Amy-- yes I've got the belly! It's weird cuz when I was younger I used to carry weight in my thighs, and my stomach stayed flat even if I gained 15 pounds! Around age 29, I suddenly started carrying weight in my tummy. I have researched it, and I've concluded that ab exercises (sit-ups/crunches/outages) will tighten your stomach a little. So if you are at or near your goal weight and just have a little flab, then those exercise will help. But if you are really carrying extra weight then weight loss (calorie reduction and cardio) is the only way to make it better. I.e., crunches will not redistribute my weight--that fat will still sit in my tummy! So I have about 10 more pounds to lose, with isn't a ton, so I am doing crunches to help make my tummy look better, but I'm not expecting it to really look good till those 10 pounds are gone. Weight loss is my priority!

So, I ate out yesterday and will again today and Saturday. It's one of those weeks (Thursday is my birthday) I have been over every day--I don't think I have been eating enough to gain, but I am expecting maintenance this week.

I totally fell off the wagon this week. It was my birthday and I ate out a lot, and I got a nasty head cold. When I am sick I really lose my willpower. I am skipping weigh in this weekend. I want to get back on track and at least have one good week before thanksgiving!

Thanks Ashley! I'm sorry about your bad news and your illness. I hope you have started getting back to normal. It's good you are not like me--when I am upset and stressed, I just eat more.

Yesterday was better, but I am still sort of knocked out by this cold, and that still means low willpower. So I was still a little over. Looks like I will be starting a new job soon--I had hoped to be a size 6 before going back to work but it doesn't look like that's gonna happen. Oh well! I am not giving up though!

Glad you are getting back to normal Ashley! Just do what feels right with the exercise--it will feel normal again soon.

I think I am being hit with round 2 of nasty cold not even thanksgiving yet, and I forget what it feels like to breathe easily through my nose. With illness and thanksgiving coming, it would be easy to give up on my diet; but I think my first day of work looming will help keep me on track.

Where is everyone? It's ok, I got lazy about the check in too over the past couple weeks. I'm trying to get back on track now.

Hi ashley, and anyone else still reading this! I'm sorry I disappeared. I think I have some good excuses though. I hosted thanksgiving while both my son and I had sinus infections, and I started a new job. Also, I lost a friend to cancer this past week. It has been a hectic and very emotionally tumultuous time.

I will weigh in this weekend--I don't think I've done too much damage. The new job is motivating me to get thinner--I really want to look good in my new work clothes!

Ashkey that's awesome that your trainer thought you should compete! What did you decide to do?

I am guessing everyone will be a little less dedicated to check ins during the holidays, but I hope we can keep the group together. At the he very least, I'm sure I will want to have a New Years weight loss effort come January. Maybe I will message some of our group members at some point...

Happy to hear from you Dana, welcome back.

So sorry for your loss, that's terrible news. Thoughts are with you xx

Sounds like you've been doing pretty good, all things considered. I've been doing better physically-- down to 135, and 25% BF. I'd still like to lose another 5% BF, so I'm working on that. Getting much stronger though, biceps are actually existent now! Not really interested in any sort of competitions (aside from those with myself), but my trainer gave me a list of foods that another trainer uses for competitions, in case I changed my mind.

Emotionally, life has been a bit rough on my end too. Some relationship woes that I wasn't prepared for at all, but I'm trying to work my way through it. My grandmother has been pretty ill and had something like a mini-stroke, and my job situation is pretty unstable, so I've been stressed out a lot. I'd probably take to drinking, if it weren't for the excessive calories.. lol. (kidding. sort of)

Thanks for the kind words Things are improving a bit in some areas, still a little stressed in others. My temp job position ends next Friday, so I'm a little worried about having a new job in time.. we'll see how that goes.

I've gotten to the point now where I view alcohol as a punishment, rather than a reward. Not sure if that's good or not!

That's frustrating with your job cutting into your time for exercise, but it sounds like a smart decision to make. This way you'll learn and get things done faster, and soon enough you'll be able to start leaving earlier and having time for other things. Miami sounds fantastic, hope you have a great time!

That photo is amazing Ashley! Doesn't look like you need to lose any! I hope things are getting better for you in the other areas...

Piña coladas and mojitos were so good in Miami! I did run almost everyday while there though, once in the sand, which was hard. Pants are feeling tighter, haven't stepped on the scale. I'm trying to do a little damage control before Christmas!

Hi Ashley, how are things going with the holiday? Do you celebrate christmas? I have been eating a TON this week, and am not ready to face the scale. I'm positive I've been gaining. And it is not over--lots of family/social visits this week...

Welcome NewJulie! Weigh in this morning tells me I've gained about 5 since thanksgiving, so I am in the same boat and will definitely be making a new commitment for the New Year.