Thanks for all of the support everyone! I think I will try and drink more water. I have a large glass (at least 16oz, maybe more) at work that I sip out of all day long, I probably refill it 2-3 times, and then I drink a couple glasses at home too. I doubt there's a lack of food, most days I eat when I'm hungry, and I usually stay between 2,000 and 2,250 calories a day. I pretty much eat whatever I want, including some junk, because it can fit in a calorie plan that large. I think if I focused on eating more vegetables I would find that I could be fuller on less calories, I just have a hard time fitting them in for some reason. I think I get plenty of protein, but I just need to cut back on the carbs and fat/sugar more. Exercise is going reasonably well, I do on average about 3 workouts a week of 30 - 60 minutes (aerobic/strength) and have been fairly consistent with that since I started. I aim to do 4 days, though it just doesn't happen all of the time. So yeah, just need to be more careful of what I'm eating and not just judging something by it's calorie content, which is something I know I tend to do.

Hi chicks - yesterday was a good op day - we changed restaurants for our anniversary dinner - went to chinese & I had steamed ginger sea bass, veggies & rice. It was deeelish and healthy too.

Today we are going to see 'the kids' in Michigan. We will be there for the weekend. I am planning to change my food plan from calories to exchanges plus 200 calories a day, if I want to. I hope/think this should work.

I hope you all have a GREAT weekend. I'll check if I can.

Good Morning! I can't believe it, but I have a WHOLE day w/ out any meetings planned...at least so far! I am hoping to organize the stuff on my desk....

Hope everyone has a great OP day!!!

Beverlyjoy--have a great visit!!!

Good morning!

Well, yesterday was a little rough. I usually work from 7-3 and workout shortly thereafter. I got stuck in a meeting until 6:30pm, thus missing my workout. I was pretty upset about it but then I started thinking about how much a month can make. Last month right now it wouldn't have even crossed my mind that I would go work out in the first place! NOW I look forward to that time in the gym. Even in a short little month, I can be proud of that and of how far I've already come....

My day today:
b - apple, cereal, coconut milk - 4
s - yogurt & banana- 5
l - spinach ravioli and roasted red pepper soup - 6
s - orange - 1
d - garden burger, thin bun, mozzerella cheese - 4

Exercise! Weights & 30 min cardio

Hope you all have a great day and I'll be back on Monday :wave:

Hey Chicas,

Just a quick check in. I stayed out late last night so didn't work out this morning and was 30 mins late for work. So, of course, now I'm feeling panicked! Will have to make up for the missed work out over the weekend. Here's the food for the day (though I probably won't eat as much sushi as I planned).

Morning
1 serving(s) Peanut Butter Cliff Bar 5
6 oz Blueberry nonfat 3

Midday
lean cusine - Quick-added food 6
pineapple - Quick-added food 1

Evening
4 large piece(s) california roll sushi 3
2 large piece(s) philadelphia roll sushi 3
4 piece(s) ebi (cooked shrimp) nigiri sushi 2

Snacks/Desserts
3 small clementine 1
2 serving(s) Kettle Corn - Popcorn, Indiana 5
1 large apple(s) 2

Have a great day!

Just got back from my Woman's Wellness exam... as an individual without any insurance, this is the only doctor I see on an annual basis. So, my weight was more this year than last year, but amazingly, last year my BP was high, and this year it's right between optimal and normal at 128/82. I'm pretty sure it's because of my regular exercise. Anyway, the doctor was super nice about everything, we talked briefly about my weight and she was very pleased that I have lost between 10 and 15 pounds so far and exercising at least 3 days a week for 30 to 60 minutes at a time. Nobody made me feel ashamed or bad, just very positive. I think I also just walked in there with my head up high... I knew that the scale was going to go over what I weigh at home (it was 319!) so I wasn't going to let it bother me. I feel ready to review my plan and make changes to move this forward. I got another thyroid lab test ordered by the doctor, so I will call up Quest and see how much it will cost and factor that into our budget so I can FINALLY get that taken care of.

It looks like we're going to get the house we wanted, we just have to wait for our application results to come back Monday. Being that we're 3 working adults and don't have a problem paying our bills, I'm 99% sure that our application will be approved, then it's just a matter of getting our deposit check in and figuring out when we're going to start moving (probably 3rd week of February). We're still looking at a couple different places in the event that we are declined.

Truth is, we're renting a 3 bedroom house because we'd like to start thinking about starting a family, and this next place is where we're going to live until we can buy a house. However, that plan is contingent on my weight loss efforts. I'd really like to get down to around 220 (but I don't know if that is too idealistic as it is about 100lbs away from where I am now) before we try to conceive to minimize any risks associated with pregnancy and obesity... so just hearing John say that gives me a swift kick of motivation because I'd really like to start a family. We're still looking at maybe 1 to 2 years before we'll do that, but I need to keep plugging away here, continue making good and BETTER choices about food, exercise, and just my general attitude and well-being.

'Morning, chickies!! :)

Sounds like everyone is keeping really busy but doing well despite adversities!! Go, chicks!! :carrot::carrot::carrot:

brandijune44, isn't that cool, that you've begun to MISS exercise?? That's a big, important change -- be proud!! :D

mj5, I don't know how you keep up with a stringent weight loss routine with as busy as you are... I know every time I get busy, my exercise goes straight out the window. You're an amazing chick, and I hope things ease up for you soon!! :hug:

Beverlyjoy, happy anniversary!! Thirty two years... it must be so wonderful to share that kind of history with one person. I envy you that!! And of course, good onya for staying on your plan!! Hope it was a grand day!! :carrot:

rakel, it's really hard staying on plan when there are no apparent results, isn't it? Look deep within yourself for that wellspring of strength you need when things get tough. I know it's there, and you CAN DO THIS!! :hug:

soulnik, you are so sweet and funny!! I am working it, I promise. ;) How was the panel discussion? I'm afraid I couldn't teach a class on meeting men... two of the three presently involved in my life are blasts from the past. Door Number Three I dated briefly about 15 years ago, but he was getting over someone else and I was also otherwise distracted... Old Flame was married and though we shared a deep attraction, we wouldn't traverse those vows... Handyman is brother-in-law to my wonderful auto mechanic, who just happened to think I needed some help around my place with tree-pruning and such (and he was right!!). So just happenstance, really. However, I DO believe in creating opportunities to meet people!! Network with your friends and acquaintances, attend gatherings, do volunteer work, never pass up a chance to rub shoulders with others. :) Sounds like you are doing all that, and I reckon we'll be reading about YOUR adventures one day soon!! :dizzy:

dgramie, you're a better woman than I, for listening to that sweet angel on your shoulder instead of that wicked devil!! That's so impressive!!! I don't know if this helps you, but whenever I get assaulted by the sweet/salty/crunchy monster, I find if I take a handful of salted peanuts, mix it with a few chocolate chips, that will slay the beast. The trick, of course, is to limit the consumption to just one handful!! But you're doing soooo well!!! :carrot:

Slashnl, we miss you -- hope you find some time to rejoin us soon!! Sorry work has been so challenging. :hug:

None of you probably wants to know what I think of every time someone mentions thin buns....

ANYWAY... I'm enjoying the calm before the storm. Old Flame arrives in just over a week and Handyman is keeping busy for a month up in Seattle. The two of them have settled into a comfortable routine that is creating a serious sleep deficit for me... Old Flame calls from 7-9 p.m., and Handyman takes the 10-midnight time slot. I find myself thinking much more about Handyman, but in truth it's probably because I had my mitts on him most recently. (No man should have skin as nice as that -- oi!!!!!) That, and there's just something dizzyingly sexy about a man splitting firewood the old-fashioned way, swinging a wood-splitter's maul... I could watch that all day... is it getting hot in here?? :cool:

Ah. Well. Back to the subject at hand: Food continues to be a non-issue for me, so no problems there. I have been shamed into commencing a lifting routine based on all the great threads posted to this site. I start today. The scale remains stubbornly stuck at 230... haven't weighed this morning, but I'm expecting a re-run... one day soon, however, I know I'll hop on and it will register a 5-pound loss or something equally ridiculous.

My day in food:

Breakfast: 2 slices deli ham, 1 hardboiled egg, 1 BabyBel light cheese, V-8 juice.

Lunch: 2 cups minestrone soup

Dinner: Roasted stuffed pork loin with steamed spinach and carrots boiled in orange juice with garlic and dill

Snacks: Handful of peanuts, cup of sugar-free cocoa

Time to go clean the house and muck out the barn. A wicked woman's work is never done. ;)

Best to all, Rae

Hi all. Well, glad that it is Friday! It hasn't been a great week of workouts for me. My husband has been gone and I have to step up and do his chores. The kids help out at night, but in the morning, I really need them to stay on task with getting ready for school, so I do it myself. It takes about an hour to feed the animals and break open the water tanks. Glad he comes back today! Besides I miss him! So, next week should be much better for working out.

Beverly: Congratulations on the 32 years. Hubby and I are looking at 23 years next month. Wow.

Dgramie: Good for you for not giving in to the TOM cravings!

MJ: The snow we got went away pretty fast. How about you? At least we’re not living in Texas or Oklahoma with their ice storms. Ick! Good luck with the organizing your desk.

Brandi: It takes awhile to get to the point that you get upset when you miss your workout, but it happens! I hate missing mine! You should definitely be proud!

Soulnik: Hopefully it wasn’t too rough of a morning for you! That’s good that you’re planning to make up for the missed workout.

Rakel: Glad that you had a good exam. Lower BP is great!

Raebear: Wow. Don’t know how you do the late night phone calls. I’m usually dozing by 9:00. So, do you take notes on what you say to each one? Might be hard to keep them straight!! Ha!


Have a good day everyone!

Hi chicks - just a quickie hello from our visit in Michigan. My food on the trip so far has gone well. I am making thoughtful choice and small servings. I am grateful for the willingness to do this.

Before I left for the weekend, I went to the doctor again for the cold that wouldn't get better. Just like a baby.....I had two infected ears! Antibiotics to the rescue.

Am enjoying my grandson so much - he's almost three and so joyful. It's nice to be with my family.

I hope you all have a great day.

Hey Chicas,

This is long but bear with me....It's a rough Saturday for me and I haven't even gotten dressed yet. I know I have PMS so I'm emotional. I want to cry just typing this. I made the mistake of getting on the scale this morning. Said I was up 1.2. I'm not supposed to get my period til Wed or Thur so, in my mind that's too far away to be PMS, so it must be my fat butt screwing up. Never mind that I feel all the PMS symptoms (which makes me think I’ll get it earlier).

I did ok food wise this week except I let the kettle corn back in and I think the salt is affecting me. And I didn't work out twice a day like I did last week. I just don't think I can keep up that intensity.

I'm beating myself up for that 1.2 lbs that’s probably just PMS weight anyway. This is EXACTLY why I don’t weight myself during TOM. I’m supposed to go out tonight with girlfriends but it’s far away and I don’t want to spend money or have to figure out what to eat to stay on program. I have a Biggest Challenge workout tomorrow with a really hard trainer and I just wanna stay in bed and sleep. I have no idea what to cook for lunch and dinner for the week.

I’m one big pile of negativity and complaints. Yeah. It’s PMS time alright. Anyone have any crock pot recipes I can do quickly? I’m not up for a lot of kitchen time.

Have a good weekend chicas!

soul_ HUG!! sound like you need one!
I gave in and ate pizza last night. I was still within my flex points but used all of them for the week. IT wasnt even that good so it was not worth it at all!! Scales were up this morning from the soduim. I had 10 perfect eating days before I blew it...oh well time to start 10 more days.
I am afraid to be honest the next week will be bad eating. We are snowed in and my grandson will be born monday so I know that trip will include eating out a few times.
I am going to just take one meal at a time...

Hi all. I went and worked out this morning. I missed the last couple of days, so it felt good to be there.

Soulnik: Go to the workout! It will make you feel better! I know that I don't weigh during TOM either, it is too depressing. So, pretend you didn't see the number and try to put it behind you. We're here for you! And we all have those moments of despair. I hope your day gets much better!

Beverly: Have fun with your grandbaby!!!

dgramie: Darn pizza! Have lots of fun with your new grandson, too. I think taking it one meal at a time is a smart thing to do!!

Must be the full moon... I had a seriously off-plan day yesterday, also... a friend came by for a visit, she and I shared a bottle of wine and indulged in some of my homemade sourdough bread with olive caviar along with some cherry tomatoes and home-canned dill beans. I didn't go over my calories, but I haven't eaten bread since mid-October -- and the scale made sure I knew it, too!! Sodium -- uggghhh!!!!

Don't despair, ladies. It's only one day!! Let's get back in the saddle and ride out together, shall we??

Slashnl, cheers to you for getting back to your workouts!! You're a beacon of inspiration to the loikes of me today!! :carrot:

dgramie, you'll have your next 10 perfect days 'coz you've got your eyes on the prize. One meal at a time -- great strategy!! I'm going to join you. :hug:

soulnik, please try not to panic about the bouncing numbers on the scale -- you KNOW you haven't eaten pounds and pounds' worth of calories!! It's the sodium. It can come off as easily as it comes on, so hang in there!! :hug:

Here's my favorite crockpot recipe -- this is in my house almost all the time:

Minestrone Soup

1 lb. lean hamburger or minced turkey, browned and drained
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 large onion, chopped
1 28 oz can stewed tomatoes
1 16 oz can tomato sauce
6 cups water
3 tsp beef boullion (or to taste)
1 tsp Italian seasonings (or to taste)
2 cans white canelli beans, drained
1 cup whole wheat elbow macaroni
1 large bag mixed, frozen vegetables

Dump everything in the crockpot except the macaroni and the vegetables. Allow to simmer for a good part of the day. Turn crockpot on high; add macaroni and cook for 15 minutes. Add bag of mixed, frozen vegetables and simmer till done to your taste.

I usually do this on the stovetop and have a healthful, satisfying meal ready in about 30 minutes!

Beverlyjoy, enjoy your family time -- it sounds like pure bliss!! Take good care of those ears, and I hope they are better soon. :hug:

Best to everyone this weekend, Rae