Hi Red. We went to San Jose for the day, that is why I knew I was doomed. I could have gone when we got back, but after a long car ride and getting in at a late hour, it was pretty darned impossible to get inspired. So yes, pause.
Day 4 completed, run! 1 pause left. I am about to go for a run right now....
Good job on the apple, Red. And good save with the soup! When ever I try to limit calories, it takes a few days for movement on the scale. Those first few days are tough, but it will be worth it. Stick to it as best you can, and if you go over one day, compensate by extra exercise, or a bit less the next day. You can do it!!

Just got back from my loop walk. A full hour and 45 minutes with a couple stops. It was hard at first but got easier and then I was going fast just to get the friggin' thing over with. Raining too and the wind was strong so the umbrella was a pain as well.

I'm in a vile mood. Partly because this constant vigilance with the calories is ticking me off. And because I know it's going to be long, hard work. Long, SLOW work. And that totally sucks. It is SO easy to pack in the calories and yet takes so much work to expend them. The exact opposite of earning and spending money. I guess though in the olden days it was hard to find food and easy to have to work it off. That's what we're made for. I don't want that so I'll take this.

Anyhow, the Apple Challenge is done for the day. That's Day 17 done!

Apple -- Hi there! Good for you to complete Day 4. Did you get the run in you were about to do? The soup....oh, yeah, that was a while ago already. It really was quite a save. Maybe all I need is a bit of change.
Thanks for the encouragement on the scale. I have a feeling it's still not going to budge for tomorrow. I suppose as long as I'm sore, but being sore is because I've been working out and, with all the effort, I really wish I could see something happening. Oh well. just have to wait.
The calories are going well. I think I may be eating too much actually. But I'm going to stick to this system and try to be consistent long enough to see if it's working. I know I could still pack in tons and tons more if I weren't watching the calories. But, as I said before, it is so irritating.
Also, with the guy at work, yes, I'm going to show him but I don't want to do anything with him, like a challenge or mutual support. I know that will turn into him giving me his unsolicited advice continuously ad nauseum. So, I'm just going to do it on my own. You bet!

Day 5 completed, run! 1 pause left.
Just a quick check in to be sure I at least get that done. I'll write more later if there's time!

Hurrah! Hurrah!
 

Hurrah, hurrah, the scale says I'm 1.5 lbs under my starting weight. It's about time!! Four days on my plan of 1,500 calories a day plus points for exercise. I always underestimate the exercise points on purpose. I did this before and if I was consistent the fat started coming off. I am sure to eat good food and to keep junk to a bare minimum. I will generally allow myself to eat some junk at the end of the day with any leftover calories I have. Well, now to keep it going. I think I can, I think I can, I think I can....I KNOW I can!

Continuing with my apple-a-day challenge is helping I think. It makes me think, plan, prepare, the whole ritual from store to mouth. It helps so much that this morning now as I am getting ready to go the gym before work, I have my cut-up apple, a Thermos of asparagus soup and some vegetables from home to make a salad at work. Wow!

Apple -- Way to go!!!! Three cheers for you! :bravo: :bravo: :bravo:

Day 6 completed, run! 1 pause left.

RED!!!:cheer2::cheer3::cheer2::cheer3::woohoo:
You have done it! Now keep it up!!! You are doing great! It's exactly what I need to do. The exercise part is coming pretty easy, now if I count calories....

Day 7 completed, run! 1 pause left.
Yesterday was not a good eating day for me either. I had pre-menstrual munchies, and could not stay in control. Plus I had a bit too much beer. Today I am feeling very hungry, but not in the munchy way of yesterday.
I WILL be doing calorie counting, but only on the days DH is out of town. It's kind of hard other wise. I know that sounds lame, but I think it will work.
Looks like March will be a wash and that really stinks. Now I only have 3 months until the wedding. I am hoping to get serious about the eating in April, maybe I can pull off 8 pounds, then in May I will be able to exercise a lot more, and June too, so maybe 5 per month for a total of 18. That would satisfy me! There's work to be done!!
I like your new balloon, Red!

Day 8 completed, run! 1 pause left.
Ahhh, I had the morning to myself today. It was great. Of course I didn't do anything I really NEED to do, just relaxed. Which is nice now and then. Took BOTH dogs for a walk, but not at the same time. They both need so much training so individual time is better. Actually, I think I am the one who needs training. They are both smart dogs and with the right guidance would learn fast. We will probably take a training class some time soon.
I hate TOM. I feel so bloated and yicky. And I always gain a few pounds for a week, so it doesn't exactly motivate.
Yay RED, for finishing the apple challenge! (Hey all you lurkers, jump in and congratulate the girl!) :hat::cheer2::cheer3::cheer2::hat::cheer2::cheer3: :cheer2::cheer3::hat:
So what is next? Carrot a day? Avocado a day? Kiwi a day!;)

STOP!!! Don't post here!!!