Missy - Like Nicole said - the COD's don't always encourage exercise, but it certainly is better for the body if you do......Also like Nicole, I had lost a bunch of weight a few years ago, all while exercising regularly. My losses were at a much slower pace than some others, and the exercise probably accounted for some of it (turtle metabolism the rest ) but I always liked the fact that I could SEE results with exercising much faster than the sclae would show. That alone kept me motivated to continue on plan.

I didn't get the impression that you meant anything bad by what you said about school lunch. It will never be as good as a healthy brought-from-home lunch. I think that it has had such a bad connotation over the years that people automatically assume that all school lunches are bad. It's a struggle and I'm glad I'm not running it anymore - but I feel bad for the food service people.

Here is my take on whether or not to exercise.

I have a HORRIBLE metabolism, VERY slow, just like my father (thanks Dad!). Anyway ... I do exercise, and now that I have gotten into better shape, I have been getting in 500+ minutes a week on average (this have been a slow week and I am still mourning my Elliptical being out of commission until all the parts finally come in to fix it).

I am 198 lbs. I wear on average a 12-14 in pants, and a M-L in a top (unless it is a dress top that buttons up and the twins just need more room in a shirt that doesn't give at all).

I truely believe I would be at least 2 sizes larger if I wasn't working out. I am still high on the scale because I care more muscle, but I don't look like I weigh right around 200 lbs and that is the exercise.

Work into it slowly, I started with 30 minutes a day on my recumbant bike at almost no resistance. I just did 60 minutes this morning on a resistance of 6. Work your way up and watch the inches. I have lost more inches over my (arm, thigh, waist, bust, and hips) than my 8 year is tall. I think that is pretty cool, and I attribute most of it to exercise.

I have lost the majority of my weight not exercising, once I threw that into the mix my weight loss slowed way down. I stopped for a while (just being lazy) and then when I decided to go again last night, I got a terrible rash on my neck! So I'm deciding that I am allergic to exercise! Just kidding... I had gotten a facial the day before and I'm guessing it's some kind of reaction. I am training for a 1/2 marathon in November and am only able to run 3 miles right now... we'll see how I improve. I may end up walking a 1/2 marathon... but I can still say 'I did it', right?

:lol:

Missy.. It's very important to remember that anything more than basic walking (and even that depending on how often and how fast you go) can affect weight loss and your plan needs to be adjusted accordingly. If you're doing three cardio-type workouts a week, your body will require more sustenance (sp?)... Follow up your workouts every time with a protein serving and a good carb (my ususal suspects are a grilled chicken tender and an apple or orange). Don't start eating specialized workout protein bars as they have lots of other stuff in them you don't need..

But the protein and carb hit post workout will continue calorie and fat burn. Just make the adjustments accordingly to your menu plan.. You don't want to go over on your protein/carb/fruit intake, but you want to make sure you don't short yourself later on in the day.

I think Nicole's right about the LAWL attitude toward exercise.. The program was developed so that even people who don't exercise can lose, and lose quickly.. during my entire weight loss phase, all I did was step up my walking routine.. I didn't hit the gym until I was almost at goal...

Well,

I went and weighed in and was up.2 from last week and have gained 3/4 inches over almost 2 months. I am really trying to get back OP fully. The worst part of WI was that the manager of my COD told me tomorrow is her last day. I hate to see her go. She was so helpful to me. She was the last one left of the three that was there when I signed up. I have 8 weeks left to loose 36lbs to make goal. Well, I guess I will loose as much as I can and see where I am at then.

Hello all! Just a quick pop in.

Nicole - Gold plan actually went pretty good yesterday, but I pretty much blew it today...especially when I had a doughnut. :-(

Dan - Sorry that you and Liz had to go through that with your doggie. I know it's tough. I will never get over having to put my precious cat, Brewster, down.

Jillian - Yay! So glad that DH got the job.

Oh, and I have awesome, awesome news. My wonderful swister (sweet sister) is getting married!! There's no date set yet, but it's going to be a small occasion and will be fairly soon. I'm so very happy that she's finally found her special someone; she will be 30 in October. She needs to find a cheap dress soon, but she's not having much luck finding something she likes. Anyone have any ideas where she can find a very pretty, very cheap 26W wedding gown? She just wants something simple.

Good night all!!

Hi friends!

I just returned from a 2day visit to San Fran. My best friend took a couple days off work to hang with me and celebrate the bar being over! I really did try to be good, but her family took me out to dinner and pretty much ordered everything on the menu...and I definitely sampled. I'm not feeling guilty-we had a great time!

We leave for vacation tomorrow--my goal is--NO gaining! I'm going to make a huge effort to get some fruits and veggies in each day and really watch the starches. We are gone for a whole week-I can't wait!

I'm still catching up on the past few days, but I hope you are all doing great! I did see the beautiful picture of Maria! What an angel!!!

Wendy..........try Penney's Outlet. I bought my dress for $100......and it was beautiful and beaded. I was, of course, a size 8 then.....but they had a wide variety of sizes and styles. If you don't have one near you, check their website.....and make a few calls. It might be worth a little drive :) Good luck, and congrats to your sis :)
XOXO
P.S. Have a blast, Amylou!!!!

Thanks, Nicole! My mom, sis and I went shopping today. We didn't find anything, but we did determine that champagne was the color she wanted and confirmed that she did need a size 26. We then came home and shopped online and found the dress!! It's not cheap, but my mom wanted to buy it. Here's the link if y'all are interested:

http://bridalonlinestore.com/Collect...9256171#Page_1

By the way, I'm not being very OP this weekend.

Oh, Wendy.....it is gorgeous!!! I have had my share of slip ups this weekend too.....but I am still trying ;)

Okay - so I finally come back earlier in the week and I posted in the wrong week! Duh! Kim told me it was okay though because apparently after you turn 50, you can do whatever you want!

So good to see so many familiar faces...Kristen, Nicole, Jillian, Katie, Kim, Val, Wendy, Amy (congrats), Dan (I cried about Sam...and feel your loss!). Must be something in the air that makes so many of us pop back in right now....I asked this on the last post I made, but since it was in the wrong week, I'm going to ask again...who actually still goes to an LAWL site? Just curious. I don't - they closed the one by my house and I'm not travelling 20 miles to the new location....

Like Kim said - this site is addictive and my new job has me glued to my work PC during the day, so it's pretty tought to break away...but I have gained probably 10 lbs since I quit posting, so I have to blame it on not coming to this site more often...so.....in an attempt to get back on track and at least not gain anymore, you will see more of me....whether or not you want to!

Off to do more yard work...which has been my exercise for the day!

Wendy - your sister's dress selection is beautiful!

Amy - did you pass the bar or just take it and are waiting for the results? If you passed.........CONGRATULATIONS!!!

OH Joni, we DO want to see more of you!

We just got home from camping. We bought a new camper, and I am so thrilled with it. It has a slide out and bunk beds in the back for the kids. It was so nice to camp without being right on top of each other in the camper.

Hey everyone! I've been SUPER busy this week- so am trying to catch up on the posts. wendy- that dress is GORGEOUS!
Jillian- I am so happy for you DH!

I am down 4lbs this week for a total of 15.6- Dh is down 20!
We are so excited that we actually made our COD's Biggest loser board!

BTW- did you know Biggest loser premiers September 16th, they are doing a family episode again!

Heres to a week OP for everyone!