Hi California Girl!

I'm originally from Palos Verdes! I'm46 and have a birthday June 26th and would like to be slim by then. I am using the Optima shakes for breakfast and lunch witha snack of lowfat yogurt and fruit in between and veggies and cottage cheese or other soft cheese and some almonds or other nut in the afternoon. I'm working out, usually mornings after I drop my son off at school. I have a gym membership but no personal trainer. I also walk witha friend who is a race walker. Man, is she ever fast! It really gets my heart rate up when I walk outside and hilly terrain with her. If it rains, we hit the mall during her lunch hour (I'm a stay at home Mom).

So far, I have been losing but slowly. It was faster at first. But I saw on the tv show the Biggest Loser that when one contestant who had been posting big losses hit a plateau for a couple of weeks his trainer made him eat MORE. Fiber rich foods like Fiber One cereal or All Bran and pears and mashed sweet potatoes. But, to keep his exercise, which was awesome, at a steady pace and at the same rate. And the next week he lost more than ever! So I guees we have to trick our metabolisms when they get stuck that they need to kick into higher gear because more food is coming and they need to work harder. But exercise and lots of water is the key.

Tip: If you have a sweet tooth (I surely do!) Try getting through a craving by chewing flavorful sugarless gum. It rides the craving out but suffuces you with a burst of fresh sweet taste! - Melissa ( Now in Alabama)

hi i'm  a 43 y o f  from cali   looking to lose weight before my birthday .  any tips or encouragement  appreciated..