[quote=ichrist7;655151]
A practical question: how do you post a link to your blog entry instead of cutting and pasting it in the post? Some of you have done that and it's a mystery to me.

Iris, there may be more than one way, but what I do is open my blog that I want to link to, copy the url that is in the browser window, then come to this blog and either paste it directly into my comment or select a word or phrase like "My Plan" and click on the link tool at the top center (under the smiley face) and when it asks for the url to link to, paste it there. Hope that helps. Paul

Hello all, i am ill today, hsve had a headache for two days and am home from work, I finally gave up and have been sleeping most of the day. Just wanted to drop by and read and say Hi. Lots of great progress. Msrty thank you for your post this morning! It was just whst I needed to hear.

I hope to be on the call tonight as long as my headache is gone. We got ice, sleet, and snow here and it is still snowing this afternoon - Spring in Minnesota!! I hope you all have a wonderful day. Suzann

Hey Iris keep your hand out of those healthy food bags you have at the store I bet it is tempting lol!!! Kidding aside it is good seeing you here posting and sharing with us!!!

Quite fun typing since my eyes were dilated at the eye Drs.

Good news I am going to live another 58 years at least ) I just need a correction with glasses to see better but my eyes are healthy!!!

For some reason I still get a bit nervous at the Drs. That is an old pattern of mine!!

I wear this bright blue Nike Free Plus tennis shoes and the Doc said keep wearing those shoes because it is all in the blue shoes!!! He is a good man and we laughed a lot during the appointment!!

Marty

Hello everyone!
I just got up - was up until 7 a.m writing a paper that had to be submitted on-line today. Seems I've completely revered my sleep schedule. Will try and get back on track now. Going to have some scrambled egg whites and half a grapefruit, then go for a walk - I'm going to take today as my free day rather than the planned day of Saturday.... the lack of sleep is throwing me off. Still sticking to my food plan though, and my 'date' never called back (now I see him as super flaky, so it's better this way anyway), but I'm secretly happy because I can stick to my clean eating today Lol.... I would rather be focused on Transformation than dating right now, so I'm actually relieved. Going to spend some time to night re-working my workouts so that I switch things up. Thanks Carin and Paul!

McKenna - not sure about the others, but I say go for it - If I was you, I would do the same - why stall progress through the book if you're unable to focus on the eating/exercise. Plus, you still can in a way - you can still do the planning for eating/exercise, even if you can't quite initiate the plan yet. You have amazing motivation!!!

Marty - happy to hear your eye is fine.... and thank you so much for the words on not seeking progress too soon!!!!! It's SO TRUE - such a part of our culture isn't it? We all want instant gratification, which in this case translates into immediate results. I'm trying to not do that, and focus on how I feel instead, which is amazing and energized. I can see the difference in my face already - less puffy, but also smiling more. The sparkle in my eye is definitely there. And that's what matters!!!!

Have a great night everyone!!! I'm planning on joining conference call next week ~ so have fun without me tonight

~ Annalisa

Nici – I hope your kitty comes home soon! Thanks for sharing your update with us.



Lisa – I am sorry to hear about the loss of property. Remember, you are STRONG. You are a TRANSFORMER! You can handle the stress and remain on track. I believe in you!!


Stuart – you continue to inspire me! Thank you!


Marty - So glad your eyes are well. Thank you for the call tonight. It was great hearing everyone. Next week I promise to charge my phone so I do not disappear suddenly. =)


Carin – Up early and a new challenge! I love it!!



Ken – thanks for sharing dinner with us. I thought of you tonight when my phone died. Figured I will just feed everyone now. So I took a picture of what a healthy dinner looks like for my family. Will post it soon.



Michelle – Did you find us yet? =)



Annalisa – I am working on step 6 but it has almost been a combo of step 3 and 6 combined. I tackled the pantry today. I made a “most wanted” list for the pantry as everything is budgeted here. So…. I will work on increasing healthy items in the pantry as we go along.



Tomorrow is another doctor day for me. Not sure how much I will accomplish or when I will be around. I am hoping to get approval to eat whatever I want!! I must admit I have been cheating. =P I WANT HEALTHY FOOD!!!!! So… I had cottage cheese and fruit with a soda. It is my weird way of compromising with my docs. I need to go eat some ice cream or something as I ate clean today beside the soda. Nothing in the pantry tempted me.


*Blush* Thank you all for you comments tonight on the call and in person. I am still struggling with accepting compliments but I am trying.


HUGS!!
McKenna

I enjoyed the conference call tonight with everyone, it was very informative. Does anyone know if Bill's "12 Great Weight Lifting Exercise" video is what he recomends for the strengh day?

Hi Nea. Glad to hear from you. I get what you said and I hope in the future you revisit doing the steps. Bill sent an email today that we need to be our greatest support.. In thinking about that..I am still here and decided to finish the steps even if dramatic physical change is not occuring bc of the following reasons I would love to share with you and the group. 1) I need the inner work and I wanted to benefit from that. 2) I felt like its a foundation to build on. 3) I feel better being in a group and being mindful of what I am doing instead of not being here and going back to how it was when I was less connected to being challenged and encouraged here. 4) I believe my body will respond in ways I didn't understand bc of the changes I started with here. 5) My house is getting awfully organized since I have started this T. thing, lol. 6) I found a friend who is willing to go my pace when walking and I was able to respond to that invite after being encouraged here to connect. 7) I continue to like whats happening in my head bc of being here. 8) I've met a couple of people here where my story makes a difference. 9) I like the positivity that flows on the pages of this site. 10) I learn something new every week I am here and do these steps. 11) I like the way Bill P. thinks and how he is helping others to think in ways they never do. And how Marty and Carin lead and teach/model how they have done their work to transform themselves. 12) I didn't want to be in the group of people that gave up. Many start this journey and leave.. I determined I was not going to be in that group. After reading Bills post today about how we need to be our biggest support. I understand now, thats a big part of why I am still here. I decided to be my biggest fan, lol..though it greatly helps and feels good to get support outside ourselves.
I am glad you posted what you were thinking. Many started this journey after us and are still catching up and or one can start again on the next round. Its all good.
Well wishes for you, your job and your health always, laura

Thanks Carin for the kick up the butt. I was losing motivation to keep going, so today I got a brainwave. I need a real challenge, one close to home for me. So I have asked a friend to join me in our own personal challenge here and see who can lose 12 pounds the quickest, by following Bills rules. The winner is shouted to the Cook Islands by the loser. So I'm excited all over again about eating healthy and exercising with as much gusto as I can muster. Look out bikini, you might get used after all.



Quote:
Originally Posted by glenda98
Today I am exactly half way through the challenge. Just completed step #7. Am a bit behind on the assignments and it has shown in my progress of late. I have only lost 8 pounds so my goal of 15 more to lose is looking difficult. Step 7 was good for me to realise that I can only keep trying and work on achieving my goals each day.

Hello everyone. Today I took the day off and spent the day with my children. My daughter is on spring break so I wanted to spend at least one full day with her.

For breakfast I had oatmeal and 2 egg whites.
For lunch, we went out to eat and I ordered a grilled chicken salad.
Later, as a snack, I had 1 oz of almonds and an apple.
Dinner, chicken salad.

Can someone please let me know if I'm on track with my eating? How do you design your meals? What's the formula?

I haven't exericed yet, but I will do the video found in the Exercise tab that allows you to workout from anywhere. (I saw it last night and joined the trainer.) I will do the same tonight. I would like some advice on putting together an exercise plan for a beginner.

I also want to share a Wins today...in response to a text message I received from Bill yesterday, I increased my water intake! Yaay!!!

Lastly, I am so proud of my progress. There is a little voice inside that wanted me to feel bad about my jeans not fitting, but I told that little voice that "they may not fit comfortably today...but they will before this challenge is over!" The little voice didn't know what else to say...so it shut-up. WOOHOO!!!! My biggest win!

Hugs,
gladys

Had a great time on the conference call today. Learned some new stuff and met some new people. This is the second day of week 5 for me. I actually got to lift some real weights and it felt great. I spent the first 3 weeks working out with water bottles, the next week using just the bar or machines and then moving on to 5 and 10 pound weights. looks like it paid off because today I was using 25 pound plates with no joint pain. So that's a win!

I continue to use good form and slow and steady movements because overconfidence can lead to disaster (-; My eating has been good, but have fallen off the water train. Need to refill those 20oz bottles and have them ready in the fridge! Got some great tips from Marty on the call tonight of the steps he took during his original challenge and will try to incorporate them for the final 13 weeks of mine. Also finished step 4 and posted it on my blog!

That's all for now,

Keith

Grateful for the rainy day we had today
Getting home and having my daughter run up and tell me she missed me soooo much (-;
My Right Light order arriving (-;
Everyone that commented here and on my page.

Good Morning Teamies,

I am safely back home, completely jetlagged, sleep deprived, didn't workout for a week, had greasy chinese food for one week, missed you all immensly.

Today I'm really grateful I could catch up with all your posts,
I welcome the new members, who seemed really enthusisastic and active,
way to go, stay connected, we need you here with your enthusiasm.

I am exactly in the situation that in the past made me so many times give up being fit and healthy. So I need to get back on track TODAY. I'll let you know.

In the mean time a huge THANKS to all of you who kept in contact with me while I was away, Marty, Carin, McKenna, Kirstin .... thank you it really ment a lot.


All the best
Germano

Hi all!

I really liked the posts this morning-very positive, supportive & motivating.

Laura - what a thoughtful post-thanks for sharing. Isn't it funny how Bill's texts & emails come at the right time. As I was sitting at the restaurant the other night with my family, I had just eaten the square of pizza & Bill's message was something like "have you made healthy choices?" my husband heard my phone & wondered who it was. I just said it was Bill & he was just reminding me to eat healthy-had to laugh! But I didn't have anymore pizza (already decided that before the message, but that reinforced it!)

Welcome back Germano!!

McKenna-sorry I missed hearing your voice last night, your posts are always so cheery I imagine your voice being that way too. Good luck with your appt today & stay strong!

Gladys - I like how you worked through your momentary negative self talk-I have that problem too & it's nice to tell it to shut up!! I think your meals look pretty good-maybe 1 more carb/protein snack between breakfast & lunch? Some people eat 6 small meals-I manage 5 usually & try not to eat past 7pm.

Keith-I like your grateful list-nice (especially #2)

Well off to work-hope everyone has a transforming day!! Kathy

http://www.transformation.com/ksukus...2-Day-5/138092

Good Morning!

Yay Germano is back ! You can do it - jump back in. We are here for you.

Home from work today - migraine since 3pm yesterday and not the best sleep. Plan to workout later and come up with a eating plan after a nap.

Kirstin

Oh, Nici---when you said that even his voice was different, a tear came. Last year, my horse was hospitalized for 10 days, I would visit her daily, spending time in her stall to encourage her to eat. She would lean on the stall door, to keep me from leaving, and when I did leave, would try to nicker, but it wasn't her voice. I am hurting for you, and praying for the best outcome.

We're hosting Headquarters staff this week, so must leave and won't see you all until tonight. I have a ton of catch up here. Don't forget me, please!!! I'll try to make TTR. I regret that I can seldom get on the Wed tele, because its a 6 and I'm usually at work. My heart is craving to hear your voices. (My junk food cravings have subsided! Since the highway thing, I've had no appetite, so this has been a bad food week all the way around.)

I hope someone somewhere is enjoying spring weather!!

Lisa

Good morning everyone!
I really should have taken part in that conference call - it probably would have saved me from drinking wine, lol...
I ended up switching and having yesterday as my free day, mostly because with coming off nights, and dealing with term papers, I didn't have time to plan for yesterday. Planning is key for me. I was also so exhausted yesterday, I just wanted to have a selfish 'me' day.
My food wasn't horrendous - I had scrambled egg whites and a grapefruit when I woke up, then for dinner I had multigrain pasta with lightly sauteed tiger prawns, spinach, red pepper and mushrooms (no sauce), and later that night I had a multigrain 'thin' bagel (they're really thin, have 150 calories) with 2 slices of light swiss cheese. BUT over the coarse of the evening I drank 3 glasses of wine.... (wine is definitely my weak spot, I should have been born Italian). I needed a brain break, so I had a lazy night curled up watching movies and sipping wine. SO... gotta get back on track today. Heading off to the gym soon to do LBW and extra cardio to make up for the wine.

My plan today:
MI - vitamin/mineral shake with blueberries
M2 - scrambled egg whites with spinach & mushrooms; an apple
M3: cottage cheese with celery; multi-grain thin 'bagel'
M4: vitamin/mineral shake
M5: baked chicken breast with steamed broccoli and brown rice.

Hope everyone has a great day!!!

Welcome back Germano!! ~ I have no doubt you will get back on board!!! Wishing you some much needed rest, and an amazing transformation day

See (read that is, lol) you all tonight!
Annalisa

Expanding on McKenna taking action in response to my shared quote yesterday (you rock, McKenna and YES that is a compliment - lol), I am going to ask each of you to do me AND YOU a favor:

PLEASE SHARE HERE ONE OF YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS THAT YOU ARE PROUD OF.



Here is the quote again:

"Take a satisfaction break.

Make a list of the accomplishments you are proudest of, and
then read over your list and appreciate yourself for all your hard work. You've done alot so celebrate already!"

By sharing you grant all of us the opportunity to CELEBRATE WITH YOU!!! I look forward to your responses!


I will begin:

I am proud of raising my daughter as a single parent to become a very responsible, hard working, generous, compassionate contributor to our society!

Annalisa, it happens! I will not be taking a Free Day this weekend either since the disappearance of spring had a debilitating impact on my nutritional intake last night. Actually, it impacted ALLEN and he baked brownies and a pizza - both of which I indulged. Soo, I will be claiming Wednesday as my Free Day.

Kirsten, hope the headache subsides - at least eases enough to get your exercise in without too much suffering.

Gladys, do you have the Transformation book? Bill's chapters on Exercise and Nutrition are excellent. I'm not sure I would embark on the Challenge without the book. It is so much easier to work this process if we understand WHY we are making the choices we are and the book is what gives us that explanation. Nutrition in a nutshell: 5-6 carb/protein balanced meals, properly proportioned, and consumed 2-3 hours apart throughout the day. Exercise is largely left up to you. Bill says the most important thing is that you select exercise that is SUSTAINABLE - meaning do something you enjoy rather than something you hate - but do it with intensity and do it consistently. I personally find Bill's original Body For Life exercise program the most effective for me. 20 min HIIT Cardio 3x week alternated with Strength Training 3x a week. Hope this helps. So good to have you here! BTW - grilled chicken salad is an awesome choice, depending on what we do with the salad dressing! *winks* Many of us post our meal plans here so you can browse those for ideas.

Laura, your post moved me. Pure evidence of your growth since entering this community! I recall so vividly our early interaction and girl, I am AMAZED at the difference in your mindset!! So proud of you!

McKenna! Your email lit me up this morning! Give me some time to catch up on some things and I will set aside some time to re-read it, reflect and respond. Let me just say, CRY, CRY, CRY! Girl - crying is cleansing and I did a TON of it during my first challenge. We go through life on Autopilot and Transformation forces us to look at all things we stuff/neglect/ignore - many of the realizations we experience stir a wide array of emotions - FEEL THEM - LET 'EM OUT!! And boy oh boy do I have a mouthful for you on accepting compliments! A shared struggle to be sure! For now, except this HUGE HUG - I am proud of you for reaching out and SHARING!

Oh GERMANO in the house! WooT!!

Marty, prayers answered! Thank goodness you are okay! And like I said, you'll be SEXY in specs!

Annalisa, any man worth having will honor his commitments - you're better without that one! Love your perspective on it! I admire your ability to work this process despite such an odd work schedule! YOU ROCK!

BeckerC, so good to see you here!! WELCOME! Bill does not tell us what to do for exercise. He wrote the original Body For Life exercise plan and it is an excellent one for building muscle and leaning out. It all depends upon your goals. The Top 12 is a suggested routine and one that he says he does now. Great place to start!!

Keith, your post was OOZING with WINS! Love it! I got my order today too and I just love seeing that package on my porch!!

Paul, thanks for helping Iris out! You are always so very willing to offer some guidance and an outstretched hand. We are blessed to have you in group!

Suzann, YUCK! Hoping that skull cramp heads out and you have a pain free day today! I so hear ya on the weather. LAME-O! Picture coming soon of what our spring looks like!

Hello everyone, Glad to see everyone posting. I hate it that I can not be on the calls. Trying to work something out so I can in 2 weeks. Working outside all day today. May be a long day but staying healthy.

Suzann & Kirstin- Sending prayers of healing and relief your way!

Keith- So glad for your progress, keep it up my friend

Germano- Welcome back and you can and will get back on track. Looking forward to hearing about it later.

Lisa- Spring has sprung in the south! Sending some spring cheer up for you, hang in there!

My Plan for Today!

Don

Okay, so here it is - SPRING IN GREEN BAY, WI!!! Keep in mind Tuesday evening I cooked on the grill OUTSIDE and had tilled my flower beds - we did not have a stitch of snow! 17" later...

The trees in this first photo are over 25 feet tall.


And here is the grill that we cooked on the evening before...


I am not gonna lie. THIS can put a damper on my spirit this late in the year! I AM IN DESPERATE NEED OF SOME SERIOUS SPRING!

A friend of mine posted to FB the following and it spoke to my heart -

"Could Mother Nature please hit Menopause so we can have a hot flash?!"

I MUST ADD - This post is more me laughing with disbelief than it is a whining complaint. I am tremendously grateful to be snowed in, versus dealing with the traumatic tsunami aftermath that those in Japan and Hawaii are struggling with today.

Good Morning Everyone!
There is a slight chance it won't rain for my race this weekend, I can only hope!
I have been pushing very hard during my workouts, as a result Im pretty sore!

TODAY'S FOOD PLAN
Meal1. Whey Protien in Skim Milk
Supp1. 1 Multivitamin,1 Fish oil,1 Flax oil
Meal2. Eggs,Wheat Toast,Decaff Coffee
Meal3. Tuna, Mixed Vegetables,Ice Tea
Meal4. Whey Protien in Skim Milk
Meal5. Sesame Chicken,Brown Rice, Decaf IceTea
Supp2. 1 Multivitamin,1 Fish oil,1 Flax oil
Meal6. Whey Protien in Skim Milk

TODAY'S WORKOUT PLAN
1] 1- Hour Cycling Intervals
2] BFL Upper Body/Core
3] Swim 1500 yards


-Stuart