Could have been a disaster

I took the day off work to go with my daughter on a field trip to see the play Cinderella.  It was fantastic.  Has anyone ever seen the 2 step sisters portrayed by big hairy men???  It was a whoot!

I raced out the door with my workout bag which also had my snacks & lunch.  I am on my 3rd day of charting and following a daily plan of 1500 cals.  Jumped on the bus without putting some grapes or an apple in my purse...and no water.  Upon return, noon, I had only eaten breakfast 210 cals...nothing else.  Starved!  I jumped in my car inhaled some meatballs I had made the night before and then my grapes--without this I would have headed home and inhaled the first thing I saw.  Phew!  I am looking forward to dinner and I am pleased to report that I do believe this plan may have a successful ending.  Stay tuned and get your tomorrow planned out.  What are you eating, and when are you working out?

The Infamous Table

IT HAS BEGUN....AGAIN!

'E' here:

     Early on, I introduced you to a certain table at my workplace. (post: 'The Sweetest Taste')  Remember - the one that collects treats and sweets of all kinds?  It has begun...again...to fill up with leftover Thanksgiving pies and Christmas goodies.  Added to the mix today was one of my personal favorites - chewy brownies made just right.  There were 3 of them when I got here 7 hours ago and now it's down to one - not by my doing.  

     So, this is what I have to do to avoid the temptations during this next month.  Nothing will go in my mouth that comes from that table - UNLESS - it is the lunch I have prepared.  It's all or nothing.  If I allow for a little bit here and there - or go back to eating "no calorie" crumbs, I will not be a very happy girl come 2012.  I know myself - a weak moment and/or high stress - two brownies down the hatch no problem.   

How do you manage the enormous amount of sweets this time of year?



Is licking the bowl ok?

I have my meals/snacks and portions of each charted out for the day.  The hummus on the side of my bowl that I could not get with my broccoli...is it OK to lick it out?  I have accounted for everyone of those sneaky calories that are trying to allude me....they are mine!  Maybe it is true that when we really tighten some part of our life up, another part (like my brain) goes a little goofy??!

Our discussion during workout yesterday was good.  We are working hard-results are minimal- we are not willing to go through this 90 day commitment and not see measurable results...hence again...food has to be the issue--as it always seems to be!  I did weigh myself this am.  From the get go, I am 4 lbs down.  I did not gain over Thanksgiving and the days of snitching that followed, but 4 lbs and starting week 5..time to zoom in on the culprit...food.

For the next 2 weeks I am going to do a little experiment.  Each night I will map out my food/portions for the next day...all 1500 calories of it.  I will do it when I am not hungry and I will follow it to the T.  I will allow myself one meal each week where I do not count the calories.  This whole healthy life/loose the fat, has to be livable.  I will eat what my family eats, no special foods.  I  must know my portions and supplement with lots of low cal veggies etc.  I will report my weight loss with this experiment on Monday December 12.  Anyone care to do this with me?  So thankful I have you all to keep me accountable...again on my own, disastrous.

On the flip side...I will not let  one calorie escape me.  If you see me licking containers...you  know what I am going after!

It's A Slippery Slope

No scale for me!

Hi all-
     Made a decision today.  I will not weigh myself until I notice a difference in how my jeans fit.  I know my body well enough to know when I've gained or lost even two pounds.  I hope to be down that by the end of the week but realize it won't happen unless I pay closer attention to the little snitches throughout the day. 
     For example...I've convinced myself that cake crumbs don't really have any calories as does a slice of cake.  Or that a spoonful of ice-cream doesn't really have any calories as does a scoop of ice-cream.  Or that my 1/2 cup of oatmeal in the morning has the same amount of calories as a 1/2 cup that is heaping over.  Need I go on?  
     Needless to say, I've slipped a bit on paying attention to those things that "don't really count as calories" and to serving size.
     It's such a slippery slope isn't it?  Sneaking those little non-calorie calories too often will add up.  The good news - I can tell I haven't gained any over the weeks but I can't claim to have lost any either - maybe a pound.  It would be a different story if I wasn't working out. 
     Am I discouraged with the slow progress?  Yes and no.  Yes, because I'm an impatient person.  No, because I am working toward goals that require a change of thinking AND behaving - and that takes time.  That said, I still plan on reaching my goals by the end of our 90 days - how about you? 
     Mama and I had a good discussion today about paying closer attention to our food.  I'll let her share with you about her changes - but for me - I will change one thing in the beginning of the day and one at the end.  To start, I'm going to measure out my oatmeal, peanut butter, and blueberry breakfast combination.  To end, no eating after 7 p.m.  Between the start and end of each day I will have consumed my 1500 calories - (crumbs included in the count!)  Anything less than 1500 calories will cause me to see cardboard as a culinary delight - and that's just wrong. 

We missed the boat

I hope you all had a joyous Thanksgiving and are enjoying a relaxing weekend!  'E' and I realized  during workout this am, that neither of us wrote yesterday.  We said we would write everyday and yesterday was amiss...sorry.  There is a silver lining to not writing...someone actually commented on us not writing for a day...there really are people reading this...YAHOO!

Why did we miss writing?  We spent the day power shopping.  So wish we would have worn pedometers.  Left the house at 7 am...arrived back 830 pm.  Although we had stupendous success at the checkout counters...our eating was non existent, until we literally dropped at the end for a beer and then inhaled the complimentary popcorn...I had about 14 cents left from shopping, so free was really tasting good!

Today is a new day, right??  We started week 5 today. We are both feeling as though things are leaning up a bit, but movement is SLOW.  Weekends tend to be a bit disastrous for me on the eating side of things.  My weekends are far less structured, my eating follows that pattern.  There are 4 weeks until Christmas, 5 to New Years...time to dig our heels in and go after larger results.  Can't let weekends demolish what we work so hard for during the week.  The equation is simple like we have stated before...90% of our success is directly related to what we choose to put in our mouths.  After a trip to the market today, loaded up with veggies, fruits and a set menu plan...nothing but me can stop me.  It is time to put your plan in place and you will be sure to succeed!

Happy Thanksgiving!!!!

I have been talking about how excited I have been for a food day off and it took me until after 7-I got up at 5-to remember!  Thank the good Lord it did not take longer!

Our workout is under our belts.  We consider that we have pre-burned some deliciousness!  I am contemplating trying to track the calories consumed today...I am just not sure I can count that high.  I will do my best!

I loved 'E' 's post yesterday.  Savor.  My husband & I were discussing how this holiday has really become all about eating, football and shopping.  Although my tummy has really been looking forward to a day off...I fully agree--savor the day.  Lets enjoy everything this day can be.  Less rushed.  Time to visit and play with our kids & family. Time to bring it down a notch and enjoy the life in this day.  With no expectations--a spectacular day is guaranteed! 

My prayer book said this am..."Thanksgiving takes the sting out of adversity.  Give thanks -regardless of your feelings- and you will receive joy-regardless of your circumstances."  Great words today and every day. 

Grab your stretchy pants and make this day one to truly be thankful for.

A New Approach

I'm thinking Mama will do well with the post tomorrow so I will use this opportunity to wish you all a Happy and Blessed Thanksgiving today.  There is much to be thankful for and I am. 

Mama and I have decided that the workout for today and tomorrow will be one hour of cardio to help off-set the caloric intake that is sure to happen.

As much as I am looking forward to enjoying a traditional Thanksgiving - I am hoping to approach a very predictable routine with some freshness.  I want to end the day having learned something new about those I think I know everything about. 

What does this have to do with fitness and health?  Well, if I can spend a little more time enriching my relationships - I am sure to keep some healthy balance in a day that is very much centered around food.  The word for tomorrow is savor.  Savor those around me and savor the food before me.  It is all about slowing down and truly enjoying.  

Helpful hint:  The slower you eat the less likely you are to over-indulge.  You have all day, deny yourself nothing that you enjoy but do it at a savoring pace.

Be happy I'm not your mom!

Honestly...how long should it take for women to figure out when their cycle is going to start?  This am all anyone had to do in my house was wake up and it was a problem for me!  By the time kids were going to school my 2 older boys were going to do their own laundry, cook, clean and do it all for themselves...cause I was done!  Now... I did not vomit this all on them, but in my mind...oh they were done!  Made sure to let my 2 younger kids know not to follow in their siblings ungrateful footsteps (I think they thought their plum was wrinkly or something)

Called my husband on the way to work...all I had to do was say Hi and he knew--the convo was quite short.  Got to work had a few hectic hours than it all made sense and I felt so much better!  Really I am over 40 and still don't get it!

Off to workout for the first time this entire week w/ 'E'.  I have not eaten enough today...while I was in my "mood" I was too irritated to prepare my lunch...grapes/apples/oranges...I am hungry..Thanksgiving is really sounding good!  Really the bottom of my shoe sounds good right now. 

Can't wait to sweat all the yuck out of me--quite sure my chitlin's are hoping I do that too...have you sweat hard today?

This is life!

If nothing else, the last couple posts show the "real life" we all live in.  Things change, difficult situations present themselves, time constraints get tighter, emotions rise + + +...it is life as we all know it.

A few days before Thanksgiving and I am so thankful for my & 'E''s commitment, for this blog and you reading it.  It would have been so easy to not workout for the past couple days.  It was almost like an out of body experience as I picked myself up and walked downstairs to force my workout.  At one point I was certain the guy on the DVD said my name...since I have never heard it before and have done this DVD many times, I believe my mind was not totally with my workout--but my bod was...that is what counted.  The only inspiration I felt was knowing that someone was going to read this and see that we missed a day.  We promised we would not.  If that promise had just been to myself, I would have broken it yesterday...but it was to all of you too.   Find what, or who will not allow you to miss a workout.  You are mine...thank you, thank you, THANK YOU!

Really looking forward to Thursday...it is one of the 7 off food days!!!  I think I can already smell some of the food!

Done!

'E' here:

Well, not much to say. 
Workout - done.
Good food choices made (albeit not wanting to) - done.
Grateful for this day - done.

We are in this with you. 

Separate But Together

Greetings Blog Followers,

You are going to see a pattern here for the next couple of posts - in that, they will be brief.  Life is busy this weekend for both Mama and myself.  Case in point, we each got our workouts in today but separately. 

We have discussed how the weekend will go and agree - we are in this together and will keep each other accountable even on the days when our schedule don't coincide.  This is sure to happen as the holiday season approaches.  Plan.  Plan.  Plan. 

Have you found your workout partner yet?  They're out there!

It's About Time

Phew - what a week!
Today is our day off - enough said!
Looking forward to week #4.  How about you?

Two More Exercises

     Allow me to skip all pleasantries and cut straight to the heart.  It has been a tough (emotional) week with everything coming to a head today.  I'm sure you can relate to this at times in your own life.  3:30 p.m. rolls around and once again, I'm presented a choice. 
     Emotion says, "Just take a break." 
     Will says, "It's only 47 minutes - the work (issues) will still be there when your done - GET MOVING!"

     In walks Mama - workout partner and great friend.  Both roles were needed today - however, friend first and then workout partner.  

     We sat in our little makeshift workout area and talked for 30 minutes. 

     In a recent post, I spoke of two things that make for a stronger/healthier heart - cardio exercise and exercise of gratitude.  Let me add two more; exercise of vulnerability and exercise of trust.  

     With a stronger heart - it was time to move!  30 minutes as friend - 47 minutes as workout partner.  What differentiates the two you ask?  The friend is much kinder :-)  The workout partner allows no excuses: :-) 

     In all honesty, one makes the other possible - thanks Mama.   

     Another personal note:  If your thinking to yourself that there is much more to health than weight, inches, heart rate, blood pressure etc. etc. - you are right.  We are intellect, body, and soul (or mind, body, spirit) and we need to care for them all.

Will Power

'E':  I did it.

Unidentified blog reader:  "Did what?"

'E':  My workout.

Unidentified blog reader:  So?

'E':  So, it was purely an act of the will.  I did it and for that, I feel good. 

Personal Note: 
Don't underestimate the power of the will.  It's in you.  And, there are those days when your will needs to exercise its authority over your feelings/emotions.  Today was such a day.  Thanks will!

Ho Ho Ho...

40 days to go until Christmas and 47 days to go to New Years Day!  That time of year when we put ourselves under a microscope and wish we would have made different choices, wish our bellies were not bulging over our belts, wish our side profile did not have so many lumps and bumps and really wish we were not so gassy/bloated from all the sugar and junk we have inhaled. 

We can guarantee that if you start working out and monitor your intake now, Christmas and New Years-or the Holidays you celebrate- will feel sensational! 'E' and I purposely committed this 90 days to fall over the holiday stretch--and I really mean the stretch... of the cotton around our midsections!  We don't want it.  As we stated in the beginning of our blog, we are working out for 90 days and eating well for 83.  That gives us a couple food break days where we will eat what we want, drink what we want and not count or even care about the calories.  And then the next day we will be right back at it.  We have a plan, a survival plan for ourselves to succeed even during the most difficult times.

What is your plan?  Are you planning to hit it hard Jan 1, (really no one starts on the first so Jan 2)?  If you started now, you would be 1/2 way done with your 90 day committment.  You would feel great, look great, and best of all feel great about yourself.  Don't wait  Join us! Then when resolution time comes you can skate past the most popular resolution that tops everyones list, year after year--Get in Shape...You're already on your way!

It's Monday!

Is there anyone out there that is reading this?

Is there anyone out there that worked out today and is committed to working out tomorrow, no matter what?

Is there anyone having a hard time finding a workout partner?

Anyone having a hard time with food? 

We want to hear from YOU! 

Enjoy What You Do!

Now that's what I'm talking about! 

A heart pounding, lung expanding, muscle igniting, sweat dripping kind of workout that makes one feel they can run through a brick wall and not get hurt.  That was today's experience and how glorious it was.   

We are so excited for this new routine yet, do not view the last two weeks as a waste of time - at all.  Would you agree that life is very much this way?  It is good every now and then to take a step aside and evaluate how things are working toward accomplishing what you have set as goals.  Keep what's working and change what's not.

Remember, whatever you do - be excited about it and have fun.  Our more intense workouts still allow for conversation and laughter - but now only at water breaks.  A word of caution - before cracking a joke make sure your partner didn't just guzzle a bunch of water that is sure to exit the nostrils like a low pressure fire hose.  It's okay Mama - it didn't burn like orange juice would have!

Communicate and Evaluate

'E' here:
     My last post spoke about the kind of workout that does not allow for much conversation.  Such was not the case today.  Mama and I talked and talked and laughed and then talked some more.  Something wasn't right.  Either our focus wasn't entirely on what we were doing OR the intensity wasn't what it should have been.  In all honesty...probably a bit of both!
     HOWEVER... 
     The workout was not a waste.  It's never a waste of time when you choose to get out and get moving.  Our ability to communicate led way to evaluate as we are now entering our third week.  Unbeknownst to the other, Mama and I were both feeling that there was just not enough cardio in our workouts.  Our mentality is this, if we're going to make the effort and show up - let's do it right.  So, we discussed what we thought was worth keeping and what needed tweaking.  We both like having one day each for the upper and lower body but the other 4 days need to incorporate cardio and resistance training at a level of intensity experienced last Thursday.  That combination has proven effective in the past with regard to weight loss and overall strength. 
     So, our altered plan is in place.  Tomorrow is one hour of heart pounding cardio and resistance training.

Unrealistic Thoughts

Why do we have them?  I stepped on the scale this am and although  not depressed-I did not gain weight- was not at all impressed.  Two weeks in and minimal (ounces count right?) weight loss.  If any of you are like me, your mind goes into an immediate spiral...what?  how could this be? I could be eating anything and hold my weight-- Is it worth it?  That is the key, is it worth it?

We live in an immediate society.  Thinner, faster, stronger, bigger...take a pill, it can all happen for you, kind of life.   When we are used to this immediacy, anything that takes commitment, sacrifice, struggle, seems just  too hard.  Is it really worth it?  When the results are slow, will my hard work pay off?  Only you can answer that for yourself...my answer is hands down, yes.  I am worth it.

It took me 40 years to earn this bod, I just pray it does not take me 40 to get it to where I would like to see it!  I will pursue, I will not give up.  I will critique myself, my workout and my food closer.  I know some of my eating issues and how certain emotions can trigger bad habits.  As we work harder, we will become better.  Effort always pays off.  Don't cheat yourself...take a good long look at your habits, what makes you spiral, what makes you succeed and put your plan together.  I have said it before..in my opinion, a good partner has been the key to my success.  They will keep you far more accountable than you will keep yourself.  Commit to yourself, you are worth it!

You've Got to Move

When looking for the best way to get in shape/loose weight, it is different for everyone. For some it is running, for some it is weights, for others cardio or swimming.    There is one thing that is certain for every one...you have got to move!  Get up and get it movin'.  Pick your poison and stick with it. 

'E' & I utilize a variety of dvd's that focus on cardio, weights and deep stretching.  We like variety, we like to hit all our body parts and mostly we like to sweat, a lot.  For one hour a day, we give it everything we have.   Put your plan together and get off the couch.  You can make one hour a day work for you too.  Tell us what you do!

Gratitude

'E' here:
For different reasons, I too was unable to workout yesterday but am grateful for the time later this week to make it up.

A number of posts back I began with the word, stress.  Let me begin this post (sort of) with the word, gratitude. 

Gratitude - I believe - is both gift and choice.  Some days gratitude can just ooze from our hearts with no effort while other days, we have to choose to find it.  Today, I had to choose.  Allow me to share the things that I am most grateful for:
1.  The gift of my faith
2.  Family and friends
4.  Health 
5.  Employment and the ability to provide for the basic needs and then some
6.  Sunshine and any temperature over 45 degrees in November
7.  Life challenges that remind me of all I ought to be grateful for

Today's workout was a combination of cardio and resistance training.  It's the kind of workout that pushes the heart and lungs to their maximum - making conversation nearly impossible.  You can bet that the topic at the beginning of the workout will be the topic at its conclusion - as it takes that long to get the words out.  An added challenge of being 40+ is trying to recall where the conversation ended before it became impossible to utter another word.  Here's the gist of today's conversation/lesson....any momentary defeat will not define our outcome. 

We were both "defeated" yesterday - Mama having it much worse (or perhaps those around her:-)  However, when 3:40 pm hit today, we were back at it - and with hearts of gratitude!

Tips for a stronger/healthier heart:  Cardio exercise and exercise of gratitude 

What are you most grateful for?

Low Mo Jo

Day 11...hmmm.  Worked late, little sleep, have not had hot water in the home for 4 days-have realized my max on days without a shower...yuck!, and family plans tonight.  This is not a good combination for me today!  As 'E' stated yesterday, we must have a plan.  I do have a plan, it just does not allow me to workout today.

I have decided it is just the way it is today.  No need to beat myself up, my options are limited.  Being irritated about it will not change the situation, just take the joy out of my day.   I also know the rest of my week and know that making this workout up will be impossible.  So..I accept this day, without a workout.  I also accept that I am going out to dinner tonight.  I will laugh, eat, drink and be merry.  I will really watch my intake today, and I will enjoy tonight.  Life cannot stop when we commit.  It is all about balance, making it all jive and most of all living our lives to the fullest.   When we cannot make it all work, accepting reality and looking forward to the next day when we can!

My desires are now quite simple...I just want a hot shower!  I would not have been a good cave or colonial..whichever eras did not have indoor plumbing, kind of gal!  Hot water coming tomorrow, YIPPEE!

Let Your Taste-buds Dance

     'E' here:
     The importance of having a plan can not be overstated. 
     With a day off school, I had a dozen or so youth come and help cut down plants and spread mulch around their church property.  After a couple of hours of work - pizza time!  How easy it would have been to grab a slice or two.  Truth be told, I don't even like pizza that much but...

...how often do we find ourselves eating something that works against our goals because of hunger and convenience? 

     The plan - have something on hand that provides the body with good nourishment and that is packed with flavor.  
     A favorite of mine - one whole egg and three or four egg whites - scrambled with salsa.  Fresh veggies to your liking.    

     Just a suggestion:

     Let your taste buds dance a bit.  Make use of spices, sauces (we recommend making your own), herbs, etc. when preparing your snacks and meals.  Have fun discovering what's out there and don't be afraid to try something new.   
     What's your plan for tomorrow? 
       

Calories, yes they count!

It is basic, there is no magic formula.  If you want to loose extra pounds you have to do the math.  Input vs output.  'E' & I have started the food portion of our 90 days by counting calories.  We allow ourselves 1500 per day.  When you start looking at serving sizes and calories, you may think 1500 is impossible.  However with good choices and very little processed foods, totally doable. 

We believe that 90 % of the equation to success is in the food.  If we are going to work hard at the exercise portion of this 90 days, we need to work even harder at the food portion.  For a week start charting your calories.  You will surprise yourself at where and how many calories sneak in.  Counting calories will force you to make choices.  After a week, you will be wiser in your food choices, understand serving sizes more and have a very good idea of what you need to do to make it happen for yourself.  If you need help with finding how many calories are in certain foods or new healthy recipes, the tools available to you are endless online.  

We have both worked out for years and complained to each other about how we don't loose weight. Food is the key.  Commit to just one week, you will be amazed at what you learn not only about food, but about yourself. 

Making it all work

Oh, it felt good to have a day off of workout..however our jeans are happy we are starting week 2 today! 
In our go, go lifestyle, fitting everything into each day is so challenging.  Work, school, time with kids and their schedules, cooking, basic house work-dishes-laundry, prayer, time with husband, family & friends, sleep and then on top of it ...exercise.  It is so easy to push anything for ourselves to the back burner.  Exercise time for many is something that happens, if there is time.

My own take is that if we do not make time to exercise, we are not as good in all the other demands of our day.  A regular exercise routine increases our energy, works aggressions out, increases patience+++  when we hit the max output in our day, we still have some gusto left to give. 

Everyone has a story --a very convincing story of why they cannot be consistent in their workouts.  Only you can change your story.  Commit for just 1 week to work out 5 or 6 days in that week, no matter what.  If other things have to wait, if you have to get up one hour earlier, if you have to wear your workout clothes for the whole day b/c you don't have time to change into them...make it happen.  No one is going to make it happen for you, except you.  Start your week today--you deserve to take care of yourself. 

Seems like the perfect time to start...tomorrow we get an extra hour in our day, use it to work out--Make it your Day One... you can do it!  Make a plan, believe in yourself and you will succeed, guaranteed.  -Mama

Bread Bowl Alternative

'E' here:
     55+ degrees on November 4th in Minnesota!  Although it was a day off our scheduled workout, I couldn't help but to "sneak" in a walk around my favorite area lake.
     So, I get to work today and open my e-mail to find one from Mama - with the subject line, 'Skinny'. 
The message went on to read:
That is how I felt this am...until I put my jeans on, then my fake sense of how I look was destroyed
How's your day!
My response:
You are funny.
Actually, I had the same fake sense. I looked at a pair of jeans that I haven't worn in months and thought to myself...."no way am I going to even attempt that." So, I put on a pair that had been worn a couple of times (you know...stretched out a bit) and I thought I would be comfortable...but no...they are feeling a bit snug.  Instant reality check.  Instant motivation to keep going.

     Enough about that...here was dinner.  Half of a squash...straight from Mama's garden (baked, plain) with minestrone soup and broccoli.  Very filling.  Very low calorie.  Very tasty. 

ouch!

I never thought it would hurt so much to simply sit in a chair.  Our leg workout yesterday made me flinch everytime I dropped anything today.  It's mama and I am thirlled to report that 'E' and I have just completed Week 1 of our workouts! Tomorrow is a day off of workout, but not a day off of food. 

With one week under our belts, 'E' & I both agree that variety in our workouts is imperative.  We did cardio, upper and lower body weights, stretch,
 and martial arts-minus the swords. We have also come to a conclusion that water is key.  Without proper hydration we are hungry and have lower energy in a workout, not to mention the spots we start to see and the feeling of fainting.

If this is the first blog you are reading..find your partner and lace up your shoes.  Set your plan and don't look back.  You can do it!

6 days in and food is still talking to us and it is not talking nice.  "E" keeps saying "Today is a good day"  I am not sure about the other 5, but all we can work with is today.   Join us, will you?

The Sweetest Taste

Seriously, whose idea was it to blog E-V-E-R-Y-D-A-Y about this journey toward health?  Oh, yes...mama's.  I'll bet you can guess who was assigned today's update! 
'E' here:
     Good day overall.  Really, it was.  No spillage of tuna juices.  No nasty smells during the workout - outside of our own sweat.  No complaints.  
     Here's the lay of the land.  Two flights of stairs down to the workout room.  Two flights of stairs back up to ground level.  Today's workout: one hour - mostly legs.  Yea...DO THAT MATH!  It hurt and will only be worse tomorrow.  Again, no complaints - it's a good hurt!
     A little about me.  I work in an office that is never short on junk food.  For whatever reason it becomes a dump site for those who enjoy baking and buying delectable "treats" but are smart enough to gift them.  As one of many recipients, I find myself staring down temptation more often than I would prefer.  Let's just say, the more you say 'no' - the easier it becomes.  I did okay today despite the abundance of leftover Halloween candy.  One of my favorites - candy corn mixed with peanuts.  Yum.  I had a little bit and then practiced self control.  At the end of the day - the sweetest taste in the mouth (when trying to drop a few pounds) is the word 'no.' 
     Do yourself a favor - eat breakfast every morning.

A good partner makes the difference

Day 4.  Mama here.  Just finished 40 min of cardio and 35 of yoga.  It felt great-but did not smell great at all.  On the way to work this a.m. my lunch -tuna with black beans, black eyed peas, tomato and broccoli spilled all over my workout outfit.  Pants, shirt and sport bra..full of tuna and juice...yuck.  We promised ourselves we would workout for 90 days..tuna is not going to stop us.  I smelled like something you catch  in the deep blue sea and there was my partner, sweating right next to me.  Thanks 'E'

Even though we are chubby, 4 days in and we are feeling great!  Did you workout yet today?