Doing Good

Hi there,
I am doing good so far. I have been to the Y twice this week so far. I have done 30 min. On the "ELLI" each time. The calories that I am burning are getting higher every time. I hope to go two more times before Saturday. It is hard to make myself go to the Y but not hard to keep going once I am there. Also my stomach is not having the to full for comfort feeling anymore. That must mean that I am doing something right.
Also I can tell that when I am on the "ELLI" it is getting easier for me to breathe. I still pant, but I can tell that it is getting easier.
And my toes went numb 14 min. after I started the second time, rather than 4 min. like the first. Does anyone else's toes go numb while on the "ELLI"? Let me know. I have tried to loosen my shoes but does not seem to work very much. Any tips?

January review

Well this month was a bumpy one for me but I feel like I have my footing now. I had to wean myself once again from eating whatever I wanted. I was quite indulgent during the holiday season. So there were a lot of start overs in the month of January. I shed a couple of the 8 pounds I gained over the holiday season. I hope to take off the remaining six in February. When I make my mid month goal of 3 pounds I will reward myself with a chick flick movie outing. When I make my total month goal for February, I will treat my self to a spa pedicure. I am feeling good right now because I have had a week and half of really good choices and attitudes. I feel like I have somehow passed an invisible barrier that has kept me back in the past. I am looking forward to continued success in my attitude, choices and losses in February. Have a great evening everyone!
P.S. Jules, congrats on being smaller than Blake. Oh what a feeling!
Smiles,
Kimiko

Minivan Report

I have to second what Kristina said about the Y. We joined for Christmas and I have been going at least 3 times a week sometimes more. My kids are happy and safe in the KidWatch room and I get to spend an uninterrupted 1 1/2 hour with my headphones on. Sometimes I am watching Oprah, sometimes the news and sometimes listening to my iPod.

It is so therapeutic and I find I am a better wife and mother.

I am doing good with eating right and exercising but I find with adding the exercise, I have to give up something else and my computer time is what gets left off. As for now, I get up and spend time with the Lord each morning, sometimes by myself and sometimes with a little guy and his sippy cup. I am exercising Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursday and Saturday at the Y.

I am following the Weight Watchers points as it is what I know the best. I am eating when I am hungry and not overeating. I am drinking water. I realized I was not counting the herbal tea I was drinking so the days I thought I was not getting in all my water, I actually was. YEA!!

I have not really talked about it with my friends around here as I really want to be firmly set in my ways before I talk about it too much. I am just going to wait for them to notice and then I can share with them what I am doing. My time with the Lord has been such a vital part of my succeeding this time around. When I don't have that time with Him, my day just does not go as well as when I do have my time.

I am just so glad to have you all .

The force is strong in this one...

starwars3, originally uploaded by willemkristina@verizon.net.

I lifted over 27,000 pounds today! I told you I loved this numbers thing! They keep a running total of your daily workouts at the Y. They show you at the end of your workout how much you've lifted, how many minutes of cardio that you've done, etc... if you remember to sign in your code. This is the first cardio I've done since last week. I did do a solid 30 minutes on the elliptical, 3.26 miles. : ) I've not taken the kiddos to the Y because my younger two were sick, and I got kinda sick too. Anyhow, I'm back and feeling like I could even do another round with my honey tonight.

Julie how's it going?

Julie--

How's your Sunday group going? You are helping so many people and I think that's wonderful that you open up your home and your huge heart to them. Is it a large group that turned out?

I am finally lighter than my hubby...

As of yesterday, ladies, my husband, for the first time in our relationship, weighed in HEAVIER than me!!! Sounds like a silly triumph, but it means a lot to me. Another BIG goal for me accomplished.

Love to all!
Jules

Like to Walk?

Hi all--

I just wanted to invite you to the Eagle Fest this weekend in Concrete, Wa. My family has belonged to NW Tulip Trekkers for several years now (www.nwtrekkers.org). It is an organized walking group. We have 3 different walks this weekend (5k, 10k--little over 6 miles, 20k). If you go on the website, it will give you the information you need. It is a lot of fun for the family and you will probably be lucky enough to see quite a few eagles on your walk. My family is "manning" a station in the morning (at the Dam/interpretive center) and then will walk in the afternoon. They also have the school set up with many vendoers.

This is the way that our family has traveled. The walks are usually put through very interesting sights.

A Way to Say We Care...

I was researching links for teaching Julia to support our troops when I came across a system HQMC has instituted for sending mail to Marines and Sailors attached to Marine Units in Iraq today.

The system is for Marines/Sailors, their families and friends who want to send fast correspondence. It is called MotoMail. The site address is: http://www.motomail.us/. The system works as follows:
1. Sender logs onto http://www.motomail.us/ to create the letter.
2. The letter is sent to the MotoMail server.
3. The designated USMC post office downloads the letter to a special machine which prints, folds, and seals the letter.
4. The letter is delivered through unit mail call.
5. Unlike e-mail, it allows a Marine/Sailor to keep a physical reminder of their loved ones with them at all times and can be read and re-read.Motomail is a unique Marine Corps system.

Delivery transit time is usually within 24 hours. It is free. Senders are required only to know unit addresses, not location.

The MotoMail Printer, Folder, and Sealer ensures complete privacy and that contents remain confidential.

Senders can track letters from submission, download and when it is printed. You cannot send pictures or graphics in your letter (jpegs/gif files).

For people who don't know Marines personally in theatre, but would like to send a note, there is a tab for Support the Troops where people can send messages.

These messages are reviewed by the Marine Corp prior to being posted. No individual information can be submitted (troop locations, etc). After they are reviewed, they will be printed out in the mail room and posted in the Chow Halls and Post Offices for everyone to see.

Individual emails are NOT posted unless the sender writes their email address in their note.

Currently there are 4 locations that can receive Motomail. Once it is printed, it is distributed accordingly to the various camps.

Another site I found was:
http://www.forgottensoldiers.org/write-soldier.shtml

If you are compelled to send care packages, then this is one way to go:
Another way to reach out is at http://www.anysoldier.com/

I know I'm going to write a few. Its my way of feeling less helpless, I suppose. I'm an Air Force Brat and know the lifestyle. It means a lot to know people - ordinary people - are proud.

- Elicia

Speaking of Walking,...

I mentioned in my comment on Paige's post that I had registered for the 3-Day Breast Cancer walk which will take place in Seattle September 7-9, but I thought I'd extend an invitation to you all to join our team and walk with us!

A few of you could get together and form another team if you'd like to team up with others who live closer together. It's a great cause and it fits in beautifully with losing weight and getting into shape.

If walking 60 miles and camping with thousands of other women (and some men) doesn't float your boat, but you still want to help fund breast cancer research and treatments, I'd be tickled pink (get it?) if you'd leave a donation at my 3-Day site: Forty and Fit

FIRST WEIGHT LOST

Hi ladies. We had our meeting yesterday at Julie's house and guess what. I LOST MY FIRST 6 POUNDS. YAYAYA. I am feeling great. I'm so glad that I started this. Day 8 is going strong. Hope you all have a great day.

Yesterday

I had a great day yesterday!!

I got my sweet baby fix in the nursery at our church. Although, I had one baby girl that grabbed my hair and pulled me into her (thought she was going to give me one of those opened mouth kisses) and she bit my nose :0) My helper and I were laughing so hard that we were crying. Oh how I miss those days :0)

I walked around our lake twice (3 miles), ate 1028 calories, and drank all my water. I started Phase 3 on Friday and had whole wheat spaghetti for dinner last night. I think that I like my rice better, it seems to be more filling and satisfying to me. My husband did my measurements on Saturday night. At the end of Phase 2, I've lost another 10 1/4 inches. My total inches for the 2 phases is 20 3/4 inches...WoooooWhooooo!!! I'm excited!!

My son was sick last week with the flu virus that's going around also. It starts with a headache and then a VERY high tempurature, and vomit (or not). My poor son didn't have the vomit but you just feel so bad with the little guy is laying on the couch instead of being his normal self and wanting to go outside to play. He's much better now, thank God.

Have a good and successful day everyone!!!

I need help.

I'm at the end of my rope. I really and truly am. I have alot of family stress right now, and am trying very hard to not completely give up on the weight loss thing. I know that three weeks or four weeks ago when I started again I was full of resolve and determination. Watching the scale creep back up has done that resolve in.
I did the Diabetic Exchange and had fantastic results. The problem I'm having with that is what happened in September- I stopped doing it rigidly and then got completely out of control. For three months I plateaued until I gained the 8 pounds in December. I'm back at a plateau- I lost most of the 8 pounds, but now this morning I'm back up.
I'm putting the scale away, but I desperately need help. I need two things:
Encouragement and motivation
and a Plan. A direction.

So. Please tell me what you do. Some of you have had some wonderful results, and have been doing this and losing much more consistently than I have. I know that the motivation needs to come from within- I KNOW. It's there, but right now I just feel completely lost. I'm lost on what exercise I should be doing, what I should be eating... the more I read about what I should do, the more lost I feel. One place tells me to cut my calories to 1200. The next one tells me if I do that long-term I'll kill my metabolism, put them at 1500. Or 1800. Or do this math problem to figure them out. Or do 1200 for three days then 1700 for three days. Do more weights. NO! Do more cardio!

My inches haven't budged. I've been doing the Firm, I've actually been exercising fairly consistently. But the inches are stuuuuuuuuuuuuuuck. When people tell me now I look like I've lost weight- I think they're lying. Because the inches and the weight are totally stuck.

And so am I. Right now I'm asking for help. I'm also considering this book: Burn the Fat, Feed the Muscle, but it's an e-book. All the online reviews are great, but I don't know anyone IRL that's ever done it. Lastly, I'm considering going back to my PCP and asking her for some direction. Something. Anything. I'm lost. And frustrated. And I just don't need this right now. But I don't want to give up completely.

OMG. Thanks so much if you got to the end of the rant.

We are proud of you, Phil!

Kimiko's son, Phil, is in Marine boot camp. Pray for him and for his mother who's heart is aching and a bit empty.

Checking in

Hello Ladies,
Today was a good day. I got a 90 minute walk in and stayed within my calorie limit. I drank water but could have drank more. I have been practicing seeing my self losing weight. 5 pounds, 20 pounds and more. It might sound kind of strange but the more I visualize my success and I seem to be more motivated to stay within my calorie limit and to get exercise at least 4 days a week.

I am still waiting to receive a letter from my son with his address at boot camp so I can write him. For those of you who know Phil, he had been thinking about the military off and on for the past 5 years. He was talked out of military several different times then he had decided to go to college and the day before classes started last fall he withdrew. He went back and forth with different branches of the military before he settled on the Marines. Then he had some medical issues , so it looked like he wasn't going to be accepted and then after months of back and forth stuff, they suddenly accepted him and shipped him out the next day. I barely had time to say good bye. I miss him a lot. But I know it is time for him to spread his wings. So for those who know Phil and would like to drop him a note or two of encouragement while he is in boot camp, let me know and I will forward you his address when I get it. Have a good week everyone.
Smiles,
Kimiko

Welcome Robin!

A big We Ate It We Lost It We Moved It welcome to our new girl, Robin! So glad Blogger finally let you join our little family. May this be a place for encouragement, laughter, and hope for you as you journey to a healthier place. We believe in you!

Jules

Day 6 Going Strong

Hi gals,
It is day 6 and I am trucking right along. Everything is going well. I am staying in my calorie range and also taking in all my water for the day. Talk to you soon.

I May Be In Finally!!!

Hi all--

I had a hard time getting in. Julie, I think that I may have finally done it. I had to sign-up with a brand new account. Weird.

Anyway, I guess that I should start with introducing myself. My name is Robin Peterson. I'm 37, live on Camano Island, Washington. I've been married to a wonderful man named Eddie for 14 1/2 years and we have 1 (just as wonderful) son named Justin who will be 11 in March. I work from home for a company where I enter Cultural events for the Seattle area for Hotel Concierges. And I've been doing my pre-reqs for nursing while on a waiting list that at the time I signed up was expected to be 2 1/2 years...and it's been 2 years and I'm finally off the list and into the program itself (Spring quarter).

I've always struggled with my weight (well, since I've been married). I did the Prism program when my son was 2 and was very successful and lost to within 20 lbs of my goal before all broke loose and I lost my focus. Now I've decided, as much as I didn't think that I could do it again because it would be just too hard, that it was the best program for me. I rededicated myself to it November 2, 2006 and am so glad that I did. I feel so good and have so much energy.

This group looks like a wonderful group of "sisters" and I'm excited to become a part of it. Thank you Julie for doing this :0)

Plugging right along

Hey everyone,
I'm doing pretty ok. I've been working on upping my activity level with walking. I really haven't been to the gym consistently. However, my husband and I are going start going back to the gym together starting on Monday. We are planning an anniversary trip to Jamaica in December and want to be fit for that. I have been drinking my water and journaling. Nothing really exciting to report, except that I am building better habits and learning to say no when my taste buds are screaming YES! Last week was a very difficult week for me. My only child packed up his belongings, sold his car and went off to Marine boot camp. I was in a serious funk for awhile but things are looking brighter now. Have a good rest of the weekend.

Who Is This Person?

Hi, remember me?

I just wanted to pop in and let you all know that after a quick descent into a weird funk, I'm back and blogging, and once again easing into a new commitment to lose weight and get in shape.

I've gained more weight, and is it bad that I don't want to post what it was the last time I looked at the scale? I weighed myself last week, decided I had to do something and really commit to losing the weight this time, and then I put the scale away. I plan to weigh myself again in the beginning of March and I'm hoping I'll be pleasantly surprised.

I've been writing a bit about it over at my blog too. Here's a little excerpt about a book I'm reading since it might be of interest to some of you:

I've started reading a book about food cravings and what they really mean. It's called Constant Craving; What Your Food Cravings Mean and How to Overcome Them by Doreen Virtue, Ph.D. I'll write more about that tomorrow, but let me just say that in the first two pages of the introduction the author echoed an insight that I have recently had about why I overeat. So, stay tuned. Maybe it will be a light bulb moment for you too.

Feeling GREAT!!!

I have made it through my first four days. hehehaha!!!! I knew I could do it. I am not hungry and I am getting all my water down and then some. I'm so glad that I started this program. I'm so glad that I have finally made a life change for the good. Talk to you soon.

I have two sick bubbas at home this week

I made it to the Y Monday and Wednesday, but didn't kill myself with cardio. I'm worn out from taking care of my sick ones. I did on both days 15 minutes of the elliptical machine and about 40 minutes of weight training. So at least I'm still going. : ) I'm recognizing that I need to take care of myself, and not get over exerted. What a change from a year ago... if I was taking care of sick kids, that would be more than enough of an excuse NOT to get my butt to the gym to excercise.

New Measurements...

Hey, ladies. I measured myself on Saturday and I have more good news to share. I am down a total of 54 inches! That is 4 and a half feet of Julie that no longer exists! Here are my accomplishments in each area:

Waistline: Down to 32 inches! That is a loss of 13 inches!

Bust: Down to 37.5 inches. That is a loss of 8.5 inches.

Abs: Down to 38 inches. That is a loss of 6.5 inches.

Hips: Down to 41 inches. That is a loss of 11 inches!

Thighs: Lost a total of 11 inches!

Arms: Lost a total of 4 inches.

Dress size: From a 20/22 to an 8/10

Paging Kimi Take Two

Paging Kimiko, come in Kimiko...

HEY GIRL!

Give us an update - how are you doing?

Going ahead?
Stubbed a toe?
Drank your water?
Got more to go?

We wanna hear it!
We wanna cheer it!
Sis Boom BahIts your time to update-ah!

We miss you girl - let us hear how you are doing...share with us!

You are right guys!

OK, I just got back from a 1 hour walk with my 4 month old in his stroller. I guess I just needed to get out of the house. I feel great! We walked to Albertsons to buy lettuce and egg beaters. It was fun to sing songs while Jacob was laughing at the bumps on the road. Also, my cheeks are the same color as my lipstick. HAHA !! I could not let this beautiful day go to waste. I will try to do this at least 3 times a week. Talk to you later.

My second day a success!

Hi everyone,
I did a great job yesterday. I made it through the day with 1129 calories. HEEHAW. I was not hungry all day. But I was tempted by my children's chocolate fudge ice cream. And I am happy to say that I did not have one single spoonful, HURRAY!!! I did only have 7 glasses of water. I will do better on that today. But I do have one question, why do I feel so tired? I do not seem to have much energy, yesterday or this morning. Hopefully that will perk up as the day goes by. Bye for now.

Okay, My Turn!!!

It's my turn to post a little Amy-love, especially after all of the sweet things she said about me.

Amy is such an amazing woman. Listening to her story, it struck me that she is a woman of incredible love, talent, and intelligence. We are all so blessed to have her on our sides! She's so beautiful, inside and out, and SO energetic.

All of this just cements my belief that we are an incredible group of women. I am so proud of everything we've accomplished to date, and all of the challenges that we are meeting head on.

And hopefully I'll get to meet the rest of you some day.

Until then,
Lisa

Thanks Julie

That really helped boost me today, reading your first blog. I can not believe that it was just over a year ago that you started back on your journey. You have made great success and I know that loosing the weight is only half the problem. The other is keeping it off sensibly. With your support and the support from the bloggers, I know that I can do this. I have decided that every time I am hungry or craving something from the wrong department I will sit down and blog. This will be possible because the only time that I crave something that I should not have, I am at home bored. I am finding things around the house that I should have done a long time ago to keep me busy and occupied. Wish me luck and hope.

Kimberly, Here is my day one...

Kimberly, after reading your post, I thought I would find the link for you of my first day...here it is, just click. We are on this journey together.

Jules

Robin!!! Email me!!

Robin, if you email me, I can send you an invite. You won't be able to post without that. shutterbugphoto@hotmail.com

Jules

FIRST DAY GONE, NEXT DAY ON

Well ladies, yesterday I completed my first day of Prism. I think that I did pretty well. I was supposed to stay at 1000-1200 calories. I went over by 87. Total of 1287 calories. But I did drink 9 glasses of water. For the most part the day was EXCELLENT. But when it came time to go to bed, I had a terrible headache behind my ears on my head. I think that it was because of the lack of sugar. I did not realize how much sugar I actually intake everyday. But the GREAT part was that I DID NOT FEEL HUNGRY. I know that today I will stay on track with the calories. With God on my side, I can achieve anything. :)

.2

I was up .2 this week. This may be a mistake, but I'm going to switch things up a bit. I think I'm going to increase my calories a little and see what happens. This is planful and thought out. I'm adding one carb and two proteins each day, which I think will put me about between 1500 and 1800 calories a day. I'm frustrated with the gain so soon into losing again, but I'm not letting it stop me!

Here's the numbers:
Monday, Jan 15: 1755 calories, 11 glasses water, exercise
Tuesday, Jan 16: 1100 calories, 16 glasses water, exercise
Wednesday, Jan 17: 1530 calories, 15 glasses water, exercise
Thursday, Jan 18: 1588 calories, 16 glasses water, exercise
Friday, Jan 19: 1439 calories, 16 glasses water, exercise
Saturday, Jan 20: day off
Sunday, Jan 21: 1587 calories, 12 glasses water
Monday, Jan 22: 1197 calories, 13 glasses water, exercise

Re: the day off. I am going to take one day off a week. No calories, no diabetic exchange. I have to do this for the rest of my life, no more weeks/ months "off". That set me back in a bad way. My theory is that one day off may help keep the need to go completely batty at bay. I did good on my day off- not all of my choices were great, definitely, but I didn't eat completely out of control, either. It helps me day to day- I think, "Well, I can have that on my day off". By the time it comes, maybe I won't need/ want it anymore.

We'll see how things go!

Texas Revolution Rocks!!

Lisa and I met on a cold rainy Saturday afternoon for tea at a local Starbucks.

We knew each other right off. It was so awsome. We had so much in common but of course, native Texans find that quite often.

Lisa is a truly cool lady and I am honored to know her. She is the kind of woman who makes women proud. We talked for over an hour and I can't wait for another visit.

And yes, I do really drive a minivan!!

Sueanne, I didn't see your email address anywhere...

If you email me, I'll send you all of the pics. : ) It was sooo good to see you again. I just love you.
Kristina

My address is: willemkristina@verizon.net

Google Diet Helps (works for me...)

Yesterday in version TWO of the WAIWMIWLI meeting I told Kris and Julie about how I use this google tool to track my weight. Its a free tool that I popped on my home page. Each morning I get up and weigh and pop in the numbers. It creates a graph for me to see my progress. It also issues a warning or a compliment if I'm swerving.

Some people get bummed when they weigh themselves as often. Me, I like to use it as accountablity, since I'm not a journaler. Just thought maybe someone else would find it useful.

YOU ALL LOOK GREAT!

Wow all those pics look great. Seems like you guys had a blast. Sorry I couldn"t join, but the next one I will. Julie measured me yesturday at her house. We started a meeting with 6 ladies. This journey has now taken off. I almost can"t WEIGHT for the results. HAHAHA

Chow time at Red Robin

100_1736, originally uploaded by willemkristina@verizon.net.

Those two blonde chicks

100_1735, originally uploaded by willemkristina@verizon.net.

Tina & Sueanne

100_1731, originally uploaded by willemkristina@verizon.net.

Tina & Jules

100_1749, originally uploaded by willemkristina@verizon.net.

Best friends!

100_1750, originally uploaded by willemkristina@verizon.net.

Sueanne & Jules

100_1751, originally uploaded by willemkristina@verizon.net.

Sueanne & Kristina

100_1748, originally uploaded by willemkristina@verizon.net.

A new group this time around

100_1747, originally uploaded by willemkristina@verizon.net.

Sueanne, Peggy, Kristina, Julie, Rebecca, and Tina.

Jules trying on her size 8 clothes!

100_1752, originally uploaded by willemkristina@verizon.net.

Me & my baby sister Sonja

100_1730, originally uploaded by willemkristina@verizon.net.

EFT-Emotional Freedom Techniques

Hi Everyone~
This is a seminar that I just heard about tonight that starts on Tuesday and goes for 8 weeks. I know it's short notice but I thought I would share it with all of you because it focuses on getting up all the issues of why we over eat so we can focus on them and so we don't go through our yo-yo diets of losing and gaining weight. I'm going to give this one a try because as some of you know I've been the same weight since I joined the blog. I lost some then gained it all back and more. I can't seem to let go of the root cause. I'm sure they are going to have another one. Check it out!

http://www.energymindconnection.com/page4.html

Coreen

I DID IT!

I broke the 70# barrier! I weighed in at 161.2 this morning, which puts me at 70.8 lbs. lost! I am so so thrilled! What a fantastic day to be meeting with the blog group! See you there!

Jules

Back to the gym

Hello Ladies,
Today was the first time back to the gym for me in a couple of months. I was really glad I went. I did 30 minutes of weights for my legs and 45 minutes on the eliptical. I need to work back up to an hour. I felt so good when I finished. I just need to make it a daily habit during the week. Taking one day at a time. Have a good weekend everyone.
Smiles,
Kimiko

Five days of serious sweating in a row!

sweat
Originally uploaded by willemkristina@verizon.net.

This morning I worked out early before my honey left for work. I have a lot going on this morning, so I wanted to get my cardio out of the way for the day. I'm going back tonight to lift weights with my husband. I'm going to try to do five days of cardio a week, and hopefully I'll be able to integrate lifting weights three times a week.
Yesterday I had a kick butt day. I only did the elliptical for fifteen minutes, but I ran for a straight 1.7 miles right after that. I don't think I've ran that far in like 15- 16 years! I burned about 485 calories. This morning I did the elliptical for 16 minutes, and then ran for 1.5 miles. And I am feeling energized! I can't wait for the Spring, I'm going to be in great conditon. And just in time for shorts weather, HA!

Paging Kimiko, come in Kimiko...

HEY GIRL!

Give us an update - how are you doing?
Going ahead?
Stubbed a toe?
Drank your water?
Got more to go?

We wanna hear it!
We wanna cheer it!

Sis Boom Bah
Its your time to update-ah!

Thursday in the Minivan

Had Bible Study today, Tomorrow, our homeschool coop begins and I am getting ready to teach and co teach three classes and tomorrow night I have a leadership retreat so I am pretty stressed. I have been tempted to eat over the stress but I am not going to do it.

I started my day with the Lord.
I ate in control and did not overeat nor eat when I was not hungry.
Today is my break day from working out.
I drank 8 glasses of water.

Tomorrow night I will be at a leadership retreat for Community Bible Study. It will be a nice break from the day to day. We are staying in a hotel down the road. They have a gym and I am taking my clothes. I am just praying God will guard me from all the snacks that will be around.
I don't know if I will be able to post from there but I will on Saturday.

Pray for me!! Thanks
AMY

PS Saturday, Lisa and I get to meet for coffee!!!! I am so excited!

Something Clicked...

Hey ladies!

I've been waiting until I've shown real change before I've posted anything, cuz nothing I was doing was really that inspiring or life changing...just more water, less indulging of the weaknesses, more movement.

I have been 155.5 for three days in a row now. I am hoping this is a real number and not a water weight or other 'lying' number.

If it is real, then whoooooohoooo! If its not, well...I'll get it back off again.
I would really like to have a body fat test but am not a member of a gym, or the Y.
It would help me to get a realistic idea of what's the best for me.

Looking forward to seeing you all on Sat!

Journal update from Jules

Okay, ladies...I have been pretty faithful at this journaling thing again, which has surprised me, because I took such a long hiatus from it. Here are my recent stats:

1-8 Calories (after lunch...stopped writing after that meal, don't know why, but that memory bank is empty by now) 900, Water: 4

1-9 Calories: 1160, Water: 6, Workout: 18 min. on Elliptical 155 calories burned, plus one hour yoga class....ahhhh

1-10 Calories: 1474, Water: 8, Workout: Balance Ball

1-11 Calories: 1443, Water: 8, Weight: 162.6

1-12 Calories: 1650, Water: 6

1-13 Calories: 1605, Water: 10, Workout: Cleaned house ALL day, Weight: 162.6

1-14 Calories: 1600, Water: 8

1-15 Calories: 1479, Water: 10, Weight: 163.4

1-16 Calories: 1326, Water: ?, Workout: Sledding with children

1-17 Calories: 1500, Water: 6, Workout: 33 min. Elliptical 281 calories burned

Today so far: After breakfast: Water: 4, Calories: 348, and Weight: 162.2!!! I can't seem to break this number! It is laughable!!! Got to do it, though. I need to keep my calories in the 1500 range and I need to workout more consistently.

A couple of other goals I have been meeting for myself:

Making my bed each day
Keeping my bedroom picked up
Putting my makeup on and dressing to shoes (Flylady)
Keeping up with my laundry
Keeping up with the kid's chore charts
Mailing out birthday cards for January (I think I am late on Jenny's)
Making it to the chiropractor on time
Keeping my spending within our outlined bi-weekly budget

Love to all! See you at Red Robin in two days! BTW, Who is coming? Jules

This girl be S-O-R-E! But a good kind of sore...

Willem and I had our orientation with one circiut of the weights last night. I don't know about the other YMCA's but ours is hooked up through the Fitlinxx system. Anyhow, the gal helped us set our range of motion, and made sure that we were in the proper postion, etc... It's so cool, because you punch in your ID#, and it automatically reminds you of the proper settings specifically for YOU. And it records how many weights you've lifted, it keeps a running total. Just like all of the cardio equiptment. I am totally digging being a member!
After close to an hour of weight lifting, I took my backside over to the treadmill and ran for a mile and a half straight. I even bumped up the speed a bit, to 5.4 MPH. My goal is to be able to get it up to 6 MPH. I'm hoping that within the next couple of weeks to be able to do two full miles in a row. Now remember, this is a girl that doesn't necessarily enjoy running. Or didn't use to. It's so different to me running on a treadmill. I think that it could actually be addicting. : ) ( I know, I must have a screw loose. )

When you lose weight, you can fly down hills on a sled with your children!

Had so much fun with the family! Check out more fun shots on my other blog....

Loving my new thinner life!
Jules

An Icy Wednesday in the Minivan

I woke up to ice covered roads and sidewalks. The boys and I walked to Starbucks (about a mile round trip). They are so much fun to be with. After Honey got home I walked around the neighborhood for 30 minutes for a total of 45 minutes.

I read my Bible and prayed this morning.

I drank 6 glasses of water (with 3 more to go before bedtime).

I ate in control and in moderation. The pizza above is from Schwan's. I just discovered them tonight when the Schwan's man came to the door. It was so good and only 240 cal with 4 g fat and 5 g fiber. It tasted better than any ones I have bought in the grocery store and it cooked in 3 minutes in the microwave on one of those gray papers. I had 31 points today including 4 for that pizza.

Until tomorrow.
Amy

A great report from the Y!

Last night I had my fitness annalysis, where they weigh you, measure your fat, with this little do-hicky that actually pinches your skin a bit. They test your flexibility, your strength, and your heart rate recovery after doing some cardio. I guess I should start with where I need the most help, which is my body fat. They gave me a fair, to poor rating. I didn't see the actual number, but I saw the range. I wasn't discouraged though, because I know where I was at a year ago. At my highest, my body fat was at 44.2%. But the last report from Curves, I had gotten it down to 34.2%. A whole 10% change. Which is still very high, but certainly better. My flexibility was fair, but my heart rate recovery after doing some cardio, was in the 94th percentile, and my strength was in the 99th percentile.

After my annalysis, I went and had a serious workout. I did a solid 55 minutes of cardio. 25 minutes on the elliptical, and then I ran for a straight 20 minutes on the treadmill! Yippee! I walked for five minutes before, and five minutes after I ran. Talk about feeling encouraged. I was hoping to just be able to run for 15 minutes last night, but I somehow managed to make it to 20. This girl is gonna get into shape!

From the Minivan

I started my day with reading my Bible.

We had a luncheon at Bible Study today and I ate a half of a piece of cake. I ate in control and in moderation. I had 33 WW points today which is in my range for my weight.

I went to the Y and walked 45 minutes and was almost done when a friend arrived and I walked another 20 minutes while we visited.

I drank 9 glasses of water today.

Until tomorrow.
Amy

Battle won

I won my battle with myself yesterday and I have to say that I am very proud. Right now I know it is important for me to set daily, attainable goals. My "daily battles". I know that as I continue to win my "daily battles" I will eventually win the war against obesity in my life. Yesterday I took over 13000 steps with my pedometer.
I drank 72 ounce of water. A little lower than usual but heading in the right direction.
I stayed with my calorie limit ( 1300)
I journaled.

My goals for today is to drink 120 ounces of water
Do aerobics
Take at least 5000 additional steps with my Pedometer
Not to over eat at my husbands birthday dinner.

Have a great day everyone!
Smiles,
Kimiko

I'm In

I would love to join you on Sundays Julie. You can count me in so far. Maybe that will help me keep on track better.

Two point six

Go me! I was upset that the scale read 183.4, until I realized that last week I weighed 186. I'm still moving in the right direction, and heading towards where I was. I'm trying very hard not to regret the months that I spent tooling around, not focusing on eating well- they are what they are, and served me at the time. I am where I am now, and need to focus on that and only that.

Here are the cold, hard numbers:

Tuesday, Jan 9: 1708 calories, 14 glasses water, exercise
Wednesday, Jan 10: 1166 calories, 16 glasses water, exercise
Thursday, Jan 11: 1588 calories, 15 glasses water, exercise
Friday, Jan 12: 2043 calories, 14 glasses water (this was *ahem* mostly liquid calories. In case you were wondering, a chocolate martini has ~469 calories. Yikes.)
Saturday, Jan 13: 1414 calories, 11 glasses water, exercise
Sunday, Jan 14: 1553 calories, 14 glasses water
Monday, Jan 15: 1755 calories, 11 glasses water, exercise

See you next week, if not sooner!! :)
~Paige

I only wish Kristina were beside me at the Y

This new year committment to exercise is a family thing at my house. On Monday and Wednesday afternoons, our Y has a Kid's Fitness Class which my boys are taking. It is included with our membership. I am so glad to get to instill the improtance of exercise in them at a young age. My mother did the same for me and that is why it is so easy to get back into it so quickly. I love to exercise and love the endorphins it creates.

Tonight while the twins were at class and Toddler was in ChildWatch, I exercised on the Precor for 40 minutes and burned 316 calories. Yea.

I got up this morning and had time with the Lord. I am reading through the gospel of Luke. There are parts of it I have never studied.

I ate in control and did not overeat. I ate 24 points. (I am not going to WW meetings but it is how I know how to count calories and know I stay in the right range.)

I think that is all for now. Until tomorrow.
Amy

I feel like I've climbed a mountain! I feel AMAZING!!

I was able to do fifty minutes of cardio today guys! I don't think I've done that much in years. I did 25 minutes on the elliptical, and then did 25 on the treadmill. I was just going to walk for 15 minutes, but 11 minutes into it, I thought to byself, "lets see if you can run for a bit". I've never been on a treadmill before, so I was a little intimidated, but I went for it. I kicked it up a few notches and I was able to run for 14 minutes! A solid 50 minutes of cardio, and I am feeling super energized. Maybe next time, I can run for fifteen! : )

Ok...I am REALLY starting this time..

Hi everyone,
This past week has been a wash. I ate everything I could get my hands on and still half the time felt like I could eat more! I don't know what happens to me the week before my period, but I feel like a bottomless pit and half insane. Oh well, I can't cry over spilled milk. What's done is done. I am feeling like myself today, no more insanity. Thank God! I watched a couple of shows last night on the Discovery channel about people and their struggle to lose weight. One was particularly interesting because it had a girl on it that not only was shaped like me but had some of the same road blocks that I have. Her problem (and mine) was when she was good, she was perfect but if she messed up even a little, she felt such failure that she would binge. Boy do I know that cycle all to well! They set up an action plan for her that included a livable eating plan, exercise and being good to her self. That is the one I zoomed in on. Give myself a mental break. Well anyways, after watching the shows and knowing there are other people out there that have started, failed and started again as many times as me; gave me encouragement. So once again, I am starting the week with brushing off my knees. Getting refocused. I spent last night planning my day's menu and counting the calories. I'm going to get 10,000 steps in today on my pedometer and I am going to do aerobics after dinner. I will accomplish losing weight and getting healthy. I don't care how many times I have to fall and get up again. Because I know there is going to be that day when I brush off my knees and everything falls into place and clicks. Whatever road blocks (mental)I had in the past will be gone and I will be able to move forward with out constant drama. This is my hope and why I don't give up. Everyone have a great day and a successful week.
Smiles,
Kimiko

New Weight Loss Support Group at my Home!

Hello, ladies...I am starting a new weight loss support group at my home on Sunday, January 21st at 3:00. Each Sunday afternoon, we will focus on the Prism weight loss plan, but it is open to anyone in any program who needs a place to vent and share and seek encouragement. I am excited for this new phase of my journey and I can't wait to fill my home with hopeful, smart, teachable women(and men) who are ready to take control of their health and well being. Send me an email, call me or post here if you are interested or know of someone who is.

See you next Sunday!
Jules

I just can't stop working out!

And just so you know, NO, this is NOT me. : )
We had our orientation with the fitlinxx thingy at the Y, and I'm getting my fitness assesment next Tuesday. That was the soonest they could suedule me in, LOTS of new members this month. Anyhow, after our orientation last night,( which took nearly an hour), I only did twenty minutes on the elliptical, so I made it worth my while. I burned 285 calories baby! And today I did thirty minutes and burned 420 more. Since we've joined, I've already lost 6 1/2 pounds. Eating right certainly helps too! I'm telling you, this year is my year. I AM going to get down to 150 pounds.

I got some new workout duds too!

I did another 30 minutes of cardio yesterday. 20 on the elliptical, and 10 on the bike. WOW, you use a lot more calories on the elliptical. I only burned 300 total. But hey, that's better than having a bowl full of chips or a white russian! I'm actually burning calories this last week and a half. : )It feels really good too. Getting ready to go to the Y with the family within the next hour. We're getting our orientation with the fitlinx thingy. I'm looking forward to that. As you all know, I am extremely competetive. With this fitlinx, you can not only keep track of your own workouts/accomplishments, but you can compare yourself to other people on the circuit! I hope you all are doing well. Sueanne, hang in there hon! We all have our ups and downs.

WhooHoo - Coffee Date with Amy!

The Texas chapter is officially set for the Revolution! Amy and I are meeting for afternoon coffee about the time (if I'm counting time zones correctly) that your food will arrive in the Great Northwest. Rock on! :)

We'll be thinking of you!

Lost my mojo

Hello everyone,

I just can't find my inspiration to push through. YOU ladies are the very thing that makes me not give up all together. Love your posts and inspiration:) Hanging out in the plateau....heading into a slump.......

Wow, I am the downer in the group right now-yikes!
SueAnne

ARGH- has it been a few days, the minivan is busy

All our activities started back this week and I forgot how busy it is. I made it to the gym Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday and done cardio for 30 minutes and Mon and Wed did the weight machines. Tonight we had a homeschool coop meeting so I am going to walk around the 'hood as soon as I can GET THESE KIDS TO BED!!

This week (Mon-THurs)I have eaten horribly. When I don't write it down, I overeat. I am committed to writing it down this week (Friday to Friday).

I have been having my quiet time each morning but it seems to be getting shorter and shorter. I am praying that GOd will get my kids to bed so I can get up earlier. I really do not want to have to get up at 6:30 since I am not and never have been a morning person. I do better at night. Maybe I will have a shorter start up time in the morning and then a longer study time at night.

You all can have to know how much this group means to me and how even when I did not want to post, I still read and was encouraged by you.

Peace, Amy

A Pleasant Surprise and a Quick Prayer Request

Tuesday morning I woke up and wandered to my closet to figure out what to wear to work. I grabbed a skirt from the back and a blouse and called it good. I bought this skirt in the same week as two others, off the internet, several years ago. One of the skirts fit perfectly and was so beautiful that I wear it pretty frequently (or at least once a month). The other two skirts were nice, but for some reason one I don't wear very often and the other was too small when I bought it and I simply didn't get around to returning it.

Monday, I grabbed the one that fit but that I don't wear very often. Or so I thought. Midmorning I found the tags still in it (on the inside - no one saw) and realized that I was in the skirt that was too small to wear when I got it.

Since I, like Kristina, have gained back some of the weight I lost (5 lbs. since September - *cringe*), this was a nice surprise. The even better part was that the skirt is extremely slimming (tan and chocolate tweed, pencil skirt).

So that's the good surprise.

My quick prayer request isn't at all an urgent (or really that important) thing but I feel like I could use all the help I can get. Over the past few months, I realized that I really need to go work for a different firm if I have any shot at staying happy being a lawyer and happy in general. Therefore, over the past few weeks I have been talking with people and sending out feelers about working elsewhere, regardless that the market is pretty tight for people who do what I do. If you happen to think of it, a quick prayer that an offer from somewhere else is in His plan for me would be much appreciated.

Just wanted to show a few pics of my babies. My 8 year old put googy eyes on her brothers forehead. That was fun!

I started back at the Y yesterday

Hi guys
Sorry I have not been in touch but things have been kind of crazy around my house. I did start back at the Y yesterday though. It felt good to finally be back on the elliptical again. I did 30 minutes. My toes fell asleep. hahaha. Anyway I also did 25 min. in the cybex. It was a good day. Today i felt kind of tired so my husband went with my two older kids. My 8 year old girl walked and ran 1 mile with her dad, they had a great time. She also did some stretches and ball exercises. I'm glad that the whole family is getting in on this. We are also juicing every day and with that are coming healthier eating habits. Talk to you all soon.

I've been tearing up the elliptical at the Y!

Yesterday when I went to the Y, I was able to do the elliptical machine for forty minutes again, and this time I even burned a few more calories than before. I knocked out a solid 550 calories. Then I did twenty minutes of weights. Let me just say, that after the last couple of days, I am sore. But it feels so goooood! AND... I am down exactly five pounds from last Wednesday. Before you get too excited though, I must confess that I had gained an entire eleven pounds over the holidays. I was depressed and eating VERY badly. I've been too ashamed to admitt my gain, but I figure that if I was open with you guys, that I'd be able to get the support that I needed.
It's so weird, one of the things that was depressing me was the fact that I was eating poorly. So what did I do? I continued to eat poorly, because it was temporarily comforting me. Only to be left feeling ashamed. It's a vicious cycle at times. Well, I'm back on track now. I'm eating right, and I'm ready to excercise my guts out! I AM going to get down to 150 pounds this year. Even if it takes a while, I AM going to do it.

New workout challenge!

I bought a new workout apparatus at Costco yesterday, a pearly blue gym ball. I have been using it today, not only to stretch and work out a bit (still learning), but to sit on while listening to my kids read or reading to them. It totally helps my spine stay in alignment. It feels great to have a "workout" plan for home. I usually see working out as a YMCA thing. Something I do away from home. Another way to transform and reinvent my life.

Upward and Onward!
Jules

The Texas Revolution: Calling All Minivans!

Okay, Amy (and anyone else who is interested but considerably farther away), the New Year's Revolution is coming up in 10 short days...would you like to get together and do something as the official Texas chapter? I'm up for about anything - lunch (your kids are welcome of course) somewhere in Collin County, meeting to work out together at the Y (my membership isn't just limited to my home facility), or perhaps a celebratory cup of coffee so we can brag on eachother and share remarks like "Wow Jules looks great - I don't know how she managed to come out so skinny after the holidays but I wish I knew her secret."

If you're interested, let me know. I'd really like to meet you since I feel like I "know" you somewhat already!

the preschool diet

Hi ladies, sorry it has been so long...I have not really been changing in the past few months, so I have nothing really interesting to say. It is nice to read all your posts and I am still over here cheering you on. Like your quiet little cheerleader...sorry I am not more vocal. Anyway, thought this was cute and worth sharing...
Keep up the work ladies!

Remember how light you were and the boundless energy you had as a 3-and
4-year-old? All your baby fat was gone, your skin was smooth and your head
was full of shiny hair and gum. The key to recapturing that ideal body
type is to
once again eat like a preschooler.

It works like this:

For breakfast, you have a small Barney-bowl full of Cheerios with 2 percent
milk, four banana slices on the side and a sippy cup of orange juice.
Using a spoon with a blue rubber handle, eat half the cereal and dribble
the rest of it down your chin and onto your shirt.
Take two big sips of juice; try to gargle with it and then laugh
convulsively, causing the juice to shoot out your nose. Mash the banana
slices into the table with your fingers.

Lunch is a Bob-The-Builder bowl of Spaghetti-Os (fortified with
calcium), eight green beans and a cup-with-lid- and-straw full of milk.
Chewing the spoon with the red rubber handle, you eat the calcium
fortified Spaghetti-Os with your hands. Wipe excess sauce from your
hands onto your pants and make bubbles in your milk. Eat two and a half
green beans and then try to force the rest
into the straw. Blow with all your might into the green-bean-stuffed straw.

Your mid-afternoon snack can be any two of the following: Goldfish
crackers, raisins, grapes (cut into eighths to avoid choking) or string
cheese. You may have one sippy cup of half apple juice, half water. Eat
crackers, raisins, grapes, or cheese by tossing handfuls of them into
the air and seeing how many you can catch with your mouth. Grind
whatever you don't catch into the carpet
with your shoe.

Dinner consists of macaroni and cheese, peas and applesauce. Refuse to
eat your macaroni and cheese with only one utensil; instead use both a
fork and a spoon. Alternate bites, first using the fork in your right
hand and then using the spoon in your left. Eat the applesauce only with
the fork, dripping most of it through the fork prongs and onto your lap.
Insert peas into nose.

The key to the Preschooler Diet is not what you eat but, rather, that
most of the food on your plate ends up on the floor instead of in your
stomach. But as with any diet, food is only part of the answer; you also
have to exercise.

Like a preschooler.

This includes riding your trike in the driveway, jumping on the couch,
pretending everything is a sword, spinning until you fall down and crying.

Of course, first consult your physician to ensure that the Preschooler
Diet is appropriate for you. If it's not, you might have to consider the
even more radical and rapid weight-loss regimen of the Toddler Diet.

I got my new duds!!

My Cafe' Press order came in yesterday. I am wearing the size Medium workout set and the XL junior size t-shirt. So much fun! I feel so sporty and connected to my girls! Love you guys, Love this group!

Jules

Three point six

Down!! Woot woot!

This has been a tough week, and I'm so proud of myself for not losing control, even when I heard hard things or got upset etc. That's huge for me.

Les Journal:

Tuesday, 1/2: 1598 calories, 14 glasses water, exercise
Wednesday, 1/3: 1594 calories, 14 glasses, exercise
Thursday, 1/4: 1559 calories, 16 glasses, exercise
Friday, 1/5: 1519 calories, 11 glasses
Saturday, 1/6: 1287 calories, 8 glasses
Sunday, 1/7: 1443 calories, 8 glasses
Monday, 1/8: 1269 calories, 14 glasses, exercise.

I'm a little slow getting back on the exercise wagon, but I'm working on it!

Dodging the danish for breakfast

I can't say the same about yesterday, but my honey and I DID celebrate our 13th wedding anniversary yesterday... even though it is today. My mom came and sat with the boys, and brought a flat of Costco danishes with her. We went on a lunch and movie date, and we both ate like pigs. But today is a new day. And I worked off some of my bad choices from yesterday, on the elliptical machine today. I pushed myself for a solid 10 minutes longer than I've ever done. I lasted for 40 minutes this morning you guys, and I burned a whole 540 calories. It felt AWESOME!
I'm telling you, this year is my year. I'm going to get down to my goal, and I'm gonna look fabulous. Right now I may look the same as when we had our Fall Frolic, but I tell you what, come the Spring Hurrah, I'm gonna be turning some heads. : )


I went back to the Y tonight with my hubby! I did 25 more minutes on the elliptical. I burned a total of 866 calories on that macchine alone today...Plus I did some weight training, not sure on the calories burned there. But I did consume only 1600 calories today, and I had 16 glasses of water.

I am journaling again...

Hey ladies, its been awhile since I posted, not sure why I am choosing now, a busy Monday morning, to do so, but got to write when the Spirit inspires me, I guess....

I have started journaling again (for those of you still waiting, the journals are still not in). Here are my stats for the last little while:

12-28 Water:13!, Calories 1600, Workout: 45 min. Elliptical

12-29 Water:11, Calories: 1460

12-30 Water:8, Calories: 1500

12-31 Water:4, Calories: 2100 boo

1-1 Water:7, Calories 1300

1-2 Water: 8, Calories 1700 Now addicted to sugar again...Has to STOP!

1-3 Water 10, Calories 1450 Workout: 45 min. Elliptical 405 calories burned! Sugar withdrawal headache....

1-4 Water: 8, Calories 1550, Workout: 33 min. Elliptical 311 calories burned. No sugar today. Grumpy mom. (Scale says I gained 3 lbs in one week??? What the heck????) VERY grumpy mom.

1-5 Water:9, Calories 1639, Did Housework ALL day, took down Christmas

1-6 Water: 9, Calories 1450

1-7 Water:6, Calories 1511, Weight back down by 1.4 lbs. Feeling better. Still 1.6 lbs. higher than right after Christmas....

Today is a new day, ladies...I am shooting for a workout session and a great day homeschooling my kids. How bout you?

Jules

Report from the Minivan

I appreciate you all reading my ramblings. These posts help keep me accountable to someone about what I am doing daily.
1. I woke up just in time to get everyone ready for church today. SS was great and worship was even better. The first Sunday of the month is communion which is just so special to be reminded of Christ's love, there is no Children's church so I spend a good deal of the time whispering, SHHHHHH.
2. I ate in control and in moderation but I did eat some cookies. I didn't overeat on them though and it is "that time of the month" and I just wanted some sweets.
3. I drank 9 glasses of water. YEA
4. I took the boys for a hike through the park today I think it is about 1.5 miles. Yesterday I went to the Y and rode the elliptical for 20 minutes, did the leg machines, and walked 12 minutes.

Until tomorrow.
Amy

Ups and Downs

Down: I only exercised three days this week, not the four I hoped for.

Up: I did not eat the Moose Munch. This is huge for me.

Down: Horrible news about my Grandma, who I'm very close to. Horrible as in brain-tumor-no-more-than-six-months news. I'm devastated.

Up: I stayed on the Exchange. Every day. Even with pizza.

Down: Went over my calories almost every day.

Up: But not by more than 50 calories, and I'm not sure why, and can't sweat it right now.

I'm following the Villiage People and have joined the YMCA!

Our family joined last night, finally. Hallelujah. I had a good work out last night with my guy, and I'm looking forward to another one today. I'm so excited to finally have membership, and not have to go on a guest pass. The weight that I gained over the holidays is coming off baby, O-F-F!!!
Seeing you regularly Jules has really challenged me, you are just so dang skinny now! No more white russians for this chick... my reslove is back.

I just wanted to celebrate a loss of 1/2 inch on each of my thighs. Not sure what to attribue this to, but its happy regardless!

I'm going to the barn today to ride. I took a week off.

From the Minivan

I began this morning with a bed full of boys who had snuck down to our room and into the bed after Honey left for work. I really like to be the first up but not today. I did read my devotional today but did not get my bible reading done.

I ate in moderation and did not eat when I was not hungry.

I drank 9 glasses of water!!! Yea.

I worked out at the gym. Elliptical for 20 minutes and weight circuit for 40 minutes. The fitness guru set me up with a plan on the machines.

No gym tomorrow because there is no childcare but Saturday, I'll be there.

Great Day

I have had a great day... I ate good, drank my water and WORKED OUT!! I also weighed at the gym and am happy to report that since my last tickler change I have only gained 1.6 lbs. This is very exciting to me as it has been since late November since I have really tried hard to stay on track. This makes me all the more motivated to getting this weight off and keeping it off. I have had visuals of me in cute outfits....I am going to lose 15 #s by March 1st.

Jules could you please update my tickler?

Tracy

Check it out - what does 200 calories look like?

http://www.wisegeek.com/what-does-200-calories-look-like.htm


When you consider that an entire plate of broccoli contains the same number of calories as a small spoonful of peanut butter, you might think twice the next time you decide what to eat.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the average adult needs to consume about 2000 - 2500 calories to maintain their weight. In other words, you have a fixed amount of calories to "spend" each day; based on the following pictures, which would you eat?

The details of our New Year's Revolution event

We are meeting at 11:30 a.m. on January the 20th at the Northgate Mall Red Robin. I think it is safe to say that this will probably be where we will always meet, as it is a pretty good central location. Anyhow, it will be a time of food,(healthy naturally), fellowship, and fun. And of course a bit of shopping. For those of us that have stayed the same, or perhaps gained a few pounds, we could never have enough accessories... right? I hope most of you can make it, we've really had a wonderful time in the prior two events.

You can do it!

That is what I keep telling my self. "Kimiko, you can do this! You have accomplished every other goal you have set out to do in your life, this shouldn't be any different." Yes, the goal of getting healthy shouldn't be any different from any other goal in my life but it is. I have never fallen down and gotten back up so many times! I was so encouraged by Elicia's comments on the New Years Revolution post. I wasn't going to attend the event because I put back on 8 of the 30 pounds I lost in 06. I was also feeling a bit sorry for myself because I didn't reach my goal of getting out of the 200's before the end of the year. I need you ladies something bad! I really don't want to fail. Failure to me would be to quit and go back to my old habits. I stumbled at the end of the year but I am not ready to concede this battle as of yet. I am journaling again, drinking at least 120 ounces of water a day, and I am doing my aerobics tape in the morning. I know if I just keep putting one foot in front of the other I will eventually make my destination. It's just taking so dang long! My goal this year is to lose 50 pounds by 11/1. That is only 5 pounds a month. I think I could do that. I really need to do this. My husband and I want to start trying to conceive by November. I am a bit empty. Please give me a hand, a prayer, a encouraging word until I can stand firm on my own. Thank you ladies. I wouldn't have lost the first 30 (22) pounds without you.
Smiles,
Kimiko

Two and a half weeks until the New Years Revolution event!

Okay girls, we have just seventeen more days until we all get together again to celebrate. I know that most of us have gained some over the holidays, but I believe it's all of the more reason for us to get together. We need to encourage one another. So if you've already made up your mind that you don't want to go, let me see if I can persuade you to change it! It's a new year, it's a new day. Let's get healthy together!

First night at the Y

I went to the Y last night. I don't have my orientation until tomorrow night so all I did was walk on the treadmill and attempt to do the elliptical. I walked for 30 minutes. Then saw my old SS teachers and talked to them for a few minutes. I watched the other people on the ellipticals and figured out how it works. I put my water in the special slot. Plugged in my headphones so I could hear the TV, started the program and lasted all of 3 minutes, 180 seconds, 5/100ths of an hour. Today I go for 5 minutes!!

*Setting and Succeeding with Goals*

I know it sounds basic and silly, but there really are ways of setting goals for yourself set you up for success. Think of it like a recipe or a template for success. If you set goals in this way, you are more likely to accomplish them than not.

Read on and see if it makes sense to you...



1. Get a clear vision of your goal. Don't just say, "I want to lose some weight." but allow yourself a moment to imagine what you'd do then that you aren't doing now…Imagine what types of clothes you might wear with confidence…

What would I look like if I had the 'perfect' me?

2. Get real. How much of this ideal is do-able? Sure, I'd like to say I snowboard black diamond runs, but the truth is, I'm not fit enough to do it and probably never will be. If I give myself a goal that is out of hand, I'll have to have an out of hand way of tackling it. Am I really willing to dedicate that kind of time?

What does this ideal look like once I add a dash of reality?

3. Get started. Thinking about this stuff won't get it done. If you are trying to lose weight, get your meal plan together and shop. Then eat the food. If you are needing to pass a certification, then start studying, find a study group, get going!

4. Re-work your goal. You'll find stumbling blocks or things that work better than others. Sometimes your desires change. Check in with yourself periodically to make sure the goal is really a manifestation of what you thought you wanted.

5. Keep going. Studies show it can take as little as two weeks to get something engrained as a habit. You are literally RE-WIRING YOUR BRAIN as MIT studies show. http://web.mit.edu/newsoffice/1999/habit-0922.html

6. Reward yourself. Your brain will more easily be re-wired with the help of some lovely reward hormones (see above study).

So ladies, get them goals in mind. Not because its the new year...cuz I think resolutions are made to fail, but because it is a good thing to do - and a goal is like faith - "The substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen".

Elicia