Living Healthy in 2010

Well, enough of us are resolving to live healthier in 2010 (eat better, get more exercise and perhaps drop a few pounds) that I floated the idea of a support thread and people seemed interested. This isn't a place to list what you ate, (we already have one of those) or to track weight loss (although people should certainly feel free to share big milestones) but a place to share ups and downs. Come here when you're have trouble getting motivated to cook or exercise and the rest of us will do our best to help. We could also share fun ways to workout or new healthy recipes we find.

This morning I'm working out by cleaning, organizing and rearranging the apartment. I'm taking a break before starting on the bookshelves, which means lots of lifting is about to start. I'm also taking lots of water breaks, water and tea being the only beverages I'll be drinking for the next ten days while I sugar purge. How's everyone else doing?

I'm starting out about the same as you bib, cleaning and reorganizing everything today. I am also going to be drinking more water because my normal beverage of choice is pepsi. I would love to rearrange the apartment but unfourtunatly there are too many things to move and not many places to put them :)

I'm planning on doing some re-organizing of my bookshelves today, too. I started working in it last week, but today is also the day to get the tree taken down and decorations put away, so it should be a good time for straightening and re-organizing.

We're planning a big meal this evening, but tomorrow I plan to get any remaining candy, cookies, etc. out of the house so we can start losing the weight we've picked up over the holidays. Tonight will be our first WiiFit weigh-in in some time, so we will probably get a lot of disappointed noises from the balance board as it tells us how much we have gained. *wince* Oh, well -- we're going down from here!

Lol Foggi I would love having a Wiifit it would make everything so much easier. Instead I am going out and buying a scale for the bathroom and using comcast excercise t.v. I found one that has you excercise while using hip hop moves! I have never been more excited to excercise! But as Tom gets his excercise from walking back and forth over a 5 mile shop everyday I will be going at it alone and will have to do it when he is not home to avoid the comments about how silly I look doing it :) But I wrote myself up a schedule to follow now I will just have to push my willpower into doing it!

I have several get togethers and eating related events still this weekend so I suspect Monday will be the big start for me but I think we will try and go for a walk today or wii fit a bit.

Organizing sounds great. I certainly need to do that too. We did clean the kitchen this morning.

I am trying to think about my goals this year as really just being mindful of what I eat, not eating too much and adding more vegetables and less processed food and making and finding more reasons and time to be active.

reading this thread is reminding me we need to finish unpacking and organize. I really want to set up my library.

I am working on my closet to make room for my clothes. I managed to clear down the the floor and vacuumed. I sorted my old stuff out into two piles - one for the garbage and one for the organization that picks stuff up coming on Jan. 5. Now I have to iron all my shirts and put stuff back. It's my cardio for the day and it makes me happy which is good for my mental health as well!

Cleaned out the fridge today and sent hubby to the store for healthy food. Tomorrow I will be making soup and salad dressing for our lunches.

Thanks for deciding to start this "support" topic. It convinced me to switch from watching to joining HE! I have been a (quiet) member of The Green Dragon since I discovered LT in the first half of 2009, but decided to watch a few other groups before overwhelming myself. Your organizing posts have inspired me to clear the kitchen counters, then make a healthy shopping list for tomorrow. I will clean out the fridge and take out the resulting trash on my way to the store tomorrow.

Welcome littleshell! Glad you've decided to join us! After today I definitely have high hopes for this thread.

I managed to get the bathroom, closet and living space done today, so, like littleshell (ls?) tomorrow I just have the dining room and kitchen which will include cleaning out the fridge and dumping the garbage before healthy shopping tomorrow.

Welcome Little Shell ( we use a lot of nicknames around here) So you might be LS :)Hope you Keep coming around more!

Today I didn't get much dont because I started organizing before I finished cleaning... but I am currently havinga healthy snack of cucumbers and water and it is pretty good too! I did however get the fridge all cleaned out!

Thanks for the greetings! I have no problem to being "shortened" to LS as long as littlegeek (LG) doesn't mind the competition or possible confusion. Also, keep in mind that I am only 4'10", so I can't be shortened too much. I have enough trouble reaching shelves as it is. I plan stretching as a main part of my active moving, but I don't think it will help too much with the shelves, sigh. Also, please continue mentioning the water breaks, as I find it difficult to drink enough. I think I will be buying some V8 Fusion, mostly to bribe myself with flavored water.

Welcome, littleshell! We could call you "shell" instead, to reduce confusion. . . . I imagine we'll settle on something as time goes by.

Well, I got a lot less organizing done today than I had hoped. I still want to get the Christmas decorations put away tonight before bed, so I'd better go do that.

Welcome LS!

In the past 2 years I have gone from a size 16 in denial to a 10. I have lost close to 35lbs and am ready to lose my last 15 in 2010.

My biggest help in loosing weight has been ALOT less soda, I really only have it when I go to mom and dads house these days, I used to have a coke zero every night. I try to have yogurt when I want a snack, though sometimes chocolate still makes it into my mouth, but usually yogurt and I'm happy, for a friend of mine that lost 60lbs her go to food was oatmeal, so just find that thing that's healthy but still satisfying for you. And the dreaded but ever needed exercise. I'll do ab twist at work and go up and down my stairs more than once, but mostly I do crunches and leg lifts at least three nights a week just to get a little extra in before bed. The hardest part for me was portion control, but I'm really getting the hang of that now.

I hope this is helpful, I don't claim to be an expert on diets at all, but it really does seem to be about eating right and exercising... unfortunately ;)

Also, I drink a lot of water.

GOOD LUCK EVERYONE!!!

Good thing virtual cake is fat free and calorie free!

Hi LS, welcome to HE!

I have decided to become healthier this year too. My goal is to lose 66 lbs. We bought a wii fit plus last night and I have already spent an hour on it today. I keep having to fight the kids over time on it lol! I also joined Dailyburn, which is an online fitness challenge group thingy. good luck to everyone!

I think I'll have to join this effort to lose weight. When I was recuperating after my op this year I put on 10+ kilos. I don't know how I did it, as I had a very healthy diet with the exception of my daily cupcakes ;).

I might even break open the wii fit, but I don't react well to criticism.

Welcome shelly! A healthy list is a good start. I found that the lists i made from bacon and chocolate were very unhealthy.

**WATER BREAK**

If anyone needs help with clearing out their pantry and fridge of unhealthy food, just leave me a PM with your address and i'll pop around to take care of it.

#17 -- You already have ours (I know, because you sent us those wonderful candles) so come on over! Let us know when you're arriving and we'll pick you up from the airport. ;-)

(Um, our airport, not your airport . . . just to be clear.)

My cleaning plans have been waylaid by the cold I thought was allergies yesterday. I did go shopping and bought some milk and cereal, oj and some veggies for soup tonight.

Also, the trash hasn't been picked up yet and I get take the garbage out until there's somewhere to put it, which means the fridge is staying as is until then!

A long vacation is my time for trying new recipes. Consequently, we have had a few fancy feasts. However, I try to even them out with soups and other healthier fare.

I've nearly done one whole week of being vegetarian, which has thus far included a lot of cheese, so my hopes for an weight loss this week remain low! I have also yet to do any "proper" exercise but, as always, you guys are an inspiration.

I'm currently scarfing down more Chex Mix, but I really am going back on the diet. I made it onto the Wii Fit today and found out that I've gained 7 pounds over the last 6 weeks, no surprise there. Working at a candy store during Christmas is not exactly a great weight loss plan. But it's not as bad as it could be, and I am confident I can get it back off again.

Oh Dear! Now I guess I have to get serious about eating healthy and exercising too! Can't let you all be healthier then me when we go to Orlando!

Welcome Little shell!!

Started doing more arm exercises this weekend. That's my weakest part. Heres to arm muscles in 2010!

I've been dragging my feet about getting back to healthy eating, despite the appalling discovery that I gained 12 pounds over the holidays (ackkk). However, today I got all of the remaining Christmas candy out of the house and plopped it on the table in the staff lounge, where I hope it will not remain long. And tomorrow should be a good day for grocery shopping, I hope. Meanwhile, I plan to do something low-carb with turkey leftovers for supper tonight.

First of all, welcome LS! No problem sharing the L with you.

So, hubby got on the WiiFit this morning and the balance board was out of batteries. He gets points for trying. I have not been brave enough to weigh myself yet.

Made lentil soup yesterday, and well, there's a tiny bit of bacon in it, but it seems healthy otherwise. I'm back to oatmeal and fruits for snacks today at work.

Go everyone! We can do this!

This thread inspired me to drink more water the last couple days and go on the Wii Fit yesterday. And my Wii Fit age was my real age. Yay!

Here's a comparison of diets. Interesting.

Must. Start. Exercising.

But since I haven't yet, I went to the shop and bought some hold-it-all-in-tights. It's the first night of our show this Friday, and one of the dresses I'm wearing is....unforgiving.

#28 -- That is interesting -- thanks for posting it.

Our Wii Fit should be here tomorrow or Thursday, and I'm excited to get going with it. I've started getting up a little bit earlier in anticipation of a new morning exercise routine. I'm also thinking of joining a lunch-hour yoga class on campus.

Our home cooking hasn't necessarily gotten healthier, but we are at least cooking more meals in lieu of eating out or grabbing a quick processed meal, which is an improvement. Once I quit breastfeeding, I'll be able to have salad again (Rex can't handle it), which will be a HUGE improvement for my diet!!

#31 Adara is against dairy, takes away a lot of my vegetarian protien options. it's going to be a while before I can have milk again, as I doubt she'll wean before she's two.

I definitely recommend the yoga grk. It helped me through a lot of postpartum issues.

I made dinner for my hubby's video playing friend tonight. He liked our diet chicken parm.

Today is the start of my new excercise routine. 2 hours monday-wed-and fri mornings. The 20 crunches/situps before bed. I have also been drinking more water...now if people would just stop throwing out my water bottles...lol. Tom and I agreed that we would cut down on the fatty foods when we eat together and if we have meat he cooks it :) I get to make stir fry and such...

#31: We I love our WiiFit. Not too long ago I bought the Plus game to play on it. Yoga (although hard for someone as clumsy as me) is pretty easy on it, and if I mess up no one is there to laugh at me. My goal is to do the WiiFit 5 times a week for 30 minutes. When I first started doing that I lost 10 pounds right off. Time to get busy!

I need to get a WiiFit. Can't swing it this month though. Maybe next month...

We have been doing weigh-ins on the WiiFit, but not exercising much. Need to get back to that -- but probably not until this cold stops sapping all of my energy.

I was doing really well, and managed to drop 2 lb this week. then I cooked Yaki Soba for dinner, and prepared extra to take for lunch tomorrow. Except I ate tomorrow's as well.

>39 LadyN: Been there, done that. I hate when that happens! You could just add some time to your exercising (if you can). Well done on the 2 lb drop, though.

Obviously, you didn't cook enough--or you made it too tasty. You must not do such a good job next time.

BTW, I had to google this, as I had no idea what it was. Sounds/looks yummy.

#39 You should eat your lunch for second breakfast *nods sagely*.

Great advice!

40 - Yaki Soba is DELICIOUS. And so easy. You should definitely try it!

41 - I do. ;-)

Tonight I am going to stuff the end of a butternut squash with mushrooms and mozzarella and then roast it. I have no idea if it will work the way I imagine it, but it will be interesting!

I prefer to try and trick myself into loosing weight. Like saying I really don't want that third or fourth piece of pizza. Sadly, *sigh* this is where my intelligence starts to work against me. I'm just to darn smart to trick out of eating the goodness. ;)

If I were in charge of this weight gain or loss my rule would be if you pass on eating an extra piece of pizza you automatically loose a pound. If you eat it, you only gain a couple of ounces. Pass by Woodside Farms (a fantastic dairy where you get the best ice cream) you loose 5 lbs. It's a good plan. Walk in the door of an exercise place and you loose a pound. But you do have to walk in. More lose if you actually exercise, of course. But everytime you don't eat something fattening, instant reward!!

Man! I wished that worked!!!

So I'm starting up on http://www.sparkpeople.com/ again. The first time I did it I lost 30 pounds, and it's free!

Is it really good Kirby?

I think I may have talked about it some in the past, but it's a good way to keep track of what you're doing (eating, exercising, etc...). You earn points different ways, which kind of makes it fun. I've done well with Weight Watchers too, but I hated paying and going to weigh in front of people.

Curves has a free weight management program.

Theres a Curves not to far from me Kasongo, Do they all charge the same? I can diet fine by myself but the exercise is what I need

Welcome littleshell! I am glad you spoke up.

Mandy you made amazing progress last year. I am sure this year will continue it.

It is interesting how much cleaning and tidying and organizing is part of living a healthier life as well as eating better and exercising more.

I went to yoga yesterday and had a 2 1/2 dance rehearsal which is the first real exercise post-holidays. Organizing wise the tree comes down today and then I'll have to start the January cleaning and tidying and the sea of papers that are obscuring my desk right now.

I saw these two articles in the New York Times this morning and I thought they'd be relevant to the group.

The 11 foods you should be eating (mostly veggies)
http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/06/30/the-11-best-foods-you-arent-eating/?em

and Michael Pollan talking about his new book Food Rules
http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/01/08/michael-pollan-offers-64-ways-to-eat-fo...

Both of these looked like very sensible approaches and I had read another Michael Pollan book. He is pretty fascinating when he describes the agricultural market and how foods started getting more and more processed.

Ok, signed up on Sparkpeople, kirby, it looks good

Thanks for those links, Marensr! Michael Pollan seems like a wise man of food and the interview had some interesting info as well. I like simple rules and humor. I will definitely be checking out his writings.

I have been managing to eat and shop more "consciously" but I am focussing on one small step at a time. Every time I have tried the all-or-nothing approach, it only lasts until the current purchases run low or I am hungry *right this minute*!

I want to make permanent changes, so I am working on one healthy change at a time. My first one has been to have some fruit and veggies every day, even if it is a glass of V8 Fusion. Some is better than none, and I am allergic to most *raw* fruits and veggies, so it is quite a challenge for me.

49: If the Curves by you has the weight managment classes they should be free. As far as fees go, most of my members pay $34 a month, but if yours has Curves Smart (it has a computer that tells you if you are working hard enough, my Curves has me) that usually is $39, but some Curves charge more, because they have higher rent to pay, etc. Right now if you join, you pay the one time service fee, but you get a month free. Good luck!

Okay, I just got done doing some yoga on WiiFit. I've definitely lost a little flexibility since I've been slacking off! However, my weight was down a little bit, which was encouraging. I'm determined to be good (in terms of exercising and eating right) between now and my conference this weekend.

Thanks for the info, Kasongo!

#48 Kasongo: Ah yes, but then you have to do things in front of people. Like weigh, and exercise. I prefer to be alone when I do shameful things like that.

#54: I'm doing pretty good. Three days of 30 minutes on WiiFitPlus. My goal is 30 minutes 4 days out of the week. I tell you what's making me sweat, skateboarding (on the Wii of course. I'm not that coordinated.). It's hard!

This weekend I made sure to make enough healthy food to get through tech week. I made a big pot of vegetarian chili with lots of extra veggies and pasta (I use Barilla plus which is whole grain and has added protein and vitamins) with tomato, mushroom, onion and spinach (it's really pretty). I'll have about an hour between work and leaving for rehearsal all week, so it seemed like a good idea to have healthy stuff around so I'm not tempted to stop for fast food or snacks on my way to rehearsal. No working out this week. There will not be time, unless I want to do it backstage and I don't.

#56You are not in front of people when you are weighed and measured, that is in the back of the room and we don't say what the measurements are to anyone. We celebrate the good results. But yes, you do exercise with others, makes the time go by quickly.

#57 you can bring that to rehearsals and share!!

No, then I will run out of food before the week is over, won't have time to cook and end up eating junk!

Side bar: HELP! Someone brought in donuts. They're just sitting there taunting me!

#56 I always had the same issue with gyms, I didn't like going because I always felt like an idiot like everyone was staring at me thinking "just give it up fatso" So I decided to try out Curves, and was instantly comfortable. It's women of all shapes sizes and ages just doing their thing. You can chat with people or just keep to yourself, adjust the workout to whats best for you, and the weigh in is always as private as you want it. And you can get a print out of your progress, which I always like.

60: Do what I do, everytime you start to reach for that donut think to yourself how far that will set you back, how much harder you'll have to exercise just for that one little donut

I have had much wine over the past couple of days. Woops.

#63 - Well red wine does have some health benefits, right?

I'm going to try to get (back) in the habit of going to my early morning yoga class. It was infinitely easier to motivate myself to go when it was warmer out and I could stumble out of bed, throw on flip flops and yoga clothes and head to the gym. Now it's all about bundling up and scraping ice off the car which are both really unappealing at 5:30 am...

I have to brag on myself: after getting up with Rex four times between 3-4:40am (he's teething and has a cold, poor guy), I still rolled out of bed at 5:06am to do my first Wii Fit workout. And I didn't "reward" myself with a mid-afternoon Starbucks run to refuel (mainly because I wasn't as tired as I thought I'd be, but there was some willpower in there too!).

I've also been eating more mindfully. I know I want a sweet something after I eat, so instead of having several cookies or a brownie or slice of cake or ice cream, I'm having ONE really yummy/rich small something, such as a cookie or a Dove chocolate square. I'm still getting my sweets fix, but not feeling guilty.

Good for you grkmwk!

Well done grkmwk! I dont know how you do it, what with Rex keeping you on your toes. I'd have thought that was more than enough!

I've lost another pound. :-)

Thanks y'all! LadyN, I sometimes don't know how I do it either, but I'm having fun and that's all that matters. And thanks to Rex waking me just before my alarm today, I didn't hit the snooze and roll over, but got up and worked out for the third morning in a row!

You go grkmwk!!

Good for you grkmwk!

I have been bringing my own lunches to work and started back up on both wii fit and yoga. However I still need to be more mindful about making sure my food is healthful.

I did sort papers yesterday and today and I started going through the closet so I am starting to go down that list of getting things in order for the new year.

Yes littleshell I think Pollan is very balanced and interesting about food.

Foggi? Are you using wii fit or wii fit plus? I just got the wii fit plus and you can sequence your exercises now which I am finding helpful.

So the first couple weeks in January are the most stressful times of the year for me both at work and because of the play. It would be an easy time to fall into the junk food trap or to fill up on all the candy and cookies around backstage, but I managed to stay strong and I've lost 5 pounds since the beginning of the year!

WOW! Good job, Bib! I'm jealous 8)

Great job Bib!

I am buying a treadmill tomorrow. A coworker is getting rid of one and is letting me do payments. I am very happy as this means I can get in my walk or jog without braving the winter weather! Bathing suit season here I come!

I wish I could find a treadmill ! I've got no where to put it tho

#70 - We have Wii Fit Plus, but I don't think Foggi has set up any workout queues. I showed her how to do it when I first got the game.

#70, 75 -- I did set up a few queues, but I haven't used them much lately, liking to pick and choose. I still haven't played all of the new balance games that were added with the new version, but once I get bored with those I will work up a routine and just go through it.

This weekend I have been eating conference food, so not the healtheist suff (lots of receptions and such) but I have walked miles and miles (carrying heavy bags of books much of the time) so I expect to break even.

I have been sick, so I've been letting myself eat whatever I wanted. I need to get back on the scales and see where I am. I know I need to do a better job of eating a balanced diet, and make our family meals healthier, it just just seems like a lot of work right now. I am committed to making time for a little Wii exercise every day, as soon as I stop coughing and wheezing. The air quality is horrible right now, so it's not safe to be exercising outdoors at all.

75 and 76, I like being able to set up a series and not having to stop between things. I have been active but with Rom on the road again for his play I am not being the healthiest eater, but each day is a new opportunity to eat more vegetables and not to consider popcorn for dinner.

Bib! That is fantastic. It is hard to eat well when one is stressed.

cmbohn, I am sympathetic, it is hard to get outside right now but it will only be getting easier as it warms up.

I just got back from the doctor's and my weight is down 5 more pounds!!!

79: YAY!!!!

polly: Let me know your Sparks name so I can befriend you. I just reset all of my stuff last night so I can start over. I also ordered The Spark from B&N last night.

Oh, I'm pixiesue. Who are you? I ordered the spark from Walmart

You picked the incredibly over weight pug as your name? You may have better results with Patches, the incredibly hyper and scrawny one. 8) Not to mention that Pixie smells weird...

Oh MEM I know how much you LOOOOOOVE Pixiesue!

So does anyone else look like a dying crane when they try to keep up with the perky lady on their exercise tape or is that just me?

No its just you! Kidding! just kidding, honey!

You are lucky that...thing has never 'accidentally gotten out of the fence and disappeared' while it is in my care. Of course you would never believe she would run away because A. I've yet to see her do more than walk slooooowly to her food bowl so we all know just walking as far as the fence would be unusual B. If be she did get out I could easily track by the nasty smell or her grunting, snorts mouth noises she makes constantly.

her is mommy preddy widdle puggie, yes her is!

#86 It's bad when you don't want any of your kids to see you do it.. including te baby! LOL

yes you might scar his psyche for life

Dude, that's what I'm saying. Then again, we all know any children of mine are always going to be a little...off. LOL

The trail I usually walk is still all ice. It's very frustrating trying to get cheap exercise in Ohio winters. I can't afford a gym and have no where to put a treadmill. So we are stuck with dying cranes. 8)

is that a pilates pose?

Don't make me dial your phone number, mother. I WILL talk to my brother and get him all riled up about something stupid and then hang up! Think about how long me mentioning homeschool or limited sugar would keep him going.
I'll do it, lady, just keep at it!

I luv U!

pwnd xD

hehehe

Polly: I'm kirby1999

You guys crack me up. I haven't been to the trail in town for a few months. I take Finnegan there to walk a couple of miles in the afternoon. Well, I used to. I got sick and then the weather got bad. We've been playing frisbee (when it's warm enough) or playing with the light and tennis ball in the house. Our neighborhood would be great to walk if people didn't let their dogs roam. There's about 4 dogs that are loose, and I'm afraid of dogs I don't know.

Okay, I've added you as a Sparks friend.

yay! I got it!

#97 I have the same problem with dogs in my neighborhood, Kirby. I'm terrified of dogs and it seems everyone in my subdivision wants to let their big dogs out in the front yard instead of the back.

And it's not like we don't have a rule in our neighborhood. Since we're out of city limits each person who purchases a house or lot in our neighborhood had to sign a contract that said they would keep their dogs in a fenced yard or on a leash/lead. I completely understand the every-once-in-a-while break out (my dogs have done it), but when people are afraid because of these dogs... I'd love to walk the dogs around, but that's just asking for trouble.

I haven't gotten up to do my Wii Fit exercises since last Thursday morning. Partly that's due to being out of town for a conference (not the same as foggi, although I have a good guess of where she was!), but since I've been home since Monday, it's also partly due to early morning desire for more sleep. Fortunately I've eaten well this week (definitely did NOT eat well over the weekend), so that's a small step. Posting this here will hopefully help motivate me to get up in the morning, as I know y'all will all route for me to do so! :o)

That's great Kasongo! grkmwk that is the right attitude!

I did WiiFit for 31 minutes last night, even though it feels like tons of pressure is compacting my head. It started right before I got home and is still here. Ugh...

I got The Spark in the mail today! Mom was interested in the first little bit, but I can't get her to join SparksPeople.com with me. Still working on her...

lol MEM and polly. Does verbal jousting count as exercise?

#106 LOL Well, for polly, maybe. I'm so awesome that I don't even break a sweat. *whispers* Between you and I, she needs to work on her form quite a bit or she is going to strain something.

I HEARD THAT!

what, her tongue? fingers? brain?

#108 Why is it that people who are hard of hearing are always yelling? Have you noticed that?

#109 Why she is going strain her 'smack gland,' of course. She tries to talk some smack but ends up fumbling at the last minute, straining to reach something humorous. It's quite sad, really. Maybe they hold clinics for people like her.

I'm beginning the 28 day challenge tomorrow (from the book).

I am so sore. Well, my stomach muscles are sore. I've been "working out" with the WiiFit games for about 30 minutes, 4 times a week. I decided to do 3 days (M,W,Th) of that and 2 days (T,F) of 10 minute strength exercises on the WiiFit. Oooooouuuuuuuchhhhh. They looked so easy. Not true. Don't let it fool you.

Oh, my checklist! I've made myself a daily checkllist to help me keep track of some of my personal goals.

I OFFICIALLY WEIGH LESS THAN MY HUSBAND!!!!!...for now anyway.

Kirby- I love how you set up your checklist. I need to do something like that!

Mandy- Yay! Maybe you should start setting up cupcake boobietraps in his car to make sure it stays that way! LOL

Spongebob is trying to ruin my diet! Every episode today is about how yummy the Krabby Patty tastes. It makes me want a Whopper!

#114 - I was thinking the same thing *rubs hands together muhaha...*

Well, I must be back on the diet because I'm crabby and slightly sick to my stomach. Now I remember why I wasn't anxious to do this again. Sigh. But my size 14 pants were a little tight this morning, and I worked really hard to get those to fit again, so back to low calories I go.

-4 pounds tonight! Yeah!!!!!!

5 for me!

sigh....size fourteen seems so far away!

I'm down a pound from my last weigh in 2 days ago. So I guess I'll stop whining for a bit.

I'm down a couple more pounds, but still way above my low point (from a couple months after we first got the WiiFit, back when I was still enthusiastic about dieting and exercising). Still, I'm making progress in the right direction. And I did 30 minutes of exercise this evening -- mostly balance games and yoga, though. I need to do more aerobic activities . . . and I'm sure Sophie would like it if I took her on more walks around the neighborhood.

as of this morning I have *just* sneaked below 11 stone again. Finally! Now back where I was on arriving back from my trip, although more wobbly! Must start exercising to fix that, but happy to be on the right track. :-)

Well done everyone. We're ALL doing really well.

Yes everyone seems to be doing well.

I have had veggies at lunch and dinner everyday this week which is good.

I've been actually cooking more, rather than eating boxed dinners.

Down another 1.1 lbs since Monday! Yes the .1 is important to me.

That .1 is very important!

Good Job Everyone!

Hey! I can take my ring off for the first time in a year! I've got skinny fingers! yay!

My exercise for today was doing squats while folding clothes and making faces at the baby to keep him happy. 8) I'm not sure whether he was laughing at the faces I was making at him or the faces I made every time I bent my knees too far. LOL

edited for grammar

I'm keeping 3 # weights at my seat and a couple times a day I use them for a few minutes at a time. Its not much but its movement!

I've lost 4 pounds since signing up for The Biggest Loser at my dr's office!

Yeah!!!!

Since Jan. 11th, I have lost 8.2 pounds on Weight Watchers. I had done WW several years ago and lost 25 lbs., but gained most of it back. So here I am again. But I don't mind it as much this time around, as I know what to expect. Mind over matter...

Way to go, everyone!

I fell off the healthy habits wagon the past couple of weeks, but hopped back on this morning when I got up to do some Wii Fit, followed my a mindfully-eaten breakfast. Now that I can have salad again, I have one packed for lunch, and we're going to have skinless roast chicken for dinner.

I am also seriously considering joining Weight Watchers for some added assistance/incentive. Venus, are you doing it online or through a group meeting?

Minor victory: I bought one of those mammoth muffins at work today, but was able to stop after eating 1/2 of it! Portion control is one of my challenges, and can make a quick difference for me.

Last night I had lots of trouble falling asleep. It was painfully clear to me that my most recent weight gain has added to my sleeping/breathing discomfort. Remembering that was enough to stop me from overeating today.

Food for comfort is such an old habit, but I have changed my thinking before, so I know I can do it again. "Decluttering" is the habit for February on my favorite motivational website. I plan to start with my kitchen and *declutter* some pounds along with the clutter.

ETA: Remembered another victory: yesterday, I decided against chips with my sandwich. The cafe manager suggested a piece of fruit instead, and I grabbed a banana. Yay me!

>134 grkmwk: grkmwk

Doing it online only. Their message boards there are enough support for me. Meetings just aren't my thing.

*sigh* I am not doing so well this week. I think I've managed to misplace my motivation. Has anyone seen it lying around here anywhere?

Sometimes motivation does leave us. But then, one little success, like choosing fruit over chips or parking your car a bit further away, can give you a boost. "All right!! I did something positive towards a healthier me!" And then just build on that. Remember to not just go by the scale, it has no brain, it doesn't know if you have been exercising too, building muscles, so make sure you take your measurements. When I joined Curves I wasn't loosing weight the first few months, but I was loosing inches!! Focus on all your positive moves and don't beat yourself up on the few negative things, acknowledge them, and move forward.

I bought an inexpensive pedometer and attached it to my shoe. It registered 9376 when I got home from work. I think its set wrong. I walk alot at work but that seems alot

Oh dear foggi, I am experimenting with breeding motivation in a box, but the wings are so fragile. I am sending some your way.

I have been doing good at bringing healther lunches and using wii fit and going to yoga again but I have been bad about getting enough sleep and when I get home I am not a disciplined about eating healthy. Sigh

Yay for all the victories and courage for all of the setbacks!

I spent $90 yesterday on a pair of running shoes because I want to start getting into the habit of going for a jog during my lunch break. I'm also planning on getting a Nike+ to go with the new shoes so I can track my jogs/runs. I have the iPod already, and the shoes, but the sporting goods store where I bought the shoes was out of the iPod Nano starter kits. :(

I think I've come to the point where I just know that Atkins/Low Carb isn't going to work for me, so I need to find a way to burn off calories/fat. And I love Wii Fit, but the games are just old to me.

I've been so good today, but I REALLY WANT SOME CANDY!!!!

Sorry. It just slipped out.

Hubby will be gone for 6 weeks...that's very bad for my eating habits as I have a tendency to get lazy with my food when he's not around.

I tend to skip evening meals.

Mandy, Rom has been gone and I have the same problem. Although tonight I finished off the white bean chicken chili I made earlier so I am not feeling as bad as I might. Mostly I get lazy and eat a bag of popcorn or a bowl of cereal so not entirely bad but not with good balanced nutrition.

Wow Espy that sounds like a high-tech way to jumpstart things. You'll have to let us know how it goes.

I've had a rough time staying motivated this week. I think it's due to me hurting my ankle on Sunday, and I haven't been able to exercise. Yes I've been drinking my water, taking my vitamins, and eating cereal for lunch all week. However I've been snacking alot this week, and not on the good stuff.

Ugh.

So last night I was doing my weekly Wal-Mart/Grocery shopping (which I haven't done in 3 weeks), and found something neat. I actually had a coupon for a Ziplock product and I found the Twist 'n Lock containers. They really don't leak! *Yes I'm the geek who actually goes home and tests them out.* Anywho, they're perfect because they have markings on the sides for measuring! I've had a hard time with judging portion control, so these are perfect for me.

Good for you Kirby! I haven't done so well this week either, but just do better now, get back on track

Even with the lack of exercise (which I got 10 minutes in yesterday!) and the snacking, I've lost .7 lbs. this week.

Good for You!

house + stress = Bic Mac and Fries + cookies * 5

8( diet fail

Thats okay Honey, you can work it off by packing

Never a fail, just a temporary set back.

I've started doing Yoga and I'm still on a high two days later. I fell like I've absorbed The Little Book of Calm.
LadyN might get that one :)

kirby- great words to live by!

MsDonna- Awesome! I would like to do yoga but I've found that I don't have the patience. I jerk from movement to movement and find myself pushing through the paces too quickly.

Shhhh, Donna! You're not supposed to tell anyone that Yoga gets you high. My classes are crowded enough! ;o)

MEM, there are different kinds of yoga. I've taken classes where you hold a pose until you want to kill someone and classes that are considered "flow" where you go through a series of movements pretty fast. Like anything else, you need to shop around to find the right fit for you.

Ooh I got to go to yoga for the first time in a over a week and it was great. It was sunny yesterday and I have been doing a major cleaning which feels good as well. 2 rooms to go.

155 I need something that isn't slow but doesn't need to be done to a beat! LOL One of the many reasons I won't take any classes is because so many ladies classes are set to music. Honestly, I can't Jazzerise to save my soul nor can I do leg lifts with a whole herd of people. LOL

156- Oh, I have to clean, too! 8(

Yay! A smaller pair of pants fit yesterday! To reward my self I ate half of a box of Valentine's Day chocolate Rob so nicely provided me! 8)

*sigh* I need some inspiration to get back to healthy living. With the cold, nasty weather we've been having, I've been staying in and neglecting to exercise . . . and since I've been busy and the house has been a mess from painting the back room, I've been eating too much fast food. However, the weather is supposed to be really nice this weekend, and I should have time to finish indoor projects as well as do some outdoor exercise.

I have also been naughty. It's the cold weather, the forty feet of snow we got ;) and house buying stress. The kids can't go outside very much because the back porch roof collapsed under the snow weight. This makes it extremely difficult to keep this little place clean. The toys, I swear it, are breeding! They are taking over! So I hide in the kitchen eating chips. 8) But the weather has warmed up enough that the trails I walk should be open so hopefully I will get outside myself today or tomorrow.

Yes, its time to stop hiding behind the snow, and get out into the sun for fresh air and exercise. I hope we don't get hit again but we might, it is Ohio.

-153 - Sorry I'm late, but yes, I get it :-)

I#ve been really naughty this week too, but was pleased when I got on the scales to discover that I have not put on weight...in fact I've dropped two pounds. Hurrah!

Yay!

So amongst the goals for today is to take Finn walking in town. I don't know how long I'll last since my ankle hasn't really healed any more, but it is such a nice day today. I'm going to try to make it once around the trail, which is 1 mile. If I need to stop there are benches here and there. I was in the habit of going almost everyday before I got sick (coughing stuff), and then things kept happening. We're (Finn & I) are going to try and get back in the habit.

I was given some incentive to get more exercise yesterday. Jason pinched the roll of fluff that my waist has become. I wish I could blame it on baby weight, but I've lost all but a pound or two already.

OK- after a bit *cough* of a back slide, I'm down a size in pants. Not as good as say, being down a dress size, but I'll take what I can get. Hopefully the weather continues to hold so I can keep on going on my walks. My goal is to lose another size before June. All my summer clothes are a size smaller than I am right now. 8(

Edited for spelling. 8)

As sick as I've been the last couple weeks and not being very hungry, I think I may have lost weight. I don't feel like dragging out the scale to check

#164 -- Good goal! A lot of my summer clothes are a size too small, as well, so I should probably make that my goal, too.

I spent three hours carrying boxes across the street and up and down stairs and will taking more short trips throughout the week until next Saturday when I'll be carrying furniture across the street and upstairs. I'll be getting some good workouts this week.

I spent a while on Friday and Saturday preparing my garden for planting. I don't own a rototiller, so I turn all of the soil by hand . . . and I doubled the size of the garden this year. So I am already reaping what I think of as one of the first rewards of gardening: good exercise.

How am I putting on weight?? HOW???? This sucks...

AS contrary as this sounds ladyN, maybe you aren't eating enough? You must eat a certain number of calories a day so your body knows You are not starving

This morning I was able to get into a pair of pants I bought a while ago that were too small.

#170 - I know what you mean polly, but I'm sure I am.... I clearly need a rethink of what I'm eating. I've clearly hit some sort of plateau. But a plateau that adds weight instead of staying the same. how unfair!!!

#171 - WOOHOO!! Go Kasongo!!

It seems everytime I make a plan to eat right or exercise more, something derailes me, I get sick or hurt or something bad happens. I have to figure out how to get past all that and get started

YAY MOMMY!!

You could have called and said that. Laying on the guilt.

I had a setback as well. Winter is hard for healthy living. My new goal is to make sure I am actually eating the fruits and vegetables I should and exercising more.

Me too, Mar!

Did my work out DVD this morning. And have been careful about the food intake. baby steps...

how many calories in a baby step?

:-P~~~~~~~~~

Now I keep thinking of a mini step aerobics class...

i like a mini step aerobics class, but i couldn't eat a whole one.

My new apartment has a much more cooking friendly kitchen, and I'm very happy to say I was able to easily cook a healthy meal with much less fuss than the same meal would have taken in my old place. I'm hoping that this bodes well for my healthy eating future!

That's great, bib!

oh a cooking freindly kitchen is so much much nicer It makes you want to cook!

Went to the doctor's today, and she was thrilled, I have lost 9 lbs, and cholesterol is great. Blood pressure was up, because I had just come from exercising, but it went down quickly. Then she looked at my chart and decided I needed a tetanus shot.

Yay Mommy!

I have lost 15 pounds in the last month and a half! I now fit into my summer clothes!

Come on everyone! You can do it!!!!!

Edited to fix spelling mistake!

okay according to my sparkpage I've lost seven! Thats encouraging!

I've been feeling like I'm less flexible than I was, so I've started getting up half an hour earlier and doing 20 minutes of WiiFit yoga (almost) every morning.

Oddly enough, the WiiFit trainer's dog never seems to dash over and try to lick her ears or chew her fingers when she does the Cobra or Bridge poses. It's an added challenge, let me tell you!

LOL!

I'm also making a fresh resolution to cut fast food out of my diet. For one thing, I need to save money for Florida, not spend it at Taco Bell!

I got on the scales this morning and discovered I've gained 5lb from somewhere. This is very upsetting, as I've been making a concerted effort to only eat REALLY healthy food, drink more water and exercise (although I do need to put in more effort with the latter - one run in a week probably doesn't count...). Now, it may be that between weighs I put on a lot of weight, and my efforts of late have actually paid off, but because I don't know what I went up to it still looks like a gain... That's what I'm telling myself. But I'm still upset. Hrmph.

*sigh* I've been avoiding scales. I need to get over it and weigh in, so I can see just what I'm dealing with, but I know it's not going to be a happy occasion.

I have lost a couple pounds

Me too. But only because I was sick at the beginning of June. Now that I'm feeling better I'm trying to keep it off.

OH NO! I've reached a plateau on the scale! Worse it is only seven pounds away from my goal weight. I've been stuck for almost three weeks now. I tried eating more (oh the hardship LOL) and seeing if that revved up my metabolism but it was a no- go. 8( The thing is, I can't really cut my calories much more. 8( Any advice?

If you've been exercising, try a different type of exercise. Work on muscle toning, since muscle burns more fat.

We've been walking more, about an hour a day at least four or five times a week, juggling, and doing stomach crunches, but I am trapped at the same spot on the scale. I know part of the problem is I'm hypothyroid, but it's still frustrating. I feel like I have to exercise twice as much to stay in the same place.

I'm quite pleased. Just before Edinburgh, I broke a really important barrier in my weight loss. I then went to edinburgh, where it is the law to eat really unhealthy food. I was in a real panic that the weight would have piled back on, but thanks to the amount of walking about, adrenalin during shows, etc, it's not as bad as I thought! So back on the diet, and I should be back to where I was soon. :-)

Keep with it everyone! we can get there!

JP is right about working on muscle toning to burn more fat, and eat healthy food (don't go to Edinburgh). The Curves Weight Management program (it is free whether you are a member or not) puts you on 1200 calories the first week, and then 1500 for three weeks. Then you practice maintenance (2000 to 2500) for 2 to 4 weeks. During that time, if you find you gained 3 lbs, you do 1200 for two to three days and then back to maintenance. After the 2 to 4 weeks, you repeat the cycle of 1200, 1500 etc.

If you can't lower your calories anymore, you are starving yourself now and your body is freaking. It is holding on to your fat. continue to eat more, healthy food and exercise.

The other key component is your exercise. It is recommended you do strength training and aerobic 3 times a week and walk other days. You need 36-48 hours for your muscles to recover between workouts.

Have you taken measurements during this time? Sometimes that can tell you more. I lost inches long before the pounds started coming off. Also, how do you feel? I focus on other things, things I couldn't do when I was heavier.

don't give up, and don't let the scale rule your life.

JP- Ack! Stomach crunches are from the bad place. 8) I despise them... and it shows! LOL

LadyN- Hurrah for your break through! I think you deserved to eat whatever you wanted after a milestone. 8)

Kasongo- It's always great to have the advise of a professional. What kind of exercise requirements does Curves suggest?
What I actually meant when I said that I couldn't take my calories lower is that I have wonky blood sugar (tested 3xs for diabetes but thankfully still a no) and OCD. If I drop below about 1600ish calories (or eat a lot of sugars) it tends to make my blood sugar dip and jump, which in turn, sometimes 'sets off' a manic cycle. Manic cycles tend to 'set off' OCD triggers which then makes me count lots of things including calories. If I count it, then I like to control it (I'm a complete control freak, anyway, just ask Mom) and then I like to super control it and then suddenly I'm sick because I went several days eating only 900 calories of lettuce and fat free ranch dressing because I was betting myself that I could beat yesterday's count. So I promised Rob that I won't count calories and he kind of patrols what I eat if I seem to be acting a bit wonky. I'm sure it sounds absolutely insane from someone else's point of view but it works really well for us. LOL So since I have weight to lose, I keep my calories low but not too low and exercise everyday, then I lose about 1 1/2 - 2 pounds a week. I'm just at a flat spot on the downward trend. 8(
BUT switching up exercises will probably really help and some formal weight training would probably be a good thing for my upper body.

Okay, this is kind of a commercial for Curves, but it is both cardiovascular and strength training that is fun fast and safe. (I had to memorize that, and "our program is even more successful if you do it with a friend". But they are both true.

Curves uses hydraulic machines so you work to your ability and there is no messing with weights. You work out for 30 minutes including stretching (which can increase muscles another 19 %). You can come anytime up to 30 minutes before they close. No mirrors, no men, and no make-up. When you go on vacation, you can go to other Curves, which really helped me while we were on vacation, and I lost 3 lbs. You should exercise at Curves 3 times a week. I have some members who do it more, but I tell them not work hard on the machines on every other day.

Right now Curves has a promotion where you can try them free on Tuesday. But call first to see if the one by you is doing it.

Eating 900 calories not good. Glad Rob is checking you on that. Protein in the morning is good for you. I don't know so much about the diet you need, but portion control is usually helpful. But check to see if you have a Curves near you and if they have Weight Management Classes.

Thought some more: Most important is finding a good form of exercise that you will stick to. My reason for joining Curves was that if I was paying for it, I would do it. and I did. It has been slow until I did the weight management program. It is a lb or 2 a week like you. I feel so much better, but I have a long way to go, but I just work on the next 10 lbs. The last time I went to the doctor, I reached the 10 lbs a week before my appointment, first time I was not stressing over it. Unfortunately we had Zateran's black beans and rice the night before, and that means too much sodium. Still, down 8 lbs that morning, and by evening I had lost it.

Read labels: avoid high fructose corn syrup and any thing that says "partially hydrogenated oil (any oil). Olive oil is your friend.

Curves was a great place for me several years ago, and I highly recommend it! Unfortunately since we moved there isn't one close, but if there were I would consider rejoining.

On a more recent note, I tried a Hoopdio class this past Wednesday. Hoopdio is a combo of hooping and cardio, and it totally kicked my tail! I knew I was out of shape, but not that poorly. Of course, it probably didn't help that my inability to hula hoop as a child carried into adulthood! I spent most of the class picking up the hoop. However, I had fun and plan to keep going so I can learn to hoop and have some fun burning calories!!

Well I have not posted here in a bit. I had put on a few pounds in recent years and while my history as a dancer watching people with eating disorders has always made me want to be cautious about just focusing on weight and instead focusing on health.

So. . .I got a bike for my birthday (I had one before but not since I moved to Chicago) and I hadn't ridden it that much until I convinced Rom he needed a bike for his birthday and now we have been biking most days. Yesterday we biked 17 miles round trip to a pancake house (I know pancakes probably not as healthy but better if I have to bike for htem right).

I think reading labels is very important and planning ahead. I find I eat badly when I am tired or don't plan a meal.

I'm in my 'skinny' jeans! Well, skinny is a relative term but whatever. This is the size of pants I will be in when I finish losing my weight! Yay!

Marensr- Rob likes to bike and I've gotten on Missie's bike a couple times (yes, my baby is almost five foot tall*sniffle* so we can share somewhat- I'm not riding her Barbie bike LOL) but I don't know. I'm not sure I'm going to be able to reclaim my youth with bike riding. I might kill myself. 8)

grkmwk- That sounds like a lot of fun! I'm not sure a could hoola, anymore, either. It's probably great on your core muscles. I assume the hoops are bigger and heavier than kid ones? I could do it in my basement where there are no witnesses. 8) LOL

Kasongo- I do actually have a Curves near me. But, alas, going would involve talking to people. I try not to do that, ever. 8)

WELL DONE MEM!! That's such a good feeling! Whoop!

Bikes and I just don't get on. We try, but we fail. Bad things happen.

I've eaten too many naughty thingd this week, but plan to be good again this week. It's becoming a pattern. Good week/bad week/good week/bad week.

MEM that's great!!

I have members that I know they don't want to talk, but just workout and I respect that. If they start a conversation, fine, otherwise I just watch to make sure they are doing the machines correctly. They avoid our busiest times. Some want to work out when others are around. But I guess it depends on the atmosphere of your club whether that works. My "rowdies" at 9am respect those that want to have limited conversation.

MEM, it *is* fun! The hoops are 41 inches in diameter, and weigh approximately 2 pounds. Your core muscles definitely are the main focus, but arms and legs are being worked too, as there are accompanying motions to tone those areas while you hoop. I did much better my second week, although I'm definitely still focusig on keeping my hoop up for now. I'm seriously thinking about buying a hoop so I can practice/exercise at home.

*ahem* I figured I needed to revive both my exercise program and this thread since Theo has learned a new, fun way to entertain himself. He is lifting up my shirt and poking my belly, watching his finger sink in to the skin, and then laughing hysterically. 8)

I've started a Living Healthy in 2011 thread, for those interested in continuing discussion on the topic in the new year!