Well, here's to a fresh two weeks, everyone!

No matter what phase you are currently in, everyone will post to this thread for the next two weeks (starting Sat 1/29).

The thread for the last two weeks will be closed to new posts late on 1/28 but can still be read.

Goals for the phase you're entering can be posted in the applicable Goals thread (Phase 1...Goals, etc.)

I just know these are going to be a good two weeks. Good luck! Sue

I hope that in this next two weeks, I will actually make it out of phase one .... please!

Today was a good day, despite the fact that I only slept an hour last night. Been a dozy day, but got lots accomlished anyway. Thanks ICPC for the advice on relaxing (in other thread)... will have to pay more attention to that. No sence letting the stress get to me.

Hope you all have a great weekend.

Hey Heather. I understand stress. I know we have to control our enviornment and not let it control us. I also know that's easier said than done.

I want you to make it out of Phase 1 as much as I want to make it past day 1 of Phase 2! :D I feel very good about these next two weeks and I hope they will be good weeks for all of us. Sue

Yippee another fresh start of a healthy living boot camp thread! :cheer:

For those of you who are new you can find the guidelines by clicking here (http://www.icarepetcare.com/bccGuidelines.htm)

Sue & I are your "guides" for this boot camp - pm us or post if you need help, and we will do our best :)

Beth :peace:

Hi everyone I made it out of phase 1 I am now ready for phase 2:D I have lost a total of 4 pounds for phase 1
My goals for phase 2 is to eat healthy
exercise at least 5 days a week
drink as much water as possible
eat take out food once a week if I want it
Keep my calorie intake no higher than 1800 calories accept on my take out food day.
Good luck everyone we can do these phases. :cheer:

Good morning fellow Campers!
Congrats to each of you.....some heading into Phase 3, some Phase 2 and us in Phase 1.....will SEE phase 2 in the near future.
I made a discovery last night! DUH! I was digging, trying to determine where I'd gotten off track so badly with my eating and it hit me....when my hearing came back, I started watching TV again and had no firm plan to deal with it, so reverted to old patterns which called for eating while watching TV.....UREKA!!
Now that I am AWARE of the problem, I can take steps to correct it. Had I started journalling a week or two ago, I may have been knocking on Phase 2's door, instead of bumbling around and having to rephase twice more! I may be SLOW but I'm getting there.
I forgot my meds again yesterday...that's 4 times this month! Yikes! Before it may have been 4 times in a year. I joke about when I learn something new, I have to let something go so my brain can absorb new stuff......hey...I WAS joking!
Without my diazide, I usually am up 3 pounds or more the next morning with fluid retention.......jiminy Christmas........I SWEAR....I'm alert today and I WILL be paying attention. I'll call January my training period........I'm taking the test over! LOL!

OK.....onward and such! Yep Sue, we'll boogy woogy! Congrats on getting your groove back! Yep...we can regain a whole lot quicker than we lose! You will see results in the days ahead!

Can I rephase again? I want a clean/honest/fruitful two weeks and I've just not gotten it yet. I may be last to cross the finish line but I'm still hanging on! I'd rather be last than give up the race!

Bren: Phase 1 Day 1..........January 29-11........I can't count it seems either but that's ok! I'd had my last finish date the 10th and I'd rephased the 26th...LOL!
I'll see you all at the creek.

Yesterday was the first day of phase 1 for me, and I made it, but barely! We were out for a while last night, and I hadn't done my 15 min. exercise. Fortunately, we stopped at Walmart, so I speed-walked around Walmart for about 15 min. It was a good thing too, cuz when we got home, I was too tired to think about exercising! I just have to learn to make time sometime throughout the day! All my other goals were accomplished without too much hard work! :)

Congrats, Leslie on getting to Phase 2 and losing 4 pounds in the process!

Hi Bren. What I call my click, you call your duh. But whatever we call it, we're learning and adjusting and we keep coming back and that's what's important.

Hey Naomi. That was smart thinking about speed walking around the store. THAT's what we need to do, always be putting our health first.

I'm going to start journalling again every day. I stopped doing that during these last two weeks thinking BC was enough but I really do need to get back to my long indepth pouring out. I will also be tracking my numbers there.

It's a weekend, less structure, which sometimes makes them an extra challenge. But for those of us who have stress and time issues, weekends are a wonderful way to get in those extra hours, get things accomplished, and just plain relax. Hope it's a good one for you all. Sue

Hi Campers ...

Well, went to the doctor and the diagnosis is acute sinusitis and acute bronchitis with a cough. Ummmmm. I now have an inhaler to use twice a day and a daily big-gun antibiotic to take with food and acidophilus. The doctor said not to expect fast relief but slow and steady improvement. Thank goodness this all happened on a weekend ... I can crawl into bed and rest.

Luckily I made a big pot of turkey soup last week and that is better than medicine! One positive feature of this illness is that my appetite decreased and after weighing myself this morning, I can report a 2-week weight loss of

3 lbs

At 172 and 5'4" I am now officially overweight instead of "obese" ... (not that I'm suggesting getting sick as a dieting tool ... :-& ...)

Have a good weekend everyone!

Sweet Jean, that is a major accomplishment--to go from obese to overweight!!! I am sooooo happy for you. I am so proud of you for staying away from sweets and sticking to your other goals. And congrats on the 3 pounds. Very cool.

And...I'm sooo sorry you are so sick. Sounds miserable. But I love your attitude. You are so positive. I hope you feel better soon, my friend, and that you'll get lots of rest.

Had a rough day today BUT in spite of that and a bad meal choice - I did reach my Curves, Water and Vegetable goals for today :)

Normally a bad meal would have thrown me off course for at least a day and usually longer - so progress is being made !

Phase 1 - Day 7 ( I think lol - have to check ) ;)

Beth :peace:

hi all you fellow campers and good luck..
this is day six of dieting day 5 ending of the boot camp challenge but i still have to threadmill for 5 min. to put in my 15 min. of exercise. The other challenges aren't bad but the exercise get to me. Especially on days when hubby is home and does the wood stove. See I count that wood pitching as exercise and it takes a 1/2 hour a day. More but that's what I count as exercise. Good luck to you all.

Today was a very successful day for me!

FBS this morning was 137......best for me in a long time.

I did my food journal and calorie count.....total calories for me was 1901. Goal is between 1800 and 2200.
Fiber intake was 17g....I think a previous goal of mine was around 25g so I will strive to reach that number during the coming 2 weeks.

I did my skin care this morning and I had numerous veggies as I had a turkey sandwich with all sorts of veggies on it for lunch. I also had 3 fruits today.

Tomorrow is weigh day for me. I hope I have lost something. I feel like I have lost, my clothes are fitting better. But I cheated and weighed a day or 2 ago and I was still at 229. Maybe I am losing inches now....who knows. I will post my weight sometime tomorrow.

Great job to all of you who continue to reach for your goals. This is such a wonderful, fabulous group of people.


Have a Super and Successful Sunday :ex:


Vickie:pass:

Completed Phase 2 today - whew, was that hard, really struggled through a lot of it. Will start phase 3 tomorrow - I'm afraid to stop and take a break between phase 2 and 3, afraid that if I let up I will fall off the wagon.

I'm glad all of you are doing this also, no matter what phase, it is hard! and great reading all of your posts.

Phase 3 day 1 -- it looks like I made it! It took a little planning as today was not a "normal" schedule for me. I usually don't pack a lunch on my half-day at work, but today I did because I had to go directly to other activities after my shift ended.

Tomorrow my dh and I are supposed to meet friends for a birthday lunch. Again, we are going to a buffet that I know has a wide selection of fresh vegetables and fruits! Buffets are often frowned on by "diet experts" -- but if you use a buffet wisely I think it can also benefit a healthy lifestyle!

I did 20 minutes of a Richard Simmons exercise tape today (Sweating to the Oldies 2) So much for the illusion that I am in shape! :laugh: But it was fun, it was like dancing, and it felt good -- well, inspite of the pain.

I added the exercise ball once a week to my challenge because I want to learn how to use it. I think it is a wonderful tool! When I started with my ball, I just sat on it and for a long time I could "feel" the muscles work to keep me upright on my ball. (If you are new to an exercise ball, just sitting on it is a great exercise!) I am looking forward to experimenting with more things. I bought a fairly expensive ball on line and maybe one of the benefits to buying a higher priced ball is that it came with a big sheet of exercises with instructions and photos.

Good job, Beth! So the "bad" meal wasn't all you could hope for, you didn't let it drag you down in defeat. This is about progress, not perfection!!!

Best wishes to all of you!!!!!!

Yay for you Beth, GREAT JOB!...and sweetjean...3 pounds is super!...yep being sick to get 'em isn't any fun! Hugs to you.......hope you feel much better and quicker than the Doc predicted!
Yay Naomi! Getting your time in a Wally World is a great idea! I have a pedometer I use every day and it helps, knowing I'm getting some milage each week to boost my somewhat puny exercise habits. They too, will improve as time goes by!

Yep Sue! I felt really silly when the "dawning" came! I started the process by asking....what has changed for me the past three weeks......as I was sitting on the sofa, chowing down on popcorn I managed NOT to burn and channel surfing....LOL!
BUT.....I live alone and no-one but you guys and God know how silly I can be!..well, ok, maybe a few relatives and a coworker and two friends.

Alrighty then! Boblin! Wonderful report! You're moving on! I've done the wood pitchin' thing MANY moons ago! I lived in Alabama with H # 1....we often had no running water or electricity.....but used wood and coal for heat......made me really appreciate the "comfies" of regular life!
Blanche and Nebraska! Moving into Phase 3! Woohoo! Leslie..into phase 2! Awesome!
Vickie! that's really good! 137 FBS........you're making positive changes and it's showing up!
Heather....we WILL get to phase 2, yes we will! I'm dragging my butt out of the starting gate for like the 6th time.....shhh......Today is Day 2/Phase1 and I did SO much better yesterday, after finding the hitch in my plan! As Vickie said in SA's..AWARENESS is a key factor......I want to get into gear and off first base so I'll be working this week to make that happen!
Hey Vegas, Kris, Artmaker, Pat and all our fabulous crew.... .....come in and catch up! I look forward to seeing you all here in the days ahead!!
Bren

Just found your board. Have been a member for some time but usually go into the WW boards. Have been doing WW for several months and getting no where-my fault-have not even lost my first 5#. It looks like your bootcamp would help me keep on track and be accountable. My goals for the next 14 days is to journal daily-exercise at 15 min. 5 times a week-get in my 3 dairy serv. daily-and check in every day to be more accountable. Thanks for the board. Judy

Beth, I'm so proud of you for the progress you're making. You've almost reached a whole week of staying on goal! Despite everything happening around you. That's a major accomplishment, girl!

Wood pitching for a half hour, Boblin? Now, THAT'S exercise!

Congrats, Vickie, on getting your sugar to 137. Keep up the good work with that. Loose clothes are an excellent indicator of progress. The scale doesn't always cooperate.

Hey Blanche. Fear's not always a bad thing, fear is part of what is keeping you going with your weight loss and healthy living. It's working for you.

Nebraska, I have this client who doesn't have a regular chair in her house--all she has are those big exercise balls! So, I had to sit on one for the first time in my life. It was GREAT, great for balance, great for strength. I don't know much about them. Is it a yoga-type deal that you do with them?

You know what I've come to realize, Bren, and something I appreciate so much about DT? It's that we can be entirely who we ARE and the people here like us anyhow!

Hi Judy and welcome. I think the key is to make our lifestyle changes a TOP priority in our lives, which includes journalling or posting every day, even when you don't feel like it, especially when you don't feel like it. Looking forward to watching your progress and jump right in.

Thanks ! :D

My world is turning well today - and all is well :)

Just busy busy..........

I think I am on day 8 - I really need to go back and figure it out lol or I'll be in phase 1 for 200 days lol :laugh:

PS: OK - today is day 7 of phase 1 for me - I am 1/2 way there ! I started on Jan 24th at 244 lbs and as of yesterday am at 239 lbs. BUT these are regained/lose pounds - as I was down to 237 before - I started on the 24th and end phase 1 ( hopefully ) on Feb 6th - and I hope to be at 236 - which would mean I'd lost all my regained weight + 1 lb of never lost before weight...

Beth :peace:

Hi just a very fast post I'm still with it. And doing ok day 6 i think for me. be back later or for sure tomorrow. son is pushing me off.

Just a quick check in ... doing ok. May actually make it out this time! managed to do 10 minutes on the old bike this morning, and am planning on another 10 this evening.

Also got my interview presentation finished, :dn: just need to polish it and practice. Big stress releif!

Now it is just a wait for the trip ... I leave on the 8th. I am getting really excited now ... bought myself some non-caloric treats yesterday, with the interview in mind. New makeup, fake nail tips (can't afford the salon trip), a haircut (really cute/sophisitcated ... went from shoulder length to a cut like Halle Berry's in Catwoman) and some new luggage. Got a great sale on those ... over $300 worth of luggage for $38 including taxes ... I love clearance sales!

Now you're talking! Isn't it a great feeling to get a big chunk of work done ... like getting your presentation ready!!! Your new haircut sounds terrific ... the makeup, the nails, the luggage. All that is GREAT!!! You'll make that interview trip successfully and be out of Phase 1 in quick order. Good for you.

:cheers:

I am going to rephase and start phase 3 over. Today at the buffet I listened to my body tell me I had eaten so many things from the salad bar that I was full, but I ate more any way 8-| -- again mostly fruits and vegetables, but of course not quite as carefully prepared as at home. THEN, when my body was really telling me I needed to stop and I was uncomfortably full, I had a small serving of bread pudding and a small piece of carrot cake with icing. The problem is not with allowing myself some sweets, the problem is with not stopping when I was already full and pretty much over full. :( I started right, by eating LOTS of vegetables and fruit and that's where I need to stop. Listening to my body's satiety messages is kind of an open ended goal, and I can stretch the boundaries on that one, but I just feel like today I was far enough out of line I need to start over. Fortunately, I didn't overstuff myself on pizza and gravy and things like that. So it certainly could have been worse!

Sue, I haven't started doing too many things with my exercise ball yet, it looks to me like a lot of the exercises are stretches and slow controled movements rather than anything aerobic. My next two days are Curves days so I probably won't start the ball until mid week. Since I am rephasing anyway, I will probably not exercise tonight. :o But I did meet my water, vegetable, and fruit goals for the day. Somehow, I really feel ok with taking a short break from the other things.

Beth, I know I say this all the time, but I am soooo proud of you! And look at you lose now! Day 7. I know you can make it to 14. I just know you can!

Heather, I'm glad the stress of preparing for the presentation is almost over. I'm so excited for you! And I think it's very cool that you're treating yourself to nice things. You need that too.

Nebraska, I am really impressed with your honesty, and thank goodness it occurred on P3-D1 rather than P2-D14! Enjoy your day off.

And to the sweetest Jean I know :) , thanks for your PM and for sharing. I read it but I was so incredibly tired that I had to take a nap and now that I'm up, I wanted to post quick and REALLY get to business. I'll respond tomorrow though. THANK YOU!

I have been extra busy and I actually went out of town for a couple of days, but I have been keeping on track miracuously. It's crazy. It's almost like a second nature habit at this point. Sometimes I eat something I am not too proud of, but I have managed to keep my goals... :D

Phase #2, Day #12

Completed day 1 of phase three. In phase 3 I decided to allow myself sugar and caffine each once a week (didn't have any in phase 1 or 2) and wouldn't you know it, I went and ate 2 cookies on the very first day along with a cup of decaf coffee.

Strange thing was I actually noticed a few hours after I ate it I felt a bit down/sad - it amazes me how much my body and moods react to sugar and caffine. I'm going to stick with letting myself have it once a week for now in small amounts, which is what I did today because I think it would be impossibly hard never to have, but I realize I would be much better off without it. May have to think about this more in the future. 8-|

Beth - I'm so happy for you that you are having more success with this! :cheer: ANd Sue, and Blondee thanks for the words of encouragement.

Good Monday AM Campers!!
I'm entering Phase 1/Day 3 down here....and am on gaurd against the tater devil.......hopefully I'm done with him for a bit. I'll be making my black bean soup and chicken soup on my off days, so will have my meals done for the next week.
I got a couple of recipes off some site and will aim for one or two "new" things a month...the black bean soup being February's selection. I'll round up some turkey ideas as well as I have 4 quart size bags of turkey in the freezer.
I only cook about once a week and it works great for me! Not everyone would be happy at my place so it's good they don't have to!
My Mom is coming Saturday and I may feed her soup instead of dinner out.....we'll see. We're going to see Kraig Parker, and Elvis imitator, after dinner. We'll have about an hour and a half after I get home from work.
I'm doing ok here.....I'm getting MY groove back.....like Sue got hers! It's taken some time and more effort is needed on my part..I want to FLOURISH...not just squeak by! LOL! Today is a new day and I will do just that!

Hey Nebraska! I have one of those balls...I got mine from an abandoned unit at work! Got my current desk from there as well. I used mine yesterday...to stretch a shirt! LOL!
I'll try sitting on it tonight! I've used it while in the floor..with legs on it and doing lifts...I still wobble a bit but when strength is built up more, it won't be so bad.

Yep Sue! I am SO glad to be here and have found that to be true as well..no matter what kind of day/week/month I've had, I feel acceted, supported and encouraged here. I've never felt "less than".......as can happen outside my door. I am more than my body size and feel that here, that is acknowledged.

Hey....have a grand day everyone! I plan to here! Welcome Judy and any other newcomers to keep me company as I do Phase one for the last time! Come on in! I'll be back!
Bren

Hi, just checking it on the new thread. Day 5 of Phase 1 for me and I am doing okay. Good job to all of you that are doing well.

Quick check in - had a bad Monday here - lost power this morning - I went to Curves, and it came back on while I was gone BUT the furnace would not re start - so landlord comes up and we loss power again ! Could not fix the furnace with no power...........SPIT.

Went to work and came home to a warm house and power back - yippee :)

So I have a lot to catch up on online and off - hopefully tonight or tomorrow I will be back.

ALL goals met for today and I am going strong :mus: lol

Oh yeah - got measured at Curves today and have a total of 13.5 inches lost......it's going slow but its going and that is what counts ! :D

Beth :peace:

Hi all you fellow campers.

Sleeping in a tent might of been doable last night as the weather only reached 10 below. LOL. So glad to see you are all doing swell. For all of you losing Congratulations. For us slow pokes hang in there our day will come. today is the start of my second week which means 8 down and many many more to go. So i'm at day 7 of the boot camp as I only found you a day after coming back. Take care all.
Now i guess i need to go find someone missing in action and pm them.

Just checking in. I am meeting all my goals but gosh this is hard.....I am having a heck of a time meeting my calorie goals. I am STUFFED before I get 1800 calories in. I need to reduce my calorie limits ASAP! This will be the phase that I end up doing over, I am sure. I need to be careful not to start gaining again. i will re-phase before I do that!

I lost weight last week again and I am very happy about that....now down to 227.5!!!!!! This is great. I finally feel accountable to myself and I believe I can be successful!

YAHOO!!!!!!!


Vickie:pass:

im checking in. day 0ne of phase one lol. i did good today i got all my water , did my exercise and didnt eat anything bad. which is difficult where i work. i work at a pizza place. i had a salad and it was better than i thought it would be. im getting more used to eating low fat. i can do this!!! :D

got through phase 3 day 2 ok. Feel like eating more, but I brushed my teeth so hopefully that will keep me out of the kitchen till I go to sleep

Day 3 completed and feeling pretty good!

During Phase 2 I said a big "NO" to any kind of snacks M-F, and it nearly did me in!

Phase 3 I'm allowing myself a small bowl of snacks - yet I find it easier to say "NO" when I allow myself a little. Is that weird or what! :shrug: Didn't even have any tonight.

I've already got an 1 1/2 hours in on my treadmill for the week. Only 1 more hour that I have to do to meet my goal - I'm pretty sure I'll beat that goal this week. The treadmill has really become a habit - and that's terrific! :dn

Keep on truckin' everybody! :cheer:

Ginny, you're doing great on your exercise and your other goals. I found that to be true too, if you give yourself "permission" to eat a little of what you want, it takes away that "last supper" scenario.

Blanche, I've heard of other people who do the toothbrushing trick. Does it work for you because now your mouth is clean and you don't want to get it dirty and it "signals" the end of eating or is it just because the linger of toothpaste makes the food taste bad? I thought you had an interesting realization about the sugar/caffiene thing.

Good for you Vegin. "Good" food does start tasting pretty darn good. That must be hard working with pizza all day.

Vickie, if you're losing weight at a good pace at 1800 are you sure you want to drop lower (then you have to keep it lower to continue to lose)? I know the "healthier" the food I eat, the less calories it uses (I sometimes have troubles keeping my calories up to my goal range, which is 12-1500), so I will mix it up a bit if I'm really low to eat something that's not diet food but still healthy (like regular grain bread versus low-fat). I'm glad you're having success. Whatever you're doing is working. You know your body and your needs the best.

"8 [days] down and many many more to go." That's the attitude, Boblin! And thank you for caring enough about others to PM them.

13.5 inches lost! Good for you Beth. That Curves sure is working for you. :mus: Glad your furnace and power are back on.

Black bean soup. Now that sounds not only good but healthy, lots of fiber and protein. "I'm getting MY groove back.....It's taken some time and more effort is needed on my part..I want to FLOURISH...not just squeak by!..." Starts with the desire, then the effort, and then comes the flourishing part. You're doing it, Bren.

"It's almost like a second nature habit at this point." Yep, FSU, you're certainly making some permanent, positive changes.

Thanks everyone for checking in. Just as a reminder, one of the guidelines of boot camp is to check in at least twice during a two week period to avoid having to rephase. But it's much more than the rephase factor. The regular support is really what we need, in one form or another, hence the reason behind this particular guideline.

Have a good day tomorrow with your goals, everyone. Sue

Thanks Sue for the encouragement! I get so much of that here, from everyone's posting! You are an inspiration to me......thanks for being here!
Yippee yahooty! Inches down and weight lost! You ladies are rocking and shaking things up! Due to carelessness on my part.....forgetting meds 4 times in January and having the food devil dancing in my place, my weight has flucuated upwards for the most part. I can retain 3-5 pounds of fluid from missing my meds..so made a place to check off on my food/activity chart in my planner. I don't want that to happen again!

I'm planning my meals and getting my required exercise, I have in 10,200 steps for my first 3 days of this phase.....for 5.10 miles.....the journalling is going well and I'm getting my water without a hitch. Yippee!......SO I expect a good report from myself in the time ahead. I want to get as close to goal weight as possible this year so am getting on with the program!

Have a wonderful day all and take the best care of you possible!
Bren...Phase 1/Day4

Starting day 8 of this boot camp what a wonderful idea. That's a few times since i've started that I found I have to hurry and drink up my water before I go to bed. Or have to do another 5 min. on the threadmill to make up my exercise. The exercise is easy the beginning of the week because i'm alone at home and need to fill the wood stove. But Friday, Sat, and Sunday I really have to push to get my fifteen min. There also my lazy days.
But i'm determined to do this and I will. Darnit I will.
You girls are all looking great.

Hello Everyone! Just so those of you who don't know me, I'm kelly. a college student who is ALWAYS busy. Today is my first day of bootcamp. I'm supposed to walk to to school twice a week but man it's chilly out there. BUT NO EXCUSES. T/TH are pretty much the only days I can walk so i'm just going to bundle up. It's not thaaat bad. I think everything is going to go well, i'm excited. I'll post later and let ya'll know know how I did on my first day.

Phase 3 Day 2 -- start date 1-31-05

I was amazed how easy it would have been to not start over yesterday morning. I love bootcamp, I have made such positive changes because of it, but having to rephase threatened my momentum. But I didn't give in, I charged right on and yesterday went well. I am back on track.

Hi Everyone :wave:

and welcome to boot camp Kelly.

I have my Curves goal in for today and my water - YEP I am quite proud to boast that it is 12:30 and I have my water goal met and maybe even exceeded for the day :D

I am off to work shortly - and I just need to get in a veg or fruit and I will have another successful day !

Day 9 - Phase 1

Beth :peace:

Hi all. I just wanted to check in quick to let you know that I read your posts throughout the day, but I don't have time to post tonight (more than this). Hope everyone had a good day and have even better days tomorrow. Sue

I have met all my goals yet again today! This is almost too good to be true. I have to be pinching myself to see if I am dreaming or not.
This bootcamp has been a dream come true for me. I never thought I could be this disciplined and determined.
I have tried to lose weight for years....sometimes being successful at losing but never keeping it off for long. This time feels different. 2004 was a real learning experience for me....I learned that I was not immortal. That my health would not just keep hanging around while I abused it. That I could die just as easily as the next guy. I think God was preparing me for this year....for the opportunities He was going to give me....for this bootcamp experience. I was in the right frame of mind at the right time for once and I have to thank God for that.
God bless each of you and keep up the great work. We are all gonna make it this time!!!!

Vickie:pass:

got through phase 3 day 3.

I weighed myself today and I'm down 7 pounds for the month of January! :dn I'm very happy about this as I think I actually went up a bit in phase 1 of bootcamp since I didn't limit the amount of food I ate in phase 1 (just cut out sugar and caffine). Ten more pounds and I'll be back to the weight I was at last spring. Think I'll updat my signature ticker.

Welcome Kelly! I walk outside in the cold also, and over the last month have gotten used to wearing lots of layers and bundling up. At first it felt weird (4 pairs of pant and tops, 2 hats and a hood, and thin gloves covered by thick mittens) but now I am used to it. Of course, I walk very early before it gets light (so I can get to work at time) so hopefully you won't need quite so many layers during the day.

Sue - I'm not sure that brushing my teeth will really stop me from eating, but I think it helps a bit. I think its because my toothpaste has a strong taste and I think food would taste bad after it, but probably more because I have to go upstairs to brush (ie, away from the kitchen and food) and then I use my computer which is upstairs and come here and post, and after all that I can better suppress my urge to eat more. Maybe part of it is that I'm starting to feel full from dinner by then too. Not really sure, but it has helped me a few times.

Nebraska - I am similarly surprised at how easy it is to just go off - when I'm least expecting it. I was at a meeting this morning - I knew there would be donuts there and ate breakfast before the meeting so I wouldn't be hungry. Then all afternoon the extra donuts were out in the common area for the taking, and I kept looking at this one with chocolate glaze and rainbow sprinkles, and came so close to eating it. I don't know how I stopped myself.

Vickie - I also realized during the last couple of years that I am not going to have my health much longer if I don't take care of things - and I think that along with some things I learned during the last couple of years during a lot of failed attempts at dieting have helped me this time.

Some things I learned that help me are:
- dieting does not work - I need to make changes to my lifestyle
- I can't change too much at once - if I try I don't stick too it - it is too hard
- changing just 1 or 2 new things every week (or two weeks is even better as I've learned in bootcamp) is about as much as I can do and stick to it
- I must exercise - otherwise no matter how well I eat I don't loose

It would be great to hear about any tips you guys have found work for you!

I really like reaading everyones posts, they help to keep me motivated -so please don't stop posting you guys.

Guess I've gotten carrie away with this post. It must be the longest one I've done

After reading the post from Blanche I had to get on just to congratulate Blanche on her

SEVEN MISSING POUNDS! :ribbon: :ribbon: :ribbon: :ribbon: :ribbon: :ribbon: :ribbon:

Well, that is wonderful! We are an amazing bunch, aren't we? I love it.

I'm on my way to bed ... still not feeling so well ... the doctor said I'd get better slowly, but this is a lot slower than I expected. Oh well ... this too shall pass. I'm sending my love to all of you ....

Phase 3 Day 2 almost finished,, I need to get some sleep, my birthday is tomorrow! Unfortunately, I have to spend it at work. :c(

Blanche, good job avoiding that donut! I can't tell you how proud I am of you. to be honest, as I eat more vegetables and fruit, I find the sweets don't tempt me as much as they used to. who knew what eating vegetables and fruit would do? they also got me drinking water, which had been a huge obstacle for years.

Beth, I am so proud of you! You have set goals that are attainable and you are reaching them. This is a good foundation to build on.

Sue, I know you are busy but don't forget to take care of yourself.

Boot camp has been a wonderful experience for me,too. I was weighed and measured at Curves today; I don't seem to loose pounds but I do lose body fat, which means I am building muscle. It is hard sometimes to realize that the magic number on the scale isn't the only marker of progress. Bootcamp has helped me learn more about setting goals and acutally accomplishing them. And you all are a part of that experience. Thanks for being here and marching along with me.

First of all, thank you for allowing me to join the challenge. I will be starting my boot camp in the morning. I am going to get my breakfast, exercise at lease 4 days a week, and drink water instead of diet soda ( I will have tea sometime that is made without sugar).
By the time I am finish my 14 days of my first phase I (hope to be) will be up to 30 minute on the treadmill.

Alampkin

Well, I guess I need to restart the phase. :c( I am not keeping up with my goals everyday, and really need to try harder at that. I have a goal of drinking a glass of water when hungry inbetween meals, before eating any snack, and I have failed in that area every single day. I am also not getting 15 min. of exercise in everyday. *sigh* I guess I just need to push myself harder, and actually do something instead of reading about fitness and dieting online and doing almost nothing about it! 8-|

Good morning campers. How is everyone today. If your here means you still care. And caring and getting up in a positive state of mind is the best thing that can happen to anyone. This is a great thing that Sue and Beth started and if we stick to our challenges we can do this. We will do it. Yes we will.

day3 phase 1

well all is well here. i avoided bad things at work and even ate dinner out last night. and found something good and good for me. i had vegetable stir-fry at big boy who knew that was so good and really not bad cal and fat wise. now i have something i can have when we go out to dinner. instead of bad things i used to eat like salad bar and fries and stuff. everyone is doing so good. it makes it even harder to mess up i dont want to be the one who does it. but i'm not going to i only have 11 more days and i will complete this phase and be on to the next. i like the toothpaste idea not only would you not eat bad things but you might spend more time brushing your teeth waiting for the urge to pass. skinnier and whiter teeth! i cant wait til i get used to all the water again. im spending a lot of time in the bathroom lol

HAPPY BIRTHDAY NEBRASKA!
Wow.....congrats on hanging tough and following up in your plans! You're doing great!
Hey Vickie...I too, have some health concerns and do NOT wanna go the route my Dad did...who died at 62......and my Mom, who is 70 but has diabetes, has had double knee replacement, quadruple heart bypass surgery and 3 strokes......all in the 8.5 years I've been here.
I felt I'd been given a reprieve when I had my bloodwork done and Doc said sugar levels were normal....so no diabetes..... So in taking steps NOW...I can reverse the high cholesterol and triglycerides and be in better condition in 6 months than I am currently. I am blessed each day and I too, thank God for the gift of good health.

Sue..that black bean soup is SO good! I kinda did a mix of two different recipes...adding onion/carrot/celery and Rotel tomatoes.....it's spicy and yummy!
I have lentils in there too, that I'll make a stew with later. I'm planning to cut down on my "meat" meals in an effort to lower said levels......and will increase my exercise as I go along. Those two things will make a big difference.
I'll dust off my treadmill and cardio glide machines and introduce my butt and feet to them again today!
I'll see how chilly it is outside...as I have some erands to run and I may as well get started!
Hello Kelly! Welcome! We have some great newcomers to Boot Camp! It's so good to see each of you getting on board! This is a wonderful place to be and as Vickie said, the timing was right! Jump on in, post your goals at the thread for the phase you're in....and join us regularly!
Have a blessed day everyone..I'll be back...
Bren...Phase 1/Day 5

Hi Bren. If you are able to stick to your excellent plan, I’m sure you will see progress. If you’re not able to stick to your plan, break your plan apart and see where you’re having problems and why and make a plan to fix the trouble areas. Good luck. I really want to see you succeed. You deserve it! I like how everyone is talking about preventing health problems by taking actions now to prevent them. Within 6 months of eating/exercising, all my numbers dropped by like half (cholesterol, etc.). It really does work to eat right and exercise.

You have real determination, Linda. That’s what’s going to see you through. And I LOVE what you said, “If your here means you still care. And caring and getting up in a positive state of mind is the best thing that can happen to anyone.” This is VERY VERY TRUE!

Hey Kelly. Good luck with your plan on walking to school. At least the snow is melting and walking is a bit safer now.

Hi Nebraska. Yeah, don’t want to mess up that momentum. That’s what keeps us going. It’s not impossible to get it back, just better if we don’t have to start over. And happy birthdayto you today!!! :bd

Just past noon and Beth’s already got in her water for the day! Yay!!!

Vickie that's terrific that now you know you CAN be disciplined and determined. You are amazing to me and a real inspiration! I’m excited to see what 2005 has in store for you.

Blanche, I love long posts (well, that’s pretty obvious isn’t it, lol). The longer we write, the more that comes out, the more all of us learn. You’ve learned some really important things, things that will get you to goal and stay there.

Jean, I hope you’ll be feeling better soon. Knowing you, you’ll be figuring out why this is happening and seeing the good that’s going to come of it.

Welcome Alampkin and good luck in meeting your goals. They sound like good ones. Come here often for support and encouragement!

Hi Naomi. Yeah, it’s one thing to know what to do and it’s another thing to do it. But you’re here, you’ve realized it and those are two extremely important steps. Don’t worry about tomorrow, don’t even worry about this afternoon or tonight. Focus on right now and meet you goals right now. This afternoon, focus on then and same with tonight and tomorrow. It takes time to change. You’ll do it. Just keep starting again and soon you’ll be lasting the whole day, two days, three days, a week, a month, 6 months, the rest of our lives. Okay, we’ll fall off the bandwagon once in a while. The key is to get right back up and that’s what you’re doing.

Hi Vegin. You said, “makes it even harder to mess up i dont want to be the one who does it. but i'm not going to i only have 11 more days and i will complete this phase and be on to the next.” One of the reasons this works is the competition factor (in a good way). You have a positive outlook and determination and both of those will help.

Nebraska said something that hit me. She said, “Sue, I know you are busy but don't forget to take care of yourself.” This is something I’ve noticed in the past and something I want to keep my antennas out for this time. When I start getting busy, I start getting stressed. Keeping guard against that works for about a week and then I start getting overwhelmed. That’s one of the reasons why I took today and tomorrow off from work, so I can get stuff done so I don’t become overwhelmed. But I must admit, this is a trigger point for me. I am taking definite steps to keep tranquility in my life and trying to keep things in perspective, but keep me in your thoughts if you think of it. So far, I’m having the time of my life and everything is going great. Sue

Well, today is the 1st day of Phase #3 for me. I am not sure what to have as goals, I should have figured it out last night, but I went over to a friends house because she was home alone and scared. -- No excuses though! lol :laugh: I honestly am shocked when I tell myself that I have completed Phase #1 and Phase #2, with one rephase. Whew. I really kicked it into gear. I know Bootcamp isn't over -- but total weight lost = 6 pounds. I went from 154lbs to 147.5 (148)lbs. 6 pounds seems little when you figure that I worked my heart out all month, but I haven't even calculated my inches! I am sure those are amazing statistics. And since I have been weight training, I know that my muscle over weighs body fat. However, I am still 17 pounds away from goal weight.

I have been trying to decide what I can do in Phase #3 that will benefit my weight loss even more. I drink lots of h2o, I work out 5 or 6 days out of the week, I have been limiting my coffee intake and I have upped my veggie count. Any ideas?

I am hardly ever stressed anymore and my energy is out the wall. I urge all of you who are struggling, to keep up. After two phases, I feel wonderful. Yeah, 6 measley pounds, but the difference that exercising consistently and dieting brought to my entire self, is amazing.

Keep it up, you deserve it :D

Now for myself, I will go read over the rules again, but I believe that between Phase #2 & Phase #3, you can take a break. IF that's the case. then I will be taking a break today to really think about what I want my goals in Phase #3 to be.

Some examples I have thought about would be:
1. Upping cardio length, instead of 30 min, make it 45 min
2. Really focus on stretching before and after workouts
3. Create a daily workout plan, each day focusing on one muscle group
4. Continue creating diet plans each morning.

What do you all think? :o

Have a great Wednesday!

Phase 1 Day 9


I have not made it this far in the phase so far ... :dn

Been really busy, but keeping on track. Need to make better food choices tho, even tho I am staying in my calorie limit. May have to add the fruit/veggie goals back in when I get to phase 2.

Happy Bday Nebraska.
Veginout. I love stir fry and my husband who does not particularly like veggies, loves stir fry and it is so easy to make. Cut any veggies you want and fry them in a pan a little olive oil (water if you really want fat free) until warm but still crisp. We serve it over rice. Putting soy sauce over the top gives it great extra flavor also. It is a full meal. Nothing else needed.

Rebekah, it's been a while. Gosh, you are doing great. Me, not so much. I usually rise to challenges and do better because of them but I am having a hard time wrapping myself up in it. I am doing better at it though. Yes, because you exercise pretty regularly, you probably need to boost cardio. Great choice. What are your diet and eating habits? Look at those more closely. You are in college. Been there. I remember food ingestion choices being a nightmare. Most college students do not eat right. You are just doing so well. Keep it up.

It's been said a few times here. If we would learn to take care of ourselves first.

Thanks so much Sue! I appreciate your response and I have added incentive today, after reading others posts and WOW...it worked for you! YAY! I am just so blessed to be able to do something about my condition without added meds. I don't wanna do the blood pressure meds either, as I have a chronic cough with 'em...I'd have to pay an additional $60 office visit to "discuss" options and I'm just not doing that right now. I have stuff to DO ya'll!
My main two problems to date have been the dinner meal and getting planned exercise...so I'll be applying extra effort to those two areas. I CAN do this and I will!

Bren

Hey everyone thanks for the support! Day 1 went just fine. I made a little chart of my 5 goals. They are posted right next to my door next to my calendar so i see them just about every time i leave my room so it can remind me of waht I have to do. Every time i meet a goal I mark a star on my chart. My walking to school and back twice a week is already done. however i think i'll walk again tomorrow and friday if it's nice. It's just a nice change. And it gives me time to think. We hold ourself accountable right? Because my specific goal was to do 100 crunches a night. Since I didn't go to bed until after midnight i did my crunches after midnight, ya'll think that's still ok? I know it was the next day but my day wasn't quite over yet. And I like to do them right before I get in bed because then muscles relax really well over the next several hours. Special K so far is really easy to stick too. I'm not that hungry and you are allowed to have snacks like fruit/veggie/special K bars. I bought the latter today and they are yummy and filling. so included with water i'm pretty good for a couple of hours. YAY!! i'm really hyper..i think it's because i'm a little overtired since i didn't get a lot of sleep last night so i'm going to take a nap! by ya'll!

Thanks Kris O! It has been a while, I have just been sooo busy lately. College has TONS of bad pressures, but for some reason, it hasn't started to hit me *knock on wood* hahaha! My diet isn't fabulous and it isn't bad either. I am taking the time today to look at it more closely.

Heather, just five more days! You can do this!!! Five more days and you're in PHASE #2!!!

phase 3 day 4 completed

errrrgh......kept thinking about eting stuff I shouldn't today! but so far I've managed to avoid it. 8-| It does get a bit easier for me to stay on track after I've been doing this for a bit than it was in the beginning, but it is still harder than I would like. Oh well, I guess if it wasn't so hard for me I wouldn't have this problem.

I feel like I am in a race against the clock, I do not have diabetes yet, but I fear if I don't get this weight off soon I will get it and also that other health problems that are starting will get worse. I hope I keep this fear, as it is helping me not to just go off and eat that cheesecake I've been thinking about off and on for weeks.

My apologies to Sue and the whole gang - I have not been around much and when I have been it is just for a quick post here or there......

I am not even going to list all the reasons why - just please know I do try my best and will make even more of an effort to be more supportive.

Today is day 10 and in 50 minutes day 11 as phase 1 for me lol ;)

On 1/30/05 I posted:
PS: OK - today is day 7 of phase 1 for me - I am 1/2 way there ! I started on Jan 24th at 244 lbs and as of yesterday am at 239 lbs. BUT these are regained/lose pounds - as I was down to 237 before - I started on the 24th and end phase 1 ( hopefully ) on Feb 6th - and I hope to be at 236 - which would mean I'd lost all my regained weight + 1 lb of never lost before weight...

As of today 2/02/05 I am 236.5 - come on .5 we got 4 more days to get rid of you !

Todays goals are all met and "I feel good - and I knew that would now" :D

If you know that song line - your as old as rocks like me lol

All is turning well in my world !

Beth :peace:

Thanks for all the birthday wishes, everyone. I was really pretty worried about the day as far as bootcamp was concerned, but I made it through day 3 of phase 3 successfully. There were some real personal victories involved there! I was also spoiled rotten and had a great day.

I did my exercise ball routine -- certainly some interesting and very powerful stretches! If you want to add stretching to your arsenol of exercise weapons, the ball is a good way to do it.

Good morning Campers!!
Yay FSUgirl....into Phase 3 already! Yippee yahooty!
Beth! YAY! Yep, that 1/2 pound will slide right off and take friends with it! Doesn't that feel great!! Hooray! You're rocking!
Nebraska..I'm so glad you had a good day on your Birthday! It's nice to feel special and have at least one day that is ALL about YOU! LOL! I say they're all about ME in my place.

It's back to work for me today.......feels like Monday! But..I love my job and thank God for it, so it's not a drudgery to be there.
I've gotta run and get ready..I'll see all of you here later..have a wonderful day!
Bren....Phase 1/Day 6

Phase 3 day 6

I am doing well. I've done 90 minutes of exercise each day and followed Core.
I feel so good. A dietitian told me my diet was very healthy. I was so encouraged.

Hello All

Phase 1 Day 3.

Well Day 2 was terrible personally but resisted the urge to do anything bad. So day 3 is starting and i'm fuller than full. 1 bowl of cereal and a banana will do that to ya huh? I'm not going to walk today, so it's a good thing I walked the last 2 days. well i'm off to the bank and then to class.

Kel

Hi all! It's been a while, and I've had to rephase yet again, but this time....I am keeping my fingers crossed...I will do it!

Day 3 of phase 2. Have been sick which makes it easier as I have little appetite, and the only thing that appeals to me is soup.

Congrats to all of you who are doing so well!!!

Yesterday did not go well but I am more focus today. I have written everything down on paper to help me stay on track. I will be reporting everyday I can. I will be going back to work on Monday which will help. I am on eDiet .com with the Discovery Channel National Body Challenge. I am down 8lbs since it started 2 weeks ago. So I need to stay focus.

Hip Hip Hooray to all the Boot Campers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You can do it You can do it!

Alampkin :) :D

Hey everyone! Well today is the official start of my PHASE #3. I did have time to think about what I want to accomplish as far as goals are concerned. I have yet to post them under the PHASE #3 goal section, but I will do that after this post. My goals are:

1. Work out 6 out of 7 days
4 of those days must be cardio
Cardio must be 40 minutes or longer
3 of those days must be weight training
I will create a weight training plan (different body parts each day)

2. Continue drinking 8 glasses of water each day

3. No bingeing or heavy snacking

4. No fast food (besides salads)

5. I will walk/run at least 2 days of the week.

6. I will broaden my food choices by cooking real dinners and trying new things. (I am tired of the same ole' stuff)

Goal: 5 pd loss
Start date: Toady, Feb. 3rd
End date: Feb. 16th


PHASE #3, DAY #1

Phase 2, Day 4

I'm doing good so far. Did a workout with weights today, the first time in months. I'm drinking my water and eating my dairy,fruits and veggies.

Hi Everyone :wave:

Each of you are doing just :super: !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I am so thrilled to see many of you sticking this out ! We are tough!!! :mus: lol


Today has gone well for me - all goals are met for the day and a few for the week - yippee!

HEADS UP - Extra Challenge Time !

This is an easy one - post 1 and only 1 reason why you want to lose weight - your main reason. I know I have many many of them, but since just 1 of them has become a priority to me - it helps out a lot to focus on that main one more then the others....

& you need to write 1 and only 1 thing/habit etc that is a part of holding you back from losing weight...since I have discovered that real reason I was not losing as steadily as I knew I could - it has been much better for me and my success...... remember knowledge is power !
You have until Thursday the 9th to post...... :)

PS: there is a new article in the article section here (http://diettalk.com/forums/showthread.php?p=489532#post489532)


Beth :peace:

My challenge answer:

Why I want to lose weight? Hard to choose 1 reason, but I will say for my health. I want to get rid of the associated health risks of being heavy, get rid of sleep apnea machine, diabetic and high blood pressure pills, and being ill more often than not. Wieght loss is not so much the goal, as the side effect of getting healthy.

What is holding me back? Me. its mostly lack of motivatoin, or lazyness ... which ever way you want to phrase it ... I choose not to excersise, and I choose not to eat well ... nothing else is to blame.

Had a good day ... worked out by shopping for cadet camping weekend ... feeding 80 people. 4 of us went ... we had 8 carts! and had to fill our two cars twice. $1500 worth of food, for 4 days. So it was several rounds walking ailse by aisle around the store, getting what we needed, then getting what we wanted, then when we still had budget left, getting what was just for fun. Then had to fill the cars, drive, empty car into cadet hall, then back to store for another round of fill, drive, empty. Was constant moving for over 4 hours. must have burned a lot of cals! I am not actually going on the campout ... need to keep working on getting ready for trip, and did not want to risk getting a cold etc, by beign out in the bush, in tents, when it is barely 0 degrees. There are enough adults going, so I was able to get away with taking the weekend off. Would have been fun, but can't do everything.

hi all. everyone is doing great. it is wonderful to see so many motivated people. i am hitting all my goals. i will make harder and more specific ones in phase 2. WHY DO I WANT TO LOSE WEIGHT? for my health if i dont lose some weight i will start getting avoidable weight related health problems. im lucky i dont have them already and im going to keep it that way. WHAT IS HOLDING ME BACK? me not watching what i put in my mouth- not caring what i put in my mouth.

oh and p.s i lost 2 more pounds!!! oh happy day

To cold to camp out tonight. I'm going to bed in the comfort of my own bed tonight.
Nice to see you all here. Lots and lots of support floating around here you can feel it in every post this is just great. I can't thank you enough Sue and Beth.
Beth we all know that you are a very very busy bee and I for one forgive you for not posting as much as you wish you could.
From last thursday till today I have lost 2 1/2 lbs a tops. So I am also getting something out of your challenge I'm holding on hard to it. But I'll be honest if it wasn't for the wood stove and my having to walk out and throw the wood around I'd be rephrassing. Exercise sure isn't my strong point. I even did a bit of snow shoveling today. well good night. And on to better days.

I'm on day 4 of phase 1!! Doing great, it is amazing how the sweets craving goes away after 5 days of not eating them. It's like your body reprograms it'self. I'm doing the gym 45 days a week like I posted, AND doing my 3 meals a day including fruit for my breakfast
I feel better than I have felt for months!!!

Good luck to all of you!!!

Why I want to lose weight: I want to be healty. There are many heart problems that run in my family and I don't want to fall prey to that, I want to be fit and healthy

As for what is holding me back I have a bad emotional eating problem and when something upsets me the first thing I do is run crying to the food...comfort food. So I hope to find comfort in something else.

Extra Challenge Questions:

My # 1 Reason for wanting to lose weight -- to have more fun!!!!! To be able to move easier and freer, to go places and do things that I don't have the energy for at my heavier weight, to be able to dance and walk and do all sorts of things that are harder to do carrying around 70 pounds of fat with every step, to be able to dress nicer and have a more pleasing choice of wardrobe with my new body -- in short, to just be able to have more fun!

To choose an obstacle -- of course there are many, but the one I have focused on is my use of alcohol. I began drinking more alcohol when my husband and I were separated because it dulled the pain. We got back together, but I had begun to establish a pattern. After the death of my adult daughter, my alcohol use increased, again because of emotional pain, and I gained 50 pounds in the first three years after her death.

Having a few drinks in the evening has become a habit for me, something I do without even thinking. Since I started bootcamp, I have made some big changes in my alcohol use patterns. For me it is about breaking the habit patterns, and I am doing that, one step at a time. I think the metabolic change, not to mention the calories consumed, makes alcohol my first bad habit to eliminate. I am well on the way to doing that.

As someone who quit smoking 9 years ago, I know that change is possible; I just never really found much motivation until boot camp!

Phase 3 day 5 and I'm still hanging on and meeting my goals - though sometimes just by a thread!

My answers to the challenge questions are:

Why do I want to lose weight: so I can move around and do things and not have health problems (sorry, but I couldn't say which is more imposrtant, they are both my main reason) When I started working on my health, I could barely walk around the block and was constantly getting little injuries.

What is holding me back: emotional eating - eating to feel better

Hello Campers......Bren checking in......Phase 1/Day 7

My #1 Reason to lose weight: To be as healthy and fit as I can be for my age,and reverse some conditions brought on by my obesity. Both parents had/have high Blood pressure, heart disease and diabetes. I don't want to go there and do that. I have the high blood pressure and RISKS of the other present......I want to HALT the progress.

My # 1 habit that hinders me: Inactivity. I don't get enough regular exercise. I was ill for months and got into the habit of sofa or bed hugging and haven't fully embraced the idea of real exercise yet. I'd gone from doing a 3 mile walk most mornings to a dead stop, quit going dancing etc...so my health and weight have paid the price.

I'm getting ready for change and am slowly turning the corner.......and this Boot Camp has made a HUGE difference! I am blessed beyond measure to be here each day!
I'll Keep on Keeping on.....and Never give up!

Bren

My number 1 reason to loose weight is to be able to move around better as I age. I am 58 and I remember my grandmother who liked to crochet and that's all she did. She sat around and crocheted getting bigger and bigger. I also like to crochet and I have arthritic knees. I know that's what I'd prefer to do too, sit and crochet as much as I could. But, I want to be able to keep on the move forever and ever! :up: Walking especially helps my knees (even when they hurt). When I loose weight by walking, it gets the weight off of my legs and makes my quads stronger taking the pressure off of my knees. Now just to keep motivated to do that!

The one habit that keeps me from exercising is laziness. I get home from work and all I want to do is relax. On the weekends I'm too busy doing other things that I didn't get done during the work week.

The reason I want to loose weight is: to be 100% comfortable in my skin, to like what I see in the mirror. The one thing that is holding me back is: an untrained hunger system, once I can get my stomach and hunger only wanting foods at certain times, I hope to start loosing some pounds!

Phase #3/ Day 2

#1 Reason for losing weight To be healthier and get off my blood presure pills for good.
Who's holding me back : Me I'm my worst enemy but I am learning to become my bestest friend. I'm taking more me time..With all of you and my want to do it. Should get me somewhere. Take care all.

I’m so sorry I haven’t posted in the last day or so. Life’s been busy, but I’ve been handling it and keeping to my goals. I don’t have time today to post to each one individually but I wanted you all to know that I did read each post and you’re all in my thoughts. I’m amazed by how many of you are doing so well and it’s really showing in your progress! I just love how you all support each other!

In response to Kelly’s question, “We hold ourself accountable right? Because my specific goal was to do 100 crunches a night. Since I didn't go to bed until after midnight i did my crunches after midnight, ya'll think that's still ok? I know it was the next day but my day wasn't quite over yet. And I like to do them right before I get in bed because then muscles relax really well over the next several hours.” I do not think this should mean a rephase for you. In my humble opinion, your day ends when you believe your day ends, whether that’s when you go to bed or at the stroke of midnight. Whether it’s this situation or a different one, if your actions make you feel like you’ve done something wrong, it’s probably a rephase. If not, it’s not.

Beth, I LOVE the new challenge! What a great way to get us thinking, resolving, and pressing forward.

Main Reason to Lose Weight: This has changed for me from what it was when I started, which was health. It is now to prove to myself that I have the power to change my health habits (as well as anything else I set my heart and mind to do). Main Obstacle: Myself (my occasional feelings of inability/fear). Sue

Hi Campers,
Its a beautiful day here.....warmer and sunny! I love it!!!!
I am having a unbelievable winter. Last winter I was sad and crying all the time. I have barely felt depressed this year. Just a stray bad day here and there. And I am making progress....finally.....in almost all areas of my life. Life is grand, ain't it????? :rofl:

Well, here is my answers to the special assignment question....

1) My #1 reason to lose weight......my health.....so I will never have to undergo another heart cath or the possibility of open heart surgery. So I will not have to worry about going blind or losing a leg or a kidney to diabetes. So I can feel alive and energetic instead of tired and depressed.

2) What is (was) keeping me from success.....fear! Fear of failure. I am a perfectionist....if I cannot have 100% perfection in something I rarely try it....I am learning that I do not like this way of life. I am learning new ways of doing things....getting out of my comfort zone.....enjoying life for the moment!!!!!


Got some more errands to run. I will be back later. Keep up the great work...


Love to all.....


Vickie:pass:

Its friday afternoon phase 3 day 7 doing well meeting all my goals of water, exercise and doing Core plan. I weigh in tomorrow morning and hope to see a loss.

Day 11 .. 3 more to go, and I might ... scratch that WILL get to phase 2.

Been busy today ... went to gather up the reference letters I had the groups I volunteer with (since I have not worked for years, other than for myself ... I had a private practice) ... gave them all flowers as a thank you ... shocked every one of them (4 women, in different agencies). Was lots of fun to see how happy the got on getting flowers out of the blue. I always feel great when I make someone else happy.

So with that in mind, here's flowers for all of you
:rose: :rose: :spring: :rose: :rose:
... you make my day better, and keep me going when I would likely quit.

Also giving the house the once over today, so hubby does not get too overwhelmed with the mess while I am gone. Less chance of coming home to a total disaster area as well, if it is clean to begin with.

long work day but it is over and the weekend is here ! :cheer:

I am almost done with phase 1 ( finally ! lol ) and need to start thinking about my new goals for phase 2 which I start ( I hope ! ) on Monday :)

I wanted to reach 236 before my first phase was done - so far I have seen 236.5 - But TOM is due - so I doubt I will see the 236 before Sunday - as TOM usually brings along 4 - 6 ( at least ! ) extra pounds.........sigh

Wishing everyone a wonderful weekend ! :D

Beth :peace:

Day 6 of phase 3 completed! Just barely got through the day without overeating, but somehow I managed to do it. Need to exercise 1 more day this week, which I hope to - no make that will - do tomorrow (last day of the week for me). Struggling again - but hanging on.

Starting Phase 3 Day 6 -- hanging in there and making slow progress.

I have been meeting my goal of listening for my body's satiety signals -- not necessarily stopping at that point, I am afraid, but the goal states to "listen" and as long as I don't go on a full fledged binge I think I am ok as far as rephasing. It is an interesting challenge to truly listen to the signals I am getting from my body, funny how it has become difficult to recognize real hunger! I know that I need to reduce portion size. Last night we went out to eat and I made a big trip to the salad bar and brought half of my meal home. That is a step forward, I think. Also, instead of fish with heavy breading, I choose a hamburger steak with grilled onions and peppers on top, and a baked potato instead of fries. We can't stop living just because we are in bootcamp :laugh: , and the changes I am trying to make I hope will stick with me for the rest of my life.

You girls are all doing so very well hang in there. Together we can. And yes we must keep ourselfves accountable and be accountable for all our eating and exercising and our way of life. Accountable a new word in my vocabulary. Now I need to learn the meaning of the word. Let's see what it means. take care all.

2nd week of phase 3 begins with a 3.4lb loss this morning. I've done well during bootcamp staying within my goals and losing 17.2 lb along the way. Exercising 90 minutes in phase 3 and staying on Core plan has really had a good effect on me. I so apprecitiate this bootcamp challenge.

Phase 1, day 1....

I drifted here today, after having struggled for a couple of weeks. I'm a maintainer (3 years) who is bounching around and over my original goal weight. I would sure like to get comfortably below that number. And I need a real boost.

In the past, setting small, measurable goals, and then striving to meet them has worked for me. So I'm excited about this thread.

Off to walk with my hubby. (Goal #2)

Jo

Why I want to lose weight To answer that I have to go back to January of 1999, had just retired and was at all time high weight wise. Health was not good and going down hill. Mother was 150 pounds overweight all her life and was in a wheelchair with blown out knees. One brother (now two) had developed diabetes. For the first time in my life I wanted to lose weight because of health, for me, and not to look good for someone else. (Actually, it worked.)

Then you might say, why are you here with this group. Because, keeping weight off is almost as hard as losing it. And I'm still fighting to stay at that healthy number. (Just a little set back, I can do it.)

What is the one thing holding me back? I'm not sure how to answer that. I've had success. I haven't given up when I hit this little bump. (Or the other ones in the last five years.) One thing I can say, as you get older it does get harder. If I had to put my finger on one thing, I would say it is my natural aversion to exercise. I have not been able to find a exercise program that I can consistently do every day and feel good about. The best thing is walking, and I do that (when the weather allows) about twice a week with my husband. But I need to add to that good base. And haven't had consistent success.

Jo

(Now I will go back and read what others have said.)

I struggled through week 1 of phase 3, but today I completed it! I am very relieved I got through the week. Again, I just made it by a hair - but I did make it!

I keep hoping this will get easy - but maybe it won't ever. At least some days are easier than others.

My responses to the extra challenge:

Why ? - My health - oh there are many many other reasons, but I am really feeling my weight and the effects it has on my body these days -so I chose for my health.

What holds me back ? - lack of stick to it !

Today ( Sunday ) is my last day of phase 1 - yippee !

I have my goals ready in my mind for phase 2 which I start Monday the 7th. and need to get them posted.

Beth :peace:

Each of you are just doing wonderful ! I am just so full of pride for everyone here ! :D

It's not easy but you are all hanging tough !!!! :mus:

Remember you have not failed until you quit trying !

Beth :peace:

Good morning fellow campers!
I couldn't get in yesterday, as there was some work going on at the site and duty called..work related!
Today is Day 9/Phase1....for me.....woohoo! It's been shaky a time or few but I'm gonna pull it off this time!
YAY Beth! You will be slipping into phase 2 tomorrow!! Woohoo!! Congrats to you!
Hey GinnyG..... I have that same response to PM.....I wanna wallow and be comfy and still and in order to reverse some behaviors.....that's gotta change. That tends to be my trouble zone as well as "comfort" one......so I will be branching out in the time ahead and seeking alternatives to "zoning" out! It takes only minutes to make a difference and building on those minutes as time goes on! Kudos to you for the changes you're making!!
Heather.....thanks for the flowers!! NOW I want real ones! Isn't it funny how "suggestions" work! I will buy me some as a reward when I reach a certain goal..I LOVE flowers! You're doing great! We'll be thinking of you when you're away....sending positive thoughts and prayers with you!
Amyrs! 3.4 pounds WOW and over 17 since starting! :c( ME SUM TOO! Congrats! I'll see some soon I'll bet!
Jo! Hello to you and hey!! Boot Camp will work Great as a tool for maintenence!! Jump on in and carry on! You've done great, in losing the weight and keeping it down.
Hey Rebekah! You are whipping butt up in there! Congrats to you!! Isn't this FUN!!
Vickie! Yaya!! You are doing SO good! That's great that one of the benefits has been reduced depression during a period you'd normally experience it! HOORAY! That's great news! You are almost at the finish line with NO rephases!! Yay!!

Hey...where's my friend and buddy, Vegas? I miss you girl and sure hope all is ok on your piece of the map! Take excellent care of you! Shall we send out the gaurd?
Some campers went into the woods and haven't come out!
Have a blessed day...Artmaker,Boblin, Sue.......each one of YOU.....I missed many I know...fill in the blank!______________with your name!!
I am so glad to see all of you here each day! Let's boogy! I'll start the music!
Bren :dn :dc

This is what I wrote in the phase 2 goal thread:

Phase 1 day 13

I am actually going to make it! Finally! :laugh:

I have started to think about my goals, and have them pretty much in line. As the first 5 days of phase 2 will have me travelling, I decided to keep that in mind with what I do for the next phase. So ... my goals for phase two will be:

1. Wise food choices. Travelling always has me going for the fast food, since money is tight. I know there are good ways to do it, and bad, so my biggest goal is to pass the burgers, etc. and go for salads or other healthy alternatives, such as going to a supermarket for groceries, to eat back at the hotel.

2. I will get some form of excersise every day.

3. I will try and stay in touch with diettalk while I am away ... will look for a cybercafe ... I know being here makes me much more aware of what I am doing, so will need it to keep on track.

4. I will not stress out ... yes it is a big interview, but not worth gaining 10 pounds from stress eating.

(for the newcomers ... I have a job interview in Ottawa ... gov't is flying me out for it. It is for a job at a Navy base ... I really want this job, so have been getting really wound up about it ... not good for the diet)

I am really excited about finally getting out of phase one .... I am going to really try to get through it in one stretch.

Well off to get the last of the prep work done for my trip (laundry, housework, packing, etc) . Will check in later. Hope you all have a good and healthy day.

Isn't this boot camp a swell idea everyone is losing weight with it. I can't thank you enough Beth and Sue. For you all keep the great jobs going no matter what phase your in myself i have to count where i'm at started dieting on the 24th found this site on 25th and joined right away. So 7 days in Jan. and 6 days in Feb. So 7+6= 13 hey one more so I better think of tougher goals for next phase. But today is day 13 i'll make it i'll just make sure I make it. I will do this.

Hey Heather! You made it to Phase 2!!! I'm soooo happy for you! You've found so much strength in these last two weeks. Now you know you can do it.

I hope you get that job. You've worked hard for it with the presentation and now you're ready for it. You must be good and they must like you already since they're flying you out. Let us know how it goes. Wishing you the very best. Sue

Hello all. Phase 1, day 2. Met all my goals yesterday and am one glass of water away from today. We go to Sunday Brunch (champagne and friends and too much food) and I have already entered the food in FitDay. I allow myself 2,000 calories on Sunday and I should have no problem, since I have finished brunch and have about 300 to spare for the rest of the day.

In thinking back on what I wrote about what was holding me back, I answered off the top of my head. But, after thinking about it some more, I realized that exercise is really the biggest problem I have. Yes, there are days when I really want to stuff my face. (Last week was a string of those days.) But usually there is nothing around that is too damaging. The worst I did was eat a box of whole wheat melba rounds. But when I'm in one of those moods, I just don't exercise at all except when hubby says lets go walk. So when I get to Phase II, I will need to be tougher on myself about an exercise goal. Right now I'm trying to get back to where I was regarding exercise last year, which seems a good place to start.


In reading everyone's reasons for losing weight, it seems like health is the biggy. That is a good thing. I can't tell you all how much better I feel at 50 pounds lighter. My knees were a constant problem, which was really scary since my mother had blown both of her knees out by the time she was 50. I had a terrible time sleeping and had a lot of night time reflux. My poor husband, I snored like a truck driver. I had a sleep study several years ago and they diagnosed mild sleep apnea, along with some other sleep problems. I repeated the sleep study last fall and I had NO apnea, none. My refux is gone. My knees hardly ever bother me now.

It is amazing how there are little things, that you don't even think about, that get better with weight loss.

Bren, thanks for the welcome. I think this "boot camp" will be good for me, to get off a few pesky pounds and get back on track.

Jo

Jo that is wonderful you re thought your reason !!!!!! :D

That was my intent all along - to get people to really think !

Your doing :super:

Beth :peace:

One more day Linda! Won’t be long for you either Bren. It’s exciting to see people getting closer and closer.

You did real good at the restaurant, Nebraska. And good for you for listening to your body’s satiety signals. I was so surprised one day to find that, usually, I don’t think about eating between meals. I just think of it when I feel myself getting hungry (just this side of growling) and I almost always have that pleasant full feeling after a meal. Every once in a while I can’t seem to get satisfied, no matter what. I need to figure that one out!

Amy, you’ve lost over 17 pounds? Man! I guess healthy eating and exercise really does work!

Welcome Jo. It’s nice to have a long-term maintainer among us! I hope boot camp will be just what you need for that boost again, and I think you have a lot to teach us too, just by your experience. Next time you go out walking, really think about what you enjoy about it when you do go out. Having those happy thoughts associated with exercise might help you want to do it more. Do you have a dog or a friend you could walk with? Do you have a place to go that would be enjoyable for you (a park, a mall, an interesting neighborhood)?

Thanks Beth for jumping in there when I was too busy to post. I hope TOM time will steadily improve for you. Last month was better, let’s keep our fingers crossed for this time too. CONGRATS on making it to P2. Here’s to stick-to-it-tive-ness!

Well, this would have been day 8 of phase 3, but I totally blew it. I ate lots of bad things, lots of things with sugar, way too much. I feel so down :c( I'm trying not to let myself give up. I'm telling myself I did good for 5 weeks and only had one bad day and if start again tomorrow overall I can still be down a little weight for the month of February. But I feel so bad, I just don't know if I can do it.

I think the problem is I really can't handle even just a little bit of sugar, I start on it and the problems begin. Also, maybe I let myself get hungry, maybe I need to eat my exercise points when I get that hungry.

I can't believe I did this. I was terrible!!! The worst is I can't stand failing yet again. I really feel like giving up for a while, but I'm scared about my health.

Don't be so hard on yourself Blanche

Its okay to learn, and even to stumble. The point is getting back up, without quitting, which you have done. YOu will do it .. just keep hanging in there.

Ok, Blanche. It's really really important that you don't give up now. What's important is that you learned this: "I think the problem is I really can't handle even just a little bit of sugar, I start on it and the problems begin. Also, maybe I let myself get hungry, maybe I need to eat my exercise points when I get that hungry."

You most certainly have not failed, because your health is still important to you and you still care. And so do we. Unfortunately, none of us is perfect, even when we try so hard to be so. There's going to be days like this. We have to accept that. Get back on plan tomorrow and try not to weigh yourself for a week. You'll be okay. :ghug: Sue

Blanche, don't give up. Never give up. You made it through phase I and II, and halfway through phase III. So you had a bad day? So tomorrow is another day. Count the good days that you have had, the progress you have made.

Sweets are a problem for me too, though not so much now. When I first started out I allowed myself one "concentrated sweet" a week. I still try to do that though that was one of the healthy habits that have slipped in the last few months. At least, when I had one I didn't feel like I had ruined everything.

I agree with Sue, don't weigh yourself for a few days. If you weigh and haven't gained, you will subcousciously think that you "got away" with the bad behavior. If you have gained (something that often happens with a carb binge is water weight), then you will be even more depressed and it will be even harder to get back on track.

I had a pretty good day even though we went to brunch and then watched the super bowl. Everyone here is great. Thanks for the welcome.

Jo

I sucked big time this weekend! Rarely ever eating healthy, and hardly making it to the gym. My excuse is that I don't have a decent excuse HAHA. Tomorrow starts DAY 1. I am kind of proud that I have to rephase. Because 2nd time's a charm and I think I was taking advantage of doing so well, that I got ahead of myself. I am going to make this phase COUNT!!!

FEBURARY 7TH 2005 - PHASE #3, DAY 1

Hello campers!!
Hey Blanche, you and Rebekah will be good company for one another, rephasing and LOOK how FAR you both have come! One bad day cannot undo the fabulous strides you've made!! AWESOME work!!

Blanche.......I'm the same with the sugar. I cannot trust me with it...yet. It takes so little to set off a binge and as you know, it's just not worth the agony involved. The day may come when I can have a PIECE of pie......instead of a pie/icecream/plus........
but for now I choose to think of all the wonderful things I CAN have that don't set me off and there are many of 'em! You have victory in stepping up, letting it go and seeing yourself through..and hey...rephasing isn't so awful! I did Phase 1 about 6 times! LOL!

Gotta run and get ready for work..have a blessed day everyone! THANKS for Showing Up!....no matter what!
Bren

Hello fellow bootcampers ...

Here I am starting right from the beginning again. These past two weeks I have been sick with sinusitis and bronchitis and then got the stomach virus that's been going around my family. I'm feeling better now and ready to start ... I hope this is the magic moment for me.

Congratulations to everyone still active in this boot camp ... we are all winners because of our persistence. DON'T QUIT.

Go campers! :coach:

Glad to see you back with us Sweet Jean

Phase 3 Day 8 I hope I make it through this day without having to rephase. I am feeling unmotivated and discouraged at the moment; I know that will pass, I just need to remember not to do anything stupid while my emotions are in that kind of state. :( I got on the scale this morning and my weight was UP again, and although I stayed within my boot camp goals, I am sure that the weight gain has to do with food/alcohol consumption during the Super Bowl game and is temporary and will probably be peed away by the end of the day. I have made so many healthy changes it is discouraging not to be losing any weight. X-( Good grief, somebody here has lost 17 pounds and I have lost nothing!!! :c( so I guess I need to just keep on keeping on and set the bar a bit higher for the next phase. I so much want to avoid counting calories and being compulsive about weighing and measuring portions etc etc. Dr. Phil says all that does is make you obsess about food .....

Ok, I feel better now that I have vented..... on with my day now.

Nebraska, have you tried measuring yourself? How are your clothes fitting? We often will lose inches when we’re not losing pounds and sometimes it just takes our bodies awhile to catch up with our healthy eating changes. I know you’re not counting calories but are you sure you’re getting in “enough” calories a day so your body doesn’t think it’s starving? If you’ve hit a plateau, maybe try eating more, changing WHAT you’re eating (less sodium for instance), or shaking up your exercise regimen. I understand stress can cause us to not lose weight as well but I don’t know much about that (the WHYS of that theory, I know all about stress itself, lol).

I had to rephase so now I’m on P2D2, I’m glad to see I’m in such good company. We just gotta keep going, it’s just part of life, part of the changes we’re making.

According to my Curves check up last week, I have lost 1.70 per cent body fat since I started the end of October and have lost some inches as well. I think that means more than pounds lost in the long run. I am just having one of "those days" I think.

I have been focusing so heavily on fruits and vegetables and good old pure water that I have little room for anything else in my tummy, and you are probably right that I need to add more things to my menu. I think I need to look more closely at the food pyramid, or at Dr. Phil's plate diagram, and add a few more grains and proteins than I am eating right now.

At any rate, I know this is a dip in the road and I will feel better (can you say winter wearies, snowy cold and ugly here again). I guess it is a common issue to want immediate dramatic results; we didn't get this way overnight and we won't be slim and healthy overnight either. Patience comes hard.

Hi Campers,
Just checking in. I am still making my goals and finding that truly amazing. The weekend was hard though and I really ate stuff I shouldn't have been eating....chips etc. My problem is that I eat this junk and it replaces the healthy stuff I am supposed to be eating so I meet my calorie goals but its all so unhealthy! Sighhhhhh!
Can you tell I am feeling a bit tired and depressed today? Probably a combination of my poor diet the past few days, the fact that it is raining cats and dogs out there today, hubby has been sick this weekend....flu....so I have been the nurse at home too, and I picked up last night as a extra shift at work and I haven't slept well. This won't last long but my diet must improve and I mean NOW!!!!!!!

I will go clean up my kitchen and put dinner in the oven. Then maybe I will lay down for a short nap. Hope all is well and staying on track with their programs.

Love to all,


Vickie:pass:

Day 14 phase one ... doing good today ... have goals set for next phase. Have looked on internet for good restaurants near my hotel (vs burger joints), so I am prepared ... now just need to follow through. Not always my strong suit. :o

Blanche you can't give up now You came much to far to give up. Here give me your hand 1 2 3 and jump up. there you go back on the wagon. so you hit a bump on the road. Pick up and keep trucking. When you fall down on the street Do you stay down hell no you pick yourself up before someone sees you . Same with this pick up before the body knows that you feel like giving up. Don't give up to those evil voices tell them to get out and stay out. Go girl you can and will do this.

For myself this is day 13 of phase 1 tomorrow I fix my new goals i'll be a bit harder on myself. So far so good stuck to my goals and the weight is coming off. checked the scale this morning and I don't have no weekend bagage to drop and that's always a plus for me. Yes girls we can and will do this.

Hi gang ...

I need to rephase AGAIN tomorrow ... I fell off my little wagon before lunch time today! I couldn't believe it myself but that's a fact. I won't even honor the occasion by explaining it ... tomorrow I start over again and that's all I have to say.

Thanks hnyack for the welcome back ... cannot wait to hear how your interview and presentation go ... when do you leave?

Good luck to everyone else with their boot camp goals ... looks like we have a strong group closing in on the end of Phase 3. Someday I hope to know how that feels ... I'm not giving up, that's for sure.

Talk to you all tomorrow when I will write to you about the success I'm having on Phase 1, Day 1.

:D

Thank you all for your words of support - it really helps me a lot. Bren, it's nice to know someone understands my sugar problem (boyfriend just really does not get it) I've had a second terrible day, but I will try to restart tomorrow it will be day 1 of phase 3 for me again.

I feel terrible right now, too full, and all day I felt bad, not enough sleep and the caffine and sugar really affect my emotions. I know I'm going to have to really suffer again for the next three days to get them out of my system. And it will be super tough b/c work is so stressful and pressured right now.

I'm going to try and do what you guys said, start over now, not weigh myself for a couple weeks, and look at the long term and hope that if I get back on the wagon after 2 bad days by the end of February I will not be up any weight, and hopefully even down a pound or 2.

I know this is a critical time for me - if I don't get back on track I can easily spiral out of control. I am going to try very hard to start again tomorrow. It is amazing how crappy I feel, just from eating all this bad food. I think when I was eating better I was feeling better and better gradually and didn't realize it, and to go back to old ways, I feel so bad.

OK - I'm taking your hand Linda, 1,2,3 I just jumped back on. (and am going to try hard to stay on!)

I fell off the wagon yesterday, not intentionally, but I did it just the same. :c( I was sick and could hardly walk, let alone do my daily exercises. SO for the 2nd time in 1.5 weeks I am rephasing! But I'll just try it again tomorrow, since I didn't pass it today either! I need to make myself more dedicated and spend less time on here reading about dieting and fitness! :laugh:

Phase 1, Day 3....

So far so good. My water intake is much improved. My FitDay doesn't look too bad. My goal is to enter the information. If I do that, the food seems to take care of itself.

Some people here have had to restart their phase. Hey, The fact that they are here posting, is a victory. And as far as losing slowly, well that works pretty good in the long run. Think about it. If someone had told you in January that by December you would be 25 pounds lighter, would you take it? Of course. But that is only a slight bit more than 2 pounds a month! On average, that is how I lost my 50 pounds. It took a total of three years. I lost the most the first year, but had one big backslide during the year which I recovered from. It took one year to lose the last 15 pounds. But since this was to be a life style change instead of a "diet" I didn't stress too much over it.

Tomorrow will be a great day.

Jo

Blanche .. when I get sugar cravings, I let myself have something sweet, but first I have some protein. I find this way I eat less, and the satiety lasts longer than if I fill with sweets.

I leave for my big trip in the morning ... do not know if I will have time to checkin in the morning ... have to be at the airport at 8. Will be home Friday at noon. I will check in if I can find an internet cafe or such. Sure wish my laptop was working! Got a virus and toasted the hard drive ... cannot by new one, as company has changed the dimensions of the harddrives, so they no longer fit. ITs only 4 years old, but it really makes me mad that I cannot fix it at all. X-( ... enough of my tirade about computers!

Looking forward to my trip ... having a rollercoaster of emotions, from excited, to nervous, to total lack of confidence ... and back again ... usually not good as far as diet goes, but have managed to keep on track all day ... so I am finished phase one finally! :dn

Am going to shower, then call it an early night.

Have a great week all ... keep plugging away, even if you have to rephase. See ya at the end of the week.

Good morning crew......who's in charge of the fire today..got matches?
Oh, ....that's a flame thrower in your hand!

I'm entering Day11/Phase1.......woohoo!
Oh No Vickie.....sick hubby, and sweetjean...you've been through the mill too and Armynavysis........yikes! Those are big rocks in the row..........take the best care of you possible. Being ill certainly increases the stress factor.

Try to STOP...........when stressed........take a few moments to unwind and think through the particular problem and "see" yourself making the best choice for the moment...and it may give you a boost to continue. I'm going back to bed for a nap before work......I'll see you all here later....have a blessed day no matter what! I will as well!
Bren

Haven't check in in some time. I'm doing ok, reaching my phase 2 goals. It gets harder every day though!

Hi guys. Just wanted to remind you all of the challenge (deadline 2/9). I read in a magazine about a lozenge that was supposed to take away your craving for sweets, I think it was called SweetStopper (90 for $10). Hmmm. I'll try to check in again later. Sue

HEADS UP - Extra Challenge Time ! [I]

This is an easy one - post 1 and only 1 reason why you want to lose weight - your main reason. I know I have many many of them, but since just 1 of them has become a priority to me - it helps out a lot to focus on that main one more then the others....

& you need to write 1 and only 1 thing/habit etc that is a part of holding you back from losing weight...since I have discovered that real reason I was not losing as steadily as I knew I could - it has been much better for me and my success...... remember knowledge is power !
You have until Thursday the 9th to post......

Beth

I guess this is where we post for the extra challenge thing? I didn't see a thread for it, so I'll post here.

Okay, one reason I want to lose weight is because I have been overweight all my life and I want to be thin and not have to wear long skirts all the time to cover up my fat legs. I don't want to wear *really* short skirts, but something shorter than ankle length! One habit that is holding me back from losing weight is this darn computer! I can sit for hours and read all about dieting and fitness, and never do a single thing about it. I have GOT to start doing better in that area!

Naoimi, hopefully, having the goals of exercising 15 minutes every day, cutting back on your portions, and drinking your water will help you. Just for today to give you a kickstart, maybe you could increase your exercise by 5 minutes. Sue

day 8, phase 2. Have been so busy haven't had time to check in or even think about excess eating. Between work, weekend workshop, and painting classes, barely have time to breathe...but I love it. Don't have time to check what's happening with everyone, but wish you all well.

Susan

Heather, I love how you’re planning ahead (the restaurants). I believe that leads to success. We’re all pulling for you with that job!

Glad you’re back on track, Blanche. “I know this is a critical time for me - if I don't get back on track I can easily spiral out of control. I am going to try very hard to start again tomorrow. It is amazing how crappy I feel, just from eating all this bad food. I think when I was eating better I was feeling better and better gradually and didn't realize it,”

Linda’s message (115) reminded me about something I read in Dr. Phil’s book. Something like that if we give in to negative thinking, we become negative, which makes it all that much more difficult to meet our goals. Do all you can to turn negative things into positive ones. Being positive actually makes physical changes inside our bodies. I know when you’re down it’s really hard to turn that around but it can be done.

Let’s all do something special for ourselves today, whether it’s weight/goal related or just something to cheer us during all this crummy weather, sickness, and rephasing. Sue

Well, its February 8 and I am still on Core and exercising 90 minutes a day. So phase 3 is still going well. I can't believe its almost over. I have lost 17.2 lb. And Saturday I'll find out what I weigh.

Thanks Sue for reminding me of our extra challenge ... it had slipped my mind.

OK ... Number One reason for wanting to lose weight is to improve my appearance. Yes, yes, yes, I know all about improving my health and having more energy, but honestly, I just want to look better. Because of my extra weight I look older and I can see sagging in places on my face that used to be tight. So, Vanity, Vanity, you are my Goddess ... I want to look younger and prettier.

The Number One problem that's keeping me from losing weight is my reluctance to exercise. I never exercised or even had a sport that I liked. Keeping up with my daughter kept me sort of active but as I got older I slowed down, sat down, and the pounds piled on. Now I'm almost 60 years old and I need to learn how to make exercise a daily part of my life.

The main reason I want to lose weight is because I feel better when I'm thinner. I have more energy and I feel more motivated and I feel better about myself as well.

What's holding me back? I think it's my all or nothing additude. Either I'm on a strict diet or I'm not. Which means I'm either loosing weight or gaining, never maintaining a weight for any length of time.

Hi Sweet Jean. How about bundling up those grandbabies of yours and taking them for a walk every day? Nothing wrong with wanting to look the best we can! Now, go hide those sweets!

Toon, I feel like I'm an all-or-nothing person too, I'm trying to learn balance and moderation. We can't just stop because we discover we're not perfect, we just need to keep striving.

Sue, balance and moderation. What wonderful words. Sounds easy but NOT. Still, it is necessary for long tem success. I think that one of the keys to success (lose and maintain the loss) is finding a system that fits you. Research shows that weird diets don't work in the long run.

When people ask me how I managed to be successful and what "diet" did I follow, I tell them "boring". You know, the basic stuff. Eat a healthy balanced diet. Watch portion control. Eat more veggies and fruit. Drink more water. And walk. Everyone thinks there is this magic diet out there, that if you follow, you can easily lose the weight. If it exhits, I haven't found it yet. And babe, I have tried them all.

I do try to watch my carbs a little, using the glycemic index somewhat, and limiting starches and breads to about three a day. I do try and watch the fat content, but that is more by cooking healthy, using olive oil, and eating a lot of fish. If I shoot for anything it is kinda the Zone thing, a balance between healthy protein, fats, and carbs. I don't "measure" but know that a deck of cards is about 4 oz of protein, a fist is about a cup, and a thumb is about a tablespoon. I don't count calories but have found that FitDay is a wonderful feedback mechanism as to how much you are eating. (Which is why using it consistently is part of my Phase I goals.)

Phase I, day 4, pretty good so far.

Jo

Long time no see, and boy-oh-boy did I miss being here. I just didn't realize how much until today. It's been nearly 3 weeks since I read or posted here and I've started to slip into apathy and undo the little bit of good that had been accomplished. Three weeks ago I was feeling really good about myself, and I want to get back there.

Last night I suffered a huge heartbreak when I had to have my Precious little beagle put to sleep. It would be typical of me to give into the grief and crawl into a state of depression and not care about myself and then let the destructive behavior that goes with that mindset take over. But I'm determined not to go there this time.

The determination that I feel comes from this group and the support the members show for each other. Everybody has their own obstacles to overcome, whether it be physical, emotional or environmental, and this group is unique in the way the members show their compassion and support for each other as we each struggle towards our goals. There are so many people here whom I admire because of their courage to overcome their obstacles, and I hope to follow their examples. So in a selfish way, I come here for the positive energy that I need. I hope that I can give as much back in return.

I'm off to read the board now and then call it a night. Tomorrow is bound to be a brighter day and the perfect time for a new start. Put me down for Phase I - Day I.

It's good to be back,
muzziee

muzziee, welcome back!!! yes, this is the place to be! I cannot even express what the support and sharing here has meant to me. So sorry about your beagle. I work in a veterinary clinic so I am confronted with grieving clients almost daily. It is such a hard thing to lose a companion! I just hope that you will draw strength and joy from all the love you shared with your pet! Your dog's love made your life better and his memory will also make your heart happier. My sympathy. I am a cat person, myself, and had to euthanize a long time pet due to cancer a year ago.

Well, I have completed phase 3 day 9. It hasn't all been pretty, but I have met my goals. Thank goodness I have to worry only about today and can start anew tomorrow! The fact is, I made it today and that is all that matters.

I love reading everyone's posts. I don't respond to each one individually but every single one is precious to me! You are all the glue that keeps me together.

Hiya Muzziee! Ditto on Nebraska's post. She can certainly identify. I too, am a cat person and if I could have one I'd have two