Hi all, sorry I've been MIA. I'm too embarrassed to come on here and admit I haven't done any exercise in the last two weeks and I've been over my calories that whole time as well. Blah. Now I've said it. I'm going to be taking a freebie this week (my first!) so I can focus on getting back on track.

I went for a 3.3 mile walk today and jogged 0.25 miles of it. Tomorrow I plan on just walking and then doing Jillian's 30 Day Shred Level 1 Day 1. I feel better since I did go this morning instead of talking myself out of it like I have been doing. Once I was out there, I felt awesome! How odd, I can talk myself out of exercising so easily, but talking myself into it?? Herculean feat!

Anyway, just wanted to check in with you guys and say that even though I haven't been posting, I have been reading posts. Just been too ashamed as above.

1. I think we should each write something about ourselves that we love, physically
I love my jawline. Now that the extra fat is gone, it's nice and sharp, just like I've always admired in the magazines.
2. Then write something you want to strive for and obtain then write something positive about yourself that makes up your person that will help you to reach that goal
I would like to be able to run a 5K without giving up. Even though my commitment isn't that strong, I know that my endurance level for walking/jogging is high so I could accomplish this goal relatively quickly.
3. Then write something positive and encouraging about the last person who posted
I think dcapulet has a gorgeous face, with victorian features (red lips, pale skin, etc). Congrats on the 5K!

dcapulet: As I have said before I am in awe, I don't think I could run 5 yards much less 5k. CONGRATS! WELL DONE!!!


Sunni: That's when it's time to post, when you are not feeling like staying the course. So don't beat yourself up, just get back up and run on. Do you last night I woke up and eat a whole bag of potato chips and 2 bars of chocolate but I came here and posted and got encouragement, that's what your team mates are here for. There is need to take a freebie week, am not and TOM is about to start I am up 3 pounds, but next week I'll have great week. RUN ON!

FROM PREVENTION MAGAZINE

Drink up!

Water is your weight loss ally. Your body needs to be properly hydrated to metabolize fat and keep your systems running optimally. Water is the best fluid for the job. When University of North Carolina researchers reviewed the eating habits of nearly 5,000 Americans, they found that those who drank about 7 cups of water a day ate 200 fewer calories than those who drank less than a glass a day. Water-phobes were also more likely to chow down more high-fat foods and drank twice as many soft drinks as clear-liquid lovers. What's more, water can kick-start your metabolism. German researchers recently discovered that about 2 cups of ice water can raise metabolism by 30 percent for 90 minutes.

thanks dcapulet

sunnigummi- welcome back! I just got back I feel ya on it being hard to make yourself exercise. I just got back into the gym on Thursday after a very inconsistent 2 weeks.

igetfit- thanks for the info. Guess maybe I should try putting some ice in my water. I've been drinking mostly room temp water all weekend for no reason other than the water bottle I'm using doesn't have a wide enough mouth for ice. It's so hard for me to get enough water during the work week since I usually can only get to the bathroom once, if at all, at most schools


Looks like we have a good challenge starting up this week. Good to see some of you ladies back. Anyone lurking and not checking in, please come join us!

After my potato chip and chocolate fiasco last night and reading that tip I got up and drank two glasses of ice water! LOL And this morning I put all my water jugs in the refrigerator to get them ice cold, I need all the help I can get after last night. Yeah that could be a problem at school. I always hated having to get up and go because everyone would turn and look. But still try because in Jillian Michaels book Master Your Metabolism she says it is necessary for weight loss. Yes anyone lurking come check in and say hi.

It looks like we are off to a nice start with Week 6's Exercise Challenge. We already have IGetFitNStrongforme, Aclai067, dcapulet, sunnigummi & Primm (aside from myself, like I could start a challenge and not join in?) Some of our ladies have even signed up for way more than 10% (you go girls!). Now we just need the rest of you! Here is a little veggie dance of encouragement.

I did this, but I really didn't have a choice, did I? After all, nothing plus 10% is still nothing!

I'll be better from now on, I promise. This week is off to a good start - have been to the gym already. Now to go and write it down...

Well I'm not a student, I'm a teacher, so I can't leave the classroom. That's the bathroom problem. Anyhow, I'm editing the calories/points into the stuffed chicken recipe now for you ladies.

Aclai- I totally sympathize with your situation. I myself, am teaching right now too. This month I am teaching a marine/science class. I have been able to incorporate my drinking water into the class routine by having students tell me the difference between water in my cup(that I sip on while I get them thinking) and the water in the ocean. It helps that every class has a 10 minute break in between classes and I usually rush to the bathroom on the 1st floor during that time.

P.S. I'm signed up for the week 6 challenge as well. This is a perfect challenge for me this week because it will be TOM for me. I'm determined to do great because I tend to lose more during TOM week. Woohoo!

Yay guys! Thanks for being so understanding. I guess I'm just hard on myself because I used to be with the whole eating and exercising thing just a few weeks ago and I tend to have perfectionist attitudes. Anyway, I'm really revved for this week's challenge!!

Go Red Team!!!

We need to kick butt again!

MonteCristo: See you challenge and they will come! LOL I hope you are feeling better.

Primm: We have all start there! LOL! I myself started with 30minutes a day everyday and worked my way up. Again back!!! I am glad you are joining in.

Aclai4067: I can't wait,I am making your stuffed chicken breast Thursday night. I didn't know you were a teacher, what do you teach? We have a lot of teachers, Shan84, KimL1214, Cape Breton Chic and you!

Shan84: See you are a Super Rock Star because I and most gain weight during TOM, but of course you would loss weight during TOM because you're a Rock Star! SHAN84 the Offical ROCK STAR of the Red Team!

Sunni: I tend to be a perfectionist as well, but I had to change my thinking because I not perfect, no one is. If I were perfect I would never have gotten overweight. No let's kick some blue butt this week!

Cape Breton Chic: The home of Anne of Green Gables...I have always wanted to go visit there it sounds like God kissed the island "I am able to hike along the river in the mountains and come out the other end on the beach of the Atlantic ocean " Yeah heaven! I only have concrete, draught, smoke from fires, buildings and more smog from all the cars!

I thought it was Nova Scotia. I am sorry for being the typical uninformed American ....but regardless your home, how you have described it, does sound like heaven. How big is the island, and how many people live on it?

I'm a substitute teacher currently. But I'm certified to teach art and looking for a full time job.