TIP OF THE DAY - SATURDAY

DO NOT SKIP MEALS OR STARVE YOURSELF. TRY TO EAT 5-6 SMALLER MEALS PER DAY. Skipping meals or starving yourself puts your body into survival mode. This is where your metabolism slows down to conserve energy. This is why your body can survive without any food for several days. Of course when your metabolism slows down your body burns a lot less calories. Try to eat a meal or snack every 3-4 hours. Instead of the traditional breakfast, lunch and dinner, try a breakfast, a lunch, an afternoon snack, a dinner, and an evening snack. Eating smaller meals keeps your metabolic rate high throughout the day because your body is constantly using up energy to digest the food you are eating. Eating smaller meals will also leave you feeling lighter and more energized throughout the day. If you find you get too hungry between breakfast and lunch have a midmorning snack instead of your evening snack. This works for me then I never eat right before bed.

TIP OF THE DAY - FRIDAY

EAT CHEAT MEALS: I got this tip online, from a friend and from the nutritionist. I am not so sure but here is the thinking; If you try to have a very strict diet, it will be very hard to maintain, this is why you should have cheat meals. Cheat meals can contain any kind of junk food you crave or really like. You should plan a cheat meal at least one day in advance. This ensures that you will not use cheat as an excuse to consume junk foods in moments of weakness. Also watch the portion size of your cheat meals, obviously the smaller they are the better. I was told to have a cheat meal once a month to every six weeks. Like I said this tip I am not so sure of. I started dieting (hate that word) the first week of December and so far have not had a real craving for anything I shouldn't eat, not sweets, soda, or fried foods. A weekend might be the time to have your cheat meal because planning it for the next day would help you eat better today and eat better on Sunday.

TIP OF THE DAY - THURSDAY

MAKE GRADUAL CHANGES. Do not overload yourself and try to implement all these new ideas at once. This will make weight loss seem overwhelming and impossible. Instead try to implement one new aspect of weight loss every week or two. If it is a big change, maybe just one a month. Start slow. If you are not used to doing a lot of exercising running a marathon might not be a good choice for this weekend. Start with a nice walk around the block or call on a sister or friend to go to a mall and walk. Do some window shopping about what you are going to wear when you lose the weight and reach you goal weight. If you are not used to drinking 8-10 glasses of water a day, start with 4-5 a day. It won't take long till you are drinking all 10. NEVER get cranky about those plateaus you will reach. I just learned that the plateaus are just a resting stop for your body so it can catch up with the changes you are making in your eating and exercise habits. Plateaus are great signs of where you have been. They are still hard to handle for some of us but they are good signs of improvements.

TIP OF THE DAY - WEDNESDAY

BR PATIENT! We seem to have a lot of tips about taking it slow, not getting discouraged, don't give up, and maybe that is because losing weight is very, very hard and takes time. Sometimes it seems like it takes too long,forever as a matter of fact but we can't and don't want to rush it because we want this to be more than losing weight. We want to make a permanent life style change. We need to remember we can lose a lot of weight very quickly when we start implementing healthier eating and exercising habits. The hardest pounds to lose will be those last 10 - 15 pounds. However those last 10 pounds will make all the difference, especially in your body's shape and leanness. So don't give up, don't rush just take it day by day and a step at a time.

LOSERS FOR THE WEEK

Not many ladies weighted in this week. They can still do it though.
So for the third week of January here are our numbers:
Elizabeth lost 3.6 pounds
Yvonne lost 1 1/2 pounds
Sarah lost 1 1/2 pounds
Joleane stayed the same
Becky stayed the same and
Liisa stayed the same

I Have A (stupid) Question

Why is that when you know you CAN'T eat you don't! But, when you know you SHOULDN'T eat you do it anyway???

Here is the deal....I've been having these chest pains since before Christmas. No it's not a heart thing, I've been to the doctor. Did an EKG and my heart was fine. Beats a little slow but then again so does Lance Armstrong's. Me and him...two of a kind...fit as a fiddle.....NOT.

Anyway had the upper GI thing done...no problems...the nasty tasting barium crap went down just fine. So today, Tuesday, I am headed to the Gastroenterologist for an Endoscopy (big words huh). He's going to stick a long scope down my throat...to see what he can find...ulcer etc. blah blah blah.

But back to my question...I couldn't eat anything last night after 7PM, so I didn't, no big deal. And this morning, clear liquids only until 11AM. Again, no big deal..I had some warm chicken broth and a Popsicle so far. Again, not a big deal, I know I can't eat so I don't.

However...the other day at work...someone past by with a plate of brownies and I knew I shouldn't eat it....but boy I riped in to that thing like no body's business!!!

Why is that? Crazy how our minds think. So...on a go forward basis...I think I'll tell me self I am headed to the Gastroenterologist every day and see if that works......

Joke from the Popsicle stick---- What can the lizard do that the snake cant? Stretch his legs!!!!

TIP OF THE DAY - TUESDAY

This one is for me...Be okay with failing. I don't like that word, (failing). Weight loss isn't always the easiest goal to achieve. Be okay with slacking off, falling off the wagon, and then trying again. The only way to not lose the weight you want to is to give up. Don't be hard on yourself. Special occasions are the hardest time to diet, and don't forget well meaning friends who want you to "go do something with them" usually on a weekend. ALMOST ALWAYS part of the something is eating. Just remember even though you are going out for breakfast, lunch, or dinner you can still take it easy on the calories. Just remember too that tomorrow is a new day and you can start again. For me it is those blasted plateaus that get me discouraged, so watch out for those and be prepared. Good luck and KEEP LOSING!

Couch to 5K Week 4 kicked my booty!

So this weeks workout goes like this (slightly modified to make it easier to record the program on the Treadmill.)

• Brisk 5 Minute warm up walk
• Jog 3 Minutes
• Walk 2 Minutes
• Jog 5 Minutes
• Walk 3 Minutes
• Jog 3 Minutes
• Walk 2 Minutes
• Jog 5 minutes
• (I walked another 6 minutes)

I made it 3.5 minutes and had to break for 30 seconds before I could finish the last minute. The really bad part was that the treadmill is downstairs and I had to about crawl up the stairs after I was done. It sucked! I am so not a runner. Joleane - I admire you. Running is hard. I might go back down to my Week 3 workout for tomorrow night.

TIP OF THE DAY - MONDAY

Consider the effects of each meal. Before each meal consider the short, medium, and long term effects of what you are about to eat. For example say you feel like eating junk food. In the short term it will taste great in your mouth, that will last for the duration of the meal which is probably 15 - 30 minutes. In the medium term, or the following few hours, you will probably start feeling sleepy, tired and won't feel like doing much. In the long term, a few years from now, if you keep eating junk food you will gain more weight, develop all kinds of health problems and will dislike yourself even more. Say you are about to eat a healthy meal, in the short term or the 15 - 30 minutes you eat it, it might not taste great. However in the medium term, or the next few hours, you will feel light, energized and ready to get all your work done. In the long term, or after a few years of eating healthy foods, you will be in great physical shape and will probably live a happier more satisfying life. If you think this is bunk here are just a few of the health problems you might encounter; high blood pressure, high cholesterol, high blood sugar, GERD, (gastric reflux disease), not to mention, back and knee pain and poor sleeping habits. Take it from one who knows.

TIP OF THE DAY - SUNDAY

Visualize a thin fit happier you. As often as you can, close your eyes, and visualize a thin version of yourself with your ideal weight and body shape. Visualize how lean your body looks, how well clothing fit you, how confident and happy you are with your amazing body shape. Visualize how energetic you are. Visualize becoming a lot more successful in other areas of your life because of the confidence you now have from achieving your weight loss goal. If you are like me it has been so long since I was the shape and size I now want to be that it is hard to visualize that picture, plus the fact that I don't look in the mirror but maybe a minute or two at a time and only twice a day that I just can't see the picture I want, then dig through your old photos and pull one out of the "good ole days" and keep it by your bed, or on the mirror, or on the fridge as a reminder that you will be back there one day. It will be a little bit more motivating.

http://www.sparkpeople.com/.

WOW!!! This is some program. I couldn't sleep this morning so I got signed up on this site, and yes it is FREE and put in all the food I ate yesterday. I knew by my calculations I had eaten about 1200 calories had little to no fat, sodium or fiber. I was so amazed. I have just under 1600 calories, 3 or 4 times the sodium I need and more than twice the fat but I was great on fiber. It was a real surprise to me and somewhat of a shock. The thing I really like about this program is that it is easy to get to and if I take just a minute before or after I eat each meal I will know long before dinner what I still need to eat and exactly how many calories I can have. I am hooked on this and I would be willing to bet that you all would like it too if you try it. Good luck!

TIP OF THE DAY - SATURDAY

Let's stop using the word "DIET". I was listening to a tape and it said that if we use the word diet we are already defeating our selves. Dieting means giving up something, such as soda, fried foods, and sweets. Instead think of the TV show extreme home makeover, but maybe on a smaller scale. We want to redo a room in our home so we start with a fresh coat of paint on the walls, then new window treatments and maybe some new furniture, and finally some fun accessories. When we are finished we have a great new room that to us is beautiful from top to bottom. We love spending time in the room and love to show off just what we did. We did not really give up anything but instead gave our self something new. A beautiful new room that brings great happiness to us and others. It is the same way with our bodies. We are not giving up so much as we are giving our self a new healthy body. One that we will love and love to show off. Think about getting yourself a facial and new hair style when you have lost your weight and are really ready to show the world the new healthier you. Just a thought.

Thank you all for your birthday wishes! It was actually a very quiet day - Eddie is working in Seattle for a month (6 days a week, 12 hour days) so he wasn't even here. But, we went to Guisseppe's for dinner last Saturday night and that was real nice. Actually made 3 meals out of my dinner by eating just a small portion - always enjoy leftover spaghetti! And no there was no treat as I was too lazy to go out and buy one. So laziness does pay off sometimes I guess. I did go buy myself a new scale on Tuesday as they were on sale at Target so now I can see the BIG RED NUMBERS!

Dittos to what Sarah wrote...

(I started a comment, but found it to be to long)


I do several of the things Sarah mentioned, such as:

• I pack my lunch for the next day right after I eat dinner - then I'm full and won't over pack. I even do this on Friday - Sunday nights after dinner. It makes getting my lunch on Saturday and Sunday quicker.
• I make sure I eat a bowl of cheerios for breakfast each day, even my days off.
• I give myself permission to make two different meals for dinner or lunch. I don't need to eat french fries and chicken nuggets or pizza just because the kids are.
• Before I pick up a snack, I try to ask myself how will this make me feel on the scale tomorrow? Will I wish I hadn't had that to eat and then wonder what the weightloss would have been?
• I'm not a huge fan of exercise and running, so I tell myself one bowl of iced cream or [junk] cut out = 10 mins less on the treadmill.
• The biggest help for me is tracking what I eat. I used the online Weight Watchers program for about 6 months last year and it was awesome. I even became a little obsessed with tracking my food. It really helped me see what I was eating and made me think about it before I ate it.

Thanks to a comment made by Joleane's sister in law I've discovered http://www.sparkpeople.com/. It is awesome! I'm now back to recording all the food I eat. I can see how many calories I've used, how much water I've drank, how much protein, carbs, etc. They give you a recommendation for each of those things each day and it really helps me stay focused. It has meal ideas as well, and the best part is that it is FREE.

Where I am struggling...

Today's tip couldn't be more timely for me. I have really struggled this week. I had a four day weekend (Saturday-Tuesday) and then one day after returning to work was potluck day. :( I have decided to really look at when and where I am struggling and then find solutions to conquer the struggles.

Weekends and days off are tough for me like many of you. The lack of a set routine has made it more difficult to eat right because I don't eat on the same schedule. I have discovered that I tend not to eat breakfast first thing in the morning on my days off then when I do eat I look at the meal as a combination of breakfast and lunch and so eat more than I should.

Forgetting to take my lunch or not having enough good snacks and foods to take makes it more difficult for me to make sure I'm not eating too much or too much of the wrong things. I have discovered that if I haven't had enough food during my work day I tend to eat more once I get home.

I am drinking my water (at least two liters per day) and doing my exercise, but it has still felt like I'm slogging through mud this week and fully expect to see a weight gain when I step on the scale tomorrow morning.

So here's what I want to do to stay on track:
- establish a routine for my days off, including starting the day with oatmeal like I do on my work days
- shop more frequently if I have to in order to be sure I have the right kinds of snacks on hand
- start making my lunch the night before instead of in the morning so I know I have good things to pick from and have plenty of food in my lunch
- start reading another of my great new books because I find that I don't eat now when I am reading because I don't want to get anything on the brand new pages
- start journaling...this is something I did when I was single and then again while I was pregnant and for a while after Kate was born. I am thinking that when I am facing a difficult time or am facing a real temptation I can stop and write down what I'm feeling and 'wait it out'
- tape a sheet of paper up on my mirror showing my weekly progress

Feel free to let me know what's helping you all through your struggles. I can use any help I can get.

Sarah

TIP OF THE DAY - FRIDAY

If you overeat one day you can undo it, just do an extra long workout the next day or perform an extra physical activity to burn the extra calories, you consumed. Don't expect to ever have perfect eating habits. Perfection is an ideal, it's not real. Just remember: DON'T GIVE UP! DON'T QUIT! DON'T LET IT GET YOU DOWN! You can get right back on track. Think about why you over ate and then work on solving those reasons. You didn't just get up one morning and decide to over eat there must have been a reason. I know weekends are hard and remember after every Sunday, comes a Monday and a new week.

A NOTE FOR EILEEN FROM ME!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU
HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEAR EILEEN
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU
AND MANY MORE!!!!!!!!!!

I hope you have a great birthday and maybe eat just 1 special treat for yourself.

TIP OF THE DAY - THURSDAY

I found this on the Internet and thought it was interesting:
"If your weight-loss regimen consists of giving up pizza and burgers in favor of flaxseeds and rice cakes, it's time to reconsider your strategy. In the book, Eat this, not that? Supermarket Survival Guide, co-authors David Zinczenko and Matt Goulding insist you don't ever have to diet again. You can eat all of your favorite foods and still drop 10,20,30 pounds in just a few months."
"To help you slim down this year, the Eat This, Not That! guys have identified the 14 most punishing health ruses and suggest delicious alternative that will keep you satisfied and give you all the purported nutritional benefits that many of our most beloved foods sadly do not."
Check these out:
1. Bran muffin 420 calories 20g fat VS Ham, egg, and cheese muffin 300 calories 12g fat
2. Chicken Caesar salad (dinner size portion) 900 calories 60g fat VS Grilled chicken on mixed greens 400 calories 20g fat
3. Tuna melt 900 calories 50 g fat VS Roast beef or Ham sandwich 500 calories 15g fat
I am not suggesting you change your diet or eating habits.
My point is we really need to start reading labels and know what we are eating!!

TIP OF THE DAY - WEDNESDAY

Hide your vegetables! No I don't mean in the drawer so you don't get them out and I don't mean feed them to the dog. I mean hide them in the food. My basic veggies are peas, carrots, peas and carrots, corn, and green beans. I know I should eat more so I hide them. I make wheat bread once or twice a week and while making the dough I simple add a half bag of peas or whatever that I have pulsed in the food processor. Because the wheat is a strong enough taste I don't taste the peas. It does leave a green tint to the bread if I use white wheat, and you see little flecks of green but the bread is moister and very good. I also add it to hamburgers, meat balls, meatloaf, spaghetti, or what ever I am cooking with a strong flavor. It would work in tacos also. The thing is you CANNOT taste the vegetables and you are eating them. Just try it...it really works. I have even mixed it with sausage, ground turkey, and chicken.

Reporting In

Just reporting in again. We had a wedding and baptism to attend that were out of town last weekend. I didn't do as well exercising last week, but I was better about watching what I ate. (No wedding cake or baptismal cupcakes) :)
I only walked 3 times last week. I did walk yesterday though thanks to my sister-in-law, Sarah. And I plan on walking again today during preschool to get myself back on track. I have a lot of errands to run today, but I'm making walking my priority.
That's my report.
(Oh, I'm down a total of 4 pounds since we started this. So I'm thrilled with that).

TIP OF THE DAY - TUESDAY

Don't let others distract you from your weight loss efforts. Never cave in to others request to try this or that unhealthy food. You might think that by complying with their requests you will make them happy. You are not. While you might make your friend happy right then and there, you will feel disappointed on the inside. Overtime these disappointments will steal away your happiness. If you aren't happy with yourself then you can never make anyone else around you, including that friend, happy. If you aren't happy with who you are you will not even have that much value to provide to others. Let's face it, we all have our own share of problems to deal with and no one wants to be around an unhappy person who's caring a lot of disappointment on the inside.
I'm guessing that means surround yourself with friends and family who know you are trying to lose weight and who will support you in your efforts. Sisters in Portland should have a built in support system and there is nothing wrong with meeting for lunch if you just have salads or something light and then go for a walk.

BIG LOSERS AND REAL ZEROS

We had some real big losers this week and even a few zeros. We need to make sure we each have a real good scale. My scale told me this week I was all over the place from having lost 7 pounds to gained 9 pounds. I didn't know whether to give up and eat a big ole stake or throw the scale across the house. I think it needs a new battery. I didn't even know it had a battery! Oh well live and learn. Here is this week's list:
Renee 5 pounds lost, for biggest loser
Eileen 3-4 pounds lost,
Liisa 3 pound lost
Becky 1 pound lost
and
Elizabeth-0
Sarah-0
Yvonne-0
All losses so hip hip hooray!!!
That is a total for the week of a 15 - 16 pound loss.

Good job and keep up the good work!!

TIP OF THE DAY - MONDAY

Tape a picture of yourself at your desired weight on your fridge and maybe one on your mirror to remind yourself just what you are working for. Seeing the old photo will keep you motivated and moving on the right track. Don't worry how old the photo is as long as your goal weight is realistic and remember we are all older now and our bodies have changed over the years. As do all good things.

TIP OF THE DAY - SUNDAY

When you just can't stop the cravings from coming and you are not at work so we are talking weekend cravings which seem to be harder to control, give yourself a manicure and apply several layers of slow drying nail polish. This should keep your hands occupied and out of trouble till the craving passes.

TIP OF THE DAY - SATURDAY

Better late than never. This should have been the first tip given but it is still something to think about. I just found this tip. Make a list of why you must lose weight. Make a list of all the different pains that you feel from being overweight. After that make a list of all the pleasures you will gain from losing the weight. Take your time creating both of these lists. Update and add to these lists often. Review these lists regularly. These lists will help you stay motivated to lose all the extra weight. THEN...start now. Start working toward your weight loss goals right away. Stop reading and implement at least 1 tip right away. Take immediate action . Taking immediate action will increase your chances of sticking with your weight loss efforts. If your are serious about losing weight and are sick of all those extra pounds, stop reading and implement 1 tip, you can always come back and read later.
Most of us know why we want to lose the weight, and most of us have started our plan already but this is still something to ponder while we are eating breakfast on a cold morning and thinking we just want to go back to bed where it is warm.

What and where should I measure?

My FIRM DVDs came with a booklet that provided info including a before and after page for a picture with my measurements. I thought I'd share the measurement locations they suggest so you can get busy taking your own measurements. (And do what I did - take your measurements in the kitchen...what an appetite depressant that can be!!!)

Weight
Upper chest (1" below armpit)
Bust (fullest measurement)
Midriff (1" below bottom of breast)
Upper arm (2 " below armpit)
Waist (smallest measurement)
Upper hip (3" below waist)
Lower hip (fullest measurement)
Upper thigh (1" below groin)
Mid thigh (fullest measurement)
Calf (fullest measurement)
Dress size

TIP OF THE DAY - FRIDAY

To Weigh or Not to Weigh????I have found experts who say just weigh yourself once a week because your weight can go up and down during the day for many reasons, such as water retention, periods, amount of exercise that day, whatever. Now I found this: "Track your weight loss progress daily. While stepping on the scale and checking your weight on a daily basis might sound intimidating, it is a great reality check that will certainly keep you motivated. Always use the same scale to weigh yourself. I recommend you weigh yourself in the morning right after waking up, otherwise if you weigh yourself at different times throughout the day you might get different numbers depending on when you ate your last meal and your body's water levels. Also keep in mind that there are certain uncontrollable factors that might cause sudden weight fluctuations like getting sick or going through the menstrual cycle for women. However if you are monitoring your weight everyday you will notice these sudden spikes and be able to diagnose them." I am not sure what is best. I weighed on Monday and was down two pounds for last week, then Tuesday was the same, Wednesday up a pound from what I don't know and then yesterday down half a pound and today down a half a pound so now I am back to what I was on Monday. I am not sure what is going on but I have been stressed out for two days with my weight up. So you decide when and how often you want to weigh in I am not sure which is best.
What would you do?

I ran for 8 whole minutes

I went out at 6:30am in the very cold, very dark morning. It's not my 1st choice of when to run but I meet a friend and we try to run for half hour or so. My achilles tendon was hurting by the end of the 8 minute stint, but it's better than it used to be. The stretching is helping.
That's my report. Eight whole minutes. I'm stoked.

TIP OF THE DAY - THURSDAY

Clean your home more often. This sounds crazy but it works. First go through all your places where you store foods, don't forget to looks at favorite hiding places too. Take out anything that would work against your diet and weight loss plan such as chocolate chips, snack chips like potato chips or taco chips, candy, cake mixes, frosting, cookie and brownie mixes. Even pie fillings and candy making items, then put them in a box and give them away. TODAY!! Don't leave them in a box on the counter. If you live in Portland you could probably call Joseph and since he is setting up a new house he would probably love the care packages. Then once the food is gone work on the rest of the house. Organize your closets, do the laundry and donate old clothing or other stuff you no longer use, take out the garbage, or mow the lawn. These are great ways to increase your physical activity level. Burns some extra calories while cleaning or organizing your home. Good luck.

I, like Sarah, am drinking more water. I can always get thru a couple of liters at work, but I still require my one Pepsi a day. Trying to cut it from the 20oz bottle back to just one can, but no luck so far. I get headaches if I don't get my caffience and since I don't drink coffee, Pepsi fills the bill.
I am also drinking a big bottle while I do my 3 mile walk with Leslie Sansone every night! I love walking with the tapes. I have the 1 mile, 2 mile, 3 mile, and 4 mile tapes so I am trying to mix them up regularly. I walk every day, except for missing last week end. "They" say you can change a habit in 21 days if you really stick with it, so I intend doing so. Actually have more energy like Sarah, but not sleeping so well. I'll get there though.
I have darn near totally eliminated the sugary sweets (AKA: CANDY!!!!!!!!!) from my diet. Haven't had one treat so far this week - though it is only Wednesday. Don't even crave the sugar like I thought I would. Just keeping baby carrots on hand helps get through the day. Not a breakfast eater either, but trying to get in the habit. Love oatmeal, so that's what I'm doing for now.
Keep up the good work everyone. Time to "Walk Away the Pounds" with Leslie. Later all, Eileen

More on water

Water, next to air, is the most essential thing to our survival.
A mere 2% drop in our body's water supply can trigger signs of dehydration:

Symptoms and Signs of Dehydration and Dehydration Headaches
Thirst is not usually the first symptom or the only symptom of dehydration. Other symptoms of dehydration include:
* Fuzzy short-term memory
* Trouble with basic math
* Difficulty focusing on smaller print, such as a computer screen.
* Fatigue
* Headache
* Dry mouth
* Dizziness
* Weakness
* Rapid heartbeat
* Dry, flushed skin
* Muscle cramps, and myofascial pain.
* Loss of skin tone or loose, wrinkled skin.

What water does for the body:
* Water serves as a lubricant
* Water forms the base for saliva
* Water forms the fluids that surround the joints.
* Water regulates the body temperature, as the cooling and heating is distributed through perspiration.
* Water helps to alleviate constipation by moving food through the intestinal tract and thereby eliminating waste- the best detox agent.
* Regulates metabolism
* Water prevents disease (Drinking eight glasses of water daily can decrease the risk of colon cancer by 45%, bladder cancer by 50%
and it can potentially even reduce the risk of breast cancer).
* Water provides the means for nutrients to travel to all your organs
* Water transports oxygen to your cells
* Water protects your joints and organs
* Water allows our body to effectively absorb the nutrients from foods
* Water systematically flushes our kidneys of waste
* Water thins the blood. (when we are dehydrated, blood becomes thicker making our bodies work harder to pump it).
* Water gives us an outward glow and youthful appearance. (Experts relate a clear complexion to the adequate intake of water that flushes toxins from our bodies).
* Water is a natural appetite suppressant
* Water helps the body metabolize stored fat (It may possibly be one of the most significant factors in weight loss).
* Drinking water actually reduces water retention

Why Drinking Water Is Important for Weight Loss
* Initial weight loss is largely due to loss of water, and you need to drink an adequate amount of water in order to avoid dehydration.
* The process of burning calories requires an adequate supply of water in order to function efficiently; dehydration slows down the fat-burning process.
* Burning calories creates toxins (think of the exhaust coming out of your car), and water plays a vital role in flushing them out of your body.
* Dehydration causes a reduction in blood volume; a reduction in blood volume causes a reduction in the supply of oxygen to your muscles; and a reduction in the supply of oxygen to your muscles can make you feel tired.
* Water helps maintain muscle tone by assisting muscles in their ability to contract, and it lubricates your joints. Proper hydration can help reduce muscle and joint soreness when exercising.
* A healthy (weight loss) diet includes a good amount of fiber. But while fiber is normally helpful to your digestive system, without adequate fluids it can cause constipation instead of helping to eliminate it.
* Drinking water with a meal may make you feel full sooner and therefore satisfied eating less. Note, however, that drinking water alone may not have this effect. In order to feel satiated (not hungry), our bodies need bulk, calories and nutrients.

Do not worry that drinking water will give your body a bloated look. There are a number of causes of water retention, including consuming too much salt. But drinking water is not one of them.
Water is a natural appetite suppressant . Do NOT underestimate the power of this statement.
Lack of water can lead to over eating. You brain does not differentiate between hunger and thirst. So, when you think you are feeling hungry, your body may in fact be signaling to you that you are thirsty! If you are not consuming enough water each day and you feel hunger pains, chances are, your body really is crying out for water. In many instances people will find what they thought were hunger pangs were in fact, satisfied by water.
It's also important to remember that when the body is dehydrated, fat cells get "rubbery" and cannot be easily metabolized. This means that it's harder to lose when you don't drink your water.

Drinking Water is Heart-Healthy
The findings of a six-year study of more than 20,000 healthy men and women aged 38-100 in the May 1, 2002 American Journal of Epidemiology found that women who drank more than five glasses of water a day were 41% less likely to die from a heart attack during the study period than those who drank less than two glasses. The protective effect of water was even greater
in men.

How Much?A good estimate is to take your body weight in pounds and divide that number in half. That gives you the number of ounces of water per day that you need to drink.
For example, if you weigh 160 pounds, you should drink at least 80 ounces of water per day.
If you exercise you should drink another eight ounce glass of water for every 20 minutes you are active.

The evidence is clear; in order to keep our bodies functioning at an optimum level drinking water for health is vitally important. Drinking water for health throughout our lifetime means, in many cases, the long term successful maintenance of a healthy weight.
So ladies, I raise my glass (of water, of course) to you and toast your great efforts to be healthy.

Sources
Sources
more sources
more sources
and more sources
and more sources

Water, Water Everywhere - What Sarah's Doing

The changes I have made so far are really easy and anyone can do the same.

First, and probably most important, I am drinking water. Lots and lots of water. I keep a water bottle at my desk (holds 16-18 ounces) and drink three or four during my work day. I usually drink at least 10-12 ounces of water at home each night too. It seems so obivous, but it's really is okay to have a glass of water with my dinner. This is HUGE for me. I am like Eileen in that I L-O-V-E my Coke Zero. But I have to admit that Coke Zero is doing zero to get me where I want to go. I have not given it up, but water is my first drink of choice and Coke Zero is now a reward for me. The first seven days, I didn't drink a single drop of pop - not because it was restricted, but becuase I chose not to.

Second, I have gone back to the practice my lunch and snacks each day for work. My mantra is that if I didn't bring it I don't get to eat it. That is forcing me to bring good things to eat and is saving me money since I'm not running out to the snack bar for candy bars or chips or whatever else I might be thinking I have to have. I make sure I have oatmeal in my desk for breakfast, tuna packets for protein snacks (instead of empty candy bar calories) and keep a couple of Weight Watcher frozen meals for lunch. Then I'll bring in fruit, sugar free jello, etc. to supplement. Eating about every two hours, just a little something, seems to be helping a lot.

Finally, I am exercising. The key is to get off my butt and move. The FIRM system says you will see visible results in 10 workouts or less. My DVDs came with a 19-day calendar that has me work out 2 days, rest 1 day, work out 3 days, rest 1 day, repeat. So in the first 19 days I will have worked out 10 times. I am on day 13 or 14 and I am feeling results. 1) My "fat jeans" aren't so tight. 2) I sleep much better and don't snore so loud I wake Keith and myself up. 3) And I really do have more energy. WOW.

So, I encourage you all to drink, drink, drink. Pick up a water bottle and start drinking, even if you start out filling the bottle up once a day. Then, start to move.

Sarah

ARE YOU MEASURING?????

If you are not measuring your weight losses you might consider doing just that. I am at one of those horrible leveling plains where I am not losing. I was losing about half a pound every other day but now nothing. It is so very discouraging but thank goodness I got to measure today, I do it just on Wednesdays. I have lost a total of 3 inches here and there. If I keep this up I just might find my waist by Christmas. It will be nice to see it. It seems like 20 years or mores since I had a true waist. So don't get discouraged. Find another way to monitor your progress. Get a tape measure out. You will be very surprised.

TIP OF THE DAY - WEDNESDAY

Do not lose more than 1 - 2 pounds per week. If you lose weight quickly you increase the chances of gaining that weight back. Losing 1 - 2 pounds per week ensures that you are slowly improving your eating and exercising habits, and building a healthier lifestyle. If you lose the weight slowly, you tremendously increase your chances of keeping the weight off for the rest of your life. Focus on building life long healthy habits, Don't worry so much about how fast you lose the the weight now. Just focus on slowly improving your eating habits, and slowly increasing your physical activity levels. As long as you build healthy habits the weight will come off. Remember it took years to put the weight on and it is not going to come off over night so whatever you do, DO NOT GET DISCOURAGED WITH YOUR WEEKLY RESULTS!!!

Reporting In

Well I'm just reporting in again. I walked 6 out of 7 days last week. (I'm going to really look forward to Sundays. It's truly a day of rest, in that regard at least). I attempted to run on three of those days, but I won't even count those painful, pathetic episodes.
The only thing that got me out on Saturday was knowing I would have to report to you all. So thank you very much for that.
Monday I did not get out at all though. I was a slacker. I ran errands all over town instead. Today was preschool, so I went for a walk/jog. I ran for a total of 15 minutes! Not all at once, my achilles tendons don't last that long. I can barely run for 5 minutes straight. I'm stretching more though and think it's helping some. It's an improvement anyway.
That's my report.
I also wanted to say that I'm very impressed with everyone's commitment to get healthier. Keep going. You all inspire me.

TIP OF THE DAY - TUESDAY

Shop for tight clothing. Go shopping for clothing and buy and expensive item that is one size smaller that what you currently wear. It should be very tight fitting on your body where you currently would be too embarrassed to wear it out in public. Hang it up in your closet where you can see it on a daily basis. This will give you another great reason to lose weight. If you are like me you won't even have to shop, just look in the back of your closet for something you were able to wear 6 months or a year ago and get it out and use it as an incentive. Good luck...You can do this. I know you can and once you do help me do it too.

GOALS AND REWARDS

We all set a goal weight that we wanted to be at the end of this challange. Some want to lose as little as 20 - 30 pounds while others want to lose 100 pounds. Either one may seem like a lot, so take a few minutes and set some short term goals with little rewards along the way. If I think about needing to lose 100 plus pounds I get discourage, thinking how impossible that is but if I set a goal of just losing 20 pounds in 10 weeks that is more realistic for me. This is what we did for me. Here are my goals and keep in mind I was told to make them not less than 6 weeks or more than 10 weeks apart. It was also important for me to make them around special occassions so that they would be easier to work for.
12/31/08 lose 25 pounds reward: Black Velvet Fabric to finish a quilt: I made that goal
2/14/09 lose 12 pounds reward: Red Shoes and Purse (I have 7 pounds to go)
4/29/09 lose 20 pounds reward: Up grade my cell phone (this one might change)
7/11/09 lose 20 pounds reward: New Denim Jumpers (I have 2 news ones bought in smaller size already and in my drawer)
9/11/09 lose 18 pounds reward: Plan Get Away Trip (maybe fly to Vegas for a week next March - take in some shows and shop)
11/6/09 lose 16 pounds reward: Nice new boots (this is where the DR. says I should be)
12/31/09 Lose 16 pounds reward: $500.00 for new clothes to start off the new year!

So my goals go from 16 pounds to 25 pounds but all are goals that I can work on and work to achieve. I just don't think I can lose a hundred pounds but little amounts I can do. If you add up all my goals then at the end of the year I will have lost a total of 127 pounds without realizing what an impossible job I had in the beginning.

So take a little time map our your goal dates, then the number of pounds, and you might start with 2 pounds per week, then work on the mini rewards. You will be amazed how much easier it will be to lose "all that weight".

TIP OF THE DAY - MONDAY

Adjust your sleeping habits if necessary.Try to get between 7 - 8 hours of sleep per night! This will ensure your body is getting enough rest to burn off the pounds you are losing. Also getting very little sleep tends to increase your hunger and cravings throughout the day.

SARAH IS OUR BIGGEST LOSER!!!

That is right. For our first week weigh in Sarah lost 3 1/2 pounds. That is great. Now tell us how you did it. I fight like crazy to lose 2 pounds.
Here's who we weighed in. With 3 pound loses: Becky, Eileen and Elizabeth. With 2 pounds lost we have Renee, Joleane, Liisa and Yvonne. That is a total of 20 1/2 pounds. Great job all of us.
Keep up the good work.

EMBRACE THAT "BEFORE" PICTURE

When I took the before picture I was so embarrassed! I didn't want anyone to see it, not even family. Now I'm learning to like it, because it is going to be the best way of knowing how I'm doing. It takes a while to see changes as you lose weight. Sometimes you feel them first, and sometimes others see the difference before you do. But when I think about how good that "after" picture is going to look, I'm able to laugh at the "before" picture. So I'm learning to embrace it and realize it is only temporary, the starting point, the beginning. It's not who I am.

TIP OF THE DAY - SUNDAY

It's okay to be a baby sometimes...like when you are shopping and you want something different to snack and just cant find what you want. Try the baby food section. NO I'M NOT KIDDING!
You can get sugar free snack and freeze dried fruits that really are quite tasty and they are just tiny little pieces so you think you are getting a lot. A cup of banana pieces or freeze dries apple pieces are around 30 calories and they let you have 1/2 cup as the serving size. They don't taste to bad either, so give it a try. Of course a apple or banana would be better but if you need a snack and you are at work, rather than grabbing a candy bar why not have a 30 calorie snack instead.

Don't forget to stretch!

I've been having trouble with my achilles tendons lately. After running for only a few minutes they tighten up so painfully that I can't take another step. I'm forced to just stand there with my foot in the air like a lame horse. After a few minutes I can limp along. Eventually I can try running again. Aside from the pain, this is also a very ineffective form of running.
Last spring or summer I was also having trouble with shin splints. I heard somewhere that stretching helps these things. So I did a little reading online and found out that...

Stretching is vital!
1. Stretching helps your body to become flexible. (Research has shown that a flexible body is less prone to damage and soreness after intense exercise).
2. Stretching increases the blood and nutrient supply to muscles and cartilage, which reduces muscle soreness after training.
3. Stretching increases the mobility of your joints.
4. Stretching improves your circulation.
5. Stretching improves your posture by improving muscle balance.
6. Stretching improves the range of movements of your limbs and joints.
7. Stretching prevents injuries that usually occur while performing exercises or sports or weight training.
8. Stretching relieves stress.

Things to remember about stretching:
1. Warm up with at least 5 mins. of light cardio exercise, like walking BEFORE you stretch.
2. Breathe normally while stretching. Don’t hold your breath.
3. Avoid stretching to the point of pain because this can injure delicate connective tissues.
4. Stretch with gentle, slow and controlled movements. No bouncing.
5. Stretch cautiously around painful joints.
6. Stretch again AFTER your cool down.
7. Hold your stretch for 15-20 seconds.
8. Stretching in a seated position rather than standing takes stress off the low back.
Reference
Reference

When NOT to stretch:
1. Following muscle strains or ligament sprains
2. When joints or muscles are infected, inflamed or hurt
3. After a recent fracture
4. When sharp pains are felt in the joints or muscle
Reference

Happy stretching.

TIP OF THE DAY - SATURDAY

If you are at a weak point in your diet and are struggling with will power - instead of picking up a candy bar - pick up the phone and call a sister, or get online and look for tips for dieting, or look for a new outfit, or look at vacation spots. Think about it - if you are talking on the phone your mouth is busy and if you are on line your fingers are busy so it is much harder to eat. The craving will be gone before you know it and you will keep busy long enough that it will probably be time for your next meal or snack. Try it and see...It really works.

Eileen's Story

Well, I don't really know what to say here so I'm just gonna rattle on. It's what I do best. I am joining this group because I know it is the only way I will stick with a weight loss plan. Trying to do it on my own doesn't work - I am my own worst enemy there. I have probably the poorest eating habits of any of us. I don't cook. Not that I couldn't, I just don't like coming up with menus that have a variety to them. My theory has always been "if eating means I have to cook, I would rather not eat." Lazy-ass-itis really. So the fast foods and junk foods are my meals. Very unhealthy, but no work involved. (Don't get me wrong - OCCASIONALLY I do cook, but once every 3-4 months probably isn't enough!)
I am going to be 57 in a few days, unless I can just forget the date and let it slide by. I am not including my exact weight here because I really am ashamed of myself for getting here. I have no children at home, I have no husband here to use as an excuse for not being able to take care of myself. I live alone, now due to the economy have been cut to part time (3 days a week) at work, and am not furthering my education. And I do love my Pepsi. So why the massive weight gain? I do stress alot and I know that I deal with it by eating more junk. I don't think that explains it all away though. I can easily talk myself out of moving off the couch when there is something good on TV and I have a good book to read or am nearly done with my jigsaw puzzle. Always - just want to read one more chapter or watch "just this" show or finish just one more area on the puzzle.
I don't have any rewards to look forward to when I get to my goal weight, partly because I don't have complete confidence that I will stick with this and I don't have a clue what the reward would be. Losing the weight will be reward enough I guess. I'll revisit the issue if and when the pounds are gone and the economy is better.

CHELSEA'S STORY

Chelsea Renee is the name and losing weight IS my game. I have no idea what to put here so I'll just start typing! I'm almost 18, (March 3 right after Aunty Liisa's! DON'T FORGET! ha ha) and just about done with high school. I know I look amazingly cut, I mean look at my family - being born into them I was bound to get good looks...and not to mention the fabulous weight with it. HA HA HA...No one in our family is exactly "slender", and that's not healthy. So I'm super excited to do this-mainly because my mommy PROMISED we'd go to EUROPE once I graduate and down to my specific weight. There is NO WAY I'm putting my weight down here, because, I'm like that but I weigh a lot more than I should and it's not good. So I'm really really working on losing this nasty fat because let's face it - I want to go to Europe...and look EXCEPTIONALLY good! Ha ha. It's going to be hard because I'm a junk food addict but if my mom doesn't buy it I won't eat it. As I listen to Hannah Montana's "No body's perfect" song I know I'll have my slips but I must remind myself - EUROPE! EUROPE! EUROPE! Under all this blubber I have a good figure and I can't wait to see it and feel more amazing about myself then I already do. I'm not cocky - just confident. So I'll be excited to drop the pounds.

Reporting In Again

It's been 3 days since I made that most important decision to walk during preschool instead of do errands and my family is already conspiring against me. James called me before preschool even started, "Do you want to meet for lunch?" I jokingly said, "Sure, why don't you meet me at the track and we can walk laps." He, quite seriously, replied, "Ha, ha. You go ahead and I'll just grab something alone."
Then on the way to preschool Logan asked me to stay and watch his Sharing Day. I'd told him in the past that I would watch him do his Show and Tell and then didn't actually follow through. (Honestly, I thought that he'd forgotten).
When all was said and done I got a shortened walk in, but I walked nonetheless. I kept telling myself that if I didn't go then, I'd have to do it later with the dreaded double stroller.
I also ran Thursday morning. Thank goodness for friends. It's the only thing that can get me up at 6:30 in the morning and attempt exercise.
That's my report for the day.

The blog is busy today... to keep with the theme of the Internet and weigh day... I googled and found these tips.

Weighing yourself first thing in the morning is usually best. Because of variations in food and fluid consumption, we often "gain" different amounts of weight throughout the day.

If you're weighing frequently, remember that daily fluctuations in weight are common. Just because you're heavier today than yesterday doesn't mean your weight control program isn't working. Don't become a slave to the numbers.

Monthly variations in weight are also common in menstruating women.

"Plateaus" in weight loss aren't necessarily bad. If you're exercising a lot, your weight may remain constant for a time even though you're still decreasing your body fat content and getting healthier.

Finally, cues other than the numbers on the scale are equally important. How do you feel? Are your clothes getting looser or tighter? Do you feel stronger, healthier, leaner? Your own perceptions can be the most valuable tools to help you track your weight control progress.

TIP OF THE DAY

We are going to add something new to the blog and that is the tip of the day. If you have tips to include let me know.
Here's today's tip: Lunches: Try to eat a salad with other types of greens for lettuce - not just ice burg lettuce. Ice burg lettuce is mostly water and not real filling, or at least it doesn't stay with you as long. Mixed greens (in a bag), carrots, croutons, small amount of bacon bits and cheese make a great salad. Not enough? Add a cucumber or tomatoes, and if you make the salad up the night before and kept it in the fridge it would be ready if you found yourself running late. This would also prevent you from finding yourself in a hurry, running out the door, and grabbing a bag of chips or cookies and a couple of sodas. If you make your lunch the night before, say, right after dinner, you will be full and will probably pack more reasonably.

THE INTERNET AND DIETING

The Internet has more than you'll ever have time to read. Use the resources right at your fingertips. You can find information about types of exercises to do, types of diet plans, tips for drinking more water, motivational tips, nutritional information for your favorite restaurants, the list is endless. If you want menu ideas for a 1400 calorie diet - google "menu ideas 1400 calorie diet". If you know you're going out to lunch or dinner - look at the restaurant menu online before hand. It will take the guess work out of what you'll be eating and give you time to do further searches if necessary to know how many calories the meal is, what the protein, carb, etc. are. Here is an example:
I told Elizabeth the other day while we were talking online, that I can't do the lunges in this exercise program I was trying, (the biggest loser DVD) because it was just too painful on my knees. She came back with this website and told me to try this: http://www.fitsugar.com/917823 She just googled "can't do lunges", so when it comes to the part (s) where you do lunges, I do these instead. It was the coolest thing.

It's all about ME!

I realized something this morning and wanted to share...

As I was rushing out the door to get the kids off to the school bus and myself to work, I realized that things could wait. I put the kids on the bus and went back to the house. I finished getting myself ready for work and even ate a bowl of Cheerios with a banana. I sat down in a quiet house and watched a few minutes of the news while eating my breakfast. I've decided that work can wait - the issues will be there even if I show up 10 minutes later, Steve can wait - he's a big boy and can take care of himself, the kids can wait - they don't have to have everything immediately. I am going to make things about me for the next few months and make sure I get my breakfast in the morning and workout in the evening.

I don't have the best eating habits because I'm always rushing here or there for the kids, work or Steve. It's time to make things about me and get my eating habits, health, and body back in check. It's time for me to put myself first. (I'm a softy and the kids know it. If they need or want something - mom will do it.) This might take some work, but I'm OK with saying "not right now... it's me time"

ELIZABETH'S STORY

I'm Elizabeth, I have 3 kids - 4 if you count Steve, and work full time, so like everyone else I have no time for anything. I want to lose 20 pounds. In a perfect world I would lose 30 pounds, but I'd be happy to lose 20 and keep it off. My main goals for this year isn't to lose a set number of pounds as much as it is to get FIT! I want to get rid of my baby tummy, buns, thighs, etc. and I want to wear my favorite jeans again.
I've looked at many diets in the past, my problem is that I don't like boiled eggs, milk, salmon, tuna, or whatever it is that they are telling me to eat. If I could plan my meals with the food I like and lose weight - that would be great. I did the Weight watchers Points program last year, and it seemed to work until we hit the summer and started traveling and camping. I think the main things was I stopped writing down the stuff I ate. I, like my mother, am not a patient person. While weight watchers probably did help me lose weight safely and correctly - it wasn't fast as I thought it should be. Honestly, I don't think I need weight watchers to tell me I shouldn't eat a bunch of peanut butter cups and ice cream. I know what I should eat and what I shouldn't eat. That is why I waited until after the holidays to diet.
My neighbor and I were walking about 5 times a week several miles - but that has slipped off due to Winter, kid activities, and work. I want to set a goal that I will work on strength training 3 times a week and walk or run 3 times a week. Now, that being said - will I really do it? Yes, if I have this group to answer to. If it is just me telling myself I'll do it - I'll probably forgive myself a lot and buy into my excuses of being tired or the kids needing me.
I love the idea of the Couch to 5K program Joleane talked about. Everything I've read on the web from folks say that they weren't much of a runner or that they didn't like to run - until they tried this program. So I've copied over my schedule and I'm getting it started. I think we should all meet up next year and do a walk/run of some kind.
I didn't really have a prize for the end, but I think I just decided. When I reach my goal I'm buying a new diamond ring! I've been thinking about redesigning my wedding ring and last night I think I found the type I want, so that is my prize.

WEIGH DAY?!

I'm looking forward to tomorrow morning as it's Friday - or weigh-day. I'm believing for a good result. Be sure to share your victories as you have your weigh-days. (actually I'm just posting to put more on the first page and get my pictures off the front page!!!)

NEW PANT SIZE

Calvin once suggested that Yvonne could reward herself with a new wardrobe when she lost all the weight she was trying to lose. Yvonne didn't think that was much of a reward because she'd have to buy clothes because nothing would fit.

They say if you lose 10 pounds it equals another pant size. That never happens to me and I've finally figured out why.

I have three sizes of clothes in my closet; the goal weight clothes are still there, plus two sizes above that. The problem is I don't have clothes in the size I should be wearing right now. I always refuse to go any higher.

This doesn't help as I wake up thinking "I have nothing to wear". So perhaps I should buy at least one pair of pants that fit (you know don't roll at the waist and have all the buttons and hooks still on them) and a top that I'm not always pulling down, or covering up with a sweater or blazer. That way at least one day a week I can feel better about what I'm wearing and how I look. Then when I lose those first ten pounds my clothes may fit a little more comfortably.

Reporting In

Logan's in preschool 3 days a week for 90 mins. So the big question is, what to do with the time that I have only one child. Should I run all my errands or go for a walk? I loathe taking Logan with me to run errands. He's not exactly obedient and he wants everything in sight. (He's a 4 year old).
So if I do errands during preschool, it means I have to walk/jog with both kids in the double stroller. I really, really don't like doing that either. It takes something that's already not much fun and makes it irritating as well.
I decided my disliked of pushing the double stroller was greater than my irritation with both kids in the stores, and went for a walk while Logan was in preschool. I then ran errands with both kids and had a splitting headache by the time we got home, but I got my walking in for the day.
Today is also day 1 of not having caffeinated soda, which I'm sure is why I got the headache.
So my report for the day is that I walked yesterday (during preschool) and today too. Feeling like I have to report to my mom and aunts helps motivate me to get out there and exercise.

EXERCISE IS NOT A BAD THING!

I know it is hard to exercise. I know it isn't fun. I know there are many who don't like to sweat. I know it is hard to find time. I know it is expensive to go to the gym. I know it is not any fun to exercise alone. I know weight makes it to hard to exercise. I think that covers most of the excuses. BIG DEAL...SO WHAT...WHO CARES... if we are doing this challenge than chances are we need to exercise. It is a proven fact that if you diet, you will lose weight, if you exercise you will lose weight, but if you both diet and exercise you will lose weight faster and easier. So let's get off the couch and MOVE. There are several programs out there.
I tried the Biggest Loser DVD this morning for 45 minutes counting warm up and cool down and I thought I was going to die. But I felt good at the end. A friend has Richard Simmons and I like him too and will try it if I really don't like the program I tried this morning. Our local YMCA also offers a Water Aerobics Class that I took last year and really enjoyed because there was no pressure on the knees. Check our your neighborhood library for Videos and DVDs. You can usually check them out for 3 weeks or more and then just keep renewing them online, till you get to the point that you can do the exercises without them. Starting off exercising 3 times a week is usually recommended I think. If any of you have a good exercise program that works for you please share.

GETTING STARTED; MEASUREMENTS

Okay ladies, calm down...we are not going to put any numbers on the blog. Thanks goodness.
I remember the good ol' days when I used to have a figure and I could find my waist to measure it. But alas those are days long gone.
There are going to be times while you are dieting where it looks like you are not losing any weight. This is when your measurements will come in handy. I was surprised this morning when I measured myself that I had lost several inches. So take a few minutes and in the privacy of your bedroom take a few measurements such as; bust, waist, wrist, upper arm, upper leg, hips, neck and ankle. Don't forget to keep a record of your weight as well. When you start to get discouraged you will be pleasantly surprised that you are indeed losing weight. I made a list and am going to measure every Wednesday morning. Once you start exercising you will really see the difference, but that is a different post.

Cheerios

Cheerios.
I love Cheerios.
Today I ate breakfast - because it's the worst meal to skip if you're trying to lose weight.
Instead of a cup of coffee, I had a cup of coffee and a bowl of Cheerios.
And since there was no meat thawed for dinner, Gabe and Ashley decided to fry up a can of spam (gag!) that was purchased a long time ago as a joke. I had Cheerios for dinner.
Really - the purpose of this post is to remind you all to **EAT BREAKFAST**

PROUD AS A PEACOCK

May I just say how proud I am of all the Styles girls and their daughters. This weight loss challenge (for lack of a better word) is a big undertaking. Bigger for some of us then others, but still this is not going to be easy. When I first thought of the blog, I must admit it was just to get myself some support and I wasn't even sure anyone would be interested in joining. I am thrilled that you all are coming on board. It is very hard to lose weight, it is even harder to do it by yourself. So far the hardest part of dieting hasn't been giving up fried foods, or sodas or even giving up all sweets, it was letting Calvin take my picture and put it on the blog. I am sure that in putting the picture up for all the world to see my plumpness and realize I am just the size and shape of Santa I really am not him, I will be motivated to keep on dieting and exercising. Next Christmas time as we are all getting dressed for a Christmas party or program or concert at school we can, in the words of Renee, look in the mirror at our self and PROUDLY AND LOUDLY
exclaim for the world to hear, "Damn girl, I look good".

RENEE'S STORY

My name is Renee and I am 49 years old. I am 5'4" tall and weigh 247 today.
My goal weight is 140 so I need to lose 107 pounds.
Yes, that's right-I'm right up there with your average NFL Football player and WWE wrestler.
What's my story? It's very simple math. I ate a lot and moved very little. The sicker Josh became the more I ate and the less active I became. I can't explain what it was like the last two years of his life, watching him literally wasting away. What I can tell you is the hurt inside was so big it edged out any capacity to care about anything else, except for Josh, I quit caring-especially about myself. I'd go for days without getting dressed, weeks without showering and months without putting on make-up. I ate a lot and moved very little and the pounds kept a comin'. And there you have it-247 pounds. (It was 260ish in August, I've managed to drop a few pounds since then by eating less and moving more)
So, here I am-begrudgingly succumbed to the fact that despite Josh's passing, I'm still here with no indications that I might be leaving soon. Now the question becomes, where do I go from here? Within a years time I will undergo multiple significant life changes. Josh, whom literally was my life and my focus 24 hours a day has passed. Chelsea-my youngest will be graduating. I'll be celebrating my 50th birthday and I'm certain menopause is on its way. They tell you when you enter puberty you're becoming a woman, but what they don't tell you is what you become when you enter menopause. More than humorous, I find that statement profound.
The years ahead are going to be so different than the past 49. I can go through fighting and screaming as the enabling codependent rescuing martyr I have been in the past, or, I can transform myself into the vibrant, vivacious woman I've always believed existed but never had a chance to find. And I choose the latter.
So, basically, my reason for losing weight has absolutely nothing to do with kids, grandkids, some man, the dog or anyone else. It's all for ME. I don't really care how long I live. I know where I'm going, so when I go doesn't really matter. However, regardless of how many years I have left, whether it's 4 years of 40, I want to feel good physically. I want to be able to take long walks on the beach without getting tired or having my knees hurt. I want to be able to dance without getting winded, red-faced and sweating like a pig. I want to do whatever I want to and go where ever I want and not have my self-image, body size or lung capacity stop me. But more than anything-when I look in the mirror I want to think to myself and say our loud, "Damn girl, you look good!"

SARAH'S STORY

Here's a story,

Of a lovely lady,

Who in her younger years

Was slim and trim and tan.

But she's older now,

Well into her forties

And she weighs enough

To be a six foot man.

It's oh so sad,

She should be mad,

Cuz she weighs enough

To be a six foot man.

I am now 46 years and 3 months old. There are three numbers in my weight-and as they say on Dancing with the Stars, "in no particular order" the numbers are 1,2,9. Even those of you who think you're not good at math can certainly figure out what order they do go after looking at my lovely picture. And, if that isn't a big enough clue, my goal is 140 pounds (as my doctor recommends) which means I need to lose 52 pounds. I too have already sort of outlined my rewards, one for each 5 pound increment up to 25 pounds...I'll have to start thinking bigger rewards after that.

I used my Kohl's gift card that Kate gave me for Christmas and bought the FIRM TransFIRMation package. It has 4 DVDs and a set of weights to get me on my way. I know I can stick to exercise once I put a couple weeks into it and I put it on my calendar. My trouble is that I have always lost weight so slowly. BUT that's not an acceptable excuse not to make some changes.

So here's to all of us in 2009.

Getting Started

Well, I woke up this morning and told myself...it's time to get started....today is the day. So after an uneventful shower, making of school lunches and dropping off kids at school I headed to work. Before that I stopped for my usual 20 ounce Code Red Mt. Dew...my morning fix. Along with it I bought a 23 ounce water....big change for me.

I started off pretty well until I opened my desk drawer and found that LARGE box of Whopper that Santa put in my stocking. That darn Santa! After a handful...well two handfuls...I came to the realization that I was in trouble. At that moment I poured the rest in the garbage. I'll never take food out of the garbage.

Drank lots of water today...ate salad for lunch. I am sure tomorrow will be better.

Running websites

This is Joleane. I thought I'd try typing in a different color to differentiate. Can you tell this is blue and not black?
I also thought I'd just share a few websites I like to go to. One is the running program I'm doing. It's called Couch to 5K. It's a 9 week program that starts you out running for only 60 seconds at a time. By the end of the program hopefully you'll be able to run a 5K (3.1 miles).
Here is a calendar of runs in Oregon that I like to look at and dream about doing. It has plenty in the Portland and Eugene areas.
Another calendar for Oregon Road Runners Club which is just Portland area, I believe.
Good luck to everyone. Keep up the good work.
(I also want to report that I got out and walked today. I was at my wits end with the kids and instead of going for the throat or a Root Beer float, I went for a 50 minute walk. That's my report for the day).

WHICH DIET WILL WORK FOR ME?

There are hundreds of diet programs available now and more than 2 dozen different weight loss pills on the market. You all know the most popular and most expensive ones, they are Jenny Craig and NutriSystem. They are also the lazy man's plan. You just pay and eat. No counting calories or carbs or anything, the only problem is after you stop buying their food it is hard to know just what you can eat on your own. Then we have Weight Watcher's at about $10.00 a meeting and somewhat cheaper you can find TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibility). I have tried tops and I liked it. It was very low keyed, no judgements, and lots of encouragement.There is also Gastric By Pass Surgery which starts at $50,000 and then Lap Band Surgery, starting at about $25,000. Both of these methods are considered last resort and don't change your eating habits or life style it just makes it possible to eat less. There are also the strange fad diets too, such as the cabbage soup diet, fruit diet, eat every thing in sight for 4 days and then fast for 3 days diet and the list goes on.
I thought I would share 3 diets that I have heard about from friends that seem to work for them.
1) The Blood Type Diet, which requires you to know which blood type you are, which is something we all should know anyway. No I don't know what type I am but I am going to call the doctor's office this morning and find out. The book that explaines this diet is called: "Eat Right For Your Type", by Dr. Peter J. D'Adamo. Dr. D'Amado through his studies believes that each blood type requires certain foods for a healthier life.
2) WOE...Way of Eating. One of the books for this program is called: "Eat, Cheat, and Melt the Fat Away", by Suzanne Sommers, Yes the blonde form 3's Company. Since she had cancer she has studied and researched and developed, not on her own, a program for a healthier lifestyle and weight loss. She is quickly becoming a "Diet Deva". Suzanne now has about 5 books on the market and they are part diet and part cookbook.
I know a lady who is using a combination of diets 1 and 2 and loves it.
3) "The Ultimate Weight Solution: 7 Keys to Weight Loss Freedom". by Dr. Phil McGraw. This is the program along with my doctor's 1500 calories a day plan, which is simply to tell me to lose weight that I hve chose to follow. I need more help than that so I am doing it Dr. Phil's way. I used his plan last year and lost 40 pounds but then winter came and with that snow and with that personal house confinement and I put all the weight back on. With me once I stop a diet I don't start again.
I like Dr. Phil's down home talk and his honesty. Dr. Phil has a second book or companion book that gives me the calorie count and all the nutritional information I need for the foods I eat.
I will probably post tidbits throughout the blog that I have learned from him.

YVONNE'S STORY

WOW!!! Joleane is right. These pictures are more than a little embarrassing. I NEVER, NEVER have my picture taken and now I know why, if I didn't before. I am Yvonne and I am almost 60 years old. Because of high blood pressure, high blood sugar, high cholesterol, and GERD, I am now taking 12 pills every day. Think of the money we are spending on pills. When I went to the doctor on the 5th of December for a blood pressure check up and to get all my medications refilled for winter, he told me that my blood pressure just wasn't staying down. He then told me he wanted me to meet with a nutritionist and I needed to consider "lap band" surgery. I know I don't want that surgery so I have to lose the weight by myself. I was talking to Renee a few days later and she said she wanted to lose some weight too. I decided to start dieting that day. The first thing I did was cut out all fried foods, sodas, and sweets. Yes, I went cold turkey on that idea because I know myself well enough to know it would be the only way this diet would work.

With the help of family, friends, and the nutritionist I am now on a 1500 calorie a day diet with 5 small meals instead of 3 BIG meals and I do drink 10 cups of water every day. I figured if I could diet through the holidays I would be on my way. Since others are also dieting starting in January I am ahead. I have lost 25 pounds and am on my way. My goal weight is about 140 pounds which means I need to lose about 102 pounds. The doctor says 75 pounds more would make a hugh difference. Shoot, at my weight the first 25 pounds made a difference. Now that I have the blog up and going, thanks again Laurie, this will give me even more support.

How am I going to lose ALL THIS WEIGHT; I know it won't be easy but I also know I will do it.

I have 10 good reasons to do so, my grandchildren. I am watching what I eat very closely, I am walking, I am exercising and as soon as spring comes I am going back to the "Y" for water aerobics 3 times a week. So here is to a much skinner all of us in 2009!

JOLEANE'S STORY

For the sake of losing weight and getting in shape I'm willing to humiliate myself by putting myself out there, fatness, laziness, bad eating habits and all. My name is Joleane, I'm 34 years old and live in Corvallis. I'm the mother of 2 young children. So, before I had kids, I thought I was overweight. Then I got pregnant. I didn't lose much weight after the first baby was born, then I got pregnant again and gained more weight. I haven't lost that weight yet either and the 2nd baby is now 2 years old. Time to get in gear!

My goals are to lose 50ish pounds. I'm cool with 45-55 pounds. I also want to run a 5K, 10K, and half marathon this year. (There is a 5K in Eugene on Valentine's Day that I'm planning on running, then a 10K in May and half marathon in August or so).

My plan of action, so to speak, is basically to run my butt off, and stomach and hips and thighs...I also need to keep track of calories. I've tried each method individually and only get good results when I both exercise and watch what I eat. I'm going to train for the runs and I have a weight loss program for my PDA that will help me keep track of calories. I also need to do some weight bearing exercises for my upper body.

My weaknesses:

I have horrible eating habits, in that I don't eat fruits or vegetables and I do eat lots of carbs and fats. I also drink way to much soda, even if it is "diet".

I have young kids at home. Getting out with them is a big ol' hassle.

I really don't like to exercise. It's just not fun.

My strengths:

I have great support from my husband and family. And now I've got this support blog too.

I get to stay home with my kids, so you'd think I could find the time to plan healthy meals and go for a jog.

Here's to 2009!

BECKY'S STORY

Becky, age at start of diet 55 years old. Height: 5'2" (I like to say 5'3" just to have my weight to height ratio sound better) My before weight 162 pounds and my goal weight is 127 pounds. No I did not deliberately try to make the photos look that bad, that is just me. I'm trying to lose 35 pounds--would like to lose more, but I'm trying to be realistic.

I sprained my ankle and pulled a muscle in my calf a little over four years ago. Because I could not exercise, I put on 20 pounds in two months, and sent my blood pressure skyrocketing. I weigh the same now as I did in January of 2005, so it's going to be hard to lose since it's been around a while. And I wasn't happy with my weighed before I put on that 20 pounds.

I', not sure how I'm going to go about losing the weight but I have already picked out the rewards I'm going to give myself along the way.

LIISA'S STORY

Hi, my name is Liisa. I am 44 years old and live in Portland, Oregon. I have blonde
hair, hazel eyes and I'm 5'3". I like quiet walks on the beach, sitting by the fire, and romantic comedy's...WAIT...this isn't a dating blog is it?? It's our weight loss blog. Okay, skip the blonde hair, hazel eyes business...the most important part is, I weigh 178 pounds!! Stop Stop STOP...Enough laughing.
So, the question is, can I lose the weight I need in order to live a healthier life? The answer is YES, I am 100% sure I can lose weight. No problem, no big deal, no worries. The thing is, once I lose it, CAN I KEEP IT OFF??? That my dear sisters is the question of the day.
I have been slimmer a number of times in my 44 years. I however always gain the weight back. I've tried prescription weight loss pills (was really think after that); weight watchers; a brief stint of NutriSystem. I've also tried over the counter diet pills, no carb diets, low carb diets, and the list goes on and on. Do you all remember Herbalife?? The one thing this is usually missing when I diet is EXERCISE. That I think will be the key to this whole adventure for me.
So, here is my idea on how to do this, Eat, Breathe, Move; the key to a long healthy life. I will however have to eat more fruits and vegetables, exercise a minimum 4 times a week and continue to breathe when doing so. That is if I can...
The recommended weight for my height and frame is 121-135 pounds. WOW...I haven't seen 121 in probably...21 years. My goal weight is 135 which means I need to shed 43 pounds!!!
Can I do it? Yes of course. Will I keep it off...I sure the hell hope so. So here I am, on the road to slim ...AGAIN!

A LITTLE INFORMATION ON THE BLOG

It has been suggested that we have a theme each month and anyone who wants can contribute, tips, hints, tricks, etc. I like this idea and since it is January this month's theme is of course,
"GETTING STARTED". It is also suggested that a monthly weigh-in might be fun. Therefore,
the last Friday of each month, please send me an email and tell me how much weight you have lost during the month and maybe a note on how you lost it. On the next Monday I will give all the information on the blog and we can give each other a pat on the back for how well we are doing. A little encouragement goes a long way, especially when we are scattered all over the Northwest.

A WORD OF CAUTION

Ladies, PLEASE, if you are serious about losing weight this year, and I hope you are, and if you are wanting to lose more than 25 pounds, PLEASE, check with your doctor on what he/she would recommend as the best diet plan for you. I think this can be a fun and exciting year for all of us and wouldn't it be nice to all meet next fall a thinner and healthier family of women. We don't want anyone getting sick by dieting the wrong way. We are all different with different reasons for wanting to lose weight as well as different amounts so let's do this the smart way,
under a doctor's supervision, or at least with his/her approval on the diet you choose.