Hi everyone! I just read through some of your posts here. I posted in another thread and Mike invited me to come check you all out.
In a nutshell. I am moving more and eating less. Just slight modifications for right now. I have set goals for myself on another thread and I hope that I can meet them.

Biking Goal: 100 miles
Miles to go: 96 miles

Walking Goal: 30
Walked Today: 3
Miles to go: 24

In coming to this site, I was looking for people who are in the same boat to help with motivation. Most of the people in my life are skinny mini's who forget to eat and are dedicated to extreme fitness. While they are supportive, it's not the same. You know what I mean? I tend to fail more than I succeed and I don't like to admit that to people who are so disciplined. I am working on making fitness a part of my life, I figure that eventually it will be a habit.

Hi, everyone! Trying to get a few minutes before I take my daughters to dance class.

To answer your question, Cyan, the hardest parts of Atkins for me at this point are breakfast and the lack of variety. They use eggs for breakfast a lot, but I get terrible tummy aches when I eat eggs--mild allergy or intolerance or something--so I eat things like a hamburger and cucumber, or sausage for breakfast. Also, during the first two weeks the vegetable choices are limited--to mostly green and watery vegetables, so there are some that I am missing right now. I also don't like avocado, which is a big recommended item. One lucky thing for me is that I like salads with veggies and meats put together with salad dressing (they want you to eat stuff like salad dressing), so I am combining lots of different meats with my allowed veggies. What do I miss most? Whole wheat bread! I love whole wheat bread, and the fiber helps with regularity. I'm using metamucil for extra fiber because I'm not used to the amount of protein I eat. Am I hungry? Actually, no--only if I don't eat enough protein at a meal. And then I have a slice of meat or cheese or a few olives, and I'm fine. That's very different from what I'm used to. Before, I was hungry just about every hour. From what I understand, that may be due to changes in blood sugar from eating carbohydrates, which I used to eat a lot of. I am drinking a lot more water, which is unusual for me, but I'm thirsty, and my taste for pop and sweets is decreasing. I really don't want them. In a week, I will be going on to the next phase--ongoing weight loss--and I will begin to add more carb foods, a little at a time. Hopefully my weight loss will continue.

Hey, I'm going to take a short walk tomorrow! My leg is feeling pretty good, so I think I can chance it--not more than 1/4 of a mile though. I don't want to hurt myself again.

Well, got to go. Hope to hear from everyone soon.

Hi everybody!

Jlmsandi, glad you found us! Feel free to jump right in anytime you like. This is a great group with plenty of support, inspiration, not to mention the occasional "cyber kick" when needed. That's Cyan's specialty..lol

I actually got up and did my Abs tape at 6 a.m. today. Amazing huh? I'm going to TRY to do that every morning this week since I have to be at work by 8. We'll see how it goes. (not the abs tape..but some exercise)

Eating today was ok I guess. (except for lunch) Had the "Zesty chicken border bowl" from Taco Bell from lunch. Anyone tried it? I have no idea what the calorie count is. It's rice, refried beans, chicken and shredded cheese mainly with a creamy Ceasar dressing. Anyway, tonite I had broccoli, cauliflower and carrot stir fry. Little while ago, I drank a glass of chocolate soy milk. Just tried that recently and surprisingly really like it.

I hope you all had a nice Monday. Mine was busy but that helped it pass quickly. I'm working in the NewAccts dept today which isnt my favorite so I'm glad it went by fast. I'll be there the next 2 weeks.

Well, if I'm going to exercise early again, I better head to bed. It is sooo hard for me to get up early!!

Talk to you ladies tomorrow!

MIKI

P.S.
No, Cyan, I havent lose weight lately..not a lb in Weeks! Not even an inch either..grrrrrrrrr!
Newie, glad your leg is better but take it easy ok??

Later girls!

Well, I am still here, all of me Cyan, I haven't gained and haven't lost. I exercised 3 days last week. This week so far, Monday I did 20min on the stepper and then some stomach exercises. Was out shopping today and feet are killing me so I am taking off on walking today. Well, go for the adkins if you want. I lost weight on it for our wedding. Just be careful, remember that we aren't dieting we are changing our eating habits. Once you get off adkins, WW, or any plan it comes back really bad. But if you feel it will work for you, the go for it girl.

jlmsandi--welcome aboard! yes, I agree with the skinny people telling us about things. I have a friend who is underweight and still wants to lose weight. So annoying. I have been trying to get on track with eating and exercising for a long time now. Everytime I start going good, something happens to knock me off track. That's the story of my life. Well, just jump in and talk to us

Miki--6am oh my goodness. Even if Josiah wakes up at 7 or 7:30am, unless he is screaming I don't get up, he has to wati until 8am. You are the woman!!!! I hope I can lose something this week. Miki, remember though, muscle weighs more than fat.

Inspiration---glad you are getting to be able to walk a least some now. Take it easy, don't hurt yourself. Glad you are finding a medium with the adkins diet. I need to find something I can do here in Taiwan. Actually, I think--ok, I KNOW-- that if I just watch my calorie intake and really exercise, weight will start coming off. I am, um can we say --- LAZY!!!!!!!!

Well, I will admit something ladies---don't freak--- I am now taking a pill. No, not really labeled a diet pill as it doesn't suppress the appetite (though I wish I could find something here that does that --joking) but a pill that helps get rid of fat and oils in our foods. The lady told me to watchout, but so far, I haven't had any running to the bathroom problems. When I go (don't want to sound gross, sorry) it's some oils in the toilet. This has been approved for long term use as well. DH doesn't know I bought it. And I am not relying on that for weight loss, though I thought it might help some. I am not a fan of diet pills, and I couldn't find anything on the package that even came close to being labeled as a diet pill. They encourage low fat eating.

Anyway, Josiah seems to be waking up from his nap. He is teething, 3 teeth at one time, and so he is a crabby (to put it nicely) little one.

Hey, if you all think the ging ging gong gong of the funerals are bad, you should hear about our FLYING cockroaches!!!!!!!!!!! ew!!!


Deana

Good morning, everyone!! Hi, jlmsandi! Welcome! I think I missed you with my quick post last night. This is a great thread with lots of support and enthusiasm. You'll love it. Just post anytime!

Don't worry, everyone. I will be very careful on my leg. I am not going to walk anywhere near my usual walking pace. I'll walk more like the elderly lady with the cane who I see at the park. Really--she walks a little, then sits on a bench and rests, then walks a little more. I hope I have that much spunk when I'm old.

Cyan, Deana's comment about Atkins is so correct. If you are interested in it, you really should learn as much as you can about it before you decide to do it. It just isn't a diet that you can get off of. It's a controlled carb method of eating that is meant to become a lifestyle. And the part of it that I am experiencing is called Induction--a short, intense period at the very beginning where foods are restricted in order to jumpstart weight loss. The other phases work to help continue the weight loss and then to maintain. It interested me because I definitely have problems with carbohydrates--cravings, physical reactions to sugar, etc., and I am thinking I need to face that issue in my life. I am having some difficulty with constipation too (as long as Deana brought up that subject). Do read and consider carefully before you try.

Gee, Miki--you are great with the exercise--especially so early. I could only get out there and walk at 8:00, even though I get up between 5 and 6--the only time of the day when I am both able to be alone for a while and also be awake enough to enjoy it.

Deana, are those fat-blocking pills safe? Be careful.

Reina mia, how is your search for a new place? How are the rents on the north side? I've heard they are very high. Good luck in your quest.

Thanks for all the sound advice concerning atkins...what I will do is try to balance out my carb, protein fat better...I eat too many carbs and too little protein..so I will balance that out and choose better carbs and stay away from the refined carbs..lets see what happens.

Welcome JLMSANDI we are a great group of ladies so feel free to talk to us about anything. How much weight are you trying to lose? Tell us your story....we are all ears.

Taiwan, Miki...we will lose weight...that is our mantra...we will get rid of the fat...yes we will. Miki..you are our new exercise queen...so inspired by you...you rock...actually all you lovely ladies rock.

Has anyone thought about a mid summer challenge! Let say...10 pounds lost by labor day? Let me know.

For lunch I am having broiled meat and corn ...and no bread! We will see how I do.



You know it..I'm at work so I gotta get going but but tonight is badminton....time to pound that birdie across the net.


later ladies

Cyan

Thank you all so much for the welcome! I am enjoying getting back into this site. I forgot just how much support is out there for a person.

Let's see...I don't know where to begin. I would ultimately love to get to 150 again. Right now, however, my goal is just to get into a size 14 again. That would be loverly.

I was a SAHM of three children until about 18 months ago when I went to work. My husband is one of the fortunate souls that worked for United Airlines and was "furloughed" He is now a full-time student and househusband, just until his unemployment benefits run out in January. I have to say that I am happier now than I have ever been in my life. It's hard to believe that what is a tragedy to most is a blessing to me. Luckily, he had been planning since September 11th and paid all of our bills down and saved.

Anyways, I sit at a desk all day long and to my surprise I put on about 30 pounds in one year. I was already uncomfortable with my shape but it's even worse now. Most importantly, my health was suffering. I think I was drinking and smoking too much. So, I quit smoking and cut down on the drinking and have really started to move.

Anyways, I think that's a little insight into me and my goals.

Only have time for a quick post. No kids at home and hubby is getting pouty cuz he's bored and all alone on the couch.

Had Mexican for lunch today which definitely wasnt the best choice I could have made. (chicken taco salad) I drank water and the meal would have been ok I think if I hadnt ordered the side order of cheese dip to go with our salsa and chips. Tonite was better. Grilled burgers and I had my patty just plain with a side salad. Drank water again.

Did my Thigh trimmer tape once again at 6 a.m. After work I did some weights with hubby, mainly working on arms. I know I'll be sore tomorrow! He worked me harder than my tapes do. I also did about 30 crunches. One of these days, this has got to all come together and dissolve these lbs, right?

Well better run.

Miki

Good morning, everyone! Here's a leg report for everyone--I took it very slow on the track--stayed in the far right (slow) lane where everyone passed me up, and actually walked 1/2 mile--1/4 wasn't enough. I had no ill effects, and I was even more comfortable walking during the day. During the evening it was a bit sore, but I think I aggravated it sitting with the knee up while waiting for my daughter during her flute lesson. This morning it feels very good. I am noticing I have more range of movement in the ankle. I'm not going to walk today. I want to rest it. Also, I have to work at our school's bingo hall tonight, so that will be enough time on my feet for today.

Jackie--we have something in common, strange as it may be. I also got back to work after being home with my children for seven years because of a job loss experienced by my husband. He had worked for General Mills (the cereal company) for many years when they finally closed his plant in '95. He went to school for two years to study graphic arts (we lived on savings--I had a brand new baby), and he went back to work in '97. That's when I found a part-time job in a teacher-parent school supply store (I am a former HS English teacher who just didn't want to get back into it). I've been working for the company ever since and have moved up from cashier/salesperson to a full-time position with my own desk in the corporate office where I do just about everything from help with ordering to creating displays and cleaning to cashiering to going on buying trips with the boss to unloading trucks to coordinating spot inventories in our four stores. I've had some struggles with the boss, but it's my favorite job ever, and I, like you, am the happiest I've ever been (with the exception of the weight issue) despite the hectic nature of my life with a home and two growing-up girls. After several jobs that were poor fits for him, my hubby now has a job in the graphics field that is just right. Also, like you, 20 of my 30 extra pounds were gained after I went back to work--stress eating mostly, and food available at work that I wouldn't normally have. So, again, welcome to the thread. There's lots of support here.

I don't really have any other things to report today other than I am continuing to work on my plan. I got into the scale last week, but after feeling discouraged when I saw movement for several days and then stoppage, I decided to let go of the scale and just weigh once a week on Sundays. I know you ladies will applaud my decision not to get addicted to that little box on my bedroom floor.

Well, got to go--there's stuff to do, and I'd like to get to work early today because I have to leave early because of bingo. Talk to everyone later.

I have been working hard so now I will take a break and post.

I didnt play badminton yesterday, instead, I washed clothes, cleaned kitty liter and refilled my Mom's med box....the weekend just isnt long enough for me to get everything in....but I know ...excuses excuses... to be honest, I have been kinda unmotivated to move...all this humidity doesnt help either. I dont know how you southern gals do it...exercise in the heat! argh

Food wise, I have been doing fine...sticking to my calories limit of 1500 cals. I havent weighed myself in awhile but Iwill soon...although I fear no change ...ahhhhh!!

Miki...it must be so nice to have a hubby to support you in your efforts and to work out with you...kudos to him for helping you out...give him good sex ..you hear!

Hey Newie...good to hear that your leg is healing up nicely. keep at it.

Well Ladies...gonna surf for awhile and kill some time before I have to get back to the grind

Hey Miki...I think I may need a cyber kick to get me going again.

big hug to all

Cyan

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<KICKKKKKKKK>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Ok Cyan, that was for you missy. Now how is that for motivation?? Just remember...it hurts me more than it hurts you. No more excuses, young lady....get on that bike or drag out that badminton racquet and put it to use! (oh and hubby loved your last post )

Newie, that's great news to hear your leg is so much better so soon. You're smart to just ease back into your walking. You're also smart staying away from that scale. I put too much stock into what the scale tells me and I get really discouraged quick.

Jlmsandi, were you able to fit in any exercise today??

Taiwan, is it Meridian you're taking? I've heard of that and the side effects sound like what you described...just wondered. Be careful with whatever it is and be sure to stop if you notice anything weird going on with your body ok? You just never know these days..always something in the news about pills etc.

I just cant imagine where Debee is! I have her home address so I'm going to try to write her this week and hopefully I'll hear back from her.

Reina, Lisa, hope you girls are doing well!

LadyRider, we miss you Bunches!!

Bye for now all..

Miki

NewInspiration: I guess we do have a lot in common that way! I know a lot of people who fell apart when it happened to them but I think we got it together!

Miki: Exercise? Darn it! I wanted to yesterday but I did not. OK, I played around on the driveway with the tennis rackets and did about 30 situps on my new big bouncy ball but other than that, not really. We had those torrential rains yesterday and I couldn't get out and walk or ride yesterday. Quite frankly, I stayed up too late last night to get up this morning and go walking so I brought my shoes and my book on tape to try and get some walking in at lunch today. That's if it doesn't rain again, apparently there are more flood watches out there.

Last night was the kind of night to just sit around and watch t.v. I admit it, I'm a reality t.v. junkie! I watched Big Brother 4 and Cupid. And then I had a netflix movie that I needed to watch, Bourne Identity. So it was close to 1:00 before I made it to bed. I had some lovely dreams about Matt Damon though.....

I just read this motivational quote that I loved:

"What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us. "

Hope you all have a great day!

Its almost lunch time and I dont want to eat what I brought! Argh! I just dont know whats up with me lately...I dont like what I make 90% of the time, I am not motivated to eat....I think I am in a slump or something. I wish I could take a vacation now but my boss is away until early next week and I gotta keep an eye on the company for him.

Anyway, I would eat a big mac right now...but I wont...I am thinking of getting a salad...yum yum...ceasar perhaps...we will see.

Hey Miki..ouch on the kick...I hope it gets me moving again.

Hey Sandi...I totally understand about you being a tv junkie...I too live vicariously through reality tv shows...I need a life! LOL

Anyway...man do I ever not feel like working today...I need an attitude adjustment...gotta get back into the game here.

Ok ladies, have a great day

Cyan

Almost Friday..hooray!!

Jlmsandi, dont be down on yourself....playing around in the driveway and 30 situps is exercise! Any extra movement counts. I watched Cupid last nite too. Could you believe some of those weird guys? And the two friends didnt hold back much did they? Did you watch For Love or Money? I felt bad for Paige but I figured he'd pick Erin.

Cyan, what did you end up eating for lunch today? I had a Caesar grilled chicken club wrap.... grilled chicken, bacon, lettuce, tomato and lite ranch dressing wrapped in a flour tortilla..YUM!! Tonite I had a grilled porkchop, blackeyed peas, and mac/cheese. I should have left off the mac/cheese but I just couldnt. When do you think you'll be able to take some time off? I hope you can work that out soon. It's so hard working when you're getting burned out and need a break. How is your mom? I dont think we've had an update on her lately.

Well, went and got Josh from basketball camp today so didnt have time to exercise this morning. Still havent done any yet. This may end up being my "off" day for the week. Not sure yet. Kinda hurt my back earlier. All I did was turn to look over my shoulder and I felt a twinge of some kind. Now every once in a while, it feels like it might get 'caught' or something.

Need to run for now. Everyone have a great Friday!

Miki

Hi, everyone! Sorry I missed everyone yesterday and this morning. It was great to get caught up reading the posts. I've been very busy the last couple of days. Yesterday after work I did the second of 9 volunteer bingo operator nights I do at my girls' school. That made for a long day--getting up at 5:30 and not really getting to bed till about 11:30. I was kind of dragged out today.

I am very proud of myself foodwise. I am staying on my food plan with Atkins. Normally fatigue is a cue to eat for me. I haven't done it this time, though. I am trying to be more conscientious about portion size of my veggies. It is easy to cheat if you don't measure. I did cave in to the scale a couple of times. I hate when a stupid box on the floor means so much. I think I got nervous because after the 3 pounds, nothing more happened, and even a little water weight came on. I'll try to do better. I'd really hate to get one of those cyber kicks of yours, Miki. That one you gave to Cyan looked very scary on my screen!!

A bit of discouraging news about my leg--at bingo last night, I walked a lot and more quickly than I have been--it makes me nervous being in charge of that much money--and I aggravated it a bit--not too badly, but I wrapped it today, and it felt much better. I think I need to support it with the wrap while it is healing. I hate being injured. I'm not a person who likes not being able to do whatever I want to.

Guess what? The coolest thing happened to me at work today. First, things have been going much better for me since my talk with the boss last month. Things are more balanced and manageable for me than they were before. And today I got to do a job I have been wanting to do for 2 years in my position as her assistant. She's always talked about me learning to do an actual order of merchandise for the company, and I've given her recommendations and helped do research for orders and traveled on buying trips, but I've never done one myself--till today!! It was great! I was so happy! I came home really beat, but it was a wonderful day! I got a lot of praise for my work too.

I can't wait for the weekend--I think the weather will be nice. It has been horrible here in Chicago all week--rain every day--storms too--and the heat and humidity--yuk! I really want to get in my garden. That really doesn't bother my leg. It's the walking that does.

Well, everyone! I've got to go to bed. Hang in there, all. It's easy to be discouraged. I know. I've been there so many times myself. Each day's brand new to try again. Talk to you all soon.