Did I mention chocolate?

So, I really don't like to mention weakness, but here they are. For some reason, I have been feeling less guilty snacking on these little babies, because I'm pregnant. BAD IDEA! I have been great at exercising still, (thank goodness) but I really need to get ahold of myself for the next few weeks, when the sugar is surrounding me! AHHH! For example, I decided I was going to make some orange stick cookies in a few days. (I got this recipe from my aunt and I've been dying to try it.) First bad idea... Thinking, "I'll just open it up and eat one. I don't really need the WHOLE box of orange sticks for the cookies anyway." Second bad idea...I put them in a secret drawer, where James won't see that I've eaten half the box in 2 days." Third bad idea... I bought another box to make the cookies with! Help me, someone, please!!!

Well, If anyone has any advice, I could probably use it. I do okay passing up the cake and the cookies, usually... but the chocolate? The Caramels? The English tofee???? Really, I'm going to be in big trouble!

Hitting hard

I am so excited that I did not gain any weight over Thanksgiving and hope that with Christmas around the corner, I am just as careful with all the WONDERFUL Treats that come with the holiday. I am ging to hit it hard, but not get crazy over it. I am upping my workouts and really watch what I eat. I don't want to gain any weight back that I have worked so hard to get off.

Keep up the great work all of you and hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving, I did.

Rolyndia

Half Marathon

My walking buddy and I have decided to do one this coming summer and have started training for it now. We walk 4-5 miles every morning but have added running this last week. On Thursday we walked 5.5 miles and ran 2 and this morning we walked 2 and ran 3.5. She is a runner and I know she will do great, but I am not a natural runner. I have always enjoyed pushing myself to try and it has really felt great these last two times that we have ran. I hope by this summer I am fit and in shape to do the half marathon.

Just wanted to share.

Rolyndia

Gaining or losing?

So, I'm now 13 weeks along now. I had another doctor's apt. and my first ultra sound, and everything is looking good. However, instead of gaining the reccomended 3-4 pounds, I lost it. Not that I've ever complained about losing weight...I'm just frustrated that I lose when I try to gain, and gain when I try to lose! Anyway, I know it's because I haven't been feeling well, and I'm sure it will catch up to me in no time.

I've really had to slow it down with the exercising lately. I'm just so exhausted lately, and I don't want to push myself too hard where it becomes unhealthy. I am still exercising 6 days a week, but not quite as strenuous as before. For example, I went to the gym this morning, and usually I would do the elipticle for 20-30 minutes, and burn about 13-14 calories a minute, however, today I did it for 25 minutes and barely burned over 10 calories a minute. I know it's still good because at least I'm doing something, but I've been so use to pushing myself to the max this past summer, that it seems like I'm slacking. I'm sure when my 2nd trimester hits, I'll start feeling better, and be able to step it up a notch again. I really want to be in good shape when I have this baby. Anyway, I'm not dumb enough to hurt myself, so don't worry about that. My baby is most important right now, and I just need to stay healthy for the both of us.

What I DO need to work on is EATING!!! Ahhh. It's just so odd right now, because I don't feel like eating ANYTHING, and yet I'm eating ALL the time to keep me from being nausiated. I've been eating a lot of oatmeal, fiber one bars, and toast when I need something quick. I'll try to cut back on the sugar though this week, and really drink more water. We'll see how it goes.

As for the rest of you...WHERE ARE YOU??? (With the exception of Rolyndia, Aunt Kim, and Hannah. You guys are great.) But for the rest of you....your gonna get it if I don't see an update....ASAP!
QUIT SLACKING! NO EXCUSES!

Well

I am so excited!! I am only a pound from being out ofthe 180's and into the 170's. My goal is getting closer and closer. I wore and skirt and shirt that I bought at the end of the summer and I can now fit into them both. I even tried on my size 12 pants and they fit great every where by the waist. They are alittle tight but in another week or two I can wear them with no problem at all.

I have not been this small in about 10 years or so and it really feels great!!

Getting Harder!

Well, I have been a slacker on here but I have done well with my goals. I have gained about 4 lbs so far in this pregnancy and am 23 weeks a long. I'm sure I've gained more I just haven't been to the Dr's office to weigh in almost 4 weeks. I go this Thursday, so I will have a new weight to post I'm sure.

I have been feeling better and my appetite has really kicked in which has made it harder for me to eat healthy b/c I want to eat EVERYTHING!!! Especially with Halloween season and all the treats and cookies in the store...TORTURE!!! I did give in a few times and had myself a treat but I have still been good with the exercising. However, it is getting harder to keep on track because of my appetite and also because I have been having major ligament pains, backaches and tightening in the abdomen (Braxton Hicks). I wasn't able to walk or exercise at all last week b/c of these things and also b/c I started to spot. So, I'm not sure how long I will be able to hit the gym. I have a history of preterm labor so I am just waiting for my Dr's appt. this Thursday to find out what I can and can't do. Kind of stinks....wish me luck!

I'm back

Sorry, it's been awhile. If you didn't already know, I found out I'm expecting again, and I'm about 10 weeks along. This wasn't planned, but we are excited. It's been a real adjustment for me so far with being healthy, since I've been feeling so sick and tired. I have made it a goal to still exercise 6 days a week, (just maybe not quite as hard), and eat good. I kind of stopped exercising the first trimester with Carson when I felt sick, and I had a hard time gettting back into the groove of it when I wasn't sick. With Kenzie, I never stopped exercising, and it made a big difference. I actually don't feel quite as sick in the mornings when I just get up and do it.

My doctor wants me to gain 25-35 pounds with this pregnancy. I gained 35 with Carson, lost all the baby weight, and only gained 30 with McKenzie. I'll try to shoot for 30 again, and hopefully I'll be able to stay in shape throughout the whole pregnancy. I'm sure it will be easier to eat better when I'm not feeling sick all the time. Aunt Kim and I can have some similar goals now... I guess, since she is pregnant too. I still need help staying motivated though. I don't want to get it in my mind that I'm pregnant now, so it doesn't matter what I eat! I want to stay healthy, and control what I eat, because I think it will make me feel better while I'm pregnant, and it will be easier to lose the baby weight afterwards.

Exercising routine

Monday: Walk for an hour
Tuesday: Elipticle 20-30 minutes
Wednesday: Gym (6:00am...ugh!) Cardio 20 minutes, weights 40 minutes
Thursday: Walk an hour
Friday: Gym. Cardio 20 minutes, weights 40 minutes
Saturday: Elipticle, or toning class at ISU

Eating habits....

....saltines....here I come.

(plus lots of healthy snacks, and lots of water!)

Hello??

Where is everyone?? I hope all of you are doing great and hanging in with your exercise/eating programs with it getting colder outside.

I have decided to cut out all treats until Thanksgiving. I started on October 19th and have gone almost a week with no treats. It has been hard, but I can tell a huge difference in how I feel.

But watch out because on Thanksgiving day, I am eating a whole pumpkin pie slathered in whip cream by myself, LOL!!!


Rolyndia

Feeling good

Since Tyler and I have started our P90X program 6 weeks ago, I have lost 9 lbs! And last week we took a much needed week long vacation (sans kids) and ate horribly (like luscious NY cheesecake, famous pizza's and steak, etc, etc) and didn't work out except for walking literally miles everyday around Boston and NYC and running once during the week. And anyway, I think I gained about 3 lbs but have already lost 2 from getting back to a normal eating schedule. I have enjoyed this workout. It is more time consuming (1 hr 15 min every day) and comes with a strict diet but I FEEL great.

I am no longer 180 lbs (gulp) and I can fit easily into my size 12 jeans. I love the feeling of having clothes fit a little loosely.

Anyway, as the holidays come on starting w/Halloween I have to truly resist and make goals like Cami Jo, to eat a limited amount of treats (actually, this diet doesn't allow any--but who can say no on Thanksgiving day!). So, my goals for the next 2 months are to CONTROL my passions and appetites for goodies.

Five down, five more to go.

Well, I finally did it! This morning I weighed in at 130lbs! I'm super excited. I'm not sure what really happened. I did start adding weight lifting to my workouts again, and maybe that seemed to help. Who knows! All I care about is I did it, and feel great! Now....125 sounds like a good goal. I'm not really as concerned about the weight, as how I look and feel. I just want clothes to fit cute, and feel good about myself. If I can accomplish that, I don't care what the scale says. (easier said than done though.)

Anyway- here are a few tips I've been trying lately



1st tip: Every Sunday night I plan exactly what my treats will be that week. I decide how many treats I will allow myself, and then plan for them. For example... last week I knew that I would be at a wedding with cheesecake on Thursday, and my little boy's birthday party was Friday night, with cake and ice cream. I decided that these would be my treats for the week. This way, if something came up, unexpected, I could more easily pass it up, because I had already planned out what I was allowed that week. Usually if I go off sugar completely I can do it, but I get in trouble when I decide that I'll eat treats "sparingly" What the heck does that mean anyway? I never stick to a few, I end up going overboard, and feeling crappy about myself. But, since I've been doing this, for some reason it has seemed to help!

2nd tip: I only eat half. This mainly goes with the treat thing. When I crave something good like icecream, or brownies, I tend to eat every last drop, when really even a few bites will satisfy my craving. Now, only eating half is really hard to do when it's still sitting in front of you. Hence, I have a few minor tips to help you only eat half. (These work great!)
1-When I've eaten half, I put my dirty napking on top of the other half, like I'm done. I do this, quickly before I have time to change my mind. Once the napkin is on top, it's really awkward to take it back off to have another bite! (You also look totally retarded!)
2- If the napkin isn't enough, I always put in a piece of gum, or go brush my teeth when half of it is gone. That way- it really doesn't taste as good to have another bite later.

3rd tip: The third tip has also really been working for me the past few weeks. I realize that I always eat too much. I have a hard time stopping until I'm completely stuffed! So...to help me out with this, I've been drinking one full glass of water before a meal, or a snack, and that way I'm not nearly as hungry. Then, if I find myself thinking maybe I want seconds, I take another FULL glass of water, and usually I'm too full by this point to want anymore at all.

Anyway, these few tips have helped me out a lot the past few weeks. Maybe you guys could give some a try and see how it goes. Let me know what you think!

Found my Groove

Just in time to not be able to work out for the last few days. Two of my kiddo's had their tonsils and adenoids out and I am dead to the world. If I sit or stand in one place for more than 5 seconds I start to fall asleep. I have not been this tired since the kids came home from the hospital when they were born. I can't remember the last time I ate and I eat again. I don't think I am eating anything bad, just snacking here and there more than really eating a meal. I am hoping by Monday to be back into the groove of working out and sleeping.

Have a great weekend.

Rolyndia

In a Funk

But working my way out of it. We went camping this last weekend and it was a lot of fun, but those dang DELICIOUS dutch oven meals. I won't go into detail, but I think I gained weight. Since getting home on Saturday night, I have not wanted to eat healthy but doing it any way. I started working out twice a day for three days of the week. I added weight lifting to my walk/run. I am hoping to get past my funk and see a great loss in the next week or two. I do have some good news though. I went to the Temple last week with hubby and my Temple dress was too big and hubby stepped on the skirt and just about pulled it off. It was funny. Today we went again and I had a Temple dress hanging in the closet that I have not worn for 8 years but was keeping it for "one of those days, I will wear this again", well it was TODAY. It fit perfect and it was a little lose. YEAH!!!!!

Just wanted to share my up and down with you. I feel better already.

Rolyndia

Allison competes!

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Ivan and Jenna dance!

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Allison competes!

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Some fun

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Playing Defense

Okay, I may not be as upbeat about all of this as Rolyndia. (go her!) Anyway, I've been a little...well... a LOT frustrated lately with all of this. I feel like I've worked harder than I ever have in my life, being healthy that is, and I'm not "seeing" any change! Now, don't get me wrong, I'm "feeling" really good, and in shape, but I want to SEE some results! I've been eating so well, and exercising constantly, and I have lots of energy now, but nothing LOOKS any different to me! I still weigh in at about 133, which is only 2 pounds less than what I was when I started this blog on June 28th! That's 3 months! 3 months of hard work for 2 pounds? Is that the best that I can get? It's getting harder to stay motivated when I'm not seeing any results. I know I should just be glad I'm healthy, and get over it, but it's so hard for me. I feel like I'm in some game and the coach is only letting me play defense. Sure I'm doing great not GAINING weight, but I want to play a little offense here and actually LOSE some!

So...that wasn't very positive was it? Sorry about that. But...does anybody have any advice for me? Any new challenge to help keep me motivated? I'm getting desperate here!

Here is what I've been doing

Mondays: Walking 4 miles
Tuesdays: Elipticle 30 minutes HARD. Sit-ups, resistance bands 15 minutes.
Wednesdays: Gym. Cardio 20 minutes. Weights and toning 40 minutes.
Thursdays: Walking 4 miles
Fridays: Gym. Cardio 20 minutes. Weights and toning 40 minutes.
Saturdays: Elipticle or Tae Bo
Sundays: Relax!

I've tried to change up my exercises everyday, to get better results. I also need to buckle up again with eating. I've had a couple of days to pity myself, and I've eaten too much cake and candy. Go figure. Back to square one today, and hopefully it won't take much longer to see some results! Wish me luck!

My week

I have walked Monday and Tuesday for a total of 7 miles. Today I walked 2 and ran 1 mile. I started on July 23rd and have lost 11.1 lb so far and figured ourthe math and have 28 more to go to my goal. I can tell a hugh difference and I can almost fit into my 12's. I have not worn 12's in about 10 years. I am SO EXCITED!! Now if I could talk hubby into staying home and not camping every weekend, I think I would be down a few more pounds, LOL!!

Hello To All!

Let me introduce myself. My name is Kim and I am Cami's aunt. I am 33 years old...34 in less than a month but hey, I'm HOLDING on to that 33 for as long as I can! I have four beautiful kids with another one on the way...due at the end of February 2009. I have been thin my whole life thanks to my mother's genetics and I have been able to eat anything I want and any amount of it all my life without worrying about gaining weight. However, I have noticed this last year that I am gaining more easily and quickly than I am losing. I guess it's finally catching up to me!

For the last several months I have wanted to start eating healthier and BEING healthier. I can really tell in my energy and the way I feel when I haven't been eating right and just downing the junk food all day. I get into these really good grooves of exercising but they don't always last. I love my sugar and have never had to diet in my life so it's hard to stay motivated to eat healthy and exercise.

I have started out this pregnancy weighing 10 lbs more than I ever have with any of the other pregnancies. My goal at this point is not to lose weight, obviously, but to gain a healthy amount of weight in a healthy way. I also want to stay fit during this pregnancy hoping that I will feel good physically and recover better when the baby is born. The healthier I am during this pregnancy the better it is for my baby, too! After the baby is born then my goals and routine will change. I am determined to get healthy and STAY healthy and I'm hoping that being part of this blog will help me stick to it! I have a little boy who is 4 so I have to try and get to the gym while he is at preschool Tues. and Thurs. My life is so crazy so it's hard to get there to exercise but my plan is to try and go at least 3 times a week.

I started yesterday and this is my plan:

1. Right now I need healthy calories so I am watching my fat and sugar intake. Less sweets, going to 1% or skim milk instead of 2%, Fat free or low fat foods, more veggies, less starch and sodium...etc. Oh, and drinking MORE water! I am cutting out all sodas and sugary drinks. Water is good!

2. Walking at least 2 miles a day. If I can do more I will.

3. Leg curls with 30 lb weights at 5 reps of 10.

4. Leg lifts with 20 lb weights at 5 reps of 10.

5. Calf raises, 4 reps of 10 each side.

6. arm curls, 5 reps of 10.

This will obviously have to change as I get larger and further along in my pregnancy but it's a start! I'm excited to be part of this blog and will keep you all posted on my progress.

My first 5k

Well, I accomplished my goal! I ran a 5k! You can read more about it on my blog here. I could not run it as impressively as Cami Jo in 30 minutes but I did it and it was mostly uphill. I feel very happy and keep thinking about doing another one!

But I am also happy today bcse for the first time in a veeeeeeerry long time I did not feel the dreaded muffin top. You know when your waist puckers over your pantline. And I think it's due to my diet and workout regime. Last week, in preparation for the 5k I ran a 5k 2x, did plyometrics, ran 2.5 miles one day and rested the day before. Then of course the 5k. But I've run a lot in a week before and not lost my muffin top. I really think that, for my body type, diet is very important. As I mentionoed a few posts ago my husband and I have started a new work out/diet regime. It was his idea so it's been great to have his support. He wanted to get buff and I wanted to lose weight. It's called P90x or beachbody. At first I didn't like the idea of turning my body into a washboarded beanpole. But I don't think I will. I was also skeptical of the diet. Fearful and stressed even. but I realized it's bcse I do not like to change my eating habits. I was so used to my comfort foods and emotional eating. I did not think, mentally, I could control my appetite. But in the last week and a half that we've done this I've been amazed! Yes, the workouts are 6x weekly, 1 hour daily. It's a big commitment in that area but it's the dieting that I thought I would struggle with. But they spell everything out for us. It does take time, a little more $ and more meal planning efforts to keep up the diet but it's like having our own dietitian. Basically, we're not allowed sugar (except honey and 1 serving of fruit or dried fruit), A LOT of protein in the fat burning phase, 1 carb a day and less dairy and fat. We're allowed snacks and put protein powder in drinks, protein bars, etc. It's really strict but I've already noticed the difference! Anyway, this is turning into a novel....check it out if you want to really make a difference. It's a 9o day program and does cost about $150 to get started. But it's a lifestyle change for our whole family. (we will be able to eat more carbs and less protein by the end) And my muffin top is going away! Size 1o/12 jeans, here I come!

A Day of Fun

I have decided to have a day of fun and eat whatever I feel like today. I have not gone crazy, but I really think I needed a day like today. I made a really good salsa (check out my blogsite, I posted it on there) and had chips, which I never have and bought some candy to eat with some popcorn tonight while watching a movie at home with hubby. I even made banna, peanut butter, chocolate chip cookies, too die for and had one (okay two).

Doing this had really helped me in my slump of working out and dieting. Back to eating healthy tomorrow and working out on Monday.

Have a great week!!!

Rolyndia

Back to work

So...I'm back. I had a good family reunion, but I'm ready to hit it hard again. I did pretty good on my trip. I exercised everyday except Sunday, since they had a fitness room at the hotel, however, I didn't eat as good as I wished I did. Oh well though. It's over now, and all I need to worry about is getting back into the groove of things again.

I'm worried that with the seasons changing, my motivation will slack a little. I really want to work hard though, so hopefully I can see some results to help keep me motivated!

Here's my goals this week:

1- Exercise everyday except Sunday.

2- Eat good. (Less snacks, nothing after 7:00pm, Limit 1-2 treats a week, etc.)

3- Drink more water!

We'll see how I do this week. Keep working ladies!!!

Hard Week

This week has been hard and it is not over yet for me. The last week I only lost .7 pounds. I know that it is still a lost but I was hoping for more. But I have gone down hill since. I have not gained any weight, but I have not lost any either. I need to get back into the seat and take back over driving my weight loss to a victory. I don't want to give up and I have been working and it has been a little harder even though I am taking my lunch with me.

I fee better now that I told you how I am feeling and tomorrow is another day and a great day to get back into the work outs and eating healthy.

Hope all of you are doing great and seeing results with your success.

My race

Well, I ran my race! I posted about it on my other blog, and I really don't want to dowload the pictures again, so if you care to see, go to...

www.funfamilyoffour.blogspot.com

BYE!

Missing in Action

Well, I have only posted once, a long time ago. My name is Hannah. I haven't posted since then, because, well to be honest, I haven't lost any weight and I've gone through a lot of ups and downs in the "losing weight" department. But I have been working consistently since then. I still have a goal of losing 20 lbs but I don't think it will happen before I get pregnant again (unless I don't get prego in the next few months....) anyway, a bit too much info.

I have not been as diligent as I should have been about not eating sugars but I have worked my tail off. So I got frustrated and starting eating crap again bcse I wasn't seeing results fast enough. And then I'd feel sick and gross from eating all the junk and eat healthier again. It's the viscous cycle. And then my husband had pity on me (or perhaps bcse he wants to be more like Edward, the solid rock vampire that he does read....heehee, or perhaps bcse he doesn't like listening to me complain) and was inspired by one of those work out infomercials and bought this at home workout DVD program. It's a 90 day thing that is supposed to make you ripped. Plus it comes w/a very strict nutrition plan. Well, we're both going to attempt it starting it this week. And as the program states, I am not concerned about the excercising, bcse I already make that commitment anyway. It's the "dieting" that most people will struggle with. People don't see ther results bcse they do not follow the "rules" of the nutirition plan. But we're working on it together and I hope we can establish healthier life long eating habits for our entire family in additon to me losing weight and feeling healthier.

So, that is my long story. BUT I did run my first 3.2 miles yesterday for the first time ever! The most I've run is 2.5. And I only stopped for a little bit! I was so happy with myself! Such a high. So I signed up for my first 5k race in 2 weeks! I am excited, a little scared and ready to get running lots of miles!

Thank you all for your inspiration! Here's to gaining confidence (yeah, Roylinda!) and looking great. But most importatnly, feeling great!

Hello fellow Being Healthy and Loving It Sisters

Well, I have lost a total of 8 pounds in 4 1/2 weeks. Not bad I must say so myself. I have a few more to go, but I am feeling great. People are starting to notice and at first I was not happy about that. Let me explain, my first thought was "Man, I must be bigger than I thought!!!". But I have come to realize, that I truly was and that I am okay with it because I am loosing the weight and LOVING IT!! I tried on a skirt (super cute and cheap from Kohl's, I think I only paid 5 for it on clearance) I bought about 8 months or so ago and I could zip and it looked good, not great, a little tight around the hips, but I know in the next 2 -3 weeks I will be wearing it. WATCH OUT HERE I COME!!! (LOL). Any way, I hope all of you are having great success and can't wait to hear about all of your success!!

Have a great Labor Day weekend!!!

My bragging post

My past week was AWESOME!!! I didn't have sugar until Friday night at Island Park, along with a little on Saturday. Other than that, NONE! I drank like 80 ounces of water a day, and used the bathroom more times than I could count! I never ate after 7:00pm, and I snacked on fruits and vegies and whole grains (and a few sugar free wafer cookies, here and there). I stuck to my exercising goals, and I'm pumped for this Saturday's race. It's amazing how good I felt about myself all week long. I'm TOTALLY doing it again this week. It wasn't even as hard as I thought it would be. Once I put my mind to it, I was fine. Hopefully, I can keep up this motivation. I am trying to buy more healthy snacks to keep around the house, instead of junk. It's easier that way. Anyway- the same plan goes for this week, except a few changes in exercising.

Monday- Run 5k
Tuesday- elipticle 35 minutes...HARD
Wednesday- Run 5k
Thursday- elipticle 35 minutes...HARD
Friday- Walk 4 miles
Saturday- RUN MY 5k....IN MY RACE!

Wish me luck this week! I'll let ya know how it goes!

By the way, after my race, I'm bagging the running. Not that I haven't loved it, to my surprise, I've enjoyed it quite a bit, but I am KILLING my poor shins. They've been hurting so bad these past few weeks. I have been doing all sorts of things to help them like inserts for my shoes, stretches, ibuprofen before I run, etc., but I think the best idea is to give running a break for awhile. I'm just glad I've worked hard so I can say that I've done an actual 5k. This is big for me, since I've NEVER been a runner. It's great to challenge yourself in different ways sometimes. It kind of boosts your self-esteem when you actually accomplish something that was hard to do. Okay, Okay, enough babbling. Sorry if I was a little braggy today. I'm just suprised at how well I did this past week. We'll see if I can keep it up this week! Wish me luck!

Another Week Down

This last week has been pretty hard for me. We went camping for three days and my kids started 1st grade today. I gained .07 pounds which is REALLY good considering all the stress and depression I have had this week. But my goal is to loss the .07 and a few more pounds this next week. I am helping a friend clean apartments for the next week and a half and that is my workout for now. I will continue to walk on Saturdays, but I won't be able to walk while cleaning apartments. I am so tired afterwards that I don't think I would survive walking also. I get a REALLY good workout and use every muscle cleaning. At least I hope I am, LOL!!

Have a great week!!

Hardest...ummm.. I mean HEALTHIEST 2 weeks of my life!

Okay girls. Rolyndia is my motivation here. She sounds like she's doing awesome! I'm going to hit it harder than I ever have in my whole life for the next 2 weeks! In exactly 2 weeks from today I have a race to run!!! AHHH! I ran this morning with my friend, and we decided we needed to buck up and start running at the time of the actual race....9:30am. It was SO FLIPPING HOT! I was impressed that I made it in 33 minutes and 10 seconds with how hot it felt. It was actually a pretty cool morning compared to other days too! Anyway, I am going to be completely strict for 2 weeks, and see where that leaves me. I'm not going to step on a scale until my RACE DAY. I'm not too nervous about winning the race, beacuse I don't really care about beating anybody else in this race, I just want to beat MY OWN time. I am going to drink tons of water too these next few weeks. I think this will help. Everytime I even THINK about snacking, I'm going to take a big drink first. I am also going to be strict on not eating after 7:00pm. And...Last but not least... NO SUGAR. I have purchased a couple of sugar free snacks to keep me going when I NEED something sweet. Other than that....it's off limits! I'm going to Island Park with my Young Women next weekend, and that will probably be the hardest time for me. Anyway, as for exercising this next week, it will go like this:

Monday: Run 1 mile- Walk 4 miles
Tuesday: Run 3.1 miles at 9:30
Wednesday: Elipticle 30 minutes and toning 20 minutes
Thursday: Run 3.1 miles at 9:30
Friday: Run 1 mile- Walk 4 miles
Saturday: Take Young Women on a hike
Sunday: BREAK!!

Wish me luck everyone. This could be the HEALTHIEST two weeks of my life if I can stay motivated!

Home and. . . healthy

So, life has been absolutely crazy, but I believe it will begin to be normal again - a perfect time to start again. I actually haven't been doing all that bad. I have pretty much given up diet Coke (a recent addiction) and due to the lack of sweets in my house (and the lack of money to buy more) I haven't been too bad at eating sweets either. My 1 sweet tooth is for Otter Pops. Those things are fabulous. With only 25 calories per pop, they totally hit the spot, and they have water in them, too! :) So - there's my tip. Eat an otter pop! Plus - your kids will love them. And they're only like 4 cents a piece! Much better than a candy bar at 60 cents a piece with 350 calories!!!

OK - off my soapbox. Since life is starting to calm down, I am going to tell everyone my goals and start sticking to them. I am going to begin by exercising every day. Since I don't know what my hubby's schedule is, I will just go as follows. If he opens - I will do my workout video (it's Turbo Jam - it kicks butt!) or go walking with the ladies in the neighborhood. If he closes - I am going to go running. There's a 3 mile loop that we walk that I would love to be able to run. As far as eating - that's usually not as bad as not exercising, but I'm going to stock my fridge full of fruits and vegis and whole grains. In order to be truly honest about this, I'm going to follow the example of others and write EVERYTHING down.

OK, that's all. And a quick get to know you from me in case you missed it earlier - I am an almost 25 year old mother of 2 (Sara is 1 and Kirk is 3). My husband and I live right by Layton, UT where he works in retail. I am a stay at home mom. :) And here's an updated pic. I think I look gross and fat (especially next to my skinny hubby and kids) but maybe that will motivate me to keep going - so that all of you can see how skinny I get!

Feeling Good

So I have been at this now for two weeks and I have lost 7 pounds so far. I have 28 more to go. I am excited and enjoying the walking and the attempt at running. I have been eating healthy and writing down EVERYTHING I eat. It has helped a lot.

Keep up the great work ladies and hope all of you reach your goals.

Starting Somewhere

So, as I mentioned earlier I am not a runner. I get really bad shin splints and I have no endurance. I can't even run a mile without passing out. I need to slowly build up my endurance and so I plan on running as long as I can starting today and each day increase it by a minute or two. I know that sounds pathetic, but I gotta start somewhere. 

As far as my diet goes, I need to make some major changes. I have a HUGE sweet tooth. Mostly cookies, but I love all sweets. It's really going to be hard for me to cut out sugar but I need to try. Any healthy recipes would really help. I'll update you all on my status at the end of the week.

Blog list

So I finally added all of our blogs to the side, so we can get to know eachother better. If I've added anybody who DOES NOT want to be there, just let me know. Also, if I've missed someone, send me your blog link again. I think I've only missed Hannah, because I don't know yours, and Shellie (my mom) because she doesn't have one.

I'm at home still, and doing...hmm...we'll say OKAY. I'm fine exercising, but my brother's homecoming yesterday was a little tough. There were cookies EVERYWHERE! ALL DAY LONG! I'm starting strong today though, and I think I'm going to go running with James' sister who is going to be running a half marathon in 2 weeks. Amazing huh. She usually runs about 3 miles a day, and then builds up on Saturdays. Last Saturday she went 9 miles. I can't even imagine! Anyway, I'll catch up to ya later! Hope you're all doing well as we end up the Summer!

Hello Ladies

Hi everyone! I'm new to this "love yourself healthy" blog and I'd like to introduce myself. My name is Rachel and I'm related to both Jill and Jenna (I'm actually their husbands cousin). Anyway, I have 2 kids. Austin is 3 1/2 and Brooke is just over a year. I have a great husband named Anthony who I have been married to for almost 6 years. We are currently living in Utah.

I saw this link on Jill's blog and after reading all the posts I got really excited because I too want to lose a few pounds and get into shape. I think this is a great way to motivate myself. So here are my goals:

1. Lose 12 pounds by my anniversary (Nov. 23rd)

2. Eat healthier 

3. Run a 5k without stopping by April 2009 (no laughing... this is going to be really hard for me because I am so not a runner)

I'm really going to need a lot of support and so I'm looking forward to using this blog site as a way to motivate myself through all you girls. By the way, for all of you out there that have run a 5k (JILL) any advice you could give me would be great! I have no idea where to even start. So, to everyone I say may the healthy living force be with you. :) 

Back from Camp

Well I'm back from Girl's Camp! We had a great time, and because of the "Bear" situation, we weren't allowed to take any food out of the lodge, which really helped my snacking problem! I didn't do as bad as I expected. Plus, on Wednesday, we wen't on a massive hike, and really worked our legs. Then on Thursday we wen't on a 3 hour canoe trip down the Teton River and got a pretty good arm workout. Somethings better than nothing!

Anyway, since I have a big week this week, (we're going home for my highschool reunion on Saturday, my brother's Homecoming on Sunday, and my Anniversary this week as well,) I decided to really hit it hard since I got home on Friday. I decided no treats until I'm home. Yep. It's only Tuesday, but I'm still sticking with it! (Minus a piece of Zuccini bread, but hey...does that really count? It is a vegetable!!!)

As far as my goal goes, I'm only down to 133, and I was hoping to be down to 130 by this weekend. Oh well. I still feel pretty good about myself, because I've been trying and I think that's all that matters. If I keep working at it, I'll get there.

Goals this week: No treats until I'm back in Utah. ----then....SPARINGLY!
Drink more water.
Exercise everyday except Sunday.
Run on Wednesday, and at least once when I'm home.


How are the rest of you doing? Mom? Melissa? Haven't heard from ya in awhile! I'm still keeping tabs on ya!

Back in the saddle!!

I know that the title is funny, but I'm in my husband's small hometown and it always turns me into somewhat of a cowgirl. :) Life has been extremely crazy to us lately. We had a huge 24th of July party (a state holiday in Utah), then the progressive dying of Paul's grandmother, and my little baby's 1st birthday. Anyway - suffice it to say that any thoughts of a healthy lifestyle are completely kaput.
OK - sorry that I haven't put anything about me on here, though. My blog is paulandlisathomas.blogspot.com. Feel free to visit to find out more about me. :)
Now - on to my new plans. I don't know how many of you are LDS, but I've had a hard time with fad diets lately because of my faith. The Word of Wisdom teaches to eat meats sparingly, and even the diet I am on says to eat meats ALL DAY LONG. So, I have modified my goals. Now, first off, I have to say that this will not take effect until probably next Monday. We still have a funeral and wedding to go to this week. My inspiration comes from this article:

http://www.lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD&locale=0&sourceId=86c33645a2cba110VgnVCM100000176f620a____&hideNav=1
I am going to buy lots of fruits, vegis and whole grain foods. I will eat healthy - but not yucky stuff or too much of 1 food group. I also plan to watch my portions and my snacks. Last of all, I am going to start running. I ran a lot while I was college, but have lost the fire. I am going to upload my favorite songs onto my ipod and find a time to run the 3 miles that has taken me an hour a day to walk. I really really want to run a 5K like all my friends are doing. So, I will keep everyone updated!

YEAH!!

I have lost 4.4 lbs this week. I am so excited. I have 35.6 to go. Not a big deal!! I walked M-F this week and was too tired to walk this morning, plus some how I got a blister on my left foot and I need to let it heal.

Hope all of you had a great week also.

Here we are

Hello AMAZING WOMEN! You are the best examples (especially Jill - congratulations on reaching your goal)! Last week, I started off great (Monday-weights, Tuesday-cardio) then I slacked off and fell off of the wagon. And I have not restarted -- Boo! Hiss! Reading this website has remotivated me and I WILL go to the gym tomorrow!

Here are some family pictures. Of course, I could only find pictures of my husband and I apart but atleast there is something. You are welcome to visit our blog - www.ivanandjennafamily.blogspot.com



Hiking on Pioneer Day at Silver Lake Resevior - Me and Allison


Hike and Picnic at Cecret Lake - Ivan and Allison

I Finally Did It!

So it has been my goal for a while to be able to run the 5k without stopping. I finally did it today. I met Michelle, Cami and Mary this morning and we had a fun run. Michelle ran by me and kept encouraging me not to stop. She was just what I needed! THANKS MICHELLE! And poor Mary's shoes were too small. By the time she finished under her toenail was all black and I'm sure it will be falling off soon. Poor Mary. Anyways, I feel great. Someone to run with was just what I needed.

My week in review

This week I think I did pretty good at staying on track. I walked 6 days and most of it was up hill. Today I walked 1 mile and than ran 2 and than walked the last mile. Granted most of my running was down hill, it is a start, right? Eating wise I think I did okay, I have room for improvement. I had 1/2 cup of ice cream and a cookie when we got back from the Temple. But other wise this week I did pretty good. I found that if I have plain yogurt and a big bowl of fresh fruit, I don't grab the other stuff to eat. Also, I always have a big bowl of salad already made up and eat it during the week. Sundays are hard for me, but I a may try to get the family to go for a stroll and see how it goes.

Picture

I can't find a current picture on my computer and I don't know where my disc are at the moment. But feel free to check out my blog at http://www.steiner5family.blogspot.com/ and you can see a picture of me there. We live in Rexburg. I go walking every morning except for Sunday at 6:00a and walk for an hour, if any lives close by feel free to join.

Getting to know Cami

Okay, Jill. You asked for it. Here is a picture of my precious family. That's me on the top right, with my amazing husband James holding me close to his side. Hopefully this health blog will be able to help my facial hair too. This 5:00 shadow of mine, is really starting to bug. Our two kids are amazing. That's Carson on the left, with his sweet little sister McKenzie on the right. We couldn't be a happier family. Okay. Just kidding. I couldn't help myself though! Don't ask me why, but this picture was already downloaded in my files on the computer, so I thought, "What the heck?"

This is James and I. You can check out my blog at www.funfamilyoffour.blogspot.com to see more pictures of us, and mainly pictures of the kids. We live in Pocatello, while James is going to Pharmacy school. I'd love to get to know you all better, and so I'll be checking often to see some pictures of you sexy ladies! (Come on- it can't be worst than mustache-mama!)

I've done really well at exercising 6 days a week, but I'm still struggling with eating better. I feel like I've hit the wall that Jill was talking about. I'm worried (with Girl's camp coming up, and going home to visit over my anniversary), that I'm going to really have a hard time with the junk food, if I don't set some really strict rules. I want to do good. I really do! Why can't it just happen for me? Okay- I'm going to be better. My goal of 3 treats last week has gone to pot! I think I probably ate all 3 treats in one day. I am going to snack more on healthy food, and this is my new idea. I heard somewhere that if you want to eat something unhealthy- tell yourself you can, ONLY after you eat at least 2 healthy things, (for example: and apple and a handful of almonds or a big glass of water). In most cases, you won't be so hungry and you'll either decide you don't really want the junk anymore, or at least you won't eat as much of it because you won't be so hungry. So...I'm going to give it a try. I struggle mostly with small things like- a piece of licorice, or a salt water taffy. Things that I think won't really be that damaging. I just don't know how to really limit myself. Once I pop in a few nibs, I don't stop. Maybe this new idea will work. I'll let you all know next week!

Can't wait to see your pictures!!!

Tip

Do you guys know about www.mapmyrun.com? You can map out a rout and it tells you how many miles and the elevation. It's a great tool Cami told me about. You should check it out.

It's been a while

Im so glad to see that Jenna joined. I like your idea about the sweet peas. Ill have to try them. I have been hooked on dried bananas right now. You should give those a try. They are a crunchy chip like treat :)
I think that we should all do a post with our pictures and where we live so we can get to know everyone a little better. And if we know where we live we can help eachother with workouts. Maybe meeting at the gym or for a run, or watching someones kids so they can go.
I was reading what Lisa wrote and I totally understand where she is coming from. It seemes like every two to three weeks after you start working out you hit a wall. The excitement and fun of something new is gone and its hard to get motivated. The only thing that helps me is finding a friend to workout with. I have not been very good this week about working out so I decided to go with Cami and Michelle (blog members) on Saturday. They are both much better runners than I am but hey, what better motivation. Hopefully they will let me continue to run with them and give me the kick in the behind I desperatly need right now.

So here is my picture and where I live. I'd love to see what all of you look like and get to know you a little better.

Well, you can tell Im the one always taking the pictures because this is the only one I can find with me in it. Thats me, my husband Eric, and daughter Ayden. I live in Pocatello and my blog address is jchatterley.blogspot.com. If you guys have a blog I'd love to see it. It would be a good way to get to know eachother better. Maybe we should add them to the links on the side like cami did.

Getting more veggies

Just a idea..... pea pods! They are sweeter, you have to snap off the ends so you eat them so you eat them slower, and before you realize it you have eaten 1-2 servings of veggies. I know you can buy them at Walmart and a big bag at Costco. And kids love them too. They are a great snack to have around the house. Give them a try!
Jenna Chatterley

Introducing myself

Hello my name is Jenna Chatterley, Jill Goffin Chatterley is my sister-in-law and invited me to this website and it is the most perfect timing. I am just starting back to working out, I started on Monday. My husband is starting his own exercise blog and I could proudly say that I didn't want to be in his blog because I was already in my own women's group!!!

I have an 8 month old little girl and I am working 3 nights a week as a nurse, so trying to figure out when to eat, eat healthy while I am working, sleep, watch my daughter, and workout is a stretch. I started back at the gym with weights and cardio this week. So far the working out is going well, but the eating is not the easiest while working nights - I just want french fries and they are so good a the hospital!!! Anybody out there have any experience with working night and how to structure an eating schedule???? I am clueless.

Also, if anyone wants to workout together, I live in Murray, Utah.

Happy to be supported by the ladies!
Jenna Chatterley

Hot Days. . . not so hot progress!

So, unfortunately I have lost all motivation to lose weight. Seriously. I don't even care. I'm sick of eating right and tired of exercising with no visible results. I know that I'm not strict enough with my diet and I should try harder, but healthy food is SO expensive. And going walking doesn't do me any good - I need a challenge. Unfortunately, my husband leaves at 5:30 AM so I can't go early -when it's cool. PLEASE HELP! :) I plan on getting back to everything after our vacation we are currently on, but any words of advice or just pep talks would be nice. . . :) Thanks everyone. Sorry this post isn't so encouraging. . . :)

Weekly Updates!

Hey Girls! I thought we could all check in weekly to check our progress and keep each other motivated.

Last week was just okay. I only ran twice, but having a newborn and reading Stephanie Meyer's new book killed me! I'm back at it this week and trying to go 2 miles. Diet was pretty crappy last week. Our friends brought us shakes, my primary presidency went out for cheesecake and we made brownies for friends. Ahh! I'm not beating myself up though. I figure if I'm going to establish life-long habits I've got give myself some wiggle room and stay positive. This week I am going to run 2 miles without stopping and eat more veggies.

How are the rest of ya'll doing?

HI

Hi, My name is Rolyndia and I am 40 and a mom of three 6 yr olds, who are so much fun. But I gained a lot of weight trying to get pregnant with them and being pregnant with them. I am devoted to get the last 40 or so pounds off. I noticed a lot of you run from reading the other post. I have been walking about 4-6 miles a day and try to run at least 2 of the miles. Some times I do so with no problem and other times I can't make it with out stopping half way through. I have just started using my Firm DVD's and I hope that will help me tone and lose more weight.

I was going to join Weight Watchers, but have decided to take the money I would spend each week and put it into my children's savings account instead. I have my work out schedule written down for the next few weeks and I now need to start writing down what I eat to see what I could cut back on and what I need to add to my eating program.

Thanks for letting me join your group and hope we can inspire each other to our goals.

I will try to post a current picture soon. (need to find one)

The weight will be FALLNG off....soon!

That was a pretty corny title... I know. Isn't the picture pretty though? I took it a few days ago. (I've been in Yellowstone, for those who didn't know). It was a blast, but I didn't exercise as much as I was hoping too. We went on a hike to a waterfall one day, so that was good. We walked 328 stairs down, and back up. I was surprised by how NOT out of breath I was. I was passing people, stopping for breaks right and left, so that made me feel GREAT! Anyway, eating, like most people on vacation, was a joke. This blog is awesome though, because as I read the recent posts when I got home, I was IMMEDIATELY motivated again!!!

Guess what? On Wednesday, before I left, I ran the 5k in 32 minutes and 11 seconds! Impressive huh!? Well...maybe not, but I was still excited. My right shin has been really sore though for the past week. It almost feels bruised, but the pain goes away after about a mile once I start running. But, as soon as I'm done, it's back. I thought the break would help heal it, but it still hurts. I don't want to hurt myself, but I don't know what's wrong? Do you think I could be landing funny when I run to make it hurt? Any ideas? Oh, well.

This week. HMMM... Okay, I guess I'll write down everything I eat as well. Last time I did this, I typed up my own little Daily log paper. ( Not nearly as cute as Jill's but same idea.) I actually had James print it up for me at school and when I got it back, he had added his own little section. On the bottom it said, "A total daily score of 99% or better will result in some hot lovin' with James". I suppose he thought this would be GREAT motivation. Well....HOT LOVIN'....HERE I COME!!!

For food: I'll try only 3 treats again...until Next Sunday. Wish me luck! Also, I'll do better at drinking more water, and focus on eatng more vegetables this week. I usually do fine with fruits, but I need to find ways to get more vegies in my diet! That's what I'll focus on this week!

As for excercising: I'll keep it about the same too.

The old lady's still hangin' on

Well, it took me a while to figure out how to post again, but here I am and yes I'm still sticking to my diet.

The fourth was hard, as you all mentioned, but while everyone was bar-b-queing steak, I was eating chicken and green salads. No potato salad for me, uh-huh! But I have to admit I did sneak a handful or two of carmel popcorn. I didn't think it was too bad.

I've also been exercising very regularly. I even got my running distance up to 1 mile then walk a block and run 3/4 of a mile. Not bad for a starter. I think I'm taking Saturday's off of exercising so I am looking forward to the weekend. For me it's the eating thing that I can't loosen up on.

Good idea Jill about writing everything down, I eat without even thinking about it and this will make me more aware.

My goals for the coming week are-Cleanse half days every other day and keep my total calorie intake at around 1000 calories. I am not weighing each week either, that bumms me out when I haven't lost as much as I think I deserve to. So I'll weigh after the first 2 weeks and then see how things are going.

Keep it up girls, you are keeping me motivated.

It's Jill Again.

So I mentioned below that writing down everything I eat really helps me. This notepad is perfect for this. It hangs on my fridge where everyone can see it. Under the "Someday" section I write my goals for the week. Then day by day I write down everying I eat and the point value (or calories if you count those). I just love the layout and it really helps me stay on top of things.
I just looked it up on Etsy where I bought it and it looks like she's not selling them again until the end of summer. It's just a little something that helps me out so I thought I'd share:)

I'm Ashamed of Myself.

Okay, So all thoughts of diet and exercise were totaly thrown out the window this week. I was out of town and it just happened. Im not proud of myself. But after having to admit this embarassing defeat I'm ready to put the guilt (and weekend weight gain) behind me and start over. Here is the plan:

Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday- Run 3 miles
Wednesday, and Friday- Walk for 1 hour and do a strength video

I need to get serious about eating right. I will continue to write down everything I eat. I mean EVERY lick, bite, taste, EVERYTHING. I will stay within my WW points and no more slacking on the weekends. Cancun is just around the corner and there is no time to cheat!

I'm proud of the rest of you. Way to go! I will have good things to report next week as well.

A new week.

Alright. I'm back again. I'm pleased to say that I did better than I expected with my goals this past week. I kept my treats under 3 (minus a few salt water tafffy's and a few little things, here and there). I also did pretty good about not eating after 7:30pm. I slipped up a few times, but over all it was better than I expected. My exercising was awesome this week. I ran on the actual race course this week, and I did the 5k in under 34 minutes. I was excited. I also decided that my first mile is always the slowest, so I'm going to work on that. Isn't that wierd that my first mile is slower than my last? Anyway, I am going to start meeting early on Mondays and run a mile before I walk with friends, so I can time it. today I got 9minutes and 59 seconds! Under 10 minutes...WAHOO! I thought that was a good start. If I keep doing that on mondays, and still run the full 5k on Wednesdays and Saturdays, then I should be totally ready by August 29th for my race!

Summer is a hard time to diet and exercise with all the vacations, but I guess we can all just do our best. I leave to Yellowstone on Wednesday, (After I run of course!). I hope to be able to exercise while I'm gone, and I'm with you Mel- I'll be happy if I don't fall off the bandwagon too. I always feel like it's a free for all when Im out of town. Like I can eat whatever I want, and it doesn't matter.

Unlike Melissa, I didn't loose any weight this week, but I feel it coming soon!

How are the rest of you ladies doing?

Week 7/7/08

How is everyone doing this week?

I am thinking we need a 24/7 hotline to call when we need an intervention. I could have used it last week when I had an encounter with some rice crispy treats. And ice cream. And a lemon bar. It was the 4th okay?

Anyway, this week I have a family reunion all week, so I am just hoping not to totally fall off of the wagon. I ran this morning, and plan to two more times this week. I have lost 2 lbs girls! WOOT!

How are you gals doing?

Lisa's here!

Hi, I'm Lisa. I'm a 24 year old mother of 2 - - Kirk is 3 and Sara is almost 1. I have gained over 75 lbs since I got married 4 years ago and cannot seem to take them off. I recently started going to the Walk-In Weight Loss clinic here and it has a great program run by an MD and a dietitian. My goal is to lose at least 60 lbs. over the next however long it takes me. :) Preferably sooner rather than later.
My plans (or rather - how the dr. intends for me to lose it):
Eat my largest meal in the morning.
No carbs after 2 PM.
No eating or snacking after dinner.
(Mind you - most non-starchy vegis are free carbs - you can have as much as you want).
That is the gist of the plan. The dr. doesn't even stress exercise, although I will exercise. This plan does work - I have seen some results already, but I cannot seem to keep myself motivated long enough to see the results. So - that is my pledge! To stick to my plan! There's a group of moms that goes walking for about an hour every morning with me. Unfortunately due to my husband's work, running is out of the question. I will not run with a stroller and Paul works too early most mornings for me to leave the kids at home in bed. But I would love to work up the endurance to run a 5K with Cami, Jill and Becky. It just may not be this summer.

Here is a nasty picture of me with my kids and my little brother. I would do anything to not look like this!!!

OK - I don't know what else to post - but GOOD LUCK to everyone else and thanks to Cami for setting this up!

Melissa Intro

Hello All!

My name is Melissa and I have two little boys and a hubby (who I count as my 3rd child sometimes.. :)) I have been a BIG TIME slacker for the past year. I let myself eat anything during my whole pregnancy, and I hardly exercised past the 4th month. So I feel like I am starting at square one. Baby steps, right? I only have about 7-8 lbs to lose to get back to pre pregnancy weight, but I have a lot of toning to do!

I have woken up at 6:30 for the past two days and have gone running. And I haven't had any junk food for 3 days. WOOHOO! Really, the only thing I am focusing on right now is being active every day and eating good food. Nothing more specific than that. I want to establish habits that I can keep up forever, instead of yo-yoing back and forth between different phases. I'm excited to have our own little support group!

Cami Jo....update

Okay, so it looks like we've got a lot of interest in our little blog. I'm WAY excited, and hope everyone else is too. I've loved the posts so far, and I think I'm going to love having a little support group! (Even if some of you, I've never met! Welcome to the blogging world, eh?)

Okay, so for me, I did great on Saturday and Sunday, (eating wise) but we went camping Monday-Tuesday. I didn't totally loose it, but a few smores probably aren't doing me much good! I've promised myself that I'm going to be really strict with myself for the rest of the week though. Here are my goals this week:

Wednesday: Elipticle 30 minutes hard. Toning 20 minutes

Thursday: Run 5k

Friday: Walk with Friends. (We usually do about 4 miles in an hour)

Saturday: Run 5k

Sunday: TAKE A BREAK! WAHOO!

Moday: Walk again with Friends

Tuesday: Elipticle

Okay, that's my plan. I'm also still sticking to 3 treats this week. Oh boy. What have I gotten myself into? Once I say it out loud, I'm kind of stuck! That's good though right? I figure I have a YW party planning meeting, and I'm in charge of refreshments today, so that will be one treat. Then, I'm sure I'll have something on the 4th at a BBQ I'm going to. Then, I will limit myself to one more treat until Next Wednesday. Think I can do it? OF COURSE I CAN! I AM AMAZING!!! (I tell myself that all the time, even when I don't believe it! It's good for ya!)

Okay, as for the rest, I'll keep working on the same goals as before. More water, nothing to eat after 7:30pm , etc! I'll post next week to let you know how I did!

Thank Goodness for ALMONDS!

Obviously, by the looks of my golfing photo I have a lot to work on. But I have noticed a few things that help curb my appetite.

First and foremost, Water. It's the healthiest drink in the world! And if you have an urge to eat something try drinking water first and see if you are still hungry. In the book French Women Don't Get Fat she suggest drinking a glass of water first thing in the morning and right before bed, in addition to all the glasses during the day. It works (except when you're prego....makes you pee even more)!

The foods pictured are my favorite "healthy" snacks. Yes, I know you see the m&m's and those are certainly not healthy. But when I sit in long stretches in front of a computer at work (or surfing the web) I need to snack to keep my energy level high. So I bring a small bag of almonds and m&m's. The almonds provide protein which create energy. I seriously don't feel full by dinner time after I eat a handful of almonds over the course of a few hours. The m&m's are for my sugar craving.

Vitamin water doesn't have that fake sugar taste and is filling.

Another snack I love is yogurt. Not the Yoplait kind full of sugar and other additives. I like the Mountain Dairy brand that does not have any unnatural sugar added. I add honey or applesauce to sweeten the plain kind. My kids love it too! Or for breakfast I add frozen fruit and granola! Yum yum!

I also eat licorice. Lo-cal, lo-fat. They do have corn syrup (not high) and are healthier than chocolate bars....now that I am writing this I don't know that my sugar treats are helping my health....

I hate the word diet though. I refuse to diet. The two times that I have tried it I always end up gaining the weight back and then some. In the book mentioned earlier, she suggests saving room for dessert after dinner. And the French know how to make dessert, believe me! When I lived over there it was hard passing the pastry shops and not indulge myself in one each time. But the point is not to deprive yourself otherwise you may binge later on.

I found an article here that suggests eating an apple instead of cheese and crackers to delete 100 calories. When you are in a salty mood add popcorn kernels (about 1/4 up) into a lunch sack. Pop like normal microwave popcorn but don't add too much butter and salt. It tastes light and airy but healthy and yummy!

I hope these suggestions help! If you are an anti-sugar person check out this blog. Oh, and here is a great article about the health benefits of almonds.

Please, comment or blog about your own healthy indulgences!

Thanks for the invite!

Thanks for letting me join your health and fitness blog! I know Melissa who knows Cami!

I am 28 years old and have a 3 1/2 year old and 18 month old. Naturally, I'm busy but it's no excuse not to take care of myself. Melissa was a great influence in pushing me to start running. I used to hate it but now love it. I cannot run as long as the rest of you. I am impressed that you can run 3 miles at once! I rest after 1 mile and that's with my 20 week pregnant running buddy, Stephanie! She has to wait for me! But I hope to run a 5k w/Melissa this August or September here in SLC.

I will not disclose my weight but I am 5'9" and wear size 12. Here is the most recent photo of me w/my baby pooch still in tact....the hardest of body parts for me to get rid of.



I am finally happy with the way I look but know that I can be even healthier and leaner and then I would be completely satisfied. My goal is to lose 25 pounds before I get pregnant again (only to gain it all back :) ) It is certainly more difficult for me to lose the baby weight the 2nd time around. My guilty flaw is SUGAR as well. But I also need to work on portion control.

My goals:
Run 3 times a week. At least 2 miles each time.
Continue doing Pilates/toning exercise 3 times weekly
Eat less sweets and smaller portions
Drink more water

The oldie in the group

Ok, here I go. I don't usually "Blog" but Cami has encouraged me to do this to keep me on track.
I am Cami's mom and I'm 48, wow that's hard to type. Anyway I want to lose 15 pounds before the end of summer. I have a missionary coming home and I don't want him to get off the plane and wonder where his mom went because he won't recognize me in my extra padding.
I am usually a pretty good exerciser but I need to combine that now with my eating habits.
NO MORE SUGAR!!! Yes I'm a sugar addict. Now I've said it and I must face it. I am trying to stop the whole sugar thing and get back to eating healthy. I need to snack on carrots and nuts instead of twinkies so that is my plan.
I bought an elipticle a few months ago and I like doing that. I used to run and I would like to start building my distance up again.
I also am starting do "Cleanse" today and I hate it, but I know it will get my blood sugar back where it needs to be, so wish me luck.
I probably won't post everyday, but I'll keep up with you "youngsters". Just remember, it's a lot harder to lose weight now that I'm over the hill than it was when I was your ages so be kind and I'll try to be patient with myself.
Thanks for the invite Cami and good luck to all of you.
BTW Jill, You look great, as do you Cami.

Jill Starting Off

I'm going to follow Cami's lead and tell you a littl about myself. I'm 31 and have one little girl Ayden who is a year and a half. I have been married for 4 years in August. Unlike Cami I am not going to post my weight for all of you to see. I'm not that brave. If I only weighed 135 like she does I might be that brave. But I will tell you that I would like to lose 20lbs. I have been doing weight watchers and lost 18lbs pretty easy and now I have seemed to slow down. I still stick to their eating plan most days but I need to try a lot harder on weekends. I can run about 2 miles without stoping and I'd like to do a 5k in August and be able to run the entire thing.
So here are my goals for this week:

Exercise:
Monday and Wednesday I will do a 3 mile run. My goal is at least run 2.5 miles without stoping. (Don't laugh, I'll get better)

Tuesday and Thursday I'll walk in the mornings with Melissa if she's feeling up to it again. I miss our walks.

I will also walk Ayden to the park for lunch twice this week. I live at the top of a huge hill and It's HOT outside so this as not as easy at it sounds.

Friday and Saturday we will be out of town for the 4th so lets be serious...I'll be lounging in a pool eating delicious fat filled food!

Food:
Monday- Thursday I will follow WW PERFECTLY! Stay in my points and eat lots of fruits and vegies.

I'll report bck at the end of the week!

Starting off

Okay...here I go! I'm trying this new blog to help keep me motivated to be healthy! This is what you should know about me. I'm 23, I think. (I really can't remember half the time! Once I passed 21, I guess I didn't care anymore!) Anyway, I have 2 kids, a 2 year old boy, and a 1 year old girl. They are 17 months apart, which did wonders for my body! I have been married for almost 4 years, and I want to look AWESOME by my anniversary! (this August!)

I feel like I usually do pretty well exercising, but I need to do better with what I eat. My main weekness... SUGAR! I love it. Really that's what it boils down to.

I'm hoping to use this blog as kind of a personal health journal. I want to keep track of how well I eat and exercise, as well as any other thoughts relating to health.

So...to start it off I'm going to be very personal. Sorry, but I want to lay it out on the line! Right now I weigh 135. For my height, 5'2, a healthy weight is anywhere from 115-140 pounds. I know I'm in the range, but I'm at the higher end. My goal is to get to 130, and go from there. I've been stuck at 135 for awhile, and I know it's because I slip up on my diet.

Today:
Exercise: Ran 3.1 miles
Time: ??? (I need to remember top time myself! So I can improve)


GOALS THIS WEEK:
1-Run a 5k in 34 minutes.
2-Diet: (I've had a rough week. I had to cover a bunch of stuff in Chocolate for YW's which totally brought me downhill! I will do better though!) No sweets today! That's my goal!
3-Water: I want to drink at least 8 glasses of water a day.
4-No food after 7:30pm. (This is a hard one for me!)

Okay, I figure that's good start. I'll let you know how I'm doing on it in a few days!