Who shall be Queen?

Today’s the day - The Special Day!

Why this would be the Final Weigh

Before I tabulate and say

Which Ladies are the Queens of May!

For whom we’ll cheer - Hip Hip Hooray!!

Yes. Today is the final weigh-in of the ten week Queen Of May competition! I’ll be spending all afternoon checking and double-checking the weigh-ins and challenges (cause of course I’m several weeks behind in data entry. Look - you can get the creative ideas or you can get someone who’s consistently on top of things. I don’t think you can have both! ) and then tomorrow comes the Grand Proclamation of the two winners of $45 Amazon Gift Certificates!! Woo Hoo!

Also, there will be a $15 Gift Certificate for the OWOA member voted Most Encouraging. I will be accepting nominations all day today. Here’s the deal: Zap me an email with the who and why of your nomination. If the nominations have a clear winner, then I will announce that person tomorrow. If there is no clear front-runner, we’ll have a vote.

Now. With all that said. You know what time it is!!!! WEIGH IN!!

IMPORTANT NOTE: I need everyone’s (or at least everyone who is in the QOM competition) HEIGHT - and I need it today! Please put it in the comments!

« C25k: Week 4! Tales from the unhealthy »

1. Woot!
   200/168.2/160

   Down 0.6. Slowly but surely! I’m 5′10″ or 1.77m

   Comment by Bekki — April 30, 2007 @ 6:18 am |Edit This

2. up 3 but not surprised or that unpleased, I was sure it was going to be much more. Between moving and being sick it has not been a great couple of weeks. Of well, today is a new day. I am 5′5″.

   Comment by Kellie — April 30, 2007 @ 6:30 am |Edit This

3. no change…

   Comment by Kimberly — April 30, 2007 @ 6:32 am |Edit This

4. 231.5/203.5/160

   Down five pounds. How the heck did I do that?

   Comment by Bird — April 30, 2007 @ 6:48 am |Edit This

5. YAY Bird! LOOK!! - You’re almost out of the 200s!!!!

   Comment by blestwithsons — April 30, 2007 @ 6:51 am |Edit This

6. 210/170.6/155 Down 1 pound. Didn’t quite make it to the 160s this week. Next week for sure!

   I am 5′6″.

   Comment by Jana — April 30, 2007 @ 7:01 am |Edit This

7. No kidding, Blest. This is AWESOME!

   Comment by Bird — April 30, 2007 @ 7:10 am |Edit This

8. 144.4/137.8/124

   Up 1.4 pounds. Feel free to see my previous post about eating. I know what I need to do and am doing it (as of today!)

   Blest, I’m 5′2″… and I’m putting my QOM entry fee in the mail to you today (whoops!)

   Happy weigh-in day to all!

   Comment by Anne — April 30, 2007 @ 7:23 am |Edit This

9. 198/183/140 Down 3 - finally! It was not the right food that got me through the plateau though (I was camping this week), it was EXERCISE, blech! I now kowtow to Blest who was right all along - and Anne for getting me going!

   Comment by missy — April 30, 2007 @ 7:46 am |Edit This

10. Oh, and I am 5′3″ (and-a-half)

    Comment by missy — April 30, 2007 @ 7:47 am |Edit This

11. 239.8/223.0/200
    Down 4.2lbs

    Yeah…I’ll take it! I worked hard for this and I never loose this much, so I’m *very* happy with this.

    I’m 5′5″.

    Comment by Cristina — April 30, 2007 @ 8:06 am |Edit This

12. Missy, glad I could help

    Comment by Anne — April 30, 2007 @ 8:43 am |Edit This

13. 212.8/140.8/135

    Down 3.6

    Whoa! I’m not sure what happened! But I think there were some fluid issues from that stomach bug I had - (as in I was retaining instead of losing like a normal person with a bug would) Besides…I was due for another big jump. It seems to go like that. Anyway - I like it!!!

    Comment by blestwithsons — April 30, 2007 @ 8:53 am |Edit This

14. 147/134/130 No change

    Comment by Anita — April 30, 2007 @ 8:56 am |Edit This

15. BLEST! that’s 9% of your body weight in 10 weeks (if I calculated correctly) — that’s awesome. and inspiring. and cool. and encouraging. Weigh to go!!

    Comment by Anne — April 30, 2007 @ 8:59 am |Edit This

16. 212/183/145ish -3 pounds
    5′4″ (almost 5″)
    I am very, very happy with a 3# loss. Last week I knew I was retaining a little bit of water but all 3 were not water. Busted the chops man on working out! I am up to 4 miles in 46 minutes!! Golly, I remember crying because I was able to push and get 4 miles in 60 minutes. I’ve also been doing a cardio class Mon/Wed/Fri. My counselor wants me to cut back a bit though on the exercising. I’ve turned it from a positive thing into a negative thing (mentally)…I’ll post later.

    Comment by Tami — April 30, 2007 @ 9:10 am |Edit This

17. 198/176/140
    No change this week, I’m 5′5″, but I’m not in the competition so I guess it doesn’t matter!

    Comment by Caroline — April 30, 2007 @ 9:28 am |Edit This

18. 151/144/132 Down 1 pound!

    I am 5′7″ or thereabouts.

    Comment by lady laura — April 30, 2007 @ 10:42 am |Edit This

19. 210/168.6/135 - I’m down another pound this week. Yay! I am 5′4 — I can’t believe the QOM is already over! That went fast. Like Anne I need to mail my entry fee as well. Could you please email me your address again? I’m a major marook when it comes to these things. ;O)

    Comment by Mandi — April 30, 2007 @ 10:53 am |Edit This

20. down 2.6 in the last two weeks. 5′5″

    Comment by Blair — April 30, 2007 @ 11:03 am |Edit This

21. 194/174.5/155
    I am 5′9″
    I’m down 2 pounds from the last 2 weeks.
    That’s 19.5 pounds
    Hey Yall, Well here I am again with that “OH NO, I didn’t post my weight again, silly girl that I am. Every other week I let, and I say it again LET myself get distracted/busy and never come in and post. I really am
    sorry gang!!! I sure was sad to see that .5 of a lb. holding on. But I’m so glad to see it going down.
    20 pounds left. I’m half way. WOW!! Thank You GOD!!!!!!

    Comment by Katherine — April 30, 2007 @ 11:43 am |Edit This

22. 220/184.2/175
    Down .8
    Well at least its down. Feel a bit discouraged but have been sick with chest infection that is lingering - at least the cough and the aches are, so have not done much if any exercise the last few weeks. Have done a bit of dancing in worship at church but had to stop before I would have liked!

    I am 6ft 1/2in I think although I may be shrinking with age.

    Intersting people at work keep commenting about the weight loss although I haven’t really gone down at all since before Easter. I think it may be due to not seeing me for a while over the school break plus some time off sick. Now suddenly everyone is noticing and think it so obvious that they can comment and not be wrong! Even the school caretaker commmented which I think was quite brave for a bloke.

    Well done if you have lost. If you haven’t don’t be discouraged just hang in there. We can do it together girls (sorry and Bird). This site (support group) is great.

    Comment by elly — April 30, 2007 @ 12:22 pm |Edit This

23. Intersting people at work keep commenting about the weight loss although I haven’t really gone down at all since before Easter.

    Don’t forget the effect of summer versus winter clothes. It’s got a lot warmer lately, so you’re less likely to be wearing lots of bulky layers, therefore your slimness is more obvious.

    Comment by Bekki — April 30, 2007 @ 12:35 pm |Edit This

24. Good point.

    Comment by elly — April 30, 2007 @ 12:38 pm |Edit This

25. I’m 6ft tall.
    I went up this week 3.6 to 268.6
    I have a feeling that’s actually heavier than when we started the contest. Feeling quite blue about it all. Will prob write a post about it sometime soon.

    Comment by Debs — April 30, 2007 @ 2:06 pm |Edit This

26. Tips please on how to encourage my daughter without being too interfering and mummyish.

    Comment by elly — April 30, 2007 @ 2:12 pm |Edit This

27. This is Bird for Brandi. She’s out of town until tonight … She’s at 131.5, down 2.5.

    Comment by Brandi — April 30, 2007 @ 4:11 pm |Edit This

28. Elly, if you were my mum, just asking that question would lighten my load!

    Debs, I am grateful for a downward trend, but I have always ended more up than down other diets. It’s always helpful for me to remember that everytime I eat or exercise is a new moment to make a healthy choice and forget about my previous blunders. I have made a lot of blunders this time, too - but the difference has been not giving up!

    Comment by missy — April 30, 2007 @ 7:37 pm |Edit This

29. 216/186/145

    Down three! Yay! I finally got in the 180’s and kinda stayed there…no more 190’s!

    I am 5′9″. Wow…there are some tall chicks blogging here. I’m used to being the tallest girl!

    Comment by Bethany — April 30, 2007 @ 7:46 pm |Edit This

30. Hey, when do we get to hear who wins? I can’t wait to find out…even though I didn’t do so well, so I don’t expect to win. I’m excited for whoever does win! And I’m not very patient!

    Comment by Bethany — April 30, 2007 @ 7:51 pm |Edit This

31. Oh! I forgot something good to share! I went down a dress/pant size…now a size 12. And my wedding rings will soon need to be resized, so I don’t lose them. They are soooo loose!

    Comment by Bethany — April 30, 2007 @ 8:05 pm |Edit This

32. Well…I spent over two hours doing five weeks worth of data entry - and ten weeks of data checking.

    Then my battery ran out and I lost it all.

    Sigh.

    Tomorrow morning is going to be very busy - but I’ll be home to redo the data in the afternoon. I will announce sometime tomorrow - what with tomorrow being May First and all!!

    Comment by blestwithsons — April 30, 2007 @ 8:25 pm |Edit This

33. Oh, Blest, the perils of technology, eh? Hope it goes better today. Don’t forget, we’re hanging on your every post .

    Comment by Bekki — May 1, 2007 @ 1:13 am |Edit This

34. Ah….it’s really a good thing I’m not the one crunching the numbers. I’d never get it done. Poor girl. I’ll try to be more patient!

    Comment by Bethany — May 1, 2007 @ 4:02 am |Edit This

Out From Under a Rock (Blair)

I haven’t really been under a rock….more like “involved in life” lol. My weight has fluctuated for several weeks and now it’s heading back down again…so far anyway. I haven’t had much free-time to play here like I might like to. Other things have taken a higher priority and then last week I actually forgot about posting my weigh in.

We finally finished lessons for the school year and are about to kick off our version of “summer school” (elective type studies). Most of my computer time has been spent working on a project with my darling husband. Gotta love being married to a guy who “gets it” when it comes to my love for technology.

My lack of participation here is in no way indicative of my dedication to getting this weight off. I’m still on that mission, it’s just had some turns and twists lately while I deal with my own personal “stuff”. This isn’t a matter of flipping on a “weightloss” switch for me and then careening toward my goal. I want to really face those demons this time because I don’t want to repeat this journey….again. Last time I did this I relied on the mechanics to keep me at goal and I’ve learned that I can’t do that and have lasting change. The demons returned and so did my weight. Being “thin” didn’t solve the real problems. My weight was only a side-effect of what was really going on with me.
Anyway, I was just posting to say….I’m alive, I’m still working at this and even though I am one busy momma - I think of you guys often  car amortization loans schedule fordollar credit loans 10000 bad withshort 5000 term loan unsecured011 loans after airlinesloans check $50,000.00 no creditstudent wachovia acs loanstudent consolidation loan corporation americanamortization period excel loan amendMapcommercial 100 cltv loansvermont loans 203kloan ponies 138cm formortgage 1st time loans3rd loan mortgageall student loanspayday cash advance loansloans 20 80 mortgageMap

« ugh.   Three cheers for Blest »

1. good to know you’re around and kickin’! i almost sent you an email the other day to make sure everything was ok  glad it is!! have fun doing summer school with the kids!

   Comment by Anne — April 30, 2007 @ 1:24 pm

2. It’s nice to see you here again! I was wondering when you didn’t weigh in last week. I checked out your blog and saw that you hadn’t updated it like you normally do so I kind of figured you were a busy bee.

   Comment by Tami — April 30, 2007 @ 4:42 pm

3. Hey you! Love you LOTS! Glad you’re here! I will email you a long one this afternoon…after I data crunch. (groan)

   Comment by blestwithsons — May 1, 2007 @ 5:39 am

4. Blair,

   I’m so glad to see you posting! I’ve missed you. Thanks for the update, and I totally understand about life getting in the way!  Take care.

   Comment by Bethany — May 1, 2007 @ 3:14 pm

ugh. (Anne)

in case I needed another reason to do this, I’ve been jittery and headache-y all day so far. when will that stop? Soon?

yuck. i feel icky…bankruptcy after unsecured loan1031 loanhour loan 24 pay dayloan personal 2 unsecured 25loan plan 401kpayday payday loan 9 simple loanloan home bad a credit equitylas cash vegas loan advanceMapadvance loan 8 11 payday casha loan consolidation debt canadaloan consolidation a debtcash advance payday quick loanpayday check advance loan 20loan easy payday advanceamazing loans homeloan business amortization period ofMap

« Tales from the unhealthy   Out From Under a Rock »

1. I’m confused - did you cut out caffeine? If so, it took me three days before I felt human again.

   ((HUGS))

   Comment by Blair — April 30, 2007 @ 11:28 am

2. i cut out most sugars (other than what’s in fruit and milk) and most carbs (other than what’s in fruit, milk, and oatmeal).

   Comment by Anne — April 30, 2007 @ 11:29 am

3. Ah yes, that has the same effect on me. Aren’t withdrawals fun? Not. I hope it subsides for you soon. It takes me several days (at least three) to get off sugar.

   ((hugs)) I feel your pain.

   Comment by Blair — April 30, 2007 @ 11:51 am

4. Start singing “I will survive” in a really loud and obnoxious falsetto. It helps me! 

   Comment by blestwithsons — May 1, 2007 @ 5:42 am

Tales from the unhealthy (Tami)

So, I’ve been gone in lurkdom for EVER now.  I’ve even had several thoughts of leaving OWOA.  Notice the word “had”.  You see, I struggle with anorexia/bulemia.  I come from a family of very large women (the women in the family say it’s in the genes…I disagree but that’s a whole other conversation) and in junior high my way of trying to get thin was to become anorexic bulemic.  Since junior high I haven’t gone full fledge into it but did have short stints of anorexia.  Never long enough to loose drastic weight or become physically ill but mentally, I am still unhealthy.  I’ve been in a funk since the end of January.  Since Emma was in the hospital I’ve often found myself binging.  I have not followed through with the vomitting (although I have been on my knees a few times) but have found an alternative in exercise.  You see, I’d binge then get up the following morning and do cardio for 2 hrs at the gym.  I’d binge bad enough that all that working out was just enough to keep my weight up and down in a 5# area.  Bad Tami.  I figured I was being smart.  I’ve had so many people in my life tell me that they look up to me.  I’ve lost over 75# to date and I could not let them see me gain!  I kept telling myself that all the exercising looks good.  No one will suspect a thing.  Not even my husband.  He didn’t.  The beginning of last week I sat down beside him and poured my heart out.  Last Friday I went back to my counselor with tears, pride and shame and poured my heart out to her.  I have been on my knees and poured out my heart and needs to God. 

When the post with the link to the article about dieting to be thin was posted I cried.  You see, I’m affected by these diseases.  Diseases of the mind.  I too love food but I can forget about it completely. 

Anyways, I am working on this.  I struggle hour by hour.  I don’t want my children to grow up watching me, feeling sad for me or worse, copying me.  Thankfully they are 1 and 2 so they are still unaware.  I’m not sure completely of why I’m posting this but to tell you that I am here, I am struggling and maybe some one else is and needs to see that they are not alone.  Together we can conquer this weight.

« Who Shall Be Queen?   ugh. »

1. *praying*

   your children are lucky to have a mom as strong as you! because recognizing the problem and asking for help makes you strong. you can do this!

   Comment by Anne — April 30, 2007 @ 9:36 am

2. Oh Tami, I don’t know what to say. Thanks for your honesty. All I’ve got is virtual hugs and real prayers.

   Comment by Bekki — April 30, 2007 @ 10:02 am

3. Tami - One of the lines in that article that really made me think was “the thinner I get the fatter I feel” - WOW! I think we all need to do a better job as women in encouraging each other with where we are RIGHT NOW. I don’t know anyone personally on this site but I do know you are all beautiful!! I think it is very easy to make eating/dieting/working out idols in our lives if we are not very careful (an observation of myself…not an accusation to anyone) ;o). My only advice to you is to keep focused on the Bread of Life, your Sustainer, your Healer, your Comforter, your Joy, and your Strength. Let Him be your guide and just rest in Him. It was so brave of you to pour your heart out to your husband and to us. I admire that. I’ll be praying for you.

   Comment by Mandi — April 30, 2007 @ 10:49 am

4. (((Tami))) I do understand and I’m praying for you hon. My inbox is always open 

   Comment by Blair — April 30, 2007 @ 11:07 am

5. Praying for you as well.

   Comment by Anita — April 30, 2007 @ 11:42 am

6. Tami thanks for being so honest. What can I say. There aren’t any quick fixes are there. We love you but God loves you so much more than any human being, even your husband. And that is despite knowing us even better than we know ourselves. Keep coming back to him.

   A verse that has helped me is I Cor 10.13.
   “No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.”
   I found it helpful to look for those ways out.

   But I also come back to I John 1.9
   “If we confess our sins, God is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
   There is always a way back and God wipes the slate clean.

   Sorry if that has been a bit preachy. It’s offered in love. Will pray for you. We need each other.

   Comment by elly — April 30, 2007 @ 12:37 pm

7. Tami,
   Praying that you feel the love here from us and that you most importantly feel Gods love pouring out on you as you struggle.

   Comment by Kellie — April 30, 2007 @ 2:06 pm

8. Tami, thank you for sharing. I totally understand. I used to have issues with bulemia, I would take ipecac to induce vomitting after binging. You’re on the right track though, you recognize you have this disease and you’re working hard to get through it. I’m proud of you. You can do this! I’ll keep you in my prayers.

   (((HUGS)))

   Comment by Cristina — April 30, 2007 @ 4:00 pm

9. You rock, Tami. I’ve missed you bunches (yes, I know, why didn’t I email and say so? Cause I’m a schmuck - that’s why) You are going to conquer this. All things are possible with God!! 

   Comment by blestwithsons — May 1, 2007 @ 5:41 am

10. Can I suggest the book, “Praying God’s Word” by Beth Moore? It deals with tearing down strongholds in our lives. Weight isn’t a “stronghold” it is a SYMPTOM of a stronghold. A Stronghold is any argument or pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God. (2Cor.10:5) It steals much of our focus and causes us to feel overpowered. Mastered. Controlled. It is something that consumes so much of our emotional and mental energy that abundant life is strangled. The primary battlefield is the mind. Our goal according to 2Cor.10:5 is to steal back our thought life and take it captive to Christ instead. The enemy’s chief target is the mind because the most effective way to influence behaviour is to influence thinking. Praise God who is BIGGER than our strongholds! Praise God that he has disarmed the powers and authorities … triumphing over them by the cross (Col. 2:15)NOTHING IS BIGGER OR MORE POWERFUL THAN GOD! Absolutely nothing! Not even the strongest addiction or overwhelming feeling of rage, inadequacy, _______ (insert whatever you feel).

    God’s Word is our weapon. I encourage you to see this problem differently - we wrestly not with “flesh and blood” (Even our own!) but against principalities and powers.

    You can do this - not on your strength but through Christ who strengthens you.

    (((((Tami)))))

    Comment by Cara — May 1, 2007 @ 9:42 am

11. Tami,

    I will be praying for you–I too have struggled a bit with anorexic behavior…it is SO EASY to fall into! You are not alone. Thanks so much for being transparent. Take things one day at a time and don’t hesitate to ask for prayer. As often as you have need. Don’t believe the lie that we don’t want to hear it because we want to help! And your transparency is helping others even if they don’t say so.

    By the way, being honest about your need IS being a good example! I am proud of you 

    Comment by Brandi — May 1, 2007 @ 12:46 pm

12. Glad to see you back Tami. I will certainly be praying for you!

    Comment by Bethany — May 1, 2007 @ 3:12 pm

C25K: Week 4! (Anne)

How does it feel to be almost a month into the program? How was last week and 6 minutes?
This week is a rest week. There are additional rest weeks at week 8 and 12. The purpose of these weeks are to maintain mileage and give your bodies a chance to heal…. so enjoy it! Your body will thank you later 

This week is 1 workout with 3 minutes running (of 30), and 2 workouts of 6 minutes running (of 30 minutes). The schedule is set up so that the 3 minutes running should be your first workout this week.

Rest up! Enjoy it… and know that you can still challenge yourself this week by moving your running intervals closer together (with less recovery time in between) and/or by running for longer intervals.

Have fun!

« Back on the wagon.   Who Shall Be Queen? »

1. I think this is so cool Anne! Thanks for posting these updates every week! 

   Comment by blestwithsons — April 29, 2007 @ 7:17 pm

2. Blest, thanks! It’s such a fun, fun thing to do. I’m enjoying making sure that I’m working out and being active so, so much more than making sure that I’m eating healthy. (which, again, is why I’m hopping on the phase 1 and 3/4 SB train!)

   My week was good; all of my workouts were hard, though! They really kicked my rear. I did manage to do the full 6 min of running (jogging, really!) all at once, though. My goal for this week is to do the 3 min a little faster and to do the full 6 min all together both times…. fingers crossed.

   Comment by Anne — April 30, 2007 @ 7:26 am

3. Anne - I’m so proud of you girl. I was going strong and then my knee and ankle decided they couldn’t do it. I’ve decided to wait until I lose a bit more weight before I take up serious running again. This made me realize just how much I really miss it though 

   Comment by Blair — April 30, 2007 @ 11:11 am

4. Blair — you can always try to switch to the 7-month plan (http://www.beginnertriathlete.com/cms/article-detail.asp?articleid=27) if you wanted.

   But seriously, way to know your body. That’s the most important thing of all of this. And I’m glad that you’re re-hooked on running  You could also build up your walking distance/endurance right now, too. I think I read something about how every pound of body weight causes 4 pounds of pressure on your knees when walking but 16 pounds of pressure when running… so maybe your body can handle walking 

   Comment by Anne — April 30, 2007 @ 11:20 am

5. Ack! Crazy week and I only went to the gym twice! I did quite well both times though…just didn’t get the other workout in. Glad this is a rest week…maybe I can catch up! 

   And yeah, thanks. This is cool!

   Comment by Bethany — April 30, 2007 @ 7:53 pm

Back on the wagon. (Anne)

In light of Blest’s “graduation” post, I realized that I should post my current thoughts/issues.

As most (all?) of you know, I’m doing the Couch-to-5k program…. and loving it! The running feels so good even though this week I’m only up to 6 minutes (running, of a total of 30 with the rest walking). I am so excited to be doing this and have even researched races (5k’s and, shhhh, even a 10k) beyond my end-of-July 5k goal. Because I’m loving this. I also swam today with a friend who’s training for a triathlon (I grew up doing swim team).

All that to say: I am loving my new exercise intensity. My body just feels good.
However, it makes me hungrier (Calories in vs. calories out. I know, I know). And I’ve fallen back into my pre-OWOA mentality of eating whatever I want (candy, big huge monster bagels, french fries, chips, you get the idea) because I feel so good from working out. This is not a good place to be. This is part of how I got here.
So I’ve decided to jump on the South Beach bandwagon. Yes, I know I’m doing WW, but their CORE plan is actually fairly similar to SB. And right now what I need is a kick-start of discipline. So for the next two weeks, I’m going to be on South Beach phase 1 and 3/4. You read that right; phase one and three-quarters. That means (and yes, I’m making this up) that I’ll stick to phase 1 but add in fruit, skim milk, and my morning oatmeal. (oh, and caffeine. Blest did you really make it through phase 1 without caffeine?!?) But other than those additions, the rest of what I’m going to eat will be phase 1.

Why am I telling you all this? For support. And encouragement. And, most of all, accountability. I am happy that I can see old, not-healthy patterns as their sneaking in… and thankful to have all of your successes to encourage me as I root out the old habits! 

Happy weekend to all.

« Early Graduation   C25k: Week 4! »

1. Oh Anne, I’ve soooo been considering going to phase 1. I just didn’t wanna give up the fruit and milk. Hrmmm….maybe I’ll join you. I have to think about it today. I’ve actually had a great week weight loss wise, so I may put it off a bit yet.

   I’ve changed my work-outs some and I think that’s helped. I gotta post about that soonish!

   Oh, I’m gonna do a two mile race on the Fourth of July. I won’t be to 5K yet, but maybe I’ll be able to handle the two mile. Besides, I always bring my kids to run the Fun Run so it’s a good one to start with!

   Comment by Bethany — April 28, 2007 @ 10:36 am

2. Sounds like a very sensible plan! And heck no I did NOT give up caffeine - not ever.

   The whole impetus behind limiting caffeine is that it can cause your blood sugar to spike or something - causing cravings. I just decided to tell my cravings where they could get off - cause I was NOT giving up my coffee! 

   Comment by blestwithsons — April 29, 2007 @ 7:18 pm

3. Good for you - addressing those old attitudes before they start taking over again! I’ll keep you in my prayers.

   Comment by Anita — April 29, 2007 @ 8:01 pm

4. I like your Phase 1 3/4 thing.  I’ve been on Phase 1.5 for about a week now and I’m doing pretty good. I’m poised to have a good weigh-in in the morning.

   Comment by Bird — April 29, 2007 @ 11:25 pm

5. […] in case I needed another reason to do this, I’ve been jittery and headache-y all day so far. when will that stop? Soon? […]

   Pingback by One Weigh or Another » ugh. — April 30, 2007 @ 11:22 am

6. You don’t have to give up milk or non-fat plain yogurt on phase 1…that’s old info 

   Comment by Brandi — May 1, 2007 @ 11:17 am

Early Graduation (Blest)

My parents are here! They arrived on Monday which, if you’ve missed me, explains my absence from the wonderful world of web. 

We’ve been having a great time. I got, of course, the lovely array of parental SPUNKs.  My favorite, I think, was the first one which sprang from my mother’s mouth as she walked in the front door.  “STOP it!” she said, “That’s thin enough. Stop it right now!”     I’ve subsequently proven that I do indeed have a few pounds left to lose on my bum and thighs, but still - the generally agreed upon perception is that I now look like a “Skinny Minnie”. Wow.  I’ve also been told that it’s time for me to shut up about it  - and I agree.

My parents are healthy eaters, and my mom is a great cook, so this hasn’t been a tempting time foodwise.  We went out for her birthday to a great Mexican place, but I had my usual fajitas with no tortillas - so that was fine.  Yesterday though, something happened which has ne’er happened before since I started this nine months ago.  We were in Mesilla, NM and went to another Mexican restaurant for lunch. A restaurant which had virtually no South Beach options.     I mean - I could have had an iceberg lettuce salad with no dressing - but why pay good money for something like that?!  Or I could have had a bowl of soup, avoiding the chunks of potatoes. But I really didn’t want soup…  What to do?   So I did the unthinkable.  I ordered something “illegal”.     I had a green chile chicken enchilada.  Yes I did.  I scraped the top layer of cheese off to cut the fat down some, and I didn’t eat the sides of rice and refried beans, but I did indeed very slowly eat that single enchilada.  (the non SB part of which is the corn tortillas and the probably high fat content, by the way)  And let me tell you something: It. Was. GOOD.

You know, a large part of my no cheating mantra, which evolved over the first few months of my journey, has come from a feeling that this whole process has been so easy, somagical, that if I ate one little forbidden thing, or just held my mouth the wrong way, I would wake up tomorrow and all the weight would be back on.  Seriously -  I knew it was irrational. But that’s how I’ve felt. Yesterday I found that I really could eat something off-plan and walk away still slender.  And I didn’t immediately start eating everything else in sight, either!!  Though I will admit that a little wicked voice did say, Well, if you’re going to allow yourself that, you might as well have some ice cream too!. But I told the little voice to shove off and promised myself a small ice cream for my birthday in July. 

I think that this is what living a healthy lifestyle means.

I think this is what it is supposed to be like when you transition out of SB Phase 2 (the losing weight phase) and into Phase 3 (the maintenance phase).  Oh. By. George.  I think I’ve got it!!  This is what it is going to mean to live my life this way and not gain the weight back.  Small food indiscretions here and there, carefully chosen, carefully enjoyed…and then right back on plan!  That’s how it works!!

I feel like I’ve graduated.  Which of course, I haven’t. Since I’m not actually at goal weight.  But it is kinda cool to have a preview of how it’s gonna be.  I’d be a naive ninny not to realize that hitting goal weight is not really the end.  A huge percentage of “losers” become gainers, y’know.  I don’t want to be one of those. But this experience really made me feel like I’m gonna make it!

« The best SPUNK ever!   Back on the wagon. »

1. I’ve been wonderin’ about you and am glad to hear that you are having a good time.

   Comment by lady laura — April 27, 2007 @ 11:30 am

2. Good job! The other thing that is different about you from when you began this weight loss journey is your active level! You’ve added regular exercise in - and that is key to keeping weight off. Most dieters don’t want to exercise (they tell themselves they hate it) but most (maybe not you, but most) slip back into their old eating habits eventually, and the weight comes back.

   You’ve got it right! It’s about healthy living - keep active and make 90% of your choices good healthy ones. And on those special occasions (no, Fridays are not special occasions) allow yourself an indulgence or two. Professional bodybuilders who are VERY strict about what they eat - down to macros and percentages - call these “refeeds” and your body needs them - it actually helps boost the metabolism.

   I’m so happy for you - you look wonderful and you sound so happy.

   Comment by Cara — April 27, 2007 @ 5:53 pm

3. I’m thrilled for you too! You’ve done an excellent job and I know that if anyone can reach goal weight and KEEP it off it’s going to be you!

   But really, this post makes me want an enchilada! 

   Comment by Bethany — April 28, 2007 @ 10:32 am

4. Just today Brandi and I were wondering where you had gone off to. 

   Comment by Bird — April 29, 2007 @ 11:26 pm

The best SPUNK ever! (Jana)

I went to get my hair cut today.  I found a hairdresser about nine years ago who I just love.  She lives an hour and a half from me now, but I will still only go to her.  The last time I got my hair cut was July, when I donated most of it to Locks of Love.  So she hadn’t seen me at all since I started this weight loss journey.

She looked me up and down.  “You look fabulous!”  Followed immediately by, “I hate you!”  

« Checking in   Early Graduation »

1. Go Jana, Go Jana 

   Comment by Debs — April 27, 2007 @ 12:04 am

2. That’s awesome! I bet it made your day!

   Comment by Cristina — April 27, 2007 @ 3:19 am

3. Yup. I love that kind. It’s when the other chicks hate ya that ya really know ya made it!  (just a joke, people, REALLY!  )

   Comment by blestwithsons — April 27, 2007 @ 6:18 am

4. (((Jana))) That’s AWESOME!!!

   Comment by Blair — April 30, 2007 @ 11:09 am

Checking in (Tracy)

Hi everyone (waving frantically from the library computer!)

I tried to e-mail Blest, but I don’t think she got my message.  Our computer is dead.  D-E-A-D.  Okay, it might just be mostly dead, as the verdict is still out at the computer shop.  They got our data off at least.  But the monitor is dead - and it’s a laptop.  Much sighs.  My littlest and I spilled apple juice all over it.  It was a cooperative effort at least…

Anyway, it’s hard for me to check in, as my time on any computer is limited and not very scheduled.  Bless my dh for giving me a break this lunchtime!  My little guy had ear surgery last Friday to remove granulation tissue and the ear tube that was blocked by that tissue.  Then everyone else left on various trips - first dh to Atlanta for a conference (he got back last night), then ds to many places on a charter bus with other junior high students on the school gifted trip (he’ll be back on Friday night - I have heard from him twice - once at the Rangers game where he just HAD to tell me that they had seen themselves on the giant TV there), and then dd to Tyler, TX for an overnight school gifted trip.  (She got back safe and sound as well.)  I am so glad that I stay very involved at school (since we are currently public-schooling), and I knew all the chaperones on the elementary trip, especially the one for my daughter, and I knew my son’s primary chaperones as well. 

There is really no point to this post other than to say HI!!!  And I’m hanging in here at about 248, not losing but not gaining and hoping that next week will be better.  In spite of the chaos here, I have been managing not to overeat and that is such a blessing.

I will hopefully check in at weigh in on Monday.  We’ll get the verdict about the monitor today or tomorrow.  I might be getting a NEW computer!!  How exciting!  (How devastating for the budget - oh well, we’ll manage!)

I miss this place so much - from Tracy, queen of exclamation points today!

« fasting and dieting   The best SPUNK ever! »

1. Tracy, good to hear from you.
   Sending you lots of love, hugs and prayers.

   Comment by Debs — April 27, 2007 @ 12:03 am

2. Thank you Debs. I’m feeling kind of lonely out here without much access to cyberspace…

   Comment by Tracy — April 29, 2007 @ 1:17 pm

3. Hey Tracy - I know what a pain it is to be without a computer - I hope yours gets well really soon  Oh and getting a new one sounds fun too lol. Yes, hard on the budget of course.

   ((hugs))

   Comment by Blair — April 30, 2007 @ 11:25 am

Fasting & Dieting (Bekki)

Tomorrow my church is having a day of prayer and fasting, seeking God’s direction about the current and future plans for the church. The idea is to fast for some or all of the day and then come together in the evening for prayer. I don’t know what to do. I am very bad at fasting, I get hungry and cross and usually end up feeling like I’m not really doing it properly and eat something and then feel like I’ve not done the right thing. The last time my church had a day of fasting I’d just started Phase 1 and was still working it out and feeling quite sick, so didn’t fast. This time round, I’m feeling healthy and pretty much into a routine, but still a little nervous as to the right thing to do. (This is classic Bekki behaviour, I think, wanting to do the right thing, unsure of my ability to do so and consequently feeling that whatever I do is the wrong thing.) Any thoughts or advice?

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« Just Checking In   Checking in »

1. Becki, I can totally relate. It feels wierd for me to fast when on a diet but fasting is biblical and very healthy too!

   Pray about it…I encourage you to participate and start small. Like just skip breakfast, but not your morning snack. Or even drink some milk, juice or tea instead of breakfast. I believe He will be blessed by any sacrifice you make if done in faith.

   HTH!

   Comment by Brandi — April 26, 2007 @ 8:46 am

2. Thanks Brandi! I’ll have a think and pray.

   Comment by Bekki — April 26, 2007 @ 9:34 am

3. You are welcome…and oh yes, don’t forget that you can still have extra prayer time whether you fast or not!

   Comment by Brandi — April 26, 2007 @ 10:05 am

4. Maybe your fast could be something like going back to phase one for a day - so cutting out carbs for a day. Or you could fast from something else, like non-work related computer time, or the TV…

   Comment by Debs — April 26, 2007 @ 10:09 am

5. I managed my first “successful” fast of my life a few weeks ago. I’d always done as you said you’ve done - start out, end up hungry/cranky then eat something (which feels oddly like sin when trying to fast?!?) and blow it.

   End of last month, our church was doing a corporate fast and I felt that I should do this. I allowed myself fruit juices (I get hypoglycemic with only water) and man, prayer was the ONLY thing that got me through it, Friday night, Saturday and we broke the fast Sunday night. Everytime I felt hungry, I went to prayer and said, “God, this hunger I give to you as a sacrifice” and you know, it wasn’t easy but I did it. Not only “it” but, my daughter’s birthday party was that weekend, and I managed not to eat pizza and ice cream cake! (and chips n’ dip, my favoritest thing ever!)

   It was a spiritual breakthrough for me, but it was also the first time I really felt “led” to do it. Maybe that had something to do with it as well.

   But the point of a “fast” is the heart, not only the physical. So pay attention to that, and I think the physical stuff works itself out.

   Comment by Cara — April 26, 2007 @ 11:32 am

6. Bekki - what kind of fast do they want you to do? I studied fasting a while back and there are many ways you can fast. I’ve done several fasts without feeling cranky or cross (which is very common for me when I am hungry). I don’t believe in just fasting to be fasting so please make sure that God is really calling you to do this first. If He is, you will have the strength and energy you need to do it.

   I rarely do a water fast though - I typically do juice (fresh) and water during my fast. You’ve probably already done it - or decided what you’ll do. Praying for you right now 

   Comment by Blair — April 30, 2007 @ 11:33 am

7. Thanks Blair. What kind of fast to do was up to each person. The important thing was that we were doing it together as a church, fasting and praying through the day and then coming together in the evening to pray together. What I did in the end was fast at breakfast and dinner and spent the time I would otherwise have spent preparing food and eating praying and reading my Bible.

   Comment by Bekki — April 30, 2007 @ 12:33 pm

Just Checking In (Kellie)

Hi everybody, I just wanted to take a minute to say Hi.  I have been out of touch for a few weeks since we have been moving.  All done praise God only now I am sick.  I have a temp of 102 degrees and a major sore throat with body aches.  I am going to take me kiddos to school and head over and see the doctor.  I have not weighed myself since we have been moving, poor eating, late eating and no real exercise ( of course lift tons of boxes has to count for something…right?) I am afraid to the number.  Of well hoping to be feeling better and be back on track next week.  Take care all and have a most blessed day.

« Yes You Can!   fasting and dieting »

1. Hi Kellie. Praying that you feel better soon. Don’t forget it’s only a number, it’s not who you are.

   Comment by Bekki — April 26, 2007 @ 8:44 am

Yes you can! (Bird)

I’ve been a Beach Boy for a little over six weeks now. With that in mind, I thought I’d give you guys and gals a run down of where I’m at with my weight loss journey:

- I get SPUNKS practically every single day now.

- As of this morning I’ve lost 25 pounds and I’ve gone down three inches on my waist.

- I have never felt better in my life! (Well, maybe I felt better when I was 16 and physically active every single day, but I doubt it because I ate a lot of junk food back then.)

- I have not truly cheated one time. (I say “truly” because I have had a couple of, um, minor indiscretions with a certain salad dressing and some beef jerky. They freaking put sugar in EVERYTHING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)

I feel like going up to heavy people on the streets and saying, “You don’t have to be fat anymore! Let me show you the way!” Seriously, I have tried “dieting” off-and-on now for years. I’ve tried everything from Weight Watchers to Weight Lifting, and nutchin’ has worked, peeps! Until now. With previous diets the most I’ve ever lost was around 10 pounds. That’s it. Big. Hairy. Deal.

I also want people to understand that I have ZERO self control when it comes to eating fatty foods and drinking Coca Colas. I love cheeseburgers, burritos and pizza. I remember, a few months ago, driving by a burrito joint and literally grasping my steering wheel with all my power saying: … I will not buy a burrito … I will not buy a burrito … Ahhhh! I actually believe I held out that time, but those instances of true self control were quite rare.

You see, Southbeach has even helped my lack of self control. Last night Brandi made a yummy dinner of Rosemary Chicken, green beans and sweet potatoes. Normally I would have gotten seconds, and I probably would have gotten thirds. I didn’t feel that need, though. I didn’t want to have the feeling in my stomach of being overly-stuffed and all bloated. It’s awesome!

I guess I wanted to write this post to let people out there know this: YOU CAN DO IT!

This is truly a situation where I can say with all confidence: If I can do it, anyone can do it! Sure it’s going to take some sacrifice but the Beach isn’t about starving yourself or eating crappy foods. You’ll feast on yummy foods and your belly will never know the difference between a double cheeseburger filling it up or a lean, grilled steak. For me, I’ll take the lean, grilled steak!

Now go lose some fat!

« Image, Part 3   Just Checking In »

1. Great post, Bird. Life sounds nice on the beach. 

   Comment by lady laura — April 25, 2007 @ 8:19 pm

2. Thanks Bird, I needed that. I’m having a hard time sticking to the Beach at the moment. Well, I eat the right things mostly, but then I add the wrong things (chocolate and not very Beachy cakes mostly) on top and then wonder why I’m not going down. I need to remember it’s just not worth it!

   Comment by Bekki — April 26, 2007 @ 1:49 am

3. Yeah, Bekki, it’s totally worth it. IMO, making a resolution to not ever cheat is the key.

   Comment by Bird — April 26, 2007 @ 5:21 am

4. Wow Bird, you are doing awesome! That’s awesome…good for you! 25 lbs…what a milestone!

   What kind of stuff do you eat for breakfast and lunch? Snacks?

   Comment by Cristina — April 26, 2007 @ 6:35 am

5. Thanks, Cristina.

   Breakfast is usually a boiled egg.

   1st snack is usually a string cheese stick.

   Lunch could be leftovers or a salad usually. (So leftovers would be like grilled chicken or something like that.) Sometimes I’ll eat a tomato for lunch too.

   2nd snack is usually a string cheese stick.  Or I’ve been making cheese-filled jalapeno poppers — just stuffing pickled jalapenos with the light Laughing Cow cheese spread.

   Dinner is usually some lean meat with like grilled mushrooms and onions. We mix up the meat: steak, chicken breast, lean hamburger, etc.

   Of course, I vary sometimes but that’s about it.

   Comment by Bird — April 26, 2007 @ 6:46 am

6. You have done well, young Jedi. 

   Even though I haven’t 25 pounds to lose, I know what you mean about that feeling. I didn’t think I could even lose 10. But, it feels good. Keep up the good work!

   And, there is sugar in everything! And it’s just wrong!

   Comment by Anita — April 26, 2007 @ 6:49 am

7. Y’all, I am SOOOO proud of him! You are doing so well, honey!

   And don’t forget the chocolate!

   Comment by Brandi — April 26, 2007 @ 8:47 am

8. YAYAYAYAYYYY Bird!!!!

   I know exactly what you mean about wanting to grab people and evangelize them for healthy living! I almost want to go around in a t-shirt with my before pic on it that sez “I lost seventy pounds - ask me how!”

   Comment by blestwithsons — April 27, 2007 @ 6:20 am