Morning ladies!

Boy, I'm posting late today! This slight change in my schedule has me all out of whack! But I'm free for the moment, so here I am!

Comments first!

Betani: WTG on the lost pounds, and the no snacking after 9! You're doing great! Good luck with the fruit! It gets easier, I swear!

Rosie: You kept your calories in range all weekend?! You are my hero! And you're drinking water too? Way to go!

Birdiegirl: Welcome back! Who cares what week of November it is, you're welcome here ANY TIME!

MsRD: You're really moving on the exercise! I hope you're feeling better today. Take care of yourself, chick.

Time4achange: You're doing great! GOOD JOB on the pounds lost! As for an easy way to find this thread: we're the very last public thread on the forum board (only the Hen's Roost is below us, and it's for moderators only). Also, you can click on UserCP and it will show you your subscribed threads, we'll be in that list.

Scale Challenged: You're doing great with the exercise! Isn't it fun trying new recipes? We have a recipe thread here somewhere, though I believe it's fallen off the board for the moment (I may have to fix that!). I always love finding new, yummy, healthy things to eat.

Julie: GREAT job on the eating and exercising yesterday! You did very well avoiding all those extra calories that stress has a way of making us eat. Now step away from the pumpkin bars! :lol:

Rosie: Get some sleep, chick! We'll be here when you wake up. :)

TBJ: Did you have fun shopping and decorating? I can't wait until I get to that stage with my house!

Bethe: :wel3fc: There's a great bunch of chicks here, and all the support a chick could want! As for where to start, I would recommend writing down every single bite you take for at least a few days to get an idea of where you are. Drink lots of water, and make small changes. It's often easiest to change one little thing at a time and do just that until it becomes habit, then change something else. We look forward to hearing all about your journey, and your success!

OK, now on to the news about me.

Yesterday was FAB-U-LOUS! Calories came in at 1390, water was about 106 oz, and I got in 30 minutes of exercise. So this morning the scale is back down to 216.8, which is still up some, but give me another couple of days and it'll be back to 214, and then it will get even lower.

Today I have my meals all planned out, except perhaps for dinner, because we're still not sure what we're doing. I'll probably/hopefully end up at Subway for that turkey sub I've been craving, and that's what I have planned and calculated, so that would be good. If not, well, I don't know. The way I have it planned, I've got 1330 calories today, including lots of water. Not much fruit today though, as we're almost out. But Mom is going ot the store today, and I will go to the store on Thursday or Friday, so all will be well.

Anyway, I've got stuff to do, and it's taken me plenty long to type this as it is. I hope everyone is having a wonderful, healthy day!
~Elisha

thanks Elisha, and WTG on having a FABOLOUS day yesterday!! I will catch up with you on yahoo after awhile.

What are those Exercise Challenge minutes?

All about me: I'm a 40 something with 50 something too much on my 5'2" body. Today is my first day for counting calories and journaling everything I put in my mouth! Actually, a friend of mine told me that if I broke up my 1200 calories per day - 250 for breakfast, 300 for lunch, 450 for dinner, 100 for dessert and 100 calories for snacks that it would make it quite a bit easier for me to manage my day.

I seem to be a visual learner, so if I can stick to that schedule, I might just be able to manage what I have to eat at each meal better. But, I’m a work in progress, so it will be one day at a time for me!

Current Weight: 189
Goal Weight: 133
Goal Date: July 25, 2006

Exercise Goal: 30 min/day (for the moment!)

Day One
 

Well, I've decided to start out by cutting in half my "normal" portions as they have been the past year. As I said yesterday, I did lose 10 pounds last year when I was with you guys.

Since then my portion sizes and snacking have increased steadily...until my stomach WANTS more food than it needs. So, many years ago I lost about 20 pounds or so and got to my ideal weight by simply cutting food in half.

I can probably do this once now and then again...and then be down to what I should be at for consumption! ;-) (lil porker here!)

One step at a time. I've had my usual Light N Fit yogurt drink for brkfst, along with coffee. Then a granola bar snack mid morning. I usually do fast food lunches, which I know are bad, but again, I got a small portion meal today. It's 2pm here, not really hungry, good sign! I have to be careful not to cut my intake too much or I tend to get sick/weak. IT's a gradual thing for me, both physically AND emotionally!

I can't find the scale at home, think hubby must have moved it...wandered around last night looking for it...must be in the spare bedroom.

When I had my annual Doc appt in July I was a few pounds less than last year at the same time. I was so happy about that, I think I gave myself permission to eat more. ARGH!!! IT was the first year in probably 5 that I hadn't gained a few more pounds each year.

Later!
Birdiegirl

Hi! :wave:

I'm still here.....really got caught up on my sleep yesterday, so am starting to feel better. If all goes well, maybe I can get in 30 minutes of exercise tonight to bring my totals up to 210/240....If I hadn't goofed off a day or so, I would have made my goal!

Time4achange.....I am so glad you found us! And you are down 2 pounds......now that is really good news!

Connie.....You certainly had a good day! Recipe experimenting is really fun......especially if you can find a favorite recipe and make is healthier!

Julie....sorry about the bad start to your day, but you stayed OP......HA! You showed them!

Rosie.....job searching has got to be the worst! Second only to job interviews......definitely not my favorite things! You stay strong, chickie, and make that employment connection!

TBJ.....Don't worry about not getting your exercise in.......I think moving from Minnesota to Hawaii to a vacation rental and now into an apartment has got to have some exercise involved! As soon as things settle down for you, you will have an exercise regimen in place.

Bethe......Welcome! so glad you have joined us! just jump in from wherever you are.....believe me, we are all works in progress!

Elisha.....Wow! You sure did have a fabulous day! Doesn't it make you feel empowered to get all the aspects of your plan in sync!

Birdiegirl......Watching portions is a really good idea. I have found that if eat small portions of anything I want, it helps me maintain some level of diet 'sanity'. If I constantly deprive myself of foods I like, it ultimately ends with me bingeing on them and than beating myself up afterwards for failing, yet again.

It is only 8pm, and I am already wearing out......maybe not as strong as I thought I was! I think I will make this another early night......

Quick Post
 

Things I did well today:
1.) Didn't have any cookies during "frosting cookies" activities with residents!
2.) 25 minutes on Exercise bike this morning before work!
3.) Remained positive during some stressful moments at work!

Things that need improving:
1.) Writing down my food/keeping track of calories
2.) Staying away from snack food at home after supper!
3.) Drinking more water!


OK chickies...It's November 8 in Michigan and we are getting a Thunder Storm as I write this! CRAZY WEATHER!!! Where's the SNOW????? It's been mid 50's to 60 degrees for weeks! Need to go! Too much lightning!

Great job everyone today! I'm proud of all y'all!

Okay I finally have enough energy (just barely) to do personals... :carrot:

Elisha: Job searching definitely is hard. And it's not getting any easier. I tend to get all jumbled up when I'm stressed so I'm happy that I've been able to keep hold of something. How is the Avon selling going? Do you think you can really get sales generally? I wouldn’t mind selling their products. Good luck on your “no excuses” diet! You seem to be doing fantasic so far!!

TB: Sorry no interesting job searching/interview stories. Have you found a dojo you like yet? Found any nice house things for your new apt? eBay rocks!

Connie: My only suggestion for getting through a slump is variety. Get a new workout plan; try new healthy foods; read a good health book. Hope your son’s feeling a little better! Got any recipes you’d like to share?

MsRD: Yes listening to people but not taking them on, is my biggest challenge in life. Guess it’s hard to change what’s been ingrained in you. But change is must. Hope you’ve been able to get in workouts! I’m proud of me too keeping my calories in over the weekend; has always been a challenge for me. Hope you feel better!

Julie: Thanks for the encouragement. Feel free to steal the idea of tweaking vs. accomplishments. Hope you got rid of those desserts! And yes, no excuses! record record record.

Betani: Good going on that weekend exercise!

Birdiegirl: You will and can lose weight! Welcome to the challenge!

Time4achange: Hi. Good going for last week’s weight loss! Welcome to the challenge!

Bethe: Welcome!

Monday & Tuesday in summary:

Things I'm proud of:
-was within my caloric range on both days (today i was even on the low end!)
-Recording ALL food today
-Drank 66 oz of water both days

Things needing tweaking:
- Haven't done any exercising still
- Not feeling all that positive; b/f going thru some stuff and not helping my already blue color lol
- Other than job searching, not very productive otherwise

Rosie

Hi everyone --

Hubby is sick. How sad to be sick when we're just moving to Hawaii! I hope he feels better before he goes back to Minnesota this weekend.

I worked on my bar application until I hit a point where I have to make a phone call. Can't do that until tomorrow, so here I am, on 3fc. :)

Food was OK but not great, b/c Hubby wanted to eat junk food in order to make himself feel better. I ate healthy for the most part, but still restaurant food.

Hey, my new avatar is my husky! We visited her at the quarantine station, and I took that picture with our new digial cameral. Who knows what pictures I'm going to plaster all over 3fc? :lol:

Will comment individually later.

Question of the Day
 

Do you have any rewards planned when you reach your goal weight, or even along the way? If so, what are they? Any special reason behind them, or just something fun?

Morning chicas!

Well, yesterday was not quite so fabulous. Water was good, but I only made my goal if you count the diet soda I drank (20 oz was caffeine-free, so that counts, right?). Food... too much. Pizza for dinner. 3 slices, and I wanted more. Exercise, none was planned except for bowling, but I did do a few minutes of Dance Dance Revolution with my brother's gf and managed to work up a sweat. But the rest of the day went exactly as planned.

Today isn't starting off on a great note. I got into it with my mom again this morning. Scale says 216.2, which is down from yesterday, so it's good, especially since after the pizza I expected it to be up. But I had a healthy breakfast, and my packed lunch and snacks are good. And I didn't bring a soda to have with lunch, because that always seriously cuts into my water consumption. Dinner... Mom says she's making spareribs, soup beans, and cornbread. Spareribs aren't exactly healthy, I don't eat soup beans, and I have a weakness for cornbread (smothered in butter, of course). I think I'll fix some succotash, have a small piece of meat, attempt to limit my cornbread, and use some Smart Balance Light spread. That's about all I can do.

Tonight I will do my Physical Challenge on Y!F, plus a 45-minute workout. I really hope something has improved on my physical stats, and I guess I'll see.

Exercise Challenge: I'll post our final totals in a separate post. It doesn't look like we made it, chicks. :shrug: Well, we'll just have to try again next week! I'm going to give us a bit of time to planning and preparation this time. Let's start on Monday, ok? Can everyone have some a goal in by Monday? I think that's reasonable. The challenge can run Monday Nov 14-Sunday Nov 20. Sound good?


In other news, I did really well at bowling last night. It was the first time ever I broke 100 on all three games. I know that still isn't great, but it means I'm improving.
Steve finally got his work schedule, and he's going to be working 3rd shift. That means we're not going to have any time together anymore. :(
BUT! It also means that I'm going to have to start preparing meals in advance so that we will both be able to eat decent meals. And preparing meals in advance means that I have to put forth a conscious effort, which means that there's a much better chance the meals will be healthier. Granted, this is still going to be SOOO much easier when we get our house, but I'm going to make an attempt now.

I get paid tomorrow, so I'm going to take some time today to plan meals and write out a shopping list. A few things I'm going to put on the list: grilled salmon, cobb salad, dilled chicken, carrot dill soup, Asian barbequed chicken, taco salad. I'll find other things to fix too. Don't know what yet, but I'll figure it out. I need to see what I still have in my freezer from my last grocery shopping venture, because I know I didn't use all of it.

Anyway, I need to get to work. Have a wonderful day, chicks!

~Elisha

Exercise Challenge Minutes: Actual/Goal

Elisha 150/180
Joy 35/420
MsRD 180/240
Julie 105/160
Rosie 41/140

Total 511/1140

Oh, I forgot to answer my QotD!

Do I have rewards planned? YES! First and foremost, a new wardrobe! Also, one of those right-hand rings they advertise all the time. I plan to get it in a size that's a little tight on me, just to remind me not to gain any more weight. And along the way I have mini-rewards that include things like manicures/pedicures, haircuts, new clothes/shoes/handbags/makeup, a massage, a facial, new CDs or books, etc. Lots of little stuff to keep me motivated (theoretically, at least).

I want to get a tattoo or two when I get goal. I'm thinking a butterfly sitting on a peach. And maybe a cross with wings that have my grandmother's name and her passing date. I'd put it somewhere not noticeable...after all I'm a professional :queen:

As far as goals, along the way, I'd like to learn how to put on makeup and acquire a new sense of style. I've gotten used to wearing whatever's loose and non-constricting aside from the occasional cute pieces.

Hmm reasons.... well both the tattoos would mean something. Butterfly for the feeling of freedom and finding beauty of the inside...the peach because of a support group i'm in by that name. the cross for my religion with the wings and my grandmother's name b/c she died in 2001 and she was a major aspect of my life. As far as the makeup and clothes...well i dont really take care of myself and i need to know how.

Rosie

:spin:

Been busy the last couple days!

Exercise has been good for the most part. Yesterday I almost didn't wake up in time. I didn't have time to do my DVD, but I just repeated some of the movements I'd memorized for about 20 minutes. I'm 3 for 3 so far this week. :encore:

So far so good on the 4 servings of fruit a day. It's funny how small a serving can actually be. I cut it quite close last night on the 9:00 curfew, but I made it.

I need to find some kind of non-food positive reinforcement for getting up in the morning without using snooze on my alarm. I just can't seem to get up right away, and don't have the motivation to try harder yet.

QOTD:

I used to have a fund where I saved money to buy a digital camera when I reached my ideal weight. I stopped it for two reasons. Firstly, money got really tight recently, and it had to become my Christmas gift money. Secondly, I look at a reward as something you get when you finish something. Even when I reach my ideal weight, I won't be "finished" dieting. Lifelong maintenance is part of the package.

Rosie-- I like tattoos when they are special and mean something like that. Hopefully you'll be sporting them soon!

Elisha-- Tweaking your mom's dinner like that is the best you can do. As long as you know ahead of time, you can plan ahead and around meals like that. 'Twill work out just fine, just you wait and see!

TBJ-- Hope your hubby feels better soon! What a sweet puppy dog!


Oy! Break's over. Back to work...

HEY EVERYONE!! I know I'm starting late.. and I never did finish the previous challenge.. but it's time for me to take responsibity for my actions.. and do something about them! I'm back up to 200lbs!!! Can you belive it?? I promised myself I'd never be back to this weight.. but here I am! I can't believe I sabatoged myself like I have.. I totally let emotionally eating take control of life. BUt, I'm back now and that's all that matters to me know.. I have to get back on plan and start eating right again, drink lots of water, exercising, posting everyday again, I just have to change this. My goal for this challenge is going to be:

-loss 5lbs.
-drink 50 oz. of water a day (since I'm not drinking any currently)
-exercise 4 times a week
-Weight training 2 times a week
-Eat out only ONCE a week

Q.O.T.D.

My reward is, of course, going to be my wedding dress. The meaning behind this, other than the obvious, is I never went to any proms or homecomings or any school dance in that matter, because I never had a date.. and I never felt that I deserved to buy a gorgous dress in a size 20, I felt ugly and had no confindence in myself. But I refuse to feel that way for my wedding.. I wont. I will loss this weight to get that dress I dream of and feel like a princess in!

Have a nice day Chickies.. I'll b back tomorrow.. that's a promise, no more quiting!
-Jessica

My reward is always new clothes. :) Everytime I can afford it, I buy something that is just a little smaller than what I wore before. I feel prettier with new clothes, plus they are a good way to remind me not to treat my body badly.

***
Hi Jessica! You will look lovely in your wedding gown. Try on lots of poofy dresses, because hardly anyone wears poofy dresses any more, and twirl around in front of a mirror. :D

Betani -- Think to yourself, how good can the extra sleep be if you know in the back of your mind that the alarm will sound again soon? Back when I was working early mornings, I woke up fifteen minutes early so that I could spend five minutes soaking in the tub. The alone time, which I used to calm down before a hectic day, made it worth rising out of bed earlier.

Rosie -- Ooo, tattoos! Tattoos are a lot like weight loss. When we get tattoos, we are making our bodies into what we want them to be, just like when we lose weight. Our tattoos make us into "who we really are," just like weight loss makes us "who we really are." I look at my tattoos and think, "Yep, that's me," just like I look at my body as it loses fat and think, "Yep, that's looking more and more like me." :D

Elisha -- :love: Jewelry! What a nice reminder that right hand ring will be. To keep a promise you made to yourself. :)

Julie -- Lightning is so pretty! And snow is so much work! :p

MsRD -- Oh, OK, if you insist, I'll count all the shopping for housewares as exercise. Guess that means I'll have to go do more... :p

Birdiegirl -- Howdy. :D I hear you on the doctor's scale issue. It's hard to maintain weight loss. Hey, you're here now. :)

Bethe -- Hi there! A lot of people find that counting calories works for them. Wishing you good luck on starting your program. :)
***

OK, I know there are more people here... will have to catch up with you all next time. :)

My exercise goal 11-14 to 11-20 is 140 minutes.

We can do this! Seriously, people! Pick a moderate goal and just do it!!! :cb:

Quick note!

Welcome back Jessica! Good to see you again, neighbor!

Good news, chicks! We FINALLY heard back on our offer on the house. They made us a very reasonable counter-offer, along with a clause saying that if the estate settles for less than we're paying, they'll reimburse us the difference. We're going in tomorrow night to sign more papers. YAY! Progress!

OK, gotta run, duty calls. Have a good one, chicks!
~Elisha

Hello All!

The good news is that I am beginning to feel better......the bad news is I am getting my appetite back......WHO PUT THOSE M&M'S IN HERE?

Julie......Snow? Stop wishing for snow......sheesh! I never understood why my ancestors were so barbaric as to settle in Michigan....when there are any number of warmer climates to pick from. (sigh) Actually, this is probably as far as they got and then ran out of money and had to stay...:lol:

Rosie....wish I could follow your lead in keeping the calories down! It is soooo hard for me!

TBJ.....We have a husky too! Aren't they wonderful dogs.....mine is like my shadow when I am home....and loves to 'talk' too! Hope your hubby is feeling better.....if the junk food helped him get well, I may try it .....JUST JOKING! :lol:

Elisha.....Mmmmm, your weeks menus sounds delicous! Great news on the house.....tell me when I can uncross my fingers, k? Put me down for 240 exercise minutes....this time I am going to do it!

Betani....Wow! Every goal you set you accomplish! I am so impressed! As for getting out of bed in the AM......I set my alarm 5-10 minutes early and then spend that time just stretching in bed and waking up easy.

Jessica.....Welcome back! We have missed you! A wedding dress is a great goal.....you are going to be a beautiful bride!

QOTD: Hmmm......I have never set any goal rewards for myself. Buying new clothes will be a necessity when I reach goal, although the shopping part will be fun....and it would be nice to look good in a bathing suit again. Guess I will just have to think on this one awhile....

Wednesday
 

OK...I was just about finished with a very long post (you have now been spared) and I hit something on the computer, I guess...and poof! It disappeard. So here's the lowdown....

Busy day...again! We are buying a new car (van...loaded...used), Parent Teacher conferences after work, DD had 1/2 days so that was crazy trying to get her from school and get back to work... :p

Food: Bfast & LUnch were good. :) No goodies/sugar-ladened treats today! :D Supper...Out for Chinese :( but ate veggies, seafood and other assorted stuff I shouldn't have...too much salt!

Water: Good. 80 oz today! :)

Exercise: 25 minutes again today on the bike! Yea! My body is beginning to get more efficient and I am having to work harder to accomplish same heart rate! This is a good thing :)

Question of the day:
I would like to have the hair on my upper legs permanently removed so I can really enjoy wearing a bathing suit/shorts in the summer and to a pool without having to shave every time! That's what I am going to do when I reach 130...with DH's blessings! ;) Clothes are also a must when losing weight. When I get down to 165 (now at 177 or so...) I am going shopping again...until then, I am going to have to put up with what I have in my closet! UGH! Better get cracking, eh?


Comments:

TBJ & MsRD...I LOVE snow in November, December & January. After that it can go! I love Michigan and the change of seasons! Sorry you two :p

Elisha...Great news on the house! Keep up the exercise...don't worry about that stupid scale! ;)

Jessica...Welcome back and start drinking that water!

Betani...I know what you mean about the serving size...especially fruit! You are kicking butt! You go girl!

Rosie...I like tatoos on other people. I do want one too...a ladybug on my big (hairy) toe.

I'm still here ....
 

Hi chickies.... had a busy week ... missed you all :wave:


I did get up early on Mon & Tues to work out for 30 minutes and went for one 20 minute walk at work ... so put my lowly weekly total at 115/420.

I've been doing great with eating until after dinner ... then look out (definately NOT exagerating). :o Gotta get SERIOUS about my journaling, staying within 1400 calories and not eating after dinner. :tantrum:

Julie I hear you about being busy ... and I don't have a child to deal with. Good luck on the new (to you) van. WTG on the :ebike: ... keep up the good work ... and you'll have to work harder ... and you'll want to.... and you'll have to work longer that's the kind of "endless cycle" that's good for you (pun intended) :rofl:

MsRd So glad you're feeling better. Nothing like a couple of m&m's to bring on the appetite. Will I see you with Lesley tomorrow morning?

Elisha Great news on the house. Too bad about Steve's shift, I've had to live through that ... makes you cherish the times you DO have together ... remember to schedule all that house work and mundain stuff (for both of you) to do when you're not together.

TBJ Thanks for the reminder about setting a "moderate" goal... were you thinking about me? I have a tatoo ... it really is a personal experience. I got mine (a habiscus lei around my right ankle) when DH & I were in Maui five years ago ... it was (and is) about so much more than body art. It's about empowering myself, but also about it being okay to be me and feeling free do what I want (at 44 years of age) and not worring about saying what I want and doing what I want to do without having to feel like I need permission or please my MOM and/or my DH. It was about the freedom to be me... it still is. I'd love to have more ... they say they are addictive ... I believe it. It would be great to get one to celebrate allowing myself to loose this weight ... because it really is a choice.

Jessica Welcome home .... did I tell you my DD is getting married this summer? I have fitting into an awesome sexy mother of bride dress as a goal. When's your date again? Maybe we can partner up on this wedding challenge?

Betani I find the getting up early just has to get to be a habit for you. Do you keep an exercise log book / log sheet and plan what you will "tick off" or how many calories :strong: you will burn for the day or week etc.? Sometimes that's a motivator ... and if the only time you can get it done is in the morning ... then you'll do it.

Rosie Hang in there :bb: Keep up the good work. I like you're way of keeping focus....

Back to finish comments tomorrow.... my eyes are drooping... and I still have studying to do.

Hugs to all :grouphug:

Well I was about two hundred over the high range of my caloric intake today. Mostly because I had two cans of regular soda. Shame on me! But I did get in 15 minutes of pilates tonight. So that's what? 56/140 for my exercise goals. Still doing the job searching...mostly late at night. As my grandfather complains about me taking up his phone line during the day...if only someone would pay for dsl :lol: Oh well...more tomorrow!

Rosie

Weight Loss Haiku
 

Here are a few haiku about losing weight. I found them a while back on another thread. The first and last are my contributions. Feel free to add your own. Come on, try it! It'll be fun! (5-7-5 is the scheme)

Once upon a time
There was a site, 3FC
Where chicks all lost weight.

Fighting the fat war
Winning only when losing
Weapon? Exercise!

Another plateau?
Where's the freakin' tape measure?
Scale's in the garbage.

Stupid excess weight.
I’m determined to get thin.
I hate being fat.

From Betani:
Eating lots of fruits
Waking up for exercise
Goals are A-OK

Monotony calls
Boredom chokes motivation
Must stay on wagon!

Morning chickies!

Well, I'm in a good mood today. Yippee! Yesterday was a good day. Water was good, food was good (calories came in at 1502--I'm really not too broken up about being 2 whole calories over my limit :lol: ), and I got in my Physical Challenge and a 30 minute workout. I was planning to do 45, but the PC took a while and kind of pushed me to the limit, then I did the workout, and it totally kicked my butt! I have never done so many jumping jacks in my life! But I did make progress, so that is good. I did twice as many pushups, more crunches, and I went longer on my jumping jacks and my heart rate was lower. And this morning, the scale is down to 215.8, so that's good. Breakfast, lunch, and snacks are all good, dinner will finally be that turkey sandwich at Subway.

Tonight will be some grocery shopping, some exercise, some sleep. Tomorrow the scale will be down more, food will be good, water will be good, exercise will be good. I'm doing good.

I'm sorry, I really intended to post comments today, but I have no concentration whatsoever, so my comments would make no sense. I think it's time for Friday to be here. :D I'm try to make it back this afternoon, unless I get hit with a bunch more junk at work (which seems to be the pattern this week).

I hope you're all having a wonderful day!
~Elisha

Eating lots of fruits
Waking up for exercise
Goals are A-OK

Monotony calls
Boredom chokes motivation
Must stay on wagon!

Ok, it's not really that bad, but it has happened before. I get gung ho about new routines, but they become drudgery and I drop them. I don't want that to happen again! I only have one practical exercise DVD right now, and I don't have the money to buy any more. I've got some on my Christmas wish list, but I'm worried about holding out that long. The library's selection isn't working for me, because I have very limited space in which to exercise, and every video I've checked out requires more than I have. Perhaps I'm just coming down with something. Cold season has started by now, hasn't it? Either way, I could use some good vibes.

Elisha-- Glad you're doing so well! I love the haikus...

Rosie-- It baffles me just how many calories are in drinks like that. I can't bring myself to drink regular anymore, even though I would have gagged at the idea of diet not many years ago.

Joy-- I've tried exercise logs, but I have trouble keeping up with them. I joined the 3FC Presidential Challenge and I log that way, but it doesn't seem to be the trick to not snoozing, since I still have just enough time to get in my workout. It's that "just enough" that I want to change, but haven't figured out how yet.

Hikein--Sorry that the computer ate your post. I've had that happen way too many times. I find myself highlighting and copying every few minutes just in case.

MsRD-- Don't be too impressed with me. My goals are pretty piddly all things considered, otherwise I'd never accomplish anything. If I could limit myself to just 5 minutes after the alarm went off, I'd be ok with that. Sometimes I get so bad that I'm still snoozing 20 minutes after the alarm. It's not that I'm rushed, I'm just not happy with having "just enough" time.

TBJ-- I'd love to soak in the tub first thing, but mine takes forever and a day to fill. I take a bubble bath every night, but I like the idea of being able to do something relaxing first thing, too.

Jessica-- Welcome back! I changed to eating out only once a week, and it has made a big difference. I plan out the dinner menu for the week, and set aside Wednesdays as our eat out night.

I have to say that yesterday wasn't so bad! We had church last night so I didn't get my exercise in but when i got on the scales this morning I was down two pounds!! 187 looks a whole lot better than 189!!

Exercise tonight - Pilates tape and a 30 minute walk.

Thanks for the encouragement ladies!!

Bethe

Thursday
 

Hi all! It's funny, but as soon as I decide to watch my weight, I feel very empowered that I can take control of myself (my weight/body in particular). Just the fact that I am starting the "plan" boosts me up.

I've been much better this week than the past 6 months! ;-) I'm not feeling hungry at all and I'm focusing on other things - keeping busy at office and always busy at home.

I guess it's mind over matter for me.

I'm taking tomorrow off from work. Weather here is still gorgeous and won't last long, so taking advantage of it while it lasts! I'm in Minnesota.

Birdiegirl

my goals
 

Hi gang
Thanks Elisha for the invite to this group. It looks like this is just what I was looking for,
My Goals for this month
1. Water no sodas
2. lose 5lbs
3. do not eat what the kids are eating at snack time at school (take a healthy alternative)
4. walk 5 days a week
5.replace the I cants do it thoughts with Just do it!!!!!
I have no idea how to get a ticker so
started today at 210. and I want to lose to 150
Ang

Some Diet Success Tips from LHJ
 

More than a decade's worth of studies from Massachusetts Institute of Technology, in Boston, revealed that serotonin, the brain's mood-lifting neurotransmitter, is affected by food, and it turns out that eating carbohydrates, not protein, boosts serotonin production. Carb deprivation can therefore dampen your mood, making you impatient and grumpy, says Judith Wurtman, PhD, director of the Program in Women's Health at the MIT Clinical Research Center. "It's not going to put you into a full-blown depression, but it can put you on edge," she says.

But much like the low-carb diet itself, scientists disagree on the low-mood theory. Pro-carb-cutters blame mood swings on carb-induced spikes in insulin levels rather than plummeting serotonin. One study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, compared weight loss in low-carb and low-fat dieters, but didn't find a difference in the mood of either group. But a British study from Oxford University of 42 women on low-carb diets found that those with a history of depression experienced a "striking but temporary relapse in symptoms." While the jury is out, you might want to keep a rice cake on hand if you're going low carb and are prone to low moods.

Originally published in Ladies' Home Journal magazine, June 2004.

Here's a quickie update for this evening, so tomorrow I can just post some comments!

:welcome: Ang. Glad to see you here! Those are some great goals you've got set up, and we're here to help you achieve them! To get a ticker, click "3FC Features" at the top, then click "Signature Weight-Tracker" and it will give you instructions from there. It's really easy!

I just had another FABULOUS day, chickies! I did a 45-minute Yourself!Fitness session that *totally* kicked my butt! And I thought yesterday's workout was hard! What was I thinking?!?! So yeah, I'm a little pumped up right now. :D Water was 106 oz plus 20 oz of SF iced tea. Calories were right-on-target today, so I allowed myself one of those cranberry-coconut-white chocolate chip cookies Mom made a couple of days ago... YUM! They're my favorite! I really wanted one when I got home, but I told myself I could only have one *after* I did the full 45-minute workout, and it worked! And I only had ONE!!! WOOT! Actually, they weren't even as good as I remember them being, probably because they've been sitting here for a day or two already and they're almost crunchy instead of soft and chewy and ooey-gooey like cookies are supposed to be. *shrugs* That's probably a good thing.

Other successes of the day? I didn't eat my morning snack, so I bought a Big Grab of Baked Cheetos with my turkey sub this evening. Now, there's like 2.5 oz--1 oz being a serving--in one of those bags (which I am totally against--one container should be 1 serving, because that's how much people are going to eat, right?), but I didn't even eat 1 entire oz! I told myself that I couldn't eat too many of them, because it's easy for me to get carried away with Cheetos, so I had a couple and put them down, then a while later I had 2 or 3 more and put them away again! YAY ME!

Completely random note: if any of you like jazz-rock type stuff (not jazz rock, but some jazz and some rock, if that makes sense), I highly recommend the new Jamie Cullum cd, Catching Tales. Steve bought it the other day and it's wonderful. We've been listening to it for 3 days straight! It makes me want to dance, and that's always a good thing. Definitely a toe-tapper.

OK, I'll stop being random and overly excited for this evening. I hope you all had a spectacular day, and I'll see all of you wonderful chickies in the morning!

Hey, one more random note--next time I feel like crap or don't want to exercise, would someone PLEASE remind me of how good I feel *after* I exercise, like right now? If you could do that for me, that would be FANTASTIC, and it might save you--or earn you, whatever your preference--a tazer in the behind! hehe...

Yeah, ok, I'm really done now. Have a good night, chickies!
~Elisha

I'm here...
 

just a bit too busy to post yesterday! Sorry!

I did my 25 minutes of the bike yesterday morning! It's becoming a routine, at least 3 days a week! Yea! Food was ok for b-fast & lunch! Supper was out again, but I choose a "Chicken Taco" Salad. It wasn't great, but I ate most of it...and had a few of DD's fries (about 10) and one piece ofher chicken tender (fried). Last night I finished up some sugar cookies that DD and sitter made, made the frosting and began to devour 2 or 3 of them, I'm ashamed to say! So, calories were not where I would have liked them to be yesterday.

I weighed myself yesterday because I was pretty sure I had lost a few lbs.! It was late in the day at work, so the scale has not shown a loss! DANG! But I will not give up! I'm doing the right thing most of the time, so I know it will come off...and I am exercising again, so that will help boost my metabolism. I'm taking off today from exercise! Gotta get going to work a little earlier...

I got my new minivan! Feels wierd to have a different car after so many years with the same one! We are going to sell my Taurus. We brought a movie along last night to check out the DVD and took a short little drive to the next town. DD was glued to it, of course! I will have to take a short course on how to operate all the bells & whistles on that van...geesh! How can a car be so complicated???? LOL!!

Well, gotta scoot! Have a great weekend...if I don't check in, it's not because I'm not doing well...I just have a busy weekend planned!

Hugs to all...and WELCOME to Ang!!!! YEA! Another one joins! :carrot:

Morning ladies!

Woo! One final update, then moving on to comments! The scale shows me down to 213.8 this morning! That means that not only are the pounds gone from this past weekend, but they took a friend with them! YAY!!! :cloud9:

After I saw that I felt like saying, "Aw, heck, I can ease off a little today, since I'm doing so well." But that's a load of CRAP! I should use this as motivation to keep going, because it's working!

OK, now on to comments!

Julie: You sure are one busy chick! GREAT job on the exercise! :ebike: Get that down, then work on the food--it will fall into place! Hope you're enjoying your new van!

Joy: Thanks for posting those tips! I always like getting new tidbits of information! How's the class going? Learning lots? :^:

Ang: Water *really* helps. I think it also makes me more conscious of how I'm doing in other areas of my diet/fitness. It's like, I'm doing so well here, I don't want to waste it by being bad elsewhere. You and I have about the same weight and goals! Watch as we melt away together! :strong:

Birdie: You CAN take control! It is very empowering to know that you're doing something good for yourself, isn't it? Keep focusing on what works--maybe some of it was emotional eating out of boredom or habit, so focusing on doing other things will keep the urge to eat away. :queen:

Bethe: GREAT job on the exercise, and the 2-pound loss! WAY TO GO!!! :bravo: You reminded me that I need to get back to my Pilates!

Betani: Do you have cable or satellite? There are a ton of workout shows on, generally early morning, that you could either workout with in the morning, or tape and do them at your convenience. The benefit there--they're different every day! :workout:

Rosie: The regular soda really adds up the calories, doesn't it? It's ridiculous! I've given them up... I'd so much rather get my calories from food than beverages. After a while, they taste too syrupy sweet anyway. I'm to the point now that I honestly can't tell the difference between diet and regular soda at a restaurant--I have to have Steve taste them and see which one is mine! :dunno:

MsRD: Glad to hear you're feeling better! Now put down those M&Ms! :coach: :m: I'm putting you down for 240 minutes, and you'd better reach that goal!

TBJ: I try buy clothes when I can afford it to, because I actually don't have that many. I usually end up getting frustrated and declaring that I will not buy anything else until I am in a smaller size--sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't! Have you been to any more martial arts classes? Hope you're doing well! :sumo: (hehe... that smiley is just plain funny)

If I missed anyone I apologize, but that's as far back as the page goes!

Any other takers for next week's Exercise Challenge (11-14 to 11-20)? So far I've got:
MsRD: 240
TBJ: 140
Elisha: 180

Let me know so I can tally everything up!

I hope you all have a wonderful day!
~Elisha

Another Reason Not To Cheat
 

Ravenous Rodents Give Dieting Clues
on 11/07/2005

MONDAY, Nov. 7 (HealthDay News) -- Observations of overstressed rats may help explain why dieters so often fail and binge-eat instead.
A combination of stress, deprivation and exposure to tempting food pushed the rats to overeat, according to two studies in the October issue of Behavioral Neuroscience.
One study by researchers at the University of Bordeaux 2, in France, tested three aspects of eating behavior in rats: motivation (how bad they want it); anticipation (how excited they were in advance); and intake (how much they ate). These three aspects of eating behavior were tested in relation to food type (ordinary lab chow or yummier chocolate cereal) and satiety/hunger.
The second study examined the link between binge eating and opioids -- neurological "feel good" chemicals that play key roles in food response in both the rat and human brains.
Rats binged on a particularly favorite food -- Oreo cookies -- when they were both overstressed and forced to diet. Either condition alone did not lead to binge-eating, according to researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
However, giving the rats an opioid-blocking drug reduced binge eating in the stress/dieting rats.
The findings may explain why some people on diets relapse into previous poor eating habits and why even one slip -- such as eating a single cookie -- can trigger 'pigging out' in people already predisposed to binge-eating.
The research could also help in the development of methods to help people avoid overeating, control their weight and improve their health.

As a wise man once said, it is finished. I have felt **** and emerged victorious. OK, maybe a little dramatic, BUT I AM DONE WITH MY BAR EXAM APPLICATION!!!

Ya-hoooooooooo! (Howl of the law student.)

***
MsRD -- Hubby's ancestors settled in Michigan... then his parents moved to New Mexico. :) Smart idea... :p And yes, the junk food apparently helped my husband. He felt much better yesterday. Maybe you could substitute carrots? Mmm, carrots, curl up in a cozy arm chair and eat your carrots... yum...

Eisha -- Congrats on the house news. :) Any idea when you close? Yay for the scale going down. Down, down, down into a burning scale of fire/The pounds come off 'cuz they feel your ire/And you burn, burn, burn/Off your spare tire, off your spare tire. :p No, I haven't watched any more martial arts classes, because Hubby and I have been so busy setting up house. I need to watch some classes soon, before I lose my nerve.

Julie -- Wow, a loaded van. Sounds like a fun toy. And I hear you on permanent hair removal. I started going to a salon for waxing treatments. I just couldn't stand stubble and ingrown hairs. Plus, I feel cleaner with the smooth results of waxing. Now I have to find a salon here in Hawaii... any advice? :) And don't worry about the scale. My WW leader once said that the scale doesn't know what day of the week it is, so maybe the scale will show a loss later. :)

Joy -- About the moderate goals, I was thinking about everyone in our group, not singling you out. I want all of us here to feel good about accomplishing something -- people say that the best way to build self-esteem is to set a goal, work hard, and achieve it. And you're right about tatt oos being a medium for emotional strength. There's just something about taking control over our bodies, especially for women, and making them into what we want them to be. So often we see images of women as blank canvases, women portrayed as something to showcase something else, such as clothing or makeup. Tattoos are a way of saying we're not a blank canvass, for popular culture, society's expectations of us, or even our mothers. ;) Thanks for the info on seratonin. Ever since I found a proper medication for bipolar disorder, I have been losing the weight that I had put on over years of taking lithium. No doubt part of the reason is that now that my mood is better, I no longer turn to food for a boost. :)

Rosie -- Two hundred over isnBete't so bad. And you know what caused it, so next time you'll have incentive to avoid it. :D

Betani -- How about something contemplative to start your day? Prayers/meditation/journaling, whatever is right for you.

Bethe -- Woo-hoo! Another scale victory!

Birdiegirl -- Yep, a lot of people say losing weight makes them feel empowerd, and gaining it makes them feel out of control. Glad to hear that you are feeling an emotional reward for all your hard work. You deserve to be happy!

Ang -- Howdy and welcome. :D Your goals sound smart.
***

Early morning light
Harbingers a healthy day.
Strength within myself.

Hi Hi hi!!

End of the week......and now on to the weekend! A friend and I are catching a bus to Chicago tomorrow AM and shopping til we drop (which doesn't take as long as it used to!) On Sunday, we have a potluck dinner with our car club group.....should be a fun day as long as I watch my portions and food selections.

Julie.....Congratulations on the new van....so glad you are enjoying it! Stay off that scale until you really really start to feel the loss in your clothes.....then you are sure to see success!

Joy.....You are going to be a beautiful mother of the bride! Mother of the bride gowns can be so awesome! I'll see you with Leslie tomorrow!

Betani.....Check out the exercise videos on ebay.....you might pick up a used one at a pretty good price.

Bethe......Good going on the 2 pound loss! All your hard work is starting to pay off!

Birdiegirl.....Just making a decision to live healthier gives us such a mental boost! You are so right in focusing on other things besides food.....I am making a list of 'to do' things for this winter when I can't be outside as much1

Ang.....Welcome! You have created some good goals there!

Elisha.....You are soooo pumped! Just reading your post inspires me!

TBJ......Congratulations on completing the bar exam application! Whew! Now.....what comes next?

I have been keeping the calories within range all week and have exercised 30 minutes nearly every day.....already I can feel my clothes are a bit looser! I am so excited about finally making some progress, but not going to 'break the spell' by weighing in.....not until the day before Thanksgiving!
Gotta gather somethings together for tomorrow.....have a great weekend, chickies!

Howdy chicks!

How are you all doing this weekend? Enjoying it, I hope!

Quick post by way of update. I'm finding that if I let myself slip a even just a little bit out of routine then I really want to go off track, so I am NOT giving myself that opportunity, and here I am posting like a good girl. :D

Yesterday was good. Calories came in at 1393. This morning the scale says 213.2. Still going down, go that is good. I did 30 minutes of Y!F yesterday, even though I really didn't want to. I thought I had decided to skip it just for one day, but then I felt guilty and did it anyway. YAY me! Food today is going ok (more on that in a minute), water, not so much (never goes well on the weekends), and I'll do another 30 minutes of Y!F here in a bit. Steve's taking me to the movies tonight to see Wallace & Gromit... I told him I would go see that with him since he agreed to go see Harry Potter with me next weekend. Yeah, we're a bunch of kid-movie-loving dorks. :D I'll get a Diet Coke and leave it at that. Movie popcorn makes me feel all greasy and gross anyway.

Mom and I went out shopping today for my best friend's daughter's birthday. She'll be 2 on Friday. Now, I have only really been good friends with her for less than a year, and she wasn't really in my gift-giving circle last year at this time, so this is the first time in... well, ever, that I have gotten to shop for little girl stuff. That stuff is SOOO cute! Mom and I ended up getting her 2 cute little outfits, plus some cute pink pajamas, plus I told Dani I would get her a Disney princess toy as well (more shopping to do!). We also got a little Xmas shopping done, so that's good too. They opened up a new pizza and pasta buffet in the mall, and the entire mall smelled SOOO good. Mom kept saying "pizza sounds really good," and "that's a really good price for a buffet," and "I am getting kinda hungry." I kept replying, "No, we don't need to eat that greasy, fat- and calorie-laden junk," and "I've done good on my diet all week, I'm not going to ruin it on pizza," and "we can eat when we get home, I don't need to spend the money anyway." It worked. :D We came home and had leftover lasagna. I had a small piece. I also had some of my yummy garlic herb cheese with crackers, and a few of Dad's tortilla chips with hummus. But I am still doing on track for the day, so it's all good. Dinner is dilled chicken and some type of green vegetable, though I'm not sure what just yet.

OK, so much for a "quick" post from me! I hope you're all having a wonderful Saturday!
~Elisha

Sorry that i havent been posting. i've been a real ***** for the past couple of days.

i'm just really angry at the ways i've been treated and don't really have an outlet for it. i just dont want to be nice to anyone anymore and i feel the need to go completely numb.

the water's been out the window...as in i havent gotten in any lately. wednesday was my day off and friday and thursday i've been right on point as far as calories go. i managed to get in 20 min of latin cardio today...although now i dont feel like doing much else.

that's all for now,

Rosie

Another busy day!
 

I've got some time tonight for some comments, but first want to let you know that my days have not been as "healthy" since Thursday! When I start the day off with exercise, it seems that I am more conscious of what I eat and have much more energy. The last couple have not started that way and I can feel it! I did however, get a comment today that I look as though I have lost weight (which is untrue, since i have gained)...but it was nice to hear, which means maybe the exercise is helping with toning...it does seem to show on my body! Now...if I could just feel it!! LOL!

Rosie...I'm sorry you are feeling this way! You say you have not outlet for this anger, but there is always an outlet...somewhere! Search deep...you will find a way. Anger is never good when one holds onto it. Maybe you can share with us? Maybe not...but anyway...I always find that if there is no other outlet, journalling is a great solution! Then...if you so desire...you can later destroy the evidence!!!! Read some of the articles in the articles thread. There might be something there for you! ((((((((((((Rosie))))))))))))

Elisha...WTG on the exercise (didn't you feel that thread of the tazer????) even if you didn't want to do it! And your calories...and persistance with your Mom! Girl...I'm so proud of you, I could just hug you!!!! (((((((Elisha))))) Oh...and little girls clothes ARE fun to shop for...I just wish they wouldn't grow up!!!! ;)

MsRD...WTG on the loose clothes feeling and exercising every day! I'm proud of you, too! Hope you bought something "fun" for yourself on your shopping trip!

TBJ...YEA YOU on finishing the bar exam app! That sounds horrendous! Enjoying your weekend in the islands, I hope? When is hubby coming back home? Is it this week? If it is...then hope you make some friends while he is gone so you aren't too lonely! Get a breath of fresh air for me...I think our winter is surely on it's way! Today was almost 60 though, here! Windy...but nice! Sorry...no advice on the salon...there was a few at AlaMoana mall (is that still there?) and some on the strip...when I was there...but I wouldn't have clue, now! I'm not familiar with the area you live in since we didn't have a car and I spent most of my time there right near where we lived!

Bethe...way to go on the 2 lbs! That's 2 lbs you won't ever see again! Yea!

Betani...Love your Haiku's! I feel the same way you do, though about boredome with the same thing. Right now, the exercise bike is working for me since I can't walk like I'd like to...but I have a feeling, I'm going to be wanting something else this winter! And the diet...oy! Same thing! I do fine with the same thing for a while...then boredome overtakes my motivation! Not pretty!

Birdiegirl...Isn't it great to feel so empowered? You go, girl! Keep that enthusiasm coming our way! It's contagious!

Welcome to Ang!!! Glad you are with us!

Joy...where are you??? We miss you!!!

Hope I didn't miss anyone! Have a great weekend (what's left of it!)

Good morning!

I am feeling pretty dragged out this AM......had waaaayyyy too much fun shopping yesterday! I only bought a couple little things, but just being in a big city and doing something different was energizing. We shopped at the Water Tower Place and then walked down Michigan Avenue nearly to the river....and back again......and that is quite a hike for those not familiar with Chicago!

Elisha.....The scale keeps going down! Great Job! And you talked your Mom out of pizza out....I am so proud of you! It sounds like your shopping trip was much more productive than mine, but we both had fun!

Rosie....Sorry to hear you are in a 'bad place' at present. Hope things start working out for you. Keep exercising.....somehow I have found that helps.....and find someplace, someone to vent. Holding all that anger inside is not good, either mentally or physically.

Julie.....Don't you love it when someone comments that you're losing weight! Even if it doesn't show on the scale, it means that you are toning that muscle and it shows!

Joy....hope you are having a super weekend!

I made a Mandarin Chicken Salad for the potluck today.....have to find a ballot box for the elections....and pack the picnic basket.....and assorted club paperwork. Yike! I better get going!

Morning chickies! And Happy Sunday!

Well, well, the weekend is going well for me. Calories were just a tad high yesterday, coming in at 1530 for the day. Not enough water (tsk tsk). Weekends are always so hard on that score. I'm trying to focus more on water today though, and am currently working on a big 30 oz. glass of the ultimate beverage.

I did my 30 minutes of Y!F yesterday, and I just finished 45 minutes today. Also, we're going bowling tonight, so there will be a bit of exercise there. And I plan to drink water at the bowling alley instead of Diet Coke like I usually drink.

We didn't go see Wallace and Gromit last night, because they only show it at 1pm and 4pm. So we went and rented some movies instead, and we did some laundry. I know, how exciting are we?

The scale is down to 212.6 this morning. Today I feel the same way I did yesterday--I've done so well all week, I'm not about to mess it up by going overboard today. We did have a fairly large breakfast, and I'm making a large dinner (meatloaf and mashed potatoes and broccoli), but breakfast was late, so there's no need to have lunch. I'll have an apple or something if I get hungry in the meantime. Yum... an apple sounds good right now.

Anyway, I need to go hop in the shower. I hope everyone is having a lovely weekend! I'll post more tomorrow, and some comments!
~Elisha