:woohoo: I had a 1.75 lb weight loss at TOPS last night! That's 2 lbs in 2 weeks..I will take that average....I think I'm most excited about it because I know I really worked for it with the daily exercise.

My goal this week is to track my calories in and calories burned and hit my goals.

What is everyone doing this weekend? My hubby wants to do a bit of b-day shopping for me. I was going to stay home but he wants me to come along so we can have a lunch at this new place we saw on the square at The Greene. He said, "One of the things I was going to get you was a gift certificate to get a pedicure", "why don't you go get one while I'm shopping for you"..that sounded like a good deal with me and I'll get lunch too..so I'm going. Can't beat an invitation like that!

We also have a graduation party to attend-got to be careful with the food at those things!

I know, I know-i's been forever, but I'm back! It's been a LONG time since I've posted, but I've been on reading occasionally. I've been in a rut and instead of coming here to get through it, I didn't really do anything. I'm sorry for that, both for me and all of you who are committed to keeping in contact. Anyway, no big changes in my weight. I'm hovering around 210. Good news is I'm not gaining, just fluctuating a couple pounds. (One day it might be 208, the next 210, then 209.) My initial goal was to be under 200 in time for my trip to MI. That's 2 weeks from today, so I'm not so sure, but I'm going to try harder and actually move these 2 weeks and see if it happens. That's my BIG roadblock. Why can't I get up and move? It's my own fault and a hard habit to break, but I have to do it!
Well, that's enough for now, but I promise to come back real soon.
Angela

Hi Angela--it's good to have you back. Please don't stay away when you are struggling..that is the best time to be here.

About being under 200 in 2 weeks..I'm sure you could do it but I'm not sure it would be healthy...but think about it this way...you could be at 205 (healthy 2 lb a week loss) instead of 209.

I got up early this morning and did my 2 mile walk--starting the day off on a positive note.

I hope everyone has a good day and I look forward to your posts!

Good afternoon girls. Gald to hear you are both working hard. Susie- Keep up that walking. It is doing some good.

I did 5 miles on Sat. Walked the begining and ran the last 1.5 miles home. Got a killer blister, but lost a few pounds today. Of course I am also post TOM so I always lose right now. I have yet to find the secret that will help me lose this last 30 pounds. If I had $$$ I would join a gym and see a trainer.

How's everyone doing today? I had a great "on plan" weekend and I say that with even having a milkshake on Saturday. I just planned it into my calories for the day and I made sure I got my walk in. I also got my walk in yesterday. It wasn't easy yesterday we had a lot of graduation parties to attend and it was raining in the morning (when I usually go--before church) so I had to do it in the evening. I was tired and thought, oh I'll just do it tomorrow and then I thought now...tomorrow is the day that you think about today, so I got up and went and then felt so much better for it!

I'm doing ok today and feeling good and strong and positive.

Mindy: Yikes! Blisters! I bet if you do some looking around you can find a trainer that you can afford. Not all of them are in gyms. I know the one at my YMCA does sessions there but she also does sessions at her home and holds some in the local parks.

Angela: How are you doing?

Ward and Kelly: Are you ever coming back? :?:

Susie- I am so proud of you for getting those walks in. I will go for weeks without missing a workout. It has to become habit, just another daily routine. You keep it up. I already worked out at school, but I am going to take my little dog for a short walk anyhow.

Crazy night last night. We closed on our refinance and then when I got home (later than I planned) we needed something we forgot at the store to fix dinner and my personal chef girl was there and needed it right away, so off I went to the store. Long story short I didn't get my walk in---made me mad! :mad: But tonight I'm looking at a walk and Zumba...so that should help make up for missing the walk last night.

Also on Sunday we had some graduation parties to attend in the surrounding neighborhoods and we did walk to them..a little bit adds up right?

Mindy: Like I said above..every little bit adds up right? Aren't you out of school soon? Any ideas for a new workout routine since you will have some freedom with your time?

Still getting back into the swing of things. I'm keeping track of my calories/making decent choices, and I did a workout today. It was just a 15 min. upper body workout on the Wii Active game and a few rounds of tennis on the Wii, but it's better than sitting on my butt. I figure I'll alternate upper and lower body workouts and get some running and swimming done in the evenings, when it's a little cooler. It's just too dang hot and humid here, especially in the summer.

Susie- Thanks and I know you're right-10 lbs in 2 weeks is not probable, but I'll just do what I can, 5 would be great! Keep up the good work.
Mindy- Still going strong, I see. Good for you. :) So sorry about the blister-OUCH!
Angela

Susie and Angela- Keep up the good work girls. You are both on the right track.

I did 45 min. WATP tonight since it is raining outside. My blister is hurting. Even with 2 bandaids. I don't know what I'm going to try next. My month of 1600 cals is almost up and it has done no good. So what now???

Well, it rained all afternoon and evening yesterday, so I didn't go for a walk, but I did the lower body workout on Wii Active today,"legs and lungs, and more tennis" Man, for a "video game" it just about knocked me out. I am so out of shape that I had to keep stopping between exercises to catch my breath and by the end I was a little shaky, really nauseous, and could barely stand. I may have to start with something a little less intense, because even though I need my butt kicked, I really didn't like that feeling. There are lots of preset workouts on there and I've got some DVDs, so I've just got to find the right combo. The upper body workout on the other hand, barely made me break a sweat, so maybe I can do the medium level on that.
Question about food counts- do any of you count/write down anything other than calories? This BL journal I'm using asks for everything and I'm thinking it's just too much, plus I don't really know what numbers I should be shooting for on the others. (carbs, fat, protein, fiber, & sodium).

Mindy-I'm so sorry you're not getting the results you want. :( I wish I knew how to help. Maybe the Summer will give you more time to regroup? Maybe hit the library and have more time to plan out meals and workouts and change them up a bit??? Good luck and hang in there. :goodluck:

Ward-Where are you?

Kelly-I'll see you soon. Can't wait!!! :cp:

Had a great workout last night. My walking partner and I walked outside..our YMCA is attached to our college campus. The campus is empty right now so we walked it. It's so pretty, shadded and has a lot of hills...GREAT workout.
Then we did upper body strenght in the weight room.

Tonight it my TOPS weigh-in and I think I will see a loss.

Yesterday I wore a pair of pants that I hadn't worn since April and they weren't as snug as they where then. When I put them on in April I thought they looked bad so I didn't wear them. Yesterday I wore them and they didn't feel snug at all, they weren't loose but they fit. It's a good feeling. I know that they exercise helps a lot in that area.

Angela: I track my calories and my fat grams. I was told that my daily fat grams should be around 25-30% of my daily calories. That is/was not easy for me to do. So at first I didn't try to stay in that range I just kept calories and fat grams to see what my fat grams were...sometimes they were about 50% so I started watching them and cutting them back to 45%, the 40 and now I'm at 35%..I'm getting there.

Mindy: I've heard that you can get a body anaylis at some gyms like Lifetime Fitness that will give you some insight to how your body is working...i'm sure it's pricey but you might look into it.

Keep doing it ladies!

Whoo-hoo:dance: I had a 2lb loss at TOPS last night. You can bet I'll be out of bed tomorrow doing my walk. The weekends are really where I can loose focus but doing those AM walks help to keep my focus.

Looking forward to seeing everyone posts.

I went up 2 lbs. yesterday, but back down 1.5 today. That puts me at 19 lbs. gone. I did the upper body sculpt and tone again yesterday. This time I'm a little sore, but nothing a little muscle cream can't help. I'm going to a scrapbooking workshop with my bff this afternoon and really looking forward to it. It's fun and relaxing and I haven't done it in awhile. I offered the idea that we bring snacks with us and she agreed, so I've got fresh fruit and veggies and I've got "Hungry Girl" banana bread in the oven. Otherwise, I was afraid we'd get hungry at some point and end up going somewhere to eat. I didn't want that- 1 because I didn't want to worry about the calories and 2 because of the cost. Anyway, it'll be fun!
I've given myself a new shortrer-term goal of being at 190 by my B-day in Sept. My ultimate goal is still 150, but since that seems so far away, I thought it would be helpful to have something to work for sooner.

Susie-Congrats on the 2 lbs!!! Also, thanks for the input on counting fat grams. I'm going to do that and see what happens.

Mindy- How's the blister? Getting better? Enjoy your summer!

Hi there! Busy Saturday here. But I made sure I got my Saturday morning walk in. It really does help me to set the tone for my day and on the weekends, when my routine is different, I really need to set that tone early.

Angela: GREAT idea about making that bread and taking it with you. Have fun scrapbooking and remember to just keep your hands busy, and then remember that you can't really eat when you are doing that..you don't want to get anything on your project!
That is a very good goal to set for yourself. I promise is you come here daily, you will be supported.

Mindy: Tell us what you are doing. Didn't you have a 5k coming up?

Did my 5K this morning in atrocious humidity. The air was so thick you could cut it with a knife. Made breathing during running a bit of a challenge. i did it though, in 35:29. My best time yet. I am happy with that. Met a friend from elementary school there. It was fun seeing her after all this time.

Weight today was 179.2. Almost back down there. Let's see what tomorrow holds. Maybe I'll try out some trial memberships at gyms this summer. See how long I can milk it for.

Susie and Angela- good job with your workouts. Stick to it and it will pay off.

Good morning. We had downpours all last night and I wasn't sure if I would be able to get my morning walk in, but when I woke up at 7:30 a.m. the sky was clear, so I put on the shoes and went for it. Feeling GOOD this morning.

I can tell it's going to be muggy today, nice day to stay inside and get some organizing done of my home office and read a book after I get back from church this morning.

Mindy: Way to go with that 5k! I am so pround of you. Did you run it the whole time? I'm thinking so by looking at your time. I think it's a great idea to check out the summer gym deals.

Looking forward to hearing from you Angela.

Happy Monday! (I'm trying to convinence myself). I got a lot done yesterday after my nap. I cleaned out a closet and also got my home office organized. It feels good to have things orderly. When they aren't I find myself seeking out food.

I bought some Greek yogurt over the weekend. I get hungry in the afternoons and I pack a snack, so I thought I would try it. I choose it because I hear it has a lot of protein in it which is something I don't get enough of.

Have a good day everyone. Stay on plan!

I REALLY liked the Greek yogurt and it kept me full for a long time.

I'm looking forward to Zumba tonight and also to my walk on the treadmill. Feeling good!

Susie- Have fun at Zumba. I would really like to try it. Maybe I can find a place that offers it around here.

Yesterday was my birthday. Went out to eat...twice. I am up a bit today, but still 179.6. I will be back on track today. I didn't work out yesterday either. I just went for a casual walk. So time to get back in it.

Just checking in- 207 today. Did a lower body workout. I think I need to do some therapy on my knees for a while to strengthen them up before I do any more of them, though. The right especially gives out when I do lunges and squats. I need to find the paper with the exercises from like 5 years ago when I was getting PT for tendonitis. TOM is approaching-craving chocolate! :( Busy getting ready for vacation!! I will check in at least once more before I leave on Friday and take a little more time to reply. Later....

I had a great workout last night. I did Zumba and then I got on the treadmill for an extra 30 min. I choose a program that had intervals of incline--it gave me a great workout.

I did something to my ankle though. It really hurts right under the ankle bone when I flex it. So, I'm wearing my ankle brace today, elavating it and doing ice. I think tonight I'll ride the recumbant bike, so that I'm not pounding on my ankle. I also will be in the weight room tonight for upper body workout tonight.

Mndy: I hope you had a wonderful birthday. I'm a June baby too. Mine was June 7..we are both Geminis! It's ok to take a day off every once in awhile.
What are you doing today to get back into it?

Angela: So those scales have come down 2 lbs? That's great! Keep it up!
I have issues with my knees too (and now ankles--lord help me I"m falling apart!) I found this info on exercises to help your knees..hopefully some of these will help...I'm going to try them as well.

If your knees are giving you problems, and you feel like the Tin Man from "The Wizard of Oz" when getting out of bed, you’re not alone. Nearly 50 million Americans feel the same way.

Knees are the most commonly injured joints in the body. Considering that when you simply walk up stairs, the pressure across your knee joints is four times your body weight, it isn't surprising. Simple, everyday wear and tear can end up hurting your mobility.

But it’s not too late. Like a rusty door hinge, with care and maintenance, you knees can be trouble free. Even if you already experience problems, exercising the muscles surrounding the knee joints— Quadriceps (front of thigh), Hamstrings (back of thigh), Abductor (outside thigh), and Adductor (inside thigh)—will help make your knees stronger and less susceptible to injury. Exercise keeps your joints from stiffening and provides needed support, making movement easier and reducing pain.

Here are some exercises you can do to both stretch and strengthen the knee area:

STRETCHES
1. Chair knee extension: Sitting in a chair, rest your foot on another chair so the knee is slightly raised. Gently push the raised knee toward the floor using only leg muscles. Hold for 5 - 10 seconds and release. Repeat 5 times on each leg.
2. Heel slide knee extension: Lie on your back, with left knee bent and left foot flat on floor. Slowly slide the left heel away from your body so both legs are parallel. Hold for 5-10 seconds, return to starting position. Repeat 5 times on each leg.
3. Knee flexion: Sitting in a chair, loop a long towel under your foot (resting on the floor). Gently pull on the towel with both hands to bend the knee, raising your foot 4 - 5 inches off the floor. Hold for 5 - 10 seconds, then release. Repeat 5 times on each leg.
4. Hamstring stretch: Standing, put one foot in front of you, toes up. With hands on the small of your back (or one hand holding a chair for balance), bend the opposite knee and hip (not your lower back), until you feel the hamstrings stretch. The upper body comes forward at the hip. Hold for 5 -10 seconds, then release. Repeat 5 times on each leg.
STRENGTH TRAINING
1. Wall slide: Leaning with your back against a wall, bend your knees 30°, sliding down the wall, then straighten up again. Move slowly and smoothly, using your hands on the wall for balance. Keep feet and legs parallel, and do not allow knees to go out over the toes. Repeat 5 -10 times.
2. Bent-Leg Raises: Sitting in a chair, straighten one leg in the air (without locking the knee). Hold for about one minute. Bend your knee to lower the leg about halfway to the floor. Hold for 30 seconds. Return to starting position. Work up to 4 reps on each leg.
3. Straight-Leg Raises: Sitting in a chair, rest your foot on another chair. Lift the foot a few inches off the chair while keeping your leg straight. Hold for 5 -10 seconds. Return to resting position. Repeat 5 -10 times. (Also work on increasing the time, up to 2-3 minutes if possible.)
4. Abductor Raise: Lie on your side, propped on one elbow. The leg on the floor bent, the other straight. Slowly lift the top leg, hold for 5 -10 seconds, then lower. (Ankle weights will increase the intensity). Do 1-3 sets with 12-15 repetitions each. Remember to rest in between sets.
5. Hamstring Curl: Stand with the front of your thighs against a surface (a table or wall). Flex one knee up as far as is comfortable. Hold for 5 - 10 seconds, then lower slowly. If possible, do not touch the floor between repetitions. (Ankle weights will increase the intensity.) Do 1-3 sets with 12-15 repetitions each. Remember to rest in between sets.
6. Step-Ups: Stand in front of a step, like a sturdy bench or stairs, about two feet high (or less if necessary). Step up onto the support, straighten your knees fully (without locking them) and step down. Maintain a steady pace. If you are comfortable with your balance, pump your arms while doing this exercise. Start with 1 minute, slowly building your time. Gets your heart pumping too!
7. Stationary Bike: Biking is a good way to increase strength and range of motion. Make sure you have the right positioning of the legs. At the bottom of the pedal stroke, the bend in the knee should be 15 degrees. Start with 10 minutes and slowly increase your time.
Depending on your current level of activity and mobility, a good start is 3 stretching and 3 strengthening exercises, 3-4 times a week. Stretching can be (and should be) done everyday if possible to prevent stiffness and achy joints. These stretches can be done a few times a day if needed.
BONUS TIP: If you have increased soreness after doing these exercises, it may help to ice your knee or knees for 10 - 20 minutes. Place a bag of ice (or frozen vegetables) over the joint, with a towel between to protect the skin. Elevate your leg on a chair if ice alone is inadequate

206.5 today-that's 20 lbs. lost. :) Gotta keep going!! My butt's a little sore from yesterday's workout, and I did a short upperbody today. I had my allergy shots today, so I didn't want to overdo it. Hanging in there! I would go for a walk, but at 7:00pm, it's still over 90 degrees and the humidity is a killer. I have been packing for my trip and my sneakers are in the suitcase. I'm hoping the weather in MI is a little nicer and I can go for some nice walks while I'm there.
I had a salad for dinner while I watched everyone eat tuna casserole. I love it, but I figured it wasn't worth it even to eat a little with all that fat in it. (reg. egg noodles, crm of mushroom soup, sour cream.) I did have 1 small biscuit with no butter, though.

Mindy- Happy Belated Birthday! :woo:

Susie- WOW! Thanks! A lot of those do sound familiar. You saved me from trying to find them. I hope you did a "cut and paste" and didn't type all of that, but I appreciate it! I've had knee problems for a long time too. Besides the extra weight, I also think other factors could be playing bass drum in my high school marching band and then the constant up and down bending when I was a teacher. I haven't done either of those for a while, and luckily, it's not a constant problem, but does flare up occasionally.

Good morning. My ankle is a lot better today. I iced it all day, kept it elevated, and wore my ankle brace and I was able to walk slowly on it last night. So I did that and my upperbody weight training.

I will start doing the exercises I found online so I can strenghten them. I want to be able to be strong and healthy so I can keep working out to loose this weight.

I have my TOPS weigh-in tonight. Not sure if I lost..I feel like I've stayed the same. I worked for a lost but sometimes the body doesn't coorperate like it should, so we shall see. Eithier way, I feel wonderful so I want to keep on track....doing so will bring the weight-loss.

Angela! Congrats on hitting the 20 lb mark! :bravo::cp::high: and look at how close you are to being under 200!

Mindy: How did you do with getting back on track yesterday?

I am very thankful that my knee feels better these days. Losing weight was key for my. It still aches sometimes but nothing like what it used to.

I also did a lower body workout yesterday. About 40 min. Then went for a mile run. my legs were jello. Thought they would hurt today, but they're okay. Weighed in at 178.4 today. That seems to be the lowest I can get to these days.

Ang- Congrats. Keep it up girl. Coming to Mich??? Are you going to see Kelly???

Ok, last post before I leave. I was 206 today, but didn't get a workout. I was making sure everything was ready and doing some cleaning. That should count for something. ;) I'm ready to get away from home for awhile. I've packed my sneakers, the Wii active game, my journal, and some 100 calorie packs. We'll have to get some groceries when we get there. With the Memorial, 2 grad parties and going to some of our favorite restaurants, I know it'll be tough, but I'll do my best. Wish me luck. :crossed:
I'm taking my laptop, but there isn't internet where I'm staying. I'll try to check in, but if you don't hear from me, that's why. I'll be back the 28th.

Mindy- Yes, I get to see Kelly. I'm so excited. We never get to see enough of each other when I visit, but we're getting together this Saturday and will probably see each other next Sunday, too.

Susie- Take care of that ankle and don't overdo it!

Where is everyone else?

Hi Ladies,

Sorry I didn't make it here yesterday...I missed all of you and it was hard for me to keep on track...coming and posting early keeps my head where it should be. I didn't get off track to much yesterday but I felt it was more of a struggle for me to stick to my plan.

So, when I weighed in on Thursday, I had a 1 lb gain. :?: I have no idea how or why..but that was what it was so I just have to take it and move on.

I did have a non-scale victory (NSV); my boss keeps a BIG boss of peppermint patties on her bookcase, when she put it out about 4 weeks ago, I made a decision that I would not have one of them. Well, on Thursday, the box was empty and I never had one of them!

Mindy: you are in amazing shape!

Anglea: Have a great trip and have fun seeing Kelly. Tell her we miss her...maybe you all (you, Kelly, Mindy) can do a workout together...wouldn't that be fun?

We had morning showers this morning so I didn't get my walk in; I have a afternoon wedding today and plan on a walk tonight.

Got in a run tonight. Weight is doing diddly squat. I'll just keep doing my thing. Got a free week trial at a local gym. Gonna go try it out tomorrow.

Well, I'm fessing up..I ditched the exercise this weekend. I did do about 2 hours of dancing at the wedding so that was something. I'll get back on track...tomorrow I might have to walk the building inside (it's to darn hot to do it outside in work clothes), so that will get me back on track.

Mindy: Can't wait to hear about your trip to the gym.

Okay. I did it. I went to the gym. I was a bit nervous about it. The KID showed me 8 machines to try and said warm up with a light jog first, and end with intervals on the treadmill. I did it. I am wondering if I will find some sore spots tomorrow.

I have been on a bender ladies. It started slow on Monday and yesterday was a sugarfest! UGGGGG I feel so "hungover" today. The only remdeming thing I can saw about yesterday is that I did go to the gym and did Zumba and walked.

So, today, I'm detoxing (lots of water to get that sugar out of my system) and recommitting myself to my goals and plans.

Mindy: I'm glad you tried the new gym. It's normal to be nervous when doing something new. How long is your free trail membership?

okay, my arms are a little sore. Well one of them really. But I think the weed wacking and weed spraying may have contributed also. I haven't made it back to the gym again, but I will tomorrow. I only have a week and it is almost up. I did 3 miles of interval training tonight. Feel like I just stepped out of a sauna.

Here is one more bit of delight. TOM arrived Monday......about 11 days early. WTH??? So what happens now??

Susie- That's right. You get right back on track. DOn't let this little setback derail you. Move forward.

I had a good workout last night. I did a upper body workout in the weight room and I'm not sore today but my muscles have a tired feeling...I sort of like it because I can tell I worked the weights well. I also did a 45 min walk outside. It was so warm and muggy! But I am enjoying summer this year..last year we really didn't have a summer.

I have an interview today so I'm working from home this morning...so nice and quiet. I have TOPS tonight and I'm tempted to not go because I know I'm going to be up...but so what...I've moved on from that binge and will just go forward. I get motivated at my TOPS meetings so I should go!

Mindy: I LOVE interval training...it keeps me engaged in the workout. I know that it is as hot in MI as OH so please be careful when working out in the heat.

I was right...I was up at my TOPS weigh-in..but that's ok...I know why and I know how to not do it again.

I'm so glad it's Friday! We have another wedding this weekend, other than that not much else planned and I'm working hard to keep it that way!

Went to the gym yesterday. Did the same basic workout. Had a funeral today, so most of the day was taken up with that. Got home and did a 5 mile walk, with some jogging intervals thrown in. My 2nd TOM of the month is over, so I'm curious what will happen with weight now.

Family went out for pizza last night for my daughters birthday. Pizza always makes me gain...and it did. Darn!!! I have been on track today so hopefully I will be back down tomorrow.

Susie- Glad you are back on track. Gotta try and stay that way now.

I got up on Saturday morning and did a 3 mile walk; but I didn't do anything on Sunday...it was just to darn hot for me.

Doing well with the food. Hope to see a loss this week.

That's about all that is going on right now..that and I'm so darn sleepy.

Mindy: Pizza makes EVERYONE gain...I bet it comes back off today.

Back on it this week! I am on summer break, and have all the time in the world, right? No excuses!

Hi Kelly! So glad to see you here again!

Anglea: When do you get back from vacation?

Mindy: What do the scales look like today?

I'm in a much better frame of mind today. I'm looking forward to my Zumba workout and my treadmill workout. I've logged my food for the day (I already know what I'm having tonight for dinner) and calories for the day--I promise I won't eat anything that I haven't logged. ;)

Good morning. How's everyone doing? It is a BEAUTIFUL day here in Ohio. Makes me feel good to wake up to days like this.

So, last night I had Zumba. I've only been doing it for 30 min and then doing the treadmill....but I forgot my Ipod and there is no way I can be on the treadmill without it, so I stayed and did an hour of Zumba...fun, fun!

Tonight I am skipping my workout because I'm going to see Eclipise. I have some pretzels packed so I won't be tempted by the popcorn.

How is everyone else?

July Goals?
 

Hi there! I'm going to set some July goals for myself and will be reporting on them daily here.

So here are my goals:

1. Get at least 7-8 hours of sleep EVERYDAY

2. Workout at least 5 days a week for minimum of 60 minutes

3. Stay within my designated calorie range

4. Journal when stressed--get it out instead of pushing it back with food.

Haven't made it here in a while. Been busy with many things. My mom had genetic testing done. BRCA gene is messed up so we are at high risk of breast and ovarian cancer. Need to be tested myself to see if my gene is messed up. My dad had knee replacement surgery yesterday. I have been trying to deal with children's issues, help my son find a job, etc, etc. CRAZY!!!

Well after having my second TOM the scale is being kind. I am 177.4 today, almost my lowest. Now if I could just keep it going I would be really happy. No idea what this body is going to do next though. Guess I can only keep doing what I'm doing and hope for the best.

Susie- you stick with those plans girl. You are on the right track.