Hey Butternut,

what part of VA are you in? I'm flying to VA Beach for Valentine's weekend to visit my hubby. We have reservations at an Italian restaurant Saturday night but haven't made any other specific plans yet. Got any recommendations? If you're close are you interested in breakfast or lunch on Sunday?

Oh Deb, I would love for us to meet up in Va. Beach when you come in to visit your hubby. However, I won't be in town that week-end. Hubby always takes me out of town for Valentine's week-end. This year we are going to Atlantic City. I'm not sure what we are going to be doing there but I imagine the Casino's will be involved Darn, that would have been so neat to meet you in person.

Hey everyone. Hope everyone is having a great day. I've experienced something a couple of times and I'm wondering if any of you have as well. I've discovered the great taste of Yoplait Light Nonfat Yogurt. Boy, the Chocolate Eclair and the Apple Turnover are sooooo good. I purchased two containers last week, one of each of the above mentioned. Last week I had the Chocolate Eclair and a couple hours after eating it, I started having some major sugar cravings going on. It was all I could do to keep myself from eating anything will tons of sugar in it. I brushed it off as a fluke but it happened again yesterday when I ate the Apple Turnover one. I craved chocolate like crazy and that's really unusual for me. So, I'm wondering if anyone else has had this happen? I wonder if it's the amount of sugar in it (14g) that starts my body craving sweets? Does anyone think that is possible? Things that make ya go hmmmmmmm.

Margie..
That is a very good possiblity! I've been having sugar withdrawls on my diet since I'm not allowed to eat it. I can tell pretty quickly if something has sugar in it cause the cravings start.. did it last night and almost caved and ate a cookie... thank good ness I didn't!

Thanks Candi. Boy, it's hard holding back that urge when it's that strong, isn't it? I'm proud of both of us. I didn't cave either but I've got to be careful because I know what will happen if I start feeling deprived. Don't even want to go there. Today I'm fine, no cravings at all. Hmmmm, interesting......

I treated myself today.. I got a vanilla latte.. I love those things.. but I made it the good way... no sugar and non fat...

Hey, there ya go. Sounds like it's working for you. There are ways to get around some of those high calorie/fat ingredients if we really try. Good for you!!!

The yogurt I've been getting is the Dannon Carb & Sugar control. I've only seen it in vanilla and strawberry but I really like it.

Scale this morning said 276. Not losing quickly but not gaining either. Not bad considering my sleep, eating and schedule habits are all out of whack.

Deb way to go! I'd love for my scale to say 276, even for a second !

Margie, eating simple sugars can cause a really fast sugar spike followed by a fast decline, causing you to crave more! Artificial sweeteners can cause the same effect since your body thinks it's getting sugar but then doesn't get it. The "best" yogurt to eat is plain low fat mixed with some fruit and nuts! Or accompany your yogurt with a food with more substance (some plain unsalted almonds or whole wheat toast for example!). Way to go on fighting those cravings though, that is awesome in itself!!

Deb, way to go on the progress! Any tiny bit of progress is good! Keep up the dedication, look how far you've come already!

I put on a size 13 pants today. I've been storing these in hopes that some day they would fit again, and now they do! I'm so happy!! I've been putting off spending some Christmas cash I have as I would really really really hate to buy nice clothes then grow out of it, just waiting for size 12 body....

Keep up all the fantastic work and dedication! Again, I'm so happy for this forum and that I've found this post!

Hello Everyone,

I am new to CC and just stumbled across this thread. This is Awesome.

Ok so here is a little bit about me.

My name is JaimeAnn I am 37 I have been married for 23 years (Yeah That isn't a typo I started early) I have a 21 year old daughter and 3 chihuahuas.
I was always a size 9 until I tore up my knee and damaged my sciatic nerve in an accident. I gradually started gaining weight and have ended up here at 207lbs. The last 6 months I gained 27lbs mostly due to depression and that I eat when I am stressed. February 1st was my start date (212Lbs) I have decided to really get rid of this extra baggage before I turn 40.

I just bought a new treadmill and have been doing 1.5 miles every day. It is a pre-programmed 30 min workout on the treadmill that varies the incline and speed throughout the session, so far so good.

My goal is 155 lbs. I am 5'6" With a curvy build so That is the weight I feel most comfortable at.

So from what I have read everyone checks in on Monday's with updates right? That sounds great , It might help me stick with it to have you all here , My husband is not very supportive , actually he is my biggest obstacle.

So I want to say thank you all for giving me a place to work on this... And good luck and here's to us for deciding to be the best we can be!!!!

YAY US!!!!

*Sending much love and positive energy to you all*

Welcome JaimieAnn!! Congrats on the progress so far, and we are here for you! I plan on checking in on Mondays as that is my weigh in day and I usually measure myself every second Sunday!!

Keep up the great work on the treadmill!

Welcome JamieAnn.

Too tired to post much else. *yawn*

See the monkey is yawning with me. =)

I went to the gym today. I burned 273 calories and spent 30 minutes in my target heart zone.

It's a very small start, but it's a start into the realm of exercise. I need to figure out a sure fire warm up/stretch and cool down/stretch. I wanted to do some strength conditioning but chickened out.

That's great Deb!!!!!

I don't think there is a such thing as a small start. I think That was an awesome start !

Some hand weights or ankle weights while you do your cardio is an easy and less intimidating way to add some strength training into your workout.

The best thing I have found to keep me motivated during my workout is Music. I went through all my favorite songs and put them in order with the speed of my workout. I know I can't stop till the end of the last song. It makes my 35 minute workout fly by.

My taste in music is probably a little different than most of you, but here is my Workout Playlist :

Rusted Wheel - By: Silversun Pickups
Lazy Eye - By: Silversun Pickups
I Will Possess Your Heart - By: Death Cab For Cutie
Tesko Suicide - By: The Sneaker Pimps
Crooked Teeth - By: Death Cab For Cutie
Soul Meets Body - By: Death Cab for Cutie
Silver Lining - By: Rilo Kiley
Swingset Chain - By: Loquat

So, Anyone else have any favorites that help you stay motivated during exercise?




"The secret of health for both mind and body is not to mourn for the past, nor to worry about the future, but to live the present moment wisely and earnestly." Buddha

Way to go Deb!! Going to the gym is a start and a great one at that!

After eating too much the weekend, I am down 1.2 lbs over the past week. I have officially passed the half way point in my weight loss goal, I've lost 24.8 lbs and have 24.2 left that I would like to lose! I went out shopping on Friday and bought a size 12 pants... Getting there!!!!!

Keep up all the great work my fellow monkeys!

Good morning, monkeys!!

Congrats, Deb, on the workout! Way to go! I am officially scolding you for diminishing your accomplishment by adding what you think you should have done and did not. Just pat yourself on the back for getting on that treadmill FOR 30 MINUTES!! Keep up the fantastic work!

Woohoo, Katherine!! 1.2 pounds AND a size 12 AND the half-way mark!!!! That's AWESOME!!!

I just weighed in and am down 3 lbs.

Hope everyone has a wonderful week. GO CHUNKY MONKEYS!!

Good morning everyone. Wow, looks like we've all had a successful week and it's showing on those scales. I really didn't expect to see a loss on the scales this morning after losing so much the last two weeks but it was down almost 2 pounds. WOO HOO Keep up the great work, I'm so proud of everyone....
Deb, you are off to a great start. Burning that many calories is nothing to sneeze at. Thats GREAT!!
Stacy, you are well on your way now. Full steam ahead......
JaimeAnn I agree about the music. It's amazing how quickly your exercising goes when you're into the beat of a great song.
OK, gotta get back to work. Have a great day everyone. Stay positive and keep kicking butt!!

I'm up, but I have no one to blame for me. Last week was my period week, but that is no excuse. I just haven't been into it as much as I was at the beginning of the year. I'll do okay for a day or two but then just don't do it, just can't get the schedule down.

So far this morning I've eaten well. We will see if I can keep it up the rest of the day and talk myself into some form of exercise.

Congrats to everyone that has lost! Ya'll are awesome!

My music of choice varies. I'll either play something I just know well so I sing through it and don't pay attention, or I'll listen to some Enimiem. I know he isn't for everyone, but the beat of the music gets me moving. Plus his songs are long, so after about 2 to 3 songs I've done a mile on the treadmill. I've got a friend that is into Techno. I need to take my mp3 player to his house and download some of his music. He says it' great to work out with.

Welcome to all the new Monkeys! I know there was a question a page back or so about weighing in. We don't really have a set date here. Pick the best day and time for you to weigh in and use that. You can share the results with us, any day of the week.

My idea of Roll Call Mondays, was just a chance for everyone to stop in (and it doesn't have to be on Monday) just to say hey, I'm still here, so we can keep up with who is here and help motivate when we need to. I know that for myself, when I'm not doing as well, I tend to stay way from the thread more (hence my quietness this last week or so.)

Hey Tracy. I have been wondering where you were. I thought that if I had not heard from you by today, I was going to pm you. Just glad that everything is alright. I was having the same problem that you are now in December and the first part of Jan. I would do well for a couple of days and then blow it. So, I know what you are going through. But I know that you want to lose weight and get more physically fit and when you are truly ready to commit, you will do it. I would catch myself saying things like, "I hope" I can stay with it, I realized that I wasn't truly commited to making the changes for good. I'm in a mind frame now that I am saying things like, "I'm going to lose this many pounds by this date", no more if's in my statements and the thing is, I honestly do mean it. I've been doing well for almost three weeks straight now so I've gone over the period where it is so easy to go back. I have complete faith that you will get to that point soon. You're a strong person, and when you make that full committment, you are on your way with no turning back. I've lost a total of 34 pounds and have another 18 to go. I'm feeling sooooo much better than I did the middle of last year. It's like night and day. We've got spring coming up soon and I'm feeling like I can do just about anything physically that I want to do. It's a GREAT feeling...... We can all get there, honestly we can. We just need the committment, the determination and the desire to be as healthy as we possibly can.

Hi Monkeys! My FIL was in town over the weekend, so I haven't been able to get on CC. I somehow managed to lose 2.5# last week. Thank goodness! It is really frustrating to work hard at exercising/dieting and to gain or just maintain. Grrrr.

I also find music to help me stay motivated. I have quite a few different playlists, but I stick to pop, classic rock, and 80's mostly, with a little bit of angry music here and there. The weather has been a little bit warmer here in PA so I ran outside on Saturday, and I was a little bit sore yesterday. There is a big difference in treadmill running and the pavement.

Someone mentioned light yogurt. I LOVE the Yoplait Thick n Creamy Light. They have Lemon Meringue pie and Key Lime Pie yogurts that are soooo good. I like the Jello cups that have no sugar, too.

Let's all have a great week. Sending skinny vibes to you all!

Excellent losses Stacy, Margie & Michelle!!!!!!

Tracy, you'll get back to it, the thing is you can't force yourself to do things that you don't really want to do! Baby steps to a better lifestyle usually mean that you can maintain that lifestyle for longer!

Oh, and I love Eminem for a workout as well, I listen to a large variety of music while exercising and it's not uncommon to hear me singing while walking to work at 6am! LOL!!

I'm a big goofball and sing while I run. During the summer when I run at night I always wonder if people sitting on their decks or have their windows open can hear me. Poor them, if they can.

Today the weather is much warmer, so while my children are at school I'm going to run a quick 4-5 miles. I want to run more, but my half marathon training program only has me down for 4, so I'm sticking to that. When I was training for the Philly marathon I was constantly doing more than my program said, and I'm pretty sure that is how I got injured and couldn't do the race at all (and got lazy and gained a ton of weight).

Have a great day!

I'm having a debate with myself.

I did the 30 mins a the gym on Sunday. I went to my fitness class yesterday which consisted of a vigorous walk and some stregth conditioning using medicine balls.

today i'm SORE. My lower back muscles, muscles I didn't know were really there and my shoulders are very tender.

Do I go to the gym today and do 30 mins of cardio or do I rest today? I"m not laying around doing nothing, but I'm not looking forward to cardio either. Your thoughts?

If you don't do something today - cardio etc, you are going to be more sore tomorrow....

I say you go walk on the treadmill or ride the bike for at least 30 mins.

Do the cardio, but skip everything else. The cardio will release those nice little happy endorphines that will help with the pain.

It doesn't hurt to do cardio every day, but from what I have read you should not work the same muscle groups two days in a row in strenghten training. So either work different groups (like arms Monday, Legs Tues...) or skip a day betweeen strenghten training exercises.

Kay, thanks! I was feeling more into it at the beginning of the year and had a great week in Jan, but then it seemed like every week it was something knew to deal with. I've also been down, emotionally which I know has played a big part of my not really trying.

I totally understand having to be in the right mind set. I want to, and I know I really can, because I have lost before. I just need to get the routine going agian. Instead of sleeping in I need to get up and do things and make myself feel better about myself.

Michellenj, congrats on the 2.5 pounds! Doing the happy dance for you. I also sing outloud when I'm on the treadmill. Thankfully it is at my parents and in a room by it's self so no one else has to listen to me doing it. HeHe.

Margie, you are also a consistant support and motivator on here. Thanks for thinking about me in my absense. I'm going to make a bigger effort to be on here more. Because I know if I am her reading and reply, there is a bigger chance I will do what I need to do. Thanks for being here.

Quick final update on my nephew. He went back to the DR Thursday and was given the okay to go back to school. Everything looked great! He can't do PE, contact sports, or swim for 6 weeks, and isn't allowed to left heavy things. But he is cleared for everything else. He did awesome through out at all and we are proud of it. I probably wouldn't have done as well if they were removing part of my body!

Hugs my Monkey sisters!

Michelle - Oh to be that young to be able to go out and run 4-5 miles...... I'm starting to pant after 2 miles of walking on the tread mill. Be careful though, ya sure don't want to overdo and injure yourself again.
Tracy - Thank you. Ya know, it's understandable that you've been having a bit of a rough time getting back on schedule. You've had a lot going on in your life not to even mention all the stress and worry that went along with it. I'm sure that it was very difficult to really concentrate and commit to a regular routine of watching calories and exercising during this time. Now that things have settled down, I know you will be able to concentrate on the changes you want to make. I have TOTAL faith in you!!!
Ok, time to clean those dinner dishes. Take care everyone and think POSITIVE......

You are right, things are settling down, and hopefully I can get the emtional bits in control as well. I'm working on it.

It is a new year, new month, new week and new day. I can do it!

Hi everyone.....well...I'm not sure where to start. I think that is part of my problem! I weigh 250lbs even and have been a type 2 diabetic for 13 years now. I currently take two inj. of insulin and 2 inj. of byetta and I am on 2 different daily diebetic medication. My sugars run between 220-425. I really want to lay it all out, since I lost my twin sister 10 years ago, I am now 45, I became severely depressed and it has been really hard on me to keep on keepin on. I was the strong twin between the two of us and I went to college and nothing ever got in my way and I always was there for everyone, especially in my family. My mom was never there for me or my twin so we were like glue. After she passed is when my health went to pot! I left my career in nursing I had recently married about 10 mths before her death and I just stayed home and lived for my husband and daughter. And I am not telling you all this for sorrow or pity okay. Definitely not what I want. My daughter from 15 on put me through alot of crap. And I know we all go through that with our children but it was every weekend until just last few months. She is moved out now with a baby boy and a fiance. I felt a sigh of relief once they had moved out for a while but now I see myself becoming depressed again. I use to run and walk before I married. My husband is very over weight and has been since I married him. I feel not intentually I have been pulled into the weight problem he has had all his life. So when I think of trying to lose weight that I have to be able to do it for 2 people instead of just myself and when I think of that I really turn away from it. I cannot keep doing this or I will not live long. I will find a job and will work at it for a few months and end up getting sick and usually leave my job. I am not sure if its due to illness or I just feel comfortable in my home rather then out in the world. My you there have been a few times I could not work but still, here I am home again. I do have a job but I have been home sick for last week. Diabetics do seem to pick things up a lil easier than a healthy person that is why being diabetic really sucks. I have given thought to lap band and bypass, but I really don't look like I weigh 250lbs, atleast thats what everyone says when they find out. But my body is being eatin up by sugar! I just really need you all to talk too. I need to get my mind set in the right direction and after reading your alls post I thought I would try and see if anyone has any advice. I know this is long and I'm sorry. I wish the best for all of you!

Chippi

Chippi - I am so glad that you found our post, everyone here is super nice!! I suggest that you do weight watchers - I love it b/c you can eat whatever you want, you just have to account for it all. I used to love to go to the gym and work out, I would start slow on the treadmill and work my way up to 30 mins and then 15 on the bike and then I would do some strenght training.

Unfortunately I can't work out anymore, but I am watching what I eat with Weight Watchers and trying to "move" more within my limitations.

I understand about trying to diet for 2, my husband, although not overweight is not exactly helpful - we went to dinner tonight and he asked me at least a dozen times if I wanted dessert - and then proceeded to read the dessert menu to me...... pissed me off!!

It also seems to me that you need to find something to do for yourself, it is very admirable that you were there to take care of everyone in your life - but you also need to find something just for you! Are you on medication for your depression - I had to start when I was pregnant and it has helped me TREMENDOUSLY!!!

stick with us and we will be here to support you!! good luck - you need to decide your course of action and commit to the lifestyle change - you deserve it and you are worth it!!!!!!!