[Wxchic]

Hi Bride!! Welcome! You can step in at any time. Remember that this is a lifetime change, so we want you to come when you are ready! We will hold you accountable for sure. If you go back one notch to the Get Healthy with Theresa subtopic, you will see where you can post your goals.

You had a great workout plan there. Yes!! Get back to it. Be sure you are healthy before you start, though, because you will get burned out fast. That won't be good. I'm here everday on my treadmill working out. I walk for 50 minutes, working up to 3.6 mph. It is a fast paced walk, but it does a body good! I'm also working on cutting down my portions, and eating healthier...that means a protein packed breakfast, salad with cheese for lunch, and whatever I make my family for dinner, just less of it.

Be sure to subscribe to Hungry-girl.com for great snack ideas and recipes! It is a killer newsletter!

Pat, April, Trish (glad you checked in! You go girl!) Keep on moving girls!!

[cathyok]

Hey everyone, it's Monday again. I have not abandoned you, but just still fighting the cold bug. Have not done too well with exercise, but hopefully can begin walking again this week.....

Have a great day!!

[PBarnes]

Happy Monday to everybody. Just finished 22 minutes on bike and 23 minutes on treadmill. Thats a new treadmill time record for me.

Bride, good to have you here! We are all about supporting each other and making ourselves accountable. I have stress induced asthma too and luckily haven't had an attack in quite awhile.

[goodqueenbee]

Hey, folks,

I've still been working out M-F and some SAT, every week.

Worked my way up to 3.5 mph and incline 3... works off 300 cal/hour.
at 35 min, I work off 200 calories before I do weights (or tan, going on cruise
next weekend-- Bahamas).

See you later this week or when we return from the cruise (about 28th after the
extension).

BTW, my BP with meds and exercise has dropped to a wonderful low level again.
Feeling much better and wishing I had time to scrap, but have to pack this week...
bummer.

[April Showers]

Went to my class again today. Things are going well. Just a little over a month left before I get to see the Dr for my thyroid. Maybe then I'll start to feel better.

[Bride]

Thanks for the warm welcome, everyone! Well, the best laid plans of mice and (wo)men ... I did not reach my goal of walking 30 minutes this morning. I am still sort of dragging from the pneumonia and strep so I found myself waking at 7 am. I don't normally sleep in so my body must need the rest. I did get in a 15 minute mile though, so I met half my goal.

I also got over to the Goal thread and posted my heart there. I did eat very healthy today and came in just under 1500 calories for the day, so I'm pleased with that.

Looking forward to getting to know all of you better and hoping to be encouragement to you as well.
Sending each a warm hug from sub-zero Michigan!

[mjaguiar]

Hey ladies,

GUESS WHAT?!!!! I have lost alot of weight! OMG! I got into 2 dress sizes smaller than I have been in for a couple years now! It was so awesome last night, I put on my pj's from long ago, in the drawer where I hid my small clothes hoping one day I will get into them, and I GOT INTO THEM. OH MY GOODNESS! I decided to try some of my slacks that I have not worn in 2 years and I got into those as well!

I REALLY AM LOSING WEIGHT! I AM SO VERY HAPPY!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Also, two people that have not seen me in awhile asked me last night if I was losing weight, because my face looked skinner and my pants were lose in the behind.....

[giggsster]

Way to go mjaguiar! I'm glad to hear that you are loosing weight! And welcome Bride! It's great to have you here! Good luck on getting better! Once you're 100%, you'll be working out again!

I'm finally getting over my cold! Two weeks...it's taken me two weeks to actually get better! I'm still trying to beat a sinus infection, but finally feel better. I plan to start working out at the end of the week if I continue to feel good.

On the eating front, I'm doing okay. I've found that I really have to watch my portions at dinner. DH always eats a lot; in the past I've found myself eating more because he does. I am now concentrating on cutting down my dinner portions.

Have a great day everyone!

[PBarnes]

Way to go Melissa! Congratulations. Isn't that a wonderful feeling?

Glad you are feeling better Gigsster. It's no fun worry exercising when you don't feel good.

I only did 20 minutes on the bike today. My foot was a little sore from my work out (and shopping) yesterday. I may sneak some more bike in yet today.

[April Showers]

Good for you Melissa! That is a wonderful feeling.
Hope your foot starts feeling better Pat.
And I was down a pound today.

[Bride]

Good morning friends! Yesterday I did not get a workout in. I was so very tired and still not feeling up to speed. I worked a little over half a day and the boss wanted me to go home and take a nap. He does not want me to have a relapse. That extra rest seemed to do me good as this morning I feeling better. FINALLY!!

I am using Leslie Sansone’s “Walk the Walk” dvd and I got in one mile this morning. I don’t feel too bad. If I still have energy at the end of my work day I will try for another mile.

goodqueenbee ~ That is good news that your BP is lowering with the meds and exercise. I also had high BP and was able to get off the meds totally thru exercise. That was a real motivator for me. Unfortunately I didn’t keep up with the exercise and feel like I’m starting over at square one again but fortunately my BP has not risen. Have fun on your cruise!!

Melissa ~ Congratulations on down-sizing! How exciting for you. It is always a good feeling when others notice and compliment – seems to spur us on even more, eh?
Keep up the good work!!

giggsster ~ Thanks for the welcome. I’m glad you are starting to feel better too. Sinus infections are no fun and can really zap you of your energy. I will pray that you continue to gain your strength each day so you can begin working out at the end of the week as planned.

Pat ~ It sounds like you are doing good. Do you use an inhaler for your asthma? The doctor told me to use a puff or two before a workout, but I sometimes find I don’t need to and other times I do. I’m not sure if the weather or humidity or something like that has to do with it? I am hoping that this will go away with the weight loss. I’m praying for healing for you foot!

April ~ Woohoo! Every pound lost gets you that much closer to your goal. Good for you! How are you feeling? Is your energy starting to return? I’m rooting for you.

Well, I need to get ready for work. Hope everyone has a Wonderful Wednesday!

[Wxchic]

Great news, Melissa! There is no better feeling in the world! Enjoy it and keep it up!

I'm so bummed because I found an article about Weight Loss Plateaus this morning and now I can't find it. I wanted to share it with you all. i'm going to see if I can find it. In the meantime, keep moving! I hope that those of you who are under the weather get better soon. It has been a long cold winter. I, for one, can't wait to get out of it.

I'll be here tomorrow, but tomorrow night we head to Kansas. I'll see you back here Tuesday! I'll be rooting for you all!!

[April Showers]

Wow, lots of new people in my step class today. I think they're getting to their new years resolutions a bit late this year. I'm still feeling the same and while some days are better than others, I am so thankful I'm not in pain!

[PBarnes]

Twenty-five minutes on the bike and 15 on the treadmill.

I'm having a problem with sleep again. Unfortunately, I usually eat something if I get up to read for awhile. I try really hard to resist but it usually doesn't work. I try to choose something healthy, but that doesn't always happen either. I've had sleep problems on and off for a year. I had finally gotten back into a good pattern and I was really surprised the insomnia reared it's ugly head again. Obviously, exercise isn't helping.

Have a great trip Theresa!

[Bride]

I was wondering if we were allowed to share links to articles, etc. Here is an article I read on plateaus. Is this the same one you were referring to, Theresa?

http://www.primusweb.com/fitnesspartner/li...ht/plateaus.htm


Hope you have a safe and fun trip, Theresa!

[bthornton17]

I am trying to get back into things after Rome but this cough just won't go away and I need to go to bed earlier. My DH is gone again and I have a bad habit of staying up late when he is gone.

Anyways Monday I only did 2.5 miles on the hill setting for my run. I just can't seem to get back with this cough. Then today I was only able to do 1.5 total in 40 minutes.

I am going to give it a few more days and then if by Monday I am not getting better I will break down and go to military medical here - which is a complete joke!!!

Oh well at least I got something in. Also I finally got off my duff and started WW again. Day 3 and I am getting betterf, it took me a good 7 or 8 days to get it really together the first time. So I am not beating myself up right now just focusing on the positive things I am doing right.

Hope you all have a great night - I am off to bed soon. Determined to be early tonight.

[Julie - scrapaholic]

Lord knows when was the last time I posted here. I am so sorry. But I have been doing really well. Walking everyday, either indoors or out, if it's not 20 degrees outside. Doing a bit of weights too, and really watching my diet.

For the most part, I find getting up early works for me to work out, but some days, I just can't wake up, so I squeeze in 15 minutes at lunch or when I get home before my second job. I figure 15 minutes is better than nothing. I also find that when ever I have a free moment instead of just standing still, I will march in place which at least again is doing something.

So far, I have dropped 3 pounds in a week, although last week I lost nothing. I'm also going through that joyous womanly thing we get to go through when you reach your late 40's, so that is not helping with the weight lose. Just have to work extra hard.

[PBarnes]

Welcome back Julie! Sounds like you are doing pretty well. Keep it up.

I didn't remember to check in either Thursday or Friday but I was good. Got in 44 and 40 minutes respectively. I've done two weeks meeting my goal of five times a week. I did 25 minutes bike and 20 minutes treadmill today.

I've mentioned previously that my exercise bike is causing problems. Friday the noise it made when I pedaled got to intolerable limits - a shrill-shrieking-scraping noise. LOL DH took it apart - again. Found that the axle of the flywheel is badly worn. He greased it up, again, and adjusted the tensioning, again. I wish that axle would just shear off so I'd have to buy a new one! My DH is just too frugal sometimes.

[Julie - scrapaholic]

Pat, I am assuming that your foot has healed? Hopefully it has. I need to get on my bike and not just my treadmill. Great going on keeping up with your goals.

[giggsster]

Thanks for all the healthy well wishes, ladies! However, this weekend I came down with the flu! I'm not too surprised. My immune system was down due to the two week cold and sinus problems. Luckily, I got to the doctor quickly and he put me on some anti-viral medicine as well as a cough suppresent. Now it looks like it won't be until next week before I make it to the gym again.

To all those who are healthy , keep up the good work!

[Bride]

I think I finally shook that bug. After feeling zapped of strength/energy last week, I slept 10 hours in just one day over the weekend ... that is a LOT for me! I feel SO much better this week.

This morning I did 5 minutes on the rebounder and walked 2 miles in 25 minutes. Feeling strong this morning! Need to get ready for work. Hope everyone has a good workout day.

Theresa ~ how was your get-away?

[Wxchic]

Hey girls! I'm back! We got in last night around 5pm. We actually made good time through Kansas City but when we hit Iowa, the **** hit the fan... It was like driving in and out of a white out. Scary but we made it. Dh and I did alot of drinking and alot of eating over the weekend so it feels good to get moving on the treadmill this morning. I'm going for my full 50 minutes followed by some crunches.

I'll have to go back and read all your posts. I see you were all busy! That is great!! Let's keep it going. I love to read all your stories and successes!!

[Julie - scrapaholic]

Hope you feel better soon Giggsster, just rest, when you feel better you will be able to get right on track again.

I got up early but this morning, I admit I was lazy. I did do my situps and pushups, but I do that every morning. I get home early from work today, so I will add my walk in then.

[bthornton17]

I definately have something that just won't go away - I finally got back on the treadmill yesterday and could only do a 2.5 mile run. It is killing me to not be able to really run. But tomorrow I am hoping to go farther.

Hope everyone is feeling better. I know for us here in northern germany winter decided to finally show up. Fog all day (the kind you have to use your back fog light for) and a lovely 38 at the warmest.

Looking forward to Spring!!!!

[PBarnes]

Well ladies, my exercise routine is on hold for 10 days. I'm on bedrest after it was found that I have a blood clot in my right calf. Spent Wednesday and Thursday in the hospital but am home now. Thank goodness for laptops.

[bthornton17]

Okay so I have fallen off the MB a little. But today I did 2.5 miles in 30 min. So I am slowly getting back from my horrible cough. Still have it but still running.

[Wxchic]

Sorry I have been so absent! I have to tell you, it was a week from *** here...We all got the stomach flu, or something. First Jenna, then me, then Abbie, then Steve and then my sister in law, innocently visiting from Colorado. It was awful. Needless to say, my last workout was Thursday. I didn't dare try it today as I still feel like I was hit by a roadside bomb. But, you know what? I dropped four pounds due to all my suffering. Still wasn't worth it...

I'll try to get back on the horse tomorrow...

You all keep moving until then!!

((((hugs))))

[PBarnes]

I'll continue to check in and cheerlead for this week.

Is everybody in the world sick? Man, it sure is going around. I've got a bad cold too. Think I'm on the downhill side of it though. It started out as a cough that woke me in the middle of the night last Monday night/Tuesday morning. They tested me while I was in the hospital on Wednesday to see if it was the flu and luckily it isn't. Went up into my head over the weekend. I'm just hoping I'm not stuck with this cough for the next nine months as often happens after a virus like this. So even if I wasn't confined to rest, I'm not sure I'd have the energy to exercise.

Those that are capable, keep on movin'! Those that aren't, take care of yourself and get well fast.

[Wxchic]

It is so good to be back in the saddle! I took it real easy yesterday, and today I'll ramp in up again.

There are some great articles in Yahoo this morning regarding weight loss...I'll share them with you. Here is one of them...

When it comes to losing weight, the following eight food strategies have helped thousands of my personal clients achieve their goals. Go ahead and give them a shot!

Fiber -- Both types of fiber, insoluble and soluble can help your weight loss efforts.


Insoluble fiber provides volume to food without adding a lot of calories. Foods rich in insoluble fiber include high fiber cereal, whole wheat bread, wheat bran, fruits and vegetables.


Soluble fiber helps stabilize your blood sugar levels, which in turn can better control hunger and cravings. Also, this type of fiber slows down the transit time of food in your gut, so it may keep you fuller for longer. Foods rich in soluble fiber include strawberries, apples, pears, oatmeal, chickpeas, and beans.


Juicy Foods -- Fruits and veggies with a high water content "built into the food" helps to fill you up, so you'll eat less collectively throughout the day. Go for watermelon, lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber, mushrooms, grapefruit, and cantaloupe.


Lean Protein -- Protein can slightly rev your metabolism after ingestion (more so than carbs and fat). Be sure to include some type of lean protein with every meal. Good sources include chicken breast, canned light tuna, wild salmon (fresh and canned), egg whites, crab, shrimp, tilapia, turkey breast, tofu, lean red meat, low-fat dairy, beans and lentils.


Foods That Make You Work -- People eat less of the very same foods when they require a bit of work. For example, buy shelled peanuts versus unshelled peanuts and prepare soybeans in the pod versus the straight bean.


Sugarless Gum -- Contrary to what people think, sugarless gum does not stimulate your appetite. In fact, it's a great way to give your taste buds a shot of flavor and prevent yourself from popping something caloric in your mouth. Keep a pack of sugarless gum on hand (or a pack of mints).


Hot Beverages -- Sipping a hot, low-cal beverage is a great way to stave off extra calories when you're looking to eat out of pure boredom. And because they're hot, you'll have to slowly sip over an extended period of time. Choose beverages under 100-calories such as green and herbal teas, diet hot cocoa, skim latte and cappuccino, and reduced sodium bouillon.


Spicy Food and Capsaicin -- Personal clients and research have reported that you're often satisfied with less food when the meal is spicy hot. Plus, you automatically eat slower and drink more water! If your taste buds can handle the heat, add chili peppers, hot sauce and salsa to your meals.


Pre-portioned Snacks -- There's no chance of overeating when you only have one portion in front of you. Try the following legalized snacks when you want something fun: 100-Calorie Pack, Glenny's soy crisps, Skinny Cow-Silhouette flying saucer, Healthy Pop mini bag microwave popcorn, Nature Valley granola bar, Pria bar, People Pop, Tootsie Pop, Weight Watchers ice cream pops, or a Swiss Miss/Jell-O fat free pudding.

[Wxchic]

You don't have to be smarter than a quiz show fifth-grader to learn how to control the urge to eat. Just follow these ingenious tips:
1. Feed it protein for breakfast. You'll be less hungry later on and end up eating 267 fewer calories during the day. At least that's what happened on days when St. Louis University researchers gave overweight women two scrambled eggs and two slices of jelly-topped toast for breakfast rather than about half that protein.

2. Make it climb a flight of stairs. At home, store the foods that tempt you most way out of reach. For instance, Cornell University food psychologist Brian Wansink, PhD, keeps his favorite soda in a basement fridge. "Half the time I'm too lazy to run down there to get it, so I drink the water in the kitchen."

3. Sleep on it. People who don't get their eight hours of zzz's experience hormonal fluctuations that increase appetite, report researchers.

4. Give it something else to think about. When scientists scanned the brains of people eating different foods, they found that the brain reacts to fat in the mouth in much the same way that the nose responds to a pleasant aroma. So if you feel a craving coming on, apply your favorite scent.

5. Never let it see a heaping plate. The more food that's in front of you, the more you'll eat. So at a restaurant, ask your waiter to pack up half of your meal before serving it to you, then eat the extras for lunch the next day.

6. Put it under the lights. You consume fewer calories at a well-lit restaurant table than you do dining in a dark corner. "In the light, you're more self-conscious and worry that other patrons are watching what you eat," explains Wansink.

7. Talk it down. Entertaining friends with a great story doesn't give you much time to eat up, so you'll probably still have food on your plate when they're done. Once they're finished, call it quits too.

8. Offer it a seat. If you sit down to snack -- and use utensils and a plate -- you'll eat fewer calories at subsequent meals.

9. Satisfy it with soup. Start lunch with about 130 calories worth of vegetable soup and you'll eat 20 percent fewer calories during lunch overall, say Penn State experts.

10. Give it little choice. Packages that contain assorted varieties of cookies, candy, dips, cheese, etc., make you want to try all the flavors. The effect is so powerful, says Wansink, that when people are given 10 colors of M&Ms to munch on, not seven, they eat 30 percent more!

Oh, and one more thing: Feeding your appetite a diverse diet that is low in calories and high in nutrients can make your RealAge as much as four years younger. Sweet.