Blugal1

You're right... a new year and new goals. I joined MFP last year at the beginning of the year. I lost about 6 pounds in the first month... just logging and exercising made a big difference! Unfortunately after a few "good" months and some success (about 9 pounds down) I lost my motivation for a while. Then I suffered a bad…

Depends on why they are skinny. Naturally hard keeper? Ulcers? Picky eater? etc. I have tried all of the following, with (sort of) varying success. Really depends on the horse. -Beet pulp (easy to add oil and other things once they are used to it) -Vitamins -Flax (ground, or boiled) -Barley (seems to work better than oats)…

I won't be any help because I know exactly what you're saying! The only thing that works is when I am very distracted - e.g. at a horse show, in a busy meeting etc. If I am just sitting at my desk at work or sitting on the couch at home, it is very dangerous. There seems to be some kind of weird push-back that the harder…

OK, going to make this easy on myself (I hope!) Eat 5 fruits/vegetables, every day! I'm also in for the 100 pushups over the month. I have been slacking off.

Sorry to hear that news, Baydale. Do you think you might be up for a non-riding challenge to keep you motivated? When I had a horse on stall rest, I signed up for a 75 km bike ride. Then I invited my sister so I couldn't back out! That really kept me going that summer, because I was SO bummed out about my horse.

Just checking in again. On Wednesday I basically had an emotional breakdown because of being so frustrated with my weight loss (lack thereof). Really hashed it out with a good friend. We discussed the long-term effects, the guilt, the self-esteem, how it effects my riding, and other goals. I did feel a bit like "rock…

Well I started the thread so I guess I have to check in! The most important thing, I think, is to actually eat my 5 fruits/veggies per day. Everything else will follow. I have had some pretty big struggles with this journey - all mental - as I have described in another thread. I started in January full of enthusiasm and…

Welcome to everyone new! Feel free to add any of us as friends - encouragement and motivation works both ways. My participation waxes and wanes... more people kicking my butt would help. I don't mind doing the same!

Oikos greek yogurt, Key Lime flavour - it's 2% but the whole pot is 90 calories. Very creamy - tastes like dessert. The strawberry flavour is ok, and I am trying the 0% peach/mango one today or tomorrow. But the Key Lime is divine. Sugar snap peas - easy to snack on, tasty, but not much danger of over-eating.

Thanks for all the replies. Onawho, I will definitely take you up on your offer. I check your diary occasionally, it is always healthy and full of vegetables - something to look up to!! dollarhorse, that is exactly how I feel! The crazy thing is, I lost 20 pounds last year (I started my counter this year from my "new"…

I have some big goals! I am just going over my goals to make sure they are SMART (um, specific, measurable, achievable, r... realistic? and t??? <-- that's why I'm going over them! ha ha) oh, timeframe, that they have a timeframe. So I will report back! After today's ride, one of my goals is to have a stronger 2-point. I…

Rock climbing (the sport kind, either bouldering with mats, or climbing with harnesses and ropes). So fun, and a great total workout - your core will definitely feel it, once you learn not to use your arms for everything!

Well I suffered the inevitable "high enthusiasm start - early results - then, oh man this is becoming a slog" slump. Partly I have a lot going on in my life... but then who doesn't. Had to do a bit of a re-program. After all, I want this to be FOR LIFE, not for NOW. I do find that I am making more conscious choices, and…

Ha ha, yes today disappeared in a puff of smoke alright! I will be back Monday night... can't guarantee it but if I don't do it Mon. then Tuesday, no excuses!

Can either start today or after the weekend - I'm going away as well. As far as how many times per week, I thought the program was meant to be 2 days on, 1 day off? I am not sure if I'll be able to stick with that though, I could say 4 days/week to be on the safe side.

I bought it, but it is still in plastic! I have been very, very bad about keeping up my workout schedule the last little while. Would love to have a "partner in crime" for this...! PS didn't know she was a rider.

Great post. If someone would treat me like my horses, I would have a regulated diet & exercise regime with NO choice!! Also I am definitely in the "honeymoon has worn off" part of this - started out really well in January, now struggling more. I know how that feels when a horse is on stall rest, yet somehow I always push…

Wow, we are up to 103 members! This is great! Welcome everyone! Feel free to add me as a friend. I am starting to get quite a few, but I try to participate and cheerlead as much as I can! (And am reaping the rewards of everyone's support, too!)

I was "planning" on trying it tonight... guess this is my kick in the butt eh? Thanks!

Planks are a core exercise. Here is a quick 1 minute video on the do's and don'ts: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MHQmRINu4jU

Don't forget to take your measurements - I had fairly significant inches lost (I think 3.5 in 3 weeks) even though I only lost a few pounds. People actually commented that I had lost "a lot of weight" because my clothes were all fitting better.

Is there an HR manager? I would report it to them. If you feel that could jeopardize your job, at the least, keep a copy of all documents and notes about what happened, should this ever come up (e.g. performance review).

I am lucky to have a few! One owned by my barn owner, one half-owned by my coach, and one wholly owned by me (Ms. I-Have-An-Opinion, who is not broke yet). I try to ride the two geldings 5-6 times a week, each. Again, very lucky to be able to ride at an indoor.

jingoace, don't forget to use the "check in" feature (under the My Home tab) to update your weight loss ticker. Congrats! 5 pounds in January is great! Feb. 1st weigh-in: SW: 162 CW: 157 Will do measurements and future weigh-ins on Sundays.

OK - how did everyone do? My result was that I did not increase my planks by 50%. So...... re-challenge for February! Will start a new thread.

Good idea, jingoace. I will start a new topic (so that the title is appropriate!)

I didn't like the Skinny Girl margarita at all. I don't drink much though, so I am perfectly content to just skip alcohol unless I really want it... like the occasional Bailey's in coffee.

The only thing I use the Slap Chop for. No more tears!!

Whoo! Just did my 30 in a row. This challenge definitely made me a bit more dedicated. Now... I think I am going to have to re-challenge myself on the planks... we will see later (have to go ride right now).

Don't think it'll be me either...! I will struggle to get near 10 lbs by Valentine's day. However, I have lost inches, and people have commented on that (plus, my pants are too big - yay!) - so, will just keep working on it every day.