All the chatter- I love this board. If you feel like you are doing it on your own then you are not part of this board. Anytime I feel discouraged you guys really get me back into it. Thanks guys!
As for the bipolar- I am glad everyone is so accepting. It is a hard thing if you don't take your meds- but if you do then it is really no big deal. It is still nice that I can tell you and not get a bad response. Wasn't sure how everyone was going to respond but did feel it was something that kind of explained who I am. Anyway- it is out there for the world to see and I am okay with that.
I am feeling a little better tonight- I finally broke down and took some Tylenol Cold and it helped. I am one of those people that refuses to take meds for colds and such until I just can't take it anymore. I don't know why I am like that but I sure am.

red balloon- You are sounding motivated and driven to lose weight. Good for you! A challenge between you and stormy sounds like a great idea. Can we make side bets on who will win? Just kidding.
I got your weight number and don't get discouraged! You can do it!

kjk- Having a roomate that is bipolar is a challenge I am betting- especially if she misses her meds sometimes. There is not a lot you can do except be there for her when she crashes and try to understand that her thinking rationale is a lot different from yours when she does crash. If she is like me, her thinking process won't make a lot of sense.

I like your plan for the week- you and I seem to have the same ideas on planning. Do you like WW? I am thinking about joining and going to meetings because I am the type of person who won't cheat if I have to face someone and be embarrased that I cheated. Is WW easy to follow?
Also what does WATP mean?


little grasshopper- I bet the weather up there is great! I really miss SC sometimes- I was raised in Spartanburg SC and I miss the mountain air. You are a nut sleeping in your yard but it sounds fun!
I am so proud of you going to the gym and getting into exercising!

I think you are right about more people being diagnosed.I hear about a lot more people with bipolar now then since anytime since I was diagnosed. Don't know if more people are realizing they have it or what?

stormy- Thanks for explaining about school but I am still confused. Do you go to school on the weekends and that is why you have to check into a hotel? Traveling that far is a long way for school- that takes real dedication! It puts a cramp on my "school is just too far to drive to today"excuse. I only live around 20 minutes away from my school.
To answer your question I am taking extra vitamin C and I think I am going to start doing the echinesea (sp) thing once I am better. My immune system really stinks! I am vowing right now that I am going to change that- I hate being sick!

It is funny you mention Body for Life because last time I lost weight is was with that program. I think I am going to dig my book back out as well. You are so right about the success stories- they are motivating!


Okay folks-
One last thing- I am an exercise beginner and want to do a tape. What do you recommend for someone who is my weight and pretty darn sedentary to get started?

More later-

thanks stormy - you're one of the few people I've met that does understand that just because I CAN do it today, doesn't mean it's okay for me to. I'm still learning the boundaries but doing MUCH better with it. For the most part I do really well. So far, I have only normal exercise tightness this time around. I'm building quickly, just a little at a time. Before I would have started with more than I'm doing right now. It's actually nice to walk out of the gym feeling better than when I went in

thanks for the advice!!

CG, WATP stands for Walk Away the Pounds. KJK can let you know more about it. I think it is a video tape or audio tape. I think that is a great beginners video from what I have read. As far as school is concerned, I am working on my Doctor of Physical Therapy. When I began my hubby was still in school so I needed a program that would allow me to still work. The program I attend is on the weekend (usually every other). It is far away (7.5 hours) but it is the only one in the country that I could attend and still work. So this term I am taking 7 classes, plus working full time. If I were to miss one weekend it would be like missing several weeks. it is very intense. So it makes losing weight at this time very difficult for me. I have wanted to quit so many times since I have started but I have not yet. I have one more year of classes and driving. I must have been nuts when I started this school!

CG, the website is www.walkawaythepounds.com It is a video. Cost is about $40.

Thanks for the info stormy..
I will check the website out.

Thanks Stormy! You beat me to the punch!

CG, WATP is a beginner walking program that you can do right in your own home. It's good for me, because with my asthma, I can't walk at a brisk pace outside or the asthma flairs up and I'm dying after about 5 minutes. It is mostly walking in place, with some side-to-side motions and knee lifts. I have the 2 pack DVD, which contains one mile, two mile and three mile walks. I've never stuck with this much, as with everything, but for tomorrow I'm going to go back to the two mile walk when I get up, and see how it goes. It's great for getting you moving at your own pace, and advancing as you see fit. But I'm going to try out some other DVDs as well....

Also, CG, right now I'm just doing WW online. I joined about 2 years ago and attended meetings every Sunday. It is great for accountability sake, because you pay to be there and weigh in. I just wasn't happy with my group leader, and that was the only meeting that fit in my schedule at the time. So I'm doing WW online, which basically allows you to create a profile, track your weight progress and if you're eating the right points per day. They offer two plans, the Flex Plan and the Core Plan. I'm doing Flex, which means I can eat 30 points/day (points calculations are made based on calories, fat and fiber). Your point allowance is based on your weight. Plus, there are 35 Flex points per week that can be used at any time (if you're having a bad day and cheat, or if you have an event, you could use all then). The online program also allows you access to all of their WW recipes and articles. Plus, with WW, I have found a website called www.dottisweightlosszone.com, which lists both recipes and points values for several foods at fast food and nicer eating establishments.

Wow, that was a long post -- sorry to those not interested in WW. CG, hope this helps. Let me know if you have any more questions. You and I are on similar plans, as well as at similar weights. Perhaps we should have a competition like stormy and red?!?!?!

Have a great night all....off to read for a bit and turn in early....keep up the good work, ladies. You are all doing great!!!! :-)

kjk-
Thanks for all the great info-
I think I might try WW in my area and attend a meeting and see what happens. It is good to know if I not thrilled with the meetings I have another option online. I think I just need something a little more structured. The plan I am trying to follow now is self created and not sure if it is working to well.
The WATP sounds interesting-the tapes are good? I can't always walk outside, although I prefer to do that, so I need an alternative. Also, I get bored doing the same things. I looked at the website but I am always hesitant of anything I don't know anything about.

As for the challenge- I would absolutely love it and if you are interested I am ready to rumble. I need a little extra incentive to keep on my plan and maximize my weight loss. Let me know if you are interested and we can set it up.

Hi everyone. I'm back from work. Really have to do more work here at home but only have 40 mins now before I have to get to sleep in order to be up at 4:30 tomorrow. I think I can leave the work till tomorrow after all, thus. . . time for a little posting! You all are so chatty, it's great. I really, really need to have all this talk about losing weight going on around me. I'm so glad the thread hasn't turned into only talking about life, not that there's anything wrong with that, but it is important that we lose this weight we all want to, right?!!?

*************

Crime girl, you're great. You're sounding so determined. I really hope to see that weight melting off you. I'm sorry I don't know really any videos to recommend. I don't have anything new. Always like the old Cindy Crawford one, the first one. You may like it. There's no jumping around so you can do it at any weight. Ok, there are some leg swings and so but you can just do what you can do. Move your leg just a little bit if you like and you can work up to more expansive moves later. It uses light weights and is mostly about body sculpting but you will definitely work up a sweat. Yeah, actually, I really like that tape and think I'll get it out for myself again. It's very artistic with lots of music and interesting filming effects and Cindy is just so pleasant and friendly and real. So, why don't you try that. If you get tired before she's done with a set you can just lie there listening to the music. It's really quite fun.

I love to hear that you and kjk are thinking of doing a challenge together too. I will root for both of you! And yes, please make bets on us. It'll keep me going. I'm trying my best to keep up the motivation and the desire to lose again. It is really hard though.

kjk -- sorry to hear you have asthma. I used to get that bad too but I was smoking back then. Now, dust will kick it up but I tend to be ok. Also think I know when and what sparks it and have learned to avoid them. Do you know what aggravates yours? Thanks for the WATP video explanation. I was wondering how you walked to a video. It sounds like a great idea for people who are housebound for whatever reason or just starting out with exercise. Like I said to Crime girl, I think a challenge between you would be a great motivator. I felt a little bad going off just between me and stormy but if we all have little challenges going it'll be great for motivation and encouragement I think.

That WW online sounds interesting too. Is it expensive? I need structure but not too much. I'm vegetarian. Are there plans for that too?

stormy -- wow, your work and school sounds so tough. I can understand how hard it is for you to lose weight. Or rather, it means you have to have a special plan to lose because you are up against so many more obstacles than many of us have. I often think I am up against a lot too and maybe I am but they say there is never a GOOD time to do anything really. We have to learn to make the best of the situation we have instead of putting our dreams on hold. Tomorrow is not guaranteed us. Really, we are basically not where we want to be because of hardships, obstacles. If it was easy, we'd all be in perfect shape, no? If my work involved riding 8 horses a day I would definitely not be overweight. Instead, in involves sitting for hours and hours and hours. So I have to learn to make the body (looks and health) with the lifestyle I have, making changes where I can, whether that means eating less or exercising more, whatever I can do. I am really bad at that. I get so obstinate, so bothered that I can't have it the way I want it.. . oh well, sorry, got off on a little rant tangent there. . .

Oh, and yes, I do know body for life. The thing is, being vegetarian, that book doesn't give much for vegetarians I think. I like the general idea of it though and the 6 meals a day is what I have to do. I think I have to start putting more of the knowledge I have to work, mainly. Those pictures in that book, and I have the video are very inspiring though, aren't they? I'll check out the Web site for any free downloads too. Thanks!

As for my low goal, I know I am wimping out but I know myself too and my life is just so stressful. If I perceive something to be yet another stress, yet another pressure, another deadline hanging over me then I know I'll rebel. If I perceive it as easy and doable, a cinch, whistling through I'm much more likely to actually do it. That's why strict diets don't really work for me. Like today, I kind of allowed myself anything I wanted to eat, but because I felt like I could eat anything I had a very clean day, no sugar, no junk and I walked at breaktime and even ate fresh veggies! Hurrah!

grasshopper -- your nap outside sounds like so much fun! And great to hear you've made friends at the gym. keep having fun and you won't think of it as exercise. You're playing! Remember that? I like your idea about the goal of miles pedaled or steps walked. I will try to get my bike uncovered and ridable this week (within the next three days) and try to find my pedometer.Yes, set goals for each day and tally it up by the 24th for one goal.

*********:

Well, sorry to run but I've got to get to sleep. Good night all. I know you'll be writing away while I slumber!

Good morning all!

I just finished walking 2 miles with WATP -- whoo hoo! I was not real thrilled when my alarm went off at 6, but now I feel much better, knowing I accomplished something that before, I would have given up on....

Just wanted to share this mini-success with all of my new friends! Hope you all have a great Monday - keep moving and remember why we're doing this! Together we can make it through!!!!

kelly

kjk!! GOOD for you!! That is awesome, getting up at 6 to walk! Wow! I know how hard it is exercising first thing in the morning. You are inspiring. If you can do this I may give it a try for sure!

Again, to you!!

kjk - LOOK AT YOU GO!! Just walking like crazy!! You're inspriring, getting up that early to exercise I complained when I had to get up at 7:00. You've got me ready to go now I think I've seen the tape too and it always looked interestin. My mom use to have some cassette tapes that she played while she walked outside. She always said they were fun and motivating. They reminded her to pull in her tummy, tighten the abs...and all that fun stuff.

Stormy - my hat goes off to you. You've accomplished a lot at school already. One more year!! Hopefully, that will fly by! As for the weight loss, you have somethign you didn't have before - US. We're here for you and we know this is a hard hard time to try anything structured. We'll help anyway we can!!! You're already doing great by setting a strong foundation before you start back. Just think - this time next year you'll be finished Be strong

Crime girl - feeling better yet? I make a really good honey, whiskey and lemon juice Let me know if I need to send it over.

okay guys. I hurt my finger. I realize this is nothing too horrific. But I have to USE that finger all day long. I pulled the meat away from the nail. It's going to be a fun day at work. First I have to use that second skin, burns like **** stuff on it. It hurts all the way to your toes!!! Then it'll be okay. Just thought I'd share. I'm like the little girl on Sound of music who can't sing because she hurt her finger

I'm drinking my protein shake and heading for the gym in 30 minutes. It's the best food I've found for keeping me energized while I'm there and it actually tastes good.

Red - the fit for life program I metioned to Crime Girl is good for vegetarians I think. If I remember correctly that was the problem my brother had with it. He is not use to eating so little/no meat and he didn't pay attentio to getting enough protein. It's goal is to have to you eat whole, fresh foods and not combine certain things, to help in speedy digestion. I did it for a bit when I was younger, and basically am doing it now, except with more meat and less grains. I love eating that way - you never feel sluggish after a meal at all, and you're energy stays pretty level. Oh, one change I made is that they only want you having fruit before noon...I can only eat pears and prunes...I'm not eating that many prunes So I do have the fruit I just stop early and switch to veggies and stuff.

okay guys, I'm rambling now and using you to not exercise. I'd better get going. OH and I MUST take my vitamins!!!

Crime girl - for your immune system - tap your sternum between your chest semi firmly several times a day for a few seconds. and stay completely AWAY from sugar of any form. It drops the immune system for 5 hours after you eat it. And like stormy said, get that vitamin C in there C is also wonderful for allowing the body to handle stress. When I was in school I was on mega doses of it (I warn you though, if you take too much C for your body, you WILL know you'll be running to the toilet with TP in BOTH hands) I needed the mega doses because of the stress.

okay off to work out BF says my butt is getting smaller - I told you I have no butt!

WOW! I had a rough night last night! I woke up at 4am and couldn't get back to sleep until 6:30am. I have never had trouble sleeping before- I wonder what is up with me.

red balloon- I should have hopped on the board last night and tried to talk to you. I keep forgetting you are off synch with us.
I think I will look into a Cindy video- I am sure if they are not currently marketed I can grab one off ebay. Thanks for the suggestion!
As for my bet with kjk- I think it will help motivate us as well- I think yours with stormy is a great idea!

kjk- Great job!! Exercising in the morning always makes me feel better for the whole day!
Let's kick our challenge off between us- what do you say? Do you want to do a challenge on which one loses more or which one follows their plan for the most days this month? Either way is good for me if you are still interested in doing it.

little grasshopper- Thanks for the tips on how to feel better and get healthy. I will do them! Is the fit for life program based on a book by the same title? If so- I have seen it in the bookstore. Maybe I should check it out.
I am so sorry about your finger- that really stinks especially because you work with your hands. I hope it heals quickly! Poor girl- I feel bad for you.

Well today I feel a little better and the fever has broken so I am getting out there and walking today! I am going to buy myself some extra strength vitamin C supplements and stay away from sugar and I WILL feel better by the end of the day because I am simply tired of feeling bad.

Today is motivation day so I thought I would post a few suggestions that I got off some other web sites on how to stay motivated and meet your goals:

* Write a pledge out to yourself of what you will accomplish this month and sign it.
* Always eat breakfast
* Keep a food journal of what you eat
* Keep a seperate entry for how you felt when you were eating- helps identify emotional eating.
* Before pics and pics placed on fridge, mirrors, etc.
* Buddy up with someone for added inspiration
* Make a contract with a friend or family member- the example I read was a daughter who gave her mom $50 and told her to give her $5 everytime she lost 5 pounds. It got her started and motivated to lose weight.
* Reward yourself for following the plan
* Reaffirm frequently your goals

Hope these help some- who has others??

Okay - well the quesiton for today is:
If someone was forced to describe me as an animal- which animal would they say I am like and why?
(freaky question- but fun!)
Have a great day everyone! I will be on later and thanks for all the support! I couldn't do it without you guys.

By the way- I weighed yesterday and I lost 3 pounds. Hooray!!!

Crime girl - I'm so glad your feeling better!! You're pumped and ready to go and it's exciting to all of us

I went to the gym this morning and there was a MAN It's an all girl gym. He was staring at every person there but not in a freaky way..more in the "man I've got the best job in the world" kind of way. It was funny! It was also funny how shocked I was to talk in and see a man

okay, We've played this game at my old job, believe it or not...if I were an animal they all said I'd be a springer spaniel. I'm not sure if I'm still the same. I think I'd be a monkey or an Australian Shepard. Everyone tells me that Mac and I have exactly the same personality. He even use to have morning allergies with me Very active, smart (if I do say so myself) he can't spell worth a damn though, thick along the midsection, and smiling most of the time. Also a bit nervous at times. Loves affection!!! Very playful. Can't wait to see what you guys come up with!

I feel so good since I worked out today!! It's going to be in the 70's. Yes, we're the same place that had ice until last friday! I'm taking my bike to work for sure!! I just have to get it on top the car into BF's new bike rack!

See you guys later today!!

Crime girl - just wanted to pop on to give you this. The old Cindy Crawford video or DVD at least is still available. Here's the link.

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg...v=glance&s=dvd

It's the Shape Your Body workout not the Next Challenge. That one is hard. As you can see, a lot of people say the tape is full of bad form etc but others love it. I say, if there is bad form then you can fix it yourself. The artsy look of the tape makes up for it. I didn't get sick and tired of the tape like I do with so many. Anyhow, I liked it and I think it is very effective.

Oh, and here's the video link:

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/se...061134-9351942

Hi everyone. You are all posting like crazy. Everyone is pumped! I love it!

CG, congrats on the 3 pounds. Woohoo!!! Also, if you have not bought your Vit C yet, make sure to buy a bottle of it that says Vit C with rosehips. It is more powerful.

Little GH, congrats on going to the gym again. Yeah!!! Watch that you do not get an infection in that finger. Also, I wanted to thank you for the encouragement. I will need a lot of it beginning Friday.

Red-good for you for walking at breaktime. Sounds like you also ate well. Way to go!

KJK, great job waking up and exercising. Exercising in the morning, before you eat, is the best way to burn fat according to many studies.