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?

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

'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. I guess if the people on this site are like a bra, then your cruisers are like a jock strap (athletic supporters).

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!

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.

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!

Good luck, kid and keep up the great work!

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!! 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! May the rest of your weekend go as well!

Brunette -- 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!

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!

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! 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
I'm really pleased because I usually don't finish the first day of any eating plan 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 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. 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. I've been eating my veggies dutifully, though.
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! 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!

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! 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!