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

[carbjunkie]

Jina I was reading your post..and others but I must say we have alot in common (as far as the kind of people we are) I am unmotivated right now because I'm the kind of person that if I can't do it right..I don't like to do it at all ya know? You mentioned you don't like change..me either! I'm sure that's why we are both heavy..we have to learn to deal with our issues other than self destructing. Ashley you are doing great..J and I will be right along side of you with great success as well. I'll check back on you girls later.

[cardenas5usa]

Just had a ground turkey breast wrap for lunch with someleft over breakfast eggs. It was quite good. just before that we went to the track again so the kids could practice thier bikes. Luke and Maya have it down pat, but Lexi is so stubborn, she just won't peddal forward, keeps breaking. She'll get it soon I am sure. I ran/really fast walked with Maya and Luke around the track twice. Such fun!

Jina, you WILL look fetch in that dress at the wedding! Just keep it up!

T- change is a hard thing, good or bad. Just remember that this is a great change!

Success will be ours!!! :-) Ashley

[Stelakate]

Gotta make this quick Stela is helping me type it. I am feeling crappy tons of diarrhea tonight (TMI-SORRY!) but I ate very well today....all low carb. Prob ridding myself of the carbs over the last couple days?? Even though yesterday was pretty good-I did a number on Xmas.
Went to the mall today-looked at the dresses....WOW, I would have to be thin to pull that off!!!
Still, its motivation.
I am very much an all or nothing person- no gray area T---if that sounds like you then we have some tough days ahead. I am trying to pull motivation from my boot straps I just cant seem to keep it going. Ash I dont know how you do it, did you always exercise??? It seems so second nature to you especially w/ the kids.
Its like you are actually a person that LIKES it, I dont think that will ever be me but I can hope, right?!
Havent trained for running in well over a week maybe even two....

Enough excuses. We are here for a reason and so far only ONE OF US is doing what we set here to do!
No more mercy for me.
T-did you exercise in the hotel everyday?!?! Ash-did you do your cardio at home, or counting the kids/bikes thing---which, yes that is def. great cardio---just want to make sure you both know I am listening to what you say you'll do and please do the same. I am here because I need someone on my ass about it, and if so far I am justifying every obstacle....that ISN'T me. I hate excuses.
Another good day tomorrow, end of story.
Bare w/ me, I will get my head on straight.

[carbjunkie]

Hi girls..I didn't do too well today and I want to be honest because if I'm not then no use being here. Anyway, I'm off to Dallas in the morning. I haven't worked out at the hotel yet cuz not there but I definately will make time in the morning. It can't hurt for a 30 min workout. Dont stress Jina..we are here for you no matter what...Ash..I will continue to motivate you..you're doing good girl. Remember..in the end..we will all succeed

[cardenas5usa]

Okay, last chance workout day! Today, cardio in the morning, evening, and pilates! I know, what a freak I am but need to make up for not doing it last night. I justified doing my advanced workout plus running/walking track with the kids to be enough. Kinda wimped out, mostly cause Efrain was home sick all day, and I wasn't 100% either. He ate four of the tamles from the birthday party, and I am pretty sure they used the meat they made for Xmas, so from 2 days before the party. And true to the Mexican way, they don't refridge big leftovers, no space in fridge, so they just leave it out, and I am sure he got major food poisening. He was exploding from both ends!! If you get the picture . Things were going right through me too, and I figured it was from the milk, but when I found out he was really sick, I knew, the tamales. Especially since I ate the meat out of my two to stick to LC. I guess a few others from the party weren't up to par either, yikes!

Let's see....I haven't always been an exerciser. In fact, I used always day dream about liking to exercise, but never did. I have always liked to walk, but no one else used to. I grew up on a dead end street with all half acre lots, so plenty of space to roam with my friends and play army and the such. I look back and am thankful for that, if I hadn't had the space, I would be as big as a barn probably. Now, I do enjoy exercising, not so much while I do it but how I feel when I am done.

So, Jina, maybe take a picture of the dress when you go back. That way you can have it to look at, like in the Biggest Loser, their goal outfits! In moments of weakness you could refer to it . Like my pic on the fridge.

So precor tonight? I will be pulling for you! And T-really take advantage of the hotel gym, by the time you get back you could be surprised how much weight is gone! It is fun to do different exercises, guts you out of ruts. Alrighty, be back later to check in, Ash

[Stelakate]

TGIF!!!! I am so ready for 3 days off.
First things first....Miss Ashley I did 10 minutes on the precor and I weighed in at 250 this morning!! I am very content w/ that. I have some work to do, and I know I will do it-I feel so rejuvinated about this.....seeing a loss even acting half ass makes me realize I CAN do this even through my worst time of year!!!

I cant wait to hear from you girls.
Today is my Stephie's last day here....I baked (OK Katie did) cupcakes for her and we decorated...I put a slideshow DVD together of our years together set to Lean on Me, yes I was BAWLING and bought her a willow tree.....it was a nice send off - we are having a great day.

I stayed away from the cupcakes, not even tempted had some turkey pastrami and one coffee, 2 big waters already. Thinking of a good long walk today. Stela was up most the night because she is so congested.....I am so tired.
I will check in later. Ash- I have a feeling your # is gonna be great!

[cardenas5usa]

Hey girls! Sorry didn't check in this morning, was a late day to curves and then took the kids to McD's to play. My mom is here for the week so we'll see how it goes with her being here.

I weighed in today and the scale hadn't budged. Maybe TOM weight, but I am guessing it was the bites of carbs here and there and the cup of atole I drank! Bummer, but at least I didn't gain! I measures my body fat percent today at curves and it was down to 31.2% and a BMI of 30.1. So that is still down 1 % I think from the last time I measured, so that is good. It is my saving grace when I have a week when I don't lose scale wise, to measure fat % and be down.

Yesterday I got in 2 seperate cardios almost an hour total. No pilates , today for sure!

Jina, awsome job on the precor!! And down 2 pounds! You are awsome! You are my inspiration for this week!

It sounds like although today is going to be a rough day with Steph leaving you did some really nice and great things to send her off. Good job on staying away from the cupcakes, so cute and so tempting! You are a pillar of strength!

Sending get well vibes to stella, congestion is hard to deal with at night. Have you elevated her head where she sleeps, done the vaporRub, done the saline drops in the nose and suck it out with a bulb syringe? The last being the most dramatic (crying wise), but always the most successful with my kids. Just a few things in case you haven't tried them yet. You being such a good mommy I am sure you have though!

Alrighty, have a good rest of the day Jina, you have a good start to the weekend! Yeah!!! Check ya later girl!!! Ashley

[Stelakate]

Bummer on the no budge Ash-but you have done so well, it was bound to hold steady-besides, I am sure you are really adding muscle and TOM--girl, come on!

I was just reading People mag. it is all about weight loss, there are all these no surgery success stories, very inspirational, I love reading that stuff!! Check it out. Anyway-there is this one article about a woman who did Atkins and she has lost wellll over 100 pounds but lost 70 in 12 months and I think I have seen her success story on here before, anyway-she referenced this website!! COOL HUH!?!
Have you heard anything about the reverse diet? Dinner for breakfast? That is actually something I could be interested in, I love cereal but always over do, and sometimes at night especially w/ kate barely eating much (and still not the best choices) I could really stand to give it a try? I do love skim milk and cereal soo much. Esp. Shredded wheat and special K, all those kinds....maybe something I might try-then keep it low low carb the rest of the day.
We'll see.
Mom is back this week huh?? That will be fun! Does she live near? I too need to get back on the pilates wagon-no excuses. I love the feeling of long, lean strengthened muscles......having a party NY's Eve so I will try hard to behave but plan to get my drink on pretty well that night.
Will check in tomorrow.
Good job through the holidays Ashley. You are so great!

T-in Dallas yet? Exercising? What is your weigh in? keep in touch!
Night girls, Jina

[Stelakate]

apparently I was the last to know about Mary and the buzz w/ her interview on the Today show and the people mag. article, it's all over the main LC lobby. I need to branch out of our little world more often.

[cardenas5usa]

I think I'll have to go get that People mag too. I like that magazine, and all the juicy gosip it usually has , but don't get to read it all that often. Cool that she talks about this site, make me feel like I am where it's at, not like I didn't already know that, cause through this website and with your support I have done so well, this time, and can actually see myself getting to my goal!

I have not read/heard about the reverse diet. Tell me. I practically lived on cereal growing up! My mom used to tease that I needed side boards on my cereal bowls I seriously would go through like a box a day, bad habit, probably one of the ones that got me here today. Cereal, is something I miss, especially since I watch my kids eat it everyday! Milk too, used to go through gallons. my favorites from way back, raisin nut bran, and the shredded wheat filled with strawberries.

Yep, mom is here and is planning a full swing party for the kids and has offered to be total babysitter for the day so E and I can party. Not sure still if and what we will do. On one hand I really want to go party hard, E has the next day off, but on the other, I don't want to to total blow my eating this week. I don't know , we'll see what party offers come in. Have a drink in my honor though! Cool beets!

Yeah the scale thing, I am not as upset as I was the other week when I gained. So I am good. Thanx

Talk to ya tomarrow girl! Ash

[Stelakate]

It is finally turning cold here...looks really gloomy which makes ya want to stay in and watch movies all day...though that wont be happening. With the party tomorrow night, I have a lot of deep cleaning to do and rearranging all the totes of Xmas stuff downstairs, should be some decent cardio. I am like a machine when I start cleaning-I stop at nothing and really....I do have OCD, but at least its limited to cleaning, right!?
All I know about the reverse diet is you can literally eat a huge dinner meal for breakfast, decent regular lunch foods and a bowl of oatmeal, or cold cereals for dinner. NOTHING ELSE, no snacking, NO junkfood. BUT-can you imagine how your metabolism gets going that early w/ a big meal? I had heard about it on a show...the husband was like, "smelling fish in the morning-isn't my favorite thing..." BUT IT WORKS! She lost...GET THIS: 100 POUNDS IN JUST 4 MONTHS! Eating that way. I know that is a bit extreme and she prob. suffered losing muscle, but DAMN!
I kinda had a moment like you did, that brought you here, the other night. Looking through pictures of my high school/late teen years....it was very depressing. I actually had a great waist, fabulous arms (NO FAT/jiggle) and a pretty flat stomach. Its so hard to envision myself that way again but girl, I was CUTE! Of course I was the "bigger" friend...even then. You know I wore a size 9 in high school and I am almost 5'9"....that is slim. But, because I wasn't 5'5" and 120 I was teased. It really did a number on my self-esteem. I also had boobs from age 9 so that doesn't help....I did have a breast reduction 3 years ago....best decision ever! They are great now, one of my better assets....but it also draws attention to all the things that are so much bigger than they are....double edged sword.
Stela is really restless, thanks for the tips. I had just tried all of those things - and the vic's. That baby vic's smells great. It's like, if she could just blow her nose....she would feel so much better. No colored production and very low grade temp, which I contribute to the teething anyway...she isn't rattling in her chest, eyes are irritated...I think sinus issue. So, until it moves down or starts to get colored...I will keep up w/ the tylenol, vics, teething tablets...and TLC!
We deal w/ this at work EVERYDAY-it's a wonder I am NEVER sick...my immune system is strong-thanks to all the sicky's in the office everyday.
Yesterday was sad, but Steph and Greg are coming over Sunday for the party---we will always be friends. I just really hate change, and now a more increased work load until we find the right fit....once again.
WELL- enough of this novel. Plan to stay on course until cocktail hour tomorrow night, and who knows, maybe some LC drinks are in order!! I must say the mimosa's and margaritas are already sounding good.
Hope you decide to get out and enjoy the holiday-you have done so great so far....CELEBRATE w/ a fab. night on the town w/ E. YOU DESERVE IT! Besides, take Mom up on her offer to keep the kids....lord knows you don't get enough Ashley time.
I really wish we could meet someday, it's too bad you don't live near, we could have a lot of fun w/ this and the kids, and just being face to face friends. I will just be thankful for having you be a long distance pen pal...that has been really good for me.
Talk soon, Love-Jina

[Stelakate]

Just read your post in my journal...I havent been running but am starting again. Cant promise I can go much longer than 3 minutes but if you are in...I will give it my best shot. Let me know. we'll figure something out...the spring isnt that far away!! Time is NOW!

[cardenas5usa]

Well still haven't made any big plans but I have decided that we at least need to get out of the house for a little and take advantage of mom being here and E having the next day off. Keep ya posted!

Being OCD about cleaning is about the only good OCD thing I can think of, a house can never be too clean, ya know, and god knows mine never is, never bad, but with 3 little ones, no where near as great as I wish it could be, anyway!

Reverse diet, we may have to keep that in our books in case we get stalled on our WOEs. I went and bought the People mag today, remembered just before check out. Have not yet read it but am looking forward to curling up with it and some tea.

Boob reduction, good for you! It may have made other bulges stand out a little more, but I bet they are starting feel right at home with the smaller you!! I had a friend who did it about five years ago and she was so happy with it. She said her back finally quit hurting her.

Maya went sledding today with some friends upto the mountain. She is due back soon and I am sure she is going to be super hungry and tired. Can't wait to hear how it went.

I am planning to go to the track tomarrow morning, Curves was closed today, and try a little running while Maya rides her bike. I am going to try to pass my 3/4 lap mark. Last night I did do my cardio and did about half of my pilates routine. Need to get back into it everyday! Tonight again! Any precor today? I know you got it in you!!

Well my friend, have a good rest of the night and I will talk to you tomarrow. I too wish we could be closer so we could be face to face friends as well, but I am confident that someday we will meet up! Jina, you are the greatest, funniest person I have ever met online! Cheers!! Ashley

[Stelakate]

Wrapping up another year? It's true what they say about them going faster and faster the older ya get!!! Seems like yesterday I was graduating high school, then college, then met Kate....that was 7 years ago----where does the time go and why doesn't it go that fast when you are pregnant or dieting??! HA!
TOM is playing tricks w/ me and it's quite irritating...can feel all the wonderful things starting to bother me (increaded appetite, boob tenderness, irritability, back pain, BLOATING) I wish it would just show up already!!!

SO, the party tonight....I am telling you now, and feeling a little guilty about it---I dont plan to do my WOE tonight. With all the great appetizers that are arriving---I want to savor, enjoy and throw caution to the wind. Not to mention I would blow it w/ alcohol anyway. I can say I will stick to plan but after a cocktail or 2...or 6 I just screw it anyway...might as well be honest. I will tell you I have done well so far this weekend and I will still exercise and stick LC til tonight. That is SOMETHING, right?
I am guessing your 3/4 lap is about 3-5 minutes??? If 4 around is a mile, right? Then you prob. jog 15 min. mile? Guessing we are pretty much on same page?
How'd ya like the people mag? Makes me feel inspired...did you look in the main lobby? Everyone buzzing about it.
I am giving the reverse thing serious consideration. Have you ever read Carb. addict's diet??? That made sense to me, eating one "reward meal" daily, complete w/ dessert and wine?!!!!!!!!! As long as it was all in one hour of the day it didn't affect your blood sugar....interesting.
I read it, tired it for a week probably---there is no snacking so I failed...I am a snacking ass fool....so I didn't give it enough chance I think.
Seems to me, whatever you put your mind to - you would do awesome w/ it. Girl, I don't know where you get the willpower, and diligence but you have it and I am so thankful, you share that w/ me. Even though these last 2 months have been on/off half/ass for me, you haven't swayed...always being true to your plan and YOURSELF! That is huge.
You'll see a maniac in Jan. I promise. I must tell ya though---I have never stayed w/ something this long, ever in my life.....I owe that to having you to answer to. It's about our journey together---I just cant wait to see it out!
Wont be long...3.5 mo. GOAL! I just know it!
Well, this house isn't going to clean itself......talk soon, be safe tonight...enjoy the holiday and check in w/ me later.
You are one of the great things that happened to me this year! YaY!

[cardenas5usa]

Well I too have decided to stick to low carb for the morning and afternoon, but to go with the punches at night. I was feeling a bit guilty for making this decision, but it is only New Year's Eve once a year! So hey! And I feel much less guilty reading that you are doing the same! If were going to blow it, let's do it together! We have a line up tonight that you would not believe, mom kept buying goodies. I don't plan to eat them all, I plan to pick and choose, but still know that what I eat will put me over. But I am going to enjoy it, and savory every bite, cause the next day will get back to it and be serious time!

One goody I do plan to indulge in, we bought Southern Comfort egg nog. I had never tried this brand before, it is knock your socks of good! So I am going to have a cup of that, among other things.

Yep, I would guess my running is about 4 minutes. I will time it today, but it sounds like we are right on track with each other, cool! I did read the mag today and really was inspired by it! Just what I needed to keep me going. The reverse thing sounds promising for my mom, she may go home and try it. It would work well for her schedule, crock pot meat at night and eat it in the morning, and eggs/cereal for dinner, my dad will be in heaven! We'll see, she has a hard time committing. But we know how that goes!

Have a great day, and enjoy all your goodies! Check ya later girl! Ashley

[cardenas5usa]

Jina, hope you had a great night!! No regrets because now we really start down to business!! Unfortunately, or vice versa, my mom and I were really sick last night and neither of us wanted to eat much. So I guess my upset stomach saved me from really going overboard. I did manage to have some bites of scalloped potatoes, a few pieces of candy, and a few bites of cake, and some egg nog, which now that I am writing it all down looks like a lot, but it felt like I was missing out. But that's okay, today I feel much better. Yipeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!! I feel great actually!!!! Like a new chapter has been opened!

I'll check back with you later! Happy New Year!!! Ash

PS. Did you see the Discovery Health Challenge ad in the people mag? signed up to see what it was like, if they offered a low carb plan it would be awsome, but they give you a meal plan and exercise plan for each day. When you enter a new lower weight you also enter into win the million bucks prize. But the big plus is they are giving away an 8 week free pass to Bally's! I and E are going to go just to see what it is like. If you think you might like going to the gym this is the best freebie of any I have seen, check it out.

There was something else I was going to tell you but I can't remember right now, when I think of it I'll be back .

[carbjunkie]

Ok..it's on girls. Hello! I am ready to go to battle. I'll check in later cuz I have to run out but I wanted to say hi. Later!

[cardenas5usa]

well, after feeling much better this morning, I had a slice of bread pudding and went back to my WOE, did great the rest of the day! I was worried after taking a break for the day it would be hard to fall back in line, but I survived! Yeah!!

We just got back from swiming at the hotel with my mom. I swam for 25 minutes and did various water exercises for another 20. Feels nice to get in the water during winter.

Talk to ya tomarrow Jina, Ash

T- good to see you check in. How's your WOE going? and the exercise?

[carbjunkie]

Good morning girls..it's nice to be home. I am here with no more excuses. It's my time. I am getting on the bike now for 30mins and I will have a protein shake for breakfast. I hope you are both well.

[carbjunkie]

I'm back..that was hard but I feel good. Making myself workout is so hard. I hate it because it's so boring. If I can make exercising a priority in my life I will be ok. Where are you girls?

[Stelakate]

Back to work-it's tough and we are super busy, especially w/o Steph...I am busier, which keeps me running, and that is a good thing. I wasn't good yesterday at all. I let myself eat a great meal at Mom's and then Kate and I rented some dvd's and I just GORGED out all day/night. I was feeling sorry for myself from something that happened the night before. I will post it in my journal later---too much to write now!
Anyway-rejuvinated today. VERY on plan, VERY diligent, and VERY determined. This merry-go-round has ended and it's seriously NO MERCY until the spring. These, allowable, cheats I have been justifying are going to stop here and NOW! It's my TOM-so what, that just means I will burn that many more calories instead of allowing cheats! I am ready.

Today:
Breakfast: Atkins bar, one coffee + splenda
snack: string cheese
Lunch: deer sausage, 2 hb eggs, cheddar cheese
water: 32 ounces so far

Exercise: very brisk 25 minute walk. Will do my jog training later Ash, that way were on the same page with it.

T-glad to see you back, and back on plan! Great job w/ the bike, boring...yes, but you are awesome for doing 30 minutes. Keep it up!
Talk later!