Morning Chickies,
Hope you are all having a great day, I do okay on the food but ai have really lost momentum on the exercise....oh well try try again. Once I get going I can keep it up but getting going is a real bugger:dust:

Serena: Ditto everything Mo wrote plus my own 2 bits.where I live there are free groups of women doing stuff walking, play groups, hiking maybe if you check with your local parks and rec you can find something that is free and when hubby says go I'll watch the kids you can go. I know it is really hard to go the first time but I bit the bullet and joined a hiking club a few years ago and made some really good friends. Plus people in groups like that love what they are doing and want everyone else to love it too so they ar real encouraging(like when all the over 70aged people where passing me on the hills:dizzy: ) Why is it so damned hard to get addicted to good things like tofu or exercising....enquiring minds want to know

Danielle: Hang in there chickie you can do it! your meds will get right you'll feel like a million bucks and it will all come together for you.

Catherine: I am so sorry about the situation with your FIL we have a couple of men at work with those exact symptoms so I know how difficult it is to deal with and it's even harder when its family. I'm glad that you are taking the time to go to the gym a little time to yourself will help keep you sane.

Sarah: I saw Yoga Bootie Ballet on an infomercial you'll have to let me know how it is I may have to get it to add to my collection of work out videos I don't do.

MO and Donna: My exercise went south too I went 6 weeks an hour 6 days a week and then it was all I could do to do anything at all 20 min here 20 mins there AAAARRRGH Mo Try taking your suppliments before you go to bed when I was preggers I had to take mine then cause they made me nauseous

Hi Stacye: I have been hit and miss too good to see you back.

POLL ANSWERI take a multi vitamin, vitamin D, Cal/Mag and wild salmon oil.

Cheers
Lori

doing better
 

I'm doing better today. Thanks everybody for the advice. I normally am pretty good at ignoring him but sometimes it just doesn't work. I have actually thought about getting a p/t job but my husband never knows when he's gonna be working or not so I can't really schedule anything. Hopefully when it warms up things will get a little better cause I can take them for walks. I'm not comfortable taking them places like the zoo or park by myself cause my 2 yearold doesn't listen well and tries to run off. The zoo isn't so bad cause I can keep him in the stroller but the whole point of the park is to let them run and play. We have a really nice river walk that they enjoy but there are areas along the way that may not necesarily be safe for me to take them alone. I'm an extremely shy person so I'm not good at making friends as a matter of fact the friends that I've had over the years, I'm not really sure how we became friends. Anyway, thanks everyone for the support.
serena

Howdy! How's my favorite bunch today? Doing well I hope.

Donna- how'd the gym go last night? I hope you had a good time and plan on using it alot. :)

Stacye, great to see ya girl! I hope you'll have more time to play with us soon, we've missed you. Your stats are amazing, go you!

Mo, the med thing seems to be working ok so far. I'm just grateful that the headaches disappeared and havent been back. I always forget to go to yard sales and such for workout things, good idea. I just got the Transfirmer system, oooo boy, that sucker is hard! :devil: Had a real hard time keeping up with foot and arm movements, you shoulda seen me! :lol: There came a point I got to laughing so hard I had to stop and sit down cause I couldnt breathe! It seems like a really good thing, I'm excited to keep practicing on it and hopefully see some noticeable results. Turbo Jam is the one thing I do want to try as well.

Sarah, how ya doing today sweetie? :)

Lori, thanks for your support, it means alot. I am hoping everything just comes together all of a sudden and I'll be on my way. I know without a doubt tho', that had I not found you girls, I would've quit trying a while ago. Don't you worry your pretty little head, the exercise will happen when you're ready to hit it again. You're doing good with food, that is awesome girly! :hug:

Serena, it's great to see you here today. Chin up sweets, you can push thru this. I think it would do you a world of good if you could get out by yourself to do something for yourself. A walk on that beautiful river front you described, or window shopping even. Something to just let you get your bearings and you can feel refreshed when you return to your family. We're all here for you, supporting you and cheering you on. We want good things for you! :hug:

Alrighty, well I'm about to be late picking up my kids from school. :D But I had to post here first before it got later. Thanks so much girls for the support and for everyone listening to me whine and cry about my situtaion. Means the world to me, and I am that much stronger for it. Thank you so much!!!!

BBL to catch up some more. Be good!

p.s. Answer to the poll question:
I take a multi, calcium, magnesium, omega 3's, and all my "head" meds. :lol:
I am a walking pharmacy!

Poll: I take a bcp, multi vitamin, calcium, and extra Vitamin C right now.

Stacye - Love the new pic!! I agree, your siggy is so inspirational!

((((HUGS)))) Serena! I'm sorry DH isn't being "nice" to you. :mad: I agree with everything Mo said. You deserve do get to do something you like to do also. Taking care of kids all day long (and night) is very hard work. Obviously it has to be a meet in the middle sort of thing. I'm very bossy though and am more of a "teller" than an "asker". :dizzy: I am starting to know how you feel about a 2 year old out in public now though. My 2yo has started acting up in public - as they all will I suppose? - and we're trying to work with her. It's meant that I've had to just leave places I really don't want to leave yet.

Catherine - sorry about all the stress at home. I just heard a book review for Elder Rage, or Take My Father... Please!: How to Survive Caring for Aging Parents, by Jacqueline Marcell and I thought of you. Her situation was different - she was caring for a parent who was verbally and physically abusive.

I only have a couple exercise dvd's I don't like. A Kathy Smith kickboxing and a Leesa (sp?) Hart Fit to the Core (you need on eof her bars for this one). Anyone want to try them? I'm really into Winsor Pilates right now. WOW! It's a great toning workout. I LOVE the Buns and Thigh Scultping one. I'm also into Tamilee Webb's I Want The Body dvd. E-X-C-E-L-L-E-N-T! Holding back on ordering The Firm or Turbo Jam for now since I do most of my cardio at the gym or walking outside. My favorite at home cardio workout is Leslie Sansone walks or Crunch Fat Burning Pilates. I burned out on The Biggest Loser dvd pretty quick. Each section wasn't long enough for me. I sometimes do the low and high intensity cardio together for a good cardio workout.

As I'm sitting here, I'm starting to feel real nauseated.:?: Like I'm going to lose lunch. Weird. Felt fine all day.

How sad was that about Dana Reeves.:( Can you imagine being diagnosed and dying so quickly. So young. Too young.

I took my Mom to the airport today. She's going to Oslo, Norway for a week. One of my sisters is engaged to a man from Oslo and my Mom is going to stay with his family.

Well, off to get some stuff done. I love checking in here though everyday. Such a great group!!

poll-I take one a day weight smart, omega 3-6-9 oil & flax seed oil(pills)and also protein powder mixed in food and a protein shake with my weight lift days..

Nori-hope your feeling better now...How long is the tamilee webb dvd?

Well I went to the gym for 2 1/2 hours yesterday and I did 5 mins on the stair stepper till it was killing my legs and about 15 on the treadmill and weights ..I loved it...Today I went for about 3 hours....I did 40 mins on treadmill and we used the weight machines...I think this is something I can stick to..It's just so motaviating being with everyone working out..

Thursday
 

Hi girls,

Well I let another day go by without exercising :( I have to work a little late tonight and then because DH will be home with the kids, I think I'll go get my oil changed maybe. I made enough chicken last night so they'll have leftovers for dinner. I think I'll treat myself to a subway sandwich before the weekend is out.

B: english muffin w/jelly, L: Lean Cuisine, orange D: salad w/ feta & olives, 3 biscotti :o (I skipped the chicken dinner because I ate 3 biscotti as soon as I walked in the door!) Pts: 26 Exer: none Vitamins: no

I got my pedometer in the mail and was horrified to see that I only walk 1.5 miles during an average day. I read here that some people walk like 7,000+ steps each day. I did only 3,000!!! I guess that's a real wake up call. I might try to take several little strolls down the hallway during the day, especially when the boss is away like this morning.

On the bright side, I got my 1st compliment today! Our new Maintenance Manager at work asked me how much weight I lost. I didn't even think she knew I was dieting! She's only been here a year and when she first arrived here she found my free weights that I had hidden on top of a metal gurder in a seldom used stairwell. They weren't supposed to be there of course and she confiscated them. I never fessed up that they were mine but I really want them back!! :o I used to use them going up and down the stairs for like 10-15 minutes each day when I had two girls that did it with me. They both left and I don't want to do it on my own.

I hope everyone is doing well. I heard on the radio today it's supposed to get up to the 60's this weekend!!! :flow2: :flow2: :flow2: If I get my oil done tonight, I'll try to clean out the van this weekend. It's an absolute pig stye. One of the kids left a can of soda in it, it froze and exploded, still have stains on my roof!!

Bye for now.

?
 

Poll: I had a hard time remembering to take my birth control pills and then my prenatel vitamens so I'm not taking any kind of vitamens. I know I need to but just haven't started.

I thought it was very say about Dana Reeves too. Of course my first thought was of the young son they left behind. I'm sure he probably has lots of loving family to care for him but I have 3 cousins who lost both their parents at very young ages they were 12, 14 and 17 when they lost their father and then their mother died the next year. The oldest was sort of thrown into parenting but we never saw him complain. Of course their parents were both sick for several years and knew that it may happen so it wasn't a complete shock to them. Unfortunately though the youngest was the only girl and when she finally got married we all kind of felt she married him because his mother was so much like her own. Anyway, got a little off the subject I guess but. Oh well.

Hope everyone is doing well. The eating hasn't been real good for me so far but I'm still working on the mental state of the situation. That part is getting better though. He's been kayaking everyday for the past 3 or 4 days. That really gets on my nerves but he doesn't seem to care.

I hope everyone else is doing well. I sure wish I had the determination that all of you seem to have.

Quickie post here - that dvd is 90 minutes total - but it is broken up into 15 minute segments each:
15 min beginner abs
15 advanced abs
15 min beg arms
15 min adv arms
15 min beg buns/thighs
15 min adv buns/thighs

She went to a lab and hooked her muscles up to electrodes and only included those exercises which showed the muscles working the hardest. It's VERY good. Yesterday I did both ab sections together. I can hardly bend over today.:mad:

Morning everyone! Hope everyone is having a great day!

I've decided not to do the Fat Flush Plan (the book by Louise Gittleman). I put a post on another thread here (general diet plans) and I got some feedback that the plan is 1100 calories a day. Well, no wonder you lose the weight. I'm not ready to drop my calories that low.

Did anyone watch The Biggest Loser last night? LOL LOL LOL Being a Marine wife, and my best friend from elementary school being a Navy wife now, it was fun to watch!

Speaking of The Biggest Loser, has anyone checked out Jillian Michaels' book Winning By Losing?

Thanks for responding about what vitamins/supplements you're taking! It's great to see all the answers.

Serena - keep your head up. And like the other girls said, when he offers to let you have your time, grab your keys and go! Even if you just drive to the bookstore and wander around. Or that riverwalk sounds like a great place to go by yourself, too. I like to take a book and sit at a coffee shop and watch people.

Nori - I love your new signature and ticker. That ab dvd sounds intense! I'm so proud of you for doing it!!!!

Mo - WAHOO with the compliment!!!!!!!!!!!!! That is such a wonderful feeling!

Okay - I'm at work, so more personals later. :)

Hey ladies! I've had a horrible week with midterms and stress but now I have a nice long weekend to enjoy! I managed to squeeze in a 30 min workout on Monday, and I had Tuesday and Wednesday as my off days for this week. Hopefully I won't have many more interruptions so I can get on my normal plan again!

To answer that poll question, I take a multivitamin and an iron supplement daily (I have iron deficiency anemia).

Sarah - I have Jillian's book and I LOVE all of it! I'm not following her exercise/weight training plan, but it's excellent. I really like the recipies and workout index as well.

Nori - That sounds like an awesome workout DVD! I really like your signature quote, btw.

Wow, I really missed a lot in the few days I didn't visit. Keep it up ladies! You're all doing GREAT!

{edit: I've decided to change my ticker goal weight to 140. I figured out that I really had a small/medium frame instead of a large one by using elbow measurements and so I looked at a few body weight tables and chose 140. It seemed like a nice even number, and it's in the healthy weight range :) }

I want to get Jillian's book I think. I've heard lots of good about it. I've also heard that she sdvocates doing cardio first thing in the am on an empty stomach? That would be hard for me.

Yeah, my abs are crying today. I've only done 25 minutes of cardio so far and want to do the arm sections still.

Yes, I watched the military wives Bigggest Loser last night - well, flipped back and forth b/t AI and that! Shoudl be fun to see the outcome. Is it next week?

So I weighed myself just for kicks in the gym bathroom yesterday. I hadn't noticed a scale there before. Anyways, I weighed 228 with shoes on?? How can their scale be that off? I know my scale is fairly good. I do weigh 3 pounds less on my Mom's scale though - but I'd rather stick with the heavier one!

Katie - Whoo-hoo! You're half way there!! I remember that last time as I was losing weight I was shocked to see that I really wasn't as large framed as I thought I was. According to the wrist test I am "large framed" and I do have huge hands and feet - but I wan't as "sturdy" or "hefty" as I thought.

Well, the dayis winding down and I have so much left to do. Laundry first...

It's Me again
 

Hi Ladies :wave: ~

Here I am bouncing back into The Diet Journey of 2006 ~ 3FC Style !! :dizzy: Well once again I will start off by saying that I REALLY miss all of you so much. I feel so out of touch and just not updated anymore since I cannot being on during the day or much at night. :cry:

It's been 2 weeks from **** again. For those who don't know I work for a local owned and operated family bank with 6 locations. The man who owned it has been going down hill for several months. He was hospitalized a week ago, he died last Wed. So the bank, and everyone has had to deal with that in the community. Work was NUTS, it was so sad. Had to attend the wake and today was the funeral, we shut down all locations for this. This family is also members of our church and REAL well known and respected. So had to make something for their luncheon today, and then do something this weekend. It's just been rough w/ that. I am learning all about small town life and how it works. :stress:

Onto other things, I was diagnosed w/ Type 2 Diabetes, and the REAL REAL early stages of heart disease with insane high cholesterol !

Since my original diagnosis a week ago, my 2 hour Glucose Test revealed that in the last 3 months my blood sugar has dropped from high numbers to normal averages w/ occasional highs. (Due to change in eating habits, exercise and weightloss) So I am prediabetic, not Type 2 Thank Goodness !! :^:

I am on 500 Mgs of Metformin (aka Glucophage) 1 time daily.
I am also on 10 mgs of Crestor daily.

In 8 weeks I go back and have a recheck of both, but mainly for my Cholesterol and have a Berkley Heart check done. :(

I am still 29 lbs lighter, am joining WW's next Tuesday for more motivation locally, and looking forward to it (plus our Health Insurance helps defer some of the cost of it) :carrot:

Please forgive me for not being a great big part of the group, I know I promised I would be around more, but as you can see lately I just haven't been able to or in the mood. I was so depressed and scared w/ my Dr office visits, and w/ the stuff at work it's good to know I still have hair left on my head LOL !! :crazy:

From all I've read - I am SO proud of EVERYONE for all you are doing !! I do read the posts, and I PROMISE SOON I will be back full fledged a few times a week !! :)

:cheer: KEEP UP THE INCREDIBLE :hun: Right & :running: :lifter: !!! :cheer:

Sending LOTS and LOTS of :dust: to each and every single one of you !!

BTW - NetFlicks is ADDICTING & The BL workout is AWESOME !! :D

:goodluck: with what you ALL are doing !!

:thanks: & Lots of :hug: ~ Elizabeth

Pictures !!
 

I am back again LOL !!! :hyper:

Survey Question :
I take a Centrum Multi-Vitamin daily, 500 mgs Meformin and 10 mgs Crestor, I occasionaly take 2 Tylenol as well. Nothing else.

I wanted to post these here, because well I wanted to know if any of you saw a difference in the way I look.The first pic you see of me in black pants and dark colored top was the 1st part of January when I started my diet. The 2nd pic is the 24th of February. Let me know what you think !!

I am in BAD need of a haircut LOL!!

BE VERY AFRAID !!! :yikes:

Beginning weight was 274 - January 2006
Attachment 22410

February 2006 - 25 lbs lighter !!
Attachment 22411

Current Weight is 245 - March 9,2006

Hi Elizabeth! So sorry to hear about the death of the bank owner and your medical woes. It's good that you're following up with your doctor. Good luck with WW, it really works you're doing great. As for the photos, I can definitely see a difference especially in the neck and abdominal areas. Keep up the good work!

Nori: Hope the abs are better to:belly: !!

Serena: Make sure you take those birth control pills ;) Did you take DH up on his offer and get some time out for yourself? Remember, you come first :hug:

I love the pedometer, unfortunately it's only showing me how lazy I can be. Another night with no exercise. I got home to find company there that didn't leave till almost 7 then had to feed two young hungry plumbers that came to do some work for us (friends). They ate me out of house and home and didn't leave till almost 9. Then kids decided to tell me that they DID have homework and both needed help :dizzy: I ended up going to bed with a Martha Stewart Living magazine that I got over two months ago and never read.

B: oatmeal, L: Lean Cuisine, D: chicken w/ peppers, baked potato S: 1 PB cracker, WW dessert Pts. 25, Water: 32 oz+, Exer. none

I got mom to get the kids for me after school (and they're sleeping over!) I'm going to look at a used piano for DD after work. The woman who is selling it is actually interested in trading us for a new hot tub we bought but never used, I hope the trade works :crossed:

Hope everyone has a great weekend. I'll check in later, the boss is gone almost all day again :D

Mo

Hello ladies! This is just a quickie post to say that I've lost a pound since last Saturday so I'm down to 164.. pretty good for not working out a lot! I'll be back later for more personals and progress pics!

what's up
 

I read a little piece in the paper today that was interesting. I don't know if you all have heard of the great american shrink down. Anyway, participants from my area lost a total of 16,000 pounds for the shrink down. I don't know how many participants there were but either way you look at it, that's a lot of weight


Mo: Unfortunately I no longer need the birth control. While I was pregnant with my 3rd I decided to have a tubal (I thought it was for the best)and they performed it immediately after I had my baby and when they brought him to me all I could do was cry cause I thought I made a horrible mistake having it done because I will never get the opportunity to experience that again(not while anyone was around of course, I didn't want anyone to think I was mentally unstable) . I guess I made my decision because I was getting a lot of pressure from my mother to do it. She's a really great person and she constantly helps out with the expenses of the boys. She buys formula, diapers and she pays for my oldest to go to preschool so she did pressure me a little to have it done. I actually cried for 2 weeks. I still get upset about it but I tell myself, If God thinks I made a mistake, he'll undo it. I've actually told my husband if we ever could afford adoption that I would love to adopt a little girl but it's so expensive and even after you spend all that money there is no guarentee that the parents won't change their minds.

As far as getting out. I haven't had the opportunity.

Serena: I hope I wasn't being insensitive with my joke, I just meant to give yourself a break, you must be so busy with three little ones. Decisions like that are very hard, I'm sure your mother had your best intentions in mind. I sometimes regret not having more children, especially because I'm from a large family, but I couldn't give up my job because my husband never had medical benefits, then he broke his back in an accident (he's ok now) and I really had not choice but to stay working. Now I feel too much time has passed to have anymore children and the older my kids get the more I realize it would be like starting all over and this give me more time to devote to each of them individually which is something my parents didn't have the liberty to do. Let's just pray we're rewarded with lots of grandkids to spoil.

It sounds like your mother is a great help, I don't know what I would do without mine. She's actually on her way now to go get my daughter from school who's sick. I work about 40+ minutes away and she can get there in 10 minutes so it worked out well.

I keep meaning to ask you what state do you live in?

Mo: I didn't find it insensitive at all. I consider myself still pretty young in the child baring years so it's quite normal for people to presume that I'm still capable of having children, and yes I'm extremely busy. All of our boys are around 2 years apart. Our first one was planned. Our second wasn't really planned but we were like "oh well if it happens it'll be a good thing" but our last one sort of took us by surprise. I definately wouldn't be ready for another one anytime soon, but I do like that they are all so close in age because although they do fight alot, they enjoy the same things, well except for the 7 1/2 month old, He's just now crawling around but you can tell by the look on his face he wants to get in the middle of what the other 2 are doing. I live in SC. And yes my mother is a great help but I think they might get a little annoyed at how much I am at their house which is actually most of the time. I've tried to talk my husband into moving to the mountains but he won't budge. I actually think it would be good for us to get away from here. But I would miss the help that she gives. We definately would never get to go out because out of both of our familes she is the only person we trust to watch the boys for us. We also trust my brother to watch them but I don't think he's really comfortable being left with all of them. Anyway, That's basically my life.

Serena - what part of SC? We're getting ready to move to Columbia. I'm so excited to be around green grass and trees again!

Mo - Way to go on staying in your points! I'm starting back to WW next week. I must get myself back in control with the eating. Does it help you to post your point totals? Does it make you feel more accountable? I'm considering trying that.

Nori - didn't it feel amazing to see that lower number? Girl, you are going to be caught up to me in Onederland very soon. Your hard work inspires me.

Katie Bug - WTG!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You'll be at that new goal in no time!

Elizabeth - so great to hear from you! How is Jay doing? I am so glad your health is improving, and that the Diabetes is just PRE. I know your hard work will reverse it completely. Did you see the girl on the family edition of The Biggest Loser? She reversed hers, too! Please keep dropping in to see us. We miss you. Do you know where I notice the most difference in your pictures? Your legs! Girl, look how you're standing!! You look GREAT! Keep up the amazing work.

Everyone, have an AMAZING weekend!

Happy Friday Gang! :wave:

I dunno about you guys, but I'm so ready for the weekend! Each of my kids took turns taking days off from school this week, sore throats, coughs..it's been oh so much fun. Not!

Nori- How are the abs today? Feels good when they're sore though, doesn't it? Like you're really doing something good for yourself! Wouldn't it be awesome if your mom's scale turned out to be right? ;)

Katie- Congrat's on the pound lost this week!!! Goal is getting closer and closer. Glad that tests are over and you'll have some you time to unwind and relax. Enjoy!

Sarah- Hey girly! I saw you're going to start WW soon. Good for you! I'm with you, 1100 calories would be rediculous to try and stick with on the fat flush plan. Yikes! Haven't seen Jillian's book, not sure I would like so much of what she has to say. I find she sort of rubs me the wrong way on the BL show.
I guess I'm just not an in-your-face typa person? Bob's more my style. Besides, he's alot nicer to look at! :lol: :kiss: I have heard people having alot of success with her tho, and her workout dvd's are supposed to really work.
Green grass, trees? What are those? Just kiddin, don't see a whole lot of grass here in the desert and when I do I'm like, ooooooooo grass! Now if cactus and hot sun is what you want, then I gotcha covered. ;)

Elizabeth- It's wonderful to see you today! I was wondering where you got to.
I am sorry to hear about the diagnosis for you, but it's something you can take care of for sure. You've taken great steps in the right direction, I know that your next check up will wow you. What a terrible loss to your community with the bank owner dying. It's wonderful that everyone can be so supportive. Hopefully work will get normal for you real soon instead of lots of stress. You've definitely had alot on your plate lady, I don't think there's one person here who could say anything bad as to why you've not been here. It's called life!! You gotta take care of you and yours first, that's the most important. You can't give what you don't got and right now your energy needs to be focused elsewhere. We'll be here waiting for when you get some time to come and share with us! BTW, I can see a big difference in your pics.
Your face is alot smaller, and like Sarah mentioned, your legs are smaller. You look great lady! Keep it up, you are shrinking.

Mo- Heya lady! Sorry about the exercise thing, but woman, you're not exactly being lazy with it, ya just got loads of things happening all at the same time. Chin up chicky, it'll happen! Any plans with dh tonight? Gotta be nice to have mom around to kidsit sometimes, huh? Hope the deal with the piano works out, sounds like a good one.

Serena, I understand where you're coming from regarding your decision for tubal ligation. I got lots of pressure from my parents to do it because my kids were so close together (2yrs apart) and I started rationalizing that it really was for the best. I also had it done when my 3rd was born during a c-section. I cried for months after she was born, I loved the newborn/infancy stage so much with all of mine, it was like I had to mourn that I'd never have it again. Adoption is an awesome thing. My sister and her husband just adopted a little girl. She was born on Dec. 13. They met with the birth mom for 2 weeks before she was born and really got to know her. When Cassidy was born, the birthmom was so content in knowing exactly who her parents were that it made the transition so much easier. I think finding an incredibly supportive agency is key, and having a social worker who knows alot helps alot. You never know, one day that may become an option for you, God may open that door for you. It's wonderful that your mom is so supportive. I miss having my parents around me to help out once in awhile. Free babysitting was great too! :) We now live about 400 miles from them, near my mother in-law and there is no way on this earth that I would allow her to watch my kids. Take care of yourself and keep your chin up, things will get better for you!

I was naughty, or I guess spacey, whichever way ya wanna see it. :lol:
I totally screwed up my new dosing on Effexor last night. I have to take a 150mg pill and then a 75er from some sample packs the doc gave me. Well, because I'm so used to just grabbing just the bottles of my meds, I didn't take that 75 one at all. :eek: I got up this morning thinking how great I felt, then realized what I'd done. Coincidence? I dunno. But heck, if I'm feeling better on the lower dose I am gonna go for it. It's where I'm headed anyways, so I'll probably do it again tonight. Hopefully this mess will resolve itself somehow, it's time to get that scale moving downward! AF is here now, so I haven't been on the scale at all. I worked out today, used the transfirmer and an hour on my bike. I am so determined to do this, come **** or highwater, I will get there.

Alright girls, time to get dinner rolling. You all have a great weekend and take care of yourselves. You're all amazing keep shining!

Yeah, that lower number looked great!! I just wisk my scale would move now though. I've been "stuck" at 239 for 9 days now! I lost a lot of weight the week before though - I weigh every day although I only "record" the Monday weights. I know that for example from the previous Monday to last Monday I should have only lost 2 pounds according to the math and I lost 3. So it all evens out.

Danielle - glad you're doing ok with the change! You've done a ton of exercise today! I was in that mood too. And, while Jillian also rubs me the wrong way - too hard - I'm interested in her book. She went from a flabby 150 pounds to what she has now, so she "knows" what she's doing. I guess losing weight from 150 qualifies you????:?: My abs are doing good. Today I only did the 15 minute workout though!

Hi Elizabeth - I can see a difference in you face and neck too. It's hard to see "body changes" when we are fully clothed in pictures - but I'm sure you can!! Your jeans sure looked loose. Sorry about all the stress. That's wonderful though that you are only considered pre-diabetic now. My DH has diabetes (type2) and he is basically considered "well" for now since his numbers have been perfect for about 3 years now. He controls it with diet and exercise and doesn't need medication.

I don't know if we are going to go for #3. I always thought I'd want to have loads of kids. I'm the oldest of 7 and love being in a "big" family. DH is 1 of 9. I have had it rough both times for the first few months. I don't know if I have faith to go through it again.

Sorry for the lack of personals. I've got to go make dinner also. I found this way cool site the other day and have tried 2 recipes so far and LOVE them! http://fooddownunder.com/cgi-bin/search.cgi?q=low+fat. The 10 Minute Szechuan Chicken was soooo yummy. You can adjust each recipe byt he number of serving you want and then print it out. Tonight I'm making the Chicken Breasts with Spicy Honey Orange Sauce.

Goooood Morning ladies! :carrot:

How is my great group of girls doing today? I hope everyone is doing well and remembering to also take good care of themselves. This includes exercise and eating right. ;)

Nori, great job with the exercise! The workout that you like so much, is it effective for the lower abs & hips? I need work in those areas the most, gotta love having 3 c-sections. :eek: Now I am curious what Miss Jillian has to say, may have to go pick up her book! She definitely has a great looking body, but darnit all, at 150 pounds she was still at a weight I'd have killed for! :lol: I can't believe what big families you and dh came from, wow! I am the oldest of 4 girls and we're all 6 & 7 years apart w/ my youngest being only 16. I think God knew that my mother could not handle lots of kids and all at once either, you should see her with my 3 who are all about 2yrs apart! It's hysterical. I am definitely done with 3, however I admit sometimes I wish maybe we'd had a 4th just to even things out. Looking to get a puppy soon, guess that will have to count as my 4th! :D

Stacye, yes, it is awesome to have you back with us. Now don't disappear again! ;) It does feel like home here, and I've not been here that long! I do know that this is my most favorite thread to visit everyday, ya'll are like sisters to me.

I have absolutely nothing to do today, well, I have housework so I guess that counts as something. Let's just say, there's nothing that I *want* to do today! :lol: Lots of rain falling today, which is good for our dry and parched fire areas. Can you believe over 140 days with no rain? Next week we go back up to 80 degree weather tho, summer is approaching soon!
I am gonna get my exercise in this morning and keep this new found energy I've found this morning. I think it's 'cause of my reduction in meds, however I am gonna have to quit it altogether cause I am feeling things creep back in and that's not good. Hoping the new Rx will be weight loss friendly :crossed:

I'll check on ya gals later, be good!

Stacye - Hi there! Thanks for asking about my Mom. She called yesterday morning to say she was having a great time. I didn't tell her that "on accident" I'd found a note she'd left for all her kids and grandkids. You know one of those "if I don't get home" notes. :stress: That's geat that you joined Curves. I've heard lots of good about their circut training program.

Danielle - Wow-3 c/s?? I guess once you have one anymore you're almost required to have the following babies that way also aren't you? Yes, the "I Want That Body" does work your lower abs as well. And your thighs/hips/buns. To be honest I feel the Winsor Pilates Buns & Thighs more in my thigh and butt though. At least while I'm doing it. It's that burning. I don't stay sore afterwards though - not anymore.

Oh, and the scale finally moved this morning!!! 238.

YEAH Nori!!!! Congrat's on the loss, you are kickin' some major butt lady! :cheer: I forgot to ask you what plan you were using,if anything? You seem to be losing very consistently and I find that motivating. Thanks for the info on the dvd's, I may need to check into those. 3 c's weren't all planned. #1, ds turned himself breach when I was 7 months pg, so opted for the c, #2, had planned vbac birth, labor for 19 hrs, came to realization dd was not moving an inch, I wasn't even dialating. Turns out her head was humungous! :lol:, #3, by this time, when I went in, told doc just give me a c for dd and tie me up! :lol: I was not going to go thru the "pain" of a regular birth after having 2 the "c-way" that he agreed and we did it. Also very convenient to have the tubal done at the same time.

My plan includes:

• Drinking a minimum of 100oz of water/day,
• 1,000 calorie deficits 5 days out of the week and 500 calorie deficits the other 2.
• Eating 4-5 small balanced meals (approx 300 calories) through the day (vs. the 3 meals-2 snacks I'd always followed when dieting),
• Incorporating a lean protein source, vegetables, and whole grains in most if not all meals,
• Keep fats healthy (I use mostly almonds, some olives and avocados),
• Upping the fiber - I eat oatmeal with blueberries in it almost every day. I also use a protein shake as a meal when I want more control over my days calories.
• Exercise every day - 5X/week for a minimum of 90-120 minutes and 2X/week at low intensity for 30-60 minutes. Includes cardio, strength training/toning, stretching & pilates.
• SLEEP! Sticking to a regular sleep schedule...8-9 hours per night...although I'm up feeding a baby a couple times a night still.

Just wanted to edit this and say that my plan is not always my reality! Like this am I had scrambled eggs with cheese added and 3 pieces of bacon! Not a lean protein in the bunch! Calorie wise it was fine - something like 380 calories, but it was mostly fat %-wise. For my next meal I ate 3oz tuna, 2 RyKrisps, a Roma tomato and 1/2 an apple. Under 200 calories, to try and balance out the breakfast. Every once in a while I like mixing it up though - I think I should add "occasionally mix it up" as part of my plan! It's got to be a plan I can live with for the rest of my life - I'm not "going off of this". And yes, twice this week I dipped into the Peanut Butter Panic ice cream. Not binges or anything - just a 1/4 cup! Gosh, that Blue Bunny ice cream is good! Not on my plan - but for some reason I don't feel guilty when I eat a little. I know it's not the healthiest choice. But I'll still want some now and then...

I came very close to getting a c/s with dd#1. My waters broke (at the grocery store!) about 3 days before she was due and I wan't dilated or effaced at all. That was in the late evening. We of course had to be admitted and I chose to wait and walk through the night instead of going right to Pitocin. In the morning, nothing had happened, so got the Pit anyway. Needed it 2 times since the first time it was titrated up too quickly and my uterus went into "irritable uterus" state...jsut one cx after another with any breaks. The second time it worked. I also needed 2 epidurals since the first one only numbed half of my body. It was a horrible experience. Especially whan the doc showed me how bent the needle was from forcing it between to spaces (facets?) in my back. BUT, I didn't need a c/s and after 33 hours of labor she was born - healthy and screaming! She was so stuck the the doc had to break her clavicle on the way out so I of course "gave a little" when all that was going on and ended upwith a 3rd degree tear. So when DD#2 was to be born I didn't want Pit. I actually had a hard time finding a provider that would take me on as a vag birth candidate - because of the shoulder dystocia dd#1 had, docs are very scared of lawsuits. I found a midwife who didn't have a problem with me going vag. Didn't want an epidural. Didn't want anything. I did have to be induced after all (high blood pressure), but they were so careful to titrate it up slowly and I could handle it OK. Didn't get an epidural and actually almost had her on the toilet. I thought I needed to have a BM! And when I called the midwife in to check me, her head was already out! 1 more push and she was born. It was such a nice experience after the rough labor with #1. Not that it was a piece of cake...

Hey chickies! Today was such a beautiful day that I decided to do some spring cleaning. I washed my car (boy it needed it) and cleaned and organized my bookshelves. Then I used some of those Swiffer dusters and I actually had a ball dusting everything :) I felt like the commercial where the woman is cleaning her friend's house!

Nori - Oh my! Almost having her on the toilet! I don't know whether to laugh or not! Also, at the top of page 36 you were talking about Jillian.. I re-read that section of her book last night and she says to workout when you feel like you have enough energy (even if it's morning on an empty stomach), but that working out on an empty stomach could affect your performance and make you feel weak.

I took some pictures of me yesterday wearing the tightest shirt I own.. Sorry for the toilet backdrop and bad lighting, it's the only full-length mirror in the house!

You look amazing, Katie!! How tall are you? I think you'll look very lean at 140. Can you imagine weighing 100 pounds more than you do right now? That's where I started. Ugh.

OK, that must have been mis-information I had about Jillian wanting you to work out on an empty stomach all the time. Don't even know where I got it. Thanks. I need to read her book.

He-he - go ahead and laugh about me almost having her on the toilet! I'd take that way any day over my previous experience! It was pretty funny having the midwife tell me what was going on down there and then sending my DH out into the hallway yelling for a nurse. Within 30 seconds there were 15 nurses in my room.

Thank you for the compliment, Nori! :D It feels so great to get them! I'm 5'9, by the way.

I felt so great that I went out and washed my grandmother's car too! I don't know where I got all this energy from, but I hope it sticks around.

Hope everyone's having a great healthy weekend!

OK, so I decided what my reward is for this phase 1!! As soon as I get there, I'm all over these shoes!
http://www.shoes.com/productimages/s...aec1004569.jpg

HI there!
 

Hi ladies, I burnt my hand on a saucepan handle today and it hurts if I take it off the ice for more than a couple of minutes so this may be a short post.

Nori: I love the shoes!! It must be a losing weight thing. I bought a pair of red bandolino heels with an ankle strap that I'll probably never wear at Goodwill last week for $8. I tried to post a photo of them but I don't know how to insert a picture???? I don't often wear heels but I couldn't resist them, they look brand new.

No horror stories to share, my kids were fairly easy to deliver. DS was a little stubborn up all night with pitocin that didn't work but DD flew out in a shot, DH wanted to know if he could finish watching NYPD Blues before we went to the hospital! No painkillers, I may have had a demoral with the first one and a few stitches though. I guess that's the one saving grace for having big hips! :D

Someone asked about posting my menu, yest it does help because all night I've been dreading to have to tell you I ate a bowtie from Dunkin Donuts and a piece of chocolate cake today :( This sucks because I was really hoping to hit Onederland soon...oh well, this happens. Tomorrow is another day.

Talk to you girls tomorrow. I'm going to read while kids are sleeping and DH is watching Soprano's.

Serena: I thought I had a baby carrier I could have sent you but it's gone, I think I sold it at a tag sale. I'll keep my eyes out for one.

I can't believe the deals at the Goodwill and Salvation Army! I'm seriously thinking of buying stuff to just sell on eBay. The guy that works at the Salvation Army said a lot of women who own consignment shops come in and buy the good stuff and sell it in their stores. Yesterday I bought a kids coat from Orvis (the fishing store) that was down filled with goretex lining, looks brand new for only $1.00 I have a lot of nieces and nephews on my DH side but it costs so much to send them overseas. Probably not a good time of year though to auction that off. I also bought myself some Gap shorts for $3 each and found a bunch of stuff for my girlfriend who is a size 4 :?:

Well, I'm off to get more ice for the bag before going to bed. I'll write tomorrow from work.

Mo

Good morning all..
my plan
1300-1500cal a day
walk for 30-45mins five times a week
journal daily
be more positive in my life and my food plan will follow

Although the plan doesn't seem like much, lately this has been a struggle for me. I am an emotional eater. If something sets me off, there is no going back.
Your posts are great. Keep them coming..

Morning everyone! I am glad everyone had a nice weekend.

Here is my big success for the weekend. On Sunday after church, I went to lunch with my friend. We ended up at my favorite Mexican restaruant, and SURPRISE! It was a buffet! Instead of eating until I was going to pop, like I usually do, I only ate until I was satisfied.

I also bought an iPod for using at the gym to make the time go by better. This morning I walked for 20 minutes on our treadmill at home. Tonight, I'll go to the gym for an hour.

My doctor told me that to actually burn fat, you have to work out more than 30 minutes. She said for the first 30 minutes you are burning calories, and then after you work out for 30 minutes you go into fat burner mode. Anyone heard of that?

Katie - your picture looks great!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Danielle - keep up the great work!

Stacye - love hearing from you!

Nori - YAY for breaking past that stuck point! Your plan is awesome. I'm so glad you've found what works for you!

Mo- I'm with you on the good deals! I love good deals!!!

Catherine - If I had a nickel for everytime my computer locked up...lol

Everyone, keep up the great work!!!!!!!!

Wahoo! I'm at 195. I was stuck at 196 for a loooooong time, but I'm moving in the right direction again.

I've decided to make myself more accountable and quit lolly-gagging around. I plan on losing 1 pound a week. That would mean my check in points are:

March 27 - 193
April 10 - 191
April 24 - 189 BABY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks for all the great support. We have such an amazing group.

Hey ladies!

Yesterday I met my friend to try on bridesmaids dresses for her wedding. When she saw me, she couldn't believe how much weight I had lost and kept saying "Where did you go?" It made me feel so great, I had a smile on my face for the rest of the day!

Mo - OUCH! I hope your hand feels better! I hate when I burn myself :( Those sound like GREAT deals, I should check out my Goodwill store. I've never been there before.

Curvy Vixen - Your plan sounds great :hug: I know you can do this!

Catherine - I hate when my computer does that! It's good to hear from you :)

Sarah - That's GREAT! You're over halfway to your goal! You go girl!

I find out if I am accepted to my college of choice soon and my nerves are almost making me sick. I'm working out a lot now in case I don't feel like working out later in the week :( I'm preparing for the worst..

Monday
 

Hi ladies, I hope everyone is having a good day.

Well, I weighed in this morning and was surprised that I lost 1 lb. I feel guilty adding my 3rd flower because I think from what I ate yesterday I'll be back up a pound...but I've been sticking to Monday's number. I need to lose 3 lbs in the next two weeks to meet my initial goal. Then I'll have to come up with a new goal. Maybe 189 by Memorial Day?? 10 lbs in 9 weeks should be easily attainable if I stick with it and if I lose more all the better! I forgot to ask Mike if he weighed in, I'll change his signature tomorrow if he lost.

Stacye: I went to Curves many years ago and enjoyed it. It forces you to keep up with everyone and you can make it harder or easier depending on the resistance you put forth. Unfortunately I wasn't dieting at the time I went so I didn't see that much of a weight loss, I think I lost inches...can't remember :dizzy: I was thinking of joining myself but the one near me is pretty expensive although now it's free enrollment I think. One thing I didn't like was the same music all the time, you could probably use an ipod but I don't know if you'd hear the tone to change stations.

Catherine: when you say you go rollerskating is it to a rink or outside?

KatieBug: Good luck on your college acceptance. I'll keep my fingers crossed :crossed:

Sarah: Congrats on the loss, great goals!!

Nori: Your plan sounds great, come to CT and be my personal trainer!

Well it's leftover corned beef tonight, I'll try to eat mostly the veggies tonight.

B: bowtie from Dunkin Donuts :o L: nothing: D: carrots, turnips, cabbage, 1 red potato and 2 slices of corned beef, 1/2 slice rye bread and a piece of chocolate cake :o :o
Pts: no idea maybe 35-40? Exer: some house cleaning Water: hardly any

Yesterday DH stopped at Dunkin Donuts and I said I just wanted a coffee with milk. He said do you want a donut, I'm getting a coffee roll? I said no, just the coffee. On our way home I could smell his coffee roll and I said, I should have had you get me a bowtie pastry. He said, I did get you one! I could have kissed him I was dying for one. Actually after I ate it I realized it wasn't that good.

Anyway, tonight is piano lessons and instead of cathecism we have to go to church....the kids said two days in a row!! Oh well, I'll pray for willpower!

Have a great day, Mo

I'm so off on days - I kept thinking I'd already checked in here today.

I'm down 1 pound this week. I'll take it!

Katie - that' must have felt great to get those compliments!

Woo-hoo Sarah! Already down to 195!!!

Well, my sister is here visiting and I was just running down to log my dinner onto Nutridiary. Gotta run back upstairs!