Need to Lose 100 LBS -Robins Thread !

@tlh0407 - those are so cute
@RobinsEgg - a night off is a treat
@GOINSTD12‌ - I'm so sorry to hear about your husbands health and the loss of your pet.
@brown_eyed_frog - that's a success !

Worked hard at our remodeling project today. It was just me and my husband and we had a great day together. Lots if "free" exercise.

@2ledbetter‌ --what is the project you and your husband are doing? Back in 2004, my husband and I remodeled our kitchen. We did all of the demo, flooring, and painting ourselves, but we had professionals install the new cabinets and counter-tops. We did hang some of the old cabinets in the laundry room ourselves, and they haven't fallen off the walls yet, so I guess we did okay. LOL

@tracy (tlh)--those cakes are incredible-- I agree with robin; you're very talented! I also didn't get to the gym all week due to meetings and then not feeling well. I really miss it and agree it's vital to my mental health as well. Can't wait to get there tomorrow!

@robin--Vin Diesel is one of my favorites!

@tracy (goins)--I'm so sorry to hear about the loss of your pet. That's such a tough loss. Glad your husband got the treatment he needed--hopefully, he's learned his lesson about following doctor's orders.

@browneyed--great job skipping the treats your friends made.

@morgori--love the HDT quote!

@melissa--remember when we were talking about how much weight we would lose living with our nieces/nephews? I think your Hyvee experience contradicts our prediction and explains why all moms and dads aren't toothpicks.

Saturday Success:
I don't have any fitness related successes, but I did get quite a bit of grading done this week. Of course as you can see from my list below, there's always more.

Today wasn't terrible food-wise considering I was out at the fundraiser most of the day. Even with some drinks and bar food, I was under maintenance for the day. However, overall my week was just plain bad. Over on calories more days than not and no exercise. I'm thankful I get this week off to really kick it into high gear. I have 5 opportunities to make it to the gym and though I know I won't make all of them, I plan to get there at least 4 times.

I also can finally do an inventory of what I have in the freezer and cabinets and restock on healthy fare. I've been reading about several of you doing so over the past couple of weeks and was jealous that I just didn't have the time. Now I do, so I will.

Thank you for all of the kind words about my friend. I appreciate the hugs and support. The fundraiser was packed, so I assume it was a great success. They ran 3 different painting classes which all had high attendance. Our session was called "Apples! Apples!" We were supposed to divide our canvas into 4 quadrants of color and then paint an apple in each one. I started with the 4 quadrants, but I chose to put my apples in different spots--I'm a rebel. If I think of it, I'll post a photo later. It's no masterpiece, but it turned out better than I thought it would.

March Challenge:
At or under calories 5/7 days every week and at or under as a weekly average.
Week 1: At/under calories 4/7 (but one day I was only over by 7 calories) UNDER FOR WK
Week 2: At/under calories 5/7 OVER FOR WK
Week 3: At/under calories 3/7 OVER FOR WK

All-in strength challenge=core work 3 x/week; PT 1-2 x/week; run 3 x/week:
Week 1: 1/3 core; PT DONE; 1/3 runs (sick most of week though)
Week 2: 1/3 core; PT DONE; 1/3 runs
Week 3: x/3 core; PT DONE; x/3 runs YUCK
Week 4: x/3 core; PT; x/3 runs
8k at end of month (not sure what day) in 55 minutes (Thanksgiving 8k = 56:49, NYE 8k = 57:47, 1/25 = 55:41; 2/28=55:15)

Grading Goals:
1. x/64 AP essays
2. x/16 AP analysis activities
3. x/12 America Poem analyses
4. 45/60 Gatsby tests
5. 1/64 Wuthering Heights journals

Exercise Goals: (week 4)
Sun--walk gunner + gym
Mon--walk gunner + gym
Tues--walk gunner
Wed--walk gunner + gym
Thurs--PT
Fri--walk gunner + gym
Sat--walk gunner + gym

2015 Mantra = Just 15 minutes

skinnyjeanzbound wrote: »

@melissa--remember when we were talking about how much weight we would lose living with our nieces/nephews? I think your Hyvee experience contradicts our prediction and explains why all moms and dads aren't toothpicks.

LMAO! True!

@tlh0407 - gorgeous cakes! I want to take a class myself soon, since I make at least a dozen birthday cakes every year now. I'm attaching the two I've made so far this year - Anna/Elsa was for 6yo niece Laurel who was born on Valentine's Day and the "flower" cake we had tonight for 3yo niece Eliana's birthday. Not very complicated, but they loved 'em!

Hey y'all! Laura here...It's been awhile since I posted, so it's nice to see the same folks are still here encouraging everyone and doing well.

Sunday Share...the reason I dropped off the thread is because I was diagnosed with breast cancer and had surgery. I will be starting radiation soon. I had lost 24 pounds before my diagnosis, then for obvious reasons, the weight loss focus was put on hold while I figured out how to deal with this life-changing news. Now that I have a better idea of what I am dealing with, I am ready to get back on track. Am thinking about seeing a nutritionist. Has anyone ever done that?

I hope everyone has a successful week. And please, don't put off getting your mammogram. My cancer was found very early due to my yearly mammo. They can save your life!

Laura

Sunday Share: My name is Tracy. I’ll be 42 in a couple of weeks and I live in Bismarck with my husband of 19 years and two kids – Jacob – 13 and Emma – 8. I work from home in the life insurance business doing quality improvement for the home office employees. Like so many others, I am trying to balance my work, kids, husband, new cake business, church and health and some days I feel pretty good about it all and others I don’t. There are some days that I’m pretty busy but it’s the life I love. I know that I only have a limited number of years to be with my kids and I love getting them to, and watching them participate in the things that bring them joy. I just get tired. 

This group has been so encouraging to me and I have learned the hard way that when I have a day that’s just so terrible I’m not going to log it, it becomes longer than a day. So I have vowed that I will log the good, the bad and the ugly. That’s the only true way to see how I’ve been doing.

@Tracy…I hope you get to see your great nephew soon. Such a joy that you need to have right now while you’re dealing with so many things at home. Hope your husband learned his lesson and will listen now.
@Robin…I’ve never seen any of those movies. My sisters love them…I might have to check them out now that we have Netflix.
@ledbetter…Glad you had fun with your project and yes the calories burned are always so nice.
@Karen…sounds like the fundraiser was successful. Not only in cancer treatment so hard on the body, the money is such a worry. The help you all have provided will be so welcomed. I love the apples, you rebel you!
@Mel…so cute! I’ve never worked with the edible images yet. I really love the pastel M&M cake..very springy!
@Laura…glad to see you but sorry to hear about the breast cancer. Hope the radiation gets it all for you.

AFM…I slept in today. I told my son and my mom and husband not to expect me in church. Apparently I forgot to tell Emma. She just got FaceTime on her iPad and thought that would be a great way to wake me up – GRRR. Luckily, it was early enough that I was able to go potty and back to bed. I am heading to the mall (heaven help me – it’s state tourney time here in Bismarck) to buy a birthday gift and then Emma is going to a birthday party from 2-4:30. I’m taking my book and just going to relax and read during those hours. Then it’s just a day of relaxing with the family at home.

And by the way…I saw a 2.2# loss today!!! Whoop whoop!!!

@tlh... what wonderful cakes! You have great talent.
@Melifornia... love your cakes too! Pretty and I bet they taste great too.
@Robin... so glad the final results turned out well for your mammogram.

I was lazy today and slept in as well. The sleeping pill I take at night now does wonders, I no longer wake up at my weekday time on Saturdays and Sundays. And somehow I still manage to get up at 5;30am on weekdays. My daughter was staying with my parents this weekend(she lives 1.5 hours away) so I went over to visit with all of them for the afternoon.

Food has been horrible lately, and I'm not logging. One more week of work and then I am on holidays for a week, so I will clean out the kitchen and fridge/freezer to start fresh and start tracking again. I'm also going to keep my step goal... 12k per day starting next week. The weather is still cold here and the cold is finally taking its toll on me, I don't want to go outside anymore. I was out all winter in the windchills but am so done with it now. I am completely surprised I didn't get so much as the sniffles this winter, I can count on one hand the number of days I did not spend at least several hours outside working or hiking/playing.

Since I have recently shared so I will just respond to a few messages.
#Morgori - I hope I never have to be a single parent, I need my husband's help and support.

#goinst12 - I held our dear ol' Mr Doodle when he passed away of kidney failure and I would probably still be crying if it were not for our new dog. I know a new dog is not the answeer for everyone, but she has been a God send for me.

#tlh0407 - had to zip passed those cakes, I started drooling.

#skinnyjeanzbound - Love your Apples

I've been reading daily, but haven't posted much. My logging has gone better the last few days (except for Thursday, which I already reported).
Love the cakes. I love cake, but rarely make it because I don't get enough help getting it eaten. Today I made chocolate fudge, vanilla fudge, and peanut brittle. I got them packaged up to take to Utah tomorrow, so I can leave it alone. I managed to have a bit and stay under calories. My family really enjoys the homemade candy so I try to take some with me when we visit.
For Sunday share I wanted to share some things a friend shared with me. She sent me an article from an AARP magazine about how to lose that last 5#. Some of the suggestions really hit home for me. Getting enough sleep is a challenge for me. It just doesn't happen, and I'm not sure how to change it. Drinking enough water is something I should be able to change, but am still struggling with. The other one was to stay out of the kitchen. They said that one hangs out in the kitchen without eating. My kitchen, dining area, and family room are all kind of one room. I live in the kitchen. I was discussing it with Cathy. The non-food part of the kitchen has carpet. She suggested that I try to consciously think about it before I leave the carpeted area. I'm going to really work on that.
Thanks to my tablet, I will continue to check in while we are gone. I hope those of you who have spring break will be able to really enjoy it.
Onward and downward. Kaye

Good morning All.
@GOINSTD12‌ So glad you heard those magic words. An hope hubby is doing well today. I was diagnosed with colon cancer on my first colonoscopy and am cancer free for 3 years.

@grandmakaye44‌ Good tip about the kitchen. My kitchen/family room is all one room with the carpet/flooring divider. I spend most of my time in the kitchen. I too will be making a conscious decision when crossing the "line".

@skinnyjeanzbound‌ Yea on the well deserved spring break. I did notice you still have grading on your goals. I hope you get plenty of time for you in this week.

@melifornia‌ Love the cardio numbers keep up the good work, your miracle morning seems to be agreeing with you.

@lleecc‌ So sorry about the cancer. These things are never easy but I hope yours goes as well as possible. Check in here so we can keep up with your journey.

@brown_eyed_frog‌ great NSV on the snacking. These days I am not sure I would have the strength you've shown.

Missed out on the Sunday Share so here goes: My name is Lori, 54 down a total of 109 pounds in a little over 3 years. I live with my husband of 34 years and two grown sons, ages 22 and 27. I own my own custom drapery business and work with my sister.

I am a steady gym junkie and am there most days. I plan on doing a triathlon in July and am in training for that event.

AFM: Food is still not on target. I wish it were. One of my inspirational quotes "Don't wish for it, work for it" is not working for me at the moment. I will have to dig deep to get my mojo back.

Hubby and I are still communicating. We found out our counselor is leaving her group and we will have to find another. These changes are never easy but this may be part of God's plan for us. The next one may have a different take on things. Hubby went back to work today. I am so very glad about this in so many ways. I hope things go well for him today.

Work for me is a little crazy. Almost every job quote I send out is coming back with a deposit check. Good for the bank account, but means the to do list gets longer.

Sister and I have tickets to see Annie this week. I've never been to the live show and am looking forward to it.

Love to all,
Lori

@cblue315 Ooo! Annie! Please update on how it goes. I love watching musicals, but have only been to see two. And a triathlon sounds like a lot of work, but worth it. Is it the usual kind with running/biking/swimming, or a different kind?

@lleecc Cancer free! Good for you! My father in law was just diagnosed with bladder cancer (which I didn't even know was a thing) and is going in for surgery next week. I'm happy to see a success story! I hope all continues to go well.

@grandmakaye44 You baked three cakes and managed to stay on point? WOW! Good job! Home made cakes with home made icing are my kryptonite. I struggled with drinking water too, and I suppose still do a little. The only way I can drink it is to get it REALLY REALLY cold. Then it's pure yum.

@2ledbetter I want to know more about the resurrection eggs. They sound interesting. I loved Sunday school as a child. Kinda miss it, actually.

Just a quick check in. My thoughts are with those of you who are struggling for whatever reason. Sometimes life throws some pretty hard punches.
DH has gone to have the car serviced, and I am finishing up the laundry and packing. Right now I am at the stage I hate. Things still spread all over the house, and trying to decide how many clothes to take. I always over pack.
Here's to a great week for all of us. I will get to see all of my sisters, just not all together this trip.
Onward and downward. Kaye

Good morning all.

Happy World Meteorological Day!

World Meteorological Day!

If you don't get everything you want, think of the things you don't get that you don't want. ~Oscar Wilde

Tom


P.S. Kaye I went looking for the last 5 lbs to lose article, I think this may be it. 

1. Avoid environmental toxins
If you store your leftovers in plastic, keep old receipts lying around or think nothing of eating an unwashed grape or two, you could be exposing yourself to chemicals that impede weight loss. "These substances slow your metabolism and increase appetite or alter hormones such as estrogen in the body to cause weight gain," says Scott Isaacs, M.D., an endocrinologist and author of Beat Overeating Now!
What you can do: A new study in JAMA shows that repeated exposure to thermal cash register receipts is a significant source of the chemical BPA, so toss old ones. Plus, cut down on BPA by storing food (especially when it's still hot) in glass containers. And wash your hands frequently when you're at work; toxic compounds known as PBDEs are often found in office furniture and carpeting. To avoid pesticides in your food, thoroughly wash produce, and when possible, buy organic — especially "dirty" fruit such as apples, berries and peaches.

2. Chill out
Good news: There's a type of fat in your body that raises your metabolism. It's called brown fat, and it keeps organs warm by burning calories. Bad news: Obese people tend to have less of it. (You also lose this lean-making tissue with age.) One possible reason? People are too comfortable — thanks to modern-day heating and cooling systems — to stimulate brown fat activity. "We now live in a perennial spring," says Francesco Celi, M.D., chair of the Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism at Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine
What you can do: Turn down the thermostat. Chilly temperatures cause muscle to produce a hormone called irisin, which stimulates the activity and growth of brown fat, according to new research coauthored by Celi. You don't need to turn your air-conditioning on full blast or switch off your heat in January, but lowering your thermostat from 75 to 68 degrees stimulates brown fat and increases calorie burn by 100 calories a day, Celi's research finds.

3. Check your medications
Weight gain can be a side effect of prescription drugs, says Lawrence J. Cheskin, M.D., director of the Johns Hopkins Weight Management Center in Baltimore. For instance, some diabetes meds, such as insulin and sulfonylureas, may increase your appetite, making weight control — key in managing the disease — even more challenging. Antidepressants such as amitriptyline and mirtazapine (brand names Elavil and Remeron) are associated with weight gain, too. In fact, people taking some psychiatric drugs are up to three times more likely than others to be obese.
What you can do: Check to see whether weight gain is a side effect of your medication, and if it is, ask your doctor whether it makes sense to alter your dose or switch drugs. You may be able to substitute an alternate diabetes drug such as metformin, which is linked to weight loss. Similarly, the antidepressants fluvoxamine, desipramine and trazodone (brand names Luvox, Norpramin and Desyrel, respectively) are not associated with weight gain, a 2010 study reported. Word of caution: Always talk with your doctor before you stop taking a medication.

4. Work your cellphone
People who use their cellphones frequently (up to five hours a day) are less likely to be physically fit, a 2013 study found. Why would you want to go to the gym or take a walk when you're lying on the couch using your phone to play games, surf the Web or text friends?
What you can do: Your cellphone can actually raise your activity level, as long as you use it to connect with friends to go for a walk in your local park or meet for a tennis game. Try apps such as Fitocracy (fitocracy.com) or Daily Mile (dailymile.com), which tap into your social networks to get you moving.

5. Rethink the kitchen
Organizing your kitchen is about more than just deciding where the pans go. Kitchens have become destinations, says Brian Wansink, author of Slim by Design: Mindless Eating Solutions for Everyday Life. "No one hangs out in their kitchen and doesn't eat," he says. We're also three times more likely to eat what we see first, so unpack your groceries strategically. "People who keep sugary cereals or soda — diet or regular — visible weigh 12 and 22 pounds more, respectively, than the neighbor who doesn't," says Wansink.
What you can do: Make the kitchen less of a gathering place by removing comfortable chairs and the television, Wansink advises. Plus, he suggests stashing soda in the back of the refrigerator (behind the almond milk) and storing cereals, cookies and other unhealthy treats in a dark cabinet that's inconvenient to reach. Using 9.5-inch salad plates, as opposed to larger dinner plates, can help you eat 22 percent less, Wansink adds. And opt for red plates. They signal "stop" to your brain and, according to a recent study in the journal Appetite, decreased people's consumption of chocolate chips and popcorn, compared with the amount eaten on blue or white plates. Finally, break out the Miles Davis tunes. Another study in Appetite showed that listening to jazz makes food taste better. Truly enjoying your food means you'll be satisfied sooner and, yes, possibly even eat less.

6. Follow a budget
Women who have trouble paying their bills are more likely to be obese, a new study in Economics & Human Biology concludes. (Men, interestingly, aren't affected this way.) "If you're suffering financial hardship, you might rely more on low-cost — but high-fat — fast foods," says study coauthor Susan Averett, a professor of economics at Lafayette College in Easton, Pennsylvania.
What you can do: It's never too late to develop a budget and stick to it. "This may help women both manage their finances better and lower their BMI," says Averett. She suggests the program StickK (stickK.com), which helps you set and commit to a goal.

7. Zap nighttime light
Do you sleep with your iPad next to your bed and check emails in the middle of the night? That constant exposure to light may be a contributing factor to disease and obesity, a recent study in the journal BioEssays finds. "Our body clock tells our organs and hormones what to do and when — and this is primarily controlled by the light," says José Ordovás, director of Tufts University's Nutrition and Genomics Laboratory in Boston. "Nighttime light disrupts the normal regulation of sleep, appetite and stress."
What you can do: People who get enough sleep and who maintain a consistent sleep-wake schedule are thinner. Because blue light (the kind emitted by electronics) decreases your body's production of sleep-promoting melatonin, switch off your devices at least a half-hour before bedtime, and move blinking light sources out of your room.

Tom