Hi ladies! I didn't get to run this weekend because my kids have the pukes. For those with older kids (mine are 1 and 2.5)- does it get easier when your kids are sick as the kids get older? I swear, I am so sleep deprived right now. Because I feel like I'm coming down with it, I finally decided not to run this weekend... I went back and forth on it, but I think my body needs one more day to recover before I'm back in the gym tomorrow... How do others handle sick days? Does it throw you off? Will my next run be torture? I'm such a rookie..
As for the question on core and points- for me, my struggle is portion control. So I've always drifted to the points system. I've lost considerable wieght doing it, but I think I'm going to have to switch as I keep losing weight. The thing is, WW tells you that even though you count points, you're also supposed to track your servings of veggies, fruits, breads, meats, etc. But if you're anything like me, when I track points, I pretty much ignore that stuff. And it works- for a while. I find that, as I lift and exercise more, I have to pay better attention to my fat/ protein/ carb ratios. Now I use points to sort of help me know how much of something I should eat or help me eat out on special meal days, but I gravitate to core foods as I try to balance my foods. I think the points system is a great way to start, to get your body used to being monitored, to thinking about what you eat, etc. It helps you get into the habit of tracking things, since it's a pretty simple way to track.. But as you get going, you may find you have less energy during the day because, although you are within your points, you are eating 80% of your diet in carbs. Or fat. =) Basically, I tracked points for about 7 months, and then when I his a plateau, and I couldn't exercise like I wanted to, I started tracking more details of my diet. I saw that I actually ate my points for the day without coming close to eating the number of calories that doctors and nutritionists recommend for me. Now I track more details, and I find that adding protein, lowering carbs and fat, I actually can go a little over points and lose weight. And, as I look over my menus, I'm doing lots more core foods than I used to. SO- I think starting out with points is great, it can definitely get you in the groove and get you results. In a few months, though, you might need a change. Personally, this is good to me, as it infuses a new life in my efforts, and keeps it from getting boring. Plus, weight control is a process, it's something that you kinda figure out for yourself as you go. You don't have to "cold-turkey" anything. In my personal opinion, your body won't respond as well, long-term, to anything you do that is super drastic for you. Ease yourself into, cut back on carbs if you need to. But they still should constitue about 40% of your calories anyway, so don't worry too much about it if you go a little heavy some days.
Like another poster said, don't worry so much about what everyone else is stressing about. Everyone struggles with different things. And people tend to be more hard-core about what they DON'T struggle with. In my humble opinion. So take that all with a grain of salt. Hope some of that helps. Be encouraged- the fact that you are thinking of what you are eating, and starting a new workout focus, is huge. Enjoy the success of at least making the decision. Don't rush yourself too much...
Okay, off to bed. My group training leader is doing body assessments this week. I had a bad December- I lost an 8-week pregnancy on Christmas Day- and I haven't been measured since November 1. So I need to go start the nightmares now... Sigh... I would feel better if I had gotten a run in this weekend...
I'm loving the posts, I'm so inspired by everyone! I dream someday I'll talk about running 5 miles, even if I'm an hour slower than everyone else... You all rock!
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I am up 2lbs this week, baa humbug! I know it is not fat, I know it is just my muscles repairing and the after effects of eating some prepared high sodium foods so all will be good next week! 
