Staccie, don't feel bad. We have all been there. Even as I am telling myself I am not even hungry and my clothes don't fit I am looking for something that tastes good. Obviously, we are hardwired to seek out immediate gratification and our psyche needs a reason to justify. So we have all been on that - I blew it anyway so what difference does it make merry-go-round.

That is the beauty of this place, we save you the trip to the therapist and you can verbalize your feelings, almost like keeping a journal.

Today is a new day. Just make one small step towards the right path.

Random exercise thought.

Twice recently I have seen a feature, on TV and an article in a magazine, about "shaking things up" on the treadmill to boost your workout - e.g. walking backwards or sideways.

I gave this a try yesterday - OMG!

I must be the world's most uncoordinated person on the treadmill.

I had to slow the speed down to less than half a mile/hour to walk backwards and still almost fell off. Of course it took a few actual tosses off to find that pathetic speed.

I felt like George Jetson on the treadmill with Astro operating the controls.



Today was marginally better. I thought I would do the sideways thing instead.

I could somewhat handle it turned to the right but apparently have no coordination doing it to the left. Eventually I was able to right myself and let go of the bar.

:woops:

Heres a big hoo-rah to Popcorn for her uplifting moment of the day. :)

Stacie AND EVERYONE- popcorn is right, its a new day, get back on the horse and do this. I kinda giggle to myself when I read some of our posts and we say, "today was a bad day, blah...blah..blah (including me), tomorrow is a new day, I will not do it again" - LMAO, yes we will! Of course we will, were only human! Do we not see skinny people at Red Lobster, Olive Garden, Ale House?! YES!!! Skinny people eat too. So, I was thinking about this last night. I have not stuck to my diet like I should over the past month, BUT...dammit, I havent gained any weight either (PS...got on the scale this morning and I was back at 166, so only a 1 pd weight gain). You can diet if your not in it whole heartedly and what I realized is, I lost 55 freakin pounds, thats darn good and if it takes me a year to lose another 35-45, so be it. As long as Im not gaining, Im not going to stress about it. Anyway, Stacie...your doing well, your trying and yes, of course there are times where I eat a little and say "to **** with it" and eat more, it happens, just as popcorn said..its a new day. And you are incredibly powerful, smart and beautiful, you'll get there soon enough. Just dont let a bad day turn into DAYS (notice, plural S, lol).

Neesy- I havent worked out the Mexico details yet but once I do, I will post it here for anyone who is interested. Im looking in March because it falls around taxes and I can just pay everything up front. Ill probably contact the travel agent in December, anyway...Ill keep you posted.

I took my Gabadoo out for breakfast this morning. My mom couldnt bring her to school because of an appointment so I went in an hour late and we went for breakfast, it was so nice. I wish I could do it more often. More times than I can count, I wish I could be a stay at home mom. Im an extremely intelligent woman and have done well for myself in my career and life (heck, I bought my own house by myself in a gated community at 24) but I wish so bad I could be there more. It breaks my heart when she has events at school and I cant make it because of an important meeting or what not. I try to make as many as possible, but theres the rare occasion. Anyway, Im babbling today, sorry. Hope everyone has a skinny day. PS- me and Dance get to meet today!!! YAY!!! We will officially be the first people from this forum that get to meet each other face to face, Im excited. :)

POPCORN- LMAO, thanks for the morning giggle, I dont know whats funnier the George Jetson comment or seeing the bounching smiley on the treadmill that matched so perfectly with your post, lol. Anyway- people at my gym do it ALL THE TIME, its a regular thing and yes, sometimes, for the few that try it and have no idea what their doing, ahem-ME! It is quite comical, so you are not alone.

Well goodmorning ladies! Lindy, I wrote previously and told Dance that I had to work today and would not be able to meet you both. I was so looking forward to putting a face to the typing (lol), but unfortunately I won't be able to. I hope you both have a great time and a nice walk around Lake Eola. It is so nice around there, and I am sure she will enjoy it.

Lindy is right on about Jillian Michaels and her new book about hormones. It makes all the difference to weight loss and STACCIE cravings for binging and food. I love the book and am actually getting ready to read it again. It is a lot of information, but made alot of difference in my eating habits, and hormonal balance, and most of all food cravings. Staccie I used to just seriously crave junk food, fast food, salts, sugars and whatever else. I would eat something and then say to myself "the **** with it" and pig out. I no longer do that, and I attribute it to keeping my hormones and system balance. Anyway, just an idea for you.

Neesy, so glad the card arrived. Your welcome! Oh, and another 3lbs? Wow, congratulations!!! That is huge, you are catching up to Dance and Lindy!!!!

Popcorn, hilarious about the treadmill.........LMAO. Yes, I have been there to and thought I would fly off the back and hit the wall at the gym!!!

Well, doing good, food is good, as is my workouts. If I can beat the rain, I am going to get out there shortly and walk. Lately I am hooked on oatmeal with fresh blueberries mixed in........yummmy and only 170 calories ;-) I weighed this morning and was down another pound. Yes, only 2 to go to this weeks goal.

AJ, how is your day going? Is your food good and hey........did you get your workout in ?????

Dance hope your flight is good and your time in Orlando is wonderful. Take some phone pics for us!

Tiff how are you doing? We miss you.

Morning, girls and greetings from warm Orlando! Looking forward to walking with Lindy later today! AJ - I'm so bummed I didn't get to meet you before you left Denver - hoping we can make up for it at Christmas!

Staccie - I hope today is looking brighter!

Lindy - totally agree that it's more than okay to take the occasional break from our eating plans - as long as the overall trend is downward, we're still doing good! And we all know that if we want to move the dial faster, then we should have less breaks/treats.

mygrits - wow, another pound! Girl, you are cranking!!

popcorn - I'd be up for walking backwards outside but no way on a treadmill - they mess with my sense of reality anyway - too funny!

pammy - you look so great in your progress pics! Girls - if you haven't already, check out her link to photos!

All right - off to visit properties. Hope you all have a great day!

Stacy- Dont worry about it so much. We all have our moments. :)
Popcorn - LOL at the Jetsons thing. I could actually visualize that. Good luck with that haha.
Lindy- Thats so neat going to meet dace and finally being able to put a face to the name. It would be really awesome to have a 3FC reunion one of these days where everyone could meet up. I feel I owe a TON to all of the 3FC woman, and the chance to meet everyone and give everyone a big freaking kiss would be great haha.

Today is a total blah day for me. I have to start cleaning for my bf and his family and I have to help my sister finish painting her bathroom. 15 days till he gets here!!! My TOM is killing me and I really just want to get back in bed. blah...

Pammy- ya know...I remember looking at your before and after pics and being amazed, in fact, Im pretty sure I notated something along the lines of you being really inspirational for me. Anyway - congrats! Ugh...I hate to ask this but Im having a total brain fart...did you tell us what program you were on and when you started your healthy lifestyle change?

Dance- I hope it doesnt do a misty rain like yesterday evening, that poo-poo weather. :( Your going to love Lake Eola, Im just not sure your going to be able to appreciate it as much with it getting so dark so fast. We will see.

Mygrits- YAY! Im so excited to see you back on track and in the zone. Im jealous that you work in a health foods store bc I would love to shop at one but it really is double my budget. Sorry to hear you couldnt make it but I figured as much with your crazy schedule these days. Im just happy you were able to get the job, you definately seem a lot less stressed. :)

Ok, Im still full from breakfast so there is no way Im eating lunch, I physically dont have the room in my belly. I know I should have something small but seriously, Im FULL, lol. Ill catch up later.

Popcorn!- Thanks for the morning laugh. Only because I tried it too and was the same way. Staccie does it when she is bored with it. I was like how the he11? So I tried it with the supervision of my husband and almost died. haha.

No workout yesterday. Of course. Food wasn't great. I just lose it about 7 at night. I need to start getting up @ like 4 and going to sleep at 6!! Its like all of my motivation flies out the window when my husband gets home from class. I cried to an hour last night and he promised to help me push harder if I helped him. =( Does anyone here have a skinny partner that thinks they are fatter than they are? Davey barely has a ounce of fat and weighs less than me and he kind of takes the air out of my balloon. I respect his struggle and his feelings but still... I would give almost anything to be that lean.

AJ-I was about the same weight as my husband when I started this diet. We were both around 240. Though he is 6'4" and I'm 5'6". Thats when I decided... that this is crazy. I need to lose weight. He's 225-230 now. So.. I'm inching farther away. But yeah.. I feel your pain. He eats whatever he wants and is still skinny as heck. Men suck.

Well TOM arrived early so that explains the no weight loss. Also maybe my weird big mac craving but I really haven't craved anything else. No chocolate, no other salts. Weird. Good but weird. I am feeling sick and icky so I will spend today on the couch and tonight in the gym. =(

AJ, I so understand where you are at. Bubba is 6'3 and when we met he weighed 230 and I weighed 240, but I had previously weighed 270 - much larger than him. He was all muscle and I was all fat. It seemed like nothing would motivate me, but I finally decided I would try one more time and I lost down to 180. I did regain some, from major stress from caring for my father-in-law when he was dying of cancer. What worked for me after trying every major diet out there? Keeping a calendar schedule, and realizing I loved myself more than food. I have made mistakes and fallen of the wagon, but I know what works and just have to jump back on it without being pissed at myself. Remember, is is a lifestyle change ;-) Oh, with Tom being here for you, I bet you were down 2 to 3 pounds!!!

Lindy thanks for the compliment ;-) I have learned so much at the Health Food Store and yes, if you ever need anything let me know. I get 35% off nutrients and 20% off foods. I hope you and Lindy have a wonderful time today. Take pics!

Today has been good. I didn't work out, because I have been working most of the day. Food is good though. I started eating an Ezekiel Wrap with loads of veggies, grated cheese and Vidalia Onion Salad Dressing. YUM!

Check in later ;-)

Hi all,

Thanks for the motivation! I am feeling grouchy and annoyed today but less negative about things. People are just getting on my nerves.

Going to Yoga tonight and that will be great. I am eating cajun chicken breast and baked red peppers, zuchinni and carrots right now. Very colorful meal, tastes pretty good too.

Dance and Lindy - you're meeting today, that is awesome! I hope to meet you all one day too!!

Sandy - thanks for the tip, I am totally going to look into that. You guys are much better than a therapist that costs $100.00 an hour!!!

Aj - TOM is visiting heh - what an arsehole. I am such a bloated hag when I get mine!

Popcorn - I've been walking backwards on the treadmill for a long time and it's an amazing workout - but it does take awhile to get coordinated and I had a few 'incidents' lol. Thanks for the giggle!

There are all these guys at work that eat like pigs and are as skinny as Kate Moss (well not really but close) - I hate it! But heh, I wouldn't want something hanging between my legs so I guess I will take being a chick :)

Well I have a busy afternoon...then Yoga, then work for a few more hours and then to bed. I am feeling good - confident about resisting temptations... you girls are the BEST!!!!

I found a skinny picture of me last night and I am carrying it with me now...so when the urge comes I am going to look at that and rub it all over my arse if I have to so I can say no (ok that sounded gross, but I meant it would be with pants on).

S

Lindy-i knew that weight would come off soon. Have you stayed away from the pumpkin pie? I am just about done with my holiday shopping, just one nephew to go.

Popcorn-yay for your hubby noticing the loss and fitting into more clothes. You know, I dont remember ever going to a Red Lobster. My hubby doesnt like seafood so we never go. I've never tried the treadmill thing but you made me laugh.

Mygrits-too bad you have to work and cant meet up with Lindy and Dance. Your oatmeal and blueberries sounds yummy.

Dance-so happy for you that you are focusing on you and letting your bf deal with his issues. You have come a long way and glad you found us here to help you. Have fun in Orlando

Simple-when you bike to work, how far is it? We live so far from everything its not possible to bike, it would take me all day.

Neesy-3 lbs is amazing. You are far away from your hubbys weight now. When I started I was 236 and my hubby was around 265 so I was getting close so, I knew I wanted to do something.

AJ-TOM sucks, relax on the couch and get in a nice workout so you can feel better. Glad your hubby is going to start pushing you more, you are so close to goal.

Pam-painting always seems like a chore. Hope you got it done. Where does your bf live?

Staccie-yea, sometimes when we cheat, we just say whatever and go all in. Its gonna happen, but just get right back to the right way of eating and more forward. LOL about your arse comment

Ok yesterday I ate and ate and ate, but I am not gonna dwell on it just more on. I cant go back and change it now. I have decided to do the grapefruit diet for 12 days and hopefully get over this plateau. That is what I did when I lost 32 lbs in 2005. I was up a couple lbs today so we will see if it helps. Gotta work tonight so gonna eat a nice dinner and stay out of the kitchen over there. I always want to eat there but I am gonna take a book to keep me occupied. The boys will probably be in bed when I get there. Easy night.

Have a great evening ladies.

AJ- Im so sorry honey you had a breakdown last night, it happens, I was in a funk a couple nights ago but didnt care to share because I didnt want to bring others down. Anyway, big hug! I haventgotten my TOM in about 2 months, this isnt anything new though, Im used to it, I have a spastic cycle. Oh and about the skinny partner, yes...every single partner Ive ever been with, even now, these guys weigh less than me in most cases and it is very depressing at times, my husband weighed the same as me and he was 5 inches taller, ugh. Its ok, youll get there and not have to worry about it. And let me tell all you girls, in the experience that I have with dating, all the guys with the exception of 2 (including douchebag Mr. 16, lol) have said the same thing when I say I want to get to 130, they are like--no way, your gonna be a stick, yuck, guys like some fluff. So its funny how we see our body image and what they actually want. Just food for thought.

Mygrits- your meal sounds awesome - I want some, lol.

Stacie- no, your the best! You give me giggles everyday, so thank you! Yoga will do you some good today, especially on extra stressful days. Good lucky getting through the rest of the day...you can do this-no cheating! Kill it girl, common!

Burgundy- noooo, I have steared clear of those darn pumpkin pies because I really cannot have just one. Glad to hear your so ahead with your Christmas shopping, I havent even started, lol. I always hear about the grapefruit diet, I also wanted to know what its about, I suppose I could google it, but youll have to let me know from your experience. I dont think it helps long term but to break through a plateau, do what you have to, I mean...look what I did and it worked quite well. Good luck!

Ok, heading out to meet Dance now. Ill check in tomorrow. Good nite girls - AJ---YOU CAN DO IT!!! Chew gum, do what you have to, dont sabotage your efforts you worked towards all day. LOVE YA!

Dance and Lindy-have fun and let us all know how it goes. Cant wait to meet all of you!!!

Lindy-the grapefruit diet is 2 eggs and 2 slices bacon and 8 oz or 1/2 a grapefruit for breakfast. Lunch-salad with any meat and any dressing and 8oz grapefruit juice or 1/2 fruit. Dinner-any meat, cooked any way, red or green veggies with grapefruit. Eat as much as you want at lunch and dinner. Drink lots of water. Can have diet drinks( I dont) You cant eat any starches. There are lists of things you can and cant have. It says you can lose 10 lbs in 12 day but I am not expecting to lose that much. Just losing any will be fine with me. I did this diet in 2005 and lost 32 lbs in 6 months. I kept it off until early 2008 when my MIL got sick with cancer. I gained it all back in 5 months. My mom also did it back in 2001 and lost over 60 or 70 lbs and has kept it off. Right now I am just looking to get over this plateau and not be a long term thing for me. I cant do it long term anymore. Hopefully this will do the trick.

Rayne- You look really great in your pic!! That diet has been around forever! My grandma use to eat it. =) It works.

Lindy- Thanks for all of the support. I can honestly say that you guys are my only friends right now. I don't know a single person here and still have met no one. I think that has a lot to do with my emotions now.

Lindy & Dance- Have fun!! I hope you took a picture. Did Gab go?

Staccie- Moo ha fa ra bah hah moo! The day is over and even though people are annoying... its over until tomorrow =) I love your skinny picture scrub. lol.

Sandy- Thank you so much! I do love myself way more than food. My heart and my impulses don't always work together but... eh. =) Your sandwhich sounds awesome.

I am forcing my self to eat. But thats good I am not hungry. Lots of protien shakes today. NO SALT! I am going to go walk now. I am feeling pretty slow but I think I can walk.

I just got done cleaning out my closet.. gave bags and bags of stuff away. I have a bunch of clothes that i only wore like once... jeans that were $80+.. so maybe i'll try to sell those on ebay. But it feels sooooo good to get rid of all the clothes that are now too big. It's refreshing. I will never let myself grow back into them. cuz they are gone!!!!! YAY

AJ-Thanks, that is one of the first pictures I have taken from eye level and there is no double chin!!! I used to take all pics looking up at the camera. Were you able to eat anything, at least you have your shakes.

Neesy-it is so fun when you can clean out your closet. I was doing that the other day and my husband told me to keep the nicer things to sell on ebay.

Hey girls.

You guys can always tell when I am on plan. I post endlessly. When I'm not, I disappear. I just can't make myself post to say that I am failing miserably. So I just stay away and ignore the obvious.

So today I was back on plan. I did great, yadda yadda yadda. I'm just not confident that it will last. I mean I hope it will. But who knows. I am trying.

Burgandy love your new avatar!

I think I am going to try the master cleanse that Lindy did a while back to get a jumpstart and get back to where my ticker says I am. Last time I checked it was veeeeeeery bad. I am avoiding the scale now.

This is the cycle that I thnk I have figured out:
Day 1: Do super great on plan and lose several lbs
Day 2: Do even better on plan and lose a bit more
Day 3 or 4: Gain a few ounces, say screw it and gorge.
Day 5-7 (or 20): Eat whatever I want and go to bed every night stuffed
Repeat

How can I break this cycle?? It's kinda ridiculous.

Lindy & Dance: I hope you guys had a blast. Wish I was closer. Meeting you skinny minnies would probably be huge motivation.

Popcorn: HILARIOUS image of your treadmill story!

Pam: Sorry you're in so much pain!

Mygrits: Thanks for asking about me...I always have you guys in the back of my head. I don't know if I will ever be able to post when I am off plan, but I will try. That is an AWESOME discount!

Tiff!- Thats my schedule. I still come here with my head held low but you need us most or at least I need you most of day 4-7!! I wish you would post always!

I worked out. First time in forever. treadmill, bike and weights. Also 10 minutes ball and thennnnn goddess booty dvd =) My first time doing it and I got the dvd 1 week ago. lol. I feel terrible and sweaty but I know I will be grateful tomorrow.

I am going to make a nest on the couch and watch cartoons. Peter pan maybe or UP =) I need to just let go of the rest of today and accept that I am down and out.

Howdy girls! Just got back from walking and having dinner with Lindy - let me just tell you - her pictures don't come close to doing her justice - so slim and the prettiest eyes ever! You get the idea from her photos but even better in person! :) We had a great time and talked about you all lots - can't wait till a larger group can get together!

AJ - woohoo for the workout queen! I'm going to run 4 miles on the hotel treadmill tomorrow - wanna join me?

burgundy - love love love the new avatar photo - you look gorgeous! Really curious to hear how the grapefruit diet goes - I like that it's high protein and some healthy carbs - sounds about perfect!

neesy - ooooh - closet cleaning and giving stuff away - that's the best! Good for you! It didn't occur to me to try to sell anything but none of my big clothes were very cute so it wouldn't have been worth trying.

tiff - I think we've all been on that exact same cycle - on the up a few onces day, come and post about it and we'll help you prevent the 'eat a bag of chips' that usually follows!!!

staccie - the image of you rubbing your (clothed) arse with the photo is cracking me up - too funny! I usually just tape a photo to the fridge but I guess I'm kind of conventional that way ;)

mygrits - we missed you but sounds like you did well eating today - good for you!

G'night ladies - hugs all around to my best girls!

I was feeling so sick and down. I have not lost like any scale weight so I needed to see the change. This is 1 month and 9 days!!! (the first one is) Look at my butt. My cellulite is going and so are my dang love handles!!

http://img194.imageshack.us/img194/4...kprogresst.jpg

This is amazing but not as much as my over all.

http://img195.imageshack.us/img195/217/progressside.jpg

Now this is amazing. Even after 1 month of committing to regular workouts.
This is from beginning of the first challenge to now.

http://img43.imageshack.us/img43/353...ssprogress.jpg

Very happy now =) No longer craving pizza. lol.

WOW AJ! Great job! What an amazing difference. You're thinner... EVERYWHERE! You have a great figure. I'm jealous! Lookin hot girl!

AJ - wow! Not much more to say than that - but wow!

Heading to bed, I am exhausted had such a long, long day.

Check in first thing tomorrow before heading to the gym

AJ- WOW...WOW...WOW!!! The difference is incredible and Im totally lovin your tats! Im a tattoo girl myself. ;) You have such a smokin bod already, just wait till you get to goal, it will be incredible. Keep you head up and kudos to you for staying away from the pizza!

Neesy- I did the same thing with my clothes last weekend. Isnt it an amazing feeling. My issue is -- now Im wearing the same things over and over. I have to wait till after the holidays to go on a shopping spree. On the positive, my bday is in January, so that will give me an excuse to go out. :D

Burgundy-- thanks for the details on the grapefruit diet, I might try that down the road. I LOVE grapefruit, although, I probably wont after the diet, lol...as those are my feelings about lemonade now, since my cleanse, lol.

Tiff- Ahhhh...the Master Cleanse. Definately not for the faint at heart. My recommendation is to start it on like 3 day weekend. Start it on a Thursday and take off Fri, Sat. and Sun because seriously, those days suck really bad. You cant function like you normally wood and you are cranky as all ****.

Dance AND EVERYONE- OMG---you are so sweet! Thank you! I feel the same way about you. Seriously girls, 160 is something to be proud of for sure, but Dance is so petite looking, I would have guessed she was more around 145 and oh my god, she has the most gorgeous hair I have ever seen (I forgot to tell you that Dance, lol). We had such a great time, it was like we have been friends for year, you would never think that we just met for the first time, thats for sure. And shes right, we talked about all of you and how exciting it will be when we finally get to meet each other. I had a wonderful time and enjoyed every second. Gab didnt go, she ended up hanging out with her friends, so it was just us, but it was good, it gave us time to take our time and get lost (literally-lol, we never did find the organic place).

So, today is a good day. I didnt do the gym today because I got home really late last night (hung out with a friend after meeting up with Dance), did get my walk in but only a mile because it started pouring and I had my dog with me and he and rain dont go well together, lol. Im starving this morning but trying to stay on track and be good, really I just want to ravage the snack machine but Im feeling pretty strong today, so Im in good shape.

AJ - holy cow! You look PHENOMENAL! What amazing progress and what a smokin' bod! I especially love how your upper arms look SOOO toned. Are you finding that all your clothes fit totally differently? Have you had to get rid of a bunch of stuff for being too big?

lindy - So great to see you last night! glad you got to meet up with your friend but you need to stay far far away from those packets of cheezits! If you don't, remember I'm in the neighborhood and could come by and cause a great big scene! :)

Anyone in for four miles today? I'm going to fit mine in after my morning meetings. Keep it skinny out there....

OMG AJ - HOT HOT HOT, WOW you look phenominal!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You should be so proud of how you are reshaping your body!

Lindy & Dance, I am so glad you both got to meet up last night and yes, jealous, as I wish I could have been there.

Burgund, I love your new photo. You look so pretty and yes, slimmer ;-)

This will be quick, as I need to get ready for work, but I wanted to peek in and say hello. Tom is here, so hopefully today won't be too bad ;-( I am going to try to atleast get some workout time in, if I can. I will check in after work. Bye for now.

Can't wait to one day meet you girls - you are the best!

What a crazy morning - just now catching up on everything so I hope I don't miss all the stuff I wanted to say.

AJ - Holy Smokes your transformation is amazing. And kudos to you girl for being brave enough to take pictures of your cellulite. I have had it my whole post-pubescent life, even when I was thin, so I have no desire to document it with a picture. I love animation too. One time did the Disney Workout - walking my way on the treadmill through each Disney picture in the order they were released in the Theater. It was an incentive to walk every day.

Staccie - if I thought rubbing a picture of myself on my arse would help then I would try it. ;) I'm a little more traditional like Dancer too. Thanks for the laugh. It helps keep us sane in this crazy diet world.

Burgundy - your new picture is beautiful. Yay for the straight on photo - hold your head up proudly you look great!

Dancer and Lindy - that is so cool that you guys got to meet each other. Hey Dancer how is the knee doing?

Neesy - it really is cathartic cleaning out the closet. I got rid of a few things that I had never worn or I wore it once when I lost weight two years ago just to say I fit into it. It was hard getting rid of some of my favorite things too but it was best in the long run. Just think of all the room you will have in your closet now for some new small clothes.

Pammy - that is so nice that you are helping your sister with her bathroom. Don't forget to make time for yourself - you deserve it!

Grits - I am not a fan of the vedalia onion thing but blueberries in the oatmeal sounds really good. I will have to try that this weekend. Usually I eat Cream of Wheat with a teaspoon of honey in it on one day of the weekend.

Tiff - please don't stay away from here when you are struggling. Those are the best days to check in. We all care about you and want to see you do well. I find that everday someone on this board says something to help me. And remember it is baby steps. Do not beat yourself up. :hug::hug:


Thanks for all the inspiration girls.

Another random exercise thought.

Yesterday due to time constraints I chose to do the Denise Austin Power Zone - The Ultimate Metabolism Boosting Workout DVD. I bought this five years ago because it got a good write up in a fitness magazine. It comes with a resistance band. It is about a 20 minute workout that combines strength & resistance training with cardio. I find it works pretty well for me.

Has anyone ever tried it?

But when I first got it I couldn't figure out who Denise Austin reminded me of on this video because she was annoyingly PERKY. Then it hit me -

she could have been the twin of SNL's Cheri Oteri's Spartan Cheerleader -Ariana. The only thing missing is Will Ferrill's Craig.

At one particular point I just want to yell out their cheer from the swim meet skit:

"Taco! Burrito! What's coming out of your Speedo?" :cheer3::cheer2::cheer3:

I always look forward to that point of the exercise tape. :exercise:


I have not noticed it as much with two other Denise Austin DVDs that I got since then.

Hey Friends,

Sorry to have gone awol yesterday but I wasn't able to get back to my computer.

Grits: Great tip with the calendar progress chart! I have also done that in the past and it seems to work well for me also. I'am even thinking I should start one up again...

Stacee- Lol...you are hilarious

Burgundy-Love you new picture! It also looks like your face has slimmed down some =-)

AJ- Sorry you were in a funk...You'll make friends I'm sure! Are you involved in any commnity activities? Co-rec sports leaugues, clubs etc are great ways to connect with people. BTW-Your transformation pics were very inspiring...your hard work is definitely showing!

Dance: I'll do four miles today...but it might be on a machine...does that count?

Tiff: Great to have you back! Would it be helpful for you to post at the same time everyday? Then even if you were not doing well you might go on and post just out of habit.

Alright, sorry if I missed anyone but I have to head out for work...I'll update you all about my stuff when I get home this evening.

and remember to make good choices everyone! (oozing with sarcasm)

Thanks to everyone for all the comments on my new pic.

Tiff-we all know what its like to fall off the wagon. Dont feel like you cant come to us and talk about it. It happens to everyone, we are only human. Maybe we can even help you to stay away from the bad stuff.

AJ-you look stunning, love your tattoos. What is the goddess booty dvd?

Dance and Lindy-glad you had a great time and hope we all seem like old friends when we meet.

Lindy-I can still tolerate grapefruit juice, but I love grapefruit. I mainly do the juice on the diet though. I can just down it.

Dance-I am gonna try to get a walk in today, not sure I can do 4 miles, but we'll see.

Mygrits-have a good day at work and get that workout in!!!

Popcorn-I am a fan of workout dvds too when time is limited. I have never done any of Denise Austins though.

Just got home a little while ago, but gonna have one of the boys in a few hours again. Grapefruit diet is going good. I did very well yesterday and already down a lb. I am still up from 204 but I will be back there soon. I need to get up and clean my house a little. I have been neglecting it. Have a great day everyone.

Hey girls...well today has turned into a pretty crumby day, not food wise, just in a funk. Im kinda not feeling so hot. A little is allergies and a little was my dumb decision to walk in the rain last night with my friend (after Dance and I went walking). So, I just want to go home and curl up under my blankets and sleep. :(

Dance - lol, cheezits! Ive steared clear of them today, thank god. Ugh, you are in Orlando when we are having the worst weather ever. Too bad you couldnt be around this weekend, its supposed to be gorgeous.

Popcorn- ahhhhh, those darn perky fitness instructors. The girl that does my bodyworks class at my gym, her name is Michelle and she insanely perky, then she says last week, ok girls, I had 5 m&m's (not packets, like...3 individual M&M's, lol) last night, so we have to workout extra hard this morning for me doing so bad with my eating. GRRRRRRRR....I love her but at that moment, I wanted to kill the B, lol. I mean seriously, I would say that if I consumed 5 packets of m&m's, as this has, ahem...happened (well, maybe not 5 but you get my point).

Burgundy- Im excited to see your results from the grapefruit diet, it seems relatively simple, although, Im sure I would be starving by the end of the day but I sure do love grapefruit so its a possibility I might try it.

simply - miles on a machine definitely count! Mine will be on a treadmill too unless I decide to be adventurous and get out and explore a local park. Probably the treadmill though!

aj - I met some great girls in denver through a belly dance class - any chance there's one of those nearby that you could try?

Hi chicks,

I'm just about to lace up my runners to go to the gym, need to get there today. I am officially old. I am waking up 5 min prior to my alarm going off, all week long - that's never happened to me before. But alas, today I went back to sleep - and slept way too long. Oh well, guess I needed it. Sometimes I like to stay in bed I am convinced because I feel skinnier and in my dreams I am always at least 50 pounds smaller. LOL. I wonder what will happen when I am 50 pounds smaller in my dreams. We have a holiday day today but after the gym I have to work, I have a ton to do.

AJ - I saw on FB that you are having a hard time with your back...hope you are ok!

Sandy - give TOM a good kick in the arse...and have a good day at work!

Popcorn - LOL about your speedo comment. I've never done an exercise video, unless you count Cindy Crawford back in the early 1990's. Needless to say I never did get her body, but I did fake out her mole for awhile :) I prefer going to the gym but it does give great thought about time constraints. I might have to invest in some for the Olympics :)

Simple - have a good day at work!

Burgandy - your grapefruit thing sounds like it's going well for you. I hate grapefruit, I get old lady pucker lips when I try and eat it. I can't wait for you to get under 200....live through others until I get there. It's just something about not seeing that 2 anymore....

Lindy - good on you for steering away from the cheese things...but sorry to hear you are not feeling well. Hopefully it disappears soon!!! And so happy to hear about you and Dance meeting up...and I so agree about the hair - beautiful. Dance how long does it take you to do it?

Hey, I have a question. Does anyone have a little hump on the back of their neck (top of their spine). I've really noticed mine lately and it's bothering me. I had it before when I was heavier and it got smaller as I did. My posture is an issue, I have to work on that!

Lindy- Sorry about your funk. I get it. I am right there with you. I have more problems than... well a lot. I hope you feel better. eat well today no matter what!

Staccie- I am having back problems. Advil helped. I still have precocet if I need it but I slept wrong. I know I did two nights in a row. But I will still work out and stretch. A LOT! Thanks love! And I have that bump too. Its just the shape of the spine. It is suppose to be there. If it hurts you can see a chiropractor but I think it is just you noticing differences. When you lean your head back a bit it should not be as apparent. Your spine is like an s from the side and that is the curvature on the top of the s. =) Look at the attachment.

Dance- I haven't tried that. I would love to. I will look into it!.

Rayne- Someone else here told me about goddess booty. Its a ballet/yoga core work out that really works on your whole body but your butt is the main feature. =) My husband is a butt person. Back in the day I was 145 and I lost 4 lbs and he freaked cause he thought I was losing my butt. lol. Wonder what he will do at 130. hahaha. Gotta keep it.
Thanks every one for the kind compliments. It felt good to see!

I am on my back today. Going to go down and stretch on the ball for a bit. Pain sucks. I hate to just waste a good day! Oh and I am okay on food. I had jimmy deans new de-lights breakfast. 240 cals w/ turkey bacon. It was eh so/so. What ev. Its food.

Not sure where every one is but I could sure use an arse kicking. I woke up and ate that jimmy dean light thing. Then I ate grapes. Then I made pasta salad and ate 1/2 the noodles plain. Then I had a large serving of pasta salad. Oh yeah... I forgot the fat free hotdog. OMG this is what happens when I start my day with starches. BAD. I have to stop. We are going to paradise cafe for salads tonight. Hopefully I can eat that and nothing more. Yeah right. I might now be "binging" but I feel like I have not stopped eating once today. HELP

AJ - will I can kick your arse and then you can kick mine...not only did I not work out, but I also ate bad - and I am very annoyed, grouchy and negative. What the heck is going on with me, seriously. Deep breath I suppose. It's only 4PM and I still could go work out but I am like why, I ate bad food, what difference will it make? I just need to go, I need to go...I know I will feel better about it after...AJ - why do we do this. I wish I could say the right thing...for you and me both.

Maybe because you are in pain? Just eat the salad and start fresh tomorrow!!

I know we are supposed to have a little bump there, but mine seems more like a hump. I have seen it in other overweight people and I have become fixated on it and don't even like to wear my hair up. Well that should be another incentive to get my crap together.

Is there anyway you could go and get a massage or something AJ?

I'm just babbling now...trying to get out of this seemingly 3 week long funk!

I tend to respond well to a reward...but I can't think of anything right now that will even tempt me to leave the house (other than ice cream).

luckylindy- Thank you! It means alot that "I" can be a motivation to someone. My plan has always just been counting calories, nothing else worked for me. I still want chocolate and cake and cookies and everything else "normal" people eat. So I just make room for it in my day. I started my journey shortly after me and my ex broke up Dec, 28 07. I have been off and on since then. I have struggles all the time, and I try to stay active on the forums as much as possible. It helps me stay sane. I love this place!
Aj- I have always had a problem with the weight and partner issue. Im a very tall girl and I have always weighed more than anyone ALWAYS. Its depressing but I have learned to live with it. Even at my "goal" weight its more than most people. UGH! On a side note you look AMAZING in those pics. You go girl! I cant wait to look like that!
Grits- That vidalia onion salad Dressing sounds delish is that store bought or homemade?
Staccie- Glad your feeling atleast a little bit better. I have never tried yoga, but it just doesnt seem to be enough of a workout. What is your opinion?
burgundy- Painting is a total workout too!! My bf lives in Chicago :(
Neesy- I love getting rid of stuff. I just ended up giving my sister half of my clothes that are too big and she gave me all her clothes that are too small... IT worked out perfectly! haha
Tif- I know the feeling. I work really hard then seem to have a day and screw it all up. I wish i knew the fix for it :(
Popcorn- Are you kidding? I do EVERYTHING with my sister. She doesn't go anywhere or do anything without me and the moment she mentioned painting she knew she could drag me along. I love painting anyways and its kind of relaxing in a weird way haha. Seeing my bf in 2 weeks is going to be MY TIME. Were going to Disney and just spending time with him is worth the wait! I use to do Denise Austins daily workouts that use to come on tv every morning. I miss them :(

Today was good for me. TOM is still here and ugh as usual. I managed to get my morning walking in before the rain, even though we only got a tiny drizzle after all of this talk of 4 inches from the hurricane. I guess I cant complain considering this is the only hurricane this year that we have gotten anything off of. Hurricane season ends on my birthday and yesterday my nephew told me its a gift from mother nature. Kids crack me up sometimes. Hope everyones having a good day. :)