Shari and Jodi's Space at the Million Pound Matchup

10 Low-Carb Solutions You'll Love

Tue, 18 Mar 2008 13:48:47 GMT

After struggling to get back on track, I am reading and journaling again. I've been having some major family health issues. DH was diagnosed with throat cancer recently and just started his Chemo treatments last week. Radiation will begin in a few weeks. Thanks to all of you that know our struggle and have been sending us prayers. I received the following link in an email this morning and found it inspiriring, so I am sharing with you all. Shari

10 Low-Carb Substitutions You'll Love

By Ely Leanne
eDiets Contributor

When you're a low-carb devotee, it's the simple things (carbs) you miss the most. Bread and mashed potatoes become things of the past. This is a sad reality of your newly chosen lifestyle. But, if you're a smart low-carb eater, a substitution for those longings is just a list away.

Help is on the way. Take note of these low-carb substitutes!

1. Faux-tatoes Anyone? Who says you can't have your potato and eat, it too? You can when you switch mashed potatoes for mashed cauliflower! Simply steam up a whole head of cauliflower until it is tender. Now, add some cream cheese, butter and salt and pepper. Whir it up in the blender or food processor. This is so good, you're gonna wish you had made this sooner!

2. Going Crackers. So what if saltines are verboten? Genisoy brand crackers are delicious and work well for snacking up a storm. And, check this out lest you think I've lost my low-carb footing: there are only 12 grams of carbs in the 25 crackers they give you per serving! So, eat half and you're still in the low-carb ballpark. They're available in a variety of flavors and can be had at well-stocked grocery stores and health food stores.

3. Chips Ahoy! Chips are a snacker's divine right. Or, so we seem to think. But, if you're low carbing, they're a carbohydrate nightmare. Tortilla Factory has solved that problem with a great tasting low-carb tortilla. Try the garlic herb tortillas! Cut them into triangles, spray with some oil and crisp up in the oven (about 425 degrees F, for about 7 minutes). Best of all, there are only 3 net carbs per tortilla!

4. It Hasta be Pasta! A simple substitute for the oft-craved pasta is spaghetti squash. It truly does have a nice nutty flavor. Top it with a meaty spaghetti sauce and some grated Parmesan for an Italian feast. It may not be fettuccine, but it sure looks like angel hair!

5. Chocoholic's Relief. There are low-carb chocolates and then there is Asher's Peanut Butter Truffle bar. Available at GNC, this thing has only ONE net carb and will save you from a Reese's regret later.

6. Panned Cakes. Thought you were doomed to skipping a stack of 'cakes forever? The brand to get is Low Carb Success in the gold, shiny bag -- only 3 net carbs per pancake! Try the butter pecan flavor. You don't even need syrup! I got my mix at the health food store, but it is available online as well.

7. Give Me Some Sugar. Most low-carb eaters point to the many-splendored benefits of Splenda. But give me xylitol any day of the week. How many sweeteners do you know that have already been researched to show no ill side effects, are non-controversial and actually help prevent cavities? Xylitol does all that and tastes just like sugar to boot. Check out xylitol.org

8. Soy the Sauce. If flour is taboo and cornstarch too, whatcha gonna do when you need to thicken up a gravy or sauce? Try using a little soy flour in its place. Soy flour is low in carbs and will do the job regular old flour will do. Say no to the white stuff and oh boy to soy!

9. Beg for the Roots. Turn that around to be rutabagas. Come on... who do you know that actually buys and eats rutabagas? You will when you see how wonderful these tubers do as a quick stand-in for traditional potatoes in stews and soups. No one will know the difference.

10. Cereal Killer. There are loads of low-carb cereals available now. While they might be a little on the expensive side, they're well worth the cost -- especially if you're missing a bowl of something crunchy or hot in the morning. A personal favorite is Flax-O-Meal, available in a variety of flavors and in both cold and hot varieties.

Going low carb needn't take you away from your favorite foods. Just perhaps change them around a bit. Now that you have a handy list of what to get instead, head to the store and get shopping -- your excuses are gone!

It's time to stop making excuses about your diet.

In loving memory

Sun, 09 Mar 2008 18:47:15 GMT

I miss you big brother!!!

Love,

Jodi

Weigh-in Week 9~~March 7

Fri, 07 Mar 2008 20:07:01 GMT

Jodi's Weigh In Results:

Challenge Start Weight: 324 pounds

Week #1 Weight: 317 pounds

Week #2 Weight: 317 pounds

Week #3 Weight: 316 pounds

Week #4 Weight: 314 pounds

Week #5 Weight: 314 pounds

Week #6 Weight: 314 pounds

Week #7 Weight: 313 pounds

Week #8 Weight: 312 pounds

Week #9 Weight: 311 pounds

Loss for the Week: 1 pound

Loss since Jan. 1st: 13 pounds

Loss since July '07: 51 pounds

% of Weight Lost this week: .32%

% of Weight Lost since challenge began: 4.01%

% of Weight Lost since July 07: 14.33%

I lost one pound this week. Well I'm nothing if not consistent!! As I said in the previous post I've been sick and look forward to feeling better and getting back exercising.

My plan for the week:

~Continue LA Weight Loss plan

~96 oz of water

~Turbo Jam when possible

Shari's Weigh In Results:

Challenge Start Weight: 255 pounds (Jan 1)

WeeK #1 Weight: 249 pounds (Jan 11)

Week #2 Weight: 251 pounds (Jan18)

Week #3  Weight:  246 pounds (Jan 25)

Week #4 Weight: 243 pounds (Feb 1)

Week #5 Weight: 244.5 pounds (Feb 8)

Week #6 Weight:   246 pounds (Feb 15)

Week #7 Weight:   243.5 pounds (Feb 22)

Week #8 Weight:   240.5 pounds (Feb 29)

Week #9 Weight:   239.5 pounds (Mar 6)

Loss for the Week:  1 pound loss

Loss since Jan. 1st: 15.5 pounds

Loss since April '07: 78.5 pounds

% of Weight Lost this week: .42%

% of Weight Lost since challenge began: 6.08%

% of Weight Lost since April 07: 24.69%

This week's weigh in my weight was down 1 lbs. Jodi, I am staying as consistent as you are. Atkins Induction is working so planning to stay with the plan. I'm planning to keep with the plan and try to keep up on my exercise. Still dealing with lots of demons, so not sure where the next week shall take me. Shari

My plan for the week:

~Continue Atkins Induction

~Make sure I get my vitamins and supplements in.

~Up my intake of Water to a minimum of 96 oz.

~Keep doing my water/aquasizes classes minimum of 3 hours week

~Keep doing the cycling exercises on in between days and strength training at least 2 x per week

Team Total:

Start Weight: 579 pounds

Week 1 Weight: 566 pounds

Week 2 Weight: 568 pounds

Week 3 Weight: 562 pounds

Week 4 Weight:   557 pounds

Week 5 Weight:   555.5 pounds

Week 6 Weight:   560 pounds

Week 7 Weight:    556.5 pounds

Week 8 Weight:    552.5 pounds

Week 9 Weight:    550.5 pounds

Total Loss this Week:   2 pounds

Total loss since Jan. 1st:   28.5 pounds

% of Weight Lost: 4.92%

Been sick~~Jodi

Fri, 07 Mar 2008 05:03:10 GMT

So, I've been sick for almost a week and found out today that I have pneumonia!! No wonder I've been feeling so cruddy!! I missed work on Tuesday and had Wednesday off. So, today I just felt like I had to go to work, even though I still felt pretty bad. Luckily I work in an urgent care and I had one of the providers check me out. I just thought I had a virus and had to wait it out. The provider did a chest x-ray and told me I have pneumonia and to go home!! I have a three day weekend to recover and recoup. Hopefully I'll feel better by Monday. I really haven't had an appetite and really have been living on toast and Sierra Mist Free. I can't wait to feel better so I can get back into my exercise.

Hope everyone is doing well and feels better than me. TTYL

Jodi

Weigh-In #8~~February 29

Sat, 01 Mar 2008 16:12:21 GMT

Jodi's Weigh In Results:

Challenge Start Weight: 324 pounds

Week #1 Weight: 317 pounds

Week #2 Weight: 317 pounds

Week #3 Weight: 316 pounds

Week #4 Weight: 314 pounds

Week #5 Weight: 314 pounds

Week #6 Weight: 314 pounds

Week #7 Weight: 313 pounds

Week #8 Weight: 312 pounds

Loss for the Week: 1 pounds

Loss since Jan. 1st: 12 pounds

Loss since July '07: 51 pounds

% of Weight Lost this week: .32%

% of Weight Lost since challenge began: 3.70%

% of Weight Lost since July 07: 14.05%

I lost one pound this week. I have been working a lot of hours and didn't plan well for last week. This week I have my menu for the week planned and will eat only what is planned. I am confident that next weigh in will be a great one.

My plan for the week:

~Continue LA Weight Loss plan

~96 oz of water

~Turbo Jam when possible

Shari's Weigh In Results:

Challenge Start Weight: 255 pounds (Jan 1)

WeeK #1 Weight: 249 pounds (Jan 11)

Week #2 Weight: 251 pounds (Jan18)

Loss since Jan. 1st: 14.5 pounds

Loss since April '07: 77.5 pounds

% of Weight Lost this week: 1.23%

% of Weight Lost since challenge began: 5.69%

% of Weight Lost since April 07: 24.37%

This week's weigh in my weight was down 3 lbs. Atkins Induction is working so planning to stay with the plan. I'm planning to keep with the plan and try to keep up on my exercise. Dealing with lots of demons currently, so not sure where the next week shall take me. Shari

My plan for the week:

~Continue Atkins Induction

~Make sure I get my vitamins and supplements in.

~Up my intake of Water to a minimum of 96 oz.

~Keep doing my water/aquasizes classes minimum of 3 hours week

~Keep doing the cycling exercises on in between days and strength training at least 2 x per week

Team Total:

Start Weight: 579 pounds

Week 1 Weight: 566 pounds

Week 2 Weight: 568 pounds

Week 3 Weight: 562 pounds

Week 4 Weight:   557 pounds

Week 5 Weight:   555.5 pounds

Week 6 Weight:   560 pounds

Week 7 Weight:    556.5 pounds

Week 8 Weight:    552.5 pounds

Total Loss this Week:  4 pounds

Total loss since Jan. 1st:   26.5 pounds

% of Weight Lost: 4.58%

What to Eat to Keep Hunger in Check

Wed, 27 Feb 2008 18:31:59 GMT

What to Eat to Keep Hunger in Check

You're hungry, and you know this because not only is your stomach rumbling, but you've also used the handy Hunger Scale. Before you grab something, make sure you choose a food that's going to stay with you a while and keep you feeling satisfied so you're not tempted to reach for something else soon after.

What type of food will do this? You're basically looking for a bite that has a lot of water and fiber. "Water has the biggest impact on the amount of food we eat," says Barbara Rolls, Ph.D., a professor of nutritional sciences at Penn State University in University Park. Rolls, who has conducted numerous studies on the foods that are most satiating, explains that the more water a food contains, the more of it you can eat without the risk of overeating. That's because most water-rich foods are low in calories (think fruit, vegetables, broth-based soups). In fact, her research shows that when people begin a meal with a low-calorie soup or salad, they actually end up consuming fewer total calories than when they skip the water-rich starter. (But, interestingly, a beverage--like juice or iced tea--doesn't do the trick. There's something extra satiating about soup.)

Fiber is a type of carbohydrate that gives food bulk, helps slow down digestion and makes you feel full longer. Again, many fiber-rich foods--fruit, vegetables, whole grains--are naturally low in calories. Women should get 25 grams of fiber per day; men should aim for 38 grams.

To work more filling foods into your diet use these tips:

•	Start your meal with a soup or salad. To keep calories in check, limit yourself to 100 calories. For soup, choose lighter vegetable-based or broth-based options. For salads, stick with greens and other veggies, no cheese or other high-calorie toppings. Use about 80 calories of dressing; that's about two teaspoons of olive oil, one tablespoon of regular dressing or two tablespoons reduced-fat dressing.
•	Make a meal out of salad by adding lean protein sources, such as turkey, beans, water-packed tuna or hard boiled eggs to your greens.
•	Prepare large batches of soup weekly, so there's always some on hand for a healthy snack, lunch or meal starter.
•	Puree fiber-rich veggies and add them to sauces, soups and sides to bulk up your meals without adding many calories.
•	Freeze fresh fruit to use in smoothies, dessert compotes and even as a topping for whole-grain pancakes.
•	Choose whole-grain products over processed white flour products whenever you can.

Weigh In #7

Fri, 22 Feb 2008 22:38:50 GMT

Jodi's Weigh In Results:

Challenge Start Weight: 324 pounds

Week #1 Weight: 317 pounds

Week #2 Weight: 317 pounds

Week #3 Weight: 316 pounds

Week #4 Weight: 314 pounds

Week #5 Weight: 314 pounds

Week #6 Weight: 314 pounds

Week #7 Weight: 313 pounds

Loss for the Week: 1 pounds

Loss since Jan. 1st: 11 pounds

Loss since July '07: 50 pounds

% of Weight Lost this week: .32%

% of Weight Lost since challenge began: 3.40%

% of Weight Lost since July 07: 13.77%

I lost one pound this week, with this loss I reached my 50 pound milestone!! I start LA Weight Loss yesterday so I am hoping it will help my weightloss pick up. I started my new full-time schedule at work and have picked up hours for a co-worker to help her out, so I went from working 24 hours to 50 hours. I am working that this week and next week. With all that I am having a hard time getting exercise in. I'm just going to focus on eating right and hopefully next week I can work exercise in.

My plan for the week:

~Continue LA Weight Loss plan

~96 oz of water

~Turbo Jam when possible

Shari's Weigh In Results:

Challenge Start Weight: 255 pounds (Jan 1)

WeeK #1 Weight: 249 pounds (Jan 11)

Week #2 Weight: 251 pounds (Jan18)

Loss since Jan. 1st: 11.5 pounds

Loss since April '07: 74.5 pounds

% of Weight Lost this week: 1.02%

% of Weight Lost since challenge began: 4.51%

% of Weight Lost since April 07: 23.43%

This week's weigh in my weight was down 2.5 lbs. I've started induction for Atkins on Monday and it's has got things moving again. I'm planning to keep with the plan and try to keep up on my exercise. Shari

My plan for the week:

~Continue Atkins Induction

~Make sure I get my vitamins and supplements in.

~Up my intake of Water to a minimum of 96 oz.

~Keep doing my water/aquasizes classes minimum of 3 hours week

~Keep doing the cycling exercises on in between days and strength training at least 2 x per week

Team Total:

Start Weight: 579 pounds

Week 1 Weight: 566 pounds

Week 2 Weight: 568 pounds

Week 3 Weight: 562 pounds

Week 4 Weight:   557 pounds

Week 5 Weight:   555.5 pounds

Week 6 Weight:   560 pounds

Week 7 Weight:    556.5 pounds

Total Loss this Week:  3.5 pounds

Total loss since Jan. 1st:   22.5 pounds

% of Weight Lost: 3.89%

Weigh in #6~ February 15

Sat, 16 Feb 2008 03:38:48 GMT

Jodi's Weigh In Results:

Challenge Start Weight: 324 pounds

Week #1 Weight: 317 pounds

Week #2 Weight: 317 pounds

Week #3 Weight: 316 pounds

Week #4 Weight: 314 pounds

Week #5 Weight: 314 pounds

Week #6 Weight: 314 pounds

Loss for the Week: 0 pounds

Loss since Jan. 1st: 10 pounds

Loss since July '07: 49 pounds

% of Weight Lost this week: 0%

% of Weight Lost since challenge began: 3.09%

% of Weight Lost since July 07: 13.5%

O.K, second week in a row without a loss!! This is getting really frustrating. I was sick this week, so I wonder if that effected me? My father-in-law gave me a certificate for a free month membership to a gym. I'm thinking I will give that a try. Maybe I will pay some to get a personal trainer to help get me going and motivated. I just don't know. I also received a offer from LA Weight Loss that I can go back to them for free. I went there a couple of years ago and quit going. I still have some time left there so I think I am going to go back (since they will let me resume where I left off.) They are still a lower carb diet, but not as strict on carbs as Atkins or Protein Power. I just want something to get me going again. I am really tired of weighing over 300!!!

My plan for the week:

~Start LA Weight Loss

~96 oz of water

~Strength training 3 times/week

~Turbo Jam 5 times/week

Shari's Weigh In Results:

Challenge Start Weight: 255 pounds (Jan 1)

WeeK #1 Weight: 249 pounds (Jan 11)

Week #2 Weight: 251 pounds (Jan18)

Week #3  Weight:  246 pounds (Jan 25)

Week #4 Weight: 243 pounds (Feb 1)

Week #5 Weight: 244.5 pounds (Feb 8)

Week #6 Weight:   246 pounds (Feb 15)

Loss for the Week:  1.5 pounds gained

Loss since Jan. 1st: 9 pounds

Loss since April '07: 72 pounds

% of Weight Lost this week: -.61%

% of Weight Lost since challenge began: 3.53%

% of Weight Lost since April 07: 22.64%

This week's weigh in my weight was up 1.5 lbs. I've not been working as much as last week, and have been doing what I thought was well on my diet. I may be in a stall mode, or just need to shake things up. I am going back to Atkins induction this week, and see if that helps. Truly not happy with my results this week, but they are what they are, and time to try to fix that. "Shari"

My plan for the week:

~Restart Atkins Induction

~Make sure I get my vitamins and supplements in.

~Up my intake of Water to a minimum of 96 oz.

~Keep doing my water/aquasizes classes minimum of 3 hours week

~Keep doing the cycling exercises on in between days and strength training at least 2 x per week

Team Total:

Start Weight: 579 pounds

Week 1 Weight: 566 pounds

Week 2 Weight: 568 pounds

Week 3 Weight: 562 pounds

Week 4 Weight:   557 pounds

Week 5 Weight:   555.5 pounds

Week 6 Weight:   560 pounds

Total Loss this Week:  1.5 pound Gain

Total loss since Jan. 1st:  19 pounds

% of Weight Lost: 3.28%

My Valentine's Day Poem

Tue, 12 Feb 2008 21:55:50 GMT

Dieting and Valentine’s Day while Low Carbing

You’re on a diet, and it’s almost Valentine’s Day, a day filled with love, romance, jewelry, roses, and of course CHOCOLATE. I just read an event challenge at our Biggest Loser Million Pound Matchup Site, that was challenging others to do without chocolate and instead consider writing poetry for the event.

Well, I am on a low carb diet and that means I don’t have to do without chocolate on Valentine’s Day, and while I’m not much of a poet, I decided to write one answering the need for chocolate not only on Valentine’s day, but any day I want it. So here is my poem.

Valentine’s Day Poem, by Shari

It’s Valentine’s Day, and it’s all about love…

A kiss on the forehead,
A kiss on the cheek,
A kiss on my lips,
A kiss so unique…

A box filled with Chocolates,
A box filled with Roses,
A box filled with jewels,
A loved one proposes,

I can live without your Roses,
I can live without a Jewel,
I can live without proposals,
But NO CHOCOLATE, hey that’s CRUEL.

LivinLaVida Low Carb is my Plan
Because Delectible Chocolates They Understand.
While searching for the best Chocolate near and far,
I found it in a Choco-Perfection LivinlaVida Low Carb Choco Raspberry Bar.

Chocolate on a diet is a no-no you say,
Well, I just checked the carb count, And I can have these bars every day.

Happy Valentine’s Day Everybody…

Why do we fail or gain the weight back that we fought so hard to lose?

Sun, 10 Feb 2008 14:12:08 GMT

Post from Shari

I’ve reached my 75 lbs Milestone, and now I have gained 1.5 lbs. I had promised myself a treat when I got to this milestone. A “real” treat, a massage. A relaxing massage, I’ve heard is a great way to do something good for yourself. This journey is all about me doing good things for me, so a massage is where I am headed, just as soon as I can stay under the 75 lbs mark for more than a couple of weeks.

The weight gain got me to thinking. "Why do most dieter’s fail or gain the weight back that they took so much interest in losing in the first place?"

OK you’ve lost a little weight or a lot of weight and you’re feeling better, and really looking “HOT” for the first time in a long time. People are coming up to you and saying, “WOW, you really look great”. You get comfortable and then you start letting those old habits slowly creep back into your life. After all you’ve worked hard you deserve a little treat, don’t you.

STOP….. Don’t do it! Time for us to re-adjust and get back on the path to losing. If you are going to give yourself a treat, make sure it’s not a trigger food, that will start you to spiral off your diet away from your goals. I’m not saying you can’t ever have those foods again, but just be aware of them. The one thing you must be able to do is to "GET BACK ON TRACK”

Reach for your goals, for the only person that can keep you from them is yourself.

I think the reason why most people gain weight back is because they lost it in a way that they couldn't keep up with for the rest of their life. Too many people focus on the losing weight phase and forget about maintaining their loss. Getting to your goal weight isn't a free pass to start eating anything and everything you want, you still have to watch your caloric intake for the rest of your life if you want to keep it off.

For the longest time I didn't give any thought to what would happen after I got to my ideal weight. I was young and naive and didn't know much about health and nutrition period. I thought the only way to lose weight was by exercising yourself to the point of insanity and staying hungry “starving” all the time. That's why the fad diets are so alluring because they offer something other than the traditional "starvation route", which I was lead to believe was the way to lose weight. I have been overweight all my life and I have been on and off dozens of diets since I was a child because I couldn't keep up with any of them, except the one I'm on now. LOW CARB –

Watching the carbohydrates that are allowed to enter my body, has been a huge key to my weight loss. Most of the time it’s just common sense eating with a twist. The way doctor’s and diet experts have told us to eat over the past 20 years doesn’t work for me. Lowfat, just made me hungrier and wasn’t a WOE that I could abide by for the rest of my life. Now, I don’t get bent out of shape about fats in my diet. I do watch that I eat the healthier fats, olive oil, coconut oil, canola oils, depending on the dishes. Even butter is a good fat. I do have carbs on my diet, I just make sure they are those carbs, that digest slower. For anyone who thinks low carb is No Carb, read a book, and really know what the diet is about. I am re-reading for the 4th time Atkins New Revolution, as I am starting induction again this week. I also am staying active as possible, being patient (even during stalls) and taking my time, and allowing indulgences as part of my new way of diet and lifestyle.

Growing up, I often ignored sensible advice that preached, "Just eat right, drink your water and exercise." -- I wanted a FASTER solution, I wanted to lose like 30 lbs a month like the deceptive ads promised. I wasn't willing to do it in a way that would take more than 6 months. I was so looking for the magic pill or even lying to myself when I wasn’t feeling the diet that I was fine just where I was, and society needn’t tell me I was less than human just because I had a “few” (yeah right) more pounds than average. It has taken me nearly 47 years to understand and accept that losing weight and keeping it off is a balancing act, it's not perfect and there's no way to put a timed-prediction on it.

I've lost nearly 75 lbs since last April/May 07 and for the first time in my life, I'm staying on track and looking forward to being on my diet for the rest of my life because it's reasonable and satisfies me. And that's what it all comes down to: The only diet that works is the one you can stay on today and 50 years from now.

Personally, I believe when there are too many "food freedoms" taken away, you start to resent your diet and eventually stray. That's why I believe in making healthy choices MOST of the time and allowing for those “special moments in life”. I'm done giving myself deadlines and unrealistic rules to follow. Will I stumble along the way, “YES,” but now I know I can get back up and go on with my WOE and get back to losing or maintaining as the case may be.

Week #5 Weigh In~February 8th

Fri, 08 Feb 2008 21:55:53 GMT

Jodi's Weigh In Results:

Challenge Start Weight: 324 pounds

Week #1 Weight: 317 pounds

Week #2 Weight: 317 pounds

Week #3 Weight: 316 pounds

Week #4 Weight: 314 pounds

Week #5 Weight: 314 pounds

Loss for the Week: 0 pounds

Loss since Jan. 1st: 10 pounds

Loss since July '07: 49 pounds

% of Weight Lost this week: 0%
% of Weight Lost since challenge began: 3.09%

% of Weight Lost since July 07: 13.5%

No weight loss this week. I think it is because I am under a lot of stress, because of change at my job. I also did not exercise at all. I need to get the exercise going again!!

My plan for the week:

~Do a mixture of the Zone and Atkins

~96 oz of water

~Strength training 3 times/week

~Turbo Jam 5 times/week

Shari's Weigh In Results:

Challenge Start Weight: 255 pounds (Jan 1)

WeeK #1 Weight: 249 pounds (Jan 11)

Week #2 Weight: 251 pounds (Jan18)

Week #3 Weight: 246 pounds (Jan 25)

Week #4 Weight: 243 pounds (Feb 1)

Week #5 Weight: 244.5 pounds (Feb 8)

Loss for the Week: 1.5 pounds gained

Loss since Jan. 1st: 10.5 pounds

Loss since April '07: 73.5 pounds

% of Weight Lost this week: -.62%

% of Weight Lost since challenge began: 4.12%

% of Weight Lost since April 07: 23.11%

My plan for the week:

~Restart Atkins Induction

~Make sure I get my vitamins and supplements in.

~Up my intake of Water to a minimum of 96 oz.

~Keep doing my water/aquasizes classes minimum of 3 hours week

~Keep doing the cycling exercises on in between days and strength training at least 2 x per week

Team Total:

Start Weight: 579 pounds

Week 1 Weight: 566 pounds

Week 2 Weight: 568 pounds

Week 3 Weight: 562 pounds

Week 4 Weight:   557 pounds

Week 5 Weight:   555.5 pounds

Total Loss this Week:  1.5 pound Gain

Total loss since Jan. 1st:  20.5 pounds

% of Weight Lost: 4.07%

Another reason to exercise~Jodi

Sat, 02 Feb 2008 21:59:06 GMT

This is an article from the Losin' it with Jillian newsletter:

Move It!
It's a scientific fact that getting active can reduce your risk of cancer. See, all this time you thought I was just bossing you around when I've actually been encouraging you to reduce your risk of cancer! The American Cancer Society recommends getting at least 30 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical exercise on five or more days a week (which you're already doing if you're following my plan) for maximum benefits.

And it's not hard to get motivated to peel that butt off the couch when you look at these numbers: At least a whopping 50 percent of cancer deaths in the United States could be prevented just by making small changes to lifestyle and health habits. That works out to about 280,000 lives saved a year. As someone who has watched three loved ones battle with cancer, I can tell you these are not figures to take lightly.

Whether you're starting a new fitness regimen this year, or just renewing your commitment to being fit and healthy, think about how much you're doing for yourself and your loved ones by taking good care of the body you're in. Now if that's not enough to push you through any exercise slump, I don't know what is.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Sat, 02 Feb 2008 04:15:02 GMT

I know Shari mentioned apple cider vinegar. This is an article I have to share about ACV benefits. I am not sure of the source but I found it posted at lowcarbdisscusion.com:

In the search of health and longevity, I stumbled upon Apple Cider Vinegar. It’s reputation as a folk medicine had apparently brought it under the gaze of people within the health and science industry. Research by nutritionist Carol S. Johnston of Arizona State University East in Mesa suggests that vinegar packs a punch in more than just salad dressings. Now, instead of merely being touted as a stout cleanser of the body when taken internally, it also has been shown to have beneficial effects towards weight loss and stabilizing blood sugar in non-diabetics.In Prevention of Diabetes Johnston’s study showed it had a stabilizing effect on blood sugar on people who were not diabetic. The stabilizing effect was most pronounced on pre-diabetics whose blood glucose-levels were almost cut in half. In fact, the effectiveness was comparable to that of the diabetic medication Metformin. A Swedish research team, led by Elin M. Östman, discovered that the benefits of vinegar can be reaped by other methods as well. Participants in a study ate pickles after a high-carb breakfast and the other participants did not. It was shown that even pickles had a beneficial effect on the blood glucose levels.Vinegar and Weight Loss Other studies soon followed and it was shown that people who take two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar before two meals each day lost an average of a half pound each week. It is speculated that it inhibits carbohydrate absorption. The chemical suspected of creating this effect is the acetic acid. Due to the cringe-worthy sourness of vinegar, however, many companies have tried to formulate pill forms of vinegar. The effectiveness of the pills are highly questionable in general, though, and people are encouraged to stay with the true vinegar, instead. An average half pound weekly weight loss would result in an overall average weight loss of 26 pounds in one year. A sizeable loss if you can stand the procedure. Hard to Swallow: Getting Vinegar in Your Diet It is recommended that red, white or wine are the types of vinegar chosen. Other kinds, such as balsamic or rice, do not contain as high of concentrations of acetic acid. Easy, more palatable forms of vinegar can be found in pickled vegetables or in oil and vinaigrette salad dressings. For the bold of heart, it is recommended to choose organic apple cider vinegar as the taste seems to be a bit more mild than the regular apple cider vinegar. Measure the vinegar into a shot glass and toss it back. And, it’s always best to follow it with a nice chaser. I prefer a little regular apple juice.

I found the best way to take it is on a full stomach. When I tried to take it on an empty stomach I got

nauseous. I bought some pills that I am going to try. I'm hoping I can still get the benefit without the burning.

Jodi

Week #4 Weigh In Day - February 1

Fri, 01 Feb 2008 22:20:10 GMT

Jodi's Weigh In Results:

Challenge Start Weight: 324 pounds

Week #1 Weight: 317 pounds

Week #2 Weight: 317 pounds

Week #3 Weight: 316 pounds

Week #3 Weight: 314 pounds

Loss for the Week: 2 pounds

Loss since Jan. 1st: 10 pounds

Loss since July '07: 49 pounds

% of Weight Lost this week: .63%
% of Weight Lost since challenge began: 3.09%

% of Weight Lost since July 07: 13.5%

I lost 2 pounds this week. Only 1 more pound to the 50 pound mark.

My plan for the week:

~Do a mixture of the Zone and Atkins

~96 oz of water

~Strength training 3 times/week

~Turbo Jam 5 times/week

Shari's Weigh In Results:

Challenge Start Weight: 255 pounds (Jan 1)

WeeK #1 Weight: 249 pounds (Jan 11)

Week #2 Weight: 251 pounds (Jan18)

Week #3 Weight: 246 pounds (Jan 25)

Week #4 Weight: 243 pounds (Feb 1)

Loss for the Week: 3 pounds

Loss since Jan. 1st: 12 pounds

Loss since April '07: 75 pounds

% of Weight Lost this week: 1.22%

% of Weight Lost since challenge began: 4.71%

% of Weight Lost since April 07: 23.58%

This week's weigh in my weight was down 3lbs. I've been working out almost everyday, and I know things are moving again, which is good. TOM is here this week, and that always plays havoc with water weight causing flucuations, so I am happy with my results for the week. "Shari"

My plan for the week:

~Continue watching my foods, especially the simple carbs, I may even get back to ACV this week to shake things up a bit. Apple Cider Vinegar has many great properties that will help with skin, diet, etc. I'll try to post an article about it's uses.

~Up my intake of Water to a minimum of 96 oz.

~Keep doing my water/aquasizes classes minimum of 3 hours week

~Keep doing the cycling exercises on in between days and strength training at least 2 x per week

Team Total:

Start Weight: 579 pounds

Week 1 Weight: 566 pounds

Week 2 Weight: 568 pounds

Week 3 Weight: 562 pounds

Week 4 Weight: 557 pounds

Total Loss this Week: 5 pounds

Total loss since Jan. 1st: 22 pounds

% of Weight Lost: 3.80%