WHEW ... things are really slowing down in our little "community" here, huh??!  I have been able to pop onto some spaces & leave a few comments, but not as much time to respond as I'd like (or blog for that matter!).  I just wanted everyone to know that Ray & I are STILL mustering up our 212 ATTITUDES & moving forward NO MATTER WHAT & I'm THRILLED to see that many of our "friends" will be here, as well!  It's been challenging to get "back into the swing" of things (after I got a little "off track" this weekend!), but I've FORCED myself to eat right & exercise every day except yesterday.  I had another headache (I had one on Wed. but forced myself to work out anyway, b/c it wasn't toooo bad).  Yesterday was a different story.  I just felt really "yucky" & my head was POUNDING & since I didn't feel like cleaning up puke in the basement, I opted OUT of the workout yesterday. 

 

Today, however, I feel MUCH better & found a GREAT time to work out (this has been a tough thing for me, as my workout times are NOT consistent ... I just try to make sure I get them in every day!).  I got all of my little ones lunch & then headed down the the basement to workout.  My oldest son (who was having his own "lunch break") was able to keep an eye on everyone & then he got them settled for their 30 min. of TV for the day while I finished up.  I liked it b/c it relieved Nathan (my 12 yr. old) from having to "watch" the little ones while I worked out, thus he didn't miss out on any "schoolwork," plus, I was not dodging the little ones while doing my "TAE-BO" kicks!  They were happily having lunch & I had an hour of "peaceful" working out & then I was "DONE!" for the day!  I was able to grab a quick shower as soon as I put them all down for naps & then I had a light lunch, as I wasn't really that hungry (another BONUS??!!).  We are normally ALWAYS home for lunch, so I'm going to try to hit this time each day next week & see how it goes.  In the past, I tried mornings (too hectic w/the little ones & Nathan having to "watch them" meant he wasn't doing "school"), afternoons (I've usually LOST my energy & can't manage to get "moving" before the rest of my crew comes home from school, plus I'm usually trying to tidy up from our mornings).  By evening, when Ray is home, I AM able to work out w/o worrying about the kids, but there are MANY days "things" come up & someone has to go somewhere or I have to run to the store, which means if I WANT to get my workout in, it's LATE & I don't usually enjoy that, either .... soooo, after 11 WEEKS, it looks like I just may have found the PERFECT time for ME to workout ... we'll see!! 

 

I understand that this was a totally DRY & BORING post, but I felt like I had to get SOMETHING up here, so I could still feel "connected" w/all of you!  Hope you didn't mind "listening" & I PROMISE to be more amusing next time! 

 

So, just a few "Monday Musings" that came to me in the shower this morning AFTER I worked out ...

 

Wow, I thought my tummy was ugly before????  Now, it's starting to sag AND it has HAIR growing out of it (EEEWWWWW!).  I guess since it's on the lower half of my stomach, I couldn't SEE it when my belly was so big!  Now, it's just plain SCARY!  WHAT is that all about??? 

 

After I got over the shock of looking at my belly, I finished washing up & stepped out of the shower (insert heavenly sounding music here & a glorious sunbeam shinning down from above) ... Lo & behold, I was able to wrap the towel around my WHOLE BODY & there was not a GAPING CRATER down the side!!!  Yep, for the first time in a LONG TIME, a regular bath towel encircled my ENTIRE body & stayed put!!!  I actually did a little "towel dance" in the middle of my bathroom!  What a victory!! 

 

I share those with you because this weekend, I got HORRIBLY off track!  I didn't really work out at all (I normally do 5-6 times a week!) & by Sunday, I was depressed that I had gained back that extra pound I had lost by Thurs. & my mood was in the toilet!  I was grumpy & short w/everyone.  I managed to get everyone to church b/c I KNEW I needed it, but I still didn't lighten up.  In fact, as the day went on, I got even "moodier" & ended up baking some of those "break apart" cookies that were left over from my daughter's b-day slumber party on Friday (Ray was out snowblowing).  Now, I have to tell you that I have NOT stooped to "emotional eating" since I had a giant piece of my daughter's b-day cake back on the first of February.  I knew I had been riding a "slippery slope," as I'd had some fast food on Fri. & some soda (which I have almost totally cut out ... MAYBE one can a week w/healthy pizza on Fridays!).  I thought I'd be OK, but w/the snowstorm & having "extra" kids here for 2 days/nights, I just kinda "gave up" on me.  I think by the time Sun. rolled around, I knew I was in trouble!  As the day went on, I ate the cookies (5 of them ... UGGGHHH!) & drank some Hot Chocolate before bed (haven't eaten before bed since starting this whole challenge!).  I drank little (if any!) water for those few days & I am STILL AMAZED that I lost that ONE pound by Sun. morning!  I guess maybe I HAVE built up enough muscle to "keep burning the fat" when I don't do so hot!  

 

Anyway, I am PROUD to say that I mustered up EVERY OUNCE of 212 DETERMINATION that I could & I FORCED myself to get in the basement & work out BEFORE anything could get in the way today.  I even promised my 4 yr. old that we'd go the library AFTER I worked out (knowing she'd hold me to it & I wouldn't be able to slack off & not go!).  I was DREADING working out b/c I knew it had been 4-5 days since my last workout & I even thought about just doing a 30 min. "easy-breezy" ball routine I have.  Once I was dressed & in the basement, I figured I'd better just buckle down & get to it.  I put on my 1 hr. ADVANCED tape & almost DIED!  It's AMAZING how quickly our body reverts back to being "out of shape"!  I was able to do the whole thing (minus a few reps on certain exercises), but man, was I SUCKING WIND!!!  My muscles were NOT happy that I had "taken the break" & I can assure you that I will be at it EVERY DAY THIS WEEK to get back in the groove! 

 

I was starting to feel "proud" of the muscles I was developing & even though I'm a LOOONG way from my goal, I was proud of my progress!  Getting off track this weekend reminded me that I AM human & I WILL make mistakes, but for the first time EVER, I said, "Today is a fresh start & I choose to take back control"!  I've been pretty "upbeat" & determined through this process, but I think I finally had my moment of doubt.  Thankfully, I've come TOOOO far to let it overcome me & I KNOW, w/the help of my husband, my 212 family & all of you, I can stand up proud, again & move forward!  I really want to be an inspiration to all of those moms out there that think there's NO WAY they can do it!  With 6 children, it isn't always easy, but I know it HAS to be done!  I want to reach out to each of you & say, "it's OK, we're going to make mistakes, but we WIN just because we choose to learn & move forward!"  Please know that I think you're WORTH IT & I hope that you will dig deep & find a way to re-energize yourself one more time, if you are struggling!  Together, we WILL do this!!!

 

 

Well, our weigh-in day is "officially" on Sundays, but I wanted to see how close I came to losing my 20lbs. in 2 months, so I hopped on the scale today ... I am PROUD to report that I am down 19 lbs. in TWO months!!!  Yes, I'm still "behind" by 1 lb. (which you can BET will be GONE by Sunday! ), but I would have NEVER even thought it POSSIBLE to do, if I hadn't been encouraged to take up the challenge by this Biggest Loser MPMU!  I had been "floundering" for several months on HOW to get my body in shape, as I was VERY unhappy (not to mention UNHEALTHY ... for the first time in my life, I had HIGH blood pressure!  Today, I'm happy to report that it is TOTALLY back to normal!!!).  I'd looked at several options & even half-heartedly "tried" several things, but NOTHING kept me motivated & on track ... until now!  With all of the support & encouragement I've gotten here (not to mention from my wonderful hubby!), I've been able to battle through the 180's & 190's since beginning on Jan. 6, 2008!  Today I am "officially" at 179, so I've left those nasty numbers behind FOREVER!!!  My goal is to "SLICE THROUGH THE SEVENTIES" in March & continue on my journey, NO MATTER WHAT!!!  April will see me "SMASHING THROUGH THE SIXTIES" & then in May I will "FIGHT through the FIFTIES"!  By the end of June, I will have "Fried the FORTIES," where I will only have TWO POUNDS to go to reach my goal of 138!!  When you see it like that, it's truly EMPOWERING!!  To think I will be celebrating the summer weighing SIXTY POUNDS LESS than I did when I started the year is just INCREDIBLE ... especially considering I was on the brink of being 200 pounds!!!  I am SOOOO excited!!!  I know it is still a BATTLE every day, but I LOVE having all of you here to cheer me on through the tough times!!  THANK YOU for your continued support!  I could have NEVER done this w/out all of you & I HOPE that my journey is inspiring to someone else, who NEVER thought it possible!!!   EACH of us is WORTH the effort & determination this challenge requires!  I encourage every ONE of you to muster up the 212 MOTIVATION & FOCUS that is necessary to stay on track, b/c you & your family DESERVE the opportunity for a LONGER & STRONGER life!!! 

 

Well, another week down & our little group continues to CHUG along!  Our winner's for week 5 are:  TAMMIE & GLENN!!!  They have captured the title for the SECOND time, but it was CLOSE!!!  David & Kristie (www.kristi-david-weightloss.spaces.live.com) were only .2% behind the winners!!  In the "individual" categories, the girls KICKED -BOOTY!!!  Kristie was first w/3.8 lbs. lost (1.8%) & Tammie was second with 3 lbs. lost (1.5%)!!  AWESOME JOB, gals!  Michael & Cassandra (www.stumblingtostanding.spaces.live.com) struggled this week, along with Ray, but I LOVED Cassandra's note that said she now realizes how QUICK that weight will come back on if she's not diligent about her "lifestyle" ... just a few days of "off" eating or not exercising can quickly start us back on that downward spiral!  I KNOW all three of these guys will be VIGILANT this week & be right back on track next week (especially if you all pop in & give them a few words of encouragement)!!  This is for the health of ourselves AND our families & they are WORTH IT, RIGHT???    CONGRATS, again, to Tammie & Glenn!  You guys are TOUGH competitors & I'm PROUD of your continued efforts!!!  Keep up the GREAT work this week, everyone, & remember to keep that 212 DETERMINATION alive, so we can celebrate YOUR success next week!!!! 

 

Hey gang!  It was a good week for me, as I was able to achieve another 2 lb. loss.  I have until Mar. 6th to lose 3 more pounds, so I can reach my "20 lbs. in 2 months" goal ... I am going to do all I can to make it happen, but I am HONESTLY AMAZED that I have been able to be as steady as I've been.  It's been SLOW & sometimes frustrating, but overall, I've kept my head down & pressed forward, DETERMINED to lose this 60 lbs. by the end of June!  I know it's only going to continue to get harder, as I lose more weight, but I intend to stay the course!  I'm HOPING you all will continue here w/us, so we can continue to support & cheer one another on!  I gain MUCH strength & inspiration from all of YOUR stories, so I HOPE you will all continue to share!!! 

 

Ray had a tougher week, as he had the first personal gain for our team ever (2 lbs.), but it didn't result in an overall gain, as I had lost 2lbs.  I know his heart was really not into it as much last week & I honestly think that is due to a situation that happened early in the week.  He had a former student commit suicide (the boy was a sophomore in H.S.) & it was very tragic.  I found Ray talking about him almost every day last week, just "in passing," so I really think he was emotionally affected by it more than he wanted to let on!  We also had 2 days of horrible weather & was late to the gym, thinking he would be getting a call for snow days.  By Thurs., he played in the b-ball game w/the H.S. kids & hurt his leg/foot, so I think that was just the LAST straw!  He was FRUSTRATED & I could tell he was mentally "tired"!  He has a "no excuses" attitude & was fully aware of what was most likely going to happen on the scale.  He KNOWS where he fell short last week & has every intention of getting back on track this week, so I have NO DOUBTS in my mind that he will!  

 

Our 212 group continues to do well & we have another CLOSE competition going between 2 couples so far this week.  I'm waiting for 2 groups to check in & then I can't WAIT to post our winner!  I'm sooo proud that these couples are continuing this challenging journey with a 212 ATTITUDE!!!  Keep up the GREAT work you are all doing ... it will be SOOOOO worth it, especially as summer approaches & our kids BEG us to be outside, active & in the water with them!!!! 

 

 

Hey gang!  Well, this is a little later than normal b/c Ray let me SLEEP IN this morning ... it felt GREAT!  He's such a SWEETIE!!  We have MORE SNOW falling, but the kids all went off to school, so not too many "rugrats" at home today!   

 

Today's 212 Principle is PERSEVERANCE & it's one I've been WAITING to blog about all week!  The video states that:  "Perseverance is not a long race: it is many short races, one after another."  ~ Walter Elliot.  I just think this is the PERFECT way to think about our journey to better health!  I know I've equated this challenge to running a MARATHON & NOT a sprint, but let's face it ... a marathon is pretty darn DAUNTING at this juncture in my life, whether it be real or figurative!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hey everyone!  Well, we're FINALLY back to school (well, all that are of that age!) & my goal is to get this house back into shape!  We had 10 kids here all day yesterday & several trips in & out to play in the snow (oh how I LOVE that whole "dress/undress" process ... NOT!).  Anyway, we survived & it really was fun having everyone home!  Ray has conferences tonight & then a football "coaching thing" at the H.S. tonight (they have all of next year's team come together to play basketball w/coaches & just "hang out & have fun" ... they stay until after midnight!).  Luckily, Ray has tomorrow off, since he's got conferences late tonight, so he's giving me the "day off" tomorrow & staying home w/our kids & our "daycare" kids.  I'm planning to do some shopping for our daughter's b-day on Sun. & then maybe just crash at my mom's for the afternoon & read/nap, since our weekend is going to be really busy!  I am SOOOO blessed that Ray is such a "hands on" dad & so thoughtful to recognize when I need a "break"!  He's the BEST!

 

So, our 212 principle today is FOCUS & what a GREAT thing to think about!  The video defines 212 Focus as "having a simple, clearly defined goal can capture the imagination & inspire passion.  It can cut through the fog, like a beacon in the night."  What is YOUR focus in this journey?  Have you made it simple & compelling, or have you created a complex, nearly impossible goal to attain?

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hey everyone!  It's another SNOWY one in Ohio, so we are blessed with yet another snow day for the kids (once again, Ray gets the short end, as his district has school!).  I spent over an hour & 20 min. outside yesterday shoveling the wettest HEAVIEST snow I've ever shoveled!  It was GREAT exercise, but my chest & arms were KILLING me last night!  I also did one of my 50 min. DVD's before dinner, so I got in some GREAT exercise yesterday, even though I had a house FULL of children!   I am on a MISSION to get OUT of the 180's this week, to stay on "track" for my goal of 10 lbs. a month.  After weighing myself yesterday morning, that means I have TWO more pounds to lose by the end of the week ... NO PROBLEM, RIGHT? ... UGGGGHH!  Guess I should be THANKFUL for that snow, huh?

 

So, today's 212 Principle is BELIEF.  The video states that 212 BELIEF fuels enthusiasm, & enthusiasm explodes into passion.  It fires our souls & lifts our spirits.  I can certainly see how this was the case when we first started this journey!  We believed that we could truly make a life-changing decision that would make ourselves AND our children stronger & more healthy.  We jumped in with both feet, setting up our space (or TRYING!), making "friends," starting a support group of other parents & immediately giving up MANY bad habits.  We committed to daily exercise & eating smarter.  We were happier & more energetic than we'd been in a LONG time!  Life was GOOD & we had a PASSION to succeed!

 

 

 

 

 

I hope you're all having a FANTASTIC day!  We woke up to about 4 in. of snow & another 4-6 being called for today!  Needless to say, my little cherubs have no school & I'll have 3 other children here who's parents need to work, so I'll have a FULL HOUSE today with 9 kids total ... WHEW!  It's always fun, though, to get that "unexpected" day off from school ... poor Ray, his district didn't cancel (surprising since everyone around us is closed!), so he didn't get that little "gift" today!  Sorry, hon!

 

Well, today's 212 principle is all about kindness.  At first, I think we immediately think about our actions toward others.  How patient are we toward others in our lives?  How helpful are we to the neighbor or friend, or even stranger we come across in our daily life?  Do we take the time to really listen to our children & others in our lives? We all know what it means to be "kind toward others" ... but I think 212 kindness takes it "one degree further" & says, "How kind are you to YOURSELF?"  You can't truly be kind & loving toward others until you grant YOURSELF that gift!

 

One thing I'm learning in this journey is how HARD that can be!!!!  It is SOOOO much easier to "cheer others on" & give them words of encouragement & support when I "see" someone is down.  I am the first one to jump in & tell OTHERS to hang in there things WILL get better!  I am quick to remind them that a "gain" is part of this process & to be PROUD of their continued efforts!  

 

Why, then, do I find it so difficult to give MYSELF that same "advice"??  Why am I so quick to "judge" myself & harbor negative thoughts/feelings about myself in my head?  Isn't the golden rule "treat others as you wish to be treated" ... if we're treating others with such kindness & respect, don't we deserve the same for ourseleves??

 

Today, I challenge you to show that "extra degree" of kindness not only toward others, but more importantly, TOWARD YOURSELF!  If you make a mistake, DON'T beat yourself up ... stop & think of what you would say to one of your "buddies" in the MPMU!  If you're feeling down about a "bummer weigh-in," see the POSITIVE steps you're taking to change it & MOVE FORWARD!  Find a quiet moment today to read, pray, relax, take a bath ... whatever makes YOU feel rejuvinated & "special" ... YOU DESERVE IT!!!! 

 

Take a moment to share a random act of kindness with someone today ... & then do the SAME for yourself!  I'd LOVE to hear what you did, so please feel free to share!

 

As we start off the week, I thought this was the PERFECT way to get our minds "ready" for another week in this journey to better health!  As the "reality" sets in & we realize the permanence of making "good choices daily," we might start to feel disillusioned ... yet another day of fighting off cravings, battling our desire for inactivity, dealing w/"life situations" ... it becomes rather "un-exciting" when the scale slows down & we're seeing smaller numbers each week (or NO changes at all!).  THIS is the time we have to dig down & find our 212 ATTITUDE ... that one degree of effort that will force our bodies AND minds to accept the challenges & then MOVE FORWARD!  We all knew this would be a TOUGH journey & the ONLY WAY to stay on track is to keep a 212 ATTITUDE that will propel us into CONTINUED ACTION!  Every day, we wake up to a choice ... do we choose to CONTINUE this journey, despite the challenges, or do we toss in the towel?  The ATTITUDE you choose to put on makes ALL the difference!  I hope you will join me today in cultivating a 212 ATTITUDE that reminds you ALL DAY that you are WORTH this effort & you DESERVE to reach your goal! 

 

212 ATTITUDE, according to the video, looks like this:  "The only thing that stands between a person and what they want in life is the WILL TO TRY IT & the FAITH to believe it's possible!"  Obviously, we ALL have the "will to try it" or we wouldn't still be here sharing struggles & triumphs each week!  What I'd like you to think about TODAY is this ...

 

 

If you truly can't "VISUALIZE" or BELIEVE that you can conquer this challenge to lose weight & get healthy, then sadly enough, you won't!  We can all cheer you on & support you in EVERY WAY POSSIBLE, but until you deem yourself WORTHY ENOUGH to deserve this AND SEE IT as happening, then you will continue to struggle!  Unfortunately, no one can "give you" this faith.  I wish I could figure out a way to "bottle" a 212 ATTITUDE & send EACH of you that gift, but I can't.  You have to find it within yourself, with the help of whatever faith you call upon.  I believe God did NOT create me to be miserable & unhealthy.  He created an amazing body that deserves to be taken care of, so I can go out & bless the world with whatever gifts He has given me to share!

 

I urge you, today, to take OWNERSHIP of your ATTITUDE & go that EXTRA DEGREE to think positive in the midst of your challenges (we all have them MANY times a day!).  Begin SEEING yourself reaching that "finish line" & celebrating the WONDERFUL HEALTHY PERSON you've become! 

 

212 ATTITUDE ... that ONE DEGREE OF EFFORT separates the GOOD from the GREAT!!!  So, make today GREAT by adjusting your attitude when necessary & finding a way to go that EXTRA degree!  How about joining us for 212 crunches or conquering 212 steps today ... it's YOUR choice!!

 

Hi gang!  Boy, it was obvious that EVERYONE had 212 DETERMINATION this week, as the final tally showed 4 teams w/in 1 TENTH of the winners losing percentage!  As we settle into the "grind" of this weekly lifestyle change, we can see how important that 212 FOCUS is going to be!!  I am SOOOOO proud of our 212 family, as almost EVERYONE either posted a loss, or maintained!!  Every pound lost is a victory over not only our bodies, but our MINDS as well!  These parents are PUSHING THROUGH the obstacles & MAKING the changes necessary to create healthier lives for themselves AND their children!!!  Way to go, guys!!!  Our 212 "BIGGEST LOSER" couple this week was Ray & I, with another 3 lbs. lost.  We won by only .06 lbs.!!! I am so PROUD of Ray, as he finally broke the 220 mark by hitting 218 this week!  He doesn't remember the last time he was below 220 ... probably before our 1st son came along 12 years ago!! GREAT JOB, honey!!   David & Kristi (2.8 lbs. lost) (www.kristi-david-weightloss.spaces.live.com) & Mike & Michelle  (2.9 lbs. lost)(www.mmullins94.spaces.live.com) were right on our heals with a .68% loss this week!  I want to mention the two other teams that were in the .6% range as well, Frank & Abby (2.4 lbs. lost - .64%) (www.thejimenezmenace.spaces.live.com) & Scott & Frances (3 lbs. lost - .61%) (www.scottandfrances.spaces.live.com).  With the losses so tight, I felt they deserved recognition as well! CONGRATULATIONS, again, to our ENTIRE 212 Family, for hanging tough for yet ANOTHER week in this journey!!!  May you each tackle this upcoming week with renewed  212 determination & enthusiasm!! 

 

Hey everyone!  I just thought I'd post a quick message relating my FEAR about the weigh-in tomorrow!  I'm scared I'm getting to one of those "plateua" places, after losing about 15 lbs. fairly easily (I say that ONLY b/c I KNEW it would require MAJOR eating/moving changes & I have done those things fairly well).  I cheated this morning, by weighing in to see how my week is shaping up (plus I was "blessed" w/that time of the month again, so I KNEW things wouldn't be great & I wanted to see the damage!).  Anyway, I've busted my tail this week (doing 2 workouts a day since Wed.) & eating what I thought was good & the scale was NOT kind.  At 5am, it said I had gained 1.5 lbs. & at 9 am (BLESS my husband's heart for giving me a morning to SLEEP IN!!! LOVE him for that!!), the scale said I was up by .5 lbs.  I KNOW, I KNOW, weigh-in isn't until TOMORROW, but there is NO WAY I'm losing 2-3 lb.s OVERNIGHT (unless all this MUSCLE I've built up is going to magically MELT off those pounds today! ).  I am SOOOO focused on getting OUT of the 180's in Feb. & I don't have a whole lot of time to do it, now, as the month winds down!  I am trying really HARD to stay on that 10lbs. a month track & now I seem to be hitting a wall! 

 

I CAN say that I truly AM building a lot of muscle, as my husband can attest to.  He felt my arms/legs the other day & was blown away by how SOLID they have become.  I can even feel the muscles in my abs when I tighten them (of course, they are still covered by the blubber, so NO WAY was he going to feel THOSE muscles! ), but they ARE there ... even those "obliques" that the instructor is always encouraging me to CRUNCH are getting tight!).  I know I wrote about being able to fit into clothes I couldn't, so my body IS changing & for that I'm thankful ... it's just that I don't know what else to do!  I'm exercising regularly (& VARYING the routines!) & eating OK (I think?) & drinking a TON of water (over 100 oz. a day) ... WHAT IS UP???  I NEED A PERSONAL TRAINER TO HELP ME NAVIGATE THIS COMPLEX JOURNEY!!

 

Since I don't have one ... maybe all of you could help me out.  Any suggestions?  HOW could I "jump-start" this losing game again?  What can I do to rev up my metabolism & get it burning again?  I can say I haven't been doing well w/eating those 5 smaller meals a day, as I just can't seem to fit in those "snacks." (I'm honestly NOT hungry for them!).   I'm SURE that would help, so I will focus on that this week.  Any other ideas from others that have hit this snag?  I have NO PLANS to give up & I'm not discouraged, b/c as I've said, I AM seeing changes, but that's not to say I'm not frustrated.  Any help would be greatly appreciated!!

 

Thanks, guys & enjoy a WONDERFUL WEEKEND!!!

 

Take care, everyone & until next time .... drink some water, move a little & SMILE!

Hey gang ... I KNOW it's all about "calories in/calories out" & I can honestly say, I'm TRYING!  However, it's a challenge for me in my  current life to figure out the EXACT calorie/fat/protien/fiber count in every bite I take.  That being said, I'm WAAAAAY further along than I've EVER been, just for the simple fact that I'm READING labels & making much better choices in those areas!  Obviously, I continue to lose an average of 2 lbs. a week, so I'm doing OK, but I've been stressing lately that if I didn't start accounting for EVERY MORSEL that went into my mouth, I would not reach my goal.  I understand that those that keep a food journal are the MOST successful & my ultimate goal would be to GET THERE; however, right now, that's just not possible & STRESSING about NOT keeping one is only making it worse!  I am doing OK w/my food choices & keeping to a STRONG exercise program each day, so for me, that is a HUGE improvement over what I was doing just a few short weeks ago!  I really can't "do it all" at once, or I think I'll throw in the towel, so I'm going to continue reading those labels & maybe incorporate a few of the tips below to really help me MAXIMIZE my dietary changes, until that food journal becomes a reality!  I thought maybe some of you would benefit from seeing the tips, too!  Enjoy & let me know what you think!! 

By the way ... on a side note ... I absolutely HATE fruits & veggies.  I can stomach a few (broccoli, beans, strawberries & pineapple), but I'm SURE I NEED to really start incorporating even MORE variety.  Most of the time, it's a "texture" issue & I just have this horrible "gag" reflex when it comes to these healthy foods.  If ANYONE has some helpful hints on how to overcome this (or if you've done it yourself!) I'd LOVE to hear from you!  I want to overcome this, so I can really "do as I tell my children to do" & NOT "do as I SAY!"  THANKS!!  ~ Angie

 

Lose Weight Without the Math

Sick of diets that are more complicated than your tax return? Here's how to ditch unwanted pounds--no calculator required

Paige Greenfield

With all the weighing, measuring, and calorie totaling, dropping a few pounds can seem as mind-bending as high school calculus. But it doesn't have to be. "Of course calories count," says Dawn Jackson Blatner, R.D., a spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association, "but there are plenty of ways to cut them without a math Ph.D." In fact, some simple lifestyle changes are often more effective than obsessive number crunching. Follow these four strategies and the only figure you'll be thinking about is the smokin' one in the mirror.

Instead counting calories - Try joining a club
Because Keeping a running total is a little like guessing how many jelly beans are in a Mason jar. According to a 2006 study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, Americans--even those who are at a healthy weight-­consistently lowball the number of calories in large fast-food meals by up to 38 percent.

For portion control without the decimal points, sign up for a delivery service like DeliciouslyYours (ediets.com) or Health Management Resources (hmrprogram.com). They deliver meals in just-right sizes to your doorstep each week. And the foods they consist of are usually high in fiber and protein, so you won't feel deprived, says Anne Fletcher, R.D., author of Thin for Life.

Another, er, plus: The smaller portions train you to recognize proper serving sizes, so you'll make smarter choices when the prepackaged grub is out of reach. You can enroll in a meal-delivery service for $12 to $20 a day; there are good options in the freezer aisle too, says Elisa Zied, R.D., author of So What Can I Eat?! Look for frozen meals that have less than 500 calories and have at least four grams of fiber, no more than 15 grams of fat (fewer than three grams saturated and no trans fat), and fewer than 700 milligrams of sodium.

Instead eating by food ratios - Try eye-balling labels
Because If diets like the Zone, Atkins, or South Beach didn't work for you, it may not be because you couldn't give up bagels. It could be because you're too darn busy to bother updating percentages and ratios at every meal. If you don't have Rain Man keeping tabs on your meals, try this instead: Take 15 seconds to scan food labels for key ingredients. According to a 2007 report by the USDA Economic Research Service, we spend an average of 30 percent of our annual grocery bill on foods such as muffins, cakes, cupcakes, cookies, crackers, ice cream, candy, soda, and doughnuts--foods whose ingredients lists have sugar at or near the top. It's a pretty big duh that sweeteners jack up calories, but they also take your blood sugar on a roller-coaster ride that lands you right back at the fridge. We call it the theory of "calories in, calories in."

End the snacking madness by making natural, whole foods the bulk of your diet. That includes fruits, veggies, and lean meats such as chicken, turkey, flank steak, pork chops, and fish. And when stocking up on packaged foods, choose ones "that list whole foods, such as whole-wheat flour, oats, peanuts, and real fruit, in the first line of ingredients," Zied says. That's your clue that a food is lower in calories and higher in fiber and protein than one with a lot of high-fructose corn syrup, sugar, molasses, or even honey.

Instead of logging 30 minutes on the treadmill - Try pumping up to scale down
Because According to a recent review by a Duke University medical research­er, treadmill displays inflate the number of calories you burn by 10 to 15 percent. The study also found that 20 percent of us reward ourselves after exercise by eating as many calories as we worked off--and that we're less inclined to get physical after a strenuous workout for two to six hours. That's when we'll veg out on the couch instead of do housework.

A more efficient way to counteract dessert is to pump iron. Though cardio torches more calories minute-for-minute than lifting, weight training keeps your internal furnace going long after you put down the dumbbells. A study in the journal Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise found that after six months of lifting weights three days a week, subjects increased their resting metabolic rate (that's the number of calories you burn just sitting on your butt) by 7 percent. To squeeze the most out of every curl and squat, speed it up: Another study in the same ­journal found that lifting quickly (for example, during a squat, lowering for two seconds, then coming up as fast as you can) fries calories 11 percent faster than lifting slowly. Researchers think the explosive movements create more calorie-melting muscle contractions.

Instead of measuring each bite - Try enjoying each bite
Because Being a slave to your kitchen scale won't make the one in your bathroom budge faster. A 2007 study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition confirmed that it is possible to eat more and still slim down. The study compared weight loss in two groups of obese women. All of them were told to eat a reduced-fat diet, but one group was also instructed to consume a lot of water-rich foods, like soups, fruits, and vegetables. That group ate 25 percent more food by volume but lost more weight (an average of 17.5 pounds versus 14). How? They were eating fewer calories, but were still satisfied, thanks to the foods' high water content. "Physical activity was the same in both groups, so if the people in one group lost more, they had to have eaten fewer calories," says lead study author Barbara Rolls, Ph.D.

Instead of measuring your meals, try a more measured approach to eating. It takes your brain 12 to 15 minutes to receive the signal that your stomach is at max capacity, so wait for it. If you pause between bites, chances are you'll get that signal before you've scarfed down seconds. Don't have that kind of self-control? Choose foods that are impossible to bolt down: produce you have to peel, nuts in the shell, and spicy foods.

Last updated: February 21, 2008   Women's Health Issue date: March 2008

Well, I don't know about you, but I'm really starting to see some POSITIVE changes from this journey we are taking.  Has it been EASY ... NO WAY!!  Am I even CLOSE to being done ... NO WAY!  But what I AM seeing is a GLIMPSE of what is to come & I LIKE it!!!  I was determined to lose 2 HEALTHY pounds a week (on average).  Since we just finished week 7 & I have lost a total of 14 lbs., I'd say I've hit that one pretty dead on!   I wasn't always HAPPY when I saw a TEENY little loss (.3) or even a big fat ZERO lbs. lost (after busting my TAIL w/exercise & eating right!), but overall, I've been working on a good steady loss, which will KEEP those pounds off FOREVER!  I thought I'd share a few "reflections" I had this weekend, thinking over the past 7 weeks:

 

Every DAY I choose to make good or poor choices for my body!  I tend to be an "all or nothing" kind of gal.  I like "instant" gratification & I like to see RESULTS.  I have had to challenge myself to STOP thinking this way, b/c before, if I made a "slip" in my eating/exercising, I would simply "GIVE UP" b/c I'd "failed" anyway & WHY BOTHER!  Now, I am viewing this as a LIFETIME of choices that I get to make EACH day.  Sure, I'm human & I "mess up" from time to time, but that's the GREAT part about being human ... I can CHOOSE to make a BETTER choice at the very next meal, or I can make the choice to get up off the couch & "MOVE MY MASS," as Ray likes to say!    Sometimes it takes ALL I HAVE to lace up those shoes & exercise, or NOT put that piece of chocolate in my mouth, but I KNOW, IN THE LONG RUN, THAT CHOICE will make me happier, so I CHOOSE to delay the gratification & do what I KNOW will be best!

 

Being accountable to others is a NECESSITY for me!  I cannot do this alone, so I am BLESSED to be in this supportive community, where I can share my thoughts & gain strength from others!  I LOVE being able to cheer others on & I am grateful when others acknowledge the work Ray & I are doing ... I get such motivation from that & I thank EACH OF YOU who have seen to it that we are supported along the way!!  It's ALL of your little "voices" that ENCOURAGE ME to make those "good choices" each day & for that, I am truly blessed!!!

 

Sharing this journey w/Ray is a MUST for the longevity of our family!  Who was I kidding, thinking we were not going to suffer any "consequences" of the bad choices we were making?  Just because we hadn't dropped dead of a heart attack, didn't mean our bodies were w/o problems!  I know for a fact that the high blood pressure I had in the fall was a "wake up call" for me to say, "Whoa, maybe I'm NOT invinceable" & I NEED to get healthy for myself AND my children!  (Not to mention Ray's high cholesterol & such!).  Having Ray & I do this together makes it a "family" activity & now our KIDS are learning how & WHY it's soooo important to make those "good choices" each day!  Seeing them eat truly "healthy" snacks, over the "supposed" healthy ones I was trying to feed them says it ALL!  They learn quickly & it is OUR job to make sure we give them every opportunity to grow healthy & strong!!

 

Hearing someone say, "are you losing weight?" really DOES make you feel good!  No matter HOW MUCH I've said that I didn't "care" what others thought, or that I was doing this for my health, etc. ... hearing someone (other than my kids & Ray) recognize my efforts (when they had NO IDEA I was part of this challenge!) really helps you to see that you ARE changing, even if it seems to be at a SNAIL'S pace!!  I WANT others to continue to recognize those efforts & I want Ray to be just as proud of me as he is!  I may say I "don't care what others think," but I guess deep down, I really do a little bit!  Hey, if I have to use THAT for motivation ... why not??

 

I really DO have the power to make good decisions, even when they aren't the BEST for me!  Ray & I have already been "tested" several times w/eating out & yesterday was a PRIME example for me.  I went out to lunch w/my mom to Olive Garden & ended up ordering an "ooey-gooey" pasta w/chicken & spinach.  Now, this is something I LOVE & would have DEVOURED previously; however, I KNEW it was not a good choice to eat the entire thing at once, so I asked for a "to-go" box IMMEDIATELY & put 1/2 to 3/4 into the box right away.  My mom thought I was NUTS & couldn't BELIEVE I wouldn't eat it all (she was quite happy finishing her entire plate ... until we were walking to the car & she started complaining that she felt sick b/c she was SOOOO stuffed!).  I "nursed" one soda (which I have pretty much given up on a daily basis!) during the whole meal (my mom had 3 GIANT ones!) & left feeling quite satisfied & PROUD of my efforts.  Had I chosen the most HEALTHY meal for me ... most likely, NO!  But I HAD found a way to enjoy a SMALL part of it & save the rest for another time (or share w/Ray or the kids today!).  You see, I KNOW I will NEVER stick to this "healthy lifestyle" if I cannot indulge in a few "taboo foods" once in a while (or skip my exercise for the day w/o guilt) ... but what I DO know now, is that I have the POWER to step back & decide HOW I want to proceed in these situations.  I could have TOTALLY blown my mom off b/c I couldn't "dine healthy" at that restaurant (I'm pretty picky!) or I could say, I would LOVE to join her AND enjoy a SMALL PORTION of something I will have VERY RARELY!!  All things in moderation, right???

 

It is FUN finding out that you are starting to fit into "old clothes" that once seemed IMPOSSIBLE!  Yesterday, I was able to wear a pair of jeans & a top that were COMPLETELY OUT OF THE QUESTION in January (trust me, I TRIED!).  I was honestly SHOCKED that they fit & I only put them on b/c all of my other jeans were in the laundry & I needed SOMETHING to wear!  When I slid them on (sz. 13-14!), I almost CRIED!  I couldn't even BELIEVE I could button them! (Granted, they are of that "stretch" version, which is a bit more forgiving ... but hey, there wasn't enough S-T-R-E-T-C-H in the WORLD for those puppies in Jan.!!!).  Anyway, I figured I'd might as well try on the shirt, too.  I couldn't even BUTTON the thing over my belly in Jan. & now I could button AND I had some "room to groove"!!  It is a little more "fitted" through the waist (unlike the normal "baggy T-shirt attire" that I typically wear) & Ray let me know right away how "GREAT!" I looked (isn't he SWEET!!!).  He said he's definitely seeing it in my face & now through my body, too, so I GUESS this hard work IS paying off!  I can't WAIT to shop for things in a SMALLER size!!!

 

I have more energy & motivation than EVER before!  I learned thes last week while Ray was gone for 3 days!  I had sick kids, NO HELP & all the "normal" duties of being mom.  I STILL managed to get everything done AND I forced myself to work out AFTER the little ones were in bed, which I have NEVER done before in my LIFE!  My mom finally called on Saturday to see if I "needed" anything or if I wanted to take a magazine & head out to Panera for an hour or 2 until Ray came home, just to get out of the house.  Can you believe I said "no thank you, but I'd LOVE it if you could just come over anyway, so I could run down to the basement & work out BEFORE he gets home!"  I had spent the day cleaning w/the kids who weren't sick & I desperatly wanted to get in a workout, too, but I didn't want to do it when Ray got home.  Again, my mom was SHOCKED, but she agreed.  After about 45 min. she yelled down to the basement to see if I was "all right" (apparently she feared my body could not take exercise for that long! HAHA!).  When I came up after about an hour & 10 min., she took one look at me & said, is THAT what you do every day?  Are you SURE you're not "overdoing it"?  Nope, I felt GREAT!  If someone had told me just 7 weeks ago that I would be making time at the END of my busy-crazy days to EXERCISE for an hour, I would have exploded w/laughter!  Now, I KNOW it HAS to be done & I MAKE THE TIME for it!!!  I am feeling better than I've felt in a LONG time & I can race up the stairs after my 20 mo. old w/out getting out of breath or my legs SCREAMING in pain!  I WANT to eat better & exercise b/c I have a lot of people "watching" me & I want to PROVE that I CAN do this!!!  I LOVE a challenge & this one is the ULTIMATE!!!

 

So, I could go on forever, but I just wanted others to see that, although this journey is NOT easy, we can EACH start to see the MANY little "benefits" & "motivators" in our lives, if we're just kind enough to ourselves to see them!  We are often so HARD on ourselves that we just GIVE UP out of frustration.  I'm here to tell you that w/6 kids, a homeschooler, daycare kids that I watch & a BAZILLION after-school acivities that I could EASILY toss in the towel most days!  Things NEVER go as I plan, but part of this journey is learning how to be FLEXIBLE, but stay on track &, based on what I'm seeing so far, ... it's TOTALLY POSSIBLE!!!  I hope you will stick to it, too, b/c it's SOOOOOO gonna be worth it!!!

 

Take care, everyone & until next time .... drink some water, move a little & SMILE!

 

OK, so this has NOTHING to do w/getting healthy or losing weight, but I know there are MANY fellow teachers in this challenge & rather than emailing them all individually, I figured I'd just post this here!  If you are a teacher, this will really make you SMILE!  If you are NOT a teacher & you have children ... PLEASE thank your child's  teacher this month with a brief hand-written note or conversation!  If you are not a teacher & have no children, then maybe this will simply cause you to stop & think about YOUR favorite teacher & how the inspired you in a special way!  I'd LOVE for you to share who your favorite teacher was & why ... who knows, maybe he/she is even part of this challenge & will SEE it!!  As teachers, just KNOWING that we've made a difference in a child's life is often the BEST payment of all!!

 

n honor of my hubby, who is away from his family for 3 days to learn how to be an even BETTER teacher (even though he's already AMAZING!), I'm posting this here ....

 

Since my hubby & I are separated on this special holiday, I figured I'd take a moment to send him a little note, in case he gets a chance to hop online while he's away.  If you don't care to read, no problem ... I'll post an update for EVERYONE soon!  For those who choose to read ... be warned that the last paragraph is a little "mushy," ... hey, it's to my sweetie & it IS Valentine's Day, after all!!!

 

 

 

 

“What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.” ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

 

Hi gang!  The quote above is one I've LOVED since I got a plaque w/that saying in 7th. gr.  It helps me to remember that I will face challenges EVERY DAY, but it is within me (through the power of God!) that I am able to CHOOSE how to respond & tackle them!!  Below is a letter I sent out to our "212" teammates, after receiving one from another member about how she had made an INCREDIBLE EFFORT to walk on her treadmill for 2 hrs. & 12 min. last night during BL!!!! (Way to go, Tammie!!)  It was so inspiring to me, b/c I could really start to see how our MINDSETS are changing, no matter how many "challenges" the day throws our way!  Just recently, I'd have NEVER made the effort I did to accomplish my goal of "moving my body" before bed!  I simply would have collapsed onto the couch & called it a day, saying, "try again tomorrow!"  Well, NO MORE!  It's AMAZING to me that Ray & I are becoming so much more conscious of what/how we eat & making sure we get in our exercise each day!  We booked our tickets to a family wedding in June & I am SOOOOO determined to go & finally NOT be the "fat one" in the pics. this time!!  I've spent 11 yrs. pregnant/nursing or "recovering" from having a baby & had all the excuses in the world ... NO MORE!  I want to be the "Hot Mamma" of 6 AWESOME kids!!!    This challenge & all of the AMAZING people that we've "met" along the way is really the ONLY reason we are able to stay so strong & focused!  Having our 212 family really forces me to stay accountable even more & I THANK THEM for that!!!!  Check out my thoughts below & let me know how YOU are "staying FOCUSED" on your goals DESPITE your challenges!!!