Posts by raginheadache

Original Post by nikki_08:

raginheadache - if you are only eating 1200 calories and then burning 400 at the gym (and not eating them back), yes, your net calories are only 800.

calories in - calories out = net calories
   1200     ;  -       400        =       800

eating below 1200 (net) calories in unhealthy - you are depriving your body of the necessary energy it needs just to sustain life.  if it doesn't get that energy through healthy sources (calories from nutritious foods), two very bad things start to happen.  one, your body will start resorting to it's own muscles as sources of energy - that's right, your body will start eating away at your muscles because it has nowhere else to get the energy from just to live.  and two, your metabolism will start to slow down and you will actually start to hold on to fat (instead of getting rid of it) - this is called starvation mode.  because the calorie/energy intake is so (s)low, you're body doesn't know when it is going to get it's next dose of energy.  so, it stores as much fat as it can as a reserve.  whereas, on the other hand, if you are eating enough calories/energy and working out regularly, your body won't store the extra fat because it knows it's going to get more energy soon.  i know it is kind of a difficult concept to understand (believe me, i've been on cc for 2.5 years and i still get confused sometimes).  the bottom line is you need to eat at least a minimum of 1200 NET calories per day to keep your vital organs pumping.  this is even more important when you are working out because you are pushing your muscles and organs (heart!) harder so they need more energy to work.  the last thing you want to do is starve your body/deprive it of what it needs to keep you going.

did that kind of make sense?

edited to add: check out chapter four of the link i posted in the challenge (specifically section 4.2) for more information on the effects of having too low of a calorie intake.  hope this helps!

Thanks for the reply Nikki.  I am on a very strict diet overseen by my personal trainer, nutritionist and my doc.  I am VERY short (4' 11") and if what you are saying is true, then I will never lose this weight in a healthy way because I will never be able to create the deficit needed to lose weight.   It doesn't make sense to eat back all the calories you burn -- what would be the point of exercising for weight loss (yes other health benefits but would be pointless for weight loss).  My doctor says that I should not create more than a 1,000 calorie deficit between what I take in and what I burn just being awake and exercising -- and with my calorie intake and my exercise I am only creating about a 630 calorie deficit. 

In addition, you need to create at least a 500 calorie deficit to lose just 1 lb per week.  Now, I do understand that if I rev my burn meter up to more than 2200 calories that means I need to eat more than 1200 but frankly...I don't think I could do that much exercise if I wanted to! ;-) 

CC even recommends that I eat between 1200-1250 calories. I have been very careful not to create too much of a deficit so that I don't do damage to my body or my health.  I have enlisted "experts" like a nutritionist, doctor and a personal trainer to assist me in my weight loss this time around ... so I am not willing to veer from my well thought out, expertly guided plan.  I guess I can't participate in earning points for our team this week. =(  Sorry green team!!

~Gwen

Team:  GREEN!!
Week 0.   9/8-9/10:  152 lbs
Challenge Points:

Week 1.   9/15-9/17:  148
Challenge Points: 5.24

Week 2.   9/22-9/24: 147
Challenge Points: 5.7

Week 3.   9/29-10/1:  145
Challenge Points: 4.4

Week 4.   10/6-10/8:
Challenge Points:

Week 5.   10/13-10/15:
Challenge Points:

Week 6.   10/20-10/22:
Challenge Points:

Week 7.   10/27-10/29:
Challenge Points:

Week 8.   11/3-11/5:
Challenge Points:

Week 3:  Fruits & Veggies Challenge

Wednesday 9/23 -- 2.5 cups fruit + 3 cups veggies

Thursday 9/24 -- 2.5 cups fruit + 4 cups veggies

Friday 9/25 -- 3.5 cups fruit + 3 cups veggies

Saturday 9/26 -- 3 cups fruit + 4 cups veggies

Sunday 9/27 -- 2.5 cups fruit + 4 cups veggies

Monday 9/28 -- 3 cups fruit + 3 cups veggies

Tuesday 9/29 -- 4 cups fruit + 3 cups veggies

Total points for week # 3 Challenge:  44

Total Points: 4.4

Team:
Week 0.   9/8-9/10:  152 lbs
Challenge Points:

Week 1.   9/15-9/17:  148
Challenge Points: 5.24

Week 2.   9/22-9/24: 147
Challenge Points: 5.7

Week 3.   9/29-10/1:
Challenge Points:

Week 4.   10/6-10/8:
Challenge Points:

Week 5.   10/13-10/15:
Challenge Points:

Week 6.   10/20-10/22:
Challenge Points:

Week 7.   10/27-10/29:
Challenge Points:

Week 8.   11/3-11/5:
Challenge Points:

Week 2:  Cardio Challenge

Wednesday 9/16 -- 150

Thursday 9/17 -- 90

Friday 9/18 -- 90

Saturday 9/19 -- 30

Sunday 9/20 -- 30

Monday 9/21 -- 90

Tuesday 9/22 -- 90

Total Minutes for week # 2 Challenge:  570

Total Points: 5.7

Oh, Angie, for not liking cardio that is a huge commitment!  I do an hour of Cardio 5 times a week and one of those days I take a class so I do three hours of cardio and that is a bit much and I LOVE cardio. 

Next week I am away on business and I am not sure what I will have at my disposal for equipment and I certainly won't be able to attend my Zumba class.  Is walking considered cardio? I can walk anywhere ... as long as it is safe -- not sure if the place I am staying will have access to gym equipment or not?  ACK!  I will have to get back to you on what my commitment will be for next week.  I wish these challenges were flipped cardio this week and water next week!  Water is easy to do ANYWHERE!  ARGH

Glad you did well today, Angie!  I am jealous ... I have had a rough, rough day!

~Gwen

Amelia--Green is my favorite color, too!  I have done only one other BLC challenge and I was assigned to TEAM GREEN and we WON!  I think it is a good omen!  I think you will like the BLC challenge ... I know I loved the last one I did because I had to be accountable to other members of my team and not just myself.  You can do this -- here you come healthy girl!!!

Maggie--I am right there with you ... I NEED the most support on the weekends, too!  I feel like a did a good job this weekend (although it is not technically over) and I am attributing my better choice making to this challenge.  I just kept thinking, "If I mess up, I will let down TEAM GREEN!"  I think it worked well for me.  Let's see how next week goes because I will be away on business ... and that is ALWAYS dangerous!  I will still weigh in but I am a little concerned about being diligent around logging calories and how I will keep up my rigorous workouts!  Keep your fingers crossed for me -- I leave on Thursday and get back the following Wednesday evening ... so I won't miss weigh in but ... here's to hoping it will be a good weigh in!

Sarah-- I have been off the wagon since about March ... good for you for not gaining the weight back.  I gained back 13 lbs ... it is so frustrating that I have to work off the same 13lbs I have already lost!  I, too, love food!  I really need to work on changing my relationship with food ... and seeing it as a necessity to live -- rather than a preferred social activity.  It will come ... we CAN do this!!!

Hope everyone is doing well on the weight loss and water challenge!  I have a great feeling about TEAM GREEN!

Team:
Week 0.   9/8-9/10:  152 lbs
Challenge Points:
Week 1.   9/15-9/17:
Challenge Points:
Week 2.   9/22-9/24:
Challenge Points:
Week 3.   9/29-10/1:
Challenge Points:
Week 4.   10/6-10/8:
Challenge Points:
Week 5.   10/13-10/15:
Challenge Points:
Week 6.   10/20-10/22:
Challenge Points:
Week 7.   10/27-10/29:
Challenge Points:
Week 8.   11/3-11/5:
Challenge Points:

Name:  Gwen

Height:  4' 11.5" (lol ... I do love to count those lovely .5"! haha)

Starting Weight:  171 (when I joined CC) 150 when I joined this challenge

2/27/2009--  145.5 lbs

3/6/2009 --  144 lbs

3/13/2009 --  142 lbs

3/20/2009 -- 140.5 lb

3/27/2009 -- 141.5

4/3/2009 --  IN VEGAS

4/14/2009 --  141 Sorry about not weighing in on Friday ... was tied up with stuff ... so weighing in today, instead.

4/20/09 -- 140.5 Sorry I missed weigh in again!  I think this tiny bit of sun has been keeping me distracted ... we don't get too many nice days around here!  ARGH ... I really need to get back on track!!!

4/24/2009 -- 139.5 !!!!

5/1/2009 -- No Weigh-In

5/8/2009 -- No Weigh-In

5/18/2009 -- Late Weigh In 144 lbs

5/21/2009 -- 142.5 lbs  Well ... going in the right direction, anyway.  Blah ... still not sure if this is water weight or what.  I sure hope so!  But, if not, it is my own fault for letting myself get so off track.  When I look at the track record for this challenge ... it is a little depressing!   I have only lost 7.5 lbs since February?! Yikes!  I really need to get back on track and step up my game! 

5/29/2009 -- 144.5 lbs   Not sure what happened.  Maybe sodium?  I know it can't still be TOM.  I did reasonably well this week.  Well ... I guess it is time to ramp it up a bit, eh?

Loss This week -- +2 lbs

Loss Since Starting This Challenge: 5.5 lbs

Name:  Gwen

Height:  4' 11.5" (lol ... I do love to count those lovely .5"! haha)

Starting Weight:  171 (when I joined CC) 150 when I joined this challenge

2/27/2009--  145.5 lbs

3/6/2009 --  144 lbs

3/13/2009 --  142 lbs

3/20/2009 -- 140.5 lb

3/27/2009 -- 141.5

4/3/2009 --  IN VEGAS

4/14/2009 --  141 Sorry about not weighing in on Friday ... was tied up with stuff ... so weighing in today, instead.

4/20/09 -- 140.5 Sorry I missed weigh in again!  I think this tiny bit of sun has been keeping me distracted ... we don't get too many nice days around here!  ARGH ... I really need to get back on track!!!

4/24/2009 -- 139.5 !!!!

5/1/2009 -- No Weigh-In

5/8/2009 -- No Weigh-In

5/18/2009 -- Late Weigh In 144 lbs

5/21/2009 -- 142.5 lbs  Well ... going in the right direction, anyway.  Blah ... still not sure if this is water weight or what.  I sure hope so!  But, if not, it is my own fault for letting myself get so off track.  When I look at the track record for this challenge ... it is a little depressing!   I have only lost 7.5 lbs since February?! Yikes!  I really need to get back on track and step up my game! 

Loss This week -- -1.5 lbs

Loss Since Starting This Challenge: 7.5 lbs

Thanks yummy_kitty!  Hopefully I can get myself back on track! 

Original Post by amethystgirl:

Have you double checked your account settings, to make sure you are still at the same activity level you thought you were at?

Yes, I have and I am still set at sedentary.  However, I did have a birthday.  Would that really make me burn 200 calories less a day, though?

Hi Everyone!  Week eight weigh in time!  GO TEAM GREEN!! WOOT, WOOT!

~Gwen

Week 0.   3/3-3/5:  146 lbs

Week 1.  3/10 - 3/12:  143.5 lbs

Week 2.  3/17/-3/19:  141.5 lbs

Week 3.  3/24 - 3/26:    140 lbs

Week 4.  3/31 - 4/2:    ON VACATION

Week 5.  4/7 - 4/9:    141   Sorry Green Team ... Vegas ... what happens in Vegas doesn't stay in Vegas!   LOL ... it stays on my belly and my thighs!  haha

Week 6.  4/14-4/16:  141 ARGH staying the same!!??  Sorry Green Team!!  I don't know why I am not budging!

Week 7.  4/21 - 4/23: 140.5  Well at least I am going back down!    

Week 8.  4/28-4/30:  139.5

Total Loss for Challenge:  6.5 lbs

Hello All! Weigh-in time and I am SO excited!!  I FINALLY hit the 130's!!!! WOO HOO!!  So, here goes:

Name:  Gwen

Height:  4' 11.5" (lol ... I do love to count those lovely .5"! haha)

Starting Weight:  171 (when I joined CC) 150 when I joined this challenge

2/27/2009--  145.5 lbs

3/6/2009 --  144 lbs

3/13/2009 --  142 lbs

3/20/2009 -- 140.5 lb

3/27/2009 -- 141.5

4/3/2009 --  IN VEGAS

4/14/2009 --  141 Sorry about not weighing in on Friday ... was tied up with stuff ... so weighing in today, instead.

4/20/09 -- 140.5 Sorry I missed weigh in again!  I think this tiny bit of sun has been keeping me distracted ... we don't get too many nice days around here!  ARGH ... I really need to get back on track!!!

4/24/2009 -- 139.5 !!!!

Loss This week --  1 lbs

Loss Since Starting This Challenge:  10.5 lbs

egeniececilia:  To answer your question, no I don't think that exercising more will help to boost your metabolism nor will it help with better weight loss.  madamq hit the nail right on the head ... you are already not getting enough calories so you do need to up your calorie intake.  I know this sounds counter-intuitive.  My reaction to this initially was, "What?  I need to eat MORE to lose MORE?"  I thought that sounded crazy!  And, to tell you the truth, it scared me a little.  But, if you read back through previous posts on this thread (and others in the weight loss forums) you will see how many people have been resistant to that idea BUT began losing more efficiently after they upped their caloric intake. 

If we do not fuel our bodies enough -- our metabolism will simply slow down.  Kind of like a car.  The more times you start and stop your car -- the more fuel you will burn (that's why we get better gas mileage on the highway than we do in towns where we hit constant stoplights and stop signs).   I can go 500 miles on a tank of gas on a road trip but if I try to go 500 miles in my truck to and from work ... I am going to run out of gas.  It is the same with our bodies.  Our fuel is food.  Without food, our metabolism will simply slow down or stop burning what we eat because it thinks it is starving.  We may feel full or like we are eating a lot ... but our body thinks we are getting starved if we limit our calories and as a result it will hold on to whatever we are putting in them.  For the longest time I did not understand how I could be doing something wrong by not eating when I wasn't hungry.  But then someone told me that wasn't a good sign if I wasn't getting hungry it meant my metabolism had slowed down or stopped working!

If you are not already doing so ... use the tools on CC to help you log what you eat to keep track of your calories and also pay attention to your Burn Meter (log your exercise as religiously as you do your food intake).  Make sure that you never go below 1200 calories and that you do not create more than a 1000 calorie deficit on a daily basis.  That will help you to maintain optimum fuel, as well as optimum weight loss.  If you are burning 2000 calories a day, you will still need to eat at least 1200 calories.  If you are burning 2500 calories a day you will need to eat at least 1500 calories.  I hope that makes sense. 

I know for me, if I try to strive for that 1000 calorie deficit (which should put me at a 2lb a week loss) my body doesn't do as well at losing.  I am not sure why but I plateau if I try to eat my bare minimum and maintain that 1000 calorie deficit.  Now, to see some consistent weight loss I usually try to strive for no more than a 700 calorie deficit (which works best for my body).  The longer you are at this, the better you will know what works for you and what doesn't.  I am super short, like you, and for me that higher deficit does not help me to consistently see the downward movement on my scale.  But, that doesn't mean your body will respond the same way.  I also did quite a number on metabolism by not eating enough and it took about a year for me to fix it (with the help of a VERY strict diet and a VERY patient dietitian).  That could be one reason my body isn't responding to a higher caloric deficit.  You will figure out what works best for you and your body.  If you want an alternative site to help you figure out what your caloric intake should be (and your deficit) try checking out phord.com I found it to be very accurate for me.  It almost hit my optimum calorie deficit exactly!

Good luck to you!!  I hope that some of this information was at least a little bit helpful!  You can do this ... I know it!! 

bnfowler:  You are most welcome!  Thank you for the compliment, as well.  Gwendolyn is also my full given name.  I don't get complimented on it very much so thank you so much! 

Congratz on your loss!  almost 2 lbs is quite IMPRESSIVE!!  You work it girlie!!

In terms of your drinking, make sure you are nourishing yourself properly (make sure to eat protein because it is best for absorbing alcohol unlike the carbohydrates that most people will try to tell you to eat to absorb alcohol).  LOL ... by the way ... it feels weird to be giving this advice because by profession I am an alcohol and drug counselor (for youth) and work in a school-based alcohol and drug prevention and intervention program!  What my students would say if they read this post!!

From what I have read, vodka (including the flavored vodka) has the lowest amount of calories.  Mixing that with diet soda or diet tonic water may be your best bet in terms of calories and they don't taste that bad either.  I like the mandarin vodka with diet seven up.  Very refreshing and about 90-110 calories for 1.5 ounces of the vodka.  Do be careful to log your booze or you will gain and not understand why.  Also, try to keep track of how many drinks you have the whole night and remember to log those after midnight drinks on your calories the next day. 

In addition, what can get you the most is the craving for the salty, fatty, greasy foods that many crave the day after drinking.  Try to make your meals the day after drinking -- healthy and within your calorie requirements and don't skip your exercise and you should be fine!  If I am going to have a couple of drinks with the gal pals -- I always make sure to account for that within my daily calorie intake and if I have to I will exercise a little more to compensate for the extra calories (then I can have guilt free fun)!

amyvegan made a great point in her response to you, as well.  Maybe drinking days should be a maintenance day?  You really do not want to deprive your body of food or you will other effects from the booze that may not be desirable.

What day is your birthday on?  I have one coming up too -- May 8th!  I can't believe that!!

 redselene:  Congratz again on your FANTASTIC weight loss!!  Wow!  A horseriding trip sounds so fun!  I think you will have a grand time!  I do so wish I had your discipline!!  I can't wait to hit the 120's!!  LOL ... even though I just hit the 130's yesterday!!  I want to see your pics!!  If you don't mind.  You are so inspirational!!  I bet you look FABULOUS!

plingu:  Congratz on your loss this week and on your milestone of 10 lbs!  I love it when I see steady loss!  I miss that ...**sigh**.  AND, OMG my ARMS!  I read in Glamour magazine the other day that arms are the easiest body part to whip into great shape ... I think they have NOT met MY arms!!  I AM lifting weights, using the resistance band and doing yoga ... and my arms are not shaping up that quickly!!  Not that my belly is where I want it ... but at least I have seen some measurable progress in that department!  **curses the turkey gobbler under arm fat**

I hope you feel better soon!  Having a cold is soooo miserable!! 

madamq:  You are likely right ... that it is water weight!  Good for you for not binging on the chocolate.  I am out of control lately!!  I think FINALLY seeing the 130's may be just what I needed to get myself re-motivated to get back on track again.  **crosses fingers**

jparker069:  Welcome to the shorties thread!!  I think you will find this group of women to be SUPER FABULOUS!  I think you have a great goal of 130.  I do think that it may be a little ambitious to be shooting at meeting that goal by July.  July is like what ... 13 weeks away?  If you were losing at the recommended healthy weight loss rate of 2 lbs a week that would only be 26 lbs between now and then so it is do-able in theory ... depending on when your birthday is ... beginning, mid or end of July.  I am excited to see you power through ... maybe it will motivate me to stay on track and quit eating like I am 20 again!!  The weight definitely doesn't come off this body like it used to!!  Good luck to you!!

twilitwing:  Welcome aboard!  I think you will love this wonderful group of shorties!!  I am jealous of all you girls already in your 120's!!  I can't wait!  Happy losing!

livilah:  Welcome to the shorties thread!  All I can say is that I wish my starting weight was 128!! The 120's feel soooo far away for me!!  Good luck to you!!  I wish you the best!

harl9283:  Please ... have a seat at the cool short table!  I love your attitude!  I have to break my weight loss down into smaller goals too!  Initially, I was like, "I need to lose like 50-70 lbs" and that really overwhelmed me!  But, I have been taking it 10 lbs at a time!  So far, since joining CC in November I have lost 31.5 lbs!  It seems to be working ... except the whole jealousy of all these girlies hitting my coveted 120's!! LOL ... I want it sooooo bad!!  Happy losing to you, as well!

ocean_girl88:  Welcome to the table!  You CAN do it, too!  Good luck to you and welcome to the shorties thread!

yummy_kitty:  Oh my!  I am sooooo sorry that you have had a horrible week!  This economy is doing numbers on everyone and I feel so horrible for those that have been getting laid off!  I feel blessed to have my job but I know it may go away in September and that causes a great deal of stress ... so I can't imagine how you are feeling with all the pressure of trying to keep your home and the stress of meeting your most basic needs -- I really feel for you!  I am sooooo sorry!! 

Good for you for keeping with your routine.  Routine will help in this time of chaos.  When I got divorced I remember getting some advice when I asked, "What am I going to do now?"  The person I was talking to said ... well ... you are going to get up, breathe in and out and check the mail.  At the time I didn't understand what she meant ... but now I know she simply meant that I just need to go through the routines I always have gone through and eventually ... I will be able to move on/forward.  And, she was right!  Even though everything is sucking at the moment, congratz on your loss -- at least it is a small victory in the sea of craziness going on for you right now!  When I got divorced I always felt victorious when I got out of bed and pulled my mail out of the box ... it was like my own little private victory!

Have a super week, everyone!

~Gwen

Welcome back bnfowler!  Weigh in is tomorrow ... I am NOT feeling ready!!  I hope you are feeling more confident than I am at this point.  I am sure that no matter what your weight ... you will look hot for your 21st!  How fun ... what I would not give to go back in time ... my oh my ... what I wouldn't give to have my 21 year old body again ... and all the fun that came with it!!  Embrace it, enjoy it and most of all take advantage of it!  Just be safe and no matter how much you may over-indulge (in food or drink) just make sure to get yourself right back on that horse so you will be feeling as hot as you look!

~Gwen

Welcome to all the new people! 

nbirenba:  I understand that feeling of what it was like to keep the weight in check in our 20's!!  I miss that ease of taking off the couple of extra pounds!!  But, we can do this ... I KNOW it!!  I hate to think what it is going to be like to take off the weight after I turn 40!!  That is not very far away for me!! ACK!

redselene:  I would love to have that incredible willpower!  But, I am glad that I did not obsess while I was on vacation ... I truly DID enjoy myself ... but I have not gotten out of that mindset since being home!  I REALLY need to get focused ... I have lost an entire month of weightloss because of being ill, vacation and now just sheer laziness! 

plingu:  Congrats on the 140's!!  I remember how good that felt!  I wish I could get the willpower and motivation to see the 130's!!  It is just so close but yet so far away!!  You should feel really proud...always feels good to reach a milestone!

madamq:  YAY for you!  Always nice when we experience a big jump to know that it actually stayed off!  Congratz!!

missamandak:  I wouldn't worry too much ... remember the scale is finicky!  Are you taking measurements in addition to weigh ins -- those may help you to keep a better and more accurate picture of what is actually happening with your body.  Are you weighing and measuring what you eat?  Accounting for cooking aids like oils, spices and such?  Do you remember to log in bites of yummy stuff here and there (like my one bite of my daughter's Milky Way bar last night -- I had to log it)?  If you are truly gaining (which is questionable because it could be water weight or something else) then it is good to get back to basics and weigh and measure EVERYTHING!  I know when I start slacking because I begin to see a gradual gain and it reminds me to get back to weighin and measuring so I don't under-estimate what I am actually putting in my mouth.  You can do this ... really ... you can!! Hang in there!!  Also, yummy_kitty gave you some good advice ... change things up a bit ...your body may have adapted to your routine and just hit a wall.

OH ... and I just scrolled down and saw that you had a drop!  Woo hoo!! Good for you! 

yummy_kitty:  WOW nice loss!!  You are kickin' butt and takin' numbers, girlie!  Way to go!  A 9 lb loss since starting this challenge is AWESOME!  Now give me some of your motivation please? LOL!  I need it!

egueniecelilia:  You are welcome ... hope you found some of that useful.  Good for you for stopping the diet soda ... that can be murder on your appetite because of the aspartame ... upping your water will likely make a big difference especially since you are getting a good exercise regime mapped out!  Congratz on meeting your goal this week!! WOO HOO!

coralbell:  Nice loss in both weight and inches!!  You go girl!  You are doing FANTASTIC!  Doesn't it feel GREAT?!?

madamebones:  I wouldn't get too discouraged.  Remember, you actually have had to have eaten 3,500 calories above and beyond what you actually burned to gain an actual pound of fat.  There are a number of factors that go into that number on the scale ... including the day you weighed being dehydrated?  I can start putting on the water weight the week before TOM and keep that water weight until up to a week after TOM is gone ... so it could be just that.  If you are worried about it ... make sure you are measuring and weighin everything you eat because if you are guesstimating you could be under-estimating what you are actually putting into your mouth.   The other thing is to remember to mix up your workout routine a bit ... that could get things moving in the right direction.  I wouldn't panic just yet, though!

bure7360:  You and me both weighed in late this week!  I am just so off track lately!  I don't know if you have choice in what is ordered for you or not ... but you could always try to make a healthy choice like salad or grilled chicken/fish.  In addition, just be sure to watch your portion sizes.  Those long days can be horrible on the weight loss -- but a little bit of exercise is better than no exercise!  Try taking a walk during those lunch/dinner breaks?  I only get a half an hour for lunch and I usually eat an orange, a fiber one bar and drink a slimfast in about 15 minutes-ish and then walk the other 15 minutes.  It is not much but it is better than just sitting in my office, you know?  Sometimes, if I feel ambitious ... I walk up and down the stairs at work (does a great job for the leg muscles). 

blueberrytea:  Welcome back!  I hope you enjoyed your visit to Colorado.  I wouldn't feel too bad about getting a little off track -- that is life and it happens.  I am right there with you!  I was only gone a week and I gained!! LOL!  I think you did a good job!  Now, I need to find the motivation I had BEFORE vacation!  LOL ... where oh where did my motivation go?

jembop:  I haven't been in my healthy BMI range for so long ... I don't think I can help you with your question.  All I know for sure is that calories in and calories out make the difference so as long as you are creating a deficit you should see a loss. I think it is harder the thinner you are because you have to work so much harder to create a bigger deficit.  Did that make sense?  When I was 30 lbs heavier I could create a 700 cal deficit with little to no problem ... now I have to really make sure that I exercise to just acheive a 500 cal deficit.  I hope you feel better soon ... those cramps can be horrible!!

yummy_kitty and jembop:  I have heard that the only thing that will work for taking off that belly fat is to do cardio.  Specifically interval or HIIT training.  I know that I have lost nearly 13 inches off my belly and I definitely attribute that to mostly cardio.  Just a suggestion though ... take it or leave it!  Either way ... good luck to you ... that belly fat can be a bugger!

coma_red_:  Congratz on your progress!!  I want to go on the Italy diet!!  I know so many people who have traveled there and lost weight while they were there!  I think that diet sounds DEVINE!  Welcome home!

To all:  Happy Monday ... hope we all have a GREAT week!!

~Gwen

Hi Everyone!  Week six weigh in time!  GO TEAM GREEN!! WOOT, WOOT!

~Gwen

Week 0.   3/3-3/5:  146 lbs

Week 1.  3/10 - 3/12:  143.5 lbs

Week 2.  3/17/-3/19:  141.5 lbs

Week 3.  3/24 - 3/26:    140 lbs

Week 4.  3/31 - 4/2:    ON VACATION

Week 5.  4/7 - 4/9:    141   Sorry Green Team ... Vegas ... what happens in Vegas doesn't stay in Vegas!   LOL ... it stays on my belly and my thighs!  haha

Week 6.  4/14-4/16:  141 ARGH staying the same!!??  Sorry Green Team!!  I don't know why I am not budging!

Week 7.  4/21 - 4/23:      

Week 8.  4/28-4/30:

Total Loss for Challenge:  6 lbs  5 lbs