Jen -- Sorry to hear about your aunt, my condolences to you and yours...

Girls you have created a monster, I was at the gym tonite, at 8PM, and did 45 minutes cardio!! And only cardio!

I feel good, now I wonder if I'll sleep!

Gonna go try that's for sure...

Later...

Jen - Sorry to hear about your aunt. Safe passage on your journey.

Ilene - the Cardio Queen! Now we have to get you doing something for flexibility. Since I'm not real good at stretching, or taking the time to stretch, the pilates is wonderful. I just read some where that someone got a 1/2" taller from pilates. I swear I feel taller after a session. Maybe it's because I'm standing up straighter.

Well, ladies, I think all your good wishes and vibes for my illness worked because I feel much better this morning. Still swollen but not as bad, and the fever hasn't returned. So I'm thinking I may have beat this one without anti-biotics. Considering my compromised immune system, this is a big victory so keep

I did chest and back yesterday, but skipped shoulders which I'll do today. I have a tri-cardio scheduled for this morning, pilates, shoulders this afternoon and some abs and ball work.

I'm going to try a new split on my cardio starting this week - 2 days on, 1 off, 3 days on, 1 off. I also need to get back on running training, and have a 5 week schedule I got in a mag so by Spring I can run in public without looking like a fool. And the Part B of that plan:

We know how making things about ourselves public to each other keeps us accountable. I am ready to set a date to quit smoking. I know Ilene quit some time ago, but if anyone else has quit I'd like to hear how you did it. Patches and gum haven't done it for me in the past, and I think only prolongs the addiction. My thought now is to go cold turkey, lock myself in my room for 2-3 days, or send DH to visit his parents while I detox, as not to rip any family members to shreds while going through it. From past experience, I know it will involve sickness too. So any suggestions and experiences would be appreciated! Wow, it actually felt good to publicly make that commitment!

Hi to all, and hope you have a safe and healthy day. Weather here is improving temp wise, snow is melting, and I think I even heard a bird singing yesterday! Won't be long now. . .

dip

Good morning, LWL! I’m sore practically head to toe this morning (good sore, that is). Had some fantastic workouts lately and been going up on weights. I’m feeling stronger and trying not to fall into the scale trap of “fat” if it goes up a few pounds (which it has). I started taking the RX for the tendonitis in my toes (but haven’t noticed any change yet) and started doing lunges and running again. As long as I’m very careful about the placement of my back foot when I’m doing lunges, it doesn't hurt too much. Only did three laps yesterday with no weight, trying to get back into it. I think today will be cardio only since I’m not sure what’s left of me that isn’t beat up!

How’s your toe, Mel? And Cindy?

Dip, how are you feeling today? I know that some gym time usually makes me feel better but wow! getting rid of a fever is pretty slick!

I think Tiki hit the nail on the head about cravings — sometimes it’s better to have a small serving of whatever it is that’s been nagging at us and get it our of our systems than eating everything ELSE trying not to eat whatever. And doing a whole lot more damage in the long run. The hardest for me is to learn to have the ONE serving and enjoy a treat in moderation — but I'm not there yet.

It’s time for cardio so got to wash my face, put in my contacts, and jump into my gym stuff. Hi to all and I hope everyone’s staying warm (except JC, who I hope is staying cool!).

PS — getting ready to post and read Dip's post about quitting smoking. I can’t help with the nuts and bolts aspect, Dip, but I know that you are a STRONG woman and can do this. It’s not going to be easy but I know that you’ll come up with a strategy and a plan and you will do it! The past months of weight loss/muscle building/learning about yourself have built a reservoir of inner strength in you that you’ll be able to draw on to get through this. Look at how far you’ve come and how you’ve transformed your life in the past year — this is another (necessary) step on the journey for you. You know we’re here for you, every step of the way!

Dip -- When I think back of when I quit, almost 20 years ago, this is when I started a healthier lifestyle... That means exercising, quit smoking, drinking lots of water, eating healthier, a whole different mind set and attitude on everything.... I was doing a whole bunch of things all at the same time and my healthier lifestyle made me feel like I could conquer the world... I feel confident that because of your new lifestyle and positive attitude you will not find it as difficult as your previous attempts, mind you you will get the cravings and that's all par for the course because it is a drug.... Think of it as crossing that abyss, but just a different one than food, nicotine... I know you can do it girl!! WE all know you can!! So set that date and we'll be here for you...

Yes, the reigns.... ..... This morning it's shoulders, which I love now, and which I now too...

Food was good yesterday, altho a bit high in cals because I had 6 oz of salmon on the BBQ that hubby dug out of the snow, it was delicious ....

Later... Don't work today .... I be back!

Jen - You and yours are in my prayers

Ilene - Don't forget to polish your crown before you head to the gym. Can't be looking shabby on the treadmill.

Dip - I have the utmost confidence that you can kick the habit. You have nothing to lose by giving them up, but EVERYTHING to gain - longer life, better health, more money in your purse, etc. We all are here for you.

Okay, will SOMEONE please slap me back into the gym? I rode my bike last night for a grand total of 8 minutes! That's pathetic. I have been sleeping so much the past 4 days I am not getting anything else done. Before I leave the office today I plan on drinking a cup of regular coffee - typically a no-no for me - so I can have enough energy to work out when I get home. I think I have twinkie goo stuck in my system and it's slowing me down. help!!!!!!!!!!

Good Morning everyone!

Dip - I have every confidence in your ability to quit the cancer sticks :P You have my support 100%
Tiki - Here's a big slap to you! Get back on that bike and go girl!
I had a good UBWO last night. I tried to do some cardio but my achillies started hurting again so I figured I'd let it go for the night. This week will be a hard one. One of my best friend's from Ireland gets in tonight and stays till Sunday. Getting to the gym will be difficult when all I want to do is come home from work and hang out with him and have a few pints...Well, wish me luck! I'm not going to fall off the wagon just because he's here!
Hope everyone has a great day!
-Melissa

good morning and welcome Klop and PiperGale.

Piper, I wanted to send you some special encouragement. I know how difficult it can be to eat right and workout when you are in school. Do you live in a dorm or have an apartment? My D is in the dorm now and I am witness to how difficult it can be to find healthy food when you don't really get to prepare your own food. Anyway, what a wonderful thing to do for yourself and I wish you all the luck in the world. You'll be so happy that you are taking care of yourself.

Yesterday, I hit the nutrition depths of despair. Let myself run out of good food and then made all the wrong choices for myself. It seemed as though one bad choice led to another and I was never really satisfied or happy with my food all day even though my calories were out the roof. I just finished a whirlwind early morning cooking spree and I know today will be better. Apple/oatmeal, cc concoction aka JC, chicken breast, KK choc. muffins, turkey meatloaf, broccoli, and sweet potatoes all cooked up now.

Ledom -- You're back on track already!! Good for you, you dusted yourself off from your fall and got back into the ring... Remember you're always a few hours or a day away from eating clean...

Tiki -- I will refrain from slapping you, but will push you into the ring ! Because I know like Ledom you WILL get back into it... Now get in there! *push*

Had a great workout, is all I can say!!

Ilene, it does get easier. I too am pushing the cardio these days and got my 30 min. this a.m. I have a new little "dangle" to keep me on track. Not only am I a foodaholic, but I'm a shopaholic too. I have a weight goal set and I can not buy anything new to wear until I hit that weight. AND, I should be able to do it by the time the 50 percent off racks I am watching hit 75 percet. Love a bargain!

Morning all, thanks for the condolences , we will be leaving tomorrow afternoon to travel back to my hometown for a Wed evening visit to the funeral home as well as the funeral on Thursday afternoon. I come from a very large family so it will end up being a huge get together afterwards as well. My dad has travel from Northwest Territories to be here so it will be nice to be able to give him a big hug and kiss. I feel kind of guilty looking forward to seeing my dad at this terrible time though.

well went to the gym today and did cardio and abs, man my legs and butt were killing me this morning from yesterdays workout. I am really into the workout thing, i was even thinking this morning how am i gonna get my workouts in while away. I will be able to do my cardio and upper body tomorrow morning before we leave. And on Thursday morning I can do cardio on my sisters treadmill. At least I think she still has one, if not I will go for a very long walk, weather pending.
If I miss it I can always make up a day on Sunday which is usually my rest day.

I am trying to get back onto the diet today. I made a decision that I really have to try and get my six meals in per day. I know that is really the way to see the results I want to see.

Dip- I know you can do it, if you can choose to eat right and make a commitment to excercise then you can quit. I used to smoke for like 12 years, started way too young and smoked until I got pregnant and started again when she was 6 months old. Then I watched my step dad die of cancer, scared the begebees out of me,I kicked the habit a little while later. I had tried times before, but one day I just said "that is it, you are going ot kill yourself" and I was done, cold-turkey. Good luck, it is not easy i know but I also know you can do it......

bye for now all, have a good one.........

Ledom - I just moved to Maryland right before Fall semester and have been staying with my fiances parents until my fiance got a new job . So now he has a great job and we can't find a house (picky fiance). Along with not having any TIME my other problem is I don't want to hog the refrigerator with all my precooked foods. Soon that shouldn't be a problem, but for now it's easier for me to throw something nasty in the microwave or pick up a salad down the street. Also, fiance's parents have all kinds of BAD BAD foods sitting around all the time though for the most part I've been good

Question for everyone - For the first couple weeks I decided to change to a "healthier" lifestyle I was doing mainly pilates or treadmill and dieting. I lost about 4 lbs in that time. Then I my trainer set me up to do Freemotion weights at the gym. I can tell that I am building more muscle, but will I lose more weight too? I am not set on seeing just the scale move I'm just wondering how this will all work out.

PiperGale -- It must be difficult when living with someone who doesn't eat as cleanly as you would like, but go to Plan B... Pick and choose the best foods you can, do the LWL Salute when you see junk... Go down the street get that salad 3 times/day if you have to, maybe, just maybe, THEY will see the difference in you on your new lifestyle...I think you will loose weight with the right combo of exercises and clean eating ...Weight training will NOT make you gain weight it will make you strong!... Your muscles will burn fat while you are doing nothing after a good workout... So don't be shy with the weights...

I've enclosed a picture of muscle and fat, I love this picture it gives you a great visual of how much smaller muscle is even if it weighs the same as fat.... So a person who is muscular will look much smaller than her fatter counterpart even it they are the same height and weight...

Hope this helps....

I packed my food for the day with care, sticking to the rules, ate my healthy lunch and after the last bite was gone, the plate carefully scraped, I"M STILL HUNGRY! If I hadn't been eating with a coworker, I probably would have licked the plate.

I went to the store in our building but nothing there was worthy of entering the temple that is my body (that pic of yucky fat Ilene put on the site helped with that decision ALOT). SO, I am sucking down water, reading healthy articles on the net, anything to get my mind off my tummy until 3 when I eat my healthy prepared snack. Tomorrow, I will pack more food. Today, I will stay clean.

Peace. Tiki.

Jen - our thoughts are with you and sorry for your loss. It seems that we have had a lot of deaths around here in the past 6 months or so.

Meg: no actually the air conditioning is off so it's horrible here. It is only hitting between 30-35 degrees (85-95 degrees there) but the humidity is up between 85-90% most days. It's getting to the unbearable stage. Last night it was way too hot to go outside to do cardio so I ended up running up and down my stairs 30 times for cardio - just trying to make lemonade.

Piper: if your current weight is 236 lbs then I can guarantee that you will lose more scale weight but maybe not just yet. **patience**

I disagree totally with Ilene though (sorry mate) weight training will make you gain scale weight but you will be smaller because muscle is denser and tighter than fat. But as the muscle comes in - the muscle itself will burn more calories and thus reduce your fat weight. HTH

I am hating this heat but doing the best with what I have. Food is good and I picked up some qakes (I think that's how you spell it) they are baby cucumbers and they are divine! I am going to start buying them every week now.

JC

Ilene~ Amazing visual! You guys crack me up! Where do you get this stuff???

Ledom~ I hear about having to have healthy food that is prepared around. This is my biggest downfall. It really is about planning ahead and being organized.(something I could be much better at)

Pipergale~ I had never lifted weights, had focused mainly on cardio until last year that is because of the same fear as you (bulking up). But a friend encouraged me to begin weight lifting and I can't believe the wonderful results. For one I know that my cardio workouts are more efficient because I am stronger, my clothes fit differently and I love the definition I have developed. Give it a try and stick to eating healthy it will be so worth it,you can do it.

Tiki~Sometimes I need a little caffeine pick-me-up to get going again. Sounds like your headed on the right track. Keep on truckin

JC~ I am so jealous of where you live. Sydney is my most favorite place in the world. My husband and I lived there for 3 years. I taught in Manly (1st grade) and my daughter was born there. We lived in Cremorne and later in an adorable cottage in Narrenburn.The beaches are to die for and the people very spirited. My husband is still going through VB withdrawls. One of the things I liked about Australia is that it seems like it is more convient to eat healthy there. A lot more healthy options to choose from then here in the states. But any way I could go on all day.

I worked out today did upperbody. I set up a time for a fitness assessment with a personal trainer for tomorrow~ should be interesting. Eating has been going well. I love chicken but am getting a bit sick of it.
Later Girls