I almost let the day slip past without logging that I made it to two days! I worked out an hour with my sister this morning and then went for a high intensity bike ride with two of my officers. I couldn't keep up and it was tougher than I ever imagined. Plus it was over ninety degrees (sort of rare in West Virginia). So I more than met my twenty minute exercise goal. I more than met my water goal too. And of course I journaled all my food. Good Turtle!

I can address all of you on an individual basis, when I'm at work. I'm so glad I found this thread. You're all so great.

Well, going so good so far. Wondering if I shouldn't forget about the gym today. Feel pretty tired after riding and the walking that involves (about 90 mins. today). Still, I feel like seeing the people in the gym and just getting out of the house in general so may go... okay, babble babble she goes....

Java -- Excellent going on Day 2! You really kicked some A today, didn't you?! Wow! You may be feeling it tomorrow though, so be prepared! I'm so glad you're excited about the challenge and really happy to see you exercising so much. You must be feeling great about yourself hanging out with the officers for a bike ride! How cool! I'm curious about the "sick, twisted and rather warped sense of humor." Hmm. Sounds very interesting. Well, okay, really glad you're with us and hope to hear lots from you!

Trixi -- starting over again, are you? Oh, well. So, tell me though, what kind of diet are you on that doesn't allow mashed potatoes? Seems kind of hardcore, no? Well, you're way ahead of us all on the numbers so I'm not going to say anything. Just good luck and rack those numbers up again. You're NOT a single digit kinda girl! Just keep it up! You can do it!

mscat -- Looking good! Well, the bellydance sounds fun. Keep it up! You're nearly over the hump!

yvette -- Here's more of an official welcome. Glad you could join us! Remember, you gotta do something for 21 days straight, so maybe you can make your calories thing your challenge or the water drinking. I see you're new to the forum. Good luck! This is a great place. Hope to see lots of you! :

Caro -- Wow! Was that a mega post or what!? Love it! I'm sure glad you like the thread. We like having you here. Sounds like you had a great workout Sunday and that planning to get it in while you could was very commendable! I'm glad to hear your hard work is showing results on the scale. Some of us can't claim that, which always makes the work harder. I like your notebook idea and especially the "planning for TOM." This is really important. If we know when we're going to be especially challenged we can get a jump on mood swings, cravings, leaps of the scale (upwards, naturally) and not let them knock us off track. Good for you! Gosh, you're just full of saves and awesome behavior, aren't you? I've never had a Krispy Kreme but I hear they're addictive. What resolve you're showing in keeping them out of mouth! Your brother sounds funny. I have a feeling the hysterical laughter is going to start turning to something like.. a nod of respect and impressed silence! Keep it up!

jkg -- Three cheers for getting through Day 18. You're probably through 19 by now as well! And already looking forward to your next challenge. Awesome! Fruits and veggies sound great. This is what I am trying to do as well. Well, good luck. Hoping to hear good things from you!

Curly, Sub! Testament? anyone else? where are you? Get your butts in here!

hi everyone ok ive re-grouped lol and got my day 1 done yesterday.... went to my workout & walked 2.5 miles I am ready to make it to "21" again!!!


Hey there miss turtle!!

Working on day 20....

Ok, good to hear from you jkg and curly! You're almost there jkg! Curly, good luck this time around!

Red Balloon... right under your name is says never give up. Good advice. I feel the same though, all this working out, all this water and eating right seems like I should be getting something to see for it. But I guess rather than a number on a scale or a tape measure, or looser clothes, we're supposed to be glad we're making ourselves healthier. Sometimes it's so hard to see that forest through the tree. But we're all here for you. We've all been there (some of us still are) and we support you. Never give up.

JKG069 twenty! That is so awesome. You've GOT this.

Curly... go get 'em gurrrrl.

Anyone I missed, please forgive me... I'm still learning everyone's names and numbers. I'm so glad I've found you all, though.

Java -- Thanks for your support. Yes, I say "never give up" because it's the thing I most need to remind myself of. Well, actually, I don't give up, but I continue in a state of despair and sorrow more often than not. I fall down, I get up, over and over again. I want to walk, run, fly! And this I don't do. I get so, so down. Discouragement is too light a word for it. It's not so much that I can't do it, it's that I really don't know what to do. Weight loss is so difficult. I mean, sure, I can lose weight, but more often than not it's muscle or water and it comes right back on or I just get flabbier. Anyhow, I have to not give up, but I have to try something else. Actually, I think I've always been pretty healthy. So, you see, my motives are strictly cosmetic and for being fitter so I can ride (horses) better. Ah....just need some sunshine here....you're not seeing major results either you say, so I take comfort in having someone else like me. I guess I'm being too impatient. After all, I DO feel tighter. It's just that I don't feel like I'm eating that much and yet I really am doing more exercise. Oh well, back to the drawing board...

RED: its the sugar... when u eat it u crave more and more...Watch your fruits.. some are very high in sugar.. Also some vegetables.. sugar goes into ur body and straight to fat... u dont even have time to work it off before it hits bloodstream.. have u thought about south beach? u stay full... it says when u first start it in 2 weeks u will lose 8-13 lbs... but u get no bread, no pasta,no potatoes, no rice... no fruit .. but u can have cheese and meat and peanuts and lots of other things...

after phase 1 u slowly can add some breads etc... it has been working for me... u lose slow in phase 2 but they say it stays off..
they even allow u beer after phase 1...


OK went for my work out tonight and did my 2.5 miles..

day 2 for me!!!

Thanks, curly. Yes, I know very well about sugar. And you're right. But, that's the whole problem. It's doing what I need to do. This is about me, my mind, my motivation and the total lack of it. I just don't have any of the usual motivating forces big in my life now, which makes it harder. I'll keep trying or just accept the fat that food is not enough for me, never has been, to be satisfied. Actually I'm not craving anything foodwise. I'm just not motivated to make the continuous effort in the direction I need. My life is complicated and insecure and so I balk at all this effort, these new habits. I really, really hate them! But, I am not giving up. Anyone can give up. In fact, let's just say, things are not so bad. I'm just tired of where I am, but really balking at taking it all up a notch, again..... sorry for the ranting. I need pity and understanding today, badly....

well thats what we are all here for ... to vent .. to let it out and support each other.. just look at all the motivation u have given all of us... this 21 day challenge has been a good thing for everyone! when i did this before.. I gave myself one day off a week... and on that day i could have what ever i wanted...

maybe if u design a program.. that gives u more freedom it would work better for u...

I know the exercise has made me feel much better.. i can sleep straight thru the night .. when i used to have a hard time getting to sleep...

just take one day at a time.......

Thanks, curly. Now don't go telling us how you bent the challenge rules...!!!
No, it's not my challenge at all. In fact, that is part of what my challenge is about, about not getting too strict with myself and not getting too lenient. You see, I am such an all-or-nothing type that this is what's causing my problem. I used to do these challenges and make them really strict and had little or no problem sticking to it. This time, my challenge is much vaguer and about moderation and that to me is soooo hard. I was thinking I need the structure, the strictness but all that has proved to do is to get me thinking (with nooo effort) ways to get around the rules. Sure, I could have so many rules it would work out but that would require my looking at what I was doing constantly and I'm sorry but my life just can't allow that for that kind of vigilance. Ah, to be rich and have nothing but leisure....

I'm glad you are feeling so much better, curly. You see, this ranting of mine is actually coming about because the slave driver in me is being awakened by the very fact that I have been doing so well...I know, it sounds twisted...hmm....don't take that anywhere...

Just popped in before bed to report that I comleted day three.

I worked out with my sister this morning (old WATP DVD) for approx. 30 minutes. I easily drank all my water and I journaled all my food.

I waivered at the end of my shift and nearly DIDN'T lift weights, but my coworker got tough with me and not only said I HAD to, but stayed and watched over me, MAKING me do it.

Onto day #4.

Redballoon, I hope you're feeling better today. We are all here for you. I know as much as I sound motivated, you might not believe me that I feel your pain and I've been there hundreds of times. But honestly, I do. I'll have to pull you aside some day and tell you my story. (We ALL have a story )

Have a great Hump Day all