I'm doing this for maintenance, since my weight loss journey was LAST year. I'm pleased to say that I got through the company and lots of food with only a one pound gain. Now my goal is to get back to my normal eating. Our community exercise classes will start back on Monday and that will help, but meanwhile I've been exhausting myself with my new Wii Active Personal Trainer program, and my new Zumba DVD.

Today, I have stuck to my goal of one soda a day. I'm not much of a water drinker, but have drunk 2/3 of a glass today (12 oz glass) and will finish it and probably start on a second glass. Aerobic exercise is kinda out for right now so I'll have to start on what I'm eating and drinking. Still haven't stepped on the scale, I know it's not a number I want to see. I know that with the help of you all, I can change things. Frances

I weighed myself this morning and officially weigh more than I ever have before. This is coming to an end! Unfortunately, to get to my ideal body weight for my frame I have to lose 75 pounds. But will start with goal of trying to lose 10 pounds by mid- February. Prayer, work and determination!

I just ran across this good article with great tips by Dr. Oz:

http://www.thatsfit.com/2009/12/31/dr-ozs-12-best-diet-tips/?icid=main|htmlws-main-w|dl3|link3|http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thatsfit.com%2F2009%2F12%2F31%2Fdr-ozs-12-best-diet-tips%2F

I'll go along and see what happens, especially since I need to lose a few pounds. We already go to the gym three times a week and I just bought a Wii with Wii Fit that will nag me into shape at home, I'm sure. Keeping up at home is easy but travel is another matter, and we do a lot of that, especilly in the summer with our RV. I do as much walking then as possible, and bike riding when possible. It'll be nice to have company in this adventure.

Elsie, I also HATE walking on a treadmill! I don't really like walking at the mall either, but until the weather gets better, that's where I'll be 4-5 times a week.

OK, Sandi! What is your exercise plan for TODAY???

Eileen, I'm not familiar with Flylady, but maybe you could find a friend (or professional organizer?) who could help you get your studio in shape? Maybe someone who could also take walks with you? Oatmeal is a GOOD thing! Good for you!

Mary Kay, thanks for the reminder about the vitamins! I forgot mine this AM!

Marty, yes....TV is a big time waster and it definitely keeps us from doing the healthy things that we need to do. They don't call it a boob tube for nothing! We deserve better! And a time to cut off evening snacks is a great idea!

Lynn....you are a nurse and you know better!! I'm glad you are joining us, and I am ignoring your whining!!

To everyone else who is making big changes, CONGRATULATIONS!

I think I'm here kicking and screaming but I'm here.

Such a life-long struggle with weight but now is HEALTH, not just weight.

My goals for the week.

1. Yoga for the Rest of Us: Back Care Basics ----at least 10 min a day

2. No sweet slip-ups

3. Eat to heath, not to comatose
Lynn

Well I tried to start last week eating a little better & working in walking on the treadmill.........well I didn't do great but I at least didn't gain any !!! I haven't cleaned out my cabinets yet, which is a big hinderance, but plan on doing that these next two days.... my biggest problem is stopping to get breakfast on the way to work. I know bad, very bad for me!!!, so that means getting up a little earlier than usual cause I want to walk a little in the morning to get me going, eat a good breakfast, then start my day... hopefully this will help alot..... my other problem is when I get home at night I have a tendency to turn on the tv, guess just for noise, that has to stop cause then what happens is I plop down in front of it, forget exerciseing, forget not snacking..... arggggggggg I get so mad at myself when I do this, so no tv till exercise done & a good meal eaten.... know can't stop all snacking but can make better chocies & set a cut off time like my Mom always did when we were kids............. so we will see how this all works out.....I also will not put down my weight as it is very embarassing to me ... but with your guys help, my journal, & my hubby I will see a much better me this year.................... Happy New Year to all of us
Martha in slightly warmer NC today, but cold tomorrow!!!

Sandi - great idea on the weekly goals. Mine for this week are -

a) back to the basics on eating - lots of raw and minimize the processed stuff
b) get back to my vitamins twice a day routine
c) exercise 4 to 5 times a week
d) consume two big bottles of water per day

Well, DH Mike and I had our own little New Year's party last night. I'll start today by eating better and begin the walking program on Monday.
Something else I could use some help with is organizing my quilting areas. I have my longarm studio and my sewing room. Right now both are total disaster areas. I want to start with these areas and then I'll move on to the rest of the house. I've tried Flylady and I just don't like it.

So, Margo, I'm sitting here with my oatmeal. Today is day ONE for me.
eileenkny

I'm ready to start! I started my journal last night. Wrote weekly goals and monthly goals. I did put my weight in my journal and unless one of you smart puter gals knows how to hack, it is staying a secret! Am starting simple with adjustments back to the 'no white food' diet. I lost 30 pounds when I did it before, and I've only gained about 11 pounds of that back. As part of my goal for weekly is to have a formal exercise session at least 3 x week. I know I have time for that so I need y'all to push me!! I hate exercise. :shock: Sandi in FL

I NEED to be with you on this. When I'm by myself, I have much greater control, but right now I have my grandson and his 20 month old daughter living with me. He and I have totally different ideas about what to eat! And if he has junk food in the house, I'm into it. However, the baby does require some chasing and lifting, and hopefully that is helping with the "move more" as right now it's too icy underfoot to walk outside. I have a treadmill, but I HATE IT.
I'm aiming for more fruits and vegetables. But, doggone, I love my carbs!

Is everyone ready to start?

I'm not sharing my body weight, but I got my start weight back on December 21, and since then I've lost 1.8 pounds according to my new digital scale!!! (It was $35 from Wal-Mart, in the hardware department, of all places.)

It probably helped that we didn't have any social events through the holidays so I was able to avoid all that temptation and I have gotten rid of food in the house that I know I'm not supposed to eat.

I have carefully watched what goes in my mouth, and am slowly getting back into my walking routine.

This quote was in my in-box this morning, and I think it's good:

“The first step to getting the things you want out of life is this: Decide what you want.”

—Ben Stein
(1944-); actor, writer, political commentator