Happy Sunday, feathers!

Baby girl just went down for a nap, & I hardly slept last night, so I'm going to lay in bed & have a Community marathon while she sleeps :) Down .4 today, which is just lovely. Hoping to see 130 by Friday if at all possible...we'll see.

WAIT! DUDES! MY SIL FINALLY SAID SOMETHING ABOUT MY WEIGHT LOSS!!!!! Huge breakthrough!! She went on & on about how great I look (blah blah tell me something I don't know...I KID, I KID!), & then in her lovely backhanded way, she begged me not to lose more weight because I would start to look "sick & anorexic"...*insert middle finger* I'm 133 lbs & a size 6...not anywhere near anorexic-looking territory. The thing about SIL is that I'm in her territory, so everything related to weight loss, looking good, general hot momhood, I take as a threat like "don't lose more weight because I will not be shown up." And that's how most people take her comments like that. SO, maybe I'll drop to the high 120s just be like WHAT, BIOTCH!? I'm too hot for you?! BAM!

Ok, ghetto black girl is out & I'm pooped. Have a lovely Sunday afternoon, my feathers. xoxo

I don't want to sound like a jerk, but, does that seem like a good reason to lose weight? Spite? How on Earth would she even know you were in the 120's versus 130's? Thats not a difference most people can see, unless you're naked and getting shredded for a competition.

If you gain it back, will you suddenly be not as hot?

Just food for thought...

----------------------------------------------------------------------

I'm trying to enjoy my last few hours of the weekend... Ugh, NOT ready for it to be Monday again already! I need to hurry up and get out and be a civilian already!

Great workouts this weekend, awesome fulfulling meals, IF is going well, and I had another massage today. Not a bad weekend!

Some other interesting things but I'll get back to that stuff tomorrow when I do longer personals.

Turbo - I feel pretty good! I don't expect to see any results (especially after eating and drinking my face off with the hubby last weekend), as my calories and workouts haven't really changed at all except I'm doing my workouts on an empty stomach. I'm not doing IF hoping for some magic fat loss of million pounds a week, I just wanted to try something that would be more satisfying and easier in terms of lifestyle and so far this is. I know adherence and consistency is the key and this will help with that.

And yep, just going by the mirror... scales aren't my friend right now. :)

Bayzee - Glad you had a good week! I'm sure any 'damage' can be undone quickly, no worries!

Aiden - Those do look yummy! I'm sorry to see you have to have your teeth out... been there! I'm sure you'll do just fine and you'll probably heal up sooner than you think.


**Yeah, I suck... better personals tomorrow!**

No, no. I was being flippant. It drives her crazy when my MIL or I talk about weight loss, exercise, diets, etc...she yells at us...she's a freaking Beach Body coach - it's all she talks about. But when we do it, we are extreme & over the top & near anorexia. It's a hugungous double standard.

Good... you had me concerned there for a sec! :)

Just popping in to say I'm still alive! Scattered and a little brain dead, but alive!

Also, 144! One pound away from my lowest weight!

Bayzee : you have an awesome attitude about all this! Glad to hear you had a great week off!

Aidan : Jeeeeez, you've got courage to tackle such a long run in this cold! I only did half of what you did and it was more than enough for me ;) When is your marathon?

The muffins looks awesome! I got totally appealed by the pistachios! Thanx for sharing!

Maddie : Aww, that sucks so bad to have to go through situations like that with your SIL. As you said, double standards can be infuriating. Especially coming from a SIL, it's not like it is someone you can choose not to see anymore or something. :S

Joss : I love the attitude ; you know what you gotta do, you're doing it and you beleive in what you are doing! That is the Joss we used to know before this crazy coach ;)

TheBunneh : You are so close!! Keep pushing!!!

***

I weigh in at 135.8 this morning after no WI yesterday and a so-so healthy day... This woosh was unexepected. The worst of TOM is over, there might be a big part of explanation here.

We drove an hour away to meet up with some friends, where my friend and I went for a 30 minutes run in the COOOOOOLD. The wind was icy and we tackled a big hill right at the beginning, which killed me, especially after running a 10k the day before. Still managed to get through it without losing any of my frozen toes ;) The guys had prepared a huge breakfast when we got back of french toasts and ham... It was hard not to pile up calories there even if I had many fruits. I manage to finish the day around 1500 cal, even with the calorie-loaded meat pie that the boyfriend chose for dinner.

Planning to go for a speed workout run this afternoon when the temperature will be a bit warmer. Weather really SUCKS, the cold came back and there is a forecast of 8 inches of snow tomorrow, right when the paths were starting to be all cleared up. COME ON, spring, get you sh*t together!

have a good day ladies!

NO FREAKING JOKE! It was 71 & 73 degrees on Thursday & Friday, & now we're back to the high 40s. I can't take this bipolar weather much longer! I need tanlines & cutoffs & sipping beers on the hot driveway while the kidlet plays...although we are now trying to knocked up, so that might be out the window, but not the tanlines & cutoffs.

Back down to 132.9 today :) Love seeing that number. Took the day off from any workouts yesterday because my right elbow is giving me trouble. I broke it twice when I was little, so I always have to be a little more cautious on it. It gets sore easily, obviously. It's worth the trade off though - I love my arms now & if they get a little sore everyday, then that's ok with me :)

Happy Monday, feathers!

Turbo Way to go on your whoosh! I am so ready for spring too.

Maddie So jealous that your daughter lets you sleep in. If mine sleeps until 7am, I consider that sleeping in. Though I suppose I've conditioned her to waking up early, as I will wake her up between 6:30 and 6:45 on weekdays if she's not up, so we can get out of the house on time. Though most days she gets up on her own before then. All weekend, my husband and I were up at 5:30. Not because of my daughter, but because apparently I've now conditioned the puppy to wake up at that time, since I normally wake up for my workouts then.

olehcat All your thought processing just goes to show that we really do need to find our own path through all of this. What works for one person doesn't always work for the next, and there is no right or wrong way to do it. Enjoy your spring break, and try not to spend all of it studying.

Bayzee Good for you enjoying your week off, and don't sweat it too much. You know you'll get back to where you were before, you're always really good about getting back on plan when the time comes.

Aidan It's been a long long time since I had my wisdom teeth removed, but I don't remember it being that bad, and don't think I had to keep the soft food diet going for too long at all. A few weeks ago, I did have a gum graft though, and kept reading about people still having trouble eating 2 weeks later, and got all paranoid about that. My periodontist told me I only had to keep a soft food diet for the first 2 days or so, and it really wasn't a big deal. The main thing was trying to keep food away from the graft site, as I didn't want to disturb it and keep it from taking successfully. At my post op checkup, I got the go ahead to pretty much eat whatever I want... except for biting into apples. I need to cut them into chunks and chew them from the side of my mouth so I don't disturb the gums while they are still healing. You won't really have to worry about all that though, I think the main thing is just worrying about not getting food stuck in the gaping holes while they are healing.

Joss So I ended up following your advice and getting the vegetable medley instead. The veggies were rather bland and boring, and I didn't really enjoy them at all though. I was never much of one for veggies before losing weight, and while I have incorporated them now, if they aren't seasoned or a part of a dish, I usually like them steamed and very soft. These were not. I just ate them because of the nutritional benefit. I think the next time I might just get the salad with a light dressing, I think I would have enjoyed it more, but all in all, it was a success.

-----------------

Filed taxes over the weekend, and while our return is decent, it pretty much just negates my husband's old company not paying him termination pay and cancelling our benefits. But at least we don't really have to worry about the strain from that.

My weigh in over the weekend put me first in the competition, which I expected it would, since the 1st place person didn't weigh in. Will have to wait until next weekend to figure out how much of a lead I really have. The only thing I'm really nervous about is Easter being a week before the competition ends. I'd really like to have an all out day for that, but it might knock me out of 1st place. I guess I'll see what sort of a lead I have then, and re-assess.

HARRO FEATHERS how is everyone?

BF's upstairs neighbors are a bunch of punkassed 19 year olds who were up yelling and blasting music at 3:30 AM. He went up there and told them to STFU and then neither of us could fall back asleep well, tossed and turned and slept poorly until my alarm went off. We blasted "The Safety Dance" at about 7:30 AM and heard them moving around upstairs - feels good to be professionals in our late twenties seeking revenge against kids, heh. Too bad in NY it's illegal to answer your door brandishing a rifle..........

I got in an 18:10 run on the treadmill (intervals) this morning with no time to shower - definitely going for Round Two after work. I have been overeating carbs all weekend long. Roommate had a visitor Friday night and all day Saturday - we had a potluck dinner with chili, cornbread, calzones, salad, wine and beer, and took him to a pub for pub food after a nice hike through the nearby mountains on Saturday. Saturday night after we dropped him off at the bus station turned into a "pizza and UFC fights" party with gross pizza (I still had 2 slices) and only one really good fight (Carlos Condit v. Johny Hendricks). I think I'm going to make watching the fights a regular thing - I find it very inspiring, even though I don't plan on MMA/BJJ/martial arts training myself.

My boss is out sick today and I kind of have no idea what I should be doing with myself. I wish I could go home and NAP. BF and I are cooking dinner tonight - salmon fillets with salad and some other sides. He leaves Wednesday T__T and I'll be back at home listening to the puking downstairs neighbor every morning.

JessicaB Oooooh keep that first place! Easter is such a "blah" holiday in terms of food, is it worth it? - I'm mad my BF is going to be gone for Passover this year, brisket > ham and Cadbury eggs any day.

TurboMammoth NICE whoosh!!!!!! That's such a good reward for enduring TOM. I am so annoyed at this cold too - we're supposed to get snow here too, less than you guys but it's just such a pain in the a$$. Good luck on your speed run! What is your pace usually? How was that 345734895739 calorie tuna fish?

TheBunneh Congrats on the almost lowest ever weigh-in, I hope you're doing OK and things in your life are going your way now.

JossFit Civilian life awaits you! I'm happy to hear you had a nice weekend full of good workouts, good food and a massage - I need to stop spending all my money on bullsh!t and running out and set aside a chunk to spend on MYSELF for a massage day! As for the tummy troubles, I don't know what set it off, but things are back to normal. Probably stress or something.

MaddieAvePhoto What are your SIL's stats? She sounds like a piece of work - quit stooping to her level! Even if you were 110 lbs and looked like a bikini model I'm sure she'd find something to be annoying about.

Aidangm Mmm wisdom teeth removal. My friend just got his out and described the horrors of waking up with a mouth full of blood while he healed. Lovely!

Bayzee Glad you've been having a good week off. It's important to take a break and realistically it'll take what, another week to get back to where you were?

olehcat Have a great spring break! Don't overthink nutrition and weight loss while you're enjoying your time off. I seriously think that you will find the most success in the method that requires the least amount of brain power.

Harro Krampus - I swear, it's like if it's not one thing its another with living situations! I hated the apartment life because of the punk *** kids and their music/running/stomping horrid-ness, but living with my roommate's BF is sort of the same thing. Hmm, 2 more months of this? Do-able...
I like that you got old people revenge and did the same to them in the morning! HA! I don't think it's in any way wrong of you guys to do that.

Did you get your second workout in yesterday? Feeling better after carb-overdose this weekend?

I'm very lucky to have a friend who is a massage therapist so that's why I'm able to go so often. She lives near me, and for like 90-ish minutes of deep tissue/trigger point she only charges me $60. It's a bargain.

Jessica - Aww, I feel like a jerk for suggesting the veggies now! They can be hit or miss; either overcooked or undercooked... but I still feel bad you weren't satisfied with them.

Congrats on taking 1st in the competition! I am with Krampus; Easter isnt exactly a foodie holiday, at least IMO, so just stick to your guns and win that competition! If nothing else you can buy a nice Lindt chocolate bunny to enjoy AFTER it's over.

Thats great that your tax return will alleviate a bit of that financial stress. I recently just hit my goal as far as pre-separation savings, and it's a big load off of my mind to have that taken care of.

Maddie - I had a broken bone a few years ago and it still bothers me quite a bit. I've heard people say that injuries they had as children still plague them as adults and always thought that was a bit odd until I experienced it for myself! The crazy weather patterns this time of year seem to exacerbate it for me... something about sudden changes in barometric pressure.

I feel like a little old man sometimes because I'm like "Oh, my hip is acting up... it's probably going to rain tomorrow!" LOL

TheBunneh - Good to know you're still kickin! ;) Congrats on the new low! I bet that feels great!

Turbo - Nice whoosh, nice workout, nice meals... it sounds like things are going your way lady! That was really nice of the fellas to have breakfast all ready for you when you got back from your run. One of these days I'll ask my hubby to make me breakfast and just see what he comes up with. I bet he'll make me French Toast too!

Yeah I guess I'm just in this transitional phase right now and wanting to try new things. I know eating low calorie and busting my butt works, but does it work best for my LIFE? I feel like there has to be a better way to do things. On that note;.....


*** I ordered a Bodymedia thingie last night! I am so tired of trying to figure out what my TDEE should be based on various online calculators. I am probably eating too little right now, but I've never lost on what those things say I *should* be eating for fat loss. The real answer has to be somewhere in the middle! My plan is to wear it for a week or so and just get a good baseline. From there I can create a small deficit and go back to using it whenever the mood strikes me.

My only issue is that I think I have to input my weight into the software when I set it up, and I don't really want to weigh myself! I might do it just that once and then maybe do it once a month and see how that goes?

Joss No need to feel bad for suggesting the veggies. It was a good suggestion, and only I knew that I tend to prefer salad over veggies anyhow.

If you don't want to weigh yourself to set up the Bodymedia thing, then maybe you can just input an estimate of where you think your at? I'm sure having it a few pounds off won't make that much of a difference.

Krampus Sorry to hear you slept poorly. I am glad we live in a house and don't have to worry about noisy neighbours, but I can sympathize anyhow. Whenever I wake up in the middle of the night, I have trouble falling back asleep, and spend the 2nd half of the night tossing and turning. This happens more often than I'd like, since my kiddo likes to ask me to put her music on any time she wakes up.

Joss & Krampus I realize Easter isn't really much of a food holiday compared to Thanksgiving and Easter, though the way my family does get togethers, it ends up being basically the same. There will be stuffing and lots of dessert, the only part that will make it different is that there will probably be ham instead of turkey. I guess my main problem is just with the family get togethers in general, we normally have one once a month, and I generally allow myself to indulge on that day, so I might just wait and see what sort of gap there is between me and the other participants.

We are having 2 Easter dinners though, one with my family and one with my husband's family. We are hosting the one for his family, so that will be much easier, I don't plan on making any desserts, so unless someone else brings some, it will be fine. My husband does want to deep fry a turkey, but the turkey doesn't tend to get too greasy from that anyways. It will add a few more calories, but not enough to concern me.

Oh, and the Easter candy won't tempt me, because while I will get some candy in my basket, I can put it aside and eat it later, since it won't be communal candy. I think parts of me feels anxious sometimes about wanting something before my husband eats it all. I already portioned out the candy for the baskets, and he's already polished off the excess candy, so I have no issues waiting until after the competition to indulge on that.

Morning Feathers,

Nice to see 123.8 this morning.

Super healthy dinner with the BF last night - 4 oz salmon, 1/2 sweet potato with butter and chives, and salad with mushrooms, tomatoes, bleu cheese and 1/2 avocado with wine vinegar/oil/mustard dressing. I was going to have a Key Lime Greek yogurt for dessert but I um fell asleep after activities and slept through the night. Poor BF tossed and turned and slept poorly - I think he's really stressed out and anxious about his upcoming ski trip because he didn't train for it and is now realizing it's going to be strenuous mountain hiking on skis the whole time. I guess all I can do at this point is do my best to sound reassuring, because no one likes hearing "Yep you should have done XYZ" when it's too late!

It's snowy here (ugh) and my boss is out sick for the second day in a row.

JessicaB Two Easter dinners! That's going to be a lot of food there. What kind of gap would there be between you and other participants? I am trying to convince my mom to make turkey instead of ham this year...

JossFit I totally got in that second workout and I feel pretty good after carb deloading for a day. Are the Bodymedia monitors supposed to really be accurate? I always wonder how they can be since every individual is so differently distributed etc. Maybe put in a weight lower than what you think you are to avoid overblown counts like machines at gyms do? I dunno! My friend's mom is a massage therapist who would prob give me a discount...I should hit her up.

Happy Tuesday Feathers!

Trying to keep up here but it's so busy. I don't have time for personals but I will come back tonight.

I had a hard time yesterday staying within calories. I ate about 1600 when I should have eaten 1300. I'm hungry because my body is now used to feasts, and D$%m TOM is here.

Today, I packed a perfectly healthy lunch and trying to get back on plan as much as possible. Workouts have been good this week so far. I have realized that 1300 calories is not a lot of food. I haven't weighed in as promised, but I plan to on Friday.

Be back tonight for personals:)

Maddie : I see you're back down in the 132's!! it did not take long to get back there, that is awesome :) And like you, I am so readyyyy for warmer weather. I'm pale like a ghost right now, I need some tan ;)

Jessica : I really hope you'll keep this first place in your competition! I kinda had forgot that Easter was coming our way quickly... It is nice that you are hosting one of your dinner, it will probably reduce the stress knowing you will at least get one of the dinner totally in control!

krampus : Oh JESUS, Safety Dance!! Peeeeeerfect choice of song! And my boyfriend had the same thought of you, he prefered Condit & Hendricks fight LOL. Awww sorry to hear your boyfriend is leaving for a while! Where is he going on his ski trip already? Is it my memory acting weird or is he heading for Canadian Rockies? (I have a friend who was there last week and he had a BLAAAAST).

As for the pace question, LOL I am a SLOOOOW runner. Since I started running I was mainly focusing on increasing distance. I did increase speed too, but improvment on the distance were much more important. I try to do my tempo run at a pace under 6min/km (9.65min/mi) maintaining a steady pace (I have intervals planned later in my training program). Can't wait to start the intervals but it won't be before almost 7 weeks BLEH.

Joss : I think French Toasts are a guys favorite ;) Easy and quick.. Personnaly, my boyfriend never tackled my Waffle makers or pancake LOL And anyways, I LOVEEE French Toasts. The boyfriend and I love to make Peanut Butter Banana French Toast sandwich (on the weekend, right before we go out for a run or something physical :P)

I had to google this Bodymedia thing... So from what I understand, you manage everyting using one single software? That seems cool :) Plus there website by itself is really neat, it is inspiring!

Bayzee : I tried the 1300 calories once and just going from 1500 to 1300 was hard. It is crazy how 200 cal difference can do!

***

I weigh in at 135.0 this morning. Weigh is dropping FAST (too fast in my opinion). Maybe it is still the TOM stuff taking its leave? My net calories deficit is not out of the world (the last days were around -500 cal a day).

I had a bad day yesterday. I learned I did not get the job I was interviewed for last week. It just feel like another hit in the face... It is hard to put yourself together out there and act like you are a good pick for people to hire when you feel like you are some crap who can't get a job. I'm not alone in the situation, I know that, but getting it pretty much all easy all my life did NOT prepare me for that. Getting hit hard in the face biiig time. Oh well...

After learning that, I still had to get my speed workout done. The distance got increase to 6k this week, it was cold and it was hard. I still manage to do it (aiming for under 6min/km- got 5:52min/km). I wanted to give up at some point but I kinda got a feeling of ''you can't get a job and get your sh*t together in your life, at least push through THIS, it will be at least one thing you can control''.

We were supposed to be hit hard by a snow storm today but now they are only forecasting light snow... With the previous forecast, I had planned to skip the gym workout and spend the day working on my stuff at home while cooking an enormous 6.5 pounds chicken. With this light snow, I feel bad, I should go to the gym, but I think I will still stay at home and do some bodyweight thing later today if I feel like it. I ran everyday for the past 3 days and I'm feeling BLEH.

Big rambling over..

Hope you are having a great day and surviving blizzard!!

They say that they are like ~90% accurate (or better). I was just reading on another forum about some women that have them and later got RMR tests done at their doctors and the numbers were almost exact.

Every online calculator I plug my stats into basically says my TDEE is A LOT higher than I actually eat (sometimes double) but I don't trust them! Eating more has NEVER gotten me where I want to be, so I am leery to up my calories much on a whim. I think using the Bodymedia monitor will give me a better idea, even if it's not 100% accurate. If I can go with a simple TDEE minus 20-25% I think that's perfect. I just don't know what my TDEE really is!

I wouldn't be using it as a daily thing, e.g. "It says I burned 2800 calories today so I'll eat 2300 today". I want to wear it for about a week, get a good feel for what my average is, and then shoot for an average of 75-80% of that for my daily calorie intake.

We'll see how it goes. I figure since I'm not weighing right now this is a good time to do it and really let the mirror and my clothes be my guide, not the scale since there is bound to be a lot of fluctuation doing something like that. That of course is assuming that my calories DO need to be raised a lot. I might be on point where I'm at... not really sure.

***

Your dinner sounds great! Thats right up my alley; nice simple satisfying foods. I'm actually about to dive into a big old chicken salad with chives, sweet potato, avocado and balsamic vinegar. Kind of similar!

I think you have the right idea with regard to the BF. Sometimes you just have to be that supportive lady and avoid sounding like "I told you so!" which never helps anything! I'm sure he'll still have fun, and hopefully after he gets back you two will have fun catching up. ;)

Jessica - It may not even NEED my weight input to do it's thing, since it measures all these different body heat/heart rate/skin thingies. The weight input might just be for the tracking software so that you can track your losses. If it does NEED it, I'll probably just do like you suggested and enter in my last known weight. Two days of overeating and then two weeks of dieting probably has me right at that same weight anyway.

I think you'll figure out the Easter dinner situations as they arise. If nothing else you can take the safe middle road; get in some good workouts around the events, pick one or two 'special' things to have a bit of, and then fill up on healthier choices. I know that for me it's SOOO MUCH easier said than done but when I really want to I can definitely stick to my guns. It will just be a matter of how much you want to, and only you will know that and will only know when the time comes.

http://www.negharfonooni.com/2012/06...in-moderation/

THIS is so me it's not even funny!

Ha! Me too! Actually, I think it is for most of us struggling with weight.

The key I have always tried to figure out (and haven't yet) is how to maintain; How not to go up and down and FIND the balance while still enjoying the finer things (food and wine) in my life. I'm not sure it's possible to feel ripped and shredded while adding the extras. Maybe for a small period of time, but eventually it catches up.

Problem with me is, I don't want want to feel squishy anymore...so whenever I go up even a few pounds, I feel bloated and puffy. I hate it. When I start to allow treats, I gain no matter if they are just small. So I either accept that I look and feel better (less bloated, not emotionally) when counting, weighing foods, counting calories and obsessing over every bite, or I accept a less perfect body, a bit of bloat with some treats and for the most part, a happier ME.

Hmmmm...Food for thought :)

Hey girls! Late check-in! Play date day & then my MIL & I drove to Denver for some impromptu shopping. And I didn't eat at my favorite restaurant this time!! Woohoo! I am going out with my gfs again on Friday, & then hubs & I are going out to dinner with this guy & his gf from our church on Sunday (he has testicular cancer :( So, I figured I couldn't justify eating my burrito today. HUGE FEAT! :)

Joss - One weigh in won't kill you. You might be pleasantly surprised! PLUS, I really wanna know what you weigh!! LOL!

Jessica - Ditto on the candy! I'm going to put 1 piece in my girl's basket & she can eat it. I'm not going to buy of candy when I will be the one hoarding it anyway. And my 2 year old doesn't need tons either.

Turbo - Girl, that is not the kind of talk that gets things done. You are NOT defined by whether or not you get some job. Maybe you wouldn't have fit well there or even enjoyed the job. Maybe this is how it was supposed to happen so that the exact right door can open for you soon. You can't control much in this world, but you also don't need to hoard the control in your diet & exercise. You just hit a rough patch - we all do it. You'll look back in the future & this will be just a blip on your radar. AND YES! That weight is dropping FAST!

Bayzee - I have ALWAYS said that I would rather be a couple pounds up on the scale than constantly depriving myself of the foods I love in life. That doesn't mean you live in that state of mind, but it does mean that you treat yo' self when you can. Like today - I wanted that burrito - I don't go out there often, so it's a major treat, but knowing I was going out Friday & Sunday night, I just chose yogurt instead. And I'm so glad I did! I may never be a hard body, but so what? It's not what will, ultimately, make me happy & fulfilled. :)

Good morning Feathers!

TOM is kicking my butt this week; cravings and bloat! Like I need to feel more blotaed? LOL!
I tried to stay at 1300 calories again yesterday, but I ate just over 1400. I'm finding it hard to get back on track with the food, but no problem with the workouts. Still did not weigh-in which is a record for me:) Still planning on weighing in of Friday though.

A few personal now and I'll come back later...a week off and I have tons of work to catch-up on.

_______________________

Krampus...Plain Greek n/f yogurt with 1 tbsp peanut butter and 1/2 banana cut up is my favorite snack or breakfast. I love it! I can't beleieve you just discovered it! lol! Try it with almond butter or pumpkin butter too.
I noticed you are not losing, but maintaining a very good weight and enjoying good food and drinks in the meantime. Sorry if you already said it, but what are you goals with the new lifting program...cut or bulk? Or are you trying to recomp like me?

Joss...I so envy your strength not to get on the scale. I can't do it. I'd have to be a weekly weigh-in minimum, which I hope to move to soon.

I'm sure the visits with hubby are hard because the expectations are so high. Men are soooo different than women in sharing their feelings, so it's AMAZING that hubby tuned in to what you said because most men would not admit or fix the problem. That is HUGE in a marriage.

Let's talk calories...When I eat more than 1400, I gain. At 1400, I feel puffy. My body just likes 1200-1300 range. So I'm going to try calorie cycling next week...lower caloreis/carbs on my 2 days off from lifting. It's hard to find a balance and every body is different. It is not realistic to stay at 1200-1300 calories for me long term, nor is it healthy. At 5'3 my maintanance calories are about 1650 depending on the claculator I use, so I'm not eating at much of deficit. But I still feel it. I plan on staying in a lowish deficit June with some refeed meals. I'm trying to figure out things for over the summer when I'm off (and when I gain the most). That is the hardest part of weight management for me.

Turbo...Let's just say I'm praying for a woosh after TOM! Way to go! But remember, you are working hard and hard work has to eventually pay off.

Jessica...I'm rooting for you in the competition. I just said to hubby that I didn't want to go visit family for Easter because I know it will be an eat and drink fest. I always say I won't do it, but I do! I have no self-control when I see everyone having drinks and enjoying themselves.

Maddie...A lot depends on your goals...I sat at 120lbs for a while and I was happy that I lost weight and was down from about 140. But, then I wanted to step it up. I don't look bad at 120, but my goal now is to have a bikini ready body all of the time. It is very different than just dieting to lose weight. I think this happens to a lot of people who diet, they are never really "happy" with their bodies no matter how much they lose. So now, I'm focusing on looking fit and lean as opposed to just losing weight. In fact, I'm trying hard not to lose much more because I am at the lower end of the weight scale for my height.

Alex, Aiden, Dorian...Hope all is well.

Turbo - I'm so sorry I totally missed your post yesterday! I wish I could give you a big hug about the job thing... that really sucks and it sounds like overall you just had sort of a crappy day. I'm hoping that today you feel a bit better and have a new perspective on things! You got some disappointing news, and it's hard not to let that effect your workouts. Try not to be so hard on yourself; after all, you still got up and WENT! Some people would have cracked open the wine and cheese and had a pity party.

I'm sure your weight will stabilize. If anything, consider it a 'buffer' so that if you DO decide to have a pity party (or just a regular party / big dinner) you don't have to stress over gaining so much. Win!! :D) I call that insurance. haha

Yeah, the Bodymedia thing has all sorts of features, but I really just want to wear it to tell me how many calories I REALLY burn in a typical day! LOL I want to 'reverse diet' and slowly work on bringing my calories up, (like averaging 100 more calories a day each week) so this will give me a better idea of how much to raise them while still staying in a SLIGHT deficit so that I can lose a bit of fat.

Maddie - You're right, it won't kill me, but I LOVE not knowing how much I weigh. It was seriously messing with me! I doubt I'll be pleasantly surprised, but I looked around a bit more yesterday and I do have to input a weight to start. I don't want to guess as Jessica suggested (even though I am more comfortable with that) because the whole point of getting this thingie is for it to be more accurate than some generic calculator I find online.

The last time I weighed was on the 7th, and then after that I had two huge stuff-my-face days with my hubby. I've been 'dieting' again since then, so by the time I weigh it will have been two weeks. I figure that my weight should be right about the same as it was, which was 127.something.

Anyway, it's supposed to be delivered on Friday so I think Saturday I'll have to bite the bullet and weigh in the morning.

It sounds like you have quite the busy social calendar over the next few days!

Bayzee - Its not hard at all for me not to weigh... actually doing it is the hard thing for me! haha

You'll get back on track with your diet in no time I'm sure. You're already doing well even if you didn't do 100% as well as you would have liked! Once TOM is over and you shed that post-holiday water you'll be back in your groove and probably smashing some PRs at the gym!

With regard to calories; I am getting the bodymedia device for that very reason. I'm tired of 'guessing' and I know that with my activity levels and muscle mass I *should* be able to eat more and not gain. Since I'm not weighing right now, this is the PERFECT time to reverse diet. I can do it without freaking out about scale fluctuations and use the BMD as a sanity-check/gauge.

I've said it before and I'll say it again; you KNOW you dont really gain fat eating over 1300 calories, so I think you need to trust your trainer and do what she says. Eat more if she says so, lift more if she says so, and go by pictures/mirror/measurements as your PRIMARY gauge of progress.

Good morning Feathers,

BF leaves today T________T but I'm gonna use the time he's away to work my butt off on music and home improvement and lots of personal projects, spending more time with my folks and hopefully doing more time at the gym.

We had a little "send-off" for him last night - we got dinner and met up with friends for some drinks at Dinosaur BBQ. I had a half chicken with chopped salad and BBQ fried rice (HEAVEN) aaand the waitress forgot our app of 3 wings so she brought us a free slice of key lime pie. I had half a pint of dark beer and a lot of water - the scale was up 0.8 this morning but no big deal.

I'll be taking BF to the bus and then heading to the gym for epic cardio time + a Pilates mat class, cooking dinner at home, and having my roommate's brother and some other friends over for a Super Nintendo party because it's 1995 again. :D

Bayzee Yep I'm just kinda hanging out. I honestly don't know WHAT my goals are - I guess I have been trying to eat a little more recently to get my lifts improving again, as well as faster times running. It just snowed bucketloads here so no outside running for a while, but I can at least work on getting my pace up on the treadmill and train with my friends who are doing a triathlon (I can barely swim or ride a bike, sad truth). Summer is the hardest time of year for me too - summer equals BBQs and drinks and too much excitement, but it also means long runs outdoors and hiking and the like.

Maddie You seem so zen and "whatever" now that you're in maintenance - it's awesome, right??!!

Joss I hope you get the answers you need from the bodymedia thingamabobber. NOT KNOWING when you want to know is the worst feeling - I hope you won't give too much power to the scale when you do that initial weigh-in. I am interested to see what it tells you - are you counting calories now? How much are you eating? I counted the other day (Monday) and included all the little extras and I was at 1950 or something - so I must be eating like, 2200+ most days. Crazy. I love N's blog - very inspirational, even though I am one of those aliens who is pretty good at moderation.

Turbo BIG HUGS TO YOU - you are totally not a loser, you've only had a couple interviews thus far and you are still a FRESH graduate - you can complain about being unemployable when you've been "job seeking" for 5 years and haven't even gotten to work at Chez Cora or something, hehehe. I hope you feel better after a more relaxed day exercise-wise - I took yesterday off too and today I feel READY to do anything!

I'm FINALLY being trained on how to update and maintain our website at work. No more emailing updates to a third party and waiting for them to get around to it! I can't wait - website is a freaking mess.

Have a good Wednesday! HAPPY FIRST DAY OF SPRING, too!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Morning, girls!

Still staying at 132 :) My body likes this number!

Going to have a lazy day today because the next 5 days are busy ones. Yay for the first day of Spring!! Hope everyone has a lovely day!

Krampus - I think I am definitely more relaxed. I wouldn't mind seeing the scale drop down a little more just purely for wiggle room, but it's not like a battle in my head & on the scale everyday. I'm just trying to work now at being more consistent with working out everyday. We want to try & get pregnant soon & I want to be working everyday before I get pregnant so that I can keep it up while I'm pregnant. :)

You know that trainers are trial and errors...there's a lot of let's try this, then let's try that. I understand why so many people keep a competition log for foods/exercises etc...so that they can remember what worked and what didin't.

Some people do well with just pics/measurements...I don't. I'm actually quite hard on myself with pictures...worse than the scale. I'm not gaining fat but since I'm still trying to cut fat, I must accept the deficit. I just don't think my body likes it anymore. I've been eating at calorie deficit since October (with the exception of 3 vacy weeks). It's getting harder...not easier!

Krampus Right now as it stands, there is a bit more of a 1% gap between me and the 2nd place person. She's about the same weight as me, so that ends up being between 1-1.5 lbs. But it's not really a great assessment, since she didn't weigh in on the last weekend, as she was on vacation. So in theory, she could be ahead of me, but I would assume she probably stayed around the same seeing that she was on vacation, but I won't know until this weekend. 3rd place is about 2% behind me, but she has a higher body weight, so it's more of a 4 lb difference. If I have a bit more of a lead, I don't know, we'll see what I decide to do.

Bayzee Sorry to hear you're having trouble getting back on plan. That first week is always the hardest. Hang in there.

Turbo Sorry to hear you didn't get the job. I always hate going for interviews for that reason, the rejection hurts, even if you know that it generally takes a few interviews to get an offer. Getting that first job out of university is the toughest. I remember it took me a while. Once you have some job experience under your belt it gets so much easier.

Joss Well, it sounds like you are well prepared to do the one weigh in to calibrate your body whatchamacallit. I know you don't like knowing what you weigh, but I think you have realistic expectations anyhow, and I'm sure you'll be able to take it with a grain of salt.

Maddie I admire your commitment. I don't think I'd be able to be so on track if I knew I was going to try and get pregnant soon, but I'd like to think that if I did, I could at least keep up some of my fitness routine / healthy eating. In fact, right before I got pregnant the last time, I lost around 15 lbs, and just kinda threw it out of the window as soon as I found out I was pregnant. Mind you, then I didn't really have very healthy eating habits back then, despite the weight loss.

-------

Feeling a bit frustrated with the puppy house training, he is regressing big time, but trying not to let it get to me too much. Our last dog practically house trained himself, and I'm starting to realize that we really lucked out with him.

Been trying to contact the school to schedule my daughter's admissions test since before March break, but it seems we are playing phone tag. It is very frustrating, as I'd just like to get it done with, so that I know if I need to enroll her elsewhere.

Joss : I love the link you posted, her attitude is great. It might sound stupid, but I love when people are honest about their diet/food habits. This girl enjoy pizza, and when she gets some, she's not faking the thing! I love it. Do what you gotta do and find way to embrace life and food at the same time.

Thanx for the nice words about my crappy day, by the way. You girls are all so sweet, just coping with my episodic whiny phases LOL I ended up eating having a 200 cal-cake pity party, which was no that bad in term that I hit around 1800 cal yesterday.. Could have been muuuuuch worst!

Did you receive your Bodymedia yet? It's gonna be fun playing with it! Upping your calories and everything and observing results on your body and everything (okay, it's probably my nerdy scientific ''let's do an experiment!'' side talking right now :P)

Bayzee : God, your post about struggling on maintenance and feeling squishy, it is basically all what is happening in my head. After reading the article Joss posted, it cross my mind that maintaining might not be staying at the same exact weight (like I tried last summer.. and failed :P) and maybe more indulging a bit and making up for it later. It is still weird to me that losing weight is almost easier than maintaining.

Maddie : Thank you for the wake up call... I've been acting like a big whiny baby lately, I let myself get depressed with.. everything that comes up and that is not working up. Like you said, I was maybe going on the hoarding thing concerning my diet. I was probably just holding on sooo bad to this little thing I was able to control. Did you get fun things during your shopping trip? :)

krampus : SUPER NINTENDO PARTY! What are you playing? Mario Kart? It always end up at screaming bad stuff at each other when I play with the boyfriend LOL. ''TAKE THIS BANANA MUUUUTHERF*CKEEEER'' is comon. It's nice to hear that you are keeping busy while the boyfriend is gone! What kind of personal projects will you be working on?

Oh Jesus, I don't think I could survive working at Cora LOL. I'd probably gained back all my 50 pounds lost in like a month :P

Jessica : Aww, that sucks for the phone tagging AND for the doggy training (he must be getting SO big!). Are you still trying to get your daughter in the french school? How is the exercices for the test admission is going?

***

Hello ladies! First, I want to apologize for being the big cry baby that I was in the last days. I was feeling a bit depressed about many things lately and I think this news probably did not help. I'm feeling a bit better today and spotted a few jobs I need to apply on tomorrow.

I was back to 135.8 this morning, which is okay, the huge sudden drop was freaking me out a bit. No poop today, so I might be up again tomorrow.

We ended up getting about more than a feet of snow last night. What a better way to KICKSTART THE SPRING than to shovel your enormous deck for more than a hour?! I was running in a light sweater last week, jeeeeez.

I felt sluggish today but pushed myself out of the door to head to the park in town to run (on of the only spot where I could find a path where the snow had already been taken out). The path was a mixture of compact snow, ice and mayby 15% of dry road = sucky traction. Paired that with a wind I had to face while I was going up a hill, this run felt so much worse that it was suppose to be. At least it is done and I'll be able to head to the gym tomorrow for cross training cardio and weight arms workout.

Can't wait to take my day off (... of working out) Friday :D This will feel soooo.good.

Good night ladies!

Alexis, you okay? Last time you posted, you thought you were coming off with something... Hope everything is okay with you!

Turbo...I'm not sure I know how to maintain. I lose and maintain for a while but then I just let go "Knowing full well" I can just diet down again. The longest I maintained was 111lbs for a year and I felt fit, healthy and great! Not sure what's going on now. I'm working much harder, and still not seeing the same results.

I'm sorry that I also missed the post about the job. I am a true believer that things happen for a reason, which means there will be another job that will be a better fit. And you have not been whiny...people whine more about their jobs :)

No time for personals right now, but just wanted to pop in and say hi! And also to say that that article that jossfit posted? YES YES. That is so me, too!

This vacation week I haven't weighed or gotten stressed about food or weight, and it's honestly the best feeling ever. Okay, maybe not THE best. The BEST feeling would be breaking my code for weight loss and staying on a plan that works for me and seeing success, but hopefully that's next! ;D I needed this break from the angst and stress of it. I haven't stuffed my face all day long either, so hopefully I'll just stay about the same and not gain. I have gone a bit over the top with wine consumption a few of the days, and I have eaten out a few times, but other than that, I'm pretty much eating "normal." I've also run a few times this week, and the runs have been fantastic. I don't know if it's because I'm just not putting pressure on myself or if I really needed that rest from running the last few weeks, but I'm not complaining!

Oh, but I do NOT feel like getting back to my usual hellish schedule starting Monday! I wish time would just slow down right now...am so in love with not having to be anywhere I don't want to be this week! ;)

Later for personals!

Hi ladies:
Just posting in to update.
I finally got fed up with feeling miserable, so I caved and went to the Drs on Monday. The verdict was bacterial bronchitis. :( I'm on antibiotics (zpack) and still feeling crappy, but finally back at work.

Have been eating lots of soft foods (oatmeal, for some reason, and sweet potato) and not really caring that much about active weight loss.

But interesting to note, I don't think it was the dairy that was bothering me after all...

When I was monitoring my carbs (before I got sick), I discovered that I could have all the dairy I wanted (ff yogurt + cottage cheese) and have no adverse reactions. Once I added the carbs back in, things got a little "hairy". I guess my previous food trials might have been faulty. Interesting the things you learn when you're sick.

So am just working on getting back to health. Not excited at all. The last time I had the bronch (early 2007) I was miserable and took like a month and a half to fully kick. This time I went to the doc earlier (thank goodness) so hopefully this won't be as bad.

Forgive my absence if I'm not around as much. Am trying rest, rehydrate, and "unplug" as much as possible. Lots of time "lying in bed reading books" and pushing as much fluid into my body as I can. I normally drink over 100 ozs of water a day. Go figure: Sick = absolutely no desire to drink.


(((((Turbo)))))) ~ My twin. Thanks for the love. You still my inspiration, girl. Chin up with the job search. Sooner or later someone's sure to spot your awesomeness.

thebunneh ~ Thank you! Me, too!!!

Maddie ~ Seems like you're doing great out there. Keep it up, girlfriend! Hope your busy days are proceeding smoothly and aren't too hectic.

Olehcat ~ I can relate to everything you've written, especially the part about weightloss taking a back seat. Right now, I feel crappy and Where I am right now, unfortunately, food makes me feel better. I'm working on incorporating better coping mechanisms, but for

Joss ~ That body media thingie looks feature-rific! I'll have to live vicariously through you to see how it works out. And man, do I ever relate to the whole "search for moderation" post you posted. So much more difficult to find that happy medium. It's an ongoing quest, but the more you learn, the more you grow, etc. No one knows your body better than you do.

Aidan ~ Yummy fooood porn!

Bayzee ~ Thanks for the well wishes. :) Sounds like you're already killing it on the scales, girl! Do you have a lower goal in mind?

Jessica ~ So close to the finish line on that WW comp! Do you think that will that keep you motivated through Easter? Good luck on the admissions process and fingers crossed for your first choice, too.

Krampus ~ Hugs to the time away from bf! Hopefully it will make you all the more excited to see eachother when he returns.

Apologies if I missed anyone!

~alex

Hi Feathers!

I think my body knows when it's pullups/dips day and throws runny poops at me. Not fair! I want my stomach to stop gurgling and churning.

Had a nice time playing video games with roomie's bro and friend last night. I need a break from exhaustive social interactions and time to just do diddly squat and focus on me. Friend brought over peanut butter ice cream and I had some, but not a ton. Weighed in at 124.2 this morning - totally OK with that number - hit the gym in the AM and will again after work.

BF landed in Seattle safely. He was kind of stressed out when I took him to the bus and it left me with a sour taste in my mouth. Everything would be perfect if he handled stress better and didn't let himself get hangry every other day and I didn't let it bother me. That said I already miss him. It'll all work itself out.

My boss is still out with pneumonia and no signs of slowing. Poor guy.

Weekend's almost here! I plan to spend mine catching up with my dad and going to see "Jack the Giant Slayer" at the theaters, then heading to NYC Sunday to see a friend before my 8 hour Quickbooks training course on Monday for work. -___- What's everyone else getting up to?

olehcat Glad your spring break is going well and you feel freed of the shackles of constantly worrying about food and weight. There really is no reason to be constantly overwhelmed and anxious about stuff you have to do every day (eat). High five for great runs too!

Turbo Last night we played Street Fighter 2 and Super Mario Bros 3 "Battle Mode" because my friend's bro is ABSURDLY GOOD at it and makes everyone play against him. Sorry you got SO MUCH SNOW up there - we ended up getting only a little here, but it's still cold and not melting.

JessicaB I can't imagine trying to house train a dog, play roller derby, take care of a little person AND lose weight all at the same time. You are a strong woman - if you can handle that, you can totally win the contest.

Bayzee The mirror and how we view our own reflections are pretty crazy sometimes. I feel like I am just getting bigger and bigger when I am obviously NOT because I've been the same weight for months on end. I'm sorry it's been so hard lately to stay at a deficit - staying at a deficit and cutting body fat is like fighting gravity for women.

MaddieBPhoto I saw your WI this morning - NICE! What kinds of exercises are you doing? Happy second day of spring - good luck with the 5 busy days coming up!

Alex Sorry you've been under the weather, I was wondering where you'd gone. I hope you recover speedily and won't be out of commission for anywhere near as long as in 2007.

Bayzee : You maintained for a year? That is already so much better than me, who maintained for like 5 days :P I really do hope you will get the results you expect soon, you are working so hard!

Olehcat : Enjoy your vacation!! :) Get some rest, you diserve it!

Alexis : Ah, poor thing! I was getting concerned about you! Get some rest and enjoy all the books you want! I hope getting to the doc earlier will help your recovery... bronchitis do suck BAD. So carb would be the problem? Hmm! Interesting! At least now it means you can enjoy your dairy!

And thank you for the nice words... Means a lot to me! Big hugs to you and get better!

Krampus : That sucks that your boyfriend was off in a weird stressful situation, but I'm happy that everything get sort out by itself. Awww, I'm jealous because you get to see Jack the Giant Slayer''. I want to go but everyone around me laugh and say it looks bad when I talk about it. HELLO, there is EWAN McGregor in it, I loove this guy. And the effets look awesome. Hope you had a nice workout!

***

Hi ladies! Still 135.8 this morning, good poop, awesome workout where I increased the weight/or the number of rep of my arms sections. I had an awesome lunch of a big salad topped with the remain of chicken fajitas of last night paired with the awesome veggie pate I loved.

I had the most frustrating discussion on Skype while I was eating my super duper lunch though with my former colleague/running buddy. Last time I saw her, she was telling me that she was a the doctor office a few days ago and that she gained over 10 pounds and that she never weighed that much except during her pregnancies (she is 54). She was running a lot last year but she really did slow down but her diet stayed the same = so she obviously gained. She knows I am really dedicated to my healthy food and training program. So while I was eating, she came to me on Skype stating me everything she ate today and wanted to know how many calories there was in there. Already in my head I was ''okay you could have use whatever calculator online, but because I'm nice, I'll sum it up for you''.

She really wanted specific information. For example, she was asking how many calories there was in the lunch dinner she gets at the cafeteria. COME ON, that is VAGUE. The cafeteria serve everything from salad to wrap to big time bagel with cheese and big meat to creamy tuna/chicken casserole overloaded with pasta. So I told her ''well, it really depends, probably from 600-1000 cal depending on the meal''.

After answering many more question about ''and what salad. and dressing. and coffee. and creamer. and the sugar in my coffee. and butter''. When the salad dressing came up, I told her that she could use low cal dressing for exemple, that was an easy change to do.

- No can't do low fat. They don't have low fat at the cafeteria.
- First, you can ask that your side of salad be served w/o dressing and pick the little italian low cal dressing thing there OR you can bring your low fat dressing from home if you really don't want to bring your own lunch.
- Okay, so that brings me to a total of 2100 calories. Will I lose weight?
- I don't know what is your basic metabolic rate, but I doubt it.

She did not seem willing to bring her lunch to work, which would be the best solution in my opinion. You never really know what it's on your food if you don't make it, even if it does look healthy... She ended up throwing at me ''Oh this is too difficult. I'll just run more'' and quit skype without saying another word to me.

I kinda got frustrated. If she does not want to make some real change, it is her business. But if I had knew that she would treat the information I took the time to give her with such a BLAH, I would just had copy pasted the website url of calorie count and said LOOK IT UP YOURSELF.

I don't mind helping people with diet stuff, but if you're not really to listen and aknowledge basic stuff like ''crap I'm eating too much when I shouldn't'', then why do you even bother asking!??

Arrrrrrgh. Rant over.

Have a good day! :P

Afternoon, feathers!!

Yay for today's WI! I have a weekend of dinners out with friends, so I will pop back up, but that's ok. This is what maintenance is all about!

I have a stupid engagement session this weekend that is stressing me out. The girl is flying out from Texas FOR THIS ONE WEEKEND to do engagement photos - wedding is in May (could you have cut it any closer?!) & what do you know...it's supposed to snow all weekend. She wants to do it up in the mountains at her family's cabin, but it's like a major drive up there & now it's snowing with a high of 18. I have to bite the bullet & tell her no, but I feel badly BUT this is on her. It's Colorado - it can snow in effing June in the mountains! DUH!

Krampus - I'm doing Pilates & then adding in a quick arm & leg routine & maybe some abs if I'm feeling motivated. I LOVE LOVE LOVE seeing my hip bones so much now!

Sorry about your bf. You always envision those sendoffs more romantically than they actually happen in real life. He's just stressed - it's not about you.

Turbo - Don't apologize! We all have weeks that kick us while we're down! That's why we're here!

Buh. Getting a cold. And PMS to top it off. I'm going to relax my eating a little. I'll still log everything, but I'm going to allow myself a couple hundred more calories wiggle room until TOM leaves.

Hope you all have a good weekend. :hug:

Good morning, feathers! ;)

I'm excited. A few days ago I ordered myself a fitbit, one of those devices that keeps track of your activities, etc. I didn't get the super fancy one that keeps track of your sleep cycles, too, as I don't want to know, actually, since my sleep problems that I sometimes have I can't do much about. But anyway, I got the Fitbit Zip, and I'm SUPER excited to see how much it will motivate me to move more!

Anyway, it's getting toward the end of my vacation and I'm already getting sad and cranky about it, but I'm trying not to since I do still have three more days. Strangely enough, I feel light. I know that doesn't make sense since I can't possibly have actually lost weight over this break. That would break the laws of physics since I certainly have eaten more and had more wine and eaten more of things that are not good for me, including takeout Chinese food! So I kind of think that it's just a psychological thing, that because I'm not stressed this week about weight loss AND all other things in my life, that maybe that's why I'm feeling light. I still think I'd be unhappy if I were to actually weigh myself right now. Not surprised, but not happy. And since there is no angst allowed this week, I will not weigh until probably some time next week (and that's with a few days of clean eating thrown in).

I've been reading LONG success threads at Myfitnesspal and trying to get ideas and inspiration. There is nothing more I like than reading about someone getting to goal by doing something realistic (for me). If someone did it by eating only seaweed and flaxseed and doing super complicated strength training routines and running marathons? Not so much. I wouldn't give the story a passing glance. But if the person sort of seems like me -- with real weaknesses and some things against her (maybe a health problem or age-related hormone stuff). Bonus if the person is around my age, around my height, and doesn't have a lot to lose (no more than 30 pounds). While I am amazed by success stories of people who lose 100 pounds or more, it's not my reality. Iv'e never been that overweight before, so I don't know how that would feel and I can't relate to it. That being said, I think there's ALWAYS something to be learned from someone's success story, whatever the parameters.

@TheBunneh - hope you're feeling better! I hate that feeling of coming down with something when you're trying to eat well and exercise!

@Maddie - I don't blame you -- I sure wouldn't be driving up in the mountains in snow. Shoot, I'm phobic about driving down the street in snow!

@Turbo - you're doing great!! And oh my gosh, it's frustrating to talk to someone who will not listen. Wow, if someone is really serious about change, bringing lunch to work would be one of the most obvious choices! And I'm sorry about the job. :( I know that had to be disappointing. This does not make you a loser at all, this one just wasn't the One.

@Krampus - Sorry about the boyfriend stress. Ugh, I remember back wheN I was married and my husband had an interview in South Africa -- yep, a 15-hour flight, and he was SO NERVOUS and anxious about travel that he made our lives **** for like 2 days before he left. Then once he was on the plane, he totally relaxed and he ended up having an awesome trip. He didn't get that job, but hey, free trip to Africa, so who could complain?

@Alex You poor thing!!!!! That's a bummer, and that takes so long to get over. Just rest and do your best to do well. That's all you can do right now. I just hope you're feeling a lot better soon!

I'm sorry if I miss someone, I'm not going too far back through stuff I missed yet! Hope everyone has a great weekend!

Turbo - Your friend sounds ridic. Half the time girls talk to each other, we want the other person to tell us that in spite of what we are doing wrong, it's an injustice & that we are right. She's wrong, but she doesn't want to hear it. That's on her though. You were very kind to bend over backwards to guess how many calories are in foods you've never seen before, & she didn't care. Maybe she'll get it one day, but yesterday wasn't the day.

Olehcat - I love reading success stories too! And I think we can all relate to some & not to others. I'm with you though - that's part of my problem with SIL - I don't relate to only eating steamed broccoli & drinking Shake-ology until I'm a twig. There's no enjoyment in life if that's all it is.

I'm actually a little frustrated because I have family members that are VERY obese who I try to encourage & share with. They are open to it, but one of them told me the other day that her niece needed someone in her boat who she could talk to. I WAS there, but now that I'm a size 6, I've lost my cred with heavy people? Kinda frustrating. Thought it would be motivating. Anyway, random rant there. :)

Hit 131.8 today!! Woohoo! Tonight is girls' night out, so I'm eating light all day then I'll have my beer with chips & salsa! Tomorrow we're going out with our friend from church who has cancer, so I'll have to do the same, but maybe just get something light tomorrow. THEN, Monday is a family birthday lunch out. I HATE eating out. I told my MIL I wanted to fake sickness so I didn't have to eat out. I have issues with paying $10 for a plate of plain, grilled chicken & broccoli when I can just eat what I bought for the week at home & save money & actually enjoy it.

That's my rant for the day! I'm excited for girls' night! I like getting to do this more often :) Off to play with the toddler who is messing around with the ancient computer sitting on the floor next to us :)

Good morning Feathers,

Will you let me to join your group? I am kind of stuck in "a little below 140lb" and need support and motivation.

I'd like to join the little group here as well!
I really hope that finding some kind of community here will be helpful in terms of motivation for me to lose weight but do it the RIGHT way instead of trying to diet off all the weight at once...

TGIF Feathers!

Well the damage wasn't as bad as I thought...114.0 today (up from 112.4).
I can live with that...TOM is also still lurking around so maybe I'll see a drop in a day or two.

Tonight...wine and relaxing. It was a loooong week at work.

Personals later or tomorrow.

Welcome Nightbugs and PrincessSophia!

Check-in time: All four of my wisdom teeth were extracted yesterday. Last time I weighed myself was on Wednesday (110.8lb). I didn't eat anything from 10pm on Wednesday til 6:30am this morning (Friday). I've just been tired and sleeping. No pain though.. minimal swelling. I haven't had to take any pain meds. I've been eating pureed veggies, pureed sardines, plain greek yogurt, protein powder mixed with almond-coconut milk, mashed bananas, almond butter... I also picked up some canned salmon to puree, sweet potatoes, some lentil soup and low-fat no sugar added black bean chili. I can try eating cottage cheese tomorrow. I'll be eating all of my food pureed or mashed for a week or so. It isn't exactly appetizing but I'm stil trying to eat as healthy as possible. And I'm still tracking my calories. I won't be hitting the gym until I get home on Sunday or Monday. It's best to just let myself rest and take a break from activity anyway.

SO yep, wisdom teeth surgery while not fun was a lot less terrible than I thought it was going to be! I was up and walking around today. Went with my Dad to the grocery store. Might go shopping with my Mom tomorrow... we'll see how I feel.

Raaaagh, I had tons personnals and I lost it all. BLEHHH.

To sump up :

Maddie : are you still heading in the snow and the mountain for this ultra early engagement thing? Oh, and I hope you had fun with your friends last night! Oh yeah on the 131's!!!!!

TheBunneh : Aww, get better!!!

Olehcat : I love reading success story though, it is so inspiring, it gives me a little boost everytime! And for my colleage, for the bring your own lunch punch, I think just like you ; if you really want to lose weight but you are not willing to just do the smallest part as of bring your lunch... it's not like it will happen by magic or something.

PrincessSophia & Nightbugs : Welcome! :)

Bayzee : Not so much damages! Enjoy your wine and relaxing time! :)

Aidan : You must be happy that this teeth surgery is done and behind you! :)

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Hi! Hit 136.0 this morning, but I don't mind, I had only rabbit poop yesterday and ate pop corn with some whit cheddar seasoning loaded in salt. I was pretty stable all week, I just hope I won't be stuck there for 1-2 weeks again.

I need to get my long run of the weekend done today but again, it's grey, cold and windy.

Nothing much plan for the weekend except cleaning the house through and through, our owner is coming on Monday night to talk about us not taking it again and she is talking with someone right now to sell the building, so we need to make it clean for some potential visits... Fun cleaning times ahead :P

Joss, you okay girl?

Have a great weekend ladies!

Well, I'm down to 112.2 today, lower than my pre-vacay week off. I think I dropped some of the TOM fluff and wine dehydration helped a bit I'm sure :)

Boring weekend....I was sooo tired this week and I plan on working out and lying around today.

Food cravings have tapered off, but I still feel pretty hungry. Calories are back up to 1400 this week, so I am grateful for that. But, it's not like I actually stayed at 1300 most days last week anyhow. lol!

I have finished 5 weeks of the 12 week cut/recomp (if I take out my week-off). I have made great weightlifting gains, but not a huge difference with the scale or belly. I plan on sticking with it, eventhough I am tired of eating in a deficit and trying to make good choices all of the time. This week was tough...and the weekend even harder.
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Joss... Hope thing are ok.

Aidan...I had puffy cheeks for a week when I got my wisdom teeth pulled. My husband wanted me to stop at McDonald's on our way home from his wisdom teeth surgery...He ate a full combo within 1/2 hour of leaving the office. Go figure!

Turbo...Are you moving or just if the owner sells? I hate the rabbit poop thing...when I eat junk, no rabbit poops! lol!

Ohlecat...I love reading transformation stories. I read a lot on bodybuilding.com eventhough I am not a member there. I love following the competition journals as well.

Krampus...I bet you are having a fun weekend with great company and food!

Thebunneh...I'm still coughing. It's been a month now. It's crazy! Hope you feel better soon!