Need a motivating buddy to lose 50 pounds with by April 2007

[Stelakate]

Hope the day is good. doing well. Chinese food for dinner so I don't know what that will bring....not a huge vege fan

[Stelakate]

Hi girls.
T-where are ya? What did the Dr. say??!
Ash, where are YOU?!?!

I am working, though not that hard...we are busy but it's not too bad today! The weather is mid 40's again, that is a nice but it isnt feeling very Christmas like w/o the snow.
Did a little tour of lights last night, people do it up here, all trying to outdo the others....it's really cool!

Still not done shopping, I have realized I am a last minute girl because when I start early I just keep on buying....so might as well go last minute, right?
So---
no exercise and ate way too much chinese food yesterday. Hoping to walk today, but not really interested-which I feel like a total LOSER! BUT- I am really losing steam.

Ash-what should I do??!? I am having some drinks tonight w/ friends over dinner, and let me tell ya-after the last few busy ass weeks I need a drink.
I promise to get better w/ this!! I will do it, I will be a better buddy and more motivating-I know it must suck to be going so great and having me to be the one keeping us from reaching goal together...but I WILL catch up!

[cardenas5usa]

Last night was super busy! My really good friends that have been drifting away from us over the last year, decided they could finally carve out some of their time to come visit us here to see our remodle and have dinner (she had her baby July 2, pretty close to Stela huh?!?). So, I spent all day cleaning to the Nth degree so the house could look it's very best. It did look good and I got to put out my new rug in the living room, a cream shag rug. Awsome! I made my Gyros for dinner, and they both loved them! My one friend(Mario) even said to his girl friend (Patricia), "why can't you come take cooking lessons from Ashley?" We always joke with her, cause she has even burned boiling water!

I did squeeze a short cardio in before bedtime. So, I was happy to be able to have friends over, keep within my WOE, have a good time, eat dessert (SF Jell-O with cream cheese mixed in), and still work out! Yeah, i can have a "normal" life, even when dieting. What a spirit lifter!

Jina, chinese, food, some of our favorite! Efrain would live on it if he could! I always go for Kung Pao Chicken, I like mine with veggies, prepared with little oil, and little cornstarch. When I did Curves diet 2 years ago, we went every Monday to Chinese, and I ordered the above Kung Pao, and even ate a bit of rice with it. It still let me lose those 30some pounds. I find people are very accomadating to special requests when they are for dietary reasons.

Ashley
PS. exercise check in, how is it going?

[cardenas5usa]

NOT EVEN!!!!! Suck it does not!! It feels good to be able to offer you support, it keeps me motivated, that way I can help keep you motivated! It is a great circle!

Drinks, rum and diet coke, Margarita. My best tip to avoid weird moments when orderering with a bunch of friends. Arrive a few minutes before everyone else, catch the attn of your server, quickly explain you are doing LC, and that you would like to order your Margarita(it is the easiest) made with a squeeze of fresh lime and splenda. These Margaritas taste just as good as the regulars, and since Tequila is 0 carb, the amount of carbs are minimal.

Once your covert operation of telling your server what you want, when you order with all your friends, you can just say "I want the LC Margarita." But don't be affraid to look over their drink menu and see if any of those can be tweaked to suit.

[cardenas5usa]

[quote=cardenas5usa;7884667]
Jina, chinese, food, some of our favorite! Efrain would live on it if he could! I always go for Kung Pao Chicken, I like mine with veggies, prepared with little oil, and little cornstarch.

Ashley[quote]

Man, I must be starting to come across as the total food addict that I am. I was reading through some of our old posts. Any time we mention food not on our WOE, I always say it is my fave! I think that question of "If you could eat only one thing for the rest of your life, what would it be?", it would kill me just having to choose one! Anyway, I live to eat, have never been a person who eats to live. It is interesting that becoming an eat to live person is a little easier than I expected, this time at least.

Ashley

[Stelakate]

How do you do it?!?! If anything, my guilt alone will make me step up to the plate! Do you blend the cream cheese w/ the jell-o? YUM! DO you ever do the ricotta cheese thing, w/ cocoa and splenda ? I haven't but want to try it.

Had shrimp for lunch, no endurance training-but I did put it out there and Rebecca didn't want to, so I used that as an excuse not to either. I know, I know.
Cant believe you did your cardio after your dinner, you are some kind of super hero! Cant wait to hear your weight on Friday. I am going to try that Gyro recipe of yours soon. Was going to put a roast in the crock pot this weekend and do some mashed cali.

I need to get myself a set of maintainable goals....like, getting something for myself when I get to a certain place, ya know what I mean?!?! Will need some new running shoes soon, that can be my goal once I am down to 230.....maybe, or something like that!
You are right w/ our old posts---you seem to love food (who doesn't) but E being a chef is part of that equation, it makes sense and it also makes me so PROUD of you for doing well with all the reasons you could come up with the not do well.
I tell you you are awesome often, but I mean you are AWESOME! You have your children to care for, busy little ones at that, you take care of your household and do it well, entertain your friends and family and STILL fit in all your workouts and eat well!!!!!!?????!!!!!??????!!!!!!
WOWZERS!
I love your suggestion for the LC drinks, way to keep me on track.
You are my hero!

[cardenas5usa]

Morning! I am up early waiting for the little boy I take care of, his mom is going to work a day a the mall for some extra cash.

Jell-O dessert. Jina, it is super easy, I just used 2 reg size boxes of the SF Jello. When making, after I poured in the 2 cups boiling water, I put in 4 oz cream cheese, and beat it with my electric beater till completely incorp, may take about 3-4 mins. Then I added the cold water ( 2 cups) and let chill. It was really good, and pretty, bright red.

So how did the drinks with friends go? And dinner? I bet you were a star!!

I think treating yourself when you reach a mini goal is a great way to stay motivated! Every 20 pounds, you get yourself a little something. New shoes are perfect, and if you are going to be running, they will come in handy! And with cool non-edibile treats like shoes, you won't self sabitaiouge(sp). I think that is what would break my diets most of all in the past. I would say, "Oh, I have been so good and lost 10 pounds, I am going to treat myself to (binge food)," but then I just couldn't stop, and then I would reason that I messed up and I might as well continue eating. It would be my own private hell. Now I look at that and say, "Wow I have lost ten pounds, I am going to treat myself to a new shirt, since most of mine are big now." This makes so much more sence than what I used to do, but has been a very hard lesson to learn. I see Efrain struggle with this all the time.

Okay, rant time.
Efrain was always the thinest in his family, until he decided to really be a chef did start to gain weight. He used to be a huge beer drinker too, I mean like alcoholic in his ways before I met him. Drink rather than eat type of thing. But 10 years go by, and drinking 4 beers in a row and eating heavy food catches up. So now on our WOE, when we do have a function, he will reason that he has been so good, he can afford to drink 3/4 beers in a row. And what really gets me , he doesn't even enjoy them, he drinks them like he should be drinking water. Ahhhhhhh....old habits die hard! It pains me to see all his hard work go down in a bottle. Like last night, was his company Xmas party, he just kept reaching for the beers (3 in all), so when it was time to dance, I said, "let's dance, that way we won't have to do cardio when we get home, and you can burn off all those beers!" Woops, not the right thing to say........well no, it was the right thing to say, but he got all pissy and said some dumb comment about how he wasn't counting calories. I just laughed and left it at that. Oh well, he is VERY nieve when it come to health and diet.
Okay done!

On a better note, I was able to eat some shrimp picked from the paella, a slice of prime rib, and some chicken, I asked for salad, but it never made it to the table. I hade 2 small half slices pineapple and a small wedge of watermelon as dessert and a diet coke. They had 2 huge trays of Buche Noel dessert, but oddly enough I wasn't even interested. It was fun to see everyone at the party, and they all wanted to know what I was doing to lose weight. And I thought I went in a pretty frumpy fat looking outfit?!

So, now that I have written volumes, how is everybody else? T-your legs, how are they?

I'll check in soon, Ash

[cardenas5usa]

Okay, so I got up at 6:30am to watch that kid, his mom talked to me yesterday at 4pm. to see if I would watch him, today is not a day that I usually watch him. I waited.......................and waited.............no show, so at 8 am I decided screw this, I am going to curves. I just got back, and now there are like 4 messages on my machine, starting from 8:45am if she could bring him now. What???? Is she crazy? Yeah, I got up early and she didn't even drag her butt out of bed to say she wasn't going to bring him that early, and now I am going to be sadled with him all day, nuh uh!!

Still no new posts here so I'll get back to ya in a little while Jina, Ash :-)

[Stelakate]

Hi! Sorry I hadnt written you today. Busy! I left work a little early and came home, kate had a s**tload of work to do so Stela and I laid down for a while. I was so f*ing hung over this morning. I didn't eat much of anything at dinner, passed on the peanuts and the rolls w/ sweet honey butter and the bloomin' onion appetizer and shared a dinner w/ kate which both of us barely had any of...chicken crispers, I had like, maybe one small one and 2 bites of potatoes. That wasnt sooo bad....but the beer. Yikes. I am feeling like E now....I know the feeling of them going down quick but they were DELICIOUS! Anyway it was nice to be w/ our friends and we ended up back here drinking til midnight...something I should never do when I have to get up at 6am. Thank GOD kate gets the baby in the middle of the night!!! SO, I have been dragging ass today.

Still not eating much of anything at all, staying low carb and drinking a ton of water. Christmas crap is never done. On a good note I got the cutest little trio of trees (the look knotty pine, lodge like) that are pre-lit and some cute modern ornaments for the tree.....it was a good trip!

About the E thing and the drinking....I can see where you are coming from, when he has the past of drinking too much and why do it if he isnt even going to enjoy it but you know sometimes you just have to unwind and enjoy stuff...which is usually what leads us off track and off the wagon for a while. Sabotage, it's a tricky thing. I agree w/ him in a way cuz sometimes you just need to have a few and relax. You have been doing so great, give yourself a little break now and then too!

I cant believe the lady didn't apologise for not bringing the kid and you were up and ready for him? Oh hell no!!

What are you doing this weekend? All ready for the holiday? I need to go download music for my mp3, talk soon!
love ya! Jina

[cardenas5usa]

I have decided to make no comments to Efrain about his diet for the next couple of weeks. He weighed again today, and was down 2 pounds from the last time he weighed, maybe a week ago. So whatever he is eating at work is working for him, and his beers I guess are not affecting him like they do me.

Oh man, hangovers are the worst when you have to get up early! A couple of months ago I had one like that, actually I don't even think it could qualify as a hangover, I think it was still drunken stuper , and I had to take care of Erick, the little boy, that day, all I can say is thank god I had Luke and Alexis to keep him busy.

Well, the mother of Erick tried calling a bazillion times but I just wasn't ready to talk to her without being a total BIT*H. So I let so time go by and I called and left her a message. She called back and appoligized and said it wouldn't happen again. We'll see, the next time, I think I am going to let her go.

Have been eating well today, but I feel like someone took the wind out of my sails today. Feeling a little depressed. Maybe it is due to the fact that Efrain called and said they jacked our health insurance premium from $220 a pay check to $460 a pay check!!! Almost a thousand dollars a month for frickin' insurance! I don't know what we are going to do? He just got a raise 3 months ago, but since he did, we could finally afford a new car, so we bought one, and now what! And 5 days before Christmas!! I don't know who is behind this sh*ty plan but they suck like the black hole!!!

Well I hope you get feeling better tonight. Yeah, lots of water! Ashley

[cardenas5usa]

Thursday already! We have another day to push our workouts. So, do you think you'll weigh-in tomarrow? Or are doing measurements again? I am excited to see your progress!!

Yesterday I went to the store and bought Yoga Booty Ballet. I have been wanting the program for awhile now but it was too expensive on the website, like 60 bucks. I only paid 29.99, on sale. Last night I was reviewing some of the workouts (five in total) and practicing for today. I can tell why they call it yoga BOOTY ballet. Just from yesterday I have a sore butt.

Well, I am going to try to do some of it now, I'll be back to let you know how it goes. Ashley

[carbjunkie]

My sister just left back to NY yesterday so I am not busy anymore until next week. The dr said my legs were just stressed from exercising..you know HMO's..they don't give a damn. I asked him about P.A.D and he laughed and said, "that's an old persons disease..you're too young" ha! Ok..whatever he is running a complete blood panel so I can't wait to see my cholesterol. Anyway girls I have been bad..not at every meal but since my leg issue I got a little depressed about not being able to work out. I know it's not an excuse but they seem to be getting better (in my opinion I think it's a circulation issue) but we'll see. I am going to get back on the bike this morning for the first time in 5 days? I will weigh in tomorrow but there will be no loss I'm sure. Don't lose hope in me guys....

[Stelakate]

Sucks about insurance....that is INSANE but they have us cornered don't they?? I wont even get on my soap box about hating ins. company's...working in healthcare - they dictate everything we do and we are the ones helping the patient...
What nice news a wk before Xmas. Nice. Have you always stayed home? W/ the cost of child care how in the world could you afford to work?
Totally blows, it will all work itself out - I will send you a big hug !!!

Staying close to plan even through that stress? You are a frickin' rockstar!
I am feeling back to normal, thank god. Drank a river of water yesterday, I drink too fast.

I agree w/ your leaving E alone for a few weeks w/ the weight. If it doesnt get better or even if he starts gaining, maybe start helping again?
I am getting treats up the waa-zoo but leaving them alone. Ordered a gourmet burger for lunch. Will take it off the bun. I need to behave!
Cant wait to see your weight tomorrow.

Keep your very thin chin up Ashley, all will work out.

[Stelakate]

just saw that post, Yoga booty ballet???? DO TELL! I am all about new workouts. Have you done any belly dancing? I was thinking about it, lord knows I have plenty of belly to dance with!

How fun!!!

[cardenas5usa]

It for sure kicked my butt!! It was really fun, but challanging! I can tell it is really going to help those bulges on the sides of my hips and legs. They were burning. The basic work out is broken into 5 segments, warm up, ballet booty sculpt, body sculpt with light weights, yoga section and abs work, and cool down. Even though in the yoga section we were moving slowly, I was still in my target heart range. There are a few exercises that i can't do yet, but I will keep working on it. I viewed the other 2 DVDs that came with, and the hip-hop abs looks like a fun workout, will probably be my favorite workout. Then I viewed a bit of the cardio caberet, it looks good too. All of the workouts are full of new ways to move your body, very fun! Look it up at BeachBody.com :-) I have tried belly dancing, it is a lot of oblique work, good for those love handles.

Insurance, yeah, I hope that things will work out, but I just decided I am not going to fret over something I cannot personally change. Sigh...Thanks for the big hugs. I have pretty much always stayed home, I finished my degree the day before I had Maya. Then was looking forward to going to work when I found out I was pregnant with the twins. I did work a few days a week in the La Provence office when I was preggers with Luke and Lexi, but now I just have to wait, as good child care for 2 preschoolers would cost way more than I would probably make. Right now I have just been watching the little boy 2 days a week. It gives me enough spending money for taking the kids to lunch and some clothes, that type of thing.

I have to admit, I broke down and had a mini taco last night and then a bite of toffee that I have had for a month, and not eaten. It was good, but not worth the guilt. Today is a new day and I am back on track!

Eggs and chicken for breakfast, salad and meat for lunch, dinner, not sure yet.

Ashley

[cardenas5usa]

T. good that you are able to get back on your WOE now that company is gone. Really burn some calories on that bike of yours!

[Stelakate]

I had bun w/ my burger. This weekend will suck (eating wise) but after this it will be great. I know I feel like I am being a HIPPOcrite about this, I mean I am the one who started the post and it's like.....OK, let's hold up my end of the deal already!!!! I will be a maniac after Xmas.

I do have to say, even though I skip workouts and do bad w/ some meals being higher carb I have maintained my weight loss the last month and I am happy about that, in the past I have literally gained 5-10 pounds just in December!

I am doing well this time (ok, at least BETTER!) for so many reasons and having this post and YOU ASHLEY to vent/rely on is a real driving force for me.
T- we sound in a similar boat for the way we have been cheating the plan. We have to get on track w/ no excuses no matter what starting next week. April will be here before we know it.
Ash- I will be weighing in tomorrow- curious more than anything.

[carbjunkie]

I hear ya J..yes we are in the same boat and it's sinking I know I won't have any problems after Christmas either..it's just the way I work. I will be diligent and you guys can count on me for support and example.

B - sm bowl trader joes oats w/nonfat milk small banana
L - 2 slices cheese pizza (i know but i'm being honest)

[cardenas5usa]

MMMmmm....I was hungry for Thai tonight. I'll just say I really ENJOY Thai food, but the noodle dishes used to be what I always ate. So today I made my own version of Pad kee mao minus the noodles, filled up with a bunch of veggies and some bean sprouts, tofu and shrimp. It tasted spot on. Noodles? What noodles? Didn't even think about 'em! Actually the plan was to go to Whole Foods to get kelp noodles but traffic was crap and I didn't feel like driving across town.

Okay, so I don't think it was the best choice for the day before weigh in cause of all the fish sauce in it, but oh well, I am planning on floating all the salt out tonight with loads of water. Plus I need to take my fiber caps, but I promise I will look at the bottle this time! LOL

[Stelakate]

I am 252...dont even know what I was last week, will have to look on my sig. but I am ok w/ that. Tons of cookies, fudge and other treats have arrived today from patients and reps! I plan on having NONE! and taking some home for the family gathering tomorrow night to fatten them up!
Good job Ash, creating your own-and making it almost as good as the original...that is proof you are sooooo on your way this time. Have I told you lately I am PROUD OF YOU!?!?!?

I opened some gifts last night....they were good, real good!! Katie is always pushing me to open early ( MP3 a month ago!!) and I did- a CHOCOLATE FOUNTAIN I have been wanting.......DAMN!
Well, I will be using it for the family this weekend, try to stay away....making shrimp cocktail and other low carb goodies too, will behave.
What is the weight in here this morning girls??!?!?!?!?!?!?!??!?!!
Talk soon, last 1/2 day of work before 3 1/2 days off!!!!

[Stelakate]

I LOST 2 pounds?!?!?!?!?!