Morale Boost Chat and Images

Each of us is in control of our own bodies and should treat ourselves well.

This week I've given myself a gold star for sticking to my diet and exercising a little bit more often.

I can't believe it is already Thursday. This week I've stuck to my meal plans, had 8 oz of water every hour, done my calendar challenge's workouts. Doing those things makes me feel like I am being honest with myself in working on reaching my personal goals.

This morning was just beachy! Happiness is a day at the beach; heaven seems a little closer there. I built a sandcastle and the waves came but it was fun, too! It's a shore thing to happen! This morning was a sandbucket full of memories with the castles in the sand catching waves and our footprints in the sand telling the story that life on the shore is fun!

Oh, how fun and pretty.

Tea keeps me feeling full. I like herbal teas. My favorite tea set is calming to use.

No. I follow the good advice from Coach and Leaders.

Do what works for you I'm going back to www.myfitnesspal.com

Edited by: TARA6181 at: 8/10/2019 (19:03)

I am new today and I would like to do the things you are suggesting Tara to do.

Tara, please consider this...simplify your thinking processes by going to "my Nutrition" tracker. You have already put onto your spark account your current weight and the number of pounds you want to loose. At "my Nutrition" tracker scroll down and click on "Show Meal Plans". Then click on "Weekly Grocery List".

Start fresh. Buy the entire weekly grocery list. Set those things attractively on your shelves and Frigidaire. Find pretty plates and cups and glasses to use just for your diet. For the first week simply follow the meal plan you were given on "my Nutrition". After your first week you will be feeling the good changes working in your body. Then go on to do the second week.

Click on the Challenges tab, then on Calendar Challenges. Join The Realistic Resolutions Challenge ~ and ~ The Meta's 30-Day Fit & Fiber-Full Wellness Challenge. Do those every day without fail. I am on them both and will keep you company.

If you do what I am telling you you won't regret it. Drop everything you are whirling around about and hop aboard a secure landing. Come on, Tara, you can do it.

I'm sorry that you are so frustrated. I get that. However, from what I am reading from your posts is that you have tried various diet pills and continue to look for another one that might work. If that doctor is your doctor and you are talking with him and having a discussion about your health, that's great! But it sounds like you are just looking things up online and I would again caution against that. I, and the other coaches care deeply about our members and don't want people following an unhealthy path. Your recommendation of SlimQuick honestly reads like an ad with how many times you posted about it. It's great that it worked for you, but I think it says something about the product and possibly how you are currently trying to lose weight if you're having trouble, and have gained after stopping it. I am not trying to badmouth any product, but generally, when something sounds too good to be true, it usually is. With my experience, as well as my education, diet pills are not the way to go and can be detrimental to your health. Looking at some of the reviews about that particular product, there have been negative reviews from various people about side effects (some being serious -- heart issues) and that they gained some weight back after stopping it. I also read that it is suggested to take time off of taking it so you aren't continuously taking it (that seems like a red flag there too). It's great if it helps you specifically, but I still suggest using caution when looking at pills and supplements and that sort of thing. Your health is worth more than these pills and "being skinny."

I do hope that you are speaking with your doctor about your current health and situation. It is concerning with the various things you have posted about, which is why I posted here. You are right, not everyone can do the same thing and see the same results, but when you continually post about pills and weight loss supplements and trying to jump from pill to pill, can you see why there is some concern there? I'm not trying to bash or bad mouth anyone or any products -- it is truly out of concern for you and your health as well as the health of anyone else that may be reading this thread or any of your posts promoting diet pills.

Coach Denise

Well Denise I took the time to listen to a Cornell Graduate Doctor something U suggested in looking into you didn't recommend him however he is a certified doctor HUM????Just as I take the time to read what U write.You can't give sound advice w/o hearing what the other person is saying & obviously maybe you should just talk to yourself instead of responding to us on here.He sells over the counter vitamin that he did research on.If I had the money I might give it a try I don't buy on the internet.So if it comes into stores maybe.SlimQuick worked for me so bad mouthing products w/o trying them or people's ads w/o giving them a chance really isn't the right thing to do.I had an ex best friend NOW & she was skinnier than me & asked me to go to the singles dance so that I would make her look good.She said she went with her cousin Susan who's skinnier than her & Susan got all the attention.I'm like well if she got all the attention count your freaking blessings b/c obviously those aren't the right men for you if their NOT paying attention to you.It just frustrates me that people criticize & give expert advice & I told you had seen a licensed certified Nutritionalist/Dietrician.Enough said thanks.

Edited by: TARA6181 at: 8/10/2019 (00:22)

That video views as an infomercial and I'm not going to waste time on something that you keep getting told he is going to tell you something and goes on and on about how he's going to tell you, but yet, you can only play and pause the video with no option to fast forward or rewind. Classic way to try to sell something to people. Looking at some results about that doctor, he sells a cleanse...another item that is not necessary and can be harmful without your doctor's supervision. Your body doesn't need to be cleansed...it does it on its own.

As for SlimQuick, I looked that up and it's main ingredient is a green tea, so it's using caffeine mostly and there are a lot of mixed reviews on it. Again, I would not recommend it, nor would I take it or anything like it. It may have helped you, temporarily. You gained after you stopped taking it. That means there was a temporary fix rather than a permanent one, such as a healthy lifestyle.

It sounds like you have some disordered eating habits from over the years (diet pills, drinks, binging, possibly purging, etc.). It can be a troublesome path and difficult to get out of that pattern without outside help. You mentioned pigging out and losing weight. Perhaps you have been restricting yourself too much in general.

If you haven't already, please discuss your current health and eating patterns with your doctor and/or a registered dietitian. What you continue to post is not healthy, even if you don't consider it to be. We truly care about the health of our members and it is not safe or okay to promote such unhealthy behaviors or pills, drinks, etc.

Coach Denise

Ty but I beg to differ it has worked the weight came off using SlimQuick I mentioned a few other brands of diet pills & I tried Jenny Craig & there was a licensed dietician there & the same for going to one.I did learn how to read labels on foods better.When you don't feel like eating or hungry I don't feel it's right to say you have to eat breakfast to start the day.Everybodys bodies are different & have different needs.It's the same as in school they have special needs children that need different teachers or those that excell in school & instead of being in the 8th grade are in College.To me SlimQuick was NOT a quick fix it really helped me & it did what it said it was going to do.I felt I needed to share this with everyone.I don't agree with the Atkins diet I feel that's dangerous.I had a lady at work whom was peeing on a stick.I was like what are you doing?She said it was letting her know if it was working the Atkins Diet.To me eating high fat foods like bacon & eating high fat foods is NOT healthy either.I lost 50 pounds to me thats outstanding considering of what I had went threw.Have you made yourself throw up?Probably not everyone's experiences are different.The Dietitiion/Nutritionalist I went to see was in Loveland Ohio this was years ago named Dr.Carol Meijer/Meyer she was a registered Board Certified.I asked my doctor for help & she guided me to her.I've been off SlimQuick for a while & only gained back 7 I'm at 161 pounds.I'm just trying to figure out why I'm not losing being off of the SlimQuick b/c I really should be.I pigged out 1 day & I ate some cheesecake before going to bed.When I woke up I was shocked I lost 3 pounds I'm like ok how is that?I thought for sure I would have gained instead of losing & this was being off of SlimQuick.Anyway ty for your tips & help & talking to me.I recently came across a video https://www.unhealthpublications.com/unq-p
edre41/?source=41&s4=w5RDN53QHCATC
4GOHMAPDB1E&s5=281a9df5dd3d49d9b84
0fe0053614b95 I was amazed at how he explained how our stomach is if you get a chance you have to see this video.It's not a diet pill video just watch if you can & would like to how he explains how our stomach is.The way he explained it like a garden I am hooked.

Thank you Spark Coach Denise We appreciate you and your knowledge that you've shared with us today.

Edited by: CD23984411 at: 8/9/2019 (19:43)

@TARA6181 - Diet pills and "quick fixes" like that don't work. You need to actually make healthy lifestyle changes to truly lose the weight and keep it off. It sounds like you have tried many things and found that they didn't work (they don't). If those things really worked, nobody would be overweight. For the sake of your health, please don't keep seeking out unhealthy fixes. It does sound like you could use the help of a registered dietitian, not just a nutritionist (anyone can call them selves a nutritionist, but a registered dietitian has had many years of school and has gone through a lot of training that you can't get with a "nutritionist"). What you have been doing with these "diets" and diet pills are really not safe and we cannot and do not promote that type of habit or "eating." If you continue to have trouble with your weight and/or keep looking for that quick fix, then it would even be a good idea to discuss those things with your doctor.

Here are some links that I hope you will take the time to read:

www.sparkpeople.com/resource
/nutrition
_articles.asp?id=510

www.sparkpeople.com/blog/blo
g.asp?post
=we_know_diet_pills_dont_wor
k_but_
were_still_buying

www.sparkpeople.com/resource
/nutrition
_articles.asp?id=812

Coach Denise

Ty for the guidance & help will look into your suggestion definitely would be a great idea.Hope all is well hawbFriday thank God Friday is here I always have pizza mostly on Fridays/Saturdays as tradition so Lean pocket or the California Kitchen thin crust Spinach pizza YUMMY.I made a really good dessert here's the recipe:1 container Fat free Coolwhip softened then add 1 small pkg.Sugar Free Instant Pudding any flavor I love Vanilla & you can sweeten it up with a water enhancer of your choice like Orange Vanilla/Iced Java coffee this would be great for a tiramisu mix together then I like adding Sugar Free Fruit Cocktail drained & reserve juice so you can add to thin it out if too thick.Then I add Pineapple Tidbits again drain the juice,Mini Marshmallows 2/3 Cup & unsweetened Shredded Coconut to your liking.You can also add if you like Fat Free Cream cheese/chopped up celery my mom does this with the Pistachio Instant Pudding.It's really good.Place in fridge to set.Depending on the ingredients the calories per serving is less than 100 serves 8 people.Just thought I'd share with you.Ttyl & ty.

If I were you I would look for a registered dietitian or registered nurse because they have had lengthy and valuable training. Look for one that makes you feel that she or he is in tune with you. Search out one you feel you can trust and then do exactly what she/he advises you to do. If you were an explorer traveling through unknown lands you would need a guide. You need a guide through the unknown land of your health, if you know what I mean. I'm just a person who cares about you. I don't know the technical advise to give you in your special predicament. Let us know how you do.

Edited by: CD24355693 at: 8/9/2019 (01:53)

Ty thats very sweet I didn't know that ok I'm going to give that a try maybe that will work.I asked my dad to take me to get the weight loss pills he said NO.I know everyone means well but man SlimQuick really worked I would like to try though w/o pills.It would be nice I have colon issues & this really helped me it's called the 7 day cleanse by Naturemade it's all herbal & NOW I have no blood in my stool.I had to have 2 blood transfusions & 2 iron b/c of it.I also came across this article he mentioned B vitamins that they help with Metabolism so I take B100 it has all the B vitamins in 1 pill.I feel today I did pretty good as far as food intake.I didn't exercise but I feel petty good.I'm a size 10-12 I'm really happy with that but I'd like to be size 8/10.So we will see.Ty for your encouraging words really love it here.Have a wonderful blessed restful night.

Did you chat online with a primal nutritionist? Can you "shop around" until you find a registered dietitian that you jive with? I hope you keep talking with us to let us know how you are doing. Don't give up looking for the right solution that fits you. We're your friends!

Ok ty I did see a Nutritionalist she was/is certified.So maybe I will do that again ty for the info.Hawbd

Type into the search bar of google "how to find a certified primal nutritionist" and this will give you some interesting choices. I hope you let me know how this turns out for you.


After reading your posts a few times and thinking about your nutrition history I think you should use a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist. They have the knowledge to find out if you have any nutritional deficiencies that are holding you back from loosing more pounds. They can set you on the right track with a diet designed just for you. I can't emphasize the importance of using the talents of a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist because they have intensive education that will definitely benefit you. If the cost is too much for you ask if you can be put on a program suited to your income.

In order to become a Certified Nutritionist, people need a four-year degree in clinical nutrition or a master's degree in human nutrition, American Nutrition Association. In addition to possessing an accredited bachelor's degree, they must complete no less than a 900-hour internship.
*********************
How to find a certified nutritionist. https://www.eatright.org/find-an-expert
"Find a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist is the Academy's national referral for the exclusive purpose of finding a qualified registered dietitian nutritionist...
*******************************


Edited by: CD23984411 at: 8/8/2019 (18:58)

I was thinking of doing a soup & Egg diet.Have eggs in the morning soup for lunch & soup for dinner & if I get hungry threw out the day eggs &/fruit.I remember when Oprah lost all that weight MAN she was really skinny I thought a little too skinny she looked great though.I know she did it w/just a liquid diet not sure if I could do that & I don't want to look anorexic either.I'm 5'3" & according to BMI I need to be 140-130 pounds.If I could just get to 140 I'd be eccstatic.

Ok GREAT ty KateSally that's very sweet of U.Hugs hope all is well I haven't lost any pounds yet.so seriously thinking of going back to SlimQuick or a different diet pill to see what works so others can know too.You know what I don't understand is we have so many brands to choose from when it comes to things it gets so overwhelming.I tried Dexatrim & Accutrim when I was a teenager didn't work.Then I tried making myself throw up that worked but it wasn't healthy I stopped after seeing Karen Carpenter movie on lifetime.Then I tried the candy bar & Diet coke diet that worked but again not very healthy,I did this in Highschool.Skip breakfast,have this for lunch then eat dinner with my family.Later on I went to Jenny Craig I loved that but too expensive $86.plus groceries a week $186-$200 & I was on steroids so that was defeating me.Then I went to see a nutritionalist I learned alot from her $30. a vist.NOW & GOD I was shocked how the weight was just coming off by using SlimQuick & NO EXERCISING & NO SIDE EFFECTS.I was amazed.I tried Hydroxycut didn't work & Lipozene made my stomach hurt.So any suggestions is excellent ty.

You are doing very well in explaining what is happening with you and how you want to make changes; let me look into how to advise you and I'll write to you again later today.

KateSally ty for responding back.When I drink water it kinda makes me sick like Nausea sometimes.I do agree with you about Oatmeal especially if you have allergies.I don't like oatmeal it either has to be in a cookie or I really love Nutrisystems oatmeal I recently tried it b/c it came in the box I bought.I thought ok I will try this & I was really surprised that I liked it.I don't like Quaker my brother & sister though loves that.I will google what you mentioned about curbing the appetite w/o pills.I know fruits & vegetables help so does popcorn & eggs.I've found that to work really well.Any suggestions on heart burn.I know ice cream does but it gives me gas & even though I buy sugar free still it probably isn't good to have every day.I had my gall bladder removed so this is why I get heart burn & acid reflex this is what a doctor told me.I take a pill for that every day but I don't feel that's good either.So any ideas or help would be great ty hawbd love this group glad I joined & that you accepted me.I'm off SlimQuick for now & I haven't gained any weight back stick stuck at 160 pounds.I really need to be 140-130 to be healthy weight.

Edited by: TARA6181 at: 8/7/2019 (17:47)

Well...I'm a Quaker so I don't take pills and don't suggest you take any. Type into the search bar " How to curb your appetite" and you'll see articles that will give you expert guidance. What I do is to eat a bowl of oatmeal with cinnamon and a bit of honey because the gooey liquid that builds up as you constantly stir the oatmeal is a "stick to your ribs" food that not only keeps you full but is really good for you. Also, I drink 2 glasses of water because I've found that many times when I think I'm hungry I am really thirsty.

Let us know how it works. If you can do workouts that burn calories, the fitness tracker tells you how many calories you've burned. So if your meal was 300 calories and your exercise burned 350 calories you are on your way to losing weight.

The stuff you read on the cereal box is very interesting. My nutrition tracker is set to meal plans and it gives me the meals that add up to 1,200 - 1,550 calories every day. The meals are set up by a dietitian so I feel confident my body is getting what it needs to build health.

Hi took Ur suggestion of visiting Morale Boost Great Group ty for mentioning it hawbd.I'm stuck @ 160 I just joined www.MyPlate.com to see what their about same as MyFitnessPal & SparkPeople. I'm presently stuck @ 160 pounds I lost the 50 so easy with SlimQuick.MyPlate suggested calories of 1200 to lose 2 pounds per week so I will keep everyone posted.I read on a Special K cereal box when I was in my teens this was 25 years ago that if you weigh 200 pounds then more than likely U are eating 2,000 calories.So to lose weight you would have to lower it to 1800 calories a day then when you get to 180 you lower that to 1600 calories a day.Basically all you do is add a zero.I found this to be very true.So we will see.I feel hungry I think I need a diet pill that will curb my appetite.Any diet pill suggestions?I was thinking of trying Alli or Skinny Gal or some other type of diet pill other than SlimQuick to see what works so others would know.Do you think this is a good idea?Thanks

My goal is to use well planned effort to make my future years full of functional fitness so that I can enjoy doing what I want to do. Regular exercise and good nutrition lead to good balance and flexibility, muscle gain, strong bones, good strength and aerobic fitness.

Walking in the sunshine this week was like a yellow gem's shine.

Consistency is the key to building up the number of reps and sets you can do of the workout exercises in the challenges. I started with 5 sets and now do 50 sets in each series of repetitions. It boosts my morale to know I am working on reaching my goals.

RRWWWGG. - Chewbacca quote

Hi, team I went out to get a bouquet for the dining room table. It always makes the meals more relaxing to have a center-piece of flowers and maybe candles on either side of the bouquet. The pounds I've been losing are almost gone. I must say I feel better without carrying the extra weight.

First thing every morning, after my prayers, I think about the ways I succeeded in living up to my plans for myself. Eating right, walking for at least 20 minutes, doing my personal challenges are important for me. Knowing I did right by myself yesterday gives me the morale boost I need to get today's challenges done.

In a rush to get to my workout so I won't type here long, but want to give all team members a

Today I'm going to do my walking a little bit faster so I burn more calories.

5K Your Way Running Challenge / Day 25 / "" Today's Tip: Find ways to use regular rewards to pat yourself on the back & give a word of encouragement. Instead of focusing on what you do wrong, try paying more attention to what you do right. While straight talk & brutal honesty are often good for getting your butt moving, for sustained motivation the positive approach will keep you from burning out. Remember that if you need it, today's a good day to rest instead of cross-train. ""

Lily-Goose

All of us are behind you all the way!

This goose is determined to reach her goals.

5K Your Way Running Challenge / Day 25 / "" Today's Tip: Find ways to use regular rewards to pat yourself on the back & give a word of encouragement. Instead of focusing on what you do wrong, try paying more attention to what you do right. While straight talk & brutal honesty are often good for getting your butt moving, for sustained motivation the positive approach will keep you from burning out. Remember that if you need it, today's a good day to rest instead of cross-train. ""

If you're tuned into your team, you can tell when members exhibit the subtle symptoms of low morale: high turnover rates, fewer member conversations, lack of collaboration, and skimpy performances.

The best approach to improving low morale is to encourage positive changes. Posting on the treads can change frustration with meaningful benefits, individual acknowledgements, and opportunities to grow. Let's work together to get the ball rolling.

The kind people are taking over the world

Yes, MollyMermaid5; ignore the nay-sayers and keep on truckin' toward your health goal. When you see and feel that you're feeling better it is you who is reaching your goal.

My goal is to continue with my nutrition tracker & fitness tracker. I use all the trackers and the reports. The graphs on the reports page let me see how I am progressing in a good visual way. I feel like I'm slowly but surely loosing weight and getting stronger. I'll stay with the challenges.

Edited by: CD24355693 at: 7/13/2019 (13:23)

Don't give up even if you run into other people who discourage you. Try joining the YWCA or other gym where you can be with a group who are actively working on goals similar to yours. It will give you a lift to see them improve as time goes on knowing that you will have visible results, too.

Edited by: CD24782251 at: 7/6/2019 (12:17)

I know what you mean about weight loss seeming to be impossible. Many days I walk almost all day long but I don't lose anything. When I use resistance in my workouts it causes weight loss. And using the elliptical gives results, too.

Today my scale shows me I'm down 2 more pounds. I am so glad. Sometimes I think weight loss is impossible but it isn't after all.

This is my 21st day on my challenge to myself to reach my goal of weight loss and fitness. Being active every day is a moral boost because I know I am trying my best.

Silence is golden

The motivational articles are good for letting me know my feeling of plateau will pass if I keep working on it.

The way springtime looks is really a morale booster. (I do like all the seasons, though!) The challenge I am working with has done me good as far as showing me where I have needed to make changes in my diet and workout routine.

All the yellow flowers blooming is a pretty sight. It encourages me to do my outside walking more often during the day. The sunshine feels warm and the air is fresh.

I've had a few nights where I couldn't sleep until after midnight but it might be "spring fever" making me feel active. I was still able to get enough sleep and the following days had decaf.

I like the graphs, too, for the same reason that they let me see how I'm doing. This week has been a lot of walking for me, longer cardio routines, longer calisthenics during warm up and cool down times. I'm eating well and sleeping well, too.

Being methodical and disciplining my meals and workouts is working for my weight loss. The graphs on the fitness tracker are terrific in giving me a visual morale boost of my progress.

The habits of small meals and longer workout times are taking hold on me so I don't have to set the timer to remind me. My mirror shows small changes in myself of weight loss and firming up.

The calendar challenges give me terrific motivation when I see the days add up as I go through the challenge

On December 22, 2018 my weight was 182 lb. and now I'm 177 lb.. In total I've lost 47 lb. since I first began my weight loss journey.

"Set goals the right way" article
SparkPeople Program - Day 18
"" The Goal-Setting Continuum
On day two, we had you think about why you want to be fit and healthy. Goal-setting is a process that helps you break down your "why" into an action plan step-by-step along this continuum:

1.Core values: Your "why" from Day 2.

2.Purpose in life: A more action-oriented version of your "why." For example, one of my purposes in life is to help people reach their goals using SparkPeople. This is an outgrowth of my core value of "helping others."

3.Long-term goals: These are very big goals for you that align with your values and beliefs. They might take a year or more, but could be shorter as well.

4.Medium-term milestones: Break these longer-term goals into big "chunks" that we call medium-term milestones. These might last from one to three months, but, again can be shorter depending on the goal.

5.Short-term action steps: A short-term action step starts to bridge the gap into daily planning. These are the smallest units of your goal.

6.Daily planning and tracking: This is where the magic happens on a daily basis to connect back to what’s most important to you.

7.Building healthy habits: We include healthy habits in the continuum to show that the more healthy habits you build out of this goal-setting process, the easier it will be to continue with your next goals! ""

My hair is grown long enough to ponytail it. It is easy for workouts since it is out of my way!

I'm not a dumbell user, although I have some. Swimming is one of my favorite ways to stay fit.

The page-boy hair cut I got didn't suit me because it limited my vision to each side of me, if you know what I mean. I kept bobby pinning the sides back. Finally I can tuck it behind my ears.

The weights I use are only 3 lb. dumbbells. My workout routine isn't tough. A lot of walking and calisthenics. But my post-baby weight has been stubborn to lose so I'm doing Coach Nicole aerobic videos plus my usual.

OMG, Penelope-57, I got drunk and did a FULL pageboy a million years ago - almost like a monk, shaved back of the neck. Like a soup bowl haircut. Right now i'm looking for a short, polished cut, but that ain't it!!

Edited by: ECUAJECKA at: 2/22/2019 (11:23)

I just finished the 6 week challenge at the local boot camp. I feel addicted to the intense workouts, but I can't justify over $100 a month. I have lost 10 pounds and reshaped shoulders and legs in a noticeable way, but now I'm worried it will all fade away! The boot camp is intense, and I'm looking for a similarly intense free/home-based plan to follow. Anyone else into moderate weights? Like, 20 pound biceps, full pushups. Not crazy weight-lifter sizes....

I got phentermine from my doctor to try to seal those results in and not rebound, but I need to work up a new routine from home.

Edited by: ECUAJECKA at: 2/22/2019 (11:09)

Yesterday my meals added up to 1360 calories, using my nutrition tracker meal plan. The walking 30 min., calisthenics 20 min., Nordic 10 min., totaled 60 calories burned. My beverages throughout the day added up to 2 qt.. Today I spun 10 bonus points and 10 login points.

This week went by quickly for me. I used My Nutrition tracker's meal plan grocery list when I did the 2-week's worth of shopping. I went slowly through the store and saw some acquaintances that I hadn't seen for awhile. We tried not to jam up the store aisle while we talked to each other. The women here have been changing their hair style to a page-boy style. The fresh produce section was offering flower bouquets for half price after Valentine's Day.

Today is my housework day. This week has been very busy and housework has piled up. It never really gets too bad, just cluttered, but it is swept and clean.

I hope all team members are getting along alright on their journey toward wellness. Loosing weight can help minimize strain on knees and lower back. The extra 10 minutes spent on doing core workouts at first may seem easy but if you keep doing just that 10 minutes every day you'll feel your core muscles responding.

Straw-hat has done a terrific job of keeping this team going.
There are times when I get on a weight loss plateau and this is one of those times. I tried doing faster workouts and doing more sets and reps but , in the end, it only held me back because I got too worn out from it. So I've done light workouts to recover. Now I'll go back to going at a medium pace.

The weather has been warm here for the past few days. What a nice thing it is to feel the sunshine on my face as I do yard work. Last week I've been getting down on the floor to do some exercises. My muscles are sore, but they feel like they are revving up strength as the days go by. I'm going to join a calendar challenge again that I've worked through once already. It is The 30-Day Jumpstart Your Workout Challenge. Hope to see you there.

My longer, faster workouts have been paying off in that I've lost 2 1/2 more pounds. I feel stronger as I move around during the day. My work is easier because I can move around easier.

During the past few days I added some new exercises to my workout. At first I went at it too long and too fast and made my leg muscles sore. Now that it feels better I will go slower. Trying to do too much didn't speed up my getting stronger but it caused me to spend two days at a very slow pace.

I wonder how many calories flying uses up?

Knowing I've stuck to my nutrition plan for the last 10 days gives me a feeling of meeting a small goal. It's the same nutrition plan that I've been on for quite awhile, but I would make mistakes in portions or in eating at the right time.

I entered this question in the search field and got this result. I hope this helps !

"What are SparkPoints used for?

SparkPoints are a tool for personal motivation. By completing various activities on SparkPeople.com that help you reach your goals (tracking food and fitness, posting in the Community, reading articles, etc.), you earn Points that can keep you motivated!

You can see how your Points ranking stacks up against other members and Teams by looking at our leaderboards. And as you earn more Points, you'll reach different trophy levels within the Community.

SparkPoints cannot be redeemed for actual prizes or awards. You can use them, however, to "purchase" SparkGoodies, which are virtual gifts you can give yourself or other members."

Age refers to our childhood, youth, adulthood, and senior times of life. Being among the 40-somethings means that we're responsible for ourselves and our way of life.

We have the power to adapt ourselves to the changes we are trying to make in our living conditions.

Little by little all of can encourage ourselves and our team mates to improve our health, comfort, and conveniences.

Daily workouts & sticking to my nutrition tracker's meals has been making me feel better. My sleep is better because I fall asleep quickly, have nice dreams, and don't wake up during the night. I'm waking up earlier, too, and in a better frame of mind. I'm able to walk longer distances with less feeling of sore muscles afterward.

At first I lost 3 pounds that included extra water weight. As I kept using my nutrition track that is set to the meal plans, and my fitness tracker, I kept loosing pounds of fat. When I started using the calendar challenges my weight loss was consistent. When I finish one fitness calendar challenge I start another one.

That's really cute and funny, too. One thing I depend on is a daily dose of humor.

I was looking for calendars today and saw one with a quote that said, "Quit looking back, you're not going that way."

Wellness is a gradual process.

Each of us knows that it can be difficult to loose weight. We also know how wonderful it feels to know we really have lost pounds by watching what we eat and sensible exercise. We aren't exactly the same so we use various methods of diet and exercise. As individuals, though, we do need caring friends like those we find on Spark People. Let's encourage each other with Chat and Images.