[Wxchic]

Hi girly girls! How was your Christmas holiday? Ours was wonderful with the exception of the overeating which I vowed I would do, but rather than wallowing in self pity, I got back on my horse and did the workout thing yesterday and this morning. I'm starting to get my groove back.

Did you survive ok? We don't do much here for the New Year since we have two little ones, so I don't have to worry much about that holiday. Besides, more than 2 drinks and I'm hungover for sure...so maybe we will just have a quiet football day instead....watch some movies and eat some popcorn or something.

How about the rest of you? Tell me how you did...be sure to post your goals in the goal forum!!

[TracEy]

I put my goals down on the other thread. What thread will be out main thread to check into? This one, or the other?

[CindyB]

Woo-hoo! A brand spankin' new thread!

I posted my goals in the other thread too...
Christmas was a struggle, but considering all the goodies I did pretty good...but just like you Theresa I'm back on the wagon! New Years will be a challenge too because I like my champagne...but the cookies and crap are GONE and I don't plan on making anymore.

I did 30 minutes on the elliptical yesterday and today, plus upper body weights. I am still in the midst of my Body for Life program...this is week 8 of 12 and so far I've lost 10 lbs and about 2 inches in my waist, thighs and chest. I am definitely toning and feeling much stronger too!

[Wxchic]

Put your goals in the other thread and we will post daily here!!

This is the third day this week I got a workout in. YAY! It feels great to be back in the swing of things. I need to get some more free weight work in too. I'll work on that today.

We will be home New Years, so I might even work out then too! Maybe you all can join me!

[PBarnes]

I didn't get many workouts in for a few days but did the bike twice yesterday - 20 min. and 15 min. I must not have overeaten too much because I weighed this morning and I didn't gain! Yeah for me! I have my regular dr. appointment on the 5th so I'm trying really hard to at least stay where I am because that is less than my last visit. It is so hard since I have so many cookies and goodies left over. I had made trays before Christmas to give to three neighbors and two of them got out of town before I could get them to them. I thought it might be tacky to take the stuff to them after Christmas. It would look like I was trying to get rid of left overs. Well, yeah. DH is doing way too good of a job diminishing the goodies numbers but he'll quit after the first and loose it in a snap. Darn guys.

[daisies803]

Doing good over here so far. I've used the eliptical for the past 4 days, at least 30 minutes a day and 45 on two of them. That things works you out alot more than I expected.
I haven't gotten on the bowflex yet..but plan to do so very soon. That used to be my daily ritual so I'm really hoping to get back in the habit. It always seems that once I get off track..its so hard to get back to my daily schedule. After the move in August, I haven't got back into my normal groove. Hoping to change that very soon! And I'm hoping my muscle memory kicks in quick..lol.

[goofyemt96]

I really didn't eat alot like i normally do on holidays! Actually my Stepmom told me to eat! I really was not hungry!! I didn't gain any weight! Im going to weigh myself tommorow!! But starting Wednesday! We are going to be really busy at work so i should be moving and exercising more..and i also joined A gym! I don't want to lose to much more only about 10 or so lbs..Now i want to tone my belly up and my legs!! Mostly the belly!!! But im here!! Checking in...New years EVE im going to be home.Since DD has to be at work at 5am so he most likely will be in bed!! Im going to be scrapping away!! The kiddies are going to be with Grandparents So its just me and my computer and my new SG stuff i just got!!!

[April Showers]

I don't think the gym is open early tomorrow morning., but I know my daughter will go on a walk with me. I made it through a work out on Friday! I can't wait to be back to normal.

[goodqueenbee]

I've been going to the gym 5-6 days/wk with dh, but mainly just treadmill and weights for an hour.
Then I get some reading in while I wait for him to "finish". Wish I had a laptop, to take SG with me!

[PBarnes]

Just finished 30 minutes on the stationary bike. I'm going to go out today and see if I can find one of those add-on gel seat covers to fit. I've noticed my hemmorhoids have been acting up again since I started riding it regularly. I know I could ride longer if my bottom wasn't bugging me.

Wasn't real good over the weekend. I'll weigh tomorrow morning to see where I am starting from!

[Wxchic]

I'm sneaking in a New Years Eve workout here before I indulge in potato chips and onion dip...a New Years tradition in this house! LOL! Anyway, I saw this on Yahoo this morning and wanted to share...

The New Year can always be marked by the huge spike in gym memberships and diet programs after the holidays.

For many people, this time of year is a time for change, and often people want to change how they look and feel by losing weight. If this sounds like you, then now's the time to get clear on exactly how a person goes about losing weight so you don't find yourself making the same resolution year after year.

While there are many aspects of diet that you can focus on when trying to lose weight - you can keep track of fat, fiber, protein, or carbohydrates, for example - the key is always about whether you're eating and drinking fewer calories than you are burning.

To lose about one pound per week, you'll need to eat about 500 fewer calories per day from your current daily intake. Weight loss of one to two pounds each week is considered healthy weight loss, meaning that you are losing more fat than muscle.

Start by looking at how many calories you are presently consuming. Use the food labels on products to give you an idea, not forgetting to first read the serving size at the top of the food label. (Many times, we eat what is in the entire package and that may actually be eating three servings, and thus tripling the total calories.) When you grocery shop, compare the labels on similar products and choose the one with the fewest calories.

Become a food label reader and start your weight-loss campaign by reducing the calories you consume. If you are cooking at home, many recipes now have the nutrition facts included. The key is still the serving size. If you have a recipe that you want to analyze, try looking up the ingredients at Calorie King.

Even though calories are still calories, a healthy diet needs to come first. Don't plan to cut calories from fruits, vegetables and whole grains, try cutting calories from snack foods, sweets, fast foods, condiments, or drinks.

Tomorrow is the big day!! Let's get ready to rumble!!

[momentousangel]

I'm so proud of myself for not wavering nor giving in to the temptation of all those holiday sweets, . A new year is so very near and for me I will exercise and take extra care.

[April Showers]

Always tough to find a parking place at the gym in January. The classes are crowded. Much easier in February... when everything has gone back to normal. Though there are newcomers at the gym in January that stick to it all year. I was one of two at my class last Friday.

[cathyok]

Hey girls, Happy New Year to you all! Yep, I'm still around. Just have not been on the computer as much. I've not done very well on my eating, indulged in lots of holiday junk food. But, I did maintain my walking most days and have kept my weight at the same level. My walking buddy has started working so we have been walking in the evenings around 6:00.

Will post my goals on that thread. I'm leaving Sunday for my first cruise to the Western Caribbean. 2007 has been a very trying year, and I'm so thankful to begin 2008 with a much needed serious vacation. I'm planning to be good to myself and even indulge in a massage! Although I plan to indulge in the delicious food, going to try to keep things reasonable and get in some workouts also!

Sounds like everyone has done well through the holidays! Looking forward to reaching some goals in '08!

Cathy

[Wxchic]

Cathy HAVE A BLAST! Can't wait to hear about it. We don't go on ours until August 9!!

[Wxchic]

OK, I gave you all the day off yesterday...

NOW LETS GET MOVING! I'm waiting for my turn on the treadmill. DH is down there now. While I wait, I read my Hungry Girl Newsletter and I wanted to share it with you all. If you don't get it yet...you can go to www.hungry-girl.com to sign up for it!

Happy 2008!!! Great question. You're right! So many people say they're going to start eating better in January, and then two weeks later, they're back to their old habits. I have a theory or two about this -- and basically it all boils down to setting realistic goals. Here are my TOP ATE tips for successful eating in 2008. Ready? Good...

1. Don't go "on a diet". While diet plans can be helpful, if you think of yourself as being "on a diet", everything will be too black and white. If you're on a diet and suddenly you have a little setback, you may decide you're "off your diet" and go back to your old ways. Think of your new eating plan as more of a lifestyle change -- one that will have ups and downs, with good days and bad.

2. Don't deprive yourself. Remember, your new eating plan shouldn't be about dep rivation. It should be about SATISFACTION. Find foods you LOVE -- ones that satisfy you but are better choices. This is KEY.

3. Drink lots of water. Water is good for you. It's good for your skin and your metabolism. And it helps fill you up. Plus, not enough water can make you cranky and more likely to make bad food choices.

4. Listen to your body. It knows things. If you know that eating cereal for breakfast makes you hungrier throughout the day, then don't eat cereal in the morning. Pay close attention to your body cues. This will help tremendously.

5. Live one day (or even one MEAL) at a time. Don't be discouraged and beat yourself up if you fall off the wagon and eat badly -- just be more aware of what you eat during your next meal.

6. Get exercise with activities you enjoy. I used to HATE exercising. I feared it. Now I exercise but only do what I like (which happens to b e walking on a treadmill 5 times a week while watching reality TV, and weight training 2 times a week with a friend). Find something you actually like to do, and you'll do it. Don't take on an exercise routine that causes pain or discomfort -- you'll just end up ditching it completely. (And I know this isn't an EATING tip, but it's important!)

7. Let yourself cheat a little. Everyone strays once in a while. It's totally normal. Splurge when you need to, and enjoy it (don't feel guilty)! Then get RIGHT back on track, and prove to yourself that you can handle a cheat meal now and then.

8. Keep track of what you eat. Write it down. As dorky as it sounds, you WILL 100% without a doubt do better if you hold yourself accountable for what you eat by keeping a food journal. Just do it -- even if you only write in it every OTHER day.

Good luck -- and have fun!

[podiumchick]

I'm new to this thread, but need the accountability. I really could stand to lose 15 lbs. but just being healthier is the main goal. I would like to play with the dog outside for some of my exercise today--but with a foot of snow out there I may not do it long. Then there is the gym while my kids swim tonight. Just depends on if there is an open machine.... I'll check back later on that. Now to get rid of the remaining candy around here!

[Wxchic]

Way to go Kim! Glad to have you here with us!!

[ChristinaP]

I am feeling good today! I've been walking on my breaks at work. It's not for long, 10 to 15 mins, but I'm going to try to do that 2 times a day. I make myself walk up this really long flight of stairs, I'm pooped by the top! I also "played" our wii, 30 minutes of boxing! Fun and a great workout! I made sure I kept running or hopping on the spot. I'm looking forward to doing this tomorrow!! My 2 yr old kept asking why I was jumping LOL. Now I just have to start paying attention to my eating and I should make some good progress!

[Wxchic]

Yay Christina!! Welcome!!

[PBarnes]

Welcome Kim! We're here for you.

Cathy, I'm jealous.

Christina, it sounds like walking the stairs twice a day could be a very good thing.

I did 25 minutes on the bike yesterday and today. The tensioner on it wasn't working and it was making chirping noises. DH worked on it yesterday. When I got on it today I could hardly move the pedals. Tensioner works. I moved it to an easier level but it was still a bit more than I've been working at. It doesn't chirp now either, it goes clack, clack. Oh well.

Weighed myself yesterday. I didn't gain anything over the holidays! Yippee!! And I didn't deprive myself (see #2 above.) I had a few sweets here and there but tried to be careful.

I keep pretty busy during the day doing my physical therapy for my foot and trying to build up my legs before the next surgery. Hope to lose a few more pounds before then too.

[BayJay'sMom]

I'm in! I had lost 8.5 pounds before Christmas break (half of my 17 pound goal), but I think I've gained 1.5 pounds back over the holidays Actually, I'm surprised it's not more! But I'm committed to get back on the wagon.

[goodqueenbee]

I have done the treadmill at the gym every day this week (except Sunday... too busy to go). They mess with the hours
during holidays (go figure) and we like to get in early and get away to get something else done for the day. Had my GS
with us the past two days, so hard to get a workout with a novice asking (drilling) what this and that is. (age 19, but never
gets to gym). Back to work tomorrow! Hope to get 3 miles/250 calories burned.

Only 2 pound weight gain in month. That will go quickly, hopefully.

[trishy]

Ok, I am ready for a great 2008! My only resolution is to take better care of my self, which in turn will allow me to take better care of my family. Part of that is getting out and doing more exercise related things, so today my DS and I walked around the neighborhood. I am getting back on track, so slowly but surely I am going to get that first 15 pounds off by June.

Plus I drank all my water today!!!

[daisies803]

I've been keeping up really good with the eliptical usage. I haven't been feeling too great today so I did take a break. But I plan to get back on tomorrow. I've been slacking on drinking my water though...need to work on that. I've heard once you get in the routine of at least 8 glasses a day..you can't stand to go without it. I need to get there!

[Julie - scrapaholic]

I too already listed my goals, and yesterday I logged onto Discovery to sign up for the National Body Challenge. You get 2 months at a Bally's Fitness Center for free. Called them and tonight I have an appointment to have a personal trainer take me around and set up a schedule for me. Fitness here I come. Everyone should look into this. Just log on to HGTV Discovery.com

I also, took an extra dance class last night, so I worked out aerobically for 2 hours yesterday. I'm exhausted, but feel really goo.

[Wxchic]

Hey girls! We are off to a great start! And for those of you reading this who haven't checked in yet...don't put off until tomorrow what you can do today! Get up and get moving. Tell us what you did today, ok?

It was tough getting up at 6:10am...back to the normal routine with the girls going back to school this morning. I'm excited to get myself up and going as well as getting the kids back to school. They were getting a little bored, I think...

I re-added my hand weights and also the crunches to my workout. Water will be the big test today. I did my 2 liters yesterday. Let's see if I can repeat it if not, do more today. I'm also going to try to remember to take my vitamins...

Anyone walking on the treadmill? My doctor told me the other week that impact aerobic activity is better than non impact...so walking, jogging, even adding some weights is better than a just a bicycle ride...It is better for your heart and also for fighting osteoperosis...just an added tip.

Tell me what you did. Remember that you need to do at least 45 minutes a day to see any significant weight loss!!

[CindyB]

Happy New Year Gals

I am back in the gym and ready to go... I have challenged myself to add an extra 5 minutes to my cardio routine (after 6 days, will give me an extra 1/2 hour a week!) and so far, so good

I am trying to keep up with the 2 litres of water a day and have rid my house of all the Holiday junk food so my eating is back on track. I also found a buddy to do The Biggest Loser Challenge http://www.biggestloser.msn.com/ with. I am so excited!

[PBarnes]

My day was a little messed up what with getting up to take DD and GD to airport at 5:30am, PT at 9:30, lunch with friend at 11:00 (had very healthy salad). I got on the bike at 6pm and I found my right heel was hurting. I only did 15 minutes. It hurt yesterday afternoon and I wasn't sure why but I did do a longer time on the bike yesterday so that might be why. I'm going to have to go back to the chair aerobics for a couple of days and see if that helps.

[April Showers]

Went to the Dr., got referred to an endocrinologist. Hope they get it sorted out and me feeling back to normal really soon. And you know, I'm a little miffed that I don't have any of the symptoms of the hyperthyroidism -- unexplained weight loss for instance...