I dream of Reeses.....

OK, We are in full moving mode but I tried to catch a nap today since I worked a grave last night. In my dream I was eating every Valentine and Easter candy I could find. I nearly ate a whole bag of Reeses Easter Eggs....I remember thinking what am I doing. Needless to say I was very relieved (and very hungry) when I woke up. I guess that's what happens when you go to bed very hungry. I try not to eat when I get home from graves because usually I eat my dinner late (10-11ish) at work. Here's to not devouring a bag of Reeses Peanut butter Eggs (the funny thing is I don't have any candy in my house!!) and surviving the Krispie Kreme curse tomorrow.

Late but Here!!

Ok last week wasn't a stellar week. The good thing is, I didn't gain or loose. When I say that is a good thing, let me just say that I probably went out to eat 5 times last week. I only managed to work out 3 times last week, and I had to cut back my running. My foot has been hurting and Jake told me to slow it down. So I am back to strait walking right now. Though instead of increasing my speed, I have been doing intervals at different inclines. So That is still giving me a decent workout. I only did weights once last week. I still need to figure out how to over come my emotional eating. Luckily Jake is in with me, because he has been making some fabulous healthy meals. But since we do have nights were we have to have a quick meal because of the kids activities, instead of pizza or McDonald's we do Progressive Soup and sandwich's. The have a great variety of healthy soups, and the kids like them. And it is cheaper than picking up a quick burger as well!

Week 2 and 3 Check In

I've had trouble finding time to post, but here it is Wednesday and I'm finally doing it.

I worked out 4 times each of the last two weeks. Lost 3 lbs. two weeks ago and 2 lbs. last week. I increased my weight training considerably and instead of using the treadmill I hit the track. It's a completely different workout and really gets my heart rate up. I'm lucky that I have a great work-out partner (Carrie) and a good trainer - Tielu. Tielu and I work together at 3M and he's a work-out freak (can you say "muscle-head"?). I try to hit the gym with him once a week and he helps me with the weight training routines I need. It seems to be working.

Week 3

I am very proud of myself. I ran 4 days and did ab workout 1 day. I Still am the same weight. This week I am going to run 5 days and do 2 days of abs. I guess we will see if I get any results.

Week 3.........

Ok so now I am annoyed. I did way better this week and weekend than I did last week and yet...no loss no gain... Maybe my "week two" curse is catching up to me. I did work 3 graves in a row last week so I'm thinking that may have something to do with it. We are in the thick of moving this week...(Saturday is the big day!!!), so I am hoping to make it through with very little stress snacking. I did buy the jello mousse snacks, they are tasty but the texture is bit off for me...a little thick. Hopefully I can survive the inevitable Krispy Kreme moving day curse. I did work out 2X this last week, so I am going to bump it up this week and try to get to the gym atleast 3X as well as all the work that moving is. So total down is 7lbs and I am hoping to at least see 1 lb down by next Monday!!

Monday Report- Suzanne- Week 3

Week three was better for me. I didn't work out as much, but I felt like I was more in control and not starving. Two more pounds down! It was a super busy week and I think that helped. It has also helped now that Jed is on board with the program. I tried a couple new recipes this past week that I will post soon. Anyone got any good inspiration?

Week Three Check in-Asia

I did a bit better this week. I worked out 2 times plus I shoveled my drive way twice and did a lot of house cleaning. At the beginning of the week I was at a new low-Yeah! I was down 4lbs but gained a pound back. The weekends always seem to set me back, so I need to be a little more determined and not let that happen. I hope to work out 4 times this week and be much more disciplined with my eating.

I have a few suggestions for healthy eating. I bought a sesame ginger dressing/marinade last week and used it to marinade some chicken and then I cooked some stir fry veggies in the dressing mixed with a little hoisin sauce and served it over rice. It was pretty good and the dressing was pretty low in fat/sugar/calories. It was a nice change for just grilled/broiled chicken. I have also tried it with the same brand of dressing but a red wine and olive oil herb variety. In the summer, I will just put a light glaze of olive oil on Mahi Mahi with herbs and grill it up. It is pretty good and very healthy. I think I need to pick up some more fish the next time I am at Costco. You can also make Baja fish tacos with Mahi mahi that are tasty and healthy.

I am looking forward to more healthy recipes and I am also excited that Eli will be doing p90x. With two of us watching our food consumption and exercise, it should be a little easier to make good choices.

recipes

I am not sure how healthybut yummy.

chicken pesto pasta

1 lb chicken breast
1 lb stir fry veg mix ( I like the sugar snap pea one)
1 lb penne or your favorite pasta
1 jar alfrado sauce (make your own)
1pkg dry pesto seasoning
parm cheese to garnish

Thin slice chicken and cook on stove top with little olive oil, salt & pepper to taste. cook pasta to package directions. add chicken, alfredo, pesto seasoning, veggie mix to pasta. stir until mixed top with cheese and enjoy.

Calling all cooks:

Alright ladies....and men, I am calling out for recipes....healthy recipes. They can be for dinners, snacks, desserts and anything in between. I am in a food funk and need some new ideas. I will start:

Shepards Pie
1 lb. 97% lean Hamburger (cooked)
1 can of green beans (french style)
1 can of carrots (sliced)
1 cup frozen corn (Costco's is the best)
2 pkgs of beef gravy (powdered kind) (make as directed)
Salt and pepper to taste
2 pkgs of prepared flavored powdered mashed potatoes (Idahoan Butter and Herb is my favorite)

Layer in pan a greased 9X13 pan as listed. Bake at 375 for 20 minutes or until bubbly. This doesn't seem like it should be so low in calories or points but it is. I typed it into WW recipe calculator and it was 6pts for one of 8 servings in a 9X13 pan. I like this recipe because it is easy to throw together, tastes like good comfort food, and the whole family will eat it. (I often will half the recipe for my family though it reheats well for left overs!)

Now your turn!!!!

-Dani

Remember to label your post with "recipe"

Week Two check in-Asia

This week I had a cold and had no energy thus no workouts. Eli said he lost 8 lbs with this cold, but do you think I would be so lucky? Of course not. I gained a pound. Usually when I have a cold I consider it a free for all on the ice cream. I don't even want to mention the weekend, but here is a picture of how it started out.

Yes, we have a deep fryer and Eli decided he wanted to make homemade donuts. They weren't that great definitely not worth the set back.

Earlier in the week I had my teeth worked on and they've been sore ever since and even that didn't slow me down. I do have to say I have seen improvements on just being more aware of what is going on with my eating and exercise habits though and I no longer feel like I am just on auto pilot eating whatever is in front of me without even acknowledging it. I have cut back on soda and I am getting more sleep. My progress is like snail pace but hopefully it will start to pick up when I start putting more effort into my goals. I am seriously impressed with all of you and the progress you've made.

Emma Week 2

Well week 2 started off great but ended in a binge due to the Brad's hospitalization. It didn't really hit me until he came home on Saturday. At least yesterday I took one of my young womens to the gum with me. And let's face it if she would have bailed on me I would not have gone. Today I am not sure when I will make it to the gym. The plan is to go at night after my YW Precidentcy meeting. I have no clue if I am up or down on my weight. Right now my goal is just to pull out of my funk. Emma

chocolate anyone?

I forgot to do roll call last week. here are all the details. Week one ran/walked 3days on treadmill. Week two ran/walked 4days. My goal is to run 6days a week and do abs 3days a week. Haven't gained or lost any weight. Which has been the case for the past 6 months. I do have one small problem. I LOVE CHOCOLATE!!!! Dani , Carrie, and Kishell can bear testimony to this. I can down a king size bag of chocolate (any kind) in about 1 hour. I am pretty sure if I stop this habit, I might lose some weight. I guess I need to also work on self control. As for my weekend, I was on the Laketown meal plan: Hot pockets, easy mac, box of swiss rolls, and 2king size candy bars. I am glad it's a new week, so I can hit refresh.

2nd.................................................

Well week two was....interesting. I made 1 of my 3 workouts....yeah that is sooooo crappy! But I did do fairly well during the week. My weekend was not as good as it should have been, as you can see from Mel's post but still about 100X better than it was at Christmas time so that is progress. I was down 1.5 lbs this week and have to admit I was a bit disappointed. I knew the 5lbs last week was a fluke but it would have been nice to see at least 2lbs this week. Anyhow I am down a total of 7lbs. and my goals for this week are more water and to really make it to work 3x. I also want to work really hard to not use any of my "flex points" on the weekends, and see if it makes a difference. On a side note, today I took the kids to the Zoo because it was "free" zoo day and walked for about 4 1/2 hours total so if I don't make it to the gym tonight I am so counting that. Note to self and all other moms out there..... never go to the Zoo on free Zoo day, it is crazy crowded and not really worth the 1/2 mile hike to get into the Zoo. Next time I will pay to not have people running into the back of my legs with their strollers, and hitting me in the head (yes literally my head) with their purses, elbows, or backpack carriers. Here's to week 3 and trying to get a workout in.....

Monday Report- Suzanne- Week 2 Curse

Anyone who watches The Biggest Loser has probably heard of the "week 2 curse". Well, that sums up week 2 for me. That doesn't mean that I don't have room for improvement. I do. Working out was easier this week for me. Eating 400 calorie meals was easier. (except for a few that became combined :) ahem...) Here's to week three!

The windup:

Workouts this week:5

Soda:0

Water: better, but not there yet

Sleep: ? what is that?

Weight loss: 0

Weight gain: 0

Awesome side note: bought a skirt on Saturday- one size smaller than I usually purchase! Maybe I should do body measurements too? Is anyone else doing that? I do realize that this was probably a fluke- and only related to this skirt, but I'll take it!

Melanie's Week 2 Check In

So the week started off great.  I worked out Monday through Wednesday and was starting to feel pretty good.  I was eating a lot less, and somehow in my head I thought I looked SLIGHTLY thinner.  Then the weekend hit.  No more exercise (besides chasing my little guy and cleaning), and I ate out for lunch and dinner on Saturday.  Dinner was the two for $20 at Chillis so of course I at Molten Lava Cake.  Sunday was a deliscious dinner at Dani's house so of course we had desert.   We wouldn't have it any other way. I brought cookies so the extras are sitting on my counter continually calling my name.  I need to give them away before I eat them all.  Overall this week was slightly better than my first week.  Actually when I look at my goals, I almost hit them.  I had desert less than three times.  I exercised three times, and "tried"  to eat better/less.  So I guess I feel better about that.  Starting off today....already went to lunch and ate some carrot cake.....hopefully I find motivation to work it off tomorrow morning.  We'll see....

Week 2 Check in-Amy

Well I didn't do as well this week. I went up 1/2 a pound this week. But that is better than a full pound right? I did still work out 5 days this week. And I finished week 2 of my walk to run work out. This week I need to incorporate more strength training though. Eating was horrible this week. I had terrible cravings. Which usually happens to me during my second week of dieting. So I shouldn't have been surprised. Thursday was my worst day because I usually have 2 networking meetings, which are both at restaurants. One for breakfast and one for lunch. For the breakfast restaurant, I haven't found a healthy alternative on the menu yet. Then for lunch, it is not a chain restaurant and so it doesn't have nutritional information. Then also on Thursday we had a girls night out with ladies from our ward, at Applebees, and I gave into temptation and had apple pie and ice cream. The sad thing is, the pie tasted like crap!!!

But this week is new. My bad cravings should be over. I am starting my week 3 walk to run program. Another goal is to eat more veggies this week. Water is doing better. So I can't wait to check in next week!!!

Have a great week ladies and Dad!
'

The mouse DIET

So here is my new diet, Almost a week ago I discovered a mouse in my kitchen. Talk about disgusting!! My husband and I were able to catch them, but since then I have not wanted to cook or eat anything in my home. We went through our whole house and bleached and sanitized it, but I still feel creeped out. The good news is I'm now down 3 pounds. I have stopped my night snacking and most snaking in general. Anyone else had this diet? If so tell me how you started feeling comfortable in your home again.

Sports Bras

Alright, I am having troubles with mine. I hate them. Anyone have a good one or any ideas where to get a good one? Mine are either not supportive enough or they dig in. Not good either way. Sorry Rich about the topic, but I figure the family has had mor explicite conversations than this !! :)

Weak won check in

Worked out 5 days last week, kept calories at or under 2000/day and still gained a pound. Weak! I'm going to intensify my cardio workouts this week and see if that helps.

Week 1 Emma

Well week 1 went great. I joined the local gym. I spent a hour a day there Monday thru Friday. I even tried to go Saturday night only to find out they closed at 7. But I ran around enough that I think it was ok. I bought myself a new pair of sneakers and I am really excited about that. The diet was another story. I was pretty good expect on Friday when we wnet to the movie. I jut don't know how to go without eating popcorn. Then on Saturday for Brad's birthday we went to Z-Tejas. I have a long way to go. And I don't even know if I lost because I didn't get on the scale until Friday. :)

1st.....

Hi everyone I am so glad to see so many have already posted. I worked a grave last night so I am just barely at the point of function. For those who haven't posted yet, Monday roll calls are a time to share your successes or failures from the previous week. This could include the amount of weight loss or gained, how many times you worked out or any other way of measuring your progress. If you also want to post what you are planning on working on the upcoming week that would be good.
As for me, this past week wasn't to bad, when I weighed myself this morning I was down 5.5 lbs. I was happy to see that and am glad to know that if I keep trucking I will be able to hit atleast 10 lbs down this month. I made it to the gym a whole zero times (at least I'm consistant ;) ), I did struggle a little bit this weekend but it wasn't a complete loss by any measure. I was able to indulge in some snacks (licorice and a cinnamon roll) but didn't go over board. My goal for this upcoming week is to work out in the gym at least 3X. I know all the 20 year olds that workout in coordinating outfits with full makeup have missed having me there as inspiration....inspiration of what they don't want to be!!! Bring it chica's!!!

p.s. I was also wanted to encourage everyone to post their name and monday report or other topic guide in the "labels for this post:" section. That way if we are looking for something by someone specific we can track it down easily!!

Melanie-Week 1

So I have been prouder of myself.  I am just going to pretend like last week didn't happen.  I did exercise, but it seemed like I had to eat every last sweet in my house because I knew I was going to be dieting and I needed to get it out.  Now that the temptation is gone, I can concentrate. It wasn't really that bad, but I really did eat too many sweets.  But now I am going to be better.  Seeing everyones weekly reports gives me more motivation.  I am planning as many projects as I can this week to keep me focused/distracted. I really want to drop the weight (inches) fast.  I don't have a scale so I am going off of inches.  I will measure tonight and restart this week.

Amy- Week1 check in!

Week one I did really well. However, week one is not usually where I have the problem, it is week 2. Anyways, I lost 5 lbs. I worked out 5 days a week, finishing my week one running/walking program. Food was really good except Tuesday. Even yesterday, being Sunday was great. I had to go last night to an "8 is great" program at church where they had all sorts of goodies, and I didn't have one. Ofcourse it helped that they were in another room, and I didn't even go into that room.

I need to do better on drinking more water. And making sure I am eating enough calories. I think over the weekend, I didn't eat enough calories, because today, I am famished. Even though I am keeping busy, I keep finding myself looking in the pantry door. I've been chewing gum like a crazy woman and drinking water like you wouldn't believe. And I am still hungry. And no amount of vegi's are helping. So luckily I have a meeting in a few minutes. That should distract me for awhile!

Here's to everyone's week ! Good Luck!!!

Monday Report- Suzanne

Well, I did not do as well as I wanted to this week, but I do have a couple successes to report. As for the Monday report for me here is my slant: I need accountability! So, whatever I may report on a Monday is not meant to be a brag fest or a whine fest, it just needs to be said to someone else besides Jed who loves me at any size, shape or activity level.

Here goes:

Weight Loss: 2.2 lbs

Workouts: 3 (need to do better)

Soda:0

Treats: I did pass up some birthday cake, however I DID consume 3 (small) brownies, 2 milkduds, and 3 handfuls of movie theatre popcorn. (not so good when my goal is to have one dessert/treat per week)

Sleep: still need to go to bed earlier

Water: still pretending I am a camel :(

Hooray for a new week! Send in your reports!

New week

Well at least I dropped 3 of the lbs I gained over the holidays, another 3 to go, to get back to where I started. However we have been doing a lot of weight lifting, and I can definitely feel that my clothes fit better, as my muscles start toning up. I am really getting muscles under all of my fat!

Last week wasn't as good as I hoped for, but slow and steady is the way to go. I am so happy that Dani has started this blog, I think it is a good way to share our thoughts, ideas, wins and losses. The nice thing is we are all so different, regarding the amount of weight we need to lose, lifestyles, etc. Yet we are all really in the same boat, with the same frustrations, disapointments, etc. We can all learn so much from each other. Thank you for sharing your feelings with all of us. Have a GREAT week! Carrie

Detox?

I saw Dr Ian talking about a "healthy cleanse" on Rachel Ray. Dr Ian has this book the 4 day diet. I am thinking of purchasing it. Just wondering if anyone has had success with a cleanse diet?

Another Low-Cal Recipe

I woke up in the middle of the night and thought I should post a recipe or two. So here's the next one - Easy Pasta Sauce!! It will go good with the sausage recipe I posted earlier.

This one is so quick you can start your pot of water for the pasta and then start the sauce, no need to simmer for hours- it won't improve the flavor:

You'll need:

2- 15 ounce cans of tomato sauce (or 1 - 29 ounce can) - be sure to only use tomato sauce that has NOT been spiced - it will ruin the flavor of it. I use Hunt's tomato sauce or S&W organic tomato sauce with no added spices.
1 - onion
2 - cloves garlic (or you can use the diced bottled garlic)
Crushed red pepper
Salt
Sugar
Dried Sweet Basil (or fresh if you have it)
EVOO

Dice the onion or even better run it through the food processor. Saute it on medium-low heat in a sauce pan in a tablespoon of EVOO. When the onion is almost completly opaque add the garlic and finish the saute. Don't add the garlic too early or it will over cook and possibly burn.

Add the tomato sauce, a teaspoon or less of salt (to taste), a teaspoon of sugar, and a tablespoon of dried basil, and crushed red pepper to taste - the more the better. These measurements are my best guess since I don't use measuring spoons. Sorry. Simmer on low heat until your pasta is cooked.

Follow the directions on the pasta box except stop cooking about 1 to 2 minutes early - this will give you perfect al dente pasta. Put the pasta in a bowl and cover it with the sauce and stir it all together - the pasta will continue to cook in the bowl. Top with a good Parmeggiano or even better a good Romano cheese and enjoy.

This should feed 6 with a pound of pasta for about 400 calories per serving. Or 4 at 600 calories per serving.

Next post I will give you a variation of this sauce. Just remember to watch you portion size and you will have a good meal and not too many calories.

one step forward two steps back

Does anyone else feel like this is especially true when it comes to trying to make healthy lifestyle changes? I was feeling pretty good after exercising twice in a row and I had plans on what I would do the next three days as well. I was also feeling good because I was sore from my day two work out which I like because I feel like it is a sign of progress. Well days three, four and five of exercise never happened, but s'mores and fried food for dinner did happen. Not to mention Eli woke up earlier than me and got breakfast going in our new dutch oven. Breakfast is usually the meal that is the easiest for me to have some self-control, but not with Eli tossing pancake after pancake on my plate. I guess I will start over and hope next week there will be no steps back or at least the improvements will outweigh the setbacks this time.

For anyone who is interested in using alli there is a 10$ off coupon on smartsource.com.

A Sweet Treat!

Jake found a new treat while going grocery shopping.

It is only 60 calories and they are sugar free!

I haven't tried them yet. I am sure it will be

my dessert tonight!

Walking to Running plan

Week one workout finished. Not too bad either! I included the training plan above.

You can click on the work out plan to enlarge it. I thought this week would be harder beacause I hadn't worked out over 45 minutes on the treadmill and this had a 60 minute work out in the first week. But it was really great! I felt really good after the work outs. By the end of the wekk, i stated feeling i could go longer than a minuted, so I just increased the intensity. I can't wait to see what next week brings. I am a little nervous because I get to run 3 minutes in a row, and only walk 2 minutes.

Eating this week went well except for Tuesday. I accidently deleted over my family and business blogs. Long, story short, I was devistated over loosing my family blog beacuse I have been blogging for about 4 years, and had used it as sort of a journal. I was so so so sad, and being the emotional eater that I am I drug out a box of Valentines chocolates that were in my photography stuio that I have been using for a prop. Good new, I didn't eat the second one! However, I do need to figure out how to handle emotional stress like that. Emotional stress is the one thing that ruins my healthy eating habits.

Luckily the rest of the week was a lot better. Even today, Saturday was a great day. Saturday's are usually the hardest for me. But the whole family is on board, so it wasn't hard at all. We even went to the gym and had a great work out instead of sitting on the couch watching TV!

Hello weekend...

OK, here comes the best and worst part of my week. It seems like the weekends are the hardest days for my diet. I just am so tempted to be on vacation mode and snarf up all the good (aka evil) stuff. Luckily for me Tom is on board with me and that definitely makes it easier to stay on track. I also have found some things that are yummy and within the plan. I think I am going to make a "diet coke cake" for a treat this weekend. Yeah sad that I am already thinking about what treat I can have. But planning leads to sucess right, if I don't plan I will wake up with Ben and Jerry's smeared all over my face and not remember what had happened the night before. So my goal for the weekend is to just stay on track, and not get derailed by the weekend. Mmmmmmm......Ben and Jerry's.....
-Dani

Restarting in the New Year!

First I need to thank Dani for inviting me to participate in this forum. I need it. I have been working to lose weight since last May, and have had some success, but then Christmas came along and I gained back 5 of the 57 pounds I had lost. Feeling big again. Funny how that works.

So my goal is short-term - just the next 3 months and then I will reassess and set a new goal. Easier to do it a chunck at a time (pun intended). I would like to lose 12 pounds by mid-April and continue adding muscle (as much as an old man can add). Carrie and I have been going to the gym 4 to 6 times a week which has been good for us, and we're going to continue the workouts, but I need to focus just a little better on the calorie intake. I do well during the day, but seem to lose it when I get home after working out. I need to keep my calories around 2000 to consistenly lose weight.

Good luck to everyone!

Hi! My name is Amy and I want to run again!

Well, I have more goals than just that. But I am trying to focus on that one currently. When I first moved to Arizona I got into running. I ran 2 half marathons. I loved it. Except I hadn't dropped all my weight and I hurt myself. Well through those last few years I have tried to pick it up again and had no ambition to really do it. Then I decided to sign the family up for gym membership to help us all be in better shape, and help me loose a bunch of weight.

I was in the grocery store and found this little magazine. It has a great walking plan work out. And it also has a great 8 week plan to get you running again! I am working on the first week and love it! My brother and I want to do a half marathoon this year, and now I think I can actually do it! I am so excited.

Here is a list of several things I want to work on this year.

1- As stated above, run a half marathon.

2- Watch my food intake and stay within certain calorie and fat grams.

3-Consistantly go to the gym 5-6 times a week.

4-Loose 50-60 lbs, (Depending on how things look when I get there)

I am so excited with this blog I think it will be helpful for everyone!!!

Good Luck Everyone!!!

~Amy

Wii away the pounds

Hi, my name is Kishell and I'm going to Wii away the pounds. I am buying my husband a Wii for his B-day this week and plan on using it myself to lose some poundage. My parents got a Wii last year and we have had alot of fun using whenever we go over there. This past Christmas they got the Wii fit plus with balance board. This is awsome, I never thought playing games could help you work out and be fun while doing it. The fit plus tracks your weight, gives helpful suggestions, and has lots of various workouts so you don't get bored. I will keep you all posted to see if it will really work. Good luck everyone.

Foodie Review: Kashi Go Lean Crunch

I've been wanting to try this cereal for some time now. I know they sell it at Costco, but I hate to buy a year's supply of something with out tasting it first. I have cut out most cold cereals at my house for breakfast, opting for other things. It has done wonders for my budget both for breakfast and for milk. I feel like the kids are eating something that is sustaining them better throughout the day. ANYWAY, I have been wanting to try this for Jed and I as a quick breakfast option.

Go Lean Crunch has 9g protein, 8g fiber and boosts 7 whole grains. A serving size is 1 cup and has 190 calories, weight watchers points=3. This morning I measured out 1 cup of cereal and doused it with milk. I have to say that this one time I was not upset by the 1 cup serving size. By the time I ate the one cup, I was ready to be done. It was like puffed wheat on steroids. Claire did like it, so depending on your view of puffed wheat.....

That being said, it filled me up and I was not hungry until this afternoon-bonus! Also, the fiber has all the great benefits of metamucil without eating metamucil-Yipee! So, I will be eating this again.

Overall rating: 2 1/2-3 stars

hi, my name is melanie and no I'M NOT PREGNANT!

Thank you Danni for inviting me to this blog.  I too had to double take at a pic from the hollidays.  Unfortunately it is one that my SIL posted to her blog for all to see.  While we were home for the hollidays, I was so frustrated by all who watched me for anything that might give away that I am pregnant, or asking feeler questions to see if I was. No, I am not pregnant, I just don't look like what I did pre baby.
Onto my goals, while I am not currently pregnant, I do want to start trying soon.  My number one rule when I had my little guy was that I could not try for another baby before I was completely down to my pre pregnancy weight.  My goal was to do this six months after he was born.  He is now 21 months, and I am yet to loose those last few pounds.  I guess my main goal is to be healthy. I want to make healthy recipes to benefit my whole family, to stay active and be able to stay active through my next pregnancy, and to feel all of the great benefits.  To reach these goals, I vow to
1.  Exercise at least four times a week
2. Finding and making a new "healthy meal" at least once a week.  Hopefully this will become more frequent as I find recipes I like.
3.  Only eat sweets once three times a week.  I have to make realistic goals.
4.  Cut back on my diet soda intake.  I would say give it up completely, but a girl needs one guilty pleasure, so I will continue to poison my body with aspartame and enjoy it thoroughly.

5.  Try to get more sleep.  Which means going to bed early because my beautiful little boy is definatley a morning person.
In doing these things, I plan to feel better and possibly make better goals later, but for now, this shall do. I am hoping that documenting my progress will make me feel accountable for my actions and keep my on my plan.  We'll see how it goes.  Fingers Crossed.
Melanie

January Blues

I am so proud of each of you for taking this step, you are all my heroes and I know you can each accomplish your goals. Some of us have farther to go than others, but we are all basically in the same boat. It seems most of us find food comforts us, and it gives us enjoyment.

I find that every January I get down, not sure why, but I have always felt blue in January. I am hoping that exercising almost every day will help me avoid comforting myself with food.

Three of Candi's children brought me cards yesterday, I REALLY NEEDED THAT, it made me feel so much better. I think their little spirits know when someone needs them. I am glad they have been taught so well by their parents.

I can't wait for the SUN to return. Keep up the good work. Love you all, Carrie

Week (weak?) One....

So the first of our 52 weeks is upon us. I have sent out emails that will allow you to be an "author" of this blog, to everyone that has responded so far. If you sent an email but haven't received a email back from me email me again and I will resend the author invite. If everyone who hasn't had a chance to do a post introducing yourself and what your goals are that would be great. My hubby Tom will be joining us to add some testosterone to the mix as will hopefully my brother who will play the role of contributing medical editor (Dr. Nurse). I will give an update on my past 2 days. Yesterday was easy to do the WW points and I didn't even feel very hungry today was another beast all together (hence the "weak one") I have stayed within my points today but have felt famished for the main portion of the day. I have found that for me the first 3-4 days of WW is hardest and then after that it is much easier to stay within my points. Anybody have any good tips for low-cal/ low-points snacks? My children would appreciate it....
-Dani

P.S. I have been looking for a tool that will calculate calories for my recipes (They have one on the WW website that I love) and just found one HERE!

400 calorie fix book

Rachel ray featured this book on her show yesterday.(rachelrayshow.com has video fo this segement) The author of the book works for loss prevention magazine. She had alot of great ideas about weight loss, keeping the weight off, and dealing with cravings. I would recommend watching the clip. I am going to purchase the book. (probably in a couple of weeks) The book was just released on the 1st. It is $40, I am hoping the price will go down in the next few weeks.

Hi, My Name is Suzanne and I Want to be Healthy...

What are my goals for 2010? There are so many I have to narrow them down. In the me/food/body category it all really boils down to being healthy . "Healthy" can mean different things for different people. For me right now, being healthy means I need to make a few changes this year. Ok, maybe more than a few...Do I want to lose weight? YES! Do I want to be more active? YES! Do I want to feel and look better? YES!

This is what I plan on doing:

1.Eat whole foods, cook from scratch, no processed junk and eat less! (the calories still add up even if it is healthy)

2.Do something active everyday. Will I go to the gym everyday? not likely. But going a few times a week and supplementing it with other stuff at home is a goal I can accomplish in my life right now.

3. Sleep more. (ie, stop going to bed late and getting up early)

4. Drink more water(no more soda for me, even diet caffeine free)

I know that if I really make these changes, my body will change too. And I say these things in the name......

Hi, My name is Dani, and I'm a chubby....

So tonight is a night not unlike many other nights I have had in the past 10 years of struggling with my weight. I saw a picture of myself from this last weekend and had to do a double take, and not in a good way. You know how we can kind of convince ourselves that sure we have gained some weight but it's not that bad, but then you have picture proof of what you really look like and it's like...oh crap... I'm fat. So tonight I am doing what I have attempted to do on and off for the past 2 years and finally get off this baby weight. Yeah, she's 2 and so I guess it's not really baby weight as much as it is lazy weight. Needless to say I am going to attempt to lose some weight. My real life happy goal is to lose 30 lbs by the middle of April and then another 15-20 lbs by Summer. I am a fan of the weight watchers program and have had the best luck with them as long as I stick with the program. I will post weekly on my weight but will only put what I lose or if necessary gained. I want this blog to be a spot were we can all post our tips, and tricks, recipes, progress and any stumbling blocks we run into and hopefully be supportive of each other. So I am asking that every ones first post be there goal. It doesn't have to be a weight loss goal, it could be that you want to exercise more, or fit into a different size, or just feel better. What ever it is post it and tell us a little about your story. Here's to smaller thighs!!!!
- Dani