back to start....
 

day 19 all wrapped up!

Wow... how intimidating. Really, you guys are inspiring... I don't know if I can do it. But I can try, right?

Can I try small small small to start? I want to replace 2 sodas per day w/ water. I think it's doable. Can I join you guys and start with that? Or do I need something bigger?

Shalia!
 

Thanks for the kudos! :wave:
I would imagine giving up soda for you is like giving up coffe for me. If it's a challenge for you, then it's not small. I "must" have my 3 cups in the morning. I may go half decaf on a future challenge. Go on - do it - inspire me!!!!! :coffee2:

Day 5 under my belt. But no bonuses at all. I've just been hanging around the house with the new kitties. Little Lily has a very bad cold - might need the vet again tomorrow. And Bigboy bats her around whenever she tries to get close to him. So I spent a lot of time supervising my tiny patient and her delinquent brother.

The weather was lovely, so that excuse for not exercising is gone. But I'm doing quite well on the food front; went out for lunch and removed the top slices of panini and asked toreplace half the fries with salad. My main indulgence is fresh fruit which is oh-so-good for me anyway.

On to Day 6 tomorrow. The wine on day 22 will taste SO good!

Day 2 down! I did 90 minutes of cardio tonight and 15 minutes of my pilates video this morning, and I'm at 1420 calories. I'm really proud of myself because today we went to Sam's Club and I only had ONE sample, a single Shrimp Scampi.

Wow, only one sample at a Sam's Club? I'm totally impressed!!! That's a woohoo on it's own!

Thanks, 1nceagain. I'm not giving up coffee yet, I don't think I could if i tried, but I'll try and replace the two sodas. I can do that. Yes, I think I can so I'll be the train that could. :)

Hello All,

You are all very inspiring :) May I join in, too? I'll assume the answer's yes. Here are my goals:

1. Only weigh myself once a week - this will be hard, but somebody had good advice about their hubby hiding the scales.
2. Only have 3 cups of coffee a day - will try and have herbal teas instead
3. Have 3 glasses of water a day - much better than the none I'm having now
4. Have 3 meals a day and no snacks inbetween - the snacking is what brought me to this state in the first place.

If you don't mind I will write in on a regular basis to begin with, just so that I accountable to someone :dizzy:

Thanks everyone for sharing all your stories,

Suzanne

hi guys..

i found this link in a ladies magazine for these mints that are supposed to cut your appetite.. no ephdedra or sugar in them... u can buy them at walmart

but also they will send u a free sample if u go here>>>>>

http://www.slimmints.com

slimints
 

I tried these a year ago. Either they didn't work for me, or I just wasn't mentally ready-tasty though!

hoping to make it through Day 1....
 

Hi, all. Just trying to do a quick catchup here before getting to bed. I still haven't done any sort of cleaning but will try before turning in tonight. Though it may be small, that's okay. I haven't had any sugar either.

High C -- Hello there and welcome! :wave: Of course you can hop aboard. So, you have three things you are doing EVERY day. Wow, a triple challenge! And, yes, of course you can write in on a regular basis. In fact, we are expecting you to!! :lol: Good luck!

gray -- :bravo: on getting through Day 2 That's a lot of exercise! :yes: What, by the way, is Sam's Club? and what's a sample? :?:

carla -- Excellent going! And great moves with the fries too! Hope your cat gets better quick. You got to be careful with those colds. One of my cats died earlier this year and I still feel horrible that I hadn't gotten him to the vet sooner. Was planning to that night, came home and found him dead in a mess. :( Please take care of your little one.

Shalia -- Welcome to you, too! :wave: And though your "small" may not be "small" for someone else, you know what's big and what's small for you and that's all that matters. Replacing soda with water is a great place to start! Good luck! :spin:

curly -- :cp: Good for you! Almost there! :woo:

1nceagain -- So glad to hear you're enjoying your exercise and good work on SBD. What day are you on? So, you are starting with the first phase of the diet. That is super hard if you're exercising. Hang in there! :dancer:

Brunette -- That's okay. We can't read everyone's posts and comment all the time. We appreciate the thought! :) Congrats on getting through Day 6! You're holding steady! Keep it going! :cb:

jkg -- :bravo: on Day 15 in the bag! Final stretch, no stopping you now!! :strong:

java -- You make me laugh! I am just so tickled by your determination and the picture of you standing at your computer doing WATP moves! :love: You are great! Tell me, what does DIA and DIN stand for again? But, heh, you got the right idea and a great attitude. Ease off when you have to, go at it hard when you can. Onward march to Day 6. Best of luck!! And I hope you feel better real soon! How's Squeak? :sunny:

Ok, others, where are you? Some of our regulars are MIA?! :dunno: Trixi, Caro, happy, dkkrf, mscat?? And Sushi, dona, Rakkoon, mommapossum, where are you? :listen: Come on in and tell us how you're doing. We miss you!!

Oh, one thing everyone, I'm wondering if you all could make it clear sometimes in your posts just what your challenge is so we can keep track with you. Unless people talk specifically about their challenge I can't keep track! Help me out, ok?! :thanks:

:kickcan:

I'm on day 6 and although I'm still dealing with some health and mood problems, I'm chugging along. I went to the track last night and did two miles. There's a couple there most night and I think my presence annoys them, they act odd. Not suspicious or anything, just odd. They're probably in their 40's like me. They mill around at the concession stand building like it takes the man a long time to psych himself up for the run (he stands there pacing for like two or three of my laps). Then he's off to run a little, walk a little (like me) and she does one lap walking and sits down. She's taller than me (who isn't?) but probably not as fat. They sort of glare at me when I pass them. But I could be imagining that (it's awful dark there). Maybe they stare because of my police radio and the fact that cruisers park on the hill and my officers watch me.

Welcome Suzanne. I'm sort of new here myself. These chicks are wonderfully supportive and close to my heart. Hey, that makes them like a really good sports bra, eh? :lol:

Good luck to all. I'll peek in from work and maybe address you individually. I watch two good movies at work last night, so my shift went mercifully quick. No problems that I know of with the bike ralley (yet)

Miss turtle u just keep on a walking and let them glare... maybe they are in awe of your determination and willpower to get out there and walk that late in the evening! lol they are probably thinking u are there to run THEM off for trespassing lmao ;) :lol:

'Morning everyone.

5 days into the challenge for me. My challenge is to make good choices about what I'm doing for myself over the next 21 days - choosing water over sugary drinks, eating clean, making sure I move and stretch and get in some exercise. It's a lite weight getting back into good habits again.

My biggest problem is always heading into the weekend. We go to dinner on Friday nights and that usually sets into motion a complete breakdown. Yesterday we did Chinese and I made sure I got lots of protein and veggies so I'm in the mood to continue on today.

It was a really busy week at work and I'm sorry I haven't posted but I chose going to bed at a decent time over sitting up way too late on the computer - one of the bad habits I'm trying hard to break. Busy weekend too, I'm tired of looking at stuff laying around and in the mood to clean so I sure want to capitalize on that.

Sorry I don't have the time to individually post. Ha ha on the sports bra joke Java - you're very clever. As for the "runners" they probably don't want to share the track with you, kinda when you get in the pool by yourself to do laps and someone else comes in. Tough too bad tho, if it was me and it was late and dark, I'd appreciate having a bit more company. Besides you were there first - squatters rights!

Ok, I have to go swap loads in the washer and get back before I get too distracted.

Enjoy your weekend peoples.

I made day 7!! One full week! Woo hoo!!

I'm nervous about tomorrow, my gym isn't open during the hours I'm NOT at work... so we'll see if I can get 30 minutes in! I may have to break down and do a workout video...ICK!! Maybe I can find a new one on sale somewhere...

Well, Java, I think I'd stare too at someone working out with a radio and a police escort. Maybe they think you're on some kind of exercise-release program from jail. :lol: I guess if the people on this site are like a bra, then your cruisers are like a jock strap (athletic supporters). :rofl: :rofl:

Red, we don't have Sam's club here in Canada, but I think it's like Costco, a big members-only warehouse store that always has lots of sample ladies (and men) handing out samples of all kinds of yummy food. Some people (of course no one I know) go there for lunch on a regular basis. I was shocked when I went to a Costco in San Francisco not long ago: compared to Canada, the samples were huge, and there were so many! Here they make you feel like a freeloader if you want a second half-teaspoon of ice cream.

1nceagain, every time I see your name I first think it's "ince-again" and it takes me a moment to get it.

It's too soon for me to declare victory over day 6. But I am glad to say that my little Lily is now on antibiotics and sleeping off her nasty cold. I think she'll be okay. And Bigboy actually sat on the same chair as her without trying to push her off or rolling over to squish her. Progress! Maybe they'll end up liking each other!

starting Day 2.....
 

Good morning, all. Very early here. Gotta get moving if I'm to get out on time. Ah, how would I love to just stay sleeping. I did make it to Day 2, did a bit of cleaning last night before going to bed so I'd make the challenge. It's amazing how the challenge makes me DO it! And making it a double challenge means I feel like it's such a shame if I blow it, because usually by the end of the day I'll still be good on sugar, so to blow it because I haven't cleaned a bit, or vice versa is like really shooting myself in the foot. Oh yes, and to keep my own suggestion, my goals are to not eat any sugar AND to clean something in my room (reorganize, throw out junk etc.) My room is a huge part of the whole procrastination thing that I think is either a part of the not getting the body I want, or a block to it. In any case, I feel, that getting that body and getting a nicer, more livable and presentable living space will go hand in hand. :sunny:

Java -- So glad to hear you're sticking it out and doing all your work. And doing that despite the fact that you're still not feeling great. I mean, it is a constant thing, isn't it, life, the ups, the downs. For you to be out there "kicking at the darkness," Turtle, is a wondrous thing!!! I hope you're damn proud of yourself!

Those other two sound strange. I'd say it was any of the things you or the others mentioned. The cops and everything probably make it look very strange and they may be a bit scared, thinking some kook is in the area and the police are looking for them, or that you are the kook and the police are keeping an eye on you, you know, on parole, suspected of something but no proof on you yet. Or, it could be that they themselves have done something and are scared of being taken in by the cops. They could also be having marital problems and this exercise thing is real sore point between them. In any case, just ignore 'em. They could also have bad eyesight, so the "glare" may be more of a squint to bring you into focus.

There's nothing like a good sports bra. I live in them. If we are to be likened to one, I'll take that! :lol:

Good luck, kid and keep up the great work! :yes:

curly -- You got that flashing 21 out and ready?!

happy -- Glad to see you're still with us too. Don't worry about always posting. I just worry about you. And thanks for restating your goal. It helps me to hear the goals again and again, keeps me committed to mine as well, and I know it will help you too. Oh, and the "exercise-release program" that is too funny!! :rofl: Gotta get some of that weight off so she can't do too much damage!!

That was an excellent bit of foresight and planning at the Chinese restaurant the other day! Good for you! :strong: May the rest of your weekend go as well!

Brunette -- :bravo: Hurrah for you!!! A full week!! All right!! Oh, don't you hate it when you want to get to the gym and it's not open. Hope you can find something to do. Think of Java and her working out in front of the computer. Remember, a little is always better than nothing! Tough it out! :dancer:

carla -- Just caught your post as I was open to post this. Hang in there. You'll make it through Day 6. I'm rooting for you. Thanks for the Sam's info. And so glad to hear your kitten's got some medicine and is looking better! Take care!

Looking forward to hearing from lots more of you!! Ciao for now! :wave:

i dont see where they do anything for your appitite but ..a member of my pic's thread told us that the L-carintine willl help u to lose faster, and its expensive to buy as a supplement...


day 20 done!

Yay, we all did it! :D Congratulations on making days 20, 7, 2 and any other days.
I completed day 1, although I just got in by finishing up a glass and a half of water just before bed :lol:
I'm really pleased because I usually don't finish the first day of any eating plan :o so having this board here and all you people is so helpful.
Thank you. :)

Hi there Red! I`m still here, and doing pretty well, besides a hectic week and turning my hair green (yep you heard me) and some minor PMS, things are good! I have my challenge figured out, and I just have to do it now. I`ve known for a couple days what it has to be but I`m having a tough time DOING it. So, maybe declaring it to you all and stop putting it off is what I have to do! So here it is.....

My challenge should include a change in my sleeping...been sleeping too much and I tend to put off the exercise til I don`t do it at all lately. I got up at 6:45 yesterday (no sorry Thursday I`m on 2 days already with no exercise!) and had 30 minutes on the elliptical done by 7:30. Thats what I want my challenge to be, having 30 minutes of exercise in the morning. I`ll have to start getting up early soon enough when the kids start school, so I should get on a good schedule now. I`ve REALLY been slacking on my workouts so I have to start this tomorrow. HAVE TO :D You all must hold me accountable! I`ve been great with my diet but not my exercise and I keep telling myself I`m going to do a DVD tonight, just like I did lastnight and never did/ But I have been coloring my hair every night for 3 nights straight to try to fix the mess I created. So, I`m up tomorrow to have the elliptical in the bag by 8am and thats what I hope to do for at least the next 21 days. ;)

I got myself a full size mirror after only having a bathroom (headshot) mirror for years. I need to keep up what I`m doing to tone this body! Losing weight is only part of this battle (thanks to my new mirror I really see the work ahead of me!) Dieting alone will not do it all, and I was doing SOOO great with my exercise :( So thats it, gotta get myself out of the slump before 2 days turns into a week and then before you know it I havent worked out in a month! Just talking about, I`m going to get off my butt and do something before it`s gets any later...

*hair is better now, I first tried to darken my blonde hair and it turned greenish-grayish like. Yesterday got it to a carmel color but I still didn`t like it, but I had to use a color like that to fix the ashiness....so finally just got a reddish blonde that is close to what I`m aiming for. Big mess... but my hair made it through like a champ (THANK GOD I was crying Thursday night!!!) One more color in a few weeks I should have the color I want... hopefully. lol I`m only trying to go from beige blonde to a reddish blonde but I didn`t realize the initial color I used was ash and that does ugly things to my hair :( blah... I`m much better now though!

Okay I`ll catch up with all the posts after I burn off some calories or I`ll just keep putting it off! Hope you are all enjoying your weekend and doing great with your challenges!

Caro, I have just as much trouble exercising as you. I can always find a million excuses. When I work I at least walk there and back, but while I'm on holidays (most of this summer) I don't even do that! Drive everywhere, lie in bed late reading the paper, watch TV because it's too hot out to do anything...

My goals are to consume no wine or chocolate (candy) bars. They're good goals for me, but for some reason I seem to have interpreted it as meaning I don't have to do anything else. So starting tomorrow, I'll try to do at least 20 minutes of deliberate exercise every day as a bonus goal.

Today is day 6 under my belt. :)

Red, I'm still here, following the thread as best as I can. :)

I decided to re-start my challenge. Decided that not being able to sleep because of a 3-hour afternoon nap is not an excuse. :lol: This helped me realize that I needed to "fix up" my sleep schedule before starting - hard to make yourself go to bed by 10:30 pm when you've been staying up till 2 am for weeks. :p I've been eating my veggies dutifully, though. :lol:
The plan was to re-start today, but I won't be able to get to bed until late tonigh (external circumstances).

I did it! One of the biggest golden rules I made for myself...not to let one day turn into 2... I wouldn`t have done it if I hadn`t posted and realized I have to Do It Now! I`ve been far too lazy this week, but I feel so much better knowing I still have it in me to keep going. I was getting a little scared that I might not want to ever exercise again... just had to stop thinking about it and do it!

Dad`s B-day tomorrow and he`s getting some fabulous pizza from Providence RI that I havent had in YEARS I know I can have some but I can already see everyone wondering what I`m doing eating pizza! People are noticing, and my sister and and everyone else keep telling more people, so I feel some pressure here! It`s like theres no room for failure because the whole world knows I`m losing weight. Maybe it`ll help motivate me somehow but I`m kinda freaked out about having everyones "eyes on me". I keep it in my head most are expecting me to fail so I have to prove them wrong! :D Tommorow will be tough, but my step mom has lost some weight and maintained over a year now, she has healthy foods on hand at all times.

Okay enough about me.... How are ya all doing?! I`m afraid it`s kind of tough for my little mind to keep up with so many people we have in here! That is so great though. This challenge is fantastic, especially when you work on things that you know you have to stick to and are very important to your healthy lifestyle.

Red- This post should be a nice long one for ya... :) You`re giving me great ideas for my 3rd challenge! like maybe cleaning the house each day BEFORE I get on the computer and before it turns into a bigger disaster. I`ve been lazy with cleaning, and a messy house makes me feel aggrevated and disorganized. Actually having nothing to lose I could go a step further and add something like that into my challenge starting tomorrow. Thats the point right, to challenge ourselves at making positive changes?! Okay,
So the elliptical first thing in the morning... and then my daily cleaning. I will have the whole rest of the day without having to worry about the house and have my minimum of exercise out of the way, and that sounds really good to me!
By cleaning the house I mean the basics need to be out of the way before I sit at the computer or TV, like the night before dishes, vacuum, pick up the toys strung all about, get some laundry going, maybe an hour or so. Enough to make a huge difference in how my day goes. Thanks for the idea, Red!

Turtle- LMAO at the support bra! That was great!!

Gray- Hope things are well with you!

Jacque- Great work! You are doing so well!! Keep it up, girl! Find some workout tapes you enjoy, I always thought I hated them I just never tried any others besides the one I hated, lol.

Shalia- One of my biggest problems was the soda. I drank reg coke all day, water NEVER... over a 6 pack a day to sometimes a 12 pack, like 1600 calories just in soda!!! I still believe it`s one of the reasons I`m losing steady, replacing all that with water is a major change to my body. I had my last regular Coke on June 22nd (the day I started my changes) and treat myself to one can of Diet pepsi a day, 2 on a bad day. That stuff was slowly killing me. When the toothaches became frequent after ten years of heavy coke drinking, all my life of drinking it really, I started to see what I was doing to myself, not to mention all this weight I`ve put on. It`s the best thing I could`ve done to get me started in changing my ways. I really hope you do great on your challenge! It`s tough, but it can be done. Keep in mind there is absolutely nothing good for you in that can of soda! If I can give it up, anyone can!! I`d freak if I didn`t have Coke in the house. You can do it, and it is so worth it! :D

1nceagain- I still have to have my coffee in the morning! One iced coffee with sugar and cream (cant drink hot coffee so I got addicted to iced) I decided thats the one thing I will not give up so I add it in my calories and deal with it! I no longer have a large, and I never have more than one... so it`s all good. 22 pounds in 5 weeks just proves to me I can have my coffee and lose weight too! Yay! :)

Suzanne- welcome! I almost did the scale challenge but I just cant right now! But it would be a GREAT feeling to see a few pounds gone all at once, think of that when you feel like getting on the scale. I`m really in no position to give scale advice, lol I`m on it every morning lately. Great challenge and good luck!

Carla- I was doing so great, in the first month I only missed one day and was doing between an hour to an hour and a half! I met my challenge and slacked this week. This week I missed 2 (today was almost the third) and I totally notice a difference in myself the days I don`t work out, I`m not in a good mood. So I hope the mornings will keep me on track, kids will still be sleeping, no phone calls or knocks on the door, no excuses for me to make! I would let the day go by and tell myself it`s okay I`ve done so much already. NO it`s not okay, I have to do it!
Oh walking I just hate it, and I`m not an outdoorsy girl, so I prefer to stay in watching TV or reading or going on line. Thats why the exercise is so important for me, I don`t do much in a typical day! :D Sounds like a good challenge you got there! Lots of luck to you too.

Okay if I ever want to make Day 1 of challenge 2 happen I should be in bed soon.... alarm will be set for 6:30. I have SO much to do before going to my fathers so I really have to do this starting tomorrow, and I won`t want to work out when I get back... so this is a priority for me. ;) Everyone have a great Sunday and I`ll check in tomorrow.

Thanks, Shalia. I almost dread our shopping trips there, but with my son still in diapers there's just nowhere else that compares for the prices on diapers and wipes. We eat a lot of fish, which is really cheap there, too. But maybe I can get through these shopping trips without overeating, after all!

Welcome, High C. I'm glad you decided to join in! I snack a lot too, but I have managed to fit that into my diet by planning ahead and eating smaller "meals" to make up for my snacking. It can be done! Well done getting through day 1 ;)

red, a Sam's Club is a big warehouse store here in the states. They sell everything in bulk. One of the little perks (or downfalls, if you're dieting) of shopping there is that they have all kinds of free samples of the foods that they sell. I usually overdo it on samples there because they have things like brownies, cookies, shrimp, pasta, sausage, etc, every time we go. But yesterday I did very well and stuck to one shrimp. Way to go for making it to day 2! Cutting out sugar would be so tough for me, I'm impressed that you're doing it.

Java, you are really doing well. So your officers go and watch over you while you exercise? That's really wonderful. A great way to keep safe if you're exercising at night. But of course, you knew that already!

Happy2beme, I'm glad you're doing well. I think I've mentioned this before but when you go out to eat, you can ask the waiter to put half your meal in a to-go box before serving it. Every time I've done this they've been happy to oblige, and it really helps keep things under control.

Way to go, LB! You're a third of the way there now. I hope you can get your workout in tomorrow. If you have a library you go to, check out their video selection. The one near us has tons of exercise videos - mostly yoga, but there are some other ones too. It's worth a try.

Carla, you're exactly right. Sam's Club is the Walmart-owned version of Costco. The samples really are huge at Sam's, and they actually encourage people to take seconds if they like the food! It's a scary place for a dieter. I hope you finished out day 6 victoriously.

Caro, good to see you again. Sorry you're having a rough time with exercise. Do you lift weights at all? I do some weights for every other workout and I'm seeing some really nice definition in my arms and especially in my calves now. I am really glad that you got some exercise in today! That's good, you need to keep it a regular part of your day. At least, I do.

Day 3 down for me! I barely stayed under 1600 though. I just HAD to have a snack this afternoon between lunch and dinner, and since I hadn't planned for it that put me awfully close. I'm at 1585. But, I'm having nothing but water until bedtime so all is well. I'm very proud, though, that this afternoon I met my exercise goal for July. 1510 minutes of exercise in the past month! Phew. I'm going to set my goal a little lower for August, because with school starting up and my kids starting preschool, I'm going to be really busy and I KNOW I won't get 1500 minutes in next month. I'm thinking that I'll go for 1200. Still a lot of exercise, that means getting at least an hour for 20 out of 31 days. That's a lot of workouts, really. And maybe I'll go over. I was still at 211 this morning, which is fine. I'm going to weigh myself tomorrow to get an official total for the month, and then try to go back to my weigh-in "schedule" of Wednesdays and Saturdays.

Hope all is well with everyone!

moving right along...
 

Woweeeeeeeeeee!
 

Lot's of posts since I was on last! That is awesome! :D

Red-Yep, I am on Phase 1-7th day of SBD. It has been a bit challenging. The things I miss most are my evening wine/cocktails and our weekly trip to sushi-go-round. The things I am getting tired of are eggs, and salad. I have had a two day break from the exercise, but it's back to the gym on Monday-tomorrow. I am looking forward to getting on the scale tomorrow. I am hopeful. :^:

Java-I am curious-what is it that you do? Are you a police officer? You are doing great on the exercise. Love the underwear humor. :lol3:

Hi-C-I hear you, I felt a great victory even after day1! :twirly:

Caro-22lbs in 5 weeks?! That is such an encoragement. What "all" have you been doing to get you there? :idea:

I will see you all tommorow after I get off the scale! :goodscale

hemming and hawing.....
 

1nceagain -- Hello. I'm still sitting at home. Don't want to go to the gym but know I'll be glad I went once I got there. If it weren't such a long walk, 50 minutes one way. I can and will take my bike but I just can't seem to go slow. I always take to the streets and then go flying. Too many people on the walks but out in the street I can't go slow. Oh well....I'll just go slow and get there! They had a contest at the gym to see who lost the most bodyfat and today is the last day to weigh out. Well, I didn't do much so it's not like I'm expecting to win or anything, but I thought I may as well see if I lost any. Thing is, those bodyfat checkers are so variable. I don't know. Probably shouldn't go...but will....ughhh. I'm just draggin' now.

The SBD is tough. But, look, don't think of what you're missing. You only have to do it for 21 days and you're already well along. You can have little breaks from it later, so look forward to that. Just say, I can wait...I can wait....I am waiting....

Well, hope the scale is good to you tomorrow. Don't throw a fit if it's not! :nono:

BTW, Java mans the radio for the police (her officers). Just thought I'd tell you. She'll give you the details I'm sure.

Good luck! :wave:

:df:

Did you go???
 

Red-I hope you went! Man, I know it is so hard sometimes. Especially if you have to walk to get there. Well, I wouldn't mind the walk there-It's the dang walk home that would suck. The very last thing you want to do. When my husband is home I go with him at 4:15am just to avoid having to walk home cause he has the car the rest of the day. Actually-somedays I don't know which is worse. Summer is here-so I guess it would be the sweaty walk home.

I hope one day I will get to the point with exercise where I don't have to talk myself into it. I do it because it's what I do-one day maybe.

Thanks for the encouragement. I needed it. It is hard to give up things that I have enjoyed for so long. How long have you been doing this weight loss thing?

Me-all my life I think.

Have a great night-talk to you tomorrow.

Day 2 down but....
 

Hi guys. Well, it is so bizarre. Me, here, right before bed cleaning! :eek: Oh, my God. This just doesn't normally happen! :lol3: Actually, I had sat down here and was going to write..."I haven't done it yet, but will..." and then I thought, **** no! I'm going to do it NOW and then write. So, I did and here I am! Hurrah for me!! :cp: Day 2 in the bag!! I did get to the gym, took the bike there, but I could only manage a bit of arms and shoulders weight training. I was too dejected and hating my reflection because the new exercise pants I bought are too tight and they show everything! :( Also, the weight challenge at the gym had me losing next to nothing, neither weight nor bodyfat and I really couldn't believe it. :cry: I know I have lost but it was probably some other factor that caused it not to show up and today I think I did feel very bloated kind of, a backlash of the beer consumption on Friday no doubt. Oh well, at least I stuck to my challenge... :^:

1nceagain -- Thanks for the encouragement. You ask how long I've been doing this and I'd have to say off and on, with successful times and then rebounds etc. etc. since I was a teen. Someday, I hope to get it right. You know, I hate to say it, but I don't know if you'll ever really love exercise. There were times when it was such a habit and I would really get into it, but, even then, I don't know if you could say I Ioved it BEFORE I did it, only once I got going and then only if I had the energy. Maybe you're the same. It's more like, well, it's something you gotta do. It's natural to move, not sit around. It's hard when our work involves sitting. It just gets easier to sit as you get older. Oh well....in any case, good luck and hang in there! Focus on your challenge and get that accomplished. Your confidence will build and you can tackle other things later! :dancer:

:kickcan:

If today goes as planned, I'll be one-third through the challenge. I'm lying in bed posting while I drink my smoothie and coffee. Normally on a Sunday I'd sleep late, but the cats have decided that's not the way things are going to be run around here,so I've been awake for quite a long time already. I almost went out for a quick bike ride or run first thing (my feet are bad, but I can get away with a little run/walk once in a while). Of course I was able to control that silly urge... But it is a glorious day out, so once I've finished with the site, I think I'll get up and do SOMETHING.

Red, if you walk 50 min each way to the gym that has to be worth something. You've given me an idea for a goal add-on (unofficial). I too could try to clean or tidy one thing every day. i always used to blame the general mess and dustiness on my lazy husband. :p It turns out it's no better now he's gone! :o And while we were still speaking, I saw his appartment which was impeccable. Who knew? He sure didn't dust or vacuum around here. Or wash and fold the sheets. But I digress... I intend to start the tidying today, just a little at a time, but every day. Thanks for the idea.

Day 1!!!
 

It was tough, I was woken up at 3am with a phone call, then at 6 by the cat... I saw the alarm coming close to 6:45 so I SHUT IT OFF! Then I realized I`m awake, I can do this, just get up already! Got up and did my 30 minutes and followed that with cleaning up a little! Feels wonderful!

Red, yeah I just did that 30 minutes lastnight NOT to let one day turn into 2 for me...nothing to do with my challenge but I would`ve felt like crap if I didn`t do it. It was a little tiring to exercise last night and then again this morning but I made it. DAY 1!! Exercised and got the minor cleaning out of the way all before 9 am! And I had some breakfast, I cant even tell you when the last time I ate before 11 was.

1nceagain- Thanks! I do lose fast, but I also gain fast if I don`t pay attention!
I`m down another pound this morning and TOM is due tomorrow (I`m amazed!)
I think it`s basically the water in place of soda, and of course the exercise. I was keeping calories low, below 1400 the first few weeks, this week I have days between 1400-1800, even a 2000 day last weekend, each day is a little different but I average around 1500. I`m still a little confused, I really lightened the exercise this week, and I`ve lost more this week than any other besides the first, but I guess it makes sense.... I probably wasn`t eating enough and burning too much. I`ve learned to control the binges, a 12 cookie binge is now a 4 cookie binge or less, just a lot of changes that seem to make my body happy! I don`t really cut out the things I love, I had a grilled cheese Wednesday, beef stroganoff Thurs...chicken parmigan lastnight. Just moderation. I seem to eat every few hours instead of just 3 meals... small snacks and light lunch, then allow myself to eat whatever`s for dinner that night. Looking at my journal this last week, I have maybe 2-3 snacks around 200 calories, a couple 100 calories or less snacks, 200-300 for lunch and dinner has been between 500-600, plus my coffee. I have only a small snack at night sometimes if I exercise or didn`t get in enough during the day, but I try not to leave too much for nighttime cause thats when I`d eat non-stop. Thats pretty much what I`ve been doing. This is the bad week, the week I should stay off the scale for at least 4-5 days, lol. I was able to drop 2 pounds last month during TOM so I`d be happy to see that for the next week. I expect I`ll slow down soon, my body gets comfortable between 180-190 so we`ll see! I`ll proabbly have to tweak my plan again when I get there. ;)

Gray- Hi chic! Yep I use some light weights, resistance bands, try to do at least a couple toning/shaping DVD`s a week. I do already see small changes...like some muscles I never knew were there! My legs and butt are really toning up, my biggest problem area is arms so I work hard on that and can see some progress. Measurements are looking great, I peak here and there but the real monthly measuring is on the 5th. Soon!
Yes, I HAVE to keep up with my exercise , everyday. Maybe not always a lot but at least something!! Great job with your exercise for the month! Wow! I`m setting my minimum for 30 minutes in the morning, but I also plan to keep 30 at least 5 times a week at night. An hour and a half every day was just a little too much for me to keep up with. I`ll have 2 in school and the little one will be on me like glue without them, so I have to think realistically of the time I can spare. Makes my challenge that much more important to ensure I get at least some cardio each day.

Well I`m off to start getting kids ready (and myself) I`m really looking forward to the pizza :D I can have 2 slices and I`m going to enjoy every single bite... been 2 weeks since I had some pizza and pizza is my favorite! Hopefully I`ll get in some more exercise tonight, but if not at least I got some already. I`m happy I made this challenge, I think it`ll be great for me!

Have a wonderful day, everyone! I have to get going, will check in tonight!

Day # 7
 

Yep, it's day number seven for me! I made HORRIBLE food choices yesterday. Chocolate and pretzels. Thank goodness for Flex Points. I won't even say how many I had to use. That's pathetic. But I met my goals for the day and I'm still alive on my challenge!

I think we're going to detail our vehicles today. That'll be good for some major sweating. You think I ought to wear my tight white "wife beater" and Daisy Dukes? :lol: I'm thinking bathing suit with shorts over it, that's a bit more Turtle Appropriate.

I hope everyone is doing great. Hard to check in with everyone on my week end. But I'll do what I can. Hip hip and carry on. :)

starting Day 3....
 

Back in the Saddle - Again
 

Hi chickies - had a fall - Thursday I thought I was good but realized I forgot some food and ended up over points and Friday too! So it's back to Day 1 for me - I blew it Saturday - didn't get my water in - doing okay today so far but I won't know until tomorrow (Monday) if this is Day 1 for me.

Red - I didn't lose any pounds either - still! I also killed my metabolism -but we will just have to kept vigilant, be consistent, and keep raising the bar. I am still happy with my new healthy routines and the inches I lost. In the meantime, I am going to make an adjustment to what I have been doing so I can challenge my metabolism a little more - I am going to maintain points without taking into account my Activity Points. I also am going to increase my water based on the amount I should drink with exercise. Is there something else you can do to raise the bar?

Hope everyone is doing well today. Will chat more tomorrow.

My favorite kinda day . . .
 

:rain: It's soft and gray with a lite dizzle in the air. . .my favorite kind of day. It's the kind of day that wraps around me like a cacoon and keeps me cozy, calms me and slows me down.

I didn't get to the gym bright and early like I planned. I could not get to sleep last night. I did that stretchy exercise and everything. My body is tired but my mind won't quit. :dizzy: I am going through a bout of empty nest syndrome. :( It comes and goes. I guess I will go exercise after work tonight which means it will push my dinner til 8 which I hate. Oh well. I did stick to SBD yesterday. Moving into day 8 here!

Carla-Your morning sounded so relaxing. :beach: I really miss my dogs. I would love to just cuddle with my little chloe. So, what was the "something" you ended up doing for the day?

Caro-wow! I love it-just do it! And you did it! I am a morning girl and love to get "stuff" checked off my list early. Do you write down your food every day? I was always terrible at that. I know it must help though. Maybe a future challenge idea for me. :yes:

Turtle-Woohoo! Day 7! Finishing day 7 feels like when you get to move the big chunky balast on the scale down another notch. It's a milestone in my mind. Great job! :encore:

Red-life is creeping in huh? It does get heavy sometimes. Your challenge is not trivial. It is a part of what you need to do to be healthy. So don't dismiss it. Just do 15 minutes of cleaning tonight-befor you get on the computer. I know you can do this. Think about the things you have done. Where you are, what you do-amazing to me. You are strong and we are stronger for it. :grouphug:

Mscat-Thats it girl-jump back up there! I love your determination and your idea to "raise the bar." I'm already tring to decide how I can do that this week. :idea:

Have a great evening/day all! :goodvibes

Hmmmm. It seems this thread has been infected by a nasty virus:

Red feeling down, even tho she is our favourite cheerleader and an inspiration to us all.
My good buddy Mscat so blue she disappeared for a while to lick her wounds.
!nceagain suffering from empty-nest syndrome.

So I'm sending you all a big :grouphug: and some :goodvibes:.

I still haven't found the SOMETHING I'm going to do today, and am running out of time if I want to be an achiever today. But I have followed my rules, and today makes day 7. At the very least I plan to go for a nice little walk before bed with my friend. And I've done a tiny bit of straightening up - too little to describe without blushing, but better than my usual performance.

:)

woo Hoo
 

:woo: Day 21 done!!! Time to start over only this time my goal will be 30 min exercise and to get more water drank! :dizzy: :dizzy:

Curly!
 

:flow1: :flow1: :flow1: :flow1: :flow1: :flow1: :flow1: :flow1: :flow1: :flow1: :flow1: :flow1: :flow1: :flow1: :flow1: :flow1: :flow1: :flow1: :flow1: :flow1: :flow1: Day 21!
You are awesome!

Curly! You go girl! 37 pounds gone, and 21 days success with your goals. I worship at your feet! :)

:cb: :bravo: :hat: :dancer: :cheer: :cb: :hat:

Curly, Congrats on day 21!!I bet you feel VERY accomplished!