SDtS Mission 101: Week 2

This week was really hard on some, while others excelled. Such is life, I guess? Maybe that is directly linked to how much people love their halloween candy? (kidding) But seriously - get it out of the house! =)

Regardless of if you had a big loss, or made your goals 100%, you are conscious of trying to make better choices - right? What more can any of us ask? Well- I would probably ask for french fries and pizza to be calorie and fat free, if I thought it would do any good. I should amend it to - what more can we ask of ourselves? Identify an area we'd like to work on, and be conscious of trying to improve. We can do this! Stay with it! Share your questions or victories on the Facebook wall as you have them. Check it often to help others, and provide support. We have like 40 people here! Let's use the big number in our favor for once! Let's rock this SH*T for realz, y'all!!!!

Natalie

• Lose ____ pounds to get to 101 total LBs lost (still unknown - still have to find a scale for larger than average measuring. aka: my bod)
• 5 days a week of weights & 40 minutes of cardio + 1 day of 60 minutes cardio (YES!)
• Track all calories eaten (still BOO!! Major opportunity for improvement)
• eat within calorie range (still BOO!! Major opportunity for improvement)
• OLD GOAL I FORGOT TO SHARE: No booze (yes!)
• No caffeine (I think NO caffeine seems a bit excessive. I should make it "cut down on" caffeine, which would then be a victory!)

Before I get to all of the results for this week - I have some new people to introduce. We had one drop out, so luckily we had a few to replace him.

The updates are put in (parenthesis) behind the original goals. RNR=Results Not Reported.

NEW MEMBER: Ashley

• Walk Dog 3x/week for at least 30 minutes each
• Exercise 3x/week in addition to dog walking
• Sign up for Yoga to reduce stress
• Drink at least 6 glasses of water per day
• Adhere to 100% gluten-free diet
• Make the time each morning to primp and stay positive about self 

NEW MEMBER: Manny

• Lose 53 pounds

NEW MEMBER: Hillary

• Lose 8-10 pounds
• Walk 3x/week
• Cut back on emotional eating

 NEW MEMBER: Gela

• Lose 10 pounds
• Run at least 10 miles per week

NEW MEMBER: Sarah

• Lose between 10-15 pounds
• SHARE: I do not want to gain weight this winter!! Every summer I do well, work out, feel great. Winter hits and I stop exercising and end up watching tv at night and eating. I do this every yr and say I won't do it next year!! Tired of the up and down all of the time. I also want to be sure to exercise at least 4 times a week. Would like to try and start doing some exercising in the morning instead of at night but not sure I can do this....not a morning person.

Carrot Top

• Lose 50 pounds (Lost 1 pound)
• Drop 3 sizes (in progress)
• Exercise 3x/week for 30-40 minutes (Opportunity for improvement)
• SHARE: Tough week.
  Very busy at work.
  Need to work on balance.
  Eating is half healthy, half bad.
  Looking forward to weekend exercise and Halloween parties!

Mackenzie

• Keep her weight in 5 pound range
• Exercise 4x/week with 2 cardio days (2 times this week)
• Eat pizza 1x/week or less (yes!)
• No fast food for lunch (yes!) 
• SNACK : spread crunchy peanut butter on a caramel rice cake - microwave for 20 seconds. Good for vegetarians that need protein!

Linda Lou

• Lose 25 pounds (Lost 0 for a total of 5 pounds)
• exercise 2 times per week (Opportunity for improvement)
• eat at least 5 fruits and/or veggies per day (3 times)
• SHARE: Candy, no exercise, and limited fruits/veggies - I'm counting my blessings that I was able to maintain and not gain this week. Halloween candy is the devil! 

Nina

• Lose 25 pounds (Lost .2 for a total loss of 2.8 pounds)
• SHARE: I am not sure why the scale hated me today, but I lost .2, yep you saw that right .2.  I weighed myself on Wednesday, and I was down 1.5 and I have been really good this week, but you know me, my body and scale tend to not get along sometimes.  I am guessing tomorrow it will be better! 

Stephanie K (aka: Steaming Myself to Hotness)

• Lose 17 pounds (Lost 1.4 pounds for a total of 6.4)
• see her clavicles (in progress)
• SHARE: At first I was kind of bummed cuz I wanted a bigger number, but then I remembered that my goal is 1.5 a week.  And I even know that is going to be very challenging.  So I’m now changing my stance to happy with my progress.  J Hopefully more sleep will help next week – and I only worked out 5 days instead of 6 because of that late night concert!

Dawn

• Lose 10 pounds (Lost 1 pound for a total of 2)
• exercise 4 times per week (yes!) 
• SHARE: I think it was pure luck!
• SNACK: I found a new (to me) snack. Popchips. I tried the sea salt and vinegar flavor. I found them in the health food section at hyvee.
• SHOUT OUT ALERT: Shout out to Molly's cardio dance class, it is a good workout and super fun!

 Lisa

• Lose 30 pounds (Same weight as last week)
• SHARE: No wt lost as of yet but none gained. My appt is going back to normal so I'm thinking that I can begin to lose some wt. I'm going to gyn religously so I'm happy about that.

  Jason (aka: Vic Amore')

• Lose 30 pounds (Lost .5 pound for total of 1.5)
• travel without the flight attendants commenting on "alleged"hangover into aisle (in progress)
• SHARE: I wish folding service folders burned more calories!  I did chose a salad from Culver's instead a delicious butter burger.  I am just hoping that I will be able to maintain this week.

Kim

• Lose 15 pounds (Same weight as last week for a total loss of 1.7 pounds)
• SHARE: I didn't lose anything but I drank 100 oz of water a day, even while traveling! 

B-Linda

• Lose 8 pounds (Lost 0 pounds for a total .5 pounds)
• get 7 hours of sleep at least 4 times per week (opportunity for improvement) 
• SHARE: I apparently suck at this game. Didn’t think I had a bad week of eating but I lost 0 this week.  The sleep front wasn’t much better, I was near 7 hours maybe 2-3 nights but I don’t think I got 7 any. Maybe my goal for the time being should be to not gain weight. Just kidding. I’ll keep trying.

Kate

• Lose 25 pounds (Lost .6 pouns for a total of 5.6 pounds)
• walk 10,000 steps a day (RNR) 
• SHARE: I’ll take it. Aunt Flo visited this week and I know it’s not an excuse but DAMN she brings the best chocolate! I’ll get on it this week. I’m just glad I didn’t have a gain!!

Melissa

• Lose 10 pounds (Gained 1.4 for a total loss of .5 pounds)
• exercise at least 4 times per week (yes!) 
• SHARE: Although it is a dissapointment,  it is not a surprise to me that this was not a great week.  Although I did meet my  goal of 4 days of exercise, I made terrible food choices.  It was a super stressful week and without making excuses I admit to just eating crappy.  Today is a new day...next week will be better
• SNACK/MEAL:  A great on the go breakfast Quaker Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies...full of fiber and two flavors oatmeal choc chip and oatmeal raisin!  Super yummy!

cjFh

• Lose 14 pounds (Lost 3 pounds for a total of 6 pounds)
• run 151 miles (ran 21.5 miles for a total of 37.5 miles)

Stephanie D

• Lose 35 pounds (Lost 2 pounds)
• prepare 3 healthy meals for her, and her family, per week (RNR)

Molly

• eat clean, with no binging (pretty good)
• One can of soda per day (good)
• SHARE: Overall, an improvement

Marill

• Lose 10 pounds (Lost 1 pound)
• be able to wear a tight shirt without a gut (in progress)
• move a notch on her belts (in progress)

Meg

• Lose 15 pounds (Remained the same for a total loss of 2 pounds)
• fit into her "skinny" clothes again (in progress)
• P90X
• SHARE: I didn't lose any weight this week but I'm okay because I felt I had other small victories. 
  1. I didn't gain any weight.
  2. I did everything I was supposed to do (exercised and ate healthy meals)
  3. I fit into 2 pairs of jeans that I could not fit into before and one pair of work pants is just too big now.  I think I'll start getting rid of the too big clothes instead of keeping them around.  No need to hang on to clothes "just in case I gain weight"...don't gain weight Meg! (that's my little talk to myself)
  4. Trainer Ryan told me I was starting to "lean out" again.  YIPPEE!
  
  P90X is hard, but acheiveable.  Now I need to buy dumbbells because I just don't like the bands:( 

CCS

• lose 25 pounds (Lost .8 pounds for a total of 2.2 pounds)
• increase activity (RNR)
• eating treats means exercise first

Ann

• lose 10 pounds (RNR)
• exercise 5 times per week (yes!)
• strength training 2 times per week (yes!)
• NEW GOAL: Eat more healthy
• NEW GOAL: Cut down on wine 
• SHARE: This week has been better.  Have met with the trainer twice to do strength training and did cardio the other mornings.  Haven’t checked the scale yet, I might be brave next week and see where I am at.
• Ann also has a couple of recipes that she is going to share. I'm going to do a separate blog entry with those. 

Becca

• Lose 25 pounds (Lost 4.8 pounds for a total loss of  4.6 pounds)
• exercise 4 times per week (RNR)
• fit into a size 4 (in progress)

JD

• Lose 10 pounds (Lost 1 pound) 
• SHARE/QUESTION: Exercise  so so this week, and my sweet tooth is in full force! Any tips for that from any of the mission people? The more I try not to have dessert, the more it calls to me. Heeeelllp! :) 

Kari

• Lose 10 pounds (Lost 2.5 pounds for a total of 3.4 pounds) 

Marilyn

• Lose 25 pounds (Lost 4 pounds for a total of 7 pounds)
• exercise 3 times per week (one)

Milt

• Lose 40 pounds (Same weight this week for a total loss of 2 pounds)
• exercise 2 times per week (RNR)

BLUESKYE

• Lose 33 pounds (RNR)
• Go to the gym at least 4 times this week
• Plan Meals
• Weigh in on Friday no matter what
• Keep a positive attitude :-)
• SHARE: I'm not sure if I lost or not. I did get a lot accomplished in organizing...I believe this will make meal planning and general health much better. : )
  I'm hoping to have solid weight loss next week. Wishing everyone well!

Joe R

• Lose 20 pounds (same weight as last weeek)
• swim 30 laps (in progress) 

MCS

• Lose 15 pounds (Lost 1 pound for a total of 3.4 pounds)
• SHARE: No tips-i cheated all week and it was a miracle that I lost.....

Bry-Guy

• Lose 10 pounds (Gained 1.4 pounds for a total loss of 2.2 pounds)

Michelle

• Lose 10 pounds (Lost .5 pounds for a total of .5 pounds)
• SHARE: Woot woot- well hopefully it stays off. 

Rustin

• Lose 15 pounds (Lost 2 pounds)
• stop smoking (work in progress) 
• SHARE: I'm doing a little better from last week, and have been drinking lots of water trying to stay off the pop. I really have 2 watch myself with the beer every Sunday which is hard since slamming them while watching the painfully losing vikes helps with the pain!

SDtS Waseca Chapter (SHOUT OUT!!) 

Members: Camille, Kateo  Patrice (The goals are the same for all members)

• Lose 15 pounds
• workout 5 times per week
• drink 6-8 glasses of water a day
• eat 5 fruits and/or veggies a day
• make healthy dining decisions.  More calories = more exercise

Camille

• Lost .5 pounds for a total loss of 4 pounds
• worked out 2 times
• drank a lot of water, but probably not enough yet
• did well on fruits and veggies
• SHARE: It is with a heavy heart, and an even heavier bottom :)  that I am responding to you.  The glow of last week (eating well, exercising, walking around the lake, etc).  are in the distant past.  Anyway, not horrific, but not what I would have loved to report. I won the schools "Smart Ones" weekly challenge.  We weigh in the closet of a Kindergarten room on Tuesday mornings and perhaps I was riding the wave of that so that I didn't do as well.  Well no big excuses for the week-end so here's hoping for a better week ahead of me.
• QUESTION:Does RNR mean results not reasonable or Remus naughty remus??
• ANSWER: nothing that fun. it stands for "Results not Reported"

Kateo

• Gained 1 pound for a total of up .6 pounds
• SHARE: Just a bump along the road

 Patrice

• Lost 1.5 pounds
• SHARE: Like you have been on diets forever!! ( I could be the lecturer for Weight Watchers!!!!!!!!) Last July I turned 59 and decided my motto for this year was to be Slim and Sexy by Sixty.  When Deb talked to me about your group, it seemed like this could be the motivation and accountability I need (and it doesn't cost anything!)!!  It took me a while to get going but now I'm ready.

I Fear I'm a Gym Snob

One thing remains consistent about my gym visits, regardless of how often I go. I want to get in and out as quickly as possible. Get my work done as fast as my diminished cardiac abilities will allow me to, and get out! I fear that my desire to speed through this portion of my day has made me a bit of a gym snob?

When it comes to the cardio equipment, I don't want people on the machine right next to me. Why? I have no idea. I just don't want them there. I like the buffer of one machine between me and the next person. Kind of like seats at the movie theater. When there is an option to leave an open machine, it should be mandatory to do so.

When it comes to the use of cell phones - no. Don't do it. There is no one that is so important that they cannot go 30-60 minutes without taking a phone call. NO ONE. On top of that, the person on the phone is talking loud enough that I can't hear what I am listening to. Why is it my job to police this? It isn't, but it still bugs me for some reason.

When it comes to the weights I need to use - others shouldn't be allowed to use them at that time. Believe me - I realized this is completely irrational. I do get that I belong to a public gym, and they have just as much right to those weights as I do. But I would still like to have some sort of pass that allows me to take things away from others when I need to use them.

When it comes to the weight bars (these approximately 3' long metal bars with small weights on the end. They are all one piece, and are stored on a "tree" of sorts - with the top rung being about 5', and going to the floor. The lightest bar is 10#, and then increase every 5-10# from there - going up to 70#, I believe) - lightest goes on the top! Inevitably I find that the 35 pound bar has been put on the top rung of the tree - which is about even with my shoulders, while the 10# bar is on the rung by the floor. Hey super-tall/super-strong jacka....ummm...person! Leave the top rungs for the light weights so the people who have already had to lift more than they want to by the time they get up to the 35# bar, and whose arms already feel more than slightly fatigued, can get it off the stupid tree without looking like an ass.

When it comes to the weight machines that I need to use - see the "weights" paragraph above. All of those rules apply. I have this to add regarding the actual machines: I go at a time when a lot of patrons are...ummm..advanced in age. I swear I have seen a few of them taking naps on the machines! They don't move for extended periods of time, and their eyes are closed. It is no good. Slightly concerned it may be more serious than a nap! I asked YC if anyone has ever fallen asleep. He wasn't sure about that - but said there was a guy on his back in the stretching area one day that didn't move for an extended period of time. Maybe we could build some sort of zapper into the seats, so if you don't move for 5 minutes, it zaps you into movement? I think I'm on to something, here.

Until such a time that I somehow become "Oprah-Rich" and can afford to have my own home gym, and can have YC and his adorable gf (I got to meet her on Tuesday. She is lovely) move into my guest house (hey - if I can afford a home gym, I can afford a guest house...right?) - I guess I am going to have to remember what I learned when I was a babe. Share and play nice.

Do you have any tendencies toward gym-snobbery? Please share.

Watch Your Mouth

I have heard on more than one occasion that the key to losing weight is more about what you're putting in your mouth, than how much your body is moving. I heard O'Neal and Sunshine (from the last season of Biggest Loser) say that they were told on campus that it was 30% exercise, 70% food. I know after being at FC, and seeing what a difference just salt made on how you feel, it doesn't seem that far off.

Unfortunately for me, what I am shoveling into my face is a constant battle! I love things that taste good. I also love things that are quick and easy to prepare - meaning I don't have to follow a recipe, and it takes about 10 minutes to make. I am realizing that hitting these criteria, while also being healthy, is a challenge. I have said I was going to have a challenge with myself to try out some of the recipes I have in my books, but I have just been too lazy.  Now that I am not running back to MN every other weekend, I have time to spend on trying to find new things to eat. I need to become a priority. Unless there is someone out there that would like to move to Milwaukee and cook for me?  Just let me know.

I made a horrible mistake on Tuesday. I went to the grocery store after the gym, when I was completely starving! It is like my alternate personality took over - or maybe Natalie just came back in the picture, and threw Sensatalie to the side without a second thought. Before I realized what I was doing, I had chips with cheese melted on them with salsa, and tollhouse cookies down the hatch. What the hell!?! I was feeling so good after my workout. Why didn't I just make the chicken I had in the fridge? It was like I didn't have any idea what I was doing until it was too late. I have made great improvements with "eating mindfully" since FC. Not that I always eat what I should, but that I at least realize I am doing it. This was different. I just threw crap in my cart, and then threw that same crap down my throat. After sitting down and thinking about it, I swear it was just a perfect storm of horrible decisions. I didn't have as much as I usually do for breakfast. I tacked on a few extra minutes at the gym. I was starving, and should have just gone home to eat. Instead, I went to the grocery store when my brain was too hungry to think straight. (can your brain be hungry? I think mine can) Going forward, I will be adding "don't go to the grocery store hungry...under any circumstances" to my ever-growing list of behaviors to change. I guess I'll have to give stupid Remus the victory on this one. Remus=1, Sensatalie=0.

I was reading in my Health magazine that the experts are now saying they want everyone to have 9 fruits and vegetables per day. I am personally thinking that the "experts" are the people who own and operate farmer's markets - but that might just be me. I like fruits and vegetables, so I honestly don't think this is outside the realm of reason for me. (can I count corn tortilla chips and salsa as vegetables? Then maybe Tuesday wouldn't have been so bad?) I just need to get my brain to work with me, and buy into the notion that I would rather have steamed broccoli than something with more calories. There are few guarantees in this life. One is that if you eat like crap, you won't lose weight. End of story. I could live on the elliptical machine, but if I don't make "smart and loving choices" (shout out to Jackie Warner for that gem) regarding my food consumption, it won't do a bit of good. Do I really want to bust my ass in the gym, just to undo it with what I eat? I think not.

What is your biggest food obstacle?

Wow.

I know that everyone is entitled to their opinion. I appreciate the fact that people have opinions. I myself have one on entirely too many subjects. How boring would the world be if everyone thought the same thing, processed information in the same way, and consistently arrived at the same conclusion? So boring.

The thing about me, or at least I hope the thing about me, is that I am more than willing to admit when I have no idea what the hell I'm talking about. I used to be far more opinionated than I am now. As I have gotten older, I have tried to put myself in others' shoes. How would I feel if I was in their situation? Now this is not to say I don't still have the momentary lapse where I hop up on my high horse and prance around for a bit - but I do hope they are becoming fewer and farther between.

I was on Twitter today - where I tend to follow a lot of people or organizations tied to health and weight. Oh my goodness did things go crazy! There was an article, not getting nearly as much press as the one I will link to later, by CNN on the topic of weight on TV. When I read their article, I got the impression that they were basically just wondering if "weight" was too much of the plot line on a new CBS show where the two main characters are overweight. Too many jokes, too many mentions, too much focus. Well, that and dealing with the "outcry" from people who don't want to watch two overweight people being intimate. Ummm...did your TV subscription only come with one channel? I doubt it. CHANGE THE CHANNEL!! I guess overweight people should sit in their houses, and not be allowed to date? And I am certain there should be a law against overweight people having sex - right!?! (please pick up my sarcasm =)) Insane. I was interested in the part where they discussed (and this is me using my own words) that any time someone isn't the cookie-cutter size, shape, color....overall look - that we are used to seeing on TV, the show feels the need to explain to us why we aren't looking at the prototype that we are used to looking at. I didn't have any strong reaction to this article. It was the writer's opinion, I think the show is funny, they aren't telling the fat jokes about me - so let's call it a draw.

Now....... (not sure how to start this one) that article apparently prompted an article for Marie Claire magazine. This is where my "if you don't have any idea what you're talking about, kindly shut your hole" rule comes in to play. As much as I try to talk myself into allowing people to have their opinions, even if they are different from mine - I had an extremely hard time doing it here. It was quite obvious to me that the woman writing this column had pretty severe body issues of her own (confirmed later in the article), and decided to use her own issues as fuel to berate anyone who is overweight. Lady - if you have never been overweight, I don't want to hear you tell me how easy it is, and how much better I'll feel, and even offer tips on how - to lose weight. If I want your advice, ramblings, or lectures - I'll ask for them. I wasn't alone. I didn't read the comments, because I wasn't sure that would be "constructive", given how I was feeling after reading her article - but I did so enjoy her attempt at a total backpedal in the "update" at the end. Maura Kelly - I don't want to hear it. Don't project your insecurities onto the rest of us. Don't you feel bad for her now? She didn't mean to be a bully. 

I try to keep things positive...well, as positive as I can muster on some of those really bad days, anyway. I absolutely don't look at every thin person and assume they are healthy. I know better. I don't assume just because someone is overweight, that they are unhealthy. I know better than that, too. I am overweight, and still don't know what to tell other people that are overweight. I can only share what has, or in many cases - has not, worked for me. I am in no position to tell someone else what should be easy or hard for them. Or how they should feel. I cannot tell another person what their action, or reaction, to any given event should be.

How about we make a deal here at SDtS? Going forward, we will abstain from throwing blanket judgments out into the world, based on someone's physical make up? And maybe, we can not offer "advice" when we aren't asked, and for sure when we don't know where the other person is coming from? How about we share what is going on with us, and offer suggestions when asked, and otherwise leave the judging and lecturing out of it? Does that sound like a deal? Are you with me, people?

I'm in No Shape to Exercise

I have been so focused on getting my butt to the gym, and putting in the amount of time I need to put in - that I forgot to do some stretching! I have, in the past, done my warm-up and weights - and then lost interest in my cardio and just left. Now that the mission is underway, I realize I no longer have the option of being a slacker. Every minute counts, and I unfortunately need to keep moving for all of them!

I am so happy when my time at the gym is done, that I have been completely avoiding my need to stretch. It has probably never been more important than now, when I am actually lifting weights 5 times a week! It would seem that I had momentarily forgotten about the early days with YC when I couldn't walk for 4 days, and went about the same length of time without the ability to touch my face because the backs of my arms were so sore! Some stretching may have at least helped with the pain - but I forgot all about it until it was too late. Since those initial workouts, I have had moments where my body is really tired, or somewhat sore, but nothing compared to those first workouts. I am prepared if I ever get that sore, again, however. I read in my Health magazine that pickle juice helps with sore muscles. I mean I love pickles, but cannot imagine! It said if you drink 1/3 cup of pickle juice, it relieves muscle cramps 37% faster than just drinking water. Kind of gross, but I wonder if it really works? And if it really works, I am beyond sad that I didn't know about this a couple of months ago!

It finally dawned on me on Saturday that I hadn't been stretching, and I could probably spare 10 minutes at the end of my workout to do it. I've already been at the gym for an hour and a half - is 10 extra minutes really going to hurt me? No. It should be the easiest part of my time there. And it is important! My lower back had been bugging me since last Monday. It hasn't been sore enough to keep me from doing anything, but just irritating. I finally stretched a bit on Saturday, and made sure to do it Monday - and my back is already feeling so much better!

They really pushed stretching as an important part of every workout when I was at FC. I let my excitement over getting to leave the gym overshadow my best interests. And it should be my favorite part - I mean, I get to SIT DOWN! Hello! I love to sit! So now I have it on my radar, and will make sure I put a little limbering up into my workout plan. Now if I could just get my FUPA to shrink, so I can actually bend a little farther, I'll be set!

Is The Honeymoon Phase Over?

I had two sessions with YC last week. When you are beginning a mission, and possibly lack some of the dedication required for success, you have to see your "babysitter" more often.  This was our first week of having two sessions together. I think that must have been too much for YC to take. I guess I must have looked less than enthused (possibly like the pic on the right, perhaps?) when he was telling me to do my tricep kickbacks. Shocking, I know. But it is true. YC told me, and I quote - "don't ever look at me like that again". It surprised me that I (attempting to look especially shy and innocent) would have done anything to deserve that kind of talk! But apparently I did, and I got scolded. I guess when you need a babysitter like a small child, you can also get scolded like a small child. He also informed me that my "nice" voice isn't nice. What!?!?! How odd. I'm not sure what face I gave him, but I'll try to keep this mug neutral going forward!

I did actually do all of the work I set out to do at the gym. I did 5 days of weights, rotating through the 3 workouts from YC. It helped that I had to check in with YC on those days. I also did 40 minutes on the elliptical machine on each of those days. I went in and walked for an hour on the treadmill on Saturday. My body is tired, but I'm so happy I did it! Now if I can figure out how to stop inhaling things I'm not supposed to eat, I will be sittin' pretty!  

One of our common interests is football. YC played, and still coaches. I love boys in tight pants. (shout out to football pants - they are God's gift to me) It works really well for both of us. He is from Wisconsin, and unfortunately favors the Packers. I am a Minnesota girl, and love my Vikings. He felt it would be a good idea for us to make a wager on the game. He promised it would not be something that would be like a punishment for me - so I was on board! I think we came up with a deal that will work well for both of us! If the Vikings win, I get a week of free training! Bonus, right!?!?! And if the Packers win, I have to bring lunch to YC all week. Either way, I have to go every day - so I figure it is somewhat good for me either way. But I REALLY wanted to win!!

Unfortunately, it just wasn't meant to be. I guess I better get my George Foreman grill fired up. I have a lot of lunches to make. I'll just look forward to getting those free sessions when they play in Minneapolis.

SDtS Mission 101 - Week 1

Welcome to the week one results....entry! Week one was really successful for some, and not so much for others. Who of us, that have tried to turn over the proverbial new leaf where health is concerned, hasn't suffered setback on more than one occasion? I am one big (literally) walking example of setback. This week I had areas of huge success, and areas of colossal failure, where my own goals were concerned.

Natalie

• Lose ____ pounds to get to 101 total LBs lost (still unknown - have to find a scale for larger than average measuring. aka: my bod)
• 5 days a week of weights & 40 minutes of cardio + 1 day of 60 minutes cardio (yes!)
• Track all calories eaten (BOO!! Major opportunity for improvement)
• eat within calorie range (BOO!! Major opportunity for improvement)
• No caffeine (Monday - Friday = Good, Saturday = 1 Diet Mt Dew)

As you can see - I have lots of areas that could be much better. I am totally inspired and motivated by you guys - which is one of the great things about doing this as a group. Don't give up! Stick with it! And we can all improve our health - and hopefully have some fun doing it! Use the Facebook page! If you're having a frustrating day, vent. If you're having a great day, let everyone know. If you just had a great snack, share it. We don't need to just update one time per week - we can do it every day, hour or minute! It is going to help all of us get to our goals! Let's rock this sh*t!!! 

I liked what Kateo had to say about her mental state this week: "Even though the scale didn't show it (much), my attitude was much lighter. I think just waking up knowing that I am doing something about my weight rather than just sulking about it, makes such a difference in how I start my day."

Before I get to all of the results for this week - I have 2 new people to introduce. The updates are put in (parenthesis) behind the original goals. RNR=Results Not Reported.

NEW MEMBER: Carrot Top

• Lose 50 pounds
• Drop 3 sizes
• Exercise 3x/week for 30-40 minutes
• SHARE: Just started this.  Great bike ride today.  Working on the exercise and going to bed earlier. Need more discipline around food. Skipped having cookies after dinner. Drinking wine instead!!!

NEW MEMBER: Mackenzie

• Keep her weight in 5 pound range
• Exercise 4x/week with 2 cardio days (yes!)
• Eat pizza 1x/week or less (yes!)
• No fast food for lunch (yes!) 
• SNACK: Fat free vanilla yogurt with unsalted roasted almonds and crasins=yummy healthy treat! 

Linda Lou

• Lose 25 pounds (Lost 5 pounds)
• exercise 2 times per week (yes!)
• eat at least 5 fruits and/or veggies per day (4 times)
• QUESTION: Does anyone have any tips for beating sugar cravings?

Nina

• Lose 25 pounds (Lost 2.6 pounds)

Stephanie K (aka: Steaming Myself to Hotness)

• Lose 17 pounds (Lost 5 pounds)
• see her clavicles (in progress)
• WHAT SHE LEARNED THIS WEEK: Chocolate chips (because that is the only chocolate you had in the house) do not help you better understand how to figure out the break-even calculation of a small regionally owned beer corporation (ie the homework I wasn't understanding).

Dawn

• Lose 10 pounds (Lost 1 pound)
• exercise 4 times per week (yes!) 
• SHARE: Successful so far ;)

 Lisa

• Lose 30 pounds (Same weight as last week)
• SHARE: I have been doing a regimine of wt training and aerobic excersize 5 times a week. The problem is it ups my appt. so much I have been loading up on healthy foods but I think just too much of them! My wt has stayed the same my jeans are fitting better so there is some hope. I'm just pissed because after all the wt i lost my md tells me to excersise every day and lose more wt. really!!!!!!!!!!!!

  Jason (aka: Vic Amore')

• Lose 30 pounds (Lost 1 pound)
• travel without the flight attendants commenting on "alleged"hangover into aisle (in progress)
• SHARE: I did get out one night for a long walk with the pooch, 3 miles round trip to the dog park instead of driving!  She does keep the pace moving pretty well. Next week will be better with having the week off I can make more time to exercise in the morning, and hopefully counteract the calorie free weekend I will have next weekend! (Jason is getting married on October 30th!!)

Kim

• Lose 15 pounds (Lost 1.7 pounds)

B-Linda

• Lose 8 pounds (Lost .5 pounds)
• get 7 hours of sleep at least 4 times per week (yes!) 
• SHARE: I’ll take it since I had to make cookies this week and I have little self control when that happens so I had to test the cookies before I could bring them in. Plus who doesn’t like cookie dough and chocolate chips. I’ll work on behaving this next week so I can make real progress. On the sleep side, I did manage 4 nights of 7-hours. Not easy to do. Shutting the lights off is just hard…but I agree with Linda’s idea that it does prevent eating!

Kate

• Lose 25 pounds (Lost 5 pounds)
• walk 10,000 steps a day (4 days) 
• QUESTION: How much sodium should you have in one day? 
• ANSWER: The RDA (Recommended Daily Allowance) is 2400mg. Just to give you an idea of how little that is when you eat at restaurants - a McDonald's Double Cheeseburger has 1150mg of sodium. In one sandwich. Seriously.

Melissa

• Lose 10 pounds (Lost 1.9 pounds)
• exercise at least 4 times per week (yes!) 
• SHARE: First week went well!

cjFh

• Lose 14 pounds (Lost 3 pounds)
• run 151 miles (ran 16 miles)

Stephanie D

• Lose 35 pounds (Same weight as last week)
• prepare 3 healthy meals for her, and her family, per week (opportunity for improvement)
• Question: I need to figure out a way to get a schedule down so I can make sure to fit this into my life....Suggestions on a schedule when you have 2 kids under 2?

Molly

• Lose 6 pounds (Gained .4 pounds)
• eat clean, with no binging (opportunity for improvement)
• NEW GOAL: One can of soda per day
• SHOUT OUT ALERT: to Nina who detered me from popcorn when I felt like I already failed for the week and talked me into sharing sun chips last night!!!

Marill

• Lose 10 pounds (RNR)
• be able to wear a tight shirt without a gut (RNR)
• move a notch on her belts (RNR)

Meg

• Lose 15 pounds (Lost 2 pounds)
• fit into her "skinny" clothes again (in progress)
• NEW GOAL: P90X

CCS

• lose 25 pounds (Lost 1.4 pounds)
• increase activity (yes!)
• eating treats means exercise first  
• FRUSTRATION: I worked out 4 x's this week, ate well every single day, and was really looking forward to weighing myself until.....I was reminded of how difficult and frustrating weight loss is. I know it is a start but, like you said in your blog earlier this week I need instant gratification....I am in it for the long haul though, and I am going to stick with it!  I hope everyone else had a good week!

Ann Abbe

• lose 10 pounds (RNR)
• exercise 5 times per week (3 times cardio & strength)
• strength training 2 times per week 
• NEW GOAL: Eat more healthy
• NEW GOAL: Cut down on wine 
• SHARE: So, week 1 wasn't the greatest for me as work was a busy one this week.  Working out in the am is the best for me, I go from 545am to 7am and had three 730am conference calls this week....boo :(  Ok, so no excuse as I should have worked out at night, but when I get stressed at work I get out of my routine....I need to start realizing that working out will help relieve that stress.  Have you found that to be the case?  I LOVE wine, so hard to resist it!!!  If I could cut back on alcohol (wine, tailgating, etc), I think I could drop five pounds in a hurry...just so dang hard to say no :)
• Ann also has a couple of recipes that she is going to share. I'll make sure they're on the next update! 

Becca

• Lose 25 pounds (Gained .2 pounds)
• exercise 4 times per week (RNR)
• fit into a size 4 (in progress)

JD

• Lose 10 pounds (Same weight as last week) 

Kari

• Lose 10 pounds (Lost 1 pound) 
• SHARE: I found a great app (they also have a website) that is great for looking up calories and nutritional info for common foods, restaurants and popular brands. You can also track your weight and enter your food and exercise each day, etc. It's called food secret (foodsecret.com) 

Marilyn

• Lose 25 pounds (Lost 2 pounds)
• exercise 3 times per week (yes!)

Milt

• Lose 40 pounds (Lost 2 pounds)
• exercise 2 times per week (yes!)

BLUESKYE

• Lose 33 pounds (RNR)
• SHARE: I had a rough first week and haven't stepped on the scale this Friday...mostly because I rely on the gym scale and I didn't go yesterday :(
• NEW GOAL: Go to the gym at least 4 times this week
• NEW GOAL: Plan Meals
• NEW GOAL: Weigh in on Friday no matter what
• NEW GOAL: Keep a positive attitude :-)
• GOOD LUCK EVERYONE!! 

Joe R

• Lose 20 pounds (RNR)
• swim 30 laps (RNR)

Joe A

• Lose 20 pounds (RNR)

MCS

• Lose 15 pounds (Lost 2.4 pounds)
• SHARE: Week one was painful. Water is my new friend. Quenches thirst and makes me feel full!

Bry-Guy

• Lose 10 pounds (Lost 3.6 pounds)

Michelle

• Lose 10 pounds (RNR)

Rustin

• Lose 15 pounds (RNR)
• stop smoking (RNR) 
• SHARE: I'm not on track just found a belly fat diet I'm going to try

SDtS Waseca Chapter (SHOUT OUT!!) 

Members: Camille, Kateo  Patrice (The goals are the same for all members)

• Lose 15 pounds
• workout 5 times per week
• drink 6-8 glasses of water a day
• eat 5 fruits and/or veggies a day
• make healthy dining decisions.  More calories = more exercise

Camille

• Lost 3.5 pounds
• worked out 3 times
• SHARE: I worked very hard at getting my water in and thought I'd go through withdrawal for the lack of diet dew I was consuming.  This is something I struggle with and will continue to be something I need to be conscious about.
• SHARE: I've become reaquainted with my old friend kudos, the m & m kind taste just like a good ole candy bar and I love, love, love the new Special K fruit crisps

Kateo

• Lost .4 pounds
• SHARE: I rediscovered tea. (Tazo my fav!) I love my coffee, but I can't drink it black. I thought I would go on a tea jag for a while to avoid the extra calories of my coffee with cream.
• SHARE: I am working really hard on equating exercise with brushing my teeth. I would never dream of heading out the door without brushing up, the same daily habit needs to be established with exercise.
• Kateo also had another share, but I put that on the SDtS wall. Check it out!

 Patrice

• (RNR) 

The truth about trying to be healthy is that there are going to be a lot of days that suck...let's be honest - they will completely blow. But eventually you'll hit a few where it won't be so bad. Hopefully those are enough to keep you going. When they aren't, hopefully you can just avoid eating an entire pizza, with a whole cake kicker - all while sitting on the couch. It is really the most I can hope for! How about you?

I LOVE THIS MISSION!! Let's kick some ass in week 2!

Let's Talk About Fat, Baby

I know I just told you guys - I am not a lover or follower of the news. Remember - ignorance is bliss for me in that department. It is too damn depressing! But even though I make an effort to only keep current on sports news - I watch SportsCenter at the gym - I have heard a number of rumblings about this "Fat Talk Free Week" movement that is currently taking place. A friend forwarded the Time Magazine article to me, and because I follow so many weight-related figures on Twitter, I have seen a ton of opinions on it there. The hardest part for me to imagine? Standing in front of a mirror, wearing as little as you are comfortable with -  and saying only positive things to yourself. I think it may actually leave me speechless, for the first time in my life!

While reading the article, I got the impression that the biggest push of this campaign was "self-talk". Not to refer to yourself as fat. Not to say that "I" need to exercise. Not ask questions about  yourself, your size, your clothes or their fit - don't think about your body in terms of volume. I could have been missing something (it certainly wouldn't be the first time that has happened) - but that is the gist I got. Maybe they should have built in a component where they try to ban magazines from airbrushing their cover models into oblivion? Where maybe it is illegal to airbrush their cellulite, or shave a little off their arms, face. legs, you name it. I get that the ability to overcome the society pressure for skinny is each person's own battle, so starting with their own actions is key - but it would be nice if some of the larger perpetuaters (is that a word? If not, I would like to make it one) of the problem were held accountable. Or maybe it is just me.

I know this is something I should improve on. I know I call myself fat on this blog, or discuss my fat, or the volume of my fat, my fat as it pertains to the size of my rear, fat, fat, fat, fat. I guess it could be creating additional issues for me, but I don't think I have an issue with me calling myself fat. I have an issue with other people who think it is OK to comment on my fat. I think if that was the focus of this week, I would be so much more on board. If they called it "Don't comment on my size....watch your own bobber" week, I would have gone to a college campus myself to participate. For those of us on the more rotund end of the spectrum, I think that is the bigger issue. We could probably all talk a little nicer to ourselves, and others.

What is your take on "Fat Talk Free Week"?

She Shoots! She Scores!

When I first started this whole process, I tried to come up with some non-food-related rewards for myself. At that time, it was really hard for me to think of anything beyond food - - I guess that is what I had always used for a reward.  I must have really done a lot of things really well to get myself rewarded to this size!

That being said, I decided to make a list of goals and rewards for myself.  I haven't actually gotten around to matching them up at this point....but I will...eventually.  Let's face it - I have a LOT of time to work with prior to hitting my final goal.  I will hopefully be able to set myself up a series of milestones, and rewards for reaching them. At this point I only have my Mission 101 reward identified. I guess I have some more work to do.

Here is what I have come up with so far....

Goals

• being able to wrap a regular bath towel around my body. at this point it takes...well over one.
• be able to see my wrist bone. it is currently hiding in a safe alcove of blubber.
• be able to see my clavicles. not sure if they have ever been visible, but a girl can dream.
• get into a size that starts with a 1. it has been a really, really, really.....really long time.
• get to the size where I am in the "most" category where "one size fits most" is concerned
• flappy, slappy, hanging, granny, chicken wing arms are no longer an issue
• to fit comfortably in a plane seat. I made a rule that I wasn't allowed to fly until I can.
• be able to use regular stability balls at the gym without popping those things like a balloon. (they have weight limits, you know)
• not having to pay extra charge for extended sizes (clothing)

Rewards

• Blackberry Torch (Mission 101 reward)
• Skydiving (April 2011) the heavier I am, the more I have to pay - so it is time to evict Remus.

Goal/Reward (they fit both categories...kinda)

• climb the Sydney Harbor Bridge. counts as both because I would obviously be on vacation in Australia to be able to do this.
• do the 12km hike in Banff. I would be on vacation in this glorious place (see picture) in order to be able to do it. I live in Minnesota, and have never been to Canada. What is that about? 

if you hike 12km, you get to see this

What is a goal or reward you have for yourself?

Immediate Gratification

My trigger finger got a little itchy!  This was supposed to be for Wednesday morning.  Oh well - enjoy!

I am fairly certain that one of the contributing factors to my current size and lovely shape is my never-ending need for immediate gratification. I am hungry now. I don't want to have to wait until I cook something. I'll just run through the drive-thru. Maybe if someone could figure out a way to immediately remove some of my rear when I do squats, I'd be more compelled to do them? I'm making a note to talk to someone about that.

I think I may have discovered my fitness answer to satisfy my need for immediate gratification. I finally took the leap and bought myself a Body Bugg. They are the black arm bands that the contestants wear on Biggest Loser. They are a pedometer, and track your activity minutes for the day, and total output of calories. They have a computer program that you enter all of your info into (age, height, weight, resting heart rate, etc) and then when you wear the band, it tracks your activity. I have been wearing it for a few days, but finally worked out with it on Monday and Tuesday. It is awesome to see how many steps you took, and how many calories you burned, right away!  I think I may become somewhat addicted to getting this information! When I do my weights and cardio (which I have to do Monday-Friday) I am at the gym for 1.5-2 hours. It is so much easier to do that when you walk out having burned over 1,000 calories. I do realize that I burn way more than the average person because of my sheer volume, and it is awesome to see something concrete right away! The only negative I have discovered in the first few days is that when you have a big, loose, fat, granny, flapping arm (see photo) - the strap leaves an visible/attractive indent when you put it around your arm. Other than this smokin' hot look, I am a bit in love. I do realize it is the honeymoon phase, but I am hoping our loving relationship will last for years to come. 

This gadget may be a bit more involved than you guys want, or need. (I love gadgets!!) I think they make pedometers now that will track the calories you burn, also. I think I remember setting them up for a couple of guys at FC. If your goal is to reach a certain calorie burn, or get a certain number of steps in a day, it might be worth looking into this. They got theirs at a sporting goods store, so you may need to go there to find them.

Random Question for the Day: Have you seen the NutriSystem commercials with Marie Osmond in the yellow sweater? My question is: did they take the 50 pounds she needed to lose, and put it in her boobs?!?!? They are huge.

 What do you use to keep yourself on track?

Holla!

I am astonished by the amount of things that I can get done when I get up in the morning, and just get moving. When I don't cave to the stupid alarm clock. When my old friend, the couch, doesn't lure me away from my schedule. When my rider finally gets my elephant to move it's ass!

I had an appointment with YC this morning. There was much talking and catching up to be done. I had to apologize for my laziness...again. I had to confess that I am a 35 year old who for some reason is in constant need of supervision...again. I had to do calf-raises...again. But all was not lost. YC is, as I sure all of you have gathered, pretty much the bomb. We are going to set times, on the days when I don't meet him, when I will need to come work out. He will either be working out himself, or be working with another client - but he will see me. Babysitting accomplished! My goal is to do cardio (at least 40 minutes) and weights (one of his tormenting workouts) Monday-Friday, and then just cardio on Saturday (60 minutes). If I do all of this, I will have earned Sunday as my "free" day to just sit on the couch, knit (I have learned I don't get to count this as cardio) and watch football. I also learned this morning that this very blog, that you are reading, has made its way around the WAC staff. Shout out to Susan for sharing it with everyone, and shout out to YC for being a good sport about it. I also got him to agree to a "YC Profile" on SDtS! Keep your eyes peeled for that! Everyone at the gym knowing I need to be there will just be one more reason why I can't cheat. I can't get away with telling you guys how hard I worked if I didn't really go do it! They'll bust me! I know, I know - I shouldn't need that as an incentive. I should be able to self-motivate, and self-monitor, and self-a lot of other things, but the truth of the matter is: I need babysitters. It is a sad, but true, realization I have finally resigned myself to.

I also realized that I left myself off the introductions for "Slimming Down to Sexy Mission 101"! I was so excited about everyone that is taking part in it, and their fantastic goals, that I forgot about myself! I am super-selfless...like a mission-running, modern-day Mother Teresa. (shout out to hopefully not offending people) Part of my issue is that I don't have a bod that can be weighed by just any scale. Those home scales that go up to like 200 or 250? I would crush those things like a pop can! So basically, I am not entirely sure how many pounds I need to lose, because I don't know what I currently weigh. The only thing I have is the total pounds lost that I want to be at. So here are my goals, in a slightly different format from the rest of the "marvelous Missioners".

GOALS:

• be to a total of 101 pounds lost (from my first day at FC)by 1/1/11
• follow the exercise guidelines as stated above
• track my calories daily, and record them in my body bugg program (p.s. - day one with my body bugg, which I am still thinking of a name for, and I am LOVING it. More on that later)
• I get to eat "freely" on Thanksgiving. That is it. 

 REWARD

• I get to get myself a Blackberry Torch - I LOVE NEW GADGETS!
• oh yeah...and be healthier and blah, blah, blah

This is go time, people. I have been dinking (yes, dinking) around long enough. Let's get that damn scale moving down! Right!?! 

The Introductions

I decided I needed to set a goal for myself. I needed something more than the fact that I "should" eat well, and I "should" go to the gym. I needed a concrete goal to get my ass moving. I put it out there last week, and I am so completely stoked by the response! I now have two very capable cheerleaders - one will be wielding pom poms, and one is overwhelmingly gifted at writing cheers! I was so happy to have the support - and I LOVE a good cheer!

Then something kind of spectacular happened....people kept signing up to join me with completely awesome missions of their own!! Some are going for strictly dropping the pounds. Many incorporated exercise into their goals. A few want to eat better. One wants to quit smoking. Everyone's goals are as varied and unique as the individuals that set them.  Some might not even know they have been signed up to participate (shout out to signing your spouse up!). All of the goals have one common component - getting healthier - which is really what this is all about!  I suspect we might be unstoppable!

I am so altogether overwhelmed by the sheer fantasticness of all of this! I just want to thank all of you, in advance, for joining me! It is so much better to do things as a group that, although definitely in our best interests, are probably going to suck a fair amount.  So thank you, thank you, thank you!!

I am hoping that the participants will feel comfortable sharing with us - what was hard, what was easy, low-cal snacks they found, a new exercise they discovered - when we do our weekly updates!!  This is a judgment-free environment.  We share tips and support.  Trust me - SDtS readers are nothing short of phenomenal.

I am still waiting on information from a couple of people that said they would like to participate, so I will update next week with their information.  Also - if anyone would like to join, you are free to at any time!  The more the merrier for all things SDtS!  You can go as public or private as you'd like - and you can go as detailed as you'd like in your goals.   

And so, without further ado, I introduce to you the magnificent participants of "Slimming Down to Sexy: Mission 101" and their goals:

Linda Lou

• Lose 25 pounds
• exercise 2 times per week
• eat at least 5 fruits and/or veggies per day

Nina

• Lose 25 pounds  

Stephanie K (aka: Steaming Myself to Hotness)

• Lose 17 pounds
• see her clavicles

Dawn

• Lose 10 pounds
• exercise 4 times per week 

 Lisa

• Lose 30 pounds

  Jason (aka: Vic Amore')

• Lose 30 pounds
• travel without the flight attendants commenting on "alleged"hangover into aisle

Kim

• Lose 15 pounds 

B-Linda

• Lose 8 pounds 
• get 7 hours of sleep at least 4 times per week 

Kate

• Lose 25 pounds
• walk 10,000 steps a day 

Melissa

• Lose 10 pounds
• exercise at least 4 times per week  

cjFh

• Lose 14 pounds
• run 151 miles 

Stephanie D

• Lose 35 pounds
• prepare 3 healthy meals for her, and her family, per week

Molly

• Lose 6 pounds
• eat clean, with no binging

Marill

• Lose 10 pounds
• be able to wear a tight shirt without a gut
• move a notch on her belts 

Meg

• Lose 15 pounds
• fit into her "skinny" clothes again 

CCS

• lose 25 pounds
• increase activity
• eating treats means exercise first  

Ann Abbe

• lose 10 pounds
• exercise 5 times per week
• strength training 2 times per week 

Becca

• Lose 25 pounds
• exercise 4 times per week
• fit into a size 4 

JD

• Lose 10 pounds 

Kari

• Lose 10 pounds 

Marilyn

• Lose 25 pounds
• exercise 3 times per week 

Milt

• Lose 40 pounds
• exercise 2 times per week 

BLUESKYE

• Lose 33 pounds 

Joe R

• Lose 20 pounds
• swim 30 laps 

Joe A

• Lose 20 pounds 

MCS

• Lose 15 pounds 

Bry-Guy

• Lose 10 pounds 

Michelle

• Lose 10 pounds 

Rustin

• Lose 15 pounds
• stop smoking 

SDtS Waseca Chapter (SHOUT OUT!!) 
Members: Camille, Kate & Patrice (The goals are the same for all members)

• Lose 15 pounds
• workout 5 times per week
• drink 6-8 glasses of water a day
• eat 5 fruits and/or veggies a day
• make healthy dining decisions.  More calories = more exercise

 I am so excited to get started on this process with all of you!! I am certain that together we can make positive progress toward all of our "healthy living" goals, and hopefully have some fun doing it!

As Kate (from the Waseca chapter) said: "This is NOT about the race but the journey!" 

Good luck everyone!  I'll check in with you next Friday!  Happy/healthy living to you all!!

"Being a good writer is 3% talent, 97% not being distracted by the internet" - Anonymous

Today was the day I was going to get so far on my book.  I was going to get 2 more weeks done, and all of the updates and revisions and additions and improvements - that needed to be completed.  I was basically going to have that baby done!  Not so much.  Between email, Facebook and Twitter (my total new obsession) I was led astray.  Not so much led - I went willingly - so maybe tempted astray?  I did still get a reasonable amount of updating completed, and I have gotten 1/2 of it written - so it isn't like I didn't do anything.  I'm not sure I was a good writer to start with, and that larger ratio is certainly not helping matters! I did learn today that we only space once between sentences now? Mr. Esget (my HS English teacher) would be so disappointed in me. 

I just couldn't help myself!  Excitement abounds here at SDtS!!  At least I think it is exciting!  As of Thursday at 9:45pm, I am up to 19 total participants in the "SDtS: Mission 101" challenge!  This means, in short: I won't have to do it alone!!  Some want to shed a couple of pounds, some want to shed a lot of pounds.  Some have incorporated exercise into their goals.  It is basically a very personal mission, where we are all just going to do it together, and be really supportive of each other.  I can't wait to get started!! 

Another issue with my focus is probably because part of me might still be riding the high from the Chilean Miner rescue.  Honestly.  I couldn't stop watching it, and then crying, and then watching it, and then crying.  I am not a huge lover of the news - I think it is depressing, and the old adage "ignorance is bliss" works really well for me.  I confess, I didn't pay much attention to this story before Tuesday night.  But this story was absolutely unlike anything I have ever witnessed!  They are in an emergency shelter when the mine collapses - amazing.  They live for 17 days without anyone knowing if they are even alive - amazing.  The President of the Country (is President correct?  I should know after all of that footage of him, but I don't) basically goes against the more popular vote, and decides he is going to do whatever he has to do to save them - amazing.  There are 3 countries that race to drill to them first - amazing.  The men in the mine all have daily tasks and daily duties, and it appears no one goes crazy - amazing.  One miner has his wife and his girlfriend show up looking for him - oops.  People are smart enough to get them on a special diet, and extensively plan for their evacuation needs (clothes, sunglasses, etc), like this has ever happened before - amazing.  People are brave enough to go down into the cave, not knowing if this evacuation plan will actually work, to help the guys that are down there - amazing.  These guys had the balls to do what it took to stay alive in a cave, 2000ish feet into the earth, in 90 degree/humid temps, not knowing when or if help would actually make it to them, assuming if help did make it it would be around Christmas, and never give up - amazing.  The whole rescue operation when off without a hitch, and everyone was out like 14 hours ahead of schedule - amazing.  A-ma-zing.  Only un-amazing part of the whole thing?  Well, only un-amazing for me, really. Realizing I would have had to stay in the mine because my enormous rear would not have fit in that capsule!  For realz, y'all!

I am excited to have some visitors this weekend, and play with my new Body Bugg.  I am going to be ready for getting to it on Monday, which is good because I have a LONG way to go by the first of the year! 

Have a great weekend, everyone!  Make sure to tune in this weekend for the SDtS: Mission 101 introductions!

The FUPssiere

Sometimes...when you get yourself nice and huge, and really get your body good and stretched out, things get pretty ugly when you start to lose weight.  Back before FC, I was humongous - but things were...firmer.  Monstrous, but more solid.  As I said in the "pancake-effect" entry, I have found that the more pounds I drop - the more things move....toward the floor!  (anti-shout out to gravity!)  Melissa McCarthy's character on Mike & Molly (a cute show on CBS about 2 overweight people who are dating) said, when her mom told her she was just "big boned" - "bones don't jiggle".

I have now discovered a new level to this problem - it can be best described as "floating FUPA".  I went to bootcamp class, and there is supposed to be much jumping about, jumping jacks, etc.  I tend to do a lot of marching during these times.  When you get a lot (and by a lot, I mean A LOT) of now-looser skin and flab moving in different directions, it can get painful.  We wear sports bras for this reason - but why does it have to stop at the boobs?  I have decided that what I really need is a "FUPssiere".  It would be like a brassiere for your FUPA - something to hold everything....up and secure.

The only major issue I can think of is that if I just had a band around my FUPA, and get to jumping around, the band will just roll down.  I think I may have come up with the perfect solution!  I want to develop something that would basically look like a glorified swimsuit - but made of comfortable/breathable material.  It would combine a sports bra, a FUPssiere and granny panties (the huge, over-the-gunt underwear I use for the gym, to avoid the roll-down I spoke of earlier).  They would be like Spanxx for the gym!  Now who wouldn't buy that?!?  I might be a millionaire!  I just need someone handier than I am to design it!

I also have my first "SDtS Product Endorsement"!  This weekend I discovered Extra Dessert Delights gum.  They have a sugarless option that is called "Mint Chocolate Chip" (one of my favorite ice cream flavors).  It is 5 calories per stick, and tastes delicious!!  The flavor actually lasts for a really long time, too.  I haven't tried the other flavors, but I think this one is definitely a win!

Share your favorite low-cal treat!

You're So Vain

There are periods of time where I go entire weeks without putting on anything other than t-shirts, sweat pants and sports bras.  It is as though real clothes do not exist.  Jeans?  They are just too binding.  Shirts that come in actual sizes?  They aren't nearly comfy as over-sized t-shirts.  Bras with clasps?  Why would you wear those when you can wear something that turns your boobs into one big tube?  It is easy to get too comfortable being comfortable.

I have had to put a new set of rules in place for myself.  At least one time per week I need to actually get myself "ready" and leave the house.  Going to the gym does not count.  I need to put on jeans, a real shirt, fix my hair, put on make-up, and go out.  Go run errands.  Go grab some dinner (on occasion).  Go watch a Twins or Vikings game at a local bar (while drinking water and diet coke, and avoiding fried things).  Do something to prove I haven't completely given up!

It is easy to let things slide when you work from your house, or are unemployed.  I have to remind myself to color my hair regularly (I would be completely gray if I let it go), get my hair cut regularly, and make sure my facial hair (eyebrows, mustache and sideburns) get waxed regularly.  I grow more hair out my face than I do out my legs, which is not exactly sexy - which we all know is our main objective here at SDtS!  Speaking of legs - I need to remember to keep those shaved as well.  It is easy to let that slide when the weather starts getting cooler, and (sadly) you're the only one going anywhere near your legs!  Sometimes I get so focused on the things I am working on - eating well and working out - that I let things slide until all of the sudden I have to get ready to go somewhere, and I realize I am a MESS!  It is silly when you are 35 and have to put reminders, with alarms, into your calendar!

Do you have any tips on maintaining your vanity?

**Note about participating in my "Mission 101" challenge:  I will not be posting your weights! =)  You will tell me this Friday (10/15) how much you want to lose.  I will be doing a weekend post to list the participants, and their goals.  Then each Friday I will need you to send me the amount you lost (or gained if things go haywire!) - and I will update every weekend with that number, and your total left to lose.  I will also include any notes the participants have (things that were easy, what they struggled with that week, tips they may have come across, etc) and are willing to share.  It is going to be awesome!  So far I have 4 joiners, but it would be fantastic to have more!  (P.S. if you would like to participate, and I don't have your email address, please send me an email, in addition to putting it in "comments".  I will send out reminder emails to the group each Thursday).  It is always better to do things as a group, so join us!