purpletrillium

I have a personal trainer. I started in February with a bad back curve, now it's almost flat. My torturer, aka. trainer, makes me do alot of planks, which is like a pushup on your forearms. It's strengthening my core, which is helping. Also, I do the flattening my upper back against a wall, refrigerator, etc. for a few…

I hunch over due to my work at a computer, etc. I went to a chiropractor, but it only helps temporarily. Work on posture exercises, like standing against a wall and pushing your shoulder back against the wall.

Good luck with your race, and wish me luck with mine. I also entered the Corporate Challenge in my city. Ours is May 17. I haven't jogged or ran in years, but I have to start sometime. :)

Yes. I thought about food constantly when I started MFP in October. Try munching on a few nuts or raw veggies when the hunger kicks in.

Pretzels, usually the small sticks. Pretzels are lower in calories than potato chips, which I avoid. Mini carrots are also good, I like the crunch.

Scrapbooking! I also have a huge collection of craft items ready to be used for something. I guess I'm a craft item hoarder.

Sounds like your blood pressure dropped suddenly, since you didn't let yourself cool down. I agree that you should eat something before working out.

Try an oatmeal bath. You can buy colloidal oatmeal in the bath soaps section of the pharmacy. Soak in the tub for 10 minutes or more. Aveeno makes great products for itchy skin.

Join one of the challenges on MFP. I'm starting a 90 day weight loss challenge with my fellow volunteer firefighters in my area. They're alot bigger than I am, so we'll compete based on BMI changes. I'm determined to beat them, I don't care if they're a foot taller, and weigh 100 pounds more than me.

Men's Health Magazine has a book "Eat this, Not that". It gives healthier alternatives to traditional American meals. Your husband will get health problems after awhile, so his junk food eating will end eventually. My husband is showing physical ailments now, due to a lifetime of crappy eating... Now he wants to change his…

I love being barefoot, I can grip the ground better. Probably goes back to my karate days. I did that for 11 years barefoot in class, and didn't mess up my feet. My kettlebell instructor makes us wear just socks in class (unless we have the special shoes).

Try drinking a glass of water before you decide to eat. I used to confuse thirst with hunger pangs.

Awesome! You look like a totally different person.

There's alot of nasty chemicals in the Special K low cal chips. I wouldn't recommend them, even though thye're hyped as a low cal chip. There's a derivative of MSG in them that's really bad. Can't say much about the cereal, but it's rather boring tasting. I prefer a bowl of oatmeal in the morning, good for you, plus fiber…

I'm a 'B' too. I noticed the B shape is more pronounced since I started doing Zumba. My waist is getting smaller, and seems to be pushing the fat more toward the front in the high and low spots. Hoping with more ab work that the B will go away.

:) My hubby told me in a well meaning way that he could see my chin again. I'm taking it as a compliment.

Prayers going out. Keep us posted.

Interesting. I wonder then if calcium is even more important for exercise, since it is necessary for the process.

Hungry Girl has great recipes on her website.

I'll ask my instructor tomorrow for her list. It would be great to download some to an mp3 player for my own workouts, plus some of her dances I need practice with, it's hard to keep up.

You may be tired, not getting enough sleep or even just stressed can make me lack motivation. Try taking a brisk walk for a few minutes and see if that gives you a kickstart.

Absolutely. I don't lose any weight unless I drink at least 7 glasses a day. Also, you need enough fiber.

I've been on the opposite end. I was trying to locate someone and called the wrong number on Christmas Eve. An older man answered, and I could tell he didn't have anyone else there with him, so we chatted for a few minutes and I wished him a Merry Christmas.

I have been losing weight very slowly since October. Doing the same as you, 1200 calories plus eating back workout calories. If I don't drink enough water, the weight stays on me. Also, the filet of fish tastes good, but high in sodium. I've started keeping protein bars and nuts in a bag so I can eat them when I'm in a…

Wear a bathing suit of any kind.

Try a consignment shop too. I won't buy any new clothes until I get down another 10 pounds.

I'm giving up taking the elevator at work. My co-workers and I did this last year. We walk up or down the 5 flights of stairs to our office. Anyone caught using the elevator must pay a 25 cent fine. We raised $15 for our Children's hospital last year.

I work in a specialized laboratory that does testing for organ and bone marrow transplants. I do Immunological and DNA testing for patients waiting mostly for kidney transplants. What I like about it the most is that unlike many other areas of laboratory work, we have a direct connection to the patients, cheer them on when…

I agree, take the Zumba class even if you're tired. I did that the other day, and was so glad I did. I felt more energized after class.

Atkins- lost 20 pounds, and gained it right back. Nutrisystem- lasted 2 days, worst tasting food ever!