Join the Fitness Challenge 2010

If you would like to get off that holiday weight, please join this fitness challenge! It will be joined by people just like you -- ordinary people who want to shed a few pounds. If you're interested in joining, just post a comment with your e-mail (feel free to use at instead of @) and I'll add you to the list of people who can post comments.

Here are the rules: There are 10 possible points per day:

• 1 point for keeping a food journal
• 1 point for drinking 8+ cups of water
  
• 1 point for not eating any treats (use your own judgment on what is a treat)
  
• 1 point for not eating after 8 p.m.
• 1 point for exercising 30+ minutes
• 1 point for taking a multi-vitamin and/or calcium
  
• 1 point for eating 4+ servings of fruit/veggies
• 1 point for getting 6.5+ hours of sleep (adjust as necessary for babies :)
  
• 1 point for no soda pop
• 1 point for doing something that reduces your stress level in some way -- reading, bubble bath, surfing the net, etc.
  

Also, there will be 1 bonus point every week that you lose weight (1 point for losing weight, not 1 point per pound); and there will be 1 bonus point every week that you post on the blog how you did. Five bonus points will be available for sending your money ($15) during the first two weeks of the challenge. (If you don't send your money by the end of week 4, you are no longer eligible for the pot at the end, so get your $$ in soon!)

Winner takes the ENTIRE pot. Second-place and third-place winners will get the same prizes as were listed for our last challenge. (Click here to see prizes for second and third.)

This challenge begins Jan. 4, 2010 -- just in time to get off those holiday pounds and fulfill new year's goals! It will go for 12 weeks and end on Mar. 29, 2010. Round up your friends and let's make this challenge bigger and better than ever!

And the winner is ...

... about to be Jennifer. Anyone else want to submit a score before she gets the jackpot? Remember prizes are still available for second and third ...

I will wait until EOD Monday for results to be posted. Otherwise you're out of luck until the next challenge. :)

Jennifer ~ Post your address just in case ...

Week 12!!!

I rebounded somewhat this week ending with 56 points. My weeks in the 40s and 50s killed me, but at least I feel I have rebounded somewhat for the holidays! I end the challenge with 689 points and down five pounds. I had hoped to get more off, but considering I did lose 5 pounds and am now 21.5 weeks pregnant, I think that I did pretty well! I hope to continue during the holidays, and the next challenge will once again push me to modify and improve my daily habits.

I hope you all have wonderful holidays!!!

Please post results by Friday so I can get money in the mail to the winner. :)

final week

This may be our final week of this challenge, but I have to continue, for my own health and the future health of my children. I struggled with fruits and vegetables again this week, but I also had a hard time finding time to exercise. (Although watching twin infants should count as exercise, the keep me busy enough) I only scored a 53 for the week, losing points for lack of exercise and fruits/veggies. My final total is 707 (715 if we are doing bonus points for posting on Monday's). I've learned a lot about my self and my bad habits during this and I now know what I need to do to change.

On another note, I hope everyone has a wonderful Holiday Season!

** New Challenge, New Rules **

As we end this challenge, I thought I'd post a little blurb about the next challenge. I've had several friends regret not joining this one, and a few of us would like another chance at this whole weight-loss/healthy lifestyle thing ...

A few things will change to keep it fresh and to encourage us to broaden our healthy ways. Each day there will be a possible of 10 points per day:

• 1 point for keeping a food journal
• 1 point for drinking 8+ cups of water
  
• 1 point for not eating any treats
• 1 point for not eating after 8 p.m.
• 1 point for exercising 30+ minutes
• 1 point for taking a multi-vitamin and/or calcium
  
• 1 point for eating 4+ servings of fruit/veggies
• 1 point for getting 6.5+ hours of sleep (adjust as necessary for babies :)
  
• 1 point for no soda pop
• 1 point for doing something that reduces your stress level in some way
  

Also, there will be 1 bonus point every week that you lose weight (1 point for losing weight, not 1 point per pound); and there will be 1 bonus point every week that you post on the blog how you did. There may be a bonus point for posting 1 healthy recipe a week -- thoughts? Other bonus points (probably 5 points) will be available for sending your money ($15) during the first two weeks of the challenge.

Winner will take the pot. Second-place and third-place winners will get the same prizes as were listed for this challenge. (Click here to see prizes for second and third.)

This challenge begins Jan. 4, 2010 -- just in time to get off those holiday pounds and fulfill new year's goals! It will go for 12 weeks and end on Mar. 29, 2010. Round up your friends and let's make this challenge bigger and better than before!

Week 11 and I'm out of rhythm ...

Well, I gained only 47 points this week. Yes, I started strong and then withered. We had a stressful week or two, and then I knew my test was coming for gestational diabetes and didn't want to give up treats again knowing I will have to for months for a healthy baby. Good news is that I'm still not gaining, so I feel accomplished to still be down and be more than half-way through with a pregnancy. I'll try to do a little better this week (early gestational diabetes test results come back tomorrow). In the meantime, anyone got any good boys' names?!?

Week 11

61 points. I'm finding it easier to exercise and harder to eat fruits and veggies. It was easier to eat veggies when I could easily pick them from the garden and add them to my foods, now I really have to think about adding them before I start cooking. I maintained my weight, but I've lost 1 inch around my middle (YEAH!).

Week 10 and I failed again ...

Why can't I get back into the swing of things? And how did I fall so quickly! I got 46 points for week 10. I exercised more, but I didn't cut out the snacks or make sure I got veggies. I'll really have to buckle down these last two weeks, especially since the holidays are approaching!!!

Good news is that I didn't gain any weight, which I don't understand ...

Good luck these last two weeks!!! I hope we all end up on a high and looking and feeling at least a little better than we did when we started this challenge. Although I've had a bad few weeks, I'm still down four pounds from where I started. I'll call that success ... although I'd like to get at least two more to get into the 2-teens.

BTW, I'll be posting about another fitness challenge soon that will begin in January. This is a chance to continue what you've started; get off those holiday pounds; and/or get those new-year resolutions kicked off. The rules will change a little, but more details will follow after this challenge is over. For now, let's kick some tail these last two weeks!

Week 9 and 10

So I didn't post last week. I was on family vacation. We spent 5 days in So. Ca. and 3 in Disneyland. It was warm (hot) and beautiful. Despite being away and having to choose carefully when eating out I found that the grocery store and Subway were my best friends. I was able to choose wisely and only had dessert twice. Spending all day walking has made it hard to sit at home (yeah!) and I'm actually exercising more (one of my biggest weaknesses). I was able to score a 59 for week 9 and a 62 for week 10. I didn't officially lose any weight, but I do have jeans that no longer want to stay up. I don't see how I will meet my goal, I wanted to lose 10 lbs during this challenge, seeing that I still have 5 lbs to go, but I'll feeling better and that's just as important.

Prizes for 2nd and 3rd place!!!

So, I mentioned a bit back that there will now be prizes for 2nd and 3rd place. Ready to find out what they are?

Second place gets a choice of one of the following DVDs, or can choose the third-place prize instead:




Third place gets to choose a custom-designed announcement -- baby, baptism, graduation, Christmas card, etc. You just provide me w/the picture(s) and I'll plug them in and send you back a .jpg for you to print. Here are a few of the samples to choose from:

Baby announcements:


This one is Christina's cute baby:



Adoption announcement I did for my 15-year-old this year:


Graduation examples (my baby sister is a pharmacist!):



And here is a baptism example from my first child, Tyler:


Christmas Samples:


2

Week 9 and I crossed the line ...

Another bad week -- 41 points worth. I am hoping to do better this week or I'll end the holidays where I started this challenge! I didn't gain any weight this week, which surprised me. Hopefully I can still get into the 2-teens by the end of the challenge, but only if I really kick it up into high gear the next couple of weeks!

Week 8

I didn't do very well last week. With sick girls and a day sick myself I struggled with eating well and exercising. I scored 57 points and possibly gained a pound back (or it's pms water weight, can't tell). This next weeks is going to be hard as well as we are taking a family vacation this weekend. It's so hard to choose the healthy things, and eat the right serving sizes when so many things look so yummy.

Week 8 was not great ...

I had a terrible, horrible, no-good, very bad week! I was frustrated and angry a lot, which meant I turned to my favorite comfort foods: chocolate, candy bars, ice-cream, etc. Why, oh, why can't broccoli comfort me the same? In any case, I got 51 points and 2 pounds this week. I'm surprised the gain wasn't more.

Hopefully I can get back on track with exercise and avoiding treats this week. Ugh! Life happening just wasn't part of the plan last week. ;)

Week 8 Post

63 points. no weight gained or lost...snacked a bit more (love that Choxie dark chocolate from Target) and missed my personal goal 3 times. Sort of a maintain kind of week.

Another option

Okay,
I ran into a friend who had the lap band and she told me I should think about it. I had concerns about it slipping or not being as effective. But the more I think about it, it seems so much safer. I haven't heard of anyone dying yet. The risk of slipping is low especially if you don't stuff yourself.

I now need to start researching it. I am going to have to wait for a while anyway to get some debt paid down. We just bought the car and have one more big payment next month. We ended up refinancing the house, but couldn't get enough equity because of the housing value decline. We actually could of done an FHA loan, but they cost so much more money over the long run. I just couldn't do it. So we got a great deal and will keep paying the amount we have been and we could have it paid for in 18 years. So we need to just be diligent and get the one credit card we have paid off. I have always said that I can't give up spending and eating at the same time. Have to have something to look forward to in life ;)

My sister in law told me about a man who lost about 200 lbs on weight watchers. I have had my mother and sister tell me that they know I can do this on my own. I know people are trying to be helpful, but they wouldn't like it if I told them they could change their faults and weaknesses all at once. That is the sad thing about being fat, your issues announce themselves and you can't hide them like a lot of people do. So many people are hiding so many things!

So I will keep trying to get motivated to lose on my own, but in a year or two, if I am not where I need to be, I will consider the lap band.

Week 7

I lost another pound this week and totaled 64 points again. I feel more in control of my sugars this week, (it always seems to work that way with me). I currently have 3 kids down with a fever, and I'm feeling the stress and lack of energy as I take care of sick kids and fight off what ever it is we have. Hopefully I can have the strength to keep exercising through the week.

I have so enjoyed have to be responsible for my diet and exercise with others (even if you all live away from me) Thank for getting me going and making keep track of my self.

Week 7 Post

67 points. Gained my pound back. Stressful week with everyone home for Fall Break and husband not feeling well. I ate so much food. My food tracking calculator said almost 2100 kcal per day. Ready for a new week.

Week 7 just wasn't heaven ...

I got 62 points this week. A road trip and a girls' night killed my great week in just one day. :) But I did well on the other days. Big thanks to Gwen for getting this whole thing started and keeping me exercising even when it gets cold. An exercise buddy is sure a huge bonus for me.

Week 6

I've had a tough week. My body was reacting weird and I'm sure my blood sugar levels were way off. (I wish the Dr. would decide what to do with this so I could move forward. I feel like I'm in limbo.) So I had to make some tough choices on what to eat and while I did well, I hate having to add extra protein to my diet to make me feel better. Who knew being diagnosed as a pre-diabetic would be so hard. Mark and I have done a lot of talking this week as I struggled and we have decided that I need to cook what I can eat, problem is - no one else like that stuff and I really don't like the idea of cooking two meals. When you look at all the things you exclude from your diet I feel like there isn't much left and my 6 year old is a picky eater.

Well time to keep moving forward and progress. I have to find a way to deal and get healthy so that I can play with my kids and be here for them in the years to come.

On a positive note I had my first week over 60 points scoring 64 points YEAH!

Crazy weeks

The last two weeks have been crazy. I've been sick, the kids have been sick, and I had one of those monthly visits from Hades. I had a hard time keeping up with the exercise. Somehow I still managed to take a few pounds off and today I weighed in at 225. My points this week were 58.

Consequences

I am overwhelmed with choices right now. I met with the surgeon and saw his presentation. He presented that 90% of our weight is genetics. I don't think I agree. I know that we can always overcome weakness. Addiction can be beat. I know that I could lose this weight on my own. But it would probably take total devotion. Focus on myself. Time to plan a menu and cook almost every meal. Time to myself to find something to overcome the boredom, frustration, stress that usually
lead my to overeating.

I don't have that kind of time right now. Or at least it feels that way. If you look at just the statistics, the surgery has great results. The best, actually. My mom told me about another person who died. That's three women I have heard of. I mean we are talking DEATH. I talked about it with my husband last night. I told him I could only do this if he could handle that risk and all of the possible consequences. He would have to go on if I were to die and be happy and not give up emotionally. Can you imagine being a single parent to eight?

He says he is willing to accept that although he doesn't think it is going to happen. The chances are lower if you are young. And the experience of the Dr. is very important here. Both are things I would have going for me.

I am still scared though. I LOVE life. I am thinking about trying for one more year or maybe six months before I get serious. Maybe weight watchers. I want to make the right decision. It is so big. With consequences.

But as my husband said, if I stay this weight, I am at risk for so many things also. I know that my weight has to change, I just have to figure out how.

Oh, one more tempting fact, I asked Dr. Belnap his long term success rate and he said it was 85%. The nurse said the thought it was slightly higher. My friend who used him as her Dr. is doing great and her dad and sister have both kept the weight off. Her dad for 4 yrs. and her sister for 3 yrs. My friend said she would do it again and it has changed her family's lives. Her husband was very worried about losing her and it took him a long time to get on board. Should I be offended that Trent isn't more worried? Just Kidding, he is such a scientist and is calmed by the low rates of death. They are about the same as any regular surgery.

Week 6 Post

65 points and no weight gain or loss.

Week 6 and we're tough chicks!

I had a lazy week w/o much exercise, but I did better on my eating. I may have even lost a pound (hopefully!) but I forgot to weigh to see ... I earned 64 points this week. I can't believe our challenge is now half-way over!!! I realize that if I didn't lose a pound this week I need to get going, because I'd really like to have lost 10 pounds by the time this challenge is over, and I'm only half-way there. I made wraps this week for lunch, which were delicious and very healthy -- the tortillas I used had 12 grams of fiber in each one! Then adding the lettuce and onions gave me a veggie, which is always my struggle. Made a veggie lasagna last night for the first time ever, and it turned out pretty good -- although my hubby thought it tasted like it was missing something (yes, the meat! :). In any case, do any of you have suggestions on how to get the best results on roasting veggies? I'd like to do that more, but all the places I saw online said to do it for 45-60 minutes, which makes my veggies mushy ... Thanks, ladies!

Prizes for 2nd and 3rd place!!!

All~ Now that we're half-way through the challenge I want to keep you going by letting you know that there will be prizes for 2nd and 3rd place. No, they won't be a cash pot (which some of you still need to contribute to), but they will be exciting ... I'll post in the next couple of weeks what these prizes are. In the meantime, keep on keepin' on!!!

Week 5 and I'm still alive ...

Bad week for me with lots of stress and sicknesses. Sigh. We weren't able to walk much b/c of the weather and other factors, but at least my weight stayed the same. I got 61 points this week ... mainly b/c of exercise and not being able to limit myself with peanut M&M's when we have conference!!! :)

week 5

I had a tough week last week and didn't get in the intensity I wanted with my exercise. I recieved a total of 58 points for the week. No additional weight loss this week, but the 5 lbs total feels great.

Week 5 Post

Collected 67 points this week. Tracked calories all week and hurray - I lost a pound! Hoping for another good week.

Week 4

Well I added another pound to my loss with a total of 5 lbs lost so far. :o) I didn't do very good at writing down my food intake or keeping up with my personal goal (who knew drinking the right amount of water would be so difficult. And I can't drink any soft drinks so I have no excuse.) My points for the week were 58. Still trying to make thing better for next week.

week 4 is out the door ...

This was a stressful week of unsuccessfully potty training my toddler! Do you know how much that makes me want to eat treats?!? I did pretty well, even passing up the warm chocolate chip cookies my teen made last night. I missed a couple of days of exercising and a couple of days of my personal goal (what's up with that?!?), so I ended the week with 64 points. I was naughty on Saturday and had a donut and Blizzard from DQ. LOVE blizzards! But it means I ended the week with +1 pound. Really? From one day of two indulgences? So sad ... but I'll try to be better this week. It's hard to keep momentum for long for me, but I'll try!

Week 4 Post

67 points collected. No weight gain or loss.

I have been eating pretty much whatever or however much I wanted as long as I logged it. I lost a few points this week to snacking, but mostly I have been eating good foods and just a whole lot of it. I didn't exercise as much as I usually would because the fitness center was closed. I just did the minumum 30 minutes and counted some physical activities like mowing the lawn (which actually was a lot of work because the grass was so long that it all had to be bagged).

After taking a break just maintaining for a couple of months, I am ready to focus on actual weight loss again. I want to lose at least the last 5 pounds to get to my pre-pregnancy weight. So I am going to start tracking my calories again at 'The Daily Plate' site at www.livestrong.com/thedailyplate. This is a great way to track calories because it is easy to use and very customizable. For example, you can group foods into a meal. This is great because if you eat the same combination of foods frequently, you can add all the foods in that meal with a single click.

I know this post is getting kind of long, but I want to end with an idea that I find very helpful. For me weight loss is all about planning ahead and this tip is a step toward simplify that planning:

Dr. Roizen says people should try to automate their breakfast and lunch. "Why we get so fat is we have so many choices…we want one of everything," he says.

For breakfast, Dr. Roizen says you should have the same thing or the same small variety of things every day. Oatmeal, whole grain cereals and egg-white omelets are great options. Then, do the same thing at lunch. Find a lunch that's satisfying and stick with it. Then, come dinner time, you can enjoy a variety of options!

Here is looking forward to a great October!

still thinking about it

Thanks Amber for your comments. I am about 80% decided and 20% still thinking about it. I feel much better after setting up my first appt. with the surgeon (still to come). He is a transplant surgeon and was getting a lot of his patients rejected because of their weight. So he started doing the gastric bypass. Dr. Belnap has very few complications from his surgeries and he is considered to be one of the best. He also does the removal of excess skin when the surgery is done. I would still need to find a different surgeon to fix my breasts, unless I learn to love the flat pancake look!

My mother has known people who have had the surgery and the ones that maintain their success really do change the way they eat for the long term. I am even considering doing weight watchers for maintenance. Along with this blog. I have to have my support plan in place to keep the weight off.

I need to lose 20 pounds before the surgery. Exercise is a must. I am thinking 30 min. of walking or 30 min. of bike riding in my house. I will just have to make the time.

I would like to know the success rate of people you know who have had the surgery. Some people do maintain and some don't. Trying to get prepared to really committ to this major change.

I got 40 points for the week because I haven't been doing my food journal. I am trying not to get buried in my kid's problems with grades, behavior, needs, etc. Life is a challenge sometimes.

Better this week

So I got 61 points this week. My major obstacle is the food journal which Denise recommended I post to my fridge to help me remember to log in my food for the day. Exercise came pretty easy this week, but today I am feeling pretty lousy(sore throat, muscle aches), I went walking, hoping maybe I could sweat it out or at least give me some energy. Didn't happen, I felt so cruddy all day long, but I will not let it get to me, and I will continue on. I played soft ball with my family this week. Kind of embarrassing when my brother in-law catches up to me as we are running the bases after he hit. I used to think I was in o k shape, but have come to realize that if I am wiped out from one family softball game I probably am not in o k shape.

Week 3 = weight loss

Finally after struggling the first two weeks with exercise and snack I found some strength (and yogurt for the sweet) and got somewhere. My total for week 3 was 63 points and I actually have a -4 in lbs (I forgot to weigh myself after week 2 so...)

Send in your $$$

Reminder to get your $$ sent in so the pot is collected and ready to send to the winner. Can you believe it's already 1/4 complete? Mind you, that means we still have 3/4 to go ...

If you want to send it to me, my address is 1323 South 2950 East in Spanish Fork. I believe you all know the state. :) (Just not wanting some search engine to find my address, although I don't think anyone would care enough to do anything with it.) My zip is 84660. My last name is Brown. You can also send it to Gwen, but I'll leave it to her if she wants to post her address. Just get it sent this week!

Good luck and keep up the healthy habits!

Week 3 is free ...

Week 3 tried my endurance. Already! I did fine during the week, but once the weekend came all I wanted to do was eat treats and not exercise! I refrained, but barely. Makes me nervous for this week ... I did well last week, losing 1 more pound and collecting 66 more points. (If I can lose this week I'll be 2-teens instead of 220's. Hooray!!!) I hope I can stick w/it as I'm feeling really lazy right now ... :)

Week 3 Post

The American Fork Fitness center is closed until Thursday. I scrambled around trying to find a place to exercise this morning. It is going to be a challenge for the next couple of days. Ended up doing floor exercise in my bedroom today. I am going to try the basement tomorrow. One of the children wasn't feeling well and fell asleep on the couch last night, so the basement wasn't really available this morning.

I didn't lose or gain any weight for the week. Actually, I lose a couple of pounds at the beginning of each week and then eat like a crazy person on the weekends. Weekends are stressful and I just eat until my stomach hurts from being too full. I am so glad today is Monday!

Collected 69 points this week - trying to keep up with Denise :)

Big Decision BIG

After prayer, reasearch, and a lot of thought, I think I have decided to get gastric bypass. I know this is HUGE. So much to contemplate. I also know going into it that it will not solve the problem alone. I have to do my part and be very diligent not to gain it all back. Here's the reasoning that has led me to this point:

I have two friends who have had it done about a year and a half ago. My aunt had it done over 10 yrs ago. My two friends are really happy with the results. Both have said it is a new lease on life and they have so much more energy. My aunt has gained some back, but not all of it. She still looks much better.

I have wanted this for many years. Money has been the biggest factor. Also I was still having children. We are done with pregnancies (yes my husband got "fixed" as my sister likes to say). We have been careful with money and have good credit. We have been thinking of refinancing and just keep putting it off. Maybe it was so we could do this all at once and take out enough money to get the surgery.

My sister just sold us a car and we were able to make the payments without having to do a loan. That gives us three paid for cars. We are lucky because we have no shame about driving old cars. We think of cars as transportation, not status symbols or luxury items that we can't live without. So we shouldn't have a car payment for a long time.

So we worked out the biggest challenges. Then on to the risks. Yes, they are big and I could die. I am lucky because I have had several surgeries and I recover well. I am in remission right now with my Ulcerative Colitis. I just have a good feeling about it. All of life is a risk and I will have to put myself in God's Hands.

I am still praying about it and doing all of my research. This isn't a quick or easy thing. It will take a long time just the get to surgery. Then I have a year and a half to two years of losing before I can get the tummy tuck/breast lift. I will be doing that because I have had eight kids, and very large twin girls. They were 7 and 6 pounds. I got an umbilical hernia. It was repaired, I got pregnant--it ripped again, and then repaired, and then ripped again. That is where I am at. Still need my hernia repaired. Anyway...just dream with me for a second. Flat stomach that doesn't sit in my lap when I sit down!!!

My sister-in-law said that she thinks I will be so happy to be down again, that I won't want to go back. It worked for Star Jones. I will keep you posted on my final decision and if it all works out. They could exclude me because of my autoimmune disease. I will be with you all on this journey for the rest of my life, surgery or no. I love this blog and it gives me a chance to really express all the feelings I have about being overweight.

Oh, and I got 44 points for last week. I will need to be more diligent than ever to start getting into the habits for the surgery. Liquid diet sounds really fun. You are also supposed to lose before the surgery to help your heart and lungs be ready for the surgery. We can all lose weight in the short term when we are really motivated, the surgery just helps you take care of the bigger picture.

Try not to judge:)

My week

So I'm posting a day late because we had a power outage yesterday. My points were 57 and I lost 2 pounds. I went without a soda this whole week, but I didn't get my sprints in because some one lost the key to my treadmill. I found the key yesterday and so I just got off the treadmill after doing my sprints. Yeah me!!! I really do think they make a world of difference for me. I'm still finding it hard to not snack which is so weird because I didn't snack hardly at all when I lost those first twenty pounds, I'll chalk it up to added stress with going back to school. I feel like I've started into a somewhat normal schedule now, so hopefully that will help
For all you Biggest Loser fans out there, just finished watching the season premiere, cried like a baby, I think it's going to be a great season, just one draw back...I'm not there.

Okay I'm a Slacker

I know I never got around to posting last week, even though I had every intention. Sorry! I really struggled last week getting my exercise due to the pain in my foot, I couldn't hardly even walk. So, I took a couple days off and started icing my heal. I am not going to be able to run for a while. This morning I started doing P90X again. It is a really good circuit training program which is pretty much low impact which is what I need right now. I've got to get my foot healed before we go to disneyland next month! Anyway, I felt good doing something this morning that didn't make me hurt in a bad pain (I know I'll "feel" the burn though tomorrow). If anyone is looking for a good hour long workout-I highly recommend it. It also includes 12 different workouts so you don't plateau or get bored. Anyway, that is my update-I'll do better this week-promise!

Week 2 is through ...

I had a great week. I find it humorous that we all struggle with different things. I've got down the no treats and exercising 4x per week. It's the eating fruits and veggies that I still struggle with. Maybe if I ever grow my own garden I won't struggle w/that. Maybe one day ... In any case, fruit smoothies after dinner helped me on several days. :) Yummy! However, I don't imagine a big helping of fruit smoothies is good right before bed, so I need to work on that. However, I have lost four pounds from the start of this challenge. I'll take it! So, this week I got 66 points (65 + 1 bonus for posting last Monday).

I'll also post a recipe of a dinner we love. We've fed it to LOTS of people who have also enjoyed it. I'm not a fruit and meat kind of girl, so I don't know what possessed me to try this. It's from "Light and Tasty" Magazine, which I had a subscription to several years ago ...

Apple Chicken Quesadillas

2 medium tart apples, diced

1 c. cooked chicken breast, diced

½ c. cheddar cheese, shredded

½ c. mozzarella cheese, shredded

½ c. corn

½ c. fresh tomatoes, chopped

½ c. onion, chopped

¼ t. salt

6 flour tortillas

¾ c. shredded lettuce

¾ c. salsa

6 T. sour cream

Directions:

1. In a bowl, combine the first eight ingredients. Place about ¾ cup on half of each tortilla. Fold tortilla in half over filling and secure with toothpicks. Place on a baking sheet coated with nonstick cooking spray. Bake at 400 degrees for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown.

2. Carefully turn quesadillas over; bake 5-8 minutes longer or until golden. Discard toothpicks. Cut each quesadilla into three wedges. Serve with lettuce, salsa and sour cream.

I've found that you can also pre-mix the filling and the apples for some reason don't brown.

I'd love any good salad recipes out there, too. But lunch ideas are the best. Thanks Jennifer!

It's Monday Again

Week 2 is done, week 3 begins. It was a crazy week with my 7 year old braking an arm and needing a little surgery. Collected 62 points and no weight gain or loss.

week two - 58 points

So I didn't do well last week either. I only got 58 points (plus one bonus for posting last Mon if we are doing that) I found that eating my fruits and vegies is easy with all the vegies growing in my garden, but when it comes to snacking and exercising I fall. It's easy to make excuses, but I'm not going to instead I'm going to list two recipes I enjoy (thanks Denise for the idea).

For lunch I found a low carb recipe that I love. I store the rinsed black beans in the fridge. They keep for about 2 weeks.

Black Bean Quesadilla

From Healthylivingonline.com

1 flour tortilla

1/2 tsp oil

1/4 cup diced scallions

1 Tbsp diced green chili peppers

1/2 oz low fat cheese

1/4 cup black beans, drained and rinsed

Coat bottom of non stick skillet with oil, place tortilla in skillet. Layer beans, cheese, peppers and onions onto half of tortilla and fold other half over top to close. Cook until bottom is brown the flip and brown other side. Serve when beans are warm and cheese is melted. Serve with salsa.

calories 297

fat 7 g (sat fat 2 g)

chol 5 mg

carbs 49 g

sodium 400 mg (less because you rinsed the black beans, even less if you get low sodium caned beans)

fiber 9 g

protein 12 g

Chocolate Zucchini Bread

From Trim and Terrific Diabetic Cooking By Holly Clegg

1 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 cup whole wheat flour (or all purpose if you don't have wheat flour)

1/4 cup cocoa

1 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

1 cup brown sugar

2 large eggs

1/3 cup oil

1 tsp vanilla

1 1/2 cup shredded zucchini

1/2 chopped walnuts (can be left out)

1/4 cup fat-free milk

Preheat oven to 350F Coat loaf pan with non stick spray

In bowl combine flours, cocoa, soda, cinnamon and baking powder (and vanilla if using powdered vanilla) In different bowl combine sugar, eggs, oil and vanilla. Stir in zucchini and walnuts.

Add 1/3 of flour mixture each time, add flour mixture alternating with the milk to the zucchini mixture, stirring slightly after each addition.

Transfer batter to pan and bake for 45-55 minutes or until toothpick comes out clan.

Exchanges 1 1/2 starch

1 fat

calories 177 (fat 72)

total fat 8 g (sat fat 1 g)

cholesterol 27 mg

sodium 108 mg

Total carb 24 g (sugars 14 g)

Protein 3 g

Hope we all have a great 3 week.

Will this ever get easier?

Okay, my points for the week 45. Not great and I wanted to eat way too much. Moderation in all things, except I don't want moderation. I have the constant debate with myself...do I try to eat regular food and count calories or do I do a strict lower carb diet. I lose control too much when I eat regular food, but I also want to give up when I am too strict. Why does this have to be such a struggle for me? I have no more judgement for people who have addictions. You know all the reasons why you should stop, and yet you don't feel like you can.

I am not trying to be negative, just real and honest. This will always be the biggest struggle of my life. We had a family dinner and I was noticing that my brother-in-law always orders some healthy dish like salmon and veggies or chicken and veggies. I asked him if he is doing that to be healthy or if he just really does want that instead of the cheesy, fried, heavier food. He said that is really what he likes and it isn't because he is trying to choose healthier items. I am just not that way. If I am having success, I am constantly feeling deprived of all the foods that I want to eat. I wonder if it will ever get easier. This is an addiction for me.

I will try to find some positive things to think about. I do like my fruits and veggies. I just like them with the bad stuff. I will look at the points I am missing and work on just a small goal.

My Points

So I almost forgot to post, it still feels like the weekend with the vacation. But my points were 51 this week. I am having a hard time getting into a routine for exercise, but hopefully will get there soon. That and the snacking is killing me, I just have to have my chocolate at the end of the day after the kids are in bed, just my little something to help me relax and unwind, any suggestions for a replacement healthy snack?

Week one 50 points

Let's just say that this week was hard for me. I'm still trying to find that groove where I can fit in everything. Going back to school has been just a bit stressful. I found myself grabbing for the goodies as I did my homework this week( which evened out my points to zero since my personal goal was to not procrastinate my homework 1 point, having a treat minus 1 point). I stress eat and that is something I will need to over come. I also found it hard to remember to eat on Tuesday and Thursday because they are my busiest days. Then when I get home it is straight for the refrigerator to consume whatever I can find. My weight right now is at 231. I lost twenty pounds initially when we started the blog and I've been stuck there ever since. I will be getting my butt into gear and taking off some weight this week. I need to get back to doing my intervals each night and so that will be my goal for this week, that and no more soda(which is weird because I went like 4 months with out one and then started up again). I will take the time to get on that treadmill and succeed in running those intervals. Good Luck for the up coming week, hope we can all do a little better than we have.

Week 1 is done ...

Well, week one went pretty good for me ... until Saturday! I already knew I would miss my snack point and probably go -1 since it was my first child's baptism and I was making treats to celebrate. However, what I didn't expect was that I ate no fruits/veggies all day!!! So, when I realized this at 9 p.m. when I wasn't hungry, I stuffed my face with 2 nectarines and a banana to get a few points. It was disgusting! Seriously, I almost threw up. Needless to say, LESSON LEARNED!!!

In spite of my bad day, those fruits gave me enough points to get 65 points the first week. I feel that was a really strong week and hope I can stay strong throughout. I have a habit of starting strong and then dwindling, so my personal challenge will grow as this challenge goes on.

Good luck to everyone!

Week 1 - 50 points

O.k. So I started out last week doing great. Mid week came and I let my busy life interrupt my exercise, then I spent the last two days laying flat as I hurt my back to the point i couldn't move. I let the pain get to me and gave up on everything, I raided the house for sweets and I'm sure my blood sugar sky rocketed as a result. I'm still looking froward to this. My back is doing much better today and I'm actually walking and moving. I plan on a mild exercise routine tomorrow and I will return to my healthier eating habits today. So sitting there in pain I realized that stress is my weakness trigger. i allow it to overtake me and I give up on my exercise and eating goals, at which point I conclude that I've "Failed" and I'll start anew some other time. This group is really what I'm looking for. Someone that I have to share my accountability with. So this week I only scored 50 points. Not bad considering the pain this weekend.

By the way I don't post pictures of me so this took a lot of courage for me to post. My starting weight was 185. No weight loss or gain this week.

Week #2

Hello Ladies,
I collected 65 points this week, no weight gained or lost. I am planning to eat some homemade ice cream tonight, so I won't get the 'no snack point', but I am going to be good and not go overboard with holiday eating. Hope everyone has a great Labor Day.

I'm so excited!!!!

I was so excited when I logged on and saw all the pictures. Finally the blog is turning into the support group I had envisioned. Thank you so much Denise for coming up with the challenge idea, and thanks to all of you for joining in. Now maybe I will get past the plataeu I hit after those first twenty pounds.

This picture just about makes me want to cry. I really think when I look in a mirror I can fool myself, but when I see pictures of myself there it is, the bold face truth. Sad, but I avoid having my picture taken, we haven't even had a family photo done for years. My first goal then will be to get in front of the camera moe often.

Before picture

Today is the last day of the first week, so I better hurry up and post a before picture. I am the queen of procrastination, so it's no wonder I waited until the end ...

My before pic was taken before I showered, brushed my hair or got out of my jammie bottoms. But it was that or have my 3-year-old take the picture ... and I didn't need it to look any worse! :) So, yes, I figure a before picture is supposed to look bad, so no worries, right?



I have been very excited about this fitness challenge and realize how much one day can make or break points! More on that tomorrow when I post results on my first week ...

Snacks vs. treats/sweets - a clarification

Okay, ladies, sorry I wasn't clear about the whole "no snacking" issue. I don't mean no snacks between meals, because I fully believe a healthy snack is good for your body. What I meant by no snacking is no treats/sweets. (Probably in my mind a snack = treat, which is how I got to be 200+ pounds! :) In any case, modify your points accordingly. You can snack, but not have any treats or sweets or cheats.

My Before Picture

I sure can use any extra points, so I'm posting my before picture. This challenge has been good for me, and I realize how much unhealthy "snacking" I really do. I would get a little stressed out and eat a few M&Ms and then go about my day only to find that I had 5 "snacks" of M&Ms during the day. Now that I am catching myself I realize how much I would emotionally eat throughout the day. Thanks for starting this Denise.

Before Photo

Here is my before photo. This was on my vacation and we had tea in Summerville, SC. The place was called This Whole House and you can look it up online. So much fun. If you want to read my very long blog post about my fun trip, with lots of pictures, you can check it out at aubreyssugarandspice(dot)blogspot(dot)com. I want a second house in Savannah!!!

I am thinking more about what I'm eating and these small goals are perfect for me right now. I am 267 today. I was down to 263 after vacation and I was thinking--almost under 260. Gotta keep going. Exercise is hard for me. I am going to try to figure out how to make it work. Sleep is easiest, because I can't function without at least 6 hours. My autoimmune disease makes sure of that. I am doing good about being on a schedule because of school and the kids. Let's have a good week.

Ready Set Go

I am actually going to post a picture. I think this picture says it all. I have been hovering around 187-189 for a few months now. I am not going to be following the no snacking either as I believe in healthy snacks in the form of 6 small meals a day. I will be following the clean eating program (it's a book by a lady named Tosca Reno).

My hubby took me to Fleet Foot to buy some real running shoes yesterday and maybe that will help me be able to get of the pain I've been getting from running. I have exercised everyday since Monday and I think I'll probably take Sundays only off. The key for me is changing up the exercise. If I walk or run everyday I will plateau after a few pounds and get stuck again. So, I plan on running, doing P90X (it really works!), and doing some weight lifting as well. Good luck to you all girls!

Week #1

My personal goal is to stick with the McDougall Plan for 12 weeeks (www.drmcdougall.com). It is a lowfat, starch-based eating lifestyle. So fruits and veggies will be easy. No snacking will be hard. In fact, I don't think I am going to even try the no snacking thing. Cause then I would be uncomfortable hungry during most of the day. So I'll have to see how far I can get with aiming for 9 out of 10 points.

My starting weight is 136. I lost 7 pounds in June/July so I have 3 more to go to be at my prepregnancy weight or 11 more to go to get to my ideal/college weight. My 'baby' is 17 months old. My husband and I have 6 kiddos. The oldest is 16. But it is not about the weight, huh? I like the idea of having healthy living goals that are not all about weight loss.

One of my biggest challenges coming up this week is tomorrow night. I love big bags of movie popcorn and Robert and I are going to see UP! at the dollar theater for our Friday night date. I plan to chew gum :)

Here is my before picture taken on Monday. Let's all get some points!

Good luck, ladies!

Yes, I did invite men to join our challenge, too. In fact, one who didn't realize it was me who started the challenge thought it was a very good scam. Funny.

In any case, a couple of clarifications:
- Our weeks of points will go from Mondays to Sundays.
- Count your sleeping points on the day after you sleep (so yesterday you could get a point for how you slept the night before).

And those in the contest include:
- Gwen
- Denise
- Jenn
- Jennifer
- Christy
- Christina
- Barbara
- Aubrey
- Rachel ? (still trying to confirm for sure)

Did I miss anyone?!?

Good luck! If you don't get an e-mail inviting you to be an author on the site, let us know and we'll send it to you. That way you can create your own posts and include pics.

I'm in

Okay, so I will be honest here. I thought, I will just give $10 to make Gwen happy :) I want to do this, but it sometimes feels impossible. I did so well on my vacation. Oh yeah, I got to go to Savannah, GA and Charleston, SC. It was amazing and fun. Probably why I got home and had lost 3 pounds! I had fun and was busy.

And then, Back to reality. Back to a house that my 13 and 15 yr. old sons had trashed. Laundry, Laundry and more Laundry. Kids getting ready for back to school. Garage sale that meant great deals, but more stuff to organize and store. Cooking that needs to be done now before the veggies go bad. Cleaning the pantry. And I have barely made a dent. And my sister had to find a house to buy immediately. And I dropped everything to help her because she is my best friend and her problems are my problems.

I have gained :( As soon as the stress starts building, I start eating. It is my coping mechanism. I know, everyone says replace it. I try and fail. Why can I be a smart woman who can't figure this out???

But here is a goal to set. I will post the rules for points on my fridge and try to get started. Do you think the multiple servings of brownies that I ate (after a healthy yogurt) will set me back too much?

It is on ... it's so very on!

Contest starts Aug. 31 (that's MONDAY!!!) and runs through Nov. 23 (12 weeks). If you're wanting to join, leave a comment on this post by Aug. 30. We're hoping to get at least 10 people to join so the pot is $100 or more for the winner. So, please send your $10 to me or Gwen by Sept. 30 so we can let everyone know how big the pot is ... (Recruit friends to make the pot even bigger!) The pot will be given to the winner just in time for Christmas shopping ...

This contest is based on fitness and healthy eating, NOT on weight loss ... although none of us are going to complain if that happens. :) Winner gets the pot (or splits it if there is a tie) based on how many points are accumulated throughout the 12 weeks.

Points are given each day based on the following:

• Keeping a food log (1 point per day - must keep it for the whole day)
  
• Exercising for 30 minutes (1 point max per day -- 1 hour doesn't equal 2 points)
• One point for each serving of fruit/vegetables (up to 5 per day)
  
• Meeting a personal goal (me time, scripture study, not yelling, etc.) (1 point per day)
  
• No snacking (1 snack the size of your palm = 0 points; more snacks = -1 point) (If you wonder if it's a snack, it's a snack! Be honest here -- it's for your health!)
• Getting 6+ hours of sleep per night (1 point per day ... adjust as necessary for newborns)
  

That makes a possible total of 10 points each day.

There will also be a bonus point each Monday for those who post to the blog (an entry or comment) about how many points you earned over the past week (and hopefully weight lost! :). The first week there will be a bonus point for posting a "before" picture as well, and the last week there will be a bonus point for posting an "after" picture.

My friend who did a similar contest said the first few weeks she got hardly any points, but she ended up losing a bit of weight and felt great!

I am pumped to start eating healthier, and I'm afraid it will take this contest to finally get me to do it! Also, if you'd like a copy of the food log I plan to use, post your e-mail in the comments as well. (Feel free to use at instead of @ and dot com so it doesn't link as an e-mail.)

GOOD LUCK!!!

Birthdays are over!

My birthday/anniversary month is over now and the kids are back in school-finally. The birthdays started in July with my brother-in-law who was on the 26th, my husband's was on the 29th. Then my birthday was August 7th, my daughter Hailey's on the 10th and then our anniversary on the 11th. Of course we kept eating out for everyone's birthday plus cakes and stuff. I wasn't too good. But, at least I didn't gain and now I am officially okayed to try and get pregnant so I can't really try to lose hard core. I figure I can still eat healthy and work out though, and maybe cut back on portions until I am actually pregnant. I guess my goal if I get pregnant will be to keep exercising, which I didn't do with my past pregnancies, so maybe it won't be so far for me to go afterwards. Good luck girls! We've all had a rough summer it sounds like.

What Happened????

So I have fallen off the weight loss wagon. I haven't posted lately because I have gotten a little lazy and gained back about two pounds. What really brought my attention to this is my husband commenting on how I have seemed to slack off after I was doing so good. It all started with the week that Jarrett took off for vacation. It threw everything out of whack sort of. We were going out and doing a lot of stuff, walking around in the hot sun. I guess my thought process was that this could count for exercise. It didn't. Then I would eat out with the family, and that was no good either. I felt like treating myself, which in itself is not all that bad, but I felt like doing it all the time. Trips to the ice cream shop, dessert at Applebee's(that after the hamburger I had eaten). I have also not been eating on schedule. We all know what that does. Then somehow that week stretched into two and then three. All along I kept telling myself I will start again tomorrow, then it became after the weekend, and so on. Now here I am up two pounds after all that work to take it off. So I WILL be starting again today, I've already worked out this morning and then took a walk over to the school with the kids. I will lose this week you can count on that. Good Luck to all.

Time for a contest?

Wondering if the rest of you are game for a contest of sorts? A friend who saw this blog said she did it with a group of women that made fitness and healthy eating a competition. They had each person put in $25 (I'm thinking more like $10 would be better), but after 12 weeks they tallied points and the winner(s) got the pot. (The winners also got a bit of weight off!)

Needless to say, if we each recruited a person or two, that would mean the winner would get something like $100 right in time for Christmas.

Points were given each day based on things like the following:

• Keeping a food log
• Exercising for 30 minutes (1 point per day -- 1 hour doesn't equal 2 points)
• One point for each serving of fruit/vegetables (up to 5 per day)
  
• Meeting a personal goal (me time, scripture study, not yelling, etc.)
• No snacking (1 snack the size of your palm = 0 points; more snacks = -1 point) (If you wonder if it's a snack, it's a snack!)
• Getting 6+ hours of sleep per night

That makes a possible total of 10 points each day. They also had a bonus point each Monday for those who posted to the blog and said how many points they'd earned over the past week (and hopefully how many pounds they'd lost!). My friend said the first few weeks she got hardly any points, but she endured and ended up losing a bit of weight.

As our kids start school and we're getting into new routines and schedules, it's a perfect time to make sure our fitness is a part of that schedule. I like that this point system isn't based on weight loss, but on overall fitness in general. If we were to start Sept. 1, we could go through Nov. 30 and find out the winner the first of December ...

Anyone game?

-1

I enjoyed a fun birthday week. Trent told me that is one of my special talents. I can make my birthday last forever ;). Even after all the eating and celebrating, I lost a pound. I think that means I am doing better with portions.

I am past the point of thinking that I can live off of protein shakes forever. I really want to learn to be around food and not be out of control. I also know I do better if I don't buy any junk for the house. It needs to be saved for special occasions when I have saved my calories.

I will keep trying and thinking about my calories and hopefully have a bigger loss next week.

Down ... for now ...

Okay, so this week I weighed in at 226, which is down 5 from my original start weight. However, I am still struggling through our construction to eat regularly. I realized on Friday that I was really hungry. I looked at my watch and saw that it was 3 p.m. and I hadn't eaten lunch. Oops! So, I put a Lean Cuisine in and did a couple of errands ...

Then my hubby and I were finishing up a few errands and realized we'd be eating dinner later than usual. I told him we needed to hurry, because for some reason I was very hungry. Then I thought about what I ate for lunch. Oops. This was the moment I realized my Lean Cuisine was still sitting in the microwave. My microwave beeps intermittently if you don't open it after the timer goes off, but since it's in the garage these days I didn't hear it.

I realized on Saturday I did the same thing with lunch -- went to see Harry Potter at 1 p.m. (Loved it, BTW), and didn't eat lunch until afterwards. What is up with my brain? I'm messing up my metabolism even further!

So, my goal this week is to eat regular meals. Eventually I'll get into having good meals and snacks as well, but while we finish putting our kitchen back together this week I'll focus on eating just 3 meals per day!

Made it through a vacation

Well, I didn't lose this week, but I did maintain. We had a wonderful vacation and then I didn't stick to my calorie count this week, and I didn't gain. That is progress.

My birthday is Monday and I am going out with my sister and Mom. I am going to let myself eat, but then my goal is to get back on track Tuesday. I want a loss soon. I am thinking about all of my portions and trying to make smarter choices.

I have been walking with Trent and with Amber and I am going to try and go up lots of hills pushing the stroller. That is enough to get me breathing heavy.

Gwen, I am so proud of you and I'm sure everyone else is also. Keep being an inspiration.

An Inspirational Story

This is an inspirational thought that I found about another woman's journey through weight loss. It really got to me, and inspired me. I hope this isn't plagiarism, I just thought you could all be inspired by her story of the things she has learned while she took off the weight.

Here's what she had to say:
I have learned that the prison of shame and guilt that I had built was my own creation and that I had the power to tear it down, or to build it up. It is all up to ME.

I had to learn to take personal responsibility for every bite of food that I put into my mouth, and that I had to eat healthy to BE healthy.

I had to learn that you either do IT (diet/exercise), or you don't -- there's no middle ground and that life is full of choices and I choose to be happier and healthier with mine.

I learned that I could acknowledge myself in ways other than eating. I no longer have to be an "emotional eater" to do that.

I learned to admit to myself that I was fat and unhealthy because I chose to overeat and I chose foods that were unhealthy and fattening.

I learned I just needed to find a diet plan that worked for ME. For me this is the idiot proof diet plan. Eating the right combination of foods, eating small portions knowing I will eat again in two hours, and eating healthy food was and is my key to success.

I learned that I am not a failure even though I may have "failed" when I dieted in the past.

I have learned that "temptations" along my journey are merely a test to my commitment. And, if I give myself the "gift" of an occasional temptation it makes the journey go much better.

I have learned that losing weight is not the end result but the beginning of a new chapter -- complete with new challenges, commitments and dreams!

I have learned that the journey will NEVER be over for me, that this is just the beginning of another journey to a happier and healthier life full of mountains and valleys, but with the help of all my SparkFriends I will accept the hills and valleys and travel with them...with the knowledge that I CAN continue, and I CAN do this, with their help and support.

-2

Two pounds for this week! I'm beginning to think that the Biggest Loser is really missing out on something by not casting me as a contestant. I'm working pretty hard and having some good success. Imagine how I would do on the ranch where they work out all day with trainers and have no temptations(except for the ones the challenges bring out). I'm pretty sure I would have been one of those people with amazing losses from week to week. Their bad! So maybe I can't inspire a nation of people to lose weight; I'm just happy to have our little blog where we can inspire each other. It makes me proud that Aubrey is to the point were she can post her weight. I believe it's the first step to being accountable for ourselves and helping us to make the steps necessary to change our selves. Good job Aubrey!!!
This week I went shopping with my mom. My baby sister is getting married in August and my mom wants everyone to have dresses in the color's my sister has chosen. Let me tell you that I really do not enjoy shopping for clothes. I have a limited choice of stores because of the size thing, and then nothing ever seems to compliment my shape ( or should I say lack of shape). We found a beautiful dress, but the largest they had was a 14. I decided maybe I would try it on, if it was a little to tight then my thought process was that I could lose the weight to fit into it by my sister's wedding. Needless to say I am not even close. The dress got stuck and I had to have my mom help me take it off. My goal is to someday be out of the plus size, but I have far to go. Hopefully someday I will enjoy shopping.

starting to get on board

Okay, I am ready to post my weight. Big step for me because it is so stinkin high. It also means I am taking this seriously. I wouldn't post it if I didn't mean for it to change. I am 266. Yikes. But when I delivered I was 315. I couldn't believe it myself. At least 20 of that was water, because I dropped 45 pounds in two weeks. My old highest weight was 260. It did get up to 265 but never stayed for more than a few days. My first goal is to get to 240. That is where I was when I was doing Biggest Loser at my rec. center. I was working out and I looked better. From there, down to under 200.

Gwen, and everyone, thank you for the support. I need it right now. I know that I am done having babies and I can really focus on this now. It is so hard, but totally neccesary.

I have had some success with late night eating. I have resisted and gone to bed hungry. My stomach is starting that wonderful process of shrinking. It feels so good. I even went to a family party and ate yummy food. Just ate less earlier in the day and watched my portions. I enjoyed every bite. I still felt hungry at bed time so I don't think I overdid it. It is so good to be in control.

I have a vacation this weekend and I have talked with Trent about splitting all our restaurant meals. I am going to try portion control and enjoy the good food. Hopefully will still have a loss or even just matain. I forgot to add that I did lose 1.5 lbs for the week. I had gained 9 pounds the week of the fourth, but three days of calorie counting had all of that off. Then another day and my 1.5 loss. I even got weighed at the doctors. So, started at 270 and am down to 266.something. Can't remember exactly, but moving in the right direction.

Congrats Gwen and could you send an invite for the blog to my walking partner, Amber. She is working on her last 10 to 15. I know we all wish we were there, but those are the hardest pounds to lose. Her e-mail is amber@leefamily.org

I will be thinking of my upcoming blog post when I sit down to all my yummy food this weekend!

My first 20 lbs.!!!!

I did it!!! I lost my first twenty pounds!!! That's 3 lbs. for the week. My weight today is 230 lbs. I know I have so much further to go, but I am so happy to have taken off that first 20. Now I need to stay focused on the rest of the weight. I want everyone to know that I am making the change for good. My husband will sometimes mention my "diet" and I tell him it's my "lifestyle change". I can't expect to diet for the rest of my life, but I can change how I eat on a regular basis so that I am healthy. My momentum is back. When I stopped to think about the last week when I lost no weight I realize it was that time of the month. I'm sure it had it's affect on my body. This may seem weird, but it's somewhat awesome for me to be able to say it was even that time of the month because as many of you may know I suffer from PCOS and very rarely get my period. Since we have started this journey I have been seeing the results of my body changing itself from within and beginning to reverse the PCOS. The doctors have told me this could happen and I am thrilled to see it is. I know maybe that is to much info for some and some people may think it's strange to be excited to get your period( I've often thought the only other person who would be this excited is someone who suspects they are pregnant but doesn't want to be) but it is thrilling for me to see my body reacting in the ways I want it to. Hope you all have a great week!

Gaining Momentum???

I will keep my fingers crossed on this one. I think I may be starting the downward slope. But, man I'm working my butt off for it. I upped my running to 35 minutes yesterday and even though my weight had edged up last week to 191. You, know holidays and stuff. I'm back at 187 now, so can I post that as a -4? Maybe not. Anyway, I am going to keep it up this week and hopefully have a real negative number to show for it next week. Good luck to you all this week!

ZERO and a loss of momentum

This week I lost zero pounds. I'm just glad I didn't gain any. I have that to feel good about. I'm beginning to have a hard time staying motivated, and have found myself snacking on un-healthy things. One problem is I have caught myself putting off eating at regular times and then feeling so starved that I just want something really delicious to satisfy that hunger. I haven't been keeping very healthy items around the house to eat, and with birthdays and such there has been much more cake and ice cream. The one good thing is that I didn't gain any weight. This tells me that once I do get all the extra weight off, then these kinds of weeks won't be so bad. I need to stay focused on now. Right now I need to not cheat because it derails my whole week. If I can just stick to the plan, and lose the weight I need to then I'm sure a piece of cake, or some popcorn at the movies won't be that bad. While I'm trying to lose the weight they are bad. Working out has been less and less fun as the weeks drag on, and so I am going to try and find some new things to do. I think I have just hit the place where it feels awesome to be losing weight, but the reality of being in it for a long haul is setting in. I can make it past this, I will make it.
This weekend we will be heading to Cedar City. I'm already looking ahead and planning healthy snacks to take with us on the long trip. I think some grapes, maybe nuts and water for me. My favorite road trip snack is Swedish fish and some sort of salty crispy snack like trail mix or chex mix. I can eat all the way there and all the way back if I don't think about it. I will try and be mindful of how much I consume by pre measuring my snacks before we leave. Being healthy can be so much work. I know it will be worth it.
Girls I'm so glad everyone is seeing some sort of success in their journey. Taking the time to get on the treadmill when we don't feel like it, exercising in the tiniest of places, and taking the time to make you a priority are all the building blocks to success. We may have to make small steps in the beginning, but they will take us far in the end.

I want to be a runner!

Gosh, I never thought I'd say that. More and more I am thinking that running is a good way to burn LOTS of calories. This week my goal is to exercise 5 days and to run 3 of those days. Monday I was drugged up in serious dental pain, thanks to a crown that is not being nice to me. But, I got on the treadmill yesterday and for the first time since high school ran for 30 minutes. After the first 10 minutes the pain numbed and it wasn't too bad. I ran 1.8 miles. I'm pretty proud of myself. Maybe it will help me be able to post some negative numbers as well. Good job girls!! You're doing way better than me. Now if I can only get my husband to get up and go to the gym so we're doing the same thing. It will help me focus. And a tip I got from my sister-in-law for those us who don't run because we're afraid we're going to get beat up by our chest. Wear 2 sports bras. I makes things much more stable and comfortable. Anyway-good for you all! I hope to join you soon.

Picture

Yes, I exercised in this itsy-bitsy tiny space:

Exercise success!

Good job to Aubrey for her weight loss. I can't imagine trying to exercise with 8 children, including a new baby. Anything negative is worth celebrating since it's all on the path of making us feel better.

I had a moment last week to be proud of, so I took a picture to prove it. (Unfortunately Blogger isn't letting me upload it! :( I'll have to try again later.)

In any case, I had quite the excuse not to exercise (house in more chaos than ever), but I did anyway! I wasn't able to do tons, but you don't need much space to get moving. I have a workout video that has intervals, so I did it. And I felt great for overcoming difficult circumstances.

This morning I was soooo tempted to call Gwen to cancel (just so darn tired!), but I went anyway. I love how I feel after I exercise, especially when I push myself to do it when I REALLY don't want to or push myself farther than I really am comfortable.

Needless to say, last week I am -2 from my start weight, but with my stress I'm a yo-yo these days ... but negative is good (for now)!

I'll post the picture of my poor, pathetic family room space (or lack thereof) later when blogger is working correctly ...

it's a start

I lost two pounds. I am happy with that. I am trying not to think about how much I have to lose. It is so much and I don't want to become overwhelmed. That is why I liked Gwen's focus for this blog. Let's just get under 200. It's a good place to start.

I am having a hard time with my cheat meal. It is turning into a cheat weekend. I don't think I can go long term without having a yummy meal to look forward to, but can I control it? Something for me to keep working on.

I am still really sore and dealing with aches. It makes it hard to want to work out. Walking is where I am at and I have to be patient. I don't think I will be able to do a more vigorous workout until I can get some more sleep.

I am going to focus on matenance this week with all the travel and holiday stuff. Portion sizes will be a good focus.

Good luck to all of us and Happy 4th!

-1

This week was hard. I found myself grabbing a handful of bar b que chips her and there, snacking on some sugar cookies that I made for Jarrett for fathers day, and the worst I kept picking at a cake that my grandma forced me to bring home on Sunday. The cake was my major downfall. I find it very difficult to resist a pan of any kind of goodies when it is in the house. So far I have avoided this temptation by simply not making any treats. This is not a realistic approach because I know that through the years we will have treats in the house. I never really have an entire peice at a time, just a sliver here and a sliver there until I realize I probably would of been better of just eating a peice in the first place. It is my goal to learn how to get over this particular obstacle.

Exercise was also harder this week than it has been. My knees are starting to hurt, and I felt all together more tired than usual. I figure my body is past the point of loving the attention I have been giving it, and like most things that get too much attention it is backing off. (Sounds like some of my post mission dating.) I tried a core workout that I DVR'd on TV. I only lasted about ten minutes because it involved a lot of sit ups on the floor. The girl even sat indian style and then held her enitre body up with the palms of her hands, obviously she weighs like nothing to be able to do that. Does any body have a favorite workout video to get me started with the strenght training? I tried one once at my moms that used an exercise ball and I loved it, maybe I will go buy one for myself.

I'm happy with my one pound. It keeps me motivated to re focus myself this coming week. My current weight is 233, and I have lost one percent in body fat over the last three weeks. I wasn't so great at keeping the food journal, it's hard to know how many calories a fork full of cake has. I'm glad to see Jenn has rejoined, I was about to call her and see what is up.

On a personal note. I am taking Kylee to the pool tomorrow for her Birthday party. Being in a swimsuit is a personal trial. I hate it, but I do love the water and making my little girl happy. Next year I plan on looking great in my swimsuit, oh yeah!!! I will not pick at the birthday cake, I will not pick at the birthday cake, I will not pick at the birthday cake.
Happy lifestyle changing this week!!!

I'm baaack

Sorry I've not been posting. Gwen, you're doing awesome. Aubrey and Denise I feel your pain. My mother in law was in town 2 weekends ago and even though she is a raw vegan (eats sprouts and stuff that I can't consider nourishment) she brings bad eating with her every time she comes. For 3 days we ate out every meal except breakfast. And even though we tried to go places with healthy choices-like Zupas- she ordered one of every dessert they had, including the fondue! This was not good for any of us, especially my parents who are both diabetic! I felt like crap after she left, luckily before she came I got in 3 days of exercise. And last week after she left I got on the treadmill 3 days. I feel pretty good to just have maintained through all this. Last Friday was my last day of work, so now I should be able to get up at a decent hour and exercise. I did my treadmill yesterday and have been eating better. (Protein shake for breakfast, sugar-free smoothie as an after work-out snack, salad for lunch and veges, lean protein and brown rice for dinner. Sounds boring, but this is the menu that worked for me before.) Hopefully I can lose a couple pounds this week. I've only got 2 months to get weight off before I try and get pregnant again. Hope this works! Good luck to you all-keep working hard. It's not easy but you'll feel so much better because of it.

What is it with stress?

I'm going to blame stress on my lack of results thus far.

Last year I helped a friend with a vigorous project for several days and lost 5 pounds. Awesome! Then I started cutting out after-dinner snacks and lost another 5 pounds. Then I started exercising and lost another 5 pounds. I was doing great.

And then I got lazy. I stopped exercising, I slowly went back into eating nighttime snacks, and I gained back all 15 pounds in just a couple of months. What's up with that?

So, I've started to do some of these things again, but my weight just isn't budging. I'll lose a pound here and there, just to regain it back. No, I haven't honed in my eating, and I'm not sure I really can until I get my kitchen back in 2-3 weeks. (In the meantime we're ordering pizza at least 1x per week and doing what we can with as little effort as possible, which usually = unhealthy.) I have cut out anything after dinner. I have been exercising more and more vigorously. Yet I'll lose a pound or two only to gain it right back. What's up with that?

All I can figure is that the stress is holding onto my body fat. That and the whole ketones thing I mentioned earlier since it's hard to eat regularly without a kitchen. Who knew one little room in your house affected so much?!? We've just finished an adoption, have had more drama with MIL, and are doing an addition. Stress, stress, and more stress ...

But I'll enjoy Gwen's success and stick with my efforts in hopes that when I have my kitchen back and can hone in on the eating the pounds will fall off ... I like positive reinforcement and encouragement, and that's exactly what I'm getting from Gwen, so thank you!

Am I ready?

Gwen,

Respectively, if social pressure worked we would all be thin after going to the pool and seeing the cute moms in bikinis. Or going to high school prom, or being married in a plus size dress. :)

I am not trying to be negative, I am just trying to figure this out for the long term. Look at Oprah. The queen of yo-yo dieting. With all the money and support she still hasn't got this down for good. Which, by the way, I just saw that they have come out and said that yo-yo dieting isn't bad for you. This was backed by solid research. I always thought that getting thin at times was better than just staying big.

I know how easy it is to have some success and look around and want everyone right there with you. I remember when I lost 50 pounds and was under 200, I was shopping and looking at people's butts and thinking how gross they were. Oh the cockiness!

I am now at a place where I know that this is all about personal readiness. No one can make you do it. I have tried to put my husband in charge of me. About the time I growled at him for telling me that I shouldn't eat something, he said never again. Everytime I get together with my thin sisters and my thin mother and thin aunt, my weight and happiness comes up. I just cannot be happy with all this weight on me. Life would be so much better and it really is about my health. They love me and only say somegthing because they want me here for a long time. My kids need me (no one in my family wants to raise 8 kids!). Tell me something I don't know. We all have all the best reasons in the world to lose the weight.

That being said, it will always be the very biggest struggle of my life. I have a strong sense of self. I think it is something I came with. I am able to love myself with all the weight. I KNOW I am a good person.

I am going to start my food journal on Monday. I will post the truth about my + or - the following Monday. I will try to have something great to report. Good luck to everyone else. And Gwen, keep on posting the GREAT results. You should love every minute of your success and celebrate yourself.

Ketones

So, now that Gwen pointed out how bad it is to eat too few calories, I thought I'd mention a little something here about ketones. I honestly think the way I got overweight in the first place is that I messed up my metabolism by skipping lunch in middle school. I wanted to keep my lunch money, so I either ate nothing, or bought a candy bar to spend only half as much. Brilliant, huh?

This slowed my metabolism to the point that I gained weight very easily. In fact, my mom wondered if I had thyroid problems since I didn't eat any more than any of the other kids and gained more weight than they did. She even took me to the doctor to check it out, but of course found nothing wrong.

Anyway, I don't know how many of you are familiar with ketones, but I learned about them when I was pregnant and had gestational diabetes. Ketones are substances that are made when the body breaks down fat for energy. Normally, your body gets the energy it needs from carbohydrates in your diet. However, stored fat is broken down and ketones are made if your diet does not contain enough carbohydrates to supply the body with sugar (glucose) for energy or if your body cannot use blood sugar (glucose) properly. This is the whole "your body thinks it's starving" idea -- your body uses the fat that's there. Sounds great, right? Not so. It slows down your metabolism.

In any case, I was SHOCKED to find out how quickly ketones are present in your body -- at least how quickly they were in my body during pregnancy. I had to pee on ketosticks every morning (which you can buy from any pharmacy without a prescription), and it would turn to whatever color based on the amount of ketones in my urine. If I had none, it was the color on the left. If I had minor amounts, it was still to the left. To the right were the darker, more dangerous colors meaning there were more ketones in my urine.

So, if I was an hour late eating a meal during pregnancy, I had ketones in my urine the next day. ONE HOUR!!! I'm still really bad at eating at regular intervals, and I think that's why I continue to struggle in losing weight. I know once I get in the habit of eating my meals and snacks regularly, my fat will fall off more quickly. Just a thought I hope is useful to all of you.

-3

Drum roll please... if you have been keeping track that is 15lbs. total that I have lost. O K girls I am so excited to be able to say that, but my celebration is bitter sweet. I want everyone to be having success, and so far, well let's just say I'm speechless. I want to be able to give wonderful words of encouragement to inspire everyone, but I sort of feel like I'm on a bragging spree when I post, which is so not me. It's hard to lose weight, I am so painfully aware of that, but that is what we have all expressed the desire to do. I don't want to sound like I am chastising any one, because if you know me I am all about the sweet(personality, that is). This week I encourage all of you to look into your life and pick one thing that is going to help you this week be able to post some sort of negative loss. My goal is to keep a food journal. I have been looking at labels recently when I am about to eat, and trying to count calories in a very broad sense, trying to make sure my measurements are equal to a serving. I've decided to start writing it down so I can see exactly how many calories I am consuming. Some days I worry that I have gone overboard on limiting myself to too few calories, and I am curious to find out by keeping track. In the long run I know that limiting yourself, and consuming not enough to fuel your body can have it's bad side. Here's the thing, I think people in general, myself included start losing a few pounds and then they are like "Wow maybe if I eat a little less then I will lose even more, faster" If any one watches the Biggest Loser like I do then you will know that the players always get into trouble when they start feeling this way. I've heard that keeping a food journal greatly increases your odds of succeeding. This same trick is used in budgeting. When you have a visual of how much you eat then you can look back and adjust where needed. It's going to be a lifestyle change, and it's a hard one to make. Aubrey and I have had the discussion of whether or not it's possible to be that women who orders the healthy meal instead of the gooey cheesy dish. How much we currently love the way we eat. I was watching Valerie Bertanelli on The Doctors this week, and she said that her best suggestion is to ask your self "Is my body worth it, is my health worth it" whenever she is faced with a temptation. Really is that chocolate cake going to do me the good I need in the long run. They also looked at common snacks and what their calorie and nutritional value is. How many of us grab a handful of potato chips a few times during the day, or a big helping at lunch. For Valerie it was jalapeno poppers. They showed in comparison that you could eat almost an entire table worth of fresh fruits and veggies for the same calories as a plate full of chips. I don't have to tell you about the nutritional differences, I'm sure you all get the picture. So in answer to the discussion Aubrey and I had about whether or not it is possible to be that women and change our eating habits, I say yes it is, and ask myself" Is my body worth it, is my health worth it?" It will be hard, and we will allow ourselves cheats here and there, lets just make sure they are few and far between. Having said that I cheated yesterday at my Aunts funeral and ate some yummy potatoes and the most delicious piece of chocolate cake. Maybe they tasted extra good because I knew it was only for that day, and I wouldn't cheat again for awhile. And I still lost weight. I had originally thought about naming this blog "I can do it, and you can do it, lets lose the weight together". There you are, I have been doing it, please be inspired to do it too. Leave a comment on what your goal will be this week, a goal that you know should help you to take off at least one pound this week.
(Gwen steps off her high horse) Good luck in the coming week, I love all of you for helping me make it this far, you really do make it possible for me to want this as much as I do.
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