I've survived my first week!! Woo Hoo! It wasn't as hard as I originally thought. It's all mental. I have to get it in my head first, that I'm going to do what I have to do get healthy. I'm not dieting. Those don't usually work. They might for a little while while your on it, but eventually things get back  to a normal way of life, with all the regular foods I normally eat and I'm back to my old ways.

    I have lost weight. Not the original 15 lbs. I was looking for, another expectation that's unrealistic. I concentrated this week on several things, and it's paid off!

   What I did my first week:

*Woke up 1/2 hr. early and worked out everyday. I rode my indoor bike for 15 minutes, then I worked out on my exercise ball, (fell a few times), used a 5 lb weight, and my exercise bands. That was for 1/2 to an hr. each day. I struggled several times getting out of bed, but once I got with it, I was ok, and felt really good afterwards, and gave me energy to start my day!

   *  I measured my snacks for the day in a little container. I carried it wherever I went, therefore it was handy when the munchies set in, I could reach in and grab something. This consisted of 2 Tbs. of almonds, 2 tbs. of raisins, and 2 tbs. of sunflower seeds. I was going for quantitiy. And usually a pinch or two curbed my appetite until meal time.

 *   I ate more fruit and veggies at each meal. (gives new meaning on cleansing oneself), that's all I'm gonna say...

 *  No more nibbling in between meals!!  I was a grab and go eater as well, I'd grab whatever was handy and quick. I'm sitting down for each meal. As I mentioned before I live alone, and I was always eating over the kitchen sink, and eating quick. And if you would've asked me what I had for lunch, I would not have been able to tell you. I've been preparing my meals, I don't "taste' as I"m cooking, and I don't start to eat until everything is on the table ready for me to sit down. Lunch was the big problem for me. I'm taking time for me, sitting down, and eating my food that's been carefully measured out.

 *  I'm watching my portions. When I would grab a bowl of cereal before I thought I was doing a good job, but after measuring out a 1/2 cup, I definately was eating more that my share!

 *  Water, Water, Water! Drinking water in the summer has never been a problem, but somehow in the winter, I always forget. Water is definately needed in the winter just as much than in the summertime. I'm drinking lots more water each day as well.

  *  Relied on my Faith. When I would feel week, or tempted, I prayed, A LOT!! For the Lord to help me overcome my temptations.

    * Got my friends and coworkers informed that I'm in this contest and want to lose weight, and to call me out if they see I'm gonna cheat and eat something I'm not supposed to! More accountability!!! They're watching me, and that's a good thing, I need them too!! So Thank you!

    *My friend and I joined Perry fitness center this week. It's a good price, and for a little over $10 a month, it's worth it. I could spend that much a week on junk food easily.

    We went today (Sat.) for our first visit. It was great, the gentleman showed us each machine, made us up a work out card and our starting points on each machine, so we can track our progress. I believe he thought he'd be in trouble, because when we first walked in , we went upstairs, couldn't find him, and thought for a minute of yelling down to him insteand of walking back down the steps. So when we introduced ourselves, he asked if we'd worked before, I asked if going up the steps and back down to find him counted....he just looked at me...........Seriously, he was very nice, and very informative. I"m still motivated, and so is my friend! We're going to do this!

   I ate one small (quarter size) chocolate chip cookie at work Friday. My friend called me on it, since I was trying to hide it, and talk to him without him knowing.. They sat there all week, calling me,, figured I could eat just one, on my way out the door, then I wouldn't be tempted to eat 10 more like I  normally would have... That's where I struggle the most is with sweets.. chocolate, cookies,, yummmmmm, If they're not around I'm ok, if I know they're around, I almost obsess about them.. I have to work on that some more... I'm still motivated to continue this contest. I'm not caring if I win or lose, I want to get healthy, lose weight, and be better off for it. If I can do that, then I'll be successful! I'm glad that I'm doing this with the other contestants, I know I'm not alone, and we're all in this together, and I know we'll all be successful!! Wish me Luck, I still need it!!!

Vivian