Karen - Thursday

Well I was very excited to find out I lost 3.4 pounds after gaining 2 last week. For six weeks I'm down 13.4. My goal is to lose 1.6 this week so I can get my next 5 pounds star from weight watchers. 6.6 pounds away from my 10 percent goal. My goal is to hit that before I leave for the Ozarks.

Karen - Friday

Well, I gained 2 pounds last week. I'm ok with it though. I wasn't sticking to WW the best...BUT I did pretty well. I think the 2 pounds was just fluctuation. I hadn't expected to lose so much and I think a lot had to do with me spending most of the day outside in the hot humid weather...and with my period. So, we'll see how next week goes. Today went really well.

Karen - WW

I lost 6.6 pounds in the past 2 weeks!! That's a total of 12.2 in 4 weeks. Very excited!!

Karen

Well - I'm nervous to weigh in tomorrow. I've had a crazy two weeks. I haven't been as diligent about counting my points. I think I've lost a couple pounds since I weighed in 2 weeks ago. I just finished my period and feel like I've been starving to death and therefore eating more. I hate it! But, although I haven't been purposely exercising...I've been wearing my pedometer and with the tea party last weekend...I have been at the church and had between 15,000 - 23,000 steps every day. Today mom came up and helped me clean and I ended up with about 13 or 14k. But I was so tired that I was a huge slacker and didn't want to cook for the entire family...so we ordered pizza. I'm hoping to go tomorrow and then be motivated again. I really need some dinner ideas for the whole family. Lunchs are fine because it's just me. Dinners are hard cooking for everyone.

Fresh Start

Well, it is almost 5:30 am and I am up to go walk. I have had such a hard time getting back on track and staying motivated the last month. I have maintained my weight and not gained, so it could be a lot worse. I had another shape scan done last Thursday at Curves. This is a machine that measures your resting metabolic rate, lean body mass, body fat, and tells you exactly how many calories you should be eating to lose. Since I had lost some, I knew the number of calories I needed had probably decreased. It had. Seeing the numbers helped to get me motivated to keep going. I also weighed and took my measurements. Jack's first birthday is in two months and I have a college class reunion in a couple months. I really want to lose more before those two events. So today is the day! I'm getting started again!

Susan - Monday

Well, I got another 5 point sticker Saturday. I've lost 10.8 pounds! Last week I lost 3.6 - I have no idea how. I'm really excited - I think it's true that you have to go to the meetings - it really pushes me to stick to the plan and lose weight every week. I have an inital goal of 21 pounds, so I have about 11 to go.

Karen - Thursday

Went to weight watchers tonight. Lost 5.6 pounds. I was very excited. It is really encouraging going to the meetings. It was motivating for me to lose that much weight after I had done so bad for three days. It made me really realize how important it is to stick with it even when I screw up.

Karen

I go to weigh in tonight at WW. Never did go to the meeting in Burlington Thursday. We didn't even get into town until about 2 pm and three of the four meetings were already over. Fri, Sat and Sun I went completely off the diet. Well - pretty much I just ate what I wanted for meals. I didn't snack much, if at all. But I got right back on track on Monday. So I'm disappointed that I screwed up but was happy that I got right back on because usually I'd be mad at myself and then give up.

This week has gone well, although I almost caved last night because I wanted HyVee Chinese sooooo badly.

Susan - Monday

Went to my weight watchers meeting Saturday and had lost .8 pounds. 7.2 pounds total now. I know it's only been 3 weeks, but it sure feels like it's coming off very very slowly.
I had a bbq Saturday night and did very good. I bought Veggie burgers - worth 1 point - and it was actually pretty good. I got Village Hearth buns - worth 1 point and used a slice of cheese so my dinner was only 4 points. ANd with the tomato, pickle, onion, ketchup and mustard I was full from just that. I made a dessert to take and it was really good - 3 points a piece. I took a box of angle food cake mix, mixed in a large can of crushed pineapple, baked it and put fat free cool whip on top - then refrigerated. I don't usually like pineapple a WHOLE lot, but this was really good, and everyone loved it - even though most of them said they don't like pineapple either. Any way, I'm starting on my 4th week now. I'm still motivated, so that's good.

Susan - Thursday

Didn't do so great yesterday. I had to use some of my 35 points for the week. Had a teeny tiny piece of carrot cake and I figured 4 points for even that little piece. Went to the pancake breakfast - had one pancake, a couple bites of egg and 1 sausage. Turkey sandwich for lunch - used mustard instead of mayo. Didn't snack at all. I did have 1 1/2 cokes though. Had half a pumpkin bar with my dinner - again had sandwiches. Could have been a worse day because there was so much good food, but I stuck with the mostly healthy fruits.
I had an egg mcmuffin for breakfast - so I have to restrict myself the rest of the day. I'm definitely going to have to avoid McDonalds from now on. 7 points for that. I should have peeled the ham and cheese off of it. We are going to a BBQ Saturday night and I'm a little nervous because there will be so much good but unhealthy food. Would it be rude to show up with my own chicken breast -( they are cooking hot dogs and brats.) Had my boss today tell me his wife does weight watchers so he gave me some low point foods. Here they are
Hearthland bread - light italian 1 point for 2 slices
Blue Bunny lite swirl sticks - it's ice cream
Bryer's light
He said he makes his spaghetti sauce from scratch and it has 0 points - he's going to bring me the recipe. I'll share it when I get it.

Karen - Monday

Completed one full week. I did well keeping within my points. I exercised 4 days last week. I'd really like to get at least 5. I exercised today - Eliptical, 35 minutes, 4 miles, 400 calories.

Overall I feel like things are going well. So far it's been fairly simple to follow. I'm hoping that after several weeks the meal planning will be easier. Not that it's super hard...but sometimes when I'm hungry and want something quick...I can't think straight about what is a good choice.

I don't think the first week could have gone much better.

Karen - Sunday

Well I survived the weekend!! It went really well-especially today. Today we took the kids to the Discovery Center and I pushed the boys on a 2.5 - 3 mile walk. Jamie took the girls on a trail looking for a geocache. Then we went to Weed Park and went on another walk to a geocache. For lunch I just had one of the Curves granola bars for 1 point. Lunch was a picnic. I had a salad and ham and cheese sandwich (6 points). I was hot and tired from walking so that was plenty. That left 19 points for the day. I've only used 11 of those points - chicken breast (3), corn on the cob (1), baked potato and sour cream (6) and ww fudge bar (1). So I have 8 left...maybe I'll have a little treat :) I'm feeling super motivated still and excited about the program. I weigh myself on my own scale tomorrow...my official ww weigh in is next Thursday.

Karen - Friday

I've been so busy lately I haven't had time to blog. Since I'm keeping track of all my food online...I don't think I'm going to blog it here. Maybe I will some days...I don't know. Anyway...
Went to my first weight watchers meeting last night. It was very motivating for me. I've been doing good the past few days that I haven't blogged. I didn't exercise Wed or Thurs but I did exercise today.
For Breakfast I had a Nature Valley Pecan Crunch Bar. There are 2 in the package for 4 points, although I only ate one. Then I ate a HUGE salad about an hour before I ate my lunch. Lots of fiber - and boy could I tell later :) For lunch I had leftovers from last night (Chicken Parmesan). It was so good. Tonight we're having cabbage casserole for dinner. Not necessarily my choice...but I do like it. And lots of cabbage to fill me up.
I'm nervous about the weekend and about next week with the holiday and us traveling. I may need lots of encouragement.

Susan - Thursday

Out of milk today, so all I had was a weight watchers chocolate snack cake for breakfast - that was only 1 point. I hate to use my points on breakfast because it's so unsatisfying to me. I had a southwestern burrito for lunch, it was really good. That was 9 points plus 3 points for a coke - so that was a big point lunch for me. I had a lean cuisine for dinner - I had one enchilada dinner left so I used it up. I really don't like the enchilada one - I don't recommend it. No exercise again today. Maybe I'll lift some of my 2 pound weights in a little bit. I had a DQ sandwich that was 4 points. I'll probably have some popcorn a little later for 1 point. Oh, had some all bran crackers (yummy) earlier for 2 points. I have a colonoscopy on Monday, so I can't eat all day Sunday. That will be torture - So I'm going to use my 35 points from the week Saturday night and go somewhere and get an appetizer and finish with dessert! I plan on using all 35 of those points too!

Susan - Wednesday

Today I started off with a bowl of All Bran cereal - it's really good by the way if anyone is looking for low point breakfast. I made chicken noodle casserole for lunch - it's mom's tuna noodle casserole - but I used can chicken instead. I didn't use the whole wheat blend noodles because I'm trying to use some of my stuff up in the cupboards. It was really good. I used half the package of noodles, a can of 98% fat free cream of chicken, 98% fat free chicken, a bag of frozen peas. I cooked the peas first, then added it all together. Ended up only being 6 points for a pretty big portion. It was 24 points, then I divided it into 1/4 and at 1/4 of it. The girls really liked it too. Plus I had a coke - I really need to get away from that - but since I figure it into my daily points it's not cheating, even if it feels like it is! I had some quaker mini delights as a snack - 2 points. For dinner I had left over chicken spaghetti. ANd I had a 100 grand bar. I blame our HR dept. for that because they left that, and a big Crunch bar AND a package of starbursts on my desk for filling out a crossword puzzle. That was 4 points. So today I've used 21 points - 5 left. I have plans for those points - but they aren't a healthy snack, so I won't share that little diddy. If anyone wants ideas, I was thinking today that the Chicken parmesan mom makes is probably very low points - parmesan is 0 points. that served with broccoli and wheat pasta or brown rice sounds really good to me.

Karen - Tuesday

I finished last night off good. Today has been good too. For breakfast I had to cook for our Board Members - scrambled egg mixes. Everyone got to pick their ingredients and I mixed them into scrambled eggs. So I ended up with 2 eggs, a little ham and a little cheese and onions. I estimated about 10 points for that (although I really didn't eat a lot of ham or cheese). For lunch we went to pizza ranch. I had salad only - it killed me because I wanted other things so badly. I did have 4 chips and maybe a quarter cup of macaroni salad. I estimated about 5 points. I came home ate some carrots and worked out. 30 minutes 300 calories 3 miles. Tonight - chicken fajitas. My stomach is really bothering me though. Hmmm. Haven't had pop in two days. Although I plan to have one soon :)

Tuesday

Not very hungry today. I skipped breakfast - I just didn't have time to because we had to go get some stuff for Day care. Went to the mall and walked to playland from Target and back. Little bit of exercise. Had Spaghetti for lunch, it was good. I used a whole wheat blend pasta - 2 cans of sauce and 9 ozs. of chicken. Total for the whole pan was 35 points. So I divided it into approx. 7 portions - they ended up being big portions too! So 5 points for the spaghetti, 2 points for a crescent roll and 3 points for a coke. So far 10 points for the day. I have 16 left to use.
I really need to do some exercise stuff.

Glad We Are At It Again

I have a weight loss goal for the summer and am off to a slow start, so I am glad that No Excuses is going again. Once you get in a groove, it can be easy to stay there. Once I get out of the groove, it seems to be so difficult to get back in. I do well with the exercise, but two trips to the Pizza Ranch killed me last week.

Oooops

Did my math wrong. I'm only going to have 1 serving of crackers for 2 points, ice cream bar 2 points and then THAT will leave me 2 points left.

dinner

Yuck! I just had a chicken Fetuccini Lean Cuisine and it was pretty gross and not very filling. I'm going to put that on my don't eat again list. 6 points for dinner - leaves me with 8 points left. I have a Weight Watchers chocolate ice cream bar in the freezer - that's 2 points and I'm going to have 2 servings of my All Bran crackers, that'll be 4 points. So I'll still have 2 points left for the night. I'm sure I can find something to use them on!

week 2

Ok, I'm back too! My starting weight is 212 pounds - so I hope not too many people read this. I went to the first meeting a week and a half ago. Started a week ago today. According to my scale at home I have lost 4 pounds, so I'm going to weigh myself before I go this Saturday and see how close I am to the scale there.
Today I had to skip breakfast because I had to have a CT scan - so breakfast was 0 points.
Then I got home and was hungry at 10 - so I had a snack - not very filling or healthy - I had 3 toddler cookies (3 pts.)
For lunch I had a 4 oz grilled chicken breast cut up and put inside 2 tortillas with chopped tomato and 1/2 oz mozzarella in each. 5 points - I took one bite of caitlin's cheese pizza - so I gave myself a point for cheating! Plus I had a coke - 3 points. so 9 points for lunch.
I just had some Quaker Mini Delights for my afternoon snack. 2 points.
So far today I've had 14 points. That leaves me 12 points for the rest of the day. I've lowered my allowed points from 27 to 26 because I think I'm under 210 now, which takes away one of my points.
I want to get a pedometer this week so that I can start tracking how much I walk. I don't have a whole lot of time for excercise so I just want to get in 10,000 steps a day and I'll be happy for now with that.
Let me know how your marinated chicken turns out - that sounds really good! How's the fat free italian dressing?

Fat Sisters are back!

Susan started Weight Watchers last week, and I'm going to join her.

I started today. Weight = 5.2 pounds. (Down 1.4 from my all-time highest weight 2 weeks ago.)

So far, off to a good start. I had a salad (iceburg lettuce, chopped carrots, fat free italian dressing) for breakfast (I took it for lunch - but I ate it early :) ) (0 points) Nature Valley Pecan Crunch Bars for a snack (4 points), another salad (0 points) before lunch. Then I worked out on the eliptical for 40 minutes, 4 miles 450 calories. +4 points. After working out I ate a Meatloaf WW frozen dinner. (5 Points). I thought it was ok. I still have 21 points to use today!!

Tonight the plan is to have another salad and make chicken teriyaki. I have been marinating chicken breast in Kikkoman Teriyaki marinade (3 large breasts in half a jar) since last night. I am going to chop up cabbage and cook it and some rice to serve with it. Kind of like stir-fry at the mall. My favorite part is the cabbage...so that's a bonus since cabbage is 0 points.

My goal this week is to exercise 5-7 days for 30 minutes or more and stick to the diet. There are tons of food options and if I really put some effort into this the first month...I know it will pay off. I want to find new recipes and routine foods that fit into the plan.

I'm going to keep the same goal for a month. If I can make it the first month, I'd like to add goals such as weight lifting and exercising more.

Tugging

I have had several things in the last week or so that have tugged at my heart that I feel like God has just put in my path for encouragement. Today, another happened, and I thought it might encourage you guys, too.

I went to McDonald's for lunch...I know, bad. I had to go to Wal-Mart, so I just parked in the McDonald's parking lot to eat real quick. I happened to turn to WDLM, which I haven't listened to in a long time. There was a program on and Nancy Leigh DeMoss was talking about the Proverbs 31 woman. Today just happened to be about taking care of yourself, exercising and eating right. I found the transcript online at www.reviveourhearts.com. You click on the "Revive Our Hearts" under the radio tab and you can click on the right date and find the transcript. It really encouraged me to get back on track...I need to do it for God, as well as myself and my family.

It encouraged me so much that I went to the mall first to walk. I got out of the van and went to get the stroller out and found it wasn't there. I remembered I left it in the garage sometime last week- one of the nice days I did go for a walk with Harrison outside and left the stroller in the garage. So, I was a little diappointed, but I am going to go tomorrow.

I am so ready for it to be spring...I can't wait for warmer weather to get outside more and all the fresh fruit & veggies that it brings. I am still doing my water pretty well and although I haven't lost anything, I haven't gained either! Hope this encourages you all, and hope to hear from you on the blog!!

Hollow

I think my stomach and both legs are hollow this week. I have just wanted to eat nonstop. I haven't gone over my calories, but I have eaten all of them before it's time for supper. I haven't been able to eat much after 4:00. I'm not sure what the deal is. Bob Greene was on Oprah again yesterday. I didn't get to see much of it. I would like to go to the Women's Lifestyle Fair next week to see him if anyone else is interested. He will be there at 2:00 on Saturday. I hope everyone else is having a successful week!

Expensive

Eating healthier is expensive. Craig and I were having one of our "discussions" about money this morning and where it all goes. I have really changed my spending habits since quitting working and staying home with Jack, and we still seem to be just scraping by sometimes. When we look at the checkbook, though, most of my spending is at Wal-Mart and on groceries. We try to shop at Aldi when we can, but they don't really have may options for low fat, reduced calorie. What do you do? I love the Fiber One bars that Amy told me about and the 100 calorie snacks. Those kind of things are so easy to grab when I'm taking care of a baby. I told Craig I would walk through Aldi and look closely to see what options are there. I know they have chicken, fish, and produce. That may be what I will have to eat most of the time. Does anyone have any suggestions or ideas?

Whew!

I just spent a week at my parents. I bought some groceries when I got there with the intent of sticking to the same things I have been eating here at home. I did eat some of it, but also ate some good home-cooking. I also ate at the Pizza Ranch once. I looked up calories online before we went and was excited to learn that the chicken is broasted and only has 190 calories in a wing or leg! I didn't do bad there at all. I also only ate one small helping at each meal with my parents and had the same success that I had been having at home with my boring food. I only exercised once this last week. I had a pass to work out at Curves there, but I had such a bad head cold and didn't feel well at all. We'll see what the scale says tomorrow at the Biggest Loser weigh in. Something always changes on Sunday when I weigh in. I want to take my scale with me tomorrow. As of this morning, I had lost 21 pounds since early January. If only I could weigh in the buff at Curves! :)

I'm Discouraged

Ok...so I'm really discouraged this week. My entire family has been sick so I'm hoping that that is the reason I'm not motivated. No pop for almost 5 weeks. Did you know that caffeine attaches itself to fat cells and makes them harder to burn? Ok...so I heard that through the grapevine and can't guarantee that. Anyway...I suck. I'm really going to try harder.

Susan

I'm on day 2 without any pop and it really sucks. Before when I gave up pop it was because of high blood pressure, to lose weight for my wedding, because I was having really bad heartburn or because I would have pain in my stomach - all of which I associated with drinking pop. But just giving it up now is hard. I keep thinking - what's wrong with just one a day?
Yesterday I was so exhausted, I wanted a coke so bad, I had a headache and I just thought if I had a coke it would go away. I've had this feeling before - when I quit smoking! It should be illegal to make substances so addictive!
So I haven't exercised since Saturday. I haven't weighed myself in a while either. I think giving up pop will be my one and only goal this week. If I exercise I think that will just be a bonus. My skinny friend is coming to stay at my house tonight. Maybe I'll force her to try on my clothes so I can see them hang on her like a tent, then I'll really be motivated on the weight loss!

Feeling Good!

Last night I had one of those exercise moments, where it felt great, and I just felt like I could keep going for a couple of hours. Jack was at home with daddy and was soon going to be ready to eat again, so I couldn't stay. I don't have those times very often. When I do, it just feels so good. It served as motivation to keep exercising, so that I will hopefully have another day like it soon. I'm trying to get mentally motivated to go to my parents for a week. I know there will be a lot of good food there. I also usually tell myself, "It's ok to have that dessert, you can relax here, it's kind of like a mini-vacation since you're not at home." I have already gotten my Curves pass, so that I can go to Curves there. I'm also planning on getting some of my healthier food choices at the grocery store once I'm there. I have to stick to it! I just know it won't be easy.

Aaaarrrrgggghhhh!

Is that a word? Anyway, I hope it conveys my frustration with myself. I have been drinking my water and not eating out for supper (or lunch for that matter), which is good, but I have not exercised since last Thursday. It is just the last thing I want to do, and the last thing on my mind. I just feel like I have so much else on my plate that is 'more important' that I don't make time or muster up enough energy to just do it. I am down about three pounds from last week, which is encouraging, but I know it won't last long if I don't keep exercising. It has always been a struggle for me. I like to walk and exercise and feel so much better after doing it, it is just hard to do when there is so much else going on. I guess the good thing is that there's always tomorrow to start over!

Karen - Tuesday

I have really sucked this past week. I have not exercised once. I've been sick since Saturday so I'm giving myself an excuse. :(

I still have not had pop for over 4 weeks. I've been trying to get my fiber. Everything else has been bad and yesterday I weighed more than I started. Something has to be wrong. I know I'm not eating more. I've very discouraged. We'll see what happens tomorrow when I weigh in. I've got to do something because I feel like I'm burning out fast.

Susan

Karen talks so much about fiber, I went out and bought some mini frosted wheats this weekend. I used to eat them all the time, but then got tired of them. So now I'll make sure I have that for breakfast this week. Worked out Saturday for 20 minutes. Had a pretty bad headache, so I was happy that I got through that. Nothing Sunday or today. Tomorrow I will for sure work out. I had two pops (yikes) yesterday because we were at a superbowl party. Every one else was drinking beer, so I kind of ok'd myself to have a second pop, not good. I think starting tomorrow I will go to no pop at all. Kind of a good time because I just drank the last one out of the 12 pack today! So my goal now - NO POP!!! Wish me luck - I've stopped drinking pop about 50 times in my life, maybe 51 will be the winner!

Sara - Monday

Oh, the wonderful scale! Saturday, I went to Curves and weighed myself on their scale and was down 3 1/2 pounds from last week. Yesterday at weigh-in for The Biggest Loser I was only down a pound. Why does my weight seem to fluctuate so much and why is it always the smallest number on weigh-in day? I was discouraged. Last night I did relax a little at a Super Bowl party and had a little of the REALLY GOOD food that was there. I didn't overdue it. I know I went over my calories for the day though. Today I started using my-calorie-counter.com. You enter each of your meals and snacks and it records the calories, fat, protein, sodium etc. for you. It won't total each column unless you pay for it each month. It is kind of fun to use. I'm trying to stay focused and remember to take it one day at a time.

Karen - Thursday

I know how you feel Susan...I hate posting failure too. But that's what I'm about to do. I still am not drinking pop...after a close call at Susan's house Saturday. :) I opened a can of Sprite and it tasted funny to me so I only had a couple sips. But I haven't worked out in 2 days. All our kids are sick too Susan. Grace had a 103* temp tonight. Lucy started getting a temp Sunday night. I'm still bummed becasue my weight was up on Wednesday. I feel like I'm making some big changes and just expect to see better results. No, I'm not exercising hours a day or changing what I eat too much...but I'm not expecting to see huge weight loss either.

I had the fiber one bars Amy suggested too. I've been doing good about eating fiber. I'm not sure I got 25g's in today...but I have been. I usually eat a bowl of frosted mini wheats that has 12 gs and now by adding the Fiber One bar there's another 9. I feel like I have my breakfasts under control...I need to work harder on healthier snacks and better meals.

I still feel like I'm making some good changes and sticking too them. I need to keep exercising - that's really important to me. I hate it so much though!!!

Sara - Thursday

I've been doing ok. I need to not weigh myself everyday. I think my weight fluctuates a lot. I was bumbed at the Biggest Loser contest on Sunday. Friday night when I weighed myself on the scale there at Curves, it said I was down 5 pounds. On Sunday, it was only 3. Last night I weighed and again it said I was down 5 from Sunday, so we will see what happens. I know it's only a number, but there is something so mental about seeing the numbers drop. I have been sticking to my 1700 calories. I do need to fit in some more fruit and vegetables. I eat several of the 100 calorie snacks during the day. They are so good! I also tried the Fiber One bars that Amy told me about. They are great! I have been exercising every day. I try to exercise an hour if I can leave Jack for that long. I've also been drinking a lot of water, but struggle with diet coke. It just tastes so good! Everyone is doing great. Keep up the good work!

Amy

I haven't been doing too bad. I have done a walking tape the last two days and have met my goal of drinking 2 mugs of water a day. I have to go to the bathroom like every 5 minutes. Anyway, I am feeling good about exercising. I have been watching what I eat and have been pretty sensible. I know it can be a challenge with sick kids, and just wanting to relax when you have a few minutes. Just remember tomorrow is a new day and you can continue what you were doing before!! Keep it up!

Susan

I'm here. I haven't been doing very well, so it's hard to post failures. I'm still down 4 pounds, which is good, but I haven't exercised at all this week or writing down my eating habits. The girls are sick and trying to stick to exercising is pretty tough. I will make sure Saturday and Sunday I go for 30 minutes on my elliptical - and I'll make sure Tim makes me do it. I have no other goals for this week right now other than sticking to my one pop or less a day. Sorry, I'm pretty lazy right now, I think I'm catching what the girls have and it doesn't make me very motivated.

Karen - Wednesday

Haven't been sticking to my goal for this week. Seems like after the kids go to bed is the perfect time for me to sit, relax and have a snack in peace. Will be working on that goal.

Weighed myself today...up from last week! Disappointing...but not enough to make me give up :)


Susan? Where are you? :0)

Karen - Tuesday

Eliptical: 31 minutes; 3.6 miles; 389 calories.

Feel like I'm working my butt off and not seeing results. I weighed myself today and I was more than last Wednesday. We'll see how it goes tomorrow.

Every Excuse

OK, OK, I have been making every excuse to putting off starting on this blog (moving, kidney stones, having a new baby- how long is a baby considered new?). I have thought about it everyday, but I know that doesn't count. So, I need to just do it. I am going to make some goals that are realistic for me now...they aren't going to be anything major, but they will be ones that I can meet with some effort and it will be at least a step in the right direction.

Goals for this week: drink two mugs of water everyday (I still have my big Weight Watcher's mug), eat at home every night but Saturday, exercise 20 minutes 3 times a week.

Everybody keep up the good work! Amy

Karen - New Goal

My new goal for this week is no eating after 8 pm.

Karen - Monday

Eliptical: 30 minutes; 323 calories; 3.1 miles.

Not sure yet of what goal I want to add this week. I will think about it this morning and add one when I get home from work.

Karen - Saturday

Eliptical: 26 minutes; 323 calories; 3.0 miles.

Karen - Friday

Wednesday I weighed myself. My original weight ended in 4.8. I was down 2.6 pounds. (New weight ended in 2.2) I was happy...I lost one pound the first week and 1.6 the second week. It's coming off slow...which I have to keep reminding myself is what I want. (Because I REALLY want it to come off fast...but know I NEED to take it off slow.) Since I haven't altered my eating habits TOO much...I think that is pretty good. I have been reaching my 25 grams of fiber a day. Ok...I can say that I am a regular girl now :) I would never come even close if it wasn't for the Shredded mini wheats that I eat for breakfast every day! (12 grams)

Did not exercise Wed or Thurs because some of the kids did not nap on those days. I exercised before work this morning because I know I won't be able to this afternoon - development appointment for the boys. I would really like to try to get 2 more 25 minute exercises in this week.

Eliptical Today: 25 minutes; 2.4 miles; 226 calories

Not sure what my goal will be for next week? Sit ups, fewer fat grams, fewer carbs? Not sure yet.

I failed again by eating out for lunch three times this week. Breakfast is going well...still continue to not eat out for breakfast. Supper is ok. I think only once this week...went to Burlington last night for Jamie's dad's birthday and ate pizza.

Sara - Thursday

I have actually been sticking to my plans. Part of my motivation is the Biggest Loser Contest. I was surprised when I walked into Curves last night to find our "before" pictures posted on the wall with our weights right there for all to see! Ugh!!! For the last two weeks, I have worked out on the circuit, elliptical, or treadmill for an hour each day. Today I took Jack and we walked around the mall to add another 30 minutes to my exercise for the day. I have been sticking to 1700 calories a day and limiting my diet pop. As of Tuesday, I had already lost 4 pounds just since we weighed in at Curves on Sunday. Even though I am experiencing some success, when I look at the total number of pounds I need to lose, my goals seem insurmountable! I have such a long way to go!

Susan

Today was a good day for me. I did the elliptical for 21 minutes. I did 30 situps and some push ups, I won't say how many because it's a pretty sad number. Had a small bowl of cereal for breakfast and haven't really snacked today. I have a couple cookies in my lunch tote calling my name, but I'm going to wait until after dinner to eat them because that's when I really crave sweets. Feeling more motivated today.

Susan

I'm failing this week! I have been watching my portion sizes but have not exercised! Tomorrow I will for sure get on my elliptical and do at least 20 minutes. I have been staying to no more than1 can of pop, today I shared a can with Tim - so just half a can today. I've been snacking on string cheese and fruit - so that makes me feel better. Haven't written down what I eat - I'm pretty sure it's right where I should be. I need to keep better track. You're doing great Karen, if I read the blog daily I know I'd better!!!

Karen - Tuesday

Just finished the eliptical - 26 minutes, 275 calories, 2.9 miles.

I was able to get my 25 grams of fiber in yesterday. Today I ate Frosted mini wheats for breakfast. I had 2 cups that had 12 grams. I normally don't eat much cereal...but when I do, it's Fruit Loops.

Day 2 that I ate lunch at home. I was REALLY craving Taco Johns today.

Thanks for the Invitation

Karen asked if I would like to join the blog. I was excited to say yes as I am trying to stay motivated and what a great way! I have been going to Curves regularly for two months. The first month I lost 7 inches but no weight. I tried to look at the positive and concentrate on the inches. This last month, I didn't lose weight or inches. At Curves I signed up for a Biggest Loser contest. As part of the contest, we are given a Shapescan at the beginning and the end. During my beginning Shapescan this last week, I found out I wasn't eating enough calories. Since I have upped my calories, I have lost some weight! I am also reading the Best Life Diet by Bob Greene, Orprah's trainer. I am following his three phases. I have also given up a lot of the Diet Pop I was drinking and am only going to have it away from home. I have replaced it at home with water. I'm grateful for the accountability!

Karen - Monday

I just finished exercising: 26 minutes; 2.9 miles; 200 calories

I've gone 2 WEEKS without pop!! I'm very excited about that!

I've gone 2 weeks not eating at McDonalds for breakfast!!

And last week I exercised 4/7 days. Did not reach my goal...but I feel good about it.

My goal for this week is to add fiber. I read we should have 25+ grams of fiber a day. So my goal is 25 a day. Boy...I think this is going to be hard. I did buy some "Benefiber" to help me get enough...I'm going to start adding a little to my food. Ultimately I'd like to reach the 25 grams without any help from a supplement.

Thanks for encouraging me and keeping me accountable Susan:)

Susan

I was hoping no one would notice that I haven't posted this week!
I didn't write down everything yesterday or today. I'm pretty sure I'm over.
I did exercise for 20 minutes each day all week though. I was planning on quitting pop this week, but that didn't happen either. I was going to cheat and have a bottle on Wednesday whileI was at work, so I went to get one out of the machine - but a diet caffeine free pepsi came out instead of coke. At that point I figured it was fate, so I just drank water!!! I'm still down 3 pounds from when I started, but I think it's because I'm exercising, not watching what I eat. I have definitely started taking smaller portions, but I snack all day long. I have to get myself more psyched to eat better. I did figure out that the chili I made only has around 300 calories a bowl, so I ate that for lunch and dinner 2 days in a row and that gave me more calories left to snack on, yeah! I definitely get more motivated when I read how good you're doing Karen. Keep it up - awesome that you get so pumped up to exercise and not drink pop or eat out for breakfast!

Karen - Thursday

I didn't exercise last night. I got up this morning and did my workout for yesterday...if that counts?! I will still plan on doing 20+ more minutes today.

21 minutes; 2.1 miles; 150 calories

I have not had any pop.

I have not eaten out for breakfast yet.

This week I have eaten out for lunch 3 of 4 times :(. Plan on eating at home today.

Susan...how's your week going?

Karen

Ok...12:20 am and just finished exercising. 24 minutes; 200 calories; 2.6 miles

Still no pop...had two nights where I craved it. First at a pizza party last night and tonight at the movies with popcorn. I really wanted fruit punch or lemonade...but they didn't have it. So I settled for water.

I was down only one pound from last Wednesday...which surprised me a little because yesterday I was down 2 1/2 pounds...but it just shows how much your weight can fluctuate from day to day. I guess my biggest goal at this point is to always way less that the week before...even if it's only a tenth of a pound. (Yay for digital scales.)

Already thinking of my one thing to add next week. So far I'm considering adding sit ups or adding fiber to my diet. Pop was a big one because of my risk for diabetes. Exercise also is a big factor in diabetes. I've read increasing fiber will decrease my chances of another diverticulitis attack.

Going to bed. Feeling good about myself right now :)

Karen

Just finished working out. 21 minutes; 185 calories; 2.5 miles

Ate lunch at Quiznos yesterday. Ate lunch at home today (leftover spaghetti). So 1 day down and 2 to go this week.

Had Spaghetti for supper last night and a Ham in the oven for tonight.

Feel like I've broken the McDonalds-for-breakfast habit!

It has completely helped me to work out knowing that I have to come in here and blog my results every day. Ok, I'm only on day 2 this week of exercising...but I am hoping the blog continues to motivate. I am being held accountable to the whole world - or at least the 2 or 3 other people who read this blog!!

Susan - week 1

Week 1 went pretty good. I wrote down everything I ate Tuesday - Friday. Didn't go over on calories at all. I exercised every day. The weekend was not so good though. I didn't write down anything I ate, so I cheated myself because I know I went over both days! Went to Buffalo Wild Wings on Saturday for lunch and thought I'd be healthy and ordered a wrap with grilled chicken - there was so much sour cream on it though that it wasn't healthy (or low calorie) AT ALL. Did order water though and still only had one can each day.
My goals for week 2 are pretty much the same.
Write down everything I eat and count calories
Stay at or under 2100 calories a day
Start doing 20 minutes of cardio a day - even on the weekend
Substitute fruit and veggies while snacking.
I've changed my goal of not losing weight while breastfeeding to SLOWLY losing weight. Otherwise I feel like I'm doing all this work without seeing any benefits, and that will get me down about it and I'll quit.

Karen

I did fairly well over the weekend. I've survived one entire week without pop. (Excpet at the mall Jamie and I shared a cup of pop...until I realized we were drinking pop and then I threw it away and got a water :)! )

Today I exercised on the Eliptical Machine
20 minutes; 2 miles; 150 calories

After the weekend, I was 1 pound down since last Wednesday.

Karen - Week 2 Goals

My goals this week are:
1. Not eat fast food for breakfast.
2. Do not drink pop.
3. 20 Minutes on the Elipitical 5 days.
4. Eat lunch at home at least 3 times.

Karen

I don't even know what day I'm on. I think 5? I have done really good in some areas and not so good in others this week.

I haven't had any pop for 5 days now. Yay!

I've eaten fast food for lunch 4 out of 5 days. Boo!

I normally eat at McDonalds for breakfast every morning and but haven't even once this week. I've been normally eating a banana for breakfast. Which is really weird because I'm not a big banana lover...but they seem to be the least messy of fruit. And the only thing I've had to bring. I need to start bringing some granola bars or something else so that I can have a mid morning snack.

Jamie and I haven't eaten out for supper at all this week. Wednesday I almost caved when we went grocery shopping. Ended up not eating until 9:30 that night. But at least it wasn't fast food.

I've only exercised two days this week. I think I'll set a goal of 4 days next week. I still have tomorrow and Sunday that I could exercise so we'll see.

I weighed myself Wednesday and have lost 2 pounds. Happy about that. Want to really not focus on the weight though. I know that by eating better, cutting out pop and exercising I'm on the right track. So I need to really focus on those three areas.

Day 2 - susan

Today I decided I will forever have to write down everything I eat and put the calories next to it. I've lost 2 pounds in 2 days, and the reason is because when I write it down, I don't eat as much. I think I must have been eating like, 3000 calories before. I'm eating way less and I'm still at 2000 calories. It's funny because I used to think, why is everyone else skinny, I don't eat any more than anyone else - I was wrong!!!! I've been cutting WAY down on my portion sizes and snack sizes. I know when I'm done breastfeeding I'm going to have to cut down on my calories again - so maybe I'll just breastfeed until Jaden is like 18!! As far as my goals, I'm going to increase my calories to 2100. Because even though it feels good to lose weight - I don't want to lose it quickly and I don't want to lose my milk supply.
I exercised on my elliptical for 17 (?not sure why that number) minutes today
So far have stayed on track with my calories.
Had pears for my morning snack.
Still have those carrots in the fridge at work taunting me to eat them. Maybe later!
Haven't done the stairs today yet - but I will before I go.
I'm actually feeling less tired since I started exercising yesterday. Maybe it's in my head because I read an artical that said exercising boosts energy and you require less sleep then.
Had a can of pop today - going to attempt to go off pop next week.

Day 1 - Susan

Was a good day for me... sort of. Was able to get on the Elliptical for 10 minutes before Caitlin got up this morning. Jaden laid in my bed and watched me, she was probably confused because I was exercising! I did keep under my calories today, but I had a bottle of pop at work instead of a can. Walked the stairs twice with one more time to go. Feeling good about this whole thing. It helps knowing Karen is doing it too, so I'm not alone. So at least when her and I are together we can keep each other in check. Didn't have my veggie serving today, brought carrots to work, but they didn't look too yummy, I really need to force myself to eat them even when I don't want to!

I Did It

Just finished exercising on the Eliptical for 20 minutes, 2.2 miles, 151 calories.

I feel good!

Karen

Day 2

Well...I met 1 out of 3 goals yesterday!! I didn't drink pop. That's my biggest goal right now so I'm glad that's the one I stuck to. I didn't exercise at all and I had taco johns for lunch. But, I still feel encouraged and motivated since I didn't drink pop...that's how I gained so much weight after the boys were born.

I finally remembered to weigh myself this morning. 4 pounds more than when I got pregnant with the boys. So, 4 pounds heavier than the most I've ever weighed.

I'm going in to exercise right now!

Karen

Alright - me too

Karen, you got me inspired, so today I weighed myself and started writing down everything I eat in a notebook. So that made me think what I want my goals to be. Long term, I'd like to lose 75 pounds! But if I think like that I know I'll fail. So until I finish breastfeeding here are my goals.
This week:
Eat and drink less than 2000 calories a day (I know it's a lot, but I don't want to really lose a lot because I don't want my milk supply to drop off yet)
Walk the stairs in my building 3 times a day
I've already had pop this week - so no more than a can a day.
Journal every thing I eat and count every calorie and not cheat! So I guess I'll be adding that piece of cake I had for break Greg brought in that was left over from his son's birthday. I'm so weak!!!
For my snacks - replace one with a fruit and one with a veggie.

Karen - Day 1

Day 1 went pretty good. No fast food. No pop. Only 10 minutes of exercise though. I got interrupted by a crabby Vaughn and never got back to it.

Forgot to weigh myself. Now I don't get to count the 5 pounds I probably lost yesterday :)
Karen

Karen's Goals for Week 1

Longterm Goal:
Lose 5 pounds a month.

Plan:
Set realistic goals on a weekly basis that I can obtain to help me achieve my longterm goal.
Evaluate my goals on a weekly basis and adjust based on my accomplishments.
Make changes to my lifestyle and not try to lose a bunch of weight quick. I want to lose it slow and keep it off.

Goals this week:
No pop.
Exercise at least 20 minutes per day on my Eliptical machine.
No fast food.

Here We Go

I've been planning on starting a weight loss blog for several weeks now. Originally it was going to be a personal blog that no one else had access to. But the more I thought about it, I decided that I would love to have other women who also need to lose weight join in to encourage me and each other.

Anyone is welcome to join this blog. You can include as much or as little information as you want to in your postings. You can make your own goals and try to lose weight the way you want to...there are no set rules to follow. This is just a support system. This is going to be my accountability system.