schedule. My plan is to walk both the 2 and 3 mile tapes each day. 2 Mile in the am before work and 3 mile in the pm. It feels great too!!!

Got to scoot!

How are you guys??

Before I forget, I wanted to mention that I PM'd Lynne to make sure she was ok, and as it turns out, she's having all sorts of technical **** breaking loose at her house! She said to say that she misses us and will check in just as soon as she can manage to stay online long enough to do so. So, take a moment to say prayer for her to your own personal Technology God! (And I'm not talking about Bill Gates here!)

Summergirl, you sweetheart -- I get so happy whenever you post! I found those recommendations from the dietitian really interesting...and I'm glad that you are following them! I have to say that I agree with her: you DON'T look overweight! But I completely respect your desire to get more fit, so I'm glad that you're figuring out how to incorporate weight training into your already very busy exercise routine. (Now isn't that the pot calling the kettle black!? I just DO NOT know what my problem is......I just need to get off my a$$ and pick up a damned dumbbell or jump on that CrossBow!! Ok, PMS rearing her belligerant head :s: -- I've regained control.) Anyway, it sounds totally positive, Summer -- and I'll be interested to hear how you're feeling with your carbs reduced somewhat. I find that I have more energy and feel lighter when I cut them back a bit. Disclaimer: I'm still always aiming for a 40P/35C/25F breakdown, so it's by no means "low carb." It's just not the high carb/high fat diet that I'd go for, left unattended and free to eat whatever I wanted. Uh oh, talking about myself again......but enough about me -- what do YOU think about me? :lol: Anyway, Summer, kudos on the cut arms -- ooooh la la! Your husband must be loving it!

Gen, my love -- how have you been???!!! I feel like it's been forever! You are just an exercise MACHINE these days!! Krikey you have just got to be so SOLID now! Do you feel stronger?? I really wish you would just break down and weigh yourself......you're killling me here! Would you do it just to put me out of my misery? I think you just HAVE to have lost weight. Seriously. You have been just BUSTING, you know??

Gretchen, you old so-and-so, you are just too, too good to me. You're SO sweet to comment in my blog......I love that so much!! I agree, when I looked at the calories, I wondered what I'd been freaking out about! See, the problem is that I have been having trouble sending my DietPower files to my home computer -- and this part is for Gen and Summer, who will understand what I'm saying here although you might not: the Travel Bag feature is working just fine, but for some reason I'm unable to unzip the file on my new laptop at home, so I can't log my calories at home, only at work. Additionally, my personal items are not entered there, as I intend to just migrate the whole history via the Travel Log. Soooooooo, that means that I don't know my caloric intake from Friday night through Monday morning until I log it all at work on Monday morning. I can't wait till I get it sorted out, because it's a real pain. ANYHOO.......if I don't figure it out by this weekend, I'll just make a point of noting my weekly caloric average going into Friday night, so I can make more informed decisions over the weekend. Case in point, it seems like I must have entered Friday night with a week average of like 1100 or something...off the top of my head. So going up to 1800 on one day didn't end up being the end of the world!

***************************************
I interrupt this post to apologize to the group for the extreme length of the above explanation, and to Gretchen for putting her into a coma referring to things that she neither knows nor cares about......
***************************************

Candra, how are things going with you? Long time! Hope things are going well by you.

Lynne, if you can read this......COME BACK! :lol: We'll be here once you get things sorted out.

I am down 2 pounds from last week, for a YTD total of 59 pounds. For those of you who haven't had an opportunity to visit my blog yet, stop on by! It's FASCINATING stuff!! Ok -- I'm thinking not, but check it out anyway! I have some great links there, if nothing else.

I'm going to do my HIIT biking tonight after I walk Louie for 20 minutes or so. I'm also going to look online for that Leslie tape trio, since Gretchen is so out of control with her. What the ****?

Sending you all big hugs and buckets of affection......

Your loving :coffee: pal,

Sarah

hello all,

so i'm kinda freaking out here because i don't feel so well. low low low. what's going on??? i though about it and figured it must have something to do with a phone call i got last week. not a bad call but brought back a bunch of things to mind related to my bought of depression (evil thesis supervisor) and feel like i'm sinking again. not good. so sarah i've fallen off the exercise bit. the food is NOT good. and i haven't been to work in two days. since there's nothing to do but clean :lol3: (but i'm not really laughing) i must say days of our lives is truly the worst show ever! and sleep, boy do i sleep. again not good. now i'm almost sure i've lost weight, my stomach seems flatter, i will not weigh myself until i've burnt off these cheetos (love em too), chocolate and shrimp chips.
i know this is temporary, i'm sure it is. i can't let my mind ruin my life. anyone know how to temporarily get rid of a mind for a few days? oh i know how ;) but i'm not going there either, munchies ya know? :o
tomorrow i will go back to work and then i'l be back in my routine and then everything will be fine right?
maybe i will clean after all.

sarah i've been reading your blog and coincidink: i'm reading the history of the seige of lisbon (actually it's preempted at the moment for guns, germs and steel but will right back at it) and the third man is one of my favorite films too, gotta love that zither.
summer, i think that nutritionist gave some good advice. i should follow that too. i made a graph (wish diet power had graphs) of my caloric intake and calories burned during exercise. a definite pattern there. i think that was one of my problems (was? is!). exercising is great but then i would just eat more, unconciously or maybe conciously hmmm. that's why i'm not losing very quickly. i haven't entered any data in three days and my budget went down to
-1300, yes that is a negative sign. apparently i can't get the required amount of nutrients when my budget falls so low :lol:
so i will be reseting the programme soon.
is it the pilates that made your arms more cut? that means that you are getting some nice muscle but also losing fat because if the fat covers your muscles no matter nice they are underneath that nice soft blanket will cover them up. make sense? you know the drill, it's not the weight it's the body fat especially at your size.
candra must have started school, i hope she's doing ok, i don't think she likes it too much.
gretchen as always: superstar!
lynne, looking forward to hearing from you when you get back. and if you are reading this you must be back so: bienvenue!

tout est juste dans l'amour et la guerre
now where did i put my innner warrior?
gen

i need help!
i'm trying to figure out what to eat to get my carbs down to 100g like summer (how do atkins people do it????) but i'm stuck at around 130g (41%). otherwise i don't get enough nutrients, i still can't my vit C up without supplemnts. at this amount my cals are 1123 and i know i will be starving on that. protein is 116g (41%). fat 22.2g (18%)
breakfast:
i've got the just right cereal down to 1/2 cup (i can't cook breakfast, it's got to be cold and easy) with 1/2 banana and soy milk with protein powder.
lunch:
v8, can of tuna, miracle whip light and light thousand island dressing for tuna (can't eat it dry), 1 piece of whole wheat bread (down from 2) 5 baby carrots
supper:
2 chicken thighs, 1/4 chickpeas, 1/5 tomato, v8, 1 cup frozen veggies and 1 cup broccoli, 1/4 of a red pepper.
i need fribre and nutrients. i'm still not getting enough vitC and am resigned to taking calcium supplements because i have a milk addiction :lol: and have sworn off it.
i can see where i can cut some carbs (chickpeas, veggies, bread) but i think i will be hungry and the cals are already low.
so any ideas for substitutions? i can add some frozen shrimp for supper
i wont go on and on now, you get the drift.
thanks
gen

Gen, I'm going to respond more thoroughly to this later from home (and if you want to sign on later we could even make a chat date if you'd like! I'd LOVE THAT!!!) First and foremost, GEN I WISH I COULD HUG YOU. I am SO sorry you're having to go through this period; please know that you are in my thoughts and heart, and if you ever want to talk, either online or on the phone, I'm here for you man. I really care about you, and I hate to see you have to go through this. I wish I could give you comfort....if you can somehow muster the energy to drag your *** to the gym or onto your bicycle to cycle outside -- oh wait, you're going back to work tomorrow, so save that for the weekend -- anyway, maybe through sheer will you could force yourself to bike or do the treadmill or elliptical or something cardio-based, so you can maybe get some endorphins going....could you go with your sister? Or a friend? Or even alone, maybe just some solitary, mindless, soundless, repetitive-get-in-the-zone cardio....it's a thought. The key is just getting yourself there. The bad food will only make you feel worse......I sure wish I were closer, because I'd be knocking on your door with chicken soup, flowers and I'd take you for a walk, followed by something stupid or funny like Austin Powers or maybe Monty Python.

In answer to your nutritional question:

* I definitely think you should substitute All Bran Extra Fiber for the Just Right -- read the labels; it's a lot better. Or Kashi Go Lean. Both of these cereals are high fiber, low sugar, and low carb. Kashi Go Lean has the added bonus of being high protein as well. I'm going to try the Kashi when I run out of All Bran Extra Fiber, but I can tell you that the All Bran gives me 16 grams of fiber and 7 net carbs in a 1/2 cup serving. So I'm off to a great start right off the bat. Every morning I have 1/2 cup All Bran, 5 oz. skim milk, 20 oz. water, and a protein drink for breakfast -- it totals 195 calories, has 1.5 g of fat, lotsa protein, and 16 g of fiber.
* I'd substitute an apple for the 1/2 banana -- it's got far fewer carbs and fewer calories, so you could give those calories to
* I'd add a lot more vegetables, to help you out with the fiber and nutrients. Spinach, tomatoes, kale pack a wallop while costing like no calories.
* If you substitute chicken breast for chicken thighs, you can cut some calories and apply them to a mid-morning or mid-afternoon snack, so you don't get as hungry and keep your metabolism up. You could have some yogurt and a protein drink, for example.

I'll think of more. Why is it you need to go so low on calories? Is that without any exercise? Genebear, I'm thinking of you.....I'm serious about chatting -- anytime, any way, any topic....... :grouphug:

Gen Big hugs :grouphug: my dear. I empathize I really do. You just barrell through it and surround yourself with positive things. You can get through this - just see it as a bump in the great road to health that you are on. As for the 100g of carbs I am eating alot of salads with protein and for snacks in the afternoon - it is nuts or lower carb yogurt. For Dinner My Plate is half full of veggies or salad. I have a vegetarian cookbook so it is making vegetables a little more interesting. I check my carbs on diet power in the nutient summary and if I have a question I enter it before I eat it to see what it is. BTW your inner warrior is not hiding - just resting. Soldiers gotta have a break too!

The arms are from Yoga and Pilates - now if my tummy would just follow I'd be :cloud9: My yoga workout was so good but so hard yesterday and my thighs are feeling it. 90 minutes of Vinyasa is sometimes overkill. but I :love: it. If you want to PM your e-mail I have a friend that gave me the spreadsheet that creates a graph and chart of your progress along with lots of other stuff.

Sarah :wave: :wave: :wave: Hi girl. good luck with figuring out diet power but you are the expert I go to when I have questions so I am sorry I cannot be of more help! The dietician was interesting and I am willing to try and see how it goes. She said "Not all calories are equal" which I found very interesting because we are always told a calorie is a calorie - it is calories in versus calories out. I call this my experiment for now and if it doesn't work I am getting my @ss to an endocrinologist. :cp: :cp: :cp: on the 59 pounds. Busting through the barriers what an inspiration. I will have to make my way towards your blog.

Lynne I hope you are up on the website soon! Keeping my fingers crossed for you! :crossed:

Candra I hope school is going well and that you are finding it easier to exercise with activities to choose from at school!

Gretchen you are a walking maniac! Keep it up! I will soon be suggesting marathons to you.

Alright crazy ladies. I must skedaddle - a little thing called work is calling.

Quote:
When women are depressed they either eat or go shopping. When men are depressed they invade another country. -Elayne Boosler

be well.

;) Summer ;)

Ok, so at the risk of betraying my total dorkiness, I'm cutting and pasting here some info that I posted on a couple of other threads at the 100 lb forum on the topic of calories not equal and interchangeable. I'm hoping you find this helpful in some way. Here goes:
__________________________________________________ _______________
"Is a calorie just a calorie?" We were discussing this on another thread, and I answered no, but promised to do some research on it and return with supporting documentation; well, I did bring back something in the forms of a link to Dr. Hussman's site and a pasted copy of his explanation of thermogenics......but here's more -- and I think it's great! Unfortunately, I can't just cut and paste or simply provide a link, so I'm going to type what I've just read in the July issue of FitnessRx for Women (a fave of mine.) This is from page 126, and I'm quoting Brad Schoenfeld, CSCS, author of Look Great Naked. I hope you guys find it as interesting and informative as I did.


Q: "I've heard that "a calorie is just a calorie." Is this true?

A: "Not exactly. In a general sense, it's true that first law of thermodynamics dictates that energy is conserved whether you gain, lose or maintain your weight. Simply stated, if you consume more calories than you expend, you'll gain weight. It doesn't matter whether the calories come from protein, carbohydrate or fat: Eat too much and you're sure to pack on the pounds.

That said, some nutrients do have the potential to make you fatter than others. Saturated fat, for example, is easily converted into stored body fat. This has been demonstrated in numerous research studies: Given the same caloric intake, eating saturated fat results in a greater deposition of fat into adipocytes than either protein or carbs.

On the other hand, unsaturated fats, especially the omega-3 variety (abundant in cold water fish and flax oil) have thermogenic properties. They work their "magic" by up-regulating various fat-burning ezymes and down-regulating various fat storage enzymes, thereby accelerating the rate at which your body can burn fat.

Moreover, there is also a difference between dietary carbohydrates; specifically, refined and unrefined carbs. Due to their effect on insulin levels, refined carbs tend to be lipogenic (i.e., fat promoting.) You see, insulin is a storage hormone that turns on various fat storage mechanisms and blocks certain enzymes that are responsible for lipolysis (i.e., fat breakdown.) When insulin levels are high, excess nutirents are more readily shuttled into adipose cells, resulting in a corresponding increase in body fat.

Furthermore, the rush of insulin clears sugars from your circulatory system in such an expeditious fashion that it creates a rebound effect, producing a sudden and dramatic drop in blood sugar levels. A hypoglycemic state is induced, causing severe hunger pangs and food cravings. This creates a vicious cycle that encourages binge eating. As a result, more calories are consumed (especially in the form of sugar-laden foods) and fat storage is heightened even further.

Alternatively, unrefined, nutrient-dense carbs are processed slowly. They enter the bloodstream in a time-released fashion, keeping blood sugar levels in check. As a result, insulin is stabilized, reducing the potential for unwanted fat accumulation.

Finally, of all the macronutrients, protein is least likely to cause fat storage. One of the biggest reasons is that a large percentage of calories from protein are burned off in the digestion process -- a phenomenon called the thermic effect of food. Of all the macronutrients, protein has the highest thermic effect, burning off approximately 25 percent of the calories consumed. In comparison, less than 10 percent of the calories from carbs are burned off in digestion; dietary fat has virtually no thermic effect whatsoever.

What's more, protein tends to curb appetite. This is largely a hormonal function. When protein is consumed, a hormone called cholecystokinin (CCK) is secreted. CCK acts on the body's hunger mechanisms, quelling the urge to eat. Given the law of thermodynamics, these appetite-suppressing effects will, in and of themselves, help promote weight loss.

And protein also has an indirect effect on regulating metabolic rate during times of caloric restriction. When you diet, glucose (sugar) becomes in short supply. This has a negative impact on the brain and central nervous system, which rely on glucose as their main source of energy. Sensing a threat to its survival, the body's internal feedbacksystem begins to break down protein stores into glucose (through a process called gluconeogenesis.) Since skeletal muscle is not necessary for sustenance (as opposed to the internal organs and other protein-based tissues,) it's the first thing to be cannibalized for glucose. Why is this important? Well, muscle is metabolically active. For each pound of muscle, your body burns about 50 calories a day at rest. Accordingly, when muscle tissue is lost, metabolism slows by a similar amount.

So the bottom line is this: While it's important to watch the amount of calories you consume, it's also important to scrutinize the types of nutrients in your diet. By taking both these factors into account, you'll be well on your way to achieving your ideal body!

__________________________________________________ _____________
Ok, well, as always, in looking for good information on fitness and nutrition, one of my first stops is Dr. Hussman's website. I'm pasting below a bit of information from his discussion of nutrition.

************************************************** ********


Your raging metabolism


Let's talk about your metabolism. Yeah, I know it's too slow. No doubt, you've got the fat gene too. Probably from both sides. I'm kidding, of course, but it's amazing how many people talk quite authoritatively about their metabolism being slow without actually knowing what metabolism is, or what they can do about it.

There are three components to your metabolic rate:

Base Metabolic Rate or BMR. This is the amount of energy your body would use simply by lying around in bed all day. You increase your BMR by building more muscle, which is metabolically active. You'll find a calculator to estimate your BMR in the "How calories work" section below.

* Unrestricted Physical Activity or UPA. This is the amount of energy your body uses during daily activity. You increase UPA through exercise, and also by doing physical activity throughout the day (take a walk, take the stairs, choose a more distant parking spot).

* Thermal Effect of Food or TEF. This is basically the second law of thermodynamics at work - converting energy from one form to another is never 100% efficient. So eating typically throws off a modest amount of energy as heat. You increase TEF by eating small, frequent rations containing mostly protein and carbohydrate. Unfortunately, since the body stores excess dietary fat directly as body fat, there is no need to convert it, so eating fat generates virtually no thermic effect at all. Now, don't kid yourself that eating more food is a way of burning calories. But for a given "budget" of calories you eat in a given day, it's better to spread those calories out across several small rations containing protein and carbohydrate, rather than blowing the budget on a couple of larger or higher fat meals.

Metabolism includes two groups of chemical reactions in the body:

Anabolism - which is creation or "building up", and
Catabolism - which is destruction or "breaking down"

There are a lot of people who simplistically believe that you can't build muscle and burn fat at the same time, since building muscle is anabolic and burning fat is catabolic. This is wrong, but it's wrong in an interesting way. Clearly, you can't be anabolic and catabolic at full-throttle in the same instant, but you can certainly affect your body's ability to accomplish both during the day.

There are dozens of chemicals and hormones involved in regulating metabolism, but for practical purposes, two that you have the ability to do much about. They are insulin and cortisol.

Insulin is one of the main anabolic hormones in the body. The only way that glucose (sugar) can get into the cells to be used as energy is for it to be accompanied by a little insulin guy. Insulin does two things: it says "Hey, we've got sugar in the bloodstream here. Stop burning fat so that we can get rid of this stuff first." And then the insulin helps to transport the sugar into the cells.

So insulin is "anabolic". It helps the muscle cells to get fed. Well, muscle cells and fat cells. If your muscle glycogen stores are full, insulin feeds your fat cells instead. If you spike your insulin higher by eating a significant amount of simple carbohydrates (such as sugar) when your energy stores are full, the excess carbs are converted to fat and escorted to your hips. The insulin then causes a subsequent plunge in blood glucose, often followed by fatigue. Brain cells can't store glucose, so that plunge in blood glucose can also cause dizziness. So, too much sugar and you may find yourself saying "I'm fat because I'm tired, and I'm tired because I'm fat." Bottom line: insulin is triggered by the consumption of simple carbohydrates. Except when you want to intentionally spike your insulin levels, you should choose carbohydrates that trigger a minimal release of insulin. These are called low-glycemic carbohydrates.

************************************************** *

Hope this was of interest! (I love this stuff -- knowledge is power, you know?!)

thanks for the info sarah, mucho interresting.
thanks for being so kind sarah and summer. it's a very strange experience, it amazes me how this affects me physicaly. and i never realized how food can also affect the way i feel. next time i feel this way i should have a smoothie and some salmon, maybe i would get better sooner. i hate this! i just had to get that off my chest, i'll keep the rest of my chest though thank you very much. :lol: i feel better today if not a little manic. maybe working and playing playing with kids makes me happy. (you know they don't really understand why puff the magic dragon is so sad but they sure will one day!) of course i'd be happier if some children where my own, not those ones just some child. anyways. i didn't go to the gym today but no worries there. i'll be back.

down half a pound... a not very enthusiastic woohoo.

summer is the spreadsheet part of diet power? or do i have to enter all the data? i made up a spreadsheet on excel with graphs and everything, so i just put in the data for the day (just cals eaten, exercise cals and metabolism) and it does it for me. genius eh? but i'm interested in knowing what you have.

sarah when i was having trouble with dietpower i treid the suitcase thing and it never worked. oh it worked if i went to personal info and clicked on import from there but this may erase previous stuff? i don't know if that is a good idea to try better check with tech support just in case.
congrats on the lbs lost sarah
i was wondering if people say things to you guys about your weight loss? i've gotten a few comments and it's nice because i do feel and look better. one mother said it looked like i have more freckles since she saw me last but i hadn't noticed that. then i thought what if it's like my skin is like a ballon and it just looks like there are more because there's less surface area??? :lol3: if i lose enough weight i may just end up with a nice even tan when all the freckles merge together :lol3: :lol3: :lol3:

for planning my way of eating and everything else:
Everything should be made as simple as possible, but not one bit simpler.
Albert Einstein

gen

Gen, just wanted to pop on here to say that I'm so glad to hear you sounding a bit better! And congrat's on the 1/2 pound.....it's been so long since you weighed, and it's all so random, you know? Are you measuring or do you have any other means of gauging your progress? You said that people are commenting on the positive changes, so that sure indicates that all your working out and eating right is paying off!

Thanks for the advice on DietPower....I figured it out. I used the suitcase feature on Lorraine's old work laptop a few times before she switched jobs, but it had been a while, so I forgot (DUH!!) that I had to extract the files from within the DietPower program, rather than within Windows. As for wiping out and safety, just an FYI, the key is that they share the same build date, and they do, so it's not an issue. It would overwrite any data entered into the program since the last import and before the current one, but if you're not entering the info in both places and expecting to pick and choose which parts remain on *both* locations, you're fine.......I love it and need it because of work. I journal private weight stuff on DietPower, and sometimes do that at lunch, so I like to migrate the info.. Blah blah blah. :blah:

Summer, thanks for forwarding that program! It's interesting....I like the weekly progress page! Gen, yours sounds really interesting also!

Hope everyone's well.....'night you guys. :)

ok summer i'll pm you for the programme, i'm curious now and i just love graphs! :)
i'm glad you :blah: :blah: :blah: because you lost me there :lol: thanks for trying to reach my pea brain though. :p
funny thing:
i was telling my mom today that how yoou feel about your weight and how you look is so relative. when i was 16 and weighed 130lbs i thought i looked chunky and when i look at photos i find now i did.
then when i was 150 at 30 yrs i thought i lokked ok but was self concious about bumps and lumps and feeling a little chuinky.
now after being over 180 and losing about 15 lbs i think i look and feel better about myself than i did when i was 150!
and i have pictures of me when i was 120 at around 20yrs and i look a soft and pudgy! huh????
i have been, or felt i was chunky, on and off since my teens. so when i was living in london at 20yrs i didn't even realize i lost a lot of weight. i got a job working in a sprots store and had to wear silky track pants and a polo shirt as part of the uniform. i was mortified because "how was i going to hide the lumps and bumps with these form fittiing pants?!?!?" i was really surprised when i put them on that i had no bumps and lumps! it's my body and i didn't even know! crazy eh?
so you just remimded me sarah that my sis and i took measurments and pictures at the beginning of june and are supposed to take after picture and measurements at the end of august. well it's september so i guess it's time. we did the pictures the right way. no makeup, saggy inthe before and are supposed to do our hair and makeup and pose just so for the after ones :lol: of course they aren't really after more during. anyways if they aren't awful i may, i say may, post them. the before ones were took under the greatest secrecy and looked under password. we even wore the worst underwear :p so i'll try to get those this weekend. i feel bad for my sis though because she has lost only 4lbs and her clothes don't fit any better, some worse! but she is soldiering on anyway. :blah: :blah: :blah: :lol:

thanks for the support, i'm glad i made it out of bed today, that's the hardest part.
gen

hey ladies,
nothing new here. didn't exercise today. hope you are all well. looking forward to the long weekend? i am.
you know they don't have sushi in dietpower? they should get right on that!

i want to hear from you soon. :^:
gen

sniff sniff. hmmmm. is my feet? underarms?
i wonder

gen

Hey, goyls! :wave: Lorraine's back, so the sun came back out, and I've been basking in its warm glow! :sunny:

I'm down a pound and a half since last report (I think,) but at 224.2, I'm still a bit shy of making my Labor Day Challenge goal of 222.999999. :lol: It's alright....it sure would be great to achieve that goal, but I'm so close I'm not going to sweat it if I don't make it. I predict that I'll end up at 223.

My Leslie Sansone tapes and IronWear hand weights are on their way, so I'm pretty excited about getting started with an A.M. walking routine! I'm getting in my cardio, but it's still a real struggle. It's a time management issue as much as anything. But doing it first thing would certainly alleviate that factor. It's simply a matter of discipline, and I've shown myself that I'm capable of enormous discipline in some areas, so I know it's in there somewhere! I'm excited about the Leslie tapes, because it's sort of mindless and apparently you can't really help but feel great afterwards. I'm moving my exercise bike up from the basement into the office -- where I'll be doing Leslie -- so it's all handy and very present. An added bonus is that Lorraine can just hop on and grab 10 or 20 minutes during those days that she's working from home -- she's said that she intends to, and I really hope that she makes a point of it.

I'm planning on the following routine: Power walking 5 mornings (with hand weights on 3,) HIIT biking 2 mornings, weights (free weights and the CrossBow) 2 P.M. sessions (one weekend day and one weeknight) -- for an ultimate distance goal of around 12 miles biked and 18 miles walked. I won't beat myself up if I miss one A.M. cardio session, but the goal is really to do something every morning -- whether it's 20 minutes on the bike or walking 2 or 3 miles in a half hour or 45 minutes, respectively.

Gen, hope you were able to clean up that mystery smelly part! Have you and your sister measured yet? I haven't measured since before I started, so I really need to do that. Now I'm really curious! It's got to be a lot....kinda scary. I really am interested to hear your progress though!

FYI, Gretchen is on vacation, so she'll remain quiet for another week or so.

Summer and Candra, hope you guys are doing well! Summer thanks again for that spreadsheet! How's the carb/protein relationship thang going? I'll really be interested to hear your progress with those changes!

Hi Ladies!

I gotta say that this lower carb more protein is a real love/hate realtionship right now. I love the energy I have but I hate the stomach issues it brings on. Plus in a side note of absurdity - I like to cook, love to bake - HATE making salads. :shrug: doesn't make much sense. I will gladly order a salad instead of making one....

I am in the midst of birthdaypalooza in my world - it is between my mom, Michael, 2 brothers, 3 good friends all within 3 weeks. I am trying not to indulge too much and am doing okay. I was at the beach for the weekend and margaritas were a requirement - and who am I to say no??? but I played some intense beach volleyball to help balance that out.

I find that I need to my exercise in the morning before work unless it is a group fun thing like tennis, volleyball, skating...or I will NOT exercise. Motivation to get my @ss out of bed has to be huge - and I gotta be honest - this time of year that is a little hard to find. My pillow is much nicer to me than I am to myself....So in short my exercise isn't terrible (60 minutes tennis, 90 minutes of yoga, 60 pilates and 60 minutes beach volleyball) but not at my best. I just wish I liked it more. :p

Gen sorry for leaving you by your lonesome - not that you stink - it is hard to motivate myself to type when I am not too motivated myself to report on how much I'd rather sleep than exercise. So I completely understand where you are coming from! I agree about sushi it should be in dietpower - I know types of sushi are (nigiri I think) How are you doing? I hope ou are having a great weekend!

Sarah what an amazing job you are doing! I have no trouble in believing you will reach your goal. WATP? I hope you like the tapes. I am glad Lorraine is home and you can have a nice long weekend to enjoy together. Thanks for that article of information - good stuff - so much so it my head spin :dizzy:. Now it is just trying to translate that to my body and to my mind for ACTION.

:wave: to Gretchen, Lynne and Candra. Have a great long and wonderful weekend!

Quote:
Men for the sake of getting a living forget to live. - Margaret Fuller

To travel hopefully is a better thing than to arrive - Robert Louis Stevenson

be well.
;) Summer ;)

Good Morning to everyone :coffee:

I hope everyone is well, and doing well. I have missed posting. I thought about it everyday. Congrats to all the accomplishments :cp: :cp: :dance: :dance: :dancer: :dancer: :high: :high:

I am back, my computer at work is up, my computer at home is up, my scale is working, my car is fixed, all of my guests will be gone this week. I did not get the job that I interviewed for, but I am not sure I was ready to get a job yet. So everything is good.

I am extremely happy to stated that I have not gained or lost.... I will take that.

I am so happy for all of you, what accomplishments and goals reached. Great job!!!!!!

I missed you guys terrible. Thank you for your thoughts.

My plan is to get back on track and get exercising and continue WW. I will log in again soon.

Have a great day to all of you.

hi lynne, i'm glad you are back, we missed you. you must have a lovely house and home to have so many guests. i hardly ever have guests :lol: after taking a week off from exercising and using my diet power i'm ready to start again tuesday. want to join me?
so i'm curious: you have computer at work, went for a job interview and don't feel ready to go back to work? were you thinking of having two jobs? what kind of work do you do?

hey summer, you are just a party girl! good for you, sounds like fun. i love margaritas too. i find trying to get my carbs down a real challenge. i've been eating a lot more beans for a while and a lot less pasta and hardlly ever any potatoes. i bought one yesterday for the first time in over a year i think. i need to eat more salads like you but can't seem to manage it. half the stuff i buy goes bad in the fridge. good stuff o the exercise, it's not easy to fit it into busy schedules sometimes so congrats on keeping it up. i've never been a morning person so getting up early wouldbe like running a marathon for me. but i would love to be able to so i can go swimming since i weight train in the evening. if i go to bed early then i miss the daily show :( which is on at midnight. the quote goes something like: "the desire to win is not as important as the willingness to train"

sarah, your progress and determination is amazing! how do you do it? i go in spurts, i have no staying power. ok this week i will go to the gym everyday. will you hold me to that? please :^: last night i wore a pair of jeans i haven't fit into in years. yay! my sis says we measured on may11 so she wants to do it again on sep 11, to make a nice round number of months. so the suspense continues...i'm in the process of making anew weight training programme for us and once we get started on it i expect big results. watch out for the she-hulk...heh heh heh. hope your having a good weekend.

so where's our favorite protege candra?

gen

I am just popping my head in to report that I did my first mile with Leslie! Woo hoo! :dancer: I had terrible cramps, but I received it today and wanted to get started right away.......so I figured, "20 minutes -- I should be able to do that!" And I did! I'll be graduating to the 2-mile very quickly...the 1 mile was no problem. Brisk, got my heart rate up, I broke a sweat and felt a little burn in the backs of my thighs and upper arms (with no weights) but, aside from a lot of coughing and a feeling of not being able to get a deep breath, it was no problem at all. (My bronchial woes have not at all left me.....I'm so sick of it.) Anyway, tomorrow morning I'll do the 1 mile again in the morning, and also when I come home. I'll play the next day by ear as far as doing the 1 mile or the 2 in the morning before work. I'm pretty excited!

Welcome back, Lynne -- love to all of you :love: -- must dash! Talk to you tomorrow.....

well sarah with all your biking i'm not surprised you could walk 1 mile! come on sister, your cardio is amazing, a little confidence.
i did the same thing today however. i used the bike for the first time and wasn't sure what level to put it at so i started at 3, what can i say peice of cake :lol:
i started the "new way" (as i call it) of weight lifting. so today we did legs. again not knowing what to expect we took a long time so only did three exercises and the weights weren't optimum. but i'm psyched to doing it this new way. did i mention what it was? skip if i have.
so instead of doing upper and lower body splits we are doing
1-legs
2-back and bis
3-chest and tris
4-shoulders and calves, and i'll do abs
i haven't done any calve exercises yet because they are already hard and big but i don't know if they are strong. i used to wear heels all the time but now only on those special dress up occasions which are altogether too rare. I NEED A DATE DAMNIT!!!! :lol:

sorry your bronchial thing isn't gone yet. that would be annoying. is it time for the dreaded dr again??? i know you love it ;)
isn't it exciting that lorraine is getting it without any nagging (i trust) on your part. give her a secret hug from me. my dad said last night that he is going jogging today. i said don't you dare...you walk only! imagine that, he just turned 63, is paunchy and frequently sore. jogging indeed!

heart attack moment: when i left the Y and went to get my bike i saw that i hadn't locked it up properly and the lock was just hanging there...open. ooooh i'm so glad nobody took it. lesson learned....check.

well ladies i hope all's well, now it's possible that summer just has a hangover :p but how are lynne, gretchen and candra doing?

gen

I am so happy to be back. today is my son's first day at school, he was so excited, he woke me up. He is starting the 3rd grade and that means he goes over to the "other"side of the school, where all the big kids are. Therefore, this means he is a big kid. He has only 13 kids in his class, I am very excited about that. I love this small town living.

Well, It feels good to be back. I did not do bad yesterday. I walked 3/4 of a mile.I want to do more, but in time. I am still figuring out a schedule for myself, son, exercise, activities, etc.

Gen, thanks for the welcome, as for my job, yes I do already have a job. I have been an office manager for 18 years, (with 2 years off in between to be home with my son). I just finished grad school and received my masters in clinical social work. I am looking to work with children, but the only way I can work with children now is through the schools as an adjustment counselor. The money is ok, but the hours are great for my son. He does not want to go to any sitters. I am trying to find another that will accommodate him. My present job is great, but the money and the hours are not enough. However, the hours are extremely flexible. My boss is great, she has allowed me to work from home and make my own hours.
As for your week off, sometimes we all need a break, you have down so well and I have faith that you will continue.

Sarah, as always you are sooooooo motivated, congrats on the recent accomplishments. Bravo to you. Thanks for the thoughts.

Hi to Summer and Candra, Summer magaritas are my favorite, expecially frozen.

Have a great day to all of you..... :cool:

Another mile this morning before work.....and more tonight when I get home. I'll try to come back at lunch to more fully touch base. :)

Ok, just like yesterday.....one mile last night, another mile this morning, and I'll be back at lunch to give a better report. Also, tonight I'm going to do 2 miles!

Good Morning to you all,

Sarah you are on a serious roll, how do you stay so motivated. I wish I had just a pinch of your motivation. I can't seem to get out of my own way. I keep saying when.... or when..... or when this happens....
too many excuses....

Well I will try again today. Please all of you have peaceful, blessed day, and be happy... do not forget to smile.

Lynne, :grouphug: well, sweetie, it's all a mindset. For me, it's not really so much about "motivation" as it's about remaining conscious about how I'm taking care of myself and making choices based on what I really value on a deeper, more permanent level. During the day, it just comes back to, "Who do I want to be? A fat, wistful, unhealthy person? Or a vibrant, active, fully engaged healthy person who's improving her life?" When I think in those terms, it makes every choice simple. It may sound melodramatic or overblown, but really, that's how I've made it this far.

Each of our days is full of choices, and I believe that those choices reflect who we are, not who we want to be. And sometimes you're not yet at the point of being who you want to be, so you have to ask yourself, "What would I do if I were the fully realized me that I want to be?" And then you know what you must do. It's not really about motivation for me, it's much deeper than that. It's about readiness, and willingness, and valuing myself enough to let myself be who I want to be. I went through a very painful and self-destructive period -- I lost my way and sort of left myself. And I'm now working hard to get myself back to full presence in this world, full presence in my own life. Every choice counts. None is permanent, but they're all important. So it's about that for me......it's heavy, and it's deep, and it's life affirming and it's real.

If ever you need anything, Lynne, I'm here for you. I wish peace for you as well. :goodvibes

Sarah,
you are so inspiring. ;) thank you. I also feel the same way, except I feel "not my true self". I know I have alot of baggage in my life now and I am working on that, especially use the "stuff" as excuses. I am/ have been and extremely strong person and have overcome alot. But feel stuck right now. I do agree with you that none of it is permanent, it is just a matter of working through it and being who I want to be. :cool: :cool:

I am so glad to be back. Have a good night to all of you'

Love you guys. thanks

Good Morning, close to noon actually.
What a beautiful day here on the east coast. I love the sunshine. Well I am so proud of my son today. He has his first football game tomorrow night (30 miles away). Therefore, the many teams in our town always wear there football jerseys to school on Fridays before a big game. Well my son put his on and took it off I asked him why he was not wearing his football shirt, his response, it is took big without equipment and if feels funny. My response, but everyone else is going to wear theirs (I could have hit myself). His reponse, soooooo I don't want to wear mine, I don't have to do what everyone else is doing. Is just might not be a follower..... yea, bravo. And he did not even care or get upset when we pulled up to the schoolyard and everyone had their jerseys on. he is so awesome.

As for me well I am in such a good mood, I love being back to logging in.

:wave: How is everyone? Did another mile last night. I woke up late this morning :eek: so I didn't have time to walk -- but I'll make up for it tonight, I promise! Here's the exercise plan for tonight and the weekend:
Tonight: 2 miles WATP; weight training - upper body
Saturday: 20 minutes HIIT biking; 1 mile WATP
Sunday: 2 miles WATP with hand weights; weight training - lower body
Monday: 1 mile WATP in AM; 2 miles in PM

I'm still Countess Crampula :s: and I can honestly say that I have definitely felt better in my life. This one has been a killer. Interminable, painful, and annoying. But this too shall pass, no? An aside here -- In my experience the only real downside to being a lesbian (aside from the legal and social inequalities....but that's a rant for another day) is that you invariably end up getting your period together. So here's my imitation of Lorraine and Sarah last night:
S: "God, my cramps hurt."
L: "Mine do too."
S: "I'm in some pain."
L: "Well, I am too. A LOT of pain."
S: "I know, honey, but I'm just saying that I really hurt right now."
L: "Well I don't know what to say...this is the worst f*ing period I've ever had."
S: "Same here!"
L: "No, I REALLY hurt."
S: "So do I!"
L: "I'm talking about MY pain!"
S: *sigh*
L: *mope*
Louie, the dog: *sigh*
7 cats: *sit and stare resentfully, occasionally blinking their disdain for our stupidity*

Now isn't that conversation just so annoying on so many levels?? It's really just adds insult to injury to be that annoying while in so much pain, don't you think? Crazy hormones and feminine sensibilities TIMES TWO! Or, PMS squared! :crazy:

How's Gen? Summer, how the heck are you? Lynne, congrat's on the independently thinking boy! Candra? Anyone else got any exercise planned?

WHEW! I just SO hate this period! I'm sorry to keep going on about it, you guys, but it's just kicking my ***! :( I ended up walking only a mile :( -- I'm actually proud of myself for doing anything at all, to be honest. I'm thinking this has GOT to be better tomorrow....

Hello, hello!

Where the heck is everybody??? Did I miss a memo? Alright, well, here's another little update from me:

I did the 2-mile WATP workout this morning, and just now did a 20-minute interval resistance workout on my exercise bike, going 5 miles. It simulates CRAZY hills at maximum resistance, and it really was a good little workout! I'm still planning on doing an upper body weights workout later today. We're going out with friends to the Olive Garden tonight (my first time going there - I'm a little frightened :lol: ) and I intend to retain some semblance of control, but still will allow myself a little leeway......so maybe I'm attempting to be proactive in easing my conscience! ;)

How's everybody else doing? C'mon, put me out of my misery and throw me a bone, ok?

hey all!

i had to sleep at my mom's one night and have gotten home late last night so i went for sleep. sometimes on friday nights i go over to my friends and we have a fun evening. i had a run planned for this morning and had to get up 8 so i decided that i had to leave at around 12 last night and not drink. and that's what i did. crazy stuff. well this morning i had the best run so far. i was faster than ever which is amazing, i wasn't slogging along i was actually running woohoo. our marathon buddy was doing walk today because she has a marathon tomorrow and she said we looked great, good form and all that, so i was soooo happy. after doing 2 sets of ten and one my step mom took off to get her own workout (i'm still a little slow for her but she is kind enough to hold back and pace me). i just can't sustain yet without her so instead of running the last 15 by myself i did sprints. i love doing the sprints. it's fun to run fast (what is fast for me :lol: )
this week i did
tues: legs
wed: off
thurs: back and bis
fri: calves and shoulders
so next weeks plan is:
mon: chest and tris
tues: legs
wed:back and bis
thurs: shoulders and calves
fri: chest and tris
that is if we go all five days. i don't think we've managed that yet.
i've added the upright bike to my cardio. i hadn't done it yet so i didn't know where to start. i started at level 3, hills. to easy. yesterday i did level 4, hills, too easy. i maintain my rpms at 90+ with a 100+sprint (about 3 mins) at the end. next: level 5 ;)
my sis calls me everyday at work and says "so are we working out today?" there is always a time during the day i have this little hope she'll call and say she can't make it. i still can't seem to go without her. friday when she called i said "but i'm so tired and my sweats are in the dryer (i do my laundry at work)" so she said" but isn't that the plan?" ok ok so we went (after the sweats were dry) the truth still holds: you never regret a workout. apparently a switch turns on at some point where those thoughts don't come anymore.

that's actually funny sarah, from where i'm sitting, out of the line of fire. could i have a little validation here PLEASE! hey if there was a group of replublican lesbians would their slogan be "lesbians for bush" :lol: i just thought of that but i have the feeling it must have occured to someone else before. i'm still laughing though, excuse me. what brand of bike do you have? the Y has lifecycles. so you do the max resistance? that's amazing. i'm such a chickenshit for moving up levels so slowly. i can rationalize anything :o

lynne, you son is so great. isn't it amazing the crap that comes out of our mouthes sometimes??? :p i don't have kids of my own but i have a neice and nephews and work at a daycare. sometimes i think "what did i just say??? cringe" what i think is so funny is the way we are supposed to teach kids to think independently and be creative and then get upset when they don't do what they are supposed to and join the group. kids must think adults are all crazy!!! if you are having problems getting your exercise in maybe you could sit down and make a plan for the week. it's a commitment you make with yourself (which can be so hard, admittingly). an appointment you wouldn't break just like an appointment with your boss, client, dentist, child's teacher. you get the idea. you don't even have to do a whole hour (for example) at a time. 20 mins here and there. like 20 minute walk before work, 20 minutes weights before supper, 20 minutes yoga after son goes to bed. something like that. on the weekend, (just as an example, i don't really know if it is realistic for you) your son could ride his bike and you could jog beside him. i really liked your idea of jogging during his football practice. grade 3 and playing football, how cute is that. when you first said your son plays football i thought he was a teenager :) .

so how was your week summer? candra? (maybe candra is gone for good?)

happy weekend all
gen

Hey lovely ladies!

I am here - crazy busy but I am not gettin notified by e-mail of people posting :mad: . So I thought it strange and came here and checked it out - I'VE MISSED ALOT! Sorry. :?: I'll be more dilligent and throw more bones ;) .

I have not been doing well on my exercise. Right now it consists of walking the dog at least 5000 steps or 1.5 miles 5 days a week weather permitting, 1 day 90 minute Yoga session, 3 days a week of pilates for 25 minutes. I need to find something I look forward to...:shrug: Frankly not a good :censored: time of year for me. As Sarah said...and this too shall pass....I hope....

Sarah your vibrant aura comes through. It smiles to see when you post. Keep the exercise up and through your period that is giving you such grief...:cheers:

Gen way to go with the running! I find that amazing! My motto was always "I will only run if it is after a ball or away from a guy" I like an endpoint in sight plus I had breast reduction in December and before that the boobs were huge for a 5'2" frame (like an E or an F) - that it was comedic :lol3: just watching me run - three bras and all.

Lynne what a son you have! I like the individualistic nature! Being a mother is the hardest job on earth and sounds like he is wonderful! I am sure, even with small steps, that you are inspiring him with exercise and your effort to make a positive change for yourself.

Thank you all for your support. I really do cherish it - especially today.

Quote:
Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined. - Henry David Thoreau


be well. live well. love well.

;) Summer ;)

Well, today was really busy, but I did manage to get in a mile walk. yea, I am hoping to continue that. Gen I think it is a great idea to plan exercise, like an appointment. Which is what I am going to do tomorrow. After hockey practice, (my son's) I am going to sit with my planner and schedule myself some time.

Well the last guests left tonight at 9pm, ahhhhhhhhh, :)

I am really tired so I am going to make this short, plus I have to get up early.

Thanks everyone, I will logg in soon.

Hey you guys! Just a quick update to say that I'm working my *** off but have nary a pound lost! It's all good, I'm not worried about it.....but I'd sure love to see it change! I'm still doing the walking DVD's, and the HIIT biking, and this weekend I did a full body weights workout. Now I don't want to hear a WORD about having put on MUSCLE, because, while I'm sure I have strengthened somewhat, it takes a lot longer than a week to put on pounds of muscle. Now, water retention within the muscles -- THIS is a possible explanation. They say that with increased use/strain, the muscles expand and retain more water -- Gen, have you ever heard that expression, "Don't weigh after legs day?" I have....you know, the quads being so large, etc. *sigh* Well, it is what it is, you know? Or maybe I'm not consuming enough calories? Here are my numbers, according to DietPower:

YTD (since March 1): 1476
QTD: 1386
MTD: 1358
Last week: 1354

All input is welcome. Obviously I'm going to keep going with the exercise. That's a given. But lower the calories? Up them? Keep them steady and ride it out? Bleh.

Summer, great to hear your sunny voice! I love it when you post! I say invest in an exercise bike and do HIIT biking in the mornings (or whenever) -- you can burn some serious calories in 20 minutes....many, many more than with walking or yoga or pilates -- none of which have as profound an impact on your metabolism. Just an FYI.

Gen, you seriously make me laugh, girlfriend! And um, lesbians liking bush is not so noteworthy -- but lesbians liking Bush, well that's enough to get someone to lose their card!! (Bush doesn't really love the lesbians very much either, so I guess it's a case of mutual contempt....) I'll stop now in case I'm stepping on any toes! :)

Lynne, I find that I absolutely HAVE to schedule the exercise, just as I have to plan my meals and prepare them beforehand. I am all about setting myself up for success! Let us know how it goes!

Gretchen, welcome back! Hope to see you here soon!

Ta, my friends -- I seriously love you guys.... :love: :love: :love: :love:

hello ladies,
good to hear all's well.
i went to the gym today. chest and tris. ouch. they got a new machine with a counter wheight so you can do pull up and dips without having to haul your own weight. very cool, very fun.
now i keep thinking about how good ski season will be since i'll be stronger and fitter. the first year i did well but last year my skiing abilities regressed so i'm hopeful for this year. every year we go for a week end to white face in lake placid and we rent a cabin, ski two days, drink, eat and have blast. last year a friend came who invited herself (which was not a good thing) and it created a some tension (she's not the easiest going person around). now i thnk she will want to come every year. funny thing: this year she asked another friend why she didn't come and the second friend said because she wasn't invited and the first friend said oh you don't have to be, just invite yourself. i didn't know if i should laugh or cry so i laughed. i may be crying this winter though :lol:
so do you want to hear a sweet story re skiing? yes? ok
i didn't own any ski equipement and renting can get quite expensive so my dad said he would buy me boots for xmas. then my sis and her husband bought my poles. then they decided what the heck they's buy me some skis too, good second hand ones for about $200, they figured they could afford that. so that was so nice right, i was so touched and happy. i got the boots and skis and off we went for my first ski day of the season. well i got up lift and tried to ski and my boots hurt so much i was in tears and couldn't ski at all. so i decided to sit it out, so that i could return the boots without them getting used. now when we left the hill and went to pack up the car: my skis were gone, stolen! so now besides being pissed about the skis my brother law is not too happy because either he has just spent $200 for nothing or he spends $400 total but for worst skis since there aren't any more second hand skis left that late in the season and he can't really afford that anyway. so we bring the boots back and get a credit note since we didn't have time to try on boots that night but would come back later. now we cut away to a couple of weeks later a few days after my brother's birthday and i'm at my sister's house. so my brother and his wife and son show up. they come in and my brother brings out a box with ski boots in it. and i say "oh you got ski boots i thought you were only going to snow board from now on" well they were for me, and then my brother in law brings out a new pair of skis. for me! turns out my brother told everyone not to buy him a birthday present but to put the money towards a new pair of skis for me instead!!! isn't that wonderful?
well that was a long story but a good one no?

sarah, i know a week of not losing is not going to get you down. it will probably just make you more determined. i heard that about the legs in the lwl forum i think. i'll remember that, although i usually weigh in on mondays and don't go to the gym on sundays. i think i need to work on my diet, still. i know what to do, all the theory and stuff. just need to do it. i think i eat too much supper even though it's not really bad stuff. and we will be doing more cardio and make our weight training routines more time efficient so that we aren't at the gym all night. i think that should help melt some fat away. ince i've started exercising my period has gotten weird (more often :mad: ) do you ususally have week and a half periods??? cause that's a long time to be cranky :p really it's enough to make anybody cranky.

i got a new pair of running shoes since my old one finally bit the dust on saturday. i was looking for a pair of lightweight sweatpants and didn't really feel like paying over 70$ for them (that was the lowest price i tried on at the workout clothes store) i found a wonderful pair of cotton one at american apparel. they just opened a bunch of stores here this summer. their clothes are all cotton, not made in sweatshops (the company claims to be big on social conscious stuff) and so soft and comfy. nice colours too. if you have one close to you i highly recommned it.
lynne, yeah on the last guest! i'm sure you love them but it must feel good to your place back for yourself, and you son of course. i think scheduling is a good idea. i used to make plans to go to the gym but if something came up i wouldn't go. now i say "i can go to the bar, i'll meet you after i finish at the gym" oh yes it's usually the bar :lol: tomorrow the world cup hockey final is on (canad vs. finland) i don't want exercise to completely take over my life so i don't go 7 days a week and there is some flexibility but generally i treat it like going to work, it's just part of my day. let us know what you figured out.

summer, when i run there is an end point. either distance (i'll run around up here, around there and back) or time (i'll run for 20 minutes) and bike riding is good too. i really like it and will miss it when it snows (did someone just say snow, slap slap) it's better outdoors but that's hard in the winter. so an indoor bike is good too. did you consider going to a gym? what is your feeling on that? i don't remember you anser (sorry) but i must have asked you before if you jog with fenway? and if not why not? just asking :)

is this the longest post i've ever written? cause i could go on you know
allright allright good night ladies, take care
gen

i'm back!
ok sarah, i don't know about the calories. are you hungry? do you feel weak? what does you scale say? don't you have one of fat% scales? are you losing any muscle mass? if not your cals may be ok. why don't you give it another couple of weeks or so. one week doesn't really mean much i think.

gen

I am really tired, so this will be short and sweet. Anyway, Hi to everyone, it sounds like everyone is doing a great job, thanks again for all the support. I have to let you all know that the past 2 days have been great. I have been OP (WW, on points) for 2 days, drank my water, and walked a mile yesterday and 1.5 today. Doing well agrees with me, one of my boss' friends (excuse my language) asked me if I was getting laid. She said I looked way too happy. :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: I like being way too happy. :D
I am going to try resistance tubes tomorrow (I say try, my right arm and shoulder are seriously shot). I will take it slow and hopefully get back to full time weight lifting, I miss the burn. I also use to have big calfs and thighs, now I have fat thighs and calfs, but that is temporary.

Hey Gen, where is lake placid? My son's hockey coach just asked all the kids to a tournament up there around Easter. I thought is was in Up state NY!!! I was not aware that Montreal was near there. Although Geography is one of my favorite subjects, it is by far not my best. I love to learn about aother places and cultures.

Well Good Night to all of my wonderful friends and supporters.

hi lynne,
it feels good doesn't it. now if we could just get laid we'd never stop grinning. shall we comiserate? boohoo
just keep moving :cp: and you'll feel good all the time. what happened to your shoulder?
lake placid is in up-state NY. montreal is only a 45min drive from the border (if you drive like a quebecois :lol: ). it's about a 2hr drive from here so it's good for a weekend get-away. your son will love it there, it's beautiful and a really nice town and great facilities for all winter sports.

i did legs today and 30mins on exercise bike. i did level 5 and that's still too easy so next time it's level 6 for me. i do the hill programme which intervals. i keep my rpms at 95+ with about 2mins of 105+ at the end. tomorrow we're off and then back on thursday.

bonne nuit
gen

Good morning ladies :coffee: :wave:

Gen thanks for the info, I thought it was in NY, My son loves winter sports. I personally only like the summer. I have tried to get my son to move south to the warmth. But his rebuttle is that he can never find a hockey stick to practice when we go to Florida, so how far away are the skating rinks and he would not be able to skate on fozen cranberry bogs, ponds or anything. I sit in the car while he skates outside, I sit in the lodge while he snowboards (in Upstate New Hamphire). I cannot do the cold, at all. Summer time, I will walk in 90 degree weather, I use to run in the hot, hot weather.
Anyway, as for my shoulder, years of weight lifting, pushing too hard. I loved the burn. I was then refinishing a large dresser, (a hobby), and got so into it and worked through the burn, the pain and everything else. My doctor told me to stop, and I did for a bout 2 days, it felt better and started again. Now anytime I do anything, my arm sometimes goes numb and tingles. really aggravating. I try to let it relax and stretch it ofen. But I love to paint and I do the same thing (not listening to my body), very destructive. I get something in my mind and I can't stop. Too bad I couldn't be that with my weight loss ;) . However, I helped my brother paint and I only did 2 hours each day and I stopped, stretched and went to see my Chiropractor, only one night of waking up with the tingling and numbness, getting better. I know I will do it and will keep doing it. 2 days down and today to conquer. :) Now that I have talked your ear off......

Hey I hope everyone is haveing a great day. I hope to log in again later.

hello hello,

today i went to the gym on my lunch hour which is not something i'm normally ble to do. it was so nice, so little amount of people. we got through the weight lifting quickly by doubling up on our exercises. we alternated while usually one would be waiting for the other between sets we just did a set of another exercise. is this clear? so instead of an hour we finished in a half an hour. then i did my cardio but i got some cramps in my side so i wasn't able to do as many sprints as i wasn't to but i still worked up a good sweat.

lynne, my mom has a bad shoulder too, she was diagnosed with bursitis but she also has calcium deposits. she goes to physiotherapy for it. don't overwork it, take care of yourself.

sarah :high: on the two pound loss. i never doubted you for a moment.

do you guys workout on the weekend?

gen

so maybe it wasn't such a good plan, we'll see. the new plan was to do a half hour of cardio, wieghts, then another half hour of cardio. we want to speed up the weight loss part. so i did the first half hour then the weights but i couldn't do the last half hour. i did 19 minutes and at level 1 instead of the usual level 4. our weights were shoulders and calves so it wasn't like i overworked my legs during weights. my thighs couldn't take it though. i'll keep trying but i'm wondering if i should just work at it or it's just a bad idea. we wont be doing the two cardio workouts on leg day. i really want to improve my cardiovascular performance, that's my main focus.
i'm getting much fitter but you can see from my sig that i haven't lost any weight in 2 months!
so how are you guys doing? everyone ok?

gen

Hey everyone, quick note, everything here is going well, sounds like everything there is going well.

Gen, I was diagnosed with bursitis in my shoulder also, due to heavy weight lifting for many years. But is was the constant refinishing and painting that did the worst of my arm.... no DX to date on that thought. As for not being able to do the cardio after weight lifting, when you weight lift you are probably lifting enough to exhaust the muscle.... therefore, trying to do cardio after can be dangerous (i.e. bad form causing injury... becuase your muscles are exhausted. You could change the weight routine lower weights or reps. A big challenge could be cardio and weight combo intervals. I use to compete in aerobics that did that. 10-15 minutes of each interval. I also use to take classes regularly called cardio combo.

Anyway, I did my resistance tubes, till I felt a burn, then did one more and stopped. I only did each area one time. I will then work up to two, three, etc. I also made it around the track (at my son's football practice) 4 times. Eating has not been too bad, better than my past, but no great, however, I am getting better and better.

Hey Ladies :wave:

I am not getting e-mails that any one has posted... :?: :?: I wonder why?

At the end of birthdaypalooza. Happy to celebrate but nice to stop shopping for a bit.

So crazy busy between work, board meetings and a fundraiser (which is fun) and Michael. I love it - I'm just :dizzy:

Lynne I love Lake Placid - so pretty! Spring time especially - Fall even more. :cp: on getting better and better with the eating. Every step counts.

Gen you exercise wonder! Way to push yourself - but be careful on doubling up the cardio with the weights you are doing. How is Montreal this time of year? Trying to convince DH about a long weekend somewhere.

Hi to Sarah and Gretchen ;) I hope all is well in your worlds!

Quote:
It's not the hours you put in your work that counts, it's the work you put in the hours. Sam Ewing

be well. live well. love well.
;) Summer ;)

Hey everyone,
just checking in, I hope all is well, I did another short workout with the resistance tubes, lo tension, 10-15 reps, one set. I have been walking a mile each day. Looking forward to increasing that. Well, I have to go. I will check in again soon.

good to see you back summer. :)
hello sarah and lynne.
ok i need a kick in the butt this week. i've done some grocery shopping, i just need a few more veggies and i'm set. so it's time for "pledge of the week"
this week i will
do cardio and lift mon, tues, thurs, frid.
swim wed
run sat
this week i will
eat 1 portion of food at my meals which i will put on my plate or in my bowl and not go back for seconds. i will eat healthy fresh foods (except my morning cereal and protein powder)
i will not eat
chocolate, chips, fried foods, battered foods, and chicken skin :p
this is not an exaustive list but i know in my mind and heart what is right and i will do what is right.
i will
sit for five minutes each night quietly and be.

well it may look like alot but i don't think it really is.

so do have plans for the week?

gen

You are right, to me it does sound like a lot, but as long as you do not think it is not too much, then the less chance of not being able to accomplish your goals. Sounds Like a plan, I have always had trouble with meditation, it is not as easy as it sounds or seems. I am great at running away, therefore, sitting and being with me is very hard, I tune out and then forget and move on to something else. Good for you that you can do it.

Well, my plans for the week in to continue to increase my exercise.
I will walk around the track 5 or more times a night on Tues, Wed, & Fri.
I will continue with my resistance tubes of light resistances 10-15 reps, and one set.
I will wear my pedometer everyday to make sure I walk at least one mile
I will listen to 30 minutes of guided imagery (on weight loss) everyday... 7 days
I will ..... try to work in a tape, yoga or pilates for 20-30 minutes 2X this week
I will write up a planned schedule of my activities, chores and cooking times to help avoid idle time and keep me honest to myself.

Hey where has Sarah and Gretchen been, I haven't seen a post from them lately...

ok glad you're with me lynne.
so far it hasn't been going too well, forces are conspiring against, i swear.
two days ago my monitor blew so i haven't been able to use my comp.
yester i went to the gym, ate ok, but forgot i wasn't supposed to have seconds at supper.
today i did not go to the gym because i went to the ball game (expos won woohoo), i ate bread and margarine for lunch (among other ok things) and actually had a glass of milk, this first in months. what's that all about.
ok tomorrow is my first swimming course and the cleaning lady should be coming (something i can't really afford but desperately need)

you plan sounds great and pretty demanding too. go for it.
btw i keep forgetting to sit for five minutes, i'll try to remember that for tomorrow. it sure is harder than it sounds :?:

happy wednesday
gen

i had my first swimming lesson today. i'm going to be so sore tomorrow but i think i'm going to learn a few things. it's fun.

so how's everyone?
gen

Hey Gen, a swimming class sounds awesome. I should think of joining one. But the whole bathingsuit thing.... crazy I know. Let me know how you make out with the sitting with yourself for 5 min.

Hey where is everyone?? I haven't seen anyone else posting? hope everyones ok.

Gen, you will get back to is especially with the simming class, I heard water exercises are the best. Have fun with it.

hi lynne, (and everyone else?)

the swimming class was alot of fun. the instructor asked me do do two laps so she could see how i swam and then she said i did very well and seemed to be at a loss as to what to tell me. so i told her there there must be things i could do better because you can always improve. so then she started teeling me to do different drills and stuff and boy did i have a lot to learn. so it went well and know we can see that i'm not swimming that well after all. :lol: and two students per instructor is a pretty good ratio. my sister is taking lessons at a different time and she has two instructors for one student! today i'm going shopping for a new bathing suit (one for real swimming) and some goggles because my eyes hurt so much from the chlorine, i could hadrly see for a few hours afterwards.
i used to do aqua aerobics and it sure was hard and worked my muscles but i'm not sure it's that good for weight loss. most of the women had been doing it for a few years and were all still pretty big. it's easy not to push yourself to hard when you're in the water especiaaly if you stay in the shallow end. i would always wear a floating belt and stay in the deep end. it's a good starting point if doing regualr aerobics is too painful on your joints.
i don't worry about being seen in a bathing suit because i haven't seen one hot babe in the water (you know it makes you more self-concious). all the women are at different stages of overweight (from slightly to hugely), cellulite, whatever. and it's all women, if there is a man then he is probably over 70. nobody looks at others critically. it's not like going to the beach at all, if you know what i mean. there's nothing like the changing room at the gym to make you feel not so bad about yourself. you'd think it was the opposite but it's not.
i have not been sitting with myself. why is this so hard? i just forget. maybe i need to put a post-it on my monitor.
what's you plan for next week? how did your plan go this week?
i don't know where summer is, maybe another party ;)
i know sarah is not feeling well so maybe that's why she hasn't been posting.
we'll just keep the home fires burning for them, maybe you could put a cnadle in the window?

have a good weekend,
gen

Well the candle is in the window for all of them.
Glad to hear the swimming went so well. You must have felt so good when she said she does not know what else she could teach you. That is awesome. Our pool is full of the over fit people. I have gone many times with my son, for swimming lessons. I just have to get over myself and do something. I am going to look into the swimming lessons, aqua classes, anything. As for this week. Well I walked 6 nights instead of 3, but I only did one yoga and one resistance.
Next week:
Walk 1.5 miles 3X
Yoga 3X
Resistance 2X
I can do this..... yes I can. I check back soon. Have a good day Gen.

Hey Sarah, Summer, and Gretchen, Hope all is well, check in when you can.

Hey ladies :wave:

Sorry to be AWOL! Thanks for keeping the home lights burning.

:cp: to Lynne for waolking 6 nights instead of 3! I think you should do swim lessons! That would be fun!

Gen I am glad you are taking swim lessons! I love swimming - I have swam for most of my 28 years of life. I'd rather swim a mile or two than run them :lol:

My exercise is okay - not great - yoga, pilates and walking is what it mostly consists of. Trying to do more - just not as motivated :dunno: I guess. I have decided not to take the nutritionists advice and do minimal carbs - my stomach has never hurt so much so consistently. So I am going to cut out white flour and highly processed foods and go from there.

I hope all are well! Gretchen, Sarah and Candra :wave:

be well.
;) Summer :)

hi lynne,

wow you are doing sooooo great :cp:
you can do this??? you are doing this!
well it was nice when she said i swam well, but i was disappointed because i wanted to get better. it all turned out ok because as it turned out i wasn't swimming that well after all, it was all an illusion! :lol:
i think the aqua fitness classes are good but (and i'm no expert here) i don't recommend you use that as a primary workout, more of a supplement to your plan.
next week:
mon:legs, cardio
tues: get up and go to the gym before work :p
back and bis, cardio
wed: swim, 1 hour lanes, 45min class
thurs: shoulders and calves, 1 hour cardio
fri: yoga, chest and tris, cardio

maybe instead of a candle we need a lighthouse???
take care
gen

Well yesterday, my son hurt his knee at his football game, I was so worried, but felt like an ***, because I could not get my fat *** over the fence. I had to have my brother climb over the fence. It would have taken me too long to run,(who am I kinding) around the fence to the field. Who ever thought of putting a fence around the field anyway. Well I was so worried, but he is going to be ok. I then had a bad dream last night about taking him to a bad neighborhood, I was trying to get services for underprividge people and he decided to go back to the car, while I continueed my meeting and I LET him. Well as I was walking back to the car the police were at my car and something bad happened.... I woke up in extreme fear. I have been jittery all morning. I felt so bad....
Just had to get that out, thanks for listening.

Hey the candle worked a little, Hey summer, Well Gen maybe the lighthouse would be better. :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

Glad to hear from you Summer. Just keep going.... It will get better, I think.

Gen, the swimming lessons sounds like you will benefit from it. I agree with you both I think I could use some lessons, I haven't had proper lessons since I was 9yrs old. That is a really long time. I am sure I have a ton of bad habits. to change. Well I have to go get my son and take him to the doctors. I will check in again when I can. :D

Hello all! Just a quick hello at the end of my lunch hour -- I'm alive and well. I've been having some health problems but I'm still hanging in there. If you're curious for more info and don't wish to wait, feel free to visit my blog for the full and painfully detailed report! :lol:

I've been having some breathing difficulties, but it's nothing life-threatening, just getting in the way of exercise and normal walking etc. I'm ok for short spurts of normal walking, but even walking up a hill is now a problem -- I wheeze and pant and break into uncontrollable coughing. And there's some infection. I have faith in this new doctor -- so I'm playing it by ear. I have an appointment with a pulminary specialist he recommended on 10/15, so I'm sure I'll have resolution before long. In the meantime, I'm taking it quite a bit easier on the exercise, but going against his advice and still doing some. Yesterday I did the WATP 1-mile workout -- a bit of wheezing, but I got through it and at least it's something! Afterwards, I did a mini arms workout with dumbbells. Soreness today, yay! It's my goal to do 5 miles this week (one mile at a time) and also I'm going to do one full weights session (takes about 45-55 minutes) -- if I can do the one session, I'll do 3 this week. These are the goals. I'm also going to try to do some easy biking too, but that's for another day. :) I really don't want to push myself, and I don't go TOO much against the doctor's advice (he said to walk the dog only, and then not briskly) but I think he was a bit too conservative so I'm trying a bit more. But the HIIT biking and the 3- and 4-mile power walks I was doing......those are on the shelf for now. It's frustrating, because my loss has just completely stalled. And I was working on building a routine and developing daily exercise as a habit -- that's been my struggle all along. I was making progress, but I guess I'll just have to make progress later right? Right now I just need to breathe! (Pardon me while I talk to myself here.... :lol: )

I really don't have much time -- I keep 3FC open and minimized during the day, and pull it up for a quick read when I can, but I must return to work now!

Glad to hear you're all doing well -- Sumer and Lynne you're doing great -- and Gen.....well you are just amazing to me. But then you knew that. ;) I care about you guys, and am glad to hear that everyone's doing so well. :grouphug:

SArah, hang in there, I will keep you in my prayers, just take care of yourself, don't push. You will be fine. We miss you.

I'll check back in later, I have to get back to work.

hello ladies,

i burned my hand yesterday and it was very painful if not very serious, so i didn't check in. it gave me an oppertunity to tell the children about touching hot things (like the handle of the frying pan that was in the oven :p ) and we all sang the "don't touch hot things songs". at least i didn't have to do the dishes at work.
so i didn't something i haven't done yet: got up at seven to go to the gym, bright and early!!! it was good, not very many people. i had to go in early to get my workout because tonight was the first class of my insructors training course. it's for ten weeks. looks like fun. 3 hours ooof, i had a protein bar for snack at 8 and a cigarette, i was embarrassed :o for the first time in my life to be smoking.
and the workout was difficult because it hurt to pull up and hold weights with my burned hand. i could only find the left weight training glove (was my right hand) so i wore this glove i have that you put on after the handcream, i wasn't embarrassed about that though :dizzy: .
i hope your son's injury is not bad either lynne and he can still play? he's a very active youg boy and now it's becoming a family thing ;)
sarah just be careful not to damage your lungs. once you get better, watch out, you'll blow us all away. hey that was funny, i didn't plan that.
summer i know what you mean about the carbs...blah. i don't cut them out but i try to limit them a little. like 1/2 cup pasta instead of 1 cup. execpt this week, i'm into tuna sandwiches and between my two daytime snacks and lunch i have two (on whole wheat bread of course, which is not a problem for me because that's practically all my mom ever bought as we were growing up, bakery kind. i don't even like processed white bread and can't figure out why people eat that stuff :?: )
so my delima is do i go to swimming class tomorrow or do i go to what will probably the last game the expos ever play in montreal? i am really torn. i think i would regret not going to the game more though. any opinions?

nighty night
gen

I'll post more tonight -- but for now, Gen, GO TO THE GAME! Hope your hands ok, Lynne, :goodvibes for your son, Summer :wave: , and Gen.......GO TO THE GAME!

Gen Go to the Game, your right it might be your last chance, you can do 2 swimming classes some other day. Take care of your hand.

Well, My son is much better, thank you. I have been icing and massaging it with Arnic gel and yesterday he was good. Still a little week. He went to football practice tonight and they want him to be one of 3 quarterbacks. I guess that is good. They had him throwing most of the night. I have NO IDEA how to play football. Therefore, I do not know what is good or not..... I am looking for patterns to follow. My brothers get into the games and cannot handle answering questions for me. Oh well, I will just keep going and looking for patterns.
Sarah hope all is well, look forward to hearing from you when you can.
Hey Summer, how is life in your world, remember to breath.

Well I have to go put my little man to bed. I check in soon.
Everyone take care of you, there is no one in the world to do it the way you need it to be done.

well that's it i guess, it's just about all over, i am so sad. :( i love the expos, been going to the games since i was a wee child. we could hear the announcer form my bedroom window when i was young. :censored: greed, :censored: bud selig and :censored: the expos owners. and we lost 9-1 to the marlins another team being :censored: by loria and his bunch. the game was almost forfeited because people kept throwing things onto the field but in the end everyone left peacefully.
lynne, i like football, it's so much fun. up here we canadian football rules, one of the biggest differences is that there are 3 downs instead of 4. the team in montreal is the top team, we lost the championship last year but won the year before. i like to go to the games but the tickets are so expensive. we go to the college games instead. but those aren't as big as the ones in the states. we don't have sports schollarships here, eduction is heavily subsidized, so the kids play for the fun of it i guess. your son must be excited about being a quarterback, running fast and scoring touchdowns is fun too i think.
tomorrow i'll go to the gym, friday too. we decided to kick it up a notch and really find our maximum weights. we were lifting to failure but now as soon as we can do 15 reps even marginally we go right away to the next level and really push it. and we've dropped from 3 sets to two with 1 warm-up set at a much lewer weight. we can do the two sets at higher weights. as good as i feel i am thinking i sure would like to lose some more weight now. maybe i'll weigh myself tomorrow and see what's up.

i hope everyone is well and moving, moving, moving
gen

I am sorry to hear about the expos. My some loves all sports, but all the games are expensive, tickets are just too much money. And if you want good seats, you pay through the nose. I try to go to at least one game of something. This year we went to a Red Sox game in Fenway, we had incredible seats. My mother gave me the tickets, who got them from work. We were in the 5th row, between home and 1st base. It was amazing to be so close and my son caught a ball, actually it almost hit us. He was so excited.

As for the lifting. That is a great way to lift. That is how I use to lift. I actually got really up there... then I hurt my shoulder. Please be careful. Always keep your form. I was competing with myself to lift big numbers. I was up to 350lbs with my legs. It is a wonder I didn't hurt my leg. But I really do love the burn. I loved lifting more than anything. As for loosing weight. the bigger the muscle the more calories it needs. That alone may contribute to some lbs to be lost. Good luck and have fun. I do not have the strength I had but I do look forward to gaining it back.
Today I walked 1.75 miles and rode my bike with my son for 2 miles. Which I thought was going to kill me. I has huffing and puffing. Therefore, tomorrow I will ride again, not 2 miles, but maybe a mile. I just hope my bumb doesn't hurt as much as it does right now.
Well everyone, I hope you all have a wonderful evening. I will check in soon.

Aw, Gen, I'm sorry for your loss....that sucks. I'm glad you went to the game, even if it was bittersweet. Sounds like it was important that you go.

Gen, (and Summer too, if you're interested) on the topic of how Diet Power calculates our metabolic rate, (nice segue huh?) I'm pasting the following from the Diet Power forum; it was written by Terry Dinkle, the software's creator:

Every day when you log your weight, DietPower asks, "How much weight has she lost in the past 30 days, and how many calories has she netted (eaten minus burned in exercise) during that period?" Let's say you've lost one pound and netted 40,000 calories. If you've lost one pound, then it says, "She's netted 3500 calories less than she needed to maintain her weight. So she should have netted 43,500, or 1450 per day." That figure -- 1450 per day -- is your metabolic rate.

Because DietPower performs this calculation every day during maintenance, and adjusts your budget accordingly (if you choose the daily adjustment option), yes, it will track your metabolic rate correctly and if you "eat by the numbers," you'll stay at your goal weight.

Speaking of DP, there's a thread about it in Buyer Beware -- Summer and Gen, you should comment!

I know you'd been wondering about that, Gen, and I knew I had saved it somewhere -- sorry it took me a while to get that to you! Hope it answers your question. I'd been wondering about it too, a while back, and so that's why I went looking on their forum!

As for me, I'm doing pretty well! The inhalers and medicines seem to be working, and I'm looking forward to my lung capacity test. That reminds me, I wanted to call back the doc to get a copy of my blood test results! I'm down another couple of pounds (if I posted weight loss yesterday then I'm only down one more :dizzy: ) so I'm currently at a total of 66 pounds YTD. I'd planned to try some biking tonight, but I completely forgot that we have a company party! A "Crabaganza" with some pretty good eats and barrels (bushels) of crabs for those who want them - it's a Maryland thing. Lorraine will eat crabs, corn and cake and drink beer, and I will have grilled jerk chicken, salad, and a fruit pop, and drink water. It's an outdoor thing, so that's cool.

Gotta get back to work....I miss you guys! Merrick hope the loss is happening for you - sounds like you've increased the activity -- great job!

Gen, I miss you -- haven't seen you in a bit!

Summer -- HOW THE **** ARE YOU?? It's been a dog's age! :lol:

Sending you all hugs and well wishes, :grouphug:

Your Pal,

Hey all!

Sorry to be MIA again. Travelling for work - I was in Canada Thursday, Friday came home today and leave for Phoenix, Scottsdale and some place in New Mexico on Wednesday :dizzy: . I go to Baltimore at the end of October and Florida in November (is hurricaine season done by then :?: ) Exercise is not where should be but I am walking at least 2 miles a day...so that is something, right?

Sarah my dear heart - I am so sorry to hear about this repiratory issue! You will definitely stay on my thoughts and prayers! Sending you :goodvibes:but on the wonderfully bright :sunny: side congrats on the 66 pound loss! That is amazing! Eat some crab for me. I love crab. By the Bushel. How is Lorraine liking the new job?

Gen I am sorry to hear about the Expos for you! What a bummer. My Dh is upset about hockey and says the same things you expressed about Selig regarding Betteman. How is the kitty? I hope she is feeling better but not enough to bring you surprises :lol: and how is kicking up the weights a notch?

Lynne you have such an amazing heart! Way to go on biking and walking that is excellent, excellent, excellent :cp: and speaking of the BoSox my DH Loves them...after all my dog is named Fenway.

I must split to unpack and return calls! I will be better a laptop purchase is in the future...I hope! :crossed:


Hi to Candra! :wave:

Quote:
Strive for excellence, not perfection. -H. Jackson Brown Jr.,

be well.
;) Summer ;)

(((((((((((((Summer)))))))))))) Hey there, you! It's so good to hear how you're doing! Crazy times, sounds like.....and not only does all that travel present an exercise challenge but an eating challenge as well! Best to you on all of it. :goodvibes Oh, and in response to your Lorraine question: she LOVES it! She's calmer, happier, more energetic, less angry........just so much more at peace overall. Now I've just got to work on influencing her more to lose weight and quit smoking. :( But that's another rant altogether, and not at all what you asked about. ;)

Hello, Gen and Lynne! Hope you guys are doing well! Gen, it's been a while since I've seen you post anywhere (I guess since the sad baseball loss post, but I think you were posting less before then also) -- hope you're just super busy and having some fun. Check in and say hi just to put me out of my misery, ok? I just think the world of you, and am feeling a little Genevieve-needy now, apparently! Maybe I'll just call it "The Gen Jones" yeah that works.....so COME BACK!

Lynne, you supermom, sounds like you've definitely upped the exercise! Woo hooo -- glad to hear it! I'll bet you feel great!

Speaking of exercise, I have been doing really well the last couple of days! Keep your eyes on my siggy for updates, but today alone I walked 5.5 miles -- 5 of them power miles (with hand weights) and 2 of them using Leslie Sansone's new ramp (like a stepper but easier on the knees) -- it definitely worked the glutes and hams a lot more than her normal workouts, and incorporated squats and lunges with the high intensity walking intervals. Good stuff! Yesterday I did 2 miles and got in a lower body weights workout. I'm finding that I need to puff on the inhaler more than I'd like, but I'm still much better than I used to be, so I'm moving forward with a spring in my step and a song in my heart! :lol:

Talk to you guys later.......sending you love!

so sorry i haven't been around, i've lurked a bit :o , but...i don't know, didn't have the energy to write. i'm good, had a good week and a fun weekend. saturday i went for 5 1/2 hour hike up and down four peaks, i'm just happy we were able to take a gondola ride down at the end because i was finished! it was much fun though.
so sarah you met lorraine through a personal eh? friday a friend got all exited about joining an internet dating site and insisted, very strongly, for an hour, for me to join too. so i put up an an ad...and now what???? am i really supposed to meet someone? make a date? aghhhh! and i haven't put up a picture yet because i realy don't feel that attractive right now. i'm such a chicken. what do i do? as you can see this is really freaking me out.
summer, that's one crazy schedule. maybe you could pick up one of those execise band ropy things and work out at the hotel. actually a lot of hotels have workout rooms. ven if you've had a busy day 30min on the treadmill will make you feel good and surprisingly refreshed (that and a shower). it sounds like fun though even if it's for work, i haven't travelled in a few years.
lynne, you doing great. how's the little man? is his knee better?

have a good day ladies, the fall colours are coming out now and it's beeootiful!
gen(

Well, Summer, what a schedule. Hope you get to see some sights, have a little you time. Hang in there, you will get through this. My son does not know yet about the hockey thing... he will be devastated. We will have to go to the BC hockey games. Try to enjoy some of your travels.

Sarah, sounds like you are feeling better. Yeah, take it easy

Gen, what a hike, long, long hike. Good for you. I have a couple of friends who have done the personals. I have 2 that met wonderful men, and one who did not have luck with it, but went on alot of dates, which she said was fun. Me, I am also chicken. Everyone keeps telling me to do it. But I feel so fat and embarressed by my body. I guess we have to get over ourselves......
My son's knee is doing much better, he has been back to football and hockey.

Well I must get my little man to bed, it is a school night.

Hey you guys! Just checking in -- I've resolved to be better about that because I care about you guys and want to stay more "present." :)

Yesterday I walked 4 1/2 miles. I walked a mile at lunch, then after work I did a half mile with Louie (he loves to sniff beyond comprehension; however, when another dog approaches, it's bark bark bark at the top of his surprisingly macho lungs, then we're scrambling to get up with a pleading scratching and a desperate "Mommy, hold me" expression. :dizzy: I thought he was a dog, but really I ended up with another cat. ANYHOO......after that I did the 3-mile WATP power walk with my 6 lb. weights, and it felt great. God, I love having a clean conscience! (I said that in my blog, so I'm repeating myself, but it really bears repeating!)

Today I'm wearing a pair of black pinstriped size 16 pants and a lovely black polo (with some cutout detail at the collar) in an 18/20.....and I am just so pleased with myself I can't stand it! I got my hair cut and colored (all over color and highlights) and I'm just feeling so positive about the progress I've made. I'm not there yet, obviously -- 218 pounds is not exactly the goal weight! :lol: -- but I just look and feel so much better than I did. I keep begging Lorraine to take my measurements, and then when we can coordinate it we both forget....but it's got to be a lot of inches lost. I'm sorry if I'm going on and on about myself -- I really am not conceited and I know all too well that I still have so far to go, but when I think in terms of the gains I've made so far, I just feel so good about it. Right off the top of my head: agility, strength, cardiovascular health, energy, endurance, mood and outlook, sociability, self-esteem and confidence, improved skin tone, sass-factor and flirtation, size, mobility, balance, mental clarity, cholesterol level, blood pressure, risk of heart disease, blood sugar, risk of diabetes.......the list goes on and on.

According to the doc, my overall and LDL cholesterol counts are very low, I'm negative for insulin resistance or diabetes, my blood sugar is fine, my thyroid is fine, my blood pressure is great, and I have a "below average" risk for heart disease. :cb: The not-so-good news is that my white blood count is apparently extremely high, and my lymph node hasn't budged. (After several months and a couple of antibiotic cycles, there's been no reduction in its size.) He wasn't happy that I hadn't had not yet had my chest x-rays done, so I promised to get that taken care of this Saturday. :( Bad Sarah. (I forgot! Jeez, give a girl a little oxygen and see what happens? I love my inhalers!)

So that's me. I'll keep posted.

Summer, do you have a laptop yet? If so, I'd recommend taking along a workout DVD that you can do in the room, and I know that there exist weights that can be filled with water for weight, then emptied for travel. Or, you could just really make a point of booking only in places that offer gym facilities. But then you'd have to use them. ;) Good luck, and I'm looking forward to an update!

Gen, what ever happened with that personal ad? We talked about it here and also at 100 lb., but then you left me hanging! And what did you decide about your eats? "Monk-like" devotion or what? You made me laugh..... :lol3:

Lynne, have you considered trying an in-home walking workout? I resisted getting the Leslie Sansone Walk Away the Pounds DVD's for a long time because I thought they had to be lame, but they really are good, and it's much more than just walking in place. I heartily recommend them, and it's great to be able to do them in the privacy of your own home and then hit it harder than you could outside in public. You're reaching your arms up with weights, you're doing kickbacks and leg lifts, and a lot more. MUCH more than even a brisk walk outside. And you can stop to rest if you need to, you can do them in your jammies, or do them at 1:00 in the morning if you're so inclined! I really do recommend them....I wish I'd gotten them sooner. Just a suggestion. They really are terrific though!

Oh yeah, and Gen, how's your hand these days?

Hope everyone's family and furkids are doing well too.......:grouphug: to you all!

Well SArah, I am also proud of you. that is such a wonderful feeling. I love to hear it. I can't wait to feel it. I am slowly adding more walking. Today, I walked 3 miles to the auto shop to pickup my truck, then I tried to walk my 2 miles on the track. But My hip started to bother me. It is really bothering me now. But I am going to get adjusted tomorrow and hopefully feel better. Thanks for the info on the walking program. I keep saying I am going to get it. Actually at the local CVS they had 3 VHS and I was going to buy it, but said I wante the DVD. Then I thought about it later, I should have just bought them. I have both in my bedroom and everywhere else. I think I just might go pick them up and give them a try. Thanks again.

Gen what did happen with the personal ad. I am curious myself

Well I have to go put the little one to bed. I will try to check in tomorrow. If not I will log in on Monday. Have a wonderful and healthy weekend.

ok ladies here's the scoop so far on the personal ad. first know that i didn't put up a picture yet because i don't have one. my brother in law is an execellent photographer. (btw you can check out his site at mariomelillo.com and see if you can figure out which one i am under picnic. i'm heavier there than i am now so i don't want to put that one) anyways so i'll have him take a good picture of me if that's at all possible :p . you don't get very many replies if you don't put a picture up. so i haven't had any replies. one guy i did chat a little with has a motrocycle and full of tatoos. now the cycle is cool and tatoos are fine but is COVERED. i don't know. the others...some no way, some i don't know. it's all pretty generic so would have to go out with them to see, i don't just want to go on looks but it's disconcerting to see someone whoo is not very attractive and decide to go out anyways, or what if they are really good looking and you think "geez one look at me and :o " i don't how to go about this. it's so hard to tell from a short ad.

i went swimming today, lesson, and that's fun. i love the challenge of trying to what the instructor says and really concentrate. i had my second class of FIT and it's fun too. i never took any human biology in school so there's so much i don't know, which is grreat because i don't want to be bored. i'm psyched. today the cleaning lady came and i just wanted to come home and see. i love it, i can't afford it, but i love it. my hand is fine thank you, no problem there. i'm going to need new pants soon (did you know that in england pants is underwear? if you go there say trousers or they'll think you're nuts, oooh the funny situations we into when we were there because of stuf like that). my eats aren't monk-like but they are much better this week.
summer, those execise bands are light weight so there good for travelling and most hotels have gyms. like sarah says you just have to go. did i say this already? it sounds awfully familiar. well i do tend to repeat myself.

lynne, take care of your hip, stretch it out during your walk. if you feel you can't finish because you're tired, go slow for a bit, or stop and take a breather and try to go a little farther. just work your way up to it and set realistic goals so you're not walking aimlessly.

sarah, get that x-ray ok? 218! no wonder you feel great. can you beleive it? i think that's amazing. of course losing that amount of weight is going to make a huge difference, and just being fitter... i don't groan anymore when i get up off the floor (remember now i work in a daycare, i spend a lot of time on the floor), going up the three flights of stairs to my appartment, carrying groceries (i don't own a car)... everything. i don't know if sex is better but i'm working on that (see above) :lol: so when can we see how cute you are? i don't know if i've ever met anyone as focused and dedicated as you are.

well i blah blahed enough i think so :grouphug:
gen

Ok, Gen: Do you now, or have you ever, owned a v-necked, short-sleeved, brick red cotton tee? Further, is there a lovely curl in your strawberry blonde hair?

Hey Summer, definately get the picture. Don't worry about what they think you are picking a man for you. You are not going on the dates fro him to pick you. Isn't that why you placed the ad.... to find a man. Go with your gut. If you feel more comfortable talking on the phone or chatting online... do that for a bit. Don't go on a date if you have any reservations.... not reservations of what others think. Have fun with it. I'm thinking about joining Match.com.... maybe. I'll have to wait to see how it goes with you.

Well, I am really sorry but I have to finish packing. Have a wonderful weekend. :)

sorry sarah that's not me. ok i'm actually wearing a green t-shirt. second row, third picture. i'm looking a little squinty, baggy eyed and somewhat red in the face.
lynne, summer is happily married to a quite handsome man. i'm the poor lonely one :( i definitely wont go out with someone i'm not keen on and unlike a crazy friend of mine i wont go to their house or invite them over until i know them better, maybe even have met some of their friends (you know pull someone over and ask "has this person ever been known to kill people with an ax" or something like that. i guess you're right, if they don't like the looks of me then :censored: 'em, but you know.... i will put up a picture though because this is not going to work without one.
i started jogging again on the treadmill, it's cool because i'm not starting at zero since my cadio level is way higher than when i started but the cramping is coming back so i'm working my way back up again. i just go faster when i'm running. it's a little frustrating because i know i can go longer and faster if it wasn't for the cramping. i'm hoping that working my calves in the weight room will help too.
where are you going lynne?
it ried on a size ten pair of pants today and they fit, if not a little baggy. woohoo. could have been the cut too but i don't care i'm happy.
my eats are going really well. i prepared three dinners worth last night, in my nice clean kitchen, and i did the dishes afterwards and kept it clean, then i put them in individual ziploc containers. so it's portioned out and ready to go. i think this strategy is really going to help.
ok i go on about myself alot what's everyone else up. how's the exercise? food? attitude?

gen

ok i could get the photo to show here so here's the link. this is a picture my sis took on sunday for the dating site, now i'm realy out there for all to see. i got a few responses but so far nothing that rocks my world.
http://www.3fatchicks.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=19211

i woke up this morning with a crick in my neck or beneath my shoulder blades and my first reaction was "oh no, how am i going to work out like this?!"
i didn't work friday because i had to go shopping for a shower present, we found a beautiful kimono in chinatown, and they are prettier, better made and less expensive than the ones in the lingerie shops, if you're ever in the market for one that's a good bet.
sat:nope, sun: nope, had to bring the cat to vet, i thought he had a blocked bladder but it turned out to be a tumor! well that's a relief. today: it's thansgiving and i have to cook something and blah blah blah, so not today.
tues: i will go and bright and early too!
and the rest of the week looks good too. i've started jogging again, on the treadmill for now, and hope to on saturday outside.
did you all have a good weekend? hope so.

gen

Hi all!
:wave:

I am back and freezing my tail off. 98 in AZ to 48 in NY! but such a good time and fun and I went hiking so I got some exercise in!

Gen :love: the Auburn hair - had to check out the website. So pretty! Good Luck with the dating on line. You never know :shrug: My friend found her soul mate on-line and have been married 3 years...eharmony I think! Way to fit in to clothes and portion out your meals! I may be coming to you for advice!

Sarah :cp: :cp: :cp: I am so proud of you! 218! new size! new clothes! new hair style! Way to go! I am proud that you are maintaining your aerobic workout. I hope you are feeling well and you are in my prayers with this doctor and all those tests!

Lynn how was your weekend? How is your sons knee? He sounds active and fun! must take after his mother!

Just wanted to pop in! I need to unpack.

Quote:
"Whether you believe you can do a thing or not, you are right." -Henry Ford

be well. missed you!
;) Summer ;)

Gen -- I was going to say that first! I swear! Then I thought, nah, I think she's sassy like a redhead.....so I went with her instead! :lol: You're lovely! That link above doesn't work, pumpkin......DRAT! I'm REALLY, REALLY sorry to hear about your kitty....damn. That's awful. :( So what's the next step and how are you holding up? You poor sweetie, my heart really goes out to you. I'm glad to hear that you're jogging again! Yay! Hey, Happy Thanksgiving, by the way -- in case you celebrate this holiday.

Summer -- great to see you!! Welcome home, how long are you back? Your hubby must miss you terribly -- enjoy the joyous reunion! ;) And FENWAY! Big hugs there. I'm glad you got in some fun hiking in AZ! How's the working out on the road going? Eats?

Lynne -- how's it going? Hope things are going well with you and your son! :)

This weekend I got in 23 miles of biking with high intensity intervals, 2 miles of power walking with weights and the ramp, and squats and lunges. Tonight I walked another 2 miles. Only another pound down, but I can see the bones in my neck -- which, for a woman over 200 pounds, is VERY exciting. Onward, onward....

Hey yall, I had a great weekend, we went to Block Island. A small island off Rhode Island. I felt I did not eat too bad and we walked alot. I am really behind with work, so I really just wanted to do a brief check in.

Gen, way to go with getting the picture, but I was not able to open it. Sorry to hear about your cat. I will keep you and your cat in my prayers. Great job on the jogging.
and fitting into a new size.

Sarah, wonderful job on the exercise. Bravo..... What a feeling to see your bones. I am so happy for you. Keep up the awesome work.

Summer, I am so happy you had a great time in AZ. I hear it is beautiful. I was born in New Mexico.... but do not remember it. I want to go back some day to that area.

Have a great day. I check in later

ok i hope this works. ok it works. so this is the picture i put on the dating site.
i have two tentative dates for this week and nothing to wear. i think they are practice dates because i honestly don't think these two guys are, well, guys i'm really into. now one guy sent me a message and, wow! now he could make me happy. do you guys think this is boring? i don't want to bore you with this. i wont be offended if you tell me i'm going on about this too much.
about my cat. now i love my at, i've hd him forever and he's so affectionate, always wants to be with me. either the tumor is bad and then i'll just have to let him die, he's over 18 yrs and that's pretty old for a cat andi'm not going to put him through a bunch of stuff to keep him alive for who knows how long. and if it's a benign growth then it's ok, i'll just check with the vet that it isn't painful. it doesn't look like it is. i'm surprised that the vet hasn't noticed it before because we've been there alot lately. i'll be very sad when he dies but for now i'm trying to be somewhat pragmatic, just my way.

i was almost certain i had lost weight last week, i ate so well, all planned and i thought i looked a smaller especially in the tummy area. but today i weighed and nope. there is a protein store near me and they have a programme on their web-site, i'm a member and it's included so i'm going to check it out. today i had to hurry to get to my class and was walking very fast, i didn't even break a sweat, my legs were good, strong and fast. wow, i know a few months ago i would have been sweating and panting and my legs would have been killing me, and i probably would have been late too! i'm soooo happy about my fitness. i'm always still surprised at my body, i take nothing for granted.

i have to send this now so i can go back and read your posts
gen

hi again,

sarah, even people who see me think i'm a red head, i keep trying to dye my hair brown, it's been red, reddish, auburn, you name it, for ages. but with the freckles, it's just assumed i'm a redhead, and the hightlights too i guess.
another pound...woohoo. and all those miles! good for you...and lucky that you don't have neighbours downstairs.

summer, that sounds like so much fun. going to arizona and new mexico is one of my dream vacations, i think it's so beautiful. but of course we miss you when you go away too.

lynne, sounds like you had a nice vacation too (i shouldn't say too because summer was working right?) anyway sounds nice. was it you and your son? you sound like such a great mom.

here's something we haven't done: what i'm going to do this week.
mon: nothing, thanksgiving is a day off right?
tues: am work out, legs and crosstrainer
wed: swimming class
thurs: chest, tris and calves or shoulders
fri: back, bis and calves or shoulders
sat: jogging outside 30-45mins i'll k=jog as much as i can and walk when i have to.
sun: nothing planned

thanks for giving thankgiving wishes!
i didn't over indulged at the thanksgiving supper, one helping of everything exect the wine.

happy week to you all
gen

We did have a great time, it was a whole bunch of us.
I can't wait to hear about your "practice" dates. Have fun, enjoy yourself, it is about you, not him. I am so happy for you. The picture looks great. I am so sorry about your cat, I hope he will be ok. Glad to hear your holiday went well. Well, I have to run, gotta get up early.

ok ladies i want to hear what exercise you did this week and what you plan to do.

i did not go swimming today i went clothes shopping instead, something i haven't done in months and months.

hope your week is going well
gen

my exercise plan has been sporatic.... shocking huh,
monday, not much, unpacking, laundry, etc.
Tuesday: walked 1 mile
Wendesday: 25 minutes of yoga, 40 minutes of Step, and walked 2 Miles
Thrusday: Plan: 25 min of Yoga, 40 Min of Step, and walk 1-2 miles
Friday: Plan: 25 min of Yoga, 40 min Step, and walk 1-2 miles
Saturday: 25 min of yoga, walk3-4 miles (going apple picking)
Sunday: taking the day off, maybe....
That is my plan....
My scale is working and I was horried to get on and I gained 7lbs. but lost 2 today. I really have to get motivated, I have never been so big in all my life. I am bigger than I was at 9 months of pregnancy. That is not good. I am going to get over myself.

Gen that picture is fantastic! You are striking!

Lynne way to go on the exercise!:cp: :cp: You will see results with a program like that so keep your chin up.

My plan of attack this week so far:
Monday & Tuesday - walked 2 miles
Monday - helped a from move out
Wednesday - walked 2 miles
Thursday - helped move a friend in for 2 hours this morning
Friday - walk 2 miles and cleaning
Saturday -YOGA for 90 minutes

I hope all is well. I am trying to find a new routine now that fall temperatures are here to stay. Any suggestions (no running please)

Quote:
Character - the willingness to accept responsibility for one's own life - is the source from which self respect springs. Joan Didion, "Slouching Towards Bethlehem"

be well.
;) Summer ;)

Oh jeez -- I can't really remember to break it down by day, but here's a synopsis of what I've done so far:

Sat & Sun --> Biked 23 miles, with a total of like 24 minutes at 23-24 mph, and the rest at 18 mph; Power-walked 2 miles using the ramp (like a stepper) and hand weights; did lots of lunges, walking lunges, and squats.
Weekdays thus far --> Walked I think 4 miles outside....alternating very brisk pace -- almost race-walking -- with stops and more leisurely pace for puppy to sniff. (Not ideal, but I figure I was moving, and he really needed it.)

Tonight: I'm planning to do the 2-mile workout with the ramp and weights again, with squats and lunges.

Tomorrow: After going to the pulminary doc for my pulminary function test and lung eval, Lorraine and I are driving to Delaware to a lovely B & B for the weekend! It's an 1860's farmhouse near Dover and not far from the water, and we can take the dog! We just missed getting one of the rooms with a jacuzzi, but I was so disappointed, the really nice innkeeper gave me the 2 bedroom suite for the price of the single! (I didn't ask -- I would never do that -- he just offered!) He's a chef (they're both NY'ers, and he's a former restaurateur from NYC and still gives cooking classes at the B & B, so if he's got something going on this weekend that's not too long I'll definitely participate! I'm a big ol' foodie. :p At the very least we can bond as culinary geeks. I got my degree from a culinary college, and I first learned to cook in Italy, so I'm INTO preparing the food, man... :cool:

Here's the exercise plan for the weekend:

Saturday: 2-mile Walk Away the Pounds DVD (I'll play it on my laptop)
Sunday: 2-mile Walk Away the Pounds DVD (It's only a half hour, so I figure it's doable.)

If I go online over the weekend, I'll give you an update! Otherwise, I'll talk to you guys Sunday night or Monday........have a great few days, you all. :grouphug:

SArah, have a blast, you deserve it. Enjoy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Summer, you have quite the exercise plan yourself. Have fun with it.

Gen: Where are you??? On a date???? I can't wait to hear about them, all....

I know this is short, but I have to get back to work, been busy, hockey, football, apple picking, birthday parties.

Yesterday at my son's FB game, the offense went in, my son is usually on defense, anyway I'm watching the little 8yr old cheerleaders... they are so cute... I would love a little girl. Well I hear the announcer annouce my son was just tackled (last minute of the game). I turn around they have him on foreback (I really do not know what that means)... he got the ball and ran again to get the touchdown, then got the 2pt conversion. Yeah, for him, the only TD for our team. We got killed, 20 to 8. That is ok at least it was not a shut out. Best of all my baby got a TD......

Well I really do have to get back to work.... :) I'll try to check in later.

Hey all, how is it going? Just checking in. It seems like we are all drifting from our little group here. What happened????
Well things here are ok, I have joined WW again. I have been walking, and doing some step and yoga.
I have been staying up late watching the world series. It is so exciting. Been eating well, looking forward to seeing how much I lost this week at WW. I weigh in tonight. I am going with my sister in law. Well just a quick check in note.....
Gen, how is the dating going????? cant' wait to hear.