smkey Member

I haven't started with free days or meals yet... but in my mind - I'm going to do a free meal. Not an entire day. If you do a whole day and go all out, you really could blow your whole week. It's harder to do THAT much damage in a meal. (I still could blow my week in a meal, mind you - which is why I haven't let myself do…

Sounds delish! I may have to try that sometime. My decadent snack is either Klondike low cal or skinny cow ice cream treats. Sometime we just have to have that yummy stuff. Thanks for sharing! Sandi

GREAT job! I had the exact thing today. I usually work nights and half of the day staff didn't recognize me today. Sounds like you've done an amazing job! Keep being fit and enjoy the new you! Sandio

Of course exercise can be fun. Try the local library and check out some exercise DVDs. Zumba, kickboxing, whatever you enjoy. Try varying your exercises, not only is it good for your muscles and cardiovascular system but it'll also keep you from getting bored. When I started, I did a lot of Jillian Michael's routines at…

In moderation it is just fine. A cup a day is great. A pot a day... not so much. ;)

Hey Clay - Bravo on seeing the progress in something besides the scale! Sounds like you're a muscular man to start with so adding on some more muscle is definitely going to help you get rid of some fat! As for your diet... I, personally, think you need more than protein shakes and more calories. Your body is probably…

Denise- You're exercising more so there's a really good chance your body is telling you it needs the nourishment to keep it up. I have those days too, so I eat some extra good calories to keep my energy up. Sometimes if I'm starving but don't have many calories to give up, I have a salad. That satisfaction of eating,…

Some of us aren't built with teeny waists or straight hips. Whatever your shape, it's not the # that matters... it's how healthy you are and where your body is at its best. Be proud of your fitness and your body! Flaunt what you like; learn to camouflage what you're not particularly fond of... It's not depressing. It's…

I love MIO! It has become my new staple!

Don't waste your energy on him. Focus on the things you are doing to better yourself. My theory is "Don't let the stupid people control your emotions" - I would certainly consider him stupid people! In health, Sandi

WOW! I found even when I wasn't actually losing pounds, my body was moving things around a bit and I lost inches. Looking good! Keep up the good work and don't get discouraged. At the very least, you're eating healthy and exercising - 2 things that are great for you all the way around! Sandi

You are on the exact right track! Keep it up! And yes, these forums will be responded to! Good effort! Sandi

WAY TO GO!!! Isn't it amazing what can be done when we really apply ourselves?! Keep it up! Sandi

Spent some quailty time with the stair climber... Friday mini challenge complete.

Check your sodium intake - I know that it certainly wreaks havoc with me, but YUM! And I agree... weighing once a week at the same time is a much better option and won't drive you crazy with minor fluctuations in water and food retention. Best of luck! Sandi

I would be sure to not have the food I'm most likely to binge on around the house. Drinking water and brushing your teeth are both great ideas. I also go for a walk if I feel some weird craving coming on or pop in an exercise video or play an active Wii game. You can also call a friend and have someone kind of talk you out…

It can vary HUGELY! But yogurt or cereal (w/ fresh fruit if available) in the am. Sandwich or burrito from premade burrito mix for lunch. A big salad or chicken/pork chop/fish/lean meat plus veggie for dinner. Drop me a note if you want some recipes or other ideas. Good luck! Sandi

Well, most on here would tell you the best way is to get a heart rate monitor and do it that way and that is the BEST way to do it. BUT, if you don't have one or can't get it that way, you can look up weight lifting in cardio exercises and get an estimate on calories. Welcome to MFP and good luck!!! Sandi

Way to go! You're looking great and I'd bet feeling great too! I'm with you. If I ever have to store 90% of my clothes in the back half of my closet ever again - I want someone to lock me in there as well - with 15lb dumbbells and tell me to come out when my clothes fit again! Great job at losing the weight and then…

what the heck?! I'm in!

I loath running, but have essentially forced myself to do it. C25K works good, but the moral of the story is if you improve your cardiovascular fitness and improve strength, you'll get there. I mostly bike, but through some treadmill time in there as well as elliptical. You're right about the weight loss helping too. But…

Cut out regular breads, tortillas, and the like. Go for whole grain. They're better for you and pack more protein and less carbs. The less processed foods you eat, the less carbs you eat.

1. 38 2. Apple 3. Diet - calorie counting has really done it. Of course it wouldn't make the same impact if I didn't exercise, but diet is the big one.

I have heard the same things from others - no more back and knee pain - and that's what I'm looking for. But I'm a bit nervous because I had an Achilles tendon rupture almost 10 years ago and sometimes experience that "tightness." I've run TRUE barefoot once and it was actually great - and only about a 1/2 mile. But as…

You should be excited! Watching people throw $80/week out the window when you can do it for $0?! AND have the opportunity to say "I told you so"?! WOW! Take this as a challenge and drop weight the RIGHT way by watching what you eat and exercising. If you do that - months or years down the line - you will still have your…

It's not about focusing on what you do badly or wrong, or where you fail... although those things count, it is FAR more important to focus on what you do right and the pride you can have when that happens. Learn from the mistakes - and don't make them again. Success is right around the corner - look for it!

ShariLee - I can completely understand! I have really struggled with my weight all my life... and I have no idea why the simple concept of portion control (calorie counting) and exercise has eluded me. I've been doing 1200 calories a day and exercising at least 5x/week and have watched almost 5 lbs melt away each week.…