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Introduction Text Hi, I'm Elsa. I've battled with up and down scales ever since I can remember. In the year 2000, I dedicated time to myself by attending the gym almost daily and having a more active lifestyle. I decided to do something about my health...more than my weight...after loosing my dad to cancer. I knew I didn't want to die like he did. I re-sculpted my body. Then, I moved, started a new business that is very physical, found out my mom had cancer and has since passed on, and had a "surprise" 3rd baby. My size went back up and I felt uncomfortable with low energy. I ran across spark by accident while searching menu planning. I started June 5, 2007 and am really excited about using the tools, making my health a priority, and meeting other people that are motivated to lose weight and live a healthier lifestyle. After finding the SP site in June, I didn't plug in with people. After a while, I no longer came to SP. In December of 2007. I really had enough. I topped out in my clothes and new I was ready to push into another larger size. I felt drained most of the time. I couldn't take the low energy anymore. December 26, 2007. I re visited SP. My weight had gone up from June to December by another 8 pounds. I've been plugged in ever since I set my mind to do this. I am determined to realize a HEALTHIER ME...FOR LIFE! This time, I immediately searched out people and requested their friendship and mentoring. I searched out those who have accomplished what I desire to have in my life and ask for help. So many wonderful people have made themselves available and are just a few keystrokes away. I have made beautiful friendships with beautiful people on quests of their own. I can truly attest to the fact that telling others about my weight loss journey and goals, and asking for their support is making my weight loss a success! It is vital to achieving goals. *********************************** INTENTIONS & INSPIRATIONS 2/10/08: Booked our wedding in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico for June 19, 2008! We're renewing our vows for our 21 years married together! This is quite the carrot dangling before me. It makes every exercise I do and every bite I take count! 10/2008: Intention to do my first century ride in Nevada. Thanks Marnie, my mentor and inspiration! I am looking forward to this. (COMPLETED-113 miles 7hrs. 49 mins.) AIDS RIDE: participate in event in 2009 or 2010. http://www.aidslifecycle.org/about/ *********************************** WEIGHT LOSS JOURNEY 12/26/07: 185 MY START 1/02/08: 180 (-5) 1/07/08: 178 (-2) 1/14/08: 176 (-2) 1/21/08: 175 (-1) 1/28/08: 170 (-5) 2/11/08: 169 (-1) 2/25/08: 168 (-1) 3/03/08: 165 (-3) 3/24/08: 162 (-3) 3/31/08: 160 (-2) 4/03/08: 159 (-1) 4/30/08: 157 (-2) 5/07/08: 156 (-1) 5/15/08: 155 (-1) 8/05/08: 154 (-1) 8/27/08: 153 (-1) 9/03/08: 151 (-2) 9/09/08: 150 (-1) 1/21/09: 149 (-1) 2/14/09: 147 (-2) : 154 11/5/09: 152 (-2) 11/14/09: 150 (-2) *********************************** NOTES TO MYSELF: NEVER GIVE UP. Eventually, the ticker starts to move again. I do better when I track my calories. Take snacks when going out for any length of time. Keep my purse stocked. (apples, bananas, Luna bars, cranberries, water) Break up into smaller meals throughout the day...I need something every two to three hours or I'll be starving and that can lead to poor choices! Keep the fridge stocked with fresh, ready to eat veggies. I'm more successful to have a quick salad when hungry. IMPORTANT: ready to eat spinach is a must, ready to eat mixed greens. Found broccoli florets at Costco. Menu plan for the week! And for those times that I can't follow menu, have a quick stand by...frozen chicken tenderloins (from Trader Joe's) with a salad. Soups also work well...home made chicken helps me stay on track. Have my low carb chocolates (Trader Joe's) and Healthy Choice Fudge Bars in stock. These help curb chocolate cravings and stick within my calorie range and plan! When little one is sick, I can exercise walks with him in stroller! Pushing up hills works well for exercise. Do activities I love to do! Such as biking. See how my body feels that day and work at a level of intensity that fits. Some days, a lower intensity is my best and that is okay, what's important is that I remain consistent and not drop out an opportunity to exercise because, "I'm too tired!" Take naps when I can if I am feeling the need...it's okay and resting is important. Put my exercises on family calendar. It reminds me of when I'm doing what and doesn't allow for other activities that the family needs to replace my intentions! I need to keep myself a high priority or I'll schedule a kids' activity over my spin class and long ride days! Don't put the needs of others before my own. I can be flexible and uncompromising! Pat myself on the back for every small and big step I take....tell the critic voice to shut up! Dance More....it makes me happy! Put events on my calendar that I work towards. These are my intentions that I'm working towards. These bigger intentions drive the grunt work; i.e., wedding, century, high school reunion. ck out restaurant menus before I go and make the choice at home. Be the first to order. Don't finish everything on my plate, unless it's a salad. Ask how things are prepared if not sure, so I can ask for certain things to stay out of dish if need be. DRESSING ON SIDE. Spark often...it constantly renews my mind and keeps me focused to staying on track with myself! _____________________________________________ NOVEMBER Work Out Plan: Spin : M, Th ST: T, F Road Bike: Wed/Th (weather permitting) Free Choice: Sat/Sun. one day off during the week. Adjust above each week as needed pending travel schedules Try Zumba Class - DONE 11-4-08 FUN! Break 150...lose 2 to 5 lbs. or drop inches by Thanksgiving Track Calories 1200 to 1500 range 8 8oz of water in per day Cut out alcohol for the next 4 weeks No high calorie desserts, make some Spark one or low calorie/fat desserts. Limit to weekends and must stay within calorie range. Increase veggies served at dinner One salad meal per day Plan Thanksgiving family dinner menu include lite food choices and liter dessert ---------------------------------------------------------------- Road Mileage 1-11-09 26 miles (first ride of my New Year) 2-03-09 16.7 miles 2-13-09 30.4 miles 4-26-09 62 miles Flatflower 60 in Chico, CA

1. To have better health and energy. These are my biggest motivators! 2. Renewing my marriage vows June 19th, 2008, and I want to be proud to have pictures taken of me. (DONE 6/19/2008) 3. Have beautiful portraits taken of me with my kids. (6/19/2008) 4. Teach Spin Class 5. Lower my Triglycerides. (DONE) 6. Take myself less seriously/have more fun with myself. (SOME TIMES) 7. Lower my stress. (WORKING ON IT) 8. Play more with my kids...get them more active. (DOING) 9. Century ride in October 2008. YIKES did I really say "yes" to this. LOL (DONE 10/4/2008) 10. Lower my blood glucose. Currently 100.

TRACK WHAT I EAT AND CALORIES. I work to stay between 1200 and 1500 calories. REDUCE PORTIONS. using a salad plate rather than dinner plate. EXERCISE + EXERCISE + EXERCISE: YMCA I work out on elliptical cross trainer, Precor, and love my spin class. Spin 2 or 3 times per week. Usually Mon., Tues., Thurs., and/or Sat. I also now walk my toddler more to the park and play/chase him at playground...getting he and I more active while making it fun. We go to the park every Monday and do free swim at the YMCA on Tuesday and Friday. Park further from stores. Look for ways to be more active! STRENGTH TRAINING: started with a PT in April. I meet with her Tues. and Fri. for one hour sessions Do protein shake within the hour after training. WEEKENDS: longer rides on my road bike. Sunday: more of a chill day with my family.

I live near San Francisco, CA. I'm the mom of three kids: 19, 16, and 6...I should loose weight just keeping up with them ;-) I love spin class...my favorite way to burn calories to music and be invigorated! I am a faux/decorative painter and love what I do. I can be emailed at Eeyore0566@yahoo.com



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