I started calorie counting on January 15, 2006. My starting weight, 193 lbs. I lost 2 lbs the first week which really helped me realize that I could do this. This Sunday will be my second weigh in. I'm currently trying to stick to a 1300 calorie diet. I plan to work up to 1500 over the next few weeks. Today has been good. I did some toning up exercises with resistance bands this morning then had a cup of Raisin Bran w/ 1/2 cup of 2% reduced fat milk and an apple for breakfast. My goal for the week is to exercise everyday this week.

Last night, I seemed to have trouble eating all that I had planned. I just wasn't hungry. I didn't know which would be worse. Not eating or making myself eat. Knowing I had done a vigorus cardio workout that morning, I deceided to go ahead and eat since my body needed the nutrients anyways. I hope i made the right choice.

My fiance has been so supportive with my diet. He will help me plan meals using my fitday program and encourages me to get up and exercise (even though I won't let him be in the same room with me when I do). I told him once I am able to do them without breaking a sweat in the first 5 mins, he could join me,lol.

I'm hoping that by keeping a journal here, it will motivate me to correct the wrong things I do and help me realize how much I'm actually doing so that I can achieve my goal.

Hey girl,

You can do it, starting a journal will help you immensely. Just know that you are going to post it all here, will help you keep on track. At least it does for me.

Isn't it awesome to have partner's that are supportive. My DH is very supportive, although it hasn't affected him too much yet. He does all the cooking, so he has started cooking a little healthier, that is his biggest contribution. Gotta love em.

Have a great day.

Today's total calorie count.........

Calories: 1261
Carbs: 36%
Fat: 28%
Protein: 29% (still working on getting it to 40% at least)

So, other than the protein, every thing is going good. I have noticed that I've been slacking off on my water. Gotta tighten up on that. I plan to go to the store this weekend to pick up some kind of ingredients for a protein shake. I'm getting pretty used to eating ALL DAY!! I have noticed lately that I get hungry, not real hungry, about every 2-3 hours. I have a small meal and Im fine after that. I don't get to sit around much anymore either. I'm either exercising or cooking or chasing my little girl around. I'm more worried about the weekend. That is when I tend to lose count and seem to be shoping all the time. I'll have to talk to the "Weekend Warriors" about that one. I have company coming over Sunday, so this will be a big test for me. Well, Off to bed, gotta get rest!!

Victoria

Hello Vic :)

Nice to see you see nice results on your first week, it will be motivate you to do much better day by day...

Cannot wait to read your post that you lose some pounds again. WTG! :D

Well, today is going good so far. I'm 3 days/3days on my mini-goal for the week(to exercise every day this week). I got up this morning, did a good cardio work out and had my breakfast. My fiance started cooking dinner and I worked on lunch. I work nights so I take my dinner with me to work. I should total around 1300 calories today. Now all I have to do is start planning tomorrow's meals. I'm hoping that the planning part gets a little easier the more I do it. Sometimes I have to sit for an hour and make sure I have enoughor not to much protein/carb/fat/calories to meet my goals. I've been looking up a lot of new recipes to try out. Most have been pretty good. I have more spices in the cabinet now then I've ever had,lol. I'm working on getting all my water in. When I first started, I had no problem. Now I find myself slacking off. So far today, I've only had a bottle and 1/2.

Well, its time for lunch so I'll go for now. BBL though!

Thanks for the reply's and I'll be sure to post my weight on Sunday (weigh-in day)

Victoria

Well, made it through another day!! Still sticking to the plan. Although, I have been craving a 3 Musketeers Bar ALL DAY LONG!!!!!!!!!!! I was only a hallway away from a vending machine that was full of them and I resisted!! :cheer: Instead, I sat down with a refreshing bottle of H20 and dreamed......X-( Maybe one day I'll treat myself to one. :D After I've planned it into my meals.

I'm currently working on finishing off my last bottle of water today. This weekend is going to be a test for me though. I just found out I had to work from 11 p.m to 12 p.m Friday-Saturday. Hopefully, I'll be able to get back home in time for the Weekend Warriors meeting. Exercise may be a problem, I'm going to be really sleepy but I will try my best to get some in before I go to bed.

Speaking of bed, I think i'll go crawl in mine now. Goodnight Diettalkers!

:wave: Made it through another day. YAY!! One day at a time. I woke up today feeling like crap. I didn't want to move. I just felt so exhausted. So I got up, then went and passed out on the couch for about 30 mins. Then, my number 1 supporter got me to get up and get my butt in gear. Gotta love him =). So, I got up and started my workout. I finished it but I just didn't feel as good as I usually do after I work out. I don't think I worked as hard today as I have been. Although I did it, I don't think I put much effort into it.

I got to work and I was just tired. (Still thinking about that darn candy bar to X-( ) Well, I walk in the break room to put my lunch in the fridge and what do I see sitting on the table, not a 3 musketeers, but a whole freakin box of double decker moon pies X-( I was so tempted, but I picked one up and looked at the calories, just to see :o, and there were 300 calories in that one pie~!!! So i put it back down. I can have a whole meal or that pie. The meal won. So I'm happy now, know that I resisted those pies the whole 8 1/2 hours that I was there. Hopefully, first shift will eat um all by the time I get there tomorrow so that I won't have to stare at um.

When I got home, I logged in here, of course, and checked in on my buddies in the 40lbs by July 1st challange and one of them had something posted that got me thinking. Why is it that I want to do this? Why do I want to lose weight. I've always been the "fat one" and for the most part I was always happy, or so I thought. Now that I think back, I never really was. I would laugh at the nicknames, although they really did hurt. I gues I didn't want others to see how I really felt. Now, I know, I'm not happy with the way I am. I want to be able to run around outside with my 3 year old without having to sit down after 5 mins. I want to be able to walk up a flight of stairs without giving out of breath. I want to be able to put my pants on without having to take an enormously deep breath. I want to be able to live till I'm 100!!! If i keep going the way I have been I won't make to 50. My family has a history of high blood pressure, diabetes, ect, and I don't want to have to live with those. I want to be able to teach my little girl how to eat right, so she won't have to go through the things I have. She's my life and not only am I doing this for me, but for her to. If she see's me eating junk all the time, having 2 or 3 servings of supper, she will learn from my example.

Ok, enough of that. Sometimes it just helps to remind myself of why I'm doing this.

I think I'm going to go dig in my closet and find a pair of pants I've been saving for when I can get back in them and hang them in my room. (idea i got from someone in the challange, these guys are great!) MOTIVATION :cheer: lol

Well, I'm off to bed. Got a big day tomorrow. I'm going to be working a different shift at work so I have to redo my meal schedule to fit the different hours. ( working 3rd, with a lil OT, 11pm to 12 pm, usually work 3-11:30 pm)
Good night for now!:wave:

Vlynn,

It is always good to remind ourselves why we are doing this. Now print that and post it somewhere where you can see it everyday. Somewhere only you can see it.

Keep it up, you are doing great.

I made it through my 13 hour shift, now i'm exhausted,lol. I figured i would post in my journal while i wait for the weekend warriors to arrive. Last night went well, I followed my meal schedule and stayed awake,lol. Tomorrow is weigh-in day.... kinda anxieous about it. I've exercised each day and have watched my cal/carb/fat and protein all week. I hope it yields good results. It's time for weekend warriors so I'll post again later. :wave:

Weekend Warriors was helpful today. I got a few new ideas for some meals. Going to try turkey burgers and possibly some Soy milk. Not to sure about that one,lol. You never know until you try though. I planned in a dessert today. :D I am going to have 1/2 of a 3 musketeers bar to reward myself for all my hard work this week. I'm 5/7 with 2 days left on my exercise goal for the week. I've eaten exactly what I planned out on Fitday so I deserve a lil treat.

February is going to be a new month for me. I have planned out mini-goals for the 3 complete weeks in Feb.

The first week-
Goal # 1: Exercise Every Day
Goal # 2: Have 2 days where protein is 40% or greater
Goal # 3: Take my measurements (i'm yet to do this)

Week Two-
Goal # 1: Exercise Every day
Goal # 2: Exercise twice on two days
Goal # 3: Have three days where protein is greater than 40%
Goal # 4: Go the whole week without peeking at the scale

Week Three-
Goal # 1: Exercise every day and twice on two days
Goal # 2: Have four days where protein is greater than 40%
Goal # 3: Go the whole week without peeking at the scale

These would be just small goals to give me something to push to for the week. They may not seem like much to others, but they are big to me. Espically the "peeking" part,lol. Well, I'm off to complete my day.

:wave:

Victoria

I weighed in today at 188 lbs. YAY!!! I got rid of 3 lbs this week with a total of 5. It's been at least a year since I was under 190 lbs. I worked really hard this past week and am glad to see that it paid off. Today I'm going shopping again. Gotta get supplies. The weekend warriors gave me some idea's to try and Monica posted a recipe and a couple of 100 cal snacks that sounded good so I'll probably grab some stuff for those too. There isn't much else going on here so I'm just gonna head to the store now.

:cheer: :cheer: :cheer:
Yay Vlynn!!!!!!
Great Job!!!!!!
shy

It's the beginning of another week. It has started off pretty good. Last night the family had Chesseburgers and french fries X-( . I wanted one SOOOO bad but I chose to have a turkey burger and butternut squash instead (thanks Monica). Although I did grab 3 french fries :o . I felt bad after. I also bought some Whey Protein powder so that I could get at least 40% protein in. I got up this morning, did my regular routine. Started planning my meals for tomorrow, did a cardio workout and spent the rest of the afternoon cooking. Seems like all I do now,lol. It's strange because before I started counting calories I never ate this much. I'd eat breakfast, then grab a snack in the afternoon and have supper. That plus a few Cokes or Dew's throughout the day. I guess that's why my metabolism is shot. Well, all that's going to change now. I'm eating veggies that I had never even tried before. I actually like the food I eat and I think that helps me get through it. I'm not having to force myself to eat nasty foods. Although I tried cottage chesse with some pineapple and that is NASTY!! lol Well, I gotta go plan tomorrow's meals out.

Thanks Shy!!

:wave:

Well, made it through another week. I did have a little unplanned snack one day but it wasn't much. I hope it didn't hurt to bad. =( I have done my exercises all week and can't wait for weigh in on Sunday. Even if i don't lose in pounds, I'll consider it muscle gain. I'm planning to get a treadmill within the next week so that I can double my activity. When I do that, I'll probably up my calorie intake a bit to stop my body from thinking i'm trying to starve myself. I'm still doing good logging my foods into fitday. I try to do every day the day before. Makes it alot easier to keep up with.

I bought an Xbox game today that someone on the 40lbs challange had posted. Yourself! Fitness. It's pretty cool. You have a personal trainer named Maya and she helps develop a fitness routine to fit your needs and abilities. You do a test in the beginning so she knows exactly what you can tolerate and what you can't. I, of course, have almost all easy stuff cause I haven't exercised for years,lol. Mainly because of the xbox and playstation. Kinda weird that I'm going to be using the Xbox to exercise.

Gotta get to bed now, need that rest, lol.

I'll be back tomorrow for Weekend Warriors meeting. I'll post the new information I learn afterwards. It's great to learn from those who have been in my position and have met their goal.

:wave: Victoria

Just got back from Weekend Warriors chat. Monica shared some good recipes, including one for pizza that's only 180 calories. Sounds great and can't wait to try it.

I got up today, had my protein shake and worked out 45 mins with Maya, my personal Xbox trainer,lol then i did a 15 min Yoga work out with her. I really like the fact that I don't have to give up the equipment I have already bought. She incorporates them into my work out which is great. I did upper body strenght workout today. I feel pretty good. I'll probably work out again tonight.

Weigh in is tomorrow so I'll be back then. I can't wait to see what the scale reads. I have worked so hard since I started this. I have never stuck to a diet the way i am this one. I think it's because i've actually learned how to diet. That it's not about starving yourself and eating only salad ect. I actually eat more now than I ever have in a day. Just that the food I eat now is a lot better for me.

Well, I'll check back in tomorrow after weigh in.

:wave: Victoria

Another weigh in day has arrived. I am now 8 lbs lighter than I was the day I started. 3 more pounds I've gotten rid of. :cheer: I'm getting closer to my goal every day. I never actually thought I could do this. For once, I have gained Willpower back into my life. I have the strength to say "No" to all the moon pies and ice cream cakes at work and the french fries and soda's everywhere. I am proud of myself for sticking to this. In 3 weeks, i've droped 8 lbs and I know if I keep in up, in 3 more weeks it could possibly be 16 lbs. Healthy Lifestyle Here I Come!!!!!!!!!!!

I've got my meals planned for today and now I'm off to exercise!!

:wave:

I haven't been able to post in a while. Been busy. I already missed one of my Mini goals for the week. I didn't get to exercise today. I had to take care of bills and stuff and cook all my food. That took up most of my afternoon. Oh well. There is always next weeks. I will exercise twice tomorrow just to make myself feel better about missing one day. I had just gotten my "bronze" status on my workout game to so Maya won't be happy when i log in tomorrow, lol. Oh well, she'll get over it.

Eating has been ok this week. Still sticking to fitday like a twin. I'm getting my protein in like I should and keeping the fat low. I got to do some shopping tomorrow, I'm getting low on food. I want to sit down and plan an entire week out so that I know exactly what to buy and won't end up running out of food. That may help, plus save me a little bit money.

It seems that my morale is slowly dwindling away. I know I want to do this, I know that I have been doing great but I keep thinking, could I do this for the rest of my life? Seems a little unrealistic to me. I don't want to have to spend all day cooking. Oh well, I'll cross that bridge when I get there. Till then, I will do what I have to do to get to my goal. I won't stop this time. This is the last diet I will ever be on.

Well, I'm off to plan tomorrow's meals. Goodnight everyone.

:wave: Victoria

Another week has come and gone. This week was going great until Thursday rolled around. Then Friday came and it was worse. I may have eaten 600 calories and I didn't exercise. I bought a treadmill Friday though. Saturday, I got in all my calories and I did a total of 10k steps on the treadmill. I was happy about that. Today I weighed in at 182.5 so I round that up to 183 for another 2 lbs I've gotten rid of. I'm getting closer to my goal every week. Now that I've hit the 10 lb mark I feel that I've reached a mildstone. I'll be even happier at the 20, 30 and 40 mark!! lol. I've got my meals planned for Today and tomorrow. I'm off to do my first 5k steps!!

:wave: Victoria

Well, I'm back in my journal tonight to talk some sense into myself. I started this diet with the intent of improving my self-esteem, making not only my life healthier, but my also my family's and being able to enjoy everything in life. Now, I'm sitting here pouting because I know I've messed this week up. Yet again.... I had unplanned snacks, skipped workouts and made excuses. I wouldn't be suprised if I have gained 3 lbs this week. I just got tired. Tired of not getting to eat what I want when I want. Tired of everyone eating candy and sweets and me just walking away. But now, I have to change that train of thought.

I may not get that candy now but I'll be healthier for it later. I may have to get up and exercise, but I'll lose weight because of it later. I may not get to fry pork chops and chicken, but I get to try new ways of cooking now. I am helping myself. I am making my body stronger. I am extending my life. I am living healthy. I will not let my obsession with food control my life anymore. I will NOT continue to live the way I have. I do not want to deal with the health problems that come with being over weight. I will not. I am chosing to be healthy. I am chosing to fight off the urge to give up. I am going to win. NOTHING WILL STOP ME!

Ok, now that I got that out, lol. I tried out a new pork chop recipe today. It actually turned out pretty good. I don't know it exactly, but it contained onions and apples with balsamic vinegar. Was really good, sweet with a little kick to it.

I have been walking at least 2 miles on the tread mill this week, except one day. I usually average around 250-300 calorie burn. I tried jogging 500 steps one day. That went well, so today I jogged 1000 steps. I'm feeling it to. My legs are sore!!! I worked out with Maya once this week and decided that I am going to switch my exercises up a bit. Monday, Wednesday, Friday I will do the treadmill. Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday I will workout with Maya. Saturday's will be my day off. I usually end up going shopping on Saturdays so I will still be active those days.

On a good note, I got my first "Are you loosing weight?" this week. It kinda made me feel good to know that someone noticed a difference. I still haven't noticed much of a difference. I have noticed I'm not as "top heavy" as I was when I started,lol. Oh well, I'll take what I can get.

Well, I'm off to bed. Gotta get up early in the morning.

:wave: Victoria

way to go with the :super: attitude !!!!!!!!!! :cheer:

Vlynn,

Sorry *I haven't been here much to cheer you on, but you have been doing so great!!!!!! In spite of the hard times once in a while.

Isn't it interesting how sometimes just coming and journaling can change our attitudes around!!!

I am getting close to having that 10 pound mark, must keep up the good habits that I am forming, they make all the difference.

See you soon.

Well, here i am again. I've had a pretty rough couple of weeks. Two weeks ago, I weighed in at exactly the same. Instead of looking at the positives, I, as usual, focused on the negative. I got down, depressed, disappointed in myself and wallowed in self pity for a few days. Then i realized, "Hey You, nothings gonna change if you just sit on the couch!!!". I got up, plugged in the treadmill and went at it. yes, i've cheated, I've had snacks. There I said it. What do you know, I'm not perfect, (lol, j/k, i always knew that) The best thing I can do for myself is to hop back on the diet train and keep going.

So far this week, I've snacked a little. I had a couple of oatmeal raisin cookies and those little white powder doughnuts (i'm a sucker for those). But I've also exercised everyday, except for yeserday and today. I plan to exercise tomorrow and Sunday so two days a week with no exercise is ok for now.

So, no matter what that scale reads this week, I WILL KEEP GOING!!!

That evil little demon will not stop me!! lol

Well, I'm off to bed!!! Be back tomorrow for weekend warrior chat!

:wave: Victoria

Vlynn, thanks for the little visit in chat tonight. I loved the idea you are working on.

You are inspiring me to get in some extra workouts this weekend. Only thing is the gym is closed tomorrow until 8 pm I think. Maybe Sunday at least.

Keep up the good work.

I guess my extra workouts paid off this week. I am down 4 lbs and now at 178!! 15 pounds lost forever!! :cheer:

Don't have much time, gotta get to bed.

Nancy, I think I almost have my point plan worked out. I'll be sure to post it here and you can tell me what you think.

Make it a good week everyone!!

:wave: Victoria

Well, it's been a year since I last visited this site. The last time I wrote in my journal I was well motivated, had a lot of ideas and was working hard to achieve my goal. I lost an additional 5 pounds for a total of 20 pounds. I was so proud of myself. My tight pants, were not tight anymore!!! I was laying down one day and my fiance laughed and asked me "Why are you laying there with your pants unbuttoned?" Funny thing about it was, they WEREN'T!!!! They were just so big on me they bulged out!!! People I worked with were noticing that I was looking slimmer. I was walking around, pulling my pants up because they kept falling down. I was so happy.

Now, I sit here in tears because all my hard work has been reversed. I gained all that I lost back, plus some. Those pants.... I can't even get into now. I hate leaving the house because I have nothing to wear. Nothing fits. I feel like such a failure. I went back and read over what little bit of a journal I had made. I found that while I was well motivated my method was not right for me. It was not something I could live with. My diet was my life. All I ever did was cook and excersise. I couldn't live like that. I had no life. I couldn't play with my daughter because I was to busy cooking. So now, I sit here, contemplating what to do now. I know that I want to lose weight. I know that I can do it. I just don't know how to. I can't do the same as before, I will fail just like before. I want a life change. Not a temporary fix. I have to find something that will work for me. So...since I have no clue what I can live with, I have to try different things.

Things I know about my eating habbits......

I don't eat throughout the day....
I rarely eat breakfast, but I make up for it at dinner.
To much fast food.
No water
Excersise....is well...non-existant now

So, with no "Diet Plan" in mind for myself, I figure the best way to start is to change these 4 things. So, I'll call it my 4 Things Plan

My first goal, to change these things.

I WILL

1.) Spread my Meals throughout the day keeping in mind healthy foods.
2.) NO FAST FOOD!! (with the exception of Wendy's Chili, I found that to be
good choice during my previous experience)
3.) WATER WATER WATER!!! I shall drink lots of it!!!
4.) Make excersise part of my life. Maybe not everyday to begin with,
because I know that I will burn out easily that way.

This is my plan. Not my permanent plan, but a "Gitter-started" plan, lol!!

So, I will return to my journal. I look forward to everyone's support.

Thanks DT for everything in the past and all the things to come.

Victoria

Hey Vlynn,

Nice to see you again. I love your Gitter-Started Plan!!! LOL, good job.

Cheering you on to getting those tight pants loose again and forever!!!

Well, I've spent the last hour reading others journals and post. In the past, I found that reading of others success and struggles helps keep me motivated. It lets me know I am not the only one who struggles, succeeds, falls and gets back up. I love this site and everyone who post here. I'm getting ready to go to work now so I have to quit reading but I will be back tomorrow. I've had one bottle of water so far so that is good for me. I ate a bowl of shreeded wheat for breakfast and I guess I'll have to wait for lunch at work.

Thanks for the post Nancy, I need all the support I can get!!

Till next time....

Well, it's the end of day one. I did good today. My food intake is low as normal, but I'm going to work on that. I decided to do this mid-day so I had no food plan. I did, however have water. I managed to get in 80 oz's. I'm not sure what I should be having but 80 is a lot better than... 0, lol. I started a pocket journal also. This way I can write notes to myself about how I'm feeling, energy, foods and whatever comes to mind. I also write down some of the neat phrases and quotes I read on peoples post and sig's here. A little bit of a motivator for me.

My plan for tomorrow is to get up and do at least 30 mins on the treadmill. Usually I end up pushing myself and walking longer than that. I tend to get real motivated when I'm on that thing, its just getting my butt on it that tends to be the problem. :o

Well, it's late so I'm going to get to bed, I'll check up on everyone tomorrow after my date with TM!!!:laugh:

Well, today is going good. I started the day with a cup of coffee and 3 hard-boiled eggs, only one yolk though. Then I sat here reading post. I felt myself getting comfortable in this desk chair so I got up and changed into my workout cloths. I got on the TM and started Program 2. I was doing good the first few mins, lol. By the end, I was sweating from every pore on my body!!! That was a workout. The TM estimated 270 calories burned but I believe it was about 800 :rofl:

So, now, I'll go grab a snack and read up on some folks here. I'll be writing again at the end of the day.

Make it a good day everyone!!!

I am glad to see you getting back on track. Take it a little at a time. Don't think of it as a diet - think of it as a lifestyle change. Take tiny steps... The water is a big thing for me. I never really thought it was important but I am convinced now!! I really feel alot better drinking water, I usually get at least (8) 8 ozs..I try for more. Hey - be sure you eat enough!! Remember snacks are important - they keep you from getting TOO hungry.. An apple, pear, nuts, cheese helps alot. You will definately learn alot from folks around here - as you probably already know. These journals are inspirational....

Hang in there - you will get to where you want to be!! I just know it!!!!

Good Luck!!!

Thanks for the support Kimmy!! You are very right, thinking of it as a diet is going to lead to trouble for me. It is a life change and I will make it!! Together, we all will!!

Well, this weekend didnt go so well. I didn't excersise AT ALL!!! My eating....crap. I did get my water in on Saturday but not yesterday. I had 2, 8 oz glasses of coke on saturday and one can of Dr. Pepper yesterday. I ate pizza for dinner.X-( So, I'm not going to sit here and beat myself up, I'm going to go get on my TM for 30 mins and keep on trucking. I weigh in on Thursday so I still have some time to change some things. I'm back on the wagon....going for the gold!!!

Well, another day has come and gone. I did good today. I worked out on the TM for 30 mins, food was pretty good. I kinda splurged on dinner though. The cafateria where I worked didn't have many good options tonight so I did what I could. My friends and I are disscussing going on a cruise together in Jan of 08. Not sure how that will pan out though since I'm getting married in May of 08. Most of my cash will be going to that. Well, I'm off to bed. Going to try to get up a little earlier and see if I can't manage to accomplish some things. Till tomorrow....

Hello! Great job on the exercise. I wish i had more motivation in that area. Also congrats on your wedding. My cousin will get married this may and what an expense, so i know what you mean. Your doing great!

Another day has started. I had an egg sandwhich for breakfast and some coffee. I feel content. Now it is time for my date with that big handsome machine in the other room. My new best friend. I never had a friend that pushed me the way it does, is always there for me when I need it, even if I have ignored it for the past year. It peeks out of the middle room, calling me, everyday. Some days, I pretend not to hear it. Others, I decide it is what is best for me and we spend some time together. The harder I work to achieve my goal, the closer we will be!!!!

Life is too short for me to stay horded up inside just because I am embarassed to go outside. I want to go to the beach!!! I want to skydiving again!!! There are so many things I want to do with my life but as of now, I won't do. I should not have to give up anything!! I will fight this battle and I WILL WIN!!!! I am not going to give up this time. No matter how many times I fall. Falling just means I'll burn more calories picking myself up off the ground.

This is a war, not to lose weight, but to live. A battle for my life. If I don't fight it now, I may never. NOW IS THE TIME TO CHANGE!!!

WOooHOOOo!! Now I'm ready for my day, lol!!! Make it a good one everyone!!

Angel, thanks for the visit to my journal!!! Congrat's to you on getting your goal of 10%!! (I know you haven't officially got it yet, but I know you will!!)

Vlynn! Hi! Exercise is something that is hard for me too. It will come, I know it will. I know what you mean with "giving up" things, and for me - NOT trying new things because of the way I look. I want to get to a place where I am pleased with how I look, and actually look forward to clothes shopping, shorts, getting my picture taken, sports (even if I am a kluttz), things that I have avoided for so long. We are making a change. Your attitude is awesome. I think that the right attitude is 90% of the battle! Hang in there. With your determination, you'll be back doing the things you love in no time.

Hey Vlynn,

I love that motivation post a few up!!! LOL, when you talked about the
that big handsome machine in the other room., I was a little confused, thinking you had said you were already engaged, and who was this new handsome one, lol. But I get it now, and go for it, make as many dates as you can with it!!! REmember how good you feel once you are on the 'date'.

Keep up the good work!!!

Victoria! I love your attitude and your honesty! We fall, we fall hard, but everytime we get back up, is a step in the RIGHT direction. Good luck to you! I look forward to getting to know you better!

I feel good today. Kinda nervous because tomorrow is weigh in day. I have decided that even if I don't have a lose, I have acheived my goal this week. My main goal was to watch my food intake, drink plenty of water, and go on at least 3 "dates" and that I have done. So no matter what the scale says, I am happy. I spent some time on-line last night getting a few meal ideas. I am not the greatest cook so any help I can find is a blessing,lol. It's so easy to just throw some blazing hot wings in the deep fryer. hehee, I USE TO love those things. My previous expierence taught me that I have to learn new cooking ideas because I get bored with food easily. Eating the same thing, over and over, does not appeal to me greatly. My water intake has been awesome. I have not had a soda since the weekend. It seems to be a lot easier for me to avoid them during the week. I figure, if I can avoid them during the week, having one or two on the weekend isn't going to kill me. I'm not going to attempt this change by not drinking soda's at all because I know that I am not going to be able to avoid them FOREVER. This is a life change, not something temporary, so I can't do things that I know I will not continue with after I reach my goal.

Well, it hasn't even been a week yet and I have noticed a difference in myself. I don't sleep as much. YAY!!!! I had a major problem with sleeping till 10 possibly 11 in the morning. I work second shift so I don't get to bed till around 1 a.m. but sleeping till 10 was something I did not want to be doing. I find now that I am waking up around 8. I think my "dates" have helped me with that.

Kimmy, you are exactly right. Attitude is 90% of the fight. If you think you are going to fail, most likely, you will. You have to stay positive no matter what happens. Even if you fall, getting back up is a success!!! The day I actually want to have my picture taken will be a major success that I am excited to be earning!!!

Nancy, sorry to confuse you about my friend, lol. Most of the time I write here, I don't think about others reading it,lol. So I'm sure it does get confusing.

FSU, I've taken many steps in the right direction!!! Now, I find myself, walking in the right direction!!!

Thanks to you guys for stopping by, I appreciate all the support.

Well, I'm off for my breakfast and then my Date!! I'll be reading some other journals while I eat so I may re-post after that. Sometimes I get a dose of motivation from others, like yesterday after reading Angel's journal!!

Make it a GREAT DAY everyone!!

Well, I had my date with TM. It went better, didn't get quite as exhausted. After that, I sat in my comuter chair and read over some journals while I munched on an apple. Then, I figured, what the heck, I got up a little earlier, had some extra time so I jumped right back on the TM!!! I did an extra 20 mins!! I'm just a lil excited about it, hehee. My fear of that thing is slowly diminishing. I like to listen to my fiance's MP3 player, helps keep me moving. Well, today is off to a great start. I'm not sure that I will be able to check in after work tonight but I'll try. So...

Make it a great day!!!!!

Oh, yeah, while I was walking I decided I'm going to make it a little fun. I am going to figure out a place in the US and I'm going to walk to it. Not literally, but in miles. Starting small, but eventually I'm going to walk across the country!! I just gotta figure out the milage and stuff. So look forward to seeing me going across the US!!!!!!!!! hehee...

Okay, so check out the new ticker. I figured I would replace my "year ago ticker" due to the fact, it's the past. It's time to focus on the future and my new successes. So my first goal is to get to Knoxville TN which is a whole state away. It may take me a while, as I have no time frame set, but the point is to get in the miles. Even if it takes a year. Eventually, I will have enough miles to have walked across the country!!!

Hello! Your motivation is wearing off on me too. Your attitude is amazing and that will take you to your goals. I like you am doing this for a lifestyle change and not some temporary diet. Positive self talking and thinking is half the battle. To me it is to lose this now or never. I have fought this battle in the past only to surrender to the food demons but not this time, the food may sometimes win the battle but i will win the war.
Great job on the exercise:lift: :ex: I too am trying to get into an exercise routine. I actually exercised today and felt good after too.

I have to laugh because when you were talking about the big machine in the next room i thought you meant your fiance. LOL

As for variety of food, yea sounds like me. I get bored so fast and most of the old foods i ate were junk foods, and easy foods like hot pockets, popcorn chicken, wings and so on.... I can cook though and i do but now i gotta find recipes to fit my budget and my points. Money is tight here so its a struggle at times getting variety and what i want to buy. Its a shame healthier food costs so much. No wonder people are overweight. I paid 6 dollars for an eggplant yesterday...

thanks for feeling my journal was inspirational to you. It made me feel good. You are inspirational for me too.

take care and talk soon

Today has been good. I'm am a little tired now and will probably be hitting the sack soon. Hopefully I will have at least a lil bit of good news to report tomorrow. I am still getting all my water in like I should, 80 oz's today. Don't really have much else to report, but I'll be checking in after I weigh myself tomorrow.

"the food may sometimes win the battle but i will win the war. "

I love that Angel!!! Great way of thinking you have there!! I know what you mean about the food being expensive. Boneless/skinless chicken breast are just outrageous and I seemed to eat alot of it the last time. That is another reason I find it hard to "diet", I just can't afford to eat healthy all the time. I know that I really can't buy like that all the time so I am hoping that my new approach is going to work. Thanks for stopping by!!

I'm going to go check up on a few people, see how things are going. I'll be back in the a.m.!

Good Morning:wave: Great job on the 80 oz of water:water: Yea i am trying to cut corners money wise because me, hubby and 17 yr old eat the foods for our plan, alissa and james eat their own snacks but eat our meals with us mostly, and Evan and Logan have their own so it gets costly plus my 13.00 a week to go to my ww meetings. I have to say i enjoy my meetings and look forward to them. It keeps me going, theres such nice people there who are in the same boat as me, alot of inspiring lifetimers there to help me know i too can get there and my leader Cynthia is amazing. She has been on ww 21 yrs and a leader for 20. Her topics each week are totally interesting and i learn alot of good tips and advice. I even ran into a few people i knew from when i was a teenager. Alot of people go to the one i go to. Id say 100 people and half stay for meetings. The town im in isnt huge so its a good turnout. I want to buy the ww recipe book they have there as soon as i can afford too. I found awesome websites online and got point values to foods from alot of popular resteraunts which helps me alot in choosing when we eat out or order out. Ive been posting inspirational and motivational things in my journal which help me and glad i can help you too. Today there will be a few more added, hope you enjoy my research. Have a good one and good luck on your weigh in.

Okay, so drum roll pllllleeeaassseee!!
**************** Starting weight 198***************
****************Current Weight is...... 194****************

4 Pounds, Gone!! I actually weighed in at 193.6 so I'm not too far from getting 193. I'll take care of that this week. I'm just happy to see that my hardwork this week has paid off some, a lil more than expected but I'll take what I can get. I know the first couple of weeks is mostly water weight but hey...still looks good to me. Well, I'm going to eat some breakfast and read over some journals. Then its time for my Date. I'll post again after that, have to update my "Walk across the Country" ticker!!

WOW!!! 4 lbs gone - forever! Way to go! It is great to lose more than you expect! You are doing terrific! Keep up the good work.

Hi Victoria,

After you posted in my journal I came over here and read yours! You are off to a great start! I also had a "relapse" -- it's all a learning process. We have to learn how much slack we can give ourselves while still maintaining our progress. (In my case, apparently not a lot!)

I love your "Walk across the country" idea! Last summer I took a good map of my country (one that marked all the distances from point A to point B right on the map) and every few weeks I would add up my distances on the treadmill, and plot out a route based on the distances on the map. I did a very meandering route, in order to "visit" as many places as possible. It was really fun!

If your dates with your hunk (of metal) get boring, you could alternate with weight training. I've found it to be REALLY helpful to me. I use machines at the gym but exercise bands, medicine balls, your own body weight, walls/floors/the kitchen counter can all be tools for a great weight training workout. I LOVE the treadmill (I practically lived on it last summer), but I do believe that my "visible results" came more from weights than from cardio. Right now I'm trying to build as much muscle volume as possible by lifting the heaviest weights I can (fewer reps, higher weight), others like lifting lighter weights with more reps.

Well enough babbling... you're doing great... congratulations on the four pound loss!!!!!! :cheer: What a great way to begin your day! I bet you're walking on a cloud today :)

Just finished my date and I decided I'll change my walking ticker every week along with my weight loss ticker. That way I have more of change in it.

Nausicaa, thanks for dropping by. I do plan to change my workouts up a little after a bit. I figured I need to get into the excersise routine again first. I know that walking on the TM is not going to change the flab on my arms much. Yesterday, I tied my bands around my TM and did some curls while I walked. Towards the end of my walk, I got a little tired and needed to hold on!!! so I put them up till I finished. Then I did a few reps off the TM. Once I get in a good routine I will definantly start a strength training routine.

Kimmy, thanks for the support.

Well, I'm off for the rest of my day!

I feel extremely dragged down tonight. I had a rough nite tonight. For some reason, I feel sad. I haven't been able to figure out why yet. But I shall not dwell on my saddness. Heck, I lost 4 pounds this week, I should be exicited.

I'm going to vent for a bit here, so those of you reading this that don't like reading vent post, I am forewarning you, lol.

3 weeks ago I looked at myself in the mirror and just cried. I could not believe what I had done to myself. My work cloths were bursting at the seams and I had imprints around my belly from the elastic digging into my skin. I sat on the bathroom floor and thought.."How could I do this to myself? How could I get to the point where I am not even comfortable in my own skin anymore?" I couldn't stand to look at myself. If I walked by something and could see my reflection, I'd quickly turn away. I ran into an old high school classmate of mine not to long ago. She was a very very sweet girl in school and I loved her to death. She was the one we all knew was going to do good in life. She was overweight in school and the year of graduation, she started changing her eating habits. Outside of that, I am not sure whatelse she was doing, she didn't really talk about it much. Well, I was doing some grocery shopping and this beautiful, slim girl, comes up to me and almost hugs me right there in the grocery aisle. I was surprised because I could not figure out who the heck she was. She started asking me how I was doing and about other friends of ours. Then it dawned on me.... The lil hankie holding back the hair, the breast cancer awareness pin on her coat...It was her. I had not seen her in almost 5 years. She was so beautiful to me. Not just because she was thin, but the smile on her face. She was glowing. I finished talking to her and telling her how great she looked. I walked around the store the rest of the time in awe. She didn't look the same at all!! I say all that to say this. Anyone can do anything they put their minds to. With hard work and dedication, we can all become the people we want to be. I want to be like my friend. I want people to see me smiling from the inside, much like she was that day in the store. When you smile from the inside, everyone around you knows how happy you are. You glow with happiness. That to me, is nothing like the fake smile I carry now. I want to walk in a room and not be afraid to get out of the corner! I want to stand in the middle. I want to sit on a couch without putting the pillow over my belly. I'm tired of hating myself. Today, I am standing up to myself. This is it. I am through letting my brain think that my body can keep consuming junk and sit around! I am through sitting around whining but not doing anything. Gosh darnet...I CAN'T TAKE IT ANYMORE!! I am going to live my life like I want. I am going to get rid of all this bagagge that is holding me back. I will not be controlled by the flab anymore. Food and Fat are running my life and I'm done with it. I'm through making attempts. I will succeed this time. I don't care how many times I fall. I will get back up. Nothing is going to stop me this time. Nothing. I am making a promise to myself. Right here, right now. I will change my life. I will make my life what I want it to be. I will not be controlled by food anymore!! This week has showed me something. I can do anything. If I set my mind to it, nothing can stop me. I have succeeded in so many aspects of my life. This will not be a failure. I won't let it.

Okay...I'm done....for now.

On a lighter note, I joined in the March challange and I am challanging myself to lose 10 pounds this month. I know I can do it.

I'm off to bed now so..
Till tomorrow....

New day, new challanges. I joined the Biggest Loser challange today, Proud New Member of the Blue Team!!! Now, I have to get off my butt. I've been sitting here for about 2 hours. I feel kinda sluggish today. Must be rubbing off from last night. So, I am going to go on my date, maybe that will help me perk up a little. I've got to get ready for the weekend, mentally. It is harder for me to focus on the weekends. I'm not totally sure why but Sat and Sun are the hardest for me. But, I'm going to start it out right. I'm off for my date. Take care everyone.

I can't say I'm proud of myself for the weekend. I did horrible. Again.X-( My food intake was not great and I didn't have one single date all weekend. It seems that I have discovered a trend. Last weekend, I did the same thing. Bad food no excersise. One other thing I did not do was come here!! It seems everytime I don't come here, I don't get up and do like I should. So Friday night, I will leave the computer on, and when I wake up, this site will be on the screen so I can't ignore it. This weekend, will be my goal. I will succeed this upcoming weekend. Well, I am off for my date so I will be checking in after I get home. Thursday is WID so I have 3 days to make up for the 2 bad ones I had. I can't continue to do that. I have to tighten up and make all 7 days a good day if I want to reach my goal and stay at it. So, I'll be back, till then...

Make it a good day everyone.

Hi Victoria,

Just catching up in here! That's great that your high school friend looks so healthy and happy now! I bet she feels great because she worked really hard to get there and now she can finally appear to be the beautiful person that she was inside all along. I thing we are all at various stages of this same process. Some of us got started earlier (like your friend), some of us are getting started now, and some of us will get started in the future.

Weekends are very hard. But you know what I was thinking? Let's just be grateful that it's the weekends (2 days out of 7) and not the workweeks (5 days out of 7) that are so hard!! :laugh:

Okay enough pep talk!

I didn't know we were allowed to join the biggest loser challenge after january, so I never asked to join. Hmm. Maybe I should have done that! I feel kind of left out LOL.

Naus, thanks for stopping by.

Weekends are very hard. But you know what I was thinking? Let's just be grateful that it's the weekends (2 days out of 7) and not the workweeks (5 days out of 7) that are so hard!!
you are so right!! 5 good days are better than 5 bad days.

Well, it's noon so I have to get ready for my date. My daughter could not sleep last night so I was up with her and we ended up sleeping in today. Needless to say, I'm running a little late.

Make it a great day everyone!

Stopping by before I hit the sack...

today went very well. I got my workout in. I actually did Program 2, which was the one that about killed me a few post back. It was a good workout but I wasn't heeving the whole time, lol. I felt that it was time to bump it up a notch from the other program. Food today has been good, no "snacks" and plenty of water. I'm really tired so I'm going to call it for the night.

Till tomorrow.....

Well, I'm sitting here....thinking...being lazy....

I was trying to decide if what I am doing is actually going to work. I am not doing anything more than portion control, water and excersising. But I think that I may not be getting in enough calories. I don't really have much healthy food in the house so I feel like I can't really eat half of what I have. So, I'm going shopping Saturday and I am going to try to think of different things I can pick up and eat!! I don't have a lot of money to buy a lot of fancy things and I can't really cook all that great so I feel a little lost. Does anyone have any good ideas? Feel free to post some of your favorite snacks. Any help is appreciated. Well, right now, all I have is maybe different Progresso soups, some brocolli (I love steamed broccoli) and fruits. Grapes are good. I like freezing the red ones for a snack, they taste like jolly ranchers. I don't like fish so that is out. I like shrimp but they cost so much. I don't mind tuna, but I ate so much of it last time, I just don't want it to be a regular thing. So I am getting frustrated. Oh well, I'll just spend some time in the grocery store looking. Maybe there is alot more to chose from that I just haven't noticed.

While I reading through some other journals, I read one that had listed some benifits of getting healthy. So I figured that I could get some motivation if I made a list here that I could read over whenever I lose my urge to continue.
WHEN I reach my goal I will be able to.....
Sit on the floor without my legs going numb.
Bend over to pick something up without having to re-adjust my pants when I stand.
Wrap a towell around me after I get out of the shower.
Get out of the car with ease.
Wear a pair of shorts. (haven't done that since junior high)
See my feet when standing.
Find out what Victoria's Secret is....lol
Buy cloths without depression setting in.
Feel confident when walking down the street.
Be happy when people stare at me.
Look in the mirror and think..."Dang I look Good!!"
Have more than one outfit I like to wear.
Go out with my friend without feeling like the ugly duckling in the group.
Go skydiving without my belly hanging over the harness.
Go to the beach and actually wear a bathing suit!
BE HAPPY!!

I figure I'll just continue my list as I think of it. I gotta get ready for my date so I will be back later.

Make it a great day!!

Don't have a lot of time today, just wanted to post my WI results, I'm down to 191.5 so 2.1 pounds gone from the 193.6. YAY!!! Getting closer to my first goal!! I'll be back later to check on others, cya then.

I haven't been to visit your journal in a while, so I thought I would pop in and see ya! Wow 2.1 lbs!!! way to go!! You are doing so great! I agree with you about making up your mind to REALLY do something about your weight...sounds just like me! I used to want to make a change, I'd buy a book, or some new diet pill, and things wouldn't change, I'd just get more frustrated and sicker of myself. But ya know,when the light bulb really does go off, (and for me it really was like that) Something clicks. Something changes in your mind. You are indeed on your way. That I am sure of. You will beat this thing. You have done so good!

Oh yeah, have you checked the kitchen area of the forum? There are so many good recipes and ideas there. A bunch of different foods too.

Keep up the good work!

Well, first goal for the weekend accomplished. Bad news to report....I did freakin horrible yesterday. I got up, had my coffee, then started cleaning. I got the house cleaned up and ate a corndog for lunch then off to work. My co-worker bought us dinner, although it wasnt a great meal, I'm sure my body needed the calories. Probably didn't need the fat though. No soda still doing good on the water. Aw well, I plan on having a date today so that is good.

Anyway, Thursday, I had to take an entrance exam for the RN program, called the TEAS test. It was easier than I was expecting, although, I haven't gotten my scores yet so I better hush, lol. I'm not actually planning to start the RN program till '08, I figured it wouldn't hurt to go ahead and take it this year, that way I could retake it next year if I did horrible this year.The only thing I hated was that it took 4 hours....geez..sitting in one place for 4 hours sucks!

Kimmy, thanks for stopping by! Maybe, after we both hit our goals, we can go shopping at the Crabtree!! hehee Thanks for supporting me, sometimes, I really need it.

Lynn,

Hey there, I have not been here enough, sorry about that.

I think you are doing quite well. Good job. And I don't see your day as a bad day, a corn dog and then a nice supper, hey good job. All that house cleaning would have helped for sure. I think that a clean house also makes us feel so much better, and ready to take on other things, lol, like food plans, exercise, etc.

Love that 2.1 pounds down!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks for stopping by Nancy.

Well, it's WID for me and I've gotten rid of 1.9 pounds. I'm back in the 180's, barely, but hey I'm there!!

I haven't been around lately but I have not given up. I did slack off on excersise this week. I got only 1 day. Saturday, go figure. I'm going to get back on track this week though. I got my scores back from my TEAS test. I got in the 93 percentile for the LPN program but only 76 for the RN. So I will have to study before I take it again next year. I don't think that 76 is good enough to get in the RN program. I guess I'm glad I took it early so that I can take it again next year and maybe get 93 on the RN!! hehee

Well, I'm off for the day, I'll be back again soon.

Hello! Thanks for all your support. Yes things have been hard here with all thats been going on but getting back on track now. I give you credit for the nursing your doing. My sis is a chemo nurse and my cousin is a nurse also. You have a kind heart because nurses really are angels. Have a good weekend.

I'm still here!! Angel, thanks for popping in. I have done pretty good so far this week. I got in my excersise Saturday. I didn't do any Sunday but I did 1 hour today. I think an hour day is going to benifit me alot. I have been doing 30 mins up to now. Eating has been good. I felt myself starting to fall back so I fought back!!! lol! My shoes are awful. I really need to get a new pair. They are not old, it's just my fee hurt in one certain spot after I walk. So, maybe as my first reward I will get a new pair. From an actual shoe store instead of the cheap ones I usually get. Well, I gotta get ready for work so I will check in again soon.

Till next time....

Hello! Your doing so well. Yes keep fighting. I too have those days i just want to give in and overdo it, some days i fail at this test but i succeed other days and will keep on fighting too. Yea treat yourself to new shoes. You deserve the reward.

Ok, so I am kicking my butt back into gear. I have really slacked off and it is time to get back on track. I notice my weight loss decreasing along with my effort. So, today, I am back to it again. I have lost almost 10 pounds. Only one pound to go and 6 more pounds to my first mini-goal. I will do it, I will succeed. I am off for my date, but I will be back. This weekend, me and my fiance are going out Saturday for a real date so I already know that I am going to cheat. That leaves me 6 days to do awesome.

Thanks for stopping by Angel!

Hello! You sound like a replica of me. I know i will cheat so what i do is give myself a freebie on saturdays and i stick to plan the other days and it works for me.
Also i noticed if i dont eat past 7 i do good too.
Hope your date was wonderful and your meal. Hang in there. I too lose motivation and effort and have struggled a bit here of late but bouncing back slowly.

I am back in gear today. Yesterday was GREAT!!! Today, I will make even better. I have already had my breakfast so I will be heading off for my date in just a few minutes. I weighed myself this morning and while I can't actually use the weight for a WI, I'll just say, I can't wait for next Thursday !!! I did an hour on the TM yesterday and I plan to do the same today. I love how sweaty I am when I get done, and drinking water comes with ease after that.

So, make it a GREAT day everyone!!! (and also a great weekend!!!)

Hiya! I am trying to get back to a few journals - life has been hectic lately - so I am sorry for not visiting. I see you are getting back on track. You sound like me, I have kinda slacked too, and I am not seeing the weight loss that I was before. I too am gonna snap back to it. It is hard to stay on the straight and narrow for such a long time. I figure a small break is okay. Sounds like you are on the right track and your attitude is great. Whenever I need to cheer myself on, I find your journal... Thanks for that. Hang in there... You're doing great!!!

Glad to see your doing well. Everyone slacks from time to time. I have been slacking more than i should but ive been doing alot better this week. I am proud of you for exercising. Keep going, i have faith in you...

OK, I haven't been around lately. My PC hard-drive crashed so I couldn't get here. But I'm back now. For a bit anyhow, waiting on the new hard-drive. The last time I posted I was just begging for WI because I just knew it was going to be a good one. Well, the next day, TOM came.....talk about a downer. I kept weighing myself during and let me tell you, boy does my weight fluctuate during that time. I was at 194 lbs again at one point. I must say, even though I knew that most of it was due to TOM, I got seriously depressed over it. I was working hard. I was walking 4 miles everyday and the weight was not moving any way but up. So TOM left and I weighed in yesterday at 187. That's 2lbs down from last real weigh in. So I feel better now. I have decided that maybe 4 miles a day is a little to much. I think that with my calorie intake vs burn, maybe that will be a little to much. I am going to still walk but I am going to start focusing on my upper body more and doing a cardiac routine. I only have 4 more pounds to my mini goal of 15 and I am determined to get there. I bought some protein drink powder to help increase my protein a bit and some hand weights to help upper body. I am taking my measurements next week. I plan on doing it once a month. I'm hoping to see a change there. I know the last time I tried to lose weight I had lost a lot at the 20 lbs mark. So now that I am only 9 lbs away from that mark I am getting real excited. I can't wait to hit that mark again. Only this time, it WILL BE THE LAST!! I am glad that the way I am doing things now works. I find it much easier to just pay attention to what I'm eating instead of planning everday out and counting calories. I know that works for a lot of people but it just doesnt happpen for me. I get bored easily. Well, I'm off to get my workout in. Gonna try out those new hand weights.

Make it a great day everyone!!

Hiya Vlynn! Good to see you back. I have not been posting as much as I should, things are a little crazy here. Glad to see you still have that great attitude. You are doing so well! The exercise is awesome. I wish I had your drive. Keep up the good work.