Good Monday morning ladies!!!

I hope you all did great this weekend! I was so proud of myself. Yesterday at church I was given a cookie, AND a candy bar and I didn't eat either. On Saturday my family made some cupcakes for the neighbors across the street and I didn't have any of those either! Then last night at a meeting they were having cheesecake and I just had ice water! Hooray! I never thought I could have such self-control!

Oh, ladies from Canada, I MUST move there! I constantly tease my husband that he needs to move me to a colder climate. I LOVE the winter, especially snow. It gets cold where I live, but not cold enough for my liking. It averages about 35 for the high here in the winter with the lows in the teens. Still, it hardly ever seems to snow (although it DID snow yesterday and there's some on the ground!) I was so excited about the snow that I decided to walk home from church in it (it was the HUGE, beautiful flakes and I just couldn't resist). I was so pleased that two different cars stopped and asked if they could give me a ride. I turned them both down, of course, but I was pleased with the reminder that people can just be so GOOD. You know what I mean?

So, is Monday officially weigh-in day? I started on a Wednesday, so I have had that as weigh-in day, but I can switch it. Last Wednesday I weighed 192 and today when I weighed myself I weighed 188!!! Yippee!

Well, I have yet another question for you all! How often should I exercise? I enjoy exercise and will exercise as often as I should, I am just not certain how often that is. I was not exercising at all before I started. I thought that I had read that you should start out exercising 3 or 4 times a week and then when you hit a plateau then add a day. Is that true, or just something weird I have in my head? It seems that I also read that I don't have a need to exercise every day now. What are your opinions? Exercise every day or just 4 times a week? I'd love advice to maximize my long time weight loss goal!!

Thanks ladies!

Amy

SW: 192
CW: 188!!!
GW: 140

48 pounds to go before it's baby time!!!

Congrats Bonnie on your * new* weight- 199 :cheer: you're in Onederland! wait until you get to like 190-195 and that really settles it- it'll feel great!

My grandma isn't a cooker but they do make their own french fries- just cut up a potato and fry it... then chicken gravy- the lighter color gravy- and topped with shredded cheese. is how they made poutine.

Yup- I don't understand that about the SBC- I could go on forever... Chris and I are in a committed relationship and can't be baptized but a college friend who is single and sleeping with different guys, theoretically could get baptized because she's not living with anyone. It would be on her conscious I know, but to my knowledge they don't ask if you're having pre-marital affairs :lol: they just kinda assumed with us since we're living together. But when we moved in together, we had intentions of marrying someday- we weren't engaged yet, but in the talking stages. I had never lived with anyone and Chris only lived with the Ex, so right there, that tells you this isn't a "bed-buddy" situation, it's for real.

I agree with most of the other views though, which I guess is the important thing because I doubt anyone could find a church where they believe everything the church teaches- I was catholic and still didn't believe everything they said either.

off to Curves!

178 down 1 lb this week- 3 more lbs to go until valentinies goal :D

Howdy everyone,

I weighed in this morning, and I was down 2 pounds. Hurray!

The ground dried out enough for me to work outside this weekend. The yard and garden were a real mess after last week’s storm. Our neighbors lost a tree that borders our property. There were branches and debris all over the place.

Amy, congratulations on your 4-pound weight loss. I’m so impressed that you were able to pass up all those goodies. Sometimes it seems as if calories are flying at us in all directions. It can be so tempting.

Bonnie, I share your love of salty things, and they certainly can send the scale temporarily in the wrong direction. But as you know, in a day or two, it will drop away, and you’ll be back in the 90’s. I think you’re wise to listen to your body and scale back a bit on the exercise when you’re feeling a tad tweaked here and there. Better to ease off than a risk an injury that could put you on the sidelines for weeks or months.

Kandice, you’re one pound closer to your goal. Good for you. From everything you have written over the course of the past few months, it is obvious that you and Chris are “living in love”. I know you will have a wonderful life together.

May we all have a good week,
Florafae

Good morning, ladies
 

Hope this finds everyone doing well. I'm dealing w/mixed emotions this morning. I finally updated my signature and added the pounds I gained during Thanksgiving/Christmas. I gained 13 pounds during that time. :( Oh, I'm such an idiot for letting that happen! :mad: But, the past is the past and all I can do is not let it happen again. It just irks me that I have to relose all that weight!!

Anyway, lost 2 pounds this week! I was amazed as TOM is here. Yeah! That's two less holiday pounds to lose! :cb:

I have been op since last time I wrote and only used 6 flexpoints at my sister's this weekend-we made smores and it was worth the points! :D I have also exercised and met water intake. Yesterday, I did two sessions on the elliptical-50 minutes and 4.25 miles and 35 minutes and 2.75 miles for a grand total of 7 miles yesterday! I thought dh was going to have to push me out of bed this morning! Anyway, it felt good. Tonight, probably 3 miles on ellip or maybe just walking. Haven't decided yet.

Bonnie-congrats on the weight loss!!! You go, girl! :cp: :cp:

Kandice-Congrats on your weight loss! :bravo: :dance: You're almost there already! You're inspiring! I don't understand the SBC stance either. I work w/a baptist minister whom I respect very much. We've had some interesting theological discussions but it keeps me on my toes and sharpens my wisdom. I love talking theology w/him but that's one thing I guess I won't ever understand.

Jean-I have a friend who uses that video and she really likes it as well. Kudos to you for walking in such frigid conditions! Brrrrr! I miss snow, we don't get a lot here in southern KY like I did in central Ohio. However, I don't miss the cold weather! I guess I'm just a true southern girl now! I prefer warmth.

Amy-You sure passed up a lot of goodies! Way to go! I'm proud of you! You're doing well. As for exercise, the only thing I can say for sure that I've heard is that it's good to take at least one day off a week to allow your body to rest. I take off Weds. and Sun. usually b/c they are busy w/church stuff. However, I'm getting ready to incorporate Weds back into my schedule at least. I have some video's I plan to use in the mornings before work.

florafae-congrats on your loss as well. :cb: :cheer: You're doing good. Hope your garden is soon restored to proper order. I remember looking at pictures and it was beautiful. I'm sure you'll have it whipped into shape in no time.

Well, laides-gotta run. Have a great health day. Take care of yourself. We're doing great!!

Oh-thoroughly enjoyed my down time w/my sis! Didn't really do anything special; just hung out. She walked w/me Saturday but made me promise to walk my warm-up speed so she could keep up. We went to a park close to her house. The lap was 1 1/4 miles through some woods. It also had a pond w/ducks and geese. It was nice to just spend time w/her. She's an angel! :angel:

Measurement/Weigh in Day
 

Hi Everyone!

It's that time of the week! I'm happy to say that I lost another 3 inches, so that makes 7 inches so far. One more to go before Valentine's Day!

Oh, and more exciting news... I found a really great gym! It's called "Lady of America." It's new and clean, for ladies only with treadmills, ellipticals, weight training machines, free weights, balls, stretch cords, aerobic classes galaore, yoga, step, televisions to watch while exercising,
free babysitting, tanning booths, spray tanning booths, lockers, showers and fun people... all for $149 a year! I signed up immediately, and I've already worked out several times. I just love it. They took my measurements and will do so again in a month, so that's great motivation, too.

Congratulations to everyone who lost weight this week! You are all doing a great job!
Hugs,
Dena :cool:

WOW! Congrats Dena (for the inches and for finding a gym)! that's such a good price too!! Where are you losing the inches? (just curious...) is it in 1 place more than others? I know personally almost 1/2 of my inches came from my thighs...

Skinny- remember that next time... "have to relose all the weight I already lost...." but congrats for staying OP and losing 2 lbs! :cheer:

I go get a haircut (just trim- still trying to grow out my hair for the wedding 'do :lol: ) and an eyebrow wax tonight- fun fun! :D I almost want to go shopping tonight too- just to go, but I think we'll probably just stay home and watch the final final biggest loser... the rest of the week is pretty busy with church tomorrow, and dance class thursday...

oh bonnie! that's terrible! I hope you feel better by Saturday! I know you probably know what works for you, if this has happened to you before, but really, try the thermacare for the back. Chris lifted a box wrong and I got him some of those and he said they are a miracle- they worked for him.

Bonnie, wow, that's an exciting weight :spin: Give your back a little TLC, it needs it.
Amy, 4 pounds, that's really impressive.
Kandice, keep it up, you're getting there.
Florafae, wow, is everyone losing? This is great.
Skinny, congrats, you're almost at the half way point!!
Dena, inches is what really matters in the long run. That gym sounds good.

I don't understand it, I'm up 2 pounds this week. I just don't know why. I'm not going ot put it in my signature, because it will be gone next week. So there, hmmmph. I'm mad.

Diana

I just came back from the gym, and I'm so happy, because going there actually makes better. I feel like I'm back and strong again, before my stupid sick episode. I went on the treadmill for 1/2 hour, worked out with weight machines for 1/2 an hour, and got on the elliptical for a few minutes. So I was there for over an hour and loved it.

Kandice, you asked where I lost inches... 4 around my waist, 1 on my bust,
and 2 on my hips. I would really like the hip inches to keep dropping, please. :) Congrats to you for being so close to goal!

Dew, hang in there. That's happened to me before for no reason. Did you have some salty foods?

Skinny, wow, congrats on the 2 lb. loss!

Flora, congrats to you, too!

Amy, four lbs!! Wow!!

Bonnie, I'm so sorry about your back. Take care of yourself!

OK, time for me to make dinner.
Hugs,
Dena :cool:

Thanks for the support ladies! Today has been good so far but hte hungry bug has hit me hard, I've actually got a growly tummy.
Here's a question, have any of you tried Atkins or counting WW points? :?: Just wondering.
Diana

Hi all,
I know I'm late getting in this challenge but as you can see I have already started! I just found you guys this minute. Love the site and joined yesterday.
Sooooooooooo much fun reading all the posts. I am eating LF, LC, and watching calories. Trying to get 30 mins exercise everyday.

Juitsy,

Welcome to our little weightloss group! :) How exciting to have a Valentine's Day goal and birthday on the same day! Good luck to you. I like your plan of LF, LC and exercising 30 minutes everyday. Glad you could join us.
Hugs,
Dena :cool:

juitsy, welcome- I'm doing LC too and it's working for me... good luck!

I flipped the page, but someone asked about the Atkins book? Never read it- I'm just doing the Curves Low-Carb plan. the ladies in the Atkins forum though are very knowledgable... give them a try.

I really don't feel like going to curves today- but I hate to break my going... Been 12 times this month already... my gym bag's in my car and I won't have a chance to go tonight with church, so I need to go at lunch.... keep telling myself, go to curves, go to curves....

Good morning, ladies!
 

:wave: Hope everyone is having a good health day. I exercised for 45 minutes last night, was op and met my water goals. I got up this morning and worked out w/my pilates video. I can tell it's been a while since using this one! Ouch! :lol:

Dena-congrats on the inches gone and to finding a gym that fits your needs so well and so inexpensively! That's awesome.

Kandice-I agree w/Bonnie go to curves! Usually, when I really don't want to go is when I need it most. I always feel better afterward! What kind of dances classes are you taking? Are you learning to waltz for your wedding? What fun.

Bonnie-Hope your back is better soon. Be kind to yourself.

Dianna-hang in there. I agree w/what has already been said on this board-it's probably sodium in something you ate. I know that happens to me sometimes. Our bodies flucuate a lot. Just keep exercising and eating right and you'll see that 2 lbs just disappear! Also, I tried Atkins before but found it to restrictive. I like food, obviously! :D So, I don't really want to be denied anything-in moderation. That's why I like WW points. I can eat anything I want, in moderation, as long as I count the points for it. We recently celebrated a birthday here at work and I had a small, 2x2, piece of cake and that was okay. I just counted the points. Of course, as w/every healthy eating lifestyle, you can't over do and you need to maintain a healthy balance of fruit, veggies, meat, dairy and bread. But, I really like WW and it's the one "diet" that has brought me the most success. Ck out Atkins, though. It might be doable for you.

juitsy-welcome, welcome, welcome! You are in the right place for encouragement and support. We'll be cheering for you to reach your bday/vday goal! :cheer:

Gotta run. Have a great day, ladies!

skinny and bonnie- I went at lunch time! I needed to I know it...

Bonnie- Chris' back is fine now- he just lifted something wrong and I got him the thermacare. I hope you take lots of breaks during your car ride, it would be awful to be stiff on vacation.

Skinny- our first dance is choreographed- we're dancing to Rascal Flatts' "Broken Road". It's alot like the waltz though I think... it's a simple box step (moving around though) and then an underarm turn, then this one thing that we stop and sway and then come back together, and then the 5th position break- it's like posing for the audience... and then we end with a turn and bow/ courtesy. I hope it'll look good. We had only danced together once before at a college friend's wedding in september and it was reminiscent of the 6th grade dances- arms around his neck type thing... I didn't want to do that for our first dance. (Chris is going to kill me that I told that he was taking dance classes- he pretends to be "manly", but he's not! :lol: He's about even as far as high maintenance with me- he uses facial scrubber and moisturizer, plucks his eyebrows...)

Have a great afternoon!

I want to be a Valen-tiny too. :D
 

Hi ya'll! I sooooo want to enter Onederland too~ So far, you all are helping me stay movitvated just knowing I'm not the only one who plateaus, who has bad days, who has good days. It's really nice. I'm so glad I found this community. Everyone here is doing so well. Congrats!!! I really hope I can hit my goal of 1 inch off my chest, waist, and hips. My arms and legs go more slowly and have stay the same for a while... they got smaller first, of course. It's the belly I want to go tho!!! I wear a 1x top (small chested.. yes..lol.. odd for a big girl, I know.) with 2x or 3x pants! I hate it. :mad:

I would love to hit Onederland, as u all call it so cute-like, by April 1. My husband's bday is April 3rd, and we have planned a trip to Galveston for that weekend. Yay!! I have a top I wanna buy just for that weekend too. But I want it to be at least one size smaller. The visualizations help me tremendously. Try that too if you haven't already. :)

I'll keep you all posted and you do the same. I love reading how everyone is doing day to day. Also, when I post my miles for the month, they include each step I take all day, all month... not just when I'm exercising. I'm at about 90+ miles this month. I have been walking, jogging, etc. at least 10K-20K steps each day. I wear a pedometer. Another great suggestion! Get one! Today! They are great.. you can really see how much or how little you are moving.. I now have the habit of parking furthest from Walmart's (where u can get one for about $7.00) front door to add steps. ;)

My Vday goal is losing one inch off my chest, waist, and hips... each. I don't own a scale. I hate them. I use the doctor's, my family's, etc. LOL. But if I were to do weight.. I'd say 212? 8 lbs. down... but then again.. last time I weighed, was Christmas Day. LOL. I was 221.. and I know I've lost, so I'm saying I'm at 220 now. Probably lower. Guess I need better access to a scale. Ah well! LOL

Oops! And thanks for the sweet welcome~ :-D You girls are great here! Hugs!

Hi to all everyone is doing great....
Skinny butt I know just how you feel I did the same thing before Christmas gain 10 lbs and and could not stop eating then Jan 1 /05 came and I said thats it no more sweets for me and guess what I havnt had any thing ... and I have tried I think every diet in the books been dieting off and on I think all my life so now I am not dieting any more I just try to eating healthy and walking lots I think it is working before Christmas I was 175 lbs now 180 I only count calories stay to stay at 12 00 and no suger ....I have 10 more lbs to lose for the V day stay healthy Jean

Hi Everyone!

Welcome, Selina! You're doing a great job! I love your motivation and dedication. And I'm with you... I rather measure than get on the scale. At least, when I measure I see the efforts of my exercise. And I love to exercise. So keep up the great work and you will lose your inches and get to your goal. Glad you could join us.

Jean, I like your idea of no sweets. I'm doing that, too, and I feel better for it. Good luck this week.

Bonnie, I hope your back feels better for your trip. Life always seems to throw us a curve, when we least expect it. I'll be sending you good thoughts that you will be fine for your vacation.

Skinny, great job on your exercise, water and eating. And now pilates!
Very inspiring!

Kandice, wow, I'm impressed... taking dancing lessons for your wedding. How wonderful! You guys are going to look great!

Well, I'm off to my gym. I just love that place. Everyday I try to do a little more than the day before... just a little challenge for myself to make me stronger. :) Right now the elliptical is the hardest for me. I can only do a few minutes and my goal is to do it for a 1/2 hour like I do the treadmill and weight machines.
Let's all continue the great work!
Hugs,
Dena :cool:

I joined today, but I'm up for the challenge.

Let's see I'd like to be at 218 by 2/14. Have already lost 3 lbs since I started on 1/2/04

welcome Selina! You sound so enthusaistic (sp?) and motivated- I have no doubt you'll get to your goal! :cheer:
I've done the visualization- look at it everyday... my red size 8 dress, hanging on the front of my closet. And my first bikini I've ever bought for the honeymoon that's on the back of the bedroom door. It does work...

I got the undies and tshirt today- can't wait to try them on! They didn't have Adult sizes in the undies- just juniors, and it said for waist size 30" get XL and 28" get L... I have a 29" waist right now- but still bought the Jr. XL 'cause of my bum :lol:
The tshirt I bought in Adult Med- I wear a large right now- so I'm hoping it'll look good- not too tight, but not hanging off me either... I'll let you know tomorrow how everything fits! and if I'm going back on phase 1 for 44 days :lol:

Welcome, Juitsy, Selina, and Chocolatecatz!! The people on this forum are super friendly.

Thanks for being so supportive, I really appreciate it.

Kandice, what's phase 1?

Hey, I got a job today!!! Casual, but fulltime for the first while for orientation, I'm so excited. Should also help for weightloss, more movin gand less eating time ;)

Diana

Bonnie, go have a soak in the tub with a good book, nothing passes time faster than that for me.

I am such an emotional eater, I'm thinking of buying Dr. Phil's book, cause I think he addresses that. Anyone read it :?:

Diana

Welcome Chocolatecatz- you must have been posting the same time as me last night because I didn't see you post before. Check back in- tell us how you're doing it! (and your progress!)

Bonnie- I was going to suggest a book too- I usually get so engrossed in a book I forget what time it is!

Congrats Diana on the job! when do you start? Phase 1 of my Low carb is up to 20 grams of total carbs a day... supposed to stay on that no more than 2 weeks and then move to phase 2- 40-60 total carb grams a day... Phase 1 makes me lose a lot of weight... that's how I lost the 5 lbs after coming back from Maine.
I wanted to read the Dr. Phil book too- but haven't... I guess I'm waiting to win the posting reward that the 3FCs are doing... I'm so cheap! :lol:

And BTW- the tshirt fits very well. I had to show Chris- I can't keep anything a secret- but I'm keeping the undies a secret from him though. they fit- I'm a little disappointed I thought the writing was on the front side but it's on the back- So I'll have I LOVE CHRIS across my bum... oh well... everything was exactly what I wanted...

Thank all of you for such a warm welcome. I truly feel support just streaming at me from my computer screen! Yay! Can't wait to be able to keep up with you all enough to respond to each of you in my posts! I love that. :-D

So far so good for me. Still doing about 5 miles a day right now. I'm at over 90 miles for Jan. But just so you know, this is the entire day, not just exercise. I move alot. I stay pretty darn busy. LOL

Please post often. I love reading your thoughts and goals.

Good morning all!
Welcome to all the newbies! I am really a newbie myself. I just started posting a couple of days ago, but I am determined to meet my Valentine's goal. Great to have you here. My name is Amy and I am trying to lose about 50 pounds.

Kandice-your undies and shirt sound so cute! He's going to love them.

Selina-I wish I could get rid of my scale. I think I'm more addicted to it than to food, lol!! I weigh myself too often. In fact, today my scale says that I GAINED a pound. I am so bummed. I have been meeting my goals and exercising every day. I HAVE been working with weights so I am hoping that it is just a pound of muscle or something. I can tell that I've lost weight around the middle (my real problem area). My pants are fitting much better.

Hope everyone's doing well!

Amy

SW: 192
CW: 188 (189????)
GW: 140

Good Morning, Everyone!

It's Thursday already?! Man, the days are flying by! I'm so proud of me that yesterday I did three minutes on the elliptical. It sounds like nothing, but I could hardly do one minute in the beginning. I need my leg muscles to get stronger. I'm fine with the other weight machines and treadmill. The weather is really nice now in Las Vegas, so I'm gonna start getting outside more in the early morning, too, for my walk. The weather is around 65 degrees. Just beautiful.

Welcome, chocolatekatz! Glad you found us and could join us. Congratulations to you for losing 3 lbs.! Are you counting calories? What is your eating plan and what exercises are you doing? Don't forget to drink your eight glasses of water each day, too. We're rooting for you!

Bonnie, hang in there. I know how pain can makes you want to eat. I've hurt my foot a few years ago while exercising and couldn't do the regular exercises I was used to, and was so disappointed in myself, that I started hobbling to the refrigerator to relieve my stress. Not good. Food somehow comforts us when in pain, but we have to distract ourselves with new behaviors. (Easy to say, and hard to do.) I'm so glad you're getting back to eating right. And yes, cereal makes me hungrier! Take care of your back now and you will be able to exercise later. I wish you well.

Amy, I hide my scale, so I only face it once a week. It's hard to stay motivated when those numbers go the wrong way. (And my numbers discourage me a lot.) But if you're eating right and exercising, the pounds will come off! Good luck to you!

Dew, congrats to you on your new job! What is it that you are doing? How do you like it so far?

Selina, 5 miles a day?! Wow, that's great! Do you walk or run? Whatever you're doing, keep up the great work!

Kandice, thank you for reminding me to visualize. I think that's a great idea. I have a few size 8 dresses in my closet from the old days, which I want to wear again. Maybe I should stare at those for a while. Oh, only to get back there again! Your panties sound cute!

Flora, Cole, Sweet Pea, where are you?

Take care all.
Hugs,
Dena :cool:

Good morning, ladies
 

Hope everyone is doing well. Things here are good. I was op yesterday, did 30 minute pilates and met water goals. yeah! I'm having a good relationship w/my scale today. :D I bought a new digital one yesterday and, of course, I had to try it out. I've lost another pound! Woo-Hoo. I won't count it as official until Monday, though. Maybe more will be gone by then! :lol:

Kandice-I'm so glad your tee and panties fit! I don't know if I'd have been able to keep the tee a secret either! The dance you have planned sounds lovely (lovely-such a nice word-wonder why it isn't used more often. But, I digress). I'm sure the two of you will be the picture of happiness. Also, thanks for reminding me to visualize. Time to get that little black dress out of the closet and put it where I can see it!

Selina-welcome, welcome, welcome! So glad to have you. You're at the right place for positive pick me ups. I am ready for ONEDERLAND as well. You and I are in very similar places ie: what we weigh and what we want to lose. I'm cheering for you!

Jean-I limit my sweets very much-special occasions, etc. This is a big deal for me. Sweets were my biggest down fall. When I do get the craving, dessert is always a WW recipe so, even though it's sweet, it's better for me than what I used to eat. I also feel better when I limit my sweets. Keep up the good work.

Chocolatecatz-Welcome, welcome, welcome. So glad to have you. You sound like you're already doing well. You'll certainly find lots of encouragement and good advise here. Keep up the good work.

Bonnie-sigh-I'm w/you, friend. I am a very emotional eater. I'm finding ways to avoid emotional eating, though. When I want to eat, I read, do something w/my hands (I like to cross stitch), clean (my house is nearly spotless :D ) or just ask myself questions that are personal to me like-what is the truth of this sitch? Is food going to help the sitch or make it worse? Also, do you snack throughout the day? I've found that if I have a healthy snack around 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. it helps me continue to stay full and I don't do so much emotional eating. Hang in there. Hope your back is better soon.

Dianna-How's it going? Be sure to fill us in on your job.

Amy-Like Bonnie said-I wouldn't worry too much about the pound. You'll have that gone right off there before you know it. I usually only weigh once a week b/c it's too discouraging to weigh more than that. Our weight is effected by so many things it's just easier for me to weigh in on Mondays and forget about it the rest of the week. You hang in there! You can do it!

Dena-Congrats on doing the elliptical! Good for you! Before you know it, you'll be doing thirty minutes and not even blink. I'll be glad when it warms up here in KY as well. Although I like the Y, I prefer walking outside. I also only weigh once a week-except this week-as I mentioned above-had to check out the new scales!

Have a great health day. Be kind to yourself!