Where are you...not seen you around in a while????

Poke, poke! How's it going? If you had trouble over the holidays, don't quit now! I think that's got to be the hardest time of year for everyone. Just pick up where you left off and we'll be here to support you.

Jessi

Come on you can do it!

You better be out there working out!!! :D

How's it going?

Today's Tip:
"Don't be your own barrier to losing weight. Talk to yourself in a positive manner and recognize accomplishments at every step along the way. Even if you have a long way to go, realize that you have come a long way already. For many people, just making the commitment to losing weight andn taking the initial steps can seem insurmountable. You have already accomplished a lot. Keep up the great work!"

oK SO Thanksgiving was a total bust! I ate wayyyy too much! BUT I did work out!! And the most cals burned so far...Veru proud..one again thanks to my friends here...LOVE YA!!

Things That I'm Thankful For

Family - I love them so much. Everything that I've ever wanted to do, they were there cheering me on. I don't know where I would be without them.

Marcus - My boyfriend. He has taught me so much about life and myself. I learned to love. I love myself, him, everyone. He has such a kind heart. He brought me out of despair and showed me how to see the good things in life.

Faith - I have put so much trust in my faith and it has gotten me where I am today. Trust in God.

Friends - I love my friends, old and new. My friends have always been there for me and support me. I'm thankful for all the weight loss friends I've came into contact with. Your support is so important to me. I hope we'll continue to motivate each other.

Life - I'm so thankful for each day I am alive. It's a chance to start new, to learn more, and to love more. It's a chance to take control of your life and change.


I also posted this on my page yesterday. ;)

Ok so -- heres my dilema-- all the people around me for some reason swear by Atkins is that REALLY a healthy lifestyle? I am diabetic so there are lifestyle changes that are a must (no pasta and whole wheat grains) but I (sad to say) /really dont know how to cook healthy..I am Puerto Rican/Italian and the tortillas and pasta was a staple so I am am lost on how to cook anything else..do you all know of any websites for newbies....

Hi Nacole,

Sounds like you're doing great! I've gotten to be a pro at the healthy shopping list - it all starts with meal planning. I just sit down one day (usually Sunday or 1. Monday) and pick some of my favorite healthy recipes that I'd like to make for the next few days. Then your list is pretty much made for you!

I usually get extra veggies and fruit for snacks and sides.

5 Things I'm Thankful For:

1. The Intarweb! I've made a career out of it, and I can always find an answer or at least a person who has the same problem.

2. My Family! Even though they drive me nuts sometimes, it's still good to have people who love you no matter what.

3. Our Beautiful Earth! Sometimes I stop what I'm doing and notice the incredible beauty not only of the things we've built, but more importantly the majesty of the natural world.

4. My Dog! We adopted him from a rescue in July (a late birthday present) and we've been working on socializing him so he's not so shy. He is the sweetest dog I've ever met, and probably smarter than I am. I love that saying - Be the person your dog thinks you are.

5. Having a weight problem. There are many, many worse things in the world. I am thankful that this is the greatest of my worries.

Have a great Thanksgiving! I'll be taking looooong walks after meals this long weekend.

Jessi

Lark-- Youa re sooooo wonderful-- you made me laugh for the first time today. So after the restroom...? Thats the trick huh? I LOVE IT!!
***PRAISE REPORT***
Ok so I finally finished painting the hallway-- why is this ignificant?? Because I painted it a color that somone else said would look good (granny smth green) and thats not me at all...So it is tastfully repainted very vanilla and tan -- The significance is that I reclaimed my hallway for me-- and I did it all myself..My first step to confidence building...

AND-- Even though I overslept and the day went totally off plan...I still managed to work out --only 30 minutes but a friend showed up and I asked them to wait while I took off 350 calories!

SO THANKS GUYS!! It was the simple joy of hearing from you all that encouraged me to walk so I could "treat" myself to time with you all

I think the healthy grocery list is such a good idea. I'll have to put some thought into it, but I'll keep you posted.

I weigh myself in the mornings. My doctor told me it was the best time to do so cause your body will "gain" different amounts of weight throughout the day. So I weigh in the mornings, usually around the same time each time I weigh, and I also do it after I use the restroom. I'm not sure if that helps, but I do it anyway.

Today's Tip (from Bally Total Fitness):
Being a positive thinker all the time is difficult. On the other hand, being a negative thinker can be harder on you emotionally. If you tend to indulge in negative self-talk, ask yourself, "What do I really gain by beating myself up emotionally regarding my weight?" So the next time you find that you're being a little hard on yourself, nip it in the bud, address the concern and form a strategy to do better.

http://www.beeyourself.com/Self Esteem/Gain-Confidence-and-Boost-Self-Esteem-in-5-Simple-Steps.html

Ok so I did some research-- because with my recent weight gain I have lsot some self esteem -- dont know if this is anyone else but this is a good article..I'm going to try this with the long weekend and no class...

Hey! I'm a Bay Area California girl stuck in the South :tongue:
I go to GA State! So I can be one of your buddies :biglol:

Hey Nacole

I somehow canot add a comment box onto my page:(...iv tried n tried...whateva happens keep reading on this site...it willa lways keep u motivated and i pray u reach ur goals soon :)

Ok so here are the things I am thankful for...
1). freedom _ I can lose weight and accomplish more in my life
2). Family- Ok so I am a little nutty right now with all the "life changes" I have going on BUT family still knowes ME and accepts me..
3). Faith - THANK GOD-- Hes so good to not have left me in my messes!!
4). Future-- I'M COMING OUT! I am taking steps to remake all my life and it looks good and I am ready !
5). Traineo- I found this site just in time-- I was feeling so alone and FAT- which only made me eat more-- I know that this simple little post to you all means I am not alone-It gives me courage-

THANK YOU ALL for being YOU and finding the time to be there for me. Weightloss is so private for me so this is kinding like an outlet for all the junk I carry-- you see the commericals and the people in the gyms ARE healthy so where do I start...and now I know I start here-- with new found friends and support!! YOU GUYS ROCK!!!!

P.S. So when is the best time to weigh yourself??

Ok so I overslept today--- Ok so I wont freak out I will work out this afternoon...Got a question..is it possible to put out heads together to get a shopping list for essential groceries for healthy eating???

"What a beautiful name -- it makes me think of light and air-- about rising above them both. Could it be that you are ready to fly??"

My name actually means song bird. lol. How fitting of a comment. Yes, I'm so ready to fly and take control of my life. Are you?

One of my goals was to do a small bootcamp type of jump start. 2 weeks of working out for 6 days, with only one day of rest. I'm pleased to report that I am in week 2 now...today actually. I have kept to my promise and the workouts are actually easier than I thought. I thought I was going to have a hard time getting my butt up and doing it.

Thank you for adding me. I love meeting new people to, especially those who share the same interest and goals as myself. Keep in touch!

Hi Nacole

I am a phd student in New Jersey ......i have about 30 pounds to go to reach my goal....trouble is....i havent added any motivators to my list and now i really need motivation:).......i too gained about 40 pounds in a year moving from india to the US....would be great if we could motivate each other to reach our respective goals!!!

Okay, I'm by no means an expert on any of this, but I'll give you my opinion. Definitely adhere to the restrictions of being diabetic with the sweets. As far as the "feasting" goes, I would say eat whatever you want, but do so in moderation. Instead of 2 or 3 plates, stick to one. Or get one big plate that you can eat off of throughout the day. That way, it seems like you're eating 4 or 5 times that day, but it's still the same amount of food you would've eaten in one serving. And you don't have to be extremely strict with yourself. If you fall off the bandwagon a little, it'll be okay. One day won't kill. But you most definitely will have to get into the gym on Friday!