.... cause it is my lunch time at work!!!

Kina - I journal what time I eat because I am trying to work out a pattern of cravings. And to also get over that 3pm - 4pm afternoon 'slump' I usually get into. By mixing up my protein/carb combinations I am getting it worked out. My lunch is the low GI (or is it High GI) that digest slower to get me through the afternoon. I find I am a sweet tooth and if I get fruit in the morning, I am not looking for something sweet in the afternoon.

Like Aphil, I also have a space on the page for exercise, water intake, any notes throughout the day. Because I am doing WW, and tracking 'points' I also use the monthly calendar to mark down the day's final points and any that are 'saved' so at a glance I can see what is happening this week.

I took Aphil's advice and wrote goals, weights, measurements and some points of common evil work foods (vending machine!!) that might be tempting at the back of my book.

Holly - the weekend cooled off so we got a quick ride into the city on Saturday, but did not get out at all on Sunday. Hubby is taking his second round of testing to get his full license today and I am on pins and needles wondering how he is doing. I did mine the day before I got bronchitis and flew to Canada and was so happy when I got it!! No more tests for me!! Yay!! I am almost willing to trade the heat for frozen water pipes!! It gets too hot in the summer to do much riding here!! (well for me anyway!!)

The weather is still pretty warm here. There are major fires all over the country and this morning the smoke was so thick you could not see out of our 30th floor office windows!! The laundry that was out on the line all night will have to be re-washed because it smells of bush fires. There are not any fires near enough to threaten our house because we are in the middle of suburbia.... but it sure made me think twice about moving into the country!!

Take care everyone!!
Nola.

Good morning everyone!
Miracles never cease...I am down another pound to 186, and this marks a 25 pound total loss for me so far! For some reason, 3 pounds have just melted off of me this past week! I am so happy-for the 170's do not seem far off now at all-nor do those new size 16 Old Navy jeans on my dresser! I know that I only have a few more pounds to go before I can wear them and throw these 18's out FOREVER! All of my hard work is really paying off-and my face looks nothing like my 211 pound drivers license photo...for I know have cheekbones and a little "less" chin!
Even though I am still a lot heavier and not as fit as I would like, I know it is all paying off, because each week my biceps muscles look a little tighter when I am doing my curls, and my abs are now the consistency of "Jello" and not "jelly!" (I know you are all picturing that!) My back pain has ceased completely, and I am improving in my bellydance skills. The good feelings that I am having are outweighing the cravings and desires for fatty and sugary foods, and I am actually looking forward to each workout. I am on a big "high", let me tell you.
I have even began small "high maintenance" rituals on myself each day...nothing too extravagant, but like taking a bath a couple times a week in place of my daily shower-to relax and use the girlie body washes and bubbles and all...and putting peppermint foot lotion all over my feet each day after getting out, before getting dressed and putting on my socks. (The socks really help keep the moisture in and help penetrate the skin. A little spa trick. ) I realized a while back, that I was just not taking the time out for myself that I deserved-so I have resolved to change that, and make time for my exercise each day, and a few extra things here and there like my bubble baths. Dr. Phil talked on his show about this a while back on a show about stressed out mothers-he said "If you are not taken care of, you cann't take care of anyone else." How true. I used to use "naptime" as a time to rush around and get housework done and so on...now I use it for my workout, a bath, or quiet time to read a magazine...and it feels great to do the things that I have neglected doing for myself the past couple of years since I have had children. Whatever "your time" is, whether it be riding your motorcycle, a cup of tea, your workout, or getting your hair done-please make the time for yourselves! You deserve it!
Aphil

Aphil you are something wonderful! You have just given me that added inspiration I needed. I did get up this morning and jumped on my stepper immediately and then right after that jumped onto my elliptical machine. Now I did intend to get some yoga but didn't quite get that far when I started surfing the t.v. channels. But I do plan to get that yoga in because I know that if I do I won't be as sore tomorrow. AND to top the morning off right I had a Special K breakfast bar (they are new; I found them this weekend) and a banana with water to cool off from my workout.

Now crossing my fingers that the rest of the day will be just as perfect. Although I did bake some chicken breasts yesterday with the intention to have a chicken salad for lunch. It's really hard when I know I have pizza in the fridge. Aaaargh!

Aphil I have just have to say you must be on and feeling truly amazing. From here on out I plan to think of you and your determination and your success before making choices. I think my downfall these past few weeks is that I am not eating enough and I am noticing that. I am hoping that by journaling I will get the food I need into my body and then it will be easier to burn it off.

Okay I am outta here til later. Bye.
Kina

Kina-thank you so much for the compliments! I am glad to be of inspiration to you!
Trying hard to place your brain ahead of your stomach is one of the keys to making good choices. I try to make choices in my head before I act at all times-thinking about purposely planning to park in a back parking spot on the way to the store to get a few extra steps in, instead of automatically trying for a close spot-buying the cookie dough that is frozen in individual balls and only baking a few at a time instead of the whole bag-it may be more expensive than scratch, but this way there isn't a big container of cookies lying around for me to binge on. These are the types of preventative thoughts I have tried to incorporate, instead of running on "automatic" which is what tends to get me in trouble.
It is much easier to put only a few frozen doughballs on the cookie sheet and put the rest back, then it is to try and resist pigging out a half hour later when the smell is filling the kitchen. The same goes when I am at the store-there are certain trigger foods that I am prone to binging on, and it is easier for me to say no at the store, then it is when they are bought and in my cabinet.
Kina-I hope the rest of your day is as perfect as the start seems to be-you are doing great so far! I like the SpecialK bars too-a bar with a piece of fruit is a perfect breakfast!
Aphil

Congratulations on 25 pounds gone forever!!!!!!

You really are our inspiration, as you started this thread, and have been here to inform, guide and kickstart us!!!

I know that "high" that you are on - especially when 3 pounds have melted off in a week - that shows you are so in-control, and seeing how your good actions=fat loss.

Your workout is so well-thought-out also, with the strength training staggared with a range of aerobic and flexibility sessions; just super!

Let's all follow Aphil's wonderful example/leadership!

Holly

Hi gang,

Sorry I havent posted in a few days, but I really screwed up my right arm last Thursday. I had had several days of shoveling snow (sometimes for 2 hours at a time) and then I was doing my curves workout and then I busted up some ice that had built up on the sidewalkand then after that I painted Kitchen cabinets for 5 1/2 hours straight , so needless to say my arm has been hurting so bad. I managed to make it to curves on Saturday and today also. The pain is still there but not as severe as it has been since thursday. I sure hope I did not do something serious to it.

WW does not officially start up again till January 29th, I am hoping that the scale will reflect a good number. I have not weighed my self since after Christmas when I gained the 1/2 pound and I wont till then. I am afraid that with doing the Curves workout that I am building up some muscle(Yes, that is what this chickie said, "muscle" ) and of course the dreaded tom is due to attack anyday now. I feel like a slug ..

I am doing my best not to get down in the dumps, but I really wish this house would sell. I am so ready to be with my hubby again.

Amy~~ You are moving right along with your weightloss, I am so happy for you !!! Come summer time you will be one hot mama!!! You need to get some pics posted here!!!!


Nola~~ High fives to you also for losing this week!!! Are you still enjoying the WW program?

Kina~~ I have some of those special K bars, they are sooooo exensive here. $ 4.89 a box. My son is sending me some more of the Pria bars. Have you tried them? they are so good and packed full of vitamins . They are made by Powerbar. All different flavors. French vanilla crisp, Caramel Creme(my fave) all types of chocalate ones. I know Walmart (in the states) sell them for about 66 to 79 cents a bar.

Holly~~ I dont know if I mentioned it in my last post, but your pictures are wonderful!! What a difference and you look so young!!! You have to be feeling so very proud of yourself!

Hello to all the reast of the ladies, I hope everyone is doing just wonderful and feeling good and smiling lots!!!

Gotta run, need to put some more ben gay type stuff on my arm.. geesh I wish this pain would go away.

Have a great evening!!

Nancy

Good morning!
Nancy-it doesn't sound like anything too serious with your arm. Try soaking in a hot tub letting your arm and shoulder get down in there good for a while too loosen it up some.
Don't feel like slug-it is probably only the TOM approaching. The muscle tone you are getting will not bulk you up any-and most likely it will not make you gain weight at all, it will maybe just make the scales go down a bit lower the first couple weeks. It WILL be worth it though-trust me!
Holly-thanks so much for the compliments! I have thought out my workout a lot-I wanted the strength training sessions spaced pretty evenly, and to get 2-3 sessions of cardio a week, and my yoga on the weekends, when the days are more erratic.
My best reward thus far was yesterday after I posted. My 18's are loose, but I am not quite a 16 yet-and I remembered I had a pair of jeans stashed away that were 18's, but they were one of those brands that ran wierd, and they were always too tight for an 18, but too loose for a 16-kind of in the middle. My 18's don't look that good on, since they are too loose, and I remembered that I had those pants, dug them out, and they slid right on! They are a perfect fit! I have lots of nice athletic types of pants that fit now, but I am glad to have a pair of jeans that will tide me over until I can fit in those 16's!
Yes, I know I need to get some pics up here...when I do get them up, my before picture will probably be from when my daughter was a baby-since I successfully avoided a camera after I had my son. I was about the same weight-210 after Jasmine, and 211 after Raiden-so even though it was a few years ago-my butt was the same size!
Well, I need to run! I have to get laundry done, and get to my bellydancing! Life is much more fun when youo are wearing a coined hip scarf!
For any of you interested at all in learning a few bellydance moves, there is a video I recommend. It is called "Bellydance Fitness for Beginners-Basic Moves." This is not a video that will teach you to become a performing dancer-or is it in a dance class type format. It is an exercise video that is 30 minutes long, which teaches a few basic bellydance moves during the session. You will be exercising your entire body, but with smooth flowing movements and a few bellydance moves thrown in. It is very basic, but it WILL teach you a few basic bellydance moves such as shoulder shimmies and hip drops. It is taught by identical twins who are bellydancers, and has soothing music. If any of you want a cardio and toning workout that is not too strenuous, and is more graceful-then you will like this.
Have a great day!
Aphil

Good morning eveyone!
Aphil--way to go with all the weight you've been dropping! You have certainly been very focused and committed and it's great that you're reaping the benefits! Congrats to you!
Thanks for the little discussion on maintenance. It really is a lifelong journey and it helps to have a plan. I do eat a pretty regimented way during the week and relax a bit on the weekends. That seems to be working for me.
Well, ladies, I hit the big 4 -0 today! DH gave me a bikini! It feels so great to be "forty, fit and fabulous!"
Vermont Mom--can you believe how cold it is??? It was 11 degrees this morning on my walk! We all have to remember to drink our water, even in the cold--the air is so dry.
Well, I hope you all have a great day!

Hi!
Tryin'hard-you're welcome! I think it is important to discuss maintenance, just as it is important to discuss healthy eating, excercise, and the process of losing the weight. Maintaining weight loss is the longest part of the process-the most important part. I think it is important to have a plan to stay fit for life-which is why I don't call what I am on a "diet." I have undergone a total lifestyle change. If I go back to eating the way I used to, then it will all come back on, plus probably a few more.
Happy Birthday to you by the way!! That is great that your husband got you a bikini! Good for you! When Valentines day rolls around, I am going to hint around for a nightgown, or some bellydance attire, or something along those lines other than chocolates!
Aphil

Happy 40th!!!!! A bikini - what a COOL 40th birthday gift! What a wonderful thing you have done for yourself, tryin'hard, to have yourself in such great shape, and the second-best part of your life to come. I think us "40 and overs" take an especial pride in being fit; and I don't think it's too creepy when a friend of one's son says "dude, your mom's hot!"

Yes, BRRR!! This morning the outside thermometer read -11F. That's just the air temp - no wind chill factored in! And, at least here, the wind is supposed to whip up tonight, which is calculated to bring the windchill factor from -30 to -40F. Yikes! I hope my car starts!!

Aphil, I have seen that fitness video with the twins in the Collage catalogue, and admit I am tempted. And congratulations on the jeans fitting perfect! What a great feeling!

I just finished doing the Gilad Split 45 tape, which is the more challenging one, with the grueling leg raises. I still find it difficult to isolate that inner thigh, with the inner-thigh raises. I guess it just takes doing it 'til some more strength is developed, then maybe I can feel better how I should be isolating it. But I am very psyched at doing the abwork, as it is tough and burning!but I can finish each set.

Nancy, your poor arm! I hope it feels better with a good warm soak and some ibu's. I am so proud of you for making it to Curves, even with the sore arm!!! You GO girl!!!

'nola, I hadn't heard of the brush fires. I hope they are contained quickly. I'm glad it cooled off enough for you to get some riding in. Gosh, the licensing standards are so different in the US. I know we're very lax, compared to UK, Europe, and your continent

But you and I know to always expect the unexpected, ride as if we're invisible, and wear all the gear, all the time.

DNW - how are you doing? Don't forget about us!

Alibee, crazy Alibee - where are you?

Time to say HI to those who we haven't heard from in ages:
Jacklyn, who was walking SO many miles, remember?
Latisia - she was here briefly a short time ago to say hi
Melisa - haven't forgotten about you!
Sprite - I first met you a year ago! and haven't forgotten you.

I haven't had lunch yet, so time for the tuna fish, big green salad, carrot sticks, then granola bar & coffee for sweet finish - yum.

Working on gettin' back down to 142! (Hovering around 145-146 currently)

Your friend, Holly

I just finished my workout...I did the basic bellydance basic moves dvd that I mentioned above, and finished off with about 15 minutes of some more intense dance movements. I usually wear a sports bra and lycra workout pants when I do bellydance, to keep my tummy exposed, but today I added a little to that, and wore a tribal print skirt over the stretch pants, for a little more "exotic and professional" feel. It is a pretty skirt-it is cotton with the crinkly texture of the broomstick style skirts, except that it is split up one side for some thigh show, and to allow fuller "twirls" in the skirt. It has a rich tribal print all over it with a black background. I tied my black fringe scarf over it around my hips, and it really looked good with the dance movements. It added a little "oomph" to my workout today.
Holly-I have an older video that you might find interesting. It isn't in stores anymore, because it is a bit older, but it should be on Ebay or maybe even still at Collage...it is called Thighs of Steel 2000. The video is in two parts-the first section is aerobics, which I never use this part, but the second part is a 20 minute toning section just for your lower body. It has squats and plies for your buns and thighs, and moves on to inner thigh work and some really INTENSE outer thigh work. Can you say burn? I dig it out now and then on my strength training days, and do the lower body segment after I do my abs and upper body. If you can look past the turquoise leotards, it is a real good thigh workout! An oldie but goodie.
Aphil

Hey gals... I'm back again... no baby yet! I'm due tomorrow though, so any time now!

I stopped gaining weight a couple weeks ago... even lost a pound or two. I'm still sitting at a total of 38lb gained. Good enough for me!

Hope all you gals are doing great.. once I pop this baby out (if only it were as easy as that sounds) and organize my new life well enough, I'll be back to join in

Christine

Funny Sounds good, though. Even though women are supposed to have proportionately more lower-body strength, it's always been weak spot for me. I'd much rather work upper body, but I won't get results unless I feel the burn! I'm also going to dig out my "Buns of Steel" with Greg Smithey. Same '80 's styling, with leg warmers, but solid workout for legs, thighs, butt. Ouch!

Nice way to jazz up your bellydancing, aphil!!

Hi Christine!!! so exciting that it will happen ANY day now! We wish you a "poppin' out" baby! It is sure to be at least a little easier than your first, 'cause now you know what to expect. We know you'll lose immediately afterward, and then the first few weeks; then we'll be here to help you pare down again!

Tragic news to share - a couple in our town lost their house, and two pets (dog and new puppy) in a fire yesterday afternoon. As fire dept. auxiliary president, I got our members together and brought coffee and sandwiches to the scene for the firefighters - when the temperature is 0 degrees F, they need all the hot liquids and calories they can get. As we were leaving, the poor sobbing woman was being brought up her driveway, to the smoking ruin...a fireman supporting one side of her, a friend holding her up on the other... Our community is pretty close-knit, so even if she doesn't have family close by, neighbors would have taken her in, and already there's a collection jar in our general store that's full of donation money for them. Everyone please just be so careful in this extremely cold snap, with space heaters, wood fires and such!

Our water froze again today - sheesh! just got it defrosted an hour ago. Nothing like being without water to make you so appreciative of being able to wash dirty dishes, but with wonderful hot running water!

I was elbow-deep in a 30-quart bowl of sweet muffin batter this morning; was SO tempted to take a big spoonful, but didn't!!! Realized that I was HUNGRY so I had my yogurt and banana I had brought, and felt better soon afterwards. Yay!

Hope everyone's feeling fine!

Your friend, Holly

Good evening!
Holly-I also have that old Greg Smithey Buns of Steel tape somewhere around here...you are right, it is very similar to the Thighs of Steel in style-but the good old fashioned floorwork does the trick! The Thighs of Steel work the inner and outer thighs a little more, and the Buns work the buns a little more-but a few of the exercises are the same. It does burn though!
I am the same as you though-I enjoy working my upper body so much more. I am also stronger in my upper body, and weaker in my lower body. For some reason, the "burn" always seems much worse in my lower body when I work out.
I am sorry to hear about the lady and her home in your neighborhood. I am glad everyone is coming together to help out. I also hope she had homeowners insurance. My husbnd's grandparents house burned down about 4 years ago, and I know how hard it was on them until their new house was in. (They had a manufactured home put on their property after the remains of their old house was taken care of.) Luckily, they had good insurance.
Christine-let us know when you have that cute little bundle! Don't be in too much of a hurry to join back in, your rest is more important in the beginning few weeks. Start out with simple stretching and walking at first, and wait until your 6 week doctor's checkup before undertaking any aerobics or strength training, to be sure everything is well and you are healed. During pregnancy, a lot of your internal organs such as your heart, lungs, diaghram, and kidneys are moved around to make room for your expanding uterus, and it takes a few weeks for them to
get nestled back into their original spot. (And men think our tummies and our female areas are the only parts involved!) Good luck on an easy delivery, and I hope to hear that all is well soon.
Today was my Pilates workout, and boy, my abs were burning! It was a good one!
I am making plans this week to have a home lingerie party in February-it is just like a Tupperware type home party, but it is for sexy lingerie. It is a good company, and they have styles from size small up to a 5X-which I think is cool. I hate companies that only sell things in a size small, small, or extra small. I thought it would be fun, and I can get some free "sexies" for having it-kindof a little reward for hitting the 25 pound mark with my loss this past week. Besides, you know I have to try to catch up with Holly in her little Santa Suit!
Well, I better go-I need to get Raiden into bed. He is getting grouchy. Have a good evening!
Aphil

Good evening!
I just had to come post to you all about something-I am SO EXCITED!!!!!
I was searching on the internet earlier today, and I found a place that has bellydance lessons about a half hour drive from me! The instructor emailed me, and they are having an open house next Sunday, and she has invited me. They will be having a bellydance costume show, dancers performing, and I can sign up for their classes that start next month! It is about $50 for 3 months of lessons, which isn't too bad, actually. Jason gave me the go ahead, so I am going to go to the open house to see what I think, and maybe sign up! I feel like a little kid! Now I have even more motivation to lose these extra pounds and get more fit!
I will be signing up for the beginners course, but when you finish the basic course your next set of classes are intermediate, and then when they think you are ready, you can move on to performance level dancing.
I hope you are all having a great day!
Amy