Hello all Sounds like you are seeing some good results! I have had the program for awhile but never used it! I am starting it monday! I just started a club over at yahoo for people using this program or interested in using it! If anyone wants to check it out email me at hdf_73@yahoo.com for the link or lookin yahoo clubs under health& wellness>health&fitness>weight loss>MThurmond Bodymakeover club

Hi Susy, glad to see you here. I agree with the journaling each day. I keep an Excel file and list everything I eat each day with the points. I sometimes don't enter anything on the weekends, especially if Jammer is home. Today I decided to not worry with points. I think that was a bad idea as I ate a sausage sandwich for breakfast and it's high in fat. I have been listless ever since, no energy. Do you think it was from the sudden change in diet? Maybe it's mental! anyway, I plan to be good for the rest of the day. I am really enjoying walking each day with my DIL and the twins. I get a good workout and can feel the burn. In the past 10 years I haven't changed clothing sizes, but can tell that I have really aged and that's mostly because I used to stay very toned and had muscles in my legs and now I have no muscle tone. To try to get in better shape I have several exercise columns on my excel file that I keep my points on. I tell myself that I have to check off one of the exercise types each day. So if it's getting late in the day, and there is no check - I better start doing steps or ab exercises! It's a mind game.

Bonnie, you are doing great! And you are right, it does seem like things are getting harder. I guess they get easier if we stick to it, though, right? ( I hope!!) Annie, that is awesome!!!!! Congrats! Beth, wow about waitressing. I really think it is such a tough job, one of the toughest. How did your weight training go? I am a little less into it this week. Tried a new DVD from a friend but it was so repetitive and I hurt my knees a little. Also got my period EARLY (very early) so I have to deal with that. Missed my workout yesterday despite getting up very early because I had to make things for my mom's b-day . . .but I made myself get up early today to get the workout done, so I didn't miss any! Whew. I see, though, that if I can't do it in the a.m., it is very hard to fit it in at any other time. I really want to get some light equipment and new DVDs. Something easy on the knees but that will really strengthen my legs, butt, etc. to help with my knees. Ideas?

I had a long message I posted a few days ago . . .apparently it didn't go through! Annie, re: cellulite, I do think carbs/diet is part of the picture, but I also think it's far more complex than just that. And, unfortunately, it's hard as a vegetarian to limit carbs , but of course, avoiding refined carbs is always a good thing. I do always eat them with fats/protein-- always. As I stated in another thread, I had it since when I was 13! I was underweight, even. My mom does not have it (lucky!) but my aunt did, very badly. There are many causes and it's not understood so well. In my case, I think it's a mix of genetics and hormones. I am going to try dry-brushing to help with my circulation (some say it's tied to the lymphatic system); supposed to yield good results. We'll see . . . Joanie, the best thing is that, even though you feel discouraged, you are not quitting. That counts for a LOT. That is when it's the hardest, I am finding . . .so yay you!!! I suggest you throw the scale away. I really do. The scale does not mean anything. You can gain muscle and feel like you are not losing fat! It's very deceptive. You can retain water weight (or lose it)-- and then what? If you really need numbers, measure yourself with a tape measure. The easiest thing, though, is just to see how your clothes fit. I strongly suggest you add weights to your routine. Building muscle is so good for you (bone density!), AND, the more muscle you have, the better your metabolism is. Have you had physical therapy for your back? I wonder, too, how your "core/center" strength is. (See link below.) The trick will be to find a workout that does not further injure or strain your back/neck . . .I agree that perhaps jogging is not so good for your back at this point. Maybe you need something lower impact? In any case, I am really, really hoping you find answers soon because back pain can affect everything. I am so sorry you have to deal with this. :( Legomom, the Fitbit sounds like a great idea! If you want to add the plank and stretch, just plan ahead of time exactly when you'll do them, and you will get it done! Outside, that sounds like a fun trip! Does your DH exercise with you? I worked out with a ballet video that I hadn't used for awhile this am. I am really thinking that (for me), variation is key. Because each DVD is different, they each work the body in a slightly different way, giving more challenge. Even if one is a little easier, if I've put it away for awhile and come back, I get a benefit from it due to the variety. Yay to everyone for sticking with this, even when we don't feel like it! Here is a link that might be useful: Core Myths