Carol, I don't know about global warming. After all the CA/OR storms the last few days (I think we're up to 3 since Friday), we're getting our snowiest winter since moving here. And chillier. The ski area we have passes for is closed again today, as they were on Friday. I guess there is a thing as too much snow. They've had 6 feet since Friday. We skied yesterday and during the time we were there, they closed one lift at a time until just one was open and it was quite the wait. We went home - besides I was cold from the snow pelting my face. :) For once I didn't leave due to being tired - I've been doing more quad workouts during the week and it's paying off.

Food wise - yesterday was a nightmare. Cals consumed minus cals burned didn't equal less than 1400 - more like 1900 cals. Bad me. But as I'm going for the average, after 12 days I'm at 1372. Still under the 1400 but a bit higher than last week (thanks to Burger King yesterday and a starving stomach at the ski area (donut)).

Carol, I thought of you last night as I made green beans since that was our recommendation for your DH party. :)

Hope everyone else is doing good.
Marie

Hi Ladies-

I am sorry I have not been around. There has been so much going on. It is no excuse for not keeping in touch and not keeping up on my weight loss. I don;t remember what I was at last time I was here. However, with Atkins I dropped down to 148 at some point. I am not sure what I am up to now I was 165 pre holidays. I will post an actual number tomorrow. Anyway sorry again and I hope you don't mind me popping back into things.

Nikki

Happy New Year, Nikki! It's nice to hear from you, I've missed your voice here. I hope we can help you knock off the holiday pounds!

Marie, I'm sorry that you couldn't get more skiing in this weekend. You must have been very frustrated! I hope your Monday's going okay. Time to work off that donut!

Carol, you sound like you're really enjoying your classes. I would probably enjoy swimming, but I've never learned. I'm with you on the global warming, the weather is totally wacky, too many extremes of heat and cold in a short period of time.

Okay, my official starting weight for 2008 is (drum roll, please!).....221.5. I'm over being annoyed, and ready keep moving it down! My January goals are to work yoga and meditation into my weekly routines, and get to the two-teens, finally, by the end of the month.

Today I did a cardio salsa workout, which I haven't done in a while. Amazing how hard something is if you haven't done it in a long time! Had a protein shake for b'fast, half an apple and string cheese for AM snack, lobster bisque and a steak salad at a lunch meeting, and a slice of tofu and one or my homemade mini-muffins (made with oat flour and round flax seeds) for afternoon snack. I will have a piece of broiled catfish with veggies for dinner, but no dessert, because lunch at the restaurant was pretty big, not to mention quite tasty.

Go, Ohio State!

judy

Judy-

It is so nice to hear from you as well. Way to go on the cardio. I am going to attempt to o back to cardio tomorrow as well. I want to try to lose 15 lbs before I move in March.

Nikki

Welcome back Nikki! We missed you. :grouphug: I fell of the wagon too, so you're in good company! I need to lose the 9 lbs. I gained following my trip to England in September. I'm psyched up to lose and have started logging my foods again, which seems to be the best way for me. Looking forward to hearing from you again soon.

Judy - I think the yoga and meditation will help you a lot. Meditation helps me calm down when I get racing thoughts or wake up and start "awfulizing" in the middle of the night! I may try yoga again. I liked it a lot but my wrists and hip couldn't take some of the poses. I may have to limit the type of positions I do next time.

Marie - No global warming here either! :lol: I wouldn't mind a bit of global warming at the moment - it's been so darned cold and damp here for so long and we haven't had our usual sun breaks between the storms. I'm soooo looking forward to Spring! Our daffodils are already poking through, so that's a good sign. That's a good idea to average out your calories, that way it's not so daunting when you go overboard a bit.

Carol - I think you've got us all eating green beans by now! I bought some nice small ones and steamed them. We had half of them yesterday with some chicken and the rest today in a salad with baby lettuce, pear, toasted walnuts and basil. The dressing was quite different and tasty - olive oil, balsamic vinegar, miso paste, garlic & lemon zest. It was from a macrobiotic cookbook. The miso paste is supposed to be very good for you. Send some of your warm weather our way! :sunny:

I'm staying on track and have been eating about 1600 calories per day for the past week or so. I feel much more in control now that I'm logging my foods again. It's a big help in keeping my fat & carbs consumption down and protein up. Hopefully, a loss will soon show up on the scale :goodscale.

First off Nikki welcome back and we all will enjoy having you. We all have slipped a bit but knowing we slipped and can now learn from it is at least some long term success.
Judy not a bad plan yah have there. Guess the salsa workout got my attention. The class I am taking you don't really swim much is more like exerising in the water and let me tell yah its not so easy lifting your legs up and jump in jacks in the water. The instructor is good and makes you keep up as best you can if your not doing it right she tries to help you learn the right way. I really think she is great and I am planning to attend after work tonight first 25 min. on the treadmill then my water time.
Penny glad your all enjoying the gr. beans me too. I also liked the idea of a pear in my salad going to try that. After all that is good fast fiber intake.
Marie I am sorry you have to much snow to ski but look at it this way you will have a longer ski season in the end. I am so enjoying the weather in the 60's here. It is great except my hubby got a cold and now I have a little sore throat. Well ck soup here we come!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Yesterdays intake not real bad but had too much bread. Gotta watch that stuff.
CC

Hi everyone-

Penny- I wish my screw up was 9 lbs. I am sure you will take it off in no time. How was England?

CC- Nice to meet you. What kind of plan are you doing? how much are you aiming to lose? I'm interested in everyones plans.

As for me. I gained 19 lbs since I last logged on here. 6 of which were from
the holidays and 13 after I went off Atkins. I consider May- August a waste as far as dieting went. I was on Atkins and lost 15 or so pounds but once I got sick in August and could not keep it going I gained it all back. I am determined to take 10-15 of it off by the time I move. Since I was last online I split up with my boyfriend and am now dating a guy I have known for 6 years(he was an old flame) and planning to move to Kentucky in March to be with him. So today is day 1 back on track.

Nikki

A Snow Day
 

WHi everyone, it's a snowy, winter day here. I started off my day with a wonderful walk with my doggies in the snow. As I walked in the door at 5:50, it was my boss telling me school was closed and to post the closing on the district website. I am at work as my contract has me reporting and it's QUIET. Very nice!!!!

:hug:Nikki, welcome back. It's great to see you and I hope that you can eradicate the gained weight. Do it slow and sure and it shouldn't fluctuate much in the long run. I'm like a cat - curiosity and all :o - did the breakup occur because of the court problems with your meds? I've thought about you a lot wondering about the outcome of that mess. BTW, cc is really Carol - she just changed her screen name a little while ago.

Penny, the logging is the savior, I swear. I'm on day 14 and it's kept me in beter line (except Sunday when I was ravenous and the donut was the best choice at the coffee bar at the ski resort).

Carol, I hope you don't get sick. You've had such a nasty fall that you deserve healthy. Take some Goldenseal and echnicea. It always seems to head my colds off. Actually I started to take it every day this winter since DGS was always carrying a bug. But he's moved away, so I suppose I could stop, but why mess with success.

Judy, sorry about your Buckeyes. :( I know your 2008 starting point isn't where you want it, but heck, look at the number that started 2007. You know you're so much farther ahead. Heck, I sort of remember where you started last year and 2007 was a traveling year for you. That makes it ten times harder.

OK, TOM is 2 days late even though I had my 1 day of PMS on schedule. Here I come menopause. YEAH!!!! Maybe a tad early to hope, but I so want menopause to come my way.

Food was good yesterday and exercise good. Within my goals so that is good. BTW, my Darth Jeep might return from the AutoHospital this week.:crossed: It's been over 2 months since the accident and it looks like the Jeep will b healed before my left ring finger. My dr. said it probably will stay swollen and discolored based on the nature of the injury. Not a big deal, it only really hurts when I make a fist or dry my hands to vigorously. But Darth Jeep - I am so EXCITED that I might get me baby back soon. I've made several loan and insurance payments on a vehicle I haven't driven since November 5th. So I am ready!!!!

Well, time to work. Again, welcome back Nikki. Catch us up a bit on your life.
Marie

Marie- Thanks for the welcome back and the heads up on cc.

Carol -did not realize it was you.

As for me my ex and I split because I felt like he wanted me to support him financially because he was dealing with lawyer fees. Also, he had no motivation and I could not see marrying him. Fast fwd a few weeks y ex fiance came into town for a conference and we realized we still love each other. So now I am going to move in with him in KY come March. As I said it has been a crazy few months. Today so far I am doing good I have eaten 610 calories for breakfast and lunch combo and rode the exercise bike for 20 minutes. I bought a recumbent bike back in October and have been trying to ride it daily with the exception of the last 14 days when I was in KY. I am more toned now even though I weigh more go figure.

Wow, Nikki, isn't love a many-splendored thing? I always lost a little weight in the first flush of love and, er, vigorous physical activity that made me more body conscious. But then I'd relax and begin to eat and drink as much as the lucky fellow. So I hope you reach your goal, and stay there! I've been biking a lot more, too, and it does help with the toning, but builds nice heavy muscle. The nice brown pants I was going to wear to work are a little too big all of a sudden...will someone please share the memo with the darned scale? :goodscale

Marie, I have been receiving condolences all day! AI was pretty annoyed last night, and cursed enough to last me the next three months :headache: But I didn't munch away the stress, I sewed buttons onto my coat and did other little things to keep my hands busy. Thanks for the encouragement on putting my slow weight loss into perspective--I'm very happy that I'm smaller than I was a year ago! I know you've missed Darth J, but I'm sorry that your finger is still a problem.

Penny, it was 70 degrees here today, so here's some extra warmth: :sunny::sunny::sunny: Your salad sounds yummy. I wish we all lived closer, you and Carol sound like fabulous cooks.

Carol, way to go on the workouts! Aquatic exercise would be perfect for me, the ultimate low-impact aerobics. Plus I love being in water--well, in hot tubs, anyway...

I'm on program today. Did 45 mins or cardio this morning, had a protein shake for b'fast, cottage cheese and blueberries later, a cup of tortilla soup and a big salad for lunch, and just ate some little ginger chews. I hope to get in a little biking tonight (despite the sudden crowd in the exercise room) and will have stir-fired scallops and veggies for dinner.

Cheers-judy

Nikki sounds like you made a sound decision with the boy friend. It takes two people to work these days or at least give the other person support etc. I hope you are in a better way now sounds like your trying to get back your own life good for you. Taking care of ourselves is a number one if we don't do that we are no good for anyone else either.
My hubbie had some heart surgery in 11/07 and it was so stressful and now things are settling down and I have some time for me. So I am trying to make good choices and make a difference in my intake and joined a new gym with great workout area support and a lovely pool, sauna and hot whirlpool. So working out at least 3 days a week is my goal but 4 is even better. I also am using the stairs v.s. the elevator. Every morning it is okay its the stairs 20 up to my floor at work then a long walk in. Today I was even carrying many things and still did it. I also made some real good choices today with my intake including my 25 min. treadmill then an aerobic exercise in the pool for one hr. We even did some kick boxing moves oh how fun. The instructor is wonderful and really keeps yah moving. My friend and I are starting a savings fund paying a buck each time we go if we don't go we still pay the fund. In July we will take a little casino bus trip fun fun!
I am feeling energized forsure.
Marie glad your getting your baby back soon. Good doggy walk.
Judi wish you were here to go to the pool its so much fun and the hr. goes by quickly. She is wonderful and I am grateful for my friend whom also makes a difference lots of laughing when we get a min. to breath. I feel more in control these days hurrah!
Got some more green beans to steam away for my dinner on wed. Well looks like we are all on a good drum roll here!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!
Keep it up move it to lose it is my deal. HI is coming soon and I want to be in shape got my hair cut today little shorter and what a difference a trim makes.

Carol- I am sorry to hear about your husband I hope he is doing better now. Yea I am trying to take care of me now and I am finally happy.

I had a good day eating wise I had fruit for breakfast, salad for lunch and carrots and brocolli with chicken for dinner. I snacked on some honey roasted nuts < not the best > and had a skinny latte for 90 calories at starbucks.

Nikki, isn't it gread the Bucks is making 90 cal lattes. I had one last week. I make my own mochas that start at 83 cals for 16 oz, but then with a dash of Almond Roca they go up just a tad as I hate the sugarfree sweeteners. :) I'm glad that you hooked up with your old fiancee and figured out what you want and need. That's a big positive step.

Carol, I love water aerobics. Good for you on the "fund". It's the same idea as my database to pay myself for exercising. My 2 year anniversary is approaching in 2 days since I started. I'd guess I'm at about 18 days of not exercising in those 2 years. I still log it daily and buy toys. So far I've earned a new LCD projector for my home theater, the big Ipod, a wood stove and am working for the monthly payments of my new Macbook. DH says nothing about my purchases because he knows I've earned them. so enjoy the bank growing and then the ultimate casino night.

Judy, you are doing so great on the exercise. You're starting to become addicted like myself. Ignore the darn scale. If the clothes are getting looser then you are way on the RIGHT track. I'm not even tempted by my scale anymore. April 25th, the 2 year anniversary of Nikki's 10 pound challenge is my weigh in date. Not a day before.

Penny, are you enjoying our weather yet??? Thank goodness for my light therapy box. The gray would be depressing otherwise.

Dear doggies and I walked again this morning. I wore my Christmas present pedometer that was resurrected after its splash in a puddle. I'd taken it apart and let it dry slowly. And it works!!!! So I'm well on my way to my 10000 steps as I did 4000 first thing in the morning. :) Yesterday I put it on after the walk and only did about 2000 so I'll need to walk more today to make the recommended 10000 steps. Too bad I sit on my butt all day working.

Tomorrow DS2 and I are going over the mountain to pick up his Macbook from repair, shop at Costco, and to go SKIING. :D Guess which one is tope on my list?

Marie

Carol - Your new gym sounds so great. Water aerobics are are great workout and such fun. I like the idea of a 'casino' fund. It would be wonderful to go to Las Vegas (or anywhere warm & sunny) right now! This cold damp weather is starting to get to me.

Nikki - I'm glad your personal life is back on track. I'm sure that will help you to lose as you'll have less stress. You asked about eating plans. Well, I'm not on any particular diet, just counting calories in my Spark People food log. I stopped doing this back in September and started gaining again. I find that if I limit my calories too much it's just too hard to stick to. I seem to lose (very slowly but consistently) if I eat 1500 - 1600 calories with light exercise (3x a week at Curves). The key for me is to enter EVERYTHING I eat as otherwise I get "calorie-creep" and suddenly I'm eating 1800-2000+ a day. It also helps to get the chart showing how much fats, carbs & protein I'm eating, so I can adjust and eat more protein for dinner, etc. if necessary. I could probably lose quicker if I did more exercise, but I don't think that's going to happen long term so I've got to be realistic. Everyone is different, but this seems to work for me, so I'm hoping to start showing lower numbers soon.

Judy - I'm glad to hear you're lighter than a year ago! :carrot: I'm a few pounds heavier, but hopefully that will soon change. You're doing great with the exercise so you're probably building muscle, which, as we all know, is heavier than fat! Keep up the good work - your 'can do' attitude is infectious!

Marie - I love my skinny lattes too. I make one for us every morning. I used to make it with my espresso machine, but now I brew up some fairly strong, good, coffee like Seattle's Best and I make the foam with my nifty Aerolatte gadget. You just heat some nf milk in the microwave and put the little battery operated whisk thingy in and it makes the best, thick foam - much better than the espresso machine. You have to use nf milk as regular or 2% doesn't foam up as good. You're going to have to let me know what kind of light box you've got. These damp dreary days are starting to get to me! It's been a much drearier winter than usual - not all that cold, but grey. Looks like you had a ton of snow dumped on you yesterday. It was on the news here quite a bit how the passes down there were all closed. They were saying it was a lot of dry powder. The skiing must be great!

Juls - I hope you come back and visit soon!

:hug: G,day lovely ladies I was just skimming a few posts and it seems like everyone is in a good frame of mind and ready to :kickbutt: in 2008 :carrot:

Hi Nikki I am looking forward to getting to know you and it is good to see you back we all need all the help we can get.

It looks like everyone had fun over the holidays, New Year aaaahhhh what can I say, more family drama :dizzy: to be honest I just try to block it all out, I think my girls will be much better off when they realise they don,t need a man in thier lives to make them feel worthwhile especially one,s that are ego maniac,s, control freaks that think they are better than everyone else. I taught my kids to like people for who they are not for what they have, I,m not into possessions and material stuff I would rather have someone who has nothing at all but a kind heart and caring soul than all the riches in the world I don,t know maybe I,m weird :?:

Anyway I look forward to catching with you all in this wonderful New Year.
And Ladies we are going to make it our year no more excuses or falling off the wagon for me, enough is enough. I,m sick of saying oh well my DH loves me just the way I am so who cares WELL DAM IT I CARE. I tell myself I don,t have the will power or I,ll start tomorrow, sure I,ve lost 13lb but I,ve been at this for 6thms this time and I should of lost more than that if I was a bit more committed and a bit tougher on myself, **** it is 9 day,s into the new year already and I lost not a even an ounce this week well it just isn,t good enough I,ve ordered a treadmill and I am going to be more active, the bursitis and arthritis aren,t going to get any better so I,ll just have to live with the pain some days are better than others.
Sorry to rave on but I needed to give myself a swift kick up the butt and there is still plenty to kick at the moment but not for long, I don,t want to be super skinny I would settle for 160 hey at 50 I don,t expect to look like Twiggy but I,ll settle for a J,LO behind :lol:

Take care bye for now, JULS :grouphug: