YOU can help too! By simply posting about Lose for Good on your blog, Facebook, Foursquare and Twitter accounts (use the #LoseForGood hashtag) today September 14, Weight Watches will donate a dollar for each mention to the organizations I listed above.

Visit LoseAPolooza.com for more information. How will you spread the word and help fight hunger today? Encourage your friends and followers to help fight world hunger using your favorite social network!

Disclosure: I was contacted by a PR firm on behalf of Weight Watchers, however I was not compensated in any way for this post. Weight Watchers will donate $1 to Share Our Strength and Action Against Hunger charities for the mention.

I’m always willing to give new products a try though, so MyBlogSpark sent me a coupon for a complementary package of new Simply… Go-Gurt and a “Simplify Your Life” prize pack that includes a pocket Etch a Sketch, weekly planner and a seat back organizer. You can win the same prize pack, so read on.

I’ve seen Go-Gurt in the yogurt section before, but avoided it because I thought *I* might look a little foolish eating yogurt out of a tube at work. It’s okay for your kid’s school lunches or snacks at home, but would any self-respecting adult slurp (or squeeze) their yogurt out of a tube with Spongebob Squarepants? A few months ago, I’d say no way. Now? Definitely.

Simply… Go-Gurt is made from simple ingredients and contains no high fructose corn syrup or artificial colors or flavors. Plus each convenient portable yogurt tube contains a good source of calcium and vitamin D. It is available in two flavors, Strawberry and Mixed Berry. They taste delicious. I prefer these to the regular version because they are the equivalent to the Light Yoplait which have less calories. Also? No cartoon characters.

I started carrying these everywhere. They make a perfect snack on the go. I even ate one while on break when I was attending Jury Duty. I just throw them in my purse in the morning and go. I have also thrown them in the freezer the night before and packed them in our lunches. They thaw and are ready to eat by lunchtime. You will love them, and your kids will too. I am completely hooked.

Want to give them a try? Want to win the prize pack pictured above? Simply (get it?) leave a comment with your favorite snacking tip (mandatory). If you would like to earn extra entries:

1) Follow me @laurie_pooh on Twitter and send the following message:

I entered to win a Simplify your Life prize pack from @YoplaitYogurt and @laurie_pooh: http://tinyurl.com/SimplyGoGurt

2) Follow my blog using the Google Connect in my sidebar to the right.
3) Subscribe to my blog in a reader.

Also, 30 readers who click on the on the “Free Yogurt” tab on the widget below will receive a coupon for a free package of Simply…Go-Gurt! After the 30 coupons are claimed, the micro site will include a link to a $1.10 off coupon so everyone who visits can share in the savings.

Giveway is U.S only, please. The winner(s) will be selected randomly from all valid entries on or around July 14. You must leave a comment letting me know your answer to the question above, as well as additional comments letting me know what else you have done to earn extra entries. Please also use your real first name and leave a valid way for me to contact you should you be selected as the winner. You will have 48 hours to respond. Good Luck!

Disclosure: MyBlogSpark provided the prize pack and a free product coupon so that I may honestly review Simply… Go-Gurt. I was not monetarily compensated for this review or giveaway.

* Made breakfast and dinner at home 4/5 days Monday-Friday.
* Increased my water intake Monday-Friday (Thank, Kim).
* Didn’t step on the scale a single time.

You’re probably asking yourself why not stepping on a scale is considered a success for me. Well… I have been known to be a little obsessive about that little big number. When I work really hard I want to see results, and when the numbers don’t change I get discouraged and want to quit. I think it really helps me to not see the number every single day or even every week. I feel better about the changes that I make when I don’t have that pressure of that number hanging over my head. Does anyone else feel the same way? Does anyone have any tips to get past that?

This week the training schedule for the Komen 3-Day picks up. It’s still nearly 100 degrees here daily, so it is definitely a challenge getting in miles considering I do not have/cannot afford a gym membership right now. We also do not have any home gym equipment anymore (other than the WiiFit), so I can’t just hop on a treadmill in the comfort of my own home. I have been trying to take walks at 8:30 PM when the sun goes down. I plan on trying to get in a few more than I have been this week.

Here is the training schedule for week 19:

Monday: Rest
Tuesday: 3 miles
Wednesday: 15 min cross training
Thursday: 5 miles
Friday: 30 min cross training
Saturday: 7 miles
Sunday: 6 miles
Total weekly milage: 21 miles

It’s good that is is a workout rest day because tonight I am going to see Eclipse at a press screening. I will also miss the show tonight, but LingerieDOTcom is sponoring both the blogging carnival and show this week and are giving away a $45 shopping spree. I have to admit I haven’t checked out their site yet, and it is actually blocked at work due to adult/mature content. That must mean they have some good stuff. No doubt I’d be able to choose something if I were to win.

I hope everyone has a good week, and good luck to all the Sistas who have put in an application. I will be by to see all the new videos posted this week and support your posts (I will just be a little later than usual). Also congratulations to Jessica for being named the Sista of the week!

I didn’t follow any diet plan this week, but I did participate in the Race for the Cure on Saturday and got in some mileage. If you’re interested in how that went you can check out my post below this one or check out my other blog.

This coming week I am going to start getting my water intake back up. Kim is really good about sending reminders on Twitter during the day which really helps me when I take a break at work to catch up. I mostly lurk on there during my lunch break via my phone, because the Internet is on strict lock down at work due to security. Plus my days are pretty busy. It helps to see the reminders though. Also I was reading Coach Jenny’s blog and she gave a tip about setting a timer on your watch or computer every 30 minutes, and suggests getting up and walking around during that time to get some activity in and boost your metabolism. I think running to the kitchen to fill my bottle each time might be a good idea too.

Training for the 3-Day is also in full swing. It is 21 weeks until my event in November, so here is what I will be doing this week:

Monday: Rest
Tuesday: 0 min cross train
Wednesday: easy 3 miles
Thursday: moderate 4 miles
Friday: 30 minute cross training
Saturday: easy 5 miles
Sunday: easy 4 miles

By the end of the week I will have walked 16 miles. I will probably change my days around a little and do some walking at the beginning of the week because on Saturday we will doing a fundraiser and I would like to have it out of the way.

Other than that, I don’t have a lot going on. I hope everyone has a good week!

Here are my short term goals for the rest of the week:
1) Go back to the fruit/veggie detox
2) Get in at least 60 oz of water
3) work out 4 days by Sunday

I will post more about the walk later, but here’s a photo of Rachel and I. Just in case you were wondering, she was just as sweet in person as she is online. I am very thankful that she came to spend her Mother’s Day morning with Dave and I. I hope all of the Sistas had a wonderful day too.

Prior to the weekend, this was a pretty good week. I followed my plan perfectly and worked out 3 of the 5 times I had intended to. On one of the days I worked out twice as much to make up for a skip day, so really I was only one day short.

This weekend we went out of town to San Antonio and Austin, so it was a little bit more challenging. Most of the time I made good choices, B-B-Q without the bun and green beans, and Fajitas with no tortillas. I had a Fun Size package of M&M’s, and ate chicken tacos at Chipotle last night which I definitely should not have done. Also this morning, I had strawberry and nutella Chloe crepes at Le Cafe Crepe which is one of my favorite things/places ever. I also had a visit from Aunt Flo last week, and pretty much maintained my weight.

I haven’t weighed since Wednesday or Thursday, but last I checked I was still -8. Water intake was also a challenge this week and I definitely didn’t drink as much as I should have this weekend. We did walk down the River Walk and around downtown near the Alamo, so I would say that counts for something too. I am looking forward to getting back on track the rest of the week.

Next weekend I will be traveling to Houston with Dave to participate in the Network of Strength’s Walk to Empower 5K on Mother’s Day. I was selected to be the BeeWell for Life Ambassador for the Texas event. Mamavation Mom Rachel is joining us and I am very excited! If you are interested and are in Houston too, it’s not too late.

Here is our team page. There is no fee to register, and you can decide your own fundraising goal. You can also make a donation to support Rachel and the Network of Strength on our page. It is a wonderful organization that offers support for those going through Breast Cancer, obviously something close to our family’s heart.

I still don’t have a pair of shoes from Earth Footwear, though I did get my mom a pair for Christmas. I would love to have some to wear to the event. Rachel better make sure she keeps hers on, or I may steal them. Kidding (sort of). They are the sponsor of the Blogging Carnival this week, so maybe I will get lucky. I hope everyone has a fantastic week. Next week I will post pictures from the walk and hopefully have another loss to report.

I’ve been enjoying the variety and have been changing things up a little bit. For the most part I am still eating mostly fruits and veggies, but a few times a week I bring a pouch of tuna to eat at lunchtime. We have also continued to work in the soy protein patties at dinner because Morning Star makes some good options that taste pretty darn delicious. We like the riblets best. I’ve been sticking with my All Whites Eggs on the weekend with sautéed mushrooms and bell peppers, and added cottage cheese with fruit and light yogurt back into my diet a few days a week. When I get hungry between meals, I snack on a few cashews and a small glass of 100% juice.

I am also getting in all of my water on most days. It is harder on the weekend when I sleep in, and I also had Jury Duty last week and cut back that day so that I wasn’t having to run to the restroom every two minutes. I made up for what I missed later that night. I also accomplished my goal of working out 5 days last week for 30-40 minutes.

Confessions: I have done everything almost to the letter. However, Nikki and I went out on Saturday night to play bingo and they passed out two free shots. They were small (and I have no idea what was in them), but I drank them. So that was my slip up this week.

Results: I honestly can’t tell a difference in how my clothes are fitting or how I look, but on Saturday the Wii Fit said I had lost about 10 pounds. That is a big accomplishment if you know how hard it is for me to lose. A lot of it may also be water weight. When I got back on the Wii Fit on Sunday, it said that I had gained 2 pounds back. The difference could have been the alcohol, or that I worked out in the afternoon Saturday and in the evening on Sunday. Still, I’m not getting discouraged. I know I can’t always be perfect, and as long as I get right back on and continue with what I am suppose to be doing, hopefully I will continue to see a positive difference. I noticed that I am feeling better overall regardless of any weight differences, so that is reason enough all by itself to keep going.

Today I have an ultrasound of my thyroid to examine the nodules that were previously benign when checked over five years ago. Hopefully that is still the case.

Looking forward to a successful third week. What tips or tricks are you doing this week that could help me out? Good luck to everyone!

Since my detox has been fruits and veggies only for the most part (and the occasional veggie burger), I have had no problem with the Mamavation #fruitnveggie challenge since that’s all I’m eating anyway. Getting in 64 oz. of water has also always been hard for me, but I’ve been doing it… and running to the bathroom on a constant basis.

In addition, I’ve committed to using my Wii Fit and/or EA Sports Active for 40 minutes 5 days each week. I love the Advanced Step (so fun!), but I have been doing the one where you can step while watching TV. I have found that the time goes by so much faster when my mind is occupied with America’s Next Top Model, Vampire Diaries, or Top Chef. I have also been using Riiflex Wii dumbells and they are awesome. Get some. Seriously. They are only $29.99, and add a lot to your workout.

If you’ve known me or followed me for awhile you’ve probably read my bitching about my struggles with PCOS and Hyperthyroidism. It seems to be really easy for me to gain weight, but nearly impossible for me to lose it. I have been working hard, and haven’t seen a whole lot of changes. BUT I am truly dedicated this time and am following this diet to the letter. I did show a tiny loss though, and no matter what I am going to keep pushing through.

In addition to fruits and veggies, I am also allowed to have a limited amount of egg whites each day. I went out early last week and bought All Whites Eggs. I thought that would be a lot easier than having to separate them from the yolks myself. Plus I hate egg yolk, so this was the perfect solution. I sauteed bell peppers and mushrooms and scrambled the egg whites for a yummy protein packed breakfast. See? Photographic evidence! I even have a small glass of grapefruit juice to keep things interesting.

I am hoping that I will be able to join the Mamavation Sistahood (I know, I know… I’m not a mom) because I want to have the extra support and accountability. It will give me the motivation to make an honest post about my progress every Monday that will hopefully help me and others who are going through a similar plan or change. I will of course support the other members and celebrate their accomplishments too.

What are you doing this week or what tips do you have that I can take into my second week?

You may know that I am a perpetual dieter. I have done them all. I also have hyperthyroidism and PCOS. My metabolism is broken. I’m confident of that. Still, I drink my breakfast, lunch on salads, and scarf down turkey burgers for dinner. I have my weaknesses. Starbucks is one of them. I try my best though. I order nonfat and lite whenever possible. I don’t drink alcohol, except on rare occasions.

I’ve already derailed this post, but the point is I’m going to do the Fat Smash Diet (yeah, yeah… the one from VH1′s Celebrity Fit Club) and offer my support to my friend. Dave and I had already been talking about rejoining the gym and stocking only fruits and veggies for at-home snacking. This seemed perfect and timely, and honestly, needed.

In the first phase food choices should be eaten raw, grilled or steamed. Fats are limited to a maximum of 3 tablespoons, with 1 to 2 teaspoons olive oil per day. Allowed foods include unlimited fruits and vegetables (except white potatoes or avocado), chickpeas, lentils, tofu, and beans. It also permits limited amounts of brown rice; low-fat, skim, or soy milk; oatmeal; low-fat yogurt; egg whites; and herbal tea. This is the total menu for nine days.

We rushed to the grocery store after work and walked out with a basket full of organic fruit and vegetables. I will officially start Monday, but I figured it’s never too early. Updates to come, I’m sure. Prepare to support me and get ready for my bitching. Just watch out, or I’ll eat you. Kidding.

I’m not sure what possessed me to search for the calories in Starbucks drinks over the weekend, but I will never look at them the same again. During the summer I order the White Chocolate Mocha Frappucino Lite, which I know is under 150 calories (tall). Not too bad in my book. My beloved Peppermint White Chocolate Mocha is… get ready… 540 calories. For 16 oz. For a cup of coffee. Are you shocked? I was. I even tried calculating the calories with no whip (because I don’t really care about that part) and skin milk, and it’s still in the high 400s. I can think of a lot of things I could actually eat for that amount of calories. Oy. I can’t even justify that as a Sometime Food or Drink.

It’s been nice knowing you, Starbucks. Really, really nice. We’re going to have to break up now. It’s not me, it’s you. Call me when you figure out how to make my drink for less than 200 calories.

Love,
Me