Happiness is as happiness does.

Yesterday, I finished my sister's Tuscany shawl. It's a bittersweet moment as I almost feel as if this project has become part of the family. I will post pictures of the final product and hopefully of Patty trying it on, as well as the full story of Tuscany later today. It was quite the learning experience.

Yesterday I picked up square 2 of my Great Aran Afghan project. This will be a labor of the pure love of knitting and I suspect it will take me, the master starter, a lifetime to finish. Oddly this does not bother me at all!

I am so off course

Ladies I am so far off course...I haven't been exercising at all for like three weeks. My eating habits are slipping. I haven't gained but I know if I keep this up I will.

What are you ladies doing to keep you going? Any tips?

Ut, oh. Cookie swap presents problems!

So, yesterday was our family's annual cookie swap and I've come home w/9 dozen yummy cookies. Wow is it hard to resist the festive treats! I always love the myriad of choices and am trying to remember that in moderation all will be well!

So, here it is December and where are we?

Hi Ladies. I've got to apologize for being absent and a HUGE slacker when it comes to our journey. I have been so wrapped up with festivals, concerts and trying to finish some major Christmas presents (knitted) that I've not been walking or actively planning healthy meals. I have had some success in maintaining most of what I'd accomplished this summer but I really want to get moving somehow.

I am having to face some interesting things. I will probably not finish any of the knitted gifts in time for Christmas. :(

I will experience my first concert as a chorus AND BAND director tomorrow night. I'm a little worried about some wrong notes and rhythms here and there, a bit worried about the staging going smoothly and a LOT worried about the sound issues. I really miss the days when I had a band director to share the load with and work together with. Now there's no one to do any of it but me and I feel as if I'll never do any of it well, again. I wish I knew how to give the kids what they need but they'll have to settle for the best I can do in these circumstances.

I've purchased some gifts for my 10 nieces, but not done any other shopping or decorating and I already feel like the season is getting away from me.

I'm going to have to really get organized and get going. I'm also glad to report that I had my Dr.'s visit today and there is no damage to my vocal chords! :) Hurray! She actually thinks that most of my issues and pain are from the Lyme Disease and that I've had it much longer than we knew. I've got a few new rules to follow for better vocal health but I'm thrilled. I've really be so scared that I'd be in trouble here and am so relieved tonight!

Take care everyone!
Christine

Alert to my FB family!

Hi. Many of you have been following the blog posts and I need to explain. The blog is co-authored by several friends around the country trying to make a positive change in health and fitness. We keep in touch, share stories and advice, via my blog. Sometimes my FB family are commenting as they come through as notes. Make sure you read who wrote them at the bottom as they are not always my posts! Just wanted to clear that up!

Journey Girls - I'd tagged my blog on FB so that I could see your updates - although I've not had time for FB lately - should I take that off? Does anyone else do this?

<3 Christine

Bad news....

Hey ladies so I have horrible news.  My strained hip flexor turned out to be a herniated disk. Yeah it's horrible I had to get an MRI today and I am going to see a specialist tomorrow to see what my options are.  Needless to say I need your prayers.  I am so upset and I hope all will go well. Keep up your weight loss goals chicas and I will hopefully get back on track with you ladies.  Go girls go!

Samantha

Turkey day...not so bad

Well ladies Turkey day was not so bad... I ate a ton yes. I ate as much as I wanted. Guess what???!!! I didn't gain a pound, infact I lost one pound!! How I don't know, but I'm stoked. I am going to go to Jazzercise tonight...Classes last week were cancelled because of the Icy roads. But not freezing anymore so no excuse!! Hope everyone had a happy holiday. Let me know how you all faired.

Miss Molly

Getting back into the game!

awww no! I know exactly how you feel Molly. I have been having a really hard time getting back to the swing of things as well and I haven't been to jazzed by the inspiration stories either.  So something else I do is I go on a website of a clothing store I like and I go through all the clothes and I make a collage of all the cute clothes I want to wear one day. I do this with Victoria Secret and Nordstroms.  This has been getting me pumped lately and it's made me a little more conscience on what I put in my mouth.  Here is a pic of one of the dresses I've always wanted to wear. It is my dream to rock a backless dress one day and not have to worry about any bulges. It definitely reminds me of my goals and what I want to achieve!

I also have been stretching as much as possible during the day. My hip still gives me some trouble but it's slowly healing. The stretching is great though. My old P.E teacher used to tell me to stretch in the morning and at night because exercise is predominately all stretching (yoga). You wont think you are doing much but you are doing your body wonders! It's a great way to start small and build yourself up again.

As for Turkey day it's going to be a dangerous situation. I say stay for away from the kitchen, tables (where snacking bowls will be lurking), and the couch. I have a huge family and I have two three year old cousins who are going to be running around everywhere on Tday so I will probably stick with them.

Don't take your eyes off of the prize ladies. We can do this! DO you really want that extra slice of pie when you know you will have to work extra hard to burn it off? It's not worth it chicas! You have to mentally prepare yourselves for this fantastic day filled with food and football. My plan of attack is not to snack. If I have to I will look for a veggie platter somewhere but the goal is to save my appetite for dinner and be careful on the portion sizes. We can do it! Have a great holiday everyone!

Turkey day

Well I have been struggling with my exercise and my diet as well. I still haven't found my mojo. Turkey day is Thursday and I always gain a pound or five from Tday thru New Years. Any Advice?? Anyone??

Sammy I read some success stories and they really helped out for about a day. They used to really pump me up but now I don't know what is wrong with me.

Checking In

Hey ladies, How has everyone been doing with their fitness goals/routines? I have been slacking a bit. Maybe it's the change in weather and daylight, but I have had no energy to workout after I get off work. I know that especially now with the holidays and along with them the temptations I need to workout extra hard bit I just can't seem to get into the groove of it like I was. I have lost my mojo. I need some advice...Anyone please.

Miss Molly

Dreaming of Tuscany...

Okay, so in my alternate universe, I have a job that allows me to knit all day, I'm fabulously fit of course, and I travel. I wanted to make something special for some one very important to me. She has pretty much my dream life except that she doesn't knit! So, since one of her favorite places is Tuscany (we used to say we'd get there together some day) and she's always got these fancy parties to go to or host, I found this wrap pattern called "Tuscany!" I figured that was fate and hope to finish it to give her at Thanksgiving!

So.....I tried to add a photo, but it keeps saying "your HTML cannot be accepted: Tag is broken: IMG

WTHeck?

On the Road (of success) Again

Well I finally feel well enough to start exercising again. Now that I don't cough everytime I get my lungs going. Gonna try Jazzercise class tonight. My diet is working out well right now. I have been keeping better track of my food intake. I have cut out most carbs (all refined anyway) and sugar(refined). I am down 3 pounds in 4 days just by watching these two bombs. I am very close to my October goal of being in the 160's (169) didn't meet it in Oct but that's okay. I had a December or end of the year goal to be around 160. I think that I am going to keep that goal going...Keep on keepin' on!! I believe I can do it. Then it's all about maintaining.

What would it take for you to be truly happy?

I guess with all the unwanted stress at work, this is a question I find myself struggling to answer in my life. So I thought I'd get us all off some of the disappointment of not reaching goals and help us to contemplate the bigger (ha! or should I say smaller) pictures of our lives.

So what would your life look like to make you truly happy?

In need of some assistance!

Hey everyone so October is coming to a close and I'm not going to lie I am depressed! With my hip all out of whack and not exercising for long I feel like I totally gained back weight and I just feel out of control! It's awful! I worked so hard but I feel like it's still not enough. What really irritates me is that my exercise plans and goal were ruined. I mean life gets in the way there is no doubt about that but it's going to be so hard to get back into my workout routine. I guess I need your ladies support because I am really in need of some guidance right now.

I know losing weight takes time but I'm just frustrated because I wanted to be in the 160's when I hit the end of October and I don't think I made it. I still don't have a scale. It's so close and so far. I'm also a little scared to  go back to pure barre and working out because I don't want to further injure myself. I don't know where to go from here and it worries me because I want to lose weight and I want to be healthy.

I want to feel confidence in myself, and I don't want to give up because I don't want to be the chubby girl in college.

Yup I said it, I've been holding that in for awhile! It sucks so much being a little rounder in college especially when I go to school at a private university in the O.C.....where everyone look like the typical Californian boy and girl. I am obviously not like that haha and I'm fine with that, but I still can't help but feel very self conscience when I go to a party or an event at school. I worry very much about my appearance because I feel that because I am bigger than most already it's like I have to look my best wherever I go because I have to make up for that. Silly I know but I can never go to school in sweats or workout clothes. I have to always look and be my best because I feel like I have to hide my body to try and fit in. I mean I am in college for goodness sake shouldn't I not have to worry about this? Like I said I'm frustrated and for once I would like to have that feeling of being happy inside and out in regard to my health and body.

So any ideas lady to help me squash my fears/anxieties? I need to do this and I will do this but goodness gracious is it hard!

I hope all is well and you guys are keeping up your good work I know most us are sick so feel better!

Sick

Well I haven't been able to exercsise for a week now because I have a bronchial virus. So wave goodbye to my goal I was close though. Still proud of myself. Moving this week so I have been packing and hauling. Nov 1st is a Monday and I should be settled in my new place. HAVE to get back in the game then. How about everyone else?

Been fighting off a flu-ish bug this week....

Hi ladies. I hope all is going well for everyone. I am afraid that this week has had me in bed as soon as possible each day. My job's keeping me going a mile a minute during the day, then soccer or skating every day this week. Then I'm literally crawling into bed. I'm so achy and miserable, but I've got to get past it!

I'm taking a sick day tomorrow to sleep and rest. I'm really hoping it helps because Meag and I are off to NYC after school tomorrow for her big weekend of classes. I'll have two days to walk around Manhattan so I'm bringing my sneakers! I am sure I'll also sample some of the finer and yummier parts of the city, but next week I'll make up for it! We're going to see Mary Poppins Saturday night and I can't wait for that!

Stay positive, keep on moving and keep posting!

:)

Christine

Food diary!

So, I figured I could start my food diary today and report what I've ate on the blog so far today : )

Breakfast: 1 slice whole grain toast, one egg, 2 slices deli ham and some hot sauce..yum

Morning snack: Iced tea, Special K protein bar

Lunch: Healthy Choice Chicken Parm w/ broccoli and apple crisp

Dinner: I have some chicken breast thawing out and marinating in balsamic vinaigrette and I'm going to make grill chicken salads for me and Collin!


so far so good! It's when I get home from work and the rest of the night that always gets me!
Anyone else have that problem?

Okay I am not freaking out...well maybe a little

today was weigh in day for me and I have gained 3 pounds. I know I haven't been sticking to my eating plan that well but I didn't think that it would effect me like this. Has anyone ever tried a food diary? I am thinking about trying one and would love to hear if it has worked for anyone else. I am PMSing and know that my body is carrying some extra water so I am not totally freaking out yet.

Any Advice?

Hey Ladies

Hows it going? I hope all of you are well and keeping up your healthy lifestyle. I am doing the best I can with my injury. I'm really being conscience of what I'm eating and I'm hoping that will be enough.

I also wanted to talk about the importance of being healthy today. I am taking a human physiology class at school and we are learning about diabetes, obesity, heart disease, osteoporoses, and  just how our body works. Let me tell you ladies you need to take care of yourselves because these are very serious health issues. I really didn't know the extent of what these health complications can do to your body and how some of these don't go away. This class has literally scared me into living a healthier life haha. So keep that in mind ladies we not only want to be super sexy but we want us all to be healthy! One of the best things that my mother has told me recently when I told her about pure barre and this blog she said that I need to take care of my body because one day I am going to be having children of my own and I will need to be healthy to care of them when they are in my tummy and when they are running around the house. When she told me that it really opened my eyes and it is definitely something to work for because like many of you I want to be healthy not only for myself but for my family.

So I just wanted to say we have all been doing so well. Sure we mess up and get a little crazy with the desserts but it's okay chicas. We are human and unlike before we are not sitting on our butts anymore and letting life pass us by! SO good job ladies keep up the good work and lets really go all out this week!
Get pumped!

Planning is everything...or nothing

So, I walked yesterday and God did it feel great to get out again! The plan today was to change into walking gear and sneaks when I got home. Then I was to get Meag to skating for 4 and I would walk for 45 minutes while she skated. Unfortunately, things happen and I had a meeting after work that ran WAYYYYYYY longer than it was supposed to, left me frustrated, angry and pretty sure that it's time to leave this place once and for all. It also meant that I had just enough time to roll into the driveway, throw Meag in the car and run! So no walk for me today. By the time we got home it was dark. :(

I did get some early Christmas shopping done for 8 nieces though. I am also planning to resume the Shred tomorrow! We're expecting heavy rain and so this is my back-up if it plays out. I have already put all my stuff together and will not leave the house to go to evening events till I've Shred (and showered!)!

Some success!

Glad everyone is accounted for in our little support group!

I am happy to say that I have been pretty good this week! Despite not being able to workout at all, I have managed to drop a good 5 lbs just by really eating good and watching my portions! What a relief...I was really hoping to drop a little before the wedding festivities this weekend! This really has encouraged me to continue to eat smaller portions. That is seriously the biggest key for me to lose weight! and I haven't been good at it for 2 or 3 years now, but no more excuses like Christine's last post : )


As for engagements...haha that will probably not be until sometime this spring so don't get too anxious girls, though it is a VERY motivating factor for my weight loss goal!

Hi, my name is Jennifer and I am excited to be a part of your group...here is my questionaire!
________________________Finding Time_________Questionnaire October 13, 2010
(Title of our group would go here!)

Name: _________Jennifer________ Nick name or preferred name:__________________________
Where in the world are you? ______Sunny, bright, Fresno, California
Age: _____39________ Birthday:______4/29/71____________ Height: ______5’2”________
Current weight: ____215____ Goal weight:_________175_____ Highest weight:______225___

Best physical attribute(s):___My smile, red hair, and green eyes________________________________

Physical areas you want to change:
_I definitely want to reduce my stomach, and tone my arms and legs____________________________________________________________________________________________________

Biggest weakness when it comes to doing what you need to do to be fit and healthy. (These could also be categorized as ‘excuses!’)
__My biggest weakness (excuse) is that I don’t have a lot of time. I work full time and I go to school full time, then kids, house, homework, extras…my 16 hour days are exhausting and so I out off working out and/or eating properly._________________________________________________

What do you love to do for exercise?
_I like to walk, ride bikes, yoga, and swimming___________________________________________________

What foods do you love to eat?
__Of course I love all the foods I am not suppose to: ice cream, pizza, most sweets, Italian food, but my favorite ‘healthy’ foods are fruits and veggies, salads, chicken, and yogurt _________________________________________________________________________________________________________

What’s your main reason for taking the ‘fitness’ plunge?
__I am tired all the time and don’t feel healthy, my clothes don’t fit right (unless I buy bigger sizes). I want to be able to shop and be happy with how I look and have more energy to e with my family. _________________________________________________________________________________________________________

What would you like to get out of this group? What else do you want us to know about how to help you reach your personal goals?
_I am looking mostly for support from others who are going down the same path as me. I am looking to make friendships that are based on support and helping one another.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

No more excuses! (and new blood!)

That's my new motto? Yes! That's it! I've had it with myself - always making excuses - always too busy, to tired, too many people need me to drive them here or there or stay late to teach them this or that...I am so sick and tired of the dang excuses. It's not like they're not real or valid but damn it, when do I get to put my needs towards the top of the list?

Today I feel like pooh. I am cranky and tired and really not feeling well. I logged on to do work and a million other things and remembered my friends in cyberspace working their way to goals and good health. I read up and caught up and am so proud of all of you! You've inspired me to put off making dinner in a few minutes and I'm going to go for a walk! The first in probably a month! Can you believe how long I've been slacking????? NO MORE!

Also, wanted to let you know that we have a new member joining us. Her name is Jennifer and she's been following us and emailed me. Hopefully we'll hear from her soon as I emailed her the Welcome packet today.

So here's my catch up run-down:
Sammy - I hope that your follow up at home gave you some answers. I know that it's tough but above all else, you are NOT to give up and give in! You pushed too hard, have to deal with a set back but we've all been there! You are too strong a lady to let that deter you - we won't let you! You really need to heed Molly's advice and skip the packaged stuff. So do I - I get so lazy with planning and prep and that kills me too so we'll do that one together!

Molly - You are doing so great! Love to hear about the jazzercise! Brings me back happy memories of leg warmers! :) As for your weekend - Willy Wonka was a skinny minny! If you're working hard and normally staying on track, you can't chastise yourself for one indulgent weekend! Consider patience and kindness to yourself your birthday pressent! (Happy Day by the way!) Now, if you turned blue....that'd be something to worry about!

Jess - So glad you're doing well and still with us! It's so hard to find the time to keep up sometimes....I'm trying to change that for myself. Sounds like you've got a lot to work towards and look forward to! My niece got married Sunday and was such a stunning (skinny) bride! My sisters and I all talked about how we should have a sisters' day and lay our gowns out and oggle them - none of us will ever fit in them again!

Okay, so going for that walk now! I'll check in tomorrow - actually setting my alarm on my cell to make sure I do!

:)

Like a fat kid in wonka's world

That is about how my weekend went. I was like a fat kid in Wonka's factory. I ate everything in sight. Tomorrow is weigh in day for me so I will assess the damage then. I don't get it. I am so good during the week then it all falls apart over the weekend. WTF?? I had better do double time tonight in jazzercise class. Maybe stay for the second class and do two hours worth. The way I am going I may not hit my goal...But I will still be within a couple pounds of it. So I will be and am still proud of myself.

How's everyone else doing?

I'm back!

Hey girls!

Sorry I promise I have not been MIA...I try to check the blog everyday to see what everyone is posting about. I just haven't had the time to sit down and write my own post. I've been very busy with work...tomorrow the Chickasaw Wellness Complex, where I work, is hosting our 5K and Duathlon so that should be a fun morning.

I have been working out and trying to mix up my workout by doing run/walks out by our house to get outside before the lovely Iowa winter sets in :( and have been really trying to count calories and try to not over indulge without being a crazy lunatic about every measly calorie. The scale continues to revolve around about 3 or 4 lbs which stinks! I know it is because I need to workout more and cut calories a little more, but I feel good that I am back into the routine of being aware of how much I am eating and working out. I really let that slide for a good two years which is not good! So hopefully I can really start hitting it hard this fall and winter and be in great shape in time for summer festivities!

I'm also hoping that there will be an engagement sometime in my near future, so with that I really want to get my old body back so I feel beautiful on my wedding day!

Update!!

So my Health Office did not deny or confirm that my hip flexor is injured.  haha They gave me some anti-inflammatory pills and some pills for pain.  They said if it's not better by Monday I have to go get some xrays. They said I worked it to hard and now I need to rest it for about 2 weeks. : /

I am going to another Orthopedic place tomorrow at home so I think I will get a better diagnosis. So I will keep  you all posted.  Fun fact this Orthopedic place I'm going to I have four aunts, one cousin, and my brother working there haha.  It's awesome! I also know the main doctor there because his sons went to my brothers high school with him...small world lol.

Anyways I do feel better all ready and I am confident that after my rest i will be okay :)

Like a rollercoaster!!

That's what I feel like every week when I weigh in, a rollercoaster!! UP a few Down a few... This week though I am down two pounds. Yea!! I am going to celebrate even the smallest successes. It is looking like I may hit my goal by Halloween or be within a couple pounds of it anyway!!
As of today I am officially no spring chicken. I am 28. wow now I have to worry about weight and Wrinkles!! At least I am never alone in my battle. Did I tell you all that I am an identical twin. My sister and I look alike to a tee, except that she is about 10 or 12 lbs lighter than me. Always has been. I hate it. I am going to try especially hard to hit my goal by the end of this month. I will keep y'all posted.

Sammy how's the leg today?? Have you been resting it? Jessica and Christine where did you go? Please don't give up on yourselves. You are worth it. Life does get tough and in the way but don't stray too long.

oh man ladies I am so nervous right now!!

So for the past two weeks I have been having this pain in my right leg in my thigh and hip area and it hasn't gone away and it has gotten worse (shotting pains/spasms). I looked it up online and I think I might have a hip flexor strain!!!!!!! I am terrified because this can become chronic. I'm going to see if I can go to my health center tomorrow. gah I hope it's not serious.

hello ladies I need to vent!?!?

Okay I need to vent!
So I have been going to my Pure barre classes religiously and tomorrow will be my 15th class which is exciting!! I have definitely seen results. I have lost about 2 inches in my bust, waist, and hips and I am way more toned then I have ever been. However because I see these results I just want to see more! I know I wont be to my complete goal weight until November but I am so worried that something will happen and I wont reach my goal.

Especially since I'm having a hard time with my eating habits. I am always hungry. I have tried calorie counting and it's not for me and living on campus makes it even harder. Especially because I am so over cafeteria food! It stinks! SO I'm snacking in my room and my diet consist of chewy bars, english muffins, pb&j, special k cereal, pudding and special k bars. Yup I know awful right?! I want a nutritious and healthy diet but I'm not sure where to start! I am doing research as we speak haha

We shall see what happens but I'm still frustrated because I can't fit into the regular Halloween costumes yet and that kills me. That's the main reason why I needed to vent. For once I would like to fit into a cute costume in women's regular sizes and not a plus sized one : /

However I am still in high spirits I am determined to win this fight. Now more then ever...because I meet a boy...who happens to be on the football team...which means he is in killer shape...(if requested I will post a picture haha)...and I want to show him that I take care of myself and my body. Wish me luck I'm going to need it.

Sorry Ladies!

I'm sorry I've not been around ladies! I have yet to figure out hot to make time for me to reach my goals. As a result, I'm going non-stop between work, the kids needs and preparing for work! I have put back on a few pounds so I will not have reached my goal by tomorrow.

We've had a sudden death in the family and that will be how I spend this weekend. Trying to understand how such things can happen. I also plan to spend some real time alone...trying to figure out how to better schedule my life to get what I desperately need into it!

On a better note, Welcome Kristy! All you need to do is email me at tmhsmusic@me.com. I can then send you our initial info. questions and use your email to add you to the "permissions" list so that you can jump in too!

I'll post some more over the weekend - I promise! I just need to get back into a better frame of mind!

I'm so glad you're all keepin' on! :)

IN NEED!!!

Ladies I am in need of a check here. I have been slacking and it is no good. I have hiked and walked this week but no heavy activities. I need the heavy stuff or my results and hard work are going to disappear!! I have already been gaining. EEERRRGGG!!!

So sock it to me good.

Hooray for our final week!

Last week of September chicas that means go out with a bang! You work your little hearts out and celebrate on last day with a controlled portion of your favorite food! haha Key word is controlled. I am guilty of overindulging...just a little..or alot. haha Cheesecake just gets me every time! But it's def time to celebrate we have been working hard and even if we lost our way it's okay because we can always change it. Keep up the good work ladies! We can do this!

P.S
Christine we love you and miss you!

Thought you all might like this. haha Hope you like!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WpfvlRM2LD8 

Reunion

Well it just dawned on me that my 10 year highschool reunion is this summer. In August!!! YIKES!! I was a heavy girl in highschool. I wasn't huge or anything but big. I want to be really fit by the time the end of August comes. Now I realize that this is still almost 11 months away but It is a biggie goal for me to look hot when I see everyone again. So add another reason for me to get off my duff and get going on my weightloss.

Morale is low...but that is no excuse!

Hello beautiful ladies! I know everyone is super busy and our lives are quickly catching up with us.  However that is not an excuse to get upset and throw away your goals into the gutter! 

Think of why you wanted to lose weight in the first place. You want to be healthy, you want to fit into your old clothes, you are tired of being tired, you want to be able to run around with your family, you want to have peace with your body, and let's not forget we want to look damn right hot. 

Ladies I know September has been a rough month for us all but it is almost over and that means a brand new beginning! I know I have been faithfully going to Pure Barre but my eating habits are out of control and my goal is to start eating better. Everyone is doing well and it's okay to mess up once or twice. You just work ten times harder to work it off. We are human and we make mistakes. Part of the reason why my eating has been so whack is because I'm emotionally eating because of school.  It ends now. 

I know our lives get in the way with our me time but we have to keep it up ladies! We want to be healthy and strong women. We are slowly achieving this. I know personally I have been very upset lately because I feel like I'm still not seeing results and since I can't really track my weight loss numbers I am going by how clothes fit.  So far there have been improvements like my jeans are not as snug as they used to be but still. I want to see results! I keep imagining (wishing, hoping,dreaming)  that one day I am going to waking up and find that I have lost 4 inches in my chest and tummy areas.  Unfortunately I have to realize that is not going to happen right away and trust me it kills me!  Losing weight takes time and it's something that we have to keep in mind. Think of all the great success stories of people who have lost 50+ pounds. They always say it took them a good 3-5 months to really get their dream body. SO lets keep in mind that we have almost completed our first month of weight loss! Let's make this last week really count ladies! Jazzercise, run, walk, tuck, lift, hike, shred and dance your little hearts out. Heads up chins up we can make it! 

Also here is another motivation for me to lose weight! I know I am 19 and I should not be worrying about my 21st birthday but hows this for a birthday girl outfit? haha I am planning on going to Vegas and let me tell you in Vegas you go big or you go home! This to me is going big haha 

JUST DO IT...

I am determined to hit my goal of 169 by halloween. Last week I kinda slipped on my plan to eat healthy all week. I also only worked out 2 days last week.

Yesterday I got up and told myself hey JUST DO IT. I called my best friend and despite the torrential downpour we hit the trail and walked two miles. After that I told myself that if I could walk, I could do the Shred...JUST DO IT right? So I did the Shred and it kicked my a**. I felt really proud of myself. Today I plan to do the shred and walk or hit Jazzercise class. For the rest of the week I will either Jazz or Shred and walk everyday.

I got this. I know I can do it this time and keep it up. I have to keep in mind that this is a lifestyle change. I want to be healthy forever. I am not going to beat myself up over last week, I am just gonna continue on. JUST DO IT!!

Miss Molly

Like quicksand, life is sucking me down into the mire

Sorry that I've been vacant ladies! I'm so glad to see that everyone's doing so well! Way to go. I am sorry to say that my walking is down to once a week! I have not been able to find time to do anything other than work and take care of the kids needs for the last few weeks. So much for doing things differently this year! This new job has me spending every waking minute on lesson plans, learning pieces part by part, correcting, grading and doing it all over again the next day.

Music education has always been difficult in the planning area because you must use new music all the time, have multiple groups and must learn all of their parts in order to teach them. When I had two vocal ensembles, that was tough enough and it took me a few years to figure out how to efficiently get it all done. Now in addition to the four parts for each piece for each vocal group, I now have ALL the different instrumental parts for all of the band and jazz band to learn too! It's all I do anymore. I can feel myself disappearing in the process. It's like I'm saying goodbye to all I've worked so hard to achieve and drowning in the muck of it all! On a more positive note, I love the kids and the face time I have with them. Another plus is that I don't even have time to devour my unhappiness in emotional eating so the scale is still moving in the right direction! Yesterday I weighed in at 174 so maybe I'll really lose those last 4 by my birthday be sheer business!

This weekend I will be surrounded by family I've not seen in ages and whom I love dearly. I was going to take a whole lot of work w/me in the car but have decided to leave it all home and focus on getting my priorities straightened out again.

Sorry to be such a downer today, but this is where I'm at right now. I am so proud of all of you for your strength and tenacity! I'm definitely hanging on to it to pull me out of this quicksand!

Keep it up ladies!

Before and after pics!

Hello ladies I hope all is well! So lately I have felt a little discouraged in my exercise routine. I love love love pure barre but is it enough? I don't know if I am just being silly or what but I feel like I am supposed to be doing more. So my question is what pushes you to keep up with your workout routine?

What inspires me to keep working out are my dreaded before and after pictures. The first pic was taken in December of last year after my first semester at school and the second was taken in June when I went to Australia with my brother this past summer. I know it doesn't look like a lot but I did lose a few pounds. These pics definitely inspire me to keep doing what I have to in order to be healthy.

Hey girls!

I did great last week! despite the long labor day weekend( which was much needed) I managed to hit the gym 4 times including Saturday after noon before the Iowa Hawkeyes football game(GO hawks!) So i was pretty proud, and also managed to stay pretty on track with my diet as well.

Christine- I love the idea of running stairs that is such a great workout in a short amount of time and really works leg muscles you otherwise cant with most exercise

Sammy- I am very curious about your Pure Barre class. Can you tell me more about it! I am currently taking Pump-It (weight lifting class) and Medicine Ball Workout (great class for your legs! Lots of squats and lunges) from the wellness complex that I work at!

Sounds like you are all doing so great with your weight loss goals! I definitely feel like I am more accountable since I have joined this group. Thanks to all of you! Hopefully with working out several days a week I can get back to my old self!!

Cardiac Lane

Well I have decided that I need to step it up if I am going to hit my goal of 169 by halloween. I have gotten back in the swing of Jazzercise 2-3 days a week, but I need to do something the other 4-5 days. At our community college there is this hill of staircases named Cardiac Lane. I have been running it twice a night on non Jazz days. The first time almost gave me cardiac arrest!! But I am commited to losing this weight and reaching my final goal. 169 by Halloween...160 by xmas...then maintain.

What about everyone else? What are your final goals? Lets say them again.
How have to stayed with your fitness goals this week? Christine any luck? Sammy pure barre? Jessica still hitting the gym?

Jazzercise

Well I am glad to say that I am back in the swing of going to Jazzercise classes 2-3 times a week. It really kicks my but and I have been so sore, but I am going to keep at it. I am going to set a goal for myself and share it with you. I would like to be in the 60's by the end of October...this means that I have to lose 13 pounds . by the way I gained 4 lbs @ 182 : (

Ok my personal goal is set I am aiming for 169 by the Halloween Holiday. Please help me stay motivated by holding me to my word.

THANKS!!!

Hello from the Midwest!!

Hey girls!

Thanks so much for including me in this group! I don’t have any experience with blogging so bare with me! Might take me awhile to remember to check in regularly. Can’t wait to hear from you and hopefully job start my weight loss back to where I was a few years ago : ) Also, just thought I’d let you know this is a great time because I am in a wedding October 16th and would love to lose atleast ten pounds before then! So any motivation I can get helps! Thanks again!



Name: Jessica Nick name or preferred name:__Jess___
Where in the world are you? ________Iowa_______________
Age: __22___ Birthday:_____2/18/88__ Height: _5’9_____
Current weight: ___208___ Goal weight: 160 Highest weigh_current weight

Best physical attribute(s):
Honestly, I am not too happy with any attribute right now until I can lose atleast 20 pounds.


Physical areas you want to change:
Stomach!Thighs, arms; overall back to my old body



Biggest weakness when it comes to doing what you need to do to be fit and healthy. (These could also be categorized as ‘excuses!’)

Allowing myself to not exercise when I get off of work b/c I’m ready to just go home after being gone all day or need to run errands and feel I don’t have time


What do you love to do for exercise?
Run(when shin splints don’t hold me back; elliptical, lift weights; taking classes


What foods do you love to eat?
___Spicy : ) ; Veggies, chicken, hamburgers;


What’s your main reason for taking the ‘fitness’ plunge?

I’ve gradually kept gaining weight since I started dating my boyfriend a little over 2 years ago...I would rather make time to be with him at night which really cuts in to me exercising 5 days a week like I did before I met him in college, and played multiple sports in high school



What would you like to get out of this group? What else do you want us to know about how to help you reach your personal goals?

New and effective tips for losing and keeping the weight off, support, motivation, accountability!

Talk about change.....

Hello Ladies! I am so happy to have this long weekend! My kiddos had 4 days ~ I've got 3 and need every minute of it. This first full week back to school has been crazy to say the least. On top of getting back into the swing of it all, my son's knee injury (Dr.'s appointments & PT apts.) have kept me running! This extra day will hopefully give me some time to do some much needed planning both for work and for the family so that we DO NOT EAT MC'DONALD'S AGAIN!!!!!!!!!!

I've not walked in a week. I've not shred in 10 days. This will not do! I have got to get my priorities in order! I have always known that my personality to go full-steam in 1 direction is my weakness. Last month it was health and fitness; this month it will be the new job situation if I let it. When I change gears, all else falls to the wayside. It's really hard to change that about myself. I aim to try though! Today I'll get back out for a walk and actually schedule appointments for my walk time this week. I promise here and now NOT to break those apts. w/myself!

On a good note, all of my classes look great and I'm already enjoying the kids! This weekend, I'll walk, shred (going back to level 1 without shame!) and get my next few weeks lessons planned more fully. I will also plan meals for the next two weeks, clean and stock the fridge and enjoy the lovely weather!

Sammy~ I forgot this in my comment, but maybe you could try that PureBarre out w/a free first class and see if you like what they do. Most classes offer 1 trial. If you think the money or time commitment won't work for you, you might be able to include some of what you learn that first day into what you're already doing. Just a though ~ it looks really interesting ~ and I bet that they're not all skinny-minnies! :)

Molly ~ Great job! You're efforts are so inspiring - getting me moving today! Thank you! I've got a goal for the end of the month to be back down to the 60's (eek, can't believe I'm saying that in public!) by my birthday. Maybe we'll make it there together!

Jessica ~ Can't wait to hear more about you and your goals! We are all here for you!

Have a wonderful weekend everyone!
Christine

update!

yay for a four day weekend! I don't have class on Fridays :) haha
Molly Thanks for the update! So happy that you are in the 70's thats awesome! Congrats!! Glad to hear your doing the jeans trick that's exciting lol

As for my fitness routine I am pairing up with a friend and we are going to go to the gym together and maybe take classes at this place called Pure Barre. Looks interesting! I am really hoping that this Pure Barre place will work out but I am super intimidated because on the site it just looks like a bunch of skinny people at the classes.  I get intimidated and I get a little down on myself! Do you think it is worth it to try this?

http://purebarre.com/

I really want this and I am hoping by October I will be in the 60's! We shall see. I have been eating a bit too much so I am going to try and tone it down. It's tough! Gym hasn't open yet but should be up and running (haha) this week after Monday. Recently I went for a run/walk and it was fun yet disappointing because I was not as physically fit as I used to be.  I was glad to be doing something though.

Can't wait to have another person on our blog! The more the merrier :)
Hope all is well!
Love
Sam

Going Down...

Hello ladies. I am so excited to have a three day weekend!! No work on Monday!! I have some good news to share with you. The scale has moved downward. I am officially back into the 170's. 178 to be exact. This means that I am halfway through my goal of losing 40 lbs and it also means that I have lost the weight I gained on vacation. YES!! Oh and sammy you will be happy to know that I only weigh in once a week now along with the jeans trick : )

So how have you both been doing with keeping up your fitness routine?? I know it has become harder now that school is back in session. Keep the faith ladies. I know you can do it.

I got an email from a girl named Jessica who saw me on fitness.com and might be interested in joining our little group. She is an East Coaster Christine!!! I will send her email address to yours Christine and you can clue her in if you want. Since you are the group Matron.

Talk soon gals,

Miss Molly

College...enough said

Hello ladies! Sorry I haven't been so active on here this past week has been crazy! My momma had surgery on her foot on Thursday and then I moved back into school on Friday. It was rough. I am now settled back into school and that means I need to start looking at the open hours at the gym...

I am looking forward to it but I know I am way out if shape and that worries me. I will need your support ladies. I used to be able to go 25 minutes running on the treadmill but I know for sure that is not going to happen anytime soon haha. Baby steps. I also might join my schools Crew Team again but I'm not sure.

I hope all is well with you lovely ladies. I know school starts on Monday for me and that means a whole new routine. I say try a new form of exercising haha challenge of the month? Anyways hope all is well and keep up the hard work!

Question what kind and how many weights do you need to do the Shred? Thank you

As always thanks for the advice. The hiking is nothing too overexerting (spelling??) my heart is pumping but I think I need to step it up... I might have to try the weights. Starting cardio classes again today. Hoping to make three days a week. The jeans trick is a good idea. thank you Sammy.

Christine...It can't rain all the time. 5 in the morning stinks but you're doing it. You go girl!

Christine...I hope you didn't get completely rained out in Boston. I know they cancelled the Mariners and Sox game due to the downpour. It has been nice here in WA so I have gotten out there and walked or hiked everyday. My scale is not moving though!! GGRRRRR!! What the heck am I doing wrong? Any advice...Sammy Christine???

Kids last day of summer vacation.

Today is it; the final day of summer vacation. I got up early, did a little school work, ate a little, shredded with Jillian, ate the rest of a really yummy breakfast (see below), read more and more online about 'eating exercise calories' (definitely need to do this) and my metabolism.
Breakfast: 1 piece Fiber One Multi-grain toast w/2 tsp. natural chunky peanut butter
1/3 cup Dannon Non-fat plain yogurt mixed with
1/4 cup The Greek Gods Honey yogurt mixed with
1 cup strawberries, halved

Soooooooooo delish! Also froze 4 bags of 1/2 cup strawberries for future smoothie making!

So today the kiddos want me to take them to Boston. It's cold and rainy! Blech. I guess I could track miles walked around the city and search for some organic foods, but I doubt that's what they kids are hoping for!

I saw you....walkin' in the rain...

Yup, that was me today! Waling in cold, windy rain! Honestly driven today by wanting more of my book rather than a deep rooted desire to exercise! Can you imagine? Anyway, I did my walk right after my 30 day Shred. This is not ideal because I won't be able to keep this schedule starting Thursday, and back to back really impedes my ability to push my time on the walk.

I'm trying hard to make sense of all of the calorie counting vs. exercising. I'm so discouraged because although I'm losing inches, the pounds keep fluctuating. I'm back up three again for a net loss thus far of 5 in 20 days. I feel like some of my clothes are fitting better but I'm still feeling a bit discouraged. I'm skipping the rest of chapter 3 of Master your Metabolism as I am overwhelmed by how much environmental toxins have been attacking my hormones!

I just need answers now! I am going on to "How this plan works" to check it out. Not too sure how much 'organic' I can do though. We shall see. I am not giving up on this and may even get an elliptical as the weather and time issues are bound to stop me if I don't have a clear backup staring me down!

Thanks for the wise words ladies. I am happy to report that after the last post I walked everyday exept yesterday. I am pretty happy with myself.

Time for ourselves...

OMG! Christine! Can I just say Jane Eyre is my favorite book!!! I just finished reading it for the first time last night and let me tell you it is the best!!! I was so excited when I found out you were reading it! I love love love this book. I wish I had read it earlier.

Also when you discussed how taking time for ourselves is important, I agree! It wasn't until recently did I realize that I kept giving giving giving and I wasn't really taking time for myself. Now I just have to figure how to do this without neglecting my other priorities. Any ideas?

Good Golly Miss Molly!

Okay, so here's the deal. You had a bad day(s). You're not motivated to move. You live on guilt.

I've lived (and still do) in all of those places. I have a lot of other things going on, like a forced career change by my employers and focusing on all of this serves several purposes. It makes me take an honest, albeit scary, look at myself. It is making me value myself even when others don't. My own mother (whom I love dearly) told me I "used to be so pretty when I wasn't so chunky!" Normally, I'd use that kind of junk as an excuse to forget about it "my own mother doesn't love me" crap. I'm just so tired of others having control of my life that I've decided to take it back for once! I told Mom that I really have not a care in the world what she or anyone else thinks about my body. Mine is the only opinion I choose to care about!

So, here's where my drive is coming from. I have learned over the years, that I LOVE to learn! So I'm treating this like research. I've downloaded several cool apps to my iPhone to track calories and exercise. I've settled on one (My Fitness Pal) as I couldn't keep up w/logging in 3 different places! So I record every shred of food that goes in and every exercise calorie burned.

When I started the daily walking, I used my Nike+ system to track my time, mileage and caloric burn. This thing is definitely worth the investment if you like to see the numbers like I do! At the same time I listened to my favorite dance songs for really fast, strong beats to keep my moving - even enjoying the walks! After 10 days, I downloaded an audio book version of a novel I've always wished I'd read (Jane Eyre) and I love it! That is making my daily walk totally awesome. Everyday I'm dying to know what's going to happen next so I have to walk. In fact, the last 4 walks have been my longest route (2.85 miles) just so I could listen longer!

At first I felt selfish using all of that time on me but you know what? Not anymore! Every other minute of my day goes to my kids and family or to my job so screw it! I'm taking some time back for me.

As for the guilt; I'm an Irish-Catholic, youngest of 9, girl. I know all about guilt. It's where I grew up! I've recently discovered though that it's a big fat (pun intended) waste of my time! And your too. You give, give , give to others so why not give a little attention to yourself Molly? You so deserve it! I won't lie and say this is easy. The first 3-5 days of daily walking were really rough. But I know this about myself: it's got to be all or nothing. That's the way I function. I refuse to let it fall to nothing so I have to go everyday. And truly now, I'm enjoying it! And you can too! I won't go for a leisurely walk though, I mapped out 8 different length routes and walk each one as hard and fast as I can. (That way I can track improvement and it feels great!)

You can do this and will be glad you did. Start today! Go out and walk for 20 minutes and take the first and last 5 easy. Push hard for the middle and listen to something you love! Then report back! I'll check in tonight!

Good luck!

PS. I think we should all try to check in daily incase one of us needs the others. I'm sorry I've not checked in for a couple of days. I won't let that happen again! :)

Alright her it comes Miss Molly!

Molly! Don’t give up hope! It’s okay to go a little crazy once or twice.  You can’t dwell on it though just accept it and move on if you keep beating yourself up then it’s just going to end up badly. I should know I have done this before.  When you say you did nothing yesterday think of the reasons why you didn’t.  Your job is to discover those reasons and fix them so that you can do your workout. My question Molly is what do you do for you fitness routine?

You mention hiking a lot and I think that’s great but is that the only way you find yourself working out? If so maybe you are getting bored of your workout routine. I say switch It up and try running,  swimming, bike riding, walking a block or two, and maybe try a workout video. Workout videos are kind of my guilty pleasure lol.

Let’s face it working out is hard but you want to lose weight right and unfortunately we have to deal with it. We have to tell ourselves if I want change then I have to make it happen. I have to get up off my butt and get moving or else I am going to gain more weight and more health problems! Don’t forget that even the smallest things count and even though you didn’t workout you still watched your food intake that day. SO you should be proud of yourself because that is an accomplishment! You can do this Molly!

This is where the guilt trip comes in



Well my motivation is faltering here ladies. I did absolutely nothing yesterday. I didn't over eat at any meal but I did have a handful of sourpatch kids after dinner. I have these emergency response cards( Check out the Beck Diet Solution book=interesting) that I am supposed to read when I need a reminder but I forget about them and it all goes out the window :(

Christine you are so diligent. How do you keep up the motivation? I can do ok with the eating its the exercise that I lose it on. I know I'll feel better if I do it but I just can't seem to keep the routine going.

Help me ladies!!

It's been a long weekend!

Hello ladies! Welcome back Miss Molly glad to hear your vacation went well. Also Christine keep up the good work you are literally walking circles around me :).

Sorry I am responding so late my birthday was on Friday so my day has been devoted to getting ready back to school. These next two weeks are going to be bonkers. I start school on the 27th and my mother is having foot surgery on the 26th. SO I am living in a mad house as of right now. On top of that I start classes on the 30th and I don't have any of my books yet and I am not happy with me schedule. I am stressing big time!!! \

So much to do so little time but the good news is I haven't been eating like a crazy woman. Granted on my birthday I had a few extra servings but so far I have kept my promise of listening to my body. I'm trying not to clean my plate anymore and I am trying to eat slower so I can get fuller faster and it's helping a lot. I'm trying to make better choices when I am out and about and it's working. I don't dare look at the scale but I fear I may have gained a bit more weight but I will keep you posted on that.

Story time so since I am going back to school I obviously have to do some back to school shopping. I love to shop but the one thing I try to avoid shopping for is...bras. It is probably the worst experience ever!!! As I have mentioned before I carry my weight in my upper body. Meaning I have a wide and fat back and trust me finding a bra to fit my big back and small chest is no fun. I can't even tell you how many times I have broken down crying in the dressing room because that cute top/dress/bra/pants in the junior section doesn't fit me. Worst feeling ever and trying on those bras brought back all those memories. There were no tears but more of a slap to the face. Here I am a 19 year old girl and I have never one been able to try on something and say wow my body looks so good in this. Sure I have found things that have made me look slimmer but never once have I said "dang I look sexy. "

I have never experienced this and you best believe I am going to change that. Currently I am taking baby steps such as: eating tomatoes (this is huge trust me), ordering veggies and fruits, slowing down my eating, and saving part of my meal for later. However no cardio at all these past two weeks. I am so regretting it and I am definitely feeling it because I don't have any energy, but I know that I will be taking no prisoners once I get back to school. I will have access to the gym and a cafeteria filled with all kinds of healthy choices.

Funny thing is that every time I would find myself in the dressing room staring in the mirror crying because I hated the person looking back at me. I would always say "that I am going to change this and I am going to be skinnier next time I look for clothes." However this time as I looked in the mirror all I could think of was how I wasted so many years wishing that I looked different and never taking action. I though of all my successes and failures and as I left that dressing room with my 'okay' fitting bras in my hand. I though of only one thing. Time to get serious and take action.

Ladies Ladies Ladies...

I am back from vacation and feeling fat and rested. I read all of the posts and caught myself up on the happenings. Sammy welcome!! Wow it is almost as if we were meant to be we all have so much in common. My G-ma always tried to feed me too Sammy and I could never say no to gram so I would just eat it. I think that Christine gave you some good advice there. Christine try a massage for the back and leg soreness. It works trust me(did I tell you thats what I do for a living? I am a L.M.P) also, it is okay if you take a day off from walking. Just shoot for most days and the scale will move.

Speaking of scales moving I gained 6 pounds on vacation. I didn't get any hiking in because of the heat(in the 100s) and it was the height of rattle snake season. So I pretty much did no kind of exercising besides a few lake swims. So I guess it's back to the grindstone for me. I plan on getting in a hike this evening. It is about 70 degrees here on the WA Coast today. That is like extremely nice and hot for us!!! Funny huh? Most the time it rains. But after reading the posts and catching up I threw my walking shoes/clothes in my car and am going straight away after work. Good avice that was THANKS!!

*Miss Molly*

In what ways have you honored your promises to yourself?

That's the topic for the day. I think women have a tendency to have little problem keeping promises to everyone else but themselves. We go through our lives doing things for our family, our friends, our jobs and so on. It's little wonder that when we're tired or frustrated, we cut ourselves some slack an let ourselves off the hook! So now it's time to focus on keeping promises to ourselves.

I've promised to walk every day. I've been honoring that since August 3, 2010. Today is the day I may let that promise be altered a bit. I'm not breaking it, just offering myself a healthy compromise! A few days ago I started the 30 Day Shred circuit training. The goal is to do it for 30 days without fail. Today is a really hectic day with Sean's driving test at 7:30 am, repair guy coming between 10-2:00 pm, and then it's off to Foxboro w/Sean and Jordan to have dinner and see the Revs game to celebrate!

I managed to get the Shred in after the license test, but now I've got to wait around for repair guy. I was also informed by Dan that I was moaning all night because my quads hurt so much every time I shifted at all. (I don't remember any of that really though I do remember not sleeping much!)

So, in an effort to avoid hurting myself to the point of losing multiple days for recovery, I will not walk today. Although I will probably be walking around Patriot Place a bit!

This seems like a better way to handle my promises to myself and still feel happy and successful.

What about you? What promises are you proud to have kept to yourself this week?

Yay for being talked down from the ledge haha

So first I am just going to say I am so jealous you got the Jillian Michaels routines!!! I have been wanting those desperately but I haven't bought them yet. Now you can tell me if you like them. I have done my research and I love love love Jillian. If you go on Amazon.com her movies have tons of reviews by all kinds of people. She is tough and I remember doing like 15 minutes of one of her videos and I was ready to hurl because I was't prepared at all for this great workout. So eat well, get enough sleep, and drink lots of water and you will do great.  She will literally kick your butt and you will love her for it! Let me know what you think! Also don't forget to stretch before and after.

Congrats on doing all of your school work ahead a time! This is called getting down and getting funky haha Great job!

So I thought I mentioned this haha I am actually studying to be a teacher! Currently I am thinking of starting in elementary but I hope to one day be a high school counselor. I am attending Chapman University as an Integrated Educational Studies major and a double minor in history and Latin American studies. I am loving their program so far it's Education but with a fancier name haha. It's great. Also I will probably be tutoring some kids in an after school program this coming school year so I am very excited to get some experience in.

No worries I am so happy you posted your response Christine! It was perfect. It was exactly what this blog is all about getting support when we need it most! I just hope I wasn't to crazy sounding haha

Have a great rest of the day!

Week 1 completed!

Let's start with a big thank you Sammy and I'm sorry for posting my 'Negative Nacny' mood last night! Not the best move ever! And speaking of moods, I couldn't sleep, my lover back is killing me and even though the scale didn't move, I'm still feeling cranky today. Actually, I'm cranky and weepy. WAIT A MINUTE! I know this pattern! Yuppers! There is an explanation for this moodiness! Don't think I need to go any further do I? :) Just realizing this makes me feel a little happier.

What really makes me happy is your post, Sammy! You are so smart! You are going to have quite a future ahead of you! You had some really good advice and are quite capable of talking me off the ledge! :) I will be searching for some fruity recipes this morning!

I have to learn how to work my new ideas of portion control into my cooking and altering recipe amounts to co-inside. For instance, I'm frustrated about the leftover salmon, but if I'd frozen the second piece either before or after cooking it wouldn't have gone to waste. Maybe that's what's going to dave me for school...if I pack a full serving of each meal in the freezer when I'm cooking these healthy meals, I'll always have good choices to take for lunch or dinner on the days I'll be staying late for meetings and rehearsals. That would be great!

***Now off my pity pot and back on track.***

I bought two Jillian Michaels DVDs yesterday. "No More Trouble Zones" and "30 Day Shred." Do you like her? Have you ever seen/done these? A few people have recommended the Shred one to me and I'm going to try it. I found them at Target for $8.58 and I can't wait to try it today.

I've also got to spend some time getting all of my vocabulary lists, quizzes, tests done for my classes for the year. I'm hoping to get them all done today and then I'll really feel like I've accomplished some of that crazy busy work that takes up so much time on the job.

Thanks again Sam! I am so glad that we've all found each other. BTW, what are you going to school for? I don't remember if you told me that already.
Have a great day! :)

Christine listen up!

Oh no!!! This calls for an emergency reality check...it will be good promise!
Okay so you have lost a couple pounds and you are doing a fantastic job. It may not seem like a lot but trust me you are on your way to those cute clothes you bought and held on to!  I know how you feel it is frustrating especially the first couple weeks when you start on your diet and exercise routine. Trust me I know it is way easier to grab the fast food, sweets, and snacks but what is that going to do? Yes it's easier but what is going to happen when you get side track and then before you know it you gain back the weight you lost? All those salads you ate and all that walking you did will go to waste.

As for the food going bad totally understand. It has happen to our family often and the solution is to think as this as trail and error. You bought 'x' amount of food and it was to much so buy less next time. It's okay if you run out of food because you can buy more. Also look for some recipes online that can help you get rid of some of the food you have that might go bad. Make a smoothie, put that salad in a tortilla wrap, but the bread in the fridge or find a recipe that you can use it with, and chop up the veggies and get creative!

So I know the number one thing you are worried about is school starting the best advice I can give is be prepared! Think of all the things you know will come up and will possibly hinder you in your weight loss goal and come up with solutions. You get hungry in between classes pack some almonds or trail mix. Pack your own lunch and don't necessarily deprive yourself of the food in the cafeteria. Make wise choices and work hard in your exercises if you chose something iffy that day. Pack your workout clothes in your car and walk right after work. So then you have the whole evening for correcting papers. I do this when I am in school I feel guilty if I don't go. If that isn't your ideal plan walk after dinner. Take the husband or children along. Everything will be okay you know what to expect so take action!  As you tell your students be prepared when you come to class!! haha....I couldn't resist ;)

Also think of what has happened so far in your journey. You have lost weight. you have more energy, you have spent more time with the family, and you are improving your lifestyle. So it is okay to feel upset and unhappy with the current situation but keep imagining yourself as the person you will be when you reach your goal weight imagine that feeling. Always think of the positives. A great quote that I always remember and helps get me off my butt is "nothing taste as good as skinny feels." I know silly, and though I have yet to feel it I believe it!!! So keep up the great work and don't let it get you down!

Yesterday I felt just like you felt today. I feel like I am not going anywhere and I feel so fat and disgusting. However I read your post to me and it made me feel loads better. It made my day! I thank you for that. So keep it up Christine we can do it!

Today was not a good day.

By all accounts, it should have been a great day. I had a great, long walk. I had lunch with two of my favorite people and cooked a yummy dinner. I started the day down another pound. BUT...I feel cranky and fat and fed up with too much food going bad in the fridge, fed up with too many salads, fed up w/thinking about how I will keep all this up when school starts again.

I pray tomorrow is a better day.

This one's for Sammy!

I'm very proud of you and wish I'd had half of your guts when I was your age! Taking an honest look at ourselves and valuing yourself enough to do something is something that took my many years to get to! Don't ever stop! Here's the thing, when you're gonna be at Grandma's, don't deprive yourself of the experience. I'm picturing your G-ma as a wonderful, nurturing cook and missing out would be tough. Instead, plan your intake in preparation that day and maybe even the day before. Eat fewer calories and save them up for that big feast w/Granny! Of course after a reasonable helping, a "that was the best I've ever had! I can't believe how stuffed I am!" might just knock her off her urge to heap more on the plate!

Also, I think you're very smart to be looking at the big picture. I feel like at this point I have to make plans for the here and now AND plans to combat all of the obstacles that traditionally knock me down when I go back into work in two weeks.

I LOVE this!

My conclusion of this week is taking care of yourself is hard work! However once I understand my body I know I will treat it better and it will reflect inside and out.

I know that it's really hard w/out a gym and someone making those healthy food options for you, but the truth is that you won't have all that during summers AND when you're done with school! Better to get that obstacle out of your way now. I joined Curves thinking that I could make that work, but everyone there is over 70 and I will be quitting at the end of the month. (I only went three times but paid through the end of August) Instead, I'm walking and doing some core body exercises at home. This way I control it all. If I stop, I've got no one to blame but myself and I'm making myself look myself in the eye every day!


As for the scale (from my post) thanks! I am obsessed with seeing if my daily choices are actually right and working. After this first full week is done, I'm going to limit the weigh-in to once a week or maybe once every two weeks. I've used some on-line resourses to figure out how many calories I should eat to lose what I want to lose per week. I'm also tracking everything that goes in for at least the first three weeks until I get a better feel for portion size and good choices. And I'm adding in all of the exercise (duration of walks, mileage and calories burned) which in turn changes my daily caloric intake. When I stay under, I am seeing that weight coming off. I think some days I ate exactly the number of calories they reccomended and I'm still making progress.

Finally, I'm just gonna put this out there! Thank you! Today, I woke up with another pound gone and am so darn grumpy and tired of walking and on, and on, and on. I'd decided NOT to walk today and already came up with excuses. Then I saw your post and didn't feel so 'on my own' and you've inspired me to get off my duff and do what's hard! Thanks Sammy! You alone, saved my day!

What I have done this week

Hello Ladies! I hope all is well and that you are all 'working it out.'

So as you all know I'm going to be a sophomore in college this year and it's tough being the bigger girl on campus. (No fun especially when you go to school in the O.C.) So I went to school last year and after winter break I went back to school weighing 189 pounds. So I cracked down and when I came home for summer I weighed 173! The lowest I have ever been! However not having access to a gym and a cafeteria filled with healthy choices I gained back 8 pounds this summer. So as of right now I am having a hard time getting back into the swing of things, and all I can think is when I go back to school it will get better.
However I keep worrying about what is going to happens when I get back from school for thanksgiving, winter, and summer break. Will I end up gaining all the weight back again? Trust me ladies it's the most frustrating thing knowing I did all that hard work and it went down the drain because it was easier to just eat the burger and fries.

So this past week I have been studying they way I treat my body when I am home and see where I can make changes.

• Taking my vitamins regularly
• Drinking enough water a day (great for skin and hair!)
• When I go out to eat I check the calorie chart provided by the restaurant (usually on the table) and make a decision. Some of the calories are horrific!!!
• Listening to my body and realizing when I am not hungry that I shouldn't eat because I'm bored or because it is convenient. 
• Use the internet! I have looked up some easy recipes to use, how much water should I be drinking, and so much more. It's fantastic! 
• Learning to say no! Example being when I go to my gram's house and she attacks me with food and saying no is like a 'maybe' so she keeps trying to convince you to eat. haha So I have to put my foot down and say that I am watching myself and it usually works. 
• I haven't been sleeping normally and it is killer on my mood and body. 

My conclusion of this week is taking care of yourself is hard work! However once I understand my body I know I will treat it better and it will reflect inside and out.

P.S
Made some homemade wraps and they were fantastic! Also made a new dessert that I love! Here's the grocery list!
Whole wheat wrap tortillas, chicken (canned or ready made I tried booth), roman lettuce, black beans, and tuna. Get creative!
For dessert I had pudding with granola. It was amazing :)

Keep it up chicas!
Sammy

It's the little things that count!

I learned that a long time ago and many times throughout my lifetime. At forty, I'm hoping to remember what I've forgotten! Yesterday was spent waiting for my niece to visit so rather than take off for my walk and miss her, I spent some time to work in the kitchen and house and do some baking. I miss the days when I used to always have fresh baked cookies on hand for the kids. I am going to make a point to continue to do those nice things for the family.

When we realized that she wasn't coming till the evening, we'd missed the chance to go mini-golfing as planned but Sean and Dad wanted to go down to the field and workout in the goal. I threw my sneaks on and joined them. I can't wait till I'm in better shape and can play soccer for a decent amount of time! Instead, I walked around the field and between that and the walk to and from the field, I managed to get another 2 miles in! I was so happy not to have missed a daily walk! It was a slow walk as I was on grass, but I kept it going.

This is what I mean, doing a little everyday is really paying off! I am so much more aware of what I'm doing to myself on a daily basis. I need to remain strong and committed from now till school starts so that by the time we're back at it, my daily needs are a priority!

The scale has moved!

This morning, I lay in bed not wanting to get up. I'd been having dreams, okay nightmares, about work. I woke up and thought that today I'd not get on the scale. I'm so anxious to see that what I'm doing isn't working, you know, so I can quit and give up. Somehow, I couldn't resist the urge to weigh in and I'd lost a few pounds! I'm so excited! The soreness from walking has subsided, I'm feeling in a much better mood these days (my 16 year old son has even noticed that!) and now the weight is slowly melting away!

I need this. I deserve this. i am enjoying this. Now if I could just decide which fitness tracker to stick with, I'll be all set! I'll save that story for a post later today.

Have a great day everyone and keep moving!

:)

What have you done so far?

Hi Ladies! I've been so excited for this and it's really helped me kick myself into gear. I've walked 4 days now and have been having a good time making healthier choices in the area of what I 'stuff my pie-hole' with! I am reminded that it is a cycle - the more I move, the better I feel both physically and emotionally. The better I feel, the more I crave yummy, healthy foods! Why would we ever stop this? If we can solve that than we're home free....

So I'm asking, what have you done this week? I got a new sensor for my Nike shoes and I love that every time I go out it records what I've accomplished. I know my distances and calorie burns are low but it's a start. I am a very analytical gal and so the more evidence/data I have the more in control I feel.

I downloaded an App called "Lose it!" Each day, I've been inputting my meals and exercise. Not everything is perfect as I can't find everything and sometimes get frustrated at having to add foods that they don't have but I figure if I do this for a month everything I eat should be in there eventually.

I worry about how I'll keep this going after school starts...teaching music makes planning time for me much harder but I'm hoping to be an addict by then!

Hello!

Name: Samantha Nick name or preferred name: Sam, Sammy, Samantha haha
Where in the world are you? Los Angeles, CA
Age: 18 Birthday: August 13 Height: 5'8"
Current weight: 180 Goal weight: 150 Highest weight: 197

Best physical attribute(s): My Long legs and hair! Of course my hair is a big ol' friz ball but I love the color and I love the curl/wave it has to it (when it's tamed) haha

Physical areas you want to change: Back and stomach. I am an apple shaped person. Meaning I carry my weight on my upper body and it just looks awkward on me. I have always had the bra bulge and anything with the zipper I don't even try on because of my body shape. I am going for  a defined back and a flat and toned tummy. I want to wear a strapless dress with pride dang it! 

Biggest weakness when it comes to doing what you need to do to be fit and healthy. (These could also be categorized as ‘excuses!’)
No time - In between classes, homework, clubs, sorority, social life, family and possibly 2 jobs...I put exercise on the back burner.

No energy- Most days I feel exhausted

Will power- For some reason I have a hard time getting up and going to the gym when I'm not being pushed. Once I get there I will do my thing but getting there is a struggle!

Burning out- I will go strong in my fitness routines and then I will hit a plateau or an obstacle and then my drive will fizzle out. 

What do you love to do for exercise?

Dancing! I am a dancing machine so anything with music and footwork would be my ideal workout.  However I don't have the time or money for classes so videos and the internet is my main source of dance workouts and routines. I love running on the treadmill, aerobics, and swimming. I am actually willing to try anything :)

What foods do you love to eat?
As my mother likes to say it I am a "carb-a-licious girl" haha So if I was served pasta, rice, and bread plus sweets I would be the happiest girl on the planet.

What’s your main reason for taking the ‘fitness’ plunge?

My family history is filled with high blood pressure, heart risks, and diabetes. I don't want to follow in those lovely family traditions. I want to live a healthy lifestyle so that I will live my life to it's full potential. I am 19 and I have so much to look forward to but my weight is literally 'weighing' me down. I just want to feel happy, confident, and proud of the way I look. I don't want to feel depressed because I can't fit into cute clothes, and I don't want my weight to dictate my life anymore. 

What would you like to get out of this group? What else do you want us to know about how to help you reach your personal goals?

I would like motivation, someone I can share my progress/success/failures with, and someone to kick me in the butt when I am not doing what I'm supposed to be doing. I would like support :)

I am also an emotional eater and the number one emotion that causes me to eat is stress. I get so stressed out it's terrible! Some days I feel so tense and cramped up because I am stressing out about something that by the end of the day I am emotionally and physically exhausted. That feeling is usually everyday and it's not fun. I could really use some tips when it comes to stress and consistency.

I am so happy to be a part of this! We can do this ladies :)