JILLSTIME2LOSE   6,916
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JILLSTIME2LOSE's Recent Blog Entries

My Rise & Shine Challenge

Monday, April 01, 2013

Hey Everyone,
How many of you are doing that "Rise & Shine Challenge" for the whole month of April??? I AM!!! I believe the rules were to do at least one of these every day throughout the month of April:
1) eat breakfast
2) exercise in the morning
3) both of the above

Now, I don't usually do blogs, but this one I tend on editing everyday to update it for myself and to see my progress. I hardly ever wake up in time before work to have breakfast and a nice, hot cup of coffee. This April Challenge, I hope will change that. Also, now that SPRING IS HERE, I tend to wake up in plenty of time to go walking outside and wake up with the fresh air and sunshine!!

Yes, I love my pillows and would rather sleep than have breakfast, but I am now learning, more than ever, that breakfast is so important and it's definitely why I'm so sleepy and drowsy throughout the day. I'd rather wake up in enough time to have something healthy in my stomach and also wake up slowly and leave in plenty of time so I don't have to face insane traffic................So here we go!!!!!! emoticon

*Monday, April 1st - Woke up in plenty of time to have breakfast and fix me a nice cup of coffee for the drive into work :)
*Tuesday, April 2nd - (First of all, went to bed too late) / Woke up with some time to eat a quick bowl of cereal. No coffee :o( (Planning on doing a Zumba DVD tonight!!)

  
  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

AMALIA8 4/1/2013 9:51AM

    Sounds like a great plan! I'm doing a challenge with one of my teams and I don't think I'll be able to do this one too, but I'll keep it in the back of my mind. Keep up the amazing work!

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SUNSET09 4/1/2013 9:43AM

  Woke up at 3:45 a.m. with an extra hour to sleep. Daylight savings time in Europe however my clock set itself. Went back to sllep until the real 4:45a.m. went to the gym to do 30 minutes on the emoticon and 20 minutes of floor execises emoticon emoticon emoticon. Back to the gym tonight to get in some strength training. Breakfast is an everyday event for me. That's the easy part! emoticon emoticon

Comment edited on: 4/1/2013 9:45:43 AM

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NEWRUNNER2 4/1/2013 9:38AM

    emoticon

I'm doing the Rise and Shine Challenge, too! I am not a morning person. I've been pretty good at getting breakfast lately, but it's been on the smaller side.

I'm hoping that this challenge will help me get up just a bit earlier and start the day with a more substantial breakfast and at least a jump start on my calorie burn.

Today I got up earlier than usual and burned about 75 calories before I'd usually be up. Not a ton, but a good start. Also, my breakfast consisted of more protein than usual and I had leftovers instead of cereal.

Glad to know there are others doing this challenge, too! Take care. emoticon

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Enjoying Biking Again!

Friday, July 06, 2012

It’s so funny that as soon as I got my license (over 10 yrs ago now), I completely gave up bike riding. I’ve let my only mountain bike get rusty and dusty in my small garage on the side of my house and simply stopped thinking about ever going for another bike ride ever again now that I can drive.

Well, things started to change in my mind a bit when I started at this company I’m at now. I’ve been here 5 ½ years now and for the last 4 ½ this one co-worker of mine has tried to convince me to join him, and a few others in the company, in participating in the American Cancer Society Bike-A-Thon, which takes place every July.

Those last 4 years, whenever the month got close and the summer heat kept creeping closer, I somewhat wanted to participate but I’ve always said “Maybe next year” or thought of a quick excuse or other event I had to attend. (I feel bad now honestly)

Then with my parents and I losing approximately 20 lbs each this past March, something clicked when that co-worker of mine asked me for the 5th time to join him.

This time I said “Yes, count me in!”

He was so thrilled as was I!!

Even though I should’ve started training months ago, it’s almost time for the Bike-A-Thon (2 days to be exact) and yes I’m so out of shape, but I’m not backing out. In the past 2 weeks, I’ve gotten my mother and one of my best girl friends out on our bikes together.

Now, for someone (me) who hates summer, I have to admit, it’s been an eye-opener since I started biking again. The heat may be horrible while you’re waiting in traffic at every red light or on a major highway in 5 o’clock traffic just trying to get home, but I’ve found that after work, getting on my bike, the heat it’s not so bad because there’s always a breeze (a hot one yes, but at least it’s some wind).

I’ve also laid out a back route from my home to my work and found a great way, all back roads, and it only takes me an hour to bike it. I may start riding to work, but I’d have to check the weather so as to not be stuck riding in rain, up hills, lololol (I can see it now).

But honestly, that’ll save me bit $$ on gas!! Here’s hoping.

I can’t believe I totally gave up bike riding when I got my license. If you are younger and reading this, please don’t do this. Keep riding your bike for exercise like I should’ve done.

  
  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

NJJAZZ 7/6/2012 10:47AM

    so come and join our spark team for the Jersey shore bike tour. Check it out on our team page....................... we have 6 riders ----------- and we;d love to have you

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LOOKINGUP2012 7/6/2012 10:23AM

    emoticon emoticon

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MOONCURLZ1 7/6/2012 9:47AM

    Enjoy the ride! I've gotten caught in the rain many times, and sometimes is super refreshing when you are almost done with the ride and need the rain to cool you off. Get a nice waterproof basket to keep your goodies dry :)

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BABSMOORE10300 7/6/2012 9:43AM

    emoticon Good luck

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Need advice...

Thursday, June 28, 2012

HELP Spark People - I've hit a rut of a plateau and cannot seem to get passed it!!

I walk a lot and I've just started bike riding again (Getting ready to ride for Cancer on July 8th), but I also plan to ride more even after that event!! (But it's not enough at the moment)

And I do not belong to a gym, I have in the past where I go a lot in the beginning and bring a friend to motivate me, but then it gets old or I make excuses or plans to not go......You know what I mean..........

So....What are some things that have worked for you in the past (or now) where you find yourself hitting and staying at a certain # on that lovely scale, lol ???

  
  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

TRISSIDAAE 6/28/2012 9:41PM

    change your routine and I heard on SP somewhere that cutting 200 calories will help push past that too emoticon

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JERZGURL_NAN 6/28/2012 9:41PM

    repeat after me - THIS IS TEMPORARY - I WILL get past this - I am not at this number forever - I will not give up - I WILL see the scale move again!!!

I've had to repeat this to myself many times in the last few weeks - it is SO easy to start believing that we are stuck. emoticon

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CORINA-MOMOF4 6/28/2012 8:38PM

    Lots of great advice already - you can do it! Don't give up!!

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MICHELELYNN777 6/28/2012 4:07PM

    My body LOVES to plateau and I never know exactly what pushes me past one. Maybe changing it up with your exercise by adding some strength training? I use a lot of workout dvd's so I don't get bored. Walking/biking are great for cardio, but some interval/circuit type workouts might confuse your body into breaking your plateau. I have also tried eating a few different foods if I've been in a rut. Trying new fruits/veggies or making a new recipe might help. I have also tried to consistently track my food here on SP and always run the report at the end of the day to see what my % for carb/proten/fat is. If I hit a plateau, I will look at changing the types of foods I'm eating to lower the carbs, increase the protein, etc. Hope you find something that works for you. Just be consistent and keep making healthy choices and that scale will eventually have to catch up!

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JILLSTIME2LOSE 6/28/2012 3:50PM

    Thank you all for your wonderful comments, advice and motivation!! I really do appreciate it and am taking notes :):):):)

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BECKYANNE1 6/28/2012 1:59PM

    I've turned my walking into running and I've increased my fruits and veggies alot. I broke thru my plateau. Good Luck and hang in there. It will pass.

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SONYALATRECE 6/28/2012 1:53PM

    Try changes in your diet & changing your workout routine.

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VALERIEJENSEN05 6/28/2012 12:57PM

    I too have reached a plateau feels like I'm bulking on more muscle than losing weight. I've heard that once you reach a plateau you should do several different kinds of workouts because your body is probably used to doing whatever workout you do the most. It's at these times I just wanna get rid of the scale emoticon

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HOPEFULHIPPO 6/28/2012 12:39PM

    well, plateus are GOING to happen but good for you for not giving up and moving fowrad,

There are LOTS of things to do. Are you near a swimming pool? Tennis? Rec Center?

Or do you have DVD workouts you can do (free at library, on demand, or Netflix) Those are my personal faves because it's just me...I don't like swimming LOL

the hardest thing though is consistency in activity. I know that's MY frog. But if we stick with it...I just know you'll bust through that plateu!!!

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URGETTINTHIN 6/28/2012 10:39AM

    It sounds like as long as you keep it moving--- you're doing just fine. I've come to realize I self-sabotage by not enjoying where I am and always wishing I was someplace else. Learn to enjoy the journey! If you get in a rut but you continue to walk consistently that's just fine. Doing nothing--now that's a rut. BTW you're beautiful! emoticon

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LADYJ6942 6/28/2012 10:08AM

    I've found increasing my fruits and veggies to help well cutting back on treats, using canned good or jugs of water for weight restistance or a resistance band for some strength training to help, even good old calistetics.

Take a look at your too diet, maybe re-evaluate your bmr and caloric needs. Maybe more water and more sleep, oh so many variables.

Good luck

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MISSCUS 6/28/2012 10:05AM

    Just keep at it, I had the same problem last year. I am older, not as much muscle, so burning off the fat takes longer, but after I added to exercise to total of 60 min cardio walking the pounds came off. 30 lbs in a year. Tracked all food, stayed within low range. Seemed to work, was just slow. I gained ten lbs back over holidays though. Working on that now with a Biggest Loser Team Challenge, is helping to get me back to losing again.
Keep sparking and do what you are doing, maybe add some more time walking and a little brisker, you'll break that plateau. I know it, you're a Spark People person!!!
emoticon

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Finally, the New ME!!

Wednesday, May 09, 2012

So...ok...I'm not sure if any of you have ever heard of HCG before. If you have and have been or still are skeptical about trying it for losing weight - TRUST ME - IT WORKS!!!!!!!!!! I was VERY skeptical, especially when my Dad (who I love big time) wanted to try it. He kept telling my mother and I that because his best friend and wife are trying it, that we should too. Well, I did my own research and honestly, I didn't like it one bit.

This diet goes against everything that doctor's say how we should eat: 500 calories a day / low protein / no exercise while taking the drops...etc. BUT.......

That's when one night my mother and I did a sort of conference call to Jimmy and his wife (who live in KY) and we asked ALL of our skeptical ?'s about this hormone.

His wife is a nurse and none of her hospital co-workers, not even the doctors, had anything bad to say about this diet. That was the 1st reason why I thought this was ok. Secondly, because Jimmy and his wife lost a combined total of 50 lbs together during their first round of doing HCG. I was amazed when I saw before and after photos of them.

So long story short.....My parents and I tried it. You can choose to do just the 21 day (3 week) plan OR you can choose to do between 21-40 days. My parents and I did it for exactly 27 days: I lost a total of 16 lbs / My mother lost a total of 18 lbs / and My father lost a total of 22lbs.

This is the FIRST thing that has worked for any of us!!!!!!!!!! So YES, I totally, 150% Recommend the HCG drops, especially if you have over 30 lbs to lose. In 2 months time, my parents and I plan to do another 20-40 day round again to lose more weight. The test will be to see if we can all keep the weight off until we start it back up again.

I FEEL AWESOME and some shirts & pants fit that hasn't fit in at least 7 years!!!!!

  
  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

JILLSTIME2LOSE 5/10/2012 10:23AM

    I understand both of your concerns, trust me! I do NOT want to gain that weight back, no way, no how!!! And I understand I will need to watch what I eat from here on out, but honestly, that's what I should've been doing in the first place!!!!! I gained the weight back in college because I was lazy and wanted the horrible stay-awake foods instead of the nutritious keep-my-body-and-mind-going foods.........I learned how to eat horrible in college and it stayed with me for 10 years - that's ridiculous!!! I will keep you both posted on how I (and my parents) do after 2 months of NOT taking the drops. Thanks for the motivations and feedback! emoticon

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SUSANS706 5/9/2012 5:50PM

    I too have several friends who did it, and gained it back and then some. Of course you will lose weight taking in 500 calories a day, keeping that up is pretty tough (and not healthy) You will still need to watch what you eat, after you are done. Will also be interested in how it is in a few months. Good luck.

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CROWLEY123 5/9/2012 2:34PM

    Congratulations - I would be very interested to know how you feel in a couple of weeks, and if you are able to keep up that lifestyle, and maintain the weight loss. I know several people that tried this, and put on about 150% of the weight they lost within about 6 weeks of stopping the "pregnancy hormone." I hope you do better than that! Best of luck!


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IT'S MARCH.....

Thursday, March 01, 2012

I NEED TO GET MY BEHIND IN GEAR AND LOSE WEIGHT THIS YEAR!!! IT'S ALREADY MARCH AND I'M NOT NEARLY WHERE I WAS HOPING I'D BE WHEN I FIRST SIGNED UP WITH THIS SITE LAST FALL. I KNOW IT TAKES TIME TO LOSE WEIGHT, AND PROPERLY (TO KEEP IT OFF), BUT I HAVEN'T EVEN HARDLY MADE A DENT AND THAT IS A HUGE LET DOWN FOR MYSELF...IT'S ALMOST LIKE MY BODY IS TOTALLY COMFORTABLE WHERE IT IS, BUT I AM TOTALLY, MOST DEFINITELY, NOT COMFORTABLE WITH MY WEIGHT. I NEVER HAVE BEEN. BY NOT WORKING HARD AT THIS, I'M ONLY HURTING MYSELF!!! BUT IT'S MARCH NOW AND THE WEATHER NO LONGER HAS SNOW IN THE FORECAST. IT ALSO MEANS THE DAYS ARE LONGER ALLOWING ME TO WALK LIKE CRAZY AFTER WORK!!! SO I SAY TO SPRING - BRING IT ON :)

  


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