If you are like me, drinking sodas, as you all call them (we call ALL sodas a coke here in the South) makes me retain fluids. Maybe the sodium content? Whatever. I know by drinking water I'm flusing out my system daily, and not retaining fluids. Yes, I make a bazillion trips to the potty, but it does keep the retention down. And retention = weight. Even if you alternate the cokes, like drink one soda/coke, then let the next thing you drink be water, even that would help. LB is right in that walking will be an unbelievable aid in losing not only pounds, but those darn inches!!!!

JJ

I walk at least 15 miles a week, not including work related walks, yet to to decrease my soda intake. I live in the South too, but have lived in the North, and they call everyting Soda up there in upstate NY.

Have any of ya'll GRITS tried "The Firm" exercise tapes?

MustangGal,
I haven't heard of these tapes. Tell us more.

JJ

I was thinking of trying them out, you can either purchase them at the web site below or Target, your local library may also have them, too:

www.firmdirect.com

The Firm was founded by attorneys in my local town, thus the title, and appears to be doing quite well. I've not yet attempted the program, thus should I purchase, I'll be certain to give ya'll gals a review!

Well MustangGal, it certainly has everything anyone could need or want and all rolled into one item. I'm ordering this and its reasonable too for all you get. Thanks for the heads up!

I lost those last 10 pounds, it took me three months but I cut way back on anything made with white flour and sugar. It was tough, I was a bread lover, give me a couple of English muffens anytime, but now I very seldom eat bread, pasta, or deserts. It worked. I'm also big on exercise and go to the gym 4 days a week.
Paige

Congrats Paige! Your hard work paid off. It's a big lifestyle change, and I'm proud of you for accomplishing it.

Congratulations Paige! As you know, exercise is also a huge part of the equation. Definitely agree about white flour and sugar - so many times, weight will not budget without eliminating those items, even if you are doing everything else right. Competitive natural bodybuilders know this for pre-contest dieting! All white flour does is gunk up the intestines, and refined sugar gets converted to bodyfat - both are major contributors to poochy tummies because of that. Many times people who are not fat in the least have poochy tummies because of build-up in the intestines. A proper diet consisting of largely raw produce, along with some internal cleansing(herbal programs or colonics - haven't done colonics myself but there are many people who swear by them from time to time, especially when kickstarting a healthy eating program) and plenty of water over a period of time will address this.

I have to agree with you cara 100%....When I dropped bread and any other white foods I lost 40 pounds and then slowly began eating them again and over time was right back (almost) where I started... In guess I am living proof!