Weight Watchers - Supporting Each Other on Our Weight Loss Journey

This is a great thread for those who want support, helpful hints, friendship and a great bunch of people to communicate with. This thread has existed for a long time and I keep re-starting it whenever the old one gets too long. Feel free to stop in and chat, we are not a "closed" group and welcome newcomers. Some of us have been together for well over a year, some only a few days, but we care about each other. We offer tips, we share, we pick each other up of the floor when we've had rough times and we applaud when someone does well.
So, please do stop on by and share a bit, support is what it's all about! We can really do this together!

:hug:

Ann, ah-ha, you too caught the closet bug! Good for you! I think, when back from vacation, I may overhaul my own closet too. I weeded out a few things the other day, but I truly need to go through it all and try on several things and make decisions. It is time consuming.
Paige, I think Ann was right, it is fun once you get into it. It is "freeing" to get rid of things and feel successful with your weight loss. Also, trying on new clothing and buying it when you are a few sizes less than you were is very satisfying too. I'm looking forward to it.
On a serious note, Paige, I honestly hope I do "go" first (not to haunt my spouse, though) as I know I'd be so lonely without him. I think he would do better than I by himself than I would do without him. However, we can't predict or ask for things, we get what we get.
Erika (makes me wonder where our other Erica is!) I'm glad you can post on vacation. Macaroni and cheese at a relatives house sounds wonderful to me, that is one of my "trigger foods", it's creamy and comforting and I love it. I have to be careful. I do have a great WW recipe from one of my older WW cookbooks that helps get that craving out of the system, though. If someone reminds me when I get home from vacation, I'd be glad to type it out.
Ann, I couldn't possible go about a month without weighing myself. It totally IS an addiction for me. Also, I liked when you said "grown into" your skinnier pants. It made me think of personal growth vs. body growth. We are on a journey and growing in knowledge and in dietary skills, after all! I thought it was a cute way to put it.
Laura, good to hear from you again, I hope you get back in touch with us more regularly! I miss you!
As for me. I treated myself to a Subway 7 point sandwich for lunch today. I am so BORED with the same old things I have around the house for lunches. As I am leaving for 10 days tomorrow, I don't want to stock up the house on fresh foods, I'll do that up at the lake. I've promised my WW leader that I will continue to journal each day while I am away and I hope that keeps me on track.
I have high speed internet up at the lake so you will will still have to put up with me! Well, off I go to catch up on cleaning, laundry and all sorts of stuff so I can get ready for the trip. I really like to leave a clean home when I go away instead of coming home to a mess. Walking into a dirty house makes me not feel like I am rested and had a good vacation. Walking into a picked up and reasonably clean home always feels good and then you say to yourself "It's good to be home"!

Well I'm just taking a quick break... still cleaning the closet!!! Of course doing that caused me to clean the bath and bedroom too!!!! Hope your feeling better Paige... I hate migranes!

I'll be back later!

Linda-The weather isn't too bad here...it's 87 out. I've had cold chills all day, so I've been covered up with a comforter! I really have a tough time with migraines; this one luckily only lasted a few hours (I've had them last
12+ hours before) but it has left me feeling like I'm "hung over." I've been trying to also get the mountain of laundry that is in our bedroom folded...not a fun task to do, but I can at least sit down to do it. I have just felt so unproductive this week!!!

I decided not to go to the 5:30 wi, so I'll have to go tomorrow. It's also TOM, so I think that might of taken any loss that I had. *grumble* I just feel like eating a piece of cake. Or some doughnuts, which is kind of funny because I don't really care much for them!

Chat later...

Hey there everyone,
Just a quick stop in. I'm not being the greatest these past couple of days. I strayed away from sticking to my plan, boy did that ever work so good last week! I didn't weigh in this week, but I definitely need to go. I haven't done it in weeks. Definitely scale avoidance which is not good! Hope all is well, and I'll check back in later.

Hey Everyone! I had class today, came home and crashed. My sinuses are killing me!
I was wondering........I have a problem with never feeling full, which makes me eat, and eat, and eat! I have an appetite that won't stop. This makes me nervous starting WW. I am weak, and terrified I will give in. Anyone else have that problem???

It is also TOM for me too. Maybe a good thing I am not starting WW till next week. TOM is TWICE as bad for my appetite! I just wish I could feel FULL!!!!

Paige, I sure hope the migranes stay away for a while. I use to get them too, and would have them so bad I threw up. Any idea what triggers yours?

Ok, well, I am going to check on my kiddo and her friend. I will be back on later!

Kim

Paige2, you are being such a good girl cleaning that closet! By the way, I may be putting my own house on the market in about a year. We only moved to this town (much too populated for me) due to the school system, after my youngest graduates, we can go more out in the country. I'll be waiting to make sure where she ends up in college before we make a choice, though. So, I need to try to make my own closets look as spacious and as well organized as I can. Unloading extra clothing that doesn't fit is a great way to do that.
Paige, it was 93 outside here when I got home earlier today. It's really humid as well, so I'm awfully glad to have spend the afternoon doing indoor things. The chills usually don't accompany a typical migraine, they usually accompany an illness/fever. I hope you will be OK.
Erica! Darling! What can we do to get you on program and keep you there? I need to become your personal coach or something! I wish I lived closer to NY state as I'd come there with my clipboard and whistle and stand over you.
Plan, Plan, Plan, Journal, Journal, Journal, water, water, water, movement, movement, movement.... keep chanting..... We all know the key to success.
As for me, I did OK today but I worry about our vacation. I'm straying from plan tonight as I am so busy packing, cleaning and organizing. But, I have points, I'm "good" with having a Greek Salad delivered. It's a hot night, I'm working hard, salad is a good thing. My daughter and I are both getting salads and splitting an order of fries... yes, I know, fries. But, I will portion them and I have the points, do don't worry. It is the answer to a very long craving and by splitting a small order, I think it will be a good choice for me vs. going wild.
I've done so well on flex points this week. Since I began my new journal on Tuesday, I've only used 2 flex points. So, I can spare using the three or four extra ones I'll require to get through today.
Well, time to get back to work. I took a quick break to check to see if an e-mail from my DH showed up. He usually e-mails me from his laptop when he gets on the train in NYC so I know when to expect him. He made the 4pm train, so will be home by 8:30 PM. He's going to have a surprise! For a change, his darling wife (me!) cleaned our bedroom and put away all the junk and sewing stuff that usually clutters up the place. It almost looks like we're expecting company. After supper, I will vacuum in the and clean our bathroom so it will be sparkling when he arrives. He's going to be proud of me. If I have time, I'll vacuum the rest of the house and dust, what the heck and I'll even maybe work off a bit of those flex points!
Take care ladies, Paige I'm sending you health vibes!!!!

Kim, from what I gather, you have yet to physically start WW and have yet to go and get all their information? So, if that is so, you really shouldn't be stressing. Have you read up on their programs at all? Don't worry so much yet.
Drink plenty of water for now. Eat well, eat healthy, have high fiber foods and relax until you weigh in and get the information.
I tried to attach a photo to this of me that my daughter took. I'm in my new "official work out" outfit and smiling on the way to the gym. I hope it comes through ok.
Linda

Yes, I have. I was on it a few years ago.
I just started thinking about it today when I was eating and kept going back for more. What if I can't do this? What if I give in??? It doesn't matter if it is weight watchers, or not, I am ALWAYS hungry!! Even when I am 'full'......I know.......take a day at a time. I am so afraid of failure. I really do want it to work. Not just for me this time but for my little girl. I stress too much don't I?
Maybe I am just having an emotional TOM.
I can't do it without you guys though.......I know your support will help alot.
Hang in there with me......I can't WAIT for that ticker to move!!!!!!
Kim

Hello everyone,it's been a while.
I missed looking at this board so much in KY, I tried to log on but just couldn't download very much. Anyways the trips and the wheather was beautiful. I hope everyone is doing well, I am actually leaving again tomorrow out of town, my friend invited me to go along with her and her son to the beach. As far as my eating well as hard as I tried to stay op I was completly off. For this next trip my friend is watching her calories and doing a good job of it so hopefully she will be inspirational. Anyways, I got to get packing if I can log on over there I will if not have a good weekend.

Kim-We all struggle and fall off the wagon. The most important thing is to stick it out and work your way through it. Take one day at a time...even if you mess that day up (and we all do that!) there will always the next day.

You said you "used to get migraines"...HOW did you get them to stop?!!!! I got my first one the last day of sixth grade, and they have increased in number and severity since. I always get sick to my stomach with them...the one before this one I basically camped out in the bathroom the entire night. That is the most sick I've ever been with one. They just take so much out of me...even when they are over, I can't function; my head is so sore and my body so tired. I have no idea what triggers them. There isn't a specific food (today I hadn't even eaten yet when it started...but the last one was right directly after I had had a prefectly "on plan" meal at Chili's!) I've been prescribed four different meds (at different times) to take as soon as I get the first sign that I'm getting a migraine...nothing works once they are started. I do take Topamax, though, to prevent them, and that has helped. I've only gotten three since September. I hate taking that medication, though...it's nickname is Dope-amax because it makes you STUPID! I have "tip of the tongue" syndrome, and just plain can't remember things. I recently completely forgot the password to check my voicemail...I've had the password for a very long time, and all the sudden *poof* it was gone from my memory. But if it decreases the migraines, I can deal.

And why is it that when most people are sick, they can't even think about food...but me??? NOOOOOO....I'm the opposite?! I never got a chance to make out a menu today, but I really did try to be good and not be in that "ugh, I don't feel good...I don't care what I eat" mood. Maybe it has to do some with TOM. I had my usual bowl of low fat ice cream for dessert, and I REALLLLLLY wanted more, but I thought about that beautiful bridesmaid dress hanging in my closet and decided that eating more ice cream would not make the dress fit any sooner. And then I wanted some chips, but I decided against them, too. So now...I'm going to bed.

Have a lovely night everyone!

Hi all,
How is everyone doing. I am doing well. I walked and ran today and stayed on plan. I am just taking it one day at a time. Linda, I had to put my scale in the basement storage area or I would weigh myself. I keep wanting to sneak it out but I will do this, if I take it in baby steps.
Paige 2 way to go cleaning your closet. That is what always happens to me, I start to clean one area and then it leads me to another area then another are and before I know it clean sweep has happened at my house and all the clutter is gone, then we start to purchase stuff and gain more clutter....it is a never ending circle. It is working for me though or I wouldn't do it now would I.
Hey Paige 1, I hope you are feeling much better. Did you get a nap? I can't even imagine how horrible a migrane would be.
Erica, how are you. I know you can do this, remember little steps can get you back on track. You are the one who convinced me to fake it til I make it. Maybe you have too much on your plate, right now. Do what you need to do to make Erica feel good about Erica. I know it is in you to do this. Think of how supportive you would be to one of us. Talk to you as if it was one of us that needed you. You are so worthy of taking care of you.
Erika, have a great vacation. I was thinking if I lived closer I could run with you. I am trying to talk my dh into running with me. He always has an excuse. I know I will keep at it and wear him down...
Linda, have a wonderful time. I think your picture is awesome. Thanks for sharing it. I love Greek Salad. I hope your dinner was yummy.
Laura, it is so nice to see a post from you. How are you.
Ginny, where are you.
Tech, hi, I hope your day was awesome.
Haylo, Briza and Emma, I do hope you are all doing well.
Sorry if I missed anyone, I can only see this page.
Take care all
Ann

Kim, don't worry, you can do this. I'm one of those volume eaters as well and have truly been out of control in the past.
May I suggest a few menus for the next few days? You certainly don't have to do this at all, and maybe shouldn't until you officialy re-join next week, but maybe it will have a calming affect? Give it a try....
Firstly, have you ever seen Hood milk products in your grocery store? I have no idea if the area you live in has the same dairies or not? If you have Hood products, look for a half gallon in a green carton (where the soy milk or Lactaid type of milk is) called Calorie Countdown. It's treated in some way that takes calories away but it tastes pretty good. It's got the same amount of calcium as regular milk but it's only one point for a cup. That is my "saviour". Regular skim milk is 2 points for a cup. I only get 20 points a day and it can be used up pretty fast if I have 2 cups of milk in a day. But, we all need our milk servings. I also find that I am more satisfied, in general, when I make sure I get my milk servings in. I guess that equates to comfort food in some small way.
In the mornings, make oatmeal with skim milk or Calorie Countdown milk. Have a piece of fruit with it. It will fill you up nicely. Oatmeal always tastes great when made with milk. I used to cut points by making it with water and it was never quite a good. I just love it. Also, I find that Splenda is now making a brown sugar substitue that I adore on my oatmeal.
Eat slowly, take time to relax and have a really big glass of water alongside your breakfast. If you make reguarl oatmeal vs. instant, take 1/2 cup oatmeal with 1 cup of milk, microwave it for one minute, stir and then micro it for another minute. It comes out great and it's just as fast as instant.
Mid-morning, if you are hungry (and it sounds like you will be) have something to eat, perhaps a fat free yogurt, like WW brand. If you are "on the go" buy those 100 calorie packs and have something, plan it ahead.

Lunch: Have a vegetable or salad or clear liquid soup to fill you up. Add a lean protein of some kind. For now, don't freak out about serving sizes, just eat the right amount of protein to fill you up and make you satisfied. Then, alongside, have some kind of whole grain bread (but read the serving size on the package and have ONE serving, whatever that is).

Mid afternoon, have either fruit or popcorn (94% fat free) or both if you must, drink extra water and have water with lunch as well, of course.

If you are starving later, before suppertime, cut up a nice and pretty tray of fresh veggies like peppers, cucumber, tiny string beans, carrots and tomato and have a dip of fat free dressing and eat as much as you feel fills you up and maybe have a caffeine free diet soda or herbal tea. Leave zip lock bags of cut up veggies available for quick "hungry horrors" in the refrigerator.

Dinner ought to be a lean protein of some sort, maybe potato or rice and, of course, a vegetable. I use a spray margarine product vs. using my points on butter or margarine. You also need to have 2 teaspoons of healthy oils per day that can be used in cooking or over top of a salad, but don't go crazy worrying about that.
For dessert, and always allow yourself a treat each day, as you will not succeed if you don't have some kind of treat, have a Weight Watcher's dessert or ice cream treat, or those Skinny Cow things that are popular. You could also have frozen yogurt, but check the portion sizes. I just NEED a dessert every night, I plan for it in each day's points allowance. If there is no dessert, I feel cheated and then I will cheat!
At any time during the day if you feel starving and out of control, have a sugar free Jello with Lite coop whip over top and drink water, eat your cut up vegetables.
Plan for snacks mid morning and mid afternoon, plan for a dessert. The times you start to feel crazy and hungry are when you don't think you have another meal coming for a long time. Hope that makes sense. If you have carefully planned snacks, meals, etc. then there will not be a panic that you will be too hungry.
If you think you need to have something in your mouth, you can buy some very low calorie sugar free candy, have a look in the grocery stores. I found buttescotch sugar free hard candies that are 15 calories each and something needs to be 50 calories before it is a point. So, I can have two of those with a glass of water and it is a taste in my mouth.
If you also feel out of control like you need to each and are stuck wanting something in your mouth, have a very strong tasting mint of some sort or brush your teeth. You can do this! It's not "rocket science"!
Sometimes, if I eat lunch and still feel hungry, I'll end my lunch with popcorn and a diet soda and I eat popcorn until I feel full. I need to feel full at the end of a meal and never want to leave the table hungry. Hunger makes people like us go totally nuts, we lose control and give up if we are hungry all the time.
There are too many 0 or one point type of snacks out there for you to ever feel out of control. One of the keys to success if to plan the snacks at evenly spaced intervals.

Hi Paige and Haylo, I was posting as your were. Paige I hope you do feel better really soon.
Haylo have so much fun on the beach and swim and walk on the beach, Enjoy.

Kim, I too was afraid I would be hungry all day long. In the beginning I replaced food with something. I would either walk, or have a bath or read. I knew if I could take it one day at a time, having three small meals and two snacks, while drinking all my water and eating 5 fruits and vegetables I would make it a habit. I found journaling helped out so much. You can do it, just take it one meal at a time. Also I found if I got really hungry I would have fresh vegetables. It was better than my snacks used to be. One thing Paige mentions is to plan your meals. I find that really important for me.
Good luck with your journey Kim.

Linda,
Wow that is great what you wrote. Good planning.
Have a great night.
Ann

Well I fixed Paige's chicken recipe tonight and it was soooooo good! The only thing I did differently was instead of sprinkling cheddar cheese on it I put half a slice of low fat swiss on it because that's all I had. Glad I made some extra to freeze!

I did good on staying within my points today! I think cleaning kept me busy so I was tempted to snack! I don't know if I will lose anything this week or not. Although I've done fine with my points I've been craving salty food like crackers, chips, popcorn...and I can tell that I'm retaining fluid!! I think it will get better when I go back to work in another week and I'm not home all day!

Well the closet is done... except I was talking to my dad tonight on the phone and he told me I should go back through it again and this time if I haven't worn it in the past year to get rid of it!! So I guess I'll do that tomorrow so I can take everything to Goodwill on Saturday. I do have to say it is a good feeling!!!

Hi everyone -

I posted once or twice in June and then disappeared :?: I did PM Linda at one point but things have been :dizzy: but I have been lurking regularly :p This is such a fantastic group and Linda, I just LOVE the way your write your feelings and your food/points for the day. That is how I USED to think just normally...but I lost it somewhere along the way :(

Anyway I very much would like to join in on a regular basis. Going through some very trying times - my Mom has brain cancer and just got word that there is more. My daughter (almost 6) and I were headed out next week (we are in northern MA and she is in southern New Mexico) for a few weeks to help out. But we decided we are just going to move there :D My DH will follow within the next few weeks...so to say this is a :dizzy: time is an understatement...but it is happening! I will continue my current job for a month or so, so it will be a challenge - working 6-8 hrs on the computer at home, helping out with my Mom and my daughter as well. My sister also lives in the area so she needs a break and hopefully we will all help each other out. Plus, I need to settle on an apt situation so when my DH drives out, we will have a place!

So a bit insane but still need to get into the mindset again...I have fooled around with "other" programs only to waste my time and continue to gain weight :(

Thats it for now - look forward to finding my place here :) Thanks so much for listening and Linda thank you again!

Good morning everyone,
Linda-I laughed right out loud when I read your post. Yes! That is exactly what I need right now! It's like I'll string about three days together, and then bam, I do what ever it takes to ruin all of my efforts. You on the other hand, look awesome! That is a great picture! You are looking so slim, especially through your mid section, are you feeling it? Linda- I would love it if you lived closer, that would be awesome. In my heart of hearts, I think that you should strive to become a WW leader, because you would make a great one.

Ann- I am still just shaking my head over here at your consistency and stamina with your exercise. I am so jealous! I think I really am just a "seasonal exerciser". I am on best behavior with that from November-April, then I just give it up for some reason.

Paige- how are you? Any more vacations this summer? I noticed you are down 15 lbs., that's awesome!

Well, I must go, my DH just saw me sitting at computer (from outside) he's wondering when I'll be out. Today is the first day that we'll be selling sweet corn, which is my job to pick and keep going. I'm very excited because next week I'm going to be making/selling blueberry pies, cinnamon buns and other baked goods. Now, this will be a challenge because although I'll be working physically to to pick corn etc., will I be able to resist the baked goods? Recent history says no.... But before our real season gets under way with (fudge, caramel apples, pies, cookies, donuts, funnel cakes) I must develop a real strength to resist!

Good morning ladies

Welcome back Patty. Wow you sure have a lot going on. I pray everything works out for you. That is so kind of you to go be with your mother. I am sure your sister will appreciate the support. Take good care of yourself.

Erica, It is understandable people don't want to exercise from May to Sept-Oct. The summer time makes us want to enjoy life, drink beer, play baseball, relax by the pool, need I say more. If I lived closer I would pester you to run with me. Of course after all your chores were done, or better yet you could get up earlier and run. My friend you have a busy lifestyle during May to October, don't be hard on yourself. Just try and plan meals and go with the flow as far as exercise is concerned. I am sure you get a lot of exercise doing activities around the farm. Feel good about what you are doing. Remember this journey is a complex one and what works for one doesn't work for another. I must tell you that even though I miss the scale it is such a neat experience not worrying about the scale. I think I am learning I need to only use it as a guide and see the other signs that I am losing such as being able to fit into smaller clothes. Have an awesome day.
I hope all of your ladies enjoy your Friday.
Ann

Ann, what do you mean you miss the scale? Are you not doing WI's anymore?

Hi Erica,
Just for a month. I am seeing a dietician and because I am getting activity points, and my food journal looks good she asked me to try not weighing in until she weighs me again. She wants me to focus on other things rather than the scale. I really believe I am living the lifestyle. She is trying to convince me I am and that it is not about the scale. She suggested I still follow the healthy guidelines of ww, but since each of us has our own journey mine may not be a traditional ww journey. I hope you guys don't kick me out of this thread now....
I am willing to give it a try as I do drink all my water, exercise, journal and follow the healthy guidelines I am not really changing much, other than not weighing each week and I am not supposed to eat 2 hours before I go to bed. I think the other thing is she thought I was focusing on what I have to lose rather than the accomplishments I have made in my life. You know it is that same old thing, I have only lost this many pounds (61) and I focus on still having to lose at least 30 pounds. It is just a little different way of doing things. I know without following ww, I never would have lost 61 pounds. Wow that sounds good.
Please let me stay in this thread, it is like my second home.
Have a great day.

Welcome, Rennie!
Paige, good point about how we fall off the wagon and that we need to stick it out and work through it, taking one day at a time. We need to always remember that each day begins as a clean slate, the past is the past. We learn. Sometimes, I go off the wagon and have no regrets as it was something fun/important to me, like a Thanksgiving dinner. No matter how long I am on WW at goal or not, no lifestyle change in the world would change how I eat on that day, and I do it with no regrets. The next day is a clean slate, leftovers can be given away to guests and placed in the freezer and we move on. But, you can't let a day like that become a "holiday week or season" vs. just ONE day... that is where people like us need to learn to draw the line.
Paige, you did well resisting the extra food. I find that when I am sick, I also crave food and maybe that is a natural response? Our bodies want to be cured and need fuel to do that? Interesting thought. I hope you are OK today.
Ann, have you ever heard of Feng Shui? It's the Japanese art of reducing clutter and finding peace in your life though home arrangement and things like that. Sometimes, simple changes make all the difference. I was reminded of this art by what you are saying. Coincidently, I took two books on this out of the library to bring with me on vacation. Things you do can make your life more prosperous as well as calm. One thing I have done is place a mirror so it reflects a bad view outside of my window, sounds odd but it helps. I have artfully arranged plants and antiques in front of this window and place a small mirror there to reflect back the view of my neighbor across the street who runs a small home business buying and selling "junk" (I'm sure it had value but when you look across the street at it all the time, it's pure "junk" to me). At any rate, the view doesn't bother me as much, I barely look out there anymore. I focus on good things other than that. It's truly an art form. The saying "less is more" comes from that art. If you are better organized and manage your space better, it contributes to happiness.
Thanks, Ann, for your kind words on my photo. I feel good when I am in my new work out clothes. I don't want to go to the gym in baggy shorts and a big T shirt anymore, I want to be stylish. Buying the new work out clothes has given me a feeling that I truly AM athletic, kind of that same "fake it until you make it" philosophy, I guess!
Ann, thanks again, for your remarks about what I wrote. If you plan and if you have certain foods at varying times throughout the day, you keep from that starving out of control feeling. I live my life this way, on my WW lifestyle. I have to say that in the last few months, I have not had very many days where I was feeling so hungry and panicking about it. I plan those between meal snacks and my dessert into my day. If I have it all written out and it's part of the plan, I'm so much calmer.
Paige2, great job on the cleaning, your dad did have a great idea to go through again with a more critical eye. Did you ever notice how easy it is to make choices about what to wear and how fine you do on vacation, for example, when you only have a finite amount of clothes to wear? How many things do we really need? If you have basic stuff, for example a nice pair of black slacks that fit well and a nice pair of beige/khaki pants then you can build just about anything with those basics. Then, blue jeans - but how many does a person REALLY need? I think I have 10 or 12 pairs, but I really only need 4 or 5 of them? If you have the right clothes, the basic stuff that can mix and match, you always can accessorize to make things look different.
By the way, at my last house I purchased these great hanging rack things at my local Walmart, the hook over the closet pole and create a second tier of hanging, so you can expand your closet space having an upper and lower pole to hang shirts on. Look for them, they make things look so much more organized.
Patty, so sorry about your mom and you are always welcome to be here. Moving and travel, along with a very ill family member can spell disaster as far as eating goes. Do plan ahead and also forgive yourself if you stray. When my dad was dying of bone cancer, my comfort became chocolate doughnuts. I admit it and I truly have no excuses, but those chocolate doughnuts got me through a very rough time. I am paying the price for them now, though, as I am still not as low as my weight was when dad was first diagnosed. After he passed away, I comforted myself in my greif, by eating all of dad's favorite foods, like macaroni and cheese and ice cream. I felt "closer" to him when I ate those things, I guess. He was also what WW used to refer to as my "eating partner", another word for sabotage person I guess? He always ate all the things that were "bad" for me and encouraged me to join him. One of the last things I remember him cooking, when he was well enough, was chocolate cake. He would just put a slice in front of me without asking me if I wanted it. No wonder I miss him so!
Erica, I can be your virtual coach from afar! What have you done today to plan ahead? What's for lunch? Dinner? Dessert? (you deserve it!).
I will relate a story to you about making school lunches with regard to all the baked goods you were making. I used to have a mantra saying over and over to myself, "this is NOT for me, this is NOT my food". I used to have a real problem munching on cold cuts (ham, turkey and cheese) while I made sandwiches for the kids. I broke the habit and it was one of the hardest things I had to do as part of my new lifestyle. It's not suppose to be a "one for me, one for the sandwich" thing, is it? I broke this habit by taking a very strong breath mint or those really strong Listerine breath strips that dissolve when you put them on your tongue. I would also chew peppermint gum. If I was cooking/baking and also had this same philosophy (licking bowls is something I am very big on) I would snack on popcorn (my savior food) before doing the baking so I'd be full and have a few huge glasses of water along with things. But, the mint was popped in my mouth right before I'd begin to snack. You can do this.
It all takes immense self control.
Thanks for your remarks on my photo. I was feeling THIN and good when my daughter took the picture. I like going to the gym, I feel like some other person, the more athletic one who never did things like this before, when I go and get in my special clothes!
Erica, Ann's nutritionist told her to put the scale away for a month, that is what she means by missing it. Ann, will you still weigh in at WW meetings, tough?
Well, time to go... a healthy breakfast is in my immediate future, then off to the shower and then to the bank, packing and getting things done for my trip. My next posting here will be from the lake at the beginning of a 10 day vacation! I'm psyched! I promise myself and promised my leader to journal. MAKE me do that by asking me about it over the next week, ladies!
Have a great and successful day! Remember that together we can all accomplish our goals!

Ann, and why wouldn't we let you stay in this thread? My goodness! You're family!
Gotta go!

One other thing, I just re-read my big post... before I sign off this computer.... I PROMISE all of you, as well, that I will journal through my vacation. I think making a promise is important. If I give my word, I have to follow through. My word is very important to me, I always follow through when I make a PROMISE!
What will you all PROMISE to do this week? It's your bond!
Really gotta go now.....

Happy Friday Everyone.

Yea it is raining :D. In fact it's been raining little showers all week, I haven't had to water at all. And I picked my first tomatoes yesterday. In a month I'll be saying "oh man I've gotta go pick tomatoes" but right now I'm pretty excited. I've been doing pretty well the last couple of days, although I've been coming in under my points. One bad thing about the rain is that I haven't been able to ride since Saturday :( but I have gone to Curves twice. I don't think I'm going to renew when my time expires, I'm trying to talk DH into going to the town civic center, he needs to get moving more, and I miss swimming, that used to be my big exercise and they have a pool, gym, classes and weight room/machines. So it should work out nicely and maybe we can go together. The dogs just want me to take them out here, maybe if it stops raining after work.....

Erica - I agree with Ann your busy lifestyle in the summer is what probably cuts back on your exercise, but you certainly sound busy enough that that may not matter as long as you get in you healthy food. I bought some sweet corn yesterday and made chowder for dinner, it was soooo good. Hopefully tomorrow I can make it to the farmer's market.

Ann - I've tried the no scale thing before and I think it helps, I actually had ww not write the # in my book for me but still wi every week, sometimes we focus too much on the # and not enough on the actual activity. I personally enjoy exercise much more in the summer, maybe because I'm bad at doing it indoors and the weather is better.

Linda - Have fun at the lake and remember "Nothing tastes as good as thin feels" You deserve a vacation but that doesn't mean you need to go hog wild with your eating. When we're there in Oct we're actually in NH/Boston for a week so getting together may be doable, we'll talk when it gets closer.

Paige2 - Yea on cleaning out your closet!! That is on my list of things to do. Unfortunately I never get to any of them :lol:. But it is a great feeling.

Paige1 - Hope you are feeling better. My migraines are triggered by a combination of 2 things, the weather and TOM. They seem to come when TOM comes with hot sticky humid weather. My doctor said they were probably sinus triggered. Lucky for me the take when it starts meds work, but I still get that dopey feeling. I seem to get a lot less since I started taking allergy meds for my sinuses.

Haylo - enjoy the beach.

Patty - Welcome.

Kim - Echoing what others have said, one meal at a time, relax, you didn't get heavy overnight you won't change all your habits over night either. The key for me is to up my fiber to feel fuller.

Laura - great hearing from you. Good luck getting back on track.

Well, I need to go grab breakfast and head to work. Have a great day everyone.

-Tech

Ann and Linda - Our posts crossed.

Ann - of course you can stay. 61 lbs WOW that is impressive.

Linda - I promise to remind you of journaling, and you looked good in the pic. You can tell you felt good about yourself.

Now I really have to go.

-Tech

Gooooood Friday morning all!!! I'm feeling much better than yesterday, but my head is still sore. I just took some prescription Ibuprofen, so hopefully that will knock it out of me.

Erica-I envy all of the baking that you have coming up! I am "craving" baking something, but don't have any projects right now, and don't want to have any goodies hanging around the house. Maybe I'll do a dummy cake. Do you make your own fudge? If so, would you PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE share your recipe????? I do xmas cookies for people, and I still have been unable to find a fudge recipe that I think is ok to put on my trays. When I'm baking things for other people, I have also gotten in the mindset that it isn't for me. If I need something taste-tested I'll take it to a neighbor or make dh taste it (although I haven't been able to do that lately because we're still doing our weight loss challenge, so he will accuse me of sabatoge!) I have a feeling that your recipes are pretty tried and true, though, right? Then throw a stick of gum in your mouth and get to baking...there is no need to try them out! You have lost 30lbs...you have the power to resist!!!

Paige2-I'm so glad you like the chicken recipe. I usually don't even put cheese on it, to save the points. I can imagine swiss would be really good on it, too.

Linda-I couldn't see your picture...this stinkin computer! E-mail it to me?

Ann-I'm surprised that you would think we wouldn't let you post here! You really are part of our "family" here...I think everyone would really miss you if you decided not to post anymore.

Patty-I'm glad you decided to start posting here again...I'm so sorry to hear about your mom.

Not much up for the day...I have felt so unproductive this week. It's not that I haven't done things around the house, but it is hard when dh comes home and tells me how busy he has been at work...I just feel like a lazy bum. I think I might actually run to the store in a bit to get stuff to decorate that dummy cake.

Tomorrow is going to be an interesting day. Last week I had gone onto my school's website for some financial aid info, and up popped this contest from our local paper (Linda...the Times Herald Record.) It's this Pay My Tuition sweepstakes, and to enter you have to answer the question of the week correctly. Last week was the last week to qualify, and it just happened to be a pastry question! I didn't even know anything about the contest...I just knew the answer to the question, so I entered. So I'm a finalist, and the grand prize drawing is tomorrow at our local mall. They are giving away two full time tuitions, a part time tuition, and a $500 voucher. I doubt I'll win anything, but it didn't cost me anything to enter, so it will be kind of fun!

Chat later!

Thank you all so much for the warm welcome back and all the kind words!

Paige1 - Fingers crossed that you win something - that would be great!!

Paige2 - I enjoyed reading your blog - you are doing great! Your recipes look wonderful - thanks so much for sharing !!

Ann - Thank you so much for the kind words :hug: and please stay - your posts are very inspiring!

Hi Tech, Erica, Linda and the others I have missed...:)

Would it be OK if i still posted here even though I won't be going to meetings? I will join online tomorrow AM. There is not a WW location in southern NM - closest is El Paso, TX which is about 50 miles away. I also don't want to wait to get started! We are only working half a day today since they are moving our server so will do some "WW" shopping on the way home today at noon :carrot:

Check back later - have a great AM everyone!

Hi everyone... I hope you are all having a better day then I am. My grandmother fell a few days and broke her hip. Due to some other complications they have had to delay her surgery. Unfortunately they can't put it off any longer and she should be going into surgery anytime now. Any prayers would be greatly appreciated!! She will be 85 next month and generally has always been in good health. Right now they say she is dehydrated and one of her kidneys is not functioning and there are some concerns with her heart. The doctors think that the pain she is in is putting undo stress on her heart. I'm praying that she makes through surgery... but then she will have 6-8 weeks in a rehab facility once released from the hospital.

I'm such an emotional eater!!!! And I'm trying so hard not to let it get the best of me today. I feel so helpless as I'm 12 hours away and I'm not there with her and my mother.

It all makes me so much more aware of how we take things forgranted our family, our friends... our health. I know I tend to feel invinsible... don't we all to some extent. OH blank blank only happens to other people... but it won't happen to me. But it can happen. Our lives can be turned upside down at the snap of our fingers... This is just a reminder to myself that I need to cherish each day and those I love.

Sorry for ranting on... just a hard day for me.

Hi everyone! I went to WI yesterday and I was only up 3/4 lb and TOM started late yesterday so I'm thrilled. I also asked the nurse at the doctor's office what my highest WI weight was in 2006 and it was actually up 5 lbs more than I remembered. Funny thing our mind does about weight huh? The great news is that I have now lost an additional 5 lbs in the past year than I thought!

Our meeting yesterday was on the power of positive thinking so I'm not going to mention anything about the past month in the weight department. It was a struggle for me mentally and I survived so all is good. I'm back on track and have been tracking. Stopped by again today to see how our group is doing. I see that we've added a few newcomers. Welcome and I hope you all welcome me back into the fold. Consider me gone on vacation and rested and ready to go.

Linda - I hope you enjoy your vacation.

Ann - I don't think we could POSSIBLY kick you out. You are family.

Erica - we're much the same these days. Trying to find the "click". You've come so far, so I know you'll find it again.

Paige1 and Paige2 - ha ha ha ha - what's the odds we'd have two Paiges in our small part of the world. Paige2, hope your Grandmother's surgery is a success.

Tech - hope you're still carrying around some remnants of your trip to the U.P. You got rain today???? Here in E.L. not a drop but it has rained a small bit this week. Have a few things planned for the next 4 days so it has to stop raining now.

Patty, good to see you back

Welcome Rennie and hello to anyone else I've missed!!!!

Just wanted you all to know that my grandmother made it through surgery fine... thanks for prayers.

That is awesome Paige. I will keep praying for you and your family during this time.
Ann

Paige, I can't e-mail the photo from here, it's not on the laptop - it's on the home computer. Well, first report of vacation is a good one. I went shopping and bought ingredients to make WW macaroni and cheese for supper. It was good and we didn't cheat. I journalled!
I only have a few moments on line, but will be on more in the morning. My cats are here with me and going nuts! I don't always bring them with me, but when I am going to ge here for several days I do. They go wild at first and then calm down.
I am so lookig forward to tomorrow, we're going to go to an antique and classic boat show. It will be hot and muggy and I might earn a point walking around there and when we get back, surely we will go swimming. So, maybe I'll earn two points? If weather cooperates, I shall go for a paddle boat ride in the early morning and also get some exercise in.
Hope your grandmother is ok, Paige2.

No new posts since last night when I was here. I don't have much time as we are expecting company.
So, goals for the day....
1. exercise, paddleboat
2. stay on prgram as best as I can for vacation
3. journal
4. extra water (can be accomplished so easily, even on vacation!)

Paige - Sorry to hear about your Grandmother :hug: but good to hear she come through just fine :)

Good morning ladies, I hope you are all having a wonderful Saturday.
Not much is new here, I went grocery shopping and bought a lot of high fibre things. I hope everyone is doing well.
Take Care
Ann

Welcome Rennie and Patty!

Linda- Sounds like your having a great time!

Paige- Let us know how you did in the contest today! Sending good vibes your way!

I spoke with my grandmother this morining and she sounded great! Although she isn't looking forward to the long road of recovery ahead of her! Thanks for all the well wishes!

Nothing much planned today... I sent dh to the grocery store with a list... hopefully I won't have to go back and get anything... he tends to forget a few things sometimes even though it's on the list. I swear he calls like 10 times while at the store... it would probably be faster for me to just go myself!!

It's not raining so maybe we can get the kids out of the house for a while today... we have just had so much rain this summer that's it crazy!

Hope everyone is having a great day!

Paige, you asked how I got rid of my migranes........I believe my sinuses triggered them. I had such severe infection in my sinuses, they literally had to go in and scrape them because the infection would not go away. After that, I have had very few. They really made me so sick sometimes. Thinking about them gives me the heebies!! I sure hope yours get under control.

Linda, Ann, and everyone else, thanks for all your great advice. You are so right. It isn't even one day at a time, it is one meal at a time. I am horrible at planning meals ahead, so I will make that one of my goals. Hopefully with my school (it will be a FULL schedule with 16 hours), that will help too. I won't have alot of 'bored' time.

Paige, it is good to hear that your grandmother is doing well. That is awesome!

Yesterday, my son and some friends went to play laser tag, then came home and we grilled hot dogs, and had cake and ice cream (Paige, I made his cake to look like a drivers license with his picture on it). 2 of the boys stayed the night and sat up till 4 this morning playing video games. I was so tired today, but cleaned the pool today. That was a bout all I had energy for.

Planning meals will be a job for me. My daugter that is going on WW with me will be no problem.......my son (skinny boy) is very picky....he is a meat and potato kid like his dad. I will have to work on that one. The husband works 70 hours a week, so he is not home for dinner. Anyone else have a picky person they have to feed???

Well, I am going to study before I go to bed. We are going to a baseball game tomorrow and it will be 95 degrees here. Whew!

Kim

Kim-My dh is VERY picky, and he does WW with me. We have our meat and potatoes...we just weigh it out! Look through recipes that you already make and see what ways you might be able to alter it to make it more WW friendly, too.
It's funny...my neurologist told me when I asked her if my migraines could be caused by sinus problems (when I get them, I can FEEL it in my nose, my eyes, and right in the front of my head) she told me that migraines and sinus are totally unrelated. It's not that I don't trust her or think that she doesn't know what she's talking about, but every time I get one, I get stuffy and will feel "crackle-pop" in the bridge of my nose, like it's trying to clear. Maybe I should do some research and get a second opinion, or even go to a ENT specialist.

Paige-I didn't win anything at the contest. *poor poor me* LOL! Oh well! They actually gave away 2 full time, 1 part time, and $500 bookstore credit PER SCHOOL! There weren't even 10 people from my school there, so I had a pretty good chance, too.

Linda-Could you e-mail me the recipe for the mac and cheese? I used to make homemade mac and cheese all the time...back in the day.

HI to everyone else...I'll be back later to chat. I didn't realize it was getting so late; I need to get ready for church.

(by the way...I added a picture of the dummy cake I did on Friday to my myspace page if you want to check it out (right now it's set as my main picture)...it turned out ok!)

Well, I have journalled, but I am not doing a great job eating right, but perhaps the journalling will snap me back to reality, somehow?
I apologize for not reading everyone's pots, It's hard to believe that I am on a schedule while on vacation, but my in laws are staying at a nearby hotel until Tuesday morning, and I'm kind of in entertainment mode.
They will be here in about a half hour and I want to get dressed, eat breakfast and maybe go for a morning swim before they show up. If time permits later (we have a schedule of things to do, though) I will try to get back on line and read what you all have to say.
I totally blew it yesterday, but I had tons of flex points left as I was a great girl all week, so I am not "in the red" for the week at least.
HUGE HUGS to you all and I hope to read what you all have to say later.

Good morning everyone,
Well, I'm feeling like if I at least stay committed to you all, then staying committed to something. TOM showed up for me last night. I was pretty much relieved because it explained a lot in terms of my mood and eating in the last couple of days. Whenever TOM is around the corner, I never feel full, it's like I could eat and eat and eat, and nothing fills me up!

Linda- yeah for you with all of this exercise you're getting in. Funny we have a antique and classic boat show going on in our town right now, and it is jammed! It's fun though, to drive through and see all the people.

Kim-picky eaters in the house is tough. Our 5 yr. DD is picky, especially when it comes to new things. It is frustrating though.

Laura- glad to see you here, yes we're in the same spot. I'm really feeling like I'm just clinging. Hang in there!

Paige- how is everything? Do anything cool on the grill lately?

Ann- that's a good idea to go into the grocery store with "goals" in mind like buying a lot of high fiber things. I did that on Friday. My goal was to buy as much fruits and veggies as possible. Now I just need to start eating them!!

Well, it feels good to be here chatting with you all. Hello to anyone I missed.

Good morning almost Afternoon. We had another barbecue/party yesterday. But I did really well with points and making good choices. I didn't eat any of the chips or dips and kept my helpings to one measured helping. The few beers were my indulgence but 3 for 6 points were still within my range.

Erica - I know about the clinging. It's hard isn't it?

Enjoy your vacation Linda - hope it's not too structured for you. That doesn't make it very relaxing for you.

Paige - I missed it, did your DH join WW or is he just going with you on program at hom?

Kim - So are you signing up and going to meetings or just following WW at home? Your posts make it sound like you're gearing up to rejoin again but I wasn't clear

Ann - how's the once a month WI going? How do you feel about it?

Paige2 - how's your Grandmother today?

Well I'm off to work this afternoon and have a grilled chicken breast for dinner. I think I'll pull the fresh green beans and cucumbers to take along to microwave too. I got the green beans from my brother's garden yesterday, so they should be yummy

Have a great Sunday everyone

Sorry - I know some of this stuff is probably posted in another spot, but I must have missed it.

Oh yeah, I'll be gone the next two days. I'm leaving town and meeting up for a "reunion" of sorts with some internet friends. Some I've already met and some will be for the first time. I'm excited.

Good afternoon ladies, I hope everyone is having a great day.
I am doing well.
Welcome Rennie and Patty
Paige2 How is your grandmother. I hope she is doing well.
Paige 1, do you find your husband loses more weight then you. I am told men lose quicker than women with less effort. It is just not fair. I hope you are doing well. I saw your cake, it looks awesome. My son saw the curious George one and he really liked that. He said, he saw it somewhere before, I told him it was the same cake he saw before, as he saw it on your site once before. The pictures of your girls are great. Were they from your vacation?
I hope you are feeling better. It would be nice if the doctors could make your migraines go away.
Laura, Hello, that would be so exciting to go and meet your internet friends. Where do you meet? You reminded me I had precooked chicken and cut it up in to strips to put on salad. It will be so yummy. Thanks. It was a little difficult not weighing but I do now see what she was talking about focusing on the numbers too much rather than focusing on my healthy lifestyle.
Linda, it will be an awesome vacation. It sure sounds like you are getting a lot of activity points. That is great. Do you have to eat out much. Enjoy
Erika, hope your vacation is going well. I heard it was hot there on Friday and now you are having storms. I hope the weatherman is wrong. Have fun.
Briza, Emma and Ginny, how are you ladies doing?
Erica, hello, It sure was nice picking up all the stuff I did at the grocery store. I hope you have a great day. Maybe do like Kim mentioned take it one meal at a time. I know I am always accused of having will power but for me I take it moment by moment. A whole day or week seems overwhelming some days. I do wish you a great day. I grilled some peppers, onions, zuchinni, marinated in fat free italian dressing. with Chicken breasts, it was so good. Kim, my son is a picky eater depending on the day. Sometimes he will eat anything and then he won't eat anything the next day. He doesn't like to try new things so I try and sneak them in on a good day.
Tech, how are you doing? Where in Upstate New York will you be visiting?
Haylo how are you doing?
Have a great day everyone.
Take Care
Ann

Paige, remind me about the mac and cheese tomorrow or something! I'm really not having much time, though it's vacation. My in lawas have been up here staying with us and they go home tomorrow morning. I have really enjoyed having them, but really look forward to having some time to ourselves and I will be able to read more postings and respond after that.
I didn't do well eating yesterday, yet again, but have still kept my promise to journal. I start a new journal tomorrow, which gives me a clean slate. Today is the last day on this one and my flex points are totally gone. So, today has been be very well behaved.
Hugs to all, I miss you guys as I've just not had time to read and respond to posts. Isn't vacation supposed to be relazing???

Happy Monday all!!

Linda-That's ok...just whenever you get to it. Vacation is never relaxing!!! LOL!

Laura-Yes, my dh has been on ww off and on. I "challenged" him to a little weight loss contest in the beginning of June...right now he seems to be winning. We each set a goal weight for ourselves, and if we each meet our goal we get a "prize" that we each picked (mine is 1 night out of the house each week for 4 weeks...with no phone calls asking when I'm going to be home!!!) and then we are also doing our % of total body weight lost. Whoever wins that gets to pick what we do on a date night. He doesn't go to meetings, so we are going from our scale at home. It is different than ww's scale...last week I stayed the same; today is wi, and it looks like I'm staying the same again. I think he was down 4 or 5 lbs yesterday. *ARGH!*
That annoys me, especially this last week...I've been joking that he's been pmsing because he keeps saying that he just wants to eat all day.

Ann-Thanks for checking out my cake. I am starting to think more about getting licensed to do cakes and baked goods from home (you have to have an entirely separate kitchen, which we would have to build, but it would be less expensive than paying to rent each month.) I know I've mentioned that I started a xmas cookie business a few years ago...I just spoke with dh about it the other day, and I'm really going to go at it full force this year and see what happens. If there is a real response (and I think there will be because people know that I do it and are expecting it this year) then dh agreed to building onto our house to add the extra kitchen. Although baking clashes with WW, it is the one thing that really, truly makes me happy. I don't think I could ever get tired of it.
Yes, some of the pictures of my girls are from our beach vacation. There are a few that are from camping, too.
How are you doing with not weighing in? I think I would have a hard time with that...not because I think I'm a scaleaholic (hehe, Linda!) but because I think it just helps to keep me on track a little. When I don't weigh myself, I don't really know how I'm doing.

How is everyone else doing this morning? Did everyone have a successful weekend??

Laura, My daughter and I will start tomorrow night. She is 11 and needs to lose some weight and I CERTAINLY need to. So, we figured we could support eachother and make eachother eat right. Anyway, I was waiting on a doctor note from her doctor saying he approved her going and what her goal weight should be.

Linda, ENJOY YOUR VACATION!!! We will all be here when you get back. Relax and have a good time!!! I sure wish I was on a vacation right now!! I am jealous!

Paige, There are lots of things that trigger migraines. I am positive mine was triggered by sinuses. I would start out sometimes with a sinus headache and then it would go into a migraine. Like I said, after the surgery, I have had very little trouble aside from the regular seasonal sinus junk now and then, but that is mostly allergies. There was an article on headaches and migraines in the Woman's World magazine last week. It had a list of triggers in it. Your cake is awesome. That is great that your hubby is on board with you on doing a kitchen for your cakes. From what I have seen, you will certainly be successful at it!!!

Went to a local minor league baseball game yesterday. Glad I wasn't on WW! I won't tell you what I had, but I almost saw it as a 'last meal' kind of thing. How weird is that??? Anyway, they were giving away a basket of stuff in a drawing (it had a huge throw/blanket, a t-shirt, a tray, and a ton of stuff). In the 5th inning they called my name! I won!! I never win anything EVER. So maybe that is my sign things are gonna change! I was really excited.

Well, I am going to check on my girl and her friend, they are in the pool. I will be back later to check in.

Kim

Hello ladies, I hope you all are having a wonderful Monday.
Paige it is so funny that I saw your post today about not weighing myself on the scale. I was getting anxious today because I have no true test of how I am doing. I know the dietician says it can be in inches, loser clothing, feeling better about myself and things like that. I do find the scale keeps me on track, or at least that is what I have known. I am trying to be patient and just go with it but it is a little freaky. It is like I have to meet certain conditions and then I will get to be weighed. I am sure it is not like that, just feels that way. What great ideas you have in regards to baking? That wold be a great christmas idea. Didn't that woman who started little Debbie's cookies start out of her home? Awesome ideas.
Kim, how are you and your daughter doing today. It is great you and your daughter both will be more aware of food. Knowledge is power. My son is always out in the pool too. He loves swimming.
Tech, how was your day? What do you have planned for the week?
Linda, I hope you do get to relax.
Haylo, hello my walking buddy, when are you back? I hope you had a great time.
Erika, one of my neighbours has just gotten back from Newfoundland and he had so many pictures. It is so beautiful there.
Erica, how are you. I hope today was a great day for you.
Hello, Patty, Rennie, Emma, Ginny and Briza, I hope all is well with you.
Paige 2 how are you doing. I hear it is extremely hot where you are.
Laura, have a great time with your friends.
Hello anyone else I missed.
Take Care
Ann

Hi ladies!! My grandmother is doing great and will be released to a rehab center probably tomorrow which is fabulous news!

Paige- Sorry you didn't win anything towards your tuition on Saturday. I did check out your myspace and I loved your cakes!!! The one I call Alice in Wonderland cake was my favorite... it was the 3 tier slanted cake! My dh is doing WW with me too... and it stinks that they lose faster then we do!!!

Kim- Is your daugher excited about getting started? I think you both will be great support for each other!

Linda - Sounds like your having a busy... but great time!

Erica- Hang in there!! I know how you feel about always being hungry!!!

Laura- How exciting to meet your internet friends!! I'm actually going to meet up on Thursday with a photographer designer I've met through my digital scrapbooking... should be fun!

Hope I didn't miss anyone!! Dh is fixing dinner so that's nice so I'd better go check on him and make sure he doesn't make too much of a mess!!!!

Ann and Paige...I think she is ready to start, I don't know about excited, but she really does seem ok with it. I know I am ready. I have my last final exam tomorrow for the summer term and my first WW meeting tomorrow night. I plan on going to the grocery store after the meeting (with my daughter, of course) and getting the stuff we need. We both love fruit and veggies, so that part should be easy. I subscribed today to the magazine light and tasty. I won't get it until Oct or Nov, but I usually like alot of recipes they have.

My family is going constantly and we eat way to much fast food. Do you ladies recommend the restaurant points guide?? Also, what other "extras" do you suggest we get at our meeting? I want to be armed, so I would love some suggestions.

Ok, gotta go study for a while.

Kim

Oh Paige.......That is wonderful about your grandmother!!! Any idea how long the rehab will take? I know she will work hard to try to get home. My dad was really sick a couple years ago and he worked harder than I had ever seen him at anything while in rehab to get home. YAY for her!! That is great news!

Kim

Kim-I'm way cheap...I don't ever buy anything at the meetings. They have the ww bars and other foods, plus lots of gadgets and books. I go to Dottie's Weight Loss Zone (dwlz.com) to get restaurant points. I used to purchase the WW 2pts bars, but they are SO expensive!
Thanks for the advice, too, on the migraines. I'm really glad that you had said something about yours being related to sinus because I really always thought there was that connection with mine...maybe there isn't, but I've decided to go to a ENT and have them check me out.

Paige2- That is really great that your dh does ww with you...even though they do lose it faster (dh "weighed in" today and he was down 5 lbs! UGH!) it is really nice to have a buddy in home. Thanks for checking out my cakes, too. That topsy-turvy one was one of my final practicals for one of my classes last semester. I think I got a 95 on it.
I'm so glad to hear that your grandmother is doing better!

Goodnight all!

Well, here I am today, it's "the morning after"... after the ice cream sundae that is. Oh well.
I'm vowing to get back on track today, my company is gone and I don't have the pressure of entertaining and others around to influence me.
I want to start enjoying MY time here at the lake.
Love to all,

Good Morning everyone,
Well.... I think..... I am going to go WI tonight even though, I know that the scales will jump up a minimum of 5 lbs. How sad is this....I don't want to go because I am too embarassed.... that my leader (who is now my colleague in WW) will know this. I know I shouldn't feel this way, but I think it's the only way that I can lose this weight and finally get to my goal. What do you all think? I'm sick of feeling like a failure.

Erica, you are just in one of the "valleys" in this process. If you don't go, weigh in, face your demons, you will not be able to work your way through it and get back up on the peak where you belong. Everyone who does WW (or makes any effort to lose weight, no matter by what means it is) knows how difficult it is, and how easy it is to fall off the wagon. I don't think you should feel embarassed...I think your colleague would be quite understanding and would be able to relate to what you are going through. You are not a failure at all...you are human.

Paige 1, Thanks for the website.....I will have to check that out! Maybe make copies of our favorite places and keep it in the car. I am glad you are going to an ENT. Mine saved my life. I was so infected it was gross. I had sinus surgery, and I have to say it was not a pleasant experience, but it was the best thing I ever did. Anyway, good luck and lets pray they can help!!

Erica, I think it is great that you have your leader/WW colleague to answer to with the scales. What a motivation! Go, and get mad :mad: at yourself this week, then make the decision that you WILL be proud :D to step on the scale next week! You can do it! You are not a failure.
Ok Erica.....here is your quote for the day!!!!
************************************************** ***
You don't drown by falling in the water; you drown by staying there. -- Edwin Louis Cole


Be back later ladies!
Kim

Hello everyne, well I am back from my beach vacation it was nice and relaxing. Did get some walking in but not as much as I would have liked. I did eat okay but did have a couple of bad foods. I hope everyone is doing well. I missed you guys as usual. Welcome to all the new people, seems like there are a lot more people on here now. Today I am planning on going on a walk with my dad and the dog and tomorrow I will be waking up hitting the gym meeting up with my aunt we are planning a bridal shower for her soon to be sister in law and then we are going to go walking in the evening. I hope this plan of double excercise works out tomorrow but either way if she can't excercise in the evening I am planing on doing it. As far as eating it is time to get back on track.

For breakfast I will probably have cereal (cherrios or wheaties) with 2% milk
for lunch I will have a salad with light (vinegerette dressing)
and for dinner some sort of grilled chicken.

Oh yeah and I am going to take an apple with me for a snack and a fiber one bar.

Have any of you tried those they are pretty good, 9 grams of fiber the chocolate chip ones are 2 pts, and the peanut butter are 3.


I am trying to plan ahead for my day before I go to bed I am going to write this down on paper so I will be more likely to stick to it.

YAY! Ok, my daughter and I went to our first meeting tonight! The doctor said she should weigh 85 pounds. I was a little concerned with that, but thought maybe I was crazy. I was figuring 90-95....with 95 being closer to what she should weigh at 4'10"..the WW leader looked at the note and said "WOW, That is a little much for her to lose!"...(she weighs 126). She told my daughter she wanted her healthy and feeling good, but certainly not too skinny. Anyway, we agreed we would just get her to a healthy weight, then we'd go back to the doctor and let him SEE her and get another note. She was really good with my little one. Then we went shopping for food, I showed her how to do the points and figure them up, and she really does seem excited about getting started. I had to explain though that with everything we got, it is for variety......not to eat it all in a couple days. I even let her help me figure out the points and we marked our boxes with the points so it would be easier to keep track. Keep your fingers crossed girls....I hope she stays excited.

Oh, the leader is also an elementary school teacher and said she had figured up the average school cafeteria lunch to be about 18 points!!! HAVE MERCY! No wonder our kids are overweight!!! That was an eye opener!!!!

Haylo, glad you had a relaxing vacation....We all need that once in a while! I would LOVE to be at the beach right now!!! I keep thinking about next year when I have lost all this weight.....I will REALLY want to be at the beach!!

I finished my final exam today....I made a 94 and ended up with a B in that class and an A in the other one. I was very proud of myself!! And glad for the 2 1/2 week break until the fall semester starts!!!

Well, I am gonna go for now. I will be back in the morning to tell you how our first day with WW is going!

Kim

Just had time for a quick scan of posts. Kim, glad you guys got to go to the meeting. That desired weight sure sounds too low to me, but maybe the doctor is right. But, it's best to have short term goals as the one big goal is too daunting. You have to keep on top of all of this as her height and age are going to be changing throughout this process and the initial goal could change each 4 or 5 months. Kids this age should be monitored very carefully as she could have a height growth spurt and the goal that is OK today is not going to be OK then. So, keep on top of this and no matter what (I went through this with my own daughter) don't allow her to be crazed with starvation all the time. We had to talk with the leader once and we added points for Jamie after that as she was really starving and it was terrible to see her "climbing the walls".
I blew it again last night... I was very good all day and then we went out to dinner. I am on vacation, after all, but I need to try to gather up some will power.
At least I have earned a few activity points and today is a clean slate.
Love and hugs to all,

Good Morning everyone,
Well I went to my WI last night. It felt really good. I really enjoy the people there, so it is a great social aspect too. So today being 8/1 is just a good thing in terms of "starting over". I even got a new card last night, so it's like I"m just starting new, until I reach my goal.

Paige-you're so right about "facing demons", that's exactly what I did last night. Thanks for the real honest words of advice, (can ALWAYS count on you for that). Oh, and I didn't forget about you asking about the fudge. I tried miserably to come up with my own recipe when we first started (a pumpkin pie fudge recipe), but I failed pretty bad. So in terms of the volume that we sell, I found a company that makes great fudge, we sell two kinds, Pumpkin pie and caramel apple fudge. It was funny because last night at my meeting, one of my employees was there, and she does a lot of baking for me, I told her that we had to stick together this fall and not dip into the product, I told her we'll have lots of gum in the kitchen, just for us....

Kim-thanks for that quote, I needed that, I actually had the visual, which was kind of scarey. In terms of your daughter, how old is she? My daughter is probably about 4'8 and weighs around 90 pounds. She's very tall for her age, she's only 8yrs. old.

Well, I must go for now....

Happy Wednesday all!

I've been feeling kind of down in the dumps lately...I don't know what it is. I guess maybe I've been feeling a little closed in. I really can't wait to go back to classes so I can be around people a few days a week. I think I've also been a little disappointed this week and last with the scale staying the same. I feel like I've been eating right...I haven't been exercising, though, so I guess I can't complain about not losing if I'm not making 100% of an effort. It is just discouraging to see dh lose (although I'm happy for him) and I'm here still hanging out. I feel like I'm the one that wants it so much more, but he's the one that is getting it.

Kim-I'm glad that your first meeting was such a success! Your dd will stay excited if YOU stay excited.

Haylo-Glad to see you back! Also glad that you have had some good vacations. I think I'm ready for summer to be over. We're heading down to TN in Oct for a Titans game...I'm really looking forward to that. We usually go down for their opener, but I told my church I'd run the bake sale table at our annual yard sale, not realizing it was the same day.

My menu for today...

Breakfast-PB& sugar free J on ww lite bread-3
Lunch-salad with raspberry balsamic and some shredded cheddar-3
100 cal pk chips-2
Snack-fudgesicle-2
Dinner-I think dd and I are going to Applebees, so something from their WW menu.

Tomorrow is wi, too, so I need to make sure I watch the sodium.

Chat later!!!

Hi everyone, another quick post from Newfoundland. Today Chantal (the storm) forced me inside and I did my first run on the in-laws' treadmill. Friday I will be doing 2 miles straight!! It feels good to be back on track. I seem to be maintaining OK on vacation ... I have been staying within points and I hope I will see another small loss before I get home. Hard to tell with someone else's scale though...

I hope everyone is doing well and I wish you all a fantastic August! We'll all kick butt together this month!
cheers
Erika

Workout complete and so far within points range of course it's only 10:40 in the morning.

mpaige: lucky you going to see the titans I am so excited for you take me with you in spirt please............., I can't wait for football season. Here in san antonio they are having the cowboys training camp I may take a day to go check it out. I hope this week brings better news for you as far as the scale I know how that goes when I came back from my trip yesterday the first thing I did was jump on the scale shouldn't have done that especially after I had just eaten dinner and of course it showed a gain and of course my reaction was to try to figure out the quickest way to fix it, then today I settled down a little and realized i just need to get on the ball.

EriKa: good to hear that you have been able to get some walking in:carrot:

Erica, My daughter is 4'10" and she is 11. So your daughter is shorter and weighs 90 pounds. Does she seem like a normal weight? I am just trying to visualize what 85 pounds would look like on her.

Linda, you are absolutely right. The leader even said we just need to monitor her really close, as she will be growing and changing a lot.

Haylo and Erika...Good job on the workouts and treadmill!! Keep it up!

Okies, well, I will check in later today!

Kim

Hi....mind if I join ya'll? I'm an old newbie. I started in Jan 06 but fell off the wagon about a year ago. Now I'm back and I realize I need the support I was missing over the past year. I can look back and see that I stayed motivated more when I was using the message boards on here. Let's hope it keeps me motivated this time too....

Hi Chrissy! Welcome! I am pretty new here too. I only joined the board a week ago, and started my first meeting last night. This is a great group of ladies and they will certainly support and encourage you. This board has helped me tremendously. I wasn't sure if I was truly ready to being WW, but after chatting with this group, I was actually excited to start!! So, welcome aboard!!!

Paige, I just realized I didn't respond to your post earlier.......
I hate that you are feeling so low. When will your classes start? It is a bummer that the men lose so much more, faster then we do. I don't get that. But hang in there...we all go through slumps. You may have told me, but I don't remember...How long have you been on WW? OK Paige, here is YOUR quote for the day!!!........

Being defeated is often a temporary condition. Giving up is what makes it permanent.-- Marilyn vos Savant

my food for the day...

breakfast:
cereal w/skim milk and banana- 5 pts
Lunch: WW Frozen dinner - 4 pts
veggies and fruit at friends house -2pts
Snack: Fiber one bar -2 pts
ww snack cake - 1 pt

I have 11 points left for dinner!


Alright, I am going to get dinner for my daughter and I. My son is having his colonoscopy/endoscopy in the morning, so he can't eat. I feel really bad for him right now!!

Good morning everyone,
Paige- I know the feeling.... I didn't realize how "closed in" I was feeling with my kids until I felt so good after going to my WW meeting the other night. The whole social aspect of just being around other adults for an hour is an amazing feeling every once in awhile! Sounds like you need your "prize" sooner than later? So what did you end up getting at Applebees? My DH can lose like 5 pounds in a day, it drives me crazy!!! He just doesn't require food all day long like I do. I can relate to that kind of frustration. Are you expecting TOM anytime soon? I know that when my mood is just off, I always forget to think how my hormones might be playing into things, and 9 times out of 10, they are.

Kim- my daughter is going to be tall like me for sure. She is a pretty healthy weight, she just has a little belly, and she is solid. I try to make sure she is eating healthy though cause she is definitely "carb girl" and would eat bread and butter for every meal if she could. I think in today's world, junk food is just so readily available and everywhere we go. I would say that 85 pounds is pretty thin for your daughter's height.

Chrissy- Welcome! This board definitely keeps me focused and on track. When I "disappear" from it, I'm usually up to no good.

haylo-yeah for you with the workout! When do classes start up for you again?

Well, as for me... yesterday was pretty good until dinner last night. I only had 6pts. when I wanted to have 10 and I did have those 10 until I went to my mother's pool, and there were sugar babies sitting on the table, I counted out 15, so that was 2 pts. (what a sad 2pts. that was!) then my sister cracked open a michelob ultra, and I couldn't resist that, so there was another 2pts. It was just stupid, 4pts. poof, gone! Then we went shopping and out to dinner last night, and I just ordered what I wanted, didn't count points, that was just bad, but it's over now. Today is a new day....

Good morning ladies!
Firstly, welcome to Chrissy and we're glad to have you.
Paige, darling, time to get a babysitter and have an "all about me" afternoon. Truly, you NEED this. Even if you just go to a local shopping mall and window-shop, it's a worthwhile adventure. Browse, think, get a latte and just be at peace for a little while. We all need some time to ourselves and being home with kids can be very isolating. I've been there.
Erica, you are in better control that I am right now. As promised, I have been journalling, but I am almost out of flex points and the week is no where near being done as far as this tracker is concerned.
I'm really a bad girl, and don't want to entice you all by sharing the details. But, today is another day and I shall certainly get in some activity points as I have been each day, at least. Every day I have been on the paddle boat and I am enjoying some wonderful wildlife. I saw a bald eagle in the wild this week, a huge snapping turtle, several other "painted" turtles as well as tons and tons of fish. It's like a daily visit to the aquarium. So, at least that is good. So, maybe with at least SOME activity, I won't have as bad a gain as I could otherwise?
I'm a bit scared as we have a week home inbetween two weeks of vacation. The week after next we have no internet access, or at least intermittent access. I've got to find a Starbucks with wireless down there, as I want to be able to post to you all. The laptop I leave up here at the lake shall travel home with me and I will bring it down there and hope to find a few places to get on line. Maybe a library?
Well, take care and I will try really hard to be good today. I, at least, got the blueberry pancakes out of my system....

Oh yes, if anyone reading this has family affected by that bridge collapse, I'm so sorry. What a shame.

Hi all!

Today is WI...I have no idea how it's going to turn out. I've been such a good girl, but the scale here hasn't been so rewarding (hasn't budged.) I ended up leaving dd at home yesterday (why is it that I feel SO GUILTY for leaving dh with them?! He knows I need a break, and he doesn't mind...yet I feel so awful for "sticking" them with him!) I met up with a friend that I haven't seen in about 3 years and we went to Applebees. I was SO good. I had figured out what I wanted before I went, so I had one of the WW chicken sandwiches (7pts) and the piece of WW cake (4pts.) I had 4 pts left for the day and was still hungry when I got home, but it was almost 9pm, so I decided to just go to bed.

Thanks, too, guys, for the "talk." I really just feel like I get so lonely during the day. The girls are here, but they are getting to where they play together pretty well (the occasional fight) and they only need me to get them milk, food, and to help them pick up. I think, too, that part of it is that we were SO busy the beginning of the summer and it kind of came to a sudden stop, and now there isn't anything. I am thankful, though, that dh recognizes that I need to get out of the house. This weekend we are going to a little festival thing, and then next weekend he had asked his mom to watch the girls. At least I don't seem to have as much of a problem anymore with snacking when I'm home and bored...I just think I'm addicted to the computer!

Anyway...I need to go hop in the shower and get ready to go to WI. I be back later!

erica: work starts for us on Aug 21 so i guess that good and bad while I am getting bored at home I don't excactly want to go back to work.

paige: good luck at wi, sounds like you did a great job at applebees.


as for me I went to WI today I usually go on saturday's but decided to go in today and of course I gained but I had expected it being out of town and being of and on track. I don't know why I have such a hard time doing this I just need to buckle down.

Hi all!!! I just got back from wi and had to tell you the news....I WAS DOWN 3.2lbs!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! HOLY CRAP!

Of course now, when I get back home, my scale here is down. LOL!

Ok, now I'm going to go have some lunch cause I'm hungggrryyyyy!!!!!

Chat later!!!!!!

Hi everyone! I'm back from my couple of days with my internet friends and yesterday was a zoo trying to get back on track at work and at home. It's crazy at both jobs that I work and my DD left this morning for Connecticut to visit my eldest DS, so that was a bit hectic as she was nervous - her first flight and vacation away from home alone.

Well I had WI today and I was up 1.4 - okay - vacation is now officially OVER and I have put way too much weight back on. Back to the boards, back to the journalling and a healthy way of life. I know what put on the extra weight and I know I made better choices than I would have a year ago but it's time to buckle down and do what works.

Paige - I was interested to see your breakfast yesterday was a PB&J sammie. That sounds like a great breakfast alternative and the PB would be a good protein starter for the day. I believe I will try that this week. also - CONGRATS on the weight loss!!! That is FAB!

Linda & Haylo - vacations are rough. In a way, I wish I'd of taken a full week for a vacation instead of all these day here, day there time. It's making it really rough for me.

Erika - your mention of pumpkin fudge reminds me that I want to look up that pumpkin mousse/pudding recipe that was posted here last fall. When I was at Shipshewanna, we went to the amish bulk food store and they had a pumpkin spice pudding mix that I almost bought but hesitated because it didn't have the fat/fiber/calorie per serving posted on it so I turned it down. I remembered the recipe from last fall so I'm substituting the craving.

Hmmm, did Tech go on vacation?

Paige2 - glad your grandma is getting to the rehab place! That's great news.

Chrissy - welcome to our group

Ann - hope we all didn't make you more nervous about weighing in. I know I was just curious how it was going

Kim - glad you were able to officially start and WI - I hope you and your daughter are able to find this a "liveable" program like the rest of us have.

Saying hello to anyone else I missed!

PAIGE!!!! YAY!!!:D:carrot::D:

hug: Here is a hug for you!!! WAY TO GO!!!!!! How encouraging!!!

Laura, thanks for the well wishes. Yesterday went really well. She is really learning how to do the points and had NO problem with it yesterday! We are both journaling EVERYTHING!!! I am very thankful she is an active child....She is not much into video games, computer, etc. She loves to be outside playing or swimming!

I took my son to have his tests today and he has very inflamed intestines. He has somewhere around 5 ulcers. They are putting him prevacid for the acid and told him to cut our caffein, chocolate (and he LOVES chocolate!), and spicey and greasy foods. So it looks like he is going to have to eat a little healthier too!

Haylo, Just jump back on track and get started again. You sound like you have a fairly positive attitude about buckling down...and boy does that help!!! You can do it!!!

Breakfast: Whole Wheat english muffin with "simply fruit" strawberry

Lunch: Tuna sandwich with lowfat mayo on lowfat/wheat bread
17 pretzels

Be back later to check on things!
Here is wishing you all a happy, healthy day!!

Kim

Hi Everyone!

I am back and hopefully this time for good! Thank you everyone for your help with my problem. A lot of people gave me the advice to follow my heart and so that is what I did. My heart was telling me that the relationship wasn’t really right. I want to be with someone who loves me just as much as I love them and unfortunately that wasn’t the case. It is just really weird still because I thought we had a good relationship-but I guess that is life. So I have been doing a lot of emotional eating mixed in between my moving and my best friends wedding. Starting Monday I am officially back on track! I feel so gross. I need to remember this feeling next time I want to go on a month long binge. Once you stop its really hard to go back-the timing never seems good. I have so much stuff coming up that involves food but I know if I don’t start back now I never will.

Paige-Congrats on your loss!! That is great!!

Linda-I might have missed it but what did you decide to do about your daughter and ocean city?

Welcome Chrissy!

Hi to everyone else, I am sorry I cant reply to all of the post but I wanted to write something to get me back on the boards!

Jackie

Hi again all! Finally able to sit down and write a "real" post.

Laura-Yes, I'm not much one for breakfast foods. Peanut butter really isn't THAT terrible and it isn't a trigger food for me like it is for some people. Plus it's quick and easy!!!

Kim-I can't believe you've only been here for a week! It seems like we've "known" you longer than that. That is awful about your son! 5 ulcers! OMG! I hope he gets to feeling better soon.

Haylo-The only bit of advice I can give you is to just STICK WITH IT. Eventually it will CLICK, and you will sail. I feel like I was off and on for so long, and I have FINALLY got it. Take it all day by day...if you mess up, oh well...shrug it off and start anew. You know you can do it!

Chrissy-Glad you are back. I know what you mean about these support boards...if it wasn't for this group, I'm sure I would of given up by now. I look forward to getting to know you!

Jackie-I'm so glad you are back!!!

Linda-I have a question for you...and I hope I don't sound rude (you "know" me and know that that isn't how I am meaning to sound!)...you give such wonderful, insightful advice to the rest of us...why is it that you aren't able to follow it as well? You need to shape your tush up and get with the program!!!!! You are only 11lbs from your goal...vacation or no vacation... is it REALLY worth it to come back and have all of your hard work flushed down the toilet?!!! All the weeks of going to the gym and taking your own food to your quilting meetings, while you watch others enjoy the yummy food...IS IT REALLY WORTH IT to do the damage now??? :nono:

On that note...

I hope all of you have a lovely, on plan night!!!!! :hug:

Hi Everyone,

I am new here...a lifetime WW member who has gained. I wanted to say hi. I also post on the Beck Diet Solution Board. Have you read the book? It is a good one, focused on the psychological aspect of dieting....not a food program.

I tried the WW Quesadillas tonight. They were great, but there are TWO servings in a box. I ate both...thinking it was like other WW meals....ONE prepackaged serving. It isn't. So I ate 8 points when I thought I was eating 4! UGH. Oh well. I am still just under my calorie/points count for the day....I just need to white knuckle it until bedtime.

Michelle

Welcome Michelle! I haven't heard of the Beck Diet Solution, but I may pick it up! I could use all the psychological help I can get!

Paige, it does seem like I have been here longer! I am so glad I found this board!

My son woke up and is doing well, still a little tired from the anesthesia. He is really bummed out over no more chocolate. Hmmm...wonder where he got that chocolate desire from??? :D

Dinner:
Grilled Chicken
Corn
Small baked potato with light margarine

I have 3 points left. I am sure I will save it for a chocolate snack later!

I hate water! I have tried the flavor packs, they are OK, but........
I would so much rather have a diet coke. I have NEVER been a water drinker. That is something I will have to work on this week.

Okies, well goodnight to you all!
Kim

Good morning all,
I do hope everyone has a great day.
I am glad it is Friday, busy week. Hopefully the weekend will be quieter.
Congratulations for everyone for their successes whether it be weight related or not.
Hello to everyone.
Ann

Paige, awesome loss! Maybe you won't be feeling so down in the dumps now? I wouldn't be! I'm afraid I'll be gaining, this week, what you lost. I've been just awful. But, I am still writing it all down.
Briza, my daughter will be going to Ocean City. I had a nice long chat with the mom about rules, curfews and things like that. I'm not saying that I want her to go, but I can't find a single reason to say she can't go, truly. If I were arbitrary and just said NO and the only answer I can give her is "becuase"... she'll respond, "becuase WHAT?" and I have nothing to say other than I just don't want her to go. My husband is all for it and thinks she'll have fun and it will be a good experience, so between the both of them, I gave in. I thought I had mentioned it. I also found out it is Ocean City Maryland not Ocean City New Jersey.
As for my success, or lack of, I am beginning to really worry about how bad I've been this week. I have to regain control and sanity, but it's so hard to do while here on vacation.

Wow Paige, that is awesome!!! Sounds like that is exactly what you needed to boost morale for you. And to be that in control at Applebees... that is very motivating (for me) to hear you be so in control while out to eat, and then to just come home and go to bed.... that's really good. (Good advice to Linda!) I know it's exactly what I've needed to hear at times.

Linda- you're still here and posting, so that is a good thing. Do you have a lot of junk food there at camp? I think it's hard to be away like that, and be able to have a lot of "structured eating", because everything else is so relaxed, so how can you train the "food/eating" part of your brain to not be relaxed? Maybe putting time frames on things might help... like after you have your lunch, you can't have another morsel of food to eat until 4pm, and then it can only be popcorn. That has really worked for me (when I put my mind to it) If I get hungry in between, I drink water, have a diet pepsi, chew gum, distract myself from my hunger and the clock as much as possible.

Kim- it's tough to be sick of water and do WW. What about putting a flavor pack in a seltzer water? It would give you the fizz of the diet coke... I like to alternate drinking water with diet soda's.... I hate having to go pee constantly all day long, more than I hate drinking water, it's such an annoyance.

Ann- how's it going? When do you have your next WI? What's got you so busy these days?

Welcome to Michele, WW definitely has the revolving door (thankfully) what would we do without it?

Well as for me, it's Friday, we have dinner reservations to our favorite restaurant tonight, and two of my sister's and their SO's will be with us, so it's good times, good company, which I CANNOT let be a recipe for disaster. I plan to drink a ton of water today, eat really low points, making sure that I have at least 12 pts. to go out with tonight. I want to see the numbers on that scale go down in the worst way on Tuesday, and if I don't have a successful Friday, it will set the tone for the weekend.... I just know this from past experience. Please dear Lord give me the strength to be in control today/tonight!!

Hello everyone,

Paige: congrats on your loss!!!!

Ann: glad you stoped by, hopefully things ease up for you.

Linda: Erica is right, it's good to keep posting, sounds like you are comfortable with your decision that good news I am glad you were able to find a soluation.

kim: I sometimes find that when I do want soda if I substitute for find those carbonated flavored waters it seems to help me when I want that carbonation., sometimes I even have mineral water with lime but there are times when I add a little bit of cranberry juice or something just for flavor. Maybe that will help you of course I know it isn't the same as a coke.


Erica: funny you mentioned about going to your favorite resturaunt tonight, I too am supposed to meet up with friends at one of my favorite resturaunt but I am doing the same as you keeping low points throughout the day I already know I am going to eat this chicken dish that they have but it's the drinks that I am worried I might get carried away with, so I am trying to convince myself that having one or 2 michelob ultra's will be good enough I know this is where my badness comes in b/c then I want to have margaritas I just have to tell myself no margaritas. I hope you do well tonight at the resturaunt good luck.

michelle: welcome

o2bskinny: wow, sorry to hear about your son, I hoe things get better

rosegarden: glad to hear you are back, sorry about your gain but at least you know where is came from and what you need to do to get back on track.

briza: glad to know you are back, also glad to hear that you seem to be doing better with the relationship thing.

Haylo- Ok, so for me, it's the wine, my inhibitions go way, way down, after 2 glasses of wine. If I drink tons of water (making our waitress work her butt off filling my glass nonstop) along with the wine, I seem to do much better, because it fills me up and slows me down. So far today I've had...
Coffee with milk- 0pts.
Watermelon - 1 pt.
Popcorn - 2 pts.
Roasted beets with olive oil- 2 pts.

I'm full! Hopefully this will last for a while, I only have 8 pts. left until 6 tonight......

I'm new here and just started ww today. Is it ok for me to join the group?
I would love to have the support.

Daisy

Hello everyone,

I want to join in this thread and say you guys are a great bunch. Everyone so wonderful and supporting!

I've done weight watchers in the past and lost and them fell off the wagon. :(

However, I'm learning that if I don't get my butt in gear and get in shape, i have no one to blame but myself.

Keep up the great work and I look forward to meeting everyone. :D

Hi everyone!!! Sorry to have been MIA for the past few days! This week has just sucked... not only have I fallen off the wagon but it ran over me and then backed up!!!! I have eaten out at least once if not twice a day almost ever day this week... and did I order something healthy...NO! I've had mexican food, chinese food, pizza...

But tomorrow is a new day and I go back to work on Monday and I know that will help. I have several girl friends that are stay at home moms... and they have been wanting to go out for breakfast or lunch.... things I don't get to do because I have to work!!! So I more then made up for it this week and I feel bloated and just plain miserable!!! So I'm ready to pull myself up and get back on the wagon tomorrow!!!!

I haven't gone back yet and read posts... I think I have 3 pages to read!!!! But I hope everyone has had a better week then I have had... but I take full responsibility for my actions... no excuses as I knew what I was doing but did it anyway!!! I'm also going to start going to Curves again on Monday as I haven't been able to go during the summer because they don't want kids there... so know I can stop off and do that on my way from home!

Okay off to catch up on what I've missed this week!

Eryca and Daisy...Welcome! I think you will be happy with this group! I know they have helped me tremendously!!!

Haylo and Erica, thanks for the suggestions on getting my water in. I will try those ideas. I know so many people who JUST drink water, never even order anything else to drink when they go out and I can't stand it!!! I guess I will have to acquire a taste for it if I just FORCE myself to drink it! YUCK!!!
Erica, it is so funny what you said about going to the restroom all the time when you drink water........I HATE stopping what I am doing to go! I am also on the run alot, so I can't stand public restrooms!!!! Anyway, what you said was exactly ME!! It cracked me up!!

Paige, good to see you back! Keep up the positive attitude and get right back on the wagon that you fell off of and got ran over by! You are so funny!

Well, my daughter has cheer clinic tomorrow, they took it from 4 hours to 2 because it is supposed to be 100 degrees here, with the heat index being who knows what. There is also a warning for people with asthma and breathing problems to stay inside. I am really looking forward to fall so my daughter and I can start walkling. I can't take the heat!!!

Well, I will check in with you all tomorrow!
Kim

Good morning ladies! Welcome to our newcomers!
Well, Erica, you had some very good suggestions. I think eating out is my downfall. I have had it down to a science when I am at home as I eat so frugally all week long and save up flex points for weekends, but when I am on vacation, every day is a "special occasion" and things fall apart. We eat out almost every night on vacation and eating out is when I lose control. I abstained from wine or beer last night, at least. I did order a bit "better" as well, but we all split some fried calamari before dinner and it was very good. I have to admit that I led the pack when it came to ordering the calamari. It's my fault this time. But, for dinner I ordered a chicken vegetable soup with orzo pasta and a grilled chicken salad and asked for the oil and vinegar, much more like my old self.
It's "funny" that earlier in the week, when we ate at an Italian place, I selected what I thought was the most WW friendly choice on the menu and it was good. I had fettuchini with a marinara sauce. You could pick a choice of chicken, shrimp, meatballs, sausage or seasonal vegetables with it and I selected the veggies. I only ate about half of it and brought the leftovers home and heated them up in the micro for lunch the next day. Well, I was very sad that on my plate after eating what I thought was a pretty healthy choice was little dots of oily residue. I guess that is the perogative of a restaurant, adding oil to things to make them taste better, but when I make marinara sauce at home, there is no added oil. So much for making better choices. Oh well. I have been thinking of starting a letter writing campaign to various restaurants, not that I have much spare time for it, in hopes of getting them to pay more attention to having healthy choices on the menu and identifying fat content. I really hoped what I ordered was a good choice, but when I saw that oily residue on my place, I knew it clearly wasn't.
What has tempted me is ordering an appetizer before dinner each night, as we are on vacation it seems like we "need" to have a party atmosphere to make the meal more special and to extend it longer. My dinners have been sort of "reasonable" for the most part, and if I wasn't having appetizers I'd probably be doing OK this week. Though, there are also desserts - going out for ice cream (even if it was soft serve, made with low fat milk) has been almost a nightly thing. I actually do pretty well during the days and if I do snack, I have many good choices. I have been most conveniently putting all thoughts of WW (and you guys) out of my head when we are out. I have to admit that having my husband around me 100% of the time for meals wreaks havoc with any self control I have. He is a bad influence. He is one of those people who can eat whatever he wants whenever he wants and doesn't gain weight. When we are not on vacation, he is away in NYC on business and only home 3 or 5 days a week. So, when it is my daughter and I at home (my son works a great deal of the time and eats what mom serves when he's with us) we are very successful when it comes to serving and preparing WW friendly meals. We support each other as mom and daughter, both on WW and helping each other stay on track. Here, we are both doing bad things, she isn't doing any better than I am.
I have to find a way to block out my husband's influences and try to be aware of what it does to me to have him around. It is obviously doing the same thing to my daughter. I have to pull myself together and fix this. At least I have kept up some form of activity here by going out on the paddleboat each day and swimming.
I might buy a scale to bring up here, sounds kind of odd for a summer cabin, but one of the things that does keep me on track is weighing myself every day. It's exactly what WW says NOT to do, but if I were weighing myself up here and seeing the numbers increasing, it might be a rude awakening.
I have no idea of the numbers have actually gone up this week, but given what I have eaten - I can't imagine that not being the case. I am already envisioning myself using a no weigh in pass on Tuesday, which is not good.
What happens, then, when I am on vacation again the week after this in Rhode Island? Hmm... I need a battle plan for sure. In Rhode Island, I am always very very bored. I go there as it pleases my in laws. One day, when they are no longer "around", I hope to never be in that state again. It's just a boring place with nothing to do. The house we stay in has dozens of sunny windows and has no AC, it is a miserable hot and humid place. Half the time, I go out in the car just to escape and be in the AC for awhile, the rest of the time I fill up the bathtub with tepid water and hop in the tub about every hour to escape the heat. It's too hot to exercise, walk or anything else when we are there. Whatever possesses my in-laws to love living there is way beyond me. I had better find a few good books to read before I go and maybe buy a new fan. Perhaps I'll, at least, sweat off some pounds?
However, in the meantime, it's been fantastic weather to have a vacation up in the lakes region of NH. It's not rained all week. The water is very warm and nice, I've seen amazing wildlife, we have been swimming, boating and really enjoying our time here. We also went to the movies last night and saw Hairspray, it was really funny. If you get a chance to see it, do so. Lively music, fun costumes and John Travolta in "drag" playing the mom is quite the hoot.
I hope everyone has a nice day.
Briza, did you move home to your parents house? How's that going for you? Any changes in your diet/exercise to go along with that move?

Welcome to all the newcomers, I hope you find this wonderful group of ladies as helpful as I have!!!!


As far me, well I had to have that margarita, and a couple of beers, but this morning i got out of bed and excercised away hoping that I would sweat off some of those calories.

Derry: vacationing is so hard, your right when you say it's like every night is a celebration of something, it sounds like you know where you are making your mistakes I think once you get back in your normal routine of things you will do better. I hope things get easier for you, I know you can do this because I have read many of the things you have told people for advice. I think you know what is the right way to do things in your head but are struggling with trying to have a relaxing time. Best of luck

Derry - I was right there with you. It's so hard to apply everything we KNOW to be true when you are in vacation mode. I really thought summer would be so easy because of the availability of great produce. Hmmmppphhffff. Those get togethers with friends and family have been really rough. Even my DH is having a hard time helping me. He keeps offering me stuff that I would have eaten in years past. We went out for chinese last night and I didn't do perfect but I did better than I would have in the past. I kept it to one plate. He kept offering me more stuff from the buffet and I kept saying, no thanks. I'm actually full. For dessert, he went up for cheesecake and other sweets and I had a couple cubes of jello and wonderful tasting honeydew melon. I never felt deprived but I'm sure I was out of my points. Then we went to a movie. He stopped for his licorice and kept offering me the junk I would have had in the past. I kept saying "I'm stuffed from dinner" (and I was). Then we went in to see the movie and he stopped to buy me popcorn at the concessions. I pulled him away and said I didn't want any. I know he's trying really hard to do stuff that he thinks makes me happy, but just going out alone with him was great and enough. I guess I'm going to have a new talk with him about supporting me down this path. We've been married almost 27 years so I guess it will take some change for him too.

I've rambled enough. Hello to our newbies. This is a great bunch of people who have some good thoughts, ideas, great moments and low moments. We share our lives and someone ALWAYS has something positive to say that may help you through the rough times. Some of us have been here for quite awhile and some are newer. This is a lifestyle change and it's hard to keep with it. I'm glad to see the newbies and thankful for those of you who have stuck through this in good and bad times!

Linda - you are correct about it being much harder to stay on plan when you are not home. I am lucky in the fact that my husband is supportive, but then again, he is never home. He leaves @7:30 am and gets home 1-2 am.

I am so excited that my daughter is doing so well!!! I think I am more excited to see the scales when she goes for WI Tuesday then I am for myself! I sure hope she can see a difference by then. She is trying so hard!!!

We are leaving tomorrow to go to a water park about 3 hours away. We will come home Tuesday. I have even looked up their menus at the snack bars so my daughter and I can decide what we will get before we go. They have grilled chicken sandwiches, cups of fruit, etc. I was so glad to see that since we will have weigh in the night we get home.

Have a great weekend ladies!! and STAY STRONG!!
Kim

Hey there everyone,
Well I did pretty good yesterday until dinner time. We worked all day in our store, and I just felt in the "deserving" mood. But today is a new day, I flip the page in my journal and start all over.

Laura/Linda- I think summer in gerneral is THE hardest time of year to lose weight. Here in upstate NY, I think we get some of the harshest weather in the country from November to like May! The winters are so long and dark. Syracuse is the second cloudiest city next to Seattle! I feel like in the summer, we are constantly celebrating the sun every day! We just feel good all the time, so what do we do, we eat, drink, indulge, because it's almost like we're in constant vacation/party mode.

I think the only thing we can do is give it our best shot everyday, because we all know, how successful we can be when the weather turns. Plus, sometimes I think we really need to just live, let go and enjoy.... not sure if that is the best advice I've ever given, but sometimes I think that it's not the end of the world, if I have that ice cream cone or second glass of wine. I'm all for being in the moment, whether, I'm WW "good" or WW "bad", I'm just living every moment to its' fullest. I think there is enough garbage that happens around us to waste time thinking about "how bad we were", life is way too short, if you over indulge, enjoy every single second of it while you're doing it, and then move on from it! Ok, well, I guess that was just a little preachy, but just some thoughts of mine after a summer of way too much indulging :cool:

Good comments from everyone.
Of course, we ate out at a steakhouse last night and I, yet again, lost control. I had all the best intentions, but lost it.
Today, we pack and go home. There is really nothing in the house as far as healthy foods,, as I'll have to go shopping, but I hope appearing at home will snap me back into "attention".
I think I'll start a fresh journal tomorrow and put all this behind me. That's the best I can do.
I tried starting a new journal yesterday and blew it again last night.
I will also get back to the gym tomorrow, that should help as well.

Good morning all,

I haven't been around all week because I've been busy, and it's been so darned hot that when I get home I just crash. Tuesday I was sick, and that was no fun, then Wed I took my sister and nephew out for his birthday then met a gf for dinner since I was up near her house. Thurs and Fri I worked and it was definitely one of those "why did I leave that a/c desk job?????" kind of days. Yesterday was a great day. A winery about 1.5 hrs away had a "Day of Pampering for Women", it included a continental breakfast, spa treatment, lunch, wine tasting, cheese and crackers, a chocolate fountain in the afternoon and various seminars all day. It was a really fun day, and I probably didn't do too bad food wise, and if when I got home I had drank iced tea or more water (I'd already had 4 bottles), I probably would have been ok, but I didn't....Well as everyone has been saying today is another day. Of course today we're having DH's family over for summer b-days....I'm making grilled chicken and a light potato salad. So if I can watch the beverage intake I'll be fine.

:welcome: to the newbies. If you make a conscious effort to come here each day this board really helps.

Linda - Glad you enjoyed your vacation. And congrats on just tracking. That's a step in the right direction. Maybe you need to talk to dh about what you order when out. You don't want him to police you but support would be good. When we go on vacation I try to limit my really out of control meals to one/week if I save it to the end it gives me something to look forward to, if I eat it early, then I think well you've had your treat....Sometimes it works better than others.

Paige - :carrot: congrats on the 3.2 lbs.

Erica - yea on getting back on track. How did your dinner go?

Haylo - Welcome back. Yea on the exercising.

Laura - Welcome back to you too. Good luck getting back on track.

Ann - Hope things are going well for you.

Paige2 - good luck picking yourself up and dusting yourself off....

Kim - It is so encouraging to hear someone so enthusiastic about joining, I need to get that back.

Well I should head up and start the potato salad.

Have a great day everyone.

-Tech

Well yesterday went really well after the bad week I had!! I stayed within my point range and it wasn't hard at all!!! Now I just need to get back into the routine of exercising! This week I'm going to leave work during lunch and head over to Curves to get in a quick workout... It's nice that for the next week and a half it's just the admin around!!! No teachers or students!!! Well a few teachers are coming up to get their classrooms started but nothing that I have to be there for so it makes it easy to get away for a bit! Once school starts though I'll have to go on my way home. I was doing so well with my exercise until summer came. Curves won't let the kids come so I haven't been able to go... and we have a treadmill but I hate that thing!!! Dh is really the only one that uses it. I'm looking forward to going back to work tomorrow after having the summer off... I think it will be much easier to stay on track!

Paige - Wow girl... you did great at WI!! Congrats on the 3.2 lbs.!!!

Michelle, Eryca1123 and Daisy - Welcome!!!!!

EricaL - I totally agree with you!!! This is something that you have to take day by day!! There will be good ones... and bad ones but it's important to not let those bad ones consume us and throw us off track!! You just have to keep moving forward!!! I like to say that sometimes life just happens and that's okay even if it throws us off our plan. There will be a new day around the corner!

Haylo - Congrats on getting up the next morning and exercising!!!!

Laura - My husband does the same thing!! He's doing WW with me... but he is the first to crumble!!! If I'm like oh.... chinese food sounds so good tonight!!! Instead of saying to me... no we can't do that... he's like ok and out the door before I can stop him!!!!! They mean well... they do want us to be happy... it's just sad that they ( and we do too sometimes) think food is what will make us happy!!!

Linda- It's always so hard when your on vacation to make those good choices... but you'll be home soon enough and you can get back into your routine!

Kim - Wow... I think it's great that you have planned ahead for the waterpark! It's good to know that there will be some good alternatives available!! Sounds like you both are getting off to a great start!

Tech - How nice... a day of pampering!!!!!

Have a great day ladies!!!
Paige2

HOME again.... wow, this computer is certainly slow. We have high speed up at the lake and I have it here, and when I come back I realize that I need a new computer! Yikes... I have to wait what seems like forever to download this site and when I am up there, it's really fast. One is comcast and the other is metrocast, guess metrocast might be better but I still wonder if it's this computer?
Well, the news is quite interesting today. I dared to step on the scale this morning and was shocked, but in a better way than I thought. It would appear that the scale hasn't gone up all that much, if at all. I should have written down my home weight (always different from WW weight) before I left as I swear that I am about the same.
I've been whining all week (thanks for putting up with me) about how I was out of control (and I was!) but the scale is not showing it all. I wonder why? I could swear that I would have put on 4 or 5 pounds, I dreaded getting on the scale. Maybe it was my daily swims and paddle-boat rides? Maybe I was more in control that I thought I was? But, I did write everything down and I should look back into the journal and see what I really did and if I was better than I thought I was? I really didn't have many in between meal snacks, for the most part. I really did have alcohol, but not huge excesses. Maybe it was so hot that I sweat it off? I was OK for breakfasts each day, except one. I did have ice cream, but had the soft serve vs. regular when we went out. I had appetizers at restaurants (usually a really high fat/sodium thing in most places) and I think I used an extra 20 or 30 flex points over the week. So, I was NOT a good girl. I wasn't observing the 5 servings of veggies/fruits well. I ignored my healthy oils and wasn't tracking water consumption and had more diet soda than usual.
So, who knows? Of course, tomorrows meeting/weigh in will tell me more of what I did. I'm sure some kind of gain will show up. I'm not going to pretend I was a very good girl all week, for sure.
I'm actually confused. But, today am totally back on program, will do everything right including a trip to the gym a bit later this morning and dinner will be a very healthy choice.

Good morning everyone. Happy Monday.
I find the summer so busy for me. I think it may be because I have a four year old and he wants all his friends over during the summer. We have a pool so there are often kids and parents at our house and then it requires more work to feed people and so on and so on. I am not complaining because it is fun to have visitors.

Paige 1,congrats on the 3.2 lbs, that is awesome.

Erica, Way to go being on track? What you wrote about living each day is so true. I know that no one is perfect so I shouldn't expect perfection out of myself. I need to enjoy each day and try my best while still living my life. I realize you are probably way busier than I am with three children and a busy farm and a store too. I don't know how you do it. I see the dietician on Thursday so I hope I get weighed that day by her.

Haylo, Hello how are you doing. Great job exercising.

Laura - welcome back. I thought of you and how you would go back to the basics to get back on track. I sometimes buy food for people as a treat, now that I am more aware of it, I will try not too.

Paige2, my husband would do that too so now I don't mention if I feel like pizza or chinese. I just think about it and let it pass. I guess it is because they love us and want us to be happy.

Kim - Congratulations to you and your daughter. That is great you are making this such a positive experience for your daughter. I we nt to the Enchanted Water Safari in Old Forge New York yesterday and I couldn't believe they had fresh salad. It was good. My son had a PB and jelly sandwich at the park and it was in a baggie and looked like it was premade. He enjoyed it though. It was great at the water park because it was busy but didn't seem really crowded and there was a lot of shaded areas there. It was a fun day.

Welcome Michelle, Eryca1123 and Daisy I hope you enjoy this site as much as I do. I find these ladies are so supportive here.

Linda How was last night. Now that the vacation is over you probably have to go grocery shopping, and unpack and it seems like so much work. Oh yeah and there is always laundry to do once you get back from vacation. I know sometimes it is hard to make good choices on vacation. Are you looking forward to getting back to your routine?

Jackie, Welcome back. I hope your are doing well. It is nice to see you back here.

Tech, wow your day of pampering sounds fun. What a great idea. I know it has been extremely hot here too so I have appreciated central air as well as the pool this summer.

Hello to anyone I missed. Have a great day everyone.

Ann

Hi Linda our posts crossed. That is awesome that you stayed the same. You probably did get a lot more exercise while on vacation. That is great.
Have a great day.
Ann

Hi Ann! I thought I'd check back in here... back to the usual routines for sure. I will re-weigh myself a bit later. I just had oatmeal, made with skim milk and blueberry flavored unsweetened applesauce for breakfast. I am all packed to go to the gym and I have to leave to drop off DD at day-camp in about 15 minutes. After I've gotten home from the gym and showered, I'll be creating a grocery shopping list and heading out to get that done.
I hope to buy an array of healthy eating choices.
Kim, I was reflecting on what they call a honeymoon period when I was reading your post. Quite often, new WW members lose tremendous amounts of weight at first as they are so motivated and the "new" healthier eating plan is such a drastic change from the past. But, beware, that this honeymoon phase ends after about three weeks or so... I'm not trying to burst your bubble by telling you this at all, just preparing you and your daughter. So, if you do really well for a few weeks, then get bored and frustrated and then fight it and want to return to old eating patterns, this is VERY typical. It is then that the hard work begins and losses are not as large. Be aware of this and recognize it when it happens and you will be able to see your way through it all towards a success! I have seen so many people come to WW meetings, over the years, get all excited and do really well and then it becomes more "work" and they also get really frustrated that losses are not coming fast enough. When you go in and losses are something like .2 or .4 in a week, after having maybe 2, 3 and 4 pound losses at a time, it is then when you feel like it's not worth it and you feel like quitting.
But, I am here to tell you that those .2 and .4 losses do add into pounds. The bigger losses are going to peter off and that is the time when we will all be here to help you. I hope that made some sense.
Well, it's off to the camp and then the gym...happy Monday to all and drink that water!!!!

Happy Monday all!!! I was MIA over the weekend...was skimming posts, but didn't get a chance to post one myself.

I kind of had a hard time on Friday and Saturday. I don't know what it was... I just couldn't feel full. On Friday dd had a birthday party to go to; I had been good all morning because I didn't know what they would have to eat there, and I can never pass up birthday cake. All they had were chips and dip, which I can pass up no problem...I had kind of gotten myself psyched up for the cake (how awful am I for doing this at a 5yr old's bday party?! LOL!) and it ended up being an ice cream cake. I like ice cream, but not enough to spend points on the real thing, so I chose not to have any. However, then I had such a HUGE craving for some real cake. I finally ended up baking one. I had a piece on Friday night, I shared a small piece with dh on Saturday, and the rest (other than what dh ate...he keeps accusing me of sabatoge, but I swear, this time it was all him!) got tossed. It was good cake, too. Other than that on Friday I was good. Saturday (other than the cake) I had been good...while I was making dinner (this awesome chili mac recipe that is low pts) I decided to have a very, very small glass of wine. I don't like drinking alone, so I knew I could stop at that just that. However, while dinner was cooking, my neighbor called and said that they were throwing burgers on the grill and we should come over. A bunch of other neighbors came over, too, so I ended up taking my big bottle o wine over...and drinking. I wasn't tipsy, but my body just felt GROSS. I was a good girl yesterday, though.

Linda-I'm right there with you on the scale confusion. I thought after wi that my scale was down a little, but it has been back to where it has been for the last two (three now?) weeks. I'm losing at wi, but not here. Dh is losing on our scale here, though. I must say, though, as frustrating as it is to see him lose faster, he is looking pretty good!!!!! I'm glad for you, though, that your scale is being kind. Your wi is tomorrow, right? Are you going to find a meeting while you are it RI?

Ann-Glad you had a good weekend! I bet your son had a lot of fun there yesterday! That is awesome, too, that you have a pool. I wish we did...I would get so much more exercise!

Paige2-I can relate to what you are saying about the exercise. We belong to the Y; it's 25min from our house, but it is the only place around that has babysitting. I have a stretch where I'll be good and go for awhile, but then it just gets to be so difficult. Right now I'm going to the chiropractor 3x's a week, and he's in the same town, so I can't use the gas to go there twice a day. I would go there after my appt, but then I'd never get to see dh (my appts are at night.) The Y is in the same town that dh works in, so he is really good about going 4-5x's a week before work. Maybe today I'll get out a workout video.

Tech-That pampering sounds like what I need! I bet it was so nice.

Erica-I did not know that Syracuse was the 2nd cloudiest! I envy you so much that you are running your store and bakery. I really should take a drive up there some day. How far from Binghamton are you again?

Welcome to all the newbies!!!

Chat later!

Paige, I hope the chiropractor visits calm down so you can be more able to get back and fourth to the gym. It sure must be difficult to have it so far from home. Mine is about 5 minutes away and I sure do appreciate that.
Well, I can't resist the scale and it's like I am a crazy person I have been on it so many times today. I can't imagine a person whose weight fluctuates as much in a day as myself. I'm up about 4 pounds since this morning. I guess food/water/exercise make a difference. Who knows what tomorrow's weight at weigh in will be in the end? Yikes!
Well, off I go to clean up my kitchen (unopened mail all over the place from being on vacation) and get moving on making dinner. I'm making meatloaf for dinner, I have a fairly low fat version using oatmeal that is particularly good. I'm going to try a WW recipe for garlic/sour cream mashed potatoes along with it.
Well, it is good to be home, I guess.

Hello All,

This has turned out to be a not good week at all :mad: I've just been eating simple carbs and I know that makes me want more simple carbs and feel lazy :devil: I really need to get back in control. I did meet my folks at the park to walk today, which I probably wouldn't have done on my own since my knee is bugging me (I've had bad knees forever don't ask). Tomorrow I'll go to Curves after work and then hopefully Wednesday I'll ride to WW. We'll see. The dinner last night went pretty well. The grilled beer brined chicken is always good as is the potato salad that I make (cooking light so not too high in points). I did have a piece of the ice cream cake that my sil brought though. Unlike Paige I can pass up real cake but ice cream.....my sil does WW too so I'm pretty sure it wasn't full fat ice cream.

Linda - :kickbutt: GET OFF THE SCALE!!!!! Weight definitely fluctuates over the day, so it's normal, that's why we shouldn't keep weighing ourselves. You'll think your doing well and treat yourself then you'll go up, and be discouraged.......

Ann - You're one of those moms aren't you. Should have known from your posts. We lived on a lake so our house was always the hang out too. Enjoy your summer and pool.

Paige - the pampering day was fun. Best part while I was gone dh cleaned both bathrooms :D I have such a great guy.

Paige2 - Good luck getting that exercise back in. Congrats on getting the eating under control.

Well I should go. I need to get some more sewing done.

- Tech

Tech, I know, I shouldn't have been on the scale but I was. I guess it was kind of a weird thing as I was away for nine days and had no scale to check out my weight. I started obsessing.

Paige, I promised when I got home, that I would share the WW Stove-Top Macaroni and Cheese recipe. We really liked it!

Stove Top Macaroni and Cheese:
This comfort-food favorite takes on a new look and new taste with the addition of tomatoes. The sauce is made in one skillet, and if you have any leftover pasta in the refrigerator, you won't need to diryy a second pot or cook the pasta. Leftover spaghetti worst best if cut into 1 - 2 inch lengths, and leftover large pasta, such as rigatoni or ziti, could be cut in half. You'll need about 1/2 pound dry macaroni to get 4 cups cooked.
Makes 6 Servings

1 tablespoon butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 (14 1/2 ounce) can diced tomatoes
1 1/2 cups shredded reduced-fat mild cheddar cheese
1/2 cup low-fat (1%) milk
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
1/2 teaspoon salt
4 cups cooked elbow macaroni

*We made note that having all the ingredients laid out and the pasta on cooking before starting to make the "sauce" part is a good way to plan ahead here.

1. Melt the butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the flour and cook, stirring constantly, until golden, about 1 minute. Add the tomatoes and cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture bubbles and thickens slightly. 2 - 3 minutes
2. Stir in cheddar cheese, milk, Parmesan cheese, mustard, and salt into the skillet. Cook, stirring constantly, until the cheese melts and the mixture is smooth, 2 - 3 minutes.
3. Stir in pasta into the skillet and cook until heated through and well coated, 1 - 2 minutes. Let stand 2 minutes before serving

Per serving (scant 1 cup) 285 calories, 9 g fat, 5 g sat. fat, 23 mg Chol, 665 mg Sod, 36g Carb, 2 g Fib, 15g Prot, 288 mg Calc. POINTS 6

Tip, if you want a slightly crunchy texture, sprinkle each portion with a few toasted bread crumbs.

We rated this an A+

Hello everyone,

I hope all is well, as for me I am planning on washing clothes today and excercising of course sometime today.

derry: glad the scale was good to you!!!
ann: I am doing well, how about?
tech: I know you can get back on track, sometimes we have those little slip up, darn those carbs, I am a carbaholic too, I sometimes don't know what I would do without them, besides not overindulge.
paige: sorry you had such a rought weekend, hopefully things are back on track now.

A belated good morning to you all. Not much action here today. Hope all is well.
I have non-WW news. I went to an ENT specialist today and have nodules on my vocal chords, which is why I've had laryngitis for so long.
I have to skip my weigh in/meeting this afternoon to go to a wake, so will have to make it later this week.
Linda

EricaL-you are so right about Friday setting the tone for the weekend. I never even thought of it that way until you mentioned it. I guess if I start to take baby steps through the weekend I might end up being better off! Your post about giving it our best shot every day was really inspiring. You are so right.
Welcome Daisy and Eryca!

Laura-Your post about the Chinese food made me laugh! Your husband sounds a lot like me-haha. I refuse to even go to the Chinese buffet places anymore because I am honestly, uncontrolable and I always leave feeling disgusted with myself. Its better for me to just avoid it-no good ever comes from me being there.

Linda-Vacations are hard! And it sounds like you tried which is more then I can ever say I do on vacation. I swear at restaurants the only safe option is a garden salad. You never know what extra I Yep, I ended up moving back home which stinks but it was the smartest decision for me right now. I want/need to save up a ton of money because I don’t want to be in this position later in life. I am kind of in limbo right now because all of my furniture is still at my old apt so I am really looking forward to getting settled within the next few weeks and getting into a new routine. My mom and I have really different ideas on how to be “healthy” and she loves cooking for me so it is hard. But I think I will be ok, I just need to resist temptation and honestly I think the worst is over, I have been emotionally eating (basically shoving whatever can make it into my mouth) for the last month. The good news is my parent’s house is about 5 minutes from my work so I am going to be saving 2 hours a day on the commute! Hopefully that will mean more exercise and me time!
Ingredients they could put in their recipes to total up the points. That is great about the scale! I hope it stays down for you at your wi tomorrow. I am sure it will!


Paige-I can’t pass up cakes either. And if yours taste as amazing as they look I don’t even want to start to think about how they taste!! Do you have the recipe for the chili mac recipe you make? It sounds yummy!

Tech-Just put down the carbs and recommit! You will feel much better!

I started counting my points again on Monday. (I am not even going to get into everything I ate this weekend). I tried to get up for the gym this morning and couldn’t do it. I feel so tired from the constant moving around. I feel so much better without eating all that crap and it has only been a day and a half! My goal for this week is to really stay on track points wise and not use any flex points. I have a bachelorette party this weekend and want to save them all for that.

Question-today I got peer pressured (haha-I did!) into trying some sweets. So I had literally a bite of a cookie and a bite of a brownie. How many points would you count that as?

Hope everyone is having a great day!

Hello everyone! It's harvest season so I am starting to get real busy after work. I try to can and/or freeze everything I can get my hands on and with me working two jobs, I grab time when I am able. I was able to get some green beans, green peppers, swiss chard, zucchini and summer squash in the freezer last night after work. It was gross sweaty work but I sat down with a WW Vanilla Shake afterward and I was pleased with my day. I made good choices - let's hope today goes the same way.

Well, ta da! I actually lost .6! I ended up having time after I went to the wake and popped in at the end of the meeting. I'm so glad I was able to get there and that I had a loss. To what do I attribute this success on my vacation?
Firstly, I did misbehave, but I did some other things that must have made up for it? I did journal each day. Before I left, I made a PROMISE to you all that I would journal and I did. It was very hard to do on a vacation, but if I give my word I will do something, I do it if it is humanly possible. So, next time you have a vacation/challenge and you really want to succeed, make a promise, don't say "I'll try, say I will"!
I used oil and vinegar on every salad and never allowed restaurant questionable dressings to pass my lips. We ate out every night except for one and I think I used a bit more common sense than I usually do on vacation, but I was certainly no angel.
Additionally, I also earned activity points each day, that truly helped me, I think. So, I survived a week's vacation and I can do it again next week while I am in Rhode Island.
I have good news about RI as well, my husband knows how bored I get down there and he is bringing a wireless router home from work, borrowing it for the week. He has a Verizon wireless card on his work laptop and with this router, I will be able to bring my laptop down there and have internet access while down there and still be able to keep some communication with you guys. I think that daily communication with all of you also helped me on my vacation.
Briza, good point about Friday setting the tone for the weekend. I know our dear Erica tries to shop on Fridays so there is less boring food in the house and less temptation to run off someplace and eat out as the "same old" stuff can be boring.
I "hate" (love/hate relationship?) the Chinese buffet places and each time I go there, I have a gain afterwards. Chinese food just bloats me, must be all the sodium? I really adore this kind of food and miss the taste, but I have to be in control sometime. Maybe it's something I could try to have about once a month and on weigh in day, after weighing in, to give my body a chance to get rid of all the sodium?
Briza, I know it must be hard sinking back into old routines in terms of having your mom cook for you. I hope you can get back out on your own at some point, but this is probably best for you. Have you heard from your X? Is he missing you? I like that you have more time due to less commute, so maybe you can get in some gym time? Maybe there is a nicer gym near you, with some really cute guys to meet? : )
Laura, glad you are making good choices and harvest time means great veggies! I've never had Swiss chard before, what is it and what do you do with it?
Well, as for me, I did buy all the stuff to make the WW garden vegetable soup and hope to get it done tomorrow. Even if it's hot out, I have AC in here so no excuses!
Take care!

Well, here it is the next day and no more postings since I was on line last night. Where is everyone? I hope you are getting rest and relaxing and not eating!
Even if I was the last one here posting last night, it's a new day and a fresh beginning. So, I figured I'd start off the day with setting goals and posting my food plan for the day.
So, here goes!

My plan is to head to the gym after breakfast and try, especially, to work on the ab machine. Maybe I'll add an extra 5 or 10 pounds this time? I will earn 2 activity points.

Points allowance: 20 + 2AP = 22 points

Breakfast:
fresh pineapple = 1 point
oatmeal made with Calorie Countdown skim milk = 2 points
total remaining= 19

Lunch will be:
Lean cuisine white veggie pizza (I'm becoming addicted to these, if you haven't tried them, go for it) = 6 points
salad = 0 points
Oil and Vinegar= 2 points

Total remaining 11 points

Dinner will be:
Leftover meatloaf = 6 points
Baked Potato= 3
Light margarine= 1
Fresh steamed string beans= 0
Points remaining= 1

I plan on having a 2 point custard tonight and will use one flex point to complete my day. I may have to break down and use one more flex point and have some mid-afternoon popcorn, but I also plan on making WW Garden vegetable soup today and if I get it done on time and am really hungry, that would be a better choice for 0 points than using a flex point on popcorn.

What is your plan for the day?
Planning ahead is essential, drinking water and exercise are as well.
I neglected to mention an NSV (non scale victory) I had yesterday. I mentioned that I had to go to a wake. A friend of mine lost her mom. I had a panic moment when I went to get dressed. What does a person mid-weight loss wear to such a thing? I have bigger clothes that are baggy and smaller clothes that are too tight. I decided to take a chance and fit into a black dress that I had bought over a year ago and put it away in hopes that I would one day wear it. It was way too small for me when I bought it, but I had hope and it was a great deal. It fit me! I was proud to wear it. I hate saying this about going to a wake, but it was such a positive experience as so many people there told me how good I looked and complimented me. It was nice to be wearing a nice dress, and looking "slim" for a change instead of plump and "dowdy". I wish you all a "slim" looking day! At any rate, I was sad for my friend, but she seemed OK. Her mom had been in a nursing home for awhile and was 94 years old, this was not unexpected.

Hello everyone,

it seems kind of quiet here today,

derry: vocal nodules, well that explains everything did they give suggestions as to how to help them. Try not to strain or overuse your voice, also believe it or not whispering actually stains your voice more then just actually using your voice normally. (at least that is what they told us in my classes). I am a speech therapist I don't see many voice patients in the school setting so this is what I can think of off the top of my head. When speaking don't do any loud talking or shouting this only makes them worse. If things get really bad sometimes they put people on vocal rest which is no talking at all. I hope things get better. Hopefully the ENT gave you some suggestions. Also congrats on your weight loss.


Briza: good luck with staying on track, I have been doing that very deligently and I truly believe it is making a difference, I would probably count that bites as at least 2-3 points depending on how big the bite was.


As for me things have been crazy my car is getting fixed b/c the lock is broken 300 bucks down the drain, today I am supposed to meet up with friends from work, I have been doing so well staying on track and not getting tempted so I am hoping to continue on this trend tonight maybe I should say I am going to continue on this trend tonight. Actually I might be able to keep the tempations away since I am now short on money b/c of my truck so I will be less likely to spend on drinks my limit is 2 drinks light beer to be exact. So that is four points

Hi all! I somehow just erased an entire post. Ugh, I hate it when that happens!!!

Linda-Glad to hear that the scale was so kind to you!!! I think maybe this has really become a lifestyle change for us, ya know? We think we have totally blown it, but when we look back and examine, we didn't do that badly after all!!! Thanks, too, for the recipe. I've never had it with tomatoes in it, but we'll give it a try!

Laura-Mmmmm, I love summer squash! My parents used to have a huge garden, and that was my favorite thing we grew. I don't have a green thumb, though, so I don't even attempt to create a veggie garden.

Briza-Here's the recipe...it came from Light and Tasty 2007 annual cookbook.

Meatless Chili Mac
1 lg onion, chopped
1 med green pepper, chopped
1 garlic clove, minced
1 tbs olive oil
2 cups water
1 1/2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni (I couldn't find whole wheat elbows, so I used spirals and weighed out 4 servings...I figured out my points using that instead)
1 can (16 oz) mild chili beans, undrained
1 can (15 1/2 oz) great northern beans, drained
1 can (14 1/2 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
4 tsp chili powder
1 tsp salt
1 tsp ground cumin

In a large saucepan (I use a very large skillet) saute the onion, pepper, and garlic in olive oil until tender. Add remaining ingredients and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover and simmer until the pasta is tender (15 or so minutes.)

I put this into the recipe builder on WW and it came out to 7 points for 5 servings. It is SO filling. I usually give myself 10pts for dinner, so I will usually put a little cheddar cheese and a few crushed crackers over the top.

Kim-I'm so anxious to hear how your first wi went!

Hi to everyone else....hope you are all having an op week!

Good morning - almost noon! It's been SO HOT here! We had a nice tasty grilled chicken salad last night, corn on the cob and some mushrooms. A good light dinner. I have leftovers of the salad for lunch today.

OMGosh! That visit I had with my internet friends a week or so ago?! Okay, pictures got posted and even though I have lost some, they were still brutal and showed me how much more I need to go. So I'm printing a couple, posting them in a spot that ONLY I CAN SEE and using them for my new incentive. UUUUGGGHHHH!!!!! I now know why I duck out of group shots.

Paige - that recipe sounds yummy. I've gotta figure out how to save your Chili Mac recipe and Linda's Mac & Cheese recipe somewhere where I'll find it again. It's too hot right now and we don't have air so it'll have to wait a month or so or at least until we get a cool down.

Haylo, car/truck repairs stink! But great way to turn the finance thing around to benefit you point wise. Keep up the great work!

Well I have errands to run on my lunch hours all week so hopefully, it will make munching junk or adding to my set lunch more difficult!

Have a great Wednesday/Hump Day everyone!

Oh yeah, I forgot to add this note to Linda and other who like Chinese but hate the sodium weight jump up - You have got to get the Weight Watchers Take Out Tonight Cookbook. Great Chinese - good taste - not too difficult. Once you get some of the basics in your house, it's a breeze to make. I highly recommend General Tsao's Chicken. I finally bought some rice vinegar so I have to make it again without substituting white vinegar.

Hi all,

Well I just got back from WW and surprisingly I lost .4 lbs :eek: Not sure how this happened unless its all the sweating I did yesterday and today, but I'll take it. Now I just have to get back on track and stick to plan this week. Of course it's pms week so that's easier said than done! I did get my 30 lb star though, so I was pretty happy. I also rode my bike to the meeting, it wasn't as far as I thought so I got there early and listened to the leader go over new program with the people from the meeting before, it was kind of interesting to listen to.

My goals for this week are:

1. Track at least thru Sunday (I'm bad at stopping on Friday)
2. Exercise at least 5 days
3. only 1 glass of wine a day!!!!!! (I've been really bad this last week)

Those look a lot like my goals from a month ago :^: I guess it's get back to basics time.

Linda - :carrot: Congrats on the NSV :carrot: Sometimes I think those are more important than the scale versions. Also congrats on the loss over vacation.

Laura - Will you come can at my house??? I have a/c and a garden full of tomatoes. Actually I'm going to have to can the tomatillas when they come in so I can use them all winter. Hope the wake up call helps you get back on track and doesn't discourage you.

Haylo - sorry about the car. Why are repairs always so expensive??? Have fun with your friends and good luck staying OP.

Briza - Glad your back :D Definitely use the time for me time. Not only exercise but other you time too. I used to do a self-help program that required you to take yourself on a date every week. It didn't have to cost anything, sometimes I just wondered around the local gardens, or museum, or took myself to a movie. It was a great recharging time for me. I think I'm going to get back to that now that I mention it....

Well, I should go grab lunch. I've stopped sweating from the bike ride so I can go up and make it. And all this talk of chinese, I'm making Sichuan-Style Stir-Fried Chicken With Peanuts for dinner isn't that a coincidence?

Have a great Wednesday everyone.

- Tech

Haylo-That stinks about your truck! I am sorry to hear you had to blow all that money on it! I am going out tonight too and I am limiting myself to 3 light beers. The drinks are only $1 for karaoke so I have to make sure I just have the 3!

Paige-thanks for the recipe-I can’t wait to try it!

Tech-Congrats on the loss and thank you for the wonderful idea!!! I love it!!!! I am going to start doing-it sounds great!

Linda-It is def going to be a challenge but I think if I stay positive I will make it through! And the neighborhood that I grew up in has actually turned into a very young neighborhood over the last few years so yes there are a lot of cute guys around! It also feels really good to be so close to my friends now. When I lived in the city and was with my boyfriend I lost a part of who I was an I am really looking forward to getting that back. Yes, I still am in contact with the X because we still have our apt! We have to wait until someone picks up our lease it before we can officially leave. Plus we had 2 kitties (who I am going to keep because I love them way too much) but they are still hanging out at the apt until I can move my furniture. I don’t want to move them until I am settled because that will be too hard of an adjustment for them. Its all so weird, he was such a big part, if not the biggest part of my life for a really long time and it’s a strange feeling to not have him in that role anymore. I know it is for the best but its going to take some time I guess to get over it all.

As for me I am doing well. I know I am going out tonight so I am really trying to watch my points today. I didn’t get up for the gym again but I decided to take baby steps-this week conquer the food and next week conquer the gym.


Hope everyone is having a good hump day!

We're Home!!! We got home yesterday, then had a million errands to run, so I am just now getting on here.

My daughter and I went to our meeting last night and I lost 2 pounds, and she lost 1 pound. She seemed ok, but I think she thought it would be more than a pound, especially ater she saw I lost 2 (I was hoping for 3-4!). but she got cheers from the leader and the lady taking the weight, so that made her feel better. The when we got home, I took out 1 pounds of ground beef and showed her that was how much she took off her body this week. That helped too.
We were good on our trip except for 1 of our dinners and the 2 breakfasts(we had 5 meals out, so I guess that really isn't good!). I have never seen so many carbs on one table. It was a continental breakfast........they had bagels, pastries, cinnamon rolls, toast, english muffins, etc. The only cereal they had decent was sugar coated, and the fruit looked bad. Oh well, we had good intentions!

We DID however walk a million miles up to the water slide lines.....I thought I would pass out before I got up there!!! It might have been MT Everest! I know we got in some activity points too with all the walking and sweating (it was 100 degrees!). We had a blast though.

Linda, you are right about the excitiment wearing off. I have been through that before. I hope we can find ways to keep motivated and not let a bad weigh in here and there get us down. I remember that was HARD to do!
Anyway, we are back on track today.

Oh Paige! i got the Taste of Home 2007 recipe book today. I am gonna go look through it and find some new things to fix....I love cookbooks!!!

To everyone else (there we so many posts while I was gone), have a healthy day and drink lots of water! The summer heat is on!!!

Kim

Oh, I upped my starting weight on my ticker because I was 2 pounds heavier than I thought I was when I started. Bummer, but at least I got those 2 pounds off. My daughter and I went through the new cookbook and marked serveral things that sounded good. We added up points going by the nutritional values in the book, She is looking forward to helping me make some of it!

Kim

Haylo, Ah-Ha! So, that is where I heard of someone being a speech therapist! I asked my daughter yesterday who it was we knew who was a speech therapist, she didn't have a clue and I kept thinking there was someone I knew from someplace... and it was YOU!
Good thoughts, and it is kind of the same as the ENT told me. The sad thing is that the speech therapist who works with the kind of problem that I have at the hospital will be on vacation while I am away and the first appointment I could get was the Thursday after Labor Day. I wonder if, by the time that date comes along, if I will have treated this issue on my own? I already note improvement after doing exactly what you mentioned, Haylo, and I am being really careful and not talking unless I need to as well. We'll see. Maybe I'll be able to cancel that appointment?
I am sure, in a school setting, you treat kids who have a lisp or stuttering kinds of issues as well as just plain unclear speech? I'm sure it's very rewarding to see some kids work through these issues.
Haylo, I also hope you can stay on track when you are with your friends. Seems like those social occasions truly cause us all the worst problems. If you want to hang out longer and run short on beer points, you could always order club soda with lime and it looks like you are drinking to the rest of the world and you don't feel deprived?
Paige, maybe you are right that the lifestyle change thing is working? I really did feel that I blew it all week long. I was beating myself up over it all, but I must have been making some fairly good choices. For the sake of argument, I'd like to examine one night's choices and you will take note that I did "try" even if it wasn't a complete effort.
We went to a place called "The Italian Farmhouse". It's truly on my list of top 10 restaurants. The menu is a typical Italian place, with brick oven pizza, great homemade pastas with all sorts of fat laden sauces. Ordering at places like this can be tricky as what may seem to be a lighter choice, often isn't. When we arrived, we were directed to the bar for a drink while we waited for our table. I had a wine spritzer. It's wine with seltzer or club soda with lemon or lime added. It's light and the calories are much lower than a "regular" beer or wine. It's maybe even one point? So, I had one of those and after we were seated, had second one. After we ordered, we went to the bread table where freshly baked bread awaits you with knives for slicing as well as different kinds of butters and flavored oils for dipping. I had a couple of slices of the bread, but they have tiny loaves so two slices isn't all that much. I even had butter for a change, and boy did it taste great! My entree was chosen based on my hope for a less point/lower fat choice. I had a garlic mashed potato encrusted haddock. It was baked and I doubt there was much fat included at all in it, yet it was nice and tasty. There were veggies served with it, a medley that was probably sautéed in olive oil. I ate and didn't finish my meal, but was very satisfied. I did not order dessert, I had a WW 2 point ice cream cone when we got back to the lake.
Now, in the past, I would have had at least one extra piece of the bread. I would have had at least two glasses of wine and not a spritzer. I would have ordered something really heavy like the fettuccini alfredo, with lobster meat and I'd have ordered dessert to take home, probably a slice of their chocolate espresso cake with mouse filling. I probably saved about 18 points, overall, maybe even more at a place like that.
So, yes, I guess my lifestyle has changed. I enjoyed eating out. I did certainly have more than I would usually eat normally, but I was not completely out of control. But, all week long I worried about having the bread, having butter and not knowing what was exactly in certain foods. Yet, I lost weight.
I was SO careful to earn activity points each day, as well.
Paige, that Chili Mac sounds good, I copied it and will have to give it a try!
Laura, so sorry you don't have AC! I hope you print and save those recipes, I know the one I posted is surely a winner and it sounds like Paige's is as well. One thing to keep in mind is that either of these recipes can be made on a cool morning and then microwave for dinner later on? Also, a good idea for hot days is to use a crock pot and have everything in one pot and even break down (seems wasteful to me, but I may try them) and buy those disposable liners for the crock pot that you can just throw away. I'm all for getting out of the kitchen on a hot night and not slaving over dishes.
I cooked a recipe from my "Make it Easy, Make it Light" cookbook a few weeks ago that was quite nice. It's kind of a pot roast, but has potatoes in it and it's very light compared to my mom's traditional pot roast (still the family favorite dinner, though). If you want that recipes, I'd be glad to dig it out for you. I think one serving of beef and potatoes was only 6 points, you could add a veggie and really have a nice, easy to cook dinner.
Laura, thanks for the reminder on the Tsao's chicken, I'll try that at some point. I've never had "normal" General Tsao's Chicken at a Chinese restaurant, so I wonder if not having anything to compare this with would be even better?
Tech, a .4 loss is better than nothing and I'd take it too! Wow, your 30 pound star??? Congratulations! I am so proud of you! That is quite the achievement. You are really doing it, considering how you rode your bike to the meeting and all! Great job!
Laura and Tech, how far are you two away from each other? It would be so nice if you two met and also, Laura, such a deal to can in a house with AC! I wish I knew all about canning as it's something I have always wanted to do. But, I am a visual learner and truly wouldn't feel comfortable canning, unless I'd seen it done. I would be afraid of food poisoning.
Tech, were you reading a book called "The Artist's Way"? I've not read it, but I have a friend who takes it very seriously. She goes, by herself, to various museums and exhibits. I think it's enhanced her life greatly.
Briza, so off you go towards some new beginnings for yourself. I hope the time goes by quickly so that you can finalize the move and get those kitties with you. That will complete this process for you and give you a bit of closure. Ah, closure, such a trendy word.... sure wish we could put closure on all the pounds we have to lose still. That would be cool!
Kim, such good news that you and your darling daughter (DD) had losses. I think, considering your trip, that was a great success. One of the hardest things I have had to conquer (and still struggle with all the time) is trips and dinners out. I just talked about one such dinner on this lengthy post, and it is so hard to stay in control. So, having to deal with this on your first week and still losing is a very good thing. I would also tell your daughter that she is smaller and a one pound loss on a smaller person is equal to a two pound loss on you! Also, stay for the meetings, this will keep you both on track, learning and motivated. Great job for you both!
Kim, also, keep her involved in planning meals and snack for each day. If she sees logical progression throughout a planned day, she won't begin to feel panic and stress that she won't eat for a long time. For her age, it's important to plan for snacks and desserts into the points she is allowed each day.
By the way, how many points does she get each day?
Take care everyone!!!!

Hello Ladies
Congratulation Linda, Tech, Kim and Kim's daughter on your losses. Way to go.
Paige that recipe sounds yummy. I will have to try it. I do think that it has become a lifestyle change for many here. It is funny how we become more aware of food and exercise. It is awesome.
Briza, I hope all is well. Enjoy yourself tonight.
Tech, that is great you rode your bike to the meeting. Congratulations on your 30 pound star. Good ideas writing goals. Good luck with them.
Laura, wow you are such a busy lady. Your grilled chicken salad sounded very good.
Linda, I haven't heard of the disposable liners for a crock pot. Where can you get them? Way to go fitting into your black dress.
Haylo, sorry to hear about your truck. I hope you have a great time tonight.
Kim, that is great that your daughter is involved in planning meals with you. Have a great week.
Erica, how are you. I hope you are doing well.
Hello Erika, Ginny, Paige2, Emma, and Kim.
I do hope everyone has a great day tomorrow. I go to the dietician and I hope I get weighed. Oh well, good night all. Sorry if I missed anyone.
Take Care
Ann

Linda, you are right and I will keep her involved in meal and snack planning. I was very proud of her. When she had a hamburger, she ordered it with no chesse....(I didn't have to tell her!) and she didn't order fries! So YAY! She is learning!!

I am sorry to hear about the nodules. Take care of yourself, and don't yell at anyone too much!! :D I hate that it will be so long before you can see the therapist. Wow, reading your description of the italian restaurant made my mouth water!! And I am not even hungry right now! YUM!
I do think Paige is right about the lifestyle change. At least you get really aware of what you are putting in your mouth.....

Haylo, hang in there.....the social occasions and vacations are the WORST! It is nice to be home and IN control of what is in front of you. That is not always the case though....

Briza, good for you taking your baby steps........they all add up! That sure beats going backwards! Considering everything you are going through, I would say that is huge! Take care of YOU!

Tech..yay for your loss.....ANY loss is a GOOD loss!!! Take it and run with it! It sure feels good when don't have a gain, doesn't it?

Well, I know I missed part of the posts.....I didn't have time to catch up this morning, but I want you all to know I am glad to be back...it was only a few days I was gone, but it seemed like I hadn't been in touch with you all in forever!!!

Good night to all!!!
Kim

Kim, I think you are doing so well, and so is your daughter.
I have trouble with my daughter getting in her calcium, by the way, and I worry about in her later life. She is not a fan of milk and shies away from getting cheese on a burger now, as well, as she doesn't want to count 2 points just for the cheese. She and I have both become fans of a burger without the roll, no cheese. We lightly salt them and dip them in ketchup, eating with a fork. I think of a hamburger bun as kind of a blah food item, if you ever have a bite that is all bun with no burger in it, it's a pretty bland bread item. Yet, it is the "vehicle" to convey the burger, toppings, etc. I wish someone would develop something better than the usual buns to put a burger in that adds to the entire thing in terms of taste, it would be worth spending points on then. I won't go to other kinds of breads and rolls that are better tasting, though, in this house, as they add even more points!
Speaking of eating out, we head to Rhode Island on Sunday and my first night there will be a challenge, for sure. My in-laws have made reservations for us at their golf club for dinner. Every Sunday night is BBQ night. The club provides a buffet of very tempting accessory items like salads, and goodies and the chef goes outdoors to the grille. It's fun to sit near the grille and watch him. It's an "all you can eat" BBQ... a huge temptation for people like me. The best you could imagine is laid out before your eyes and all you need to do is point at it and they toss it on the grille for you. There is fish, scallops, shrimp, steaks, good/huge burgers, chicken and an array of sauces that they squirt on while your selected food is grilling. The waitress is there, frequently, with cocktails and my FIL picks up the tab. You can order as much as you want, and go back to the buffet as much as you want. I'm going to be careful and pace myself, I think. Swordfish and scallops might be on my plate, and a greens salad (hope there is oil and vinegar) and I'll try to be careful with the extras. They have a habit of putting out huge plates at the end of the buffet of enormous home-baked type of cookies, laden with things like macadamia nuts and chocolate chips, etc. I shall promise myself not to have one. I'll have a treat ready back at the house for myself all ready in the refrigerator.
By the way, does anyone have any low point appetizer recipes that don't seem like they are low in points? My in laws are coming over for a "drink" before we go to the club with them and I need something to put out that won't throw my WW plan over the top. I also want to plan a good dessert to have on hand (will make it Saturday, maybe, and bring it down with us on Sunday and will invite them back for dessert rather than having those cookies!
Does anyone have any blueberry desserts that are good, maybe a low point cheesecake with blueberry topping? I picked tons of blueberries at the lake last week and put them in my freezer when I got home. I will be going through my WW cookbooks looking for ideas, of course.
So, plan for today:

Points allowance: 20

breakfast:
Egg White Omelette:
3/4 c egg whites = 1 point
laughing cow lite cheese wedge = 1 point
sauteed onion and pepper in 1 tsp olive oil = 1 point
fresh diced tomato
2 slices WW toast with butter spray = 1 point

Points remaining= 16

Mid morning snack (going to a quilt meeting and will bring it with me) will be a 2 point WW bar or something equivalent

Points remaining= 14

Lunch:
Boca Burger= 1
WW English muffin= 1
Lite 2% cheese= 1
pickles, ketchup
beets on the side = 0

Points remaining = 11

Mid afternoon snack:
popcorn = 1

Dinner:

Turkey breast cutlet, grilled = 3
salad, Oil and Vinegar = 3
brown rice = 3

Points remaining = 0

Dessert will have to be activity points that I might earn or flex points, I'm running out of time today to get to the gym, so it will probably be flex points - but I will have dessert and will not deny myself and then I shall feel deprived. Oh yes, if I am really pushing it I can have sugar free jello with lite cool whip for just under a point and not count it, but my "fancy" is for chocolate.
By the way, Paige, I know how much you love cake. Have you tried the WW little one point cakes? I know they are nothing like what you adore (or me as well) but they are a decent substitute if you have a craving.
My WW leader commented that she takes one of those cakes and splits it down the middle and serves 1/2 cup ff frozen yogurt over top of it for 3 points. Sounds like a good "cake and ice cream" that is very controlled. I love cake with ice cream.
Do you make your own cake recipes or do you use mixes, or both? I tried substituting applesauce for the oil in a cake mix and it came out really nice, couldn't imagine ever using the oil again after that. You truly couldn't tell the difference, and I wonder why cake manufacturers insist on using oil if it tastes just as good and is very moist with applesauce? Hmmm.... a conspiracy to keep us all FAT???

Hey, it doesn't use my blueberries, but I think this dessert might be a good one, thought I'd share!
http://lowcaldiner.com/Desserts/dess57.html

Right "up my alley" and I'll bet it is only about 6 points, Paige???
Linda

Good morning ladies.
Kim that is awesome that your daughter is already making wise choices on her own. I hope her journey is a fun successful one for her. I have seen people who constantly harp at their children instead of helping them with giving them knowledge to help make wise choices. Yeah for you.

Linda, That peanut butter pie sounds awesome. I love peanut butter. I would make that if there are no peanut allergies. It would be great with coffee. If you decide you still want a blueberry recipe I have a blueberry Sherbet recipe that is 2 points, Blueberry cheesecake that is 5 points, and a Lemon Angel food cake with blueberries for 3 points. If any of those appeal to you let me know and I will type them out.
For appetizers what type of thing are you looking for, I have Nachos Grande at 4 points, Garlic Shrimp tapas at 1 point. Shu Mai Dumplings at 2 points, many other to chose, let me know the points value you want or the type of appetizers.
I am off to get ready for a fun day. It is just another ordinary busy day, but I need to do a few things before people get here. I will post more later.

Have a wonderful day everyone.
Ann

Ooooh! The Garlic shrimp tapas sounds great! I'd like to have two or three things, I might make these low point cheese sticks I made at Christmas, if I can find the recipe. I'm really good a losing recipes.
Bring on the Blueberry Sherbet and cheesecake recipes as well, my DH isn't big on angel food, though, so that wouldn't work. We'll be there for an entire week and there will be other times when a dessert is needed too, so it would be good to have those on hand.
I'm definitely going to make that peanut butter thing as it sounds decadent enough to draw us away from those cookies!
THANKS!!!!
Linda

Goooooood morning all!!!! Today is wi day!!! I think I've been really good, and I have not tracked or menu planned, so we'll see what happens!

Linda-I put the pie recipe into the recipe builder, the only thing was that I couldn't find the reduced fat graham cracker crust, only the regular. I thought that was odd! I had to google the nutrition facts for the reduced fat and add them in. So with that, it ends up being 7pts for 1/10th of the pie, with the recipe making 2 pies. I also tried both ff and light cream cheese, and it doesn't make a difference.
I think you did such a fantastic job going out to eat. Your choices were right on. Dh and I have a date night this weekend, and I'm a little nervous about the food choices we are going to make. We really want to go and do something, but money is quite tight, so I think we are going to end up staying home and making my pizza and renting a movie. The girls are going to be with MIL all weekend, so part of me wants to try out this cake recipe that I want to use for a sculpted cake in a few weeks, but part of me doesn't want the cake around! I have tried those little WW cakes...unfortunatly because of the sugar substitute they use in it, my stomach is unable to tolerate them. I'll get stomach cramps like you won't believe. I thought it was just me, but I found out my sister is the same way.

Kim-WTG on your loss! It is hard to expect a big loss and be a little disappointed, but slow and steady is the best way. I am so excited for your daughter that she is going to be able to make these lifestyle changes young in life. I think you really are doing something wonderful for her.

Ann-Those appetizers sound great! I have a hard time finding low pts ones... I haven't had a dinner party in a long time, mainly because it is difficult to be op and serve my guest food like they are expecting.

Haylo-I'm right there with you on the car troubles. Our one car just had a $700 repair...as soon as it was fixed, our other car started doing the same thing! The brakes on that car need to be done, too, but at least dh can do that. The big repair needs to be done in shop. I hate spending money I don't have on stuff like that!!!

Briza-I hope you do try that recipe...I know you are vegetarian, I think you will really like it. My neighbor's 13yr old dd decided to go vegetarian a few months ago; at first they thought it was just phaze, but she's still going strong. My neighbor was having a hard time finding recipes that she and the whole family would eat, so I shared this one with them. I also brought it to that bbq last weekend, and everyone raved over it...even with the whole wheat pasta.

Oh, I have to tell you guys, too...I have been having that "closed in" feeling lately...I was so excited yesterday because I made a new "mommy" friend! I have a cake decorating website that I frequent, and I met this woman on there that lives about 15 min from here. She has two young children, too. She has a wedding cake coming up, and asked me to airbrush some flowers for her, so yesterday the girls and I went over there so I could do that, and we went swimming too. She and I got a long so well, and we have something HUGE in common (other than our kids!)...cakes! Just very excited.

Anyway...I'll pop back in later to let you all know how the wi went!

Have a great morning everyone!!!!!!!!

Good Morning everyone,
Just checking in to say Hello. Still very busy, just trying to hang on....
Hopefully I'll have more time later to read posts. Hope everyone is doing well!

I've been hanging in this thread for a couple of hours without posting (slaps head) Life got really busy for a bit.

Today is WI - Hoping for a good result!

Waving hello! Hopefully, I'll have time to post more later!

Linda I have a recipe for cheese crisps, 1 point
Cheese straws, 2 points, and cheese ball, 1 point.
Let me know if your cheese one was one of those.

Just wanted to stop in quickly...I was down .6 at my meeting. I had a big loss last week, so I'm cool with a smaller one this week.

I forgot to mention, too (don't know how I forgot!) that I had a NSV over the weekend! I tried on my bridesmaid dress again...I was able to zip it up completely!!! It's still tight, but I was happy.

Hope you all are having a great, op day!

Garlic Shrimp Tapas

makes 8 servings

1 tbsp olive oil
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 pound(24) large shrimp. peeled and deveined,
3/4 tsp dried oregano
1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper

In a very large nonstick skillet over medium heat, heat the oil; then add the garlic. Saute until softened, about 1 minute. Increase the heat to medium-high and add the shrimp, oregano, and crushed pepper; saute, stirring constantly, until the shrimp are just opaque, about 2 minutes.

Per serving (3 shrimp) 45 cal, 2 g fat, 0 g sat fat, 0 g trans fat, 53 mg chol, 62 mg sodium, 1 g car, 0 g fibre, 6 g protein, 15 mg calc.
Points value 1

Paige that is awesome. not only did you lose this week, but you fit into your bridesmaid dress and most importantly you found a friend who you have things in common with. You stars must be aligned well.
I will post more later, I will type the recipes now.

Take Care
Ann

Blueberry Serbet

makes 8 servings

3 cups thawed frozen blueberries
1/2 cup sugar
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
1 envelope unflavored gelatin
2 cups low fat buttermilk

In a large saucepan, combine the blueberries, sugar and lime juice; sprinkle with the gelatin. Let stand 2 minutes. simmer over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar and gelatin completely dissolve, about 3 minutes. Remove from the heat; stir in the buttermilk. Transfer to a 2 1/2 quart freezer-safe container with a tight-fitting lid; freeze, covered until mixture resembles set gelatin, 4-6 hours.

2. In two batches, in a blender or food processor, puree the berry mixture; return to the container. Freeze covered, overnight. Let stand at room temperature 5 minutes before serving.

Per serving about 2/3 cup: 114 cal, 1 g fat, 1 g fibre, 3 g protein,
Points 2

Hmmmm, Ann, the blueberry sherbet sounds fab! I'll have to try that one this weekend!

Drumroll please - I was down 3.8 lbs this week!!!! Doing the happy dance! Seems that if you write everything down when you're doing flex, you lose weight :dizzy::devil::o

Linda this one says to make a basic tart crust. Do you have a basic tart crust, if not here it is.

Basic Tart Crust
1 1/4 cups cake flour
1 teaspoon sugar
1/8 teaspoon salt
4 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, diced
1 egg yolk
2 tbsp ice water

1. In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. With a pastry blender or two knives, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles course crumbs. Stir in the egg yolk, then the water, i tablespoon at a time, until the dough begins to form. Briefly knead the dough with the heel of your hand on a smooth surface. Shape the dough into a disk and wrap it in plastic wrap; refrigerate at least 1 hour.

On a floured surface, roll out the dough into a 12-inch circle. Fit the dough into a 9 inch tart pan, pressing to fit, rolling the dough over to form a rim, and trimming off any excess. Freeze 20 minutes. Prick the bottom with a fork.

For prebaked crust
Preheat the oven to 400 degree F
Line the crust with aluminum foil; fill with dried beans. Bake until the crust is se, about 15 minutes; remove the foil and beans. Bake until golden, 10-12 minutes longer.
Cool on a rack.

Makes 8 servings 3 points per serving

Yeah Laura, that is amazing. Way to go, or should I say weigh to go.
that is awesome....yeah you.

Blueberry Cheesecake

makes 16 servings

1 basic crumb crust.....that is in the previous post

Filling

8 ounces light cream cheese
8 ounces fat-free cream cheese
2 cups fat-free vanilla yogurt
1 cup fat-free cottage cheese
2 large eggs
2 egg whites
1 cup sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extact

Topping
3 cups blueberries
1/2 cup sugar
2 tsp lemon juice
2 tbsp corn starch
2 tbsp water

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degree f. Follow the directions for the Basic Crumb Crust, using a spring form pan. Press the crum mixture into the bottom and 1 1/2 inches up the sides of the pan. Bake and let cool as directed. Reduce oven temperature to 350 deg f

2. In a food processor, blend both cream cheeses,, the yogurt, and cottage cheese until smooth. Add the eggs, egg whites, sugar and vanilla extract and pulse until just blended. Pour the mixture into the springform pan and place in the centre of the oven.

3. Reduce the heat to 325 degree F. and bake until the cheesecake almost sets but still jiggles a bit when shaken, 70-75 minutes. Turn off the oven adn let the cheesecake sit in the oven 1 hour longer. Transfer the cheesecake to the refrigerator and chill at least 3 hours.

4. Meanwhile prepare the topping. Stire the Blueberries, sugar and lemon juice together in a saucepan. Place over low heat until berries release some juice. Bring to a boil.

5. Mix cornstarch and water in a small cup. Stir into boiling berries until mixture thickens and is clear. Cool. spoon over the top of
the cake after the cheesecake is well chilled.

Per serving 1/16 of cake 244 cal, 6 g fat, 1 g fibre
points 5

Paige and Laura.....YAY for your loss! AWESOME!!!
And Paige, that is great that you found someone so similar to you so close!! What are the chances of that happening? How fun!!!

Ann, you are right about people harping on their kids and then not giving them any guidance. I hadn't thought of that. But I am determined NOT to nag her about all this. She is making good choices for now and asking my advice on a few things, so I am tickled to death!

Linda, you will do good with your buffet.....I have faith in you! Sounds like there are lots of good choices you can make (and bad ones too!), so set your goals now before you go....You can do it!!

Ok Ann, those recipes sound wonderful!!!! YUMMMM! Thanks for sharing those with us!! I found a few things in a my new light and tasty cookbook I will have to share.....

Keep your fingers crossed for me....we are going to the lake this weekend with some friends and our kids. That is 2 days of temptation!!! I am very positive right now for me and my DD, but dang......those are the trying times!!

Erica, hope to see you back here in a little while. Hope you are doing good with your busy schedule!!!

Kim

Ok ladies, just one word for the wise.........

I had a dentist appt this morning...........I got home, my mouth was (and still is) numb......I was hungry.....I ate.....I now have a nice bite mark on my lip! And it is starting to hurt. I thought I bit it, but didn't pay any attention.
OUCH!!!!!!
Never get so desperate for food that you are willing to eat while your mouth is numb!!!
Ok, hope that gave you a laugh for the day!

;)

Kim

Kim, it sounds like you are so positive with your daughter. I find that so admirable. Way to go. If you stay excited I am sure she will stay excited too. I think Paige had a good point that you are giving her these skills at a young age and she will have them for the rest of her life. I think it makes it much easier going places if you plan ahead. I know for me when I don't have a plan it is not a pretty event for me. I do try to make wise choices but if I am not prepared I really have to take time when I am ordering. Also when I first started here someone mentioned to ask for my food to be prepared how I would like it. I deserve it. I always remember that now when I am in a restaurant. Funny how that sticks with me. I like easy recipes. I made this blueberry cake recipe one time from a banana cake. I just added blueberries instead of bananas and I hoped for the best. It worked. Yeah.
Linda, that blueberry cheesecake looks like a lot of work, but when I had it, I think it was worth it.
Does anyone know what happens at ww when you get to maintenance? I was just wondering. Maybe it will give me incentive to lose those last 29 pounds.
Erica, how is it going? I hope you are enjoying the summer even though you are extremely busy.

Hello Paige, Paige 2, Tech, Briza, Laura, Haylo, Emma, Ginny and everyone else.

I do hope everyone is having a great day.

Paige, you know what? I couldn't find a single reduced fat/calorie graham pie crust in my grocery store, so I ended up with the regular. In fact, I looked at the other grocery in town a week or two ago and they didn't have the RF ones either, so maybe they are in short supply?
7 points for a serving won't be too bad compared to eating tons of those really gooey cookies and then being "dragged" out for ice cream afterwards, which is the tradition. If I announced that I have a peanut butter cheesecake pie with chocolate sauce (bought the low fat stuff today when I went out to get the other ingredients, but also got the regular hot fudge sauce as I know DH would be rather unhappy to have low fat) then eveyrone will think about that as a treat and we'll have that. It's still higher in points than I would have normally, but a much better alternative to "the usual". I think that is kind of what the new lifestyle thing teaches????
Why not a romantic picnic for your time alone Paige! Even if it's on the living room floor in front of that rented movie. One of my fondest memories is a picnic we planned when we went to Vintage Car Racing at Lyme Rock, Connecticut a few years after we were married. I got one of those really fancy picnic baskets for a wedding gift, complete with checkered tablecloth, all the lovely plastic wine glasses, plates, silverware and little containers for the food, etc. I had prepared this really gourmet feast for us, with wine/cheese/bread/olives and all sorts of things. There was also homemade cake and other good stuff. I was planning this gorgeous fall day outing and it POURED the entire weekend. We spread the tablecloth on the hotel room floor and ate there with the friends we were traveling with who were in an adjoining room. It was a fabulous night, maybe even because it was so odd to be doing this on the floor? No ants, bees, wind, etc., just lots of fun. I remember it as being one of the most fun evenings of my life. I'll bet someone like you could do wonders with a special picnic menu and you could surprise your husband with it all! What fun!
What a shame those WW cakes upset your stomach, Paige. I do enjoy them so much. Now, here is a challenge for you to make mini cakes of your own that are low in points, not cupcakes but little mini glorious cakes that are truly good! I'll bet you could make a business out of them! By the way, I had a recipe for a chocolate cake that used baby food in it, the pureed prunes. It sounded incredibly moist. Something like that would add moistness plus add sweetness. You could experiment and have some fun! I'd buy them for sure!!!!
Sorry about everyone's car repair issues. My car will have to have a 30,000 mile service in awhile and I am contemplating trading it in before that has to be done. It's usually about $600.00 for something like that, and why spend the money on a car that will not be mine in the near future anyway, as it's on a lease. The money could easily be put down on a new lease instead. One time, I found out tires for my older car would cost about $750.00 and I decided not to invest in them, but traded the car in and put that money (and a little more) on the next car instead, I got a brand new car and a warrantee! By the way, my son's old used car was costing us an average of about $300.00 a month in repairs, things kept deteriorating. Even though the car was paid for, it was costing more than payments on a lease would be on a brand new car with a warrantee. So, now he has a 2007 Subaru Impreza and they had an awesome lease deal with $1700.00 down (he got about that for selling his old car) and now he has a 3 year lease for $169.00 a month, everything is on warrantee and all he needs to pay for is gas and oil changes, he's got that 30,000 mile warrantee, so if anything goes wrong, they fix it. I feel he is much safer in a car like that and his gas mileage went up and his insurance went down (due to safety features like side airbags on his new car). Such a deal!
Hi Laura and Erica - good that you are dropping by, even when you are so busy! Hope that you both are staying on program!
Ann, I'd love the cheese straw recipe, sounds good!
Paige, congrats on the loss, even .6 is something. Way to go on the NSV!!!! So glad the dress zipped up, now you will lose a bit more before that wedding and it will look just awesome on you!
I had another NSV today as well. I'm getting ready to go to RI and I dragged out all the shorts I own that were all in one drawer. Amazing that all the pairs that didn't fit last summer fit me now. Also, the size 14 pair I bought to get by with last summer didn't fit at all, they were too big! I can pack every pair except one that still is a bit too tight to want to wear now. The size 15 ones, I can get rid of! I am glad to see them go! By the way, do any of you need a size 14 pair of nice khaki Land's End shorts with elastic built into the waistband? First one to send me a PM with their address gets them mailed!!!!! I'd be glad to pass them on to someone who is transit with sizes. I had to buy those last summer as all the size 10 and 12 shots didn't fit me anymore. Now they all fit and it felt so good to try them on! I also purchased a shirt with kind of a wrap front last summer. I tried it on at the time and it look horrible on me and made me depressed. I tried it on today and it looked good, in fact I think it made me look slimmer and showed a teeny bit of cleavage - which looked kind of nice for a change as it wasn't a fat and bulging thing, just tiny peek!
Ann, thanks for posting that shrimp and blueberry recipes! They sound awesome. I just copied them and will definitely be making the shrimp for Sunday! The rest might be later in the week, I'll bring them with me, all printed.
I bought some large shrimp today (frozen) at the market to bring down in the cooler. They were on sale and a great bargain, and I didn't plan for them to be on sale! Cool! I also checked out the lobster and thought of having chunks of lobster tail with melted butter (a small amount for flavor) mixed with olive oil and garlic to dip it in, but the price was high this week, so I guess I'll not be doing that. Lobster in NH is cheap sometimes, last week it was $5.99 a pound, today is was up to $9.99 a pound. Oh well.
Laura, what a great loss! Writing everything seems to really help, doesn't it?
Ann, do you think a basic tart crust is the same as a pie crust, or would you consider them different? I tend to rely on those Pillsbury pie crusts as they are just sooooo easy! I wonder if that would work about the same?
Well, I had a good day today. I decided to go for flex points and even have a wine spritzer with my dinner. I deserve it!

Someone asked how many points my daughter had........Sorry I forgot to answer this earlier......She and I both have 25 points, which makes it easy for us right now to keep up with eachother......and yes, she is keeping up with me too!

Okies, gotta go......I just remembered I didn't answer that question. Isn't it funny how hours or days go by and you remember little things like that??

Kim

Such good recipes Ann!

Sorry guys, I thought I'd get a few minutes to post last night but it wasn't happening. It's Friday, glorious Friday! Wednesday and Thursdays are long days for me as I start work at the law office at 8 a.m. and work til 4:30, then I go to the funeral home and work from 5-9 p.m. Sometimes at the funeral home, I get to play on the computer if there are no visitations or jobs to be finished, but lately, we've been very very busy. I'm a receptionist and door greeter there so nothing "icky". I usually work a 5 or 6 hour shift on Saturday or Sunday too. I insist on having at least one day off a week.

The problem with the funeral home job is that I have to either eat dinner on the drive between jobs or when I get home. Either one is not the best opportune way to eat but it's what I have to do. Two kids in college this fall - YIKES! Anyway, I digress. I have been struggling with this food issue. A lot of times, I may not be hungry by the time I'm getting to the funeral home but by the time I go home at 9 (sometimes as late at 10-10:30 at night) I could eat wallpaper off the wall and be happy. So that leaves me open for out of control eating. I went to my meeting with the intention of talking to linda our leader (some kind of name coinky dink huh) about what she thought of the issues.

Well lo and behold! Yesterday was "Quick and Easy" foods day at our meeting. We went through what is in your house and how you can avoid out of control eating and/or running to a restaurant/fast food place for your meals. It was a great reminder session on having foods available and also some great options from Linda and our members. I love my meeting. So here's to hoping what I learned sticks. I'm going to start planning (imagine that concept) my meals so I can take them along with me to eat on the drive. I'm going to make them tasty choices and back to packing my frozen water bottles so I have lots of water to drink and I'm going to remember to keep something in the car for the drive home after the funeral home job so I have the starved feeling gone by the time I get home.

I rambled a bit this morning. I'm up early as I'm stressing a bit over my daughter getting home from Connecticut yesterday and we are less than 2 weeks to her moving away to college. I know she'll be fine but it's transitions, transitions, transitions. I know with all of your help and everything I've learned this past year, I will not be eating my way through it this time. Look how far I've come!

Good morning to Linda, who I know is here already and to everyone else.

Paige - I agree with Linda - mini cakes would be a great sideline. Congrats on the weight loss and the NSV. You've been talking about that dress for a while. I'm excited for you. I can imagine myself how that must feel.

O2beskinny- you are doing great and so is your daughter. Storyboard your weekend and visualize what options you will have and how you will overcome eating events. It's a great tool WW gives us.

Tech - isn't this muggy weather a killer? We're off to a Tiger game on Sunday for a company outing. I'm excited!

Ann - love the recipes. THANK YOU! I've copied and pasted them into a word document and moved them to my computer!

Erica - keep at it. The valleys soon become the mountain tops!

Hello to Haylo and everyone else - I can't see any other posts this a.m.!

Ah-ha! It's early in the morning and I now have a new owner for those Land's End shorts. I made a joke about being "sisters of the travelling shorts" like that travelling pants movie (I've not seen it, but it sounds cute). I've always felt that sisters in weight loss ought to share clothes like real sisters do out of the closet!
Kim, it's great that you and your daughter have the same amount of points, considering that she is young you can help her track more easily this way.
I have to ask, you were so concerned the week before you went to your first WW meeting. You were asking yourself things like "Can I do this?", "Will I be starving all the time?"
I want to know if you think you are getting enough food now and if you feel in control or not? We all have our days when we feel like we are just starving, but I wonder if you are now feeling that way?
I think eating healthier is more filling and satisfying. I have so sharply reduced all my carb intake. I used to eat lots of cookies, pretzels, crackers and that kind of thing in between meals. Now, if I have anything, it's a WW type of bar, popcorn or fruit. It makes a huge difference. I also will have a one point low fat mozzarella string cheese "stick" as they are commonly called, once in awhile. I was contemplating maybe trying to figure out a way to bread and bake those or something. I love mozzarella sticks that you can order in restaurants and they come breaded with a side of marinara to dip in. I keep wondering if I can figure out a way to do this with the low fat string cheeses that are one point. I could cut them in half, roll in egg substitute and breadcrumbs and try baking them? I could have 6 halves (3 of the sticks) dipped in pureed diced tomatoes that have been warmed up and maybe a drop of olive oil and a pinch of oregano added and have myself about a 4 point treat??? I wonder if those cheeses would bake well? I'd like that with a salad and it would make a very fun lunch choice if it worked.
Well, time to plan today's food.
Ah, it's Friday... it's also payday! Yeah for paydays! I get a regular check, vacation money (from our savings that has been put away for this) as well as a bonus check this time around! I'm going to drive down to our oil company and pre-pay this winter's heating oil today. That might not seem exciting to all of you, but to be able to use that bonus and do that is a real treat. Each time the oil delivery truck pulls into the driveway to deliver heating oil, I cringe knowing how high the prices have been. Today's "sacrifice" in spending money on this will be truly appreciated in January after we have all our holiday spending behind us and cold weather.
At any rate, back to planning today....

Points allowance= 20 Plus, I have 5 flex points left and today is day 7 of this tracker. I can relax a bit, but not too much!!!!

Breakfast:
Oatmeal, made with calorie countdown milk = 3
Applesauce (unsweetened) = 1

Lunch:
Leftover baked potato, sauteed in 2 tsp olive oil = 5
Three slices lite deli ham (package says 3 slices = 45 calories) over top a salad with the 0 point Wishbone salad spray and one slice lite Swiss cheese
= 4 points
sugar free Jello with 2T lite Cool Whip - 0

Mid-afternoon: Popcorn= 1
Points remaining = 6, plus 5 flex points

Dinner:
Chicken, boneless breast on grille = 3
brown rice= 3
string beans= 0

Points remaining= 0

I have five flex points left after dinner and am not sure if I'll be able to get to the gym as I have so much to do to get ready for our trip. But, I will have dessert of some kind and still have the points to do so!!!
Have a great Friday!

Good Morning everyone,
Well I just wrote out my journal for today, and I thought it would be a good time to post. I'm going to try my hardest to stick to that journal, because.... it is a celebration weekend for me as today is my b-day, and Monday is our wedding anniversary, and we're celebrating it at our favorite restaurant Sunday night. Tonight is also out to dinner.... I have not worked out all summer, and I think today is the day I'm going to start. I think that is probably the most major factor in me not being able to stay on track this summer. Also, I have been testing our new oven and new recipes in our bakery, and that certainly hasn't been helping matters.... especially the molasses cookies, yikes! Hope you all have a great morning!

Yeah Erica,
Welcome back.
Have a wonderful birthday and a happy anniversary.
I think I would be saying double yikes if I had access to good molasses cookies, they are addictive.
Good luck with working out.
Have a great day.

Erica - I'll join you and start working out today too! Let's report back our results! We can pull ourselves through this together!

Linda the basic tart crust is the same as pie crust. One of my friends always uses the graham pie crust for the blueberry cheesecake, and a woman I used to work with used that tart crust. They both went to ww so they had a lot of ww recipes. I think it is all personal taste.

Laura, I love your saying -The valleys soon become the mountain tops! It is so true. That is great that you found a solution for eating with your busy life. Have a great day.
Hello eveyone else. I will post more later.
Have an awesome day everyone.

Good luck to you too with your working out today Laura

Cheese Straw recipe

1 cup all purpose flour
1/2 tsp coarsely gound black pepper
1/8 teaspoon cayenne
5 tbsp cold butter, cut in pieces
1 cup shredded extra-sharp cheddar cheese
1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
3-4 tablespoons cold water

Preheat oven to 375

1. In a food processor combine the flour, pepper, and cayenne. Add the butter and pulse until the mixture forms crumbs. Add the cheddar cheese, Parmesan, and water; pulse until the mixture forms a ball.

2. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and roll into a 9 inch square, about 1/4 inch thick. Cut into 3 x1/2 inch strips, making a total of 48.

3. Place the cheese strips on a large ungreased non stick baking sheet and bake until golden, about 15 minutes. With a wide spatula, transfer the cheese straws to a rack to cool completely.

per serving 2 cheese straws.
Cal 64 fat 3 g, o fibre, Protein 81, sodium 4 g
Points 2


Linda I haven't made these before but I guess you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days.
You can store them in the freezer for up to 3 months.

:bday2you: and Happy Anniversary! :celebrate:
Wow, two things at once!
Erica, good girl with the journal and having a plan. At least you'll be getting the two big occasions out of the way in one weekend - as for me, I have a birthday in February and an anniversary in June, so two weekends of celebrations vs. getting it all over with at once for you!
I know, for me, I've had some great changes in myself since I started going to the gym regularly. It's easy to put it off and be "too busy" to go, I had just gone through that for today and have decided to make it happen, even if I have lots to do. Today, I will put special focus on my abs. Earlier this week was upper body and have I told you all lately how much I hate upper body work? OH well, it's good for me and I'll continue. I have yet to take note of improvement in my flabby underarms. I should ask at the desk if there is another machine that I can add to my routine for that. I'm supposed to work upper body one day and lower body/abs the next day and rotate. Maybe I should at least do the flabby upper arm exercises each day I go, no matter what? I feel that is what contributes to making my body look "old" and it's what is bothering me the most about myself right now.
Maybe I should take my 2.5 pound weights to RI with me and do tricep and bicep exercises each day while there?
I PROMISE to do my journal each day of vacation, as I did before. Maybe it will help me keep on track?
Erica, I know there are lots of things standing in the way of your success right now. I know it would be so hard for me if I had to do baking for a farm stand like you do. But, you are in control, don't ever forget that. The food is not in control of you, you are in control of the food! How profound! :rofl:

Linda that is a wonderful idea to pay for your heating now so that it doesn't make you poor in the winter.
Laura and Erica have fun working out.
I think I had too much coffee today, I want to keep typing, and babbling.
Have fun today everyone.

Lots of crossed posts!
Laura, I'm joining you and Erica in working out today! We'll all report back later about it!
Ann, that cheese straw recipe sounds awesome, I'm going to have it with my shrimp Sunday evening. It will all be a hit!
Take care and thanks!

Holy schmoly, I can't believe how many post there are already! It's only 8am! LOL!

Happy Friday everyone! There has been such a DRASTIC change in the weather here! It has been 90's and muggy the last few weeks...today it's rainy and a high of 61! LOL!

Linda-For the peanut butter pie with the REGULAR graham cracker crust, it was 9 points. FYI! Thanks for the picnic suggestion! I think we have figured out some things to do (I feel like we are such old "foggies" that we don't know what to do with a weekend w/o the kids!) Our county's annual fireman parade is tomorrow, and there are fireworks at night, so I think we're going to go to that. There is also a kind of "quaint" looking flea market called Fiddler's Market that I had wanted to check out. It is nestled in some woods, and they have a bunch of other stuff set up besides flea market stuff. I think we are going to rent a movie and make pizza, too. I LOVE Hawiian pizza, so I had wanted to make some of that, and dh was going to get some turkey pep to put on, too. When we make it for the girls, we always have to do 1/2 with bbq sauce instead of pizza sauce!
Yeah, it really stinks that those cakes bother me, because they are good. It's funny that you had mentioned coming up with low pt cake recipes because yesterday I found a "job" (not really a job, though) offer...this company is looking for recipes for cookies and brownies that are gluten free. If I submit a recipe and it is one that they want to make, I get $150. If the recipe gets put into their product line, I get royalties. So today I am researching gluten free ingredients. From what I know from my classes, gluten would come from the flour, but I'm sure it extends beyond that. I really should also try to come up with low points cake recipes, though. I bet my chocolate cake I could turn in to low (lower) pts. It's the frosting that would be the tough part.
You pay your oil bill all at once?! I can't imagine being able to do that! We are on a capped payment plan, but the monthly payment on that has gotten so high that we struggle to pay it. We are capped at a lower price/gallon...I can't imagine how much we'd pay if we weren't on it. I know last year we ended up saving something like $4k. That is awesome, but our monthly payment now is as much as a car payment. And we wonder why we can't make ends meet?!

Laura-Congrats on the AWESOME loss!!!! Our meeting was that topic yesterday, too...wish I had realized it because I would of printed off some recipes and brought in to share. I used to get the same way when I had late night classes. I wouldn't be hungry (or I'd just be busy) before I left for class, but when I got home at 10-11, I was starving and just didn't care what I ate. Maybe when you make meals, you could make sure that there are leftovers so that you have something that is "safe" that you can just throw in the micro?

Erica-HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!! HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!!!!!!!!!! I have no advice for you, either, on the baking. I am hoping that I am not going to be in the same position when I start my xmas cookies.

Ann-You've posted some really great recipes...thanks!

Not much is happening in my part of NY here today, I guess. I have to get a CT scan tonight, though. I saw an ENT earlier this week, and he couldn't really tell me anything without me having the CT of my sinuses first. I at least was happy that he didn't blow me off, and did say that sinus headaches could trigger migraines. I don't know...I kind of feel like he's a dead end, though. I didn't care much for him...no personality at all; very monotone!

Gotta go break up a fight! UGH!

Sorry I don't have time to chat just wanted to stop in and post my progress. On my three goals for the week after one day I'm 2 for 3. I tracked my food and was w/in points and went to Curves. But when I got home I was in a crabby mood and had a glass of wine with my snack and then had another with dinner as I had planned. I did stop at two though, last week I would have kept going so that's progress.

Off to go pack my lunch and get on my bike for the ride to work. Hopefully it clears up a little so I can go for a ride after work.

Laura - this heat and humidity can go away any time!!!!

Have a great day everyone. I'll try to catch up after work.

-Tech

Wow! You guys were busy typing this morning!!!

Linda, you asked if I feel in control/still hungry....The answer is sometimes. I am hoping that will get better and I think it is. I am already noticing I am feeling fuller sooner than I use to. I don't know if it is true that your stomach 'shrinks', but that is what it feels like. Last night we went to my daughter orientation (she is starting middle school, yikes!), and my Father in law is in town......he went with us and decided to take us to Red Lobster (didn't know this before I left). I thought I was making decent choices, but this morning when I looked them up, I think my DD and I ate a weeks worth of points. We were both very upset. I even skipped a margarita to save points.....I wish now, I had had one!!! Those are the things you can't plan for. Needless to say we probably won't lose this week. We went WAY over our points. Oh well..such is life, I guess. So today.......no, I don't feel in control at all. I am not letting my daughter know this though, I am trying to stay positive for her (or should I say...In FRONT of her!)

Erica........HAPPY BIRTHDAY and ANNIVERSARY!!! How many years??? My hubby and I just celebrated our 20th on June 20th this year!!

And Yay to you Erica, Laura, and Linda for starting work outs!!

To all of you having a cool down....I am jealous. It is almost 100 degrees again today, and too miserable to do anything.....The house doesn't even stay cool. I am ready for fall.....

Okies, well, I am going to try to perk myself up over the screw up last night.

Kim

Kim-That just sucks about Red Lobster. It is really difficult, even when you have been a WW for a long time, to make good restaurant decisions.
Wow, it sure is hot where you live. Right now it is 56 degrees here! And yesterday it was almost 90!

Hello everyone,

I haven't had a chance to read posts b/c I have been busy trying to get my car fixed, they didn't fix it right the first time. Anyways on my way to pick it up so hopefully I will be able to get to reading everyone's posts.

Yikes about the Red Lobster Kim! One thing that I've found helpful is to go to Dottie's and scope out a lot of the places where you might eat out - I did Red Lobster, Applebees, Olive Garden, McDonalds, Burger King, Wendy's, etc. when I first started and did what our leader says to do - pick a good choice, then a better choice and then a best choice and try to come up with pt ranges for some of their entrees. One of the tools our leader says to do is to ask to have the bread basket held or if you are with others, ask them to keep it on their side of the table. You have to purposely ask to have it passed that way. Ask to have the salad dressing on the side or just ask for vinegar and oil option on the side. Most restaurants these days have a low cal or fat free version of ranch or something else. Have them hold the cheese and croutons on the salad or pick it off. Ask for a take out container right when you order. Slip 1/2 of your meal right away into the take out container. CLose it up and put it aside. If everyone is having dessert and you are satisfied, order a nice cup of tea, flavored coffee, fat free (skinny) latte or cappachino and drink that while everyone is eating dessert.

It's okay to have "ooppss" moments. You can't be perfect right from the beginning. Just go prepared. If possible, print some of the restaurant points and put them in your purse or glove box so you can refer to them if you get that position again.

Best of luck. Don't beat yourself up. Learn from what went wrong and go forward.

Hi Paige, I have asked my friend to send me some gluten free recipes as her daughter is on a gluten free diet. You can maybe adapt them to your own with ease. Hopefully she emails me some.
Tech, I think you need to step away from the wine bottle. I am just having fun. Have a great day.
Haylo, I do hope your car gets fixed. Or better yet you could walk instead of driving. Wow I am full of ideas today....too much coffee I guess. Have a great day.
Laura, I find that I pack a days worth of points for myself and put it in a cooler bag and then I eat it throughout the day. If I have to go out somewhere I just grab my cooler bag and I am set. People laugh at me when I tell them I do this. I cut up peppers, cucumbers, carrots. I place them in separate baggies so I can grab a baggie out of my cooler bag. I put in an apple or banana. I put in a fibre one bar or something like that, and a yogurt.I also sometimes put in a sandwich. I count the points for the day and journal it as I am making it. I also put four bottles of water in a bag and then I make sure I drink them by the end of the day. I don't count my supper in the cooler bag, but if I worked at night I probably would.
Briza how are you doing. I do hope you are doing well and adjusting to your change. Remember to take care of you.
Erica, Linda and Laura, how did the exercise go today.
Erica, how was your birthday. I hope it went well. I also hope you have a great night out.
Linda, Have a wonderful vacation. Enjoy yourself.
Kim, I did that too, I really believed I was making wise choices and then got home and found out I had about 40 points in one meal....yikes.
Doesn't red lobster have the lighthouse choices. They are healthier choices. This is all part of the learning experience. Good luck.
I started to walk more because one time I had eaten way more points then I had anticipated so I thought if I walk I can try to change the total effect that meal had on me.
Paige 2, where are you?
Hello to anyone I missed like, Ginny, Emma, and Kim from Newfoundland, oh yes and Erika too. How are you?

Have a great night all.

Okay, got 20 minutes of fast bike riding in. I'm dripping sweat right now. And am breathing hard. That counts right?

I was going to go to Dottie's web site, but we didn't know where we could go. I thought "how hard can it be to figure out what I should have?". Red Lobster is one of the worst in points. I didn't see the lighthouse items. And Boy did I look. I don't know if it was just our Red Lobster or what. You are right though, I will go to the website and make copies of any place I might go and keep it in my car. Had I known that was where we were going, I sure would have looked. Live and learn, huh??? I have heard 'A mistake is only a mistake if you don't learn from it"......Well, I learned!!! So, I am ok now. Just bummed at first!

We are leaving in the morning (in about 8 hours) to go to the lake with some friends, we will spend the night and come home Sunday afternoon. I am packing lots of 'friendly' snacks for my DD and I. We will go out to eat to some hole in the wall restaurant, but I will still take my dining out book and compare a similar item from several restaurants. That is the best I can do with that one. It is a small town and no 'big name' places. But I am not gonna beat myself up whatever I do. I will do the best I can.

It is going to be 101, 102 and 105 degrees the next few days.....I think we will stay in the water and not get out.......I am so tired of the extreme heat!!!!

Ok, I will get back with you ladies when I get home Sunday.

Have a wonderful weekend!!!

Kim

Good morning ladies.

Kim, Have a wonderful time at the lake.
Laura, way to go with the bike riding.
Well have a wonderful day everyone.
Ann

Morning Ann! How's program going?

Kim, enjoy the lake and spend lots of time in the water. Think of all the APs you could earn.

Well I'm up early again for a Saturday. Wish I'd sleep in a bit more. I'm off to work this afternoon around 3 p.m. and have to get some housework done today - blech. The nephew is coming over to work on my son's car so that should be an extravaganza day. Glad DH has someone to help him though.

Not much planned besides work. I should figure out the day's meal plan so I can take something appealing to work with me today.

Have a good one everybody Wonder how Tech, Haylo, Erica, Paige, Paige2, Linda and everyone (Sorry if I missed your name) are doing - check in guys!

Good Morning everyone,
Thanks for all of the birthday wishes. My DH and girls got me an Ipod for my b-day which I'm very excited about. Music is the one thing that has always determined a successful workout for me. Dinner last night wasn't too bad.... and it's over!

Laura- let's do it! I did go for a walk yesterday AM, and now that I'm putting all of these tunes on my IPod, I'm thinking of starting to run again. I really attribute the lack of scheduled exercise in my life, to me gaining 10 pounds this summer.

Kim- Kim, we've been married for 14 years.... This is fun week for us for sure. Have a great trip!

Ann-hello, how are you doing these days?

Linda- you are so right about me being in control.... now I just have to win!!

Well, back to putting some more music on.... I can't wait to use it!

Hello :)

I just started WW on Tuesday and I am anxious for my first WI. I have been On Plan with my points -> water, fruits/veggies, dairy and protien. I know I am supposed to stay off the scales, but every morning when I weigh, I am up a pound and then back down that pound from what I was at WI.

Grrrr.. My hope is that I at least lose 1/2 a pound on Tuesday.

I'm looking for encouragement. Thank you for listening. :)

Paige, thanks for the points value on the pie. If I knew it was going to be 9 points per slice, I might have passed on it. However, I did buy all the stuff and made promises. I'll make sure my portion is small. Gosh, that's almost as high as having an ice cream sundae, I think? Well, maybe not that high?
DH tells me that the router he borrowed from work is not working and that means that I might not have Internet access after all in RI. So, if you all don't hear from me, that is why. I'm bummed. He might let me use his work computer to go on line, but he is very sensitive about it and it is our livelihood, after all. He is self employed and his computer is truly our "life". Last year, by the way, his laptop got dropped and was completely dead and we, unexpectedly, had to pay the price of a new one and for someone to retrieve all his stuff off the hard drive. His laptops run about $2K, as they are super powered vs. the average machine you see in a department store now. It was a tough expense to have to bear, unexpectedly. So, at any rate, I may not be on line or at least, very rarely. What major chains have WiFi? (think that is what you call it?). I know Starbucks does, and maybe MacDonald's? Any others? I'll bring along the laptop and if I get bored, I can go out and get an iced coffee and check my mail.
Your version of Hawaiian Pizza sounds quite different from what we get up this way, Paige. Usually that means ham and pineapple up here in NH, but pepperoni and BBQ sauce are sure different sounding. What else goes on yours? My acid reflux is unhappy just thinking about the BBQ sauce with pepperoni, by the way! It's funny, I must "salivate" when I envision certain foods. Envisioning spicy things like Mexican and stuff like that, truly makes me "burn" in my throat, but I have been having throat issues lately, so maybe that is related? I must look up, on line, preferred diets for people with acid reflux, I guess and try to incorporate that into my eating a bit.
Paige, DH and I are getting used to being "single" lots of the time without our kids. At first, it seemed so strange and now we have settled back into being the people we used to be before the kids came, for the most part. Last night, we checked out an indoor go cart track (DH would just LOVE to go there) and we also checked out a new BJs wholesale club that opened really close to us. The grand opening is today and there was a preview last night. We are unsure as to weather we would join. This place is right over the border of MA and about 2 miles from the house, but in MA one pays 5% sales tax and I am not sure if the savings we would get by being members would be worth paying the 5% tax? We'd have to pay $45.00 a year to be in this. In NH, there is no sales tax, so shopping up here vs. in MA is always cheaper.
Paige, I'm pretty sure oatmeal is gluten free (but check it out first to be sure), you could use a blender and make an oat flour to use. By the way, I've seen mini loaf pans that people make mini corn breads in that would be good for mini cakes. Frosting is tough, but maybe some kind of glaze that would act like a frosting would do the trick, then a bit of decorator frosting might add a small amount of calories, but not enough to count that much? Just thinking.... We really love a candy store in Portsmouth NH where they make all their own chocolates and other confections. I asked a woman, once, what she used as filling in her homemade "Almond Joy" candies. They were incredible. The base for her coconut "cream" type of filling was mashed potatoes. I was amazed, as I never tasted the potato in them, but they were awesome. So, I guess innovative pastry chefs (and regular chefs) need to think outside of the box?
Also, our oil use for the entire year, last year, was 1033 gallons of oil. We pre-bought at $2.599 per gallon. Not great, but it surely might be up over $3.00 a gallon by January. Years ago, we started to put away enough money, monthly, to "escrow" to pay our oil up front each year. Maybe a decade or so ago, we had a few very bad years, financially, right after Christmas and during prime heating season we were in real financial danger. We had to devise our own personal escrow financial system to save up for Christmas (like a Christmas club at a bank), unexpected car repairs, heating oi and car insurance. We put aside money every month, like a car payment and treat is seriously. It amounts to about half our monthly mortgage payment, and it "hurts" to do this, at least at first, but then the money is there when these bills come and we collect interest on it. If something really important comes up, we can borrow from these funds and pay ourselves back. If you ever want to know more of how we do it, I'd be glad to explain it more in a PM. Every time we get an income tax refund, (he claims married 0 so we can get a really nice refund each year, a great way of forced savings) we put away about a thousand in our escrow fund for heating oil. Income tax refunds are what seeded this entire fund to start us off. This way, we have the money to pay for important things each year whenever we need it. I figure we probably saved enough over about 5 years pre-paying for heating oil, to pay for one of the years. I have taken money out of savings and paid ourselves back monthly, a few times, just to take advantage of the better summer prices. But, you need to be disciplined, just like in weight loss to pay yourself back. It's all about planning ahead, just like our daily trackers help us budget our points, having an escrow account is an essential thing in running our household budget.
The year Katrina hit the gulf coast, we saved the most as we paid three weeks before that storm came. I think we paid something like $1.99 a gallon that year and it was up over $3.00 a gallon and higher by Jan. of that year. When we first started this, we used to pre pay about half of the oil and kind of built up to this over the years. Now, we pay for all of it and it's so nice to not be scared each year during Jan. and Feb. when the heating costs are highest. I'm sure that is more than you ever wanted to know about our oil costs. I'll shut up now!
Kim, we have all had nights where we eat out and are regretful of what we had eaten and misjudged the points. We need to practice forgiveness and get right back on program the next day. Don't worry. You'll probably have a loss this week anyway. Be positive and get your daughter to go walk, swim or do something physical today to make up for it and also drink one or two extra glasses of water today. Places like a Red Lobster use lots of sodium to flavor their dishes, adding extra water will help to flush it away.
Haylo, a shame about your car! I hope it's back and working ok by now?
Laura made a good point about using Dottie's Weight Loss zone, Kim. By the way, I just got an idea. Why not look up, ahead, the placed you would dine at locally and make up a "crib sheet" to fold up inside your wallet. Then, when the unexpected dining out experience happens, you can peek in your wallet and see that you wrote about 3 or 4 safe choices for each of these dining establishments. Read THAT instead of the menu! I think I will try that as time permits. I get thrown at certain places as I estimate that certain entrees might be OK, but then they arrive and I can tell it was the wrong choice. The mini burgers at Ruby Tuesday was something like 36 points! A sirloin steak was 5 points and that, with a baked potato (3 points) would have been so much smarter with a GOOD choice visit to their salad bar. Silly me!
Kim, I just read what you said about putting a list in the car - you are already thinking ahead. Good girl! Now, just one other piece of advice, order plain food if you are in a "hole in the wall" place and have no idea what points are. Grilled boneless chicken breast salad, steak, baked potato (as above) are usually prepared with no added fats, or at least very little. Some steakhouses actually put butter over tip of steaks when they come off the grille, ask for them not to if you think they do.
True confession, I just never made it to the gym yesterday. Time was not on my side. But, DH and I walked all through the new BJs last night for over an hour and it was a rambling walk, but still a walk for an hour. So, I at least can report I had some activity. What would you call a rambling one hour walk for AP, 2????
Well, I'm getting off line and will check in when I have the chance. DH just wandered over and said he thinks he may have the wireless router working, so maybe I'll be on line then after all!
Take care, enjoy, plan ahead! Planning is everything!

Wow it seems I missed a lot in these couple of days. Well I went to WI and I was down 3.2 pounds yeah!!!! And my car is back, they wanted me to spend another 215 dollars to fix another part after I had already spent 250 but I told them to leave it alone, because the other part wasn't a necessacity.

It seems like everyne is doing well and has been busy.

Derry: I hope you are able to rest your voice enough so that maybe you don't have to go the the speech therapist. Yes you are right, it is rewarding to help kids and seem them have sucess on something they work so hard on.

ann: How is your excercise going?

paige: I saw that the titans were going to play the houston texans, I seriously thought about getting tickets for that game but when I looked a lot of them were sold out. Oh well, I will watch it on tv, besides I have to get ready for all my Texas Longhorns football games, the season is starting sept 1st.

Hey everyone!! Sorry to have been MIA this week... but it was my first week back to work and it just about did me in!!! We had to work 7-5:30 all week so that we could have Friday off which sounds great... but it gets better!!! The a/c at work was out all week!!!! And of course it was the hottest week of the summer so far! The heat index was over 100 degrees!! By the time I got home I was just exhausted!!! I had big plans to go exercise on my lunch break... but the idea of going and sweating some more to go back into a hot office just wasn't very appealing!!!

Yesterday on my day off I went on a photo shoot with a friend that is a fabulous photographer... she is kind of my mentor and I'm taking an online class that she is teaching as well. It was a blast and I got some great photos... You can check them out here (http://pagebypaige.org).

I was suppose to take the kids to a back to school party today but it didn't happen... of all the STUPID things I did something to my back this morning when I decided to empty the dishwasher!!!! I turned around to grab a glass and a shooting pain hit me like a train!!! I can't sit or walk without this horrible pain in my lower back... so right now I'm in bed with a heating pad. I guess it's getting a little better but I've been trying to get up and walk around a bit and by the time I make it back to the bed I'm in pain again!! Stupid! Stupid! Stupid!!! It's so embarrasing... I feel like a little old woman hutched over with my hands on the wall to brace myself!! Good Grief!!

I'm hoping that I'm better tomorrow so that I can do some cooking for the next couple of weeks!! This week is going to be a tough one as I have 3 luncheons at work this week...

Congrats to those that lost this week... I stayed exactly the same!! Which is frustrating but at least it wasn't a gain so I'll take it!!!

Great recipes these past few days... anyone else have any that are true and tried before I start my cooking spree tomorrow????

Hello everyone.
I hope you are all having a great day.
Paige 2, what a bummer that you hurt your back. I do hope you are feeling better real soon. What type of recipes are you looking for? Main dishes, casseroles, soups? Let me know and I will look for some.
Haylo, my exercise is going well. I am just getting discouraged as the dietician didn't let me get weighed on Thursday, maybe this Thursday I will get weighed. I find it frustrating because it is my way of telling how I am doing. How is your exercising going. We should start our competition again. Ladies get out your pedometers.....Have a great weekend Haylo.
Laura, I didn't see your post this morning. I left the computer on and went shopping. I am doing well. I am eating on plan and exercising but other than that life seems pretty normal. So many children over here playing. It is fun though. Have a great day.
Erica it is nice to see you posting. I do miss your posts as I find you inspire me. Don't mean to put pressure on you but I find value from your posts. Thanks for that.
Paige How was your date? I do hope you have a wonderful day.
Linda How is your day. I do wish you are having a great vacation once again. Two vacations in one summer, wow.
Tech, how are you. Is the weather nice so you can be out riding your bike?
Briza how is it going?
Kim, it is hot here now and I was complaining. I shouldn't complain though as your temperatures are much higher. Enjoy the lake.
I do hope everyone has an awesome day.
I am really tired, I think it was from being out in the heat today.
Talk to everyone soon and sorry if I missed anyone.
Ann

Paige2-I just came on super quick and saw your post about your back. If it doesn't clear up, definatly go see the chiropractor. Mine is also in medical therapy, and he told me that a back injury goes away more quickly the sooner it is treated. A lot of people "wait it out" and it ends up taking twice as long to heal. I have a herniated disc with the recent pinched nerve, so I am in PT three times a week. I don't know if you "wrench" your back often, but don't mess around with it! I'm 27 yrs old, and worry every time that my back acts up that it is going to mean surgery.

Anyway...gotta run!

Haylo, great job on the loss! Awesome! Paige2, sorry you've had such a busy week. Hope things calm down. Sorry, also, about your back. Hope things get better.
Ann, you seem to be the queen of recipes! I wish I lived near you so we could borrow cookbooks back and fourth, I have tons as well. And, you said it was nice to have two vacations in one summer, what about three? I'm going back up to the lake by myself this time the last week in August. My daughter is going to Ocean City, Maryland that week with her friend (I'm sure you all remember that?) and my son will be working full time and husband will be in NYC, so why not go? We pay so dearly in taxes for that cabin on the lake and I may as well use the place, right? I'm inviting two of my high school friends up, over night. We grew up in the same neighborhood and have kept in touch and now we are "old ladies" (not considering myself old for sure!!!) who are all over 50 and we can make this kind of a reunion of sorts. We'll see if they come. If not, I'm going to spend the week up there on my own and I shall like that no one will dictate what I will do other than me for a change. Being a mom of two and wife, I seldom call the shots and have it all my way. So, it will be an "all about me" weeki and I shall enjoy it! Ha!
Well, I am here in RI and typically this house is filthy. It's always an annoyance to me to arrive to spend a week here and spend the first couple of days cleaning. This house has four names on the deed, my husband, his brother and my in-laws. The in-laws never stay here as they live about 15 minutes away, so my brother in law and wife are primarily the ones that use the place. We tend to go up to the lake, which is the cabin my family owned but we "pay our dues" and come down here once every summer to make my in-laws happy, basically. I get so annoyed with my sister in law as it looks like this place wasn't cleaned since the last time we were here, last summer. If I shared a home with someone else and knew they were coming and I was leaving, I would scour the place before leaving and make sure that, at the very least, the kitchen sink was cleaned and that other people's hair (eeeeewwwww) was not all over the bathroom floor, pretty gross. So, today, (and, yes, all the cleaning products that I bought last year don't seem to exist any longer) I will head up to Walmart and spend about a hundred dollars on cleaning things and work my butt off. You can surely expect that I will earn activity points enough to make up for the dinner out last night as well as our meal (and that peanut butter pie!) that we plan this evening. I've had friends say to me, "Why don't you have a chat with your sister in law about the cleanliness of the place?". But, that is my husband's job to do, it's his family not mine, and he doesn't want to "rock the boat". At least I can be thankful for the activity points?
One day, when my in-laws are no longer around (I love them and hope it will be many years from now, actually) I will not come to this house and both DH and I will allow my brother in law and wife to buy out our share of this place and say "good riddance". They seem to love it here and we will gladly bow out of it. But, it is in our best interest to spend some time and money on upkeep when we are here one week each summer as it's protects our investment, so to speak.
So, off I go to shower, breakfast (I brought my fruit and oatmeal with me!) and then head up to the store to buy mostly cleaning stuff and then a bit of food as well. Amazing to spend your vacation washing floors and scrubbing things, isn't it? Hmmm......
Take care. Oh yes, is someone wants to re-start the thread, that would be a good idea. I can't really do that with this laptop very easily. Also, please forgive that I have no spell check on this tiny laptop. I'm lucky to have it and be online when I am travelling, though, so no complaints from me!

A link to the new page....

http://www.3fatchicks.com/forum/showthread.php?p=1812752#post1812752