Posh: How Much Are You Willing To Lose?

You see our tally on the side of the blog...

Comments? Reflections?

=)

Posh: Year End Report

A few years ago, we made a pact. A pact that we would not end the year heavier than when we started it. It came about as a result of some late night review of home videos. We saw ourselves progressivley getting larger as we watched time digitally pass before us. It seemed logical to try and reverse the action. We comitted to just not getting any bigger. Each year, we had our annual check in. And by hook or by crook, we seemed to be able to stick to the pact.

This week, Scary left me a panicked message that made me suck my breath in really fast-- she was over her begining weight. Oh dear, I thought. I felt her frustration and secretly knew I could be in the same position. I hadn't been on the scale in a few weeks though and didn't really want to.

I reflected over my year. This was the year, I learned the difference between maintaining and losing weight. I learned the body changing effects of strength exercises... I saw my body changing... I felt my endurance building...This was the year of "Challenges"!

I got on the scale this morning. I got back on again. Finally, a third time.

I'm 210lbs. Depending on how I stand on the scale though, I can be either 210.2 or 209.8.

I started the year at 210lbs.

If I look at the numbers, the year seems circular. And not a very large circle at that. But you know what? I haven't lost my "new found" muscles. They're still there reminding me of what can still be mine. I still have my memories of my oxygen high moments and the great diet days to keep the goal alive. I still have a couple of laughs left at all the different mind games, and mottos and ditties I used to try and get me up for the day. And I know next year, I'll have even more.

Let's go girls! 2008 awaits us!! Regroup and get ready to fight again!

Sporty: Week 46(12/27/07)

WOW, this the last Thursday of 2007! All things considered, this was a good year for weight loss --Ending the year lighter. At the end of 2006 I was close to 248 now I'm at 219. With the exception of vacation time, I've stayed aware by posting weekly and I have developed a much more forgiving attitude to myself. The all or nothing stance I've taken in the past has evolved into just keep trying. I've learned a lot about myself and more importantly I think I have accepted certain realities about the weight loss journey that I had not before.

Update for "How Much Are You Willing To Lose"

Initial: 248 (Feb)

Start: 220 (Aug -212; Sept - 206; Oct - 207; Nov - 210)

Current: Dec - 219 (1 lb lost)

Total lbs lost since Feb 07 = 29 lbs

Looking ahead to 2008, I plan to be lighter than I am now and pray that we are ALL healthier, lighter and wiser!!!!!! Happy New Year.

Sporty: Week 45 (12/20/07)

Hello Everyone:
How's everyone doing? 2007 is quickly coming to an end and I thought it would be helpful of each of us to post on the things that went WELL this year. From our conversations, I know that we are not where we hoped we would be but at the same time it is clear that we have made progress. Let's celebrate the progress/success we have had this year!!


Last week:
Current Wt: 216 (3lb gain from last weigh-in)
Exercise: 2x
Diet: Followed no specific plan

This week:
Exercise: 3x
Diet: Stay within the hunger comfort zone

Sporty: Week 43 (12/6/07)

Wt: 213
Diet: No plan
Exercise: 1 x

Next week:
Vacation - moderate eating and exercise

Sporty: Week 42 (11/29/07)

What an eventful day -- Baby M was born this morning and I made it to end of my 3 day fast! Weighed in at 210 (-6lbs ). Today I am transitioning off the fast and I have to drink diluted orange juice to prepare my body for food. I'm not physically hungry but I feel like I should be in my head? Anyways, planning to do low carb eating for 1 week then I'm off to vacation where I hope to eat in moderation and exercise.

For next week:
Diet - Low carb
Exercise - 5x
----
Update for How much are you willing to lose
Initial: 248
Start: 220 (Aug -212; Sept - 206; Oct - 207 )
Current: Nov - 210

Sporty: Master Cleanse Day 3

Wt 210


Did salt water flush -- again a lot of flushing. Don't recommend if you can't be at home better to use the herbal laxative tea. Plan to end fast tomorrow.

Sporty: Master Cleanse Day 2

Wt 212

cramps around dinner time

not really hungry or really tempted

felt sick

exercised spintensity

Sporty: Master Cleanse Day 1

wt 219

salt water flush was a true flush. Literally had to RUN to the bathroom. Recommend starting on a weekend or when you could be home. Otherwise it requires "DEPENDS" to be safe.

I did it!

I got off my tush, and I proactively did a workout session.
Shout out to Sporty who keeps the weight loss perserverance alive.
After our convo today I committed to exercising today at 4:30pm
At 4:38pm I said "Oh snap!" and I jumped up. I said, no thinking, do whatever it takes. It's surprising what simple things could be deterents. Didn't bother to look for socks and shoes...decided to barefoot it...went with the first dvd I saw (Abs Diet)...no water bottle nearby, so I grabbed a cup and got started. Paused in the second routine to put on my new workout clothes I'd bought months ago.
Focused on the wall and just went for it. I was a bit off.
When he hopped, I squated. When he squated, I hopped.
When he jumped, I jacked. When he jacked, I jumped.
When he jogged, I walked.
When he bounced, I flounced.
But I stuck it out. It felt great. I feel good.
Gonna focus on one day at time. Exercise as many days as I can during the week.
New motto: What have I got to lose except calories and fat?

Sporty Week 41 (11/25/06)***

Hello Fellow Three Fats and a Skinny Members!!!

Can you believe that there are only 5 weeks left until the end of the year!!!! I had envisoned that I would be in a completely different place right now but reality says otherwise.

I didn't get a chance to blog or weigh-in on Thu (Thanksgiving Day) so I weighed in this morning -- 216. Yeah I know -- the steady climb continues :-(. Clearly, there is no healthy way that I can lose 17 lbs in 5 weeks to get to Onderland by Dec 31st. So, at this point I am hoping to end year at my lowest weigh-in of 206 lbs. To get there (lose 10lbs) is a bit unrealistic as I will be traveling for 3 of 5 remaining weeks. However, I find that setting a goal is always a good thing so I will try for it. I feel the need to do something drastic to kick-start the process so I'm allowing myself to fall into "fad diet" mode. I've decided to try the Master Cleanse (Lemonade Diet) for a couple days. The goal of course is to get back to doing weight watchers but I'm not there yet. I'll let you know how it goes.

Ginger: Turkey Trot

I'm doing a Turkey Trot (aka 5/10K) at 9am. I haven't worked my way up to running yet so it'll be another 5K walk with a few folks from church.

Happy Thanksgiving!

--Update--
We came in under the 60 minute mark. There's another local race on January 1st. I think I'm gonna enter and try to take it up a notch. Also, here's a picture from our lunch.

Ginger: Just Fine

Saw Mary J on the American Music Awards last night. Love the new single. It's a good one for my girl power playlist.

Ginger: Another frou frou product

Here's the latest in my list of random grocery store discoveries.

FAGE yogurt.

For a while now, I've been trying (unsuccessfully) to acquire a taste for plain, nonfat yogurt. With this brand, I think I've finally turned the corner. The 2% version -close enough to nonfat for me- was still "un-sweet" but super rich and creamy.

A half cup of low fat granola took it up a notch. I'll bet fruit and/or a touch of some kind of sweetener would be even better...

Sporty: Week 40 (11/15/07)

I want to stop gaining. It is my control to stop the gain. I pray for the will to make the effort. I must now turn on 5 lb alarm turned on due total gain of 6.5 (206 to 212.5).

Last week:
Weight: 212.5 (gain of 1.5)
Exercise: 3x (3x cardio, 2x strength)
Diet: Followed no plan
Journal: 4 days (partial)

This week:
Exercise: 5x (5x cardio, 2x strength)
Diet: Follow WW points
Journal: All foods

Sporty: Challenge Anyone?

48 days until the end of the year ... Interested in a mini-challenge to boost motivation? Posh and I talked a little about this yesterday.

Challenge Idea: Exercise 5x/wk until 12/31/07 (you choose type and time). Once a week just do a quick post.

Who's in?

Ginger: When the Panic Fades [Dissertation Edition]

So, my advisor recently told me to "pick up the pace" and not let myself get bogged down in any one chapter.

That kind of advice is usually good for at least three days of panic (productive) followed by constant low-grade anxiety (not productive). I thought I'd follow my own advice to Scary.

When the panic fades, I will remind myself that God brought me here. That truth is my antidote for "overwhelming and scary" and my motivation to make good choices!

Sporty: Week 39 (11/08/07)

I do want to be frog, just not feeling like one right now. Finding comfort/hope in -

Feb 8, 07 - 248 lbs
Nov 8, 07 - 211 lbs
Total loss - 37 lbs

Scary: When The Panic Fades

So I woke up and had a double chin about 3 weeks ago... WITHOUT bending my neck. I was like where did this come from? Then I thought back and realized it came from the many months that I have been spending not doing anything proactive about weight loss - they were all catching up to me starting with my chin. So I got in to a frenzy, stole my husbands IPOD and jumped on the treadmill - 3 x per week for an hour each time... not bad huh? Then I joined Jenny Craig with encouragement from Sporty and LOST 10 lbs... So happpy to see my chin recede... But here is the thing. I can't afford Jenny Craig - it is like $400 per month and if I could I really would - the food is good and it works - but for now that is not an option... So what has happened? I am again on no particular plan and soon my chin will grow. By the end of next week I will committ to join WW on line and begin to count my points. I will also start exercising again at least 3 times per week. We are out of town for a funeral this weekend - Tuesday so I will officially start the Sunday after that. Feel free to check up on me :-).

Ginger: Calling All Frogs

I saw this picture in church last week. It made me think about us.


I think we're all grateful for the talents -specific gifts- that God has given to us. The downside is that these strengths often play out unconsciously. They don't teach us much about striving...perseverance...commitment.

It's the stuff that doesn't come naturally that'll take us to a whole new level. In one sense, this kind of growth is deeply personal. It happens (or not) as we make choices. One choice may not seem like a big deal. Collectively, over time, they define us.

At the same time, our decisions aren't just about us. They also send messages to other people. For example, I know that when you are on, I'm inspired. When you're off, the bar feels lower. Who are the other friends, family members, co-workers, and kids(!) in our spheres of influence? What are we giving to them right now?

Success is great. In some ways, I think trying -as in sincere and dedicated effort- is equally powerful. Sure we care about our health outcomes, but the process of stretching beyond our comfort zones is also a gift to ourselves and to each other.

Never give up!

Love,
Ginger

Ginger: Tennis Class

I'm taking a tennis class this quarter.

So far it's been a lot of fun. The class is low-key but structured and the instructor is great at giving specific feedback. The hour usually flies by.

It feels good to try something new.

--Update 11/7---
We played doubles in class today. SO fun.

Ginger: #833

This morning I did my first 5K. It was a fun 50 minute walk. Woo hoo! I'm thinking about doing another one on Thanksgiving Day. We'll see...

Who's doing the Couch-to-5K Running Plan featured on our bulletin board? It looks good. Anyone?

Sporty: Week 38 (11/01/07)

Weighed in at 210. This is a 3 lb gain from last week. Let's just say that even though I spent $150 on Jenny Craig and groceries. I got initmate with Wendy's, McDees and Papa Johns.

Onderland is a bit lost in the fog but I hope to get to the clearing....

It is only when you stop trying that you fail....I'm still trying.

Ginger: 5.6 Earthquake

Tonight I experienced my first earthquake. At first I heard a low rumbling noise. I thought it might be the neighbor's garbage disposal. Shortly after that I felt "movement" and my upright vacuum cleaner started vibrating. Not so much the garbage disposal. I stood still for a minute -all dramatic, surfing-style, feet apart, arms outstretched, leaning forward slightly- then ran to look at the "in case of emergency" sign posted on the back of my door. Here's what it says:

1. Duck

2. Find safe cover and hold
-Keep away from windows
-Keep away from shelving

3. Evacuate if safe (use your judgment)
-Use stairways, never use elevators

4. Go to your Emergency Assembly Point
-Report missing persons to the leader

Ok, somewhat helpful. What's up with the "use your judgment" clause though? My instinctive response (to all natural disasters) involves crawling into a bathtub. They're calling it a moderate quake. No major damage or injuries reported. According to the news, "the odds of another earthquake [of similar size] diminish as the hours go by."

Good to know.

Ginger: Exodus 15

For the last few weeks, I've been learning the prayer from Exodus 15. It's the victory song that Moses and Miriam sing after the Israelites cross the Red Sea.

One of the lines, "The Lord is a warrior" is my new mantra. It comes in handy at least once a day. It's so empowering to know that we serve a warrior God who does battle on our behalf.

Here's another section that I like a lot: "In your love you will lead the people you have redeemed. In your strength you will guide them to your holy dwelling." God doesn't leave us at the shore. He continues to lead...guide...until we're right where he wants us.

Reading these verses makes me want to crank up Fred Hammond's "Show Yourself Strong" at full volume. In fact, I think I'm gonna do just that!

---Update---
Done! I made it all the way through the prayer.

Ginger: A Doing Partner or Two

Do you ever get tired of thinking? Thinking is great but, for me, it sometimes takes the place of doing. Ever so often, I get tired of listening to my own endless litany of plans, ideas, reflections etc.

Today is one of those days.

I'm looking for a few local "doing" partners -folks who support me in doing "the next right thing" without getting into the storyline of it all. I'll let you know how this search turns out!

Ginger: Like Wildflowers

On Thursday I went to a staff retreat.­ I'm employed half-­time so it's good to put in an appearance from time to time.­ Anyway, the day was unexpectedly cut short.­ Just before lunch, another staff member suffered a massive stroke.­

One minute she was sitting at the table with all of us.­ The next minute, paramedics were picking her up off the floor.­ She is young.­ Fit.­ A wife.­ A mom.­ So far the reports on her condition are not great.­ Please pray for her and for their family.­

Then there's the whole California Burning thing.

It hasn't been a real upbeat week.­ It was the kind of week that brings verses like these (from Psalm 103) into focus: "Men and women don't live very long; like wildflowers they spring up and blossom, But a storm snuffs them out just as quickly.­.­.­God's love though, is ever and always, eternally present to all who fear him.­"

Now there's something worth organizing our short lives around.

--Update---

The memorial service is scheduled for Saturday, November 2. Please keep the family in your prayers. I'm sure it's going to be a tough day.

In lieu of sending flowers, well-wishers can donate to a fund for her daughter. An account has been set up at the Stanford Credit Union, P.O. Box 10690, Palo Alto, CA 94303-0843. Checks should be made payable to Brian Emery with reference to sub-account “Syouthsub1”.

Sporty: Week 37 (10/25/07)

Better week than last week. Exercised 4x. Didn't follow a particular food plan but ate with more awareness. Lost .5 lbs (207 lbs).

This week:

1. Exercise 5x
2. Journal foods
3. Decide on and committ to a food plan (by next Thu )
4. Focus on mini-goal of losing 10lbs (by last Thu in Nov)
5. Limit eating out - subway or salads w/ lf dressing
6. Grocery Shop

Update for "How much are you willing to lose" (NB goal changed to 198)
Initial: 248
Start: 220 (Aug -212; Sept - 206))
Current (Oct) : 207
Gained 1 lb since last update (9 lbs to go)

Sporty: Putting it in the atmosphere

I've decided to lose 10 lbs by the last Thursday in November.

There I said -- I put it in the atmosphere.

Ginger: New Hard Drive

My mom recently suggested that I back up my research data. She may not be tech savvy, but she is one of THE most practical people that I know.

She's also fast-acting, which gave me the extra motivation (and financing) that I needed to stop procrastinating. On Friday, I bought the Maxtor OneTouch 4 Mini.

I love it! It's small, it has more than enough space to house my files, and it's easy to use. I no longer live in fear of computer theft or malfunction.

Thanks Mom.

Ginger: It Ain't Pretty

On Friday, I went to see Body Worlds 2. It was a pretty neat look at the human body...took "anatomy" to a whole new level. One of the displays featured an actual cross-section of an obese body. Suddenly, the whole "my jeans are tight" thing seemed really trivial.

Here's what one review had to say:

A look at fat from the inside out? Another exhibit that has caused much audience reaction is "Suicide by Fat: Obesity Revealed." This display features the internal organs and fatty flesh of a 300-pound man who died from heart failure at age 50. According to Body Worlds, this man's heart became so enlarged from his obesity that it wasn't able to supply his body with continual blood flow. Still, the most shocking part of this display is that the obese man's organs are contrasted with those of a 120-pound man. And the differences are dramatic. For instance, layers of fat engulfed the organs of the obese man, while the slim man's organs were covered by thin tissue. According to Dana Morrisey, a 22-year-old woman who toured the Body World exhibit in Chicago, "[The obesity exhibit] was a case of reality bites. When I saw the obesity specimen, I knew that I would end up like that if I didn't make some changes."

Um, yeah. This view puts a habit like "sucking in my gut" into its proper perspective. Limited at best...

I'm totally buying the post card.

Ginger: Tofutti Pint

Last Tuesday's Oprah featured Dr. Christine Northrup. Although I'm a little leery of "chakra" references and such, the show was a wake-up call about women's bodies and the changes that could kick in as early as 35(!). Also, she ended the show with a statement that spoke to me -a sugar addict in recovery.

"Those things [exercise, meditation, and sex] increase beta-endorphin in the brain. "It's the natural morphine-like substance and you absolutely need it for mood modulation. And if you don't get it naturally through meditation, exercise or sex, you will get it abnormally through drugs and alcohol and sugar. You're going to go for pleasure because your body needs to have pleasure. You need it. But I'd much rather have you get it deliberately in healthy doses."

Ahh...now I know why I just ate that pint of Tofutti!

Ginger: 5K on November 4

I got talked into a 5K last week. Hmmm. One minute I'm casually walking over to say "hi" to a few folks after church. Next thing I know, I'm nodding "yes" and adding my name to the list of walkers/runners. It's on campus which is a good thing. Could this be the inspiration that I needed to start exercising again?!?

Ginger: Test Dates

Just a follow up on when to get tested for various health concerns. Check out the link for more details.

Age 12
Blood pressure test and, for men, testicular exam

Age 20
Cholesterol test

Age 21
For women, gynecology exam and pap smear (get tested earlier if sexually active)

Age 35
Blood sugar, anemia and thyroid exams

Sporty: Week 36/Month 9 (10/18/07)

Last week was better than last week - less overeating, less eating outing, weigh less (loss 2.5 back to 207.5). Will keep trying to get back on track.

This week:
1. Get groceries
2. Exercise - go to spintensity, see trainer
3. Go back to Jenny Craig and get foods
4. Journal foods

Ginger: Lucky Numbers

Do any of you know what your cholesterol level is? What about your blood glucose level? I (finally) scheduled my blood work for this Thursday. I'll be posting the results as soon as they come in. If you don't know your numbers, join me in finding out!

*Update*
The doctor reminded me to schedule a "Well Woman Annual Exam," endorsed my weight loss efforts, and said to check back in about 3 months. He was a little stumped by my "inexplicably low" triglyceride count which, in turn, [probably] made the calculated LDL look a little high. In general, here's how the numbers came out...
-------------------------
BMI
Me: 26.1 (Overweight)
Normal Range: 18.5-24.9

Blood Pressure
Me: 110 systolic + 70 diastolic
Normal Range: <120 systolic + <80 diastolic

Total Cholesterol
Me: 198
Normal Range:<200 mg/dL

Fasting Glucose
Me: 87
Normal Range: 70-100 mg/dL

Ginger: Support System & Prayer

I'm going to start posting about dissertation stuff. I figure it's not too much of a stretch. Many of the principles that we've been discussion -like finding balance, developing routines and planning ahead -also apply! Not to mention the mood + energy benefits of "fit" living. I need those for sure...

First, I have to give thanks to my extended family who just kicked in the funding to outsource the last of my transcription. I have roughly 30 interviews so we're talking a four-figure number. With their help, I'll get a jump start on coding and analysis. This is clearly an answer to Sporty's prayer on Friday and the ongoing prayers of my small group. Thanks guys!

Now...by outsourcing, I'm sacrificing the in-depth listening that I'd be doing if I transcribed these files myself. It's a trade-off that I'm willing to make (given my time line). Please join me in praying that: (i) turnaround will be quick, (ii) the transcripts will need little to no editing by me, (iii) I will stay "connected" to the data and move efficiently through the coding and analysis phase.

Posh: Any thoughts?

Thoughts on this article?

http://www.womens-health-fitness.com/weight-loss-motivation.html

Posh: I'm looking for a Theme Song

I have my mantra: Just a lil' bit of umph, umph (paraphrased from "The difference between try and triumph is a little 'umph'".

But I need a theme song. Looking for a theme song to get me through the end of this weight-loss year. Any suggestions?

Posh: 10/11-10/18

204.6lbs
37.8 % body fat

Sporty: Food Log (10/11 - 10/17)

Going try this again -- see comments.

Sporty: Week 35 (10/11/07)

Hallelujah! Maintained this week -- still 210. Thank God! Still not on track, still dodging my trainer but joined Jenny Craig as a crisis management strategy.

This week:
1. Eat Jenny Craig approved foods
2. Exercise 3x
3. Track foods eaten
4. Focus on mind training -- to return to "on" mode.

Ginger: Butternut Squash & Sage Soup

* 2 Tbsp. olive oil
* 1 large onion, chopped (about 2 cups)
* 2 butternut squashes, peeled, seeded and cut into 1-inch chunks
* 2 Tbsp. chopped fresh sage, plus 8 to 18 leaves for garnish
* 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
* Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
* Vegetable oil, for frying

In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and cook until translucent, 8 to 10 minutes. Add squash; cook 5 more minutes. Add chopped sage and broth; bring to a boil, reduce heat to medium-low and cook until squash is very tender, about 30 minutes. With an immersion blender, puree soup until smooth (or puree in small batches in a food processor fitted with knife blade). Season to taste with salt and pepper.

In a small pan, heat 1/2 inch vegetable oil until hot. Drop sage leaves in about 3 at a time and fry until just crisp; remove to a paper-towel-lined plate. Serve soup hot, garnished with 2 or 3 sage leaves per bowl.

taken from October 2007 issue of O Magazine

--Ginger's Notes--
-Packaged squash works just fine + cuts down on the prep time.
-If you have leftovers, try reheating them with a splash of apple cider.

Sporty: Food Log Accountability (10/4-10/10)

Going to try the this ... check out the comments.

Posh: Oct 4th- Oct10th

205.2 lbs
37.9% body fat

I'm chipping away sl-o-o-o-wly...but eventually it'll all add up. Will continue to umph it up. Will update comments with food log throughout the week.=)

Sporty: Week 34 (10/04/07)

Bad week. Lost focus. Did not follow diet plan. Exercised 3x. Gained 4 lbs (wt 210).

This week pointed out just how easy it is to "relapse". Constant diligence is required. This is my cross to bear. Working on getting back on track. Going to need to take it down a notch (will need to pause on ten for ten & last lap).

This week:
1. Journal Foods
2, Stay within points
3. Go to a WW meeting
4. Exercise 5x

To adopt Posh's mantra: Praying for a little umph, umph!

Ginger: 10 for 10 Food Log

See comments.

Ginger: No Sugar Added

LARABAR











Nature's Path Corn Flakes (Fruit Juice Sweetened)
























Van's Organic Waffles (Original)

Sporty: Bad Start

Off to a bad start:

Breakfast: Protein Shake
Snack: Fruit
Lunch: Protein Shake
Snack: McDonalds - cone, sm fries, 4 mcnuggets, diet coke
Dinner: Papa Johns - 4 slices, KFC - 1 wing, Diet coke - tried to get a Coke but they were out

*Didn't plan, got hungry, said F*** it, tired, a bit overwhelmed

*Didn't exercise. Cancelled PT session for tomorrow.

*Had 2 key moments to make different decisions and salvage but chose not to. No bonus points left.

**Sprayed leftover pizza and chicken with bleach.**

Tomorrow will be better!!!

Food Log Sept 27 to Oct 3

Thursday
Slice of Toast--2
2 teaspoons peanutbutter--1.5
1-2tsp jam--.5

Piece of Coconut Bake--3
Thin slice of cheese--2
8 oz sprite--2

1 1/2 cups mac and cheese-13.5
1/2 cup baked beans--3
1/2 cup corn--1

Total: 28.5
Weekly Pt Values left: 32.5

See comments for food log updates

Weight Update

206.6lbs
38.2% Body Fat.

Sporty: Week 33 (09/27/07)

Happy to see Posh counting points and Ginger on board for Ten for Ten! This week was my birthday week and my amazingly awesome friends threw me a "Bringing Healthy Back" party complete with salad bar meal, an actual fruit cake and a nature hike! Talk about supportive.

Last Week:


Struggled alot this week with staying on track and motivated. Work was crazy and it turns out that I had major PMS. I'd like to publicly apologize to the poor Comcast customer service lady who was the unfortuntate victim of a PMS mood swing. Work deadlines, little sleep, stress eating and PMS - a really bad combination. Next week will be better.

This Week:
1. Priortize health. Stay focused. Stay on track
2. Stay within pts
3. Go to the gym
4. Journal all foods
5. Last Lap I

--
Update for "How much are you willing to lose"
Initial: 248
Start: 212 (220)
Current: 206
Removed since last update: 6lbs (14 lbs) /18lbs to go

A lil' bit a umph, umph

Marvin Phillips:
The difference between try and triumph is just a little umph!

That's my mantra for right now. Well I've modified it to the title of this post: "A lil bit a umph, umph!" I'm gonna see if I can put a little bit more umph each week. Still struggling. No exercise this week. No healthy guidelines. Have a food log with random WW points. Gonna find some umph for next week!

Sporty: Ten for Ten

Last night Ginger and I were babysitting the twins and stayed up late talking. Inevitably, the conversation turned to health and weight loss. We talked about the desire to "clean up" our diets and here's what we came up with at 1:00 am:

For the Month of October (10 for 10):

1. Stop wholegrains, bread, potatoes, pasta after 3 pm
2. Eliminate sugar
3. Eliminate soda
4. Stop dairy - milk, cheese (Exception protein shakes made with dairy)
5. Stop eating after 8 pm (Eat after 8, pack on the weight)
6. Follow the Good Health Guidelines
7. Eat a minimum of 3 servings of protein daily
8. Stay within the hunger comfort zone
9. Eat a minimum of 5 meals daily
10. Have 1 "free day" each week
--

What did I agree to? LOL!

Well...

Weighed in at 207lbs. Body Fat% 38.2.
That's a decrease on both.

Diet starts this week. I'm counting points.=)

Sporty: Posh let's go to Onderland

Posh we're close, it's within reach, if we look closely we could see it - Onderland.

Let's go together.

Sporty: Week 32/Month 8 (09/20/07)

GOD is SO GOOD! I mentioned last week that I was nervous about the work/healthy living balance - I really felt and saw God's hand in my life this week. He cancelled meetings to give me more time, he gave me energy to make it to the gym, he helped limit stress eating and I was able to give the project draft to my boss yesterday.God be praised! He also allowed me to experience praise & worship with Israel & New Breed. This praise experience along with an awesome praise & worship at church and personal devotions truly set the tone.

Last Week:
Lost 3.5 to surpass mini goal 208 (40lbs). Thank you God! Achieved all but 1 goal - made it to the gym but burnt less calories than planned - but made it to the gym. Next wt goal 203 (45 lbs).

This Week:
1. Last Lap I
2. Burn 2800 calories (28 AP)
3. Earn 6 bonus pts through devotions w/ journalling
4. Stay within daily pts target 4 of 7 days
5. Stay focused. Prioritize healthy habits.

Hanging In There- Part 2

I remember reading a commentary on the story about Jesus visiting the temple at the age of 12. How His mother “lost” him and spent 3 days looking for Him before she found Him. The author was pointing out how this story parallels our spiritual experiences. She said that our drift away from Christ can be so casual that we don’t even notice…caught up in the hub -bub of our day or of our lives we “lose” Christ and then suddenly we wonder what happened. She pointed out that often times it takes longer to re-find him than it does to lose him. And sometimes it’s more difficult, that road back to God. I’ve found that to be true in my life. I’ll be on a nice routine, devotions in the morning or before bed, nice focus on spiritual things, enjoyable prayer time…a busy day comes along and I think I’ll be ok to skip it this once…before I know it I’m looking back over time wondering how I skipped so many before realizing I was skipping most? And then getting back in the routine always seems like swimming against the current.

Found this concept true for my weight-loss experience. The road back always seems harder and longer and I wonder how I ever stopped…

Ginger: Mr. Sandman

For the last couple weeks, I've been getting to bed by 10 pm. It's a target that I've struggled with but it makes SUCH a difference. I'm waking up with enough energy to start the day -and there were even a couple days where my eyes opened BEFORE the alarm went off at 6am. Now that's just unheard of.

Anyway, thumbs up on a regular bedtime. I've noticed that it really sets the tone (good or bad) for the next day. It's partly about being rested but I think the practice of shutting down at a regular hour also helps because it interrupts the script that I had in place before. I'm not up to date on Frasier or Will and Grace but hey, a lot more work is getting done!

Sporty: Motivation

A Collection of Quotes for Motivation

Jim Eason:
If you want to look young and thin, hang around old fat people.

Vince Lombardi:
It's not whether you get knocked down; it's whether you get up.

Benjamin Franklin:
You may delay, but time will not.

Samuel Johnson:
The chains of habit are generally too small to be felt until they are too strong to be broken.

Marvin Phillips:
The difference between try and triumph is just a little umph!

Carl Sandburg:

The time for action is now. It's never too late to do something.

-----

Ellen Degeneres:
You have to stay in shape. My grandmother, she started walking five miles a day when she was 60. She's 97 today and we don't know where the hell she is.

Author unknown:
The road to success is dotted with many tempting parking places.

Mark Twain:

Habit is habit and not to be flung out of the window by any man, but coaxed downstairs a step at a time.

Unknown Author:

Instead of giving myself reasons why I can't, I give myself reasons why I can.

Winston Churchill:

Never, never, never, never give up.

Horace:

Rule your mind or it will rule you.

David Viscott:

You must begin to think of yourself as becoming the person you want to be.

Eleanor Roosevelt:

You must do the thing you think you cannot do.

Ralph Marston:

Your goals, minus your doubts, equal your reality.

George S. Patton:

You're never beaten until you admit it.

Lee Iacocca:

You've got to say, I think that if I keep working at this and want it badly enough I can have it. It's called perserverance.

Unknown Author:

You don't drown by falling in the water. You drown by staying there.

Jim Rohn:

Take care of your body. It's the only place you have to live.

Thomas Fuller:

That which is bitter to endure may be sweet to remember.

Plato:

The first and the best victory is to conquer self.

Vincent Lombardi:

The good Lord gave you a body that can stand most anything. It's your mind you have to convince.

Sporty: Week 31 (09/13/07)

Last Week:
Whew! Made it through this week. Used all 35 bonus pts on various bday celebration foods (macaroni pie, corn roast, bussupshot, pone). It was a close call - but I've been trying the personal hunger zone thing and it has really helped with overeating. Go weight watchers. Compensated with exercise (32 ap/3200 c). Lost 2.5.



This Week:
Anyways, "psyching" myself up for this week. Nervous about the work/healthy living balance bit. Have some pressing work deadlines but telling myself that health is more important than work. Worked out a plan for alternate exercise times, etc.

1. Stay focused. Stay balanced. Stay on track.
2. Journal all foods
3. Stay within pts
4. Earn 5 bonus pts
5. Last Lap I

Hanging In There....

Life is busy.
I'm tired.
I want to exercise.
I want to cook my CORE foods.
It just takes so much energy.
Finally got up and exercised on Tuesday evening.
Felt so great to be up and moving.
Instantly brought back good feelings of my high points of exercise.
Had to slow down half way through the routine.
Got a headache. Too much too fast. Should have chosen a milder routine for my comeback.
Think Britney should have done that too.

Ginger: Work and Exercise

I'm trying to figure out when to exercise. It fell off the radar several weeks ago. Now, with my new ramped-up work schedule, I no longer have the luxury of fitting it in "whenever" it's convenient. What do you guys think -early morning or after work? I like easing into the morning but I also like having a few hours to unwind after work. Choices, choices.

Sporty: Hangin in?

Is everyone still "hanging in there"? Pretty silent lately.... press on people, press on. WE CAN DO THIS!

Ginger: WOW 3 Results

Does WOW 3 seem like forever ago? Still...take a quick minute to celebrate our progress - and Sporty's victory!

Sporty: Week 30 (09/06/07)

Ironically, I maintained for maintenance week. Accomplished all goals from last week. Ready to hit it hard for Last Lap Part I.



This week's goals:

1. Last Lap I

2. Focus on hunger comfort zone eating

3. Journal all foods

4. Commit to staying focused - don't get lax

Sporty: You've got to check this out

I saw this book 2 years ago and decided it was lame - a sissified take on Body for Life. I was wrong.

This book was written for us. I'm still reading it, but I had to put it down - to blog - to ask everyone to check it out. Body for Life for Women, is a refinement on the original Bill Phillips book but with a gender-specific focus. It talks about a plan of action for each hormonal milestone we're facing. For example we're all in milestone 2: The reproductive years. Alot of this stuff we already know, but it is presented with a fresh, research based, real-world tested, woman focused approach.

More to follow but just had to let you know. Find this book - seriously.

Sporty: Bonus pts for Last Lap I, etc

The plan -

• Diet Plan - WW points
• Bonus pts - Devotion w/ journaling

Ginger: Calling All DJs

Hola bloggers,

I'm looking for upbeat music. Specifically stuff that talks about female identity...self confidence etc. Old or new, it doesn't matter.

Here's what I have so far:

1. Video, India.Arie
2. Pretty Baby, Eric Benet
3. Doo Wop (That Thing), Lauryn Hill

What would YOU add to my playlist?

--Update

4. Unpretty, TLC
5. You Gotta Be, Des'ree

Last Lap 2007 (Part I)

(Part I): Thu Sept 6 - Wed Oct 17 (6 weeks)

Diet - 7 days/wk for max of 35 pts

• Earn 5 pts for each day you follow your diet i.e. WW core, WW points, Vegan, etc

Good Health Guidelines 5 days/wk [1 pt each] for a max of 25 pts

• 8 (8oz) cups Water
• 2 svgs Milk products/Milk substitutes/Calcium supplements
• 2 tsp Healthy Oils (olive, flax, canola, sunflower, safflower)
• 5 (1/2C) svgs Fruit/Veggies
• Multivitamin

Exercise [3pts each] for a max of 39 pts

• 5 days of cardio @ 30 min
• 3 days of strength @ 4 muscle groups
• 5 days of mind-body @ 10 min

Blog [10 pts]

• 1 weekly post to blog to check-in, give status update on your goals, etc

Online Food Log [10 pts]

• 5 days of food entries posted to online log

Bonus [up to 6 pts/week]

• 1 hr of strength/cardio/mind-body on your "off day" (6 pts) OR 1-6 days of Daily Personal Goal (1 pt each day)
  

Sporty: Who's in?

Who's in for Last Lap 2007?

Any feedback on or tweaking of the guidelines?

How Much Are You Willing To Lose?

And we're off! Let's raise the bar in September!!

8.8lbs
(net loss Aug 12- Aug 30, 2007)

Posh: Life and a Progress Report

Was totally unprepared for the events of this week. Started off with a Family Fun Day and a Sabbath Pot luck that guzzled quite a few of my WW bonus points for the week. Was hanging on by a thread…. Had 6 points left for the week and was in a must exercise to earn points space. Then my 11 year old returned home and life picked up pace. Classes started back and with them lecture preparations. Pace of life suddenly picked up. Thing is, I knew it was coming but didn’t put much thought into it…just figured since I was doing so well, no extra plan was needed. Yeah, well…lost control of the week around Monday evening.

Despite that surprise ending, this challenge taught me a few things. I learned that following good healthy guidelines (plus not eating crazily) and my 5 weeks of exercise were a great way for maintaining. Also, I learned that the diet & exercise combo can really bring good results.

Gonna take this week to refocus and make some plans for the next challenge…Plans will include:

1. Planning out a supper plan that works for my CORE diet, as well as for my 11 year old
2. Planning out a lunch/snack plan for Wednesdays when I’ll be at work for a few long hours.
3. Planning out a very, very quick preparation lunch for Mondays and Thursdays when I’ll be returning home a little after lunchtime and will be very, very, very hungry.

Progress Report:

Not sure what conclusion these results will lead to, but here they are:

I'm looking forward to the next challenge. I've got 9.2 lbs to lose to meet goal for 2007! I can do this. I think I can, I think I can, I think I can....! Or better yet-- Philippians 4:13!

How much are you willing to lose update:
Aug 12: 209
Aug 30: 208.2

Ginger: Traineo Update [August]

Still 155 lbs. Actually, I'm back up to 155.

Onward!

Ginger: Happiness + Fulfillment

God wants you to move through this day with a quiet heart, and inward assurance that He is in control, a peaceful certainty that your life is in His hands, a deep trust in His plan and purposes, and a thankful disposition toward all that He allows. He wants you to put your faith in Him, not in a timetable. He wants you to wait on Him and wait for Him. In His perfect way He will put everything together...see to every detail...arrange every circumstance...and order every step to bring to pass what He has for you.

Roy Lessin, co-founder of DaySpring Cards

Sporty: Week 29 (08/30/07)

Last Week:
Completed all goals/ Removed 1 lb/4 lbs to go/ Food log.


This week:
1. Focus on staying within hunger zone
2. Exercise - cardio (5), strength (2-3), mind/body (5)
3. Stay within weekly points
4. Journal all foods
5. Committ to staying on program

***
Update for "How much are you willing to lose"
Initial: 248
Start: 220
Current: 212
Removed since start: 8lbs / 24lbs to go

Sporty: Muscle & Fitness Hers

Check out this magazine when you get a chance.

Good workout and nutrition advice.

Sporty: The Kite Runner by Khaleed Hosseini

Modern day "dark ages" with Hitler like enthusiasm, vengeance and insanity is the backdrop for The Kite Runner.

This book, like A Thousand Splendid Suns, is set in war-torn Afghanistan and shows the destruction that occurs when religion is used as a weapon and as a tool to justify human depravity and evil.



Beyond the setting though, is a story that really moved me..."I became what I am today at the age of twelve" is the first line in this coming of age story about Amir and Hassan, childhood friends .... there were literally times I had to close the book because I needed to brace myself for what was coming next. The Kite Runner is about friendship, sacrifice, guilt and forgiveness but it is also about defining moments and how we allow them to shape our lives.

The Kite Runner is one of those books that people will continue to talk about and even use as Republican propaganda to justify the war. Regardless of the reason, it is another "must read".

*Update*
Kite Runner movie to be released November 2, 2007.

Sporty: Week 28/Month 7 (08/23/07)

Thanks Ginger for encouraging us to include diet in the WOW challenge. It has really helped motivate me to try to stay within my weekly points. Strange how having to check something off when others can see sometimes makes a difference. In this case it's helping me release the pause button and avert the rewind button - as was my pattern.

Last week:

• Weight: Lost 2 lbs. Made it to WOW 3 weight goal of losing 9 lbs
• Last week's goals: Completed
• Food log: Last week's log

This Week:

• Weight target: Lose 5 lbs (208) in the next 4 weeks to hit 40 lbs milestone.
• Goals: Practice hunger comfort zone eating, WOW challenge, Earn 30 activity points, Eat home food Mon-Fri except work meetings, Stay within weekly points, committ to staying on track.
• Exercise Plan: Plan

Sporty: A Thousand Splendid Suns

I just finished bawling my eyes out.......A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini is a heartwrenching novel about survival, hope, love and lost. The story, as told by two women, is set in Afghanistan during the last 30 years, has opened my eyes to a world I do not know. I was filled with emotions of guilt and gratefulness for the freedoms I am fated with ... feelings of kinship, hatred, horror, helplessness .... a desire to do.

A Thousand Splendid Suns is gutwrenching, tragic, revealing and relevant... with similiar themes to those in Rohinton Mistry's A Fine Balance...a must read.

Posh: I started Core Diet this week...

I'm starving and all I can think about is food.

Sporty: Let's put some $$$ on this

For some increased motivation let's put some money into "How much are willing to lose" challenge.

Here's what I'm thinking:

1. If you make your goal - you keep your money.

2. If you do not make your goal - you pay one dollar ($1) for every pound short of your goal. For example, if your goal is 32 lbs, and you get to 30 lbs, you'll pay $2 (2lbs x $1). The money will them be split among everyone who got to goal for an end of year treat.

What do you all think? Ready to put your money where your mouth is?

P.S. That's right Posh I'm talking to you.....I'm also planning for you to wear your underwear on your head in Curepe at high noon. LOL!

Sporty: Week 27 (8/16/07)

Back on track with diet and exercise intensity! Stayed within points and burned 3400+ calories. Lost 5 lbs. Looking forward to staying on track!!!!

Last Week:
Achieved all 6 goals.


This Week:
1. WOW challenge
2. Burn 3500 calories
3. Stay within weekly points
4. Eat "home food" Mon-Fri except for work meetings
5. Recommitt to staying on track

Sporty: Posting our Food Logs?

I think Ginger or Posh suggested that it would be helpful to post our food logs. I think the logic was to help us stay accountable and to share ideas. Anyone interested?

Here's mine: Sporty's Food Log

Also what plan did everyone select for the diet part of phase 3? I decided to go with WW points.

Good luck with phase 3 everyone - we can do this!

Ginger: The Bottom Line [Aug 9-15]

(-1) EAT: "5" a day. NO -4 days.
(+1) STOP: Eat meals + snacks before 8pm. NO-5 days.
(-1) LIFT: 2 strength training workouts. YES-2 workouts.
(-2) MOVE: 2 cardio workouts. YES-4 workouts.
(NC) DRINK: 32 oz water a day. NO-4 days.
(NC) SLEEP. Get to bed by 10 pm. NO-0 days.

Spices says...Here is something interesting

Here is one way of loosing weight that worked for my friend and her family. They gave up flour (cakes, pasta, bread, cookies etc) for a year and gluten base product (oats, veggie meats). My friend lost 20lbs that way. She is off the diet now and has not regained the weight. While she was on the diet she used a lot of potatoes, and Gluten No products and rice products( pasta, crackers).

Sporty: Daily Points Target Quiz

For those doing WW points, here is the quiz to determine your daily points target:

1. Are you:
Female - Score 2
Male - Score 8
Nursing Mom - Score 12

2. How old are you?
17-26 - Score 4
27-37 - Score 3
38-47 - Score 2
48-58 - Score 1
Over 58 - Score 0

3. What do you weigh?
Enter the first 2 digits of your weight in pounds.
For example if you weigh 209, enter 20. If you weigh less than 100 lbs, enter the first digit of your weight in pounds, i.e., for 98 enter 9.

4. How tall are you?
Under 5'1" - Score 0
5'1" to 5'10" - Score 1
Over 5'10" - Score 2

5. Do you spend most of your day:
Sitting down - Score 0
(e.g. as a receptionist, bus driver, cab driver)
Occasionally sitting, but mainly standing - Score 2
(e.g. sales person, housewife, cook, teacher)
Walking most of the time - Score 4
(e.g. waiter, mailman)
Doing physically hard work most of the time - Score 6
(e.g. nurse, gardener, construction worker)

The total is your daily points target =

• Retake this quiz as your weight goes down, on your birthday or if you change the way you spend your day.
• If your total is less than 18, your daily points target is 18; if your total is more than 44, your daily points target is 44.
• Daily points must be used within the same day and cannot be "banked".
• Each week, in addition to your daily points you have the option to use 35 weekly bonus points. These must be used within the week and cannot be "banked".
  

How much are you willing to lose?

Calling all Threefatsandaskinny.com members! We’ve been talking about diet, about losing instead of maintaining, of ramping things up, taking it to the next level! Well, now it’s time to put our words into actions! How much are you willing to lose by Dec 31^st, 2007? Are you willing to pledge some pounds and commit to working towards it? Make your pledge by submitting the following information in the comments section:

Starting Weight
The weight when you actively started trying to lose weight this year.

Current Weight
Your current weight.

Pounds Pledged
Number of pounds you are pledging to lose by Dec 31^st, 2007!

There will be 2 gadgets added to the website to keep track of the groups’ weight loss successes and goals.

1. Total Weight Loss- tracks the total amount of lbs lost by participating group members.
2. 2007 Weight Loss Countdown- counts down the lbs of the weight pledged by the group until we reach goal!

*Trackers will be updated monthly, so group members would need to post their weight loss by the last Thursday of each month.

For those who really want to throw themselves into this, you can create your own personalized tracking button for your individual weight loss by going to http://www.traineo.com/. Individual buttons can be added to the bottom of our web page.

Spice: Good things are happening

This was a good week. It was one of those idle moments where I was rubbing my upper arm. I noticed there were spots that where once soft that were now hard. I found three muscles in my upper arm that were becoming defined as well as those in my calves. Up until now I have just been going through the motions. This was a nice surprise. I’m pretty happy. I'll be ecstatic when I see these kinds of changes in my tummy.

Ginger: Curry Leftovers

So...what do you guys think is the statute of limitations on curry leftovers?

The meal that I just reheated (in a valiant-slash-lazy attempt to eat "in") was almost six days old. Saturday's lunch...

Let's hope for the best!

---Update---
No dramatic reaction to the leftovers. Go refrigeration!

Ginger: Let's Eat!

Sporty, Ginger + Posh - are you ready to up the ante on eating for the last phase of WOW? Based on your last couple posts, I think next week might be a good time to kick the food thing into gear. Here's my proposal: 1 pt for every day that we follow our eating plan: points, core, vegan etc. These would be regular points (not bonus).

Whaddya think?

Posh: Chiselling Away

I started off this post planning to say that I'm still chiselling away... a few pounds and inches falling here and there. Was gonna say that if I keep it up, we'll see what emerges...Was in search of a picture to go with the chiselling theme and I came across a series of pictures of a sculpter's tools. And it suddenly hit me that Michelangelo didn't create his David with just one tool. To get his block of marble to look like muscles (ever checked out the David's abs?) he had to use a variety of tools, each one important, to get the results. I'm currently using one tool (exercise) to do my chiselling. I need to pick up the other one I've been hiding behind the tool shed (DIET) and start using it. I've been saying the past few weeks that I want to start doing Core again. Havent' made that push to actually do it... As much as I don't want to, I'm willing to ramp things up....

Ginger: The Bottom Line [Aug 2-Aug 8]

(-1) EAT: "5" a day. NO -5 days.
(+1) STOP: Eat meals + snacks before 8pm. NO-4 days.
(+1) LIFT: 2 strength training workouts. YES-3 workouts.
(+2) MOVE: 2 cardio workouts. YES-6 workouts.
(NC) DRINK: 32 oz water a day. NO-4 days.
(NC) SLEEP. Get to bed by 10 pm. NO-0 days.

I'm struggling with the sleep goal. Been watching lots of late-night TV. Very happy with with this week's workouts...optimistic about bringing the "stop" and "drink" up a bit. I ignored my water bottle this week and the difference was clear. I'm more likely to get drink enough water when I keep it washed, filled, carry it around etc. In fact, let me go do that right now!

Sporty: Week 26 (8/9/07)

Still going...still aware...trying to get the gain under control...5 lb alarm activated...switching to on mode...gained 1 lb this week. Next WILL be better.

Last week:


Achieved 4 of 6 goals. Gym 3+ times, journalled, shopped, wowed.
Did not achieve staying within points - 6 days over, 1 day under. Did not track calories burned.

This week:
1. Decide to make the effort
2. Stay within weekly points
3. Home food Mon-Fri
4. Burn 2500 cal
5. Journal foods
6. WOW

Ginger: 60 Minutes

Yesterday, I did an hour of cardio. I spent the first 30 minutes on the treadmill before hopping on the elliptical machine. I can't say that it was "fun" but it felt good to raise the bar.

Come to think of it -before I discovered the Body for Life plan -Mimi and I used to do cardio twice a week for sixty minutes. It was our default. No bargaining or negotiating. How quickly we (I) forget!

Anyway, I really needed those bonus points. I'm glad that we built in an option that's challenging and I'm even happier that it's out of the way -at least for this week!

Spice: Going away for a week

I will be going to Barbados for a 8 days. If I finish this week successfully, I will be able -between bonus and free days -be free of exercise for the week. However I don't want to. The week covers two challenge weeks so I'll try to do my strength/cardio before and after the trip. I figure I could always get a 30-minute walk in so I'll keep up my cardio that way. I also will memorize or write instructions for 10 minutes of the Taebo abs tape so I could do it most days that I'm there to keep up with my personal goal. I'll blog before and after I come back. Take my vitamins with me and do some shopping there to keep up the diet requirements. Thus when I come back I should still be on stream with the challenge. Any you may have I welcome.

Posh: Secrets....

Thought this story was cool. Click here to check it out!

By Dan Buettner	Photographs by David McLain
Residents of Okinawa, Sardinia, and Loma Linda, California, live longer, healthier lives than just about anyone else on Earth. What do they know that the rest of us don't?

Sporty: Response to Maintaining Vs. Losing

Ginger, I'm really glad you decided to spotlight this question. I think the key difference between maintaining and losing weight is the level of EFFORT. For me effort has been making the decision to make the effort to lose weight and then creating a plan to support the effort.

What does that look like for me?

1. Mindset - prioritize weight loss plan

2. Diet - have a specific eating plan

3. Exercise - have a specific exercise plan

4. Accountability - monitor implementation of the plan

5. Support - seek and give support

6. Goal - pick a goal weight and realistic date to achieve it

At the end of day though, all weight loss plans come down to science and attitude. Regardless of the plan I choose, I have to burn more calories than I consume. To do so I have to make weight loss a priority and have a plan that is specific.

Hope this helps.

Ginger: Maintaining vs. Losing Mood

Sporty's comment about switching from a "maintaining" mood to a "losing" mood really hit home for me. I'm having the same issue.

I'm glad that I stopped gaining weight but -after many months- I haven't lost weight either. I thought I'd throw it out there for discussion:

What behaviors do YOU associate with a "losing" mood?

--Update
I've just accepted a "20 lbs in 4 months" challenge from my dad so I'm particularly invested in answers to the above question. Ha ha. I'm gritting my teeth and waiting for your comments.

Sporty: Phase 1 prizes

What are you guys doing for your phase 1 prize?

Sporty: Week 25 (08/02/07)

Glad this week is over. Continued to struggle to stay within points. Did it for 3 or 7 days. Got to ramp up cardio been doing really, really, low intensity. Saw drop in cardio endurance. Happy with progress on good health guidelines and strength exercises. Noticed that my core is getting stronger. Still working on shifting my brain from maintenance mood to losing mood. Gained 3 lbs.

Last week:

1. Stay within daily pts 5/7 - No. 3 days.
2. Earn Maximum WOW pts. - No. Earned 3 0f 6 bonus pts.
3. Plan foods the night before - No
4. Journal all foods - Yes

Next Week:

1. Stay within daily pts 5 of 7 days.
2. 3 cardio sessions at gym
3. Journal all foods
4. Grocery shop
5. Burn 2500 calories
6. Complete WOW challenge
   

Ginger: The Bottom Line [Jul 26-Aug1]

(-1) EAT: "5" a day. NO -6 days.
(-2) STOP: Eat meals + snacks before 8pm. NO-3 days.
(-1) LIFT: 2 strength training workouts. YES-2 workouts.
(-1) MOVE: 2 cardio workouts. YES-4 workouts.
(-1) DRINK: 32 oz water a day. NO-4 days.
(-1) SLEEP. Get to bed by 10 pm. NO-0 days.

The zeal of week one has clearly waned. Ha ha. Actually, this was kind of a tough week. I'm just grateful that the diet + exercise didn't fall off altogether!

Spice:Still going

Diet requirements were better this week but I struggled more with the exercise. My personal goal of doing 10 minutes of Taebo abs is going well except I keep doing the parts that are easiest for me. Lower abs are most challenging and the most necessary for me. I started targeted that area today. I thought I would die but I plan to focus on that area at least twice a week.

Posh: This Week

Milks and Fats still a challenge to fit into my diet. Been consistently using bonus points each of the last two weeks for a cardio. Psyching myself up for increased cardio time next week.

Sporty: Lingering questions...

I've been struggling/wrestling with the validity/inspiredness of today's Bible.

Stuff like who got to decide what should/shouldn't be included, how did "church politics" influence Bible translations, etc.

As the "rule book", yardstick, tool we use to help decide how to prayer, speak in tongues, meditate/not mediate, right/wrong... I've been "thinking" about this for the past 6 months or so. I'm still working on it .... I was led to this site on the timeline of how we got the English Bible and the pre-reformations history of the Bible which were interesting.

Why do you believe in the Bible? How have you reconciled it's current validility/inspiredness?

Ginger: Your Testimony

I posted these questions earlier as a comment...thought it'd be interesting to hear about each other's actual experiences. Here they are again:

Has God ever spoken to you?
How did it happen?
What did the experience teach you about communicating with God?

Ginger: Bonus Points

Do they expire every week, every phase, or never?

Ginger: Sports Bra Woes

In ascending order of shopping-related frustration:

Jeans
Go to Gap. Go directly to Gap. Do not pass the "skinny" shelf or collect anything marked "ultra" low-rise.

Bra
Functional bras cost a small fortune but at least they're out there. Forget you Victoria's Secret. I get hopeful every time you launch a splashy new ad campaign or your sales associates reassure me that you're coming out with larger sizes. You always let me down. You leave me no choice but to frequent the pricey department store on the other side of the mall (and of course "Olga's" when I'm in Brooklyn. Seriously, there's nothing like on-site tailoring to take bra shopping up a notch).

Swimsuit
Right now I have no pressing need for a swimsuit. Come December I'll be in the fitting room tugging and pulling (and trying to pretend that I'm not grossed out by the "do not remove" sanitary sticker in the crotch).

(drumroll)

Sports Bra
WHAT GIVES? WHO MAKES GOOD SPORTS BRAS???

Sporty: Week 24/Month 6 07/26/07

Time certainly does fly! 6 months of trying to build healthy habits. Many lessons learned and re-learned! Key lessons: Have a specific goal, Break big goals into mini-goals so I don't get overwhelmed, Plan your day the night before, Track/Journal, Never forget God, Remember that it is 80% diet, 10% exercise and 100% attitude, Give and ask for support. Goals for the next 3 months: Lose 10% of my body wt (21 lb),Exercise 5x/wk, Journal foods daily, Stay within pts and Develop a strategy to deal with emotional eating.

Here are my 6 month stats:


Last week:
Last week went well for a first week back. Had 5 days on 2 days off. Lost 6lbs due to initial water loss.


Next week:
1. Stay within daily pts 5/7.
2. Earn Maximum WOW pts
3. Plan foods the night before
4. Journal all foods

Posh: Books Pertaining to our Discussions

The discussion on Contemplative/Centered Prayer reminded me of a book that I had gotten at the ABC bookstore several years ago. Went to my archive of books and dug it up: Deceived by the New Age: The Story of a New Age Priest by Will Baron. Definitely a good read and a red flag warning to pray in earnest and stick with the Bible. He shares several of his experiences from his involvement and ministry with the New Age beliefs, Occultism and Hinduism. He also shares how he found out the truth about God. I'd be very interested in hearing reactions from anyone who reads his book.

Below, I post an excerpt from the beginning of a chapter in his book on Christian Meditation. In the comments section, I also have included a few excerpts from the beginning of his book.

Other good books to read: A trip into the Supernatural by Roger Morneau and Beware of Angels, also by Roger Morneau— Heartfelt reminders of Ephesians 6:10-18

Can meditation be Christian?
Several months ago I gave a talk to the staff of a Christian media center that produced television and radio programs. After my presentation, I was shocked to hear a staff member inform me that not too long before, a visiting executive from a seminary had given them a lecture on the virtues of meditation. He then coerced his audience into sitting in silence with their eyes closed so they could listen to the “voice of the Holy Spirit.”

Another seminary teacher promotes meditation with the motto: “If you spend an hour praying to God, doesn’t it make sense to spend another hour in meditation listening for his reply?” A well-known miracle healer also enthusiastically promotes meditation. He describes meditation as an act of listening to the inner voice of God.

These theologians and preachers advocate a type of meditation in which one deliberately sits in introspective silence, attempting to listen to the voice of the Holy Spirit. Before I explain why I consider this so-called Christian meditation to be dangerous, let’s take a look at the nature of introspective meditation.

At a New Age seminar given by a Christian lecturer, I heard the statement that New Agers enter into an “altered state” of consciousness when they meditate. The idea that meditation is an “altered state” has been expressed by others involved in ministering to Eastern cults. I believe this view is accurate, but must clarify the point that “altered state” does not necessarily mean “mystical state.”

Sometimes people can indeed have mystical experiences during meditation, and they will have been in a tangible, altered state of consciousness. However, from my own experiences and from a knowledge of the experiences of other New Agers, these mystical experiences are not the norm. In fact, I know of New Agers who have meditated for years and have never had a “mystical” experience. It is my assessment that meditation is typically a state of special relaxation and not a radically altered state of consciousness.

I make these points because Christians often believe that meditation is fine as long as it is not done in a mystical state. As most New Age meditation is nonmystical, this argument has no validity.

If meditation is not a mystical state, why is it inappropriate for Christians?

The danger of introspective meditation lies in the fact that the meditator is ready and receptive for an angelic entity to implant thoughts, ideas and impressions into his mind. From my personal experience, I believe that Satanic angels are able to telepathically implant thoughts into a meditator’s mind without the necessity of any mystical state. The meditator simply experiences inspirational thoughts or images materializing in his conscience, which he regards as originating form his “higher self,” supposedly a part of this mind that holds communion with God.

I believe it is impossible for anyone to know for sure that a certain impression received during meditation comes from God and not from some other source. Meditation provides and excellent opportunity for Satan to exercise his manipulating deception. Why else would New Agers be promoting it so heavily?

My mall and beach ministry focused on encouraging individuals to begin the practice of Christian meditation. My goal when infiltrating Hope Chapel was to start a Christian meditation group in that church. I took comfort in the knowledge that once people started to meditate, they would hear the inner voice of God inside of their own minds, and this would lead them into the arena of other New Age ideas...