Balice57

Count me in. I've joined an Endomondo challenge to walk 100 miles in September. Today, after walking 3 miles, I am at 50 miles, so on track. I've been amazed that I've gone from thinking a 2-mile walk a few days a week was fantastic, to now doing a minimum of 3 miles most days of the week. I still tend to have a break in…

Check out the "Spike" group on here. They believe on really having a day of indulgence once a week. I'm just pleased that I no longer eat that way all the time, because I did - every day was over the top day. One day a week is a very good record!

I'm just "big-boned", then I measured my wrist and . . . actually, no. My wrists are pretty skinny, and my ankles - now it's just the rest of me that needs work. :)

Back in the day, loved their popcorn shrimp. Actually, their coleslaw is really good. On their skinny menu I have had the BLT, which was delicious, but high in sodium. The crab cakes sound good!

I use the Endomondo app on my phone to track the miles I walk and calories burned. You might be surprised at the exercise you're getting. But, as they say, the best exercise is the one you will do on a consistent basis. Any walk is a good thing, but I agree that walking faster, then slower, in intervals is supposed to be…

Great forum! My main goal for July is to walk 50 miles this month. I've been tracking my walks on Endomondo and gradually working up from 35 miles in May. I hit 35 miles without a goal, so thought, why not actually set some goals! I'd also like to lose 5 pounds in July. I've been rather lax in the eating realm, so that…

That is very inspiring. She runs 10 miles every morning!?! To look like that at any age is a worthwhile goal indeed.

I find adding some ground pepper and pink himalayan sea salt to my steamed broccoli makes me almost not miss butter (and I used to cover everything in butter).

My Nordstrom shoe guy, who is a runner, suggested a pair of Asics which are fantastic. Even though I'm just walking, they are good shoes.

I've lost a lot of weight walking. Now, I have some major hills in my neighborhood, which really make me work hard (and once I walk down the other side, there is no way to get home but to climb back up). Now I almost hit a jog sometimes, but my knees will not allow me to run. As they say, what counts is whatever exercise…

You've come to the right place, and are welcome here. The good news is that every tiny bit of activity and every pound lost makes you feel better. It's such a wonderful feeling to be able to breathe easier walking up an incline and have more stamina. Welcome to the journey!

Since I upped my calorie goal to 1650, I've lost 5 pounds! I had to step on and off the scale and rub my eyes to believe the number.

I can't quote my numbers, but my doctor has lowered me to a smaller dose of blood pressure meds, and hopefully I will be off altogether pretty soon. It's a good feeling.

I plan for a "cheat" day once a week, usually a weekend day, although this week I ended up having two days which were rather silly. But, as someone else said, I used to eat that way regularly, so progress has been made and will continue. The fact that I don't feel as good after a higher calorie day keeps me on track.

Well said, and glad you have come to that realization. It's certainly not just the food! So many of us are negative with ourselves. I know I am certainly my own worst critic. Good luck!

Check out Prevention or Shape magazine websites - they have lots of interesting exercises.

Kids are very honest, so you know that's a real compliment! Congrats!

Just look up blueberry muffin in the database. It should give you lots of options.

I have been using a 10 lb. kettlebell, and just ordered a 20 lb. for the swings especially. I will continue to use the 10 lb. for some other body toning exercises, but it's feeling kind of wimpy for the swings. Check out: http://www.skoggsystem.com/. He (Michael Skogg) also has some good YouTube videos for proper form and…

Ah, so much to choose from - but stuffed crust pizza? As if pizza didn't already log enough calories, let's stuff the crust with cheese - oh, and how about adding bread sticks to our pizza order? Not that it doesn't all taste good, but I'd prefer not to have a heart attack before I even get up from the table.

I once had a friend who didn't want to lose weight because she wanted to keep her boobs. That's a lousy reason to stay unhealthy, in my humble opinion. I gotta think that while the boobs may go first, eventually when health is achieved the body will even itself out.

Thanks for sharing. It makes me feel better about my new higher daily calorie goal. I, also, can tell immediately when I have overdone the wrong kind of carbs and overloaded on salt. Yesterday I suddenly looked fat to myself, and I know it is because I haven't been as vigilant the last couple of days. My face shows that…

Congrats! That reminds me I need to buy a heavier Kettlebell. :)

I agree that restaurants need to do a better job of cutting out some of those calories. I like the Cheesecake Factory's new skinny menu, although many of those items are still pretty high - especially in sodium. Red Robin has an online "build your burger" option that lets you modify your burger, and shows you how much that…

Oh, yes. The key is not to look in a mirror when you're working out - that way you can keep your illusions!

Check these out: http://www.lifelineusa.com/jungle-gym-xt.html I want to get them so I can throw them over a tree branch outside and get a workout.

How about broccoli? I envy you the ability to grow tomatoes. Here in Seattle we just never get enough sun to make them thrive.

Check out "Just My Size" for bras - they are website only. I've gotten some nice yoga pants at Old Navy - they have plus sizes online.

I like Prevention - lots of good recipes and exercises.

I had no luck getting Fitbit to work - at all. I finally returned it and gave up. I use the free Endomondo app on my phone. It tracks workouts great, even elevation, calories burned, etc. It works for me - especially the free part.