Back from Vacation

Trying to get back on track after my no-carb-left-behind marathon at the beach last week. I don't think I really gained anything, but recalling the amount of sugar, processed foods, and overall junk I ate makes me shudder. Fruit Loops and sweet tea for breakfast, yes please!

Trying to eat more protein in the mornings and wanting to start LA's protein shakes idea. They say one benefit of protein is that it fills you up in a good way and keeps you from wanting to graze and snack all day. I just got an i-Phone so I've downloaded a few of the calorie-tracking apps and anxious to start using them (way to go Jason on the 16-pound loss!)

Really looking forward to GO!!!

Interval Training

www.nocaloriesneeded.com

Talks about interval training and HIT. (High intensity training)

Let's Get Real!

(I'm trying to post while I have 4 kids running around my house. Sorry)

So, this morning Jason puts on a pair of pants he hasn't worn in 2 years and they're lose! He's lost 16 lbs and still going! So I've going to start doing what he's doing. Not that I want to lose 16 pounds, but I've got to get over this hump. Has anyone else had this problem? I feel stuck. My pants still feel snug! I just want to lose inches!

As I think about what he's been doing...
He's been so committed to his LoseIt I phone app where he logs what he's eaten. Not so sure I'm being honest with myself if I don't write it down. SO HELLOOO Food journal again.
Also, he's doing interval training when he goes to the gym. A trainer gave him a weekly workout a couple of years ago. It is really working. Hellooo Interval training.
He's not eating at night. Prayers on this one, please!
OK--Here we go!
22 more days til GO

Let's Get Real!

Let's get REAL!

I'm back!

Hey Girls,
Whew... what a couple of weeks! Sorry I have not posted. Two weeks ago we put our house on the market, Caroline got a bad fever virus, school was getting out, and then we left for a "spur of the moment" week long Disney/Destin trip. We got back this past Sunday night.
Good news though, with all of the walking and I ran in Destin, I didn't gain any weight. I didn't deprive myself while on vaca, so there is something to MOVING!

Nic, good luck on running. Start slow, you don't want to get injured then be out for weeks (I've been there). They say to stretch after you run. I don't know about you, but I need music to run. Download some good running tunes.
Yes, I agree it is a lifestyle change.

After being gone, I've got to get back on track! My goal this week is to make my whey protein shake at 7:30 (I must WRITE this down-I have to write everything down!) so I want snack late night.

So, Jason has lost 16 pounds! So proud for him. He has cut his food intake in half and has been going to the gym when he can.

I am going to really watch my carb intake this week. It's going to be protein and veggies for me this week and I want to see what happens. Throughout the day, I grab too many Cheez-its I think.


Love LA looking forward to GO!

Style of life... lifestyle if you will

That's where I am at. No d-i-e-t, just way-of-life. Sugar is not good for the body and exercise is. I actually missed excercise over the last few days (mom has been in town) and I really missed it - missed it. Yay! big step.

I am such a fan of fruits and veggies - I totally want to join a CSA, Katy, that is the way to go!! Makes you try new things and they are always fresh. Yum!

I am also officially goingto get off of soda. switching to cofee full time because everything I have read lately is how much better it is for you than diet soda.

This really is good to have these virtual check-ins.
Can't wait for GO.!!!
Have fun at the beach ladies, it's cold and rainy in NYC...

last week of school!!

Hello everyone! Sorry I've not been posting. This has been a crazy month for us as I'm sure it has been for you all too. School programs, recitals, soccer games, etc have us running. Also, like Liz we are trying to get out of town and head to the beach Sunday! Whoo hoo!

I've stayed motivated to work out because it is the last week of school and it is easier to go when the girls are in school than out so like Liz I'm going to need to make a summer schedule soon. Bootcamp classes and tennis have been great. I've been trying to do something 4 days a week. I was just doing 2 to 3 so having to report in to you all has definitely helped. All these events (and I know vacation) mess up my eating but I've been trying to at least do better at home with snacks, meals, etc. We've been grilling out a lot which is always a healthier option....chicken, fish, veggies. Also, we joined a CSA that delivers bi-weekly so that will make us try some new veggies, menus, etc. I've been trying to order more wisely when we do go out but this is really where I am no good. I like the idea of planning ahead and trading things like dessert for wine, etc. Thanks for the tips!

Everyone hang in there! GO will be here soon! Yippppeeee!

I Forget What Week It Is--Liz

Thanks for everyone's posts--they really are encouraging and it's good to know I'm not alone!


The more I read about sugar, the more I find out how bad it really is for us and how many problems are associated with too much sugar intake, both now and in the future. I'm really trying to get a grip on my sugar intake and put more of an emphasis on HEALTH rather than just APPEARANCE.


I'm thinking about starting to run again, but I'm a little hesitant because I messed up my knee last year and I don't want to injure myself again. Right now I just walk (in addition to my exercise classes) but we'll see. I'm also wanting to incorporate pilates again--it's been awhile since I last did it on a regular basis. The kids' last day of school is this Wednesday (Lord, help me), my mom and grandmother will be there Thurday-Sunday and we're leaving for the beach the next Saturday, but once we get back I want to sit down and make a "summer schedule" for exercising (I'm planning on trying to fit in as much execise as I can in the meantime, at least the bare minimum of 2-3 times a week). Also, we have a pool and it's so silly that I don't use it more. I know swimming is a really good form of exercise, I just need to push myself a little to get into it. If I was smart, I would plan to get up early 1 or 2 days a week and swim some laps. Not sure whether or not that will happen, but it's an idea.

Hope everyone has a good week!

Week 6 - goals and gripes

Did my 4 days of working out this week. Am going to try the running program starting this week because I think if I ran I might see some better results. Who knows I hate running so we'll see.

Will try for 5 days this week. Including 2 classes. Going to start weight watchers this week because I don't trust myself on my own with the food stuff. Already had Easter candy both days this weekend because I craaaaaaved it. Mini eggs are the bomb. Only one bag a week if I don't drink. If I do, none. That's the deal. I of course did both this week. Thus the need for rules.

Have a great recipe for gazpacho - which I know is odd but it is healthy and refreshing when the weather gets nice. Good dinner. Not too heavy. Not heavy at all actually.

Hope you guys have a good week. Keep it up!

Keep it Up!

Hey Girls, Happy Friday!!!
Just wanted to tell you I saw an article the other day about losing inches with Whey Protein shakes. I think I mentioned that to you all in an email a while back. I've been drinking the Jillian Micheals vanilla-Wal-Mart. 100 cal. for one scoop. Use a blender with ice (water or milk). Yummy. It tastes like you're having a milkshake---seriously!!! I have been drinking them after I workout for a mid morning snack or before lunch. Or I'm thinking of having one at night when I need something to eat.

ALso...POP CHIPS--go get some...great!!!


I've had no wine all week at night which is a plus for me... no empty calories !! YAY-- I'm still not not eating at night! UGH! I'm doing better at what I eat, but still need something--BAD HABIT!
I'm a little scared...I'm going out with a couple of friends on Sat. night. But like Liz, I'm going to plan ahead on what I'm going to order and save up calories for a glass of wine. (Y0u've got to LIVE...right???) Like they say....moderation.

What's going on with you all?! Please post! Any good food ideas!?

Sorry, sugar, you're not welcome anymore

I agree, LA, too much sugar!

My goals - retroactively - are 4 workouts, water, and starting weight watchers.

I am realizing that as far as the whole way of life thing. This is just the way that it has to be. It's one of those things that if I can't control it - it is just like an addiction. So therefore, no garbage in the house. No ice cream in the house. Moderation for all things carb-related. Not practical to cut out completely but also just knowing that that is a weakness and that they have to be monitored. How? Not 100% sure yet, but know that this is the way of the future.

God bless cinnamon - for fruit - and amino acids - for veggies.

Yay!

WE CAN DO THIS!

Glad everyone is posting on this blog--great work Nic! Sorry I'm late to the game!
Nic, so glad you are continuing with your trainer--GO girl! Amy, I know what you mean about traveling--I always seem to fall off the wagon when I'm away. Are you back this week? Maybe you can make exercise a priority. Are you joining a gym or do you have dvds?
Katy-seems like you're doing great! Keep it up. Liz--sounds like you're doing good at going to some classes--I feel like it's my ME time when I'm at the gym. I've been googling alot and reading alot of things on weight loss etc and for me and you, like you said, it may be that we need to lower our sugar intake. ( I think you had said that. ) I have a friend who lost inches and 18 pounds by doing Sugar Busters.

Easter candy is behind us...summer is just ahead! That's what I have to motivate me now.
The last few days I've been keeping a food log--would highly recommend it.
I have found that I do great during the day and eat twice as much at night and not drinking enough water.

My BIG goal this week is to not eat past 8pm. This is huge for me--I tend to be exhausted at night once the kids are in bed and I relax with food. ;( It's been a habit that I have to break if I'm going to breakthrough. I'm on track with exercise. I'm going almost everyday to the gym. I'm actually loving it and making it a priority daily. I did a sculpt class this morning and went back and got on the treadmill and elliptical! I started a tennis clinic on Wed. mornings (thanks Katy for motivating me!)

FOOD IDEAS:
This morning I put frozen chicken with a tub of salsa in the crockpot and let it cook on low all day. I made the kids wheat tortillas with them and for me I skipped the tortilla and put it on a bed of greens. Really good and almost NO calories!
Did you all know Jelly Belly's are only 4 calories each? Not that bad if you have to have 4 or 5.
I went to the grocery today and bought 'Steak-Ums' in the freezer section of the meat dept. My friend says it's great. She grills bell pepper and onions seperately then puts them together. No bread. I'm trying it this week.
I also have bought the individual packets of roast beef 50 cents. Put some horseradish on each slice--yummy.
Water: Each morning this week I am going to put out 4 water bottles (16oz) in the kitchen and by the end of the day they need to be gone.
Let's go and stay consistent! Thanks for all of the encouragement!!!! WE CAN DO IT!!!!!!!! Make yourself a PRIORITY this week.

Awesome tips from L.A.

1. Cardio! Lots of it!
◦ Tip: After 30 minutes of cardio your body starts to use the stored fat as an energy source. Keep going!
◦ Tip: Exercising on an empty stomach is KEY! (like in the morning!) Your body uses the reserves for energy, not the food you just ate!
    2. SQUATS. I lost a lot of inches in my thighs after doing many different kinds of squats!

    3. HAVE FRIEND DO IT WITH YOU! Motivation is key to losing weight! What? she lost 5 pounds in two weeks? I have to do better!

    4. HAVE GOALS AND REWARDS! Once you hit a first goal weight (GW) reward yourself! Go buy some nail polish or something else small. Once you keep losing reward yourself with bigger things!

    5. Restrict on the bad things!

◦ Sugar
◦ Fast food
◦ White bread, white rice, white tortillas..GO BROWN
◦ Some frozen food. (i.e. frozen dinners NOT okay, steam fresh veggies PERFECTLY ok)
Sugar cereals, like Cocoa Puffs, ect ect ect.
 
 
 
2. Make a commitment to yourself - Decide that this is really something you want to do for you, then forget any and all previous attempts. 
3. List your reasons - Write down at least five reasons why you want to shape up. They can be whatever you want but really think about it.
4. Start drinking more water - Don't over do it, but very few of us drink the recommended 8 cups/day. It sounds like a lot but remember we're talking cups (8oz.) not glasses. The average bottle of water is 16oz, or 2 cups! 
5. Start a food journal - Write down everything, and I mean everything, include notes about how you're feeling or what's going on (are you bored or is it a hectic day of rushing from place to place). Start today!
6. Plan exercise into your day - Think about how you can be more active each day. Is it taking 30 minutes for yourself or just making everyday tasks (like playing with your kids) more vigorous! Make a plan, write it down! 
7. Get a scale - Get a good scale, if you can afford it look for a model that measures body fat.
8. Set realistic goals - Determine a healthy weight (WebMD has a great chart) and set a goal (no more than 20lbs to start). The most you should plan to lose per week is 2-3 lbs. That will most likely take two to three months at which time you can re-evaluate your plan or set a new goal. 
9. Plan what you are going to eat - Think about what you want to eliminate and what you want to eat more of. If you need help the US Dept of Agriculture has a site where you can get a personalized food pyramid.
10. Get organized in the kitchen - Segregate all of the foods that you are going to stop eating (either finish or trash them by the end of the week). Have a food scale and measuring cups handy, they help with learning to visualize portion size. 
11. Go shopping - Make a grocery list and don't go on an empty stomach. Remember, if you don't buy it it won't be in the pantry to tempt you. Bring your list of shape up reasons for support!
 
 
Recommended Carbohydrate Foods on Sugar Busters

All other vegetables and fruits (see low carb fruit and vegetable lists.)
Whole grains, such as brown rice and oatmeal
Whole grain flour
Products made with 100% whole grain flour (note that “wheat flour” is NOT whole grain – it has to say WHOLE wheat), as long as they have no added sugars
Beans
Sweet potatoes
Other Recommended Foods

◦ Lean meats (remove skin from poultry, trim lean cuts of beef, pork, and lamb) Nothing sugar-cured. (Low saturated fat meat list)
◦ Fish and seafood (not breaded)
◦ Eggs
◦ Nuts and nut butters
◦ Flax Seeds
◦ Olive and canola oils
◦ Low fat milk and other dairy products (low fat sour cream, yogurt, etc, with no added sugar)
◦ Mayonnaise and other sauces and dressings with no added sugar
◦ Artificial sweeteners OK
Foods to Eat in Moderation

◦ Fruit juices with no added sugar
◦ Artificially sweetened colas (clear sodas are better)
◦ Chocolate (at least 60% cacao)
◦ Pure fruit jams and jellies without added sugar
◦ Carrots
◦ Butter, cream and regular cheese
◦ Beverages with caffeine
◦ Small portions of sugar-free ice cream, “if you have eaten a low glycemic meal that does not contain red meat”
 
 
Ways to lose inches:
1.  Increase your protein intake, e.g. eggs, lean meat, chicken, fish, etc. This helps support your metabolism.

2. Cut back on junk food. This will make a huge difference quickly. You don't have to totally eliminate it, just decrease it greatly.

3. Don't eat anything before a workout. If you do, your body will burn what you just ate rather than fat.

4. Eat about an hour after a workout. This allows your fat burning to continue until you eat. Don't wait much longer than that though, as you need food to recover. Stick to protein and low fat foods.

5. Try not to eat late at night. Your body won't have a chance to use those calories and will store them as fat.

Amy- Help

It was good to see an email today, but I have fallen off the wagon. With being on the road for 10 of the last 14 days, I have not been eating well or exercising regularly. I was going to go to the gym today but my house looks like a bomb went off, so I went home to do laundry and clean. Boo!!

Anyways, I need to be accountable, so I am confessing. Speaking of confessing, just ate a pack of skittles.

Ask me next week... hopefully better news. I LOVE all the tips and support.