Hi Everyone. Just wanted to let you all know the good news. My results came back negative. I am so relieved. Thanks for all the good wishes and prayers they really do help. Feeling a little like a girl without a home since our challenge ended. I can't comit to running a challenge at the moment but I am willing to start a weekly chat session were we can post our own wi results to stay accountable. I thought we could have weekly chats until July 4th. I am leaving on July 5th(my birthday) for Florida and would love to stay in touch with some old friend as well as make some new ones. Anyone interested? Everyone would be welcome and I know I would love the support.

Donna

Hi Donna,

Congrats on your good news! You might want to check out the Motivation 201 thread under new members. It's a great group and very supportive.

Terri from Vermont

Hey Donna,

Yeay - congratulations! I'm so glad it's good news, and I'm so proud of you for taking care of yourself during the scary waiting period you went through.

I would love to post and keep up - I'm not up for keeping track of a challenge right now - and I'm not sure I really should since I'm not officially doing JC anymore .

This week I'm down a pound, I think...that puts me 3 pounds away from my next goal, which is to weigh 170 by May 24. 170 is what I weighed on my wedding day, and this May 24 it will be my 10 year anniversary. I'd love to hit that goal. I doubt I will - 3 lbs in 2 weeks is near impossible for me. But, I can fit into the dress I wore on my honeymoon and it's actually looser than it was 10 years ago. So I am pleased about that I'll be wearing it in Aruba on May 24 this year when we celebrate the big 10! Ultimately, I would love to weigh 165...but I hope that's realistic for me (5'11").

Hope everyone else from our gang will post here too!

Congrats again on the good news - Best to you!
Sue

Donna - I am very relieved for you and happy that the results were good. You know I was praying for you. Now - back to work so you will look hot for your b-day vacation. I loved the support of our chat thread. I actually like the idea of a chat thread more than the challenge since some of us are closer to maintenance and losing slower (or not at all and just maintaining).

Sue - glad you are going to join us - You make me laugh with your hilarious stories.

Vickie

Hi Donna:

Glad you got good results.

I would love a challenge to follow, and a chat line.

Donna- great news!!!

Count me in on the chat group..
I agree Vickie, I think a thread to cheer, support, thump, encourage or confront (with love) each other would work better for me. I hit my original goal and want to go for another 5 lbs but at this stage it's slow going. I really don't want to do anymore weight challenges but I rely on the boards for ideas and support. It is encouraging to read about others successes, both scale and NSV. I see myself ( good and bad) in others and like the daily talking with the group.

I am so glad to see some interest. I am happy to report I had my first snack free day in weeks. It is 9:44 and I a hoping that I can declare the day a victory. It is so important for me to do this first day and build that confidence again. I think I can..... I know I can......

Hi everyone. Donna, I'm so happy that your results were normal. I'm also glad to see our group still posting together. I would be willing to track the WI numbers if people want another challenge but what I really loved was the chat threads with all of you. So, if we can hold the group together on chat, I'm all for it

I agree! I love the weekly chats! And the challenges are good too...especially since we seem to each focus on our own goals - it's not a race; more like an accountability.

Today's plan is to stay on track - no extra bites for me. And lots of water!

I did a killer workout yesterday and my left knee is hating me for it today. Yesterday, I ran 2 miles and did 45 minutes on the elliptical. My upper body is still sore from Wednesday's boot camp. But I swear I saw an actual bicep muscle - I did, I did!!! And I bought a very cute sundress for a June 1 wedding...sleeveless...yeay me!

Donna, I agree. One day at a time. Often I have to break it down to one meal at a time - heck, one hour at a time! But the first hour's the hardest, right? Each good choice makes the next one easier

Have a great day, everyone! And happy Mother's Day to the moms out there...how will you celebrate? I'm getting some homemade crafts (I suspect), a bottle of my favorite fragrance, and perhaps some time to myself to sit at Starbucks and read the NY Times!

Sue

Good Morning Everyone - I had an okay day yesterday but a few extras. Donna has raised the bar. I am going for an on track/no snack day.

I would also like to give a big CONGRATULATIONS to Ready - We are all winners for still being here and working on us - but Ready was the biggest loser of our 10 week challenge. YEAH for Ready!!

Hi guys,

mamadukes, great news about your test results. Thanks for starting a new thread, I was going through withdrawals around here!

Things are crazy lately, son's wedding is a week from tomorrow so I have been trying to finish up so many little details. I didn't workout at all last week except dance class on Wednesday (it's all Jen's fault for not starting another challenge!! LOL!!-just kidding but seriously my workout challenges really kept me focused) Interestingly, I lost .8 last week! Maybe I should stop exercising altogether and I'd start losing again. What's up with that?

Happy Mother's Day to you all!

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY EVERYONE!!!!! I am having a house full today and am hoping to stay on track. I did well yesterday because I was so busy. I can't wait to start back at the gym. I go to the doctor on Tuesday and I'm hoping he clears me for some heavy duty exercise. Until then I have to do the best I can. I am really trying to not stress over the 3-5 pound increase this past week and a half. I just want to focus on losing it. I guess thats what maintenace will be for me. Hope you all enjoy your day and stay on track everyone.

Luv2clog- Hope you stay calm and enjoy the planning for the wedding. You should be proud of how hard you worked in getting to this weight. Make sure you take pictures at the wedding.

Happy mother's day to all. Thanks Vickie for the congratulations - I was doing very well but I've been moving downward ever so slowly these days. I'm not on a plateau but I have had a much harder time sticking with the program. I was 142.6 this morning on my own scale, with you know, so hopefully this coming week will be better. I think I'll feel a surge again when I break through to the 130s. I feel like it's a psychological breakthrough point. I was mid 140's when I got pregnant so it's pushing through a resistance point. When I feel thinner, I give myself more lattitude in eating and then I end up not losing as fast. Sue, you are so right about how each choice influences the next one. When I'm in the zone, I don't eat any extras. For those of you at or near goal, do you still do the soup and jello? I gave up the first and am getting tired of the second. What do you do when you're hankering? Sorry, my son is calling me . . . love to all

Hi ready, you don't want my substitutes because thats what put me up 3-5 lbs. I have gone back to the soups and jello but not everyday. Sometimes I add a string cheese or a yogart as an extra milk because when you at halfway and doing exchanges you add a milk. Now that the summer is approaching I imagine I'll have to watch my fruit intake. I have been adding crytal light packet to go in a variety of flavors and that has been helping to curb some cravings and feel like I got a treat. If you come up with any great ideas let me know. HAPPY MOTHERS DAY AGAIN.

Hi everyone,

Happy Mother's Day to the moms out there! Are you getting pampered? I got a few cute homemade presents today (the best) and some Jo Malone perfume I had not-so-subtly asked for from DH. I also got some time to go shopping - Hello, size 10s and 12s! So nice to see you again .

Of course, I have to admit that lately I've gotten very complacent and I am not eating as healthfully as I should be. A bite of this, a bit too much of that, etc. It's starting to catch up with me on the scale - it's only up a bit, but that's definately not the way I want to go. I'm glad I'm exercising so much (that's keeping me from gaining), but I still want to be losing!

So, I'm going to use this thread as a chance to shout out:

This week, starting Monday morning, I WILL BE FOCUSED! Here's what I'm going to commit to:

1. 8 or more glasses of water.
2. Bootcamp everyday plus 45 minutes of cardio on my non-run days.
3. Eating all of my fruit and veggie servings.
4. No extra snacks (those darned 100 calorie bags are EVIL)

I am going to find a way to be proud of all that I've accomplished and yet, not complacent enough to stop striving to lose more. That's my plan. I am going to come visit this thread and post (rant, rave, ramble) whenever I feel the need to distract myself from the call of the pantry!

Hope y'all have a great rest of the weekend. Watch for me staying on track starting Monday...who's with me?!?

XO
SUE

Sue, count me in. I started a little this week and I'm so ready to go full swing. I am thinking graduation party June 12th, my daughters prom June 26th, graduation June 28th,Vacation etc. All those pictures and I want to be fit and trim. So lets do this together everyone. We all have days or a week of status quo, but those few weeks in between of lets get down to business is what keeps us in line and helps us keep that life change attitude. So I am all for making the most of these good weeks. TOM ended and my control is back. Hope everyone had a wonderful Mothers Day.

Hi. Count me in too. Shared a steak tonight with my mom at a steak restaurant but I think it was probably 8 oz each anyway. Donna I noticed the extra milk on the halfway menu but my JC didn't tell me to add it. I do find I do better when I add in an "extra" yogurt for a snack. Sue, shout out here every day. LOL about those evil snacks.

Hope everyone had a great Mother's Day. Sue - Whoo HOO! - Yes - I am ready to be FOCUSED - I have it out of my system and going back full steam. Unfortunately, I fit in the category of too many 100 cal packs and extra snacks too and have gained back some of my weight. I really want to get back under 125 and right now I am just trying to hold on to 130. Donna and I seem to be on the same TOM schedule and it makes me crazy for chocolate so now that it is over I am full-steam and trying to figure out how I will deal with all those cravings again in 3 weeks. but for now I am taking it an hour/day at a time and will be here ranting and raving along with the rest of you. -Vickie

Hey everyone:

Well, here we are! Midway through the morning, and so far I've been doing okay!

Breakfast: coffee w/skim soy milk, 100 calorie English muffin, 1 eggbeater, 1 slice fat free cheese
Snack: Pria 100 bar, small apple

Haven't been working on the water yet...but I will now that I'm home for awhile .

My 2 year old is sick...AGAIN! We've ruled out strep, but if she's not better in a day or so I'm taking her for chest Xray to rule out pneumonia. I've been spending far too much time at the pediatricians.

Today my exercise goal is to run 3 miles (granted, I have to stop to walk for a minute after each one ). I had terrible sleep last night so it will be a real challenge to stick to my plan and not turn to snacks for energy boosts. I really need a house full of healthy people so that I can sleep!

Glad to know so many people are with me on the "clean living" plan. Post and let me know how you're doing. And here's my personal challenge to you: No unplanned eating unless you post here and 'fess up first. How's that one?!? Then, after we've beaten you with a wet noodle, if you still want that darned snack/treat, you can go right on and enjoy it.

Have a great day!
Sue

Good Morning All,
Hope everyone had a great Mother's Day.. My son, DIL and 2 GDS came over and we had a fun day.. swimming in the pool and playing Wii.. My Mom lives with us so she joined us for some Wii bowling and then went out to dinner with my brother and his family..
I didn't sleep well last night..legs were hurting from the 3 mile walk/run I did on Saturday. Finally took a couple Ibruprophen around 12:30 last night and then got up at 5:15 for my 6:00 boot camp.. Guess what we work on on Mondays... LEGS.. I'm not planning on doing much for the rest on this day.
Weight has been at a standstill for the last two weeks..Hopefully this week will show a drop. I still have 3.5 weeks before I'm off to Hawaii with 6 GFs so a couple more pounds gone would be nice.

2beslim:I know what everyone means about those 100 calorie packs. There's very few nights I can get by with just one.. I think when I run out I'm going try just buying normal snacks and stick to portion control. Plus it should be cheaper and greener.

onehotmamatobe: Hope your little one is better soon. It's hard when they are sick and can't really tell us what is doesn't feel good. I've been trying to run again but I'm not doing real well. I've been walking for 1/4 mile and then running for 1/2 then walking for 1/4 etc., etc. Just can't get pass that 1/2 mile running. It's already in the 90's here so I'm sure the heat will keep me from doing any better. I can go to the local multi-gen center but the track is very small. 14 laps for a mile,, Plus it's pretty boring just running around in those little bitty circles.But at least I'm trying.

Sue and Readytochange: I never noticed the extra milk. Maybe if I had a small glass of milk with the 100 calorie packs I Could just eat one..maybe

mammadukes: thanks again for keeping this thread going.

Ok, I'm going to start a July 15 challenge. That will give us 9 weeks to lose 10 lbs (or make goal). I will follow the same format with WI thread and separate chat thread. I don't think I can do the inspirational mini challenges but will track the numbers and set up each week.

Ok guys - you probably don't remember me because I am so flakey! But I am here. I finally found a job and cannot post that much, but would love to start a new challenge considering I have gained weight during the job search.

I am currently not doing JC at all and I think my weight is around 132!!!!!!!! That kills me! My goal is 125 by July 22nd!

I am going to start JC on Jun 1st again and do it until mid July. So count me in towards the new challenge!

Glad to see some of you were successful in reaching your goals or at least maintaining. I think that I get to a certain point and I feel like I can eat "a little of this, little of that" and I just CAN'T if I want to stay small. But then that aggrivates me so I eat more! LOL!!!!! I am still moving that dang scale all over the bathroom trying to find the right spot too, but it is still registering 132! Dangit!

I am trying to clean it up till I get back on JC. Another downer is that I don't have as much workout time anymore, so that is a big bummer for me as well. We will see if I can clean the eating up to make enough of a difference. I can't imagine working out at 9p (that is when I am done with my work day and putting my kids in bed)!

Ok enough rambling. I will check back for details on the new challenge.

Missed you all!

I am in for a July challenge. This will be my first challenge! I am so excited! I will keep myself posted.

Hi Ladies. I was so tired today and not really feeling well. I had my required water, fruit and milk. I didn't get my veggies in and I am missing a meal. I also didn't count the exchanges. Breakfast was 240 cal and lunch was about 300 cal. So I estimate about 1000 calories for the day. I need to get more organized in tracking what I eat again. I am getting there. At least I am paying attention to what goes in my mouth even if it is after the fact.

ready- I think it is great your going to start a challenge. I am not sure how I fit in because I really don't have to lose 10 pounds. Maybe I can maint.

Everyone else- If you ladies don't mind I think I may just continue this one thread for simply checking in. Those who are just looking for some support and maint. can just come here and share. I know I may lose 10lbs by September if I continue to lose. That is fine with me because I am at a different stage in my journey. Even though this is ten at a time I think my 10 lbs will take quite some time. What do you all think? I just want to stay in touch with all of you. I can do that here or there!

Donna

Hey there!

Donna - yes, continue to post here! That's what these boards are for. Girl, ya gotta eat! Do you like v8? Low sodium v8 is the only way I get those veggies in.

Disco - welcome back. Hang in there! I feel the same - whenever I get close I let myself off the hook and then...wham! Let me know when you find that magic spot on the bathroom floor - lol!

I'm up for a challenge. I'd be pleased to lose 5 pounds in 10 weeks - that would be progress for me!

My daughter is so sick - vomiting, fever of 104.5, dehydrated...off to the hosp today for bloodwork, urine, chest x-ray. I'm hoping she won't be admitted for dehydration - although I guess a few bags of fluid would help. Ugh! So, suffice to say I'm not too focused on the eating today - just hoping to get through the day!

Take care all,
Sue

Sue, hope your little one is doing better. Please keep us posted.

Sue and Donna, you can make your own goal - maintain or lose whatever feels right for you - I'd just like to keep our group going. Vickie, Discomamma, Go Browns, Future Mommy, Oscar T Grouch, luvtoclog, Jen . . . all are welcome!! If you don't join the challenge, I'll still check in with you all here, too.

I went out for dinner with some friends last night. Yummy goat cheese salad and sea bass maki. I wasn't sure how to count everything but I think I kept it under 1600 even with a glass of wine. I did make it to the gym and did 30 mins of precor (step with arms), situps, and weights and walked an additional 6,000 steps yesterday so hopefully I burned it all off.

Sue- how is your daughter doing? I hope she is O.K. A fever of 104 is quite high. I know my daughter used to run high fevers when they were younger and it would scare the xxxx out of me. Lots of fluid. Keep us posted.

ready- I am giving thought to your challenge. Is it O.K. if I take a day to think about what it is I would really like to accomplish by July 15th. I am thinking I would love to be between 150 and 152, exercising at the gym 3 times a week and walking daily. There is also the matter of learning maint. So, let me know what is too much or too little. I could also just check in on your daily chats if you want. This is where the program get a little tricky for me. Those of us who are fighting our way to goal need to buckle down and stay on track and those of us who need to learn maint. have to start adding cals and experimenting with our own meals. The one thing we all have in common is getting to a healthy, fit, confident new us. So I have to say where ever each of us is on this journey we are so important to the others because I now know there is no finish line just life.

Hi everyone... Sorry I've been MIA and missed the last bit of the May Day Challenge. I have been super busy with work. We had a conference in Vancouver at the start of May and I had a ton of last minute organizing to do, plus I had to be there to 'man' our booth and herd the cats, so to speak.

I got back middle of last week and have just been so darn tired since. I haven't weighed in since the 23rd of April. eek. I go in tomorrow. I'm expecting a small gain, but nothing major. I've actually done fairly well on my own. I had enough JC food to get me through until I went to Vancouver. I spent 5 days there and I was very careful to count everything that I was eating and I worked out a few times in the hotel gym. Plus I was standing in the booth for two full days and did a ton of walking and dancing. I also did quite a bit of socializing and had some drinks, so the exercise would have just balanced that out.

Since I've been back I've been fairly careful except for on Mother's Day. But, that was a planned splurge so it's all good.

I'm so glad to be back and in touch with you all... off to check out the new challenge thread, but will be back here as well so I can keep in touch with those of you not signing in for the challenge.

Big hugs,
Lisa

Hey gals - I'm back. Poor little one has pneumonia and an ear infection (that wasn't there yesterday when they checked). The good news is that now we have antibiotics, so hopefully she'll start feeling better in a day or so. It's really hard to keep her hydrated now - she's so stubborn (2 year old)...

I fear the scale is up. Tomorrow's my official weigh in day, so I'll post on the challenge thread then. I don't think I'm going to be up for 10 pounds or goal (what is my goal anyways - 170? 165? ?!?). But I'm thinking about what would be a reasonable goal for me: probably 5 pounds, boot camp 4 x a week, 3 runs a week...that kind of thing would work for me. Maybe, if it doesn't muck with the challenge concept too much, we should each just decide what our own personal goal is - it might be a certain number of pounds or a certain number of workouts per week, or certain number of on-track days...whatever. Donna, you are so right - there is no finish line - this is it!

Off to drink more water in hopes of shaking off some of this weight by tomorrow's weigh in! And then I've got to be like our girlfriend Disco Momma and find the friendliest part of my bathroom floor!

Sue

Hi everyone. Welcome back Lisa. Sounds like you had a nice trip. Sue, when my son (almost 5 now) is sick, I give him froze fruit pops. They seem to soothe, especially when he has temp or a sore throat, and are good for vitamin C and hydration. Sue and Donna, it's really fine to have whatever goal works for you. I like posting with you so I'll keep in touch either way.

Hey gals,

Thanks for your concern about my daughter. Turns out it's a double ear infection, pneumonia, and pink eye! The good news is that she's not dehydrated enough to be admitted...and now that we've established what it is she can have antibiotics, so hopefully she'll be well again soon. Amazing since we were just there the day before and saw the same doctor and the stuff wasn't present at that time! Ready, thanks for the suggestion about popsicles. We've tried that - she's stubborn and just wants to sleep. We keep waking her up to force the fluids - poor girl. I am hoping these drugs kick in...and fast!

Unfortunately, DH and I are both feeling it coming on - sore throats and low grade fevers for us too! Argh!

I am up 2 pounds today - so frustrating. I know I "earned" it with those 100 calorie packs. Darned things - I'm going to start sticking them in the boys' lunch boxes until they're gone. No more for Mommy! Maybe it's also water weight since I'm getting sick?!?

I posted on the July challenge thread - I am in!

Off to cuddle the little one (if she'll let me) and drink MORE water. LOL - IT'S WATER WEDNESDAY, everyone! Let's all drink 10 glasses! Cheers!

Sue

Sue - So sorry to hear about your little one being sick. And, that you and hubby feel it coming on as well. I'm sending you get well soon vibes. Snuggle up and stay warm.

Lisa

Hi all. Sue, hope you and family are feeling better soon. I had my WI today. Lost all of 0.2 lbs. I'm ready to kick it into high gear again. On the bright side, although I only lost 5 lbs this month, I lost 2.5 inches overall. My new inches lost total is 18.5 inches. Gotta love the precor!!!! Hope everyone is having a good week.
xoxo

Hi everyone!! I am having a much better day today. I was home sick yesterday. I seem to be on track for the most part and looking forward to my return to the gym. I think maybe tomorrow, if not Friday.

Sue- I hope your daughter is feeling better soon and I hope you and your husband don't get sick. Healthy vibes to all of you.

ready- congrats on the inches lost. I bet it feels great!!

lisainvic- glad to have you back from your conference.

luv2clog- How are the wedding plans going? You must be soooo excited. Don't forget to get a nice picture of yourself.

I have had 2 1/2 good days. I am in a conference all week so long hours. Good and bad - lots of food at conferences but I have been packing it all. I did have 1/2 cookie at snack today but have avoided all the rest.

Ready - I will join the challenge and Donna I will post here too. I have let my weight creep up since March and I want to get back to my pre-vacation weight.

I am glad to see so many of our friends posting again!!

Hi everyone!

Well, I had my weigh-in a few hours ago... and I lost 1.1 pounds! Woohoo! I'm so pleased because I have been pretty much eating on my own since the 28th or there abouts. So, a 1.1 loss is pretty good considering I was eating out, cooking for myself and at a conference to boot.

I decided to go on the pre-planned menu for the week just to kick start my body and also to ensure that I get back on the program and don't slack off. It was a bit of a hit to the pocket book considering I've only been spending around $40 per week, but that's okay. It's worth it!

I have some super exciting news on the exercise front too. My work purchased a corporate membership at the newest (and nicest) gym in town. So, I jumped right on that and signed up. I have to pay a monthly fee, but there is no contract and the cost is significantly discounted since it is a corporate membership. I can go as often as I want and get unlimited access to all the classes that they offer, plus towel service and discounts at the juice bar... and a $10 gift card at the coffee shop! Nice! Hubby and I are going to go together 3 times a week and then I will go two extra times with one of my co-workers. I'm so excited!! I've been a couple of times and it is so fabulous. The equpment is all brand new and the setting is beautiful. Early in the morning the workout rooms overlook the harbour so you can watch the last bit of sunrise. Ahhhh... Love it!

Okay - gotta go - but just wanted to share those two exciting messages with my girls. I've missed you guys!

Chat soon... take care,
Lisa

Lisa, I am so excited for you. You should advertise for this gym. I'm sold. Sounds like a vacation spot with beautiful scenery and all new remodeling.

Hi everyone. Sue, hope your daughter, you and dh are doing better today. Donna, you too! Donna, I think your post falls under the heading, "you know you're sick when . . ." because so far I haven't had a day yet on JC when I found that I just couldn't get all my meals in. lol. I'm fighting a cold too - feel a low grade temp and scratchy throat. I was 100% yesterday, finishing the day with 1215 calories! I needed to get myself back on track after my disappointing WI yesterday. Funny how the off calorie days don't show up until a few days later. Too bad Jenny Craig won't let us move their scale around - I sure could have used that yesterday. Sue, I don't do as well with those 100 cal snacks (or any snacks other than JC) - I justify my way into too many because they are "dietetic." Same with the ff rediwhip, I find myself spraying it onto a spoon and eating the whole can because it's only 5 cal a serving . . . but more like 200 when you have the whole darn thing. I'm going to have to keep that one off my list for now or go back to cool whip because it's easier to measure. Luv2clog - just a few days left until the wedding. You are going to look great. Vickie, hope your week is going well. It sounds like you've been making good choices and exercising restraint. Does the hotel have a gym where you can burn off a little splurge? Lisa, woohoo is right! Great job on the 1.1 loss and joining the gym. It sounds lovely.

Hi Ladies. I am doing so much better today. I am eating from all food groups and staying within my guidelines. I am also heading to the gym for the first time in a few weeks. Wish me luck.

Donna - So glad to hear you are feeling better.