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My planned work out Tuesday through Friday most weeks because that coinsides with my work schedule. Two days of cardio and two days of weights. Then on Saturday thru Monday I try to wok in unscheduled workouts, like going for a walk.

I don't like eating too close to bedtime. I'd say fuel up during the day before you exercise, but give yourself a least 2 hours before you exercise. Don't want to workout on a full stomach! Then after your exercise have something for recovery, like a banana & peanut butter or a protein shake.

I take a daily Potassium supplement

Welcome Jenn! Lifestyle change is the best way to look at it. This needs to be a change in the way you interact with food in order for it to work. "Diet" implies there is an end. Healthy eating shouldn't end. Good luck to you!!

Weight loss doesn't always happen consistently. Its possible to have 2-3 weeks of little or no loss and then lose a bunch all at once. As GDunn said, a loss is a loss. You are doing fine!

Lunch is usually my biggest meal too. I don't like to eat a lot later in the day when I am less active. My breakfast is usually 1/2C plain yogurt, 1/2C Fiber One cereal, about 1 oz of dried fruit and a muffin. Then I have several snacks thru-out the day.

This sounds similar to what people call Clean Eating --- eating foods basically as they would appear in nature. Fresh fruits and veggies, whole grains, lean meats. No processed foods, processed sugar or white flour. I try to eat clean at least 75% of the time.

Try some of the flavored varieties. Or try adding things like fresh lemon, orange or mint.

The most accurate way is to get a food scale. You can get one a target for under $20. I use mine every day!

Everyone is different, remember that. Not everyone's body is going to react the same to calories consumed and exercise. I eat about half of my exercise calories. Some people eat all, some people eat none. You have to find the balance that works for you. Do a little experimentation to see how much you can eat to feel…

Try aiming for the foods with more bang for your buck, protein wise. Here is a link that shows the nutritional contenet of some high protein foods. http://commonsensehealth.com/Diet-and-Nutrition/List_of_High_Protein_Foods.shtml

As long as you didn't include that as part of your activity level when you filled in your profile, you can include cleaning as exrcise.

Don't fear the weights. Women can't bulk up the way men do. We don't have the testosterone for it.

The calorie goal you get from your nutritionist's formula sounds kind of high to me. I'd say your base should be somewhere in the neighborhood of 1600, then with your exercise calories, your total target would be 1850 to 1950.

Hi Ashley! Building up your cardio before starting the strength training sounds like a smart idea. When you are ready to start that I have a couple of suggestions, if I may. See if your local gym offers any freebie personal trainer sessions. They can help you to line up a workout routine to help you reach your goal.…

I tend to alternate my cardio days with my weight days. I'll do an hour of cardio one day (30 minutes of elliptical and 30 minutes of cycling) Then I'll do 45-60 minutes of weights on the opposite days, with a 15 minute warmup on the treadmill. By having set routines on each day, it helps me to stay on track.

Something small would be a good idea to give you extra fuel for your workout. Have a banana, a protein shake or a protein bar. Then you can eat a regular meal after. Exercising on a full stomach could potentially make you feel sick.

I think weekends are hard for a lot of people. It is so much easier to maintain a set schedule during the week because we have this set routine. On the weekends, try getting your BF to go out with you and do some sort of physical activity: Go for a long walk, skiing, hiking, bowling, etc. That way you can get your exercise…

Yes getting in 8 glasses is important. It is important to stay hydrated, especially if you are exercising regularly. Believe it or not, too little water can cause your body to actually retain fluids. Getting plenty of water also helps to flush some the the excess sodium from your body. If it helps to add crystal light, go…

I figured this out earlier today. There is a strength training entry you can put under cardio to record the calories burned. You can also list it under Strength training to keep track of the types of exercise done, reps and weights. Also, strength training has a residual burn, where cardio is more of an instant burn. With…

Tommy Lee Jones & Alan Rickman

Excellent point!

Congrats to both of you! Great job!!!

I eat fast food and junk food too, but try to limit it to at least once a week. I try to keep the majority of my eating on fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains and lean meats. I agree with not depriving yourself. If you feel like you are being deprived, that's when you set yourself up to fail.

I follow a low GI diet as well. You do feel fuller on less calories because you are getting most of your carbs from fruits and veggies instead of breads. It is a good idea to try to stay as close to 1200 per day as possible. But I don't think is necessary to eaty jusst to make your calorie target. Just do what feels right.…

Fantastic job!

Hi Rachael! I would say if you don't already have one, get a food scale. That one little tool was the most invaluable thing when it came to helping me get a handle on portion control. The other big thing was pre-planning all my meals and snacks. I have lost 47 pounds in the last 9 months, and I think you can do it too!

I just keep a liter bottle on my desk and try to down at least 3 bottles during the day. I try to get it in earlier in the day. Yes I'm running to the ladies' room 100 times a day too, but if I get the bulk of it in earlier, I don' have to worry as much about getting up in the middle of the night. :) If you've recently…

Hi legacysh, yes that is the title.

I recently mixed some spaghetti squash with green beans and a little parmesean cheese. It was delish!