[tyla]

I've done 100% challenges before, and they really work quite well. I'm not talking about getting on the scale (since it moves so slowly the closer you are to goal), just eating healthy and exercising daily (or shooting for 100% as much as possible). I want to be 100% in mindful eating and exercising to Memorial Day (about 7 weeks).

Some thoughts about the scale: I wish that the scale measured effort, good intentions and all the times I made a good choice over a bad choice. Oh, well. It is what it is.

Who wants to join me?

[Alexistrophic]

WooHoo!!!
All aboard for another 100% Challenge.
And tyla, TOTALLY feeling you on wishing that the scale measured effort. And it doesn't measure happiness, either, but I feel like I'd be a lot "happier" if I just quit sabotaging myself, stuck with the program, and lost the darn weight. So... I turn to one of my favorite quotes:

"Don't sacrifice what you want most for what you want in the moment."

Let's DO this!!!

*checks calendar*

So US Memorial Day is May 28th.
I have a wedding to go to on May 6th.

Those are the dates, baby!

Let's turn it on and get it done!!!

[tyla]

Did well today so far. Still have to eat dinner, but I'll stay within my range. Got on the elliptical and did some strength training exercises.

Alexis, I'm so glad we're doing this. Those numbers and inches have got to decrease in April! And you're going to look hot for the wedding! I plan on looking pretty hot, too.

[Alexistrophic]

Thanks, tyla! Here's hoping!!!

Today was mostly a wash, although I did get in my 10,000 steps. Now all the Easter goodies are out of the house and I'm planning on making a clean start of it tomorrow. Went shopping for some "on plan" food and am feeling "motivated". I'm looking forward to some lean protein, man!

[Alexistrophic]

Had a great "on plan" day yesterday.

Working on staying focused in life and in food. Meeting w. a friend later today to plan a violin group class, then meeting up w. another friend @ the mall. Have kind of been forgoing the exercise for now, just to see how much I can lose based on food alone.

How you doin', Tyla?

Stay motivated!

[tyla]

Sorry I didn't reply yesterday, but guess what, I was in a movie! I signed up for extra work at a casting agency some time ago, and I got an email saying to show up on set. The movie is called Now You See Me, starring Morgan Freeman, Woody Harrelson, Jesse Eisenberg and others. I hoped I spelled their names right. It will be released in 2013. Since it was only a one day shoot for me, my tiny role will probably be a blur. Oh, well. But I sure had fun!

Anyway, I've been good all of these 11 days so far, thank God. They fed us yesterday, a delicious buffet at a hotel restaurant, but I only ate vegetables, a piece of roasted chicken breast and a thin slice of roast beef.

I got on the elliptical and did a dvd the day before yesterday and walked a ton yesterday. Still have to do something today.

I hope you have a nice time in the mall and violin class today!

Let's keep working at this.

[Alexistrophic]

Woot woooooot!!!! HOW exciting!!!!!
*makes mental note to check for that movie*
What was happening in the scene?

Now, call me crazy, but do you think that being within your range for the past (however many) days made you more confident??? I firmly believe in universal cause and effect.

Had a really full, but productive and fun day.
Have been eating on plan for TWO whole days now and feeling great. Planning on going to a local violin shop tomorrow to do a comparative play with other violas to see if I want to keep the one that I just bought.

Onward and upward!!!

[tyla]

Hi Alexis,
You asked if I'm more confident because I've been in range. Actually, I've been frustrated, because the scale isn't moving. I saw on Dr. Oz that wheat and dairy might make you gain weight. So starting today I'll try to give up items with wheat. Later I'll give giving up dairy a whirl. I also know I've been stressed. Cortisol makes one gain weight, too. I know I haven't been exercising like I used to, although I've been walking and getting on the treadmill. I used to really work at it, but then got sick with allergies for a while, then other stresses came up. I'll get hard nosed again eventually. But I feel frustrated, rather than confident.

In case you ever see the movie, I was in a casino scene. Woody Harrelson and Jesse are walking with security guards and FBI agents. I'm at a roulette table clapping for them as they walk by. Apparently they stole money from a casino and gave it to the casino gamblers. (I hope I didn't give away anything important.)

Congrats for doing well!! Keep up the good work! And good luck with your viola shopping.

Let's keep going>>>

[tyla]

Had a great line dancing class yesterday. I was totally worn out after the class was over, but I had a lot of fun!

Well, I'm back to 139 today, which is a good thing. Last week I bounced back up a pound. Haven't been eating wheat these last couple of days. Now that actually makes me feel stronger, like I can give up things if I want to.

I hope all is well with you, Alexis. Have a great weekend!
Hugs, Tyla

[Alexistrophic]

So cool about your movie! Will put that it my list, for sure.

I am not doin' so well, if I'm honest... Again. Just getting in here and admitting that I'm struggling is a struggle. ugh. I get on these kicks and they last a couple days, then I fall off the wagon and end up in a ditch. Bleh. When will I learn that for me, slow and steady wins the race?

Ah, well.
I'm actually looking forward to Monday. I need the schedule of the work week. Have a group lesson for the kiddos tomorrow and that should be fun. Well, then. On with it.

[tyla]

What do you teach the kiddos? Viola?

As far as your struggling is concerned, I believe something else is really going on. Try to figure out if your bored, lonely, frustrated, upset, or any other emotion. I overeat when I'm stressed or if something is emotionally bothering me. Tax season is a biggie for us emotional eaters.

Saturday night, my hubby and I went out dancing with a group of friends. We had so much fun! I burned about a billion calories, too. Yesterday we went for a little hike outdoors. I love nature, and it was a gorgeous day. There was a little hummingbird following us. So cute.

I haven't been eating bread or wheat products for a few days now, and I feel so much better. Who knew? Plus, I got a compliment from my hubby and from a woman at Marshall's Dept. Store yesterday, a total stranger. Wow, something must be happening inch-wise. Finally!

Have a great day! And take it one step at a time. WE CAN DO THIS!

[Alexistrophic]

(((((tyla))))))

I spent the first part of the week panicked and trying to control my food intake, then crashed and burned on Saturday and Sunday. It's definitely a sign if I'm not checking in here. There are tons of other emotions swirling around, too (self-pity, blah blah blah...) but you're definitely right that there are other issues at work here.

The good news is that taxes have FINALLY been mailed off!!!! *YAY*

Glad that you got out and about with your hubby! Sounds like a super time.
And way to go with that compliment. The universe (God, if you're faith-based) wants you to know that you're special.

Thanks for being there...
We WILL do this!!!

[tyla]

Alexis, thank you for your compliment! And yes, I do believe in God. You mentioned Lent in our March thread. I was honoring Lent during that period, too. I guess we were both raised Catholics. I even went to Catholic School for 12 years!!

Just take it one step at a time. We can do this together. And remember, whatever is bothering you right now, it does get better! And everyone gets those "poor me" moments. But this is a new week for a fresh start. It doesn't matter how many times we fail as long as we keep getting back up and trying! (Hope I didn't sound too preachy.)



Let's do this thing!

[Alexistrophic]

Lol... Guess I forgot about that "100% to Easter" thread... I went to Catholic school, and definitely have Catholic leanings, but was raised Protestant. Am going to a Presbyterian church now, but I find that Episcopals tend to be a better middle ground.
Preach it, my sistah! Lord knows I need it.


This is SO helping me. I guess I knew it in my head but didn't really believe it in my heart, but there was a moment last night when I was about to crack open a Cadbury Creme egg from the freezer. I was literally holding it in my hand... but it was right after I replied to your post and I thought to myself... "Oh, no you don't. There is absolutely nothing good that will come of you eating that. This is a slow slide down a steep hill. Put that back." And I did. Eventually, I went for a walk and did my nails. And that worked. And it's gonna keep working, I tell you.

We WILL DO THIS!!!!
We WILL get there!!!

[tyla]

I'm soooo proud of you!!!!!! What an accomplishment... to actually have a Cadbury Creme Egg in your hand and then put it back!!!

That is so cool that you went for a walk and did your nails instead! Look at all the endorphins you gave yourself. Good for you! By the way, what color nail polish? Mine is kind of a burgandy right now. Looks goodl

I went to my advanced line dancing class today. Wow, are the dances fast! But I'm starting to get them. You should see me when I leave class! Not only am I sweating, but my legs and BRAIN are mush. (Apparently to keep up and do it right, you use a lot of brain power.)

I like your note at the bottom of the page: DO NOT trade what you want MOST for what you want in the moment! Good saying!

Let's keep going>>>>>>