Happy Monday Everyone!!
I thought I'd try a weekly thread for us and see how that worked! We could post how much we lost for the week as we do our WI's and anything encouraging for eachother!! Seems like the daily threads were sometimes too many (what do you think?)

Here is the Monday portion of a cool article I found!

Three’s a Charm for Your Health
By Korey Capozza for MSN Health & Fitness
Freelance


Ditching unhealthy habits—eating right, losing weight, and quitting smoking—can be daunting tasks when approached all at once. But the truth is, you can change your life by taking small steps every day. In fact, choosing three smart but realistic—even enjoyable—daily behaviors each week can deliver big dividends over the long run. Here are some simple suggestions to get you kick-started:

Monday

TGIM—Thank Goodness It’s Monday. Here’s your chance to start the week with commitment, focus and energy.

1. Kick off the week with a strong cup of joe. In excess, caffeine can be bad news, but one to two cups of tea or coffee in the morning helps get the neurons firing and the body energized. Plus, research shows that coffee and tea drinkers have lower rates of chronic liver disease, Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's. Anti-oxidant-rich green tea is a good bet, too, and may even combat colds (as well as bad breath).

2. Drink plenty of water. Visit the office water cooler as often as you can. Water is great for the skin, boosts energy and aids weight loss by increasing satiety and fullness. More than 60 percent of your body is made up of water; it’s no surprise that staying hydrated is important for a number of basic processes, like flushing toxins from vital organs and transporting nutrients to cells. So how much should you drink? The jury is out on that one, but the Institute of Medicine recommends nine 8-ounce cups per day for women and 13 cups for men.

3. Take the long way home: Walk to the post office, ride your bike to work, get off a few stops early from your bus. It’s easy to burn calories and stay fit when you work movement into your day. Even tapping your feet at your desk, or pacing during phone calls can help; it takes just 20 steps for the typical adult to burn one calorie. Of course, how much you walk during the day will depend in large part on your profession: A new study by the American Council on Exercise found that secretaries, teachers, lawyers and police officers walked significantly fewer steps and less distance than other occupations. In fact, secretaries walked just 4,327 steps each day (or 1.7 miles) while mail carriers clocked in 18,904 daily steps (or 7.5 miles). The take-home message: It’s especially important to schedule walking time if you work a sedentary job.

Interesting article Ronda, how was your weekend I know you were thinking you may have a bit of issues as the inlaws were coming if I'm not mistaken?

I thought I would have a bad week - I weighed in this morning with a loss of .2lbs - at least it wasn't a gain and I must say I enjoyed everything I ate even though I stayed within reason. Hopefully, I will get back on track this week for a better weight loss.

How is everyone else?

Interesting article Ronda, how was your weekend I know you were thinking you may have a bit of issues as the inlaws were coming if I'm not mistaken?

I thought I would have a bad week - I weighed in this morning with a loss of .2lbs - at least it wasn't a gain and I must say I enjoyed everything I ate even though I stayed within reason. Hopefully, I will get back on track this week for a better weight loss.

How is everyone else?


A loss is a loss!!! Be proud of that!! :) :) And, keep working toward the bigger losses, but a loss is a loss (and no gain!! :clap:)

I did have a rough week this weekend (but thoroughly enjoyed myself :D)........I WI on Thursdays now, so we'll see how I do! I made sure to get up and get on my treadmill this morning and did 50 minutes.... I'm heading to the grocery store at lunch time for some lettuce and salad fixings too!!! Thanks for asking!!! :) :)

Hi guys! Mind if I join in? :) I'm back on the diet--bathing suit season is fast approaching and I'm scared!
I have about 10 lbs to lose and LOTS of toning to do. I'm off to the gym when Zach wakes up. I'm trying the special K diet right now, just to get myself reprogramed not to pig out during the day.
Couple questions for you :)
1. Does anyone else's weight fluctuate by 3 lbs daily--even if you weigh yourself at the same time? It makes it hard to keep track of my progress!
2. Anyone read "Skinny Bitch"? My sister reccommended it and I read some excerpts last night (Google books--awesome!) but the meat processing plant section freaked me out so I stopped. Is it worth buying?
Happy Monday everyone!

Hi guys! Mind if I join in? :) I'm back on the diet--bathing suit season is fast approaching and I'm scared!
I have about 10 lbs to lose and LOTS of toning to do. I'm off to the gym when Zach wakes up. I'm trying the special K diet right now, just to get myself reprogramed not to pig out during the day.
Couple questions for you :)
1. Does anyone else's weight fluctuate by 3 lbs daily--even if you weigh yourself at the same time? It makes it hard to keep track of my progress!
2. Anyone read "Skinny Bitch"? My sister reccommended it and I read some excerpts last night (Google books--awesome!) but the meat processing plant section freaked me out so I stopped. Is it worth buying?
Happy Monday everyone!

Of course you can join Jenn!! :D :D :D
I've never heard of that book Jenn, I'll have to check into it!

I have tried to weigh myself only on weigh in day (once a week), to help with getting frustrated with all the different numbers the scale shows. It's amazing how much difference there can be though! Try maybe weighing in everyday but not "tracking" it except on one day of the week, and see if that helps any!!

Here's Tuesday's Change 3 things (from the same article) :)

Tuesday

Monday was a success; Tuesday is your chance to keep up the momentum.

1. Brush your teeth. Your smile is on display every day. Keep your pearly whites clean by brushing and flossing in the morning and before bed. The payoff for good oral hygiene is more than cosmetic: According to the American Heart Association, poor dental health is associated with coronary heart disease. Bacteria in the mouth can enter the bloodstream and cause inflammation and a host of other problems in the body.

2. Load up on super foods. We should all eat a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, but certain foods pack more of a nutritional punch than others. Fish such as salmon, mackerel and sardines are loaded with omega-3 fatty acids—nutrients shown to reduce the risk of heart disease. Other good choices: Blueberries, blackberries and pomegranates, which are rich in antioxidants and stabilize the harmful byproducts of the body’s energy-making system. Walnuts and other tree nuts are great sources of cholesterol-lowering fat; high fiber foods such as beans and whole grains support healthy digestion, stave off heart disease and encourage weight loss.

3. Hang out with friends. Hectic workweeks, family commitments and errands often get in the way of our friendships as we age. But research shows that maintaining strong social networks is a key component of mental and physical health. Social ties buffer the effects of stress and help us maintain work-life balance. Some compelling evidence: University of California at San Diego researchers found that women with six or more close relationships had half the risk of dying from heart disease than women with fewer friends. So make time for a girls or boys night out—it’s good for you.

Next: Wednesday: De-Stress and De-Compress

Cool Ronda! Thanks :)

I made it to the gym yesterday! Go me :D Today I have to work, so no work out--but those kids are a work out all by themselves! And dinner is going to be really yummy--Chicken Ceasar Club Sandwiches--so I've got that to look forward to all day as I choke down yet another Special K bar!

1. Does anyone else's weight fluctuate by 3 lbs daily--even if you weigh yourself at the same time? It makes it hard to keep track of my progress!

YES. I used to weigh myself every day and got very discouraged. THis is why they recommend that you only weigh yourself once a week. I went so far as to putting my scale in the closet and only weigh in at my WW meetings. I still flucuate on a weekly basis, but it all evens out in the end.


2. Anyone read "Skinny Bitch"? My sister reccommended it and I read some excerpts last night (Google books--awesome!) but the meat processing plant section freaked me out so I stopped. Is it worth buying?
Happy Monday everyone!

I heard of it and was going to buy it, but then I read some reviews. It seems to be very heavily geared to veganism. It does sound like there is helpful information in the book, but since I will never give up my meat :D I decided to pass. Read some of the reviews on Amazon and see what you think!

I just thought I would check in. I had a rough weekend (lots of parties and get-togethers :rolleyes: ) but I made sure to save up all of my points for it. I still think I went way over, but we will see on Thursday when I weigh in.

I desperetly need to go shopping. I do not have one piece of fruit in the house. I got Jamba Juice this morning just so I could get in some fruit servings.

Hope everyone is doing well. COngrats on the loss, Maritza (ANY loss is a LOSS!) You are doing great!

I have not been around much because of my very hectic work schedule,
but I have been working very hard at heating more fruits and vegetables.

I have also started to work out, but not as much as I should.

My DH is now thinking of joining me at the gym so that should help with motivation. We can encourage each other.

Ronda, thanks for sharing the tips!

I desperetly need to go shopping. I do not have one piece of fruit in the house. I got Jamba Juice this morning just so I could get in some fruit servings.


What does WW say about Jamba Juice? I'm just curious because that is what my friend's Dr had her on when she was recovering from Bulimia to put weight on her, so I never considered them diet food. Are they a lot of points?

What does WW say about Jamba Juice? I'm just curious because that is what my friend's Dr had her on when she was recovering from Bulimia to put weight on her, so I never considered them diet food. Are they a lot of points?

I am not sure what WW stance on jamba is. :confused: Some are a lot of points and some are not. I always look at the nutritional info before I go. If you stick with the enlightened smooties, you are ok. The enlightened smoothies are about 4 points for a 20 oz. Not something I would have every day, but a nice alternatitve to getting in my fruit requirements.

You would be shocked if you look at the nutritional info for some of the drinks.

I am not sure what WW stance on jamba is. :confused: Some are a lot of points and some are not. I always look at the nutritional info before I go. If you stick with the enlightened smooties, you are ok. The enlightened smoothies are about 4 points for a 20 oz. Not something I would have every day, but a nice alternatitve to getting in my fruit requirements.

You would be shocked if you look at the nutritional info for some of the drinks.

That must be what it is. She must have had the really fattening ones. I know she had to have the biggest size, with the extra stuff added.

Great article Ronda!! I like the idea of a weekly tread easier to keep up with everyone for the week. I have had a good week so far have gotten lots of exercise in. I found these new 100 packs of Chips at Wal-mart they have Sun Chips, Doritos and Cheetos and they are two points a pack. The problem for me with buying new products is that I have to sample each one and they are really yummy :)

I like the articles! They are good!

I am "back on track" since my WW instructor wanted me to turn in my sheet this week. I can't be bad when I have to turn it in! :)

It did help me get back on it though. I think I've had a good week. Will see tomorrow. But I have gained back 2 of my pounds that I had lost.

Here is Jamba Juice info. Also, there is a site called Dottie's weight watchers - not sure of the exact name but you can look up restaurant points there along with some restaurant info. on the WW site.

This info was on the WW site.
Jamba Juice Matcha Green Tea Shot with Orange Juice 4 fl oz 1 point
Jamba Juice Coldbuster® 16 fl oz 5 points
Jamba Juice Razzmatazz 16 fl oz 5 points

I think there can be drinks that are "low" points and some with a lot of points - like the one with peanut butter.

I am "back on track" since my WW instructor wanted me to turn in my sheet this week. I can't be bad when I have to turn it in! :)

It did help me get back on it though. I think I've had a good week. Will see tomorrow. But I have gained back 2 of my pounds that I had lost.


I think that turning in my sheet would keep me on track as well. You would have to be good. What a good idea hope it helps you :D Good Luck :thumb4:

Also, there is a site called Dottie's weight watchers - not sure of the exact name but you can look up restaurant points there along with some restaurant info. on the WW site.


here is Dottie's site....it's a little hard to maneuver on....I saved it at the restuarant list section.

http://www.dwlz.com/restaurants.html

Here is Wednesday tip.....they aren't all for weight loss but for living a healthy life! :) Happy Wednesday everyone!! :D

Wednesday

It’s mid-week and you’ve almost made it over the hump. Wednesday is a good day to de-stress and regroup.

1. Get some shuteye. Sleep is rejuvenating. Your body recuperates and restores itself during the nighttime hours and, for most people, six to eight hours of sleep is essential to staying alert and focused during the day. Easier said than done. According to the National Sleep Foundation, two-thirds of U.S. adults suffer from sleep problems, including insufficient sleep. Take a bath before bed, wind down with a book and give yourself extra time to ease into a restful sleep.

2. De-compress. By Wednesday, the week is in full gear. Any cumulative effects of stress can wreak havoc on the body, compromising the immune system and increasing susceptibility to disease. Now is a time to breathe, meditate, relax and release feelings of anxiety or stress. Soak in a hot tub, take a yoga class or go for a vigorous workout—whatever helps you let go of tension and strain.

3. Schedule a checkup. Regular checkups with your doctor or dentist can ward off more serious health problems down the road. For most people, however, a trip to the dentist is about as fun as receiving a parking ticket. But regular dental cleanings are one of the most cost-effective and proven prevention strategies for warding of oral disease. Annual women’s exams, immunizations and other screenings also are smart prevention and health promotion strategies. And research backs what we all know: Most men are reluctant to regularly see their doctors for annual physicals.

I think stress and not getting enough sleep is a factor in the weight gain dept. Good article.

Knowing that I have to turn in my WW sheet is kind of scary! It makes me think of EVERYTHING to make sure I'm doing what I should! :scared:

Just hope it works out okay tomorrow!

here is Dottie's site....it's a little hard to maneuver on....I saved it at the restuarant list section.

http://www.dwlz.com/restaurants.html

Dottie's site is the BEST for ww. I always check here before I go out to eat :thumb4:

I'm down 2 lbs again!!! I've lost about 8 1/2 now- WOOHOO!!! I love this..

I'm down 2 lbs again!!! I've lost about 8 1/2 now- WOOHOO!!! I love this..


Congrats on the weight loss! Keep up the good work!

:thumb4: On your weight loss!

I'm down 2 lbs again!!! I've lost about 8 1/2 now- WOOHOO!!! I love this..

Congrats!!! :D Good job :thumb4:

Congrats!!

Thanks guys! Now if anyone has any tips on how to get my mom to stop making/buying junk food... ahaha

Great articles Rhonda! It has been a good week for me. I've been going to the gym and i've been sticking with the WW points program. My favorite jeans are getting too big for me! :) Guess it's time to go buy a new pair!?!
Wow, good job on everyone's weight loss this week! Keep it up people!!! :) Your doing GREAT!

Buying new jeans is Fun!!!! :D Congrats everyone on your losses that's GREAT!!! :D :D

Here's Thursday's article!

Thursday

Thursday is your chance to kick it up a notch and extend your health-promoting habits to address the mind-body connection.

1. Give your brain a workout: The “use it or lose it” maxim appears to hold especially true for brain health. In adulthood it’s easy to settle into familiar ways of thinking, but slacking off on learning can lead to memory and cognitive function impairment down the road. Researchers at the University of California-San Francisco Memory and Aging Center say adopting a lifestyle that includes “mental aerobics” can help prevent Alzheimer’s disease. Puzzles and logic games like chess, Sudoku, and crosswords, along with music lessons and learning a new language can help keep the brain in tip-top shape.

2. Eat breakfast: Even a quick banana and glass of milk on the go can improve energy and concentration throughout the day. Skipping breakfast leads to fatigue, irritability and sluggish thinking. A morning meal helps set the stage for moderated eating throughout the day by preventing sugar “crashes” that lead to binging from the nearest vending machine. Pack a few energy bars or nuts and take them to work or on your daily routine so you have something to satiate between-meal hunger. And, as the American Dietetic Association points out, breakfast doesn’t have to be limited to cold cereal or eggs and bacon. If those mainstays don’t pique your appetite, make a sandwich or have a bowl of soup—the key is to load up on healthy calories.

3. Get laughing: Laughter really is the best medicine, claim some researchers. One piece of evidence: Loma Linda University scientists compared 16 healthy men who watched a funny video to 16 men who sat in a room and read magazines. Afterwards, the scientists drew subjects’ blood and found that those who watched the video had higher levels of beneficial hormones in their systems—which indicates the positive health effects of humor. The funny movie watchers also appeared to have lower levels of stress hormones. The bottom line: A hearty belly laugh is a good thing no matter how you cut it.

Next: Ending the Week on a High Note...and Then, the Weekend!

Good one Ronda! Thanks :)

Can I whine a little? I've been dieting for 2 weeks now (or almost anyway) and I've not lost ONE pound. I had lost a pound, but apparently it is back. I've even been working out when I can. And when I'm not working out I'm taking care of 80+kids, so I'm moving around plenty!! Why :cry2: ?? I might as well sit back down on the couch and eat taquitos :cry2:
Ok, done venting. Back to Special K *sigh*

I gained .6 lbs last night when I weighed in at WW. I was good at writing everything down but now I think I need to eat more lower point foods and my WW instructor said that it is good to have variety.
It isn't good to eat the same foods all the time.

So, I'm going to try to make some changes AND I need to move more so will get on the treadmill for now .. until I can start walking outside again!

Good one Ronda! Thanks :)

Can I whine a little? I've been dieting for 2 weeks now (or almost anyway) and I've not lost ONE pound. I had lost a pound, but apparently it is back. I've even been working out when I can. And when I'm not working out I'm taking care of 80+kids, so I'm moving around plenty!! Why :cry2: ?? I might as well sit back down on the couch and eat taquitos :cry2:
Ok, done venting. Back to Special K *sigh*


Jenn, you've probably gained muscle....if you are doing regular exercise that is different that what you were doing before, then you're gaining muscle....don't give up, the results WILL show, give it some more time!

Good one Ronda! Thanks :)

Can I whine a little? I've been dieting for 2 weeks now (or almost anyway) and I've not lost ONE pound. I had lost a pound, but apparently it is back. I've even been working out when I can. And when I'm not working out I'm taking care of 80+kids, so I'm moving around plenty!! Why :cry2: ?? I might as well sit back down on the couch and eat taquitos :cry2:
Ok, done venting. Back to Special K *sigh*

Even though your not showing any weight loss numbers, are you seeing any difference in the way your clothes are fitting?

You could be gaining muscle and muscle weighs more than fat.
You could also be losing inches.

Hang in there! I'm sure the pounds will start to melt away soon. :D

Good morning everyone!

I didn't get to go to my weigh in last night. :cry2:

I did weigh myself on my home scale and it showed about a TWO POUND LOSS. I normally only weigh myself at WW, so it won't be official until next week....BUT.....I know I did okay. :thumb4:

BTW.......I could go on another day, but I like to keep myself on a schedule. :rolleyes:

That's great Charlene.....I bet you can tell that you're still coming back down!! :clap:

I'm mad at the scale this week :rant:.... I think I'll wait til next week too!!

That's great Charlene.....I bet you can tell that you're still coming back down!! :clap:

I'm mad at the scale this week :rant:.... I think I'll wait til next week too!!

:nono: BAD SCALE!!!!! Several years ago I bought a "talking" scale. After about a week, I returned it. When the saleslady asked WHY...I told her I didn't like what it said. :rolleyes:

Don't worry Ronda....we'll BOTH be posting double losses next week. :D

Even though your not showing any weight loss numbers, are you seeing any difference in the way your clothes are fitting?

You could be gaining muscle and muscle weighs more than fat.
You could also be losing inches.

Hang in there! I'm sure the pounds will start to melt away soon. :D

I agree, I always notice a difference in my clothes, even if I don't have a loss. Hang in there!

I weighed in this morning and lost 2 pounds. :D pretty good because I had a rough weekend with lots of parties.

My battle for today? 2pm my office is having a going away party for 2 employees. There will be cake. You know, the standard office cake w/buttercream frosting, aka MY FAVORITE. :( I am not even going to try and eat "a small piece" this is a major trigger food and I know I will want more.

Any suggestions? I have to be there. I don't want to deal with "don't you want any cake?" :rolleyes:

Congrats on all those who lost - you guys are doing awesome!! :party: You should all be proud of your losses and for those who aren't losing - I think you may be losing inches that is why I like measuring myself too just in case I don't like what the scale says. Ultimately, I have a goal for weight but if I get to the measurements I want and weigh more than my goal - I'm staying there because that is more important to me not the number on the scale.

Beth, I wish I could help you. I'm not a big cake eater so I can go without any issues but do you have a snack on you like fruit or something? Maybe go and have that while they are having the cake. That way you are there without having to indulge in cake. Okay, maybe fruit isn't the best suggestion but maybe some kind of low point goodie?

I weighed in this morning and lost 2 pounds. :D pretty good because I had a rough weekend with lots of parties.

WOOHOO! Congrats on your loss! GREAT JOB! :thumb4:

My battle for today? 2pm my office is having a going away party for 2 employees. There will be cake. You know, the standard office cake w/buttercream frosting, aka MY FAVORITE. :( I am not even going to try and eat "a small piece" this is a major trigger food and I know I will want more.

I agree. If this is a trigger food, I would stay away. Will there be anything else there (ie. fruit)?

I agree, I always notice a difference in my clothes, even if I don't have a loss. Hang in there!

I weighed in this morning and lost 2 pounds. :D pretty good because I had a rough weekend with lots of parties.

My battle for today? 2pm my office is having a going away party for 2 employees. There will be cake. You know, the standard office cake w/buttercream frosting, aka MY FAVORITE. :( I am not even going to try and eat "a small piece" this is a major trigger food and I know I will want more.

Any suggestions? I have to be there. I don't want to deal with "don't you want any cake?" :rolleyes:

I try to be "full" before things like that so I don't want it....so I'd have like a snack bag of microwave (94% fat free) popcorn first so I'm not as tempted and don't feel slighted by not eating it!!!

Good Luck, those situations are hard!!!

Congrats to everyone who lost and to to those that did not hang in there. We have all been there at some point and remember that if you are putting in the time and work the results will show :) :) Like others have said it could be muscle. Look for results in other ways like the way clothes fit and how you feel. Hang in there!!! :D

I had my weigh in last night and I lost .8. Not big loses by any means but I am slowly getting there.

Beth as for the cake thing which is also my downfall I would eat before you go so you can say no thank-you I just ate and I am full and mean it. Do you have any of those little WW 1 point cakes at least you would get a little taste of cake. Also pop a piece of minty gum or candy in your mouth so your mouth will be occupied and you won't be tempted. Good luck. :thumb4:

Also pop a piece of minty gum or candy in your mouth so your mouth will be occupied and you won't be tempted. Good luck. :thumb4:

Ooohh, good call! Thank you to everyone for the suggestions! I did bring a 1 point ww snack cake. I usually eat it after lunch, but I will save it and eat it after our little party - just so I know I have "cake" waiting for me.

Congrats on all of the losses!! :thumb4:

Even though your not showing any weight loss numbers, are you seeing any difference in the way your clothes are fitting?

You could be gaining muscle and muscle weighs more than fat.
You could also be losing inches.

Hang in there! I'm sure the pounds will start to melt away soon. :D

Thanks guys :) No difference in the clothes yet either, but I'll hang in there. I'm not doing WW right now, so if my dieting/exercise plan doesn't work after another week, maybe I'll go back on the points plan. I had a love/hate relationship with it last time I did it!

Congrats to everyone on their losses! You are all doing great!

Thanks guys :) No difference in the clothes yet either, but I'll hang in there. I'm not doing WW right now, so if my dieting/exercise plan doesn't work after another week, maybe I'll go back on the points plan. I had a love/hate relationship with it last time I did it!

Congrats to everyone on their losses! You are all doing great!

If you did not like following the WW points plan (flex) you could try the core plan instead where there is no counting. I love it. I did the flex before and although it works I did not like having to keep write and count everything that I ate. The core plan is great that way. Just another option that might work for you.

If you did not like following the WW points plan (flex) you could try the core plan instead where there is no counting. I love it. I did the flex before and although it works I did not like having to keep write and count everything that I ate. The core plan is great that way. Just another option that might work for you.

Interesting! Do you mind explaining it to me? I'm not sure I understand how that one works :angel:

I bought two scales - one for upstairs and one for my bathroom. There is a 5 pound difference!

I am taking one of them back because it is hard to read - big numbers but not black background.

I would keep the one that said I weight less, but that is just me :floor

I am down 1.6lbs this week :D. Congrats to all who have lost keep up the good work.

I would keep the one that said I weight less, but that is just me :floor

:floor
I agree!!!

Congrats .... more people losing that is fabulous!!!! :D :D

Here is the article for Friday....

Friday

Congratulations! The work week is finishing and you’ve already implemented many small but important behavior changes. Take stock of your accomplishments and finish off the week on a high note.

1. Give yourself a pat on the back: Reflect on your week and tally your successes. Tracking your progress is a great way to reinforce your goals and find encouragement. For example, keep a record of your diet and exercise goals and give yourself credit for your successes. Positive feedback is always a strong motivator.

2. Work out: Build up some sweat equity by hitting the gym, walking with friends or playing a sport. The benefits of physical fitness are numerous and well-established. Regular exercise supports healthy weight loss, enhances bone health and reduces the risk of heart disease. Thirty minutes of exercise per day is ideal—although admittedly not always possible. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, only about 15 of every 100 Americans ages 45 to 74 are active for the recommended 30 minutes a day, five days a week.

3. Shop for groceries. According to the FDA, most Americans get one-third of their daily calories from restaurant meals. But research has shown that restaurant food contains more calories and fat than home-cooked food. Grocery shopping—especially at farmer’s markets—helps you keep an eye on how your food is prepared and where the ingredients come from. Cooking healthy meals at home doesn’t have to be a chore. It can be a great way to connect with friends and family. Open a bottle of wine, take your time and let your sauces simmer over conversation.

For the weekend:

Weekend

Sleep in, read the paper and enjoy some R&R. Use your weekend to regroup and reinforce your now established healthful behaviors.

1. Get outdoors. Breathe fresh air, connect with nature and enjoy beautiful scenery—you can’t go wrong with an outdoor activity. A hike in the woods, a game of catch or even a few hours gardening in the backyard are the types of relaxing, physical activities that help us unwind. What’s more, moderate sun exposure delivers much-needed vitamin D (although sunscreen should be worn for extended sun exposure).

2. Set goals for the week. Lay out a game plan for the coming week and write down your top 10 goals. Studies show that when people write down their goals, they’re much more likely to follow through with them. Caveat emptor: It’s important to choose attainable and time-specific goals. By setting impossible ones—such as losing 30 pounds in one week—you simply set yourself up for failure. Think about and plan your aspirations before your week gets busy. This will help you stay focused on an endpoint and direct your actions towards reaching it.

3. Spend time with your loved ones. Numerous studies have shown that family support and social cohesion improve self-rated physical and mental health. As the length of the work week creeps endlessly upward it’s getting harder and harder to carve out quality time for family and loved ones. But scheduling this time into your week can ensure that you connect with the people you care most about.

Great articles Ronda!!!! Hope everyone has a great weekend, keep up the good work.

You guys were RIGHT! :clap: My "current" clothes don't seem that different to me, but I was packing today for Florida, and noticed my "skinny" (pre-pregnancy) jeans and my white pants in the bin, so I decided to try them on--and they FIT!!!! :clap: I couldn't breath in the jeans, but hey--they buttoned! And the white pants actually fit! I was dancing around my room in my underware singing "I'm skinny again" and my DH was cracking up. LOL! It was just the motivation I needed not to blow it on vacation and to keep hitting the gym :D
Thanks guys--you are the best!

That's GREAT!!! :)
I weighed in this morning at WW and I lost 2.6 pounds!
I hope everyone is having a great weekend!

Jenn congrats on fitting into your skinny jeans that is great :)

Jenn congrats on the weight lost good for you!!! :)