Ding Dong, the wedding is done

Hi Ladies,

Well, the wedding was last weekend and while I didn't hit my goal of 162, I was at 164, so pretty pleased with that. Though a few pics have come back and I still don't like what I looked like in sea foam green. Oh well...the more important thing is that I didn't binge after the wedding and have successfully stayed on the ww bandwagon since. I REALLY want to lose 20 more pounds. Can I do it before my daughter's first birthday (1/23)? We'll see...that is my ultimate goal. I will be super happy with 10 more pounds off and ridiculously ecstatic with 20...

Hope everyone else is doing okay...

Great News

This morning I was 167.2! That is the lowest I've been since having Baby E. Five pounds to go until my pre-pregnancy weight and 12 to goal! I'm 5'10, so 150 for me is perfect...if I could get to my dream weight of 145, I would buy every pair of skinny jeans known to man.

Have a great weekend, fellow slimdown friends.

The story of the vacation dieter

In a mad dash, she ran out the door to catch her plane to New Jersey.

Baby in the car seat. Check.
Husband loading the bags. Check.
Triple checking that all baby items were packed. Check.

But something is missing and she can't put her finger on it. Due to the obsessive honking from her husband that they are going to miss the plane, she grabs her purse, the baby, and heads to the car. As they are pulling out of the driveway, it hits her like a ton of bricks. SHE FORGOT TO WEIGH IN!!

But, alas, she remembers that her mother in law has a scale in their bathroom, so all is fine. After a long, long day of travel, she steps on the scale and weighs in at 167. About a 1 lb loss. Our leading lady, takes this information with her as she faces the morning bagels, the evening cocktails and the Italian pastries - all of the foods that she normally crash diets before arriving in NJ just so she can indulge.

Unfortunately, our poor heroine is having a rough time on this trip. Not only is her mother in law (who weighs 80 lbs) cooking in pure butter, but her adoring husband keeps telling her that she looks great and doesn't need to worry about what she eats on vacation. But she perseveres and when faced with an extra unhealthy meal, she tries to eat only half the portion. In the end, there was more than one blunder, though she vowed to only have one. The gain was minimal but the guilt was large.

A two pound gain for this trip. She vows to be 168 by Friday, so is getting all salt removed from the cabinet and hoping at least some water weight will take her down to 168. But perhaps if she could drop the weight of guilt, she might be 10 lbs lighter because that's how heavy it feels - an albatross around her neck. She is trying to forgive herself, but having a rough go at it.

Stay tuned...

EDITOR'S NOTE: I had to write this as if it were not me because I'm feeling soooooooooooo guilty that I gained two pounds. I can not even begin to tell you how angry I am with myself. I was only 5 lbs away from my pre-preg weight on Friday and now I'm 7. In my world, 2 lbs is a big deal because it takes me forever to lose 2 lbs.

Oh well, stay tuned for Friday's weigh in. Hopefully more vacation weight will not have piled on...

Better Late then Never

OK, I know this is really late, but I guess it's better than never! Please know, I did weigh-in last Wednesday! And...drum roll please! I lost 1.2 lbs (last week) and today I weighed-in and I maintained. This month is a little rough between 4th of July and birthdays, I seem to have a little problem letting my hair down and becoming relaxed during these little celebrations. That's a matter of discipline, which will come in time. We'll see how things go this week...another birthday...so there will be cake and I have a feeling lots of goodies! I am not going to lie and say I won't have any of it, I am going to indulge and enjoy every last bite. However, I will be working off every bit of enjoyment I had.

Have a good week!

Diminishing Dahlia (aka DD)

Hello, my name is Nelly Leener and I am a Yo-Yo Dieter

Hey girls...sorry its been so long since I posted. I spent a week in Pittsburgh visitting Jason's family and let's just say everytime I go to Pittsburgh I eat like it's my last meal. This has been going on for years...its such a hard habit to break!!! When I'm on vacation I feel like it's all about relaxing and not worrying about points. So are you ready for the ugly truth? I gained 6 lbs. :( I was so mad at myself. The good news is we got back on Tuesday and by Saturday I had lost 6.2 lbs! So I don't know if I should try and hold back next time or just enjoy the break because I know I can lose it fairly quickly. Regardless I have not made much progress at all the last few weeks! We have been sooooo ridiculously busy that I haven't exercised at all. So I still have 8 lbs to lose. I can't tell you how many times I have set out to lose weight, been successful, but then always stopped right around now...when I have only a few more lbs to lose to reach my goal...it's like I subconsciously tell myself, "you've done enough" and I lose motivation which is so silly because the goal is very reachable at this point. I must re-focus...I REALLY want to reach my goal this time and maintain it!!!

Mamacita Weighs In

OK, so on weigh-in morning I had some engorgement going on & didn't feel like touching my pump. I'd rather just nurse my baby, but he was sleeping & Mama really wanted coffee. Plus I felt like my plumbing had been stopped up & I felt like a weigh-in would only crush my self esteem.

Saturday I weighed-in & I was 119.9, so I was actually up from last week. Again, I tried not to take it personally & blamed it on the plumbing.

Today--Sunday--I was 119.1, so technically that is a loss from the previous weigh-in of 119.5. I am fine with that as a weigh-in b/c I'm sure if I persevere I will see a loss again eventually. I've had occasions of dieting where for two weeks I'd show no loss or even a minor gain, and then poof! Two pounds would disappear.

I would love to be 115 by the wedding. If not, I guess I get to go dress shopping!

Please don't be embarrassed to post, even if it's a few days late. We can be encouraged by your successes & we can all relate to the disappointments as well. It's nice to know we're not alone!

Have a great week everyone & let us know how you're doing soon!

My scale laughed at me!

Good afternoon ladies,

I do have good news..I did lose weight. I was 130.4 last week and 130.1 today. However I have to say my scale did mock me. I got up this morning and held on to hope that I could be 129.9. Then the scale responded with a 129.9 and then it changed its mind. 130.1...... I will take it because I pretty much maintained when I wasn't sure I would. But come on..... So just for the record I was 129.9 for a second today! Not that it matters, but when you get so close to a goal it is exciting. I would love to get in the 120's, but not sure that will ever happen unless I get to breastfeed again.

How did you do this week??

-Scale Dodger-

It's almost party time!

Girls! Girls! Girls!!!!

Saturday, July 25th is our next girls celebration. We were thinking a nice casual dinner somewhere and maybe some shopping or a movie. If you are available that evening let us know. Mamacita and Scale Dodger will be there!!!!

We need dinner suggestions.

Here are some places that sound good to me:
Japanese Steak House
Ploy Thai
Olive Garden

Don't forget you are supposed to treat yourself to something as a reward for all your hard work this month. Even if you can't come to our celebration reward yourself.

Better Late Than Never!

Well, well, well.......here I am a week late in posting my weight loss for last week. Funny thing is that I did great. I just kept forgetting to post it here. Two weeks ago I was 132.2 and last Friday I was 130.4!!!!! I have been in a maintenance mode for about 2 weeks now. I've totally slacked on the exercise part and haven't counted points in two weeks. What I have done is cut down portion sizes and eat when I am hungry. I try to be good during the week and enjoy the weekends. This is a great way to maintain what I have accomplished this year. I started losing in January. I weighed in at 142.6. As of last Friday I have lost just over 12 pounds this year! That is pretty exciting! I have no idea what the scale will tell me in the morning. I would love to be 129.9 for the day, but I am not holding my breath. If I stay in the 130 range I will be happy with my week. Hope everyone had a good week! Post your weigh-in tomorrow as soon as you can!



This week: ???

Last week: 130.4

2 weeks ago: 132.2



Scale Dodger

BAD Exercising News

So I just read an email from Jillian. She just dispelled a myth that I was perfectly comfortable believing. She says that 30 min of exercise a day is not truly enough for weight LOSS. Lovely. What does she recommend? Starting at 60 min a day for weight loss but no more than 2 hours a day. Great. Guess I have to start making it to the gym earlier to get in a full work out. By "day" I assume she literally means 7 days a week? Well, I think and a hour a day 5 days a week is the most I can do. I will try to get in an hour a day, though. I wonder if that includes strength training as well as cardio? I hope so.

Nervous. BIG TIME

This weekend, we are taking baby E to New Jersey for her baptism. To me, New Jersey is the land of anti weight watchers. We don't go often, but when we do, we eat our way through the carbohydrate heaven of a state. I'm a HUGE bagel fan. HUGE. And a New Jersey bagel is like nectar from the gods for me. Top it off with bacon, egg and cheese and I'm literally walking on air. I love, love, love, love, love it. But, I imagine that it's probably at least a daily allotment of points and SO not Core friendly. I hope I can make it through the trip with only one blunder (I know it's going to happen, so I might as well admit it now). But, one won't be so bad. Last time I was there, I was pregnant and just getting out of the puking every day stage, so I ate a bagel sandwich pretty much every day...and I wonder why I gained 40 pounds during pregnancy.

I will weigh myself on Friday before I leave to hopefully give myself some motivation to stay on track while I"m there...but, I'm nervous about it. Really nervous.

8 Pounds to Pre-Baby Weight!

Even though today is not my official weigh-in day, I wanted to let you all know that I weighed 118.7 today, which is exactly 8 pounds from my pre-preg weight of 110.7 YIPPEE! After 110.7 I would like to lose another 2-6 pounds if possible, but I will do the happy dance at 110.7 -- I am doing a mini happy dance today! I half-expect to be back up to 119.0 by Friday's weigh-in, though, since my scale seems to enjoy messing with my head.

How was everyone's 4th of July weekend? On the actual 4th I didn't do too bad. We left a little late for the beach party, so I ate some baked chicken in the car on the way over. Of course all the carbs were off-limits, and I was upstairs nursing when they grilled the hotdogs, so I didn't even eat one of those. We had Chick fil A for dinner, so not too bad there either (chicken strips salad). On the 5th we had a family gathering & I was quite surprised that my MIL prepared RIBS saturated w/BBQ sauce & NO VEGGIES--NOT EVEN a SALAD!!!!!!!!! I couldn't believe her! Usually we are all veggie people, so I was a little upset considering she knows the diet I am doing. Thankfully we found some brocolli in the fridge.

I have decided to step it up until the impending wedding date (my BIL's wedding, that is--mine was 5 yrs ago and I actually think I weigh less now than I did back then!)...ANYWAY, I am aiming for 30 min cardio & daily arm toning starting today and lasting through August 7th. I want to stick strictly to my eating plan through that time as well, although my birthday is July 30th, so not sure how that will factor in. I think I may have goofed on my eating plan last week. I forgot how high in fat salmon is and I was having it for lunch quite frequently. So for today through this Friday's weigh-in I am sticking to baked chicken & egg beaters for my protein. I had those ribs on the 5th so don't worry--I'm sure I got some good fat in then, and even some carbs with the BBQ sauce!

Cravings?

My sis sent me this link to a chart describing what your cravings may indicate your body is lacking & what you can eat as healthier alternatives: Naturopathy

Have a happy Fourth of July!!!!

Back on track tomorrow...right?

Little bit...

Hey girls!

/It's friday, my weigh-in. I was 119.5, down 0.6 from last week's 120.1. I was hoping to lose a little more, but i think i added too much extra fat by having cream sauces twice in a week. on my diet there is no room for cheating. hoping next week will make up for a small loss this week. but i am not complaining, either!

can't wait to hear how everyone else is doing...pardon my punctuation, btw--NAK--nursing @ keys....

--Mamacita

A bowl full of guilt

So, I started CORE about a week ago. It's my third iteration of Weight Watchers in the last three months. I started out on the full breastfeeding moms plan receiving 33 points. Then Eliza dropped two feedings, so I went down to 28 points. Then I got totally frustrated and panicked about the upcoming bridesmaid dress deadline and decided to do Core, as I lost a ton of weight on this plan a few years ago, and all in all, it's going great. I've already lost a few elle bees (love that name!) but something is torturing my poor little weight watchers soul - it's cereal - big glorious bowls of shredded wheat. Every night around 9, I start to STARVE, and all I can think of is a bowl of shredded wheat with ice cold milk (soy that is) and some blueberries. So, for the last few nights I've caved in and done it. Then I have felt terribly guilty over it. So, this morning, I told my husband that I'm weaning myself of cereal. Last night, I had a half a cup of shredded wheat instead of a whole cup. Tonight will be a quarter cup. Then I shall end with just blueberries and soy milk perhaps. I just have to figure out a way to curb my appetite around 9 every night. I'm totally open to suggestions!

Excitement is in the air!

I am sooooo excited!!!!!

It seems like each day there is a new girl joining our six month slimdown...or I just don't know that it is the same person...lol. Regardless, welcome to all the newbies. We really want this to be a place of accountability and fun! Create your plan that works for you. You can be as tough as you need to be....or go light. Sometimes a slow and steady approach will keep you motivated. In the end you will most likely be able to stick to small changes in your lifestyle. Celebrate each week that you stick to your plan....even if you have a small loss.

I use weight watchers as my way to manage how much I eat. Counting points seems to be what works best for me. However, I am starting to maintain my weight for the most part. The scale doesn't seem to want to budge now. The number on the scale is measurable and it feels good to see it go down, but let me also encourage taking your measurements and taking secret photographs (for your eyes only...do not post.....hee hee). I like seeing that my body looks different and my measurements are smaller even when the scale lies to me and tells me that I didn't lose weight when clearly my pants are loose. Also find out your healthy BMI. Figure out a healthy goal weight and take in chunks. If you have 15 pounds to lose then celebrate those 5 lb. losses. If you have 50 pounds to lose then break it down and celebrate the 10lb losses. Obviously 2 lbs is a reason to rejoice. But a 10 pound goal allows you to celebrate each step instead of thinking....oh 40 more to go.

We are here to encourage and support each other while we start maintaining healthier lifestyles. I am so excited each time a new girl joins our group. I hope we can all make plans to meet for our July celebration. Mamacita and I had so much fun shopping and eating lunch without kids.

Welcome again!
Scale Dodger

Hello! OK, I weighed in today and I lost .2 lbs...hardly worth mentioning. However, I'm not sure what I am expecting, I didn't really try. I am really overwhelmed with the amount of weight I have to lose - 50 pounds. The only thing that motivates me to do better is Olivia, I have to do it for her if I can't do it for myself. So, off to a new week and another new start!

Bridesmaid Dress Diet

Hi there,

First time poster here. I'm five months out from having a baby and truly, truly believed that I would be one of those people who lost all the weight before they left the hospital. Well, I'm not. In fact, I'm the farthest thing from it.. In fact, I actually gained weight after I had my baby girl. Ugh and go figure!

But, I press on to my scenic road to weight loss (I read that somewhere recently and totally connected to it). I'm only 5 lbs from my pre-pregnancy weight but 12 from my goal...and I have something even larger haunting me...it hangs in my closet and is sea foam green! Can you guess what it is? It's made of satin, fits like a box, tugs at my boob fat...come on, you know what it is...

IT"S A BRIDESMAID DRESS!!! And I'm not looking pretty in it. But, I've always - I mean ALWAYS - been an "event" dieter. I would crash diet for every bridesmaid dress that I had to wear. I would eat only eggs and cheese leading up to all of my best friend's weddings, only to gain it all back the month after the wedding. Well, this time I have a long range weight loss plan and though I've stepped back into the world of low carb, I will stay on the wagon after the wedding in August!

I look forward to staying on this challenge with all of you!

from dimishing dahlia

DD accidentally posted this as a comment, so just adding as a post...and i think today is DD's weigh-in day, so feel free to update us on your progress, DD--no need to wait for friday!

Hello Ladies! Ok, I've been reading your posts and I have to say I am really impressed! This is really helping me make the final jump, to start taking the plan I've started about a 100 times more seriously. I started Women of Moderation, they recommend different plans but the main focus is on the Setting Captives Free plan. The plan consists of 1 fasting day, 2 half days (all portions of food are cut in 1/2), 2 normal days (all portions are normal serving sizes), and 2 liquid days (drinking all liquids all day [juices, teas, water, smoothies, etc] and having 1 normal meal). Before I became pregnant last year I had started this plan and had begun to lose weight.

So here's the deal...I want to do this, however, my weigh-in date is on Wednesday. What I could do is wait to reveal my results every Friday. And, I don't want to reveal my weight, I am waaaaaay to overweight and would like that to be my dirty little secret! I would prefer to just give the pounds I've lost or gained.
That's my story!
I hope you have a good week!
Love you gals!

15 pound loss in 1st month!

14.9 pounds down the first month, ladies!

Scale Dodger=3.5
Nelly Leener=5.0
Mamacita=6.4

So I think we can all be very proud.

We need to set a date for our July meet-up. The "anniversary" date for each month is the 23rd, so any date close to that would be good.

I think for July we should clean out our closets, go to Plato's closet & drop them off, then go out to lunch. After lunch we should return to Plato's Closet & see if they are willing to buy anything from us, then we go looking for something to take home with us off of their racks. Might be a good place to pick up a transitional outfit! I once found my favorite jeans there--in my newer smaller size!

Scale Dodger here!

Today is Friday our new official weigh-in day, which I love by the way! I was 132 last week and when I came home from visiting my family I was 134. I ran twice this week. I really wanted to do it everyday. However, Florida is HOT!!! I will see how it goes, but it did help me lose this week. Well, I am once again 132!!!! I know that 131, 130, 129 is just around the corner!!!! I am excited for our first girls day out tomorrow. Keep up all the good work girls!

I wonder how many pounds we have lost now as a group?

I've lost 3.5 lbs!

Maybe someone can figure it out and report back.

To Leaner from Jillian

Image by ninahale via Flickr

This was in my email today from Jillian Michaels:

Suffered a Setback? Here's How to Get Back on the Wagon
It happens — you miss a few workouts and you feel like you've fallen off the weight-loss wagon. It's tempting to mentally slap yourself around, right? (Or head for the fridge.) Before you start, I want to remind you of something: Being hard on yourself is the Old You.

The New You knows how to deal with setbacks and get back on the wagon. And after all, there are no mistakes, just learning experiences. Weight loss is a process — it takes time. You will encounter small failures — everyone does — but every pound you gain can be lost.

And if you miss a workout, it's not the end of the world! Get to the gym the next day and continue to focus on your short-term goals. Just because you made bad choices today doesn't mean you can't start over tomorrow. New day? New beginning. And don't you forget it!

You want the truth?

Ok girls, so here is how I've been doing. Last week I don't remember if I posted my results but I lost 1 lb. This past weekend in Miami I consumed a LOT of Cuban food and yummy desserts and gained a whopping 4 lbs!!! I was able to drop all 4 lbs by Wed but since then have only lost 0.2 lbs even though I have been staying at 20 points or less. But I do feel good about being able to lose the 4 lbs quickly.


One small victory was we had an ice cream social at work on Wed afternoon and I had a VERY small portion, which personally I think is better than completely depriving yourself.

So I've got 9 pounds to go to my goal weight! Whoever said (I think it was Jillian) the last 10 lbs are the hardest was so right!

Mamacita's Weigh-In Day

Hey Ladies!

It's Friday, so I am reporting in:

120.1

That's down 1.7 pounds from last week. Earlier this week I was 119.1, proving again that our bodies just fluctuate.

In other exciting news, Leighton has GAINED again this week. He was 11.5 pounds on the doctor's scale 3 weeks ago. Today on my scale he was 14.5 pounds. Not a completely accurate way to measure his weight, but good enough for a rough estimate. If he continues to gain a pound a week, I think he'll be 30 pounds by the time he turns one! LOL I suppose at some point this will slow down?

--Mamacita

Lookin Good

Hey Ladies,

Maybe I should change my blogger name to BRAGGART. Seriously. I am down to 119.1 this morning. Amazing. I was just hoping to be there by the wedding. Maybe I can hope for 115 by the wedding! Yay!

I hope that once Jazz is finished with swim lessons I can hit the gym again. She needs to do swim a little on the early side or she's too grumpy for the teacher.

Hope everyone is staying on track! I will post details about our Saturday meet-up very soon!
--Mamacita

Senorita!

The look on Adam's face when he came home to pick me up for church on Sunday. Ay-yai-yai! I had been going through my closet trying to figure out what in the world I would wear for Leighton's dedication. Well, well, how about a pretty black & white skirt with the number 2 on the tag? OK, in real life I think this brand's 2 is more like a 4, but I was still thrilled to find something cute to wear at long last! Hallelujah!

Miraculously, the scale told me I was only 120.8

I was 110.7 when Baby Boy came along, so that is pretty darn close to only have 10 pounds to my pre-baby weight.

Funny, I was an angel this weekend. I did a really good job & totally stuck to my plan. Then what happens today? I am 122.7 Ha ha hilarious. I guess that just shows our bodies fluctuate no matter what--even when we are saints in the eating department. It's like my body got the memo, "Father's Day is a holiday. We gain on holidays. Retain. Retain. RETAIN!"

Hope everyone is off to a good start this week. I think we are still on for Saturday afternoon. Details to come---err, if you have ideas for what to do on a Saturday afternoon let me know. I have been nominated party planner but all I can see are SAT essays. I don't think you would enjoy a writer's circle!

Steady She Goes!

I am holding steady at 132 even without dieting or exercising so that is my success story. I am going to start running when Eliud gets home from work each day so maybe that will be a fun new twist to my lifestyle change. I like that I can do a week or two of Weight Watchers to maintain my weight. I hope that a new exercise will give me the boost I need to be interested in this again. It's hard to lost the last 3 or 4 pounds, not just physically because your body is hanging on to them, but also mentally because everything fits and I am comfortable in my own skin. I know I can lose 5 or even 10 more pounds so let's see if I can get there. I'd rather just get pregnant and gain 20 pounds!!!!! But that is another story.

Scale Dodger, no gain no loss holdin steady!

(Scale Dodger was having some technical difficulties w/posting so she email me & asked me to post for her.)

Hello, Old Friend!

Well, Ladies, today I was.............

121.0

ha ha ha ha ha!!!!!!!! I am so happy I am laughing! OK, so only 10.3 pounds to get to my pre-preggers weight.

Also, I am thinking that once I get to my pre-preggers weight, I may stick to this plan a while longer, at least until the end of the six month challenge. Really I'd like to be 5 pounds toner than my PP weight, but I will take 110.7 any day if that's where the scale decides to stay after the SMS (six month slimdown).

Hope everyone is having a "GOOD" weekend!

Run Forest Run

Alright ladies... So it seems to me that this running thing might actually work. Not that I intend to join a marathon or anything like that. Running after the ice cream truck might be my only pre-planned running idea.
I still haven't weight in, for sheer fear that the scale will not provide me with the proper number. However I can only hide from the scale for about another week. I do have to admit that people have noticed the slimmer me!
A friend said, "I've notice a few rolls are missing." Good thing this person is my friend... :)
I can tell my thighs have slimmed down and well my abs they are still under that bubble belly some where. But as I am often reminded, I didn't put it all on in a week and it will not come off in a week. I am sad to say I will miss my work out this coming week since I will be helping at VBS. I will however hit my pool in the later afternoon to get in a few laps in hopes to keep up. You are welcome to join. :) May the Lord remove all fat and carb from each of your meals.... Blessings
BB

Nelly Leener

Ok, so the hubby came up with a new diet name for me (since nobody was getting Elle B Loser...LB=pounds, people!)....Nelly Leener. He is so clever. ;)

Doing ok this week...I have lost 1 lb. I haven't really cheated this week so I have been slightly annoyed by my slow progress. I think using a few flex points here and there is what's slowing me down...I need to lose 4 more pounds this week because we are going to the beach next weekend!

Amazing job, Mamacita!!! You have lost six pounds this week??? Holy cow! I may have to try to follow along...maybe I will try to bring it down to 16 points per day, too.

By the way, Friday morning weigh ins work for me...

Keep it up, girlies!

Going Down

Well well well, my little plan seems to be working...

Tues=123.0

Weds=123.3

Thurs=122.3

Today=121.8

I AM SO EXCITED! The jeans I am wearing today--Size 6 Banana Republic--are SO LOOSE. (Thanks for the "loan" Krista). I was just going to get a nursing shirt, but I might end-up needing to get jeans for my slim-down prize this month.

Official weigh-in day is tomorrow, though I am in favor of switching to Friday mornings! Not just that today was a great weigh-in, be b/c Friday nights I know a lot of us go out to eat...not that it matters to me since I am not allowed to cheat on this diet anyway!

Please post your weight loss progress in the next couple of days!

For a Good Time

Lacking motivation? This guy has an interesting approach to weight loss!

He calls it Nude at Noon ... LOL LOL LOL

http://www.livestrong.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=41465

48 Hours

Image by Getty Images via Daylife

It appears that my first 48 hours on the new eating plan are totally paying off. Granted, this is mostly water weight, I'm sure, but the number today was

123.0

!! !!
U U

Finally broken the 124 barrier & practically the 123 barrier! YIPPEE! Now I feel the strength to go on. I was getting somewhat discouraged, but now I feel the hope to continue to run the race. Thanks everybody for hanging in there with me. The other exciting thing is that I was able to fit into my favorite pre-preggo pajama bottoms last night. They are soooooo soft & comfy, so this was WONDERFUL! Hope everybody is having a good week!

--Mamacita

A New Day

Image by size8jeans via Flickr

I got together with an old friend today to do some cooking. You might actually know him. His name is George Foreman. We grilled up a bag of chicken breast tenders, enough for the entire week. I am hoping the convenience of pre-cooked & pre-portioned food will get me losing again.

Happily I was down to 125.7 today. Obviously I was experiencing a little water weight action. That puts me right on the dot for 15 pounds to my pre-preg weight. But in my 24 hour period of tremendous guilt & regret, going over the past week in my mind, realizing that I didn't track very well, I decided that I am going to do my own little Matol diet--using real food, not powders. I am going to go by their nutrition values and try to get my numbers as close to theirs as I can and see how that goes after a week. If I am happy with the results I will stick with it as my plan:

Breakfast: coffee w/2 tbsp dairy; approx 100 cal, 20g protein, low carb/low fat
* 1/2 cup egg beaters, 2 slices sliced turkey or else turkey bacon
**I microwave the egg beaters in a bowl & sprinkle with sea salt
***I use half n half for my coffee

Lunch: approx 100 cal, 20g protein, low carb/low fat
* 4 oz grilled chicken; veggies/salad (I switched to baked--much tastier)
* Salad Dressing: 1/2 tbsp olive oil, drizzle w/lemon juice; top with a favorite spice & season blend


Dinner: 7 oz poultry or fish OR 5 oz pork or red meat PLUS veggies/salad
* If Adam is having something I can't have for dinner, I have either a salad with chicken or a piece of blackened salmon by C.Wirthy (comes in microwave safe packaging)
**Make sure your veggies are low carb; broccoli is a good one; limit bell peppers & green beans to one or twice a week; carrots & sweet potatoes are NOT recommended for this diet

Snack: approx 100 cal, 20g protein, low carb/low fat
*I usually grab a pack of chicken, but other options are sliced turkey; egg beaters; a serving of sugar free jello no more than once or twice a week

Supplements: prenatal vitamin; calcium/magnesium/zinc; Omega Red; Zip Fizz 1x day


OK, just letting you ladies know what I am planning to do to get back on track this week & hopefully show a loss at our June get-together. I'd be thrilled to get under 124.0 by then. This is a pretty strict eating plan, but I am hoping the results will be worth the sacrifice. But, man, this diet is going to suck. LOL.

Am I suppose to feel like throwing up?

Alright, this week was a bit more then I had really expected. My fun, happy time of water aerobic's have come to an end. Our drill master (instructor Kristie) had decided to change it up. We are now running & walking, now in case you haven't notice. I don't run, take a good look bubble belly's don't run. Hence the "BUBBLE BELLY!" Tues. was the day of doom, after running I felt like I was going to pass out and throw up. Thankful, thursday wasn't like that I made it through the storm. I have not weighed in since my Drill master said muscle weighs more, don't freak out. I'm still counting calories and working out, for me it's not just the weight it's a mental challenge. A life style change, well ladies keep pressing on. May you have a blessed week in the journey!

BB

Oh Happy Day!

I lost two pounds this week! Happy, happy, joy, joy!!! This week was about portion control for me...although I met a friend for lunch and had family over mid week, I made small adjustments to cut calories like removing the skin off my chicken (which I've NEVER had the willpower to do before) and carefully portioning my rice to only have one cup.

Another thing I did on most days was write down everything I ate, unlike weeks before where I've just been "sort of" keeping track of points in my head. So I will try to do the same this week...trying to plan out my meals too ahead of time...and hope to lose another two lbs this week. Total weight loss so far is 3.8 lbs....10.2 lbs to go!

By the way, I am SO glad we are doing this - it helps so much to have accountability...have a great week, girls!

The bad & the ugly

127.5

I have gained a pound in two weeks. lovely. Now that baby is eating solids I think I am safe to get more restrictive.

Scale Dodger, u wanna do a system shocker for the next 2 weeks? u know, 16 pts this week, then add a point a week for three weeks? aparently i need to remind my hungry belly in a BIG way that dieting means eating less.

I'm Yours Diet Song

Here are some people singing their McDonald's order to the tune of I'm Yours. The second stanza is about a diet! Check it out!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oz31qzhswO0&eurl=http://freshnessfactorfivethousand.blogspot.com/2009/06/random-acts.html&feature=player_embedded

www.youtube.com/watch?v=oz31qzhswO0

You Tube Link (I think)

How to Take Off Those Last 10 Pounds

Sorry, nothing original today! But I thought you all might enjoy
this article from Jillian's email today--I know I needed to hear
this right now! Maybe I will attempt my own 30 day challenge
starting next month to get ready for the wedding in August!


You know what I like to call those last 10 or 15
pounds that won't come off no matter what you do?
Vanity pounds.

The term describes our desire to lose weight that,as far as our bodies are concerned, actually feels healthy. Today's society pressures us to want to look a certain way, so for aesthetic reasons we try to be thinner than our bodies want us to be. Personally, I have gained and lost the same 8 vanity pounds more times than I care to admit.

Losing your first 50 pounds might have been tough, but believe me, dropping those final few stubborn pounds is a whole different challenge. The body struggles to hold on to that last bit of fat for survival purposes.

Now, don't get me wrong — you can lose the weight if you want to, but it will require you to muster a tremendous amount of restraint and willpower. If you're really up for it, do the following for 30 days:

1. Cut your sodium to 1,000 mg a day.
2. Drink at least 80 ounces of water daily.
3. Cut out processed foods.
4. Abstain from alcohol.
5. Train at 85 percent of your MHR (maximum heart rate) for 1 hour 5 times a week.

You can do a lot in 30 days — in fact, I can pretty much guarantee you will lose at least 5 pounds. And you'll feel like a rock star!

For Elle...Condiments

Can the Condiments
In a small study of college students, dressing up fries with ketchup and brownies with a topping caused the nibblers to eat from 25 to 40 percent more of these waist-padding foods. But the theory behind the additional bites isn’t just that a few extras make food taste better. The extras actually increase the amount of time it takes for your palate to get tired of the taste of a particular food. So you end up eating more, regardless of whether you’re hungry or full.

Click here to view the article.

Temptation

Ladies, I just realized that my brother-in-law's wedding is less than 2 months away now--August 8th! When I was preggers it felt forever away, but NOW, I still have in the neighborhood of 16 pounds to get to my pre-preg weight, and I have a gorgeous dress that I think I'd fit in if I could only lose 10 pounds. Somehow I'm not so sure I will lose 10 pounds in 2 months! Ahh! It is so tempting to want to buy my Matol food again, just to see quick results. Oh dear, please pray for me because I am just dealing with these feelings, not that I am putting my thoughts into action. SOOOOOOOOOOOO.......back to the straight & narrow for the rest of the week! I will be grading the SAT's for the next two weeks, so maybe I will do 2 weeks of no flex points & hopefully see some good results.

Keep up the good work, ladies!
--Mamacita

Mid week update!

Well hopefully everyone is having a successful week with their weight loss and fitness goals. I have been sick since last Thursday and I feel just wretched, I also have no appetite. This has worked to my benefit! I was a little sad that I just didn't have the energy to exercise, but my scale it still happy. So, although I am thrilled to see my scale creep down each day....I think I would still prefer to feel well and work it off on my own. Have a great week!!!!

The kitchen's calling....

Alright so I'm new at that post your progress thing. I have to say today has been a really rough day. The kitchen keeps calling and well I keep answering! I guess it could be worse, no not really. I've been on the dailyplate since March 9, 09 and to date I've lost 15 lbs. I'm ready for the next 15. Only 4 more to lose for preprego... but good Lord don't let me stop there! Well have a wonderful week and if the kitchen calls DON'T ANSWER!

Honey Roasted BBQ Sauce at Chick-fil-A

So before I go any further, you have to understand something about my eating habits. I LOVE dipping sauces. I will not even begin my meal until I have the appropriate dipping sauces at my disposal...this, I believe, is often my downfall when it comes to dropping the pounds...

So I have been eating Chick-fil-A occasionally the past couple of weeks and just assumed that the Honey Roasted BBQ Sauce was low in points (silly me)...I kept telling myself I would look up the nutritional info on it, but kept forgetting. This sauce is absolutely delicious and not only have I been putting it on my chicken sandwich but dipping my fries in it (oh the SHAME!)....come to find out...

2 POINTS each packet! Which wouldn't be the end of the world, except one packet is no where near enough! I have been using 3 or 4, sometimes 5 of these (again, the SHAME!!!). That is an extra 10 points!!! It would be healthier to use only one light mayo packet for my sandwich and use only ketchup on my fries, which is what I will do from now on....but at least now I know why I did not drop any pounds this week. :( I maintained my weight and hope to lose between 0.5 and 2 lbs this week. I think my main problem is I have been calculating points in my head instead of writing down the exact # of points I'm consuming. Need to get more strict on not going over 20 points each day!

By the way, love the new background Scale Dodger!

I've arrived. Not together enough to be as successful as I'd like, but I am here. Love to all! Mom / Lin (hmm, maybe my name for this blog should be Procrastination Princess?)

Mamacita Celebrar!

Happy news, I was 124.8 today. Up a tad from yesterday, but a 1.7 pound total loss overall, and two pound loss for the week...

TOTAL LOSS TO DATE: 1.7 pounds

WI#3=124.8
WI#2=126.8
WI#1=126.5

Hope everyone is having a good weigh-in day. Please let me know if you think we need a new template, BTW. The black is killing my eyes. Maybe Scale Dodger could pick out a new one sometime in the not so distant future???

--Mamacita

Scale Dodger: Moving in the Right Direction!

Early on this week I didn't think a weight loss would happen. I ate flex points over the weekend and the damage haunted me through the earlier part of the week. By Wednesday I was starting to feel weak and little yucky. By Thursday I was officially sick. I am still dealing with some symptoms, but I feel better today. When I got on the scale I felt even better. I was 133.8 last Saturday and today.......drum roll please............I was 132.4!!!!!!! I lost over a pound. My goal is to lose a half a pound or more each week. I think being sick had a lot to do with this because I just didn't feel the need to snack. I barely wanted to eat...but I did.

Start: 135.8
1st: 133.8
2nd:132.4


Keep up all the good work girls! I will be planning our first girls day out on Saturday the 27th so stay tuned for the details.

-Scale Dodger

Chick Fil A Ranch

No, I am not speaking of a weight loss camp wherein you eat chick fil a for breakfast, lunch, & dinner, though that would be a great idea!

I am referring to the Chick Fil A Buttermilk Ranch Sauce. The little tiny tub that you open to dip your chicken?

3 POINTS !!!!

I swear to only eat it in dire emergencies in the future. I never realized it was so high in points. You can have 14 ounces of You Say When for that many points! Jeesh!

Hallelujah!

124.6 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Gloria Dios

The scale at last he gone into rewind mode! YIPPEE!!!! I was 125.6 or 125.9 this morning. A little hard to judge which one since the scale can change a little based on which tile I sit in on in the bathroom. At any rate, 24 points is looking more & more like an appropriate amount for this nursing Mama. I wish I could have the normal 10 points for nursing, but maybe I am just too short for that? I will be SO happy if I weigh 126.3 or less on Saturday morning.

I am wondering what to get myself for my reward this month...maybe a new criss-cross shirt? They are so great for nursing!

Visualize yourself in your prize for the month, girls! Remember, it needs to be something to make you feel good NOW, not two pounds from now.

As for how much to spend on our little monthly prize, WW is approx $40 a month if you attend meetings, so for me I am thinking I could justifiably spend up to $40 on myself, but not sure if this should include what I spend on the girls night out as well? Guess it depends how rich I feel as the date draws closer! Heck our get together could be eating & then shopping for one new article of clothing together. But I am hoping Krista will plan this month's event. I can save shopping for when it's my turn to plan the event.

Mamacita Chiquita!

Okay, not quite chiquita, but I was back to 126.8 today, the same as my Saturday weigh-in. I am hoping to be 126.3 this Saturday. Maybe 24 points is my groove...I hope!

My new M-F daytime game plan is...24 points a day.

1. Wake-up & have coffee with half n half.
2. Late morning--have oatmeal or an egg beaters mushroom omelette (2 points)
3. Afternoon--Eat an Arnold Sandwhich thin with sliced turkey (2 points)
4. Late Afternoon--Snack such as a WW smoothie, fruit, or carrots (0-2 pts)
5. Dinner--Eat whatever my husband is eating but make sure I stay within my points.
6. Evening Snack--a popsicle, fudge pop, or frozen smoothie, fruit or ice cream.

I also would like to try not to eat past 9:30 pm. Most people choose an earlier hour for this but we are late night people! I guess if I have a craving past this time I will have a diet soda or some Crystal Light.

Thanks ladies for your encouragement. I'm so glad we are doing this.

Sticking it out for Six Months,
Mamacita

What if I stumble?

Mamacita, this one's for you...

Don't feel too discouraged about a little weekend cheating. We went to the Cheesecake Factory on Sunday and I had my favorite pasta....I gained 1.8 lbs by Monday morning! However, I balanced it out by having an extra low point day yesterday and working out. By this morning, I had already lost 1.8 lbs! So it's Tuesday morning, and although I haven't lost any weight this week I don't feel deprived. In my opinion, it's best to allow yourself ONLY ONE cheat day (or meal) per week if you really want to lose weight. So your idea of saving your flex points for the weekend is great! I remember when I went to the Weight Watchers meetings they actually encouraged us to "take a cheat day" and to USE our flex points. Otherwise, if you feel deprived, it may lead to binge eating where you say the heck with it and eat everything in sight. Sometimes if I beat myself up about cheating, I get into the "all or nothing" mentality (like theat article you posted by Jillian) and start thinking "I can't do this"....which can lead to throwing in the towel.

So like you said, just hit the reset button and keep going!

Bummed Out But Sticking it Out

Well, I cheated A LOT this weekend. It was hard to resist overeating when I went out with my mom & grandma, hard to know what to cook for dinner for 6 people, hard to say no to my Grandma's homemade apple pie a la mode. Why does the weight get even higher two days later? I don't know, but I have a new game plan. I am going to aim for 24 points a day Mon-Fri. I am saving all my flex points for the weekend--LOL, this might have to include Friday nights. I am also going to see how it goes eating carbs. But M-F I am going to try to stick to whole grains as far as carbs go. I was so upset to see my weight sky rocket from 126.8 on Saturday to 128.9 this morning. My email today was encouraging, though. Here's to not giving up, to sticking with the program for 6 months no matter what. Hope everybody is having great week!

Here's an excerpt from the email I got. You can click on the words to see the entire article. I quite enjoyed it because the author acknowledges that some people do weigh themselves daily and he talks about how he used that data to anyalze his weight loss/gain patterns:

Take a Cheat Day

It's important to remember that despite the fact that I gained weight on the average weekend day, overall I successfully lost more than 40 lbs. Since it's possible to lose weight over the long run without getting too worked up over the weekends, some think the best bet is to loosen up a bit and take a "cheat day". Of course, even with a cheat day it's essential to maintain some degree of moderation and ensure one day off doesn't lead to two or three (or more).

Above all, remember that weekends are meant to be a time of relaxation and rejuvenation. Whatever strategy you decide to take, make sure you maintain a sense of balance and enjoy your time off.

Your thoughts...

Do you struggle with weekends? How do you stay on track?

Off to a good start!

I lost 1.8 lbs this week!  I had a few cheating moments as well but stuck to my points on most days.  I did reach my goal of working out three times this week and I am SORE, which is great!!   I had an awesome workout this morning with The Firm...it is the BEST workout I have ever done...the "tall box climb" absolutely wipes me out so I know I am burning fat!  

When I weighed in last week, I decided I would like to lose 14 lbs.  My weight loss goal for this week is 1-2 lbs.   My current motivation is our 4th anniversary weekend in July...we are getting a hotel room in Sarasota for a couple of nights and plan on spending lots of time on the beach...so I would like to NOT feel like a gordita in my bathing suit, but a hottie instead! ;)   

Congrats Scale Dodger!  And Mamacita, you are SO not a gordita!!  Keep up the good work girls!!!  

Mamacita Gordita

The good, the bad and the ugly, we stick it out for 6 months, right? Well, this week I show a gain of 0.3 !!!!!!!! Oy, I ate 37 flex points, so maybe that is my problem? I also ate 29 points a day--maybe more than I needed? Maybe I should cut back to 25 pts a day.

I am so happy for you, Scale Dodger. I know you worked hard. Maybe I will join you next week in losing!

Scale Dodger Rejoices!

Hopefully we all feel a little better after the first week of our new routine. Eating better and adding in exercise always makes me feel better. Even when the scale doesn't move that much I just feel more balanced when I eat better and exercise. I didn't get to exercise as much as I had planned, but I think I can increase a little more each week. I did really good with my points. I had a few cheat moments, but I had exercised on those days to allow for more calories. Sadly, you really can't hide peanut M&M's from the scale in the morning. Today I weighed in and barely wanted to look at the scale because I thought it may not be very good. I had lost 2.8 lbs by Wednesday and then the scale creeped up a little each day. I was happy to see that the scale gave me a 2 pound loss for the week. I think that is a good amount for my first week back. Now if I can just maintain that and lose a little each week I'd be very happy.

Goals:
Exercise:
Cardio at least 4 times this week
Strength training 3-4 times this week
Stay within my point range (20pts) +5pts on workout days
Stay motivated........

The staying motivated is the hard part for me. I want to tone up and look better, but my clothes fit. Its when my clothes get uncomfortable that I get truly motivated. I get sloppy and a bit lazy when I am at a comfortable weight. Hopefully, I can stay motivated and keep up my healthy lifestyle. I did just get new running shoes, so hopefully I can get out and run a few times this week. These were a belated birthday present it wasn't my monthly goal prize. I will save that for June 26th girls night out!

Weighing in at 133.8lb (5-30-09)
Loss of 2 lbs!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hoping for 132.8-133.3 next week (6-6-09)

Declutter Diet

Good Morning! I am up early because of my darling baby. I felt the beginnings of a migraine coming on when I first woke up, so I decided to weigh-in before getting my Excedrin fix. Thankfully the scale moved back in the right direction, to 126.9, so hopefully I do not have a thyroid problem but rather a sodium problem. Maybe by Saturday I will see an actual loss!

I think I subscribe to too many diet tips! This is bad for my inbox & creates clutter there, but good for you because I post the best tips here for you. I read about the connection to decluttering & weight loss a while back, and I have been on my own little kick lately. Last night I decluttered half-a-shelf in the pantry while my daughter ate a snack. This may not seem like much, but carting two grocery bags of expired baby food & receiving a more streamlined shelf in exchange sure lifted my spirits!

Here's a tidbit from one that I got yesterday (as always, when I post these tips, scroll over to view the original source, though it will navigate you away from this page):

Do you know the best kept secret to improve your weight loss success?
Throw something away! Yes – that’s right. Reducing the clutter from your life helps you to reduce the weight from your body. It may seem like an unrelated and insignificant step but releasing unnecessary stuff emotionally frees you to release unnecessary weight.

You may also enjoy these links:

http://weight-loss-motivators.suite101.com/article.cfm/how_clutter_hinders_weight_loss#ixzz0GhaSsspT&B

Get Declutter & Weight Loss Tips from the FlyLady

Listen to Peter Walsh on Oprah.Com

Setbacks & All or Nothing Mentality

Here's a Quote from Jillian Michaels' Email Today:

"If you haven't already done so, it's definitely time to kill the all-or-nothing attitude. One great way to do that is to get real regarding setbacks. We are all bound to have lapses on the road to health and wellness, so it's critical that we learn how to handle small failures positively, to minimize their long-term destructive effects. One setback is one setback — it's not the end of the world, nor is it the end of your journey toward a better you!"

I definitely need that quote today! Again, my weight went up--an entire POUND since yesterday. I am frustrated and most of all worried that the medicine I am taking to raise my Prolactin levels is also slowing my thyroid function. I did some reading online & there is some connection to weight gain & Domperidone. Hopefully I am just bloated from a high sodium picnic-food weekend. Weigh-in is not until Saturday officially, so hopefully things will look brighter by then if I commit to doing the right things this week, instead of letting this turn into something with "long-term destructive effects." Regardless, I plan to wean off the medicine. I think it has done its job, & hopefully now that Leighton is almost 6 months we will be starting solids soon.

My game plan regarding the gym also falls right in line with steering away from an all-or-nothing mentality and moving more towards reaching for small goals. I think I should just aim to be there 3 times a week during this first month. If I make it more often, great. I am also shifting my focus from cardio to adding in more strength training. Today I did the strength circuit for 25 minutes & elliptical for 10 minutes. Normally I would try to do the reverse, but I would love to be toning up by getting in more strength sessions. And if I can't get to the gym during childcare hours, I will just bring the kids & push the stroller on the indoor track. Beats the heat!

Where do you need to tweak an all-or-nothing attitude?

It's a Marathon, not a Sprint!

That's the title of an article that came to my email today from Calorie Count. Today's article was particularly encouraging, as it was a lady's testimony after reaching her weight goal. It was also great to read because today I gained weight for the 2nd day in a row! I don't know if this has to do with Leighton sleeping more at night so I am "fuller" in the morning, or that I have slacked on my herbs which aid in digestion & do a great job of keeping the plumbing functioning properly, or if it's just that I haven't hit my "sweet spot" for how many points I should eat while nursing. PLUS, yesterday I went to a picnic & a bday party. Normally not a big deal, but we were late & the only thing left that was lo-carb were the meats & condiments. To feel full I had to eat 2 hamburger patties at the picnic, and 2 hotdogs at the party. I allowed myself the treat of a tiny serving of bday cake & ice cream. I am counting that as my "flex" points, and I definitely went over my 30 points no matter how you slice it for the day--cake or no cake. At this point I have 15 flex points that I can use today. I need to get serious. No mayonnaise on my Hamburger Salad today at Mimi's house. And maybe no cheese either. Maybe I will allow myself to have cheese again after my weight gets back to 126.5 or lower. I am so annoyed. A pound up. But again, "It's a Marathon, Not a Sprint." Which brings me to those promised 5 tips:

• Commit.
• Find some support and a tool that will really help, for instance
  Calorie Count.
• Research - you'll be surprised how much you don't know about your
  body.
• Don't get frustrated. Even if you gave in and took the day off or
  ate the cake, there is a reset button on the next meal or next day. It's never too late to start over.
• Losing weight is a marathon, not a sprint - so be realistic. Not everyone has the ability to focus only on losing weight, so if you aren't seeing as big results as everyone else, don't worry. As long as you are maintaining
  or losing anything, then you are headed in the right decision.

Scale Dodger Reporting In

Oh goodie, I got on the scale. I wish I could have dodged this one, but its all good. Last night I lost control as I smeared the peanut butter on top of the warm chocolate chip cookie my husband baked. Yes, he makes himself cookies almost every night. I usually don't care, but I figured this was my last chance to eat something crazy.

Today I was 135.7 lbs.

I exercised yesterday, but not today.

Breakfast: I ate an egg white omlette (1pt) with shredded mexican cheese (1pt) and a sandwich thin (1pt)grilled in the pan.

Coffee: 3 cups w/sugarfree creamer(3pts)

Lunch: sandwich thin (1pt) BBQ chicken (4pts)

Snack: cinnamon graham crackers (2pts) whipped cream (1pt)

Dessert: ice cream (5pt)

Total: 19pts

Okay so not the healthiest menu, but its a start. We didn't eat dinner because we had a late lunch.

Rewards Along the Weigh

Announcing our rewards system:

We will have a monthly meet-up. Just before this meet up, if you have stayed within the guidelines of your own healthy lifestyle "Slimdown" Plan, you are to go out and get yourself a self-esteem boost treat. This could be anything from a new shirt, lip-gloss, eye liner, eye brow waxing, shoes, or a new pair of jeans. The amount of money you spend is up to you. You are to reward yourself regardless of the number of the scale, because sticking to the Plan is reason enough to celebrate!

So get in mind what it is you think would make you feel better about the way you look, even if it is new sunglasses, and save the date for June 26th. The rule is you have to wear or use your "Slimdown" prizes to our meetup. Details of the June 26th Meetup to follow. And yes, you may invite other ladies to the event, and yes, other ladies are free to join us, even after today! For them it can be a Five Month committment or they can just extend their end-date six months out from their join date.

Have a fabulous month and don't forget about June 26th!
--Mamacita here I go again! My my! How could I forget ya?

Low-Carb Breakfast Today

Mushroom & Provolone Frittata
* Saute Sliced mushrooms in Butter Flavor Pam
*Pour in 2 scrambled eggs
* Sprinkle with Chef Paul's Vegetable Magic
*Cover until eggs are fully cooked

Coffee with Half n Half & Sugar-Free Kahlua Coffee Syrup by DaVinci (available at Sam's Club)

Seasoning available @ Publix, can also be ordered online at http://www.kpauls.com/site.php?pageID=285&iteminfo=1&productID=229

Weigh-In Day #1

Today is my first weigh-in day. Before I tell you the number, let me explain that about 2 months ago I weighed 2.5 pounds LESS. May not seem like much, but it definitely makes a difference in the way my clothes are fitting. The good news is that maybe 2 weeks ago, I weighed anywhere from 2.5-4.5 pounds heavier. So I guess a few days of dieting is good for the soul--or at least the self-esteem. While I am sure this was just a drop in water weight, I will take it! It makes me feel so much better to get on the scale after watching what I eat for even 2 or 3 days. I realize the number is just a digit, but I like to see it lower before I actually get on the scale. Like on those first episodes of biggest loser, where they get on the scale and they act like they had no idea they weighed so much and they sometimes even cry--yep, that's how I feel after a few weeks of binging when I finally get back on the scale...

TODAY I WEIGHED 126.5
5/23/09 -- 126.5

Keep your eyes on the prize, ladies. Remember, it truly is not about the number on the scale but about a commitment to your personal healthy eating plan. Have a great week!
--Mamacita

Shake what your Mama gave ya!

Reporting my first exercise triumph! Last night...even in the midst of the torrential rain...I dragged my butt to Zumba class with a friend...it was 45 minutes of intense hip shaking, salsa, mambo, merengue fun! I love Zumba class!!! It is an awesome workout and the time flies by. Although being a Latin girl, you'd think it would come more naturally to me. But I grew up in a non-dancing household and only learned to Salsa when I was 15 for my friends "Quince". Waist down I can dance, but waist up? You'd think I was a white girl from Iowa! But I'm working on my shimmy...there's hope for me yet...;)

My goal is to do cardio/strength training for 30-45 minutes 5 times per week. I'll be doing a combination of going to the gym with the hubby in the mornings, Zumba, The Firm and Tae Bo bootcamp. I need a variety because I get easily bored. I'm hoping if I make 5 times per week my goal, I will AT LEAST exercise 3 times per week (Realism is also key!).

Good luck, Mamacita and Scale Dodger! We can do it!!!

Introducing Dieter #3: Elle B. Loser

You can call me Elle

My weight has fluctuated a LOT over the years...I was pretty thin as a kid but gained weight in high school and was at my heaviest senior year. Freshmen year of college I lost 35 lbs! A few years ago the weight went back up almost to my heaviest again, and between Weight Watchers and a Family Biggest Loser contest, I lost about 20 lbs. But again...I've gained a litt bit since then, so now my goal is to lose between 10 and 15 lbs (depending on what the dreaded scale says on Saturday morning).

I am really excited about the Six Month Slimdown because accountability has always been the key to my success in the past...in college I had friends who called me at 6am in the morning and yelled for my lazy butt to get out of bed! I've also noticed that its harder for me to lose weight the older I get...which means I HAVE to add in the element of exercise because dieting alone isn't enough. I may lose a few lbs with dieting but I won't get the toned body that I want. My desire is also to be healthy so I can live a long life with my family!

One of my main problems is eating out. Whenever I go to a sit down restaurant I feel like it's a special occasion so I want to eat the yummiest thing on the menu; not something boring. But the problem with that is...we eat out too often for it to not cause MAJOR problems on the scale! So I'm trying to drill it into my THICK SKULL that this is not a "diet" but a new LIFESTYLE for me. Yes, I can treat myself occasionally here and there but consuming a 2,000 calorie meal in one sitting is not ok...(hello, Outback cheese fries, how I love you!)...my point is everything in moderation is the key. That is why I love Weight Watchers...nothing is strictly forbidden...which works better for me because as soon as you tell me I can't eat something, I want it MORE! So I'll be on the WW plan and sticking to 20 points each day.

So let the games begin...bikini body, here I come right in time for summer!
--Elle

Salmon Imperial: Low Carb Dinner Idea

Salmon Imperial (Dinner Done)

Sweet Shredded Cabbage Salad & Tuscan Steamed Broccoli

I have read that 50% of our dinner plate should be made up of fruits & vegetables. Not sure how to make vegetables delicious? I have had many of my friends ask me about this over the years. I very rarely use starches as sides with my dinners.


My main dish came from Dinner Done, my secret to fresh & nutritious yet easy meals. Dinner Done is a prepare ahead kitchen, which saves me lots of time in the kitchen on busy week nights.

Tuscan Steamed Broccoli*
Bird's Eye Frozen Broccoli from Sam's Club
Add 2 tbsp butter & Tuscany Blend Bread Dip
Seasonings by JM Exotic Foods
*Cover & Microwave until hot

* Veggie Seasoning Tip: I use bread dip seasoning sprinkled over veggies. Great combinations are usually easy to find at your local grocery store. I also flavor with either butter,
olive oil, or Pam Butter Flavor Spray.

Sweet Shredded Cabbage Salad*
Taylor Farms Cole Slaw Purchased @ Sam's Club
Drizzle with Balsamic Vinegar & Olive Oil
Sweeten to Taste with Sugar Free Cary's Pancake Syrup
or Pure Maple Syrup
(I sprinkle with granulated Splenda to cut carbs)

*Did you know cabbage is packed with nutritional value?
I found this cool website with great info stating what puts cabbage into the power foods category

http://www.dietobio.com/aliments/en/cabbage.html

*
What are your favorite ways to prepare vegetables for a side dish?

Comments, please!

Exercise Success

Today I decided I would finally make it to the gym, but by the time everyone was loaded in the car I realized I would only have 15 minutes in the gym since the childcare would be closing soon. I decided to do the elliptical anyway, even if it was only 15 minutes. After my exciting workout, I took the kids for laps in the stroller inside the basketball gymnasium. Hey, in Florida when it's hot & muggy, I'll take a billion tiny laps over four more substantial laps outside in the sweltering humidity. So yay for actually doing something and not letting any excuses get in the way!

Since I was in a hurry, I shoveled in 2 slices of turkey & a slice of reduced fat American Cheese (Kraft Deli Delights). For a snack I had a Diet Mountain Dew & 1.5 slices of sharp cheddar cheese. For lunch I had a mushroom omelette. YUM. Dinner will be some salmon from Dinner Done.

Well, Good night & good luck.
--Mamacita

More about Committment than the Number

Today Scale Dodger & I were talking. She brought up an interesting point. This challenge is not so much about the number on the scale as the commitment to our healthy eating & fitness plan. We are committing to stick with it for six months, rain or shine, loss or gain. Now, the healthy eating plan happens to include reduced calorie intake so as to stimulate weight loss. YAY! I need to lose some serious Elle Bees (great nickname for any dieter who might wish to join our challenge).

Introducing Dieter #2: Scale Dodger

Here we go...hopefully this blog will encourage us and our readers. Let me start by saying that I am not a possible Biggest Loser candidate, however when I get on the scale I feel like a big loser. I have all the motivation in the world and determination too, but then something in life changes or shifts and I fall back into an old pattern. Your diet has to be something that you can live with. Otherwise everything you did to get there is gone. We started a strict diet on Weight Watchers in January. We made it to about April and then just stopped. I felt that I hit a plateau (sp?). I could not get below 130 lbs. I started at 142.6 and got down to 130.2. Now I am back up on the scale. On Saturday we will post our new weights...that should be fun. We are giving ourselves a little grace so that the scale is not so scary. Nice idea since I just got my monthly friend.

Here are my goals:
Nickname: Scale Dodger
I would like to be under 130 (125 or less)
I would like to look toned and healthy.
I plan to do cardio 5 days a week and strength training everyday.
(cardio: elliptical trainer or running/walking; strength training: abs, push-ups, etc.)

Just an FYI, I really want to get pregnant so the only reason I would deviate from this plan is if I get pregnant. Then I will just start planning for a healthy weight gain.

Current stats:
I am 32 years old
height: 5'5"
weight: ? (CHECK BACK ON SATURDAY)

Want to join in on the accountability?

Send us an email and we will post your info.

We want to know your stats, your story, and your goals. Give yourself a nickname and if you send pictures please crop out faces. We want to keep this as anonymous as possible.

When you reach your goal we can post your "after" photo if you like!

Gearing Up

I started my 2 week no-carb phase today. It happened by accident. I was meeting a girlfriend for lunch @ 11 AM so I didn't have time for my normal breakfast of old fashioned oats. Instead I just had my coffee, and made it to lunch about 10 minutes late. (Being late is a serious problem for me.) So Sara & I met @ the food court. I decided on the way over, today was my day. I had a clean slate. No breakfast. A very brief fast to gear up for the sudden diet change. Yesterday I was packing an ice cream dish as full as I could, and here today I had gotten it in my head to go no-carbs.

What did I eat on my first day back?
LUNCH:12 chicken nuggets (yes, they have carbs, but minimal), Buffalo Sauce
Snack: Sliced turkey, cheese wedge, cheese stick
Dinner: Salmon, cabbage salad
Snack: Walnuts, Matol Jello (leftover from pre-baby order)

And now just maybe I can get 20 winks before a darling 5 month old calls for his midnight snack!

Introducing Dieter #1: Mamacita

Briefly Introduce Yourself:
I'm MAMACITA. I am a stay-at-home WORK@home Mom & I have baby weight to lose. Just 20 pounds. I am guessing at that number because I refuse to officially weigh-in until Saturday.

Why have you started this challenge?
* I really miss my skinny jeans! I know I could get there quickly if I purchased the MATOL diet, but it is sooo expensive & not deemed "safe" for nursing mothers. I plan to set aside some money in a six-month c.d. and if I fail to reach my goal by my son's first birthday, then I will allow myself to use that money to purchase my diet food. But I really don't want to have to do that. I'd love to have that money for something else, to have as a reward for meeting my goal! So to help myself stay motivated, I am gathering my friends to participate in this six-month slim down.

Tell us a little about your weight history:
* I have always been a little overweight. Not enough to elicit too much teasing in high school, but enough to be invisible to most of my guy friends and to never even be asked to be a bridesmaid. Once I got out of college & started working I lost 25 pounds by joining Weight Watchers. I always thought I would have liked to get more tone, but after getting married & having a baby, I lost my desire to count points. When my husband & I were trying to have a second baby, things weren't going so smoothly in the fertility department, so to cheer myself up I switched over from the South Beach Diet to the pricey MATOL diet. It worked like a charm and I lost about 25 pounds in maybe 3 months. While we were TTC I actually weighed 10-15 pounds less than I did on our wedding day. Much to our delight, I did eventually conceive a son, the apple of my eye, and now I have some extra dimples on my thighs!

What's your diet plan &/or approach?
* It seems like I do really well on carb-restricted diets. Otherwise I seem to eat too much of the processed carbs & then slow down my weight loss. But it helps when I watch my portions, so I like weight watchers or else calorie counting for that. I weigh my food like crazy at home! I also believe I need to eat enough calories and that it is possible to eat too few. And like Weight Watchers suggests, I need to be hitting the gym almost daily. So I am aiming for 30 minutes 4-5x/week. We'll see how that goes with a 3yr old & 5 month old!

What's the Skinny?

So what's the skinny? Mama wants to get skinny. I know. I know. A zillion dieter blogs are out there. Well, this is mine. Okay, OURS. We are getting together our best girlfriends to post here for the next six months. Yes, six months. Because I am nursing and I don't feel right about doing the diet I want to do, so I have to find a way around that. So for six months I plan to do a spin on the Weight Watchers diet, the low-carb version. And my friends, they too are WW, but not nec low-carb.

We will post our feelings, our triumphs, and diet tips & tricks--winners & losers! Check back often for a good laugh and to commiserate along this six month journey. Each new poster will have an introductory post, along with optional "before" shots (fully clothed & faces cropped!).

Let the journey begin!