End of week.....

I hope that everyone had a great and productive week. I've had a lot of stress at work and home and I'm just glad that the week is over so that I can start over next week. My exercise habits are still going well, but yesterday I had like 2 cups of water and about 7 cups of tea (the good McDonald's kind) and some coffee (yummy.....fiene). I'll do better today....hopefully. It was just one of those days.....one of those weeks. I guess I'll just give that up as my free day. Weigh in is tomorrow. Only about a month left for this 8 weeks. I would love to have some extra cash in my pockets if no one is interested. Maybe enjoy a nice pedicure and buy a new celebratory pair of shoes and treat myself to lunch. Everybody work together to make this dream a reality for me okay (yeah.....I'm talking junk). Talk to everybody soon. HH signing off.

What I Saw on Oprah Today

For those who TIVO, you might want to watch Oprah's Show dated today. Dr. Ozmet was on today (he's Oprah's medical authority). He has a book called YOU-The Owner's Manual, that outlines things that we can do to make our bodies healthier in the long run. For example, 6 foods that we need to add to our diets weekly are: garlic, tomato sauce, olive oil, spinach, raw almonds, pomegranate. Dr. Ozmet also made the following statements as it relates to losing weight: 1) If your waist measurement is greater than 34", you're at greater risk for heart disease. 2) Walk 30 minutes everyday---without fail. 3) Meet with a personal trainer to develop an exercise routine which will include weights and stretching. 4) Practice more healthy cooking; include salmon in your meal planning. 5) An average 30 year old woman can easily do 45 bent leg push-ups. This number decreases by five with each decade, e.g., at 40, 40 push-ups, at 50, 35 push-ups. 6) Read food labels like they're prescriptions. If a label has the following ingredients listed as one of the first five ingredients, eliminate that food/product from your diet: sugar, high fructose corn syrup, enriched white flour, saturated fat, trans fat, partially hydrogenated or hydrogenated fat.

No Meeting Minutes

We did not hold our weekly meeting this past Friday. The reported pounds lost for this past week is as follows:

Quishana- 2 pounds

Way to go Quishana and good luck during this next week to all Healthy Hopefuls. We are gradually becoming healthier people. Have a great week!

DON'T GET TOO COMFORTABLE

Well, we're halfway through this 2nd eight week challenge. As the title says, "Don't get too comfortable. That means continue to exercise 6 times a week , eat a balanced meal plan, drink at least 8 cups of water each day. Take it one day at a time

Chris Freytag, author of Move to Lose, stated "If you keep doing what you're doing, you'll keep getting what you're getting. " Ms. Freytag had 3 suggestions for busting weight loss plateaus. They are: 1) Revamp your workout. You need to increase how long you exercise, how often, or the intensity at which you do it. Try to devote even a few more minutes to each workout or add challenges such as hills---you'll burn more in the same amount of time. Also, start using a heart-rate monitor so you know when you're not exercising hard enough. 2) Be ruthless about portion sizes. As you lose weight, your body doesn't require as many calories. 3) Don't go it alone. The support and camaraderie provided by a local or online weight loss group can keep you motivated. Or consider getting professional help by hiring a dietitian or personal trainer.

It's me!

Well, another week down. Still no fast foods/sweets. It's been hard. I went to BK yesterday to grab a sandwich and I wanted fries so bad I almost started to cry (really!!). All I eneded up getting was the original chicken club sandwich and an icee. The sandwich had more lettuce and tomato on it than anything else! It was like a salad with chicken and bacon on it. It was good and hit the spot. I'm glad it did, because if it hadn't I might've been tempted to go somewhere and get some fries (and maybe more food - that wouldn't have been good!). I'm going to stop talking about food now because I haven'tbeen to lunch yet and my stomach is growling really loud! LOL I'll post my tips and quote later this afternoon. Hope everyone had an awesome week! GO HEALTHY HOPEFULS! :)

"Gluttony is an emotional escape, a sign something is eating us." ~Peter De Vries

Weigh in time is here again already. Be sure to weigh in tomorrow if you want to report your results for this week. Thanks David for posting your inspirational story. I think that it can help everyone take that extra little push in becoming healthier and in life. I hope that everyone had a great week. Maybe it's been too great since there wasn't many posts this week :-)

Below is Mrs. Pee's information about the temperature of water that she discussed at the meeting:

According to the article Maxium Metabolism as seen in the August 20, 2007 issue of First magazine, recent research in hydration science reveals that both the temperature of the water and when it's consumed trigger astonishing weight loss. Hot water triggers a body-wide detox; lukewarm water suppresses appetite, and cold water gives your body a workout. The article recommends that you start the day with 8 oz of hot lemon water; alternate icy and steamy water throughout the day. Drink lukewarm water before meals and snacks. Anything is worth a try. Good luck!

Pretty Cool Stuff

This might be more for the guys but, I just had an awesome experience running! I took my Ipod turned it on, and just started running, and kept running and kept running. And even though I got tired, and wanted to stop I didn't let myself stop, I just kept going a little bit further, then further still, and before I knew it I had gone a whole minute more without stopping. You have to push yourself to the limit, and then once you get there keep going. You'll be amazed how much more you can really do. I say it might be more for guys because we naturally have that competitive nature. But I encourage everyone to try it. Now mind you, everyone knows there body so if your in serious pain then stop but, if not, take that extra step, challenge yourself just that little bit more. I think you'll be pleased with yourself afterwards.

Peace

Drinking water temperature?!?!?

This article is based on something that Mrs. Pee discussed at the meeting. I'm still looking for a "hot water" article from a reliable source. I will post one soon. This is more about drinking cold water. http://health.howstuffworks.com/question447.htm

Have fun drinking water this week :-)

STRESS - Part 2

Some people handle stress well. Others are very negatively influenced by it. Stress can cause fatigue, chronic headaches, irritability, changes in appetite, memory loss, low self-esteem, withdrawal, tooth-grinding, cold hands, high blood pressure, shallow breathing, nervous twitches, lowered sexual drive, insomnia or other changes in sleep patterns, and/or gastrointestinal disorders. Stress creates an excellent breeding ground for illness. Researchers estimate that stress contributes to as many as 80 percent of all major illnesses, including cardiovascular disease, cancer, endocrine and metabolic disease, skin disorders, and infectious ailments of all kinds. Many psychiatrists believe that the majority of back problems---one of the most common adult ailments in the United States---are related to stress. Stress is also a common precursor of psychological difficulties such as anxiety and depression.

STRESS RELIEVERS:

1. Avoid alcohol, tobacco, and mood-altering drugs. While these substances may offer temporary relief from stress, they do nothing to really address the problem and they are harmful to your health. The stress will still be there the next day.
2. Avoid hassles. Identify the things that are making you feel stressed out and either eliminate them from your life or prepare yourself to cope with them.
3. Try not to take life too seriously. Learn to laugh.
4. Work on creating a stress-free home environment.
5. Monitor your internal conversations. The way we talk to ourselves has a lot to do with how we feel about ourselves and our environments.

Source: Prescription for Nutritional Healing, 1997.

MOTIVATIONAL MESSAGE: Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Galatians 6:9

Enjoy your week one day at a time.

Meeting Minutes from 8-17-07

Call To Order of Meeting
Friday, August 17th, 2007

The meeting was called to order at 7:30 PM.

Present: Mrs. Pee, Quishana, Carlos and Brandy
Present via telephone: Nicole, Van, Joanie and Eugene

This week's reported losses:

Nicole- 3.5 pounds
Mrs. Pee- 1 pound
Carol-3 pounds
Quishana- 2 pounds
Mr. Pee- 1 pound

Since this 8 weeks started, we have a total (reported) group loss of 25.5 pounds. Way to go HH!!

Weekly project....
Keep an eye out on obesity articles. Check your local newspapers. You can use any source to find information except for the internet (too fast, too easy). Bring this to the next meeting. Out-of-towners can provide obesity related information from the internet and post it to the blog.

Old Business:

• We are taking our measurements now. This is not something that you have to do or report, but it is beneficial to some (especially when they don't see the pounds dropping as fast as they wanted).
• Is everybody on some type of meal plan? If you need any help with that, I'm sure that Mrs. Pee wouldn't mind helping you.
• All membership dues have been paid.
• Individual weight loss goal is 2 pounds per week.
• We will continue to add inspirational quotes and stress relievers to the blog.
• Don't forget your water. It may hard for some at first, but you and your body will get used to it. Drink at least 8 cups of water a day (total 64 ounces). You should also drink another 8 ounces (1 cup) of water for every 25 pounds that you are over your weight goal. And don’t forget if you are exercising (which you should be) you need to stay hydrated.
• You should keep a food journal to help you stay accountable for what you eat.
• Choose and use your free day out of the week that you can take a break and maybe go out to eat or just skip the daily walk.
• Exercise goal should be 30 minutes at least 3 days a week.

Keep up the good work everyone. We are getting there (to our goal) one day at a time. It's only been 3 weeks and our group has already lost 25.5 reported pounds. I can't wait to see how much the group has lost at the end of this 8 week session. Good luck and have a wonderful week!

Go You, Go You!

WTG Nicole. Homecoming....two words.....all spandex. LOL. Take care.

I COULDN'T WAIT . . . . . .

I would like to inform everyone that I've lost 3.5 lbs! I didn't exercise this week, but I stopped eating fast foods and sweets (see my previous blog). That's a testiment in itself that cutting back on or cutting out fast foods and sweets will help you lose a few extra, extra unwanted pounds. I'll be sharing this info at the meeting tonight, but I wanted to put it on the blog too since I shared that I'd cut out fast foods and sweets. GO ME, GO ME, GO ME! Later! :)

Congrats!!!!

Congratulations to Carol and everyone that lost a few pounds. Yeeeeeeaaaaaa!!!!

pounds off

Hi everyone in the last two weeks I lost 3 pounds. I hope to lose more.
I walk 4 mils aday and cut back on what I eat. I eat my last meal at 630 pm

Love to you all
Carol Fleming

Hey!!!

I hope that everyone had a good week. Nicole....I'm so proud of you for trying to cut out sweets and fast food. I read in this magazine that you can get some of the miniature candy packs and when a craving really hits you don't have to worry about eating to much. Compare the calories and fat in a regular candy bar to one in a bite size one. Small little wonderful joys.....okay I'm back. Another week has already passed and I'm sure that everyone is striving towards there goals.

As a reminder, try to post something on the blog at least once a week. Did you see how Nicole did? It was not healthy or weight loss related information or facts to share, but just her wanting to share her day with us. You can post ANYTHING. Example: I coughed today....I think I have a cold. Ah choo. Ooops...that was a sneeze....my b. ~See....anything.

Also....if you haven't already, get a measuring tape so that you can start doing measurements and seeing how many inches you are losing. I will try to remember to bring mine to the meeting tomorrow. It is beneficial to at least measure your waist, because having a waist size of around 32-34 (men...about 36-38) helps reduce the risk of heart disease (and makes you look super sexy). Talk to everyone later and keep up the good work. "If at first you don't succeed, try, try again"....Don't remember where I heard that, but inspirational, huh?

Cream of Wheat

If you want a filling breakfast, fix 2 servings of Cream of Wheat, (3 Starches) , sprinkle with Molly McButter, add sweetener of choice, a piece of fruit (1 Fruit), and half a milk serving for a breakfast that will carry you through the morning. Umm, Umm, Good!!! 8-)

See you at the meeting tomorrow.

Hello!

I just wanted to post a blog because it's been a while since I've done so. I hope everyone is doing well. I'm doing good. I challenged myself this week (starting Monday, 8/13). I decided not to eat fast foods or sugar this week. I've done really well. I haven't been to any fast food places and I haven't eaten any sugar (knowingly). As far as the sugar goes, I'm trying not to eat cakes, cookies, candies, etc. It's been hardest trying to avoid sugar. The fast food wasn't hard to give up. I make cookies almost everyday at my job and when I go to get a bagel at the coffee shop next door, they always seem to have all these sweets sitting in my face. Take this morning for instance. I went to get a plain bagel and cream cheese and they had these doughnuts that looked so good, but I stuck to my guns and got my bagel. Hopefully, I'll begin to see some physical changes in my appearance (or at least see my weight go down). I'll continue to challenge myself each week. Next week, I plan to step up my exercise to 4 days a week. If I can do that, I think I'll feel really good about myself! I'm getting my hair locked sometime in early September. I'm really excited. It's really bad up there now, but I'm going to remain committed to letting my roots grow so my aunt (Aunt Felita) can work her magic on me. I'll post a picture before and after I get it done. :) Well, I guess that's all for now. I'm at work and it's slow, so I'm going to read the book my mom lent me (Potatoes not Prozac by Dr. Kathleen DesMaisons). It's been a very informative book and I can relate to a LOT of things being discussed. I'll let you know more once I've completed it. Please keep me in your thoughts and I'll do the same for you. Talk to you all soon! :)

"There are only 2 choices; make progress or make excuses." - Ellen Mikesell

5 stress relievers

1. Eat a well balanced diet.
2. Avoid excessive amounts of caffeine which has been shown to increase anxiety.
3. Aerobic activity such as vigorous walking.
4. Aromatherapy.
5. Don't set unrealistic for goals for yourself..

Source: http://womenshealth.about.com/cs/stress/a/stressbusters.htm

I hope that everyone has a great week. Stay focused and don't forget to take time out to enjoy life. Be sure to post something on the blog when you have time.

Thought for the Week: Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings. (1 Peter 5:8-9)

S T R E S S - The term "stress" refers to any reaction to a physical, mental, or emotional stimulus that upsets the body's natural balance. Stress is an unavoidable part of life. It can result from many things, both physical and psychological. Pressures and deadlines at work, problems with loved ones, the need to pay the bills, and getting ready for the holidays are obvious sources of stress for many people. Less obvious sources include everyday encounters with crowds, noise, traffic, pain, extremes of temperature, and even welcome events such as starting a new job or the birth or adoption of a child. Overwork, lack of sleep, physical illness, excessive alcohol consumption, and smoking are common physical factors that put stress on the body. Some people create their own stress; whether there is anything objectively wrong in their lives or not, they find things to worry about.

Five Stress Relievers:

• Eat a diet composed of 50-75% raw foods. Fresh fruits and vegetables not only supply valuable vitamins and minerals, but are rich in compounds called flavonoids, many of which scavenge and neutralize dangerous free radicals.
• Get regular exercise. Physical activity can clear your mind and keep stress under control. Some people like to run or walk by themselves, while others prefer team sports or group workouts. Any type of exercise will do the trick, as long as it is regular. Exercising once a month will not do much to relieve stress.
• Take a day off--that's what weekends are for. Take a drive, listen to music, go to the beach or lake, read--whatever you find rewarding and relaxing. Try to keep your thoughts in the present during this time so that you do not think about whatever it is that is causing the stress.
• Do not repress or deny your emotions. This only compounds stress. Admit your feelings and accept them. Keeping strong feelings bottled up only causes them to resurface later as illness. Don't be afraid to cry. Learning to cry can help you to manage stress. Crying can relieve anxiety and let loose bottled up emotions.
• If you feel you simply cannot handle the stresses in your life, consider seeking outside help. It may be worth it to consult a qualified counselor or other practitioner who can help you to handle your problems and learn effective stress-reduction techniques. It is often enlightening and beneficial to talk with someone who can offer an objective response, whether a trusted friend or a professional counselor.

Source: Prescription for Nutritional Healing, 1997.

Get ready, get set, and let's go! We have been blessed with a brand new week so let's make the most of it. Best wishes to one and all.

Moto thought

To be as One you must be as One with One's self always (Carlos mcCoy)



5 STRESS RELIEFS

1) Go sum where it's peaceful and calm
2) Listen to easy soundin music
3) take deep breaths and let it out very lightly and smoothing
4) Don't take every little thing so seriuos jus let it go and move on
5)jus talk to sum one who will listen

Meeting minutes from 8-10-07

Call To Order of Meeting
Friday, August 10th, 2007

The meeting was called to order at 7:30 PM.

REMINDER: Do you have a great low-fat recipe? Have great news? Have a problem? Stressed? Or just want to write or provide information? Share it on the blog. We really want people to get more into using this blog as an outlet and a regular form of communication. It is especially beneficial for the out-of-towners to view some of the information and encouragement offered through the blog to help stay motivated and more connected to the group. Participation is will help you stay focused and achieve your overall goals. Please try to post something at least once a week whether it is an article that you've found, a thought or just to express yourself. We love hearing anything that you want to share.

Present: Mrs. Pee, Carlos and Brandy
Present via telephone: Nicole, David, Van and Joanie.

This week's reported losses:

David- 4 pounds
Carlos- 2 pounds
Brandy- 2.5 pounds

WAY TO GO EVERYONE. If you don't want to weigh in during one of the weeks, that is your right. You are required only to do your initial weigh in at the start of each 8 weeks and at the end of the 8 weeks. It helps some people to know where they are during the 8 week session compared to others so they can bank that cash prize.

Old Business:

• Start to do your measurements so that you can see when you are actually losing inches in place of pounds.
• Remember that if you are following the food pyramid meal plan that women should be eating based on a 1500 calorie plan and men should be on a 1800 calorie plan (because they have more muscle mass).
• Mrs. Pee will be keeping record of all members’ weights each week so that we can better track each member’s progress.
• Our membership dues of $8 per person for the 2nd session was due today. If you have not already, please turn the money into our treasurer, Quishana. Out-of-towners: you may mail or submit your money to your friends or family members to turn in on your behalf.
• Individual weight loss goal is 2 pounds per week.
• We will continue to add inspirational quotes and stress relievers to the blog.
• Drink at least 8 cups of water a day (total 64 ounces). You should also drink another 8 ounces (1 cup) of water for every 25 pounds that you are over your weight goal. And don’t forget if you are exercising (which you should be) you need to stay hydrated.
• Be sure to continue to keep track of your weight, water and exercise throughout the week.
• You should also keep a food journal to help you stay accountable for what you eat.
• Choose and use your free day out of the week that you can take a break and maybe go out to eat or just skip the daily walk.
• Exercise goal should be 30 minutes at least 3 days a week.

Everyone is doing a great job. Remember that it takes time to see results and that it will not be effortless. Don't get discouraged if you don't see the results that you hoped for. Just start over for the next week and look for things to improve upon. Good luck and have a wonderful week!

Hello Everyone......

I've been so busy this week, but wanted to add a little something before wiegh in. I hope that everyone has been having a good week. Work has been hectic. Instead of adding an inspirational quote this week I decided to add a comic.....you know to make yall laugh. Welcome Carol and David to the HH blog. Please feel free to post anything that you want to share with the group and be sure to post a weekly inspirational quote.
Enjoy. L8R.

Motivational Thought for the Week...

"Every day do something that will inch you closer to a better tomorrow." (Doug Firebaugh)

Stress Reducers:
1 - Learn to do something new, i.e., knitting, crocheting, sewing, etc.
2 - Go dancing.
3 - Call an old friend.
4 - Do a good deed for an elderly person.
5 - Go for a walk.

Take each day one at a time. Have a great week.

6 Quick Tips for Diet Success

Here are my 6 tips that I shared at this weeks meeting. Source is unknown.

1. Don't do it alone. It's easier to succeed with a diet buddy (or group).
2. Forget about the big picture. Set small goals for yourself along the way and reward yourself for reaching each one.
3. Enjoy life now. Don't wait to lose the weight to do the things you want to do.
4. Don't give up snacks. Just choose healthy foods to snack on.
5. Find a diet that fits your needs. Trying to fit your life into a diet that's wrong for you is a recipe for disaster.
6. Don't starve yourself. Eating too little slows down your metabolism, so you lose less.

I hope that everyone finds these little tips helpful and motivational. Good luck HH.

Meeting minutes from 8-3-07

Call To Order of Meeting
Friday, August 3rd, 2007

The meeting was called to order at 7:30 PM.

Present: Mrs. Pee, Carlos and Brandy
Present via telephone: Nicole, David, Van and Joanie.

• We discussed the overweight and obesity facts that Carlos provided.
• Mrs. Pee also shared some recent newspaper articles concerning obesity. One was about insurance premium increases for those that are overweight and the 2nd article was about family weight loss plans.
• I provided weigh loss booklets that my doctor gave me to share with the group.

Weekly Progress Reports: Out of the 3 members present at the meeting, we lost a total of 11 pounds. Carlos and Brandy lost 3 pounds each and Mrs. Pee lost a whopping 5 pounds this week. Way to go. Everyone seems to be doing okay with the exercise programs and water. As you can tell....there is going to be some stiff competition this 8 weeks. Get ready.

New Business:

• We have decided that we will also do measurements. So if you don't have a tape measure, try to get one. It was suggested by my doctor since we are African Americans that it would get be a great way to track our progress. She says that we normally lose inches before pounds. A goal for women's waist lines should be 32 inces. According to WebMd, we can aim towards 34. Fellas....aim for 38 (source: http://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/news/20050606/waist-height-ratio-may-show-heart-disease-risk).
• Remember that if you are following the food pyramid meal plan that women should be eating based on a 1500 calorie plan and men should be on a 1800 calorie plan (because they have more muscle mass).

Old Business:

• Mrs. Pee will be keeping record of all members’ weights each week so that we can better track each member’s progress.
• Our membership dues of $8 per person for the 2nd session was due today. If you have not already, please turn the money into our treasurer, Quishana. Out-of-towners: you may mail or submit your money to your friends or family members to turn in on your behalf.
• Instead of striving towards 10% of our body weight this 8 weeks, we have decided that our individual goals will be 2 pounds per week. This appears to be a great plan so far.
• Do you have a great low-fat recipe? Have great news? Have a problem? Stressed? Or just want to write or provide information? Share it on the blog.
• Drink water.....exercise.....eat healthy....Carlos, just eat.
• We will continue to add inspirational quotes and stress relievers to the blog.
• Drink at least 8 cups of water a day (total 64 ounces). You should also drink another 8 ounces (1 cup) of water for every 25 pounds that you are over your weight goal. And don’t forget if you are exercising (which you should be) you need to stay hydrated.
  Be sure to continue to keep track of your weight, water and exercise throughout the week.
• You should also keep a food journal to help you stay accountable for what you eat.
• Choose and use your free day out of the week that you can take a break and maybe go out to eat or just skip the daily walk.

I'm so proud of everyone for wanting to make a positive change in their lives. Remember.....we are behind you 100% and you can do it. If you have a bad day, get over it and continue on your journey to a healthy and happy lifestyle. We are all on the same boat and we will not leave you behind. This is going to be a great 8 weeks. Have a great week!!!

Motivational Quote and 5 Stress Relievers

Motivational Quote: "It is no sin to attempt and fail. The only sin is not to make the attempt." - SueEllen Fried

5 Ways to Relieve Stress:
1) Exercise everyday
2) Leave work early (WITH PERMISSION) just for you
3) Write a note to a far away friend
4) Clean out one closet
5) Stand up and stretch

Yeeeeeaaaaaa!!!!

Carlos started exercising with me this morning. We walked for over 45 minutes at Dudley's track and around Dudley. We even did a little jogging. Yeaaaaaah Los. Get it boy!