Hi Lynn, I have been on FS for a while and I have a group of fantastic buddies that journal and respond to journals regularly. Feel free to send me a buddy request and I will cheer you on!

I belong to a gym so I go there most days of the week, saving one or sometimes two days for rest. I have gradually increased time, intensity, and reps as I have progressed. Here's the schedule I'm doing now: Day one I do all upper body and abs, and 30-45 minutes of cardio on treadmill or elliptical. Day two I do all lower body machines, plus cardio as on day one. Day three I do the 30 min. circuit workout plus cardio. Day four I only do cardio. Day five I do upper, lower, and cardio. Day six, and sometimes seven - rest, then begin schedule over again next day. I've been doing this for 3 months now and I'm ready for a change-up. I have saved my pennies aside and this month am going to schedule some time with a trainer at the gym to see where I am and how I can step it up a few notches. I am loving it and having fun! Aiming for a 5k in the fall. :d

If it's for cholesterol reduction, use Flaxseed oil, my Dr. recommended them to me. I take 2 1000mg capsules/day and no fish burps. If I want fish breath, I want to have enjoyed eating the fish! LOL..........

I am sending you a request if you're still looking for buddies. I love your dog!!!

For some reason I thought I had responded to your post yesterday... sorry! Anyway, welcome and the very best of luck to you! This is a really big asset for motivation and encouragement, I am really happy I found it.

It depends on what your workout consists of. I do a whole body stretch and warmup before the workout, and another 5-10 minutes of stretching and cooldown after the workout, which is about 30 minutes on the weight machines and 30 on the treadmill or equivalent. If it's flexibility you're looking for, go to a yoga pro and take a few classes. Just take it easy at first, you don't want to risk an injury. Good luck!

It's a good idea, I have been taking a pic of myself every few weeks, I am a graphic artist so it will be fun to play around with the images later on. Good going, you look great!

[quote=jamina1] Make sure that you are 1) Eating good healthy food like lean meat, veggies, etc. 2) Eating enough! I can't stress how important this is... ... I didn't lose an ounce trying to stick under 1200 and I made myself miserable because I was always hungry.[/quote] Well said and so important! I too have been a serial dieter that starved her way to over 300 lbs. Proper nutrition is one of the keys to success.

If possible, don't go in the room where the donuts are until you are able to resist. That you need to work on. If they are in a break room/kitchen at your office, pack your HEALTHY foods and drinks for the day in a little cooler and take it with you to work. Take your breaks somewhere else, a park, etc. Let others know you are making a healthy lifestyle change, don't beat people over the head with it but if others know you are trying to eat better / lose weight they will usually be supportive or at least understanding. When they see how great you look and feel they may join you! Donuts are one of my favorites, but I really don't miss them at all because I know how much more time in the gym I'll have to spend for one... not worth it! Good luck to you!