ruggedBear

6-7 days a week, routine varies but includes the following: Cardio: 45 minutes/day 4-5X per week (combination of elliptical, treadmill (3-4 mph/12-15% incline), and stairmaster) Circuit: 45 minutes, 3X per week includes variations on the following: jumping jacks, mountain climbers, squats, lunges, pushups, rows, jump…

After having dinner, we were getting in the car when my husband disappeared on the driver's side. I was waiting for him to unlock the car so I could get in. I have NO patience, so I went around to the driver side asking what the hell was taking him so long to unlock the car and found him kneeling on the pavement, right…

Thick calves! Can't wear cute boots and that really sucks. 17 inches. After more than 25 lbs gone, and -3,-4 or -5 inches off everywhere else including the thighs - they have stayed exactly the same! I love hiking, stair climbers and 15% incline on the treadmill - all of these create great definition, but no shrinkage!

I love thyme with chicken. Tarragon is good too. When it's cooked, I strain out all the big stuff and wisk in a couple of tablespoons of plain greek yogurt with the remaining juice to make a creamy gravy (keeps the gravy lovers in the house happy).

Vitamins and minerals are hard to get in whole foods, especially when you are restricting calories - so I would keep those. The Omega-3 fatty acids can be obtained from natural sources like fish which also provide the protein needed. I only take a multi-vitamin and focus on weekly goals for Omega-3s from natural sources. I…

OK - so I'm a bit of a dreamer, and I figured that if I was going to think about it, I might as well do something to make it happen. Getting started is another story - that's something you just have to do. But for ongoing motivation - there are two things that help me: -Visualize success -Fake it 'til you make it!…

Whipped Cream Vodka and Diet Ginger Ale. Tastes like a cream soda with about 100 calories. 2-3 of those and it's a really fun way to eat back your exercise calories!

Adding an inspirational photo - taken in 1997 at my goal weight. I wonder if the years will fall off my face the ways the pounds are falling off my body?!!

Take it one meal or one day at a time. Motivation comes from seeing results - It's a bit of a competition for me - how long can I eat clean, log accurately and exercise daily. The more meals/days I have gone, the more motivated I am to continue. And always remember that no matter how far off track you get, you KNOW how to…

Be patient! Wise words you will find here often: "You didn't gain the weight in a few days, so don't expect it to be gone that fast either" Slow and steady wins this race, and the overall progress is more important that the day-to-day or week-to-week fluctuations. I don't check in my weight unless there's a loss, that may…

Tough question with lots of situational variables, but if we're talking about mature adults who have outgrown the "date more than one person at a time" attitude of high school or college - I think for some, it could be a careless mistake that they sorely regret. For others, it's a habit like any other and they either have…

One word - training! I have dogs, cats and even a rabbit that all get along. Once in a while someone gets uppitty and starts chasing someone around, but it seems like they're having fun! If it goes too far, a solid swat on the nose with a bit of claw extended seems to stop the roughness and remind the big bear that the…

NH for the last 16 years, by way of Boston (for 8 years) after growing up in CT. I guess I'm really a "New Englander"!

Agreed! After switching to whole foods, I have had far less cravings for refined carbs and other nasties. It's tough the first few days, but gets a lot easier fast. I also get up early (5ish) and am tired by 9:30 or so - I go to bed before prime snacking hour arrives. Brushing my teeth right after dinner helps too since I…

Mindful meal preparation, whole foods,good nutrition and sound exercise based on the way our bodies were meant to move. I avoid any medication, pill, drink or other concoction that is not medically necessary for my health. Thankfully my medicine cabinet is empty except for Mucinex and Ibuprofen (it is cold season here…

Try making your own with a high quality protein powder (I like Optimum Nutrition Gold standard Whey) and soy milk. Add whatever flavors you want (or not, ON comes in lots of good flavors). Less than 200 calories with over 40g protein with added calcium from the soy milk. ON is very natural and doesn't have a lot of junk in…

Ditto! There are actually some really healthy recipes on there - lots of vegan dishes too! Thanks for sharing!

Sniff

Kashi Honey Almond Flax cereal - I eat it twice a day sometimes (1/2 c. each serving) and I swear it swells up in your gut if you drink a glass of water with it! As the box says - as much protein as an egg and a healthy dose of fiber. It's my new wonder-snack!

For all the teachers on the thread - I need your input! Can someone please explain why it is important for teachers to have employment contracts and unions when in the private sector, we have to sign an NDA, non-compete, and can be terminated at any time if the business strategy warrants it with only a slim hope of another…

My gym has some very nice private bathrooms (just like a large full bath in your house) and I always want to use them, but I live 2 miles away and have a home office, so after my workout every morning I usually just get home, run through my emails and then hop in the shower before the day's work begins!

Talbot's! (I buy them at the outlet - I cannot see spending $90 for jeans I can get for $10). W sizes go all the way down to 12 - so if you're a Misses 12-16, get the equivalent W size as they have the extra hip/thigh room without the gaping waistband. They have mom jeans (Heritage fit), low-rise (Boyfriend fit) and the…

Sounds good - I would also recommend your daily protein intake to be 1g per pound of your lean muscle mass (using your goal weight and body fat percentage, multiply the two and subtract from your goal weight to find your target lean muscle mass). Sufficient protein will improve your muscle's ability to recover after weight…

Congratulations! After dancing around it for a few weeks, I too have reached Onederland today! Ain't it great?

Snow boots!

Ditto on the greek yogurt - Chobani Non-fat is my preference, and the plain or vanilla have the least sugar/carbs as well. Wild caught tuna in one of the lowest in fat of the fishes and grills very well. Nothing beats chicken. I too found that I couldn't get enough protein so I am supplementing with a natural whey powder…

An inexpensive way to really 'feel' your progress is to go shopping each time your pants feel a little loose. I go to my favorite outlet store where I can usuallly find a pair of jeans for $10 (retail prices are around $80 - so I always feel good about that bargain!) I buy the next size down, and at first only wear them…

Currently38 DDD here - I say buy the medium and show them off! (where appropriate of course, I have to hide them with minimizer bras and suit jackets at work) - Smallest ever was a 36 DD (at goal weight 15 years ago) I'm a fan of tailored jackets that define the waist and I agree that slightly stretchy fabrics work well -…

In addition to the obvious rewards (health, confidence and shopping for new clothes) - A reward for my husband that is so NOT ME but he would LOVE: leather chaps, vest and a skimpy t-shirt to show off the boobs! All for riding to Laconia Bike Week with him this summer - on my own bike for the first time! Sorry - no tattoos…

Watch out for sodium in bottled seltzer (you can probably avoid this with the sodaStream). Around here we have Polar which is relatively sodium-free. I used to drink seltzer/club soda all the time, but have switched to plain water. I do not drink any other sodas (too sweet for me - as if there is such a thing!) PS: My kids…