Bad News.......Good News......

I guess I will confess the bad news part first.  I have not exercised in 2 weeks and don't plan on exercising for the next 2 weeks.  I got a pretty bad cold that kept me out of the gym for two weeks simply because it took all my energy just to go to work.  This week.....well, I don't like to exercise during this time every month.  Then, off we go to Utah for 10 days!  I will be getting a different kind of exercise keeping up with the kids on our plane rides, sleeping in a different place and our plans to camp a few nights in Moab.  But no real muscle toning exercise for me until I get back.

Good News!  I have 3 more lbs to lose to get to my goal.  I am thinking that once I get to my first goal that I will make a second goal.  One thing at a time though, right?  And when I get back I plan on hitting the gym pretty hard working on toning some more muscles. 

Jennie and Mauri keep up the good work!  Forget those scales (sort of) and focus on how your clothes are feeling and how YOU are feeling.  :o)

Jennie Update - week (who knows?)

I am doing good.  I really like myfitnesspal.  It has made me feel more accountable and I love it.  The scale says I lost a pound last week and I do feel it.  I still need to eat more vegetables, but it is on the bottom of my list right now.  I have eaten a salad now and then, but that is it.  I guess that is better than nothing!

Mauri Update

Yay, Jen!  I'm so glad you tried fitnesspal.  It's a wonder, isn't it?

I have been using it for three weeks now, I think.  I am sad to say I am not seeing loss on the scale.  I have been exercising well, eat the right amount of calories, etc.  I feel better in my clothes and I can tell a difference in the way I look, so the scale issue is discouraging.  I don't know what to do except press along.  I know I'm healthier when I'm keeping track of what I eat, exercising, etc.  So I don't want to stop.  I guess I'm just going to be patient and keep doing the best I can.  Even treading water is better than going backward.

If anyone has any suggestions, I'm open to them....

Have a great week,
Mauri

Starting...NOW!

So, I have been majorly slacking, however I have resolved today to start working our again to see if I can't drop a couple more lbs. before heading back east to see my awesome family ;) So today I jumped on the elliptical for 45ish minutes. I'll just stick with that for a week or so and see how it works. Wish me luck!

Jen Update

I am down 1 pound from last week (at least that is what the scale says, but who knows).  I am happy about that.  I feel really dedicated this week to getting down 1 more pound.  I started myfitnesspal and really love it!  I love how it calculates your total carb/protein ratios along with the calories.  It certainly makes it easier to keep track of everything.  Thanks for the suggestion Mauri! 

Yes, scales ARE liars...

Jennie and Tara, I loved your posts when I read them this morning.  You are both so right.  I have the same issue with the scale.  If I move it around my bathroom floor (from by the wall to the middle of the floor or to an area where there is a grout seam between the tile, for example) I can weigh something different in every spot.  AGHHHH!  What's a girl to do?

That's why I like this fitness pal app so much.  It gives me something steady to base my thoughts upon rather than the unreliable scale.  Today my scale says I'm up half a pound from last week, but I'm not seeing it on me or in my clothes.  In fact, I feel slimmer than this weight normally feels, so I've decided not to freak out about the scale and just keep going.  It was like an affirmation when I read your posts this morning and saw you were experiencing the same things.

Last week was super busy and while I exercised and stayed within my calorie goal, I used my calorie budget on a bunch of junk instead of good foods.  This week looks a lot more reasonable, so I'm looking forward to more regular meals, food, exercise and calmer days. 

Have a great week, friends.

My Update

I am only 6lbs away from my goal at this point.  I am not sure how much I have lost since my last post but I have lost a total of 19 lbs.  I was supposed to measure myself this past weekend but because of my monthly visitor and that same darn water weight that Jennie complained about, I decide I would wait one more week.  I will post an update on my measurements later.  The measurements really help me and I have decided to go with them more than I do my scale for the simple reason that my weight WILL change if I drink a soda instead of water or have a full bladder or even if I am somewhat dehydrated.  The scale fluctuates so much and I got tired of letting the scale tell me how to feel about myself.  I feel good.  My resting heart rate has decreased.  My ability to lift patients at work has improved.  My clothes that I recently bought are already even more loose than they were when I purchased them.  And I can even tell a difference in my body when I look in the mirror.  That's huge for me.  I see myself every day and I know that if I can even tell, then a difference is being made.  Like I have said before.....I am in this for the long haul.  I would like to see that certain # on the scale but I also want to see muscle definition in my legs, arms and stomach.  It's gonna take a while.  My gym membership is paid for the whole year.  I hope to see the biggest change by the time I renew my membership for 2013!

Amazing!

I lost 2.5 pounds in one day!  Seriously.  I am going to do this everyday!  I have come to a conclusion....

scales are liars.

I thought that was pretty funny.  I was pretty down on myself yesterday because 131.5 was staring back at me (all 5 times I did it).  I was totally thinking all day about how to revamp what I am doing and beating myself up for a couple of wrong eating choices I made.

I was curious this morning because I didn't feel that weight, and lo and behold it said 129 (all 5 times I did it).   Water weight I guess.  I have no idea.  All variables were the same (same time of day, etc.). 

I am back on the horse.  Still want to be down to 124 by June 1st.  I guess that means I have one month!  I am not going to be writing down everything I eat because it takes too much time, but my plan is to keep all my meals around 300 calories and 2 snacks that must be fruit, nuts, or vegetables.  I will record this every Monday on this blog. 

Keep it going ladies! 

Love

So I've used it for a week and I LOVE the my fitness pal app. I'm two pounds down in a week but the best part about it is the sense of control it provides. My weight was much steadier this week, not up-down-up-down like it normally is. I realized I didn't have a very good sense at all of what I was eating. The amount of calories it recommends feels totally reasonable--I don't feel like I'm starving at all--but it's showing me how the little indulgences can really add up and keep you from your goal. I'm excited to use it this week. Last week was extremely busy with NO time for exercise. This week is a bit more balanced--at least it looks like it at this point. I hope all of you feel like you are making progress toward your goals. Have a great week!

My Fitness Pal

I just found a website/app that I am really excited about.  MyFitnessPal.com.  It seems to essentially do what Weight Watchers does for free.  You can easily track your food, exercise, weight loss, etc. all on one site.  Depending on your phone, you can download the app and have easy access.  Or do it on your computer.  Jennie, I thought this might be something you would really like since you seem to be tracking all these things on your own as it is.

I started using it yesterday, so I'm not very far along.  But this gives me a way to track and plan rather than just guesstimating and eyeballing.  It is empowering to have a plan and way to know how well you're following it.  I will let you know how it goes.

Reset button, New Goal

Easter + two birthdays + a vacation= weight gained.  Yucky, no fun.  I did okay through it all, but I didn't keep track.  I will weigh myself this Friday to see the damage.
I made sure to keep everything in moderation and I feel like I did an okay job.  I did work out M-F and I am proud of that!  I did eat too many Easter snacks and they are still around tempting me.  I gotta stay away!  The little treats are so tempting because it is like they aren't going to do any damage, but by the time you eat 5 of them throughout the day the damage is done.

So, my new goal is 6 pounds by June 1st.  A pound a week is pretty obtainable. 

Yo-Yo-Yo

Oh the yoyo-ing. I have been going back and forth so much. I usually fluctuate within a three pound range. My concern is that the range has moved up 2-3 pounds over the last few months; that's the real weight gain.

As of today I am down a pound-- 3 more to go. If I can shift that range back down, that will be my real accomplishment. I've been a lot more careful about what I'm eating and a lot more dedicated to exercising this week. No brainer, but that's what made the difference.

I've been wondering if I need to go back to Weight Watchers or something to get the rest of the way to my goal, but I have other uses for my $65, so I'm going to try a little longer on my own. I'm going to start picturing myself actually achieving my goal instead of always thinking about how difficult it is. Some positive thinking has to help, doesn't it?

Also, I read something the other day about how eating healthy and caring for your body isn't selfish, it's good stewardship. That helped me to look at this whole process in a new light. Instead of feeling like I should get to eat all the treats I want and that I'm having to deny myself, I want to look at it as caring for my body in a way that will give me the best of myself and that will show love and care for the body that I have. A small perspective shift, but helpful for me.

Keep on going, everyone. I'm cheering for you!

I gained weight!! Too many chocolate bunnies, maybe? No worries though. Today is Monday and I am back on the wagon. Worked out really hard last week and going to do it again this week. I forgot to add that my % Body fat went down 3 percentage points and my BMI went down to 24.3......my goal is 22. The normal range for me is 19 to 24.9. I will record my measurements again around April 27th.

Late Post

Well, I only lost 1 lb. in 2 weeks. The first of those 2 weeks shouldn't count anyway. You all know what I am talking about. I was just happy to not have had a net gain that week. I ate whatever I was craving and even with my mood swings I never did seem to care that I wasn't eating the way that I should. But the next week I was fine and able to eat the way I should. I have introduced carbs back into my diet, slowly. It is nice to add a piece of whole wheat toast to my morning breakfast and some fruit with my cottage cheese in the evening.

I am at the point that I am not so concerned with my weight on the scales. I am feeling great in my clothes and compared my measurements with one month ago I have lost two inches in my waist, one inch in my hips, 3/4 of an inch in my thighs, one inch in my arms and 3/4 of an inch in my calfs.

I have quite a way to go but remain determined. I really do want to make exercise part of my life again and continue to eat better that I once was. I have a long-term goal and will try to be patient with myself and my body. Because I have already been reminded that when I am face to face with a chocolate bunny......the bunny wins every time!!

Jennie Results week 4

Weight loss:  1 pound.  Feelin' good! 

Friday through Monday - not recorded.  I ate well, but I just didn't keep track! 

Tuesday:  Workout weightlifting routine. B-fast 2 cups of cinnimon crunch 220, 1 cup milk 80. Lunch Frozen fettucini 310, homemade wheat bread 100, animal crackers 120. Dinner - 2 cups healthy hearts 225, 1 cup milk 80.

Wednesday:  Workout ran 40 minutes.  B-fast 1/2 of protein smoothie 150, 1 piece wheat toast 45, butter 50. Lunch Frozen 210, 1 piece white bread 60.  Dinner - Cereal 200 calories, milk 80.

Thursday: Workout weightlifting routine. B-fast 1-1/2 cups choc. organic cheerios 220, 1 cup milk 80.  Little bit of animal crackers 30.  Lunch: PB&J, bread 120, pb 190, jam 50.  Dinner 2 tortillas 162, 1/3 cup cheese 110, tomato/onion 20, salsa 20  = 1012

Jennie Results Week 3

Results- Weight loss was 0.5 lbs.  I was definitely expecting more seeing that I feel so great.  I am thinking this may be due to some muscle growth/weight because I have been running longer and definitely getting results from the weightlifting stuff on Tues/Thurs. It was amazing surfing last Saturday because my back and arms felt so strong.  I felt like I could have paddled forever!  It was awesome.  Anyway, I know I need to keep it up this week and not be discouraged. 
Goals this week: Continue same work out.  Improve diet by eating less cereal.  Need to incorporate more protein and veggies.

Friday - Workout yes.  B-fast 1-1/2 cups healthy hearts = 220, 1 cup skim milk = 80.  Lunch 2 pieces of bread 90, turkey 90, cheese 100, tomato 20.  Dinner Mahi Mahi salad - estimating 600. Fruit pizza 300 = 1500

Saturday - Workout surfing.  B-fast 1/3 cup nuts/fruit - 130.  Lunch 2 cups chocolate cheerios 250, milk 80. Fruit pizza 200.  Dinner - McDonald's Southwest Salad 450.  Pudding 60 = 1170

Sunday - Fast.  Dinner - Hamburger 400, 1/2 cup potato salad 200, 1/4 cup coleslaw 100, green salad 100, 2 cookies - 200, 1/2 cup ice cream - 180. = 1180

Monday - Workout running.  B-fast 1-1/2 chocolate cheerio - 220, 1 cup milk 80.  Snack Chips 300, cookie 100.  Lunch - Frozen 330.  Dinner - protein smoothie 300. C-chips 50 = 1380

Tuesday - Workout weightlifting.  B-fast 1/2 cup Greek yogurt 110, wheat English muffin 100, 1 tbsp peanut butter 85.  Orange 45.  Lunch 2 cups healthy hearts 275, 1 cup milk 80.  Chips 160. Peanut butter 100.  C-chips 50. Dinner - protein smoothie - 300 = 1305

Wednesday - Workout running.  B-fast 1-1/2 cups raisin cluster cereal 255, milk 80.  Crackers 50.  Lunch Frozen 270, green beans 30.  C-chips 50, cereal 50. Dinner - 2 tortillas 162, 1/3 cup cheese 110, tomato/onion 20, salsa 20 = 1067

Thursday - Workout weightlifting.  B-fast 2 eggs 140, wheat English muffin 100, 1/2 tbsp butter 50. Crackers 150.  2 cups whole hearts 275, milk 80, pudding 60.  Dinner - 2 cups wheat spaghetti 220, 1/2 cup sauce 50, salad 50, dressing 50 = 1225

South Beach Week 2

Weight loss= 1.4 lbs.

Two weeks on Phase 1 and I wanted to be disappointed at the weight loss. It has taken me 2 weeks to break the habit of looking at the scale to judge my results but I am still motivated because my clothes really fit me differently. I put on a pair of work-out pants yesterday and Jeff said "Wow, your legs are definitely thinner" and yes the legs of the pants used to be tighter than they were yesterday. And a pair of Jeans I haven't worn all winter because they were so tight......I wore them comfortably last night.

When I started with my first free training session at my gym, they measured me. I wanted to go 4 weeks before I measured to compare but I am so excited I am going to do it this Monday (the 3 week mark) instead.

I didn't make my goal of going to the gym 4 times this week. I worked out only 3 times but this week it was twice with weights and once on the treadmill. It has been a busy week. I will keep it a goal for this week to go 4 times.

Let's keep it goin' girls!!
~Tara

Jennie Results Week 2

Weight lost = 1 pound.

Main goals this next week is to continue to improve my eating.  Still need more veggies and less sugar.  I changed up my Tues/Thurs workout and I am already loving the results.  Tyson has a workout he does twice a week where he does 4 sets of a combination of exercises including squats, pushups, pullups, various ab, arm, and back workouts.  It does wonders for him, so I created a variation of it for me.  Arms feeling lots stronger.  Would love to do a pull up unassisted by the end of this (right now I use a chair).  Also would love to be able to do real pushups.  I do them on my knees now. I have NEVER been able to do real chest-to-the-ground, knees-up pushups.

Friday. Workout Yes.  B-fast 2 cups healthy hearts 275, 1 cup skim milk 80.  Snack 1/4 cup of mixed nuts/berries 130.  Lunch - 2 slices wheat toast 90, 2 pieces ham 120, 2 tbls relish 40, 10 pretzels 100. Dinner 2 tortillas 162, 1/3 cup cheest 110, tomato/onion 25, salsa 10.  pudding 60, 3 cups popcorn 90. = 1292

Saturday. Workout no.  B-fast 2 cups cereal 275, 1 cup milk 80.  Lunch 2 pieces wh. bread 90, tuna fish 100, 1/3 cup cheese 100, 2 tomato slices 20, crackers 150.  Dinner McDonalds Southwest Salad 450, crackers 300, pudding 60 = 1625

Sunday. 2 cups healthy hearts 275, 1 cup milk 80; Lunch 2 tortas 162, Mexican chicken/bean crockpot meal 300.  Frozen dinner 260, 4 cookies 400. = 1472

Monday  Workout yes.  Breakfast 1-1/2 cups Organic Chocolate Cheerios 200, 1 cup milk 80; Snack 1/4 cup of mixed nuts/berries 130.  Lunch Frozen Michelinas 270, chips 160. Dinner 3 scrambled eggs (1 whole, 2 whites) = 140, 1/3 cup cheese 110, 2 sausages 160, 1 piece of bread 45, butter 50 = 1345

Tuesday- Workout yes.  B-fast 1-1/2 cups healthy hearts 200, 1 cup skim milk 80.  Snack 1/4 cup mixed nuts/berries 130.  Lunch Frozen Michelinas 230, bread 45, 1/2 cup grapes 35.  Licorice - 100.  Cookie dough 400.  Dinner - Protein Shake - 300 = 1520

Wednesday - Workout yes. B-fast 1-1/2 cups healthy hearts 200, 1 cup skim milk 80.  Crackers/peanut butter- 285.  Oatmeal packet 160. Coolwhip 100, dessert bread 300.  Yogurt 100, toast (2) 90, butter 50 = 1365

Thursday - Workout yes.  B-fast, protien shake 300.  Lunch 2 cups chocolate organic cheerios 275, 1 cup milk 80.  Raisins 50. 1 marshmallow 25. Dinner 4 pancakes 400, 1/4 cup lite syrup 100 = 1230

Setbacks

Ok, so this last week was spring break...yeah, kinda fell off the wagon, but I'm back on. Actually, I've worked hard the last couple days and I'm down so kudos to that! I'm really excited for school to get over so I can start putting more effort towards my next 5-10 lbs.
Next week the relatives are due (aunt FLOW and uncle TOM) so not too excited cuz it messes me up too. I've learned you just have to grin and bear it...
So, when it comes to calories I'm not too thrilled when it comes to counting. It makes me feel so dang restricted and I end up crashing as soon as I up the number. I've learned that it's the quantity. I'm all for the double chocolate cake for dessert. Just a couple mouthfuls and then call it good. So, that's my strategy with that one.
Keep up the good work everyone. I'm rooting for ya!!
~Monique~

Seeing Myself

It hasn't quite been a week since I posted.  I'm up 1.5 pounds.  Grrr.  I'll throw a little blame on my period starting.  Jennie, thanks for telling us that this throws you off too.  All day yesterday I was so tired and ready to rip everyone's head off.  Poor Tate.  He got the brunt of it, I'm afraid.  It helps when I realize what's going on.  Sometimes I don't, and I wonder if I'm losing my mind!  I'm afraid I'll have to attribute the rest of that to Girl Scout cookies.

I'm doing well with my exercise.  Yesterday I was going to stop riding my bike after 30 minutes and then I just decided to go on to my goal of 1000 calories, which I got to in another 23 minutes or so.  I'd like to see the results of that at some point.  I'm going to go ride again when I finish this post.  And I've done well at not eating at night after dinner over the last few days.  That is starting to feel like a habit, which is amazing.  Most things that are hard never start to feel habitual for me.

I've been thinking today about the way I see myself.  Sometimes it is difficult for me to feel like I have an accurate picture of myself.  For example, what does my body actually look like?  Am I blimp or a toothpick?  On the same day practically, I can see myself as both, so where exactly does the truth lie?  I feel that same difficulty in accurately assessing myself in other areas too.  Do people perceive me as kind or haughty?  Sincere or insincere?  Where do I really stand in my relationship with God?  Am I following His path or just fooling myself that I am?  This is something I've thought about for a long time.  I pray about it and think about it a lot, but I seem to just go around in circles.

What are your thoughts?  Do you have ways that help you see yourself more clearly?  Please, share them with me?

First 6 day Results

I have been doing South Beach for 6 full days. I have been addicted to weighing myself daily, so waiting 6 days is in itself an accomplishment for me. I have lost 3.4 lbs. I am happy with the weight loss but I would also like to add that yesterday I wore a pair of shorts that about a month ago I couldn't even get over my hips. And also yesterday I was rubbing my arm while I was driving because it was itching and I felt some definition in my triceps muscle! That has not happened in YEARS! I have only exercised 3 times this week......2 days on the treadmill and one day with weights. So next week I have to do better with my goal being 4 days: 2 on treadmill and 2 with weights.

I won't even try to write down the food I ate for the week because I actually eat a good bit of food but the choices are very healthy. For example: Breakfast I eat two eggs scrambled with ham, cheese and chives (omelet style but scrambled instead) with 1 cup of Almond milk and 6oz. of veg juice. Morning snack cucumbers, cherry tomatoes and celery with hummus Lunch I will have something like grilled flank steak cut into strips on bed of mixed greens with cherry tomatoes, blue cheese and 2 Tbsp of low sugar Italian dressing. Afternoon snack a small handful of almonds with low fat cheese stick Dinner Last night I had 2 thin sliced grilled and seasoned chicken breasts with mock mashed potatoes and green beans. And I will use the leftover chicken for large salad for lunch today. Night snack plain Greek yogurt with homemade granola and two packets of splenda. All Day lots and lots of water!!!

I am starting my weekend off with positive results and I am motivated to keep on going!

~Tara

Jennie Results Wk. 1

How I feel:  Pretty good.  I went to the beach yesterday and felt awful in a swimming suit, so it is giving me some extra motivation. I am so grateful for our amazing bodies and what they are capable of doing.  I am very motivated and looking forward to this experience.
 
Weight lost:  1 pound.  I would have liked to have seen more, but it is the time of the month and it always does a number on me. I have a hard time controlling my anger and my appetite.  I think it is hilarious you can see how snacky I get right before (check out Sat/Sun/Mon).

Food/Workout journal for Week 1:
Friday 3/9 Workout Yes.  Bfast -Cereal (250), Milk (100). Lunch, Cereal (250), Milk (100), chips 25, dinner kid's meal 475 = 1100

Saturday B-Fast, 2 cups healthy hearts 275, 1 cup skim milk 80.  Lunch - 2 tortillas - 160, 1/3 cup cheese 100, tomato 25, onion 25, salsa 50.  Marshmallow 25, chips 50.  Dinner - 2 pieces pizza 600, 1/2 Oreo 35, pudding 60 = 1485

Sunday.  2 cups of healthy hearts 275, 1 cup skim milk 80.  8 Starbursts 160.  1/2 cup yoplait smoothie 100.  Lunch - Frozen 260, toast 45,  butter 25.  Dinner - 2 eggs 140, 2 pieces bread 90, 1/2 cup corn 66.  Snack - Chips 400 (GRRR), pudding 60 = 1635

Monday.  Workout Yes.  B-fast 2 cups cinnamon crunch - 220, 1 cup skim milk 80.  Snack (GRRR) Chips 400.  Lunch - 1-1/2 cups (definitely wrong cereal choice,lol) granola (600), milk 70.  Dinner - Lean Cuisine 320, 1/2 cup coleslaw (100) = 1790

Tuesday.  Workout Yes.  B-fast 1-1/2 cups Organic Chocolate cheerios - 200, 1 cup skim milk 80.  1/2 of an English Muffin 50, 1/2 tbls peanut butter 50.  Michalenias Frozen 320.  1/2 apple 50.  2 cups Organic Chocolate cheerios 300, 1 cup skim milk 80.  = 1130

Wednesday.  Workout Yes.  B-fast - Protein shake 300.  Snack 10 - whole wheat pretzel twists 100.  Michalenas frozen 330.  2 starbursts 16.  Snack 10 - whole wheat pretzel twists 100.  Dinner Chicken/veggies - 300, orange chicken sauce (3 tbls) 105 = 1251

Thursday. Workout yes.  B-fast 2 cups of healthy hearts - 275.  1 cup skim milk 80. Chips - 170.  Lunch - 2 cups multigrain cheerios (220), 1 cup skim milk 80, 1/8 cup raisins 60. Snack - Apple - 50.  Michalenias Frozen 330, 1 piece wh. toast 45, 1 cup green beans 40 = 1350

This weeks Goals: Ensure that my snacks are fruits, vegetables or nuts, no more of this processed carbohydrate stuff.  Eat less of the frozen diet entrees.  I get so busy and feel this is all I have time to prepare, but it really doesn't take much longer to prepare a salad. 

OKay, Here We go!

I confess......I am a yo-yo dieter. Ever since my first child was born I have used Weight Watchers as my "go-to diet". Over the past few years though WW has not seemed to work for me but I was not ready to do anything else, until now! I started the South Beach diet this past Sunday. I only had one day of cravings that I had to hurdle. But I did it and I survived. I joined a gym near where I work and have been exercising regularly for a little more than a month now. The weight just wasn't moving anywhere and I knew it was my metabolism. The new way of eating as jump started my metabolism big time! For the first time I actually get feelings of hunger. And by the time I feel hungry it is time for a snack anyway. And by snack I mean vegetables with guacamole or hummus or a small handful of almonds and a low fat cheese stick.

I have learned a lot too by just a few (free) personal training sessions. For example, on the scale my body weight is not quite in the "over weight" category but my BMI was wayyyy off. So that was explained to me that my body fat percentage was higher than my muscle mass and that I needed to build more muscle. And when you build more muscle your body naturally burns more calories, even at rest. I also learned what my target heart rate is for optimal fat-burn during exercise. I was going over that target range on a regular basis which is more of a cardio workout/marathon training heart rate. So, now on the treadmill I increase the elevation at which I am walking instead of the pace at which I am walking. Does that make sense?

Anyway, last but not least, I have found that with the South Beach suggestions I can pretty much buy my groceries without even going down the isles. It's pretty cool. I cook way more than I would like to but I meal plan early, even my snacks. And sometimes have to pre-cook a few things the day before.

My goal: I want to improve my over-all health. I want to fit into a certain size of clothing. I want to look younger than I am when I am 53 and RETIRED! I want to make life changes that I can stick to and that are good for me.

Thanks Jennie. I needed an outlet. I am trying to only weigh myself only once a week and I'm not due until Sunday. Then I shall see how much weight I have lost in one week.

~Tara

Finally, a minute to sit down and post!

I was really excited to get Jennie's invitation to this blog.  What a good idea!  Help each other, work together--instead of trying to do it on our own.

I think my goals are pretty straightforward.  After my son was born a few years ago, I decided that if I could get back to a certain weight, I would just be happy there and devote my effort and energy to things that mattered more in life than a number on a scale.  If, by this point in my life, I've never managed to look like a swimsuit model, why not start thinking a little more realistically?  At my goal weight, I feel good about myself, my clothes fit well, I can do everything I want to....did I mention I feel good about myself?  Isn't that 90% of what matters in this discussion?

So, right now, I'm only 4 pounds away from that goal weight.  I would really like to just bust through that invisible barrier and actually get there instead of hovering just near my goal.

Here are the things that make a difference for me:
1.  Don't eat in the evenings.  Stopping after dinner has a HUGE impact on my weight.  The 9 pm bowl of cereal is ALWAYS a killer.
2.  Avoid afternoon snacking--or turn it in to healthy snacking.  At 3pm every day, I just want to eat a box of cookies.  I either willpower through it or substitute fruit or veggies instead.
3.  Exercise regularly.  I liked a comment on this blog about how 30 minutes is good for maintenance, but it takes more than that to really move the needle.  I'm in the middle of the P90X series.  I've stopped and gone to using my stationary bike for the last few weeks.  Normally, I ride for about 30 minutes.  Since this blog started, I've challenged myself to go longer; a couple days I've ridden as long as an hour and burned 1000 calories.  Yeah!  You know what?  It's not that much harder than the 30 minutes.

I think I eat pretty well, so I'm not making a lot of changes to my diet.  Changing my snacking habits will be my main focus.  And I'm looking forward to more outdoor exercise now that we have all this wonderful weather.

So, my first goal is to lose these 4 pounds and get to my goal weight.  Along with that, I want to make the little changes necessary to just eat better generally, and I want to incorporate more active time into my life.  I can easily get drawn into "getting things done" (laundry, bills, cleaning, work) and forget to take time to just go out and play with my family. I'd like to see that change in my life as well.

I'm looking forward to making this effort with all of you.  Thanks again, Jennie!

Consistency is the key and no cheating - Liz Plan and Goals

My biggest problem is staying consistent with my exercise and eating habits. I give myself a schedule to follow through out the week, like doing a different exercise every other day and doing them on and off through out the day. Then comes the cheating "oh, i can count that as my exercise!" , or I will do an extra exercise so I can eat this, and then I never do. So basically i am just cheating myself.                                                                                                 
My Goal  is to lose 15 pounds to get to my healthiest weight and to be in shape.                                                                                            
 My Plan is to eat right and watch my portions. Be consistent with exercise and NO CHEATING.

Joan - Goals and Plan

I do exercise regular but I just think that means I can eat more. I eat well, but all day long. I also love sweets. I usually do well for about 2 to 3 weeks and then blow it all together. My problem area is the gut. I know age isn't in my favor but I am determined to beat it.
Goal:
Exercise legs every other day, and upper body on the other days.
Drink more liquids. (Water)
Eat more veggies
Eat less treats
Be Happy

Monique: Goals and Plan

Goal: 10 pounds.
I lost my first 10 in the last few months and I have been chasing the next elusive 10 for a while. My biggest problem is snacking. It's mostly because I'm bored. I eat fairly well when it comes to the meals, but the snacks are killing me. A salad for  lunch is great, until it's chased by 2-3 cookies or something.
Plan:
1) DRINK MORE H2O!! Water is an amazing thing. There is such a thing as too much, but that's pretty hard to get to.
2) Stop CLOSET EATING!! Find something with a bit of protein, get it down, chase it with some H2O, and walk away.
3) EAT LESS DESSERT!! Only in America do we think that because we ate all our dinner like good girls and boys we should be rewarded with dessert. If I absolutely MUST have that decadent triple chocolate cake, one or two bites and call it quits.
4) Exercise LONGER!! 30 min is great to maintain, but 45-60min is best for weight loss.
5) Put up REMINDERS!! This picture pretty much says it all :)

CHALLENGE ACCEPTED!!! :)

Jennie - Goals and Plan

10 pounds.  Why is it so hard this time?  I just want to lose 10 pounds all while improving my health.  I want to eat healthier and achieve overall balance in my life.  I need accountability.  It is one of the biggest keys for my success.  So, I am going to post every week how/what I am doing.  I will be posting what I eat and what I did for exercise. 
My biggest temptations right now is snacking.  When I get some food out for the kids, I pop a few of whatever it is in my mouth.  The "few" turns in to too many and it is messing with my goals. 
Every weekend I just want to let it all go and relax.  This has been my problem for years.  I eat well M-Th.  But Fri, Sat and Sun, I feel like I am entitled to eat sweets and eat out.  I totally gorge and always justify that it is the weekend and it won't effect me that much.  Well, it totally effects me.  You can't eat well for 4 days and then bad for 3 days and expect results.  I have went a little crazy before thinking that I had something wrong with my body.  I even went and got my thyroid checked just to make sure.  All the while I was doing this 4 days on/3 days off thing and expecting results.  Silly!
I need to be healthy as much as I can.  I am not expecting to never eat sugar again, but I do expect control over my appetite and the ability to just say no, lol.

Goals
He is able who thinks he is able.
- Buddha

I know I can be successful in my goals. I am in control of my success.  I can have 100% success to achieve my goals.  It comes down to choices I make everyday.  So here are my goals:

Lose 10 pounds by May 1st. 
Eat 3 servings of vegetables a day (most days I get like 1 - maybe).

Plan
I have been getting up at 5:30 and working out for a half hour.  I will continue to do this.  I run M, W, F.  On Tues/Thursday I will do 10 Minute Abs and 10 Minute total body.  On Saturday I will do yoga. 
As far as diet, I will keep my calorie count at 1200 a day.  I will incorporate more vegetables and fruits.  I will eat less carbohydrates.