As you know ladies, almost as much as CMof4 pushes water, I push green tea, and today I read an article that might be of interest to anyone trying to lose weight and/or become healthy, so I thought I'd share! Here is the link and the article:

http://www.dietdetective.com/daily-d...?issueid=40995

Tip of the Day:
Tea 101: Drink to Your Health!

Yes — sort of. Tea is an excellent source of antioxidants. While it's hard to make a general comparison, a rough estimate suggests that two servings of tea equal one serving of your average antioxidant-packed veggie. But because nearly 95 percent of tea's polyphenol compounds are flavonoids, tea ranks among the plants with the highest total flavonoid content. Green tea contains more simple flavonoids, called catechins, while black tea contains more complex varieties, called thearubigins and theaflavins. And don't be discouraged because the Food and Drug Administration refused to allow green tea labels to claim health benefits; the agency simply felt that more studies were needed to justify the claim that green tea has the ability to lower the risk of cancer.

Does tea have more caffeine than coffee?
No. A 6-ounce cup of tea usually contains 25 to 60 milligrams of caffeine, less than the typical 100 milligrams found in 6 ounces of coffee. However, in its dry form, tea does come out ahead of coffee, pound for pound, with regard to total caffeine, giving rise to the belief that tea is highly caffeinated. At the point of consumption, though, coffee contains more caffeine.

Is green tea the healthiest of all teas?
Green tea is traditionally thought to have the highest amount of antioxidants — so it has the best reputation. However, a preliminary study at Oregon State University indicated that white tea may actually have more antioxidant power than green. A separate study conducted at the Chinese University of Hong Kong suggests that black tea has the same level of antioxidants as green tea. Do you need to drink 10 cups a day to benefit? Some Chinese homeopathic health practitioners advise 10 cups per day, but a lot of research suggests that that much isn't necessary. For example, just two cups of tea provide as much antioxidant power as a serving of vegetables, and research indicates that metabolism speeds up after five cups.

Does tea help you burn calories?
One study showed that participants who drank five 10-ounce servings of tea burned an additional 67 calories a day compared with those who drank an equal amount of water.

Green tea may burn extra calories and oxidize fat, perhaps because of the compound epigallocatechin gallate. One study found that green tea extract increases metabolism and fat burning at a rate of almost 80 calories per day. Another recent study, from the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, demonstrated that tea containing 690 milligrams of catechins significantly reduced body fat after 12 weeks. However, I wouldn't give up on eating a healthy, low-cal diet just yet. This is a preliminary study and has yet to be corroborated — and tea won't erase extra doughnuts and cookies!

Chickies, I am often asked what kind of green tea I recommend, and I like Celestial Seasonings Honey Lemon Ginseng green tea the best. Celestial Seasonings supposedly has the most quality antioxidants of any of the grocery store teas. (Shelf life--from manufacturer to store shelf--has something to do with it.) I like the honey lemon ginseng because I think it lacks that grassy taste that many green teas can have. FYI: Black tea and green tea come from the same plant, just aged for different lengths of time. Do not add milk to green tea because it nullifies the antioxidants. Also, do not buy decaf because the decaf process destroys the antioxidants.

NSM, I hope you fit everything into your day that you wanted to!

LaurenA, good job for getting back OP and for adjusting your schedule to accommodate your workouts! :carrot:

Mystical, good luck with your trainer! Love your dedication! :cp:

Looking, congrats on that 2 lb drop :dancer: and give it your best to drop another 7 by the 27th! Stay OP and get your exercise in! No excuses from here on out, girlie! Don't talk yourself out of doing the things you know you need to do, because its important that you meet this goal!! And we're here to help you in any way we can! :hug:

Lewis, :lol: at the Denise Austin comment! Good for you starting that pilates dvd! (And at a bargain price! Woohoo!) Keep it up and you'll get your flexibility back in no time! :cheer:

July Weight Loss Challenge List of Participants (so far!)
 

Weight Loss goals are in this list. Exercise goals are in the sister thread--July Exercise Challenge http://www.3fatchicks.com/forum/showthread.php?t=175369. If anyone sees something that they'd like to have changed or edited in their info, please just let me know! I'll continue to add new people as they join in. Good luck to all! You can do it!

FullSteamAhead: Get back on track OP consistently; lose between 6-7 lbs
Sunflowergirl68: Lose 8-10 lbs; drink more water
NewShinyMe: Keep track of water intake; reach the 160's; stay accountable during the weekends
Jelder227: Lose 8-10 lbs
LaurenA: Lose 5 lbs
Lene1974: Drink 64 oz of water daily; lose 5 lbs
Velveteen: Reach 85 kg or less
Delphi: Reach ONEderland; lose 10 lbs
Jacqui_D: Lose 7-10 lbs
JoyinSF: Lose 6-8 lbs
Crazymamaof4: Lose at least 5 lbs; eat even MORE fruits and veggies; try out a new recipe every week; stay POP at least 85% of the time
Jellybellyjess: Lose 7-10 lbs
Susiemartin: Lose 10 lbs to be under 225 lbs
Nellonello: Lose 8 lbs; maintain a 1000-calorie deficit 5 days a week
Linzluv: Lose 10 lbs
Mystical: Lose 8-10 lbs
Robbynmarie_k: Fit into a size 18; reach 48 in waist measurement; maintain a 1000 calorie deficit; reach 220 lbs
Sugarbaby269: Lose 8-10 lbs
Stephanielllll: Lose 8 lbs; drink recommended amount of water
Gekster: Lose 9 lbs; be more accountable on the weekends
Peachykeen62: Lose 8-10 lbs
Merose: Reach "overweight" on BMI chart; lose 9 lbs to reach 185 lbs
Joyra: Lose 10 lbs to reach 145 lbs; lose 10 inches
CakeBatter: Lose 6 lbs to reach 165 lbs; try to eat "clean"
JazzyPeggy: Lose 10 lbs to reach 273 lbs
Ms_Perception: Lose 5 lbs; take a multi-vitamin at least 85% of the time; lose inches, especially around the waist
Canadianangel: Go gluten-free
VickieLou: Lose 15 lbs
SuzyQ: Lose 5 lbs
Wifey: Lose 10 lbs; drink a LOT of water
Ashley4012: Eat no fast food; lose 10 lbs
Annie96: Lose 8 lbs; drink water every day; do not do mindless munching; measure and prepare food to stay consistent with Fitday journaling
TexSue: Lose 5 lbs; drink 48 oz of water per day
Glutio: Lose 10 lbs
Late_to_the_Game: Lose 7-10 lbs; drink more water
Iamren: Lose 12 lbs
Janis427: Lose 10 lbs
Lookingtobehealthy: Lose 6-8 lbs
JasonsLea: No "pigging out" in Alabama for BFF's wedding
Ruby5839: Lose 5-8 lbs; stay OP at least 5 days a week
Blondie32: Lose 10 lbs
CamiToo: Reach 220 lbs
LewisEmpire: Drink 64 oz of water every day; lose 8 lbs
Tracy: Lose as much weight as possible under 277.6 lbs
SteelersGirlie: Lower number of bad carbs eaten; eat more vegetables; lose 10 lbs
SkinnyJeansInWaiting: Lose 10 lbs
Moralia: Reach the 130s
Candtlove: Lose 10 lbs; drink more fluids
Just_a_dreamy1: No bingeing; drink at least 6 bottles of water a day; fit into size 7's with NO muffin top; eat as healthily as possible
Mommaof2lilmen: Lose 5 lbs; drink more water
Couch: Lose 3.3 kg (7.3 lbs) to reach 96.5 kg (212.3 lbs)
2beautiful2Bfat; Lose 10 lbs to reach 202 lbs
Paisleyprincess: Lose 12 lbs to reach 230 lbs
Mothermavis: Lose 11 lbs to reach 145 lbs
SoulMeetsBody: Drink 10 cups of water a day; try not to "pig out"; lose 4-5 lbs
Tummy_Girl: Lose 10 lbs to reach 189 lbs
Jacque9999: Stay in the 120s
Petunia418: Lose 10 lbs

Thanks you for the info on green tea, I haven't really been a big drinker of green tea but now regular tea is a household drink in my house. I will have to try and get some green tea the next time I go grocery shopping.

It is a the close of day and I am feeling more confident as every day passes with my choices it is a slow go for me but I am making better choices and new improvements with my entire families eating habits. If I don't teach my children the healthy way to eat then they will end up with the same issues I struggle with everyday and I don't want them to go through all the same things as I have gone through.
Have a great day I'll check in later.

:carrot:I guess I forgot to post this morning. I am down .4, and did my lower body and abs, then did some cardio for good measure.

I need all of you chicks to hound Sandye ~ she is on vacation and may need little reminders to get her workouts done :):carrot:

Delphi ~ I don't know what to say that hasn't already been said :hug:

OMGOMGOMG!!!!!

I was just going through and rearranging my clothes to sort through what I wanted to get rid of, and I found a stash of pants. Two pairs of work/dress pants and about 5 pairs of jeans! Both work pants FIT (they don't look too great, but they actually FIT) in sizes 22 and 24. One pair of jeans was too big, one fit great, one zips but isn't flattering YET (and they're the super cute ones with stuff on the butt) and two that are still too small but will be great when I lose more! I totally just got an extra pair of jeans by trying to get rid of stuff!!!

I just had to come and share!!

Also, my WW weigh-in, even with eating trash all weekend, not eating lunch until 4p today, not going to the gym and wearing shoes (last week, one lady gave me her pedicure flipflips cause I forgot to put on my lighter shoes) I was down 1.2 pounds!!!!!! I've lost 13.4 since I joined in April, just 2.5 months ago. I'm totally going to hit 5% of my starting weight next week, I KNOW IT!!

WOW that s awesome. Isn't it nice when we actually fit into a new size, and see the rewards of our labor?

Way to go, keep up the great work!
I am sure you will obtain your goal if you keep at it.

Delphi - Wow, you've had an eventful weekend. I really hope Canaan is doing better. You're definitely in my thoughts and prayers. Hopefully everything will work out soon. Sending you lots of good vibes and hugs :hug:

I hope everyone had a fun and hopefully OP holiday weekend! Thank you for the bday wishes, it was certainly a memorable birthday :D Definitely drank more than usual, but ate OP (at least on Friday). Was so hung over Saturday, all I could do was lay on the couch, watch tv and eat.

I realized on Sunday the effect greasy foods have on energy levels. Despite getting enough sleep, I was still tired and felt lethargic. Didn't get any exercise in over the weekend and I'm up nearly 2 lbs.

Oh well, I've started fresh today and have been POP. I'm really trying to up my water intake to get rid of the water weight. We'll see what happens.

Delphi, my prayers are with you! I'll pray that God will help you in making your decisions regarding his treatment.

Glutio, you can most definitely see the difference in your face! You are doing great!!

Hi to everyone else! I had a bad weekend of eating. I was back on track yesterday but needed to get more water in.

Weigh-in is on Friday. Lots to do today. I'll check in later.

AAARRRGGHHHH! I'm up .4 today. I have stayed OP since the 1st, did my exercises everyday but Sunday, drank my water. I know .4 isn't much, but still! Could be TOM. I never know since my surgery. I ama little sad/puffy/grumpy ` that must be it.

GLUTIO Way to go!

SANDYE Did you do your lower body last night?

Good morning ladies!! I hope everyone has a wonderfully OP eating and exercising day!

Yes, Sandye, did you do your lower body workout? C'mon girlie! You need to keep it up! :cheer:

LTTG, Don't give that .4 a second thought. Honestly, your body has normal fluctuations up and down. NOBODY just goes down day after day after day, and EVERYONE has up days. That's just the way it works, but overall, if you stay OP, you will continue to drop weight! :dancer:

Lene, good job getting back on track yesterday! Drink your water! :coffee2:

Ruby, good for you jumping back on track after birthday fun and a rough weekend! Definitely drink your water and stay OP and you'll see that 2 lbs come back off! :yes:

Glutio, congrats on being 1.2 lbs down and fitting into smaller size clothes! :carrot:

Mystical, good for you on making better choices for yourself and your family!! That is wonderful!! You are so right that now is the time to teach them about healthy eating! Too many children have type 2 diabetes and/or obesity now, and teaching your kids about healthier food choices and exercise is just responsible parenting! My children loved chicken nuggets, mac and cheese, hotdogs, etc. (still do for that matter!), so I know how difficult a child's palate can be, but even introducing lots of fruits and veggies into their diets will help them get the proper nutrients and fill them up on things other than junk. Also, my children did not have video games until they were older, never had motorized vehicle toys to ride (amid protests, lol), and did have bikes, basketballs, a swingset with fort, etc., so they were always outside playing, and they were involved in team sports all year round from kindergarten to college, so I lucked out in having active, healthy children (although my son at 19 years old did develop type 1 diabetes, the inherited kind that is not caused by diet). I think it's wonderful that you are planning for your children's healthy futures now! What a good mom! :cp:

Delphi, you are still in my thoughts and prayers! :hug:

FSA, I hope you doing well and TOM hasn't been too hard on you! Miss having you around! :(

I know I'm a few days late, but I'd love to join (I definitely need the accountability)!

I've lost 2 lbs. so far this month and would like to lose another 8, bringing me to a total of 10 lbs. in July! (Family camping/canoe trip on 7/31- perfect!)

:welcome: Petunia! Good to have you! I've added you to the list. I put lose 10 lbs as your goal with the understanding that you've already lost 2 of those lbs! Congrats on that loss!! Great job! :carrot: And good luck on losing the other 8 lbs! You can do it!

Good morning ladies hope all is going well with you today!

Sandye Keep up the exercise I know you can do it :cheer2:

LTTG I know how hard it is to see the weight go up and down but I try not to weigh myself but once a week and that seems to help me with my mindset or at least that is how I play the mind game LOL

Glutio That is awesome! It is always a great boost when you can get into smaller clothes I can't wait until I get there. Hopefully I will be able to keep up the tread like all of you. :bravo:

Jaqui D You should be proud I having taken you tips about keeping a bottle of watter with me and believe it or not I have made it 2 days now with only drinking water :cp: I can't believe it myself but I am actually doing it. I have to say I did sneek a peek at my weight loss but it isn't official until tomorrow so I am going to wait until tomorrow before posting it....

For anyone I missed I hope you are all have a wonderful day and staying on plan. I know you can do it because you have all given me the strength and support to keep up with my plan.

As for today nothing really planned it is cloudy and overcast kind of a lazy day. Doubt I get to relax though. My husband struggles with his weight as well. He has 2 brothers that eat everything in the house and are skinny as a rail and he gains weight just smelling a donut....His family always makes this little remarks how he needs to do something about his belly, his mother always tells him that he didn't get that from her and that he should do something about it because he is getting fat. He tries not to let it get to him but I can tell it does. I am trying to give him the support that you all have given me. I know that with some of the changes that we are making his weight will come down as well. Thanks for all the help and support you guys are awesome... :thanks:

Jacqui_D - I'm so with you on the green tea, but i'm a lover of teas in general -peppermint (fresh mint in the summer) is a favourite, but my number one would have to be white tea. I love to buy the little buds and watch them unfold in a glass teacup.
Flower teas as well. I miss where I used to live, all these were so easily gettable! but not where I am now.

well done to everyone who stayed OP over the weekend! I'm glad to be so far away from temptation - I'm not sure how I would have fared.

Under 191 today! Only 5.5lbs to go for my July goal! Becoming no longer obese is my greatest motivation yet. :)

Good Morning All! So My first weigh in of the week and I am up 1 lb but that's ok! I had a couple of naughty weeks so i'll take the 1lb! Hopefully with my new exercise schedule I will actually see a drop witihin the week.

Mystical Goodluck with your new plans!

lookingtobehealthy Well done on the 2lbs drop. I know you can make your next goal!

lewisempire LMAO does burn calories - so keep on laughing! :lol:

Jacqui_D Thanks for the infor on the Green tea - I may just have to start drinking it more often :D

late_to_the_game Congrats on the drop! :cp:

Glutio Yay for the pants! And congrats on the -1.2lbs! :cp:

ruby5839 Good job getting back OP. We all have those weekends were things fall of the wagon!

Petunia418 Welcome and welldone on the -2lbs this month already :cp:

merose you must feel great knowing that it is in your reach!