Originally Posted by SCraver:
I was trying a new diet this past weekend. I call it "stomach-bug-from-son's-daycare". You get to lose 6 lbs in only one day!

LOL, hope you're feeling better!

Hello Ladies,
Down 2 lbs. this morning! :) Still working on the calorie intake-too low (1200 or less). Suppose be close to 1600. Should I let it go since I'm losing or keep trying to get it a little higher so I don't burn out?

No workout yesterday, unless 2 hours at Super Target counts :?: Worked 4 hours with my Mom today (cleaning condo), which I figure counts for something because it really tires me out. Not giving up, though! Gotta keep working on that.

Until tomorrow....
Angela

Scraver--I laughed so hard when I read about your new "diet"! I remember all too well having the same thing last April for about a week. Although, the 7 pounds I lost was from dehydration and I had to be hooked up to IV fluids. Unfortunately, all 7 pounds came
back:(. I am sending healthier vibes your way!!

Angela--If I were you, I would up the calories a bit and see what happens. At this point, I don't think you should be much under 1400, or else your body will think you are starving and start storing fat. It may hurt your metabolism, too. Besides, once you hit a plateau, you won't have any room to reduce your calories if you are already down around 1200. Congrats on the 2 pound loss!

Susie--Good job on the workouts. You are becoming the workout queen!

Techno--I'm glad you're here! You are cracking me up! How was your eating today?

Mindy and Ward--Hope everything is going well.

As for me, I went to my weigh in at work, and somehow lost 2 pounds. The scales at home had me thinking I would stay the same. The nurse who runs the show told me I had to lose 7 pounds this week to win. I just laughed hysterically and said, "Well, that's never going to happen!" See, I told you those other women would lose big the first week. Watch, they will all gain it back next week. It was kind of funny afterward, because Mindy and I had a conversation about how people are now commenting that "It must be getting really hard for you to lose since you have lost so much", and "Gosh, you don't have anything left to lose!" When I was big, I always thought people who were 150 or 160 lbs didn't have anything to complain about, but now I am close to that and I get it. Just because the number on the scale says 150 or 160, I may still feel fat. Especially if I haven't been working out and I'm not toned up. Does that make sense? I guess we can all be unhappy with our weight no matter what size we are. Ok, a book later....see everyone tomorrow!

HHMM!! Geting harder to lose weight. How about...impossible to lose weight. That's where I'm at right now. Still getting a good 1600 clories a day, sometimes closer to 1700. I am currently gaining, waiting for TOM. Who knows what post TOM will hold. Guess I'll have to wait and see.

Right now life is on my last nerve. It just seems everything is going wrong, everything is depressing, everything sucks. Sorry for being such a downer. I just can't see the silver lining right now. My son blew up his car (guess it should have oil in it) having financial strains, some personal relationships suck right now. I just want to run from my problems but know I can't. Life has got to get better.

mtiger - :hug: Things will get better!

Angela78 - Grats on the 2 lbs! How are you feeling at 1,200? That's what I'd be judging it on, personally. If you feel okay, I don't see a problem.

Kelly530 - Doing good! Still on track! Also grats to you on the 2 lbs.!

I'm feeling just a little bummed, as I lost 4 pounds between Monday and Tuesday, and nothing else since. Blah. I'm holding out, though, and hoping that it's just my body going, "What the ****, man?!" LOL. We'll see. Actually, that was when I stepped on the scale this evening. I think I also stepped on it for a second this morning, and it was at 224? I can't really remember, though! Must have been too early! LOL!

My birthday is coming up on the 4th, and my dad has already been bugging me about what we're doing. At first he asked if I wanted to go to the Texas Corral, a restaurant, and I was kind of iffy about it. I said, "Well, I could have a steak..." But, it didn't sound very exciting. I hate going to restaurants, being surrounded by all of that food I can't have, and watching everyone else eating it! LOL. Also, I didn't want to get the whole staff singing at me if my dad felt the need to tell them it was my birthday, and he loves doing that type of thing. Then, I'd also be battling that free piece of cake. No thanks! Well, today he called, and asked if we'd all come over for an early birthday dinner on Sunday. Guess what my step mom is making us all? A turkey! LOL! Which is totally cool with me, I can nom on some turkey, and everyone else can eat all of the other stuff with it. I also asked if he'd pick me up a thing of Diet Coke, and he laughed, and asked if I could have some rum, too. Of course I can have some rum! LOL! So, problem solved, so far. Of course, there's also going to be the traditional birthday party at my grandma's house. She's big on cooking, so, I don't know how that's going to go. The usual birthday party food for her to make is sloppy joes with chips and dip, or someone will order a couple of pizzas. And, of course, she makes my favorite chocolate zucchini cake. Once again, no thanks. Not going there. I appreciate her making it, and I know she's going to whether I ask her to, or not, so, whatever. All of that food will be enjoyed by everyone else. LOL. Maybe I will ask her to make me a steak. My grandma is the worst out of all of my relatives about pushing food. "You're not going to eat anything?!" "Please, have a plate!" Etc. LOL. Bless her heart. Well, I got the same thing from my step mom, earlier, too, she was having my dad ask me about cake, and when I said, "No cake for me!", she had him ask, "Not even a little piece?!" LOL, I said, "No, I can't." He-he-he. Funny stuff.

Whoo, wall of text, hello!

Nothing really to report since yesterday. 180.8 today, still waiting on TOM. I am hoping I can drop a little afterwards. Come on already.

DId last chance workout tonight. Think I will walk the mall tomorrow.

Happy Saturday everyone,
Not much to say- Weight is back up. 2 culprits: TOM and not working out. :( Anyway, got to get back to the workouts. This coming week should be much better, no TOM and I AM going to exercise!
Got my calories up to the 15-1600, but mostly bc dinners I was just using portion control instead of making a healthier alternative for myself. So, food is still a work in progress, but I'll get it.
Until tomorrow....
Angela

It must run in the family, Angela, because food is always the culprit for me!

I made my goal to be back down to 165 by the end of January. Yesterday I was 165.5 (I'll discount the .5!), then.....today, back to 167. What the heck?? Oh well, I will keep on working. I know I fluctuate a bit from day to day, anyway.

See you all...

:hug:Hi Ladies,
It looks like everyone is working their plan...that is the only way we will get to our goals....got to have a plan and work it.

I went and got my hair done this morning...cut, colored, highlighted...feel TONS better!

This afternoon was cleaning house. I'm finished except for the kitchen, will finish it tomorrow.

The food has been good yesterday and today. I didn't workout today. I give myself Saturday's off. I plan on getting up 1/2 hr earlier tomorrow than I usually do on Sunday's so that I can do my Walk-away-the-Pounds DVD workout. I like to go to the Y on Sunday afternoons but I tomorrow I need to sit down and reply to some help wanted ads so I will get that workout in first thing.

My biggest sucess right now is that I have not eaten for comfort for 2 days since Thursday. I was reading Techno's post where she said she decided to just get with it. That's what I did on Thursday, I told myself that I was making the decision I would not eat for comfort. My biggest help with the right now if a Blow-pop sucker, if after I journal about what is happening that makes me what to turn to food for comfort, or calling a friend to talk about it I still feel like I need something, I will have a Blow-pop.

Mindy: I hate that you are going through a rough time right now and I can feel your frustration with the numbers on the scale. :hug:

Kelly: Great attitude! and congrats on the weight-loss you showed for the BIL contest.

Angela: Good job on the portion control. Small changes show on the scales and you make them lifetime habits.

Techno: 4 ls is a good loss...and you have to let your body catch up and adjust...keep working your plan and the weight will come off.

SCarver: Sorry to hear you were sick...we are glad to have you back with us.

Ward: Where are you? Come inspire us with your workout reports! How are you doing with the training for the race?

Susie, good job hopping right back on the wagon. :carrot:

Angela, you're doing great. I read somewhere that losing weight is 80% diet and 20% exercise.

Kelly, I have no doubt you will meet that 165 goal. You're just getting closer and closer to your final goal. How will you celebrate when you get there?

Glad you are feeling better, SCraver.

Techno, I hope you can stay strong on your birthday. It's hard when everyone's shoving food at you.

And Mindy, :hug: I hope the tough times pass soon.

I have made it 22 straight days on plan and I'm feeling really good! Jeans are fitting, stomach is flatter, upper body is looking cut! Workouts are good and I am still loving the swimming. The tri I want to do is in June and I am a bit worried about the biking part. If it ever warms up, I will be out there training.

Tomorrow I will be tempted at an all-day birthday thing. I plan to JUST SAY NO! I don't want to wake up tomorrow with any regrets.

Ladies,
Update: Weight-down 2 lbs. YAY! :carrot: Food: Not bad.
Last night we went to dinner with friends-Steak 'N Shake. While everyone ate burgers and fries and 3 had milkshakes, I ate my Apple Walnut Salad with fat-free Rasp. Vin. and water. Not sure what the actual calorie count was, but I'm sure it was well within range and I was proud of myself. Then I woke up this morning and found Mom had made Belgian Waffles (one of my faves), but I bypassed them and made low sugar oatmeal and had a banana. :cb:
I looked up Calorie-count.com and it said I should eat 1315 cals. a day, so I'm going to aim for that and see what happens.

Kelly-I think you may be right, but why is it just the 2 of us? It's not fair. :( Congrats on your January goal. I am sure you will be at your final goal when I see you in July!!! I am shooting for the 190s at that time.

Mindy- I know you're frustrated, but you can do it.

Techno- Welcome, I am new to this, too. (2 weeks) So, we're all in this together. :hug:

SCraver- I'm glad you're feeling better.

Susie-Good job on avoiding the comfort eating. I applaud you on that one! :cp:

Ward- Thanks for the info on the 80%/20%. I hope the B-day party went well.

Until tomorrow....
Angela

Hi Ladies-So my plan this morning was to get up and get that workout in. I didn't do it in the morning but I just finished it. My hubby did it with me and do you know what he said "You are in better shape than I am", he does not have a weight problem but he does need to get more fit.

I did my WATP dvd and then the Biggest Loser 10 min abs (that is what killed him!) I felt my enegry level come up and I'm feeling good about myself.

Is anyone watching the Grammy's tonight? I can't wait! I'm watching the Red Carpet....so glamorus! It reminds me that I have two summer weddings in June that I am attending and I have a couple of dresses I would like to wear to them...got to work hard now to get there then!

Ward: Upper body looking cut..YOU GO GIRL! :cp: Also I love what you said "I don't want to have any regrets in the morning" that is going in my journal and will become my mantra. I hope you don't mind me borrowing it.

Angela: Congrats on the loss!

Mindy, Kelly, SCarver, Techno: I hope you have all enjoyed your Sunday and I'm looking forward to seeing your posts.

Hey! I just came in to see what's poppin'! It looks like everyone is doing great! :hug: Keep up the good work!

I wanted to let you all know that I did great this weekend. I'm very proud of myself. -Pats self on back-

I didn't budge an inch, and it was very hard with the boyfriend around, I absolutely love having meals with him.

I even cooked tacos for the household, and broiled my own chicken while doing so. It didn't exactly come out at the same time, but, I still enjoyed sitting with everyone while they ate.

My early birthday party at my dad's was today, and I did great there, too. No one pestered me to eat any of the extras. Not even a piece of cake. It was great.

That's about all, nothing too exciting. :D

Hi!

I had the day from **** yesterday and I didn't get off work until 7:00 p.m. so I didn't make it to the gym. That will not happen tonight..I have my workout bag with me and I'm leaving at 4:30 to make my 5:30 class!

I'll be watching Biggest Loser tonight..is anyone else. You know how on that show they will tell you to chew gum if you are having an issue with a craving...well..it works..I did this about 10 a.m today and after 15 min the craving went away and I could deal with it.

It's lunch time and I'm eating my healthy lunch (boiled potatoes, green beans, beets, cottage cheese and grapes)--for those of you who don't know it, I'm a vegitarian.

Have a good day everyone!

Techno: I'm proud of you too!

I am kind of depressed about by current weight today. I can't seem to lose anything this week, and I know I am very close to my goal weight, but it is still frustrating! I am the kind that if I don't get immediate results I give up and eat. I, however, did not give in to the temptation of eating everything in sight, because I am determined. I just can't seem to lose unless I eat less than 1200 calories per day, and work out every day. In my life, that just doesn't always work. So, I will press on, doing everything I can when I can.

See you all tomorrow!

I haven't been here in ages it seems. TOM was 5 days late....YIKES!!! It brought about 5 pounds with it...183.8. I am frustrated as **** and don't know what to say. I am still eating 1600 cals/day. I promised to try it for an entire month. All I can think to do now is up workout time. Maybe I need a min. of 45-60 min/day. I just seriously don't know what to do.

Angela - THAT IS AWESOME! I know how hard it is to bypass the "bad" stuff and eat something healthy! And you did it not once, but twice!! :bravo:

Susie - It sounds like your work outs are going well!

Techno - It sounds like you are doing amazing, too! My mom likes to say that eating with friends and family is about enjoying each others company - and not about over eating. I always feel extra good when I can eat healthfully around friends and family without over-indulging!

Kelly - I have heard it is the last little bit that it hardest to lose (I plan to find out first hand!) How about trying to up your fiber intake? The nutritionist I saw said fiber is great for weight loss. More veggies?

Mindy - I think TOM is the worst. There are times when I feel like I could each and each and never feel full. And even when I do eat right, I think it is nearly impossible to lose weight for those 4 (give or take) days. This, too shall pass (only to come again next month! Lol!)


I am doing good... I lost a few lbs with the stomach bug and managed not to gain all of them back. I am down to 222. I had my fat % measured at the gym yesterday and that is down 1.2% from November. (whoo hoo! It is going in the right direction) and the trainer at the gym has given me new exercises to do for the next six weeks. She gave me 6 this time instead of 8. And wants me to focus on getting in all three sets. I am going to be in my sister's weddig in October and I am hoping to be down to 210 b/f I need to buy my dress. Then, when the time comes, I am hoping to have to have the dress taken in another size! We shall see!!

Eating is on track. I need to focus harder on getting in more veggies. I have been sticking to the right calories - but I have been eating crap like Lean Pockets a little more than a should. I am going to go to Big Y tomorrow and stock up on chicken. It is buy 1 get 2 free. (with bones) then I am going to use the bones to do my own chicken broth and make my own soups! (whoo hoo - no MSG!)

Hey ladies,
I know, I haven't written in a few days. Not much to say, I guess. I've been going up and down a pound or two. I was at 222 this morning. It would be nice to get out of the 220s. I've been having knee pains for a couple of days, which is weird, since I haven't really been working out. I don't know if I should try to work through it or wait until it goes away.
I found a BL Quick Start Program last night and for $5, I had to get it. It came with a journal full of food and exercise info plus lots of workbook pages to fill in, a meal and exercise planner, 30 minute workout mix CD, recipe book, and a measuring tape. I'm anxious to start using it. I found it at Big Lots, so those beginners like me, if you have one nearby, you might want to check for it.
Anyway, everyone keep up the good work and have a great day!
Until tomorrow....
Angela

Hi Ladies,
I had a great workout last night. I walked on the track for 30 min and then I did an hour of yoga with my favorite instructor. I always feel so much better after yoga.

I finally got to watch the end of BL last night. I found it interesting that John wasn't doing well until he found the type of workout that worked for him. It was interesting to me because I thought to myself, how many times have I (and others) pushed ourselfs into a "one size fits all" weight-loss plan. We truly do need to look at this as a journey, one where we keep moving down the road toward or destination and be open to detours and different routes to get there.

I will have to do personals later but I wanted to stop in and give and get a little motivation. You all are the BEST!

Originally Posted by MyChoice2bfit:
Hi Ladies,
I thought to myself, how many times have I (and others) pushed ourselfs into a "one size fits all" weight-loss plan. We truly do need to look at this as a journey, one where we keep moving down the road toward or destination and be open to detours and different routes to get there.

YES! Yes! YES! I always found, if I was trying a new "diet" where I had to go out and buy "weird" foods I don't normally eat or do exercises that are torture... it wasn't something I would stick with. Don't get me wrong - trying new foods is good - but you have to eat things that you like, that you are going to cook, that are easy to buy, etc. You have to do exercises that at least make you feel good when you are done with them.

I sat with the trainer at the gym to go over my nutrition one day and she gave me a hard time about my serving of goldfish (yes, I counted out all 55 of them). She said they are sinple carbs and to think of them like candy. Well... I like my 55 goldfish on occassion (along with a string cheese or cottage cheese for protein). And I know I can fit 55 goldfish into my calroies/carbs for the day if I want them and still lose weight...

BUT those 180/190 calorie frosted sugar cookies that BJ's and Stop & Shop carries... I know I CAN'T eat those. I CAN'T easily fit them into my calorie/carb range for the day... And I am OK skipping out on those. (Like I did this past weekend)

I think it is all about trial and error - figuring out what works and what doesn't work for you.

Scraver- I have resumed reading Jillian's book and she says there are certain things we must eliminate from our diets. #1- partially hydrogenated oils. That sucks. It is in everything. Probably your goldfish, my teddy grahams (boo hoo), granola bars, crackers, chips, just about everything. I am going to hunt today while shopping for alternatives without the junk in it.

#2 on her list- High fructose corn syrup. Again... it's in everything. I think I am going to takle #1 first, then when I get "stronger", try #2. It means really giving up some things we really love. And those cookies....around here they are called lofthouse, sugar cookies with icing. LOVE THEM!!! They are definetely a once in a while treat.

Went to a work party last night. I didn't eat dinner so I had room to munch. Didn't eat that much actually. I made up for it with drinks and shots. It was fun. Scale went from 183.6 to 181.2. HHMM!!! Should I do that more often? Probably not. It is just the TOM 5 pounds leaving my body.

Hello--I have been out of commison for a few days. I caught that stomach bug....started feeling badly on Saturday morning and by 5:00 p.m. I was in the ER. I had been getting sick about every 30 minutes and couldn't keep anything down.

I felt better yesterday but slept a lot--I am staying home from work today to give myself one more day to recover. I really haven't eaten much of anything yet and smells are very strong to me. Also, my husband woke up around 4 this morning and it looks like he has the same thing! As sick as I was I know I wouldn't have wanted to be home alone and so I'm stayning home to be with him as well.

Just wanted to pop in and see what all was going on.

Mindy: You amaze me at how you keep looking and working for your solution to get you to your goals...never give up...you will get there!

SCraver: I think the gold fish are a GREAT choice over those sugar cookies!

Mindy - yup... I have been trying to cut out the partially hydrogenated oils (along with the hydrogenated oils... also known as trans fats). It is suprising how much stuff has them in it.
I have also been working on getting the HFCS out of my diet. (stonyfield and chobani yogarts are best for yogart) It's in everything from sodas to soups.

I have just started on MSG and trying to get that out of my diet... I made my own chicken stock this weekend... Lol! It was my first attempt. Next time I will either use double the chicken parts or half the water. It came out pretty lame. (At least there's no MSG!) I am hoping once I use it to make soup and add veggies, etc. it will be fine? I guess I am used to the sodium over load from the canned stuff.

Susie: that REALLY stinks about the stomach bug. There is nothing I hate more than being naseous.

Saturday night I decided to replace my lunch and dinner with Spring time Oreos and Cheddar Pretzel Combos. It was a tasty dinner and I didn't feel guilty at all. I just needed a bit of a break to be bad, but now I am back to being "good". I cooked a bunch of chicken yesterday and I will divide it up and freeze it in meals to grab when I don't have time to cook. (Making my own frozen dinners!) Better than Lean pockets, Lean Cuisines and frozen pizzas!!

Yesterday, I went to a friends house for the SuperBowl. We had Steak, Sweet Potatoes and Broccolli for dinner and a small portion of dessert. Healthiest SuperBowl EVER. It was great!

Hey Ladies,
Sorry I haven't been on in a few days. It's been a little crazy. My brother has been in town, so we've been eating out and having big family dinners. Friday was Red Robin (Gourmet Burgers) for dinner, Saturday was the local Seafood Festival, Sunday, Super Bowl Party, and tonight is his last meal at home-a big turkey dinner. I have been a little lax on keeping track of everything, because some were just too hard to figure out, but I've been pretty good about portion control and my weight hasn't changed much, luckily. It just goes back and forth between 220 and 222. I was afraid I would gain everything back. That didn't happen, so I can't complain. Just have to get back on the wagon tomorrow.
As for everyone else, I don't see a lot of posts this week, so maybe everyone's in the same boat? Well, good luck to everyone and I'll "talk" to you soon.
Angela

I don't think it is every going to stop snowing! I'm tired of winter...but complaining about it won't change it.

I went to work today. It was a very quiet day. Most people were out because we had 8 inches of snow overnight (on top of 8 inches that happened on Friday) we are to get another 4-5 tonight.

I shoveled snow for an hour when I came home. DH usually shovels it but he is just getting over from being sick. I don't plan on shoveling again. It sent me into an IC (Intersistial Cysitis) flare! I'm in a lot of pain right now and trying to get it calmed down. It will be gentle walks for me the rest of the week.

My food is light--don't feel like eating much of anything right now except jello and soup.

Angela: Yes, get back on the wagon right now! Don't wait one more day!
SCarver: I'm impressed with your Super Bowl party menu! Great job!
Where is everyone?

Well, ladies, the name of my workouts the last two days is...snow shoveling. Last night when I got home from work I shoveled for about 45 minutes, then it snowed all last night, we had a snow day from school :carrot:, and I shoveled again today for about 2 hours. My arms are kind of jello-ey right now.

Sorry I have been MIA for so long. My daughter was in a hockey tournament last weekend so we were out of town (they won by the way!!) and my husband and I had to go to court Monday, so my routine has been all wacky. Through all the "out of routine" days, my weight has stayed the same, thankfully. This week I am kicking off a new diet plan, thanks to the advice of all of you here. I am going to kick up the fiber in my diet, eat more fruits and veggies, and just try to eat more whole, raw foods, instead of all the boxed and processed junk. For now, I am trying to find meals I like, so I have put aside the calorie counting for a while. Eventually I will probably have to get back to it, but for now, I am going to focus on eating things that are as healthy as possible.

I hope everyone is not giving up. I hope you are all just busy. Don't stop posting!!! Most experts say this is the time of year that most people give up on their New Year's Resolutions. Don't be one of those people! Don't let this year pass you by! I know I am not.

Kelly- You know I'm not giving up. I am shedding the TOM weight this week. YAY!!! 178 this morning. Hoping for 177 something tomorrow for weigh-in at school.

I was getting ready to workout tonight when my DD came in and we had a sick horse. Bad bellyache that could kill a horse. We walked her for about an hour until we got poop. She seems to be feeling better now. Then I did Shred level 2 for 30 min. Think I got in a good workout tonight.

My friend, Rick, and I have decided to do some 5K's together. So, I need to get my @$$ movin' on the treadmill and outside (once it stops snowing!). I just did 5k on the treadmill in 42:06 mins. I don't think that is too shabby for a fat chick! And I will only get better with practice!

That is all.

Hope everyone else is doing well!

Looks like everyone has taken a break from posting.

Friday was a good weigh-in, 176.4. Yesterday I went up to 177.2, today 177.4. Not bad, but I still like the 176's better. I am trying to get back there. I won 2nd place in our school contest, because I lost about 6 pounds in a week. Man that TOM gain just kills me.

Went to a huge mall in Novi, MI yesterday. Bought the cutest white pleather jacket. Can't wait to wear it. Plan on enjoying the rest of my 3 day weekend. Hope everyone is doing well.

Hi Ladies--It seems that most of use have been MIA for a bit. I don't know about you all but the cold and snow has me down a bit.

I"m trying to get those workouts in but it's hard. I have my DVD's to use at home for those nights when I don't feel like going back out to the Y but I'm not as consistant with the workouts as I like to be. It's really strange because I really do like to workout so I'm not sure why I am not motivated right now.

Mindy: Way to go with that weight-loss!

SCarver: I think having something to train for provides a lot of incentive. Keep up the training.

Kelly: I too have been shoveling a lot of snow. It's snowing here again in Ohio so more shoveling.

I'll see you all tomorrow.

Hello-I dug myself out and made it to work. The roads were in pretty good shape.

I'm having the best salad for lunch. We have a cafeteria where I work and you can make your own salad; I made one with dark greens, spinich, beets, peas, carrots, mushrooms, peppers and egg. I have a low-fat blue cheese dressing and I'm enjoying all of it!

I am going to do my WATP video tonight at home and then sit down to watch BL for inspiration!

How's everyone else doing?

Weight has crept back up over the last few days, 179.8. Dang!!! Did Jillian's kickboxing today, always a killer. Nothing much else to report.

Hey Ladies,
I know, I've been horrible about posting. I'm sorry! I haven't felt like I've had anything to say. My weight had stayed the same for about a week and then yesterday it went up a pound. I was excited today when it was down 3 from yesterday!! I hit the 1 month mark for this journey on Monday and not seeing much change had me feeling a little down, but I'm getting back up. I've been finding out that changing everything in my diet won't work for me, but I am consciously making better choices: smaller portions, more fruits and veggies, more water. That's all I can do right now. The exercise is still my big hurdle. I just can't seem to find the motivation, but I will. I HAVE TO!! Or else, this will never work. I really have no excuses. I have workout videos, and games(Wii) and thankfully, I don't have snowstorms like most of you.
Anyway, I'm back and plan to check in more often.
Angela

Just hanging around 178-179 these days. YUCK!! I am at the point where I hate those numbers. Not working out today. I have pulled or strained my hamstring. Working out is supposed to be good for you, right?? All I seem to be doing is hurting myself lately.

Hi-I have good news to report on the scale front--I showed a 3 lb loss at TOPS last week. That is over 2 weeks (we didn't have meetings due to the snow) but I'm happy with that number. Finally I'm seeing some progress at the scales. :carrot:

Most of you know that there is a lot going on in my workplace and the pressure and stress keep building--I'm working hard to find a way to manage it and get my life back in balance no matter what is going on around me. The first thing I'm doing is saying "No" to a lot of things...no to overeating to start with, no to I can't do this or I can't go there or I can't take on another project, no I can't change my workout time...you get the drift. I am such a pleaser and I say yes way to much...I decided I'm going to be 45 in June and it's time I learned to say no and still like myself.

I actually feel better about myself since I've said no to some things..it gives me room to say yes to those things I really want to and I'm noticing that my mind is clearer, I don't feel so overwhelmed and I'm a better friend, wife and Aunt because of it. Someone commented that I'm smiling a lot more these past 2 weeks....I still have the same situation but I'm dealing with it differently...the way I want to deal with it and it feels good!

Mindy: Good idea to rest that hamstring. Exercise is good for us but not if we overtrain. I wish the scales would move for you....have you thought about talking to a trainer and getting an idea of what your heartrate should be when exercising to burn fat? My former manager trains for triathalons and I know he trackes his training by his heart rate. It's something to think about.

Angela: It's always nice to read others posts and I find when I post daily I stay on track better. I am having issues with getting into a workout routine as well. Let's try to encourge each other in that area.
When I was in a routine that I liked, I worked out Sun, M, T, W, TH, Sat (light exercise that day). I give myself Friday's off. How many days do you want to work out a week?

Ward, SCraver, Kelly--Were are you guys? We miss you!

Good morning everyone. I hope you are all having a great weekend. I have spent a lot of my weekend decluttering and trying to get my home office in order.

I always seem to be more in control of my food choices and my workouts when I have things in order.

My workout today will be the 2 mile WATP dvd and the ab workout on my Biggest Loster Viedo.

Looking forward to reading everyone's post.

Hi Gang! Where is everyone? :?:

I'm just checking in. Tonight I will be at the Y and do a 45 min walk on the track of the treadmill and then do some upper-body weight training.

I am retaining water for some reason--no longer have "that time of the month" but I do have my ovaries so maybe I am going through it anyway? I'm trying to drink a lot of water so that I can push the retention out..and also watch my salt intake. Maybe I can sweat it out during my workout?

I'm looking forward to seeing everyone here soon!

Looks like the name of the game again today is ..... shoveling. Can't seem to get "life" to go away and let me focus on workouts. I need to get my consistent schedule back so I am in routine. Pretty much just maintaining now.

Susie- Good job on the loss.
Kelly- You and me both girl!!

ANother snow day for us and lots of shoveling. Everytime I turn around something has gone haywire around here. I am getting tired of problems. My son's car, the water for our house, now the borrowed vehicle has a flat tire and my daughter needs a root canal. Seriously!!!! And I can't seem to lose a pound to save my life. I just feel TIRED.

Hey ladies,
Still hanging around 219. I did a vendor event on Sat. and for some reason my right knee was aching terribly Sun. until yesterday. I guess from standing and leaning on one side. (Hard to explain, but basically to make room for people to pass, I had to squeeze btwn tables and shift my weight to the right, in heels). It was a weird setup in a hallway. Anyway, it just shows how out of shape I must be and I need to get it together. I don't know why it's so hard to move, but I am making a plan to work out.I'm thinking maybe use the videos Mon, Wed, Fri and walk the other days to start. Then, when it gets warmer use the pool and add in other things as I get more comfortable.

I'm so sorry you are all having to deal with the snow. :snow4: Although I'm sure shoveling is a great workout, it can also be depressing.

Kelly, Mindy: I'm sorry you both seem to have hit a plateau. I wish I knew the answers for you. :?: Hang in there!!

Susie: Thanks for the encouragement. I think you have a point about posting be helpful. That's why we're all here and I was doing better in the beginning, when I posted more often. I'm going to work on that.

Where are Ward and SCraver???

Angela