Daily Exercise Day 16
Level 3 – 1 Pause used
Exercise? Check!
Stats? 30DS
Mood? I’m even more in shock today than I was yesterday. I actually didn’t hurt as much today as I did the day after the first time I did 30DS. And I performed the exercises even better this time. I still have to pause now and then, get some water and catch my breath. But I really believe I’m executing the exercises better and better each time. Depending on how I feel tomorrow, I’ll try it again.
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Quixotica – Looking good on those challenges! I’ve got to get my water intake back up again. I was doing so well for a while, but I’ve slacked off a bit too much. I’m not replacing it with sodas or anything, which means I’m not drinking enough at all. Thank you so much for the info. I looked up Meniere’s Disease, and I don’t fit any of the symptoms except the headaches. BUT, that doesn’t mean the nutritional info wouldn’t help. I would LOVE to hear anything you’d be willing to share. Oh, and I’m not doing a thesis, actually. It’s a very very frustrating and long story. I WAS doing a thesis, and it’s what I wanted to do – a little type a much? But after 7 months of research, my hard drive crashed…and it had been exactly 7 months since I’d backed up. I learned my lesson the very hard way, and now I’m just doing the comprehensive exams. I’m terrified of them, and the heavy reading can definitely make the headaches worse. I did get some reading glasses a few months ago, and it has helped some. And yes – Jillian definitely rocks the workout. Just watching it, everything seems so slow and basic. But doing it? Well that’s another story entirely. Ouch!

Miriam101 – Well, it sure sounds like you’re having a blast on vacation. Vacations can do that to your waistline! But you’ve lost 23 lbs so far, and there’s no doubt that you’ll get right back on track as soon as you go home. Sorry you couldn’t extend your ticket. But I’ll bet you’ll be happier to get back home than you realize now. Enjoy the rest of the week!

Redballoon – You’d better stop all that mindless snacking, woman! Look at how strong you are – and yes you ARE succeeding! Don’t start sabotaging yourself now; you are doing sooooo well! Keep up the great work! (LOL – I saw what you wrote to Miriam – U.S. = land of overeating. That is so unfortunately true!) You’re right about making changes with food now, even if it’s slow until I have more time. I actually stopped by the grocery store tonight after work, and I picked up some lettuce, carrots, a cucumber, and a couple of tomatoes. I’m okay with lettuce and carrots. I’ve never really tried cucumbers (What!?!), and last time I tried tomatoes, I did NOT like them. BUT, I’m gonna give them another go either tonight or tomorrow. I HATE salad dressing, so here’s what I’m thinking I’m gonna do. Get a little tortilla, put a small amount of spaghetti/marinara type sauce in the center, add some lettuce, some baked/grilled chicken, a few shreds of carrots, some tomato pieces, and a little cheese. It sounds tasty, anyway. And, despite the fact that I will have NO dressing, I’ll try to make a little salad and see what happens. I’ll let you know when I get up the guts to give it a whirl. Thank you for your concern. You’re so sweet, and it means a lot that you’re worried about me. Don’t worry, though, the really bad ones are rare now. Today, for example, I feel great, even AFTER doing the 30DS. Yippee! I’m sooo sorry about all of the problems at your workplace. WTG for sticking up for your friend, and I’m really sorry that you’re going to be penalized for doing the right thing. And good for you for steering clear of all of the negative people up there. You’ve really got it rough, and that just shows even more how strong you are. You’re sticking to your challenges, despite daily pressures ALL DAY at work. Good for you, and I’ll keep you in my prayers – for peace, fortitude, strength of will, faith, and a new job or better situation at your current one.

Hi gals!
Just a quick post. I spent the day in bed. My tummy finally pooed out on me...but I feel better now.
10 cups of water each day; three pauses
12/7-10 cups
12/8-10 cups
12/9-4 cups, a pause day
weigh and post my weight each day; no pauses
12/7-186.8
12/8-186.2
12/9-188.0
Goal-gain no net weight over the holidays
Goal-fit into 3 out of the eight pair of pants I dug out of my smaller pant stockpile (I am almost there...just have a small muffin top to go).

Will post more tomorrow. I am off to bed, again

Good morning Well another day completed and all challenges mastered. It's amazing how much this motivates me, just knowing I have to report back. Someday I'd like to develop that much internal motivation. In the meantime I'm really glad there's 3FC!

Challenge 1 - Stretches/weights - 9/21 days, 1 pause used
Challenge 2 - no chocolate - 10/21 days, 1 pause (none left!)
Challenge 3 - I am the veggie queen, wonder what that crown looks like 11/21 days

Challenge 4: I will journal EVERYTHING that goes in my mouth, no pauses. 3/21 days even though I really didn't want to yesterday! It was a constant picking day. I know the state budget crisis and it's impact on my agency and clients wasn't caused by food so why I think eating will fix it is beyond me.

Red - I am right there with you with this mindless eating issue. I was reading the Beck book last night and they talk about distinguishing hunger, cravings & desires. It's all desire with me and I know exactly what I'm doing but I do it anyway. Must find a way to stop that. We know better but we just do it anyway. What's with that?!

Schmalger - You aren't alone with the posture. I just don't think our bodies are made to deal with all this screen time and it encourages really poor posture and then neck injuries. There are a couple of simple stretches my PT says are musts. I'm going to look around and see if I can find a link and pics for you. You have me really fired up to try the Shred now

Sheri - Glad to hear you're drinking that water. It helps in so many ways. I have great skin now and I swear it's all the water.

Miriam - Hope your flight home is safe and seamless with no unexpected delays or travel annoyances

I'm off to shop with my best bud today. Every year we take a Wed. off to get our shopping jump started and get in the mood. Luckily she also watches what she eats so we will help each other make good mall choices today - no high fat lattes or bread bowl soups!

Sorry I've been MIA recently. Thanks to everyone for the shout-outs and support. And I have tried to be mindful of this thread and my challenges. Took a pause on the exercise on Monday, but eating has been "ok", but not really strict. Will attempt a more serious focus now on that.

I just have been fumbling along, trying to deal with stuff. I do want to keep up with everyone and will respond more with personals later. Now, though, I have an actual job interview to get ready for. Weird, all of a sudden, from shaking so many trees for so long, something may have popped up. I feel like Red, though, not too terribly optimistic but still grateful to have found something to try for, to explore a possibility.

I will come back hopefully later today and post more. Just wanted to drop a quick note now.......

Daily Exercise Day 17
Level 3 – 1 Pause used
Exercise? Check!
Stats? Elliptical - 30 minutes - 5 miles
Mood? 4 or 5 days, and I've already forgotten how tough a workout the elliptical is. I'm happy to have gotten through it, because once I got on that thing, I realized how much Jillian has worked my thighs. Whoa momma!

I have a weird reason for doing the elliptical today, rather than the 30DS. I wasn't too sore today (before climbing aboard the thigh-killer express), so I could have done the 30DS. But there's something about all the sweating I do on the elliptical. Gross, I know, but it makes me think I'm getting a better workout somehow. I'm not quitting on the 30DS, I just want to mix the elliptical in, too.
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Quixotica - Your challenges are looking great; keep up the hard work! I hope you keep feeling better and that your stomach feels much better tomorrow. The rest will do you good, I hope.

redballoon - You were just flyin' earlier, with your challenges that is! I'm so sorry you're struggling with both your weight and cravings right now. I truly can't imagine what that's like for you - the sugar cravings. The only thing I can compare it to is when I got off of sodas. But for the most part, those cravings are gone - it's been nearly 5 months now. I really do hope you'll try some fruit. Even though it doesn't sound appealing to you right now, maybe once you bite into it, it will turn out to be just what you wanted and help stem those cravings.

CyndiM - I know exactly what you mean about how much it helps knowing you have to report back here. And like you, I can't wait until I internalize that feeling. It is so great having you all here. Great job on the challenges. Show us how it's done woman! I would *love* to see some stretches/exercises that help posture. Anything you've got will help. Thank you sooo much for the offer! (And yes, I spend pretty much my LIFE on the computer: work, school, homework, leisure, etc.)

modcat44 - We all understand about the personals; don't you worry about it. I'm so happy to hear good news from you, though. That is GREAT news about the job interview. And what great timing! I'll keep you in my prayers that it will work out if it's meant to. There's something out there that's going to be just perfect for you (you and red). Good job on the exercise, and "ok" eating is much better than terrible, especially with the stress right now. Keep on truckin'!

Checkin in.....

As my return date comes closer - I find the POSITIVE challenge getting very difficult..

<I'm not even going to talk about my eating , haha>

Hello gals!
I am all better. Whatever it was finally worked its way through my system.

Red-I am struggling, too. I made the mistake of having a few Hersey's Kisses and I am going to have to put the package in the garbage, or my son's backpack to stay out of them! I think one reason I wasn't feeling good is that I just was not eating enough carbs. Now that I am eating a little more, I feel better and I am sleeping at night. It seems like Atkins is not working for me anymore, so maybe I should go to calorie counting or something. I get what you mean about the calorie dense things you are craving right now, too. I think it has something to with winter and metabolism. I almost think the cold weather has something to do with it. Fats and carbs are important for poikilotherms. Squirrels need their nuts, bears their grubs...us our chips? No! But, I did not exercise restraint with the pistachio nuts this evening. I've got to count out those little buggers!

Miriam-Although I know you are sad to be going back, it will be great to chat with you about your trip when you return to your own computer! Those extra holiday pounds will come right off, too. No worries!

Modcat-I hope your interview goes well! Sometimes things come along just at the right time! Keep coming back even if you get busy or feel crazed...we'll give you

Cyndi-I try to cure what ails me with food, too. I have learned to not buy a bag of potato chips when I am upset anymore, though! I can find myself at the bottom of a bag and wonder how I got there! I am taking a little break right now as I was just so exhausted and overwhelmed, but I am seeing that I am going to have to get back to journaling again. It really helps me be accountable. Someone here is the queen of veggies...me, I am the queen of denial!

Schmalger-One of the things I learned from the nutritionist is that students, especially those who drink coffee to get it all done, exhaust their adrenals. Here is a recipe for a wonderful, nutritive shake that will make you feel really good after you drink it for a few days.

1 cup yogurt
2 tbsp. brewer's yeast
1 tbsp. lecithin
2 tbsp. flax seed
2 tbsp. wheat germ
2 tbsp. nut butter or tahini
1/2 cup of juice or berries
Blend up until smooth and the seeds are broken down.
I add 2 tbsp. of soy protien powder to this and drink it for breakfast frequently. If you add berries rather than juice, you might want to add some ice to thin it a little so you can drink it. This is really good for your nervous system and is very dense in minerals. The brewers yeast takes a little getting used to, but it is the best thing for you in the recipe.

Here's a link to good information about adrenal exhaustion:

http://www.naturalways.com/adrenal.htm

Well, this is where I stand today!

10 cups of water each day; three pauses
12/7-10 cups
12/8-10 cups
12/9-4 cups, a pause day
12/10-10 cups
weigh and post my weight each day; no pauses
12/7-186.8
12/8-186.2
12/9-188.0
12/10-188.4 dang, gotta start exercising again!
Goal-gain no net weight over the holidays
Goal-fit into 3 out of the eight pair of pants I dug out of my smaller pant stockpile (I am almost there...just have a small muffin top to go).

Well, as you can see, my weight is going up. So much for taking a break. I am going to bed so I can get up early and exercise. Night all!

If I missed you, give me a big shout out and I'll get to you tomorrow. I'm pooped tonight!

Sheri

Hi everyone!
It's quiet here today!

Red-Luckily I had the wisdom to get just a little bag of kisses...sigh. They were stocking stuffers but they didn't make it I have got to give myself some tough love before I slide into a big weight gain! Stress is doing it, and the lack of exercise and so I got back on the old bike today and pedalled away. Listened to some Santana instead of watching TV while I rode. That was kind of nice for a change. Hope this "dreamy" secret you are talking about becomes happily real for you! I love it when life sends me a dream...

Well, I did not make my water today and I am changing that challenge as of today. Ten cups of water send me to the WC all night! I hate that urgent, middle of the night awakening! Teaching all day, on my feet and on the go, I am lucky to get in four cups during the day. Drinking six cups of water in the evening was floating my proverbial boat! So, it's down to 8 and the exercise is back on. The challenge for exercise is to exercise at least four days from Monday to Sunday. Today was one, so I will need to do it every day for the remainder of this week. And, I have a feeling those kisses I ate are following my a$$ around trying to jump on.

8 cups of water each day; three pauses
12/11-8 cups
weigh and post my weight each day; no pauses
12/7-186.8
12/8-186.2
12/9-188.0
12/10-188.4 dang, gotta start exercising again!
12/11-188.2

Exercise 30 minutes per day four days per week-from Monday to Sunday
12/11-30 minutes on the bike
Goal-gain no net weight over the holidays
Goal-fit into 3 out of the eight pair of pants I dug out of my smaller pant stockpile (I am almost there...just have a small muffin top to go).

Got tons of planning to do for the Raiders game field trip. Chat with all of you tomorrow!
Sheri

Finished with Day 5

OK, so the office I interviewed with wants me to come next week for a trial--so that's good. I didn't even ask what the pay was, guess I'll find out next week, but at this point I don't care. DH said I should at least found that out, but hey, it's really irrelevant to me at this point. Felt much better so went to the gym, and had a high-energy day there, ran a 5K in about my best time ever, and still did a challenging set of weight-training. I was pumped! I love it when my mood shifts to the positive for awhile!

miriam--try not to be sad, but I know how you feel, sometimes I have gotten so blue about the too quick end to a much needed break. You will feel good though after you get back home, I'm sure. Now back to work I'm not so sure about......

Quix-- I hear ya about the too much water thing, haha! I was attempting to drink about 96 oz/day because I read somewhere you were supposed to drink half your body weight in water---waaay too much! Now I just try for 64 oz/day, and earlier also rather than so much after dinner!

And thanks for posting that shake recipe--I'm gonna try it also!

schmalger--yeah, I'm with you about the sweat thing, now if I don't sweat (except when I'm swimming) I don't really feel like I am burning those calories, even though I know it's not true. I try to do a strenuous cardio at least 4-5 days/week. Strange how my mindset has changed, I really hate to sweat, but now I almost like it when I really am sweaty at the gym. Even though I look horrible, (I'm sure) with wet hair and red face, I feel so much better that I really "had a good sweat" now!

CyndiM--I love yoga--and I try to go at least once but preferably twice/week. It really helps me feel more youthful, I know that is strange to say, but besides the great after-glow, the greater limberness just makes me happy and feel younger! and wtg on all those veggies! I have been sneaking in more and more veggies in the dinners I am preparing for DH and I. I know I'm eating more now, even if I am not one to snack on them raw so much.

Red--love those videos of Motown! Brought a smile to my face! And WTG on your no booze/no sugar challenge!!! What an awesome accomplishment, struggles and cravings and all!! And getting out to the gym so much--yaay! And here's that good things do happen with you with your work and life's stresses. You know, we are all much stronger than we think we are. We will persevere, survive and even thrive! We all know this, but it bears repeating every so often......

Some of you were talking about dressing frumpy, or old--and I just wanted to say I had been doing that also for a couple of years before this latest weight loss, and I pretty much stopped doing that now, having been able and desirous actually of wearing cuter, more fashionable things again this last half year or so. My Dh has commented on that very fact, that I was beginning to dress like his mom, but recently I have been wearing much more "age-appropriate" clothes--haha! It does make me feel good to have comments again on what I am wearing, from friends as well. I didn't realize I wasn't getting any for a long while there......

Hi to everyone else Now off for the night......

Daily Exercise Day 18
Level 3 – 2 Pauses used
Exercise? Check!
Stats? Elliptical - 30 minutes – 5.10 miles
Mood? Eh. I’m not really in a great mood. Don’t know why. I’m not upset or anything, just kind of blah ya know? Nonetheless, I am glad that I exercised today.

Sorry I wasn’t around yesterday. I took my second pause, because I was feeling sick to my stomach for most of the day. It’s the fruit…apples/bananas. It’s always made me somewhat sick, but now that I’m eating it more regularly, it’s happening more often. But it’s worth it if I’m just going to feel that way every few days. It’s a frustrating and painful tradeoff, but I’m willing to stick with it. Maybe I’ll just be careful not to have more than 2 apples in a given day and then maybe do a different fruit the next day. And I definitely have to be careful with bananas. Ugh! Okay! Enough of that, let’s see what y’all have been up to!
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Miriam101 – I’m sorry it’s getting more difficult to stay positive, now that homecoming is looming. Enjoy the little bit of time you have left – enjoy it to the hilt! And you’ll get back on track with healthy eating once you get home and back into your normal routine.

Quixotica – Thank you so much for the info! I’ll have to share that recipe with my DH, too. We’re both students, and he drinks his body weight in coffee every day (only slightly exaggerating!). I don’t drink coffee, but we definitely both wear ourselves out studying. We have a couple of health food stores nearby, so I should be able to get all of the ingredients. THANK YOU! Great job on the water and weighing challenge. And good luck with getting back on the exercise horse. You can do it, and I’ve just read that you already ARE doing it. Keep it up!

Redballoon – You are doing a great job on your challenges. You inspire me every day with all that you have and continue to overcome. Seriously, you are a great example of what can be done when we set our minds to it and keep at it, one day at a time. WAY TO GO on reaching “virgin ground” with the drinking challenge!! It doesn’t sound bad at all. You’ve never come across like you’re a lush, just that you felt that the drinking was getting or could start getting a little out of control. You assessed it and addressed it. And now you’re kicking it’s a**! Yay about the 30DS! You’ll have to let us know how it goes. I can’t wait to see what you think!

Modcat44 – Great news about the successful interview! Good luck with next week’s trial run; knock ‘em out of the park! And great job on the exercise, too. I’m thankful that you have something positive to look forward to and to add additional motivation for you. Yes! I was hoping I wouldn’t sound too weird with the sweat thing. It seemed odd even thinking that, so I didn’t know what y’all would think. lol The amount I sweat really does seem to be a sort of gauge for me of how good of a workout I’ve had. One thing I do hate is the weird prickly feeling that comes right before you start really sweating. Do you know what I mean?

Again, I’m sorry I stood y’all up yesterday. I was going to at least post last night that I had taken a pause. But then DH wanted to watch a movie, and he’s been so patient with me getting on here for an hour or more every night to catch up and post my updates. It’s tough, because during the semester, it’s like we’re two single people cohabitating. I don’t mean to imply the marriage is tough – not by any stretch of the imagination. It’s just really tough how much going to school and working at the same time takes out of us. When we finally get home, we *have* to hit the books. So we really try to put in tons of quality time during breaks.

Sad little story – A nice little bookstore in our town is closing – after sixteen years of operation. I’m surprised it made it that long, frankly, because we have a Books-A-Million that came in several years ago now and several other bookstores closed almost immediately. This was the last little one left, and it’s really really sad. I’m a huge bookworm, and it turns out DH is too. I’ve been putting off going, because it’s sad and because I’ve been really busy this week. But despite how sick I felt yesterday, we went over there together. They had 50% of everything, so we bought nearly $300 in books for about $150. We had no intention of spending that much, but I especially tend to go a bit crazy around books – especially when they’re on sale. We got a lot of great things. But…I’d much rather have only bought 2 or 3 at full price and still have the bookstore in town. The ladies that owned it seemed really sad, especially the one that will be retiring for a second time. We were in there for about an hour and half, and she looked near tears the whole time. The younger one remarked that she has other plans, so that’s great for her. In fact, she told another customer that she’s lost 185 lbs in the last year and has about 100 more to go. And! She’s going to be teaching classes/coaching people in weightloss/fitness/nutrition. How cool is that? I didn’t know her personally or I would have picked her brain. Ha!