So far, so good.
 

I stayed on program today, (even have POINTS left over for the sugar free/fat free dessert my boyfriend made FOR :cheers: :chockiss: me), I drank 72 ounces of water and have done everything except for any exercise. My goal was for 3-4 times a week and this IS my week end after all. And on top of my first OP day of our challenge, my beautiful niece had her baby today. She named her Bella Angelina and she weighed 8.2 pounds. Gorgeous baby, but oh is she big. Big feet and big hands and the deepest dimple in her chin too. She's a "FULLER FIGURED BABY!" :bb: :lol:
See all you bright chicks in the morning. This is the first challenge I've ever dedicated to, I think it's a good thing. A real good thing. Thanks Jennifer!! :bravo: :thanks:

Okay, I'm ready! I'm so excited (and I just can't hide it - I'm about to TAKE control...and I think I like it :D[/QUOTE]

We have a singer here folks...Where's Mel???? ;)
Oh Happy Day...

Hi Ladies!

Today was good, all went to plan, I got my 45 minutes on the elliptical this morning before work, then ate well, only draw back I had a luncheon and I had planned and even made wise choices, but it must have had a lot of salt in it because after lunch all ive done is drink my water, which is good as well, so I guess it had its upside! :)

Tomorrow is running and weight day, also lunch with my family, it should be easy as they all know how hard Im working on this!

See you guys tomorrow!

Hey Chickies---First day back on plan. I did manage to get in my 20 minute bike ride this morning with some stretches afterwards. Nothing major, but yet it was 20 minutes I wouldn't have done otherwise! I worked 10 hours today. We had a Chili Fund Raiser for our Department (Activities) in the Nursing Home, so was preparing and doing that. Not the best food day, but could have been much worse. On my way to work, I did stop to pick up some fruit for the week. Was fresh out!
Food eaten today:
B-1 C cheerios, 1/2 c skim milk, 1 sm. banana
L- Chili, 1 oz. cheese, 2 T sour cream
Snack-1 chocolate brownie (not in the plan for today, will try again tomorrow)
S-Egg Salad Sandwich on ww bread
Snack (after I got home) 7 Low Fat Triscuits, 1 oz. cheese, 10 small grapes

I didn't weigh in today, but will tomorrow...but for the sake of being discouraged, I am going to start this challenge with my start weight from last challenge (which I'm probably pretty close to right now) which was:
CW: 181.5
SFC: 171.5
Overall Goal Weight: 130

To get to this challenge goal, I am updating/tweaking my goals from yesterday. Here they are:

*Exercise 5 times weekly for 20 minutes or more and do strengthening/toning at least 3 times weekly for 20 minutes or more for the first week, then increase cardio to 25 or 30 minutes the next week and add 5 minutes every week to cardio exercise until up to 45 minutes.

*Stop eating sugar by 2/24
-by using phrases like "It's only food" or "You will like yourself more later if you don't eat that right now" or "This too shall pass"...
-Visualize myself in a bathing suit this summer
-Remember all the bad things that sugar can do for us (make us fat, make our teeth rot, make us become diabetic, crash in the afternoons, etc.)
-Remember that I am more important than sugar ever will be in the eyes of God!

*Continue to do weekly meal plans and journal food eaten daily

That's it for tonight, chickies. Thanks for being here!

I'm in for the spring fling thing....
 

Sounds like a great idea. Can always use more motivation. My goals for this challenge:

- :tread: or WATP 5-6 mornings
- drink more water or clear fluids
- eat earlier dinner/stop night time snacking
- increase vegetable servings
- lose 5 more lbs


and away we go! :high:

I have been watching my ww points to a "t" this week and I have walked each day 30minutes. I still have to work on upping my water intake. I hope this will all contribute to a loss at Thur morning weigh-in and that I can post a loss to our challenge. ;)

Hotcupojava great for you to have points left, I haven't been able to do that yet. I think I'll add that to my challenge -To have some left over points at the end of my ww week.

One small step for women -One large step for womenkind :D

Morning, challenge chickies! :D

Donna, welcome! Good to have you aboard!

Clipper, I hear ya about that scale..seems it does move faster on the creep-up than on the drop off. If only it were easier to get the weight off than it is to get them on.

Julie, I know you're going to take control & choke the life outta those food demons & issues. Kick butt with the bide ride, though!

Cristin, I absolutely love 24...I have the first 2 seasons, and I swear, I could sit & just watch that over & over & over. Hey, maybe that's an idea...put together the exercise bike we bought, and watch marathons of that...LOL

It's been a hectic day so far. Busy morning, clients showing up unannounced, and then we're having 2 series' of meetings this morning about this year's compensation package for work. I've barely had a chance to be at my desk.

I am mostly through my first 24oz of water, despite running amock. This morning, I did the 1 mile WATP tape, with ab belt, and had breakfast here at the office.

Breakfast:
1 pineapple cottage double
2oz fat free swiss cheese
1/3 cup Smart Start
12oz diet coke

Lunch- packed & waiting
2 slices PF light oatmeal bread
2 slices provelone cheese
4oz tuna
2 tbsp fat free miracle whip

No idea about dinner yet..I'll see what sounds good when I get home. Also going to pick one of the other firming tapes to do tonight, or doing the 2 mile tape. Not sure which.

I'll be back later on. Hope everyone is feeling strong & in control of their goals. Have a great day, everyone!

Day two and all is well
 

I've almost got all my water in already (and it's not even noon). I exercised this morning. I did one mile of the two mile WATP w/ab belt. I waited until my boyfriend got up and we had breakfast (brunch) together. He made me a sandwich of lean ham and cheese with spicy deli mustard and low fat Pringles. I've got lots of house work to do. And then I lay down in the late afternoon for my midnight shift tonight. I made it through my two of my "week end" days. And I'm pleased with that. I've got Jennifer to thank. This challenge is going to be so good for me. :high:

Day two and loving it!
 

Hi Chickypoo's,
Day one went well, I made it through dinner ok, its hard having to feed the family and me being on the diet. I don't want to cook separate meals for myself but the carb thing really gets in the way. I am trying! I need to do something at night to stop the munchies. I think keeping busy might help, sitting there wathing the tube make me want to eat. I had a skinny cow, and called it quites after that.
I am going to the pool tonight for water aerobics just me and the blue haired ladies hanging out in the pool. The worse part about all of it is the walk from the locker room, to the pool. Once I am covered up by the water I am ok with it :lol: . It is lots of fun and you feel great after your done! I can't wait.
I am going to buy a new scale today after work I think my 1978 model is ready for the junk yard.
I need to drink more water, I am finding it hard getting it all down, any advice?
Have a great day Chickies! :wave:
Mama Mia

midafternoon peek in
 

Afternoon! :D

Mary, I can't take all that credit. But I'll sure hold you accountable- I know that's when I perform best- when I know that there are other people watching what I do...it's odd- but I feel like I can't miss that morning exercise & sleep in, or have that big fat-filled dinner & dessert if I have to come here, write it down, and have it there for everyone to see. And how can I expect anyone else to avoid these pitfalls & work for their goals if I'm not doing it. Am I screwy, or what? :crazy: LOL

Anyway, Mary, you are kicking butt! Way to go! :D You rock! :hyper:

Mama Mia, the way I've been dealing with my water is to set goals (or bribes! :D) to get myself to drink it. In the mornings, I tell myself I can't log on to 3FC until I've finished 24oz of water (1 big cup I have here at work). Then, I can't go to lunch until I finish the 2nd one. I fill it back up at lunch, drink from that, top it off after lunch, and then have to finish that "3rd" glass before I leave work. I have had a few days where I was chugging half a glass on my way out the door, then by the time I got home, I was doing the potty dance!

What kind of dinners are you preparing? Could you maybe make a salad for yourself in place of whatever higher-carb food you're serving the family, and make an extra veggie for your side? Just a thought...I know my triggers are the bad carbs, so I feel your pain, chickie.

Back to work for me- oh! I avoided an office lunch today! Woo Hoo! I'll be talking about that in my journal entry. Catch you all later!

Going Strong!
 

Good afternoon. Yesterday went really well. My calories were 1350, I did 45 minutes or aerobics and went to my Kung Fu class. My water intake is still too low though.

I read somewhere that you need to eat 9 fruits and vegtables a day. Does anyone get that many? Seems like an awful lot. I usually get like 6 or 7, leaning more towards the fruit. Not a huge veggie fan.

I'm going to my step class at noon today, and I've been slugging the water. It seems like I drink it all freaking day :?: , but I never get the recommended amount.

Hello all!
Water I think is everyone's plight! Everytime I look at water of any kind, I take 5-6 drinks of my water. I always carry my water bottle and actually have several in my house in different places. Statistics show that you should have 0.67 oz of water per lb of body weight just to maintain hydration. I have to intake 109 oz everyday for that, but I tell you what...I feel much better, my body is more regular and I think it helps to curb my appetite. So, now that I am used to it, I am glad to be doing it. That was my "change one" solid thing to create a positive lifestyle change during the V-dy Challenge. This time, my change one is the exercise. It has to be 5x week, no exceptions. Hey- give me a year, and I should be doing ok!

My yesterday was good, only problem was I was starving last night! I don't know what my problem was...I had my snack about 8:30pm, yogurt cottage thing, and it seemed to do nothing! I was really frustrated. I had an extra snack about 11- which was still 2 hours before bed- of veggie chips and salsa. At least I didn't binge on stuff I really shouldn't have. I just like to be done eating for the night by 8-9p. Anyway...

B-banana w/PB, no snack, L-tuna on rye...thank you Jennifer!, S-nuts, D-alredo with chicken and broccoli, S-yogurt/cottage....THAT'S IT!!! :)

Hey, I was going to share with you...I found some special edition dark hershey's kisses at a closeout store here. Dark chocolate has less sugar and is better for you because of the antioxidants in it, I guess. Each kiss only has 1 g fat and 2.3 carbs. What a great way to curb a sugar craving and enjoy it at the same time!

I am going to the gym this afternoon to workout the arms and butt...my back is still sore from yesterday pilates....:(

Hope everyone is good and I will check in again tonight before bed. Cristin

Hi Ladies!

I had my morning run, and I was slow today I think the week has worn me down, but I made it through, and tonight I go back with hubby for weights. Food has been good, except I had some brownie, Im hormonal this week, and having some sweet tooth issues, oh well, I can move on; got the craving over with before I did any major damage!
Also, about the water, Crystal light counts because theres no caffine or sugar in it, so you can use that towards your water quota, I love the pink lemonade. They suggest it at my WW meetings all the time. Maybe that will help some of y'all, I also put lemon slices in mine occasionally to give myself a change.

Have a great day everyone!!!!

Mel -

To get to the thread, click on the 'message board' button on the tool bar from the main page. Go all the way down to 'miscellaneous clubs' and from there you will find the 'Spring Fling Challenge' link. To post a message with all of the cute little characters and not just reply, click on the 'Post Reply' button under the last post rather than using the 'Quick Reply' window below it. How that helps, let me know if you need clarification.

Hi Everyone,
I wanted to say thanks to Jennifer for spearheading this challenge! :grouphug: I like the regular 3FC but find that something personalized and specific like this works much better for me in accomplishing goals. I already feel like I have a different outlook since joining, hence the Pointer Sister quote :dance:

Cristin-I'm happy to hear that the diet plan "hybrid" can be effective! I will follow your progress too. Which plans are you combining? I think I have a large frame :sumo: so maybe 125 might be on the low end. I'm not really into the waif-look but just a healthy, athletic body. :cheer:

MamaMia-Regarding getting the water down, I agree with HappyTX I use a tiny bit of Crystal Light Lemonade with a fresh lemon twist and it goes down nicely. ;)

If any one is on a low carb plan, and would like to leave tips on good snacks and food products, I'll take 'em. :write: I have a few of my favorites too:

For chips: Trader Joe's Soy and Flax Tortilla Chips (does have 8 gms carbs per serving but they are delicious!) Even my hubby and daughter gobble them up. :hun:

For a nice cheese snack: Laughing Cow :moo: Light Swiss (35 calories, 2 gm fat,1 carb per serving) :cheese: :mouse:

For the occasional chocolate treat: Lowcarbchocolates.com (these are incredible but a little on the expensive side)

For club soda or coffee: Torani Sugar-Free Syrup (comes in every flavor imaginable and sweetened with Splenda. No carbs, fat, or calories per serving)

I'm sure some of you are already familiar with some of these products but maybe someone out there may want to check out. :mag: So, anyway not to sound like a dummy but what is this workout "WATP"? :dunno: Please enlighten me. I'm also now curious about "24" being somewhat of a reality show junkie. :soap:

"Life's too good to sit on the sidelines." (or something like that :D )

Well today has been MOSTLY good. I haven't done my water, yet, though... I'm on the first bottle of FOUR that I need to drink. UGH. I want orange juice instead, but I know that I NEED that darn water!

Happytx - thanks for reminding me about Cyrstal Light! AND they make it with Splenda now, so it tastes WAY better. The kiwi-strawberry tastes JUST like snapple. YUM.

I did pretty good today on foods... kind of weird schedule but it's ok.

B - tuna melt
S- granola bar
L - leftover meaty spaghetti from dinner last night
D - macaroni, salad & pears
Snack sometime in the early morning hours? PICKLES.

PICKLES are saving my life, you guys. I eat them all the time. They have 0 calories, 0 carbs and 0 fat. Just yummy, wonderful, crunchy and HEALTHY. If it weren't for pickles, I would die. =)

I did 110 situps today, like I said I would. And 15 minutes on the bike. AND I rearranged the bedroom, so that has to count as exercise, right?

And the best part of my day, guys?

I AM WEARING SIZE 12 JEANS. *does a dance* Yay. *G* I even lost a pound.

Do keep in mind these jeans are horribly tight and uncomfortable... but that does remind me not to eat junk. *G*

Happy Hump Day
 

I have not posted to my journal yet, but will do that before I go to bed tonight! I promised I would start with answering some questions which are pertinent to my weight loss! But for now, some good news:

I weighed myself today and found that the scale was down 3# :o :bravo: from what I posted yesterday (which was a guess), so I am at 178.5 (which was better than I expected, but not as good as I had planned a month ago!) Life goes on and I will just accept that which I cannot change!!

No exercise this morning--to tired after yesterday's fund raiser, but will be back on it tomorrow morning! Unlike Jennifer, I don't like being accountable to others for what I do, but am going to try to journal my food eaten every day in the hopes that it will motivate me to stay more on target with food! How's that for a theory!? So, anyway...here goes:

AM: 16 oz. SF Skinny Rasp./Vanilla Latte (at $4.25 a pop, that won't happen very often--yikes! :dizzy: )
1 small banana

Lunch: chicken salad with celery & raisins and a little lite Miracle Whip, 1+ cup cooked veggies, 1 cup pineapple, 2/3 cup lowfat cottage cheese

Snack: Darn if those brownies didn't appear again today!! (ate about 1 small, then had a bite of a frosted sugar cookie...stopped at that!)

Supper: George Foreman'd hamburger (very lean), salad with lowfat dressing and some parmesan cheese, 1 cup skim milk

Water: I try to drink 16 oz. before I leave for work, then fill a 32 oz. glass several times during the day, so getting in enough is not a problem. Drinking a glass of the cold stuff right now! I'm kind of spoiled both at work and home with the water. We have an ice machine at work and these great styrofoam cups (32 oz.) and at home we have an icemaker and icecold water! I've learned to like to drink water and don't usually (sometimes coffee or tea in AM) drink anything else until I get it all in! Usually by supper, I drink some milk! Haven't drank much pop since Jan 5. Don't really feel I need it and I'd usually rather have water!

OK, so I am trying to stick to my goals, although they seem out of reach at this time, especially the "no sugar" one which needs to be met by next Tuesday! How do you all do it??? I feel so weak! :mouse: :dizzy:

I'm off to do my first "question/answer post"! I appreciate all of your honesty, excitement, and motivational words! Happy Day!

Julie

Hello again to all!

Julie...yeah for you in your 3#loss!!! Be happy with that and know that you can at least do that again, but will do better, right? Do or do not....there is no try!!! Now, that being said, you should not look at it with "try" in the picture, because that gives you a way out. Decide what is going to be solid and what you will allow yourself to waiver with. Then, in the end you will have something to pat yourself on the back for, even if all else fails. Do you know what I mean? A lot of what we can accomplish is in the positive programming we give ourselves...if you eliminate try and just tell yourself you are going to do it, then your brain believes and has no choice but to follow! (it sounds good if nothing else.... :p )

I am in a sour mood tonight. I think it is a combo of headache, sore muscles, no freetime today except the few mintes I have been here, and I WANT CARROT CAKE!! :devil: I haven't seen the scale move in over a week and I am starting to understand the frustration others talk about on the journals. I knew it was going to happen, so I don't know why I am being so frustrated. You can't lose 13 lbs in a short amount of time and then think that you can continue like that! I think everyone plateaus. I guess right now I need to just be happy I am not gaining, right? When nothing is happening...I just want sweets. I will get over it!

Food today has been fine. I will not have my nightime snack as I ate more at dinner than I had planned. I have 20oz to go tonight, no prob-bob. I went to the gym this afternoon and did 10 minutes cardio to warm up, worked the legs-hard and did the arm gravitron....2 days in a row...yeah for me! :D

Time to play UNO with the kids before bed. Thanks for all the great words today friends! See you all tomorrow! C-

Nitey Nite!
 

Just popping in to say goodnight to everyone here, and call it a night.

I just finished my journal entry for tonight, following a sucker punch by Leslie Sansone. Ok, well, it wasn't her fault, it was mine. Thought I was farther along than I really am, and had a shock to the ego, and belly fat. Bleah. Does pouting, moping, and sighing count as ab work? The positives: I did the warmup on each tape, so that was nearly a mile, combined, and I did the entire lower body tape (modifying the donkey kick because of this damned belly fat hanging down when I'm on hands & knees.)

I'm going to dust my ego off, and put that tape away for at least the next 6 months, and stop beating myself up for what I couldn't do, and instead celebrate what I can do now, that I couldn't do 6 weeks ago.

Good night everyone- sleep well and see you back here on Day 4!

Well... I didn't do such a good job today after all. Well... maybe. I did go on a long walk with the husband after dinner, but I wasn't hungry so I didn't eat any salad or pear with dinner. Just macaroni...
I also had a root beer (I needed chocolate, and it filled that void!) and then, while we watched a movie, I had about 10 sugar cubes because I felt sick. (My blood sugar fluxuates rather often from anemia and a disorder I have... doc told me to eat sugar cubes). I was only in NEED of 3 of the things... but I had 10 instead because they were good. The good part? I did extra exercise today so I don't feel bad about the sugar cubes.

And now? I'm freakin starving. So what am I going to get? THE PICKLES!!!

I swear, I should just buy a crate of pickles and save myself the time...

Way to go Jennifer...I hope you really feel that way. Don't you worry about a thing because in 6 months girl, Leslie will have NOTHING on you!!! ;) Don't let a little thing (like years of carrying around your belly) get you down because now you are taking care of things (and it). You are so worth all the effort you are putting into this! Way to go and keep your chin up and keep us motivated, ok?!!!! It is your JOB, you know!? :lol:

((((Jennifer))))) Have a great Thursday!

Day 4 of the Spring Fling
 

Morning, everyone! I'm over my little pity party last night, and ready to take on the day.

Velma, WATP is "Walk Away The Pounds", a series of walking tapes from Leslie Sansone. They are all done in the comfort and privacy of your own home. if you click here you can see some of the items. I'm currently doing the 1 & 2 mile tapes for the WATP for abs set. Now, as far as "24", that's a great series in it's 3rd year on Fox. The season is about a 24 hour period in the life of Jack Bauer, an agent in the "Counter Terrorist Unit." It's action-packed, and has more twists & turns than me trying to do that confounded ab tape last night! LOL. Check it out- Tuesday at 9pm- my world stops so I can watch that show.

Cristin, keep it up, chickie- you lost the most on the Valentine's Day challenge, which is a phenomenal #. It's only natural that your body is going to try to stabilize a little bit, and since you were sick, you just need a few days to get everything in order again. Kick butt, girl. You make me so proud of your accomplishments so far! :D

Lucy, great job on the 1 pound loss, even with the sugar cubes ;) That deserves a gold star...or even better! Drum roll...

Congrats, Lucy!
http://www.boomspeed.com/jenr/daisy1lb.jpg

Julie, Thanks for helping me brush the dust off & set me back on my feet. I appreciate you being here for me, and pulling for me. And 3 pounds....great job, girlie! :D You get 3 gold stars...LOL

Way to go, Julie!
http://www.boomspeed.com/jenr/_gerber1lb.jpg
http://www.boomspeed.com/jenr/_gerber1lb.jpg
http://www.boomspeed.com/jenr/_gerber1lb.jpg

Ok everyone, I have other awards to give, too, and when you hit 5 & 10 pounds, you can trade up to a new award! :D I still have some tricks up my sleeve for everyone here!

On to my plan....

Breakfast was:
1 apple & cinnamon cottage double
1 oz fat free cheddar cheese
1/3 cup smart start cereal
12oz diet coke

Already sipping my first 24oz of water.

Lunch is defrosting-
3/4 cup chili
3/4 cup brown rice

We may be looking at a house after work today, so dinner will be delayed- I'll probably just make a sandwich or something else quick & easy. Then, do at least the 1 mile WATP tape before I can sit down & watch Friends. It had better not be a repeat this week. If it is, I suppose I could read through my new class lessons.

Have a wonderful morning and on target Day 4!

Day 4 and on the path
 

So far so good on the challenge, I've upped my water intake to 180 oz a day and intensified my workouts to include the new Firm series I've just purchased. And man, can I just say there is nothing easy about those suckers! I did the Complete Aerobics tape this morning and just about dropped dead. The pay off is that the size 18 Old Navy pants now fit and can be worn in public. Their debut is the movies Saturday night, keep a lookout because I'm sure I'll be on everyone's best dressed list on Monday! :lol:

Breakfast:oatmeal w/soy milk and splenda
Mid-morning Snack: sugar free jello
Lunch: ground turkey breast and steamed broccoli

I have the day off from work tomorrow so I may not be posting until Monday. Have a great weekend challangees!

Jennifer - you are so awesome at supporting everybody. Keep up the good work with the WAPT tapes, and remember your progress. You're doing great just by being here you're showing a commitment to a new and healthy lifestyle (((HUG)))

I did my step class yesterday over lunch and went to Kung Fu last night. Calories were about 1500. That's a little higher than I like, but I did workout twice yestday so I guess it's okay.

Today is my off day for exercise. YAY! I'm always sore after doing step and kung fu on Wednesdays, so Thursday is always a welcome sight. I am doing Kung Fu again tonight. I don't really think of that as working out, because I love it so much.

Water intake is still too low. I keep a bottle on my desk and sip it all day, but I still don't get enough. Guess I'll have to try to focus on it more.

Hope everybody has a great day and many successes!

Its another beautiful day!
 

Hi Chickies,
I am so glad I have found you all! This really seems to be helping. I look forward to this site every morning and can't wait till lunch to catch up some more.
Jennifer, come on girl don't let those tapes get you down. Lets just keep moving forward. Use those tape as your gage. Pull them out every once in a while to see your progress. You might be suprised! :strong:
Hey were having a heat wave here today. It might get up to 39 degrees! :D Wo, Wo! Thanks for all the advice about the water intake thing. I am going to stop by the market on the way home and try your crystal light advice. So far today I have gotten 36 oz down. :sunny: I now know why you loose more when you drink the water, its from all the exercise walking to the bathroom! :p . Any ways I feel great because I have been getting my exercise in too. Its amaizing how wonderful we can feel when we get the combination right.
I bought the new scale last night, I think I like to old one better it said I weighed less. Oh well, its all about new starts and feeling good isn't it? I am finding it hard to put myself first before everyone at home but I have to do this for me, right? We must, we must,......
Todays intake:
Morning
Water, Oatmeal, sm glass of fat free milk, 4.0 onces of apple sauce
Lunch
Water, Subway 6 inch veggie sub (yummy)
Dinner ? Cross that bridge when I get to it.
You all have a super day and keep smiling!

I am not a happy camper, this is the second week at ww that I stayed the same. I have walked in the cold and wind, have stopped eating anything I liked, and last night I started doing sit-ups(100). I am only choking down 32ozs of water and thats killing me. I haven't logged on to my challenges because I'm not helping them or me the way I feel. I am only glad to see that you other chicks are doing well. I tried to be upbeat at the ww meeting today but, others noticed that staying the same week after week gets you down. Well, ladies I don't want to get you all down so I'll wish you all the best for the day and sign off :(

Babs & Mama Mia, thank you for all your encouragements. I'm here to help pull anyone up who needs it, and I know I'm going to need some helping hands along the way. Kinda like a built-in insurance policy.

NClipper....can you tell us more about the program you are following & what you're eating? Are you keeping a food journal? If the weight isn't dropping, there are so many things that it could be. Are you balancing your carbs & protein & fat, or are you favoring 1 particular food group? The walking- how long are you walking? How far? If you're just taking a leisurely stoll, you might not be getting your heart rate up enough to start burning fat.

Don't give up. This is a learning process. You have to keep fine-tuning things until they work for you. Heck, I have the same breakfast every single day, just changing the flavor of the fruit in the cottage double...because it works for me. Not much variety, but it's one less thing I have to think about, and lets me concentrate on the harder things, like not tearing apart the ab tape that ruined my mood yesterday.

If I can be of any help, feel free to email me or send me a personal message- I promise I'm not *that* horrible a person. ;)

Now, back to the rat race for me. I swear, there had better not be many more days like today has been! Sheesh!

Day 3 and I'm feeling pretty good
 

:chin: Did that just come out of me? Me? Feeling pretty good? Feeling motivated? Oh wow. Where is the real Mary and what have you done with her? :mag: I did, however, have to use 4 Flex POINTS yesterday. I didn't total up my POINTS until I got to work last night and found I was over. I'm not real keen on using those Flex POINTS although most WW'ers are militant on the use of POINTS one way or the other (both Flex and Activity). I find it enables me to "cheat" so I just don't mess with them. I don't use the Activity POINTS either.
But I've managed to meet and in some cases exceed my daily water goals and I've exercised two out of the last three days. It feels good. I may not be losing weight yet, but knowing that I can do what I'm supposed to, feels right. If I get another whoosh this month like I did last month I'm going to ignore it. It was just too upsetting. I'm not going to breath a word of it to anyone. Those are Mother Nature's cruel practical jokes. Ever had one? Ouch. Talk about a roller coaster ride. :dizzy:
Wow, how many smilies do you plan on using Mary? Get a life! :comp: I just noticed it's nearly bed time and I didn't even clean the bathroom like I said I would. Oh well, it's not like anyones' going to see it until Monday. G'night Chickies! Have a great afternoon and evening. I'll be back in the morning after work. :yawn:

Day 4 and looking forward to more!
 

G'day people! I think I'm the only one in a different time zone (Pacific) so my posts will probably be a bit behind. Well, each day is getting better for me. The more I hang in there, the more stronger I become. I'll admit I almost caved in last night to a curry dish I was making but I resisted, and this morning I felt good! :smug: (I usually am not that strong and typically feel a commbination of terrible, guilty,and hopeless the morning after, so this is progress for me.)

I realize there will be times when I am weak but I'm not going to "let one mis-step ruin the dance!" and I think that is key to remember. :dance:

Tonight I will take a candlelight Yoga class at the gym for the first time. Hope I can keep up with the Yogi's and don't accidentally catch anything on fire. :flame:

I want to thank everyone for their support! Jennifer, you're an angel :angel: and if there is anything I can assist with in this challenge please let me know.

Have a great day/evening everyone! :sunny:

Wow! Thanks a bunch, Jennifer!

I slept in quite a bit today, but OH MAN I feel energized this morning! I haven't even taken my diet pills or vitamins yet, and I'm ready to run a marathon (not literally). I LOVE that part of working out -- the awesome motivation, the mood change, and the energy level altogether.

NClipper -- Hon, don't get too down on yourself. You're probably plateaued, but it happens. I was a couple weeks ago -- I kicked it up a tiny notch and changed on little thing, and now I've skyrocketed back on track. Go over what you're eating, the way you're working out, etc., and see if there's something you could improve on. (Mine was horrible -- my husband and I were eating fried foods at least 3x/week. I decided to drop it to once a week, like on a Friday night or something, and it immediately made a change for me).

In other news, I'm going to try for 30 min on my bike today! I feel awesome, and my abs actually aren't screaming bloody murder like I thought they'd be, so I'm gonna kick my exercise into high gear for today and tomorrow. Today: 30 min on bike, then 200 situps (40 side-style included). And I think I might do the balance ball, since my back has stopped throbbing this morning. We'll see how I'm doing after that major workout I have planned...

Dinner tonight is going to be lemon chicken, fetuccini alfredo and a side salad. Should only take me 20 minutes or so to make, and it's super healthy and yummy.

I think I'm going to nix lunch today because I woke up way too late, and if I ate lunch at 4 (when I'll get munchies), then I won't eat dinner. So maybe lunch today will be a snack of salad, instead.

My bad thing for yesterday: I only had around 20 oz of water. Shame on me. And I had root beer! Today, I'll be drinking as much water as I can!

Keep up the good work, everybody! Everyone is doing a great job and I think it's safe to say we're all proud of each other. =)

Mama Mia - It's great that you're taking time out for yourself. You can't give fully to someone until you're whole and healthy yourself.

NorthernClipper - Don't get discouraged. It could be that you're adding muscle, or that your body is just trying to stabalize. Try doing a different exercise or eating different foods. I know it can be very discouraging, but also look for NSV's. I bet your staminia is better and you probably feel better too.

Mary - It sounds like you're doing great! Good job on slugging all that water. I feel like my eyeballs are floating, but I'm not there yet ((AHHH)).

Velma - your yoga class sounds like it'll be fun. Keep up the good work!

LameDucky - Good job on the exercise. It really does make a difference in how you feel. I'm getting addicted to my workouts. Sometimes I find it hard to take a day off. Yeah, I'm a little weird. LOL

Crimenee- Can you catch that phonetically? If I don't post early in the day...I feel lost! I have been to the Dr., to work, to the Dance academy, the pharmacy, grocery store, bank, cleaned my kitchen, volunteered at the school and did 4 loads of laundry....but dinner still to make. That is the reason it is 4:30 my time and I am just now getting on here! I am sorry gals. I have thought about you today~does that count?

Jennifer- thanks for the words of encouragement. I like the idea of the awards...but how do they work? I am so excited for you in looking at a house! Do you own now, or will this be your first? We have been renting the same dumpy, but large enough for our family, house for 4 1/2 years and I am SO ready to find a place of my own. We have just started looking to see what is out there that we can afford. I am sure you know that song and dance!

Lunalee- I will be on the lookout! Way to go!!! That is so exciting!

Babs- I had the same problem to begin with that you do in getting enough water. I was able to get on top of it by making myself gulp 5-6 times everytime I went to take a drink. When you get used to it, your body will actually start craving that water. Good luck to you. I know how hard it is!

Northern- I am sorry gal...that is really frustrating. Maybe you are changing body composition...or just at a plateaux. I have been doing the same thing, the same weight for a couple weeks, and I am just taking pleasure that I am not gaining! Keep your chin up. It can only stay the same so long! You have to perservere longer than the drought does!

Now, for personal things....My husband found the "before" pictures I had him take 2 years ago before I lost my first 25 and we compared them to the ones we just took the other day. AMAZING DIFFERENCE! I can't believe I ever really looked like that...but I have the pics to prove it, right? The weight difference between the two pics is about 37 lbs. I have about 20-25 left to go to hit my goal weight and I can't wait to see the "after" pics! If you haven't taken pictures yet ladies...I highly encourage you to do that. It is so good to be able to see the difference, even when you can't really see it in the mirror. I had forgotten how far I had come....

I ended last night poorly. Travis, evil man that he is, brought home my favorite...Dark, kitkat bites with a movie. Now of course, I thought that I was going to be able to "just have a few"...NOT! We ate the whole freaking bag!!!! Thankfully it is out of my system though and the rest of my day was perfect. I have also had a great day today...no guilt, great food, all water and I will be doing my WATP tonight after dinner. I know I should do it before, but I can't fit it in. I think we will be going to Applebees tonight for dinner and I will get the Tilapia with mango salsa. It is great and low fat! If I need a snack tonight, it will be my cottage yogurt.

I have told so many people about this site and the wonders it is doing for me. Thank you all!!! Will try to post before bed....

ps- it is now 5:20p....interruptions!!! 5 kids will do that to ya! C-

You betcha, Mary! Just coming off one! What's up with all of it? Mine last a good two weeks (maybe more). You can read my post to see what's up with me! We will stick together and ignore those whooshes!!! :dizzy:

I second that emotion! :bravo:

Julie

Success!
 

;) Hey There Chickies...
Well today I managed to go without sugar!!! No snacking on "bad sugars" this afternoon and I am totally proud of myself. I am feeling that old familiar self confidence come back and it feels great! I do want to thank all of you for being so supportive and just being there for me! It really does make a difference because without you, I would have quit this journey!

Cristin, I think your comment to me the other day about not "trying" but just "doing it" made a difference. Trying is a copout! We are women...we can do anything if we set our mind to it! So thank you, that is the kick in the pants I needed. And Jennifer...you of course are my constant motivation. You are my hero! You are kicking butt, girl! I want some of what you have, so can you send it via email??? :lol:

Northern, don't give up. Keep coming here every day...more than once a day if you have to. I do know how you feel, truly. It has been a long two (or maybe more) weeks for me. I started this journey on Jan 5 and I am only down 3#, but I know that I have to work to make it work. Part of that work is to come here every night and journal. It helps me to feel connected and to be a part of such a special group is so awesome. So keep coming back and keep doing what you are doing and like Jennifer said, tweak what you are doing just a bit and you may find the key to unlock that stubborn scale!!!

Here's the lowdown today. I just remembered that I did have some sugar but it was in the form of flavored cream for my coffee this AM

AM: Two cups coffee with Fr. Vanilla Creamer (about 4 T)
One large apple

Lunch: Bowl (about 1 & 1/2 cups) of chili (leftover from our fundraiser the other night) with shredded cheese--really fills me up!

Supper: Marinated (lowfat zesty itallian dressing) chicken breast (about 3-4oz.), broccolli, one piece of garlic toast, milk, 1/2 cup SF/FF butterscotch pudding.

I find that if I eat a lot of protein at lunch time (breakfast too), I tend to avoid the nasty sugar crave mid afternoon!

Did my journal entry on the journals of 3FC with some introspection there as well if you want to read it! Here's the link:
http://www.3fatchicks.com/journals/c.../9806_0_1_0_M/
I don't know if it will work or not...Jennifer how do you do those links, anyway? You are just a whiz on this website??? :comp:

Hope you all have a great Friday. I will be posting all weekend, too. That helps me!

Thank-you ladies each and everyone
 

This morning I could have cried and quit. This evening it's different I'm back on track and it's all thanks to you. I was upset after weigh-in so I got on my bike and pedaled quickly for 25minutes after supper I went for a quick paced walk with my friend. I came home and measured my waist like my friend said to do and I have lost 1 inch. I surprized myself and have now drank 48ozs of water a personal best. You ladies helped with the encouragement and good vibes. :lol:

Jennifer I'll enter my daily diet if you don't mind looking it over and give me your ideas. I would greatly appreciate it.

Lameducklucy your dinner sounds divine. :

jillmommyc your so correct I should have looked at this as no gain not no loss.

babangie when I got angry today I found out how my staminia had changed(it sure improved) I never moved so fast in my life.

hikenin2005 I am changing from walking every nite to some bike riding and some sit ups.

b-tea, water, and oatmeal
l-water,salad and yogurt
d-water, 1/2 cup potatoes, fish

This is a great thread full of great ladies :smug:

((( All my wonderful Challenge Chickies! )))

I'm rushed tonight, so I promise in the morning, I'll read everything I skipped- I just wanted to get this posted tonight.

Tonight I did the WATP & Shortcuts for Upper Body. Yeah..with only 1 day off between UB workouts, I felt the wobbles much sooner. During Friends, I did some additional UB work while sitting & watching the show.

We were supposed to go look at a house after work today. Hubby's schedule fell apart, so I went to check it out, and I got stood up by the homeowner. Great...just wonderful- lost an hour in the total driving time there & back home, and wasted a good half hour there knocking on the door, ringing the bell, walking around the outside of the house. Sheesh!That put my workout behind, so I was more rushed than normal.

Water was on target today, Food on target, Exercise on target.

Snack: (needed because of the much later dinner hour)
1 slice light oatmeal bread
1 tsp peanut butter

Dinner:
2 slices light oatmeal bread
2 slices provelone
12 slices 50% reduced fat salami
(open faced sammitches)

Work has been hectic due to so many changes, so I have to be careful & not let things stress me out. If I stress out, I'm only producing hormones & chemicals that will keep my body from burning this fat. I sure don't need it holding on to this excess! ;)

Tomorrow morning- WATP- gonna go for the 2 miles, I think- I need the endorphine high to avoid the poop at work. Not going to use the ab belt, just to let the arms have a break. Breakfast & lunch are planned- nothing thought out yet for dinner, but hubby will be home working most of the day & perhaps I can bribe him into making more sauce. I'm thinking about a Chicken Breast Faux Parmesan, with boneless, skinless chicken breast, a smidge of his wonderful sauce, and few slices of the fat free mozzarella. Thinking about it, anyway.

Another thought I had was a bribe for myself with the water. For the month of March, I'm going to keep a little calendar (I can email one to anyone who wants it) and track my water. If I drink 100 24oz glasses of water during those work days, I get to reward myself with some kind of fitness gadjet- maybe the tension bands for the leg work...maybe a yoga mat to make those floor exercises more palatable.

More in the morning, ladies... You are all incredible- each & every one of you! :)

Good night friends. I ended up with the bourbon steak at Applebees with steamed veggies and no butter. I had a couple of my husbands onion chips, which i am counting as my carb. I only ate about 1/3 of the steak, so more tomorrow for lunch probably. Water is done and ending the day happy! Can't beat that! Talk to you all in the morning! Cristin

Today was awesome, you guys. I hope everyone else had an awesome day, too. I did the workout, did a long walk at night, ate healthy all day, and found a NEW way to get that water in!!

NClipper - GOOD JOB!! Congrats!! I knew you'd beat that hump! =) *big hug* And awesome about your stamina levels! I'm amazed that I am biking about 10 miles a day, walking 1, and somehow still manage to walk the next day without toppling over. Good job on losing an inch! It's an inch closer to your goal and an inch further from being unhappy. =)

If you guys are sick of PLAIN water (I AM!!) and want something yummy -- LEMONADE!! Go buy a bottle of lemon juice (you need 1 cup for this) and some sugar (or for those of you against sugar, get splenda cuz it's way better than equal or anything else). In a regular juice jug (2 qts), put 1 cup lemon juice, 1/2 cup sugar/splenda, and fill it up with ice cold water. Stir it around, and you have SUPER fresh, wonderful, yummy lemonade. And you get all of that vitamin C!

Hope everyone had a great day, and keep up the awesome work you guys! If everyone in the world was as supportive as we all are to each other, there WOULD be world peace!

I made this for my daughter once and she loved it and has been asking for it every since. She's four! I use regular sugar for her, (one cup at a time) but I never have thought to make it for myself with sweetener! Thanks for the thought!