Howdy, girls! Since we have so many participants now, what do you guys think about a first and second prize? Or is that less motivational? I'm fine with whatever - just throwing out ideas.

mygrits - way to get back on track! Interesting about your husband - it sounds kind of tricky on the food front. Do you cook sometimes or is it mainly him?

staccie - I think that was the abbreviation for the 30 day shred by the trainer from the biggest loser. You are amazing for having the discipline to work out when your work days are so long!

AJ - thanks for the info! And congrats on the inches lost - pretty cool!

Wow this board is going crazy! Offer a little money and everyone comes out of the woodwork. Not saying it's a bad thing...lol.

This might be the last time I post before leaving for Tennessee, but believe me, I plan on staying on track 100%. I probably won't make it on to weigh in on Sunday, first because it is the day after my wedding (wink wink) and second because I have no idea what the internet situation is in the cabins.

I am at 800 calories for today and plan on having a small dinner tonight. I have a bunch of errands to run so who knows if I'll even find time to eat. As soon as Don gets home I will be taking a "before" picture. I'm not sure what I will be wearing though. Is everyone going to post their pictures or just keep them to post at the end with the "after" photos?

Dancer, call me crazy but I think it would be more fun to try for one big prize, however I would not be against maybe a 60/30 split for 1st and 2nd? Now everyone that's in this challenge has to promise that they will be in the competition for the long haul and pay up at the end. It would be sad if the winner works their butt off and some people drop out of the challenge. So is everyone sure they are in until the end no matter the outcome?

Lindy, giiirl, is the competitiveness coming out in you? You are working out like crazy! Not that you haven't before, lol.

Dancer, I will be thinking of you when I am hiking in the Appalachians this weekend. I am sooooo looking forward to it because I have never been hiking before!

MaddiesMomm, I have no advice for you on the funeral thing because I avoid them at all costs. They are just not my thing. However, I will say this, go with your heart and you will make the right decision.

I am getting soooo excited! One more day of work and then I get to leave!!!! I really have to get to packing though! That needs to go on the list for tonight as well. Good luck the rest of the week girls, I will try to keep up with this busy board on my phone!

Ok...girls, I dont have a lot of time but here are my pics...wow, I cant believe Im doing this. They are very grainy but you get the drift. I am confident in posting these because with the routine Im on now, I WILL see a significant difference. Can you tell Im just a smidge competitive.

luckylindy- You already look fantastic. Can't wait to see the end results. I took these pics earlier and almost cried. Can NOT post them....

http://www.3fatchicks.net/img/bar012...5/135/164/.png

Wow, I have 3 pages to catch up on.

Lindy-to answer you question. 1st is my trip to NY in 18 days. Thats short term. Long term is to not have diabetes when I am older and to be smaller when my twin sister comes home from New Zealand. 30ds is still kicking my butt, but I push through it. Brave Brave girl, there is no way I will post pics in a two, I do have one, but never wear it.

Staccie-glad you are back and getting back into the swing of things. Hopefully work wont wear you out.

Tiff-dont let the chick fil a slow you down. We all think we did good some time or other. We just have to keep on pushing. Since you probably wont be on, CONGRAT new bride. You know we all want pics, at least on FB. Where are you going in Tennessee. You might be near my family. I know, I am in the challenge for the long haul. I am not going to back out.

Dance-thats is a cool way to think of the weight you have lost with the cat litter. You will be there soon.

Maddie-sorry for your loss. If you feel like you should go, then go. You know your friend will appreciate it. Good job eating out and dinner sounded yummy.

AJ-welcome and jump right in with us. We will keep you motivated. Looks like you ar doing well on slim4life. The challenge is to see who loses the most percentage of weight from 8/1-11/1. Then the losers are going to give $10 electronic amazon gift cards to the winner. Great job with all the inches lost

Basics-welcome back. I have been wondering about you. Good job getting back you Chalean. We will all get to our goals, if we stick together. We are only 3 days into our challenge so jump right in. I just drink water all day to boost my energy.

Sandy-glad you got your workout in but be careful with the heat. Glad my husband doesnt cook much, he would be cooking the same as your husband.

Neesy-glad you are joining the challenge. Sorry you are lonely, but you have a good plan to keep yourself busy and just think about how you will look when your husband gets home. He will love it.

That took me forever. I had a rest day today. I did take the dogs on a short walk with my nephew earlier. I decided I needed to take a day off from the 30ds. My left knee and shoulder were sore today. I dont know if that was a good idea or not the way lindy is kicking it into gear. But even if I dont win, I know I will lose and that is an accomplishment in itself. Gonna get up early tomorrow and hit the farmers market and get all my fruits and veggies for the week. SO much cheaper than the grocery store and I get to help out local farmers. Then tomorrow night my sister in law is coming over again to walk, which is surprising since she was so against walking before. I think she is wanting to lose weight now too. I am so glad, cos I want someone close to do this with too. Plus my walking buddy I usually walk with is moving 2 hours away in a couple weeks. I hope everyone have a good night and a productive day tomorrow. Goodnight

Okay! In the spirit of change I am going to post my fatty pics... Sorry in advance but I know that on 11/1 I will look different! I am sure.

http://www.3fatchicks.net/img/bar012...5/135/164/.png

Lindy- awesome job taking your pics in a 2 piece..and gotta love the determination that we WILL see a significant difference.

Tiff- Congrats!!! Post pics of the wedding as soon as you can :)

Rayne- Hi! :wave: Thanks for the welcome back..it's good to be here. Sounds like a good idea to take a rest-- only you know the way your body feels... I did the squats and push-ups tonight on ChaLean...I now I'll be feeling that bad-boy in the morning-- ha.

AJ- had to edit my post as I just saw yours-- Girl, I wish I could look like that in a two-piece right now!! You'll do great-- you are on your way!

We had some hub-bub going around the office today that we're in for another round of lay-offs. :?: So, if you could send good vibes my way, it'd be appreciated :^: The good news is-- is at least I didn't stress out and eat or sit and sulk ...I hit the gym and worked out on some squats/weights tonight.

Must-recognize-and-control-emotional-eating...that is my mantra--- at least until I get it under control.
Have a good evening!

Ok, first and foremost, Lindy and AJ you both look terrific! Oh my gosh, I mean neither one of you hardly has a stomach. Pleeeeasseee, you should not be be ashamed of anything! Nada!!!

I will load my pics tomorrow. I did take them yesterday and just slacked today loading them from the camera, then forgot and now remembered but it's getting too late. I promise I will in the morning.

Dance, I do cook. I cooked 7 days a week a couple of times a day when I was raising my children. As a single mom, it was alot cheaper than eating out. I cooked Southern, which is how I was raised. Now, two years ago when my children were 17 and 19 my cooking slowed, because they were busy and working. Another factor that played in was I was eating healthy and losing weight. This is when I went from 270 to 183. Now a little over a year ago, due to huge stress I starting gaining it back because my husband was cooking and I ate it all! Since January I have again tried to lose and have realized that I can't eat processed stuff anymore, high fats, high sodium or lots of sugar. All of these areas make me binge, feel like crap and affect my hormones. I just can't do it. Seriously I can tell when I eat too much sugar or sodium. Also processed stuff makes me binge - every time. So, I do cook, but healthy stuff, which he is not into. This upsets him because he loves to cook for me, and does get offended if I don't eat - go figure ; -( Whats a wife to do........... I can't keep giving in because I feel bad, because in reality he needs to eat healthier or he will have a stroke or heart attack.

Ok, today I have done great and really need to go to bed so I don't eat! You know the night munchie time. Nite!

Back2Basics- Thanks so much. Wish my self image was that. I am thinking of you and I will continue to pray for your job. I lost mine last year and its such a horrible position to be in. WORK HARD =)

mygritsconfessions- Thank you. I need a lot of work all over.

AJ and Lindy-I wish I looked like either one of you right now. I am gonna get there. I am more determined now.

Basics-I will be thinking about you and sending load of good vibes your way. Keep your head up.

Sandy- I took my pics too but havent gotten around to uploading them. I will do that tomorrow. I have a busy day planned for tomorrow. Farmers Market, clean, workout, walk with SIL, then off to the boys house to stay over night and keep them all day tomorrow. I will try to log in tomorrow.

Morning ladies - ok, first and foremost:

AJ - you look awesome in a bikini. Its funny, I dont know if anyone else can tell, but its almost like you have the beginning stages of getting a toned tummty, like a 6 pack. I know I may be way out there, but I can just tell that once you lose weight and get to your goal, your not only going to look better but you are going to have a KILLER body. Kudos to you for posting your pics.

Moving on...

Burgundy-I hear ya on the 30DS. I PROMISED myself that I was going to stick to the program and do it for 30 days straight and whether it kills me (and it probably will, lol), I plan on doing it. There is one exercise on the first phase that I absolutely HATE doing, I slack so bad when we get to the park, its the last stength training exercise...side lung, lifting the weights to eye level...OH MY GOD...thank god they save that for the end because I am literally infuriated by the end of my workout, lol. Anyway girly...you can do it. Taking a break is cool, the pain really can be too much sometimes but just make sure you get back on track tomorrow. Since your my 30DS buddy, I am going to be on you like white on rice, lol.

Back2Basics- Ill be praying for you for sure regarding your job. Just continue to prove that your an asset to the company and hopefully that can turn the other cheek. I worked in Management and have gone through the lay of process and we always tried really hard to keep the good apples, even if their job wasnt needed, we'd shift job responsibilities. Now, of course...thats not always the case but fingers crossed.

Mygrits - has Bubba shown any interest in getting healthy? I just ask because not all guys have that drive, actually MOST dont. But, if he is willing, then that would certainly help in keeping you both on track. Im sure you have brought it up, but if you havent, I would point it out in regards to what you said...for health reason of course...to make sure he is with you for many...many years to come.

Burgundy and Mygrits - looking forward to seeing the pics today. Hopefully everyone can get around to posting before Sunday's weigh in.

Ok, so I just have to chime in on my pics really quick. I did not think I looked THAT bad in my bikini, I really didnt, in comparison to other girls Ive seen at the pool, but now...sitting here a day later, I am somewhat upset with the way I view myself. Now...I dont REGRET posting them, because like I said...I WILL get the body I want and if anything...I think Im going to post them in my house, work (in a nice safe hidden place of course, lol) just to remind me to keep my eye on the prize, which is not the Amazon gift card but the killer body I want. That is so much more important to me. Also...I REALLY am disgusted with my arms. I look at the front and back and am not too concerned, but I see my arms and it is absolutely mordifying, blah. Hopefully all those push-ups Im doing with 30DS will pay off.

I overslept this morning and missed the gym and walk. I had to run around like a chicken with my head cut off. Its ok though...I have a back-up plan. I brought my gym clothes with me, so I am going straight from work and as "punishment" for screwing up is to do an hour and a half at the gym, instead of 45 minutes. lol...why do I do this to myself?!

Ill check in later. Hows everyone been doing with their "diets", any slip ups you would like to confess to?

Morning, girls! Not sure if I'm brave enough to post before pics - I'll think about it some more : ) You girls look great already though - good for you!

Finally down a pound after being stuck at 178 for what seemed like ages. Am off to run to make sure I can keep up with all of you disciplined girls! Will come back and chat more later...

Thanks for all of the support girls! I know we can do this! You girls already look great in a bikini.. I'm jealous!!!! I may post my swimsuit pic later... It's no bikini mind you! So.. I went grocery shopping yesterday and got a bunch of lean cuisines and fruit/veggies/ turkey, etc. Well.. My fridge is acting up!!! I have it on the coldest setting and it won't even freeze my ice cubes. Great! I'm renting so hopefully they will come by today to do something about it. I hope my food isn't bad now.

I'm trying to keep myself busy. So I have a list of little errands to do today. (I'm off work until next tuesday) So off I go. I'll catch up later!

Oh yeah.. Is our official weigh in day still sundays?

Hello Ladies,

Neesy, if they don't show right away, put your Lean Cuisines in freezer baggies (the larger ones) and then buy a couple of bags of ice. Put in a cooler and they should be good for hours. Sorry your having that hassle though.

Lindy, we have talked about being healthy and I have tried (too many times) to make changes with his foods, and it may work for a day or two and then he is back to his regular routine. I know part of the problem is the Sleep Apnea. It is a horrible problem and the percentages of men and women who have this is really high. With Sleep Apnea you never get REM Sleep. Your body actually stops breathing for up to a minute many times during the night - most who snore have this. So, the end result is constant fatigue, which many compensate for by eating starches, sugars, caffiene and all to increase their energy during the day. Also, because of the fatigue there is very little incentive to exercise. The bad thing about Sleep Apnea is over time it can damage internally (heart, brain etc.) because of the lack of oxygen. I hate it because here you have an ex Navy Seal who was in unbelievable shape, swimming four or more miles a day, jumping out of airplanes, hiking 20 constantly in full cami's and now struggling. He hates it, but I can't do much more to help.

Ok, yesterday was good, but today I didn't get up earlier enough to workout. I decided to walk the dog and then workout in the garden, thereafter to some exercises inside............well, that changed with thunder/lightening and rain. Crap! Ok, so now I guess it will be working out upstairs and the garden tomorrow......

Oh, yes I will upload my pics.....I forgot again...

Wow, mygrits - that sounds like a really tough situation. I guess he has to want to change before anything will happen. Maybe you being on a health kick will inspire him eventually. The sleep apnea sounds really tough - I can see how that wouldn't help with good eating and exercise habits. Hugs! And keep on doing your thing - you deserve to be the shape and size you want to be!

Neesy - Sounds like you're ready to be on plan this week! Too bad about the fridge but mygrits had a good suggestion for in the meantime.

Lindy - bummer on oversleeping! It seems like getting the workout in at the beginning of the day helps you stay on track for the rest. I know you'll make up for it tonight but that's still tough.

Did great on food yesterday - around 1250 and an hour walk. Today, good so far with eating and a one hour jog. We CAN do this!