Let's Get REAL!

happygirl518

Hi this is a new group, "Let's Get Real", (r-responsible, e-eating, a-accountable, l-lifestyle)

If you are ready to stop all the excuses, and get in the game of life, let this be your group. All that is ask of you is commit to us and yourself, and post daily. Share your feelings, recipes, new discoveries, and progress.

Here you will find support and encouragement and make friends, because we never have to go it alone. For any program to be successful it takes support . Your plan has to be what you can live with, and begin to feel natural, and part of your everyday routine, but it takes work. Planning, Journalling, Tracking, Choices, & Devotion.

To make it happen I designate certain days of the week as "Special Days", example:
Monday-Planning Day
a. this day I plan out my week of meals (make a menu, put it on the refrigerator)
1. the benefit is it takes all the guessing out of meal planning and saves me time each day

Tuesday-Weigh-In Day
a. I weigh myself and journal my thoughts, what I can improve, what I learnt from the past week

Wednesday-Me Day
a. this day I set aside 30 to 60 minutes out of my day to do something "Just for Me"
1. paint my nails, have lunch with a friend, get my hair done, engage in a hobby, (whatever makes me feel good)

***you get the idea. Having a routine over time makes it easier to stay on track and gives us something to look forward to throughout the week.

Each day I promise to provide as much encouragement as I can, and all I ask is that you share with me what works for YOU. Its a give and take, but think about it, "we had fun putting on the weight, let's make it even more fun-taking it off-for Good!!!!

Again, Welcome to LET'S GET REAL........Debbie

happygirl518

Hi this is a new group, "Let's Get Real", (r-responsible, e-eating, a-accountable, l-lifestyle)

If you are ready to stop all the excuses, and get in the game of life, let this be your group. All that is ask of you is commit to us and yourself, and post daily. Share your feelings, recipes, new discoveries, and progress.

Here you will find support and encouragement and make friends, because we never have to go it alone. For any program to be successful it takes support . Your plan has to be what you can live with, and begin to feel natural, and part of your everyday routine, but it takes work. Planning, Journalling, Tracking, Choices, & Devotion.

To make it happen I designate certain days of the week as "Special Days", example:
Monday-Planning Day
a. this day I plan out my week of meals (make a menu, put it on the refrigerator)
1. the benefit is it takes all the guessing out of meal planning and saves me time each day

Tuesday-Weigh-In Day
a. I weigh myself and journal my thoughts, what I can improve, what I learnt from the past week

Wednesday-Me Day
a. this day I set aside 30 to 60 minutes out of my day to do something "Just for Me"
1. paint my nails, have lunch with a friend, get my hair done, engage in a hobby, (whatever makes me feel good)

***you get the idea. Having a routine over time makes it easier to stay on track and gives us something to look forward to throughout the week.

Each day I promise to provide as much encouragement as I can, and all I ask is that you share with me what works for YOU. Its a give and take, but think about it, "we had fun putting on the weight, let's make it even more fun-taking it off-for Good!!!!

Again, Welcome to LET'S GET REAL........Debbie

Dave198lbs

having fun is very important,,,,,good luck
Dave

happygirl518

Good Morning Everyone; I read a quote today that I want to share with you, along with a motivational thought and new discovery.
"You are the architect of your own destiny".....by Swami Vivekanada

So what is that desired destiny? When you started this journey, what did you long to see happen?

For me this is what I want and I'm making a check list!!!
I want to buy my first bathing suit in 20 years
I want to wear sleeveless tops and shorts again
I want to throw out all the stretch pants and wear jeans and cordoroy
I want to fit in a booth comfortably and not have to request a table at a restaurant
I want to fit in an amusement park seat and ride a ride with my daughter
I want to participate in a marathon
I want to improve my current heatlh conditions
I want to dance at my grandchildrens weddings
I want to go on a cruise one day with my family

When I was making my list, I thought of that movie "the bucket list", and I saw it a few weeks ago. If you haven't seen it, its a keeper. It will make you laugh, cry, and its a real eye opener....really makes you embrace life. So I encourage you to make your checklist and pursue your dreams with me!

bbl have a great day everyone!!!! Debbie

happygirl518

Hi Dave, thanks for the warm wishes. Hope you'll visit often and share your success with all that post daily.
Debbie

happygirl518

Good Morning to anyone stopping by. TGIF!!!!! How is your week going? What did you do this week that contributed to your success? What have you learned on your journey?

Quote of the Day:
"Happy are those who dream dreams and are ready to pay the price to make them come true".....Leon J. Suenes

This is so true. We love our friends those who don't have a weight problem. They love us for ourselves and sometimes to be with them is difficult because we find ourselves challenged to get off track. I read such an article and it encouraged us to "Get Excited About Our Journey". When talking to friends and family, share the excitement of what your doing and how good you feel. Sale them on your new found lifestyle!!!!! Try it and get them involved so you don't fall short of your goals, and have them participate in your journey~~~~Invite them on your WalK!!!!!! Just a thought!!

bbl Debbie

happygirl518

Quote of the Day:

Quote of the Day:
"When things go wrong as they sometimes will,
When the road you're trudging seems all up hill,
When the funds are low and the debts are high
And you want to smile, but you have to sigh,
When care is pressing you down a bit,
Rest if you must, but don't you quit.
Life is odd with its twists and turns,
As every one of us sometimes learns,
And many a failure turns about
When he might have won had he stuck it out;
Don't give up though the pace seems slow--
You may succeed with another blow,
Success is failure turned inside out--
The silver tint of the clouds of doubt,
And you never can tell how close you are,
It may be near when it seems so far;
So stick to the fight when you're hardest hit--
It's when things seem worst that you must not quit."
~ Unknown

I have heard this quote before and their is a lot to be said for what message it sends.
All of us that diet, or want to adopt a lifestyle change will face challenges and obstacles...sometimes we give into the guilty pleasures of life.....but its just one time, one situation, one day.....when this happens we cave. We are ready to call ourselves a loser and give up. When you feel this way...STOP~ Think~Ask Yourself, What about all the days I did something RIGHT? The rights will out-weigh the wrong, so forgiveness is in order and keep striving for your Goal.

If any of you are experiencing the lows, plateaus, and getting bored with your routine, then try a new food, get engaged in a new form of exercise, instead of walking the treadmill, go walk at a local park, instead of doing the stairmaster go to a football stadium or fairgrounds and walk the track or climb the bleachers, go for a hike in your local state park...get in touch with nature.....think about it!

Debbie
wishing the best of health and happiness to all that visit here, share your journey, make friends, and start enjoying your life!!! God Bless

Georg

Thanks for posting that. Very inspirational.

happygirl518

Hi Georg and all that follow, you are very welcome.
Any book lovers here? Any of you like to read Self-Help books? I am reading a book right now called, "The Slow Down Diet" by Marc David. Though I don't totally agree with everything he says, he has motivated me and enlighted me in my weight loss journey with some very real facts and our approach to succeed. I encourage you to request it at your local library and read through the first few chapters if nothing more.

Debbie

happygirl518

Good Sunday Morning to all visiting.
Quote for the day is a simple one: "After dinner sit a while, after supper walk a mile"..old english proverb

I remember my grandmother doing just that when I use to go and stay with her and grand-dad in the summertime. Not only did they eat healthy (home grown veggies and fresh berries picked growing wild), but they also got plenty of exercise daily. I seldom remember them with even as much as a cold, they led healthy lifestyles. So I am following their examples, hubby and I are tilling up for a garden this summer, and making walking every other day part of our routine. We are having fun and getting fit!

What about you? What form of exercise do you do? How often? Don't you notice how much better you feel?

bbl Debbie

Georg

I feel SO much better after a walk. Hubby & I walk in the evenings, I go to the gym 3-4 days a week & we bought a recumbent bike, which I love. I usually do 2 of the above, once in a while all 3.

Yesterday a friend & I went out. She's been going to Jenny C for almost a year. It's the only food plan that's ever worked for her & she's tried everything. As we were seated, she reminded me that the last time we went there, the booth was so uncomfortable she was miserable the whole meal. Yesterday it was just right & we made some really good choices that we both felt good about!

happygirl518

Hey Georg.....good to see you today, and kudos to you and DH on the exercise. I too have a recumbent bike and love it., was given to me, now how sweet is that!!! :flowerforyou:

That is great supporting your friend she is so lucky to have you. I know what she means about the booths being uncomfortable. As I packed on the pounds I too was uncomfortable and was embarrassed asking for a table. Even in my little truck I was always into the steering wheel to drive and adjusting the wheel made no difference. I felt I was growing out of everything. Since beginning my journey end of January I just now am seeing the progress at work, and fitting more comfortable into booths and behind the wheel. So I can only say......great job!!!!!

Please do me a favor and invite your friend to join us here, doesn't matter what plan we're on, we all have a common goal..........a healthy happy lifestyle!!!:flowerforyou:

So what's cooking today? DH and I are going to watch Nascar in Bristol, and I am making Grilled Pork Fajitas....new recipe so I'll let you know what we think. For anyone wanting to try it in your week, here's the recipe:

Grilled Pork Fajitas
Serves 8 people

1 Tbsp. chili powder
1/2 tsp. oregano
1/2 tsp. paprika
1/4 tsp ground coriander
1/4 tsp. garlic powder
1 lb. pork cut into strips 1/2" wide and 1/2" long
1 sm. onion sliced
1 bell pepper cut in thin strips (optional)
8 whole wheat flour tortillas, about 8" in diameter ~ warm in microwave
1/2 cup shredded sharp or mild cheddar cheese
4 medium tomatoes, diced
4 cups shredded lettuce
1 c. salsa

Preheat grill, or oven 400 F

In a small bowl, stir together well, chili powder, oregano, paprika, coriander and garlic powder.

Dip the pork (rinsed off after cut into strips) in the bowl of spices and cover well all sides.
Place pork strips and onion in baking dish or in cast iron skillet and cook turning several times til browned on all sides about 5 minutes

To serve spread equal amounts of pork, onion, peppers on tortillas warmed from the microwave,. Top each with 1 tbsp. cheese, about 2 tbs. tomatoes, 1/2 cup shredded lettuce and 2 tbsp. salsa. Fold in both ends of tortilla up over the filling then roll to close. Serve Immediately.

Nutritional Information:
Each fajita=234 Calories
Protein 18 gms. ; Carb 23 gms.; Total Fat 8 gms. ; Saturated Fat 3 gms. Monounsatured Fat 3 gms. Cholesterol 45 mg. ; Sodium 309 mg; Fiber 5 gm. Potassium 508 mg. Calcium 115 mg.

Enjoy...great served with a toss salad, tortilla chips and salsa, refried beans

Debbie

happygirl518

Hey there, its been a beautiful day here in central Ohio. About 60 degrees and sunny. Well watched the nascar race and didn't go as I hoped, but hey was a good one. Had a great dinner this afternoon of grilled pork fajitas and they were yummy!!!! Low cal and gets in all the food groups in one dish, can't beat that.

The family all just got in from riding bikes. While they rode, I walked 3,260 steps, over 1 mile., just on my walk. Was wonderful to be out in the open and lots of people were out taking advantage of the good weather. Some were picnicing, some fishing, feeding the ducks and geese at the lake, joggers and walkers and bikers and elderly walking their dogs and pushin their babies in strollers, just enjoying the afternoon. Good to see so many exercising and exploring, glad to be a part of the active community.

Well hope your day has been good for you, and tomorrow is weigh in, planning day and journalling for me.....I have names for my days of the week.....Manageable Monday.....Temptation Tuesday.....Wacky Wednesday. (my "all about me" day)....Thrifty Thursday....TGIF Friday....Simply Saturday....Senseable Sunday.....each day is designated for different aspects of my journey.

Manageable Monday is my planning for the week, recap of last week and journal, menu plan for the week
Temptation Tuesday: whatever is my temptation (crave for the week) I make on Tuesday, perhaps its beef, pizza, tacos, lasagna, a real special favorite
Wacky Wednesday: is my Me day. I take one hour out of my day and do what will make ME feel good, happy....read a book, scrapbook, embroidery, crochet, sew, do my nails, pedicure, just for me
To Do Thursday......coupon clipping, shopping list, clean house, laundry, ....gear up for the weekend
TGIF "Family Night"......shopping in the day, family movie night
Simply Saturday......simple meals .....simple pleasures
Sensable Sunday....sensable eating for weigh in tomorrow

whatever works and its working.......something you might want to try....make each day count....
Debbie

happygirl518

Evening Everyone, still going strong, I set a personal goal tonight to walk 35,000 steps by the end of the month, so to date since the 13th of being here at this site I have gotten in 9,930 steps. So if I complete it this month I will have walked a total of 17.5 miles this month. So we'll see if we can get this little train movin on down the track this week.

Well everyone, have a wonderful night, and see ya bright an early in the A.M. Debbie

July

Book Lover here! And I love to take suggestions!
These are my two favorites:
Mindless Eating: Why we eat more than we think. So good! He's got a website, too. The book is scientific study about little changes we can make in our environment to help us eat healthier (and eat less)
Skinny *****. Geez, this book is funny. But despite the funny get-your-*kitten*-in-gear writing, it's actually has a wealth of information and cites very reputable studies.
Would love to hear of other suggestions!

happygirl518

Good Monday Morning All,
here is a Quote for you today:
"You can't steal second base and keep your foot on first" ....by Fredrick B. Wilcox

Well today is going to be another great day here in Ohio and I plan on making the most of it.
Weigh-in for me was today and I maintained. How do I feel about that ...."well at least I didn't gain!"
Took my measurements and since last month I am down 12 5/8 inches so I know if the inches are gone, so too the pounds will fall. So we are hangin in there!

What about you? How are you doing?
bbl Debbie

Georg

What a cute idea - using your ticker for step goals.
I'm resetting my calories back down to 1200 this week to see if I can dislodge an extra pound or 2.
My b-day is coming up & I want to feel good about going out & enjoying the weekend.

tjones7

Hello all,


I do most of the things that were suggested but I am all about support and helping others and myself so I will join this group.

um. I'm currently in other challenges too. So I'm not weighing until the 1st
but I journal everyday (or every other day if I forget) :happy:

I have a question. in this group are we suppose to log food with each other or just ourselves?

keep pushing

happygirl518

TJ welcome. To answer your question, we track our own food on our food diaries here, as everyone is on different plans, but we all share a common goal, responsible eating and accountable lifestyle.

I am so glad that you have chosen to join us. I have also started a group here called "Inches Away!
What inspired the idea was that many base the success of their week solely on the #'s on the scale and our focus for the group will be quite simply "measuring". We will discuss portion control....and weighing and measuring and make it fun, (so we aren't guessing, and sneaking in more calories than what is being counted). Many today were discussing in the msg. boards all their hard work and then only to be disappointed at the scales. I maintained this week, but in 1 month I discovered today I lost 12 5/8 inches (3 inches in my hips), so that encouraged me and helped me except the maintenance of weight this weigh-in. If this appeals to you your welcome to join us there as well.

Love your quote:
Motivation and Inspiration and friendships made here is what's keeping me focused and on track.
Again Welcome!
Debbie

Georg

Wow!
3" off your hips????
Good for you!!!!
:flowerforyou: :flowerforyou: :flowerforyou: :flowerforyou: :flowerforyou:

happygirl518

Good Morning Georg, TJ, Dave, and all that follow, Beautiful Morning here in the Buckeye State this morning. We are to have a high of 62 degrees today. Going for my walk today when DD gets out of school.

So what's on your agenda?

Todays Quote:
"Motivation is what gets you started. Habit is what keeps you going"...by Jim Ryan

Tip for Today:
Don't get in a hurry! To form healthy eating and exercise habits take time. Keep in mind each day you have ate properly and exercised you have made Progress. You may not see your results immediately----but you will clearly see them as time goes by.....

So have you all taken your measurement? Let's begin if we haven't and once done tuck it away somewhere and in 2 wks. or 1 month....we will be measuring ourselves....you can expect and be prepared to see a change....I promise you

So....how many weigh and measure their food? When preparing a dish do you eyeball things or get out the measuring cups and spoons and make sure it is correct? This week lets get out the spoons and cups and keep them handy when measuring out ingredients and portions. I haven't done it for awhile myself to be honest....but its good to check ourselves. The truer we are to our program the better the results will be!!!!

have a great day, bbl Debbie

Georg

I bought a food scale that weighs & tells calories, carbs, etc. but I've found that almost everything comes in a package with nutrition facts on the back! Even salad, fresh spinach...
Of course I figured that out after I bought the scale, but it is very helpful in comparing info sources.

happygirl518

Wow Georg, well you can still utilize that food scale I'm sure...nothing wrong with keeping in check and checking it twice

So what's cookin at your house today? I made broccoli salad today and going to make my noodles for dinner tonight after I pick kayleigh up from school. Dear Hubby is out working in the shed and took the pooch out, she loves to be outdoors with him. So just enjoying a wonderful day of sunshine.

Well bbl Debbie

cali_rose

wow! this is great! ima teen(in cali of course) and today im sick from a sinus infection, staying at home, checking my e-mail and started to think about my weight. i've always been on the bigger side since i was a younger girl and its always stayed w/me. so i started searching for some weight loss programs and found this place,signed up and saw this really cool mssg board.
i hope it helps me w/my weight loss because i plan to go work out with my friend this summer so we can come back to school healthier and happier
btw im a vegetarian but i do eat fish. got any yummt recipes for me?i love to cook ^_^


^_^ cali_rose

happygirl518

Welcome Cali rose so good of you to join us. Yes, honey we can hook you up with some good and healthy recipes.

Here's you a recipe that is simple for you sweetie.

Mediterranean Stuffed Peppers

Ingredients

4 Red Peppers
200g (7oz) Feta Cheese, cut into 1cm cubes
8 heaped teaspoons Pesto
16 Cherry Tomatoes, halved


Directions

Halve the peppers, cutting right through the stems too if you can. Trim the insides. Put the peppers in a roasting tin or in a shallow casserole dish. Divide the feta between the peppers, then spoon over the pesto. Finally top with tomatoes, skin side up.
Bake at 200C (400F) for 30 minutes or until the tops are charring and the insides are full of juice.

Nutritional Info
Servings Per Recipe: 4
Amount Per Serving
Calories: 342.1
Total Fat: 24.1 g
Cholesterol: 52.5 mg
Sodium: 263.7 mg
Total Carbs: 15.8 g
Dietary Fiber: 4.0 g
Protein: 18.3 g

Enjoy! Hope you'll stay around, and I admire you for taking control of your life at such a young age, and realizing the importance of eating healthy and learning to live an active lifestyle, good for you and think of all the teens out their you can set a great example for. Debbie

happygirl518

In keeping true to the title of this group here's two helpful diet tip:

Look for "High Fat" hints in food: and enjoy these in Moderation
Augratin, Parmigiana, Tempura, Alfredo, Creamy, or Carbonara


Ease your way into fruits and veggies,
Pile veggies on your sandwich, pepper, onion, lettuce, shredded carrots, to name a few
Add fruit to a muffin, bagel, your oatmeal or morning cold cereal

Debbie

Georg

We just got back from a 2 mile walk...my pedometer came from Amazon today!!!:bigsmile: :bigsmile: :bigsmile:
Hubby is going to grill Mahi & he'll have his in a taco. I'll have mine with a salad & fruit salsa.
I went to the gym after work today, now I'm ready to veg out.

happygirl518

Good Healthy Wednesday to you all, hope your doing well this morning. Its raining here today, but we are not going to let it stand in the way of our exercising today. What about you? What's the weather like where you are and what will you be doing today for exercise and wellness?

Quote Today: "Focus + Focus = Success"......by Maribel Bigcas

So true is that Quote....how do you measure success? What happens to you when you anticipate great results and the scales are not saying what your feeling? Do you journal? If not, Why?

I had such an experience this week. I increased the intensity last week and was so ready for great numbers at the scale and maintained. At first like anyone, I said, 'how can this be?" Then having been a month since I last did my measurements, I grabbed the tape measure and overall lost 12 5/8 inches...Wow....discouragement at the scale turned into new found encouragement with that little tape measure. Also looking back on my week, I put a few gold stars and motivational stickers in my Journal for recognizing a very good week.....

This week, set a goal, doesn't have to be a big one....write it down, put it on your refrigerator....keep focused....measure your success in succeeding at your goal......
Here are some examples:
I am going to eat 5 fruits and vegetables daily
I am going to drink 8 glasses of water each day
I am going to walk/jog/bike (pick one) 4 times this week for 30 minutes
I am going to go to the gym 5 days this week
I am going to plan a healthy snack each day
I am going to compliment myself each and every day, ex: your a good mommy, good wife, good cook, good friend, good daughter, good neighbor, good listener

I know your thinking this last one is goofy. Self-talk is very beneficial. Its time you learn to be good to yourself. Positive Thoughts equal Positive Actions!!!! Just something to think about.

I'll be back later, Debbie

happygirl518

I was sharing in another group I belong to my self discovery today. Now its a little one, but not something I can take lightly.

My program (like any you may belong to), is a good one, and as you know in the diet world its very complex, versatile, and all that jazz. New ideas and ways to make it work. Keeps us from getting bored with the same ole' same ole'. Well I learnt that we can count all our beverages for water.
Yes, its true. But, when I drink my ice tea it is sweetened with sugar, not the substitute stuff.

I began thinking, I am counting but not totally counting....how much sugar is being uncounted in my day? 15 calories per teaspoon, can add up very quickly in a days time. So ......I decided that thought I can have my ice tea, I need to have it without sugar, or with a substitute like Splenda, in moderation, but Water is Water. Its always easier if we do the "right thing" to begin with, but how many of us indulge more time and effort trying to find a new way around it.....so its my little self discovery confession of the week and I am back on the water wagon and nothing else is going to count as water but Water!!!!

How many of you could be sneaking in the calories that aren't being counted, like the butter on the side, or sour cream, or mayo, or dressing, or dip, or piece of bread or cracker? How true are we being to ourselves. Its all about learning to be Accountable to Ourselves and so....something to think about

Often times when our results are not what we had hoped at the scales perhaps we need to re-assess what we didn't count and then we'll figure it out!!! Just Keepin it Real......within the group my friends

bbl Debbie

happygirl518

Good Morning Everyone.....

Quote for Today: "anyone who has never made a mistake has never tried anything new"...by Eleanor Roosevelt

Perhaps some of you are trying this whole lifestyle change thing that we all are making great efforts to do in our own life., and your stumbling, slipping up, starting over, and over and over. Ya know its okay. Nobody said forming new habits would be tee totally easy. We find when making changes that their are challenges and obstacles that can sometimes trip us up, right?

Think about other things you have learnt in life and how many attempts you made to master it. Like riding a bike for instance, or learning the game of bowling, or ice skating, roller skating, sailing, water skiing. Did you master it the very first time? Of coarse not, so the point I am trying to make is just as it took many attempts and patience....so to will it take time to form and master your new habits. We learn best sometimes from our mistakes. Like me...counting all my beverages as water because some plans say "its okay". That's fine....but when I am walking my walk for exercise, my body wants water, and I told myself....their is no substitute....my body needs water water..........so its water for my beverage of choice. Just something to think about this morning. Hope this awakens your ambition, and encourages you, and helps you to maybe forgive yourself if your being a bit too hard on You. Its okay, today is a new day........make it your own.

bbl Debbie

lucyfan2009

Hi Debbie,

I like this new forum. You are doing a good job motivating and encouraging people! You are truly awesome!

Lucy :flowerforyou: