[HalGal]

Happy 4th Movers and Losers...!!!

I hope everyone has a great weekend, and I vote we continue journaling, and for those of us who did not begin - we all try to journal. That would be me. I know it will make a difference.

Nita: I have the Southbeach book, but I am burnt out on reading, reading that kind of stuff. I am finishing DiVinci Code and plan to read another fun book after that!!!

Believe it or not I have to work on a presentation due this Tuesday some today. Oh well...

More soon....!!!

[Nita]

HI ALL,

HalGal and Mooz I just love your graphics. You ladies are great. I grilled hamburgers and sausage on the grill today and plan on starting the South Beach diet tomorrow. My friends who I bowl with really did well on it. The lady lost 22 lbs. and has kept it off and her DH lost 16. She has been sharing some of the recipes and they don't sound too bad.

I am going to dye my hair and then do some embroidery work. I am not sure if I mentioned it the other day but I got a new foot for my sewing machine which makes the embroidering so much better. This is really exciting because it sure does keep me from eating.

Happy 4th to all of you,
Anita

[mooz49]

Mornin' chickies ............... Monday again .......... where does the time go? Sinead will soon be away 4 weeks now and she will have half of her adventure over!
Thank goodness our place has a week off next week so I am really looking forward to the break. I have not been walking just as much recently as one of my walking partners is in Spain for a fortnight's holiday. She will be home on Thursday so I will get my walking shoes on more often. I don't mind walking in the mornings on my own but later on in the day I prefer to have someone with me.

Nita - we are definately going to have to do something about the extra weight because I know it leaves me miserable at times especially when I go to try on different clothes and they show up all the fat bits ......... and there are plenty of them!!

Halgal - good luck with your presentation work. You are quite right to read something with a bit of fun to it. I will be journalling today.

Catlover - I am with you on the journalling from today.

Patty, Thin, Michelle and anyone I have missed ........ hope to hear friom you soon.






Just go with it

Take this richly beautiful day and just go with it. Take this moment, though it may have flaws and imperfections, and live it.
Instead of worrying that there's not enough time, go ahead and fully live the time that is here now. Rather than being concerned that things are not perfect, enjoy and experience all that is, as it is.

There is no need to wait for the gratification of every desire. For that is not what will bring true happiness. There is no need to remain upset if events do not go your way. For even when things have not gone your way, you are always free to be your best in the moment that is now.

The majority of things that trouble, annoy or frustrate you, do so only because you've allowed them to. Imagine how peaceful and positive you can be simply by deciding to let it be.

This day, this life, is a precious, beautiful gift that you've received. Accept it with gratitude and never hold back the joy that can be yours.

-- Ralph Marston

[1day@atime]

Hello Ladies,
Saturday at weigh in I lost 1 lb... I was hoping for more, but I'll take the one. I'm committing to Tae Bo 4 days this week, & of course my walking. Saturday afternoon went over some 4th of july city celebrations, of course I had to have my roasted corn & then sausage on a stick. Sunday went out to eat & looking at living room furniture. I know I shouldn't even be thinking of buying furniture with my job in limbo, but the stores all have no interest for 36 months & some even have no payments for 24 months. I keep thinking I could buy a couch & loveseat & just make installments. Haven't bought anything yet, but really thinking about it.

Hal - Have you read the Five people you meet in Heaven. I think that is the name of the book. I read it a while back, very good. Have you seen any movies lately?

Mooz - Hope you enjoy your week off. How is your mother doing? I too enjoy walking with someone, makes the time go by much faster.

Nita - I know what you mean about having tempting food in the house. The other day a friend dropped by with some home made cookies. I told myself just one, well 4 cookies later I finally had to wrapped them up & took them to my mom's.

Cat - We too have had lots of rain this past month. Hopefully the rains will stop & give you all time to dry out. WTG on your journaling. Like you said it a start.

[Catlover777]

1day--good for the 1lb loss!

Nita--you are so good with the embroidery. Hope you enjoy your new sewing accessory--it it keeps your mind off food!

Mooz--your kids are such travellers.

I am now doing my journaling on my little Avon adding machine. I always hated the adding up part--plus it makes me do it the same day--no scrambling to make up the next--because you can't add after the day is over.

[Nita]

Hi All,

1-Day - Congratulations on your 1-lb. weight loss. That is very good after going through a holiday weekend. I am very proud of you.

Well I am doing it--staying on the South Beach program all the way through supper. I have to admit though I had regular coffee this morning and not decaf. If you take the time to cook what they suggest you really don't get hungry. Probably because I had the regular coffee, I didn't even get a headache. Even during the first two weeks you are allowed snacks such as sugar-free jello, sugar-free fudgecycles and a part-skim ricotta cheese dessert. I had mine for a snack. I used about 1/2 cup of cheese, one teaspoon of vanilla, a little sweetner and some broken pecans. It really was filling and tasted very good. Breakfast consisted of an omlette made with sauted onions, mushrooms and zuccini and tomato and a little cheese. There again, this was quite filling. For lunch I had a large leaf of Romaine lettuce and put some of my avacado mixture w/salsa and then I added some fat-free turkey and rolled it up. This is all I had before I went bowling and I was very surprised because not only was I filled up but I didn't have that stuffed-up feeling I get after eating a sandwich. I even did 32 minutes on the treadmill early this morning before the garage became too hot.

Today for the first time I saw a featured thread listed at the top of the website and so I decided to check it out. The moderator, Dave, wrote an excerpt from a book which I found most interesting. If you get a chance, you, too, may want to check out this site.

Well I had better be going. My plan for tomorrow is to get a haircut and then go to the gym and check out their senior exercise program. Wish me luck!

Take care,
Anita

[Nita]

Hi Ladies,

Just another quick note--My Marine grandson will be home in Ohio on Saturday for good. It so happens his brother's birthday is on Friday and he will be 21 and so they are going to have two celebrations!!!!

Anita

[1day@atime]

Hello Ladies

Nita - That is great that your grandson is coming home. I pray everyday for all our soldiers that are over there. When I tried the South Beach, I lost about 12 lbs. kept about 7 of them off for over a year. I'm trying to incorporate SBD & Weight Watchers. I'm trying not to each as much refined carbs.

Cat - Good luck on the journaling. I need to get my journal back out this week.

Hope everyone is having a great day!

[Nita]

Hi 1-Day,

That is terrific that you managed to keep off 7 lbs. for over a year. This is my 2nd day and it really isn't too hard. Since they encourage you to eat snacks I am eating some sugar-free orange jello with a small amount of coolwhip and it really hits the spot. I also found some Salmon Burgers at our wholesale outlet today and had one of those on the George Foreman's grill as well as a small amount of cottage cheese and a small tomato. Even though this is only the second day, I am finding myself not getting hungry like I did when I was eating those carbs. I also like the fact that after the 1st two weeks he adds back at least one fruit.

My plans changed about going to the gym today, however, I did walk on the treadmill for 32 minutes. This afternoon I have to sew one of my baby blanket gifts for a friend of mine.

Patty, keep up the good work and I hope everyone is having a "super" day!

Anita

[Catlover777]

Got letter today--insurance will not pay for procedure on my foot. They say it is "experimental," even though the FDA has approved it for two years.

I wrote a letter (I hope polite) saying that if they just weren't going to pay why didn't they list it as excluded from the beginning, and not make us all jump thru hoops--from me and my dr to the scheduling people at work at Lawrence Memorial Hospital.

So I don't know what will come next, but it is a

Did get some writing done this evening, so that is a good thing.

Say, sounds like we are making some new starts--SB, journaling, exercise. How about a new thread?

[mooz49]

Mornin' chickies - just a quick call before work.
I had an aunt (sister of my dads) died yesterday morning. She was 80 and had not been keeping that well recently. Her unmarried daughter, who lived with her, was taking it very badly. So I will be going to the funeral tonight and tomorrow morning.

Nita - great news about your grandson. I checked out that thread you mentioned, by Jack. You are right it is worth reading. Jack also posted another good excerpt from Dave's book.

For any of you the links are:
http://www.3fatchicks.com/forum/showthread.php?t=42313

http://www.3fatchicks.com/forum/showthread.php?t=43075

Cat - sorry about the insurance letter.

Patty - I am also trying to cut down on carbs.

Halgal, Thin, Michelle and anyone else .......... hope to hear from you soon.

Have a great day all.



One to remember

Do you remember anything special that you did exactly one week ago, or one month ago today? What can you do today that will make today a day to fondly remember for a long time to come?
This day is an entire day of your life. You have the opportunity to live this day in such a way that it will make a positive difference for years to come.

You can express your love in a new and unique way. You can begin an ambitious project that you've been meaning to start for a long time.

You could take the time and make the effort to learn a new skill that will add value to every day of your life. You could visit a place you've never been to before, or re-connect with an old and dear friend.

You can thoughtfully re-commit yourself to your highest priorities. And then you can take real, effective action that will bring those priorities to life.

You can live this day in such a way that you'll be forever thankful for what you've made of it. Get started now, and make it one to remember.

-- Ralph Marston

[HalGal]

Hey everyone...!!!

I knew something was up - for some reason I've not been receiving the email notices and I have quite a few posts to catch up on! I gave a presentation last evening for my UK class, and have a final (oh yeah...) tomorrow! So, it will be Friday before I really have time to catch up and chat w/ya!

This is todays daily post that comes from the website:

http://www.skinnydaily.com//

JuJu is the name of the girl that put this site together. She has lost and maintained the loss of over 100 pounds for quite some time. As you will see, she is a fabulous writer and I encourage you to check in. I thought todays post was especially good - so I'll share it with you!

The Truth of My Weight Loss
When I talk to people about weight loss, and they ask me how I did it, I begin to worry. I will tell them, because they asked, but I am fairly certain of the outcome. I know as I begin that I am about to lose a perfectly congenial conversation partner.

I know that a slithering dawning of dull disappointment will slide up from the floor and take over first their shoulders, then their chins, will congeal their smiles into polite plastic masks, settle like cold stones in their eyes. This waxen freeze takes over as they realize my weight loss story will not be exciting, sexy, inspiring, or miraculous.

“It was a lot of hard work,” I say. They nod. They are still leaning in toward me. Sure. Of course it was.
“A lot of focus.” They begin to settle backward.
“A lot of exercise. Tons.” They cross and uncross their legs.
“A lot of food logging.” Now they look around the room for any interruption.
“I still have to do all of this work to maintain my weight, you know,” Did the waiter come by with the check or not?
“And you know, the best thing I did was working a lot with a journal, a body log.” No. The waiter did not come, and my conversation partner is going to go find him.

I have tried to let people know up front that there is nothing miraculous in my story, to spare us all the embarrassment. But then they really insist on hearing the details. I am accused of being cagey. They are sure I’ve found the magic pill and am not willing to divulge its source.

My truth lacks sexiness. I don’t have a realization of my own to pass along that will make any significant sense for you or anyone, really. If what I write here at The Skinny Daily Post touches or reaches someone, then that’s great, but it’s a kind of happy accident.

My truth is a long series of trial and error, wins and losses, focus and doggedness, learning and re-learning. Research.

The best sense we can make of the way we react when food is around is the sense we make for ourselves. There is no greater truth for you than your own truth. The truth of your body and its needs. And when you discover it, it’s powerful medicine.

That’s why keeping or starting a body log is such a miraculous little tool. The little book, envelope, spreadsheet, bedside tablet where you write down what you’re eating and why, maybe explore your reasons for eating or your attachments to certain foods, your goals, your plans for retraining yourself to manage certain eating situations better than before, better than the last time, this little tool, this body log, is the only magic in my story.

Today I’m pulling my body log out to spend some time writing about why I tend to eat so much more when I’m on vacation then I do at any other time. I really don’t know the reasons, but suspect it has to do with vacation times in my past being times when great food is in season and times when my family used to gather. Not sure. The truth is out there. I’m going to go looking for it.

What is your truth? Are you willing to find it? Do you even want to know? Knowing can change the way you react to food, maybe forever. Are you ready for that? Then get out your favorite writing tools and go looking.

I will if you will.

» by juju on July 7, 2004

We can do this girls... together!!! [/B]

[Nita]

Hi Everyone,

HalGal -- Thanks for sharing. Everything this lady is saying is very true. I have only been on the South Beach program for almost 3 days. I am not following their menus but I am following what you are supposed to eat and what is not allowed. It is amazing how your appetite for sweets diminishes so very quickly when they do not pass your lips. I do believe I am finally in a frame of mind which is going to allow me to go the distance. Giving up my Thursday position is really inspiring because it really was stressful to do all that legal work in one day. I have even been getting on the treadmill early in the morning when it is still cool in my garage with the big fan blowing.

Catlover -- If I were you I would definitely appeal to your insurance company based on this procedure being "medically necessary." We have learned at the TV station that sometimes you just have to keep asking and sometimes they come through. Good luck!

One of the snacks I have been having is as follows: 1/2 cup of part-skim Ricotta cheese, a handful of broken pecans, 1 teas. vanilla and some sweetner. I may have shared this earlier but just in case I did not, it not only tastes good but it is also filling. Sometimes I also add a heaping spoon of peanut butter--peanut butter happens to be on the list for Phase One of the diet.

Okay ladies, take care and healthy eating!
Anita

[Catlover777]

Nita--we've appealed twice, and the only next step is to sue. Sigh.

And DH is supposed to have another MRI or CT scan (not sure which yet).

And I am having a lot of trouble at work. Everyone seems to be having trouble with the new material, I think, but I seem to be losing any confidence in my own judgment.

And I didn't journal today. Maybe I can make some kind of estimate.

On track tomorrow.

[mooz49]

Raphael Calzadilla

Nothing will ever be attempted if all possible objections must first be overcome."
- Samuel Johnson, Author, 1709-1784

Are you so busy you have absolutely no time to work out? Is your exercise routine the first casualty if you’re under pressure? Sure, exercise really isn’t so important anyway, right? Wrong. Exercise is vital. Why? Well, here are just a few benefits of exercise: increased energy, improved mood and prevention of depression, increased calorie and fat burning, greater bone density which offers protection against osteoporosis, protection against heart disease, management of PMT… and a better-looking body. In a nutshell, exercise will help you lose weight and get healthy! Yes, our lifestyles are busy but it’s important to make the time for fitness and I’m here to help you do it. In this busy world of work pressure, family and stress we can sneak in workout time – with a little bit of creativity.
I’ve compiled some quick tips to keep you moving, your muscles stimulated and your blood flowing in minimal time. Now you have no excuse!
Here are my 10 fat burning tips for people on the go:

1. When you first wake up commit to 10 minutes of continuous exercise. Choose only three movements and perform each in succession without stopping for 10 minutes. For example, Monday you can perform modified push-ups, followed by crunches for your abs followed by stationary lunges. On Tuesday you can perform free-standing squats with hands on hips, double crunch for abs, and close grip modified push-ups (hands 3" apart) for your triceps. Just 10 minutes! Just take a quick breather when you need it.

2. Perform timed interval walking in your neighbourhood or at lunch. If it takes 10 minutes to walk to a certain destination near your office or in your neighbourhood, try to make it in eight minutes. You can also do this first thing in the morning before work as well as on your lunch break.

3. If you have stairs in your home or in your work place, commit to taking the stairs a specific number of times. Tell yourself that you’ll take the stairs six or eight times (no matter what).

4. While seated, perform some isometric exercise to help strengthen and tighten your muscles. For example, while in a seated position, simply contract the abdominals for 30 seconds while breathing naturally. You can also tighten and contract your legs for 60 seconds. Perform about three sets per area. You’ll feel your muscles get tighter in just three weeks if you perform this a few times per week.

5. For about £17.00 you can invest in a pedometer. It’s a small device you can carry that records the distance you walk per day, either as a number of steps or in miles. Aim for 10,000 steps every day – to reach your target, get off the bus a stop earlier, take a post-dinner dander or leave the car at home and walk shorter journeys. If you and a friend both take part, make a contest of it and reward the weekly winner.

6. Tired at night and just want to sit in front of the TV? Try this technique: take periodic five-minute exercise breaks and perform some muscle stimulating and calorie burning exercise. For example, take five minutes and perform only ab crunches. Then, when it's time for another five-minute exercise break, perform modified push-ups for five minutes. Then for a final five-minute break, perform stationary lunges. Try to do as many as possible in five minutes and try to beat your amount of reps during each subsequent break. It won’t seem daunting because it’s only five minutes at a time, split over a 30 or 60 minute timeframe. Instead of rest breaks, you’ll take exercise breaks. You don’t really need to watch that new commercial do you?

7. How about performing one exercise movement per day for seven to 10 minutes? For example, Monday: free-standing squats for seven minutes. Tuesday: chair dips for seven minutes. Wednesday: crunches and hip lifts off the floor for seven minutes. Thursday: modified push-up for seven minutes. Friday: stationary lunges for seven minutes. It’s quick, simple and teaches consistency.

8. Want things even simpler? Take the longest route every time you have to walk somewhere - even if it’s to a co-workers office.

9. Double-up the stairs. Everytime you take the stairs, simply take a double step or every other stair. It will be just like lunges and the Stairmaster combined. Great for the legs and butt!

10. Enlist your partner or a friend. I’m sure you can find someone who is in the same situation. The support will give you more motivation and you just may find that you can create even more workout time for yourself.
Hey, I know this won’t make you an Olympic athlete or give you six-pack abs, but that’s not the goal. I just want to see you making an effort to improve. If you take two to three of your favourite tips above - that will be the beginning of something great!