The Exodus Diet and Fitness Blog

2006-07-01T13:09:00.000-04:00

Hi girls. My Nemesis is off until Wednesday too. He better be on his good behavior or he's going to be seeing my own personal fireworks :p He's been on my nerves lately and no, it couldn't be ME...no way! lol (For real, it isn't me!!!) Anyhow, we have some yard work to do, a list of projects that need done around the house that I need his help with, and I'm having my family over on the 4th of July for a picnic.

Have a great weekend!

Darla

Get Out Of Jail / Blogging Free Card

2006-07-01T08:33:00.000-04:00

OK Darla here you go! The Nemesis is off until Wednesday because of July 4th. We have a decking project to finish and traveling to do. Therefore I am using my "Get out of blogging free card," until Wednesday :P .

Gab

TGIF!!!

2006-06-30T10:29:00.000-04:00

Good morning girls! I am being bad and using psychology today. I put up dancing cool Stewie just for you, Gab, so you wouldn't get me too bad for being a slacker in the exercise department. He is pretty funny! Anyway, I couldn't hide in a corner because of the guilt, so I am hiding behind Stewie today!

It's so good to see your post, Lori! I'm so proud of you for exercising!!!!! You go girl! I missed you too. Sounds like you're doing great!

Hope everybody has a great TGIF!

Darla

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Wednesday 6-28-06 menu & exercise:

Breakfast: low carb bar, black coffee

Lunch: low carb bar, water

Dinner: garden salad with chicken meat, my dressing, 2 low carb bread, 2 tbsps low cal/no carb margarine, 2 low carb snack bars, water

Snacks: 2 scoops low carb ice cream, serving peanuts

Exercise: chasing Nia & slacker on formal exercise

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Thursday, 6-29-06 menu & slacker on exercise:

Breakfast: low carb bar, black coffee

Lunch: low carb bar, water

Dinner: salad with chicken breast meat, my dressing, 2 low cal & carb bread, 2 tbsp low cal/no carb margarine, 2 low carb snack bars, water

Snacks: 3 low carb popsicles, serving peanuts AND a box (not a big one) of Cracker Jacks

Exercise: none...unless I can count my mouth yapping at my pain in the butt husband exercise :p I think he's becoming a little jealous of my weight loss while his belly is growing! Men...who knows!?!?!

2006-06-29T10:34:00.000-04:00

Limp Bizkit Lyrics

Limp Bizkit Music Video Codes

Music Video Codes by VideoCure.com

Gabs Menu 6-28--06

*Also I keep mineral water on my desk, kitchen, and even a couple of bottles in my car. So there really is no way to keep up with my water intake as I drink all day.*

Breakfast: 1 Cup Strawberries & Water

Lunch:1 Lean Cuisine & Water

Dinner: Grilled Chicken Salad & Water

Snack: 1 Orange & Hand Full Of Chex Mix

Exercise: 3 Hours Yard Work

Over the hump day!

2006-06-28T09:01:00.000-04:00

Hi girls! I'm a little behind in everything this week, as I had company all day Monday and then Nia came at 4:00ish afterward and stayed over. I have her again today instead of tomorrow, so I won't know what day it is. She's a busy little girl & so funny too :) This age is a lot of fun and tiring too! She had Ang & me pooped out last night! Anyway, I did finally get out of my bad habit of eating at night again and snacking. I have to admit that it I was really hungry the last 2 days, but I feel better knowing I'm getting back on track with my menus. Now I have to get back in sync with exercising too. I have been dead tired the last two days after Nia finally went to sleep.

Have a great over the hump day!

Darla

Mon 6-26-06:

Breakfast: low carb protein bar (200 calories, 2 carbs), black coffee

Lunch: low carb protein bar (200 calories, 2 carbs), bottle water

Dinner: garden salad with chicken breast meat (320 calories, 6carbs), my salad dressing (120 calories, 1 carb), 2 low carb bread (90 calories, 14 carbs), 2 Tbsps low cal margarine (100 calories, 0 carbs), low carb snack bar (120 calories, 2 carbs), bottle water

Snacks: 3 low carb popsicles (50 calories, 4 carbs), serving peanuts (340 calories, 5 carbs)

( 1,590 calories, 38 carbs)
Water: 2+ bottles
Exercise: no formal exercise, just chased & played with Nia all day & night

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Tues 6-27-06:

Breakfast: low carb protein bar (200 calories, 2 carbs), black coffee

Lunch: low carb protein bar (200 calories, 2 carbs), bottle water

Dinner: garden salad with chicken breast meat (320 calories, 6carbs), my salad dressing (120 calories, 1 carb), 2 low carb bread (90 calories, 14 carbs), 2 Tbsps low cal margarine (100 calories, 0 carbs), low carb snack bar (120 calories, 2 carbs), bottle water

Snacks: 2 low carb popsicles (50 calories, 4 carbs), serving peanuts (340 calories, 5 carbs)

( 1,540 calories, 36 carbs)
Water: 2+ bottles
Exercise: no formal exercise, just chased Nia all day

2006-06-28T08:43:00.000-04:00

I worked half of the day on EP's Investigation Pages. The picture above is from one of those. Check it out by clicking here.

Gab

Gabs Menu 6-27--06

*Also I keep mineral water on my desk, kitchen, and even a couple of bottles in my car. So there really is no way to keep up with my water intake as I drink all day.*

Breakfast: 1 Cup Strawberries & Water

Lunch:1 Apple 1/2 Banana & Water

Dinner: Grilled Steak With Onions Mushroom Sauce & Water

Snack: 1 Orange & Hand Full Of Chex Mix

Exercise: 1/2 Mile Treadmill & Weights

2006-06-26T09:26:00.000-04:00

Good morning. I understand what you're going through, Gab, because I have been having a hard time sticking to my menu and doing exercise. I think some of my problem is stress eating, but at other times, I have been just plain old starving. For me, it seems I was fine until I started eating a little more and that led to wanting more. Anyway, I have to buckle down today and get back on track with my menu and formal exercise. That's the bottom line for me, as it was working until I got off track with both things. So what better day than today to start!

Have a good day girls!

Darla

2006-06-26T07:28:00.000-04:00

Today I am going back on my apples. I will still be trying to stay lower carb, but the low carb bars just seemed to leave me craving chocolate a lot and hungry. Check out the article below.

Gab

By Amy Paturel, M.S., M.P.H.

http://diets.aol.com/newsandtrends/high-fiber

It's no secret that boosting your fiber intake can help you drop pounds. And while diets that banish carbs and glorify protein continue to gain notoriety, the research tells a different story. A recent study published in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association found that the main difference between "normal-weight" adults and their overweight counterparts was the amount of fiber they consumed.

Although the two groups reported similar intakes of sugar, bread, dairy products and vegetables, the normal-weight subjects consumed a whopping 33 percent more dietary fiber and 43 percent more complex carbohydrates each day (per 1,000 calories) than those who were overweight or obese. Why is fiber such a key player in the battle of the bulge?

It Swells in Your Belly and Fills You Up. "Fiber slows digestion and adds bulk to the diet," says Milton Stokes, M.P.H., R.D., owner of One Source Nutrition, LLC, a private nutrition practice based in Southern Connecticut. "When you feel fuller longer, you're apt to snack and nibble less."

It's Low in Calories. Foods that are high in fiber are generally low in fat and calories. Cup for cup, a fiber-rich food will have much fewer calories than its low-fiber counterparts. A cup of apple juice weighs in at 117 calories and 0 grams of fiber while an apple (with skin) comes in at 74 calories and 3.4 grams of fiber. And since the body can't break down fiber, it runs right through your digestive tract -- instead of landing on your hips.

It Keeps Blood-Sugar Levels in Check. "Fiber helps stabilize blood sugar levels, preventing the erratic peaks and valleys that can send you on a stampede to the fridge," says Stokes. Keeping blood sugar on an even keel can also help reduce the risk of diabetes.

It Promotes Overall Health. Fiber also improves gastrointestinal health. Most fiber-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, legumes and whole grains have a healthy dose of disease-fighting antioxidants to boot.

2006-06-23T14:37:00.000-04:00

TGIF! Is RIGHT!

I have tried three times to get into Videocure.com today and kept having getting error messages today, so Bad Video Friday is out of order today girls :( .

I will be out of town all weekend.

Have A Great Weekend Girls!

Gab

Gabs Menu 6-22--06

*Also I keep mineral water on my desk, kitchen, and even a couple of bottles in my car. So there really is no way to keep up with my water intake as I drink all day.*

Breakfast: Apple & Water

Lunch: Lean Cuisine & Water

Dinner: 1 Homemade Taco Salad In Baked Shell & Water

Snack: 1 Orange Crush Soda

Exercise: 1 Mile Treadmill

TGIF!!!

2006-06-23T12:16:00.000-04:00

Hi girls! Happy TGIF Day!!!! The last 2 days I've been cleaning and boy did it need it! Funny how you start by cleaning one thing (like the drapes) and then it makes everything else that needs done more noticeable! Anyway, I've been scrubbing away. Yesterday I had Nia and we played all day and then right after she left, my hubby came home from his trip for work and I got him all unpacked. So I've been getting lots of exercise in that respect. I still have to buckle down with the treadmill schedule though.

I'm excited for you guys, Gab! Today's the big day where you pick up Pandy's new brother :) Can't wait to see his pic and hear all about him too!

Hope everyone has a great weekend!

Darla

Wednesday 6-21-06 menu and exercise:

Breakfast: low carb bar, black coffee

Lunch: None, water

Dinner: I didn't have the stuff for my regular salad. I ended up eating 2 pieces low carb bread with 2 tbsp low cal margarine, serving peanuts, and 2 snack low carb bars, and water

Snacks: 3 low carb popsicles

Exercise: Scrubbed and cleaned all day!

Thursday 6-22-06 menu and exercise:

Breakfast: low carb bar, black coffee

Lunch: low carb bar, water

Dinner: 2 pieces mushroom pizza, 3 handfuls of potato chips, bottle water

Snacks: serving peanuts, 3 low carb popsicles

Exercise: no formal exercise..just playing with Nia all day and getting hubby unpacked last night

2006-06-22T11:09:00.000-04:00

We will be picking up the newest addition to our family Friday and riding down to SC to visit with my sister and her minion. We thought maybe introducing Pandy's new brother to her on natural territory would be better at first. See you girls tomorrow!

Gab

Gabs Menu 6-21--06

*Also I keep mineral water on my desk, kitchen, and even a couple of bottles in my car. So there really is no way to keep up with my water intake as I drink all day.*

Breakfast: Apple & Water

Lunch: Lean Cuisine & Water

Dinner: 1 Hot Cheese Dog With Bun and One Without Bun & Water

Snack: 1 Diet Coke 1 Orange

Exercise: 1 Mile Treadmill

Happy Summer!

2006-06-21T10:05:00.000-04:00

Hi girls! Nice to see everybody back here. Happy Summer...Today's the first official day of summer!

We had a great time this past weekend and I was so tired on Monday that I actually took a nap during the day...something I NEVER do! Yesterday I had Nia and got the house back in order. I did manage to get back on track with my menu, but not the treadmill. I am doing that today.

Hope everyone has a great day!

Darla

My menu & lack of formal exercise from Tues 6-20-06:

Breakfast: low carb protein bar (200 calories, 2 carbs), black coffee

Lunch: none, bottle water

Dinner: garden salad with chicken breast meat (320 calories, 6carbs), my salad dressing (120 calories, 1 carb), 2 low carb bread (90 calories, 14 carbs), 2 Tbsps low cal margarine (100 calories, 0 carbs), low carb snack bar (120 calories, 2 carbs), bottle water

Snacks: 2 low carb popsicles (50 calories, 4 carbs), serving peanuts (340 calories, 5 carbs)

( 1,340 calories, 34 carbs)
Water: 2+ bottles
Exercise: no formal exercise, just chased Nia all day & cleaned

2006-06-21T07:14:00.000-04:00

I have been swamped working on two top secret projects, and neglecting my fitness terribly. I actually did 2 miles yesterday, but menu wise the past month I have simply had a time. Starting today I will also be keeping track of my calories again as it seems that really helps keeping me in check.

Gab

2006-06-17T11:15:00.000-04:00

I didn't forget about you girls! Thanks for keeping things going here, Gab! I've been SUPER MOM for the last few days. The girls and I have been cleaning out my gameroom (and it was MESSY with piles of junk everywhere) to get ready for Angela's Birthday Picnic tomorrow. I've also been in the kitchen from morning till night the last 2 days and have another full day in there again today. I am having 40-50 people over tomorrow for a Birthday/Father's Day picnic and am doing all the cooking myself. I also made potato salad for 250 people for my niece's Graduation party today! I am NEVER looking at mayo or potatoes again in my life :p

I stuck to my diet until yesterday when I just had low carb bars & picked at veggies because I was sick of cooking and looking at food! I didn't do formal exercise yesterday after my dr apt, but I have been getting a lot of exercise cleaning out! I even am washing drapes now. It does feel good to have gotten some things done I've been wanting to do. I will be on my scheduled exercise Monday because we have the exercise equipment in the corner with stuff on it to make room for the party tomorrow. I had my chiro appt. yesterday and it helped the chest and rib pain I was having. Now I could use him for my neck and back after all the cooking! Anyhow, I will try to post tomorrow after the party or at the latest Monday AM. I'm also getting hubby ready to go to Las Vegas next week for a seminar for work. I hate when he has to go away. A day is good...but I have to admit that I miss him after the first day!

I hope you're having a good weekend, Gab. Why don't you and the Nemesis take a LONG motorcycle ride to PA for the party tomorrow? Starts at 2:00 if you want to take the drive :p That would be a really cool surprise :) Please tell your Nemesis I wish him a Happy Father's Day! He's one cool Dad!

Darla ;o)

BAD VIDEO FRIDAY!!!!!!!!!!!

2006-06-16T23:59:00.000-04:00

50 Cent Lyrics

50 Cent Music Video Codes

Music Video Codes by VideoCure.com

BAD VIDEO FRIDAY!!!!!!CLICK IF YOU DARE!!!!!!!!

ALSO SOME PRETTY BAD LYRICS FROM ONE OF MTV'S #1 PLAYERS!!!!

Chorus]I don't know what you heard about meBut a bitch can't get a dollar out of meNo Cadillac, no perms, you can't seeThat I'm a motherfucking P-I-M-P[Repeat]

[Verse 1]Now shorty, she in the club, she dancing for dollarsShe got a thing for that Gucci, that Fendi, that PradaThat BCBG, Burberry, Dolce and GabanaShe feed them foolish fantasies, they pay her cause they wannaI spit a little G man, and my game got herA hour later, have that ass up in the RamadaThem trick niggas in her ear saying they think about herI got the bitch by the bar trying to get a drink up out herShe like my style, she like my smile, she like the way I talkShe from the country, think she like me cause I'm from New YorkI ain't that nigga trying to holla cause I want some headI'm that nigga trying to holla cause I want some breadI could care less how she perform when she in the bedBitch hit that track, catch a date, and come and pay the kidLook baby this is simple, you can't seeYou fucking with me, you fucking with a P-I-M-P

[Chorus]

[Verse 2]I'm bout my money you see, girl you can holla at meIf you fucking with me, I'm a P-I-M-PNot what you see on TV, no Cadillac, no greasyHead full of hair, bitch I'm a P-I-M-PCome get money with me, if you curious to seehow it feels to be with a P-I-M-PRoll in the Benz with me, you could watch TVFrom the backseat of my V, I'm a P-I-M-PGirl we could pop some champagne and we could have a ballWe could toast to the good life, girl we could have it allWe could really splurge girl, and tear up the mallIf ever you needed someone, I'm the one you should callI'll be there to pick you up, if ever you should fallIf you got problems, I can solve'em, they big or they smallThat other nigga you be with ain't bout shitI'm your friend, your father, and confidant, BITCH

[Chorus]

[Verse 3]I told you fools before, I stay with the toolsI keep a Benz, some rims, and some jewelsI holla at a hoe til I got a bitch confusedShe got on Payless, me I got on gator shoesI'm shopping for chinchillas, in the summer they cheaperMan this hoe you can have her, when I'm done I ain't gon keep herMan, bitches come and go, every nigga pimpin knowYou saying it's secret, but you ain't gotta keep it on the lowBitch choose with me, I'll have you stripping in the streetPut my other hoes down, you get your ass beatNow Nik my bottom bitch, she always come up with my breadThe last nigga she was with put stitches in her headGet your hoe out of pocket, I'll put a charge on a bitchCause I need 4 TVs and AMGs for the sixHoe make a pimp rich, I ain't paying bitchCatch a date, suck a dick, shiiit, TRICK

[Chorus]

Yeah, in Hollywoood they say there's no b'ness like show b'nessIn the hood they say, there's no b'ness like hoe b'ness ya knowThey say I talk a lil fast, but if you listen a lil fasterI ain't got to slow down for you to catch up, BITCH

Gabs Menu 6-15--06

*Also I keep mineral water on my desk, kitchen, and even a couple of bottles in my car. So there really is no way to keep up with my water intake as I drink all day.*

Breakfast: Low Carb Bar & Water

Lunch: Low Carb Bar & Water

Dinner: Homemade Chicken Pot Pie & Water

Snack: 1 Diet Coke 1 Low Carb Bar

Exercise: 20 Treadmill

2006-06-14T10:47:00.000-04:00

Hi girls! Yesterday was one of those nonstop days and the next few will be the same. I stuck to my menu, but will not be doing my exercising until Friday when I have a chiro appt, as I have been having pain in the middle of my ribs/chest. I know it's probably not heart-related, but rather musculoskeletal, but it is scaring me a bit. I have a family history of high cholesterol in the Italian side of my family which I acquired too and had run out of my meds for the last week. I just got them in yesterday and feel better having started that again. My cholesterol is high even when I'm on low fat diets and the meds are the only thing that helps.

Thanks for the Bday wishes for my baby, Gab! Happy Over the Hump Day!

Darla

Tues, 6-13-06:

Breakfast: low carb protein bar (200 calories, 2 carbs), black coffee

Lunch: low carb bar (200 calories, 2 carbs), bottle water

Dinner: garden salad with small amt grated cheese (150 calories, 2 carbs), my salad dressing (120 calories, 1 carb), 2 low carb bread (90 calories, 14 carbs), 2 Tbsps low cal margarine (100 calories, 0 carbs), low carb snack bar (120 calories, 2 carbs), bottle water

Snacks: 3 low carb popsicles (75 calories, 6 carbs), serving peanuts (340 calories, 5 carbs)

( 1,395 calories, 34 carbs)
Water: 2+ bottles

2006-06-14T10:01:00.000-04:00

Happy Birthday Angela!

Girls,

Yesterday was terrible menu wise. The Nemesis and I have swore to help one another "Get Back On Track." So lets see if he will stick to his word.

Gab

Gabs Menu 6-13--06

*Also I keep mineral water on my desk, kitchen, and even a couple of bottles in my car. So there really is no way to keep up with my water intake as I drink all day.*

Breakfast: Low Carb Bar & Water

Lunch: Nacho's & Cheese & Water

Dinner: Take Out Chinese & Water

Snack: 1 V8

Exercise: 20 Treadmill

Happy 14th Birthday to my baby, Ang!!

2006-06-13T15:06:00.000-04:00

Angela, 14 today, and a close family friend taken earlier today

Hi girls! Today's my daughter's 14th Birthday! It's hard to believe she's 14!!! This picture was taken just a little bit ago before she went to Kennywood (local amusement park) for the day with her best friend and their family. Since she wasn't going to be home this evening, we had an ice cream cake for her last night with just us and her best friend. We are still up in the air on whether we're having her Birthday party this weekend or next, as my oldest niece is having her graduation from high school party Saturday. My daughter has always LOVED her birthday parties! We always have a big picnic with all the family and have games for the little ones.

Anyway, I didn't have any ice cream cake and stuck to my menu and exercise finally! I am going to have to go because Nia just woke up and is calling me.

Darla

My menu & exercise from Mon 6-12-06:
Breakfast: low carb protein bar (200 calories, 2 carbs), black coffee

Lunch: none, bottle water

Dinner: garden salad with chicken breast meat (320 calories, 6carbs), my salad dressing (120 calories, 1 carb), 2 low carb bread (90 calories, 14 carbs), 2 Tbsps low cal margarine (100 calories, 0 carbs), low carb snack bar (120 calories, 2 carbs), bottle water

Snacks: 2 low carb popsicles (50 calories, 4 carbs), serving peanuts (340 calories, 5 carbs)

( 1,340 calories, 34 carbs)
Water: 2+ bottles
Exercise: 10 mins treadmill

2006-06-13T08:23:00.000-04:00

Snoop Dogg Lyrics

Snoop Dogg Music Video Codes

Music Video Codes by VideoCure.com

Why you should listen to what your children listen to:

[Intro]Snooooooooooop..Snooooooooooop..

[Chorus - Snoop Dogg]When the pimp's in the crib maDrop it like it's hotDrop it like it's hotDrop it like it's hotWhen the pigs try to get at yaPark it like it's hotPark it like it's hotPark it like it's hotAnd if a nigga get a attitudePop it like it's hotPop it like it's hotPop it like it's hotI got the rolly on my arm and I'm pouring ChandonAnd I roll the best weed cause I got it going on

[Verse - Pharrell Williams]Uh! I'm a nice dude, with some nice dreamsSee these ice cubes, see these Ice Creams?Eligible bachelor, million dollar boatThat's whiter than what's spilling down your throatThe Phantom, exterior like fish eggsThe interior like suicide wrist redI can excercise you, this can be your Phys. EdCheat on your man ma, that's how you get ahizzeadKiller wit the beat, I know killers in the streetWit the steel that'll make you feel like Chinchilla in the heatSo don't try to run up on my ear talking all that raspy shitTrying to ask me shitWhen my niggaz fill ya vest they ain't gon pass me shitYou should think about it, take a secondMatter fact, you should take four BAnd think before you fuck wit lil skateboard P

[Chorus]

[Verse - Snoop Dogg]I'm a gangsta, but y'all knew thatDa Big Bo$$ Dogg, yeah I had to do thatI keep a blue flag hanging out my backsideBut only on the left side, yeah that's the Crip sideAin't no other way to play the game the way I playI cut so much you thought I was a DJ[scratches] "two!" - "one!" - "yep, three!"S-N double O-P, D-O double GI can't fake it, just break it, and when I take itSee I specialize in making all the girls get nakedSo bring your friends, all of y'all come insideWe got a world premiere right here, now get live!So don't change the dizzle, turn it up a littleI got a living room full of fine dime brizzlesWaiting on the Pizzle, the Dizzle and the ShizzleG's to the bizzack, now ladies here we gizzo

[Chorus]

[Verse - Snoop Dogg]I'm a Bad Boy, wit a lotta ho'sDrive my own cars, and wear my own clothesI hang out tough, I'm a real Bo$$Big Snoop Dogg, yeah he's so sharpOn the TV screen and in the magazinesIf you play me close, you're on a red beamOh you got a gun so you wanna pop back?AK47 now nigga, stop that!C mid shoes, now I'm on the moveYou're family's crying, now you on the newsThey can't find you, and now they miss youMust I remind you I'm only here to twist youPistol whip you, dip you then flip youThen dance to this motherfucking music we crip toSubscribe nigga, get yo issueBaby come close, let me see how you get loose!

[Chorus]

[Outro]Snooooooooooop.

Gabs Menu 6-12--06

*Also I keep mineral water on my desk, kitchen, and even a couple of bottles in my car. So there really is no way to keep up with my water intake as I drink all day.*

Breakfast: Low Carb Bar & Water

Lunch: Lean Cuisine & Water

Dinner: 2 Enchilada's & Water

Snack: 1 Diet Coke 1 Low Carb Bar

Exercise: 20 Treadmill

Monday...

2006-06-12T12:41:00.000-04:00

Hi girls! Well, I'm going to try to post for the 2nd time this morning! The first I did earlier wouldn't post and said "error" and I see there is a scheduled outage in PST time, but I'll try again. I don't have anything exciting to report anyway. lol Saturday, I did my exercising, but not my menu and yesterday, I did my menu, but not my exercising! Shooting for a do both in one day today! I emailed Gab with a few questions about the exercising, as my legs were getting so sore, and she was hepful, as always! I am going to over the next week concentrate on working my time up to 20 minutes on the treadmill and will work in other things like the bike, etc. from there.

I hope everyone had a good weekend!

Darla

I slipped up...

2006-06-10T14:41:00.000-04:00

Hi girls! Well, I slipped up yesterday and finally got into the stupid chocolate covered pretzels. I had 3 and dipped them in the chunky peanut butter jar too...ugggh! Anyway, they are GONE because I sent them with my hubby and daughter in their road trip snack today. They are on their way to my hubby's sister's in Philly for our niece's graduation party. He better not bring any back home tomorrow! I held out for 4 days, but yesterday I lost, so I'll be posting my menu without calories & carbs for today.

Anyway, I'm back on track today. I hope everybody's having a great weekend!
Darla

My menu & exercise for Fri 6-10-06:

Breakfast: low carb bar, black coffee

Lunch: low carb bar, water

Dinner: garden salad with chicken meat, 2 low carb bread, 2 Tbsps. low calorie margarine, my salad dressing, low carb snack bar, water

Snacks: serving peanuts, 3 low carb popsicles, 3 chocolate covered pretzels dipped in chunky peanut butter...ugggh!

Water: 2+ bottles
Exercise: 10 minutes treadmill

2006-06-10T10:00:00.000-04:00

Queen Lyrics

Queen Music Video Codes

Music Video Codes by VideoCure.com

Today I too will be exercise in the form of hours of yard work today. Hopefully this will get me back on track. The last couple of weeks I have fallen so far……

Gab

Gab’s Menu & Lack Of Exercise For 6-9-06

Breakfast: Low Carb Bar & Water

Lunch: Lean Cuisine & Water

Dinner: Huge Homemade Taco Salad In Baked Shell & Regular Pepsi

Snack : Low Carb Hot Chocolate

TGIF Bad Video Dancers...

2006-06-09T08:56:00.000-04:00

Hi girls! TGIF!! So glad to see your 'Friday Bad Video' and your post today, Gab! Been thinking of you and know it's been a really rough week to say the least! I hope you get some time to relax this weekend. Posting your diet to the EP Blog...giggling...did you go 'blonde' again :p While you were out, I introduced the 'TGIF Bad Video Dancers' since I can't figure out how to do the video. They sort of dance to the beat of the song you have posted.

I stayed on my menu yesterday, but had to take a day off of exercising, as I was so sore from not only the exercising, but also from picking up Nia the night before last and all day yesterday and from playing. My leg and arm muscles were hurting and cramping all day yesterday. Anyhow, we had a nice day. Nia and I called my hubby and convinced him to take a half a day since it was so nice out and we all hung out together playing with Nia outside. It was a lot of fun.

Have a great TGIF day!
Darla ;o)

My Crack Down Day #4, Thurs 6-8-06:

Breakfast: low carb protein bar (200 calories, 2 carbs), black coffee

Lunch: none, bottle water

Dinner: garden salad with chicken breast meat (320 calories, 6carbs), my salad dressing (120 calories, 1 carb), 2 low carb bread (90 calories, 14 carbs), 2 Tbsps low cal margarine (100 calories, 0 carbs), low carb snack bar (120 calories, 2 carbs), bottle water

Snacks: 2 low carb popsicles (50 calories, 4 carbs), serving peanuts (340 calories, 5 carbs)

( 1,340 calories, 34 carbs)
Water: 2+ bottles
Exercise: way too sore in legs, arms and back...had to take a day off...I will be doing my exercises today again.

Bad Video Friday!!!!!!!!!!

2006-06-09T06:50:00.000-04:00

Snoop Dogg Lyrics

Snoop Dogg Music Video Codes

Music Video Codes by VideoCure.com

I would like to thank everyone for their kind words. While in VA my cousin collapsed on me. I have been on anti-inflamatories all week and it seemed fine yesterday and today, but I will not pick up my exercise until Monday. To say this week has been a long one is an understatement. To give you a clue as to how "Out of sorts" I am, I posted this post to my EP blog by accident at first today. Arrrggggggghhhhhhh!

I will start keeping track of my menu today. Lord knows I need to. I don't think I have ever eaten as much Southern home cooking as I have this past week. I don't even want to think about what I have put on.

Today is once more Bad Video Friday!!!! CLICK IF YOU DARE!!!

Actually you may have to click two or three times :) .

My Crack Down Day #3...

2006-06-08T09:30:00.001-04:00

Good morning girls! I posted a picture of Madonna, one of my favorite artists, from her new 'Confessions on a Dance Floor' album. This is what gets me to push and finish my exercises. It's a great upbeat CD to exercise to. I put my headphones on and keep telling myself 'just a few more songs'. Towards the end when my legs are numb and I still have more to do, I really have to push myself! Put in your fav CD and give it a try...it helps!

Anyhow, I did it for the 3rd day and I'm going to keep pushing it. It was fun to find a couple pair of brand new shorts that didn't fit last year that not only fit now, but I have some room in them too.

I just put Nia down for her short morning nap. She stayed all night last night and was up early with us. Ang is going to her Kennywood (local amusement park) picnic from school today. My little baby is now going to the high school next year! I can't believe she's old enough to go to high school...OR that I am that OLD! LOL!!! She just patted my back and said "you're not THAT old, Mom". Ahhh...she wants something :p

I hope everybody has a great day!
Darla

My Crack Down Day #3, Wed 6-7-06:

Breakfast: low carb protein bar (200 calories, 2 carbs), black coffee

Lunch: low carb bar (200 calories, 2 carbs), bottle water

Dinner: garden salad with small amt grated cheese (150 calories, 2 carbs), my salad dressing (120 calories, 1 carb), 2 low carb bread (90 calories, 14 carbs), 2 Tbsps low cal margarine (100 calories, 0 carbs), low carb snack bar (120 calories, 2 carbs), bottle water

Snacks: 3 low carb popsicles (75 calories, 6 carbs), serving peanuts (340 calories, 5 carbs)

( 1,395 calories, 34 carbs)
Water: 2+ bottles
Exercise: 10 mins treadmill, 2 miles bike, 2 sets of 20 weights on both arms

My Crack Down Day # 2...

2006-06-07T07:35:00.000-04:00

Good morning! This picture is from yesterday. Molly must be getting her appetite back because she kept trying to get Nia's grilled cheese and snacks. The little black shadow by Nia's feet is Molly. She's tired from all the playing with Nia and begging today and is already taking a nap.

After playing all day yesterday, I pushed myself and did my exercises. My legs and arms were sore (especially my legs!!!), but I kept going! My hubby was being a Nemesis yesterday. Of all things, he bought my one of my favorites...chocolate covered pretzels from my favorite candy company. When I went upstairs after exercising, he was trying to get me to eat some! What the heck!?!?!?! I said NO WAY, especially after dragging my butt to exercise just a few seconds before. The night before last, he sat in his big easy chair giving me the thumbs up as he rested his butt while I was sweating mine off! Men!?!?!?! Ugggghhhh!!!!!!

Today's the last day of school for my daughter. She only has a half a day and she tried to pull a fast one on her Dad. She called him from across the street at the neighbors last night and asked if she could miss school today because "it's not COOL to go to school on the last day and all of her friends are staying home today". Thank goodness he had the sense to say NO WAY! So, I teased her all morning and told her that now she's "not cool" because she IS going to school on the last day! Aren't I a mean mom :p

Have a great day!
Darla

My Crack Down Day #2, Tues 6-6-06:

Breakfast: low carb protein bar (200 calories, 2 carbs), black coffee

Lunch: serving peanuts (340 calories, 5 carbs), low carb popsicle (25 calories, 2 carbs), bottle water

Dinner: garden salad with chicken meat (320 calories, 6 carbs), my salad dressing (120 calories, 1 carb), 2 low carb bread (90 calories, 14 carbs), 2 Tbsps low cal margarine 100 calories, 0 carbs), bottle water

Snacks: 2 low carb popsicles (50 calories, 4 carbs), low carb snack bar (120 calories, 2 carbs)

( 1,365 calories, 36 carbs)
Water: 2+ bottles
Exercise: ***10 mins treadmill, 2.0 miles bike, 2 sets of 20 weights on both arms

***first time doing 10 mins...up from 8 mins

I did it!!!

2006-06-06T06:26:00.000-04:00

Good morning! Well, I kept my word to myself and got back on track with both my diet and exercise yesterday! I really had to push to towards the end of exercising, where it was getting easier before, but don't count me out of the game! I always seem to do things best when I have to go the hard way for some goofy reason. Could it be that I might be hard headed and stubborn? Naaah...HAHAHA! I even added two sets of 20 of small weights for my arms. They are a little sore and my legs too this morning, but I feel so much better knowing that I'm on track again. Today will be Crack Down Day #2!

I was watching a show last night about today's date (the triple sixes), The Revelations dooms day theories and prophecies. Everyone in the media is giving the devil so much news coverage today, so I thought I'd post a picture of a prayer to remind us that God is so much bigger than the devil and can win over him anytime! Just my humble opinion...

I have Nia coming in less than an hour, so I'd better get going. I hope everyone has a good day!

Darla

My Crack Down Day #1, Mon 6-5-06:

Breakfast: low carb protein bar (200 calories, 2 carbs), black coffee

Lunch: serving peanuts (340 calories, 5 carbs), bottle water

Dinner: garden salad with chicken meat (320 calories, 6 carbs), my salad dressing (120 calories, 1 carb), 2 low carb bread (90 calories, 14 carbs), 2 Tbsps low cal margarine 100 calories, 0 carbs), bottle water

Snacks: 2 low carb popsicles (50 calories, 4 carbs), low carb snack bar (120 calories, 2 carbs)

( 1,340 calories, 34 carbs)
Water: 2+ bottles
Exercise: 8 mins treadmill, 2.8 miles bike, 2 sets of 20 weights on both arms

My Monday Crack Down...

2006-06-05T08:02:00.000-04:00

Hi, Gosh I can't believe it's Monday already! Welcome back, Lori! So good to see your post! We missed you!!! I hope Gab and her family are hanging in there. I'm sending prayers your way.

Thanks for asking about Molly, Lori. She is doing a bit better in that she can keep food down now. She's on a special diet from the vets. I have been up at night with her and up early, 5:00 am to 6:00 am, daily. I think it finally caught up with me, as I slept till 7:00 am this morning. Anyhow, we're hoping for the best and she is comfortable now.

I am cracking down today! I have been stress eating in the middle of the night when I'm up with Molly and didn't get back on track with my exercising. So, today is the day! No fooling around! I feel uggghhhh in the mornings especially with the eating and no exercise. No more! I'm fed up with myself...so today is my official crack down day!

Have a great day!
Darla

2006-06-02T15:34:00.000-04:00

Dear Gab,

Our hearts go out to you and your family during this very difficult time. You all are in my prayers.

Darla

Introducing the TGIF Bad Video Dancers...

2006-06-02T15:13:00.000-04:00

Since Gab is out due to a death in her family, we won't be having Bad Video Friday :( I thought I'd introduce our Bad Video Dancers.

TGIF!
Darla

My menu & exercise from Thursday:

Breakfast: low carb protein bar (200 calories, 2 carbs), black coffee

Lunch: serving peanuts (340 calories, 5 carbs), bottle water

Dinner: garden salad with chicken meat (320 calories, 6 carbs), my salad dressing (120 calories, 1 carb), 2 low carb bread (90 calories, 14 carbs), 2 Tbsps low cal margarine 100 calories, 0 carbs), bottle water

Snacks: none

( 1,170 calories, 28 carbs)
Water: 2+ bottles
Exercise: none...I'm having a hard time getting back into my routine. I'll get there and am trying to keep a positive outlook on it. I didn't do all of this hard work to throw in the towel now!

Due To A Death In My Family I Will Be Out Until Next Week

2006-06-01T14:33:00.000-04:00

My cousin was found dead a few hours ago at the age of 28. I will be taking off through sometime next week to deal with family issues. I should be back here by mid-week or the end of the week.

Take Care,

Gab

2006-06-01T12:12:00.000-04:00

I must be psychic, or maybe that's psycho :P . Yesterday I was grocery shopping and it come to me that the Nemesis wanted brownies. So yesterday for the first time in ages I baked him double chocolate brownies. When he got home he said, "Sometimes your downright spookie. I was thinking at lunch I would like a brownie." Anycow, I ate a large one, but I will not claim a cheat day for it. I have had too many of them lately from all the traveling.

I am having a time with my workouts. I have two separate workout buddies and their schedules clash. Each acts like I favor the other when I workout with the other. I am at the point of just working out alone again. Last night one canceled out on me and the day before the other one did. Then today they both called wanting to work out 8 hours apart. Go figure.

I feel for you with poor little Molly, I have been there and done all of that with Bear : ...( .

Have A Great Thursday!

Gab

Gabs Menu 5-31-06

*Also I keep mineral water on my desk, kitchen, and even a couple of bottles in my car. So there really is no way to keep up with my water intake as I drink all day.*

Breakfast: Low Carb Bar & Water

Lunch: Lean Cuisine & Water

Dinner: Hot Dog, Chips & Dip, & Water

Snack: 1 Diet Coke, 1 Large Brownie

Exercise: 15 Tread 30 Min. Weights

2006-06-01T10:11:00.000-04:00

Busy day around here today. Nia's taking a wink or two now and we'll be outside playing for the rest of the day. No word on Molly yet, but I am hopeful she'll get to come home today. It has been so strange without her here last night and today! I have to claim a cheat day for yesterday. I guess I was doing my 'stress eating' because I fell prey to a nice sized brownie with icing that was left over from the parties. At least I can recognize the stress eating habit now and not let it get out of hand like before. Plus, I probably would have had 2 or 3 before I started my program last year.

Geez, she's up already! Have a great day!
Darla

2006-05-31T18:45:00.000-04:00

Such a sweet picture of Pandy, Gab. Molly went back to the doctors again today. She's been there 5 times over the last week and a half. They kept her today because she couldn't keep anything down and couldn't drink. All her tests are clear and her sugars too. He thinks she has colitis, an inflammation of the bowel and stomach, that sometimes 'older' dogs get. They're going to get her adjusted back on some of the stomach meds that started to work last week and a special bland food diet until she gets better from this flare-up. He thinks she should be able to come home tomorrow if all goes well. I've been up with her on and off the last few nights and washing & scrubbing floors. I just hope she starts to feel better soon. I luckily didn't have Nia today, but tomorrow instead. Didn't do my exercise, but did get my menu back on track.

Darla

My menu & exercise from Tuesday:

Breakfast: low carb protein bar (200 calories, 2 carbs), black coffee

Lunch: serving peanuts (340 calories, 5 carbs), bottle water

Dinner: garden salad with chicken meat (320 calories, 6 carbs), my salad dressing (120 calories, 1 carb), 2 low carb bread (90 calories, 14 carbs), 2 Tbsps low cal margarine 100 calories, 0 carbs), bottle water

Snacks: 2 low carb popsicles (50 calories, 4 carbs)

( 1,220 calories, 32 carbs)
Water: 2+ bottles
Exercise: none

2006-05-31T12:28:00.000-04:00

I am on the run today. Here is a quick picture of Pandy & Shrek pouting because I wouldn't play fetch with her.

Gab

Gabs Menu 5-30-06

*Also I keep mineral water on my desk, kitchen, and even a couple of bottles in my car. So there really is no way to keep up with my water intake as I drink all day.*

Breakfast: Low Carb Bar & Water

Lunch: Lean Cuisine & Water

Dinner: Lean Cuisine & Water

Snack: 1 Diet Coke 2 Hand Fulls Of Wheat Chex Mix

Exercise: 20 Treadmill, 2 1/2 Hours Yard Work

Lollipops...

2006-05-30T11:11:00.000-04:00

I just had to post these pics of Nia from this morning. She found Ang's secret stash of lollipops on a long stick and it didn't take her long to figure out what to do with them. She's all sticky, but the most important thing is that she's having fun :)

Sounds like you had a great weekend, Gab. I hope things went well with the EP work too. We had company every day too and I am going to have to claim cheat days. I didn't go overboard, but I did have a few goodies and even a part of a diet pepsi (go ahead, Gab...you can get me for teasing you about them :) I am on track again today and will have a better post tomorrow.

Darla

2006-05-30T06:33:00.000-04:00

Yesterday was a whirlwind day once again. We had company again, and went to see the new X-Men movie. The good news is that I stuck to a decent menu and got in half of my exercise. TGTNIAW! (Thank God The Nemesis Is At Work) I love my husband and he is my best friend as well, but OMG at what a Nemesis he is. Just to sneak in 20 minutes on my treadmill yesterday took effort.

Have A Great Day!

Gab

Happy Memorial Day!

2006-05-29T09:25:00.000-04:00

Goo Goo Dolls Lyrics

Goo Goo Dolls Music Video Codes

Music Video Codes by VideoCure.com

Happy Memorial Day!

What a weekend! Friday and Saturday I was on the road with EP. Yesterday we hosted a Pre-Memorial Day Get Together. Hopefully today I will get back on track menu and exercise wise. I feel terrible this morning from the sugar intake this weekend (Regular Pepsi and such). I am going to try to sneak out this morning and exercise while the Nemesis is sleeping in this morning.

I received an email this morning from someone telling me they visit this blog just for the music. Most of the music that I listen to (Purchase) has to speak to my soul. I may listen to light hearted things on the radio like "Don't Ya," or "Hips Don't Lie," but honestly the groups I listen to have to "Say Something." I am glad you are enjoying the music Deb. I will continue to post both the deeper ones and the light hearted ones for "Pick Me Up Days." Here is another group that I just bought one of their CD's this weekend.

Enjoy!

Gab

Happy Holiday Weekend...

2006-05-27T08:20:00.000-04:00

Happy Memorial Day weekend! My hubby took this pic of the flag last year. Thought it turned out really nice. We're having a cookout tomorrow and will be celebrating my brother's birthday then too. Monday my best friend, Erika, and her kids will be in my neck of the woods. Her kids are in the local annual Memorial Day Parade and we'll be probably cooking out again Monday. I might be having to claim a cheat day or two. Tomorrow we're having steak, fresh sauteed mushrooms, baked potatoes and salad and my favorite....birthday cake. Yikes! I'm going to do my best to be good, though.

During this holiday weekend when everybody is with family and friends celebrating the holiday, don't forget to remember the men, women and their families that gave the ultimate price, their lives, so that we may have our freedom. God Bless them all.

My menu & exercise from Thursday:

Breakfast: low carb protein bar (200 calories, 2 carbs), black coffee

Lunch: serving peanuts (340 calories, 5 carbs), bottle water

Dinner: garden salad with chicken meat (320 calories, 6 carbs), my salad dressing (120 calories, 1 carb), 2 low carb bread (90 calories, 14 carbs), 2 Tbsps low cal margarine 100 calories, 0 carbs), bottle water

Snacks: 2 low carb popsicles (50 calories, 4 carbs)

( 1,220 calories, 32 carbs)
Water: 2+ bottles
Exercise: 5 mins treadmill, 2 miles bike

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
My menu & exercise from Friday:

Breakfast: low carb protein bar (200 calories, 2 carbs), black coffee

Lunch: serving peanuts (340 calories, 5 carbs), bottle water

Dinner: garden salad with chicken meat (320 calories, 6 carbs), my salad dressing (120 calories, 1 carb), 2 low carb bread (90 calories, 14 carbs), 2 Tbsps low cal margarine 100 calories, 0 carbs), bottle water

Snacks: 3 low carb popsicles (75 calories, 6 carbs)

( 1,245 calories, 34 carbs)
Water: 2+ bottles
Exercise: 7 mins treadmill, 2 miles bike

Bad Video Friday

2006-05-26T23:59:00.000-04:00

Korn Lyrics

Korn Music Video Codes

Music Video Codes by VideoCure.com

BAD VIDEO FRIDAY IS BACK!!!!!!!!! CLICK IF YOU DARE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Actually you may have to click two or three times ;0.

2006-05-26T06:52:00.000-04:00

I am on the road with EP the next two days, so I will post when I can. That may be Sunday or Monday depending on my schedule.

Have A Great Weekend!

Gab

Gabs Menu 5-25-06

*Also I keep mineral water on my desk, kitchen, and even a couple of bottles in my car. So there really is no way to keep up with my water intake as I drink all day.*

Breakfast: Low Carb Bar & Water

Lunch: Lean Cuisine & Water

Dinner: Steak & 1/2 Baked Potatoe & Water

Snack: 1 Diet Coke, 2 Low Carb Snack Bars

Exercise: 20 Treadmill, 45 Minutes Weights, 1 Hour Yard Work

Back and checking in...

2006-05-25T10:23:00.000-04:00

Hi girls. I didn't fall off of the earth and am still alive :) It's been a whirlwind around here since the weekend. Molly has been in and out of the vets and a short stay hospital visit. They think she is diabetic and has had it for awhile, but started to get really sick with it this past week. She was to start on insulin a few days ago, but when she went in her blood sugar dropped from 304 the day before to 255, so she has another appt tomorrow to see if we are going to need to start the insulin or not. She is on all kinds of meds and is just now starting to perk up. She also has a 5 mm. kidney stone which would require surgery that he's keeping an eye on.

We had a storm Sun night and it surged out my wireless connector, so I was without my computer until last night. Mike had to buy a new connector. So far, seems to be working okay.

Gab, you were right on your prediction of Angela's birth mom's baby! She had a baby boy on 5-22-06 and Ang is excited about having a brother. It's a bit of a strange situation, but I've been keeping the lines of communication open with Ang and she wants to meet him. So, we'll see how that goes. It's been a rough week on my baby. She lost a good friend and classmate over the weekend. He was at a friend's house and they were playing with a gun and one of his other friends shot him and he died. The boy was charged with murder and it's been really tough on Ang and all the kids in school. I can't even imagine what his parents and family are going thru. It's so sad.

We have a bunch of yard work to do this weekend too. I bought a bunch of flowers and will be playing in the dirt with Ang this weekend and also hope to get my garden in. Last year was the first year we didn't have one and we missed the homegrown veggies.

I've been doing okay on my diet and exercise plan. Finally got back in the swing of things. My dad and his fiancee came back from Florida after being there for 5 weeks and they both said I look like I lost more since they left. My skinnier clothes are getting big now. Going to have to do some shopping :) Sounds fun!

Hope everybody's doing well.
Darla ;o)

My menu & exercise from yesterday (Wed):

Breakfast: low carb protein bar (200 calories, 2 carbs), black coffee

Lunch: serving peanuts (340 calories, 5 carbs), bottle water

Dinner: garden salad with chicken meat (320 calories, 6 carbs), my salad dressing (120 calories, 1 carb), 2 low carb bread (90 calories, 14 carbs), 2 Tbsps low cal margarine 100 calories, 0 carbs), bottle water

Snacks: 2 low carb popsicles (50 calories, 4 carbs)

( 1,220 calories, 32 carbs)
Water: 2+ bottles
Exercise: 5 mins treadmill, 2 miles bike

2006-05-25T09:27:00.000-04:00

Yesterday was a busy day. Pandy and I worked on setting up a hard shell kidney liner for our fish, from there we totally drained the pond and transferred all the fish. As if all that was not enough she and I proceeded to work on planting some root clippings. Then we watered everything in the yard. We worked until dark I was so tired last night I simply collapsed in the bed. Redoing that pond is going to be sooooooooooo much work as we are replacing the liner and adding a kidney shaped one on top of it to make it doubled, then we are digging up all the plants around it and placing rocks around it.

Tomorrow I will be out on EP business, so today will be another busy day here.

Gab

Gabs Menu 5-24-06

*Also I keep mineral water on my desk, kitchen, and even a couple of bottles in my car. So there really is no way to keep up with my water intake as I drink all day.*

Breakfast: Low Carb Bar & Water

Lunch: Lean Cuisine & Water

Dinner: Chinese Takeout & 1 Sweet Tea

Snack: 1 Diet Coke

Exercise: 20 Treadmill, 7 Hours Yard Work (Actually 9 But I Took Off 2 Hours For Breaks)

Overweight Management & What Does The Bible Say About Fitness & Our Bodies

2006-05-24T08:59:00.000-04:00

Steven Curtis Chapman Lyrics

Steven Curtis Chapman Music Video Codes

Music Video Codes by VideoCure.com

Here is part of an article from the author of The New Fit or Fat book. I decided to post it here because again this illustrates that WITHOUT DAILY exercise you will gain your weight and usually a little more RIGHT BACK. It is not about dieting, but a lifestyle change. I have had the flu since Sunday, but I have exercised Monday, Tuesday, and will after I post this (Wed.). Even at times in my life when I felt I wasn't exercising, I was still working out once to twice a week, because something deep down inside of me knew it was wrong not to. Even the Bible tells us it is wrong to not take exercising serious. Some examples of this are:

1 Corinthians 9:24-27, “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.” 2 Timothy 2:5, “Similarly, if anyone competes as an athlete, he does not receive the victor's crown unless he competes according to the rules.” 2 Timothy 4:7, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”

What is being said above in modern English is to fight the good fight to the best of your ability. The fight only half fought is a fight already lost. How sad would it be to stand before God and say, "I totally trashed that body you gave me dude," but that is exactly what one does when they make up excuses for their lack of exercise, lack of self control over body and mind, and self destructive behavior. What a slap in the face to our Lord.

It is never to late to change. However, once we acknowledge a sin (Gluttony & Lack Of Exercise Is One Example, But It Can Also Be Applied To Other Distructive Patterns In Our Life Like Smoking, Drinking, Pill Popping....) and do not correct that sin we are held accountable for it no matter what our excuses are. Some examples of that are:

Defying conscience and censures from others, the transgressors act "Deliberately, willfully, presumptuously, impudently, boastfully, maliciously, frequently, obstinately, with delight, continuance, or relapsing after repentance." Thus we find cumulative defiance of God in Jeremiah 5:8 and Amos 4:8-11; disregard of conscience and correction in Romans 1:32 and Matthew 18:15-17; and falling from grace in 2 Peter 2:20-22

Our goal here on the planet should be to leave it better than we found it. That starts with our body and mind. For if we cannot help ourselves; How can we help others?

The video above is by the man who inspired me to learn to play the guitar. He is my favorite solo singer of all time because his music always says something profound with a passion. Perhaps he will inspire you too....

Gab

Overweight Management

http://www.shelterpub.com/_fitness/_getting_in_shape/gis-weight_management.html

We’ve titled this section overweight, but what we’re really concerned with is obesity. Too often the terms are used interchangeably.

Overweight refers to body weight in excess of known standards. Today, the standards most often used are the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company height/weight charts.

Obesity, on the other hand, is defined in the medical dictionaries as an “… abnormal amount of fat on the body … the term is not usually employed unless the person is 20 to 30% over average weight for his or her age, sex, and height.”

We use the word overweight here because some people wouldn’t read this if we titled it obesity. But it is obesity, or being overfat, that we’re concerned with.

Weighing yourself on a scale only measures your weight, it doesn’t tell you how fat you are. Standard height/weight charts can’t tell you how much fat you’re carrying. A football player might be considered overweight by the height/weight charts, but the weight is not fat, it’s muscle.

At the other extreme, someone who sits most of the day may have too much fat and too little muscle, yet weigh within the standard chart guidelines.

Risks of Overweight vs. Obesity

Being a few pounds overweight generally poses no health risk, but obesity can contribute to high blood pressure, diabetes, arthritis, cancer, and heart disease. Obesity not only decreases life expectancy, but can cause psychological stress due to worry and lack of confidence in oneself.

Commercial Diets

Unfortunately, most people who want to lose weight think in terms of dieting. It’s quick, you just follow the directions, or consume the product, and the pounds melt off, right? This practice is reinforced by the number of fad diets, books, and TV ads that abound in America. (It’s a billion dollar business!)

Quick Weight Loss

Most overweight people are looking for quick weight loss, but diets and dieters do not take into account that the excess pounds have accumulated slowly over the years (due to poor eating habits and lack of exercise); weight loss — permanent weight loss, that is — must likewise be a slow process.

Why Diets Fail

The major reason many diets fail is, as mentioned, the urgency factor. We Americans want results. When we decide to make a change, we want it to happen now! And there always seem to be self-proclaimed experts waiting in the wings with the latest fad diet. It’s funny how many M.D.s. or Ph.D.s feel qualified to recommend the latest wonder diet that will let you lose 5 to 10 pounds a week, with only “moderate” changes in your lifestyle.

How many of your friends have shed the pounds under the latest “miracle” program, only to eventually gain it all (and a little more) back? We won’t belabor the point. Covert Bailey calls this up-and-down cycle of weight loss/gain “. . . the rhythm method of girth control.”

Metabolism and Diet

Metabolism is the sum of energy your body requires. Metabolic rate is a measure of how fast you burn energy (calories). Strict dieting throws your metabolic rate into a tailspin. This process is thought to be a throwback to our ancient hunting and gathering ancestors: when the body is deprived of food, your metabolic rate slows way down. In prehistoric times, the body conserved its fat reserves for times of famine.

Fad dieting can also cause loss of muscle mass. When carbohydrate supplies are too low, the body literally feeds upon itself. Muscle protein is broken down as a source of fuel. On most quick diets, weight loss is mostly water and lost muscle; relatively little body fat is lost.

So What’s the Solution?

Exercise. Exercise helps keep metabolism at a steady level, even when you eat less. Exercise also helps maintain muscle mass when you diet. Permanent weight control involves a lifelong commitment to regular exercise as well as good eating habits. Whereas faddish diets and stop-and-start exercise programs ultimately end in disappointment, maintaining optimal body composition entails regular exercise and a diet based on sound nutritional knowledge.

Exercise Is a Key Ingredient

With as little as 30 minutes of exercise, 3 days a week (equivalent to walking 5 to 6 miles a week), you can lose up to a quarter-pound of fat a week.

Doesn’t sound like much? Well, in one year you could lose 12 to 15 pounds of fat from exercise alone. Eat a more healthy diet and the results will be even greater.

Weight Training to Lose Weight?

In 1991, Fitness Management Magazine conducted a study to determine the role of weight training on body composition changes. In this study, 72 overweight men and women were put into two groups. Both ate the same diets and exercised 30 minutes a day for 8 weeks. But one group followed a typical weight-loss exercise program, spending all 30 minutes on aerobic exercise, while the second group did 15 minutes of aerobic exercise (exercycling) and 15 minutes of weight training (Nautilus machines). Here are the results:

Exercise Program
N
Body Weight Changes
Fat Weight Changes
Muscle Weight Changes

Endurance exercise only
22
-3.5 pounds
-3.0 pounds
-0.5 pounds
Endurance and strength exercise
50
-8.0 pounds
-10.0 pounds
+2.0 pounds

Won’t Exercise Increase My Appetite?

High intensity exercise will stimulate your appetite. It lowers your blood glucose levels and your body will demand more food than normal.

But several recent studies have shown that moderate exercise tends to actually decrease appetite for several hours after your workout, the reason being that blood is directed away from the stomach to your working muscles. That’s why taking a walk during your lunch break will help.

No Loss of Weight at First?

When you start an exercise program along with dietary changes to lose weight, it’s important to understand the difference between fat loss and lean tissue loss. As you get older, if you do not exercise you lose lean tissue — mainly bone and muscle mass. This is especially true for people who sit most of the day.

But when you start to exercise you tend to gain lean weight (fat-free weight). Thus, when you start an exercise program, you may not lose weight on the scale for a few weeks, or even a few months. This is normal, and you shouldn’t worry. Fat weight is being lost, but lean weight is being added at about the same rate. You’re losing fat and gaining muscle, so don’t sweat it!

Don’t depend on the scale to chart your progress especially at first. Just look at yourself in the mirror. How do your clothes fit? Are good changes going on with your body shape or physique? Do you feel better?

Gabs Menu 5-23-06

*Also I keep mineral water on my desk, kitchen, and even a couple of bottles in my car. So there really is no way to keep up with my water intake as I drink all day.*

Breakfast: Low Carb Bar & Water

Lunch: Lean Cuisine & Water

Dinner: Lean Cuisine & Water

Snack: 1 Diet Coke, 1 Low Carb Bar

Exercise: 15 Treadmill, 45 Weights

2006-05-22T18:53:00.000-04:00

Nickelback Lyrics

Nickelback Music Video Codes

Music Video Codes by VideoCure.com

A video by my second favorite band :) .

Gab

Gabs Menu 5-22-06

*Also I keep mineral water on my desk, kitchen, and even a couple of bottles in my car. So there really is no way to keep up with my water intake as I drink all day.*

Breakfast: Low Carb Bar & Water

Lunch: Lean Cuisine & Water

Dinner: 1 Pork BBQ (Vinegar kind) Sandwich, Slaw & Water

Snack: 1 Diet Coke

Exercise: 10 Treadmill, 45 Weights, & 2 Hours Planting

Calories Burnt

2006-05-21T09:02:00.000-04:00

Girls,

I found the link below interesting and posted my needed calories for weight loss below. I am taking my Brother-In-Law out today for dinner that had an aneurysm. So I will have to claim a cheat day today. Give this link a try!

Gab

Calculate The Daily Calories You Need To Burn

http://www.calorie-count.com/calories/calories-burned.php

Daily Calories Burned

You burn 2100 calories during a typical day. Remember that this estimate is based on your body weight, height, age, gender, and your average level of activity.

You can use this information to help you figure out how many calories you should be consuming to maintain your weight. On active days, you'll need more calories, so it's okay to eat a little more than you would on an average day. But on more sedentary days, you may want to reduce your calorie intake. If you want to lose weight, try to stay below your calorie needs or increase your activity level. However, make sure you are eating nutritious meals and not restricting your calories too much - eating too little or losing weight rapidly can be unhealthy and dangerous.

I'll be off for a few days...

2006-05-20T14:16:00.000-04:00

Hi girls! I'm going to need to take a few days off, as Molly's still sick and needs me. She's not been eating her food at all and hasn't been able to get to the door before she has an accident on the throw rug by the door, which is not like her at all. She is drinking water and I made her chicken and rice. She ate that but now can't seem to get comfortable and wants only me. I hope this is just a virus, but I'm concerned because she never refuses her treats and is on Carafate for her upset stomach which should be helping by now. She is also eating cheese and I've been giving her peanut butter on a spoon for protein which she likes too.

They're also having a memorial mass for Angela's Godmother, and our Aunt Peggy, who passed away April 8th, tomorrow and I am doing all the flower arrangements for it.

So between Molly needing me, cooking for her, cleaning up and washing rugs and floors, doing flowers etc., I probably won't be back until the beginning of the week.

Hope you all have a good weekend and keep the prayers coming for my poor Molly. I'm really worried about her.

Darla

Bad Video Friday

2006-05-19T23:59:00.000-04:00

Weird Al Yankovic Lyrics

Weird Al Yankovic Music Video Codes

Music Video Codes by VideoCure.com

It's BAD VIDEO FRIDAY!!!!!!! Click if you DARE !!!!!
(Actually you have to click 2 or 3 times)

I'm so glad it's TGIF too!

2006-05-19T12:50:00.000-04:00

Hi girls! I second that TGIF for today! Did it seem like a longer week than usual, or is it just me?

Anyway, we got Molly to the vets last evening and she has nothing major wrong with her. She had a low grade fever and he said she probably has a virus. He gave us medicine for her belly to settle it and he also gave us some meds for her eyes, as she keeps getting eye infections that keep coming back. He also gave her a dose of Prednisone that started this morning, as he felt she had some guarding and pain with her spinal exam. She has had back trouble with calcified discs since she's been 2 and had actually was paralyzed in her hind legs before she had back surgery back then. She's had bouts since with her back and hasn't been able to do the steps lately, but luckily nothing like when she needed surgery before.

She seems to be doing a lot better today. Last night, I got her to eat some cheese and crackers, which she LOVES, and drink some water. She bit me when I tried to give her her stomach medicine, a liquid in a syringe by mouth, but I snuck up on her this morning and she didn't get a chance to bite me. She's a little dog, but it's hard to get their mouths open when they don't want to cooperate! She had a few crackers and cheese this morning, was drinking her water, and even barked at the mailman, which is part of her daily routine. So, I think she's on the road to recovery. She's just sleeping more than usual and, of course, wants her mommy~me! I didn't even think about my menu (I did have 2 bites of Pizza Hut mushroom pizza and 2 of those cinnamon thingies they make and my 'normal' menu) or exercise yesterday, as I was too worried about Molly and was scrubbing carpets. They're like little babies when they're sick.

Thanks for your prayers and concern. I appreciate them and it seems they are working! Hubby's got a half a day today so he'll be here under my feet any minute. Hope everybody has a good TGIF day!
Darla ;o)

TGIF

2006-05-19T09:36:00.000-04:00

TGIF is all I can say! Yesterday we drove to what seemed like the ends of the earth to look at those puppies and couldn't decide on one. Today we drive another hour drive (Which actually takes at least 2 hours of my time, maybe more if we stop anywhere) to look at another litter we have been waiting on to be born for a couple of months.

Have a great weekend!

Gab

Gabs Menu 5-18-06

*Also I keep mineral water on my desk, kitchen, and even a couple of bottles in my car. So there really is no way to keep up with my water intake as I drink all day.*

Breakfast: Low Carb Bar & Water

Lunch: 1 Fried Chicken Breast & Water

Dinner: Nasty Bo 'Jangles Chicken & Fries

Snack: None

Exercise: 20 Treadmill

I'm not being a copy "cat" really...

2006-05-18T08:35:00.000-04:00

My little "kid", a miniature cockapoo, Molly, almost 10 years old

Good morning! I swear I'm not being a copy "CAT" (pun intended), Gab! You freak me out when I'm going to do something and you either already know or are thinking similarly! That totally freaks me out :p

I was planning on posting a picture of my little stinker, Molly, above before I saw your post, honestly! I swear! :) I have a hard time getting pics of her because she doesn't come out well in pics because of her black color and she runs away from the camera too. I got a couple pics of her the day before yesterday outside on the porch where you can actually tell her face from her tail :p My poor Molly has been at my feet all day yesterday, last night and now. She was throwing up all day yesterday and not eating or drinking. I am really worried about her and have to try to get her in at the vets today. She snuck out the back yard door a few times the other day and I hope she didn't pick up something bad. Poor thing is pathetic and just laying and looking at me with her big brown eyes.

I've stuck to my menu and found a new bread that only has 14 carbs and only 90 calories (for 2 pieces) instead of 24 carbs and 150 calories (for 2 pieces) like the whole grain bread I was eating. I was really excited about that because it's 10 less carbs! I also found a lower in cal margarine and still has no carbs. I also found a really good chocolate snack that's low carb...Russell Stover makes low carb (with Splenda) mini peanut butter cups and you can eat 4 minis and it's only 2 carbs, but it is 180 calories. It's not something for everyday, but they're really good and it cured my sweet tooth yesterday. I didn't get my exercise routine back on track yet, but I'm planning on that today.

Hope everybody has a good day! Good luck, Gab, on making your puppy decision! I know that's a really hard one!
Darla ;o)

Tuesday's menu:

Breakfast: low carb protein bar (200 calories, 2 carbs), black coffee

Lunch: serving peanuts (340 calories, 5 carbs), bottle water

Dinner: garden salad with chicken meat (320 calories, 6 carbs), my salad dressing (120 calories, 1 carb), 2 low carb bread (90 calories, 14 carbs), 2 Tbsps low cal margarine 100 calories, 0 carbs), bottle water

Snacks: 3 low carb popsicles (75 calories, 6 carbs)

( 1,245 calories, 34 carbs)
Water: 2+ bottles
Exercise: none

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Wednesday's menu:

Breakfast: low carb protein bar (200 calories, 2 carbs), black coffee

Lunch: serving peanuts (340 calories, 5 carbs), bottle water

Dinner: garden salad with chicken meat (320 calories, 6 carbs), my salad dressing (120 calories, 1 carb), 2 low carb bread (90 calories, 14 carbs), 2 Tbsps low cal margarine 100 calories, 0 carbs), bottle water

Snacks: 3 low carb popsicles (75 calories, 6 carbs), 8 low carb mini peanut butter cups (2 servings) (360 calories, 4 carbs)

( 1,605 calories, 38 carbs)
Water: 2+ bottles
Exercise: none

Bull Puppies

2006-05-18T06:51:00.000-04:00

Yesterday was suppose to be a total Lean Cuisine Day, but the Nemesis wanted Mexican last night, so overall menu wise & exercise wise it was a halfway decent day.

The picture above was emailed to me by someone with two sets (Two mothers gave birth the same week) of Bull/Bull puppies (Two different breeds of Bull) six week old. They are about an hour drive from here. They will grow to be a good 30 or 40 pounds larger than Pandy. Another breeder we know had a litter of Terrier Bulls last week we are suppose to look at tomorrow, maybe these tonight.

The Nemesis is still grieving sooooooooo hard over Piggy Sue & Bear. He dreampt about Bear last night again. I am trying to decide about getting him a puppy for Fathers Day. The vet says if we introduce one to Pandy now it should be OK. She is a mess. She now does 7 different tricks and attempts to talk constantly. Last night I was trying to ignore her while I worked online for a few minutes. She got on her back legs and walked over to me, I kept ignoring her. She then started rolling over doing her flipping trick I taught her and doing her best mumbeling in her Dog Latin until I broke and played with her and her Shrek (She loves Shrek). So here I sit this morning watching her and Shrek sleeping at my feet trying to decide if I could stand another one at the same time as her rolling, walking, barking,.......all over the house together.

Gab

Gabs Menu 5-17-06

*Also I keep mineral water on my desk, kitchen, and even a couple of bottles in my car. So there really is no way to keep up with my water intake as I drink all day.*

Breakfast: Low Carb Bar & Water

Lunch: Lean Cuisine & Water

Dinner: Taco Salad & Diet Pepsi

Snack: 10 Nemesis' Nacho's

Exercise: 20 Treadmill 45 Minutes Weights

Yesterday & Closet Cleaning

2006-05-17T10:32:00.000-04:00

Eminem Lyrics

Eminem Music Video Codes

Music Video Codes by VideoCure.com

Yesterday was the start of my recovery week from our trip. The Nemesis called on his lunch requesting hamburgers and Chester fries for dinner, so I skipped lunch thinking about my calorie and fat intake going out the roof. However, I did win on the exercise front yesterday and will menu wise today. I made enough hamburgers for the Nemesis to have another tonight so it will be Lean Cuisine Day here :).

I am posting an article I read this morning on obesity below. Check it out!

Gab

Gabs Menu 5-17-06

*Also I keep mineral water on my desk, kitchen, and even a couple of bottles in my car. So there really is no way to keep up with my water intake as I drink all day.*

Breakfast: Low Carb Bar & Water

Lunch: None

Dinner: Hamburger & 2 Helpings Of Chester Fries (Covered in bacon, ranch dressing, & fries) Water

Snack: 1/2 Low Carb Snack Bar

Exercise: 20 Treadmill 45 Minutes Weights

Obesity Article

2006-05-17T10:31:00.000-04:00

Obesity Worse Than Thought

http://diets.aol.com/newsandtrends/obesity-underestimated

We know we're fat. We know we need to lose weight. We know obesity has reached epidemic proportions. What we didn't know, until recently anyway, is that we're even heavier than we thought. In fact, according to recent research in the Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine, Americans have grossly underestimated their girth -- by more than 50 percent in most states.

Self-reported heights and weights rarely match reality, claims Bonnie Taub-Dix, M.A., R.D., of the American Dietetic Association. In fact, the study estimated that almost 29 percent of men and 35 percent of women were obese in 2002 compared to the reported statistics for that year, which were 16 percent and 22 percent respectively.

Women underreported their weight while men overestimated their height. In both cases, those little white lies resulted in lighter -- and inaccurate -- BMIs (the measurement researchers use to report obesity statistics). What's worse, "Even with the old estimates, almost two-thirds of our population is overweight or obese," says Taub-Dix.

Based on the new calculations, Texas and Mississippi have the highest rates of obesity (about 30 percent for men and 37 percent for women). Perhaps it's the tasty Tex-Mex and preference for meat and potatoes? Montana and Colorado earn top honors for the lowest rates of obesity. Only 16 percent of women in Montana are obese (21 percent of men) and only 18 percent of men in Colorado are obese (24 percent of women).

How can you ensure your weight is more like the folks in Montana than those Texas? "Cut off a little bit of food from each dish you eat," says Taub-Dix. "That alone could save you hundreds of calories at the end of the week." And get outdoors! Successful weight loss is all about taking baby steps. Well, that, and honesty.

Not Exercising & Excuses

2006-05-16T06:42:00.000-04:00

Good Morning Girls,

I hope everyone had a great Mothers Day! We had a really nice vacation and Mothers Day. Saturday I took my pedometer with me and I walked 7 miles looking at different venders. That would had been great had I not ate things like hot fudge cake, 7 Layer Salad, fried chicken, potato chips and dip, ..........

Today it's back to the grindstone! After I post this I am off to the treadmill. I will be back posting my menu's and exercise either tonight or tomorrow.

The article and its stats below I found interesting. Check it out!

Gab

What's Your Excuse For Not Exercising?

http://www.webwzrd.com/motivation/exercise_excuses.htm#1.

Today, there's a new definition for chore: exercise.

In fact, most people hate exercise so much that they'd rather clean the bathroom than exercise. After all, the effects of exercise don't pile up as fast as scum around the sink.

There are millions of excuses not to exercise. Too busy, too tired, too bored. None of them are valid reasons.

If you think you're alone, think again. You're actually part of the growing majority of Americans who have crossed exercising off their chore lists. In fact, more than 60 percent of American adults are not regularly active, and 25 percent aren't active at all, according to the 1996 Surgeon General's Report on Physical Activity and Health.

Want to see how your excuses stack up against the rest of the country? Listen to what a 1994 poll by the Presidents Council on Physical Fitness and Sports learned and then see why your excuses can't excuse you from exercising.

When asked why they didn't exercise:

40 percent said they didn't have enough time.
20 percent said they get enough exercise at work or home.
15 percent said they can't exercise because of health problems.
12 percent said exercise is boring.
10 percent said they're too old.
9 percent said exercise isn't necessary.
7 percent said they're too tired.

1. If time is your enemy: Reevaluate your schedule.

Time is the easiest cop-out for not exercising. Unless your schedule is crammed with activities from the time you get up until the time you go to bed (talking on the phone and watching television don't count), then you simply have to make time to exercise. Get up earlier and take a brisk walk around the block. Instead of spending 30 minutes sitting in front of the television at night, walk on your treadmill when you watch your favorite show. Have a baby? Find a club that offers aerobics with strollers. And don't think that you have to exercise all at once. Break your workout into two 15-minute sessions or three 10-minute sessions and do them throughout the day.

2. If you think you exercise enough already: Examine exactly what you do.

If you're working in your target heart rate zone for at least 20 minutes five times a week, then you probably are getting enough exercise. If not, add some extra minutes for more vigorous exercise, whether that's working longer in the garden or taking your bike around the neighborhood more often.

3. If you have health problems: You may have a valid reason for not exercising, especially if your doctor has ordered you not to.

However, exercise has been shown to aid in the recovery and prevention of many health problems, including heart disease. Talk to your physician and see what kind of exercise program he or she recommends.

4. If exercise is boring: Take a new approach to exercise.

Participate in an activity you enjoy. Better yet, find several activities you enjoy so that you're never doing the same thing twice. If you're tired of working out alone, find a workout buddy; dogs are also good companions on walks. (Remember, though, that even dogs have a limit to how much exercise they should do.) Sick of working out at home? Join a gym or hire a qualified personal trainer to revamp your exercise program.

5. If you think you're too old: Revisit your childhood and remember how you used to say you'd never be too old to do anything.

You're still not. Exercise is an ageless activity, and it's the closest thing we have to the fountain of youth. Exercise may not erase the wrinkles on your skin, but it will increase your energy level, have you lose weight, reduce stress, allow you to live longer and healthier, and renew your confidence. And that's just for starters. In fact, research shows that exercise is the best medicine we have for helping us age gracefully.

6. If you think exercise is a waste of time: Imagine if you said the same thing about changing the oil in your car.

Without oil changes, your car would eventually not function, the same way your body will if you don't exercise. Commit to just three days of being active and your body will thank you. In the end, it'll repay you by helping prevent illnesses like heart disease, some cancers, hypertension, and obesity. If you still think exercise is a waste of time, then do two things at once. Ride a stationary bike and read a book. Take a walk outside and plan your strategy for making that presentation your boss asked you to do.

7. If you're too tired to exercise: Get moving.

Fatigue can actually be caused by a sedentary lifestyle. Exercise will help jump start your body. Start slowly, and over time, exercise will increase your energy level while decreasing your fatigue.

Excuses provide an easy way to avoid exercising. The faster you work towards eliminating those excuses, the closer you'll be to living a healthier, more active life. Eventually, exercise won't be a chore - it will be the reward your body's been craving.

It's Monday again by Darla...

2006-05-15T15:14:00.000-04:00

Mother's Day 2006

My two favorite girls, Angela and Nia

Nia's big brother & my cute little buddy, Chance, now 2 1/2 years old,
He's ready to plant his garden with his plastic hoe even though he can't see...lol

Our newest little Angel to spoil, Maylin Jo, 1 month old today. She's my Godson & his wife's first child and Nia & Chance's newest 1st cousin.

Hi girls! I thought I'd share some pics from this weekend with you. I hope everybody had a great weekend too! I did stay on my menu yesterday, but not my exercise routine. I'm working on getting back in the groove of the workouts.

Here's my menu from yesterday:

Breakfast: low carb protein bar, black coffee

Lunch: none, bottle water

Dinner: Garden salad with chicken breast meat, my italian dressing, 2 pieces whole grain bread, 2 tbsps margarine, bottle water

Snacks: serving peanuts, 3 low carb popsicles

Happy Monday!
Darla ;o)

Happy Mother's Day!

2006-05-14T11:56:00.000-04:00

Happy Mother's Day to all!

Enjoy the day in your own special way!

Darla

Thursday & Friday by Darla...

2006-05-13T07:40:00.000-04:00

Hi girls! I hope everyone's having a great start to the weekend! I've been back on track diet-wise with no sweet attacks. Still have to get back on exercising schedule. I've had such a sore throat the last few days and can't get rid of this dumb sinus or allergy cold. I even started taking vitamins. Everytime I get better, either Nia or Ang starts and then we go another round with it. My cousin had to take Nia back to the doctors on Thursday and she still has an ear infection, so I'm not sure what we have, but we just want it to go away. Poor Ang is now up and just took the tissue box and is telling me she was up all night and she couldn't breathe.

Happy Mother's Day to all!
Darla

Thursday:

Breakfast: low carb protein bar, black coffee

Lunch: none, bottle water

Dinner: Garden salad with chicken breast meat, my dressing, 2 pieces whole grain bread, 2 tbsps margarine, bottle water

Snacks: serving peanuts, 2 low carb popsicles

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Friday:

Breakfast: low carb protein bar, black coffee

Lunch: low carb protein bar, bottle water

Dinner: Garden salad with chicken breast meat, my dressing, 2 pieces whole grain bread, 2 tbsps. margarine, bottle water

Snacks: serving peanuts, 3 low carb popsicles

Tues & Wed by Darla...

2006-05-11T16:45:00.000-04:00

Hi girls! I've had a busy last few days, as always when my little side kick, Nia, is here. The last few nights after she left, I got tied up on the phone and didn't even get to eat dinner until late. We did order out Tuesday for our Anniversary and I had a steak salad (yep, the kid with a handful of french fries on it) and an order of garlic bread. Yesterday, I stayed on plan until I couldn't stand looking at the last 2 pieces of Holy Communion cake sitting there and I ate just the white cake part of both (it was a 2 later white and choc cake). Didn't get to start back on exercising, but I'm getting there. Still have this nasty cough and allergies that seem to want to linger on and on.

So, anyway, I'm on plan today and hopefully will have a better post tomorrow.

I hope you have a great trip, Gab! I'm glad you're taking time to have some fun! You work too hard and it's good to stop and enjoy life for a bit! Lori, I hope you're enjoying your time with your parents! Have been thinking of you.

I'll be back tomorrow to post.

Darla ;o)

Have A Great Weekend Girls!

2006-05-11T06:48:00.000-04:00

Girls,

We are leaving a bit early for our trip. I should be back next Tuesday. Keep up the good work!

Gab

Quick post by Darla...

2006-05-09T07:13:00.000-04:00

Hi Girls!

I am going to just post a quickie, as Nia will be walking in the door any sec yelling 'Daya' :) I started to do my workout but got a coughing jag, so I'll try again tonight after Nia's gone home.

Thanks so much for posting Pandy's picture, Gab! She's soooo sweet and gave me a BIG smile this morning!

Have a great day all!
Hugs,
Darla ;o)

Monday:

Breakfast: Snack power bar (wasn't too good in carbs though), black coffee

Lunch: serving peanuts, bottle water

Dinner: half a rotten salad (yuck!), my dressing, 2 pieces whole grain bread, 2 Tbsps margarine, bottle water

Snacks: Serving low carb vanilla ice cream, 2 low carb popsicles

Exercise: tried...Hopefully better today!

Well, I'm off to play and chase Nia for the day. Have a great one everybody!
Darla ;o)

Ooops, P.S. Today's our 19th Wedding Anniversary, so I'm not sure if I'll be on plan or not today....still will be doing the working out though.

It's Pandy Time!

2006-05-09T06:48:00.000-04:00

Here is a couple of pictures of Pandy for her Aunt Darla doing two of her favorite past times (Chewing & Sleeping With Her Chews).

:P

Gab

Gabs Menu 5-08-06

*Also I keep mineral water on my desk, kitchen, and even a couple of bottles in my car. So there really is no way to keep up with my water intake as I drink all day.*

Breakfast: Low Carb Bar & Water

Lunch: Lean Cuisine & Water

Dinner: Low Carb Bar & Water

Snack: 2 Low Carb Snack Bars, Hand Full Of Nemesis Chex Mix

Exercise: None, I had an investigation last night with EP was just seemed to be running late all day yesterday.

10 Bad Eating Habits That Break A Woman's Diet

2006-05-08T15:57:00.000-04:00

I thought this article had some great tips. Check it out!

Gab

10 Bad Eating Habits That Break A Woman's Diet

http://diets.aol.com/newsandtrends/dieting-bad-habits

Most women claim they eat healthy. But according to Elizabeth Somer's new book, '10 Habits That Mess Up a Woman's Diet,' most women are actually delusional. Dieting is an American obsession. Yet according to recent obesity statistics we're as heavy as ever. Why?

"Women are unintentionally eating more calories than they think," says Tara Gidus, M.S., R.D., of the American Dietetic Association. But if you can kick a few bad habits -- 10 to be exact -- you're bound to drop the pounds. Here's a quick look at Somer's terrible 10.

Mindless Eating: You grab a handful of M&M's from your colleague's desk, test the spaghetti sauce while you're cooking and dig into a few bites of your hubby's dessert. Never mind the kids' leftover PB&J crusts or the hidden oil in your cafe lunch. Unfortunately, these little indulgences add up to weighty matters on the scale.

Putting Others' Needs Before Your Own: You love veggies. Your hubby digs meat and potatoes. What gives? Your man wins, hands down. Throw kids into the mix and hot dogs, hamburgers and French fries win out every time -- unless you put on the brakes.

Not Being Honest: "Most people drastically underestimate the number of calories they eat," says Gidus. We downplay our Krispy Kreme intake and play up our cardio workout. And with restaurant portion sizes on the rise, many of us have no concept of a "standard" USDA serving size.

Skip the Broccoli, Eat the Fries: According to Somer's book, if you do nothing more than double your current intake of fruits and vegetables, you'd be on your way to eating a good diet. 'Nuff said

Setting Off Without a Plan: It's easy to overeat if you don't have a roadmap specifying your diet and exercise goals. Gidus advocates keeping a food diary, setting measurable, attainable goals and sticking to them.

Excuses, Excuses, Excuses: Whether it's a sluggish metabolism, lack of time or a dysfunctional thyroid, we're masters of coming up with excuses. Change your outlook, believe you can lose weight (make the time, decompress, whatever) and set priorities accordingly.

I'm Moody -- Let's Eat: "People turn to food for comfort," says Gidus. "They think they deserve a treat." And while overindulging may make you feel good in the moment, it sets you up for diet disaster over the long haul.

Give Me the Quick Fix, Now! We've all fallen prey to the latest fad diet, downing gallons of cabbage soup, eating nothing but grapefruit or loading up on eggs and bacon grease. The end result is always the same: We gain the weight back and then some.

Drinking Away Our Waistlines People who drink soda consume more calories. Alcohol isn't much better. "It's very common to eat more or make poor food choices when you've had a drink or two," says Gidus.

The All-or-Nothing Approach to Dieting: If you ate a plate of fries, you might feel like you've blown it. But don't let one setback completely derail you. Instead, focus on baby steps and reward yourself along the way.

2006-05-08T13:38:00.000-04:00

REM Lyrics

REM Music Video Codes

Music Video Codes by VideoCure.com

Yesterday we had company over for dinner. I made homemade spaghetti sauce from pork ribs, garlic bread, salad, and a cheese cake. While I only ate one large helping of the spaghetti I did eat two slices of cheese cake :(. So that was my menu for yesterday. Tonight I have an investigation and a class scheduled, there still doesn't seem to be enough hours in my days........ Here is my menu for Saturday:

Gabs Menu 5-06-06

*Also I keep mineral water on my desk, kitchen, and even a couple of bottles in my car. So there really is no way to keep up with my water intake as I drink all day.*

Breakfast: Low Carb Bar & Water

Lunch: None

Dinner: 1/2 Slice Pizza & 12 Chicken Wing Drummetts, Water

Snack: 1 Low Carb Snack Bar

Exercise: None

Sat & Sun by Darla...

2006-05-08T07:51:00.000-04:00

Good morning girls! Another Monday's rolled up fast on us. I am ready to tackle the new week and get back on schedule with my exercise routine. I finally got a chiro apt on Friday and it really helped a lot. He said I could start my routine today or tomorrow if I didn't need another adjustment and I don't need one. I feel sooo much better thank goodness. Still have the lingering cold/allergies, but they are tolerable. I'm glad to get started back on routine finally.

I also had a stupid sweet tooth this weekend and so I put my menus down, but not calories, carbs. Being a part of a big Italian family means somebody is always having a party of some sort with cake, which is my downfall sometimes. I'm going to do my best to stay out of it today!

I hope everyone had a great weekend. Gab, did you see that movie you had posted on EP? I wondered if it was good...it sounds really good! Lori, I hope you had a good visit with your parents! We miss ya!

New week, new attitude...that's what I'm telling myself!

Darla ;o)

Saturday:

Breakfast: low carb bar, black coffee

Lunch: none, bottle water

Dinner: Garden salad with chicken breast meat, my italian dressing, 2 whole grain bread, 2 Tbsps margarine, bottle flavored water

Snacks: serving peanuts, 2 low carb popsicles, 2 snack bags mini choc chip cookies around 2:00AM...uggghhh, the struggle never ends!!!

Water: 2+ bottles

Exercise: no formal exercise
~~~~~~~~~~
Sunday:

Breakfast: low carb bar, black coffee

Lunch: none, bottle water

Dinner: Garden salad with chicken breast meat, my italian dressing, 2 whole grain bread, 2 Tbsps margarine, bottle flavored water

Snacks: serving peanuts, 2 low carb popsicles, piece of Holy Communion cake

Water: 2+ bottles

Exercise: no formal exercise

2006-05-06T07:19:00.000-04:00

Staind Lyrics

Staind Music Video Codes

Music Video Codes by VideoCure.com

Darla that video was so bad I just had to post another over it to cover it up!

Have a great Saturday girls!

Gab

Gabs Menu 5-05-06

*Also I keep mineral water on my desk, kitchen, and even a couple of bottles in my car. So there really is no way to keep up with my water intake as I drink all day.*

Breakfast: Low Carb Bar & Water

Lunch: Low Carb Bar, Low Carb Hot Choc.

Dinner: Grilled Steak Grilled Onion & Mushrooms, Water

Snack: 1 Low Carb Snack Bar, Diet Pepsi

Exercise: Morning: 15 Minute Treadmill Evening: 1/2 Hour Weights

Bad Video Friday

2006-05-05T23:20:00.000-04:00

Kelly Osbourne Lyrics

Kelly Osbourne Music Video Codes

Music Video Codes by VideoCure.com

BAD VIDEO FRIDAY!

Click if you DARE!

(It may take 2 or 3 clicks)

Congrats Gab! A big surprise for you....

2006-05-05T11:35:00.000-04:00

WAY TO GO GAB!!!

DOWN 5 LBS & LOST 7 INCHES! WOOOHOOOO!

IN HONOR OF YOUR BIG LOSS,

WE HAVE A CELEBRITY VISITOR TODAY.

READY??? ARE YOU SURE???

IT'S..... RICHARD SIMMONDS!

HE COULDN'T STAY, BUT HE WANTED TO "DROP IN"

TO CONGRATULATE YOU, GAB!

HE GOT SO EMOTIONAL AND SAID

TO TELL YOU HOW PROUD HE IS OF YOU!

*sniffle, sniffle...somebody please give the man a tissue*

"Gab, Gab....It's me, Richard..."

GAB, I'M SO PROUD OF YOU! DARLA ;O)

Here's my menu for Thursday...

Breakfast: low carb bar (210 calories, 3 net carbs), black coffee

Lunch: none, bottle water

Dinner: Garden salad with chicken breast meat (320 calories, 6 carbs), my italian dressing (120 calories, 1 carb), 2 whole grain bread (150 calories, 24 carbs), 2 Tbsps margarine (160 calories, 0 carbs), bottle water

Snacks: serving peanuts (340 calories, 5 carbs), 2 low carb popsicles (50 calories, 6 carbs)

Water: 2+ bottles
( 1,350 calories, 45 carbs)
Exercise: no formal exercise

My Weigh In

2006-05-05T11:30:00.000-04:00

There Is Hope For Anyone

I have eaten out once to twice a week since last weighing and measuring myself. Even with that I have lost 5 more pounds and 7 inches with very little effort. If I can do that with a bad thyroid and eating like that anyone can. EXERCISING & WEIGHTS is what makes the differrence. I could not loose another pound, but loose the inches and I would be estatic. Your size is what really matters, muscle weighs more than fat. Loosing the weight without the exercise is just going to leave you sagging and droopy in places you don't want to sag or droop.

I hope to buckle down more over the next six weeks, but it will hard because the Nemesis is begging to go on vacation next weekend to the beach and Bike Week. So keep your fingers crossed for me next Friday - Monday.

I have a busy day today. I am now off to the gym this morning!

Have A Great Weekend Girls!

Gab

Gabs Menu 5-04-06

*Also I keep mineral water on my desk, kitchen, and even a couple of bottles in my car. So there really is no way to keep up with my water intake as I drink all day.*

Breakfast: Low Carb Bar & Water

Lunch: Homemade Chicken Breast Taco Salad Water

Dinner: Low Carb Bar, Water

Snack: 2 Low Carb Snack Bars and Diet Pepsi (Yes Darla I Know It's Bad For Me. I Am Trying To Wien Off Of It Within The Next Month :P )

Exercise: Morning: 15 Minute Treadmill Evening: 1/2 Hour Weights 2 Hours Of Scrubbing Oriental Rugs On My Hands & Knees

2006-05-04T08:58:00.000-04:00

Yesterday I kept wanting to snack all day. I spent most of the day Pandy sitting. She ate 8 oz of the Nemesis hand cream the night before while I was working the poles and he was watching her. The man would had never told me about it, but she had the horrible diarrhea as soon as I got home. Then she went to howling trying to tell on him. Apparently she was upset with him because he put her in time out over it. She also drug out laundry, tore up a role of paper towels and strung them all over the house, bit the phone cord in two again, destroyed a stuff animal all over the house, ..... all within those few hours he had her. When I came home and seen the house I sat down and just covered my face. All he kept saying was, "I didn't do it. She did it while I was in the tub. I was trying to clean it up before you got home." Lord only knows what he cleaned up before I came through the door. I have plainly told the man a dozen times she cannot be left alone yet. Somehow after my two days of silence toward him I think he has gotten the message.

As soon as I got home and found out she had ate the cream I called the vet. He put her on a strict white rice and chicken broth mixture and said it would take a day or two, to cycle out of her. So she and I spent most of yesterday outside. She seems a good bit better today, but I am keeping her on the rice and broth at least one more day.

My vet has suggested behavior modification classes for Pandy. We cannot locate any at this time in our little town so I have ordered two dog training DVD's and a book. If they do not work I will just have to drive her to them twice a week for classes (That would be around 140 miles a week for her). My neighbor came over yesterday and told me I should order The Osbornes TV series. I said, "Why?" He said because your decor favors theirs (We are doing our home in Victorian Gothic) and your life is very similar. I said, "How so?" He said, "Ozzy is always trying to write, his wife managing him and their children, yet a large portion of their life is really managing their pets just like you. You and Ozzy are probably kindred spirits or whatever you call it. " My jaw dropped, all I could do was shake my head, maybe I will order that........

Gab

Gabs Menu 5-03-06

*Also I keep mineral water on my desk, kitchen, and even a couple of bottles in my car. So there really is no way to keep up with my water intake as I drink all day.*

Breakfast: Low Carb Bar & Water

Lunch: Lean Cuisine Water

Dinner: Baked Buffalo Drummets & Salad, Water

Snack: 2 Low Carb Snack Bars and Diet Pepsi

Exercise: Morning: 15 Minute Treadmill Evening: 1/2 Hour Weights

Tues & Wed by Darla...

2006-05-04T08:30:00.000-04:00

Hi girls. I finally made it back here. That little one kept me busier than a bee! I thought I was going to fall asleep sitting up yesterday on the porch with her. lol I don't know if my Spring fever allergies are acting up or if I just regressed after the antibiotics last week, but I've been sneezing my head off for days now. Probaby is all the flowers I love coming out :)

Hope everyone's doing well and has a great day!
Darla ;o)

Tuesday:

Breakfast: low carb bar (210 calories, 3 net carbs), black coffee

Lunch: none, bottle water

Dinner: Garden salad with chicken breast meat (320 calories, 6 carbs), my italian dressing (120 calories, 1 carb), 2 whole grain bread (150 calories, 24 carbs), 2 Tbsps margarine (160 calories, 0 carbs), bottle water

Snacks: serving peanuts (340 calories, 5 carbs), 2 low carb popsicles (50 calories, 6 carbs)

Water: 2+ bottles
( 1,350 calories, 45 carbs)
Exercise: no formal exercise
~~~~~~~~~~
Wednesday:

Breakfast: low carb bar (210 calories, 3 net carbs), black coffee

Lunch: none, bottle water

Dinner: Garden salad with chicken breast meat (320 calories, 6 carbs), my italian dressing (120 calories, 1 carb), 2 whole grain bread (150 calories, 24 carbs), 2 Tbsps margarine (160 calories, 0 carbs), bottle flavored water

Snacks: serving peanuts (340 calories, 5 carbs), 2 low carb popsicles (50 calories, 6 carbs)

Water: 2+ bottles
( 1,350 calories, 45 carbs)
Exercise: no formal exercise

Hormones & Weight

2006-05-03T07:35:00.000-04:00

Staind Lyrics

Staind Music Video Codes

Music Video Codes by VideoCure.com

Hi Girls,

Yesterday was a whirlwind for me, but at least it's over :) . I will post my menu and exercise from today tonight or tomorrow. Until then enjoy these two quick and informative articles along with a video of one of my favorites songs from my favorite group.

Gab

Fat Hormones Exposed

http://diets.aol.com/dietbasics/essentials/_a/fat-hormones-exposed/20060427162009990001

Why do you find yourself heading for a pint of Chunky Monkey after a full dinner (and when you're already busting out of your pants)? Researchers are convinced it has a lot to do with hormones. According to Andrea Giancoli, M.P.H., R.D., of the American Dietetic Association, hormone levels fluctuate based on how much sleep you get, how many calories you take in (and when) and what those calories consist of. Now it seems researchers are zeroing in on four so-called "fat hormones."

Ghrelin: A hormone secreted by your gut (tummy and intestines), ghrelin rises when you haven't noshed in a while and falls after a midday meal. The trick to keeping ghrelin levels in check? "Don't starve yourself," says Giancoli, "and get enough sleep." Ghrelin levels are higher in people who get less sleep.

Leptin: Leptin is produced by fat cells and it signals the brain to stop eating. When you lose weight, you lose leptin, too. The result: rebound weight gain. To lose weight and keep it off, strive for slow steady weight loss -- no more than one to two pounds per week, says Giancoli.

Obsetatin: Recently identified by Stanford researchers, obestatin slows down the digestive process. Scientists are still entrenched in the journey of discovery on this one, but it holds promise. It's probably a safe bet that what keeps this hormone in check is the same as the others: adequate sleep, balanced diet and minimal stress.

Cortisol: Low on energy and high on stress? Your cortisol levels are likely to climb through the roof. Cortisol increases blood sugar, which gives you energy, but also makes you hungry. Still some research indicates that cortisol has no connection to obesity. My anxiety-induced binge fest begs to differ. So until researchers tease out the truth, relax.

Fat & Furious? Hormone Is Key

http://diets.aol.com/newsandtrends/leptin

Gained back lost weight, you don't have to blame your weakness for french fries. Your body's own hormones could be the culprit.

Weight-loss success stories are often met with withering criticism. Here's why: 85 percent of dieters gain back pounds they shed. But researchers think a shot of our own medicine can alter the grim cycle.

According to a new study, lost pounds likely find their way home due to a hormonal imbalance that occurs when the body slims down. The hormone leptin -- tied to our fat cells -- dips when the scale does. This signals to the body that it should readjust to its former metabolic levels.

Much like a caveman instinct, leptin tells our body to maintain its normal weight in case of a time of future famine or hard conditions. It helps keep energy in reserve. When pounds come off, lower leptin urges the body to get its groove (and weight) back.

A study reveals that leptin injections could keep successful dieters right where they want to be: at their goal weights. Volunteers lost 10 percent of their body weight. Daily injections brought their metabolism back up to normal speed, but the weight remained off.

Don't dial your doctor for an injection just yet -- more research needs to be done before leptin injections can be commonplace. However, future studies could help make leptin a key in weight-loss maintenance.

2006-05-01T12:52:00.000-04:00

Lillies of the Valley

Hi girls! Just checking in. We had more birthdays this weekend and I ate 2 pieces of cake Sat and 2 on Sunday. So, I guess it's a cheat weekend for me too. I still haven't started working out again, as I didn't have an appt with the chiropractor Friday like I thought. It's this coming Friday. I have had a nonstop headache for days now and hae a sore, bruised hip and sore ankle still. I will be playing it by ear as to when I will be working out again. Hopefully, I'll be able to get my appt moved up.

I put a picture of my second favorite Spring flower today..Lillies of the Valley. I have scads of them in my yard and they smell sooo good. I picked a few and put them in a little vase and smell them every time I go by. My mom used to have them too and I had the florist that did our wedding put my mom's Lillies of the Valley in my wedding bouquet. So they give me a warm, good memory. We also got married on my Mom & Dad's Anniversary Day. They would be married 48 years this year (my mom died at age 62 in 2004 of breast cancer), on 5-9-06, and we are going to be married 19 years! YIKES!!! I can hardly believe it's been that long...while other days I think it has been 119 years :p

Hope everyone has a great day!

Darla ;o)

Why It's Easier For Men To Loose Weight

2006-05-01T08:19:00.000-04:00

I really liked this article, because it states one of my mantra's, ""Women should absolutely be lifting weights," says Campbell. "Weight loss is typically 75 percent fat, and 25 percent muscle. So if muscle's the primary fat-burner in the human body, and you lose it, then your progress will slow dramatically."

I have a neighbor up the street that has lost 48 lbs. Well, that's great, but she looks TERRIBLE. Why? Because she refuses to get off of her lazy behind and exercise. She will not even walk. So her skin under her arms is saggy and looks like "Bat Wings," and her neck looks like a turtles with big clumps under it. It is great to loose weight, but girls the only way to tone up and loose that fat it to burn it.

Gab

Why It's Easier For Men To Loose Weight

http://diets.aol.com/newsandtrends/guys-diet

You and your man forge a pact: Together, you'll each drop pounds before bathing-suit season. Here's a tip: Do it his way. Because through a twist of biological and sociological fate, he's much more primed to succeed.

You've probably already noticed: He just gives up beer and -- bam! -- 10 pounds, gone. But why is it so much easier for him? First, there are the natural reasons: "Men have considerably more muscle than women," explains Adam Campbell, sports and nutrition editor of Men's Health magazine. "Muscle is the primary fat-burner in the human body, so if you have more, you can burn a greater amount of fat."

Second, women store more body fat for proper reproduction, according to sports nutritionist Cassandra Forsythe, a doctoral researcher at the University of Connecticut. "We need body fat to sustain a baby." And let's not forget, adds Campbell, "Men weigh considerably more than women. It takes a lot more calories to support the mass of a 225-pound man than it does to support that of a 150-pound woman."

Finally, "starting early on, boys are more physically active for the most part," says Forsythe. "The girls would play with Barbies, the guys would go out and climb in a tree fort." So while you can't change biology, you can adopt some of the following guy-like behaviors that foster weight loss:

Diet and Eat: "Women are more likely to go on a 'starvation' diet than men," says Campbell. "That quickly lowers their metabolism. So not eating is a bad approach for weight loss."

Go Pro: "Eat more protein," says Campbell. "Meat and eggs have long been considered guy foods, but they're packed with protein -- in particular, an amino acid called leucine, which is critical for boosting metabolism and preserving muscle." Adds Forsythe, "Women crave chocolates and sweets, which affects insulin and other fat storage hormones in your body and causes you to have a sugar crash and crave more food soon after."

Add Weights To Lose Weight: "Women should absolutely be lifting weights," says Campbell. "Weight loss is typically 75 percent fat, and 25 percent muscle. So if muscle's the primary fat-burner in the human body, and you lose it, then your progress will slow dramatically."

Get In It To Win It: "Men push themselves more than women," says Forsythe. "At the gym, women typically do an easy cardio session on some sort of cross-trainer while guys push themselves harder by running or sprinting and hitting the weights. Men are more aggressive, more competitive when they work out, when they play."

When it comes to weight loss, though, we know which sex is more determined.

2006-05-01T06:48:00.000-04:00

I am claiming a major cheat day for yesterday (Sunday). Today and tomorrow I am working at our election precinct for our primary's. So you ladies may not hear from me again until Wednesday. Remember to get out and vote! It's your local elections that matter the most!

Have A Great Week!

Gab

2006-04-30T09:07:00.000-04:00

Last night I went out with our associate group and I didn't get home until almost 2:AM. I am dragging this morning because I am hosting a dinner for a divorcing friend and her new boyfriend and need to clean and cook all day :( . Also I broke my number one rule to never eat late at night, which also took my modest calorie intake for the day and shot it out the roof. Last night at exactly midnight we sat down in Burger King to eat. At least I only ate a junior whopper and some of the Nemesis' fry's. Still I woke up early this morning feeling like crap because of it.

I hope everyone's Sunday goes well.

Gab

Gabs Menu 4-29-06

*Also I keep mineral water on my desk, kitchen, and even a couple of bottles in my car. So there really is no way to keep up with my water intake as I drink all day.*

Breakfast: Low Carb Bar & Water

Lunch: 1/2 Of A Smart One WW Dinner That Was Soooo Nasty

Dinner: Late Night Junior Whopper and 12 French Fries, Water

Snack: 1 Low Carb Snack Bar

Exercise: 2 Miles Walking

Bad Video Friday!

2006-04-28T09:00:00.000-04:00

Marilyn Manson Lyrics

Marilyn Manson Music Video Codes

Music Video Codes by VideoCure.com

Yes it's TGIF! Which also means it is now BAD VIDEO FRIDAY. CLICK IF YOU DARE!

Gab

Gabs Menu 4-27-06

*Also I keep mineral water on my desk, kitchen, and even a couple of bottles in my car. So there really is no way to keep up with my water intake as I drink all day.*

Breakfast: Low Carb Bar & Water

Lunch: Lean Cuisine Water & Low Carb Choc Snack

Dinner: Lean Cuisine Water

Snack: 3 Bites Of The Nemsis Sub and Half Of His Low Carb Snack Bar

Exercise: Morning: 15 Minute Treadmill Evening: 1/2 Weights

TGIF!!!!!!!...to cheat or not to cheat!

2006-04-28T07:55:00.000-04:00

Good morning girls! Thanks for the eye awakening video this morning, Ms. Gab! LOL!!!!! I double the TGIF!!!!

Last night, Nia had fun until about 10:00 pm when she started with a cough her mom told me she's had, but the poor little thing couldn't stop. I sat and rocked her for awhile, but then just decided to call her mom to see if she had any better ideas. I had given her the cough medicine she sent already, but it wasn't working. She said sometimes she takes her in her bed and puts her on her belly and she stops. I told her I'd try that. I finally got her to sleep and she was all cuddled up by me and her mom decided to come get her so she could take her to the doctors this am.

That was about 12:30 am and then I couldn't go to sleep for the life of me. I kept dozing and wanting potato chips! I finally gave in and got them....yes, I took the WHOLE BAG IN WITH ME....just like I said I shouldn't do yesterday. I munched out and lost the battle with the chips. Even the roof of my mouth is sore from the salt...guess I'm not used to much salt anymore.

Anyway, I can't wait till my chiro apt later! I'm claiming a cheat day for yesterday since I had my pig out with chips.

Hope everybody has a good TGIF!
Darla ;o)

Wednesday by Darla...

2006-04-27T18:00:00.000-04:00

Hi girls! I am alive! Just sore in places where I didn't know could hurt. I have a chiropractor appointment tomorrow at noon and that should help a lot. I am falling apart today. I have had stomach pains from the antibiotic my doctor gave me for my sinus infection. Guess it's all a part of getting old, but I don't have time to be old; nor do I feel old in my mind...but my body's telling me otherwise today. LOL

I'm getting ready for Nia's arrival within the hour. She's staying the night, but I should only have her until early afternoon instead of a full day. She loves my hubby....so I have PLANS for "Uncle Mike" tonight to play with her! HAHA..Guess he'll have to miss some of his TV shows....ahhhh too bad, huh? Plus, he could use the exercise :p

Well, just wanted to drop in and say hi and post my menu for yesterday. I hope to be back on track with exercising this weekend, or sooner if I feel not so sore.

Have a good night all!
Darla ;o)

Wednesday's menu and exercise:

Breakfast: low carb snack bar (120 calories, 3 net carbs), black coffee

Lunch: low carb snack bar (120 calories, 3 net carbs) bottle water

Dinner: Garden salad with chicken breast meat (320 calories, 6 carbs), my italian dressing (120 calories, 1 carb), 2 whole grain bread (150 calories, 24 carbs), 2 Tbsps margarine (160 calories, 0 carbs), bottle flavored water

Snacks: serving peanuts (340 calories, 5 carbs), 2 low carb popsicles (50 calories, 6 carbs)

Water: 2+ bottles
( 1,380 calories, 45 carbs)
Exercise: no formal exercise

Portion Sizes & Honesty

2006-04-27T07:30:00.000-04:00

Yesterday I seen an old acquaintance that hadn't seen me in around 11 years. He ask me if I had, had gastric bypass surgery. My teeth nearly fell out at that question. I said, "No, what on earth would make you ask such a question?" He said because you look so good, hardly anybody looses that much weight without surgery anymore. He is a big guy and I told him, "If I can do it, anybody can do it without surgery. It simply takes time and dedication." That is the truth girls. If you buckle down for only 12 weeks and eat properly (No more than 1,500 calories a day. Be HONEST with yourself about your portion sizes) and exercise 20 minutes - 1/2 an hour 4-5 times a week that first 12 weeks you will be astonished at the difference.

Yesterday I also went shopping for a close friends daughters junior high graduation gift. She ask me for an outfit instead of the gift card I usually send. She was 10 when I last seen her and a chubby little girl. She is now 14 and a size 20 in women's or 2 XL. She use to stay on the honor roll, now she is having major problems in school. No child should be a size 20 at 14. Her mom informed me her school problems stemmed from others picking on her. I said, "At that weight at 14 that's gotta be tough. Kids can be really cruel." My friend then informed me she really didn't eat that much, she couldn't understand why she was putting on the weight. I then discussed portion sizes with her, and ask her to keep the child's menu listed for two days for me. Last night when we sat down and counted the child's calorie intake it was 3,800 the first day and 4,200 the second day. It wasn't that she was eating all day long, it was that she was eating 3 meals a day and having seconds and thirds on everything and her portion sizes were huge to start with.The point being honesty with portion sizes go a long way.

Here is an article just on portion sizes:

Controlling Portion Sizes

http://www.cancer.org/docroot/PED/content/PED_3_2x_Portion_Control.asp

As Meals Swell to "Super-Size," So Do American Waistlines

Eating smaller portions of food is one of the easiest ways to cut back on calories—but it can also be one of the most challenging, with the current trend of super-sizing. Huge portions, all-you-can-eat-buffets, and extra-large "single servings" of chips, candy bars, and other snack foods can all contribute to overeating.

How do you know a reasonable portion of food when you see it? Visualize the objects mentioned below when eating out, planning a meal, or grabbing a snack. For example, the amount of meat recommended as part of a healthful meal is 3-4 ounces—and it will look to be the same size as a deck of cards.

1 oz. meat: size of a matchbox

3 oz. meat: size of a deck of cards or bar of soap—the recommended portion for a meal

8 oz. meat: size of a thin paperback book

3 oz. fish: size of a checkbook

1 oz. cheese: size of 4 dice

Medium potato: size of a computer mouse

2 Tbs. peanut butter: size of a ping pong ball

1 cup pasta: size of a tennis ball

Average bagel: size of a hockey puck.

Even bagels have become super-sized, which gives this reasonably healthful breakfast item a high calorie count. Bakeries and grocery stores often carry jumbo bagels that measure 4 ¼ inches across and contain 300-400 calories each. A regular, 3-inch-diameter bagel has about 150 calories and counts as 2 servings of bread in the grain group.

To eat smaller portions try the following ideas:

When eating out

Choose a regular hamburger at your favorite fast food stop instead of the larger burger, and save about 150 calories.
Have the small fries instead of the super-sized and save about 300 calories.
Order the small soda. It has about 150 fewer calories than the large one.
Share an entrée with a friend when you go to a restaurant.
Ask for half your meal to be packed for you and eat it for lunch the next day.

At home

Don't "eat from the bag."

When snacking, place a few chips, crackers or cookies in a bowl to help prevent overeating.
Buy single portions of snack foods so you're not tempted by the whole bag or box.
Like butter and sour cream on your baked potato? Mayonnaise and cheese on your sandwich? Cream cheese on your bagel? Use half the amount you usually do—and save even more calories by using lower-fat varieties.

Boost Servings of Fruits and Vegetables

ACS recommends five or more servings of fruits and vegetables each day to help prevent cancer. Since the serving sizes are relatively small, most people can easily follow the recommendations. Substitute low calorie, high-fiber fruits and vegetables for higher calorie foods and snacks; they'll help you feel full and you'll save on calories!

The list below explains the size, shape, and/or look of one serving.

medium apple or orange: the size of a tennis ball

1 cup chopped raw vegetables or fruit: baseball size

1/4 cup dried fruit (raisins, apricots, mango): a small handful

lunch-box size container of unsweetened applesauce

cup of lettuce: four leaves

chicken stir-fry with 1 cup of mixed broccoli, carrots, and mushrooms (= 2 vegetable servings)

1/2 cup cooked or canned legumes (beans and peas)

5-6 baby carrots

Gabs Menu & Exercise

2006-04-27T07:29:00.000-04:00

Gabs Menu 4-26-06

*Also I keep mineral water on my desk, kitchen, and even a couple of bottles in my car. So there really is no way to keep up with my water intake as I drink all day.*

Breakfast: Low Carb Bar & Water

Lunch: 1/2 BLT Salad Diet Coke

Dinner: 2 Low Carb Shelled Taco's, Water

Snack: 1 Blueberry Slimfast Optima bar

Exercise: Morning: 15 Minute Treadmill Evening: None

Tuesday by Darla...

2006-04-26T18:33:00.000-04:00

My little spitfire, Nia, at age 1 now

Hi girls! Thought I'd share a pic of my little sweetie looking rough and tough and in charge! And in charge, she is! I have watched many babies in the family over the years, of course including my own now soon to be 14 year old, and little Nia is one of the spunkiest of all! I have never had to move stuff off of my coffee table and other tables, but with Nia, things are different. I even had to tie the cupboard in the kitchen shut today under the sink. I have NEVER had to do that with any of the others. She is as sweet and cuddly as she is spunky too...a nice mixture for a little girl who KNOWS what she wants and already goes after it!

Today, she kept trying to go up these 4 steps that go up to our bedrooms and bath. I said, "No, No Nia" and she said "Yeah" every time I said "No"! I have to hold back the giggles that she gives me inside but, at other times, it can be really tiring trying to "win"!

I had an accident with Nia in my arms in the kitchen today. I fell over her walker, got my foot caught in it (and broke the rollers) and I fell on the kitchen floor all twisted up....but with Nia tight in my arms. Her eyes were the size of golf balls and I just hugged her close, got untangled and then just started giggling on the floor and told Nia, "Oops, Daya and Nia "go boom". She just looked at me like I was nuts and kept hanging on to me. What a clutz I am sometimes. I managed to wack my elbow, pull some muscles in my neck, wrist and upper arms and expecially my left hip and ankle. I landed hard on my hip and was wishing I had a little of that fat I lost because it hurt! Tomorrow, I will probably feel like I'm 90 and will be scheduling a much needed chiro appointment.

Of all the weeks, I am getting her again overnight tomorrow and Friday again (after two 12 hour days in a row already this week). I hope I'm able to move! I took some Advil, but doesn't seem to be doing anything yet. I will be not doing my exercises until I get some of these muscle pulls quieted down...probably a few days.

Now for the best part of yesterday with Nia, she said "love you" for the first time to me. My heart just melted.

Glad to see you, Lori! Sounds like the grill is a great idea! Can't help with the Lean Cuisines, because it's been ages since I used them.

Hope you had some much deserved fun today, Gab!

Ayn, I miss ya!

Your clutzy friend,
Darla ;o)

Tuesday's menu and exercise:

Breakfast: low carb snack bar (120 calories, 3 net carbs), black coffee

Lunch: low carb snack bar (120 calories, 3 net carbs) bottle water

Dinner: Garden salad with chicken breast meat (320 calories, 6 carbs), my italian dressing (120 calories, 1 carb), 2 whole grain bread (150 calories, 24 carbs), 2 Tbsps margarine (160 calories, 0 carbs), bottle flavored water

Snacks: serving peanuts (340 calories, 5 carbs), 2 low carb popsicles (50 calories, 6 carbs)

Water: 2+ bottles
( 1,380 calories, 45 carbs)
Exercise: no formal exercise

2006-04-26T07:02:00.000-04:00

Nope it's not the Nemesis and I in the tub, but a close simulation :P . The Nemesis has started back on his Muscle Milk and Slimfast trying to drop around 20 pounds because of health reasons. So that means I only have to cook 2 no more than three times a week, so that is why you will see me doing the Lean Cuisine thing while he is doing that. Also that is making my calorie intake insanely low on some days, and that is why I am not posting my calorie intake as not to be a bad influence on anyone.

Today I am driving to the city for lunch with friends and shopping. So wish me good luck on my menu!

Gab

Gabs Menu 4-25-06

*Also I keep mineral water on my desk, kitchen, and even a couple of bottles in my car. So there really is no way to keep up with my water intake as I drink all day.*

Breakfast: Low Carb Bar & Water

Lunch: Lean Cuisine Water

Dinner: Lean Cuisine, Water

Snack: 1 Carb Snack Bar

Exercise: Morning: 15 Minute Treadmill Evening: 1/2 Hour Weights

Monday by Darla...

2006-04-25T07:23:00.000-04:00

Hi girls! I thought I'd do a quick post before Nia arrives so I won't be behind. She'll be walking in any minute. I did stay on plan yesterday menu-wise, but had to skip exercise because I am so dizzy and my head feels like it's going to explode from this stupid sinus infection. I started on a script from my doc yesterday and hopefully will nip it in the butt sooner rather than later.

I wanted to thank you, Gab, for hanging in there and continuing to posting on here too. It does really make a difference to me to have to be held accountable for what I did or didn't do with my ongoing program. I even think to myself sometimes, "nope, don't eat that, you'll be feeling bad when you have to write it down tomorrow!" So anyway, thanks for being a trooper with me, Gab. I hope this short note will give inspiration to others that you don't have to be doing it all right...just have to be doing something and, as you taught me, be accountable for your actions good or bad. :-)

I hope everybody's doing well and has a great day!

Darla ;o)

Monday's menu and exercise:

Breakfast: low carb protein bar (210 calories, 3 net carbs), black coffee

Lunch: None, bottle water

Dinner: Garden salad with chicken breast meat (320 calories, 6 carbs), my italian dressing (120 calories, 1 carb), 2 whole grain bread (150 calories, 24 carbs), 2 Tbsps margarine (160 calories, 0 carbs), bottle flavored water

Snacks: serving peanuts (340 calories, 5 carbs), 2 low carb popsicles (50 calories, 6 carbs)

Water: 2+ bottles
( 1,350 calories, 42 carbs)
Exercise: none

2006-04-24T18:10:00.000-04:00

Eminem Lyrics

Eminem Music Video Codes

Music Video Codes by VideoCure.com

Hopefully I too have gotten back on track! Check out the puppet video!

Gab

Gabs Menu 4-24-06

*Also I keep mineral water on my desk, kitchen, and even a couple of bottles in my car. So there really is no way to keep up with my water intake as I drink all day.*

Breakfast: Low Carb Bar & Water

Lunch: Lean Cuisine Water

Dinner: Lean Cuisine, Low Carb Choc Bar, Water

Snack: 2 Carb Snack Bar

Exercise: Morning: 12 Minute Treadmill Evening: 1/2 Hour Weights

Sunday by Darla...

2006-04-24T10:25:00.000-04:00

Hi girls. I am think I'm finally on the right track and hope to stay there. I either did my menu and not my exercise last week, or vice versa. Yesterday, I did both finally, but I did cheat with the last of a sinfully good piece of peanut butter meltaway egg my neighbor sent us over. It's gone now thank goodness.

I came down with a sore throat and cough over the weekend. I had been fighting it since Nia and her mom were here last week and had it, but it finally got me. I think I'll call my doc for a prescription today so it won't linger on.

I hope everyone's doing well and we all have a better start to the new week.
Darla ;o)

Sunday's menu and exercise (not posting carbs, etc. since I don't know how many are in the peanut butter meltaway egg I ate yesterday)

Breakfast: Low carb protein bar, black coffee

Lunch: None, bottle flavored water

Dinner: Garden salad with chicken meat, my dressing, 2 whole grain bread, 2 tbsps margarine, bottle water

Snacks: serving peanuts, 2 low carb popsicles, last piece of chocolate peanut butter meltaway egg

Water: 2+ bottles

Exercise: treadmill 8 mins., bike 3 miles

2006-04-23T20:21:00.000-04:00

Just popping in to say HI and I am finally back on track today. I would post my menu & exercise now, but I'm sweating bullets from just exercising. Thought I was going to sweat to death.

I liked this tag. I had a dumb week and it seemed to fit for me today. Heck, I might even think about a pair of shoes or purse match that belt.

I'll be back in the morning with a real post. Hope everyone had a good weekend.

Darla

2006-04-22T17:43:00.000-04:00

Girls,

Since announcing I was taking a hiatus my phone has not stopped ringing and I have been flooded with email. Hopefully things will return to normal for me by Monday and I can return to posting.

Take Care,

Gab

Thinking Thin

2006-04-20T11:18:00.000-04:00

I am swamped today, hopefully I can post more either tonight or in the morning. I thought this was a helpful article. The link also has other helpful tips :).

Take Care,

Gab

Think Thin

http://diets.aol.com/americatakesitoff/thinkthin

You know you should work out more and eat less. But it’s nearly impossible to put the words into action if you’re thinking fat. So retrain your brain to think like a thin person –- because believing you can transform your body into a slimmer version is the first step to losing weight.

Here are a few ways to get started:

Set Goals: Successful weight loss starts with creating sensible goals. It’s not enough to say you want to lose weight. Instead, set specific, measurable goals: "I will walk for at least 30 minutes every morning" or "I will fill half my dinner plate with vegetables." Set short and long-term goals and chart your progress along the way. A short-term goal might be going to the gym this week while a long-term goal might be losing 15 pounds by next year.

Make a plan: You wouldn’t launch a company without a business plan, so don’t jump into a weight loss regimen without an action plan. And get it down on paper! Write down reasons why you want to lose weight, how you’re going to achieve it and what the rewards will be. When you need some motivation –- and a reminder about why you can’t dive into the cookie jar –- turn to your plan.

Talk to yourself: Rather than indulging in negative self-talk in which you beat yourself up for being a big, fat blob, talk yourself thin –- at least in your mind. Imagine wearing a slinky, black cocktail dress (or tux) exuding confidence. When a negative thought arises, push it aside with the image of your thinner self.

Head First: When you’re particularly ravenous, visualize putting together a quick, healthy meal (think broiled fish and nuked veggies). If you’re going to a party, mentally walk yourself through the buffet line, selecting the healthiest choices in small portions. If you can avoid the pitfalls of overeating in your mind, you’ll be more likely to curb a binge when it happens in real life. The same principle applies to exercise. Before you go to bed, imagine going for a brisk morning walk or run. When your alarm goes off at 6AM you’ll be primed and raring to go.

Reward Yourself: For each goal, write down a reward that isn’t food-related –- that slinky, black cocktail dress, for example. And, after a 10-pound weight loss, you’ll have the confidence to wear it.--Amy Paturel

Tues & Wed by Darla...

2006-04-20T09:19:00.000-04:00

Hi girls! I've had two "crappy" (pun intended) days in a row. I am hoping for a better one today. Nothing earthshattering...just life's crap that you have to deal with sometimes! I was so wiped out last night that I was almost too tired to eat believe it or not! lol

I did stick to my menu the last 2 days but not my exercise. I plan to be back on track today. I did have a lot of exercise chasing my little 1 yr. old fast walker, Nia, around, but did not have the energy to do my formal workouts. As I said, I will be on track again today and hopefully have a better post for today's diet and exercise.

I hope everyone's doing well. It's great to see you again, Lori! So proud of ya!!! You're a REGULAR now :) Keep up the great work! Gab, I hope you get to have a minute to breathe between all of the emails and phone calls you've been getting. Hang in there! Hi Ayn!! I miss you :(

Until tomorrow, take care,
Darla ;o)

Monday by Darla...

2006-04-18T13:03:00.000-04:00

These little flowers...wild violets...are my favorite and they are in my yard waiting for me to pick a bunch. It's been a tradition with my Mom, Grandma, Aunts, and the girl cousins in my family to pick them. Brings back neat and fun memories. My daughter's idea of a "bunch" was 2 little flowers :) She's not as into it this year. I used to sit in a patch of them and pick and pick and pick until I could see not one left.

Hi girls! I made it through the first day back yesterday but not without difficulty. Just from a few days off of my menu, it was harder to stick to it yesterday, but I did. I got up in the middle of the night a few times and wanted to eat, but somehow I didn't. I also had only exercised 2 days last week and had to get back in the swing of that. I was clumbsy yesterday...I guess that's what I'll call it...or out of sorts. My heart wasn't into it. Yesterday, I had been feeling sad with hearing the news of Pam's, from Just One Girl's Head Noise, death Sunday. I feel so sad for her children and family, but am happy she is no longer suffering here. I ended up doing 8 mins on the treadmill and that's all I could do. Hoping today's better. Those 8 minutes felt like a hundred and eight! I did get thru 3 miles on the bike.

I have Nia today and she's off schedule and cranky with a cough. I hope the poor little one feels better soon. It's so hard to not pick her up and just cuddle her when she's not feeling well :(

Glad to see you guys back! I'm going to check on Ayn. I'm worried about her. I started to read to catch up on her this morning, but Nia wasn't having it! Well, I'd better get posting my menu and exercise.

Here's my menu and exercise for Monday:

Breakfast: Low carb bar (210 calories, 3 NET carbs)

Lunch: Serving peanuts (340 calories, 5 carbs), bottle water

Dinner: Salad with chicken breast meat (320 calories, 6 carbs), my salad dressing (120 calories, 1 carb), 2 whole grain bread (150 calories, 24 carbs), 2 Tbsps margarine (160 calories, 0 carbs), bottle flavored water

Snacks: 4 (only one on a stick..cheaters..2 on 2 sticks should be 1 popsicle!) low carb popsicles (100 calories, 12 carbs)

( 1,400 calories, 46 carbs)
Water: 2 bottles
Exercise: 8 minutes treadmill, 3 miles bike

Hope everyone has a great day!
Darla ;o)

2006-04-18T08:17:00.000-04:00

Yesterday I announced I was taking the rest of the year off from doing sessions and a break from my main blog to focus on EP and writing. OMG, you would had thought I had announced I was terminally ill. Starting yesterday afternoon through midnight my phone rang constantly with concerned clients from as far away as Israel. So I didn't exercise yesterday or cook, but I will today even though this is a busy office day for me today. Here is my menu for yesterday:

Breakfast: Water Low Carb Bar

Lunch: Lean Cuisine Water

Dinner: 5 Chicken Wings & 2 Slices Domino's Pizza

I thought Donna's hippo was just too cute!

Have A Great Day Girls!

Gab

Back to the old grind by Darla...

2006-04-17T10:39:00.000-04:00

Hi girls! I hope everyone had a great Easter weekend. Guess it's back to the old grind...no more chocolate, junk or goodies! I'm not making any confessions...just getting back on track today.

Thanks for the song, Gab. I need "pumped up"!

Hope everyone has a good start to the new week!

Darla ;o)

2006-04-17T07:56:00.000-04:00

Black Eyed Peas Lyrics

Black Eyed Peas Music Video Codes

Music Video Codes by VideoCure.com

After my three day Pig-Fest I will begin keeping track of my menu's again today. I hope everyone had a great Easter. I thought this video would be good for those of you who need
"Pumped Up."

Gab

Happy Easter by Darla...

2006-04-14T12:44:00.003-04:00

Hope everyone's enjoying the start of

the Easter Holiday weekend!

Don't eat too much chocolate!

I SAID, DON'T EAT TOO MUCH CHOCOLATE!!

DID YA HEAR ME THAT TIME?

Oh, just eat it for goodness sakes! LOL

HAPPY EASTER!

Hugs,

Darla

2006-04-14T06:41:00.000-04:00

Happy Easter Weekend To Everyone!

Gabreael

I'm back...by Darla

2006-04-13T13:17:00.000-04:00

Hi girls! It's been a long week, but I made it back. Thanks for your kind words and sentiments on the loss of our Aunt. She was my daughter's Godmother and my one of my favorite aunts. I've been doing a lot of reflecting this week. It seems that when you lose someone close to you that it makes you re-evaluate a lot of things in life in general.

I had been doing pretty good after the birthday party this weekend (and after 2 pieces of birthday cake...one being an end piece with lots of icing!), until yesterday. I woke up after 4:00 am and had a sweet attack. I ate a reg size bag of peanut M&M's and didn't stop there...then I had 2 snack bags of cookies...one was chocolate covered graham crackers and one was mini choc chip cookies. I felt crappy when I woke up. I swear I didn't realize how much sugar affects me in a negative way until I stopped eating so much of it. Now I have to walk and pedal some of that off today. I'm back on track today so far!

I'm lucky this year, as I don't have to cook for Easter, and I am sooo glad! It's nice to get a break from cooking a holiday meal for a change.

I hope everyone's doing well.

Darla ;o)

2006-04-13T08:35:00.000-04:00

Good Morning Girls,

Most of yesterday was spent with our surrogate Italian family and two other sets of friends. I have a busy office day today, but wanted to take a few minutes to post and run to the gym this morning. I may or may not count my carbs and calories until after Easter since it appears to be raining company at our home this week, but I will post my menus and exercise, and attempt to fight the good fight. I hope everyone is doing well.

Gab

Gabs Menu 4-12-06

*Also I keep mineral water on my desk, kitchen, and even a couple of bottles in my car. So there really is no way to keep up with my water intake as I drink all day.*

Breakfast: Low Carb Bar & Low Carb Hot Choc.

Lunch: Low Carb Bar & Water

Dinner: Taco Salad Baked Shell & Baked Nachos With The White Mexican Cheese Diet Pepsi (Yeah, yeah, Darla I know the diet drinks are toxic)

Snack: 1/2 Almond Snickers With Nemesis, 1 Fruit Cup

Exercise: Morning: 20 Minute Treadmill Evening: 1/2 Hour Weights

Fast Track Fitness

2006-04-13T08:11:00.000-04:00

I don't know that I agree with their less rep theory, this is the first time I have seen this, but I thought this article was an interesting read.

Gab

Fast-Track Fitness

http://www.health.com/health/article/0,23414,1147414,00.html

Re-work your workouts and spend less time in the gym.

When it comes to multitasking, you’ve got it down. But if exercise is often bumped off your to-do list by everything else vying for your attention, why not make workout time your me time? Now, before you protest that you don’t have time to exercise, hear us out. We’ve got five ways to shave precious minutes off your routine while still getting you the same benefits as a full-length workout. And once you’ve reaped the rewards, we’ll bet you won’t hesitate to put it at the top of your list.

Stay single
Get the same strength results in 50 to 67 percent less time by doing just 1 set of strength moves. Recently revised strength-training guidelines from the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) recommend a single set of 8 to 12 strength reps (with enough weight that you can’t do any more) instead of 2 or 3 sets. “Research shows that this gives similar results in terms of muscle strength and endurance as multiple sets,” says Robert M. Otto, PhD, the guidelines’ associate editor and director of Adelphi University’s Human Performance Laboratory in Garden City, New York.Time saved: 16 minutes if you normally do 2 sets; 32 minutes if you normally do 3 sets (based on 8 exercises).

Build a pyramid
A pyramid approach to your cardio workout will save time over exerting the same effort throughout, says Keli Roberts, an ACSM-certified personal trainer and group fitness manager at Equinox Pasadena. Here’s how it works: You gradually move from low intensity for a longer time to high intensity for a shorter time, then back down again. For example, run for 5 minutes at 4 mph, then 3 minutes at 5 mph, 1 minute at 6 mph, 3 more minutes at 5 mph, then finally 5 more minutes at your original speed (4 mph); repeat.Time saved: 4 minutes (off a regular 45-minute workout).

Mix it up
Try adding bursts of speed to your cardio routine to save time while burning the same number of calories (or maybe even a little more) and building your speed and endurance. Just ramp up to high intensity for 30- to 60-second bursts, do a few recovery minutes at a lower intensity, then repeat, Otto says.Time saved: About 5 minutes (off a regular 45-minute workout).

Head for the hills
Take your usual walk, run, or bike ride up a hill. That’ll increase workout intensity and calorie burn—and shorten your session, Roberts says. If you use a treadmill, try bumping the incline by up to 10 percent.Time saved: 25 minutes walking or 17 minutes running (off a regular 45-minute workout) if you do your whole routine on an incline.

Rethink restTrim gym time by alternating upper- and lower-body strength exercises and skipping the rest periods in between. For example, instead of resting for 60 seconds after a set of bicep curls, go straight to a set of lower-body moves like lunges, advises Len Kravitz, PhD, an exercise physiologist and University of New Mexico associate professor of exercise science. “This way, your upper body still gets a rest.” You do your usual routine, but it’s compressed—and ultra-efficient.Time saved: 8 minutes (based on 8 exercises).

Easter

2006-04-12T08:16:00.000-04:00

Wow, the last couple of days have flown by! Monday I did great exercise wise however we went out with friends and I had a chocolate milkshake and three cordial cherry Easter eggs
:( . I did great exercising yesterday, but because of my bad eating habits Monday I seemed to want to snack a lot yesterday, but I did my best to stick to the program. I was/am swamped with work this week, so I may be a little slack in my posting :P .

I thought the blog needed livened back up a bit. So enjoy a bit of "Pink" now :) .

How is everyone handling Easter dinner? I am debating that. I have decided not to go to my mothers for Easter because she puts out such a huge spread and then we all eat for two days. I am trying to decide between cooking at home, and going out. Cooking at home I will have left overs, but going out I have more temptation. Hmmmmmmmm....... Any thoughts girls?

Gab

Gabs Menu 4-11-06

*Also I keep mineral water on my desk, kitchen, and even a couple of bottles in my car. So there really is no way to keep up with my water intake as I drink all day.*

Breakfast: Low Carb Bar & Low Carb Hot Choc.

Lunch: Cobb Salad & Water

Dinner: Southern Spicy Vin. BBQ & Slaw

Snack: 1 Low Carb Bar, 1 10 Cal Jell-O, 5 Pretzels

Exercise: Morning: 20 Minute Treadmill Evening: 1/2 Hour Weights