Ginger: Psalm 34:1

I just logged on to the site to share something that kind of inspired me. Funny enough, I found a string of related posts! The "where to find inspiration" theme is clearly in the air. Here's the quote that caught my attention this morning:

Nothing tends more to promote health of body and of soul than does a spirit of gratitude and praise...It is a law of nature that our thoughts and feelings are encouraged and strengthened as we give them utterance. While words express thoughts, it is also true that thoughts follow words. If we would give more expression to our faith, rejoice more in the blessings that we know we have - the great mercy and love of God -we should have more faith and greater joy.

Ellen White, The Ministry of Healing, pp. 251-253

I pulled this quote from a shorter article whose author goes on to say:

Our words not only reveal our inner character; they shape it. Let your mouth be filled with praise. Let your lips express thanks to God for His goodness. Watch how praise pulverizes your discouraging feelings. Praise is one of God's mighty weapons to overcome the enemy. Praise is a weapon we cannot afford to be without.

Mark Finley, Solid Ground, p. 139

Praise. The most powerful weapon against fatigue of any kind -diet, dissertation, and life!

Mimi: One Day at a Time Default

Ok, first, a public thank you to Sporty and Ginger who are both convinced that I'll revert back to "on" mode after I turn in my dissertation. It's nice to know others have confidence in you when you don't have it yourself. Yay community!!!

So, I keep on trying to come up with "attempts" to at least keep health and fitness on the radar and stop the creeping up of the scale. So my new plan that I am going to try is to have each day be better in some way than the previous day. Sadly, the way things have been going, that's not going to be so hard!! So the idea is that I'm doing just enough to keep me aware of my choices, but not so much that it's become a primary focus right now.

Here's to doing better than yesterday!

Sporty: Coping with Diet Fatigue

From our posts this week it looks like we are all stuggling with "diet fatigue". Here is an excerpt from an article that makes a lot of sense to me:

"One way to think of approaching your weight-loss journey is to liken the process to that of running a business. In business, you begin with a detailed plan that includes specific information on your goals and what steps you plan to take to achieve them. Also in the plan is a list of possible obstacles you might face and the actions you will take to overcome them should they arise. Once you've thought through and planned for as many variables as you can think of, you open the doors and put the plan into play.

Over time, issues and circumstances will arise that you didn't foresee. But rather than declare the venture a failure and give up, you revisit your plan, fine-tuning it to address and overcome each challenge as it arises....begin with a plan based upon what you know about yourself and your lifestyle adjust it as needed over time to ensure continued advancement toward their goals... [develop] strategies for facing common dilemmas like plateaus and "diet fatigue" to tips for keeping up the momentum, overcoming slip-ups, and preventing the pounds from coming back...Often the reason people have trouble achieving their weight-loss goals is that they lack a comprehensive, long-term plan for achieving success... we find that taking [a] long-term "business plan" approach to the business of health is very effective."

I know that when dealing with diet fatigue the last thing we want to do is make plan but maybe it's worth a shot. What are other things we can do to deal with diet fatigue?

Sporty: Your Success Starts at the End

I just read an article at Coughlin's Fitness & Results. Check this out. Are you person #1 or person #2? Who do you want to be? What would it take?

Sporty: Week 11 (4/26/07)

Almost there...1.4 lbs to go. Thank you God!



This week was challenging - offsite meetings, work was "busy", had a pizza attack, made a personal trainer switch - but in end God pulled me through and I had a good weigh in. For week 12 I'm praying to lose 1.4lbs to get to my 10% goal. I am also excited about the personal trainer switch because this new trainer has charts, gives homework, took progress pictures and seems very committed to her work. Exactly what I'm looking for support and accountability. Tomorrow is our first "real" training - wish me luck.
--
Last week's goals:
Stay within points despite points reduction - 5 of 7 days.
Journal foods daily - Yes.
20 Activity points include 2 PT, 1 Spin, 1 Yoga - No, but earned 23 APs with diffrent exercises.
Good Health Guidelines 5 of 7 days - No. 3 0f 7 days.
3 servings of protein daily - No. 5 0f 7 days.
Plan meals night before 5 of 7 days - No. 1 0f 7 days.
WOW challenge - Yes.

This week's goals: (FINISH STRONG)
Grocery Shop
Plan meals night before 5 of 7 days.
Good Health guidelines 6 of 7 days.
Sleep a min. of 7 hrs/night 5 of 7 days.
Do PT recommended am & pm core stretches daily.
Daily devotions to include prayers for the "strength" to develop & maintain healthy habits.
Earn 28 Activity points

Ginger: The Bottom Line, Part VII (4/19-4/25)

Modified Targets:

* Drink: 32 oz of water on 7 days. NEW
* Stop: Eat all meals + snacks before 8:00 PM on 7 days. NEW
* Lift: Do 2 strength training classes. NEW
* Move: Do 2 cardio workouts. NEW

Stats:

Ginger: Releasing the Pause Button

So, here we are, many weeks into the blog and I'm stuck. Not "don't know what to do" stuck but "need to take it up a notch" stuck. Here's to getting -and staying -on track.

Jill: Another Post

I continue to feel unmotivated and lazy but I'm not letting those feelings get to me. I'm still exercising and on weight watchers. I'm not exercising as often and I'm eating a few things I shouldn't be. I'm taking one day at a time and hope to get back the momentum.

Sporty: Week 10 (4/19/07)

God is good! I thank Him for helping me get through this week despite lunch meetings and hectic work days.



Last week's goals:
WOW challenge - Yes but not fully tuned in.
2 sessions w/personal trainer - No. 1 session due to trainer being sick.
Stay within points daily - No. 6 of 7 days.
Journal all foods - Yes.
WW Good Health Guidelines daily - No. 4 of 7 days.
Grocery Shop - Yes.
Plan meals the night before - Yes.
Earn 20 activity points including 1 spin class, 1 pilates - No. 25 APs, 3 spin, 0 pilates.

This week's goals:
Stay within points despite points reduction.
Journal foods daily.
20 Activity points include 2 PT, 1 Spin, 1 Yoga
Good Health Guidelines 5 of 7 days.
3 servings of protein daily.
Plan meals night before 5 of 7 days.
WOW challenge.

Ginger: Missing Blogger

Name: Posh
Last Post: Friday, April 6 at 8:49 PM


*Please share any comments that may lead to Posh's return.

Ginger: The Bottom Line, Part VI

Last Week:

• Drank: 50 oz of water. No -2 of 5.
• Stopped: Ate all meals + snacks before 8:00 PM. No -3 of 7.
  
• Lifted: Did 2 strength training classes. Yes -2 of 2.
• Moved: Did 2 cardio workouts. No -1 of 2.
  

This Week:

• Drink: 50 oz of water on 5 days
• Stop: Eat all meals + snacks before 8:00 PM on 5 days.
  
• Lift: Do 2 strength training classes
• Move: Do 2 cardio workouts

*What did I learn about "what works" for me + how can I use this information?

I guess I relearned an old lesson that I really should have "down" by now. Preparation works. In other words, buy that water in advance! Sporty had several practical ideas that I'm gonna try this week.

Mimi: The Sweetest Words...

So, I don't know what the situation is like for the rest of you ladies, but my mother has been "not so helpful" in terms of supporting healthy weight loss and positive self-image throughout my life. I was always "big" (to put it euphemistically). And my mom was always on me to lose weight, starting from when I was a little kid. By the time I was in high school, I think I would eat things just to spite her. Not the best of dynamics, obviously. After I left home, we came to an understanding...she wouldn't mention my weight, and we wouldn't fight.

When I started losing weight, she was SO happy. She loved the way I looked, bought me clothes, and constantly complimented me.

I DREADED seeing her after the pounds started creeping back on. Surprisingly, she didn't have anything negative to say...was just gently encouraging (can we say invasion of the body snatchers??!!).

We just had the best conversation Wednesday night. I was on the phone with her lamenting about my weight gain (an unheard of occurrence in the past). Her response? The following:

"Mimi, you still look good. Just finish schooling and then worry about losing weight again. As long as you have God inside you, you'll ALWAYS be beautiful."

Awwwwwww....

Ginger: Be Your Own Cause

Can't we all relate? Love this ad.

Mimi: THIS is the truth...

Ok, I'd like to share with you a conversation I had with Ginger this morning. It's crunch time and I have about a month to finish my dissertation. I keep offering exercise options to Ginger and she is supportive enough to try to work with me. But then I keep cancelling these plans, once made. I then feel guilty for cancelling, sending me into angst. Too much drama around weight, let me tell you. So this morning I had the following to say to Ginger. It went something like this:

"THIS is the truth. Ginger, no matter what I say in the future, I want you to know that right now, what I tell you trumps anything else I might say in the future: Don't believe anything I say about meeting you at the gym."

So what was I thinking? I can't NOT try to plan and do something about eating and exercise. But I can't seem to follow-through. But I don't feel like suffering the guilt of the flaky. This was my solution.

Can you believe that Ginger wouldn't support me on this??!! Me, in my time of need!! All I'm sayin' is that I need the allusion of effort in my life right now. Come May 15th when my draft is turned in, THEN I can really focus. Until then, can't I at least have the lie??!!

Sporty: Week 9 (4/12/07)

What does it take to stay truly energized in the long haul? Yesterday, the google thought for the day was the familiar saying "If you do the same things you get the same results."

Question for us: What "same things" are you doing that are giving you -
a) the results you want
b) the results you do not want


Last Week's Goals:
Stay within points - No. 6 0f 7 days.
Journal all foods - Yes
Build calorie burning lean muscle - 1 strength training - Yes
Burn calories - 4 cardio include 1 spin class - Yes
Support joints and build flexibility - 1 pilates - Yes
Earn 20 activity points - Yes
Pre-plan exercises for the week - Yes
Good health guidelines 5 out 7 days - Yes. 6 0f 7 days

• This week's goals
• WOW challenge
• 2 sessions w/personal trainer
• Stay within points daily
• Journal all foods
• WW Good Health Guidelines daily
• Grocery Shop
• Plan meals the night before
• Earn 20 activity points including 1 spin class, 1 pilates

Ginger: WOW

Hey Sporty -
Are we starting WOW today? Anyone else in?

Jill: Sorry for being a stranger

Here's the update. I've lost 9lbs total since I've started ww, so since my last weighing I'm 188.9. I'm sure I haven't lost anything this week because family from Florida was in town. I haven't stopped exercising which is good and I'm proud of myself about. Next week I promise to get back on track with posting, eating and exercising. I'm going to commit to getting weights and the exercise ball. I really have to get my arms in shape.

Scary: Week 4

Well I have to thank Sporty for reminding me to blog since clearly this week I was WAY OFF. As you can see I have no weight listed. We went to NY for the weekend, I forgot my food log and needless to say I ate whatever. When we got back I meant to weigh in but in the rush of my 2 year old puking all over everything it got lost in the shuffle... So I weighed in the next day after eating and I was like 248 - the next day 245 later 244 - then I decided screw it - I am weighing in next Sunday at my regular time to assess damage. Problem is - I have not been able to get back on track since then... 0 motivation level and we go to Mexico next week and I won't count points... so there goes my "make each week a loss mantra" - maybe I need to focus on exercise and maximising the loss when I am having good weeks so that a couple of small "trip related" gains won't hurt as much. Talked to Ginger - she thought that I could exercise during vacation. I will commit to not overeating - always being comfortable rather than stuffed and trying to do water aerobics 2 times for the week... up until they start the touchy feely part... gross... When I come back my hubby begins body for life and I will be his main cook so I need to start getting in to mode. This should help my eating by default and I will plan to begin counting points hardcore again then. I am also crunching numbers to see if I can afford to try NutriSystem for a month... we will see... I need a big weight loss boost to get me in to gear... something dramatic - to make me care. See you for the week 5 check in - clearly week 4 was a mess :-).

Sporty: Incident at the Gym, part 2

Today I was reminded of two"incidents" that happened at the gym a few weeks ago.

Incident 1:

After my EFX workout I decided to do some strectching exerices. After completing "extensive" leg stretches, I realized in horror, that I had huge hole stretching from my crotch to my mid-thigh. OMG!! I'm pretty sure the man exercising next to me saw more than he wished he had.

Incident 2:

I blame this on premature "thin mint" thinking. I was trying to do a quick switch from the EFX to the treadmill. Instead of walking around the row of efx machines to the row treadmills. I decided that I would squeeze between efx machines. Of course my breasts get stuck between machines then when I finally wiggled free (as graceful as I could manage) I felt myself being "snapped back" turns out that my head phone wires had gotten caught on the efx handle. Wow!

Lastly, yesterday I signed up for a "free" personal training session - mainly because it was free but also because the trainer was "ripped". After a "brutal" training session, I assumed that we were done so I started going to the locker room when he asked me to follow him. To my horror, he led me to the stretch tables and told me to lie down and proceeded to put me through a series of "cirque de soleil" type strectches (didn't know that was included in the "free session"). I tried to act casual but when he started stretching my inner thigh muscles my horror must have shown on my face because he said "What's up girl, you haven't been stretched in a while?". Sooo, embrassing.

Sporty: Grillers and Corn

Forgot how good of a combo this is. Had two grillers and 2 mini-cobs a few minutes ago. A little butter spray, salt on the corn and ketchup, hot sauce on the grillers. Very filling, very tasty all for 8 pts.

Ginger: The Bottom Line, Part V

Last Week:

• Ate: yogurt + vegan protein/calcium sources on 2 of 5 days
  
• Drank: 50 oz of water on of 3 of 5 days
• Lifted: Did 1 of 2 strength training classes
• Moved: Did 2 of 2 cardio workouts
  
• Logged: Tracked meals + snacks on of 4 of 5 days
  
• Stopped: Ate before 7:30pm on of 0 of 7 days

This Week:

• Drink: 50 oz of water on 5 days
• Stop: Eat all meals + snacks before 8:00 PM.
• Lift: Do 2 strength training classes
• Move: Do 2 cardio workouts

*What did I learn about "what works" for me + how can I use this information?

Simplicity works: I will focus on one "food" target at a time! I think I'll get the biggest bang for my buck with the "stop" target -so that's the one that I'm going to emphasize this week.

MiMi: MIA

Since I'VE been gone, Posh, I've been afraid to get on the scale!!

Hey guys, hope all are well. I went walking with Ginger today and yesterday and made the commitment to check in at least once a week. Ginger...come looking for me if you don't see at least one post by each Sunday, ok?

So dissertating is going...which is better than not going, right? But health and fitness has been second priority-- NO GOOD!!! I need to do something so I fit into my graduation gown in June.

I really like the idea of the WOW challenge (thanks Posh, for being willing to wait for me). I LOVE competition, and really need the incentive to stop typing with one hand and putting food in my mouth with the other hand!

When I'm hardcore, I'm HARDCORE...which is why this has been hard for me. I feel like I should still be able to do things that I used to be able to do 40lbs ago. I have to accept that ain't gonna happen.

I'm down with starting next Thursday. That would be the initial weigh-in and measurement, right? (does that mean I should bulk up this week) hehehehe

JUST KIDDING!!!

Posh: Since I've been gone...

Since I've been gone:
1. The visits to this site went from like somewhere in the early 400s to like 6 hundred something...
2. The month changed...
3. I gained 2.2 lbs...
4. I've exercised only 4 times...
5. I lost my 2 liter "water" bottle...
6. I've had fries 4 times as a meal...
7. Fruit and veggies from my i'm-gonna-buy-healthy-stuff-for-the-house shopping spree spoiled...1 watermelon, 6 oranges and 1 head of lettuce...

Sporty: Week 8/Month 2 (4/5/07)

I was super excited after weigh-in today. Sorry Jill for screaming in your ear. Also, sorry to people in line behind me who had to witness my happy dance. LOL! I really wanted to get to 232 today so I was thrilled when the scale said 231.4. 8.2 lbs to my 10% goal. Coincidently, the 10% key chain I got back in 2005 fell on the floor and broke this week. Took it as a sign ... that I have to earn a new one. I can do this, I can do this, I can do this!!!

Last Week's Goals

• Identify 2 ways to stay energized - Yes, mini-challenge & benefits other than weight loss.
• Follow WW Good Health guidelines - 3 of 7 days
• Stay within points - 6 of 7 days
• Journal foods daily - Yes
• Earn 18 APs including 1 strength and 1 pilates- Yes, but barely.
• Grocery shop - Yes
  

This Week's Goals

• Stay within points
• Journal all foods
• Build calorie burning lean muscle - 1 strength training
• Burn calories - 4 cardio include 1 spin class
• Support joints and build flexibility - 1 pilates
• Earn 20 activity points
• Pre-plan exercises for the week
• Good health guidelines 5 out 7 days

Ginger: WOW (Workout and Weight Loss)

Sporty mentioned that she might be up for a mini challenge. I thought I'd throw "WOW" out there and see what you guys think.

How does it work? You do stuff. You get points. We tally our points weekly. The person with the most points = Winner.

Cardio Exercise (3 points)
at least 20 min per session; up to 6/wk.

Strength Training (3 points)
6-8 stations per session; up to 3/wk .

Mind/Body Exercise (3 points)
up to 6/wk.

Food Diary (10 points)
at least 5 days/wk.

Weekly Check In (15 points)
Self-explanatory.

You also get points for pounds and inches lost -but you count those up at the end of the challenge. I made it halfway through the challenge when Mimi and I tried it at the Y. She was a prize winner though, so we have it on good authority that WOW is doable.

Whaddya think?

Ginger: Back to BodyPump

Figure A

There's a weird thing that happens when you don't go to BodyPump for a while. It starts to take on a life of its own -like it's this huge, overwhelming thing that you couldn't possibly do (See Figure A).

You forget how good you feel at the end of the class OR which tracks you really like OR how satisfying it is to "take it up a notch" and feel a random muscle coming in.

I've missed 7 classes due to vacation + "recovery" time (you know how that goes) so the fear factor is definitely in play BUT it's on again starting tomorrow. Mimi and I scheduled a standing BodyPump date on M and F mornings. And by mornings, I mean that the class starts at 6:35 AM.

After class, I'll post an update in the comments section. Stay tuned...

Sporty: Saran Wrap Anyone?

Saw the strangest thing at the gym last night.
Two women were saran-wrapping themselves in the locker room. They saran wrapped their mid-sections, arms and legs.

I had to ask. Their response - it makes you lose inches. Their theory is that you sweat more and the "tight wrap" forces your muscles to work harder. They first oil themselves then wrap their bodies. They told me that they even wear saran wrap under their clothes to work for maximum effect (but cautioned that I should wear a tank top as you tend sweat profusely).

Now I've seen several people working out in plastic outfits but the saran wrap was a new one. A quick search showed that people often use it for quick water weight loss.

Yeah, that was different.

Sporty: Staying Energized

Anyone interested in a mini-challenge? Totally basic, non-stressful.

If yes, ideas?

Scary: Week 3

Last Weeks Weight:
242.8

Current Weight:
242

Weight Lost:
.8 lbs

Weight Gained:
0

Goals For Upcoming Week:
Write Down All Foods
Stay Within Points
Weigh In Next Sunday

Ultimate Goal:
Get to 200 Ilbs

Dream Goal:
Get to 150 lbs

Challenges Experienced Week 1:
Not counting points consistently. Lack of motivation. Not tracking foods after Wednesday. Desire to eat a lot of bogus foods (pizza, fries, ice-cream etc.) without pre-planning.

Anticipated Challenges For Week 2:
Getting back on plan and staying focused in spite of having visitors AND going to NY (the land of great high pointed food) this coming weekend.

Reflections On Results:
I have NEVER been so happy to lose .8 of a pound! God is good and he knew I could not bounce back from a gain this week! This was a rough week and it is only by God's grace that I saw a loss. I was eating less than usual and skipping meals but much WORSE than usual. I stopped tracking after Wednesday and then made a series of poor food choices including pizza, fries, apple pie, ice-cream etc. for the rest of the week. This week I am going to get on task. I am grateful for my loss and will commit to making it worth something! Wish me luck. Since I had used all of my bonus points by Wednesday I have decided this week to go back to the basics on goals... Just track, weigh in and stay in points - I'll use my bonus points whenever I need too. Bring it on week # 3 I'm ready for you!