Sorry for the lack of postings lately.

I hope that everyone is sticking with their resolutions, and continuing down the positive path to a new improved you.

On my last weigh-in with my trainer, I was down 7lbs from my last appointment before Thanksgiving. It would have probably been more but I'll admit that not all the choices I made during the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays weren't always the best--but I think it's okay to lapse some if you get back on track immediately--and keep up with your exercise.

All told, I'm down about 41 lbs from this time last year. I know it seems like alot (and yes--it IS alot), but this is just the beginning. The road is long, and the path is rocky, but we all can meet our goals if we made a promise to ourselves to stick with our plans.

I hope that if anyone is still reading this that you post and let us know if your successes.

Is anybody left on this blog or am I talking to myself?

Well, I saw 155 on the scale yesterday morning! I was so excited. That is down 5 lbs in two weeks. Not bad, not bad at all.

For the last week I have decided it is time to kick up my routine. I have done 20 minutes on the treadmill and 30 minutes of aerobics 5 days a week with NO results. I orginally lost 3 pounds but they quickly came right back and held tight.

So this past week I started doing 45 minutes (3 miles) at 5 mph on the treadmill and some ab work after. I hope this is the kick in the butt my fat cells need to see they are no longer welcome.

I have also joined the Discovery Health Challenge. I joined last year too and never looked at the site again. This year I am going to be more active. I can record my exercise everyday and it helps me keep track of my weight. It also gives meal plans based on your goals but I don't have the money to run out and buy all the foods it suggests. I will just try to aim for more fruits and veges on my plate than anything else.

So far this week I am down 4 pounds but I am not going to get my hopes up just yet. It is possible that it will come right back again. I hope not because nothing is more motivating than seeing some results after all my hard work.

How is everyone else coping with the post-holiday pounds?

Twas the night before Christmas
and all round my hips
Were Fannie May candies
that sneaked past my lips.

Fudge brownies were stored
in the freezer with care,
In hopes that my thighs
would forget they were there.

While Mama in her girdle
and I in chin straps
Had just settled down
to sugar-borne naps.

When out in the pantry
there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from my bed
to see what was the matter.

Away to the kitchen
I flew like a flash,
Tore open the icebox then
threw up the sash.

The marshmallow look
of the new-fallen snow
Sent thoughts of a binge
to my body below.

When what to my wandering eyes should appear:
A marzipan Santa with eight chocolate reindeer!

That huge chunk of candy
so luscious and slick
I knew in a second
that I'd wind up sick.

The sweet-coated Santa,
those sugared reindeer,
I closed my eyes tightly
but still I could hear;

On Pritzker, on Stillman, on weak one, on TOPS
A Weight Watcher dropout from sugar detox.

From the top of the scales
to the top of the hall
Now dash away pounds;
now dash away all.

Dressed up in Lane Bryant
from my head to nightdress
My clothes were all bulging
from too much excess.

My droll little mouth
and my round little belly
They shook when I laughed
like a bowl full of jelly.

I spoke not a word
but went straight to my work
Ate all of the candy
then turned with a jerk.

And laying a finger
beside my heartburn
Gave a quick nod
toward the bedroom I turned.

I eased into bed,
to the heavens I cry
If temptation's removed
I'll get thin by and by.

And I mumbled again
as I turned for the night
"In the morning I'll starve...
'til I take that first bite!"

Author Unknown (it came in a forward)

Saturday, as I walked my 2 miles to the gym, a car pulled over and a lady rolled down her window to say, "I think you're doing a great job". Of course, I was like, "excuse me?" And she proceeded to tell me that she thought it was great that I was motivated to go out and walk and exercise...and then she got out of her car and told me that she had worked from a size 26 to a size 16 through diet and exercise. And honestly, I would kill for her figure. We chatted for a few minutes, and I walked away with a renewed sense of motivation in both my self, and the impact that I have on others.

When people on the street drive by me, they have one of the two following thoughts:

1. OMG, look at that COW!

OR

2. Wow, look at her go. If she can do that, why can't I? (which then motivates them to walk themselves).

The first group, I care nothing about. It's the second group that I hope drive by and become inspired to begin their own walking and exercise regimines.

I just wanted to share this small incident with you, mainly because I was shocked that it actually happened, and two, to hopefully motivate you to keep going. Yes, it's hard t lose weight. But remember--we didn't gain it overnight, and it takes time to remove it. But you have to be dedicated, and you have to want it for yourself. Dont try to lose weight for your high school reunion. Don't do it for your husband or boyfriend. Don't try to do it for your mom or your sister. It's only when you want to do it for You that it begins to work. YOU have to work for you, and not for anyone else--otherwise, your doing it for all the wrong reasons.

Stay on track, keep yourself motivated, and work for the end result that you want--be it health, new clothes, or just a sense of accomplishment.

:)

From the Biggest Loser Club email. I know it's post Turkey-day, but these rules also apply just as well to Christmas and New Year's celebrations.

I hope that everyone is doing well, has recovered from the excessiveness of the holiday eating spirit, and is looking forward to resuming their diet and exercise plans.

I'll admit that I was no saint during Thanksgiving as I partook of a plentitude of turkey, stuffing, and pumpkin pie, but I am eager to get back on track and resume my healthy(er) diet, and exercise regimine.

**********************************************************************
Thanksgiving week marks the beginning of a six-week holiday period. Without doubt, it is the most challenging time period of the year. It's dark, cold, and parties are happening all over the place. Most Americans have NO activity/diet program from Thanksgiving until mid-January. Have you thought about how you will approach this year's holidays?

Before you think about the WHOLE holiday, how about thinking of just this week? Check in with yourself and see what you want to accomplish. There are three possible outcomes: (1) Continue Losing Weight, (2) Hold Your Ground, or (3) Lose Ground. What do you want to accomplish?

Here are a few thoughts about each:
(1) Continue Losing Weight You CAN succeed at losing weight during the holidays!! You just have to want it enough and decide that you are willing to take care of yourself in the midst of a lot of temptations. The keys to success are consistent exercise, a specific plan, and ongoing support. You can find the plan and support here at the BL website.

(2) Hold Your Ground (see below)

(3) Lose Ground Most Americans lose ground/gain weight during the week of Thanksgiving. The real problem, however, is that nothing is done about it until mid-January. A key to long-term weight loss success is learning how to RECOVER from lapses. Imagine what might happen if you "blew it" during T-giving holiday, but got right back on your program on Monday. Sure, you might have gained a pound or two of actual weight, but you can lose that weight and some before Christmas week. What does this require? Accepting responsibility and forgiving yourself for not being "perfect." Get back on the horse.


Holding Your Ground

There is nothing wrong with choosing to hold your own during the Thanksgiving Holiday. Truly, it is no easy feat.

• Eat a healthy breakfast on Thursday morning.
• Go EXERCISE on Thursday before the big meal. This may mean taking a walk with a family member or taking a 30-minute break from the festivities.
• Eat a late morning snack. Avoid eating foods that you are preparing. Make sure that you have a small HEALTHY snack 3 hours before you sit down for your big Thanksgiving meal

I am not getting on the scale this week or next either. There is no point. The turkey, stuffing, potatoes, gravy,pie...

I am falling off the wagon this week. I will get back on after Thanksgiving.

How are the rest of you doing? Ruthie? Any plans for Thanksgiving?