HELLO - is anyone out there?

Hello everyone,

It has been a crazy month of June, but a blessed one! I took my mom to Borger TX. for a wedding on May 23, Leland and I went to Kansas on May 29, we (Leland and I) took all of our grandchildren camping (yes all 6) June 5th & 6th, I took my mother to Albubuerque, NM on June 12th & 13th (her sister died), we had 4 grandchildren just spend the night on the 20th and here it is the 23rd.

Needless to say, I have not really been on a specific eating plan. I have managed to stay at my current weight of 196 which is where I was at the end of our Memorial Day challenge. I think that is due to the fact that I have continued to walk from 2 to 4 miles at least 5 or 6 times a wk.

I hope each of you have a great 4th of July and Andrea I hope you are reaching you 4th goals.

Love Mamme

p.s. Shane and Ashlie have completed their move and are loving Kansas. They have some pictures of their house on their blog, which is ashlierzant.blogspot.com

4th of July Goal for Andrea

I am going to make my goal for July 14th. We will be out until the 9th of July and I want to weigh in on my scale and that puts me accountable through all of my travels.

Starting weight 232.8
Goal by July 14, 2009 - 224.8
8 pounds in 6 weeks

I owe $8 to Pam! Great job Pam.

Memorial Day goal

I made it and I attribute it to the walking. I lost 1.8 pounds last week and walked 24.3 miles. For the 8 weeks of Walk Across Texas I walked 183.2 miles and lost 10 pounds. My team did 854.7. I really think the walking is the key for me. I do watch what I eat but with the extra walking I can splurge sometimes and it doesn't show up in the weight so much. The added bonus is feeling better, more staminia and energy. I thought I would surely never like walking and because I am naturally lazy I probably wouldn't do it just for fun but the side effects are worth it and I really don't hate it anymore. Walk Across Texas ended for my team at school last Friday but I am continuing. I am in a routine now and am afraid to stop for fear I will revert back my inactive ways. I walk for an hour every morning before school by myself and it is pleasant to think, dream, pray, praise, plan, whatever. Sometimes I walk again in the afternoons but this week has not lent itself to that. My feet and shins still hurt but not as much. Whatever it is for you that helps with health and feeling better do it and don't give up. We are all in for the long haul - a lifetime, and exercise will make that lifetime last longer and be more enjoyable. So some did not reach their Memorial Day goal. Set new ones and lets go TODAY. July 4th is just a bit over a month away so I am going to try for 5 pounds off by then. Everybody set a new goal and let me know your walking totals each week. From what I have so far we have walked about 450 miles in 6 weeks but most weeks it is just 4 of us so that is pretty good results. Keep working. Love you all. Pam

Quick update

Well I am actually down about a pound. I am getting closer to my goal but I was 3 lbs off my MD goal of 142. So I hope to reach that goal by father's day and then reach 140 by the end of July. I did 16.5 miles last week and this week has started off great. Lane is losing all kinds of weight. He is down 19 lbs as of last night. He has cut his calories and is exercising daily.

Wedding Cake Blues!

Hello everyone,

I went to my cousins wedding this weekend and I really did quite well UNTIL it came to the wedding cake, I was just going to have a small piece but they cut them sooooo big and I couldn't be rude - so yes, I ate the whole piece.

I have lost 4.5 lbs for the Memorial Day challenge which is 3.5 lbs short of my goal - however if it had not been for the challenge, I would not have lost the 4.5 lbs so I still feel like I accomplished a small victory.

I walked 15 miles this week and hope to improve the distance as time goes on!

I don't know about ya'll, but every time I put something in my mouth that I know will cause a weight gain or hinder my progress in someway I think of this blog and the commitment that I have made and SOMETIMES it helps to keep me on the correct path. Thanks for allowing me to join you and we will all reach our goals.

Mamme

New Goals...New Days

Memorial Day came and presented it's pretty little face. Now it is over and our weight loss seems to need new direction.

I did not make my MD goal. I am 3.8 pounds short. A far cry from where I wanted to be.

I will owe $8 to the winners of this round!

Are we setting our next new goals for July 4th?

I only walked 11.5 miles this last week for WAT.

I am still on board but need a new focus. I slacked on my walking this week and emotionally I am showing it. I miss that time.

Hope everyone had a great MD and it on the wagon still.

Please report in!

Andrea

A little late...

I don't have much to report. I am the same. It seems to be coming off but at really SLOW pace. I did 16 miles this past week. Lane is doing awesome. He started at 282lb (5/8/09) and is currently weighing 267lb. He is even doing some running when he has the chance. I am proud of him and hope that he will keep it up. I hope you all have a great weekend. Keep up the good work.

Weight Watchers

Last week I decided that I needed more accountability than the on-line WW so I rejoined the weekly meetings. I have had a good week, however my weight loss is only 1 lb but I did successfully walk 15 miles. I know we are on the right track and if we keep up the hard work we will succeed.

I found this on one of the WW peoples pages and it made sense to me and I think I am hearing everyone else have the same problem. Sometime I don't really realize that I have eaten as much as I have until it is to late. Here's the quote:

"If you bite it, write it"
"If you drink it, ink it"
"If you snack it, track it"
"If you nibble it, scribble it"
"If you lick it, click it"
"somebody's watching you - it's you"

This has made me more aware of what I am doing!!! Hope everyone has a great week!

Mamme

17 & 0

I guess I should be glad it's not a gain of 17!

Loss this last week -0-..a big fat NOTHING! I deserve it. I ate well for the most part with regular meals, but had way too much dessert twice (specifically that I can think of). I know where I need to change. I am on the right track. Just a little slower than I should be.

Walked 17 miles. My goal has been to walk the same or more than the previous week and I just didn't get that done this week. I will refocus and go again.

I told Lyneil and Karl, I am starting to feel these lumps at the base of my neck...I think they are called collar bones...haven't seen/felt them in a while. I remember in high school that was a focal point for me. It's a nice feeling...having them back!

Good week

I had a good week last week and if I would watch what I am eating on the weekends I would be much ahead. I lost .6 last week and walked 32.1 miles. I do so well during the week but on teh weekends I eat too much and more fatening things. But a loss is a loss and i am thankful for that. Everybody let me know your miles and next week I'll try to get some totals. The Walk Across Texas thing we are doing at school ends next week. This is the 8th week. In some ways it has gone fast and in others not so much. I am in a routine of walkiing now so I don't hate it so much and it is so much easier than it used to be. Pam

Up a pound

This week did not go as well as I had planned. I gained one pound even. While I have been making some better decisions about what I am eating I am not walking as much as I need to. But, I am going to do better, I am tracking points again this week. I would like to make it all better but we will take on day at a time.

Not Much to Report

I am about the same! Up a 1/2 lb and I did 15.5 miles. This week has started out great. Lane has decided to lose some weight so he is all about healthy cooking. It makes it so much easier for me when he is trying to eat healthy and make better choices. I made a wonderful vinegar based coleslaw and a corn/black bean salsa. I will let you know how Lane's weight loss is going next week and of course I will report in (I hate reporting in every week by the way)!

0 A BIG FAT 0

I am attributing it to my age - however it could have been the choices I made, but I thought I did really well. I walked 15 miles and thought I did better than a BIG FAT 0. I hope to lose my 3 lbs by Memorial Day but I am going to have to hurry it to get it done. I have been on a BIG FAT 0 for three wks. Stay the course and we will all get it done!!!

Love Mamme

Last week

I've lost a pound and only walked two miles last week. I've already done 4 this week and am about to go walk the neighborhood today. Gotta quit being lazy!!!!

2.4 down and 20.1 distance

This last week I was able to walk 20.1 miles (thanks to Lyneil). I haven't figured out what I am going to do without her (for most things). It is nice to dump my kid and say I going to go walk and she always obliges.

I know the walking is helping. I didn't loose the gain that I had from last week, but 2.4 down is DOWN and I'll take it. I still have 4.6 pounds to lose before goal day!

Stay FOCUSED and on the track!

Andrea

Miles to go

I am at a stand still. If I would make better food choices I know I would do better but at least I am not gaining. I lost 0 for the week and walked 17.7 miles. 2 weeks to go. Everyone post miles and pounds lost for the week. I am really enjoying the communicating that is going on between all of us who are in the same boat. Thanks for all the encouragement floating around. Pam

2.2 down

I know it is not time to weigh in and I am breaking all kinds of rules...and...well...I am okay with that!

I needed to check my weight and just see what damage I was doing after such a hard last week (Tuesday's gain of 3.5). I am happy to report that I am 2.2 down!

I really needed to Mamme's weekend post...Thanks!

I am posting to hold myself accountable as well. I know that I can keep the 2.2 off and may be even make it better for Tuesday's post...my commitment to you!

No change

Well I have no weight change this week. I am the same as last week. While a loss would be much better I am thankful that there has been no gain. I did manage to walk 8 miles last week (when you include the water walking). So that is progress on my part. I am still not being great with my eating. I want to but still chose to make bad decisions. My goal for this next week is to walk more and lose at least one pound.
One day at a time and we will get there.

WEEKENDS

Have you ever noticed that most weekends are diet crashers? I do so well during the week and then comes the weekend. We go out to eat, are have people over or take trips(Jorge) and we just slide under the bus wheels. (I have been run over by bus wheels lots of weekends)

I challenge everyone to have a great healthy weekend. A weekend that on Monday morning you can say " I did pretty well this weekend and it was not a cause to either gain weight or not lose any".

Good luck - only 2 1/2 wks.

Mamme

3.5 and 18

Yeah, not sure what to even write. I walked 18 miles last week but I have gained 3.5 pounds?!?!?

I don't know what is going on here. I did watch what I ate and enjoyed my walks. I don't know. I am going to keep on walking and hope that this week balances out the other. It seems it takes so long to take off the weight and in such a short time it is plastered back on... I know there are some things I could have done different and I will focus on that this week.

I have 6.6 more pounds to loose in three weeks...I am staying the course.

andrea

Jorge is really going to throw me under the bus!

I worked really hard last week (until Saturday thanks to Jorge) because I haven't been losing any weight. It really paid off, surprisingly! I lost 2 pounds! I also did 15.5 miles last week.

Gotta keep trying

As Susan said, just 3 weeks to go to lose your goal. I have lost 7 of the 10 I wanted to lose. This week was 0 for me but I did walk 24.6 miles. The weight will come off I know. We had a busy weekend with Sr. Banquet at church, cooking brisket, and then hospital ER with Papa on Sunday night/Monday morning. It is never too late to get back to the agenda of losing and exercising to feel better. Focus ! ! Pam

3 wks and then - MEMORIAL DAY

OK GANG!
3 short weeks and we will be at our goal deadline! Well so far I have lost 4 of the 8 lbs I was suppose to lose. No weight lose this week, but I did walk 14 miles! 4 lbs seems like such a small amount.

Let's all give it our best effort these next 3 weeks because it looks like we are going to need all our strength to pull Jorge out from under the bus!(love ya Jorge).

Well Shane, Ashlie, Averie and Kallie are officially from Kansas. They left yersterday monrning and arrived about 9:30 last night. They will be looking for a house the next few days so keep them in you prayers!!!!!

We can all DO THIS!!!!!!!!!!

Mamme

This week

I gained two pounds.

Page is going under the bus!

So Amy and I headed to visit Page and Lane in Abilene. All was going to go well. I had planned on eating turnips all weekend. Instead Page wanted to wreck my diet. She made me eat at AM donuts (croissants & donuts for breakfast). Lunch was fajita burritos at La Popular with super sweet tea. Dinner was huge T-bones, sliced potatoes baked in butter, yeast rolls, shells and cheese, corn on the cob & spinach salad. Breakfast Sunday was biscuits, sausage, gravy & lunch was very delicious lasagna. So....Page....shame on you. Shame on you for making this weekend so tasty! You outdid yourself. (Don't worry, I won't mention the dessert you made with 16oz (not a pound) of powdered sugar, I'm your buddy!)

Shame Shame Shame.

And now a totally different week!!!!

Up a Pound....

Well my story is the same as the rest. Bad decisions and really not caring about what I am putting in my mouth. I am up a pound! I really need to keep track of what and how much I am eating everyday. My goal for this week is to keep a food journal. I want to know how much I am actually eating. I walked 14.5 miles last week and have already done 5 in the past two days. This week I am going to try and do 15 miles.

It's me again, Margaret!

I'm here! I haven't checked any blogs in many a moon!! Speaking of moons! Mine's gettin bigger! I have eaten everything but a moon pie lately. Hormones! Seriously! War is happening here and I am being defeated.

I was on a good downward trend for a few weeks but,. . . .

I know. Get on it, right. I haven't worked out in several weeks. No excuses. I feel like blubber! So, I'm gonna get back on it. 4 miles a day sweatin' to the tv. So here I go. Back at it. Better choices really make me feel better. I've gotta remember that when I make dumb choices like wanting real coke and skipping work-outs. I can do this. Ya'll can too!!!

Earlier in the season of biggest loser, the boxer dude said, "POWER" and that means. . .
Plan Overcome Win Every Round. I've done a little better at planning food. . . but I've not overcome my love of cokes or my laziness with working out; so that I can win every round. I've gotta plan to overcome so that I can win. I plan to win. . . we all see how that's workin!! So I think that I'll plan to overcome. . . focus on that for a while.

Ya'll keep up the good stuff. You push me . . . cheese!

NO, I'M UP 5 POUNDS!

Give it up for our biggest fans...

Thanks Nana and Mamme!

Keep us going. We need you. In more ways than just weight loss. You both have been so motivational and inspiriting. Thanks for all of the kind words as well as the matter-of-fact call-outs we all need. I know you two are busy and have been where each one of us are currently. Thanks for showing us that we can make a difference in our lives. Thanks for leading the way and making it look easy.

Keep going forward...I'll gladly follow!

Andrea

Yes, I am here. . .

Things have not been going my way. I have made a LOT of bad decisions in the last two weeks. I can blame it on a lot of things but in reality it is my fault and I need to buckle down and start again. I am up four pounds in the past two weeks. I weighed in at 224.5 this morning and it was depressing.
Andrea has been kicking it hard and walking up a storm and it is motivation for me. I did get in 1.5 miles yesterday and plan to do the same today. I am getting in water therapy three mornings a week for 30 minutes and it makes me feel so much better.
I have been making bad decision on what I put in my mouth and plan to make a better conscious effort to eat better this week. I plan to walk more and do it right.
I only walked 3 miles last week. I plan is to get 14 miles in this week.
I am trying . . . just need to do more.

I've got 5 on it!

Yep, I'm up big. 5 pounds in about 10 days. 347 is my current weight. I haven't worked out in about 2.5 weeks and have been eating after I get home from work at Midnight. I've been really snacky and have laxed on drinking plenty of water. Carbs are my Delilah and I've providing her with clippers to use.

Up .2 pounds...setting new goals

I made a commitment to my husband (because I know he will hold me to it) to walk at least 13 miles this week. I made this commitment in front of our marriage class this last Sunday evening.

What makes my commitment different?

Well, I have relearned having an attractive spouse makes Karl feel good about himself. I have completely dropped the ball on this need for him. I know I need to be healthy for myself and Kaden as well, but that hasn't been doing the trick. So, I am going to focus on Karl's needs and pray they out weigh my own. I am going to put his needs before my own (emotional needs).

It made me really sad when I read in our book that Karl highlighted (in both books) the same thing:
"A man with a need for an attractive spouse feels good whenever he looks at his attractive wife. They do not appreciate a woman for her inner qualities alone. They also appreciate the way she looks."

Both times, my husband brought attention to this section...both times (three years apart). I am still the same size (definitely not smaller). Ouch!

So, today I am up .2 pounds but I have walked 3 miles both yesterday as well as today. My knees are hurting and my legs are sore (do you know that I live down stairs...DOWN a lot of stairs so it seems when your legs are jelly), but I am committed!

The rant is over...Andrea

We're Supposed to Gain, Right?

Yep, I'm up a pound. A week of brownies, chocolate cake, and Dr. Pepper will do that to you. I walked 13 miles, short of my 20 mile goal. Pretty sure I won't get much walking in this week.

2 LBS.

I sent this once with nothing in it - so I will try again. I seem to be blog illerate!!!
Good new is I lost 2 lbs this week and I walked 14 miles. About the time I think the journey is getting easier, I eat everything in site and have to remind myself it takes one day at a time.

Way to go Pam - hard work pays off and I am so impressed with your walking. I think we are all doing very well and we will reach our goals.

Shane and Ashlie are packing up this morning for Kansas (the movers are packing them) they will have one more week in Tx and then be off to Kansas. Pray for them to have a safe journey and settle in to a different way of life. (maybe it is the grandparents who will settle in to a different way of life)

Work hard and see you next week!!

Mamme

Finally

Looks like the walking is finally paying off. After 4 weeks I finally posted a 4 pound weight loss this week. Lynda kept saying, "Give it 3 weeks." but at 3 weeks I had almost no results. This was the week! It sure made it easier to get up and do the walking this morning knowing that the results were positive. I'm beginning to tell in my clothes too. Hope everyone else had a good week as well. Nana

Totals

Andrea and Lyneil let me know your miles for last week. TAKS is slowing me down. I am ony walking in the mornings from 45-55 min. and getting in just under 3 miles a day. Hopefully this weekend I can make up some extra. Week 1 with just 4 of us we walked 65.6 miles. I only did 19.6 last week. My goal is somewhere around 20 a week. I go to WW tonight so I'll post weight loss tomorrow. Keep walking and report when you can. Nana

Amy & Jorge

Amy is at 211.
Jorge is at 342.

Something needs to change.....

Can you guess how much I weigh?

The SAME as I did last week. Something really needs to change and I know it is my diet. I did 14 miles and I never sit down during the day so I know I'm exercising enough. I will try to keep track of what I am eating everyday so I can figure out were I need to cut back. I hope everyone has a great week.

Sermon blues!

After my sermon last week, I failed to lose any weight, I did remain the same however!!!
I only walked 10 miles but I will make up my 4 miles plus 14 this coming week. It seems that I had 5 grandbabies over the weekend and I did not focus on myself and my food plan. My sermon still stands and I am committed to getting this weight off once and for all.

Everyone is such an inspration and this site really helps me stay motivated (any other weekend with 5 grandbabies and I would have gained 5 lbs. you know "one cookie for you and two for me.") Good luck everyone and I will do better next wk.

Love - Mamme

How Goes It???

Okay, time for everyone's totals for this week! Good job Andrea for losing 2.9 while traveling...that's awesome!! I stayed the same, no gain no loss...holding strong at 149. I'm ready to get a little farther away from 150. I did work out a lot last week, but I ate a lot, too. My walking total was 18 miles, my goal this week is 20. Can't wait to see how everyone else has done!!

Andrea's down 2.9

With my gain of 2 pounds last week, I was looking for something. My body was trying to tell me to get with it. So, this last week I took it back off with a little extra. I am proud that I made a trip to Texas with a loss. That feels good!

Jorge y Amy

Where are you? Tell your totals for the week, good, bad, or ugly!

Go, Mamme Go

Thanks for the sermon. I think we all needed that and together we can get all the weight off we need to and make the lifestyle changes we all want for ourselves, our health and for our families. I'm adding in Susan's mileage and as a team we walked 64.6 for the week. I have not gotten Andrea's and Lynda's. Keep walking and report as close to Monday as possible each week. We'll try to guage when we meet in the middle - somewhere west of Witchta Falls. Nana

Down a little more

I had another good week this week. I am not sure the I deserve it all but I will take it just the same. I am down 1.8 this week to a total of 220.6. I am .2 away from 5% when I started. I am going to do my best to hit that this week. I have not been walking like I should. I bought a pedometer today so maybe I can do better at tracking my steps and making sure I get it all in. I will get some walking in this week.
I had a spinal block yesterday and I think it is working. I still have some pain but it is much better than it was. I start therapy on Monday and will be doing all of it in the water so exercise is coming my way and I am looking forward to it.

Do it Today

Goodmorning sisters-in-sweat (and brothers),
I am down 2 lbs this week and I walked 14 miles. I almost enjoyed walking everyday (Easter included) and I cannot believe how much better I feel.

If I could just take a moment and preach to the younger, I promise not to do it again. We have always talked about tomorrow, "I will start tomorrow" or "I will do better tomorrow". I am here to tell you, I have been going to do "tomorrow" for 56 yrs. Please, Please, Please, do it today, do not look up when you are 56yrs old (and it will come soon) and weight 198. "Tomorrow" was always my goal and I was always the fattest mom and the fattest wife. Do not do this to your husband (wife) and children but most important do not do it to yourself. Last Monday April 6, 2009 was my today, did I have a perfect week, no-but I did walk 14 miles and lost 2 lbs. Let's do it today, once and for all!

I promise to never preach again and I hope everyone has a great week!!

Mamme aka Susan

Walk Across Texas

Hey everybody!! Post or send me your total miles walked last week. I walked 30.6, Paige - 13, and Jennifer 8 for a total of us - 51.6. Not bad for a first week. I lost .2 last week. .2 !!! I walked everyday and lost .2 !!! It better be better this week. Good to hear of Jennifer's loss and Paige's maintaining. If you have time get on the Texas Agriculture Extension website and look for the Walk Across Texas information. Check out the milage equilvants and pedimoter help. It is interesting. You can also look at Lamar County for all the teams participating. I am on the Leftovers and Lynda is on the Wonder Walkers.
Got to go walk. Nana

My Week

I am surprised too, because Monday I got on the scale and it said I had gained 2 pounds, and today I weighed and I've lost half a pound. So I'm down half a pound. I only walked 8 miles last week, but I've done 5 so far this week and plan on doing 4 more today.

Not Much To Report

Well I am amazingly the same weight this week as I was last week (147.5). I am really shocked because I didn't keep myself from eating lots of extra food. I did get my 13 miles in though. I am going to work really hard this week to lose at least 1 lb. Hope everyone is doing well!

Still walking

Welcome Paige and Lyneil to Walking Across Texas. Did you know we could walk to Iowa in less miles than to walk across Texas? Anyways, everyone try to get your 13 miles this week. We really need 1 more HINT HINT. I overdid it yesterday. By the time I went to bed last night I had walked 9.5 miles and I was exhausted.(I only counted 4.5 towards the WAT since the others were in smaller bits) I didn't sleep well so I am going to try to cut down on the miles when I know I will have a busy day and evening. Monitor yourself and do what you can do. Nana

I'm In....

I will Walk Across Texas with you all. I have gone 8 mile thus far and plan to finish my 13 by Friday.

Sickness helps

We have had a terrible case of strep around here. I have had it twice in two weeks while on an antibiotic. But, in the weight loss area it has been good. I am down 3 pounds this week to 222.4. My goal is to keep it down and keep working. I would like to walk too. I will get my 2 miles in today.
Good job everybody

Amy

Amy said her weight was 214 lbs.

Same Old, Same Old.....

I am the same this week as I was last week. I am glad that I stayed the same because I did some heavy eating. I went to a wedding in H-town and we ate a lot. I will do better this week and work hard not to over eat at Easter. I will miss a few workouts this week but hopefully it won't hurt me.

Welcome Mamme

Okay here's the deal. As of now we have Jennifer, Andrea, Susan, Pam and Lynda walking across Texas. Lynda doesn't know it yet but she is walking for a team here at Chisum so I know she can do it for ours too. I walked 4.5 miles today (2.5 this morning and 2 this afternoon) so for the week I am already at 12.6. Only count the milage you do extra, not the steps you take as a part of your daily routine. It is 5:45 now and I have walked 8 miles today including the 4.5 I did for exercise. We had TAKS today so I was up and down the hallways a lot. We need to walk at least 13 a week or 1.8 a day, 7 days a week. If you want to take a day off you need to do extra on the other days. It is 830 miles so we need at least 3 more people or it will take us longer. Post your weekly miles on Tuesday when you post your weekly weight loss and we can keep up with each other that way. I have been walking for 9 days straight and I can really tell a difference in the way I feel. Happy walking everybody. Nana

Jorge - 7 WEEKS LEFT!

WAS:

Weight: 341.4 lbs
BMI: 45.0
Fat %: 33.8%
Fat Mass: 115.4 lbs
Fat Free Mass: 226.0 lbs

NOW:
Weight: 341.6 lbs
BMI 45.1
Fat % 34.7%
Fat Mass: 118.6 lbs
Fat Free Mass: 223.0 lbs

Goal for Memorial Day: 325 lbs

I did work out 4 days last week and did some heavy yard work Saturday but I worked out mostly with my fork & spoon...sometimes my finger. I know what I am doing but don't stop myself. I got to get out of the fridge and stay busy outside or in the gym.

Andrea's down this week...

1.3 pounds! I really don't deserve it, but my body did me well. I am down and SO ready to get back on a work out schedule. I am WAY behind in my walking and have lots to catch up on! We can all do this. I know we can find EVERY excuse in the world (I am queen of that) but that is the reason we all are wanting to lose weight (we're all too good at making excuses). Submit to commit! NO excuses! Let's do better for our long term (and short term) family! May the Easter Bunny bring fun times to you with big sweetness in emotion!

Mamme's here!

Good morning everyone! I am so happy to be here and be held accountable for my eating actions. I actually started yesterday 04-06-09 and weighted a whopping 200 pounds with a BMI of 33. My plan is to lose 8 lbs before Memorial Day and help walk across Tx. I only walked a mile yesterday, but will try to do better today. Pam let me know how far I need to walk each day, and none of that stair stepper thing for 15 min. (who can really walk for 15 minutes on a stair stepper?) Good luck everyone and I will check in later.

Weight Loss Please...

Alright, time to post your weight loss for the week. Me, I lost 0, gained 0. Will do better this week. I haven't worked out in a while and I can tell! I'm excited about this walk across Texas thing. I just got an email from Susan Zant saying she is in. Her goal by Memorial Day is to lose 8 lbs. She also wants to do the walking, so Pam, just let us know how much we all need to walk. I'm excited to hear from everyone today and tomorrow!

Let's Get Going

I have heard from Jennifer and Andrea, anyone else is welcome to join us. Jorge, I was not sure if you were just complaining or if you are in. Come on we need some he-mans in this group. Everyone start walking or it's equilivant asap. I walked 19 miles last week and so far 8 this week. I am feeling better and cutting down on the time it takes me to do the 2 miles. It was taking 40 minutes but I have trimmed it to 35. I am trying to do 4 a day so I can take off on Sunday. Let's keep in touch and keep encouraging each other. Nana

Walk Across Texas

Let's form a group to walk across Texas (830 miles) even if you are in Iowa. Depending on how many participate we can divide it up to see how many each needs to walk. At school we have teams of 8 equalling about 104 miles each in the 8 weeks - until Memorial Day. If we get 8 to work together it is about 13 miles a week or 1.8 miles 7 days a week.
I have walked 15.5 this week walking 3-4 daily starting on Monday. I am wanting to bank a few so that if something comes up I won't let my team down.

Exercise can count toward the walking. Here are the equivalents:

Walking, stroll (2 mph) 30 min. 1 mile
Walking, typical pace (3 mph) 30 min. 1.5 miles (It takes me 40 min to walk 2 miles according to my pedimoter)
Walking, brisk (4 mph) 30 min 2 miles
Running (5.5 mph) 1 mile = 1 mile
Cycling/Mountain Biking (13 mph) 7 miles = 1 mile
Aerobics (moderate intensity) 30 min. = 1 mile
Stairmaster (moderate intensity) 15 min. = 1 mile
Roller Blading 3 miles = 1 mile
Swimming (30 yds/min) 1 mile = 1 mile
Garden, digging 30 min. = 2.5 miles
Garden, push mowing 30 min = 2.25 miles
Garden, raking 30 min. = 1 mile
Garden, planting 30 min. = 1.5 miles
Dancing, moderate to rapid 20 min. 1 mile

The exercise values have been estimated by average caloric burn for a 150 lb person exercising at moderate intensity levels for 30 min. You may log 1 mile for 20 min. of any exercise that makes you breathe hard and sweat. you may log 1 mile for every 15 minutes of any continuous exercise that makes you breathe very hard and perspire heavily.
You may add up to 10 minute segments of continous activity that makes you breathe hard and sweat.
2000 steps measured with a pedometer = 1 mile (This is not true on my pedometer. It takes about 2300 per mile)
All of this came from the AgriLife Extension Service - Walk Across Texas Campaign. You can get additional info by checking out their website.

I lost 2 pounds this week, partly due to the walking but also because I want to watch what I eat so that the walking will count for something. I am sore. I think about those on Biggest Loser and can not imagine how sore they must be after working out so hard. My feet, backs of my legs and hips hurt but I am pushing onward. I know I can work the soreness out.

Let me know who wants to join and we can start Monday. Lyneil, don't do more than your back will allow. We don't want you to have to have surgery. Everybody else, quit your whinning and let's go. (ya'll will wich I never figured out how to post now.)
Nana

Competitors

Ok, so right now this is what I've got. By Memorial Day, the following people have planned to lose this much weight:

Andrea-10 lbs
Lyneil - 7 lbs
Jennifer - 8 lbs
Page -7 lbs (Father's Day...gain it all back at camp!!)
Amy - 11
Jorge - 16
Pam -10

I know there are others and I will have you set up shortly. Memorial Day is roughly 8 weeks away. I think all of our goals are reasonable, so let's get started! Make sure you post your weight loss next week!

I have been out

I can make up all kind of excuses and some of them are really good but the fact remains that I need to get back on track.
My current weight is 227
My goal for memorial weekend is 220.
I need to keep it real so I do not "cheat" because it is not realistic.
I weight in on Wednesdays at WW so I will do my best to post then.
I will try to do good and walk. Great job Pam on pushing trough the pain and making the commitment, I needed that encouragement. I am so proud of each of you and look forward to seeing all the accomplishments!

Way to go PAM!!!! See, that's the thing! Your feet hurt . . . but you still keep on going. That's what I need to hear. I can find any excuse in the world to keep exercise away. I don't know why I do that. When I go I feel so good! I don't have any pain. But I desperatly need to get some weight off so that I can breathe better and feel better. I'm workin' on it!!! How about yall?

I thought that I'd include some funny pictures with relatives, spoons, and food to remind us to stay on track!! They'll give you a good laugh anyway.


Get behind the spoon!!!!

Amy

Weight: 217.0 lbs
BMI: 38.4
Fat %: 46.9%
Fat Mass: 101.8 lbs
Fat Free Mass: 115.2 lbs

Memorial Day Goal: 206 lbs

Jorge

Weight: 341.4 lbs
BMI: 45.0
Fat %: 33.8%
Fat Mass: 115.4 lbs
Fat Free Mass: 226.0 lbs

Goal for Memorial Day: 325 lbs

Nana

At school yesterday we started a new campaign called "Walk Across Texas". In teams of 8 we are supposed to walk 830 miles in the next 8 weeks (104 miles each -average or 1.8 miles a day - 7 days a week). I at first said, 'No, thanks." My feet (actually my arches) hurt so bad when I walk a lot, but they needed me to finish a team (Wonder who had a hand in this)so I am in. Our campus has 4 teams. Lynda is on a different team. Ours is called "The Leftovers". Last night Michael and I walked 3 miles and this morning before school I walked 1. I hope to walk 3 miles a day or at least 15-20 a week so when something comes up I won't feel so pressured. Yes, my feet hurt but I did it anyway. It is not so bad when you have company. Anyway, hopefully this will help me keep that 3 pounds I've been yo-yoing with off and lose some more. Join the callenge if it will help any of you. We could put together our weight loss team if anyone is interested. I have the form. Have a great dya. I hope this posts - if it does it will be my first succussful try. Pam

I'm Ready.....

I am ready to lose the rest of this baby weight! I have started doing more cardio and I'm trying really hard to not eat after 9pm. Here are my stats:
Current weight: 147.5
Goal by Father's Day: 140
I'm still nursing so I can't really cut my calories but I will make good choices and keep my hands out of the cookie jar:)

Good luck to you all!

I'm up for the Tuesday deal. . . . kinda been fallin' off the bus. Gotta pick it up and get back on it. Jennifer, are you feelin' better? Granny said that the West Texas cousins were sick too. MMMMMM! Now we know why! I still think that I had food poisioning AND a little virus. Hope you're feeling better. We're back to normal here. Yeah, it's time to get back to it.

Miffed

I'm a little miffed myself at how little it seems we've been utilizing this blog. Here's the new plan, if you've got a problem with it, let me know.

By next Tuesday, everyone that is going to participate this round (from now until Memorial Day) needs weigh in and post their goals. Each Tuesday following, post your weekly weight change. This will help keep us more accountable from week to week. I know, I know, it's hard to find time to blog, but if you can't find 5 minutes a week to write down your weight change, what's the point in doing this, really?!?!? On Memorial Day we will weigh in a final time. If you don't make your goal, you owe $2 for each pound you are from your goal. Jorge suggested that for those of us who do make our goal, we get to split the money. I like that idea. Let us know what you think. If you don't let me know, that's what we will do, and you can't complain because you didn't say anything! So, if you're in it this time, either blog by Tuesday or email someone by Tuesday. I will post a master list of everyone and their goals Wednesday.

Where is everybody! Eating?

I know I was. I went to daggum Whataburger this morning. I was running late and got in the car to go work out. Well, I decided I couldn't get a "meaningful" workout in so I decided to eat fat. Yep, a pitfall. I typically never do this; I prefer cereal or bagels or Jimmy Dean Turkey Sausage English Muffins at the house. So I splurge! I get only the Breakfast on a Bun with Sausage. Thank you Whataburger for the 550 calories I ate in those few minutes. Well, the true tradgedy is that I typically get 2 of those kind of sandwiches but I decided to instead get one and get a burrito at Taco Bueno. Typically, I am proud to preach that "Taco Bueno is a good gas station burrito." Really and truly, it just barely that good. So I hit the web and sure enough I learn that 1 bean burrito is 600 calories and 1600mg of sodium. Please begin to write my obit.

So I'm outraged! Since no one wants to do anything on this blog, I suggest a task. Let's each choose Fast Food joints we frequent, go on their website and try to pin point the "healthier" stuff. Then report that intel on this blog and we can create a master list that we can keep in the car. This can help us order when we have no option but to eat out and will probably save us a few hundred calories. What do you think?

We can give all the info on each food that we deem healthier.

Sadly, I must say that I'm thinking the Ultimate Bacon Cheeseburger from Jack in the Box is not healthy. So tragic.

A Few Things

A few things I would like us to do this go-round...

First of all, we have discussed and I think we are all on board for setting the next goal for Memorial Day.

Next, I think we should have a weekly weigh-in day that we all weigh in and report our weekly results.

Finally, I think that those of us who reach our goals should get some reward, other than looking good. I have no ideas, so send out yours!

Also, could someone go over how the pay thing is going to work this time, because I forgot what we discussed!

Jorge's Updated Stats & New Goal

Still trying to digest those Pedroza's beans! Let me just say that it has been a challenge!

Was:
Mar 6th
Weight: 341.6 lbs
BMI: 45.1
Fat %: 33.9%
Fat Mass: 115.8 lbs
Fat Free Mass: 225.8 lbs

Now:
Mar 18th
Weight: 342.4 lbs
BMI: 45.2
Fat %: 36.6%
Fat Mass: 125.4 lbs
Fat Free Mass: 217.0 lbs

Goal Weight for Memorial Day: 325 lbs
Goal Weight for Fourth of July: 315 lbs

Amy's Updated Stats & New Goal

We went back to the gym today...we ate all the bad stuff we could while we were gone. Here are Amy's latest stats:

Weight: 216.4 lbs
BMI: 38.3
Fat %: 48.2%
Fat Mass: 104.2 lbs
Fat Free Mass: 112.2 lbs

Goal by Memorial Day: 206 lbs
Goal by 4th of July: will set it on Memorial Day

Last Chance!

I'm not going to weigh in today, partly because I did HORRIBLE last week and partly because I want to wait until Friday. Make sure you all bring your total weight loss to the reunion, and your money, if necessary. I'll be bringing some cash. People who won't be at the reunion, like Ashley and Craig (if he's still doing this) just send your info and cash with someone else. We've got these last five days to get as much off as we can, so work work work every day! Last week was bad for me because I worked for half a day Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, and let that be an excuse for not working out. I admire those of you who work and find time to work out and eat right. It is something I never was able to do consistently. Now that I'm at home with Ava, I love working out because it is "me time". It's an hour for me to not have to worry about playing with Ava or cleaning the house or paying bills or anything! I just get to listen to my iPod or read, or hang out and work out with other moms and I love it! I look forward to working out! So, I'm about to go work out today, hope you all find the time and motivation to work out, too! See y'all this weekend! Yeah!!!

I need you to yell at me!

Was:
Feb 16th
Weight 344.0 lbs
BMI 45.4
Fat% 39.2%
Fat Mass 134.8 lbs
Fat Free Mass 209.2 lbs

Now:
Mar 6th
Weight 341.6 lbs
BMI 45.1
Fat% 33.9%
Fat Mass 115.8 lbs
Fat Free Mass 225.8 lbs

So I'm heading back in the right direction but this progress was for 3 weeks! I totally did not go to the gym for 8 days so that makes it really tough. We have 1 solid week. I must be very conscious of what I am putting in my body and I have to be consistent in working my body. I am proud that here we are in March still talking about working out and eating right. After years and years of bad habits, it is so easy to quite but we are still in the game. Keep it up everybody. Ever day counts and the changes will come in due time. I have it easier than many of you and to see that you all consistently beat me is very impressive and must be motivation for me to jump up and push forward. See you all very soon. I will try to act like I don't like being there so I can be consistent with previous reunions.

I'm Here!

Don't know about anyone else, but I am here! I lost another .5 pound last week. Considering the batch of pickle chips I took out, I'm pretty happy with that. We've just got two more weeks to work hard and kick it into gear, so let's keep it up!

4 down - 4 to go...

Well, mono is NOT my friend (energy and health wise) but as for the weight loss, I did slip off another 4 pounds this last week. I am down 4 and only have 4 to go to obtain my goal of 20 pounds by the 14th. I can do it!

Is anyone else out there?

Are y'all ready to weight in at the reunion?

We will not have a scale there, so bring your final numbers with you.

Andrea

Down a Bit...

I have been stuck at 151 for weeks, so last week I decided that I would stop eating my nightly snack. I love to snack late at night. I am probably more tired than hungry but peanut butter and honey sure tastes good at 11pm. I stuck to my goal (only cheated once or twice) and I lost a pound. I am slowly getting closer to my goal. This week I am trying to cut back the snacks I eat during the day. I will let you know how it goes.

Yum...

Pappadeaux last night, Wings-n-More tonight.  Yum.........

Yum...

Pappadeaux last night, Wings-n-More tonight.  Yum.........

mono y mono

What I thought was the flu is only MONO! What, a virus most high school kids get has made a showing and it is an ugly face. I have never been this lethargic in all my life. I want to stay in bed, I want to eat nothing, I hurt from head to toe...literally. Lyneil has been super woman and should be burning her calories as well as mine as many times as she has been down and up the stairs and taking care of business.



Well, with all the drama (or lack there of around here), I seemed to loose 6 pounds. That puts me 7.3 pounds away from my goal. How I would not recommend this version of weight loss to ANYONE, I am getting closer to my goal.



Y'all pray the rest of the people in this house steer clear of this nasty virus.

Woo Hoo!

I don't like to brag or get all excited about stuff, because it seems when I do something happens to humble me, but I'm gonna go ahead.  I lost 2.2 pounds!  Woo Hoo!  What did I do?  I actually tried...and it worked.  I'm also noticing that my jeans (pre-baby) fit better, and my thighs don't rub together anymore (an annoying little problem that started around 7 months pregnant).  So, keep it up, you can do it!  

3 weeks to go

Put the sweets away! Keep on the exercise and the better portions! I want to go to there.

Down another pound. . . 216. . . . . That makes 10 from my beginning! But, I didn't work out at all this week. It was tough. This week will be better on working out. My eating is . . . on my mind now more that before. I have to keep it in my points and make sure that I don't take too many liberties as I am acostomed to doing!!! Cheese? Ashley, how are ya?

Better week

So I went to the doctor today and she wants to do a MRI. I asked if we could wait a little while longer to see if it would get better because I do not want to go through another surgery right now. She gave me 14 days of steroids and I have to go back in 4 weeks, if it is not better by then, then on to the MRI I go. I am nervous, scared, and hopeful. We will see what happens.
I did lost 3.6 ponds this week!!! I know that some of that is the 1.8 the scale said I gained last week that I could not explain but I will take it. I am not able to workout right now because it just hurts so I am counting my points and making the best of the situation I am in. I am praying for God's healing. Praying for the knowledge to make the best decisions for me and my family.
It is hard to ask for healing when there are others out there hurting worse than I am.
But, overall a good week!

So what does it matter if you splurge here and there?

A ton!

This is Jorge again...

Previously this was my progress:
Jan 22nd Jan 30th
Weight 346.0 lbs 343.2 lbs
BMI 45.7 45.3
Fat% 37.1% 34.9%
Fat Mass 128.4 lbs 119.8 lbs
Fat Free Mass 217.6 lbs 223.4 lbs

Goal weight by reunion: 315 lbs

Now:
Feb 16th
Weight 344.0 lbs
BMI 45.4
Fat% 39.2%
Fat Mass 134.8 lbs
Fat Free Mass 209.2 lbs

So I only gained 0.8 pounds overall after eating bad via the Superbowl, Week before the Week before my Birthday, Week before my Birthday, and then my Birthday. Did I ENJOY all that food ENOUGH to appreciate that I GAINED 15 POUNDS OF FAT and LOST 14.2 POUNDS OF MUSCLE?! *$%&@ NO!!! Did I get it through my head that I was one of the fortunate people on this earth that didn't have to worry about having food the next day? NO! So I botched it all up and I feel like a complete idiot. I did this to myself and thought I was getting off pretty since I was around the same ballpark in weight. Well, what lies beneath tells the true story and now I am looking at the Reunion as a further and further goal. So what?! Now I have to accept these numbers and have to depend on you all to keep me in line. I hid behind not "posting" hoping that my numbers would not be that bad. I paid the price. I can't believe all the time I "waisted" but now I need to be focused. I will be back on the train. I will make my "hour of power" a top priority. I had some weeks where I only worked out twice. Who was I fooling? My resolve must be stronger if I really want to prove that my life is more important than food. I appologize to you all because I know you all want me to do well. Maybe I am not the only one that has "hid" but that makes it no less a sin. This is a struggle that I must fight and win. This is my time and all I am doing is delaying it. I will bring home better numbers next time. Hold me to it.

How Is It Going?

Jorge is right, now is the time to be blogging more, not giving up!  I have given up the past two weeks, but am on my way to being back on track and more focused than ever.  So, what I would like us to do is to post our current status:  Pounds lost total, pounds to go, whatever else you want to post.  We haven't heard from Pam or Ashley in a while...I know it's hard for y'all to post because of lack of internet access, so let one of us know and we will post for you. 

My current status Goal

Height:  5'5'' Can't really change this one!

Weight:  155 140

Waist Cir.:  35 in. 32 in.

BMI:  25.8 23.3

Total weight lost since we started this blog:  A big fat ZERO pounds.  No gain, though, so that's good!

Lyneil, you can make me a ticker if you want!

Procrastination

As Jorge said in one of his comments, we have one month left...keep it going!  This is good news for me, as I am a huge procrastinator.  Now that there is a short time left, I'm actually thinking about getting myself in gear.  I can do stuff when I think short term, long term wears me out!  Just think, four more weeks of eating right, exercising, all that good stuff.  If you're not losing (like me) take your routine to the next level.  It's just four weeks!  Then, when the four weeks is over, you can re-evaluate and keep it up or readjust.  Also, I know many of our birthdays are coming up.  Don't go crazy, but have some cake and a good dinner.  It won't kill you.  Just don't let one happy bday meal turn into a week long celebration!

rebellion

Sorry, I was trying to blog with my iPhone in a barn, with a crying baby.  It didn't work.  I have rebelled against weight loss the past few weeks, but I'm getting back on track.  Jorge-Happy Birthday a day early!  I give you permission to eat some good stuff tomorrow.

Rough Week

To say I was not feeling it this week would be an understatement but I am plugging right along anyway. I weighted in yesterday morning and was up 1.8 pounds. I was shocked. While I was not looking to lose a lot of weight I did not expect to have such a large gain. I know by body will kick in and help me some time but I would like to think it should be a little more often than it does.
I stayed within my points last week and even left 15 of my extra points on the table. So, I really can not explain the gain but I know that if I keep working it will come off. So, that is what I am going to do - keep working.
My back is still giving me trouble so I made an appointment to see the doctor next Thursday. I don't know what to expect but I guess I will get the process started and see where it leads.
Still plugging on!

I'm down a pound! 217. Still kickin'.

Ironic!

I'm sitting in the doctor's waiting room right now just as I sat in 1999 and I'm working on puppet scripts. . . just as I was in 1999. . . I'm waiting for the next blood draw . .. just as I did in 1999. What have I changed in 10 years and kept up with? Puppets! Not my body, that's for sure. How did I miss all of that time? I was really busy and I still am. How do I make my body do things that my doctor says is really hard for my body to do with this stupid disease? I'm really mad and frustrated. Hurt. I want to yell out stupid stupid stupid and more stupid at fat or whatever else gets in my way. : ( Bummer! I'll be cheery later. Just feelin' kinda sucky righ now!

Motivation, Anyone?

So...how do you motivate yourself to eat better?  I know how to eat healthy, all about portion control and good foods vs. bad foods, what I don't know is how to change my mind to go for the good instead of the bad.  Like Page and Amy are saying, I think its a habit that is in you, and I'm not so great at changing habits.  I've been working out everyday, doing good with that.  I can tell my body is changing, but I'm not losing weight.  It's because I still eat horribly.  On biggest loser the other night the trainers were saying that whole "I've gained muscle, that's why I haven't lost any weight" and "I've lost inches even if I haven't lost weight" thing is just an excuse designed to make us feel better about the fact that we didn't give it our all.  I thought about that and while I don't totally agree - we can look at Jorge's numbers and see that he's losing fat and gaining muscle - I do agree that if we aren't losing the weight we want to, we aren't doing something right.  First, I think its important to evaluate our goals to see if they are realistic.  More than 2 pounds a week really isn't.  Then I think we need to see how many calories we are actually eating each day and how many we actually need.  There are tons of places on the internet where you can do this, and if you have an iPhone or iPod touch you can download an app called "Fit Now" that does it all for you.  And it's free.  Anyways, I'm not controlling my food, and even though I'm exercising every day for at least an hour, I'm not losing weight.  I may be gaining some muscle, but until I start to control my eating better, nothing is going to happen!   Exercise alone can't do it.  To lose a pound a week, you have to burn about 3,500 more calories than you consume.  Most exercise burns 300-400 calories in one hour.  If I did that every day for a week, I've only burned 2800 calories, not enough to lose a pound.  So, if you've got tips, ideas, or personal stories about how to get motivated to eat better and less, let me know!

Super Bowl Super Supper!

Ummm, (insert guilty face here) ummm! I have lost NO wieght this week. I have gained no weight this week. I feel like I've slipped a bit on my eating. My exercising has been sweaty, consistant, and one hour long at least three times a week. But, seriously. . . do the math. If I'm burning 650 plus calories just working out. . . and other calories with daily life. . . . how many am I inhailing to keep my current weight and not loose? It's just not pretty. Jorge and I bought our salad mix again at Sams and we're both ready to get back on the food and do it right again. At least the exercise hasn't waivered.

Page, thanks for sharing. I knew that It would help all of us. It's amazing how quickly attitudes and habits can form. And. . . where they are born. That's another reason Jorge and I want to get fit and have a better handle on our bodies before we have kids. I know we'll have lots more body struggles after. . . but, to be fit before will help so much!

Way to go Neil and Andra.

We are eating out every night...

Well, I am in Moline with Karl this week. That's right. I left all of our DsM family and responsibilities to Neil...and headed east. We have eaten out every night this week. I do well in the hotel room. We have continental breakfast and that's not so bad. This morning there was no milk and I had half of a biscuit covered with sausage gravy...otherwise, I have really done well. Every meal that Karl and I have had out we have ordered one plate and split and boy is that helping. I am taking in more calories than I would like, but we are doing ok. Guess we'll see next Monday.

I dropped the 3.2 pounds plus another .5 pound this last week. I don't know what happened to me last week, but I am back on track and my body is being nicer to me for it.

Down 3.7 pounds!

Kaden and I have been swimming 2-3 times a day and we are both loving it. I have not worked out as much as I need to so I hope my eating habits keep me on track. It has been nice not having things to munch on here. I literally only have three meals a day without the snacks. I needed to see that I can live without snacking....who would have thought!

We're doing well and hopefully I'll be down some more next Monday's weigh in!

Andrea

Week 3

Well today started a new week for me. It started with a weigh in at WW and a 2.4 pound loss. I was glad to see that there was a loss this week.
I have not been working out. The past week has brought about a pain in my back that extends down my leg. I am going to give it another week before I go to the doctor. I am afraid of what is going on and choose to be in dinial at this point . . . but I digress.
I was happy with my 2.4 pounds and I will continue on my WW and do what exercise my body will allow me to do.
I may be down but I am not out!
Ashley - I will make you a ticker if you can give me your begin weight, current weight, height and goal weight

Pounds Lost??

Zero for me this week.  Anxiously waiting to hear about everyone else!!!

Page's Post

Well, I spoke to Amy and she asked me to contribute to the blog since I do so well! Well I am here to tell you that I don't do so well. If you consider a having a bad body image and a low self-esteem doing good, then I am doing great. I am working on my body image and self-esteem but I still have a long ways to go. Since you all have been so open and honest, and I've taken this off my personal website, then I guess it is time for me to share. 

Growing up my mom was ALWAYS on a diet. She was always trying to lose weight, trying to look better, etc. I have to give her credit for teaching me to at least eat healthy food, but she didn't teach me anything about loving the body that God gave me. Now that I look back, I can see that she didn't know how to love her self and didn't realize what a wonderful mother God had made her. I also know now, that she had several friends that struggled with eating disorders so she was surrounded by women that hated their bodies. 

With all that said, I was always the fat kid growing up. I was one of, if not, the biggest girls in my class until the eight grade. I can remember going swimming when I was in the seventh grade and hearing one of the guys yell “Free Willy,” as I jumped off the high dive. That was the last time I ever jumped off the high dive. I can remember my mom telling me that if stopped drinking cokes and eating candy, I could lose some weight. Once I started athletics, I dropped the pounds and started to get attention from some not so nice guys. All this led me down a path that I truly regret today. I had no self esteem; I thought I was fat, very ugly, and unworthy. I also spent four years in a relationship with a guy that was emotionally abusive. Telling me any chance he had that I was a little chubby, you better not eat that, no one else will ever want you, etc…… 

So, leaving high school I had a very horrible relationship with food. I ate when I was sad, mad, scared, happy, lonely, depressed, or just bored. I didn’t eat to feed my body. I ate to avoid facing my emotional scars. My emotional eating led to binging and purging. I would eat, and eat, and eat until I could stand it. And then……..you know the rest of the story. I did this for several years off and on. During this time, I watched my sister struggle with her own eating issues and felt helpless. I didn’t know how to help because I was so lost in my own problems. I was dating Lane and we were working on building my self-esteem. I say we, because he was my life saver. He helped show me that God made me beautiful and made me for a purpose. 

Today, I can proudly say that I love myself for who I am. God me special, He made me unique, He made me for a purpose, He made ME. I still find myself looking at other women and wondering how they can be so skinny. Why can’t I lose this last 10 lbs? If only I was a little smaller, I would look so much better. These thoughts enter my mind often and I have to stop and pray. I have to start counting my blessings and refocus. I have to remember what is important. Before we started having children I prayed for all boys. I didn’t want girls. I didn’t want them to go through all the struggles I went through. I didn’t want them to face this mean and ugly world. Well, God had different plans. Plans that included 3 beautiful little girls. 

My goal is to be a Godly woman that my girls can look up to. I want them to see me taking care of my body. Not someone who is always dieting, comparing myself to others, or putting myself down. I want to be healthy. I exercise because it makes me feel better. I like to eat fruits and veggies because they make me feel good. I hate the way I feel after I eat a real fatty meal. I feel sluggish, sleepy, and gross. I currently weigh 151 lb and would like to weigh 140 lb. I am nursing so I can’t cut calories but I can exercise and make good choices. Just this morning, I was putting myself down because I still can’t wear my old jeans. Then at church, one of the ladies told me that I was looking really good. Isn’t God great! He knows my struggles and is always encouraging. Thanks for letting me share.

I figured out my problem...

I never thought I was an emotional eater.  I don't eat a ton when I am happy, and when I'm sad or depressed I don't want to eat at all.  But I have figured out this week that I eat - lots and lots of junk - when I'm stressed.  I've been stressed out this week for the first time in a long time and I've had a field day with girl scout cookies, snickers, burgers and fries, and yes...Dr. Peppers.  I haven't had a DP since my blog rant months ago, but I had four this past week...and guiltily I am about to have another - my farewell Dr. Pepper.  Any ideas how to combat this?

Also, here is my challenge for this week.  I challenge everyone (including me) to work out 5 minutes more than you normally do each day.  So, if you work out 30 minutes, do 35.  If you don't work out at all, then just do 5 minutes of some sort of exercise each day.  Let's see if pushing ourselves just a little harder has any effect!!

It's Jorge!

Hey everybody. I hope y'all are staying to your exercise & healthy eating. I'm doing somewhat okay. Mexico was taco after taco after taco! How aweful huh? It was a good time but of course eating out fast food on the road doesn't help me reach my goal. I did help the group avoid Whataburger for some little cafe. I think it was a healthier choice...considering the double meat double cheese was crying for me. Well that burger & fries would have been around 1100 calories so surely the cafe was better.

I don't think the taco stands are that bad, well, the worst is when they flip the tortillas in oil (optional). But the corn tortillas are small, they don't put a bunch of meat in them, and you stuff them with veggies. I think that makes for an ok meal.

New Stats:

Jan 22nd Jan 30th
Weight 346.0 lbs 343.2 lbs
BMI 45.7 45.3
Fat% 37.1% 34.9%
Fat Mass 128.4 lbs 119.8 lbs
Fat Free Mass 217.6 lbs 223.4 lbs

New goal weight is 257 lbs.
Goal weight by reunion: 315 lbs

I hope this is accurate. I'm not losing much weight but am losing fat and gaining non-fat. I wonder if you can gain non-fat that fast...we'll see how these numbers hold up next week. Now my 15% fat goal yields me a weight of 257 lbs. So that is a bright spot for me and with that I tell you others that have low weight loss that maybe you are "replacing" fat. That's what you ultimately want so don't get all depressed and act out by going to Chili's and just eating the endless chips & salsa or by treating yourself to Valentine's Day candy. Keep it up! In due time we will reap what we have sown and like Pam keeps mentioning, it will feel so good that we will have a hard time making those bad choices again. It's mind over fat and I need a lot of that. The results seem to indicate that I am doing well working out in my zone. Amy & I have been going for 1 hour on the ellipticals and that is what we need.

Be wise this weekend! Superbowl is going to be a challenge!

Take our site off your personal blog! Please!

Remember that there is important and personal info on this blog. Please don't put it on your personal blogs as a favorite for others to see. I, for one don't want the WHOLE world knowing some of the things that I share. I feel very comfortable sharing with the people participating. As far as I know we have some followers, and that is totally fine that they see too. But, I don't want others seeing, if I don't know who they are. This makes me feel very insecure and I want to talk as freely. I just don't like it! : { Just wanted to get it out!

Treadmill for Sale

I hate exercising and I'm selling all my equipment!  Just kidding.  We have no room for our treadmill, which is crazy because this is the largest house we've lived in since we've had it.  I'm working out at the Y now also, and if I want to walk, I go out with Ava since I now have an AWESOME jogging stroller.  So, if you want a treadmill, I've got one.  It's $50 for y'all.  If none of you want it, its going on Craigslist.  It squeaks a little sometimes, but other than that its pretty good.  

None This Week

Even though I did not loose any this week, I am proud of myself at not gaining any of the 4 pounds I have lost so far. Last week was a bad week for me. I felt as if I got nothing accomplished and was completely running in circles. I have tried harder so far this week as in continuing to workout (I did none last week) and trying to watch how much goes in my mouth. We will see how it goes this week. You all are doing great and keep it up, we can not give up. I would like a weight tracker also if you can tell me how to get it. Good luck this week.

Ashley

Small Steps

Well this morning was WW weighted in and I was very nervous. While I have been good about getting my 45 minutes in at the gym and counting my points during the week, the weekends have been hard on me. I have not gone off the deep end by any means but I have not felt as good about my success this week as I did last week.
So when I weighted in at .4 pounds for my loss this week, I said with a smile a loss is a loss. I was happy with my loss. While I wish it would have been more, I am thankful to know that I can do this.
I am doing my best to stay on track and make this an everyday lifestyle and not work so hard to make it "through". I know that my body and family will thank me in the end.
As far the the thought for the week goes. I think it is a grand idea, however I can not read while I walk - tried it and it did not work for me. But, Andy and I have been setting aside time at night to read and study together and this has been so benificial for me. I am so thankful to have such a wonderful christian husband. So, thanks for the inspiration and keep it coming.
In our marrigae class we talk about praying together everyday and we do good for a little while and then we seem to slip and we are back on track again. I always feel so much closer to God and to my husband when we take the time to pray together.
Keep up the good blog and keep those pounds coming off.
Amy I will make you a ticker if you want one. I need your starting weight, height, current weight, and goal weight.

TRACKER

How'd yall get those weight trackers? I want one too! Oh, I did another hour today. Sweatin' it up good!
-Amy

Body Fat Analysis

Just wanted you all to know that Amy & I were told by the GYM peeps that body fat analysis via electronic scales is more accurate BEFORE you work out. If you want to feel good about yourself, do it AFTER.

The up side of weight...

I didn't want to post yesterday because I had a horrible weigh in. I gained 3.7 pounds back of the 6 I had lost. Needless to say I had a tough week. I ate outside of my points more than I thought...apparently. So, I am back on track. This stinks, but that is what I deserve when I don't put forth the effort I should.

This week I am back on track.

Moderation (Jennifer's last post suggestion) is my goal.

Down (not numerically) and out!

Andrea

Keep Going...

I know this healthy thing is getting old, but stick with it!  A friend of mine who was a personal trainer said that it takes AT LEAST 6 weeks before you start to notice a change in your body.  That's six weeks of exercise and eating healthy.  Also, if you splurge every now and then, it's ok, as long as you aren't splurging everyday or eating three pieces of cake in one day (like I did yesterday).  Don't deprive yourself, just eat healthy and make good choices...and do it all in moderation!  I haven't weighed in yet, but I'm going to today.  I'll let you know how it turns out.

Vacation in Mexico good choice or bad?

Does it or does it not look like

I'm about to eat this sweet little baby?

I'm fatter than all of yall!

It's true. Even though I managed to loose 2 more pounds (making 8-whoohoo!) during Mexico, I'm still fatter that yall. Here's why. . . I'm carrying 46.6% fat. Mmmmm. Before I started, I was carrying 48.9%. 1/2 of me is fat. 1/2. It's getting lower. Getting better. I worked out for an hour today. I want to go for an hour Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. That's my goal for this week. And I'M gonna do it!

Oh, by the way, Mexico was fun. We had some great food. I didn't choose well, but, I'm back on it now! : #

Comments

I know not everyone reads the comments, so I'm posting Jorge's comment in response to my post "Challenge".  

Favorite topic yet! Whoop! 
I do not read daily. I read typically on Saturdays to prepare for my class on Sunday. Of course this is no where near what our predecesors did and it needs to change. I don't know if you all take magazines to read on the treadmills or ellipticals. Perhaps it would be good to print out a few chapters of a book you want to study and use that to "pass the time". I think I will try that so that I don't just exercise my body. This takes prep work and so it will have to be an effort.

When I worshipped in Saginaw, the congregation would take up each Sunday a total of the days you read the Word. I think we could do that so that we see the truth of the void. Typically, if you followed along in church you could at least have 2 days. I think we could probably see a correlation between our average days read and our average weight lost.

Do you all want to do that and post those numbers too? We could set a universal weigh in day and that would be when we cough up the Bible reading days.
~jorge

I think this is a good idea and I'm in.  I have also thought about creating another blog just for the Bible study aspect of this, but that may be too many things to keep up with, so let me know what you think.  I have decided to read Romans.  So far I have read the first six verses (while trying to get Ava to take a nap).  Two questions that jumped out at me...What is the difference between an apostle and a disciple?  and...How is Jesus considered a descendent of David when it is Joseph who is a descendent of David?

Some Down and a lot more to GO!

Well I weighted in yesterday morning at WW and this weeks total is 2.6 pounds. I am excited about it and ready to see what this week holds.

The gym has been my friend so far with a visit from me 4 days this week so far.

I took the body fat % test and I think I have you all beat . . . the total for my short self is . . . 44.1%

Yep you got it 44.1%, so here we go.

I made Andrea and I weight loss tickers on the side at the bottom if you want one let me know and I will make you one too.

Still Fat...

Jan 16th Jan 22th
Weight 345.0 lbs 346.0 lbs
BMI 45.5 45.7
Fat% 38.4% 37.1%
Fat Mass 132.4 lbs 128.4 lbs
Fat Free Mass 212.6 lbs 217.6 lbs

Eventual goal still 250 lbs. Since the 16th, I exercised only twice for an hour each. That's a part of why my numbers aren't good. A big part of why my numbers are not good is the food I ate since last Friday. Fried chicken, chicken alfredo, lots of Italian bread. I made those bad choices and paid the price. Now, I have Mexico staring me in my face and I have to find a way to minimize the damage. This is tough and I have to just realize that I'm one of the fortunate people in the world that will probably have food on the table tomorrow. I don't have to eat it all today. It is so easy to say this is a one in a while thing but the Super Bowl is coming up and that can be bad. Now I'm 31 pounds away from where I want to be in March. Gotta kick it up lots of notches.

Challenge

So, I lost another 1/2 pound.  Yeah me!  I can tell my muscle is building, though, so I'm excited about that.  Here is my thought for this week.  It is something I've been thinking about for awhile, but haven't said anything about it because if I did I would have to do something about it.  Well, here it is.

Why is it that I can make myself wake up an hour early to exercise but not to study my Bible or pray?  Why can I stay up until 2 am reading a good book but not spend 10 minutes reading the Good Book?  We've started a whole blog dedicated to weight loss and are all making time in our lives to get our fleshly bodies in shape, but what do we do to get our spiritual bodies in shape? Right now, and probably since we've left College Station, Micah and I have not done much.  That is sad and very disappointing.  Our Sunday morning class at church is about evangelism.  It just started a few weeks ago, but already Micah and I can see that we are failing in so many ways in our spiritual life.  Sam (the teacher) says a big reason people don't evangelize is that we don't see the urgency, and it's true.  We think that we can wait to talk to someone another day or maybe next time we see them, but what if we don't get the chance?  He also says that we have to love the spirit more than the flesh (1 Cor 5:5) and we have to do whatever it takes (Acts 21:13).  I think it is great that we are working so hard to get our bodies into shape, as long as we are working to get our spiritual bodies in shape, too.  So, here is your challenge for this week, and it is somewhat of a selfish one for me.  Tell us what you do!  I know what most of you do to work out your bodies, tell me what you do to grow in your spirituality.  Micah and I are at a loss and really don't know where to start.  So tell us what you do, and if you don't do anything, well, read people's ideas and start doing something!!!

I thought...

my body fat ratio was high...NEVER in my wildest dreams would I have EVER thought it was 41.6.

Did you get that?

My fat weight is 41.6 percent of my 240 pounds...YUCK.

I am making this better. I would have loved to have known what it was previous to my two weeks of working out and -6 pounds...Oh well!

We start from here and that is enough to drive me for a while.

YUCK!

41.6!

Andrea

I lost something...

Jorge's talk of watching body fat has me intrigued...but until I find a scale that will count/keep track of that for me I am going with true hard weight numbers.

I made a goal to work out for 40 minutes-five days last week and I SUCCEEDED! Actually when you put in 40 minutes on the machines, you get 45 (5 for cool down)...Ha! I didn't have as hard time getting up and going the last couple of mornings as I did the first two...WHEW!

This morning my weight was down two pounds from last week. I start my week on Monday morning. I like to have the weekend as the last two days of my week. I feel like I have to be 'better' about counting and saving points for Sunday and if we go out on Saturday.

I almost wish I had gained. I cheated A LOT on my counting this last week and really didn't expect a loss. I'll take it. I guess working out and making my body move and sweat made a huge difference. Also, I feel tons better about the stairs. Coming down is more difficult than going up....my legs are sore about every other day...

My goal this week is to keep the 40 minutes of work out for 5 days and to better count what exactly I am eating.

Hope everyone had a great weekend!

Here is another tip I found for staving off hunger.

Imagine a particular food super-glued to your rear, hips, or stomach.

It isn't so hard to resist when you realize where it's going after it leaves the taste buds.

I lost 4.2 pounds this week. I am not sure how but I'll take it any way I can get it.

Today they ordered out from LaFamilia. I had Campbell Soup because; 1) we are going out to eat tonight for our anniversary, 2) I was still relishing in the weight loss (There is nothing like success to spurn more success), and 3) I really didn't have to resist too hard. I want to lose so the temptation is not as strong as it is at other times.

I look forward to hearing your success as well.

This can be done.

Pam

yeah yeah yeah, you got it!

So Mr. Fit or Fat wrote these stories that show why body fat % is the real number we should look at. Our gym has a scale that does the test. You get on barefoot and it checks you out.

"I remember Carol, a sad example of overdependence on the bathroom scales. When she started our program, she weighed 127 pounds and was 26 percent fat. After 6 months of aerobic exercise, Carol had dropped to 23 percent fat. She had lost 2 inches off her waist, 2.5 inches off her hips, & 1 inch off each thigh. She now wore a size 10 instead of a size 12. She looked better & felt better. But when we weighed her on the scale, she had gained 6 pounds. Obviously, because of the change in measurements, the 6 pound increase meant an increase in muscle mass, which weighs more but takes up less space than fat. (muscle is denser than fat) Carol quit the program.

Unless you are quite a lot overfat (raising my hand), there will be little if any reduction in your total weight and may even gain some weight.

"What does change is your shape. Alan was a most dramatic example. Alan didn't think he was overweight, but he had the typical middle-aged pot belly. He started an aerobics exercise program and in 6 months his waist went from 38 inches to 32 inches and he didn't lose one pound!"

Just stay around 65 to 80 percent of your max heart rate, to stay in aerobic exercise.

So let's just stick to the body fat % targets as our ultimate measures of health. It doesn't matter if you weigh like a pile of lead as long as you don't look like it. If we do this right, we'll be turning all the heads we can handle. I know I will...even more than now.

~jorge

I'm in...

Jan 5th I went to the gym and did the ye olde body fat analysis....suspense building...

Stats:
Weight 354.2 lbs
BMI 46.7
Fat % 40.6
Fat Mass 143.8 lbs
Fat Free Mass 210.4

Today, Jan 16th

Weight 345.0 lbs
BMI 45.5
Fat % 38.4
Fat Mass 132.4 lbs
Fat Free Mass 212.6 lbs
Ideal Maximum Weight (15% fat for men) = 250 lbs MY ULTIMATE GOAL

Amy said if I contributed to this blog I had to be vulnerable...shoot me. I don't think I'm surprising anybody when I say I am fat. But I'm working on it. I finally got to the point where I just hated myself for how fat I was getting. I feel stupid that I don't make the right choices. Now, I will celebrate and enjoy good food but I have to temper myself...that is my challenge. I have made substitutions in the foods I eat to include more fiber, fruits, veggies, good oils, less sugars, less fat % milk, BUT ME GUSTA EAT TOO MUCH OF IT!

Now, I am actually disappointed in myself and my weight loss because I cheated too much. I was excited to have one day as a happy happy day but I did not do well other days. On Tuesday, I chose WHATABURGER and WHAT A BURGER it was! Got the fries but did get a diet coke...hey, I'm happy being a hypocrite. The last night....oh yes, CHICAGO STYLE PIZZA. Now for those relatives of ours that really love us and we really love, you know that Vinny makes good pizza. We like sharing Vinny's pizza with those that visit us. I ate 5/8ths of a small 2 topping thick crust pizza...I still think that's better than the 1/2 large I usually ate.

In case you ladies are wondering, our Fit or Fat book says ladies should have a maximum of 22% fat. So if you are in range, don't be thinking you are fat, punks. So what if you are overweight, just don't be overfat!

One thing that is counter intuitive for me is what this doc states in his book. "Your body adapts to hard, intense excercise by changing muscles so that they burn sugar well and fat poorly. Slow, gentle exercise, on the other hand, turns muscles into fat-burning machines. The body adapts beautifully to steady pressure, just as teeth can be moved by the gentle, steady pressure of braces." Use the talk test to gauge how strong you are working. He says to sing God Bless America (I do everyday). If you get past, "land that I love" before you need your first breath, you should speed up.

I think this is working for me because the numbers above state that I mostly lost fat not muscle. Alright, well, I'm done. One thing I would ask is that you all post good recipes. Now don't post "how to present good rubber tires". We need recipes we will want to eat again. Amy made an Asian salad that was fantastic.

Oh one more thing, maybe. The cool thing about thinking about fat % and not overall weight is that if you work out and increase your fat free mass, your amount of fat allowed is higher. Say I gain muscle up to 220 lbs, I can weight a total of 258.8 lbs and be in my 15%. 230 lbs fat free mass lets me have a total weight of 270.5 lbs. Now that makes me feel good about this since I don't have to work down to 250 lbs like I do now. I will have to go down to 250 IF I do not gain any more Fat Free Mass.

In the next 2 months, I want to be around 315, put me down for $30 from here.

What do ya'll think about the % fat thing? Ladies can tote 22%, funny that it's an even number! I wonder if ya'll will get that one.

Lines

I ran lines today in my class at the Y.  One of the few times I remember crying (silently to myself) at school was when I ran lines.  I didn't stay in athletics long after that.  I didn't cry today but I wanted to!

Helpful hint from Pam

I found some helpful tips for staving off hunger I thought I would post for everyone but I still can't figure out how to post like all of you do. Here's one until I figure it out.

Brush your teeth when you get cravings. The fresh, minty feeling will fool your sweet tooth and you might not want to eat anything to get your teeth dirty again.

Pam

YMCA

So, I joined the Corsicana YMCA today.  Apparently it is what all the young hip moms do here.  I went today and worked out with some friends from church.  We did a pump class, which is basically strength training for 45 minutes.  It was tough!  Ava stayed in the nursery there.  They have really nice facilities, and after checking on Ava a couple of times, I felt okay about leaving her there.  I didn't think I would suffer from such separation anxiety, but I do!  I've watched too many episodes of dateline and Law and Order SVU...my mind just reels with all the things that could happen while she's not with me!  Anyways, I enjoyed it and look forward to making the Y part of our daily routine!

Welcome Lyneil!  We're glad you've joined us!

Okay, Okay, Better late than never.

I want to make some changes but I do not want to put forth the effort it takes to doing it. So if I actually say that I will that means that I have too. So, my delay in getting started is a real one. I want to make things better for my family, my husband, and myself.

So today I took the first step toward accountability - I walked through the doors of WW. While I know that can't make me do it, something about having to pay someone to watch you lose weight gets me in gear. So I am off.

Andrea has been doing really well and I hope that we can do this together. She is going strong and pushing me to do the same.

I am starting at 232.4. My goal for the reunion is one that I set for 15 pounds. It is realistic for me and I have to keep that in mind.

Great job to all of you who have two weeks on me. Thanks for getting motivated early. I am on track now so watch you back and your scale!

OOOOOPS!!!!!

Sunday is the Lord's day! Not Pizza for Amy day! I didn't get that memo until way toooooo late. I love pizza! Jorge and I went after church Sunday for a pizza lunch buffet at Pizza Hut. A few thoughts. . . pizza buffet. . . . uuuuuuuuuuhhhhhhhhh! You bet ya! I over did it! We set ourselves up for failure. Too much pizza . . . too much temptation. And I feel just rotten. So for supper. . . a sourdough chicken sandwich WITH fries (should've been a side of mayo). Both of these in one day with diet drinks (like that's gonna help). What was I thinking? You know that song "I knew what I was feeling, but what was I thinking?" I was feelin' the pizza. Now, I'm feelin' the scales.
So. . . I've been makin' better choices since then. I told Jorge, I've worked too hard to let it all go with stupidity. Refocus, retry, redo, re everything and get baaaaack on track.

Andrea, go get it! You can do it! (yes, with the accent)

Jennifer. . .I'm gonna eat lunch and spend some time with Amy (old roommate) on Saturday.

Ashley: how's it goin'? (push, push, push)

Reflection and A New Challenge

I just wanted to remind you to check out the comments at the end of each post.  There are some good ones.  If there are comments on a post, it will say so at the bottom right hand corner of each post in little blue letters!

So, I weighed this morning and I've lost about half a pound.  Am I surprised?  No.  When I reflect back on my week, I see that I did work out, but not as hard as I could have.  I tend to wuss out a little.  I also see that I ate hamburgers (at least three times) pizza, cookies, and I filled my bag (read Tips post) with m&ms, jelly bellys, chips, cookies, etc.  I was not aware of how much I mindlessly snacked or how much sugar I consumed!  I thought taking out the DPs would help, and it did, but I obviously have more to do.  This week I am going to focus on eating better.  I don't think I eat just a ton of food, usually, but I do tend to gravitate toward the junk.  I am trying to cut down on processed foods and foods that contain ingredients that I can't say or don't know what they are!  Oh, and I want to cut down on the mindless snacking.  Hopefully these things will help and I will have better things to report.  Though a half a pound loss isn't bad, those little half a pounds can add up!!

My challenge to you for this week...do something selfish!  I know it is hard (harder for you Zant girls than me, I think) to not focus on helping everyone else, making them happy, and take a few moments for yourself, but I think it is important to do.  Last week I left Ava with a friend one morning and went and got my haircut, then she and I went and ate lunch and shopped a little.  The next day I took Ava to my mom in Garland and I went shopping by myself.  I now have some cute clothes that fit my post baby body, and I feel more like myself than I have since I had Ava.  I think it is very important to schedule in some "me" time every week, because part of the motivation to get in shape and get healthy is loving yourself, and doing something just for you everyone once in a while helps!  So take some time this week, be it 5 minutes or 5 hours, and do something for yourself!

Setting new goals...

I didn't want to verbalize my goals because I would be held accountable to them and I didn't know if I would have time to accomplish all that I want to do....thus the state I am in (starting {to never return} at 244.5 pounds). I committed to counting points this week and did well but didn't really break my back in sweating activities. I walked one mile (in one week) and played the Wii for a total of about 30 minutes each day. I want to do better this week so I feel better.

Here come the "I's"...

I want to do better so my husband will want to look at me and appreciate me.
I want to do better so I can play with Kaden.
I want to run and chase him without making a scene and feel like my heart is going to beat out of my chest.
I want to wear my husbands clothes (t-shirts).
I want to be out of the plus size.
I want to fit in the chairs at the movies and in air planes more comfortably.
I want to sit in a chair or swing and not have to worry about the weight restrictions.
I want to bend over and tie my shoes without holding my breath.
I want to sit and not have to rest my belly on my legs.
I want to feel better so I can take care of my family and self the way I know I can.
I want to take make beautiful again the body God blessed me with so I can love and appreciate me again.

Through teared eyes it's hard for me to write this. I say that I want these things, but I continue to put food in my mouth that I don't need. I eat until I am totally uncomfortable and drink sweet tea or dr.pepper's until I am so high on sugar I want to just sleep. I am making a change. I don't want to be the mother that is so healthy that I can't enjoy good food, however I do want to enjoy good food not consume it.

These are my goals. I have had a few of these hanging on my mirror with a weight of 254 since March. I know I can loose the weight. I know I can make better choices. I know I am capable of doing whatever I set my mind to....not only was I taught that my whole life but I am reminded of it throughout the Bible.

My goal this week is to get up every morning and go to Aspen (which I have been paying for the last year) and use the stair climber for 40 minutes. My goal will be accomplished only if I do this Monday through Friday. In the afternoons (when I don't work) my goal is to use the Wii or Walk Away the Pounds.

There, now I am committing myself to these goals and since I have shared them with you, I can't get out of them.


(Monday morning update from Andrea)
By the way, I went and worked out this morning! I sweat myself silly! It felt good. It is snowing here like the dickens. Anyway, I came home and weighted on the Wii and since last Monday (starting weight of 244.7) I am down 4.2 pounds...that's right, I weigh 240.5!!

I can do this!