WEEK 1 TO GOAL - HOW IS EVERYONE?

HI Ladies! I did not forget to post.. but I didn't want to post this- and not be working on my goal either.. I was sick a few weeks back and waited @3 weeks to get back to my gym routine - and last night I began - and my goal is to get back to working out - 3/4x a week - working up to more- because I want to hit my 220# goal by end of April.. You do know April starts this weekend, right? SO last night I worked out- did 70 mins treadmill/ stairmaster and weight lifted another 25mins.. When I remember my protein- I am really good about it- and when I forget- its a whole day before I realize it.. so I am still working to add one shake a day- hopefully do it in the morning and once again before I exercise.. and its so nice in NY this week..I want to walk during my lunch time..possible 60s tomorrow!! woohooo!! I also lost 3 lbs since last week- so Im now 232 and 12lbs to goal. How is everyone else doing this week? I hope to hear from everyone! Donna

I've ended up with an upper respitory infection. It's definitely affecting my food and water intake. I guzzle water and can't swallow enough to eat much. Maybe this will pass soon! Okay, I was at 177 when we started last week. 173 today, so down 4 lbs. 6 to go to my goal of 10 lbs gone by the end of April. I'm also 4 lbs. away from the century club. Now that I'm close I'm really excited to see that 100 lbs gone and get my century club card! Hopefully in the next couple of weeks. Connie 8/01/05 RNY 269/173/163 surgeon's goal/150 my goal

Hi Connie - Take care of your health issues first and double up your vitamins When stressed or sick, our bodies need more Vitamin C and vitamins..Crystal Lite Sunrise - is 100% Vitamin C- I drank tons of that when I was sick- since I can't drink OJ anymore..when you feel better- say next week- then focus back on your weight goal.. I know- I hate setbacks too.. Congratulations 4lbs to a milestone!! I'm 7lbs away and hope to hit that in April with ya! I wish I was in the 170s or even the 180s for that matter! I get discouraged because even though I've lost so much already, I still have 80+ to lose in the next 6-9mos. At 175 - Im still like 30lbs to goal. When does this become the "easy way out"? LOL I think I missed that one. Donna 325/ 232/ 145

Hey Donna! Well, I guess I am doing better than I thought. I looked back at my original goal and I have lost 4 pounds, 7 more to reach goal by 4/28...I have gotten in some exercise, but still struggling there. I am meeting with a trainer at my gym tomorrow to get my rear in gear!! And I am really trying to focus on what this is all about, so I am getting there! Take care and hope you had a great evening! Nancy 5'8" 320/197/170(surgeon goal)*(150 my ultimate goal )

Hi Nancy- Good for you! I love personal trainers. I did not believe in them- till I had one lesson - immediately felt the difference..and then signed up for 20 lessons..and this was all before surgery..and I lost 25lbs.. and still a year to surgery- and then I gained it back- when I stopped going to the gym.. But the lessons are not lost- they teach you proper form - and they know how to encourage you and maximize your workout and they know how and when to push you..so enjoy the sessions.. I've taken a temp pass at Gold's Gym- and Im looking forward to their free classes and three free training sessions! Keep up the good work! Donna 325/ 232/ 145

I am 195 this morning (a 1 pound loss since the post), but my monthly visitor is here. I am usually as low as 192, but I will go ahead and post today's weight. I have ten pounds to go to meet my April 28th goal of weighing 185. MY PROGRESS: *I have begun exercising during my breaks at work as well as exercising in the afternoons. *I have increased my water intake. *I went to my PCP to have additional blood work done because I stay cold and sometimes feel a little weak. *I have cut down on snacking on bad carbs and sugar. Sherry 276/195/130-140

Hi Sherry- don't stress over the temporary weight gain..that is one lucky thng about us- we lose it just as quickly. It sounds like you are maintaining good focus- I would increase protein. be careful with that sugar intake- I know everyone is different - in the last month- I have now dumped 2x unintentionally- and let me tell you- the second being this past Monday- My son drove me to the ER- and when I got there- my blood pressure was 146/90 when its usually 100/60 (I never had high BP) and I was careful what I ate- and ate nothing with sugar in it..I had even had a muffin made at a bakery that specializes in s/f items and caters to diabetics. its just unfortunate that we remember what food tastes like..and its weird how yogurt is okay with several grams of sugar & doesn't bother us. Life is about balance..find what works for you and stay healthy! Donna 325/ 232/ 145

Good Morning Donna, Thank you so much for posting this. I am also at 232 how funny is that.....and my goal is to be at 220 by the end of this month too. This is GREAT.... I worked out yesterday and last night I worked out for 30 min on my new Ab Lounge XL. I have worked out everyday this week and I plan on working out 5 days a week and resting on the weekend. I had my protein shake last night and I brought my mixer to work with me this morning so I am having a VANNILLA WHEY PROTEIN DRINK that I purchased from the health food store that has 30 grams of protein. I am so excited about doing this challenge. I have been a stall with my weight for the past 2 months so I am hoping with this new goal that I can get the pounds off. Thanks again for posting....I really appreciate this.

LJ ! Nice to see ya! How is the Ab Loung working out? Do you feel the difference with a firmer core? (Thats your torso from hips to chest) You will hear or read in magazines, that "core training" is important - it corrects your posture, it steadies your body during workouts. Personal trainers talk a lot about "core stabilization".. like when working on a stability ball and lifting weights or doing ab work on a stability ball- your "core " muscles stabilize your body- while you workout..I love learning new things.. also if you have FitTV channel on your cable- check to see when Gilad is scheduled .. he has a show called Body Sculpting with Gilad..Gilad is a former world decathalon winner and trainer..I discovered him back in the 80s..and he is still as fit and fabulous and empowering as ever..so if you tape one of his shows- and you feel discouraged- play his tape- and immediately he engages and uplifts you- and you want to simulate his work.. He is a great trainer.. I also believe- that as we exercise- its not about reducing calories for us. first-we don't absorb as much . Two- the more we exercise - the more protein we need to intake- we need to build and repair muscles- and need the aminos- bodybuilders load up on protein (they also workout 5xharder) so adding in 1-2 shakes a day will help. I've gone back to increasing my protein 1 shake before the gym and one after for recovery.. it helped me lose 3lbs. I use Nectar brand protein- they are fruit and iced tea flavored. I like them- and they just came out with a Cappucino flavor. I also noticed that when I skip breakfast- my metabolism slows down- and I also am likely to want to snack..so a short goal of mine is to increase protein earlier in the day-with either yogurt or cottage cheese. Today Im having cottage cheese..and I hope my butt never looks like this - from eating it! LOL So keep up the protein drinks. Successful people make few modifications- but they keep doing them until they become habit. The trick is discovering what works for you and making it lifelong. Well that is my longterm goal. If you want some free samples for protein, and some good books to read Check out this site: http://wlbss.com/ have a great day - Donna

Hi Donna, I am doing great! Just got back from my lunch "work-out" and with your great tip I am now sipping on a protein drink. Thank you so much for the tips...You have done such a fabulouse job in such a short time. You really inspire me I am going to take your advice and hopefull I will see some results this month. Thanks again, KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK!