My Journal

[Ms. Lucy]

Time to update!

Since I am no longer doing the same program I thought I'd update my introduction!

I'm 24, almost 5'3 and was 142 when I started this journal. Since then I have tried a variety of splits, and nutritional programs. I am currently doing supersets along with a diet of 50% carbs, 30% protein and 20% fat, which seems to work well for me.

I did not see an initial lose in bf or weight for the first few months, but having tweaked my diet and program I am finally starting to make real progress and notice results. In fact, I'm close to my first 10lb weight lose goal! Sure, it's been slower than I thought, but it's certainly improved my self confidence along the way!!

Right now I'm eager to make it to the 120's and then will set some new golas. I have set deadlines in the past, ad I think I'm going to get away from that for awhile. I'm making good progress now at .5-1.5 lose each week, along with inches and bf, so that's enough.

Also, I've been taking pictures each month and am pleased with the definition I've gained. Hopefully I lose a bit more bf and see more!

SO far the most important thing I've realized is that it takes time to make major changes to your body and you have to find out what works for YOU. I hope to continue this journal, get some sexy before and after photos to share and once and for all fell capapable of showing off my hard earned body!

In the meantime, I wish everyone else the best with their own transformations!

Lucy

[bufchk]

I found keeping a journal online is a sure way to be true to yourself knowing everyone else is watching. Just keep learning all you can and it will be a lifelong process. Don't look at it like a necessary evil but something enjobable lifelong to give you strength and energy not to mention a long life to stay out of the nursing homes!!! Good luck and don't let anything get in your way.

[Ms. Lucy]

DAY 1

7:30 MEAL 1: 1 egg/2 egg whites; 2 slices lean ham (thin); 1/2c. porridge (brown rice and oatmeal!); green tea

10:00 MEAL 2: 1 Protein Shake with glutamine; 1 slice ww bread

12:30 MEAL 3: Tuna;1/2 c couscous; 1 cup cabbage

3:30 MEAL 4: 1 myoplex lite bar

5:30 MEAL 5: 1 myoplex meal replac. shake

7:00 MEAL 6: Turkey breast Patty;1/2 c. couscous; 1c. steamed brocc/cauli + 2 teasp flax seed (as fat/cals were low.)

+1/2 gallon pure water/1/2 gallon decaf green tea.*working on lowering decaf teas.

TOTAL: 1452 cals; 144g Protein; 140g carb; 30g fat

EXERCISE (4:30 pm): 40 minutes lower body routine. (Half pyramid with compound)
5 sets squats w/ compound leg ext for 5th
5 sets lunges w/ compund leg curls for 5th
5 sets Calf raises w/ compound sitting calf raise for 5th
3 sets crunches on ball

(I keep track of weight in separate journal)

Energy high all Day!

Good Day 1!

[Ms. Lucy]

DAY 2! January 12, 2004


7:30 MEAL 1: 1 egg; 2 egg whites; 2 slices lean ham;1/2 cup porridge (brown rice/oatmeal) Green Tea.

10:30 MEAL 2: 1 protein shake;1 piece ww bread + glutamine

12:30 MEAL 3: Turkey breast patty; 1 cup brown rice; 1 c. veggie

4:30 MEAL 4: (long meeting) 1 myoplex lite bar

6:00 MEAL 5: 1 myoplex meal replacement + glutamine

7:45 MEAL 6: 4oz. Boneless eye of round;mushroom/onions;1 c.
spinach

All day 1/2 gallon decaf tea; 1/2 gallon water

TOTAL: 1400 cals; 149.5g protein; 132g carbs; 30.5g fat


EXERCISE:

5:30am: 20 minutes HI elliptical
5:00pm: 25 minutes elliptical

Another good day. It's helping to plan out meals and workouts in advance. Legs are sore from yesturday so I'm pretty happy! Tomorrow is upper body at 5am. We'll see how that goes!

[Ms. Lucy]

DAY 3!!! January 14th (messed up yesturday's date!)


7:30 MEAL 1: 2 slices lean ham; 1 egg; 2 egg whites; 1/2 c. porridge (brown rice/oatmeal)

10:00 MEAL 2: Protein shake + glutamine; apple

12:30 MEAL 3: Tuna; 1/2c brown rice; 1c. spinach

3:30 MEAL 4: I myoplex lite bar

5:30 MEAL 5: Meal replacement shake

7:30 MEAL 6: 4oz Salmon; steamed zucchini; roasted red peppers/onions

8:30 MEAL 7: 1 EAS no carb drink (need cals + fat)

TOTAL: 1355 cals; 152.5g protein; 144g. carbs; 26.5g fat

EXERCISE (4:45pm):
5 sets chest press W/ compound pushups for 5th.
5 sets wide grip pull downs with compound seated rows for 5th.
5 sets seated shoulder raises with compound
5 sets bi curls with compound hammer curls for 5th
5 sets rope pull downs with tri dips for 5th

Upper Body workout. Feel like chest and back isn't getting worked enough. Also, my right thumb is sore and can't seem to take weight on it. Pushup's were hard. Stopped when it hurt.

Overall, I feel a bit drained. I hit a low at 4 or so after eating my myo bar and after working out. Not sure if I should up my carb intake or if it's just a monthly thing. I'm totally craving a glass of wine so I'm not sure if I'm just ticked off or if my body needs something? Well see how the rest of the evening goes! I'll be in bed by 9 I'm sure.

Lucy

[Ms. Lucy]

DAY 4 January 15, 2004

7:30 MEAL 1: 2 slices lean ham; 1 egg; 2 egg whites; 1/2 c. porridge (brown rice/oatmeal)

10:00 MEAL 2: Protein shake + glutamine; ww bread

12:30 MEAL 3: Tuna; 1/2c brown rice; 1c. zucchini/peppers

4:30 MEAL 4: 1myoplex lite bar + 1/2 apple

7:00 MEAL 5: Tempeh made with olive oil/soy sauce + sauteed snow peas/bamboo shoots/mushrooms

8:30 MEAL 6: Low carb EAS shake


TOTAL: 1410 cals; 124.5g protein; 130g. carbs; 43g fat

EXERCISE (4:45pm):

20 minutes HIIT Elliptical + 1/2 hour reg

Feel better today. Yesturday I crashed and ended up eating some doritos and having a glass of wine. Though I feel bad, I'm not beating myself up over it. I was totally stressed this week (wondering if I'm keeping my job) so I ended up adding about 400cals. I'm just going to make Sunday a bland cheat day to make up for it! In the past I would've been like, I failed, and start being unhealthy again so this is a step forward.

Today's meal is a bit low in protein and carbs and higher in "good" fats, but my hubby was craving Tempeh so I cut out my mr (tempeh has carbs) and added a low carb shake to add some more calories.

All in all, today is alright!

[JAmanda]

Hey looking real good- keep up the good work, maybe some days try and replace your meal replacements shakes and bars with whole food- esp bars- limit these to 3 x per week. I know they are great for convenience, but the more study I do on these forms of food the more I am working towards using whole food options. But you are doing so well and I have no doubt that you will reach your desired goals- maybe if after a while you come to a standstill up the cardio a bit to 5 times a week- but if you are losing quite nicely doing what you are doing all the better!!

[Ms. Lucy]

Good News, Bad News

Thanks JAmanda. You're right, the bars are really for convenience right now more than anything. I figure, I'll try to stick to this routine for 12 weeks or so and then really switch back to eating more whole foods and less mr's.

So for the good news. I dropped about 3lbs in a bit over 2 weeks, so slow and steady there. I'm checking bf% every 4 weeks or so which is bar far more imnportant to me than the scale. But this still lifted my spirits.

As for the not so great news. I did great on Friday, pretty much similar foods/exercise as rest of week, though I was unable to log it here, but the hubby and I had a huge argument Friday night and my regular cheat day turned into a cheat weekend. Plus, I ended up sleeping in both Saturday and Sunday, throwing my body totally off wack. This has kinda bumbed me out. I've probably gained back all the weight and am starting back at step 1. At least my husband and I are talking again...and happy!

SO once again I'll start back logging my days, starting later this evening. I just have to be careful, because I can be a very emotional eater, and I know I have to stick to being good until I drop the weight. So this did suck, but at least I had a good routine established, now I just have to go back to it!

Lucy

[bufchk]

how do you feel when you cheat on food? I am learning not to worry about it unless I was doing a bodybuilding contest. Your diet looks clean otherwise and obviously you wouldn't be human if you didn't slip once in awhile. The hardest part of course is before the P day. Cravings and more cravings. I'm trying to drink sweetened hot tea or something to help me pass it. I hope you continue to stay on track. One day at a time

[Ms. Lucy]

Thanks Bufchk!!

I'm one of those sillyall-or-nothing kind of people which is why I've spent so long being overweight. I'd be good, then slip and say "forget it all" and go on to eat the rest of the pizza!!But you're right, everyone is human and I do try to work on it a day at a time.

It's nice to have the support here, especially with all the quick fix overweight people around me. It's also frustrating to look in the mirror and not see the way you feel. You know, when you work out so hard and feel so good, but then look at the flab in the mirror and think, "I'm better then that!" It's like a game of catch up with me! But I am getting there, one day and one pound at a time!!!

Lucy

[Ms. Lucy]

January 19, 2004


7:30 MEAL 1: 3 slices lean ham; 1 piece ww bread (running late)

10:30 MEAL 2: 1 protein shake;1 apple+ glutamine

12:30 MEAL 3: Tuna; 2 slices lean ham; 1 piece ww bread

3:30 MEAL 4: (long meeting) 1 myoplex lite bar

5:30 MEAL 5: 1 myoplex meal replacement + glutamine

7:00 MEAL 6: Turkey breast patty; greek salad with rf feta, olives, greek dressing.

All day 1/2 gallon decaf tea; 1/2 gallon water

TOTAL: 1300 cals; 138g protein; 127g carbs; 37.5g fat


EXERCISE:

4:45 Upper Body--Good Workout.

All in all, today was ok, seeing how little sleep I got last night. I feel better about this weekend too. There's nothing I can do about it so I'm going to stop beating myself over it and move on. I still need to bump up my calories, but at least I'm getting back on track!!

Lucy

[Ms. Lucy]

January 27th 2004

So it's been a little while! I've been doing pretty well though. As of yesturday, Monday, January 26th, I have officially entered the BFL challenge and have taken my before pics. I weighed in at 141.4 with 34%bf, though that is from a a scale--I'll do calipers later today and measurements (yesturday was crazy!).
My hubby and I have also decided to go to the Bahamas in April which will come to week 12. In that time I hope to lose 20lbs and get between 20-25%bf. I think this will be good for us all around.

Because I am keeping a rather strict BFL journal, I will probably update my eating/workout schedule at the end of the week and perhaps simply comment on my progress throughout. I feel good though. I've got into a good routine and and been measureing my foods for some weeks now, so I have a good idea as to what I'm putting in my body. I'm also listening to myself better. I can tell if I'm pushing it, need some more sleep or more food. I assume at this point that this will be an ongoing process.

Yesturday I did upper body and really hit the chest and shoulders well. Tonight I have Interval training and will try to convince the hubby to do a lower body routine. Today should go well aside from the business lunch I have to attend which isn't ideal. I ordered a Turkey Sand which (I'm sure it's on white yuck!) So my plan is to eat half then and then later eat just the turkey and a banana for my next meal.

Well I should run...got a meeting!!!

Lucy

[Ms. Lucy]

SO yesturday went well despite the office party. I ordered a plain turkey sandwhich with rye bread (no ww). I ate 1/2 then and 1/2 later and you know what? No one really cared! Also, I passed on the 4 layer chocolate cake and ice cream which wasn't a big deal, as I'm not a big sweets person, but you know what? No one cared! WHy is it that in my mind I'm thinking that everyone else must be looking at me and wondering why I'm only having 1/2 of a sandwhich and no ice cream? Ya know, people just don't care. And come to think of it, I really don't care what they're eating either. I usually only pay attention when someone is very fit! SO perhaps I should hope that in a few months people will comment on what I'm eating!

Anyways, my diet and exercise look good, but my mood really stinks and I think my husband is getting frustrated. I've just been so down and depressed for such a long time that it's hard to get out of it. Plus, you work hard and expect changes overnight and although you know it doesn't work that way, you still feel like you should be the exception. SO now I'm trying to be selfish in a way. I've got these 12 weeks mapped out. I'm committed to my goals and take several hours a day to make sure I stay the course. Yet on the flip side, I feel like I'm throwing all my responsibilitites on my husband. We've got a puppy, a new house, plus he hates his job and misses his friends and family back in Australia. Yet he struggles to make sure I'm happy. Plus I get so ticked off if I mess up my daily routine. Honestly, if we wake up late and I can't have my eggs and porridge, I get very angry!!? I just don't know at this point how to balance it all. I must commit to getting healthy again but in doing so I have little time for other things (In bed by 9). And I can't half a** this either since that has gotten me nowhere over the past year. We're taking a vacation after 12 weeks, but I don't want to mess up our relationship before that.

Anyone else experience this balance before?

[bufchk]

I have actually. My fiance works crazy hrs and when I was getting ready for my competition. It was really hard for him to support me and I took it out on him personally. It's really a trying period when you want something so bad and your not getting the support you need. I would just sit down and talk with him and say look this is important to me and I know you miss you life back home so we need to work together to be happy and not be selfish. Relax and take it 1 day at a time. You really have the rest of your life to be healthy and if you don't reach your goals, you can just keep going. That's the great thing. You always have tomorrow. Be supportive of each other and things will work out

[Ms. Lucy]

Thanks Bufchk!

I am pretty lucky considering that my husband flew half way around the world for me! And he does support me, I guess I just feel like I'm not good at supporting him. We actually did talk and he's basically said that he supports what I'm doing and wants me to keep moving ahead and he'll take care of "everything." Men. lol

Well yesturday was good. I did my lower body routine. I moved up the weight for my squats and noticed a lot of pressure on my lower back, so I'm going to have to have someone check my form (home gym). Also, I think the glutamine is really kicking in. I used to get really sore from my workouts and now I barely feel it, despite putting in a good workout. (It's sad, but I kind of miss the soreness!). Eating was pretty much on track, though after dinner (tempeh and squash/corn melt) I was starving so I had a salad. I think my body needs more cals, so I'll have to take a look at that this weekend. Otherwise, I'm doing well. I'm going to try and post my meals on Saturday. It's just too difficult to do it all in the evenings when I'm so pressed for time.

Well, just finished my porridge, gotta run!

[jle]

Ms. Lucy - I'm right there with you on the "balance" issue. I'm trying new training and in the back of my mind I'm scared of the change. I'm so "deep" into my fitness regimin I hardly think of other matters. People ask me "Do you work out?" (Duh?) But I just tell them this is my "thing", "hobbie", "passion" and something I have always wanted to achieve, so I am not going to feel guilty about anything. The time issue is hard, and "to cheat or not to cheat" is what is bogging me down.

You are on the right track, just keep and strong and steady mindset and keep you eye on the prize!

-JLE ;P

[Ms. Lucy]

Thanks JLE. I appreciate the feedback!

Funny, but I sometimes feel embarassed when people ask about working out. It's almost as though if I actually admit what I'm doing, people will be starring and judging my progress! It's sooo frustrating. I just want to go away for 3 months and come back as a new person. lol.

On that note, I got totally depressed today because we're having an office picture with a set uniform of jeans and jeans shirt and I don't have any that fit. Arghh! I mean when I lose 20lbs I have a ton of clothes, but I haven't really bought much since I'm afraid of just getting used to the bigger sizes!

That's another thing that's upsetting but very motivating. I came to this company at my fattest, so people look at me like I've always been chubby, when in reality I used to be one buff chick--just 2 years ago! I know when I get back in shape people will comment, but to me it's like, that's how I've always been! I've only been "fat" 2 years! It amazes me how different people look at you with extra weight. It's also amazing how much it affects you. I mean along with my lack of self-confidence, I no longer feel like the totally outgoing, independent person who was trekking around Africa alone and diving with sharks just 3 years ago! I tell you what, when I get this body back, I'm going to do everything in my power to keep it!

Gee, can we say vent! And it's not even 2:00 yet! Holy Moly. Well, at least I'm writing it down and not gourging myself! Small steps!

Lucy

[Ms. Lucy]

Hey,

Week one is over. Weight has stayed the same at 141.5 but body fat has gone from 34% to 32%. I am using a scale for the bf so I'm not sure if this is accurate. I do weigh myself at the same time of day though. Anyways, here's last weeks meals (all around 1500 cal with 40-40-20 split.

Monday:

MEAL 1: 1 egg; 2 egg whites; 2 slices ham; 1 piece ww bread; green tea.

MEAL 2: protein shake + glutamine; apple

MEAL 3: 1 can tuna; 1 piece ww bread; 1c. brocc/caulif

MEAL 4: 1 myoplex lite bar

MEAL 5: 1 myoplex meal replacement shake + glutamine

MEAL 6: 1 turkey patty; 1c. spinach



Tuesday:

MEAL 1: 1 egg; 2 egg whites; 2 slices ham; 1 piece ww bread; green tea.

MEAL 2: protein shake + glutamine; apple

MEAL 3: 1/2 turkey sandwhich (work party)

MEAL 4: turkey out of other half sandwhich; banana

MEAL 5: 1 myoplex meal replacement shake + glutamine

MEAL 6: Tuna cakes; mushrooms and onion in olive oil; spinach


Wednesday:

MEAL 1: 1 egg; 2 egg whites; 2 slices ham; 1/2 c. porridge; green tea.

MEAL 2: protein shake + glutamine; apple

MEAL 3: 1 turkey patty; 1/2 c brown rice; 1c. brocc/caulif

MEAL 4: 1 myoplex lite bar

MEAL 5: 1 myoplex meal replacement shake + glutamine

MEAL 6: Tempeh, 1. c veggies


Thursday:

MEAL 1: 1 egg; 2 egg whites; 2 slices ham; 1 c porridge; green tea.

MEAL 2: protein shake + glutamine

MEAL 3: 1 turkey patty; 1/2 c. brown rice; 1c. brocc/caulif

MEAL 4: 1 myoplex lite bar

MEAL 5: 1 myoplex meal replacement shake + glutamine

MEAL 6: Chicken salad


Friday:

MEAL 1: 1 egg; 2 egg whites; 2 slices ham; 1 c. porridge; green tea.

MEAL 2: protein shake + glutamine; 1 piece ww bread

MEAL 3: 1 turkey patty; 1 c brown rice; 1c. brocc/caulif

MEAL 4: 1 myoplex lite bar

MEAL 5: 1 myoplex meal replacement shake + glutamine

MEAL 6: Ckn and veggie pizza! (ok, unplanned cheat meal)


Saturday:

MEAL 1: 1 egg; 2 egg whites; 2 slices ham; green tea.

MEAL 2: protein shake + glutamine; 1/2 c. porridge

MEAL 3: Small Wendy's Chili

MEAL 4: 1 myoplex meal replacement shake + glutamine

MEAL 5: breaded ckn with white wine sauce; 1/2 c brown rice; steamed zucchini and brocolli




Each day I also drink about 1/2 decaf green tea and 1/2 gallon of water. I will try to get into a better grove of tracking my diet breakdown as before. I've just been extremely busy. I feel of though. While I haven't lost weight this week, I'm positive that I'm gainind more strength and size so perhaps that is why the scale hasn't moved. No worries!

[Ms. Lucy]

Morning!

So I got my before pictures developed yesturday...YUCK! I absolutely cannot get over how I let myself go like that. It's certainly motivating, but pretty darn depressing as well. I had this completely overwhelming experience from it. With a hundred other things goin on in my life, this just topped it off. I know I shouldn't feel this way, and that I'm making progress (though didn't loose 1lb this week-lol) this kinda stinks. But I wish I could fast forward like 3 months! Isn't it funny how when you were young and gained 5lbs you thought you were so fat and of course now you'd simply die just to get back there!

Ok, well mind out of the gutter. If I keep doing what I've been doing, I know I'll make slow but consistent progress. I let myself get overwhelmed in the past and that's what got me to where I'm at.

We have another b-day at lunch today. This person is getting pizza for lunch and then ho-ho's for desert. Yeah, so I brought tuna, ww bread and steamed zucchini and brocc. I'll have to eat it before the pizza and just hope no one makes a big huff about it. But it should make me feel good to forgo the pizza! We'll see how that goes!! At least I have a plan.

Lucy

[Teriliel]

I'm right there with you Ms. Lucy! My husband took mine with our digital camera 2 weeks ago. I looked at them for a moment and put them aside until yesterday. I felt I could finally face them. So, I printed them out and have them tucked away in my workout clipboard. I think I'm finally in a place where I know my work will show results and one day I can be proud of the fact that I overcame.

[jle]

Ladies, trust me...after you met your goal, you will so happy to have "before" pictures. I take pictues of myself all the time now. I don't have a full length mirror so that's the only way I can see every angle. think molly shannon ....SUPER STAR!

You should have seen the first "before" pic I had, the file (and my a$$) was "too large" to post so I had the post the one I took 3 days later after I dropped some H20 wt. the first one was hideous. But I have it hanging up with I note saying "never again."

I have pictures from all stages of my progress to date, they will help motivate me!

[Ms. Lucy]

Oh yes, JLE I know, I know! I just wish I had some after pics like you! lol. But I'm having a skinny day today so I'm feeling better! Ok so here was yesturday's diet. A little low cal but I also picked at a piece of KFC ckn (no crust) which, though not tallied, will make up for the low cals and fat. But I was very satisfied. Here goes:

7:30 MEAL 1: 1 egg/2 egg whites; 2 slices lean ham (thin); 1/2c. porridge (brown rice and oatmeal!); green tea

10:00 MEAL 2: 1 Protein Shake with glutamine; 1 banana

12:30 MEAL 3: Tuna;1 slice ww bread; 1 cup zucc/broc

3:30 MEAL 4: 1 myoplex lite bar

5:30 MEAL 5: 1 myoplex meal replac. shake + glutamine

7:00 MEAL 6: Turkey breast Patty; 1c. steamed spinach

+1/2 gallon pure water/1/2 gallon decaf green tea

TOTAL: 1400 cals; 152g Protein; 141g carb; 22g fat

I also did a lower body routine and 35 minutes of additional cardio on the elliptical. Total workout time was 1 hour.

Today I am working on getting some more healthy fats (eating Salmon for dinner). But I was ok with yesturday. Soon I'll be replacing my myo bar with another shake and carb so that should up the cals as well. And hey, I didn't eat any twinkies yesturday!

Lucy

[Ms. Lucy]

Pretty Good day!



7:30 MEAL 1: 1 egg/2 egg whites; 2 slices lean ham (thin); 1/2c. porridge (brown rice and oatmeal!); green tea

10:00 MEAL 2: 1 Protein Shake with glutamine; 1 slice ww bread

12:30 MEAL 3: Turkey Patty; 1/2 c brown rice; 1c spinach

3:30 MEAL 4: 1 myoplex lite bar

5:30 MEAL 5: 1 myoplex meal replac. shake

7:30 MEAL 6: Salmon; 1 c. carrots/green beans

+1/2 gallon pure water/1/2 gallon decaf green tea.*working on lowering decaf teas.

TOTAL: 1469 cals; 158g Protein; 156g carb; 28g fat

EXERCISE (4:30 pm): 40 HIT elliptical + 20 minutes low intensity

Overall I feel pretty good! We're going to the Bahamas on 4-3-04 so I'd love to lose 15 lbs (honestly 20 but that's 2lb/week) and fit into a bikini! It's great motivation I tell ya that much!

Lucy

[Ms. Lucy]

Here's my meals for today. It's only 3, but I'm pretty sure I'll stick to this plan! I'm having salmon again tonight because I forgot to divide it and freeze each portion and I don't think you should re-freeze fish after it thaws? Anywho...

7:30 MEAL 1: 1 egg/2 egg whites; 2 slices lean ham (thin); 1/2c. porridge (brown rice and oatmeal!); green tea

10:00 MEAL 2: 1 Protein Shake with glutamine; 1 slice ww bread

12:30 MEAL 3: Turkey Patty; 1/2 c brown rice; 1c carrots/green beans

3:30 MEAL 4: 1 myoplex lite bar

6:00 MEAL 5: 1 myoplex meal replac. shake

7:30 MEAL 6: Salmon; asparagus; sauteed mush/onion w/ olive oil

+1/2 gallon pure water/1/2 gallon decaf green tea.

TOTAL: 1600 cals; 158g Protein; 156g carb; 33g fat

EXERCISE: 4:30 Upper Body Routine 45 minutes.

Right now it's 3 and I'm totally tired. Too many veggies at lunch? Perhaps not enough sleep. I'm definetly not hungry! I'm going to try and go to bed early though.

Well, I should pretty much follow this plan for the rest of the day, I'll post new foods if it changes for some reason!

Lucy

[jle]

You are doing well Ms. Lucy, don't guagge progress by the scale. I'm sure you will start seeing great results soon especially in the way your clothes fit. Measurement are key!
I strongly believe one of the best thing I did (do) was cut the sodium as far as I could. I couldn't believe how much "bloat" I was carrying around. I drink and drink and pee and pee, but it gets the excess out of my system.

[Ms. Lucy]

Yeah!

Speaking of clothes JLE--I put these pants on that I haven't worn in 2 weeks and they are actually comfortable!!! Before I barely squashed my thighs into the things. In fact, the thigh seam was getting worn! Today-no problem. I also woke up feeling skinny. It's been a long time since that happened and I know it has everything to do with the proper diet (and no drinking).

I was never an excess sodium person, so when I started drinking 1 gallon of water (well 1 bag of decaf green tea in a whole pot of water) I just noticed the peeing at first! Now that's it's been a few weeks, though, I've noticed that my face looks a lot more vibrant than ever before!I'm really starting to feel better again!

To me, it's amazing just how much weight affects self esteem. Everything from my relationship with coworkers to my sex life has been affected over the past year. I'm just greatful that I've gotten back on track and I'm starting to FEEL results inside and out. I simply can't believe the time I wasted on starvation diets. I guess it's just a learning experience. Anyways, I'm just happy today and I'm really looking forward to the next few weeks, a day at a time!

Lucy

**I'll post meals later today

[jle]

Body image and confidence - mine has done a complete 180 so now it's --- Yeah Baby - when I go back to visit my hubby on my vacations, its- all -good. He really loved the bellydancing and the new "a-hem" bedroom attitude.

[Ms. Lucy]

JLE you're awesome!!

You know, I may have to look into this belly dancing too! I wonder if there is a good video! And you're right, I can't wait to put these body issues "to bed!" lol

[jle]

go to www.naturaljourneys.com

I have the belly dance for wt. loss 4 video set
and the 3 video set Bellydance for beginners (neena and veena)

It's fun, a good workout, and makes you feel like a goddess! *hehehehe*

[Ms. Lucy]

Thanks for the site JLE--they have Thai Chi too! I'll have to give it go!

Anywho, another good eating day! I'm feeling pretty happy!

7:30 MEAL 1: 1 egg/2 egg whites; 2 slices lean ham (thin); 1/2c. porridge (brown rice and oatmeal!); green tea

10:00 MEAL 2: 1 Protein Shake with glutamine; 1 slice ww bread

12:30 MEAL 3: Turkey Patty; 1/2 c brown rice; 1c asparagus and zucchini

3:30 MEAL 4: 1 myoplex lite bar

6:00 MEAL 5: 1 myoplex meal replac. shake

7:30 MEAL 6: Ckn stir fry with mushroom, onion, red pepper, snow peas and sprouts

+1/2 gallon pure water/1/2 gallon decaf green tea.

TOTAL: 1491 cals; 170g Protein; 143g carb; 27g fat


EXERCISE: 4:45pm: 20 minutes Interval training on elliptical, 20 minutes low intensity elliptical.

Of course now I'm going to have to incorporate bellydancing into my routine!