And when I said June 31st.. I really meant June 30th hahaha

Good Morning Ladies

Life is a coin. You can spend it anyway you wish, but you can spend it only once. ~ Lillian Dickson




naf1008 ~ That's alright dear, simply jump back on plan and keep moving forward.

glutio ~ Sounds interesting!

Plexi ~ Promising indeed! You are doing swell! Keep it up and enjoy those new jeans!

Well, I'm still feeling all yucky but I did make myself get up and do my cardio....though barely. I want my energy back!!! Hopefully, after taking the day off tomorrow, I will feel better. Up a little bit on Darth Scale *insert heavy breathing here* Water retention, I suppose. I do have a bit of a confession. When I started all of this, I made a choice to DO THIS! That meant changing my eating habits...no problem...that meant exercising....again, no problem...but one thing, I did not give up, was my diet cokes. My name is Delphi and I am a caffeine addict. I'm also a heavy smoker. I just couldn't do all three at the same time. I told myself when I hit goal and was in maintenance, I would work on quitting smoking. I give up the smoking, then I can give up the diet coke. They kinda go hand and hand. I drink water all the time, except when I'm smoking, I have to have a freakin' diet coke. Water simply doesn't do the trick! Soooo, I think that both the added sodium in the diet cokes, may be causing me to struggle a bit with water retention. The smoking, holding me back as well. My cells probably aren't getting enough oxygen they need to function properly.

Sooooooo, what to do? If I could just give up my smokes, this process would be much easier on my body, but then again I am a total when I don't have my smokes. Plus, I tend to compensate with food. It would be really nice if one of you could just snap your fingers and make me not want a cigarette. Urg, I was huffin' and puffin' this morning when I first started my cardio, not because I was working extremely hard, but I think I was just having a hard time breathing.

Just blowing off a little steam, I'm alright, just trying to put some things into perspective and trying to find the right way to connect the dots and accomplish my goals. Well, my grandmother is on her way so I can run to the store, so I'll check in with you gals later. Remember to drink plenty of water and enjoy the **** out of your days.

Good Morning Girlies!!!!

Let's get right to it...

Delphi~ how are you feeling this morning hun? I hope better! I haven't read this morning's post so I'm going off of yesterday. Okay, I finally got to today's post. I bet you're draggin' a bit because of all the carpet installation you've been doing and because you're pre TOM. A word about the smoking...I used to smoke. I smoked for 10 years, tired to quit a bunch of times but it never worked. I'd like to tell you that I used a patch or gum or hypnosis to quit, but I didn't. I quit cold turkey. What did it for me was watching my Grandmother die of lung cancer. A majorly harsh way to get the motivation to quit, but that's what did it for me. I can totally understand how it would be hard to give up eating, smoking and diet coke at the same time. So you'll get there. You're taking the steps to better your health and eventually you'll feel strong enough to tackle the other two. I do hope that you stop quitting soon--you'll feel like **** for the first few weeks, but I promise--you'll be a whole new person when the smokes are gone. Hang in there sweetie! Take it easy today, get lots of rest--maybe take some extra vitamin C--you could be on the edge of a cold.

SuzyQ~ oh hun, don't give up hope! You'll get over this hump. I hate it when I hit a plateau and nothing I do seems to help. Remember your measurements--seeing those inches fall away even when the scale is being evil is a great motivator! As for the sleep, I wish I had some advice--I'm the same way. Ya know, there needs to be a main switch you can turn off so that your mind stops racing at night ya know?

MsP~ Thanks for the spaghetti sauce recipe! I've never tried making my own and I've always wanted to! I totally know what you mean about going off plan! I honestly have thought about it when things get really bad (not that it's horrible, but well...you kwim. ). But, I'll try the Activia if it gets to the point where I'm miserable.

Urockmom~ haha, isn't that Delphi hysterical? She's the one who called it Darth Scale--I have to give her the credit for coming up with that one.

FSA~ Oh I am not a big fan of weeding--planting, yes--weeding, not so much. Ooooh, so YOU'RE the one who started these threads? (see, what I missed by not getting her until May? ) Girl, I totally agree with Jacqui!!! I was thinking this morning as I tried on a pair of 12s (that actually fit! ) that I'm actually doing this! I mean, I know I'm eating right and exercising--but I'm actually getting smaller and fit and healthier! And I KNOW I wouldn't still be 100% in this if it weren't for these threads and these wonderful ladies! So thank you so much for starting these monthly challenges!!!

Jacqui~ Haven't tried the peppers yet, but I have eaten a couple of dishes with peppers in them! I'm feeling better, but I hate being so irregular! Hmm, maybe I should take Jamie Lee Curtis' advice! And FSA is totally right too! You are such a great support and all of your kind words and encouragement have meant the world to me! Not to mention that you're the Official Keeper of the Lists!! We should all bow down and kiss your feet for that!

Jodi~ great to see you girl! How have things been? Sounds like Brea has been busy! Congrats on the loss girlie!!!

Ang~ Awwww, sniff, sniff, that is so sweet! You give her a big from us and tell her she is a wonderful dd!!

Gekster~ aw hun, sorry to hear you've been feeling bad! I tell ya, this Spring/Summer has been tough with colds already! Take care of yourself and get better soon!

Looking~ ahhh, such great motivators!

Jacque~ :lmao: Oh that was great! Hee hee, can you imagine if they really were beating the tar out of each other? Why is it that men can bond so quickly over sports huh? Glad to hear it all went well girlie!

Lewis~ so glad you're feeling better! I can't see the pics either so I'll have to send a friend request later too. I never go on FB, I just spend too much time here catching up on these threads!

Plexi~ congrats on the new 12's!!! Woo hoo, I bet that feels great!

Glutio~ yay on finding the supplements locally! I bet that will cut down on the cost a bit!

Naf~ come on girl, you can do it! Hop back on the wagon and hold on tight!

Okay ladies! Wow, it didn't take me an hour to catch up today! What's going on, are you ladies starting to get quiet on me?

Well, my scale is my friend again! Another lb gone! Which means...I am in the 160's again!!! OMGosh, do you ladies have any idea how LONG it's been since I've been in the 160's? Years!!! I am just over the moon right now! I was so happy that after I worked out I got all gutsy and tried on a pair of 12s that were hanging in my closet and was surprised to find that they FIT!!! Yeehaw!!!

Oh girls, I'm really, really doing it this time! I mean, I've had the drive and the will power to lose weight before, but it's always waned a month or so in--I've been at this since March 15th girls and haven't gone off plan yet! I have never felt this determined and focused on getting healthy--EVER! And I have you all to thank! I WILL get to my goal! And if I can do it--YOU can do it!!!

Okay girls, well I need to go, I have a ton of gardening to do to day and I need to get started before it gets hot. I hope you all have an amazing day and be good to yourselves!!!

And of course...be sure to...

Drink Your Water!

Delphi, I think getting in the routine with exercise and stuff is a good pre-cursor to the quitting smoking. I successfully quit smoking 2 and a half years ago when I quit the job I was working at. It was hard at first just from mental cravings, but not being around any of my other triggers from the old job really helped me get through it. Unfortunately, I think that's where most of the last 40 pounds came from!

Weighing in this morning at 277.5, the lowest number I've seen in at least 6 months!

crazymomma ~ Hey thanks! I'm gonna work on it soon...but probably closer to goal. Good luck with your gardening today. I enjoy that as well. Although, I don't have a lot to garden, just shrubs to keep tame and a few lilies and roses..but they are mine. Oh wow and on the 160's..what a milestone indeed dear. I knew you could do it! Now let's finish this and get to our goals!!!!!!!

Glutio ~ Kind of what happened to me. I quit for about two weeks, and gained as well. I was a total, you know what, that entire two weeks. Oh and on the milestone and being down another pound. Keep it up chicky!

Well I'm feeling great. Went to wally world this morning and got me a new exercise ball and EA Active for the Wii. I'll probably fire that up today sometime, but it looks like it's gonna be a pretty swell day, so will probably try to spend some time outside while it's nice.

You ladies take it easy! Oh and reweighed when I got home from my errands and I was down to 211.2. Oh...and my 16's I can actually wear comfortably now, but the look awful. I've lost so much of the weight in my legs, rear that my pants are all saggy looking but they still fit around my waist, although loosely! They look so horrible though. At any rate, made me feel good this morning when I put them on, regardless of how bad they look. I had bought a pair of Junior 17's low rise jeans a while back, still have the tag on them, but just out of curiosity, I put them on last night and the legs and rear fit perfectly and I was actually able to zip them up, but I did have a bit of a muffin top... but that's beside the point, I couldn't even get them to close, much less zip months ago. So

Ok, I'm gonna turn this computer off and try to actually do something today. You ladies have a GREAT day!!!!!!!!!!!!!

naf1008 - Welcome to the challenge.

crazymamaof4 - WTG on the loss! I am sure those size 12s are treating you well! My 16s are so loose, they don't even fit around my hips, but the 14s aren't being so welcoming!

Plexi – I am sure those 12s are treating you just as good as they are for crazymama! Keep up the good work!

Delphi – I noticed that when I don’t have work, I barely eat. My work schedule puts me on a strict food schedule! Before work is breakfast, 1st break is my snack, lunch is lunch (of course), then when I get off work it’s dinner time, and then after dinner I have another snack. When I am home, I don’t eat until after 3PM. I’m just not hungry! So I usually fall a lot short those days! I am sure once you get this weight off you'll be able to stop smoking! Weight loss is probably harder. It'll be a new strength for you, woman! Good luck!

As for me I was only up .3 of a pound this morning. I am still under 200! So I am happy it wasn’t a fluke. Onederland just seemed way too dreamy yesterday. I couldn’t believe it! I must say this really has motivated me! I want to be at 170 by the end of summer. If I can do that, I may be able to get to 140 by the end of December! High hopes, but I can be a dreamer!

Ok, I'm confused! Usually, the Wii Fit is spot on with my weight. I usually wear the same thing -- same yoga-style pants and a t-shirt -- and put my clothing as light, -2lbs. I had just weighed on my bathroom scale at 277.5 which is huge enough for me, but then the Wii said I was 276!!! I'm not gonna go with that weight, but it still makes me happy!

So with the 277.5, I didn't mention earlier, I'm down 6.5 from Monday morning!

Weight Loss goals are in this list. Exercise goals are in the sister thread--June Exercise Challenge: http://www.3fatchicks.com/forum/showthread.php?t=172728. If anyone sees something that they'd like to have changed or edited in their info, please just let me know! I'll continue to add new people as they join in. Good luck to all! You can do it!

FullSteamAhead: Lose 6-7 lbs
Delphi: Lose 10 lbs; keep a 1000-calorie deficit everyday; eat at least 1200 calories everyday
Blondie: Lose 10 lbs (?)
Jacqui_D: Lose 10 lbs to reach 177 lbs; eat breakfast within 30 min of waking up; eat at least 4 out of 6 times a day, not missing more than 1 full meal a day; do not miss eating any 2 times consecutively
VickieLou: Lose 12.5 lbs to reach ONEderland
Gatorgirl6: Lose 10 lbs; stay OP 6 days a week; drink more water
Crazymamaof4: Lose 5 lbs to reach 166.4 lbs; lose inches; stay OP at least 85% of the time; eat more fruits and veggies; try at least one new recipe a week
Lene1974: Lose 5 lbs; take a vitamin daily
JasonsLea: Lose 10 lbs; apply for at least 10 jobs; set a bed/wake-up time
Wifey: Lose 11 lbs to reach ONEderland
Ja23: Lose 8 lbs
LaurenA: Lose 8 lbs
Susiemartin: Lose 10 lbs
Glutio: Lose 10 lbs
Biju: Lose 8-10 lbs to reach 125-123 lbs
Jacque9999: Lose 4 lbs; lose inches
Squeeze: Lose 10 lbs
Babes315: Lose 5 lbs by June 11th; reach 175 lbs by the end of June
WormwoodDoll: Lose 10 lbs
Hattie22: Lose 7 lbs
Blondie32: Lose 10 lbs
Michelle0630: Lose 5+ lbs to reach the 140s
Plexi: Lose 10 lbs to reach 159 lbs
NewShinyMe: Stay OP 6 days a week; reach the 160s
Wistfulgirl: Lose 7 lbs
Nellonello: Lose 8 lbs; keep a Sensewear calorie deficit of 1000 calories per day
100percentME: Lose 9 lbs to reach 130 lbs
Dragonfly: Lose 10 lbs/4.5 kg
Fattopia: Become a Size 20
Lookingtobehealthy: Lose 8-10 lbs
Kswood87: Lose 8-10 lbs to reach at least 179 lbs
Leigh: To reach 211.6 (20 lbs down goal)-209 lbs (10 % goal)
AtlGirl: Stay OP; lose 11 lbs
Tummy_Girl: Lose 12 lbs
Tracy: Lose 10 lbs
Ladyfyre: Lose 12 lbs
Sheena41: Lose 3 lbs
Mizmizzy: Lose 12 lbs
SupaChix: Breawna: Lose 8 lbs
SupaChix: Jodi: Lose 6 lbs
HisSweetGypsyRose: Lose 8 lbs
Mtphotochick: Lose 10 lbs
Janis427: Lose 10 lbs
Dollypie: Lose 10 lbs
Odysseygurl: Lose 12 lbs
Lewisempire: Lose 10 lbs
Urockmom: Lose 6.5 lbs
Lowandfat: Maintain weight loss (?)
Ms_Perception: Reach 161 lbs
Abielle: Lose 10 lbs
Canadianangel: Wear size 14 pants
Couch: Lose 4.2 kg, (9.2 lb) to reach 99.9 kg (219.8 lb)
RubyJan: Stay on Atkins' induction
Bahecasmart: Lose 10 lbs
Gekster: Lose 10.7 lbs
Saramommy: Lose 8 lbs to reach 147 lbs
Velveteen: Reach 85 kg or less
Iaradajnos: Go to most successful calorie restriction of 1300; reach highest weight within "healthy" weight range on BMI chart by June 18
SuzyQ: Lose 5 lbs
Econ_nerd: Lose 10 lbs to reach 234.6 lbs
Dandk0204: Lose 15 lbs
Tamikazie: Lose 6 lbs
Naf1008: Reach the 160s

Naf1008! Better late than never! Good to have you! I've added you to the list. Good luck!

Glutio, great job on losing another .5 and possibly more!! Let us know how your coated supplement works out for you!

WWDoll, you are doing great!! ONEderland is REAL!! Lol!!

CMof4, WOW!!! I am SO HAPPY for you!!! The 160's and size 12's!!! I am hoping to be there by the end of the summer, so just knowing you got there is so exciting!!! Don't ever take that for granted, girlie! Whenever you get to feeling blah and thinking about skipping your workout or eating something you know you shouldn't, remember how hard you fought to get where you are and how GREAT it feels!!! I am just so thrilled for you! And thank you so much for the compliments! Oh, and btw, I eat Activia everyday and love it, and although it really does help with intestinal issues (bloating, cramping, bad bacteria), unfortunately, it will not stop a constipation problem on its own. Another thing that I just thought of that is supposed to help is sunflower seeds.

Delphi, I assume that with all the water you drink you have cut back on the Diet Coke, so maybe that's how you have to do it with the cigs too--cut back a little at a time. Challenge yourself to see how much longer you can go each day without one, until you are eventually get through a whole day and then two, etc. Tell yourself that it's no big deal, that you can have one if you absolutely need one, but then ask yourself if you absolutely need one or can you make it without it. The thing is, you have to give up the cigs eventually. That really is not an option. You are not doing all of this, eating right, exercising, just to lose weight. It's about living a healthy life for YOU and your family. Cigarettes just don't fit into that. There is no way you can have good health as long as you are smoking. And smoking is definitely something you don't want to model for your kids. So, just start out slow. Convince yourself that it is not okay for you to continue smoking, and with that in mind, start taking baby steps. You don't have to do it all at once, but you do have to start working toward it. And btw, as long as you keep drinking your water as you are, one diet coke a day to get a hit of caffeine is not going to hurt you. You do not have to give that up completely. You just have to drink it a little and not a lot. I would do that with Diet Dr. Pepper in a heartbeat if it were not a trigger for me. The ONLY reason I gave it up completely is because it absolutely is a trigger and I cannot resist the temptation to eat bad foods when I have it in my system. I've tried multiple times! But everyone has different triggers and if Diet Coke is not one for you, then by all means, don't give it up, but limit it drastically--I would say no more than 1 can a day--because it really doesn't have nutritional value and studies now have proven that diet drinks are linked to weight gain. But the smoking, there's no compromise there. It's poison to your body.

Plexi, congrats on the 3 lbs down and the size 12's!!! How exciting!! Keep it going, girlie!!

Jodi, great job on the 1lb down!!! I hope you had a good weigh-in too, Breawna! And Brea, AP art? Wow! you must be very talented!

L2BH, Lol! I know! I think about that every time I get in the tub! I think, "Wow, this tub is filling up quick," and then I realize there's no water behind me, lol!! But you know, I took a bath last night and the water actually got around me!

Joci!! LOL!! My mouth dropped open at that one part!! You totally had me--hook, line, and sinker! LOL!! I am so glad everything went well! And like I said, you must have some great guys, which says a lot about you! Okay, so when's the 3FC BBQ?

Lewis, aw, I am not a member of Facebook so I can't see your pics, but I'm still so glad you had a great time!

Gekster, I hope you feel better soon! It's hard when you've been ill to feel like being OP, but girlie, you will feel so much better in the long run! It's a journey, so just do the best you can, but whatever you do, do NOT give up! You will get through this! It's great that you maintained and didn't gain, so that's a success! Now, just do your best to move forward! You can do it!

Well, ladies, I'd better go get some lunch. I ate a yogurt and then a banana this morning, and together I'm not quite sure if that could be considered a breakfast, or just a morning snack, so I'd better play it safe and not miss lunch or dinner! I hope everyone has a great day!!

Good Afternoon ladies

Everyone is really doing awesome with the weight loss this month holy cow! TOM is over for me so we should be back in business, kinda nice to be done at the beginning of the month with a challenge to finish!

WWdoll: congrats on the 1's again, your pictures were awesome

Delphi: Speaking as a former pack a day smoker and a case of diet coke drinker a day, there is hope. I even smoked through my pregnancy. I was completely ashamed of myself but I couldn't quit at the time. My doctor helped me cut back as much as I could but I never stopped completely. It was only when she was 9 months old that I was able to go cold turkey but only after months of gradually weening off, like Jaqui_D said until I was down to about two or three a day. We went to visit my inlaws and they didn't know so i just stopped after that. The diet coke has only cut down recently but I still have two or so a week without rebound cravings but I record it closely, just in case. The more you can cut down the better I would workout like mad but it was like a was breathing through a plastic bag or something. The habits you have will help you through that too. Admitting it is the first step...

to everyone, TTL

Tummy Girl ~ Hey thanks for sharing your experience and for the great advice.

Jacqui ~ I'll keep that in mind. I know I need to quit, and I will..but one step at a time for me, or I get much too overwhelmed. Thanks for the the advice...I really do appreciate it. How was your day? Did ya get your meals in?

wormwood ~ again on getting to Onederland..you really do look great! I would imagine it is such a huge motivator as well. You keep on, keeping on girly! We can do this together!

glutio ~ My problem with the Wii Fit, is I almost always end of doing the body test mid day, which is a huge no no for me. The mornings are when I get most of my calories for the day and tons of water, so my weight is never accurate on that thing.

As for me, I've been taking it easy. Didn't end up being as nice as they said it would be here today. Perhaps tomorrow, which would be great as tomorrow is my day off. And this lady is not getting up at 3:45 tomorrow..nope, I believe I will actually sleep in, that is if my body will allow me to. I'm so used to getting up before the chickens, I have a feeling I will still be up early. Amazingly, my metabolism has stayed on track today, I just hope it keeps up tomorrow.

Anywho, I hope you ladies had a wonderful day!

TGirl, that is nice to get TOM over with early! Now, it's like a green light all the way! So go, girl, go!

Delphi, is that 3:45 in the morning or the afternoon? I didn't get a real breakfast in today, but I got a morning snack, lunch, and an afternoon snack, so I am right on schedule! And DH is grilling out tuna steaks!! I'm really looking forward to that! It's the first time our grocery has had them this year!

Weight Loss goals are in this list. Exercise goals are in the sister thread--June Exercise Challenge: http://www.3fatchicks.com/forum/showthread.php?t=172728. If anyone sees something that they'd like to have changed or edited in their info, please just let me know! I'll continue to add new people as they join in. Good luck to all! You can do it!

FullSteamAhead: Lose 6-7 lbs
Delphi: Lose 10 lbs; keep a 1000-calorie deficit everyday; eat at least 1200 calories everyday
Blondie: Lose 10 lbs (?)
Jacqui_D: Lose 10 lbs to reach 177 lbs; eat breakfast within 30 min of waking up; eat at least 4 out of 6 times a day, not missing more than 1 full meal a day; do not miss eating any 2 times consecutively
VickieLou: Lose 12.5 lbs to reach ONEderland
Gatorgirl6: Lose 10 lbs; stay OP 6 days a week; drink more water
Crazymamaof4: Lose 5 lbs to reach 166.4 lbs; lose inches; stay OP at least 85% of the time; eat more fruits and veggies; try at least one new recipe a week
Lene1974: Lose 5 lbs; take a vitamin daily
JasonsLea: Lose 10 lbs; apply for at least 10 jobs; set a bed/wake-up time
Wifey: Lose 11 lbs to reach ONEderland
Ja23: Lose 8 lbs
LaurenA: Lose 8 lbs
Susiemartin: Lose 10 lbs
Glutio: Lose 10 lbs
Biju: Lose 8-10 lbs to reach 125-123 lbs
Jacque9999: Lose 4 lbs; lose inches
Squeeze: Lose 10 lbs
Babes315: Lose 5 lbs by June 11th; reach 175 lbs by the end of June
WormwoodDoll: Lose 10 lbs
Hattie22: Lose 7 lbs
Blondie32: Lose 10 lbs
Michelle0630: Lose 5+ lbs to reach the 140s
Plexi: Lose 10 lbs to reach 159 lbs
NewShinyMe: Stay OP 6 days a week; reach the 160s
Wistfulgirl: Lose 7 lbs
Nellonello: Lose 8 lbs; keep a Sensewear calorie deficit of 1000 calories per day
100percentME: Lose 9 lbs to reach 130 lbs
Dragonfly: Lose 10 lbs/4.5 kg
Fattopia: Become a Size 20
Lookingtobehealthy: Lose 8-10 lbs
Kswood87: Lose 8-10 lbs to reach at least 179 lbs
Leigh: To reach 211.6 (20 lbs down goal)-209 lbs (10 % goal)
AtlGirl: Stay OP; lose 11 lbs
Tummy_Girl: Lose 12 lbs
Tracy: Lose 10 lbs
Ladyfyre: Lose 12 lbs
Sheena41: Lose 3 lbs
Mizmizzy: Lose 12 lbs
SupaChix: Breawna: Lose 8 lbs
SupaChix: Jodi: Lose 6 lbs
HisSweetGypsyRose: Lose 8 lbs
Mtphotochick: Lose 10 lbs
Janis427: Lose 10 lbs
Dollypie: Lose 10 lbs
Odysseygurl: Lose 12 lbs
Lewisempire: Lose 10 lbs
Urockmom: Lose 6.5 lbs
Lowandfat: Maintain weight loss (?)
Ms_Perception: Reach 161 lbs
Abielle: Lose 10 lbs
Canadianangel: Wear size 14 pants
Couch: Lose 4.2 kg, (9.2 lb) to reach 99.9 kg (219.8 lb)
RubyJan: Stay on Atkins' induction
Bahecasmart: Lose 10 lbs
Gekster: Lose 10.7 lbs
Saramommy: Lose 8 lbs to reach 147 lbs
Velveteen: Reach 85 kg or less
Iaradajnos: Go to most successful calorie restriction of 1300; reach highest weight within "healthy" weight range on BMI chart by June 18
SuzyQ: Lose 5 lbs
Econ_nerd: Lose 10 lbs to reach 234.6 lbs
Dandk0204: Lose 15 lbs
Tamikazie: Lose 6 lbs
Naf1008: Reach the 160s

Jacqui ~ I set my clock for four, but it's actually 3:45am when I get up in the morning. That gives me a little over an hour to eat a little something, wake up and gives my water enough time to get a little ice in it and then exercise from 5 to 6 every morning. The funny thing is I wake up at 2 every morning like clock work, to "powder my nose", then right back up at 3:45...and have to powder my nose again. Dunno, perhaps all the water I'm drinking..eh? Anywho, that's why I am in bed by eight and usually asleep by eight thirty. Could be why I am drained by four in the afternoon, some days I just feel like I could go to bed at six.