[Zaz]

Could someone please give me a little cheer? I ate zucchini at dinner tonight! Woo hoo! And I recently discovered that I actually LIKE artichokes (please say they are good for me, they are green after all). Did I mention the vegetarian lunch I had last week? You have to understand that this is all completely new to me. I've never liked anything but peas, carrots, corn and lima beans (yes, I said lima beans). So somebody throw me a YEA, please. I need the encouragement.

~Zaz

[PBarnes]

Yayyyyyy Zaz! Good for you including more veggies in your diet. I have broaden my vegetable horizons lately too. Boy, I hate lima beans though.

I did 35 minutes with my t'ai chi tape yesterday but just moved around the house more today. That's exercise enough with these crutches. Even ventured out to the backyard to enjoy the beautiful autumn day.

[dawnsmemories]

Go Zaz!!!! I am proud of you! Keep up the good vege work~
Dawn

[MellowDee]

Thanks for the Thanksgiving wishes, Theresa!

April, you are doing fantastic! You are a little more than a third of the way there!

[MellowDee]

Wow, Zaz!!! I'm impressed! I don't mind the usual veggies and even a few of the not so usual ones but I rarely venture beyond what I already know these days. Way to go! It's great when we enjoy things that are good for us.

Pat, I'm so glad you got outside for a bit today. That had to be very enjoyable being as limited physically as you've been lately.

[Wxchic]

Veggies...yuck! You go, Carol Ann, that is an accomplishment! We do eat salad everynight, which is something...and I try to blend the veggies in my meatloaf and spaghetti sauce. AND, I just started drinking a V8 in the morning...does that count?

THURSDAY! One more workout to go...I'm tired...but moving and sweating. I put the leggings back on as the house is chilly in the mornings again. For sure it is making me sweat more. I did lose some weight, too, as I suspected...nervous energy, no doubt, but I was down to 122.6 yesterday. Let's see if I can continue the trend.

Update me girls!

[April Showers]

Went walking (fast) with my friend for an hour this morning. The fall leaves are so pretty.

[cathyok]

Hey everyone! All of you are doing sooo well!!!!! And, Zaz, you're really burning the calories now with all your busy activity getting ready for Janae!!

I'm still walking with daily with my dh and ddog! Only today ddog was disappointed b/c we went to the mall instead to walk! I feel like I'm finally working up some momentum on my walking, getting brisker and further distances. And, I got to move my ticker again! Yeah! I think the exercise is starting to help my appetite also....

Dh and I were going to go see the new George Clooney movie, Michael Clayton, but were not paying attention when we purchased our tickets at the kiosk machine-----we bought midnight tickets instead of noon! so we'll burn extra energy tonight and make it a bonding time with our 19-yr old dd!!!

Keep it up girls!

[Wxchic]

Oh, too funny Cathy about those movie tickets...definately sounds like something we would do. We don't even try movies anymore, at least not in the theaters...we wait so we can watch them at home. DH can not sit through a movie without getting up to stretch in the middle or check his e-mail. I'll take the kids occasionally, but that is about all.

Oh, it is FRIDAY! Both my stepchildren will be in this weekend from college, so it should be a busy one. I'm doing their sheets and bath towels today since the scrapgirls borrowed their rooms...

I'm a big crampy mess today. Got my monthly bill 3 days early. I questioned whether I should even do this, but I'm doing it anyway...just walking on the treadmill...I think that will be all I can muster today.

Hope you all have a great weekend! It should be a nice one to get some outdoor walks in. Enjoy!

[dawnsmemories]

I had the stomach bug for 2 days this week so I am sure I lost but not the good kind of lost so I am not even weighing myself. I did work out the other days and bought a pedometer so I could see exactly how much I am moving at work and stuff. I have drank more than 2 liters of water a day so that is going very well. I am working on cooking meals again this next week, I got VERY lazy recently on that.

HAve a great weekend! We are cleaning out the house to find stuff for a yard sale the first weekend in November.
Dawn

[Mommymosier]

Hi Gals,
I think this is my first post here. You all are so inspirational.
Here is my brief story.

I was a ballet dancer all through school and bulimic in my late teens. I've always had body image issues but staying active kept me smaller. I had my first dd when I was 22 and the weight melted off. Then I became an aerobics instructer and shortly thereafter, met my soon-to-be-husband. I was in terrific shape! We got married a year later and I was surprised a month later to find out I was pregnant. For the next 5 years, I was either pregnant or nursing, or both. Even so, I had a flat stomach after each births until after #4 was born. I hoped nursing would help me drop the weight but it didn't. I haven't nursed in 2 years so I have no excuse to eat for two anymore.

I am currently at 175 and have 35-40 pounds to lose. I am going to the gym to do high rep/low weight training three days a week and trying desperately to cut out sweets and eat healthier. I'm so glad to find this thread and join with you girls on this weight loss journey.

Veggie FYI: Asparagus is a diuretic

[trishy]

Hi girls! I have been absent and not consistent with my posting or working out. I honestly can't stand myself at the moment, so I really need to get my butt in gear and get it moving, so I started my day on the treadmill. Thanks T for inspiration!

I will try to be more regular on this thread, it is a good support.

[April Showers]

Good for you Trish. Getting started is sometimes the hardest part.

Wendy, glad you're here. Those cute littles ones sure can wreak havok on our bodies.
My daughters are dancers, and I've been very careful about the environment of the studios they attend. I had a friend in college who'd gone to the SF Ballet as a teeneager and almost died from anorexia. She was in the theater program becuase she couldn't dance and eat. Makes me very cautious with my own dancer daughters.

[CreativeSparkle]

I'm pretty sporatic on this thread, but I did intentionally exercise yesterday and was proud of myself. I walked on my elliptical for 20 minutes and walked home from the kid's school with my son. It felt good and I plan to do more. I'm going to get a walk in today as well.

wtg Zaz! I love veggies. I love zuchinni and summer squash (the little yellow squashes) is one of my favorite veggies right up there with fresh green beans. The summer squash is much better when you pick them before they get large and bumpy, but it's so cold here that season is over for us.

Have a great day everyone!

[cathyok]

Walked about 1.5 miles this morning with dds and ddog. And we have spent most of the rest of the day painting in eldest dd's house. Just a girl's fun weekend. Resting better at night, and did not even want to take a Sat afternoon nap! The girls are surprised at how my energy level and endurance have already increased!

[April Showers]

That is great to hear. Cathy. I did my regular step class yesterday, and visited a friend's place this afternoon. They have a few acres, so we did some walking and picked apples at their neighbor's farm. They guys rode dirt bikes and did some target practice. Probablly the last beautiful day here for a few months.

[trishy]

Wow I am back twice in one week, this is a good sign.

Today has gone well. Eating good and I vacuumed, mopped and mowed the yard today, so it has been a productive day so far and it isn't even 2! I hope everyone is having a nice weekend.

[cathyok]

Yes it is a good sign, Trish! And you have been so active today! Great job!

Picking apples sounds like fun, April! Are the leaves just beautiful there in Oregon?? There are a few leaves around here turning red, but mostly yellow, then brown and beginning to fall in the yard.

Well, I walked another mile plus a bit this morning with the girls. Done some housecleaning, laundry and mowed the grass before it rains......unfortunately, the riding lawnmower does not use as many calories!
I did sweep the porches, sidewalk and drive. Then I fertilized my pot plants and watered them so maybe that counts for a little more activity.

Well, its off to the shower and I think some relaxing time for the rest of the day!

[dawnsmemories]

I bought a pedometer this weekend and wore it each day so far. Oh my! I took 13,000 steps on Saturday and 10,000 so far today. I was reading and it says 10,000 is VERY good, wow! I actually watched it for an hour to make sure it was acurately keeping tally and it was, of course I spent more on a good one so it better had.

Anyway, I haven't weighed in this week yet do to the stomach flu but I will probably Tuesday because it will be right around the week mark and enough time for my appetite to be normal consistently to see where I am.


Great job everyone!
Dawn

[MellowDee]

I've had a good week and I think I may have found my groove for exercise finally. So now to make sure it's a regular routine and then to tackle other aspects. Everyone here has been feeling sluggish and my husband has come down with a cold so we're all trying to avoid catching it.

[cathyok]

Dee, glad to hear you are finding your groove! Guess that's what we all are trying to do...Hope everyone is feeling better soon. Here in Oklahoma we are battling fall allergies. It has finally begun to cool some though with highs in the 70s and 80s and a nice breeze. That breeze often turns in to WIND here!

I'm impressed by your number of steps, Dawn! I have a pedometer, but it is a cheaper variety. Last few times I used it I did not get accurate consistent readings. Do you think this is going to be a motivation help for you, Dawn?

Even though I'm not registering high numbers yet, I do feel my stomach and hip muscles starting to tighten!

[dawnsmemories]

Well, I worked out this am before my shower! I weighed myself this am and I am down another 2 pounds... BUT my pants are VERY loose! woohoo! Things are progressing. I am hoping the pedometer really pushes me. I figure towards the end of the day, I don't have 10K then I need an extra workout. Today is the first day with it while at work, that will be interesting to see.

Cathy, woohoo on the tightening of your stomach and hips! That is awesome!

Woohoo Dee on finding your groove! I think I have mine down now, but I know it takes min 21 days to make a habit and I have not had 21 days in a row yet.
Hugs and happy exercising!
Dawn

[Wxchic]

Oh, you all sound great! What an active weekend! Good for you. My stepkids were here this weekend, and we only had one good weather day on Saturday. The girls and I were out fishing for a while...but that was it for outdoors.

I wan't very active. I did alot of designing work I had to catch up on. UGH...today I will do some cleaning and move some more. I'm walking away now...feels AOK.

Cathy, the more you move, the more energy you have. What a great feeling it must be to find your endurance. I'm super proud of you! And Trish! Girlfriend! So glad you joined us...Wendy, you too! I didn't know that about asparagus...and I love asparagus! Who knew?

I need to get back on the V8 bandwagon...I've been slacking...maybe I can add some hot sauce and vodka... who will know? LOLOLOL!!!

I'm proud of all of you! The holidays are fast approaching and it is important to stay calm, relaxed and just "taste"...lets keep our weight down or at least constant through these next few months...ok?

[Wxchic]

Oh, you all sound great! What an active weekend! Good for you. My stepkids were here this weekend, and we only had one good weather day on Saturday. The girls and I were out fishing for a while...but that was it for outdoors.

I wan't very active. I did alot of designing work I had to catch up on. UGH...today I will do some cleaning and move some more. I'm walking away now...feels AOK.

Cathy, the more you move, the more energy you have. What a great feeling it must be to find your endurance. I'm super proud of you! And Trish! Girlfriend! So glad you joined us...Wendy, you too! I didn't know that about asparagus...and I love asparagus! Who knew?

I need to get back on the V8 bandwagon...I've been slacking...maybe I can add some hot sauce and vodka... who will know? LOLOLOL!!!

I'm proud of all of you! The holidays are fast approaching and it is important to stay calm, relaxed and just "taste"...lets keep our weight down or at least constant through these next few months...ok?

[April Showers]

Did my step class at the gym- felt like a sauna in there. Seems like they could get the climate control figured out in that room. Really hope the class moves to a new room when the club additon is finished.

[MaryJo]

Hi everyone, I'm sorry I haven't been better at checking in! I didn't do much over the weekend, to worried about Jonathan I guess and lack of sleep. But I've been out all morning just running here and there and catching up on things I've put off. I lost the 3 pounds I put on while in Vegas, so now I'm down almost 29 pounds. I am almost half way there !!!! I actually had to buy some new clothes for the Vegas thing, I dropped 3 sizes so far and boy did that feel great!
I'm not walking too much these days, but I'm bedding my flower gardens down for the winter and I figure that's good exercise too!
My back is really starting to feel stronger and healthier. I am actually cutting back on my Morphine , so instead of 80mgs. a day, I'm down to 50 or 60 mg.s and thats great for me. I'll be glad when I don't need them at all !
Anyway, I will try and be better at checking in. Its going to be rough for me moving inside to workout, I love it outside. Talk to you all very soon. MJ

[Mommymosier]

This morning, I lifted weights for the 7th time in 3 weeks. I can tell I'm building muscle so I was happy to see my weight down about 4 pounds. I am so looking forward to getting back into some of my clothes. I can tell my feelings about food are changing. My hubby made me some bonbons for my birthday and I had my fill after only one or two, okay, maybe three. Still, I don't crave things as well and feel better when I eat good food.

You all are doing so well. I hope you have some more sunny days to be outside. This past weekend was wonderful and we were outside a good bit. Mary Jo, so glad to hear that Jonathan is as safe as possible. Great job on your weight loss.

Keep up the good work Cathy. I'm impressed by your dedication. Thanks for the pm on my birthday.

Dee and Dawn, I hope you stay feeling well and avoid the fall bugs.

Theresa, it was so much fun reading about you in the newsletter today. What an interesting story. And aren't you cute holding your catch!

Keep up the good work girls!

[PBarnes]

Mary Jo, I think you can be excused for not getting a lot of exercise in over the weekend. You probably worried off quite a few calories! That's great that you've lost 29 lbs! WTG girl!

I'm not sure if I'm getting an accurate weight when I balance primarily on one leg on the scale, but if I am, I'm down a 1/2 lb. from the day of surgery. To me, that is awesome because I'm so concerned about packing it on during my recuperation. My chair aerobics video came today. Woohoo! Its really pretty fun. Its about 45 minutes long with warm up and toning, aerobic section and then cool down. I made it all the way through the tape only having to stop what the leader was doing a few times. I'm going to check with the dr. on Wednesday how much movement I can be doing with my foot and leg. I'm going to look forward to working with the tape everyday.

[MaryJo]

Hi Pat, As long as you can steady yourself and be still, it should be pretty accurate.
Its good you lost , most don't. Its hard when you're immobile.
I'm glad your tape came, sounds like fun !!!!!
Also glad you're feeling better.

PS got a call from Jonathan today, boy was it good to hear his voice.
He'll be home in about 2months, 1month early !!! We're jumping for joy. Looks like I'll be taking a trip to Colorado Springs in a couple months, he wants me to bring his dog !!!!!! I told him I'd have to look into that one ! MJ

[trishy]

Happy Monday girls! It has been a pretty good for both eating and moving. I took the boys to find party stuff for our up coming Halloween party, then got haircuts and finished it up with a trip to Costco. I walked the entire store of Costco just to get some walking in, plus I will walk later today during DS soccer practice.

My biggest trouble is portion control and cooking healthy consistently, but seeing pictures of myself from a recent trip really put me into move mode. I want to be down 15 pounds by Christmas and 20 by my DS's birthday at the end of January, that would get me down to what I was before having my second son. Depressing numbers for me, but you have to start somewhere and just get together, nothing is going to happen by feeling sorry for myself!

Mary Jo, congrats on the 29 lbs, that is wonderful and I am so happy to hear that Jonathan will be home soon.

Pat I admire you for keeping the determination through recovery, you go girl!

Hi T, Dawn, Wendy and April. Sounds like you girls are off to a good week too.