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Not sure what happened to my first answer but I will type it again.

I was just telling someone the other day that it is a true mental test to both lose and maintain weight-loss.  It is a constant battle to make the right choices about what to eat and motivating yourself to exercise.  It is best conquered by making healthy eating and an active lifestyle part of your routine; that way you can stick with it.  Find those things that motivate and inspire you to keep you going!  I'm now taking a liking to triathlons so that definitely keeps me in the gym!

I totally understand where you are coming from!  It is hard in our culture to find a good balance between work and home life so we find ourselves "vegging out" and lifeless on vacation.  However, once you have incorporated an active lifestyle in your routine, you'll be surprised that even on "staycation" you will have energy and want to do more things.  Plan your days in advance to you can stick with it.  Go for a walk -- or if it is scorching hot like it has been this summer, go for a dip in the pool.  It is ok to get some "R&R" of course, just find balance!  Watch those snacks!!!  That's how people gain weight on vacation!!! :o)

Fantastic idea!  Way to go!!  Thanks for sharing!

Funny... I was just thinking about ordering  the Insanity series!  Honestly, if you look at the people featured in those videos they are in decent shape.  So, it is not a product that I would suggest for  someone just starting out.  They are targeting people who are looking for a challenge to take their fitness to another level.  At 221 pounds, I would have never considered it; but now at 165 pounds I would. 

I have met real people that have done the workouts and know trainers who use the techniques with their clients.  They do work; they are not geared for weight loss but for toning and muscle definition.  You will likely lose fat but not a lot of "weight" because you will gain muscle.

Videos also offer some variation to working out.  Plus, it is easy to roll out of bed on staycation and pop in a DVD!

I haven't read the book but I'm a BIG fan of "Celebrity Fit Club"!  The contestants that follow his diet seem to get great results. 

I have a wicked sweet tooth as well!  I have found creative ways to swap sugary desserts for something sweet but healthy.  I have a recipe for my version of s'mores that includes low-fat graham crackers, dark chocolate pudding and fat free whipped topping.  Check it out at www.icandofitness.com/recipes_archives.html!

I think most experts would say that addictions are triggered by a catalyst, whether it's stress, sadness, whatever.  I never thought that I had emotional eating issues.  Through my weight-loss process, I figured out that I ate less when I was stressed and I ate more when I was happy.  Get in tune with what your triggers are.  Replace the pint of B&J's with fruit or jello if you need something sweet.  Try not to let one bad day or bad choice be the end of your committment.  Re-focus and get back on track!

Be careful during your fast.  Listen to your body!  If you decide to workout do so after you are able to eat.  Good luck!

Here you go: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/08/03/AR2010080303263.html

This is a quote for my "ToughLove Tuesday" post!  But I must say, everyone has their own journey to travel; people who have struggled with obesity (like I did for YEARS), don't just jump up one day and change their lifestyle overnight. 

It is truly a mental comittment that many don't understand because it is easier not to have to think about what you eat; it is easier not to have to think about going to the gym.

I applaud the people who do seek help. That is the first step towards the committment.  Yes, there are people who "talk" about losing weight and exercising  but they may be afraid of what is on the "other side," especially if you (like me) were never fit before.

Ask yourself: Was it really the other person being their that made you go to the gym or was it that you wanted to change yourself?   Workout buddies are an excellent idea, but if someone falls off the wagon, you need to become your own best friend!  If you need to workout with someone, make friends with someone that is ALWAYS at the gym, like a trainer or the owner... 

Losing weight in the same house should be easier since you should have each other's support.  Men do lose weight faster than women. Thank Mother Nature for that.  But, that should not keep you from finding your own plan that works.  My husband and I workout VERY differently. We enjoy different workouts and workout at different times of the day.  Plus, I have to work that much harder to keep the weight off because I am smaller than he is.  It is just a fact of physiology.  You can't change it; you can only work with what you got!  Find the options that work for you and make it happen!