Hi everyone:

I know that I have been MIA lately. So glad to read that everyone is trying hard and determined. That is great! I am in training for a new job and between that and other things, I have not been around much. But rest assured, I am still watching very closely what I eat and hope to report a loss on Monday.

Everyone take care.

Elycia

So I woke up this morning... a little tired.. I work for staffing agency... And every other day have to rise at 4am to get to work by 5am... On those days I would have to say are the hardest to keep on track... I usually keep some cereal and 2% milk there for breakfast.. but im always hungry by 8 or 9am and usually eat a huge lunch... But im not going to do that this time... I think Ill have a yogurt to hold off for a bit... always...

Yesterday I didnt go to the gym when I got out of work there was so much traffic due to construction that i just did not feel up to it... I think Im gonna get one of billys taebo from blockbuster.com... And try that out for days like those.... Oh yeah I was offerred some chocalate and said no... Im not much of a sweet eater but when its there I cant help but helpmyself...

Today Im goin to go for sure, to the gym even if it takes forever to get throught that traffic... I woke up very sore this morning my arms and shoulders are killing me... But itll all go away once i get use to right.. Its not gonna hurt all the time... Well I hope not...

Hi all:

good to hear from you and your successs and struggles.

I have suceeded in exercising every day this week. This morning we got up early to go swim. I am so pleased! I have also been really tired--I am not used to all that exercise! I will rest over the weekend and hopefully I will get used to all this exercise.

Eating has been fairly good--went over a little on cals last night but nothing ruinous. I need to stop after dinner and leave it at that. And remember to focus on how full I feel not on my cravings! It has been a great week and if I keep this up I know I will meet my goals

Lachona--I know--if I eat really early I usually am hungry for lunch earlier--I either drink lots of water to keep myself going or go ahead and eat--after all it makes sense to be hungry and if you build it into your plan it should work. Good luck with making it to the gym! Congrats on the sore muscles--that means you have been following thru! Dont overdo it tho

Elycia: Miss your long cheerleading posts! Boy--twin girls and a new job--no wonder you have been busy--hopefully you can catch us up this weekend!

Chaarli: sorry to hear about the health problems--but maybe it will give you incentive to continue working on your goals!

Nawchem: good job--great that you are walking--probably good that you are eating alittle more than 1200 cals--will keep your metabolism going especially since you are exercising.

Card: what will power--turning down sweets and doing your walk--good job!

Golfsalot: you are so upbeat--I will picture you on the golf course today, doing what you love!

Trob--wow--10 miles--that is a lot--and it was painless because it was part of your workday--right?

Dolly: I love walking with my dog--she always loves to walk and run and makes it more fun.

Ch: Hmm--well I can think of worse things to stay up late for--at least you are burning calores with having sex!

Yogini: Congrats on having a great class--what a wonderful thing to be a yoga teacher.

Okay--I am off to the pool!

That is so funny, when I was a kid I had a dog named Snickers.

Yesterday I took DD out for a bite to eat before I had to go to her Back to School night. I ended up eating 3 shrimp tacos and alittle bit of her quesadea (sp?). That was not in my plan, but I didn't eat anything else the rest of the night - so I kind of made up for it.

I will run tonight, and today I will watch what I eat better. My downfall, which I've said, is not planning ahead. I will work on my planning this weekend since I have 3 days off. DH and I decided to buy a freezer, and I know that will help me alot with planning ahead. As it is now, I can only fit about a weeks worth of meat in the freezer. Then if I want to cook ahead, I can't because there's not enough room in the freezer.

I'm not going to beat up on myself for eating those tacos (and quesadilla), but I will remember how bloated and funky I felt afterwards, so next time I can choose the salad.

Well TGIF. I really need a weekend. Terrible week here at work. Lots of layoffs, everybody holding their breath. Not to mention a new bimbo that was hired in that wants my office. Doesnt everyone like to compete with someone younger, thinner, and drop dead gorgeous? Although she would be a lot prettier if she wouldnt dress like a tramp. Now if that doesnt make you run for chocolate what does? I am so proud of myself though, i would usually cope with her by being knee deep in chocolate by now but instead i took it out on the ellipitical. Oh, and a couple of NSV for me this week. A button down shirt that i had to wear over a shirt cause the bottom part wouldnt come close to buttoning...well today it bottoned and not a tight button either. ALso, a girl at work that i rarely talk to, told me she could really tell i was losing weight, so it was nice of her to notice, she didnt even know i was working at losing.

Lach-Cereal doesnt tide me over at all. Try looking for a cereal that has LOTS of fiber and protien...kashi has really good products that will keep you full forever. And no you wont always be sore. When i first started core secrets (balance ball) i couldnt even go to sit down without my legs shaking but now i am not sore at all.

SNO- way to go about exercising all week. Me too...now i just have to make it through the weekend. I usually slack off on the weekend, except for yard work but i need to be extra dilegent with labor day feast right around the corner. We are cooking out pulled pork in the smoker for monday...moderation, moderation, moderation.

CH-i know what you mean about the tacos. I did that last friday and like you said, next time i will just remember how bloated and funky i felt afterwards. When i eat like that, i feel like i am right back at the weight i started from...just heavy, uncomfortable. A freezer should be a great help for you. It is so nice to have lots of options for cooking. Mine is full of chicken and quick, lite meals. I love having lots of quick meals ready to grab...keeps me from grabbing some thing on the way home or ordering pizza once i get there.

Ok, hope you ladies have a good weekend. Weigh ins are monday, right?

I have to agree TGIF and a long weekend for me! DH wants to take me out on a date night tonight, it will be nice. He is going to take me to my favorite italian place. I should be fine on calories though with hitting the gym this morning and watching my calories for the rest of the day. This weekend should be a challenge with a birthday party, tailgate party and football game, and a Labor Day BBQ. My plan though is to take a healthy spinach and fruit salad to all the events though. At least there will be something healthy.

Everyone have a great weekend!

Hi! I would like to join you on this goal, I just found this site yesterday and I am starting on my first diet really ever and I like this goal. I would like to lose 25 pound by new years. My biggest problem is eating when I am not paying attention. I tend to eat at my desk at work or while I am doing something else at night and on the weekends. I actually often feel too full and wonder why I ate so much but I am in the habit of doing that.

My daily goals is to not eat at my desk at work, at least go to the breakroom and eat slower.
Stop eating when I am actually full.
Start going to the gym more than once a week.
Stop feeling guilty taking time away from work. I am not slacking off if I am actually taking care of myself.

So my hubby and I just got back from the pool--I feel great--it is so relaxing to swim. I havent done it for so long tho, I am really slow. It took me 30 minutes to do 12 laps today. I used to be on the swim team and in Life saving so that just seems ludicrously slow! I dont care tho--I know I will build up fast. It is nice there is a little weight room at the pool that has some very basic weights--I went in today and did three leg machines with the lowest weight and five reps--dont want to hurt myself.

I am so happy--my hubby and I bought pool cards. It has been my dream to get him swimming with me--that way I know I will go--plus he has lots of back problems and I know several people who have cured back problems with swimming. so I am very glad. I stopped at a thrift store and got two terry robes for us for the pool for 5 bucks--mine doesnt quite close at the front but I just need it to drape over my shoulders when I get out of pool. Plus, I know with your help ladies, I will be closing it in the New Year!

Cant wait for weigh in monday--am thinking I will show some progress!

Ch--dont stress on the tacos--the important thing is making up for it later. One of my big patterns I am trying to break is taking a slip as a reason to go on a binge--for weeks! Congratulations for telling us about it and making new goals. PLus--shrimp tacos shouldnt be too bad--if it is just shrimp, veggies and salsa it can be very low cal. I know at Baja fresh it is like 200 calories for two of them. Yeah--planning ahead really helps. Even tho I am still wanting to keep my eating pretty intuitive, I find listing all the foods and quantities I think I will want to eat the night before really helps me to keep my calories where I want them.

Stacy: I find that I do have qualities that make me competitive with people who are skinnier and cuter than I am--my experience and intelligence usually are more. I think that one of the things I have done is judged myself about how I look rather than other things--and it has not really worked for me. And I know from you posts that you have a lot going for you--dont give in to being judged by how you look! Good luck--I know that paranoia can be rife at places where there are lay-offs--I've been there. Congrats for staying sane through all of that. As for working out--the body does need some rest--working out every single day is not such a great idea--yard work is very active and challenging!

Dollypie: I am jealous that you are going out to dinner; that sounds just lovely. Really enjoy yourself, you deserve it!

Bertine: Welcome! I really like your goals--they make so much sense. Keep us posted on how you do--check in as much as you can and remember Monday is the official weigh in day!

I am really excited to get going on my goals as far as fitness is concerned and today is the day! My membership (and my daughter's) is valid as of TODAY!!!

I am having a great eating day already;I allowed myself a very small portion of foods I love (baked breakfast potatoes with a tempeh sausage and a coffee, which I have only had 3 times this YEAR) and was so satisfied with them! I took my time eating them and enjoed the experience instead of rushing and eating mindlessly.


I will check in later and respond to you lovely ladies who are working your tushies off right along side me Keep up the good work because you are worth it

Hi everyone. Just wanted to pop in to say "Hello". Wow, I really have some catching up to do. I promise to catch up later. See you guys later!

Elycia

fell off the food wagon today, I work in a day care and food just flows past my face all day, but i did walk and drink 2 litres of water so it wasn't too bad.
I am planning a busy Saturday and Sunday so I will not have time to snack and that should help and yard work definately counts as exercise, have to get ready before the snow flies.

Okay, the girls are down for the night and just finished dinner and talking with my husband, so I thought that I would take a few minutes to try to play catch up. Wow, you guys are really inspiring and wonderful. I am so happy that everyone is so excited about reaching their health and fitness goals. That is the best type of environment to be around when you are trying to lose weight.

Looks like there are a few more new ones since I was here last. Hi Bertine, Lachona, Golf and Charlaai. I hope that I did not miss anyone. I guess I should probably just say hello to everyone, so as not to leave anyone out. So nice of you guys on board. We will be bringing in the new year looking and feeling much better, I can tell.

Okay, I know this post looks scary, but I have alot of catching up to do. I tried to do personals for everyone. So that is why it looks sooooo long. Here goes:

Golfs and Card! Awesome job of looking those obstacles in the face and beating them. Card, passing on ICE CREAM! Whew, that can be a toughie but you did it. That is a great NSV. Definitely, recognize that victory and be proud of it! Golfs, having a bad day but still getting your workout in, that is wonderful! Very inspiring. Keep up the good work.

Nawch, Hi there. How are those improvements going? I know your goal is to make some improvements by New Years. Sounds like you are doing great! Watching those calories and down 3 LBS! Yay! That is wonderful! Keep up the good work!

Hi there Charlaai. Welcome to our little group. Well, I am glad that you are deciding to get things in motion so that you can improve your cholesterol levels. It sounds like you are motivated and that is wonderful. Nothing is going to feel or look better than a healthier you. Hang in there!

Lachona. How are you? Sounds like you are really motivated and trying to make healthy choices and that is fantastic! Some days are better than others obviously but you are definitely going in the right direction. I hope you were able to get to the gym. I know that traffic can be a bear and you don't want to deal with it, but just consider it an obstacle that you are going to get past. Having some at home workouts is a great alternative for the days you really don't feel like dealing with that traffic. Which Taebo did you get and did you like it? I have quite a few of those. Look forward to getting to know you better.

Sno, lovely Sno. Our creator. How ya doin'? Sorry I haven't been around much. Just so busy and trying to get everything in can be crazy. But I have been watching what I am eating and working out. I started a new workout rotation today. It is a month long and I am hoping to stick with it. You ever heard of the FIRM workouts? That is what I am doing. Anyways, looks like you are very motivated and that is great! You are giving this thread alot of motivation and energy and I think that is wonderful. Swimming I hear is just wonderful way to get exercise in and it is great for the joints. I can't swim, but I wish I could. I would love to do that for exercise a few times per week. It is so good that you are listening to your body regarding exercise and eating. That is something I have to learn to do better. If you listen, it will tell you what you need to know.

Hiya CH. Running, huh? Oh, I can't remember the last time I actually tried to run. Maybe that will be one of my goals to try to do when I get to my goal weight. Right now, it just sounds painful. I hear ya on planning. It is really important to success, but the beginning stages of it can be hard. Course once you get rolling it will be second nature. Keep us posted on how your planning goes over this long weekend.

Gethealthy, sounds like a stressful time at work. Ugh! Layoffs. I just hate when companies do that. Just totally breaks down the morale and makes everyone uncomfortable. You deserve a nice long weekend to relax and think about other things. Congrats on that NSV!! Yay! Isn't that a great feeling? To know that all of your sacrifices and hard work are paying off. That is a great NSV and great incentive to contine. Great job!!

Dolly, date night huh? Awww, that is so nice. I am jealous. My husband and I really haven't been out on a date since the girls were born and they are 9 months now!!! Have fun! Italian, I love Italian food, but haven't had any in awhile. You have a very busy and tempting weekend. Try your best to resist as best you can. I know it will be hard, but you have your New Year's goal to keep in mind and keep you motivated. Just for good measure, I am sending you some Have fun!

Hi Bertine. Glad to have you here. What great and realistic goals. You are so right. Eating at your desk and when you aren't paying attention can be dangerous. You really aren't paying attention to how many calories or fat that you are eating and next thing you know, you've gained weight. Great job on realizing that and so glad to have you here.

Hey there Yogini. Ohhh, I have a fitness buddy. I am really trying to up my workouts as well. I used to be pretty darn fit, but no longer. That is so good that you have a workout buddy too. Sounds like you are determined and raring to go. Love the energy and excitement you have about reaching your goals!

Well, I have practically written a novel. I better finish it up. You think I that I can be nominated for some type of award? For longest post ever written on 3FC... Anyways, see you ladies later and I certainly look forward to getting to know all of you lovely ladies better.

Ciao!

Elycia

getting ready to relax for the weekend--whew I got tired from all that unacustomer exercise. Actually I will be getting caught up on housework on the weekend and doing some gardening--so I will still be pretty active!

Today I had half a piece of cake--I ordered it, cut it in half, put one half on another plate and pushed it away. I ate it slowly and enjoyed every morsel. Fortunately I am still below cals for the day!

Yogini--great job--sounds like a yummy breakfast--right now I am working on having exactly what I want, just not too much--I think it works really well for me!

Card_-dont stress! You have done some good things to offset your falling off the wagon--learning to resist those foods is the key--not being perfect from the getgo. You can do it. As you say, just get right back on your program and have a great positive weekend! Yard work sooo counts--I always feel worn out when I have a long session in the yard!

Will Power Dust That's cute!

Enjoy the weekend everyone. I was thinking how about a challenge for next week? Something you will work on for the next 7 days. Mine is going to be planning my meals the night before.

I went shopping yesterday. I was so surprised to look in the store mirror and not get grossed out. I've lost 25lbs since I last bought clothes and I found a dress that required no alterations, its a 16 Petite. I bought a purse I'm going to be in love with for a long time.

In addition to my walk I started jogging on the treadmill. I only made it 0.84 miles, it was really invigorating. My goal is to get to 2 miles.

I can't wait to be in single digit clothes. Size 9 here I come!

1. plan meals night before and prepare food
2. eat 20 netcarbs
3. walk everyday
4. yoga everyday