Its Septebmer already...things get busy now that summer is coming to and end, fall is here, school has started for some, and the holidays are "just" around the corner...so its TIME TO STICK TO IT! STICK TO YOUR WORKOUTS!

This is the thread for everyone and anyone working on getting their body healthier (and happier) through both changes in food choices and in working out. Many of us have been around for a while and others are new to the forum here. But, we share one thing: a desire to workout while loosing and maintaining our weight. Sometimes that desire is hard to find on a daily basis, but we do it and we remember that no matter what we do, its important to keep moving.

Whatever you do: run, walk, gym, home tapes, weights, cardio, jazzercise, or something completely different, tell us your challenges and goals and we'll tell you about ours.

So, make plans for this fall...time to move the workout outside? Time to take up something new? Tell up...check in for encouragment....post about what you are doing and how you are feeling!

POST AWAY!

Cross your fingers for me... we're planning to leave for the airport with enough time to get me to class this morning. I'm going dressed to workout. I may get dropped off and have to hitch a ride back home, but I really hope to make it.

I was proud of my choices at dinner out last night. My friend Susan went with us and she's even better at eating out than I am. We both had soup! And margaritas and chips and salsa, but not nearly as many as I used to eat. My husband ordered an appetizer of fundidos (mini deep fried chimis with jalepeno cream cheese!). I had ONE BITE. Fortunately, a third guy joined us and he polished off the plate. I wasn't perfect, and I didn't deprive myself, but at least I didn't order a huge entree on top of all the nibbling and drinks.

Unfortunately, the place we wanted to go to dance was no longer there. So no additional workout. We walked around for a bit.

Time for me to wake the boys up!

xoxo to all... enjoy the holiday and stay safe!

Happy September all!!!! Well, as Jen suggested, I tried something new. Not really a new activity - but a new toy. I bought myself one of those heart rate monitors - a Polar F6. Not cheap but I had read the reviews and it seemed like the one that was right for me. It let's you know what intensity you're working out at (even has an annoying beep if you are above or below your target zone) and based on you height and weight and level of intensity, tells you how many calories you burned during your workout. OK, I used it yesterday - everything worked well. I used it today and apparently pushed the wrong button when done with my workout because it did not record my stats for today!!!! AGH! Now don't think I am going to go back and do the workout all over again just so it is recorded - it's not going to happen as I had used my heaviest weights and I am pooped. Will just have to figure out how to use the darn thing before tomorrow morning - at least it is a holiday today and maybe I will find a little time to sit down and read through the instructions!

When taking my daughter back to college last week, we were doing a little smack talk. I told her by Christmas I was going to be one Hot Momma and she just laughed. Since she is working on loosing weight as well, we have a little challenge going on. We both weighed before she left and we were within .2 lbs of each other. Now for a 19 yr old, having a mom that was always really overweight, that did not sit well so......If she wins, I will take her to get some new clothes. If I win, I'll have bragging rights and may ask her if she wants to have my old clothes that will all be too big by then.

I hope everyone is having a great holiday and that all of our personal lives settle back down a little going into the fall. Last month was rough!

Hey ladies.

Lester---hope you make your workout. Sounds like you had a good night!

Connie---how fun with a HRM; I know Lester wears one. I've never had one...maybe someday. Now, are you SURE you don't want to redo your workout? Just kidding.

I didn't sleep well at all (of course, one day I CAN sleep in) and frankly, I'm exhausted, but what are ya gonna do? I'm off to the gym in a few for a quick warm up and then 60 minutes of weights...not on my list of fun workouts. Then, I'll meet Kevin and the kids for some bike riding---still trying to get Vicky off her training wheels. Home to make some picnic foods for dinner (kids favorites: wings and pigs in a blanket) and we'll have a picnic dinner---no soccer practice tonight!

Planned the wedding shower I have to host with SIL last night---not too much work food wise. Mid-afternoon (in early Nov) and we're having punch (alcohol and plain), sodas, etc...finger food totally: shrimp cocktail, trays of veggies, fruits, cheeses, gf crackers, nuts, olives, dips....I'll make a few loaves of gf bread and cut into cubes and slices to use for dipping and/or spreading. You know how you see those bread bowls with dip in the middle? well, I'm skipping the bread bowl part, but will make cubes and dill dip...lets see, meat roll ups (basically turkey, ham, and roast beef rolled around a filling), crab stuffed mushroom and celery, and hummus with gf pita like bread. Desserts is this chocolate squares thing (totally decadant), key lime and lemon squares, mini-pumplin breads, and raspberry mousse shots (small shot like glasses)...It's all gf and that --in addition to it being YUMMY---is what matters to me.

Best news, SILs will split cost with me. That helps. There are 3 SILs (not including mother of bride), but only 1 SIL lives near me, so she'll help with food and set up, but at least the others will send me $$.

I know, here I'm talking about food, but that's the big thing for me coming up. Hubby is in his budget process and works nearly every weekend for the next month (long story, but they changed his budget process from March to Sept...and we found out, oh...THURSDAY...which just SUCKS with soccer and all the stuff we have to do).

I'm with Connie---just want a normal Sept. Nothing but routine stuff going on!

hi everyone,

happy september. can not believe where this year has gone.

exercise has been going well at the new gym. decided step class is not for me. like the body pump and the cardio blast class best.
food is a struggle but i manage ok. like lester i try not to deprive myself and make some good choices.
maintaing my weight bet 145 and 148. would like to keep it at around 135 but that is life. i will not obsess about it , that is my mantra.

sitting here feeling sorry for myself. i feel like crap. thought i battling sinus crap and i think it is a full fledge cold/flu. was gonna hit the gym but i can not breathe and that makes it hard to walk/run on the treadmill. would go do weight machines but then i would have to wipe/disinfect each one after using it. i am so concious about the germ thing. having worked in a hospital for 30yrs i am constantly washing my hands and washing down everything. you know i am that person who wipes down a machine before and after i use it cause some people never wipe down anything.

so here i sit on the sofa waiting for the cold meds to kick in.

lester-hope you made your workout and the ankle is ok. as always it sounds like you made wise food choices.

jen-can i come to that bridal shower. lol. the menu sounds wonderful and healthy choices will be available. you mentioned that your clothes fit different. besides checking your fat, have you measured yourself. sounds like you lost inches. inches are good cause you know that means smaller clothes sizes.
hope you survive budget month. it is always hard to shoulder all the running around with the kids. enjoy soccer that is one thing i really miss since of course my son is now 25. he played soccer for 15yrs.

connie- i am the same way with gadgets. it always takes me a while to figure which buttons to push and when. i always give my son stuff to show me how to do it. the darn kids never even look at the darn directions. lol.
good luck with the competition with your daughter, it will be fun to both get healthy and have each other as a buddy to keep you going.

jeseth-hope you are having a good weekend.

beth-are ya out there? hope you are well.

everyone else have a great day.

hugs
patty

Jen,

Thanks for starting the new thread. Although I hate to see summer come to an end, I think it is a good time for all of us who are trying to make a fresh start -- sort of like starting school every year -- you get to start fresh.

I read your final posts on the August thread and I am so sorry for the disappointing loss. I totally agree that it seems so unfair since you have really been sticking to plan during a very tough time. I know if it happened to me, I would feel like just throwing in the towel and going back to old habits like bingeing. So I am just here to tell you to hang in there. I think it is a good idea to change your WI day. I also always WI on Fri or Sat because those days just work for me. Also, if you are really missing the cardio, and committed to this new plan, ask Alvin how you can work more in to your program. All I know is cardio burns fat, and that in combination with your new weight lifting regimen, may work. Plus, I know from my recent injury just how much I miss the endorphins you get from a great cardio work out -- and it sounds like you could use some too.

Your shower sounds great, and splitting the cost helps.

Lou,
I am always amazed at how bust your life is -- sorry the dance place had closed, but sounds like you survived the Mexican dinner in tact. Chips, salsa and queso are definitely my down fall!! Plus, the margaritas.


Patty,
New gym sounds good. I have heard lots of great things about body pump and I want to try a class when my collarbone heals -- really can't lift a bar bell right now...lol!!

Connie,
I also am electronically challenged. I also hope the new monitor helps you become one hot mama. Your stats are so impressive, so keep up the good work.

This weekend has been very good for me -- OP. I had several challenges that in the past I would have binged through, but I did not. I had friends over for dinner last night, and in the past that would have been an excuse for me to buy lots of high calorie junk under the guise....."I need this for my guests." But really I wanted the junk for me so I could eat the leftovers after everyone left. This time, I served a great salad, thin crust veggie pizza I made (not a high-calorie think crust one) and had made SF jello for the kids for dessert. Well everyone loved it, and no one went hungry and I stuck OP. This is huge for me -- to figure out how to stay OP when I am eating with others and entertaining.

Workouts also good. Adding stairs into my workout -- doing stairs in the stadium where I work and that is helping with the intensity. Also, focusing on being focused and intense for 30 minutes on the exercise bike -- and not just spinning my wheels.

Still looking at another 6 weeks for my collarbone to heal, but in some ways this has helped me focus on my eating since I can't resort to exercising to "work things off."

Hope everyone enjoys the long weekend. I know I needed the extra day

I made my workout! Yea! There were 49 people in class... CRAZY!!! Don't know how many at 9:15... probably close to that number. Typical good-size class is 25... busy weekends are 35.

I agree with everyone else... here's to a "normal" September!! My traveling is over. My vacation is over. Time to buckle down and knock off some of this "fluff" before the holidays.

Jen, I just read your vent on the Aug thread and it was definitely warranted. I too would be furious and in fact am quite frustrated for you as well. No one has worked harder or deserves to lose more. I'm grasping at straws for you. My gut tells me that you're still not eating enough calories, but wait and see what Alvin does.

Just sent Alvin an email with my loss history for the last 5 weeks...and telling him that I'm quite discouraged and disappointed. I really dislike "admitting" failure---failure in the sense the scale isn't moving, because I just don't know why it isn't.

Its super hard to stay positive and say to myself "focus on good habits" ..."see how your clothes fit"..."be persistant and patient..."

Right now, here is the thing that worries me: I've lost belief that this will work...when I started 5 weeks ago, I was very gung-ho and into it. Now, I am not. I really enjoy my workouts with Alvin. I know I should do weights too, so while I don't like doing the weights, I know I need to. But, I'm just disheartened right now.

I committed to Alvin for 12 weeks. Well, I had hoped I'd loose about 20 lbs in those 12 weeks---not unreasonable I thought. The way I'm going, I'll be lucky if its 12...Sure, I can say "oh, a 1 lb a week is what you want to see, etc..." But, I'm NOT seeing a 1 lb per week or anything close. THis is what I've sent to Alvin....

Here is my loss since I started:

Week before startging: 7/27: 177.4
Week 1 8/1: 172.4 (-5.0 lbs)
Week 2 8/10: 171.6 (-0.8 lbs)
Week 3 8/17: 172.0 (+0.4 gain)
Week 4 8/24: No WI, out of town
Week 5 8/31: 171.4 (-0.6)

So, I'm down 6 lbs, most of that in the first week, rest back to the "old" and annoying up and down thing.

I weighed in this morning for the first time in a week or so. Not toooo bad... 173 26% bf. I'll feel better at 165, so back on track for me today.

Sounds like you did great at dinner! I just can't seem to avoid the margaritas and chips, and I know that it's all good in moderation. It's just that moderating that's so hard sometimes!!!!



I love my HRM, I got the Polar one at JC, too. Haven't used it as much lately, I just stick to the cardio workouts at the gym, and try to keep my heartrate up by checking it on the machines. I used it more when I worked out at home.

I wish your daughter well in your little "competition." It's so hard in college though. I remember the freshman 10 !!!!



Patty - hope you're feeling better! Nothing worse than a summer cold!


WI tonight, but not expecting big results. We have been having a summer kitchen built on our new patio, with the big florida screen enclosure. IT was supposed to be a 4-6 week project that took over 13 weeks!!! They finally got it finished on Sunday, so we had to kind of break it in, right? Had too many brewskis with our neighbors on Friday, then an impromptu cookout, just burners, salad, and fries. DH made me a small burger, light wheat bun, a couple of fries, and salad with light viniagrette dressing. All was good except the many adult beverages. Ooops!

I've been very proud of my food choices, even when going off plan. When I do stray, it's just a bite or two, just for the taste of something. I'm hoping for a pound tonight, that would be very encouraging after the holiday weekend!!!

Jen, think I figured out Alvin - he's your trainer, right? I can understand your frustration, from reading old posts. Have a nice heart to heart with him and see if he can offer any words of wisdom?

Lester, how do you check your BF? Do you use the scale for that? I just don't know how accurate mine is?

Kara,

Quickly: Yes, Alvin is my trainer...When JC wasn't working anymore at all, everyone was telling me that I was working out too much (and too much cardio) and that I should cut back and eat more.

I decided to stop JC foods and get a trainer, who is giving me a nutrition plan along with his workout. I workout with him 1x per week and the rest of the time, I follow the workouts he designs: 2x per week are weights only and 2x per week is just cardio (and no longer than about 50 mins on the cardio). That is it.

The first week was great: lost 5 lbs! Second week, only 0.8, but after a 5 lb loss, to be expected...then, you'll see I had a total stall out, just like on JC. My food plan is around 1300 calories, very high protein, good carb, low fats...I figured it out and on average I have about on the day, of course, but gunerally around 45-50% protein calories, 30% carb, and the rest (20-25%) is fat.

I can feel a difference in my body, even with only 6 lbs of loss, but its very frustrating that the same thing that happened on JC is now happening here...And, I have been medically checked out (July of this year)---there is no medical reason like thyroid, undiagnosed Celiac or metabolic thing going on.

Hi Kara - not Lester here but here is a web-site that I found that has a BF calculator - http://www.sheerbalance.com/lean_body_mass.html

I have a scale very similar to the one sold at JC - Tanita brand - that shows BF and it comes up with something much higher than what this web-site shows. Don't know which one is correct but I just monitor what the numbers are saying to determine if I am progressing in the right direction or not. I have thought about going to a local gym to have it professionally measured but haven't gotten around to that yet.

Great workout this morning - actually figured out how to use the HRM this time. Says I burned 378 calories. Since I have no clue as to how many calories I was burning before, don't really know if that is good or bad - workout was 45 minutes so, will just start tracking from here.

Lester, since you have used a HRM in the past, do you have a number that you shoot for? How long are your workouts?

Well, I had that wonderful WI yesterday. As far as official JC weight, was up 2#s - and that was since last weigh in which was on 8/4. Based on what my home scale had said on the 24th though, when my daughter and I had our "unofficial" official weigh-in, was actually down 6.2 #s. Eating has been so sporadic as far as weight loss goes over the past several months and like Jen, I am not currently eating JC food. I am much more focused now on getting back on track and have been planning my meals out on a weekly basis.

Although I would like to ultimately loose more weight, I am OK with were I am at and you will notice, I have changed my "signature" to reflect my current attitude. Main goal at this point is to keep improving fitness-wise and not to go backwards on the scale.

Hope you are all having a great day!

I'm open to opinions about this, of course, but I'm going to do what Alvin says. He was very quick in getting back to me and here is what he says for my food.

It time to provide you with a high carb cheat meal. I need you to consume a high carb meal that has a collective total close to 105 - 110g of carbs. The meal should not exceed 600 calories. Here is an example below:

Must Do During Lunch Time or Early in the Day:
Lean Cuisine Chicken Club Panini - 44g of Carbs, 350 Calories (available at Shnucks, Dierbergs & Walgreens on Telegraph rd.)
1 large banana - 31g of Carbs, 121 Calories 20 fl. oz. regular Gatorade bottle - 32g of Carbs, 125 Calories
Total: 107g of Carbs, 596 Calories

I also need you to consume ALL your regular meals for that day as well! DO NOT SUBSTITUTE THIS MEAL FOR ANY OTHER MEAL BUT ADD IT ON AS AN EXTRA MEAL FOR THAT DAY! This is a must in order to shock your body into losing more fat and weight!

I plan to do this tomorrow...my bkfast is JC Maple nut hot cereal (one of two JC things we kept), lunch is 4 oz turkey and salad (I'll do that at about 11 am)...workout from 12-1...then cheat meal at about 1:30 at my desk...snacks for the day is 2 oz almonds, 1 cup cantelope; dinner is 6 oz salmon and 4 oz sweet potato.

I've been totally OP today, which, for those who (don't really) care = 1 cup 1% cottage cheese and 2 cups of strawberries for bkfast; lunch = packet of tuna with salad; snacks = apple and peanut butter protein bar (my other JC carryover); and dinner = 8 oz chicken, 2 cups of brocolli, and 1 cup of brown rice.

So, after that, I'll get right back OP for Thursday...I think I'll skip WI on Friday and go a Sunday one again, just because 2 days after this huge meal, I don't want to step on a scale, honestly!

Edit to add: another email from Alvin: he expects 3-5 days before any loss might show up, so I'm definately skipping the scale on Friday.

Re HRM... I don't have specific goals going into a workout, but I use the numbers afterwards to assess how I felt physically during it. For example, if I'm on stage for a high-impact song, I'll expect my HR to be 175-180 (I think my max recommended is 182). If not, my max is usually around 155. Average throughout the entire hour is about 130-135 for a good workout, 120 for a lesser-so. I also expect my HR to drop to 90 when I hit the floor for the strength work. I like to see that I burned 50-55% calories from fat, but if I got a little crazy (letting my HR climb), it's sometimes as low as 35%.

Re caloric balance... When I'm on my own diet-wise, I'm aiming for 50% carb, 25% protein, 25% fat. Just as a point of reference. I'm looking to get more protein, but at least 25% seems to work ok. South Beach has a high protein cereal bar that's decent... 10 g protein! I don't think I'd be able to do the high protein stuff very easily... hat's off to you, Jen, for sticking with it!

Re body fat... I have a Tanita scale that I bought through JC. I don't know for certain how accurate it is as I've never done any other test, but it's consistent. You have to be careful about reading too much into the numbers though. They're only accurate when averaged over time (like a month). I know that the day after a massage, my body fat spike by several points (which can be discouraging). However, it's all based on 100% divided up into a pie... one slice is body fat, one slice is water, the other slice is bones/organs/etc. When my body fat is 25%, my water is 52%, leaving 23% for the other stuff. On massage days, water drops to 49%, since the other part didn't change (23%), body fat has to be 30%. I obviously didn't gain 5% body fat, I'm just dehydrated. So, you have to know yourself and what parts you're impacting.

go for it jen.
patty

I can't wait to hear how this works for you. My fingers and eyes are crossed!

Real quick-eating was not good this weekend. Scale said 168 this morning and I have my JC wi thursday. I really hate to see a gain. Have been doing some thinking today. Just really upset with myself and how I have just been doing some"i dont care eating"
I didn't workout Sunday or monday but got back into it this evening. Jogged for 15 minutes straight and then yoga.

I will address everone in the morning! Hope all is going well!!

Hey everyone!

I work out at Gold's gym 5 days a week, taking the weekends off. Doing cardio with the arc trainer and treadmill (running) M, W, F and the bike and weights on T and Th. I've been toning up with my abs the past few weeks, so now it's time to get into crunch mode.

Patty, I didn't like the step class either, I was in Body Flow for months, but I dropped out in July and haven't been back.

I've dropped 8" and 7 pounds since the end of July. I've been working out since February though.

Just wanted to drop in and say hey! I'm glad there's this thread to help keep me motivated!

Welcome Sara - glad to have you join us.

Jen, we must have been posting at the same time so I missed your Alvin update. I think it's a fantastic plan! It's at least something new to try! You're one of the only people I know that doesn't go overboard now and then (except for that binge eating at night, which it sounds like you have under control, or at least lock and key! ). Hang tough, chickie. You have all of us behind you!!! xoxo

Jeseth, be kind to yourself on the weekend eating. Sometimes we chose things that go against what's important to us. All you can do is learn and move on.

Decent workout for me tonight. Couldn't get the instructor to turn the music up loud enough though. Burned almost 400 calories, 50% fat, so no complaints. No strength class this week... don't know what to do with myself! Yes, I know I could do stuff at home, but I think taking the break is a good idea.

I'm having a minor pity party for myself tonight. Went to the dermatologist for a follow-up today. He refroze a wart that I have on the inside knuckle of my right hand ring finger (one I use A LOT!). He did a round a month or 6 weeks ago... it fell off, but regrew. Another treatment two weeks ago. It fell off again today, but he refroze the remaining core. And it HURTS!! It's hurt every time. The two moles I had removed are doing well at least. Can't whine too much... hubby had a cyst removed from his right wrist and had the stitches removed today. It'll all be good when it's over.

Hey everyone...

Well, I'm going to follow Alvin's plan. Got my food for the day...its a SW chicken panini, not the club (funny, they were on sale this week--4 for $10, so like the shelves were EMPTY from the weekend---no chicken club panini, and I got the last SW one, lol), but its 330 cals and 44 gr carbs, so right in there with what he was looking for...And, I'll eat the banana...I'm not a huge fan of them---Ummm, can I skip the banana and gatorade and have a brownie? OK, didn't ask him that, lol, but I'd LOVE a brownie or something really chocolatey. Today will be cicruit session #2. Weights.

I'm going to skip WI on Friday, but will go again on Sunday. So, I'll have T, F and Sat after today's body shock, but I'm not expecting results (as in loss) by then, really. Alvin sent me another email and said it would take 3-5 days to start seeing the results, really, so don't get all discouraged...And, he reitereated: take a really good multivitamin and drink a TON of water.

WELCOME SARA! Always nice to have a new workout-er. Sounds like you have a really good plan going with JC and the gym and your losses are amazing.

Lester...pity parties are necessary at times. I do feel for you---those removals can't be fun at all and having to REDO them just sucks. Glad you were able to get your workouts in..I like the music nice and loud too during spinning and some instructors just don't turn it up enough. I've never figured out my Body Fat on the Tatina scale, honestly...Its always near 40%...when I go to the gym and they use a fancy machine thing that you hold, it measures undeer 30%, so go figure.

Kara...how did WI go? You are really makding some good food choices and adult beverages always do some water weight "damage"...drink water, lots and lots..it'll flush it out...too cool on the new deck! I've always wanted a really nice one!

Jeseth...try not to be too hard on yourself during this time. It has been a very emotional few months for you and it never easy when it comes to food. Focus on taking care of yourself...if that means getting on the scale (or doing it backwards?) and getting back on track with JC foods...then great...if it means for now just getting some workouts in...then do that.

Connie...glad you figured out the HRM thingy. You are developing the baseline and you'll be able to see improvement from here...GOOD FOR YOU for changing your goal to reflect what fits into your life for now! THat is what is so important...if it doesn't work in your life, it isn't something you can sustain.

I have lots to do at work, so I'd better get going. I know I've been very frustrated (and probably frustrating you all with my whining and venting) about trying to loose. I'm trying to be positive---I wore a pair of pants yesterday that I could hardly button when I started with Alvin and the slacks I'm wearing now are almost too big to wear (they were slightly loose when I started with Alvin---they were snug at 180, when I got that high; started with Alvin at 177). I know those are positive changes, but gosh be darn it, I want to see that scale move.

The best thing that has come out of this, probably, is that I'm doing different workouts...ok, I don't like it, but I'm doing it. I hope to continue it too---I know weights are so important from a health standpoint and as I get older, I need to keep the resistance work up.

Well, better get going. Have a good Wednesday.

Jen-GREAT JOB!!! Don't you just love loose fitting pants!! SO much better than when they are getting tight.
Sounds like you should give Alvin that whole 12 weeks you said you would. The success may not be showing on the scale like you would like but it is showing up in your clothing. Thank you for your kindness, I did weigh backwards a few weeks ago.

WOW-I can't believe that we are already on page 2 and it is only September 3!! That is great!!

Sara-Welcome. It does sound like you have a good plan going on!!

Lester-I had a wart on the bottom of my foot, right on the heel(TWICE). One time, froze off the other time cut off. They do hurt!! Oh-thanks for you kind words!!


Patty-good to hear from you. This summer is going sooo fast. Hard to believe it is September.

Kara, Connie and to everyone else hope things are going wonderfully!!

Ok-I got Seth senior pics back yesterday. They turned out really good. Some of course are not, but you always have a few that you look at and say "mmm, not that one or that one!" I now have the task of getting them to our families to pick out what they want. Dh ask how much this is going to cost. They are not cheap, but I told him I think we should pay for a 5x7 for family members and if they want anything else they will pay for it. This is what I did with Jesse's. I am sad to think that my mom will not be here to pick them out and she always orders so many!! My dad will look at them and say it doesn't matter whatever you think. I am fine with that, but sad that mom will not be here for all of the things Seth will be doing his senior year. She was his biggest fan!!

Jesse left for college Saturday morning. You can tell he is getting older. His first year we took him up moved him in and put things together in the dorm. Second year pretty much the same thing, moving him into the apartment. This year however, said our good byes in the kitchen of our house and it was pretty much, see ya later, drive safely!!! He was able to leave things in the apartment so only had to take clothes back to school. And he has the most cloths of any boy I have ever seen in my life!!

Sunday I went to church, it has been a while, no one thought I was a visitor so that was good. Then came home and cleaned closest!! It may sound terrible but I love the way they look now. So much better. I love the simple things in life, a clean closest, I go in a just take a look at it and am in heaven!!!
Went to dh sisters 25th ann. Had a great time. Some one started dancing(it was in their back yard) and we danced most of the night. Had a blast!!

Tonight I have my cardio class at 5 then toning at 6. I am thinking about going in at 4:30 and jog for a bit.
They do do step in my cardio class. They mix it up, step, weights, and so on. I only will put one step under it. They try to put more under for me but really don't want to ever go up to more. The ladies are nice and sometime will get stuff ready for ya if your running late. I just think I can get a good safe workout with out having to step up on two or three steps to do. Prevention of injury is key.

Have a great Wednesday!!

Hi Ladies --

Been really busy at work, so apologies if I miss anyone.

Jen,
Go for it. Sounds interesting, but definitely sounds like your body needs something new. I know how frustrating this can be and hope Sunday will be better!! Congrats on the pants fitting!!

Lou,
Sorry for the warts. I have had several bouts with skin cancer and I know the pain of having your skin frozen -- OUCH!!!

Jeseth -
Good luck with the WI. I also hate to see a gain, but the important thing is you are going. I have a tendency to stay away from the scale when I gain and that does not help me keep things in check. I also am going for my WI Saturday and thought about cancelling, because I had a day where I fell back to my old habits -- emotional eating. But seeing your posts inspired me to stick with it and go. I have gotten right back on track after that slip (which was actually a free fall), and I determined to make this a lifestyle, not just a diet.

Sara,

Welcome. Always good to have new friends join us.

This week has been very up and down. I have had lots of social and work functions that I survived great -- much better than I would have done months ago. I had one tough day -- labor day actually -- when I was feeling very sad and emotional and turned to food. But with the help of Jen (who I PMed). I was able to get right back on track. My first thought was to cancel my Saturday WI because I would see a gain, but I did not. I know that will not help me and only puts me in the mindset of all or nothing – which this lifestyle change is not about.

My workouts are great -- still just walking, doing stairs and recumbent bike -- but at least I can move. I aim for about 90 days of movement a day, and focusing on intensity.
Docs says at least 6 more weeks in this brace. UGGGHH!! He is a team doctor for some professional football teams, who told me he has seen linebackers with less severe breaks who complain about the pain more than me. I guess I am tough!!!

Thanks for all the support ladies.


Kathy

What a day. Busy, busy at work, but that is good…the honeymoon is over, lol…had my “cheat” meal and, tell me, how can I be hungry? But, I am, lol. Really, for the day I’ll just have about 1900 calories, so its not like a huge feast at all. And, eating it mid day I understand, but for my mental and binge control, I’d have rather eaten it at 7 pm. Let me tell you, however, I still really don’t like bananas.

Did a weight session today---would have preferred cardio, but oh well. Now, just like the first week on the plan and like the last 2 week prior to my WI on Sunday, I must stick to the meal plan perfectly, which is really tough. I love to look at the boards when people are now complaining of variety and I want to say, hey, try this.

What I miss the most is burgers and big ol’ plates with a ton of veggies topped by some entrees. I do miss eating a lot of veggies---I get a lot of salad, but all plain and the veggies I can top it with are limited really to celery, radishes, cucumbers and an occassional tomato. I eat it to fill up.

Kathy…glad to see you here today! Hang tough. You are doing so well getting in movement with the injury…just be careful!!! And, as always…you always have the choice…even if the last choice, 2 seconds ago was a bad one, you CAN make the next one a good choice.

Jeseth…so MUCH going on for you! You are one busy woman and yet, here you are cleaning out closets…actually, I totally KNOW what you mean about enjoying it when its just so clean and neat…I have a lot of mess in my closets from the kitchen cabinets/pantry to our bedroom, and really want to spend a few days just cleaning them out! Hopefully soon, but who knows? Enjoy your classes tonight! as for pictures, …Brian never takes good pictures, but Vicky nearly always does, go figure!

And yes, I’m giving Alvin 12 weeks because its paid for already! I did that on purpose---I paid upfront for 12 full weeks so that I couldn’t say bleep it if this happened. It would be very easy to give up, but then, what WOULD I do? I have NO idea. And, that is 12 weeks of meeting him, so right now, techinically, it becomes 13 weeks, as I had to miss one when I went to NJ…

Well, time to get going here.

Just wanted to report some good news.

I came home from work today and was straving!! I had already eaten my lunch around 11 so I decided to have a banana(which jen-I love-LOL) and make myself a pot of coffee-1/2 caff and 1/2 non caff-anyway, poured it over ice put in some sf vanilla syrup and skim milk. Had myself an ice latte!! Very good and need pig out like I felt like doing!!!!!

Kathy-good for you one your workouts!! I know what you mean about eating emotionally!! Boy do I know!! Glad you over came it!!

Jen-Sorry the honemoon is over. Getting back to work after being gone for a while is always hard and busy.

Gotta go-just wanted to share my good "latte" news

Workout was good this morning. Busy day with work - met with my boss and then had an appointment in the afternoon. I was proud of myself - while out and about I almost made a pit stop to pick up one of my favorite snacks that is not on plan (an emotional thing) but I told myself that I really did not need it and stopped and got a coffee instead.

Jeseth - that latte sounds wonderful. I may have to try one this evening for my snack. Coffee never does anything to me as far as keeping me awake so...

Jen - glad to hear the day of eating went well. I'm sure you will make it through the rest of the week with no problems! And boy, it sure is nice when those pants are loose.

Jeseth - if you have some spare time, I have some closets that need cleaning I hear you about the cost of senior pictures. I remember when my kids were finishing up high school, it seemed like senior year was just one expense after another! I guess it's was still cheaper than college which is were my two kids are now! It sounds like your older son and my son are the same age (third year of college?) Keith, didn't even come home this past summer and just stayed at school and got a job there. Maybe the fact that his girlfriend was there too had something to do with it. (?)

Kathy - I am so impressed that you are able to get your workouts in. With what you went through, that shows real dedication. Back when I did JC in the 90's I pretty much fell of the wagon after I had been in a car accident and broke my thumb (oooo - that's really a good reason to stop working out - not!)

Lester - hope your hand is feeling better today.

To anyone I missed, hope you had a great day!

Decent workout tonight. Lame set. 375 calories 50% fat.

Finger feels much better today, thankfully! Thanks for the well-wishes... you all always make me feel better

More work challenges for me this week. We lost another analyst in our department and I'll be assuming some of her duties. It's all good and a great opportunity for my personal growth, but puts me out of my comfort zone. And it's the seventh person that I have lost and absorbed work from in the past year! No replacements! My annual review is up next week, so I am hopeful. Bonuses are going to be abysmal this year, so additional salary would be appreciated!

Looking forward to Friday (massage day)!!

Good morning-yucky,rainy morning here. Only suppose to be in the 60's!! Had to get my jeans out.

Last night I had a great workout. Ran one mile then my off to my class more toning than cardio(hurt my back doing a new move!!) took it easy in the next class, my toning class. I got home took a hot bath, then iced it. Better today but feels stiff and tight. Not to bad.

Today is my wi, I printed out my menu. I dont really need to get to much since the weekend was so bad I didn't really eat alot of JC food. I will see how the wi goes. Feeling much better than a few days ago just hope I can do well this weekend. I hope to post more and keep you updated and drive you all crazy. But I need to get past the weekend with one good one under my belt.

Lester-glad your fingers are doing better. Hope your review goes well and I think you deserve a raise. Tell I said they should give ya one, I am sure I have some pull there.

connie-Yes my Jesse is same age as your Keith. I think Jesse is looking at staying up at school next summer, he is hoping for an intern. of some kind. He worked for us this summer and his gf came home from college this summer as well. they go to the same one and the same high school. She grad in 2009 so she will be looking for work soon. The are getting married in the fall of 2010.

Well I plan to work out tonight by doing my toning class and I want to run a quick mile. Also want to go to a volleyball game tonight at our school.

Talk to you all later. I will update you on my wi.

Must be strong tonight...I'm hungry and man does food, any food sound super good. I need another perfect week on Alvin's plan here. But, its so hard sometimes. But, I made it through making lunches and dinner for everyone else with not a french fry (nuggest and fries for dinner with carrots and strawberries) or cracker making its way into my mouth (made them both lunchables for lunch tomorrow---Brian won't eat the gluten ones from the store, says they are gross---so I do our own used Nut thin crackers, glutino crackers (like a ritz), deli meat, cheese, yummy cookies and fruit).

I eat a salad with the family, along with my nuts for the day and half my dinner protein. At about 7, after I send the kids upstairs, I'll have my brown rice, brocolli and rest of the chicken..if I at that at 5:30, I'd be totally starved by 9, so I need to eat a bit later. Then, I'll 2 cups of strawberries and 1/2 cup of cottage cheese for "dessert".

Gotta go. Just feeling weak right now because even though I ate, I'm hungry!

Jen hope you made it passed your rough moment.

WI for me went ok, up .6 could have been much worse. But I am fine with it. It is was it is. I am feeling strong about the weekend. We are eating out with friends saturday night. Primerib. Which I am not a fan of so I will either just eat before I leave and have a salad while i am there or order a chicken sandwich once I get there. Not sure yet.

Workout for me was ok. Had a headache. Got to the gym 30 minute before my toning class so I could get my run in. But when I got there the local cross country team was using almost all of the treadmills!! Only one left and it is one that i never use. So I ask the guy at the front desk if this was a common thing, if it is I will make sure not to come at 4 anymore. He said it wasn't, said he was sorry, but I wasn't bad or anything just surprised. I really wanted to run but jump on the ellips instead. (the treadmill that was not in use is small and just an older, yuckie style.

Hope everyone is having a nice evening. Eating was for me was good today.

Well, I did wind up with about 1 1/2 cups of skim milk last night (warm milk). It has really been helping me sleep. UGH. I need to give it up...that's about 135 calories total. Could have been worse, of course.

I did do a WI number this morning because I'm going to change my WI day to my Tanita scale (sp?) at home on Fridays. Now, when I WI at JC, I have clothes on and when I'm at home, I usually weigh just in my undies. And, I've done a comparison and my home scale is 0.2 lbs more than JC. The clothes I WI with are 0.8.

All that said: My WI this morning was 171.0 (naked). So, essentially, that is no loss for the week; technically its a 0.2 gain, but really 0.2 gain nothing I consider a loss or a gain---I expected that, but hoped, even with the one big meal day on Wednesday.

So, now I have my number for next week. Of course, next week is my TOM week, ugh, which is NEVER a good WI. I do plan to go to JC one more time on Sunday to see what the number is there. I still just don't understand why I cannot loose with what I'm eating. Yesterday I had:

1 cup of egg beaters cooked with some onions and green peppers; 1/2 cup cottage cheese (1%); 4 oz chicken with salad (no dressing); 1 oz almonds; 8 oz chicken with 1 cup brown rice and 2 cups brocolli; 2 cups of strawberries. Then 1 1/2 cups skim milk. I always add more salad---but the salad is lettuce, cucumbers, radishes and celery only---no starchy veggies really at all.

Today will be JC maple nut hot cereal; 4 oz turkey with salad; 2 oz almonds (or 1 oz almonds and 1 cup of cottage cheese); 1 cup cantelope; 6 oz salmon and 4 oz sweet potato. I do add salad as I note above because if I didn't, I'd be double starving.

I'm just really trying so hard at this and to me, a 1 1/2 cup serving of skim milk can't be doing me in! I have to admit, if the food literally wasn't locked up in the pantry, I'd have fallen off the wagon here. But, that doesn't bother me, the lack of loss does.

Kevin said "I can tell you lost weight...no, wait...let me say it this way: I can tell you body is changing." OK, he is right. My clothes are looser and the scale SHOULD be lower, but its not. Yesterday I wore a new pair of pants--slacks--that had been too tight when I started (size 12)...they were tight all day and it made me feel fat, honestly. I'm wearing my jeans now (super loose at size 12---I don't worry too much about the number...go figure on different brands) and I feel mentally better. My tighter size 12s (I have 2 pair that I can wear to work now---one tan and one black, which is good because I desparately need variety in work clothes, but won't buy bigger ones) are now my "yardstick"---I want those suckers to become loose.

Sorry this is all about me. Will get back to y'all later. I have my session with Alvin today. One thing---I still enjoy working out with him alot. Its hard, but fun.

Good morning everyone!! Happy Friday.

Jen-I am so glad you are fitting better in your clothes! and Kevin is the one who knows your body better than anyone and is good judge when he tells you that your body is looking different for better!!!

The plan for the day is to eat 100% on plan. We have local high school football game tonight(plan on going along as long as it doesn't rain.) I will bring my JC popcorn along with water and maybe coffee. That depends on how cold it is suppose to be. I should be able to be home in enough time from work to get some laundry done and jump on the bike for a good 30-45 minute bike ride, that will be my workout for the day.

Just wanted to check in. Hopefully this will help me stay on track for the weekend.I plan on checking in later!!!

Jen,
I am so glad you made it through last night. You did not binge, and having the food locked in the pantry is not a sign of weakness, rather a sign of strength because it shows you know what you need for yourself right now.

I honestly can't figure out why you are not losing. I know you are brutally honest about everything that you eat, and it is not enough to cause a gain.

For right now, try as best you can to focus on how much better you feel when not bingeing, and that your clothes are fitting better. To throw in the towel would only make you feel worse -- mentally and physically. Please hang tough -- we are all here for you.

Jeseth,
Congrats on the WI. .6 is nothing. I have my WI tomorrow, and after my slip on Labor Day, I have stayed OP the rest of the week. But that slip was a major free fall so I think I may also see a again. But I am really proud I am still going for WI. A few months ago I was so caught up in the all or nothing diet routine. If I slipped I would just overeat for days, and say I'll do JC next week. Problem was next week never came. I know what I am trying to eat through (will talk about that later), and I know food is not the answer.

So this time I am trying to recover from slips by getting back OP ASAP and really dealing wiht the issues that led me to overeat in the first place. Not easy, but a much healthier lifestyle than strict dieting and then bingeing.

I am soooo enjoying my workouts after weeks of not being able to do anything. I am headed to a yoga class this evening to put the stress of the week behind me. Long walk this morning with stairs (about 90 minutes) and exercise bike.

I will report in how tomorrow goes, but I am committed to hanging in there. I am proud and happy to be back here again. I feel like my motivation is different this time. Not so much how I want to look or what jeans I want to fit into, but how I want the quality of my life to be.

Kathy

Hello everyone! It's friday afternoon and I have 60 minutes until the day ends at work. Then "happy hour"---aka my workout with Alvin. I always joke that on Fridays after work one should head over to a happy hour place (bar), but somehow that is NOT my happy hour.

Lester---hope you are getting a massage today...sounds like work is just piling on the responsibilities, which is tough...you are definately giving work your all!

Kathy---SO HAPPY that you are back on track and going into WI this weekend. It is a victory not to let one day become a downward spiral. As I keep telling myelf, no matter what my LAST choice was, I can make my NEXT one a good one. And, I can only IMAGINE the wonderful feeling of being active after forced inactivity.

Jeseth---I'm glad you are able to accept the 0.6 for what it is and move onto eating well this weekend. Isn't it annoying when you get to the gym and can't do what you want? I've had that happen a few times.

Connie---hope the week is going well. Weather this weekend should be WONDERFUL--cooler and sunny---hope the ground dries a bit, as we have a soccer game Sat morning.

As for tossing in the towel, well I just can't. I hate that this isn't working...as I said before, its scary, because I am doing what is "right"---my daily calories are about 1300-1400, and that is counting some veggies (Alvin calculates salad and brocolli into my numbers)...but I eat about triple the salad he suggests, but he told me that didn't worry him at all. And, right now I am being brutally honest with what I eat...I do add sweet n low and milk to my tea/coffee, but not that much to make a difference in the end. And, the thing is---I did this all before on JC when I was loosing.

Anyway, I'm just blathering away now to fill the time! Hope everyone has a good weekend!

Interesting conversation and owrkout with Alvin today. Workout is always interesting (and hard), but we talked about my lack of lbs loss, of course.

First, he said---realize that muscles weighs 3x more than fat..didn't realize the discrepency was that big between fat and muscles...still not thinking I'm gaining muscle that fast.

Second--- told me to go with inches as much as possible. He once had a client loose 16 inches and only lost 1 lb! YIKES. I so don't want that to be me, but it does happen. So, I have my new tight pants that I can wear: those need to become loose, loose, loose and then I need to go down a size. I'll go into JC in a few weeks and have them measure me: I was measured right before I started with Alvin by my JCC and she said she'd measure me any time.

Third---he said that he was happy to see just a 0.2 gain from the high carb day. He said if you see a large one or two day gain after eating high carbs, that indicates that the body is hanging on to things and that you are eating too many carbs...that my body was able to process the carbs out effecienty is a good sign.

Fourth---I can WI on Sunday, be he is interested in Tues and Wed numbers mostly.

Fifth---I did do more cardio in NJ than I'm "supposed" to on his plan. That COULD potentially be part of the thing, because my body is too used to that. He even mentioned that we'd have to drop to one day of cardio and add another of weights...(that would be horrible for me honestly and that would be a total last resort in my mind)....I'm like please, no.

Sixth---If I need it, I'll have 1 higher carb meal each week. We'll see how that goes---its all based on what the numbers are doing each week. For now, we need to give this last week time to work.

Finally, he just said to stick to it. So, I'm sticking to it. He is happy that my body is changing and while he knows I want to see loss on the scale, sometimes it doesn't happen like that. Yeah, ummm, I know!

Workout, as I said was hard...dynamic as always...Jen from standard tricept dips to a punching, kicking, and jumping jack thing (holding 5 lb weights in each hand), as I move through the gym. I do 3 sets with him. Each set has 3 exercises that I rotate through before moving onto the next set....Never easy and always muscle-tiring and often, cardio mixed in (like running with the med balls, putting them down, racing to get others), etc. I think the people in the gym think I'm crazy, but heck, its different!

Hey, just got back from the football game. We won 23-15. I took my water, jc popcorn and some raisins. Didn't eat anything else while I was there. came home and had some tomato soup.
Also did a 40 bike ride before we left.
We have a friend that is trying to get rid of her treadmill. Thinking about getting it. We have one at home and it is so old, the belt moves and panel does work either. Our boys use it and so would I so it would be a good purchase for us. It is new with only about 10 miles on it. We will see.
Saturday I plan on going to my toning class at 8 and cardio at 9. then home and dh and I are cleaning out the garage. It is in bad need of a good cleaning!!
Did I tell you that the freezer at my jc center is broke so I could not pick up my frozen food. It was to be fed ex'd to me today, well it did not come yet. I am not sure if fed ex delivers on saturdays or not. I am good with lunches and dinners over the weekend but I will not have a breakfast for sunday or monday. I will need to call the center in the morning and see what is going on.
Kathy-so glad you are weighing in. that is a step in the right direction. It feels good to be on the right path. I will be thinking about you and cheering you on this weekend.
Jen-interesting conversation with alvin. It would be fun to pick his brain and learn as much as you can. the human body is a funny thing isn't it?
Well i am getting tired and should head to bed. Have a great weekend everyone. I will check in Saturday sometime.

Great workouts for me today... 900 calories, 45% fat. Saturdays are always busy, so I am more "on". I'm class manager for both classes, so I greet and check in about 60 people.

All I've done the rest of the day is nap! Think I needed it! Hubby has a gig tonight, so it will be laundry and a jigsaw puzzle with mom. Maybe a little shopping.

Jen... I'm glad you have Alvin. Sounds like he's keeping you on the right track. We're all interested to hear your progress!

Jeseth... If you'd like to come clean my garage next, I'll hook you up! We even have an AC unit in there! (The garage is right next to the kitchen and if we don't keep it somewhat cool, everything in the pantry melts!)

Kathy... I'm with you on focusing on quality of life. We had an old friend visiting last week who hasn't really seen me but once over the past 5 years. He was so amazed at how fit and healthy I was. All I could see was that my jeans were uncomfortable due to the 5 pounds of fluff from too much eating out recently. Hellooooo???? Big picture here!! The quality of my life does not come and go with a few pounds or tight fitting jeans. I know what I need to do to deal with that and I will, in due time. It doesn't diminish what I have accomplished and maintained over the past 5 years.

Hi All - haven't fallen off the face of the earth - just did a whirlwind trip to visit my kids at their colleges this past weekend. Daughter had a "showcase" concert from the stuff she worked on in Canada this summer on Friday night and then I scooted over to my son's college on Saturday as he was being inducted into the School of Business. Both of my kids make me so very proud! Basically about 600 miles of driving for several hours with both of them - oh well ... Got workout in on Friday morning and got one in this morning as well. Took a "rest" day yesterday from workouts. Food has been so so - seems like I have one really good week and then I will have a pretty mediocre week. I head off to Indianapolis tomorrow for business, come home on Tuesday and then the following Monday, I go to Hershey, PA for three days of meetings. BUSY!!!!!

Jen - it sounds like your "carb" day worked pretty well. I know you want to see the results on the scale but it sounds like the fit of the clothes may be a better measure for you. You are doing so much good work - so look for the positives as much as possible.

Lester - all I can say is wow. You are the workout queen! 900 calories - AWESOME - and to think - 405 of those calories came from burning fat - DOUBLE AWESOME!!!!!!

Jeseth - congrats on not only the team winning the football game but your success with good food choices at the game! I would say, if the price is right on the treadmill - go for it if it is one that you like. I have had several treadmills (burnt a couple out over the years) I had one about a year ago that I really did not like. I was going out of town on business all the time and used the nice ones in the hotels where I was staying and decided the one I had was a piece of junk - so I sold it and bought one that I wanted. Great investment!

Kathy - it sounds like you are doing the right thing by going to WI and getting back OP as quickly as possible. It's not always easy but the more you own up to your food decisions and evaluate why you may have "slipped up" the more ammunition you will have the next time that situation creeps up to stay with plan.

Well, have a great day and week - with my upcoming schedule, don't know how much I will be able to check in.

HI all -
Had this great post all written out, sent it and it got lost in cyberspace! UGHHHHH!! Oh well if that is my biggest problem all day, I am pretty lucky!

WI went great -- down 4 lbs. Just goes to prove what Jen says is right, no matter what my last choice, I can always make the next one a good one. I have seen a different JCC every week --lots of staff changes at my center -- and I am getting tired of explaining to each one why I am weighing backwards. Although the JCC I saw yesterday was very new -- she was also very good. Really seemed interested in helping and not just moving me along to my food order.

I took a bit of Lester Lou's advice yesterday and went to buy myself a new pair of jeans. My jeans are a bit too tight for comfort right now, and thought Lou was right when she said we deserve to look and feel great at any weight. Only problem, after finally finding the right style (mid rise, boot cut, tall), they did not have them in my size. I never knew they had so many styles!

Jen,
I hope the WI went OK. I am anxious to hear the results. On thing I did see in your posts was that Alvin's workouts are hard, but FUN! So I am glad you are sticking with it, you deserve some fun.

Jeseth,
I agree with Connie -- go for the treadmill. I am sure you and your boys will use it.

Connie,
Wow - lots of driving. But I know your son and daughter will appreciate it. They sound like they are really doing well and you must be proud. Eating healthy on the road is so hard!

Lou,
How do you figure the calories and fat you burn during your workouts???? I would love to know.

Here's to a great week everyone.

Kathy

Polar heart rate monitor. Best investment I've made. I love it. Use it every workout... have had it about 3 years now. Again, I don't know for certain how accurate it is, but it's consistent. And ballpark is good enough for me.

Decent workout today. It was the boring set from earlier in the week, but I survived. One of the girls my mom used to work with joined. I only met her twice, but she's nice. She's very intense about her workout and wants to do things the right way. So she was asking a bunch of questions about how to do certain moves and what muscles were engaging, all that. It was fun to get to show her up close and explain what was going on. (The instructor was busy chasing her hellion children around the center!)

Now that my vacations are done, I'm back to focusing on reaching my goal. Haven't decided yet if I'm going back on JC 100% or not. May give it a few weeks on my own and see if I can take off some of the vacation fluff myself. I don't usually work towards a specific date, but my 40th birthday seems like a good one. My best friend is also working towards an end-of-year event, so we'll be kicking each other's rear in workouts. She's awesome and extremely goal-driven in both her professional and personal life. "Eyes on the prize!" she always says!

Jen... I could use your party-planning expertise over the next few months too. I'm hoping for about 30-40 at my party, which will be held at my house. We typically do BBQ, wings, chips, veggie platter, etc. BORING!!! Totally want it to be healthy too as that's a major theme in my life! Heck, do you have plans for late January??? Maybe a trip to Phoenix???

Kathy... bummer you didn't find the right jeans. I know how close to impossible it is with all of the choices! I've also learned that you have to try on EVERYTHING!!! Even multiple items in the exact same style and size!! Clothes can be so inconsistent. And while it seems like going up a size in the same style would work, sometimes it's just all wrong. Keep trying though!! I'm sending you good-jeans vibes! And YEA! on the wi!

Connie... sounds like your weekend was well-spent. Good luck with your upcoming travels. I know what you mean by having a good week and then getting off-track again. Especially tough with events and trips. Sometimes you can only do the best you can do and that's good enough!

My strength class resumes on Tuesday. I hate it when we take a week off! We'll have a couple of newbies this session which is good for me. It sounds wrong, but I do better when I'm performing... when I know people are watching me and looking to me to show them the right way. Whatever it takes!

My massage therapist is talking about doing some movement assessments on me. For identifying areas that need strengthening and also areas that need extra attention in massage and stretching to release constraining muscles and adhesions. I wish he'd be my personal trainer!!

Hey all.

WI was, as always lately, disappointing. Down a whoppin 0.2...which is, essentially, nothing. I'm taking my home scale numbers from now on, but did a JC comparison on Sunday. Home scale was at 170.8 (naked) and then the JC scale was at 171.2 (clothes)---both of those are a 0.2 loss over the week. I didn't expect a loss really. I never expect one anymore, which honestly, depresses me. I'm just sick of the scale not moving. Its like no matter what I do. I KNOW I'm supposed to be all positive and happy that my clothes are fitting better, but really, its not something that I do well at all.

Food was not 100% this weekend. Warm milk each night. I've GOT to give this up. Its turned into a "well, if I'm not going to loose, mind as well have something I like each night to help me sleep." This attitude is not going to serve me well, so I have to STOP it. Yesterday, had a few bunches of grapes..probably turned into a serving of fruit on the JC measurement scale. Saturday, don't ask, but wound up with about 300 calories of off plan foods (not including the cup of milk), so total of about 400. I just didn't care anymore because I'm sick of it. Sick, sick, sick.

Well now, this is interesting...just went to put stuff in my car to leave for the gym: Interior light in Kev's car was on (brians door not closed)...so, I tried his car: battery dead. Just woke him up---we gotta jump start the car..not good, of course. Not even sure how we're going to do it, with the garage positioning here...UGH.

Now, might miss spinning. What a mess. Be back later.

What a day. I'm exhausted and its only 6:10 am. I woke up at 3 am and couldn't sleep. Out of bed at 4, so that I could be ready to go at 5...but, as you see from my post above...plans totally messed up.

Well, had to jump start Kevin's car. And, now I need to take the kids to school...let the car run for a while here, but it will be best for him to drive straight to work without stopping for drop off. So, missing spining, which I really needed this morning. Will have to workout at lunch, which messes up my work schedule as I usually don't workout at lunch...during lunch I was going to walk to the bank (about 10 min walk from my office---now gotta figure out how to get to the bank; may have to wait until tomorrow).


Going to try to get to spinning on Wednesday instead. Not sure if I can, as that class isn't until 9 am and I have to clear it with work...I have some comp travel time I need to use, so I would use that...then, I'd go to work afterwards.

Actually, I'm really ok with changing my workouts...I know I won't miss any, just changing them. I'm just ready to go back to bed, but of course, can't. Thought about trying to get to spinning this evening, but Brian has soccer practice and we'll have homework and stuff to try to get done and it just won't work well.

Promise, will read through all the posts and reply to everyone later...I need to get some coffee (I don't make coffee at home---too much of a pain, as I usually would only do it on the weekends and I'm the only one who drinks it...and, normally, I'm not sitting around for 2.5 hours in the morning, lol..we can leave in about 10 for me to take the kids into their morning program.

See ya.

Hello and good morning!! Happy Monday.

I have good news, my "going into" weight is the same as my "coming out of" weekend weight. I weighed myself Thursday and then today and it is the same. GREAT!!
My weekend eating was not perfect but on a scale from 1-10 I would give it an 8!! Much improvement!!

Saturday was my normal workout, toning for an hour then cardio for an hour. Then home to clean the garage. OH my, we clean untill 4 that afternoon. I was beat!! We burned (you can do that when you live in the country) as much as we could, threw out, recycled, took to the junk yard, and good will(my van is full) We put two new cabinets together that dh picked up at Farm and Fleet, Seth hung up two new tool holders and put hooks on the rafters to hang our golf clubs. It looks SUPER. Poor Seth had stayed over night at a friends then they were suppose to go dirt biking. DH called in Saturday morning and made him come home to help. I am sure he was not happy about it but we soooo needed his help. One thing I will say about both of my boys, is they are great workers.
I showered and relaxed before we headed to a local bar that one of our friends own and had prime rib, well I didn't, I don't like prime rib. So I had a chicken sandwich with salad bar. Did well with eating untill about 10, I thought we would be home no later than 9 but dh just kept talking to people so I got a bag a popcorn. I was so tired and just wanted to curl up in my bed. I did get home about 10:45 but still, much later than I had wanted.

Sunday, went to church, home, cleaned and spent the afternoon in my chair watching tv. Great afternoon. Last evening we went to my dad's for "Sundays" I brought fattening ice cream and nf, ns ice cream for me(my sis had some too) dad had all the toppings. I didn't worry to much about what I put on top of my nf, ns ice cream. It was very good. Had everyone pick out what pics they wanted of Seth. Now I have to figure out my order and get that going. Hopefully tonight I can get to that.

Tonight I have a 5:00 class and a 6:00 class. Should be good. I like the instructor on Monday nights that teachers the 5 class. She does more cardio and doesn't let you take long breaks oh and doesn't ask you what you want to do. The wednesday night instructor does that....."What do ladies want to do tonight" or " how many sets should we do" or "how many should we do 8, 10, 15?" I hate that. I think women, wither you work or stay home with your kids have made enough decisions that by 5:00 they want you to have that figured out for them. You are the instructor anyways. Well, thats just my opinion! You think she would figure it out because we all just look around, like, you make the decision lady!!! That your job!!! Not OURS!!

Jen- So sorry to hear about your morning. Sometimes those things happen and it is best to not get stressed over things you can't change. Do you think warm milk will make that big of a deal? I doesn't sound like you totally throw in the towel over the weekend. You had warm milk and grapes!! That is so much better than what you would have had, say, 2 months ago. Maybe it would be best to weigh at JCC backwards and not know your weight for awhile to get off the hang up with the numbers and just go off of what you clothes fit like. Just a thought

Lester-do you have a jc polar watch. I bought a watch at target last winter and I am not happy with it. Tried it again Saturday morning and it said I only burnt 83 calories in a 2 hour workout! I know that can't be right! I spent about $80 on it so I am a little upset. Can't take it back either. Pretty cool about what your massage guy wants to do. Very interesting. I always thought it would be fun to do a mexican theme party for one the boys graduation parties. Well, Jesse didn't like the idea, so I am hoping that Seth wants to do it. Taco's, taco dip, cool decorations, fun drinks!! Ok-sorry if people don't like this.....but I just heard of someone who had a redneck party over the weekend, they took old couches and set them around a camp fire. That just made me laugh. Not that I would do that kind of party but I did think it was a funny idea. Oh- and I would come and clean your garage....I thought that would be an different kind of job, go around and organize other people junk!! dif would need the air on where you are at.

Kathy-I have had the same thing happen with some of my post, it nevers happens on the short ones only the long ones. A big WAY TO GO on the 4 pounds gone.

Connie-what a great weekend. I love doing things like that with my kids. Jesse wrestlings at college and has tryouts Nov 1. I want to go up early and go to the book store and pickup a few things. It sounds like you got some great kids. Don't you love watching them grow up to be darn good people!! I just had a friend ask how to deal with kids being in high school(and there parents). I have the oldest kids out of all my friends from my highschool years. I told her that this is the time when you get to see what kind of job you did or didn't do. To get to know the parents and keep in contact with them...that is how you know if some fishy is going on.

WOW-look at the time, I better get going!! Happy workouts to all!!!

Hey all…After lunch and after workout…

Just had a long post written and deleted it. Just more of Jen pitty party and feeling sorry for herself. Solves nothings and just makes me dwell on it more.

Jeseth: CONGRATS on an amazing weekend of good work, good workouts, good food choices, and some good (and relaxing) time too! I’m so happy for you…I cannot imagine older kids, but then again, I can’t imagine a baby or toddler anymore either!

Thanks for the idea about not checking WI number. For now, Alvin really wants to track the number and honestly, I’m the kind of person who usually needs to know---not knowing doesn’t help much, so I’d rather track progress or lack thereof …I did some reading this weekend on situations like mine and what it comes down to is that I’m BLEEP outta luck on the short term and just have to hang in there, not worry about it and keep working it.

Kathy! I’m so happy for you (and jealous, really), but I’m SOOOO GLAD you are seeing results on the scale, but also that you are working through the mental and emotional issues too, which is something that I will always battle myself.

Wow Connie---what a wonderful and fun whirlwind weekend. How totally exciting for you to see your kids “bloom” into such wonderful young adults! Hope your trips go well this week..you are ALL over the place---I’m amazed at how focused and well you do with all your travels.

Lester---sounds like you have a plan now that its fall and you are back to a more “normal” schedule of things…hope you find what will work to reach your goal this winter...Hmmmmm….40th bday party…Well, all depends on how fancy or relaxed you want it to be…I’d do something that would bring back the “kid at heart” ---‘cause you are only as old as you feel, right? I’m so NOT a fancy party person.

Dessert first (not eat first, but this is my first thought): a sundae bar---there are so many fun ways to do this: ice-cream varieties, toppings, bases (from brownies to bananas). You can find healthier toppings (sugar free) and lower fat ice-creams or frozen yogurts.

For food: You have too many people do a “top your own pizza and bake” party—that would be my first thought if you had maybe only 10 people.

You could do a luau…food is not hard for that at all, really.

Tropical chex mix, shrimp cocktail, veggie platter, spring rolls...just a few appetizer type ideas.

Hawaiian (tropical) chicken or pork (or both)---I have an AWSOME easy recipe that is healthy totally that is super easy to make for a crowd.
Fruit kabobs or fruit platter
Wild rice dish
Crescent rolls or biscuits or french loaf or crusty bread (or whatever bread you like and can buy, lol…I’d love to be able to buy bread for a party)…cheesy bread..whatever.
Slaw of some sort---can stick with the tropical theme, but that might get overwhelming and just a plain ol’ slaw would be good.
Roast some veggies---always my favorite!

Stick with the ice-cream bar for dessert, but add some tropical toppings: coconut, macadamian nuts, rilled pineapple with a rum sauce for pouring over said ice-cream.

You may have done something like this in the past, but it’d be fun. If you go to orientaltradingcompany.com you can order lots of silly luau stuff…I’m not into party staging much, but it wouldn’t be “hard” to do.

Drinks: well, I don't really drink, but heck, couldn't be too hard to find some fun and easy tropical adult beverages!

Lester---Another thought on party ideas:

All your favorite "bar" foods with favorite bar drinks. Chicken wings, potato skins, artichoke dip with multicolored toritillas, smothered fries, stuffed mushrooms, mini-burgers, jalapino poppers, nachos or nacho cheese dip, coconut shrimp, mini-egg rolls or spring rolls, antipasta platter, bowls of nuts and chips with dip---just whatever YOU like and that is easy or you can buy..way NOT healthy.

This is what I would do for Kevin's party (I'd be 50 for him, lol) if I didn't have to worry about gf (as most chinese is not gf because soy sauce is normally wheat basted): a chinese food bar...because you can order chinese food (assuming you like chinese food). Find a place that caters (or provides big platters and get 6-8 different dishes). You could get a few healthy steamed only dishes.

If it were MY bpday party and I didn't care about being healthy, I'd want a mexican theme with nachos, taco, and fajitas...but you probably have alot of that where you are.

Other dessert ideas: a few ice-cream cakes (I always had one from Carvel when I was growing up) and/or cupcakes!

I knew you'd be full of ideas! My girlfriend is taking care of decorations, so I'll have to see what she has in mind. She did her sister's 40th. One of the things she's known for is doing the pink flamingos. There's a company here that sneaks in overnight and covers your yard in pink flamingos (or other assorted creatures)! She's also arranging for space heaters for the backyard so we can use the patio. That works really well out here that time of year. The cake will be red velvet from a place called Nothing Bundt Cakes. There will be dancing with somewhat of an 80's twist since I AM an 80's girl afterall! Might use my feather boas in the decor somehow. What were the popular foods in the 80's??? hmmmm.

Can you tell I'd rather think about my party than work this afternoon???? I only have 5 months to plan!! Eyes on the prize!!

I'm also going to do a scrapbook slide show of my pictures. I did that for my hubby and it was awesome! He has very cool performing pictures, so that was even more fun. Everything from him in a kilt to major domo fanfare garb. I'm big into photo editing though, so it's a huge project. Will have to start now! No dust flecks, red eye, glasses glares, (or wrinkles !) in my photos!

It is keeping me focused on my eating as well. I've done really well today. I set out my Touchstones: priorities and rewards. What do I want most of all??? To look and feel totally hot for my birthday (and beyond). Emphasis on feel, but I know what it'll take for me to feel that way. It's within reach, so why not!?

Jen, I think you're making progress even if you don't see it on the scale right now. I know you're hanging tough. I hope and pray that you'll see the results soon. You sooooo deserve it!

xoxo to all!

Hi ladies

thankfully i am over that nasty cold. took 5 days. had to even call out from work. of course i have like a gallizon hours.

not much exercise last week but have made up for it at the beach since saturday.

weather here is still beautiful and hot. everyone worries about the hurricanes but i am a floidian (born and raised) never worry about storms. we are always prepared and just do what we need to. no hurricanes coming our way,!

we checked in on saturday and the condo is on stilts and there are only 4 units (the one we are in is owned by my friends sister). no elevator so we have walked the two flights up and down. swimming and walking the beach and had the boat out all day. such a great time. my legs are sore from climbing (even my husband's) and he is a runner.

eating has been ok but have had a lot of adult beverages. cant watch the beautiful sunset without a glass of wine.

we celebrated my friends 49th yesterday here and there were about 5 of us girls from hight school. we still have such a blast.

jen-you have great party ideas. i wish that you had measured for a baseline before you started working out with alvin. i bet my bottom dollar you are losing inches. keep up the good work.down .2 is still a lose. congrats

lester-it is always fun to look forward to something especially such a milestone of a birthday. my girlfriends all want to do a 50th bash for all of ours next year. one of us will be fifty next month and she doesnt want anything big so we are taking her to the blue martini for dancing and drinks. happy planning.

jeseth-that is why i go to classes so i dont have to think. just tell me what to do. lol.

newyear-always fun to do things with adult kids as sometimes they really are on their own and dont want us around. lol. guess we were the same way with are parents. however it is so nice when they turn out to be truly nice people to hang with.

kathy-congrats on the 4 lbs.


ok gonna relax some more. dh promised me a leg rub. however i think he has other plans in mind. lol

have a great week and i will think about all while on my beach vacation!

our sunset yesterday- that is my hubby and ds
enjoy
hugs
patty