Lindy - I so hear you about pickles! I like the spicy 'zesty' ones too. Good luck with the new schedule - that sounds tricky! Have you been in touch with your (ex) husband lately? Haven't heard you mention it if so - curious how you're doing on that front.

mygrits - this is kind of an odd question but why does everyone stay up so late at your house? Since the good time for exercising is early in the morning when it's so hot out, that would TOTALLY mess me up. Can you try to convince people to go to bed earlier or does that not really work? My bf will often claim he's not tired, so I'll convince him to read in bed but as soon as he gets horizontal he conks out.

So, girls, I'm 3lbs away from being in the 160s and I want to make SERIOUS progress this week. I haven't been in the 160s since maybe 2003 and can't wait to get there so I'm probably going to be bugging you guys to death with all of my plans, etc. If you guys don't mind, I'm going to post about my eating and exercise plan everyday this week to make myself stick to it.

Here's what I'm thinking for today:
Breakfast - yogurt and fruit
Lunch - tuna sandwich, grapes
Snacks - carrots, apple
Dinner - rotisserie chicken and broccoli, maybe brown rice or couscous
Shooting for 1400 cal or less and will be walking for an hour with a buddy. Legs are too sore from yesterday for anything more strenuous : )

Hi Ladies,
It's lunchtime in Chicago, so I'm at my desk and being antisocial and typing you guys!

I'm extremely exhausted today, not sure why. I did go to bed a little later than usual, but I didn't really "work out" yesterday. I played with Maddie which was a ton of fun. I even caved and had a cup of coffee this morning, for the first time in over a month. (I did make it 1/2 regular and 1/2 decaf and didn't drink the entire thing). Food is good today (so far). Breakfast: 1/2 cup blueberries with lite yogurt and Bear Naked granola. No morning snack, lunch is a Healthy Choice "Portabella Spinach Parmesean" Pasta dish. Pretty good. Snack will be a banana and a sweet and salty bar if I need it. Turkey burgers tonight for dinner, and then I have the trainer fro 8-9 pm. Full day!

Lindy: Good luck with the new schedule. I'm not sure how Matt and I are going to swing that when Maddie gets into school. We're hoping that by the time we have our 2nd, I'll be able to stay home and be a full time mommy (my dream job). We figure having 2 kids and 2 working parents my entire check would go to daycare, so what would be the point? We'll have to see what the future brings...especially in this economy.

Sandy: Hope your body regulates itself and you can get some sleep and your TOM stops causing trouble. I think you should do one of your mini workouts at least, it may tire you out enough where you can get some sleep and in the end, I'll think you'll feel better.

Dancer: Great job on your hike...wish I had some place interesting to hike, but I live in a "plains" area, so it's flat and boring. Guess I'll suffer and go to the gym. I have some client friends that live in Greenwood Village, CO and they say it's absolutely beautiful...guess I'll have to check out CO at some point in time.

Dance - I am so excited for you! I look forward to my milestone of 150, thats what I was in HS...from what I can remember. Then...of course, 120 or 130 (we'll see how my body looks at 130). Ex husband...yeah, we talk, but only about Gabriella. I told him that I no longer can act favorable to a reconciliation, as I am happy with how things are in my life (even before Mr. 16)...life just got easier. So, we do talk and are ammicable and polite but thats the extent of it. When I get my taxes back next year, thats when I will probably file for divorce, as divorce in Florida is expensive, even if it is amicable...the fees are ridiculous. Anyway...your meals always sound so yummy, maybe Ill jump on the band wagon and share my food:

Detour protein bar
3 wgg whites and 2 slices of turkey bacon
1 large peach (this thing was on steroids, lol)
salad with chicken and extra virgin olive oil
snap peas
Hmmm...not sure what Im doing for dinner...think...think...think...

Mygrits - you better get your butt doing something. Get to it with the laps in the pool, lol. I know TOM can be a biotch, lol...but increasing the exercise can at least offset the munchies, keep that in mind. I wish we lived closer, I would totally be your drill sargeant, lol.

Ok...leaving in 30 minutes to take lunch, this actually isnt too bad, as long as I pack my lunch the night before...I think Ill be in good shape.

Hi ladies!

Have a few min to log in and see all your pretty faces and read your messages. I didn't work out today - I was up until 2Am - couldn't sleep so I decided that getting a few more hours sleep was better. That way I can get to bed at a decent time tonight and then get up tomorrow morning - for at least some cardio as I am not on venue until the 28th. Today I had a banana, a yummy mint chocolate protein shake and eating chicken breast, grilled tom and zuchinni. I am proud - I had to recook it because I burned it but it doesn't taste too bad. I am feeling noticeably better today too!


Pickles- I have not had for so long...I am going to buy a car tonight!!

Dance - yes please post - it gives me ideas and I find that when I write something down, I am more accountable for it! 160's-boy that seems so far away for me - but I can live through you for now!!!

Vicky - your meals sound awesome - mine are so boring - keep them coming, it gives me great ideas!

Lindy - good luck with the new routine - you are such an inspiration - I know we all say it but I really want to say it loud and proud!!!

Well I have to go and present my budget, be back later!

Hi Ladies!

Lindy- Were the shin splints gone, leaving you good to go on your run? Good luck on your new routine, you’ll get into the groove with the change!

Dance- of any “treat” to have, chips and salsa is a pretty healthy snack..as long as you don’t eat the entire family size bag! 3 pounds away from the 60’s?!?! That’s so fantastic, you can do it!!!

Stacie- thanks for the cheerleader! I can definitely feel a change in my body now that I’ve stepped up my jogging, from where I started! Girl, your schedule sounds crazy!! But, with all the exercise you’ve been getting in, along with eating right, you are going to get through this time with flying colors!!

Maddie-Whoo who on the 3 pounds lost!! Great job!

MyGrits- Get your hands around that TOM’s neck and kick that @#$@ to the curb I hope to hear you got back on the tracks!


Well, I have the day off today...so I went for a 2 mile mostly walk and a little jog. And for lunch I made a new kind of veggie burger... I was a bit disappointed in it, so I'll tweak it with my own seasonings and post it once I get it perfected

Dance- YAY (Almost) Milestone!!!! I have been pretty much stuck in the low 160's for years. This is the first year I have been @ 175. I wasn't really happy in the 160's but I am much happier there than any higher!! Good luck this week.

Vicky- Sorry that you are tired and I hope you perk up soon.

Lindy- You amaze me. You are so independent. I can't clean the house, work out and think in the same day. You are super woman. AND I LOVE PICKLES!

Staccie- Don't get too worn down. Always allow time for rest.

Basics- You are so diciplined. I wish I were 1/2 as dedicated as you are to working out!!!

Well... I am stressed, missing my friends and I haven't even moved yet and I am feeling very FAT!

I started a 7 day cleanse so my whole week looks like this:
Breakfast- 1/2 grapefruit, 2 eggs and water
snack- protien shake
Lunch- Green Salad with no dressing with chicken
Snack- protien shake 1/2 grapefruit
Dinner- Green salad with salsa as dressing, chicken and steamed green beans.

That is all. No starch serving this week. Rough and tough. Kicking my own butt this week. Need to break the plateau!!

<3 You all and I hope your days are fantastic. Talk to you all this evening.

Wow girls...I think I am going to have to expand the door to my office because you really are giving me a big head, lol...thanks for all the kudos and compliments. Wow...I guess I got everyone else on a pickly craze...thats it, Im going to invest some money int he Vlassic pickle stock, lol.

Anyway...Stacie, your meal sounds good. What a great mix of veggies and chicken, I think you have inspired my dinner for the night...so ty. How is work going with all the running around?

Back2Basics - oh yeah, I did good with the running and shin splints. I decided to get my daughter into running now, so I had to take it easy, as she is kinda out of shape, which is a shame at 8 but oh well...we will get there. Its probably for the best anyway...ease back into the run. I was told by the trainer that I need to watch how my feet hit the pavement, he observed that I runn in the front of my feel with my heels up, he said the way you should run is heel to toe...ok, I get it, it makes sense...but who the heck pays attention to that when your in the moment...uh, I guess I have to now, lol. 2 miles is really good..whats the weather like where your at? I actually think we are going to have a cool winter bc the nights and mornings are not humid at all, or maybe thats bc its hurricane season? Idk...fingers crossed, I would welcome some cooler weather.

AJ- good luck with your cleanse...that takes a lot of discipline. I attempted a cleanse once and failed miserably, I felt so weak and crappy. I know it is technically good for you, but still...soo freakin hard. Good luck chickadee!

Ok...getting ready to go home. Ill talk to you girls later.

Mygrits - I wonder if we all hang out in the same forums long enough we all start to synch our TOMs all at the same time??lol I crave chips in the worst way when it's TOM! Hope today was better for you!

Lindy - I hope you will be feeling much better tomorrow! Good girl on upping the water!! I find that when I am sick, eating Miso Soup is a big help! Take it easy today and hopefully tomorrow you will be back to normal!

Dancer - Where did you go for a hike? I always take my camera and my dogs with me when I go hiking. Sadly, the doggies are getting veryyyyyyyyyyyyyyy old now so we just go to the doggie park once a week now. Keep up the great work!!

Maddiesmom - Yay for you on the healthy eating!! Bear Naked Granola bars?? I have never heard of them... are they good?? I wonder if they are available in Canada....

BrowneyedStaccie - ohh yummy grilled Zucchini! I am getting a new BBQ this weekend as the old one bit the biscuit. Gonna do some grilled veggies!! Yummmmm.. OHhh New Car!! What kind??????

BacktoBasics - are you a vegetarian? When I was vegan, I used to get the Yves Veggie burgers..I loved them. Friend of mine makes her own ... and boy are they good... I 'll see if I can get the recipe for you if you'd like.

AJOwens - KICK THat Butt!! Starches are my enemy too. Tater Chips... and tortilla chips. I know you will beat the cravings!! Good luck!!

I cleaned the whole first floor of my house.. and now I'm paying for it..but the work out of doing it felt great at the time. Gonna have to take some pain meds to be able to sleep tonite. Got on the scale..I have a feeling I will be down a pound tomorrow.. TOM and all.... Eating has been good. No junk.. but then again..I got rid of all the junk over the weekend. Out of site out of mind.
Gonna get on the scale tomorrow and see!! Got lots of water in today too.. More than the required 8 glasses.

You ladies are great!! So supportive!! I am really enjoying this group!

Hotsplashes - Where did you live in Mexico? I lived in Mexico City for about 5 yrs but spent time in Monterrey, Puebla, Culiacan (Sinaloa) and traveled all over for fun. Maybe we overlapped at some point : ) What a tough road you've had, recovering from your injuries - my sympathies - I can only imagine how hard that must be. And how great that you're going back to school! Glad you've joined us - this is a great group and I swear it's the reason that I've lost the weight this summer. Too bad your dogs are getting older - the dog I dogsit for is getting up there too and can't hike with us anymore which is such a bummer. We've been hiking up and down the front range this summer, trying to get out and explore more. Good for you for getting so much cleaning done - I'm sure you'll see that reflected in the scale tomorrow : )

Lindy - if you continue to have trouble with shin splints, you might check to see if you pronate when you run (that is, do your feet start to tip towards the center at the end of your stride - it's complicated to explain - I'm sure google can do it better than I can). I always get running shoes that are for 'mobility control' or to prevent pronation and they help me a lot. Specifically new balance. When you're ready for a new pair, go to a really good running store and have them observe your stride and give you advice on what you need - that's been super helpful for me in the past. That is just great that you took your daughter running with you! It sounds like you know in your heart what to do about the situation with your husband - if you aren't missing him like crazy, that's a pretty strong sign that you're headed down the right path - good for you for figuring things out!

AJ - whoa - that cleanse sounds very tough to stick to! You are one disciplined girl for giving it a shot - I'm getting the sense that you're a bit of an all or nothing girl - am I close? : ) Curious to hear how it goes! I hear you on not having been thrilled when you were in the 160s - I have a feeling I'll want to lower my goal too but it's a heck of a lot better than where I've been lately so one step at a time, right?

Back2basics - sounds like you are having a very healthy and on plan day off! Do you find it's easier to stick to plan on work days or off days? I tend to find it easier at work when the fridge and pantry are far far away...

Staccie - There's a small typo in your post and I was thinking 'wow - how did she get from pickles to CAR shopping' - I get it now, you meant jar, right? : ) Too funny! I can't believe you had to do your cooking all over again, yikes! Sometimes when I'm lazy, I get the veggies that are already washed and chopped, etc at the grocery store - while things are so nuts for you at work, can you take some shortcuts to make your life easier? Grab some already cooked rotisserie chicken like Lindy and I do? Hang in there!

I better get back to work - so not in the mood today!

AJ- I heard about that Cleanse Diet from friends that did Slim 4 Life and that if you stick to it, it truly does help break a plateau. Good luck lady—YOU CAN DO IT, we’re here for you!!!

Lindy- Interesting about what your trainer said in how you run. I am heading over to a Running store (like Dancer had mentioned) later this week, to help guide me in what shoes to get and how to compensate for some weird kick I do. I live in Minnesota and we’ve had an amazingly cool summer, perfect for working out…although I’m nervous what this will mean for winter!!!

HotSplashes- What an interesting past in places you have lived! Congrats on going back to school for law…I’ve contemplated it. My ex is an attorney and he said I’d really enjoy the classes, especially in debate. LOL… And no, I’m not a vegetarian, although I do enjoy some of the vegan recipes I have gotten my hands on. I like seeing different recipes, so if you do happen upon it, please do pass it along.

Dancer- Normally I find it harder to stay to my diet when I’m home. However, the last few weeks (minus my pizza gorge day), I have felt right on target—and more into the experimental recipes to eat healthy… so basically, I’ve been enjoying my time in the kitchen.

Tonight I just made a quick dinner… a regular grilled cheese for my daughter and my grilled cheese on whole grain I also added diced tomatoes, thinly sliced onion and a few slices of avocados… so simple, but man, it tasted so good! I made brownies for the neighborhood this evening and I’m happy to report that not only did I NOT have one, but I didn’t even lick the spoon! Yippee…thanks for all the support ladies

Backtobasics - I would love to ring TOM's neck - just like a chicken! I am back on track, thank you. I really went nuts last night, but I ate nothing that was really that good. I guess thats because we don't keep alot of "junk" in our house, so I overindulged in crappy stuff........lol. Your doing terrific my dear, keep it up! UPDATE! You click your comments on here while I was writing, so I had to add Grilled Cheese - my favorite and brownies - LOL........yes I would have licked the spoon - so good for you!!!!!!!!!!!! :-9

AJ - A cleanse! I feel for you....lol. My husband did one about a month ago, and oh my, he thought he would die. I have to say though, after a couple of weeks, he did feel much better. I will say though, your food diet is much healthier than his, so you will probably feel better than he did.

Lindy - Kudo's to Gabadoo exercising with you. That to me is awesome and 8 is a great age to get started! I wish I had done the same with mine, however my mom (grandma) did keep them very active. I am blessed though that through my weight struggles, they have done better with their health. Of course my daughter going through bootcamp - she didn't have much choice! LOL...........funny! I hope your shins do better, and I am there with Dance's advice to have someone fit your form with shoes. I too LOVE New Balance. I won't wear anything else.

Hotsplashes - Your hilarious. I wonder if we do coincide with TOM weeks! I know we do at home with my daughter-in-law and when my daughter lived here. It sounds like you have had quite an adventurous life thus far with your travels, horse career and writings! You actually have lived much of the life I have dreamed of. I was also raised with horses and sold my last horse (A Mustang) a year ago, which broke my heart. I miss him bunches ;-( Do to the economy I just couldn't afford to keep Spirit any longer. I also have alot of writers in my family, and I too have more recently gotten the bug - so we will see where it leads. Travel - gosh, I have ALWAYS wanted to travel the world. I hope one day it will happen. I am sorry about your injuries that you have endured all these months. I hope surgery will not have to happen and in time your body will heal. However, cleaning the whole downstairs??? Thats alot of work! Please be careful. Lastly good for you going for a Law Degree, that is awesome. I went for Paralegal and was also pursuing Business Law, but do to raising two children on my own (without support) I ended up dropping out the last semester. I never did go back - maybe someday. Anyway, welcome to you! I hope you enjoy your new home here. It is an awesome group of women and we have become good friends over the months.

Dance - I hope your day has been good!

Tiff - I hope the taxes are almost done and you and your hubby are settled in your new home - comfortably ;-)

Burgund - I miss you and hope your trip has been good.

Neesy - I hope today has been good and not difficult. I wish I could see your husbands face when he gets all his letters! ;-)

Take care and hope everyone has a great night!

Grits- Thanks. I wish I could see his face too. I got the letter in the mail with the return address today. I went right away to the post office and mailed my letters. I hope they make his time a little easier.

Today was a pretty good day. I actually found myself having to eat more calories. I was only at 800 for the day. So I ate a bowl of cereal which then put me at 1200. That's crazy. I haven't felt hungry all day. I eat soemthing small ever 4 hours which seems to be pretty good for me.

I'll catch up more tomorrow. Goodnight

Holy moly - lots to read!! I am logging on because I am really peed off and need to refocus on something else fun like myself and all of you! I had a very hellish day (ummm I wonder if that will get censored) and then I come out of a meeting and see that almost my whole team is gone and their computers are here....I feel kind of angry about that. Our event is four days out! I know that I just do more and expect more of myself so I shouldn't get bitter but sometimes I just do. I am so overwhelmed it's not even funny but I won' t admit that to anyone here and I will just get through it somehow. Ahhhh. But I should admire those people for finding life balance I guess, maybe I am just envious after all. Now is not the time to start a life change for myself! But if I can eat right and workout then that's half the battle. I have to get up tomorrow morning - I thought about just going for a walk along the ocean instead of being in the gym. That way I get fresh air, relax and a jump on the day. Once I am on venue, I will be ok because I will be walking everywhere.

Anyway on to better things...

Back to Basics - yum veggie burger - would be totally interested in that one!!!OH and not licking the spoon!! WOO HOO I probably would have put my whole face in the bowl today and inhaled it!!!

AJ - good luck - that takes great discipline and I bet you are going to rock it girl!!! I wish I could do that right now, I would love to cleanse out my body - especially my head!

Welcome hotsplashes!! It was nice to read your introduction!! It helps us catch up with you. I love your 'name' by the way - mine would definitely be hotflashes today!! I am the one that says arse a lot on this forum!

Dance - you are so right - I need to make things easier for myself this week and not worry about cooking elaborate meals! Thanks - I am going to Safeway on my way home to make my life a bit more simple!

I am way under my calories today - I didn't have my afternoon snack and now I am just tired. I think having fruit in the afternoon (something quick that I can eat and type and/or walk with at the same time is beneficial). I am craving pasta today and I haven't had any type of pasta for months!!

Well I better get home...I hope to pump out a few hours and be in bed no later than 10PM so I can get up and get a workout in and feel good again!

Thanks for listening to my vent. I have to be, expected to be when leading such a large and diverse group of people - Merry Sunshine all day long and I never complain, I always smile and never get grouchy and sometimes I secretly look at someone and wish I could just flick their nose!

Dance- I am usually a nothing/nothing person lately but I can't give myself this much freedom because I let myself go. The more strict I am the better off I am about doing it.

Hotsplashes- Thats wonderful that you wrote a book. I am sorry that you have been debilitated while doing it but that is a HUGE life accomplishment. And I hope that you can achieve what you are hoping through alternative med! Surgery should be a last resort. Neesy is our resident miracle worker around here. She might have some opinions.

Basics- It is really hard but the first week I did this I only did it for 3 days and I lost 7 lbs that week soooooo!!! You know. I need to catch up to you =)

Sandy- I am just feeling tired. No starches= sleepy me. How was your day? Are things going better for you?

Neesy- I am glad it was a better day. I think of you a lot now during the day and wonder what you are having to deal with.

Staccie- Thank you. I need all of the luck/support/dicipline I can conjur up =)

I am really tired. This is how I get if I have no starches. I had good chicken and salad for dinner though so I feel better than I did @ lunchtime. I am going to bed 4 hours before I normally do so that I don't eat. lol. Goodnight beautiful ladies!!!!