Pixies Power

[osuche]

So...I've been working out every day, and taking walks in the evening. Bad thing is, I've been eating a bit too much. I'm going to try and fix that this weekend.

<sigh>

I feel like I have completely lost momentum....but seeing this thread on Pixies at least makes me feel guilty for not being better. :(

[fzzy]

I've still been being bad and it's not going to get any better today at least .. however, I figure tomorrow is 7/1 ... the beginning of the new 1/2 year and so I'm psyching myself into starting hard core at it again tomorrow! Hope you all are doing better than I've been doing!!!! :)

[maddy]

I've been doing good this week... haven't made all the best food choices, but managed to lose the 3 lbs I gained out of town last week and a little bit more. Unfortunately, this extremely long weekend will be hard for me. I just swung in the grocery and stocked up on fruits and veggies, so hopefully if I'm overeating at least it won't be completely horrible things.

[osuche]

Bad, bad, bad. This weekend sucks for me food-wise.

<sigh>

Next week I *must* be better

[Vigil]

Hi Ladies - keep that determination.

I recently lost 12 lbs (5 kgs) in six days just by having some different foods in my diet and I wasn't even intending to loose the weight. Apparently the food acts like a natural detox and very mild laxative - well it worked for me. I am just trying to see if I can make it at home and if I can, I will give you the recipe if you wish.

[osuche]

Hook me up with the recipe! If I can lose 12 lbs I would be a very, VERY happy woman

[maddy]

Well I blew it this weekend. It was one big fat pity party and boredom at my house which involved excessive eating. I'll be getting back on track tomorrow.

[Lilith]

maddy.... you have done so well. Don't make me come kick you in the ass to get you going again. I can't lift my foot that far up :D Seriously, I am worried because we all seem to be at that self sabotaging point.

We all came into this deciding we were goddesses and needed to start treating our bodies like temples. My body does not run best off Mudslide Icecream and Swiss Cake rolls no matter how much my emotions are trying to convince me otherwise.

Veggies and fruit...I am gonna suggest we clean the cupboards and make sure all the shit is out of the house again. Go back to basics, what was working in the beginning.

Water, water, water, water, water, water, water!

[maddy]

The pleasant reality is that even when I "blow it", it's not nearly as bad as I was living on a daily basis before. I took some pork chops out of the freezer today and will be grilling them this evening (or broiling if it's raining at the time) for the week. I also have plenty of frozen veggies in the freezer to nuke each night for dinners.

I'm lacking in the fruit department for daytime snacking at work. I do have a plethora of apple sauce type snacks (pear mango sauce, strawberry sauce, and granny smith sauce) that are no sugar added so in a pinch they will do this week.

I'll be faithful to the gym again this week too. Lastly I will go back to tracking every bite I take tomorrow.

I have no valid excuses for riding the slippery slope to sabotage this weekend, but I am prepared to get back on track tomorrow, and I'm starting the prep for that today.

[Lilith]

*whew* I was worried you were really gonna make me try to move :p

[osuche]

*sigh* I think I need a vacation to feel a bit more positive about the whole "my body is a temple" things again. I filled my temple with butter-topped toast and a half piece of gouda cheese for breakfast. :p

When I am bad, it's mostly in the form of eating too much...not of eating the wrong stuff. Although I will admit I could eat a bit less carbs and a bit more veggies.

What I need to do is exercise and control my portions. I am tracking my calories and am landing at 2050 average for the week, and 250 birned per day on exercise. At that level I avoid gaining weight, but I am not losing.

So...back to the gym for longer workouts, and back to portion control. And a daily post to Pixies Power to keep myself honest.

[Lilith]

So far today I ate 1/2 a bagel which is a no no for me. My digestive system is a trainwreck due to the abdominal surgery but that is just an excuse. I'm going to do a salad in a minute here for lunch and then am doing the burger thing for dinner. I've been snacking less this week but cravings for sweets are high. Particularly cookies of the chocolate chip persuasion. They whisper to me "resistance is futile" :sad:

[osuche]

If you have the energy, or if oyu can convince Mr. Lil...bake some oatmeal chocolate chip cookies. Sub half the butter for applesauce, and use Splenda. They're actually *good* for you cause of the fiber (and I am guessing you need fiber right now) and have low sugar/fat...but they feel decadent.

Do NOT -- I repeat, do NOT -- skimp on the chocolate chips though. I use Ghirardhelli chips an dI put LOTS of them in. I figure that way I get my antioxidants. :p

[osuche]

Quick aside to Lil...

While plugging my calories into FitDay I realized that they had 3 activity classes for sex....passive, active, and vigorous :D

Vigorous only nets you 38 calories an hour! :spin:

Obviously those guys don't have sex like *we* do on Pixies! :hot:

[Lilith]

I have to admit that fitday has been my failure. I just can't force myself to enter stuff again. I must get back to it.

psssssssssst* I won't be participating in that form of excercise for like 4 more weeks :yikes:

[maddy]

Alright, pixies, I did my occassional laundry day closet cleaning. I just filled up two large lawn bags of clothes and my closet is starting to look sparse again. It is now starting to make me sick how much I've spent on clothes in the past six months. Granted, I will not buy anything that is not on sale or clearance anymore, but evenso I've gone through three sizes of pants. I now only have one pair of pants, and the rest are all capri length. I'm going to try to get through the next month in this size. I also have come to realize I will need a full new wardrobe come cold weather season, as all those clothes are gone now.

I am *this* close to being out of the plus sized section of the store - I won't know how to shop again. I will have a whole new world of options opening up to me. It's exciting, scary, motivating all at the same time. I don't like the plus sized stores, but rather the better named brands that make plus size too.... so I at least I know designers that fit my body better than others and hopefully that will guide me when I move to new sections of the store.

There you have it, my motivation for tomorrow is to get out of the last set of plus sized pants and into "normal" clothes again.

[Lilith]

Superb! That is one hell of an accomplishment.

[sodaklostsoul]

I've been following this thread for awhile and I think you all are doing great!!!!

I knew I needed to lose weight but I kept putting it off for a long time. I have started eating breakfast again and am back to 3 meals a day. I've cut out alot of junk food but not all. The thought of exercise made me depressed. I found my scale a couple of weeks ago in a box I got from my storage stuff, so I got on and was suprised to see I had lost 14 lbs. Cool I thought, guess doing a lot of walking at work as paid off since I started working at the new store last Oct. I got on again today and I had lost another 6 lbs. :)
I keep forgetting to take the little meter thingy I have to work and see how much walking I actually do there. Our store is just over 8000 sq. foot and I seem to make a lot of laps around it. So I figured that's my exercise. :) I'm going to keep eating breakfast and keep snacks to a min. (well junk food snacks anyway, I have been eating healthier stuff). I hope to lose another 40 lbs and I think I would be happy with that. Someday I'll even quit smoking. :) I have cut down on that too.

I hope you all continue to lose weight and feel good about yourselves. I know that I feel a bit better about myself. :)

Hugs!!!!!

[sodaklostsoul]

Congrats maddy!!!!!!!! WTG!!!!!!!! Sorry about the spendy money on clothes thou. I hate shopping for clothes.

[maddy]

Thanks Lilith and sdls. I still have my fattest pants laying in the bottom of my closet, when I really need motivation I pull them out and model them in the mirror to see how far I've come. I recently saw myself in pictures and don't see a difference, but the scale says I'm down 36 lbs and my clothes definitely agree.

I've developed a desire to run, I burst into a run on the treadmill now and can't last long (probably because of the speed I have it on), but I'd like to run in a charity run next year - I haven't picked one, but I'd like to be able to run a full 5K. That's something to work for, right? Did I mention I've never liked running? Or that I've never been able to run a full mile, not even in high school?

sdls, I'm glad you peek in on us... and great progress you are making!

[Lilith]

I'll be grateful just to walk upright at this point but running maddy is fabulous!

Way to go SDLS!!!! You must be starting to feel the difference! Congratulations!

[sodaklostsoul]

Thanks Maddy and Lilith. Yes I can feel it in my pant waist a bit. :)

[maddy]

alright, I'm owning up to my day. I made it to the gym, but was simply exhausted. I didn't do as much as I normally would, but I went, I sweated and I can write it down.

I didn't eat enough today. I haven't actually calculated yet, but am very certain I didn't hit my allowance. I'm not over, which is a positive, but I think I'm quite a bit under, which is equally not good.

I learned while watching tv this weekend that you can use coinstar machines to count your coins and not pay the fee if you get a gift card to certain stores instead of the cash. I'm totally excited, I have a huge collection of change and itunes is one of the options. I'm taking my change in this weekend and going to give it a try. Just thought I'd pass that info along.

[Lilith]

Great news!^^^

I ate horrible yesterday. I went out with friends, ate the Applebees chicken apple walnut salad but then ate that chocolate lava stuff :tongue:

Today for a giggle I tried on a pair of pre-surgery shorts. They fit. It's great news because it means that even though I am swollen up like a blowfish, with the tumor gone and when the swelling goes down I will indeed be a smaller person :D

[osuche]

Congrats, Lil!

I had a bad day yesterday too. I ate too much, was stressed over work and my final, was at work until after 8 pm...and I didn't work out. :(

I hope today will be a better day, but it's already screaming *STRESS*

<sigh> I know I must prioritize my health more.

[maddy]

Just checking in after a few days. I've been doing well but am really lacking in the energy department. I feel like I can't sleep enough, and small workouts are leaving me exhausted. If I don't shake this soon, I suppose I'll have to see my doctor, but I'm not ready for another set of tests to figure out what my problem is... I'm not done with the previous two sets yet *sigh*.

I know Lilith was asking about the Quizno's flatbread salads... I'm changing my previous review. I think the Classic Cobb is my favorite "fast food" salad. I just had one for dinner tonight. I like that they throw it together while you wait, unlike other fast food places that pull it out and hand it to you pre-made and the salad is crammed in the small container rather than all "fluffed" up.

I plan on reporting good news in the morning, when I do my official weigh-in.

How's everyone else? I miss hearing everyone's daily update.

[Lilith]

Forgive me sisters for I have sinned... you know about the Dibs,





and the fried chicken, and the laffy taffy. Oh and the oatmeal raisin cookie.

But here is what I am doing right. I am managing to drink no less than 72oz. of water daily. Of course I can't sleep cause, well you can imagine but I keep telling myself I am flushing all the chemicals and nasty stuff out of the swollen tissues.

I am officially a dress size smaller than I was prior to the surgery despite still being swollen like a puffer fish and weighing about 10 pounds less than when I went in to surgery but still 10 up from my lowest since we started supporting eachother here.

[osuche]

I was pretty good the past two days, including good cardio workouts (I need to do more weights, though). Well, good except for a small pre-Hut encounter with a 1/2 bag of Tostito's Lime chips.

Maddy, good luck with your weigh in!

[maddy]

Woohoo, I lost 1.8 lbs this week.

Lilith, I'm glad to hear you are getting your water in, that is something I am struggling with greatly. I don't drink any other liquids, so one would think I'd be thirsty, but I'm just not.

osuche, glad to hear you are getting the workouts back into your schedule. I probably could use more weights too.

[osuche]

(((((maddy)))))) ~~~ congrats!

:line:

[Lilith]

Awesome loss maddy. I think I found your pounds ;)

[fzzy]

I know you all thought I'd dropped off the face of the earth ... kind of have ... but here's my report from where I'm dangling! (LOL) ... Still haven't managed to get my eating back under control ... but am also grateful to say that I'm still a long way from being as "bad" as I was before this year 's decisions. This morning I put on a new bra ... another size down and that feels wonderful to me ... some progress anyway ... wish I were making more in the area between my waist and my knees, but progress is still good. So proud of the rest of you and how you are hanging on as well ....

[Lilith]

Oh I'm dangling too but trying.

A size smaller is superb fzzy! waist----knees grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr. Me too. Just keep doing it to feel better. Let weightloss just be the bonus ;)

[maddy]

Glad to see you checking in fzzy, I was wondering about about you and I'm glad you're still hanging on ... even if it's barely.

I've found a replacement for my daily ice cream craving, I've been eating a big bowl of sliced strawberries sprinkled with just a teaspoon of sugar. It's got the sweet bit and it's just damn good.

I also find I'm adverse to vegetables lately, I'd much rather have fruit. As a matter of fact, other than the salads I had last week, I didn't touch the veggies. But I've been eating the strawberries, cherries, bananas, apples and watermelon.

[osuche]

I've been working out, and eating marginally better. These things are good.

However, I still don't feel that great. I've been running random fevers, I still hurt often, and my mouth surgery didn't solve the problem. :( There are other things, too. So many complaints my belief that a Dr is going to solve my problems is very small. <sigh>

I'm hoping that a vacation and some stress reduction may help.

[osuche]

SInce I scared everyone away with my negativity.... :(

I went to the gym yesterday but was lured by my hunger and some frustration over work to burgers and french fries for dinner.

Still down for the week, and I will be better today!

[maddy]

I'm still here... i've been on a salad kick lately. But I don't want to make them, I want them prepared for me, which can add up quickly. I need to work out at home tonight, which means the treadmill.

The scale has me up about .5 lb and I'm not sure why, I think it's a water thing - like I'm not getting enough of it, so I'm desperately trying to be better with the water.

[maddy]

Alright, a few days back I shared this bizzare urge I have to run. On the WW message boards a lot of people talk about the couch to 5K running program. So tonight I get the brainy idea to google it and give it a shot. I managed the first day of the program which is a brisk 5 minute warm up walk followed by 60 seconds of jogging and then 90 seconds of walking until you repeat this pattern for 20 minutes (25 minute total workout). As I was doing it, I decided if I made it to 20 minutes total I could quit and call it a great first effort. In that walking interval at 20 minutes I figured I'd only have to run two more times and I could do that, right?

I DID IT! I've not been this sweaty in a long time, but it feels good to know I could do it. I'm thanking my heavenly stars I decided to just workout in my sports bra and capris tonight as a shirt would have done me in I'm sure.

I'm going to start sticking to a weights and stretching workout at the gym and see how far I can go with this running thing at home.

Also, have any of you done pilates or yoga? I'm thinking of giving them a try to increase my flexibility and core strength.

[Lilith]

I am awesomely impressed maddy. I can remember once when I lost a massive amount of weight finally feeling so free my walks turned into me breaking out in a jog then even running. Feels liberating.

I still walk like a dork but I am trying to move around more and more. I see the Dr. Thursday and will hopefully get the ok to drive. It's been hard to be at the whim of others and my diet has sufferred due to not being able to go secure the right foods.

BTW I too want salads and I don't want to make them.

[maddy]

Lilith I hope you get the driving approval. That is the one thing that I know I would struggle with ever having taken away from me. My car equals my freedom.

And walking like a dork? Why do you think I need to do this running thing at home rather than the gym ... I run like an idiot.

[Lilith]

Yeah but I was walking at Staples and people must have thought I was 'flicted. You knew better ;)

[fzzy]

I'm still not doing quite as well as I'd like, but today was a better day then I've had (in my eating choices, etc.) for awhile .... I've been working to get myself psyched up again to get serious in moving forward another several steps at least ... it's a process ... but I want to be working the process again... Tomorrow I plan to be even better than today!!

Lil ... hope you have good news at your dr.'s appointment! And I'm amazed at the progress you've been making while still deep in the recovery mode from the surgery.

maddy ... I'm so pleased for your progress ... "you go girl!!!"

osuche ... hope you're hanging in there as well ... you've been doing great!

everyone else and those mentioned above .... hope you have a great day tomorrow!

[osuche]

((((fzzy)))) ~~ my inspiration (YOU!) is back!!

I've been great about the exercise and I am starting to look trimmer again, although the scale doesn't seem to show it yet. Eating better than last week, too...although I had a bad day this week already.

This weekend (Saturday) we throw a party for @40 people at our home, and I know I will eat poorly and be stressed so I am trying to be good until then!

[maddy]

Alright, I did the second day of the couch to 5K program. It kicked my ass just as hard as the first day. But I'm proud to be able to say I did it.

And after I'm done cooling off I'm having a dessert like feast of strawberries and cherries. And I just might have a scoop of Edy's show churned light something... I have two kinds in the freezer.

Eating has been not to shabby lately, though I get my share of "treats" in my day too. I couldn't live without them, so instead I just make choices that allow me to have "treats".

[Lilith]

YAY for all of you!!!!!

My weight sucks. I am up and down and all over the place right now but I know water weight and swelling are part of this process. I just keep trying. I am a slug but it's all I can do right now.

Oh and Dr visit went well he's super impressed with how well and fast I've healed with the extent of surgery I had to have so I am very glad. Thanks again for all the support I have been given here and elsewhere.

[fzzy]

Yay Lil .. glad to hear the dr. appt went so well ... do you have driving privileged again?? If not ... I'm sure you will soon ... if so .... wooooo hooooo!

I've done pretty well with my eating today ... better than yesterday, so I'm improving ... still need to do a bit better, but there's not much in my place that's not allowed now, (I ate it all in the last couple of days!) so I should continue to improve as far as eating goes!

way to go maddy .... sticking to a program is a great thing!

great job osuche ... and thanks for the hugs .... it feels good to be getting back to a more determined attitude!

[fzzy]

Hope everyone had a good day ... mine was still not totally in control, but it was more in control then I have been on a Friday in probably 2-3 months! .. so I can at least feel good about that .. moving forward ... moving forward ... (new mantra I think) :) hugs to everyone!

[osuche]

My day was good only because I was really good before 5 pm...small breakfast and lunch and a LONG workout burning 500+ calories.

Dinner was fun, but a disaster calorie-wise. Pizza and lots and lots of beer. :p But it tasted good, and I ended up under 2000 calories...so it's all good.

Congrats on your success, fzzy!!

[sodaklostsoul]

:wave:

Glad to see your all doing well....er, as well as can be. :)

Hopped on the scale today to see how much damage the road trip might have done and I only gained one pound back. I did really good avoiding some of the junk food I normally eat. Well, except the 2 Fat Daddy's muffin's I had. Eh, I'm still happy with what I have lost and will see what else I can lose over the next few month's.

[maddy]

I had an encounter with Edy's Grand Light Slow Churned ice cream over two days. It's going in the garbage tonight when I clean out the refrigerator and I'm eating nothing but fruit and veggies for the rest of the day.

It's now proven that I have no portion or self control with ice cream. I must stick to the single serving packs.

I need to do my running/walking yet today.

[maddy]

I just got done with my date with the treadmill. It was easier today than two days ago. Maybe because of all that sugar from the ice cream that was in my system? Feeling so guilty about the encounter with the ice cream I pushed myself to go 5 minutes longer. I did a total of 30 minutes... 2 miles.

I also lied when I said only fruits and veggies for the rest of the day. I was worried what that would do for my energy while running, so I cooked up a steak and had that for dinner.

[Lilith]

excellent! maddy I swear carbs are my battle so bad. Ice cream is my downfall too. I could live on nothing but it and have though about trying that as a diet :p

SDLS~ only 1 pound is great! You will work that off in no time!

[maddy]

Today was a much better day food-wise. Of course it helps when there isn't any delicious ice cream calling my name all day long from the freezer.

I mixed up a big salad for tomorrow's lunch. It's not the lowest in calories, but I'll live I think. It's greens, tomatos, matchstick carrots, snap peas, diced turkey, strawberries, dried cranberries, walnuts, and low-fat shredded cheddar. That's an "everything in the house" salad.

I'd love to get back to losing closer to two pounds a week... this less than 1/2 pound stuff is for crap! Of course the ice cream encounter MIGHT have had an impact.

It was re-affirmed for me tonight exactly why I have a weight and eaiting issue. While on the phone with my Dad, he asked how my "diet" was going. I said, "eh, I'm not losing, but I'm not gaining either." His response, "Your dad just keeps losing weight and I don't know why." I say, "OH?" He says, "well I eat more fruit and less chips, but that shouldn't matter, right?" I wanted to scream and cry all at the same time. And, yes, he was serious. It's scary to me that he posed that question. I knew the whole time I was stuffing my face with McD's it wasn't good for me. I just lacked the will power or desire to do something differently.

[osuche]

I'm using maddy as an example and giving away all the sweets from the party. I ate 3 brownies yesterday (and I don't even *like* brownies!) I have ice cream and a lemon torte also to get rid of. Any takers? :spin:

Otherwise, it's back to the gym for me. Yesterday I was holding on the weight (a net 17 lbs since we started) and yet I haven't been losing much for a while now. I think it's time to go back on the Wendie plan. ;)

I hope everyone has a great start to their week!

[fzzy]

Not a horrible day for me ... but not a great one either ... however, I'm still doing my best to move forward one moment at a time! :)

hugs to everyone!

[osuche]

I ate 3 hamburgers yesterday. 'Nuff said. :(

But today is a different day, and if I am good today I plan to reward myself by going to see Da Vinci Code at the bargain theater.

Hope everyone else is doing well in this hot weather.

[Lilith]

I had a bad day yesterday too but feel more on top of my game today. The weight is creeping on fast because my appetite is better finally but my activity level is still way down. Today is 4 weeks since surgery. In another 2 I should be back to a more moderate amount of activity. This slug stuff is killing me.

[maddy]

I hate sugar! I hate that it grips me and makes me do horrible things! I really need to remove all sweet things from my house. I found buried in my freezer a box of thin mints tonight. I swear I leave things hidden somewhere for future sabatoge.

Besides that, I didn't manage my full run/walk last night. I was exhausted after 15 minutes. I also had the starts to a head cold but I think I slept it off with a long night of sleep.

Tonight I did my first round of Pilates. I enjoy strength type workouts much better than cardio ones. It confirmed some things I already knew, I lack flexibility and strength. But I'm hoping to stick with it and see changes.

[fzzy]

I'm still struggling as well, but I remind myself in my struggles that I'm still so much better then I was in my eating, etc. ... just 6 months ago .... so although my progress is at a snail's pace, it is still progress. ... but I want more and I'm working to get there again!

[osuche]

maddy, I LOVE my Pilates and I hope you grow to love it too. I was very stiff with little flexibility about 2 years ago, but with the help of Pilates and daily stretching I am back to being able to do splits. ;) It's great!

Food wise I was great yesterday and OK today. I've been eating lots of green stuff and staying away from the sugar (the withdrawl pangs are starting to wear off). I've been great at working out all week, to the tune of 400-500 calories a day.

I hope everyone has a good Thursday....

[fzzy]

Yesterday I finally had a fully good day as far as my calories ... stayed well within my calorie range and on a SATURDAY too!!! ... doing pretty good today as well ... YAY!

[Lilith]

awesome fzzy! I am working on getting in my veggies and fruit. I have to come up with a plan for eating at school. School lunch was killing me. I try to eat with my Lost boys because it's more like a family dinner table then and most of them don't get that.

[txgrneyes]

WELL Girls,

I know I ask for help but I guess I wasn't really ready to get my ass in gear.

well I have taken a good look at myself and well now I AM READY.

i AM also gonna check in here everyday and map my challenge so if yall dont see me could you please pm me and say something like thought you were gonna check in or what did you goof up today. Something to get my attention. or just send :huh: to me....


Thanks...well it starts tomorrow morning...with palities in the am and walking in the pm. and of course eating right and trying to get the proper amount of sleep too.

Please try to help me stay on track....I beg you!!!!! I need all the help I can get.

Thanks
Natalie

[fzzy]

Lil ...have I said this before???? .... I love ya girl ... you are such a wonderful example of womanhood!!!! Hope you find a way to work through the lunch question!


Tx - glad to have you with us again ... we've all had out off moments (or days or weeks for that matter) ... it's a process!!!

Having another on day ... yay!!! .. it has been a long time since I've made it really on my plan for 3 days in a row ... and I'm feeling a bit more motivated for the following days as well ... thanks everyone!

[maddy]

Blah, I've been better, I've been worse. I'm hoping the end of tomorrow brings me to a better place with one less thing on my mind.

I just ate a big bowl of cereal - and wasn't hungry! It was in preparation for not being able to eat in the morning *sigh*. Right now I'm feeling completely stuffed, which isn't a comforting feeling anymore.

[maddy]

How rude of me.... welcome tx! Maybe someone else checking in daily will re-motivate some of us ... I can be made to feel guilty pretty easily.

And, YAH fzzy. Three days back on your plan is an accomplishment... especially when it includes the weekend.

[osuche]

Hi everyone! I am glad you're still committed to posting and being accountable.

Txgrneyes -- We will hold you to your commitment. :)

Lil, maddy, and fzzy -- you continue to impress me with your commitment, even in the face of challenge. Please keep it up!

As for me...made chicken marsala for dinner tonight, so it wasn't a great calorie night. But I *did* exercise hard and got a great work out in...so the day isn't a total wash. total: 2030 calories eaten and 495 burned at the gym.

[txgrneyes]

Well I did pretty good yesterday. I didn't get my walk in but I did do some extra cleaning around the house that broke a sweat. so I think a fair trade off. I did watch what I ate and that is the good part. I have a tendensy to just grab a burger and fries because they are so convienent. Oh well will be working outside this morning mowing the grass and washing the vehicles. So I will check with you later.

Natalie

[Lilith]

Next week will be the green light for me to begin to excercise a little bit. I plan to start small with excercises that focus on my middle. Because of the tumor I always had a hard sit with sit ups and crunches. I am looking forward to setting up a routine. I also will start back on the excercise machine (the name is not available to my mind right now).

The swelling and sheer exhaustion from just doing ordinary things is completely mind blowing. I have got to get my stamina up and my blood sugars down.

[fzzy]

Lil ... glad to hear you're having progress ... don't push yourself too hard though ... recovery from almost any surgery takes a lot out of a body and it takes time to get back ... always more time than you'd think it should ... but allowing that time is a good thing!

maddy .. hope your day was a good one ... take care of yourself!!

tx ... wonderful job!

osuche ... you've been impressing me from the beginning ... so glad you're in this process with the rest of us ... though wish none of us had to be (contradictory statement ... but I'm sure you all understand)

I'm ending my 4th day in a row of keeping to my goals ... and heading off to bed now ... have a great day tomorrow everyone!

[Lilith]

fzzy I'm so proud of you for getting back to it!

[Aqua]

I'm glad to see this thread is still alive and strong. Even with some faultering there's not been any giving up. (I don't think anyway) The important thing is to keep at it.

Keep at it.

Keep at it.

[fzzy]

thanks Lil! ... as always, every day is another battle to overcome, but I did ok again today so I'm happy! Good to see you Aqua ... hope you're having a great summer! :)

[Lilith]

I have been struggling to get back on track. My hormones and emotions being all over the place. I went through a couple days of craving sweets and not resisting at all. Now just as things seem to be leveling out I discover the culprit. I'm in the hut. Un-freaking-believable.

[osuche]

(((((Lil)))))

I've been feeling kinda tired and sick, but I've been sticking with the workouts and tracking my calories -- good days, bad days, and the really ugly days too. I need to make a commitment to eat less, and I've been trying more the past couple of days. One day at a time.

[maddy]

osuche, I hope you feel better or figure out what's ailing you soon. I'm proud of you for sticking to your plan even when you aren't feeling your best.

fzzy, I'm impressed and going to attempt to follow your lead in marking off the number of days in a row following my plan.

Lilith, I didn't know that was possible, but at least now you know what's been bothering you.

As for me, I did pretty well so far this week with eating. I baked some fat free brownies with applesauce tonight. They were okay, but not to die for. I'm about to put the rest of the pan in the garbage disposal so I'm not tempted. I know it's wasteful, but sometimes it's just what I need to do.

[Lilith]

I say dump them. I am only going to eat things like that if they are to die for. Otherwise it's just wasted.

(I kept my cervix so it's possible but I was told it was unlikely :( )

[maddy]

The brownies, went one by one down the garbage disposal. They cured the chocolate craving I was having so they did serve the purpose. But the rest really had no place in my house.

[osuche]

maddy, good for you. We all need to learn how to break bad habits...and the first one I've been working on is the "you must clean your plate" mantra.

(((Lil))) hope this is the only one. :(

[fzzy]

I'm ending my day feeling good about it ... didn't fall entirely within my calorie range, but since I also found myself in the hut today ... I'm a very happy camper ... happy because for a very nice change from the usual, I made it through the pre-hut time doing great .... giving me the opportunity to really make some progress before I hit pre-hut next month ... which I have every intention of taking advantage of!!!!

Lil ... we probably walked in from doors on the opposite side of the hut about the same time ... I feel your pain, sister! :)

osuche ... I also hope you feel better fast ... and great for you that you're sticking to your plan in the midst of not feeling great!

maddy ... YAY for you ... pixie power is glowing all over you! ... it's good to have us all back in fighting mode again! :) Have a good Friday everyone .. and TX ... we're waiting for your report! Hope your day went well ... if not, stick with us anyway :D

[osuche]

I stepped on the scale this morning and found myself 2 lbs down. Surprise, surprise. This puts me at my lowest weight in about 18 months (17 lbs lost total). I know this sounds really funny...but I'd been gaining and losing the same pound for about 7 weeks and I was beginning to feel like it was impossible to be successful, and I was basically destined to the weight I was currently at. Found myself rationalizing that I'd have to be OK with that weight...

And today I am on cloud 9! If I can just keep off the 2 lbs I lost, and capitalize on them to start another losing trend, I *will* get back to a weight I can be proud of. Despite all of your remarkable accomplishments, I had truly lost hope...and today I feel like I have it again.

Thanks for letting me share.

[maddy]

I didn't check in yesterday as I fell asleep earlier than I had planned on the couch.

Friday wasn't too shabby. Saturday hasn't been too shabby so far either. The scale was generous to me this morning.

I can appreciate what osuche explained as I've been in a similar scenario. I'm now back to my low point and am hoping I can continue downward consistently.

I hope everyone is having a fun weekend.

[Lilith]

maddy, saw the pics! Wow!

[maddy]

*blush* thanks, I think. The trunk still has some junk, but I'm working on it.

[osuche]

((((maddy)))) ~~ lookin good! :D :hot:

I've both worked out and went on 2 walks today. Food-wise it's been a lackluster (not awful, not great) weekend...but I feel fit and those 2 lbs have stayed off.

Today I forewent dinner to have a twist soft serve ice cream cone. I'd been craving one for weeks (they're my fave dessert). So I had a child-like evening...went for a walk around the Berkeley marina, took the leftover hot dog and hamburger buns from our party (they'd started to mold) and fed the seagulls. Then I did an hour walk, stopped for ice cream on the way home (I brought Mr Osuche a chocolate malt home). I think I am channeling happy afternoons feeding the ducks with my dad. My walk down memory lane made me smile....sometimes I miss him so much.

[txgrneyes]

Well here is my report.


Been doin pretty good since my last post. I have stayed away from my favorite restraunt that knows me by name and when I walk in they ask me "you want the usual?". That is saying alot. I have chosen to snack on nuts and fruit when I am hungry for no reason but being bored. When I do slow down from work I just suck on a Jolly Rancher. It seems to do the trick. Drinking alot of water and it is helping with the hunger issue. Haven't been getting to many walks in since I work 12 hours a day and working nights I dont really have much time. But I will be working a different schedule in a couple of weeks and I am so looking forward to it.

I refuse to get on a scale to see my progress just goin by the way the clothes fit for now.

(Note to Self: Just remember you want to look real sexy in bed- that means NAKED)

[Aqua]

osuche ~ Don't give up! Keep working at it and you'll continue to make progress!

maddy ~ You certainly are looking good! ;) I like the junk, but don't keep it on my account. :p

grneyes ~ Water is such a good thing!

[maddy]

Today was right on target. I ate just like I was supposed to, went to the gym too. And all I kept thinking is it's my Birthday - I should take the day off, skip the gym and indulge in something really decadent to eat and follow it up with a drink or four and maybe a mudslide. But alas, I only drank water and there wasn't anything decadent about a turkey sammy or some beef and green beans.

Actually, looking back I did sneak two peanut butter hershey kisses off a staffers desk today.

[fzzy]

HB maddy ... hope it was a good day .... I remember in one of my previous dieting modes that a person in the group I then attended said something about how we load up on fats and sugars on celebration days .... and really those are the very things that will shorten our lifespan ... (ironic tone) ... that will really be something to celebrate! ... so making healthy choices on a special day is "life-affirming"!! I keep trying to convince myself of that on celebration days anyway! :) You're doing great though and I'm so pleased for you and the progress you're making!

osuche ... way to keep at it ....

tx ... great job ... we make these changes one small bit at a time sometimes to make the changes really stick ... you're doing great!

I wasn't quite as good as I wanted to be over the weekend ... but much better than I could have been ... today is going great so far ... and since I'm home and there isn't really much in the house that I can cheat with ... I should be able to have a really good day as far as my food goes .... it's a process ... I'm trying to keep at that process at least more than I'm not! :)

[Lilith]

I was awful today and someone should beat me unmercilessly.:D

[sodaklostsoul]

I lost the pound from vaca and seems I lost another pound or two. As long as I keep my current job I will have my exercise every week. I think right now with the heat I'm sweating it off. I have'nt been eating 3 times a day like I want and need to get back on that, least it has'nt set me back. If I lose another 5 pounds I'll really have to buy new pants.

*snaps* to all of you!!

[maddy]

great job sdls!!!

I had a great day right up until the post b-day run in with a pint of ice cream. If there is any consolation, it won't ruin my week and I did get to the gym twice today.

[osuche]

I was really good calorie-wise today...and I get to work out again starting tomorrow because one of my coworkers is back from vacation!

I finally got a diagnosis from the dr...my condition isn't very serious and con be treated....so I am hopeful. Here's to feeling better and being thinner. :wine:

((((maddy))) ~~ gotta celebrate the birthday a little bit!

sdls -- good for you!!! :)

[fzzy]

Lil ... :) sending hard hugs your way ... is that close enough to beating you?!?!?

sdls ... wonderful news ... keep up the great work!

osuche ... glad you got a diagnosis and it's treatable ... always good to hear!! take care of yourself and enjoy those workouts when the work mate returns from vacation!

maddy ... you are doing so great ... icecream in hot weather ... hard to imagine much better ... so hope you really enjoyed your treat!!

I had another good day calorie-wise and am just headed to bed now ... so glad to making some progress again!

[txgrneyes]

WEll started out really good yesterday. Got in some exercise and then had to make a trip to the big city.....aka temptation. Then it went down hill....but oh how i enjoyed it so...oh well will be watching myself more closely next couple of days.

so how many calories are in a Wendy's Frostie?

[Lilith]

http://www.nutritiondata.com/facts-B00001-01c21m9.html

that's for the small size

[maddy]

I woke feeling every ounce of muscle in my body - mostly I wanted to sob and just not move. But I made it to work, and then I found myself at the gym again struggling through another workout. I'm going to give myself a break and stick to some simple cardio on the treadmill tomorrow.

I was hungry all day long today, but I did good. I ate fruits and veggies and some lean protein and drank water. I'm struggling through the sugar withdrawl tonight that I know will last for a few days, but I'm determined not to give in this time.

I hope everyone else is doing good today too.

[fzzy]

Way to stick with your program maddy! Yay!

TX ... hang tough ... we all have our indulgences now and then...we're routing for ya!

I'm ending my day very well again calorie-wise ... very happy with how I've been doing so far this week ... :cheerlead

[fzzy]

I managed to make it through another day in my calorie range, but I'm having the major cravings for sugars still ... hopefully that will start to lessen very soon! Have a good Friday everyone!

[txgrneyes]

OK...since the temptation in the big city the other day....I have been really good. Salads were the number one thing on my list. Getting a workout of some kind in every day. And doin the water thing still....


all and all.....i am still on track....



(note to self--- remember your goal....you might need it soon enough)

[sodaklostsoul]

Great txgrneyes!

Is there a new naughty neighbor moving in? (wink wink, nudge nudge) :D

[osuche]

I've been under 2000 calories almost every day this week...and I am now 15 lbs lighter than I was at my wedding! That's a start.... But I've been bad about the stress and about working out this week.

I hope everyone has a great weekend.

[Lilith]

Both yesterday and so far today have been much better days. I had several days of good food, good wine, and good company in which I ate like a crazy person.

[osuche]

Lil ~~ glad you're back on track. We all need to have some fun sometime.... ;)

I weighed in at the gym and I am down another pound. Still doing well on the calories, and I've worked out the past 2 days. So I guess I am getting back on track too!

Hope everyone is having a great weekend.

[maddy]

I've been gaining weight all week long while eating well and working out. My scale does a % of water, which has also been on the rise all week. It could have been the sweltering heat and humidity we had, but I don't spend much time outdoors. I've added a few new things to my eating (some spice mixes) that might contain more sodium than I was eating before. So I'm still playing around with about 3-4 pounds that seem to come and go, I would really like to get rid of them permanently.

[maddy]

I tried fzzy's soup plan tonight. I ate it at about 5:30 and it carried me through until nearly 7:00. My problem with dinner is once I start I don't want to finish. I need to figure out how to control that problem. Breakfast and lunch I can eat and be done, but dinner is a completely different story.

I have never made homemade soup before, so who has a simple chicken soup that I could attempt? Tonight I had chicken and rice by healthy choice and it was quite tasty. I also like minestrone, minus all the beans. Beans are actually my biggest problem when it comes to soup, the only beans I eat are green and stringy.

[txgrneyes]

Well I am definately feeling the effects of the working out. My muscles are soooo sore. I have up'ed the anti of walking and my muscles are rebelling. But I will win this battle. I did preatty good as far as the food is concerned today but didn't get my water intake like I should have. But tommorrow is another day to start it again.



Soda- Not yet girl :wish: but something is on the horizen...will keep you posted.

[osuche]

Went to the gym yesterday and stayed under 2,000 calories....so I count the day as a victory.

I'm crossing my fingers txgrneyes finds herself a naughty neighbor!

((((maddy)))) ~~ most canned soups have a lot of salt, so I think you're right about making your own. I am not a soup maker, but I LOVE this site. Just follow the rating system to good recipes. http://allrecipes.com/

[txgrneyes]

Well was real good this weekend. I didn't go crazy on any thing I wasn't suppose to. I drank alot of water and even got out and did alot of yard work. So I treated myself to day and had a small piece of birthday cake with pineapple. It was about 1/2 the size of my palm and mmmm it was good.


Well off to walk. Just checking in.

[osuche]

Been kinda bad on food (it *is* my vacation), averaging about 2100 calories for the past 3 days...

BUT I am exercising -- walking hiking, and swimming...so at least I am active.

How the heck is everyone else doing!!!???!!!

No excuses, report in please! :yikes:

[Lilith]

I'm not doing well. Eating without a plan and forgetting to take my diabetes meds on time. It will all level out soon. I just have to get my shit together.

[osuche]

((((Lilith)))) form oyur posts it seems like you've had a hard week. I hope it gets better. :x:

[Lilith]

It will. I'm just in over my head right now. I'll remember I can swim soon.

[txgrneyes]

Lilith... if you forget everything else darlin please dont forget the meds...you can always start again on the food plan.


Sorry just keeping good thought your way.

[boilergirl1]

I am 12 days into quitting smoking after 25+ yrs of smoking and have smoked a few tokes off select good cigars but am worried that when i give up the patch altogether it will all come shattering down.

[Lilith]

Thanks for the support ladies. I'm getting it together.

BG1~ awesome. I quit and it was sooooooooooo hard. Let the patch do it's job and try not to worry about what ifs. You will be stronger when you get a couple months out.

[osuche]

I was bad, bad, bad on vacation...but tomorrow is a new, better day

[txgrneyes]

MY PANTIES ARE FALLING OFF!


Seriously...the panties I bought a couple of months ago are now getting to big. I was walking in the hall today at work and I had to step into the ladies room because of this. They were just sliding off my hiney. I was :yikes: . What a place to do it too, but makes me feel good. Bout time I saw some results.


Lil- I am glad to hear it. Keep it up. Dont be hard on yourself we do have all the time in the world.


Osuche-That is ok...tommorrow is another day. Start over...its that simple.

Boilergirl1- It will get easier. After quiting 12 years ago...i still get the craving every once in a while. But I think of something else or get a stick of gum it seems to work. Living in the what if world doesn't do anyone any good. LIke LIL said let the patch do it's job, I found the hardest part was trying to find something to do with my hands and the urge to suck... but I found something to replace that....and he loved it. :rofl:

[PantyFanatic]

MY PANTIES ARE FALLING OFF!


Seriously...the panties I bought a couple of months ago are now getting to big. I was walking in the hall today at work and I had to step into the ladies room because of this. They were just sliding off my hiney. .....
Official Panty Inspector here!!!! :cool:


See why you are suppose to have me 'check' you out every morning? We have to be certain they hug your checks smoooooothly :) against my lips ………………. And that the crotch snuggles into just the right place :p on my face My schedule is open after 06:15 (EST) daily :slurp:

[maddy]

I sucked the past two weekends in a row. As the mantra seems to be, I'm starting again. I started yesterday. No serious complaints.

I'm doing a double round of the gym today as there are two classes I enjoy. I was a bit of a slouch at the gym yesterday. I didn't get one of the treadmills I like so I struggled just to get 10 minutes in. I did do weights and such afterward to get up to 45 minutes, but it wasn't the same good workout.

[maddy]

I'm feeling good again today. I did my double dose of the gym yesterday and was sore in the abs today. I went back for an awesome upper body work out. We did some new exercises that I really liked and felt more than just a burn, my arms quivered and shook for a good hour after the fact.

Eating is well under control as well. I'm feeling bored, which often leads to boredom eating so I'm heading to bed shortly to read instead. Once I'm upstairs in my bedroom, I'm safe from the evil that lurks in my kitchen.

Did I mention I turned down Dunkin Donuts that sat within 15 feet of my face all day long? Or that I turned down a lunch out because I already had a date with the gym? It was a gold star sticker sort of day. I just need a good string of these in a row.

[txgrneyes]

:cheerlead :cheerlead :cheerlead


Way to go maddy, way to go.
Way to go maddy, way to go.
Way to go maddy, way to go.


:line:

Now just a report in...doin good today, drank enough water to float a boat with. Didn't however get my walk in but did do good on my eating today.

All and all ....a real good day. :cool:

[maddy]

I'm on my Monday Tuesday good girl cycle. Let's see how long it lasts this week. I'm really struggling as of late to keep this thing going and I don't know where I lost my will power, but I'd really like it back.

[WildIrish]

Hey maddy...




Be a good girl today. :)

[osuche]

OMG....Hell just froze over. WI told someone to be good. :D


I haven't gained, but I haven't lost. I am heading to the gym today for the first time in over a week. I *will* get back on track with both my diet and exercise. And my exercise routine is more distressed than my diet!

maddy, I hope you have a great day today!!

[osuche]

*bump*


Time for the weekly update.

I sucked both at eating (lots of desserts in my tummy from the last few days) and at exercise over the weekend. But I *will* work out today and be better. At least -- as of last night -- there was no weight gain. But I am stalled and have been for about 4 weeks. :(

[maddy]

My splurges over the past weeks have finally caught up with the scale and it jumped up 4 lbs in a week. Hopefully I can shake that back down, just afraid it won't be this week as I have a lot of outings planned that will be challenging.

I got my workout in today and feel good for that.

[osuche]

((((maddy)))) ~~ it's the fast fluctuations that suck. SOmetimes they're up and I get annoyed...and sometimes they're down and I get irrationally exuberant. :p If you're keeping up the workouts that's completely the right step, though.


As for me....irrational exuberance pervades. I am down 3 lbs over the past 3 days, have been eating better, and heading to the gym. :D If I can lose 5 more pounds, I will be the lowest I've been since college....which still means a way to go before I am at my goal weight BUT I am doing better. Total lost so far: 21 lbs.

[Aqua]

Awesome osuche! 21lbs!! WOOT!

[Lilith]

Good job! You guys are so awesome. I admire your stick-to-it-tive-ness!

I am busy making excuses and not exercising self control.

[maddy]

I absolutely suck at this stuff. I knew this week was going to be a challenge for me. But as of this morning I'm up 13lbs from my lowest point. I'm disgusted with myself. I went from a loss of 39 lbs to only a loss of 26 lbs. Everyday I say this is the day I'm going to be good and re-establish the habit and I can't get it to last more than two days.

I've been weeak. I know this isn't anyone's fault but my own. Afterall, no one is making me purchase bakery chocolate chip cookies, or making me slather them with a thick layer of peanut butter when I eat them. Yah, talk about true fat girl food and mentality. As if the cookie isn't treat enough, I have to add a heap of peanut butter to it.

My pants are getting tighter instead of looser. I'm getting painful zits on my forehead. I'm getting cranky. My sleep patterns are a mess.

I will eat well today. Unfortunately I will consume alcohol tonight which is never good for this little plan I'm trying to follow. I can't even say I will limit myself to one drink today. I don't have that control or desire.

What I can say, is I will really soul search tomorrow. I will go back and read my journals from the beginning. Remember what I was eating and what I was doing and see how to re-instill those patterns back into my life.

I'm angry with myself and disappointed. I. Must. Fix. What. I've. Broken.

Venting Blog. Over.

[osuche]

(((((maddy))))) ~~ my only advice is to focus on a *positive* image rather than having negative thoughts. I never feel motivated by negative thoughts....negative thoughts cause me to stress eat! :D

The other thing I want to say is that you have come a long way and I am proud of you!! Cut yourself some slack, move on....and tomorrow can bet a better day!

[Alias]

Hi i'm known as Alias. I will begin my diet tomorrow morning, i am going to succeed in my weight loss. Hope you do not mind me joining in here

(I am a member, but wish to stay hidden until i achieve my goal :doorpeek: )

[Lilith]

Welcome Alias. Are you following a specific plan? I am not doing very well currently and need to find a plan and a way to fit the foods I should eat into my everyday schedule. Currently I'm eating very little, starving myself part of the day because of not having access to good choices while at work. And not shedding a pound.

[Alias]

Yes i will be following a specific plan :) This plan will suit my lifestyle more than most, which will make it easier to adhere to

[maddy]

Lilith, if you have not already looked at WW, take a look. It really is a good plan. They have an online option so you don't have to attend meetings if you don't want or don't have the time. The program does work as long as you work the program. I've lost my "give-a-damn" for awhile now and need to get it back.

[osuche]

Lilith: If you starve yourself your metabolism suts down and you end up worse off than before. I highly recommend you bring in some easy stuff to your office -- I keep energy bars, animal crackers, and packets of almonds I bought at Trader Joe's -- to fend off the hunger. Find what works for you, but *please* eat during the day.

I am off the wagon too. This week has been horrible and I am averaging 2200 calories a day. Only silver lining in this fat cloud is that I am exercising a lot. :(

Next week will be better, starting Saturday night when we get the last guests out of our home.

Maddy and alias, I hope you are doing well!

[Lilith]

Has any one tried Hoodia?

[maddy]

I've not tried it. I have tried other herbal type supplements in the past. My experience was quick weight loss resulting in having my gall bladder removed. My appetite came back strong and looking for food and so did all the weight when I stopped taking the pills.

[wyndhy]

so sayeth wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hoodia#Published_scientific_reports)

be cautious.

[Lilith]

I have only ever taken products with stimulants in it. I have been reading at alternative medicine sites and this seems like a very "clean" type of suppliment.

[Alias]

The meal replacements i have are either shakes or soups and as i head into my first day i must say are devine. I'm at the moment having my 'food' meal and it is chicken thigh fillet very lightly fried with mushrooms and capsicum, on a bed of lettuce and it is very very nice

I am very confident, if this day is anything to go by, that i will be easily able to adhere to this plan

[Lilith]

That is wonderful news!

I'm going to keep reading before I decide to try Hoodia. I know that Trimspa and other multi ingredient drugs are not the way to go because of my diabetes.

[Alias]

Well i am so pleased, i had my first weight recording today, and i lost 3.3kg/7.28lb

[Lilith]

Awesome!!!!

[maddy]

I'm cranky as hell as of late, but I'm trying to focus on controlling what I can... what I stuff into my mouth. Three days down. And I just did the treadmill since I missed the gym today. I sat here watching Biggest Loser and thought ... wth are you doing maddy? Get your ass off the couch and watch this crap from a walking position. I can't tell you how incredibly motivating their weigh-ins are.

[Alias]

Weigh in today. I lost 1.2kg/2.6lb and 3cm from my waist

:cheerlead :cheerlead :cheerlead :cheerlead

[osuche]

I'm impressed...congrats, alias!! :x:


I'm stalled. I work out and some dyas I eat right, but I just can't seem to lose any more. I'm pre-Hut...so I'll give myself until next week and really turn on the afterburners again.

[sodaklostsoul]

Hugs to everyone!!!!

I've droped a pant size or 2, not sure about how that scale really works. I just know I bought the next size down today.

I've lost 26 lbs now.

[Lilith]

Damn SDLS that is so great. Do you feel better?

[sodaklostsoul]

Um......I guess I feel a bit better, it's a great feeling to see the double chin gone and the pants falling off is cool, but still have a long way to go yet. My sister don't count my walking and lifting at work as exercise but it's the only physical stuff I'm doing (besides sex :D ) so I guess if it takes another year to get another 26 lbs. off so be it. I can live with that. Although the doctor would rather see more pounds gone before Feb. when I have to have my cholesterol checked again. I really need to get that in check.

I hope everyone can reach their goal they want!!!

[Lilith]

What are you doing differently food wise?

[Lilith]

I just ordered the hoodia. I will let you know how it works for me. I looked into WW and eDiets. Frankly I know how and what to eat, I just need help in not eating so much. If this helps I'll be thrilled. Less hungry means more sensible choices.

[WildIrish]

I just ordered the hoodia.


Not to be confused with hoohoodia.

[sodaklostsoul]

What are you doing differently food wise?
Well since moving in with Booger, the child and I are not eating all the box meals we used to. And I have cut down on the sweets, somewhat. There are only a couple of dish's that Boog fix's that I will over eat with. But I've been good about the portions. I still need to get a list of the things I should'nt be eating with the high cholesterol, did some searching, just did'nt finish yet. Boog is a great cook!!!

[Lilith]

Not to be confused with hoohoodia.

Now I have su su sudio playing in my head.

[WildIrish]

Now I have su su sudio playing in my head.


Dance to it...it's good for the circulation. :D






Mine, that is. ;)

[Alias]

2.4kg/5.3lb weight loss and 2 cm waist drop this week

[Lilith]

Congratulations! Steady progress. I took the first Hoodia today. I did much less snacking.

[osuche]

One pound down again...and I had a kickass workout today, dispite the cold that keeps hanging on

Hope everyone else is continuing the fight... :)

[Lilith]

I had the plague or something that made me violently ill and I dropped a couple pretty quick but most likely they will jump back on.

[txgrneyes]

Coodos to all who have "sticktoitness".


I personally fell off the wagon, so to speak. I am not walking, I am not drinking my water, and I am indulging in food. Well I was until tommorrow.


I am jumping back on the bandwagon so everyone make room.

Although I can say with proudness I dont know how I did it but I didn't gain a pound during the off the wagon episode. So I guess that is a good thing.

I will check in more often and let you know how I am doin.

Lil, let me know how the hoodia is working for you.

[Alias]

7.5kg/16.5lb lost
8cm off waist

Yay yay

[Lilith]

holy guacamole! I missed that^^^^ Congratulations!

I am trying hoodia again. I took it one evening and loved the results however I was deathly ill with what was stomach flu symptoms for 2 days afterwards. I truly can't believe the hoodia caused that since no where have I seen anything complaining of those types of side effects. So I am being brave 2 weeks later and trying it again tonight.

Wish me luck.

[Loulabelle]

I finally plucked up the courage to stand on the scales yesterday.

Turns out I've only put on 12 pounds since my very first trip to the midwife when I was 6 weeks pregnant!

Since this is a hell of a lot less than the average gain, I'm hoping it will equate to a small loss once baby is actually born. Yay for me!

[osuche]

Congrats, Lou!!! (and baby Lou too!)

Doing fine here...downa nother pound, but I am working out like a madwoman...so I should be down more than I am!

[Aqua]

holy guacamole! I missed that^^^^ Congratulations!

I am trying hoodia again. I took it one evening and loved the results however I was deathly ill with what was stomach flu symptoms for 2 days afterwards. I truly can't believe the hoodia caused that since no where have I seen anything complaining of those types of side effects. So I am being brave 2 weeks later and trying it again tonight.

Wish me luck.
So how's it going this time around?

[Oldfart]

Lou,

I hope it does translate to a nett loss.

You'll want the best power to weight ratio in a few months.

[WildIrish]

/me breaks in to song, screaching out "hoo hoo hoodia"!

Best wishes, sexy!


And yay for you Lou!

[Alias]

8.5kg/18.7lb
8cm off waist

[Alias]

10kg/22lb
9cm off waist

[wyndhy]

wow alias! i'm feelin really proud of your will power, and i have no idea who you are...yet.:D i hope you're givin yourself the proper pats on the back you deserve for your success.

[Loulabelle]

Weighed myself a day or two ago and have gained another 3lbs so that's 15lbs in total over the 9 months. I can't wait to see how much I lose in one go when he's born - then hopefully I will be able to join in with this thread properly!

[Lilith]

Alias, fantastic job. I need you to PM me and tell me how you are doing it.

Lou, I lost about 1/2 during the first 3 days. Of course that was 34 pounds :p

[osuche]

I've been bad, bad, bad. I'm hungry all the time, which leads to undisciplined eating, which leads to depression, which leads to more bad eating. So far -- I've only gained 2 lbs. I know I have to stop the cycle now, or I'll be back where I started. The only thing that's saved me to this point is 4-5 days/week of gym workouts.

Problem is...I'm in the middle of a flare up and I couldn't even make myself go to the gym today. I am so sore! My foot joints hurt and it's hard to walk, and my ring and pinkie joints are so sore I can't type with those fingers. So the soreness got me depressed, which got me eating...and I don't go to the gym. :(

I suck.


Sorry - -I just really needed to vent.

[Sharni]

((((Osuche)))

[Lilith]

I've gained. It's not even amusing how much. I am just so stressed and can't get to caring about me.

[mummy2be2007]

Hi there Lilith,
is there we can use our ticker as our signature?

[Lilith]

absolutely.

You can use the tags [ img] the url to your ticker [ /img] just take out the spaces

[maddy]

I've been doing all the wrong things... eating poorly and not going to the gym. I jumped on the treadmill for the first time in a long time tonight. Maybe it will cancel out some of the bad eating for the day. I just need to get in the groove and stick to it.

Luckily, somehow cold weather is easier for me than hot weather.

[Alias]

This week i lost 900g/2lb

[sodaklostsoul]

WTG Alias!!

I've not lost anymore and I've only gained 2 lbs back. We don't have to unload the truck by hand anymore so I lost my once a week work out. I'll have to come up with something else to replace that. Still do alot of walking at work so that's good thou.

[imaginewithme]

I've been trying hard to lose weight here.....so far 8 lbs down in the last month. I feel like a new person already! I'm so excited about it.

[Mae]

I've gained back a few pounds. So enough said. I'm water aerobicking (?) 6 days a week now. Dog walks every day. Problem is I like baked goods. Not as much as I used to, but I really have to slap my hands. :rolleyes2

[osuche]

I'm up 3 right now...and I am back on the bandwagon on Monday come Hell or high water

[sodaklostsoul]

I have still only gained a couple of pounds back, been doing too much snacking. Once the holidays is over I need to really change some things for my health. I'm still over a 20 lb. loss for the year.

I'd love some comfort food right now..............mashed potatoes, greenbean casserole, turkey ect..


((((((((((((( everyone))))))))))))))))))

[Lilith]

OK since it's about to be a new year I was curious how everyone is doing. I've taken a nose dive and am trying to find my way back. My health insurance may be giving free gym memberships along with an online fitness program. I'm thinking about giving it all a go.

How's everyone else feeling?

[Sugarsprinkles]

Feeling like crap, to be perfectly honest. :boohoo: I've gained back everything I'd lost. A bus trip back to Michigan for father-in-law's funeral, eating munchies on the way there and back. And since we had no transportation while son was at work during the day, it was more munchies all day long till he got home to either fix or take us out to dinner. Then shortly after we got home Mr. Sprinkles lost his job. Having him home 24/7 and having to cook more than usual really helped put the pounds back on. The weight gain has affected my back, also added to a miserable case of sciatica. And apparently is causing sleep apnea. My doc insisted I do an overnight oxygen test and the apnea is causing oxygen deprivation, so she's got me on oxygen at night now. I'm suddenly feeling very OLD and very out of shape.
I KNOW I have to get back to watching what I eat and drink. I've just been waiting till New Years to restart. I've gotten a new hard drive and need to reload my Fitday program, but like I said, I wanted to start on Jan. 1. I really need all the support I can get.

[sodaklostsoul]

Start with baby steps SS, one day at a time, one thing at a time.

((((((((((((((SS)))))))))))) you can do it!!!!!!!

[fzzy]

I know no one has seen much of me lately ... but although I haven't made much more progress (a few more pounds lost), I've at least managed to not put it back on .... also looking forward to Jan 1 (tomorrow) to re-start with a bit more enthusiasm. Even though it's just a drop in the bucket of what I need to lose, I'm down between 80-100 pounds for the year ... if I can do that much again in 2007, then I'll have made a pretty big dent in the total I need to lose. x's and o's to all of you! Fuzzy

[Lilith]

(((fzzy))) Missing you! I am so incredibly proud of you. Great job! You are going to be my inspiration this year!

[maddy]

((((fzzy)))) I was worried your absense meant a downward spiral out of control, I'm excited to learn outherwise. You've done amazing!

I'm down a net of about 25 lbs for the year. Not where I wanted to be, but better than where I started.

I'm ready to recommit myself especially after I've learned to like the elliptical in the past month. I continue to battle the same issues - a sweet tooth that knows no end, and home time eating/snacking. I do very well away from home - at home I can't keep the food out of my mouth.

[Lilith]

I am up about 15. Between the surgery, and not being good to myself, I've really just let myself down.

[Irezumi Kiss]

Noticed that this thread was started on last New Year's. Pretty good, Lil.

I don't need to lose any weight but my body could be better. And I know I can make it better. "Better" in this case being a buzzword for "sexier."

Last year and earlier this year I was doing moderate but current exercising, park runs and distance walking instead of taking the subway or bus all the time. I felt differences and then I saw differences. Then I slacked off when I got busy at work, mental mood swings and had apartment/money drama...all the life shits that make you not care and put you into those "fuck it" moods that you (might) regret later after the binge all nighters and twenty red-hot buffalo wings for eats...I haven't been running since last May...and only keep my good diet going on when I don't backslide into those tasty, heavily fried comfort foods...

So this year I'm picking it up again and I dread the day after I put my ass thru its paces because that muscle soreness when you've reintroduced your body back to significant moving and shaking is a mutha...

[Free Ken]

I landed my first cork five on skis... for those of you that dont know its a rotation thats five hundred and forty degrees (a spin and a half) on two axese.

heres an example

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DVvc-cFzy2E

[sodaklostsoul]

I have'nt stepped on the scale since before Christmas and don't plan too until after the new year. So for the year I can say I lost a good 25 lbs. I want to change a few things and get back on track for *07*.

(((((((((fzzy)))))))))) nice to see you!! Good Luck!!!

Everyone is entitled to set backs, I think we should'nt worry about them and just move forward. :D

Hugs to all.

[IowaMan]

Just got out of the shower a little bit ago and thought I'd share something here. No, not that you pervs! :D

My struggle is also with weight. My cystic fibrosis has screwed up my digestive system so badly that I have a very hard time keeping weight on. I have to take enzymes each time I eat to help digest my food. Have since I was, well since I was diagnosed as an infant in 1968. Anyway, I got really sick in Nov. '05 and ended up in the hospital (again) and had to have my gallbladder removed. I ended up losing about 40 lbs. and knew it would be damn near impossible to gain it back. Basically when I've got clothes on I look like I have the body of a skinny jr. high aged boy. Other than the no hair on top, mustache, goatee, hairy chest and well "Little IowaMan" you probably wouldn't guess I'll be 39 next week by looking at my body. I'm VERY self conscious of it, always have been.

I've always worked to keep myself as physically fit as possible and back in "the day" I had a very good build. About the only fat on my body is between my ears. :D

I've been tracking my weight for the last year or so in hopes I can somehow get it back to where I was at and as of this morning I've put 25 lbs. back on. I'm pretty proud of myself given that it's gotten so damn tough for me to work out with my lungs failing so rapidly. The problem is that none of that weight seems to be going to my legs. My chest and torso look pretty good (very sexy according to one special Pixie) but I've got the legs of a damn stick figure. That's why I haven't posted any other pics of myself other than the one of "Little IowaMan" that was taken probably five years ago. Hell,I think he's even down a little in the girth dept. since I lost all that weight. Don't worry, he's hanging in there though. ;)

Anyway, just wanted to put that out there. Looks like I've got about 15 lbs. to go and I'm hoping I can really start working my legs to get some of the weight there. Once I'm happy with that you ladies will get to see IowaMan in all his glory.................. maybe. :D

[Lilith]

This morning I was down 3.5 since New Years :)

[maddy]

The scale continues to frustrate me greatly. But the elliptical and I tracked 9.3 miles so far this year.... I'm contemplating giving up the scale and just doing what I know I'm supposed to with exercise and food.

[Lilith]

That is probably the best idea^^^ Like fzzy was able to measure her success in changes in her life.

[osuche]

I lost 22 lbs last year, and I am down 5 over vacation. If I can manage to keep that off -- I have exactly 30 to go before I am a VERY happy (and svelte) woman!

I have NO damn idea how I lost weight on vacation. I ate 3 squares a day, including all my desserts. We ate out every meal - and I had some BIG meals (Israelis like to eat). I also drank sugar in my tea and coffee and ate a couple of chocolate bars.

We were scheduled every day - and we barely did any walking! Lots of sitting around and did I mention the eating?!?

This loss makes me wonder -- Do I really need to live a life of dessert and food deprivation? Go to bed hungry every night? Work out 5 days a week? :yikes: Maybe I should move to Israel.

I know some of it is the lack of processed foods. We ate more fruits and veggies...although there was a lot of bread, cheese, and potatoes too. Who knows? One thing I am certain of is that stress is a BIG factor in my propensity to gain weight. Argues for a more relaxed lifestyle, perhaps. :)

[maddy]

Okay, as of today I've joined two challenges to try and keep me motivated and working toward a "mini" goal.

The first challenge is at my gym and lasts 8 weeks. I set my goal as losing 10-15 lbs during that time through exercise and diet.

The second challenge is online through WW. The challenge lasts to the first day of spring, so just slightly longer and I've set my goal to 19 lbs for that challenge.

The second of these two will set me below my low point for 2006. I'm ready.

I don't know where I read it, but somewhere I read that the image in the mirror takes some time to catch up with the scale. I truly believe that. My image in the mirror is truly reflecting my increase and I'm less than impressed with myself. I'm not sure why the positive image I saw wasn't enough to keep me going or at least to maintain - crazy how I have the ability to sabotage myself.

Anywho - I ate right on target today and just did 1.5 miles on the treadmill. I stopped because I dropped my iPod - poor excuse I know.

[osuche]

((((maddy)))) - Good job!

I'm going to start back at the gym tomorrow, and I plan on taking a walk tonight. Despite being sick, I managed to walk for about 40 min last night...which is better than nothing.

I'm down 2 more lbs, but I think it's the sickness and I'll gain that back. From this point forward I need to lose it the "honest" way. :p

[IowaMan]

I'm down 8 lbs. from just a couple of days ago. That's usually not a good sign for me. :(

Oh well, bounce back and fight a bit more IowaMan. Just fight a little harder I guess.

[maddy]

I gave the early morning workout that gets the metabolism running for the day, a try today. The gym was more busy than I expected. Beyond actually getting up my only worry was being woozy from not eating first. I had a quick eat ... string cheese and apple sauce and I seemed to be fine. I worked the elliptical good today, 4 miles, 45 minutes, 700 calories if the elliptical is accurate. Which reminds me, I really want a Polar heart rate monitor.

I'm testing myself with food. I picked up a jar of peanut butter and told myself it is for toast only - if I can't stick to that, in the garbage it goes. I LOVE PB!!!

[Lilith]

I recently read that people who ate peanut butter, nuts and the like were more likely to lose belly fat and stayed on their eating plans longer. Do you eat celery? Peanut butter on celery, carrots or apples is even better for you than on bread.

[maddy]

Well, I mostly like my peanut butter on a spoon, preferably one spoon after another after another... you get the idea. I got some low calorie/high fiber multi grain bread - comes out to be about the same as an apple per slice of bread. I know fruit is still better than carbs, but i'm trying it for portion control mostly. I'll use much less PB on a slice of toast than on an apple.

I was also thinking it would be a quick on the run bite to eat when I go to the gym first thing in the morning. I'm really nervous about getting dizzy and light headed at the gym early in the morning. I know, I could get up earlier but that's like asking me to cut off a finger.

Now I feel like I'm making excuses or justifying - I really do appreciate the suggestion. I never thought about carrots. And I hadn't heard the belly fat thing... maybe I should keep eating spoonfuls :)

[Lilith]

I should mayhaps bathe in it :D

[Sugarsprinkles]

I didn't get my FitDay program loaded on the 1st like I wanted to. I finally got it installed last Saturday, the 6th. Started recording everything, and even using the diary function. One really good thing is that Mr. Sprinkles also wants to be more careful in what he eats, so I don't have to deal with cooking 2 separate meals. We went shopping Saturday and bought some grapefruit, oranges, and grapes along with the usual shopping. So that's what we've been having for dessert and snacking on. Once the last can of soda is gone today, I'm not replacing it. We're going back to drinking water, except for juice and coffee in the morning.
I had a doctor's appointment yesterday and when I got weighed I was down 4 pounds!! My home scale and the one at her office have always been in real close sync, so I'm fairly confident in the accuracy.
I'm hoping that losing the weight will help with my back pain. And once I get the back pain under control, and I get the doctor's permission, I plan on starting back at Curves. I don't get enough excercise and that's got to change as soon as it's safe for me to be more active.

[Lilith]

Awesome SS. Pounds lost all help!!

[maddy]

The light lowfat and high fiber bread isn't the tastiest toast around... but with a bit of PB, anything is edible.

Got to the gym again this morning, I was tired and sore so I only did 2.2 miles and 25 minutes. I followed it up with some arm weights and ab work.

Eating was good again today.

[osuche]

I didn't start back at the gym yesterday, because I still didn't feel well enough. But I did skip dinner in favor of going to bed at 8 pm. :D

I'm going to give the gym a whirl today....I'll be gone Friday - Sunday at a retreat for school so I won't see much exercise then.

I also plan to go to the grocery store today...we need some green stuff to supplement our diets of frozen food. :D :p

[osuche]

I did both of the above ^^...went to the gym and burned 420 calories in 35 minutes on the elliptical and did 200 situps, and I also bought lots of green healthy stuff at the grocery store.


Hope everyone else had productive days too! :)

[maddy]

I'm exhausted. If I'm going to keep doing this gym in the am thing, I need to revise my bedtime. Got on the elliptical again this morning 30 minutes, 500 calories 2.something miles - maybe 2.85, I forget. I did crunches afterward, I do not like them one bit, but I do believe I did about 60.

I ate okay again today, didn't get as many fruits and veggies as I should have but there's always tomorrow.

Of course tomorrow involves one of my favorite take-out lunches...

I peeked at the scale tonight, and I was very excited about what I saw. I weigh in the morning normally so I know whatever tonights number was ... it was high. What mostly surprised me though was the fat and water % that came up. My water was about 4 points higher than normal and my fat was about 5 points lower than normal.

[IowaMan]

Have you ever seen a picture of yourself and thought, "Oh my god, that can't be what I look like, can it?" That happened to me today. It was just so odd. I mean, I see myself every day in the mirror and I know that I need to add a few pounds but for some reason when I saw an actual photo of myself I was absolutely mortified.

The 15 lbs that I had hoped to gain is now being pushed to 25. I'm pretty sure I won't be able to put on that much but I have to simply bust my ass and bust my ass over and over until I get there. I simply don't feel like the person I saw in the picture and I don't want to look like that person either. This disease has pissed me off and pissed me off good. Time for me to take over total control again.

[1nutworld]

IowaMan,
I've got (at LEAST) 15 lbs extra that I'd be glad to give you. Care to up it to 20-25? Sheesh!

Maybe getting back to work will help me get down to a more norman weight, it's obvious that my summer/fall spend looking for a job didn't help me lose any. And my knees just ache too much to jog/run it off

[IowaMan]

Believe me, if there was a way to make it happen I'd take you up on that in a heartbeat 1nutworld. I just can't handle not being able to put on weight anymore. I see myself and I see a damn skeleton.

[Lilith]

I went out and bought YOU on a Diet yesterday. Has anyone read it?

[maddy]

I've heard of it, I think. Is that by Dr. Oz?

[Lilith]

Might be.

[sodaklostsoul]

I finally stepped on the scale....I was suprised, I did'nt gain but I did'nt lose either. With all the stuff I ate over the holidays I was sure I had gained a couple of pounds.

[osuche]

I've held flat since getting back into town. However, I haven't worked out since Thursday, thanks to a resurgence of my cold and also my school retreat. I plan on going Thursday and starting to make up for lost time.

Still not feeling great - I've been averaging 1500 calories/day which is probably my redeeming trait since returning. But if I can start to work out again and hold my food flat I'll start losing again. :line:

Hope everyone else is having a great week!

[Lilith]

My blood sugars, which are the biggest indicator of how I'm doing, are starting to stabilize.

[osuche]

That's great, Lil!

[IowaMan]

My blood sugars, which are the biggest indicator of how I'm doing, are starting to stabilize.
:thumbs:


I went out today and saved a butt load of $$$ on some things that will hopefully help me to get back into the kind of shape I want to be in. My lungs will fight it every step of the way I'm sure but it's gonna get done. I guarantee it.

(Minimal assembly required my ass!)

[Neige]

I want to swim again.

It's not a weight issue. Since I've been living in Montréal, I've been able to keep my weight constant (but I do notice I gain about 10 lbs every time I go back home, whether it's for a week or a month!). I figure my weight stays constant because of all the walking I do (usually with about 20 lbs of books on my back :p).

However, apart from that walking, for the past year I've been sitting on my ass studying. Before then, I swam a lot, at some points up to 2 kms a day. When I moved here, I wasn't swimming too much, so I went from moderate working out to no working out.

I've noticed muscle tone and flexibility disappearing, and belly fat appearing. My girl friends decided this week to start swimming once a week, and we went together yesterday. I loved it!!!!!! I hadn't realized how much I missed the water. So much, that I went again today and swam 1 km.

I'm hoping to start swimming regularly again. I have no reason not to. The sport center is right beside where I live. My membership is included in my student fees. I have 2 next-to-new swimsuits that I can wear. Contact lenses for 6 months. A great pair of goggles. So, no reason not to!!! I know I can fit in an hour (more or less) of swimming into my schedule two or three times a week.

I want to post here to keep track of how much I swim, and to prove that I'm not lazy :p. I think posting here will encourage me to go to the pool more often. So this is what I've done so far :

January 16 : ~300 meters
January 17 : 1 kilometer

[Lilith]

PS~ I remember when you swam competitively! Keep posting!

[Neige]

I went again tonight after school with the girls.

January 18 : 1 kilometer

[osuche]

I'm down 2 lbs, but mostly because I haven't had time to eat. I'm going to work out today though...no matter what!

[Neige]

I went to the pool with the girls again before supper, but pulled a muscle in my leg in the 14th lap, so I wasn't able to do as much as I wanted. I did continue with arms-only laps though.

January 22 : 750 meters

[osuche]

Go PS!!!


I worked out today and yesterday. Today I did 3 minutes on the bike and 28 minutes on the elliptical, some stretches, and 100 situps.

No idea what my weight is - I haven't had time to take it for a few days. But I did eat a lot today...making up for lost time yesterday, I guess. :p

[IowaMan]

I swear, my body is so screwed up I don't know what to expect from one minute to the next. I've been pretty under the weather the last few days and haven't really been eating properly. I've been trying to keep up at least a portion of my workout schedule though. Between my lungs and screwing up my knee again it has been sort of a chore. :mad:

I actually have decent news to report. I'm only a half pound shy of where I started the year. A couple of weeks ago I was down, I believe, 8 lbs. and I was pretty concerned about it.

I've got one of those scales that gives you weight, body fat percentage and hydration percentage and according to that I've lost 2% body fat in the last week and a half or so that I've been really trying to focus on my workouts. I don't know how accurate the thing is but hey, I'll take it for it's word as long as it's saying something I like hearing. ;)

So it looks like right now I've still got to put on about 15 lbs. to get me to a point where I'm probably satisfied. That will still leave me a bit shy of being where I'd really like to be but I've never been there in my life so I shouldn't probably expect to get there now.

[WildIrish]

I have the same problem, IM. When I put on the weight my body could use, it's in one concentrated spot. Yep...my belly. Since I've abandoned TKD, I have very little physical activity these days and I've resolved to do something in the way of fitness. I don't know what will stick, but I'm trying a few simple things I can do anytime.

[osuche]

((((IowaMan)))) and (((((WI))))) -- You can do it!!!


I've completed 4 days of going to the gym and I feel better! But I have been eating more, so who knows. I still haven't weighed myself.

[Neige]

Today I went swimming with one of the girls after school. My friends don't swim as much as me, so they are often wanting to leave before I am done. They end up waiting for me in the hot tub while I finish up - it's hard to convince myself to stay longer sometimes!

January 25 : 1 km

[maddy]

I've not been checking in regularly, but I've found a nice little groove and a routine that is working for me ... for now anyway. Now, the magic is in keeping with it.

[WildIrish]

Thanks ooooosh. :)

PS - I imagine they have to pry those friends out of the hot tub once you arrive. :hot:

maddy - If you've found a groove and you're comfortable with it...good for you! That certainly helps.

[Lilith]

I'm 8.5 pounds down so far but I have 398573490827523978 to go.

[WildIrish]

Better than 98573490827523986.5! :thumbs:

[Lilith]

True...wann come teach the Lost Boys decimals?

[WildIrish]

True...wann come teach the Lost Boys decimals?


Absolutely!

Periods don't bother me at all. :D

[IowaMan]

Well, I decided to jump on the scale again this morning. It's been since the 25th and I was sort of curious to see what's going on. I've felt absolutely incredible for the last few days which is such a surprise given how badly I felt about a week ago. (A couple of the Pixies I know were VERY concerned about me. Thank you ladies, you're the greatest. :x: I appreciate you so much I can't fully explain.)

Anyway, I've been working like a madman trying to keep progressing. I've been doing all I can to eat well (slipped up with a banana split for dinner one night) and been trying to keep my workouts to where I'm just under the complete exhaustion phase.

Looks like I did make a little progress. According to my scale, I've dropped another percent in my body fat % and I'm also up 3.5 lbs. from the other day. I know it probably sounds so stupid for me to complain about my weight but really, it is such a huge problem for me. Since I was an infant I've had to take enzymes to help my body digest food and absorb the nutrients and they basically just do enough to keep me skinny. Very skinny. I can hardly stand to see myself naked, to me I look like a freaking skeleton.

Oh well, sorry to go on that little tangent. Things are seemingly going well right now but I do know that with this cystic fibrosis they can change in an instant. I'm gonna win though. I'm gonna win in a blowout. ;)

But...... to my "personal trainer" go ahead and whip me like a rented mule if you've got to. Push me to my limits and I'll thank you when I see you. ;)

[osuche]

I went to the gym again today, although I only did a moderate workout. 30 minutes on the elliptical, 200 situps, stretches, and three leg weights exercises.

I haven't lost any weight in the pst 2 weeks. :( But I am maintaining - which, given the recent parties and my stint in the Hut - might be a success in and of itself.

I have manic days...some days I barely eat 1200 calories, and other days I am at 2500 calories. Today is a "starving myself" day, because I was bad on the weekend. I hate this.

I sure wish I had someone to whip me, too. I'm starting to feel frustrated because I'm making so little progress and I'm working so hard. :(

[maddy]

Eh, the scale was not as kind as I wished for today, but what can I expect when I have a run in with the peanut butter. I did 20 minutes on the elliptical today, followed by 20 minutes of arm weights, and a series of ab work. Cardio just isn't my thing - I don't enjoy it and I get bored easily. I'm trying to at least do 20 minutes each day and add the weights in.

I'm frustrated with my progress but I'm really trying to keep plugging along without getting completely derailed - again.

[Neige]

Today one of the guys I study with came swimming with the girls and I. This guy has been swimming for a while and can do serious distance, so it really encouraged me to keep up! The girls usually swim in the slow lane and leave earlier than me, but this guy swam in my lane (the medium speed one) and I can be very competitive which is a good thing in this case, because I pushed myself to do 10 more laps than usual. It wasn't any harder, and I know I can do more distance if I force myself. If I hadn't needed to leave for a class, I think I might have done a few more.

January 30 : 1.25 km

[Neige]

Today I was tired but I went swimming with the girls anyway, and I ended up being really glad I went.

February 1 : 1 km

[osuche]

I worked out today...first day since Monday. 26 minutes on the elliptical, 200 situps, stretches.

Good thing...given how bad I was at my dinner party. I need to learn how to be good and be social.

[maddy]

I went to the gym this morning ... 15 minutes on the elliptical, upper body weights - back, shoulder, arms, chest and some crunches. I think I've found *my* gym time. I go first thing in the morning. I don't particularly enjoy showering and getting ready at the gym every day but it works for me. It's done, out of the way, and I don't spend all day making excuses to get out of it.

Eating will always be a challenge for me. I'm trying to control the sweet thing. I don't know how I will ever get it under control or be able to handle sweet/chocolate in moderation. But one day at a time and I'm just glad when each day comes to an end and I can say, I did pretty well.

Lilith, how is the book you purchased - YOU on a Diet?

[Lilith]

I can't do moderation so I decided to do none. No candy no chocolate. I am basically trying not to eat white flour or white sugar.

You on a diet has a lot of good body info.

[Neige]

February 6 : 1.25 km

Today another girl friend joined our swimming group. She is also a weaker swimmer than me, so I was without friends in my lane again. There always seemed to be a guy going slow in my lane though, and as annoying as that is - I think it's good because it pisses me off and gets me working harder.

My arms are starting to tone up a bit, and I love it.