*** Supportive Friends -- Looking to Release 50+ Pounds ***

This thread will be a success, because even if noone else remains, I'm going to use it to vent, muse and grumble, and hopefully others will occasionally respond.

After a successful weekend, I came home and it snowed last night *grumbles*, my mum wanted me to drive to the station, but it wasn't very deep (only half an inch) so I didn't really see the problem, especially since the roads looked clear with the gritting. Dad said I could cycle in, so long as if the snow came down as heavy as it's forecast to this afternoon, and the conditions are bad, that I just push my bike home. Which actually seemed like a fair compromise. Worried about tomorrow though, as 3-4inches are forecast this afternoon/night.

I weighed myself last night (clothed and in the evenings arn't exactly ideal, but until I can bear to change the ticker it'll at least track my progress), and I have released 2lbs since Monday night. I'm very happy with that, and I can feel it in my clothes (that are all much too tight...or were...but still are but less so). At the weekend I needed to buy some black jeans for work. The office I've started at is frightfully casual, and I didn't think that tailored trousers would do, when so many people are wearing jeans and scruffy jumpers. I did have the dilemma whether I should buy a size up (currently a bit loose but fit with no lumps and bumps and are probably more work-appropriate), or my actual size, (and squeeze in and accept I look a little bit like an over-stuffed sausage). I went for the size up as they were cheap, and I with the cycling and the new-in-in-the-office I didn't really want to wear too-tight trousers. But now I'm having the slightly baggy dilemma that jeans get...don't get me wrong, I'm not regretting the decision, but I do think that I'll be in the smaller size very soon. Infact having them slightly baggy is actually acting as an incentive so I can lose a little bit more weight/inches and buy the smaller size sooner. It sounds daft though, as previously if I'd gone up a size it would've acted as a free-pass to not worry about my size since my clothes allowed it, whereas now it's been a bit of a wake up call that I need to keep on the healthy track so I definitely don't have to buy any more clothes in this larger size.

Becky - Please 1. go see the doc, 2. stay home, and 3. don't sweat it! Sounds like in the long run this is a much better option than trying to tough it out. And please let us know what the doc says!
Also I totally know about the 3 week thing...I always feel if I can get through 3 weeks then I feel like I'm hitting my stride a little bit, and it all starts clicking. Week 2 is ALWAYS the worst for me, which is where I am now, and the snow isn't exactly making that any easier as cold weather makes me want to eat!
Also (2) my bf who is a MASSIVE american sports fan is so chuffed about the hockey being back too! He's a big flyers fan, and he bought me a penguins hat when he was doing a mass import order of clothes (as they're so cute as a mascot...) but I'm also looking forward to following the red wings, as I have actually seen them, and I don't feel you can really claim to support a team unless you've seen them.

Kelly - I'm not sure what else you've tried, but is it cardio or strength you're looking for? I'm not sure how's best to approach it, but maybe start running if you don't already (or another cardio type activity) with a bit of cardio strength (like body pump or suchlike, to keep your strength you gained in the academy?). Do you have access to a gym/weights at home? Have you tried c25k or 30DS or suchlike? I have tons of ideas but need a bit more info to provide any meaningful suggestions.

Steph - I am in awe of you handling this with a little'un, I know it's tough enough for me to do when all I have to juggle is myself. Keep doing what you're doing coz you're clearly rocking it, especially handling all the tricky situations.

Everyone else, lovely to meet you, I look forward to (trying to) help out/support/provide an ear in the near future!

Happy Monday - just a quick check in - it's a crazy Monday around here. I didn't make much progress this weekend. Must be the winter blues - we stayed in and I cooked most of the weekend for my family. I'm back at it today. Drowning myself with H2O. I'll be back tomorrow when I have a few minutes.

It's Monday so let's kick it this week!!
keep it skinny

HI!! I was so happy to find this post! My name is Pam and I, like alot of others on here, have lost and regained weight multiple times! Im glad to say Im back to losing and it feels good

Happy Tuesday everyone.... I hope everyone is having a great start to their week! This week is going to be a struggle week for me...Work is pretty intense.. Just trying to get through it! Monday down, Tuesday is almost over, and 3 to go..lol..
How is everyone else doing?

ah, thanks. Im new here and it seems like there are always new diet things. I am really trying to change my life and want to do it in a way that sticks.

Hi everyone, I'm Soph & I'm 20. I'm in my 2nd year training to be a nurse which is the best decision I ever made! I have a wonderful boyfriend who I have been lucky enough to have in my life for a little over two years now.

I lost 28lbs but fell over the wagon after going on holiday, where I literally ate everything in sight after months of feeling so deprived. However, I'm ready to start this journey again with plenty of motivation! I have around 50lbs to lose in total, but I'm going for small goals this time - so I'm aiming to be 165lbs by March, 140lbs by August.

Feel free to add me as a friend or msg me for mutual motivation and support!!!! This is a new account so I'm pretty lonely in the friend department right now!

Look forward to hearing from y'all!

Hello everyone,
I just joined MFP but I had lost 70lbs about 2 yrs ago. I lost my mom about that time and fell off program. Since then I have struggled to get back on program and lose the 20lbs I gained and then another 50 lbs. I have a great guy in my life after being a single mom for12 yrs. I struggle to talk to him about my diet and exercise needs and making it a priority in my life. I am glad to find a group that may be able to give me some support and encouragement. I will be happy to do the same for any of you!

Morning losers!
Well I released 1.4lbs this week. I was hoping for more but I will take every ounce that I can get. I also decided that this was the day to tackle 30DS so when baby was taking her first morning nap I got my sweat on. I normally do all my cleaning during that nap but decided that she can entertain herself while I tidy and she did so I don't feel like I lost out on getting stuff done. It was a struggle to complete and I am disappointed at home much endurance, strength and flexibility I have lost in the last year but I will get it all back, I know it. I'm also starting to log again...it may be quite loose and not regular to start with but I know I will get there. Need to go back to it slowly as it becomes too much of an obsession for me.

Gwen - well done on the Zumba class. I loved going and miss it a great deal. The two left feet thing will sort itself out the more that you are there.

Janice and kkinnison - welcome!

Hi my name is Jaki and I'm looking to lose 50 within the next 4-6 mos (really 4 mos)

Hi, my name is Donna, 36 year old mother of 2. I have done this trying to lose weight thing several times, I currently weigh 257, first goal is to get under 200... then i will set my final goal. I could use the support. Thank you

Happy Wednesday everyone! I have a question for the group: what's a good way to stretch out sore muscles? I've attempted Insanity twice but my knees can't hold out long enough to complete the second month, but I've found that I was much more limber and never felt sore in my back or upper body like I have the last few weeks doing a few Jillian Michaels DVDs. I try to continue stretching once the DVD is finished but I don't feel like it's enough. I loved the way I felt after Insanity, it was just too intense for my knees. Any suggestions?

I don't really understand the question...are you asking how to do a post-workout stretching routine? I know the stretching at the end of 30DS is pretty lame, so I always did extra stretches in addition to the ones on the video. I just worked up the body stretching all the muscles I'd used, legs (front, back and side), back and sides, arms and neck (that's a lie, I used to do arms whilst I was doing legs to save time) but the principle is the same. I've never done insanity so I'm not really sure what the cooldown is like, but if it worked for you couldn't you just write it down and do it after the Jillian Michael's one? Or have I completely missed the point!?
If you're looking for stretches for particular muscles I may be able to be more specifically helpful!

Wow, I can feel so much love in this group!! I just HAVE to join in!! I am new to MFP but I am loving it so far. I'm OddBerry and I'm a mom of two (13 and 7), wife to love of 14 years, manager of financial aid department at local college, and full time student getting ready to graduate. I have 66lbs to get rid of. And I mean GET RID OF!!! I am not joking. I have always been so motivated and determined to get things going in my career, in my house and in my life but in doing that, my health took a backseat. I wanted to join the Marines when I graduated highschool 14 years ago but the universe had a better plan for me. However, even though I didn't join the Marines, I still have that mentality. I'm a brute and I know it. I'm a firecracker and I'm tired of being tired. I'm a serious ball of energy and it's high time I started feeling like I act. I will be anyone and everyones supporter and motivator if you are willing to give me the same. I am so excited to find this group and can't wait until I feel like a part of the family.

I don't really understand the question...are you asking how to do a post-workout stretching routine? I know the stretching at the end of 30DS is pretty lame, so I always did extra stretches in addition to the ones on the video. I just worked up the body stretching all the muscles I'd used, legs (front, back and side), back and sides, arms and neck (that's a lie, I used to do arms whilst I was doing legs to save time) but the principle is the same. I've never done insanity so I'm not really sure what the cooldown is like, but if it worked for you couldn't you just write it down and do it after the Jillian Michael's one? Or have I completely missed the point!?
If you're looking for stretches for particular muscles I may be able to be more specifically helpful!

Sorry I wasn't more clear. But you answered my question lol I didn't think about just doing the insanity cool down after. Now I feel a little dense :blushing: thanks!

Welcome to all the new people. Keep coming back here and posting, the more you come back the more you get of this.

Ashlee: Welcome to MFP. Glad to hear you got your head in the game, and your right better do this then later because its so much harder the older you get.

Anita: Welcome to MFP. Sorry to hear you are going through a tough time but you can't let that get to you and the goal you want. You deserve this as much as anyone, so just put yourself first and simply do it. Once you see the weight coming off, you will get more motivated and will start encouraging your bf and he in return.

Welcome Oddberry and Tiffany.

Well today was overall good. Dad is doing well and home to rest. My eating was great but very lacking in drinking water and exercising. Happy to say I lost of the lbs I gained over the weekend. Now to get to a lower number before Friday weigh in.
Hope everyone is doing well.

Julie