Martin Weight Loss Challenge

Week 31 Update

2011-02-08T23:24:00.003-05:00

Well, well, well. There is a lot going on this week. We are all going on vacation this week. Paula, Angie, Jonathan and I are going to Florida on Thursday for a week and John and Chris are home alone and left to their own devices for a week.

Oh boy! I can't even imagine the temptation that awaits in Disney World. How to resist? I don't even know. Chris and John will be home alone for a week. I'm pretty sure that they will be eating takeout every night we are gone. Except for the 2 days Shelly said she would make them dinner - thanks Shelly! Not having someone to keep your urges in check is really difficult. Having a family to keep in line helps me make good decisions for all of us.

Here's to making good decisions this week - even when no one is watching!

Good Weeks Breed Good Weeks

2011-01-31T08:35:00.002-05:00

You know what is funny, on Monday when you weigh in and you had a good week you just feel great. I couldn't wait to not eat junk today. I am so excited and happy.

So, that's an important point - the key to having a good week every week is in making sure the week before was good. How do we do this? The most important thing is to not use a good week to justify a bad. My Dad is a pro at this. He'll say, well, I lost 3 lbs last week, so I can eat THREE BAGS of chips on the weekend. This is just silly because then he'll do that all week and gain 4 lbs, then the next week he takes it easy and loses 3 and then goes for the chips again. Net-net, he's only even.

Each week that you lose and have a good week is another chance to feel great and motivated for the next. Picture a spinning wheel, and that first week you lose it starts the wheel spinning and that momentum gives you strength to lose again the next week, which spins the wheel harder - again, vaulting you to another great week. Soon enough, the wheel is spinning so hard and so fast that it can't be slowed down and spin, spin, spin, spin - you're getting closer and closer to goal. People start noticing and tell you how great you look. You see those loose bits of skin that show you are doing a good job. The scale rockets toward goal, with the momentum so strong that you couldn'st stop it if you wanted to. You're hungry - no problem - a piece of fruit is perfect. Your stomach is shrinking, so you couldn't even fit three slices of pizza if you wanted - not to mention the grease would make you feel terrible. Spin, spin, spin - you are now caught up in it, your pedometer is reading 10,000+ a day and you feel great. Your knees thank you on each step - you're not out of breath as quickly, lifting that heavy TV is no big deal. Spin, spin, spin...

Do yourself a favor and use this week to give your weight loss wheel a giant spin, and don't look back!

Week 29 Update

2011-01-25T21:16:00.002-05:00

Last weeks update came on the heels of "New Scale Woe". This week finds us after "Comfort Eating Galore" and the numbers don't lie. Its been a rough couple of weeks - we've all been battling colds, we've been grieving losses, the cold and the snow are getting us down. But we can not let these things keep us down.

I'm listening to the State of the Union Address as I write this. President Obama is talking about education in the US and how we are falling behind other countries, how parents need to set an example for their children by turning off the TV and letting their kids know that winning Science Fairs is more important than winning Super Bowls. I can't help but draw a parallel to obesity and healthy living. We are an overweight society. For myself, when I REALLY break it down, it is laziness. When I want the donut, I don't want to be bothered with telling myself no. When I don't go to the gym or do any form of exercise, it is because I am being lazy. When I order take out for dinner, it is because I am lazy and don't want to cook or stand up to the individual who suggested pizza.

Lets all make a positive change this week and share it here on the blog. We need to set a good example for each other and like Angie said, do this with and for our families. I'm so happy to have you all along for the journey with me because we are family.

The Futility of Futility

2011-01-24T08:55:00.002-05:00

Angela - your post is a good reminder. Look, we all love to eat. I had a decent week, but I gained weight. We went to Five Guys on Saturday because we wanted to. We skipped breakfast and tried not to eat too much later in the day. It is going to happen.

Mom and Dad went to Georgia and they ate at Golden Corral - it is going to happen.

There was a birthday party and there was cake and so it got eaten - it is going to happen.

It is not the few slip ups that create our problem - it is when all we do is slip up. It is Futile to resist every food temptation - nobody can sustain a 1,500 calorie per day diet forever. We won't go to the gym everyday. All we can do is try to make the best decision we can every time we have an opportunity.

Here are the things we can do. We can:

A) Keep junk food out of the house. Don't buy cookies, don't buy bread, if you need snacks then keep some 100 calorie packs in the house. If you have a 1,000 calorie bag of chips, you will eat 1,000 calories. It is a lot of work and feels very guilty to eat 10 100 calorie packs (unless your name is John.)

B) Leave the take out food out. Take out food is great, it is easy, painless, tasty and cheap. On the nights you don't want to cook, try some ready made store food. (But not Stoeffer's Mac and Cheese.) If you MUST have take out - get the salad. Even a Buffalo Chicken salad is better than a whole pizza. Antipasto is always satisfying. It has a lot of salt, but better than a big mac and fries.

C) Don't drink calories. Just don't do it. There is non-dairy creamer and zero calorie sweetener. Leave the regular soda alone, go for seltzer. Make sure to watch drinks as they suck up calories.

D) Super small portions of yummy stuff. If you MUST have ice-cream, only buy the little tiny cups and eat one or two. Split a Klondike bar with somebody. Do something to keep the PORTION small.

E) Keep our heart in it. Ok, so fine, you messed up, you snuck a donut. You grabbed a bag of doritos on the way home. It happens - don't use it as an excuse to give up on the week.

F) Help others. This is the one that is more important. If you are not making the right decisions then people around you find it easier to slip up. If you can't do it for yourself, do it for your family. They get strength from you. You help them. If you are good, then they will be. If they are good then you will be.

G) Stay focused on the long term. You didn't gain the weight in a month, you won't lose it in a month. Stay focused on where we are going to be in a month, not next week. Look behind at where you were 6 months ago. Even if you have gained 25 lbs in the last 6 months, just think, you could LOSE those 25 lbs over the next 6 months.

H) Have a super week. Just work really hard on having one fantastic week. Micromanage your food intake, be super diligent, exercise every day. If you do and have a 5 lb week, it will give you inspiration to carry on.

That's all for now. Keep your spirits up. Bread is bad, Chocolate is a sin and Pizza does not exist!

Very Frustrated

2011-01-24T06:31:00.002-05:00

I am getting very discourage.. I know it wont happen over night but NOTHING.. Come on you cant tell me that 1 donut this week made so I lost nothing... oh and the piece of pizza.. What about all the spinach and salad and chicken breast and asparagus and cabbage and eggplant and the No Carbs for a whole week....why was it so easy a couple of years ago..I eat better.. I lost weight... So jonathan and I are going to play the wii dance today after school because excersize will help and we cant walk write know...because I have to get this weight off my hip and knee before disney and I want to be healthier.Its just very frustrating and I had to get it off my chest..So thank you fro having this blog so I can vent.. I guess its time to break out the colorful markers stickers and paper again....... and
CALORIE COUNT.... YEAH

Love you all no matter how big you are
just want everone to be healthy

Week 28 Update

2011-01-19T23:05:00.002-05:00

This is a very quick, numbers only update. I'm a loser and have been putting it off all day because I do the update at night when I retire to the office and I'm a little OCD so I have to follow my routine. Anyways...I am going to post tomorrow, during the day, and I will discuss the weight loss topics that have been on my mind.

Good night and good luck!

Steps, Steps, Steps

2011-01-13T08:28:00.003-05:00

So, at work we are having a contest as a Management team. We all bought pedometers and we are competing to see who can have the most steps in a month. At first I thought I had a shot and then I saw the results last week. I am the heaviest member of the management team and surprise, surprise, I had the least steps by far during practice week. One guy had 12,000 steps per day!!! I don't know how I will compete, but I do know that I need to figure out something. Maybe I will dust off the treadmill and at least walk for 20 minutes - that should be easy to do. How will you get 10,000 steps a day?

Week 27 Update

2011-01-12T21:10:00.002-05:00

Week 1 of the New Year! It is difficult to get back into the swing of things but not as tough as I thought. We've done it before and it's easy to get back into the swing of the right things to do. Light breakfast, light lunch, fruit or veggies as a snack, low fat dinner. Exercise. Don't eat fast food or takeout. If you do eat a restaurant meal, make a sensible choice - substitute a salad for fries and order the sandwich without cheese or mayo.

Not that it's easy to avoid temptation. It's everywhere! Just driving down the street the signs call out to you - "Eat donuts! Eat Burgers! Eat Fries! Buy a candy bar! Drink Soda and Frappucinos!" You eat dinner and sit down to relax in front of the tv and there's more food!

Eating only what our bodies need is the most difficult part of all of this. Good luck avoiding temptation this week!

Weak Will... Part 10,000

2011-01-11T13:10:00.002-05:00

I ate my lunch and I am sitting here. I am not hungry at all, but I don't feel like really doing anything, so I want to go and grab a snack or go walk around and check in with people to see if they have candy in their office.

It is always hardest to make good food decisions when we have low energy. If we aren't feeling great about ourselves, or are feeling a bit down, it gets even tougher.

I won't go and find candy - I came here instead. I do know that I am tired and in pain today. I am always in pain before it a big storm. I am dreading going home tonight because I promised myself that I would at LEAST do some Just Dance - if I wasn't going to do my NFL workout.

So, in short, I am sitting here with very little energy, feeling sorry for myself, feeling a bit down. I am tired and I am in pain and I want to eat candy.

The conversation I am having with myself now is that I will not go eat candy, nor will I look in the kitchen for leftovers and if I can do that, then I don't have to exercise tonight. That is a terrible compromise.

It is hard to find the will power to do the right things for ourselves. I will not be weak willed today. I may not exercise tonight, but I WILL NOT eat something because frankly, I am really not hungry anyway.

Dust myself off and get back on the horse

2011-01-10T09:08:00.002-05:00

My weekend was a bit of a letdown. I didn't eat anything that was awful, but I did have too many drinks. Alchohol counts! I also had too many bowls of bean salad - it may be good for you but it packs calories. This week I am going to try to limit the scotches and get back some of what I lost. I lost weight, but I was 290 on Friday and I am 294 today.

So, if you are disappointed that your week didn't go as well as you wanted, it is important to get right back to it! Good luck this week and make good decisions.

Beginnings

2011-01-09T21:17:00.002-05:00

Well I am happy, over the holidays I actually lost 2.2 lbs. I am proud. I was so excited that I tried a new machine at the gym, the eliptical (I think), signed in for 15 minutes, was near death at 3 minutes and quit at 5 minutes. When I got up or tried to on Saturday morning man it was tough, the trainer was at my side when I started, and I am sure she got a laugh from my adventure, but she let me try. Going back on the treadmill it's safer. I a little better, but can help but laugh every time I get up or try to sit down.

Just thought I would give you guys a laugh. See you Sunday with my new Brady shirt.

Aunt Ann

dont be the sad face hidden behind the smiles

2011-01-07T10:40:00.002-05:00

We say....I am fine.....I am okay...but what are we really feeling........
Today.....I am fine......I am down a few pounds
Today.....I am okay.....I am in control of what I put into my mouth....
Today....I dont want to be wearing the smile.....while eating things I should not, and really be wearing a frown on the inside of my healthy heart.

Throw the ice cream out....and pop the low cal popcorn.....we can do this...focus on the dinner plate...is this good for me....will it make my heart happy...

Love and Hugs to all for the new year..

and Peace and I dont mean a piece of cake either

Paula Lula Angel

Worrying about the Weekend

2011-01-07T08:20:00.002-05:00

Well, this time had to come, it is just part of the process, we are almost at that wondrous, worrisome, weight-watching weekend. These next three days are really where you have to decide what you want out of your life. Weekends are fun - I mean - you don't have to go to work, and you can sleep in and mostly you pursue hobbies and activities you enjoy. Yes, of course there is the occasional must do project around the house that you hate and yes, sometimes you have to go to Uncle Ned's for a stupid 50th birthday party - but for the most part, we have wonderful weekends.

Typically you start your Friday night off with a get together, and then you order pizza, and jo-jo potatoes and of course you need to have a bag of chips around along with some cheese puffs, right? Since you don't have to go to work - no big deal to drink 5 or 6 beers, and you love to wash it down with a nice piece of chocolate cake or something else from the bakery, then, a few hours later you get the hungry bug and that ice-cream is just calling you from the fridge, keep in mind that all of this is ok because, you know, you are down 6 lbs for the week and you deserve it because you worked so hard.

Let's talk about dogs for a moment - I realize it seems like a big topic jump, but just hear me out. So you have a dog, you love your dog, you want your dog to be healthy and so you take them to the vet for their regular checkup. (This happened to a friend of mine at work and I realized that it relates to our own situations.) Anyway, the vet gives you a speech for an hour, takes you out to the woodshed, makes you pick and strip your own stitch and then puts a few blistering red love lines on your bare ass just so you remember - your dog is too fat and it is YOUR fault. If you don't control your dog's diet, then he is going to blow out his knees.

It feels great to give your dog food, wow, do they love it and love you for it. It makes us happy. That cute little face looks up at you as if you have the last piece of beef on the planet and if you share it they'll love you forever. "Please oh please can't I just have a little bit, I'll be your best friend," they save with their face. "I am a good boy and I can sit really pretty, and I'll be good forever and ever if you just throw that piece of cheese where I can catch it," they whine. "uuuueeeehhhhmmm, ueeeehhhhmm," they breathe. They are just too cute. Then the kill shot comes, the dog takes that cute little face and puts their chin right on your arm and then tilts their eyes to the sky, your will power gone, you toss the pizza crust in the air and with a cir-de-soleil quality performance they leap and twist, turn 180 degrees, flip over, stand on their front legs, do a back flip, change the tires on your car, and solve out to 2,048 digits of pi, only to land a split second later in a royal sitting position, chest held high, looking proud at their accomplishment. At this moment, you know you have the most talented and loving dog in the world, and they know that they have the most beautiful, intelligent dog owner the world has ever known. Before you can take your next breath, the process starts all over again.

I went into such detail because the fact is that it feels so good to feed your dog. They like food and you like the show. There is nothing but positive feedback in the interaction. The dog gets fed and you get to smile at the wagging tail. It is not all that different from when we feed ourselves a sausge and pepperoni pizza, I mean we may not have to do flips to get ours, but we do have to pick up the phone and call the delivery man, and I mean, that is hard work - sometimes the phone can feel as heavy as a load of bricks and then there is all that "sitting-on-your-ass-watching-tv-and-waiting-impatiently-for-the-hand-delivered-cheesey-deliciousness" and we know how that can really tire us out.

What the vet would say to you after you plead that "it is only a little bit of food I give" and "he likes it so much" and "I love my dog, so why can't I feed them" is that if you really loved your dog - you'd stop feeding them. You see, for all of their acting, the dog doesn't really love you more when you feed it - dogs are smart, but not that smart. They can get the same look in the face if you hold a stuffed animal in the air and throw it to them. Feeding your dog is really about you, about your satisfaction at their reaction. Feeding your dog is selfish. The selfless thing to do is to not feed your dog. It makes you feel bad, it makes you feel like you are punishing him, makes him look not happy and confused. It is hard work to keep your dog on a healthy low-calorie diet.

It is exactly the same way with us. If we REALLY liked ourselves and cared about ourselves we would take the path that is more painful. The path of celery sticks and rice cakes. The path of exercise and sweat. The path of sore muscles and exhaustion. Just like with your dog, if you care about yourself you don't do the thing that feels good because in the long run you are eating yourself to death. A dog can't realize that when they overeat that it will hurt them in the long run - that's why they need us to be the ones in control. You have the benefit to know that bad food raises your cholestoral, causes diabetes, increases the risk of heart attack and stroke - so you have no excuse. Pigging out and engaging in the mortal sin of gluttony is the same thing as smoking crack. It feels good but in the long run you are killing yourself - Crack may be more efficent at it - but in the end you get the same result.

This weekend, as you are tempted by the party-like atmosphere most of us are in, avoid the keilbasa plate, avoid the cheese, have one helping and don't drink to much. You are the owner of your own body, so think about your body as your dog and how if you love your body, you'll say no to bad food.

P.S. Lula! Lula! Lula! Where are you? We need posts. If you have time to facebook and play Zumba - then you can muster up something good to say!

Pedometer!

2011-01-06T08:57:00.001-05:00

Buy a pedometer. Just go do it, just buy one. It is very strange how a pedometer gives you a really good idea of how much activity you have done in a day. 10,000 steps a day is the goal and it is MUCH harder than you think to get to that goal. I would only do 2,500 steps a day without any additional exercise.

Get a pedometer, wear it and keep track of your steps. If you use the treadmill you'll get extra steps. You look at it throughout the day. It is like an addiction. You have to get more steps! MORE STEPS! Buy a pedometer, wear it, you'll thank me.

I hate this!

2011-01-05T13:55:00.002-05:00

Who wants a chocolate bar? How about some chips from the vending machine? I do! I do!

If you can be good and serious about your eating when nobody is watching then you are in control.

There is such a strong urge to eat, to eat to excess. We used to be hunter/gatherers, in fact, for a longer period of our evolution (if you believe in such things) we relied on food that "grew" naturally.

We weren't built to eat so many refined grains or sugars - think about it - do you think a cave man could get the butter, flour, eggs and milk needed to make a big 'ol loaf of bread?

Of course we've learned as a species how to take advantage of every edible (and some not quite so edible, blowfish anyone?) plant and create on the planet. We've crushed it and stomped it and let it ferment. We've cut it and sliced it and roasted it on a spit. We've cracked open the shell and sucked down the goo. Believe me, we love to eat. We used to not get to eat too often and there were other things to worry about like getting eaten by another animal - so we spent a lot of our days on our feet, running and hunting and searching.

Because we didn't get to eat a lot, most of us typically are very efficient at turning ANY excess calories into fat to store for a rainy day. The reason we get so plump is because well the rainy day doesn't come!

When you eat, your stomach stretches and that releases a chemical that travels to your brain to tell you that you are full - it takes about 10 minutes. It relies on the stretching of the stomach to create the signal. If you eat until you are overfull every night - you make that process not work!

MYSELF

2011-01-05T10:53:00.002-05:00

Well the new year has begun and the gym has a big welcome sign, new machine too, on friday.
Junk food out of the house, except of course Uncle Bob's ice cream. I buy only he eats, safer for me. Using the treadmill at home also a very important exercise for me, that way I can use a different machine at the gym.

ALL OF US I TRUST ARE ON OUR WAY TO A HEALTHIER 2011.

Aunt Ann, love to all

Week 26 Update

2011-01-04T22:13:00.002-05:00

Happy 2011 everyone! I wish you all a happy and healthy New Year. I know its been awhile but there are quite a few of us that needed to make a change. Look at those pounds gained - Ouch!!

I hope you will all join us again. This is a lifelong struggle that we can't lose. I have not felt like fighting the good fight in a long time but Im back and Im ready to do this. Ive done it before and I know I can do it again. I must be strong so that I can have a healthier and more active future.

Good luck to all of you this week and this year!

Make sure your Rose Colored Glasses are Always Handy...

2011-01-04T08:27:00.003-05:00

This morning both Katie and Mom had a very unfair surprise. They were both excellent healthy dieters yesterday. They didn't eat sweets. They didn't eat takeout. They did 20 minutes of Just Dance. When they woke up, they stepped on the scale, and, UGH, they gained weight.

Look, these things are going to happen. It is just how it is. Our body goes through cycles and who knows what happens with water and how much salt we eat and how full our stomachs are. Day to day weight is a tough battle to always win - even if we are perfect.

This is when it is time for your rose colored glasses. Put them on and the world looks different. I'm not saying to be blissfully ignorant of reality, but the fact is that thoughts drive emotions. I will give you an example. Read this list of words, and really read it outloud slowly and think about each word:

Misery, Cold, Pain, Heartache, Lonely, Fear, Frustration, Conflict, Anger, Hurt, Jealousy, Ugly, Bully, Fight, Agony, Isolation, Sad, Insecure, Hate, Fat, Lazy, Sick

Why are you frowning? What images came to mind? Now try this:

Happy, Cheerful, Sunshine, Bright, Lucky, Pretty, Strong, Brave, Proud, Smart, Peace, Love, Smile, Baby, Sweetie, Cutie, Playful, Harmony, Hugs, Supportive, Winner, Overcome, Victory

Words are very powerful - the reason we have language is because we are creatures of thought and reason. You have your minds' eye and minds' word. You can talk to yourself - you do it all the time. We think in words. Of course we can picture things - think right now about a smiling baby, or a bright red balloon. You can see them. Think right now about a rainy day, or a mudslide. You can see, hear, feel, smell and think inside your head.

If anybody cares about how this works, just know that the thalmus, or the area of your brain that governs what you see and hear and smell and feel is not one way streets, it can be fed directly from your optic nerve and other sensory input locations, or it can be fed from your neocortex.

Do not underestimate how powerful this is. My mom says, "you head in the direction you think." I believe that to be very true. So, if you are feeling down, think happy thoughts, put on an uplifting song. Sometimes it feels good to wallow in self pity, to put on some downer music, to watch a movie that makes your cry - but that's the problem - it makes you cry, it brings you down. Think happy thoughts. Wear bright colors. Surround yourself with positive energy. Keep your house clean, keep your room cheery.

You control how you feel. Happiness is not having everything you want, or having everything be the way you want. Happiness is how you feel about your world. You get to choose. Try it.

The Horror! The Horror!

2011-01-03T16:16:00.002-05:00

I am sitting at my desk, it is the late afternoon, around this time I might wander around and grab a few pieces of candy that people may have at their desks. I may saunter down to the kitchen to see if there is anything left from company lunches, you see, we put leftover food in the kitchen and it magically "disappears." I resist that temptation. Then I glance over and see a shiny box - you guessed it - Mrs. Fields cookies. I grab the box and imagine my delight, its a free snack, no walking or stair cflimbing required. At this point I catch myself and realize that THAT party ENDED yesterday and these cookies were not invited. So I did the only thing that could be done - I tossed my cookies.

Be strong - it is the small things that make the difference!

My New Year...

2011-01-03T09:33:00.003-05:00

Here we are at the beginning of a new year. The new year is very exciting, it is like the start of a sports season or when you do your budget for work. We'll beat every team! We'll hit every number. Our spending will be under control, our sales will be high. We'll score 50 points a game. No team will be able to touch us. Our competitors will have to close shop because we are so effective.

These things sound a bit silly at the end of the year when you have lost 6 games, or didn't make the playoffs, or you are chasing $50k of sales to get out the door to have a chance to get a small bonus.

The same is true of diets. No, you won't go to the gym everyday and you will probably falter. The question is, can you continue to try your hardest, and really try your hardest. Here is my list of things that I want this year, in no particular order:

I want to realize that when I eat unhealthy food and feel like I am rewarding myself that I am really punishing myself.

I want to realize that just because I am not paying for the food that it doesn't come without a price.

I want to be strong again so I won't complain about moving a television.

I want my pants to fit more comfortably and I don't want to have to buy new ones to make this happen.

I want to be able to walk up the stairs at work and not be so winded.

I want the people around me to care enough about me to tell me not to eat something that I don't need, and to forgive me for being angry about it.

I want to get off of the statin that I went on this year because I couldn't control what I put in my mouth.

I want to not feel do bad looking at my dog and realizing that he had a better year than I did, because I should be happy for him instead.

I want to post everyday and just like beating every team, or destroying the competition, it may not happen, but if I miss a day I want to try not to give up.

New Year/New life goals

2010-12-31T21:21:00.002-05:00

Well here we are starting 2011-a new start for all, new beginning with new goals and success for all.
Our health is so important and it is up to us to take care of it, we want to live a long and happy life doing our favorite things whatever they are.

I ask all of you to take the time to take care of YOU, WHATEVER IT TAKES. FOR ME MORE TIME AT THE GYM JUST ADDING 1/2 AN HOUR WILL GIVE ME THE EXTRA BOOST. ALSO OF COURSE NO FOOD AFTER 7:00 pm, EVEN IF IT MEANS TAKING OUT MY TEETH.
DRINKING MORE WATER, FLAVORED GOES DOWN BETTER. THAT IS MY BEGINNING AND GOAL FOR 2011 WHAT IS YOURS.

LOVE TO ALL

ANN/AUNT ANN/FELLOW CHALLENGER

Planning

2010-11-30T22:40:00.002-05:00

Just checking in to say hi to all and tell a funny story, the tuesday before Thanksgiving, I was brushing my teeth and my denture (on the bottom) broke, but unfortunately it didn't prevent me over eating on the soft stuff over the weekend. Checking out new teeth tomorrow.

Aunt Ann

Exercise journey

2010-11-09T21:15:00.002-05:00

Well Bob and I have been to the YMCA 8 days, a new beginning and hopefully a start on a healthier life. I do low impact aerobics 3 days a week, and try to do treadmill too. Bob on the other hand used the machines bike, treadmill and something else. We also go swimming two days a week, doing water aerobics as best we can.

We will have the grandchildren for the weekend, so snacks we will have to watch. But we will all have fun too. Not sure what Bob is doing weight wise but I am holding to a good mark.

Aunt Ann

Week 17 Update

2010-11-08T22:30:00.002-05:00

Week 16 Update

2010-11-08T22:05:00.002-05:00

Exercise

2010-11-02T22:21:00.002-04:00

Well Uncle Bob and I joined the YMCA in Wilbraham. Today we did water aerobics, we got home just before lunch and I was wiped out. Friday and Monday I went and did 1 hour of low impact aerobics. My girlfriend goes so it is more fun with her. Hope that it works.

My reasons for weight loss is:
better health
better figure
better looks
better movability

I will say that getting up earlier than I used to has helped my mental state (no comments Chris)
and self-esteem that I am taking somewhat better care of me.

Uncle Bob and I gave away 7 bags of clothes, in cleaning our closet, downsizing is good, not to do it to our body.

Love Aunt Ann

It's On!

2010-10-25T15:06:00.005-04:00

Chris and I challenged each other this morning to lose 20 lbs by Thanksgiving. I know we can do together but together is the key word. I need him to be strong and he needs me to be strong. We need to cheer each other on and keep each other from making bad decisions. We have DONE this before successfully and we have said that we would do it and been unsuccessful more times than I can count.

The reasons for me to do this are beginning to add up to the reasons that we started the challenge. I need to put a list of reasons down on "paper" so that I can look back at it and be held accountable for it. As it stands today, these are my reasons that I need and want to lose weight:

I have no clothes that fit anymore.
Last year at this time I had lost a total of 160 lbs and now my total is 100.

I don't feel "good".

I want to feel attractive again.

I want children and I want to be healthy enough to have them and enjoy them.

I want to not be so sweaty (although I have always had this problem, it is worse when I am too heavy).

I want to go to Disney and not be tired walking around all day and I want to not be uncomfortable on the plane ride down there.

Chris - I hereby challenge you to post a list of the reasons you want to lose weight. I'd also like to know why anyone else who is still here wants to lose weight. Please share it with us if you feel comfortable enough. I want us all to succeed and I've found that when I have an actual list that I can look back at, it makes me more aware of my thoughts.

Week 14 Update

2010-10-12T20:44:00.002-04:00

So...it's been awhile. I'm a terrible leader and I'm trully sorry for letting you all down. I've been struggling with making positive changes in my own life and finding inspiration when I need it most.

Chris said something to me a few weeks ago that has really stuck with me. "You're choosing to be fat." He also said that he was too so, it's not as insensitive as it sounds. It is so simple and obvious but just the way he said it so matter-of-factly makes me think it everytime I consider a food option. Don't get me wrong, sometimes I really do choose to be fat. But I'm not ready to accept a lifetime of fat. I try to choose healthy more often than fat but it doesn't always work. It's a battle that we all have to fight and hopefully win more than lose

Week 11 Update

2010-09-27T22:07:00.002-04:00

So this is a little late but, better late than never right?

Chris was on fire last week! It was completely contagious and rubbed off on me - thank you babe! I needed your strength. I'm sorry that I need you to be strong for me right now. I will be able to be strong for you soon.

This is the update I owe you guys from last week and I will do this weeks update tomorrow. That means that there is still time to send me your weights (hint, hint, hint)!

Back to reality

2010-09-22T20:45:00.003-04:00

We are back from our first vacation week, and will again be leaving on 9/28 going to Horseneck Beach in Westport, Ct., then to Scusset Beach on the Cape Cod canal from the 3rd to the 11th of October.

I am still under that big number not by much, but my friend Madeline and I walk a lot while we are vacationing, several times with the dogs, Ruby & Casey and then by ourselves a longer faster walk. Bob on the other hand is sort of holding his own, Ice cream is his favorite food, and every day, I usually by only his kind so that I am not tempted.

Once our schedule settles down around mid October, I am planning on going back to the gym, probably not all the machines I was working on before, as my knees didn't like it, but I can of course use plenty of the others, and get a schedule of the other stuff they have there.

All of us are more than able to accomplish our goals, it is a commitment that we can deal with
but it's tough, but so important to all of us, so that we will be able to be health and around for a long time, so that we can support, harass, and be there for each other.

Love to all, and remember you guys Mickey and Minnie are waiting.

Week 10 Update

2010-09-15T20:50:00.003-04:00

So, I had to go buy new clothes today. And not in the fun way. I went up 2 sizes since the last time I bought clothes. I was sick of having nothing in my closet that fits. It was starting to get obscene. Ugh.

This is a better diet week than Chris and I have had in a long time. Chris is on fire and that helps me so much. I was having a very difficult time being motivated for all of us. We made a pact on Monday that there would be no takeout food this week. I broke my promise on Monday and went through McDonalds drive-thru after a little pity party for myself. But I picked myself up and dusted myself off and have been better since. I'm really enjoying having a partner that is committed to weight loss with me.

Way to go Mike and Lisa! So glad you're back on the wagon - you will be my inspiration this week! What are you doing differently?

Hope you all have a good week and make healthy decisions for you and your family!

Update Week 9

2010-09-07T22:16:00.003-04:00

I would like to say, "Welcome!" to a new participant in our Challenge! My mom, Christine, has joined us this week. Good luck and I hope you can achieve the goals you set for your health! I don't know about the rest of you but I am hopeful that the new blood will help motivate me.

Congrats to Angie for winning the week - keep up the good work! Bart gained a pound - someone is slipping with him. He's been really bad lately - attacking Baby Cat when Chris heated up meatballs, getting very indignant while we're eating dinner, light growling at me when he wants something. This all means that he's been getting more treats than we realize - you may think that it's just one small piece but when everyone gives him one small piece, it adds up.

As for me, I feel like poop. My lower back has been starting to ache again. I'm never actually hungry anymore. I don't have the endurance and energy that I used to. I need to make a big change again. I don't know how I let myself slip this far but I need to get back. I started writing down all my food again today and I plan to walk or go to the gym a few days this week. I'm really fed up with myself and I need to change my life.

Good luck to all this week! Make good, healthy choices!!

Week 7 Update

2010-08-25T21:24:00.002-04:00

Sooooo...

I suck. I can't get motivated. I don't know what to say to motivate any of you. I'm clearly in a funk and I just can't get out. I have been in and out of this funk for 6 months. Mostly in. Ugh.

I know what I need to do and how to do it - count calories, no alcohol, no drive-thru or takeout, go to the gym. I mentally set a goal for myself a few weeks ago and have not made any progress towards it. I told myself that I was going to lose 50 pounds before going to Florida in February. It's totally reasonable - its 6 months away so thats only 2 lbs a week. I don't want to have super fat pictures of myself at Disney World. I don't want to be tired walking around the park. And I definitely don't want to be told I'm too big to ride the ride.

I know I can do it; i just need to find my momentum. I must say no to donuts and pizza and second helpings. What helps you stay motivated when you're in a rut? I need some suggestions...

I am doing it

2010-08-17T21:44:00.002-04:00

Well hopefully back with the challenge, returned to the gym today, and it was funny trying to figure how to adjust the machine, the trainer helped me out though when I asked. When I got on the treadmill first, he put me at 15 minutes and 157 lbs, have no idea where that came from, but I said thank you.

All in all I did about an hour's worth of work, my first time back in six weeks, so starting slow.
Another lady from the senior center is going so I have someone to go with, Bob is not excited about going, but I need to do it, the strength in my legs really suck, I feel like an old lady trying to get up when I weed outside.

Hope everybody else after the big party is getting back on track and ready to stick to the challenge. Love to all But I have to say i was really proud on my weighin this week after 4 weeks of being gone.

Aunt Ann

Week 4 Update

2010-08-04T20:36:00.002-04:00

Thank you Mom, Chris, Donna, and Jess for letting me know that you're still here rooting us on!

This was a much better week for everyone who actually weighed. I haven't heard from Michael and Lisa in a few weeks and I know Aunt Ann and Uncle Bob are still away for the Boy Scout Jamboree. I hope that branch of the Martin Family Tree is well and trying to stay serious about getting healthy.

While Chris and I both lost weight last week, we each had some setbacks. I was down almost four pounds on Friday and then gained most of it back over the weekend. Chris had a doctor's appointment on Monday and found out his cholesterol is up to 235 when a year and a half ago it was under 190. He is going back to get it retested in a few months and my personal project is to lower it at least to under 200 but I am shooting for him to be at 180. This will really help me think about what we both eat, and the rest of the household eats, and help us all to cut out fat when I cook. We know how to do. It is just the execution that we struggle with. If only food didn't taste and feel so good.

This weekend will be difficult for us. My 30th birthday is Friday and Chris has planned an extravagant evening for Saturday - a party bus taking us on a private yacht for a dinner cruise with open bar!It will be difficult to stay on the diet and I probably won't. But if you cant be bad on your birthday, when can you be? An excuse, I know, but at least it's a good one.

The names highlighted in yellow are teams who did not weigh in this week.

Week 3 Update

2010-07-27T22:07:00.003-04:00

I don't really have much to say about this week. Im feeling really discouraged that there is no activity on the blog. I like doing the update on here because it keeps me accountable to a group of people. Not that this fact has done much for me over the past six months but maybe I would have gained more weight if I wasn't accountable to anyone who reads this.

Anywho....I know that I could post more than once a week when I do the update and I do not. Alot of our group does not even weigh in every week. In the commentse of this update, I'd like if everyone who reads who would sign their name so I know I'm not alone.

Despite feeling alone on the blog, I am feeling very energized to do well with my weight loss even though I am feeling alone on this too. I like that I lost 7 lbs this week. I cant wait to do it again! I want to feel better and move better and live better. I want to be better than I am today. I want that for all of you too!

Without further ado, here is the update:

Week 2 Update

2010-07-20T22:41:00.002-04:00

Well, here it is, Week 2, and it looks like some of us are already struggling again. I know everyone in my house is.

Way to go Angie! Keep up the great work. I know its hard for you to not eat bread but I should take a lesson from you and cut out a favorite food.

Mike and Lisa - I heard a dirty rumor that you guys keep CHIPS in the house! There is absolutely no nutritional value to chips. If you must have them, buy the 100 cal packs of chips so you can have a taste. You said you need to work more and eat less. You are absolutely right - it is that simple.

Aunt Ann and Uncle Bob - I think you are traveling for the boy scouts into August but I expect to hear from you more regularly then.

John, Paula, Chris, and Katie - Lets get our acts together! No more Chinese food, ice cream, chips, take out, or convenience food in general!! We need to work more and eat less too. We've done it before and we can do it again. Lets show everyone how the Martins lose weight!!

Blog Idea

2010-07-19T16:17:00.002-04:00

Chris,

I have an idea for something we should add to the blog that I know would help Mom and me. Could you add a widget to the sidebar where the fishtank is that would show a countdown to our trip to Disney? That would be cool!

Love,
Me

Week 1 Update

2010-07-19T16:03:00.003-04:00

Welcome to the New and Improved Martin Weight Loss Challenge! We are resetting and what we have done, or not done, over the past year and a half does not matter. It is about reinvigorating ourselves and renewing our promises to ourselves and each other. I hope everyone feels the same way! We all could use a jump start!

I am on the hairy edge of weighing 300 lbs again. I was down to 250 in November. I need to do this better than I have been for the last 6 months. I actually miss having weight loss on my mind. I need to be better to myself.

I wish I knew the best way to motivate myself. Please comment about the ways that all of you motivate yourselves. I could use some ideas!

And now, without further ado, the Update.....

2010-07-14T17:45:00.003-04:00

Dream big...work hard...have fun....don't stress...relax a bit...sing a song...play a game...talk a good talk..and walk a good walk...what ever it is that you do....just don't
GIVE UP......be the best ...and treat yourself as a guest.....do it for you......

Love you when I have to go to "Beauty and the Beast " rehearsal ....

Be our Guest.....Paula Lula Egg timer

Welcome to the new Blog

2010-07-13T20:56:00.003-04:00

Hi all!

We have redesigned the blog to go with our new challenge. The scales have been reset and nothing you have (or have not) done to this point counts. You are starting new. We can do this, at least I hope I can do this. I need help. Please, if you see me eating something I shouldn't, remind me that I want to eat better. Good luck everyone.

Chris

Week 16 Update

2010-06-23T21:20:00.003-04:00

I am a bad, bad blog manager. And dieter for the matter. I skipped 2 weeks of updates and almost skipped this one. But here it is. I want to blog with it but I dont type or think as fast as Chris so I will write a real blog to accompany the update tomorrow.

Finally

2010-06-10T20:35:00.002-04:00

Well girls & guys, I hope I have finally found a way to get with the challenge. Don't ask me how, but since I last attended my weight loss club, I have succeeded in losing 8 lbs. Just the little things water, more exercise, less food, no eating after 7;30. So I hope to keep it going, they have opened a senior citizen gym in Springfield, so I go there twice a week, that's the plan and trying to get Uncle Bob to go too. The senior center we joined also has exercise class Monday and Fridays. So all good stuff, not just to keep going as best I can.

Love to all

Aunt Ann & Uncle Bob

Delay

2010-06-08T22:27:00.002-04:00

I won't be doing the update tonight. I just really sat down for the first time today. I am very sorry but I have no energy left. I will do the update tomorrow.

Thank you to all those who sent in their weights on time! It is much appreciated will be better utilized next week. To anyone who did not weigh in - there is still time! Don't give up now!

Have a good night and a great day tomorrow!

Week 13 Update

2010-06-01T21:03:00.003-04:00

Here we are - it is exactly halfway through Round 4! Are you half way to your Round 4 goal yet? Have you even lost weight during this round? Are you even still participating?

The only one who lost weight last week is Bart and he has no control over what he puts in his mouth. Why is it that I can control what I feed my dog but not myself? I have gained 10 pounds in the last 13 weeks. I'm disgusted with myself. My clothes don't fit and I don't like what I see in the mirror. I made a promise to myself and all of you that I would do better and I want to say that I have. Then in my head I'm preparing the "but" that comes after. I can't take my water pills right now. They react with the antibiotic I'm taking and I had a pretty violent reaction over the weekend so I'm not going to chance it. I know that I'm retaining a TON of water but I should not use it as an excuse. I can lose weight without it.

I'm starting to mentally plan a vacation to Disney World in February (sorry Chris (we'll be gone for his birthday)) with Paula and Angie and he boys. I want to get there and be able to go on rides and have fun and not worry about how big I am. I have 8 months and I AM determined. I was also promised a vacation with Chris when we both got to a certain weight and it keeps getting further and further away.

As I write all this, the only thing I can think of is the Friendly's Watermelon Roll in the freezer. Why do I have to like food so much? Must. Be. Strong. Must. Look. At. My. Numbers. Over. The. Past. Year. Must. Be. Strong.

Update Week 12

2010-05-26T18:00:00.003-04:00

I'm sorry I didn't do the update last week gang. There were people who reported in last week that lost and then didn't report in this week so it doesn't look like they credit for a loss. Just to straighten that out - Mike & Lisa lost 2 lbs and Yvette lost .2 lbs the week before last during Week 11. Woohoo!! Way to go guys!

Last week, Chris bugged me every day, "When are you going to do the update," or "Are you going to do the update today?" I used to do the same thing to him when he hadn't posted it yet. I made a promise to him and am making to you now that I will more consistently, as in every Tuesday, do the update. To facilitate that, it would be great if you could all send in your weights by Tuesday PM.

So, I sucked last week. I gained 8 pounds. I don't even know how its possible. Oh well. This is another week and a chance to do it better. So far, I'm off to a great start but I must keep my willpower through the long weekend. Holidays are difficult for all of us with all the tempting treats at cookouts but the key is to take small portions and do not go back for seconds unless its fruits or veggies and remember to drink LOTS of water!

Good luck to all and don't give up!

Bart Update

2010-05-16T13:43:00.004-04:00

My poor baby Bart the Dog :-(

In 2007, he was diagnosed with a luxating patella (shallow knee joint) in both legs. This is a common problem in small breeds especially when they have been overbred. The best form of treatment for this disorder is pain medicine when needed, glucosamine vitamins, and weight management. Most dogs with luxating patellas end up with early onset arthritis and will many times need surgery to permanently correct the problem.

Bart weighs in at about 50 pounds when he should be 35. He will be 5 years old in September. We've noticed him limping quite a bit over the past few days and have been giving him more of his pain meds than usual. He will usually go a month without needing one, sometimes more. I've given him meds 4 times in the past week.

He was so bad today that watching him walk made me cry. I had never seen him limp like this. Chris and I love him so much. He is our child. Everyone who meets him loves him immediately - he is so friendly and content to be pet and cuddled all the time. We all feed him people food out of love - when you see that cute little face looking up at you, you just can't say no to him.

Many people that I talk about weight loss with say that you have to start changing eating habits when you are young. We get sad when we see really overweight childern and say, "Why don't the parents just say, "No?'" It's not as easy as it sounds. I am just now making the connection between my fat dog and overweight human children.

From today on, as a household and anyone who enters our house, there will be no more extra food for the dog. He will get 1.5 cups of kibble a day and that will be all. No more last bites, no more pizza crusts, no more cat treat plates, no more cheese, no more eggs, no more licking the plates. It will be very difficult for him and for us but I can't stand to see him in so much pain, especially if I can do something about it.

P.S. - That is not an actual picture of Bart. Just a fat dog picture from the internet that I feel Bart resembles.

P.P.S - If I don't stop eating too, I will be the human equivalent of that dog and not fit into any of my clothes. I will lose weight for my puppy.

Week 10 Update

2010-05-11T22:43:00.005-04:00

Hello, hello!

It was so nice to get more updates from people this week. We may have all lost our way a little but we are still doing the blog. I know for me, even though I have been up, up and away, it keeps me accountable for what I do. I don't even want to think about how I would be doing without the Challenge.

It sounds like Aunt Ann and Uncle Bob are on the right track - keep up the hard work! We want to see you get to the Jamboree.

It was so good to hear from you Yvette and I'm happy that you're still fighting with us.

I know it's hard to eat right when you're taxi-ing the kids to different games, etc. Mike and Lisa but it's important to be able to eat right when you are on the road. Teach your kids smart eating habits now so that they don't have to do this in 20 years.

Mom, I've lost my will too. I like cookies. And ice cream. And Chinese. And burgers. But will power isn't like the prize in the bottom of the box. We're not going to find it in there with the crumbs. We have to look a little deeper into ourselves to find that. Think of those beautiful grandbabies that came to visit this weekend - isn't it great to be able to play with them and enjoy them? Wouldn't you like to see them grow up and have babies of their own? I think that is where the will power lies.

We had a great loss as a team this week! For next week, I would like to see EVERY team put up a loss. I know we can turn around that ski jump looking graph if we try!

GET IT TOGETHER

2010-05-06T22:06:00.002-04:00

Yes I have been in a funk too. It seems so unfair if I can't eat what I want, but that is what got me to where I am. I did have a loss this week, but still can't get back in the good habit of e-mailing it in. Bob still has goodies in the house, but I do my best not to eat them, I buy Ice cream with nuts, I definitely will not eat that.

I sounded off at my last weight meeting, for a number of reasons, because a lot of them consider it a social club, and that is not why we are there. Some people were made at me because I told the truth. I myself don't want to take the time not only to plan , but write down what it was I ate and how many calories it just put in my mouth. Just lazy, Lord knows I have the time, since I no longer work, but still am busier that I would like.

There is good news though, they have opened a fitness facility for senior citizens here in Springfield, no pool, but low impact aerobics, and plenty of machines. Uncle Bob will go too, I insist and he says okay. There is a charge of $1.00 a day or $10.00 a month, we can afford that.
We cannot start until we have the medical okay to go there, once we get it Uncle Bob better watch out, I will put both us on a schedule. Also for me the senior center I go to has started a weight loss group on Monday and Friday, we do not weight in but chat a little and then do a 30 minute workout with a video tape, there are only 6 - 8 of us, so it is nice. My girlfriend Madeline and I go.

That is it for me, except I got to do it and keep trying as best I can. I went through clothes and gave away a lot, and just saved a few of those I am determined to wear some day.

Love and the best to all, time to get moving, walking, running etc. Casey and I walked 3 miles yesterday.

Ann

Correction

2010-05-05T13:06:00.002-04:00

Editor's apologies go out to Michael and Lisa. They reported in this morning but your flighty editor did not check her email before posting. They are up 3 pounds.

Week 9 Update??

2010-05-05T12:15:00.002-04:00

Hello??? Is anyone still there?

I did not get weight updates from ANYONE who does not live on Morris Street in Southbridge. It seems a bit pointless to do the update with only 2 teams who weighed in. Paula and John were flat for the week and Chris and I were up 5 pounds. I worked really hard during the week and on Saturday morning was down 3 pounds for the week but, I gave it all up on the weekend for a pizza, a cheesecake muffin, cheeseburgers and a dinner out with family.

I know that no one posts anymore. I am to blame for this also but, I'm wondering, does anyone come here to read anymore? Does anyone think about the calories that you are taking and the calories that you are burning anymore? Has everyone completely given up?

I had kind of given up but I had a reality check this weekend. My weight has been on a steady climb up since I went on vacation in November. I have gained 35 pounds from my challenge low on November 13, 2009. I pulled out my summer pants from last year - some were a size 20 and some were a size 18. The 18s that fit last year no longer zip up and the 20s that were too big almost don't button. I also looked at pictures with Paula and we came across some from my "wedding". I was 400+ pounds and I realized that if I do not drastically change what I am doing right now then I will end up back there again and that is the last thing I want.

I have been in a funk and have been making excuses to eat which is really easy to do! First it was the holidays, then we found out we couldn't buy a house, then John got sick. When does it end? It ends when I decide I've had enough and I've decided. I don't want to shop at Lane Bryant forever. I want to go on vacation (Chris an I have a deal that when we both get to 250, we will go away someplace exotic). I want to be healthy for my family.

I have been eating better this week and am down almost 4 pounds. I know that if I am good and practice self control that I can at least keep this loss for Monday, if not do more. I need to learn how to control my eating again and it is not easy. I don't think I ever REALLY did it. This screwed me up when I started going to the gym because I was hungrier than normal so I just ate more to compensate. Then I stopped going to the gym in February and have kept up with my extra eating. Once I get my eating and portions under control again, I will start heavy workouts so that I know I can do both - control my food and my exercise.

I have always thought old pictures of my thinner self would motivate me to lose weight - the drive to look like that again. However, the best "thinspiration" for me was my extremely heavy picture. It will remind me that I don't want to go back there and to do that, I need to continue to change my life.

Week 8 Update

2010-04-28T17:54:00.008-04:00

I'm sorry I didn't do the update last week guys. I'm not being a very good leader. Last night when I realized that I had to do the update, I said, "Oh crap! I have to do the update!" and then very conveniently forgot.

Well, a few of us did pretty good, a few of us didn't and a few of us did not report in. I would like to share a cute story from the week. Whenever I weigh Bart I say, "Come on Bart. Let's go weigh in." He will usually look at me and run the other way because he associates the bathroom with getting a bath and he hates getting a bath! This week when I told him it was time, he excitedly ran into the bathroom and couldn't wait to be picked up to go on the scale. Lo and behold, Bart won the week!

We all know when we have had a good week or not, whether you weigh yourself daily or weekly. Your eagerness to report in is directly related to how well your week went. I'm wishing you all a week that you cant wait to report in on!

Results Week 6

2010-04-13T21:13:00.004-04:00

Howdy gang! Due to inconsistencies in the updating process, I will be taking over the weekly results. Next week, please email your weights to kadoyle2@aol.com.

This will be be really good for me. I haven't blogged in something like 6 months. As you can tell from my and Chris' weight, we have totally gone off the deep end. We have decided to do Slimfast this week to jumpstart our weightloss. I really think this will work. I'm ready to try again and I hope you are too. I'd like to see it in your numbers next week because, lets face it, they've been pitiful for quite a while. Good luck and try your hardest this week!!

Week 4 Results

2010-03-30T23:49:00.003-04:00

We stink. Everybody gained but Yvette. We can do better. STOP CALLING FOR TAKE-OUT. REJECT THE SNACK MACHINE. Bread is bad. Chocolate is Evil. Pizza does not exist.

It can be done

2010-03-30T19:37:00.003-04:00

Last weekend I went to Tops (Take off pounds sensibly) Conference at the Cape with friends. It was amazing to see those who had accomplished their goal. Losses of 1 to 250 lbs. Sizes 46 to 36 for a guy and 28 to 4 for women, My mind was saying where did it all go. Some of them had before and after pictures and the audience was going WOWWWWWWWWWWWW. We have a new contest, in which we have to do a menu, exercise, support another group member, etc. So I will be trying to do that. This weather sucks and Casey would rather a walk, then see me on the treadmill, I know I have a raincoat, but I might melt.

I will try anything to get this extra stuff off, I don't need it, and it needs to go, trying to be positive as I can, still have not made a structured routine, which I need to so that I can exercise at the same time each day, that would help my mind and it does need help. Uncle Bob doesn't want the alarm clock used, but that may happen sooner that he thinks.

Love to all and see you when the Easter bunny arrives.

Aunt Ann

Lets Start from the very begining....a very good place to start......la la la la la

2010-03-30T15:51:00.004-04:00

The diet alphabet....lets do this together...

A IS FOR APPLE...ATTITUDE ....ACHIEVEMENTS....

B IS FOR BETTER HEALTH ...BANANNAS....BEER (?????) HEE HEE

AND SO ON AND SO FORTH.....HELP ME OUT HER

LOVE YOU WITH THE LETTER "L" OF THE ALPHABET

PAULA LULA ANGEL :0)

YEAH

2010-03-29T09:20:00.001-04:00

I am having the munchies today.. I hod them yesterday and it has now carried over into today.. So I came on the blog and was VERY excited to see people on here.. I will check more regularly now.. My goal for today is not to buy anything at Big Y and to stay positive... Remind myself that I can do this.. Love you all

Weeks Three Results

2010-03-23T21:48:00.004-04:00

Wow... I am so proud of my Dad. He has lost so much weight since the surgery. He is really eating well!

The Update!

2010-03-22T21:26:00.003-04:00

I will be posting the update tomorrow, so please get your weights in please!

Gottodoit

2010-03-18T11:46:00.002-04:00

Hello everybody, hopefully I am back on line for comments. Yes I am in a better state for exercise the weather is great and Casey (my dog) anxiously awaits our walks. Tuesday we did a 2 mile walk, a little sore yesterday but worked outside in the yard raking. Also we got our downstairs TV next to the treadmill all fixed. The technician had me get on the treadmill once it was fixed until he had totally finished reconnecting us. Today more raking just a little at a time after all I am retired. Going to work tomorrow for a few hours.

I have more fruit in the refrigerator, so that is good for me., Raspberry water in the fridge too.
Trying to build up strength for my five mile walk with MS on April 18th. After all I can't let me kids beat me, that would be terrible.

Time for lunch then rake then walk with Casey.

Love and walks to All even John just a shorter one.

Ann

ZUMBA

2010-03-17T16:58:00.002-04:00

It is so true....it is fun....(once you get to the gym) ....it is physical.....(you sweat right down to your underwear) and it is ZUMBA....it is a kind of aerobic dance , kinda class......I stand in the back row, not to hide , but to see the other people so that I can mirror their steps...I am not saying that it is easy ...it is not hard...but it is a workout and it is fun...and the hour is done before you know it...so tonight ...at 7....Katie and I will be at the YMCA ....in ZUMBA class....look up a class near you...you might like it...

"Lets Dance" for the WII system is also a good , fun, workout....

Love you all when you "Move It, move it , move it!"

Paula Lula Zumba :0)

I'm back

2010-03-17T06:12:00.002-04:00

Hi everyone. I know it's been ages since I've posted anything, but I'm back. My life has been insane for the past 9 1/2 month, and I spiraled downhill and stopped taking care of myself. Last month I realized what I was doing to myself, and decided to get back on board with a healthier lifestyle. I founed it extremely difficult getting back into it, especially since I injured my hip and couldn't do any exercising. During the month, I did make one move to improve my health. I started buying Organic meats. I know it's expensive, but now that I've made the switch, the thought of eating non organice meat makes me sick. I first started with the chicken, and I couldn't believe how much better it tasted. It even smells different cooking. Then I tried the pork, and that was great too! I bought the cheaper cut of pork, and it was still better than non organic pork. Next I will try the beef, and I'm sure that will be delicious too. The only bad thing about organic meat, besides the price, is that it's so good, I want to eat more! So I've learned to just cook small portions at a time. FYI: BJ's has the largest selection of Organic meats around.

Today I go back to the Chiropractor, and hopefully he'll give me the ok to start exercising. So I'm back, and here's to a healthy lifestyle! And Stephanie, whoever you are, I don't think this group is interested in using chemicals to lose weight.

2010-03-16T08:50:00.002-04:00

Just for today....I will Drink my water.....it is good for me...and I will quench my thirst.....and help my digestion ... and all that other good stuff....pour yourself a nice cool glass and enjoy !!!!! Well just for today see if you can do this....drink water with your meals instead of a different beverage....YES YOU CAN !!!!!!

Love you with a little drop of rain....

Paula :0)

Goal ..... what is yours for this week ???

2010-03-15T16:04:00.002-04:00

Lets get some dialog going here.....What is YOUR goal for this week.....is it Walking....is it More Water.....is it Less Sweets.....is it Keeping a Journal or Food Diary.....is it Cardio....or Weight Training.....it can be as easy as ....Posting....as for me....hmmmmm...lets see....My goal this week is to walk or workout at LEAST 10000 steps a day...it can be done....can I do it..? .....YES I CAN !!!! How about you ????

Love you when I gotta get my walking shoes on.....

Paula Lula Angel

Were did you go??

2010-03-13T06:08:00.001-05:00

Okay were is everyone???? I miss seeing new things on here... Hope all is well.....

WE CAN DO THIS !!!!

2010-03-09T15:09:00.004-05:00

I am ready...and I am also doing a 12 week self improvement for Healthy Living Challenge at work...so this is a great time to get my ducks all in a row and start to feel better again...together we can do this...Yes we can...
I am excited to do this for round four...how about you ??

Love you when sometimes you just gotta do what you gotta do....

Paula Lula Angel :0)

2010-03-09T09:18:00.002-05:00

I Pledge that I will TRY to eat healthier, to try to get my family and myself healthier. To eat more fruits, veggies and salads. To exercise more and to TRY to follow this guideline:

Exercise: at least 20 min. a day

Red Meat: once a month (this means only steak, Hamburg or Roast not all of them)

Fish: More of it (this does not mean fried or shelled fish)

Fruits: At Least 2 a day

Veggies: At Least 2 a day

Starch: less of it (try to have a veggie instead of Starch)

Chicken and Pork: (more of it without skin or fat)

Snacks: Healthier (also limit my self to 1 bag of chips a month)

And last but not least:

I WILL NOT EAT THE SKIN OR FAT OFF OF A HAM, PORK, CHICKEN OR BEEF

Signature:
Angela Martin 2/16/10

I know I have not been for awhile but I did not give up.. I just been busy.. Well I started lose again slowly but Its not just about losing for me its about changing habits and getting healthier. So I thought of this and typed it out,printed it, signed and hung it on my cabinet door. I read it everyday and made myself a check off list and an exercise chart. It seems to be helping. I hope you are all trying to get healthier and not just skinny. Love you all. I will try to get on more often..

Week One Results

2010-03-08T23:22:00.005-05:00

Welcome to Round 4. You guys did a great job reporting in this week, we need to keep this up. I hope you are all making good choices. Yvette and Fran - very good start, I know you will lose next week. Jess and Serge, you won round 3, you need to focus because your first week didn't fare so well. Aunt Ann - you want to make it to the Jamboree, you have to work at it!

End of Round 4 Results

2010-03-03T22:13:00.004-05:00

Well congrats Jess and Serge, you wasted us all in Round 3. Katie and I didn't get the job done and the overall team GAINED 6.7 lbs. Round 4 is upon us and I am really committed to do well and to post more. I want to help us all. My Dad needs it. I need it. We all will benefit. I promise I will do better for all of us. Round 4 is really simple, whoever reports in for Week 1 which is Monday, is in, if you don't report, you are out! My goal for Round 4 is to lose 30 lbs in 26 weeks, which is just about one pound a week! Good luck!!!!

Healthy Steps to Weight Loss

2010-03-02T18:19:00.002-05:00

So here we are...the beginning of round four and I did not do any one good thing in round three....sooo...I am here to say...lets do healthy steps to a healthy heart....a lot has happened..but lets look ahead and do good things for our bodies......eating right....exercise....walking...water...and positive thinking...we are special...we deserve a long healthy life...and the only person that can give this to us is ourselves....so here is to round 4 ..my motto....LETS GET THE JOB DONE THIS TIME......
Peace and Love you with small steps to a healthy heart...
Paula Lula Angel :0)

How is Uncle John Doing?

2010-02-27T14:05:00.002-05:00

Long time no post, hope everyone is doing well!

Healthy Heart Steps.....

2010-02-15T10:33:00.003-05:00

Lets count our steps to a healthy heart.......so how...not only good nutrition...but lets count our steps.....get a perdometer and count your daily steps ...then once you start and see the steps you do in one day....try to beat your own steps the next day...it can be fun...lets walk our way to a healthy heart...not only is it good for us...it can be fun..and then we can post it here to see how many steps we walk in a week....Are you up for the challenge ????

Love you when I want to walk for a healthy heart....

Paula Lula Angel :0)

FATTY McFees

2010-02-03T17:58:00.001-05:00

3lbs GAIN FOR THE CHUBBY TWINS

Week 22 Results

2010-01-28T20:22:00.002-05:00

Week 21 Results

2010-01-19T20:49:00.001-05:00

Just the results... lost 3 lbs. Try harder everyone!!!!

Down , down , down, is the way we go !!!!

2010-01-13T16:35:00.002-05:00

So what a great job we all did.....and that is the direction that we should all be going.....I looked back at my year in review and at first ...I was disappointed...but then I thought to myself.....hhhmmm....where would I be if I hadn't been in the challenge......???.....of course ....some of the weight came back on...but the last three weeks....I have been paying a lot of attention to what I am eating and the choices that I make...and it is paying off at the scale....

Love you team when we are on a downhill run.......

Paula Lula Amber...... :0)

Week 20 Results

2010-01-12T22:21:00.003-05:00

WOW WOW WOW!!!!!

It looks like almost everybody decided to show up this week. We only have 6 weeks left in Round 3 and we should make the best of it! We lost 28 lbs this week as team, if we can do it for one week then we can do it for two! If you are having a bad start to the week, focus on the 5 days left and KNOW that you can make it up and still have a great week. Resist Temptation and Deliver Us from Twinkies!!!!

How Come ??????

2010-01-12T11:22:00.002-05:00

Isnt it funny...that ...when you have a good week....you look here for the weekly update....but...when the week is not so great you dont come around.....hee hee
WHAT IS IT GOING TO TAKE TO GET THIS SITE GROOVING AGAIN......?

LOVE YOU WHEN I AM MISSING EVERYONE.....groovin , on a Sunday afternoon.....la la la la........ :0)

How is it Going for YOU !!!

2010-01-11T12:23:00.003-05:00

How is it going for you.....are you eating enough ?.....Are you eating too Much ???....Are you drinking your water ???....Are you walking or exercising ???... Are you getting enough sleep ???
Are you mixing up the foods that you eat , trying new things ????......Are you writing a journal ??...Do you have any questions or Ideas..this is where we can get all the answers...if someone doesn't know the answers...someone will research them....lets stay connected.....we can do this together....Happy Monday all....how was your week ????

Here's to a new week ahead of us...do your best and then some.....

Love you with a belly full of green beans...hee hee
Paula Lula Angel :0)

2010-01-08T08:54:00.000-05:00

The LOVEBOAT 2010

2010-01-07T20:00:00.003-05:00

A valentines musical...it is silly but will make you laugh....come on board for adventure...sit relax and enjoy a great meal...
Day : Friday Feb. 5th Cocktail hour 5:30 Dinner and Show at 7:00
Saturday Feb. 6th Cocktail hour 5:30 Dinner and Show at 7:00
Sunday Feb. 7th door opens at 1:00 Show is at 2:00

Tickets : $ 40:00 for the dinner shows and $ 25 for Sundays Show

Place : The Artist Development complex
18 Mill Street, Southbridge Ma

For tickets...call me Paula ....or call St. Marys Paresh 508-764-3226 for more info..or tickets
or email theloveboat2010@yahoo.com
Love you in that Valentines Way.....Paula Lula Angel

Music is my Hobby

Your not alone

2010-01-07T11:38:00.002-05:00

I am here Auntie Paula, fighting the fight right along with you, I fell off the rail for a little while but I am back on. I cant wait for nicer weather as it is so much easier for me to keep on track, ya it is an excuse but it is my excuse in my little head. When Chris posted only 7 weeks left to round 3 I said to myself I better get more motivated, So that is my task at hand. Than I thought well when the 7 weeks are up, I will have to be in for round 4...than I thought and round 5, 6, 7 and 100,900,800,700,600 too! Augggg....Man I will never be a swim suit model....O HELL! Maybe I can shoot for a hand model, than I looked at my hands an seen a few age spots! CRIPES my dreams are crushed!

2010-01-07T10:00:00.002-05:00

Where have all my people gone....not much action here on the blog and I need words of wisdom......what is happening on your journy...what is good ? .... what is bad ?.....what is easy for you to do ?.....what is almost imposible for you to do ? ...... I am feeling quite alone here....please come back and post ....even if you think it is silly ....it just might help someone who is feeling the same way....not need to post great works of art...just let me know that you are here with me and I will turn that sad face upsidedown...Love you all when I am in the Zone.....

Paula Lula Angel :o)

Who said I cant be bought ........

2010-01-06T12:16:00.002-05:00

CHARMS.....

For Every 5 lbs lost.....the down side.....if I gain it back... I need to give the charm back ....oh sigh....but I am off to a good start.....do something fun....find a hobby .....laugh out loud....hug real hard.....focus on the diet ...but don't forget to LIVE !!!!

Love you all with a little bit of LOVEBOAT in my life ...

Paula Lula Angel :0)

Week 19 Results

2010-01-05T21:10:00.003-05:00

Welcome to the 7 Week Mini-Challenge. We have SEVEN weeks until Round 3 is over, how your round ends is up to you. You CAN do this. We need to have an incredible week as a team this week. Ignore the screw ups of the past and focus on tomorrow. One day at a time!

VEGTABLES

2010-01-05T12:18:00.002-05:00

Vegetables .....love em....or ...hate em.....well this is my plan.....I plan to add more veggies in my diet....raw ....steamed....canned....how ever I can get them in.....less calories than chips....and...if you are really hungry ...you will eat vegetables....if you wont..then you are NOT hungry....you are just craving......think before you eat....do I really want this ??? Do I want the added pounds...yes I am doing great this week...but ...can I do better ??? Unfortunately it is all about choices...
Do I want to be healthy ....?
Do I like not being winded....?
My favorite ... Do I want to be able to zip up my jeans without having to jump around like a kangaroo ???

Love you when Veggies are my food of choice for this week ,

Peace all,

Paula Lula Angel :0)

Update!

2010-01-04T22:25:00.001-05:00

I will post the update tomorrow! I got lots of reports in, I still have to chase a few, but we did good! Just too tired tonight to get it done! Good luck everyone this week! WE CAN do this!!!!

2010-01-04T12:12:00.002-05:00

Happy 2010 to all my friends and family...what a ride we have had for the last two months....shopping shopping and preparing delicious foods...and visiting friends and family....and lots of delicious foods...and friends and family visiting us....and lots of delicious food....and ....I could go on forever...but what a wonderful holiday season...Thank you to all of you that helped me celebrate....now for the next paragraph...

A month or so ago , Jess asked me to pick a number to focus on...well my number was 177...and ...here I am at 186.....guess I didn't focus well enough...but...

Lets not focus on what was, or what was supposed to happen...lets move forward...together.....we did it before ...we can do it again...Lets get down the pounds and work toward a more healthier me and you !!....you are not alone and a lot of people jump on the wagon for the new year....lets not only enjoy the journey ...lets finish it to the end and become winners of the race...

Not making much sense here...but please add your thoughts of the last few months and also what you expect to do in the future months ahead...

Love and Hugs to all,

Paula Lula Angel :0)

Week 18 - The Coming New Year

2009-12-29T20:04:00.003-05:00

Hi all. Well, this week Katie lost weight. I had said we were going to have a good week and we had a flat week. I guess it is better than gaining, but at mid-week I was in great shape and down quite a bit. Christmas ruined that. I was weak!

The New Year is coming up, so I won't blame you for eating through Thursday night, but you should either decide to work or decide to quit after next week. Let me know!! ARE YOU IN, OR ARE YOU OUT? (No Judgement for out, but just decide!)

Week 17 Results

2009-12-22T21:09:00.003-05:00

Well.... we lost weight... Katie and I have decided that we are going to have a good week and here is why. If we can have a good week during Christmas then we have NO EXCUSE during every other week. Its up to you what kind of week you have, but that is what we decided. I would imagine that we may get better participation at the New Year because all of you decided you wanted to join us for a reason. I know that I have let myself down in this round and because of that I let all of you down. I know I have promised myself so many times that I will be better and I will get back on track. I think I know why I haven't been able to do that.

I feel so good. I can walk up stairs and not be out of breath. I can sit down at a booth in a resturant and fit. (That's right, I used to have to squeeze.) I can fly coach in a plane and not feel like I am sitting on top of the person next to me. I can buy clothes at a normal store. (well, Katie can buy clothes for me at a normal store.) What I am talking about is complacency. I am complacent. I still need to lose 50 lbs and that is a fact. I need to be more uncomfortable with myself and understand that the last 50 pounds will be the best 50 pounds. Why are you complacent?

Shhhhh

2009-12-20T11:22:00.000-05:00

Man is everyone hiding out,it has beenos quiet!

Week 16 Results

2009-12-15T22:05:00.001-05:00

Well... yet another not good week... anybody even thinking about dieting?

Christmas Diet

2009-12-15T16:01:00.003-05:00

What does "Christmas" mean to you....what is it that you focus on....is it the FOOD....all that yummy yummy food.....is it getting peasants.........is it giving peasants.....is it visiting family....is it hugging friends...is your Christmas special by the glow in the young ones eyes.....is your Christmas the enjoyment of visiting with older family members...all and all....we must focus on the real meaning of Christmas....whether you believe or not....lets focus on the good feelings that we have and lets share the tears ...sometimes it is good to have an ear or two ...you will find out that you are not alone in the world....we all have sadness in our hearts...but lets ....even if for just one day.....let the happiness shine through ...think of the good things that surround you...think of fond , funny, memories....it wont be easy....it is far easier to stay sad or angry or even feel deprived because you can not have all those goodies that you used to have.....focus on your surroundings....on your loved ones....on your good and great friends and family.....focus on CHRISTMAS...and all its glory and go for the great food too....but in moderation....remember ....NEW YEARS RESOLUTIONS are just around the corner...

Love to all and your families

Have a very Merry Christmas with LOVE,

Paula Lula Angel :o)

is this a run on sentance ....hee hee....

Weigh In!

2009-12-14T22:44:00.003-05:00

Ok... for those of you that didn't report in today, please report in tomorrow! I will post the update tomorrow night!!!

Week 15

2009-12-09T22:16:00.002-05:00

Well, at least as a team we lost weight this past week. I'm just not feeling like a good healthy person ever since I went on vacation. I know I am not being a good role model for all of us. I feel like for 6 months I've been saying that I need to get back on my game, and I'm not sure what to do. :( I will try harder!

Chex MIx

2009-12-09T16:08:00.003-05:00

So here is my first tale of the holiday season...nothing says Merry Christmas more than a homemade gift box of Chex Mix......good treat...right.....not sure ....but one thing I do know is ....a little taste like more....and....if the box sits on your desk, it is empty before you know it....so what did I do.....hhhhmmmm.... I ate a serving....then another...then I had co workers take some...then I put it in the caf. for the day to share some more....and then...I brought it back to my desk...had another serving ....or two.....and now will give the rest to the second shift co worker ....because....like I said .....A LITTLE TASTE LIKE MORE......
I am weak ...what can I say...but I didn't eat the whole box by myself....
Count down to CHRISTMAS......I am very happy ....
Love and Hugs to all my co dieters....
Paula Lula Angel :0)

Week 14 Disaster

2009-12-02T20:47:00.003-05:00

Ok... EVERY TEAM GAINED WEIGHT! Get with the program people! Food for living not living for food!

Updates!

2009-11-30T11:41:00.001-05:00

To All:

We will update and post results today, please make sure you send me yours. It has been a tough two weeks with Katie and I away, but remember, this is a marathon, not a sprint. You have to accept right now, that this marathon will last for the balance of your natural life. You got it. You do not get to a weight and then stop. Think of it this way, if you were in a plane going 600 MPH at 35,000 feet, would you cut the engines? Think positive. Any damage you have done can be undone and we know how.

Chris

What are you Thankful for .......

2009-11-25T14:47:00.002-05:00

With Thanksgiving Dinner being just around the corner....like say....tomorrow....lets just take a moment to think of things that we are THANKFUL for.....it is sooooooo easy to focus on all the bad crap that we have to face day after day...but we are all so blessed in so many different ways....so for a moment....before you sit down to eat your Thanksgiving meal.....think of at least one or two things that you are Thankful for......it is not always easy...but try.....do this for me...
Love you all,
I am Thankful for all of my family and friends,
Paula Lula Angel......(and Thanksgiving Deserts too !!! )
And Thankful for the Meat Pie Becky made for me....hee hee

Lets Start Over

2009-11-25T13:38:00.003-05:00

Hee Hee...it has been a hell of a lot of fun.....just doing what ever the day brings...but ...between you and me.....I am not in a good place.....life and love is good....but the love for my health....uh...nope.....havent really been focused on me....so ....here is my plan....
Lets Start Over......I don't mean ...lets start from the beginning...I mean ..lets just START to think and act in a healthy , loving way......don't dwell on.....I was this or I was that....or I was here...or I was there....but lets move forward.....lets us do this together ...well after tomorrow anyway...
HUGS AND PEACE TO ALL WHO DWELL HERE....
PAULA LULA ANGEL :0)