Margo, Zumba is a Latin dance exercise class. You can go to zumba.com to learn more about it. Ours is a bit tailored to our older age group, but we're about halfway between the "gold" level, which is for seniors, and the all-out level which is VERY energetic. You don't have to be a good dancer. You just have to MOVE!

As far as eating, I started paying very good attention to portion and serving sizes. I don't make casseroles that require lots of extra ingredients. I use a lot of steamed vegetables and a lot of fresh fruit, low-fat yogurt, skim milk, whole grains, and lean meats, poultry, and fish. I rarely eat starchy vegetables, limiting potatoes and/or brown rice to a couple of times a week. I do NOT skip a meal and I eat a good breakfast. My mid-afternoon snack is the yogurt and fruit. If I have a dessert, it's after supper and it's something like one cookie or one or two dark chocolate Hershey kisses.

I'm in.

I love Teri's idea of rewarding ourselves with fat quarters!

Oh boy! Glad to see that I'll have some company! If anyone is interested, I think I will do better if I also have a chart to keep track of things. I've made a very basic spreadsheet to fill in each week with the info that my new digital scale provides. I just got the scale today, 'cause my old one is just the dial kind that belonged to my parents (who have both been gone for 22 years now!). This new one gives info like Body Mass Index, Bone Mass and Water retention in addition to keeping track of my progress toward my goal weight. It doesn't give a fortune, though!
I have no idea how it works, but the info should be interesting to track. Got it at Wal-Mart (in the hardware department) for $35.
I'm like Ritzy. I could care less about food, and tend to eat because I'm supposed to, but usually grab the easy stuff instead of the healthy kind. I need to pay attention to that.
I also NEED to get off my A__ and get some exercise. We've got a few more days to get our heads in the right mindset.

Great idea, Margo--count me in! Getting exercise every day is crucial but difficult for me--especially during tax season but I owe it myself to do this--thanks for taking the step to get us going!

Barbara

Margo,
Great idea I'm in.When we do well for the week do we reward ourselves with fat quarters?
Teri

This is such a good idea. It is so good to be accountable to someone as it sure helps to motivate a person.

Food is not my problem; well, I guess it is since I could care less. So, I need to eat better and start exercising. I hate exercise.

I would like to join this endeavor. I tried last year to loose some weight and yo-yo'd the same 10 lbs. I'm only down 8 lbs. but would love to loose more. I feel better and some of my health issues are affected by being over-weight. So, I'm excited to do this and make 2010 my year of success. My friend and quilt shop owner, Rachel, told me after she reached her weight goal, "nothing tastes as good as feeling thinner is". That will be my inspiration motto for this coming year.

I would also love to join you in this...... I have way more to loose than you ladies, but if I don't I will end up back in the hospital again this coming year & I really want to avoid that at all cost... I am heavier now also than I ever have been, but seem to lack the motivation to get me moving in the right direction, plus I can't seem to figure out a low salt diet that is also low fat I had done yoga a few times & enjoyed but alas stopped.........so enough of my whinning!!!...... I think this would help as an accountability but in the same breath I know that it also will be a great support of times we slip or come to a standstill......... this site amazes me with the support that it gives to all that are a part of it.... I would love to know what Zumba is also
MC

First time on the forum and don't have a clue what I'm doing. Hope I'm getting this somewhat right.
I would be honored to join in the accountability program for a healthier me in 2010. Heaven knows I need some motivation!
What a great idea! Honestly, I weigh more now than ever, including when I was pregnant both times. I don't know if it's my age and hormonal changes or what but I seem to gain if I even look at food. So if anyone wants to post what works for them, I'll be happy to give it a try.
Thanks.!

Oh my goodness, Carol! What an inspiration you are! So glad to have you, and hope you can offer some support to those of us who are just starting! I'm not familiar with Zumba. Can you tell us about it?

Can I join you in maintaining your journey? I made a similar decision last year. I've lost 33 pounds and actually weigh the least I've ever weighed as an adult - and I'm to the point where I should NOT lose any more. I exercise a minimum of five hours a week, and have done so now for about three years, going to classes here in my community. My goal now is to continue the exercise, continue with good eating habits, and maintain the weight I am now. (My exercise consists of a Zumba class, two fitness Yoga classes, and two cardio-strength classes.)

Hey Norina! I love your sewing space!! Glad to have you join me!