Ginger: Skinny Songs

I just saw a neat segment on an afternoon talk show. I haven't listened to the music yet but I'd definitely buy one of their T-Shirts. I think "do not feed" is my favorite.

Ginger: Pilates Tonight + I Can Make You Thin

I've been meaning to try the Pilates class at the Y for a loooooong time now. Tonight's the night. Just thought I'd put it out there for accountability :-)

On another note, is anyone watching "I Can Make You Thin" on TLC? I'm kind of intrigued...saw a snippet of a show last night but I haven't done any serious googling or anything.

---Update---
Cool class! There were only three of us so we got lots of personal attention from the instructor. It was a "Gentle Pilates" class so not super challenging...hopefully in a few sessions I'll be able to hit more of the targets.

Ginger: Made it to BodyPump

Woo hoo! I'm on a mission to look + feel "lighter" by the time my birthday rolls around in T-4 weeks. Lighter = I can sit (in relative comfort) while wearing my size 10 pants.

Ginger: Lunch Box

Hi, I'm looking for lunch box ideas. Here's a list of "balanced snacks" that I found. What foods would you recommend for an afternoon at the office?

**

Nut butter and apple slices

Whole-grain toast topped with nut butter and sliced bananas

Hummus and veggies on whole-grain pita bread

A handful of nuts and dried fruit

Yogurt and nuts or fruit

A hard-boiled egg and vegetable sticks

Edamame and whole-grain crackers

Ginger: Last Lecture

Ginger: Tired of extra weight + latest product

Is anyone else tired of carrying around extra weight? I've hit the point where it's annoying enough -double chin, shrinking wardrobe -to spark action (which explains the recent "calories burned this week" posts). I figured I should also do a food log, just to "make sure" you know?

Yikes!

Last week's entries prompted a frenzied trip to the grocery store. I just got back home...figured I'd share my latest random find. Red's mom swears by this one -and yes, the term "elixir" actually appears on the bottle. Gotta love that.

It's quiet out there...what y'all up to?

Sporty: Week 52 (02/07/08)

I've come full circle. It's been 52 weeks since I've been trying (again) to get to a healthy weight. Here's the breakdown: Highest wt: 248, Lowest wt:206, Current wt: 224.5, Total lost: 23.5 lbs.



Gained again this week, this time 6lbs. A total of 11.5 lbs in 2 weeks. That's the cost of being off plan. I hope to resume with milestone 1 goals this week. Starting year 2....

Believe it or Not...

Yes, after getting over the stomach flu, I woke up a few mornings later with a sore throat. A sore throat that has taken my voice to low registers and lead me through a series of fevers and chills and aches and pains.

Needless to say, I've been in bed. Hobbled onto the scale for my weigh-in. Noticed I gained some fraction of a lb. Didn't really feel much as I looked at the reading-- I'm trying to figure out how to piece back together my immune system.

Ginger: Cosmetic Surgery

Yay or Nay?

Sporty: Week 51 (01/31/08)

Gained 5.5 lbs. Got new braids (really long and heavy) which I think contributed about 2 lbs the rest was from being off plan.

Exercise Goals: Body for Life for Women program 5-6 days/week - No
Diet Goals: BFL food plan (with WW influence) - No
Mind/Body Goals: Daily Bible reading and devotions - No
Accountability Goals: Journal all foods, blog weekly, weigh-in weekly - No, Yes, No

If life gives you a virus, make... virusade?

Yeah, so I've been struggling with gastroenteric issues for the last 2 weeks-- In varying increments of malaise. None the less... With combined minimal eating and about 20-30 mins of walking per day (between taxi stands etc) it's been a positive for weight loss.

The real plus, though, was my body leading me to simple foods. And having to plan my meals to accomodate my stomach. Kinda kicked me into thinkng about my food choices, portions and planning meals. Was buying fruit to snack on (even though it was less convenient to get than the other nearby junk food).

Plan to carry on the food choices from the bout with my virus.

Sporty Week 50 (01/24/08)

Survived a mini-vacay with Ritters frozen custard ice-cream and Baguette de France subs. Tried to eat BFL and exercised 2x due to travel. Lost 2 lbs. Will continue milestone 1 goals.

Scary: Taking The Plunge

So we all knew it was coming to this for me. Today I signed up for my first Gastric Bypass information session. I spoke for hours on Saturday with this woman who had it last year and is now down 130lbs. My God! 130lbs. With the new baby on they way and a personal recommendation - from someone who's doctor is litterally walking distance away from my house I have to at least look in to it. My insurance requires 6 months of doctor monitored "natural" weight loss attempts. My appointment is in February so my 6 months will start after that. Wish me luck! One way or the other this is the year! I can feel it!

Ginger: Nauseous

I was so nauseous in BodyPump today. As in I had to leave the room (during the last high energy track) and take a break. I don't think I've ever done that before. Maybe I shouldn't have skipped out on Friday's class? Maybe I need to get back to cardio and build up my endurance? Maybe I shouldn't have pushed that hard on the first track? Maybe I'm coming down with something? (Nooooo!)

It was weird.

Ginger: Sex God Clip + New Devotional

Here's an online excerpt from Sex God. I guess the meandering monologue is kind of Bell's thing and I think it'll be a great conversation starter for us. Can't wait to read + trade thoughts with you guys.

Also, I recently came across a good devotional in case anyone's looking. "Solo" is based on the Message Remix paraphrase and uses the Lectio Divina style of prayer + bible study that we blogged about last year.

Sporty: Week 49 (1/17/08)

Another week down. Still at about 80%. Went to gym 4x and ate mostly BFL style. Did not journal foods. Will continue to work on Milestone 1 goals. Lost 4lbs.

Ginger: The Other Appetite

As you can see from my last few posts, I've got sex on the brain. You've all probably heard me on my "Christian fundamentalism did us wrong" soapbox.

As I get older, I find that instead of having it all figured out, it's one of those things that I have to keep revisiting. I haven't started reading Sex God yet but I thought it'd be interesting to get some feedback.

So here's the two-part question...

1. Over the years, what messages about sexuality -accurate, bogus, conflicting, whatever- did you buy into?

2. What value(s) would you like to model and pass on to the kids in your life?

Mimi: You Know It's Bad When...

You show up at the Y and don't recognize the reception area!!

New carpet, new trendy leather seating areas (yes our Y is in a wealthy area), a new counter area. Yikes! Clearly I've been away too long. Part of what has been keeping me away has been the unwillingness to have that "everyone is staring at me and my weight gain" feeling. I mean, I was there almost every day and knew a lot of folks! Now I'm all "fluffy" and have to see all these people. Then I feel all weak for caring what other people think! ugh. Vicious cycle, I tell you. By the time I'm done the mental fight, I''m exhausted and have nothing left for the physical. I'm going to take your advice, Ginger, and try for less thinking and more "auto-pilot."

Now onto the good news. I said I'm having a 21 day goal. I'm happy to say it is day 9 and I'm still feeling strong. Week 1 weight loss = 4.6 pounds. Even if it was mostly water, it was a good motivator and reminder that the plan works when I work it. The loss was even inspiration for me to go to exercise today. Exercising now seems like a complement to the change in food--worthwhile, if that makes sense.

Week 1 I tracked and stayed within points and didn't use my extra weekly ones. Saturday after weigh-in was my "point-free" day which has worked for me in the past. It's my "splurge" day, but funny enough splurging while on plan is SO different from splurging off plan. Everything I ate was homemade and points friendly. I just didn't put them in the tracker. It's practice for when I no longer have to count.

Overall, going into Week 2 feelin' strong. Good stuff.

Mimi: Sorry Ginger!

So Ginger and I were scheduled to go to BodyPump this morning. I flaked. Sorry, girl! I thought about lying and saying I forgot (since we made the commitment a bit ago). That's just wrong. There were a lot of things conspiring against me...fell asleep on the couch, woke up at 3AM, didn't get back to sleep until about 5AM. Woke up with headache when the alarm went off...and on and on and on...

What it comes down to is fear. I'm afraid of the class and I'm afraid of commitment. What's that about? Thoughts? comments?

Ginger, you still talking to me?

Sporty Week 48 (1/10/08)

Working with the progress vs. perfection concept. Hit goals about 80% of the time. Lost 2.5 lbs. Will continue same plan for next week.

Ginger: Sex God

Any Rob Bell fans out there?

Anyone want to read this book with me?

Sporty: Signed, Sealed, Delivered

Woo-Hoo!!!! I can totally exhale now and focus on other things. I just dropped off the project that has literally been the "thorn in my side". 119 pages later we have 1 bound original, 15 copies specially collated and stapled. Finito!!!!

Ginger: Auto Breakfast

I'm changing my position on repeating menus. It's easier to make a good choice if I've already thought it through.

This week I'm going with a standard breakfast: oatmeal, soy milk, flax, and fruit.

The back up plan (running late, pots are dirty etc.) is to sub cold cereal for oatmeal.

--
What breakfast foods do you guys enjoy?

Posh: +1

Had a week of food awareness and an intro to Abs Diet.

Food Awareness: increased water and increaesed vegetable and fruit intake. Had a few days of straggling vacation days and splurged though.

Abs Diet: Started the cardio and weights program. Thought I had discovered all my muscles in my last exercise splurge early last year. But I was wrong. Discovered my small back muscles, part of the "Core". The pain there kind of disabled/discouraged me for a few days. Bought an exercise mat to cussion the floor exercises, so they're a bit more comfortable. Articles tell me that if I keep exercising my back muscles, in 6-8 weeks the pain subsides. Great. Another goal to work towards.

Anyway, gained one pound. On to the next week.

Mimi: 21 Days

Hello and Happy New Year all!

Got back to CA from the East Coast this morning at 1AM. I got up and went to Weight Watchers at 10AM. Getting on the scale wasn't as traumatic as I thought it would be. Perhaps because I didn't gain ALL of the 100lbs lost back (just MOST of them). I'm being pragmatic about it and am through beating myself up. I'm tempted to use Ginger's phrase, "New day, new deal."

So I heard on the television last week the fact that it takes 21 days to form a habit (I think someone here might have blogged about this earlier). My short-term goal is to count points and get on a steady exercise plan for 21 days. When I was coasting on WW and doing well, it was because I was in the HABIT of making good choices and exercising.

Here's to establishing healthy habits in the new year! I'll keep you posted...

Ginger: The Savages

I saw "The Savages" last night. It was depressing but well done. Sign me up for the Philip Seymour Hoffman fan club.

Now I'm sitting in Starbucks which is clearly a daytime hot spot for folks who don't have a 9-5. Mom and nanny with small kids. Dads with small kids (love that). Students. Retirees.

I guess I'm paying special attention to the seniors today because of the movie. There's a steady stream of them at the table right in front of me. First there's a frail wife who leans heavily on her husband for the slow jerky procession from the door to her seat. He isn't spry but he's stable and gentle as he gets her settled, brings her drink etc. Awww.

After they leave, another pair takes over the table; the guy politely compliments several pictures of his friend's dogs and listens to her mental health update: some kind of trouble with meds; agoraphobia; a recent crying spell in a store; she doesn't want to talk about it anymore...

Next up is a quiet, well dressed woman. She sits facing a gray-haired guy with confidently crossed legs and a big, booming voice that sounds at least 10 years younger than he looks. When she leans in to talk I can't hear her at all although he rings out clearly. I invented a whole dating storyline for them.

I wonder what I'll be doing -how I'll be living- in 30, 40 years or so?

Sporty: Week 47 (01/03/08)

Kicking off a brand new year and planning to break my pattern of this being a gain year. For the next 3 months (milestone 1), I plan to focus on the following each week:

• Exercise Goals: Body for Life for Women program 5-6 days/week.
• Diet Goals: BFL food plan (with WW influence).
• Mind/Body Goals: Daily Bible reading and devotions
• Accountability Goals: Journal all foods, blog weekly, weigh-in weekly
• Weight Goal: Onderland 199 lbs

2008 Milestones: 1st Quarter

Posh
Exercise Goals: Follow the AbsDiet workout for 5 days a week. (Includes cardio and weights).
Diet Goals: Awareness Campaign (Focus on portion sizes and increasing fruits and vegetables to 5x daily)
Weight Goal: 199lbs

Sporty
Exercise Goals: Body for Life for Women program 5-6 days/week.
Diet Goals: BFL food plan (with WW influence).
Mind/Body Goals: Daily Bible reading and devotions
Accountability Goals: Journal all foods, blog weekly, weigh-in weekly
Weight Goal: Onderland 199 lbs

2007 Weight Loss

Total lbs lost: 35

Memories:

• WOW Challenges (Especially WOW3)
  
• "How Much Are You Willing to Lose?" Challenge
  
• 2007 Weightloss Countdown with Traineo
• Google Documents
• A lil bit of umph, umph
• We're bringing Healthy back
• Getting in 5 fruits and veggies, daily
• Upping the ante on exercise
• Working out with a personal trainer
• Spintensity class
• Designing and printing the ultimate exercise/diet journal
• The Master Cleanse diet aka the lemonade diet
• This blog
  

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?