It's that time of year again!

The holiday season can be a stressful time, adding extra challenges with the stress of finances, the stress of family, the stress of the food and extra treats, and the list goes on.

Sometimes the best thing you can do is direct your attention elsewhere. Going for a short walk, reducing caffeine intake and drinking plenty of water also can help.

Remember, KEEP IT SIMPLE!
1. Stay Rested – Get enough sleep at night, and take naps if necessary.
2. Just Breathe – Breathe in through your nose for a count of three; exhale through your mouth for a count of three.
3. Don’t Strive for Perfection – Strive for “good enough” instead of stressing over perfection.

Seriously? What are we doing to our children?

What is happening to our children when a third of them are so unhealthy they can't join the military?
http://www.upi.com/Health_News/2009/11/04/One-third-of-US-youth-unfit-for-military/UPI-98691257317594/

The military isn't the only thing out there...but this just continues to fuel the subject of an obesity crisis as quoted in the article. It's time we started being the role models we should be!

Our Own Worst Critic

I’ve done it.  I’m sure you’ve done it.  What is it?  Well how about talking to yourself in a way you would never consider talking to your best friend.  It seems like all of us that struggle with weight loss have done it at some point.  Told ourselves a story about how we aren’t good enough, or how we don’t look a certain way or how everything will be perfect when…Get real.  Stop telling yourself these kinds of stories.  Tell yourself good stories, positive stories.  Stories about loving yourself how you are.  Stories about how you are a wonderful person, how you are making positive changes in your life. Stories that make you feel good not bad.  Even subtle stories have the ability to make or break us.  Stop the negative subtle…shoot for positive subtle and work your way up from there!

Are You the Driver of Change...Or is It Driving You?

All of us are subject to change.  It's one of the laws of nature.  Some change we drive...some change drives us.  I find it difficult to deal with change I didn't initiate.  But, much of the time that unsought change benefits me as much or more than change I bring into my life.

How a person deals with change can say a lot about them.  Most days I'm afraid my dealings with change probably don't have very nice things to say about me.  Change is just one of those stressors in life we have little control over.  I'm not telling you to "embrace change"...not being of a hugger and all. But, learn to be patient with yourself and realize this just might not be the time to fight.

We've all heard how to deal with stress.  I need to hear it as much as anyone, so I'm going to tell you again.

• Breathe
• Exercise - Especially when you don't feel like it.
• Eat right - Whatever that might mean for you.  For me, it means no wheat, very little sugar and carbs, and plenty of protein and good fats.
• Get an appropriate amount of sleep - Too much is just as bad as too little.
• Find things or people or places that bring joy and happiness into your life.
• And, finally, learn to love yourself, accept yourself, and strive for reasonable expectations in your self-growth.

So, it this post about change or stress? For me this year, they've pretty much been one and the same.  I'm thinking a few of you might be able to relate.  

I'm grateful for where I am, but look forward to moving on...even if that means more change and in the process more stress!

Copied from Sunny's other blog: freshandfeisty.blogspot.com

Another Runner

Okay, I told you all I don't run for anything. Well, apparently someone got the running genes (hah get it jeans, pants...anyway)in our family. Mandy competed in the River Run (I think that's what it's called) in Coquille this morning and got 3rd place in her age group. Kudos to you 'couz!

Special Olympics Torch Run

Well, I'm sure Rachel didn't intend for me to put this picture up but I manage the blog so here it is! Rachel ran 3 miles on Wednesday as part of the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Oregon! Apparently her calves still hurt today. Have I mentioned I don't run for anything? Congratulations 'couz!

The Liquid Diet...It's Not What You Think

How much food do you take in without even realizing it? Most of us would be amazed and shocked to find out how many calories and how much fat are in a lot of our favorite drinks. When trying to lose weight, sometimes we focus so much on what we are eating that we forget about what we are drinking. Here are a few examples for you to keep in mind:

• Grape soda- 12 oz = 160 calories

• Orange cream soda- 12 oz = 189 calories

• Cola- 1 cup = 136 calories and 9 teaspoons of sugar

• Champagne- 1 cup = 200 calories

• Eggnog-1 cup = 343 calories

• Sweetened lemonade- 6oz = 395 calories

Your local Seattle-based coffee shop, to remain unnamed, has at least 10 drinks with over 500 calories and ranging from 17-29 grams of fat in each one. That is just crazy to use that many of your daily calories and fat on a drink!! They have several dozen other drinks that range from 200-500 calories also.

Dairy Queen's large chocolate milkshake has 1140 calories and 33 grams of fat or how about a large chocolate malt with 1320 calories and 35 grams of fat. The ONLY thing on their entire menu that has more calories is the large cookie dough blizzard. Even the small chocolate shake has 560 calories and 15 grams of fat. They do havea medium mister misty with 290 calories and no fat.

And for those of us looking forward to some nice weather, a barbeque and a little margarita keep in mind, a 6 oz margarita has 168 calories. But let's get real, ones you order in the restaurant are probably 3x as big. That means, you are "spending" a whopping 504 calories for one drink. Ummm, reality check, if you're on say a 1500 calorie diet....that was an entire meal!

Spicy Meatloaf Muffins

I don't think these are particularly spicy but you can always cut back on the chili powder and cumin if your family doesn't like a lot of spice. I also use mild to medium diced canned green chilies.

Spicy Meatloaf Muffins

1/2 tsp garlic powder
4 oz can green chilies
1 egg
1 T chili powder
2 tsp cumin
1 c. rolled oats
1 1/2 lb extra lean ground beef
8 oz can tomato sauce

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Coat muffin pan with cooking spray.

Combine all ingredients, except half of the can of tomato sauce (I do it in the food processor!). Spoon into muffin pan and smooth the tops.

Bake for 45-55 min. Spoon remaining sauce over the "muffins" and cook an additional 5 min.

2 pts/muffin

It Doesn't Take Two...It Takes Half!

I know, lame title. Anyways, just a quick thought for eating out.

It can be tricky. If you don't cook it, quite frankly, you have no idea what is in it...IE how many calories, points, etc. And, darn it, you want to treat yourself once in a while. Go ahead, it's okay. You heard me, order that huge burrito...but wait there's more. Ask for a to go container as soon as they bring the meal. Split that puppy up before you even start eating and only eat half! Eat the rest for lunch the next day. It works, really it does!

* Or if you hate styrofoam, bring your own container when you eat out. Just say'n.

Cheesy Chicken Cups

No, this isn't a new dance. Below is one of Mandy's go to recipes. Try it. It's quick and yummy.

Cheesy Chicken Cups

1 can refrigerated biscuits (10/can)
1 c. cooked chicken breast, diced
1 can 98% fat-free cream of chicken soup
2/3 c. low-fat shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 c. diced onion
1/2 c. frozen peas

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Separate biscuits and place each in muffin cup. Pressing dough up sides of cup. Combine other ingredients in bowl. Evenly spoon into biscuit cups. Bake 12-15 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool 2-3 minutes.

10 servings - 2.5 WW pts/serving

Starting a New Exercise Program is not a Luxury

The information posted below was copied from an online article here. Dr. Dennis Godby says it better than I can!

Because “not having time” is the No. 1 reason people give for not exercising regularly (3-5 sessions per week), below are a few reflections on an effective, practical, time-efficient exercise regimen that comes from cutting edge scientific research and experience:

1. Exercise is not a luxury. It is absolutely essential for optimal health. The American Amish, who walk an average 16,000 steps in their daily lives (compared to the average American's 2,000 steps), are rarely diabetic or overweight. Since most of us don't have physically demanding jobs, it is critical to schedule exercise time and make it a priority. If it is not scheduled, it will usually not happen.

2. A common way to sabotage success in a new exercise program is to over commit oneself in the beginning. Enthusiasm is essential, but it is just as critical to be smart. Starting gradually, and not overdoing it will reduce chance of injury, soreness, and burning out. What’s most important is to exercise for the long haul, rather than being the hare and exhausting oneself after a few weeks or months.

3. If you don't have 30 minutes a day to exercise, do 20, if you don't have 20, do 10, etc. The point is: START today, and get moving. "A body in motion tends to stay in motion." Certainly you have 10 minutes. Walk at home, or around the block, stretch your muscles, etc, but get going! Once you start, you will no doubt continue to expand your commitment to dedicated exercise time.

4. Train smarter, not longer or harder. In future articles, I will be elaborating on cutting edge research and training techniques, that I believe are much more efficient and effective ways to exercise than the way people have been taught.

To give a hint: Do "interval training" rather than same-paced "aerobic activities." If you like to walk, run, swim, or other "aerobic" activities, vary the intensity. For example, if you normally walk at 3 miles per hour pace, for a half hour, try walk/jog for several minutes at a faster pace, then slow to the 3 miles per hour you are used to and speed up again.
If you do weight training with light weights and many reps, switch to heavier weights with less repetitions.

Exercise is as natural to the body as breathing or eating. Preventing disease may be what motivates people to start an exercise program; what sustains people over the long haul with exercise, is feeling fully alive, and improving one’s quality of life.

No M&M's For Me!

I did it. I made it through an entire day without eating any of the M&M's my annoying (really she's nice) co-worker brought in! This is huge for me. Often when there are M&M's in the cute little dispenser, I walk up and eat handfuls without even thinking about it. It's not that I need or even really want them. I just see chocolate and eat. Ha! I beat it yesterday and I'm going to beat it today. What did you do this week that is a positive step in changing your negative behavior?

Yikes!

Okay, so you think you're eating well. Not too crazy. Then you sit down and actually figure out the calories or in my case, the Weight Watchers points. Yesterday, and this wasn't the worst day I've had by any means, I figured out what I had really eaten. I consumed 38 points rather than the 25 points I'm supposed to eat. No wonder the scale was up 1.5lbs this morning. Guess it just goes to show how important it is to write down what you eat...ummm you know, like before you eat it and not the next morning!

Obsess...Who Me?

Andy informed me last night that I obsess over food. Gee thanks, sweetie! Like that's a new thought. I personally think it's something I inherited. I definitely agree...I do obsess over food. But, in my mind I obsess in both good and bad ways. I love planning a great meal, I love thinking about where my food comes from, and I love knowing how the food can benefit my body. I also stress how about how bad it is for me, I stress about eating too much, and I stress about eating the wrong things. Men think about sex all the time...I think about food! Do you obsess over food, either in good or bad ways? Leave a comment and let us know!

It Is a New Week!

Well, today was not quite the disaster on the scale that I thought it would be. With finding out that Andy's lay off is "permanent" and his birthday and going out to eat at Olive Garden on Saturday, I thought I was for sure going to gain back that 2lbs I lost last week. Instead, it was only about half a pound. Guess exercise does do a body good!

PS If you aren't sure who wrote what post, look in the labels or "keywords." If one of us wrote a specific post, you will find our name listed there. Thanks!

Two Words Peeps: WEIGHT LIFTING

If you want to burn fat, boost your metabolism, and sculpt/tone any part of your body, it’s imperative you do some strength training. And I don’t mean using some “two-pound-my-bra-weighs-more-than-your-dumbells” kind of weight lifting. I want you to push yourselves outside the “heavier weights = bulkier frame” mindset. I’ve been following the ChaLean Extreme (www.beachbody.com) program for a couple of weeks (three mornings per week, approximately 30-45 minutes each set) and I’ve seen metamorphisizing results already. My cousins Sunny and Mandy are currently in different cycles of P90X (www.beachbody.com) which I have followed in the past and let me tell you, it produces the same results.

Muscle truly does burn fat! It was hard for me mentally to imagine that lifting 20-30 pounds for each exercise wasn’t going to turn me into She-looks-like-a-He-Man and it was physically hard for me to lift that much weight but the goal is to exhaust your muscles after only 6-8 reps. And it works! My foopa/apron/tube of biscuits belly is actually starting to shrink, yeehaw!

But get real. If you haven’t worked out other than getting off the couch to change the TV channel because the batteries in your remote went dead, please don’t plunge into this intense kind of workout program. Exercise is something you want to ease into, make small commitments and stick with them, then up your anty by adding more days per week, more challenging routines, and heavier weights.

I know from personal experience that you have to keep “tricking” your body by doing different things to see results. If you run all the time (which is of course a great way to exercise), you occasionally need to break that cycle and try a group fitness class or workout DVD at home. Same goes for group fitness (which is my personal choice for a cardio workout………..running is something I truly try to avoid unless I’m being chased). However, I occasionally run stairs or run on the beach (easier on the left knee) giving that dreaded exercise “plateau” a big ol’ kick in the face! ARRRGGGGHHH! (That was my Pirate yell, hahaha).

So what are y’all waiting for? Get moving and lifting, and don’t forget to shake that booty!

What? You mean I'm not Superwoman? Well Screw That!

Well, life has a funny way of sneaking up on a person. All three of
us have been busy and not terribly inspired, I'm afraid. Personally,
I feel perhaps hypocritical in suggesting you should be healthy, eat
right and exercise. I posted I was below 200 on my birthday, yet here
it is nearly a month later and I'm still bouncing around the same
numbers. We won't even discuss some of the foods I've been eating
lately. Well those who know me, at all, know I'm honest. So here it
goes, as Rachel says, "We have to remember we're not superhuman!" My response was, "...just so you know I am superwoman."


But Rachel is right...we are not superhuman. Yet, we and society put
so much pressure on ourselves. Pressure to be the best spouse, the
best friend, the best employee, the best parent, the best whatever.
Two words people: SCREW THAT! Learn to take some time out. Learn to give yourself a break. Learn to value the small things. Just let go
of the pressure to "be the best." Just be happy and love yourself.
The rest will come with time.

Cheap Calories and Couch Potatoes

Boy have we got some heavy reading for you! Mothergoosemouse posted a five part series on obesity, high fructose corn syrup and health care in the United States. We especially like the comments/discussion following the last post. Are we fat because we make bad choices, are we fat because of our food? It's definitely open to debate. Check it out and come back and tell us what you think:

Part one

Part two

Part three

Part four

Part five (conclusion)

When the Simple Life Isn't So Simple

Weight loss and getting healthy isn't just about your body. It's about everything in your life...especially your brain (and yes I know it's part of the body!). Things have to shift in your brain to make this process work. Let's explore one thing that can affect this shift...what do you do when a seemingly great friend turns out to a) not be the person you thought they were, b) not bring anything positive into your life, or c) all of the above? Now, note, I said friends. Family is a whole different story.

What is the acceptable way to deal with these situations? I personally have moved and not provided a forwarding address. It's a totally passive way of dealing with it. That particular friend was never mean or aggressive towards me...rather it was all about her, never about me. And, we all know, it's about me! But seriously, I had discussed, or at least thought I had discussed how I felt about the friendship. Apparently, she didn't get it. So in keeping with simplifying my life, I decided not to maintain that friendship.

How many people can you maintain close friendships with? Really. Think about that one for a minute. You can "know" a lot of people but how much energy can you or are you willing to expend maintaining close personal friendships? And before you freak out, realize that it's okay not to be best buds with everyone you meet.

If people aren't bringing joy into your life, then don't have them in your life. And, I don't mean they can't share their problems with you, or that you can't share your problems with them. I mean, do they give you the love and support that you give them. Or, is it one-sided?

It's okay to move on. If you're looking for those things that make your life more full and enriched, that friend is probably not the right one for you. Sometimes the simple life just isn't that simple!

Below 200!

First of all, "Happy Birthday to me!" Okay, today is my 28th birthday. It's amazing how age gives a person a little perspective. It's not like I have a ton of perspective but I wanted to share what little perspective I do have. Today is the first time in the last 14 years that I have officially weighed less than 200 lbs. As my "present" the scales said 199 this morning!

What's the perspective?
Well, at 14 I was so much bigger than all the other girls in my class. I was in fine shape...for an adult. At 14, I told myself I was a big, fat cow. At 28, I know I'm hot...smokin' hot as Rachel says!


The other perspective, perhaps the even more important perspective?
For so many years, I had told myself there was no way I was going to be able to lose weight and get into shape. By telling myself that, I literally gave up. I ended up gaining so much more weight. I also gave up on other things in my life. Everything just seemed so hard. Now, I realize that if I can lose 52lbs maybe those other things that I thought I could never do are actually possible! One of those things was riding 41 miles on my bike in a single day last September. Here's what I called it then: that "Thing" (yes it's thing with a capitol T) that you never think you could ever do. We all have at least one "Thing" if not more.

So while this post is a brag post for me, it's also an opportunity for you to realize and think about what your "Thing" is. It may not be weight loss for you. What is it that is stopping you? Please take some time and really think about it. And, know, it's not always quick and certainly not easy but it can be done!

Struggles, Temptations, and Splurges

Ever have this problem? One of the hardest aspects of losing/maintaining weight for me is not splurging and giving into cravings! And when I do give in, not letting it turn into days/weeks of bad eating and not exercising. I have really been struggling with this lately and am trying to conquer it.

For the last month or more I have been letting myself repeat this vicious circle that I have created. Every week I start out by eating healthy and exercising daily which is what I know is successful for me. This lasts for 3-4 days and during this time I usually lose 6-8 pounds. Then for one reason or another, I give in to temptation the last few days of the week and don't exercise which in turn causes me to gain all the weight back that I lost earlier in the week. I know that my lack of willpower is what is causing me to re-live this situation over and over again but I just haven't completely figured out how to successfully resist these temptations. We all know there will be temptations in life but learning to deal with them properly is the difference between success and failure.

In my situation, I let a number of things steer me off course. If I know that we have plans for dinner out or any sort of special occasion that is going to be an excuse to eat badly, I either turn that whole day into a "splurge day" or turn several days into "splurge time". This is where my problem lies. If I could just be bad for the one meal or even just the one day, I would probably be ok. Portion control has never been my strong suit and this issue relates directly to that in my opinion. Once I start, it is really hard for me to stop and get back on track.

I can look in the cupboard and see all of these unhealthy things to eat and not really even want them. As long as I don't try them I am usually fine. But, if I happen to give in and have even just one bite of something I shouldn't then it is like the flood gates are open. I proceed to eat every bad thing in there that I have been wanting and think of other foods I have been wanting that I can splurge on since I have already ruined my diet for the day. I know that I am going to feel miserable when I am done and still not feel satisfied but I do it anyways.

This is a constant battle for me and one that I am working extremely hard to try and conquer. I know there will always be temptation and that it is going to take sheer willpower to successfully defeat it. Weight loss isn't ever easy and there is no magic pill or surgery that is going to change that. If anyone else shares these same struggles, I would love to hear your take on them and your advice on how you handle temptation. What causes you to backslide? Share your thoughts in the comments!

So What is This Finger You're Talking About? - Brief Intro to PCOS

(Note to our male readers: This will be slightly personal and slightly feminine. Go ahead, keep reading, it's good for you!)

Ah, the finger our bodies give us. Those of you who have PCOS or polycycstic ovary syndrome know exactly what Rachel and I are talking about. PCOS is considered a "syndrome" rather than a disease because of the many different symptoms and that not all women will have the same symptoms. No one really understands what causes PCOS. Current research seems to be centering around how our bodies deal with insulin and other hormones. I'm a bit cynical about this but because it's an issue for women and not men, the research just hasn't been as quick as it could be. I mean seriously, it was first described over 80 years ago! A lot of that is changing though.

Symptoms can include any of the following:

• Irregular or no menstrual periods
• Acne
• Obesity
• Excess hair growth
• Infertility
• Depression and anxiety

Gee, sounds fun doesn't it! These symptoms also put women with PCOS at high risk for diabetes, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure on top of other issues they may have if obese. Because of the far ranging symptoms and a lack of a clear cause, PCOS care typically focuses on managing the symptoms rather than eliminating them.

I was diagnosed with PCOS at 15. If I'm not on birth control I have two periods a month. It contributes to my weight issues, causes me to grow hair that I don't want, gives me mood swings and generally contributes to my bad self-image. Rachel didn't get diagnosed until later and doesn't have the hair issue. I'll let her tell you about that herself sometime though, if she wants.

I've put together a list of resources below if you'd like a little more information. For those of you who know someone with PCOS, please be kind. I was mocked a lot in high school for having facial hair and being overweight. The mocking made an already crappy situation much worse.

Resources:
http://www.pcoscoach.com/symptoms_of_pcos.html
http://www.hormone.org/Polycystic/overview.cfm
http://www.youngwomenshealth.org/pcosinfo.html
http://www.soulcysters.net/

THE SKINNY ON: FAT- UNDERCOVER

(He give a smashing performance and wears a first-class disguise! I'm portraying fat as a he because I cannot fathom it being a female...why would we terrorize/victimize ourselves in such a fashion. Nope it's a deceptive male...but not all fats, like men, are bad ;-)

Ever hear the term FAT-FREE, LOW-FAT, LIGHT, REDUCED FAT, 1/2 THE FAT, 1/3 THE FAT, 99% FAT-FREE, 99.9% FAT-FREE (seriously, who are you fooling with the 0.01%?), NONFAT, DIET, LOW SUGAR, REDUCED SUGAR, NO SUGAR (and the list goes on AND on). If so you're definitely standing under the umbrella of dupery (so I made that word up but I used the root word of dupe; an easily deceived person; person who functions as the tool of another person or power).

All of these terms were created by food companies for one major purpose: to SELL their product! Approximately 200 million Americans, including our children, are overweight. In 2000, the Department of Health and Human Services estimated the overall annual economic costs of obesity in the US to be $117 billion and that was 9 years ago. So, you can do the inflation math. Americans spend an estimated $40 billion per year on diet-related products alone. Guess who literally wants a piece of that money pie? Everyone in the "weight loss" business; fitness companies, food companies, pharmaceutical companies, etc. So that's why the rest of us have to become educated about the choices we make about what to put in our bodies. This is the only body we're given. We've got on shot to use and maintain it.

The truth? Most fat-free or low-fat foods are high in processed sugars, dangerous artificial sweeteners, low in fiber, and contain MSG. As you eat these processed foods, the acid in your stomach dissolves them very quickly.

It's like trying to fill a sink that has no stopper! The MSG causes insulin production so you are hungry an hour later, making healthy weight loss very difficult (if not impossible).

The result? You consume excess calories and your body stores them as fat.

Many people consume larger quantities of low-fat or nonfat foods than they do of regular foods, thinking they will break even, which they do not. Or, they rationalize that because they're eating some low fat or nonfat foods, they can eat larger servings of foods that are not low in fat. Focus on adding more fresh fruit and vegetables to your diet. These foods are good for you, are essentially fat-free, and because of their fiber have a high level of satiety.

"The bottom line, according to Frechman: Don't put too much faith in products labeled fat-free at the expense of making smarter decisions about portion size, your overall diet, and the amount of exercise you get, which are the real keys to a healthy weight." : Frechman, Ruth, M.A., R.D., dietitian in Los Angeles; spokeswoman, American Dietetic Association

One of the Answers

Truthfully anyone can lose weight and many do. However, a much smaller percentage of people lose and keep off the weight for good. When you eat fewer calories than you burn you will lose weight. Following any eating plan that reduces your calories will result in weight loss.

Keeping weight off however requires more than calorie cutting; it requires changing your behavior. You can throw all the money you have at weight loss, but you will not have permanent weight loss unless you change and strengthen the organ between your ears.

Your brain is the most important body part in your weight loss efforts. With any addiction, if you simply take away the object of addiction you have not solved the problem. A drug addict is not cured simply by going through detox. An alcoholic is not cured by being deprived of alcohol. Taking food away will cause temporary weight loss but lasting change requires a change in the way you think about food.

My cousins and I and many others are living proof that when you change your mind about weight loss you are on the way to lasting behavior change and a healthy lifestyle. I'm not saying it's not going to be tough or challenging or that you won't have bad days, but it is possible to achieve permanent success. Look at Mandy's story...rock on couz, rock on!

Resources:
http://www.meriter.com/
http://www.articlesbase.com/weight-loss-articles/eating-organic-and-whole-foods-will-help-you-lose-weight-458857.html

Enough is Enough - Rachel

I think I’ve been mentally in that state since birth. Chubby, fat, obese, roley polly, fluffy, big-boned (yeah, I love that one); whatever you choose to call it…..I’ve lived it. I can never remember a day in my life, childhood included, where I’ve been at a society labeled “healthy” weight. I feel that my mom and dad had probably just feasted at one our infamous family gatherings when they conceived me.

Skip ahead: High school. Ahhhh, how high school can change your life…..its mind boggling in so many ways. I’m not certain if it was the threat of being teased, being left out of social functions, being left behind, or being labeled that prompted me to see through my wall of chubbiness. But high school was one of those defining moments; therefore, I was going to tackle the immense challenge of changing my body. At the time my mom was exercising and following Weight Watchers. I started following the Weight Watchers program, faithfully ran two miles at least three times per week, ran stairs (a very long, steep set leading to the beach), went to step aerobics twice weekly, and was an active football and basketball cheerleader. I danced, I ran, I climbed, I ate very little. And yes, I lost weight……but seriously peeps……I was still a size 8 or 9! AND….I had youth on my side! I still thought I was fat and it’s sad because realistically I was probably at a maintainable weight for my body.

Skip ahead: Marriage (which for me =weight gain). Apparently being comfortable with someone can make you lazy. I was cooking huge meals for just two people and exercising rarely. Portions were outrageous! I can remember at family gatherings heaping my plate with food containing more calories than I should have been consuming all day……..and then heaping it AGAIN!

Skip ahead: Pregnancy. I had actually rejoined Weight Watchers and was exercising moderately before conceiving my daughter. I had lost some weight…and then bam I was pregnant. It was also at this time in my life I was diagnosed with PCOS (which Sunny and I will whine about in detail later) but let’s just say….not our friend and definitely a major factor in our weight issues. I was lucky. Due to the lovely joys of vomiting (extreme pregnancy morning, noon, and night sickness for 9 months), I only gained 15 pounds and had lost 36 pounds 6 weeks after I delivered. If only I had started an exercise/eating program then I might not have had another “up in weight” moment in my life. But I was tired……and stressed……and I think a bit depressed. Caring for a newborn, especially a colicky active newborn, is mentally AND physically demanding. I ate too many calories and wasn’t exercising. Up came the weight. I think at my heaviest, I weighed more than I had 9 months pregnant. Not a good moment for me. I, like Mandy, thought of my child when the light bulb came back on. As a mother, you ARE role model for your children. You have NO CHOICE. It’s inherent. I looked down at my small, adorable, active daughter and said…….I NEVER want her to have to struggle with herself like I have.

That was when I joined Turbo Kick (kickboxing instructed by a high school friend) and have NEVER looked back. Well, that’s not entirely true….I sometimes think about my old ways, but only to remind myself and others that going BACK to that is not an option for me. Each time I drop a size in clothing, I give those clothes away. I don’t save them (you all know what I’m talking about…those fat pants, that baggy sweater). I step on a scale every morning and often at night. I can visually see my progress…or an occasional defeat. But it keeps me accountable…..and gives me NO reason or excuse to save anything related to my old ways. This is a journey where you really can’t throw the white flag. You battle….you have wins and learns….and you dust yourself off from those learns and let them not defeat you.

Enough is Enough - Sunny

Unlike Mandy, I can't point to a day that I said, "From today on I change." I can, however, point to a personal low...December 25, 2006. Dad, Andy and I were hiking at Coquille Falls. It's 0.5 miles downhill to see the falls. Did downhill just fine. Coming back out my blood sugar got low, I was fat and out of shape, and that half mile was hell. At one point, I just sat down in the rain and the dirt and cried. Andy tried to cheer me up, "You are doing what you like with people you love." Didn't matter...it wasn't fun anymore.

I had just left an organization that required much of my free-time. Later that day Dad suggested, if I could devote that much time to the organization before, maybe now I could devote that time to me.

I will never know what my highest weight was...I refused to own a scale. And, it would take another 9 months before I got "serious." I tried counting calories over the summer, although I'm not sure how effective that was. I do think it got me in the right frame of mind. I also know jealousy played a role. At our annual August family reunion everybody was excited about Mandy losing 40lbs since April. What the hell? I could do that. I didn't want her to be the only "skinny" one!

At the same time we got a dog and I started Weight Watchers. A dog with lots of energy that needed walks everyday. At first we just went around the block. That's all I could handle. Then pretty soon it was half a mile and by the end of the winter we were walking 2-3 miles in the morning and more in the afternoon. The dog had to leave but the exercise and Weight Watchers stuck.

I too believe that without exercise I would never have lost the weight. I have friends that are into riding bikes. I already rode to work each day (1.5 miles round-trip) but I started added grocery shopping, going to church, other errands, etc. to my daily rides. It's a form of exercise that doesn't feel like exercise to me. I even managed to ride 41 miles on Labor Day 2008! A year before that I had rode 3 miles to church. As soon as I got there, I called Andy and asked him to pick me up after church. I just couldn't imagine riding the 3 miles home. Seriously, I thought I was going to die. What a difference! From sitting in the dirt crying in the rain in the woods to riding 41 miles. I haven't "arrived" and I don't think I ever will...it will be a daily struggle. It has to be - day by day.

Enough is Enough - Mandy

It was April 17, 2007, when I finally decided enough was enough! I had always been overweight for as long as I could remember and I didn’t want to be that way anymore. I had always been pretty healthy and active so I didn’t even realize how much my weight had gotten out of control until it was too late. I will admit I was always one of those people who looked at severely obese people and thought to myself how could they let themselves get that big? I would never let myself get that big. I finally took a step back, looked at myself, and realized I had done exactly the same thing. I just gradually put on more and more weight until I was considered “morbidly obese” by all the weight charts. My kids were a huge motivating factor and just what I needed to get started! I didn’t want my kids to be teased for having a fat mom or for them to be embarrassed to have me around their friends because I was so big.

In the past whenever I was thinking about trying to lose weight, I would tell myself I would start the next day or the beginning of the next week, or the beginning of the next month. It never worked. I was always finding reasons to prolong doing what I really needed to do which was eat healthier foods, smaller portions, and EXERCISE. Exercise in my opinion is the most important part of my weight loss strategy and the only way I will ever be able to maintain this weight for the rest of my life. On April 17th, I decided to start because it was in the middle of a week, the middle of the month, and was as good of time as any to get my life on track. I was finally ready to make a huge change in my lifestyle and have seen great success since that day!

This is not an easy process and it isn’t something you can just do for a little while and then go back to your old ways. You have to be committed to changing your life forever if you want to be successful. You have to find what works for your unique body and be committed to sticking with it even when it is tough because there are always times that make it really hard not to give up. Willpower and determination to lose the weight and get healthy are the keys in my opinion.

Cast of Characters - Our Debut!

We are three cousins who grew up together and who have always struggled with weight. Our family loves food - no family event would be complete without our Grandma's cookies in her iconic tupperware containers. We're all active right now and we're all in different places with our weight. Share our struggles, defeats and accomplishments. Get to know us a little better and see if you can relate.

Rachel – Married, mom to one very active little girl, den mother or actually office manager for Bandon Police Department. Probably the most girlish of the three. In addition to struggling with her weight, Rachel has polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). This makes it just a bit harder to lose weight. No really, a lot harder. We describe it as your body giving you the finger. You know which finger. Currently she is working her ass off and teaching Hip Hop Hustle. Rachel has lost 40lbs. She would like to lose another 50 lbs.


Mandy – Married, mom to two active boys, runs a day care from home. Mandy is the athletic one. Lost most of her weight by exercising like a fiend. No PCOS here. Mandy has lost 107lbs. She would like to lose another 5lbs. Really she wants to just be more trim.


Sunny – Married, no kids, works outside the home for the Oregon Department of Agriculture. Sunny's body also likes to give her the finger. Yep, she has PCOS too. Seems it runs in families. In addition to this, Sunny has found that wheat, dairy and sugar are just plain bad. Exercises some. Hates it. Rides her bike as much as possible to avoid other forms of exercise but has come to the realization that she has got to do more to make the weight come off. Sunny has lost 50 lbs and wants to lose another 34 lbs.


Now you have an idea of our backgrounds. Expect different information from each of us. We have lots of methods in common and lots of different ways that we have approached our weight loss. What has helped each of us the most is community, hard work, and eating right. So join us or find your own community. Either way, know it can be done...one day at a time!