LA Weight Loss - Friends and Losers thread April 21st-27th

"You must begin to think of yourself as becoming the person you want to be."David Viscott

I saw this quote this morning and thought it was appropriate for all of us that struggle with our weight! SOOO this morning, imagine the inner slimmer healthy person you want to be, get that image in your head and kick that fat girl to the curb!!! Hope everybody has an absolutely amazing week!!! I was POP over the weekend, first time in a long while I've been POP, not just on the weekend but just in general. Isnt it amazing how much better our bodies feel when we feed them right? Sheesh, I've been doing this for over a year, looks like I would remember that!!!

Morning Everyone

:wave: Kim

So it wasnt the greatest weekend but my weekends are the worst. DH was home Friday, Saturday & Sunday and when hes home its so hard staying OP since we're mostly out. F&S was ok but yesterday we had pizza for lunch & dinner. Not good. I really have to try to stay OP on the weekends too or i'm not going to lose as much as i would have otherwise. My WI is mondays and sundays always mess me up. That being said i'm down 1.8lbs from last monday but last monday i was up from the previous so i still need to get my butt in gear. I usually lose 6lb per mo and i'm only down 2.4lbs this mo so far. I know the last 10lbs are the hardest but i think i'm due for a swift kick. I find that the past few mondays i've been venting about not losing much but its really my fault and i need to get out of this rut.

Anyway hope everyone has a good day today. This week is nothing but POP for me.

Hi Debbie!!! It does get harder the closer you get to goal. Its easy to get kind of lazy and not weighing and measuring things like you did in the beginning. Just remember your basics and you should do fine!!

WHERE the heck is everybody?? Come on people wake up!

Liza- Your new doggie is gorgeous! He looks so happy with Mini-Me.

still here but busy today. Trying to catch up from 2 weeks of weekend visits and laundry than didn't get done. If I don't stay on top o things it gets so hard to catch up with all the house stuff. I really need a maid! Got to walk to the school a few times and back today and get to a WI then off to daughters rehersal. I am tired already! :smug: stay POP this week! Lets get moving and shakin'! :hug:Go Kim and Debbie.. you girls can make thie happen! WHOO HOO!

Hey gang.. .

Busy weekend for me, with fun and work.. I'm going on about 3 hours of sleep right now, so I'm pretty punchy...

Liz has decided that she's going to try the South Beach diet for a while and see if that gives her the kick start she needs.. She's signed up for their online program, so we'll see how it goes... I'm sure she'll still be semi-active here in the forum, as this is where she knows people...

She has some good news, but I'll let her share it if she has time today.. (and no, she's not pregnant...:lol:)

Had a horrible weekend, we were out of town, stayed at a hotel and ate out all meals. I'm back on track starting this morning. Got up and worked out. I just feel fat, but I'm drinking insane amounts of water to help deal with the bloated feeling. Here is to being POP for the rest of the month!

Hey gang!

Kim-congrats on a POP weekend!

I wish I could say I was POP-but I'm not going to focus on my past slip ups. I'm going to focus on having a GREAT week and getting focused. I have finals ahead so I have to get my mind and body working together so I can perform!

Happy Monday!

Damn, wrong thread. Now in the right one. LOL

Hey there everyone,

Well this is my first day on South Beach diet and so far so good. I can't have starches, fruit, or various vegetables for the first 2 weeks. We will see how it goes.

I also have some great new. I just got a new job. I start on May 6th. I am very excited. It is doing what I do now, but with a different company. I figured it was time to broaden my work experience.

Well, I had better get to work here. I still have 2 weeks.

Liz

And a broader paycheck!!! I know how to pick 'em!!!

Seriously though.. Congrats honey!!! Let's celebrate with Pizza for dinner!

Oh... wait... nevermind...

Liz- Congrats. Good luck with the last 2 weeks, they seem to last forever!

Deb- I have been to Crystal Park a few times. We love to dig for crystals, it is so fun. I want to go up there during the spring run off. I have heard that a lot of crystals will be found just laying on top of the ground when the snow melts off. I hope that your knee is feeling better!

Liza- Love all of the pictures of Romeo!

Well, I posted a real weight. I am doing something new. I won't post what it is until I see how it works for me, but I will keep on chatting here!

Liz-Congrats and good luck with South Beach and BAD BAD DAN!!! LOL

Hiya Amy!! Good luck with finals.

Katie-Good luck!! Let us know how it goes!

Liz, Congrats on the new job. I hope it is more pay and is less stress than the old one. Let us know how South Beach works for you.

Liza, What a cute dog! I can tell it was mutual love at first sight for both Mini Me and Romeo.

Deb, I hope the knee feels better today.

Kim, Good job on a POP weekend. I need to have a few of those in a row and I would feel lean and ready for the summer. Yesterday was far from POP for me. Back on plan today and really, I have become a salt junkie lately, and it just needs to stop.

Amylou, When are your finals? Are you almost done with law school?

Good afternoon everyone!

Wow, I hadn't stepped on the sclae in over a week. At first I thought, oh great something is wrong with the sclae. Then I got on it again, and again, and realized it's correct. I've lost another 5lbs! I'm just not used to seeing that weight on there...

Liz - Congratulations on the new job! And on the new plan! South Beach is another good healthy plan and maybe better for your individual needs. Some people just really don't process carbs well. As long as you still get a healthy balance I know you'll do fine.

I have to go take the pup out for a walk. He was left alone for the first time today. Apparently when I left for work this morning he ran to the door and cried out for me. He was a good boy and didn't get into anything in the house so I'm glad to know there's no destructive behavior. Not much of a guard dog though, had no clue what happened when the mailman dropped the mail through the slot.

Have a great day everyone!

Liza, That is amazing! Over 20 pounds down and almost 25 even! Wow... Isn't weight loss strange. You work and work and nothing and then when you just resign yourself to losing it really slow, it goes down like that. I think somewhere between 25 and 30 pounds down is when others started to comment on my weight loss. I bet you are starting to look noticeably thinner.
What a good boy your dog is!

hey everyone. just thought i'd say a quick hi. my weight loss is still going in the right direction..down another pound. :)
so..i've been thinking i might keep going once i hit my goal on my ticker..and keep going till DH gets home (i guess i'm aiming high and thinking i will hit it before he's due home)..no harm in that, right? :)

Hi, all.

My week went well, I am down 2.5 lbs this morning. I am also trying something different to kick my metabolism into gear.

Liz - Congratulations!!

Liza - WTG 5 lbs!!

Jillian - I say you have definitely found your groove, so why stop. You go, girl!

Hello everybody,

Anyone actually remember me? Its been about a month since I've last checked in. It doesn't seem that long but when I look back it has. Life just kinda got in the way along with a few other things as well. But I'm back good or bad!!

The snow is finally almost all melted here in my part of the world. Only thing left is some of the huge banks in parking lots and such. Now everything is wet from all the melting but I'll take that anyday.

I read back to last weeks thread - all 9 pages so I have managed to catch up a bit here and there.

Liza - I know I am late in saying this but I am so sorry about Buster but also wanted to say that Tanis Romeo is a doll!! He acts a lot like my Chancey does. When she says love me - you have no choice. She loves to snuggle and get bear hugs.

2 weeks and I have a week off - theoretically anyway. Its booked off but that might change between now and then depending on work. But the plan is to have a week to myself - Just me and the pooch and a friend or two here and there.

Guess that's it for me. I am going to try and not fall into oblivion this time...

Good Morning everyone!

Lizzy- I did South Beach once upon a time. It definitely works, I lost 15 lbs my first week. I got so used to not eatting bread, I had a small dinner roll and got so sick to my stomach! GOod luck with it!

Allanah- I remember you! Good luck with keeping htat week off to yourself!

Amylou- I too am approaching finls, I completely understand. At least you're done after this! I am thinking of keeping go and getting my MBA. Why not?

Kim- Thanks for the motivation! Definitely needed!

Jill- Keep going chickie! Why the heck not?

Paula- Congrats on the 2.5lbs! You better share your secret if it works!

Hello to everyone else, off to a day packed of classes and mayhem! Have a great day!

Alannah-Welcome back!!!

Amy-Welcome chickie, I was preaching to myself too. I had gotten so lazy and noticed some bad habits creeping back in!

Paula-2.5 pounds wooooo hooo! Great job!
Keep up the good work everybody!!!

Welcome back, Alannah!

Amy - No secret, just doing Adkins for a little while to see if it will work for me.

Have a great day everyone!!

Hi Alannah!!! Good to see you.

And Liza........wtg....keep up the good work!!!

And Katie.......so proud of you for posting your real weight. It sucks.......oh do I know how it sucks to have to face those numbers sometimes......but really, sometimes we "just have to get real with ourselves." --Dr. Phil. :lol:. I hope your plan works well :)

And Paula and Liz......I hope yours works too :)

And hey Deb......I really hope to see you posting more often again. I love seeing your avatar pop up lately!!! :)

And hellos to everyone :) I have been in out of town company hell........and today I am actually alone.....but tonight my cousin and her family of 6 gets here until sunday.........and I may just be nuts by that time :) I must get my house together and laundry done......so I will try to check back in. I have to wear a swim suit on thursday.....and i couldn't be more sad.........

Oh, also, I was going to ask you, Elizabeth..........are you a stay at home mom?

Ok, really, back to work for me. I miss you all!!!!
XOXO

Good Morning Everyone. Just another rainy day here. Was beautiful Sunday and Monday, rain today, nice tomorrow and rain until Sunday. When am I going to get my flowers planted?? Oh well, just think how nicely they will do with the ground so wet. Not much going on with me. I'm kind of stuck on my WL so am going to try calorie counting and see how that goes. And I'm going to try to step my exercise up as well. I'd really like to get this last 20 pounds off this year. DD and baby came up for the weekend so it was a good one. Now DSD is in labor as I type and her little guy should be here sometime today. That'll be #11 - 9 boys and 2 girls. Fun times at the holidays!! Anyway just wanted to check in. I'll try to get back on later today. Let's all be POPstars today!!

oooh, how exciting, Laurie :) Let us know when the baby comes :)

Ohhhh new babies! I love babies, hope everything goes smoothly!

laurie-We planted flowers Friday and Saturday I was so sore it hurt to move. Man I must really be in bad shape! LOL But our flower beds look gorgeous!!!

Nicole-Have fun with your company!

Hi everyone! just checking in for the week - I am on a weight loss high right now - so excited with my accomplishments! I actually started wearing jewelry again and my wedding ring, which has not fit me in about 5 1/2 years!

You all are so dedicated in keeping in touch with everyone and even though I am not able to post as much as I'd like to, it helps to read everyone's stories, successes and struggles, to keep myself on track! Thanks for that :)

JulieZ

WTG, Julie :) Keep up the good work!!!

Hi all..

Nicole~yep I stay at home with the 2 little ones.. bigger 2 are in school.

Paula~ Hope it works easily for you.. My dad did that and it worked amazing for him.

Laurie! I hope the baby arrives safely and mom is at ease. I LOVE newborns... if they only stayed that way...lol.

So I had a lb gain.. (close your eyes dan) It is that time of the month.. is that common to happen? Here is hoping tomorrow is a better WI. I am doing everything I need to.. rather dissapointing for moi! :(

How old are your little one, Elizabeth? Mine are 3 and 5. My 5 year old DS goes to preschool 3 afternoons a week at our elementary school. But........the whole house is going to be rocking in a month when DGD is born............

Paula.......DH is doing atkins right now. He is kicking butt. I did it for about 6 weeks before I went to Germany. Works like a charm for me. Mabye after my company leaves this weekend I will consider it again.

So DD's DBF is going to the doc with her again today. She asked me if I wanted to come with;...........but I just don't know if I want to be there with DBF. I am doing my best to be supportive of their decision to get back together.......but the whimp won't even come to the house and face DH. I somehow feel like I will betray DH if I spend time with him......and like I will disappoint DD if I don't. What the heck is a mamma supposed to do????? Any advice will be taken with great appreciation :)

Ok, back to the laundry. I will check back soon :)
XOXO

Nicole.. My little ones are 18 months and 4 1/2.. off to kindergarten in the fall. Sounds like you are doing the right thing.. I remember with my first, my mom would come to some things with me if I asked her, even if DH was there or not. I had her and my Husband in the delivery room.. whick was a godsend as my mom was the one who knew me best (I was only just 20 when my first was born). If she asks you, if you can go, go, and just let her know that it does not bother you either way and trust your gut! (That is what I would do anyway...) Back to my oodles of pink laundry..

Elizabeth

Nicole, I agree with Elizabeth I would go if you can. She needs you no matter what. You will be there when he isn't. Always. Your support is what she needs, you don't need to spend time with him, spend time with her if he's there he's there. You there for her not him. Right?
I didn't know they were back together? When did that happen?

just last week. If he is really going to do this....that is the best thing.....but it really seems like he is just around now cuz his mom has taken a sudden interest in being a grandma, and whatever she wants him to do........he does. It is a bit creepy. You are both right......I will go. I will just be there for her.......that is all I want to do. :) Thanks girls!
XOXO

Nicole - My best friend has dealt with a similar situation. On the day after she turned 18, her DD up and moved out. She moved in with DBF, then about six months later...got married. Well, through this whole thing my friend's DH refused to talk to the DD...thought she had made her decisions and had to live with it. But, of course, whenever the DD needed something she would call Mama. My friend was so torn between being loyal to her DH and taking care of her child. She decided that she had to help the DD, and that DH would have to understand. How do you turn off being "Mom?"...I couldn't. Luckily, time has healed the DH and DD relationship and things are starting to get better.

Okay...all that to tell you to just follow your heart.

aww, how sad. I don't think DH would ever get too extreme......but he just doens't realize what it is like to be a girl in desperation.......and I do :) I did tel DD I would go with her.....and she said, "no, mom, nick and I are going to go this time........will you just come next time." I said no problem :) Men......sorry Dan........but so many of you are a$$es. I have one of the best, and I am sooo thankful.......and this one of my DD's really needs to step it up!!!! Thanks for your input, Paula :) Every little bit helps :)
XOXO

Nicole- Man, what a sticky situation. I would just advise to be open and honest with your DD and expect her to be the same with you.

Nicole, The boyfriend may just grow up and turn into a decent adult. He is so young and the judgement and thought processes of kids that age is just flawed. Perhaps holding his own newborn daughter will be enough to make him want to try to make things right for her. He might be just a huge comfort for your DD right now. If he can just avoid being a major jerk for say.. 33 more days... Or maybe even 45 days... Hey if the mom is a force in making him treat your daughter with a little tenderness and respect at this time, regardless of her motivation, well that is a force for good. Sure there might be some major heartache ahead for your daughter, but perhaps it will be months down the road when she is better prepared to deal. Not feeling so desperate and alone.

Well grandchild #11 and grandson #9 made his appearance a little after 3 this morning. His name is Tyler Richard and he weighed in at 7 - 10 and is 19" long. He is cutie patootie!! I'm going back up to the hospital a little later today to get my baby fix.

Congrats Laurie!!!!

While, as a man, I'd stop short of saying he was a cutie patootie, I'm sure he's a strapping young fella!! :lol:

He looks so tiny compared to the toddler we had 9 weeks ago. That one weighed in at 10-14 and was 24" long. He's already in 6 - 9 mos clothes. It'll be kind of nice to have a "newborn" for a change!!

Oh and Thanks Dan.

So DD's DBF is going to the doc with her again today. She asked me if I wanted to come with;...........but I just don't know if I want to be there with DBF. I am doing my best to be supportive of their decision to get back together.......but the whimp won't even come to the house and face DH. I somehow feel like I will betray DH if I spend time with him......and like I will disappoint DD if I don't. What the heck is a mamma supposed to do????? Any advice will be taken with great appreciation :)XOXO

Don't let him spoil this time or make you miss a single moment. When push comes to shove, you know that you will be there and so does she ... can we say the same of the DBF?

Hi

I am glad that there is a forum like this. Anyway...

My daughter is 16 and started LAWL 4 weeks ago. She wants to lose 34 lbs.

She has lost 1 lb total in 4 weeks. The first week she lost 2.5 lbs. The following visit, we were told that since she was 16 she needed more food.

The next visit, since we decided not to shell out the $1200 for the bars, they added more food to her plan.

Every time they add more food she doesn't lose any weight and is getting very frustrated.

She is eating everything she is suppose to be eating and nothing more.

She is on 2.5 protein, 4 veg, 4 fruit, 6 starch, 3 dairy and 5 fats. This sound like a lot of food.

She is on the verge of quitting.

Any advice?

Thanks :)

Congrats Laurie! Enjoy being Grandma again! :)

How much does she weigh? The food sounds about right....

Wow, simonisapug, that does seem like a lot of food. I can't believe that if she isn't losing, they wouldn't adjust her plan. I would voice your frustration with the counselors and see what they can do. Five fats seems outrageous! I'm a little jealous, I've only ever been allowed 2 fats. Same thing with the starches, I only get three a day. I would start asking questions at the center. Keep us updated as to what they say...

Julie

Wow, simonisapug, that does seem like a lot of food. I can't believe that if she isn't losing, they wouldn't adjust her plan. I would voice your frustration with the counselors and see what they can do. Five fats seems outrageous! I'm a little jealous, I've only ever been allowed 2 fats. Same thing with the starches, I only get three a day. I would start asking questions at the center. Keep us updated as to what they say...

Julie


I agree with Julie.. they need to change her plan if it is not working. Even if they cut down gradually, you will see if it is helping. Good luck!

My daughter weighs 153.6 lbs and she is 5' 4" tall.

The reason they added all the extra food was because she was 16 and still growing. I took her to the doctor, who said that she has stopped growing and that there is no reason that my daughter couldn't be on the adult program. I mention this to a counsellor, who then spoke to their dietitcian, who then said that my daughter needed to stay on the teen program.

The counsellor is creating a menu plan to ensure that my daughter is eating the right combination of foods at the right time. Hopefully this will work, we need results soon.

The one good thing about this program is that it forces the whole family to make better food choices.

Thanks so much :)

I just spoke with a counsellor, and if we add lites my daughter will be on

2 protein, 3 veg, 3 fruit, 4 starch, 3 dairy and 5 fats. I am not sure if it is worth it, but if the lites work is may be.

thanks.:dizzy:

She could use Luna's as a sub? I would try that? Just say you bought the lites off of Ebay or got them as a gift... ha! Or whatever you feel comfortable doing?

I found a person who has 70 boxes. He is selling them for $10/box and will have them transfered to my center.

Those numbers sound better. I tried the luna bars. They work out to the same price for me (canada) and are not as yummy as the LA ones. I love having something sweet that I consider my treat. It really makes it feel not so much like a diet. I hope you find what works! Keep us posted! Glad you found a deal on the $10/box!

Hi, I am new to the boards. I just wanted to introduce myself. The first thing I want you to know about me is.......
I AM IN ONDERLAND!!!!

YIPPIE FOR ME......

We have been trying to get a handle on our bills and have turned off the internet among other luxuries. I keep meaning to get over here to the library, but it seems like my schedual fills up to fast.

But I have missed you all. Nicole, I can't believe it is Baby in 32 days! how exciting. have you got an address ready to PM to some of us so that we can send presents????

28 more days of work and we will be off for summer vacation can you tell I am counting down! I am thinking about applying for two different jobs when school is out. one is a Jailer at the jail near by. and the other is an entry level police position. I have wanted to be a police officer since I was a teen but got married and had babies instead. now I am going to be 40 this year and I feel like it is now or never. so who knows. The down side is I wouldn't get summer off like I will now.

I am still somewhat doing NS. I have been counting calories, and using the NS meals and just adding up the calories. it gives me alot more flexability. I rode my bike to work today. 7 miles... with lots of hills! I do live on the edge of the Ozarks! and then the 2.5 miles to my husbands work after work, to pick up my truck and come to the library.

I hope to get on here once or twice a week. I really need to get into a routine of coming to the library.

zambejaly5 HELLO! Congrats on your losses thus far! Sounds like you have been here before.. I'm still a newbie! Hope to 'see' you more. :hug:

Elizabeth

hi everyone!
came on here to find some more people on the same boat as me. i'm new to the forums but joined LAWL 5 weeks and 3 days ago. im down 15. 8 pounds and in the last week have lost 3. my ultimate goal is 100 pounds but im really loving the results so far!

Lettie! WOW! Awesome job! I am sooo happy for you! Keep up the great work!
The police thing sounds interesting. I say go for whatever you want! You only live one life! So live it to the fullest experience all that you want and can. : )

Lettie, That is wonderful! I know you've been flirting with onderland on and off for quite some time. Hey that is 25 pounds, and that is enough to really feel a difference I think. I suppose if you can handle 5 kids, maybe you can handle just about anything, even being the jailer.

I have decided to go back to eating my bars. I just seem to do very poorly without them, as I've just not been able to stay on track for long for a few weeks now, ever since I decided to give up the bars. So if it is keep the weight off and continue with the bars or just fall off the wagon and regain all the weight, well I'll shell out the money for the bars. I actually buy lunas or zone perfect or even the twisted ones that Cecilia just discovered. A person has to have some variety.

Way to go LETTIE!!!!!!

Sorry you're not able to be here as much as in the past. We miss you!

WTG Lettie!!! Glad you were able to get on and give us the good news. Hope to see you more often. GL with the summer job which ever you get.

:wave: Everyone. Just stopping in really quick to say hi. Dont have much time, baby is napping and i need to get some stuff done before he wakes up in about 5 minutes. :lol:.

Talk to you all later.

Good job Lettie!

just checking in quickly before bed..

congrats to lettie! i know you've been working hard to get to onederland!
whoo! :)

Morning everyone! I hope you are all well. I am going to do FF for a couple of days to jump start my WL. I am eating a veggie omlette right now. I wanted to share a funny kid conversation that I hear yesterday. 3 little girls were talking, ages 4-5. One of them said, "You should love Jesus, because he is you father, and if you hate him you are going to hell." One of the other little girls heartily agreed. The third one said, "Huh, I don't know, because my father's name is Josh." I just about died laughing. Kids and religion. Too funny.

Morning everyone

I'm losing my motivation because i swear the scale is stuck. I think i'm hitting a plateau. If i'm still 144lbs on monday i think i may have to start exercising to get things going but Lord knows where i'll find the time for that. I think i need to start doing something tho before i really fall off. I'm good and motivated when i see the losses but once i get stuck i'm pretty bad. I still cant do any TO or anything so i'm thinking my only other option is exercise. Anyway enough whining.

Katie - That is too funny :lol:

:wave: everyone else. I'll check back in later

Have a great day!

Hi there Katie...

Too funny about the Josh/Jesus thing.. On that note, my 7 year old son tried to explain the "soul" to me the other day... I wish I could remember all he said, but it was priceless.. I'll think about it and see if I can do his description justice.. On the same note again, I would be a little concerned about a 4 year old girl telling one of her friends that they were going to hell for any reason... At that age, it's so hard for them to understand...

Be one with your POP today, all!!

Dan- I thought that too. 4 year olds going to hell?

Hello all. Just wanted to drop in and say hi.

Congrats on all the losses everyone.

Nice to see you Lettie.

Not much else going on with me. I too have been thinking about adding the bars back into my plan. Seems like since I stopped them, I have been fudging on my portions or just plain taking the day off of the plan which has not been good on the scale. I will have to give it a try again and see how it goes.

Good Luck All!

Hey Amy.. You have come a long way! That is great! Hope you are feeling great!


Hope you all have a superb day. I am busy all weekend.. out for a retreat but I just finished packing all my own meals for Friday and Saturday. I hope no one thinks I am crazy...lol. What do you guys do when you are out?.. they are providing meals but I really don't want to mess up a good thing.

Elizabeth,

I always think people are thinking I'm crazy also! Especially in the beginning when I would go to a barbeque at my inlaws and take my own raw chicken breast and a zuchinni for them to throw on the grill for me! I have 3 sister in laws so you can imagine how they probably talked behind my back... now I have convinced 1 of them to join the plan as well and the other 2 just keep talking about how they need to do something as well because I am looking so much better :)

Bottom line is - I really don't care if people think I'm crazy anymore, I usually tell them up front - "I'm on this crazy diet and I can't eat that stuff"... They will understand once I meet my goal why I had to do it! and by then they will be used to it...

JulieZ

Hey, guys...she said as she slinked into the forum with her tail between her legs. I've been away for months and have been a complete maniac. It's unbelievable how easy it is to slip back into old habits! Yes, I've gained weight - 10 pounds!! - but DH and I both started back on the program on Monday and we are back to being good. I NEED this group! I've been on Facebook too much and not on here at all! It's good to be back with my LAWL family and to see lots of familiar - and new - faces!

Welcome back Felicia. We have missed you and your schools stories. You can start over today. I usually do it 2 to 3 times a week. LOL. Like a few others here, I have got to get focused, serious and my will-power on track again. The summer is coming up and I want to have a killer bathing suit.

Hey Pricess and welcome to the forum. I usually read everyday but I don't post.

I have been giving some serious thought to wanting and trying that washing detergent recipe that Katie and Nichole have been talking about. With Gas prices sky-rocketing, i am going to have to look for ways to cut some corners. I have given up my daily 20oz diet drinks during the week. I still have some on the week ends, but my hubbie usualy picks those up.

Katie - Can I get the recipe? Is is good detergent? Does it fade your clothes? Get them clean? Just wondering how is actually works for the long-haul.

Anyway - Have A Great Day All!!!

Felicia!! Welcome back.. Get back on that wagon!!! YeeHAAA!

Debbie.. We all get stuck.. Try flipping meals around.. Get your starches in early.. If you've been doing that already, get them in a little later..

It takes an occassional shake up to get the scale moving again.. And then again, sometimes our bodies just seem to take a break.. Don't blow it.. It will happen for you!!!

just wanted to say hi for the day! :)
gotta go and chill with the kids now.

Debbie, You are getting so close to your goal! It is just normal that weight loss gets a little slower at that point, so don't be discouraged. You are doing so well. Plateaus are natural and happen to most people trying to lose, and I wouldn't even call it a plateau yet. Perhaps you are just storing up for a good drop down here soon.

Felicia! I was just wondering where you went to and if everything was good with you and yours. So good to see your post! At least you kept most of your weight off. Restart now and it will not be long before you are back down to your previous lows. You were doing so well. Yes old bad habits are like old friends that you are instantly comfortable with again.....

Amy, I've been doing better since I added back in the bars. I just was slipping off track more often and in worse ways than ever before. I know you were feeling the cost of the bars. I've branched out into different bars, as I feel in maintenance mode I am free to experiment with different brands. I'm in a zone perfect bar phase right now. Purchased them at a reasonable price at Costco. They work as well for me in controlling hunger as the LA Bars.

Hi all. I am in such a rut I cannot begin to explain. I plan on staying right where I am until I feel ready to start anew. It is spring I have no idea why I am so blah, but I am so here it is.
Up 5# and not happy but not really sad either just not caring. Ah well...

Tuesday.... I'm in a talky mood, so please excuse the following novel.. :lol:

It's one thing to be discouraged about not losing, but it's another to not care..

I've always said that weightloss is a big mental challenge too, and if, mentally, you're not "there", it's not going to work..

Being in a rut is common.. Doesn't matter what time of year it is... But you have to look at it this way..

You are close to your goal.. Days away in fact.. Your brain and subconcious realizes this and has set your body on "I'm comfortable" mode.. That makes the desire in some of us, to finish the game, not seem as important.. Couple that with the "blahs" you're going through, and it's a BIG time barrier...

When we get comfortable with the fact that our clothes fit better, people notice how good we look, we feel SO much better, we tend to lose that drive to finish the game...

Nothing anyone here (or with you at home) can say will force you to back into "weight loss mode"... But you can't lose sight of what you've done so far..

Just because you're not motivated to lose, that's not an excuse to go back to the way you were before.. There's ZERO reason to alter your eating habits and go back to the junk... In fact, all it will do is make you feel worse..

So my advice to you, until you get rid of the blahs, is to maintain the healthy lifestyle and see what happens... Who knows.. Maybe like when I hit my goal, I kept losing for a while.. So maybe you'll lose without trying (I wish it were that easy, right?)...

Morning Everyone!

Dan & Barbara - Thank you so much for the encouraging words. I'm going to stick it out, i want it too bad to give up now. Barbara i hope you are right and i see a big loss soon, it would really make me feel better.

I think i'm going to have to have DH hide the scale from me for the next 2 weeks or so. I want to start exercising and i know i'm not going to be losing in the beginning so not seeing it will make me keep going. I'm going to have to change some things i'm eating because while i was still losing eating them before i think its caught up with me like PB for example. I have it 3-4 times a week and add in the very frequent red meat and here i am. I guess i know my problems and now i just need to deal with them. I've done this before and i can do it again. :)

Dan - If you remember DH started the plan with me, he's down about 30lbs and is in his normal BMI range. He's mentioned that he's been getting hungry throughout the day and he's pretty happy with his weight and i think he may be ready for maintenance. I never got to the maintenance stage so any advice on how to go about transitioning? He's a postal carrier and since its getting pretty hot here in FL the food he's taking in is probably not enough since hes probably burning alot more cals. he has about 2 extra veggies a day and he says 10 mins after having a fruit hes hungry again which leads him to a binge when he gets home. hes on red right now. anyway any advice?

:wave: everyone else.

Debbie, no advice just wishing you the best. I am POP and gained this week so I am not sure about that... I think it is just TOM related but like Dan said, I am just sticking to my plan and taking a 'wait and see' approach. I have decided to change my whole way of life so maybe it is my body rebelling a bit?... I deserve to be healthy, to get stronger and enjoy food.. not be afraid of it. Have a POP weekend.. if I can plan out my food for tomorrow and bring it to a retreat (where I know they are going to have a chocolate fountain, salty delights and other and yummy treats).. you can too! I deserve to be fit and am choosing the right fuel for my body. I won't regret it after the weekend! *hugs*

Debbie - I just started stabilization (yesterday!) and the first thing they add in is unlimited vegetables. They slowly add in foods over the next 6 weeks to see if you maintain with *all* that extra food! LOL I think Dixie Amy posted everything you get a while back...

It's going well, except that I had a taco salad from a local taco joint last night - probably not my best move. But on my scale, only up .2 so not too bad. Plus I'm trying to hit the treadmill and elliptical at work more. (notice the trying)

Since I am on vacation next week - another challenge, I get to weigh in on my scale. I live far enough from town, that I am *not* driving to town just to get weighed, but the gal that gave me the info said I could go on hold, add my extra dairy starting Monday and weigh myself at home to see if I am within my 3 pounds. :)

OK, got to run,

Stephanie, Congrats on the stabilization. I know... after all the time on weight loss, the addition of unlimited veggies does not seem all that glorious.
I was never great at limiting them in the first place. The extra dairy was really wonderful though.

Debbie, perhaps your DH should start out adding in an extra dairy? Have a cheese stick with that fruit and maybe it will last 30 minutes instead of 10?
You might not see great things on the scale if you start exercising, but you will notice it more in the way you look and feel and the way your clothes fit.
Being healthy and lean is the main thing in my mind, not some magic number. I found that I am happier at a higher number, as I didn't crash diet to get down to this weight. Years ago when I was on a rather crash diet, I was about 2 sizes bigger at this same weight and got much lighter, but not smaller. So I'll take the extra calorie burning muscle weight. I only kept off that previous weight loss maybe 2 months, and I have been more or less this weight for over a year now.

Dan, thanks. I know that I am in a temporary rut. I will get back on the plan and finish my goal. I just need to sit and watch the view. I may be just a little down because work has been busy and stressful. The boss has been hanging out for the first time in years, budgets are tight and I have a very difficult performance measure that I have to meet or lose my job.
Perhaps it time to stay still on the weight front. Frankly, if I maintain this weight lose for the next couple months that would be a huge success. I just can't seem to get enthused about that success. I may need to sleep for a week... Or take my Triumph for a spin!
The truth that I need to realize is that in the last two years I have lost 50#s.
Thanks for listening. I will get over this. Just need time.
Actually, what I need is to get back to yoga. That always makes me feel great about myself.

Good Morning all!

I've been so busy these past couple of weeks that I've hardly checked in! I have been on plan, except maybe missing something here and there (like missing a veg or starch portion etc.) . Me too! No loss this week, but no gain either, so I'm happy for that.

My problem is this, I need to pack lunch to take to work everyday. The simple thing to bring is a salad with grilled chicken or chopped eggs. SOooo I do it all the time! I actually love salads, but know I need to switch it up more, but can't seem to do it. Any ideas?

I'm not discouraged, just perplexed. Strangely enough, my body feels like I'm losing, but the scale says no...

I have a few more days of this crazy 11 hr/day work schedule I've been doing since this project started and on Thursday May 1st I'll be going to visit my sis and family in Cleveland Ohio (can't wait) for a few days. It's going to be 'girls weekend'. My Mom is going with me and we have spa type 'pamper us' things planned. (My niece always feels so grown up when we include her too!) The boys will probably try to talk me into a baseball game though...lol

I think when I get back, I'll get on a good treadmill schedule. I have it, and it's been collecting dust as I come home from work, make dinner, watch TV for about an hour and then hit the sack every night.

I've been reading through all the posts I've missed. Great advice going on here. You all are so wise. :-)

Well, time to get ready for work at the shop!
Have a great day! Tami

So i FINALLY made it back down to my ticker weight! Ha! And i even went past it, so i am feeling great! i have been doing a lot of exercising too, so i think that's why it took so long to get back down. i can see a difference in my body though, so it's better now then before. Just like you were saying Barbara!

Life is crazy. I think of all of you often. You are my motivation to not eat the donuts at the random meeting i'm at. Thank you. Have a great week!

Michie.....
Wow...The Police? I saw them....Ahemmmmmm...a long time ago ;);)

Tami

Lol... yeah i saw them last summer in LA too! They decided to pop into SD, so i will be going on Memorial Day! Woo hoo! I'm very excited. Sting has still got it. He is so AMAZING!

Michie,

I think it was the early 80's when I saw them. The show was amazing, even then (before all the special effects that are used in live shows now)! And Sting....well, that goes without saying...he has an amazing voice. Please let us know after you see the show, if they still have 'it'! :carrot:

I have to say though, probably the two best shows I saw were the The Rolling Stones (in about '88) awesome stage show, and then of course, Billy Joel in the early 90's. Billy Joel's show was mostly just him and the band. About half the show was BJ and a piano. We had great seats for both...right up front.

Tami

G'morning ladies.. I bet the big difference between the Police show Tami saw years ago and the ones Michie is seeing is the price!! I still have a couple of 10 and 15 dollar stubs from concerts I saw in the 80s...

Liz and I are going to see Rush (the greatest rock band on earth) tuesday night and the tickets were $85 bucks... There were $25 lawn tickets, but I have this "thing" where I have to sit close or I don't enjoy myself as much...

Tami - Take a sandwich to work.. A nice low sodium, low fat turkey or beef sandwich with a little light ranch dressing, some lettuce and a few tomatoes...

When I got in a rut while I was losing, my COD told me I was getting too predictable with my diet, always eating the same old things... My counselor told me "Go to subway today and get sandwich - live a little"... So I did, and it wasn't long before I was back on track...

Do you like tuna? Get some of those "Lunch on the Go" packs, or just get some cans of tuna and make a tuna sandwich with light bread... What about leftovers from dinner the night before?

You gotta think outside the (lunch)box!!

Dan,

That is the understatement of the year! I'm certain I wouldn't have paid more than $10-$12 for the Police show and I remember the Billy Joel tics were $22 each. Not sure about the Stones concert, but I seem to remember mulling over the price because I thought it was too expensive! LOL...I would guess that it was under $50 for my husband and myself to go.

Your advice about lunch is spot on. I remember my counselor at the center (when they were open and I attended a couple of years ago) said the same thing. I guess I needed to be reminded. The other thing she said was to have beef once in a while. I normally don't have it often...no particular reason...

Well, I'm off, yard work to do, phone calls to make..thanks for the sound advice Dan...Tami

Hi Everyone!

Wow, it's so great to see Lettie and Felicia here again! Don't be such strangers.. we miss you!

It's great to see EVERYONE here of course!

It is hot hot hot here this weekend. I forgot that I was on call today for the helicopter and was just about to hose the dog down to cool him off when I realized I should check my cell and see if there were any calls. Sure enough, there were and I had to fly over a fire here. It was one of those assignments that made me smile. Not because of the fire of course, but the job I did filming it. I'm watching my handiwork on the news now and will toot my own horn and say damn I'm good.

It's been a busy weekend. I have a good friend who's a confirmed bachelor, never married no kids that is always the first to quietly help people out if they need it. His beloved "Buddy" a golden retriever passed away a few years ago and he just hasn't been the same since. Everyone has been trying to get him to adopt another friend but he just couldn't do it. I got an email from a shelter in San Bernardino about a beautiful dog that was going to be put down due to serious overcrowding from the foreclosure abandonments. Something about her picture just told me she was going to be his new best girl. I knew there was no way I could drive up there with my work schedule in time to rescue her so I asked if a volunteer could pick her up, put her in boarding overnight and arrange for a transport to get her in San Diego and I'd happily pay the fees. They did and she arrived here yesterday morning. I picked her up from another rescue person in the chain and brought her to my friend. He looked at me and said "Oh, I don't know, I don't think I... I... I..." Then he grabbed her leash and took her for a walk around the block. A few minutes later she walked right into his house and laid down and well... here's a slide show of what happened next.

I don't think I can embed it (I'm sure those on dial up will appreciate that) So here's the link Rick and Roxanne (http://s2.photobucket.com/albums/y17/lizababe/?action=view&current=48ae3cd8.pbw?nocache=519)