Moving along . . .

Great job, Jen - how exciting to get into your wedding dress - that's totally awesome! I am impressed that you're able to stay on track in the midst of all that you have going on. It's hard to do - good job.

Still making it to Curves and enjoying it - I feel better when I'm done and have more energy. So far I've been able to find someone to watch Nathan for a bit. I've also been working on the stationary bike here at our house.

Food - well, that's another story - but it's getting better.

How's Kristin doing? Robin Ann?

I still fit in my wedding dress!

Hey ladies. I've been terrible at posting, but I am still working hard at getting to goal weight. I had a great time in California...pictures are on Facebook. I am now down to 138 lbs. and last night as we were sorting and packing I came across my wedding dress so I tried it on and it totally still fits! That felt pretty good since it's been 13 years! So, I'm still hoping to lose 3 more pounds to get to goal by the end of this month and I feel like it's possible for sure! How are you all doing? I can't blog very regularly just because our lives are in fast forward with movers coming to load our stuff on a truck on June 11 and us getting on a plane to move to Indiana on June 27. So much to do in so little time. I'd love to hear what's going on with you. Great job joining Curves, Ruth. I sure loved doing that with Tammy during our years in Quito. I hope you can find someone to keep Nathan so you can go. Kristin...are you still running? At least the sun and warmer temperatures make exercise more appealing! Well, this has been a rambling blog entry. Hope you are having a great day!

getting started (again)

I've been to Curves twice this week - I like it and I feel like it's a good work out in just 30 min. We also brought back a stationary bike from my MIL this past weekend so that will help in doing more cardio here at home. And as I knew would happen, doing exercise, helps me be more disciplined in what I eat. So . . . working at getting started once again!

Pray that I'll keep finding people to watch Nathan for a little bit while I go.

Hopefully Jen had a good time in CA - her photos looked great on FB!

Hope you have a great time. . .

Hi Jen - CONGRATULATIONS! I'm very proud of you! 10 pounds is a lot - it's amazing how the 1 and 2 pounds start adding up - good job at sticking at it.

And I hope you have a great time in CA with Robin Ann . . . enjoy!

And, I signed up at Curves today - I made the plunge. So we'll see how that goes starting on Monday. I like the idea of it only taking 1/2 hour . . . which helps with having a little baby to take care of . . . I'm thinking I can find a 1/2 hour to go and Santi is willing to watch Nathan for a little bit at the office while I go and do Curves . . . so that's also a plus (hopefully his work doesn't mind him doing it - hee, hee!).

And Kristin - great job on your progress too - I totally admire you being able to find time to exercise with two little guys at home still. Keep up the good work!

We have a four day weekend starting tomorrow - tomorrow is the official holiday and then the president made Friday a holiday and turned it into a 4 day weekend! So we're going up to Tulcan to visit Santi's mom!

Later gaters . . .

140!!! WooHoo! California Here I Come!

I was so happy to see 140 on the scale both yesterday and today. I am officially down 10 pounds from when I started the Band of Sisters Blog. I'm so excited! Thanks for the words of encouragement in regards to my trip, Kristin. I'll try to be relatively good...again to make lifestyle choices and you know, sometimes you just need celebrate life and if food is involved, all the better!!! I'll be back to Weight Watchers and Blog posting on Tuesday morning! Happy weekend to everyone!

Have fun Jen!

Have a great time together Jen and Robin Ann! And remember...nothing tastes as good as thin feels!

April 28

Hey, great to hear from you Kristin and great job on getting into the 140s!!! I'm glad you feel inspired again. I am pumped. I've had a great week with Weight Watchers and exercise and the scale showed it today with a weigh-in of 141 lbs! I'm so excited. I leave Thursday for Los Angeles to visit Robin Ann so I'm hoping to get to 140 which would be right on target with my goal of losing five pounds a month from when we started to May 31! Yeah! I just have to be careful not to totally blow it in California...how bad can you be in four days!!! I finally feel like I'm in a good eating pattern and not totally thinking about "cheating" all of the time. With the sunshine finally out here, I'm motivated to get some color on my skin and be ready for summer! So, thanks again ladies. For me personally, this blog has been a great motivator. I was looking at the scale this morning thinking it's been more than two years since I've been at 140 and it feels great. I do think this will be a "hump" to get over because 140 is a weight my body likes so the last five pounds will be harder to lose. We'll see. And so, we journey on...in our own ways, on our own paths, yet with a band of sisters spurring us onward!

Goals

Hey there ladies (or only Jen?)
Well, I'm happy to report that I finally weighed in today and I'm down to 148! Yeah! It's great to be back in the 140s! That makes me really happy since I haven't been exercising, and my dieting hasn't been that great. I am motivated to start exercising again, and not going crazy with food either. The weather is beautiful here, so I'm excited to run outside. Unfortunately, I can never get away from my kids while it's light outside. Hopefully as the days get longer that'll change. So, I still need to lose 3 pounds by May 19 to reach my goal. This now seems totally doable, but I need to make it happen! My exercise goals are not as on track as I'm supposed to be up to 5 miles by the end of April, and I haven't passed 3 yet. I need to work on that this week. Thanks for keeping me motivated Jen! I'm really happy William shows no signs of weaning because there's no way I could eat only 20 points in a day right now. You're the weight watchers queen! Keep it up ladies!
Kristin

April 25, 2008

Just realized I have only 6 days to lose four pounds to be on target with my goal so I'm trying to at least be really good for those six days. Today I did 25 min on the elyptical machine and ate 800 calories for 16 points...I'm still planning on having a snack now while James and I watch Season 4 of "24" for a few hours! So, I'll say 20 points. Overall good...I'm really determined to get down to my goal by the end of May. Have a great weekend!

You're not alone Jen!

Well, maybe you are in the fact that you're probably the only one losing weight. I STILL haven't stepped on the official scale at the Y, so I have no idea how I'm doing. I am not doing well with points. I haven't really been keeping track. However, I haven't been going too crazy either, so that's good. Usually I'm totally extreme. I do really need to get back to exercising, especially now that the weather is nicer. I'm so jealous you got to sled! Calvin hasn't even really seen snow on the ground. Poor deprived kid. My goal for tonight is to exercise! Maybe I'll even weigh in. How are the rest of you doing ladies?

April 21 2008

Hi ladies. Well, today I just feel like a bear in hybernation...it is freezing cold outside with a foot of fresh snow. How happy am I to be headed to Los Angeles to visit my best friend in 10 days!!! With the cold outside, I have just felt like cuddling up with a book and snacky foods. I've refrained but it's going to be really hard for the evening! My progress towards my goal urges me onward. Today I weighed in at 143 and still need to loose just over a pound a week to get to my goal by the end of May. Today I ate 1100 calories for 22 points. I did 30 minutes on the elyptical machine while doing arm weights at the same time! I always dread doing exercise, but feel so great when I do it. My exercise for yesterday was hauling Gracie up the huge sledding hill in town and sailing down in our tobbogan to the bottom screaming at the top of our lungs over and over again. It was a great work out and great fun! That's one thing that I find so important in all of this...to stay healthy so that I can have fun with and keep up with my kids for years to come.

April 17

1184 calories for 24 points...20 minutes of Pilates...I am so not wanting to exercise this week. I'm ready for Spring already...we've got a weekend of snow forcasted here. Enjoy your weather all of you down south!

Good Job!

Keep going, Jen - you're doing a great job with sticking with it! I'm totally impressed! Today, a friend offered a copy to me of a Yoga DVD and said that it wasn't what you typically think of as Yoga - but rather a toning workout that makes you really sore! It made me think of the one that you mentioned doing - I'm going to try it out - and then I can relate to your soreness! I probably won't even be able to move, but hey I'll give it a shot!

Anyways - keep up the good work - I can't believe you only eat a little over a 1,000 calories a day! You go, girl!

April 16

Short blog tonight because I've got to go to bed. I ate 1100 calories today for 22 points. I did not fit exercise into my day...we did take a walk as a family after supper, but I didn't exert myself much!

April 15 update

Hey, great to hear from everyone again! I know this journey is very different for every one of us and I in no way want this to be a guilt trip. For me, it's just been encouraging to walk alongside you for these weeks and I'm going to continue through my goal date of May 31. Write when you can, if you feel like it, just know no matter where you are, you inspire and encourage me, dear sisters. Today I ate 1046 calories for 21 points and did 25 minutes of pilates. I felt great today. Phil 4:4-6 "In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus."

I'm Back!

Hey all! I'm so sorry for not being more faithful Jen! I closed the window on my computer, and then didn't know Ryan's login info, and then just gave up pretty much, but I'm back now! Needless to say, I have not been doing well with dieting. The trip to Washington really threw me for a loop. I ate terribly there....just way too much, and didn't exercise. Then when we got back, I was exhausted from the trip. Then about a week and a half later I started to think about exercise again, and I stubbed my toe really badly, and might have broken it (this is where my excuses begin, by the way), and then 2 days ago, I killed my back, and could barely stand up straight! I was doing ok with points when we got back from WA, but then I made cookies to take to some friends' house, and that did me in. I am trying to get back to doing it strictly this week, and I must get to the gym! I have no idea what I weigh. My clothes are still getting looser though, so hopefully continuing to nurse has saved me from my poor decisions. I need to go back and look at what my goals are though to know if I'm on the right track. Thanks for hounding us Jen! I need motivation! I'm so excited James got his visa!!! That's awesome! We have to get together sometime once we're both in the U.S. Ok, baby crying...gotta go. I promise to do better!
Kristin

PS

I forgot to mention - CONGRATULATIONS for James visa to the US! That is so awesome - I'm so excited for you guys and since Indy is one of our main bases for us when we go to the US, it's very possible that we'll meet up! I'm sure you're glad to have all that paperwork and stress behind you! We're very happy for you!

Here I Am

Hi Jen -
What can I say!?!? I've been lost I guess. I do want to congratulate you on your progress, determination, discipline and desire to succeed! It's not easy in this day and age (just watching TV makes me hungry sometimes with all the food commercials and Rachael Ray recipes! smiles). Keep at it, girlfriend! I know you will succeed!

As for myself . . . life has gotten a little out of hand, I guess. As of the 1st of April, I started back at teaching at the CCC two days a week and trying to start doing work for ER from home and being part of a Member Care Task Force at HCJB with Santi (a one-month project that Graham Bulmer asked us to take on to try to find ways to better things).

Somehow, I'm trying to find a way to balance life, baby, work, hubby and time for self. I'd like to say that it's going better than it is - not that it's bad, just that it's really taking adjustment for me - more than I imagined. And one thing that I have learned in my life is that in order for me to eat well and exercise like I should, I need to have structure, schedules and orderliness. I just don't have that right now - yea, it's probably another excuse but it's how it is. And at the moment, I'm making bad food choices and not exercising.

I was doing well with walking and getting myself into a routine and now with all of the above, I'm finding that I need to work at it again. So . . . . here I am back at square 1 I guess. Hence, not much of a desire to write on the blog, as there's not a whole lot to write about!

But I do still look and check your progress, Jen, and am proud of you! Keep it up - I keep hoping that some of that discipline and determination will rub off on me! And you are inspiring! Thank you!

And where are Kristin and Robin Ann and Janine these days? Hope all is well!
Toodles from rainy, cloudy, cold Quito (another excuse for me not to find time to walk! GRRR)

A Lonely Sojourner Traveling Solo

So, did I garner any pity? Where are all of you? Oh well, after two not so great weeks I'm starting this week with new found determination. I weighed in this morning at 144 lbs again, but after all of the times we ate out last week, I'll be happy with staying even. I tracked all of my eating today and ate 1104 calories for 22 points. I have to lose almost 2 pounds a week now to make my May 31 goal, so I've got to crack down a bit more than I have been. I did 20 min. on the elyptical machine today. I just wish the weather would get nicer already so I could exercise outside...especially ride bike. Anyway, hope you're all having a lovely start to your weeks.

April 9 Update

Hi all. Today was a huge day for our family as we found out James was approved for a green card so we will be relocating to Indiana in July. I did keep track of my points and food today...I did NOT exercise. Spring break make routine go out the window! I ate 1100 calories for 22 points. I would sure love to know what's happening with all of you. Come on ladies...we can do this!

Where is everyone???

Well, I've been awful at blogging and thus not so great at meeting my goals, either. I did loose a pound last week so I was at 144 lb. yesterday. I'm aiming for 140 by the end of April. I've done good at exercising this week...Yoga yesterday and elyptical machine today so that's good. The kids are on spring break and our schedule is out of whack so we're eating out more in the past few days and I've gotten lax with keeping track of points and keeping track of everything on fit day. I'm committing to starting that again tomorrow. I hate to have come this far and quit! The stress of the last two weeks has been enough to make me want to eat everything in site and not care a bit about the effects! Still have this nagging guilt that has kept me from doing it...thanks ladies! I'd love to hear what is happening with all of you. Busy days, I'm sure. Know that I appreciate you all very much.

I Lost 5 pounds!!!

Did I get you? It is April 1 after all. So, what's up ladies? Actually at weigh-in yesterday I stayed at 145. A little bummed, but not bad considering that I wasn't great with points all last week. I'm really trying to do better this week. I did exercise yesterday, but looks like it won't happen today. I got up too late this morning. I did good with points yesterday and am on a good track for today. So, I'm hoping to lose again this week. Well, I've got to run. If you think about it, pray for our family this week. One week from today James will fly to Montreal Canada for his interview for his U.S. resident visa which would allow us to move to Indiana in July. We're crazy busy pulling together paperwork for that. We are really hoping he gets it since we're ready to be done with transition and settle down for a while. How are all of you doing?

March 27 Update

Thanks for your comments Ruth! Glad to hear the walking is working. Robin Ann and I were just commenting on how much we missed our early morning walks up Villalengua to the top past Extreme Response. We wore out that path for more than a year. We lost all of our baby weight doing that walk and Weight Watchers. It was great exercise and forged a lasting friendship which I will forever treasure. I know from that time that accountability is a huge motivator for me with diet and exercise and now this blog is totally helping me with that. So thanks ladies, for walking this journey with me. Today I ate 1175 calories for 24 points. I also did 25 minutes on the elyptical machine. I'm really hoping to "stay faithful" through the weekend. We're going away to James' sister's family's house and I never eat as well when I'm not in control of my food choices. Monday morning weigh-in will be a good motivator. Have a great weekend everyone.

Saludos from Quito

Hi ladies - I have kind of spaced out for a few days! Too many feedings, diapers, and spit-up I guess! But I have managed to get in a good walk with Nathan for at least 4 days last week and so far two days this week. I'm finding that walking fits well into our daily routine, so I'm going to stick with it and try to pump it up from time to time . . . using the hills around our house, etc.

Food-wise? Well, some days are good; others are bad. What can I say? I agree with Jen that being at home all day doesn't help much. And I find that I have moments that I'm ravenously hungry - perhaps it has something to do with nursing, but as Jen mentioned, it would help me to get a grip on regular meal and snack times.

Still adjusting, I guess. But I am proud of the fact that I have been getting out and walking - that is a definitely hurdle for me (from someone who basically spent the last month of pregnancy barely able to move and then laying low after Nathan's birth due to the c-section).

I know that Janine has also been struggling with the flu, so that is probably why we haven't heard from her much - plus they have a radio school going on there, so they have lots of people coming and going.

I hope Kristin has a great trip.

And I'm proud of Jen for her faithfulness, her discipline and stick-to-itness! You're amazing Jen and an inspiration to the rest of us!

March 26 Update

Hi all, today I ate 1250 calories for 25 points. So, I'm not doing that great for points this week. I'm steadily using up my flex points and it's not even the weekend! I guess I'll have to exercise more. Today I did 30 minutes of Yoga Burn. A pilates or yoga DVD is a great way to do exercise at home that is fun and not boring. I do it right when I get up at 6 a.m. and it totally gets my blood flowing and wakes me up for when I want to read the Bible and pray before the kids get up. I have two great DVDs that are from the same series. They are broken up into five 10 minutes segments and you can customize your workout to include one, or a few or all of the segments. I always pick three so I can get in 30 good minutes of exercise. They are called "10 minute solution" if anyone is interested. So, that's it for me today. Good night...or good morning to you ladies half way around the globe in Singapore!

March 25

Today I was on the elyptical machine for 25 min. I ate 1205 calories for 24 points. I felt so snacky all day today! It's so hard to make healthy snack choices! I did fine with grapes and celery w/peanut butter but bombed out with cinnamon cookies (2) and a bowl of Golden Grahams. Part of the problem was that I was home all day which is never good. I also just need to plan my eating times better, I suppose...Breakfast, snack at 10 a.m., lunch, snack at 3 p.m., dinner, small after dinner snack 8 p.m. And be good about always having healthy options to choose from. Any other suggestions, ladies?

March 24 Yee-haw!

So, I had to throw in the Western celebratory remark since we do live in cowboy country. Today at weigh-in I lost another pound to get to 145...one third of the way to my goal. I was pretty excited, especially considering the piece of cheesecake I ate over the holiday weekend! I did some extra working out to account for it. Today was not a great day as I ate 1328 calories for 27 points which means I definitely used some flex points! Oh well. The kids were off school and my in-laws took us all to McDonalds...here there are no healthy options at our little small town Mickey-Ds. So, I ate 14 points for lunch alone. It sure was good though, I must say. Kristin, hope you have a great trip. Bummer we'll be almost close but won't see each other. Robin, great job on getting under 130! How is everyone else out there doing after the holiday?

Hey

Ruth, you made me miss Ecuador with that description of everyday life. You're right, there is never a dull moment. I have had a cold all week, so I haven't worked out, except for last Monday when I weighed in. I don't want to push myself while sick, but I also think I was a bit discouraged from the weigh-in. Now, of course since I haven't worked out, I feel even bigger than ever, even though I'm still sticking with my points I think. Ruth, you're right, we put way too much stock in what the scale says. It is so silly. Someday I'm going to challenge myself to diet without weighing myself for at least a month or so. Then again, at the end of the month if I hadn't lost weight, then I'd REALLY be mad.

Thanks for the running encouragement Jen. It does feel good to be running again. There is a 5K race in our neighborhood this fall sometime, and I think that'll be my goal, to get fast for that. Oh, and Ruth, I laughed out loud at that thing from the biggest loser about making healthy choices when we are unhappy....I think all of us moms would LOVE to take a hot bath, but when a kid (or 2 or 3) is whining or screaming in our ears, sometimes the slice of pie is the only thing that buys some temporary relief!!!!!!!!!!! :) I totally agree with the principal though, of finding a way to deal with our emotions other than eating. It's hard.

So, I won't be posting next week since I'm leaving Tuesday morning for Washington state to visit my brother who just had a baby last Sunday (well, his girlfriend did). My mom and I are taking the kids out there, and as far as stressful trips go, it will probably be second only to moving back from Quito last year at this time. I'm really excited though, so keep us in your prayers. The stress alone should take off about 5 lbs. I'm hoping :). I hope you all had a great Easter. I didn't even get to go to church because William was sick and sleeping, and he cries the whole time in the nursery anyway, so I spend the whole time there comforting him. Of course the day after I bought the tickets for Washington, we all came down with colds...never fails. Ok, have a great week ladies, and keep up the awesome work!!! You're the workout queen Jen, and I want to know what you ate to feel full on 850 calories! That's insane.

woo-hoo!

I have not really been blogging as I said I would this week, but I have been doing my points and still working on losing weight. This morning I weighed myself. (I weigh on Friday as motivation for the weekend), and to my glorious surprise I weighed 129.8! To break 130 was VERY exciting. If it is not too sacriligios to say, it's a good Friday. I am celebrating now because I am not so sure i will still be (barely) in the 120's after the holiday weekend. Happy Easter everyone! He has risen! =)

March 20 Update

Forgot to log in last night! Yesterday I had 1035 calories for 21 points and I ran 1 and 1/2 miles in 22 minutes. Okay, so I'm thinking while I was running laps...Kristin you're an amazing runner! Great job on doing the 3 miles in under 1/2 hour! Crazy! You go girl! Today I ate 1177 calories for 23 points and I did 20 minutes of Yoga Burn. I did something stupid and made homemade caramel corn for a mom's group I go to every week, but I was proud that I only ate 1/2 cup for 100 calories or 2 pts. So, now for the holiday weekend. It's all about good lifestyle choices with weigh-on Monday looming beyond! Happy Easter ladies. What a privilege to count you as my friends and sisters.

Three Straight Days of Walking

So now I'm into 3 straight days of walking! Today I walked for 45 minutes with Nathan. The shin splints are still sore, but I'm getting the hang of it - and also trying to stretch more!

And less you think I'm super motived, I do have an outside motivator . . . the condo next to us is doing some major remodeling and the POUNDING starts at 8 am and goes for most of the day! So it does kind of drive me to just get out of the house and do something so that I don't have to hear the noise! Maybe going out for a walk will become a habit before they are done (not that I want them to continue - hopefully they will be done soon!).

But I am enjoying getting out to take walks with Nathan - he usually sleeps and I'm able to get out and see the "usual" things that go on in our little neighborhood - i.e. several gas trucks driving around with their loud horns, competing for business, a herd of goats passing by tended by a young boy and his dog, seeing the mountains (I have a pretty good view of the side of Pichincha), random construction projects with old trucks pulling up loaded with cement blocks or other supplies, and driver's ed cars with students, and the ever once in a while street dog running by! Never a dull moment. I don't even need headphones and music to keep me entertained!

Jillian's Tip of the Day

Somehow I got on a list to receive emails from Losing It with Jillian Michaels from the Biggest Loser. Here's a Tip of the Day from her:

This Week's Challenge: Take Control of Your Eating
This week I'm going to ask you some questions to help you pinpoint the psychological and emotional reasons behind your unhealthy eating. Today's question is "When I'm upset, how do I cope?" Do you reach for a slice of pie, or do you take a relaxing bath? Find healthy ways to unwind and pamper yourself instead of indulging in food. Then you'll feel refreshed and rejuvenated — not overstuffed and still stressed.

It gave me a few things to mull over!

And Jen, who are you rooting for on American Idol? I'm watching it on Sony here on TVCable and so I'm a week behind. But there are some good choices this season!

And don't be discouraged girls - hang in there - the same discipline that helped you lose those first pounds will help you keep going!

And as my husband has often said to me: "Why do you weigh yourself so often? It doesn't really matter what the actual pounds are, but rather how you're looking, how your clothes are fitting and if you looked toned, fit, etc. So don't put so much weight in what the scale says!" (no pun intended).

I used to be addicted to getting on the scale! But he's right, one pound one way or the other tended to either make me super excited or super discouraged (and then get me eating wrong things again)! Not that I'm telling you not to weigh yourselves, etc. but just a reminder that yes, it's healthy changes that we're all looking for - changes that will stick with us and be a lifestyle (rather than just another pound less on the scale!).

Long Time No See.....

Hi Ladies!
It has ben over a week since I got on and I am so sorry! A lot has happened I read. Janine, welcome to the group. Glad to hear that you are doing well in Singapore and on the right track with losing weight. I think your 11 lbs is the best so far for this group. Very motivating!

I echo Kristen and Jen this week. I thought I was doing SOOO well. Well, I really did. I sttayed within my points and drank all my water this week. Only to step on the scale and be down only .2! It did make the difference to make me 131.8-- but still.. I had been feeling so "skinny" before getting on that scale. Why do those numbers have such an effect? It has been hard for me to ake the right choices this week becasue I feel defeated. BUT, this morning my friend Elaine asked me if I had been losing weight. so now I am telling myself I am losing inches instead of pounds. (It's probably just the outfit I have on today, but was enough to give me a boost!)

My anniversary is on the 29th. I would like to be in the 120s for that. Possible, but not realistic if this week goes the same as last week.

I am going to try to log on each day t read and post. Maybe that will be motivating.... it's fun to have the connection with you all. Kristen, I really like how you keep saying that it is a lifestyle. That ran through my head the other day as I stood in front of the big box of Splenda at Costco. I decided NOT to get it, and to keep with the "real" sugar despite the points since that is what I want to do in "life". Thanks for the encouragement. Now to make exercise a part of the lifestyle again... but oh! how I love to sleep in instead! =)

I can relate Jen...

Hey guys, Well I weighed in at 153 yesterday, and I was so mad!!! I thought I had been good all week, I'd worked out, and breastfed, and I gained weight!!! Not fair. It probably didn't help that I'd eaten a very dense burrito about 2 hours before weighing in, but I can't blame that completely. I too was very discouraged today, and didn't eat that great, but tomorrow is another day. I'm going to need a lot of motivation in the next few days because my dad is coming, and he's the world's worst eater. You'll say you don't want an appetizer for dinner, and he orders 3 for the table anyway, making you feel like you have to indulge. I'll try to resist! On a good note, I broke my running record again...ran 3 miles in 28.5 minutes or so. I was happy about that. It's really hard to think of this as a lifestyle, and not just trying to lose weight. I know that if we keep focused on eating healthfully and not eating emotionally, we'll lose weight even if we don't always eat perfectly. It's hard not to make it an obsession. Ok, going to bed now. What was your weigh-in Robin Ann? Hi to Janine! Have you moved to Singapore indefinitely?

March 18 update

Today I ate 1207 calories for 25 points. I will do 30 minutes on the elyptical machine while I watch American Idol. Honestly, I hate it how last week I was going along good and feeling motivated for a couple of weeks and then I don't lose weight this week and my mind starts playing tricks on me like, "what does it matter what I do or don't eat my body is going to do what ever it wants anyway". So, today I've not been great with will power to make good choices. Candy and other such pointless calories keep calling my name. Being tired and stressed doesn't help I suppose. Life is speeding up to high gear for our family with a move to Indiana in July quickly approaching! So, I'm going to get a good workout in tonight and hope for fresh motivation in the morning!

Oops, forgot...

I totally forgot to welcome Janine! Now we're truly a global blog! This is so much fun!

At long last...

Hi all, I just realized I hadn't logged on here since last Thursday. Bad! I did so, so for points over the weekend. I hate weekends because we're out and about and I can't make healthy choices as easily. So, for weigh-in on Monday morning I stayed steady at 146 which was a bit depressing. Oh well, try harder this week. Yesterday I did 30 min. of core training and abs and I ate 1112 calories for 23 points. I'm sticking to my goal for the end of May and I need to lose a pound a week from here on out for that to happen. Great to hear of your success, Ruth and good for you for sticking it out through the pain!

Shin splits . . .

. . . really hurt, but I was determined to take advantage of some more sunshine today and get out for a walk. In spite of the soreness in my shins, it felt good to get out again! Hopefully I can make this a daily habit! And the food issues are getting better!

How are you all doing?

a breakthrough

Hi ladies - a chilly Quito welcome to Janine - maybe she can send some of the warmth of Singapore to us as it's been mostly rainy, chilly and cloudy since January here!

Anyways -I finally got a chance to get out and do some walking with Nathan. We finally got some typical Quito sunshine this morning, so I packed him up in the stroller and out we went. He fell asleep and behaved perfectly and I felt like I got a good workout - or at least a good start at getting some exercise in. We walked for at least 1/2 hour (there was some added conversation time with some neighbors). Pushing the stroller definitely adds to the effort and there were a few hills so I'm sure I'm going to feel it in the back of my thighs tomorrow.

It also made me more determined than ever to be careful about what I'm eating today. So that's a start too.

Thanks for the encouragement ladies - just hearing of your successes helps to keep us motivated and realize that yes, it can be done!

Greetings from Singapore!

Hi Ladies, Janine Rembas here. I want to thank you Jen for the invite. I need the support too. Unfortunately I don't have email at home and I need to be working at work, but I'll get on when I can. Maybe I can print the text from the blog and read it on my commute. Sharing your struggles helps me to hang onto hope. I'm not alone.

When I was in Ecuador I worked really hard and got down to a size 8 (sometimes even 6). At 143 pounds I was actually a little too thin - it made me look older believe it or not - and I really stabilized around 150. Then November of 2006 I suddenly didn't have any energy. Stopped going to the gym, started eating more than I needed. Six months later I'm 50 pounds up! That's when I found out my thyroid had stalled. So onto meds I go. BUT my foot blew out and I needed surgery and have only just recovered from all that...another 11 pounds up. So I left for Singapore the end of January at a whopping 211 pounds. You all know how bad you feel with your weight up but imagine that happening when it's the dead of winter (summer clothes aren't in the stores yet) and you are headed to a tropical climate. I ended up at Goodwill to try to find some clothes so I didn't have to come here naked. Can you say, "Boy that's ugly"? Weird as it sounds, looking ugly makes me want to comfort eat. Catch 22.

So I started getting a grip since I've been here. I'm down to 200 pounds. I'm walking without pain so it's time to do more physical activity. My goal weight would be 155.

Thanks again for the invitation to join you all.
Sweating in Singapore,
Janine

March 13 Update

First of all, Ruth...I echo Kristin's thoughts. Bravo for every attempt you make. It is hard work and you've got to start somewhere and it sounds like you're doing great with that. So keep it up! Good job to everyone else too. It's just so motivating and encouraging for me to come on here and see what you've written. Yesterday, I ate 1055 calories for 23 points and I did 30 minutes of Pilates. Today I ate 850 calories for 18 points (and I'm totally full, I might add!) and I did 30 minutes of Yoga "burn" (and boy do I burn...I might not be able to roll out of bed in the mornning because my abs are already killing me!) Today I tried something new that I totally loved...spaghetti squash. Don't remember if you can get it in Ecuador. It's bright yellow and longer than it is round. Anyway, you just cut it in half, take out the pulp/seeds, and microwave it skin side up. When the skin gets soft it's done. You scoop out the insides with a spoon onto your plate and it looks just like spaghetti. I made a homemade spaghetti sauce with canned tomatoes, a tiny bit of ground beef, chopped onion and various spices. I put that on the squash and it made a very yummy low point meal!

I never know what to title these things...

Hey ladies...I have worked out twice this week, and last night I ran my best time yet. Yeah! Haven't done any weights or abs at all. Hoping to change that tonight. Doing well on points

Ruth...don't be too hard on yourself as far as stepping on the scale. You should not judge yourself at all. You JUST had a baby for crying out loud!!!! And even celebrities like Catherine Zeta Jones gained 70 lbs. when pregnant, so don't worry. It'll come off. I gained 50 lbs. with William, and it's been 9 months, and I'm just now starting to really think about trying to get the weight off, so just the fact that you're trying to do something about it while dealing with a newborn, etc. is great!

finally . . .

. . . a note from Ruth in Ecuador. Congratulations to Kristin, Robin Ann, and Jen for all the hard work you're doing and the results you are seeing! That's totally awesome! The effort you're making is definitely paying off.

As far as me reporting in, I will admit that I have not gotten brave enough yet to weigh myself. However, I have been trying to concentrate on making healthier food choices (not always successful in this) and trying to get some exercise in . . . only somewhat successful. It seems that every time I get geared up to take a walk outside, Nathan either starts crying or it starts raining (we have been having tons of rainy cold weather here in Quito). So the walking outside hasn't been too successful. However, I have gotten out almost every day to take a walk with Nathan through the new mall that's out by our house (El Condado - right at the circle to go out to the Middle of the World - nice new mall with Megamaxi and lots of walking possibilities).

So anyways - working at eating healthier and getting some walking in. Keep up the good work girls and keep inspiring the rest of us who are lagging behind!

And Kristin - in regards to the dump - basically a bunch of the families who live near the dump (and whose children come to our Weds afternoon Kids Club every week) had their homes (basically shacks) bull-dozed over by the municipal of Quito a couple of weeks ago. It was/is a really sad situation and hard to see the families we have worked with for so long be affected this way. Many have stayed in the same area, rebuilding shacks and trying to make a home again, which we don't understand as they must know that as squatters, their homes will eventually be destroyed again. And it's hard to know how to help them as we don't want to encourage them to continue to be squatters, but yet we want to show some gesture of love and help them. The high schoolers (from Alliance who do the Kids Club) have done a clothes drive and Extreme Response has given them food baskets. So anyways - that's the deal.

And Robin Ann was asking about our new baby and family - you can check us out at our blog - www.thearteagafamily.blogspot.com. We put personal stuff on there as well as ministry stuff . . . so if you have a bit of time feel free to take a look. Lots of photos of Nathan on there!

Hey

Hey, what's going on at the dump? Fill me in.

Robin Ann, I live in Durham, and I've actually only been to Raleigh once even though it's less than a 1/2 hour away. It's supposed to be nice though. There are a ton of churches down here, that's for sure, and we still haven't found one we love. We were at one for awhile, but Calvin informed us that he doesn't want to go back there because there are too many kids. So, we're looking for a different one (we weren't that happy with the other one either). I've heard of a few good churches in Raleigh, but I don't think I'd ever make it on time if we had to drive that far. Hope you all are having a good day! Sorry this has nothing to do with weight loss.

March 11 Update

Today I ate 1114 calories for 22 points. I didn't do any exercise because I'm so sick with a nasty cold today. I'm just fighting the urge to splurge on comfort food while I watch American Idol right now! Maybe I'll go for a cup of tea instead. Great job Kristin and Robin Ann on losing weight! Waiting to hear how Amy and Ruth are doing! Ruth we've been thinking about you lots with the whole situation at the dump.

weigh in

Well, I was down to 150.5 last night! Yeah! Getting back in to the 140s will feel really good, and my baby belly is noticeably smaller (at least to me). I was doing great on points until I ate a Chipotle before figuring out how many points it would be. I then found a website that calculates Chipotles and found out the it was 18 points!!!! So I ended up going 1 over for the week, but not too bad. I did cardio 3 times and abs twice, no weights. My goal this week is to do weights at least once, and abs at least 3 times. I also broke my personal record (since I started exercising again) by running 3 miles at 6.2 mph. Yeah! It was hard too because my ipod ran out of batteries, and they didn't have the close captioning on the TVs at the gym, so I just read the reel going across the bottom of the screen on CNN for 30 minutes. NOT FUN! But I'm proud of myself, and way to go Jen and RObin Ann on the weight loss!!! Thanks for the soup recipe. I need something new to try. Ok, going to a doctors appt now with William. Have a great week ladies!

March 10 Log...LOST 2 more LBS!

Yeah, It's working! I'm down to 146 lbs. as of this morning which I was quite pleased about. I will have to think of a reward to celebrate getting under 140 in a few weeks (not food...maybe new summer clothes!)! Counting points and telling you all about it has helped me tremendously. Today I had 1111 calories for 23 points. I did 30 minutes of cardio on the elyptical machine and 30 sit-ups.
A very Yummy recipe we had this weekend. I used corn instead of flour tortillas for less points and baked them in the oven until crisp.:

Chicken Fajita Soup

Ingredients

• 1 pound thin chicken cutlets, cut into thin strips
• Juice of 2 limes, divided
• 1 tablespoon coriander
• 1 tablespoon cumin
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 3 large or 4 medium bell peppers, seeds removed and sliced
• 1 to 2 large red onions, sliced
• 3 large cloves garlic, grated or finely chopped
• 6 sprigs of thyme, leaves removed from stems
• 1 cup Mexican beer, or an additional cup chicken stock
• 1 15-ounce can stewed tomatoes
• 1 quart chicken stock
• Hot sauce to taste
• 6 flour tortillas (6- to 8-inches in diameter)
• 2 handfuls cilantro leaves, roughly chopped
• 1 ripe avocado, diced (optional)
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (optional)
• 1/2 cup sour cream (optional)

---

Yields: 4 servings

---

Preparation

In a shallow bowl combine the chicken strips with the juice of 1 lime, coriander, cumin, salt and pepper. Let the chicken marinate while you cut the veggies for the soup.

Place a large soup pot over medium-high heat with 2 turns of the pan vegetable oil, about 2 tablespoons. Heat the oil until it just starts to smoke and carefully add the marinated chicken to the pot, spreading it out in an even layer (the oil can have a nasty attitude and spit at you so be careful). Let it brown up completely on one side before moving the pieces.

Add the peppers, onion, garlic and thyme to the pot and cook a couple of minutes, until the veggies just start to get tender. Add the beer or stock, scraping up any brown bits on the bottom of the pot; then the stewed tomatoes, chicken stock and some hot sauce to taste. Bring up to a bubble and simmer while you prepare the tortillas.

If you have a gas cooking range, turn the flame to medium and, using tongs, place the tortilla right on top of the flame. Turn it and flip it until it starts to blister on both sides -- don’t walk away, this needs your full attention!

If you don't have a gas range, place a medium to large dry skillet over high heat and, working with one tortilla at a time, blister them in the skillet on both sides. As you blister each tortilla, stack and wrap them in a kitchen towel to keep them warm and pliable.

Once all the tortillas have been blistered, cut the stack in half, stack the two halves on top of each other and slice into short thin strips. Divide the strips between 4 serving bowls and reserve while you finish the soup.

Add more hot sauce, salt and pepper, to taste. Ladle the soup over the tortillas and top with some cilantro, diced avocado, additional lime juice, shredded cheddar and/or sour cream.

A New Week

So, I weighed in this morning and was happy to be down one pound. (It's way better than up). I was 132.0. In order to do better this week, I will write down my points every day on my calendar and I want to do better at drinking water. I hate having to go to the bathroom all the time. Therefore, I hate to drink my water.

Kristin, I just talked to my dear friend Rebekah in Raleigh. Do you live in Raleigh or Durham? They go to Richland Lake Community Church. Do you know where that is? Any chance that is your church?

Hope you all had a good weekend, and that your weigh in brought a smile to your face!

weigh-in

Hey Robin Ann I'd love to weigh-in on Mondays with you, assuming I can make it to the gym on Mondays where I use the official scale. If I can't do Monday, I'll try to do Sunday or Tuesday. So, this week I didn't do that great with exercise. I did 3 days of cardio, but today I couldn't run the whole thing, I walked some because I was really low on energy. I worry that dieting, exercising, and breast-feeding leave me feeling pretty depleted of energy, but maybe I was just having an off day. I only did abs once, but there's still tomorrow, so I'll try to do them then. I didn't do weights at all. I was going to do them at the gym today, but then a People magazine began calling my name, so I just stayed on the treadmill and walked and read that. That's one thing I missed in Ecuador was the magazines at the checkout! I can justify reading that though because I truly believe that looking at enough pictures of Angelina Jolie will help me achieve my weight-loss goals :). I don't know who half the people are though in those magazines anymore. I'm either old or have been totally out of touch for the last 5 years or both.

I'm also trying to do this without using Splenda and other artificial stuff, and I think that's going to be a lot harder, but I'm all about making it a lifestyle this time. Hope you're all having a nice weekend. Are you getting snow there Jen? Or is it just always snowy there? I know they have like 20 inches in Ohio...probably Indiana too. Ok, take care!
Kristin

March 7 Update

Today I had 1118 calories for 23 points. I did 30 minutes of cardio on the elyptical machine. I am SO sore from doing the Yoga DVD. My ribs, by back, you name it! Feels good though, I think I'll keep doing it! The kids were complaining of being sore too! Well, the weekend is always hard for "dieting" so here's to encouraging us all to keep the momentum and stick to the plan 'cause Monday's coming! Thanks so much to every one of you for joining this with me.

When do we weigh in?

HI Ladies!
I love that you are so specific about what you eat in your blogs. That is helpful Jen, I think I need that pita recipe. I should have looked at the blog sooner because then maybe I would have stuck with my points today. Got off to a bad start by missing breakfast and only having the pastries at MOPS to eat in the morning ... and it went downhill from there. =( The good news is that I stepped on the scale again and it said 133 instead of 135-- so I would still like to lose 10 pounds, but that will get me closer to where I realy want to be anyway.

Maybe this is in an eariler blog, but I couldn't find it. Do we have a specific day that we weigh in? If one isn't set up yet, does someone want to weigh in with me on a certain day? In Quito we used to do Monday (to help us be good over the weekend). What do you ladies think? I like weighing in with someone because there is accountability and I am not tempted to step on the scale every day and then ride the daily weight emotional roller coaster.

I found a great, simple lunch for me -- it is about 6 points and food that lasts a long time.. which is my kind of lunch. =)

Tuna with a bit of mayo. I spread a little bit in a lettuce leaf and eat that like a little sandwich. (that makes the tuna go a long time.) I eat the whole can. Then, a serving of pretzels for carbs, an apple or other fruit, and a coke Zero.

I found a new coffee thing for less points too that I love. Instead of creamer, I put in 2 TBSP. of the french vanilla flavored whipped cream. (sorry Ruth, I doubt they have it in Ecuador-- possible that iti s not in Didsbury either) Yummy, and it is 1 point if I use splenda (which I have been trying to NOT have lately, but I may have to switch from real sugar to Splenda for the next few months). Edwin and I think we are getting old becuse we could seriously just have coffee after dinner now and call it dessert. Totally old folks, huh? Anyway, that makes for a pretty low point dessert which is nice. I usually have 2 cups if I do it that way.

Kristin, good to be in contact with you again. Your LA comment was funny... it was 80 degrees here today. Yep, I think the bulky sweater is not going to work for hiding behind anymore. That is why I am so glad that we are doing this now! However, we did buy the coldest house in Culver City (at least, that is what we keep saying to each other!) so I have been covered in bulky clothes all winter. It worked really well for me after Christmas! =)

A special hello to Ruth too! I don't think I even congratulated you on your wedding let alone your child! You go girl! =) I'd love to see a photo of your little family sometime! =)

March 6 Update

Today I ate 1096 calories for 22 points. I made these yummy "garlic parmesan pita chips" that are a weight watcher recipe and got so addicted to eating them that I had to have them instead of lunch! Not great nutrition, but at least I still stayed in the point level for the day. I did 30 minutes of Yoga "Burn". It was hilarious because I had all 3 kids around me watching the DVD and trying to do it. They decided the lady on the video is a robot because no human can really bend and move like that! I tend to agree with them, although I did give it my best shot. I'm going to be so SORE tomorrow. Well, this is totally working for me. I think of you ladies looking over my shoulder ever time I open the fridge or pantry! Good night!

shake part II

I forgot to mention that the strawberries and blueberries were frozen. Here you can buy them frozen. Not sure about in Ecuador. Might have to have the maid cut them and freeze.

shake

Jen, you crack me up how you're so organized and concise and just write down your points and exercise, while I just ramble on and on...

Ruth, in my shake I put 1/2 cup apple juice (in Ecuador I used the Motts all natural stuff on the top shelf last time I looked at Supermaxi) 1/2 cup skim milk, 1/2 cup plain nonfat yogurt, 1 banana, 1 cup (or a little more) strawberries, and depending on what I have I add some blueberries or raspberries. It makes a lot, and is quite filling. It is worth about 7 points, which is kind of a lot I guess, but I tend to do better just drinking that than standing around the kitchen grazing on whatever I can find. Also, one thing that helped me with exercise in Ecuador when I couldn't go to the gym was to buy an aerobic step and some DVDs. Step aerobics is an awesome workout, as good as running I think if you get the difficult videos. I know what you mean about not having 2 hours at the gym anymore. That's what it took for me to be skinny before too.

I'm not doing too well on the ab exercises, but hoping to do some more tomorrow. Doing well keeping track of points, which is the most important thing. Going to bed now. Take care ladies.

Thank you, Kristin

And I wanted to say thanks to Kristin, for the tip on the veggies and fruit - you're absolutely right - it's so smart to have them cut up and ready to go for that snack. I need to get back into the habit of doing this. Thanks for the reminder!

And also I was wondering what you put into your shake for your lunch? I'm finding that with me being home all day with Nathan, I really don't feel like cooking anything, but rather graze, snack or just eat whatever is left over from the night before. Maybe a fruit shake would be a better idea - easy and full of vitamins and low cal! So just wondering what you put in your shake!

Thanks - Ruth

Plan It to Get It

The other day I was looking at the Biggest Loser site and somehow got on Jillian Michael's email list. She's one of the "tough" trainers on the show. Anyways, I often put the articles in my junk email file, but I thought the one today was interesting so I thought I'd share it with you all.

It kind of helped me with some of the things I'm struggling with right now - being overwhelmed with how much weight I have to lose. And also being overwhelmed by just not knowing where to start. What's really sad is that somehow I was able to do this before (in 2000 I lost 50 lbs in 6 months), so I know it can be done! But my circumstances are much different now (like I can't spend 2 hours at the gym anymore and eat just tuna fish and vegetables! and I'm 8 years older! smiles!) so I need to find a new way to get it done!

Anyways, this article was encouraging to me and I thought I'd post it in case it helped someone else.

Plan It to Get It - by Jillian Michaels - Big Loser

You want to lose 50 pounds, and you want it bad! You can even envision your inner, svelte self wearing impossibly hip clothes. Yet, year after year, the pounds stick around. What's going to be different this time? You're going to have a plan!

Without a plan, reaching long-term goals may seem overwhelming or too distant. Setting smaller short-term goals will help you stay on track. Do this right now — identify and write down small goals to achieve on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis that will help you meet your long- term goal. Examples include preparing healthy snacks to take to work each day, working out three times a week, and learning five new healthy recipes a month.

While setting and reaching a goal in itself is rewarding, sometimes a little external motivation is needed. So, as you write down short-term goals think of incentives to keep you going and list them right next to each goal.

However, it is important that the incentives you come up with don't revolve around food. There's no sense in pushing yourself through that extra set of lunges (the one exercise you just can't learn to love) or ten more minutes of jogging if you're going to reward yourself with more calories than you burned off. Start learning how to pamper and treat yourself in healthy life- and self-affirming ways that have nothing to do with food. Get a manicure once a month. Go to a movie every week. Treat yourself to some new music to listen to at the gym. Yadda, yadda, yadda — you get the idea.

March 5 Update

Today I ate 1162 calories for 27 points...too many! I did 30 minutes of "speed walking" for a mile and a half so maybe 3 activity points. So, I guess I used 4 more flex points so I'm down to about 20 flex points for the rest of the week! Here's hoping for more self-control tomorrow. Do you get extra points for certain times of the month when you want to eat everything inside...you know what I'm talking about women!?!

Update...

Hey all, I only have 5 minutes, so I have to make this quick....
First, Jen, I have the official weight watchers slide thingee that says how many activity points you get. However, I have always thought it was unfair. As I see it, 50 calories is worth 1 point, so if you burn 400 calories, you should get 8 points. However, for 30 min of high intensity, a person weighing 150 lbs. only gets 4 points. I guess you can decide if you really want the exercise to help you lose MORE weight than you would by just dieting, or if you are only exercising to stay healthy and be able to eat a bit more every day. If you want to lose even more weight (which I'm not sure is so healthy since weight watchers is already such a low-cal plan) then use the weight watchers calculator. But I personally think the other way of figuring it (which I'm guessing you used?) is more fair.

And Ruth...a fruit and veggie tip I found useful in Ecuador. When I was pregnant with Calvin I really wanted to eat more veggies so I would buy a ton of carrots, broccoli, celery, peppers, etc. and have my maid cut them all into bite sized pieces and store them in ziploc bags. Then I could just grab a handful throughout the week. Take advantage of having a maid!! I'd also have her cut up cantaloupe and pineapple.

So, this week so far I've run twice, 30 min each time, and I'm up to 6.1 mph. I also did ab exercises for the first time in like a year or more. Oh my gosh, they are so out of shape, and I think my abs are in a totally different spot than they used to be before I got pregnant. I am doing fine eating, I actually have to be sure to eat enough because you get a lot of points when you're nursing.

So happy to see your post Robin Ann! I thought by living in Southern California you must have conquered the weight battle since you probably wear skimpy clothes all the time, and can't cloak yourself in bulky sweaters like I do. Hope you guys are doing great.

Ok, gotta go shower and to bed.

Hi Ladies!
It is so fun to be a part of this with you all. I must confess up front that I am NOT a blogger. I purposely have tried to stay away from such things for the purpose of not getting carried away and spending too much time on the computer. However, weight loss is a constant and worthy goal of mine. AND to do it with friends whom I have not seen or heard from in a long time will make it even more delightful. For the sake of time, I have just skimmed what everyone wrote so far. I will try to keep up with all the details as we move forward together. Congratulations to those of you who have had babies. I am jealous of the extra points you get to eat every day due to nursing babies. Please eat something decadant for me.

My only excuse for needing to lose weight is the fact that I live in the States now and gaining weight is just so much easier here! This morning I weighed myself for the first time in a long time. I was horrified to see it say 135.4. So, I tried it again and it said 133. There's a 2.5 lb. weight loss in just a few seconds! =) I thought I would not press my luck to step on again. To be safe, I am going to assume I weigh 135-- but I hope not!

Here are my goals: 125 (lose 10 lbs) by May 1. That is 8 weeks, so I really should be able to attain it.
(In actuality, I would like to be 120 by summer, but I am going to take it little by little).

I am feeling very anti-exercise lately, so I would love to do it withut working out. But, that is me being lazy and I know it is not really good. Maybe reading all of your blogs will be inspiring in that regard. If not, then my first attempt at getting into a swimsuit should do the trick. =)

I am doing weight watchers points too. They are tried and true. I will try to post each night how many points I ate... just for accountablilty. My mom recently started again. Did you know they have a target counter now which takes into account your age, height, activity, etc. and gives you a specific # of points you should have? Mine came up with 24 poitns. But, I hope to stick closer to 20 points a day.

I keep telling myself..."nothing tastes as good as skinny feels"! I remember that is true... from when I was skinny before.
Pressing on!

March 4 Update

Today I had 1079 calories for 22 points...yeah! I did 30 minutes of Pilates and I obviously need help calculating activity points, so Kristin could you pass on your method of calculating points? I won't be weighing in again until next Monday! So ladies, I'm totally loving this. Robin Ann Fabros will be joining us in the next day or two and I think it's awesome that we are from ALL over and can connect this way. So, maybe we should try to loose like 400 pounds and go on Oprah as the International Band of Sisters! :) What say you?

this is fun!

Congratulations on the 2 pound weight loss Jen! I lost a pound already too, my first day on the program. :) How did you get 10 activity points???? I did 30 min of running, and it said I only get 4 points! Maybe I have a different calculator. Ruth, I used to think that counting calories was just as easy as doing weight watcher points, but I ended up finding it easier to keep track of points, especially if you don't have time to record everything. Plus, weight watchers tells you how many points you should be eating exactly, whereas calories are kind of a guessing game. I've figured out that usually one point is equal to about 50 calories, unless it's something really high fiber (in which case it would be 0 points). So, if I look at a label and see something's 100 calories, I can just write down my 2 points instead of having to add the calories to my total, and keep track of 4 digits (since that's really hard) :) Also, the book they give you lists point values of different foods, so if you don't have a label, you can estimate without having to figure out every ingredient that's in the food you're eating. I find this helpful when trying to make it a lifestyle. If it's too time consuming I won't stick to it. Plus eventually you start to remember how many points things are that you eat often, so you don't even have to look it up or figure it out.

I struggle with fruits and veggies now that I'm living in the States. They are so darn expensive!!!!! You are so lucky Ruth to have cheap produce. I make a smoothie for lunch every day, which is quite filling, and about 7 points. I usually make this first, so I don't start grazing on an empty stomach and fill up with high point foods. Then when I'm done with the smoothie, if I'm still hungry, I can find other healthy things. I don't know how I ever did the 20 points per day though. That is hard. Nursing is my saving grace. It hasn't gotten my body back into shape like it's supposed to though. My stomach is really unsightly...I mean really gross. My pants are finally starting to fit again, but the muffin top they produce around my waist makes me want to go buy pants that are way too big just to avoid that phenomenon. Ok, gotta go get Calvin from preschool. I'm so glad Dr. Jijon was good for you Ruth!!! Yeah!
Kristin

Monday, March 3 Update
Today I weighed in at 148 pounds. I ate 1460 calories for 35 Weight Watcher Points. I'm allowed 20 Points per day and then I got 10 activity points for 30 minutes on the elyptical trainer. So, I'm using 5 of my weekly 35 flex points. I also got in 20 sit-ups. I want to work on abs too, Kristin! Not a great first day calorie wise. I need to be better at keeping track of my points during the day and like Ruth said, I need to watch my fat intake more. Avocado and almonds were killers today! Hope you ladies did great in the weight war today!

calorie counting . . .

First - just want to say hi to Kristin! I've been wondering how you're doing! Congratulations on William's birth. Check out our blog to get info on Nathan's birth (and see photos) . . . www.thearteagafamily.blogspot.com. He came on Dec. 25 (yes, Christmas Day) and had surgery for congenital diaphragmatic hernia two days later. I have wanted to tell you how grateful we are that you recommended Dr. Jijon to me for OB/GYN - he has been great. But even more so, his brother, Dr. Javier Jijon, was our pediatrician who "happened" to be a specialist in neo-natal intensive care. God used you to lead us to just the doctor Nathan needed! Isn't that cool!

Anyways - I wanted to mention that I've been working hard to input what I eat into the calorie counter on FitDay. I am finding it very useful to give me a good hard look at what I'm eating. . . WAY TOO MUCH FAT (like 40% daily -UGH!)! I don't think I ever realized what I have been really putting into my mouth. I definitely need to make some major changes in what I'm eating. Which means more fruits and veggie (the obvious) and a lot less fat and carbs.

And yes, this is obvious - but easier said than done for me. I must admit that I struggle with eating fruits and vegetables, which is ridiculous considering that I live in a country where they are abundant and cheap, with lots of variety. So I need to work in this area.

This is my first time ever taking a look at my calorie intake and I'm finding it really does help me to think before I put food into my mouth . . .

So I have a question:
Can someone explain the difference, advantages, disadvantages of counting calories vs. doing the point system from Weight Watchers?

Thanks!
Ruth

Count me in!

Hey everyone! Thanks so much Jen for including me in this idea! You helped me lose weight before, and I'm counting on you to do it again! :)

An introduction...My name is Kristin Stults, and I knew Jen in Ecuador, where my husband and I were missionaries with HCJB also. We moved to North Carolina almost a year ago, and we have 2 sons, Calvin, 2 and 1/2 and William, 9 months.

A few years ago I started doing Weight Watchers and doing cardio about 5-6 days a week. As Jen can attest, I was pretty fanatical about it, and I lost about 15 pounds. However, since then I've had 2 babies, and I've pretty much stopped looking in the full-length mirror. A few months ago I joined the Y, and I've tried to go a few times a week, but I haven't tried to cut calories too much (I use the excuse that I'm breastfeeding, but that only takes you so far...). Now I am faced with the terrifying prospect of shopping for summer clothes. Feeling fat in bulky sweaters and jeans is one thing, but there's no way to hide the post-baby body in summer tank tops and shorts (not to mention the dreaded bathing suit).

So, right now I weigh about 153 I think, and I'd like to make my goal 130, with the hope of staying under 135 for the long run. So that's 23 pounds. I can't lose it too fast because of the breastfeeding, so at 1/2 lb. a week, I should be 130 by January 19, 2009. Since that's kind of a long-term goal, I'd like to aim for 145 by May 19 and 140 by June 23. Exercise-wise, I'm up to running 3 miles at a time, and I'd like to keep that up, and increase my speed, and then add more miles. I'd like to be up to running 6.5 mph by the end of March, and then be able to run 5 miles at that speed by the end of April. And I'd like to try to do ab exercises 4 times per week. I'd like to do weights twice a week. I'd really like to be able to cut calories without using a specific plan, since I feel like if you're on a plan, it isn't just a lifestyle, but since I'm not doing too well at making healthy eating just a lifestyle, I'd better stick with what works, that is, weight watchers. I eat fairly healthy, but I'm not too good with portion control, and I tend to blow a lot of calories with really high-calorie foods like guacamole, peanut butter, nuts, cheese, granola. I also have to have my nightly bowl (or 2) of cereal, which I'm sure doesn't help. And I tend to indulge in chocolate and other sweets whenever they're around. I need to learn to say "no" to desserts and candy.

This is getting long, so I'll stop, but I'm looking forward to getting to know all of you better, and it is great to hear from you Jen. And Ruth, I have been meaning to write you forever to ask if you had the baby and all that, so please send pics sometime and tell me all about the birth! Congratulations!!! Oh, and I forgot to mention that I have polycystic ovarian syndrome too, which I think makes it harder for me to lose weight, which is why I have to exercise and diet like a crazy person. I feel your pain Ruth. Ok, I'm excited about this! I need some accountability!
Kristin

Fit Day and some goals

Hello friends -
I guess I should introduce myself a little better for those who don't know me. My name is Ruth Arteaga and I know Jen and her family from their time living here in Quito, Ecuador and ministering together with HCJB Global.

I am married to Santiago Arteaga - my wonderful Ecuadorian husband. He works in the ISD department at HCJB.

And we have our baby boy, Nathan, born Dec. 25, 2007. Yes, a gift from God! He was born with some complications and needed surgery two days after birth. He's doing really well now and only needs to be on oxygen while he's sleeping. God has been good to us.

Now on to some things I have been thinking about this morning. I took some time to fiddle around on the FitDay site and really liked it. I like the whole calorie counter thing. It makes things so easy and I can see that it will help me to see the big picture on my eating habits.

This month, I want to focus on making it a habit to enter my food into the FitDay counter and work on lowering my calorie intake. I'm sure that it is just crazy off the charts . . . so as I figure out how to lower my calorie intake by taking a good look at what I'm eating and how many calories it's costing me, I'll also work on becoming more active - taking walks at least 3 times a week.

I was thinking about the calorie counter and also about all the diet plans out there. I guess in the past few years, I've been so focused on trying to find a "plan" - a quick fix - something that will magically just bring the pounds off with hardly no effort on my own or perhaps some perfect formula that will make it all better. Thinking that if I just find that magic plan or formula, the pounds will come off quickly. Well, this morning I was thinking - it's really simple (and something that we all know anyway) - basically I need to eat less calories than I use in a day and the pounds will start coming off. That's all there is to it - no one is going to wave a magic wand over me and Poof! the pounds drop off! No - I need to learn to be disciplined and realize that I have a responsibility to eat right.

So to start me on this disciplined path, for this month I'm going to focus on the FitDay tools and try to use it every day to take a good hard look at what I'm eating and how I can start cutting calories and start burning calories.

I'm In!!

I'm Jen's sister Amy. I too had a baby only it was a year ago. Here's my dilema though...I'm about 35 pounds from a healthy weight for me (my first goal) and about 50 pounds from my ultimate goal. I was doing great for about a month and lost almost 20 lbs. But we are going to start trying for baby number 2 in April. Knowing I can't loose any more weight at that point and fear of gaining it all back are keeping me rather unmotivated at this point. I'm trying my best to get back on the wagon, but I only have a month and I know there is no way I'll loose the 35lbs in that time. So anyway I guess my goal at this point is to loose as much as I can by April or whenever baby 2 arrives.

Thanks for this, it will help!!

Count me in, Sister!

Thanks for the invitation, Jen! I can totally relate to the ups and downs of dieting and weight gain and loss. I'm looking forward to hearing everyone's ideas, plans, and suggestions. And adding a few of my own that hopefully will indicate some success!

My baby is 2 months old now and it's about time that I make some effort to work on ALL the weight I gained during pregnancy. . . . I wasn't one of those who couldn't keep food down - rather I was one of those who felt like she needed to eat all the time - and boy, did I take advantage of that and am now paying the consequences! I won't even go into the 20 lbs. that I gained after getting married Oct 28, 2006! Let's just say that my husband lost 20 lbs. post wedding and I gained those 20! I have no idea how that happened!

Another thing that I have struggled with for a long time is the fact that I have poly-cystic ovarian syndrome. They say that this can cause obesity. I'm afraid that I often use it as a excuse to eat unhealthily (because I'm going to be fat anyways, right!?), rather than use it as a reason to eat even more healthily and keep the weight down! So, don't let me use it as an excuse!

My goal in the next month is to stop the 3 am feeding binges I've been having while I'm warming up Nathan's bottle (I'm still nursing and doing formual)! It shouldn't be too hard as he is now sleeping 5 - 7 hours during the night! So I can say that my first goal is pretty much taken care of! hee, hee! (baby steps, right?)

And secondly, I'd like to start going out for 15 - 30 minutes walk at least 3 times a week, if not more. But I'll start with 3 times a week as that is the number of times the maid comes and I'm able to leave my sleeping baby with her.

And thirdly, I'd like to start some sort of a program for eating - perhaps Weight Watchers as I have heard from many of my friends as to how well this has worked for them. But probably my main goal in this area this month is to start weeding the junk out of my diet and start focusing on more healthy alternatives.

Thanks again for doing this Jen! And I look forward to hearing from others as well!

My Goals

Ladies, if you decide to join, please introduce yourself to the group and tell us what you're hoping to accomplish. (Thanks, Ruth for a great start!) :) For me, I'm going to put exact goals in writing because I just know myself and that it will motivate me.
Current Weight 150
Goal Weight 135
Goal Date May 31, 2008
Diet Plan: South Beach/Weight Watchers
Need to Lose 1.5 lbs per week to reach goal
Exercise Goal: 30 min. cardio 3 days a week, 30 min. weights 2 days a week

Join With Me

Since the fall of 2003 I've been on a constant journey to eat healthy and get to my target weight. I have had moments of glorious victory and moments of utter defeat. I've learned that success is most likely achieved through accountability and thus this blog is formed...to join with my sisters in a quest to reach our goals!

My idea with this blog is to keep a daily food and exercise journal as I attempt to reach my goal weight. I know that if I write down everything I put in my mouth and that also that if I know you will be reading it, that it will help me hold off on the "brownie binge"! There is a great free site called Fit Day (see link on this blog) where you can enter in your food diary and then they will give you a report of your daily calorie intake and show you your progress to your goal. I'm thinking we could copy those reports into this blog for the accountability factor. We could also just enter in our food diary directly on the blog and talk about victories/failures we had during the day.

More than anything, I want this blog to be an encourager for you in reaching your goals no matter how little or big. I want you to feel like you can come here for the inspiration to pick up and try again tomorrow if you went on an eating binge. I hope you feel like you want to run here when you loose 2 pounds in a week so we can all celebrate with you. I figure we're all dreading swim suit season and so if we start now, we should have time to make a dent in our goals by summer!

So come on, whether you can only commit to posting weekly or maybe you can make it daily...whether you want to lose 5 pounds or 50 pounds...whether you don't know where to start or you're already on a good diet plan...join with me, my sister.

Ecclesiastes 4:12 "By yourself you're unprotected. With a friend you can face the worst. Can you round up a third? A three-stranded rope isn't easily snapped."