[dawnsmemories]

Oh Julie! I am so sorry but please do not beat yourself up... that would only make it worse! Make tiny goals... for breakfast I am going to have ____, then snack, and so on. Dh told me that he has been loosing weight while away, what he does is eat healthy all week and then on Fridays, he can eat whatever he wants. You need to give yourself permission to splurge some or it will never work. You want to make life changes not 'diet' changes. Good luck!

I haven't lost any this week but I didn't gain any either. I have found that if my house is a wreck (which it is right now), I am not patient with the kiddos and I do not have a chance of loosing any weight. With this in mind, I found a sub to work for me on Monday (tomorrow) and I am going to clean my house setting the timer for 15 minutes at a time per room. I am not even going to turn on the computer until I worked at least 2 hours. Hopefully, next week will be less stress and more weight loose.
Dawn

[Julie - scrapaholic]

Thanks for the encouragement and advice. I really need to put my mind to healthy not diet.

It is a good idea to do increments when cleaning. I like to do one room, take a small break then do the next. I don't sit for more than 20 minutes though, otherwise I will not get going again. Hope your cleaning goes well, and you are less stressed.

[MellowDee]

Julie, I have much the same issue sometimes. You are not alone! For me it's chips rather than the oreos but same diff in the long run, eh? My first line of defense is, as much as possible, not having chips in the house. Other things I seem to be able to resist most of the time but not chips. That may not be your problem. I do find it more difficult to resist these things if I'm feeling deprived so I guess I'd recommend that you consider if you are feeling that way. If you are, then you may find it beneficial to discover WHY you are feeling deprived and in what way and then allowing a little leaway in that one thing now and again. I either have to avoid thinking about chips or have a time when I know I can have them in order to handle it. I still fail more often than I should but it IS better most of the time. Maybe something like this would help you, too. (?)

[Julie - scrapaholic]

Threw all the junk in the garbage this morning. Went shopping and bought mostly healthy, I had to get a few things for my daughter, although she eats better than me, being a dancer. But tomorrow is a new day.

[cathyok]

Julie,

You go, girl!! This week will be a better week of choices --- for all of us!

[Wxchic]

Julie, I was going to suggest you throw it ALL out...That is the only way to do it!! YOU GO!! Get back on the wagon. Remember, always ASK THE QUESTION before you put it in your mouth...Do I REALLY need this? What else can I have? An apple, perhaps? Fat free pudding cup? Fat free Jello cup? I find that one of those with a squirt of fat free Rheddi Whip does the trick for me. AND it is under 100 calories!! You can't beat it!

I have been so busy, I haven't had time to post, but I'm still working out Monday through Friday. I got some extra in Saturday cleaning house. Tomorrow I do a complete house run down again before my guests start arriving Wednesday. I hope to work out all week regardless...I'll let you know how it goes!

Carol Ann! Glad you are here!! Cathy, glad to hear your news about not gaining...that is tough to do on vacation, and how NEAT that we are all taking these cruises! I'm so excited, I can't stand it!!

[April Showers]

I went to the step class this morning them on a mile and a half walk with my friend. Doing good, I'm pretty sure I've lost a pound or two.

[cathyok]

I'm out of sync on my walking, but I have worked very hard doing yard work on both Sunday and today! Our house on a .75-acre tract. Our riding lawn mower is in the shop waiting for a long lost part to arrive. We waited as long as we possibly could, but had to finally do it with the push mower. It felt like a Biggest Loser workout to me........I am so out of shape, girls. I have to stick with this!

Will try to get back to my walking tomorrow!

Nighty, night!

[April Showers]

Well, I was down 2.2 pounds today.

[MellowDee]

Congratulations, April! That's wonderful!

Cathy, I can relate. I haven't been on my gazelle yet this week either. Yesterday I was putting finishing touches on a program/agenda for a ladies' meeting (my very first one) and then today catching up on the work already done in a Bible study I decided late to join. Hopefully the rest of the week will allow me to do some time on the gazelle each day. After this week things will look a little better for me time-wise, I hope. I really need to be consistent and that is the hardest part for me - consistency.

[Julie - scrapaholic]

Doing much better this week, since throwing all junk out of the house. I am focused, and have not eaten anything bad at all. I'm not going to weigh myself though for several weeks. I don't want the weight to throw my good mental state off track. I mentioned to get a day of walking in, but I'm busy at work, so I haven't had time at lunch.

[dawnsmemories]

I didn't do so well this last weekend or the beginning of this week but I did get on the eliptical for a little bit yesterday and again this am. I am going to do better! I have one month to get this butt back into shape!

Go us!
Dawn

[Wxchic]

So good to hear from all of you!!

Remember, girls, that your workout has to become part of your day. Like brushing your teeth, taking your vitamins, taking a shower...schedule it in. I am SO far from a morning person, but I still get up at 6am, before my girls do, so that I can get my hour in. It stinks...but it is the only time of day I can get it done, and get it done in peace. Bedtime is now a bit earlier for me, about 10pm, but the payoff is worth it. I realize that we all get busy. That is what life is about...but your workout should be part of that life. Your workout is not only important for the weight loss that you hope to attain, but also for your heart health. So do it regardless of your mood, or how you feel, or how sorry you are feeling for yourself that day. Just do it.

OK, that is my soapbox speech this week.

This week I'm alternating stairstepping with walking. So far so good, although I prefer walking. I also have an exercise bike in the other room which I may bring in here as well for even more variety. I'm ready for more variety. Especially on days like today when there is nothing on TiVo.

My Scrapgirl friends start arriving tonight! I'm going to Sam's today to pick up lots of yummy breakfast food and fruit...let's get it on!

I'll keep you posted!

[MellowDee]

Theresa, you are right. I need to somehow schedule it in and stick to it. I just don't have a regular schedule figured out that works for my situation. I'm definitely working on things though and seeing great strides being made. It's a bit of a story...

My husband is disabled from severe chronic pain and sometimes he's up (and me with him) a good chunk of the night. Not an excuse, but something that must be taken into consideration since I'm his primary caregiver. I homeschool two teenagers and support a couple ministries at our church as well. A couple of family members were killed in accidents this spring just 6 weeks apart and I had a time of illness myself at that same time where I had a virus that gave me extreme dizzy spells where I couldn't stand without holding onto something and just noticed last week that those dizzy spells are finally (whew!) completely gone and catching up with fall commitments has now been completed. It has seemed like EVERYTHING was against me, but now I'm feeling like being regular with exercise has more chance to be successful.

Over the past few months, I've gone from no exercise at all to having spent almost 70 hours on the gazelle. (I record it and am very aware of how much I do or don't do.) It was difficult to get even that much in. My heart health is a big concern these days as I've had some unpleasant symptoms for YEARS already so I have some strict guidelines from my doctor. I have to be careful not to exercise when I'm too tired and to pay really close attention to my heart rate, extremity swelling, and chest pain. It's coming along though. And I'm really pleased with my overall progress even though it's not quite where I wish I was (and would be if I had been diligent with my health earlier in life). Thanks for your encouragement in this thread. I hope it will help some gals to avoid getting to the place I'm at.

And now I'm off to see if I can get some of that exercise in today. One of my biggest downfalls, now that I've worked my way up to a decent amount of time, is thinking that if I can't do the full amount of my goal each day that it's not worth doing any at all. So wrong! Anyway, have a good one peoples! God bless your every effort!

[April Showers]

Did my regular workout. Going to the gym for the 5:30 class really works for me. My husband just called to see if I wanted to go to Hawaii at the end of February. Now I have a little extra incentive to keep that little dragonfly moving down the bar.

[Wxchic]

Hawaii?!? I wanna go!! WOW! Great incentive! How fun for you April...congrats!!

I"m walking despite a bad cramp or muscle spasm in the back of my right leg. I'm hoping it will loosen up a little. But, I'm taking it easy in case it starts feeling worse.

Elizabeth is here! She arrived last night. This morning, Jan and Dee come and then later today, Ro, Shalae, Lauren, and Marnie...Even more later tonight...It is party time!! I'm questioning whether I'll make it in the morning. We'll see how long I stay up tonight. But if I don't see you, you all have a great weekend...and keep moving!

[Zaz]

Okay, I'm less than three hours away from some of my favorite Scrap Girls. Hmm...does anyone want to try to crash a party with me? I'm sure we would burn a LOT of calories doing it. Give them all hugs from Zaz, Theresa! Then send them up here to shop.

~Zaz

[PBarnes]

If I could drive I'd be right there with you Zaz.

I was so concerned about getting a chair aerobics DVD for after my surgery, but for now I think just getting around on the crutches is exercise enough for me. It's turning out to be more difficult that I thought. I've given up doing the stairs unless I absolutely have to. DH went out and bought me a commode that now sits near my recliner in the family room. Ah, bliss. I'm not sure if I can weigh myself and get an accurate reading, but I think I'll try in the morning. I didn't eat anything Tuesday until about 9:30pm and ate pretty lightly yesterday. For some reason I haven't had much appetite today. I'm hoping maybe I've gone down a lb or two since the surgery.

[April Showers]

Crutches aren't too fun, I'm sure you'll get used to them. I found when I was on bed rest with all my pregnancies, I didn't gain much weight- partly because the food was downstairs and but also, since I was sedentary, I didn't get very hungry. Hope it works that way for you too. Okay, kind of a bad comparison, hope you're doing better really soon.

[Julie - scrapaholic]

I'm in sunny California, with my thin and fit daughter, so I plan on doing a lot of site seeing walking. Plus CA has much healthier choices when it comes to food in restaurants.

[giggsster]

It's been weeks since I read everyone's posts! Debbyo, I know that you can loose that weight before your cruise and I can't wait to see a picture your perfect dress. Cathy, way to go on not gaining weight on vaca! Zaz, it's great to hear that you've lost so much weight...you’re on a roll! Julie, I'm glad to hear that you threw out all your junk food and are eating better – you are on the right track! April, you've lost weight too - woo hoo! Mellow, I understand how hard it can be to work out; but just remember, even if you only do 10 minutes on the gazelle, that's 10 minutes more than none - you can do it! And Pat, good luck on your recovery.

I've been doing pretty well. These past two weeks I've really stuck to my work outs. I didn't work out Friday of this week, but DH and I are headed to the gym today. Plus, I've been good with my eating. I've been trying to watch my portion size...that one still gets me occasionally. I've stayed away from desserts and breads. I consider that success, especially since DH buys junk food. However, he hasn't been able to go to the store with me these past two weeks. No junk food made it into our basket...not to mention, that I saved a few bucks at the store.

Have a wonderful weekend everyone!

[MellowDee]

giggsster, on Oct 6 2007, 11:17 AM, said:

Mellow, I understand how hard it can be to work out; but just remember, even if you only do 10 minutes on the gazelle, that's 10 minutes more than none - you can do it!

Thanks, giggster. I appreciate your words of encouragement.

Here in Canada it's Thanksgiving weekend and my goal will be to eat something that resembles portion sizes and perhaps to spend some time on the gazelle... even just a few minutes here and there. I also realized that I can get pretty caught up with what the "right" rules are. You know what I mean I'm sure: Exercise 20 minutes or more at a time. Don't exercise for an hour and a half after eating. Drink a certain amount of water every day and more if you are overweight or it's hot or if you are exercising or working up a sweat. The list could probably go on forever. I sometimes think I should stop reading health articles because it can really be a deterrent.

Anyway, that's just a little ramble from my tired brain. I best get some sleep. Thanks again!

[MellowDee]

MellowDee, on Oct 7 2007, 12:08 AM, said:

giggsster, on Oct 6 2007, 11:17 AM, said:

Mellow, I understand how hard it can be to work out; but just remember, even if you only do 10 minutes on the gazelle, that's 10 minutes more than none - you can do it!

Thanks, giggster. I appreciate your words of encouragement.

Oops. I just realized I made a spelling error in your "name"... Sorry Giggsster!

[giggsster]

That's fine...I don't mind mispellings at all. My name is also Stephanie. The funny thing is that no body calls me Stephanie, expect a my Mom. Most people call me Steph. Here as of recently, Stephi has caught on...first my neighbor started calling me Stephi and now my nephews do too. Occasionally, I get called Jennifer...I have no idea where that comes from! But I do think that it is funny because so many people have called me Jennifer. Anyway, have a wonderful Thanksgiving! And I hope you caught up on your sleep!

[PBarnes]

Happy Sunday ladies. I'm getting real tired of sitting with my foot propped up. I've bought a Chair Dance Aerobics tape off of ebay but it probably won't arrive until the end of this week so I dug out a Tai Chi tape I've had for ages. I never got past the warm up exercises because they wore me out. I spent about a half an hour with it today, sitting in a chair of course. I made it through the warm up and through the demonstration of the first 3 basic positions. I was sweating and tired. Good thing I guess.

I've done more for myself today. I was able to get my own clothes out of the dresser and closet and got myself dressed. I was able to get my lunch started but had dh bring it to me when it was done. Made it down the 7 steps to where my desktop computer is by myself. Got that down pretty good. I've figured a way to get up the stairs without help except for the last step. Need a little boost at that one.

Boy, I'm ready for a nap.

[MellowDee]

Good for you, Pat! It sounds like you are certainly making the most of things as you recover. I hope you have a great day!

[cathyok]

Way to go, Pat, and Happy Thanksgiving, Dee! Good to see your face again, Steph!

Well, I think I walked 4 days this week, and today my dh walked with me. We added just a bit to the distance....wasn't a whole lot more, but every bit counts, right??!!!

And I get to move my ticker a tiny, tiny bit!

Has been a peaceful day here. Dh started his vacation. I spent part of the day experimenting with some quilting. First time I've every tried paper piecing. I think I like it a lot. Making some fall placemats.

Well, have a wonderful evening everyone!

[April Showers]

Good for you Cathy! I enjoy paper piecing. Makes such beautifully accurate points. One of the quilts on my backlogged to do list has really cute paper pieced bouquets in retro fabrics. I've done one square.
Went to the gym this morning- did an hour of step aerobics. I think she really changed the name of the class to cardio interval something...since we do intervals with weights. It is a great class.
That is great you've found a way to keep exercising, Pat.
Have a great day everyone!

[Wxchic]

You all have been so chatty this weekend! Glad everyone is back and happy. You all sound great!

It was a long, but exciting weekend! I think I lost 10 pounds in just nervous energy alone. It was so exciting to meet so many of my co-workers...and let me just say, that we are all so blessed to have found such an amazing forum.

I'm back, and walking...I think I caught up on my sleep last night, but I wouldn't be surprised if a nap creeps up on my later today. I'm excited to sit and design for the first time in weeks...well months. And I was very excited to get back on the horse (er, uh, treadmill) and get moving. It is really the one thing I missed the most. Hard to believe that I could miss this torture.

But here I am!! Pat, hope you are feeling AOK. We thought about you all weekend. You sound great!

Happy belated Thanksgiving, Dee!

April, you were talked about alot too this weekend! Good to see you keeping it up!

Cathy, you crafty thing you...

Steph! YAY! Glad you checked in!

You all make my day!!

Now get moving! LOL!

[April Showers]

I thought I'd had a mediocre week, but was happily surprised when I stepped on the scale this morning and found I was down a few more pounds. Lost enough that I can wear a few more of my clothes. Now if I can just stay focused through this job turmoil my husband is going through.