General Diet Plans and Questions - Doin' it the old fashioned way #5!

Hi,
Welcome! This is our fifth thread-I am so glad! We have had quite a few people posting on this thread, and a ton of people reading the posts, even if they aren't posting themselves! I am happy we have been successful thus far-we are all smaller since this thread got started, and hopefully I can motivate some more of you out there to join us!
For the newbies, I started this thread to motivate and join forces with women who are losing their excess weight by limiting their calorie intake and exercising. You can use a calorie book, Weight Watchers point system, or a Richard Simmons food mover guide-it is all just different ways of keeping track of the same thing.
This way of life is the only thing that has worked for me as far as losing a large amount of weight and keeping it off-to maintain goal weight you just up your food intake to a bit larger level than to lose.
I don't use pills-especially any with ephedra/ephedrine, any gimmicks, or crash diets. I try to make healthier choices and substitute healthy cooking methods in fatty recipes. Exercise is a daily part of my regime.
My weight problem stems from emotional eating binges of mostly sugary starchy food, and we talk here about that issue also.
I beleive prescription aids are not right for me, and that even in extreme cases, bariatric surgery should only be considered as a last resort. I think a lot of times people try every quick fix in the book and just don't understand why they cnnot lose weight.
We share a lot of information here, and tons of support-we urge you to post here, or if you feel more comfortable you can just lurk.;)
I find that this plan, while I make healthy choices daily, lets me have the occassional treat and not feel deprived. I am not swearing off a certain food, or only eating a certain combination of foods. I can eat out, or at a party. It may seem like a lot to keep track of at first, but it does get a lot easier-you soon learn to memorize the calories in your foods you eat regularly.
Please join us!
Aphil
202/189/13 lost-first goal 160

Hi aphil!

Yes, doing it "the old-fashioned way" is probably the best for me. Pills scare me and are unnatural and are just a temporary fix. Eating sensibly, with occasional treats; and fitting exercise in regularly is what I want to do.

I guess the thought of calorie counting is daunting to me - what kind of reference do you use? Like a little pocket book of foods with calorie counts? Do you figure meals first, with approximate calories; or just actually what you have eaten? I guess hearing about someone else's game plan might help me.

Any idea of what my calorie intake should be? (Female - 41 yrs.- will be trying to exercise at least 5X weekly - *and I JUST got on the scale, which I haven't done in months - I am 176 lbs., and I feel I would be healthy/happy somewhere between 140-150 lbs.) Thanks for your support!! :)

Holly,
You might want to try about 1500 calories a day. You can get a good calorie count book at a bookstore. You can also get that information at restaurant websites.
Until you get used to it, try to eat a certain amount of calories at each meal, then you can switch it a bit as you go along.
Try this-
breakfast-300
lunch-400
snack-100
dinner-600
snack-100
After a while it gets easier and you don't have to measure out everything or look in the book. Your favorites you will remember.
Hope that helps!
Aphil

Hi Everyone, I haven't been on in quite a while. Some crazy things going on at home and it is making it hard for me to stay focused. Aphil, I read the thread that you posted to Vermont Mom. I like how you broke down the calories for the day, I think I am going to give it a try.

For everyone else here is a little about myself. I am 43 years old. Married for 22 years and mother of 5 children. 4 girls, 1 son. Ages are 21, 19, 16, 12 and 9. No wonder I am going gray (Lol).
I used to belong to Weight Watchers. I started at Weight Watchers weighing in at 198lbs. It took me 10 months and I lost 65 lbs. Boy was I proud of myself. We maybe I got to cocky or what but I lost my focused and have gained back 30 lbs. Now I am trying to get back on track. I used to walk outside or on my treadmill 3 miles or more everyday. Now if i even get on my treadmill i am lucky. Any suggestions from anyone who be really appreciated.
Thanks
Debbie

Hi,
Feelingblue-what you need to realize is that there are peopl without weight problems-those that either can eat whatever they want and not gain, or that they have a natural control and only eat when they are hungry-then there are people like us-we crave food and we emotionally eat-we ARE NEVER GOING TO BE ONE OF THE OTHER PEOPLE! No matter how well we do or how long we keep off the weight-it is still a daily struggle. You must accept that fact if you are going to succeed. We are never going to be a naturally thin person.
Try writing down 50 reasons why you want to be thin and fit on a sheet of paper-then try to write down as many on another sheet why you don't want to-other than not wanting to exercise and eating what you want to-it's hard to write m=down much more than that. Nothing worth it is easy...Keep those papers in you purse or on the fridge-and read them every day when you are tempted to eat or not to exercise.
When you don't want to exercise-try doing something small at least-you'll feel better if you do.
VermontMom-The reason I calorie count is because while I make healthy choices-I like to eat out occassionally, or have a trip to Taco Bell now and then ...I am human and I can't avoid foods like this always.
I organized the calorie counts, because newbies do one of two things-they save a ton of calories to eat at dinner and are starving all day, or they use up too many of them by midday, and don't have enough left for a decent dinner.
Here are some good substitutions for regular higher calorie foods, and some good ones for your snacks:
Wonder Light bread-40 calories a slice (regular bread can be up to 80 a slice)
Banana-100 calories for a smaller one-a filling snack
small apple-80 calories
packet of instant oatmeal-110-140 calories depending on flavor
Slim-Fast shake-220 calories-great for a quick breakfast if you don't have time to fix anything
If you drink coffee or tea, try to use sweetener instead of sugar to save calories
When I make garlic toast for my kids, I butter theirs, but use Pam spray on mine for no added calories...
If you go out to eat, here are some good choices-Bob Evans fruit plate-250 calories, Taco Bell chicken fiesta burito-370 calories, KFC honey BBQ sandwich-310 calories-a lot better for you than the deep fried chicken,
Any cereal by Kashi is great-low calorie, high in soy protein-so it's filling and great for women,
Drink a lot of water-it's great for your body, and it keeps you feeling full.
If your family hates skim milk, try 1%-it's not as watery, and it has less calories than 2% or whole
I hope some of these suggestions help! You may also try to find low fat recipes on the web, or in a cookbook.
When baking, replace half of the oil in a recipe for unsweetened appleasuce-it keeps the moistness in and adds less calories.
I hope some of these suggestions help you out-I'm telling you, after a while this counting thing gets easier and easier...
To help you guys out, I am going to start a thread soon of low fat recipes-I will let you know as soon as I do this.
If any of you are having problems or need more support-I am here for you-you can tell me anything. If you feel uncomfortable posting something-feel free to personal message me anytime!
;)

Have a great day!
Aphil
202/189/13 pounds lost!
first goal 160
ps-Yesterday was the first time I tried on a certain pair of jeans I could not button or zip before....they fit!!!!!And I wore them all day...ha ha ha

:) Hello Aphil!

Your message is full of great tips! I admit I was thinking of hoarding calories...I'll try not to do that.

Congrats on the looser-fitting jeans! That is so great. There is nothing like success to keep one motivated.

I feel good, as I have done my aerobics for the day, had oatmeal packet for breakfast; and am drinking water.

I am also anticipating receiving some new exercise tapes that I ordered, hopefully to keep my enthusiasm going. I'm feeling twinges in muscles I haven't felt in a long while!

Have a great day!

Holly

As a calorie/fat gram counter, I can only say that my motivation has recently disappeared!!!:o ...but I do love your suggestion Aphil of writing down 50 reasons why we want to lose weight and be slim...and 50 why we don't!...that should be quite eye opening...and I bet there really aren't 50 reasons I can come up with to stay fat!!!! lol :lol:

I am planning to make these lists and keep them with me at all times....hopefully this will help keep me on track..

And for those looking for an online calorie counter...try: http://www.nal.usda.gov/fnic/cgi-bin/nut_search.pl

This is a great search engine which has most common foods and lists not only calories, but many other nutrients as well.

Good luck to all!

Frouf:cool:

Good Morning Everyone,

First off, Thank you Aphil, for the advice, I am going to try writing down the 50 reasons but it is a little intimidating. I am so happy that you are going to post low fat recipes. I am always on the net searching for low fat recipes. I like your suggestions for alternatives. I love Kashi Good Friends cereal, I use Fit milk because they add calcium to it and it is 0 fat. For lunch or anytime I just love salad. I am the type of person who has to crunch or I feel like I haven't eaten. Sometime I will just eat a pickle for a snack because of the crunch. Congrats on the loose fitting jeans that is terrific.

VermontMom - Hi, Good job on the aerobics. I have never tried that. I walked a mile yesterday on my treadmill. I started a contest with my kids. We are planning a trip to Walt Disney World for next year. So I told my kids that for every 5 miles they walk or run, I will give them $1 Disney dollar. I thought that this would be a good way to disquise exercise and the bonus they would have spending money for Florida. They wanted $1 for every mile but I said guys, come on Mom and Dad have to pay for this whole trip you guys have to earn your own spending money. So far two of the kids have walked 2 miles each day and my youngest hasn't walked at all yet. She is the one who really needs to walk. SHe is only 9 and weight 117 lbs. I am so worried about her. I hope this will get her motivated and excited.

Thanks everyone for listening.
Have a great Day.
Debbie

Hi,
Thanks for posting girls-as far as motivation, when I feel I am lacking-I look at unflattering pictures of myself, home videos, and think of all the situations I would like to be thin at-reunions, family functions, summer parties-run-ins with ex-boyfriends, which I will be having this summer-my mother and stepfather are renting camper space at grounds owned by my high school love's parent's....talk about motivation!!!!:o
I don't want him to think I got married and then got all fat!!ha ha
I know the list may seem intimidating-but who are we hiding from??? This isn't something anyone has to see. If we can't be honest with ourselves, then we can't do this!
Holly-please try to eat as I have prescribed, as far as calories go-if you are not a snacker, you can add those calories in with your meals evenly, but you do need to eat at regular intervals and not hoard them all in one or two meals or snacks. This will slow down your metabolism and defeat what you are trying to do in the first place! It will also wreak havoc with your blood sugar and invite binge eating in the afternoon-your body will demand food and you will be more tempted to make unhealthy choices.
Here is a sample of one of my menus this past week:
breakfast-SlimFast shake-220
snack-nectarine-70
lunch-1c.whole wheat spaghetti &1/2c. sauce-250
large banana-110
dinner-1c. broccoli&corn blend-80
light smoked sausage-300
small baked potato w/1T. margerine-200
snack-1 cookie
calories-1350
You can actually eat a pretty large dinner if you eat a main course and use a lot of veggies for volume. Frozen taste the best and come in a lot of varieties-but if you use margerine be sure to measure it out-at 100 calories for a Tablespoon it can be a killer if you try to estimate at first-be sure you get used to measuring this if you plan to eat out-so you can tell what this amount looks like by sight.
If you have a potato in a restaurant-have them put the butter on the side so you can put it on yourself-they will easily put 3-4 Tablespoons on it!!!
You will soon learn to adjust your meals and snacks each day-like if I eat a larger breakfast, I will have a smaller snack-like a diet jello for 10 calories-and if I eat out for dinner, I may forgo the evening snack altogether.
If you go to lunch at work, try somewthing healthier like Subway, or a salad and chili at Wendy's. You can get most of the calories at the websites of these chains.
Have a good day!
Aphil
202/189/13 lost

Hi everyone!

Froufy - thank you for the address for the online calorie counter site. I've bookmarked it and will use it.

Debbie - great idea for the kids toexercise! For those kids who just aren't naturally active (like mine) one sometimes needs to really nudge them - nagging doesn't work, so a reward sounds better. I hope your daughter gets excited and involved!

Aphil - Yes, the list of 50 reasons why we want to be thinner and fit just can't compare to the second list! And so true, the fact that some people just don't have a problem with food; and us that do. Just as some people have problems with alcohol or drugs...

I went food shopping, and tried to shop with thinking of moderate, healthy snacks of around 100 calories; as in the evening is when I am most tempted to eat (for no real reason); nonfat yogurt, smaller-sized pieces of fruit; "light" sliced breads...

Have a healthy day, everyone!

Sincerely, Holly

Hey everyone,

This is like a whole new thread :) Hi Aphil, Holly, Debbie and Frouf :wave: Hopefully the rest of the girls will find their way over. Anyway, I've been working 12 hour days this week, so needless to say I haven't been running at all. I've also been eating fairly poorly. Nothing too "bad," but my calories have been in the 1600-1700 range instead of the 1300-1400 range. That on top of no exercise is a bad combination. I can totally tell when it's time for me to be going to the grocery store because my calorie intake is so much higher when I don't have fresh fruits and veggies. The only problem is I'm on an extremely tight budget now and I just can't afford to go to the store. Don't worry, I'm not starving myself, I have plenty of non-perishables that I can be eating instead. Not the healthiest thing, I know :(

I weighed in this morning, still at 168. I have been doing this since August and it just seems so slooooow now. I know, I should be aiming at 1-2 lbs a week, but I'm not even getting that at this point. I need to get back into being strict about my eating, but it's tough - if I am truly hungry, then I'm going to eat, that's all there is to it. Ok, well I hope everyone is doing well.

Lexxy :yawn:

Lexxy,
I know how you feel girl-I always lose a few in a week, then it stops a while, then later I lose a few more...it can be frustrating. I wouldn't worry about your calorie intake so much-you are usually very active-and the types of exrecise you do are really good for muscle. As long as you stay under 1800 you can still lose, it will just be slower-and I have two kids-I know how it is not to have the $$ to go to the store all the time! If you have a large enough freezer-I suggest you get a couple bags of frozen veggies-they are cheaper than fresh-usualy uncer a dollar a bag-and come in a lot of varieties.
This costume business is really getting me-I can't figure out how I am going to put these metal arcs on my head-I can't find something to use as a base that will stay hidden! If I don't I am going to give myself a labotomy!:dizzy:
I have a lot of sewing experience, but this takes the cake!!!!!
(For the newbies, I am entering a sci-fi type costume contest in May-my husband loves that sort of stuff)
After my little bout with the sickness I had the last few weeks, I am getting back into exercising-and I feel much better...
I need to get something for lunch also-I'm famished!!!!
Aphil

Hi Everyone!

I haven't posted in a while because after a few weeks of losing I blew it. I don't know why. I felt really motivated. My son was really sick so I bought him some ice cream and I ended up eating it. Bingeing on it! I feel so frustrated because I was on a good losing streak and now I've gained it all back and have to start all over again.

I feel motivated again after reading your posts however and I guess all I can do is just try again.

Aphil way to go on fitting into those jeans! Isn't that just the greatest feeling? :)

Sprite,
What you and everyone here needs to remember is NOT TO TURN A ONE EVENING"'S BINGE INTO A WEEK LONG EATING SPREE!!!!!!
We are all human-but there is no reason to let one setback turn into a week or a month of not doing anything and pigging out! We are all going to slip up-you just can't let a mistake turn into failure. This is why so many lose and don't keep it off-they let one mess up get to them and they gain back all they worked to lose.
You have to get right back on the horse if you want to keep that weight off. Next time I hope you will post right after a binge and tell is how you are feeling...we can help you with the strength to get back to it.
I am glad you are back-please don't go again out of emberassment or guilt-we are all in the same boat here.
Love,
Aphil

Hi guys!

Aphil thanks for the words of encouragement. It is only 9 am and I have already had a binge! I did some baking yesterday for a function I had to go to and I made way too much. So there was alot left over this morning and as soon as I dropped my son off at school I went right home to the fridge and started pigging out! Now I feel sick with a stomach ache and so dissapointed in myself. I've gone months without binges before and have to try and get myself back there. And you are right I am not going to let this become a week long or month long binge. It stops now! Thank you I hope this will help me. I think I know why I'm doing it. I am really run down and haven't been sleeping properly. This really lowers my defenses. :mad:

Get rid of the baked goods! Take them to a friend, throw them to the birds-just do something with them!
Aphil

I keep looking around for a thread I guess that didn't exsist anymore or maybe it change names? I remember before I dropped out of sight last year for three months there was a calorie counter thread that use to exsist. Maybe it's this thread with a different name :?: Anyways I am doing great. I weigh myself every Friday Morning and have lost 3 1/2 LB I'm doing great feeling great. I think what really thrilled me is that yesterday I put on a pair of shorts that I could not fit into last year and can fit into them this year. OH MY, How thrilled I felt :D Well, I found a cute cartoon thought some people might enjoy it and bring smiles http://dailynews.yahoo.com/h/cx/uc/20020208/ca/ca020208l.html?u

257/225.5/140

Hey Everyone,

I'm off to Tampa for a long weekend - going with a friend and staying with her friend who's a health nut, so hopefully I won't be eating too poorly. I wieghed in this morning and am the same as last week - which doesn't really surprise me considering how much I've been eating this week. These long days at work have killed me - I eat on plan while I'm at work and then get home and eat everything in sight - mostly as a stress reliever I suppose. Ah well, I am bringing my running clothes with me and the plan is to get our 90 min ( !!!:eek:!!!) run out of the way on Saturday. I haven't been since last Sunday, so we'll see if I survive.

Hope everyone has a great weekend

Wondering if I could join your thread...

A little about myself ... My name is Christine. I'm 26 and from North Carolina. I'm married almost a year and a half and have a 3 year old daughter, Alexa. I've been a member of this site for almost a year but I've barely posted. I actually haven't been reading much for a few months either. I kinda 'fell off the bandwagon.' But, a few weeks ago I decided I need to get back on!

Since starting my 'calorie-counting' almost a year ago, I've lost 43 pounds (44 at the most but i keep fluctuating and am sitting at 43 down currently). I have a pretty good idea of what i 'should' be doing but I'm having a little problem with the willpower lately. My goal for daily calories is currently 1400, but most days recently I've been hitting closer to 1900! Blah! I'm never going to start losing again at that rate! I sometimes have that 'hoarding for later' problem where I'll barely eat all morning and pig out later because I feel deprived. Other days I eat way too much early in the day and leave barely anything for the evening hours so I wind up too high for the day even if I am 'good' later in the day! Part of my problem is none of my 'snacks' ever seen to be just 100 calories.. hmmmm

I am looking for motivation.. and somone to 'check in' with to help keep me on track!

I'm hoping that keeping up with this site and posts will help get my willpower charged!!:)

Christine
195/152/130

Hi,
Nice to have you Christine!
I may not be posting much the next two days-a friend is in labor at the hospital and I am running errands while the kids are away.
I had the cast of my head made this morning for the costume I am making-and I am just ragged!!!!!!!
Christine-try to balance out your calories more-and never hoard them for later in the day-you'll be starving and unable to make good choices when you do eat.
Lexxy-have fun on your trip out of town!
Keep it up girls!!
Aphil
202/189/13 lost
:dizzy:

hi everyone, i have had alot of trouble trying to get back on this site once it goes down, so i just had to get away for awhile, rather than keep trying to get on and get frustrated. so everything is fine now.

hope everyone is doing great!!!! i am doing good, i lost 7 lbs since jan 3 on ww pts. i know i can do better. i am excercising and drinking my water. i am spending to many of my pts on unhealthy things, so that is why i am losing, but losing very slow.

i am gonna start using my rs foodmover for awhile to start to eat healthier, fruits , veggies and dairy and the right amount of everything. so i will be posting on the rs simmons board for a while. hope everyone is staying motivated.

Hi everyone!

Christine, I am a newbie to this site (less than a week!) but the snacks I've been having in the 100-calorie range are:
a nonfat, sugarfree yogurt:
a small apple:
a small banana:
a piece of "lite" bread toasted with a little smear of
jam:
a lowfat granola bar

Not a huge selection, but it's been helping. I've also realized that just watching TV in the evenings is prime time for me to wander into the kitchen and graze - even though I just had supper an hour earlier.So I've been trying to keep away from what a situation that I see triggers my urge to snack.

Best wishes to all of us!

Sincerely, Holly

Hi Everyone!

Aphil I did as you suggested and made my husband take the baking to work. It is out of the house and I am back on track! Thanks for the advice and support.

Christine: I found snacks used to be the hardest part to but came up with quite a list for myself and just make sure I have them stocked in my cupboard or else I go overboard (like I just did recently)

Some other suggestions are:

Caramel chocolate chip rice cakes ( I love these & only 60 cal)

Jello

Canned fruit and raisins

All dressed rice cakes

Rice Krispie Squares

Steamed skim milk with vanilla and low-cal sweetener

Low fat hot chocolate with marshmallows

Motts Fruit/apple sauces

Lipton cup a soup

Fruit smoothie

Good Luck I'm fairly new to this thread and find it extremely helpful!

Wow Lexxy a 90 min run! I am impressed. You must be in awesome shape.

I am dreading my weigh in tomorrow but know next week will be better than this week.

Thank you for all the suggestions!
I'll be adding some of them to my grocery list this week!

Unfortunately, I'm not very fond of yogurt. It seems like the perfect snack for dieters! My 3-yr-old daughter loves it, but then, by some miracle of nature she wound up with 'healthy eating' genes. She loves healthy foods, including most fruits and veggies! Go figure ;-)

Sprite, do you have any good smoothie recipes? I really enjoy smoothies but every time I attempt to make one myself, it comes out awful!!

Thanks again guys,

Christine
195/151/130

Hi All!

I stayed the same this week despite my binges! I just hope they don't catch up to me next week. I'll have to work extra hard this week.

Christine: 3FC has a ton of smoothie recipes. When you first sign on go to Recipes then click on smoothies. I personally have not tried any yet but keep meaning to. I just make mine by taste with frozen fruit and skim milk and sometimes with a little vanilla. I buy the huge bags of frozen fruit from Costco (strawberries, grapes, melons, pineapple, blueberries) Very good! Or freeze your own bananas. Just watch your serving size and measure how much fruit you are using.

Have a good weekend everyone!

I checked out the smoothie recipes on 3FC.
I think I'll stock up on some ingredients at the store this week and try some out.

The hubby and I made a bet last night. The first to lose 5 pounds wins the 'prize' of their choice (within reason). Any suggestions for WHEN i win? *grin* Today was the first day working towards that goal and I amazingly stopped at about 1150 calories! I know, its a miracle! Now if I can keep this up all week, I may actually see the 140's for the first time in YEARS!! Woohoo!

Also ordered Denise Austin's Hit the Spot: Tone & Tighten DVD. Found a great deal on Amazon on a 'used' copy that claims to still be 'sealed'.. couldn't pass that up. I just hope its what I'm looking for. I have a treadmill for the cardio but I really need to do some toning without paying hundreds of dollars for equiptment or gym memberships!!

Hope everyone is doing well this week! :-)

Christine
195/151/130

Hi All! This seems like a great thread with a lot of support! I am 39 and have lost 87 lbs since 1/1/01, but really struggling with the last 10. My weight has stayed the same for almost a month, despite 1400-1500 cals/day and walking 2 miles every morning!
I love all of your snack ideas. Sometimes it helps to determine "what" you're in the mood for--sweet, salty, crunchy. This helps eliminate the "grazing." For sweet I like dried apple slices; for salty, a handful of pretzels; and for crunch, baby carrots.
Aphil--I loved your caloric breakdown for all the meals. It makes it very easy to plan meals.
Lately, grapes have been on sale and a great snack is "freezy grapes" as we call them in my house. I wash the grapes and pick them off the stems and freeze them in baggies of 20. They're a great snack and take a long time to eat!
Hope you're all doing well today. Remember, to borrow a saying from another support system, One Day at a Time!

:) Hi everyone!

It has now been one week since I joined 3FC, and this great forum. I have been exercising every day, keeping calorie intake to around 1800 (I'm working on whittling that down to 1500) and drinking at least 48 oz. of water a day. I am so glad that I found this site - really helps to know others are doing the same thing and rooting for each other!

tryin'hard - wow!! 87 lbs. lost is incredible. If you are at a point where no more pounds are coming off, are you perhaps where you should be? I like the idea of the "freezy grapes" - especially with the portion control of counting them out.

Christine - good luck on the bet with your husband! I recently bought some videotapes for toning, from a website that has lots of exercise tapes, and reviews and rates them. I'm not sure if I'm allowed to put that website address here? but you can pm me for the address if you're interested. When I didn't have any free weights at home, I started with soup cans! :o then bought some real weights.

I want to do my new walking tape again - but the temperature outside is 2 degrees - with the wind blowing - so I don't think it will be today.

One day at a time! (or sometimes, one HOUR at a time:lol: )

Have a healthy day, everyone!

Holly

Holly--thanks for the congrats! HOW are you able to drink 48 oz. of water? This is my new goal--to drink less coffee and more water. I'd appreciate any tips from anyone. I'm already getting up at least once in the night!
Have a great day!

Hi,
Willebthin-I am so glad to hear from you again-I was worried!
Please stay with us as well as the food mover board-I try to do the same thing-eating a variety of foods and not too much of any one thing.
I am glad you find the suggestions helpful-I will put in some more recipes soon, as well as some fast food choices that are better for you-but I have to go now, my dh and kids are screaming at me to get off of here!
Aphil
13 lost

Hey everyone,

I'm back from my "vacation." I won't go into detail but it involved being stuck at a hotel in Deleware with just the clothes on my back for a night. Anyway, my eating was terrible the whole weekend - Cheesecake Factory, beer, pizza, McDonalds, etc. I haven't jumped on the scale yet, too scared! :o I did manage to do an hour run while I was there - trust me Sprite, it was torture all the way! I am by no means in great shape. The running plan my friend and I do is run 3 mins walk 1 min. After a while the running is a very slow jog. I'd say we did about 5 miles in an hour which is really quite slow - most people can walk 4 in an hour. Regardless, I'm trying to get back on track. I've already eaten like 1300 calories today and haven't had dinner - hoping that I'll be able to satisy myself with a big bowl of air-popped popcorn, but we'll see how I feel once I'm home.

Try'n Hard - I usually try to drink 64 plus oz of water a day - I really only succeed at drinking all of it when I'm at work because I bring in a full 2-quart bottle and just drink it throughout the day. When I'm home it's not always sitting in front of me so I tend to forget about it. I think after the first week or so your body gets used to the level of intake and you don't have to use the bathroom as often. You've got to be doing something right to lose 87 lbs though! That's impressive. How did you come up with your goal weight? Is it possible that the weight you are right now is the weight your body is most comfortable at staying? That may be why you've been stuck for a month. Otherwise I'd bump up the exercise program by varying your walking with other aerobics and weight training. Just my 2 cents :D

Hi tryin'hard -

My tip for water drinking is to try to keep sport bottles of water all over the house! I have been saving any sport bottles that I buy; and I wrench off the cap so I can glug the water down, instead of just squeezing/sipping. I keep a bottle by my bedside (drink some when you first get up); by the computer; near the couch; in the kitchen...I guess I don't have one in the bathroom :D And keeping one in the car is good too.

Have a great night/day!

Holly

Hi All! Thanks for all the water tips! I brought a gallon jug to work today and will go for that instead of the extra cups of coffee! Wish me luck!
My goal weight is 153-158. I am currently "stuck" at 163. Although I feel great and look pretty good in my size 10 jeans, I'd really like to see that scale hit the 150's. I don't think it's unrealistic--hopefully the water will help!
I eat a low-fat/high fiber diet, usually under 1400 calories a day. Fridays are my nights to eat whatever I want, and I do, but within reason. That helps to keep the rest of the week in check.
I am really concentrating on strategies that I can live with for the rest of my life. I've been thin before (for about 30 seconds!), but as soon as I stopped going to the meetings, my mind went right back to being "off" program. I try not to think of this as a "diet"; more like the way I will eat for the rest of my life.
A thin friend (who I never suspected had to work at it) told me the other night that she has just adopted the attitude that "she doesn't eat that" meaning chips, fries, etc. It was very refreshing to hear someone "thin" talk about how she works at it. She also told me that she walks/rides her bike/rollerblades every day. I think it's very helpful to hear how people maintain their weight. I think more people work harder at it than we think they do.
Well, time for a glass of water--hope you all have a great day!

I posted on this thread a few times a while back, but I don't think I was ready then to do what I need to do to get this weight off. I was still in the throws of getting my thyroid on target and feeling tired all of the time. Now, that I'm feeling better, I'm ready to get this weight off and feel like a million bucks again! Reading about these "Big Time Losers" on this thread has really gotten me motivated! You guys are great to have lost so much weight already!

I've seen a few of you on this thread that are around my same weight and want to lose about the same amount that I do. I am going to the gym a few times a week and trying to keep my calories down. I am practicing the "bite it, write it" rule to keep up with everything... My main problem with counting calories is that I get really freaked out when I don't know how many calories in in something, like when it's in a recipe or when we eat out. Then I tend to throw the whole day out the window which I know is the wrong thing to do....I just have this whole all or nothing approach that I'm working on. I really like the idea of keeping to 1400cals all week and then eating whatever you want on Friday night.... I think I'll try that once I can manage to keep it down to 1400... Lately I seem to stay in the 1600 range when I'm doing well.

I joined eDiets to get recipe ideas and have some sort of accountability since you weigh in weekly there. So far (2 wks), I haven't lost any weight, but I know I know I am retaining some water from just starting to lift weights again. I too, find it hard to suck down the water during the day but have a water bottle on my desk this morning. I will get to it as soon as I finish my coffee, LOL!

I am 27(almost 28) and married with a son and 3 step-daughters. I work full-time away from home at a desk job... The only time I've ever lost more than 5lbs was with diet pills and of course it came back and brought lots of friends! That was 8 yrs ago... I hope to talk to you all more later. Thanks again to this great bunch of women!

Take Care,
Katy
(158,158,135)

Hey everyone,

I feel like such a fraud trying to give other people advice, when I don't follow it myself! :nono: KatyDes, I am the exact same way as you with the calorie thing - if I let myself go and have a little treat in the middle of the day, and don't know exactly what was in it, the rest of the day is shot. I ended up bingeing last night - I'm trying to think of what triggered it. Oh, I think I started snacking on some chocolate chips while my popcorn was popping - and since I hadn't measured them out, I had no idea how much I ate - so I guess I just reasoned that I'd have to delete my food diary entry for that day anyway....I think after that I had a couple of slices of pepperoni and cheese, my big bowl of popcorn, some butter cookies, more chocolate chips and 2 jello pudding cups. I don't personally keep a lot junk in the house, but my roommates do, and I just have no willpower over it.

Tryin' Hard, isn't it great to know that other people have to work at it too? I think I need to adopt that attitude that "I don't eat that" about a lot of things. I know that you always hear that you shouldn't make foods forbidden, and I wouldn't do that for my favorites, but I think I could brainwash myself for a few things. I never really ate potato chips or french fries too often when I was younger and eating whatever I wanted whenever I wanted. I just didn't like them all that much. Now that they are "bad" foods, I'll eat them when I'm rebelling. Go figure :dizzy:

I've already messed up today by eating 4 Hersheys nuggets with almonds and 2/3 of a bagel with cream cheese even though I had already had a big breakfast. Why is it so hard to get back on the wagon? :?:

Lexxy--don't be so hard on yourself! I am a big believer in "positive self talk." Before you get out of bed, or in the shower, or when you're brushing your teeth, remind yourself of all the good you've done. Even if you've only been good for one hour, talk it up to yourself. Don't be afraid to ask for the encouragement you need--after walking yesterday morning in 14 degree weather, I said to my dh, "I need you to tell me how proud you are of me." Of course he said it, and really did mean it; he just needed to be reminded to say it!
Well, time for another glass of water (my 4th!!!). Make it a good one!

Where is everyone? Let's make this one of the most visited and replied to threads!!
Hope everyone is having a good day!

I only lost a 1/2 lb this week. I guess it is better then nothing and not sure if I want to be disapointed or not. I guess what really is giving me the chills is tomorrow is my mothers birthday and instead of having cake around at all we are having pizza. It seems like a decade since I ever had pizza. Mmmmmm. Uh Oh pig out alert pig out alert. Guess it wouldn't hurt to have one day to be a fatting day !?!?!? Could just walk for hour or two Pizza sounds so good. It is allot easier to fight with my chocolate attacks and not go over board, but pizza
:s: 257/224.5/140

Hello everyone,

Are you accepting invitations to your thread?

I have been searching all over to find some place that would help me with my calorie diet. I started it two weeks ago ( with my wonderful husband) and I was looking on the net for resources to help me ( us ) stay motivated. I have been on WW before and it worked wonderfully for me. But since I moved to BC Canada, there is no WW group in this town. I loved the support that we all gave to each other at the meetings. I lost about 80 pounds (started at 250 pounds) and since I have been married (9 months now) I have gained about 30 pounds back. UGH !!!!!
Your group seems to have the type of comradery that I am looking for. It is great to be able to speak to others that know exactly what you go through.

I have been averaging between 1100 to 1300 calories a day.
I am 5 '3 .
Its been 2 weeks now and have not gone off it once.. I have not weighed myself since I started but will weigh my self soon. My husband started the same time as I and he has lost 7 pounds so far. I try to get him to eat at least 2000 calories a day, but he says seems to think he needs to eat the same as I.

Would love to be a part of this.....

Keep up the wonderful work everyone....!!!!!

start date 2/3/02
207/ goal 150

A miracle of miracles.. I actually did well all week, with the exception of Valentine's day when the chocolate clouded my judgement *grin*

I have actually lost some weight and slipped down into the 140's finally! I haven't been in the 140's since I was in High School (about 9 years ago). I am lovin it! I hope it keeps me motivated to keep going. Now that I broke through the 151 barrier, I need to take advantage and keep working at it!

Welcome Snowey. Although not new to 3FC I'm new to posting here as well. Seems you're doing great! Keep it up :-) My hubby is supposed to be losing along with me as well but doesn't seem to have the willpower at the moment. His goal is 1800 calories a day (mine is 1400). We went to Dick's sporting goods store today and he was very interested in the weight lifting section. I'm thinking once we can afford it, maybe we should invest in some of the lower cost weights. It could do us both a world of good!

Hope everyone's weekend is going well. I just had pizza for lunch and stopped at one slice.. its a miracle! :-)

Christine
195/149/130

Yee Ha! I was down a pound this week and it's that time of the month! I am so happy! :)

Welcome Snowy

Silence that is awesome that you got into the 140's. I have been trying forever to get there. I just need one more pound and I too will be there. I seem to get close and then back up again but you give me hope that it can be done.

I was not too bad this Valentine's either. I had a piece of cake and a couple of my son's smarties. Way less than I normally would.

Here's to a great week everybody! I feel like I really need to get my act together spring's around the corner and then ..... SUMMER!

Congrats Sprite!
I have been having that same exact problem. My weight would drop down to 151 and then make a quick U-turn and boom, back up a pound or two! It was like this magic number I just couldn't pass! This week I finally became determined and it worked! I'm positive you can do it too :-)

Christine
195/149/130

Christine:

Thanks for the words of encouragement they mean alot. I am going out for Greek food today and was going to say" To heck with it, I'm going for it!" but since reading your post I've changed my mind and will only eat within my range because I am determined to beat that magic number!

Have a good day!

Hi everyone!

Congrats on the losses, Christine and Sprite! That is so great.

I had a so-so week - I also tend to succomb to the "all or nothing" syndrome sometimes. One morning I couldn't do my exercise when I normally do (early in the morning) then felt apprehension that I wouldn't be able to do it after work; then felt that I couldn't eat as much because I hadn't exercised...then those darn candies all around on Valentine's Day - argh! And the next day I had a puny walk, as I was being ultra-careful walking on the snow-covered ice (my older brother just broke his arm from a fall on ice) so that exercise session felt worthless. And when I got to work, I saw that someone had thrown out my water bottle! (oh my, call the police, right?) I have just got to get back on track. It does help to read everyone's posts, though, and know that we are all struggling (misery loves company:lol: )

Here's to a new week!

Holly

I'm sorry to be gone so long again! It's been crazy lately. We went to CA last weekend, then dh had surgery to remove an ingrown toenail. He got really sick off his meds, but he's doing good now. I've had no excercise besides housecleaning and running after dh and ds. I've been trying not to eat meat and sweets and junk as a way of cleaning myself out. I really like it:). I feel really good. Anyway, I'll check back in later!
In Christ,
Pamela

Hello all,


This is my second posting. I hope everyone is having a good week. I still havent weighed myself since I starting counting calories on Feb. 5th. I think I am just nervous to find out how much I lost if any. Dont want to get depressed.
When my hubby and I started, we also started walking the same day. We walk 3 miles everyday (it takes us about 45 minutes. ) When the weather is bad , we will walk around the Hockey Arena. 21 Laps around the arena is 3 miles.

The calorie counting is going good. We still have not gone over at all. I am still trying to do 1100 to 1300 a day, today I had 1114.
And the hubby is not doing enough ( at least that is what I think) about 1600 a day.

Went grocery shopping over the weekend to get stocked up on vegetables and all the things that make this calorie counting fun. I do miss the variety that we had in the states when it comes to lo- cal food. It is hard to find the things that I like here.
Geesh its so hard living without a Wal mart !

Well I am sure hubby will weigh himself tomorrow , but dont know if I have the courage yet.. May just go till next week and see what it is then.

Have a good tomorrow everyone...!

Nancy
start 2/5/2001
207
goal 150

Hey everyone,

It's great to see all these posts again - aphil, where are you? I definitely need some motivation since I have basically been off plan for over a week now. It is going to kill me to get on the scale this Friday and have gained back some of the lbs that I struggled so hard to get off :rolleyes: Anyway, I am back on track today with journaling my food. I went grocery shopping yesterday and for the majority bought fruits and veggies - but also lots of frozen pizza! Pizza is my favorite, but I can't ever justify ordering one, so I get the frozen stuff instead - I figure since it doesn't taste quite as good I won't eat as much at one sitting. I also bought some boboli shells and made an awesome pizza last night with spinach and roasted red peppers - so at least it wasn't all bad for me.

I've been doing well with the exercising, although I didn't do the 90 min run I was supposed to do on Friday - I only could make it for 60. But I'm cutting myself some slack since it was a very hilly trail. Well, better get back to work - congrats on all the losses here!

Lexxy

Hi all, do you have room for one more? I've been following calorie counting with eDiets since last May and am doing well with it but found your board from an post that was posted there. You all seem to be a great group and I can use all the support I can get...

I do calorie/fat gram counting there too, along with watching my nutrition totals to make sure that what I eat is balanced. I have a few great links but wasn't sure about the rules here for posting links of other sites like calorie counters and such.

A bit about me: My name is Heather, I'm 46, married almost 28 years to Mike, mother to two darling little ladies (Caitlyn 12 & Michaella 7) and I'm trying my best to make sure that I am going to be here for them as they grow up. My husband was diagnosed with Cancer in 1994 and is doing well now, but still doesn't take care of his health (thinks he beat it so he doesn't have to worry). I've spent so much time the last 15 years taking care of others, including my mother who moved in with us for 10 years that I had ignored my own growing girth and lack of energy. When I hit 277 last May during training for Girl Scout Daycamp, a thought just hit me like a ton of bricks. "I'm trained to do 1st aid and CPR if needed, but that's not going to do me any good if I'm the one laying on the ground!" :eek: I realised that it was time to take some time for myself instead of carrying the load for everyone else. It was a hard transition to make for both myself and for the family - but it was necessary.

~Heather~ 277/257/134

I just had to hop on to say that I use Ediets too! I think it's a great tool and always gets me back on track when I suddenly "can't think of a single healthy thing to eat". I also like the little shopping lists and my mentor there is fantastic! I for one would really appreciate any additional links you could post. I feel like I'm looking up calories for different things every day, all day long! I used to love the calorie counter at dietwatch because you could put in any kind of measurement for anything and it would calculate the calories. Unfortunately, it's not free anymore.

Anyway, Welcome! It really motivates me every day to see the others in this group taking the weight off. It kind of reinforces the fact that it really can be done!

Good Luck & Take Care,
Katy

Hi all,,


I hope everyone had a wonderful low calorie day.

I managed to talk my self into weighing today. I was afraid to ( the wrong time of the month) but decided to take a chance and see if I lost. I started counting calories on February 5th and was at 207 pounds.. Well this morning the scale read 201.. Woo hoo.. I was happy... the hubby was down another 3 pounds also... so far he has lost almost 10 pounds since the 5th.. Why is it that men can lose faster then us women.. just does not seem fair does it?

I hope everyone is having a good week and staying positive. it sure does help to read all these postings and connect with fellow calorie counters.

Im going to check out the ediets site... never been there.. sounds like it has some good info though.

Take care all.
Nancy

207/201/150 goal

Good morning, all!

Hi, Nancy and Heather! Nancy, congrats on your 6 pound loss! That is awesome. You are definitely disciplined and motivated. Heather, it is wonderful that you can now be focused on your well-being, for yourself and your family. Sounds like you had to focus on your husband's health formost; you are as important to be healthy, too.

I finally got on the scale for the first time since joining here, and attempting to count calories and exercise; the scale shows 2 pounds less, which is good; but of course I wanted it to be more of a loss! I know I haven't been true to thinking how much I've been eating, and there have been times when I was just SO HUNGRY! And it seems the more I focus on how much less to eat, I'm just thinking how much more I want.

But I have been exercising 5-6 X a week, and I definitely feel some more strength in my legs as I'm going upstairs; so that's something positive.
And now I'm going to do an exercise tape and really sweat it!

Have a healthy, happy day everyone!

Holly
start 02/04/02 176
02/20/02 174

Its nice to have a 2nd "Getting Healthy" home to support and be supported. I call it Getting Healthy because I've done every "diet" in the book and some worked for loss but weren't doable long term and others I was just dieing to terminate. I now know that there will be no going off a diet for me. Eating healthy is a way of living and as long as I eat healthy for a 134 pound person, I'll eventually lose the 123 extra pounds that I'm carrying. I'd lost 25 on the eDiets plan before 5 of them found me again over the winter and I'm renewing my vow to keep it going down until I get to where I'm comfortable with myself again. The plan I'm on does follow calorie counting and is based mostly on the American Diatetic Association's guidelines so it is well balanced and healthy. For a person my current size, age and activity level that wants to lose 1-2 pounds per week, I am supposed to be taking in 1600-1700 calories. That sounded like an awful lot to me at first, but then I discovered that if I go lower, I don't lose. When I stay at the 1600, I do... That sort of explains why I didn't lose anything on the Hospital monitored fasting diets that I'd tried in the past too.

The other part of the equation for me is the exercise. That is also the hardest part for me because I have arthritis in my back (lower 3 discs), hips and knees so a lot of the really work up a sweat exercises are out for me. I work days and hubby works 2nd so I'm the girl's taxi for gymnastics on Monday, Girl Scouts on Tuesday, Ballet/tap/jazz on Wednesday and the rest of the week is doing housework and as leader of the Junior Troop - preparing for Scouting activities. I find that the only time I can work out in the winter is after the girls go to bed so I try to do at least 30 minutes of an All Round Pilates tape at least 2 times per week and I walk or bike ride in our neighborhood when the weather cooperates. Living in Wisconsin sort of hampers outdoor activities but I live right on a bike trail so I go out when I can. I used to swim and do aquasizing but the time and cost of that are prohibitive for me lately so I let my membership lapse. There is no other Gym near our home so I have to dash home so the girls aren't coming home to an empty house and a gym would mean finding one that can babysit them (or at least the 7 yr old). My husband just started a 6 week layoff from work so our usual tight budget is even skinnier now...

I'm doing something at work though that is helping a lot. eDiets recommends drinking between 64 ounces and 1/2 your pound weight in ounces of water every day. If you drink anything caffeinated, it has to be balanced with another equal serving of water because caffeine is dehydrating. Since I'm drinking all that water, I'm having to run to the bathroom more often and the closest bathroom to my office is down a flight of stairs. We are in a 3 story building so when I'm done, I climb back up the first flight back to my office. But, when I started, I used to use the elevator all the time because the stairs were too painful for my back and legs. As I rehydrated my body with more water, I discovered that I wasn't in as much pain and could do the single flight fairly painfree. So, I started going up two flights, down the hall and back down a different set of steps. Then I increased it to three and now four flights of stairs in one run... My normal resting heartrate is between 70-75 and at first by the time I would crawl up the step of that 4th flight it would be up to 150 or so... After doing this 2-3 times a day 3-4 times a week, I have lowered my heart rate to 115 and I can do the last flight without worrying that someone will find me passed out in the stairwell. My weight has plateau'd but my clothes are getting much looser and I've dropped from a 24/26 to an 18/20 pant size. Blouses that I couldn't even button before are now starting to look like maternity tops... :D

Now that spring is starting to come around (or will soon) I'm getting back to eating on plan and tallying my calories on fitday again. I'd gotten away from that and when you don't count every mouthfull, it is easy to go into mindless snacking. I used to have a note stuck on my computer to remind me "If I bite it - I write it." That had gotten lost in the shuffle of my life and I'm reinstituting it this week.

I also have a reward system for myself... For every 10 pounds I lose, I buy myself one silk rose and put it in a vase where I can see it regularly - as a reminder that I'm working towards a goal of becoming healthy and more attractive again. For work, I taped up tiny rosebuds on my terminal as a constant reminder that I'm not to give in and gain by office snacks. We have a coffee room in our department and the counter is always laden with goodies. An email went around this morning that the snack of the day is Krispie Cremes doughnuts. I get my 1 1/2 cups of coffee for the day in a thermos before the rest of the office arrives so that I can be in/out of there before the treats arrive. At noon, I do go there to warm up my lunch, but since doughnuts aren't on today's menu - I will smell them, but not taste.

Does anyone eat yogurt? I used to hate the stuff until I got into my 20's and started making it at home and then later started buying it again. I fell in love with the premium styles but have cut them out as too high in calories and fats. But, I am not fond of the sour taste so I discovered a way around that. I buy the nonfat/nonsweetened kind and I pour it into a fine sieve, place it over a bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Leave this in the fridge overnight and in the morning, it will be thicker and the sour part (the whey) is drained off so it isn't tart. The whey is about 30 calories per half cup and while it does reduce the amount of calcium I get, that is about the only nutrient that is in it in any large quantity so I make sure I take my multivitamins and eat calcium rich foods too. The drained yogurt is great as is, or for dips or replacement for sour cream and if left for a day or two, will thicken up further into a replacement in recipes calling for cream cheese. I have a layered Cheesecake/pumpkin pie recipe that is very low in calories and is just a wonderful substitute for the old fashioned kind. This morning's breakfast of yogurt was 8 ounces of the drained yogurt, 1/4 cup of orange flavored dried cranberries, 2 slices of candied ginger (diced finely), and a dash of Apple pie spice (cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger & cloves), sprinkled with a tablespoon of Grapenuts cereal. It totaled just 240 calories and 1 gram of fat. :T

~Heather~

Congrats to everyone on your losses!

Welcome Heather! That strained yogurt sounds like an idea I might like to try. I also dislike the sour taste of yogurt and have been wondering if there is a way around it!!

I am still sitting at 149.. almost back up a pound the other day (the scale was doing a little dance between the numbers) but today its back to a steady 149. Its like I feel SO determined in my mind but then I keep slipping up. Our Valentine's candy is almost gone and I think that will make a huge difference! No more candy allowed in my house for a good couple months at least!

Tonight is grocery shopping night, so I can try stock up on some more healthy stuff. I find that some weeks I buy fresh veggies and eat them all up and other weeks I buy them and they get all nasty before I even touch them. I need to be much more consistant with the healthy eating!! Maybe if I cut them all up at once and store em in the fridge I'll be more likely to grab em for a snack.. less work.. quick and easy snack.. might have to try that. Does anyone know if veggies go bad too quickly if you cut them up? Like cucumbers, bell peppers, carrots.. stuff like that...?

I think maybe I will start pre-planning my meals for the week and sticking with that also. When I wait until the last minute to choose, I seem to always make the wrong choices!

Well, off to make my grocery list for tonight... I promise, promise, promise.. NO bad snack foods! No cookies, no cakes, no candy!! no no no!! *grin* And, I'll try to convince the hubby too.. he's actually UP 2 pounds since the beginning of our 5-pound bet ;-) LOL

Christine
195/149/130

Hello All,

Sounds like everyone is doing well today. Good for us !!

Holly and Heather ,, 2 pounds is an excellent weight loss! You should be so happy. Those 2 pounds will soon be 20!!!

Christine, you are doing so well,, only 19 pounds till
you reach your goal, that should make you feel so good about yourself !
I cant wait till I am as close to goal as you are!

Did the usual 3 mile walk today ( at the Arena because it is still snowing here in Canada). It gets a little boring walking around and around (would much rather walk outside) but have to get the much dreaded exercise in.. Does any one hate it as much as I do? But we all know its something we have to do to get in shape and stay healthy.

I am with you Holly, I get so hungry at times also. But dont know where the willpower has come from but so far have managed to stay on track. I do write every thing down on the Food Diary sheets that I printed off the internet. Writing everything down helps me to stay within my calories for the day.

Heather, your yogurt trick is one Ill have to try. I do eat alot of yogurt and sometimes that sour tastes just gets to you. I usually will put a teaspoon of Splenda in it and it makes it so much tastier! It also sounds that you are doing great with the amount of calories that you are eating. I wonder if I started out too low and will not keep losing. But how do you go back and adjust with out gaining? Any ideas?

Christine, I cut lots of vegetables at a time and they hold up well for several days. I also invested in a Salad Spinner ( dries the veggies fast) I cleaned and washed the veggies and stuck them in there and in a few spins they were dry. I hate wet salad !

We eat alot of Romaine lettuce and I was tired of patting the stuff dry after I washed it. That salad spinner was worth the 4.00 that I paid for it.

Ok ladies... have to go and get dinner started, Boneless skinless chicken breast, baked potato and steamed cabbage and carrots.
and cant forget the salad..

Take care everyone, have a great evening and lets keep up the good work... we are so worth it !!!!!!!!!

Nancy



:spin

Holly, Nancy and Heather :) You are inspirations! Congratulations on your losses. Keep it up.

I feel very determined as summer is just a few months away. What really got me motivated was the arrival of the spring clothing line in the stores. I have been out trying on clothes but not buying because I am not at my goal weight and don't feel good with my bulges showing up under my shirts. This makes me really want to try harder! Swimsuits, shorts, tank tops, etc. are not far off and I want to feel good. I don't have to be a sexy babe (although I wouldn't mind) I just want to be comfortable in whatever I choose to wear. I find if I try on clothes at least once a week it really keeps me motivated.

A while ago I posted my ideas for snacks 100 calories and under. I was wondering if some of you could do the same. I would find this very helpful. Thank you.

Keep up the good work ladies!

Aphil, where and how are you?

:) Hi everyone!

THANKS for the congrats! It's so cool to see my name and "weight loss" together! Nothing like a little success to really strengthen your resolve.

I'm afraid I don't have any interesting 100 calorie snack ideas to share. I have been relying on small bananas, cup of lowfat sugar-free yogurt, small bowl of cereal with skim milk...I do know that my family could all use help with portion control, so I think I'm going to divide up not-too-bad snacks like pretzels or crackers into specific portion sizes, instead of leaving it up to our munching out of the box/bag.

I tried a Karen Voight tape today - it's a cardio and weight combo - oh my lord, it was tough for me. I stuck to it as best I could, doing simple steps when her moves got way too complicated for me. I'm glad no one was watching, except the dog. It sure made me sweat, even in a cool room!

Yes, Aphil, where are you? You were my first welcoming person here, and I've kept your daily calorie guide next to me as my guiding light! Hope everything's fine with you and your family...

Everyone take care! :)

Sincerely, Holly:wave:

I have been calorie counting for about 5 weeks. I lost 5 pounds the first week, and now have gained back 1.5. I admit I was not strong for a number of weeks.

My name is Meg, I am 32, and 3 years ago I weighed 146 (now 182.5). I believe I gained the weight from the drugs I take for my diagnoses of bipolar disorder (side effect: weight gain/slower metabolism).

It has taken me a while to get over myself and move on. I am so together mentally that now I need to focus on the physical. My husband loves me - I would just like to feel like my old self on the OUTSIDE again.

Anyway, I am really giving it a shot, and the last few days have gone well. I have stayed OP and exercised each day. Today I am at 1250 calories, and am going to exercise.

I am so excited that there is this thread. Thanks for listening!

I can't take credit, I just did a search on google:

large orange

10 cashews

9 Jell-O sugar-free snacks

1 fun size snickers

10 almonds

22 Nabisco Air Crisps

10 fresh apricots

1 oz. Marshmallows

2 oz. lean roast beef

6 medium tomatoes

2 oz. grilled beef burger

6 oz. grapes

1/2 pint beer

1/2 small avocado

2 strips of bacon

1 small cob of corn

5 tsp. of honey

1 crumpet lightly buttered

9 lifesavers

5 oz. cooked noodles

1 Snack wells cookie

1 7-grain Belgium waffle

10 oz. raw carrots

3 Crackers

1 large grapefruit

1 oz cherry twizzlers

9 Quaker min-rice snacks

1 4.5 oz. glass red or dry white wine

1/2 baked potato

2 small pears

1 large banana

4 oz. cottage cheese

9 oz. fresh cherries

20 asparagus spears

1/2 small eggplant

4 oz. baked beans

1 oz. corn flakes

1/4 cup frozen yogurt

1 oz. fruit stollen

3 oz. smoked salmon

12 oz. fresh strawberries

5 pineapple rings in juice

30 Altoids mints

1 Kit Kat bar

1 large slice of melon

5 fresh plums

Hello all,

Did everyone have a good day?
Well for once I was able to walk outside instead of around the Hockey Arena. I even walked a little longer then normal.
It was such a nice day here in Northern BC. ( I am sure that wont last)
This weather can really get ya down. I sure am not used to it.. I guess I was spoiled living in Southern Illinois and the winter temps being around 50 or so.

Hey Sprite, what part of Canada do you live in? I havent seen any spring clothes here...still all the heavy duty winter stuff..but then again I dont want to get too depressed when I see those sexy summer clothes and think of how far I have to go to even wear them hahah !

Well anyway to day was Subway day.. Had a turkey sandwich (no cheese) lots of Veggies and Baked lays...such a tasty low calorie meal for sure. Being able to have choices when it comes to eating out sure helps.

Welcome Meigg,, I am new here also, but found this thread to be so inspiring after reading everyones posts! It helps so much to be able to connect with others that are just like us!
I sure everyone keeps posting!

I sure hope everyone has a good tomorrow!

Nancy






:)

Hi,
Sorry to have been gone so long! I have been really busy and not had too much computer time.
Welcome to all the newbies!
Snowey-you rhusband is definitely not eating enough calories. Try to get him to eat 1800 a day. Men have a higher muscle mass than women naturally and burn more calories than we do. He need sot eat more, or he will be losing muscle mass along with fat-and you do not want that.
Lexxy-I know what you mean about it being hard after a binge...a few chocalte chips and we just blow the whole day, instead of jsut those few extra calories.
Ladies-I cannot say this enough-DO NOT EAT BELOW 1200 CALORIES A DAY!!!! Some of you are doing this, and it is the lowest you should ever go! If you are not losing fast enough on this, change the TYPE of foods you are eating-particularly less breads and low-fat cookies-empty calories to more fruits and veggies and proteins! Exercise more! Do not starve yourself!
I can see afew of you need a kick in the rear since I have been away!:lol:
Congrats to you newbies with the big losses!
Aphil

I had a great day yesterday, with 1290 calories and 14 minutes on my eliptical trainer. Very excited.

I did a stupid thing and weighed myself this morning. I should know better - and now I am down about the fact that I weigh 5 pounds more than on Sunday (weigh in day).

Snowey - thanks for the welcome!

Talk to all of you soon!

Hello everybody!

Dyan Q thank you so much for all the low calorie snack suggestions that is quite the list! Anybody else have anymore?

Welcome Meigg! You might be putting on muscle weight with the exercising you are doing. Eventually you will start to lose weight just keep going!

Hi Snowey I live in BC just outside of Vancouver. The home of rain, rain and more rain. I actually love to walk in the rain now and find it very refreshing.

Aphil glad you are back we could all use a kick in the butt! lol:dizzy: :lol:

Well tomorrow is my weigh in day and I have really been trying this week so I hope I break through my barrier of 150!

Good evening everyone...

Today was another good one. Was able to do the walking outside again. Sure hope this nice sunny weather lasts !!!!

Good Luck with your weigh in Sprite.. I hope the scale smiles up at you !!!!!

And Meigg,, what ever you do dont get down.... You will see that every setback just sets the pace for a great comeback !!!!!

Take care everyone...time for bed.......

Nancy

Hi all!

I stayed the same at my weigh in this morning. Was really hoping for a loss but I guess that will come next week.

I thought I had lost this week but really hadn't. Maybe I just built muscle since my belly is shrinking. I've been eating too much cheese, LOL. Gotta cut back on that.
In Christ,
Pamela


Hi to all the new people!

I lost 2 pounds. I am so excited - clearly the cut in calories along with the working out REALLY DOES make a difference for me.

I have struggled for many weeks seeing nothing over a few days and then going off program.

This loss gives me renewed energy going into what I am calling week 2. Thanks for the support you have given me - it has really helped.

Pamela - if your belly is shrinking that is a sure fire sign that you are losing. I bet you are gaining muscle. Sometimes we won't see it on the scale, but your belly shrinking is a sign you are well on your way to a smaller size!

Sprite - no loss this week could mean a bigger loss next week. Don't lose your faith. Just keep trying.

Have a good one....

Meg

Hi Everyone, My name is Carol J. and I am presently using the old Weight Watcher (Freedom Plan) from 1996. I think it is the plan they had before the points system. This plan works better for me because it provides servings from 4 food groups, plus Bonus calories to use as you see fit. Anyway, I need to lose about 30 pounds and I look forward to interacting with all of you. I'm so glad I saved all my old weight watcher booklets.......

Hello All,,,


I hope everyone had a fantastic weekend!!

Congrats on your weight loss Meigg !!
And Sprite, staying the same is better then gaining. I bet your next weigh in will show a loss..

Welcome Carol and good luck to you...

My weigh in is on Tuesday,, Im feeling positive about it.

I still havent gone over 1300 in calories a day ...yesterday I was only at 1073...I know it was low...but I was so busy that the day just slipped by me..and then before I knew it it was about 8 pm and I realized that I did not have all my calories in but I dont like to eat anything after 7 pm at night...so just didnt...Oh well have to be sure that I do at eat at least 1200...I know its not good if you eat less then that.

Does anyone ever eat oatmeal for breakfast? I found that when I eat oatmeal that it keeps you full for such a long time..
I dont use the instant stuff . I use the real stuff. And when I add 1/4 cup of raisins and some cinnamon and Splenda, it only comes out to 244 calories.

I went to the book store yesterday and bought the 2002 Calorie counter book. One thing I learned about living here in Northern BC is that it is so hard to find the calorie content of things. The packaging in the states shows all of the nutrional information . But its not the same here. So hopefully this book will help me with that.

Well ladies, do have a great day tomorrow and a wonderful week!!!

See ya tomorrow!
Nancy
207/201/150(1st goal)

Hello all... sounds like yer all doing well. Congrats to all who lost! And to all those who haven't but keep on working on it!! :D

I'm in the second category currently. I'm still sitting at 149 pounds here. I need to "kick it up a notch" so I'm starting the SELF Challenge this week. For anyone unfamiliar with this, its in SELF magazine's March issue and starting tomorrow it'll be posted on their website at www.self.com and you can sign up for it there. Its a 3-month challenge that includes cardio, strength exercises, stretching and improved eating. Last year I joined but didn't complete it... BUT it is what got me motivated to get serious about my weight loss and since then I've lost 46 pounds! So, I thought maybe it'll remotivate me this year. We'll see :)

The one area I've improved upon lately is water. I actually downed 72oz yesterday, as opposed to my norm of about 16oz. I realized the 'trick' .. for me anyway.. I leave my water filter container out on the counter now instead of in the fridge. I admit, nice cold water is much 'tastier' but room temperature water goes down so much quicker. I can easily gulp down 16oz of water without much effort now! And when I do I feel nice and full for a while.. (less eating!!).. Maybe this will help me as well!

Anyways, keep up the good work everyone! I'll let you know how the Self Challenge is going. If anyone else decides to sign up, let me know :)

Christine
195/149/130

:) Hi everyone!

Welcome tupo_girl, Meg, and Carol! Congrats on your loss, Meg; I know what you mean about having a loss give renewed determination! And having everybody pulling for each other helps so much.

Yes, Snowey, I also go for oatmeal in the morning - for me it's more of a "stick to the ribs" breakfast food. I also use the old-fashioned kind; I measure out 1/2 cup, add some raisins and boiling water; then some Nutrasweet and powdered cinnamon. Yum!

Christine, good for you on the huge water drinking! I also drink mine at room temperature; goes down alot easier (and no pain in the brain from too much cold stuff at once).

Sprite, you are sure to have a loss soon...and it will be so great for you to be in the 140's.

I am very pleased that even without any prompting from me, my husband is now trying to watch his eating, and is trying to get some exercise in. That makes me VERY glad, as there is, in his family side, obesity, hyper-tension and strokes.

We now make sure to have green salad with dinner every night, and after I serve the plates in the kitchen, I put away any leftovers right away.

My next weighing day will be Wed. 27th - once a week is all I should try for, right?

My Gilad "Step & Tone" is easier for me to do now (still sweat and huff through it, but at least I know what the next move will be, and don't trip as much!)

Hope everyone has a great, healthy day!

Sincerely, Holly

Had a great day - 14 minutes of exercise and 1380 calories.

I am so excited!

Christine - I am going to check out the Self Challenge - thanks for the tip!

Nancy - great job in the calorie counting department!

Carol - Welcome!

Hope everyone started the week strong, and if not - tomorrow is a new day!;)

Good evening ,

Good to hear that everyone is doing well.

My day is going well.. Was not much in the mood for my walk but still managed to to force my self to go for a short one.


Do you ever have those days when you can actually feel like you lost weight and then there are days when you feel like you gained...??? Well that is how I am feeling today.. It will be 3 weeks tomorrow that I have been counting calories.

Tomorrow is weigh in day,, I sure hope it is a good one..

Well, Meigg, Holly, Sprite, Carol, Pamela, Christine and all the rest of the ladies,, heres to a great tomorrow !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Nancy
207/201/150 1st goal

Hi Ladies!

We seem to have a great thread going here! Very positive with lots of support!

Welcome Carol!

That's great Nancy that you still went for a short walk today even though you didn't feel like it. Every little bit helps. I am having one of those days that I feel like I gained a bit too and am going to make sure tomorrow is different. Like Christine I have just renewed my intention to drink lots of water. I really feel lighter on the days I do that. It's as if it is just washing fat away ( that is the image I have in my head when I drink it to make me drink more)

Meg sounds like you are off to an awesome start to the week, keep it up!

Good luck with your weigh in on Wednesday Holly, that's great that your husband has joined you on the healthy lifestyle. My husband is actually underweight so we have a bit of a problem in that department here. I want food to lose weight and he wants food to gain weight!

Here's to a fantastic week for us all!

Hi Everyone and thanks for the warm welcome!

Is there a specific day that you all weigh and post your weight on this board? It sure is nice to know there are other people like me that have come to realize that there are no magic formulas or fad quick weight loss strategies that will get us to our ultimate goal. The tried and true (Old Fashioned) way is what I know works (for me). I can only speak for myself, and through much trial and error and LOTS of wasted money, I have surrendered to what a doctor told me about 10 years ago. He gave me a simple plan to use that has a suitable calorie level (for me). I know that I can lose weight eating between 1200 and 1500 calories. I get quicker results using 1200 - 1300, but if I exercise more, I can eat up to 1500. I know what my body can and cannot burn up in a day's time. And I am thankful you are all here to communicate with because it isn't easy to find other people that use the (Old Fashioned) way to lose weight.......... Until next time, Carol J.

Good evening all,

Well today was weigh in day and the scale did not budge. :cry: Nope I stayed the same. I dont understand that . Not once in the 3 weeks since I have started have I even gone over 1300 calories in a day . I have been eating all the right foods . Not eating any empty calories at all. So you can say I am a bit bummed about staying the same.

I got some good news today that will keep me motivated.
My son was selected to become an officer in the USAF. He has been in the military for 9 years and has been trying real hard to become an officer. Ill be traveling back to the states ( Alabama) in June for his graduation. I will be sure to have lots of weight off by then.

I look so forward to seeing my family.
I miss my kids and my little grandson.

So how is everyones day going? Drinking lots of water and getting some type of exercise? I know after weighing myself this morning, I sure did not feel like going for my walk. But my sweet hubby was right there with my shoes and said come on. So off we went. Couldnt walk out side today as it snowed 6 inches last night so we went to the Hockey rink,, and low and behold I walked an extra 6 laps...normally walk 20 (equals 3 miles).

Well I hope everyone checks in tonight with good news...
Remember we are here for each other..

Here is to a great tomorrow !:wave:

Nancy
207/201 still/ 150 1st goal

Nancy--I've been reading this thread all week, as I am sure others have, too and I was really rooting for you! Remember, it's not about the number--it's how you feel and I know you've been feeling good about yourself because you are doing such a great job of motivating others! Just try to make it through until next week and keep doing what you've been doing because you know you're doing the right thing!
Have a great day, and give that husband a hug for being there for you! The hardest part of the walk is putting on the sneakers!

I did crummy yesterday:mad: Totally blew my diet. Got one craving after another in the afternoon, and felt free to give in to them. Very Bad! I did however get in some exercise, so I feel better. I have mad a vow to myself to be OP for today. I figure I must need to go back to one day at a time.

Hope everyone else has a good day! Talk to you soon!

Christine,

I joined the Self Challenge too. It's just a coincidence that it starts on my 28th birthday! That should give me lots more incentive! I always thought I would be in the best shape of my life by my 30th... Maybe we can help each other through it. You are my hero for already accomplishing so much!

Even though I've only lost 4lbs, most of my jeans are really loose. I've been hitting the gym at least three times a week so I think that's helping. I too am trying to keep up with my 64oz of water a day. I have a 32oz bottle on my desk and try to get through one before lunch and one before I go home. It DEFINITELY makes a difference in the fit of my clothes.

All of you are doing so great! We KNOW that this can happen just by looking at the ladies at the group! Consistency is key!

Everyone have a great day, thanks for all of your support!

-Katy

What kind words! They make me feel like I oughta be trying twice as hard. I've been feeling a bit like a failure recently due to getting stuck in the 150's for sooooo long. I guess I need to get out of that mindset, since I actually lost a couple pounds this month. Its just dropping so slowly now and I know I'm giving far from 100% so I feel bad.

I'll be 27 in March and I agree, it would be quite nice to be in the best shape of my life before I turn 30! I started the Self Challenge workouts this week cuz I originally thought I could start this past Monday, but then the website told me to start March 4th. But, I'm keeping up the workouts to get myself into the swing of things. Hopefully I can keep it up. Exercise has been a big slacking area lately for me!

I'm still keeping up with the water... 49-63oz a day, which is a lot for me! Drinking it at room temp really did the trick for me, although I still prefer COLD water or diet soda with meals.

On another note...
Snowey, is it possible that 1300 is not ENOUGH calories for you? If you eat too few, your body will go into starvation mode and hold on to that weight! I used to find (back when I was being real good OP) that if I did well with calories all week and the weight wasn't budging, I'd could give myself a day of extra calories and the weight would drop off. It was like my body was saying, OHHH, she's not going to starve me, I can let this body fat go! ;) Just a thought! And congrats on yer son's news!

Meg, don't worry about the one day off track.. you seem ready to get right back on and that's what really counts! :)

Everyone keep it up.. you all motivate me more than you know!

I'll end this here, before I write a novel ;-) LOL

Christine
195/149/130

Hi everyone!

Carol J. It seems we all weigh in on different days and just post when we do.

Nancy, I have to agree with Christine. Maybe you need to try 1500 calories a day to lose. I found when I went too low I could not lose and it was sooooo frustrating! Don't give up you're doing awesome!

Meg, maybe you're one day of bingeing will help kickstart your metabolism. If you're good the rest of the week you should still see a loss.

I haven't been feeling well lately so have been missing my exercises but today I got out there and walked my dog on the trail and it was so beautiful and the air was so fresh. I felt great after that! I am meeting up with an old friend from high school today who has always been slim so even though I've lost alot of weight I'm still not where I want to be and wish I was. Oh well it's more incentive to keep going!

Here's to a great week for all of us!

:) Hi everyone!

Wow, I couldn't get Internet access for one day; I feel like I'm out of the conversation loop!

Hi Carol, there's no particular day for weighing. I just am trying once a week, and just avoiding the certain 5 days/month, as that usually throws things out of whack.

Today was my weigh-in day; I'm happy that the scale shows 2 pounds less, so that means 4 pounds since starting, 2/4 to now. Slow and steady does it, right???...

Everyone is doing so well; even with "off days" we are sure to get back on track; especially when we realize that this should be for life, not for just a month or so. And the plateaus are sure to be frustrating when they occur; I guess just keeping up with exercising and drinking lots of water and knowing we're all cheering for one another should help!

Take care, everyone!

:wave:176/174/160 1st goal

Good afternoon friends!!!!!!!!!!

Good to read so many posts today. See how much fun it is when we all get together? This is a motivator for us all.

It keeps me going for sure.

Is everyone have a good day? Lots of water and good calories?

I will try eating more calories then what I have been eating and see if that will push a weight loss. But I have to tell ya, I was just not hungry yesterday and only ate 958 calories. So far today with breakfast and lunch and a snack I am at 658 calories. So will have a good dinner also ! I will bring those calories up for sure !

When I went walking this morning I got so lighteaded that I did not walk as long as yesterday. I do believe it was from not eating enough yesterday...do you think that could have done it?

Holly, Way to go with the the weight loss,, you go girl!!!

Meg,, just shake that day off after all we are only human. It happens to all of us. So we are here for you.

Christine & Sprite,, I promise Ill try more calories. Seems weird to think that you have to eat to lose weight...hahah

Carol, so glad your here, stick with us and we can show the world what a big bunch of losers we really are !!!! (tee hee)

Katy, 4 lbs is awesome! If you dont think that is,,just try velcroing 4 pounds of potatoes to your thighs and see what it feels like...
pretty soon that 4 pounds will be 8, then 12. Keep up the good work!

Tryinhard, thank you for your support, and you are right Iam feeling good about myself but you know us women. I think we were born to be a slave to the scale. You know some man had to invent that *%$%#%# thing !!!!!!!

Ok, Im off to get dinner started. Will check in later....

Take care and have a wonderful evening !

Nancy :wave:

Well...I'm really trying to get back on track, but this has been a rough week. I'm stressed and not sleeping well, but...I'm trying to eat good and excercise. I started this 8 minute excercise routine for every morning out of an older Prevention magazine. Honestly, I cannot wait until it's warm enough to do my bike rides outside again. It's supposed to hit below 0 this weekend, only the 2nd time this winter, and I live in MN, LOL. I'm looking forward to spring:).
In Christ,
Pamela

:) Hello everyone!

Boy, I did NOT want to exercise this morning; I foolishly stayed in the warm bed too long, and then the rest of the house is up, which makes it more challanging to exercise to a video in the middle of the room that everyone passes through...but I did it anyway, and feel good!!

Keep at it, Pamela; that is great that you can do some exercise everyday. The cold weather can be a major deterrent to outdoor exercise, with wind chill factors, deep snow and ice. I am also looking forward to being able to walk in shorts! (when I feel that enough weight has come off to bare these tree-trunk legs :lol: )

I like Nancy's motto of "lots of water and good calories".

Here's to a healthy day to everyone!

Sincerely, :strong: (I like this little guy!)
176/172/160 1st goal

Good Mornin'

Where the heck is everyone hiding?? It looks like its just Holly, Pamela and myself.... come on out you guys..we miss you!!

Its Friday morning and time to rise and shine.

I sure feel like you do today Holly, do I want to exercise? Darn right I dont ! But just like you I WILL DO IT and feel good about it !

Hangin there Pamela,, spring is just around the corner and we will feel so much better when we put on the first pair of shorts for the season and like the way we look in them.

Well I am off to have a good breakfast (Oatmeal and fruit) oh and lots of water. Then I am going to put on my walking shoes and get my butt outside and walk before the snow starts falling. Will try for 4 miles today.

Oh guess what my hubby went and did?? He went and lost 11 pounds so far.. I am so proud of him!!!He is right by my side and supporting me and getting healthy himself. He wants to lose about another 10 or 12.

Hope to see everyone later, until then keep smiling :) (yep that even burns calories) !!!

Have a great day !!!!!

Nancy :wave:

Nancy, your posts are always so upbeat and positive! Congrats to your hubby, too! It's a lot easier when you've got such great support!
I know it sounds weird, but I have enjoyed walking this winter. Granted, our winter on the East coast has been really mild, but even on the cold mornings, I've enjoyed my cheeks getting all red and rosy! I am especially enjoying my walks lately since the sun is even starting to come up! I walk at 5:30 a.m. and every day it's a little bit brighter!
I'm trying really hard to drink my water. The past two days I've done 64 oz. I think the weight loss comes from all of the trips to the bathroom!!
Hope everyone's having a great day!

Holly, Nancy, Thanks for the encouragement! I got on the scale today and I've lost one of my 5 'winter' pounds, yay! I think it's all my tossing and turning at night though:(. Ds and I have colds, but I'm still going to do my 8 minutes later tonight. I'm going to force myself to eat at least a few healthy things this sickness (why do you think I gained 5 pounds?!), but this is the one time I really allow comfort foods. Terrible, ain't it? My dad and I looked at 'city' bikes today. That might be my big goal for this summer. Lose the rest of the weight (about 25-30 pounds) and I get a new bike! Tomorrow it's supposed to hit below 0 for only the second time this winter. It's been soo soo weird this year! Soon, though soon. I'm excited about spring and shorts though!
In Christ,
Pamela

Hi Everyone!

I have not been following my plan. The last three days my eating has been out of control! I have alot of stressful things going on right now and know that has alot to do with it. I was so close to getting below 150 and now BAM! I lost my willpower. This is a tough hurdle for me to get over. I have two reunions coming up this spring/summer and want to look good! I think I'm putting too much pressure on myself for this though. Maybe that's why I'm overeating? My weigh in is tomorrow and I am not looking forward to it but I guess it's time to face reality and just move on. Hope you all are having better success! Sorry to be a downer on the thread but we all have our ups and downs.

Have a good weekend all!

Hello all,,



Sprite,,,,please dont be so hard on yourself,, everyone has bad days.

You say you want to look good for your reunions.. Well I bet you look wonderful already, just look at how much weight you have already lost!! That should make you feel beautiful !

You will get past this bump in the road!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Stay strong !!

Good luck with your weigh in tomorrow....
Ill keep my fingers crossed for you!

Pamela,
Congrats on the loss ! Spring will be here and you will be sporting around a new look and a new bike!!

I think if I were to ride a bike right now, I would have to get it surgically removed....hahahha....now thats a sight!! :eek:

Today was a good day,,, the temp here was 45 degrees and boy did I ever get in a good walk and at such a fast pace( ok I have to confess were walking the father in laws dog and I had no choice but to go really fast,, the dog is a little cockapoo but has the strength of CUGO !!!!). And I now have one arm that is 6 inches longer then the other ...haha
But anyway the hubby and I did 4 miles. I want to increase that to 5 miles a day soon.

Tonight is a night for me,, I sent the hubby out to have coffee with his friend and I am headed for the tub,, its my time to take care of me... face mask, bubbles the whole works... I say all us girls should do that for ourselves...after all we are working so hard we deserve to pamper ourselves......

Hope everyone has a great night and remember tomorrow is a brand new day start it with a smile.....

Night all..
Nancy

:) Good morning friends! (8:00 am for me)

It's so good to read such positive posts daily, it is really helping me.

Tryin'hard, that is so cool that you walk at 5:30 am. Talk about getting a good start to the day!

Tupo-girl, a new bike sounds like a super motivator. And congrats on the "winter weight" loss!

Sprite - Nancy is right, you have done SO well to lose the amount you already have. Yes, maybe the presure you're feeling is playing havoc with your determination. It's always easier for someone else to say "be easier on yourself" but it's true. You will beat that hurdle!

Nancy - wow to you and your husband! That is so great that he is so supportive - and congrats to him!!! Way to go, both of you!

I've got to get ready for work (yeah, on Saturday) but I'm looking forward to coming here this evening and getting my daily dose of motivation!

Sincerely,

:strong: (this is how I feel after doing my tape with Gilad)

Nancy and Holly Thank you so much for your supportive and inspirational words I really appreciate them.

I am feeling better today. I gained 1 pound this week but that's pretty good considering.

It was a beautiful day so I took my dog out for a walk in the sunshine before work and felt great. Then this evening after dinner I did some weights and ab exercises. I also have been drinking so much water that I am permanently affixed to the toilet.

Nancy I hope you enjoy your bubble bath tonight. That sounds heavenly I think I might try it myself.

Congrats everyone on your losses!
:)

Good morning all,,

How is everyone?

The weekend is going great. I sure hope everyone elses is also.

Sprite,, a pound is not so bad..you can have that off in no time!!!!

Tuesday is approaching fast and I am still debateing if I want to weigh myself or not.

I "HAVE" stuck faithfully to my calorie counting. Eating nothing but healthy balanced food and walking everyday. But physically I dont feel any different.
You know that feeling that you get when you lost weight? Well it just isnt there for me.

Come Tuesday I see how I feel and maybe,,,just maybe Ill get on the scale. After all last week I stayed the same, and I have been on this since 2/5.

Well ladies , I am off to do some energetic housework and burn some calories.... Ill be back later.

Everyone have a happy day and keep smiling..

Nancy
207/206/150 1st goal

I think you guys are great and hope you will let me join you in the quest to be healthier. I too look for motivation from others and enjoy sharing tips and success to help you keep on track.

My name is Melisa. I'm 35, married and have 2 children. My daughter is 13 and my son is 10. I count my calories daily on fitday and do aerobics at the Y 3x's a week. I've been consistently losing 2 lbs a week for quite some time and I'm thrilled with that. I've made mistakes......like eating less than 1000 calories a day. I work for a drug store and I was talking to the pharmacist about my weight loss and she told me that eating that little is VERY dangerous. She told me that when you do that you lose the fat around your kidneys and that they fall. Well that scared me. I've raised my calorie intake to 1000-1500 a day. Mostly I average 1200. I do admit to taking over the counter diet aids on a daily basis. I think it's just a mental thing and I'm probably not losing anything extra by taking them, but it keeps me motivated. I also take Xenical when we go out to eat. I can't control what they cook my food in and this just makes me feel confident that I'm not ruining my day. I still order as healthy as possible so I don't suffer any nasty side effects. Well I hope I haven't bored/overwhelmed you all with all my stats lol
Have a great day and keep up the great work everyone,
Melisa
234/189/145

Hi -- I am interested in starting to count calories but I am not sure how many calories I should be eatting . DOes anyone know where I can find out ,

Hi everyone!

Nancy you should still weigh yourself , you may just surprise yourself with a loss! Thank you for your upbeat positive posts they are a pleasure to read.

I can't remember who it was but someone here recently mention Fitday for keeping track of calories so I tried it and it's great! I guess I wasn't eating as many calories as I thought I was. ;) With this I get to eat more which is always a bonus!:lol:

I just had a super hot bath and feel so relaxed I can't even think about eating. It's off to bed soon with a good book!

Talk to you all soon!

Oh I just realized it was Melissa who mentioned Fitday! Thank you Melissa and welcome!

:wave: Hi everyone!

Hope it was a good weekend for us. Nancy, I am with Sprite when we say that it is such a pleasure to read your positive, upbeat posts!!

Yes, I know the feeling when you just have no clue what the dreaded scale reading is going to be. I think I might even skip it this week, as I don't want to be disappointed if it doesn't show any loss. I did "falter" a bit over the weekend, in having larger portions for dinner than I should have, and some in-between snacking. I'm not feeling bad or guilty, just matter-of-fact knowing that won't doesn't contribute to loss.

Welcome Melissa! Wow, you've lost 45 pounds?! The 2-pound a week loss sounds good; do you think you could slowly get yourself away from the over-the-counter pills? You might not realize it, but you're most probably strong enough to continue your super progress completely on your own. I don't mean to sound preach-y or anything - we just kind of look out for one another here, and offer our heart-felt advice. :)

Hello also to it's-my-life! If you look to the beginning of this thread, aphil gives good calorie choices, and the very good advice of the following for healthy, gradual weight-loss:

breakfast 300 calories
lunch 400 calories
snack 100 "
dinner 600 "
snack 100 "

and also the very good advice not to "hoard" calories through the day - as that plays havoc with our blood sugar and can create headaches and LOW will-power!

I just finished my aerobic/toning tape and the sweat is drying and making me cold, so I'm going to shower-up and continue a healthy day!!!

Thanks to you all for your support! (one month today since I discovered this site!)

Sincerely, :strong:

Good morning.....

Holly and Sprite,, thank you for the nice words. (your making me blush) :o

Welcome to the newcomers, its alot of fun here and we help each tremendously!

It will be 4 weeks tomorrow since I have started my calorie counting. Everyday I faithfully write down what I have eaten on a food diary sheet that I printout off the net. Being honest with your self is the first step to sucess, dont ya think?

I hope that when I weigh my self tomorrow that the scale will be nice to me. And if not...Ill keep on going as I know somewhere down the line that body will give me a weightloss.

A friend of mine asked me how can I go for so long without eating "normal" food. I said to her, I do eat normal foods, they just arent junk food.
I eat lots of good tasting healthy foods.

Yesterday we had company for dinner, I made baked boneless , skinless turkey breast in mushroom sauce, skinny mashed potatoes and steamed carrots, cauliflower and broccoli and a garden salad. I even made a low calorie dessert. My friends did not say a word when I brought my measuring cups and measuring spoons to the table. My husband honestly thought that he over ate on his calorie count and I had to assure him that everything was fine. The dinner was wonderful. When it came to desesert time, that is when he really thought I had made a mistake in the calorie counting department. I made individual servings of trifle. I took angel food cake(individual servings), fat free jello vanilla pudding, 1/2 cup of strawberries and bananas (mixed) and fat free cool whip. It was 250 calories for the dessert.. As a mater of fact , I could not even finsh mine.. Now how cool it that ?????? LOL


I do hope everyone is having a great start to the week.
I just finished a bowl of cream of wheat for breakfast and
I am going to go for a nice long walk in the sunshine as the weather man say we might get some snow..so want to get ahead of it.

Ill be back later . Everyone have a great Monday and keep smiling.

Bye for now
Nancy

207/201/150 1st goal

Gave in to some PMS cravings this weekend and boy was it good, LOL. I'm going to take a pretty rubber stamp and stamp on my calendar for when I (1) Don't eat sweets that day, (2) when I do cardio and (3) when I do some strength training. Hopefully, seeing it will be a motivator. Ds is sick again, but he seems to be doing better than yesterday. He's got some viral infection and just laid on us all day yesterday. I ate oatmeal for lunch, hehe. It was really good especially for this snowy March day.
In Christ,
Pamela

Nancy......that dinner sounds sooooo good. I wish I was there. Where did you get all the recipes? Are they one's you modified or got from a cookbook? I don't do much of the cooking around here so I get stuck with whatever gets made, but I have gotten dh to use Pam cooking spray, more veggies and less oil. If it's too fattening, I kindly just eat the veggies while having a frozen Healthy Choice dinner. He feels bad, but I don't. I'm not going to sacrafice my health any longer just not to hurt someone's feelings. I hope the scale is good to you. You've worked very hard and it's bound to let you have some satisfaction soon enough.

Pamela.....Good for you for letting yourself indulge and not feeling guilty. You have a great attitude. I don't beat myself up so much anymore either. A few weeks ago, I had a night out with my best friends. We like to drink. Well the bartender was feeding us free drinks all night. I had 4 20oz Coors lights. Well light or not, that's way to many calories, but I did enjoy it. I love beer. My intake for that day was about 3000 calories. I got right back on track the next day. I knew it would take me a long time to burn that extra 1500 calories I ate, but the damage was done. I moved on. I'd do it again. I had a great time.

Here's a little something that just freaked me out today. I'm at work ( I travel to different stores as needed to help out if somebody is on vacation, having surgery, blah blah blah.)So I don't see the same people all the time and sometime's it's months until I visit the same store again. Well today, a pharmacist I haven't worked with in awhile comes in and doesn't say anything to me. I'm thinking ok, she must have something pressing to say to the other pharmacist. No big deal. A while goes by, still nothing. Then I ask the other pharmacist a question. Do you know why I was being ignored? She didn't recognize me!!! I just thaought that was so freaky. I haven't changed that much. Well maybe I did. I got contacts, went from light brown hair to dark auburn hair and lost 45 lbs.

To everyone.......keep up the good work. I hope to be reading about your successes and tips soon. Thanks for the inspiration and caring.

Melisa

Melisa, that had to feel great, not being recognized! I always love to see folx I haven't seen in forever.. their reactions are so motivational!

Pamela, I like that calendar idea, I may have to steal it for myself! I need SOMETHING to get me moving!

Nancy, I agree with Melisa, that dinner sounded delish! I need to learn me some new recipes of the 'healthy' variety. I have to say if I had recipes that sounded that good, I could go without the 'normal' food too.. but unfortunately, I"ve been having problems in that area... too much of the bad stuff :-(

I really haven't been doing too well. I've been doing entirely too much thinking and far to little acting on it and following through with it :( Today I was supposed to start the Self Challenge. I crashed big time instead. I did my new Pilates 20-minute workout but none of the Self workouts and I went over on calories. I probably hit around 2000... Blah! At least I drank 120 oz of water.. I think thats a record for me!!

Does anyone know of any good websites or even recipe books with low-cal and/or low-fat recipes? I truely need to find some better food options. I've been trying to just eat whatever I feed the hubby and our daughter but just less of it, but that's not cutting it. I need to learn to eat lower-cal choices because then I can eat enough to satisfy myself!

Anyway, I hope things are going MUCH better for the rest of you!

Christine
195/150/130

Good evening ladies...

Melisa and Christine, there is a website that I have gone to to find something new and low calorie its anitas.recipes.vertex.com

Check it out there are some good recipes there and you can look by catagory or calories.

Melisa, not being recognized is such a wonderful compliment to you!!!! It just goes to show that all your hard work and determination has been successful!

Good idea about the calendar Pamela, everyday that I walk I come home and mark a big W on the calendar and if I walk more then the normal 3 miles I will put a W and then write the word lots under it.. but I think Ill get me a rubber stamp and start marking the calendar in pretty colors too!

Does anyone use a pedometer when walking? I have one that I clip on my waist and it really makes you feel good when you get done with your walk and you see how much you walked. Its a motivator for sure. Mine also tells calories burned and miles walked not just the steps. But everything that I have read on pedometers says that the steps walked are more important then then the calories burned or the miles walked.. heck.. I dont care what I read Im taking all of the totals as it makes me feel good about myself.

Well everyone have a great evening,, going to go watch a movie we rented with Michael Douglas...its called Dont Say a Word...anyone seen it???

Take care friends !:wave:

Nancy
207/201/150 1st goal

Melisa, that is so cool that you didn't get recognized! I look quite a bit different after losing 30+ pounds, so I can imagine 45 would be even bigger!

Nancy, I haven't seen that movie, let me know how it is!

Well, I'm trying to get my butt off here before ds wakes up! I've been cleaning and dancing around to 'Veggie Tales' and 'Sesame Street':). Trying to resist my salty snack. Hehe. If I work out, then I can have a small serving with lunch or as a snack later.
It's snowing here!!!!!!!! LOL. Maybe I'll just shovel when dh gets home. Hey, that's a great idea, LOL. No, I'll still do a video;).
In Christ,
Pamela

Good morning everyone,

I hope it is a good day for all! Here in Northern BC the sky is clear blue and the mountains look absolutely beautiful! the temp is about 22 degrees but I think Ill do my walk outside anyway. I dont feel like walking around the arena if I dont have to. Ill just be have to dress warm.

Well I did it,,, I got on the scale this morning...it was down 2 pounds...woo hoo....!!!!!!! I sure wish it would have been more but Ill take it. But after staying the same last week I am very pleased!!!!!!

The sweet hubby lost another 2.5 pounds..I am so proud of him that makes 13.5 pounds for him !!

Pamela, the movie was good last night even though I am not much of a Michael Douglas fan...I say give me Nick Cage anyday ...LOL:lol:

well off for the walk, will be back later...have a great low calorie day....see ya soon

Nancy :wave:
207/199/150 1st goal

LOL, Nancy. Congrats on the 2 pound weight loss!! I can't wait to see my scale start really moving again (post winter weight). I'm looking forward to shoveling when dh gets home:). It's such a pretty snow right now.
In Christ,
Pamela

:) Hello all!

Nancy, congrats on your 2 pound loss! That is so great. Your dinner sounded so good, also.

Tomorrow is my weigh-in day; hope I see at least a one pound loss. But if not, I'll still continue bravely forward.

I think I'll plan ahead a bit and make some sugar-free Jello for dessert - Jello sounds so blah and plain, but when I'm needing something sweet after dinner, it sure is good to have on hand.

I'm thinking ahead to May, when I start my seasonal job as pastry chef at a private club - man, THAT'S going to take all my willpower to not feel free to sample everything as I have in the past. Not just sweets, either - there are huge staff meals put out that are wonderful...hopefully by that time I will have firmer resolve and better habits ingrained in me; and if I am a few pounds lighter, that should help my will-power (I hope!)

Best wished to everyone for a healthy day/evening!

:wave:

Nancy......that's so great about the 2 lb loss. I know it's been long overdue. I bet that you were gaining muscle with all that walking that you were doing and it's finally evening out. Congrats to your hubby too! My husband always loses faster than me too..with little or no effort to boot. He's much more muscular than I am. That's probably a big reason for it.

To everyone else.....thanks for all the tips. I'll check out that website for recipes. Hope the scales are kind to you. Also, thanks for reminding me about the SELF challenge. I decided to sign up Sun and forgot by Mon lol. The 1st month should be pretty easy for me. I do all that stuff now, but if they want more for the 2nd and 3rd month......that's going to be a real challenge. I am up to it though. I'm hoping to drop 30 lbs in that 3 months so I am totally motivated.

Thanks again for everything,
Melisa

Hi all!

It has been several days since my last post - I have been very busy at work - actually a nice change of pace!

I gained back the 2 pounds I lost, but am starting again with tonight's dinner. I will not lose the faith! I know it is a long road, and I just need to keep working.

I hope everyone is well. Talk to you soon!

Meigg--congrats to you for STARTING with dinner! Most of us "wait til Monday" and do lots of damage between now and then! Good luck to you!

Hi everyone!

Congratulations Nancy! That is awesome! 2 Pounds is double what most people should expect to lose in a week so you should be very happy!

Melissa you must be super motivated to continue in your efforts after not being recognized! What a great feeling!

I have been giving into PMS cravings as well but thanks to your posts am approaching it with a much better attitude. One or two binges will not ruin my whole day or week! Plus I have just added more exercise and water to counteract.

Nancy that trifle sounds sooooo good! I will have to try it! I am having people for dinner tonight and am making a lemon angel cake for dessert with a meringue topping made with egg whites and lemon juice/peel. It is very low cal and tastes like lemon meringue pie. Yumm!

Well I am off for a brisk walk with my dog!

Have a good day all!

:) Good morning all!

Well, as Nancy would say - woooo hooo! I am down 2 more pounds. I am feeling so positive!

Melisa, that must have been sweet when the person you hadn't seen in a while didn't even recognize you. Wow!

Hello Meigg - that is great that you are feeling positive also. We have to keep the "big picture" in mind, and not be dismayed by some occasional discretions. Same to Sprite - and gosh, what is it that makes those cravings so intense? With me, it's wanting something either salty, or sweet.

Sprite - would you share your lemon cake recipe?...I have an ordinary angel-food cake recipe that is only non-fat because of no yolks/oil, but it has the usual amount of sugar in it. Soon, I might have enough will-power to make one, then divide it into 10-12 servings and freeze them; then use them as the base for something like Nancy's trifle.

I think I've found another benefit to exercise - I did slip on the ice today, and went down on my outer thigh - but scrambled right up again, and didn't feel like I was a sack of wet ---- hitting the ground.

I checked out the Self Challenge online - does anyone have the magazine? When it shows the "10-minute Cardio", are you supposed to do those individual jacks, kicks, etc. for one minute each?

Have a great day, everyone!:wave:

176/170/160 1st goal

Sprite: don't you just hate the PMS cravings?? Ugh! LOL. I'd be doing soooooo good this week without them.

I need to get out my stamps for my calendar. I'm behind a few days here. I haven't eaten sweets in 2 days, woohoo!! And those munchie things are almost gone. Tried to throw em out last night, but dh wouldn't let me. Not much left though. I ate a lot yesterday.

I hopped on the scale today for the hey of it, and, the first time, it said 2 pounds less, but then when I rechecked (why can't I just let things be), it wavered up between an extra 2 and 3 pounds. Maybe just water retention from PMS and salty stuff yesterday? It's motivating me to be really good today and tomorrow for Friday's weigh in.

My goal for today is: fiber, fiber, fiber!!
In Christ,
Pamela

Happy Wednesday everyone!!


Holly,,,,,,,good for you 2 pounds down and gone forever !!!!! :)

Pamela,,,,, Fridays weigh in will be a good one for you...stay strong and stay positive !!!! :strong:

It is so cold here today....brrrrrrrrrrrrrr about 15 degrees ,but the sun is shining so that makes it a happy day ! Will go for a walk ( a fast one for sure) and then I am off to meet a friend at Subway for lunch. Will have the turkey with cucumbers and honey mustard.. So low calorie and soooooooooooo good !!

Last night was a lazy night, the hubby and I sat and watch a few dvd's. The Last castle with Robert Redford (we liked it) and Artificial Intelligance with the little boy who was in the Sixth Sense ,, Haley Joe Ozment. It was good also but a long one..
For snacks we had sugar free jello and fat free cool whip...satisfying for sure.

So where is everyone hiding at? When I first started reading the posts before joining, I use to read alot from Aphil..I wonder what happened to her,, she was an inspiration for sure. I hope she comes back.

Holly, Pamela, Christine, Meigg, Melisa, Sprite and all the rest of our fantastic group...have a great day filled with smiles and happy skinny thoughts of how great we will look come summer....
sporting our new summer clothes !!!!!!!!

be back later.......
bye for now

Nancy :wave:

I've been reading, just not writing much cuz I've been feeling like I have no right to be trying to boost others when I cannot even keep control of myself!

I am actually taking a few days off from calorie-counting. I have been finding that instead of making healthy choices and eating only when I was hungry, I was constantly seeing how many bad foods I could fit into my 1400 calorie day. I was choosing to eat the bad stuff instead of the healthy stuff because I knew I had a limited number of calories for the day and I didn't want to reach my max and not be able to eat that stuff! LOL Great attitude eh? It wasn't a conscious thing though, I just kinda figured out that's what I've been doing. :(

Anyway, I'm taking a break to save my sanity. For a few days my goal is only to eat healthier and try to only eat when I'm truely hungry. I am considering trying the Weight Watchers program (on my own) for a while soon, but not yet. I need this break from counting first!

Congrats to all of you who have lost some more poundage lately! I hope to have some good news of my own in the near future!!

Keep it up everyone :)

Christine
195/150/130

Christine, when I've been in the same situation, it really helped to plan more. Plan every meal for a couple of days, including snacks. Then you don't have to do all of that "mental math" all day long. You've done it once, and just try to go on automatic pilot. You've done so well already! You must look terrific!

Christine,
I've been there before too!! Sometimes I just have to tell myself that I'm not going to eat sweets/junk for awhile and set up some sort of reward system for it. Another good thing to do is try to get a full day's worth of fruits and veggies. I think you need 4 fruits and 5 veggies a day and a veggie serving is sometimes a lot bigger than you think it is! I hope this helps and please feel free to post your frustrations too!!
In Christ,
Pamela

Christine,,

I agree with Pamela, do post your frustrations also and please stick with us. We are here for you ..in the good times and the bad times... your in good company!

I say you should take a bow and let us applaud you !!! You have come so far already,,, I mean 45 pounds....WOW!!! you have to feel awesome.

Always remember, tomorrow is a new day,,, make it special for you!!!!!!

Nancy :wave:
207/199/150 1st goal

Thank you all for your kind words. I do appreciate it.

I have a cake sitting in my kitchen and its been calling me all day long. I caved and had a piece but otherwise I didn't do too badly today. I noticed though, after eating the cake, I felt awful, in a physical way.. felt ill... I think my body is telling me not to eat such things! Now all I need to do is listen!

I did stock up on lots of fruits and veggies at the grocery store as well as some WW frozen meals and lots of other healthy stuff. We passed by the cookie aisle completely! Go us! My hubby's favorite ice cream was on sale.. buy one get one free.. and I reminded him that we're supposed to be losin weight and he passed it up! Woah.. its a miracle! *laugh*

Going to continue to not count calories for a few more days I think and see how I do. Maybe then I'll have had enough of a break and I can go back to keeping track. Or, maybe then I'll try the WW points for a while. We'll see.. :)

On the topic of my loss so far.. I am quite pleased that I was able to do it! That feeling stayed with me a long while but, I lost 39 pounds in the first 7 months on this diet (its been almost exactly a year) and only 6 in the last 5 months! I really need to get myself back into that mindset again because I'd love to see another 20 gone in the next 6 months but, at this rate I'll either still be sitting at 150 pounds or I'll have gained that 20! Yikes!

Anyway, thanks guys.. and I'm gonna work on that full days fruits and veggies! Veggies are a real problem for me (i'm not fond of a wide variety of them) but I'll be doing the salad thing a lot this week.. I stocked up! ;)

Christine
195/150/130

Today I ate the recommended 36 grams of fiber, and boy am I full, LOL. The only 'bad' things I ate (but still had 1 gram of fiber each in them) were mac and cheese and these Munchies (that's what they're called) that my PMS has been craving. I discovered in my freezer a bag of green beans, carrots, and peas - 60 calories and 3 grams of fiber per serving! I had 3 servings! My whole wheat spaghetti and the Healthy Choice spaghetti sauce had 3 grams each too. I feel really good. I'm not craving sweets too badly either which is good. I had a homemade frozen popsicle of 100% juice (60) calories that got the sweet tooth. I figured out the calories afterward (I really don't count normally) - 1600:).
In Christ,
Pamela

I been doing the same thing I try to eat between 1,500-1,800 calories a day and ride my exercise bike for an hour 5 days a week. If I do for some reason I do go over 1,800 a little I try not to get to upset about it because life is to short. Ruthieb12

Christine.......You should be proud of yourself for keeping the weight off and not gaining it back. I think it's just as hard, if not harder to do that. It doesn't matter how long it takes to get to your "goal". I know we all want it quick, but if it was easy, we'd all be the size we wanted to be. Give yourself a pat on the back. It really is a big accomplishment even if you don't realize it. In the meantime, post all you want. Be it negative or positive. love to see your #'s at the bottom. It is very motivating to me. I think I can I think I can I think I can.....I know I can.......because somebody else did it. And she's a nice person just like me. :)

Well, my step class was fun. I've come a long way. I used to struggle so badly, but I never gave up. I still struggle on some things (SQUATS!!!!!!!!!), but not like before. I can make it through everything without stopping and I feel good. I know someday I'll be able to go through the workout like the old guy that's there and double jacks while we all march. He's my motivator in class. Maybe I'll ask his name so I don't refer to him as the old guy to people. lol. My instructor noticed that I lost weight. She asked me how I did it. I told her that 22 of my 45 pounds came off from doing her class and watching my calories. She was pretty impressed. I'm pretty impressed that she is an aerobic teacher and a mom of a 2 yr old.

Congratulations to all who had a loss this week. Those who didn't, don't give up hope..it will come. To all, thanks for the tips, and comments. It really helps to know that I'm not alone and lastly, try to stay positive. This coming from a lady who wanted to rip off everyone's head today, but didn't do it. TOM is here.

Have a great day,
Melisa

:) Hello everyone!

Yes, Christine, you have already accomplished so much! If you're just not into counting calories for now, then take a break. Maybe that will take some pressure off yourself.

Melisa, you made me laugh out loud; good for your restraint in not ripping anyone's head off! Don't we all feel like that from time to time...Your aerobic instructor must have been psyched that you attributed help in your weight loss to her class. Just out of curiosity, how old is the "old guy"? (question coming from ancient 41-year-old:D) Congrats on doing the class; I'm sure you'll be double-jacking soon!

I made a yummy lunch item I hadn't thought of before; tuna salad made with no-fat dressing, onion and celery; open-faced on lite bread with a low-fat cheese slice on top and broiled - the tuna melt! And it kept me full all afternoon, thank goodness.

Nancy, I tried a variation with my oatmeal this morning - first cut up a small apple, then mixed that in with the hot water, sweetener and cinnamon. It was chunky and good!:T

Hope everyone is doing well - and if not, let us know, so we can support you!

:wave: Bye!
176/170/160 1st goal

Good evening all,,,


Holly , your breakfast sounded so yummy... I just bought some apples this afternoon I think Ill try that for breakfast tomorrow. You also sound like you had a wonderful day..!!!!!

I am feeling like a giant SLUG :eek: I think it may be the PMS monster :devil:
I am also feeling so homesick.:( I miss my family and friends.
I keep telling myself that Ill get through this and soon Ill be back home for a long visit.

My daughter in law sent me a little video clip of my grandson. I cant believe how big he is getting. Of course that made me feel even more homesick, as wish I could just give that little boy a huge hug !!

Even though I am feeling blue, I have been loyal to my diet. I refuse to let this interrupt my mission.

Well looks like it was just you and me today Holly...where the heck is everyone at....????

Come out , Come out where ever you are !!!!!!!!!!

Take care everyone.... and have a happy day tomorrow......


Nancy :wave:
207/201/150 1st goal

Hey guys!

This is weird but it seems like the majority of us are all PMSing at the same time!

I broke down and ate 2 1/2 pieces of that Angel food cake today. Couldn't control myself and didn't want to. It was ssooo good.
I just buy prepackaged Lemon flavored Angel food cake mix and make a boiled icing with egg whites and sugar, lemon juice and peel. It is still high in sugar but low in fat.

I have had a bunch of stressful things happening and they are all coming close to the time when I will have closure on them and hope that's going to help me. In the meantime I think I will be happy if I just maintain therefore I will not have the added stress of trying to lose at this time!

The weather has been beautiful and I am really looking forward to my walk tomorrow.

Good Luck to everyone on their weigh ins.

It's relatively late at night for me (10:45) but I just HAD to say to Nancy - no WAY you're a GRANDmother?! You look like the youngest grandmother on record...

I'm so sorry that you're missing your family. It's nice that your daughter-in-law sends videos.

Kudos to you for not letting your missing them turn into weakening your resolve, though. Yeah!

Sprite, I'm sure you'll burn off the sugar calories in walking your dog. Sometimes you just gotta have a little something sweet and yummy...especially with dealing with stressful stuff and cravings:dizzy:

Good night!

I was having computer problems today so that's why I wasn't here. Today was...hard. I had 1 serving of my fave Girl Scout cookies and 1 serving of my peanut butter eggs. Not great, but I could have done a lot worse. Af started today and I just could not get my butt in gear. I did get a lot of our finance stuff worked out, so that was good. Ds is feeling better too which is a hard transition. We go from him sleeping a ton and just wanting me to hold him, to him going back to 'regular', meaning super busy active toddler! I chased him around a lot. That counts right? It was kind of disappointing not to see any flower stamps on my calendar for today (I get a stamp for excercise and one for no sweets). All the other days had 2 on them!!
Malisa: Isn't that great when you know that you're progressing with workouts?!?!

Nancy: I never would have thought you were a grandmother either!!
In Christ,
Pamela

Hello All,,,

Holly and Pamela,, I sure am a grandma, thank you saying I look so young, I feel young most of the time also. And it also helps when you purchase OIL OF OLAY in the industrial 55 gallon drum size !!!!!! :lol:

I have 2 children. My son Rich who is 30 years old lives in Texas with his wife Erica and my little grandson Alexander who is 14 months old. My son has been in the Air Force for 10 years and will becoming an officer in June of this year. ( going to go to his graduation in Alabama). Yippee!!!!:D

My daughter Debbie is 24 years old and lives back In Illinois (where I am from ) with her boyfriend, She has no children (thankfully as the boyfriend is just like having a two year old!) :lol:

I did have my son when I was very young (just turned 16).
Heck we grew up together watching Sesame Street :lol:

Hey Pamela,, did you have to menton girl scout cookies?? I haven 't seen any little girls up here that even remotely resemble girl scouts... I guess that is a blessing as I would probably tackle them to the ground for a box of thin mints !!!!!! YIKES!!!!!

Sprite your Angel food cake sounds heavenly dont feel bad about eating it.. as I read somewhere that when us poor women are PMSing that we actually burn more calories....more then likely due to our outbursts, temper tantrums and crying jags...hahahah
Heck , Ill burn calories any way I can...

I guess I better get to bed,, as I feel like tearing into the frozen tub of Fat Free Cool Whip I have in the freezer....:eek:

Sweet Dreams ladies ... see ya tomorrow......

Nancy:wave:

Well, I'm happy to post that I'm back to 149 after 2 days of not counting calories! :D

I overate yesterday I'm sure of it but, I'm not going to beat myself up about it since the scale wants to be nice to me. Today I have given myself a new goal: 5 meals - breakfast, lunch, snack, dinner, snack. I find myself snacking entirely too often and mid-afternoon and evening are the worst. So, I figure if I 'allow' myself a snack during those two times of the day and ONLY then, maybe I can make it through a day without overeating! We'll seeeee!

That angel food cake does sound yumm-o. I wasn't aware one could buy 'flavored' angel food cake mix! I love lemon cake! Did anyone ever try mixing a package of angel food cake mix with a can of crushed pineapple (or a can of lite pie filling) and baking? I tried it with the pineapple and it was alright but I'm not overly fond of pineapple. I've been searching for lite blueberry pie filling cuz I'm thinking that would be soooo good, but I cannot find 'lite' pie filling anywhere!

Well, everyone, keep up the good work. You all inspire me! :-) Even when you slip up (laugh) because its nice to know I'm not alone! :lol:

Christine
195/149/130

Good morning ladies!

I am so proud of myself. I went to a get together last night with a bunch of women and they had all these appetizers laid out. I felt strong and only had two plates of vegetables and a small piece of cheese.

Nancy congratulations on your son becoming an officer, you must be so proud! You don't look a day over 30 yourself! Thanks for the PMS tips I like to think I'm burning more calories at that time. There's got to be something good with all we go through!

Christine, way to go staying at 149! That is great. Wouldn't blueberry pie filling and lemon angel food cake be good together? Yumm! When adding the pie filling do you omit the water?

Have to go take my little guy to Kindergarten and walk that dog!

Have a nice day everyone!

Its me again...

First.. the 149 is actually a return to 149 cuz I was back to 150 for a good week or so .. eek LOL

For the cake, you add only the pie filling or crushed pineapple (20oz can I believe but I can check) and nothing else.. no water or anything!

And, on the PMS thing, I believe I heard that its 200-300 more calories a day that your body burns! Wowsers! It almost makes PMS a GOOD thing, no? :lol:

Christine

Good Friday Morning.....

What a sunny day here in BC..but still cold.....brrrrrrrr!!!

Had cream of wheat for breakfast this morning with 1 ounce of raisins.. total calories was...189...not bad eh?? That stuff lasts with you for a long time also.

Christine, 149,,,,that is awesome.... how long have you been counting calories? Cant wait till I get there..

Sprite, good for you for staying strong,,it just goes to show that your got what it takes to succeed!!


Well everyone, have a great day....will be back later...

Nancy:wave:

I did something right this week: I lost 3 pounds!:D I must have burned off all those sweets last night fuming at dh (poor thing - must be sooooooo grateful I'm in such a good mood today!).
Dh buys his Girl Scout cookies from his coworkers kids. Usually he goes kind of nuts (2 boxes of every kind!) but this year he only bought 5 boxes. I'm really proud of him:).

Nancy, I still can't believe your a grandmother or that your kids are older than me! You look like you maybe have toddlers as kids, not full grown adults!

Christine, glad to hear you're back at 149! I have one more winter pound to go to put me back at 160, but I'm hoping to see the 150's soon!

Sprite: Good job on the restraint! That's a really hard situation, but there's usually something healthy and filling at those things!
In Christ,
Pamela

Hello everyone....


Pamela,,,,that is so great that you lost 3 pounds.... !!!!! I bet you are just dancing all around....keep up the good work......:)

So how has everyones day been?? Great I hope.... mine was fine also.....went shopping and bought some more fresh veggies and my favorite, "Grape tomatoes".... I just love them....darn little things are so expensive......but heck I m worth it..hahah

Ok gonna run for now......

be back later..........

see ya then.....

Nancy :wave:

Pamela, congrats on the 3 pounds! :D

Nancy, I've been counting calories just over 1 year but, I lost majority of the weight in the first 7 months... then I started slacking (around September) and even stopped trying for a good 2 months. It has been SO hard to try to get back on track. I wish I'd never stopped working at it cuz I could be at goal by now! Oh well, such is life.. I'll get there eventually :) As will we all!

Today I started out strong but as usual, as darkness takes over, I lose all willpower.. :cry: hmmmm.. I think I'm gonna just start going to bed at 6pm and avoid it all :(

Tomorrow I go to the in-laws for dinner. I always mess up when I eat there. Argh! I am putting 100% effort in tomorrow to be good! Wish me luck everyone!

I find that one good day seems to lead to another but I've not had ONE good day in the past few weeks.. I mess up at least a little bit each and EVERY day.. Tomorrow WILL be my one good day that will lead to the next and the next and the next! I am determined!!

I wish all of you a determined day of your own!! :)

Christine
195/149/130

:) Hello all -

Pamela, congrats on the 3 pound loss! You must have been dancing with happiness. That is great.

Also meant to praise Sprite for resisting all those yummy party foods - that must have been so hard!

Christine, how was the dinner at the in-laws? Hope that they are supportive, and not pushing goodies to you -"oh, a little won't hurt you!"

I'm a little disappointed in myself, that though my determination feels strong, just one day with a mean co-worker sent me home with a bad attitude, and I had like twice the amount of dinner I should have, and two servings of an allowed dessert - I should be realistic and see that is not really even CLOSE to the "pigging-out":ink: I have done in the past, but it was a drag. So why do we run to food when we're hurt/mad/whatever?

I will be back on track today, and if that person is rude and sarcastic to me again, I'll just have to deal with it. :devil:

Thanks for listening!

Holly
176/170/160 1st goal

Hi everyone,
I'm glad you are all doing well. I had some much needed laughter reading your posts. I am feeling very blue, but sticking with my plan.
Doing my aerobic classes has been a Godsend. I can get out all my frustrations there. The "old dude" in my class is probably in his late 60's. He's in better shape than most 30 yr olds I know. He told me they asked him to teach a class. I'd love to be in his class. He's so motivational and energetic.
Keep up the good work everyone. Congrats on all your hard work and dedication.
Melisa
234/187/145

Hi all!

I gained another pound this week. And completely overate again today! I had four pieces of pizza for dinner!

This may sound bad to you all but I think I have now hit rock bottom which always means I am now going to rebound and get back up again. I just am grateful that I can stop it after just a few pounds instead of 50! I know I will get back on track I am just having a bit of a struggle here but have not given up hope. I continue to read your inspiration posts and have decided not to restrain myself from posting even though I have gained because it is therapeutic for me.

Holly I too eat when I am frustrated or upset but it is great that we can now recognize that! We are one step farther ahead then we were before.

Christine good luck at your in-laws dinner you can do it!

Good evening Holly, Sprite, Christine, Melisa and Pamela,,,


Do you think this weather is getting to all of us? I sure feel like I could go to the refridgerator and just start eating. Its been a cold, very windy snowey day . The type of day that you just want food.... but nope did not give in....drank lots of water and tea. But deep inside I really wanted a chocalate brownie!!!!!!

Tuesday is weigh in day and with it being close to TOM I dont know if I want to get on the scale.

Sprite , please dont ever stop posting,, we all are each others inspirations..!!!

We all need to see ourself at out best and not concentrate or dwell on the worst. Lets forget about yesterday,,, we need to just keep thinking about and working towards our present goal.
Remember everytime a minute passes we have a new opportunity to get back on track!!!!

We are strong !!!!:strong: We will succeed!!!!!!

Sweet dreams,,,,,
see everyone tomorrow....

Nancy:wave:

207/201/150 1st goal

Sprite.......You only gained a pound. You are right. You stopped before it became 50 lbs. Dig deep. You are almost at the top of the mountain. You have so little to go, you can see the summit.
I took this from an old Shape magazine article. The analogy is, in my opinion, right on the money with our weight loss struggles and success.

"The final steps often require everything you've got. I can scarely go on. I consist only of will. After each few meters, this fizzles out in unending tiredness...Then I take a few steps again."
I vividly remember struggling with every step of the last 300 yards to the summit of Mount Rainer. My guide , Jethro, told me just to dig deeper. It worked. And during that last exhausting stretch up the knife-edge ridge to the summit of a 20,000 foot mountain in Bolivian Andes, guide Peter Whittaker told me " We're going to keep walking until we run out of mountain." Next thing you know you're standing on top.

I do something kind of corny everynight. I get myself into a meditative state and visualize my body losing fat. I count the numbers backwards from my weight that day until I fall asleep. I usually doze of pretty quick and don't make it very far and sometimes that scares me. I'm thinking it means I am almost ready to give up, but each night I make it to a different # so I think I'm just relaxed so much that I fall asleep. Anyway I think my new thing is going to be picturing myself climbing the mountain. With my weight on markers, I'll visualize passing them and not looking back.
I know it probably sounds stupid, but it appears to be working for me. The mind is a powerful thing.

Keep up the good work everybody. I feel a stelar week coming on.
Melisa

Melissa! Thank you so much! I almost cried when I read your post it was soooo inspirational for me! Climbing the mountain is the perfect metaphor for losing weight. I almost gave up before I reached the top. I am going to dig deeper! I think I will try your visualization method.

I am off to another get together today and this will help me remain strong.

Thank you for your kind words Snowey. I really appreciate you guys helping me through this tough time I'm having.

Melissa your aerobics class sounds great and what an inspiration the "old dude" is! That is something to strive for, being 60+ and becoming an aerobics instructor!

Have a nice day everyone!

Where is Aphil?

Well, that was incredibly disturbing! I brought my laptop to my in-law's house yesterday to show them some digital photos and I left it there!! This wouldn't have been that bad except, we live an hour away! Luckily they were kind enough to meet us half way with the computer this evening but, I'd gone 36 hours without internet and I was going through withdrawal!! :lol:

So much for my determined day yesterday.. blah... I did well at their house.. only had a roastbeef sandwich with ONE slice of cheese for lunch and a slice of tomato and I even brought my own flavored water to drink instead of the high-cal drinks usually available there... BUT... I must confess.. for breakfast before our visit there, we stopped at Bojangles and I had a country ham & egg biscuit :eek: and on our way home at night (damn nighttime cravings!) I had the urge for sweets so we picked up a couple donuts (luckily not a whole dozen or I'd really be kickin myself now).

Then just to make the worst of a bad situation.. *grin* we had Fuddruckers for lunch today and Taco Bell for dinner. We won't even discuss this further... I am driven by the great and mighty PMS monster... I plan to regain control tomorrow! At least I'm not having 3000 calorie binges.. Although I'm still not counting, I estimate I did not quite hit 2000 calories each of the past 2 days. Not a diet killer but, its certainly not going to help me LOSE weight either! I think I'm going to start counting again tomorrow and see if I do okay with it.. or use fitday maybe and see how that goes.

Hope everyone's doing well and I didn't tempt anyone with my mention of BAD stuff.. argh!

One last thing.. the scale has actually been dancing between 149 and 148 the past two days (to spite the fact that I appear to be trying my hardest to gain weight).. hoping if I'm good this week I can get a steady 148 by next weekend!! :D

:-)
Christine
195/149/130

Happy Monday Everyone.......

How is everyone..?

Christine,, so glad you got your laptop back,, we sure would miss you if you hadnt!!

I cant believe how fast the weekend went by. The weather here was absoulutely horrible,, Wind, freezing cold and blowing snow.
I say this kind of weather is just uncalled for!!! :lol:
It sure hampers the long walks outside.

I keep telling myself.....spring is coming, spring is coming....

Well ladies,, have a good day,, will be back later......

Nancy:wave:
207/201/1st goal 150

:) Good morning everyone!

How are we all?

Christine, hopefully the PMS cravings will subside soon. And we all should have occasional treats; as long as we know we just won't eat like that too often.

I liked Melisa's visualizing the body losing fat by counting backwards - and you probably drop off to sleep quickly because I believe good, consistant exercise enables us to fall asleep quickly, and have a good, deep rest. I seem to be having a solid 6 hours' deep sleep, as opposed to 8 hours of fitful, waking-often sleep.

Yes, Nancy, brrr, what a weekend! We had unseasonably warm weather here Saturday (like 55, with sun shining) and then cold yesterday, and the wind blew last night like crazy. Actually brought a tree down across our road, completely blocking it. After calling the local police, then waiting 20 minutes and warning people with flashlights, we decided to get our chainsaw and just cut it up ourselves. People waiting in their cars got out to help throw the wood off the road, then they were on their happy way!

How are you doing, Sprite? And yes, where is our Aphil? I still think of her as my first contact here, and owe her a BIG debt of gratitude for getting me started with her calorie guides...maybe she's still busy working on that sci-fi constume!:lol:

Here's to another healthy day on our on-going journey!

176/170/160 1st goal

P.S. - I am PSYCHED because I can feel a difference in my jeans - a little looser! Yippee!:D

Good morning all!

I did not sleep well at all last night as I always get insomnia just before my period. I was sweating and tossing and turning and just know I burned about 500 calories during the night!

:lol:

Went to another get together yesterday and did pretty well I must say. I only had one tiny bite size brownie for dessert along with some fruit. Thanks to you Melissa I am "digging deeper".

I am looking out the window at buckets of rain coming down and am trying to psych myself up for the walk today. Once I am out in it I actually find it very refreshing!

Vermont Mom that's great when you feel a difference in your jeans I love that feeling! It is so motivating and makes you want to try even harder!

Hope the rest of you are doing well.

Have a nice day.

Sending good and skinny thoughts every one's way!

Hello Everyone,,,,


Its another snowey , windy cold day here. I feel as if I am living on the edge of the world and this stuff will never end!

Sprite, I would gladly take the rain instead of this snow . I would love to see the snow just wash away.
I dont know if anyone seen that picture that I had posted before I put the picture of me there. But it was a snowman that was built here at the end of Decenber...it s was 35 feet tall !!!!!!!!!!

That is how much snow we have had this year.. I never want to see that much snow again... its just nuts.

Holly, its so good that you can tell that your jeans are feeling loose. That gives you such a good feeling dosent it? Mine are starting to feel that way also.

Does anyone ever try any of the recipes on this website? I was browsing through them and several of them seem quite appealing.

It will be 5 weeks tomorrow since I have started counting calories. It has gone by so fast, and all of you ladies have kept me pumped up and motivated. I am so lucky I found this website and all of you :) I thank you !

I think Ill take off to the library for a bit...need to get the heck out of the house....talk to everyone later......

Nancy :wave:
207/201/150 1st goal

HEYYYYYYYYYYYYY,,,,,, WHERE THE HECK IS EVERYONE AT??????Come on out guys, its no fun here with out you !!!! :(

Someone needs to give me a big slap upside the head.... I was re-reading my last few posts and I noticed that I had been ending them with the wrong weight statistics... I was still signing it at 207/201/ 150 1st goal.......it really should be 207/199/150 1st goal....YIKES what the heck is wrong with me....I was making my self gain weight....just by typing....whoa... now how scary is that ?????

Pamela, Holly, Sprite, Christine, Melisa....It so lonely here with out you............has anyone found Aphil yet??

Hope to hear from everyone soon.....remember we are here through the good and bad.......

Nancy

Hi everyone! I don't have to much to say today. This will be a first. lol. I'm glad everyone is hanging tough and that you find my tip about visualization useful. You guys give me so much more than you realize. I'm glad I can give a little something in return.
Let's all hope for good weather this week. I feel so bad when I hear about your lousy weather, but you guys just keep chugging along and that is so cool.
Melisa

:) Good morning everyone!

Hi Nancy, Melisa, Sprite, and Christine. Hope everyone's doing well.

Yesterday, I think I was having "sympathy" PMS cravings! Meaning that it's not that time for me, but I sure wanted to do nothing but snack all day long.

I am also tired of winter! We have not had as much snow as usual, but it's still wintry, and cold. However, isn't it GREAT that it's lighter earlier in the mornings, and stays lighter later each evening!

Tomorrow is my weekly day for weighing; I'm hoping for a one-pound loss.

Does anyone else have clothes "waiting" for them, once we drop the weight? I have two pairs of jeans that are hidden in the back of the closet (more like under piles of stuff) that were comfortable on me (nicely loose on the thighs) 4 years ago. They were Gitano size 12. They will be the first ones for me to try on when I get to the 160 mark. Please, please, please:D :D :D !

Well, I was waiting for my oatmeal/apple mixture to settle for a half hour inside me before I get out the step and the video; but it's time to make that sweat drip (and I think I must be working hard to get that sweaty in a room that's between 60-65 degrees)

Five weeks also for me, Nancy! It really has gone by quickly, with new friends :)

Have a great day!!!

Holly
176/170/160

Hello all :-) I still haven't gotten my 100%-day yet but I'm still plodding along, determined...

Holly, I too have a couple pair of jeans sitting in my closet waiting for me. They are size 10. For some reason all my size 12's seem to have disappeared, which stinks cuz that's the size I'm finally into! I'm currently wearing the jeans my hubby wore when I first met him.. they're men's size 32x30 and fit perfectly. I refuse to go spend $30+ on a pair of size 12 jeans when I'm determined to fit into something smaller ASAP!! Good luck on yer weigh-in tomorrow and fitting into your 12's real soon!!

The weather here in North Carolina has been a bit chilly but that is no excuse for me, cuz I have a treadmill sitting in my bedroom. But, have I paid it any attention lately? Nope . . . I'm such a bum!!

Fitday is doing the same thing to me that counting calories did, I'm stuffing a lot more food into myself on the days I'm keeping track than on the days I'm just having a relaxed eating day!! Isn't that backwards?? Argh!! So, I think today I'm going to just not worry about keeping track of anything and just see what happens.

Hope everyone has a great day today! Here's a little quote I liked: "To do is to be." --Socrates

Christine
195/150/130 (eeeeek.. the 150 is BACK!!!)

Good morning ladies!

I did excellent yesterday and can just feel myself getting smaller!I am so determined and using the phrase "dig deeper" when it gets too hard. For me it is all or nothing. I find if I let myself have a little treat here and there pretty soon all I am eating is treats! I find I do much better if I stay on my strict regime with no exceptions.

Holly I have two boxes of clothes just waiting for me in all different sizes. I try them on periodically and just visualize myself in them. (sucking my stomach in helps:lol: ) I have some stuff from my skinny days and alot of things I pick up at second hand stores. Clothes are a very good incentive for me.

Well I put off my walk so long yesterday that it actually stopped raining by evening and it was a beautiful night. The walk was so relaxing I really enjoyed it. Snowey congrats on discovering you could post a couple pounds lighter. We certainly don't want to cheat ourselves out of that after working so hard for it now do we?

Melissa glad you are hanging in there!

Christine I found when I did fitday it allowed me to eat way more food for my calories which I couldn't figure out and I just ended up eating more as well. I just went back to my old tried and true method.

Holly you made me laugh with your comment about the "sympathy" PMS cravings.

Have a nice day!;)

Good Morning All ..

It sounds like everyone is having a good day !


Well today was weigh in day,, ,didnt want to with that TOM just around the corner,, but guess what?????? I lost another 2 pounds...WOO HOO...feel like doing the happy dance...so that is 10 pounds in 5 weeks...I'll take it,,, I'll take it !!!!!! Hubby is down 2.5 pounds also...he is so determined. I am so proud of him.. he does not have that much more to lose.

Sprite , thumbs up to you for having an excellent day !!

Christine, dont worry about Mr. 150 showing back up,, just give him a kick and send him packing !

Holly, good luck with the weigh in tomorrow.... I have my fingers crossed for you!!

Melisa,, the weather is better here today, I think I may be able to go for a walk outside. I hope, I hope !!!!!

Well I am off to the post office to mail my grandsons Easter present. so will be back later...everyone have a fantastic afternoon....

Nancy :wave:

207/197/150 1st goal

Hello again :)

Nancy, congrats on the 2 pounds! You are doing great!!

Everyone is doing great! I'm ready to join in on the greatness!

I think I'm going to find a good 'before' picture of me.. or rather a BAD one.. :lol: .. and a newer photo of me and stick them up on my fridge! Maybe I'll add some cutouts from my fitness magazines too.. ya know.. the GOAL photos ;-) Then when I go in there to find food, I'll see all those pictures and maybe it'll help me make better choices!

Speaking of GOAL photos, if anyone is interested, here is a goal photo of me.. its my head & Shania Twain's body! LOL (Although shania is my height, I think she's only 110 pounds, so I wont actually be that skinny, but i still like the photo) ;)

http://members.aol.com/nyoracle/newme.gif

Keep up the good work everyone.. I need the inspiration!! :D

Christine
195/150/130

PS Should we start a new thread? #6? We're hitting page 11 here so we're getting kind long!! :-)

I am now doing the bean diet, LOL. I eat 2 servings of beans a day (120 calories, 28 grams of fiber) and goodness, I think it's working, LOL. Had to go buy some Beano today though.

I have 2 Lilli Pulitzer dresses in my closet that are size 10's (I wore them when I was a size 14 before ds) but they don't zip up the back anymore. I want to wear them this summer!!!
I got rid of quite a bit to declutter but I'm looking forward to buying size 12 (or smaller) shorts soon!
In Christ,
Pamela

Ps Snowey: great job on the weight loss!!!!
194/161/145

Christine........OMG I love that photo. How did you do that? I need a pic like that to keep me motivated. When I want something extra, I just look at a photo of me from Six Flags. OMG it is soooooooooooooooooooooooooooo disgusting. I can't believe I was out in public like that. My clothes fit really bad. Not flattering at all. What on Earth was I thinking when I dressed that day? Anyway..........

Nancy.......WTG! That is awesome. I feel so happy for you. Keep it up.

Sprite.....I'm glad you had a good day. It will pay off soon and you'll be fitting into your "skinny" clothes before you know it.

Holly.....I hope the scale is kind to you.

Pamela......You are so close to goal! How does it feel? Are you excited? I'm excited for you. I'd love to see you reach it. Do you have a final reward for yourself for reaching goal? I'm excited because I made the 1/2 way mark. I can't imagine how happy and excited you must be.

Well ladies have a good night. I have to eat real quick and then go to step class.

ttyl,
Melisa

Hello again everyone.......



Yes Christine, I agree with Melisa...do tell the secret of putting your face on the body of your choice!!! I want to do that also....what an incentive for sure.... by the way you look awesome!!!! Shania has nothing on you !!!!!!!!

Ok Pamela,, what is the bean diet? I have never heard of it. Do you find it satisfying? Where can I find some info on it... Iam curious. You wont have to ship Beano in by the truckloads will ya?
:lol:

All of you ladies are so close to goal... that must be a great feeling. I cant wait to be as close as all of you are...

have a great evening everyone............keep smiling...

Nancy :wave:
207/197/150 1st goal

Ok the bean diet is not working, LOL. The fiber is higher when they're not cooked and I ended up eating 2 full cups of beans today. Ugh. I had 39 grams of fiber in me with only 900 calories, LOL. I'm going to tone down on the beans since I eat a lot of fiber during the day anyway, LOL. Oh yeah, a little weird.;)

Malisa (I think I spelled your name right!), it does feel really good to be so close to goal, although I may adjust it when I get there. When I hit 145, I'm going to get me a city bike:). Should be fun. Thanks:).
In Christ,
Pamela

Hi everybody!

Hey Christine I love that picture of you. I need to get one of myself for my fridge.

I bought some stickers (stole that idea from someone ,can't remember who) and have been putting them on my calendar on the days I do everything right. i.e. exercising and eating ONLY my exact calories 1500. So far I have put up 3 in a row and it really is good incentive.

Pamela sounds like that bean diet would give you a sore stomach after while. :lol:

Melissa that is so great you made the 1/2 way mark! That is truly a milestone. Give yourself a lot of credit for making it this far.

Holly how was your weigh in?

Nancy I hope your week is going great!

Sprite, you got the sticker idea from me and I stole it from who knows where, LOL. I actually need to stamp my calendar for this week. It's so nice to look and see all the good things I've done for myself at one time!!

I'm feeling a little better today, LOL. I'm not one to do crazy diets, but then I go and make up my own. I'm a little silly, LOL.

In Christ,
Pamela, who ate 3 bananas for breakfast...oh well.

Good Morning Friends,,,

Sprite thanks for reminding me about the calander.. I keep forgetting to put my stamps on it. I am glad you have had 3 great days in a row... keep up the good work.

Pamela,, I was just watching Oprah and she had Dr Dean Ornish on it and he was talking about heart disease and eating right. He said that beans are so healthly and everyone should eat them everyday. He said that the uncomfortble feeling that is associated with beans goes away after about a month.. And also bananas are so healthly for you heart.. So dont worry about your 3 bananas for breakfast... You are doing good!!

I realize that I want to lose weight to feel good as well look good.. My father had heart disease and I am so afraid getting it also. Last summer (right after I got married ) I went through an episode that I thought I was having a heart attack. My doctor put me through so many tests. Well it was not a heart attack,, but a classic case of anxiety. My doctor did all the tests to be sure though.
I guess I had so much stress going on... just getting married, quitting a job that I loved, moving almost 3000 miles from home and leaving my family. But that was back in June and all is well now. Oops,,sorry to rattle on....

Anyway,, my week seems to be going real good so far.. The temp is about 45 degrees so I am off for a walk outside.. will see you all later....have a wonderful afternoon.....

Holly,, hope your weigh in went great !!

Christine,, I went to the IVillage web site last night and you can do a makeover look onyour self by loading in a picture of yourself...well all I can say is that I dont look good with Halle Berrys hairstyle... Now if I could figure out how to get her body in place of mine......:lol:

Melisa, hope you are having a fantastic day!

Nancy :wave:
207/197/150 1st goal

Hello all . . .

That 'goal' photo of mine was one I made myself.. I just swiped a pic of Shania off the internet and opened it and my own in adobe photoshop and did some fancy cutting and pasting action ;-) It took a lot of trial and error to get it to look that good tho!! I made that about 2 years ago! Oh, and I've done that ivillage makeover too.. and I don't look good with Halle's hair either ;-) LOL

I'm doing well today for once!! Wowsers! So far today I had a cupcake for breakfast (oops, not so good but it was only 200 cal) LOL ... lunch was a pizza bagel ... two snacks so far.. a granola bar and carrots with light ranch dip.. I'm around 800 calories for the day!! I'm happy! :D

I'm counting calories again because I just totally lost it yesterday and ate and ate and ate!! So far so good with the counting.. we'll see if I can keep it up! I'm aiming for 1500 for this week.

Glad to hear you're all keeping it up!

Christine
195/150/130

PS My puter died last night.. wouldn't even power on.. but luckily, I'm married to a PC Technician so we're all good now.. just wanted to let everyone know incase it quits on me again!! :(

:) Hi everybody!!

I wanted to post first thing this morning, as I wanting to happily blab the news that I'm down 2 more pounds! But I just couldn't get connected to this site. So now I'm home from work and able to talk now!

I'm enjoying everyone's "company" so much. I really look forward to coming here, and it's why I've been able to stay "on track". Thanks, everyone!:D

Yes, Christine - maybe we should start a new thread? Does anyone want to take the plunge? Should it be a senior member? I'm so full of questions!

On a sober note, today is the two-year anniversary of my dad's death - he was only 67, but was obese for most of his life, and had so many health problems, his quallity of life was awful. With each time I exercise, I'm thinking "Dad, I know you'd want me to have a long healthy, happy life - I'm doing it!"

(Hope that didn't bum anyone out too much)

Have a wonderful healthy evening, friends!

Your pal in our journey -
Holly
176/168/160 1st goal

Good Evening all,,,,


Way to go HOLLY !!!!! 2 pounds down and gone for good... !
I bet your dad is smiling down on you and very proud!

I am with you... this group makes sticking with the diet so much easier.. I would be lost with out you guys..

I hope everyone has a good night...going to go watch some dvd's we rented.....see ya tomorrow !!


Nancy :wave:
207/197/150 1st goal

Holly, congrats on your 2 lb loss. That is awesome.
Sorry to hear about your Dad.
I feel the same way as you do about this board. It's so nice knowing that I can come here and see what you guys are up to. It gives me such inspiration and I hope I give some in return.

Thanks to all who posted about ivillage. I'm going to have to check that out.

I went out to lunch with my girlfriend today and had Chinese.
I thought I did good and made a wise choice. Good thing I only ate 1/2 and then the other 1/2 for dinner. My total intake for today was 1400+. The only other things I had were a plain bagel, 2 yogurts, a coffee and 2 Girl Scout thin mints. I hate going out to eat anymore. I feel like it's such a diet killer. I know I didn't go over my calories, I try to keep it under 1500, but I could have made better choices at home for less calories. Good thing I have cut way back on my eating out. Plus I take a Xenical when I go out. I know that's not the old fashioned way. It's a crutch, but it makes me feel better. I do love going out though. I enjoy spending time with friends and family. Well enough of my whining. Have a great night all. Keep up the great work. You are all a step closer to reaching your goal. Some of you are so close that you can reach out and grab it. Don't give up now. You've come so far.
Melisa

Good morning Everyone:)

Things are going good and the sticker idea is really working. Last night I was confronted with a try of baked goodies and fudge even! I debated inside my head and decided I really wanted that sticker and what it represents more than the goodies! I even sat with people and watched them eat up to three helpings of the stuff and it didn't bother me. I felt so strong.

Thank you Pamela for the sticker idea.

Holly way to go with the 2 pound loss:jig: :jig: :jig:

Melissa we all need to get out with friends and be happy that you stayed under your calorie count. You will make better choices today.

Nancy I watched that Oprah show as well. Very interesting! There was a slender woman in her early 30's who had a heart attack! Makes you think doesn't it.

Christine keep it up with the calorie counting. Stick with what works!

Have a nice day all!

Good Morning Friends...


Wow I cant believe it is Thursday..this week is flying by so fast !

Only a few days till spring (well on the calendar anyway).

I hope everyone is having an awesome day and thinking happy thoughts!

Sprite way to go with your willpower.. you sure were strong to resist. I bet you feel so proud of yourself for doing that.

Melisa, dont ever be afraid to go out to eat. You can always ask the waitress about the nutrional info on a particular item. I do that all the time. There are so many people out there that are watching their weight that most resturants have the nutrional value for their items. I also look at the resturants websites and check out the nutrition there. It is very helpful.

Holly, Christine and Pamela.. I hope you are having a wonderful day also..!

Ok I was going to close this thread and start a new one.because this one is getting so long... but I am afraid i would screw it up...anyone knowhow to do it?? Im so confused on how to do it :?:

Well I am off to go do the breakfast dishes and get my butt out of the house and go for a walk... UGH...I hate exercise.... I think I would rather sew my head to the carpet than have to exercise EVER!!! :lol:
see everyone later....!

Nancy
207/197/150 1st goal

I noticed Pamela made us a new thread and thought I'd mention it here incase others don't notice it! I'm about to go post there now to get in on email notifications for that thread!! :-)

Christine
195/149/130 (yes, 149 is back!)