Waiting on TOM. Should have been yesterday, but no. Hopefully today. Need to get it over so I can lose this weight gain. 178.6 today!! Yikes!!!

Did Bootcamp the other night at school. Was really sore yesterday. So we did Cardio MAx last night. Man...not doing those DVD's all summer shows.

Lord have mercy!! I know TOM is in the house but 180.6 today...really??? You have got to be kidding. That is like a 7 pound gain. Unthinkable. Guess I will have to wait and see what the next week holds. Gonna work out like a madman and see if I can at least get back down to below 175. Crap!!!

Hi-really feeling the pressure of being new at work and only having someone with me one day a week training me--it leaves a lot for me to figure out on my own and I feel so far behind. I'm not sure what to do about it?!

I have to start making my workouts--I am planning on going to my 6:30 pm Zumba class tomorrow night.

Mindy: Are you still logging your food and keeping track of your calories/fat? I know I need to get back into that happen--and I"m going to right now.

Angela: How is it going with you?

Hi Ladies, I made it to a workout last night! Yeah me!! I went to Zumba and it sure did feel good to move and sweat.

My food is going really well for the week and I feel better; more energy.

Did anyone watch the Biggest Loser last night? I just love Bob--he's hard when he needs to be to get results but he knows how far to go and he is so encourging even when he is pushing you.

When they were showing the favorite foods that some of the contestants received and I saw them I could relate...and I thought "why would I put that in my body". Also, the real age segment really got me to thinking as well. I'm reflecting on those things in my journal to keep me motivated this week.

Looking forward to hearing from everyone.

Back to doing some heavy duty DVD's. I worked hard tonight. I am pissed that I gained 7...yep7..pounds before TOM. How can that even happen. Now I want them gone...like now!!! I am begining to feel like I will always be in the 170's someplace. Distressing.

Hi Ladies,

I am happy to report a 1.75 lb loss on Thursday's TOPS weigh-in.

Also, I don't know if Mindy and Kelly saw on FB but I had a health scare this past week.

I went on Sept 29 to get my routine mamo and got a call on Sept 30 that something showed up and they needed to get a better look. Talk about freaked out!! I had a diagnostic mamo on Oct 1. They were trying to get a better look and see why the density in my right breast looked different than the year before. They couldn't see through the density using the diagnostic mamo and then took me in for a ultrasound of the breast. The tech could not see anything popping out, so the radiologist came in and confirmed that there was nothing under the density that showed suspicious. I will have a recheck in 6 months. I'm glad they did the ultrasound, it gives a much better look.

I told my husband this is a wake up call. I've got 6 months to get some weight off, my goal is 30 lbs. Extra weight, means extra estrogen and that can contribute to breast cancer. Also, I am going to use exercise, prayer and meditation regulary to help me with stress..my stress level has been very high for over a year--high stress leads to many disease.

I hope you are having a great weekend. Plan to stay on your plan. Come and post everyday. It will put our weight-loss desires in the forfront of our lives and we can then commit to it each day.

Mindy: I think once you get a week or so under your belt of those DVD's you will see the weight come off. Also, I would encourge you to post your food and calories and fat intake every day here so you can be sure that you are getting enough calories and your fat intake is within range..and hopefully that will help you to see all your efforts and how it is paying off for your health and weight-loss effort.

Angela: How are you? What is going on?

Kelly: Would love to hear from you!

Hi! Where is everyone?

I'm doing good with the food. I even talked myself out of a pre-dinner snack and just waited until it was time to eat...and I didn't die! lol

Exercise not there yet..but I am going to Zumba tomorrow night. I'm trying to get things caught up at home and get into a afterwork schedule that allows me to go to the Y and still have time at home to get things done.

Hope to see everyone here!

Ladies,
Not been doing well here. I got down to 200 a few days ago(sooo close) and then back up to 204.5 today. :( I know I've had a bad couple of weeks. TOM was horrible, cravings too.Not feeling well, busy evenings, and warm, rainy weather all contributed to the problem. I do well for a few weeks and then BAM, I fall off the wagon a little and have to get back on, but at least I do get back on, right? Anyway, I walked 1.5 miles tonight. The weather is better, but most of the yards in my neighborhood were cut today, so I would have kept walking, but the fresh cut grass was aggrevating my allergies and asthma, so I came in and had to use my inhaler, which I very rarely use. I guess I need to take a zyrtec on Mondays if I'm planning on walking the neighborhood. I got a new DVD last week. I haven't tried it yet, but I'm looking forward to it. It's a Walk Away The Pounds one.
Susie- I'm sorry to hear about your health scare, but on the other hand, glad it was just a scare and not something more serious. I've actually never had a mammo, but it is something that worries me a little. Luckily, I don't have a family history, but my breasts are large and dense, so I'm thinking of starting earlier than the typical 40 or 50. It's just another thing to add to my list of things to get checked out as soon as I have $ and insurance again.

Well girls it is breast cancer awareness month. take care of em. I need to have the Brca gene test done. My mom has the bad gene.

177's. YUCK!! WHY??

Hi Ladies,

I made it to Zumba on Tuesday..I lOVE that workout. Now I just got to get into the habit of daily workouts. I keep trying and I plan and then I let other things creep in there.

I had a migrane yesterday and still have it a bit today..going to the chriopractor after work..that always takes care of it. So, I didn't work out last night..just couldn't do it with my head pounding that way all day.

I'll see tonight what the verdict is at TOPS.

My food is going really well and I'm just so amazed at how much better I feel without being stuffed all the time and filling up on sugar and junk and how I crave veggies and protein when not stuffed with the other junk.

Angela: You are still so very close to that 199..don't give up..and I'm so proud of you for getting back on that wagon.

Mindy: Hope TOM arrives soon and you see that WHOOSH. That is scare about your mom having the gene. I have a friend who had breast cancer last year and they tested here for that gene...and she doesn't have it...isn't that strange?

For sure ladies take care of the ta tas. Regular monthly exams, and then testing when appropriate as well. Also, losing weight is helpful, eating healthy and exercise..all of that lowers the risk.

See you all tomorrow--which is my 22nd wedding anniversary!

Just got in from a nice walk. Went 2.52 miles, my longest distance yet. I got a later start last night and only did 1.35 miles. it got too dark for my liking. Even though it's a safe neighborhood and there are street lights, I guess I just don't really care to walk by myself in the dark. So, I got an earlier start tonight and walked longer before it got too dark. The weather is great with a cool breeze.
Happy Anniversary Susie!

So today, I was totally off the wagon with food...I'll be back on tomorrow.

We had a lovely anniversary day---we took off from work and just spent the day together doing some shopping, eating, sleeping in.....very nice day.

Angela: Good for you for walking. I don't like to walk in the dark eithier.

This has been on very full weekend. I told my husband that it is the last weekend I overschedule. While we are doing a lot of fun things I haven't had much time to myself just to check-in with me. I'm eating on the run, no ideas of the calories I might be taking in and no formal exercise.

Today we are going to church and then to the Saukraut Festival in Waynesville, OH. It's going to be packed! We are having 80 degree weather in Ohio this weekend. It's just beautiful out. No humidty and a lot of sunshine. At least at the festival I will be standing a lot and walking a lot. There are over 500 vendors there every year. I'm looking for a winter-theme painted sled to put on my sled or snow shovel to decorate my pourch for the winter season. Who knos what else I might find!

Even though we have been busy my DH has been a great help to me this weekend and the house is clean and the laundry almost done-only one more load. We need to go to the grocery but that will be after we return to the festival. I am looking forward to having myself a baked potato ith saurkraut at the festival.

Monday ladies, I"m back to logging my food, recorrding the calories and maybe even the fat grams and back to formal workouts.

Looking forward to seeing how you all are doing this weekend and what you plan on doing this coming week to reach your weight-loss goals.

Well the weekend's over. I hope everyone had a great one! Nothing real interesting going on here. I am crossing my fingers for that elusive 199 this week. :crossed: I'm still sticking to walking every night. It's not always the same distance, but averages at least 30 minutes and anywhere from 1-2 miles. I'm trying to slowly build up the distance and pace.
I have to admit I haven't been great on the food side. Not horrible, but not great either. I was in the mood to bake yesterday, so I made cupcakes. I'm trying not to eat too many, though. I tried something new yesterday, too. I'm a fairly picky eater and had never tried avocados, which you always hear are supposed to be pretty healthy. Last week I was at a friend's house and she has a tree full, so I picked a couple. They were ripe enough yesterday, so I had been looking for some recipes and kind of made up my own for guacamole and it's actually pretty good. I used greek yogurt, some onion, salt, and lemon juice. Now the tortilla chips are not so healthy, but in moderation, and I'm going to try using it as a veggie dip too.

Susie- How was the festival? I know weekend events can make it difficult to stay on track. I hope it wasn't too bad for you. This will be a better week, I'm sure. Great idea getting back to keeping track of those food numbers. I know I need to do the same myself. Have a great week!

Mindy- Have a great week, and I look forward to reading your posts.

Kelly- It's been forever! I miss you!

GEESH!! Things have gotten busy this week. Took Monday off to work on the barn...that was fun!! We are MEAP testing at school...huge deal. WOrking out late every night, but getting it in. Weight is up and I want to hurt something. I seriously do not know what to do differently. I think I will be in the 170's for the rest of my life. :( Ladies..Keep up the good work. Any ideas or suggestions...send them my way.

Ladies, this week hasn't gone the way I planned. I have been dealing with some sort of virus---GI issues and low-grade fevers. This is the first day I have eaten real food and drank more than sips of water. I could function as long as I didn't eat more than jello and drank gingerale.

I did join the gym at work so I can get back to working out a couple days at work and have a few evenings at home. My plan is to workout S, M, T at the local Y. W&TH at work, Sat at the local Y.

I plan on the schedule starting next week.

Mindy: Sounds like a busy week for you. Look at you---getting that workout in even when it's late. I have no idea why you can't seem to get out of the 170's. Do you know how many calories you are takening in and burnning? Are you still using your Body Bug?

Angela: You are approaching the exercise right--doing it everyday is key. Also, good job on trying some new food!

Still going! Keeping with the walks every night. They're actually kind of enjoyable. I've got my music and I can just tune everything out for a good 30-45 minutes. I was dragging tonight for some reason, moving slower than usual. Just over a mile and a half, so I still need to up the distance. I tried to get my brother to go up to the tennis courts instead tonight, but he didn't want to. I like my alone time, but then sometimes I feel like I want a workout buddy. It's tough doing it alone. If I didn't have you ladies, I know I wouldn't still be working, so THANK YOU! Weight was 202 today, so still on my way down.

Mindy- I'm so sorry about the plateau you seem to have hit. I really wish I had some suggestions, but this is still so new to me. I actually need to do some reading/ research myself. I know you've probably already answered this question, but have you talked to your Dr. about your concerns?
Just hang in there and know that we are here as a sounding board.

Susie- :getwell: I've had GI issues in the past, so I feel for you. Hang in there and get back on track as soon as you can.

Hi! It has been a beautiful day here in Ohio. I should have gone for a early evening walk but I didn't . I am planning it tomorow.

I'm feeling much better--finally over the GI issues and fever. My hubby had it for two days.

Angela: I am so proud of you for doing that walk! I like to workout alone too..but then I like to have a workout buddy sometimes. That is why you will find me on the treadmill somedays, or walking the neighborhood and other times in a Zumba class.

Mindy: How are you doing?

Kelly: What is going on with you?

Ward; It's been a long time but I"m hoping you still check on us from time to time...come back to us!

Spent all day Sunday dealing with a migrane. This is my 3rd one in 7 days. I thinki it is because I don't stretch my back and sholders and I work over a keyboard all day long.

I am going to the chiroprator to get a range of motion back in my upper body, back and shoulders and neck and I'm going to make a point of doing some desk stretches every 20 min.

I did go for a walk tonight...it felt good to move and my chiropracter told me it would be good to do that daily-in fact he told me to do that daily for 3 weeks and then start to build in other exercisesand always stretching.

I'll listen...that pain was horrilbe and it stopped me from getting a lot of things I had hoped to get done,done.

Looking forward to others posts.

Hello????? It's so empty in here I can hear a echo. Where is everyone?

I am happy to report that I have worked out 3 days in a row this week. Mon and Tuesday were 45 min walks and today was 45 min of Zumba--did that class at work...felt so good!

I'm so lonely here!!!!! Where is everyone? Please come back,

I had a 4.5 lb loss at my TOPS weigh-in on Thursday!:carrot:

I've been a little off track today with my food but will get back on track tomorrow. It wasn't really bad today but just eating here and there because I wasn't on a "normal" routine today. For me to be sucessful I know I need to be on a routine most of the time.

Sorry for deserting you Susie. Things have been really nuts around here. Work has been busy,giving the MEAP test to my class. Staff meetings, working out after school etc. Then there have been family birthday get togethers and band concerts etc. Then one night I found out my sister has stage breast cancer. Devastating!!!! She is mad and freaked out and not handling it well. She is having surgery on Wed, which includes removing her lymph nodes. Needless to say..it has been a tough week. Keep her in your thoughts and prayers.

Susie- So happy to hear about your workouts..keep it up. TOM is coming for me so I'm not even really worried about weight right now. Not that anything is happening anyhow.

Mindy--good to hear from you! and it does sound like you have been busy.
I'm so sorry to hear about your sister's diagnosis. I will keep her in my prayers for sure. What stage is it in? My sister-in-law was 43 years old when she was told she had stage 3 breast cancer. It was a tough year, but it's been 5 years now and she's doing great!

I can't even begin to know what your sister is feeling. I know that last month when they called me and told me that they saw something on my mamogram I heard all the blood in my body rushing in my ears and I was numb for hours! I have that recheck in 6 months (now 5) and as you can see I'm very aware of the time that is passing.

Hi! It looks like we are all busy this week?

I've not been on my personal email or pages this week....I've been on the computer so much at work that when I get home I don't want to get on the computer.

But I miss getting here everyday and giving and receiving support, so for the month of November I'm planning on making a change in behavior goal that I get here 5 days out of the week. Is anyone else setting goal for November?

Our trick-or-treat is tonight and I"ll be glad to have all that chocolate out of the house! I had a mini-binge on Snickers on Tuesday night.
I don't have TOPS weigh-in tonight as we cancelled the meeting due to the Trick-or-Treat.

I'm looking forward to hearing how everyone else is doing.

Hi Ladies,
Last day of October. If you are handing out treats for trick or treat be sure to make sure it is all given away so it won't be in the house tomorrow, which is a new month and you can set new goals. The past is behind you and tomorrow starts your future!

I have been working hard around this house this weekend, cleaning out things and organizing. I feel I need to get that all in place before the Holiday's start..they bring a lot of clutter, and clutter makes me feel nervous and then I soothe myself with food. I am determined that I will be 15 lbs lighter at the end of the year than I was at the first of the year. I already have a 3.5 lb lead on that.

Hope to see posts from all of you really soon!

Hi! So...is anyone lurking out there?

I was off track BIG time over the weekend..but got back on Monday afternoon and actually went for a walk last night at the Y on the track. I've got my workout gear with me for Zumba at lunch time today.

Is anyone watching Biggest Loser. I thought last night was interesting. With all the physical activity they did at the base you would have thought that big losses would have showed up but they didn't. It just proved to me that it's not about the hard, crazy workout, but it has to be a combination of the right food, the right portions, the right amount of exercise, the right amount of sleep, the right amount of down time. It's all a balance.

Mindy: Saw of FB that you did a 3 mile run yesterday. Good for you!

Angela: How close are you to ONEderland?

I know I have not been getting here very much. I just don't have much to tell. I gain 5 pounds before TOM, lose them and then gain them again. Not making any progress downward. I may be joining that gym and working out with Kelly again. Gonna see if I can swing it.

It is tough to be stuck like this. I am not happy to settle for this weight, but cant seem to get it to budge. Maybe the gym would help. We"ll see if I can manage it.

Girls- Keep working. I know it can be tough, but we are strong. Even though nothing is happening on the scale, I still workout almost eveyday. That has become part of my life. It is here to stay.

shhhhh...I think that I might actually be understanding my new job. :D
if so this will help me a lot to get on board and stay on board with my weight-loss plans. Although I have to stop thinking that I can only do this when things are calm and orderly...life just isn't always that way!

I have weigh-in tonight and I expect to be up a bit due to Snickers bitesize candy bars that didn't leave my house until Tuesday morning.

It's hard to post and weigh-in when there is no progress or it goes the wrong way but that is when it benefits me most to do so!

Mindy: I know you are not happy with your weight as it is, but lady, you have come so far you your statement about working out shows why and makes your success! I'm really proud of you and honored that I got to support you here as you made those changes! :hug:

Susie- thank you so much. Your words are encouraging. It is really tough to come post here when you fell there is nothing to tell. I will post at least a few times a week though. Honest. You keep working. Hope you can into the gruve.

Kelly, her husband and I went to the gym today. They joined and I am getting ready to. It was a really good workout. Gotta say I am proud of myself and some of the stuff I am able to do. I am REALLY hoping that this will be the kick I need to lose some more weight. Keep your fingers crossed.

Had a BAD weigh-in this week and just sort of down. I'll get back in the game..just taking a few days. I just feel so overwhelmed and I'm not sure why.

I know, I know, I haven't been here in awhile! I am sorry. Time just seems to be flying by and also, I haven't had much to say. I was not having any progress and wasn't trying real hard either. I haven't exercised in like 3 weeks. I hit a big bump in the road and wasn't making any progress. So, you can imagine my surprise when the scale said 199 today!! So, I
m hoping that is just the motivation I need to keep going, getting over that speed bump when I had been 201-204 for the last 2 months.
I'm trying to get rid of this nasty head cold and kind of feeling like crap, so I hope this is a step in the right direction, a positive point. Also, we decided to go to MI for Christmas and bought plane tickets this week. I'm really looking forward to seeing all the family, Kelly being one. That's going to be another motivator for me. Of course, the weight loss is for myself and my health, but it'll be a real bonus to look and feel good when I see everyone. I guess I should set a new goal for these next 2 months. Maybe instead of a number on the scale or a number of lbs to lose though, I'll set goals for better eating and more exercise and get back to keeping track of them both.
So, I promise to keep in touch more often and I'll add personal messages next time, so that this one doesn't get any longer.

Worked out at the gym with Kelly and her hubbie on Sat. Sore upper body ever since. Working out there with Kelly tomorrow. This should be interesting. I am waiting for my boss to join with me. I am really banking on the hope that this will be what I need to lose some more weight.

Susie- Hang in there. I've been there.

Ang- Good for you with the loss. Hopefully it keeps going for you. I'm sure you will enjoy coming to MI.

So that's wired that I'm the last one to post. Where are you girls?? I have been to the gym 3 times now. FIrst time left my upper body in pain. Next time waant a big deal. tonight I worked out hard. We'll see how I feel tomorrow. Any weight loss??**** NO!! Oh well.

Hi. It's good to see you girls posting. I had a busy week at work and just didn't feel like getting on the computer when I got home so I was MIA for the week.

I did have a 1.5 lb loss at TOPS. Would have LOVED to have lost all I gained last week but at least it was a loss.

Mindy: How GREAT that you and Kelly are working out together again. I think if you give it a little time you will see results again. I take it you are doing some weight training?

Angela: How awesome that you got to 199!

I am working hard at the gym. I do cardio one day and weight training the next, with a little cardio. Had a training session and learned some stuff. Hopefully I am on the right track. I feel like I have worked when I leave. The stairmaster is my new "friend"...NOT!! But it is very effective. Hope this is the key.

Susie- Glad you lost some. Keep working and you will lose the rest.

Hi. Sorry I haven't been here to much. It just seems like when I think of it, it is 10 pm and I really need to go to bed.

I had another loss this week. 1.25 lbs, so I was happy to see that. I need to get back to the gym and start to add some weight training into my workouts, but I know I won't be doing that until after the first of the year...I might but I'm not making promises. My focus for the rest of the year is 30 min of cardio 5-6 days a week, journaling my food and hoping that I keep seeing some sort of downward movement on the scales.

What's everyone doing for Thanksgiving?

Mindy: That stairmaster is a KILLER but it is effective. One time I went to the Arnold Classic and I was talking to one of the bodybuilders. He told me he did a hour on the stairmaster everyday...I was in awe!

I will check in more often this week.

I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving and is looking forward to the Christmas Holiday and then the New Year!

My TOPS group had a special weigh-in on Wednesday to help all of us make good choices yesterday--it seems when we miss a meeting due to a holiday we have a lot of gains the next week and we want to remain focused.

I didn't have a loss this week but I stayed the same and I was happy with that.

Today I got my Christmas decorations out and we have a new pre-lit tree this year. I haven't had a new tree for 22 years so this was a lot of fun!

I was in a major cleaning mood and my DH was very helpful in helping me move furniture. I spend most of the day cleaning and taking small breaks here and there. I still have my bathroom to clean and the ornaments to put on the tree...will do that tomorrow.

Looking forward to hearing from everyone.

How did everyone do over the holiday? I was pretty reasonable in my food..but I did have some wonderful things that I usually don't have! I just tried to compensate with portion control.

I did a 30 min lunch-time walk on the treadmill today. I have set up my work calendar so that on Mon, Wed, Thursday I do a lunchtime workout. I'll hit the YMCA in my home community on Tuesday night and I'm going to try to get there on Sunday's as well.

Looking forward to hearing from everyone.

Hi! It's lonely here!

I had a 1.75 lb weight-loss at TOPS last night. Every week that I have a loss it makes me just want to do it again.

Where is everyone?

I am dealing with a cold this week and have no motivation to workout. I just want to sleep and eat warm soothing foods. Trying to be "on plan". Which for me until Jan is to maintain.