Hi all! I missed posting yesterday, it was just a busy day, but I had come in to read what all was going on. Went to Spin yesterday morning, but even though it was a good workout, I just wasn't able to give it my all. I was not reaching the heart rate I needed. I felt pretty darn tired. But that's ok, some days are like that. It was busy at work, but then after work I went to do W2D3 of C25K. I did it ok, but I now know that Fridays, after 5:00, are not a good time to be out on the road by my house. Wow. There was a ton of traffic. So, I won't be doing that again. I either have to find a new place to go on Fridays, or just start going on Saturdays.

Today I went to Body Flow. It was really good. I do struggle in that class with the balance and flexibility, but I think working on it will help. It seems like such a slow moving class that you wouldn't get much out of it, but I am sweating like crazy about 10 minutes in to the class. I do love the stretches.

Underwater: Oh I know how that is, getting the quick burst of weight loss! Who cares why, just claim it as a victory!! It helps give a good jumpstart!

Laurie: Sounds like we both had a couple of not so great workouts. Oh well! Good for you for getting in a double!

Lyn: Oh the joys of selling/buying a house. Good luck to you on the sale! Hope the wind has subsided too, I hate wind more than anything!!

Toasted: Sounds like just getting the words out in a post helped you! I definitely feel that we have to be kinder to ourselves. While it is important to keep working out and staying on plan, there will be those days that just don't go like we want. Forgive and move on... just start over the next day!!

Jessica: Yeah, no fun. There's so much to do when having financial stuff going on. Hang in there! Good for you for looking forward to your studies!

MissLoud: Ok, that struck me as really funny, that you shoved your entire salad into the hamburger! It's a good idea! I just had the visual and it made me laugh!!

Omg, guys. I am so tired. I've got three more days of a six day work week ahead of me. Two of which are openings. I was hoping to be able to relax some this week, but that didn't happen. Saturday, work was crazy. I'm praying my manager did in fact pick up the phone from Seattle that she's supposed to hand deliver to our store sometime tomorrow either today or will do it early tomorrow so my customer from Saturday night doesn't come in and chew me out. Especially given that they've got to come back in again on Wednesday for something else entirely. And the poor girl's sister doesn't have a phone atm because they're porting in from a different carrier. :/ Omg.

Two days of opening and then maybe - MAYBE - I get to see Josh Wednesday before work and then again, definitely on Thursday. I need to find out if I should just make Thursdays a standing day off for a while, lol. Either he opens and I can see him after class or he closes and I can see him before. I'll have to ask him.

My corset came in. It looks pretty good. I need to get a different shirt to go with it, but I think I'm going to go with a colored one rather than white or off-white. Also, I do have to say that sometimes, I do see just how pretty I've become when I see myself in the mirror. Sometimes.

Hey everyone, it's Monday and so I'm back. I really salvaged Friday like I meant to and was under calories. I ended up not exercising and (maybe because of that) spent the day peeing like a fountain (even though I drank no more water than usual) and what a surprise, I was down 2 lbs on Saturday. So on Saturday, I stuck very much to plan AND went for a 5th day of C25K W3 followed by some weights and what do you know, Sunday, I was 1.5 lbs back up even though I wasn't sore. I drink lots of water daily- okay I mean I'm no camel, but at least 2.5 liters (2/3 of a gallon) a day so basically, exercise/C25K for some reason is making my scale angry. I do feel like I've lost inches and gotten firmer in the thighs and butt in the couple of weeks since I got my act together post new year because my pants are feeling a little looser etc but rational thought aside, I want my scale to give me gold stars for all the effort I'm making instead of a side eye. #tsk I'm keeping on though. W4D1 completed today followed by a strength training workout. I'm on track with fast day calories so far as well.

Lyn: I hope your house sells soon (even if that will remove you from the oh-so-calming zone of Mr. Sexy-Voice Realtor's calming voice). I also am hoping you managed to get everything wrapped up and your move goes smoothly and you settle into your new home really quick. I'm no stranger to Lean Cuisine and I'll admit (somewhat shame-faced) I'm not opposed to diet food- in fact I LOVE it in all it's Frankenfood glory even without the excuse of moving home- yes I can do better at home by myself and 99% of the time I do- but I don't always want to PLUS I have portion control issues and pre-packed foods do the dirty work for me! Please review the LC stuffed pretzels. Frozen dinners aren't big where I live but I'm in the States in a couple of weeks for work and if you say they're good I'll check them out and possibly bring some home with me in a cooler bag.

Laurie: I'm of the opinion that one "just okay" workout is better than none at all. You're still beasting it. I hope you get the 2 workouts in that you want today.

Underwater: Lol, no "getting snatched" refers to getting slim/ getting your body on point. But yeah basically I meant what is your plan to lose the weight... Reading what I wrote over though "Snatched"- does sound like some kind of sister show to Snapped that Lifetime would show marathon-style on a Sunday... Anyway I hadn't heard of HMR but I checked it out online and it seems pretty hardcore. What's the food like taste-wise? Is it mostly shakes? Or is it a frozen/shelf-stable actual pre-packaged main meal sort of situation? Is it difficult sticking to it? Yay 4lbs down!!! That's great- water or not, you're already on your way! Own it!

Diane: Yay getting your workouts down in less than ideal circumstances. Not everyday can be an awesome workout and just as well, if it was, we wouldn't appreciate the days where we're super athlete rockstars at our workouts as much!

Jessica: Look at your waistttt!!!! #SNATCHED #NotTheImaginaryLifetimeTVShow #TheWaistIsWhatIMeant Squeeeeeeeee!!!!! You're beautiful!

Alright everyone, I wish you guys an awesome and amazingly on-plan week ahead and a happy Monday. Oh I forgot Superbowl! How did that go? I have happy food memories of the Superbowl- I wouldn't know the magic wonder of Velveeta if not for the Superbowl. #StoryforAnotherDayAndTime But yeah Superbowl food was always amazing! How did you guys make it through? I went to undergrad in central Massachusetts in a town that was ALL Red Sox this and Pats that so I guess if I really dig in and find it in me to care, I'm all YAY Patriots, Get INNNN!!! But in real life, it was only after I watched the Katy Perry performance on YouTube this morning that I remembered there was an American football game attached and I should check who won. #shameonme I'm actually a massive fan of European soccer (in the obsessive competitive Fantasy league playing, sinking into deep depression with bad results and screaming "it's not JUST a game" sort of way) so I am somewhat kidding and I do get fandom... when I understand the sport... Who were you guys rooting for?

Good morning! Terrible weekend both food and exercise-wise, and lots of trial prep ahead of me in the next few days, so the potential for a lot of stress eating. Add to that -- my ex has proposed pushing my kids' next visit up from March to Feb. 10, and my stepson is getting tested for autism tomorrow, and my new job starts on Friday, and I present at a CLE (continuing legal education) on Monday. Just feeling the stress crawling in my belly. Blech.

Didn't want to check in. Doing it anyway. Today's a new day. And maybe this thing will get settled. =)

Laurie, I'm sorry you're having a hard and busy time of it. Checking in is one good thing you're doing today. You could've stayed hidden and sunk into a bowl of trigger food. It seems everything is happening for you at the same time and being a stress eater myself, I understand. Deep breaths and do what you can. The weekend is gone and over with, don't let its terribleness stress you out. Today is a new day as you say. It may be a little tough to beast it diet wise so maybe up your calories a little to something doable that allows for an extra (non-trigger) snack or two when you get the stress nibbles (they are what they are- my take is not to add extra stress of self-recrimination to an already stressful day but to instead slot in portion-controlled non-trigger snacks). Also, in the past, you've talked about how working out helps you feel better and I know for me, it sometimes helps me make better food decisions. Even as everything seems to be spinning out of control, maybe getting a good workout is one thing you might be in control of that may help you feel better and more on top of life. I'm thinking of you and praying for peace and calm and strength for you this week. You'll make it, we have faith in you!

Hi all! Well, back to Monday. I went to Spin this morning. Good workout. It was nice having the normal instructor back. He's way better than the young, demanding, bossy substitute we had on Friday. I'll start week 3 of C25K tonight, and today is the first day of the office challenge. I think it will be ok, but I wish it wasn't 90 days. That's too long to keep track of all this stuff. I will be glad to get back to my own thing. Oh well.

The superbowl was fine for me. We didn't go to a party, so I just cooked at home. Can't get too crazy at home! Ha! I really didn't care who won, so it was all good.

Gotta run!

Man you ladies are rocking the C25K almost makes me feel like joining in! ..... nah. YES Toasted I totally feel you when it comes to excercise and the scales, it always takes a couple of weeks for the scales to catch up when I start excercising, unfair! And really disheartening!

I'm down 1.5 pounds this week so I feel like I'm finally getting somewhere! Only 2 pounds away from my low, TOM next week so if I can navigate that I should be back down there for the wedding on the 20th. Hmm only to spend 2 weeks on holiday lol. I have my best friend visiting at easter so an incentive to keep on track! I can't believe how different my mindset is this time, I'm really settling in for the duration - I know its going to take a good year + to get this weight off and I'm okay with it. I'm the smallest I've been for years but I'm ready to move those scales again.

Laurie ~ what a difference a few days make, I'm sorry you are feeling swamped - in my world thats called a cluster f**k feel free to vent away!!

Jessica - Kapow check you out!! Would love to see the finished outfit. Was at Crank up (vintage machinery open day - sigh I have boys) and they had a steampunk show there, made me want to rock a corset!

Lyn ~ hope everything goes smoothly in the next few days, selling houses can be stressfull, we were stuck with 2 for awhile when we first got married!

Underwater ~ lol yes I was perplexed by the 'snatched' reference - means something completely different in NZ lol I also had to google your diet, sounds full on! But the support sounds wonderful. The support here also has made the world of difference, I especially like how most people post in good times and bad.

Right so this crazy person decided to potty train her 2 year old just before a holiday! I think I've created a pantsless monster, hes currently sitting on the couch like Al Bundy. Okay now hes trying to put toast in his belly button - lucky hes cute.

Hi everyone! I am back again after taking over a year long break and not caring about my diet at all. For the past month I have gotten back on track and have been eating healthy and going back to the gym but I am still terrified to weigh myself so I haven't done that yet. I also got a fitbit which I think has helped me get more active since I like being a bit competitive.

I don't know what happened over the past year but I could not get myself on track and now I am determined to finally get back on track and down to my goal weight!

Hey guys, okay so I'm still at it. Yesterday's fast day went semi-okay. I received a care package from my roommate from college filled with Earth Balance kettle chips, gluten-free, vegan pancake mix and other Whole Foods-y goodness! Oyyyy the temptation!!!!! I had half an ounce of chips (SIX measly chips can you IMAGINE!!! to the tune of 70 calories) and a quarter of a GF salted caramel soft baked cookie (soooo good!!! But I broke it into 4 and shared it with people). So yeah even though my fast day was therefore more in the 600-and-something range than in the 500 range, I'm feeling pretty saintly because I LOVE chips and cookies, maybe not as much as I love cake but it's close... Especially chips. Cookies, I could kinda give them up if I had to.

Anyway C25K W4D2 done. It's strange but I actually look forward the the morning runs. Not to getting up in the morning necessarily, but to being one of THOSE people you see the rare times you're out needing to be somewhere super early in the morning, and to being outdoors for sunrise and feeling accomplished so early in the morning etc- and it's weird because I'm the LEAST outdoorsy person I know- I'm always talking about how the outdoors is best enjoyed through a large window from the climate-controlled indoors. But apparently when it comes to exercise, nowadays I'm apparently the CEO of the Outdoors Club- okay maybe not. It's just a little run-walk in the morning in a city park, no one is tubing, caving or camping yet. ANyway all this to say that I'm really enjoying my runs and when I get home every morning, I wish I was still doing them.

Diane: I'm glad your Superbowl went well both from a plan standpoint and as a neutral (none of the torment being a fan of either team puts you through). Also great that your regular spin instructor is back. I won't lie, I'm not one of those who does well with being bossed about when exercising. I'm either going to do something or I'm not. I don't like being pushed, I'd rather push myself thanks. I hope W3D1 went well for you. And yeah I agree a 3-month challenge is kinda long. Better a 4 or 6-week challenge- that way people don't lose interest and forget about it. I'm sure you'll rock it either way.

Kelly: What a CUTE little boy!!!! OMgoodness!!! Look at the way he's sitting in his underpants chilling on the sofa!!! Tooo adorable! I think you have the right mindset for this journey and that's almost the most important thing. The hardest thing to get down too. Because it's so easy to get impatient. I'm impatient. Two weeks after re-booting this year, I'm all like "why am I not yet in the 160s, this is BS!" Lol. But no, seriously, I'm glad you're in a good place and have the upcoming fun-sounding incentives to keep you on track. Fingers crossed TOM treats you right, plan-wise.

Jessica88: I remember you from when you were on regularly! How've you been?! Welcome!!! I have a Fitbit too which died yesterday (and refuses to be revived by any means) and I've been obsessing over all the uncounted steps because I'm competitive too and I feel like people on my friend's list are getting way ahead of me. I like it enough that I'm going to get another one if I can't get this one replaced (it's my 2nd and it's less than 6 months old but I'm on the wrong continent for a warranty replacement). Anyway, I too kind of struggled all through 2014 to get back on track and it was only at the end of the year that I kicked myself in the pants (and these amazing people here on this thread dragged me along) that I started to see progress. I think it's REALLY hard to be as dedicated to weight loss mode a 2nd (or 3rd or how many'th) time around and that's still something I struggle with also. But I'm still struggling and pushing on. I'm glad you're here and here's to your reloss! You can do it! What's your plan?


Okay so I hope you guys have a wonderful on plan day. My challenge is not falling into the post-fast day snack-a-thon. Especially with the yummy treats at home. So far I'm doing alright and already have solid plans for my eating this night so fingers crossed I stick to those. I'm trying to plan my snacks in and leave nothing to loosey-goosey chance. Hopefully that works.

Good morning, all!

Toasted - I was stressing over my kids thing, and the hubby suggested we meet for lunch and chat about it. He proposed meeting at the gym. I went there, but really didn't want to work out. So, we just ate lunch together and I went back to work. Then, he texted me and told me that he had gotten in a quick 30-minute work-out after lunch and urged me to get to the gym to help me get out of my funk. Moments later, I logged on and read your encouragement to go to the gym. So, I dragged my reluctant behind into the gym. I got a call from a witness that I'd been trying to reach right after I reached the gym, and I was tempted to embrace this perfect excuse. But I didn't. I arranged for a time to call her later that evening. And I ran a pathetically slow, can't-breathe (for some reason, my asthma kicked up) 2 miles. But I needed it so much. THANK YOU for the well-timed encouragement. And WOW on the chips and cookies. That's so freaking amazing.

Jessica - I am convinced that for 99% of us, this weight loss thing is stop and go. It is my hope that the stop will be for shorter and shorter periods and the go will be for longer and longer periods. Glad to have you here!

Kelly - That mindset is the most critical part of this thing, I think. And I love thinking of your 2-year-old king of the couch. Potty training. Glad it's behind me.

Diane - I love that your exercise is like brushing your teeth. Sometimes, I don't feel like brushing my teeth. But I always do because it's something I do. I still let myself get talked out of work-outs on too many occasions.

Looks like my trial isn't happening. We've settled. That gives me substantial more breathing room. And the settlement was very close to what we would have gotten at trial, plus we got some concessions the trial judge would not have been able to give. Yay, settlement!

And I'm feeling much better. Not entirely on track. But very, very close to being back to Beast Mode. If I get official confirmation that the settlement is happening, I will declare myself in Beast Mode again!

Hi all. Had a successful W3D1 of C25K. It was quite a bit different from the first two weeks. There were a couple of times I thought it was really hard, but I felt pretty accomplished, making it through! Since we started the office challenge yesterday, I checked my steps after getting home from the run/walk, but I was short by a few hundred. I might have been able to get it anyway, but I told my husband that I was going to walk back up the road about 1/4 of a mile and back to make sure. Today is not a run/walk day, so I might have to put in some effort to get 10K steps in. The only part of the challenge that I didn't meet was the 7 hours of sleep. I was closer to 6, but I was helping my son file his taxes, so what are you going to do?

Went to Body Pump this morning. It was a good workout, but we had a substitute instructor. She was one of those that are just so perky and want you to participate in the perkiness. Sorry, I'm not that person. We were doing these squat things where you come up and push a weight up in the air. She kept saying stuff like "raise your hands if you want to burn calories... Yeah!" "raise you hands if you want to burn fat... Yeah!" Seriously??? at 6:00 in the morning? Please shut up and just do the workout. (I know, not very nice, but at least I didn't say it out loud.)

Oh, and I forgot to report yesterday that I was up in my weigh in on Monday, by .6 pounds. Not a lot, but I am rededicating myself to my food plan. I think I've had too many extra bites here and there, that I'm not counting. So, putting forth more effort now.

Laurie: Glad to hear that you're doing better. I'm proud that you didn't let the phone call get in the way of your workout. Even if it isn't a great run, you did it!!

Toasted: Wow, way to go on the snacks! I would struggle with holding back, but you did it! That's good that you kept your fast day to a minimum, even with all of the temptations. Proud of you!!!!

Jessica88: Welcome! Good for you for getting back on track. If you don't want to weigh yet, don't worry about doing it right now! But, if you decide to get on the scale, just don't let the number change anything about what you are doing. It is just a starting point. Yes, I know it is tough to just move forward, but that's the best thing you can do right now! I know you can do it!!

MissLoud: Aww! Cute little pantsless guy!!! Kids can be so funny. Glad you are feeling so positive about it all, with your weight loss efforts! Way to go!

Oh Toasted I am in awe of your chip resistance! I just don't have it in me to stop at 6. I'm fine if I don't open the packed but if I do they call to me

Hi Jessica88 nice to see you. I agree getting on the scale to assess the damage is hard, but like Diane said don't let the number put you off doing what you're doing.

Had a lovely and rare on my own shopping moment today, decided not to get a new dress for the wedding I'm going too, bought new shoes and some earrings to change it up a bit. Black and white 50s style dress with a black shrug (to cover my arms ) and coral wedges with matching coral earrings - too much to get a matching belt?????

I feel like weekdays are the hardest for me. I don't know what it is but it feels like the days leading up to the night that I have class (wednesday) are so hard for me to do anything because I have a million things that need to get done and on my mind. I guess I need to manage my time a little better between work and school. On the plus side I do eat healthy throughout the week so I am not backtracking. Just out of curiosity, what is everyone's thoughts on "cheat days"?

Toasted- Great job in not eating all the snacks, I know it is so tough when it is right in front of you and then it is on your mind but you did it! I remember you as well from a long time ago on here. It was so helpful to always be on here and have someone to talk to that understands what you are going through and gives you motivation. I think 3FC helped my weight loss so much so I am super happy to be back I just need to make sure that I am consistently checking it and updating! You seem like you've been doing great so far, keep up all the hard work!

Laurie- Definitely agree with you there. Good luck with everything! You'll be back on track and in beast mode before you know it!

Slashnl - Awesome job staying on top of your workouts! I used to take body pump and loved it, but you are right some teachers are just way too perky and I am not into that either but at least you got moving! I bought a new scale at the beginning of December and still have it sitting in the box and every day I think about it and then I don't just because I think it will make the day bad. One of these days I will get the courage. I know it can't be that bad, I just don't want to lose my motivation because I feel like if I see too high of a number i would make me upset and want to give up.

MissLoud- Sounds like fun! I definitely think a belt would be cute with the outfit. You should try it out and see!

Hey guys, so yesterday my dinner plans changed abruptly and I went over my 1300 calorie target (I was more in the 1400-1500 zone) and from my unplanned dinner, I seem to have picked up some sort of stomach bug so I've been eating plain crackers all day today and they're helping to settle my stomach, although I need to stop because they've really added up. It was hard to get to sleep last night with the party in the bathroom and the general discomfort so I slept through my alarm this morning, ergo, no run or workout. I'm feeling much better although a little fragile in the digestion but I'm going to try to do a low-mid intensity workout when I get home from work today.

Laurie: Yay not taking the excuse not to work out. And I always think half a workout is better than none. Something is always better than nothing so well done you. I hope everything goes well with the case settlement so it's at least one less thing off your plate. Here's to the resumption of Beast Mode.

Diane: I don't even do certain workouts in the morning because the star is too perky. That much perkiness and "oh yeah-ing" in person in the morning would have aggravated the pants off me too. I'm glad you were able to get a good workout in though. Yay on rocking out your challenge.

Kelly: I'm in awe of the fact I still haven't had any more chips even though there's an open bag in the pantry. The usual me would have had chips for breakfast yesterday... probably the whole 750-calorie bag too and then had a healthier dinner but I exercised restraint #shockofshocks And then now I don't feel like fried food right now and tomorrow is a fast day so I might make it to Friday without caving. I vote yea to the matching belt. I usually am not a matchy-matchy look person but I think the colors black, white and coral are so pretty together that it would be a shame to add another color to the mix- plus you'll look so put together. DO IT!

Jessica88: I have a cheat day on Sundays because my family always gets together for a big brunch on Sundays so it makes sense. Even losing weight the first time, I ALWAYS had one cheat day a week and I was way more disciplined then that I am now. I definitely don't think I could have been successful the first time without 3FC so I definitely appreciate all the support I get from you guys now as I'm trying to get back down. Weekdays are also hard for me exercise-wise because it's hard to fit a workout in if I don't get it done at the crack of dawn. Weekends are actually the worst though because I have more leisure to eat badly and graze all day and I can be pretty lazy instead of getting up and taking advantage of the free time to work out. Sigh. I think it's just hard in general but I really want this!

Alright everyone, here's wishing you guys a great on-plan rest of the day!!!

Quick drop-by this morning. I got the case settled, and my boss had new projects for me this morning. My "swan song," he called it. <sigh>

Gonna get this done and move on. Finally. May be back for personals. Will not skip the gym because of it.