natamars The dvd workout was definitely giggle-inducing, but a workout as well, I am sore today!

Did well with calories yesterday, just over 1200 as I wanted a lower day to balance things out this week a bit. About to make a turkey burger for lunch.

1300 calories today - trying not to eat any more. I did blow off the gym - slept very badly last night and kept waking up with a headcahe, so I decided to shower and go to bed early tonight. I did play in the snow with my son for a while. My scale has been stuck the last 3 days - would love to see a drop before Friday.

At the suggestion of my bff, I counted my calories today. This is really the first time I have ever really counted calories and I have a pretty cool app on my phone that helps. What I am afraid of with counting my calories is that I am going to stay as far away from my target of 1330 (according to one app) as possible. I know if you eat too little you won't lose weight because your body goes into starvation mode but sometimes it is hard to remember more is actually better. Today I actually have only eaten 570 calories (not intentionally) and I find myself content. Has anyone else had this problem?

amandalynn ~ I bet this BFF of yours is very nice & pretty! :D

I am sure that can't be normal...feeling full yes, and not wanting food sure - but only 570 calories can't be good. Will you post what your meals/drinks were yesterday? It's possible you are gettin a lot of fiber/protien so you aren't feeling hungry, but just curious as to what you are eating. Is this normal for you, also? Do you have "just not that hungry" days?

Also, why do you want to stay away from that number? That is the number of calories per day, I am assuming, this app suggests you eat to lose weight. You also have to consider if you eat that amount and exercise, you actually end up with less calories. I don't count back in exercise calories into my day, that's just a bonus.

Good morning!

I am re-attaching the TSP pic, since it seems to be buried! So who is next?? You will love them...I think I will have to go buy another pair when I pass them along!

I did better with my calories yesterday, came in at about 1530. I did 45 minutes of wii fit. I haven't done wii fit in a while, but needed something different to do yesterday. It is WAY easier than when I started out! Probably not the best workout for me anymore (too easy, too much pausing between activities), but still better than doing nothing. It did say I burned about 230 calories. I should look into getting some new videos or games to get me through the rest of the winter, getting kind of bored with what I have. Does anyone use "just dance" for exercise? It looks fun. If anyone else has any other ides, I'm totally open!

So TOM is starting, and tomorrow is WI day. I usually avoid WI's during TOM, but I think I will anyway. If I show a gain, I will probably just ignore it until next week, lol. I know this topic has been brought up a few times (and sorry if it's TMI), but my cycle has been kind of screwy lately. I seem to get TOM about every 2 1/2-3 weeks. I just got over it around Christmas and now it's back ALREADY! I used to be very regular, like clockwork before I started losing weight...I know that has a lot to do with it, but is it something I should be worried about??

Well, I suppose I should get off here so I can get ready for my webinar training. Sorry I'm so chatty today, lol. Later gators!

Rainbow: I know all about cheesy workouts! I remember looking to see what was available on the Netflix "watch instatly" thing for workout videos. I picked this "boot camp" one where this chick was dressed in camo and really playing up the military aspect of it..."fall in, soldiers! Hup, hup!" I was laughing so much I could barely get through the damn thing!

Megems~ She's okay;)

I do have days sometime where I am just not hungry but I don't think that was my problem yesterday.

I am having a pretty bad TOM and it is giving me a headache, bad cramps and making me nauseous so that is why I didn't eat as much yesterday besides the fact I did feel really full.

I had a cup of coffee with a serving of the fat free creamer, actually it was probably two.. that is what I counted it as, and a bowl of oatmeal for breakfast. Lunchtime is when it started to hit me so I just had a tangerine and half a small bag of pretzels. When I got home I had another bowl of oatmeal ( I am really on an oatmeal kick.. can you tell?). After I posted I ate a yogurt and an orange so I was a little closer to my calories.

I think my biggest worry is I am going to be the most tempted to cut my calories on the days I am not as hungry. I am having a little problem getting motivated with my exercise so where I lack there I can make up by cutting the calories. Not good I know, just what I am worried about doing. Where you are so dedicated you are working out twice a day you are probably burning your calories and then some.

Ugh. It's been really nice being able to work from home today...but with my darn TOM I was really craving chocoloate while I was doing my boring webinar and I overdid it on the M&M's. I usually don't keep "bite size" things in my house but I got them from my grandma for Christmas and until now I've been good about measuring out just a small amount for a chocolate treat. This time was more than a small amount though!

I will definitely be over on calories for the day, unless I "count" my exercise calories, then I will be about even (this includes dinner tonight.) Still, I'm not very proud!

Sorry about the rant, I was just hoping to have a better week than I have! Well, I better get at that workout, definitely can't afford to skip it today. Will be glad when TOM has left the building!!

Hey all!
Felt better yesterday after forcing myself to do my long (5 mile) run and managed to get the eating under control... my bad day is in the past.

Weighing in tomorrow morning, and taking Bikram tonight.

Dinner plans: SALAD!

Megems: I tried a new coffee strategy last night: Almond Breeze Unsweetened Vanilla Almond Milk.... It wasn't half bad, and you can use a whole cup (in a huge mug, of course) for only 40 calories!

OOOOO! I am definitely going to have to try this!!!!

I've lost two more pounds this week, 7 so far on the challenge!!!

Hey Ya'll
I've been off all day too. I get to go back to work tomorrow. I should be more on point because I'm back on my regular scheduled program!!! Of course I don't have to go in until noon but I get out of the house. Actually we all get back to work and daycare.

So today I'm better on plan today. I got all my water in today.

Northern - You look great. Those pants are too big now huh?? NICE!! I was planning to go get a smaller pair but I didn't because I decided to wait until I get to my goal. They are so comfortable. On the M&Ms, I know how you feel...I was hoping this week would have been better but it has been what is has...now I'm ready for a big fninsh. LOL

Hey everyone! Glad to see everyones doing well even with all this snow. but being a New Englander it comes with the territory. I'm doing very well, lost 2 more lbs this week so total of 5lbs and my goal for Vday is 10 so halfway there! :carrot: Tomorrow is my scheduled monthly cheat day so i definatly won't feel guilty.

Checking in...
sorry I have been away, been busy but I am have getting back on track with the eating and been exercising X3 a week......

Excited school starts tuesday so I am pretty excited...

Northern That bootcamp workout sounds ridiculous haha! Sometimes the skimpy outfits the women wear are either really motivating or really depressing...some of the outfits in this kittycat dolls one were ludicrous. Sorry to hear about your M&Ms consumption, but it's ok! I know what you mean about bite size/miniature - my mum bought some Hershey's miniatures back from America in September...they are still good, and I know that from very recent experience (ie yesterday when I ate three..oops).

Hope everyone else is doing well!
I'm down to 67kg finally (my Christmas goal weight) which is 147.7 pounds. Heh...guess it's only a few weeks late right? I'm happy anyway, I feel good. Had a good calorie day yesterday and although I'm fairly low so far today, I know something is bound to happen for dinner tonight that will bump it up significantly haha...it's Friday night and eating out somewhere usually happens. I'm fine with that. I got in some good exercise this morning and I only have 20 minutes left at work so I'm HAPPY!!!
Only one thing I'm not happy about - my problem with my lady parts is back with a vengeance, so I guess I'm headed back to the gyno :/

So, I posted last week and had been MIA for quite a few months...one of my goals I set was to check 3FC daily...well, I have been doing this but have not been posting...I'm still struggling with my food choices, but the past 2 nights i've actually brought my dinner to work instead of eating out...that's a step in the right direction! AND, today, I joined Urban Active..it's a gym here in Nashville (there's a few other places but not too many) and I like it because you can pay month to month and it's only $14.95/month!!! AND today, the sign up fee was only $20 instead of the normal $99!! SOOO, guess what!?!?! I'm going to the gym tomorrow morning!! YAY! I haven't been to a gym since college...I lost my first 50-60lbs by only working out at home or on the treadmill here at work (which by the way, is no longer available!) I'm kinda nervous, but I HAVE TO GET MY BUTT IN GEAR!!! so i think i'm finally gettin back into the groove of things...now if i can only start logging my food intake again!!!! UUUGH!!! I WILL DO IT! I WILL DO IT!! I WILL DO IT!!! haha

well it looks like we're all just scootin right along on our V-day goals!! I plan on weighing in tomorrow at the gym and using their scale as a guide from now on...mine is packed away somewhere from the divorce move! so I haven't weighed myself since atleast September and I KNOW it's gonna be up there!! yet another reason i'm nervous!! HAHA but i gotta do it!

Keep up the good work everyone!! Reading your posts is getting me back into the groove of things!! you guys are my motivation!!!!

First week into the challenge and I was down .8 lbs. Kind of disappointing, since I thought I had a good week. My calories averaged about 1350/day, and I went to the gym 5 times. Even did a spin class and some running, which I hadn't done in a while. Hoping for 2 lbs. next week.

Happy Friday!!

So I usually avoid weighing during TOM, but I decided to sneak a peek today anyway. Up 1/2 lb to 193.1. Considering TOM, my mediocre week calorie-wise (not to mention my little M&M binge yesterday), I'm actually kind of pleasantly surprised...was expecting a couple lbs of bloat.

Looking forward to my first fully OP weekend in quite a while since I have no social obligations. I'm happy I've been able to minimize the damage since the holidays (plus girls' weekend last weekend) but I need to get this thing going in the right direction NOW!! Not sure if I can get all the way to 185 in a month, but I WILL get out of the 190's!!

K15, Weight4Me and Rainbow: Congrats on your losses! You guys are proof that we can ALL get going in the right direction! And Rainbow, yes, better late than never!! Hope your doc is able to figure out your female problems soon.

Jiggle: glad to hear things are getting back to normal down there!

KDM: congrats on joining the gym! Sounds like a good deal.

Everyone else: have a great weekend!

Nat: I know what you mean about being disappointed over a small loss when you've worked so hard...but at least you didn't gain like me, lol. Here's hoping for a big whoosh next week for both of us!!

Doing good so far this week! Went over calories by about 400 last night at dinner. But planned on it, so, all is good. Got in an hour and a half of exercise so hopefully all is well. When I plan a high caloric meal ~ always try to make sure that is a day that I get in a decent amount of exercise.

I have the gym tonight, and then lots of exercise planned for tomorrow. Sunday's are my no exercise, high caloric day. I still count on Sunday's, and make sure I only go over by about 400 - 500 calories.

amandalynn ~ I think you just need to figure out what works best for you. When to fit in exercise, etc. I find that planning out my snacks and lunch to take to work the day before, as well as my exercise plan for the next day REALLY keeps me on track. Usually my only unknown factor is "What's for dinner?" It's like my own personal game show! :) But I usually have a general idea.

Never calorie counting before is a switch to adjusting to doing it, so if that is really what you want, then just take your time and ease your way into it! As for the exercise, we will work on trying to figure out when you can squeeze it in. It's all about planning!

I'm at work today and I'm eating within my calories. It feels so good to back on task. I don't want any junk food...what do you think about that?

I'm planning to weigh in on tomorrow morning to see how much I've lost. :D:D

Come on everyone let's have a WONDERFUL WEEKEND!! I should be able to post a good loss next week because I will be able to do what I need to do.

123.4 this morning.... Maybe I can get below 122 next week?!

Here's hopin.'

Trying to think of something to do tomorrow night with a friend that will not involve horrible food/drinking. Hmm....

Welcome back KDM322!

Hi Chicks- Sounds like everyone is doing great!

I'm finally over the flu, stomach is better too. There will be nothing stopping me from eating junk, not good. Last night ate a couple cookies, today had peanut butter, went over my calories both days. Already gained 2 lbs! Ok, back on plan immediately!

Good morning! Had a good time at the pool friday. The scale s at the gym said I weighat 250 but I dont trust them..so we will see monday night at TOPS weigh in. My eyes is getting heavy. I sleep a couple of hrs then bk up go thru the night this way. Im still in pain from my fall on the 13thf of dec.
Had hubby put some muscle rub on my back and i couldnt stand it so had to get in shower and wash it off. Never experiance that in my hole life. Have a good day going to lay bk. down>

Had a totally off-plan meal last night that I kind of half-planned. Thinking maybe one high-calorie meal a week might help. Anyway, it was very delicious(pizza with ricotta, tomato, and pesto, followed by ice cream). Not getting on the scale this morning since I'm sure there's bloat.

Planning on a low-calorie day - 1200 or slightly less. Have running around to do, so I'll get to the gym for some cardio and lower-body work late this afternoon.

bigmama, hope your back feels better soon!

fruit, glad you're feeling better. take it easy getting back into it.

fpsj, you're doing great!

jiggle, looking forward to seeing your weigh-in!

megems, love the way you plan it all out - looking great!

northern, since your gain was less than expected, you should have a great loss next week once the bloat is gone.

Been a crazy busy week but overall pretty good. I was traveling yesterday for work, which is always challenging in terms of eating. I wasn't sure what would be available for lunch so I had a sturdy breakfast (two eggs, cereal), then when I got to the airport I walked for 20 minutes up and down the terminal, did the same at the arrival airport, then had a tuna sandwich for lunch (hold that mayo!). Back at the airport at the end of the day, I walked the terminal again (it's long and narrow so it takes ten minutes to walk end to end, which is handy) then had McDonalds for dinner. Before anyone gasps in horror - like my mother did! - I had a grilled chicken sandwich with no mayo and a side salad with Italian dressing (370 for the sandwich, 20 for the salad, and about 40 for the dressing as I do the fork dip thing). So I was quite pleased with that.

I've also been to the gym four mornings this week and started running again, which I love - so far, my knee that had the surgery seems to be holding up well. I will slowly - VERY slowly - continue to ramp up the workouts and see how things hang in there. I am avoiding the scale for now as I was weighing daily and getting a bit obsessive but I'll probably hop on it next week and see if things are moving.

Hi ladies!

So far this week has been good! Weekends are always harder for me, since i don't plan as much! Through the week, I need to plan the night before to save time in my morning routine. The weekends are all me! Today, I will be getting in some cardio, and going to my bff's house for some "just dance" ~ so more cardio. Tomorrow is my day off of exercise, but not calorie counting ~ I give more leeway on Sunday's though.

Tuesday is my weighin and so far the scale is telling me that I have lost another 3 pounds since my last weigh-in on the 11th. I don't get overly excited though because that final Tuesday number is what counts for the week! And, who knows what my weekend has in store for me! Hopefully relaxation & reading!

Weighed in this morning and I've lost 5lbs since the start of the challenge. I won't be weighing in again until the end of the month. Trying not to get obsessive. I think had I not been home all week eating junk I would have had a better loss. Oh well...such is life. Better hope for the next weigh in.

Hello everyone! I have not been on in about 4 months but am very happy to be back.

I hope everyone is doing well.

I would love to be 183 by Valentines Day!

Congrats on your losses megems & JiggleFree! Great inspiration.

Julesp313, yay for getting back into your routine! I'm impressed with your airport strategy, I always struggle with that.

Welcome back, envelope!




I worked overnight last night, and am heading out with a friend tonight. This of course means a very high calorie day, but I'm seeing that I can balance these days out with lower calorie ones during the week, to ultimately hit my target for the 7 days. Plan on squeezing in a quick work out once I feel awake!

Planning to make us a dinner of salad, a whole wheat veggie/feta pizza, and some wine. Gotta live, life's too short :)

Happy weekend everyone!

Hey everyone!

Last night we had a bbq which kind of unfortunately turned into a party (hadn't planned on being up that late or having that many people over) but it's all ok - I went to bed early (I'm at work today and needed the sleep) and my boyfriend cleaned up with the help of a couple of friends. I managed to keep on the higher end of my calories, but I was still within what I would consider to be a normal, if slightly high, day.
Scales holding steady at 147.7, hoping for another loss in the coming week.
Have another bbq/picnic after work today, but it's with family so I won't have the alcohol to factor into my calories and I'll be having fewer calories before it than I did yesterday, so all will be well and I might even get to eat the icecream I've had sitting in the freezer for nearly a week but haven't had the calories to spare for it haha.

Hope everyone is having a good weekend!

Hi! I'm supposed to weigh on Mondays, but I've been weighing just about every morning. I know I'm setting myself up for disappointment, because it will fluctuate, but so far I've only been inspired. Down to 177 today, but it's not official yet.

I've also modeled my bridesmaid's dress a couple times since it just came in even though my sister's wedding isn't until September. It's too big to the point that I can zip it in front and easily spin it around.

Small victories! Good luck everyone. I'm off to a good start, I have to try not to get ahead of myself.

Had 1330 calories, much better eating today. TOM is here & ate a little too much for the past 2 days, so I'm up 3 lbs cause of water weight. Some should come off by tomorrow, I'll be happy when it's gone. I hate being bloated up!

yesterday: 1310 calories, 45 minutes on the treadmill, 18 of them jogging 4.5-4.7 mph

BEYOND frustrated this morning. The scale is right back where it was when I started weighing in on the 7th. It was down to 139.6 last week. Not TOM-related, shouldn't be retaining because of salt. I even went to the bathroom yesterday(sorry, TMI) which I thought might bring me down a bit. I know I'm creating a calorie deficit. Just had to vent.

fruit, glad you're feeling better

leap, glad the scale is inspiring you

rainbow, fpsj, envelope, jiggle, megems, jules - hope you're all having great weekends!

"The positive thinker sees the invisible, feels the intangible, and achieves the impossible."

OK I'm Back~I am done mourning over someone that is definetly with God & in A better place.~She is a positive memory to me.(speaking of my niece) ~I WILL BE A POSTIVE THINKER! ~hugs all sorry for being away so long.............~Missed u all!!!

natamars- thanks, I feel much better now. I always weigh in the morning after I go to the bathroom, I do weigh less that way.

1335 calories today, only lost 5 oz. of water. It's really holding on this time. My calories aren't as low as they should be, I was eating alot of fruit. Rode the exercise bike for 30 min. it's just too cold to walk outside, I think it was 10 degrees this morning. I can't wait til spring!

Doing good so far for the weekend. Went over calories by about 170 yesterday, but got in an hour of cardio. Sunday's are my rest days for exercise. Still watch my calories - but allow a bit going over. Have about 600 left for dinner. Plan on making bbq hamburgers for dinner.

Weigh in is Tuesday, by the looks of the scale so far this week, I have been down all week, so hopefully that still reflects well. I am hoping for about 3 lbs down. We shall see!

Hope everyone is having a good weekend!

Hello all,

Just a quick check in. Had a pretty good weekend, definitely the most OP I've been on a weekend for a while! Friday and Saturday I was at the higher end of my calorie range, but still in it. Today is my planned "high" calorie day for the week (over my normal range, but under my maintenance calories.) I also got some exercise in today, 20 minutes elliptical and 15 minutes weights.

TOM is on its way out and back to the weekday routine tomorrow...hoping for a good WI on Friday!

Jiggle: congrats on the 5 lbs, that's awesome!!

Welcome back, envelope!

Meg: hoping your 3 lb loss sticks, and then some :)

Nat: I feel your pain! My gain this week was TOM related, but basicaly I've only had a net loss of .5 lbs for this whole challenge! Not sure I will make 185, but still have hope of getting out of the 190's at least.

Fruit: I too am itching for weather warm weather. Unfortunately, spring is a loooong ways off in these parts.

Lori: welcome back, and again, I am so sorry for your loss.

Hey ladies!

Lori Welcome back! Your positivity in the face of hard times is an enviable quality. I am so sorry again for your loss.

Hope everyone is having a good end to their weekend!

It's Monday here, so hard to get out of bed this morning - wasn't exactly the best start to the new week. So sleepy. I don't know if I'll get exercise in today as I've just been told I'm making dinner for my boyfriend's parents - so I guess I'll have to get started on that as soon as I'm done at work. Have Zumba tomorrow night though, so that should be ok...and Wed and Thurs are my days off as usual so I can try to get some in there between my other things I'm doing!

Calories are in check, even after the barbecue picnic last night - I was out of my comfort zone in that I didn't have the counts of some things on hand, but I managed to enjoy it anyway and was just careful with what I ate.

hello. just joined the site! and love all the positive feed!
I think joining is really gonna make me stick with it this time!!! hopefully! lol

My goal is to lose 10lbs by valentines day!!!