Muriel Watson writes: This has been a very stressful week at work and of course that has led me to more challenges with my dieting.  I cried when I finally got back on the scale only to realize I had gained 12 pounds since the last time I weighed in
November.

Tahira Nyabinghi writes: Last week was eventful for me.  I have had some crucial conversations at work and need to make some decisions by Monday, however, that may be somewhat delayed as I had to return home Friday for a family emergency. I have been here for one day and my life's perspective has been made very clear to me. 

Unfortunately, it takes a family issue to bring my mortality to the forefront. I realized this week how much I miss my parents and siblings.  I need to make more time to visit, to say I love you, to sing happy birthday over the phone, to just get in the car and drive to see them, for no special occasion at all.  I came very close to losing my mother, and it took my breath away.  My children, my sisters, my parents, my nieces and nephews, all tangible, physical beings that are a part of my circle and I have been so neglectful.  I pray that the Creator gives me another chance to strengthen our bonds.

On the diet side of things, I have been vigilant regarding raw foods, though by no means 100 percent but about 90 percent of my daily intake.  My weight, since my birthday on 12/26 has gone from 230 lbs. to 200 lbs.

My clothes are looking rather big on me.  That is fine with me though because I am getting closer to my goal.  I have yet to visit the gym but now that I have finished moving furniture, I can concentrate on this step in my lifestyle change. 

Please keep my family in your thoughts.

Alan Foster writes: It’s painfully obvious how long I’ve been out of the gym.  The amount of weight I’m lifting now is no less than half the weight I could lift just 2 years ago.  The accompanying soreness, the decreased endurance and increased sweat are throbbing reminders of 2 years of not taking care of myself.
However, this morning, I awoke with the most energy I’ve had in a long time after having one of the best nights of sleep in a while.  Can’t wait to get to the gym today to get my fill of some more sweet pain.
 

Muriel Watson writes: January 15 was not only my birthday, but also my daughter's 16th birthday.  I wanted to make it special for her so, of course, we took her out for a birthday party. 

What's the first thing you think of when I say birthday party?  Of course....CAKE!!!  Let's not forget the pizza and soda too. So, needless to say, I totally blew the whole eating right thing. 

I could beat myself up about it, but I decided to go to bed and start over in the morning.  After all, the damage is done.  Nothing I can do to change it now.  So off to the gym again to work even harder to fix my "bump" in the road.

Muriel Watson is taking a team approach to weight loss. Who's helping her?

Tahira Nyabinghi writes: I have not weighed myself in about a week.  I am moving this weekend and over the next few days so I have been kinda driven in that aspect.  I am excited though, I went to a business dinner at Golden Corral tonight and all I had to eat was a fresh salad!  Way to go Me!

Alan Foster writes: I tried a new exercise this week.  It’s the relatively new TRX suspension training.

Tahira Nyabinghi writes: And Slowly the Weight Comes Off...

Ok, I am psyched tonight!  I weighed in again today and I am at 220.4lbs.  I am really motivated and each day, I am feeling more and more like this will be a banner year for my health and well being.  I am really busy at the office with my volunteers these days and my co-workers are aware of the blogging that I am doing.  They are supportive and encouraging me every step of the way.

I need a better plan for the weekends. I started Saturday with a good workout and good intentions to maintain my plan but too many weekend events conducive to good food got in the way.

Tahira Nyabinghi writes:

I started Friday badly by having an egg and cheese biscuit with seasoned fries and about two cups of coffee.  I was really hungry and was craving some eggs for some strange reason!  I am having dinner out at a local restaurant so I will be sure to eat off the vegetarian, low-calorie side. The night before, I had a fitful sleep so that could be why my cravings for cooked food were so strong Friday morning but oddly enough, I have not wanted to consume any meat.  

A ray of sunshine did cross my path Friday though. I went to the health center to weigh myself, and since the first of the year, I am down from 230.9 lbs to 224.4 lbs! Yeah Me! I am not too proud to celebrate the mini steps. 

On Saturday sometime, I am going to find the Planet Fitness gym closest to me and plan my schedule.  I would love to have a workout partner or maybe even a personal trainer.  Besides losing the weight, I want to tone up and strengthen my muscles.  

Editor's note: As sponsor of Dieting Dispatches blog, Planet Fitness has provided Tahira, Alan and Muriel with one-year memberships.