No one ever repented of having eaten too little. --Thomas Jefferson

Apparently I need to start posting those Motivational Quotes of mine earlier in the morning.... everyone's already been here by the time I get them up!

Anyway....

Motivation Level: 3

Way low today. It's my day off and I'm feeling particularly lazy. I will try to get in some exercise. That is my goal for the day. Food and water will be good though, because I'm getting pretty good at managing those two aspects, at least.
The scale this morning showed 209, so now I'm only 1 pound away from my pre-4th of July Weekend weight. I think I'll have it off by the end of the week. Oh wait... ToM, so it will probably have to be next week. Bleh....
Anyway, it will soon be gone, and hopefully take some others with it. Onederland is getting so close I can taste it. I can't wait to be back below 200. I haven't been that weight since early high school years!

Ok, now I'm just starting to ramble. I'll be back this evening. Have a wonderfully healthy day everyone!
~Elisha

Ok, I'm joining this thread... since sometimes I can't even make it one day at a time but rather minute by minute. It's especially hard when my 2 y/o goes down for her nap. Quiet times are the worst for me... boredom seems to overpower the need and want to get healthy. And when no one's around, I don't have to bother with the verbal comments that may otherwise be tossed my way.

As much as I hate my husband's "meaningless" condescention, it sometimes helps to keep me in check. Oh right... I really *don't* need that extra helping of........! I know he loves me... and only wants the best for me and quite honestly, more often than not I tell him to keep those types of foods out of my mouth. It's just hard. I'm a hypocrit -- don't allow me these foods as I don't have the willpower myself to turn them down... but how dare you tell me I can't have this slice of cheesecake? O dear. It's suddenly becoming clear to me...!

My typical motivation seems to hover around the sad level of 2... and I feel sometimes that the only way to get me to move is with a crane. Ugh. Very, very sluggish. And now I'm almost incapable of sleeping without slipping meds into my system. That's really quite a horrible way to live.

It's not that I necessarily over-eat... I just eat the wrong things at the wrong times. And that combined with serious inactivity has added the extra 40lbs that hang off of my body. Instead of eating breakfast, lunch and dinner, I usually skip breakfast... skip lunch... then mow down on goodies mid-afternoon. I suppose it's just conditioning myself to eat balanced meals throughout the day... while getting going with some sort of exercise.

Does that seem about right? Or am I just talking out my a$$?

I have struggled with my weight my ENTIRE life... and probably felt it was more of an issue that it actually was. Kind of hard to see yourself in the "right" way when you've always been told you're fat... even when you aren't. So I obviously struggle with that... and I often go from one extreme to the other. From working out like mad to not at all. From eating healthy to eating fast-food constantly. There doesn't seem to be a happy medium. And even when I was at my smallest, I still had this idea in my head that I was repulsive. Is that normal?

Ok, I just totally went off on some wicked tangent there... man-alive! Sorry for that. Not really sure where all that came from.

Anyway, I really just don't want to feel alone in this struggle anymore. But more than anything, I want to be happy with who I am. It would be fantastic to reach my goal weight... but if I'm happy when I reach 125 or 130, then I've achieved the real prize in this whole process.

~mel

Welcome Mel! I totally know what you mean about being a minute-to-minute fight. That's actually the way I accomplish my goals. My goals are things like "I will drink this entire glass of water," or "I will get on that stairclimber for just 10 minutes," or "I will not eat seconds at this meal." It's the little things we do that really add up over time.

I too have gone back and forth between eating healthy and eating everything. I didn't even start to lose weight until I figured out that I have to quit dieting and start just being healthy. Now that I have figured that out... well, I find myself eating things I never considered eating on a diet.... like KFC, or pizza, or potato chips, or whatever. I just have to be careful and make sure I count it. I know I can't eat those things every day, but if I have them once in a while it's not going to kill me, or even wreck my diet, just as long as I don't let them. I'm the one in control here (even when I don't seem to be in control at all). And so are you.
It's about doing well more often than not. No one's expecting you to be perfect.

I also know what you mean about the "supportive" family. I tell my parents that I don't want their fattening food, then when they question me for eating whatever it is I snap at them and tell them to mind their own business. They probably think I'm crazy. They are getting more supportive though. Give your hubby time, or tell him that you really appreciate his help, but maybe that he can be a little more... I don't know... sensitive with the words he chooses?

I don't know what type of plan you're on, or if you're on any plan at all, but have you tried tracking all of your food? I find (as others on this board find as well) that journaling my intake really helps me stay focused and on track. It's also rather surprising at first to see what you're actually putting into your body. Of course, you can do it by simply reading labels and writing things down in a notebook (be careful though, labels DO lie!!!), or you can use software like fitday.com, DietPower (that's what I use), or LifeForm. I'm sure there are many other versions out there as well, but any of them will work, and they're a tremendous help.

Anyway....
I just wanted to pop on to let you chicks know that I completed my 30 minutes on the stairclimber and 15 minutes of weights for the day! Yay!
Oh, and I found a new source of motivation--men. Not the men that I want chasing me, the men that have already rejected me. I want them all to see me 6 months from now when I am slim and trim and more gorgeous than their wildest imagination and I want them all to kick themselves for passing me up!
(FYI--I just ran into an old crush of mine, and yes, I am a little bitter. But hey, it looks like he found the 30 pounds I lost! )

Ok, time to fix dinner. Bleh... have a wonderful evening everyone, and I'll probably be back in a bit.
~Elisha

Thanks for the advice, Elisha! I totally agree with starting with "baby-steps" to achieve goals. I know it's not a lifestyle change that can be altered overnight (although I'm certain we'd all love it if it were) but breaking things into smaller goals will really increase my motivation when I can see and feel the results. It *REALLY* is the little things that add up over time, isn't it?

I know no one expects me to be perfect... no one other than me, that is. It's always been an "all or nothing" kind of way with myself. And while I don't expect that from others, I do expect it of myself. Which is why it's so terribly difficult to take when I fail repeatedly. I know it's a ridiculous hang-up that I'll have to get over and hopefully I will this time around. *Crosses fingers*

Last night was the first time I was *REALLY* honest with my husband. He previously thought I weighed 140lbs or so. And I was always fine with him believing it b/c I never wanted to admit the truth to him. Would he walk out? Would he laugh? Would he drop a lung? Of course not. He echoed the words he always has... I will support you in whatever you have to do to make yourself happy. I know he loves me unconditionally... whether I'm fat, thin, tall, short, bald or hairy. I just wish I could love myself the very same way. He tries so hard to be sensitive... he just has a knack for putting his big ol' foot in his mouth. <--- Don't most men though?! Ah well... perhaps I should ease up on him and realize that I asked him to keep me in check. The poor guy really is stuck between a rock in a hard place, ain't he?!

Oh there goes that wicked tangent again. Yes, I'm known for those. Yikes.

Anyway, back on track... right. I'm not really on any one plan... I have certain things I'm trying out and hoping to see results from. I have begun pilates again (which I quite enjoy once I get over the first week of pain) and am doing ok (so far!) with what I've been eating. I managed to eat both breakfast AND lunch today (both very healthy, I might add!) and my only snack today were a few grapes. Wow. No pop or juice (which is a horrible pitfall of mine) either. And tonight after dinner, hubby and I'll take our little girl out for a walk. Yay. I quite enjoy our evening walks to tell you the truth... it's just getting going that seems to be the hardest part.

I have logged onto fitday.com and find it very easy to navigate and I really enjoy the online journaling that's available. It's a great site to log your activity/food/feelings/goals/etc. And while I'm not really keen in keeping a journal of food intake, I'm more concerned with eating smaller portions of healthier food (fruits, vegetables, brown grains and unprocessed foods).

More than anything I think I just need to express myself rather than keeping everything bottled up inside to fester away. It really seems to be detrimental to my progression in life.

Anyway, congrats Elisha on your workout today! I can't wait to be able to post such awesome progress! And great idea to use past-crushes as incentive to get healthy. That would make an awesome mastercard ad...

Cost of work-out clothing: $65
Cost of exercise bike: $300
Cost of treadmill: $800
Look on the face of the arrogant a$$ who passed you up a year prior to losing 40lbs... PRICELESS!

Anyway, thanks for listening. I feel a gazillion times better and am actually off to do my pilates. Hope you all have a great night!

~mel

Evening ladies!

Wow, today turned out completely different than expected. Weird though. At least it was healthy. Exercise as I posted earlier was good. Water was good. Calories are way low--like under 800--but I'll find something else to eat. Maybe a mashed potato sandwich--yummy! I dunno. Something.

Mel--I just love that mastercard ad! Funny stuff! This site really does help you feel better, doesn't it? Before I found 3FC, I never though that something like this could really make that much of a difference, but I'm glad to be proved wrong.

Anyway, that's it from me tonight. I might post my MQotD a little later so everyone will get to read it in the morning when they sign on, because I know you'll all be here earlier than me!

Have a lovely night, chickies!
~Elisha

I know I checked in this morning, but I didn't get a chance to answer my own question. It's been a rough week for me...first few days back after vacation, but really that's no excuse! I like what Lucia said about "easing back into it slowly"...well I have!!!

Bad things eaten today:
*gas station cappucino
*Nestles Tollhouse candy bar

Good things eaten today:
*Cheerios with blueberries this morning
*Marie Calendar's chicken/rice dish! Yum, but probably waaaay too much fat!
*water consumed!

Things avoided today:
Buying ice cream and fried chicken (the chicken wasn't my choice to avoid, it just happened because of irresponsible customer service...guess I should be thankful!) at the grocery store when I was sooooo very hungry and cranky! Yea me!

I ate more than that, but those are the highlights. I see I haven't had too much in the way of fruits and veggies today! Oh what the heck! Some days just have to be that way, don't they?

So, overall today was ok! I'll give it a 6 on a scale of 1-10. I got in my exercise in the morning and did a couple of walks back and forth from facility to facility (its about a city block one way, I think!) Food was ok.

Tonight there was a very loud *BANG* outside my window while DD and I were watching "Brother Bear". I went outside and saw/smelled a van smoking across the street and wreckage in the street. I immediately called 911 and didn't see the "other" van (which was in the center of the street being blocked by the trees in my yard) until I went out into my yard further investigating to make sure no one was seriously injured. OUCH! Fortunately, no one was seriously hurt, but there was probably about 12 kids in the one van (it was a church van) and at least 2 passengers in the other one. They hit head on...driver side to driver side and both vans had air bags which were inflated! Yea for airbags! The whole neighborhood was out...some I haven't ever met and some I haven't seen since last summer! There were firetrucks, wreckers, ambulances & police of all kinds right in my front yard for about 1 & 1/2 hours! How exciting! And hubby had to miss it all...he's in Wisconsin (at the Brewers Cubs game tonight!) for work seminar!

So that's my day in a heartbeat! Phew! Glad I was a spectator with that tonight!

Elisha...I do read all the quotes you post and I love them! You can post them anytime because I go back and look for them when I log on! You are kicking butt, girl! I need a bit of your motivation these days. Could you please send some of it my way??? Gotta get back on it here! Gotta stay away from the sugar! Gotta keep up the exercise routine in the morning. Those are my goals for tomorrow! And hey...way to go on the exercise! And I also loved Mel's version of the Master Card commercial! You are going to be stunning soon! Can't wait to see progess pictures! I should dig some of mine up and post too. Maybe we can do a post picture day!!!

Mel....welcome to our group. This is a very relaxed and supportive atmosphere. I love this group. You just journal away and tell us all about your struggles, because that's why we are here! But then, you have to put up with our whining and moaning, too!! LOL! One day at a time is the only way I can function! And somedays, like you said, it's one MINUTE at a time! How old is your little girl? We have a little girl, too. She's 4.5 and as cute as can be! Girls are precious gifts from God, I beleive!
Your hubby sounds so supportive and loving. Sometimes we expect so much from them, don't we...like they should read our minds or something. My hubby struggles with his own issues (weight being one of them) and so I don't expect too much support from him, so when he gives it, I am happy for it! He has been suprisingly supportive, however but sometimes does the "foot in mouth" thing, too! They are human, I suppose!

That's it for tonight, girls! I hope you are having a great evening. I'm going to be soon, so will check in the morning. Need to be up earlier tomorrow to do my workout! Maybe WATP in the morning!

When you get into a tight place and everything goes against you until it seems you cannot hold on a minute longer, never give up then, for that is just the place and time the tide will turn. Success is endurance for one moment more. -- Harriet Beecher Stowe

Okay, I admit it, I stole this one from someone's signature I saw in one of the forums. But I love it. That's what I tell myself when I'm on the stairclimber or the treadmill and start thinking that I can't possibly go any longer.... "success is endurance for one moment more." That sounds so much nicer than "just a few more minutes, just a few more minutes, just a few more minutes...."
Just do the best you can today, and worry about tomorrow tomorrow.

Hope this quote brightens your morning!

Hi,

Hope everyone is having a great day, I am! It is very windy outside, but I went for my walk anyway, and spent the afternoon stacking firewood, so I feel very invigorated .

Julie - Don't you just love vaccuuming the pet hair, I have four cats, and one is a long hair who seems to shed enough fur for 6 cats . Think of the calories you burned doing the whole house! I love O maganzine, it can be a great source of inspiration. Are you a member of Oprah's message boards? I am, and I subscribe to the newsletter etc, and I receive inspirational quotes/sayings by email. There are somedays when I read a saying, and it is so relevant to where I am at in my life.

Elisha - I must give the 'ex' motivation a try, it sounds great .

Mel - Welcome! I can identify with the minute by minute motivation, I think most of us can. I have just got back on the wagon after struggling with motivation (or lack of) for May and most of June. If I can give you some advice, eat breakfast, I know you've probably heard it before, but a healthy breakfast really does set you up for a great day! I love your idea for a Mastercard ad .

That's it for me today, will catch up with you tomorrow. Hugs to all.

Lucia

Morning chicks!

Motivation Level: 8--That's 4 for me and 4 for Julie!

Man, I'm feeling rather Up-And-At-Em today. Unfortunately, I have to work all stinking day, so I won't really get a chance. Oh well, such is life. I'll see what happens.
I probably won't get any exercise today, but you never know, right? Food and water should be ok though, hopefully.
Anyway, I have to get ready for work. Bleh, work. I'll see you all this evening. Have a great day!
~Elisha

Thanks for letting me vent yet again girls... feel MUCH better for having blown off a little steam! You're all awesome!!!

Didn't end up finding time to hit the road for a walk lastnight... we had a financial advisor come over to discuss RESP's for our daughter and what was supposed to be a quick 5min meeting turned into over an hour. I did however manage to get 50 crunches, some weight training (arms) and pilates in though which made me feel great for having done something relatively productive! It's a start...! And what's more, I didn't do my late-night junk-food binge. Now there's restraint!

Started the morning off with a bowl of Spec. K with skim milk and will be followed with an equally healthy lunch and dinner. Exercise goals for today: pilates, 60 crunches, weight training (arms) and an hour long walk.

-----------------
Hikein2005: Glad to hear no one was injured in the accident yesterday... esp. considering children were involved! You are right... little girls (well... all children actually) are precious gifts to be treasured. My daughter is 2 y/o and very cheeky! I wouldn't be surprised if some day soon, she surpasses me in intelligence! Such a funny little girl she is! I'm sorry to hear that your husband also struggles with "his own issues"... I certainly wish you both all the best!

Jaymi: Looking forward to hearing more from you! Sometime soon, I hope!

Lucia: Thanks for welcoming me into the group... and for the advice! I'm definitely trying to make sure I get some breakfast into my body... help me get revved up for the day! Sounds like you've already had a great start today, what with your walk and stacking firewood! Good for you!!!

Elisha: Your motivational quotes are fantastic! They're really inspiring! I'm sorry to hear you have to work today... but before you know it, the work day will be over. Hope you have a wonderful day!

Well, take care girls! Type you later...!

~mel

Ok... just *HAD* to post! Contrary to a previous post, I used fitday.com to log everything I ate today vs. my activities. And geez, what a great motivator... I consumed less than 1200 cals. while burning nearly 3000! I'm very excited to see those kind of numbers! Now if only the scale would read some great news...!

I managed to get in all the exercise I wanted to... and poor hubby had a difficult time keeping up with me on our hr. long walk. It was actually kind of an ego-boost to tell you the truth... considering he's always goin' on and on about how physically demanding his job. Pffffft.

Feeling really good tonight and am hoping to finally get a decent amt. of sleep. Then perhaps I'll be rarin' to go as soon as I roll outta bed. Yeah right.

Jaymi: Well, I'm glad you found time to post... sounds like you have your hands full. Thanks for passing the recipe along. I shall have to try it out sometime! And it sounds pretty quick and easy which is always a fav. combination of mine! Oh and Kool-Aid and Splenda... mmm! Congrats on getting your 60mins. exercise in!

Anyways girls, I have to go struggle with my 2 y/o to get her into bed (<--- Does that clasify as exercise?!) so I'll type you all later! Have a great night!

~mel

Man is the only animal that laughs and weeps; for he is the only animal that is struck with the difference between what things are, and what they ought to be. --** William Hazlitt