End of the Year...Reflections

As this 2009 year comes to a close...Many of us...drifted slowly away from our goal of losing a pound a week or at least I did...I want you to know, however, I had found it very helpful...banding with others to lose weight...I did very well...at the beginning...

As time went by...my daughter-in-law, Holly...took off...and continued to do very well...Some of you...Gail and Renee...had already lost a tremendous amount BEFORE we even started the BLOG...The "3" of you...truly were "inspiring" to me....

However, my world turned upside down....I found myself becoming unfocused and my personal goal to lose weight got lost in the shuffle of "moving"...After 21 years in Florida...we moved to a frontier unknown...the state of Montana...This was truly a major change...I know it was not an excuse to "eat" whatever I felt like, yet I did....These past months since AUGUST...living in an RV park for 2 months and now, in a ONE room motel for the remaining year...with Garvin and a 16 year old...no HOME to care for...no callings to keep me busy...no GARDEN to tend...I found going to the refrigerator my constant sense of companionship....Reading and working on my computer became my "activities" day in and day out...Fortunately, I did do some Seminary teaching and a few assignments for the Relief Society took my out of "my room"...Other than that, I became more of a recluse and found myself...being drawn into a way of life...that was "new to me"...

After 4 months...gaining all my "weight loss" back...PLUS an additional 15 pounds...I am now weighing more than I ever have in my entire life...It was time for me to take a deep look into my soul...I needed to understand why I was choosing a path leading me more into a destructive mode "physically" and in other ways "mentally"...than a positive one...Though, I learned a GREAT DEAL in "spiritual" truths and insights...I wasn't dealing with the "inner" me...

I am discovering answers...and am setting "goals" to pull myself out...of the "hole" I was digging for myself...I can NOT do this "alone"...I have come to KNOW...that through "Christ" all things are possible...if I but, truly, TURN TO HIM on a DAILY BASIS...Some of you may be surprised by my comment...perhaps...thinking I had this all down in my life...but, for the past 3 years...I was "slipping" from what brought me the greatest JOY...PEACE...and STRENGTH....I was trying to handle Life's situations...with less prayer...less scripture study...less drawing from the only source that will make one "whole"...I KNOW I had to TURN from going "inward" to an "outward" way of living LIFE...SERVING Father FIRST...which in turn...places me living to SERVE others...and "losing myself".....

I have rededicated my life...my "covenants" mean more to me...now...than they ever have...My understanding...has deepened...and my DESIRE...to build Father's kingdom...is my life's focus...

So, what does this have to do with THIS particular BLOG..."weight loss"...? Well, overcoming the "physical" is a step towards...deepening our "spiritual" relationship with our Father...Our body is a "temple" and it does have a "direct" correlation with our "spirit"...

I am resetting my "weight loss" goals...but, with a difference emphasis...on WHY the need to lose my weight...I can do "all things" through Christ...who WILL STRENGTHEN me...

I will weigh in on New Year's Day...to set my "ticker"...(smile)  Happy New Year, everyone...!!!!

Time to play the game again...

Well, this round did not play out like we thought so back to the, well, umm, stirups again. :)

I started the Femara last week and last night was the last dose (for this cycle). Tomorrow I start the ovulation testing again (yeehaw) and Friday morning I go for another Ultrasound.

If they find a viable follicle then I get to take home a shot again.

Last month for the first cycle we wound up spending $500.00 between the meds and 4 Ultrasounds. Sheesh!!!

That is all to report for now. :)

down but not giving up!

Hello ladies,
I know it has been a while. Last time I posted I shared about putting some weight back on well....still trying to get that back down again(: I came across a really great quote and I try to keep it in my mind when I am reaching for the wrong kinds of food, sometimes it works and others too late(: but the point is keep moving forward and always striving to do better. I still plan on getting to my goal by Jan 1 2010, we shall see. The quote was " Nothing tastes as good as skinny feels" Simply put but powerful. Ok ladies back to the grind. I wont be able to do my workout videos for a while as out TV is now broken (another story another BLOG-our family BLOG) so I am going to try to get to the gym a few times a week or play tenis with a friend if holidays and timing work(: Watching what I eat and not just as it goes in(:
Ok I know enough already lady(: hehehehe
I hope you all have a super duper week and make it better then the last(: It takes one day even one minute(second too) sometimes but we can do it(:

fallen and working back up

OK I know it has been a little bit. After having such a great results late month or so of going down 9 I was so excited. Well unfortunately I have gone up some....I need to get down about 15 more to reach my year goal....I can do this..if I just stop putting the wrong foods in my mouth, which lately with so much stress, papers, final and just life as a temp single mom runs you down...and so I have been stuffing my face. I need to get back on track and keep moving forward. I don't share this as poor me just the reality of life and sometimes turning to food not so much for comfort at this point but I think more out of habit as it really doesn't taste as great as it use to but it still puts weight on like it use to. I will keep posted as I get back down and work towards my year goal...Josh is home in just over 3 months for 2 weeks R&R and then he has to go back to Iraq...I have that long to get to where I would like to be(: I was only 18 pounds down when he left..I am now just over 50 (give or take on the day) so a huge difference(: for which I am grateful and really worked at it(: I hope and pray you are all healthy and happy and safe with your families. God bless(:

It has been a while(:

I know it has been a while but I am not the only one(: Ok time to fess up(: I guess over this last month since my last posting I have gone down 9 pounds(: Broke the plateau and still moving on. That was what it was on Thursday anyways(: We will see what this Thursday has to tell as I have been off my program a few days enjoying foods I shouldnt be having(: hehehehehe oooops oh well not going to kick myself I am a grown woman and know when I am doing what(: even enjoying a big piece of cheese cake(: mmmm and it was so good(: Tomorrow is a new day and a new week and I will do so much better(:
I hope you are all doing great even if you dont post anymore know that if there is a will there is a way even if it takes a time to get there..... you are not alone....
Have a super duper week ladies(:
Down a total of 54pounds...10 more to reach my year goal(: I can see I can make it and maybe even a little more before Jan 1 2010(:

(:

Slow week in weight loss. A lot going on and eating stuff I shouldnt. But with that said and done, no loss this week but no gain. I will be starting a program shortly and will keep all posted on how it goes(: Have a super duper week(:

The last week of August and......

This past week I went down 1.5 pounds(: I hope my plateau is done for now anyways. I hope you had a great and successful week(: Till next week have a great one(:

better then nothing(:

ok better then nothing. I went down .5(:

sorry out of touch

Sorry I know it has been a while since I have reported in. Well since my last report I have gone down 2 more pounds making it a total of 43 so far. It didnt move last week but atleast I didnt gain and I was starting my friend so hey not too bad. But I do need to get myself back into excersicing again(:
Will do better in my reporting(:
Have a great week(:

YEAH(:

A quick report this week as I am getting everyone ready for church(: oh the joys (: If we minus the pound I gained last week I went down a total of 3 plus the one I gained so really down 2. If that made sense(: I am down 41 pounds total(: I am sooooo excited. one day and one week at a time(: Hopefully good news again this week. Plus I have a goal to do my first 5k hopefully in Aug if there is one in that month. I want to start running/walking and if needs be crawling and go from there. Work up to bigger ones(: We will see. I will keep you posted(:
I hope you all have a super duper week(:
Love Holly(:

A new week

This week I went up one pound. It was a really bad cycle this month and I ate some stuff I pron=bably shouldnt have. But next week is a new week and I need to get back into a routine. With the kids home for the summer and myself going back to school, not to mention being the lone ranger on teh home front I just keep moving forward. When the kids get back into school I ma hoping to get back to my exercise like I was. I really miss it but not enough time in the day these days and still get a few hours of sleep in there too somewhere.
I hope you are all doing great. Never give up(:

This week in July(:

Quick note. I went down another pound(: Slowly but surely(:
Have a super duper week.

short and sweet(:

Just a quick note. Down 1.5(: this week. We shall see if too much celebrating has changed that for this upcoming week or not(: I hope you are all doing great.
Have a super duper week(:

last full week of June(:

(: Hello ladies. Just a quick report this week(:

I went down 1 pound this week. I have been so busy with things I cant seem to keep my head on straight. Oh well. I hope you are all doing great. Dont give up and always look forward(:

Great Line....

I came across this great quote...on how we should pattern our eating habits:

"Eat BREAKFAST like a KING, LUNCH like a QUEEN, and DINNER like a PAUPER."

("Slim for Life" - By: Dr. Gillian McKeith - Page 71)

A new week(:

Just a quick note. I went down 2 pounds this week. I hope everyone is doing well. Have a super duper week(:

This weeks report(:

This weeks report is I stayed the same. That's ok. I have been going down for the last 5 and I just started my cycle so I am good with that. It's not a gain(: I will keep you posted. I also didnt work out as much this week. I tried a new video. It was really good but I over did it and couldnt really move too well for 3 days. That will be one I do when I get down some more now that I know it is gonna take its toll on me till I get past the pain(:

I hope you all have a great week(:
Tata for now(:

first week in June(:

It is a new month(: I keep waiting for this to all change on me, not that I want it to at all. I am greatful that this has been a long time coming to be able to work this off. I am down another 2 pounds this week(: YEAH(: I know I still have a ways to go but I am doing it. And it isnt easy that is for sure(: With all the kids home for summer we will see how my summer goes(: Still any loss is better then nothing(: and I have had my share of those weeks too(: I love the walk away the pounds workout series and watching what I eat, but I am not depriving myself either. If I really want something bad enough I ask myself is it worth eating right now? I also give myself a little leaway on the weekends...I do mean a little but that is usually the harder part of the week for me...if i am willing to work out more then i will treat myself...treat so not a huge serving but enough to taste and enjoy. I know i know i'll stop for now. I hope you all have a super duper week. never give up(:

(:

This week I went down 1.5(: I am excited for how this month has gone. Hard work pays off(: I hope I can keep up with my routine especially as I start a class this week(school) and the kids finish school this Friday(: I am determined to reach my longterm goal for when Josh comes home but I also want to hit each of my small goals along the way.

I hope everyone is doing great and keeping your heads held high. Always rememeber you are a beautiful daughter of a very loving Heavenly Father who loves you unconditionally(:

I hope you have a super duper week(:

This week in May(:

Just a quick report this week(: I am down 2 more pounds(: I hit 30 down Yeah! I am so excited(: I still have a ways to go but I am goin(: I hope you have a successful week(:

PS Please take a moment to think and thank a soldier/vet for your freedon(:

This week in MAY(:

HI ladies(:

Just a quick note today as the kids are going crazy and I still need to get everyone ready for church. I went down another 2.5 pounds this week. I am 2 pounds away from 30 pounds down(:. I am so excited. That is my goal this week. I will also be starting a cleanse this week so I will let you know how it goes. I hope you have a super duper week. Rememebr life isnt as bad as we think it is. Right now I truely know that and have to keep telling myself that. (:

Finally back where I should be...

Mom I completely understand. I am ready to write off April completely and forget it ever happened. I finally caught back up and went down 1 more pound(: Yeah. Now I am down 25.5 since Jan 1. That record is more for me then anyone else. It just helps me to see how far I have come and how far I have to still go. I hope you all have a wonderful week. And to all of you in one form or another I wish you a "Happy Mothers Day" (:

Till next week happy loosing(: In a good way(: (not your mind , keys, things...(:)

Finally!!!!!

What a struggle to lose ONE POUND!!!! How is that???? It only takes me a DAY to GAIN one pound (or two)...but, a MONTH to LOSE ONE POUND!!!!????? I don't get it!!!! But, I am VERY HAPPY to announce....that I am able to move my "ticker" ONE MORE POUND!!!! VERY EXCITED...I will try not to think about WHERE I WOULD BE...if I stayed ON COURSE!!!! ):

OLD FAITHFUL(:

Well I dont know where anyone else is but here it goes...I went up 1 pound this week. I havent been eating so great and I didnt get any exercise in this past week. Just a lot going on(: I will do better this week cause I dont want to be hating my scale. I need it to be my friend(: I hope you are all doing great and feeling great about yourselves. It is a new day, a new week, and everything is wondeful(:

"Eat That Frog"

This morning I received an email...on a little book called..."Eat That Frog"...It was on the principle "procrastination".... I watched their little video (ONE MINUTE LONG) - - This is the link: http://www.eatthatfrogmovie.com

Here is an excerpt from "Eat That Frog" -
"If the first thing you do when you wake up in the morning is eat a live frog, then nothing worse can happen for the rest of the day!"

Anyway, you get the idea...For many of us...perhaps...we have been "procrastinating" in finishing what we all started...the losing those UNDESIRED "extra pounds".... Perhaps we have been procrastinating by putting off our "exercise".... or procrastinating by simply telling ourselves...."I'll RESTART my efforts...."TOMORROW".... You and I know...that "tomorrow" NEVER comes!!!!

Well, girls...let's go and "EAT THAT FROG" FIRST THING THIS MORNING!!!! I am RESTARTING my efforts "today"!!!! Oh...one more thing...I have found that if I mention to Heavenly Father in my morning prayers....that I will need His help....in giving me the STRENGTH to OVERCOME...my "appetite" on that given day....I do SO MUCH BETTER!!! Obviously, I haven't been including that in my prayers, lately....OK...must get going....I need to go PRAY....(smile)

(:

HI Ladies(:

I hope you are all still there(:

Ok I will make this short and sweet(: I went down 1.5(: This week.

I hope you are all doing great.

Havew a super duper week(:

I am back...

Last week I didnt report. We have been blessed to spend some great time together as a family with Josh before he deploys. Last week I gainded 1 pound. This week after uping my work outs I have gone down 2.5 pounds. So catching up on what I gained it is really 1.5 down making it now 23 pounds(: down(: I am so excited. It has not been easy. I cant go without working out or I will gain weight. I am planning on working out a lot more when Josh deploys. I am gonna need to busy myself and I have some plans for that. Anyways I wont go on about that. I hope you are all doing great and having a wonderful Easter Sunday with your loved ones.

I DID IT!!! I DID IT!!! I DID IT!!! I DID IT!!!

I had to put down "I Did It"!!! FOUR TIMES in the title...because, I started the "4 mile" workout video that Holly has been doing...My intent was to only do ONE mile, today...and work my way to the 4 miles during the week....but, true to my nature...I just couldn't QUIT...All those individuals on the video kept going...and I find that...until THEY QUIT...I couldn't either...so I MADE IT...through the ENTIRE "4" mile workout!!!! THANK YOU, HOLLY...for INSPIRING this little ol' lady....to do it!!!! I am nearly 59...come July...and have started to "experience" my age...but, I must say...AFTER working out...then, taking a shower...cleaning up....I didn't quite FEEL MY AGE...A tad bit...younger...I must say...(smile)

I have noticed a decrease in "chatter" on this BLOG...Maybe, it is time...to remember WHY we decided to lose weight in the first place...

HEALTH? A KEENER MIND? WANTED to GET BACK INTO YOUR CLOTHES, AGAIN? WANTED TO FEEL BETTER? WANTED TO LOOK BETTER - MORE SCULPTURED? WANTED MORE SELF-MASTERY ? WANTED THE BLESSINGS THAT IS STATED IN THE DOCTRINE and COVENANTS in SECTION 89? Whatever the reason...I hope you haven't "given up".... I LOVE NEW "BEGINNINGS".... April 1st...is just in a couple of days...If you need to BEGIN AGAIN...a NEW START...what a perfect time...to do it...!!!

I haven't moved my "ticker" in a couple of weeks...but, I am nearly ready...but, want to go down a bit farther...to take off my next pound...I want you to know...this BLOG has helped me to DESIRE to KEEP GOING...even if there is a set-back or two....(smile) I am PUMPED!!!!

Where did the month go??

Wow we are coming to the end of yet another month. Where has the time gone?
I hope everyone is having a super duepr week. It seems to have quieted down on the BLOG so I hope all of you are still doing great no matter what(:
My report this week is down 2 pounds(: I am so excited. It has taken me so long to see results that I am just so happy with how all of this is going. Dont get me wrong, it hasnt been easy and without work but because I am seeing results it is almost like a challenge for the following week to get the numbers down a little bit more, or to break the next set of numbers(like getting below 20, then 15, 10 and so forth) The only reason I want to see numbers go back up on my scale is for a really good reason and that wont be happening for sometime(: (refering to any additions to our family)

OK now that I have rambled on and on I hope you have a wonderful week and I hope to hear from you soon(:

Quick update(:

This week I went down 1.5 pounds(: I hope you are all having a super duper and healthy week.

Food For Thought, so to speak(:

I know I usually only record my weekly report but I feel moved to share some thoughts that I cam across in a book I have been reading; "Finding the Angel Within-spirituality, body-image, and self-worth" By Pamela H. Hansen.

I hope that something I have felt to share will help, incourage or maybe even move you to loving yourself no matter your size as the Lord loves you and so do I(:

Here we go;

Winston Churchill said "Never, never, never give up."

We must never give up, regardless of temptations, frustrations, disappointments, or discouragements.

There are times in our lives when perseverence means simply keep moving.

President Hinckley "You did not come into this world to fail. You came into this world to succeed." (Me-be it to loose weight, win a race or atleast get past the finish line, get a degree, work hard at being the best you can be. Dont worry about everyone else in the sense where they are at but know you CAN and Will succeed with the Lord in all things when we let Him)

Remeber the worth of souls is great in the sight of God." (D&C 18:10). (Me-Satan doesnt want us to feel that way and uses the world to tear us down with the "worlds ideals" to be like everyone else. We were not meant to be anyone else but ourselves. The Lord created us differently in all areas, and so there is nothing wrong with being extra lovable and fluffy(: But it does matter what our hearts are doing(: )

Feeling comfortable with ourselves brings a sense of peace. Feeling at peace also requires that we feel the Savior's love for us even through our earthly trials.

Me-My dear sisters, we have been blessed with wonderful Temples(Body) from a loving Heavenly Father who knows us personally, loves us unconditionally, and desires for us to return to live with Him again one day. I promise you that as we do the best we can in taking care of our Temples(Body) as the Lord would have us do and not as the world would we will find greater peace within ourselves and see ourselves with different eyes. We are all beautiful women inside and out.

I hope these words have and will make a positive difference in how we see each other and see ourselves.

Thank you sisters for believing in me as I believe in you(:

Gained ONE POUND

Ok...you say...why in the world would I post that I GAINED a POUND....Because, I thought I had gained a GREAT DEAL MORE....after spending 10 days with Joshua/Holly's family...I wasn't as CAREFUL, because, I simply wanted to ENJOY our visit....Having survived going OUT to dinner....TRAVEL munchies...and THROUGHLY enjoyed Cadbury EASTER eggs....(truly one of the chocolates of the Chocolate gods, as my daughter, Sarah would say)...I felt wonderful that I only gained ONE POUND....I did NOT MOVE my ticker BACKWARDS...because I have every INTENTION...to REMOVE that pound THIS WEEK and HOPE to lose, hopefully, ONE MORE for this week...

My daughter-in-law, Holly, (who is also on this blog), gave me one of her workout videos..."Walk Away the Pounds". (High Calorie Burn)..by: Leslie Sansone. I have to admit, I own a few "workout" videos...some left over from some of my other children...Most of them were so FRUSTRATING, because, of all the MOVEMENTS they made...my arms somehow ended so CONFUSED...while my legs...never matched the steps they were doing on the screen!!! However, this MORNING...I did the "2 mile" workout!!! EASY to FOLLOW...Only 4 different type of movements....EVEN MY MIND/BODY combination was NEVER CONFUSED with the movements... I admit, I wanted to quit after doing ONE MILE...but, I thought...OK...I will go a HALF mile more...well...I got to the 1.5 mile point...thought...I might as well....finish the 2 miles....I DID IT!!! Holly is doing the "4" mile workout...but, for right now....the 2 mile workout is just right for me...Takes 30 minutes....PERFECT amount of time for me, as well....

I LOVE working out IN MY HOME...NO DRIVING...NO MONEY to spend each month....and I can do it whenever I want to....FIND if I do it FIRST THING...in the morning...then, I won't let other events or situations...push the "exercise" time....to the background...

Hope you are all still MOTIVATED to CONTINUE...even if YOU HAVE HAD SET BACKS...I know...after losing what weight I have...I am feeling good at what little I have done...I find I can move about easier...especially trying to keep up with little grandchildren...BEING OVERWEIGHT.....was keeping me from...PLAYING with them...cause they really don't understand...SITTING and PLAYING...for very long...It is all PHYSICAL MOVEMENTS.......I remember ADULTS saying when I was YOUNG..."If only I had that kind of ENERGY"...I use to LAUGH at that kind of talk...cause...it was so EASY....to RUN...and NEVER TIRE OUT much....I could NOT UNDERSTAND what they MEANT by that statement....Well, I am now a GRANNY...and SO UNDERSTAND what they MEANT....(sorry to say)....

Even with this little SET BACK...I am DETERMINED to KEEP GOING....We can do it, girls!!!! Another MOTIVATION for me....is that I have this CUTE little PINK TOP that I am dying to WEAR....(love PINK) I have another 10 or 20 pounds to feel comfortable in wearing it...but, I WILL be by the end of the YEAR...

Oh...another thing...I am keeping a SCRAPBOOK in PICTURES...with a picture at my GREATEST SIZE/WEIGHT....When I lost my first 10 pounds...I had another picture taken...with weight and DATE....When I reach 20 pounds...I will take ANOTHER picture....till I reach my goal....ANOTHER FUN way...to do this...

My LOVE to you all!!!!!

This past week(:

Yeah(: I went down 2.5 pounds this week(: I have been working hard. That makes down so far 18pounds(: I will take that(: I am hoping to atleast come to par this week s I havent been eating so great the last few days(: I plan on working it off the rest of the week so maybe it will pay off. If not that is only my own fault and I will do better. It is not worth beating myself up over it just start a new day(: I hope you are all having a super duper day and week and know you are not alone and we can all do this together.(:

This week in March(:

Hello ladies(: A little late reporting but here it is. Down another pound. Total thus far 15.5. I am doing a new work out video and it is a fast and firm high calorie burn walk away the pounds 4 miles. Boy it sure makes you sweat. I hope it will help me get the pounds a droppin(: I hope you all have a super duper week(: Never give up, and know you are not alone(:

Long time since posting

Sorry I haven't posted in quite some time. I have been going crazy with a friend's wedding. She did not have anyone to help her so I had to do the bouquets, corsages, boutonniere's, centerpieces, and of course the wedding cake. I was also in the wedding and had to put the cake together and decorate it the day of the wedding. So I am pretty much exhausted but I am now down 64 lbs. total. Yes, I have been eating but it was all protein, veggies and fruit and 128 oz. of water each day. It will be interesting to see how I do this week, I moved my weigh in with the doctor to every 2 weeks and on Thursday evening. I can now move my walking into the evening where I can enjoy it more, it is cooler in the evening and I don't have to worry about having to rush home to make gum paste flowers for a cake. :) Although I hear Becca is getting married in May. :)

slowly but surely(:

I will keep this short and sweet as I am going vrazy with the kids and all. I went down another .5 pound. I know atleast it is still a loss. I have had a rough weekend in the food sense so hopefully I will get back on track and workout more this week and eat better. I hope you are all doing great. Have a super duper week(:

ONE MORE POUND...

Good Morning, Sisters...It seems that the title of our blog...is becoming more the norm for me...and I am THRILLED...I can actually say...I lost ONE MORE POUND this week...I have mentioned before...WEEKENDS is the CHALLENGE I face each week...It is when there are so many FUN things are going on....My daughter, Jenny and my little grandson, Sammy, came up Friday and stayed all night....plus, Angel and Jared and baby Nathan spent the night, also...So, we ordered PIZZA Friday night...and played "Chicken Feet"...I love HAWAIIAN pizza...so, I can easily eat 4 or 5 pieces - then dipping the crust in GARLIC BUTTER (yum...)....It was all I could do to eat only "2" pieces...but, I did...that way...I could participate with the rest....and go on to WIN THE GAME....(smile) However, yesterday, I gave in and ate "2" of my favorite candy bars...but, I found it was NOT as SATISFYING as I had imagined...Hmmm....just maybe....I will be able to DO WITHOUT ...in the FUTURE...However, I did THOROUGHLY enjoy a couple of bites of a "Symphony" CHOCOLATE bar with TOFFEE pieces...(normally, I would EAT THE ENTIRE BAR - the LARGE SIZE one...) So, I am finding...it easier and easier...to eat SMALLER portions...and still lose weight...not as fast...but, lose slowly...and ENJOY EVENTS!!!

Made it through the WARD CAMPOUT

"Holy Griddle" Breakfast - February 21, 2009

I don't know about you, but WEEKENDS...often are my downfall....especially, if there is a party or some event I am attending...This weekend was our WARD CAMPOUT...I tried really hard...not to PICK at anything EXTRA...Garvin cooked breakfast on the "Holy Griddle"...and I was able to walk away...from the "bacon" and "pancakes"....but, those hashbrowns...and left-over mashed potatoes that were cooked up for breakfast...was too much of a temptation....but, somehow...I managed to lose ONE more POUND over the weekend...!!!!

Ok I have tried 3 times now to report this week and for some reason the site is having problems so hopefully this will work and I wont blab on like I was. Maybe it was for me to yap but not to bore you all with(: Here it is....1.5 down. I hope you all have a super duper week. (:

I hope this works

(:

I hope everyone is doing great.

This week I went down 1.5 pounds. I have been doing the work out vidoes walk away the pounds (high calorie burn) My weekly goal is 6 and more if possible. I feel great. I am so excited to see results. When I tried weightwatchers after having the twins it took me 5 months to get down 17 pounds and I was working at it. I am just so happy that something is working this time. I know as we get older and having lots of kids does a number on the poor body but I want to be able to be around for future generations and active during that time. Ok Ok I know I rambled on there but for me yes I would love to be a smaller size but really I want to be healthy and active and there more for my kids and eventually(long ways away(: ) grandkiddies. It is all worth the hard work and dedication....with a treat every once in a while(:
Ok I have blabbed enough. Ladies I hope you all have a super duper week(:

I'm a "10"!!!!

Ha! Ha! I don't mean THAT type of "10"...(smile)...but, I did reach my FIRST milestone...I have lost my FIRST "10" pounds!!!! I am THRILLED!!!! YES, Sisters...it CAN BE DONE!!! Wow! Wasn't sure I would make it...but, I DID!!!! (smile) Hmmm....now for the NEXT 42 pounds....(smile)

back from discouragement

Well I haven't been posting because I was so discouraged with my body. I thought I was doing well, eating better and exerciseing and then my weight started going up a pound a day. I thought maybe I was retaining water so I cut back on my salt intake but it still went up. I gained 5 pounds in a week. I knew that I couldn't be eating that many calories because of my MGB surgery but I was so bummed. I didn't want to post cause I couldn't take my ticker going backwards all in one week. So I just ignored everything and kept on doing what I was doing trusting that it would pass. I went out and bought and planted some flowering plants to cheer me up. Because of my age and the effects of surgery on my hormones I haven't had regular periods and was thinking I might be done with that but not so and three days after I started my period I dropped the 5 lbs I had gained plus another 1/2. So I will continue trying to eat right and exercise and look forward to a downward path.

Your blogs have really helped. I read them mostly on my phone which is harder to respond on. But all of you keep working on it and we will all be getting smaller.

Gail

Happy Valentines Day(:

Good morning ladies(:

I only have a second as usual these days. There is always so much to do, get done, clean, wash, chase.....well you get the idea. That stuff is recorded on my family blog if you want to read for yourself(: http://thesmithbrigade.blogspot.com/

OK back to the report for this week. After doing 8 miles this week and really working harder at eating better....most days(: hey I like chocolate and it was valentines (: I went down 2 pounds this week(: Yeah. I am excited. Hard work pays off. I hope you all had a great week. Alway remember even half a pound down is still a down(: Good luck ladies and I hope you have a super duper week.(:

1 pound

Why is it when you are this close to the finish line the tortise kicks in? My weight loss has been like the hare, at times I could barely believe it. Then all of the sudden someone threw a stop sign in the middle of it. Although I should not be frustrated since I have lost all this weight since November it is hard to not be frustrated when the brakes get yanked up. I had my pre-op this past Wednesday before they did the LEEP on me yesterday. Actually funny story Jared Day was present for the procedure and I was very glad he was there. I was supposed to have pain and discomfort but he acted as a guardian angel in a way. I literally have not touched one of the Darvocet's they gave me, they prescribed 20 and I still have 20. So Angel please tell Jared he has to be present for any and all procedures I have, he is like a good luck charm. At first I did not even know who he was because they sedated me right before they wheeled me in, so I had sedation goggles on. I think he was also wearing his mask and head scarf. Once I was waking up though after and I saw him walking towards me in the recovery room I finally realized who that was smiling at me under that face mask. Anywho the doctor said in May we can start trying again and by then I will have healed enough and had enough time to lose the last 25 pounds.

Must Be the MOON!!!

Was this a difficult week for everyone? MUST HAVE BEEN THE MOON!!!! (smile)

Better then nothing(: Right?

Well I am off to a slow start this month. I hope it will get better. Ijust need to keep my mouth shut and exercise more(: I went down .5 this past week. I know better then nothing and it is still a loss. I seem to have more munchies and snacky this week. I was doing great even if Josh and the kids were eating whatever I could resist. No not this week and I know I will lose more if I exercise and I didnt get too much of that in this week. So here is to another week and hopefully still loosing. Either way it is a long journey and there are always bumps along any path we take that is how we learn and grow.....didnt say it would always be fun but always worth it.

I hope you all had a great week. I look forward to hearing from you so I will look for your reports. Have a super duper week ladies(:

Rough Week

Well, Sisters...this turned out to be my roughest week...Since I came back to Florida...I wanted to eat ALL the time!!! Yesterday, I had my FIRST real "sugar"...I had a few "hugs"....I have tried to understand...why I had such compulsion to EAT....and yesterday...I gave into one of my "indulgences"....I LOVE "hugs"...! I am still working on the "why"....but, decided...that I needed to SETTLE down, again...However, I DID lose...but, not quite ONE POUND...Up till now, I have been losing about "2" pounds a week...I lost .8 pounds....I will take it...better than GAINING...So, today, I am going with the mind-set...."I can do it"....Hope, I can report next Sunday....BETTER RESULTS....and have my "SPIRIT" in control...instead of my "PHYSICAL" appetite...hmmm...or my "EMOTIONAL" state of mind.....(smile)

Need a chuckle?

Dieting is NOT FUN! So, we got to find HUMOR...along the JOURNEY...(smile)

"Inside me there's a thin person struggling to get out, but I can usually sedate him with four or five cupcakes." -Bob Thaves

January has come and gone and so has......(:

Ok ladies. As January has come and gone so have some of the pounds with it(: AS this BLOG is all about one pound a week, that is my goal each week. Anything above and beyond is a bonus. I am sooooo happy to say I have had a big bonus this month. This last week of January I went down another 2.5 pound(: Making my January month a total of down 10 pounds. YEAH! I am so excited. I am seeing results that I havent had in a long time. I know it may not be this great every month but like I said earlier one pound a week down is the first goal.

I hope you all have had a wonderful week and are well pleased with all of your effort and results for this month. I am so happy for you and how far you have come. We are all in this treck together(:
Also a side note. Thank you Sandee for the cds I just got them in the mail and look forward to a moment to sit and enjoy them(: I am excited.

Ladies I hope you all have a super duper week. I am off to church. (:

JANUARY - Total

When I first started this on January 1st...my goal was to at least lose 4 pounds for the month, hence the ONE POUND PER WEEK...I was able to accomplish...MORE...which...was a WONDERFUL BOOST...to my desiring to stay on course...MY TOTAL for the month of JANUARY: 6.5 pounds....I'll take it...(smile) ONE MONTH DOWN and 11 more to GO!!!!!! (smile)

Finally

OK, finally I think I have lost 2.5 pounds. I say I think, because a lot of times I am down one day and up the next. But this has actually stayed off for 5 days. Yea!!

New addictions...

I have what we might want to call a sweet tooth problem. When I went on this venture for a healthier lifestyle, since I can't stand the dreaded "D" word diet. The clinic I am with basically removes everything from your diet and gives you only protein, vegetables and fruit. I have been on it since November 1st and have been doing well, they tell me I am their star pupil. Well, I went through Christmas and other holidays just fine without sweets, breads, pastas, starchy vegetable, basically anything tasty. :) I keep wanting something sweet and the sugar free jello just ain't cuttin' it! I am an admitted chocoholic and caramel addict. So I asked them what do I do when I am PMSing or just having one of those I need something sweet days. They said I can have sugar free candy (not chocolate), sugar free Popsicles...etc. Now granted I am not an advocate for sugar free products, I am more of a vegetarian, natural foods or organic person. I do not use Splenda or any other sweetners, but at this point I will take a knee to benefit my sweet tooth and give in. I found Sugar Free Brach's Cinnamon Disks and Sugar Free Nips Caramel (the caramels are 60 calories for 2 large piece), so delicious. I have to take it easy on the sugar free candy though. Not sure if any of you have taken the time to read labels but it says clearly on the back of the bags of sugar free candy, May Cause a Laxative Like Effect, now for those of us losing weight that is great. My problem was watching a movie with my hubbie and not knowing the bag said this and having half bag of Werther's Sugar Free candy and having to leave (OK run) to the restroom half way through the movie. AJ wanted to know what was wrong I explained I didn't feel well but could stay for the movie. On the way home he was looking at the back of the bag and informed me what it said. OK so lesson learned.
A little tip though that I have learned is that Splenda, Equal, Sweet and Low...... are not good for you at all. When Splenda came out I was on Weight Watchers and was using it religiously as a replacement for sugar. I couldn't figure out why I was getting Urinary Track infections every other month. I did some research and found that Splenda causes Kidney damage, Liver problems, bloating, gas, rashes and there are many other issues people have with it. In France Splenda was not allowed to use their commercials because: "We want to ensure fair competition through accurate advertising so that consumers can make informed decisions about the products they're buying (…) Splenda is a synthetic compound - created in a lab and manufactured in a chemical plant - and is no more natural than any other low-calorie sweetener." So Mama Smith was talking one day about Stevia and how she grows it. It is the best stuff ever and it sweetens like sugar but has zero calories, low on the glycemic index and is all natural. Publix has started to carry it, all health food stores do and you can grow it like an herb at your home. Pull off 1 leaf add it to tea and it is sweet, you can chew it right off the bush and it is sweet like sugar. You only have to use half of what you would use in sugar. The health food stores have it in powdered form, with no additives. The best tasting one is by NuNaturals NuStevia. Sorry for such a long blog entry but I thought I would pass it along.

By the way my new addiction is smaller clothes and SHOES! LOVE SHOES!!!! :)

Calculator online...

Garvin found this neat site...that some of you might like to play with:

	http://health.msn.com/weight-loss/bmi-calculator.aspx

Slowly but Surely

I'm down 1.5. I've been having sugar cravings!!! Help!

Copyright

I was going to retype a formula for "Cleansing" from this book Sarah got at Education Week, but, I read under her "copyright" that it would be "illegal" if I made copies (or retyped it)...I don't feel right in breaking her wishes....So, if anyone is interested in getting this wonderful book in spiral form...the author is - Jonell West Francis...She does have an email that you could purchase all copies...maybe...you can get just the cleanses...to developed...

jonell@feelgoodcookbook.net

Name of the book "The Feel Good Cookbook" - Whole Foods and Allergy Free Recipes

Deb

Still a live

Well after two weeks of not doing much weight wise, this morning I was down two pounds. Hurrah.!! This is due to lots of sleep after coming home sick from the middle of sacrament. Kyle got me home just in time for me to dump and to vomit and the Hayley gave me some medicine to make me sleep and I woke up feeling great and two pounds thinner.

I am feeling less tired since getting iron infusion treatments and look forward to getting back to the gym as soon as the stitches are removed from the moles I had removed.

Keep up the good work ladies. Remember even ounces going down have you moving in the right direction. Weight loss is kind of like the gospel. We need to stay on the path and keep moving forward.
Gail

Inching along

OK inch my little Turtle along. My total so far for this year is 5.8 pounds! This week was about a a pound and a half. I turned down some yummy stuff but still not up to snuff on exercising! I tried to give blood around Christmas time but was too anemic- I think that's the cause of my running out of speed before I run out of day.

My goal for this week besides losing another pound is to call the doctor and get an appointment!

Sandee

Today here is my report(:

Ok here it is. My weigh in days are Thursdays. This past Thursday I was down 2.5 pounds making it a total of 7.5 so far for the month. I am still doing slim fast but this past week I ate fruit in the morning then a shake and something small for lunch, an afternoon snack and then a sensible dinner(usually) (: I am so happy to be seeing results. I have been frustrated long enough and now it is all payiong off. Another goal I set was to walk/run(when able) 6 miles a week and then go from there but that is where I am starting. I feel great and I am very much aware when I eat something I call dead food. You know after you eat it you feel gross and a rock sitting in your stomach. Its nice to be more intune with my body.

I truely hope you all had a great week. Great job Renee. I look forward to seeing the rest of your reports. Until then have a super duper week.

PS Does anyone know of a really good cleanse that actually works but not too hard on the pocket. I want to start doing that more often to help rid myself of "stuff" that is hiding out in there(: Sorry if that is too much info. I hope someone can help(: Talk to you later(:

Grandchildren - A method that works...

For the past few days, I have been helping tend Sarah's 3 little ones...oldest being "4" years old...(smile) (now, there are "4"...as of YESTERDAY...and I can hardly wait to HOLD her for the next coming days...while I am here in IDAHO) (smile) Anyway, running after little ones...has certainly helped with my WEIGHT LOSS...I weighed in YESTERDAY......(Can't this morning, til Luke gets up, since the scale is in their master bathroom)...so I will base my loss on yesterday's weigh-in...I have lost another "2" pounds...making it a grand total of "6" pounds...since January 1st...I am THRILLED...My goal for the month of JANUARY was "4" pounds, so I feel VERY GOOD that I am at least "progressing".... I saw this quote this morning in my email box...thought...it would be perfect to share here...in regards to GOALS:

"Set your goals-without goals you can't measure your
progress. But don't become
frustrated if the victories don't come quickly or easily.
Remind yourself that
striving can be more important than arriving. If you are
striving for
excellence-if you are trying your best day by day with
the wisest use of your
time and energy to reach realistic goals-you are a
success, and you can feel
proud of your accomplishments."

Marvin J. Ashton, Ensign, Feb 1993, 64

Weigh in on Friday...

Well today is the day I normally go to the doctor's office to weigh in. Being that I am off the medication right now and see no sense in driving 30 miles there and 30 miles back, I weighed at home. My scales are .3 off of theirs and it costs me $75.00 each visit plus gas and tolls. So I weighed this morning and I have lost 6 more pounds. I will be very interested though next Friday to see what happens since I am off everything as of today. I do have to go to their office next Friday for one last check of everything before the LEEP procedure.

Great Job Ladies(:

I know it is halfway through some of your weeks, but I didnt get to say "congrats" to you all for your last weeks SUCCESSES(: Hey any down is still down. It all adds up(: Sorry so late to say great job. I have had computer problems....namely the kids wont leave it alone so it decides to go on a break...hehehehe...if only that was so easy(: anyways I look forward to all of your next great reports(: I hope you are all having a super duper week so far and the rest will be even better(: We are all on our way(:

Busy!

Hey! I lost two pounds! Hurray! Too busy to write more, but wanted to check in. Congrats everyone! Didn't you round down the week before, so doesn't that mean you lost more?

It worked!

I am down three pounds this week! yay! I was good about sticking to my not eating out policy and managed to work out three times. I aim for almost everyday so when i only hit half of them it works out ok. Ive found that I do really well five days a week when i am busy at work and follow a routine. The weekends are when it is hardest for me. So I guess my goal will be to add some structure to my weekends...at least as far as meals go. looking forward to a new week.

.2 of a pound

Ackers! I guess it's time to make some changes. I honestly thought a week of "healthy eating" and I'd just lose another pound but I only lost .2 of a pound. Acckkk! I guess it's good to constantly evaluate. My changes for this week to see that I do lose at least a pound are:

1. Write down everything I eat

2. Walk or treadmill at least 3X this week

3. Drink more water

I hope I'm not the lone dragger next week too!

Sandee

Fortune Cookie, Peanut M&M's, and Tapioca Pudding

Ever go out to a "CHINESE" restaurant and NOT eat your "Fortune Cookie"? I ALWAYS EAT my fortune cookie and everyone elses!!! Since, we have VISITING "out-of-town" children (Caleb and Jenny -PLUS "baby Sammy") FAMILY meals are much more "plentiful" than...the "dieting" days when it is the "regular" household occupants....I did NOT eat....MY FORTUNE COOKIE....nor....had my "tapioca pudding" at the end of my CHINESE meal... I LOVE TAPIOCA PUDDING!!!!!....nor....did I surrender to the "calling me to sin" M&M Peanuts...that everyone is EATING...while we play games or watch movies!!!!! THESE PAST COUPLE OF DAYS HAVE BEEN MY TEST!!!!! Unfortunately, I have eaten MORE at MEAL TIME than what I have been...LOST CONTROL the other night...and had "4" pieces of PIZZA!!! But, I figure....I still haven't broken down and had any refined SUGAR since New Year's Day....!!!

Consequently, in the two weeks I have been on this "one pound a week" plan...I have lost 4 pounds...2 pounds ahead of schedule....I was "5"....at one point...but, this weekend has killed me, though...I am STILL PLEASED that I am....still SUGAR FREE....and ahead a bit on the path of NO RETURN....This is my REPORT....

Saturday report

I know it is one day early from when we report but I have a minute right now. I weighed in this week and I went down 1 more pound. A total so far of 5. Baby steps. I am still getting my goal which I am happy about. I do hope though for better results. Line upon line precept on precept(: I hope you all had a wonderful week. I look forward to seeing your reports. Have a super duper weekend(: I am off to do just that(:

Hello

Hi, i am new to the Pound a Week. My name is Cheryl Furnell, I live in KC, MO and have been friends with Sandee for about 20 years now and Debbie just a little less than that. Thanks Debbie for helping me get on. I joined a gym today. My goal is 3 days a week. 0 pounds down, but pumped. Thanks again everyone for letting me join.

Half Way There

Hello everyone, some of you may know me. I am very new to blogging but when Debbie told me about a pound a week I could not resist. My name is Renee Fuller, I am married to AJ Fuller. Some of you may know my sister Brenda Henry (Shepherd). My weight issues have been off and on since I got married due to fertility drugs and bad habits. I decided right before Thanksgiving to start losing weight instead of the new year. So on Novemeber 1st, I had a long talk with myself and decided just because it is the holidays it does not give you the right to treat yourself all day. I talked with my fertility doctor and she agreed I really need to lose 80 lbs. before we started a new direction. She gave me a weight loss clinics info that many women with fertility issues and can't lose the weight go to. The past two months have been long for me, especially since I had to fight to not cheat. I found my strength in inspiration from others who are going through the same thing. I did make it through the holidays without sweets (even though that pecan pie was screaming my name long after going to sleep) and I am the baker in the family. I made sure I worked out and followed the plan they have me on. I still need to lose 40 more lbs. and now I need to get off the program because the meds react with the anethesia. So this blog will keep me on track, sorry for all the details but I needed to type it out to give myself direction. (Smile)

Chipotle Fan...

I am a "Chipotle" fan...I found on the internet a CALCULATOR for their food...You simply check what you normally would get...and it will calculate the calories...fat...etc. VERY COOL...I checked everything I normally get on mine...and found...I had to eliminate...a thing or too...to feel comfortable to the "calories" I had chalked up...But, for those of you who like their food...you might like to do the CALCULATOR first...(smile)

http://www.chipotlefan.com/index.php?id=nutrition_calculator

Keeping Track of what we eat...

I read this little article this morning. Thought I would pass it along... I found in the past, when I did keep track of what I ate...I did lose weight...but, after about a week or two I got tired of doing it. However, sometimes, it is a great indicator of our habits, and that it truly valuable.
Here is the little note:

"5 years ago I spent several months writing down everything I ate. I even went as far as looking up, calculating, and writing down the fat, protein, carbs, and calories. There was one thing I found out real fast: I was eating the same stuff every day. Same breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks. And I wouldn't have guessed this before keeping a food diary. I definitely recommend starting one of your own if you never have. It doesn't have to be forever - in fact it only takes a week or two before you'll see some surprising trends." -Nate Rifkin

Late as usual

Well the scale goes down and then goes up. To much salt and carbs I think. But I did lose a pound this week so that is good. I have decided to write down what I am eating and drinking. That way I can't deceive myself. I need to work on increasing my protein and beware that I am letting to much refined sugar back into my diet.

I have enjoyed going back to the gym. Hayley and I are planning on attending a yoga class tonight. This will be my first class, I hope I don't die. I have been painting a lot lately. I have a bad habit of snacking on sunflower seeds while painting which is adding to much salt to my diet. Another bad habit to break. sigh.

Sugar Cookie Sleigh Ride

Don't let the title fool ya..."Sugar Cookie Sleigh Ride" is a "Celestial Seasonings" HERB TEA...(smile) Tonight, I really was CRAVING something SWEET...but, I knew...I couldn't give in...not yet, anyway....(smile) so I went to the next best thing that SOUNDED REALLY SWEET...(smile) This herb tea has a DELIGHTFUL TASTE...Even SMELLS "naughty"....The ingredients are as follows: Milk thistle, roasted barley, orange peel, natural sugar cookie flavor with other natural flavors and vanilla bean. NO CALORIES...I have NO IDEA...what the "natural sugar cookie" flavor is...but, the tea is MOST SATISFYING...(smile)

Returning and Reporting - Week ONE

Good Morning, Sisters...
The changes I made this week in my eating "habits" were as follows:
1. I only wanted to cut out ONE THING....I cut out my "refined" sugars. Haven't had REFINED sugars since January 1st. I thought I could handle that...I do use, however, RAW HONEY and STEVIA...for my "sweetning" of things.
2. I "eat" TWO MEALS and DRINK one meal...(most of the time) What I mean by DRINK...I make/or JUICE a FRESH RAW DRINK of some sort...and/or drink LOTS of HERB TEA...plus supplements (herb/vitamins/etc.)...I haven't been drinking a "protein type drink" yet....just FRESH JUICE...but, I will in the coming weeks....instead of FRESH JUICE for VARIETY...
3. I am trying to finish my LAST MEAL....as EARLY as possible...and then NO MORE eating AFTER that LAST MEAL...Haven't decided what would be a good CUT OFF TIME... I will have to make EXCEPTIONS due to ACTIVITIES...but, MOST of the TIME I can CONTROL the "TIME" I eat...

RESULTS: 4 pounds in 1 1/2 weeks...AGAIN, I want to maintain...the IDEA...ONE POUND a week...so...if I get a BONUS of an extra pound or two a week...then WONDERFUL....but, I don't want to get discouraged...if I don't see better results, like MORE than a pound a week...ONE POUND....should bring "contentment"....(smile)

Sunday's Reports

When we REPORT, tomorrow, I thought it would be nice if we each could not only report our success, but, what we are doing DIFFERENTLY in order to lose weight. Explain what has worked...if you are trying something new...etc. I am definitely doing something different than my PAST HABITS...so I will share along with the rest of you, tomorrow.

Again, if you want to send me any CHANGES to your "ticker"...then, please do so ANYTIME...I made a change on mine, this morning...cause...it is nice to see "my little turtle ticker moving forward"...(smile) However, I am, also, VERY MINDFUL...that I would be CONTENT if I only lost "1" pound EACH WEEK...because, I truly GEARED my thoughts that if I did LOSE just ONE POUND each WEEK...I was truly PROGRESSING...so, if I get a couple of extra BONUSES...then, I will count my BLESSINGS!!! (smile)

Get support in the Phentermine forums!

Found a TICKER SITE...for our BLOG

Holly, I LOVED "tickerfactory" but, I couldn't find where I could put it on the BLOG...but, I did find this website...and as you can see...I made a "ticker" for me that I could put on the BLOG...
http://www.phenforum.com/ticker/index.php
So...for those of you who WANT a TICKER on the BLOG...go to this website...SET IT UP...then COPY and PASTE the HTML underneath your finished "ticker" and EMAIL IT TO ME...at mothersmith@juno.com

I will then, get it up on the BLOG...Each SUNDAY when you declare your weight LOSS I can make the changes...I figured out how to change the "ticker" so it will stay UPDATED...on the BLOG...If you wanted to make daily changes I can...but, if you wanted to stick to the ONE POUND A WEEK...idea...then, I will make the changes ONCE A WEEK ON SUNDAY...Just give me your new WEIGHT or number of pounds you lost that week...and I will change it on the BLOG... The only thing DISPLAYED on the BLOG is the #of desired pounds you want to lose ...and how many you have lost...I will be the only one who will know the WEIGHT numbers...because I will need to change that ACTUAL number each week...(It will be kept CONFIDENTIAL) Hope all this makes sense...

My daughter, Sarah, had a TICKER for her to weeks in pregnancy...and the baby is nearly over the "finish line"...It was a cute way...for me to see the "progress" measured in weeks and days...as the baby comes near her DUE DATE...(smile)

What do you think about this?

I am not too sure if we can make this work for all of us but maybe mom you can figure out how this could work. It is called http://www.tickerfactory.com/ You can keep track of your weightloss etc. Just came across it and thought why not see if we could all have one here where it is safe and encouraging(:

Hope you all have a super duper night(:

I Finally Put Down the Chocolate to Write

Hey! I finally had a second to sign-in and read everyone's comments! They have been great. I am just now officially starting this weight-loss because I was out of town on vacation until late Monday night. I am going to try a new diet called the "Flat Belly Diet" that was created by Prevention magazine doctors. It really looks good. It is not such much a diet as a lifestyle. The big thing in it is MUFAs. You need your MUFAs everyday. These are monounsaturated fatty acids. What's interesting is what they've discovered about how the body stores fat. Even thin people can have too much "viceral" fat around their organs. It really goes along with what Sandee was saying about the Word of Wisdom and the health of our bodies. Anyway, I'm excited to try it, because it makes sense to me, what they are saying and the recipes look wonderful! I'll keep you updated!

My First week down(:

Ok I know we are to officially report how we are doing on Sundays. I hope no one minds me doing it today as this is my first week down of 2009(: I am happy to say that the 4 pounds I put on over the holidays are no longer here. That is right, I am 4 pounds down. I have a long way to go but this is a very nice start. It is very incouraging as I had a lot of discouraging times last year. Hense this is my year...a new year, a new beginning. I am excited. I am following the slim fast program to kickstart my year and then go from there. I cant wait to hear from you beautiful ladies(: Have a super duper day(:

Word of Wisdom

This is something we could spend a lot of time thinking about but my question is "What does God expect of us as far as our stewardship over our bodies?" I was talking to someone the other day that said "I don't think people should be able to take the sacrament if they are fat." They went on to explain that we can't get a temple recommend if we drink just one cup of coffee a month but if we overeat and eat foods not good for our bodies we are actually doing more harm to our body than if we drank a cup of coffee. Interesting to note that with one exception (the presiding Bishop) our general authorities male and female are trim and healthy looking. 

Another random thought... I mentioned to Kaitlyn the other day I was concerned because one of the young women at church (not our ward) had lost even more weight and was looking frightfully thin. I said (in a grave tone) "I think maybe she has an eating disorder." Kait said "Maybe she does Mom but why are you always worried about people that have an eating disorder and are too thin but you're never worried if they have an eating disorder and are overweight?" I started to explain that anorexia and bulimia can lead to serious health problems including death and then I realized that she is right. Overeating can also lead to serious health problems including death. 

Now in case any of you have been among those that have worried about Kait's weight when she's been her thinnest she honestly eats as much as a baby elephant. She found when she was in her chubby early teen years that unlike many teens she cannot eat cake, cookies and other treats without being overweight. But she honestly eats tons of raw vegetables with hummus or greek yogurt, fruit (she often eats 1/2 of those large containers of grapes from Costco in one sitting) and whole grains.  I would guess she only has a sugary treat once or twice a month and then it's only one normal serving.

So anyway some things to ponder. I just read the Word of Wisdom again and while it doesn't say don't be fat it clearly says to eat lots of fruit and vegetables and whole grains and very little meat. I have heard folks extrapolate the warning against hot drinks to mean we should avoid any substance that is habit forming (caffeine) which we could take a step further and ask "are any of the bad foods I go to when stressed (chips, sweets, fried foods, soda) addicting to me? We know the Lord wants us to avoid habit forming substances because they increase the power of the body over our spirit when what we want to do is just the opposite.

Ok off to make a healthy breakfast-- Sandee

We can do it(:

I little here and a little there will all add up. I am excited for this post. As Hayley said it helps to make us accountable. When mom(Debbie) and I were talking and I shared that my weightloss goal for this year was a pound a week was I was tired of going hard getting little to no results and giving up. You can only eat an elephant one bite at a time. I can loose all the weight I need to loose one pound at a time. Very doable and with all of us cheering us on we wont be alone along the way. "WE CAN DO IT GIRLS" (: I am looking forward to hearing how everone is doing and learning from one another along the way(:

Goals

Hi Everyone. Writing down goals always helps me stay focused and now I have you all to help me be accountable. So no one let me order a milkshake next time we go to crispers! Since I got the Christmas weight off I feel like I am starting fresh with my usual weight. My goal is to be at 160 pounds which means I have 30 to lose. I also have a goal to run a 5K this year. Its not that hard of a goal but ive never done one and I beleive in taking baby steps. I think this blog will be a great help to keep me motivated this year.

Gail's Start

The best thing about a pound a week is that you are almost eating at maintenance. While losing weight is hard keeping it off is where we have all failed. While my surgery helped me lose most of my weight I still have forty plus pounds to lose and to keep off and now my eating habits will determine my success. My surgery should keep me from gaining weight for the next eight months but after that I could put back on 10 to 20% of what I lost. I know we all can be successful if we pay attention to what we eat and why we eat. Remember we need to cut 3500 calories a week from out diet which is 500 a day. Good luck to us all!

I'm in!

Thanks Debbie! I'm so excited to be able to cheer each other on. I too need to lose 50 pounds. I can't imagine why I kept gaining weight while Kait and Michael were here (20 pounds)... I loved having them but I guess even happy stress can send me to food.

One thing that has helped me in the past that I got back to yesterday is meditation. There is an LDS lady that does a podcast of meditation exercises-- my kind of "work" you just lay quietly and listen. Let me know if any of your are interested. If you don't do podcasts I could burn you a CD. I have always done better keeping my eating in control when I do the meditation. I can only guess that it not only relaxed me while doing it but overall for the rest of the day!

I'm excited about losing 1 pound a week this week! Shall we pick a day of the week to report our success!

Sandee

"A Pound A Week"

Welcome to our very own "A Pound a Week" BLOG...Only YOU and I can see what is posted on this site. It is a RESTRICTED site...so what we say here...is only between US...the INVITED "authors" of this BLOG...who are hoping to lose at least 10 pounds or more...If you have a friend who would like to participate...let me know...and I will INVITE her to this site....as an AUTHOR...and she will be able to participate. Again, ONLY THE AUTHORS of this BLOG can see what we are sharing...NO ONE ELSE, unless we INVITE them...so, it will be PRIVATE....

The purpose of this site...was to be a SUPPORT SYSTEM...in an area we all have in common..."unwanted EXTRA pounds"...

My daughter-in-law, Holly, was the one that INSPIRED the IDEA...when she simply said..."If I lose ONE POUND A WEEK in ONE YEAR, I will have lost 52 pounds." It was like a LIGHT went on in my head!!! I can HANDLE the ONE POUND idea, because...I thought when I tried for at least 2 or more pounds a week, I nearly DIED trying to do it...cause I had to nearly STARVE to do it...and it wasn't any FUN!!! It was TORTURE...But, ONE POUND a week...was SENSIBLE to me...and seemed REASONABLE...I could enjoy MOST of the things I LIKE...but, ELIMINATE here and there...and still take off ONE POUND...Made PERFECT SENSE TO ME....anyway...(smile)

Sandee had the IDEA...we could share what WORKED for us...in any given week...or share recipes...that are PLEASING and SATISFIED our hunger...yet, helped with the weight loss....or simply "be our cheering section"....I for one...need to lose "50" pounds.....I have NEVER weighed this much...even during my pregnancies....

Hope...you will all find this...FUN...and REWARDING.......Thank you, Sandee, for coming up with an idea of a BLOG....

ALL FOR ONE....and ONE FOR ALL!!!!