Weigh in at home 3/11 - 3/18

[JudySP]

Just starting the thread - be right back after I catch up

[JudySP]

Liza - Sorry to hear about the gain but it will be gone this week, I'm sure and that fact that your clothes are feeling good is more important in my book than the number on the scale. The fact that when you go "off" it's less than what it used to be is a really important lifestyle change! I'm sure lifetimers go "off" sometimes too - the key is to go right back on program and you're doing that.

Holly - congratulations on meeting your challenge head on! Thankfully, I don't know anyone who selss GS cookies so there aren't any in my house. I have a ton of tapes - it's hard to recommend just a couple. Are you looking for aerobics, strength or yoga? Are you a beginner, intermediate? Do you like dancy or athletic kind of stuff? Let me know and I'll be happy to come up with some recommendations. You could also check out videofitness.com. I check in there all the time - they have reviews of tapes and a forum of great people.

I did OK all things considered - I gained 0.2 pounds but seeing as I had TOM, I figure the small gain is based on that since I basically salvaged the week by the end of the week. I did OK over the weekend but took a couple of rest days from exercise (I did a lot of impact stuff last week) and went over my points by 3. I'm sure I'll make that up with exercise today.

Hope everyone had a great weekend - Happy Motivated Monday,
Judy
163.6/158.8/135

[Lyontamer]

Good Morning Group! I don't have a weight to report yet as I weigh in Tues eve. I did stay OP - though I indulged in too many BLT's (bites, licks and tastes). I should never have started doing that because it just made me crave the stuff that I have been avoiding (a bite of my son's ice cream as I serve it, brownie batter, a chicken nugget, etc...) On Sat I counted 1 pt for the BLT's, but didn't count anything on Sun. I did choose to have an egg beater omelet for dinner Sun instead of the high pt dinner DH and DS were eating, and that allowed me to still have my snacks in the eve. Only one day of exercise, and barely getting the water in. 2 areas I need to work on.
I feel a bit like I'm reaching that hump where it would be *very* easy to chuck it all in for a giant bowl of ice cream :-Z. I think I had better make an effort this week to have satisfying meals, and not just my easy, low pt standbys.

Judy - .2 is definately water weight from TOM -- and possibly new muscle! I envy your dedication to exercise. IN the long run, that will be a big key to your success :-). As for work out tapes, my favorite workouts are step, with interesting step moves to keep me challenged. I"m prob. considered an intermediate. I'd like to try yoga (beginner), but I don't want to do any long workouts. I'll check out the videofitness website - thanks for the tip :-)

[cece]

Hi everyone.

I was off on Friday. I spent the day with Ana as it was her "gotcha" day (the anniversary of the day her adoption was final). I think I'm all caught up with the posts from last week, though.

Jan - That sausage sandwich you had last week sounded yummy. Did you buy the salami? Good for you for throwing away that cookie last week!

Holly - I sometimes long to move out into the country. It would work for my husband, but for me the commute would be too long. We do live in a small town and are a couple of minutes from countryside. And I can walk into town to do my errands, so I guess it's a good compromise. Those BTLs can get me too. I hate when I spend a couple of points on them and then think of all the great snacks I could have had for those 2 ponts. I know what you mean about hitting that hump where it would be easy to just chuck the whole thing. Hang in there - you'll be over that hump soon. I too have a box of those Girl Scout Peanut Butter patties in my freezer. Is it just my imagination, or have they gotten smaller?

Judy - It sounded like you were getting sick last week. Hope that never happened. I agree, even those days where I fall off the program, it's never as bad as before I started WW. I'm sure that 0.2 gain is only TOM and you should see a nice decrease at the scales next week.

Liza - Sorry to hear about the gain, but I'm sure you'll be back in losing mode this week. Better fitting clothes is a sure sign of progress!

Well - I had a good week. Was within points 6 out of 7 days (and the day that I was not with points wasn't that bad), drank my water, got some exercise in and was rewarded with..... a maintain. I'm a bit bummed about it, but it is the start of PMS week and my rings were tight this morning, so I'm guessing it's water. At any rate, I'm not going to let it deter me. And I started this morning by ignoring the boxes of Krispy Kreme donuts that one of my co-workers brought in (still a rare treat since they only have a few locations here). This weeks goal: get in even more exercise than last week and, of course, stay OP!

Talk to you all later.

Carla
255/253/138

[JudySP]

Holly – Good for you for having the egg beater omelette. I agree with your strategy of having some satisfying meals this week. No way will we let you chuck it! If you like step (my favorite) with interesting moves to keep you challenged, I suggest you check out two instructors: Christi Taylor does fabulous step (and hi/lo) with very dancy moves – tons of fun. Her newest step tape is Step Heaven but it’s one of her more challenging choreography tapes (it also has fantastic music) so maybe a good one to look into is Stepping Zone. I would say Christi is advanced choreography and intermediate intensity wise. My other favorite instructor is Cathe Friedrich. She is the queen of high intensity. There are a ton of her tapes that I love but I started with Step Heat and was hooked from there on in. These tapes are not usually sold retail. You can get them from Collage (www.collagevideo.com) or from the instructor’s sites: Cathe.com and taylordfitness.com. Definitely take a look at videofitness. You’ll find plenty of reviews on Cathe’s and Christi’s tapes.

Carla – Happy (belated) anniversary to you, your husband and Ana! Wow – time sure flies! Now don’t let that maintain discourage you (although I’ve been there and felt exactly the same) – you KNOW it’s water if your rings are tight. Ignoring boxes of Krispy Kreme donuts? Way to go girl! That’s the spirit – I hope you gave yourself a HUGE pat on the back for that one because you surely deserve it! Hey, those hormones make the journey difficult but I know you’ll see a loss next week. How is your ankle feeling? Yes, I was feeling like I was getting sick last week and my glands are still swollen but I’ve fought it off so far.

[cece]

Judy - I'm glad to hear that your fending off whatever bug is threatening to get you. My ankle is still weak and feels "tight". It doesn't really hurt unless I'm on it too long, and then I put on the brace and I'm ok. I'm going to give it another week or so and then I think I'll have it looked at again. Yes, I've been feeling very virtuous about not giving into the Krispy Kremes even though my favorite, the cream filled, are still hanging around. I just ate a Luna Bar, so I've satisfied my sweet cravings. Thanks for the anniversary wishes. I can't believe 2 years has gone by already. I still vividly remember being in Bolivia. I think on the 12th we were still wondering when we'd get to go home.

I hope everyone is having a good day.

Carla

[Lyontamer]

You guys are great support :-) I'm in a very tired, bummed (for no apparent reason) mood, and hearing you guys telling me to stick it out helped immensely. We are having a pot luck at work tomorrow, and I've decided not to participate. It is just asking for trouble, and I don't want to jeopardize all that I am working for. (Ok, I'm a chicken, and don't trust myself in a room of desserts and high fat pot luck dishes!)

Cece - I'm glad you are taking the maintain in stride. IT is one thing to maintain after not being OP, but to really put forth effort and maintain is a hard blow. You can bank on the fact that it is water, and I bet next week you will see a really big loss. Isn't it a great feeling to make a decision that you aren't going to indulge?! I love that feeling! Congrats on the anniversary with your little girl!

Judy -- I was thinking about the step heaven tape, but a little concerned that it might kick my butt! Do you need a lot of room to do her step moves?

[JudySP]

Carla - I remember when you were in Bolivia too and can't believe it's two years ago. I think you have a good plan as far as your ankle. Never having had a bad sprain, I don't know what the recovery period is like. Way to go for having a Luna bar instead!

Holly - I think that you need to do whatever makes you feel comfortable in order to stick with the program and if that means not going to the pot luck than that's just fine. For the last couple of years, I've avoided the "ethnic" lunch we've had here - you bring in something from your ethnic background. I went the first few years and found that it wasn't worth it. I'm glad that we could help - heaven knows I've gotten an immeasurable amount of support here. As for the Step Heaven tape - I wouldn't say that you need a lot of room - at least no more room than most step tapes. Are you the type to be easily frustrated when learning a tape? If so, then Stepping Zone might be a better introduction to Christi's style. I'm not trying to discourage you - Step Heaven is one of my favorite tapes. Just know that the second section takes a few tries to nail down.

I had a good day yesterday - earned enough exercising to wipe out my small deficit and leave me with 3 points in the bank. I want to save up some because I'm meeting a number of my videofitness buddies at a fitness convention in the city on Saturday and we're planning on going out for lunch. I will have to weigh in Thursday night since I have to leave too early on Saturday to make my normal meeting.

Have a great Think Thin Tuesday
Judy

[cece]

Hi everyone.

Holly - I'm glad we helped! That's what we're here for. If it wasn't for this group, I probably wouldn't have stuck this out for so long. Your motivation over the past couple of weeks helped rev me up. I agree witih Judy, you have to do what feels right to you in order to stick with the program, so if skipping the potluck is what you need to do this time, then by all means skip it.

Judy - I've sprained this ankle before, but it wasn't as bad last time. Amazingly enough - there were still Krispy Kremes around this morning and my favorites too. But at this point if a fresh Krispy Kreme couldn't tempt me, a stale one isn't.

I had a great day yesterday. Ended up eating at my minimum and actually had to "force" myself to eat a Skinny Cow ice cream sandwich to get there. I had a filling sandwich from Subway for dinner. It's really nice to feel full after a meal of normal portions. I did my 30 minutes on the bike this morning and felt the "exercise high" afterwards, so now I'm pumped to continue on with that. Maybe I really am back in the swing of things now.

Have a great day everyone.

Carla

[JudySP]

Carla - I had to laugh about the stale Krispy Kremes! There was a time, not so long ago when I would have eaten a stale donut without a thought! It sounds like you are doing great - having to force yourself to get to your minimum is not a problem I ever have! I almost had a skinny cow last night but tried a new 2 point snack that someone at my meeting suggested. If you like Starbucks they have a wonderful 2 point pop called a frappacino (sp?) It's almost full size and so rich and creamy - it was very satisfying. Way to go on getting on that bike. It definitely sounds like you are back in the swing of things.

[cece]

Judy - There was also a time for me, also not long ago, that I wouldn't let the fact that a donut was a day old stop me from eating it. And believe me, having to force myself to get to minimum is a very, very rare occurance for me. I've had frappachinos at Starbucks, but not in the bottles from the store. I'll have to give it a try.

Carla

[Pepper]

Hi everybody. I can't believe how long its been since I've been here. I tried a couple of times when the site was down and haven't had time since. Either Sara or Darrell is on the computer or Sara is out with the car and I don't want to tie up the phone line.

Judy - Good job erasing the deficit and banking some points.

Carla - Congratulations on the anniversary. I wasn't posting then, but was lurking and do remember when you were in Bolivia. Way to go passing up the Krispy Kremes. How is the Self Challenge going? I'm sorry to say I never did get on track. I walked a few days last week and did one day of the toning, but wasn't feeling really well and couldn't seem to get going.

Holly - Good idea to skip the pot luck. I usually end up eating too much at those things and don't really enjoy the food.

I'm still having trouble getting back on track. I do well for a day or two and then slip back into the old habits. You would think that after maintaining my loss for a year I wouldn't be having so much trouble, but I guess it never gets easy. This week I am concentrating on getting in my water. Baby steps back on track.

Talk to you later.
Pat

[Lyontamer]

I've lost 1.8!! (the same as last week). The meeting was very helpful. They have been talking a lot this month about mixing up your pts with the right amt. of carbs and protein to fit your particular needs, and last night was the "eating style" discussion about doing the mini meals versus 3 meals per day. I think I have the quiz that we took if anyone is interested. I personally do much better with some protein at bfast, and peanut butter has been a big help there. I struggled a bit yesterday and realized that I had almost straight carbs and very little protein/fat through my work day.

I did skip the pot luck and felt good about the decision program-wise, but a little bummed to miss out on the social aspects. I think next time it my be worth making a low pt dish, and having just that (and whatever low pt food shows up that fits in to my pts schedule). Actually, there were 3 of us who decided not to partcipate because of our food plans, and one coworker (who is acutally understanding ;-) ) suggested next month's pot luck be only healthy/low fat. Another person -- not so understanding -- said in answer to my question about "how was the pot luck" ... "oh, good...what was *there*" Ooooo - jibe.

I do need some advice: I can't get out of a work luncheon tomorrow because I'm on the board that is having the meeting/lunch. The lunch is baked mosticolli, garlic bread and salad. How do I count baked mosticolli? OR, do I skip the mosticolli, have a big salad and eat my sandwhich at desk later? I'm sure the mostic. will have some meat in it, and I have no idea how much cheese.

Cece - I also was cracking up about the stale donut. There was a time when a coworker would bring in an actual garbage bag (clean) filled with excess popcorn from the show (his daughter worked there), and I would munch this fattening, stale popcorn all day! I also would have inhaled any baked goods left in the kitchen - no matter how stale! Good for you getting on that exercise bike! Doesn't it feel great after exercise? The trick is getting started.

Judy - I love those frappacino ice cream bars! I quit buying them, though, because I couldn't eat just one :-). Now that I'm a lot more in control, I may try again. Thanks for the exercise tape advice. I am going to continue checking around on collage.com. Very cool site. I love that you can see a video clip before buying. My prob with doing tapes is that I really need to get up at 5:30 or wait until after 9 P.M. to fit them in. Still working on the schedule thing. When we get a new TV, I am going to set up the 13" with VCR just for my exercise tapes (no more competing with the playstation!)

Pepper - long time no see! Sorry to hear you have been struggling. How far from goal are you now?

Time to get in the shower - have a great day guys!

Holly

[cece]

Hi everyone.

Pat - Good to "see" you. I missed you. I'm sorry to hear you weren't feeling well - hope you're better now. The Self Challenge is going ok. I met the nutrition and cardio goals for last week, but didn't get in any stretching or weight work. But I figure getting back to the cardio was a good start and I do plan on doing the stretching and weight work this week. I'm sorry to hear your struggling and I agree that baby steps is a good way to work yourself back OP. I think that no matter how long we do this program and how much it becomes a lifestyle, there are still going to be times we struggle. It's just that now we're better prepared to deal with the struggle and are able to re-bound from it without causing too much damage. Hang in there - you've come so far.

Holly - Congrats on another terrific loss. I too do much better when I have some protein with my meals. I feel much fuller much longer and don't have the urge to snack all day. I know that when I indulge in a donut for breakfast I'm going to be fighting cravings all morning. By next month's potluck you'll feel much more sure of your ability to stick to the low-point food. As for the lunch today, I think you can't go wrong if you count it about the same as lasagna. I personally would count 10 points for a cup.

I had a good day yesterday. So far the PMS monster has been benign. My craving yesterday was for some fresh salsa from the grocery store. So I had a low point dinner, bought some of my favorite tortilla chips (not any of the ususal snack brands, but made by a Mexican-American company - they're nice and heavy), measured out 2 servings and enjoyed my salsa. And still ended up with 4 points in the bank. This morning I had to get to work early, so I extended my walk to the train so it would last 20 minutes and made that my cardio exercise.

Have a great day everyone.

Carla

[JudySP]

Carla - The frappacino I was talking about was like an ice cream bar or pop, not a liquid. It was very, very yummy. I decided I needed to get something like ice cream that was already divided into servings because I had a portion problem with my Healthy Choice ice cream last week.

Pat - It's good to hear from you! I'm sorry to hear that you are still having some problems - I hate to say it, but I don't think it's ever going to get easier for me. I think I have to try to accept that I will always have to be calculating points. If not, I wouldn't have gained back the 11 pounds I lost last year! Way to go on taking those baby steps. You'll get back there and we're hear to help you!

Holly - Congratulations on losing the 1.8 pounds! I agree - that quiz was interesting. When I took it, it seemed to imply that I would benefit from trying to do mini meals at least sometimes during the week. The only thing is that it's not the way Tony eats and I think it would be hard for me to sit with him at dinner with his usual portion and my mini portion! One thing that I did take away that's been helpful is the fact that it's a fallacy that if you are trying to lose weight you should eliminate snacking. It's the sum total that counts and if small snacks throughout the day keep you from bingeing or overeating, then they will actually help you lose weight. As for the lunch - what is mosticolli? Is it a pasta dish with meat? I'm glad you've found collage helpful - those clips are great. Let me know what you decide. I lot of people at videofitness either do their workouts very early in the morning or at night because that's the only way they can fit them in. There was even a thread recently on the forum about how some people fit their workouts in when there are so many things pulling them in different directions.

I had an OK day yesterday. I forgot to bring a snack with me for the train ride home and ended up eating a bag of pretzels that was 4 points! I did a tough 30 minutes of aerobics and 30 minutes of leg & abs work so I earned enough points so that even though I ended up going over my max by 5 points once the day was done, I still have 2.5 points left in the activity bank. I'm not sure what I'm going to do about my meeting this week. I'll be going into the city too early on Sat to make my meeting - there are some meetings tomorrow in the late afternoon and early evening which I'll try to get to depending on how work goes. I have to admit that I'm a little wary of weighing in then because I always weigh-in in the morning before I've had breakfast! I'll see how it goes.

Have a great Water Logged Wednesday,
Judy

[cece]

Hi Judy - Got it. Here in the Midwest, "pop" means soda so my natural instincts were to think liquid. I'm definitely going to try them out.

By the way, I think Holly was referring to mostoccioli which you may also hear referred to as ziti.

Carla

[JanP]

Hi folks!! Well, I lost the 2 lbs I gained a couple of weeks ago. Now, this week I need to work on keeping it off!!
Also, starting to go down to a weight that I haven't seen in a long time. Need to keep that in mind.

Carla, you are really thinking all this through. I am so impressed with the way you are banking points and satisfying your cravings at the same time. I don't think I have had a day under points. Maybe I need to try that.

Judy, frappacino bar sounds delish. There is a Starbuck's about 5 blocks from my house. Will have to walk the dog in that direction some time. Gracie (dog), loves Starbucks because they give her cookies. I love the way you offset your snacks with excercise.

Pat, baby steps back will get you there. How's the water going so far? Have been adding a little fruit juice and or lemon and it helps me get the water going a little better. Stay in there with us as we struggle together.

Good job on the loss, Holly. As I think about my mixture of carbs and protein, I wonder if I am getting enough protein some days. It might help me get through.

Take care - Jan

[Pepper]

Holly - Congratulations on the loss. Glad to hear the meetings are helping you. I'm sure as you do the program longer you'll feel stronger about handling the potluck. I think I'd plan on having a small amount of the mostoccioli and eating low points for dinner. For me, I think skipping it would put me in a diet frame of mind instead of a lifestyle change. I'm about 8 lbs from goal now. Not much, but it seems like a lot more since I don't feel in control. The new clothes still fit, just don't look as good.

Carla - Great job banking some points and planning for your snack. Getting back to the cardio is a good start. I have been doing a little walking again, just not as consistent as before. I do agree that there will always be times of struggling. I know I'm a big stress eater and between work and college planning, it has been a rough couple of months. Should be getting the financial aid packages from the colleges in the next week or two so it shouldn't be much longer before she can make definite plans. She is supposed to let one of the colleges know if she is going to accept their scholarship offer by the end of the month. They'll give her an extension until the first of May, but I'm hoping it won't take us that long to decide.

Judy - As much as I wish I could quit counting points, I guess I need the reminder of how my day is going. Its too easy to "forget" some of those small snacks unless I write them down...and I'm a big snacker.

Jan - Congratulations on the loss and seeing that new weight territory. I've been doing good with the water. I've been getting flavored water to drink at work and that has helped.

Okay I have my goal in mind. I just got some travel info for vacation and there is a lighthouse that you can climb to the top (203 steps). I'd like to go up, but I need to get back to the exercise or I'll never make it. Also got an email from my sister that we are visiting. She has been doing WW since the first of the year and said she should be near goal by the time we get there. I haven't seen her since right after I started WW and I WILL be back at goal when we go in July.

Talk to you later.
Pat

[JudySP]

Carla – thanks for the translations! I’ve heard of “pop” used as what we call “soda” but I’ve never heard of mostoccioli. Gee, if I had know I could have given Holly the point value. I had another frappacino last night – they sure are yummy – very rich tasting.

Jan – Congratulations on losing those 2 pounds! If it wasn’t for my exercising, I’d be above my max every day and would run up huge point deficits! It’s good that I enjoy exercising ( I know, lots of people think I’m weird).

Pat – I hope the financial aid packages come through soon and with good news. I’m with you on the snacking – if I didn’t write down everything I ate, I wouldn’t have an honest picture of how many points I’m eating. I’m a big snacker and I also have to watch the BLT’s! I think your goals for your vacation sound perfect – reasonable, doable and great motivation!

I had an OK day yesterday until late at night. I came home and did a whole bunch of exercise. I was ending the day with 6.5 points in the activity bank and then decided to have a little Healthy Choice ice cream which has been a red light food for me recently (so you think I’d have the sense to stay away from it). Well, ½ pint later Iused up all my activity points. I didn’t go over but I don’t have anything in the bank for today or the weekend. Still, today is a telecommute day so I’m planning on some exercise during lunch.
Hope everyone has a point friendly, Think Thin Thursday,
Judy

[cece]

Hi everyone.

It's a gray, gloomy, rainy day here in Chicago.

Jan - Congratulations on getting rid of those two pounds. I know you'll be successful keeping them off this week.

Pat - That's a great goal that you set for yourself and I know that you'll make it to the top of the lighthouse (and be back at goal while you're doing it)! I hope those financial aid packages come in soon so that Sara can make her choice. I'm glad to hear that the water drinking is going better for you.

Judy - You've got me convinced to buy those Frapacino pops at my next trip to the grocery store. A girl can't live on Skinny Cow's alone. :) I don't think you're weird for loving to exercise - I wish I had the "exercise" bug like you do. Sorry to hear you had the run-in with the Healthy Choice ice cream - but hey you had the points to spend. I know you'd like to have some in the bank and I also know that you'll put some there with all your exercising. So don't fret. Have you decided what you're going to do about weigh-in?

I had another good day yesterday. I only banked one point, but that's ok with me. I've been doing a pretty good job with getting in all my fruits and vegetables and my water. Next up - making sure I get in my milk servings. That's always been a problem for me, even though I like milk. I just don't like spending the points on it. No cardio this morning - I opted for an extra hour of sleep. I'm going to make myself do some stretching and weight lifting tonight if it kills me and then plan on hopping back on the bike tomorrow morning.

Have a great day everyone.

Carla

[JanP]

Well, I am one proud and thankful Momma today. One son has a meeting close by and called me for lunch and the other son is getting keys for a new house and called us to come and see the house after work.

Judy, I don't think your weird about your excercise. I think it's great. I am a good walker and a back routine a few times a week. Need to work in some resistance. Have an elastic band, but not sure it does much. Will try again. I don't think I will try that ice cream. Sounds to tempting. You still have time to bank for the weekend. How's the sweater coming?

Carla, you are on such a roll and a good one to boot!! Keep it up. I use non-fat milk and it's not to bad on the points.

Pat, what a great goal to climb the steps of a lighthouse. Where is that one? What a great visualization!! And getting to see your sister who will, also, have met goal. Wow, what a motivator.

Holly, it's good to change those pot lucks around for variety. We had a low fat, healthy last Fall and folks were surprised at how good it was!! What are you thinking of bringing.

Had a good day yesterday. Walked after work and I think I got my water in. I seem to have the same reoccuring problem - constipation. I have always had that when I cut back on food, everything gets sluggish. Hopefully, will adjust soon.

Have a great day!! Jan

[JudySP]

Carla - way to go on doing so well with points. I'm with you - I like to chew my points and getting the milk in is always a struggle. If I have a yogurt in the morning and have a ff choc pudding at night I'm OK - otherwise I try to take a Viactiv (if I remember to). So, did you get your stretching and weight work in?

Jan - Do you eat a lot of high fiber foods? I find that with WW I don't usually have a constipation problem because I'm eating so much fiber. You should be one proud momma- that's great about your sons! The sweater is coming along although I didn't work on it last night. I want to finish the hood this weekend and then I just have a little bit of "finishing" to do, since it's worked on a circular needle.

Well, I bit the bullet and ran to a WW meeting at 4:30 yesterday (I hadn't been away from my desk since 7:00 am so I figured I deserved a break! I was rewarded with a 1.4 pound loss! I exercised a little when I finished work and then Tony and I decided to get Chinese takeout because both of us had rough days and neither or us wanted to have what we had planned for dinner. We didn't go nuts though and I finished the day 3 points in the red. Not bad - I'll probably wipe them out tonight with exercise. I have to be sure that I watch from now until next Saturday (3/24) because that's the next official weigh in and I want to keep moving in the right direction.

Hope everyone has a great weekend!
Judy
163.6/157.4/135

[cece]

Hi everyone.

Jan - How great that you got to spend time with your sons yesterday! I use low-fat milk too, but I just don't seem to want to spend even 2 points on it. I did have a glass last night, though, so I'm making progress. Drinking up all your water should help you with your constipation problem.

Judy - Congratulations on a terrific loss! You are moving downward quite nicely! And kudos on having Chinese and keeping your deficit down to 3 points! I take my multi-vitamin with calcium every morning, so that helps. No, I didn't get in my stretching and weight work yesterday. I had trouble getting Ana to sleep last night and by the time I got that accomplished it was 11:00 and I was too tired. I'm shooting for tonight too. Didn't get on the bike this morning either, so I have to get another cardio workout in this week.

I pulled out another good day yesterday and managed to save a couple of points. I'm really struggling today. TOM came yesterday (early) but I'm struggling with sweets like the PMS monster was still hounding me. It started this morning when I went into the freeze in the basement to pull out a frozen dinner to bring to work. I decided to have 1 Girl Scout cookie. Ok - 2 points - not bad. Then at work someone brought in mini-cupcakes for St. Pat's day. Ok - grabbed one, ate it, calculated the points from the nutritional info - 3 points - 5 total on sweets before breakfast, but still salvagable. Then one of my co-worker's brought me a mug full of Robin's Eggs (those candy coated malted milk ball Easter candy thingies) because she knows I like them. That did it. I'm trying my best to ignore them, but I've lost a couple of battles already today. When she leaves for the day, I think I'll ditch them. But - I'm counting the points and so far have fought the "I've blown it so let's just binge" urge. I still have some points left for dinner (and lots of banked points). And, I made a terrific cheese soup last night (got the recipe from the Soups and Stews thread here) for 1 point a cup and it's loaded with veggies, so I think I'll be ok. No big challenges for the weekend. My MIL is making corned beef for dinner tomorrow (and not a drop of Irish blood in our family), but I don't like it, so I'll stick to the cabbage and potatos.

Have a terrific weekend everyone.

Carla

[Lyontamer]

Hi everyone! Thanks for all the advice on the work luncheon. I had the mosticolli (sp?), but I scraped my serving from under the cheese, had one meatball (large) and a large salad with FF Italian -- skipped the garlic bread. I would have preferred to gorge on the cheesy pasta and have a ton of garlic bread, but then I thought of you guys and stayed on track!

You guys are all doing great! I have to say that all of us seem to be doing very well at "working the program" -- success is catchy! I'm actually finding pleasure in making the program work for me -- making good choices, being creative with food, putting off snacks for a time when I'd enjoy them the most, etc...

Short on time, so I'll have to post again later. Good luck with your weekends :-) Holly

[Liza]

Well, I finished the week feeling better than I started. I should have lost more with the head cold.

Holly, great going on the lunch. Focus is the key at those luncheons. I have to spend most lunches with the WW 0 points soup or the week is lost.

St. Pat's Day was not one of my best but my MIL was happy to come over and play with the 2 year old and DH was glad we were together. Point wise the Boston Creme Pie was over the top. I planned for the day, including 2 beers, so I should be able to compensate today.

SIL has kidney stones, so we are taking turns helping out with the kids and such. She is prone to them and from what I have been reading stress plays a factor. Wish she could get them worked out.

Off to my mom's today for a belated St. Pat's. DH and MIL are going to the Flower Show in Boston so the 2 year old and I are off to a place with no landscaping windmills or waterfalls or anything else to pull up and damage.

The woman at work who is doing WW made the observation that she loses the most when she eats at her high end of points. She exercises lots and so she has a pretty high matabolism. Always a great thing to hear someone starting and their take on things. Puts it into perspective for me.

Liza 195/190/140

[Lyontamer]

Hi guys! I can't decide if it is too wierd to put my picture up with my posts, but I had fun figuring out how to do it! I'm also playing around with the buddy list, but i can't figure out if it will just indicate when someone is online, or if it will be like an instant message thing. I"ve managed to waste plenty of time playing with the new features!

Liza - Hey - I bet St Patricks Day's past were a lot worse food-wise, so think of all the calories you saved -- even with that pie (which sounded wonderful!)

Cece - Robins Eggs?! I LOVE them! To have it be TOM, and be given chocolate should be illegal ;-)! Hang in there because you have been doing fantastic, and you can eat all the Robins Eggs you want while you are walking on the beach looking great after losing a ton of weight. ( I bet they'd taste better then too!)

Judy - Congrats on the loss! I tried the Charlene Pricket (sp?) Start your Engines exercise tape this weekend. It wasn't step, but it was good. I love her friendly manner, and may check out her step tape on collage. Do you have any of her tapes? (A friend loaned me this one - it was a full hr workout)

Talk to you soon - Holly

[Lyontamer]

Decision made: too wierd to have picture on each post - ugh! I'm back to cartoons :-) I didn't mind my pic coming up on this thread - because I think of you guys as friends -- but it was way too strange to have it come up *everywhere* I posted.