Bikini Countdown

[KarenB]

YES!!!!

This is the very thing I've been talking about in my own journal, JoAnn. I realized I've been undereating by anywhere from 200-300 calories/day, and that's only to reach the *minimum* my BMR requires!

So, this week has been a real experiment and an exercise in belief in the program. I'd been hovering around 1950 kcals/day for quite a while (average, of course), so I bumped it up considerably. And I do mean considerably. I've been taking in *at least* 2200 a day, sometimes up to 2700. I'm tracking everything religiously with FitDay to make sure my percentages don't get out of whack.

This morning, although it's not "weigh-in week" for me, I stepped on the scales and expected (from years of "training," of course) to see some outrageous weight gain, even though scientifically I knew it wasn't possible. I'm exactly where I was a week ago. If I'd been feeling better (I'm a tad under the weather, have been for a couple of days) I'd have jumped for joy. I *know* that come next week that number will have moved, and in the *right* direction.

Sorry to ramble, but your question just sorta shoved me through that open door! :D

[KarenB]

Sorry, but on rereading there's something else in JoAnn's post that leaps out at me.

It's the part about "going back to what always worked for us in the past" and "setting (ourselves) up again." That's just it, you see--it *didn't* work in the past. We were TOLD it was supposed to work, but it didn't. Or it did for a while, making us miserable and hungry and crabby, so when we got where we thought we were supposed to be, we quit--and wound up back where we had started (or farther).

Someone here has the Einstein quote as their sig line, and someday I'm going to do it in calligraphy to frame and hang over my office desk here at home:

"Insanity is doing the same thing every day and expecting different results." (That's pretty close to right, anyway.)

I'm through being insane. I'm still crazy, but I'm not insane. :D

[lastchance]

Hi girls

Not posted here for ages, well not since the 'cropped hedgehog with a rash' episode - been reading you every day though. Still a LONG way from my bikini. But when I get there, to answer someone's question a couple of days ago, it is going to be VERY expensive! Funny, I really do fancy that belly button ring. I'm 43 but who cares. when I was younger and 'had it', I didn't believe in flaunting it. If I get it back you bet I'll flaunt it a bit more this time!

Shannon, don't worry. In fact it gives some of the rest of us hope when we see someone like you messing up occassionally. I thought you were angelic all the time and now I know you're not, I know you don't have to be a100% angel to do well like you. Thank you for that and hope you have stopped beating yourself up about it!

Keep it up, girls. By the way, if you cut out ALL salt, additives and caffeine you'll get rid of your cellulite, keep drinking the water though and be prepared for demon headaches from caffeine withdrawl (like walking around with an axe stuck in your head). It only last a day or so though.

Good luck to you all this week

Sara

[Jo-Ann 2]

Hi Karen, glad to hear you've got your calorie count up to :D . I guess I worded things poorly, what I was trying to say "if you starve yourself you will loss weight," I didn't mean to say it was pretty or a good thing to do. (aka ww). I know if I add back too many carbohydrates the same way as if I added food when I did ww. I would gain again. What I meant is that when you are not hungry it is easy to not eat for me. Not a good thing to do. So I was kind of proud of myself. I saw myself be destructive and stopped. I didn't mean to say that my experiences were the same as others. I just wanted to know if anyone else had noticed they had done the same thing.
Anyway, I'm back on track and feeling alot better. I'm upping my water too.
Jo-Ann :wave:

[Jkrohn]

Hi ladies! Sounds like we had an eventful weekend on the thread. Shannon my dear don't beat yourself up we have all done it at one time or another. The good thing is you realized what happened and will prepare better next time. But, you do raise a good question......What is a girl to do??? Is there any alcoholic low carb drinks out there?? I'm not a big party girl but every now and then I do like to hit the town. Need to know what to have (Besides Miller Lite) I get sick of beer very easily.

Still no pounds down this week! :mad: This stinks. Although my mentality is much better then last week. :) I feel great and I swear my tummy is shrinking :thup: but still no punds. That's 2 weeks in a row now......... I even re-measured this am as it has been awhile wanted to see if maybe I was loosing inches instead but nope nada nothing!!! I think I look smaller so dang it that's all that matters. My clothes are fitting very lose and I can feel my ribs. Can't see them yet but I know they are there. I was a good girl no slips from gremlins even upped the water intake a little (Didn't think it was possible) I am drinking 4+ liters a day. I am not giving up!!! I will suceed! I will wear a bikini! It may not be this summer but I will wear one.

Keep up the good work. Hope you all had better luck at the scales. That doesn't sound right "luck" this isn't about luck this is down right hard work and determination that will get us down the pounds and into those bikini's. So I guess I should say keep working hard!!!! Talk soon :wave:


Messy

[sunshine2]

Hey Messy, good for you to avoid those nasty gremlins. I'm with you girlfriend, the scales did not go down on me either, but I know I'm getting smaller and decided to take those damned scales out of my sight and just worry about eating right and exercise. I have quit focussing on time tables to reach my goal and just focus on doing what I need to do in order to reach it some day. I know it won't happen this year with the rate I'm going, but I do know that it will happen, so I'm happy about that!

Shannon, so you had a few drinks, munched and so on, good for you, you probably needed it (I'm just jealous I din't do it too ;) ). Speaking of drinks, I heard diet coke and rum is a low carb drink? Anyone know? Maybe even a glass of wine would be okay. Anyhow, going out and socializeing is hard and people don't understand this WOE, at least thats my problem. I avoided a "scrapbooking" retreat this weekend because I knew there would be soooooo much food and CHOCOLATE and I just knew I would be weak, so I avoided it. Sucks.

KarenB - What a compliment, bones, it always feels good when one of your "honey" notices. :D , makes it all worth while doesn't it? Keep it up girlfriend, you'll be sporting that bikini in no time.

Everyone else, hope your weekend was good.

[Danielle]

Hi Ladies-

I just wanted to drop in any say hello. I 've been having cravings all week. I was dying for a HUGE piece of chocoalte with almonds. My problem is when I get up from the table and I am not satisified. The rest of the day all I do is look for something to pick on. But anyway, i am hoping it will go a way. I usally make myself sugar free pudding or jello. Actually I need to go shopping to have the right foods in the house.

Well keep up the good work. Summer will be here soon!

Danielle

[goingfor60]

Well I am back in the LC saddle, I made LC chocolate chip cookies to ease my chocolate cravings from the cake I ate at the party. I have completely gone back to LC and I am very happy that I am.

Hey lastchance thanks for the Angel comment - really, I'm just a big o'l freak without warning. As I sit here and type I am reading my Sur La Table culinary program guide and wondering what hands on classes can I attend. Yippie cooking and eating and yet none of them are LC just how I shouldnt be spending my nights and weekends.

So yesterday as I channel surfed I stopped to watch the ESPN 2002 miss world fitness. I looked at these women and then I thought of us. They were from all around the globe, different shapes,sizes, ages and the most important thing was that they didnt all start out being thin athletes. They all had the same ambition to make themselves healthy and to put their body in top condition, now isnt that our main objective? Some of these women went from size 14 or from having 3 children and gaining 53 pounds to miss world fitness competition. Why because they wanted it, they wanted it and they set a goal and stuck to it. I think we have the same ambition and if they can get there, then we can get into some totally hot bikini's.

To those who think they are not going to make it into a bikini this summer well let me tell you. During my vacation in mexico there was this woman at our resort she was atleast 275lbs walking and playing and tanning in a bikini. When I saw her I said no she didnt put that on and then I looked past the suit and saw her. She wasnt like me at 200lbs covering up and walking around ashamed of my body. She was who she wanted to be and she walked tall and proud. Seeing her be herself made the fact that she was wearing a rather small bikini no issue at all. She came to play and play she did. So ladies ready or not we are coming to play and if you dont put on the bikini this summer I expect you to walk around as if you are, because we work harder than many to look the way we do 118 or 300 we are all bikini ready in mind.

Sorry for the long note I was on an endorphin rush - I came home from an hour of step&sclupt with my new cross training shoes. Yeah I havent lost weight in atleast 3 weeks but am I gonna let that get me down - hell no!

We should plan a little bikini babes trip to oh I dont know Las Vegas to meet up what do you think? The end of summer or sometime when we can all flaunt the suits we wore all summer. Have a little trip away from the husbands,children,boyfriends and anyone else we may need a few days away from not long, maybe a weekend. Just an idea tell me what you think. If enough people are interested I will be the group planner.

Last comment and then I am going - my boyfriend for valentines is taking me to New Orleans for 5 days does anyone have any must see's while I am there? I am definately planning on going to 1 or more of Emerils restaurants (BAM).

See Ya'll
Shannon :wave:

[sunshine2]

Hey Shannon, I watched that Miss World Fitness Too. One of the things that shocked me was there was this lady, I can't remember where she was from, but she started weight training LESS than two years ago, and was a size 15/16 and now she was competing for the Miss World, she also had two kids. I was amazed and it gave me hope.

Your right, its all about attitude. My sister, who weighs around 160 wears a bikini, honestly, I can't believe she weighs as much as she claims, because she doesn't look like it. But she looks good in a bikini, she struts around like she is some playboy bunny, and I must say, she never has a problem picking men up. Never. So, its the attitude. I still don't think I'm ready to put one on, but I will be ready soon.

I think that is a wonderful idea, all of us bikini babes hooking up somewhere. Las Vegas, oh yes, I'm in. Name the date, time and place, and I will see what I can arrange.

[Jkrohn]

YUM!! Is the recipe in this site? I could kill for a cookie but I know if I have even 1 itsy bitsy bite I'll be in for.


Shannon you are the strength in this group! I love hearing what you have experienced, or what you are working through. You are truly an inspiration for us all.

Vegas! Hell ya! I have been dying to get to Vegas. Count me in. Bikini or not I'm in. I feel darn good in my 1 piece and I am like that lady you saw on the beach. I no longer hide behind my towel as I once did. I walk tall and proud. I may not be a size 6 (hell I'd settle for a 16 right now) :p but I am not a 26 anymore. And hey my backside doesn't giggle (spelling) near as much as it used to. :) By the end of the summer that bikini could be quiet close to paying me a visit. The challenge continues.......bikini bod here I come I've got new friends to show you to in Vegas!

Alright ladies who's with us??

P.S. Can I bring my mom? She's cool and LC'ing with me. We support and motivate each other. She's just not up with this thread thing yet. Actually she is the one who introduced me to this website in the first place. She is all about getting information. She may not contribute to the link but she is reading it!


I am getting closer to trying on that bikini.... I was shopping yesterday and I circled the racks many times touched a couple but never did try one on. However, I found myself venturing into Victoria's Secret for the first time in ages. This time I was alone, I did not have my "skinny" friends with me looking for them. I was looking for me!! I actually bought a bra and matching panties. Holy toledo I have never been able to fit into anything in that store. It was so empowering!! Again, I'm not near a Victoria's Secret model but I am smaller and more fit than I have been in years and I am proud of that. Like shannon I haven't lost weight in 2+ weeks now but I am not going to let that slow me down. Have come too far to turn back now!!!!


Sorry for the long babble ladies it's a good day!

Take care
Messy

[Tama]

I was just writing about this very thing in my journal. The other night while we were watching TV a Victoria's Secret commercial came on and I got depressed seeing all of those perfect bodies(who doesn't?). Then, it just hit me.... Who in real life looks like that? Who do you know that really, truly looks like that? I maybe know one girl who has that kind of flawless body, and she is 17 years old. Real women do not look like that. If we waited to put on a bikini until we did look like that, it would never happen. It is all about how you wear it. Just like Shannon, I have seen women around the pool, sunning in their suits, and they don't have the perfect body, but they look good and they are confident in themselves. We cannot be scared to show off our bodies because they have imperfections - everyone else on the beach will have their imperfections too!! Get the confidence ladies - the body is secondary.

Vegas isn't too far from me. Sounds like a hoot and a half.

Hugs, Tama

[KarenB]

Lemme see... the last time I was in Vegas I was 10 years old, wearing some hideous bellbottoms purchased at Lane Bryant, in navy blue with neon bright yellow and traffic cone orange flowers on them. Gag.

This time, I could be wearing a size 12....

When did you say we're going? :lol:

Seriously.... if I can swing it financially I would *love* to go. On a factory rat's wages (and raising my daughter alone) that's not too likely, but do keep the progress posted here and I'll try to have an answer by whatever the drop-dead date is.

That would be TOO cool!!! Ocean's Eleven's got NOTHIN' on the Bikini Babes!!!

[Cher]

Vegas sounds like a lot of fun...count me in!

Liddle...I was going to post this the other night....sorry about the delay. The hair vitamins that I take are:

Biotin 5 mg
Lecithin 1200 mg
MSM
Silica
Multi Hair vitamin

IT seems to be helping (I'm not experiencing as much loss right now) but geez, why didn't I start it sooner :doah: Oh well, I have a few balding spots but there's a lot of baby hair there...LOL

[goingfor60]

Well I am glad to see there is interest... I was thinking an August trip would be good. That way we can all do whatever we want throughout the traditional summer and then back to school,work or whatever and this would be a great summer wrap up and yet we can all wear swimsuits by the pool. You dont have to come alone this trip is for all of us to relax, meet and work the pool area with our hot bodies. As Doreen wrote to me once "We dont have to order, sometimes its just nice to look at the menu"

Here are some dates to give an idea... August 16-18 or August 23-25 those are both weekend dates Friday - Sunday. Once we decide on dates I will contact the hotel and work something out for flight information. I must have been a travel agent in another life because there's something I just find fun about making plans to go on a trip.

KarenB no one is left out of this trip! If we can believe in whoosh fairies and gremlins we can believe in the goodness of people to make a little trip to vegas come true as well. :thup:

Thanks for the kind words Messy, but really without you guys I would be just like all the other carb addicts I work with. They moan and complain about their weight while eating chips, doughnuts and whatever the dessert of the week is with a diet coke. We watch everything going into our mouths because it matters and fortunately all of you keep me honest.

The chocolate chip cookies I make are Keto brand and purchased from Carbsmart it comes as a powder. I add the butter and oil as if I am really baking cookies. It smells up the house like real cookies I believe its a mental thing. They are 2-3 carbs per cookie and I like them so much I bought 3 cans after my first order. Each can makes 36 cookies althought I max out at 32-34. I have a write up on Keto products in the product review section. KarenB and I are dedicated to finding LC items that are really yummy not just tolerable.

So think bikini, sin city and more bikini :D

buh bye
Shannon :wave:

[KarenB]

Awwwwww, Shannon--you're too sweet. It's great to know there are folks like you out there.

If it were my choice, I'd say the earlier weekend (16-18) only because I am *still* hoping to be teaching come fall, and the other weekend hits a little close to the first days of school in our area's districts.

It's wonderful to have something positive to dream about, after all the cr*p I've had to deal with in the last week. Thanks, ladies!!!

[Cher]

Shannon...well, either date would be fine! WoW! do you realize that August gives us another 6 months to get in shape (Woo Hoo) I'm excited.

OK...I'm just wondering...it's not really horrible but I'm experiencing loose skin (Yuck) on my upper thighs....and I want it to dissappear now! So, will this weight training do the trick. I never noticed this before and it's sort of scaring me. Although, I was very encouraged to hear about the "Miss World Fitness" that's pretty inspirational. If they can do it...we can do it too :wiggle: But if any of you have ideas regarding the elimination of loose skin while losing weight - I'd love to hear them :)

[goingfor60]

Here is my recomendation...

CARDIO,CARDIO and CARDIO - the muscles need to work to burn the fat in addition to our LC life. Get the cardio going consistently then add the weights because you dont want to build bulk.

Hope that helps!

Shannon

[Jo-Ann 2]

I have given into the peanut butter. It started by writing on another thread about pb and then there was a suggestions of how it tastes good on celery, which was ok, not really my taste. I kept reading and the addict in me reared it's ugly head. Peanut Butter with cream cheese, I thought ok that sounds pretty good, maybe just a taste. That was at lunch time. After supper, it was a jam and peanut butter bun! Not enough, needed more,needed more- Peanut butter and jam on ritz crackers. Alot of them.
I'm feeling totally down. I could just cry. I'm sitting here reading about the Los Vegas trip knowing it will not happen for me and that I am being left behind. I need a Hug. There goes the first tear, help me please.
Jo-Ann

[Jkrohn]

JoAnn, It's ok sweetie! We are all here for you and we have all been there! 1 evening of peanut butter and crackers isn't going to sabotoge all your hard work. Chin up and get back on th LC wagon. We have all fallen off but that's why we have each other to pick each other back up dust us off and get our head screwed back on straight. Be strong. I know you can do it, look you already have....if you're stats are correct you have lost 12 pounds thats a huge achievment. :exclm:

Now big hug and a smile now lets plan that trip to vegas! Why is it that you will be left behind?? Not hardly because of 1 night of gremlin endulgence...............

Stay strong,

Messy

[Tama]

Hey, Jo-ann, I hear you. If you want you can come over to my house and see the half-eaten banana cream pie sitting in my garbage can. I got half way through it before I came to my senses and chucked it. Gremlins are everywhere. We all do it. We are all human here, and addicts as well. Definitely have our slip ups. What makes the difference isn't being perfect 100% of the time. What makes the difference is what you do after a stumble. Do you just lay down and give up? Or do you pick yourself back up and finish the race. (I have been watching the Olympics, can you tell? :) )

Anyway, here's a big hug from me, :bhug: and chin up girl!! We are all there with you!!

Hugs, Tama

[KarenB]

:bhug:

Hey now, no crying over eaten peanut butter. :) So you did it. It's done now, and you can get back on the horse and keep on riding to bikini-land! (I still say I'm not doing the bikini--but you can bet it's not going to be a "black-and-brights" Fat Chick suit with one of those stupid *skirts* either!) If *I* can think about Vegas, so can you.

I mentioned the Vegas thing to a guy friend of mine last night and he was *totally* jealous that he won't be able to go. ::snickering:: I *told* him he shouldn't have gone off and gotten married....

[Jo-Ann 2]

Thank you so much. You are all so kind to me. I read each of your post twice. I have had an omelet for breakfast, my first day with decaf. coffee (could you tell), and I'm having a salad and pork roast for lunch.
Tama I haven't been called sweetie since I don't know how long. It truely made me feel better, I felt the hug, you are one powerful women. The trip is finacially out of my reach. But that's ok, I'll want to see pictures though.
Tama, banana cream pie, oh I know how you feel. You were able to stop though. Thank you for the hug and thank you for sharing with me.
Karen, thank you for the supportive words, and of course you will have a bathing suit that suits your spirit. It will have to be in a bright colour, and have something really special about it.
Thanks Bikini babes
Yours Truely Jo-Ann
P.S. I just finished icing 20 heart shaped cupcakes for my little boy to take into class tomorrow and I didn't lick the beaters or the bowl. Couldn't have done that without you.

[KarenB]

Hey, that's why we're all here, right? To support one another when things don't go quite right and to cheer when they do!


:cheer: :cheer: :cheer: :cheer:

Those are for you and the cupcakes!

And this one's just because....

:rheart:

Happy V-Day a little early!

[Jkrohn]

JoAnn that's truly amazing. I don't think I could have done that. In fact I made a cookies and creme cheescake for a friends B-day and I licked the beaters dry! That's been awhile now but I still don't hink I could be trusted! :confused:

Ok on to Vegas financialy possibly I guess I can see since you are is N.S. (sorry I forgot) that would be tough. But we will be sure to send lots of pictures! :p

Hang in there! I know you can do it. See.... already you made the necessary changes to get right back on the wagon. I'm proud of you!


Keep your chin up and the gremlins out!

Messy

[atanqt]

Ok, so I know I haven't wrote in awhile but I have great news. I'm down 1 pound!!!!!!!!!!!! :D

So I'm going to change my profile and keep on excercising. The LC eating is really working great.

And can I jump in here and say something about what everyone was talking about a few days ago. It was about the drinking and snacking. I have had my share of nibbling here and there and for sure I do my share of drinking. I work in an environment where drinking is ok-( bar) and you see it's not that easy for me all the time to turn down the drinks or the deep fried foods. But I do keep it to a minimum. Maybe a few LC beers, or diet cokes and vodka or rum. And maybe one or two bad snacks here or there.

But guess what, the next day is always a new day, and I'm still losing weight because of the way I eat the rest of the week, and because I'm excercising :exclm:

So ladies, don't give up on one bad night or one bad office party. Cravings are normal you know. And if you look at it as a little reward for yourself once in awhile you might not feel so bad :D
Just remember, you've came this far, so don't quit now.
I hope this helps someone who maybe has the same few problems like I do. But I just deal with them when they come up. I know I can't quit my job, and I know that there will be days when I do have a drink or a snack ( like my bowling leagues every Wed. night ) but I prepare for the rest of the week to be a great LC week. :thup:
OK :q: Great, now that I got that out I don't feel so bad about being the only one out there who caves from time to time. I just keep on pushing through :exclm: :thup: Talk to ya all later and thanks for letting me vent, it really helps :wave:

[sunshine2]

atanqt,

I was wondering when we were going to hear from you again!!! Sounds like you have been doing great, 1 pound down, yeee haw.

Congratulations, you are headed for that bikini!

[sunshine2]

Okay bikini babes, I have a question:

Today, I feel like a gigantic baloon, ready to explode, I can't figure out why. TOM is due the 20th -22nd, somewhere around there, here is my question.

When do you start the water weight gain? a) a week before TOM, b) a day or so before or c) during TOM?

Just curious what everyone else does. I just think its weird TOM is a week away and I have weight gain so soon, is this normal?

[KarenB]

Hi, Sunshine!

I have a feeling there's a lot of leeway in when the bloat begins. For myself, I know I feel it up to a week before. (In fact, I think it's starting a little bit already--and my normal TOM is with the full moon.) I didn't *used* to notice any at all, but something tells me that that's because I was too big to tell! :D

[atanqt]

Thanks so much for your support Sunshine2 :exclm:

I don't know anything about the water weight situation but I'm sure someone here does ;)

I'll be sure to check in more often, it really does give me a boost.

As soon as I was done writing here this morning I went and walked my dog.

Of coarse it was way to cold for a 30 min. walk, so I just did 15min. But it's better than nothing :p

Well time to go and get ready for bowling :roll: wish me luck. Remember this is my first year and time ever to bowl on a league, so my average is really low- 115. But I did start at a 107 so I am progressing nicely. My boyfriends dad has been coaching me at our games and WOW, I am gettin good :exclm: I am going to watch my beer intake tonight so I can concentrate. 2 or 3 miller lites should do the trick. I've eaten maybe 5 carbs all day so I should be ok with the beer.

Anyways, I deserve it, you all should see my stomach. OH MY GOD :exclm: The abs are back and there are cut marks on the sides :cheer: I LOVE IT :D Talk to ya later :wave:

[KarenB]

:eek:

I just spent *hours* surfing the Web looking at...

BIKINIS!

Well, not all of them were really bikinis--some were just really pretty 2-pieces, a few were knockout one-pieces... but NONE of them were "Fat Chick" suits!

And of course when I did find the one I really *loved*--it didn't come in the right size combination. Oh well, that saved me $75 plus tax and shipping. ::sigh::

Honest to gods, ladies, I cannot believe I was even LOOKING at them, let alone ready to BUY!!!

I'm not who I used to be, that's for sure. :D

[goingfor60]

KarenB you little hottie looking for suits! As a reminder we dont wear bikini's for fat chicks. We are bikini babes and babes like us dont wear fat girl clothing. Think "Hottie" and share some of those sites so we can go visit. I am partial to Old Navy because they carry clothes up to a size 20. I need a size 20 bikini top and a size 8 bottom now talk about awkward.

For the TOM question I start retaining water about 1 to 1 1/2 weeks prior to and dont lose until 4+ days after. That is why I dont have them on a monthly basis.

Jo-ann and Tama we may be babes but perfect is in the eye of the beholder. I see all of you being so good one bad day is nothing compared to all of the other great days that we have had and will continue to have. We all have our own demons, face them one at a time.

To all the babes who cant commit to Vegas I will make the promise to learn how to use a digital camera and I also promise I will post photos. You've got some time to think about going, No and Cant are such harsh words.

See ya...
Shannon

[KarenB]

Okay...

Aside from the obvious (victoriassecret.com and spiegel.com), I checked out swimsuits.com. This last one's an "umbrella" site--by that, I mean it's got probably 2 dozen sites listed by maker. I think I hit all but two or three of them.

ujena.com
sunupsundown.com
kinis.com
pangopango.com
curves.com (I felt REALLY odd looking at this one--"Curves" are those hot new bust enhancers, you know? Their suits are made to be worn with 'em or without 'em... and there really were some cute styles!)

And a bunch of them were custom-made suit sites: Lovely if you have the money to spare, which I don't.

Have at 'em, wimmen!

[KarenB]

Check out lifestylesdirect.com, kids! They have a gazillion styles and patterns/colors of tan-thru suits, in one- and two-piece versions. Their advanced search is a lifesaver: You can select as few as one or as many as six criteria, and the program scans the current inventory to show you what fits your search.

I've been snooping around there for... oh... an hour or so.... I really do need to sleep, eventually.... :lol:

[Cher]

Shannon…Thanks...OK…so it’s Cardio that I need to get rid of this loose skin...darn, that means I have to break a sweat (only kidding...I'm willing to do this to get that Bikini Bod!). I was in LA today, thought about you...in fact just got home around 9:30 pm. Have you ever eaten at the Newsroom or The Ivy on Robertson?

Jo Ann…I totally understand the peanut butter thing. I was worried about how much I was eating but it tapered off. Are you eating the natural peanut butter without sugar (cause the sugar makes me crave more)? I think we all have a few bad days where a craving can lead to something that feels horrendous. I guess the question is can we jump right back on program (thinking of this as a lifestyle versus a diet). I’ve had some bad days, but, I don’t’ let it stop me. It may set me back a few pounds…but it goes away pretty quick. Hey, it sounds like you’re already back on track…good for you

Tama…wow you chucked that pie…good for you (I did the same thing with a cake over Christmas...actually I ate one piece and chucked the rest). DH couldn't believe I wasted it...but, better in the trash than on my hips and tummy!

Atanqt…congratulations on your 1 pounds weight loss…That’s awesome :Cheer: Good luck on your bowling

Sunshine…I think my water weight starts 3 – 4 days before that TOM. It’s frustrating, but so temporary. I’ve heard that vitamin B-6 really helps with the bloating. I haven’t tried it yet…but, plan to. I'll let you know how it works.

KarenB…Oh fun! Bikini sites. Thanks for the web sites. Curves.com sounds interesting…although, I’d probably go without the breast enhancers:) Custom Made suits…that’s even better…how fun! I saw some on Balboa Island earlier today…but, I just couldn’t walk in the shop yet... I’ll be ready soon!

[sunshine2]

Thanks all for the TOM question input. I was just curious. My TOM doesn't come regular either, but it does come every 30-50 days usually. Since I have started low carbing, I've noticed it has been pretty regular at coming every 40 days.

Well, because I did the Valentine Day challenge (190's club forum) I weighed in today, and the scales were still up, they say 192, I started the challenge Jan 1, at 196. So in 6 weeks, I've lost a freaken 4 pounds. I guess its better than gaining. So, needless to say, I didn't lose my 10 pounds that I had hoped to lose by Valentines day. Oh well, thats over and now I move on to just focussing on figuring out what works best for me. I've decided to stay of the damned scales for awhile, and just ignore them.

I really must start shopping for a swimsuit, since my Acapulco trip is in "29" days, (yes, I am counting down the days and minutes)

Hope you all have a good day.

PS - Cher, congratulations again, for making the 10 pound challenge. you lost a total of 14 right? That is great! :cheer:

[Jo-Ann 2]

I have to thank all of you for your kind words and support. I can honestly say I've never had a group of women pulling for me. I was never in the "in crowd" , never an A student or did anything spectacular in my youth when others in my classes were succeeding. It is simply wonderful to have such good companionship, and such support.
I have gotten myself back on track. I feel much better. I made it till 6:00 last night with out caff. coffee, - OH MY G_D., the headache could have taken the head off an elephant, I gave in and had some real coffee. Today I made it till 5:00 p.m., I figure if I can get it to after supper time in a week, then I will be able to give it up within another week. I'm up at 5:45 a.m. so I 'm now getting thru most of the day without a cup.
Made a wonderful seafood chowder for the hubby and I for supper tonight. One thing about living here, the seafood is fresh.
One last thing went to a lingerie shop last night with a girlfriend. Oh my, naughty stuff, got a lion print bra and panty set , IT HAS A FRINGE. This is my first lion print. Saturday night is date night!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I"M BACK , Thanks everyone
Jo-Ann :wave:

[Jo-Ann 2]

I have a true love/hate relationship with the scales at my house too. I have a challenge for you, I will find a special quote for you when you buy that bathing suit, if you will get up early and watch a sunrise for me when you are away. Is it a deal?
Yours Truely Jo-Ann

[sunshine2]

Jo-Ann -

You've got yourself a deal.......I'll describe it in detail once I return.

You wild woman you, lion print.....grrrrrrrrr. Go girl.

[KarenB]

You GO, JoAnn! Lion bra and panties with FRINGE??? Sounds like something *I* would have in my top dresser drawer! :lol:

All right, women... I did it. I bought... drumroll please......

A 2-PIECE BATHING SUIT!

It's not a bikini, but it's two pieces and it LOOKS like two pieces. (I have one now that's more of a tankini, but no belly skin shows.) And I got it at.....

VICTORIA'S SECRET!!!!

It's a very classy floral print, blue on white. Underwire bra top, high-waist panty bottom with full coverage. I'm just not ready to let more than that hang out. :lol:

And, as if that weren't enough, I started looking at the Clearance sale (gods but I love online shopping!!!) and....

I bought ANOTHER SUIT! This one's a maillot, in a very pretty black/pink/green floral. AND...

a pair of Blue London jeans, but not on clearance (the ones rated "best overall" by Real Simple magazine, in their latest issue) AND...

a very simple (but far from plain) scoopneck tee (yes, on clearance), in (what else) black. I have a thing for black tops. I love 'em. Something inherently sexy about black.

AND, I bought EVERYTHING in a size 12. Talk about incentive!!!!

Okay, there's my "I did it"--who's next? :D

[Cher]

I hope everyone is enjoying Valentine's Day. :rheart: I made that Mock Danish that Sunshine told me about and put sliced strawberry and whipped cream on top and I was in LC Heaven!!!! That was my special sweet treat for Valentine's ...LOL. Also I made "Cool Cookies" and DH just loved them....they taste a little like a fudgesicle without all the carbs. OK, so I just went a little nuts...could I be ready to pig out???? Hopefully NOT! Anyway, it's all been "legal" and I'm under 30 grams of carbs for the day...so I guess I'm OK. But, I feel just a little more hungry than normal...hmmm? I keep thinking about food (darn it).

Sunshine...I did lose 14 pounds for the Val Day Challenge...but I haven't been exercising as much because of the pain from the Fibro. I keep trying and I'm not willing to give up, but, it's been really hard this last month. So, while you're exercising and building muscle (which weights more than fat and makes the body look a lot more curvy and shapely), I may just be losing some muscle and that could be why I lost 14 pounds. Believe me...I'd rather be working out 6 days a week again...when I reach my goal I want my body to be in Bikini shape! All of that is too say...don't be so tough on yourself, you've been so committed and you've done so well and you're going to have a huge payoff :)

Wow KarenB...you bought a 2 piece bathing suit...how cool...and in a size 12 (woo Hoo). I was looking at a tankini at Neiman Markus and it was pretty cute. However, I think I need more support for my boobs (I'm a 36DD, right now). But it was really cute and once I reach goal...that will definitely be one of my choices.

Jo Ann...I'm not sure how I missed it...but that Lion Bra and panties with fringe sounds pretty cute :)

Shannon....the digital camera sounds great for Vegas. Maybe I'll try to learn how to use DH's digital camcorder so we can made a little "Bikini Babes" movie...that would be fun

Well Have a great Valentine's Day :heart:

[lastchance]

Keep an eye on that Karen, she's wild. Ask her about the 7 guys she went to see last night!
Sara

[goingfor60]

Would Jo-ann wear fringed leopard print anything?
Would KarenB shop for bikini's and tight shirts?
Would I have ever bought form fitting sweaters? (Cause I gotta lot of form to cover)
Would Heather have been ready to sport the bellybutton ring again?

I read and see all of these great changes and its all for the better. Its like a nonstop surprise party where everyone gets to walk through the door of "surprise" and surprises all of us with their great news. I am feeling pretty motivated and its because all of you have such huge accomplishmens, it makes me want to do better.

Jo-ann I was in the "in" crowd highschool and beyond so let me tell you, it wasnt all that it was cut out to be. When everyone looks good there is no such thing as pushing people up to do better, there's only pushing people down so you can still look good. Being here with us you are a big part of the "in" crowd. Have you looked at our review and comment numbers lately - we still out number the other clubs, 2 snaps for the babes!

Shannon :wave:

[KarenB]

Truth to tell, 6 months ago I did wear thong undies. I've always been one for "lingerie" instead of "underwear," no matter what my size. BUT....

Friday morning when I got up, I didn't do my usual morning routine. Something snapped in my head. I swear it. I know something snapped, because....

I EXERCISED.

Now granted, it wasn't like I went into an hour-long tae-bo workout. But *any* exercise is just plain against my style. :lol:

I did that evil chair thing (for inner thighs, you know the one) and I did the newest abs-thing Shannon told us about (where you're on your back, arms and legs extended, blah blah blah). My daughter looked at me as if she were about to phone Bellvue. "What are you doing, Mama?" I grinned and told her I was doing some exercises, and she just said "Oh." Gotta love the level of acceptance you get from your little ones. :)

Three or four hours later I was *still* feeling the tingle in my muscles, just from that small amount of movement. And I gotta tell ya, wimmen--IT FELT GREAT!

I guess this really *is* a new me. :D

[agonycat]

Good grief you ladies have been busy while I was on the road. Took me forever to read through all the new posts!

Just wanted to say good job to all of you :D

Me? I am up one pound, but not actually bad from a road trip. For a change I didn't gain 5 or 6. *laf*

I did something I haven't done since my tiny years. I went out and purchased a full body suit. You know the ones that ballet dancers wear? :D I have to say it looks pretty damn good on me. I still have a bit of a tummy, however I can now *SEE* the difference the weight loss has made, and the exercising! I should take a pic and post it under my journal or success story for record keeping. *laf*

I am so excited. I have been sporting around in it all morning. *laf*

[Tama]

Way to go, Karen!! I knew there was an athlete inside you, just dying to get out! You are smart to start slow. The biggest mistake people make is to do a huge, hour-long workout the first time out, then they are hurting so bad the next day they never go back! Keep it up, girlfriend!

Agonycat, I am jealous of your new outfit! I used to study ballet and I loved those suits! They are so comfy (at least I thought so, maybe I was just used to wearing them :p )

Way to go women, keep it up!!

hugs, Tama

[KarenB]

LOLOL, Tama! Me, an "athlete"???? Not on your life. You won't catch me doing anything "strenuous" like a real workout. All those years of agony in PhysEd classes throughout jr-hi and HS destroyed *any* desire I might have once developed to become anything more than a Couch Potato. (Well, perhaps a home-fry... or Duchess potatoes... yeah, that sounds good, Duchess Potatoes... )

I did my two little exercises again this morning, and my daughter sat on her rocking horse and helped me count. OMG, I thought I was gonna die when I got to 60 on the inner-thigh thing. But on the flip side, I did 20 of the "abs-thing" where yesterday I only went for 15. I think I'll stay with 20 for a while and see how I feel about it.

[goingfor60]

Oh how I love long weekends, I've done nothing but what I wanted and what I wanted was to look for bikini's. KarenB has set the standard and I must follow...

I went to Old Navy and almost had a purchase until I couldnt find the right size bottoms. I had an XL top and a medium bottom, it fit but I didnt feel exactly comfortable, too much too soon.
From there I went to target and still absolutely nothing and from there I went on-line. OMG did I find some killer stuff thanks to the sites KarenB gave I am finding sizes that I need. My favorite site is www.ujena.com I found 5-6 different suits in my size that I really liked. The only downfall is that they were kinda on the pricy side like $50+ I have a small problem with that because my really nice 1 piece costs about the same or less and there's a lot more material. But I will get over that if I happen to look stunning in my new suits. I put them in the shopping cart for the next pay check to come around.

Hey Cher - I didnt ignore I just forgot to respond to your question about The Ivy and News something or other. Well obviously I dont know that one but me and the Ivy go waaaaaayyyy back. They make my most favorite cake in the world its called a Marjolaine cake and they only make batches of 4 and then by special request. I use to order them but hmm something about that now just seems so wrong. The next time you are coming to LA let me know and we can have lunch or something. I live maybe 30 minutes away from the Ivy. Then again in LA everthing is 30 min or less.

Did anyone see the Janet Jackson concert on HBO last night? I could not believe how awesome her body was. She use to be a chunky person and now I was so in awe of wanting that size body that I was glued to the TV. I was calculating how many hours I would have to spend in the gym daily, how much less food I would have to eat and so on... Just a little tid bit, her personal trainer had her on the No carb diet for a while as well. He believes in mutiple food plans not just one, I was reading the highlites of his book.

Anyway I'm off to enjoy the rest of this glorious free day...No work (yay)

Shannon :wave:

[atanqt]

Hello everyone, guess what?

I lost 1 more pound, I just went and changed my profile from 123 to-----122 :cheer:

I am really getting used to this 1 pound a week thing :D

Well I have to go meet my boyfriend for lunch, were going to have my favorite thing ever---------Fahitas, of coarse without the tortillas :eek: but that's ok, I just load the chicken and peppers with all the good stuff like lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, sour cream, ect. And last but not least SALSA :exclm:

I will always eat low carb food now, but you can never, I mean never take away this mexican lunch from me ;) I LOVE IT :exclm:

Well now that I've made myself hungry I will go and eat.
Eat for energy,
Eat to be healthy,
Eat to live,
Not live to eat :cool: :wave:

[sunshine2]

WAY TO GO ATANQT!!!!!!

YOU ARE DOING AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!

[agonycat]

Woot!

Go Atanqt Go! :cheer: Go Atanqt Go! :cheer: Go Atanqt Go! :cheer: Go Atanqt Go! :cheer: Go Atanqt Go! :cheer:


How fabulous for you! Keep up the great job.

:)

[atanqt]

Thank you agonycat and Sunshine2 for your kind words and great support :D

I hope you all know that I couldn't do it without you :)

Just 10 more weeks till VACATION :cool:

If I keep up the 1 pound a week thing then I'll be looking at 112 right before my vacation :thup: So everyone else good luck with all that your doing and the hard work that you put forth to looking great for summer :exclm: :wave:

[Jkrohn]

Hi all, boy lots has happened since my last visit. I was away on buisness since Wednesday and boy am I having a bad time. Oh but I had the best time.......

I walked into my old office (see I am currently onsite with one of biggest customers). So I was working back at our corporate office for a few days. I haven't seen these people in 3 months. (As long as I've been LC'ing) I walked into the office and instantly my head swelled. Got thousands of phone calls, emails, people stopping by my desk to say how increadible I looked. I felt like a million bucks. Had on a new outfit a size 20! (Coming from a 26 that's huge) My hair was perfect I felt like a model. It was awesome what a confidence boost. Even the VP of the company told me I looked incredible!! Incredible? Me? Holy cow!!!!:hyper:


BUT

Then I met the gremlins........I was doing so well being away from my house and routine I managed to keep it together 4 days until Sunday. That's when I found a pint of snickers ice cream and ate the whole damn thing.... Then on my long drive back home I stopped for "dinner" wich consisted of a king sized snickers ice cream bar and a bag of doritos washed down with a 2 liter bottle of Coke real Coke not Diet Coke real freakin coke. I haven't had real Coke since before Thanksgiving!!!!!!! :bash: I feel like shit my tummy hates me and so does my mind. I figured OK I'm home now back on track so I got up this am and walked my 2 miles like I normally do ate a nice LC breakfast. Then lunch hits.....Gosh darn Chinese Buffett. :mad: Why did I let myself get so carried away? The whole time I kept thinking "I shouldn't be doing this..." but I continued to shovel it in. After the buffet I came back to my office and ate and entire box of chocolate covered peanuts. Oh cripes!! This isn't me!!!!! :tears:

Messy

[KarenB]

I might be able to make Vegas after all, if things keep going this way. I've fallen into a freelance proofreading job on an as-needed basis, which so far (including the contract I just accepted tonight) has gotten me a little over $1500. :D

Yeah, I gotta pay taxes on that, and yeah, I got other bills to pay too, but hey... if this keeps up and I stash a little away out of every contract.... WHOOOHOOOO!!!'

[Tama]

That is way cool, Karen. BTW, how did you land such a sweet deal? I have been trying to get into proofreading freelance, and can't seem to find an in.

On the bod issue, here's a question. Has anyone noticed that different mirrors make you look different? I have a 3/4 length mirror at home that is, well, less than flattering. You have to stand about 2 feet from it to look at yourself. (it is in my closet, so it is very up close and personal) However, this last weekend the hubby and I went to a hotel that had a full length mirror that you could walk 6-8 feet back and forth in front of it, coming and going. You could have knocked me over with a feather! I didn't recognize myself. I looked about 10lbs. lighter. What is up with that? Is my mirror playing tricks on me? Does viewing yourself up close add lbs. visually? What do you guys think?

Tama

[KarenB]

It helps a lot when one of your old co-workers (one whom you hired, actually, and then who eventually became your *boss*) starts up his own company and remembers you're in the area, and then you run into him and his two kids at the local supermarket and you chat a bit, and then he emails you a couple of weeks later with an offer of employment on an as-needed basis because one of his regular editors no longer has the time to handle the proofreading angle. :D

Serendipity, for sure. :)

As for mirrors--I'm convinced they're all possessed by imps that make me look either WAY bigger than I am or just plain weird. I don't think I *have* an objective view of myself for that very reason. Probably part of why I have this strange body image of myself being quite a bit larger than I really am. (Like just *knowing* that wearing a 14 is only an illusion, and that tomorrow I'll really wear a 20 again. I know that's not how it is, but it's a problem I struggle with every day.)

[agonycat]

152

It's offical....today I hit the 40 pound loss mark :D It's been really weird this week. I have been feeling hot, almost flushed and every morning I wake up .5 pound lighter. Not sure what is going on with my bod, but whatever it's upto I am not complaining.

Messy, isn't it wonderful when people notice :) Hurray for you!

Karen congrats on the new contract :) You will have a blast in Vega.

Tama, here lately I am not afraid of the mirrors in the house as I use to be. But I do know what you mean. The imperfections in the glass distort and makes you look freakish sometimes.

Oh yeah forgot this:
Monday when I was back in my office there was this huge box sitting on my desk. I opened it and found my award for meeting sales goals last year. There was a beautiful waterford crystal bowl and a 3 pound box of Godiva chocolates :eek: I looked around the office and found one of my co-workers. I meekly asked "Are you or your wife on a diet currently? No? Are either of you allergic to chocolate? No? Congrats!!!! You are now the proud owner of a 3 pound box of chocolate!" His wife said later I am now her new best friend :lol: I covet Godiva chocolate. I would kill for those. However....I KNOW if those puppies were brought home it would be the death of my diet. The woosh fairy I believe rewarded me for my heroics and took away that pound to make it 40 :)

[ADELE]

AGONYCAT,

:cheer: OUTRAGEOUS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


ADELE

[lastchance]

Hey Messy!

Don't worry - don't beat yourself up or you'll find it harder to get back on track. That's all behind you now - it was just one day. You've done really well and will continue to do so. So, just remember how far you've come and how far you are going to go!


Keep it up. We are all behind you! :wave:

Sara

[sunshine2]

Agonycat -

Congratulations for hitting the 40 pound mark. And most of all congratulations for refraining from the chocolate. Oh my, how strong you are.

Keep up your great work 77% of goal, 100% is not that far away!

And way to go for your sales last year! Sounds like you are doing a wonderful job at work too!

Have you noticed when you lose weight, it seems all areas in your life improve. Personal, business, and emotionally. I just won an award this year too and now I get to leave for Acapulco in "23" days. I have to credit all this to my weight loss. My whole attitude has changed.

[agonycat]

Originally posted by sunshine2
I just won an award this year too and now I get to leave for Acapulco in "23" days. I have to credit all this to my weight loss. My whole attitude has changed.

OoOOoOo I am soooo jealious! Congrats to you as well :) The box of chocolate and the crystal bowl were gifts from our company instead of the trip to Hawaii they promised us. We laid off 60,000 people last year alone to save us from going under. Same workload as before, just less people to handle it. I am very thankful to still have a job ;) I would have been just as happy with a plaque, instead of the chocolates.

Looking back my life changed when I met my husband. He has made such a difference in my life that I want to take care of myself now. I quit smoking, quit drinking and now taking the weight off. It's not like I am doing it for him, I am doing it for me so I can live a long happy life with him. If that makes any sense. :) He is 16 years my junior. (yes I robbed the cradle, but shhhhhhhhhhh don't tell anyone)

[slim2none]

:D
It took me 30 minutes to read all of your posts I was laughing so hard. You guys are great. Shannon I couldn't wear a bikini even if I weighed 100 pounds, I have had a mastectomy and it would not be a pretty picture, interesting though, huh? :roll:

I am with you guys, I want to be looking good come summer and I WILL! Thanks for the inspiration.

Shannon, I have cancer in my bones and can't do crunches due to it being in my back so what else can I do for the tummy? It's probably my worst body part. UGH!!!!!!!! Maybe when I reach my goal weight it will have melted off, right?

Anyway, keep up the good work and let's post the pictures of our wonderful svelte bodies this summer. :D

[goingfor60]

Yes this little piggy has been bad, I feel like a kid in a candy store. I leave for my romantic weekend in New Orleans on Friday and of course all of the thin clothes are going with some devilishly sexy new lingerie.

Since I knew I was going to be eating not so LC I decided that I didnt want to be sick so why not start early to have my stomach adjusted to the carbs I would intake. (Is anyone believing this crap I was telling myself) So yesterday I ate a hot buttered roll and a slice of pizza and then today I ate half of a lemon poppyseed muffin. What am I doing and now I feel like the pillsbury doughboy (girl). Ughh self sabotage why oh why do I do this.

Hmm Slim2none you request some of my specialized torture I see. Welcome to our group of babes and well I aim to please so first things first you gotta start your CARDIO walking, swimming, bicycling. Any of those will shrink the overall including your stomach but for the stomach as a problem area it will be slower, I suffer from this on a daily basis. You propose an interesting challenge for a crunchless ab exercise. Believe me I have enough books and trainers I can go to finding one that really works and I will try it before I advise others to do as I do. Thanks for the challenge Slim2none and in the same breath damn not another ab exercise for me to do ;)

Agonycat - :eek: you go woman! I've been knocking on 40's door for a month now and it seems as if no one is home. I'm glad 40 vacationed at your house, now send him home.

Messy - keep workin girl, doesnt hot in a 20 feel so much better than pretty in a size 26. Take the good and run with it, I've had my share of setbacks and each one gives us more character to help others.

Tama - I dont have a problem with mirrors... I only look into those that support myself as being a FLAWLESS size 3. All other mirrors tell vicious and evil lies about my beauty and are not worthy of my vanity.

KarenB - that's it, work your buns off so we can set Vegas on fire. Say it and say it loud "Viva Las Vegas"

Well ladies I have composed yet another novella - so I'm done for now.

See ya
Shannon :wave:

[KarenB]

All right, I did it.

The *bottom* to the two-piece arrived yesterday. (The top, which had been backordered, supposedly will be in my mailbox today--as will those size 12 Blue London "Sexy" jeans.) I wasn't going to, but I did. I tried it on.

While it hardly looks like it should, I did get into it! I'd forgotten, it's a "control" brief--so if I don't get rid of this tummy flab (and I know it won't all ever go away), that's ok!

I tried on the one-piece, too--and WOW. It's a little small, but not by a lot. I was stunned. (I even ran out to WalMart this morning and got a coverup to go with.)

And wonder of wonders, I'm *wearing* the little black scoop-neck tee. I am *totally* stunned that it fits. It's only a M!!!!!

I really have to clean out the closet--there's a lot of size 18-20 tees in there, and some size 16 pants.... and other stuff I know I will NEVER NEED AGAIN.

Look out, world, it's the White Tornado! :lol:

[agonycat]

WOOT!

WTG Karen! That is terrific! Dang it now I want to go try bathing suits on!

Keep up the great work :)

[Jo-Ann 2]

:read: I've been reading again. I read the CALP and thought that it sounded to good to be true but worth a try. Well, Well, :mad: , to put it mildly, it did not work for me!!!!
But I'm back to LC and after, the heart burn, the uncontrolable cravings and feeling sick to my stomach and so tired I passed out in bed two days in a row, right after supper. I realized that I really, really, really can't eat sugar.
Bathing suits, wow you girls are getting ready, congradulations. I hear also that there has been pounds losts, jobs acquired and compliments abound. I'm proud of you all.
You are what has brought me back. I thought to myself, I miss the bikini babes.
No finger waving around here, no ribbons for those who succeed, there is something much more important. Support in success and as well as during the stumbles. Thanks for being there.
Jo-Ann :wave:

[KarenB]

Oh no... please, please, PLEASE tell me you don't play EverQuest, Agonycat! It's such an insidious thing--my roomie's an EverCrack addict and he's trying to suck me into the vortex with him.... :lol:

(For those now asking what in blazes is going on--"woot" is a common term the EQ players use instead of "whoohoo" or "Wahoo." Sorry, seeing it just triggered a response... ring that bell, I drool... :D )

[KarenB]

I was searching for something the other day and came across my old WW leather-bound "journal." My weigh-in booklet was in there, with the starting weight of 252. Some of those ribbons were in there, too. So were all the little pamphlets touting low-fat and high-fiber, and all the rest.

I threw it out. What's the point in keeping it? I mean, really--I didn't learn anything from it, I lost 50lbs and got bored and quit and you know the rest.


Good to see you back, Jo-Ann. Sorry to hear CALP didn't do the trick for you. Experimentation's the only way to learn, though, isn't it? What works for you might not work for me, and vice versa.

Here's to always learning! :D

[agonycat]

I use to. 3 years.

Saryn server, level 59 enchanter, 48 druid, 27 rogue, 10 mage I finally broke the habit and no longer log into that foul game! I still have my account though :) (hubby played as well, only he played a necromancer, you should see the carnage of a necro and enchanter team)

[KarenB]

Actually, I *have* seen that carnage. Roomie has two accounts and two computers (desktop and laptop) and has been known to play two characters at once, just because he can.

I'm glad *you* got out alive. :lol:

[Jkrohn]

Hi Bikini babes.

Doing much much better this week. Feel back to my old self. In my routine and running for that bikini......

Slim2none::: Shannon is right... Cardio Cardio Cardio will bring that tummy down. I walk with hand weights 2 miles every morning and I have lost 9 inches around my waist. I have done NOT ONE sit up, crunch, ab roller, none nada nothing and I am surely slimming that waistline. I even ventured into a shirt that was slit up the front showing a little tummy and my fat roll didn't hang over the top of my jeans!!!! Get out there and move! That's all it takes. Concentrate on slimming down everywhere and it will come. Remember good posture! Walk with your head up tall straight back and that tummy will have no choice but to straighten up and fly right (out the window). :) Make a conscious effort to tighten that tummy every time you think about it and will slowly respond. I am not saying you will have a six pack tomorrow but these are some easy suggestions that you can do with in the realm of your health.

I have a dilemma.......Vegas! My co-workers/softball team are all going to Vegas at the end of July and I forgot last February (yeah a whole year ago) I already paid for my trip. I finanially can't afford to go twice but I know there will be mucho temptations with non LC'ing co-workers and with you bikini babes we will support each other in good choices while drooling over the other hot bods. What's a girl to do????? :confused:

Take care bikini babes and thanks for the pep talks to get me back on track and in that LC mode. You are all the best motivators. Stay strong!

Messy

[goingfor60]

Well ladies today is my last post for a week. At 7:00am pacific tomorrow I will be on my way to see my honey. I wont promise to be good while I'm away but I will promise not to jump off the deep end into insanity, I still have to get into my bikini.

I hope you all have an awesome week and I want to read all about your bikini adventures when I get home.

Messy - girl do what ya gotta do, we dont judge either way.
KarenB - flaunt what ya got
Jo-ann - welcome back, missed ya
Agonycat - all I can say is EverQuest huh?

I'll talk with you ladies later...

Shannon :wave:

[Jo-Ann 2]

Hi Karen- way to go with the bathing suit, sounds like you have two, One Piece Bathsuits, he he. I've ordered a few pieces of clothing over the net, but never a bathing suit.
Messy - sorry about your dilema, I'm not making the Vegas trip, but I'll be there in spirit. Last night I had the first meeting for the Women in Wind Sailing Seminar, and the Nova Scotia Women's Keelboat Championship. I'll be out racing this summer so I guess it's not all bad news. If you can't do the trip, you'll have to get some pictures of something fun you are doing with that body of yours.
Agonycat- Everquest? I pride myself on having a diverse set of interests, but this is a new one for me.
Shannon - you go girl, eat , drink and be merry, ok maybe not in that order, and not like you use too. But have fun girl.
I shedding some of the water I gained during my stumble and guess what I'm at my stall wieght of 147.5, 3 pounds to get back on track. On Well, she stumbles, she falls, she gets back up and she scores. What a game last night for the women ah.
Jo-Ann :wave:

[agonycat]

Bah okay
EverQuest....for those that don't know...

It's an evil over the internet multiuser based game that will suck the life out of anyone playing it. It's based in medevil history of dungeons and dragons. It's distributed and owned by Sony, developed by Verant. Some people get so wrapped up in it, that it becomes their whole life. I never got to that point but I have lost several friends over it, due to them being total idiots. Actually had a friend keep some CDs do to items he gave me in the game. Real property for game graphics...fair trade right? Wrong, he is now an ex friend. blek.

At first it was pretty neat. Cool graphics, spell casting, dragon slaying. Fun to run around the game with friends, beating the stuffing out of non player characters NPCs. After several years the game itself gets stale due to the developers running out of hack and slash stuff to do.

*shrugs* I am a gamer. I enjoy playing games more than sitting in front of the TV. You meet some pretty neat people, and some pretty strange ones too :lol: Now if they would only come out with Neverwinter nights I will be set :)

[KarenB]

Okay, Agonycat.

You said it, so now I have to admit something too.

I worked for TSR for *years*. Over a decade of my life. I helped develop the *original* Forgotten Realms setting from which Neverwinter Nights was taken.

There, I said it, I'm done now. :lol:

Gamer geeks RULE! :D

[agonycat]

Karen too funny!

I am a huge BG and FR fan :) I can't wait for NWNs to come out.

Speaking of Forgotten Realm, do you happen to know the idiot that programmed the install for Pool of Radiance? They hard coded the install for C drive. :eek:

Year 2002 and we have programmers out there that hard code install drives. Totally amazed me to have to down load an install patch to get around this and it still checked if I had enough disk space on C to install it. Made me mad I had to go with the minimum install with 10 gig left on the drive I was installing to and only 600mg on C. blek.

*Now we return you back to low carbin instead of gaming net*

:lol:

And yes I agree......Gamer geeks r0x0rs!

[KarenB]

Responded to privately.

Seemed the best means to reply and keep this poor thread *sorta* on topic, know what I mean? :D

[Danielle]

it's been a while since I have stopped by and dropped a line. Work and school have been keeping me pretty busy. But I only have a few months to go, I can't wait! :spin:

Well, it's taken nearly three months to lose 22 pounds. At times I look in the mirror and see the same old me. I'm finally going to start excersing. I found out my brother has been storing an exercise bike at parents. I am goign to borrow it for a while. I'm hoping to shead inches off my waist, hips ang thighs.

I was thinking about doing the induction for two weeks. Currently I am eating protein, fruits and vegetables. It's working, but slowly. I just want to lose the weight and keep it off. I've heard stories of people doing the Atkin's and once a carb enters their month, the weight comes back on. Is this true? Should I just continue waht I am doing or should I try the induction? If anyone has any suggestions it would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks
danielle

[slim2none]

:wave:

Hello danielle,

I think that whatever you are going to do you need to research it by getting the book.

I am on Atkin's and once you get past induction (20 grams of carbs or less) you can increase up to 5 carbs more weekly as long as you stay in ketosis.

It sounds as though you have done well so far with what you are doing. Keep up the good work and read as much as you can here. Everyone is so helpful and supportive that it makes it much easier. :cheer:

Good luck! :thup:

[Cher]

Well it's been a while since I posted here...but, I think about the Bikini Babes all the time...LOL. Still imagining what summer will be like...can I lose another 20 pounds by summer and can i firm up this body by then.

Danielle... I don't think it's true that once a carb enters your mouth you gain the weight back...but, I think if you have an addiction or allergy to certain carbs it can cause cravings (hense, weight gain). So, I think the quality of the carb is probably most critical aspect. I have around 40 grams of carbohydrates a day... but I haven't added bread because I have such an addiction to wheat (I think it's also an allergy). I've added fruit (just berries...i.e., strawberries, raspberries and blueberries) withour problems. I think everybody's body is different and we react to different things.

Shannon... have fun visiting your honey...you'll have to tell us all about it when you return :)

JoAnn...boy can I relate to your comment "On Well, she stumbles, she falls, she gets back up and she scores..." I had a stumble last week...but, back on track again...isn't that different from before when I would stumble and just stay off track...LOL. I'm not looking forward to weigh in tomorrow...but, I'll just deal with it. Hope fully that will keep me on track for Easter!

Messy...9" from the waist is awesome! Wow! :Cheer: that's a great testimony for cardio! I must...I must...I must reduce my waist :)

Well Bikini babes...I didn't get to say hello to everyone...but, I'm so tired and I've committed to doing some CARDIO with DH at the gym....So, it's off to the gym I go :wave: Bye

[Jkrohn]

Nice to hear from you again...

I totally agree about the stumbles. Heck we've all stumbled from time to time yet the difference is that this time we pick ourselves up dust ourselves off and get back at it. Never would I have done that before. Once I stumbled I would stay down and continue down that bad bad road of carb endulging until the next time. A new fad diet, WW, Whatever rolled around I would try that whole heartedly until the next stumble and that was the end of that. NOT THIS TIME!!! I have had a couple stumbles along my LC journey yet each time I regroup and start fresh the next day. So far so good. Life is full of little stumbles and challenges but we will survive!!

Bikini bods here we come! Keep plugging along and keep up the good work. Glad to hear you gave in to the Cardio. :) Hope you enjoyed it. I know it makes me feel great and keeps my stress level in check.

Take Care Stay Strong!

Messy

[sunshine2]

Hello all:

Talk about stumbling, I stumbled big time last week, for a 4 day binge, then got the stomach bug, and have been puking and in bed for two days. My body is totally messed up these days, and to top it all off TOM has come to visit me and I just feel like crawling into a big ole hole and not coming out until my trip to Acapulco. (by the way its in 18 days).

I'm back on track with my WOE again, but damn these cravings I have. This morning, my boss brought in Krispy Kream donuts, but I avoided them, it was hard, but I kepts saying, 18 days to go, 18 days to go, don't blow it, don't blow it. So I went and made me a protein shake with fresh strawberries. I feel much better now.

This stomach of mine is bloated out like a 9 month pregnant woman, gosh I hate TOM. But I'm glad I'm having it now and not on my trip............

Well, better get back to work. :wave:

[Cher]

Sunshine... :wave: I was just asking about you in the 190's thread...glad to see that you're back! I also had a bad week last week and i'm paying the price today (darn) it's also that TOM (just ending), had 2- 4oz glassed of dry white wine on Monday and wow, talk about cravings, and took the medication that originally started me gaining this weight twice last week. So, I'm feeling a little frustrated today...but, a part of it was my fault. So, I've been on program since Tuesday, I've decided I'm not going to beat myself up over this and I'm going to keep LCing my way to 145...LOL. hang in there...we can do this...and how nice that we both jumped back on program.

Messy... "Life is full of little stumbles and challenges but we will survive"...that's exactly how I feel today. I don't think it's about the stumbles cause it's so hard to be perfect...but it's about getting back on program and making this a WOL...something that we can do for the rest of our lives. It's funny I didn't think of this program in that way when I originally started, but, I do now and I guess it's because I didn't get that instant gratification of 60 pounds lost in 4 months (what I was hoping for). The fact that this weight has come off slowly has given me a chance to see that this can be a way of life...and, the little stumbles have shown me what going back to that old way of eating can do. So, I'm with you...picked myself back up, dusting myself off and getting back to eating on plan :)

[KarenB]

As of yesterday morning I've lost another inch off my hips! :cheer: :cheer: :cheer:

I can't quite believe the cardio (ski machine) worked *that* quickly, but hey, I'll take these 40-inch hips!

Just for grins I measured my thighs last night (around the fullest part), and they're both 21.25 inches. I'm thinking every month I'll measure again to see what's happening.

It's a GOOD MORNING! (And I NEVER use those two words in the same sentence! :D )

And BIG congrats to everyone who's fallen off the wagon and gotten back on (and haven't we all, really, now and again?) ! I figured out why it's so easy to get back on. This wagon doesn't *move* that fast! :lol: It's slow and steady and reliable, and that makes it easier for me (us?) to hop back on when we fall (or jump) off!

VEGAS HERE WE COME!!!

[Tama]

Congrats, Karen!! Another inch is awesome! I think measuring is more fun than weighing, because it gives you a more reliable picture of how you really, truly are getting smaller!! :D

I hear you about falling off the wagon! Sometimes I think I've fallen off so many times that I have a permanent imprint of the pavement on my forehead. But, we just pick ourselves up, dust off the cookie crumbs, and just keep going. Because, in the end, what other choice to we really have? Gain it back? I think not!

I missed you bikini babes. My computer has been messed up for many days. Good to be back!

Hugs, Tama

[Cher]

Karen...another inch off the hips is great! Wow! I'm so impressed...that Ski Machine must be giving you a great workout (Critical for the Bikini Babes)
Way To Go :Cheer: :Yay: :Cheer:

Tama...measuring is more fun with this WOE especially when you're exercising...that whole muscle weighs more than fat concept can throw us when we judge ourselves by the scale! I agree :)

[Jkrohn]

Another inch of the hips that wonderful!! :clap: That must be some workout. Ski those hips away! Great job keep up the good work!!

Tama--Welcome back bikini babe. We missed you too. You're absolutley right. Measuring is the key to getting over the stalls. I haven't lost a pound in over 3 weeks but I know I've lost inches as all my clothes are getting way loose. :) I will have to get out that tape measure and find out.

Take care all bikini babes. Summer is just around the corner. Lets run, jump, swim, walk, climb, dance, lift, MOVE our way their.

Stay Strong Stay Healthy

Messy

[slim2none]

:wave:

Hello everyone,

Wow! :thup: That's wonderful Karen about the lost inches. Way to go.

I'm still not going for the bikini but I am GOING to get in a 10 by summer. I'm glad no one was here to see me yesterday, I put dance music on and danced, (if you want to call it that), aerobically for 35 minutes! I wouldn't exactly dance like that in public but it worked at home. :p

I'm so glad that we all are in this together, it keeps me focused.

Thanks everyone. Have a good one! :D

[agonycat]

WTG Karen!

That is great! Keep on going. :)

[atanqt]

Well here it is, my chicken leg. It looks good, I think I'll have that for lunch. Talk to ya later ;) :wave:

[Jkrohn]

Slim2none I too crank up the tunes and "boogie" my way to a sweat! Makes you feel great doesnt it? BUT if anyone ever saw me they would rush me off to the hospital for sure I was having a siezure. LOL

Size 10 by summer! You go girl. I would love to be a 14! I'm 5'10" and big boned so a 10 is not an option unless I'm dead. But lets keep movin and groovin and we'll get there. :D

Messy

[agonycat]

Slim I thought of you when I saw this at the bottom of an email....


>"Work like you don't need the money, love like you've never been hurt and dance like you do when nobody's watching !"

I had to laugh. :)

[Sutsee]

Hi Everyone

I have been bouncing all over this place this morning. I have been reading all the posts in this thread and am loving it. Everyone has such great personalities.

I don't thinks I'll ever be comfortable in a 2 piece in public...but wouldn't I love to own one for my private times...

I would love to be a size 10 by summer...woah I haven't been that small since High School. I am a 14 now. I've been on the Atkins since Feb 1st and have lost 13lbs! I have never been so determined about losing weight until now. I would love to toss these 14's for 10's.

So far I haven't cheated...I figure what's the point? I'll only get depressed and discouraged and one moment of pleasure by eating a huge piece of chocolate cake is not worth it. Besides it has been working so far and that's awesome. At the end of the day I feel like I have accomplished something huge and I am one day closer to that size 10!!

Thanks for all your great posts.

Bethany

[Jo-Ann 2]

I have dusted off the dirt from the stumble and am back on track. Went to my sons gym class yesterday and they run for atleast 40 minutes of the 60 minute class. Thought I would choke up a lunge. I've always had body strength - ask me to move it or lift it, I'm your women, but ask me to run a mile or two to get it OH MY G_D. I can breathe again today, but I definitely got a reality check about my cardio strength.
Hi Bethany glad you took the chance and came over . You are officially a member of the Bikiini Babes now.
Jo-Ann

[slim2none]

:cheer:

Way to go Bethany,

13 pounds! :eek: Congratulations and keep up the good work! I am in a TIGHT 14 now, (should be a 12), but 2 months ago I couldn't get them on. Yippee!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Messy, I laughed when I read about someone seeing you and rushing you to the hospital when dancing. I was thinking the same thing when I first started but whatever works, right?

Agonycat, I love what someone said about dancing like no one is watching, but I KNOW I wouldn't do this in public. I used to go dancing when I was with my EX, (that was his only redeeming quality), but I was a lot thinner then. It's sad but true that you can get by with a lot more when you are thinner. You know the old saying, "you could wear a sack and look good because you are so thin"! Of course, no one has ever told me that, even when I was thin. Hmmmmmmmmm, think I will try that. :roll:

Everyone have a great one. I, too, am finally a chicken leg! :D

[Jo-Ann 2]

I wanted to say hello to everyone in my last post but my computer was acting up so, hello everyone.
Danielle-glad you're back. I like the way you are losing. It sounds like 1-2 pounds a week. Excellent results.
Hi Cher- I stay away from the bread too. I'm not sure if it's the bread or the p and j that's my down fall. I love strawberries though so I try to eat them when I'm craving my sweet sandwiches- it helps a little.
Messy- Got to agree. I don't think I've ever gone "back to" an eating plan and enjoyed it. Low-Carb is eating I can live with, even thought I stumble sometimes.
Sunshine- Acapulco oooh,aaah, Are we there yet???? Have fun kid, you deserve it.
Karen- Yah " she's on Our Team" Congradulations team mate.
Tama- Glad your computer is up and running again. We missed you
Agony Cat- love the quote- I do my best house work when the music is blaring, We Are Bikini Babes and We Dance Dance Dance.
Slim2none- You Dancing Queen you. I love to Dance and now that I live in "my own house" I can turn it up as loud as I want to. Congradulations on your chicken leg.
Atanqt- congradulations on your first chicken leg.
Well Back to the house work, I have to admit I have neglected it a bit. As my mother says- honey it will always be there when you get home, get out of the house and enjoy the day. My house has been very patient so I now have a cleaned the kitchen floor, have caught up with the dishes and now I have to fold laundry.
Look forward to todays posts from you all.
Yours Truely Jo-Ann
:wave:

[KarenB]

JoAnn, I know what you mean about that blasted housework always being so patient. I have dust rhinos that once were bunnies--did you know they feed on little kids' socks? You thought those got lost in the sacrifice to the Dryer Lint God--NOT SO! :D

Wow, everybody's doing great! It's always an uplifting time reading this thread. I love it.

I gave myself a huge treat today--I signed up for a month's worth of tanning! As one who has *never* done the sun-thing except by accident, this is really special. I don't wanna look like a fish-belly when I'm in Vegas! (Thinking positive--I gotta keep thinking positive... )

[goingfor60]

Hey Ladies...

Hmm how do I start? I'll just put a little list together and let you decide how I feel.

Macaroni&cheese, egg rolls, wontons, general tzu's chicken, gumbo, biscuits,fried rice, mashed potatoes & gravy, chicken fried steak, chocolate chip chocolate mousse pie, pecan toffee bar, banana cream pie shake, hamburger and fries, potato chips, chili cheese dog, candy, real soda, sweet tea, lemonade, stuffed shrimp, hush puppies, french fries, french dip sandwiches, texas toast bacon cheese burger, jambalaya, crab cakes, steamed rice, more gumbo, bread pudding, strawberry shortcake, orange beef, honey chicken, orange pecans and tacos.

That is what I ate from 2/22-2/27 and thats not counting the items I ate that were legal. I now look like Shamu but I had a wonderful week with my honey. He claimed he wants to see me in a bikini although he kept feeding me - old habit or planned scheme? The good news was that for some reason I was the hot ticket and atleast 5 different men of all ages approached me to ask me out.

Although I miss him, I am glad to be back! I thought of trying on some suits when we went to biloxi beach but the gut wasnt feeling like sucking in to appease my already inflated head and body. It looks like you guys did very well with the inches and pounds last week and I'm so happy to read about it. It's late and I'm tired I got home after 11pm last night and unknowingly had to work a double shift today. I'm the stupid one - I decided to keep my xmas p/t job at williams-sonoma working 1 day a week to keep the 40% discount on merchandise. Duh I spend 8 times as much as I make, whats the point.

I forgot one little tidbit - when I got on the scale this morning that son of a !~#$% scale said I gained almost 9 pounds since I left. 9 POUNDS Can you imagine...

TTFN
Shannon :wave:

[agonycat]

Aw, I am sorry Sharron.

At least you had the pleasure of good food and good company and really enjoyed yourself. That is what matters most. I am sure those pounds will melt away pretty quick.

Glad to have you back safe and sound :)

[Tama]

Glad you are back, Shannon!

Hey, the way I see it, there is nothing wrong with a cheat as long as it is really, really worth it. And it sounds like yours was! When the hubby and I go on our anniversary trip this year, I am going to thoroughly enjoy myself and treat my appetite. And it will be sooo worth it!

Look on the bright side. At least, when you get home from vacation, you know how to get that weight back off. So many people just come home, shrug their shoulders, and keep gaining!!

Karen, WTG on the tanning treat! I really want to do that. I just don't see how I can keep it up with the babies running around me everywhere.

Keep it up ladies, it is getting warmer outside!!

Tama

[Jkrohn]

Good Morning all! Just had to jump in and tell you I avoided an ice cream cake!!! :hyper: It was DH b-day yesterday and I always get him a Dairy Queen ice cream cake. His favorite but he only gets it once a year. So....like a good wife I brought one home. We went out for dinner fist. YUMMY prime rib my favorite. Like a good LC girl I opted for the steamed brocoli instead of the potato. Once we got home he dug right in and devoured his first piece. He offered me some but I was still full. Hours later when he went back for seconds I told myself I didn't need it (even though I could have bit his arm off if he would have gotten to close :nono: ) SOOO a night with an ice cream cake calling my name from the freezer and I didn't give in! I feel so good. Really empowering. I know it's just a cake. But you don't know the history me and that cake had.

Juat had to share with you all

HEY SHANNON!!! :wave: Glad you made it home safe and sound. Sounds like you had a wonderful time. Now....... Its back to the drawing board for you my dear. Back in the saddle and you will melt those extra 9 pounds off and then some in no time at all. No beating yourself up; you went, you ate, and you enjoyed yourself. That's all that matters.

Take care all and Stay Strong!!!

Messy

[Sutsee]

Hey there Ladies

I have decided to weigh myself once a month because I have become obsessed with the scale...everyday different times of the day...it was driving me crazy. So I got onto today for the last time until this time next month. I am going to let my body tell me how things are going...how my clothes fit, my energy level.

My husband and I are planning a vacation for July...sun and beach and wow wouldn't I suprise everyone to be sporting an awesome bathing suit. I have like 4 full months to work on it. So please cheer me on!

Thanks

Bethany

[Jkrohn]

Bethany.....good choice to weigh once a month. It's scary how that little appliance in the bathroom can cause soo much joy or pain. We tend to rely tooo much on what the # is that we forget about the real reason we are doing all this. To look better, to feel better, and to take better care of ourselves.

I know you can do this. Hell, If I can loose weight and stoy on this WOL anyone can. 4 months is enough time to get your bikini bod ready! Just stick with us sister we'll motivate you all the way there.

Take care stay strong and keep moving!

Messy

[Sutsee]

Hey

I did forget to mention I lost another 2lbs...my husband is joking saying that I'm all protien now...no more fat...he's so sweet, believe me there is still a ton of fat there.

I have a friend..she's always complaining about her weight. I talk to her this morning. I told her what I have been doing this past month and how much weight I have lost...she was very negative. She told me that she's tried and tried to loose her weight and nothing worked. Then she told me she'd be very shocked if I lost all the weight I wanted. What a downer! I got to thinking about it and I used to say I tried everything...yeah everything for like a week and then that was it. I have never stuck anything out this long.

I think I'll stick with you gals for inspiration!

Bethany

[Jo-Ann 2]

You dear, I appreciate your honesty.
My son and I have a saying when he is acting up and he knows it and I know it . I tell him that his evil twin Ralph is back and that I want my Matthew, I even tell Ralph it is time to leave. It wasn't you Shannon eating those things, it was your evil twin. We want our Shannon back, it is time for "the other" to leave.
Seriously though kid, thank you for being you. I know how fast one can tumble, but I also know how fast one can get back on track.
Yours Truely Jo-Ann :wave:
P.S. I assume that anyone who is a twin knows that this is just a cute way to get my son to stop acting up. Twins are the best times two. :hyper: :hyper:

[Jo-Ann 2]

It is so easy to be negative. The true winners in life dare to dream and don't listen when others are negative. Congradulations on your 2 lbs. :dazzle:

[slim2none]

:cheer:

Yeah Bethany, you are doing great! Don't listen to the pessimistic friend and keep on doing what you are doing. Sometimes I wonder why people are so negative and if they are true friends why they wouldn't be happy for us. I have no doubt that you will be in a slinky suit by summer. :cool:

Shannon, welcome back. As I was reading the food list my mouth started watering. Yummmmmmmmm............................................

Now that you are back home hop back on the wagon and take off!

Have a good one, all. :wave:

[Sutsee]

Hello again

How do you get your picture in the corner there...? Just thought it would be cool to have one!


I have a question...what types of things do you like snack on...I am running out of original ideas. I crave chips like crazy. Have you tried any of the "low carb" foods?

Very true about negative people...where do they come from, and why do they find me?

Bethany aka soon to be bikini mama!! ;)

[goingfor60]

Hi Ladies - (I'm at work shhh)

Thanks for the kind words I need them! I've been teetering for the past 2 days, committed to LC and yet listening to my friends tell me that I have already blown over 1/2 the week so why not just finish with a bang.

I learned while I was away that although I did eat very badly that I wasnt eating for comfort or cravings. The food was nothing more than really good food. I ate some rice yesterday which use to be my all time favorite, I use to eat rice daily. While I was eating the rice I realized it was just that "rice" (filler) to go with the main course which was meat. I'm a person that truly believed that I lived to eat not eat to live. So overall I think that I learned from eating all of these wonderful foods. It has shown me that I am finally able to really just enjoy foods and that its not a right of passage or necessity to gorge.

Hi Bethany - welcome to the group, glad to have you and you are really doing great! For chips I make cheese chips or pepproni chips. Its real simple for pepperoni chips place the sliced pepperoni on a plate covered with a paper towel and microwave them until they are crispy, it takes about 2 minutes in my machine. For the cheese chips slice cheddar cheese very thin and place them on a plate and nukem until they are slightly browned and then quickly remove them from the plate. I do approx 1 min 30 sec per batch. I think there are recipes for them on this site.

Ok I'm off to do some work...

Shannon :wave:

[KarenB]

Shannon, babe, you won't quit now. I know you won't. Good grief, lady, you *started* this thread, you can't give up on us! :lol:
Congrats on the lesson learned about food being--food. I hope to learn that one one of these days, too. :D

Bethany, I have a friend like yours--almost. My friend didn't make any negative comments about *me* losing weight, but she has the whole "I just can't do anything about this, I'm doooooomed" mentality. She's been pretty supportive of me, but I learned quickly not to discuss my WOL with her. It just lands on deaf ears. (And it's a pity, because she could really, *really* benefit from this.)

I think JoAnn said it--stick with us, we'll get you there and back again! :D

I did my first tanning session this afternoon. WOW. I still feel kinda tingly from the warmth. And it's *wicked* cold and windy outside, so it was really a micro-vacation--8 minutes of quiet and warmth (and yes, I was-- ::looks around to be sure no one sees:: -- NAKED! :eek: ) before I had to get dressed and schlep back out into the weather. I go again tomorrow, then take the weekend off. My plan is daily, M-F, at 3:15 or close to it, then none on Sat-Sun.

I took a break from the ski machine today; I've read in more than one place now that one needs to have a day off when one's doing any kind of exercise. So I left out the most strenuous of the three. The crunchies and the thigh toner don't *feel* like exercise. :lol:

*Another* coworker mentioned to me today how good I'm looking. It was amusing--he asked me if I'd been feeling all right lately, and I said that I'd been kind of tired because I'm fighting off the bug that's going around. He then said "Well, I was just wondering because--well, you're looking quite a bit thinner these days, and I was hoping you weren't ill." Is that a hoot or what? He did go on to ask what I'm doing to get this way, and when I said I had a little ways to go yet, he said "Well--you look pretty darn good already." THAT made my day.

Onward and downward, ladies!!!!

[Jkrohn]

Hi ladies! Good morning! My stahl is over!! I lost 4 pounds!! :yay: I'm so excited. 4 weeks of nothing and then 4 pounds this week. Guess it makes up for it!

Avoided the ice cream cake again last night. That's 2 days in a row! DH is so sweet. He cuts his piece and then eats it in another room so I don't even have to look at it. Needless to say I would love to stuff my face with it. But I am strong and that bikini wearing weather is closer than I think. No ice cream for these thunder thighs. :nono:

Hope everyone is having a Happy Friday!! Bikini bod here I come!

Wooohooo

Messy

[Sutsee]

Hey there

Thanks for the snack ideas...I will try them today when I have my chip craving.

March is here! Summer is on it's way...

[Jo-Ann 2]

Feb 13 I had a bad day with peanut butter and jam then tried the carbo addicted life plan. I stumbled badly. I gained back 3 pounds, now your thinking 3 pounds that's nothing, well I fought hard to get rid of those 3 pounds and there they were back again and they would not move, I tried all my tricks, loaded more water, ate more calories, exercised (yes me). What kept me going was everyone of you, and I mean each one of you wrote something that helped me, motivated me, made me feel that I could succeed, and last but not least that I was a valued member of your group. WOW!
I am glad to say that this morning the scale moved, I had gotten down one of those pounds after 12 days and then this morning 2 pounds gone. I had not had the heart to change my stat's back up but I'll tell you it was wonderful to take that .5 pounds off my stat's. A new record.
Thank you all for your support.
Congradulations to all those that have had the whoosh fairy visit them. For those that are waiting, she's out visiting girls, stay strong, she knows where to find you.
Yours Truely Jo-Ann :wave:

[Jo-Ann 2]

:clap: :wiggle: :hyper: :Party: :sunny: :agree: :agree: :agree: :agree: :agree:

CONGRADULATIONS ON THE FOUR POUNDS

The whoosh fairy rewarded you big time for not eating that ice cream cake.
Yours Truely Jo-Ann

[Tama]

Hooray for Jo-Ann!! Way to go. Just goes to show that even if you fall off the wagon, there is always a road back. Whether it is 3 pounds or 33 pounds, there is always a way back. Especially encouraging to me, because I can't seem to find my focus lately.

Keep it up, girl! You are motivating the rest of us!

Hugs, Tama

[goingfor60]

Hi Ya'll

I must add my 2 cents worth of good news... Of the 9 pounds I have gained I've already taken off 6 of them :p . So that gives me hope to keep moving forward. You guys are all so awesome and with this much positive influence there's no way we wont reach our bikini goals.

Now if I could just get back to my posted 161 I would be really happy!

Talk to ya soon!

Shannon :wave:

[KarenB]

Good going, woman!!

That's inspiration for me, who hopped on the plant stand this morning to see what damage I did last night with a little bowlful of neapolitan ice cream (I know, I said I didn't need any more after the B&J fest a week or so ago... but I ate it anyway, what's up with that??) and two mini-cupcake cookies (evil little soft sugar cookies with a gobbet of icing and sprinkles on top--Kelley wanted them, and I really thought I could stay away but they were SO tiny... ::sigh:: ).....


and it read 179. ACK!!!!!

Needless to say, I did three minutes on the ski machine, 20 crunches, and the inner thigh toner torment. And I've already glugged down 2 liters of water, and there're another 2 waiting for me.

Those size 12s are waiting for me--I went in the closet and looked at 'em again just to be sure they're really in there. They are. So's the 2-piece swimsuit.

NO MORE ICE CREAM AND COOKIES!!!! NO MORE!!!! I know those 5lbs will come back off, and I know it'll take longer than I want it to ("instantly" just doesn't happen, we all know that), and I know it's all my own doing. No one pried my mouth open and shoveled that junk in. (Well, maybe it was watching "A Knight's Tale" at 2am that did it... I was already drooling over Heath Ledger, this just gave my mouth something else to do. :lol: )

I AM STRONGER THAN SUGAR!

[liddle]

Shannon,
That's great news about those 6lbs coming off! Did you have to go back on induction? I know you will get back to that 161 posted and down to your bikini weight before you know it. No matter how we tourment and sabotage ourselves our desire for that bikini is stronger than any rice, gumbo, cakes, pies, cookies, and ice cream, do I need to go on? You get the point. Keep up the good work. You have alot of people depending on you. But hey, no pressure! ;)

Take care,
Heather

[Danielle]

Hi Ladies-

I'm glad to see everyone is well. I haven't really been losing that the last few weeks and a result I cheat. Not a good attitude. for example at work I hate about 5-6 chips ahoy cookies. (I am a pre-school teacher).

well, Ihave 8 weeks until my nephew gets christened. I have to get back on track. My goal is to be a size 12. Right now I am a 14. The other day I got a swimsuit catalog. There were so many bikinies I loved. I'm afraid to order one and then be disappointed when summer comes. The only way I will get into one is if I am a size 8 or smaller.

Have a good week ladies and keep motivated.

Danielle

[Jo-Ann 2]

Go Shannon! :cheer: Go Shannon!:cheer:

Well I got back on the scales today and there were those two pounds back again, I really hate those two pounds. I thought they were gone and I refuse to let them stay but why do they keep coming back to haunt me. Atleast it did not go back to 147 my old stall zone.
Went to the Clinque counter and got my make-up done today. It was a real boost. I've never used soap on my face and I have been to the tanning salon, so the girl was smart enough to not broach me on those subjects but she did show me some tricks and thought the lipstick I have was a great color for me. I bought an eye brow pencil and now know how to use it and some concealer which makes me look younger. She gave me lots of samples (and I mean lots). So I figure I'm set for the next 6 months. Never been much of a make-up girl but a little definition is really nice. I can honestly say that I would not have done this if I was not felling better about my weight. It's not a Bikini but it is definitely a step in that direction.
Yours Truely Jo-Ann :wave:
Dear Danielle and Karen, beeeeeeeeeen thhhhhhhere!, put out your hand we're reaching for you. We are all here waiting for you, your seats still warm. :D

[Tama]

Way to go, Shannon!! You give the rest of us "cheaters" hope.

Jo-Ann, good for you! I love pampering myself, whether it is new makeup, a new pair of shoes, or a new 'do, I love it! Nothing is more fun and uplifting. Too bad we all don't do it more often.

I had a very bad weekend, and that's all I want to say about that. I feel like if I go into details, I will just start beating myself up again for falling off the wagon. So I am trying to focus on today.

Hey, Danielle, that's not a bad idea, buying a suit ahead of time. I was thinking about that after I read your post. Why not buy the bikini now? At least for me, seeing it in the closet would help my motivation, and every few weeks or so, I could try it on and see how much better I was looking. What do you gals think? I think I might have to go shopping. That is a really good idea! Thanks Danielle!

Hugs all, Tama

[Jkrohn]

Thanks for all the great words of praise. I could never have gotten this far without you! :bhug: So glad I stopped in to check on you guys today. You made me stronger!

I have been invited out to dinner with a group of friends tonight and I have been feeling sooo good that I thought maybe tonight I would indulge in the best garlic cheese bread drowned in homemade ranch dressing. The place we are going is known for the excellent bread. And I'm telling ya they ain't braggin they have the worlds best cheese bread! So all weekend I have been thinking, drooling, and anticipating eating that bread tonight. I figured hey I was down 4 lbs last week I can cheat a little right?? WRONG!! :nono: I need to stay focused. One splurge of bread leads to severe carb cravings and my house isn't safe yet. DH hasn't finished that darn ice cream cake yet. I know if I cheat at dinner that leads to an all night binge. It's like...I've already screwed up today so I might as well be really really bad tonight...So I sit and stuff my face with all the things I shouldn't. BUT, only until midnight. Because at midnight that begins a new day....UGH what a mental case I am. Anyone else do this??? Why do we do this to ourselves?? :bash: Why do we let the food control us??


NOT TODAY! I am still in control and as of now still on the LC WOL! Thanks to your kind words, motivation, and support I am going to dinner and am NOT going to have the bread! I am strong and I control my food. My food doesn't control me!

Bikini bod here I come.

Messy

[sunshine2]

Shannon,

You give me some hope, I have put on 8 pounds in the past two weeks, yes thats right 8 pounds. :(
I'm hoping they will come off as easy as they came on..........So, back on induction and back to my exercising routine.

[Tama]

Way to go, Messy! I admire your will power. Good luck tonight. We are all pulling for you! I think the next time I go out with the hubby and I am tempted I am going to think of you and how you turned down the best garlic cheese bread in the world!! If Messy can stick to plan, so can I!!

Hugs, Tama

[Danielle]

Hey Tama- I never thought of it that way. maybe if I buy the bikini now it will keep me motivated. I love the idea of trying it on periodically. I do that now with some of my smaller size clothes. It feels great when actually one day it fits. But I have a long way to a bikini. last time I wore one was when I was 5 years old.

Thanks
Danielle

[KarenB]

There's almost nothing that's as motivating as seeing my TWO size 12 suits (the maillot and the 2-piece) sitting in that dresser drawer, waiting for me to fit into them! I say almost... because those size 12 Victoria's Secret jeans are a pretty high motivator too! :D

I went back on induction as of this morning, and I feel GREAT. This time I'm not having *any* caffeine (I managed to kick that last month, yay me!) and the only diet soda I'm drinking is Diet Rite because it's sweetened with Splenda, not aspartame. I've had 4 liters of water today and I'm not done drinking yet. Dinner is turkey/cream cheese/dill spear rollups, 1/2 cup cottage cheese, and a handful of leftover BBQ pork rinds. I went to the tanning salon this afternoon and baked for 10 minutes, and bought some yummy smelling tanning lotion to keep my skin nice and supple. (I smell like a pina colada! :lol: )

Here's to MOTIVATION!!!!

Go, ladies!! :cheer: :cheer: :cheer:

[Danielle]

Hi Karen-

Sounds like your on your way to that size 12 bikini. Way to go. :cheer:

I hope I can keep just as motivated!

Danielle

[LiLMoMMa]

Hello everyone,

I am new here and have been reading these threads, they are so motivational. WOW
:roll:
I am going to begin the induction phase of the program tomorrow and hope to count down to my bikini size with all of you guys. I hope to fit back into a size 5-6 bikini by August. That's when I go back down to Florida and visit my family and friends.
I hope to countdown with all of you guys! :wave:

[goingfor60]

You guys are contagious - just reading today's posts I feel more motivated than I had been all day.

Sunshine2 maybe a lot of it is bloat and constipation - I had to take 9 laxatives on 3 consecutive days to get my stomach in the right working order. Just when you think you have total control - you find out what controls you, I've been there and done that.

I am back on induction and exercise to lose these 9 pounds and cant wait to buy a bikini, I'm just waiting on my paycheck because the one I think will work is $75.00 plus tax and shipping. I am fortunately wealthy in many ways just not financially yet.

Yesterday I actually had a worry about my spring wardrobe. I went to the spring/summer side of the closet and realized that all of those clothes really no longer fit and that I HATE them. That was something I hadnt thought about, hmm shopping is not really a luxury anymore its more of necessity. (Yeah)

Jo-Ann - when you're pretty you just cant help it. Feeling pretty only comes from being pretty and if that tiny bit of makeup is what you purchased you probably needed even less.
:daizy:
Messy be proud and wear your SuperWoman outfit tonight for dinner - because giving up great cheese garlic bread takes a strong will. I know you can, I know you can :yay:

Welcome LilMoMMa - if this group can motivate me to continue, you will wear that size 5 by August.

Tama youre right dont beat yourself up! So you fell off the wagon we all do, atleast you didnt set it on fire and watch it burn to the ground. It took me 3 extra days to go back to LC 100% - think human.

Karen I dont know how you drink so much water - I barely get down 34 ounces in a whole day.

[Tama]

Okay, Shannon, that's it. You and I are going shopping tomorrow! :D You and Karen have convinced me, I am going to go to town and buy the suit of my dreams....who cares if it doesn't quite fit yet, if that is something that will help me keep my focus, then it is time to go out and get it. I can't believe I haven't thought to do this sooner, like some of the rest of you have. Having a beautiful dress hanging in my closet has helped motivate me in past times, so why not a beautiful suit for summer? I think this is just the boost I need. I am really fired up to buy it. For some reason, I just thought I had to have the bod BEFORE the suit. Maybe I had it backwards all along!!

LilMomma, welcome! You have picked a great place. I love this forum and the girls here have helped me out so many times. You are in good company!

Happy shopping, ladies!
Tama

[KarenB]

Welcome to the club, LilMoMMa! There are some *wonderful* women in this gang. Come hang with us in Vegas in August! We'll take the pool by storm! :D

[Jo-Ann 2]

So pleased you've come and jioned us. A size 5-6 sounds like a great goal, you go girl. So how is your first day going? The first couple of days can be hard, there are some big changes going on in your body, drink lots of water, and if you get a little tired or cranky that's ok, your body is just changing from the quick fix of using carbs for fuel to burning fat. The Vitamins and potassium help me alot, infact when I don't take them I stall. Please accept my 2 cents worth as a token of knowledge that works for me, but remember that everyone is different so what works for you is what is best for you. I'm so glad you've wondered over to this thread. You are officially a Bikini Babe now.
Yours Truely Jo-Ann :wave:

[Jkrohn]

I blew it! I let the bread get the best of me. I just don't know what happened. I was doing really good feeling strong and then all of a sudden..... I grabbed a chunk smothered it in ranch and was shoving it in my mouth without even noticing! :bash: It was like I was watching someone else. Truly an out of body experience. HA! LOL Goes to show no matter how strong and confident you feel those old habbits truly do die hard!!:rolleyes: That's it I had a chunk (a rather large chunk) and that was it. no more slips the rest of the night. Today I am FULLY back on the LC wagon.


Welcome LilMomma I'm glad you found us! Stick with us and you will be in that bikini in no time! This is a great group of ladies who are all gathered here for the same reason.... bikini bods here we come!!! They are great to pick you up when your feeling low and boy oh boy do they keep you motivated. Hang in there and together we will make it!

Remember slow and steady wins the race! We can't expect changes overnight. (no matter how much we wish we could :) ) It took us a lifetime of bad habbits to get where we are and it's going to take more than a day to undo it.

Stay strong bikini babes!

Messy

[sunshine2]

Okay - I'm back. I feel so good about being back on the induction plan. To resist chocolate, I feel like I'm in control again. My husband convinced me last night that I should still go on my trip to Acapulco, I was not going to go because of an illness my daughter developed, but I have decided to go now, after all, I've been with my company for 3 years, and this award is such an honor to win. Out of 3,000 people, only 5 were chosen, so I feel like I am being unappreciative if I do not go. So, I'm going, I leave in 10 days.

My goal is in August, I want to be able to wear a bikini. I will wear a bikini in August!!!!

[atanqt]

Well, I lost another pound and just changed my profile from 122 to 121 :cheer:

I only have 11 more to go until my bikini and my VACATION TO ST.LUCIA :exclm:

I want to go run on my treadmill until the whole 11 pounds are gone but I guess I would probably fall over and die, so I guess I'll just take it one day at a time.

I'm really getting anxious now to see my new profile so I'll talk to everyone later. I have to go and post this on a few of my other subscribed threads, hopefully to encourage or to motivate someone if they need it ;) Good Luck to all and guess what...

So what if you have a bad day with eating wrong or not exercising, I have had a few last week but I still LOST a pound. Just start fresh the next day, trust me when I say that when you don't beat yourself up it makes it easier to make it up :thup:

I believe in EVERYONE here, and I know with all of the support going on here WE CAN DO IT :D :wave:

[sunshine2]

Way to go Atanqt!!!

And I noticed you finally got your chicken. ;) Your on a roll girlfriend!

Wow - I noticed I just moved from chicken to steak, yum.

[Tama]

Way to go, Atanqt! You are nearly there. That is awesome!

Well, ladies. Today is the day. As soon as the baby wakes up I am off to the store. Yay!! Bikini here I come!

Hugs, Tama

[aim1616]

Luckily, I stumbled across your thread in a search and found myself laughing and I kept reading and reading. You girls have great spirit.

Anywho, I'd love to be in a bikini for my vacation in May but I think my camping trip in August will be the real show. I do have a pair of shorts I bought 2 years ago--loved them but didn't try them on in the store. Turns out they didn't fit- and they're oh so cute. I put them out as a motivational peice when I started Atkins & took a stab in the dark the other day and I can zip them! Don't be fooled my "tummy" is billowing out over the waistline and my thighs are touching every inch of seamline but they are buttoning. I'm convinced that my tummy (tummy sounds so much more feminine instead of "gut") will be the last to go....however, I will try everything possible to get it jump started sooner. I saw a post on this thread outlining 3 different ab crunches...I'll have to try them. I read in a post somewhere that you need only do 30 crunches and anything over that is a waste. Any feedback?

:wave: Amy

[Erin4980]

I want to join....I've been in some need of modivation lately. I've been changing up my norm of Atkins (my loss slowed tremondously), but I messy up my system. I have about 10-15 lbs left to go...and I really want them gone by MAY...that's bikini season if I've ever heard of it;)

I want to hear all the details about everyone since the thread was started...I could read all the 27 PAGES...just the first couple and the last couple :p

I'm leaving for Memphis on Friday (I'm moving there in June w/ my bf) - we're looking for a place to LIVE :D Anyway, I'll be gone starting Friday, however I will be sticking w/ WOL, obviously...but when I get back I'm hitting the thread mill and weights :daze: I've never been a workout person, but who knows. I was actually toying w/ BFL (changing my Atkins norm again). I think I'm going to buy the book and read it on the way down to Memphis. Maybe entering a contest to win some money would modivate me for exercising...

Love the thread,
E

[KarenB]

Hi, Aim and Erin!!

Erin, I wasn't ever a "workout person" either, but now I get up at 5am to do my time on the ski machine, my crunches, and my thigh toner. And you *must* go back to read the posts about bikini waxes and the hedgehog with a rash. I laughed until I cried. :D

Aim, I'm hoping for a major show in August too--that's when we're talking about Vegas and I intend to be in *one* of my size 12 suits! Maybe not the 2-piece, but that little maillot is awfully cute... :p

I was reading on AOHell about "spoons, cones, and hourglasses" (the figure types) and as I figured, I'm an hourglass. Turns out I chose the perfect kind of workout, according to the guru there--the ski machine is just what I need to firm up everything evenly. I always had a "shape" even at my heaviest--I was a "yearglass" then though! :lol: I even have a pair of 5lb dumbbells I use while I'm sitting here reading, to do bicep and tricep curls (I love those overhead moves, feels like I'm really working something!).

I go to the tanning salon again tomorrow at 3:30 for my 10 minutes in the bed. It's such a microvacation--nice and toasty and warm, when it's blowing snow outside. I can almost taste the pina colada.... :) I've only been going since last week (three sessions so far) and I already have color! Such a change for me, the paperwhite one... :D And I *love* the smell of tanning lotion! Never really thought about it before, but there's just something about smelling like coconut.

Gotta go, time to get my meals together for tomorrow so I don't have to hassle with it at 5am. TTYL, ladies!!!

[Tama]

Welcome to you newbies. The more the merrier! Especially in this looney bin.

Well, ladies, I did it! I bought myself the hottest little number today!! It is a tankini. The top has spaghetti straps and comes down to just above my navel, and the bottom looks like a pair of little hot pants - not the traditional bikini cut. Bright orange and tie-dyed, it was love at first sight! I put it on with very low expectations and...WOW! Was that my body in the mirror? I couldn't believe it! I still can't. Maybe it was in the cut of the suit or something, but it looked good. What a boost to the motivation and the ego! I mean, I still have my problem areas, but hey, I would go out in public in it. Which is saying a lot. I can't wait to show the hubby tonight, he is going to flip out. I haven't ever had a bikini since he has known me.

One thing I would say to the rest of you bikini babes who haven't gone shopping yet, this really helped me with my body image. It helped me see that I don't have to be a twig to look good. It also showed me where my real problem areas are. I know I need to work on the lower belly pooch still, but I used to think that the outer thighs were my big problem. Wrong! In the suit I could see that my inner thighs need the most attention. Go figure! I'm glad I didn't wait til summer to learn that! I thought my inner thighs were pretty okay, but no! Just a thought for any of you that are on the fence about buying! It really can help you see your bod in a different light - and I don't mean negatively!!

BIG hugs all!!
Tama :D

[KarenB]

WTG, Tama!!!! Sounds like you and your suit are a perfect match!

Now it's time for you to get out that kitchen chair, sit on the floor, put your insteps against the chair legs about 3" from floor level (legs out straight, you can lean back on your hands for balance), and count to 100. Sounds easy, but OMG the first time I tried this I was hurtin' by the time I got to 40. But--I have to say, since I started doing this isometric thingie two weeks ago, I've lost 1/4 inch on my right thigh! (Don't know about the left, I only measured one for reference.) And doing my morning workout right after I get up makes breakfast taste that much better. All in my head? Probably, but who cares? It's working! :D

[Danielle]

Good For You Tama!

I am debting whether or not to buy a bikini and hope for the best come summer. One thing is I don't know what size to buy. I am hoping that within the next few months I'll lose inches. Especially in my stomach. Well, I found ones I liked in a catalog, now I just have to get the courage to buy one.

Danielle

[Erin4980]

Now it's time for you to get out that kitchen chair, sit on the floor, put your insteps against the chair legs about 3" from floor level (legs out straight, you can lean back on your hands for balance), and count to 100.

Can you explain this to a semi-idiot...I don't understand, do you just sit there with your legs 3" from the ground?? I'm a pre-schooler when it comes to working out...;)

The thoughts of a tankini - Congrats :thup:

Since I'm graduating in May (from college), I cleaned out my closet at my old home (my parents are giving me my furniture, they bought it for me a couple of years ago w/ that intention)...anyway...I found 2 microbikinis that were from freshman-junior year when I was under 130 so hopefully I will not have to buy anymore :daze: . Sometimes I put them on, just for fun, rather a laugh :D I never thought my breasts would shrink, but over the past month - they have BIG TIME (I was a 36smallD and now I'm a 34 BBBBBBBB) so my thoughts that I wouldn't fit into the tops ever again proved FALSE...I mean they are from when I was 14-16 years old, I now look like a preteen....

HERE COME THE BREAST ENLARGEMENTS so I can fit into my bathsuits for 5 years ago...lol.

Talk to you soon,
E

[KarenB]

Well, Erin, "just sitting there" is a relative thing. :)

Isometric exercises mean you're putting pressure against an immovable object, thereby working a specific muscle or muscle group.

When you're sitting on the floor with your insteps pressed against those chair legs, with your legs out straight (leaning on your hands slightly behind your hips, for balance), you're pushing inward against the chair legs. You will *feel* it in your inner thighs, which are the main muscles you're working by doing this. Three inches from the floor isn't very far, and it's that short distance that really makes this more difficult (and effective) than it sounds. Sit up as straight as you can, so your body more or less makes an "L" shape, and put your hands palms down just behind the plane of your hips and out to the sides a little for good support and balance. Otherwise you might tip over. :D

Don't turn your feet soles-inward, either. Keep your legs as straight as possible, pressing the *sides* of your insteps against the chair legs. (I actually use a wooden side-table instead of a chair. All my chairs have a pedestal and casters, not four stationary legs--those just won't work. :) ) You need to feel the pull in your inner thighs, and you *will* if you're doing it right. Count to 100, neither slowly nor quickly; I use the time-honored "one Mississippi" method. And gods help you if you have a cat who thinks your legs make fine bridges. I suppose it could be taken as extra resistance, but man, that can HURT. :lol:

Good luck with it, Erin. I'm a convert, what can I say? :D

[goingfor60]

Woo Hoo Tama - you go you wicked babe in ORANGE! I am so proud of you - that is just killer that you went out and did it. I'm jealous and inspired all in the same breath its just so great :yay:

To our newest babes welcome, we are an unruly bunch but stick with us and you will achieve your goals.

So after my shower tonight I was looking in my drawer for some undies to put on and I couldnt find any. I'm so anal I've probably got 30 pair and just didnt want to open a new pack. So I searched the drawer furtherand said hmmm TOM panties or big girl panties and neither were really appealing. So I continued my search and found a cute little pair of Victoria's Secret undies from the past that I knew were way too small and still tried them on. Hey I'm a VS girl again. I use to buy their silk panties until I moved into a size Large and thought my fat butt wasnt worth silk anymore. Now I'm startin to think my little hiney is worth it again and my luck they wont have any.

Aim - that is kinda true about the 30 crunches. Most normal people like me/us can only do 20-30 really good crunches and the other part is made up of a lot of momentum that keeps people going. If you know what your doing and doing them right I go to the point of exhaustion, if thats 30 or 300. When doing cruches literally keep your chin up and dont stress your neck.

I have a new exercise for the inner arms/chest...

Laying on the floor with your arms spread wide apart and weights in both hands. Lift your weights up and together as if you are bringing them in to squeeze a big beach ball. Do 4 slow sets of 8 and tell me how you feel. You should do this to the point of absolute exhaustion. If you are more advanced do 6-8 sets of 8 and this should really make you feel it.

Work it ladies - summer is coming and time waits for no one!

Shannon

[Jo-Ann 2]

I'm late ,I'm late for a very important date. So much has happened in this thread since my last post.
Welcome Amy- you're going to fit right in here, you've already got the right sense of humor.
Erin- So glad you've come and jioned us, you're definitely one of the girls. Bikinin Babes Rule, Men drool.
Sunshine-Sorry to hear your daughters not well, hope it's something that can be handle without to much intervention. Congradulations on your steak and 5 OUT OF 3000, you must be spectacular kid.
Tama- You are a insperation to us all. I think you are just too sweet. Thanks for sharing your achievement with us. I'm so proud of you. The girl in the tie dye bikini is in our group!!!!!!!!!
Messy- One chunk of bread, well I have to say wow for stopping in mid meal to go back on the WOL. I don't think I could have done that, I would have continued. You have certainly achieved something we all strive for, the ability to stop!!!!!!!
Shannon- the little hinney was hilarious. I laughed until I cried. Just what I needed to get me through the day. I went in for my pap yesterday and the gyno. found not one but two abnormal growths which he did byopsis (no idea how to spell that) now I wait 3 weeks to see what they are. Not a pretty procedure, and a complete surprise, and that does not include the results of the pap smear.
It caught me totally off gaurd, they were large enough growths for him to see them visually. Girls go get your yearly check up please.
Yours Truely Jo-Ann
P.S. the doctors scales said I weight was 144. I guess my scales at home are over, now that's a change. :wave:

[sunshine2]

Tama - you've inspired us all. The suit sounds so cute, I love the color orange in the summer, it such a spring color.

Way to go girl!

[Tama]

Hey, Jo-Ann, look on the bright side (if there is one in this situation), after the doc took those 2 growths off, you now weigh 143.9, right? :D

Hope it all turns out okay,
Hugs Tama

[Jkrohn]

Hi all Boy did I miss a lot..... So much has happened here I feel like I've been gone. But it's great! I love hearing/reading from all of you.


Welcome Erin and Amy you picked a great group to belong to. Us bikini babes.....we're hot. Getting hotter all the time and fun....boy do we have some fun here. Stick with us you'll be motivated all the way into that bikini in no time.

Way to go Tama! Hot orange suit. You go girl!!

OK I want to buy a suit....but what size? If I buy one that I can get on now it will be falling off come Vegas......(It better be :D ) But see I have a little mental image problem. I have always thought myself smaller than I am. Not many people can say that. But I love me and the minute I get a couple pounds off I think I'm Christie Brinkly. I'm serious I found a picture of me in a body suit (remember those darn things they never stayed snapped) anyway I was wearing a body suit and a pair of shorts. I remember that day and I thought I looked hot... way hot. NOT Boy was I wrong..... I was one of those girls you look at and think "NO she isn't wearing that...You can't tell me she looked at herself before she left the house" I mean come on..... most women I know of think themselves bigger than they really are. Not me!!!! In my head I'm a size 2 with long legs and big boobs. HA LOL OK so I'm not quite that bad but I do think I look good. I am big that's a fact but I'm smaller than I was 3 months ago. Now if only I could get back into my jeans from college..... OH that's a whole other thread. Don't get me wrong ladies I got more jiggle than a truckload of Jello but I'm shapely. I guess I got that going for me. I have always had a nice shape.... just a big one. LOL :)

I guess what I'm getting at is I dont want to buy a suit I think looks hot then find a picture of me in it later and say OH MY GOD am I really that big??? Been there done that it's not fun! Maybe I will start with a few I have in my closet right now.


Well Ladies I think I've rambled enough and gave you all more info than you really needed or wanted to know. :eek:

I will continue to be strong and live this WOL and someday maybe someday my body will catch up to wear my brain thinks it is. He he he

Love you all!

Messy

[Erin4980]

I have always thought myself smaller than I am. Not many people can say that.

I am totally that person....I ahave to bring friends shopping with me so they can "okay" whether it is appropiate to wear...lol. Do you guys know that comedian frrom Sabrina Teenage Witch, the one that's going to take over for Rosie...well she has a whole bit about exactly what you said...it is sooooo funny.

with your insteps pressed against those chair legs

now that sounds like not sittin' there to me...I'm only going to make it to 20....

There's this new rule that my boyfriend and I have started b/c our mouths have become potty mouths...not in public, but while at home. Anyway...I know it sounds horrid, but we're working on it. Our new rule is that every time we saw a bad word, we have to do 30 situps. I did 120 or 150 yesterday...lol. Well, had to do so many, I was able to work the obliques, and lower abs...lol. I guess it will teach me and tone me...lol.

See ya,
E

[Jkrohn]

Erin that is such a good idea! About the sit ups. My hubby and I have noticed the same thing. Our mouths have gotten increasingly bad! He is testing for the police department up here maybe this trick will get us both into shape pysically and vocally. HE HE thanks for the tip!

I am soo glad I'm not the only one out there whe thinks I'm smaller than I really am. Thanks bikini babe I needed that!!!

You're right that inner thigh thing sounds like torture to me too! 100 seconds! ARG I'll be lucky if I can make it to 10. LOL But I will give it the old college try!

Take care and stay strong!

Messy

[agonycat]

hhehe Like I said on those inner thigh exercises...go easy at first. The last thing you want to do is pull that muscle. :) Work your way into it.

I know some of you that have tried this have already cussed a blue streak in my direction. :lol: But hey they work don't they!

Keep working it!

[atanqt]

Well, since I saw that 121 number on my scale let me tell you. I will not be going up any more, just DOWN ;)

That was motivation enough to see that I am almost below 120 ( let me remind you that I have been between 105-115 half of my life ) So to come this far means there is no going back.

My breakfast for today was 2 fried eggs & 1 piece of bacon. I usually eat alot more bacon, but today I was full. It could be all the water I've been drinking.

The scale still says 121 this morning and I am not eating a single carb today because it's bowling night and my miller lites, which have 3 carbs each are my carbs for the day. It works out just fine for me :exclm:

Anyways, I can't wait till I'm in my teens again, (AND NO I DON'T MEAN MY AGE) there's no diet for that, IS THERE :q:

:lol: Wishing all of you the best and the best bod :thup: :wave:

[liddle]

Hello ladies, it's been a while. I apoligize, I've been very busy with school. Hello to all the new bikini babes. This board is an incredible motivator. Speaking of which I was so motivated by Tama's adventures and I had a few minutes to kill while I was getting a new car battery, so I said what the heck. So who all heard my blood curdling scream??? I was mortified! Weird, I look better totally naked than I did in that suit! Those boy cut bottoms can really cut a girl in the wrong place! Ok so maybe it was the wrong suit for me, but that image is permanently burned into my memory. Can you say " baby got back" like that Sir Mix a lot song back in the early '90's. Oh boy! The next time I go shopping, I will make sure I have time to try on MORE suits.

Gotta get the kids to school and paint the bedroom today! YAY!!!
Later,
Heather

[sunshine2]

Okay - I'm getting back into the grove of things these days, the 8 pounds I gained, well 4 of them have melted off, still up 4 pounds, but I will lose those as well.

Wen't shopping last night for some new clothes for my trip in 8 days, and the bathing suit isles - oh, how I wanted one of those bikini's, i would walk past, trying to look at it, but was too embarrassed to pick one up, I know the sales cleark would think, "is she crazy, she can't wear that". So I dared not touch one, but I kept sneaking back to take another peak, I was like a little kid at the candy store, my mouth drooling and wishing, but finally, I had to leave, I took one last peak and thought to myself, "someday, you'll be mine". ............................

I did get a new outfit, and got it home, and it was too big. Even though I was disappointed, because now I have to go back to the store and exchange it, it was nice to finally get something too big instead of too tight. ;)

Bikini - you can't hide for long, you'll be mine.............SOON!

[agonycat]

Another pound bites the dirt!

When I get into the 140s I am going bathing suit shopping!

[Jo-Ann 2]

I'm so proud of you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Congradulations!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Was that you I heard this morning!
Yes that was, wasn't it .
There's no stopping you now. :clap: :clap: :wiggle: :wiggle: :roll: :hyper: :hyper: :clap: :clap:
I can't wait to hear about that new suit, you know you shouldn't wait for those two pounds, you have earned a suit girl. Be good to yourself and then tell us all about it.
Yours Truely Jo-Ann :wave:

[Jkrohn]

Agonycat we are all proud of you!!! You are slimming your way into that bikini soooo fast..... Go for the gusto and get that bikini!

I am in the middle of a blizzard this am so I am toying with the idea of trying on some bikini's over lunch. Help me get out of the blahs. But then again the tanning bed could also heat me up real nice......decisions decisions



Well bikini babes your doing great! Keep up the good work!

Vegas wont ever be the same once we get there to show our newly found hot bods.

Take Care and Stay strong!

Messy

[Jo-Ann 2]

Tama thank you for being you. I appreciate your kidding around. Laughter is truely the best medicine.
Sunshine - I firmly believe that when I go into a store that the sales person creates an opion about me, but will I ever have coffee with this person and sit down and make them a part of my life, probably not. So if they judge me for my size or my clothing should I care NO. They will be out of my life after I leave the store, never let someone else decide what you can buy, be polite and smile, and know that you don't judge people that way. You are better than that. Now go buy something that fits you perfectly and something you will fit perfectly into when you are the weight you want to be.
Yours Truely Jo-Ann :wave:

[sunshine2]

Well said Jo-Ann, advice taken!

Lookout Mall, here I come!

[Tama]

Thanks, Heather, now I'm gong to have that song in my head all day!! Dang.

Hey, don't sweat it about trying on the suit. I am a lot taller than you are, which is probably why the hot pants looked different on me. You just need to try on a bunch of different styles - you'll get the right one!!

Hugs, Tama

[Jo-Ann 2]

I've decided that the bathing suits they sell here are just too drab. I'm going to go back to the links posted for suit shops, now I just have to find it on this thread. Boy we're at 28 pages, I guess you could say we are chic's with the gift of gab. But we sure have acomplished alot, inches, pounds and self worth, not bad for a group of women who have never smiled face to face.
Yours Truely Jo-Ann :wave:

[liddle]

Tama,
Funny, I was thinking about that suit. I don't know what's wrong with me. I couldn't wear that kind of suit when I was in HS. (wearing a 5) because I am so short. What made me try that suit on now. :q: Somedays I just don't know what I am thinking!

Jo ann,
It really is great how people you've never met (face to face) can be so supportive and mean so much to you. Like when I don't check in for a while, I miss this board and the people on it. I need to know what is going on in their lives and want to share my life with them. We really are lucky to have each other.

Thanks BIKINI BABES!!!! :cool:
Heather

[Jkrohn]

Good morning ladies..................

I need a boost. Yesterday I was re-reading through everyone's posts here and it hit me. I'm the biggest bikini babe here. I'm the only one still over 200 lbs. And not just slightly over 200 I'm still 43 pounds over 200. It got to me. I don't know why but it took me down REALLY down. :cry: I know we are all different people and we carry our weight different and we lose at different rates but...........I got to thinking who am I kidding :q: I haven't been under 200 since before I graduated high school. (Oh wait I take that back I was on phen phen a while back and got to 197 for about a week then they pulled it off the market and 200+ is where I went.) Why did I think I could be in a bikini by this summer? Who do I think I am??????? Ive seen this all before.......start something new and I give it my all see the pounds drop the body start to re-shape but I never get where I want to be. I have been "chubby" my whole life. I can remeber seeing childhood pictures of me in a bathingsuit with 3 tummy rolls. Who am I to think I can turn this bod into a lean machine? It's never been. My grandpa used to ask me why I tried so hard to fight genetics. I come from a long line of BIG women it's just in my genes..... I used to get mad and defend my efforts saying I would show him. But it never happened. Why is it I think this time is different? :q: :q: :q: I feel different this time. Every little bump in my road I have overcome and started right back where I should be. Heck last night was ice cream and pop tarts at 2:30 in the am. But did I continue that downhill slide today? Nope! I got up walked 2 miles like I do every morning and then made myself a cheese omlete for breakfast. Soooooo what now? Do I throw in the towel like I have every other time before? Or do I keep working towards a goal I can't reach?

Sorry to bring you all down this am it's just so frustrating!

Thanks for letting me vent.

Messy

[sunshine2]

Okay Messy,

first of all, stop it. You will succeed, you will, you will, you will! I believe in you!!! I don't buy into the "it's in your genes". I was once 235 pounds, and trust me, I have a lot of battles with the bulge myself, I have always had that "extra" 10,20 pounds growing up. My mother is a big women, but damn it, I refuse to be unhappy, I refuse to except the way I look, the way I feel. We can be smaller, we can. This is a new wol for us, like you stated you have been big your whole life, so don't expect it to happen in one summer. But things will happen.

Stop, think about how you feel in this WOE, do you have more energy? How much have you lost so far? Messy, you can do it, and maybe you won't be in a bikini by this summer, but you know what, you will have made progress by this summer, and if you continue, who knows what will happen by bext summer. I'm still in the 190's and have been here since September, it does get discouraging, but if we give up, we'll never reach our goals. So I am determined to not give up, yes I have went off the deep end a few times and totally overdosed on sugar, but pounds back on etc, but I always go back to this WOE, its the only way I want to be.

I know you are down, hell, been there, done that plenty of times. But look at it this way, its a WOL for us now, we will be bikini babes we will!!!! I will not leave this earth until I wear a bikini, that is a promise I have made to myself. I am 35 years old, and damn it, I will wear a bikini some day and be mighty proud of it! It might not be this summer, it might not be next summer, but it will happen. So, don't you throw that towel in yet Messy, it will happen for you too. Keep doing what your doing, focussing on being healthy. Throw those damn scales away, and measure success by the way you feel!

Now chin up and start visualizing yourself , slim, beautiful, and a new string bikini! ;)

[agonycat]

I second what Sunshine said!

Messy, the way I look at my weight loss is this. It ain't coming off over night. I have no plans of going off this way of eating, so sooner or later I will reach my goal. No rush....if I hit goal this year, great! If not there is always next year, but you know what? I WILL BE DAMNED IF I GAIN AGAIN! I am NEVER going to gain weight ever in my life time again.

This way of life works. I feel great. I am happy. You may not be sporting around in a bikini this year, but I know you will be. Hang in there and keep that pretty chin of yours high!

:bhug: :bhug:

[Jkrohn]

Sunshine2 thank you...... That's all I can say is thank you. I am now sitting in my office crying as you as SOOOOO DAMN RIGHT!! I can't believe how close we all are and we have never met (in person) I feel like we've been friends forever. I can tell you all anything even when it's not too good.

I can do this gosh darnit I've lost 32 pounds so far 3 pant sizes (almost 4) and I have knees again for the first time in ages!

I can do this I WILL DO THIS!! I feel better I have more energy and my hubby says my butt is getting smaller. WOOHOOO

OK chin up here I go! Back in the saddle my bikini babes. I will print this reply from sunshine2 and post it on my fridge, in my office, and anywhere I may need a boost when I'm feeling like giving up. You said it siser!

Thanks

Messy

[liddle]

My GOSH! I have to jump on the ban wagon for this! Messy, you have come SO FAR! You are down 32 POUNDS! How many people do you think are out there saying they want to get into a bikini and are doing absolutely NOTHING about it to make it happen. YOU are working towards a goal and let NOTHING :stop: you! NOTHING! As for genetics, BULL _ _ _ _! You can do this! It's not like you want to be 100 pounds, yes then genetics would say no way in Heck is that gonna happen. But you have a perfectly reasonable and healthy goal that is attainable with hard work,
LC living, and all the support you need from us here.

:there: Heather

[aim1616]

I'm going to have to agree with Sunshine--Messy you can't expect results overnight (unless the whoosh fairy merrily appears) you are doing GREAT. Pat yourself on the back and look at your progress.

I broke into the 170's this morning and I'm just overjoyed. Can't wait to brake into the 160's now. I'm going snowboarding Monday with some friends from out of town so I should shave off (literally?) some lbs. from my butt.....don't ya think. Lots of falling involved when you're learning! Anywho, I'm onto the workout bandwagon for next week--if I get into the routine I know I'll go far- it's just getting myself up at 5:30 that takes some getting use to.

:spin: Congrats to all for your continued loss!

Amy :wave:

[sunshine2]

Messy,

I'm glad your doing better. You just needed a reality check, we all need that at times. I've had to have one myself. Your going to be just fine, I know you are.

and PS before you joined this forum, I WAS THE BIGGEST, but it doesn't matter, we're not here to see who the smallest is, we're here to give each other support, and we all want the same thing, A BIKINI!

here's a big ole hug for my pal, messy, :bhug:

Bye bikini babes!!!! PS - only 7 more days until my trip!

[Jkrohn]

Thanks ladies for all the kind words and support today. Really been a good LC day! Ran to the grocery store at lunch and they were having sample day.... You know the kind with a nice old lady on every corner offering you a new tasty treat. This very sweet lady offered me a mini ice cream cone and I politely said no thank you and coninued on my way. Felt great! Really in control!

I can do this....even if that bikini is another summer off. I will still look much better in any swimsuit this summer than I did last. That's right I'm 32 pounds smaller this summer than I was last year at this time. That darn 32 pounds I have been here before it's like a magic #. I can't remember the last time I have lost more than 32 pounds. That's because they're hasn't been any. This is always were the stahl hits and I give up. Gee no wonder why I was so down. I've never past this mark before and it scares the daylights out of me! Never again! I am going to work my fanny off and prove it to myself that I can move on past 32 and NEVER look back! I have worked hard and I will continue to work hard to get this bod into bikini wearing shape.

Sunshine2 I went through and read some of your journals today. (never read any before) Anyway I notice you have a lot of protein shakes. Is this a pre-packaged mix or do you make your own? Looking for something quick in the am and I think that would be a good alternative. I also get up and exercise in the am becuase it makes me so energized and ready for the day. If I had to rely on going afterwork I wouldn't go. But if I hit that damn snooze button I no longer have time to workout and cook sausages or bacon or whatever it is that I am having for breakfast so the workout takes backseat as I have to eat breakfast or I don't survive. Always been a breakfast person. I can skip any other meal but if I don't get breakfast look out! Crabby girl alert.
Ok so now I'm babling but any good quick breakfast ideas would be great.

Again thanks ladies for the great pick me up! I really needed it to stay on track. My motivation is back and my spirits are high.

I love this thread!!! You are all great.

Messy

[agonycat]

Messy that is exactly why we are here ;) To pick each other up when we hit one of those walls that we think we can't get past. It is great having your very own cheerleading squad.

You keep that pretty chin up and we will make sure you get into that bikini :D

[sunshine2]

Messy,

I do a pre-mixed kind, but I'm looking into doing some that I make myself - just because they have more protein in them. I think my favorite of the pre-mixed kind is from optimum nutrition, and its called Protein Diet. It has 3G of Carbs, I like the strawberry, and I sometimes add a couple of fresh strawberries to it.

Last night, I mixed it with 1/2 cup of whole milk, 1/2 cup of water, and a few ice chunks and put it all in the blender, it was really cold and good. Tasted like a milk shake, and it was just sweet enough that it helped my cravings.

GNC has a lot of different pre-mixed proten shakes.

[Jkrohn]

Will check them out the next time I'm at GNC! Sounds like a yummy treat. I love strawberries and I miss fresh fruit all together. I cant trust myself with it yet. If I eat a little I will go overboard. To me an apple just isn't an apple unless it's the size of a large softball and I eat the whole thing. :D But blended in a shake could be easy drop them in blend and have the rest back in the fridge before I have a chance to nibble.

Thanks for the tip.

Messy

[Jo-Ann 2]

Messy I'm just too proud of you. You went from being unsure of yourself to being self-assured in less than a page, and that's saying something considering how fast we type around here. I'm so sorry that I wasn't able to get in on the support system for you, when I came to the thread today you had already taken control of your life. I hope you know that I'm 100% behind you on your journey and I've never even looked at the stat's of anyone on this thread. To me that just not what it's about, I keep coming back becuase it is comfortable here, it's sincere and it's just the girls.
Heather- you are a great motivator. So glad you've jioned
Amy - you broke the 170 's wow, you must be one happy girl, what a accomplishment. :clap: :clap: :yay: :yay: :clap: :clap:
Hope everyone has a great weekend.
Yours Truely Jo-Ann
:wave:

[Jkrohn]

I know your behind me all the way! That's why I asked this group for a boost when I needed it. I am glad we have this to come and share and get the help when we need it and the cheers when we deserve them. I don't know what motivated me to look through the stats I never had done it before. Initially it was curiosity to see how much everybody has lost. We hear a lot of "I'm down another pund" and oh "I lost another inch". But I just wanted to see where we all were in relation to where we started. I must admit us bikini babes were doing grrrrrrrrrrreat!

I have vowed from this day forward I will not give up or give in I will fight for my health until the day I die. Feeling good much more outweighs the tase of fudge on the lips. Feeling good is what it's all about. The bikini is just the bonus.

Thanks for your continued support! I'm sure I'll need it again someday.

No one ever said this would be easy!

HEY I JUST NOTICED I GOT A CHICKEN LEG!!!!! Didn't realize I was that close. Way cool!

Messy

[Danielle]

Hi Messy-

I just wanted to say hello and lend a little moral support. I think you are doing great. You are down 32 lbs. and counting! I've decided to stick with small goals rather then looking at the larger picture. When I first started all I could see is that I had to lose 50lbs. I thought to myself, "Oh my God how am I going to do this?" I've been on other diets dozens of times and nothing worked. This time it's different, I'm doing for myself. lately my goal has been in increments of 4 lbs. It's relastic and achievable.

Look at how much you have lost and what a great job you are doing rather then how much more you have to go. If I lost all those dress sizes, I would be doing flips! :hyper:

Keep up the good work.
Danielle

[KarenB]

Wow.... go away for a night and EVERYTHING happens! :lol:

Messy, my friend.... YOU GO, GIRL!!! If you read my journal (and probably a few other places I've said it, as well--perhaps my Success Story post?) I once weighed 277. Granted, a good part of that was "baby," so if we discount that, at my heaviest I was 253 (I think I still have the WW booklet somewhere with that figure etched in indelible ink). Still in all, that's a LOT. I got some of that off through means other than LCing, and of course some of it came bouncing back because I hadn't *learned* anything.

You have done *amazing* things since starting to LC! We all have our own learning curve, and our own success rates, and our own setbacks. We're all here to learn and help others learn. Every time I read how one of us Babes has succeeded at something, whether it's another 2lbs gone or another 4 inches or "Hey, I learned to snowboard!", I feel like it's a little part of my success as well. And when I read about a setback, well--I own a little part of that as well. We've all been there done that, Messy. That's part of why we're so well equipped to lend support! :)

I agree with the other Babe who said (forgive me, I'm paraphrasing--I have to get up at 5am to work tomorrow, heinous for a Saturday but I need the $$$--and I'm too tired just now to go back and see who it was, apologies to the original Babe poster) it's wonderful to see how we can be so close for a bunch of femmes who never meet face to face. We *are* close. That's part of the wonder of the 'Net, IMHO. Three of my very dearest friends are people I met while online; it was *years* before we met in person, and we're still just as close. That's how it is here for me as well. I'm still hoping to make it to Vegas to meet the other Babes in person (and give big hugs all around to all their svelte bods!).

I'm hoping to see 174 again in the next week or so. I was so happy seeing that number, and so bummed to see it gone after my Heath Ledger-induced ice cream and cookie fest. (I still think that man's *gorgeous* and entirely drool-worthy, but not worth another bowl of Neapolitan. :D ) That's *my* short-term goal. After that, I'll be looking to 170. Five lbs at a time, that's how I'm "eating" this weight off. If I can get my mind around it, I know I've already lost 40+lbs, and I have less than that to lose until I hit that magic 150. Who knows, I might decide I'm happy at 160! I won't know until I'm there and I see myself in the mirror. Goals are flexible. Our lifestyle works. We are successful, gorgeous, sexy women! WE ROCK!!!

Keep it goin' on, Babes!!

[agonycat]

First let me say I love you gals ;) HUGE group hug!

Second, I have no idea what is going on with my body. I have been stuck for 8 months in the 165-154 zone until this week. I am down yet another pound. Has the whoosh fairy decided I have stalled long enough and removing a pound every couple of days? Dunno.

The only thing I can think of I am doing is I upped the cardio on the treadmill to make it harder. I had been walking for 20 minutes every day, which was about 1 mile. This week I am doing 1.7 miles but it's 30 mins on a incline. (pure murder from someone who use to smoke) Does 10 minutes and .71 miles make that much of a difference in weight loss?

Anyway just wanted to share my mini goal of finally hitting 150 today. I am pretty pumped.

[Tama]

You go, Cat!! Wooo Hooo!! I am pumped for you!! Way to go. I have heard of people being stalled for a long time and then, just changing one little thing like exercise, upping carbs, upping fat, whatever, suddenly made a difference for them. But, whatever the reason, take it!!

Messy, I just want to say ditto to everything everyone else said. We love you girl, and we have all been there. It's normal to get down sometimes, but you are awesome because you didn't stay down long!!

Big hugs, babes!!
Tama

[Jo-Ann 2]

Did I write that , now I have this great video tape by this woman who was 47 when she made it. It is all stretches but they totally change your body shape for the better, infact it changes my shape quickly. Now I know it works, it is not high cardio but you definitlly sweat . I know I should be exercising and even in one post much earlier in this thread I said I would. So what is stopping me? Why do I procrastinate so, why do I not just do it for my body? I know that you have the answers girls. Give me some ways that have worked for you, how do I get into the groove.
By the way agony cat congradulations girl I think I'm starting to hear things, was that another pound? Way to go.
:clap: :clap: :hyper: :hyper: :dazzle: :dazzle: :hyper: :hyper: :clap: :clap: Yours Truely Jo-Ann

[KarenB]

The roommate got all excited over the *ding* and wanted to know if I was finally playing!! :lol:

Seriously, you go! Whatever it was that worked, TAKE IT!!

And JoAnn, I guess I'm the Nike chick. Just do it. I get my sorry butt outta bed at 5am and throw on the workout clothes and sox and shoes and then do my time on the ski machine. After that I lie down for my crunches, and then I sit up for the thigh-toner thing, and by then I'm *ravenous* and *thirsty*. :D

I don't particularly enjoy the doing of it, but I like the "burn" I get afterward and I *really* like the results. I guess that's what gets me going--the results. In this case, it's definitely the destination, and not the journey. (Har, har.)

We now return you to the group hug already in process. :)

:bhug: for the BABES!!!

[goingfor60]

I have been having key board problems at home and couldnt type anything I have been reading and just almost ready to burst I wanted to participate so badly.

Advance notice - So sorry for the novella... but anyway

Messy its all been said we love you bunches and it doesnt matter if one of us is 400 or 4 pounds the goal is whats important.

Agonycat - you sexy thang! Keep up the good work.

I dont know what I would do without you ladies, I am having my own personal challenges with splurges lately and if not for all of you I am positive I would have fallen off the wagon and set it on fire by now.

This fluctuating weight loss and gain is killing me, one day I look like a bikini babe and the next a stay puff marshmellow. I just dont know, I've been working out like a demon and nothing is changing.

New exercise I got out of Shape Magazine OMG is it hard. Its a do at home and it only takes 30 seconds. 30 seconds I cant even do yet.

Plank Pose for the abs,arms and shoulders in one move.
Do this 3-4 times a week. These are my words with the words of Shape for lack of time and space.

1. begin on your hands and knees with your wrists directly under your shoulders. Arms straight and fingers pointing straight ahead of you with your knees lined up directly under each hip.

2.Suck in your stomach and make sure your arms and hips are equally aligned in an even position your back should be flat.

3. Extend one of your legs behind you placing the ball of your foot on the floor. Repeat with the other leg keeping your body in a straight aligned position.

4. As you balance on your hands and the balls of your feet, your body should be in the plank pose formaing a straight line from your head to your heals.

5. Be sure to keep your butt contracted and your leg and abs tight in order to maintain the position for 30 seconds.

Dont let your belly sag toward the floor - this puts stress on your lower back.
Dont let your head drop or your shoulders this makes other muscles do the work.
Dont let your hips lift up into a V position - this gives you less strength.

Have a great weekend ladies.

Shannon

[Danielle]

HELP!!!

Hi Bikini Ladies-
Boy do I need help these last few weeks. I can't seem to lose any weight. Then the last few days I have been feeling good and over night I gained 2lbs!!! I don't know how. Yesterday I had cantalope for breakfast, some cheese during the afternoon and spagetti squash and a meatball(with no bread crumbs) for dinner. Later that night Ihad a cup of coffee and some peanuts.

For the last month my weight has gone up and down form 143-147. I'm not sure why. I am tempted to start an induction. I've never tried it before. If anyone has any advice, it would be greatly appreciate it.

Thanks
danielle

[KarenB]

First off, realize that you did NOT gain 2lbs of *fat* overnight. It's physically impossible. You're retaining water for some reason. Could be the TOM thing, could be more sodium in your meals than usual, could be lots of things.

You say you've never done an induction before. I'm interested in that. How did you begin your LC journey without going through that phase? I'm not judging, please don't mistake me. I'm really curious, genuinely curious. I chose to do Atkins and clung to induction rigorously for way longer than the minimum of 2 weeks because a) I felt good, and b) I was *terrified* of adding carbs! How silly of me.

That being said, if you do want to do induction to get things moving again, choose one of the plans (be it Atkins, PPLP, CALP, whatever) and *read* the induction chapter(s). Then when you decide to do it, do it by the book. Literally. Don't cheat, don't tweak it, don't change how it's supposed to be done. Do it by the book.

If anyone here disagrees, by all means speak up. This has been my experience--I'm redoing induction at the moment to get myself back on track after having gotten far too lax with myself (and that stupid carb-fest while I was watching Heath Ledger...) and there's no other way to do it, IMHO.

Just my two pfennigs' worth! :)

[Danielle]

Hi Karen
Thanks for the advice. As far as how I began my diet- well it's kind of a long story. My best friend and I work together and decided we both needed to do something about our weight. after going clothes shopping we were determined to do something. Another teacher at work had been on a fruit, veg. and protein diet. she had lost about 75lbs. the year before and wanted to lose about another 30.
Now all three of us are dieting together. The first week I drank water like crazy, ate veg., fruit and as much protein I wanted. It's been working up to the last few weeks. I was just always afraid to cut down to 20 carbs a day. I have seen people go up and down on their weight lose. And induction seems sooooooo
hard. My problem is that I usually do not feel satisified after am meal of just protein. Well, I'll let you know if I decide to begin induction and how it's going.
Thanks again!
Danielle

[lastchance]

Hi Messy

I know you're alright now but thought I'd just say well done too. I did some calculations for you and found that if you keep goign at your current average rate (2lbs a week) you'll hit your goal by mid November which will mean you'll have done it all in one year from starting! Perhaps more exciting still is that you could be at below 200 by July 30th. I hope that you find this encouraging. If I could be the same size as I was at high school in the summer I'd be dancing on the ceiling!

Keep it up and well done so far - you are an inspiration!

Sara

[meri]

Wow you rock! I was reading your thread through and see such a community of caring and support!...(can I join in?)

I began searching the threads more seriously today for a reason:
I am in the third day of induction today, having attempted repeatedly and not succeeded. I'm a bit stressed....I so want this to work, yet each time by Day3 or 4 I have tripped up. I have been doing this for way way way too long(over a year and a half, perhaps 6 mon of not trying in there)! Previously ...I lost 40 lbs and kept it off. However, regained it last year.

While I don't really know 'bout a bikini (if I had a bod for that who knows! Maybe I would!! In truth I want to let that slender woman out....she's been surrounded by extra protection far too long!

It's amazing how preparation really is the key here. And having a method to avoid my child's food. I have begun my walking routine and bought therabands for strengthening. I am SO thrilled to see folks report their rapid weight loss....I really want to make a big change, it makes it seem truly possible.

Bottom line folks.... I need something. I really want to get into induction and stay there. I could really benefit from a cheering section, I haven't found that in a solid way....so here I am! I don't want to be 'scared' ....but having not succeeded into induction so many times previously....I can't help but feel a bit 'cagey'... any input? I'm listening!

Meri :wave:

[Jo-Ann 2]

:cheer: :cheer: :cheer: :cheer: :cheer: :cheer: :cheer: :cheer:
Now here's your cheering session, the first one is free, for the others you have to work hard, be patient, lend support , admit when you stumble, ask for help, get back on the wagon, come back and post, and buy yourself a new bathing suit for this summer. You are officially a Bikini Babe.
Some are losing fast, some are losing slowly but we are all gaining great friendships. I'm so glad you've come to jion us.
Your Truely Jo-Ann :wave:
P.S. Don't forget your sense of humor, we love a good laugh around here.

[agonycat]

Originally posted by Danielle
Yesterday I had cantalope for breakfast, some cheese during the afternoon and spagetti squash and a meatball(with no bread crumbs) for dinner. Later that night Ihad a cup of coffee and some peanuts.

danielle

Hi Danielle!

Welcome to the bikini babes!

Please tell me you had more to eat that what you listed. Please please please. That isn't NEARLY 1450 calories which is 10 times your body weight. In order to lose weight safely on a low carb diet you need to eat 10 to 12 times your body weight in calories to support your basal metobolic rate. This is breathing, heart beating, cell growth/replacement, blinking, you get the point.

I realize there are some days I don't hit the magic number but I never eat below 1200 calories a day. Try upping your calorie intake, to convince your body to let go of the storage of fat cells. If the body thinks famine the last thing it is going to do is burn fat, instead it goes straight for the lean muscle tissue.

;)

[sunshine2]

Hey there new bikini babes, welcome to the forum. You'll get lots of support here.....I just love it!

Hey - My company posted my picture today on their website, so I thought I would share.....It's not a full body picture by any means....just a head shot...........

[Danielle]

Hi Agonycat-

I tend to eat less on the weekends- believe it or not. During the week I look for something to eat after dinner. I don't always eat so little. But this morning I weighted myself and lost the 2 lbs. But it is still frustrating these last few weeks. I am going to start using a stationery bike. I hope it helps! I have 6 weeks until my nephew's christening and want to look and feel good. My goal is to go shopping for a dress and wear a size 12 or smaller. I don't want to look at the pictures and feel bad about myself. I hated the pictures from my sister's shower.

well thanks for the adice and encouragement.
Danielle

[agonycat]

Sunshine what a gorgeous picture! Wonderful smile too I may add ;)

[Danielle]

I final got the exercise bike out and used it! I am hoping this will help me with my plateu. I have to make it a habit and not slack off if I want it to work. Well, summer is just around the corner and I'm hoping to buy a bikini. I'll have to wait and see if there are any results.

Thanks for listening.
Danielle

[goingfor60]

I need help its been months that I have been on this rollercoaster of weightloss and gain. I'm starting to feel really down and today I had a slice of bevarian cream cake with assorted sliced fruit. I know this isnt bikini behavior but nothing is working.

I dont know where to go to stop whatever is happening to me. Its all TOM related I think but its making my life miserable. One day I weight 163 and I think great almost normal and the next day its 171. I cant explain any of it, is it salt and water I dont know is it bloat and constipation I still dont know.

All I do know is that I feel like I am spiraling downward and its not looking good. Ladies anything I can do to lift this feeling of despair.

:help:
Shannon

[meri]

I have found the ladies in red there very supportive and helpful. I like the help I get to problem solve. Bonbon has been a real concrete support! Everyone there has been able to give input to lift the spirit.

One thing I was told was that the trouble is a behavioural one not one of who you are....and it's true. It is difficult not to lose hopeful feelings when you plateau.

As a newcomer, I look at where you were and where you are now...despite yoyo, and you have come far girl. Don't beat on yourself for messing up. Notice instead, what you did....what lead to it, and make a new plan....so it doesn't repeat. If you use those sad sad feelings for focus you will continue to lose ground. If you can....look at it with problem solving strategies, give yourself a hug, dust off from the fall and just focus on the next step. Get back on the wagon hun! You have loads of company, and you will continue to do great.

I know it's hard kiddo, I am just returning after and injury and being off having regained the weight I'd lost....you really don't want to lose the ground you do have right now...despite your wish to be out of the 170 range. You will be, IF you pre-plan and keep coming back for support. YOU KNOW you can do this....you have done it before, right? Of course right.

I'm believing this of myself too. I have have have to. I am determined to pick myself up and go for a walk, read, a bubble bath...even go to bed to avoid blowing it. You know how it is girl....it always looks and feels better in the morning!....Be good to yourself tonight...make tea, pamper your body and smile...It was on ooops, that's all....it doesn't determine the rest of the path...you do and will. Chin up sweetie :bhug:

meri :wave:

[meri]

It would be worth considering a real reworking, and choose to organise and go to a re-induction phase. Just do it. It will give you great relief. If you still stall, see folks in the chat room for tips on breaking the stall. Come work along with me. It's been months, I'm nervous, I need this. So let's step out and do it. Imagine how much relief you will have!.... What do you think? Meri :wave:

[KarenB]

See, you're already one of the Babes! Jumping right in there to support and encourage--well done!

Shannon, buddy... I hear you, loud and clear. When those numbers keep bouncing up and down it's the worst feeling--almost worse than when they just go up and keep going. It leads to such a sense of helplessness, doesn't it? Been there, Done that, lady.

Maybe it's time to stop looking at the scale for a while. There's another addiction, isn't it. We HAVE to see that number, some of us weekly, some of us daily--and by gods, if that number isn't what we wanted it to be, our whole day is ruined.

What a stupid way to live. Pardon the bluntness, but it's true. It's ONLY A NUMBER.

I've made a huge decision to help get my scale-addiction in hand. I'm no longer shooting for a weight as my goal. I've joined the ranks of the Bodacious BFL Babes, as Marlaine calls them. Yeppers--I'm doing BFL the LC way, after having read Nat's and Marlaine's journals and done some other researching on my own, I have come to the decision that *that* is how I want to finish this journey to the real me. Lean, strong, fit.... DROOLWORTHY, dare I say it!? :D

Now Shannon, I know you work out like a fiend. Maybe if you were to set some goals related to *that* instead of related to a number on a readout, you could turn your outlook around. Sound like a possibility? I can't claim to know how your mind works, but from reading your posts these past few months, I think I might have a clue. We (you and I, I won't drag anyone else into this--but they're free to jump in, of course!) are goal-oriented women. And when something gets in the way of that goal, we get upset. Whether that something is within our control or not, makes no difference. Speaking only for myself now, I know I feel *tons* better now that my goal is a body fat percentage, and not a weight. I have NO clue what my weight will be when I reach this new goal. There's really no way to tell. And y'know what? That's okay. Because I know I will look SO HOT it won't matter if I weigh 150 or 170.

There's my two pfennigs' worth (but it reads more like two bucks). Take what you can from it, and toss the rest away, like always. You do inherently know what will help you; if anything I've said resonates, great. If not, oh well... you'll pick yourself up and dust yourself off and start all over again. (Apologies to Rodgers and Hammerstein!)

GO GET 'EM, BABES!!! :agree:

[lastchance]

Oh Shannon, you poor thing! How horrid for you! :there:

Did you ever get round to losing those pounds you put on while you were away that time? If it's any consolation, I put on 8lbs over Xmas and only now have I got close to losing them again. When you get off this WOE the whole thing just gets harder, doesn't it. Never mind, it is all going in the right direction for me (with ups and downs) and that's what counts.

Forgive me for asking such a basic question, but do you have a journal? Is it worth writing it all down? Perhaps we can look at it for you. (forgive me if you have been doing this for years!) The weight will settle down. If you are up and down more than 2 lbs a day it must be water not fat, so consider salt/sodium intake and anything else which causes water problems - eg caffeine, processed food.

I think Karen's idea is great too - how about that?

And as for TOM - do as I do. Don't make any decisions around that time or come to any conclusions. I am absolutely not allowed to do so as they are not likely to be very sensible ones!

Shannon, you are an inspiration to us all. You need to keep going on this and we are all here to help each other through hard times - and that is not just you helping us but us helping you too!

As someone on here says,' if not this, what? if not now, when?'

I'll be back to see how you are getting on

Sara

[_wilow]

Shannon,
I'm with you on the bikini (or at least sexy 2 peice). I've been trying them on but havent found the right one. I'm still so flabby on my tummy but especially my inner thighs. If anyone has some exercises for those thighs I'd appreciate it. I've been doing ta-boe but it ends up not often enough (I have a 1 1/2 yearold and work full time. Lately, though she's been doing it with me so it's easier and also good for her. ) Anway, I just got into my 10 jeans and they're not tight at all so.. I guess I'm almost ready for the swimsuit. I live near the Outer Banks so there's plenty of bikinis down there too. :)
Lisa

[KarenB]

Hiya, Willow!

I think it's buried somewhere in the depths of this thread; Agonycat shared a *killer* inner-thigh toning isometric exercise with us. I've been doing it for a little over a month, and I've noticed a quarter-inch loss on my right thigh. (That's the larger of the two, I only measured the big one--no need to get overly depressed! :lol: )

It sounds easy, and it's simple to do--but WOW will you feel it.

Get yourself a kitchen chair, or use a side table like I do (my chairs are all pedestal-style with casters, that won't work). Sit down on the floor facing it. With your legs out straight ahead of you (and your hands behind you for added balance, you'll need it, trust me), place your insteps against the front chair legs (or table legs), about 3" from the floor. Keep your legs straight, don't turn them outward or bend your knees. You'll have the *sides* of your insteps against the legs. Now, count slowly to 100. I do the "one-Mississippi" thing. The first time I tried this I was about to holler Uncle by around 40 (or was it 30?), but I kept in there. Now I'm up to 125.

You *will* feel a pull. The caution is not to overdo it. A pulled inner thigh muscle is incredibly painful. I felt like I'd done something, sure, but I didn't wind up incapacitated. :)

Give it a shot, and be sure to measure those thighs before you start--so that in a month or so, you can do it again and see what you've done! It's a great feeling.

[Jkrohn]

Hi all finally back at work today. Been at home praying to the pocelain god. No good! What the heck do you eat LC when you puke it all back up?? Sorry to be so graphic ladies just hard. I managed to keep some sugar free jello down but that's about it. I got up this morning and thought I was feeling better.... NOT! Made myself a grilled cheese sandwich (1 slice LC bread 4 g carbs 2 grams fiber with 2 oz colby cheese and 1/2 c cottage cheese) Well, got 1/2 bite of cottage cheese and tummy decided that was not a good idea. Same with the bite of cheese sandwich. Pulled the cheese off and ate the bread. That went down ok. I know I need some protein but I just can't stomach it. Jumped on the scale just for giggles this am.....down 3 lbs. I'm sure thats from being sick but it was still nice to see. Just wondering what everyone else eats when their tummy is upset?


Sara- thanks for the reality check. I hope your calculations are right and I will be under 200 by the end of July. That would be great just in time for our Vegas trip! THanks for the motivation.

Shannon ok girl so you slipped! Hell look at my track record. Just last week I was ready to throw in the towel. But I didn't. The bikini babes will get you through this. I promise. Get back up and plan ahead! Make you days meals ahead or at least think them through. I was reading through other journels and I found so many people who plan their meals for the day right away in the am. Then there's no guess work and no way to make bad choices. STAY OFF THAT SCALE!!!! :nono: They are pure evil! You are the foundation of this group! We need you. Where would we be without own personal trainer????? Chin up kid you can do this!

Welcome to our newcomer bikini babes....you picked a good group of girls. They're the best. Stick with them and you will be in bikini wearing shape in no time.

Take care all. Hope you all doing well.

Messy

[KarenB]

I hear you loud and clear, Messy. I spent a good part of last night doing the same thing--managed to give myself food poisoning. UGH.

Same with me, I kept down sugar-free jello and a little water at about 2am. This morning I've had quite a bit of water (probably a liter by now) and a Sobe Lean sugar-free drink for the tiny bit of nutritive value it has, and an Atkins bar. Yeah, yeah, there are 14 carbs, not 2.6, because of the glycerine--the thing is, I wanted *something* in my tummy that sounded good, and that sounded good. I could have done worse, y'know?

Also same with me, the scale was down 3lbs this morning. Idle curiosity made me get on to check, as I *knew* I'd lost a lot of water and been unable to replenish it. Dehydration sucks, pardon the pun. Good thing we know it's not real loss, eh? What a kicker that would be, otherwise...

Lunch might be cottage cheese, depending on what the tummy says. Everything's stayed put so far, so I'm hopeful. I hope things get better on your end, very soon!

[Jkrohn]

Sorry to hear you were down with the stomach crap too!

Is there any soup that would be good for us to have? Thought I'd run out at lunch and get a bowl of soup sounds good and easy on the tummy. But, kinda scared they will be packed with carbs. Any suggestions?

Take care
Messy

[agonycat]

Aww Messy and Karen I am really sorry you girls are not feeling well. You poor things. Just a thought though...you may want to lay off the dairy for the a day or so due to the lactaic acids and what nots. Try drinking some clear chicken or beef broth instead? Might help the tummy settle down a bit faster.

Shannon, do I need to get into drill sgt mode to get you back into the groove thang? Your New Orleans trip is over and it is time for you to get back into low carbin with us. :) Fun is fun but let's get back to bikini business!

[KarenB]

Agonycat's on the ball there, I think, Messy. I was even looking at a new brand (here, anyway) of organic vegetarian French onion soup (canned) at the store this morning, and nearly got it--only 2 carbs per serving. I could deal with that. However, I think I'll just make a cup of chicken bouillon instead. I think I have some low-sodium concentrate around here, somewhere....

Yeah, Agonycat! Whip Shannon back into shape so she can mastermind the Vegas trip!!! :)

[meri]

Food solution ...LC or not after the flu is the same. Plenty of water, ...even warmed up!, progress to the clear broth, and when able to handle solids ....AND NOT BEFORE, chicken soup. We won't suffer not eating with the flu, the body isnt interested as you so poignantly discovered, just drink water sips and the level that is manageable....and as it eases add the other. Be kind to your body kiddo. So sorry to hear you all feel so horrid. :there:

Meri

[sunshine2]

Hey Shannon,

Thought I would give my 2 cents, I find that when I go off the low carb WOE, it is sooooooo hard to get back into the groove of things. It gets harder to turn down that piece of cake, or cookies, or whatever your "old" personality used to eat. So, it does take a lot of discipline and self restraint, but if you can get by for a week without giving in, it seems to get easier again. So, pull yourself together, and visualize your new bikini, and you'll get back into the hang of things.

You can do it, you have a strong motivator ---- A BIKINI----Remember? Now, come on girl, get with it! You know you can do it, we know you can do it, so do it!

[Libbyfcr]

I just found this thread. You folks are WAY too FUNNY.

I read bits and pieces but decided I will be here for hours if I choose to read it all.

Last weekend I had to take the plunge and wear a one piece swimsuit at our Hotel's hot tub. (no way around it with kids) I was tickled to find that it not only fit... but it looked good.

Since then I have been thinking I should drag my Health Rider out from under stuff in my "junk" room and put it in my living room and start getting on it every day, even if it is just for ten minutes a day.

SO.... then I find YOU. You have all been the kick in the pants that I needed to get on with the program. I have a dresser drawer full of swimsuits and bikini's that haven't smelled sunshine in ages.

I WANT TO DO THIS. Here I am..... almost half way there..... and thinking of my bikini. If that isn't encouragement what is?

Thanks for the boost..... I shall check in with ya'll again!
Libby :sunny:

[Libbyfcr]

Is it better to keep the same thread when it gets this long? Or would it be easier to start another one?

You could call it your Bikini Summer Challenge and shoot for the first official day of summer.

Libby :sunny: (who thinks they should make a smiley in a bikini)

[Jkrohn]

Glad you found us! The bikini babes were something else. Stick with us and you will be back in that bikini in no time. Check in as often as you like. We're here to help when you need a boost and cheer when you deserve it!

OK bikini babes.....crunch time. Just got told I'm going to Florida on buisness at the begining of May. Now I know that bikini probably won't be wearable in public yet but I'd settle for a hot tankini. Maybe one with a skirt to hide these thunder thighs??? Either way my goal is to lose 15 more lbs by then. That's realistic right? 2/lbs a week. Here I go............

Off to the tanning bed to get a good base going.

Take Care bikini babes! Stay strong!

Messy

[sunshine2]

Welcome Libby, yes this thread is long, and some of us probably won't make it to the bikini by this summer, but we will eventually, so that is our ultimate goal.

Messy, I just love a tan. Don't know what it is about a tan, but I always feel smaller with a tan. Don't know why, but I do.

[Jkrohn]

You said it sister!! Sunshine2 I couldn't agree more! I feel like a goddess no matter what size with a tan. Without one I feel like (as Shannon says) the state puffed marshmellow man. i'm not sure what it is either but I know I totally love it. But never had the excuse to spend the $. Now I do. Florida needs me to have a nice tan as not to burn right? No I really didn't need to start 6+ weeks early but hey who's counting. LOL :p

off and running....take care all
Messy

[KarenB]

Physics is your friend.

Before you all go "Oh, it's just crazy Karen again"-- :lol: It's true. The reflective quality of fish-belly pale skin is LOTS higher than that of darker (tanned) skin. So...

You look SMALLER with that tan! :D

And yeah, I'm still hitting the tanning bed three times a week... and I intend to keep going next month as well. After that, who knows...


We got it goin' on! Keep it up!!

Oh yeah--Heya, Libby! :wave: Come back often, you never know when things will get really nuts around here.

[_wilow]

Thanks Shannon for the response to the inner thigh thing I'll try it soon.
So do any of you have any experience with good self tanning lotions that work on a white, white, scary white person?I have tried Banana boat spray but it still leaves little bruise looking things on my knees even when I put a dab of lotion on that area first and try to avoid putting much of the tanning lotion on that spot?

[KarenB]

Um... that was me with the inner thigh toner, but you're still welcome. :D

I don't care for *any* self-tanner I've ever tried. Orange is not a tan, IMHO. :) However, I've read a few tips regarding the dark areas on knees and elbows. Try moisturizing those thick-skinned areas (that's the problem, you see) for a week or so, *regularly*, ahead of time instead of immediately before. Give the lotion some time to do its work. *Then* put a very light application of the tanner on those spots, and a "normal" coat everywhere else. That's supposed to work better.

I've also read that the tinted self-tanners are a bit easier to apply by virtue of the fact that you can *see* where the stuff is going, so you don't accidentally overcoat any one area. Helps avoid that zebra-stripe thing. :D

Speaking as another "white, white, scary white" person--I know where you're coming from, _wilow! I bit the bullet and paid $44 for a month of unlimited tanning and so far, so good--if I can just figure out how to get the *sides* some color! My backside is wonderfully tan, the front is starting to color, but my sides... I look like I have racing stripes! YIKES!!! Any tips/hints, you other tanning-bed women? PLEASE??

[Jo-Ann 2]

Shannon where are you girl, I've been having a hard time getting back on the wagon. Can we jump back on together?
Some where a way back one of the girls mentioned that this thread was long. Yes indeed it is, I guess reading it would take a long time if you've just jumped in, but then everyone who's been here has read for all those hours. We've gotten to know each other and we would like the new to this thread girls to get to know us and we would like to get to know them too. If you don't want to read all the way through that's fine, but you will be missing a great read. It is amazing how we've come together and I'm a firm believer in the more the merrier.
Now for the tanning bed lines-lay on your side and then flip and lay on the other side yes this is a little uncomfortable and you have to put your hands up so you don't cover the area your trying to tan. Since you have unlimited tanning you can do this every second time. The only other way is to go into a stand-up. I've been going to the salon for two months now, I use to go twice a week and now I just go once to maintain. The tan excelerators real work. Which surprised me, I thought they were just a scam, don't put the tingle lotions on your face though, there is one called Surge that works all over.
Now Shannon I'm looking for you.
Yours Truely Jo-Ann :wave:

[Libbyfcr]

I have decided that on the first day of summer I am going to put on a bikini.

I think I will just put it on for me and nobody else. Middle of the day...hubby at work, kids at school. Why not? Maybe I will wear it in the garden....... it ain't like my dogs and my goats and my critters give a darn. LOL. Ya'll talk about tan lines... whooooie....... mine are the worst. Shorts and tank tops are standard wear here and when you put a swimsuit on it looks pretty scary. Lilly white body parts, and major tan lines. ewww.

OH! My garden borders the Korean Church. Might give em all a good scare.

Libby

[Jkrohn]

Libby you definately fit in here! You crack me up! Just the mental picture of the tan lines under the bikini in the garden with the goats and the people in the Korean church staring in disbelief. LOL W LOL That's great!

You go girl!

Hey who know that bikini might look a lot better than you think come first week of summer. You might want to wear it out to the water maybe???? Keep at it.

Thanks for the laugh. I needed that.

Messy

[sunshine2]

Wilow -

Just wanted to answer you on the self tanning lotion, although I use the tanning beds (my mother has one in her home), we have a tanning place here where I live that has a "mystical tanning room", I called about it and this is what they said:

It last about 7-10 days, its a spray that you go into this room that sprays it evenly over your body, it doesn't streak, doesn't turn orange, but you can't shower or get wet for 6 hours. so the best time to do it is in the evening.

I asked if you were already tan what it would do and they told me it would really make you tan, and you can also tan over it, so by the time it fades, you have a tan. I haven't tried this yet, since I already have a tan, but I decided since I am leaving Saturday for my trip to Acapulco, I am going to go ahead and do it before i leave. Probably right before bed Thursday night. (this place is also open 24 hours).

So the reason I'm telling you all this is maybe you could call around to some of the tanning places and see if they have this also. Oh, and the price is $20 plus tax.

[liddle]

OH so that's what it is! I've been seeing signs around town for "Mystical Tan", wondering what the heck it was. Thanks for the info. How does it look on your face? I tan but my face looks kinda red. Not burnt but like I'm sick or something. People keep asking me if I feel ok. So much for a healthy looking tan. :rolleyes:

Later,
Heather

[atanqt]

Just wanted to stop in and say hi :wave:

The weather here is really clearing up, there's sunshine all around, so that means there's no excuse for me not to walk or run outside. I've gotten so used to being on the treadmilll everyday that I almost forgot what it's like to breathe fresh air ;)

Well my eating habits have been great :thup:
breakfasts-eggs/bacon/sausage
lunchs-turkey/cheese/salads/tunafish
dinners-steak/chicken/pork chops/crab legs :yum:

The excercise is steady :thup:
1-2 miles a day on the treadmill
ab crunches on the floor ( while watching TLC-Trading Spaces is my favorite ) :)
leg lifts on the floor
5 lb weights while I walk to tone my arms

So all in all, I've been able to come back to my profile and change it about every other week or every three weeks. This way I see the results right away and I want to stick with it longer. :D

Hope everyone has a great day, it's bowling night for me :roll:

Talk to you all soon :wave:

[_wilow]

Thanks Karen, and sorry I wasn't paying attention to who I was talking to! LiSA

[goingfor60]

I'm feeling a little better and knowing that I dont have to go to a tanning salon for my base coat just makes me giggle a little. Woo Hoo I've got that natural tan thing going on. Its also very funny that the last 6 or so comments have been about tanner or getting tanner or tanning. Whats funny about that is that my last name is tanner and hmm I am.

I was not good or even remotely close to good today or yesterday but that was then and this is now. I ate a plate of the most wonderful mexican food I could have ever imagined with cake yesterday and today. It was so good I took a different crowd of people to the whole in the wall restaurant to show them how killer the food was. I wont do it tomorrow, I'm almost sure of it.

Thanks for missing me, my lapse had to be hormonal since yesterday I was looking for more cake and today I was just eating for the sake of eating, no emotion tied to what I was doing. I felt less bloated and more able to see the thin shannon that I know exists. I have not lost all that I gained on my trip so I have decided to push my stats back to where I am right now and work like a demon to take them off. No more pitty party I'm tired of listening to me and when I start to whine and moan tell me to shut up! I am a babe and I need to start acting like one!

Messy you are so cute a "state puffed marshmellow" its stay puffed marshmellow and he's kinda like the pilsbury doughboy but made out of marshmellows instead. Just round and puffed ALL over.

To our new babes welcome I've had a bad attitude for a while now and am getting my act together. We have a trip to vegas planned for August and we would love to have all of you come. It will be hot in vegas but believe me with the babes coming to town - we're really bringin the heat. :eek:

Sunshine2 your picture is so nice - glad you posted it! And have a great great great great trip we'll be wishing we were you! Atleast I know I will.

Alright ladies I am feeling chipper so lets get this show on the road. I've been walking around jiggleing it and what I really want to do is wiggle it. We need some new workout moves or something its time to as emeril would say "KICK IT UP A NOTCH!!!" What can you do to increase your workout now that you've gotten started? I am going to workout everyday instead of every other day. What about you???

See ya
Shannon

[Danielle]

Hello Everyone

Finally....the Whoosh Fairy has arrived. It's been along time since I was able to change my profile. I'm just about half way there. I think the second half is going to harder, but I am determined to get myself in a bikini. Even if I only put it on for myself and not actually go outside in it. I'll still be happy.

Danielle

[KarenB]

Did I remember to say in this thread that I'm becoming a Bodacious BFL Babe??

If that ain't kickin' it up a notch, I don't know what is!! Got the dumbbells, scoped out the barbell handles, trying to figure out what I can do other than that wicked ski machine (it's not a very smooth operating thing, pretty clunky and I really don't relish the thought of doing High Intensity Interval Training on it)... and GETTING READY FOR VEGAS!!!!

April 1's my scheduled start date for the BFL regimen--seems fitting do to that on the anniversary of my going LC. Besides, no one will believe anything I tell them on April Fool's Day! The joke will be on them. :D

[agonycat]

I have been working out every other day. Circuit training and treadmill work. I am not quite ready to push it to an every day thing. Muscles still get pretty tender on the chest exercises and I don't want to injure anything topside.

;) Other than that I am holding real steady at current weight. Fluxing about a pound or so from day to day. Mostly 150.5 to 151.5 so I am really please that I have found that what I am currently consuming isn't pushing me to those 3 pound gains over night for water retension. :)

Just real excited that I am going to see a 140 number soon :D.

[Jkrohn]

Glad to hear you've re-joined the group. We missed you! Now kick it up a notch. I hear ya. I've been thinking about that for awhile myself just haven't done it yet. So what can I do???? I walk with weights 2 miles 5 days a week. Feeling great but not ready to get up any earlier to add the extra mile. Maybe some ankle weights would do the trick?? What do ya think all??


Got to change my profile today! Yeah! :hyper: Down 3 pounds. They left while I was sick with the stomach yuck. But have yet to return soooooo I figure they are gone for good now never to be seen from again. :p

having a yogurt attack. Anyone found a LC yogurt with flavor? I really need the active culture (if you get my drift) but the plain has no taste. I want some fruit stuff. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I found one that has 13 g per serving. Not sooo bad since the rest are damn near 30+ g a serving. But 13 is still too high carb for a meal.

Well better get back to work.

Take Care all and Stay Strong

Bikini Bods here we come!!!!

Messy

[liddle]

You could get some frozen strawberries. When you defrost them in the microwave they get really squishy and juicey. Try smashing a couple of them in and if you need it,try adding an equal. Home made strawberry yogurt w/o the extra sugar. ;)

The books are calling me.
Later,
Heather

[Libbyfcr]

A little secret about Las Vegas. Our weatherfolks like to under report the temperature so as not to scare all the tourists away.
A couple of years ago my husband was installing the doppler radar up on the hill in June-July. It was 127 degrees. It wasn't an "official" temperature and you won't find it in the books.

SO..... the moral of the story.... BRING YOUR BIKINI !!!
-----------
Vegas Advice:
If you are a strip-tourist please be very careful walking down Las Vegas Blvd as we tend to have a lot of car/tourist accidents.

The Luxor is a great place to hang out in your swimsuit. They have a beautiful facility.

Take in a show. They are wonderful.
-----------

:wave: Libby

[sunshine2]

Originally posted by KarenB
Did I remember to say in this thread that I'm becoming a Bodacious BFL Babe??

April 1's my scheduled start date for the BFL regimen--seems fitting do to that on the anniversary of my going LC. Besides, no one will believe anything I tell them on April Fool's Day! The joke will be on them. :D

Karen:

I'm also starting the BFL program April 1, haven't said much about it, but I am really trying to get into the mind set to start on April 1st. Natruska & Marlaine have really inspired me, have you checked out their journals. WOW, the BFL program is doing wonders for them.

I've done the BFL a couple of times, but something happens and I have never compelted the program, but now I am really anxious to get started and see the great results in 12 weeks.

[Jkrohn]

OK ladies, I am curious I have heard wonderful things about BFL but is it something you can do at home? Do you need lots of equipment? Tell me tell me....... I would love to join with you ladies but don't have the $ for a gym membership or a lot of expensive equipment.

Any info you could pass on to your exercise challanged bikini babe would be greatly apprecated.

Thanks

Messy

[sunshine2]

Messy,

There was a thread not too long ago eintitled is BFL for me, it has some great points to the program but I can't seem to find it, I believe it was started by Marlaine. The website for BFL is https://register.eas.com/register/bfl/Challenger2.asp?rnd=0&vid=0
You might just check this out and see the success stories. Very inspirational. Also I highly recommend reading the book BFL by Bill Phillips. And, you might look into Marlaine's journal, her bootcamp journal and her Gym log. She is really doing good and she post her workouts and her food intake.

To answer your question, no you don't have the join a gym. I know Natruska just bought her stuff from Wal-mart for under a $100.

I hope you can join, it will be fun. And just think, we will do it for 12 weeks and see the results. Nat is on her second twelve weeks on the program. She does not list her weight any longer, but her body fat. The scales could fluctuate quite a bit, but its because you are building muscle.

Hope this helps.

I'm really sold on the program, but you do exercise first thing in the morning on an empty stomach (I am not a morning person). so as soon as I can finagle my schedule, hopefully by end of the month, I want to start the program 4/1. That is my goal anyhow.

[Jkrohn]

Thanks Sunshine2, I will check it out. I can manage $100. I have been wanting to get into more strength training. This sounds like the perfect way to do it! 4/1 will give me a little over 2 weeks to get all my necessary gear too. Oh you've got me motivated! :thup: Let's do it!!

Count me in.......

Messy

[sunshine2]

Oh, I'm so excited Messy, you've got me pumped too! As I was browsing this forum, there is a thread under the Exercise Forum entitled BFL, so you might check that out. Nat has one called tips and low carbing with BFL under this thread. This will help you with any questions you might have.

If you don't want to buy the book BFL, maybe you can see if your local library carries and and check it out.

One thing that was hard for me the first time I did it, is it is a slow weight loss, I wasn't seeing much movement on the scales, but people were coming up to me asking me what I was doing. It just starts building muscle and by week 4 - there are major results in your inches. So keep that in mind when you start, you'll have to not focus so much on your weight.

Well - gotta get to work, I leave for my trip Saturday morning, and I have lots to get done.

If I don't talk to you guys tomorrow, it will be about 10 days before I make it back on the computer, probably March 25. So, you guys keep low carbing, and think "BIKINI". :wave:

[KarenB]

*IF* you consume a whole-milk organic yogurt with AT LEAST three active cultures, you can *subtract* 8g of carbs from the total listed on the carton!

The cultures consume lactose, thereby lowering the actual carb count. I can't recall where the thread is here, but if you use the search function (the magnifying glass) for "yogurt" you'll find it. I was delighted to know I could have REAL yogurt with fruit in it (I add blackberries, strawberries, and/or blueberries) and a little Splenda, or just vanilla extract and a bit of Splenda to mine and it's delicious.

I buy Stonyfield Farms Whole Milk Organic "Cream on Top" Yogurt at my supermarket. It's GREAT.

[goingfor60]

Hey Libby so can we ALL come stay with you? (kidding) who knew you were in Vegas? I hope we get to see you and your bikini when we get there!

So anyway I ate badly again today but that was simply to relish in my kick ass promotion! :yay: SHOW ME THE MONEY I ate 2 count'em 2 cheese biscuits at Red Lobster with a real coke instead of diet, I was just a wild woman today.

I dont BFL but I do hear its a great thing and I am happy to hear you ladies are kicking it up. We can lose all the weight but who wants flabby skin - no one so I support your efforts.

Messy you dont have to walk farther, just walk faster. Believe me that is definately kicking it up a notch. I use to walk for 45 minutes and got my heart rate up a little and then I walked the same distance in 25 minutes and whew what a difference.

See ya gals,
Shannon :wave:

[Jo-Ann 2]

So I'm reading your posts and I'm thinking what the heck are they talking about, how dumb am I, what do the letters stand for. Went to a bookstore last night and found the book. Looks like you girls are going to be buff.
Shannon, congradulations on the MONEY, now I've gotten back on the wagon and have been feeling better but have not conquered the heartburn yet so I know that I was off the wagon too long. I am reaching for you, it sounds like you know that you are eating like the old you. But I know the new you and you know how much better you feel when you LC. SOOOOOOOO, reach out and get back on the wagon. If I can do it , you can, I'm counting on you kid, remember you are the original Bikini Babe.
Yours Truely Jo-Ann
:wave:

[sunshine2]

Okay - I have to share my excitement! I went last night and tried out the "mystical tanning room". OMG, if you want a luxorious tan in one night, you have to do it. I have the most beautiful glowing tan that I have ever had in my life. The whole process took less than a minute. Thats right, 60 seconds and i was done. It takes about 4 hours then your tan. I went around 11:00 last night, and woke up this morning and i was shocked. I was already tan a bit, but now, Oh my, I'm a coppertone babe LOL. My husband said I look like a super model with my tan - now I just have to get the body to go with it.

So, if you ladies need a tan fast, thats the way to do it.

Well, off to work, I won't be checking in again for about 10 days, off to Acapulco tomorrow morning. Life is great! You girls, live it up, and remember our goal, BIKINI!

[Libbyfcr]

Whine..... I wana go to Acapulco...... sniff.....sniff.

How fun Sunshine... I hope you have a fabulous time!!

Messy, Thanks for the words of encouragement. I appreciate it. You make me smile!

Shannon...My doors are always open :D mmmm but I don't have a pool so maybe ya'll should invite me to your hotel! HA! That would be more fun anyway. OMG..... and would that give us ALL encouragement to get into that darn bikini before then!!

I got to change my stats this morning. I have increased my food intake this last week and have lost a few more pounds. Yippy!! I have to watch that darn food to make sure I get enough. Ain't it a hoot? Now I get to post this and see how close I am to half way. I love the little % thangy.

HAVE A GREAT DAY!
Libby :wave:

[Jo-Ann 2]

Yesterday it was warm and spring was here, today it is snowing. We have a saying here, give it half an hour and the weather will change, but snow, the wind goddess has blown the snow this way, she has a good sense of humor, but really, I've had enough winter.
Congradulations Libby, I'm just tooo please for you.
I stumbled again last night but have found new resolve, I've discovered that I can't tolerate a lot of mayo, it is a trigger for me. I'm going back to the salads and meats that seem to make me full and content. I am glad I feel better this morning, after last nights stumble, I woke up in the middle of the night and was sick as a dog. Talk about negative reinforcement. I've been drinking more water and even went out and tried on some bathing suit. No success yet, but I'm between sizes so that means I've lost so inches. This is usually when I start to either eat my way up to the next size or get it together and eat my way down to the next size.
I'm missing some of the girls that started with me here, where are you, and to the newer girls, it's great to hear your suggestions and stories.
Yours Truely Jo-Ann :wave:

[KarenB]

That's exactly what we say here in WI about the weather. "Don't like it? Wait 10 minutes, it'll change..."

We must share the same weather goddess! :D

It's lovely here today; perhaps you'll have our weather in a day or two. Mid-40s, lots of sun, just enough wind to fly a kite (which I've promised to the small one this afternoon, I have to get moving!)....

[meri]

IT'S OUR SAYING TOO! :wave:

Today is no exception! It has been sunny, rained, flurried, poured ...and is presently snowing again with a good wind!....Yeesh!

I guess the weather isn't what we thought when we were kids...I was always surprised if a sunny day turned rainy/cloudy. The weather is a dynamic, moving, changing thang.... grin....just like us! :roll:

Meri

[KarenB]

I'm with you, Meri.

The weather *is* a goddess. And so am I. :)

[Tama]

I have missed you ladies. I haven't had time to post lately, but I have been reading and keeping up with all my bikini buddies!

Just a quick note. I haven't had the best week. My eating went in the crapper 'cause my grandma who lives across the street fell and hurt herself. I have been helping her with meals, dr. visits, and other general stuff. She's an independent lady, so it has been difficult for her. Anyway, haven't had time to think much about anything, let alone what my next meal will be. I haven't done well at all. I am trying to get back on track, but I am not feeling very strong yet. Maybe I am just tired!

Keep it up, ladies. We'll get there.

Big hugs! Tama

[Libbyfcr]

I did it...... I reached HALF WAY. This is so cool and I am so excited. Maybe I am half way to my BeeeKeeeNee....

Ya know what? I will never go back. I love the way I feel and food is no longer in control of my life.

Catch ya'll on Monday!
:wave: Libby

[_wilow]

Hi Tama,
I understand it's not good for us physically to "fall off the wagon", and that eventually the LC way of life won't work if we do that regularly . But, it does happen and it's happened to me. As long as I get right back into the induction for a few days, the weight just keeps coming off. Usually if I go nuts and binge for a day, I don't gain weight. It just keeps anymore from coming off for a short while until I readjust. I'm sure everyone is different but that is my experience. I hope your GM gets well and you take care of yourself. Lisa

[Jo-Ann 2]

:cheer: :cheer: :cheer: :cheer: :cheer: :cheer: :cheer:
Half way there, you're bustin, but that isn't out of your clothes anymore is it, or maybe your do for that special someone.
I so impressed.
Congradulations again.
Yours Truely Jo-Ann :wave:

[Jo-Ann 2]

Alright I have to admit I stumbled and as I put in Shannon's journal I got a cushion for my _ss so I could enjoy the ride. Anyway I've changed my stat's back up and have gotten back on the wagon, now I haven't gone back to induction, but I have thrown out the cushion and stepped back up again. It took alot for me to admit that the pounds were back again and that it wasn't just water, but I am looking forward to moving that percentage in a more positive direction this time instead of waiting for me to get to the percentage that was previously posted. I need positive reinforcement. I'm just that kind of girl. So I see the Bikini, I try on the Bikini, it fits, I buy it even though it is out of my price range and then I wear it . Yes I can do that . Well atleast I have the imagery going.
Yours Truely Jo-Ann :wave:

[goingfor60]

What was it that you are never suppose to do with Gremlins? Feed them after midnight and get them wet right? Well let me tell ya I'm running a freakin zoo around here. My food gremlins are next to me on the couch, in the kitchen, bathroom, bedroom and in the car I cant seem to escape them. Of course I havent seen them at the gym and that could be because I havent been going there either.

Its looking like slipville around here and I'm totally in there with everyone else. To those of you staying strong woo hoo keep going. The next slip or slippery that I am going to right about better be me being slippery when wet in my bikini. Otherwise I cannot let it happen. I have made appointments for my manicure, pedicure, hair highlights and a message. I'm going for broke with this hot babe stuff.

Not to mention I have weddings in May & June to attend where many of the people I went to highschool with will be attending. I gotta be ready for those - the one in may is going to have part of my highschool varsity baseball team in the wedding so I cannot go looking pleasantly plump. If I could sport the bikini at that time I probably would who needs appropriateness in church. (totally kidding) I dont want to be smoldering hot I want to be on FIRE.

Anyway I am going to order my bikini this week so wish me luck!

Shannon