Ugh - got to bed late last night after helping my parents with an appliance order and am up at 6:30 and am trying to make myself head out the door for a run as it's supposed to be 100 degrees here today and this is my only chance. I'm thinking a pre-dinner nap may be in order. Wish me luck - hope I don't fall asleep in the middle of my loop...

ETA - just got back from running - guess I'm more awake at least. I could definitely feel the difference in my stamina from sleepiness though - do you guys ever notice that?

Dance: Great job on the run! I definitely notice a difference in my workout depending on how awake I am. Some nights when I go to Jeff's class I know I'm not putting 100% into the workout. It really upsets me because I like to give it my all when I'm there. It's tough working full time, being with my family and finding time for workouts. I guess I can only do so much.

Yesterday was good foodwise, went to the gym last night. Jeff didn't have his class, but he made a special workout for me that kicked my butt. I did over 120 burpees, (which I totally hate) which was part of the circuits I was doing. Needless to say, I'm a little sore today. I am going to try and run, but my hip is hurting and I don't want to push it too much.

Food has been ok today. I had my protein shake for breakfast, cherries for a snack and a lf strawberry poppyseed salad from Panera. It was a salad "box" so it was a complete meal that came with a cookie. So, I ate the cookie. The salad only had 250 calories, I'm assuming the cookie was close to 300? I'm still ok for calories today, but then I just ate a chocolate covered strawberry and 2 bites of a chocolate chip cookie.

Man, I start with one little piece of chocolate and I go completely off. I have to stop it now - no more sweets! I have been doing so well. I want to blame it on TOM, but I can only blame myself for losing control. I'm just suffering from a case of the blah's and I really need to shake it off. Not sure what to do to get myself out of it. Suggestions?

maddiesmom - bummer about the blahs - are they directly TOM related or just random? I think you should go through your closet again and find more things that are too loose That's a major blah-buster for me at least. Although it is only happening sporadically lately as my shape changes slightly since I'm not on a losing streak. Or maybe curl up with a light and fluffy novel or magazine?

I had a dream about you girls where I think we were all at the same weight - don't remember much more about it but it surprised me to see the forum in a dream

Hi everyone!
I'm new to this group, but I'm happy to have found it. I would love some daily support!
I'm weighing in at 169/170 at the moment. Started at 192, and have maintained, but really fell off the wagon for a few months. My eating habits are good again, but I've gotta start exercising more.
Any tips? Anyone with similar goals?

Dance-I definitely feel a difference when i am tired. I like to get my workout in earlier in the day rather than waiting til night. Cool about your dream. I wish we were all the same weight, that would be cool.

Vicky-good job on the great workout, but what are burpees??I broke down and ate a smores today with everyone else around the bonfire, but then came in and did my workout.

Fresno-welcome. We all fall of the wagon here and there, but you are back on now and just have to keep the momentum going. You might fall off again but just get right back to it. I am doing 30 day shred. Today was day 10. I was walking a lot the last few months but havent been lately and really want to get back to it.

Did a little cleaning today and laundry. My mom and sister are still here. We went to the beach with my sister in law and kids. I have a little sunburn even with sunscreen. Going to the amish store tomorrow. I love that store. My mom and sister want to get pizza so gonna the healthiest thing I can there. Not sure about the menu and its a little family owned business so cant look online.

I know I didnt drink enough water today. I think I will take a big cup to bed with me. I've been drinking the powerade zero or gatorade G2, low or no calories in them but the sodium isnt the best.

Just 20 more days of 30ds. I am gonna do my measurements again on day 15. Hope to see a little change.

Have a great night everyone.

Allison: Burpees are where you crouch down and put your hands on the floor, kick your legs out to a push-up position, then jump your legs back to your hands and then jump up in the air. They work you out, without a doubt, but they suck! LOL Not fun to do at all, but the calories burned are worth it. Don't worry about the smore, you still did your 30DS, good for you!! I also try to stay away from the Gatorades, etc. because to me they taste like salt. So, I just drink plain old water. I don't remember the last time I drank something other than water. No soda, juices, etc. Hope you see results on day 15 - if it's anything like last time - you definitely will!

Dance: Oh, if I could only weigh what you do now! LOL We will all definitely have to meet up some day - we've had online relationships for over a year now, so it would be about time we met in person! I'm not sure what my "blah buster" is going to be this time around.

Fresno: Welcome - we've got a great group of women here and we usually try to check in daily. We include our menus, workouts, etc. What is your plan for food and workouts? I'm a calorie counter and work out 4-6 times a week (with the aide of my personal trainer, Jeff), you'll see his name a lot, since he gives workout and nutritional information.

Back on plan today, had the protein shake, made a healthy lunch and will have a light dinner. I have personal training with Jeff tonight at 7, so he'll be kicking my butt. Perhaps that will be my blah buster!

So, here's a question for you all: I think I'm just into the whole diet and exercise kick so much, it seems to consume all of my time and thoughts. I'm constantly thinking about what I can eat, how long until it's out of my system, how many calories I need to work off in order to eat something and the guilt I feel when I have a little something that isn't exactly healthy. Do any of you feel the same way??

Hello!
Thanks for the welcoming comments. =)
I was 'on the wagon' from May through September of last year, and lost around 22 pounds. My goal is to lose another 30-35.
As far as my diet, I'm a vegetarian, and try to consume 1,200 to 1,400 calories a day. I eat a lot of protein, fruits and vegetables. Also, I drink EAS AdvantEDGE Carb Control shakes, which provide a lot of vitamins and protein for around 110 calories.
Exercise-wise, I used to work out five times per week, mostly doing treadmill and circuit training machines. I also like yoga.
I just haven't found the motivation lately to get to the gym. No excuses....just haven't gone! I know it will take me a while to get back into the shape I was in in September, though I have maintained my weight...I don't carry it as well as I did then.
I guess my biggest barrier is that when I worked out all the time, I was single and didn't have a whole lot else to do, lol. Now I've got this amazing boyfriend, and I'd rather spend time chilling at home with him. It's a poor excuse...and by no means does he demand my time...it's just that I'm very comfortable at home, and it's hard for me to get back into the rhythm of things. haha...lazy lazy lazy! Plus, we seem to be constantly busy. I just don't know when to find the time like i used to.
How's everyone doing today?
My scale was at 170.5 again today...I just can't seem to get into the 160's!
Ugh. Not giving up though!
Looking forward to everyone's updates!

Fresno - welcome to the gang! This group has been a huge factor in my finally being successful in losing a chunk of the weight that I needed to and keeping it off. I'm struggling with the remaining pounds though and like you I have been hovering around 170 although I keep hoping to get back to my low of 165 in April or so. Sounds like you have a plan that has been working for you which is great. Do you think your bf might be interested in doing something active together in the evenings? Dance lessons, ultimate frisbee, martial arts classes or just long walks? I certainly don't have this down yet but I have found it helpful to go on long hikes with my bf on the weekend.

burgundy - I'm so impressed with your for doing 30ds - you rock! Curious to hear about the measurements on day 15. I'm definitely noticing things fitting differently although I'm not seeing a lot of scale progress. *sigh* Glad you asked about the burpees - I had no idea either What did you get today at the amish store? Do they have produce and stuff to bring home too?

maddiesmom - I totally know what you mean about the whole obsession thing. I feel like it's on my mind all the time and it's the first thing I think about when I plan a trip or a social event or a restaurant outing. It beats the alternative though of always thinking about how horrible I look, etc. I'm hoping it will just become kind of a habit over time and not take as much conscious thought. And really all you drink is plain water? Wow - so disciplined! I'm still awfully fond of my diet root beers and various crystal light flavors.

So my latest problem in life is that a mouse ran across the kitchen floor yesterday. *heavy sigh* Apparently my cat is pretty useless on the mouse-deterrent front. I have the critter control guys coming by tomorrow to let me know what my options are. Such fun... Might go to zumba tonight, not sure. What's everyone else doing for exercise today?

Absolutely, he would work out with me. However, he has lost around 60 pounds in the last year, and he doesn't 'need' to work out nearly as much as I do...lol...I guess I just feel like I'd like to catch up with him before I start working out with him...haha. Isn't that awful? I know it would keep us both healthy though. The worst current dilemma there is that we live in Kansas. It's way too hot to do much outside at the moment. But I have a gym membership! All is not lost. lol. I plan on signing up, finally, to learn to swim. I'm almost 28 and have never learned! I hope it will be fun, and that I can do it, because I think it would be a nice tool in my weight loss.

Congrats, by the way, on your progress so far! I'm encouraged to hear that the 170's may just be a difficult zone...and hopefully we'll both get through them! The 160's are just teasing me...it seems like I'm on (another) plateau!

fresno - swimming sounds like a great form of exercise to be adding, especially while it's so hot. And good for you for learning something new! So, if you don't mind my asking, how do you get the amount of protein you're shooting for while eating vegetarian? Do you do a lot of soy or legumes? And yes - this getting out of the 170s permanently seems to be taking forever but one way to look at it is that it's good practice for maintenance. And it seems like for some people, giving your body a chance to get used to your new weight for a bit before tackling the next goal can be helpful. It sure would be nice to be done, though! Let's blow through to the 160s together

That sounds GREAT! I could use some help and motivation.
Good point re: maintaining. I know that I've been super lazy for six months and have not gained anything back (which I'm grateful for!). So, I could probably maintain 170 for quite a while. Of course, I'll have to step up the exercise / muscle gain later, since I'll weigh less and will require less calories. It's such a long cycle, lol
I do eat quite a bit of soy, nuts and some dairy. Also, I like quinoa, which is full of protein and generally pretty healthy. I cook it and mix it with steamed (frozen, usually) vegetables.
How is your day going? Mine's going pretty well! I think my stomach is finally shrinking again, because I'm usually STARVING by this time of day, but today I feel pretty in control.

fresno - yum, I'm a big fan of quinoa also. Thanks for reminding me - it's been a while since I made some - I'll do that for dinner tonight.

What are people eating today?

Here's mine:
B: Whole wheat cereal and strawberries, skim milk
L: string cheese, carrots, french onion soup from panera
S: almonds
D: chicken, green beans, quinoa, sf popsicle

Hi Ladies -

Dance....awww a cute little mouse? I know, I know, but they are cute, just not in a home I guess.....LOL....I love quinoa and buy the premade quinoa salad at the grocer. It is at the same place the Sabra Hummus is and is very yummy ;-)

Maddiesmom....I too know exactly what your talking about with the diet, exercise and all consuming my every daily thought. All my actions seem to have to be planned (calorie wise). It's a real pain. I am trying hard to work on it though and not allow it to be that way. This has to be a lifestyle change and its almost like instead of being consumed with eating, I have replaced that with being consumed with all my movements with calories and exercise.

Burgund - How are you? I am so glad you, your mom and sister have had so much time together! I know when you were in Alabama it was more of a working vacation and so to have some relaxed, special time is awesome. I am also proud of you doing your 30 Day Shred. Kudo's to you!!!!!!!!!!!

Welcome Fresno! So your vegetarian? So am I. With regards to Dance's question, I eat Protein Shakes on days I work out, hummus, beans, and sometimes egg whites. I have learned to creative with finding tasty proteins. Congrates on learning to swim! You'll do great and an awesome way to workout.

Well, I'm doing good, it just seems the day gets away from me and then I don't get on here. Ugh! I am trying to get a schedule down to fit everything in. It's crazy though. We are still hitting the gym and possibly by next week Bubba wants to start going 6 days a week. Ugh, I think I have created a monster! LOL....... Tomorrow morning I am cleaning the bedroom carpet, and then working online again.............another day......;-)

Dance: Yep, I only drink water - I do have 3/4 cup of skim milk in my protein shake every morning, but other than that - it's plain ol water. I find that the drinks with artificial sweeteners give me headaches. I do have a cup of coffee every once in awhile, depending on how exhausted I am. Mouse huh? That sucks! We had that problem at my MIL's house when they were doing road construction. Not a fun thing to deal with.

Sandy: Wow! Bubba is going to kick all of our butts! He must be feeling great - so happy for the both of you. How are the workouts going? How is your heel doing?

Fresno: Congrats on maintaining! I know we're always talking about weight loss, but in the end, we will all have to maintain at some point. Knowing you were able to do that is a great thing!

To answer Dance's question, here was my food today:
B: Protein shake with fresh strawberries/banana
S: Almonds
L: chicken breast on arnold flatbread with cheese, carrot sticks and cherries
S: grapes, baked lays
D: Chicken breast, 2 bites of Madeline's noodles

Workout: Jeff kicked my butt!!! He knows how competitive I am, so he gave me a circuit workout of 15 thrusters (squat with a 35 pound bar and then lift the bar up over my head) and then I had to run 240 meters. I had 5 rounds of that and he said I only had 25 minutes to do it. Well, to prove him wrong (and he knew I would), I did it in 19 minutes! Then I did 3 rounds of holding the plank hold for 2 minutes. 600 calories later, I was able to go home.

Hope everyone is having a great night. Anyone in with me for miles tomorrow? I have to get up to 3 in less than 3 weeks! Yikes - the 5K is sneaking up on me!!!