Sandy: You are too cute! Trust me, it's been rough turning everything down. I did, in fact, have some of that chocolate and it was SOOOO good. One piece isn't going to kill me. Then, I went and had chinese food (my fave) and since I haven't had it in forever, I don't feel as guilty. I've been working out a ton, so I'm sure those calories are long gone.

Dance: I do the low carb, wasn't something I really thought about doing, just thought it would be best to cut it out of my diet. I have some Special K every once in a great while, don't do pasta, potatoes or bread (don't really miss them to be honest), the only thing I won't give up are my arnold flatbreads, but those aren't too bad. Most of my carbs come from fruits/veggies. Glad your construction is under way. You'll have to post updated pictures when it's all done.

So, went to the gym last night and was in the "performance area" of the gym that doesn't have air conditioning. IT was super hot and humid here yesterday and I was drenched. Jeff gave me a circuit workout: 21 kettlebell squats, 10 pull ups, then run 160 meters. I did as many rounds of this as I could in 40 minutes. Needless to say, I was drenched in sweat when I left. It felt good to go and workout, I have been mostly running since Jeff has been out sick the past few days.

Today is same old same old. Packed my healthy lunch and snacks, protein shake for breakfast. I plan to go to Jeff's class tonight, burn some more calories. Light dinner of roasted chicken and veggies.

Question for you all: now that I'm working out, Jeff said my body is more efficient, so I'm not burning as many calories during my workouts. Have any of you guys noticed this? Have you used heartrate monitors to check? I only ask because I still use my monitor and I'm burning about 550 calories/workout, which used to be 700-800. Jeff told me not to worry, as my metabolism has been going nonstop and I'm burning more calories throughout the day. I'm finding I'm eating all the time. Granted, I know that I'm actually hungry (rather than just wanting a snack), and I'm eating super healthy. Just curious if anyone else had similar experiences.

Have a great day ladies!

maddiesmom - absolutely - I can tell I'm tons more efficient when I do the same exercise that I used to. It's a combo of stronger muscles and less of me to carry around plus better aerobic capacity. I used to be completely and utterly dead after running - now it's just something I do that doesn't keep me from doing a 5 mile walk later in the day. Hiking - same thing - hikes that killed me a year ago take some effort but don't wipe me out for days. I'm not too worried about burning slightly less calories as I tend to up my exercise time and frequency which kind of naturally compensates, I think.

Doing a lunchtime run today and ready to head out. Will check in with you gals later...

Hi Ladies,

Oh Dance I haven't tried the Garlic.........hmmm, may have to buy some. My problem is I want to eat the whole container! LOL.......I don't know what they do, but they are pro's a making yummy hummus! What kind of closet doors are you installing? Sounds like your really fixing up the new home. I am anxious to see pictures when your done! As far as carbs, I did that may years ago when it was the 'diet of the month.' I was always up for the new diet! I honestly don't remember how it went though. Obviously I didn't conquer my weight....LOL......and I like you love my carbs. I don't eat any 'whites' and try to stick with whole grains, but don't think I could give them up completely.

Maddiesmom I have reach the effiicient mode and always have to increase or change-it-up to keep the burn going. I check my heartrate through and have a heck of a time getting up there when needed sometimes! I usually change my workout in cardio everytime I go from the treadmill, to Elliptical, to the bike. With weights I increase my weights or reps and change different areas I work each time.

Well today has been a 'day of thought.' I am trying to set timelines for goals with the home, job or home business, weight loss and possibly a 13k. I have found myself getting lazier in my 50's when I used to tackle a day with massive energy working 40-60 hours a week in corporate, raising two kids with afterschool programs, and of course keeping a ship shape house with even doing dishes and laundry late a night. I find myself now ignoring the dust, not gardening and getting 'blahhhhhhh.' I figure it must be age or just boredom, but I need to get off my arse and stop this already. I go to the gym 4 days a week, but other than walking the dog........that's it and that is the normal me. What gives? I know you both are younger, but do you do this ever? Maybe its menopause..........ugh.

Dance: It's a relief to know it's not just me. I know some of the workouts are getting easier for me, but Jeff is making them harder as we go along. I figured since they are harder, I would be burning more calories and sometimes that isn't the case. Oh well, the pounds/inches are coming off, guess I shouldn't complain!

Today was good foodwise, avoided the chocolate. Got a call from Madeline's daycare, so ended up taking her to the doctor. She had a stomach bug over the weekend and still really hasn't been eating. Poor thing was crying on the floor of daycare saying her tummy hurt. Turned out she had a stomach virus and the caught an additional bacterial infection that had the bonus of a double ear infection. My poor baby is miserable. Stayed home with her this afternoon and will be home with her for 1/2 the day tomorrow (hubby and I are sharing).

Workout was good - went to see Jeff and he gave me a tough workout - 200 squats for time, then isometric exercises - 7 different exercises held in position for 2 minutes. Sounds simple, but it's really hard! I was drenched in sweat when I left (i was in the part of the gym with no a/c). Even my clothes were soaked and that never happens. Felt good, burned over 600 calories in less than an hour.

Hubby has to work late tomorrow so I'm not sure if I'm going to get my run in - we'll have to see. My right knee is a little still today so we'll see what happens. I'm going for a run Saturday morning, so that should be good.

Hope everyone is doing well. Have a great night!

ETA: Sandy, guess we posted at the same time!

Sandy: trust me, I know I'm younger, but I'm definitely getting the lazies!!! I always used to make sure the dishes were done, laundry put away, etc. etc. Now, I let it go, the clothes are washed, dried and folded, but not put away, I don't clean as often. I think it's because I feel that I'm constantly going, and don't have time to myself between workouts and family. I feel blah and just don't want to do it. Not sure what to do, but just do it and treat it like a workout, etc. Something that I have to do and not put off. Setting goals is a good idea, I may have to take that and run with it as well.

Dance-we do have 2 fans in the bedroom but some nights it just isnt enough when it doesnt cool off much outside. Most nights its bearable though. Turkey chili sounds yummy, might have to do some in the crock pot this week. Put green beans in the crock last night and cooked them til dinner time tonight, they were yummy. I did low carb a few years ago and lost 32 lbs in 6 months but dont think I could do it for any longer than that.

Sandy-yay for being down a couple lbs. Thats cool your friend lost weight working out on her trampoline. Maybe it will work for me, mine arrived today. I did plant my garden but it was late. Just planted it before we went to Alabama, I noticed there are some teeny tiny tomatoes and peppers. Cant wait to have veggies out there, but for now I'll have to go to the farm market. Yea send me the LiveFit info when you have time, thanks. Never tried that hummus but will have to look for it. I know I have a case of the lazies lately. My house is usually spotless but now I let go for a few days and then have tons to do. Im not working much lately so I have no excuses. I think the heat makes us all just want to veg.

Vicky-no a/c when working out, i would die. Sounds like a good workout though. I dont have a HRM but want to get one. Gotta look for a good one. Hope Maddie feels better soon, poor baby. Maybe you will have time for your run if your knee is better but dont push it.

I got my trampoline today and it took FOREVER to put together. I still need to finish attaching the enclosure. I know I got a workout doing that today. I can feel it in my arms. I still havent done today 30ds but I am gonna get up after this post and do it. Im not gonna skip a day. My niece wants to come over tomorrow and jump.

The boys wanted me to come over for a few hrs to watch the boys probably so she could go out until their dad came to get them. I told her no, she can stay home a few more hours with her kids, drinking could wait.

Gonna throw some laundry in and workout. Have a great night.

Whew got day 6 done. I did level one for 4 days, level 2 on day 5 and level 3 today. I might keep doing it that way level one on day 7, level 2 on day 8 and level 3 on day 9 and start over. Maybe by switching up every day I wont get so bored of it. Im a big sweaty mess now, so gonna hit the shower and crawl in bed. Night ladies.

EDIT: Had a great nights sleep last night. After putting the trampoline together yesterday, my arms are so sore today. I pushed through and got day 7 done. So glad its done already, jumped a little today but its so hot out. Gonna wait til this evening to do more. Got a lot done in the house today. Cleaned the kitchen, dining room and living room and did a few loads of laundry.

Tomorrows my birthday and Chris' uncle stopped by to tell us they are having a family reunion tomorrow. Might get a cake for everyone else to enjoy. The 11th is Chris' aunts birthday so I will get cake for both of us.

Hope you are all having a nice Friday.

Uggh - I was bad last night - baked lays and onion dip. Starting over again as of today though. We're going to go roller blading before dinner tonight so I should get some exercise time in today.

Anyone have fun plans for the weekend? Nothing too exciting going on here....

Hope you're all having a good weekend!

I was good last night and I'm back in the game -spent a bunch of time cutting up fruit and preparing healthy stuff this morning. Went for a run at midday - really silly but that's what fit in my plans so I' whupped by the heat and have been running errands like a mad woman ever since.

Anyone up for miles tomorrow? I'm going to shoot for a much earlier run this time!

So, maybe I had company for miles today and just don't know about it yet Just got back from a three mile walk on top of a three mile run earlier today (and a frenzy of errand running) so I'm worn out!

Hugs all around...

Hey ladies

Dance-looks like youve been all alone for a bit. Sorry. My mom, sister and niece showed up at about 11 on the 9th to surprise me for my birthday(yesterday). I had the strongest feeling all day on the 9th that they were on their way and sure enough, there they were. So I had a nice birthday except that our power was out from 6:20am until 4am this morning. So I didnt get to do 30ds yesterday. Had birthday cake tonight and went to the mexican restaurant for dinner, so I know I ate more than I should have today. Still havent done 30ds for today. I did jump on the trampoline a lot yesterday though. Gonna do my workout before bed, I promise, so this will be day 9. I'm sure the baked lays and dip didnt do much harm, there are worse snacks.

Vicky and Sandy-hows it going for the 2 of you?

Happy Belated Birthday! What a fun surprise to have your family there! A birthday is a reasonable time to go off plan for a sec - sounds like you're making up for it on the trampoline.

No workout for me today - just a long day at the office then off to my parents' for my niece's b-day. Luckily cake isn't one of my big temptations so it shouldn't be too hard to stick to plan.

Hi Ladies,

Sorry I missed on here this weekend. Was busy and really not a ton of computer time. Friday had a good workout and then went to dinner (buffet) OMG was I stuffed! Huge Chinese Buffet with everything you can imagine. I didn't eat horribly, no fried stuff or desert. I think it was just that I ate more than I have been eating lately. My stomach was in shock. LOL.. So, Saturday had another great workout, and did great, but late that night I couldn't sleep because I was starving. Yes, got up and ate crackers. This was horrible, but still I ate. Sunday both my kids were here! It was wonderful. Bruce's wife was here also, and Alina's friend Matt. We sat around and visited for hours. It was like old times.

Burgund Happy Birthday!!!!!!!!!! I am so happy you had a great day and your family showed up. That made it even more special! Hope your having fun on your trampoline today.

Dance it sound like you had the same eating issue I did...LOL..... Well, glad you got your miles in though, because chances are, you burned it right off.

Today is quiet, Bubba at worked, kids gone and me here trying to get motivated. Hope all of you have a great day!

Well, at least I wasn't the only one who slipped up over the weekend! Had a birthday party on Saturday and they had mexican food - not known for healthy food. I didn't do terribly, had a chicken taco and a beef, but didn't add any sour cream. Had a bit of guacamole and chips and some rice and beans. For dessert, shared a small piece of birthday cake with Madeline. Yesterday, not too bad, I did end up having a blizzard from Culvers, but TOM came raging through, and I haven't had dessert in so long, I thought I could splurge a bit.

Haven't worked out since last Thursday. Jeff's workout of 200 squats for time killed me, so my legs have been sore this entire time. I ran and played with Madeline at the birthday party, but did quite a bit of cleaning and walking this weekend. Back to the grind today! Going for a 2 mile run if it doesn't rain.

Burgundy: HAPPY BIRTHDAY! I know I said it on FB, but I'll say it here too! Glad you had your family with you on your birthday and that you're getting your trampoline workouts in! Did you end up doing the 30DS yesterday?

Dance: Have fun at your niece's birthday party! I love kids parties! The one we had Saturday was for our cousin, who is 4 months older than Madeline. It was a little tough for her because Hannah was opening presents that Madeline would want, but all in all, didn't do too badly. Great job on the errands and exercise over the weekend! Sorry I was MIA!

Sandy: You are one busy lady, not sure how you do it all. Glad you were able to spend time with your kids this weekend. How's Bubba doing? Still losing a ton?

Well, trying for POP, but I have a major case of the munchies! TOM always makes me super hungry, so I brought a ton of good fruit, etc. to have for snacks. I'm hoping to not crave any more chocolate, I'm going to start a goal again - no chocolate until I'm out of the 190's. I didn't lose over this past week, but since I'm still in the 190's, I'm not going to complain.

Have a great day!

maddiesmom - sorry you had a hard time with temptations too! The funny thing with mexican food is that the food in mexico (where I lived for 5 years) is pretty healthy (lots of grilled chicken and lean proteins, very little cheese, no sour cream, mainly not fried, lots of veggies, lots of fruit) - in fact, I had no problem keeping my weight under 150 the entire time I lived there - even getting down to 140 for a while when I was exercising a lot. Our tex-mex version of mexican food unfortunately (while tasty) is a major diet buster. That's a long workout break for you - but I'm not surprised as squats can be such a killer. You keep inspiring me - I have to stop procrastinating and start some strength training - okay, situps and pushups in front of tv tonight after my niece's party.

mygrits - I'm no good with buffets - good for you for keeping it restrained and good luck with TOM - so hard with all the cravings!

Thanks for the birthday wishes everyone. I had a good day except for the power being out.

Dance-Have fun at the birthday party.

Sandy-glad you had some time with your children. Sounds like yall had a fun time together. Enjoy your alone time.

Vicky-did you get your run in? TOM sucks!!!! I need to set a goal til I get out of the 190s too. I was so close, but I was still at 194 today, ugh!!!

Did we all overindulge this weekend?? I know I did and I was miserable. After I posted last night, promising to do my workout, I thought I would give my stomach a few minutes to settle but it never did. I got so sick last night and I know it was from eating the mexican and cake and ice cream. I have been eating healthy since we got back from AL and my body just wasnt used to it. Wont do that again. SO needless to say, I didnt get my workout in. That was 2 days of skipping it, but I did do it today. My niece did it with me. Shes 6 so it was quite comical. So this was day 9, gonna have to go to August 2nd now for 30 days. Still jumping on the trampoline everyday. I really want to get back to walking. I tried to talk my sister into going today but couldnt get her to do anything. Maybe tomorrow. My niece is wanting to go swimming so I think we will go to the lake tomorrow if its warm. It was a little cooler today.

Hope you all had a great day.