Support Groups - Motivationally Challenged

Here's the deal: month-long challenges and long-term goals are all well and good, but some of us have a hard time making it through a week or even a day without our motivation sagging. Don't you wish you could maintain the level of motivation you had the very first day of your new healthy lifestyle? I sure do!

So here's what we're going to do. Every day is a chance to meet our goals!Each week is a new chance to be healthy! If you can make it through this one single day on track you are doing great!

Each day offers so many opportunities to make the right choices, whether it be in regards to exercise, water, calories, carbs, or anything else. Whatever it is you're working on, you can do it for one single day. Tomorrow is another day. We'll worry about tomorrow tomorrow. Today we can achieve our goals!

But days add up, and before you know it you have a whole string of OP days without even trying!

So the whole point of this thread is to take things one day at a time. One tiny little thing at a time, because we know we can do tiny little things. Let's work together to keep each other motivated! We'd love to have you with us as long as you want to be here, whether you're in need of a permanent kick in the behind or just a little motivation pick-me-up.

I'm going to attempt to post either a daily or weekly challenge regularly. Participate if you want, or set daily or weekly goals for yourself, then let us know how you're doing! They can be anything--exercising 30 minutes or stocking up on healthy foods at the grocery store or even finally sorting that stack of old mail! The main thing is accountability--let us know what you're aiming for and whether or not you hit your mark. Whatever you need motivation for, we're here to help each other! :grouphug:

I will also try to post some sort of motivational quote daily. If you have one, PM me or feel free to post it yourself. We need all the motivation we can get!

Please introduce yourselves if you'd like :wave: , or just lurk around collecting inspiration.

That said, LET THE MOTIVATION BEGIN!!!!!
:goodluck:

I am here! I didn't reach my mini goal for the day (hiking at the park) but I DID manage to get in about 1.75 miles walking in 2 settings, but hey, I got in the miles. I'm adding them to my July totals because technically my weigh in date is Tuesday so I am going through Tuesday with weight and food and exercise! Make sense? Hope so!

So...Tuesday mini goal: 30 minutes aerobics (bike or WATP-depending on what I feel like in the morning!

Weekly goals:
1) Follow menu plan Mon. through Thursday. After Thursday I will be out of town for 3 days and I will try to pick food choices that are healthy ones.
2) Work out 4 days (30 minutes each) and one other day get some activity in pool with DD and/or other activity during my weekend away (Fri. Sat. Sun.)!
3) Drink 60-80 oz. water daily!
4) Journal my food for the day in the Journals here on 3FC.

That's it. Hope to see lots of people here on Monday AM!!!!

Julie

Evening ladies!

Motivation level: 6

Today was on off-day for me, as far as exercise goes. Calories came in at 1467, so I'm right on target there. Water is good. I'm really tired.

The date last night was ok. I don't think I'll be seeing him anymore. The first few times we went out, we didn't really know each other, so we had lots to talk about. Last night he was just plain boring. (Is that cruel?) I dunno... I just feel like I need someone I can actually have a conversation with about nothing in particular instead of long awkward silences where neither of us can think of anything to say.
There's more to it than that, of course. Either you click or you don't, I guess. I just wish I could find someone to click with. *shrugs*

Anyway, today was ok. I have more to say on the dating/dieting issue, but I'm not sure this is the place, so I'm actually going to post a journal entry tonight. I'll post a weekly challenge and a quote in the morning. Oh, btw, you might notice some repeat quotes, if we get some new traffic here, but only the really good ones. :D I'm still searching for more quotes... I'm too picky!

Anyway... off to journal!
Have a lovely night, chicks!
~Elisha

Well I've gotten part of my day's goals in already. Walked 2 miles in just over 30 minutes this AM with my WATP. I'm wearing my new shoes to break them in but my feet get so hot in them. Maybe I should save them for winter wear! Also, my toes kind of feel "squished" in them! Hmmm! Anyone else have Teva's walking shoes?

Elisha..Sorry about the dating thing. I know that you will find someone who is just "perfect" for you. I don't know how old you are, but I have a friend who didn't just "settle" and she's 35 (I think) and just announced that she is engaged! She's very happy and happy that she didn't just settle! You will find the right person when you aren't paying attention to it! I can understand how hard it must be. I remember those days, too! I haven't read your post yet, but I'm going there now!

Send good vibes my way for a good "food" day! Hugs to all!

Action is a great restorer and builder of confidence. Inaction is not only the result, but the cause of fear. Perhaps the action you take will be successful; perhaps different action or adjustments will have to follow. But any action is better than no action at all. --Norman Vincent Peale

Morning chicks!

Motivation level: 5

Not too good, not too bad. I got up early this morning so I could get my exercise in, since I have to work late tonight. I'm going to go walk our hill in just a few minutes. I don't even feel like looking at the stairclimber right now.

I got on the scale this morning and it says 205. It hasn't budged in weeks (aside from the normal slight fluctuations, which don't really count). What am I doing wrong? I'd really hate to plateau at 205... why can't it be 199? I got more exercise this week than I have in months, and my calories were pretty typical, so the scale should be moving in the right direction. I'm chalking it up to PMS, saying that next week I will be down 2 or 3 pounds. It's just frustrating.

Oh, I forgot to tell you! (Well, I didn't really forget, but my computer froze after I typed a really long post last night and I just didn't feel like fighting with it anymore.)
In July I lost 4 pounds and 6 inches. The inches are good, but only 4 pounds? In May I lost 7, and in June I lost 11, and then only 4 in July? What's up with that?

But I guess 4 pounds is 4 pounds, and they're not coming back. Better than nothing. I was just so hoping to get below 200 by August 1, and now that I'm not it's a little upsetting. I know, it will happen in its own good time. Just like everything, right? I just really want to be there before Labor Day, but the sooner the better. I'm getting so anxious.

I'll check back in after work and let you know how my day turns out. Have a wonderful Monday everyone!
~Elisha

Weekly Challenge: 4-5 days of whatever your chosen exercise, at least 20 minutes

Daily Challenge: Drink at least 80 ounces of water

Remember, report back and let us know how you're doing!

20 min for 4-5days and 80 oz of water....I think I can handle that! count me in! I am going to go fill my water bottle now!....my motivation is always a 10 on Monday and a 2 by Friday I need to break this cycle! Thanks!

HI everyone! I'm here!!!! Count me IN!!! Of course not until tomorrow.... Today is a feel sorry for myself, I don't care about anything day... I still have major PMS, I hate MEN, I have the worst Migraine ever.... and I just want to lay down and eat all day.. Hey.. I can't gain from one day can I?!? And if I do... so what! Hey.. I'm saying this in a good mood instead of bad.. I'm actually motivated to cheat for once... and give in to my cravings... I know it won't make me feel any better, but here's to proving it to myself!!! Check back in later!!!

Evening ladies!

Today was a good day for me. Exercise was a 20-minute walk this morning. I'm working on my final 16-ounce glass of water (final to make my 80 oz, but I'll probably drink more anyway). Calories are at 1296, but I think I might eat something else. PMS is giving me terrible munchies! And my healthy foods aren't helping--I want Doritos, not rice cakes! :D

Jaymi--Glad you made it! We all have days like that. Thank you Mother Nature, eh?

KidzRN--Welcome to the group! Good luck on achieving your goals, and I hope we hear more from you!

Julie--I'm 24, and I'm not planning to settle any time soon. I'll just continue renting this property in Dating **** until Mr. Wonderful flies down to sweep me off my feet. ;)
Thanks for being here for me! ((((((Julie))))))

Anyway, I'm dead tired this evening, so I'm going to put on a movie and do absolutely nothing. Tomorrow is my happy day off!!! I'm going to clean the kitchen, and maybe even my desks, and wash my car, and study for my training class on Wednesday, and that's about it. I'll post a new daily challenge and the new quote in the morning, but it probably won't be early. Stay motivated anyway!

Have a great night, chicks!
~Elisha

Hi all! Well I'm still motivationally challenged but count me in over here too! I have decided to start the South Beach Diet. I really need to do something to jump start myself again. Tomorrow will be my first offiicial full day. So to quote Elisha, " Each day offers so many opportunities to make the right choices, whether it be in regards to exercise, water, calories, carbs, or anything else. Whatever it is you're working on, you can do it for one single day. Tomorrow is another day. We'll worry about tomorrow tomorrow. Today we can achieve our goals!"

That being the case, I only have a one day challenge, for Tuesday, August 3rd. To have one full day OP. I'll worry about Wednesday when Wednesday gets here, right Elisha? :) I am a little concerned, however, about my incredible sweet tooth. I've read that I can have sugar free fudgesicles and I forgot to get them when I was low-carb grocery shopping tonight. Argh! That means another trip to the store tomorrow. I am stocking up on OP foods so that I have no excuses at all! I promise to check in every day. I have been a little laxed lately about posting and I know I need the accountability. If anyone is doing SB please let me know. I plan to go over to that thread next. If I can just make it one day, that Labor Day Challenge may start to look a little more realistic for me again. We'll see. I'll let you all know tomorrow!

good grief...yesterday I had the motivation to join the thread but ate 1700 cal did not exercise and only had 64 oz of water..(I covered a nurse that has a sit down job...the worst!)..today I have to work overtime and will try to walk at lunch and WILL get the water in ....funny how the day slips by and all of a sudden I was in the tub soaking with my motivation at an all time low...I did eat well with in the calories and did try to get more water in ...I just hit the wall and could not swallow another oz!!!! ...today is Tuesday another day!....

Hello everyone… Today sucks… I’m tired of being in a bad mood! I’m tired of everyday having something negative to say. I’M TIRED OF THIS STUPID AOL THAT KEEPS CUTTING OFF WHILE I’M TRYING TO TYPE!!! *sigh* I hate it when I get like this.. But what can I do? Pretend to be happy, pretend that nothing is wrong… I’m tired of pretending. What is the freakin’ point! Who am I trying to fool.. Myself?!? I don’t know…. But I don’t want to bring others down with this nonsense. Yesterday was everything I said it would be. I ate a Quarter Pounder with cheese, some fries, some REAL soda, some skittles, ice-cream. And I ate a big plate of the chicken, okra, rice, and corn. No exercise…. But it didn’t make me feel better. Today I feel even worse. Although I figured I would! Plus that stupid Tropical Storm Alex isn’t helping! The weather sucks!!! I need to go pick the baby up some pampers.. But the weather is just too horrible! I guess I’ll end up getting her the cheap kind.. Which I hate!! My son could wear the cheap kinds.. No problem. But not my daughter. She pee’s through everything!!!! Except Huggies over nights.. Which is hard to find in a size 5! She needs to be off of pampers.. And bottles… but right now… I don’t need the added stress to have to deal with more and more crying… Especially since she knows how to say she wants a bottle.. I wouldn’t be able to ignore her like that… I know.. I suck.. I’m a soft-touch. I spoil my kids…and let them have their way.. But what can I say… as long as I get on them when they do bad things… it’s ok… to me at least! Anyways… I haven’t exercised yet today…. But I will later. When it’s the baby’s nappy time. I just plan on doing some more cleaning up …. As usual… and sitting around I guess. Cant go anywhere in the rain… The beach would have been really relaxing.. Or the pool… but I don’t feel like getting struck by lightening today!!! :rofl: So… that is basically it for me. I hope everyone has a great day!

P.S. I still havent figured out what goals I want to do... I can't even do the simple things like exercising.. So today I'm going to write it all down and figure it out.. then I will come and post it! Good luck to everyone!

Meaningful change comes from recommitting yourself daily to your chosen path!
--from the ediets.com article Jaymi linked to the Labor Day Challenge board yesterday :D

It sounds like a lot of us could use this quote today. Remember, that's what this thread is all about, and this journey. It's about making the choice every single day to be healthy and happy. One day off track probably won't make that much of a difference, but remind yourself each day (or every few minutes if you have to) why you're doing this, why you're getting healthier. You do have reasons, and VERY GOOD reasons at that!

Weekly Challenge: 4-5 days of whatever your chosen exercise, at least 20 minutes

Daily Challenge: add one fruit or vegetable to your menu

Daily Question (yes, I know this is a new one--you can all thank Julie for this! :D ) : What are your top 3 (or 5, or 10, or however many you want to list) reasons for losing weight?

I am home for lunch!!! I had boiled some eggs today and left them on the stove, so had to come home to take care of them. No! I didn't leave the stove on, sillies!!! ;) So thought I would check in with you all!

Yesterday's goal was met... except for the water! My food was good too, so I am happy for that. I didn't report this on this board, but I weighed myself yesterday and I am at my lowest since this Journey started in January. Now at 167.5 I feel good and hope to be down another pound by next Tuesday!

This morning I did 25 minutes on the bike. Only got in 7 miles, but I was tired and really didn't push it. I can easier push it in the morning when I do WATP, but the bike Ineed to do later in the day to push it! Oh well!

So far eaten today:
B-fast 1/2 bagel w/ lite strawberry cream cheese, water
AM snack...because I didn't eat enough breakfast...2 Grandma's oatmeal raisin cookies from the vending machine! OUCH!!! I figured I at least got some fiber and fruit there! ;)
Lunch...2 of my boiled eggs, 1 oz. hard cheese, a pile of lettuce & 2 T low fat dressing! I'm still hungry! I'll probably eat a Zone bar in an hour!

In answer to the question of the day:
Top reason: to be more "fit" and physically active
2nd reason: to look good (hey, aren't we all a little vain?) and wear smaller clothes!
3rd reason: So I can hike the Adirondacks next summer!

Gotta get back to work now.
Talk to you all later!

Howdy chicks!

Motivation level: 8

Feeling pretty good today, though I am getting a little pissed off at my computer. I just typed a long post and it decided to restart. What fun! Today is going to be a fun day of cleaning, laundry, washing the car, and exercising. Food should be good today though, and I'm already working on my water.

I guess I should answer my own questions:
My reasons for losing weight:

1. I want to look good. (Hey, I'm 24, and I manage a cosmetics department, what did you expect?) Honestly though, I've never liked the way I looked, and as a result I've never liked myself, and that has held me back from doing a lot of things. And now that I've grown up a bit and know who I am and what I value, I think I'd be better to handle the "negative" effects of being attractive better than I could have at, say, 15. So yeah, I want to be a hottie. ;)
2. I want to be healthy. Grandpa's death kind of scared me. I don't want illness to invade my body, and I don't want to die. I know that those things are inevitable, but I want to stave them off as long as possible.
3. I want to be prepared for my children. First off, I want to be healthy enough to have them. My family has a history of reproductive problems, and there's a good chance I'll have a hysterectomy before I'm 35. At 24, my mom already had 2 kids, and I don't even have a boyfriend. I know, I'm still young, I've got time, yada yada yada. But the truth is, I'm feeling the crunch, like my window of opportunity is closing. I want to keep it open as long as I can, and getting healthy will help me do that. Second, I want to show my children how to live a healthy life. I want to be able to play with them, and I want to set a good example for them. I don't want them to go through what I went through.


Jaymi--As long as you're trying, that's all that counts. You can do it!

Julie--You're doing great with the exercise! Keep up the good work!

Michelle--Great to see you here! One day at a time is the way to do it! Best of luck today!

KidzRN--You're right--tomorrow is another day, another chance to meet our goals! What kind of plan are you on? Counting calories, like me?

Ok, enough of a ramble for right now. I've got to get something accomplished. Have a great day, chickies!
~Elisha

OOOPS I didn't even see the QOTD.. ok,, Elisha ya gotta make it bigger!! :lol:

1. To be more healthy

2. To look good da*nit!!! :lol:

3. So when my son grows up, his friends will say.. oohhh you're mama's fine!! :rofl:

4. To break the curse in my family of high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes.. and etc.

Well my daughter is tearing up stuff so gotta go!

Hello Everyone.. I forgot to update my day so far. No.. I havent exercised yet. I already had a SMALL frosty from Wendy’s. But no biggie. I took the kids to the park.. But it started pouring down after about an hour.. It was hot out there though. Now it is pouring down raining.. But the sun is beaming…South Carolina has the weirdest weather ever! I guess I’ll exercise later…. Well I want to exercise later. Anyways I better go.. I’ll try to update later tonight… Hope everyone I having a great day!

Hi all!

Jaymi - I found out just how weird the weather can be in South Carolina when I was there for in early July. One day it just poured down raining and then bam! The sun came out so brightly. It reminded me of when I was in Jamaica years ago when it rained for about 10 minutes every day, then the sun would come out and it would turn out to be a beautiful day! Every day I would start to stress because it would look just like one of those all day rains and I would think we had completely lost a whole vacation day there. But in about 10 minutes you would never have known it rained!

My reasons for wanting to lose weight:
1. To be very comfortable in my clothes (size 10). Because of my build I would look kind of stupid below a size 10 but I want my clothes to fit nicely. I don't want to be stuffed into a 10. I don't want to have to tug and straighten my clothes when I stand up. I want to stand up with full confidence that everything has fallen right into place!
2. To be able to move across a room without being self-conscious about people looking at me. Although I'm not quite sure if this is going to be accomplished purely by my losing weight if I have general self esteem issues. I guess I'll find out :)
3. To be the healthiest me that I can be. Not saying that all overweight people are unhealthy in some way, but it definitely does increase the risks of a lot of diseases.
4. To look good in general!

My update for the day. I am so NOT on the South Beach Diet its not even funny! :) Even though I didn't have a perfect SB day, I actually had an excellent food day calorie wise, low grains, no sweets (other than a Carb Lite Ice Cream bar made with Splenda). I am going to calculate my calories when I'm done here but I think I'm at about 1280 and the only thing I plan to have later on is a 100 calorie snack, so I'm good. My water was also excellent and I walked at work.

I'm concerned about doing SB but I still count today as a success overall because my motivation is so high to do well in general. I guess it took me attempting some organized "plan" in order to get my mindset on the right track. Tomorrow my goal is to again keep the sugars & breads to a minimum and keep my calories between 1200 & 1500. Elisha I am totally loving this "one day at a time mentality"! Thanks. Its such a simple thing but it has truly been a lightbulb moment

Julie - you are doing so awesome! At this rate you'll definitely be fit & healthy on your hike next summer! I have to go back to see your food plans. I'm always looking for inspiration in that area :)

Elisha - you are definitely getting a handle on your weight/health at the right age! Keep it up. I wish I had been that focused at 24!

Well I'm off to look for some more "inspiration". Have a great evening!

Evening ladies!

I just got home from my 20 minute walk up the hill (it was a slow walk today, as my dinner still isn't digested), and am working on my 5th 16-oz. glass of water for the day. Calories are at 1411, so I'm good there too.

Julie--You're doing great, even with the cookies! Keep it up, chickie!

Jaymi--Weather is always wacky down there. We used to go to the Outer Banks every year, we got kicked out because of hurricanes one August, so we started going in June--we got kicked out then too! We're going at the end of September this year though, so I hope the hurricanes are gone by then.
Did you get your exercise in today?

Michelle--The "one day at a time" thing was really a lightbulb moment for me too. I've always known that theory, that we make our choices each and every day, but sometimes you never really get it until it "clicks." I'm glad it's clicking for you.

(What is it with me and clicking these days?!)

That's something I was kind of thinking about. Of all the times in my life that I have tried to lose weight, what makes this time any different? Why am I actually losing weight now as opposed to any of my other attempts? It occurs to me that this time I'm focused on taking things one day at a time, instead of thinking it's all or nothing. This time it isn't a diet; this time I'm changing my life. This time I mean it.
And I have 3FC, and you wonderful chicks, to help me along the way, to keep me on track. It's more helpful than I ever imagined knowing that you're all out there, waiting to kick me in the behind if I let myself fail. It helps to know that I'll be reporting my wins and losses, and that I have people rooting for me.

Anyway, just for the record, I'll most likely be posting the quote and daily challenge a little later this evening, and I have to leave for Pittsburgh around 5am.... bleh. But it should be fun, and I get free stuff (like I need any more cosmetics). I'll be back tomorrow evening, but food, water, and exercise will probably totally suck tomorrow.

I hope you're all doing well. Have a great evening chicks!
~Elisha

Powerful results come from taking small steps toward your goal each day. --from the same article today's quote was from

Weekly Challenge: 4-5 days of whatever your chosen exercise, at least 20 minutes

Daily Challenge: again I'm going to go with the "add at least one fruit or vegetable to your menu," mainly because I completely forgot to do so today. I will find some veggies tomorrow though, I promise!

Daily Question: How much of your day do you spend thinking about food? You don't have to give me a number of minutes, just a general estimate. Try to catch yourself throughout the day, then report back in the evening.

Quick Comments:

Elisha- Hey since when I do exercise I exercise for like an hour… can I count some of that 20 minutes for another day! :lol: If not… oh well!! :joker: Good luck again on your job thingy

Michelle- a couple of people tried to get me to be on the SB diet.. But there is no use in setting myself up for failure.. When I saw the no sugar part… I knew I would cheat.. So whatever… I’ll just keep counting calories and fat.. But.. Whatever works for you is great! I hope you find it soon!! :lol3: :rofl:

Daily Question- All the time!!! I’m hungry all the time! Because I’m bored all the time.. Sometimes while I’m exercising.. I’m thinking about what I’m gonna eat after I get done.

Daily Challenge- I ate okra twice yesterday so I’d say.. I got my veggies in.

Exercise- not starting off so good, but I still have today through Sunday.. Right!!

Well yesterday…. I don’t THINK I went over my calories.. I can’t count them when I cook them anyways… But I only ate twice. Some of my super spicy okra.. That I ate by myself… and some rice. Hopefully today will be better.

Well I know I missed some of you.. But there’s sooo many!! I hope everyone has a great day.. I’ll try to get to the ones I missed next time!!

Hello all! Well today is just starting for me really… I’ve been up for maybe an hour and a half… decided to sleep in today…. No exercise today… yet. No exercise yesterday. I don’t remember drinking any water either! I want to go to the pool or something today. No beach with that stupid hurricane or whatever that is. That weather totally sucks… The sun is beaming again.. Right now.. But I know that at any time…. It could start pouring… My hubby cut off all of his hair!! Woohoo!! I wanted to show him how much I liked it…. :lol: but… my daughter never went to sleep! At least she didn’t before we did! Ha, ha! She wont sleep in her toddler bed now..but we are gonna change that! Sometimes I think I’ve got a split personality… but maybe not! I had terrible, terrible nightmares again last night…. They really bite! I think that is a big part of my problem… now if anyone can tell me how to get to the route of THAT problem… I’d be happy to oblige! :lol: I’ve tried the stupid medicines from the doctor.. But they don’t work. So of course when you have a sleepless and bad night.. You wake up cranky…. So sorry chickies! Anyways we got about 10 bucks in our checking account… but I sure wanted to go buy me a swimsuit at walmart.. They are on clearance for 5 bucks! They are like a cotton-like material though… wonder what would happen if they got wet…hmmm… I’m just thinking that the boobie part won’t be enough room! Probably not! My favorite swimsuit broke at the beach.. Did I tell you all that?!? But luckily I caught it before my boobs popped out! I want to fix it… but it has that stupid plastic thing.. I was sooo blessed…. I had some safety pins inside of it… So for any of you with a two piece.. Always put a safety pin inside of the top just in case… I kinda like going to the beach… there are people there that you might say are too big to where a bikini! :joker: and there are people that are too skinny to wear a bikini!! :lol: So… who cares… I don’t… no cute guys either! :lol: Just my ol’ husband…(which is a cutie.. But doesn’t count!!! :) ) who doesn’t even pay attention… so no reason to be embarrassed! At least I could care less! Anyways….. I might go write a check…. Walmart usually takes about a week before they cash them anyways!! I’m so bad!!! I’m a baaad girl!!!! Well anyways I better get to doing.. Something! I need to get a move on because I gotta cook today…. Anyone want the recipe?!? It’s supposed to be a kid based recipe.. It sounds weird.. But I thought.. What the heck…


Campbell's® Golden Sauced Meatballs
Prep/Cooking time: 30 min.


Ingredients:


1 lb. ground meat OR 1 lb. turkey
1/2 cup seasoned dry bread crumbs
1 tsp. onion powder
0 dash worcestershire sauce
1 egg
1 can Campbell's® Golden Mushroom Soup
1/2 soup can water
1/2 soup can milk
1 tsp. worcestershire sauce
1 green onion, chopped OR 2 tsp. dried chives
1 tsp. minced garlic OR 1 tsp. garlic powder
1 packet artificial sweetener OR 2 tsp. sugar


Directions:

Mix thoroughly ground meat, bread crumbs, onion powder,
1-2 dashes Worcestershire and egg. Shape into small
meatballs.
In large skillet in a little hot oil, add meatballs and
cook until browned. Drain off fat. Mix together soup,
water, milk, 1 tsp. Worcestershire, green onion, garlic
and artificial sweetener. Add to skillet and simmer till
thick. Serve over cooked bow tie pasta, egg noodles or
mashed potatoes.
Tips If desired, stir in 1 can mushroom pieces (drained)
or 1 cup sliced fresh mushrooms.



Anyways I will come back and comment later…. I gotta get a move on.. I will probably exercise later… Hope everyone is having a great day!

Hi ladies! How much of my day do I spend thinking about food?! HA!!! I am afraid to even try to calculate. Let's just say a LOT! I accepted a long time ago that I dont have the luxury of being able to just eat and not think about it. Everything I eat has an impact on me. I have to constantly plan what I'm eating to make sure my day is going to be reasonable, which means that as soon as I may eat something unplanned for, I have to re-do everything in my head. I have to then go through different options for lunch, dinner, bedtime snack, etc. I'm always trying to think of different things to eat that are quick (if fast food is what I'm going for) but still reasonably healthy. If I am going to eat something out for dinner, say I have the taste for Taco Bell, I have to consult my calorie book or go on-line to the restaurant's nutrition site to get the calories and see how it can fit into my day. My days are complicated because I am a snacker. I don't just do 3 meals. I have a mid-morning, mid-afternoon, and an after dinner snack. So that's a lot to figure out, you know? Whenever I think of something different to eat I'm constantly running a new adding machine tape of my calories for the day. Do you see where I going with this? I could go on and on but I'm sure you all get the idea :) Good question, Elisha!

I am having an excellent day today! I am going to come in at about 1360 calories I think. I caved at one point this afternoon at work and had 4 Twizzlers (135 unplanned calories). Oh well, as noted above I just adjusted the rest of my day accordingly :)

Jaymi - I totally hear you about the SB diet and the sugar thing. I too, know that sugar is a part of my life. I think its more realistic for me to just limit the sweets, not to eliminate them altogether.

Tomorrow my mom is taking my sister and I on a riverboat luncheon cruise. I think its a buffet but I am actually not even worrried about it. My mindset for the last couple of days has been so great that I'm feeling ok. I hope I'm not feeling a false sense of security. The good thing is that my sister is watching it too so we can keep each other accountable. I promise to report back what I eat tomorow.

Elisha - the "clicking" is interesting. I think its the reason that you can't lose weight for anyone else but yourself. Its the reason that no one can convince you to lose weight if you're not ready. Personal testimony - my mother tried making subtle statements for years about my weight but until something clicked inside of ME, those words fell on deaf ears. Once I heard my clicking, I got up one day and joined Weight Watchers. I lost 30lbs and have been trying ever since to finish the job. But my point is that I had to hear that clicking for myself, she couldn't hear it for me, you know? Same thing with my husband. I can try to influence him to lose weight and prepare all of the healthy meals I can, but until something clicks inside of him, when he's out and about, he's going to eat what he wants to. I can't do it for him.

Have a great evening!

Evening ladies!

Well, I think I had about a billion calories today. I'm not even going to bother to count. (Ok, count is 2425, so I'm obsessive-compulsive about counting calories now, is that what you want to hear?) Water was good, exercise was non-existant. I did get some fruits and veggies in though. Yay me for meeting a goal! :cheer:

I will say that I thought about food practically ALL DAY, mostly because I was hungry ALL DAY, because they fed us crap, and because everyone else was talking about food. The two girls that rode with me are the skinny ones who are always complaining about what they can and cannot eat... blah blah blah. Of course, they have no idea what I've been doing with myself, they don't know that I've just lost 34 pounds, but I feel like they should be more considerate. I expect everyone to think of me and my trials all the time! Doesn't the world revolve around me and my diet? I thought it did...
But yes... I think about food ALL THE STINKING TIME!

Ok, my energy levels are seriously depleted. Time for sleep now. Have a great night, chicks.
~Elisha

OK ladies...I was thinking...since I seem to have difficulty checking in either one of my groups each day (like I totally missed being here yesterday) and we really haven't gotten the traffic for inspiration that we had hoped...do you think we could just do a daily question and a weekly goal/daily goal on the Labor Day challenge??? Just a thought! Still, much of what we post is duplicate to both groups (since we all belong to both) and I don't know about all of you, but I just don't have the time to read through all the posts each day! I am doing good to check in and get my goals written. OK...think about it over the weekend (cause I won't be back until Sunday!) and let me know! It might be beneficial to all of us as well as those on that challenge, too! :)

I forgot what my goals were for yesterday, but here's how the day went:
Woke up late (did today too!) so no AM exercise.
Food was right on target execpt for a small creme cookie I had after lunch.
Water was somewhere between 70-80.
Got home and did my 2 miles right away with Leslie (WATP)!

How often do I think about food? Not nearly as often as I used to! How's that for "general"? Usually when I'm truly hungry or bored!

Today's goal: Get my workout done when I get home from work tonight. Prepare my food list for my weekend away.
Eat lovingly today! Stay away from those cookies!

Hope you all have a great day!

Hello Everyone!Julie, Whatever works with everyone else is fine with me! I just go with the flow... I just want to post my goals for today instead of posting the same message twice like you just mentioned!! :lol:

:flow1: Exercise for at least 30 minutes

:flow1: Drink Water!!!

:flow1: Stay focused and don't spend too much money!!!

Well Elisha,, I almost always eat veggies or fruits so don't think I'm forgetting about that. I cooked green beans yesterday so hopefully that counts! I'll probably buy some more grapes today. Anyways I need to go and "watch" Denise Austin since the baby refuses to go back to sleep! Check back in later!

It is wise to keep in mind that neither success nor failure is ever final.
--Roger Babson

Weekly Challenge: 4-5 days of whatever your chosen exercise, at least 20 minutes

Daily Challenge: Add at least 5 minutes to your workout

Daily Question: What is the hardest thing about each day?

Hi all! Like Jaymi I will just go with the flow too. You all are the best and I'll follow you guys anywhere! :)

Today was a success overall. I went on that riverboat luncheon cruise with my mon and sister and although I didn't count my calories I think I did fine. For one thing they really didn't have anything fattening or too damaging. I had a little salad, one piece of turkey breast, a little mashed potatoes, a very small amount of veggie lasagna (It was an all you can eat buffet but they were serving this so I'm assuming they didn't have much of it in the kitchen), stuffing, and pudding for dessert. That was at about noon I guess and I decided that would be my last meal for the day since even though it wasn't extremely horrible, it was very carb heavy. So that was my challenge to myself. I wasn't too sure how much water I had on the boat so now that I'm home I have my extreme gulp cup (52oz) beside me.

Julie - You only think about food when you're hungry or bored? You're my she-ro!! I want to be just like you when I grow up :) I have a long way to go in that area!

I'm actually pretty good too about getting my fruits and veggies in. I may go through spurts where I don't get all of my veggies but for the most part I'm ok. As long as I do a salad at some point in my day I'm good. You only need 1/2 cup of leafy greens for 1 serving of veggies so its pretty easy to get 3-4 veggies down in one sitting if I do a salad.

Have a great evening!

Hello chicks! I tried to update last night but my computer was acting stupid. Well anyways I’m pretty tired this morning. I’m drinking my coffee. I just ate a turkey sandwich for breakfast so I guess I’ll be ok. I forgot to journal yesterday. I had good intentions.. But it didn’t happen. I exercised for 48 minutes yesterday. I just don’t feel right if I don’t exercise for an hour. It takes that long to work up a good enough sweat. And I don’t feel like I have don’t anything if I don’t sweat. I guess I’m going to have to wake up earlier. I don’t ever get a chance to really comment on the journals. I barely get a chance to post! ! :lol: I know my daughter is gonna wake up soon. They actually have a cold front coming in… but it doesn’t get cold until late.. And cold to them is like 68 degrees. Which is good to me! I’d rather be cold than hot any day…. Except when I’m around water! :lol: Well anyways I got 2 swimsuits.. Well actually I got 2 tops and two pairs of $3 shorts. The tops that I like cover my stomach.. comes with bikini bottoms… which I refuse to wear. Then the tops with the shorts are little bitty! One of the outfits fit.. But the other one.. Which is made the exact same way and is the same size.. Is hilariously too small and both sides of my boobies pop out!! :lol: So of course since I’m the take stuff back queen, I’m going to take it back and get me another one. I can’t try on stuff with a toddler and a big ole’ basket full of stuff! Maybe this time though.. Because Walmart is almost 20 miles away.. Too much gas money to waste. Anyways I have 15 minutes to get ready to exercise and stuff… if the baby don’t wake up… so I better go… I will talk to everyone soon!!

Hello chicks! I got in my 60 minutes of exercise. It was hard though.. My knee is really killing me. Which seems weird since I hadn’t exercised in like 3 days or so when it started hurting. I didn‘t do anything else… so I wonder what it is! And with all the ice-cream I‘ve been eating.. You wouldn‘t think calcium would be an issue!! Boy have I been craving those Frosty‘s from Wendy‘s. I almost bought some of those no sugar added fudge sickles…(that doesn’t look right!) but I was scared I‘d get hooked on them. But heck.. That‘s gotta be better than nothing! I also LOVE banana fudge pops… but they don‘t come in the f/f… or s/f. Well at least not out here anyways. When I take that swimsuit top back, I‘m through buying swimsuits.. Unless they go on sale for $3 or $1.. Then heck.. I‘ll sell them on ebay or something! :lol: I‘ve noticed that a lot of people buy clearance items and sell them for more…. Or get more when people start bidding on them. I guess that‘s legal… hmmmm. Anyways I‘m tired as a dog. I can‘t fool around on the computer today, I have to do some housework. My DH said that we were supposed to go to the beach with his friends.. So who knows.. They might end up coming over.. So I need to prepare instead of getting mad over it… Besides.. If I kept my house up better, than I wouldn’t have to clean it so drastically when we have company… AWWW who am I kidding… these kids dirty up constantly. Is it tax-free weekend anywhere else?!?!? Now that could be more trouble for me…. But the baby does need some more pampers.. It‘s tax-free on everything right?!? Anyways I will try to come back later and get personal… have to start getting stuff together now! The store will probably be packed!!!!!

Lucia- I missed ya! Glad you're back! Can't wait to read your updates!

Michelle- :cp: on your Luncheon! I would have eaten everything!!!!

Kidzrn- Hope you are doing great.. we miss ya!!!

Anyone else I missed.. have a blessed day today!!

Talk with everyone later!!! ~Jaymi

I am soooo mad! I just typed this nice long post to tell you all about my goals from yesterday and I was talking to my hubby on the phone and the stupid thing erased somehow while I was on the phone!!! What's up with that????? :?: :?: :?: :?: :?: :?: :mad:

So in a nutshell, yesterday was good food and exercise! Had a picnic with the residents at work and I turned down the desert (icecream desert) and got plenty of exercise loading and pushing wheelchairs, etc.!!! Didn't "formally" exercise but that was plenty and I was ready for a nap by 2pm!!!

Wonder where our fearless leader is??? Elisha???

Jaymi...Way to go on getting back into the groove. Remember that ANY exercise is better than just laying around eating bon bons!!! ;)

Lucia...Glad you are back! I'm hoping that scale will be kind to you when you step on it! I'm sure it will...sounds like you are doing great...are you journalling?

Michelle...Clarification on my comment about thinking about food! I did write "usually" (had to go back and read it for myself because I couldn't beleive I said that!) so there are other times that I think about food...like when I am cooking or eating or planning my meals or journalling my food! But really, I am so much better than I used to be! I think the fact that I plan my meals ahead of time does take the "thinking about food" out of my day! This weekend is going to be difficult because we are travelling (read my Labor Day post) but I am going to manage! So, really I AM human, afterall! ;)

Gotta get going now...that took twice as long as I had hoped! *Stupid Computer!*

Hope you all have a great weekend! Hugs!

The great pleasure in life is doing what people say you cannot do.
--Walter Bageho

Weekly Challenge: 4-5 days of whatever your chosen exercise, at least 20 minutes

Daily Challenge: Do something different--try a food you haven't tried before, bike instead of walk, anything.

Daily Question: How many times today did you consciously and deliberately make the case to yourself for losing weight?

Fear not, Julie, I am here!

Motivation level: 2

Pathetic, isn't it? I've just been having a really crappy couple of days. However, I did get in 35 minutes on the stairclimber yesterday, so that at least is good. Don't think there's going to be much exercising today though, as I need to leave the house in about 20 minutes, and I'm still in my pj's, haven't eaten breakfast.... bleh. I really feel like going shopping, because that always makes me feel better, but the fact that I have no money is part of what is making me feel crappy. I'll probably go buy something cheap anyway and just deal with it. *shrugs*

Going to dinner at my friend's house tonight, but it's my healthy friend, so food will be ok. I hope I don't go crazy with food at some point during the day. I never really thought of myself as an emotional eater, but now I find that when I am feeling down it is junk food that I want--Arby's, Doritos, completely unhealthy food, and lots of it--not because I think it will make me feel better, but just because I want there to be one thing that I don't have to worry about. So then I eat whatever it is and then I feel even worse because I let myself get out of control. It's a viscious cycle.

Michelle--Great job on the riverboat! I probably would have eaten everything in sight!

Lucia--It's good to have you back! Sounds like you've been doing great--keep it up!

Jaymi--They can never manage to make two pieces of the same clothes in exactly the same way... it's infuriating. Sounds like you're getting back on track though--good to hear it!

Julie--Maybe I need to start planning my food better, perhaps I will stop thinking about it so much. I doubt it, I will just keep thinking, "oooh, I get to have rice cakes at 1:00, and then some soup at 4:00...." That might be even worse. At least with no planning, there is at least an element of surprise. ;)

Anyway, I'll be back this evening to let you all know how my day turns out. Have a great day, chickies.
~Elisha

Daily Question- Since the day is still going… I’ve already pleaded with myself.. And pep talked myself about 30 times! It doesn’t work half the time.. But I do it anyways….

Daily Challenge- Hmm… today I might get on the treadmill.. That would be different! :lol: I havent touched that thing in months! Or maybe I’ll try the 3 mile WATP..

I KNOW I have ate too many calories for today… so I need to do some extra exercise…. Anyways I gotta go now.. Will check back later!

Hi all!

Lucia - Welcome back! Glad to hear you're keeping up with your food & exercise plan!

Julie - Well you're still my she-ro:) Great job turning down dessert & also on the mock workout. Remember, all activity counts! I went to a Lunch & Learn session at work recently on the benefits of exercise and that was one of the things the doctor drilled into us... "ALL ACTIVITY COUNTS". I know before that session I would sometimes feel so horrible if I didn't officially exercise, yet I may have worked in the yard for an hour or so, you know?

Jaymi - Ohmygosh I am LOVING those frosty's from Wendy's. When I'm being really good I just get the kiddie size. I think its only 170ish calories. The small is 330ish and medium is 440ish I think. I need to go back to the nutrition guide to tighten up those numbers for my own tracking purposes. I also had been eyeballing those fat free fudgsicles so today I bought a box of the Skinny Cow brand fat free fudge bars. They are only 100 calories. I'll have to remember to let you know how they taste.

Elisha - Don't worry about the low motivation level. You always manage to get it right back up to an acceptable level really quick! :) Have fun at your friend's tonight!

I had a really good day. I took the day off work and after going walking this morning I stopped for a "big" breakfast (bigger than I'm accustomed to). Veggie omelet & hashbrowns. Since I got the potatoes I didn't get toast - yay me! Major victory there:) Dinner was a turkey burger and salad and about 10 fries.

Hope everyone has a great evening!

Hi guys back again..sorry ..I drank the water this week ...but it was a very sedentary week....the air was thick and so was I!...but I will make sure to get a bit in tomorrow for sure..I actually like to work out but lack the motivation to go and do it!..and I LOVE REALLY good food!!!...anyway...my plan is in evolutionary process so if you have any hints please bring them on!!! ...I started with trying Atkins.did an induction ..that made me so sick physically and mentally it was too much for a former vegetarian...so then I went back to calories....and low fat...now ...I have put things together that I can do ...and stick with adding one at a time a week at a time.. ....I am eating 6 times a day keeping the calories below 1500 the fat below 30%...and increasing fruits and vegetables ...tapering off white food ...to only whole grains and I am giving up .....coffee.....argh.......(that is the hardest I grew up in Providence RI weaned from the breast to the bean!!!)....I want to get back to running (it has been two years off!!) and weights...I am 46 years old ....and suffering from my body trying to hang on for the ride!!!.....advice ...yeah I need it!!! and have some to share!!

Good morning chick-a-dees! Not soo good for me! :lol: Well not actually bad either. I shouldn’t even be online right now.. But I thought I’d check in.. it might help my day go by better. Weigh-in is today.. I know I should have weighed before I did anything else.. But I really don’t want to… I know I havent lost… my stomach is poking out big time… and my clothes aren’t as lose as before. I will weigh-in after I exercise… whenever that may be…. Or maybe I’ll wait until tomorrow. Anyways the plans for today are all changed at the last minute.. But I can honestly say that this time it wasn’t the hubby’s fault. BUT…. I still have a hour and a half to clean up the house and figure out what to do next. Food was disastrous yesterday… I ate like 4 times… so that can’t be good. Because nothing I ate was healthy. The tacos I made for dinner would have been except for the ground meat. That other stuff is WAY too expensive right now… 3.50 a lb is ridiculous… and that’s not ground round or anything.. That’s turkey ground meat.. The ground round is like 4 bucks or more for one measly lb! Anyways… who knows what today’s menu will be like with our plans being in shambles… We were supposed to go to the beach.. But now it’s all messed up and I don’t know what’s going on. Derrick’s friends decided to change plans and the mom and daughter are going shopping.. Of course I would be invited.. But no money= no shopping… I absolutely HATE shopping if I can’t buy anything.. I’d rather stay home alone. The hubby and the son want to go to the race car place, go play some golf.. And some other stuff.. So I told my husband and my son to go with them… It’s too hot to be sitting outside with a stroller watching others have fun.. And Golf and go-carts aren’t fun to me. Putt-putt is ok… but like I said we have no money. At least with just 2 of them it would be cheaper. So I guess I’ll just sit here and look miserable… I’m not in the mood to go anywhere anyway. Well I might just take the baby to the park or something because I don’t want to sit here and dog sit… I’m mad at that freakin pup right now . She started barking at 5 am.. And didn’t stop.. Didn’t miss a beat.. Until 6:30.… so she woke up the baby… and me.. And my hubby just slept through it all. I feel sorry for the neighbors.. I know you all are probably thinking.. Why didn’t you get up… FOR WHAT! NOT MY DOG!! :lol: And she was just barking for no reason like she does 24 hours a day. Anyways yes I’m in a crappy mood.. Only because of being woke up early by a dog barking… Somethings really piss me off. I’ll get over it. I got a bajillion things to do and I better get started.. Time is running way too short! Talk with everyone soon.. And I’ll be in a better mood!… hopefully! :lol: Bye all!

Success is often nothing more than moving from one failure to the next with undiminished enthusiasm. --Winston Churchill

Morning chicks!

Motivation level: 3

Not much energy today. I had planned to get up early and exercise, but that didn't happen, and now I don't have time. I guess I'll have to do it when I get home from work at 9:30pm, because if I don't exercise this week it will only be 3 days, and I can't have that. I've had a crappy week though. And next week isn't looking any better.

Anyway, food should be good today. No going out, no dinner with friends, just me all day. That is a good thing.

I've noticed that since I started dating a few weeks ago I haven't been taking as good of care of myself as I was previously. It's hard to stick to a strict diet when you eat out a lot. I'm still lonely, but I'm starting to think that maybe I should get myself in order before I bother looking for anyone else. I guess I'll just go crazy in the meantime. Not that crazy is too far away! :lol:
I keep saying that nothing is more important to me right now than losing weight, but I keep letting things get in the way. It shouldn't be that way, not if I really mean what I say. So I'm cracking down again. No more splurging, no more working bad things in. I think it's time for me to start focusing on healthy rather than just low-calorie. More fruits, more veggies, more exercise, more things that are good for me.

So about yesterday's question.... not as often as I should have, but still a number of times. My menu yesterday was atrocious (think Doritos for breakfast), but my calories were still at 1402 (because I didn't have lunch). I think I will make the case to myself more today than I have in recent weeks, simply because I'm trying to refocus my efforts.

Oh, I'll post another question/challenge tomorrow. If you want to challenge yourself or have a question for the group, feel free to post it.
I'll be back this evening to let you all know how my day turned out. Have a great day chickies.
~Elisha

Hi all!

Its a beautiful day in the neighborhood, a beautiful day in the neighborhood, would you be my......

Okay I'm obviously feeling pretty good today. I had a great hour long walk this morning, breakfast, and now I'm back home planning the rest of my day.

Lucia - Unless I'm missing something I think that was extremely unsupportive of your friend! I'm picturing this to be a food court type of deal? What difference did it make if you two ate different things? It seems like she has some other issue going on. Like maybe there was something else brewing under the surface and this was her arena to explode. Her rant about how you may as well not even bother because your other attempts have not been successfull....... hints of a deeper issue. Could she be jealous of your efforts to become healthy / fit / smaller? That could be it or maybe there is something that she would like to do for herself and has not put forth the effort for some reason which makes you an easy target to let out her frustrations? The possibilities are endless but I think that you would do well to surround yourself by friends that are more supportive of your efforts. This whole weight loss journey is so hard all by itself, without having someone in our inner circle pulling us down. We need their support! In the meantime, hopefully you feel that you can come here to get some of the support that you need! :)

KidzRN - I also did a stab at Atkins as well as South Beach and they are just not for me. I thought I would pass out from being so weak! I don't see how people do it but I know a lot of people get a lot of success from them both. I try a lot of different things too but I just go back to my old tried and true faithful - counting calories and exercise. Getting a well balanced diet just feels better for me and makes more sense to me. We may lose a lot slower by doing it this way but I think our bodies will pay us back for it in the long run! Health-wise and weight-wise! Oh - and I'm totally with you with slacking way back on those white foods. That's actually one good concept that I've taken away from those other plans. I know I feel better and do better with my weight loss efforts when I let go of all of that white bread, potatoes, rice, etc. The hard part is the sugars! I don't have any new advice that I'm sure you don't already know but just keep coming back here and we'll come up with something :)

thanks for those nice posts!...the weather changed and it rained for two days that is why I could feel the motivation drop...even cashiers were yawning!....tomorrow is my food day off ...and then Monday renewed ambition for exercise...I know there is a place to walk at both the clinics I work in this week and I will do it!
Lucia: Your friend was out of line ...is this her typical reaction when things do not go her way?...if it was and you accept it that is one thing but it might just be worth it to talk to her?....sometimes people are not aware of why you do what you do...I had a coworker who claimed "I love you like my own sister" when I lost weight she kept telling me "you look SICK" she would be hurt when I did not try her snacks...it was just one sharp remark after another...I finally said ".....Just stop it would you!" she did not talk to me for a week and then we warmed back up...our desks were back to back so we could not ...not speak for long....she never did it again...and we both got over the moment!.....I did not need a reason for her behavior...I did not really care...she just needed to stop it and move on!!!....Make sense?...good luck...
Miss Elisha...Date!!! go dancing...go get a wild pedicure (my toenails match my car noW!!) my neighbor is single and goes out to dance once a week...she does not have but one club soda and dances for two hours...great aerobics!!! that is what I call taking care of self!!
Michelle..the only white foods I seem to not be able to part with are pasta and rice ...can not do whole grain..it is just not right!!! So I am keeping those...for now....and measuring....lord a cup of pasta looks lame...but with enough veggies I am fine....I use honey just because it looks healthier...(not because it is!)..... I seem to use much less of it than the white stuff....
good night you guys!!

Wow! I go away for a few days and all this excitement happens!! :)

First of all...just want to say that I think you all are the best! I read the posts and see how supportive you all are of one another (and of me when I need it...or even don't need it!) and I think it's just the best place to be when we are feeling a bit down and out!

I had a great weekend and saw some wonderful little faces in the friends of my daughter's from her orphanage! They are all so beautiful and all a little bit "spicy" (being that they are from Hunan Province)! Hard to believe they will all be 5 in October!

Speaking of that...hubby and I took DD "school clothes shopping" today after I got home! I'm a little misty eyed about her going off to kindergarten (or young 5's, whichever it may be) for a full day, 5 days a week in just a couple of weeks! She looked so adorable in her little uniform (yep, the school we have chosen wears uniforms...yea!) when we were trying them on today! <sigh> She's just so darned cute! I'll try to find a small enough picture to attach.

The weekend was ok as far as food. Yesterday I probably ate more than I should have, but I really was truly hungry! We were outside all day chasing 6 little girls around, then swimming in the pool and I really WAS hungry when we ate our meals! Had pizza and salad for lunch, Chinese (of course!) for dinner! Breakfast was minimal!

Lucia...I am glad you are feeling better about yourself today. What a sad thing to have happen. I am hoping that you can patch things up with each other. 21 years is a lot to just toss by the wayside! You are a wise person and it sounds like you have done the right thing by calling her. I'm still sorry that all had to happen to you, though.

KidzRN...your plan sounds like something that will work for you! I did the "no coffee" thing once, too for a while, but I do enjoy it...just one cup a day! It's my little "treat" to myself because I don't do a whole lot...
My thought on this whole "diet" thing is that if we change things a little at a time, it will become a habit for us. Like making sure we drink plenty of water...and then making sure we eat veggies and fruit daily, and then exercise, etc. I've only been doing this since January,but I do se a difference in the way I view food and the way I eat it, too! You will be fine, I'm sure!

Michelle....I agree that all activity counts! For sure! And gee...thanks for your sweet words! :o

Elisha...I'm glad you are still here! Girl....you need to get moving and get that spark back!!!! You sound a bit on the down side, but if I know you, your motivation level will soar back up in a hurry here real soon! Get to planning! It does help...not only with the amount of time we obsess about food, but you can also plan your exercise. I used to be so much more spontaneous...and actually prefer to be that way, but have found that I HAVE to be more rigid and planned with this whole change in my lifestyle or I will NEVER lose this excess fat!!! UGH!!! So, I guess what I am saying is that even if you don't WANT to plan your meals out ahead, just try it for one week and see what happens...it may be different than you think! I missed ya!

Jaymi...When are you going to give yourself a break? You need a day at the spa, girl!! LOL! Just plan it (there I go again!) tell you husband he has to be home and GO...or go to the mall or get your nails done, or something for about ? hours...just stay away from home for a while!!! You so need to do that once in a while...I know I do! But I am able to go to work 4 days a week to escape "reality" for a while!! Hang in there, chickie! (((((((((Jaymi)))))

That's it for tonight girls! I need to go to bed. This was a very long (but happy) weekend and I am beat!

Have a great week! My goal for tomorrow is to drink 80 oz water! And...
eat breakfast!!!! (I haven't been doing that these last couple of days and I've been HUNGRY by 9am!)

Evening ladies!

Sorry I wasn't around today. For some reason there was just NO time. Went out with friends from work for a surprise farewell dinner, then went to my best friend's place for a little while. Dinner was Japanese, so not too incredibly bad. Food the rest of the day was good. Calories came in at 1596, a little high, but still within my limits.
No exercise today because my thighs are killing me. I was planning on getting on the stairclimber, but I can barely climb the stairs in my house, let alone do it for half an hour! I reworked my cases at work yesterday and I think I did about a billion squats. Eesh....
Exercise tomorrow evening, for sure.

Anyway, my brain is gone for the night, so I'll comment tomorrow. Have a great night, chickies!
~Elisha

Our ambition should be to rule our self, the true kingdom for each one of us.
--John Lubbock

Weekly Challenge: Last week's was 20 minutes, this week we're going one step further! Exercise 5 days for at least 25 minutes. (And since this challenge is being posted on a Monday, it runs through next Monday.)

Daily Challenge: Drink 80 oz. of water

Daily Question: Do you enjoy exercise?

I am keeping the coffee!!!! can not give it up!.......Motivation is about a 8 and I hope it stays I have to find my pedometer this morning so it will motivate me to take breaks and go walking..nurses never take a break unless they smoke or lactate and I am at an age where I do neither!!! So today I am going to take two 15 min breaks and go walk...wish me luck this is not always looked upon as a good thing by my fellow martyrs!!!....Ii hope your weekends were wonderful ...mine was restful ...so I did that...rested!.....shopped a little ...cooked a nice clay pot dinner for my family and crashed at 8pm!.....Well you have a happy Monday....hope the motivation sticks for all of us!....

Hello everyone! I'm still alive! Went watching other people shop, went to the beach, the pool, and yesterday went watch the dh fish. I’m Feeling depressed this weekend and who knows why. But I'll get over it. I was only up 1 lb.. so that's not it. If it wasn't for the physical part.. feeling tired, and just wanting to sleep. I also feel like I’m starving all the time and I just feel bad. But... I'm honestly not complaining... that's how weird it is. I'm not coming to here to say “Oh Woe is me!” :lol: I'm just basically letting yaw’l know how my weekend was. I'm going to try to fix it some kind of way. I slept in late this morning... tired.... and I haven’t done much of anything. I'm cooking my shortcut shrimp fetticine..chicken helper with shrimp in it... I still need to defrost the shrimp! I need to go to the library also. So.... I need to get my butt up!! So I will talk with everyone later.. hopefully make some comments! Have a great day!!

I'm dragging bootie here, chicks! Was a bad day in general...TOM arrived with Aunt Flo following!! UGH! I am Hugely bloated and feel like poop! Didn't drink near enough water and did not exercise for the 3rd (sort of because Idid get plenty of exercise on Saturday, just not all at once like I like!) day in a row!

Question for the day: I never was one to exercise! All my sisters played sports and I was the spectator! But now that i have been doing it for 6 months pretty consistently, I do enjoy it and I really feel great when I am done...even if I have to drag my a** out of bed to do it! It gives me energy that I have never experienced and I do want to continue as long as I can to exercise! I mostly enjoy being outdoors in nature exercising, but if I have to, I can do indoor stuff too! Just doesn't seem as much fun!

Hope you all had a good day!

Tomorrow's goal: Exercise!!!! In the morning! I'll be up early! Yea!
Food will follow...no more M&M's!!! GRRRR! (Where's that maintenance Man who fed them to me, anyway???!!!)

I found my motivation in the new issue of National Geographic ....today I am eating lunch and flip the magazine open to an MRI of a 250lb 5'6" woman....you want motivation go and check it out...I took it home showed my husband and really sometimes something stops you cold...this did!!! I am good and will remain that way!....it showed a woman at 40% and a woman at 20% body fat...I am so heading for the 20!!!! oh yeah there is my motivation!.....I will be feeling my extra 25lbs until they are gone....seriously they will be gone....it is also a very good article!...Once you get beyond the pic!!

A man should never be ashamed to own that he has been in the wrong, which is but saying in other words that he is wiser today than he was yesterday. ** Alexander Pope

Weekly Challenge: Exercise 5 days for at least 25 minutes.

Daily Challenge: Since it doesn't sound like any of us did very well yesterday, I'm going to re-challenge: Drink 80oz. of water.

Daily Question: Of the things you ate today, what did you enjoy the most? The least?

Morning chicks!

Motivation level: 4

I have to go to Charleston today for a meeting, about 3.5 hours away. My boss and my counterpart from our store across town are driving down together. I'm not sure how this is going to turn out. I already had the single most unhealthy breakfast I have had since I started watching my intake--about 850 calories. Oh well, nothing I can do about it now. I don't know what my eating is going to be like for the rest of the day, because I don't know if they're going to feed us or if we'll have to stop for lunch. I shouldn't be home late though, so I should have time to exercise.

As for yesterday's question: No. I hate to exercise. I like yoga sometimes, but I very rarely do yoga anymore. I hate the treadmill, and I hate the stairclimber, and I even hate walking outside, and I really hate lifting weights. But I do it anyone. I find that once I get going, it's not so bad. I usually tell myself, "Just 20 minutes, then you can stop," and I almost always keep going to 30 or 35.

I will say that I need to step it up a bit. I seem to have plateaued here at 205, which really, really, really sucks. My calories are usually pretty decent, and I don't want to go much lower than I already am or I'll start feeling deprived, and not feeling deprived is the primary reason this weight loss effort is working. So that brings me back to exercise. Once I actually get back in the habit again, I'm going to start working my way up to 45 minutes at a time, at the very least. Since I already do 30, I'm going to start with 35 minutes this week, then 40 minutes next week, then 45 by the end of the month. Anyone else up for a kickstart?

Julie--What is up with us not exercising this weekend?! We can do better than this! Come on, you and me, 5 days this week, what do you say?

Jaymi--Busy as always. It's hard to talk about stuff that goes wrong without other people hearing the "Oh, woe is me!" as you put it. It's ok, it'll pass, and when it does, we'll still be here for you. :)

KidzRN--Aahhh... motivation. I remember that. The way I see it, any motivation is good, even if it is fear. ;) Glad you found some.

Lucia--Where'd you go? Probably insanely busy again... Well, I hope you're keeping up the great work with the journaling, and I hope things are going ok with your friend.

Ok everyone, I'll be back this evening to let you know how completely atrocious my day is. :D
Have a great one, everybody!
~Elisha

Ohhhh, I think my body is craving sleep! My alarm went off at six and I promptly turned it back off and went back to sleep for another 30 minutes. Got up at 6:30...still enough time to exercise, but I had a pile of dishes which needed to get done, so I chose that instead! AND...I really needed a cup of coffee this morning...still can't wake up! :coffee: Think I'll have another! Tonight I MUST exercise...that's all I'm gonna say and if I don't, well...let's just not go there! TOM should start to slow down a bit by then and I may feel more like it! I hope so!

Elisha...what in the heck did you have for breakfast that was over 800 calories??? OUCH! Sure hope it was yummy!!! ;) Hope your day goes well and you find time to exercise tonight!

KidzRN...I gotta SEE this article! I'm going to have to find a National Geographic somewhere! Can you scan it and send it to us??? What I need to do is take a "naked" picture of me and put somewhere where no one else can see it but look at it every day. Looking in the mirror just isn't the same as seeing a picture of ones self!! Now, that would motivate me!!! ;)

Gotta get ready for my day, chickies...hope all is well with each of you today!

Julie- I'm not even on TOM and I feel like you do.. so what can I say is that we better kick each other in the butt and do something! :lol:

Elisha- Are you talking Charleston SC!?? That's an hour from me! Well have fun.. oh I'm with Julie.. what the heck did ya eat for breakfast?!? Tell me it was yummy.. it had to be! :lol:

KidzRn- I'm glad you have your motivation back!!! I'm with Julie on this too, can you scan that and send it to us?!? That would be cool! Good luck with everything!

I know I missed some of you.. but time is running short.. will get to ya next time!!! Really I will!!! :lol:

Today is another late start for me. I don’t know what the deal is… but getting up is not working for me. I’m sooo tired. When we had company the other day, I fell asleep on them. I’m pitiful!! :lol: I would say I felt like an 70 yr old.. But I’m sure they have more energy than I do!! :lol: I did end up having a good time yesterday when we went fishing. He went to this little part of the beach. I know my face automatically lighten up… I LOVE the beach.. Just looking at the waves and the sand! I found a star fish.. And a large shell.. .which is another thing I love to do. There was a little pool area where the tide had receded and there was sand on all sides, the water was maybe calve deep. My daughter just dived in.. and I was surprised! She usually tries to stay away from the water at the beach.. But now I see that it’s the waves that she’s leery of, not the water. She had a blast! My son loves the water so he always have a blast. We stayed until dark… and I didn’t have to worry about any sharks or anything! I loved it! Although other people were still surfing and junk… they were insane.. Plus it was getting chilly out there! My DH said he would take me back again today… but we’ll see if he holds true to that. I could go there everyday! Since my DH loves fishing, and I love the beach.. That would be a perfect “free” family day spot. But.. Usually when I like something… he doesn’t.. so we’ll see. I don’t even remember the last time I exercised. Right now I am sooo tired. I can’t seem to get up early, I barely get any housework done… If I go anywhere that totally drains me. I don’t know what’s going on… But tomorrow is a new day… I’ll just keep on trying. I have totally lost my motivation. I’m too tired to care! I won’t say that I have totally stopped dieting.. But I have stopped journaling, and counting, and everything. Although I recognize what’s going on… it’s like I just don’t feel like doing anything about it! I have no idea why.. Or what I can do to change it. I’m just like who cares.. Who cares.. I don’t care if I gain, what difference does it make. There is no way I want all of my hard work to be in vain… but even when I exercise.. I’m just not into it! I barely make the movements. I’m just ready for it to be over the whole time… because I’m exhausted and just want to lay down…. Oh well, something will happen to get me back on track. I’m definitely not comfortable at this weight. I want to reach my goal… that is the whole point… And just giving up will make me gain back what I have lost…. I won’t even be at this weight long… so I have to do something… what is it!! I’ve been fussing at myself.. Kicking myself in the butt, and everything you can think of… Who knows. Then my DH keeps talking about me getting a job…. which makes me even more tired. I would have to work at night… so he could watch the kids.. Day care would be my whole check. Then I would have to do all the cleaning, cooking, and everything else “BY MYSELF”. It seems like I’m just lazy… but I don’t think that’s fair… especially since I have to make all of those sacrifices and that money won’t even be mine to spend.. And considering I’d have to work somewhere like Walmart and only make minimum wage.. Right now I could just lay down on the floor and fall asleep until.. Tomorrow. I’m so tired that I don’t even feel like getting up and fixing myself any breakfast.. I’ve been eating sugar free Popsicles…now I’m eating a pickle… Yay for all the salt… :lol: Anyways I’m rambling now.. So I better go. I will hopefully feel better tomorrow! Everyone Have a Blessed Day.

Evening ladies!

Sorry I wasn't around last night or this morning. Sometimes I just have NO time, you know? Today was bleh. I ate way too much, and I'm probably going to have some pistachio pudding in a little while. Busy busy busy day at work, but I learned that I may be getting a new part-timer to help out, someone exclusively for me. Woohoo! How exciting is that?

Anyway, no exercise, calories are already a little over 2000, I'm dead tired. I don't know what is up with me. This weekend I am going to a wedding in Charleston (Charleston, West Virginia, Jaymi--Charleston, SC, would be quite a drive!) and we're staying overnight. I probably won't get any exercise, and I'll most likely eat way too much. So, even though I'm not going to completely ignore my diet for the rest of the week, I am going to relax a little with the intention of getting back on track Monday morning. I have got to step it up a little at that point. Like I said, I'm planning on working my way up to at least 45 minutes of cardio 4-5 times per week. I can do that. Just not today.

Anyway, I'll be back later to comment. I'm going to go watch some Harry Potter. Have a nice evening, chickies.
~Elisha

Today as far as exercising and being on plan goes… = BIG FAT ZERO! But… that’s ok… Tomorrow is another day! I will try to go to bed early so that I can wake up earlier. I want to exercise tomorrow for sure!! I’ve been working tooo hard to gain all of my weight back now!! I refuse!!!! I’m getting back on track… and I’m not going back to 200 lbs.. Or even 150 lbs.. Again….. Unless I’m blessed with another baby.. Which I doubt will happen with my husbands will!!! :lol: Anyways today I got up off my butt and took the kids to the pool.. I had a nice little time. The baby was soo tired... it looked like it was going to rain anyways, but I let her nap on the chair for about 30 minutes and then I was off, she slept for like 3 hours! I might have to do that again! I did get my cooking done.. Lord knows what the heck it turned out to be!!! It was supposed to be Chicken Fried Steak... Yeah right.. It tasted pretty good though... just tough as ****! I cooked corn and mashed potatoes for everyone else and had steam veggies for me. Tomorrow I will have to face Walmart again! I'm going to pick up a couple of school supplies for Jake... he only seems to need a few.. but I know that his teacher will probably give me a totally different list... that's how it's been for is last two teachers anyways. It’s a little list though. Boy that dog.. won’t stop barking!!! I don’t see how my husband can sleep through it.. But I’m about to wake him up.. I’m not dealing with it right now. Well I would say that I’d try to get on the treadmill or something tonight….but why lie to myself?!? My daughter is driving me absolutely crazy!! I tell ya.. The dog is barking, the baby is jumping from one couch to the other, my DH is snoring loud as he*l!! I’m about to go insane!!!! Let me go before I start whining again.. Until Tomorrow Chickies………………

Knowledge is potential; action is power. --Anthony Robbins

It doesn't sound like any of us is going to make the challenge this week, so I'm just going to leave it out for the rest of this week. I will, however, proceed with the Daily Questions.

What is the hardest thing about each day?

Morning ladies!

Motivation level: 5

It's rainy and icky outside today, and that never leaves me very motivated. I fell asleep around 9 last night, woke up a little after 7 this morning, and I'm still tired. I don't know what is up with me.

I have decided, however, that my diet is going to be right on track today, after 2 days of being way off. The scale showed 203 this morning, and I really want to get below 200 this month, which is perfectly doable, if I just get off my lazy butt and do something about it. My focus this month is on not only losing pounds but on getting healthy. There's lots of obstacles in front of me though--business meetings, a wedding, going out with friends or on dates, staying with Grandma, just being lazy and not wanting to exercise--but those are NOT good reasons for me to lose track of what I'm doing and why. My health is so much more important to me than any of those things.

That is the hardest thing for me: making excuses. It's the fact that I find reasons not to exercise, I rationalize eating extra calories. Not today though. Today I am healthy. Ok, so I'm not going to exercise today, but I'm going to do my best to get caught up on my sleep tonight.

Ok, my tummy is telling me it's time to find a healthy breakfast. Have a healthy day everyone!
~Elisha

Well, today is Day One.. and I havent exercised yet. But last night I got the worse headache EVER!! So bad my husband went and brought me medicine and something to drink in the bed to me. I usually take care of my self.. but he takes care of me when it gets REAL bad! I couldnt move!! I know it isn't sugar withdrawl or anything like that.. but I did eat some of those no sugar added blue bunny crunch bars... and my headache kept getting worse and worse. Hmmm don't know.... Anyways I don't have much time today, those hurricanes in Florida are affecting the weather here.. It's supposed to rain the whole week. I'm glad I got my pool and beach time in! It wasnt as hard as I thought taking the kids to the pool by myself... only packing the stuff back in the truck! But... the beach.. that's another story! :lol:
Today is pay-day, which means Shopping for the weeks groceries and household items. I have to avoid the dollar items at Walmart... and I doubt I can do it.. I bought 2 pairs of shorts for my little sis,, come to find out they werent 3 bucks.. they were 1 !! So I need to go buy me some!! My daughter has started pulling my arms while I'm typing.. telling me it's her time.. but it's always her time! Boy... as bad as she is... I want another one so bad!!! Well in about 3 yrs... I wish I could hit the lottery or something, maybe my hubby would actually have another one. I LOVE kids.. I guess I should have thought about that before I married someone who doesnt! Anyways I need to start making my menu for the week and the shopping lists. I was supposed to do that yesterday, but that headache took over! Anyways I hope everyone is having a great day.. If I can get my butt in gear... I'll be back to comment later! ~ Jaymi
Ok, here is some pictures from the beach trip the other day. I hope you enjoy. Most of them are of the beautiful sky! :lol: Get back to everyone later!!!… Gotta go!!! Really!!!

http://share.shutterfly.com/osi.jsp?i=EeBOWrRi5ctXsA

Hello chickies! As I was sitting here eating my ice cream… and getting ready to fix me some more…. :rofl: I decided to post my goals for the week. Friday is as good a day to start right!! So I haven’t’ exercised…. But tomorrow is a new day. So far.. Maybe it’s just an excuse… but my daughter has been waking up at 5:30 am.. And during her nap time I always have to cook or do something important.. That’s been cutting off my exercise.. But I’m going to have to work it in anyway. So.. Here are my new goals for tomorrow:


:strong: Exercise at least 60 minutes per day! :tread:


:dancer: Keep A positive attitude.. Or try my best!! :cheer:


:hun: Stay on plan…. Keep calories at 1500 :eating2:


:write: Start journaling again!!!!! :hat:


:coffee: Drink Lots and Lots of Water!!!!! :coffee2:


:goodscale: Lose 5 lbs for Labor Day!!!! :yes:


Now I plan on following that.. And getting back straight to working my butt off. I worked too darn hard to get where I am to blow it… regardless if summer is almost over or not… So what.. I can be ready for next summer!! I can do this! I have come too far now to go back I will NEVER go back!!! **** NO I WON”T GO!!! :rof: :lol3:

The best way to predict the future is to create it.
--Dalia Chammas (Lancôme Senior VP and General Manager)

Daily Question:

What is the best part of your new healthy lifestyle?

Miss Elisia..I did not sign on as uch as I would have liked to but I made the challange!...if you count today!...I have not gone today but I am headed on a run and have been eating 1500/day and consumed just under the 80oz a day ...I managed to get down 70+ oz...the MRI helped.
Jaym and Hike I can not figure out how to scan the two pages it is kind of a center fold so it will not work ...it cuts it...let me see if I can google it...it is at the cashier of all our markets right now and honest to God it is so MOTIVATING>..not just the fear of being heavy but the reality of what it is doing to our organs to have the fat pushing on it...being in my mid forties I am gaining it for the first time in my gut and in the mirror I can see this huge pad of fat just sitting there when I looked at the MRI pic I could see what the fat does ....it is a reality check...I am a nurse..as you can probably tell and I have treated more obesity related infections than I can tell you...cellulitis that is from things like skin rubbing together and impaired circulation...it is horrible and sad the cycle that people get into ...sedentary life, cheap bad food, weight gain, pain with moving, more gain more food depression more food more pain and the body just can not handle it.....the article is very clear what the cause of obesity is and it is not our fault...we just have an easy society ...lots of empty calories and many things that keep us from moving....I will google it and get back to you.....I think that the saddest thing is it is expensive to eat healthy...it takes time we do not have ...but we need motivation that is why I am thankful for this link....seems like we are flagging a bit here but if we hang on and keep eachother going things will be fine.....

http://magma.nationalgeographic.com/ngm/0408/feature3/index.html you can read a bit of the article but they did not publish the pic....sorry...but it is in stores now so check it out...VERY motivational I promise...I put it on my mirror and am going for the 20% I walked into the kitchen and was going for the pretzels when the vision shot through my mind ...pretzels went back in the pantry!!! and I walked away!!! ...and by the way this is PMS time!!!....

one more thing...Jayme...you sound like a bright mother of beautiful children who is not getting the brain stimulation you need!!!...honestly....do you write?....you should...you have it in you!!! ...have you thought about kids stories?.....you love kids ..you have them ...you see the funny things in them! why not write?.....I almost hear the yawn in your brain!...honey I could be wrong but it is my bread and butter to read between the lines!!!.....I humble if I am wrong ....

Hello everyone! Just a very quick drop bye because of that damned Hurricane Charlie he seems to be coming closer! I hadn’t even looked at the news, but I was wondering why people were buying up everything in the store! The county next to us has to evacuate tomorrow! We might be next! I’m not worried about it though.. Most of my stuff that I cherish is in Tx! Well anyways I’m not doing good on my new goals.. But I’m putting them off until tomorrow. But.. I’m happy.. Again!! So that’s the most important. I just had soo much to do today.. In the rain!! Anyways I gotta go watch the news with my hubby. Talk with you all later!

P.S.
Kidzrn~ I never thought about that....but since yo brought that up, you just gave me something to think about... Thanks so much!

I say bag it and move on but then I am an urban chick with a thick skin!

Today is day-0 again…. Tomorrow will be day 1 ! Which is fine with me…. I just feel icky from eating all the wrong stuff yesterday. And today… after spending the morning sick in the bathroom.. But as I am feeling this headache come on… I’m happy! I have been MIA because Hurricane Charley came through Myrtle Beach yesterday.. But we were far away from it! :lol: We rode down to Savannah Georgia. I had a blast! Just riding round, looking at houses. We stopped at two outlets while we were there also. He found some 5 dollar jeans, and I found two Murder She wrote books… Doesn’t sound too amusing.. But It was for me! I love riding around and seeing new things.. That’s one thing me and DH have in common. The kids loved the ride too of course. We packed sandwiches with us, and of course I had fat free bologna and cheese, but we only had white bread…. So for some unknown reason… that made me feel pretty icky too. I guess I’ve gotten used to wheat. But you cant always find good wheat bread at a convenience store. So anyways today is supposed to be a relax day… but I got loads and loads of clothes to wash… (they just seem to come out of no where!) My daughter was up at the crack of dawn… and still is.. So I’m sure I won’t get any exercise done. Plus I have to wash dishes, cook, then wash dishes again…. So…. No relaxing for me… I don’t really feel like putting it off until tomorrow.. Because I’ll still have to do it. Maybe I’ll only do half today or something.. Anyways I weighed myself before we left yesterday.. I’m up one lb… but glad.. Because the other day it said 144, it only said 142... Which of course mean I have to re lose those “RE-RUN” lbs… :lol: but I can do it. Hopefully next week I can start back going downwards… Well the kids are throwing balls in the living room, and the dog is barking my nerves away… plus it is pouring down raining outside… so I guess I’ll get off of here and do something. I will try to come back later and get personal comments done…. I hope everyone’s day yesterday has been ok… And today will be even better!

It is incredible how much the mind can do to sustain the body. ** Goethe

Weekly Challenge: Exercise 4-5 days this week.

Daily Question: What is your biggest temptation and how to do you resist it?

Morning chicks!

Motivation level: 7

Now if my energy level were as high as my desire to do well, I'd be fit already! :lol:

I'm back from a nice weekend. The wedding was nice, but a little depressing. Every single one of my friends is in a committed relationship, except my buddy going through a divorce and ME! Also, I'll probably never see some of those people again.
And now I'm exhausted, still.
Eating was bad, but not as bad as it could have been. I've got to get back on track today. Unfortunately, I'm going to spend the night with my grandma tonight, then I'm going out to lunch with a friend tomorrow, so food isn't likely to get much better. I will try though. I guess that is all I can do.
I WILL exercise though. I have to, even if it's just some strength training. I'll probably go walking/jogging in the morning, and hopefully this evening too, as Grandma actually lives somewhere reasonably flat. If nothing else, she's got a treadmill.

Anyway, I've got lots to do this morning! I hope everyone had a great weekend. Have a very healthy day, chicks!
~Elisha

Hello everyone! My morning is off to a late start... but I'm doing ok! I haven’t gained but one more pound.... but I can tell the affect that eating wrong and not exercising is doing to my body. My skin is way more saggy,, and my stomach is just poking out. So although I haven’t exercised yet today, I plan on doing it when my daughter takes a nap. I did go to the hot tub yesterday for like 30 minutes.... all the pools were closed because of the hurricane... and there was stuff everywhere. But one family I guess convinced them to open it anyways so I went over there. I wish I had more time.. but I knew that I had to go back because I was cooking... If it wouldn’t have taken me forever to find a open pool I could have had more time. I didn't even think about that... because when we got back it was dark. But they really had a lot of damage done to this place!! I'm going to try and journal my food today and see where I'm at... I know I’m going to go over because of this dreaded breakfast I just ate... but like A "special person" told me earlier....I have all day to work it off!!!! I have to go pay some bills today... hopefully can get it over with... fast!! The baby needs some milk too. Anyways I better get my butt in gear... I'm already waking up too late! I will definately come back later and update and make comments... Talk with yaw'l later!

Hello everyone! Well today I got in 45 minutes of Denise Austin…. I haven’t eaten breakfast yet…. I only ate a few pieces of watermelon. Now I just gotta drink water.. too bad watermelon doesn’t count!
I just have a lot of cleaning up and straightening up to do. If it doesn’t rain…. Which It looks like it will, I might take the kids to the park, or the pool. I’m in a pretty ok mood today. But I usually am when my dh starts acting up… I’m not going to let it affect me this time.. I’m just going to start ignoring him… because my fuse is way too short.. I’m always the max! :lol: I can be sitting here all happy, and then he could do one little thing and I can go to kill mode! But I’ve always had a temper like that. I’ve been real good at controlling it though…

Let’s see, I cleaned up all last night… the clean up challenge I did got me pretty fired up! :lol: It doesn’t look like I did anything… but I did wash about 3 loads of clothes, and I iron… actually IRONED… a whole lot of clothes.. I re-arranged furniture, made up the beds… which I hardly ever do! :lol: I was supposed to cook chicken fajitas, but they just ate left-overs and I heated me up a turkey patty and some mixed veggies… But I can’t hide the oatmeal cookies I ate… so that pretty much messed things up! But U guess It could have been worse! So that’s what I did except for exercise during my daughter’s nap.

It seems like for some reason a lot people are starting to slow down in exercising and staying on plan and stuff. I wonder if it has anything to do with summer ending and Winter starting! I refuse to be fat this Christmas and for my birthday.. If I am just sitting in the house for them.. I want to be comfortable in my own skin. I want to be able to eat FOOD for Thanksgiving an not be sitting there watching everyone else eat! I refuse to go backwards… I realize now that my loss won’t be as fast as before.. And I shouldn’t even focus on my lbs.. Except for if they go up! I should focus on my measurements.. And focus on my efforts… When I first started here at 3fc I had given up.. Then I went into overdrive…and did everything right.. Would be so down on myself if I miss 1 day of exercise… or only exercised once a day instead of two… I think I just tired myself out… Worked too hard.. I’m going to put the same amount of effort into it with attitude.. But not try to kill myself with exercise. I’m going to focus on my effectiveness of the exercises and not the amount of time spent doing them. I think that will work better for me. Well time is flying by and I need to get some more stuff done while my daughter is calmly watching Blue’s Clues!!!

Elisha, Julie, Lucia, Kidzrn, and everyone else!! WHERE ARE YAWL!!! How are yaw'l doing!! Let me know!!

Gosh, it seems like forever that I have been here! We've been camping since last Friday and just got home today! The hurricaine has affected the weather here in MIchigan as well...not as much rain as it is cold! The cold front just kind of "stalled" here til the bad weather on the coast moves out! So we really had a nice weekend without rain, but bundled up in our sweatshirts and fleece and even my columbia shell when out on the boat one night! Brrrrr!

I did great with my walking from Friday til Sunday! Then we got in a little bike riding on Sunday night, but nothing great and then again on MOnday night! I've eaten bad, bad bad stuff since Sunday so all my efforts were in vain! :rollpin: I think I need my head examined! I really wanted this to be a successful weekend, too and it was better than some I have had. I will weigh tomorrow and the scale will tell! I have a feeling I am NOT down!

This is crunch time. I have a family reunion coming up on Sept 11 and I do want to be down at least 5 more lbs., so I have got to kick it into high gear! Anyone else out there want to join me??? These daily questions are great, too BTW Elisha!

Here's my answer to the last one:

Biggest Temptation: Ice Cream this time of year!

How do I resist it? I find that if I avoid being around it, I can resist it, but if I see it, I want it and I eat it! End of story! Wish it was something other than that, but my reistance is just non existant at times! Anyone got any suggestions as to how they resist (or how I can) their biggest temptations?

Have a great Hump Day chickies! I will be up early to do my 2 miles tomorrow! I got 8 in over the weekend, so I am proud of that! I am going for more than I walked last month...that's my goal! Shouldn't be too hard to do...I only have 5 more to go! Gotta get on that bike, too! Maybe we could have a miles challenge....

Hello Chicks! I got to hurry up and get off my butt! Got a doctor’s appt and a lot of cleaning to do. I need to go shower… and since the baby has woken up… I need to hurry while Dora is on! :lol: I’m finally getting back to journaling and getting things together. I haven’t exercised today, but I’m not going to forget even if it’s only 15 or 30 minutes… Elisha, where are ya chick! Julie, glad you are soo motivated.. Can you pass some of that on this way?!? Well everyone I gotta get started… I only have like an hour to get all 3 of us ready for that long wait in the clinic… But I’m not getting pregnant again anytime soon.. So I gotta go. The biggest challenge will be getting both kids in that little bitty room. Glad I have that umbrella stroller. Well hope everyone is having a blessed day! Later chicks!

Evening ladies!

Ok, so I was AWOL for a couple of days, but I'm back now. My eating was horrible all three days, but at least I got a lot of stuff done, and I got in a 5-mile walk with my friend this evening. It was in town where it is relatively flat, so it seemed like nothing compared to my normal 1-mile trek up the hill!
Anyway, I feel like now is the time for getting back on track. I've had my fun, now I've got to buckle down and get myself under control again. I'm ready for it though. I'm starting to feel all bloated and icky... I need to drink a ton of water over the next few days to flush out my system. I'm back up to 204... *sigh* Will that number never go away? It just keeps coming back!
I have no one to blame but myself, and I know that. It's ok, I'll deal with it. As soon as I get back into my routine (i.e. tomorrow) those pounds will drop in no time flat! I just want to get below 200 by Labor Day, and that is still totally doable for me.
Anyway, I'm super tired right now, so I'll post questions, quotes, challenges, comments, and answers in the morning. But not too early! Have a great night, chicks!
~Elisha

Never, never, never quit.
Winston Churchill

Weekly Challenge: Exercise 4-5 days this week.

Daily Question: What do you miss the most about your old lifestyle?

Morning ladies!

Motivation level: 7

So today I am starting over. I know, it's a Thursday, halfway through this weekly challenge. If I exercise the rest of this week, I can still make it though. That's not what I'm worried about. I need to flush out my system with glasses upon glasses of water. I need to get back on track. I need to stop eating out. Today's the day. Tomorrow is payday for me, which means I can stock up on healthy food at the store. I know what works for me, I just haven't been doing it. Today, that changes.
I've gone back up to 204, and I know exactly why. I've been slacking. I'm rather pissed off at myself right now for letting that happen. But hey, if I get pissed off every time I gain 2 pounds, that means I won't let myself regain all this weight later, so it's ok. Better to deal with it now, head it off at the pass, so to speak.
I keep saying that I've got to kick it up a notch. Well, now's the time to actually do it. If I don't, swiftly give me a good kick in the butt. Stop fooling around, Elisha!
I have to ask myself, Do I want this or not? Of course, the answer is a resounding YES! I've never wanted anything more. And then I say, so what in the **** have I been doing, and why am I not doing better? I have no answer for that.

Anyway, I am going to go exercise now, then eat a healthy breakfast and drink lots of water. I hope everyone is having a healthy day. I'll be here again this evening.
~Elisha

Hello everyone! Boy, I had a rough morning…. But I’m getting better slowly, but surely! If I can get most of my stuff done today, I’m going to ask my dh if he’d watch the kids for me to sit in the hottub for a while.. Or maybe even come along! That would be nice.. But he probably won’t. (come along) I’m back up to 145... I can’t believe I gained 5 lbs back.. It takes soo long to loose that measly 5 lbs! But oh well Not I gotta re-lose the same weight again. Oh well, I’ve done if before!! Elisha.. I KNOW what you’re going through!

QOTD~ The thing I miss most is going to the clubs and dancing with my friends!! That was the highlight of my life! And it kept my weight down too! I wish I could have those days back sometimes!

Let’s see, so far I did:

:sunny: 30 minutes Denise Austin :sunny:

:rofl: :lol3: :lol: ok, that’s it so far! Ha, ha, ha I ended up eating a double cheeseburger and fries for lunch… (ouch!!) I ate cereal and milk for breakfast and only had 1 cup of coffee. I attempted to drink water this morning.. But only drank like a cup. So I still have that to work on. I didn’t exercise last night because I was to busy cleaning up everything.. So I guess that could count a little!! Anyways I need to exercise at least for another 30 minutes to help get the edge off of that burger… Today I’m cooking Shepherd’s Pie for dinner. Not all that healthy.. But tastes soo good! I might eat a TV dinner or exercise an extra 15 minutes!! :lol: So I will try to update later! I hope everyone is having a great day!

True happiness is impossible without true health. And true health is impossible without exercise. ** Vic Tanny

(True, it's a recycled one, but pertinent still the same. I wouldn't want to let you forget it, now would I?)

Weekly Challenge: Exercise 4-5 days this week.

Daily Question: Does your new healthy lifestyle make you feel deprived? In what way?

Morning chicks!

Motivation level: 8

I'm feeling pretty good today. It helps that the scale is down. Progress is good. Now, if I can just get out of this chair, I will be in good shape... quite literally. :lol:

Anyway, to answer my own questions...
What do I miss the most? Not worrying about my weight. I mean, I've always worried about it, but not to the point where it actually weighs on my mind that I didn't exercise on a particular day, or that I went 100 calories over budget, or whatever. I miss not having to think about it every single moment. I miss not being able to eat whatever I want.
But of course, I know that is exactly why I am overweight--because I wasn't focused on it.

Does my new healthy lifestyle make me feel deprived? No, and that is the reason it's working before. I'm not on a diet, and I can eat whatever I want. True, I can't eat a whole carton of Ben & Jerry's, but really, how often would I do that anyway? I can have a little ice cream now and then and it's not going to kill me. And I'm actually starting to prefer lower-calorie foods. I used to slather butter on quite a few of the things I ate, and now I can't imagine doing that.... bleck! I don't even remember the last time I used butter.

Ok, ok, time to exercise. Have a great day, chicks.
~Elisha

It is the greatest of all mistakes to do nothing because you can only do a little. Do what you can. ** Sydney Smith

Weekly Challenge: Exercise 4-5 days this week.

Daily Question: How do you reward yourself? For little goals? For big goals? What is your reward going to be when you reach your ultimate goal?

Hello Chicks! Short post today! My daughter wants all of my attention this morning so she keeps pulling on my arms and stuff! Let's see:

EXERCISE ~> I havent' exercised yet.. but I will. Later... :lol:
---Yesterday I did exercise for 55 minutes.

FOOD ~> I already ate a piece of leftover pizza for breakfast.. so not good. But if I exercise and control my food intake the rest of the day, it will be ok

PLANS ~> I'm just going to gas up the truck and find something to do. I'd loooovve to go to the hot tub... but I’m feeling too lazy even for that.. My son doesn’t listen.. He keeps acting as if he can swim.. And as if could also… and that irritates me.. Not as relaxing as it should be


QOTD -(yesterday)- I only feel deprived when I can’t really enjoy myself when I go out with friends and family. While they are pigging out and not worrying about anything.. I can’t enjoy my food as much as before because I feel guilty for like I’m doing wrong for eating it. But if I order salad it really depresses me because everyone is looking at me like… what is her problem.. We came here to eat? Or what are you a rabbit?!? :lol: No one ever says that.. But that’s how I feel!

QOTD-(today)-No I don’t really reward myself.. I just get excited when I can fit into my old jeans. Or smaller sizes. I think getting a swimsuit was a reward.. And also going shopping sometimes. When I get to my goal, I want to get a sexy little dress or outfit and go out with my husband somewhere just me and him. And let him see all the attention I get to remind him of what he has!

Weigh In= 143 lbs… Not sure if I gained or lost. Last weigh in (last Saturday) was 143. But Wednesday I weighed (since the scale at the doctor said 147!!!!!) and it said 145. So either I gained 1 lb or lost 2 lbs… I’m not so sure! :lol:


Well that’s it I think… Sorry I didn’t post yesterday! I totally ran out of time!!! But here I am!!!! Yay!!!!


Jaymi

Everyone is the child of his own works. --*Spanish proverb

Hello chick-a-dees! This will be short this morning because I don’t want to tie up the lines since my son is back at school. This weekend was…. Interesting… I pretty much ate badly and didn’t exercise. But …. today is another day. I didn’t eat too too terribly, but the foods I did eat were high in fat… so that’s the down side. I tried to make it as healthy as I could… adding my own fat free cheese and mayo and wheat bun… but the not exercising is what I’m most disappointed in. The funny thing is that I was constantly “thinking” about exercising.. It just didn’t happen… well I just didn’t get up to do it. I was being lazy this weekend…

I probably will only start being on the computer early in the mornings, and after he gets off of school just incase they (the school) need to contact me. Well so far.. There is nothing on the checklist. I hung up some laundry and put some in the dryer. Well of course I have to cook… but that’s about it for me… I need to try and at least get in 30 minutes of exercise and take the rest of the day easy…Because If I don’t catch up on my rest… the whole rest of the week will be bad. TOM is coming up in about 2 days.. I probably have PMS. I don’t feel like complaining, or whining,…. At least not anymore than I already have! I just want to make the best of the day that I can! So I hope everyone is having a blessed day, and I will update when I can!

Hello everyone! Very short post today! :lol: I am feeling sooo sick! That will probably keep me from exercising today.. Yesterday, I stayed in the bed all day until it was time to pick up my son, then after buying milk from the store, and taking those tapes back to the Library, I came home to cook :( (which took everything I had) and my dh called and wanted me to go with him to see the football game. I didn't want to go at all! But I knew he did.. so since he invited us ALL I decided to go. I felt a little better when I got there.. probably because I ate a barbued porkchop and potato salad, and two brownies! :lol: But I'm feeling crappy again. I HATE TOM... it's coming probably tomorrow. Unfortunately this will continue until after it's over.. which is 6 days later! I could take some midol... but that might make me too hyper...and woohoo.. that won't be good either! I know it sounds like I’m whining and complaining and etc. etc. But not really! I don’t feel sorry for myself.. Because there’s nothing I or anyone else can do about PMS…. Almost everyone has it… and so I just got to wait it out! It could be worse… like no TOM at all… which wouldn’t be good for me if you know what I mean!!!!! :lol3: Anyways I ate a bowl of cereal so far... and I want to go lay down and take a nap when my daughter does. I've been decreasing my exercise way too much, but 15 minutes is better than none, so I at least want to strive for my 1 mile WATP tape or something!! I really hate not being able to participate like I want to.. but I will try to find time in the evenings after my son gets off of school to update. I hope everyone is having a blessed day today!

Don't think you can't; show you can. --Author Unknown

Morning ladies!

Motivation level: 9

Today is a good day. I know I haven't been around lately, but I've just been so busy I don't know what to do with myself. But busy in a good way, so I'm not complaining at all. I found myself a new beau, and I think this one might actually be around for a while.

Oh! But that's not the great news--this morning the scale said 199! YIPPEE!!!!!
I stepped off and on a few times, and it kept going right back to 199. I'm still not sure I believe it though. I guess the next few days will tell.

And I got a call about the tech writing job at Lockheed Martin, the one I'd about given up on. I haven't called him back though, because I didn't get the voice mail until about 10:00 last night, but I will this afternoon.

Today I get to clean, clean, clean. No one's been home much recently, and as a result our house has fallen into major disarray. But... I guess you'll have that. I have today and tomorrow off from work, so I should get a lot done. And instead of exercise today I'll probably mow the lawn, wash my car, etc, because all of that stuff needs done, and there are only so many hours in the day, and I am only one person. I know, excuses, excuses.

Anyway, I'm doing good, in more ways than one. Let's hope this 199 thing isn't a fluke, and keep your fingers crossed for me on getting the real job. Today the diet is going to be perfectly OP, and there will be LOTS of water involved, and some sweat to go along with it.
Ok, time to get down to it. Have a great day everyone!
~Elisha

Weekly Challenge: Exercise 4-5 days this week.

Daily Question: What is the thing you need to work on the most?

Hi guys,
I would like to join in and get motivated!! I need some motivation to stay on track! I started the sunslim diet yesterday and also restarted my exercise program. I really want to become heatlhier and get down to a size 3/4. I am petite - 5"3, 145 lbs - so getting down to 115 or so is ideal for my height and frame. So guys....can I join and become motivated too?
Mariana.

Welcome Mariana! Of course you can join and get motivated with us! The more the merrier! The chicks here are fantastic.

I've never heard of sunslim before... what is it like? How often to you exercise, and what do you do? I think each chick here is doing something different, but as long as it works for us, that's all that matters. I personally count calories and climb stairs or walk, but I don't exercise nearly enough. I'm trying *really hard* to get back into it though. I just need to get my lazy butt away from this computer and go do it.

Anyway, I'm rambling now. Welcome to the group. I hope you like it here.
~Elisha

Morning ladies!

Motivation level: 9

Today is a good day. I know I haven't been around lately, but I've just been so busy I don't know what to do with myself. But busy in a good way, so I'm not complaining at all. I found myself a new beau, and I think this one might actually be around for a while.

Oh! But that's not the great news--this morning the scale said 199! YIPPEE!!!!!

And I got a call about the tech writing job at Lockheed Martin, the one I'd about given up on.
~Elisha

Wow! Elisha! Things are goin' your way! (How DOES that song go???) You have been waiting for 199 for so long and now it's here! Congratulations and I do know how that feels! I couldn't wait for 169 and it came in April...and here I sit!! ARGH!!! Another change in season should do it for me...let's hope!

And the beau and the job....I'm happy for you chickie! Great going!

Hugs, Julie

Hey! I'm also new to the boards and am happy I found this thread! I really really really suck at staying motivated and concentrating on my goal at hand! So I love this idea! It is great! Be certain to see constant posts from me :) hopefully good news posts!

Daily Question: What is the thing you need to work on the most?
Exercising, no doubt about it. I actually have always eaten rather healthy in my life (I was fat as a child and never exercised to lose that weight) and my main problem was over eating. I've gotten sooo much better at that. However, exercising daily or even weekly has been horrible for me. I get started and motivated then just get distracted and quit. I'm a real scatter brain.. but Im hoping this thread will help me change that!

Today I started class so my little day goal was walking a Lot! I didn't just sit around and only walk what was needed (even though it was raining, humid, and I was really tired) .. I walked all over the place and got everything done that was needed. Plus I bought (even though expensive) a delicious ceasar salad (no dressing) and all-fruit smoothie for lunch even though I was tempted to buy a Mocha-Chocolate smoothie. :) Lastly but not leastly, I went shopping and made sure I got multivitamins to hopefully make me feel healthier and make me want to do more, I bought all healthy foods and I'm very happy :D

ah, sorry for the length but I just realized how happy I am with how I did today :) it feels good looking at what I did do and hoping for even more tomorrow than being down on myself for past failures.

Hope everyone else also had a great day!

Welcome CD! It's great to have you here. It sounds like you have a very positive attitude.

The hardest thing for me too is exercise. When I started I was all about exercise and I barely paid any attention to my eating. And nothing happened. Then I started watching my calorie intake and the pounds started dropping off. But the exercise started dropping off too. That was in March. Now I'm finally getting back into it, but I'm nowhere near the level I was at at the beginning. I have to make myself do it. I think that's a problem with a lot of the chicks on this board... we know we need to do it, but it's the actual doing that is the hard part.

Anyway, welcome! Can't wait to hear more from you!
~Elisha

Hello chicks! I have to get into a new schedule because my son has started school now and unfortunately I still haven’t figured it out yet. It would involve waking up extra early at like 4:30 a.m., and going to sleep extra early. But with this PMS…. It’s sooo not happening! I really don‘t feel like complaining today! This is life… so deal with it.. Right! Ha, ha
I haven’t exercised.. . Do I deserve to just lay down and give in to the PMS? II think that I should this time.. Stop fighting against myself… because I don’t think I can win! I think I should try something new now. Weight Watchers or something like that. I’m not interested in cutting carbs per say, and I don’t like a lot of meats.. But something has got to happen. I think I just have gotten bored with doing the same exact thing over and over for 5 months. Counting calories can be too hard sometimes. Like in the meal I cooked the other night. I have NO idea what they are… so I have no idea what I’m taking in. I can‘t afford to buy the TV dinners and all of that, but I‘m not making excuses.. There has got to be a way!
If my headache lingers off, I probably will do some exercising. Saturday is creeping up on me! My TOM is running a tad late… so that just adds more days of PMS to come, but there has to be a way to get something done. My goals for today:
:sunny: Exercise
:sunny: Drink lots of water
:sunny: Journal
:sunny: Stay on plan.. as best I can
I hope I can do this.. If I can at least do half of it.. It will be better than yesterday, and the day before. I really wish everyone the best of luck today!
Elisha~ :cheer: Woo hoo on your 199!!! That’s great… and Goodluck with the new beau and new job! :cheer:
Julie~ Julie- How are you doing chick? Fill us in! You can’t be doing worse than I am! :lol:
CD & Mariana~ Welcome to the group! Feel free to post as often and as much as you want. There is no limit here.. Glad to have ya!

DQ~ I need to work on exercising, and getting my muscles developed. The thing I’ve noticed most is that my fat is coming back first.. The weight isn’t creeping but about a lb or two.. But I can tell that my stomach is poking out and my legs are jigglier. I wish I could take a pill to turn the fat into muscle! It’s soo hard for me since I have like NO muscle to begin with! I need to really turn that fat into muscle and stick with it.

Ok, well it’s definitely time for me to go.. School has started now! I hope everyone has a blessed day!

It is easier to go down a hill than up, but the view is best from the top. ** Arnold Bennett

Weekly Challenge: Exercise 4-5 days this week.

Daily Question: What are you going to do when you reach your goal? Not as in rewards, but as in something you never did while you were overweight, because you were overweight.

Morning chicks!

Motivation level: 8

Not quite as high as yesterday, but still right up there! The 199 is still here this morning, so that means it's for real and not just a blip. WOOHOO!!! And just a few more pounds and I will be officially half way (193 marks 44 pounds down, 43 to go). By that time I will be comfortably within Onederland, as opposed to just being there first thing in the morning with no clothes on.... I weighed myself fully dressed yesterday evening and I was at 202... no surprise there though. I know, I'm addicted to that stupid scale. It's ok, it motivates me a good bit. Whatever works, right?

There's loads more cleaning to be done today, and I want to rearrange some furniture, but the way I want to do it may entail some rewiring, which isn't hard, just time-consuming. I might just leave it like it is. I was planning to mow the lawn and wash my car today, but it looks like it's going to rain, so I'll have to wait and see with that one. There's plenty to be cleaned inside anyway. I also want to go through some of my clothes... my closet needs cleaned out. In a couple weeks, after the summer season is over, I'm going to throw out all of my summer attire. The way I see it, next summer it will be way too big, and I don't get to wear half of them anyway. Besides, that will give me an excuse to buy new clothes. :D

I've got to pick up some film either today or tomorrow that has my progress pictures on it. I took some back when I started, then some similar ones when I hit the 30-pound mark. They're not the most flattering pictures--no makeup, in my workout clothes, etc--but hopefully they will show some progress. If they're decent enough (and if I can get the scanner to work right) I will post them.

Moving on...
QofD: What am I going to do? First off, I am going to buy all of the sexy underwear I can afford, not really as a reward, just because I could never wear sexy underwear because they're hard to find above a size 7. And I'm going to buy me a skimpy bikini and go to the beach and wear it the whole time. I'm going to go jogging/bike riding/hiking with my friends. I'm going to wear short shorts in the summer. I'm going to buy a strappy little black cocktail dress and wear it to the martini bar. I'm going to shower with my boyfriend (if there is one at the moment). You'd better believe I'll be showing off my sexy new bod, in any way that I can. ;)

Ok chickies, gotta get started on the day. Have a great one everybody!
~Elisha

Thanks for the awesome welcomes everyone! :)

I'm having Great motivation today :) I haven't done much because I've been busy but I think even just wearing sneakers instead of uncomfortable shoes makes a BIG difference!

Daily Question: What are you going to do when you reach your goal? Not as in rewards, but as in something you never did while you were overweight, because you were overweight

There are sooo many things. I've been overwieght my entire life so Theres so many things I've never been able to do or can't do anymore. - Ride on rollercoasters, wear a two piece bikini, wear a tank top, go to NY and not be worried about the plane or small restaurants, Short skirts, Dance all night long without getting too tired, wear rings (I can never find pretty ones that fit!) I agree with you so much Elisha, I'll be showing off so much too! But mainly to my boyfriend :) I think I'd even get a tattoo!

The greatest responsibility entrusted to man is that of developing himself. ** William Ross

Weekly Challenge: Exercise 4-5 days this week.

Daily Question: Is there a particular time of day that is most difficult for you?

Morning ladies!

Motivation level: 8

I'm doing pretty good today. I woke up around 6:00 and just couldn't go back to sleep, so here I am. It's good though, as I have a hard time exercising too soon after I get up, so this way I'll get to it around 8:30, and that will work very nicely into my schedule.

The scale shows 198 this morning. If I drink my water, I lose weight. If I don't, I don't. I seem to have regained my Auto-Pilot mode, and that is a very good thing. Plateaus, even short ones, freak me out.

I'm thinking about going back to walking occasionally rather than just always using the stairclimber. I could walk not only our hill but the next one as well. The problem is, I don't know how long it is (though I coud figure it out with a short drive), and it would be a set distance/circuit/path, unless I want to make it a full cross-country routine, which I'm not sure I do. I wish I lived in town and had access to any of the decent walking trails around here. Anyway, I'll figure it out. I might just have to drive to Florida and pick up Jennifer's treadmill. :lol:

Ok, so the QotD: What time is the hardest?
Right after I get home from work. Occasionally I will plan on exercising when I get home, but usually by that time I am hungry and I never make it to the exercise, I just head straight for the food. And if I've done well with my eating the rest of the day, I typically slack off a little during dinner--not a lot, but generally almost half of my calories come from my dinner, and I know that is not a good thing. I've just always had a hard time eating a smaller dinner. Breakfast and lunch are easy to restrict, dinner not so much. And then we usually have something fixed for dinner for the family, so there's lots of food to be had, and even though I don't eat a lot of anything, there's usually about 5 different things. And then Mom and Dad have dessert, or popcorn, or something to tempt me, and I get the munchies. I'm getting better at denying them... last night I really wanted one of their oatmeal cream pies, but I resisted. I came in and sat down in front of the computer and started talking to my new guy, and that made me think of how good I want to look, and the urge to eat all those calories just kind of faded away.
I'm going to the beach in a few weeks, and even though I'm almost at the weight I wanted to be at, my body is not where I thought it would be. It hasn't changed as much as I thought it would. I am starting to notice it more though, so maybe it's just all in my head. I don't fit into my size 14 bikini like I wanted to... granted, it fits better than it did, but it doesn't even come close to looking good. Then again, I suppose it is a bikini, and I've been so unhappy with my body for so long that even if it did look good I would probably find something to pick on. I just wonder how much more weight I have to lose before I see a major difference. 40 pounds is not enough. My goal of 150 seems low, but at the same time it still seems like there is at least 50 pounds of fat left on my body, if not more. When does it start to go away?

Ok, I'm rambling now. Time to finish my coffee and go exercise. Have a healthy day, chickies!
~Elisha

miss elisha - I say do the walking regardless of knowing the distance or not :) I know its good to keep track of everything, but if it makes you feel good - why not? But yes, driving to find out is good too ;p

I need to get a bit back on track. I didn't go anywhere yet today so no walking really, though tonight I have a "Rally" which will be Tons of walking. I need to start drinking more water as well. Though I'm glad I'm taking my multivitamins regularly already - I'm usually really bad with that.

Daily Question: Is there a particular time of day that is most difficult for you?

Ah, all different times :( I hate it because I'm actually the most energetic at night time but its the hardest to do it then because of people sleeping and the noise factor. I guess I would say morning is the hardest. I just can't wake up for it. Though I do like morning jogs a lot. oi! I guess its just whenever I'm feeling it :(

It is better to be praised by one's own works than by the words of another. ** L'Estrange

Weekly Challenge: Exercise 4-5 days this week (how are you all doing with this one?)

Daily Question: In what ways do you think losing weight will change your life?

To see what is in front of one's nose requires a constant struggle. -- George Orwell

Daily Challenge: Drink at leats 80 oz. of water

Since we were all away for the weekend, I'm leaving Friday's daily question:
In what ways do you think losing weight will change your life?

Morning ladies!

Sorry I haven't been around this weekend... I've been a busy little chickie lately! It's all good though. I actually typed a pretty long post last night, but when I tried to post it said it was invalid or something, so it got lost. And I don't have much time right now... have to get ready for work... but I promise I will be back this evening to answer my own question and catch up with all of my chickies! I'll also exercise tonight! No more excuses!

I hope everyone has a great day!
~Elisha

Hey Miss_Elisha! I'm glad to see someone posting :)

Daily Challenge: Drink at leats 80 oz. of water
I think I'll really try to do this one! I don't think I drink enough of anything during the day, and I only probably get about 10-20oz of water (or drink) a day. So I'll be paying attention to see if I get this done :D

daily question:
In what ways do you think losing weight will change your life?
The ways are endless. I realize slowly how much all of my life is affected by my weight. I'll be more outgoing, more willing to go to class/work/social events without fear. Its not even about being embarassed - I can't fit into things so I don't go.. that won't happen anymore. If I accomplish saving my health I believe I'll be more willing to try and accomplish other things in my life, such as my dream career, going to New York (I'll fit the plane seats!), ... so much. I'll be me, and I can't wait until I can do that without fear.

Hello Chickadees! Whew I havent been here in a while! Sorry that I haven't been posting! My daughter is sleeping less, and now that school has started, I don't want the line to be tied up. I guess I could wake up earlier.. but hey baby steps! :lol: I've started my new diet.. and so far I've done great... I havent exercised yet though. I weighed in today too because I'm starting a new.. and I'm up to 146. :eek: :cry: That really really sucks! But... who's fault it it... MINE duh! I know that I haven't been eating right or even exercising... I should be grateful that it's not more than that! I've been known to gain 10 lbs in a week before. So anyways I went spent about 20 bucks on some f/f milk and so forth.. I havent even gotten into my points yet for today. I will save that for dinner. I'm doing great except for this headache. I have been having a headache every day now.. It's starting to get annoying! But it doesnt stay ALL day, but it goes a way and comes back.. I wonder what it is. It can't be sugar withdrawl... since I ate so badly this weekend! We went over to my husbands friends house... and I met his wife. She is very nice, and they have a 3 yr old. But she's not skinny, and not worried about her weight. She's really pretty too. But the thing was that they ordered pizza... so it was either eat or starve... and i ate! So anyways I got some work to do.. but I'm going to get my weight back under control.. I know this! Anyways.. time is running short and I have to finish dinner. My daughter doesnt seem to want to take her nap.. so she's driving me insane! So to answer you CD... all times of the day are hard for me!!! :lol: Anyways, I hope everyone is having a great day! I will try to come back later and get personal. Jaymi

A minute's success pays the failure of years. --Robert Browning

I'm going to make yesterday's Daily Challenge a weekly challenge: Drink at least 80 oz of water per day

Daily Question: What part of your healthy lifestyle do you enjoy the most?

Morning ladies!

Well, I feel like crap again today, and I've got a ton of stuff to do. I've got an interview at 9:30, then I've got to get to work as soon as I can, as I'm the only one in my department all day! Eesh. I'm going to aim for Subway for lunch, and probably a LeanPocket and some FF chips for dinner. It's hard for me to get all my water in on days I work late, but I'm certainly going to try.

One of these days I'm going to do a little back-tracking and answer all of my own questions! Maybe if I ever get a break...

Anyway, lots to do! Have a great day chickies!
~Elisha

Hello Everyone! I did very well yesterday! Once I get counting pts under control! I exercised yesterday for 60 minutes! I didn't drink that much water.. that is pretty hard for me to do! 80 oz for me would probably kill me! :lol: I barely get in 16 oz! I just have a hard time with it! I was peeing so much yesterday I got up twice in the middle of the night. Anyways I shouldn't even be online right now, but had to check on my chicks and see how you all are doing! I will check back later!

Evening ladies!

Today, aside from the constant coughing, headache, and nausea, was a good day. The interview wasn't exactly an interview... they didn't ask me any questions, they just told me about the company and offered me the job. I have to go through get National Security Clearance though, so it will still be a few weeks before I actually go to work there.

No exercise, of course, and calories were a little high--1638 at the moment, with perhaps a few more to come--but I've got a ton of them in the bank, so I'm not worrying about it too much.

Jaymi--I know 80 oz is a lot, but once you start the habit, it actually doesn't seem that bad. I have a 16-oz glass that I use, so it's only 5 glasses. Also, I've found that drinking lots of water keeps me from getting headaches. Just a thought. Oh, try Fruit-2-Oh... it's pretty good... tastes like Kool-Aid, but no calories!

CD--I know what you mean. The more weight I lose, the more I realize how it has affected me. I mean, I knew that I am who I am in part because of being overweight, but I am coming to realize just how much it has shaped my experiences in ways I never considered.

Which brings me to my questions:
In what ways do I think losing weight will change my life?
I am sure in more ways that I currently realize. The biggest change, though, is already apparent: I am more comfortable with myself. I'm more comfortable around other people, around my boyfriend, in my clothes, even in my job, even around my family. I'm more confident. I feel like if I can lose weight, I can do anything.

As for which part I enjoy...fitting into smaller clothes. Being more comfortable in my own body. I would like to say I enjoy exercise, but that would be an outright lie. I don't think I'll ever enjoy it. But I don't have to like it, I just have to do it. I wish I could say I enjoy eating healthy food, and I do, but I also terribly miss eating whatever I want... not because I like it more, just because I never had to think about it, and now I ALWAYS have to think about it.

Anyway, I'm tired, and my brain has shut down for the evening. I'll see you chicks tomorrow!
~Elisha

Well I like this weeks goal, its made me more serious about drinking lots of water. I drank 70oz yesterday and a quite a bit today :) Glad I found out my water bottle is 1qt! 32ounces.. I thought it was only 16-20oz :P So I'm very happy about that.

I was kinda naughty today but I hope I'll make up for it tomorrow :) lots of shopping so = lots of walking!

It is never too late to be what you might have been. ** George Eliot

Weekly Challenge: Drink at leat 80 oz. of water each day this week.

Daily Question: Other than 3FC, where do you get support?

Morning chicks!

Motivation level: 5

For some reason I'm in a good mood, but I still feel like crap. At this point I can only vaguely remember what it feels like to breathe freely. I'll survive though.

So I took my measurements this morning, even though ToM is here this week, and I'm down 6 pounds and 3.75 inches for the month of August. WOOHOO! 197 this morning!

As far as my Daily Question... my family is supporting me a lot more now than they did in the beginning, even though sometimes it seems like I still have to fight for it. I think we just started tuning out the bad stuff and emphasizing the good, even though both good and bad are still there. And my new man, he's being pretty supportive, even though he says I don't really need to lose weight and I'm beautiful just the way I am, he wants me to do what makes me happy, and he's happy for me, and that is what matters. My grandma has always been very supportive, but she's been trying to get me to lose weight for years. Everyone at work is great, and I think they actually help the most--they have no stake in how I'm doing, no connection to me other than through work, and yet they are happy for me and tell me how wonderful I am doing. And then there's my buddy KR. KR has battled weight on his own. He knows what it takes and he knows how hard it is. He's the one person (aside from 3FC chicks) that I told my weight to, though I only told him after I got below 200. He's the one I talk to about my dieting issues, the one I complain to when things get tough, the one that tells me to suck it up and just do it.
When I started here back in February, no one in my life really believed I could do it. I don't think I even believed it. I'd tried so many times with no results whatsoever. And now here I am, 40 pounds lighter, and everyone is noticing. It's a wonderful feeling.

Ok, that's all for me right now. I've got to get ready for work. Have a healthy day, chicks!
~Elisha

Well girls, it's been quite some time since I posted in this thread... I think the end of July was the last time, but I'm in desperate need of some "get healthy motivation". Not in respects to exercise... I've been good at getting that in... but the last couple weeks have been the horrible in terms of food/water. Blargh.

I was doing really good for about a month there... wasn't even tempted to indulge in the unhealthy choices and lost over 10lbs since mid-July. But then I gained a pound back and have lost the will to stay OP food-wise since. Eeesh.

With my birthday this weekend and our trip to Vancouver, I imagine it'll be even harder to resist the goodies.

On a positive note, I have been walking 4mi on a very regular basis (3-4 times a week... sometimes more). And I aim to hit 60mi walked in September + 16 x of strength-training. I managed to get my strength-training in this morning and will head out tonight for my 4mi. Same goes for tomorrow. And will be doing lots of walking on our vaca... just not at the pace I normally do. Oh well... exercise is exercise, right?

Anyways girls, I really hope you're all off to a great start this month! I will do my best to get in the 80oz of water...!

Take care ladies!

~mel

Hello Chicks! I'm still here! The weather was awful this morning.. and how that I finally got the baby to sleep... I need to do 50 million other things! Boy school starting has really taken it's toll on my participation.. but I'm going to try better! Anyways it won't be until probably later! I hope you all are having a blessed day!

We should not let our fears hold us back from pursuing our hopes. --John F. Kennedy

Weekly Challenge: Drink at least 80 oz. of water each day this week.

Daily Question: How did you do better today than you did yesterday? How can you do better tomorrow?

Hello Everyone! Of course I’m just getting on the computer, and I am running short of time! So far… I’m still on plan.. But I’ve almost used all of my points…. But that means that I can eat all Core foods for the rest of the week. Or exercise for the next couple of days (which I need to do) And it will give me a few extra points. But… it’s almost already 9 p.m… and I havent done anything! That’s why I have such short time now.. Because that’s what I need to be doing! Anyways I guess I’m going to have to start getting on the computer while my son is at school… because there is just no time afterwards! Only about 3 hours.. And DH gets mad when I’m on when he gets home… so blah… I gave them my cell phone number and my husbands work number and cell just in case of an emergency… hopefully they will use them. Anyways dh just left to go play pool… so I need to exercise and shower and go to bed. So I will talk to everyone tomorrow!

A man who finds no satisfaction in himself seeks for it in vain elsewhere.
** François de la Rochefoucauld

Weekly Challenge: Exercise at least 4 days this week.

Daily Challenge: Drink at least 64 oz. of water

Daily Question: What do you do that helps you the most?

Morning ladies!

Motivation level: 6

I hope you all had a wonderful Labor Day Weekend!
I'm feeling pretty good mentally, but my body isn't there quite yet. This weekend was really busy for me, and there was a lot of food involved. As a result I'm back up to 199 (even though I know I didn't consume an extra 7000 calories). So this week I will just have to work harder and drink lots of water. I can feel myself getting a little lax since I reached my goal of 199, and that is just not acceptable. Now is the time I really need to be on my guard, I need to kick things into high gear! I was planning to work out this morning, and I still may, but I'm not feeling particularly energetic at the moment. We'll see. I may just go for a walk, as it's a beautiful day outside. I didn't exercise at all last week because I was sick, and now I just don't feel like doing it. I have to though. If I ever want to lose the rest of this weight, I have to.

I had on my favorite pair of jeans yesterday, my size 20's. I knew they were a little big, but hey, they're jeans, so it's ok. But yesterday they just seemed huge. I can't wear them anymore. It's time to move on and buy new clothes, Elisha! now if I just had some money....
But I don't really want to. I want to get even smaller before I invest in new clothes. But who knows how long that is going to take? Even when my mom lost 60-70 pounds, she only ever got down to a size 14. I would be very disappointed if I never got below at 14. But in order to do that, I have to work a lot harder than I have been. I've got to get back my motivation, my determination. I need your help with this, chickies!

So today I'm issuing a sort of Call-To-Arms: let's make September the best month in weight loss history! We can all do this, and if we do it together it will be so much easier! No more excuses, no more laziness, no more letting things get in the way. We can be strong! Let's do it!

~Elisha

Yes we can do this Elisha! I've been doing sort've poorly this past month, not the best I could do anyway.. and I am with you on making September the beginning of the Best Weight Loss Months ever! We can do it!

Weekly Challenge: Exercise at least 4 days this week.
Woot, I'm definitely on to this.. !! 4 days, I can do this.

Daily Challenge: Drink at least 64 oz. of water
I was doing so good with drinking water after last weeks challenge, but I've dropped down again! I'll definitely stick to this - and even make it another weekly challenge :)

Daily Question: What do you do that helps you the most?

I think Really forcing myself to look at all things optimistically really helps, and setting myself up to be motivated/inspired helps a lot. I notice all the things small or large that usually encourage me to work out or work harder. Whether its finding really comfortable clothes that make me feel more inshape and ready to work out, or its putting my GOALS nice and big on the wall (and on my computer desktop!), eating lightly and drinking lots of water always make me energized as well.. cleaning and lots of light in the room. There are so many things! I think your environment really affects how much you feel ready to do things :)

:grouphug:

I want to see lots more motivation-full posts! :)

Morning!

Motivation level: 7

I'm feeling decent, but I don't have any time this morning, so this will be a short post.

I'm hoping I get to exercise this evening, but it is hard to tell sometimes if I will get around to it or not. Something always comes up... like cleaning, or going to Steve's, or just anything. I will do my best though. Good thing is, I always drink lots of water on days I come home early, so that one at least should be good.

CD--I wonder if you could join us over on the Halloween Challenge thread. It seems like it's just the two of us here, with an occasional visit from Jaymi, but she's over there too. I post the same quotes and questions and so forth, and there's a lot more people to banter with. Here's a link to it:

http://www.3fatchicks.com/forum/showthread.php?t=46294

If you'd rather just stay here, that's fine too. It's just good to hear some different perspective sometimes.

Anyway, no time, as I said, so I'm gonna jet. Have a wonderful day!
~Elisha

It is incredible how much the mind can do to sustain the body. ** Goethe

Daily Question: How do you cope with slip-ups on your "diet"?

Hello Everyone! I'm sorry my posts are so occasional!! :lol: That sucks huh?! But this last month has been a terror for me! And the thing is... that now that I've been trying a new diet and etc. I have even less time to post because school has started! I have to get a schedule going! I totally am lost! I don't have anything together yet! I had cooking, cleaning, etc all on a schedule.. but where it is now! Who knows! :lol: But eventually I'll get it back together! It's almost time to go and pick up my son from school now.. and then by the time I get home... I straighten up the house, cook and then DH is home.. and then the rest of the day or (evening) just seems to speed by! I have no idea what is going on! It's like time is flying past me or something! Well anyways I'll try to get better... I need to be here because it's when I'm not that I slip up! :lol: Well here I go again with these short posts.. but I DO want to make September the best month so far! I'm still wearing a 14 and I lost 60 lbs... So Elisha... don't feel discouraged if you do or if you don't! Because if you look da*n good.. it doesnt matter what size you wear! Right?!?! Well anyways I better go now... Hello to CD, Julie.. and whoever the heck else I missed! Talk with ya soon!