"JUST DO IT!"challenge
 

Welcome to November!
It's the beginning of a new month, and the beginning of an exciting new challenge! And it is time for us to start fresh and turn everything we have learned in a positive, healthy new lifestyle!

We have read the diet books, done the research, experimented with different programs. And, we have learned that there are no magic pills, no quick results, no easy way out. Weight loss comes down to a simple formula: We must expend more calories than we take in. (Did I say simple? If it were that easy, all of us would be wearing a size 4! OK.....maybe not simple, but certainly possible!)

We have the knowledge we need to succeed; and, within each of us, we have the strength and ability to make anything we desire a reality! We know what we have to do.....so all that remains is to JUST DO IT!

Please join us! We need each other's support and encouragement! Post your action plan for the next 4 weeks......together we can do this!

Well MsRd...

My plan ... is based on some questions our dear friend, Miss Elisah, posed in the last challenge.

I challenge myself to hestiate, think and question my motivations for eating before I make a LOGICAL CHOICE to eat.

1. Is this on plan?
2. Am I going to feel guilty about this later?
3. Does this benefit my body?
4. Will this help me achieve my weight loss goals?
5. Am I physically hungry?
6. Is there something else I could be doing instead of eating (exercising, perhaps)?
7. What better choice can I make in this situation?

I think that I have to remember the four things that make me successful

1. Drink 8-10 glasses of water daily.
2. Journal / Post
3. Exercise 30-60 minutes per day.
4. Eat OP (1400 calories)

I guess I'd better get that 5 pounds off that I promised too.

Joy

Morning chickies!

MsRD: I'm loving the whole "Just Do It" theme! You're absolutely right--we have all the knowledge we need, we just have to get our butts moving!

My plan for this challenge:
1. Follow Dr. Phil diet plan
2. Less than 1500 calories per day, every day
3. Water, water, and more water (at least 100 oz. per day, EVERY day)
4. Exercise at least 30 minutes, at least 5 days per week

My goals for this challenge:
1. Lose 5+ pounds
2. Stick to exercise and eating plans
3. Journal regularly
4. Stay OP on weekends

I'm glad it's a new month. I feel refreshed. I can't believe it's November already, but I'm glad it's a new month. I've got some new good habits, and I'm working on breaking the old bad ones. This holiday season, I am determined to LOSE instead of gain.

So let's do this!

~Elisha

OK, so here's a quick rundown of where I'm at.

I am OP so far today, and my packed lunch and snacks are OP. We'll be eating out for dinner, either a grilled chicken sandwich or a salad from a fast food joint, or we're going out for wings (which will probably also mean onion rings, since they have the best in town). I'm not too concerned about it, as I think I can still keep my calories in a reasonable range. Then we're going bowling tonight, so there's some exercise.

I'm still sore from working out for the past two days. Last night I did a lower body strength work out. It didn't seem too bad, but then I tried to do an extra little bit of cardio and I almost collapsed. :) So no Y!F today.

And no exercise whatsoever tomorrow, as we're going to the football game. Go Mountaineers!

But food will have to be perfectly OP tomorrow, and I'm ok with that. Anyway, work work work. Have a good one, chicks!
~Elisha

I'm in!
 

This month needs to be all about exercise for me. I've fallen back into the habit of rationalizing myself out of my workouts. So, as soon as I catch myself thinking about it for more than a minute (sickness won't count, as cold season is coming up), I will get up and dosomething, even if it's just marching in place for 5 minutes. :kickcan:

I've also got to get better about getting to bed on time so I don't have the "I didn't get enough sleep" excuse (which I used this morning :o ). This means that when I see the time get close, I need to DROP WHAT I'M DOING AND GET READY FOR BED!! :yawn:

Goals for the month:

Hopefully lose 4 lbs
Not be so tired in the mornings
Not be so wishy washy anymore

I hope no one minds me join this challenge. I need a challenge. They keep me motivated. And I see this particular division is very active. So it'll be great! For the next 4 weeks:

- Drink at least 66 fl oz water
- Get back in the habit of recording EVERYTHING I consume (its so easy to convince yourself 'oh that wasn't enough to mention')
- Do exercise every day (yes EVERY day)... even if its just 10 minutes
- Have a plan of action for each day (I find that lately I just wonder around letting life pass me by)
- Learn to be more genuinely attentive to others

Weight wise I would say I'd like to lose 6 lbs. by the end of the month...but any loss would be good LOL

Rosie

Rosie, of course you're welcome to join us! We love fresh blood... hehe.
:welcome: to the group! There aren't many of us here, but you're right--we're pretty active, and pretty good about checking in regularly.

It sounds like you've got some good goals set up. I wish you the best of luck, and look forward to learning more about you.

~Elisha

This is great!

My ultimate goal for this month is to lose at least 10 lbs.

I will accomplish this by:
*Drinking water everyday (as I now consume NONE on a daily basis)
*Exercising every day (no matter how small the amount), but rigorously at least 4 days per week and writing it down.
*Not eating fast food more than once per week
*Making healthier/rational/on the spot decisions when choosing unhealthy snacks
*Not making excuses as much
*Learning to enjoy being active (again)

:welcome3: time4aChange! We're glad to have you here! Your goals for the month look great!

About water... it's amazing how much better I feel when I drink enough water. I don't really notice it until my water intake slacks off, then I feel like crap... headaches, bloatey, cranky, you name it! It's a miracle drink, I swear!

~Elisha

Happy New Challenge, everyone! (Kind of like New Year, when so many people make that resolution to improve their health... fortunately, we can make that resolution every day in this group... :D )

My plan for the next four weeks:
1. Eat no more than one serving of junk food per day, with my monthly exception, which will be Thanksgiving. (SURPRISE!!! :lol: )


My goal:
1. Weight goal to be determined after I buy a scale in another week. :)

***
MsRD -- Thank you for setting up the new challenge. The theme of "just do it" is great. That theme seems to be what everyone in our group needs right now.

Eilsha -- You sound positive, as always. Good luck with the onion ring challenge tonight. Visualize a lion jumping through a ring of fire in a circus. You can jump through those onion rings! :p

Julie -- Swearing off sugar? Girl, that is HARD! As for gaining weight while starting an exercise program, when I started biking, I made up for the physical tiredness by eating a lot. In my mind, I convinced myself that three hours on a bike could let me eat double my normal amount of food and still lose weight. In reality, I couldn't eat as much more as I thought I could. Are you perhaps thinking that your exercise burns more calories than it really does, and overeating

Joy -- You're very specific about your plan. I bet you can do it.

Rosie -- Welcome! You are so right about journaling every bite of food. Yesterday my husband offered me a snack candybar and a cookie... seemingly small treats, but they would have added 150 calories to my day. So it is good to remember that we have to keep track of what we eat.

Timeforachange -- Welcome! Posting here regularly will definitely help you.

***
OK, how about a discussion? It would be nice to hear people's thoughts about the last challenge (or for Rosie and Timeforachange, what you've noticed about your recent weight-loss attempts.) I'm curious what successes people have had, what failures, what they could have done differently, what their main obstacles are, why you are hopeful for the future.

And everyone, let's each pick one small, itty-bitty realistic way we can take action to lose weight during this challenge, and JUST DO IT. I so badly want us all to be successful, because right now we all seem to be in a slump, and we have to get over it!!!

My action will be that sometime during this challenge, I formally will set up some sort of regular exercise program here in my new town, such as joining a gym or picking a particular walking route.

Happy Tuesday, everyone.

I've discovered that I'm far more likely to fall off the wagon if I try to change too many things at the same time. That's why I'm only focusing on exercise this month. If I can ingrain that into my habits once and for all, I won't even have to think about it when I form my next habit.

The last challenge left me mindful of what needs to be done, and with several half-formed habits that I now need to cement.

TBJ--I like your discussion idea! I've already taken my action though, in the form of Yourself! Fitness. My action is to exercise on a regular basis and to stick with it and actually do it on the days I say I will do it, even if it means 10 minutes of marching in place. I feel so motivated right now, I wish I could send each one of you a little portion of my motivation.

I'm just the opposite of Betani--I have to do it all at once, exercise, diet, and water, all at the same time, or I'm like "why bother?" I've just got to go "cold turkey" with the bad stuff.

I look back at last spring when I was actually losing steadily, and really I didn't do anything amazing. I think about what I ate and did and what my life was like at that point. I'm still amazed at some of the things I ate--lunch was a Lean Pocket, some fat-free potato chips, and a diet soda almost every day. I never snacked, because I never had time (working retail, didn't get breaks to snack). I'm eating so much healthier now--I'm actually eating fruit and vegetables! I guess I'm just eating too much of the healthy stuff. (No, that's not it--I'm just eating too much other stuff too.) But the main thing I did was not let anything stand in my way. I was getting on that treadmill, no matter what else was going on. Of course, I didn't really have a life at that point--no BF, barely even any friends, no social activity to speak of--so there were a lot less things getting in the way.

But the thing is, I learned that it's possible, and that I CAN lose weight. It wasn't even that tough. After I got started, it seemed to happen almost automatically. So it CAN be done. I just have to switch that flip again, and the weight will come off. I CAN do it.

I did have an idea though (I stole this from someone on the Yourself! Fitness site): you know those committment bracelets you can buy packs of? Well, we could get a pack of those, sign them, and mail them to each other. That way we have a real tangible reminder that there is someone out there rooting for us. (It would be great if we could send them around and all sign one for all of us, but the logistics of that is a little much.) Actually, it doesn't even have to be bracelets, just something physical that we can carry with us wherever we go, something we can look at an instantly refocus. If you chicks like that idea, I'm willing to get it going.

Also, I was going through some random files on my computer last night, and I found my old quotes and questions. What would you chicks (those of you that remember, anyway) think about me starting that up again? For those of you who weren't around for that, I just posted a daily inspirational quote or question to get us thinking. Anyone up for that again?

OK, I think I've rambled enough for now. I'm so ready to leave this stupid office! Today has been the longest day ever!

Have a good evening, chickies!
~Elisha

I am totally new to this site...but I'm in!! I could use a challenge to kick my behind back into gear. I hope you don't mind another joining in!

My Plan:
Drinking more water...this has always been a major issue for me!
Exercise at least 45 mins a day....I was already up to 35 so 10 extra should be doable
Watch my carbs!...always tough around the holidays
Lose 10 pounds by Dec. 1 (although I'd be thrilled with 5--DREAM BIG!)

I'm in!

Just registered.
So I'm a newbee.
Also new to using a message board...in fact really new to using a computor...
So someone please send me a message so I know you are out there and that I did the 'right stuff' to reach you...Thanks, thanks, thanks

I think this challenge sounds great...I need the support, and I'm willing to give support.

I've been doing Jenny Craig for 3 weeks...already I've gotten to 'that place'...you know where...telling myself "I can't do it"

So my # one goal is to tell myself at least every hour of every day:

1. YES YOU CAN! ...also
2. 9 to 12 pounds off by Xmas...How?
3. Follow the J C plan
4. Drink lot's of water
5. Go to gym at least 3 times a week
6. Use positive affirmations
7. Communicate
8. Ask for help

Ohhh discussion Q's....now we're talking ;)
Well I can talk about the last challenge because I participated in one of my own (same title but ended earlier, 'cause it started earlier). I learned to look at the whole picture. I lost almost 12 inches but very little weight (like 2 lbs). I still fail to stay away from confiding in junk food during bad/stressful times. My main obstacle is staying in routine. I tend to lose focus on my health goals alot (which is why I love finding new challenges). I wouldnt say I'm hopeful for the future. Although I wish I were. Right now unfortunately I'm just trying to get through each day, if I even do that successfully.

My small action would be to be mindful (recording, measuring, paying attn). When I went on vacation in august, I recorded everything and it helped me to find the caloric intake I needed to get to losing again. Now to get back to recording, and being in that range I need once again.

Rosie

Hello!

Wow! Looks like we have a great group here! I'm off to a pretty good start.....1500 calories today and 30 minutes WATP.......starting a new challenge seems to energize me!

Joy....I liked Elisha's questions too.....and thank you for reprinting them here on this challenge. If we just stop and think about our reasons for eating.....they should be for nourishment and not entertainment!

Elisha......I liked your thoughts on establishing new habits and 'breaking old ones'.....those are always the hardest! You ARE transferring some of your high energy to us just by posting here! I remember your quotes/questions were always thought-provoking, so, by all means, post them here! I hope we can all contribute to keep our spirits up and make this challenge a success!

Betani.....focusing on just one thing and conquering it before moving on is perfect. I started with focusing on water.....and now it is something so ingrained that I don't even have to think about it.

Rosie.....Welcome! You are going to love this challenge and this group! I have to start journalling my food too.....it is the one way to make myself aware of what actually goes into my mouth.

Time4achange.....Your name says it all! I think we all were kinda stuck for the past week or so and are ready to make this challenge work for us! Getting more active is a good goal......were you thinking exercising or maybe getting into some kind of sport?

TBJ.....Yes, the slump we were all in is hereby cancelled! We are all ready for success! Cutting down on the junk food is such a good idea! Start reading those ingredient labels......some are downright scary!

Scalechallenged.....Welcome! We love new faces! Ten pounds off by Christmas is very realistic.....you can do it! As for the water, I just grab a water bottle and keep it with me throughout the day. If you keep the water handy, you will be surprised at how much you actually drink!

Babs.....Yep, you did eveything right and your post is right where it should be! Don't worry about being a newbie....this is a great group! You can do anything you put your mind to....just do it!

When the last challenge began, I was so discouraged and on the verge of just giving up......so I had a major turnaround to accomplish! I began my re-establishing the positive habits....drinking water, exercising, eating OP.....it was a rocky start, full of backsliding, and it sure didn't happen overnight! Like Betani, I feel like I have a base of good habits started, but they just need to be 'cemented' in.

Drats.... I lost my post and I was almost finished
 

So what I said was

:welcome2: Extrinsic Rose, Scalechallenged, Time4achange & Babs.

:bravo: on your recent successes Rosie. 12" WOW

Elisha & TBJ I :love: the idea of discussions and topics.... the more we keep focused and see our options the better. I get lots of different tips and strategies from different sources that I will share too.

My ONE ITTY BITTY LITTLE THING will be journalling. I journal on Fitday if anyone can figure out how to read entries there let me know ....Help Elisha
(suttle aren;t I?) :write:

MsRD... :thanks: Thanks for setting up the new challenge. I'm so glad that you are seeing success and staying with the eating plan and getting your exercise in. So tell me ... how did you get rid of the "evil treat or treats". I still have some left... cookies too ... UGH they are calling my name but I'll resist. :cookie:

Well .....hmmm .... that's all I can remember... it's getting past my bedtime... plus I'm old. :rolleyes: and I got distracted by the thought of cookies .....

My day in summary:

Things I'm proud of:
-Did 52 minutes of exercise: 20 min of Hula for weight loss in the afternoon; 30 minutes of upper body strength training this evening
-Kept confidence in my efforts despite my mother's hurtful words (saying I'm not getting employed b/c I'm fat (I just graduated college so I'm out on the job hunt))
-Recording ALL food today

Things needing tweaking:
-Didn't have an agenda today nor did I relax much
-Underestimated the caloric value of my day's foods (didn't go to over but not in proper range either)
-Wasn't willing to listen to someone else's point of view during a discussion ( i have stubborn tendencies :o )

Rosie

Is it Wednesday already?
 

OMG...I'm sorry for not posting yesterday. First of all...Welcome to all the new chickies! What a suprise to see so many new faces here! YEA!!!!

MsRD...Thanks for setting this up! Great job!

Elisha...I love your idea of the comittment bracelets and also doing the questions and quotes right here! I can help with that...it might give me some "purpose" this time around. I find that if I am involved more, I tend to be more accountable! ;)

I'm still working on trying to figure out what I'm doing this month! But it will involve more exercise, and perhaps that is what I need to focus most on. Since walking is really not much of an option, I will focus on biking and toning! And I still keep thinking about hitting Weight Watchers to just get this first 10lbs back off! The thing is, I KNOW what I have to do, but for some reason, it just isn't happening! And since I came back from vacation (I was at 172 then), I have gained 7 lbs! HOw did that happen? Anyway...I will post my "real" goals tonight sometime

Yesterday I had a good day food wise, but no exercise which was actually in the plan for my day. My calories yesterday were wonderful until I was alone in the house on the couch in front of the TV last night...I heard the icecream was having a party and I was invited!!! YIKES!!! So I got up and ate some right from the carton! After such a great day caloricly...it was like pure sabbotage! I didn't have ANY sugar the rest of the day, either! Grrrrr!

OK...today is a new day! I am having some wierd cramps and stomach pain this morning, so I am having tea (which I should drink every day instead of coffee!) and a bagel (instead of my usual Slimfast with protein). Cold food did not sound good! I will have leftovers for lunch today. And I haven't figured out supper yet, but I'm thinking salad sounds good! I'm just wanting to get through the day, but when I get home, I will post more to each of you!

As I said, so great to see all of you here! I'm going to try to get Lisa to come back...and maybe Jennifer, but she's pretty busy with Hurricaine clean up and moving into their new house! Lisa did say she would check in, and that was a week ago, so...I'll be getting with her for sure!!

Hugs to all!

Question of the Day
 

What do you most want to accomplish by losing weight?

The number on the scale isn't an end in itself. No matter what weight we're aiming for, there's always another reason we want to get there. Perhaps you want to get back down to your "fighting weight," or maybe you just want to get in better shape. Or maybe you just want to fit into a size 8 (or 10 or 4 or whatever it is). Maybe you're trying to get healthy. Maybe you're looking for some self-confidence (although on that score, losing weight is only half the battle, IMHO). So what is it you're after, and why?

Morning chickies!

Wow, we're off to a great start, aren't we? How lovely to have all of these new friends!

:welcome2: to babsisawinner and scale_challenged! It's wonderful to have you with us! You've both got some great goals set up, and we're all here to cheer you on!

Now let's get cracking!

Let's see, comments first, so I don't forget!

Julie: Something I've noticed with both of us--evenings are a problem. For me, it's not necessarily late night snacking that gets me, I just seem to have no willpower at dinner time (second helping? sure, why not!). Also, we've both been heading in the wrong direction for far too long, and I think it's high time we change that! So there was ice cream--that's over now. You didn't have any sugar the rest of the day, and that is an improvement, right? As for Lisa and Jennifer, it would be great to see them back! I hope they are doing well. Jennifer is moving into her new house already? How time flies! Anyway, try to drag them back if you can, but if not, send them my best. :)

Rosie: You had a good day! WTG on the exercise! Your mother actually said that to you?!? Finding a job is not easy, no matter what size you are. Besides, you're working to improve yourself, and that has to count for something. 12 inches?! That's amazing, no matter how many pounds it amounts to! You should be proud!

Joy: I'm afraid I don't use the journals in FitDay... haven't used FitDay at all in a while. But if I have some spare time at the office I will investigate and let you know what I figure out. ;) In the meantime, I suggest finding a notebook and writing everything out on paper. Sometimes that helps me more anyway, since I am more likely to go back and read that.

MsRD: Woohoo! Sharing the love! hehe... Good job on the calories and the exercise! Kicking it off on the right food! No giving up for you--we'll tazer you!

Babs: You're doing fine! Are you liking the Jenny Craig program so far? Can I ask, what are some of the positive affirmation you are using (if you don't mind my asking)? Your goals look good, and just remember, WE are here to communicate with, and we're always here to help. All you have to do is ASK!

Scale_Challenged: Drinking water is a big help, probably more than you realize. I always notice a difference in how I feel if I don't drink enough water one day. It's not pretty. But I am probably THE water advocate/drinker of the group. I find, like MsRD said, if it's there, I just keep drinking. Water has that effect on me more than any other beverage--I can let a bottle of soda set for hours, but water? No way, that stuff is gone!

TBJ: How are you doing on your No Junk Food diet? I hope you're enjoying the island and settling in!

Betani: How did you do today? Get in your exercise?

Time4aChange: How did you do today? Did you drink your water? Exercise?

Question of the Day: What do I want to accomplish most by losing weight?
First and foremost in my mind is looking good. Perhaps that's shallow, but I never claimed not to be. I've got a cruise coming up, and a vacation, and eventually a wedding. I want to look good for the first time in my life. And, of course, I want to get fit and be in shape and prepared for when I have kids. I want my body to support me through an easy pregnancy, and I want to have the energy to chase my kids around and play games with them and do all the fun activities that parents should do with their kids. Most of all, I want to set a good example for my kids by showing them what a healthy life looks like.

OK, now that all that mandatory stuff is out of the way, it's time to say something about ME! hehe... (can you tell I'm feeling corny today?)

Well, yesterday... hmm... not the best of days. I felt hungry all freaking day. And not just "Oh, I could eat something," but literally tummy-growling hungry. So I was snacking all day yesterday. There was an incident with Halloween candy, although that was not extreme. But then there were the chicken wings, and the onion rings, and celery with lots of blue cheese. I did share the onion rings with my brother, so I guess it could have been worse. In any case, I felt gross afterwards, and guilty. I just shouldn't go out to eat at all, I never do well.

Bowling was fun though. I managed to match my best score ever, but I also managed to almost match my low score ever. And there was this guy who kept trying to give us advice, but really he was only being annoying and telling us all the things we were doing wrong. Umm.... yeah, I know I suck at bowling, you don't have to point it out to me. I'm perfectly aware that the ball is not supposed to end up in the gutter, thankyouverymuch. :p

Well, now that I've proclaimed I should never go out to eat, we're going out to eat again tonight. Steve offered to take me to the Chinese buffet, but luckily for my diet he asked me while I was in the midst of feeling guilty about eating all those wings, so I said no. I imagine we'll end up eating at Subway. I've actually been craving a turkey sandwich, so that would be a good thing, and healthy too (even though there will probably be some SunChips or Baked Doritos in there too). Then football game! Yay! So there will be some walking this evening, and lots of squats (in the form of stand up, sit down, stand up, sit down). I will try not to eat food at the stadium, but no promises. There's just something about sporting events that says you have to have a hot dog or a pretzel or *something.* I know, I know. BAD girl, Elisha. JUST SAY NO! Diet Coke is acceptable.

Let's see, what else? OH! We're taking a trip to Cincinnati this weekend. Steve's sister is having her very first art gallery show, so their whole family is going. I imagine his parents will put us up in a hotel, since Caroline's apartment is fairly small, but we'll see. Chances are food won't be great, but I will try to do my best, and I will try to exercise. I don't know what the schedule for the weekend is just yet, but I'll figure it out.

Also, we spoke to the realtor, who spoke to the listing agent of the house we're trying to buy, who said that we should hear something either today or tomorrow. I sure hope it's today. I'm tired of waiting! I just want my stinking house already! :tantrum:

OK, I think that's enough from me for the moment. I need to get some work done. Have a good one, chickies!
~Elisha

Hi everybody --

First day of the Very Little Junk Food Diet (I like the caps, Elisha :) ) went well. It was hard not to have a little piece of chocolate, or a small glass of soda, or "just one more dinner at a restaurant." But I managed to keep to my promise.

Yes, I am game for inspirational quotes and real-world stuff-sending. In fact, I bought craft string so that I could make some friendship bracelets for people back on the mainland. So I have the supplies all ready. How convenient. :cool:

QOTD -- I want to lose weight so that I can avoid Type II diabetes. My father has it now, after a lifetime of obesity and alcoholism. I rarely drink, but my weight crept up on me during college and the first years of law school, so I will learn from what happened to my dad. I need to concentrate on staying healthy through adulthood.

Also, I enjoy shopping for clothes and feeling confident about the way I look. I have a lot of tattoos, which bring attention to me (not why I have them, but I still get the attention). I feel like if everyone is looking at me, I should look better. :p

Will comment tomorrow. Happy day, everyone.

I want to be able to have the knowledge that I did this for me. I want to feel my age. Lately I look at myself and don't feel like I'm in my 20s...don't feel like I look like someone in their 20s. I want to be fearless. And I feel that one of the things to help that is accomplishing my goal. I'd know that I unmasked all my layers of pain, shame, vulnerability and sometimes disgust and that after all that, I'm still whole.

Rosie

Weighed in today: .6 lbs down, 5.4 to go :carrot:

QOTD:

Yes, I would like to wear the smaller sizes and feel sexier, but I think the thing that presses me most to get to an ideal weight is that I have no access to my medical history. I am adopted and have absolutly no desire to find my birth parents. I have no idea if I have any family history risks for anything, so I just want to live as healthy as I possibly can, while not making myself miserable.

As far as today goes, I did get 30 minutes of aerobics in this morning, but it was hard to drag my butt out of bed. I think I discovered part of the problem. One of the new meds my doctor has me on for my cough has codeine in it, and that probably makes me want to sleep much longer than usual. I don't know whether to get the one refill I have left and just live with this tiredness until I finish it, or to chuck the syrup (still taking the brain med, though) and get my sleep schedule back on track.

Rosie-- That is a great reason for losing weight. Doing it just for yourself is more effective motivation than anything else.

TBJ-- I know several people who have diabetes, and you're right. I want to learn from them so I never put myself at risk for it. Glad today is going well so far!

Elisha-- Unless wanting to look good is an all consuming passion, that's not all that shallow. Looking good = feeling good which leads to motivation to keep getting healthy.

Hikein-- Ice cream is a suicide hypnotist. It does everything in it's power to convince you to eat it. It's really good at it, too! Don't get down about it, though. You can always pick up right where you left off.

I've been challenging myself a lot lately, so I need some public/online challenging!

My plan:

mini goal: 10lbs down
how? 3 meals, 2 snacks a day via glycemic index.
I'm happy with my meal habits, I've been sticking to a healthy routine for 2 years now... but
I work at home, I don't go out much, and I don't move much...
I've only managed to lose and keep off a little over 50lbs in 2 years, by making eating less a perment habit.. but the real acheivement is that I feel a million times better! So, even though it doesnt show on the scale, I've really been working on feeling great and happy. So I feel totally successful in that aspect.
But I know I can pick up the pace through exercise.
so my challenge is,
fitness?
So my fitness goal is to exercise for 1 hour everyday and then hopefully I'll lose 10lbs this month. However, its not just about the pounds, I want to feel better on a constant basis. On the days I exercise, I glow for about 48 hours thereafter just from 1 exercise session. Exercise is pretty amazing...
I've done an average of 20 minutes aerobics and belly dancing most days in October. It resulted in a 5 lbs loss.
I'm glowing today, I did some aerobics to my favorite dvd, Fitness with Bliss Standing aerobics higher intensity.

Maybe I'm more forgetful than lazy. you know, the day winds down, and then I get sidetracked...
So thats another goal, stop forgetting. remember to exercise!

What do you most want to accomplish by losing weight?


Seriously, I want it to be something that doesnt harp on my mind anymore. I want to be free. I don't want to be obsessed for the rest of my life. I want to reach the goal, maintain, and then keep up with the habit like its not a big deal. One less stress, one less worry...
The most annoying part of it, is that it feels like a chore, something that I tell myself, you have to get this done, youre putting it off... so yeah, its not right to avoid it, and then it just follows me everywhere I go.
The whole issue gets on my nerves, like its an internal nag.
I want to be nag free!

Anthony Robbins says, discipline is a way of achieving freedom.
I totally think that NOT putting off exercise, will set me free... I have a HUGE internernal nag that I have to start listening to when it comes to fitness.

I really want to join this challenge so that I can help motivate...and feel motivated! It is November 2nd...so I'm a little late.

My goal is to drink 80 oz. of water daily....Log all foods into FitDay....and exercise even if it is only for 15 minutes daily.

Right now I am hit and miss. Consistancy is my issue....PLEASE HELP!


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Elisha - You are sooooo right about sporting events. My husband would live there if he could, and eat cheesy everything. I completely understand. Your postings make me smile. It's okay to eat the bad things....periodically, and in small portions! You can do it!!!

Heiken - I am in the same place that you are. I work hard, try and try again...and the scale barely budges. I don't know what I am doing wrong. I guess stopping off at the Dairy Queen on the way home from the office probably doesn't help. ;) The worst part of that is I stopped off at a gas station to get rid of the evidence so that my husband wouldn't notice!!! Shameful......He and I have our own version of "Biggest Loser" going on. So far he's winning by .6%. And with my slowdown....I can't catch up. The final weigh in day is December 31, 2005 at 8:00 AM. Winner takes $500.00 to spend selfishly! NO PRESSURE!!! :lol:


Rosie - Two words for you GREAT JOB!!! Don't allow anyone to bring you down. My mother says hurtful things about me, just to make herself feel better...so I can empathize!

I want to lose weight so that I can shift focus. Focus less on what I look like and more on what I have to offer. Free my mind so to say. I went clothes shopping recently and nearly passed out when I stood in the dressing room with all those mirrors. I didn't realize how big I was. That is what has driven me here.

We can do this! Together! I look forward to the friendships and the successes!


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:welcome: missgreen and wnnabthin!

Missgreen: I can SOOO relate to your wanting to be free. I have this constant dialogue going on in my head about food--what I can eat, when I get to eat it, how long it's going to be until my next food, etc... I want it to be gone. I don't want to have to worry about it so much. GREAT job on your progress so far! 50 pounds is amazing! And you're right--the best part is how much better you feel.

Wnnabthin: Glad I can make you smile! I must say, though, that I am feeling particularly energetic and corny these past few days. I assure you I am not always this goofy. Well, ok, maybe I am, but I don't always type all of my goofiness into my posts. I go through my phases, just like every other Gemini on the planet. As for dressing rooms... I honestly think they would sell WAY more clothes if they only put one small mirror in there. :lol:

It sounds like a lot of us are aiming for consistent exercise, even if it's only a few minutes a day, the whole point being just to do it (because you all know as well as I do, chances are if you start moving you will keep going--it's a law of physics!). So, is anyone up for an exercise minutes challenge to kick off the month?

Just post your goal minutes for the next 7 days (Wednesday 11-02 through Tuesday 11-08), then post how many minutes you actually complete. It's that simple! If you'd prefer, you can keep track of miles walked or biked, # of exercise sessions, or whatever else you want to track, just so you have a goal and stick to it!

I'm going to figure out my schedule for my weekend trip before I set a goal, as I want this goal to be realistic. If I'm stuck in a car or doing family activities with Steve's family from 6am Saturday to 10pm Sunday, exercise is not very realistic for me, and I know that. I don't think it will be that bad, but we'll see.

OK, time for me to get to the football game! Have a great evening, chickies!
~Elisha

Hi Chickies!

I just read your posts and you really have me pumped! Everyone is doing such a good job in setting goals and planning how you are going to achieve them! Today, I kept the calories down to 1300....and there will be 30 minutes w/Leslie after I finish here!

Joy.....Good idea on the food journalling.....I just have a little spiral notebook to scribble my daily food into and then just log on to a calorie-counter database to find what the damage is. As for the evil Halloween treats......I think I mentioned before that I ATE THEM! Not the best way to get rid of goodies, but certainly the most efficient.

Rosie....Wow! You are doing great! 52 minutes of exercise....you are one motivated chickie! It must be hard when you Mom criticizes you...and I am glad you are getting past that and can deal with it. Sometimes Moms just want so badly for their kids to have wonderful idealized lives that their 'encouragement' gets a little sharp. As for that 'stubborn' streak......if indeed it is true.....make it work for you in this challenge! We have to be a little more than a little stubborn to stick out a weight loss regmen!

Julie....So glad you checked in! When you can't get in the exercise you want, you have to be even more vigilant when it comes to food. Make your life easier by getting on that bike and going......or do I have to get that tazer out again?

Elisha....It is sooo tempting to go out to eat when you come home tired and don't feel like cooking....I never give DH an argument when he suggests it! Not only do you have to be mindful of the choices you make, but also the portion size!

TBJ.....Great first day on the Very Little Junk Food diet! The first day is always the hardest....so tomorrow should be a piece of cake (whoops....I mean carrot stick)

Betani.....Even though you didn't feel like it, you got your exercise in this morning! Good for you! Be careful with those meds, chicklet, as I would rather you were a little sleepy than risked a relapse at this point.

MissGreen.....Welcome! Looks like you have those healthy eating habits down like a pro! by adding daily exercise, you are sure to see positive results! "discipline is a way of achieving freedom".....how very true! Those naggy little voices will go completely away if we accomplish what we are supposed to!

Wnnabthin.....Wow! Another new face! We're glad you are here! You have all the essentials.....drink water, log food and exercise.....now, JUST DO IT!

What do I want to accomplish by losing weight? I think of adopting a healthy lifestyle as a kind of health insurance.....won't bore you with the details, but there are an abundance of chronic conditons and illnesses in my family tree....many of which are caused/aggravated by being overweight. I know that living healthy doesn't guarantee that I will live to be 100, but perhaps I can bypass the worst of it for awhile yet!

My day in summary:

Things I'm proud of:
-Did 18 minutes of exercise: 1 mi of Leslie Sansone Brisk Walk (good b/c I didnt want to do anything)
-Kept within day's caloric range (under/at 2100; more than 1950)
-Recording ALL food today

Things needing tweaking:
-Still allowing emotions to dictate my day (was so emotionally exhausted I didnt do much but concentrate on my diet)
-Wayyy under day's needed water intake (only drank one cup!)

Rosie

I'm in for the exercise minutes challenge; My goal's 140 minutes for the week (I can't do daily). 18/140 done so far.

Julie: Sorry to hear about your stomache...hope you're feeling better

Elisha: Hope you get the house you want; sorry about your eating fiasco yesterday; hope today was better; yes my mother actually said i wasnt getting employed cause im fat...i think she's the :devil: LOL

TBJ: Good going on sticking to your minimal junk food diet

Betani: Hope your cold goes away soon so that you won't have to take that icky medicine and will feel more energized

MissGreen: Great goals; congrats on your loss so far

Wnnab: You aren't late for the challenge; take things one day at a time- habits are learned. I'm sure things will look up once you get the hang of things

MsRD: I'll try to make my stubborness work for me; but its hard. Good going on achieving your day's goals!

Don't kno if I'll be able to do personals each day. But it was fun writing to everyone who posted today. "See" ya tomorrow!

Rosie :carrot:

:wave: Evening everyone....
:welcome3: Missgreen & Wnnabthin

WOW ... lots of great comments. Unfortunately I don't have time to respond to everyone tonight (I've been procrastinating about doing homework for four nights now... and Saturday is coming), but I will try to keep up to date and let you know what's going on with me.

Yesterday, I ended up not journalling, because after I posted last night I had an "extreme hallowe'en treat attack" and didn't want to face all those calories ... so I just DIDN'T do it. I think I will use a book and just figure out the calories on line... maybe I'll JUST DO IT then.

Today wasn't too bad, although I did have :cookie: :cookie: :cookie: :cookie: I drank only 32 oz of water so far... okay I'm off to grab a big cup of herbal tea (counts for water).

I went for a brisk 15 minute walk during my morning coffee break. I'm going to try to go twice a day... my current walking partner isn't too reliable ... so I'm trading her in for a new one :lol:

Elisha .. Yup ... okay I'm in for 420 exercise minutes by next Tuesday, November 8th. Thirty minutes a day IS DOABLE. 15/420 todate

I'm doing some real "soul" searching about the real reason for my weight loss goals. It get's pretty obvious when you're 100 pounds over weight that there are health issues. And like I said "I'm old" but I'd like to get older ... and be healthy, happy and pain free. There's other things too, I'd like people to see me for who I am and not have to judge me on my "lack of control" over my food, I'd like to be seen as a confident and successful person, and face it there is definate prejudice in peoples' minds when you are obese. I'd like to think that I could get away from having to worry about what I eat by developing good life long healthy eating and exercise habits. I know I do enjoy eating healthy and exercising and enjoy the way it makes me feel when I JUST DO IT.... not just the euphoria (sp?) or high after exercising ... but the way that it makes me feel to be in CONTROL and SUCESSFULL at something that's important to me, personally. :shrug:

Rosie Hang in there chickie.... You know that you can do anything that you try to. Don't let MOM get you down. It's funny, as a child I remember always knowing that I could do anything if I just tried hard enough. I know that it wasn't my Mom or Dad telling me those things, but I believe we all have "help" when we need it - so listen to your own intuitions and remember you have us all of us cheering you on. I'll never forget when Elisha finally told us about her "first big girl job". I know alot of my comments previous spoke about the attitudes towards heavy people, but attitudes are changing and people do look beyond the surface ... a lot of my comments are based on personal influencies when I was growing up... like I said "I'm old". :rolleyes:

Hmm ... I said this was gonna be short :rofl3: I know verbal diahreah (sp)... I'm off to hit the books.... by the way I did jot down my food, exercise and water before I logged off here.... All is good in the world.

:grouphug:

Weight Loss Tip #20
 

Ever get the urge to snack on something crunchy while watching a movie or working at your desk? It might be part reflex and part hunger, but there's also something really satisfying about the act of chewing. Instead of reaching for chips or other high-calorie, high-fat snacks, try 2 cups of air-popped popcorn, 3 rice cakes, 1/2 cup of unsweetened cereal, or raw vegetables. You'll get the crunch you need without the calories!

Miss_Elisha: There was this episode on Oprah, about these people who thought they were SOOOO UGLY, they hated themselves, and its stopped them from living. Although, these people were REALLY good looking... Of course, I'm fat, and that to a lot of people its not beautiful... but to me, when I see overweight people, I think the opposite. And I think, overweight people are down on themselves unfairly, and wrongly, more like I am too. And its just not right.
In the past 2 years, I've taken HUNDREDS maybe even thousands of photos of myself. lol Its become one of my part time hobbies. I LOVE to record myself on webcam while I'm exercising, because it motivates me to exercise more... and then I watch it, and see how I can improve. But part of the transformation process, is the goal to feel more beautiful and to see more beauty in myself, and to feel happy and free and healthy of course comes first... but feeling ugly due to the weight, is an old, long time habit... and I just think it turns into a trap, and when someone feels ugly, they just get deeper in it...
I think its a huge thing with women and their weight. So I am putting a lot of effort on a daily basis on trying to feel pretty, HEAD TO TOE, not just on the head and face! lol
Most fat women have the prettiest faces, I've noticed, but they neglect the body... I'm starting to gain a new appreciation for the love and admiration of my body.
I think positivity and self love multiplies itself, and makes you want to love and pamper youself more. And thinking youre great and feeling great has to start somewhere.

Hey Joy! My moms bday is June 1st also! I love Gems! I'm doing the soul searching thing too. I drink tons of tea too. Have you ever tried Chocolate tea? I'm about to order some online. I'm a recovering chocoholic, I'm doing low glycemic, so I've detoxed the kitchen from things that are bad. I believe in, controlling the environment, because controlling the self takes a long time. But the environment is much easier to control, and it helps to eventually control the habits. I learned it from Dr Phil.
Oh my gosh, 420 minutes by Nov 8th? haha I think I can do 100 mins. But maybe not... maybe 60? I'm going to try anyway. If I did 420 minutes... I'd have to buy myself a gift. lol

MsRD: Thanks for the new challenge! I'm also glad youre finding your power and finding new ways to get remotivated! ME TOO! I'm about to get my 20 mins minimum for the day! Its not the 1 hour like I want, but I've definately made it a #1 priority to do the 20 minutes. I re-evaluated my daily priorities, and I'm seeing exercise as being as valuable and essential as going to the bathroom or eating.
If I slack off for 3 days, I feel it, and I start feeling negative and like I'm going backward.

Extrinsic Rapture: Hi Rosie! You know... things are changing. And some people are asleep to the movement. Plus size, full figured, bbw's are MUCH more admired and accepted and in demand... I joined a bunch of the BBW dating sites online, WOW, what luck! SWAMPS OF MEN! WORSHIPPING MEN! HOT MEN! lol And I met one, WHO ADORES ME and my shape and size and he knows my weight! WHo loves bbw women! NOW I know you didnt say anything about boys... but, its all relevant. Love and career, go hand in hand. The process of finding a job is the same as finding a guy! lol And I notice people think, I need to lose weight to start dating, or to do this, or that. Funny, we're in the JUST DO IT challenge. I don't think any weight should stop anyone from being gorgeous and successful. So as far as getting a job and being successful, I promise you, weight will not be an issue in the corporate world in NY. You'll totally get quality work. I have some curvy friends out there who rule the corporate world. So don't worry about it.

OK ladies...

I was so busy yesterday with interviews(i am actually looking for p/t work after 10 yrs at home!) that i just wasn't able to post.

As for the excercise challenge--i have to say i am such a gym rat. I am there everyday almost 2 hours. I know you're thinking, ok 2 hours? I have made so many friends there we get to gabbing on the treadmill and i actually forget i am done and just keep on walking! lol

QOTD--I haven't and will not lose weight for a man, a job or anything. Its never happened that way and never will. However, I did lose weight for my kids. The days I refused to go to the pool because i felt huge and that all the other mothers would judge. All the amusement park rides i couldn't fit into. All the roller skating and laser tag games i sat out of because i just couldn't move. Those days are over! To me, losing weight and eventually reaching my goal means i can actually say yes to my children and live for them instead of sitting on the sidelines wishing i could.

OK so now that ive cried a bit....as far as food...did great yesterday. One of my mini goals is to ease up on the cheese. I swear I was a mouse in a former life! lol I controlled that yesterday.
Water--ladies I read what all of you posted for me about the water. I am going to try to keep a bottle with me at all times. I'll let you know if it works...if it does, anyone can do it cause i HATE water! lol

Well time to wake up the kids for school....

Connie

OK...Time to Post!!!
 

Good Morning Chickies...
Because it IS a good morning whenever the sun shines! I've been sitting here reading all of these posts, but I've been thinking about exercising! Now...isn't that ridiculous? I should be down riding the bike, but decided I would post!

WAIT JUST A MINUTE HERE...I AM GOING TO STOP RIGHT HERE AND GO EXERCISE for 20 minutes!!! I'll be back!!!!

OK.........25 minutes later!!! I DID IT!!! I JUST DID IT!!! And I feel so much better....25 minutes on the bike! :bike: Lookit that smiley face!! LOL!
Yea me, Yea me!! :cheer:

OK...For the question of the day:
What do you most want to accomplish by losing weight and why?
I feel like I'm repeating myself because I've been doing these challenges for quite some time ;) , but for many of you, I'm a total stranger just like you are to me, so here goes:

1. To look better and wear a size 10! ;)
2. Because my family's history is full of heart disease, obesity and diabetes.
3. Because I want to be fit so I can continue to do things with my DD when I am 60 and 70 years old.
4. Because I want to climb more mountains!
5. Because I don't want to end up in a Nursing Home (which is where I work) because I never took care of myself!
6. Because I don't want to end up with orthopedic problems and I want this Plantar Fascitis to go away!
7. Because I have never been below a size 14 in my whole adult life and I want to prove to myself that I can do it!
8. Because I deserve it.
9. Because I have failed so many other times at weight loss and given up...this time I will not give up!
10. Because I believe I can JUST DO IT!!!

I'm sure there are a million other reasons, but those were the 10 I could think of this morning!

My goals:
To lose 5 lbs by Thanksgiving and another 5 by Christmas! That way, I will be back down where I was at the beginning of the summer and then at the New Year, I can start to really kick it up a notch!

You all have been so inspiring to me with all that you have said and done! I'm so proud of each one of you for the work you have done and the weight you have lost (even if you have gained some back)!

Exercise Challenge by next Tuesday: (Does today count?) OK...I'm going to really step out here and say that I will exercise EVERY DAY for at least 20 minutes until next Tuesday! But I am going to TRY to get in a total of 160 minutes

Gotta fly chickies...DD needs to get to school!

Hugs to all!

22 Reasons You Might Stay Fat
 

This was posted on the journals a few weeks ago, I believe by happytx, but I am too lazy to go through all of those journals to find the reference for it! But no matter where it came from, this list is certainly something to think about.

1. You are still looking for a quick-and-easy solution to weight loss.
2. You think that diet and exercise are the only essential factors in weight loss.
3. You have not identified the psychological reasons that drive your eating patterns.
4. You have not learned to manage or heal the psychological reasons that drive your eating patterns.
5. You have a fear of or resistance to growing up and becoming a full adult.
6. You use food as a reward or a treat after any or all stressful events.
7. You think you can lose weight without making exercise a regular part of your day, every day.
8. You think you can lose weight by doing it “your way.”
9. You expect to lose weight without making significant lifestyle changes.
10. You refuse to learn to become a good receiver as well as a good giver.
11. You have never learned to be effectively and appropriately assertive.
12. You have not learned to express your anger in a healthy, honest fashion.
13. You have not learned to be self-nurturing except with food.
14. You are excessively self-critical.
15. You resist or refuse to take responsibility for your life.
16. You resist learning to love yourself.
17. You resist learning to love your body before it is thin.
18. You have not faced your inner fears of being thin.
19. You are certain that spirituality (a connection to a force greater than you) is irrelevant to weight loss.
20. You think you can lose significant weight without the support of others.
21. You have deep emotional wounds that you refuse to explore and heal.
22. You are not prepared to have weight be an issue that you will have to face each and every day of the rest of your life.

O.K., now you have some incredibly important information about yourself and what is blocking your weight loss. You now have a choice. You can get depressed and go into denial or avoidance and eat or you can choose to make a renewed and informed commitment to your growth and well-being. This decision could change your life and your body for good. Decide. You can do it.

Awesome Elisha! Thanks for posting that list! I know there are at least a few of those items that apply to me!
Julie

Good Mooooorrrrrnnnning Chicks!

What a beautiful day it is here in north-central West Virginia! The sun is shining, the air is cool and crisp (but not freeze-your-toes cold), I've got coffee, and I'm in a good mood!

I'll start out with comments, then move on to updates on yours truly. :spin:

Julie: WOOHOO! :encore: Way to go on the biking! And I know that a couple of us may be repeating ourselves on these questions/discussions, but I think that's ok. It's good to reaffirm your reasons for losing weight! It will help remind you of what you're doing and why, and that can help keep you on track.

Connie: 2 hours a day in the gym!?! :yikes: Egads, woman! But hey, it's a good thing, so keep it up! I didn't know if you wanted to be counted in our exercise challenge or not, so I didn't put you in the tally. Which is perfectly fine--the whole point is to give those of us who aren't working out enough something to work towards and a reason to get off our behinds, so if you've already got that base covered, there's no need. Kids are a great reason to get healthy--that's part of my reasoning as well. My parents have always been overweight, and I know that the lack of healthy eating and exercise in my youth contributed to my unhealthy lifestyle now. I don't want to do that to my kids, I refuse. As for the water... stick with it for a couple days and you will acquire the taste. If not, you could always use unsweetened tea, Crystal Light, or some of the new calorie-free flavored waters, like Fruit2Oh or Aquafina Flavor Splash, or make some KoolAid with Splenda instead of sugar, or add some lemon, lime, or orange to your water. Lots of options!

Missgreen: My former job was managing a cosmetics department, and I absolutely love being girly and making myself feel pretty. I'm all about wearing nice perfume (read: I had to go half way across the country to get the perfume I want!), makeup, high heels, manicures, pedicures, facials, the whole nine yards. Ask anyone--almost all of the rewards I give myself are of the girly variety! What I'm trying to say is, I agree. We can, and SHOULD feel pretty no matter what we weigh. I might weight 215 pounds today, but I'm stinking H-O-T! :yes: And my wonderful BF, Steve, tells me every day! The truth is, guys *love* curvy women! At the bowling alley every week, all the guys let me go first, and I say it's because they want to look at my butt. Yep, that's my story, and I'm sticking to it!

Joy: Thanks for adding the crunchyness tip! As an added bonus, I'll add a little tip of my own: to add flavor to air-popped popcorn without all the calories, add some LF Parmesan cheese--yummy, and a lot fewer calories than butter! Good job on the walking--15 minutes is a start! When my calories start to go bad my journaling always disappears too. Perhaps that is something we should focus on--journaling *no matter what.*

Rosie: 140 minutes is a fine goal! The point is to set a goal that challenges you, but is still realistic. It's not realistic for me to say I'll exercise daily either, because I know it isn't going to happen. But hey, 18 minutes is a good start! Keep it up and you'll have 140 minutes under your belt in no time! And it is hard to keep up with the individual comments every day, and we all know it, so if you slack off sometimes, no one is going to tazer you (we save that for slacking off on the diet and exercise :lol:). It happens. But if you can keep us updated on what's going on with you, and post comments when you can, that's great. Heck, I hardly ever used to post comments, and no one kicked me out! Then I got a job not doing much of anything but sitting in front of a computer all day, so I've got considerably more time to comment now. Perhaps the same could happen for you, you never know. Can I ask, just for curiosity's sake, what field are you in?

MsRD: WTG! Sounds like a "green" day for you (to steal TBJ's terminology)! Are you in for our exercise challenge? As for eating out... it's not so much being tired for me, it's mainly just a time issue when we go out. Since we live about 25 minutes from town, if we go home, we usually don't go back out, so if there's something to do in town, it's so much easier to just eat out. We really are trying to cut down on eating out, both for financial and dietary reasons, but this week has just been a real bear. And now with the upcoming trip to Cincinnati, it's not going to get any easier. I will have to really focus on watching both the quality and the quantity of the food I'm eating. Once we get settled into our house, Steve and I are planning to have a regular night out, with an actual decent meal rather than fast food, but keep it down to about once every other week or so. I'd much rather do that anyway than waste my calories on fast food.

OK, did I get everyone who posted since my last post? I think so! If not, just yell at me. I'm feeling talkative today (Obviously), so it won't be hard for me to find something to say. :lol:

Now, on to... ME!!! :lol3:

I did pretty well last night, at least for me. I had a few too many dried apricots (I love those things) for a snack, but it's fruit so I'm not too guilty about that. Dinner was Subway, as I predicted, but they were out of turkey (can you believe that?), so I had roast beef instead. The nutrition chart says they have the same calories, so it's all good. And some baked potato chips, since they didn't have any SunChips. *sigh* Guess I'll have to go to Quizno's if I want SunChips with my sub. Anyway, at the football game (which we won 45-13, Go 'Eers!), I skipped food in favor of hot chocolate, since I was freezing. I did, however, have 2 small bites of Steve's Philly cheesesteak hoagie. And if you know me, that's an accomplishment, because cheesesteak hoagies are my favorite.

Lunch yesterday was ok, but there was still that Halloween candy issue. I had a mini Butterfinger, a mini KitKat, and a few Hershey kisses with almonds. It would have been worse, but the rest of the office picked out everything but the Krakle bars and the plain kisses, neither of which I'm crazy about, so I suppose that was a good thing.

Oh, and I was hungry when I got home, so I had a little bit of chicken broccoli rice casserole that Mom had fixed for dinner. Like I've said, it had chicken, broccoli, and rice, therefore my mom thinks it's completely healthy. Even if it is smothered in cheese. But it's a step in the right direction, so I'm not really complaining. If I complain, she'll just stop cooking altogether, so I'd rather not. :lol:

Today, I'm already a little over my calorie budget, and I haven't eaten anything entirely bad. Coffee with skim milk, 1/2 a bowl of LF granola cereal with skim milk, and whole wheat toast with peanut butter. Lunch is more of the chicken broccoli rice stuff, only with more chicken and less stuff this time. I have an apple for a snack, oh, and a Diet Dr. Pepper--yummy!

I don't know what dinner will be yet. This morning Mom was complaining because we didn't have anything for dinner and she would have to go to the store. Umm, did she think to check the freezer? I distinctly remember planning meals for 2 weeks and buying enough food for all of those meals. We have a freezer chock full of food! So I told her to pick something from the list that we haven't already had in the past few days, and if she needed help, I can help cook when I get home.

I am absolutely NOT going out to eat tonight or tomorrow! I have a couple of recipes I want to try, so if I end up cooking, great. If Mom cooks, that's fine too. But I am NOT going out.

And Steve has band practice tonight, so I will be left peacefully alone this evening. Time to exercise! Woot! Yourself!Fitness, here I come! I'm excited! (And how often do I say that about exercise? Not very! This is a good thing.)

In other news... we're not leaving for Cincinnati until early afternoon on Saturday, so I will be able to exercise Saturday morning, and we should be back late on Sunday, so perhaps I can exercise then too. Although I may not exercise Sunday, since we've got bowling, and if I exercise today, tomorrow, and Saturday, I'll most likely use Sunday as a rest day. Yep, that's the plan. OK, so let me add up my forecasted minutes... 180 minutes. That's my goal. I didn't exercise yesterday, but I did make a deal with a friend to do 20 crunches before bed, and I DID! Yay Me!

I'll post our exercise challenge minutes in a separate thread, but right now I've gotta run--meeting time! Have a lovely day, chickies!
~Elisha