First, I don't want the book, so please don't enter me. *smile*

My goals are going... um... somewhere. I skipped out on Wu Shu this week because I added all the food I'd eaten in the past five days in my head and realized that I wasn't eating enough. All I'd had was fruit. No wonder I was so sluggish and cranky! So I skipped Wu Shu to eat. Yummy food!

The running, though. The running is going kick ass! I will be able to run 5KM by the end of this 9 week program. I rock!

And the stretching is going good, too. After every run I do my Wu Shu stretches. I can touch my toes! Yay!

Yvonne W.
I've stepped up my exercise program because of the Broad Street Run. However, Yvonne D. has motivated me. I would like to join the bike tour through Africa next year.
So, even though I am working on running I am also preparing myself mentally for a new challenge (The Tour d'Afrique) . I suppose to prepare I'll spend a great deal of time spinning.

I agree with Anna. I don't want the book either. Zora could pose as a poster child for "Feed the Poor." I was dumbfounded when I saw her TV ad, I thought the same thing, she didn't need to lose weight. What's with that!

i agree...i am training for a bodybuilding competition and i have also registered for the race for the cure....but my training for the past couple of days has been a little slow...i think it maybe the flip-flop weather...now that it is warming up...it should motivate us a little more to work out...

i do stay motivated though just by visualizing how good i will look in the summer's hottest fashions this year....they are so much more feminine and soft...i love this...so it helps me to work out that much more harder...

good topic...i thought it was only me feeling a little sluggish....also...i really do not want any books...thanks anyway girlfriends...

My exercise program is also nonexistent. My main excuse is lack of time. I keep putting workout time on my calender but it usually ends up getting crossed off when something else comes up. I need to learn how to make it a top priority.

This is the first time in my life (I'm only 22, but still, it's a late start) that I have really made it a point to exercise. I'm starting out slow--doing curls, push-ups and leg lifts in the morning before I go to work. I love it because it means that I wake up to do something good for myself, not just to drag myself to my job and sit in front of a computer. It just helps my attitude for the whole day, and I can already feel a difference in my muscles.

50 lbs down and 50 lbs to go.

I switched to a whole foods diet. Its making it difficult to eat enough. Raw veggies and whole grains fill you up quick! I can only seem to get about 800 calories a day, and I know I need at least 1200 or it will negatively effect my metabolism.

After 3 weeks of this my appetite is practically non existant. I dont have any cravings and the thought of sweet/processed/spicy foods makes me feel sick. Its hard to find calorie dense foods that are low in fat.

I try to eat 5-6 times a day, but cant seem to get more than 1-1.5 cups of food at a time.

Exercise is improving. I am able to work out several times a week and start with a trainer next week to add weight training to my cardio.

Wendy: Hey, Chris, CONGRATS on your success so far! But I gotta tell ya -- 800 calories really doesn't seem like a liveable amount. I do think you could end up slowing your weight loss. What would happen if you gave yourself permission to add some higher-fat -- but HEALTHY -- food to your regimen? A friend of ours loves nuts -- almonds particularly. They are fatty, but it's good fat, and they are packed with important nutrients (plus, they are easy to carry around). Would that work with your plan? What would the trainer say about that?

It took a while, but I have finally gotten my exercise routine together. I'm up to rowing for 20 minutes 3 or 4 days a week (in the morning)and I started lifting weights( at night) with my husband. It was great to work out with someone else, now I can try to lift more weight with someone to spot for me. I am also thinking about joining the Race for the Cure.
I totally agree with Nicole, I feel so much better, mentally and physically, on the days I get up and exercise. I'm feeling pretty good about myself. :) Btw, I'm really not interested in the book (you can't even give that thing away)

Wendy - Thanks for the suggestion. I think healthier nuts (like Almonds) are a great idea. I was drinking alot of water, so I am trying to switch some of that with organic veggie and fruit juices as well.

I always wonder how worried I should be about healthy high fat foods. I eat a ton of edamame (soy beans) and they have 5g of fat in 1/2 a cup...

I checked out the list of Running, Rowing and In-line skating clubs. Does anyone know if there is a walking club out there? I walk regularly, but I have been afraid to resume my schedule back on Forbidden Drive because of the rapist running loose. I would hate to not be able to use the park anymore, but it is looking like that is the only option.

In Sep04 I am finally became a mom to a little boy named Ozzie who is around 5 years old. I got him from Animal control. He is wonderful. And he helps me with my exercising(he's little(about 15 lbs) with lots of energy). We go for long walkies/runs at least twice a day. And mentally he helps free my mind(he cuddles on my lap) when I need to relax. I try to eat healthy and when I'm having some veggies, Ozzie likes them too. I want to live a long healthy,fit and happy life and I want Ozzie to be around a long time too!

OK, so I'm sending Nutrisystem books to everyone who commented who did NOT expressly say "Don't send me the book!" I'll be e-mailing Sharon, Nicole, Chris, Theresa Mary and Shari to get your mailing addresses so I can get these sent out.
And for everyone else, here's a recipe from the book which requires buying no Nutrisystem products. This looks like something delicious and healthy for breakfast:
****
Maple Granola

2 cups old-fashioned oats
1/4 cup wheat germ
2 tablespoons hulled sunflower seeds
1 teaspoon ground cinnnamon
2 tablespoons canola or safflower oil
2 tablespoons maple syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons raisins

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spread the oats on a baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes.
Remove from the oven and transfer to a bowl. (Do not turn off the oven.) Add the wheat germ, sunflower seeds and cinnamon to the bowl.
In a separate bowl, mix the oil, maple syrup and vanilla together. Pour this mixture over the oat mixture. Stir to coat. Add the raisins.
Spread this mixture back onto the baking pan. Bake for 5 minutes. Let cool. Store in a plastic bag or glass jar. Makes 8 servings. Serving size: 1/2 cup.
(181 calories per serving, 7 grams of fat, 25 grams carbs, 5.5 grams protein)

In answer to your question, Theresa Mary, check out this local walking club:

http://www.phila.gov/recreation/parks/wanderlust/

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