p.s miss out the butter and use a little olive oil to make it more healthy

hi girls

I hope your all having a good week. Petunia and freiden , yourmost certainly welcome! :) Well after a bit of deliberation I decided to reinstate the monthly challenges we had here in the past, a few of the gals (from then) had approached me about the ole monthly c hallenges and I have decided to reinstate them beginning this March. It was a pleasure to get to know you all and I do hope we c an traverse back and forth and keep in touch. I always did things on amonth by month basis (exercise too) so it has been difficult for me in a sense to have mid month cut off points but having a great support system made all the difference! In a nutshall, I* am reinstating the monthly challenges and perhaps ex. challenges we used to do as well. Hugs and thanks to those of you for your support despite your own trials and tribulations! Let's keep on truckin....and start march with a bang! :)

morning girls : ) came in to wish you all a nice weekend and......

Petunia, congratssssss on the loss! :carrot::carrot: keep up the great work...the soup sounds like a nice idea.

Koshinogi, nice of you to share the recipe : )

Hey everyone! Just wanted to pop in and say hello. This week has been pretty good for me as I've been more OP with food and exercise than I have been probably any other week so far this year! I am feeling good and motivated right now, so I'm trying to take advantage of it. Hope everyone else continues to do well and enjoys a wonderful and POP weekend!

I'm down to 129 today from 131 at the start. There was a day of fasting this week though, so I'm not sure if it'll stick.

If those pounds do stay off, that's great, but so weird. I've been on a plateau forever, and the only change I made recently was that I couldn't do as much exercise as usual last week. Weight loss is a strange thing lol

Hi all:wave:

I have gone down 1lb and am extremely happy!!

After a very long time of ups and downs, hopefully, upping my cals is working.

:welcome3:Cybertyper!!

Congrats freiden!!! Way to go!!!

Thanks, Hattie, and congrats to you too! It looks like we both jumped off the plateau at the same time. :)

Just checking in I am at 222(loss of 2 lbs) ~I have 7 more lbs to lose reach my goal of losing 9lbs~I am POP so We will see~ it's gonna be hard but who knows....We will have to see.

I'm at 178.2 with a St. Patty's goal of 174. I know things are slowing down for me, but I really think I can make this goal if I stay on track. I am exercising and eating OP, so hopefully my body will cooperate!!
This weekend I have some packing and sorting to do. Maybe that will help! Not only will I be too distracted to overeat, but the lifting and all may act as a weight session of sorts! LOL Whatever works!

Hi Family :grouphug:

I have totally been in MIA, I am better now, and need to get back on track...I think that I will never run in the rain ..... I caught a horrible cold....and I still have a cough...but starting Monday I am going to be getting back on the treadmill. I also need to get back in to my eating good. This weekend I have homework, and so does my daughter. So, we are having an study day today, well actually study weekend. She is better now too....and she will be getting back on the treadmill on Monday as well.

I just wanted to stop in and say I will be back again more often now that I am feeling better. I haven't read everyone's success, but I do know that we have a new member....and would like to say :welcome3: everyone here is very supportive. I will be back later to say hi....it is good to be back. I miss ya all... :)

Cheers~

Jaya, so good to have you back! I was wondering where you and some of the others had gone. What a bummer to get a terrible cold while trying to be healthier! Best wishes for good health and happy studying to you and your daughter!

I finally went in and got my first massage which was my reward to myself for reaching my first 10% loss (reached a few days ago). It was nice and relaxing! Now I have to set my next big incentive. I think it'll be clothing related. Gotta think on it some more.

Hi girls, popped in to say hi and touch base.

congrats to all of you with losses as well to all in general for being OP, eating healthy etc.

Jayaaaa :hug: Hi girl, glad to see you...I was worried about you as well as you had a nasty cold around the time you left. I am happy that you are okay now and that your daughter is too......that is the main thing! Good for you having a study weekend with your daughter :hug: wtg jaya!

msperception, your so close.....keep on truckin' : )

Ughh, I'm still hanging in there. The scaled registered down a measly pound yesterday but it wasn't official weigh-in day so I'm not counting it. My goal for March was to do real exercise 6 days a week. Tonight I got on the elliptical and just Could. Not. Finish. The muscles in my thighs felt completely fatigued and I've just felt tired and hungry all day. I'm guessing I should have used today as a rest day. I'm still feeling kind of cranky-hungry so I guess I'll go try to rustle up a healthy snack.

I wish the scale would budge. I think I'm doing most everything right, I think I'm just stuck. I'm feeling fitter and most of the time feeling more energetic, but today was definitely an "off" day.

Hello Girls! I thought I would share with you a funny little story!
Last night late, I was trying to log on to this forum, so I could check in to see the news! I am not that computer savvy, so I don't have 3 fat chicks in my favorites, or bookmarked. I was typing the name into the address bar, and it would not come up. I did however get some interesting alternatives. I was starting to get mad!:devil: Then all the sudden, I realized, I was typing in 3hotchicks.com!!!:o I laughed for a good long time as I read through some of your posts. I thought to myself....We are turning in to some Hot Chicks! And it sure is time we started thinking SO!
I'm still giggling about it this morning, so I thought I would send a little...
:flame:HEAT:flame: your way. Lord knows we could use some in the East! Have a great day everyone!

Yes, I like to think of myself as a HOT chick! That's funny lewisempire! :lol:

I am still experimenting with getting my body to let go of this yucky weight. Today I am upping my calories and exercise to see what happens. Wish me luck!!

Hi girls!!! :wave:

I am back from vacation and have lots of warm weather tales. Temps in the mid-70s, days on the beach, ...just awesome!!! Of course, now that I am back, we got 11 inches of snow today!!!:D

So, I can't say that I was OP, or even very good, over vacation. I just decided to cut myself some slack and eat what I wanted. I didn't binge, just had some chips & salsa, or conch fritters, or onion rings, or cocktails, or.....OH MY!!! I guess thinking it over I was a bit worse than I thought! ;) I did get in three good exercise sessions so that probably helped level off the weight gain but I am up 2 pounds from the time off so I need to get my butt back in gear!!! :kickbutt: Fortunately, today I have been OP, drinking my water, got in 40 mins of weight lifting, 35 mins on the bike, and did snow removal so hopefully things will look better tomorrow.

:welcome2: to all the new gals. I am going to try and get through a lot of the old posts to get to know you all.

My original goal was 5 pounds by St. Patty's Day but I think I am going to have to alter it to 5 pounds from here to be realistic but I am going to really try for a great week.

Oh, and just as a bit of a :tantrum:. We visited with our oldest friends and my in-laws over the break and no one said anything about my weight loss! :mad: I figured since I hadn't seen them since before I started losing, somebody would notice. Even to say, "You look good. Have you lost weight?" Nope, nada, nothing....very disappointing....

OK, girls, have a great day and I'll check back in tomorrow am.

Glad to have you back, urockmom! What a bummer to not have anyone comment on your progress!!! I hate that! Maybe they didn't want to touch a sensitive subject or something, but still.... Oh well, you DO look great, I'm sure, so keep up the good work! Only a 2# gain on vacation ain't bad at all, sister! I could do that in a day being off plan!

Oh..... Hellooooooo Jaya and urockmom!!!

Welcome back!

Jaya: Hope you are feeling better! I missed you!

Urockmom: You lucky girl you!!! I am so glad you enjoyed it!! You deserve it!!

BTW: Your oldest friends and in-laws emailed me and told me how wonderful you look and that they were VERY jealous so they didn't say anything to you! You are awesome!!!
And you only gained 2 lbs? That is great!!!

Ms Perception: Give it a go.. I did that and I think it is working. I am down another lb. after a month long plateau. (-2) now.

Lewis: Hot chicks we are becoming! Thanks for the heat!

Windchime: Keep going! It will happen! One lb is great! Don't sell yourself short. Pat yourself on the back and feel good about that one lb that will add up to many more.

I went out with DH, DD, and her BF to dinner for DH's bday last night. We went to a Japanese Steak House. It was a lot of fun. I managed ok with the food and had a VERY small piece of Chocolate Mousse cake later. It was truly a sliver and I only ate half of it! So I got the taste and not the huge cals. At the restaurant, they take a pic of your group. I couldn't believe how I looked in the pic. I look so much smaller than I thought I did. I love looking at it. LOL Usually it is painful to look at pics of me. HMMMM..It is working!!!
This new life of mine... is fun to see all the changes.

Just like the saying goes...One step at a time...One lb at a time...

WE CAN DO IT!!!!
Do you agree? Let me know loudly!!!

Hi all! I had changed my ticker, so I had to go back and check what my actual goal was for St. patty's day. It seems like a long time ago... I am glad to see, I am getting close!!! Onederland is only 3.5 pounds away!!!!! That is so doable in almost 3 weeks!!!!! I am having my higher calorie day today, So I had 4- peanut butter cups, I know not the best choice, but I haven't had chocolate in almost 2 weeks. I thought I was dying. I logged it in to my daily plate, and realized I had only 52 calories left for dinner woops, then I was really Dying!!!!! O well, lesson learned, I got my but up and went for a long walk. I guess if the poor choices we make can be balanced out with the good choices, It is all ok in the end!!

Hattie22- good for you for making a healthy choice to eat a sensible amount of chocolate cake! As you can see, that is a lesson, I will keep trying to learn! Not always easy, so :bravo:

Hi Urockmom, inlaws can be tough on a good day, so I would say they couldn't see past the "crazy life right now" to notice your success! A lot of people have a hard time seeing past there own issues! I am sure you look great, so welcome back, those 2 pounds will be gone in a snap!

Ok chicks, I need some encouragement. I usually can spend hours here in 3FC, but I'm feeling bummed about my lack of movement on the scales and tonight it just feels like everyone is posting happy stories of weight loss right and left while I'm sitting here, firmly stuck. Tonight is the first time in a long time that I feel like saying, "Screw it" and sitting down with a huge bowl of buttered, oil-popped popcorn and a couple of beers.

I won't, but I feel like it.

Windchime--I have been stuck for 5 days at the exact same weight. At this point in the past I have usually given into temptation and had a terribly off-plan day or at least a REALLY BAD meal. This is my third standstill in the last couple months. Long story short: I was about to excuse a "high calorie day" (read:off plan) because I'm fed up with it again!!!
But, after I came on here and read some postings by my friends here on 3FC I decided I was NOT going to undo my work AGAIN! So, today I gathered my strength and ate on-plan, while telling myself I wasn't going to work out though. I was sick of doing the work and not seeing the results. Then I went to the library with my kids and while looking at movies to borrow, I ended up checking out a new fitness DVD. I actually did a 50 minute workout (just finished) and feel amazing! It's a far cry from the frustration I was feeling yesterday.
Some times we need a break from our routine, but a healthy break. Try a new healthy food, a new workout, or something else. Now, I am no expert, but this day has been a break through for me. I don't know what kind of results, if any, I'll see on the scale tomorrow morning, but I know I feel better than if I'd given in and done some frustrated/angry eating. So, good for you for not eating something you shouldn't. Though sometimes it's okay to indulge, don't do emotional eating. It should be planned and "budgeted" for. Oh crap, I really went on there...please excuse the :soap: Have an excellent day!

:hug:Hang in there Windchime!!!!! We all have bad days! If you just STAY on plan, this too will pass! ANd before you know it, things will turn around. Don't sabotage yourself!!! You have been working it!!! Get up clean something, sign up for a new challenge, go for a walk, if you are really desparate, paint your finger nails (you can't eat if your nails are wet and stinky!) If you did go off plan....(like I did yesterday) It's OK It's just a little bump, don't let it derail you.
YOU CAN DO THIS!!!!

Windchime~ :dust: :dust: :dust:

It is really hard when the scale won't move. Last month I went through a 3 week long stall and fortunately the Girl Scout cookies weren't yet in or I would have eaten my weight in Thin Mints because I was so frustrated. Follow MsPerception's example and get your butt moving. :coach:

Lewisempire~You have been doing great! Only 3.5 pounds to Onederland!!!! You can make it. I know you can! Thanks for the encouragement regarding people noticing. I guess I am just frustrated because other than my husband and mother, no one has noticed that I have lost weight. Or, at least, they haven't said anything. I just have to keep reminding myself that I am doing this for me. I feel better. I am healthier. My clothes fit. Well, I actually have to buy new clothes so they fit so that is even better. :smug:

Hattie~Great job on that cake!!! Chocolate!!! :drool:

Jaya~Hope you are feeling better!!!

Oh, and I hear to you Hattie---

WE CAN DO IT!!

urockmom--I LOVE that little drooly guy with the chocolate! That's hilarious!
Lewisempire--I know we 've all been bummed when people aren't noticing the progress we've made. I commented on it a couple weeks ago and then urockmom had the same thing happen. I don't know why it happens, but thank goodness we aren't doing this to impress others or we'd all want to go stick our heads in the sand! LOL

Good news here is that I broke through the stupid stall in progress. The funny thing is I seriously was concerned my scale was broken (and it's a very nice, new scale) since it didn't change one ounce. I almost would've welcomed a small blip in either direction!!
I liked the workout DVD from the library so much, I may buy it! Especially since it seems to have magically broken the 178 barrier!!! Maybe it has super powers OR maybe, just maybe, staying OP (except my one cheat meal/week) and staying active/exercising every day ACTUALLY WORKS for my body! I'm such a dork, but I can't thank you guys enough for being here. Even though it was indirectly...you all inspired me and kept me from jumping off the healthy bridge when I was frustrated!

hi girls, windchimeeeeeee hang in there. Ms Perception what a story and great advice. What was it, last week when I was going nuts? Anyways, I made a few changes and am ok now. Are you weighing daily? That can be helpful for some while being extremely frustrating to others. Windchime, what ms. perception said about the exercise and all really helped me too. Actually, i was working so hard at the time and needed a break so took a day off from exercise, make that two, and took some time to refocus and think about my plan and all. I need the exercise because it is an outlet and I prefer to do it in the morning as it helps set the tone for my day and really helps to keep me on track. Keep at it and I am sure you will eventually get unstuck and be posting your "happy stories" too! :) Good for you for hanging in there :).

urockmom, I recall big threads about the weight loss comments on here in the support forum in the past. A lot of people said they don't comment on someone's weight loss for fear of upsetting them in some way. I was suprised at how many said this, there were many! They were also sensitive about their own weight and when others commented on their loss it made them uncomfortable........you can compliment me all you want! lol :) anyways, I am sure you like dynamite. It was fun reading your warm weather tales and a 2lb. gain after a vaca. like that is super. Now we just gotta get this snow to melt. : ).

Hattie, wtg on eating just 1/2 the cake and again, a happy birthday to hubby.

Lewisempire, I always feel better when I give myelf a manicure :) and I did just that to help pick myself up.

Ms. perceptionnnnnnnn, I am real happy for you!!!! wtg! :carrot::carrot: What is this magical dvd? and it is fun too? OH do tell! :) Your the one who did it but this tape you like so much and say is fun sure sounds neat...exercise that is fun is always helpful.

okay, gotta go do some more posting and then I am off to workout. I wanted to pop in and say hi. Windchime Ihope you are feeling better and remember it is a new day :).

It was Leslie Sansone's Walk Slim 4 Fast Miles. It may not appeal to some, but it was very different from anything I do, so the change of pace was perfect for me! It's aerobic, but no complicated steps (which I hate!) and the lady was very casual and friendly not all glitzy and perfect.
It has helped me believe like my St. Patty's goal may actually be attainable. Ladies, this is my 2nd longest time ever trying to lose weight (the first was several years ago with South Beach). I think the fact that I have made it 3.5 months eating better and exercising more has been incredible. The fact that I can see myself doing this FOR LIFE is what makes it even more amazing. The lightbulb has finally gone off in my head like "hey this is my new life!"

Ms Perception, thanks for info regarding the dvd :). More importantly :congrat: on all that you have succeeded in doing thus far and areeeeeee doing. Your words are very inspirational and I beleive you found your ticket, so to speak. I can tell, smiling here :) you are headed right for the finish line chicky! : ) keep on rocking it :carrot:

Hi Family,

I have been totally bad...and really need to get back on track. :( I think I might have gained a couple of pounds...:cry: I want to do better. Today I went to taco bell and got (2) bean and cheese burritos with EXTRA cheese and a medium soda. As I am driving back from lunch...I am sitting there thinking hmmm I wonder I should try and sign up for The Biggest Loser. Um, thought crossed my mind but....I would really hate to show what I looking like now with a dang tank top that shows your rolls and the tight pants that makes your legs look even bigger, then add another 10 pounds on TV. and then everyone in the world watching and that knows me.....see me and go um hey isn't that Janell....wow she really got big....hahahha....I totally want to succeed in losing weight. Something totally made sense to me when I was talking to my mom the other day. I was telling her that my kids come first and I really don't time for guys right now. She said that is why I probably gained weight as a shield to keep men away from me. I used to be skinny growing up, and not bad looking after I had both my kids. I weight more now that when I gave birth to them both. Sigh......I have issues...lol...hahahaha I just needed to say what has been running through my head ... :)

I hope everyone is doing great and I will come back and report more.. I need to get back in my positive mode...arrrrggg....

Jayagoddess--Glad you're back! Don't beat yourself up over the mistakes. Hop right back into it and start again. You have a lot on your plate right now, but it's always good to make time to take care of yourself! I look forward to "seeing" more of you on this thread!!

Windchime: I just got off a month long plateau. It was very frustrating! I got some good advice and upped my cals.. It seems to be working. I think we have to constantly adjust. This weight loss thing is so hard! It is soooo worth it! Every time I get a little frustrated, I think back to one year ago. I can't believe what I have already learned about myself! I have now been on this NEW LIFE journey for almost 7 months. Longer than I ever have before. I know posting here as much as I can has kept me going. DON"T STOP POSTING! When you post you are helping others as you are helping yourself. I NEED YOU! YOU NEED YOU! IT WILL HAPPEN! Movement on the scale is not the most important thing. Health is probably the most important. With every OP meal you are getting healthier. Be proud of that. Forget the numbers for now and concentrate on being healthier. YOU CAN DO IT! YOU WILL DO IT!

Jaya: We all have issues. You are not alone. As I said to Windchime above. Do it for health first. Forget about men for now. Concentrate on healthy choices and try some visualization. Visualize those unhealthy choices as something gross before you choose. Visualize a healthy choice as something beautiful. As you get used to healthier choices it almost becomes second nature. I chose this new life because I want to be around and healthy for future grandchildren. I was tired of feeling that I couldn't do it...so WHATEVER. I just started one day and set up all kinds of positive things to get me going. Example: my rewards bracelet ( a new bead for every 5 lbs. lost). I started journaling and planning. Those two things have turned out to be the most important to me. It keeps me focussed. I love your spirit and I have missed it! Keep posting! Keep posting!

Ms. Perception: Congrats on the 3.5 months!!! It feels sooo good to go further than you ever have before! For me, it is a big thing! I celebrate every time I hit a new month! (NOT WITH FOOD) I also celebrate every time I finish a notebook that I am journaling in. I am almost done with my third one! I am such a dork, I know. I figure if that helps me...then keep doing it! I read in one of the BL cookbooks that more people are successful with eating healthy if they keep track in a notebook or online. I take my notebook everywhere with me. It has become another reminder.

Gosh... Just realized that I am writing on, and on, and on...

Hi everyone:wave: I guess I will end this now and check in later...

Here are some lucky :cupgold::cupgold::cupgold::cupgold::cupgold: and some:dust:for everyone!!

Thanks for the encouragement, everyone! I don't mind a 5 day stall, but this is going on three weeks now. I am staying off the scales till Friday because I think it's upsetting me to weigh too frequently. Hopefully by Friday there will be some movement. I don't know what I'm going to do if there isn't. I'm really not willing to cut back even more because I'm starting to feel deprived.

Trying upping your cals a bit, like Hattie did. It worked for her after a month + stall. Just keep experimenting 'til something works. You can do it!

I'll try. Like so many others, I'm afraid to up the calories because I don't want to start gaining again! That may be what I need to do, though, because on Sunday I couldn't get through my workout on the elliptical. Even breaking it in half, my muscles just felt too fatigued and I couldn't continue. I didn't even try last night, I just went to bed.

Tonight after my little hissy-fit that I posted here, I went and cooked up a big bunch (5 or 6 oz) of lean turkey and made myself a whopping big turkey taco. I only ate about 2/3 of it; I tried to make myself finish it but I was just too full. Eating is not usually a problem for me; let's be clear on that! LOL. So now that the taco has settled a little, I'm going to hit the elliptical and see if I can get a few minutes in on that. Thanks again for all your support!

I have to get going but saw your post windchime and something crossed my mind regarding your energy level. Same thing happened to me about 1 or 2 weeks ago (during that time of frustration), I felt very tired and though I wanted much to do my workouts (and did) it was extremely difficult for me to complete it (due to fatigue as you describe) where as before it was not. That of course only adds to the frustration.
With me, I do not believe it was a lack of cals...though I thought perhaps it was a lack of carbs. I wasn't eating carbs that week ( I limit my starches etc. because I don't lose with too many of them) and thought perhaps that was what I needed as carbs are needed for energy! I was getting plenty of protein for my muscles but enough good carbs. I ate some turkey sandwiches that week for lunch (whole wheat bread) and felt much better energy wise. I also started taking my one a day multivitamin. I now snack regularly throughout the day and try and have a banana for breakfast or as a snack and incorporate more good carbs in my diet to help with my stamina. Beans (legumes) help too! Just thought I would run this by you in the hopes it may be helpful in some way. Keep going at it :) I must run but a big hello to you all and wishing you a lovely day.

Just a quick post to follow up on Hattie's. I have also had periods of real lethargy during this journey and have found that the multi-vitamin really helps. For me, I think that I get low on iron with all the exercise and then when I try to exercise I feel like my legs are lead weights. Let's all try to get in a vitamin today!!!

:DGood morning Hot Chicks!
Windchime: Hopefully you are feeling better with all the support here. ANd not to sound like a broken record.....are you drinking enough water? I find it hard to drink it in the winter when it's cold. So I will drink herbal tea to help up my intake. Hopefully, you are already up and motivated again:carrot:!

As for me, i have taken the last 5 days off from my ski machine, and have been walking instead. It was working up till now, but I think I will go back to the ski machine today I need to really work up a sweat! Hopefully, it will continue the downward trend!

Jayagoddess: Don't get down girl. I think You do need to get in shape for your kids! You are their example on how to live and do the right thing. The younger you start the better. When you get your life and health on track everything will start to fall in to place on it's own. And you deserve the best! Just keep on working your plan! It will happen!:hug:

UROCKMOM-good morning to you! I just went and took my vitamin!:D Great idea, THANKS!

Msperception=> I wish I had room to do my videos, I miss Tae bo (even though Billy Blanks doesn't know how to count.) It sure worked quick to get me in shape, and it was fun. I think variety is so important! Good luck, I hope you have good results on the WI this week!!

Fullsteamahead and Hattie- You are both always a great source of advice and support! I Hope you have a fabulous on plan day!

Hi everybody! :wave:

I hope we all got in our vitamin yesterday and feel full of energy and determination on our journey!!


Jaya~I am sure that you can get right back OP. We all have missteps along the way. It is our long-term progress that matters!!!

Lewisempire~Hope that mixing up your exercise routine results in some scale movement! :hug:

As for me, the 2# that I gained over vacation have gone back down to Florida for some warmth. (Hope they don't land on any of the 3FC Florida chicks! :D) I got in my exercise until today but I have had a very upset tummy and so am having a PJ day today. But I am planning on skiing tomorrow so that will start the burn again.

Hope you all are having a super day! :dust: for everyone!!!

Hey all, been totally bumming the last few days, weather got good so i took my motorbike out and wham, rain and snow,grrr gotta love it.

Lewisempire, have you tried the billy blanks ab bootcamp one, you hardly need any space at all and it hurts, even though its mostly ab work it really gets your heart going, well worth looking at.

i've been hitting that lethargy thing too, dunno if its down to diet or what but i really want to exercise but when i try i feel really awful so i haven't been doing as much, goin to try the multivits, thanks for that little tip.

I gained 2lbs last week ( i only weigh on a friday) so hoping to lose it + more tomorrow,

Hope you ladies are all ok,

:hug:

hi to all of you,

making this a quickie as I need to log off . Lewisempire keep up the great work. urockmom, wtg on getting the 2 lbs. off :carrot:, I hope you feel better. Koshinogi, hang in there , better weather is on the way. I am sooooooo g lad that we change the clocks ahead this Sat! ok , talk more soon. Hugs