Hi ladies, I'm back from my weekend out of town. Just saying a quick hi before I hit the gym since I didn't get a chance to do as much as I would have liked. But I would like to say that I enjoyed myself tremendously and did go off plan a little, but there was no weight gain. Yay! I will get to personals and talk more about my weekend later. Hope everyone had a great weekend.

Just a quick hello. Had a fun weekend also. Will post more tomorrow!

hello ladies! just back in from vacation, which was great. and i exercised EVERY DAY! that's a real victory for me. I have to read through all the posts, but i wanted to stop in and say hi first. glad to be back on the boards.

CM04: I grew up in Santa Rosa. Thats a few hours away from Sacramento. I'm in LA now, but I think we are trying to move to Orange County since its such a nice area and my boyfriend got a good job there recently. And wow, 59.5 inches???? Hope you have treated yourself to lots of cute clothes. Hope you had fun eating your cuppy cake.

FSM: hope you feel better soon.

jessicado: congrats on the loss! Omg I totally do that too. I'm under 250 now (well barely, but still!) and I'm excited that I'm closer to 200 than 300.

delphi: wow thats soo insirping! You are almost at 70lbs since Feb. I love hearing about your success and I know you will be at your goal in no time.

NSM: I tried nutrisystem a few years ago and lost 30 lbs in about 3 months. I missed the taste of real food too. But I was able to keep losing about 50 lbs after that. I just hope that this time I can lose it and have it stay off me.

ruth-

misspiggy: congrats on your loss and getting into the pants! And its ok to eat carls jr sometimes. Atleast you didn't eat the whole thing. Have fun at date night.

jeweliek: I really want to start running and will start C25K soon. My boyfriend runs and I want to do that with him. For me though, running is really painful. My stupid boobs are too big and its physically painful for me to run. I want to get a reduction, but I need to lose some lbs before that so I hope that I can lose more weight before that happens. However, maybe after I lose a bunch of weight, I won't need one. We'll see. Well at any rate, I definatly want to lose more before I feel good about running.

Aclai- Congrats on meeting your goals!

miss mallee- on your loss!

echo- You can do it! You are almost there.

susie- Its hard to get back into it, but just jump right in and you will be losing again in no time.

LTG- Yay for the pants fitting. I can't wait to start busting out some of my smaller sizes.

hotsplashes: wow 4 lbs! Thats huge.

shrinking girl: Hope you had fun with your friends. I bet you were rocking out with confidence with the pants fitting and all.

My out of town weekend with my friends was fun. One of my college roommates has a cabin in the Santa Cruz mountains and we go every August and just hang out since a lot of these people I don't get to see very often. On Friday, we went out for dinner and drinks. I decided to be DD so that I would have an excuse not to drink. I still had fun, even though someone backed into my friend's car that I was driving. Then on Saturday I did drink, but I had bought these 64 cal beers they always advertise on tv so that I wouldn't stick out like a sore thumb. I'm so happy with the way I handeled our pizza situation. We always order like 4-7 pizzas Saturday evening (depending on how many people come) and theres always so much leftover. I only ate 2 pieces over the course of the night. I know thats not that great, but for me seeing as how I do in previous years, it was a huge victory. I'm used to downing like 5-6 pieces for dinner, then drinking lots, and eating more at midnight. Then I wake up in the morning and eat a few more before breakfast. So I had 2 slices all weekend and for that I'm . I did eat more chips and salsa than I would have liked, but I made sure to drinks lots and lots of water. I also woke up really early on Saturday before everyone woke up and made my boyfriend come on a brisk walk with me. Then before dinner, I dragged everyone outside to the volleyball area to play. We were bad, but I did sweat running around. Its funny because we have been talking about playing for the last 5 years and finally it happened and everyone had fun. When I got home I was thinking that I would be ok with like a 2-3 lb gain because of the salt content in my food intake. But I didn't gain anything at all, just maintained. My worst has been the last couple years, I gain like 7-8 lbs in water weight from all the pizza, sugary drinks and salty snacking all day. (I have never admitted this to anyone until now so I hope you guys don't get too disgusted) I decided to top off the weekend with some cardio at the gym after we got back into town.
I am so happy and thankful for finding this board. I was biting my nails stressing out about this weekend because of how bad I did in the past. It was hard not to pig out and drink a lot, but I knew I didn't want to come back here and admit it. I couldn't have done it without your support and motivation.

Sasha--Way to go! Lol, I am not disgusted at all, that sounds just like me! Any type of event always involves food for me. For example: camping always involves pigging out on chips and smores, etc. In fact, when I was all geared up to start dieting, I waited a week because my family had rented a beachhouse for a week, and I knew I would be pigging out.
That is so awesome that you did so well! And exercised too! Congrats on not gaining--you earned it!

dcapulet--Welcome back, and wtg for exercising every day! As you might have guessed from my reply to Sasha, I'm lazy on vacations, lol.

Crazymama--Congrats on making it to your goal! How neat you can fit in your dress again! And thanks for the advice. I think I might need to try alternating my calories instead of just sticking with 1200 or so each day. Thanks for the link, I'll check it out to see what they suggest for me for zigzagging! I was just doing a piece of fruit for breakfast, but lately I have been doing a bunch of fruit with yogurt for extra calories. (Yesterday with the orange was just a relapse because it was a really busy day). For lunch and dinner, I was doing larger meals, but I think I'll try your advice of the 3 larger meals with snacking inbetween instead and see what happens. I wasn't snacking before at all, so maybe that is part of my problem.

Shrinking Girl--congrats on the 3 weeks of C25K! I watched you start the program and you are actually the person who motivated me to try it! And double congrats on the pants fitting! I am such a clothes wh*re myself....they are totally my motivation for losing weight. I have boxes of old clothes to fit into, and every few weeks I will go through and retry stuff on...having things fit again is just the ultimate reward and motivation all at once!

Delphi--thanks for the advice too. I have been doing an hour aday for the past week, but alot of that was strength training, so I have decided to add more cardio and see if that helps speed things up too!

So anyways, I am going to try the few things mentioned above and see if that makes any difference. I don't want to go too extreme or anything, but if there was a few healthy changes I could make to speed up my loss while I am still so large, I want to take full advantage of it! I think I have decided to do some slight zigzagging, eat 3 large meals with some snacking, back down on the soy products and increase veggies even more, not eating late, and more intense workouts and see if I notice a difference in the next few weeks.

On that note--did my first day of the C25K today! Wasn't as horrible as I thought it would be....but def not the funnest experience of my life! About 1/2 later though, I really felt refreshed and better than I had all day before.....so apparently it agreed with me. Also started working out today to Biggest Loser today which did seem to keep my heartrate up, so will keep with that one. Turbo Jam just didn't seem to click with me as much, so will put that one on the backshelf for awhile.

Well, hope everyone sees results for their hard work this last week....we can do it ladies!

Good Morning Ladies

Jacque ~ Awe 's hun. I know it has to be tough, but you hang in there kiddo.

Jessica ~ Way to go on starting your C25k. I wish you the best of luck with it.

Shasha ~ Wow, what a weekend. Sounds like if anything you did have a good time though. Here's to starting a new OP week.

dcapulet ~ back dear.

Shrinking ~ on getting through week 3. That is an accomplishment indeed.

A big hello to all my other gals, hopefully I can keep up with personals now.

Well as for me, I managed to get in a little cardio this morning without too many distractions..loved the part where I was trying to get the knot out of my son's shoe while doing the step during my cardio...yuppers, that was groovy. At any rate, here's to a new week and the last full week, so lets give it all we got and hit those goals ladies.

Thank you!
and congratulations to you, for maintaining!!

good luck girls for the final week !! and all the best for the official weigh in next monday!!! :

Good Morning Girls!!!

It's the start of a brand new week--everyone ready for the last final push? Let's finish this month strong ladies!!!

SG~ I am the Queen of Clutter. I went through a giant organize and purge fest at the beginning of the year, but never quite managed to get the whole house under control and things have slipped a bit. We're planning on switching the kids' rooms around here soon so I'm hoping that that will help get some of this stuff under control again! Congrats on those jeans fitting and finishing the 3rd week girlie! Did the brace help with your knee pain? I haven't looked at week 4 yet...I tend to wait until the night before so I don't spend too much time scared out of my mind

Delphi~ I can just see you untying that knot while exercising--talk about multi-tasking!! Man, 70 lbs...that's more than both of my girls put together! You have done an amazing job dear!

Shasha~ ahhhh Santa Cruz!!! I love that place! My Uncle lives there--well, two of my Uncles actually. I used to love shopping downtown! We'd make a day trip when we'd go camping at Sunset Beach (about 30 mins down the coast), ahhh, memories! Only part I can do without--Hwy 17! I hate that stretch of road! Scares the bejimminies outta me! Sounds like you had a wonderful weekend and you should definitely be proud of yourself! You have really made some lifestyle changes hun! You enjoyed some pizza, but didn't go overboard, had a couple of drinks, but didn't go crazy with it, you exercised and for all of that you should give yourself a huge pat on the back! And as for being 'disgusted' Hahaha! No way! Sounds just like the former me! I gained 10 lbs in one week on my honeymoon, and believe me, it wasn't all water weight!

MsP~ Heya hun! Looking forward to hearing about your weekend!

dcapulet~ Welcome back girlie! WOO HOO! WTG with the exercise hun! Did you get your sunrise yoga in? I hope so! Can't wait to hear about your fun vacation!!

Jessica~ hey, no problem! I found that link poking around here on the boards so I'm happy to pass it on! Congrats on starting the C25K!! Just take each week one at a time and you'll be amazed by what you can do! Do you have an iPod/MP3? If so, are you listening to the C25K podcasts while you run? If you want a link, let me know and I'll post it for you.

Jacque~ Awwww you poor thing! Like I said before, I get weepy about middle school, I don't know how you did 2 going off to college! *sniff* Glad to hear your mom is doing well, I'm sure she'll overcome the obstacles and come out of rehab with flying colors!

Well, the party was nice and the cupcakes--Divine! Mmmm! I swear, every single time my fil makes his carrot cake cupcakes--they get better and better! I had one chocolate and one carrot and then quickly put them away (after everyone was finished coming back for 2nds, 3rds and 4ths--they were that good!!!). I managed to put out chips, dip, salsa, pretzels, corn chips, veggies and dip and a big ol' fruit tray and not have a single bite of anything. I didn't feel deprived either! Just looking at my favorite lime tortilla chips made my mouth dry with all the salt that's on them and I instantly thought: Water Weight!!!

The girls were beyond shy and took a long time to be social with the kids, but they had fun. My mil made the girls princess dresses that are beyond adorable and I can tell you that Em is going to be living in hers! They were given lots of Princess stuff and now I really feel like a Mom of Girls. This is the first time they've gotten Princess stuff and they're just in heaven!!

So, got in my workouts today and I was down a little this morning despite the 2 cupcakes Whew! Not much else planned for the day, just recouping from the weekend, maybe helping hubby put together the girls' playhouse (he's coming home early so he can go to the dr to have his poison ivy rash looked at)...ya know, just stuff.

Okay girls, well, we're in the home stretch now, so let's make it count!! Now get out there and have a great day! And be sure to...

Drink Your Water!!!

Hi girls. One week to go in August. Let's meet those goals!!! It's great to see the red showing up on the goals list already.

As for me I have to lose another 1.3 to make it to Onderland! I started the month out great but then hit a major plateau through the middle of the month. I weighed in today and am down another 0.8. Hopefully that is the end of the stall. I am looking forward to September and starting P90X. I have recruited a neighbor and my husband into doing the videos as well so between the 2 of them I really have no excuse not to stay on track. Time to start thinking about what my September goals will be.

Delphi-Good to know I'm not the only one solving my kids' problems while exercising. That cracked me up...I just love that I can relate so well to you ladies!

So, my weekend was really nice. Okay, the house we're selling is in Green Bay, so we packed during the day Saturday then went to the game that night. Before the game, we went to grill out at a friend's house who lives a few blocks from Lambeau Field. I did not eat POP there, but did alright. I did not overeat, so I was content with my eating. I only had a Diet Coke while at the game...so I was proud of myself for that. Sunday was less successful food-wise. I did not realize it fully at the time, but I must have gone WAY overboard for lunch. I felt so full the rest of the day, I did not eat supper. I'm more than sure I exceeded my calorie needs at breakfast and lunch, so I ended up finding 1.4 pounds, but plan to rid myself of those ASAP. We'll call Sunday a lesson in what not to do at a restaurant!
Today's been great. I got in my normal exercise, been eating good foods, and have a nice day ahead of me. I look forward to catching up on here and seeing all the progress you wonderful women are making!

Sandye ~ Sounds like a delightful weekend indeed. Must be great to have little girls..all that princess stuff and all. But the good Lord saw fit, that boys were better suited for me. If I ever marry anyone, I'm gonna make sure that man has a little girl I can spoil endlessly.

Nello ~ Oh you are sooooo close to Onederland. We have a seat all warm waiting on you.

MsP ~ Yup, it's amazing what we can do. Multitasking just comes natural I suppose.

Thanks Delphi - I love to watch your weight loss progress as we started with similar stats. You are doing an awesome job and a great inspiration.

CMo4--I found some podcasts online and that is what I listened too on my ipod. I think the one I got is by Robert something or other. If anyone knows of something better though, please let me know!

And, the few changes I have made are already paying off! (I think it might have been the all the soy products hindering me honestly) I had dropped down a little over a pound down to 273 for my weigh in yesterday, and I had been expecting the scale to go up a little as usual...so I figured the scale would be back up today for sure....but it was down to 272!! I'm not changing my tickers yet as it might be too good to be true, but it is so awesome to see the scale moving again at a faster pace! I don't expect to lose a pound a day anymore as I am sure things will even out with the new changes (I don't want to lose too much weight either), but just am so excited to see the scale moving down right now I could bust. I am so close to getting out of the 270s! I has taken me twice as long to do this, because of the d*mn Wii scale being off 20 pounds at the last house...so I actually thought I was already down to 270, only to move and find out that the carpet had been messing the scale up, and I was really 20 pounds heavier.

Thanks nello and Jessica...I LOVE your new avatar. I tried to change my gamertag to TruffleShuffle the other day but it was already taken. I love me some Goonies.