Nessa, I am so glad you suggested the protein with dinner because I am really looking forward to having that chunky spaghetti sauce! I just wanted to let you know.

Kara

i'm not a newbie i just check in to see if i can help....

Everything is going good here. This is the 2nd day that I have had oatmeal since Sunday. Other than that I am still following pretty much Phase 1. Haven't had the money to go to the store and grab any fruit to try. Feeling good so far physically. Mentally is a whole other story, lots going on here right now. I have been trying to take DD on a walk in her stroller 1 to 2 times a day around the neighborhood. I haven't been able to take her since Sat. since we were busy on Sun. and then rain the other two days. We went for a pretty long walk this morning. It felt really good though and I know she really enjoys it. Hope everyone else is doing good also.

in the beginning phase 2 looks a LOT like phase 1. adding one thing a week is good so don't fret about not adding fruit yet...

How's Ciara like her walks? How old is she?

Megan, when we lived in Texas we used to walk in the evenings because it was just too hot during the day to get out. I would take Connor to the pool every morning and then we'd spend the afternoon inside and in the evening he would drive his Power Wheels Jeep around the neighborhood and I would puff along behind him, trying to keep up. It was easier once the battery got close to charging time and the thing slowed a bit! One time I didn't realize the battery pack wasn't charged, so we started off and got halfway through the neighborhood before it completely died and I had to push it back home...seven months pregnant! Quite the sight!

Well, I had a bit of a slip up last night. I had a buttercream chocolate candy and then some chocolate milk before bed. The scale still reads 126, but I really wanted to be down to 125 by Friday (tomorrow) so today I am going to stay on plan!

Here's my menu for today (funny how yesterday was the one day I didn't post it for the week and also the day I strayed!):

Breakfast - cheesy frittata with a cup of tomato juice

Snack - 1/4 cup soy nuts

Lunch - curry lentil soup with cherry tomatoes and cucumber slices

Snack - roasted asparagus with lemon zest and parmesan

Dinner - portobello burger topped with romaine and tomato slices on a whole wheat bun

Dessert - strawberries with Cool Whip

Alright. Now I feel accountable. Thanks, cyber-power!

Kara

Ciara is 18 months. She loves going on walks or anything else outside for that matter. She plays fine inside but would much rather be outside. She runs to the back of my vehicle when we are out there because she knows that is where her stroller is and starts saying that that. :lol:

What a cutie! My baby just turned one a couple weeks ago. If we were closer, we'd have to have them together for a play date!

Kara

Alright, chickies. I am back on track. You may notice (probably not because who pays attention to my ticker besides me?!) that my ladybug moved UP two pounds instead of down. I had a nibble here and there of things I wasn't supposed to have this week and it clearly added up. I was feeling down last night and wasn't sure whether I wanted to stick with the plan or just let it all go but today I am feeling renewed. I spent the day cleaning house and I feel like I cleaned out my frustrations! So I am back on track and ready to face this weekend and this week with the dedication it takes to be in this for the long haul.

I have established a mini-goal ticker with a very attainable three pound goal. When I get there, I'm going to go get my nails done, which is something I always love to do and never get around to doing because there is just never enough time for such frivolty (I think I just made up a word!) in my day. But I will *make* time and I will feel pampered and I will not feel guilty because I earned it!

So right now I am going to make up a menu for the week and then when Tom gets home from work I will go to the store and stock up on everything I'll need. Kill two birds with one stone...I have to walk the mile and a half to the store and then back again, so there's a chunk of exercise for the day, and I'll have the good food so I won't be tempted to eat something off plan.

Alrighty then. I am off to plan. Thanks for keeping me on top of things! This could have gotten a lot worse than a two pound gain!

Kara

Hey, anyone else think maybe we should start a new Phase 2 Newbies thread? This one is getting kind of long. I didn't want to step on any toes by starting one myself, but what do you all think?

Kara

I know you guys are all sleeping, but I had to check in and tell you that I've stayed on plan all day! I'm so proud of myself!!! Dinner is on the stove, and I'm going to run to the commissary (well, walk, really) while it's cooking and then we'll eat. Yea for feeling good about yourself!

Kara

Yay for you!

Thanks, Nessa. I did it. All day. I feel like I'm back on track now and I have the motivation to keep going! I planned out all our meals for this week and did half of the shopping (I'll get fruits and veggies tomorrow), so we're good to go.

Grumpiness, be gone!

Kara

I know for me when i got off track and then kept getting off track that once i got back in control and back on track it made a huge difference.