No apologies necessary, last I checked, we all have lives here.

I agree! Sometimes we just have less time than normal. Don't feel bad, we know we've got everyones support, whether or not we see it in writing

You certainly have a lot going on Amanda As Karl said, don't let it get to you. There is no point stressing about your weightloss plan until your life gets into the right flow. You are doing well maintaining the healthy eating and when things are a bit quieter (4 or so weeks you said?) then maybe that is the time to kick it up a notch

Keep rocking girl!~!!!

Hey Amanda,

I can't even imagine how much stress you're under. Sorry about all the health issues. Hope everything goes well with the colonoscopy and the blood-work.

I think calling your work and letting them know you can only work Friday's was a REALLY good idea. Your schedule was just nuts. I had no idea how you were doing it. School comes first! BTW, you are so lucky to have

Hope you're stressing less and enjoying life a bit more <3

Keep your head up! You're doing awesome <3

Hey Amanda,
Haven't seen you post in a few days. I hope all is well and that you're feeling better!
Let us know how you're doing
<3 Jes

Hey you! Hope your crazy ass schedule isn't AS crazy this week. Update us and let us know

Heya Amanda... Just checking up on ya

Hope all is going well.

Well hello all...

I've haven't been on in like 2 months.. and I did fall off the wagon.. but I had a lot going on.. it just drained me.. and I've been really sick.. but hey I'm getting better now.. I can't keep making excuses!! I know I really need to change my lifestyle... I'm changing A LOT of other things in my life so I should really change the most important thing... MY HEALTH!! I have to do this.. Excuses aren't going to get my through life.. I'm really sitting here about to cry bc I always give up or let things get in my way and make excuses so I'll feel better about fucking up (excuse my language).. I need to change my lifestyle SO BADLY!! I'm going to get start again... This ISN'T a new years resolution.. I always give up on those.. this is a lifestyle change that is going to start as soon as I get my groceries..

I need ideas for healthy eating.. any suggestions? I like weight watchers but I feel like I let myself slip a lot and just stay in my points and end up not eating healthy... and then it ends up just being a diet.. not a lifestyle change! I have to get this going I have to pull down deep.. I know I can do this.. I NEED to do this... I don't want the stuff I eat today to impact my life 10 years from now and it will..

My schedule this semester will be easier.. well the classes might be harder but I'll actually be getting home about 6 everyday except Thursday I have classes until 9.. but I'll have plenty of time to exercise!! and I don't have classes Wed and Fri.. I'll still have to work.. but hey I can do this!! It seems much easier when I actually have time to do it!!.. during the day when I'm at school not going to have many breaks on Tuesdays and Thursdays but I can do this!! Everyone has busy days and they get through it so I can to!!

And on a side note.. I ended up making straight A's and making the dean's list last semester so all that hard work paid off!! And I made the highest grade out of everyone in my Chemisty, Psychology, and CNA class!! Made me feel good! Just had to brag on myself for something seen I'm messing on eating right, so I don't feel like a total loser!

Well this post turned out really long!! Sorry.. but how is everyone else doing? I'm going to check ur pages soon! But I hope everyone hung in through the holidays!! I'm sure you did a lot better than me!!

And I'll take my weight and measurements again when I get started again! And it will be soon! I think I probably gained every pound back.. but I haven't been on the scale lately I hope I haven't gained more than my start weight but if I have I'll just have to get the off too!!

But I hope to talk to you all again soon!!!!!

Amanda

What is your current height and weight?

5'7 and 240lbs (will update weight after I take official weigh-in)

If you were at an ideal weight now, what would that weight be?

165lbs...

At what weight would you like to be at four months from now?

199lbs... wishful thinking =)

Why do you want to lose weight?

I want to be healthy and happy and feel comfortable with my body!!

Do you want to lose weight for a specific life event such as wedding or reunion? If so, when is that event?

No, just for me!

What obstacles could get between you and your weight loss goals?

Being pressed for time with my busy schedule, I have to learn to prepare food and eat at the right time and exercise fit it all in! And not eat what's easy at the time.

Why do you think that you now have a weight problem?

Yes... I want to be comfortable and happy with my body and I'm not right now!!

What lifestyle changes do you think would help you lose weight?

Lots of healthy food.. going to increase fruit and veggies and lean meat and whole wheat and low-fat diary products and LOTS of water!!

Have you lost weight in the past? If so, what has worked in the past to help you lose weight?

Yes.. weight watchers worked for me

What, if anything, has not worked for you in the past in helping you to lose weight? Why do you think it did not work?

Making excuses!

Would you try writing down all food and drink consumed for a given period of time?

That's my goal!

What are three things you can do differently when it comes to food?

Healthy foods, portioned amounts, and the time I eat!

Do you eat when you are not hungry?

sometimes

Do you binge eat (large amounts at a time)?

now and then

Do you hide your food or eat in secret?

I have before

Do you eat when you are sad, nervous, or depressed?

sometimes yes... chocolate is a comfort for me.. but I usually take it out on my lungs with cigarettes.. which is another habit I need to kick

Do you eat as a reward?

Not usually.. but sometimes..

Do you eat while watching TV or using the computer?

Not often!!

Do you have rewards for certain goals?

Yes.. don't have the rewards planned yet.. but I have my mini goals 220, 199, 185, and ultimately 165!!! Then I'll decide how I feel at that weight! And if I can get to my goal weight by the end of 2009 I'm give myself a big reward!!

Hey there girlie!!! Happy New Year!!

Glad you are back! Those are AMAZING...goals to reach for...and YOU CAN DO IT!! It is a constant struggle that is ongoing to do the simple things in life that will take us to good health, ...cause they are SIMPLE to do and SIMPLE not to do as well!
... You are soooo beautiful in your avatar !!! I can just imagine what you'll look like at your goal !!!

Well if interested....a new challenge.....here's the link....

http://weight-loss.fitness.com/club-...challenge.html

Thanks Alta,
I need to stick to it this time and stop giving up and making excuses!! We can do this!! And I'm definitely up for that challenge! It's a good way to get started!

Hello all.. well it looks like I'm starting Tuesday now for the NY goal challenge so I can get started with a bang!! I think I've decided what I'm doing now.. I'm not going to follow any diet plans and not counting calories (yet).. I'm just going to start eating healthy! I want something I can do for the rest of my life and all the diet plans don't seem realistic to follow for the rest of my life.. If I can change the things I eat I think I can stick to it for the rest of my life..

My Guidelines:

I'm going to start eating lots of fruits and veggies, whole wheats, low/non- fat diary, lean meats and lots of water!!

NO FAST FOOD!! (I'm sure I'll have to eat it at some point on busy busy days so when that I'll eat healthy.. salads with a healthy dressing (I'll have to do my research)..

NO SODA (that will be the hardest for me!) I may allow diet rite bc it has zero everything.. but only allow it as a reward every now and then and not a daily thing maybe once a week if I did well!

And exercise! Treadmill!! I have lots of work out videos!! And a lot of exercise equipment too but it's my moms and she's stored it so I'll have to get it all set up and I'll have my own little gym.. I really wish I had an elliptical.. I love those they get me sweaty.. lol

I'm not going to allow myself to eat after 8 or 9pm.. expect Thursdays bc I won't be getting home until 9:30.. but I'll have to eat light on those days!!

Well thats my guidelines this time.. I think it's possible.. I'm changing a lot of things!! But I'm doing it so I can stick to it forever!! I'm going to miss a lot of foods I eat now.. but I can't get healthy without giving up the things that made me unhealthy right?

Okay, my New Years Resolution!! It's not to lose weight.. I always say that and never do it!! Mine this year to "change my attitude!!" No making excuses, a better outlook on life... give myself credit when I work hard and not say I could have done better, won't be lazy, random but be on time (I always manage to be tardy or put this off to the last minute).. I think if I change problem it will make everything in my life easier!! Well thats the just of it.. but I'm sure I'll think of more!!

Well just some ideas before I get started.. I'm hoping for the best!! Hope everyone is having a great day!!!

wow Amanda, I like your resolution. Sounds like a much better approach that "lose weight". great idea!
I'll be here, cheering you on. Best of luck!!!

Thanks Shandy,

I thought it seemed like a pretty good idea.. hopefully I'll stick to it!! I'm excited about this 6 weeks challenge.. I think I'll try even harder if I'm competing.. lol and I don't want to be eliminated.. that seems harsh.. but have to keep trying the hardest we can!!

Heya Mandy!!! Great to see you back. I was 'off the wagon' for a while too LOL but that time of the year is always a nightmare. The important thing is we are both back on board. We have started again on the same day!!! Great stuff!!!! I shall enjoy checking up/motivating you at every available opportunity. Hope you don't mind LOL

I put on about 8 pounds in the last four weeks so I have a lot to do to get back to where I was. I have also decided to 'go the whole way' in the next 140 days (20 weeks) and have listed my total goal weight (188) as my target. That's 40 pounds @ 2 pounds a week. (Gulp!)

I can't help looking at the diet aspect as I really want to loose the weight, but the side-effect is a new (and very enjoyable) change in lifestyle. It grows on you after time and those 'bad foods' start getting less desirable... well for me at least.

Anyhow, great to see you back and I look forward to losing the pounds alongside you


x x x
Paul.