Maddiesmom, all those recipes sound DELICIOUS!

Tiff - I'm not an expert but 1200 sounds low to me too for your height and weight. Have you checked what the calculator on thedailyplate recommends to lose 2lbs a week (taking into account your age/ht/wt/activity level stats)? That's been a really helpful guideline for me. You might also be interested in calorie cycling (google it for lots of recommendations) - Lindy recommended it to me months ago and I've been doing it informally with pretty consistent results. Anyway, as grits mentioned 5lbs since last week is AMAZING!

Super tired tonight so apologies for not responding to all the new posts but I'll catch up tomorrow. Night all...

AJ - Whats up? You deserve to be healthy and feel good. I want you back on this! You need to sit back and refocus on why you were motivated just last week. Come on AJ, I need to back and charged up. I love reading your posts and what you have accomplished. I also love that your husband is there helping. Maybe ask him to help you get back on track.

Staccie - I am so sorry your not feeling well. I had vertigo years ago with the dizziness, which of course causes nausea. Mine was from fluid in my inner ear, which caused me to feel unbalanced or dizzy. They gave me Antivert (pill) which made me feel better, but tired (alot). Another thought could be hormones, which is my problem. When my hormones are really imbalanced I am dizzy and very tired. I bet that might be your problem. An Endocrinologist can help with that. Hope tomorrow is better.

Maddiesmom - Don't push it, let your body heal. You will get through this, and don't be down. You can still burn calories by just doing arm movements, or circle movements with your ankles, slow walking - anything light. I remember when a contestant injured their back on the show and they had them sit and just do their arms. They burned alot of calories and lost weight too! Stay positive and a treat now and then never hurt anyone! Yes, I better NOT get sick! I will be one ticked off momma! LOL......I am overdosing on vitamins today! LOL.........Bye the way, thank you for the recipes. I copied and pasted them into my Word Documents.

Tiff - 5 lbs is alot and there is good possibility your body is just trying to catch up. Be patient and if you stick to it until Sunday, I bet we will see you in the 180's!

Lindy - ?????????????????????? Well ????????????????????????

I am hungry, but I will wait till tomorrow morning to eat. However, I am hungry! Just wanted to add that. Nite!

Tiff- Try not to weigh yourself every day. That wasy you will pretty much always see a loss. you're doing awesome. 5lbs is amazing.

Maddiesmom- That sounds sooo good. Gotta try it.

Staccie- It sounds like you may be dehydrated or not eating enough or just generally stressed. You may have orthostatic hypotension.. meaning your blood pressure drops when you stand and you become dizzy and lightheaded. Make sure you're getting enough fluids.

AJ- I'll get back to you with a recipe. I'll think of a good one and send it to you. Just tired right now. I love your idea because I'm getting burnt out on the same ol same ol. I feel like I eat the same thing every single day.. probably because I do. haha

Tiff- you know better! Your on your TOM or just getting over it...whatever...thats almost an extra 5 pounds as is, so once its gone, like me...you will probably see the instant drop, common girl. Also, when you go strong...you go strong, maybe you should inch your way into it. You are so strict, to the point where you dont treat yourself which isnt good. Also, I think Dance is right, 1200 is pretty low. I know we do that to see fast results, I know I do. But Im surprised your not starving at the end of each day. Keep your head up girl...you CAN DO IT.


Maddiesmom- as always...thanks for the recipes, the turkey burgers are still a fav. in my book, sometimes I add avocado on top to change it up. Sorry to hear your still struggling with your back. Im out of commission on running right now and its really upsetting for me. I never in a million years thought I would be upset about not being able to run but I am. Anywya...I hope you start to feel better soon.

Mygrits - you and I have weather working against us so dont feel bad about your exercise routine. I mean, I have the gym membership but in Deland...theres not much out there and further more...that crap is expensive, lol.

Stacie -yeah, I agree with Neesy...it really does sound like the dehydration, at least, thats what it was for me when I experienced it. Nonetheless, keep us posted on what the doctor says.

OK....drum roll....Im sure you all have been waiting for this, lol...kidding:

My date with Mr. Sweet16 was AMAZING....A-M-A-Z-I-N-G. He showed up to my house with lillies, which is my favorite flower, which I told him on the very first time we met and hadnt mentioned it since...so...check...bonus brownie points. Then, even though I didnt want to introduce him to Gab (WAY TOO SOON), he brought her a cookie bouquet! What?! Who does this?! Wow....I wanted him to put a ring on my finger right then and there, lol. We went out for lunch and were planning on going miniature golfing but it started to storm, so we ended up going to Blockbuster renting a movie and hanging out at the house. Complete gentleman...so, it was just perfect. A perfect date. He is coming back tonight to take me to dinner and then its will probably be a few weeks before we see each other again because Gabriella is starting soccer and the days that he is usually off, Gabriella has practice. Oh well...if we can get through crazy schedules, then he is definately a keeper, we will see in time. I am on cloud 9..so this is what it feels like, lol.

Now...on the diet front. I did very well for food, I had a minor snafu last night but nothing Im stressing about. I had a grilled pork chop with 4 mini potatoes and 3 peanut butter cups. Not proud of it, but what can I do? I did do my Bodyworks class today and felt redeemed.

Well...Ill check in later.

Hi Ladies,

Staccie - I forgot about our Nurse on here, yes, Neesy is probably right about your dizziness. Hope the Dr. appt. goes good today and your feeling better.

Lindy - Wow, I like him. I love a guy who thinks of the children, and also remember little things mentioned, like Lillies. I am really happy yesterday went well.

Well, I went to bed hungry last night, but proud I didn't give in. I also did get a mini-workout in last night upstairs. I was going to go jogging this morning, but didn't against it since I had a small headache. I think I will do another mini-workout upstairs later today. I burn more calories with strength training it seems, so make stick to that more.

Hope today is good for everyone. I will check in a bit later.

Mygrits - AWESOME!!! You beat HUNGRY, woo-hoo, lol.

Not much to report on today, Im hungry but will go home and have a good lunch. Im kinda in the mood for breakfast so maybe Ill have egg whites and turkey bacon, thats one of my favs. Whats everyone else doing for luncy today?

It's still breakfast time here - raspberries and light peach yogurt - yum!

mygrits - you are my hero! I am so bad at that. Last night I ate almost a whole jar of pickles really late since I couldn't fall asleep. I'm going to try to be like you today!

I seem to be losing my energy/motivation a bit - right there with you, AJ! I think I need to try on my bathing suit in some really bright light or something to get me focused on what needs to happen! You guys have any tips for when you're feeling demotivated?

Uh-oh....noooooo....it seems my downfall last week has had a domino affect and I will not let this happen!

Hmmm...your motivation....dont you guys remember the skinny jeans you pulled out, or the smokin two piece? Common...seriously?! You guys got me through my hump and Im here to do the same. Do I have whoop out everyones BEFORE PICS (duh..duh..duh...duhhhhhhhh-think scary music, lol). Yep...Ill do it, dont make me report them, lol. You have both done significantly well, why sabotage yourself now? AJ - if its food that has you doom and gloom....then up the anty on your exercise and indulge a little, remember...calories in vs. calories out. We are all going to have our rough patches, just try to counter act it. And Dance...dance...the leader of the pack, the leader of my intervention, what has you down at this point? Food or exercise...ok, lets cover both:

FOOD - does it really taste that good after you stuff a whole pizza (or whatever your amo is)...no, you feel fat and bloated after. Think of one of your favorite heathy dishes and make it, or even treat yourself and go out and have someone else make it.

EXERCISE - ok, we ALL get in the rut of not wanting to exercise. Maybe now is the time to swtich it up; maybe some a little more "light", like Pilates or Yoga. How about bike riding? Point being is, dont give up!

YOU GIRLS CAN DO THIS!!! Do you really want to buy me that new balance ball Ive been wanting on November 1st...or oooh...maybe the heart rate monitor...oh, wait...even better...a pair of hot skinny jeans where I can flaunt it in your face via camera and post it! HAHAHAHA (think...evil laugh)...lol, NO - you dont. YOU WANT THE HOT SKINNY JEANS, YOU WANT THE NEW PILATES DVD, YOU WANT NEW HAND WEIGHTS....when you get to November 1st. So stop the pitty party for 1...or should I say 2, ahem...lol, and get with it.

Ok....now, back to our regular scheduled program (my Jillian alter ego has left the building, lol). Common chickadees...we can do this together.

Lindy - thanks for the pep talk! I haven't been doing anything horrible food wise - just eating on the upper end of the range the last two days (1800 cals) and all healthy stuff just more food than usual sort of out of boredom. I'm still exercising, just not running so far this week b/c of shinsplints from Sunday's hike. But you're right, I have to get in gear or the scale won't budge this week! I'm going to go to lunch at a place that does yummy chicken stirfry with veggies and brown rice so that I'm not starved come dinner time and I'm going to watch tv while on the rowing machine before dinner to try to kill the munchies.

AJ - you back in? : )

Dance - Whats up? I thought you were wanting to be in those size 8 clothes for Costa Rica? Don't tell me you want to pull out the 'big' clothes for the trip! No, No, No! Remember the hiking and how good you felt? Remember the healthy dinner you and your BF had? Come on.......just think if you slow down you won't lose, may gain and all that sweat was for nothing. Nadda!

AJ - You too. I know you want to feel good for the move, and be ready for the gym near your new home. New home and new you!

Doesn't everyone want to feel healthier, more energetic and just look sexy for the holidays? I DO!!

What movtivates me is wasting soooo many years feeling fat, uncomfortable, unsexy, insecure and just not living life. All those years 20+ not being active like I should have been with my kids and setting a good example. Now, at my age, those years of being overweight catch up and there are major health risks that I don't want to be subjected to. Only I can change my health. I am not allowing 'food' or 'emotional eating' to run my life anymore! The years I have left, I want to feel good about me. None of us now how long we have, so why not live the way you dream about?

Well, I'm at work, so I signed in to see how everyone is doing.

Lindy: The date sounds AMAZING! I kinda miss those early romantic days with my husband (we've been together 12 years, so that was gone a long time ago). And the fact he remembered Gab, quite impressive. And I loved your pep talk to AJ & Dancer...I think we all need tough love from time to time.

AJ: How are you doing? I know that food is getting best of you lately, but have you thought about throwing all that "bad for you" food out? I know it's hard, but since I stopped buying it and having it at the house, I don't miss it. No chips (except Baked Lays), no cookies, etc. It gets easier to say no...but I know the eating takes over your brain, but you need to find what is triggering it.

Dance: Eating in the upper range of calories might not be a bad thing, especially since you're doing so much hiking. I know that I started eating more calories when I was really into my work outs and I still lost weight. It's those nighttime cravings that are killing you, perhaps you can drink some crystal lite or something to help calm the cravings? Just a thought.

Sandy: I'm with ya sister! I've spent 30 years in this body and I'm ready for a change! I'm not only doing it for myself, but also for Madeline. I can't have her going through the same overweight, unhappy childhood I had. I grew up on a farm with a very controlling father who wouldn't let us do anything (including riding our bikes down the road. I mean, there's no traffic except tractors going by, so I was raised in a very sedentary lifestyle). I want Maddie to join sports, eat well, and the only way she's going to do that is to see mom and dad doing it. BTW: Did you get your mini workout in?

Well, as for me, here's what I've eaten so far today:
Breakfast: 1/2 cup blueberries with 1 lite yogurt and Bear Naked granola and water to drink
Lunch: Lemon Herb Chix Piccata (WW meal) with diet coke
Dinner: Turkey burgers! My fav, probably with a small salad

I'm really going to try and go to the gym tonight, even if I can't do the leg/back weights, I gotta go and get my arms, etc working again. It's been a rough week not working out and I'm afraid I'm going to start being lazy again if I don't go back.

Tiff-you will see that loss soon. I am sure TOM has a lot to do with it, you have lost a lot so far. And like everyone said, 5lbs this week is amazing. Hopefully the cravings for the diet soda doesnt come back.

AJ-come on girlie, you know you want this so bad so lets get back to it. Ask your husband for motivation. Cook a nice healthy meal together if you have the time. Get rid of "junk" food, buy some healthy alternatives. You can do this

Staccie-hope the dizziness is taken care of at the doctors, my mom was like that last month, it was vertigo and her BP was sky high. Try to take it easy.

Maddiesmom-sorry to hear your back is still giving you problems. I was probably a good idea to skip the gym, just keep eating well and go back to working out when you feel you wont make it worse. Take it slow if you do go to the gym tonight, start out light.

Lindy-Mr 16 pack sounds wonderful. Glad you had such a great time.

Sandy-good job not eating at night, its hard, but it will get easier. Your pep talk was so inspiring. I know I want to be smokin around the holidays. I may not be at goal, but I can be closer than I am now. I am not giving up, ever!!!


Dance-you can not lose your motivation, you are such a motivator yourself for all of us. Try on that bathing suit and you will see you are already a hottie.

I had a good night last night, the BBQ was fun. I did have some potato salad, but I had enough calories for what I had. There was no dessert, thats always good. We ended up going to the bar, I havent been to a bar in years. I didnt drink, I was the DD. It was still fun to go and hang out with family. There was a little drama, but when isnt there with drunk people. Didnt get home til 4 in the morning so I am pretty tired today. I am going to wait til a little later this afternoon to do my workout. I will do it though. Only 2 days til I leave, gotta get another lb off. Have a great day ladies. I will check in later.

Hi ladies - busy board! Thanks for the notes about my issue - Neesy - I am thinking that might be it too - more water - I've drank two large containers already today. I am still a bit lightheaded but I also took a few sudafed today because I thought it might be ear fluid build-up - I have a lot of problems with that - and I am feeling better. I also got a great deal of sleep last night - went to bed at 11 and slept until 630 - and had a very nice relaxing bath until 7:00AM - I didn't work out because I felt sleep was more important but I am taking tonight off work so I can get in a nice walk outside! Things are crazy here - I can't even explain - we starting building ice for our event (it's ice hockey lol for all you Florida girls - wink) in 4 days and so many things keep popping up, it's crazy. Anyway, it's what I do and I can't wait for it to get here.

AJ - cheer, cheer, cheer - - you can do it - if anything all the wonderful things everyone is writing on here should help you out!

Tiff - so agree with Dance, way too low. I went through this when I lost a ton of weight the first time and it stalled me in a major way. There are tons of online sources for you to use. At the least you should be around 1800. But I am no expert either so check out the sources Everytime I see your avatar I think it looks so gorgeous - your dress and you!

Yeah Lindy - sounds amazing and you so deserve it - I am so happy for you!

Sandy - good on you for not giving in last night - feels so good when we can make a decision like that - but do you ever find that if you go to bed truly hungry that you have weird dreams? That happens to me all the time - it's crazy. I don't dream about food but other weird stuff I don't usually dream about!

Burgandy - sounds like you had a fun night - and oh yeah the drunk drama - not always fun to watch as a spectator!

Vicky - good luck at getting some exercise in tonight, I bet you are just itching to get back at it!!!

Everyone - great motivation and reminder comments - especially you Lindy! It 's always good to recenter ourselves once in awhile.

Well I have to eat, drink some more water and get back to things...sigh! I have a chicken sandwich, a fat free jello for lunch. I seriously need to get to the grocery store tonight!!

Check in later!

Burgundy - sounds like you had some fun last night. Its rare but when we have a night out of drinking, we just call a cab and everyone crashes at one persons place (most of the time), it kinda sucks being the designated driver when everyone else around you is gone...long gone, lol. Half the time Im like "what, whats everyone laughing at"...idk, just funny. Anyway...your doign so good with staying on point for your trip...you have to go to Chinatown and get something cute. So cheap..knock offs of course, but its still a fun experience.

Stacie - lol, your too funny with your ice rink...us Florida girls wouldnt know what that is. lol. Im actually from Connecticut so I grew up in the cold, I would LOVE to move back but cant imagine not sunbathing 10 months our of the year...but you as a Canadian girl wouldnt know what thats like...lol, Im just kidding. Your doing so well with your diet. How are you feeling these days? You seem to be handling your stress so well. Im glad to see you happy, your quite an ammusing poster, I always enjoy your posts, so glad to have you on the up and up. Oh - and sleep is more important sometimes, to a certain extent. It even says that in all the fitness books and magazines I read.

Anyway...this is my last post today. Mr. Sweet 16 is taking me to dinner...woo-hoo, 2 dates in 2 days, Im so excited, but then we dont see each other for 2 weeks, oh well...Ill take it. Its more my schedule that is an issue than his. Have a good night. Good luck with the late nite munchies...you can get through them!