Still pushin on

You guys have kept me motivated, when I talk to you or read the blog and see how hard everybody is working or hear that you have or are going to workout, it gets me going. The feeling that I have during and after I exercise is so good, I just wish I could remember that before I work out when I'm felling really unmotivated. Anyway, I had a great workout today, I did a hardcore Max Interval Training Insanity video after my poledancing class, in which I learned a new spin by the way, and I feel goodphysically and mentally. I would havehoped to have lost some wight by this point, but it is only because of my poor food choices and eating habits at times. Anyway, I am going to do a five day cleanse that I did before that just helps to clear the junk out of your system and give you a little pick me up by getting your body back to a a more alkaline state on the pH scale. It is a really easy cleanse, no pills or supplements or anything, I got it out of a book called the natural makeover diet that focuses on optimal cellular health achieved by keeping the body in an alkaline state, and the principles of the theory are very logical. The five day cleanse just requires you to cut out grains, dairy, red meat, sugar/alcohol and of course processed foods for those days and encourages proteins mostly in the form of vegetable or soy protein, although whey protein is fine, fresh fruit and green leafy vegetables, nuts-especially almonds, lots of water and green tea, as well as hot water with lemon for it's purifying properties. I did it before and my skin cleared up, my energy levels increased and I felt great from the inside out, and amazingly, my sugar cravings went away almost completely. If anybody would like more info on the cleanse, let me know, in the meantime,I;ll let you know how it goes. Anyway, keep it up ladies, I am very proud of you all for pushing hard and beyond your comfort zones!!!

OMG!!!

Good Morning Ladies!

So yesterday when Nevaeh went for a nap, I did the biggest loser workout and what a great workout it was. My legs are so sore right now, but that feeling after working out was amazing. I forgot how good it feels. So today my goal is to do the boxing on the wii.

When I set up my new profile yesterday for the biggest loser and weighed in I was 195. This morning on my scale I am 193.4.

My challenges this weekend are going to be quite a few. We are going to an Engagement Party just outside of Brooks for Laurie and Jeremiah, so I am sure the food and drinks will be plentiful. I am just going to keep myself busy outdoors and try to do as much activity as possible.

I wish everyone positive thoughts and good choices this weekend. I will check in tomorrow before we leave. Good luck for those that are weighing in today!

Love you!

Stacey

Sorry, it's been a while...

Hi everybody, good to hear from you all, sorry I have not been very present this week. My week has been okay, not as good as last week, that's for sure. I have been waiting for my period to come, and feel really bloated and ugh, super sluggish and unmotivated, so I have to get back on it today, I have not run since Sunday, so I have to make up for yesterday today and do 9k, should be fine. I haven't made it to kickboxing yet, but will probably go tonight, I am looking forward to it. I am glad to hear of everybody's positive vibes, keep up the good work, it's great, I hope to report some good news next week, I think for my own sanity, I will skip the weigh in this week, it may just make me suicidal if I see more than 137 on the scale, so please excuse me. I hope everybody continues to have a great week.

Good Morning Ladies,

So last night I weighed myself to see where I was at. I was 195, this morning, I was 192. I think my PCOS has a lot to do with my fluctuation in weight. I am going to start researching on how to get a better grip on it. And no more carbs, that is a big one to I think.

Today is going to be a good day, I am going out with Mom and Momma and the kids, so lots of walking and when Nevaeh goes for a nap, I am going to do the biggest loser, cause I really do enjoy it, instead of having a nap with her.

Mandy I hope you have a great vacation and I know you will do well.

I just thought of something. I ordered a new wig, so maybe my goal will be to get to 180 before I can put it on. Hhhmmm something to ponder.

Anyways, I hope everyone has a successful day and I will post tomorrow with my weigh in results.

Love you all!

Stacey

YAY!!

Im glad your back Stacey, Its a hard road to get in the groove but I know you can do it!!

So I was at the gym again yesterday, After 15 mins on the elliptical I was pretty much over it. Thank god that they have one of the TV's on the vibe channel. When I was ready to jump off a Rihanna video came on...that kept me going, then T.I, Ciara, and on..what a good set it had. Once it was all said and done I had been on for 45 mins. After that I did arms, back and inner and outer thighs. This morning I gotta say that I have a little pep in my step. Such a good feeling!! Even though I feel I look fluffy still, I feel great on the inside!!

So I have have more challenges coming my way. I'm heading out to Cori's cabin in Sicamouse BC tomorrow afternoon. I'm very excited to get away, relax, go boating, maybe water ski a bit. I'm going to try and eat good...Cori and I have planned our meals ahead and I think we made good choices. I most certainly will have some booze but I'm going to try and stay active to somewhat balance it out :-)

Have a great long weekend everyone!!! I'll be back Monday night!!

Mandy

I'm back!!!!

Hey Girls, it's me............. the absent one.

I am still trying to find my groove with this whole thing. Our summer is crazy busy, so finding time for myself is really hard to do. I am still eating healthy so that is one good thing. I am very proud of you all for doing so well and being committed. I wish I could be the same and I hope I am not a disappoint to you all.

Mandy, congratulations on the loss! That must have felt great.

Andrea, great job on the stairs! I know you did what you set out to.

Stephie, glad to hear that you are enjoying all of your new activities. It sounds like a lot of fun.

Well, I will be weighing in on Thursday, I am sure it won't be anything spectacular, lets keep our fingers crossed.

I am proud of you all and keep up the great effort.

Love you all.

Stacey

Still at it!!

Well I've been very consistent on going to the gym for the past two weeks with only two days of break. My mom this morning said that it looked like I was losing inches...she said I looked slimmer. That really boosted my day and I cant wait to get back to the gym tonight. My eating has been ok, I did have some chips yesterday but it was a small bag...normally I would have bought the big bag and munched it all within two days.

Good for you Andrea!!! Those stairs are a challenge but it feels great after. I ran the stairs in parkland a few time and I only could only go up 3 times until I just couldn't get my breath back. Keep us updated on how you do.

Other then that not much going on. Steph did you talk to Stacey? How is she doing?

Steph how was your kickboxing?

Until next time!!

Mandy

Soccer tonight

Hello ladies,

I have soccer tonight and I am looking forward to it. I thought for sure last week the pain afterwards would make me stay away, but it really wasn't that bad. Tomorrow I will be going to try and run the Crescent Height stairs for about 30 minutes with a friend. I am sure it will be a lot of bent over, panting, sweating, dragging walking, but it will be an accomplishment to say the least if I can go up them at least 5 times. I used to do those stairs all the time, so crazy.

Still have to weigh myself.

It's been a month!!!!!!!!!

Hello ladies,

So it has been a month and 2 days since we started on the road to sexy. I must say I am super proud of us for staying committed and communicating. I know it may have had it's challenges,but we have made it this far. Now time for the the next inning.

I am excited, hoping I can stay on the path I have been on. Especially this last week. It's great.

TTYL ladies

Andrea

Pretty good darn week I must say..........

So I haven't weighed myself yet, not too sure when my scale is these days anyways. But over all had a very good week. Did not eat much crap, have 3 major work outs (a run, a pump class and 60 minutes of soccer). I am feeling good and love that I just got up and did these things. Consistency is the key so just got to keeping getting on.

I agree with Mandy, frankly blogging, staying committed, etc.............has showed we are all winners. I told Steph when we first started if I won I wasn't going to take the money anyways.

I think it should percentage, usually that is how it goes. So what your original weight was, what your end weight is and what percentage you lost overall. That would be the most fair and is how the biggest loser does it. Thoughts?

GRRRRR

So my weekly weigh in, up 1.2 pounds, pretty freakin annoying, but I think I'm getting my period again. I feel really good about my activity this week and my eating as well, I only had two pieces of licorice all week, and that was it for sugar. My coworker asked me yesterday if I lost weight and I was like, oh maybe a couple of pounds, and she's like yeah it looks like you have, so maybe the scale is not reflecting that this week due to my stupid period, but hopefully next week will be better. I totally felt like I lost a couple of pounds, but I won't give up, not gonna binge or drink. I am gonna go salsa dancing this weekend and practice my new moves and enjoy myself. Great job Mandy, so good to see the scale moving, that's awesome, I know that we are all going to continue to succeed. Have a great weekend.

Hummmm...

Well I'm proud to say I'm down 3 pounds as of last night....Finally, I thought I was never going to see a drop. I guess going to the gym everyday is paying off. That is another thing I'm proud of, except for Monday I have been in that gym everyday and I plan on continuing. It's amazing how great one feels going to the gym and sweating it out. It's too bad you fight that feeling everyday. I want my brain to only remember that...not the lazy side of me.

Good for you Steph for mixing up the activity!! Stay with it girl!! Also Steph send me your address. That Drink this not that post I put up is a great book. My dad hauls books and magazines that people don't sell in stores once a week so before he took it back to the customer I pilfered though the boxes. I can't believe all those books get shredded once a week. Anyhoo...I got you a copy. It has a great chapter on Wine, beer, Starbucks..pretty much ever drink imaginable.

So ladies I have a big challenge this weekend because my sister is having a pool party for my bro. Drinking, BBQ food...everything great in the mouth but bad, lol!! I'll try to make semi good decisions but believe you me I will be in the gym Sunday morning.

Happy almost weekend everyone!!

Mandy

Hello all...

I hope all is well with everybody, and that you are all having a great week. I have had a fun week so far, mixing up all my activities and keeping it fun, which has led me to not wanting to cheat, even when I get a craving. It is very empowering to walk away from a craving, and choose a healthy option. I feel like I have had some progress this week in terms of my mindset, and I look forward to participating in my new found activities, it really staves off the boredom and redundancy of just going to the gym. I am really excited for Saturday night, I'm going out Salsa dancing with a friend, and I am hoping to rearrange my schedule to fit in some more pole dancing classes that actually work you through the levels. I feel really good as this week comes to an end, so I hope that you have all had a good week too, keep me posted=)

Great posts ladies

I like what I'm seeing, hearing and involved with. I don't have much to say for today, it has been a good one, no sugar, good run this morning, planned to go kick boxing tonight, but got my schedule mixed up and I work too late to go, think I'll go for another run and do some legs. Anyway, will post soon, hope everyone continues to have a great week. Mandy, I love your little excerpt regarding success, it is great!!!!

Me again

Hello lovely ladies,

Just as a side note to my previous post.....I'm good with whatever we decide as far as the "winner/loser" And as to where our funds go.

So I'm off to the gym after work then going to go grocery shopping after. Not a good idea to go shopping when I'm hungry but after I work out I always crave something fresh and healthy. I finally have extra money so I'm going to buy a scale. I weigh myself at the gym but it keeps telling me the same number...clearly its broken, lol!
Stay tunes and I'll end with a positive note!!


Success is not a race, so be patient.
Success is always a work in progress.
Success doesn't come to you--you go to it.
Success is a journey, not a destination. Focus on the process.
Some people dream about success... while others wake up and work hard at it.
Success is achieved and maintained by those who try-and keep trying.
Everyday is a good day to SUCCEED!

Mandy

Money

Hello Ladies.

I think as far as the money goes my input is this. The challenge was 9 weeks, $10.00 per week. So I think when we all get to banff bring the $90.00 and we will all sit down when we get there and figure it out.

I did have an idea that I would like to share. How are we going to decide who lost the most? Is it weight, inches all around? So the winner takes the $360.00. In my eyes we have all been winners. The blogging, walking, working out, eating better-ish, Expressing our positive thoughts, input to others. What do you think about pooling the money and doing something fun to reward ourselves? I will like to say that after our 9 weeks and night in Banff I would like to start again...Keep the motivation going!!! Although I think it was a slow and inconsistent start for myself...I believe that this 9 weeks was a trial run to get focused and I'm on the right path.

I'm so proud of us, Truly!!

Mandy

Ok, on a positive note

Hello ladies,

First of all I apologize for not posting. Really no excuse. Takes to seconds. The same time it would take to eat a bag of licorice or get through commercials on T.V. so I have no excuse.

Definitely the lastt week and half has been challenging. But I know why and this still needs to remain a priority.

I also, even though was able to get a lot of my chest in this blog, I want to blog focusing on positive things. If I start to blog negative stuff I know I won't come to this forum anymore because negativity is a disease.

So now I sit here and think I wan tot do this day by day. So today, I don't know what it will bring but I hope I can end it off with much success.

Stay tuned and keep blogging ladies.

Luv yah,

Andrea

p.s. I am wondering what we are doing about the money. Who is collecting? How much do I owe? I want to clear my debt please, lol. Maybe then, if I pay up, I will take this a lot more serious again. Money makes us all funny, lol

Estoy Lista (I am ready)...

to get back on track and really succeed. I am feeling awful both physically and mentally right now, as I knew I would, and no, I didn't workout in the morning, so now I'm gonna have to draw on any ounce of energy that I'm gonna have left at the end of the day to get to the gym and work out. The worst part is that when I decided to go and get a bottle of wine, I briefly thought better of it and thought, I should probalby go for a run instead, but I chose to get wine and drink the whole bottle, cuz' that's just what I do, and then wake up in the middle of the night with such anxiety and a horrible feeling about what I have done, that it really was not worth it. I honestly know that I can enjoy the weekend and my life without wine, so I am 100% serious and committed when I say that I officially have quit drinking, mark my words, even when I am in Banff for the night, I won't be drinking, I am totally done. So I have brought a journal with me to work so that I can record my intake and plan my workouts for the week, and really get on the right track to lasting weight loss and fitness. I hope to lose 1.5pounds this week, as I plan to work out in the morning and evening, so I will keep you posted. Have a great week, I hope that we all stay on track and start seeing great changes.

Falling again...

back into old ahbits, that is. I had a fun and active weekend, but it was also comprised of drinking wine and ordering takeout, not once but twice, and waking up thnking what the f$%k?. Not only did I spend like $50 that I totally don't have, it messes me up fpr the next day so much, and I end up throwing out the food and wasting it. Last night was a bottle of wine and chinese takeout cuz' I was craving salqt and pepper squid, and now I'm up in the middle of the night with the shakes and nothing but regrets, wondering why I keep making the decision to do these things knowing how it is going to make me feel mentally and physically. I have to admit that I have put less than admirable effort into this challenge and have obviously not reaped great benefits. I know that we have to allow ourselves to enjoy things, but I can't seem to find the balance necessary to have a great lifesytle that allows a few slipups here and there, so I guess I have to be extreme. I realize how much drinking wine interferes with my training and how guilty I feel for doing it, so I am going to have to give it up. I have been able to do it in the past, and I am ready to do it again, cuz', as it is fun in the moment, it is not worth all the other things that come with it, and it gets expensive when you are drinking a bottle of wine and ordering takeout that you really don't want or enjoy because you got a craving. I have to start fresh this week with a strong commitment to the cause and a better lifestyle for myself, so I am declaring myself wine free for the rest of the summer, not even a glass on a patio anymore, cuz' it always turns into 3 or 4. I like non-alcoholic beer, so I'll have to start enjoying that again. I am going to do great this week and in the weeks to follow, and really start to make some big changes in my behaviour, cuz' what I 'm doing now is not working for me at all. So, with this week ahead, I commit to working out 5 days, and not drinking alcohol at all, journalling my food intake and not allowing myself any treats. I have to remember how I am feeling right now in a moment of temptation and remember what my long term goals are, so I can can succed, because these decisions are not helping me reach my goals at all. I feel like ass right now, and I am sure that I will feel the same way in the morning, meaning I will probalby put my workout off until the evening, and it just feels like such a crappy way to start the week off. I am gonna be so strict on myself that it is gonna be ridiculous, but so worth it, so I will definitely share the changes with you guys over the next 6 weeks. I'm gonna start by throwing out that chinese food right now, what a waste of money. The worst part is that I totally passed out while I was waiting for it, guess I wasn't craving it that badly, should have waited 10 minutes and it would have passed. Man I feel like a real loser right now, never want to have this feeling again, so I won't...I am going to change!!!!

I think I was meant to be on a pole....

Well, I had my first pole dancing class, it was amazing!!!! I honestly had so much fun, and work?!!! WHAT! It was the best thing I have done in a long time, can't wait for the next class!! Pretty sure I am gonna get a membeship and get to the advanced level, I think this will be a part of my fitness regime from now on. Anyway, went to the Salsa on St. Clair street festival today, so excited to start my salsa classes and get out dancing, it's gonna be great. I am glad to have found other ways to incorporate fitness into my life rather than just going to the gym, so I am glad that I have stumbled upon these things, I'll keep you posted on my progress with my new found activities.

Sorry about the lack of posting....

Good afternoon Ladies.

I want to apologize for the lack of posting. Our lives have been pretty hectic lately and it is only going to get worse. Things have been going fairly well. I have made it down to 185. So happy about that but I can't seem to get past this. I guess a little more diligence will combat that. I am proud of you all for keeping this up. I do check the blog every day, I just need to find more time for myself to sit down and write.

The weather has been wishy washy so I haven't done as much walking as I would like but I have decided to start my biggest loser video again. I need to set up my 3rd....yes 3rd profile and get on it. Anyways I hope you all have a good weekend.

Love Stacey

Weekly weigh in....

Oh yes, it is that dreaded day, the moment of truth, the reflection of all my hard work and "discipline". Well, happy to report htat I am back down by 1 pound, currently weighing 136pounds, but obviously still very far from my goal, so I will keep pushin on. I know exactly where I need to introduce more self control and discipline...obviously with my diet, which is the hardest part for me, but I am determined, come hell or high water, to get to a place in my life where weight is never an issue or concern, or something that I have to lose, only maintain. The road is freakin long, but I will get there one day. Anyway, the money collection issue, yeah you can send it to me if you want and I can put it in my savings account until the last day, let me know if you want to do that. Have a great weekend, good to hear from you Drey. Thanks for the info Mandy, the only thing that I drink other than water is wine, but I can drink it like it's water, any suggestions for that?

Long time...........

Hello ladies,

Well sorry I have not posted recently. Just been focused on my new job and getting things in order. Crazy, been working alot. Well not so crazy I guess, lol.

This week was not the best for me, but looks good going forward.

My goal is to be back to posting and keeping myself on track.

Steph, do you want us to send you money or how is this working.

Andrea

Just a little Something from my bootcamp lady.

Drink This Not That

Changing what you drink just may be the magic weight loss bullet you've been looking for.

David Zinczenko and Matt Goulding sure think so. But then they did write the book on it: Drink This Not That. They've even gone so far as to claim that you could lose up to 32 pounds in a year just by changing what you drink.

What most people don't know is that it's a lot easier to drink extra calories than to eat it. So you really need to pay attention to what you're sipping on.

Here is a sampling of what their book has to offer. The following are 5 of the worst things to drink, followed by 5 slimming alternatives.

Breakfast
While a cup of hot coffee or a glass of lowfat milk are both great ways to start your day, beware of the smoothie trap. More often than not smoothies are closer to milkshakes than protein shakes.

Worst beverage: Smoothie King Peanut Power Plus Grape (40oz)

* 1,498 calories / 44g fat / 214g sugar

Drink This Instead: Smoothie King High Protein Banana (20oz)

* 322 calories / 9g fat / 23g sugar

Lunch
A study done at Virginia Polytechnic Institute showed that people who drink 17oz of water before sitting down for a meal ended up eating 9 percent fewer calories. Those calories can really add up over time.

Worst beverage:

SoBe Green Tea (20oz)

* 240 calories / 0g fat / 61g sugar

Drink This Instead: Honest Tea Organic Honey Green Tea (16oz)

* 74 calories / 0g fat / 18g sugar

Afternoon
When the afternoon rolls around most of us are ready for a pick-me-up. Too often these caffeinated drinks are loaded with waist-expanding calories.

Worst beverage: Starbucks Venti Peppermint White Chocolate Mocha with whipped cream

* 660 calories / 22g fat / 95g sugar

Drink This Instead: Starbucks Venti Caramel Cappuccino

* 170 calories / 6g fat / 18g sugar

Postworkout
There's no good reason to follow up a great workout with a sugar-filled beverage, even if it makes claims for quick recovery and muscle growth. After exercise your body is in need of protein, carbohydrates and potassium, so choose a beverage filled with these three.

Worst beverage: Naked Protein Juice Smoothie (15.2oz)

* 418 calories / 4g fat / 53g sugar

Drink This Instead: Horizon Organic Chocolate Reduced Fat Milk (8oz)

* 180 calories / 5g fat / 27g sugar

Alcoholic beverages
There are known benefits to drinking alcohol in moderation (one or two drinks per day) such as raised HDL (good) cholesterol, boost in bloodflow, and improved sugar metabolism. A recent study in the journal BMC Public Health reported that people who have a daily drink were 54 percent less likely to be obese. However, it's called a beer belly for good reason, since many alcoholic beverages are loaded with calories.

Worst beverage: Red Lobster Traditional Lobsterita

* 890 calories / 183g carbohydrates

Drink This Instead: Red Lobster Classic Martini with Gin

* 140 calories / 0g carbohydrates

Recent studies are reporting that most of us drink 21 percent of our daily calories. That adds up to an average of 460 calories each day. It's easy to see how these calories quickly add up into unwanted pounds.

Pay extra attention to what you drink throughout each day. Make it a habit to pass on the calorie-packed drinks and to focus on drinking lots of water.

Remember that small changes to your lifestyle over time will make the difference.

Thank god my monthly friend is done. Now I don't feel like I can eat the world. I didn't get to the gym last night but I ate good. I'm heading to the gym after work before I go to meet Jord and a few others for Sushi. Pretty excited about that!!

I've been pretty stressed out with my dad's company selling, the new owners want me to stay a few weeks to train the new people. I've applied for about 30 jobs online with no response...I guess it is Stampede but I'm getting nervous. I don't want to take a job in desperation. I guess I'll wait until Stampede is over and hope for the best. I feel good about my new resume and cover letter that really detail my experience on paper. Stay Tuned!!

Have a great day everyone!!

Mandy

Hi everybody

Hey guys, just wanted to say hello. This week has been much better, been running and eating fairly well, totally enjoying my summer salads and bean soup this week, feeling good physically and emotionally. I subscribed to a peer trainer series that addresses emotional eating and it sends out calls via e-mail every week. I am starting to listen to it, so I hope that it will shed come more insight and help me on this journey, I will keep you posted. Anyway, I start kickboxing tomorrow, I'm so excited, so I will check in on Friday, with my weigh in, hopefully it's all good=) Great job Mandy, keep it up!!!!

How is everyone doing?

I had a good run at the gym yesterday, eating better as well. Haven't stepped on a scale yet but stay tuned!!

Mandy

Finally feeling better.

Wow what a day yesterday. I left work at 1 with a headache that I've had since Saturday. Finally I think that it is gone. I'm trying not to think about it in hopes that it stays away!!

So I did nothing yesterday but I ate somewhat good. It's also my second day of my monthly friend and I feel full all the time. Joys of being a woman I guess, lol. Since I had no activity over the weekend I will be at it tonight and everyday for the rest of the week.

I'll keep you all posted, Hope all is well!!

Mandy

So far, not so bad...

Good day all, just want to check in and see how everyone is fairing. I have had a way better start to the week this week, managed to prepare my food for the week and plan my meals. Started the day with a short run and am feeling back on track with my training schedule. I also signed up for 5 kickboxing classes on Groupclick at a kickboxing studio, should be a good shake-up for my body. I am planning to put my gym membership on hold and take advantage of my new found activities and focus on my running, so I'm hoping that the combination of activites will help to shape me up, and I 'll just do my own weight workouts for the time being, probably until August or September. I have discovered that my mind is the only thing that is causing me to fail, and that whether I like it or not, I have to work out to stay in shape, but it is important for me to combat boredom and redundancy with trying new activities in new environments, so I'm excited. I can no longer have any excuses for carrying this extra weight around, and I'm hoping to find a passion in one of these new events, with the intention of keeping it up, so I will let you know how that goes. I am hoping to get in for kickboxing class on Thursday or Friday and start my pole dancing lessons on Saturday, Salsa starts on Sunday, and I have to run on the other ddays, hence the fact that I'm putting my Goodlife membership on hold. My diet has been pretty good today except for some digestive cookies, but really looking forward to my yummy fuit and nut salad tonight, try to keep it light in the evenings. I'm also gonna try really hard to abstain from alcohol at least until I'm in Calgary, i know I can do it, and besides, I'll be so busy, I won't have time for that, so it's all good. I hope to report some good news this week, and here's to putting last week behind me. Have a great week, lets all remember that it's never to late to make postitive changes, so keep pushin on, never give up. Love y'all.

Would have been good.

Hello!!

So I had great intentions for a healthy weekend. Was good for the most part except on Saturday morning I was unloading groceries into my pantry and smashed my forehead on the door...pretty sure I almost knocked my self out. Needless to say I had the worst headache all weekend. Head still sore today but I'm going to try my hardest to get some running in. Especially since I saw a pic Cori posted of me and I look very fluffy...kind of sad to say the least...pictures don't lie.

Ah yes, new beginnings

That is the theme for the upcoming week. I have managed to fall into my usual pattern of behaviour, the same one that has gotten me to this point in my life, but I know where I went wrong, so it's time to combat that. The road was definitely paved with good intentions this week, but none were met, however that isn't a lfe sentence. I agree Drey that it may help if we shared our eating and exercise journals for the day, it will be helpful, so I'm in. I am looking forward to a great week ahead, and big up Mandy for such a great week in the gym. How was spinning btw? Here's to looking forward to the week ahead!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

My new motivation..

Hello ladies,

So I was thinking. We all have been writing down our exercise, how much we've done, etc.... But I noticed we mentiion we had bad food, but we don't always go into detail. I think we should all log in our daily eats and exercise. Maybe this way too be will be able to get meal ideas and stay on track. I don't know if you want to do this, but I am going to. I find that I have started slacking on writing down what I ate because it is feeling like I am not 100% as accountable for it as I am to posting on this blog. So stay tuned for what my eats were today. I will post tomorrow.

Here is a Microsoft food and exercise log if you like. http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/ctndirectdownload.aspx?AssetID=TC030005099&Application=XL&Version=12&Result=2#

Last week was.........

Hey ladies,

Well for me last week was not the greatest. I did not work out at all and did not eat the best the whole week. But next week will be so much better I know. I am going to take Xman on our first walk in a week this morning. He will love it and I need it so it works out well.

Mandy that is awesome that you worked out that much. Gets me motivated for sure. As for spin class you will love it! It definitely can get addicting.,

My goal next week is to get to a Hot Yoga class. It has been a couple months now and I really do like it. Not 30 day challenge like it but once in a while.

Wishing all of you ladies a new week of new accomplishments! I know we are all going to do great next week!

Andrea

Hello Lovely Ladies

Happy Friday to all.

This week was a good week for me as far as working out. I worked out every day except yesterday...legs were pretty sore. My eating could have been better, I need to get over my love of food and realize that it's to nourish my body and not to make me feel better.

I'm really loving that if we have a bad day we get on to it the very next. In the past if I fell off the wagon it would take me weeks to get started again. I have noticed that with all of us. Good for us that we stay motivated.

I haven't noticed a weight loss yet probably because my eating has not been what it should be. I would say I eat good 75% of the time. Come Sunday I will be planning my lunches and dinners better. I know next week will be better.

I'm going to get up early tomorrow and try my first spinning class. We'll see how that goes.

Have a great weekend everyone!!

Mandy

Not such a great week, but it's not over...

Yeah, stress, minimal activity and some alcohol, but it has not all gone to pot yet. My eating was 75% good and I am back up to my starting weight, but all the stress and anxiety of the week is behind me now, and I definitely heading to body combat class tonight. Gonna pick up the running tomorrow morning and get on track with my training. My biggest area for failure this week was not being totally prepared for the week and getting behind on my schedule, thinking that I could get caught up, not so much, so Sunday is my shopping and prep day, and next week will be a much better one. I am going to have a great weekend full of activity and keep it up from there, so I hope everybody else has a wonderful weekend. Oh, BTW, I am back up to 137, grrrrr, but it could only be expected, next week I aim for a 2 pound weight loss=)

This week....

So for the most part I have been eating good this last week. But the last couple of days me and my licorice have reunited and re-bonded, lol. But that is so yesterday. Because of that I will not be having a cheat meal this week.

I got in NO exercise but that is fine, I will soon. I want to put this into my work day schedule so I ma accountable to this.

I did not loose much at all, but that is what happens in week 2. I am down to 166.8 as of yesterday but back up to 167.4 today. Hmmmmmmmmmmmm. Oh well, not too concerned. Looks like there is a lose all together and that is what matters.

Luv yah ladies.

51 posts to date and counting...................

Ladies I am so proud of everyone. Keeping up with posting and getting your feelings out there is amazing. We all are really on a positive path and even if we steer off this blog brings us right back!

Sorry for being on the DL, started the new job and have been trying to get into the groove.

Hello Ladies

Well another good night at the gym...Didn't push as hard as last night....Still a little sore. But I was there and that's what matters!! Not much else going on but I though I would post anyways. I'm getting my monthly friend this weekend so I gotta say that I feel very sluggish and fluffy. My Aunt and Uncle brought me back some cherries from BC so I have been snacking on those instead of junk.

I wanted to share something that has been bugging me for a few years. As you all know I'm on the search for the next step in my career. I've noticed since working for my dad that I do the bare minimum to get ready in the morning. In a nutshell I've let myself go. I'm really excited to start fresh in the working world where I take pride in my appearance. It also makes me feel better so I'm pissed at myself for being so lazy about it.

All for now, happy thoughts!!

Mandy

We all deserve so much....

We have all let others do and say so many things that have held us down for so many years.....IT STOPS NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I have embarked on a personal journey since we started this challenge, and I am on a path to self discovery and true happiness. I know I eat to curb my emotions, and I know that I have held myself back for so many years.... so here's to the next phase in my life. I am trying to shed negative feelings about myself and others as well, and research my behaviour, in order to be able to move on with the pursuit of happiness. I know that this is going to be a long process, but it has definitely begun...I will keep you posted. Congrats Mandy for having such a great start to the week, keep it up!!!! Stacey, when I think of what you have endured, my heart sinks, but you are such a wonderful person, you need to know and believe that, and I only want for you to be able to completely heal from that. We all deserve nothing but happiness and positivity in our lives, and if no one else, we always have each other. My life is finally beginning independent of the influence of a man, and it feels good. Shedding the emotional burden is key in this journey, and we all can benefit from doing so. I'm always here for you guys, and I love you all deeply.

Andrea, Im posting...Why dont you see it!! :-)

Well ladies after a pretty lazy weekend, I must write how great I feel today. I went to the gym last night and fast walked 2 miles....it took me about 35 minutes but after the initial blah I turned up my ipod and was on my way. Dancing on the ceiling by Lionel really got me moving and then on to El Debarge's Rhythm of the night had me just groovin' When my friend Amanda joined me she said from downstairs I looked like a crazy person dancing on the treadmill. She said my smile could not have been bigger. After that I did some weights which also felt great. All in all, Great night!!

All three of you bring such joy to me in this process and for that I thank you!! What we have shared and talked about are defiantly making us better women!! We will get there ladies!!!!

Damn, carrot cake

So that damn carrot cake I was telling you all about was calling my name. So what did I do.....I got Nevaeh ready and we went for a power walk and damn do I feel good. Wore my sketchers and purposely went on the trail where it was a lot of up hill. And if anyone knows my daughter and how much she weighs, pushing her in a stroller up hill is a damn good work out.

When I got home and looked in the fridge to get her a bottle, there was the carrot cake with a big neon sign that said "EAT ME". So I decided to have some golden oreo thinsations, which are only 100 calories per bag and they totally satisfied my sweet tooth. So all in all today was a good day. We will see how the rest of the evening holds up.

Andrea, thank you so much for your kindness. I love you!

Love Stacey

Man oh man this one GREAT blog......

Hey ladies,

This blog is amazing. The way we are all finding ways to get to the root of our problems are the beginning steps. I cannot tell you the change in me since we started this. I have had one, licorice relapse and that is it. Wow, for me that is HUGE! Like my butt (let's not go there).

Stacey I am so blessed that you shared that story and you are opening up. It makes me feel like you really want that change and you so deserve it. You are one heck of a person, mom, wife, sister, friend, daughter, so you only deserve the dang best.

Steph, I know this has been a week or two of changes, trials, tirbulations, situations that make you vunerable but the fact that you too are talking in such a healthy way lets me know you are in a good place and that you are so going to acheieve your goals.

Mandy, where are you? LOL

I love all you ladies and feel so honored to be on the road with some of my sisters. It honestly feels like I will see a healthy success this time because I can actually say I have the back of my girls and we are all there for one another. It keeps me happy and motivated.

For the first time in a while Xman slept through the night. I guess his teeth gave him a break for once. For us that lead to a very peaceful, and restful night. He is so cute though so I really don't mind if he wakes me up.

I have been eating pretty good today. I did have a eggs and beef bacon (which is da bomb by the way). Steve-O dropped in to say hi which always brings me joy. Get your mind out of the gutter. No afternoon delights, lol.

To add to Stacey's carrot cake story. People will take us serious when we show we are serrious. Temptations will rear their ugly heads all the time. We just have to make them move on. It's like that saying our parents told us when we are young "just ignore the things that are annoying and eventually they will go away". That is what we shall do.

Looking forward to some more posts from you all.

Luv yah!

Andrea

Sorry it has been awhile....

Good Afternoon Ladies.

I know I haven't been on as much as I would like. I do come and read every day though. I am happy to say that I have lost what I gained over and above my starting weight and that I have also lost another 2 pounds, so I am now down to 188. I am proud of you all for doing this so well and being so committed. I have come to the realization that alcohol is my nemesis. Especially with this weather. I enjoy sitting on the deck at night when the kids have gone to bed and having a drink, but that has come to a stop.

Andrea - I am so proud of you, your level of dedication is very inspiring.

Stephie - you are my world, what can I say.....I LOVE YOU so very much and I am sorry I never realized what has gone on. Just know that you are amazing and beautiful and your friends and family love you so much.

Mandy - You have done a great job, and I am proud of you too! I know that you will reach your goals because you aspire to and in September when we all meet, we are going to celebrate!!!

Thank you to all of you for keeping me level and my head in the game.

All of you have talked about what brings you to this point in your life, so I would like to share mine, but please keep it between us.

I guess it all began when I was sexually abused by a family member (Stephie, you don't know this cause I never told you). I have always felt that there was something wrong with me for this person to do that to me. It wasn't continuous over the years but it was enough. For this reason, I don't like it when people, especially men look at me, it makes me feel self conscious - like what are they thinking - so I guess I have let myself go so that I could just blend into the background. I know that people like me for my personality and that I am a good person, and I was always fine with that, I was always okay with being the nice girl. But now, I am no longer okay with that. I want my marriage to be better, I want to feel like I can go into any clothing store and buy whatever I want, not just the stuff off the plus size racks. I have accomplished that on the top half, now it's just the bottom half that I have to get on. I know that this abuse was never my fault and I shouldn't let it affect my future - but honestly, even though I can say this I do know that it has. But not no more. I am a good person and I deserve to be happy with myself, whether that be physically or emotionally. So starting today, I am going to be me - because I deserve that and this person I have become is not the person I am. I am not going to let this hinder me for the rest of my life. My life that I want to enjoy, see my kids grow up and grow old with my husband, who loves me unconditionally.

So, thank you all for listening, you don't have to reply to any of this, it just feels good to talk about - Shawn doesn't even really know.

On another note, I am a little perturbed right now. Shawn's dad came home from the grocery store and surprise he got me a carrot cake. Talk about annoying, but guess what.....I am not having any. Especially not after the scale showed me some positive results.

Anywhoooo, I hope you are all having a great day and happy healthy eating.

Love Stacey

Good morning

Just wanted to say hi to everyone and I hope everybody is on track. I can't wait to get out for a run, and I also can't wait to start seeing some results, I am excited for all of us, so I hope everybody is still in. So on that note, I hope everyone has a nutritious and active day!

Just have to move on and push through

So we are all aware of my less than pefect weekend in all aspects, but I am determined to keep on being positive and strong and cope in a positive way. I will admittedly probably not have a great workout tonight, perhaps just a 20minute video at home, even though it is my lower body day, but I will make upfor it tomorrow at the gym with a good hard workout to vent out some of my frustration. Anyway, I am going to get some well needed rest tonight and perhaps google how to meditate, I think right now it would be very good for me. I am not going to stuff my face with sugar and junk in search of that escaping but very empty feeling, I am going ot talk to my friends, read books and magazines and put my feet up. Tomorrow will be a better day, and although I had noodle soup at lunch, I have been rather on track, just need to take tomorrow to prepare and get mentally recharged and prepared. So, expect to probably hear from me tonight, love you all.
Steph

Start to a new beginning

Hello ladies,

How are you? New week and new beginnings on the horizon. I start my new job today. Getting back into the a hard core work groove will come with it's challenges for sure. But I hope to curb my dependency on emotional eating and tough through the healthy way.

I did not work out this weekend. I know this is fine because I will get right back on that wagon tomorrow. I ate well which feels great.

How is everyone else doing? Would love to hear from both Stacey and Mandy

Powerful

Hi ladies, I must say that these last few posts have really touched me. Steph...I can not put into words how beautiful you are, physically and how you are as a person. Andrea....I feel the very same about you. I believe that you two were put into my life for a reason...A very good reason for the matter. The advise and positivity I get from both of you really lifts me up. Not just now in our journey together but always has.

I'm not going to post how shit my weekend was. Very uneventful and lazy. Didnt make any good choices except that I cleaned and sorted out my pantry.

I'm going to the gym tonight...I think I'm going to push extra hard based on the poor choices made by ME over the weekend.

Over and Out
Mandy

Steph, you are my hero...........

First off Steph I want to say I am so blessed to have you in my life. To share such a story and to reveal your inner thoughts, pains, etc.... gives me hope and inspires me. It was heavy to read that but it also made me think of some areas that always take me ten steps back when I try to accomplish something. That chick was ignorant and rude, but she was probably also impaired on her recreational items of choice that night that she clearly lost her tact as well. I am sorry you had to hear that and sorry you had to once again put on a brave face because someone cannot shut their damn trap. I could go on but what is the point, what is done is done and that women will never lose a wink of sleep over that comment so moving on.

You are not just beautiful but you are HOT! Your story reminds me of the time that one of the famous tennis chicks was demanding that a steroids test be done on the Williams sisters because in her mind there was no way that they could have bodies like that from natural working out. This story reminds me of every time us "dark girls" walk out of our house are not appreciated for our individual beauty and body types. It's just like J-Lo opening the doors for us to have a booty. If it was not for her we would still be ridiculed for that. Of course now we have to deal with every Sally and Sue who tells us they want our awesome big butt when really we just want to walk down the street with someone not pointing it out. I feel you sister and keep doing what you are doing.

This too brings me to skeletons in my closet, if that is what we call them. I know I am an over achiever because of many things. One seeing riches to rags life. One day having it all and next having nothing, that is how we grew up and it was tough. I guess I live and work hard to protect that from happening again. My obsession is more so now that Xavier is in my world.

Next, I constantly feel I am too not good enough. I always want to do more, be more, become more not for myself but to shut the critics up in my head whose voices I have heard over the years and in my younger days. Their words stick with me and motivate me everyday. But along with that is moments of despair and crashes because one obstacle does set me back. This is where my emotional eating comes into play. Yes it is because of being poor when I was younger but it also because I seriously find peace and refuge in food. One bag of licorice can literally wipe out several negative thoughts in my head (for that time only). I do know, especially while we all are going through our struggles, trials and tribulations, that short term pain relief does not provide long term solutions.

I appreciate you sharing these stories and I hope to hear more of them from you, Stacey and Mandy. I think this is healing stuff and I am glad I am on this journey with you ladies.

Thank you Steph for being you and blessing me with some powerful stuff. Who knows, you may have just changed me for the better!

Spelling is usually a strong point for me

But it wasn`t in my previous post, no excuses cuz`I even used spell check but then accidentally published my post before I finished editing. So, please excuse my grade 3 level spelling and I hope that my post makes sense.

This may be a little heavy, be forewarned....

Okay, I know it may take years to come into your own and feel truly comfortable and happy with yourself, but I feel like am ready to embrace that feeling and accomplish that satisfaction. The part that holds me back is my sensitivities and inability to let go of negativity. When I say that, I mean that one random comment from a total stranger, or a loved one can wipe out any positive thoughts or feelings that you have been developing about yourself. When this happens, I tend to think of all the negative or hurtful comments that I have heard my whole life that have played a part in me questioning my own identity and self worth. It is amazing that such off the cuff observations or assumptions can derail your whole thinking and self-esteem. Case in point which is what occured today- I was walking to work wearing a sleeveless sweater material light kinda flowy tank top(which is irrelevant, just know that I was wearing a tank top) and capri length leggings. I was walking past this after hours place and a group of people were walking out-yes it was 6:40 am- nonetheless, some random girl goes "that's a he-she, that's a he-she". I was mortified and obviously upset, shat woman wants to be mistaken for a man. Keep in mind that this happened once last year and I felt the exact same way at that time. Both times that this happened, I had been doing the Body for Life workout program and you guys all know that my arms develop much more quickly than any other muscles in my body, so I always attribute it to have the body shap that I have:strong arms, flat chest and thick legs, that people may make this mistake or ignorant assumption. I also think it is possibly due to the fact that I wear weaves, but who knows, maybe I just look like a man. Now also keep in mind that I have always been paranoid about this, cuz' as a child, people would sometimes mistake me for a boy cuz' I had really short hair, hence the fact that I started wearing a tonne of makeup in grade 6. I immediately took off my sunglasses, although I was choking back tears, swooped my bangs to the side and tried to look more feminine for the rest of the walk to work, but the whole time I was paranoid when people would look at me, thinking that they were trying to figure out my gender. Crushing blow to the ego and self esteem to say the least, and it's hard to hold back the tears as I write this. It makes me question whether or not I should lift weights, or maybe not do my shoulders, or maybe I should do yoga to get a long lean appearance, or maybe I should... This is the battle that I have in my head in trying to achieve physical perfection. I know how I want to look, but I question how others will see me and if I should try to achieve a toned look. I also have major issues about my butt and legs and what not, so I never find it easy to work through body image issues, cuz' somemone always has something to say, and as soon as it is said, I forget about all the positive things that I have heard recently and question my self worth and value. I try so hard to feel confident and beautiful, but to this day, it has been a struggle and I don't know that it will ever come to fruition. I always fell better about myself when I am working out and slimming down, but then the attention that I get then is a different type that makes me feel more self conscious. I feel like I am only worthy when I am slimmer and my butt is smaller, and that I have to maintain that to keep my place in society, which puts a lot of pressure on me and ultimatley makes me sabatoge my efforts or fail indefinitley. This is the personal cycle that I have been going through for the past 8 years and I feel like I need to resolve this before I can move onto a lifetime of happiness. I am always trying to change myself, which an be a good thing, but it has to be for the right reasons, with your own priorities placed first. In the past, and even this morning, that comment that reeled me would make me want to immediatley escape and disappear into a world that was only mine, and completely impenetrable, therefore, I would drown myself in a bottle of booze, or go on some type of eating binge, but ultimately feel horrible the next day, both physically and emotionally. I think that this behaviour had been present for as many as 23 years or so, I remember eating a whole tray of cookies one night when I was 9 and immediately thinking that I need to go on a diet. I also remember having two mickeys by my bed-one rum and one vodka- when I was like 12 or 13 and having a capful of each in the morning before I went to school, I don't know why, perhaps it was a learned behaviour, or a poor coping mechanism for whatever I was feeling, but really. As I get older, I realize that this was a problem and that it was not normal behaviour for a person of that age, but you are a product of your environment, and that can shape a lot of things in your life, and thtat I am not the only person in the world who coped how she knew to do so. However, I am at the age that I can have a little more insight into my own behaviour and lifestyle, and the reasons behind it, so I can make the changes to start coping in a more productive way. So, instead of picking up a bottle of wine and a slice of cheesecake tonight on the way home (which was my immediate initial thought), I will go for my run and read my new book (I got 3 on the way home yesterday), and try to forget that some stupid bitch who was probably hopped up on meth or something thought that I was a he-she, I know that I am a beautiful, smart, worhty and deserving woman, so screw her. It is time to rise above these issues and move on, I can`t let them hold me back any longer. I wanna chase my dreams and achieve happiness, which seems so simple, but it is difficult to get all the past and present obstacles out of the way, because you haave to be honest with yourself and those in your life who really love you. That is why I chose to share this with you, because for years, I have kept so much bottled up, or drowned in a bottle for so long. I honestly moved to Toronto because I had such low self esteem and felt so out of place that I wanted to move to a city where I was just another face in the crowd, which was great at first, but the underlying issues were still there, just in a new and exciting, distracting environment. I do get noticed often in this impersonal city, more than had anticipated I would, but I more than anything, want to get noticed for me, not my physical attributes, so that`s where I struggle cuz`I always think that I am a better person if I am getting noticed because I am in good shape, or look attractive. As much as my physical appearance is important to me, I feell that about 70% of the reason is because of wanting to feel accepted by or as good as anybody else. I hate having to spend tonnes of money on expensive weaves and in trying to achieve long flowing hair, but I feel like it makes me who I am, trying to achieve a sense of beauty or attractiveness that is on par with any other person, but when look in the mirror, more often than not, I don`t see a beautiful person straing back at me. It is so hard to admit that, but it`s true. I am on a path of self discovery and insightfulness, but it is hard to accept and admit the truth to yourslef, so thanks for listening, don`t feel pressured to comment, but be forewarned that this may be the first of many to come, there is a real sense of relief in sharing it, in dialogue and not conversation, cuz`the sense of humiliation is less, giving you more freedom to be open and honest. I realize that my compulsion to eat is driven by something much deeper than my love for food, now it`s about working through that, not perfecting my diet and working out obsessively. So I am gonna start doing some self esteem boosting activities, starting with the pole dancing classes, and I am going use my birthday money (thanks Stace)to take advantage of Salsa dancing lessons at a studio up the street from me that is offering unlimited classes for 6 weeks for $99, finally after so many years of saying I wanna learn. I have been reading some research on keys to happiness, and having a good support system in place who is willing to listen and be there is essential, so thank you girls, I need you more than I let on, and I am so glad that you are all there anytime I need you (here come the stupid tears again, and I`m at work). I realize as I come into my own and discover myself, that it is a tough process, but to be happy you have to do a lot of work on your inner self, so it is definitely a task that I am taking on full tilt, because that`s all I want right now, and no job, boyfriend, article of clothing or particular weight are gonna give me that, those are all just supplements to my own personal happiness with myself. I am happy to share this journey with you girls because I think that this blog and competition have enabled me to be as honest with myself and feelings as I have ever been, there is something very liberating ablut sharing it with those close toyou, rahter than writing it in a journal. I go to this blog way more often that I write my feeling down in my Body for Life journal cuz`it has way more personal meaning and impact on me than those pictures and stories in my journal of other people and their struggles and successes. That being said, I hope that you girls can find the same solace in this journey, as it is a chance to get real with oursleves and not just compete to lose some pounds, but to lose the emotional baggage that we may or may not be lugging around with us, and in turn, I know that the weight will drop off as a result of that. Blogging this morning was way better thatn getting a cookie at Tim Hortons, I am glad to have been able to do so. So today, I wish you all a day free of emotional burden, low self esteem and self worth, but only positivity and happiness. I am going to top and think about what I put into my mouth and why I am doing it, not just about planning my meals and eating them as planned. I think it has finally clicked, I am getting down to the bare bones of getting my diet under control, and as much as that comment killed me this morning, it has helped me more than it has hindered me, so I`m moving on from it and taking the positive from it. I can`t wait to start Salsa lessons and pole dancing classes, I am sure that my sexy inner beast will be unleashed, along with the emergence of self-esteem and confidence-it`s going to be great. And so far this journey has been great, nothing but positive, cuz`I have been able to derail some negative thinking and desires to cope negatively, as well as ditch the self denial and start to accept the reality of my behaviour. I have to applaud myself, this is the best idea I`ve ever had=). Hope to hear from you all soon. Love you all, and know that I am hear to listen to anything that may be plaguing any of you, anytime of day or night.
Jayna, not as Jaded=)

Getting it out of my system...........

Last night I craved pancakes so bad. Don't know why, but did. Same thing this morning. I have not had those dang things in like 2 years I am sure. Anywho, Steve and I went grocery shopping for this weeks goodies. I went with a list for my meals this week. We got all but one thing. I also added to the cart a pancake mix to go with some beef bacon we scored at the farmers market. I had them, got it out of my system and I am prepared to start tomorrow again on the right foot. I just have to measure out my meals and prep the best I can. Preparation I am sure is one of the keys here. If I feel like watching T.V. (which we all know I do not like to do very often at all) I can turn the T.V. to face my kitchen and prep while watching a show. Or just listen to tunes to keep me up to beat. Looking forward to seeing next weeks accomplishments.

Andrea

This is what happens...

I am now craving those stinkin' chocolate covered pretzels, can't stop thinking about them, but am opting to drink water and eat raw veggies instead, it's hard though, can't seem to ever stop craving junk. Somehow, water and veggies don't seem the same, but they are satiating nonetheless. I am gonna go home a do an exercise video, today is light day 20-30 minutes of high intensity cardio, so looking forward to getting it done and soaking up some Vitamin D, while eating my yummy salad again=). Anyway, I hope you all are having a great day, I'm gonna go eat a red pepper and try to stop thinking about these pretzels. I curse the person who thought those things up!!!!

Thanks for the encouragement...

Thanks for the reminder to stay strong Dre, I totally needed that. I got on the scale tis morning and it is up 0.6, I was mortified! But I know that although not perfect, I had a pretty good week and that it is probably just from my monthly gift from Mother Nature, so I will not throw all my efforts out the window just yet, and will keep pushin' on, after all, consistency and a positive mindset are the cornerstones of this journey. I will do my workout when I get home from work and eat what is on the planned menu and prepared, making sure not to sneak in those little treats here and there that add up before you know it. I hope everybody has an active and nutritious day=) NEVER GIVE UP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Curb my emotions

So today was a tough one. I had to announce that I was going to the competition to my ex-boss and VP today. Needless to say my boss clearly took it personal and verbally bitched slapped me in an email. He pretty much said I was not honest and put my integrity into question. Now normally I would run for the licorice, Jo Louis, lays chips but today I just had a couple glasses of wine and I talked. I talked to whomever would listen and it helped BIG TIME. I do still have knots in my stomach and I want to tell him off bad, but I know that this all has to end somewhere and I will take the high road. He was speaking out of emotions and I know he just didn't want to lose me as an employee., Oh well, new beginnings, right?!?!?

The reason I share this story is because during this process we are going to face many obstacles, many draw backs, many emotional moments. These are test. These are tests to get a sense of our own strength. These are situations we would have face at anytime in our comfortable lives where we lived the way we grew accustomed. But now we are in the realm of change. In the moment where we are out of our comfort zone. These "tests", "situations". etc..... are going to rear their ugly heads all the time, but it's not necessarily more than normal. It's just that we are in a vulnerable state.

So please stay strong ladies. Stay focused. Have your moments. Then move on. Dust that s@it off your shoulders. We are strong and if not for ourselves for each other.

I am excited to see what next week brings.

Andrea

Good luck Dre...

Big Congrats and positive thoughts upon starting your new job babe, I know you're gonna kill it! You'll have to let us know how it goes.

Who thought it up?

I would like to kill the person who thought of covering pretzels with chocolate!!!!! I had about 10 of them today cuz' I thought it be a good idea to get them from the bulk section at the grocery store while I was shopping for ingredients for my salad. I must say that I enjoyed those mother f$*^%n pretzels so much, I hope I don't get addicted. I also thought it would be nice to have a few wine gums, so got those, and as I was eating them I was regretting it and thinking to myself, this is the worst chemical concoction ever, you can hardly chew the bloody things and they just taste so weird, but of course proceeded to eat the whole 125grams or whatever it was that I got. The good thing is that it sort of turned me off of suger (in that form anyway), but I was also wishing that I had more of those damn chocolate covered pretzels. Anyway, now I am too full to eat my yummy salad that I made, but I'll tell you about it: the base is romaine lettuce, my fave lettuce, topped with seared pears, slivered almonds and whole pecans that were baked in the oven with cinnamon, fresh strawberries and goat cheese and dressed with raspberry vinagrette. It is so good but I only had a couple bites cuz' I have a ball of colored sugar in my stomach that my body is trying to digest. Strange, I totally have room for more pretzels.....

I am impressed....

First off I want to say I am very impressed with everyone keeping up on their entries. I think it is amazing! Definitely keeps me motivated and accountable.

I also am impressed with how we all keep such a supportive tone. That is what we need and positivity always bring great things.,

I am glad to hear everyone lost weight. No matter the number it is a loss and lets all face it, in this game we want to be losers, lol.

I went for a lunch today and I am impressed with myself. I usually hope to get a salad but end up with the greasy burger on the menu. Well today, for the first time, I did not. I got a salad, 2 cups of coffee (with milk and sweetener) and a glass of wine. Wash it all down with two glasses of lemon water. It was great. The salad was a healthy one and I am glad I chose it.

I am already prepared, somewhat, mentally for next week. I start my new job officially and will have to be a strict routine. The biggest thing I will have to do is make sure I plan my meals so that I don't lose focus. Cross your fingers for me.

Well everyone have a safe and happy weekend. Just remember we all have choices, but we all need to live so enjoy life with some balance.

Luv yah!

Me again too

Just got back from the gym, amazing how your mind tells you that you relaly don't wanna do something but once you push yourself to do it, it's over before it began and it really wasn't so bad. I am glad it's over though, got my period super early so maybe that's why I fell so shitty and only lost 1.2 pounds. Came home with a little more energy than I left with, put on some Usher and started dancing around, until I slippped and knocked over my flower...I can't wait to see how the pole dancing goes, I can just see the bumps and bruises now, allover my uncoordinated clutzy body. Anyway, everybody have a healthful and active weekend, eat well and have fun. Talk soon.

Me again

Hey Stacey, Dont worry about a bad day. We all have them. Just remember you have a fresh start the next one. If you need any kind of motivation to get active, give me a call. I'm more then happy to meet you for a walk or whatever.

Andrea!!!Great job!

Steph, Great job too..Losing 1.5 is better then nothing or gaining 1.5.


Whoop Whoop Girls!!!

Hello!!

So I have to report that I did not go to the gym last night...Or the day before for that matter. My legs were so sore from doing those inner thigh workouts. I know that's not an excuse but I felt bad but now I'm moving on. Yesterday was kind of a bad day. I spent the morning at Levi's cleaning and boxing things up. I've been really fine for the most part but had a few tears packing things up. I think of Jordana every time I go in there and it really touches me. I hope to have everything done by tomorrow so I can move on. Once I got home I watched a little tv then put some decorative things up on my walls. I was in a funk so I ordered pizza but only had 2 slices. I know BAD BAD Mandy. Today is a new day and I feel better.

I didnt do a weigh in but I'm going to buy a scale this weekend and will report back, I'm going to the gym tonight and hopefully make it to a spinning class in the morning. Everyone have a great weekend!!

Less than hoped for, but it's still a loss

Good morning ladies, first of all, congrats Dre on your incredible weight loss. I am happy to report a 1.2 pound weight loss, wa hoping for at least two pounds, but happy nonetheless. Very happy to not be hung over and did not take my birthday overboard at all, so I'm pleased. Just signed up for 5 pole dancing classes, always wanted to do it and I got a voucher for $20 for the 5 classes rather than $75, so jumped on it, I'm excited!! I think did well with exercise this week, worked out everyday and got all my runs and strength training in, continued to walk to work everday, and journalled, so I feel like I'm off to a good start. This week, I want to focus on gettting adequate rest, but I don't have any night shifts so that helps, taking my vitamins and supplements and continue training hard everyday pushing as hard as I can. I look forward to seeing how well we all do next week, can't wait to see everybody's blogs. Great job to all for such a great start!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The 1st week weigh in

Hello ladies,

So I am proud to say I am happy with my first week weigh in. I am down 4.2 pounds. Now at 167.2. Very exciting. Steve and I are off to the Farmers market to get this weeks produce. I know week 2 is always tougher to lose weight so I am crossing my fingers for atleast 2 lbs.

I have a business lunch today so I will get water with lemon and a nice salad (dressing on the side).

Last night we had our cheat dinner for the night. It was good but nasty too. I won't say but if you know what the dirty bird is you will figure it out. My dad is back and they came over so we decided our cheat dinners (only one meal a week) will be on Thursday nights unless we have a party of some sort to go to.

Here is wishing everyone a weekend of awareness and planning. Luv yah ladies!

Andrea

Progress ladies, not perfection....it's all good

Sounds like we are all making positive choices (one piece of licorice, not the whole bag, realizing where you went wrong, and getting back on track, 1 glass of wine, not a whole bottle, etc...) and checking in with reality and eachother. The road to sexy is not always smooth, it is gonna be bumpy with many detours, but it is a path that is designed to get us on the correct path to life long health and a healthy weight. It is hard not to beat ourselves up or second guess our efforts, especially when others around us may have insensitive commentary, (hey, I dismissed the only prospect of a man in my life cuz' he said I have a big butt), but it's about how we feel within ourselves and feeling comfortable with our choices. We will not always make the best choices, but we are only human and this is life, we just always have to see where we can improve and strive to do so. We cannot undo the past, so it is a waste of time to live with regrets and second guessing of ourselves, and life is too short to be down on ourselves for every move we make. So, as I embark on this year in life, I am happy to report that I am sober, have only had one glass of vino, no dessert, (even though I did look at the menu, but nothing appealed to me), and I am not depressed about not having big plans for tonight. I enjoyed lunch with a good friend, and saved hundreds of calories by not going out and partying or drinking at home by myself. This is a positive change for me and I am happy to see all the positive changes in you ladies, so keep focusing on those, and let the not so positive things go. I think we have all done very well in our first week, and can only imagine how we will continue to improve in the weeks to come. On that note, I'm gonna go bike riding to combat my boredom, will check in tomorrow. Thank you for the birthday wishes. KEEP PUSHIN' ON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Here is my Confession

Good Morning Ladies,

So here is my confession........I SUCK at this. I had drinks last night, didn't exercise and I am getting a little down on myself, for being such an idiot. So I would like to repent for my sins and today is new day.

I am glad to see how well everyone else is doing - you are all my that little angel on my should known as a conscience.

I have come to the conclusion, that I just have to do this, not talk about doing, just do it as Michael Jordan would say. So tomorrow when we weigh in, I will have lost these 2 - 3 pounds that I have gained. If not, I will throw in a bonus ten dollars for this week. How's that for incentive eh.

Well, I am off for a walk in the garden center with the kids and Mom, then we are going to Bowness Park for a nice walk with the kids and to get Ice cream for Isaias - which I will not be partaking in.

Happy Canada Day everyone!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AUNTIE STEPHIE!

WE LOVE YOU!

The Licorice Monster

So last night I had a friend over. One of them skinny chicks, lol. I love this friend, she is so innocent and sweet, but should really think before she speaks sometimes. Granted so do I lol.

She weighed herself at my house and had gained a couple pounds. She is the same height as me and now weights 138lbs. I was like "girl you are skinny, that i s awesome". I said she is fine and she could actually weight about 150 and be fine. She looked at me and said "150lbs????? I will be a fat whale if I weight 150lbs". She instantly felt bad as she knew I was for sure over that weight and I know she did not mean it so it is all good. However, I will say that gave me a moment. I sent Steve to get me one piece of licorice, just one. This beats the whole economy size bag I would usually have.

I must say I think this blog will help me work out my emotional eating issues. One day for sure!

Now I am off for a run with my baby

HAPPY BIRTHDAY STEPH. LOVE YOU!

So the mind games begin........

I really am not a fan of this point in the weight loss process. However, I am glad it is now at the beginning because I know that I will get over it and it will be smooth sailing from here.

This is now the fun part of the challenge. I am shocked it has arrived so soon, but it is now here. You all know this place. The moment where you have to fight with your mind to accomplish a task you did well the day before. The moment where the cravings resurface with a vengeance. You know that moment....Well it has reared it's ugly heard in my world (grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr).

Yesterday I went for an 1hr and 21 minute walk (the time it takes to circle Hidden Valley). It was great and of course Xman loves it. I even bumped into an old friend along the way who had a baby recently. Then I came home, got ready, and went to my friends house for a Baby deck pool party. Fun, right? Yes, for the kids, and great conversation with the adults, but the food well that is another story. I did not go into this one prepared. In front of me was hot dogs, smokies, chips, cupcakes, and lots of veggies. Now the decision process has begun and my junk food tooth is now talking to me.

I fixed a plate that under those circumstances was impressive. I had a hot dog, but had LOTS of veggies and ten chips. I did not indulge in a cupcake, because that would have been over kill. I was impressed. They were telling me that it alright, while they are all eating about 2 to 3 smokies a piece with lots of chips, cupcakes, etc.... and they were all talking about their weight watchers, or whatever plan they are on to lose weight. Definitely know now to make sure I bring my own equipment to the next game like that. Preparation is key and no excuse why I shouldn't have been prepared. Now I will have to do doable the work out today or tomorrow to make up for the indulgence, why do this really, lol. But no beating myself up, move forward.

The moral of this story is, that preparation is key and I get it now. I should have planned what I would have ate. I should have asked Jody what was on the menu and went in prepared to ward off certain things. Progress can be a slow process I guess.

Man oh man I love this blog!