Weight Watchers - Supporting Each Other on our Weight Loss Journey!

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

So, please do stop on by and share a bit, support is what it's all about! We can really do this together. :hug:

Good morning. Here I am again. Still trying, still journaling.
I did something a bit different today. I started my journal by filling in what I planned for dinner and dessert (1 point WW bar) and knew what I would have left to play with for the day. I keep going over my points these last few days and I need to get better control.
So, planning ahead is my focus for the day, what is yours?

Hi Linda! Everyone must be busy today.

I've been recovering from surgery (I had an operation three weeks ago) and haven't been on plan. I start again tomorrow -- I have only gained one pound, according to my home scale, which was very good news! I'm one pound away from my 10%.

Your new way seems to work for a lot of people -- I've read people do that on the WW forums. I hope it works for you. It makes a lot of sense. (It wouldn't work for me. My bad times are lunch and afternoon.)

Xan, welcome.
I hope you are feeling better after your surgery and can get back on track. One pound isn't bad at all considering that you probably have not been as active as before. I hope it goes well for you now.
I didn't do as well as I had hoped yesterday and ended up using a few flex points. I had hoped to bank them for today as we leave for an out of state birthday bash for a family member and there will be lots of food, drink and whatnot.
I talked with my leader about it on Tuesday and her advice was for me to write everything down and be true to myself. I am vowing to do that. Maybe it will help me to be aware more. I'm truly "scared" that I may blow it. But, it is just one night.
I have problems staying on track at restaurants and at social occasions. To me, the food is part of the fun experience. I get happy and busy enjoying other peole and my mind kind of switches into a different gear and then I blow it. I'll use any excuse, much like an alcaholic might, I suppose.
Then, the following day, I always beat myself up for it.
So, this evening, I do vow that if I do nothing else, I will write it down.
I hope the others who have been here before join in, but if they don't I hope new people come on board. I need the support. A weekly meeting isn't enough to keep me on track. Coming here in between is what I need.
I would love to be down to about 150 by May.
I think I shall make that my short term goal. Then, we shall see what happens after that. So, May 1st I need to be at 150!
Would anyone else like to set a May 1 goal?

Happy Saturday all!

I have to say, I'm kind of glad to be back here on the WW side! I feel a little more "at home."

I realized last night that I only have EIGHT weeks left until we leave for Florida. I keep saying that I'm going to start, but realizing last night how little time I have left, I HAVE to start today. I know how I am, and if I don't make a for real effort to lose some weight before we go, I will end up letting that affect my mood on vacation (which is sad.) We are going down to see my sister, and there has always been this feeling of her being a little better than me...she is older, and I've always looked up to her. She and I have the same body types, but she has always been thinner. She has NEVER thrown it in my face or done anything that has made me feel that way, it's just something that deep inside I've always felt. Plus, being in FL, we are going to be going to the beach, be at their pool, be in shorts and short sleeve shirts (am I ready for that yet?!!! I'm so white and pasty!!!!!) I just don't want to go and have that sinking feeling in the back of my mind that eight weeks ago I could of been working on myself but instead I was to lazy and kept putting it off.

So today, I'm going to dig out my pedometer. It's going to be warmer out (high of 41!) so maybe I'll bundle up a little and go for a walk around the lake. Or maybe I'll dig out my Buns of Steel 2000 tape (I always LOVED that tape!) and do that. I'm going to eat right; Saturdays and Sundays dh always makes pancakes and bacon, but I asked him last night if he would be upset if I made something else (he didn't care...he said he didn't make them for me, but for the girls! LOL!) So my menu for today....

Breakfast-
egg whites-1
lc cheese-1
turkey-1
low carb wrap-1

Lunch-no yolk noodles w/veggies-5

Snack-baby carrots-1

Dinner-homemade pizza-10
Dessert-low fat ice cream-3

Total-23/27

I think it's going to be hard the first few days to really get back op, but maybe not. I have a lot of 0 pt veggies in the house; I bought a head of cauliflower the other day, so I might put some of that in one of those steam fresh microwave bags, mash it up with some salt and pepper. I did that yesterday and it was pretty good and filling. I also have a bag of lettuce, so if I really need something to munch on, I could have a simple salad of that and raspberry balsamic vinegar. I just have to keep my "eye on the prize" and think of myself on the beach. In a bathing suit.

Linda-I am with you for a May 1 goal. WHEN I get to my April 4th goal, I will only be 20 lbs from my total goal (maybe slightly more because I know my scale is a little off.) I would like to shoot for 165 for May 1. Linda, we can do this! Maybe I need to have a "little Linda" on my shoulder when I eat, saying..."You shouldn't be eating that!!!" "Put down the fork and go exercise!!!"

Xan-That is good that you've only gained 1lb since your surgery; it is really hard to stay op when your schedule has been thrown off. Get back op today and get moving! =)

I hope everyone has a fantastic day! Chat later!

Thanks, Linda and Paige! Not quite ready to seriously move yet, but I am back on track. I still have a lot of work to catch up on (about 60 book reports to grade!) so that's the excitement I have in store over the weekend! But I am pledged to avoid any sweet snacks (my ruin) and stay strictly on plan.

Good luck -- writing what you bite, and committing to a future goal are both excellent strategies.

Xan, I hope you are ready to seriously move soon, but any kind of movement would be helpful. For example, you could sit in a chair and do biceps curls with hand weights. Not sure what kind of surgery you had, though, but that was just one example. If you have carpal tunnel, that would not be the thing to do. But, sitting in a chair and doing leg lifts would then be a good thought?

Paige, I had forgotten about "little Linda" and she sure needs to be sitting on our shoulders reminded us what to do. Consider her right with you, the old drill sergeant, telling you what to do today!
As for me, I am back from my weekend away. The old tracker was done yesterday. I blew the week by using about 18 more flex points, but it was a family birthday celebration. It's all over and done with and today begins with a new tracker and a fresh chance to succeed.
However, the next two weeks are going to be difficult. My aunt died over the weekend (the other side from our visit) and I will have a service and two family gatherings to go to. Plus, it is my son's 21st birthday next Monday and my birthday on the 18th, two days later.
I sit here trying not to be discouraged and I need to remember that a few days off program are not what causes me to be overweight, it's those other times and the "long run" that will count most. I can't just give up and say, oh well this is going to be a rough couple of weeks with lots of extra foods and two birthdays. There are always going to be excuses, aren't there? So, it's time to get to work and work my way around these events by making some very good choices in between.

So, here is today's "rough sketch" plan for eating. I plan on doing a bit of grocery shopping later and don't really have a fixed meal in mind yet, but as I write this I think I will figure out what to buy?
Points target:

Breakfast:
2 point frozen bran/blueberry muffin
1 WW yogurt
sliced apple
total 4

Lunch:
salad, 2 tsp oil and vinegar - 2
sliced turkey 2
one slice Swiss cheese (low fat) - 2
1 slice lite bread 0, you only need to count if you have two slices!

Snack:
Popcorn

Dinner:
on hold.... I think I'm going to look through a few of my WW cookbooks while eating breakfast and see what appeals. Right now, nothing appeals and I need a plan. Quick enough so I don't get discouraged, filling and tasty enough so I will stick to the plan, not too expensive so I can afford the ingredients.....
Have a great day and it is very good to be here again.

Hello everyone!
Today is weigh in day, but I have a doctor's appointment about an hour away from home and don't know if I'll make it back this way on time for my meeting.
I weighed myself this morning here at home and was pretty discouraged. I think I'll have a gain. But, I did go away for the weekend and I did have wine, birthday cake, and all sorts of food. So, I have no one else to blame buy myself.
I have this real problem. So many events take place where it's all about the food and I so very much want to participate and then I have such remorse afterwards.
I have a funeral on Monday, plus that day is my son's birthday and two days later it's my birthday. So, there is going to be more food and more cakes in my life.
It's so hard to keep facing these challenges, but I want to continue and I want to lose.

Hi all hope everybody had a good weekend...I did....BUT....this coming weekend is going to be GOODER!!!!(LOL),DH is taking me somewhere,he won't say...but I would almost bet $100 that it's Nashville!!Can't wait!!!:D:D:D
Linda like I said in my last post, "write what I bite" I put it in my siggy...if that's alright?;) It's gonna be hard getting back on track...I'm going to the grocery Thursday and I'm stocking up girl!!!! veggies veggies and more veggies,bring 'em on!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Paige..I visited your my space page...you really make some B-E-A-utiful cakes,and you inspired me to start my own my space page....no pics,I'm still trying to figure out how to do that and also talk DH into letting me...yeah he's my "DADDY" LOL what can I say he's pretty freakish about stuff like that,which is the reason why I've never put my pic on here,which I took some "trial" pics earlier,and I really don't take good pics........maybe I'm just too critical lol!!
Anyway,I've been sticking to oats of a morning....the sugarfree kind,which are pretty awesome...and if we EVER get out of this peanut butter scare I'm going to add PB and whole wheat toast to my breakfast agenda......I have to say,oats,pb and bananas....3 things that give me awful awful awful heartburn after I eat them,but when I stay on plan with WW ,I can eat all 3 together and it never bothers me.....weird huh??? I'm weird.........:dizzy:
well I guess I'll go and report back Friday with my weigh in results and I really hope they are good......but I have feeling ya'll ,this week is TOM week and I dread the visit...especially if we're out of town..lol!!!

Trysh, I'm eating peanut butter from the jar, reports say that the kind to watch our for is used in commercial kitchens. I feel very safe. Actually, just so you know I am not eating peanut butter all the time but only due to high points. I love it and would have it more often, but an not willing to give up so many points for it. It's a luxury item that I allow about every two weeks or so in my diet.

I did make it to my meeting yesterday and my WW weigh in was up .6. I'm still not changing my tracker, I'm hovering within 164, but I felt badly about my weekend indulgences nonetheless.
I can't let social occasions that are all bunched up together in one month get to me, I have to learn how to ride the storm with grace.
I do have to take it one day at a time.
I already told my husband no candy for Valentines Day and also asked that we not go out to dinner on Valentines Day. We have two family birthdays (mine and my sons) and a funeral (with a spread of food afterwards) as well as a lunch out today to deal with this week. This all comes after last weekend with my brother in law's 50th birthday bash that made me "blow it".
So, Usually, for Valentines, he would take me out for a special meal but I asked if we could eat at home Sat. night and I'll find a nice healthy choice. Maybe we'll cook together and I'll find a really nice WW friendly recipe? Any ideas? It's just the two of us at home and I think I will try to cook seafood. I have a Greek Shrimp Scampi recipe that is originally from Cooking Light magazine that is a winner. Perhaps I'll resurrect that?
Here is a link to it if anyone else wants to try it:
http://find.myrecipes.com/recipes/recipefinder.dyn?action=displayRecipe&recipe_id=1714536
I think this is the best recipe Cooking Light has ever put out.

Today, I am meeting four family members out of state for a lunch at a place called Bugaboo Creek Steak house. I love places like this, they are similar to Longhorn, Outback and that kind of thing. I'm trying to formulate in my head what is "safe" to order for food. I have looked at their on line menu and I am concerned. I think it's best to make a decision about what to eat ahead if you can.
Dottie's Weight Loss zone on line doesn't list them for dining establishments so points for everything are unknown. I wish places like this would have a "Weight loss sure bet" meal of some kind that is an ever-changing special that allows a person to have some fun eating out but know they are being safe. I note that Bugaboo has gluten free things on their menu, but that doesn't go far enough for people like us, does it?
I'm also planning only a 3 point breakfast to help balance off a larger than normal lunch. WW yogurt, lite toast with butter spray and a piece of fruit. I think I may have a 4 point WW Smart Ones meal for dinner with veggies on the side as well.
It's hard to plan, though, with no idea of points. I bought the WW dining out book and, of course, Bugaboo is not listed. I should have suggested we go to an Applebee's, but it's out of state and an area about an hour from my home. My sister picked the place as it's close to the highway and close to her workplace. I'll have to "make due" and do the best I can.
So, onward I go and I am not giving up, but some days it all just gets to me. I have to accept that there are peaks and valleys with my motivation and also with my weight. I'm at a peak for weight right now. But, if you think about this two week period in my life (happens every year, except for the funeral at this time) it's really always going to be a challenge.
Feb. 5th, brother in law's b-day
Feb. 14th Valentines b-day
Feb. 16th my son's b-day'
Feb. 18th my b-day
So, that's 3 cakes within two weeks and then a holiday thrown in as well as "normal" temptations and life. I need to strategize and accept this time period and come out a winner.
To top it off, we have plans to dine out Monday evening (son is turning 21 and I am his designated driver for a family dinner out) and then again on my own birthday.

I'm thinking of making my own special cake this year, the one where you add a can of diet soda to a cake mix. Maybe if I have that, I will feel like I still acknowledged my own birthday, but I will have rode out the storm.
So, if I even break even in this next week without another gain, it will be a success.

Happy Wednesday all!

It seems like everytime I am really trying to get back into it, something comes along and really throws me off...I guess that is life. I have been just really down this week about being home; it's only been 2 1/2 weeks that I've been away from the cafe, and I'm already so lonely! For as long as I can remember, I've always had something that I was working towards...when I was younger, I was in school...then I got married and had kids, then went back to school...there was always some goal that I was trying to get to. I've been trying to put my weight loss as that goal now, and just can't seem to get focused. And then on Monday, I got a letter from Dept of Labor saying that the cafe was fighting my unemployment, because I quit! Technically I did, but it was because my hours were cut back so drastically that I couldn't afford to pay for child care. So I had to fill out forms and fax in some other items proving this. I'm just so HURT that these people that I worked side by side with for over a year, and thought of as family, apparently think so poorly of me. I worked my tush off for them. I'm really feeling so hurt, lonely, and...outcasted. Anyway...

So the highlight of my day today is...uhhh...grocery shopping? Yep. My older dd has a dr appt this morning, then I have to take her to school, then little dd & I are heading off to grocery shop and then have lunch with dh. We have been having "packed lunch lunch dates" with him to save money. I was surprised when we first started doing this; we thought that dd would beg to get fast food, since we meet in the food court in the mall, but she doesn't. And she eats all of her lunch, which she never does when we get fast food. It's nice to do that for me, too...I can control what I eat and don't have to spend $$.

Linda- Good luck on the next couple weeks. It's going to be a little tough on my end, too...I have a Valentine's dinner planned, and then my birthday is the 23rd, followed by dd's on the 28th. Not as many events as you, but some obstacles! Have a "little Paige" on your shoulder and I'll have a "little Linda" on mine!

Trysh- Be sure that you add me as a friend to your myspace page. You can make your page private, too, so if you do add photos, only the people you add as friends can view your page. If you end up going to Nashville, I am sooooo jealous! I LOVE Nashville; we almost moved there a little over a year ago.

Ok, I need to go hop in the shower before dds get up. Hope everyone (including myself!) has a great, op day!

Paige, I'm sorry about the unemployment thing. It all boils down to dollars and cents and remember that these people are clinging to their business in a tough economy. I think they pay something if you collect, I could be wrong. You did quit, but you were forced into it due to cutting hours. I'll you'll win the claim.
I feel for you. I know that life needs a purpose more than you know. When my DD left for college in August, my baby, I cried for something like two days. I miss her so and she was one of my reasons for "being". My son still lives at home, but he doesn't "need" me like he used to. I have felt alone and without purpose off and on, but I do lots of volunteer work.
Paige, I know you are a pastry chef for the most part, but I wonder if you could volunteer at a soup kitchen to help cook and that would make you feel good? You could write off your time and transportation on your taxes, I think. Even if you were not contributing cash to the family, you could be making a "reverse entry" on your tax return. I think people often overlook that. I can write off something like 25 cents a mile for my travels and all expenses and time. It's worth checking into if you have an interest.
Also, my dear, never forget the cookbook. If you are not working, then make a set time each day when the girls are at school to sit and write. I hope you do that.
Good luck to you as well this next couple of weeks.
I remember now that your birthday is coming up right after mine. Do you do your own cake? Will you make it a low point cake or just go for it?
Also, grocery shopping can be fun if you challenge yourself and stick to your list. I feel good on grocery shopping days as I could almost consider it an activity point! Pushing a heavy cart around a big store and then bring all the stuff up and down stairs from our garage is a great deal of work. So, enjoy the activity!

Though I ended the day using 6 flex points, I felt better about
myself. Just wanted to outline how I planned the day. Things could
have been so much worse.
I had a planned lunch out with my elderly aunt and uncle as well as
my sister and two cousins. We try to gather about twice a year. We
all live kind of far from each other, so it's a special occasion for
us all. My aunt and uncle's favorite place to dine is Bugaboo Creek
Steakhouse as I had mentioned yesterday. Ordinarily, this might be OK for a normal week to take in stride,
but this time period (2 weeks) is extraordinary as far as eating challenges. The Linda of the past would have just said that Weight Watchers will have to wait a week and just gone for it, but I feel that I tried at least. I am determined to at least make some efforts this week. I might end up with another pound or two gained,
but if I let things get out of control, it could be a 4 or
even a 5 pound gain.
Yesterday's breakfast was, as planned, 3 points.
I went to the restaurant's on line menu and looked before I even left for the place. It's very difficult, this place has those fried onions that I love (I passed) and they have all sorts off ooey gooey treats that I adore. I decided that my best best and something that I could at least know basically what I was dealing with was a plain
fillet Mignon, the smallest one they had, a baked potato (I left about a third of it on the plate) and ordering a salad with oil and vinegar on the side and asking them to leave
cheese and croutons off. I had one teeny slice of the bread and I counted flex points for a small amount of butter of the potato. That was it. I had no tastes offered to me from other people's plates and I had no dessert or extras.
When I had dinner last night it was a WW Smart Ones frozen meal that was 4 points and a big bowl of string beans. Dessert was sugar free Jello that is zero points.
I balanced off a larger than normal lunch with some very low point choices for the other meals.
I managed to eat well and not make a big deal about it in front of others. I did have something nice and didn't leave the place feeling like I was starving.
I didn't lose control and had exactly what I planned for before leaving the house.
Though I did use more flex points than I use in any normal day, it was still more of a success then it could have been.
Linda in NH

derry daughter- you did a really awesome job! Everything you did was planned and you didn't get out of control!!

This is my first time posting in this thread. This seems like a great place for support.. This weekend I'm going to a play on Sat. with a bunch of ladie.. going to see Mama Mia. Then we're going to my place for dinner. I'm making bruschetta and lowfat stuffed celery for appetizers. Low-fat shrimp fettuchini alfredo and salad for dinner with homemade ww bread (using that for the bruschetta also). For dessert, my mom is bringing apple pie, but I also made some low-fat biscotti... that I will be dipping chocolate. But the biscotti alone minus chocolate come out to 110cals for a big one... most of them are 50-75 calories each. With the chocolate they won't be terrible. Better than the apple pie LOL..
Hopefully I can stay on track and not pig out at my own dinner LOL....

Overall I've been doing better. I'm staying within my point range each day. I've been planning better. I only started 3 weeks ago. The first 2 were a mess trying to stay within point and had my TOM. This week has been much better and I plan on keeping it that way!!

TGIF!!!!!!!!!! DH is coming home tonight from Michigan,Thank the Lord!!.......
I.....finished that danged ol' couch and chair,all I had left was the skirts...
so thank goodness for that...well I let myself down yesterday,I was in wally world,but didn't get any groceries...really didn't have the time...because I had to get back and finish my project so I didn't have to work today....(I really didn't want to work today and I usually don't work on Fridays unless it's a have to thing....so here I am...sore from crawling around on the floor because I had to be eye level with the bottom of the couch and chair....there has got to be a better way to put a skirt on!!LOL
Linda~ I looked on bugaboo's website and if it were me..I'd stick with the grilled stuff....the grilled fresh salmon looked awesome with the veggies....and what I would do is find out how many ounces that is if it doesn't say in the menu and just use the point book for that many ounces of salmon...it looks like it's around 8 oz to me or maybe a little less..and the veggies are 0 right? except for maybe the squash,I'm not sure, it's been a long time for me on WW girl!! and I saw that there were smashed taters...is that what that is....then I would substitute if they allow that and get double veggies!!! Veggies are really my best friend when I'm doing WW....and that's what I'll be doing this weekend at Outback...(if Nashville is where we're going,lol)...
Paige~ Hey girl....Thanks I'll add you as a friend!! and how do you make your page private ? I was wondering how to do that...that would probably put DH a little more at ease...I'll continue this later my phone keeps ringing..........
Paige~

OK I'm back....DH called on the cell,then my fave sissy called,THEN...MIL called wanting me to add her minutes to her trac phone....whew....and I've been picking up around the house fixed DS some breakfast and so on....speaking of DS he just busted his own butt..lol, he just saved me the trouble....he's on this kick of jumping from the coffee table to the couch,well he hit a pile of pillows,bounced off of them and hit the floor right on his bottom....:lol:,then he was like "oohhhh" I couldn't help laughing,but he didn't hurt himself..he's a little comedian!
I weighed too while I was away....193 so I'm doin' fine in my book as long as I'm not gaining!! so I'll get outta here and talk later...

TDIPrincess, welcome! Sounds like you are on the right track and from the numbers on your tracker, I would say that you are doing well!
Are any of you on facebook or are you all just myspace people? I have a facebook page:
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?v=feed&id=641573936&pub=2305272732#/profile.php?id=641573936

I'm not tremendously good at doing facebook (or anything else for that matter) but at least I am trying to keep up in this high tech world.
Trysh, I had Bugaboo's salmon the last time I was there. It wasn't bad and it might have been a better choice for me, but I didn't feel like fish on that particular day. Maybe next time, if I go back there.
Happy Valentines Day everyone!
I'm hoping that my husband didn't get me candy, I won't be able to resist if he did. I told him not to. Time will tell.

I have a busy day today, time to get rolling. This week has been booked solid and I hope to have time to breath next week a bit. I need to make time to exercise as well. I always seem to put that aside. I do not enjoy it, I know, but it needs to become a front burner thing for me!

Hey all...Happy Valentines Day!

This morning will be busy; we are having dh's mom up for Valentines lunch. I am making a lasagna, and I think I'm going to make it like I did a few weeks ago. I bought reduced fat cheese, fat free cottage cheese, and I think I'll use crushed tomatoes again...we didn't notice the difference last time, and they don't add points. I have ground beef that is "home grown" from my parents (they raise beef cows, so we are able to get meat from them often.) Usually it's quite lean, but I will still drain it and such. I have also made a special dessert, though, that is NOT WW friendly. I have started doing "secret" baking challenges through an online baking site, to keep me in the loop of trying new and more challenging recipes. The one assigned this month is a really good Valentines dessert, so I've been preparing it for today. It's really, REALLY rich and heavy, though, so I'm going to plate it in small proportions. I can post a picture of it on my foodie blog ( http://chefpaige.blogspot.com ) on the 28th, but until then it's "top secret." Isn't that kind of funny?! Anyway, so this morning will be on the busy side.

I have decided that I am going to start applying for any suitable jobs, pastry or not...it has only been three weeks since I've been gone from the cafe, and I'm so incredibly stir crazy...there is no way I'm going to make it till September. I've noticed that my eating has a big trend during the day, too; I always start out on a good foot, have a plan...but as the day progresses and I get more lonely/bored/whatever I am looking to food for some relief. Once I get my older dd off the bus and dh comes home, I'm fine again. I am in control for dinner, and am usually satisfied not eating after that. I'm also thinking about asking dh if I could use some income tax refund $ to go back to WW meetings for a few months. I don't know if he will go for it though, but I need something to keep me more motivated.

Ok, well I guess I should get the day started...hope you all have a great day!

Paige, I know what you mean. When I am home all the time I pass through the kitchen (in the middle of the house) all the time and each time I go in there I want and think about food.
I've been trying to grab a piece of chewing gum with a strong flavor and have a drink of water at those times. Sometimes it is helpful, sometimes not.
Today, after the morning at church, I vow to find a way to have exercise that is not the usual for me. Not sure what, but I want to move.
I blew it yesterday and ate some candy, but it was Valentines day, so I just forgive myself and move on.

Just a quick note....I am going back to WW meetings on Thursday! I feel kind of a "relieved" feeling. I want the scale to be as gentle as possible, so I am really feeling motivated and op today, and I think I'll be able to carry that on throughout this week. I think it's just easier, knowing that you have to weigh in somewhere else, by someone else. I did really well by myself for a long time, but I've been struggling for too long to just maintain.

Did everyone have a good Valentines? If it weren't for my awesome dessert, I would of done ok. But it's allllll gone, so it's back to healthy op eating with no distractions.

Dh and I are going to be ripping up the carpet in dds room today. It's something that I've wanted to do since the day we moved in here (we have hardwood under all of our house except for the family room, which is an addition.) The people that lived here before us were VERY heavy smokers, so between that still stuck in the carpet, other dirt and I'm sure mold from whatever being spilled...it's disgusting. My dds have asthma, so we are hoping that removing the carpet will help out a little. We also put in an air purifier w/hepa filter last week; I'm not sure if it's helping yet or not.

I also told Linda that I would try to bundle up and take a walk around the lake; if I don't do that I'll do an exercise tape. I promise!

Hope everyone has a great day!

Hey all, It seems like its been a very busy weekend!! I went to see Mama Mia and then had a bunch of ladies over for dinner after. I'm glad I saved my flex points!!

On a tragic note... I don't know if you guys have heard but there was a plane crash in one of my suburbs on Thursday 2/12... Everyone in the plane and one man in his home died from the crash. In total I believe 50 people died. It was a commuter flight. They're not exactly sure of the cause. But thought I would make everyone aware. This is very tragic. This is the first plane crash we have had ever in Western New York. It happened about 5 miles from where the pilot was supposed to be landing the planes.
I will be making a post. They made a list available of those who passed away. A lot of them were very brilliant people!

Paige, I'm sure ripping up that carpet accomplished two things, one being exercise and two being a really great feeling about getting it finally done. I'll just bet your DD's asthma will be greatly improved as well. Good for you!

tdiprincess, yes I have heard of that crash and it was so very sad. To think of that other crash on the Hudson just a few short weeks ago and how everyone make it out in comparison, it's even more sad. I felt so badly about the woman who lost her husband on 9/11 as well.
I wondered about something, I heard on the news that they evacuated a 2 mile radius around the sight. Why was that, do you think? I've never heard of them doing that before and 2 miles is pretty far reaching. I hope you were not one of those disturbed by this on top of the stress and sadness.
Well, today is a huge challenge for me. I start a new tracker today but I was almost thinking of starting it tomorrow. Tomorrow is meeting day as well and most people like to start their trackers on meeting days (am I looking for an excuse?). Do all of you start yours on meeting days?
At any rate, today is my aunts funeral and we are all going back to my cousin's house for food. I have no idea what food there will be there and I know from the last funeral (sadly, my uncle her husband) two years ago that they had tons of stuff. I may stop at the store and buy one of those veggies/dip trays that are all made up to bring along and it might be my saviour today. Not sure if I'll have time or not.
Also, today is another day of great consequence. My son turns 21 today and it is his wish for us all to go to Longhorn Steakhouse to celebrate this evening and we also have a cake.
Today is certainly a huge challenge.
I'm wondering if I should try my best to make good choices and start with a fresh journal and forgiveness tomorrow. What would you do?
There is no way I can track points on anything at either of these place.
I know this morning's breakfast will be 4 points, at least.

Derry Daughter: fortunately I was not disturbed, I live about 20minutes from where it happened. They evacuated because there was about 3,000 gallons of Jet fuel on that plane. I think they were worried about an explosion and plus I think because of how tragic this was, I think they wanted people to be away from the scene. There were a lot of great people on that plane too. If you check out the thread I made with names there were quite a number of activists, historians, musicians, other pilots..
.. on a good note my weigh in on Friday showed me at 156.. I've lost 2lbs since I started now that I'm on track and ready to go!!

Good morning all!

tdiprincess-I'm in NY, too, so it's been all over our news...I'm pretty sure it has probably made national news due to the severity of it. It really is so sad, especially being on the heels of the Hudson River crash, like Linda said. My dh went to UB, so I know it must hit home a little bit for him.

Linda-I had to laugh a little...we went to Walmart yesterday, too...to get out of the house, more or less. The carpet chore went great; the hardwood floors are in wonderful shape. It makes the room look completely different. I got such a sick feeling in my stomach, though, when we ripped the carpet up under my older dd's bed (who has been sleeping in that spot for the last 5 1/2 years) and saw that on the underside of the carpet was ALL black mold. I had suspected, but couldn't believe it. We actually went to Home Depot too, and priced out carpet for our living room, but it will be over $1000 so that just isn't happening right now. I worry about there being a mold issue in the livingroom, but there is no hardwood under that carpet, so we would have to spend money to replace it with something. Anyway, I do feel a lot better having gotten rid of that carpet in the girls room, and maybe their health issues will start to clear up some?

I did pretty well eating wise yesterday. I have purchased a lot of the Fiber 1 products lately (I have become the coupon clipping mad woman, and have had a lot of coupons for Fiber 1 products) and they are SO good! Every weekend dh always makes pancakes and bacon for breakfast, so yesterday he made me some of the Fiber 1 pancakes, and I skipped the bacon. The pancakes are 3 pts for a huge serving, and the I used a 1/2 serving of lite syrup, which was 1 pt. For lunch I had leftover homemade veggie soup that I made the other day, and then dinner dh bbq'd (it's never to cold to bbq!) some burgers using the ground beef from my parents. Man, that is probably the LEANEST ground beef I have ever had. It's amazing the difference when you have meat that has been raised properly!

Today I'm off to a good start, as well! Dh has today off for President's Day, and the girls requested scrambled eggs and bacon, but I opted for a bowl of the Fiber 1 cereal. So far that's all I've had. Dh let me sleep in (although I should of just gotten up...I kept having dreams that I was in Atlantic City and couldn't find my car, then there was a tidal wave...weird!!!!!) and I've been working on gumpaste flowers for a baby shower cake that I have due this coming weekend, so it's been a nice morning so far.

Anyway, I hope everyone has a great day!

Today I started off well.. I had my Yogurt... I had all my veggies and fruit for the day later on... then for dinner we went to wendy's :( Fortunately I still had tons of points.. all in all I ended up over by 3.. but that's because I also had some tea with cream in it.. Not too bad. Especially coming off the weekend where we had a party at our place and then a friend over on Sunday too.
I'm getting back on track!!

Good Morning everybody and happy Tuesday!! Well how was everyone's Valentine's Day? I see some of you had a good one...mine was good and yes we did go to Nashville!! It was great fun...we stayed at the Radisson which has an Applebees in it,so that's where we ate dinner Saturday night ,I did good,I did have a bourbon street steak(awesome),but I ate all my veggies and I gave almost half of my steak to DS and DH,not sure on the points,but I'm confident I did alright,atleast I didn't over do it...,and man was I tired from walking around the mall.......good Lord that place is big....I think we were there 6 hours,from about 10:30 to almost 5:00,of course about 30 minutes of that was trying to get out of the parking lot,LOL! Traffic was backed up everywhere......as it was coming into the mall...but I had such a good time....I bought me some shoes...but that's about it....the one thing I don't like about those big malls is the reps set up in the middle trying to sale their "product" like straightening irons...spas...neck wraps....they absolutely will not take no for an answer.....but I think they work on commission,but that's just wrong...you can't walk through a mall without being badgered to buy something you just don't need............
Paige~ I got a weird email yesterday from some dude from my space wanting to be my friend,the name was winners and sinners, so I checked it out.......OMG.....I almost fell over....he had like the devil on his home page,apparently he's a singger in a group and I guess they sing some heavy music...like satan music or something.....that was just weird,anyway,in the email it read,"don't let this scare you off".........Hello........I almost pooped my pants and then wondered if myspace was actually a good idea....how in the world did he find me? why me? or does he just try to recruit all the newbies?,or just because I have that I'm a Christian in my profile and I have a prayer request on my homepage........? sorry I just got a little
freaked....anyway I did not tell DH,he would have flipped...........
So I'm off to go try to take a boat apart,and I really dread it..........I need DH's help,but he's going to Louisville to the houseboat expo,did I happen to metion to you all that DH went back to his old job? he was so miserable at the other boat place,he stayed on the road...in fact he had just got back Friday night from Michigan,then he started yesterday back at the houseboat place he's worked at 1/2 his life...but he's happier and he's been whistling again..lol...I haven't heard him do that in months....so I better go......again!!LOL!!!

Trysh-Which mall did you go to? We love going to Opryland Mills; it's just a cool mall. We've been to some of the bigger ones around Brentwood (where my brother in law lives) but they tend to have more expensive stores. I love Nashville; I was so disappointed that I didn't get to go this year; in hindsight, if I had known that I would be let go from my job a month later, I would of gone when dh and dds went in November. We usually stay downtown, and try to book a hotel close to the walking bridge to the stadium. As far as Myspace, you can go into your account settings, and then "privacy"..there is a spot there where you can change it so only your friends can view your profile. If you go into "spam" onto account settings, you can change who sends you messages, etc. Myspace is a big music place, and you will get messages from bands/singers/groups you don't know wanting to promote their music. If I don't know someone, or their subject isn't personal (I got one the other day from a girl I didn't know, but she put in the subject line that she knew a friend of mine...she wanted to order a cake) or if it's a message/friend request from a band and it doesn't look like something I'd want to listen to, I just delete it and don't bother opening it. I'd just play around with the account settings until you get it as private as you need it to be.

tdiprincess-It doesn't sound like you went off program...three points over isn't bad. If I stay under 5 points over my daily points each day, then I'm ok (35 flex pts, plus I don't count activity points.) If you used up your flex pts, just do some extra exercise today. Three points is no biggie.

I'll probably be back later today! Have a good day all!

tdip: No matter who those people were, they deserved life and it is a sad thing. I guess it was ice that caused the crash? It must be hard having it so close to home and it's probably very active on your local news stations, where it is news "gone by" around here in a way.

Eeewww... that mold thing does sound terrible, Paige. I'm so glad you took the time to rip that up. You might want to chat with a carpet cleaning company about cleaning the existing living room carpet and see if they have an anti-microbic treatment of some kind? It could help? Did you wash down the hardwood with something when you ripped up the carpet. What a good thing you did. You helped your home, your family and you got exercise, a win-win situation!

So, Paige, are there recipes on the Fiber 1 cereal boxes for these pancakes? You have my interest peeking a bit. I do love pancakes and, sadly, rarely have them due to points. Points, it's always points. No more of the good stuff, but I am still determined. I need to use my head and figure out ways to have good stuff that are also good for me, if that makes sense!
I bought the new WW cookbook on sale for $10.00 yesterday, it's the one where you have one recipe and it gives you a second thing to make with the leftovers. I'm going to try a few things soon. That will be interesting at least.

Tdip, glad you are getting back on track and eating well. I hope to do better as well. Today is my birthday and I keep wondering if I'll get through the day? I plan on just having a WW yogurt for breakfast and nothing more, or maybe an apple so it will be 2 points only. We're having gingerbread (my choice) with FF cool whip at our meeting today as it is my birthday. But, gingerbread is fairly low in points and it's something I never have at home as all three of the other people in this house dislike it. I look forward to it.

Trysh, glad your DH is back to being happy again. Jobs are so hard, the wrong one really can destroy not only the one person in the job, but an entire family. I know from experience.

As for me.... as it is my birthday I am indulging in my gingerbread this morning and will hopefully scrape through the day with using only about 4 or 5 flex points. My husband is away and I am supposed to be heading over to my daughter's dorm with my son later on to pick her up and to take them both our to dinner. It's going to be Applebee's if we go so I can control my points. However, there is supposed to be snow, so maybe not today after all? We'll see.

I have challenge Paige on her facebook page to 10 sit ups today! Anyone else accept that challenge? I'm in!

Happy Birthday Linda!!!!!

The Fiber 1 pancake mix comes in a box with and is in the isle with the regular pancake mixes and syrup. I think I got it for 49 cents the other day; it was on sale for $2.49 and I had a $1 off coupon (double coupons!) It's a complete pancake mix, so all you do is mix in the water. Surprisingly, I was able to make them...usually I can never get pancake mixes to come out right (probably my "cake mix snob" coming through) so I leave that to dh. Like I had mentioned before, the serving is really large, and because of the high fiber, it makes the points value lower (for 1/2 cup of pancake mix it was 3 points.) We use lite syrup, or I think Walden Farms might have a pancake syrup? One thing I also do (which is probably going to sound odd) is I will put a few slices of the really thin deli ham on my pancakes...when everyone else is having bacon, it helps me not to want any, and the ham that we get is 1 pt for 4 slices.
Which new cookbook is this? I purchased one of their cookbooks (I think it was the 5 ingredient one) back years ago, but never cooked from it. I've have the urge to cook a little more gourmet lately. Maybe I'll go through my cookbooks today and see what I can come up with.

I don't have too much planned for today. My older dd is home again today for winter break, but goes back to school tomorrow. I have a baby shower cake due on Saturday, so I have a few more gumpaste decorations to make for that today, and then will be ready to start assembling everything on Friday. I'm anxious to see it together; it is supposed to look like the crib bedding that the mom-to-be picked out, so it's cherry blossoms with dragonflies, and I made baby booties for the top. It is funny because after awhile I don't think of cake as a "food" anymore!

Anyway, I hope everyone has a great, OP day!!!

HI and Happy Hump Day!!!!
Linda~ :bday2you:
I am in on those sit ups,in fact I'll raise ya 5 sit ups to make it 15!!! Ya know it's funny,because I was thinking this morning,after looking at my ticker, to challenge you all to lose 1 lb a week....what do you think? it doesn't sound hard at all,but it really is a challenge and for every pound we get a cyber treat to add to our siggy for our efforts like...:m: or :chockiss: or just a smiley or something it could be our choice..let me know...but that was so weird when I read your post..lol...
Paige~ thanks for the info on my space..I went in and changed it.....Thanks..
and we went to Opry Mills....we ate lunch at Rain forest Cafe,have you ever ate in there? the atmosphere is awesome!! DS was freaking out over the gorillas and then when it started thundering and lightning,I think he was ready to leave!!LOL! It's expensive but it's worth a visit to eat,when you go especially when it's been 4 years since you've been to Nashville,like us!! We've only been downtown once,and it made DH nervous,because you don't really know where to go,and he doesn't like all the bars,I tried to get him to drive us down there and he wouldn't....I told him there was probably more stores and he said all there was downtown was honkytonks and bars,which that is what we saw when we drove down there several years ago and a bunch of barhoppers!! He said he would like to go to that blue bird cafe,I think that's what it's called,alot of country singers have been discovered there... I remember the first time we went to Nashville,DD was about 3 I think and my brother who has sang all his life told us to visit Nashville Palace,they used to have singing contests there,in fact Randy Travis used to work there in the kitchen before he was discovered, so we went & DH enetered and won,then had to go back a second night to go up against a guy who had won the night before DH and DH beat him,all DH won was 50 dollars,but it was so worth it and these people were coming up to him wanting his autograph,just in case he did become "famous" one day..lol!! it was alot of fun..good good memories :) and another thing,sorry to go on and on,but when you're down there again take a ride on the General Jackson,it's right there next to opry mills,actually in the parking lot around back on the river ,of course,I forget how much it costs, but it takes you up the river under the bridge that Big and Rich filmed the "Save a Horse" video all the way into down town where all the buildings are and right at dusk is so beautiful,we saw the ampitheatre there on the water,it was pretty cool,plus they have a dinner and show on the boat which is extra,but we just rode on the boat,then you can get drinks at their bar(you have to pay) but still cool...OK I'm finished!!for now!!!
Well I better go and do those sit ups!!!!DS can help me......or hurt me!!LOL

Trysh-Downtown has actually changed a lot the last few years. My brother in law has lived in TN for maybe 9 years, and we go down every year to watch a Titans game. When we first started going, downtown was a bit run down, and it was a little scary, especially at night time. Last year when we went, we stayed at a hotel overlooking Vanderbuilt (our hotel room actually looked onto the football field, and we got to watch a game!) so we weren't in the real "downtown" section with the bars and such, but dh and I went down to the Sommet Center to watch a hockey game (we went to a Nickelback concert the year before, and had backstage passes!) and also walked around. The area is really cleaning up a lot; there are a lot of new stores/cafes/restaurants that have opened. It is still a bar area, but during the day it seems pretty safe. We have gotten pretty familiar with the area, and walk around a lot when we are there. I haven't eaten in the Rainforest Cafe in Opry Mills, but we have them up here, so they aren't so much a novelty for us. We always want to try out the Aquarium Restaurant, but it's also pricey. I just love Nashville...people are just automatically "nice" there... not something that is normal in NY! (and I'm not even in the city!)

I just started Weight Watchers today so yay! I need ALL the support I can get, lol!

:welcome: Trying to lose...happy to meet ya ....this is a great place to be and you'll definitely get the support you need here!!

Welcome trying2lose! Feel free to join in with us. We are all working at this and trying hard.
As for me, my birthday is now past history. I wasn't as good as I had hoped to be yesterday, but I sure wasn't as bad as I could have been, either!
Today is the first day of a whole new year for me and I have resolve and I have the tools in which to be a success. I just have to implement those tools and not give in.
So, I vow to make it work today.
No more birthdays, no more parties, just me and my life. I can eat healthy and move on.

Yesterday I did the bicep curls I promised myself I would do and added in 10 tricep extensions as well. Today I challenge myself to do 20 minutes on the treadmill plus 10 sit ups!
I just planned what would be for dinner this evening and when I sit down in a few minutes will write that in my journal and figure out, from there, how many points I have left in the day to work with. I have to make a concerted effort to have my healthy oils and milks today as well. That really didn't happen yesterday and I was out of points before I realized.
Early next week, I'll be making a huge batch of Garden Vegetable Soup as well. I'm out! I usually make up a whole bunch and then freeze it in small containers. It really helps bail me out at lunchtime. Gives me valuable veggie servings and fills me up for zero points!
What will you be doing today?

Happy Monday, all!

So where has everyone been the last few days? Hopefully not blowing it like I have been! I was doing pretty well on Friday, until the afternoon when I got a call from the dept of labor. I had put in an application for unemployment, but the cafe is fighting it, saying I quit. Technically that is true, but I was more or less forced to quit due to my hours being cut. With taxes taken out, I would of made just enough to pay for day care. After talking to the dept of labor, it sounds like every cent I make (before taxes) has to go toward child care in order to make that a valid reason. They also told me that I could of filed for unemployment and still worked my new hours. Is that common knowledge? I thought unemployment meant...uhh...unemployed?! No longer working?! My former boss also lied and told them that they are looking for someone to fill my hours; I know that isn't true, and I told dept of labor this. I am just so angry about it; not even so much about my job (I'm sad about that, but understand why I'm not there)...I'm angry because I feel SO stabbed in the back by someone that I thought was a really good friend. I don't understand what I might of done to make her turn on me (am I in high school again?! It sure feels like it!) So anyway, Friday turned in to a really, really bad day...and as Linda knows, 5 beers and chinese food later...I was still pretty hurt.

So today is my 29th birthday. I made cupcakes with the girls last night, but to be honest, I don't even feel like eating them (I often make/decorate things just so I can take pictures!) I don't even know what I am cooking for dinner tonight. I have to go out to the bank today (I had to cancel my debit card due to fradulent charges...so nice!) so maybe I'll stop and get a whole chicken and roast it. A nice baked potato (baked sweet potato sounds good, too)...and some other veggies; that sounds like a yummy birthday meal.

Anyway, sorry for my job rant again. I need to just be "over" it, but it keeps rearing it's head at me.

Hope everyone has a great, op day!

Hi all,
I'm new to this forum, but not that new to WW. My partner and I joined right before Thanksgiving, as a way to avoid my usual holiday weight gain. So far I've lost over 25 lbs so I am hopefull. In fact, more so than I have been in a long time.

By way of introduction, I am the director of a nonprofit, as well as a professor at a local community college. Life is pretty hectic at times. Losing weight is such a struggle for me. Sometimes it makes me feel certifiably crazy.

I hope to get to know you all, and hope you all get to know me as well. Have a GREAT week.

Welcome Jewell!
I hope you do well and that we can help you.
Happy belated birthday Paige!
I blew it with three family birthdays in one week, this past week so I know where you are at.
I have my meeting and weigh in today and I am hoping for even a .2 loss, anything would be nice.
I'm not sure how I've done. I didn't completely blow it, but I did use about 7 or 8 extra flex points for the entire week. Who knows if that will be enough to have another gain? I'm tired of gains, but I have no one to blame buy myself.
I vow to plan my days better this week and write everything down.

Happy Fat Tuesday everybody!!!!! And boy do I feel fat today,DH and I were talking about that this morning...he said everyday was fat day for him!!LOL!! he's not really fat though...I always tell him atleast he doesn't have to shop in the big man or big and tall section like I have to shop in the plus size section.....he's silly..:p
:bday2: Paige!! I made you a cake!! The way I look at your situation.....Your so called friend/ exboss has it to answer for,not you...I wouldn't worry about it,though I know it's easier said than done....But when the Lord closes one door he ALWAYS opens another....which is usually better..So hang in there and just hope for the best...You living in New York...I would think that there were alot of job oppurtunities in your field,I mean that is a big place..and you are an awesome cake decorator anybody would be bonkers not to hire you...I'm telling ya girlfriend if or when you ever get in a place where you can go out on your own...I'd jump in with both feet, not look back and put that....backstabber in her place and out of business!!:D You know....revenge is so sweet sometimes....;)
Linda~ Good Luck on your weigh in to day :crossed: my fingers are crossed.......... Oh I was wondering if you can buy the journals at the WW meetings when your not a member anymore.....or is it just easier to order them online? I was going to use just plain notebook paper...it is cheaper,but I didn't realize everything that has to be written down..lol..I can't seem to find my old journal,(probably DS's fault somehow) because I was just going to scan some of the blank pages that weren't used and print them out...that WAS the big plan anyway...
Jewel~ :welcome2: you'll so love it here!!! and :congrat: on your weightloss so far...doesn't it feel good to get rid of it?!?!?!?!? That's just awesome!!
But anyway I didn't get to come by Friday...DH was off and he gets a little nosey sometimes and wonders why I'm typing so much,even though he knows I do this and you all are my saviors...so it's easier to just put this off till he's not here...and I weighed and I was up 2 lbs to 195....BUT this weeks is so going to be different....me and the fat are going to have us a little pow wow.......... I got me some bran flakes,thought I might need a little more fiber....I know, TMI, but I haven't been going like I should!! And I think that's part of my problem,used to it was every day now like twice a week if I 'm lucky..... I'm also trying to up my water intake...it's hard to get that in when your working and got your mind on something else...but I do drink coffee about all day....so that's part of my water but still not enough..I know...so this week is different it will be different...or I'll need you all to give a swift kick in the pants!!! :kickbutt: well I guess I better go slave awhile....talk later!

Hey Trysh-PM me your e-mail; I have a couple trackers that are made up in excel. They are really good, and even when I went to meetings, I used those instead of the ones they gave you.

Good morning all...

Well, I have GOT to get serious. I stepped on the scales this morning...NOT good. I'm up a lot. It's like my brain has this conflict between being op and eating (maybe everyone does?) I'll be thinking one second how I deserve to be thin and healthy, but then the next I'm going to grab for some food. How do you get and stay motivated?? The million dollar question...

One of my problems is exercise. I am completely unmotivated in that area. I've been trying to work out to some of the shows on FIT tv, but they are so cheesy...I tried a hip hop one yesterday, and did about 10 minutes of it before I got annoyed at how stupid the people acted. I have one really good video, but it's one that I've done since I was a teenager, so I'm just bored with it. I really want to get outside and run (I would really like to sign up for a 5k this spring) but it's been so cold and windy, plus dh hasn't been getting home till it's almost dark. I feel like I'm a book full of excuses. I have to go do some birthday shopping for little dd today, maybe I'll see if I can find a new video or something.

Today's menu...

Breakfast- pb&j -4

Lunch- veggies-0
tuna on toast-5

Snack-Fiber1 bar-2

Dinner- low fat cheese ravioi-10

My goal for today is to really be aware of what is going in my mouth. I've been doing a lot of eating while cooking lately...that adds up to so many points, and makes me feel so out of control. My other goal is to drink water. I have a 50oz bottle, and yesterday I refilled it twice. I'm going to shoot for that.

Anyway, I've got to get going today. Hope everyone has a good day!

It felt so very good this morning to just change my tracker down!!!! Down 1.8 at yesterday's meeting. Finally a loss I can sink my teeth into! Better I sink my teeth into working on this than chocolate, right?
Paige, keep journaling and log in here what you are eating. I'll try to do the same for awhile as well. I think that helps.
I like how you have stated your goal for the day here and I hope you can stick with it.
You probably know this already, but when you are cooking and things just pop into your mouth, have a really strong mint, like an Altoid, and a glass of ice water. Have another mint if you get the urge, or have some really strong peppermint gum. If that doesn't work, go brush your teeth. If you wait 15 minutes after that and you are still starving, stop what you are doing and make a bag of 94% FF popcorn and have that with something flavorful to drink that is zero or less than 10 points like Crystal Lite or even diet soda. The tastes and all the munching on the popcorn should help. Then, resume your cooking and other activities, write down the popcorn and move on. : )

Trysh, Jewell and Trying2lose, how are you all doing?

So, onward to meal planning:

Points allowance: 21

Breakfast:
oatmeal (2) cooked with 1 cup Calorie Countdown Milk (1)

mid-morning: banana (2)

Points remaining: 16

Lunch:
Tuna (3) 1/2 cup
sliced beets (0)
Lite bread, 2 slices (1) with butter spray (0)

Mid afternoon:
1/2 cup sugar free, fat free frozen yogurt (2)
(we have an ice cream shop next to the art gallery I take lessons in, I just have to plan for it as I can't resist and if I need to count flex points at the end of the day, I will)

Points remaining: 10

Dinner:
New recipe from my new WW cookbook, "Now and Later", I like the concept of making one larger recipe, taking out some of it and using that later on to prepare something else.
Tonight's meal will be Linguine with Asparagus and Ricotta
Then you are supposed to use the leftovers to make Pasta "Pizza" a few days later. I'll give it a shot.

So, Linguine with Asparagus and Ricotta is 5 points for 1 1/2 cups. I hope I can find pecorino cheese, by the way, as the recipe uses that and I've never heard of it before. Any ideas? Any substitutes if I can't find it?
Also, will have a salad with 2 tsp EVOO and balsamic vinegar (2)

Points remaining: 3, could that be right?

I'm grocery shopping today and will buy some WW desserts and will plan on something as my dessert.
I'll be reviewing this plan as the day goes on to make sure I have the right amounts of oils, grains, veggies and fruits for the day, but it looks good so far.

Keep on trying ladies!

Trysh, one more thing, my family gets nosey as well when I am typing my various things on line. I hate people looking over my shoulder! My computer is in an L shaped living room, talk about not being private. They all come over and use it from time to time even though everyone in my house has their own laptop, mine is the bigger srean desktop and it is in a "community space", so they just wander over and there goes my privacy.... but we do the best we can, right?
Also, Paige, I might like it if you send me your journals that you made as well. I'll give them a shot. Though, this week I have the "travelling journal" from my WW meeting at home. I'll be letter perfect in what I do, which is a good thing for me. : )

Hi there--Another newby here. Went to my first WW meeting 2 weeks ago. I lost 5 lbs the first week and then 1 lb the second. Unfortunately, I went off plan last weekend and haven't been able to get back on!!!

This isn't my first time on WW--I love the plan and the support, but I just seem to lose track and have trouble getting back on. Like a lot of chronic dieters, I suffer from an all or nothing mentality!

Anyway, I'd love some WW buddies online to help me through my day to day struggles. This seems like a really nice group. Can I join?

Thanks!

Hi Ann! Welcome to the thread!

Well, so far I'm not following my planned menu. Ummm...well, at all. For breakfast I had an egg on one piece of toast with 2 slices of thin deli turkey (3.5.) For lunch I ended up meeting up with dh at the food court in the mall. I got the 1/4 lb classic, no cheese and no mayo. I also got a baked potato. I just figured out the points for those (which is actually a good thing, because normally I would of just said heck with it, I blew it...) the burger was 9, and the potato was 6. So I'm at 18.5, and I get 27. If I can hold off till dinner (gum, gum, gum) then I think I'll be ok. To be honest, I'm pretty happy with myself that I "faced the music" and figured out the points in that burger. Now I know that I haven't completely blown it, and if I am careful, I can still probably stay within my points for the remainder of the day. A tiny step in the right direction.

Tomorrow is a cake day...dd's birthday is Saturday, and she wants a Hannah Montana cake. My kids have gotten used to huge, monster cakes for their birthdays, but this year it is just going to be us, no big party. Thank goodness for dummy cakes...I can still make them an awesome cake, but only have a small portion of it be real cake!

Linda-I can't seem to find your e-mail address; I thought I had it in my e-mail address book, but it's not there. PM it or e-mail me and I'll send you those trackers.

Hope everyone is having a good day!

Hi guys. I joined WW today again. It's been a couple of years since I was last there. My weight has been rising steadily since September last year and I'm almost back to my highest weight of 230. My clothes don't fit and I look and feel terrible.

Looking forward to getting to know you all.

Happy Thursday all! My dd has a 2 hr delay today because of ice, so I have a few extra minutes this morning while she is sleeping in.

To start off, today's menu....
Breakfast-egg on 1 piece of toast w/2 slices turkey-3.5

-1 50oz bottle water between breakfast and lunch

Lunch-veggies-0
Hi fiber/lo carb wrap w/ham, lettuce, mustard-2
granola bar-2

Snack-water
some kind of sweet, crunchy cereal-3

Dinner-hot roast beef sandwich (deli roast beef, ff italian dressing, whatever else 0 pt I can find to add..on a roll)-10
salad w/homemade croutons-2
water

Dessert-low fat ice cream (or something point equiv)-3
Total-25.5/27

I'm not sure on the pts value of the hot rb sandwich, but I am skipping the cheese on mine, and I think I will scoop some of the bread out of the roll. I was thinking this morning, and I am going to make it my reward that if I go from now until we leave for FL (April 3) and journal every day, even if I go off plan, that I will treat myself to a pedicure. I know from the past that I was the most successful when I planned out my day, and then journalled the actual each time I ate.

Yesterday I did end up going over in pts, but I'm not sure how much. I probably had gone over a little after dinner (but not much,) and I ended up eating some salad w/ff vinegarette and a cup of cereal later on. Wednesdays dh and I stay up to watch Lost; it's always difficult to sit and watch without snacking on something.

My goal today, other than following my menu, is to get some exercise in. I need to go through the videos that I have and see if I can find one that gets my interest. I wish it would warm up and stay light longer...I really want to get outside!

Clydegirl-Welcome! Glad to have you, and looking forward to getting to know you!

Hope everyone has a great day...probably be back later!

Ann Welcome! It is hard to stay committed, isn't it? But, just get right back on the wagon and stick with it.
I have found that is what helps me the most. If I lose it, and we are all human and do from time to time, I have to forgive myself, write it down and move on. My leader taught me a long time ago, that if you have one of those days (even a social occasion or just an emotional or just a bored day where you can't stay away from the food) that you need to just move on. She's even said, to give yourself a few more flex points to make it through the week if you have to, but to continue and continue, especially, to write what you bite!
Paige, just sent you an email so I hope you can send me the tracker. Maybe I'll like it?
Ah, more birthdays in your life. I know so many people, including myself on the 18th, with birthdays during this time period. Such a cluster. I need a battle plan for next year.
I strayed from my planned meals yesterday as well, it was a time factor in the end. I also had more of the sugar free/fat free frozen yogurt than what I had planned. I ended up counting 4 points instead of 2. But, I needed another milk serving and that was a good thing, I guess?

The dinner I was going to make last night will be tonight's meal. I ended up with a frozen entree. By the way, I believe the brand was Marie Calendar's, but I threw away the box. It was a chef inspired entree, fettucini with chicken and broccoli. It was only 4 points and I must say that if you see it, try it. It was what I would refer to as a "cut above" the usual frozen WW friendly entree. I really enjoyed it and I felt "satisfied" with the portion. I often don't mind certain frozen WW friendly foods (Smart Ones, etc.) but I am left still hungry in the end.
We should report if we do find convenience foods that are a bit better than average, by the way. There are so many choices and I don't know about you guys, but I am often eating on the run. I don't seem to plan my time well sometimes and by the time I got around to thinking about cooking my dinner it was 6:45 and I was starving. I knew I would have to figure out something else. No one was home but me, but I was still going to make a decent meal for myself. Plus this new Now and Later cook book from WW has me very intrigued. I love the concept of making one meal in a larger portion and turning the leftovers into an entirely different recipe.

So, today's meal plan: (subject to change as yesterday sure was modified)

I'm starting to run late, so will calculate points later, but I think this will all be within my range, or close enough.

Breakfast:
Egg white omelet with 1 laughing cow lite cheese, diced mushrooms, peppers and onions and a few cut up cherry tomatoes.
2 slices lite toast with butter spray

Snack: WW lemon bar, 2 points

Lunch:

Boca burger, one slice reduced fat cheddar, pickles, ketchup on toasted WW English Muffin (really yummy!)
wax beans

The dinner I planned last night will be finally made, pasta with asparagus and ricotta, etc.

Take care and have a great day!!!!

Good Morning Ladies and TGIF if I must say so myself!!!
I haven't weighed yet,that comes about 9 am but I thought I'd go ahead and post anyway.....
Ann & Clydegirl~ :welcome2: you'll really like it here I love this thread, back a few months ago we all kinda lost track and the thread was desserted for a little while and I was lost,and I couldn't find another thread that even compared to this one,I did what some people call "lurked" in threads and thread hopped,but just couldn't find one I could call home but this one is home to me...I love the girls and support here and you will too,hope to get to know ya and I do hope you come back....whatcha eatin" today? :D I think I'm hungry.time to break out the bran flakes!!!!!!!!!! No wait I can't do that 'till I weigh.lol!
Speaking of members....Linda and Paige do you remember Rosegarden and Newlifestyle? I got on some the old threads and one hasn't been on here since June and the other was March.....I wonder if they are OK? and Haylo she was in here about a month or 2 ago and that was the last post she posted...I hope they are alright...I just got to wondering about them and thought if they were on here I would let them know about this thread in case they couldn't find it but neither one of them have been on here I wonder if we PM them...no that wouldn't work would it?...no.....I just wondered...
So...I guess I'll go and find my book where you figure up your points...because I have nooooo idea how many points I'm supposed to have..:D then when I come back later which might be this afternoon,I'll post what I've ate and my points...it's time to be accountable people and I like Linda's idea of tracking it on here and maybe ya'll can help me...I do know I'm having cereal for breakfast...and maybe a lean cuisine panini for lunch,don't know yet about lunch I'll let ya know....

Happy FRIDAY!

I did pretty well yesterday; I went over 2.5 pts, but compared to what I have been doing, I think that is pretty good. I made myself accountable, menu planned, and journalled. Some of my food choices differed from my planned menu, but that was ok.

My menu for today....
Breakfast-Fiber 1 bar-2
egg-2
toast-1

Lunch-No Yolk pasta-4
diced tomatoes-9
granola bar (or something else points equiv)-2

Snack-dry cereal-3

Dinner-RB sandwich-7 (dh bbq'd last night instead, so I'll do this tonight...I decided to use bread instead of a roll and save some pts)
Salad w/homemade croutons-2

Dessert-4 pts

Total-27/27

I have realized the last few days that one reason (other than food) that my weight has gone up some is probably due to the lack of activity in the last month. Working a shift at the cafe was exercise, for sure. I never took a break, almost of my ingredients were downstairs...so 6-8 hrs spent on my feet, running around, up and down steps...to staying home. I think I might do some research today, and try to find some exercise that doesn't feel like exercise...something fun and motivating.

And on a good note, I checked on the unemployment website today, and it looks like my claims are being processed! I am completely surprised; when I had talked to the dept of labor guy, he basically told me that I was going to be denied. I am so curious as to what was said when he spoke with my boss after he spoke with me to make him change his mind. I would still much rather work, but I have e-mailed my resume out to countless places...food related and non food related...and haven't gotten anyone call me. It makes me wonder if they are actually getting my resume?! Something will come along, I am confident.

Anyway, I hope everyone has a great, op day!

Good morning girls.

I'm not that organised that I can plan my menu this early in the day. I usually open my fridge at lunchtime and say, " OK what shall I have?"

I have stayed on plan which is a good thing and I am journaling and getting my water in. So can't complain.

Have not been able to get any exercise in. That is something I need to work on.

Breakfast I had

oatmeal made with milk 3 points
banana 2 points

Will check back later.

Welcome Clydegirl, if you are not organized enough to plan ahead for the day, how about dividing up your points and making it a point to stick with a certain number of points for each meal. If you get 26 points in a day, for example, what about saying the breakfast is always 5 points, lunch is always 8 and dinner is always 12 and then your extra snacks will always be taken from your flex points or activity points. If you set up a plan like that, it would help you stick with things more. So, if you have a larger breakfast than normal, then you need to make up for that at dinner or lunch, etc. That could work if you are not good at planning ahead. If you are particularly busy, you could always target the 8 point lunch allowance and make up a list of what works into that particular number and even buy frozen WW or Lean Cuisine type of meals that would work with that.
I love the 7 point Lean Cuisine microwave pizzas, by the way and that with a piece of fruit would make a really nice lunch, and be filling enough I think?

Trysh, thanks for the kind words about all of us. I think we really do have a good thing going. I worry about a few of our older participants as well. We may find them dropping in here from time to time and we have to accept that there are times for all of us (me especially) when working on this is just not mentally the right time. I needed a break for a few months, I was truly not able to think about it and I was sick to death of points and putting controls on my life. But, when my weight really started creeping back up again and I could barely zip up my jeans, I knew what I had to do. So, here I am and I am glad.
Last night's dinner was a great success for me. The meal was a tiny bit time consuming to prepare, but I am worth it. That phrase I am worth it is worth repeating to yourself! So, I made this pasta dish from the new Now and Later (such a great idea) cookbook :
http://cgi.ebay.com/Weight-Watchers-Now-%26-Later-Cookbook_W0QQitemZ140302703107QQcmdZViewItem
(just had to put in a link to it as it is just fabulous, the best one they have put out so far, I think!)
The pasta dish is linguini (I used the healthier brand of angel hair as couldn't find whole wheat linguini in my market). You oven roast asparugus with shallots and garlic and olive oil and mix with pasta, etc. Then you take out some of the pasta mixture at a certain point and save it to make a pasta pizza casserole with. (Sunday night?) and then you mix in cheese/ricotta and cooked fresh mushrooms. It was a hit with me. You know what? My son had to work, my daughter is away at college and my husband was away on business. I put all this effort into making something just for me and I was proud of myself. So, now I have one in the fridge for lunch today and two in the freezer for another day (5 points per serving of 1 1/2 cups) and this 4 cup container all cooked and ready to assemble my pizza casserole on another day.
In my crock-pot already for tonight is the new Beef Burgundy Stew recipe from there. It's 7 points a service and it smells like heaven in here. It uses Merlot wine, mushrooms, garlic, onion, carrots, 2" cubed bottom round roast, etc and I deviated from the recipe and am using my crock-pot to do it, and I'm sure that will be fine. I plan on serving this stew with homemade popovers for dinner this evening and as far as my plan goes, I'm going to be using only 2 or 3 extra flex points today if I have wine, and I will enjoy my wine! At any rate, after making the stew, you take out some of it and save it to make a beef stroganoff with in a few days.
I'm enjoying this now and later concept so much and I am raving about this cookbook. Well worth the $ ladies!
I love to cook and I get bored easily with the same old stuff, so having some new concepts to work with are quite fun for me. I feel like I am eating "well" instead of on a diet with these recipes and I have folded over corners of recipe after recipe to try out. I am so looking forward to enjoying these foods and the usual dreaded "I have to watch what I eat" thing is gone. So cool!

So, today's meal plan:
Points target 21

Breakfast:

2/3rds cup of fat free plain Fage Greek yogurt (2)
1 T all fruit spread, apricot, (1) blended with the yogurt.

Lunch:
Leftover pasta with asparagus, mushrooms and ricotta from last night, yummy! (5)

13 points remaining

Dinner will be:
Beef Burgundy Stew (carrots, beef, garlic, onion, mushrooms, beef broth, Merlot, etc.) (7)
Lite margarine (1)
2 Popovers, (4)
Pinot Grigio or Merlot (4)

<3> flex points

Dessert:
Sugar free, fat free Jello with lite cool whip (0)

3 flex points well spent in my opinion, I've not used any so far this week and I might even enjoy a 2nd glass of wine : )

Paige, great job yesterday! Keep up the good work!

OK....I've looked for darn book and can't find it..I found my little blue bag but that book isn't in there,but guess what...EVERYTHING ELSE IS!!!!!!!
I might just be over looking,I really didn't have a whole lot of time this morning,and this afternoon,when I looked again, I was in a hurry to get in the shower before DS woke(still asleep) so I'll look a 3rd time....3rd times the charm right? AND I weighed before I ran out the door this morning,I was already dressed so I had to strip back down lol! so I'm 193...hmm my bodies new speed bump!!! but I'll get over it....get it? "get over it" :lol3: I know....I'm not right.........so anyway it's 3:07 here and DD will be home about 4 and so will DH...and he has hounded me since last night wondering where to go out to eat.....I was thiunking Sonny's because they have BBQ chicken which is like broiled chicken except it's smoked....soooo good and I usually get the okra,which probably isn't the best since it's breaded but I figure it's better than fries but this time i might get a baked sweet potato...it comes with garlic bread which I hardly ever eat,DS loves it dipped in ranch....and he likes the okra believe it or not....but I don't know what to do....it'll either be Sonny's or El Charro(mexican) which I looove probably more than my family!!!lol just kidding:D but I do love mexican,I usually just get the fijitas but I don't eat the shells,I just eat sraight out of the skillet..........and I believe that's 8 points...?not sure so anyway,I'll go and finish my laundry & look AGAIN for that book and I'll probably be back Monday if not sooner...I know "Thanks for the warning!!" You are so very welcome!!Have a happy weekend!!

Hey Trysh........The one tracker that I sent you, if you click on the tab at the bottom that says Daily Pts Test, it will figure out how many points you are allowed a day.

Happy Saturday to all!
A weekend challenge: Try to get in at least 40 minutes of walking over the weekend. Also, 10 sit ups and 10 each of bicep and tricep curls! We can do this!

We are eating out tonight, so I need to plan the day well. I have tons of flex points left, though, so I am not worried.

Points allowance: 21

Breakfast:
1 vita muffin bran/blueberry top (1)
One WW yogurt (1)
1/2 grapefruit (1)

Lunch:
Frozen WW meal that is something like 5 points, will cruise the freezer (5)

Points remaining: 13
Afternoon snack: popcorn

So, I'll have 12 points to go to Longhorn Steak House for dinner.
My plan:

Sirloin strip steak (6) Using the setting points number so I can eat what I want of it
Baked potato with margarine on the side (5)
Salad with oil and vinegar asking them to leave off croutons and cheese (2)
One piece of their great bread, no butter (3)

<4> will use 4 flex points
Dessert will be ff pudding that is one point, so I'll be into my flex points for at least 5 points today, however if I desire to add wine or another snack to make it through the day it will be higher.
I like saving up flex points for the weekends and that is when I need them most.

All the best laid plans and I blew it last night. However, I still have a few flex points left and I'm planning on being really good the next couple of days before weigh in on Tuesday afternoon.
It was only one meal, it was awesome, but I feel a little badly today.
I lose control in restaurants.

Afternoon girls.

I just used the recipe tools on WW and it was so easy. I made lentil soup this morning and had no idea what the points were. It worked it all out and I was pleasantly surprised with the points value :)

I have stayed on plan so far this week but Sunday's are always hard for me for some reason. I have plenty of flex points so if I get the munchies I will use those.

Linda don't beat yourself up over your meal last night. It was only one meal get right back on track.

Enjoy the day.

Good Morning and Happy Monday...:carrot:
Paige~ I figured my points from the tracker you sent me and what I came up with was 27.....man that sounds like a lot of points...but it's right because my points were 29....I found my book and where I was heavier my points were 21 in the weight box but now it's 19....
I gotta get ready for work,that stupid boat isn't gonna redo itself....I'd like to have that sucker done in the next couple weeks...but I don't know,all I can be is hopeful,DH is rebuilding some of the wood pieces in it including one seat base which doubles as storage...the vinyl is so dry rotted that it cracks and breaks when you step on it ..lol...it's a mess....but it will be pretty...I'll try to get some before and after pics and show you all some of my work,if I can figure it out,I've figured out loading the pics and stuff ,it'll probably take me a while!! but I will do it....well I guess I better go and get ready...gotta eat my cereal,and it's about time for DS to wake up in a bad mood!!;) and the moo moo is barking ,gotta let her out...... talk later....

Thanks, Clydegirl. I know, I am ready to move on. I did well yesterday at least.
I'm thinking of prepaying for a pass at WW so I can use that etools program to figure out points for recipes. I have no idea what the points value will be for the stuffed peppers I plan to make for tonight. It would be a great help. I can estimate and I think they will be about 6 points each, perhaps? But, I'll have to check. I love stuffed peppers and also love making stuffed pepper soup with the leftovers. Yum!
Today with about 14" of new snow, I'll get getting exercise by shovelling as well. Oh joy.
Trysh, 27 points is a ton of points. Enjoy them while you have them. I get 21 per day and believe me that isn't much. Also, when I go below 160, and that will be quite soon I hope, I think I have to go down to 20 points a day. I'm worried about reaching goal. How can I survive on only 18 per day? That seems like starvation mode to me. I'll cross that bridge when I come to it, I guess.

Today's eating plan

points target: 21

Breakfast:
1/4 cup egg substitute (1)
1 slice Canadian Bacon (1)
Lite WW English Muffin (1)
1 slice WW American cheese (1)
4 points for a great breakfast sandwich, tastes like an Egg McMuffin and very satisfying. I microwave the egg substitute in a custard cup so it's the same size as a McMuffin's eggs, roughly. Try it sometime. : )

Points remaining: 17

Mid morning: apple

I'm stumped for now about lunch, will maybe use a WW frozen entree or have some of my leftover pizza casserole from last night's supper, but that is 8 points and a bit high for a lunch. I'd like to have about 5 points. We'll see.

Mid afternoon:
micro popcorn, 94% FF (1)

Dinner:
Stuffed peppers: green pepper stuffed with brown rice, sauteed chopped onion and pepper, kernel corn and lean hamburger (browned and rinsed) blended with tomato sauce. Topped with more sauce and a slice of 50% cheddar cheese baked until bubbly. My own homemade recipe that is quite good.
Salad, oil and vinegar

Dessert: FF, SF, pudding (1)

Derry: at least you enjoyed your meal out. It seems that you're back on the wagon today!!

As for me, I haven't posted in this one for a while. Been busy!! We are closing on our first house at the end of this month. We are super excited, but nervous at the same time!!

So far today:
Breakfast
Homemade breakfast muffins- 6g fiber each, 120 cal each, 1g fat.. I had 2 (4pts) and some smart balance spread 2t total (1pt)
milk-2pts

Lunch: Leftover couscous-3pts
1/4c black beans-1pt
grape tomatos-0
tea-o

snack: so far just some tea-0pts
add a banana-2
Breakfast and lunch were very filling. I have 22pts total with 9 leftover.

I'm not too sure what I'll be eating for dinner. I think I may have a flax wrap and some tuna fish with some more veggies.
We'll see though.

Otherwise last week was okay but I screwed up at the beginning. Last week I started out at 153.6, weigh in is Sundays for me, by Tuesday I was up to 157 because Sat., Sun., and Mon., I used a lot of my flex points. I worked hard and got myself back to 153.2 today I checked, which is good. But, I'm kinda kicking myself because I know if I had focused and eaten less those days in a row then I would be less by now.

But, who cares, we all do that at times. I'm moving on and have started this week well.

Oh, and DH bought me the wii fit last Sunday, which helped me fix my week too! It was supposed to be bought when I got down to 150 as a reward. But, we had a little extra money and found one off Craigslist and he figured it would help me get to 150 quicker. I absolutely LOVE the thing!! It has every thing you need in one program. It offers challenges and keeps tract of your weight. It also focuses a lot on balance. I just love it. It makes it much easier for me to want to work out!!

tdi, good job so far this week. I know we all have times that we let go and you sound as if you are right back on track after last week.
The wii fit thing interests me, but it's a great deal of money that we do not have right now. Keep me posted on what yours does and if you like it. I think Paige has it too????
As for me, I did OK yesterday but I am not sure if the pretzels I allowed myself in the afternoon might have thrown me over the edge into a gain at today's meeting. It's going to be close and if I do have a loss, it will be a small one.
I move on and I forgive myself.
I read an inspirational story about a woman who lost 201 pounds with WW this morning on line and I feel motivated. She lost all that by journaling, following the program and just keeping up with it.
I was thinking about how I am whining at times and how this woman just held on and got the job done. So, I vow to hold on and get my own job done!
Today's eating plan:

Points target 21:

Breakfast:
Vita muffin top (1) Have you all found and tried these? Quite good!
WW yogurt (1)
1/2 banana (1)

Lunch:
WW frozen meal - 4 points (shopping this morning will pick one in that target range
salad, with 2 tsp EVOO and vinegar (2)

Points remaining: 12
Will try to hold on throughout the afternoon and not have a snack before weigh in.
We'll see!

Snack at meeting: 2 points bar?

Dinner:
fresh fish
spinach
brown rice

Dessert:
WW frozen dessert, 3 points. I am in love with the WW 3 point key lime pie frozen desserts. Have you tried those?

Well, that is it for my day. I hope weigh in goes well. I'm nervous.

Hi All,

Its been over a year since I haven been on here-I cant believe that. Hopefully I can jump back in? I def need some motivation and keeping up with you ladies has always helped me in the past.
Somehow over the last year I gained about 10 lbs and I am now desperately trying to get rid of it. I have been doing ww for the last month or so again but I am kind of relaxed about it. I lost about 3 lbs so far but I really want to get back to my normal comfortable weight. I have been going to the gym regularly as well so it’s a little disappointing not to see the scale move. I think I just have to be more strict about WW and counting my points during the weekend.
Also there is a new boy in the picture for the last few months and its hard to not to go out and eat with him and pick the healthy options when its so much more fun to be “bad” but I am working on it :) Ha

Anyway…hopefully I can jump back in?

Welcome back Briza! I remember you!
Please feel free to jump right back in.
One of the best things about this group is that you can always consider yourself welcome and able to get support.
I am concerned about my weigh in this afternoon. I feel "fat" today and though I still ended the week with 13 flex points remaining and wrote everything down, I don't feel tremendously "up" and wonder if I'll have a gain?
My body just has such a hard time letting go of weight. So, let's hope for the best!
Off I go to do a bit of cleaning, not eating, before it's time to go.

Derry: Thanks! I really am trying to stick to this. I'm also slowing increasing mine and DH's fiber intake. Slowly....
The wii fit is really cool! If you already have the wii it's a great buy. We found ours off Craigslist.org for $80. Not too bad, retail is $90. I love the different yoga and strength training exercises. It really focuses on the need for good balance and posture and relying on your body for strength. The aerobic stuff is fun. There's hula hoop stuff and boxing, jogging and a couple others that I haven't gotten yet. (it unlocks new levels as you increase your time and work on specific areas.) There are also a bunch of fun little balance games. They are enjoyable and good for a nice warm up. Overall, it's either that or spend a bunch of money on a aerobic machine. This ended up being cheaper, and for us more convenient.

Briza: :welcome: back. We all slip up at times. At least you recognized the problem before it got completely out of control. I look forward to seeing your progress.

Today:
I exercised in the morning before anything. When I do that this is my breakfast:
2 packs instant oatmeal
2 T flax meal
1/4c wheat bran
2T Wheat germ
1/4c apple sauce
It ends up being 6pts. High in fiber, protein and some omega-3's!

lunch:
WW tortilla (3pts)
LF cheese (2pts)
2oz chicken (1pt)
total: 6pts

snack: (haven't had yet)
Carrots
celery
tomatos

dinner: unsure yet. Probably leftovers of some type. I do have 10pts left. Probably 5 for dinner and 5 for snack later on.

Looks like everybody else's menus look pretty good!

Hi everyone! Sort of new here! I weighed in today and lost 3.2lbs. Yeah! Wanting to shout it out now!

Risab: Awesome! :welcome: to the forum. I'm newer here also. They are a warm crowd in here. You seem to be doing very well! Keep up the awesome work. Tell us a bit about yourself? :flow1:

TDI, sounds like you are on a roll! How many points do you get in a day? I'd have to have half the breakfast you had. No complaints, I guess, just an observation.
Welcome Risab! We are glad to have you here. Great job on your first week.

As for me, I was pretty disappointed with my WW weigh in yesterday. I gained .4 during the
week.
New weight it 163.4 no need to move my tracker here, it stays at 163 as these tracker don't have .4 or anything like that.
It's only .4 but I did put in considerable effort, journalled each day and even
ended the week with 8 flex points unused.
I'm perplexed.
I know I did eat out on Saturday night, but I had saved up my flex points and
knew I had them to use. I was fairly good the remainder of the week, staying
well within my points ranges each day.
I have to figure out the right mix for me. Right now, I am frustrated as I did
what I was supposed to do and then had a gain.

I vowed I would use my official WW weigh in numbers, by the way, and I will continue to report those. I do not truly rely on my home scale. But, just want to say that
my own scale said 162.8 this morning, so frustrating. I will not use that number, though as I think the same scale and same time of day, each week,
is what truly matters. I can't select the better of the two numbers to report to you all as my official weigh in numbers. So, I use 163.4 and that is that.
With a heavy sign, I tell myself that we do not know when our eating truly
affects our weight. So, all the "good" eating I did last week might reflect
next week on the scale? But, it is times like this when a person could get so
bummed and say "the heck with it". However, I am not that person. At least I
am not that person today.
Today is an eating challenge day for me. Why is it that I have so many of those?
I'm going to my bi-monthly quilt group and we make quilted sleeping bags for The Homeless today. There is always a coffee/snack time. Usually, I bring the snack and try to incorporate some low point things, but someone else volunteered to bring it this time. I'll do my best. I'm going to allow 4 or 5 points and just journal it in.
This afternoon is art class and other things. I'll be out almost all day and with people who will offer food. It will be hard to resist. But, I am going to be home for my main meals. So, I should plan and not make excuses.
I'm running out of time, so won't post my meal plan for the day here, but know that I shall have one and try my best to stick with it.
Keep trying!!!!
Paige, where are you? I'm worrying that you are not doing well. When I don't hear from you for a few days, I often think you are out there eating cakes and losing control. I hope not and that you will be back here with a good report. If not, you know where to get support and to regain control, girl! :)

Good Morning and Happy Hump Day!!:carrot:
Risab~:welcome3: you'll love it here this thread is the best thread to be at "It's the happening place" lol!!
I wasn't going to post today,but after I got on here reading everybody's posts I thought what the heck,plus I have got some ventin' to do...
I am sick and tired of the circles I am going in..."up 2 lbs down a lb up a lb down up down up down up" Sheesh when's it gonna stop? it's driving me bonkers...when can I get to a point where I can just lose atleast...ATLEAST a lb just every couple weeks and never go up? a couple weeks ago was kinda the straw that broke the camels back for me...it was after TOM vistited me and I thought that I would absolutely lose it...I had weighed the week before I started and I should have been heavier considering the fact it was " my time" but I wasn't I was 193, so I thought " this is awesome" because usually I go up as much as 4 lbs sometimes before hand and then after I'm back down to my current weight,this time it was bassackwards....I weighed the next week and was up to 199 from 193...? HELLO? that's when I almost fainted,but the next week I was back down, to 194,then finally to 193...so I've gotten so obsessed with it that I've resorted to weighing 2-3 times a week....that's not me...I've gotta get rid of my goals and just go with the flo,because I actually believe that the goals are driving me insane,so instead of trying to be at a certain weight by a certain date,just be what ever I am whenever....and to be honest,I don't believe I have reached 1 goal that I've set in a certain amount of time,not once so I think I'll just give the goals the boot :kickbutt: for a while......and I have so got to hide the salt....it's the devil :devil: and I am a saltaholic.........I've just got to get a grasp on things,because I honestly believe I'm starting to slip into oblivion....I started going to the tanning bed last week,I know it's real early,but I just had to do something to make myself feel better, this cold weather is so depressing,plus I do like to have a tan by easter for my new dress and so on...and for flip flops!!LOL!! I think I'm just starting to stress....and it's not going to be long before I snap....I am so sick and tired of plus size clothes and while I was at JC Penny's and Belk's the other day fake shopping,looking for a dress was just the tip of the iceberg for me ....the plus size clothes and dresses this year are so fugly....I saw this blouse that I fell in love with,it was so cute,it wasn't plus size,I actually thought about buying it to give some motivation....I did look to see if there was a plus size in it....why no...I must have been diluted to think that there would be somethin that pretty in the plus size section.....I'm tired of a size 20,I want to be atleast a 10....11 years ago before I got prego with DD I weighed 190,and was wearing a size 16R or 18R....that 3 lbs less than my current weight and I can't even fit my big hineyho in a 18R....18W in some jeans won't even fit,though I do have some 18w's,but not as many as I do in 20's...........sorry I know this post is a mile long and I am just so upset that I can't stand it...I want a wii fit....and a treadmill....:( I just hate myself so much right now .....I don't even have anything to eat today.....how pathetic is that?

Happy Wednesday all!

I've tried so many times to post over the last few days (you know how it is...get interrupted, don't get back to the computer for hours)...let's see if I can get this one submitted!

So this weekend was not op at all. My dd's bday was Saturday, so I wasn't really planning on being op. We took her to Chuck E Cheese, had pizza, stayed for awhile but it was so incredibly busy that she wasn't having a very good time. We had tons of tokens left, so we decided to go home, have bday cake and go back the next day in the morning (yes, I think we are crazy.) We ended up having pizza there again the next day, so I guess when I got home I figured I might as well have more cake. Then Monday was a snow day for dh and my older dd. I always have a hard time when dh is home. I should of tossed the remainder of the cake (my one TRUE weakness) on Sunday, but I didn't...so Monday I had another piece. Darn cake! It was awesome cake, though.

The GOOD news, however, is that on Saturday I bought The Biggest Loser cardio workout DVD. So I've done that the last three days, which is a huge thing for me. I am NOT one that gets motivated to exercise, and I really like this DVD. It kicks my butt. There are three levels to it, but you can also customize it. I really like Bob, and you work out with people from the show. Yesterday I was op, and since I also worked out, I feel pretty good this morning.

I personally am not a fan of Wii Fit. I was really excited when we first got it, but it's not at the intensity level that I need. The only thing that makes me sweat is the hula hoop, and for some reason I have a really hard time doing it! I don't think that I'm an uncoordinated person, but sometimes I can get the movement down, and other times I can't. I also don't like how the aerobics doesn't always recognize your steps, and then will stop. Even the boxing I couldn't break a sweat in; the Wii Sports boxing was much more intense. My other huge complaint is that you can't purchase the actual game separately from the board. Our game somehow got scratched recently (I don't even know how; we are so careful with our games because they are so expensive, and the girls aren't allowed to touch the games.) So even though there are other games that use the board, it was kind of a big waste. For me personally, it wasn't worth the money...I wasn't motivated by it. Maybe if I felt like I got a real workout by it, I would of been. Just my opinion!

Anyway...FYI, on the job front...I have an interview this week! There was a listing for a cook at a nearby hospital, and the exec chef there called me yesterday to have me come in. It's not really want I want to do, but if it pays enough to cover little dd's preschool, then maybe it won't be so bad? If nothing else, I will get an interview in. We'll see...!

Briza-Glad to see you back!
Risab-Welcome! Where in Fl are you? We are traveling to Cocoa Beach in April to see my sister.

Linda-Sorry to hear about your quilts! That stinks...hope they are ok. As far as feeling "fat"...are you retaining some? Maybe up your water a little and see if that helps?

Trysh-I just happened to see your myspace profile pic this morning...your little one is SO cute!!!!!! Those are pictures that you can't help but smile at.

Tdi-Your menu looks good so far. I have been trying to be really aware of my fiber and protein, too.

Hope everyone has a great day!

Derry: I get 22 pts. For me breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Especially if I'm going to be exercising that day, before or after. I pack tons of fiber and protein in there. DH and I are generally on the run for work. He drives for work and I go with him and do his paperwork. We end up in our car about 6hrs a day when we work... the only meal we have at home each day is breakfast...
When I don't exercise I eat a smaller breakfast.
So far, breakfast today:
1pack oatmeal (2)
flaxmeal (1)
half banana in it (1)
4pts

Lunch: Unsure yet, I'll check back later.. maybe edit my post :)

Hi Ladies.

Can I come play in this sandbox? I am not signed up for WW but follow many of the same principles as I understand them. Instead of counting points, I count calories. I would really love to learn more from all of you.

Thighs be gone-Love your name! Welcome!

Thighsbgone: Love the name too! :welcome: WW pretty much is calorie counting just made a bit easier.. sometimes.. Look forward to getting to know you here!

Paige: I do agree that the fit isn't as high intensity as I thought either. What I usually do for the aerobics is the hula hoop and the boxing. I do hula hoop first, then boxing I do the 10min program for that twice, then end with the hula hoop again. I really love the strength training and yoga stretches. Those are really helping my hip. I like being able to turn on the program and get everything done at once. And there are times I just can't get the hula hoop down LOL...
You could try checking on Ebay, you might be able to find just a balance board or look on craigslist. What other games do you have for the balance board? DH and I are looking at some of them, but don't know which ones are good and whatnot?
..Your weekend seemed fun! How old is DD? Good job getting back on track, and still exercising during that too!

Hi girls.

My weigh in day and I'm down 4.6lbs. I was happy with that as I've had a nasty cold since Saturday and felt as if my body was hanging on to everything.

After the meeting I met a friend for lunch and we had thai food. I did very well ate half the rice, lots of veggies with vegetables and a bite of crab rangoon. Normally I would have cleared the plate.

There were 14 new people today at the meeting.I think the nice weather is making people more aware of their weight and the need to lose. I know at the moment none of my clothes from last spring/summer fit me. I'm determined to get back into them.

I should have said lots of veggies with chicken.

Clydegirl: Thai sounds like a good lunch. Do you make any of your own? I think I'm going start trying it out.

Paige: I've been doing some research. I'm thinking about grabbing the My Fitness Coach to go along with the fit. The reviews all seem to think that it gets your heart pumping much better than Fit. Will have to try it out!

Tdi-I looked at that one, too...the only reason I didn't purchase it was because a lot of people said the workouts were similar to dvds especially because you aren't using the board. There is one game that I had considered...Active Life Outdoor Challenge. It comes with a mat, and looks fun. A lot of reviews said it was like a good workout. It's almost $60; I wasn't springing for that right now! The board is still pretty new, so I'm sure there will be a lot of new games that come out. Just DON'T get the Jillian Michaels game. Complete waste of $$!

Trysh, I'm glad you posted and vented your frustrations.
Maybe this is the breaking point you need to finally get yourself in gear and make the progress you desire?
I've been where you are mentally and I feel that way as well.
I think I would be excellent at maintenance, if I could just get to that spot. I seem to gain and lose the same 2 pounds. I just want to break through that barrier. Something holds me back, is it me? Am I sabotaging myself? Why?
I'm getting more serious as times goes by. This week's .4 gain after all that work ticked me off. I did it, I journalled, I stayed in my point range and still had some flex points left at the end of the week. What went wrong?
Will that weight be lost at next week's weigh in?
Also, ladies, I was ready to buy a pass and be able to sign up for etools on line. Then, I was told that I had to renew the pass on line and it would be billed to a credit card. That is the only option they have. I do not want WW billing my credit card for my membership, I like to pay cash. So, that ends that. I don't need more credit card bills to pay, no way.

Paige, I'm glad you are back and working at things again! I hope that all the birthdays are over with? I know we don't have another one in this house until April. I'm glad to have it over with.
I'm also glad for your review on the wii fit thing. I'll not be getting it, to be sure. It's just too much money at risk in today's economy for something I might not use. You know what works for me? My treadmill. I just have to make a appointment with myself and use the darn thing.

My quilts are all re-washed and seem to be OK. I was in stress, dear friends, as the sump pump that my washer drains into failed and all the water flooded my basement. It was distressing as I had charity quilts that my group had made stored in a cardboard box on the floor, they soaked up that overflowed water like sponges. My other fabric was all gross and wet as well as my throw rugs. It was not fun to clean up and rather distressing. But, now I am all set and no permanent damage. DH refuses to spend money on a new pump right now, so I'm going to have to be careful. The pump seems to clog up with lint now and then and just fails. I'd spend the money in a minute on this, I don't care, but I need peace in my house. However, here is my venting, it's not HE who is down there cleaning up when this happens now and then. I have to go out and buy plastic totes to store stuff in, obviously, and I'll probably spend just as much on those as it would cost to buy a stupid pump. MEN! (glad to vent here, sorry)

TDI, glad you clarified your breakfast strategy, I get it now! Also, I wonder how you get 22 points per day and I only get 21 and I weigh more than you? Maybe it's age/lifestyle? I'm jealous of your one extra point a day right now. : )

ThighsBGone, yes please do come and join us in the sandbox to play. Glad to have you and I hope we can learn from each other. Love your name as well!

Clydegirl, wow 4.6 pounds down! Congratulations! I'm proud of you. Tell us what you think was responsible for that loss! Here I sit after a .4 gain when I thought I was doing everything right this past week. I need to hear your strategies.

I am so out of time right now, have to pick up someone and be at a meeting in 1 1/2 hours and I'm not showered and dressed..... gotta go but I promise to eat right and journal!

Congrats risab on your loss!

Welcome Thighs be Gone!

Linda-sorry for your gain-but its only a half a lb so it could just be water weight?

Trysh-I completely understand your frustration. Maybe you need a different mix of what you are eating and when? Are you exercising too? Drinking enough water? I started tanning too just to make myself feel better-sometimes it really works!

Paige-good luck on your interview!

As for me...I am doing ok. I went out to eat the other night at a place where everyone raves about the burgers (and since I am recently a non-vegetarian I am on the quest for the best burger out there) and I was proud of myself because I got it and actually split it and only ate a few of the fries. Normally I would have eaten the entire burger and the fries. I went a few pts over for the day because it was accounted for. I was actually really proud of myself for being in control-hopefully I can do that over the weekend!

Briza, what happened to make you a non-vegetarian again? Interesting. Are you finding it easier to eat on the WW plan now or harder?
Paige, I must have missed your remark about the interview. Good girl! A job is a job nowadays. You might have fun with it, you never know. Also, at least your resume wouldn't have a long term gap if you get the job. Good luck!
As for me, I'm wondering how many points stuffed pepper soup might be? Let's play a guessing game!
The other night I made stuffed peppers.
I used the leanest ground beef, sauteed. Rinsed and drained it.
I sauteed an onion in cooking spray and then added cooked brown rice. I mixed it all with a small amount of commercial (might have been Prego?) spaghetti sauce from a jar. I stuffed the peppers with this concoction and then put a small slice of 50% low fat cheddar over top along with more pasta sauce and baked them.
There were a few left and now they are becoming stuffed pepper soup.
In a pot I heated up College Inn beef broth and added a large can of Italian plum tomatoes. I then chopped up the leftover two stuffed peppers and have a rather lovely smelling nice soup on the stove.
So, if I have roughly a 1 1/4 cup serving, what would you estimate this would be for points?
I used 2 lbs ground beef and about 1 1/2 cups of brown rice in the entire recipe for stuffed peppers and made 6 of them. So, this soup uses 1 of them and I might eat the equivalent of one pepper.
Points?

Paige: The reviews I read was that it was like a DVD but better than having a bunch of them. That you could get all of your workouts done in period. And it is modifiable in what you want to target... cardio, strength, or core?...

Derry: I looked online for my points.. I think for age I get 22? Not really sure. But I've been losing weight regularly (when I stay OP LOL) so I guess its working. Although I think once I'm under 150 I'm supposed to only get 20? I'll have to do some research. With my exercising though I've been getting about 24-26pts/day..although I generally put it through as flex pts anyway.

Today I did pretty "okay".. breakfast was my normal.. 2 oatmeal... flax...wheat bran... applesauce...

Lunch: shared soup/bread bowl with DH from Tim Horton's

Dinner: Sub from Subway. They have a new wheat role it's a 9 grain, 4g fiber/half... shared baked lays with DH and iced tea.

Snack: Tall Light Blend Carmel frap. from Starbucks.. a yummy treat!-2pts, and that's what I had left of my 22.
But, I will be having some milk when we get home (at the office "working")...
Not as many veggies as I needed, but I'll do better tomorrow.. although we are having lunch at a friends house and she's cooking, so I don't know.

Every Friday we eat lunch with my new grandma (my fleshly grandma passed away last May). I generally make lunch and its a nice time. But her daughter is going to be home from work and said she'd make lunch this week... :)
Off to home!! Later chickies!

tdi, I made it my business to go though, yet again, the week 1 booklet yesterday. I saw that for someone younger than I, sadly, you get an extra point. How sad that one ages and one can't even be rewarded with more food for it. ;) Oh well, such is life.
Everyone, I've decided on a review of program. I'm a veteran WW who kind of has felt that I know the program backwards and forwards and halfheartedly read all the weekly booklets they have given me.
But, yesterday, I thoughtfully placed all the week books (I have 1 - 6) at my place at the table. I'm reading through each one while I sit with my meals, at least when I am alone and dining and that happens quite often lately. So, I'm trying to infuse all the information and maybe I will pick up some new tips.
Today I will try one of their alternative meals for breakfast and see how that goes.
In the booklet, they show two pieces of toast for 4 points (I love real bread vs. lite bread, haven't had it in years and it looks soooooo good to me... oh well) and then show an omelette made with 1 egg and egg whites with mushrooms and low fat cheese. The filling foods concept at it's best, I guess?
Lately, my breakfasts have been vita muffins (I just love those) and WW yogurt and some fruit.
My WW leader says that our bodies can get bored if we give it the same old same old every day and to change things up a bit to see results. So, today, I'm going to change things up and see if I feel fuller.
True confessions: yesterday I "threw away" 3 of my highly valuable points on non-filling "junky" foods. I ate three of those tiny WW cakes that are like Hostess Twinkies. The box is now empty and I won't be buying more of those evil things. :devil: I recognized that I cannot eat only one of those, they are far too dangerous for me.
As I look back on yesterday, I think that I could have had a whole container of WW yogurt (and ended the day without having all my milk servings) for one point and a whole banana or two pieces of other fruit for the same amount of point that I used on those cake things. Which would have done a better job in making me feel full and also achieving better health and work towards my goals? I know the answer.
So, I learned something. Wow, a surprise.
Maybe I'll do a bit better today?
I'm human for sure, so I won't beat myself up over the Twinkie incident of yesterday, though. ;)

derry: good morning. Good to know I'm on que! How many points will I lose when I get under 150? I think I'm supposed to drop to 20?
The breakfast you made today sounds very yummy! I wish I had as much time as you, although toast and eggs isn't that much time LOL..
I got those cakes 2. I had gotten 2 boxes, 2 for 4 sale! They're the chocolate ones, I really don't eat them too much. Only when I'm in the mood for something cakey. Then I have one, with a glass of milk.

I agree that it's not the healthiest. At least they are only 1 pt each, instead of actually having a really twinkee, or chocolate cake, that could potentially mess us up for the week... Making a healthy weight loss journey is a learning experience. It's a new way of eating. It's good that after you ate them you thought of everything you could've, should've and would've eaten. Guess you'll know for next time LOL.

Breakfast today: I was not feeling very hungry at all today!
So I just started off with a 12 oz glass of milk... (3pts)
It's not the best, but not the worst.

Lunch: unknown, someone is making lunch for us. Hope its good!!

Dinner: undecided. Don't really know how the nights ending yet.

I hope everyone has a great morning! I'm sure I'll be back around later one.
Time to run! :flow1:

No appetite? I wonder if you'll end up starving later and then snack on the wrong thing? I always make time and have breakfast.
I hope you make it until lunch.
If you are out, try to have something portable with you so you won't end up blowing it before lunch!
My breakfast was good, didn't take much time to make it and was pretty satisfying. I'm going to try to make it until lunch with no in between meal snacks. That is hard for me. Plus, the work I have to do this morning is in the kitchen. So, the food will be calling my name.

Linda-Agh! I hear you with the little ww Twinkies! I did the same thing last night and ate 2 sugar free Jell-O puddings...afterwards I was just like, why did I do that? why is one not enough? But at least you only wasted 3 pts-that's not so bad. Good luck in the kitchen this morning!

I need major motivation today. I could feel it even when I was at the gym this morning...all I want to do is eat and eat and eat and not care and be bad. I cant give in! Me and my friend are having dinner tonight and even planned out a healthy dessert so I cant ruin it today by just giving into my cravings of wanting to eat. I brought a lot of healthy snacks with me to work so hopefully that will hold me off for a little. And I guess its better to be eating grapes and air popped popcorn and use a flex point or two today then go get a bag of pretzels and end up eating the entire thing and blowing it for the rest of the weekend.

I stepped on the scale this morning and was up .4 lbs from yesterday. It is amazing what the .4 does to my mind and its not even a half a lb!! It could have been from drinking SO much water yesterday, or putting salt on my veggies, or just retaining a little extra water. But that little gain does so much to the mind its amazing.

Linda-I stopped being a vegetarian after a trip in December to Mexico. I ate meat 2 times by accident and I am not going to lie-it was SO good! I really thought it over and decided to start eating meat again. However, I am not really eating meat all that much. I will make a turkey sandwich or put chicken in my salad but that is pretty much it. I do however enjoy eating burgers out now! So I find doing WW the same as before.

TGIF
Good morning to everybody and to get it out of the way,I weighed and was back down to that magic number....193!!!atleast I wasn't up...yey me!!
Anyway there's been alot of newbies come in since I've been off wallering in my sorrows so :grouphug: :welcome2: and hope ya'll stick around!!
Well I'm gearing up today for a trip to that stinkin' Hoosier state,I'm sorry if anybody in here is from Indiana,but I just don't like that state...it's supposed to be 70 here tomorrow and it'll probably be 40 there..lol...anyway the trip is for a good reason,the group has two singings so.....I'll go and keep my mouth shut........:s: I just feel really wicked today...I think it's b/c of TOM....yey me again.............:dizzy:
so anyway...lol....do you ever have the days where you just don't know whether you're coming or going? I know when ya'll read this you'll be like "What the hair?" "what is wrong with this woman?"
but nothing drastic has come up or happened so nothing major to report on my behalf!! Just thought I'd drop in and say hi and wish ya'll a great weekend....have fun...gotta fix DH's lunch..he comes home at 11:30..so I may be back later..who knows??

Derry: I ended up having a small cone from Dairy Queen.. and lunch was pretty good. It was an Indian dish.. But I think I'm glad I have a bunch of flex points left and will be doing my wii fit later today! It was a chicken and rice dish with a simmer sauce our friend got from a grocery store. Very tasty, I'm gonna be venturing into homemade Indian cuisine. I've always been enticed, but have never really dipped!
I'm not sure how many points lunch ended up being, I think with the rice, chicken and the sauce (which seemed greasy) I put 10. Then the cone and a little dessert after put me at 5.. so 15 pts!!

I've had 18 points already and it's only 2:30!! :( It was all yummy, but I'll be having a small dinner and lots of veggies here on in.
I have 4pts. left.

Briza: I make it a goal to not weigh myself everyday. I know it helps some people, but when I gain, I feel terribly. I find that I still stick to being healthy as I still have a weigh in date (Sunday's for me), but I don't feel bad during the week... I find also that I've never been a vegetarian, but I'm not a big meat eater. I had some chicken today, usually I don't have it. When I make sandwiches at times. Generally I've been sticking to beans, rice, couscous, tuna, eggs and grains... and DH eats what I put in front of him, he's not a big meat and potatoes kinda guy!!

Shelby's mom: thanks for the welcome! I plan on staying for a while! :)
There's days when I'm all over the place too! Especially around the TOM, I'm just ending mine!! YAY!!! Have a nice trip to Indiana!

Briza, I didn't mean to pry on the vegetarian thing, just was so curious as to why you started and stopped. I love meats, so don't think I could do it but I admire those who try. My niece won't eat meat due to her stomach, vs. her ideals. I find that interesting that she can't seem to digest it.
Trysh, I've only been to Indiana once and it was to see the Indy 500. I had a blast, but that was really all I saw of the state. Had the best breakfast of my life in Cambridge City Indiana. It was over 20 years ago and I still remember it, so I guess that place was fantastic. : )
Just be happy and remember that you are alive and breathing. Be thankful for the day and make the best of it.
TDI, I even put my scale away one time so I wouldn't weigh myself every day, it's a compulsive addiction of mine. Then I found myself pulling the scale out of the closet and secretly weighing myself. Silly. I just accept that I do that and can't help it. : )
Yesterday I blew it again. I had a silly 100 calorie cake thing and I knew what I was doing, but couldn't help myself. I haven't figured out all my eating from yesterday and written it down yet, but I know I went into flex points by about 5. I need to do better than that.
So, this morning, I vow to spend at least 40 minutes on the treadmill to earn 2 points. I vow to make sure I stick it out and eat what I should and I vow to not allow myself to eat any of those silly cake things. As much as I love them, I don't think I should buy any more of this kind of product. I can't stay away and I crave them. Like our dear Paige, I'm a huge cake lover.
So, with a firm resolve, I will start my day and I hope I do better. We are eating out tonight, but I hope to stay very much in control.
What challenges are you all facing?

Derry: It's a hard habit to break when you weight yourself each day.. you could have somebody hide it on you every week LOL... It is so tempting to do it.. Even when I do the wii fit, I let it test my body, but I choose not to look at my weight except once a week. It does tell you if you've gone up or down. But not knowing the number makes me feel better for some reason, even when it does go up! :)

My goal today: Stay within my points (no flex points left, I spent the leftovers yesterday and enjoyed a yummy, yummy drink from a local coffee spot, sooo good. Haven't had one in 6 months!!) And do my wii fit: cardio for 45-60mins and strength for 20-30 depending on how I'm feeling.
My cardio routine on there is: boxing-hula-boxing-hula, etc.
Strenth: I really focus on my legs and abs as I have hip problems and happily! I am finding improvment in my hip pain!! I am sooo excited!! :flow1:
Oh and DH ordered the Wii My Fitness Coach, I've heard that the cardio routine is much harder than the fit. I'm going to use both of them!! I can't wait (it'll be a few days, it's off ebay, but got it for $26 instead of $50!!) to use it!! :carrot:
I have not been taking my normal pain medicine at night before bed and when I wake up in the morning, the pain isn't as bad. Once I start moving around my hip feels much better in the mornings!!
I'm loving it!
Challenge today: eat all fruits and veggies!

tdi, great job! I'm impressed with how you are sticking with this.
I'm in trouble ladies. I need some serious pep talks.
I blew it yesterday. I made a plan and did not follow it. I said I was going to exercise and I did not.
I allowed laziness and having my daughter home from college (it was so good to see her, it's been a few weeks) take over and I didn't do what I set out to do.
So, I believe my flex points are all gone, I have to still journal for yesterday. But, no matter what I will write it down.

Derry: We all screw up at times. At times our bodies just don't want to do and we don't make them. Ya just gotta move on and keep up the great work you have been doing!!! Did you enjoy the company and the food you had?
For me, Sunday's are the beginning of the week for WW. I weighed in today. I went from 153.6 last week to 153.0.. so at least I made some progress!!!!! I was hoping for more, but I did have a treat on Saturday that exhausted my flex points. Yesterday I stayed within my bounds though.
I'm thinking about trying to not eat my activity points. I'll use flex points, but no activity points. I find that when I use them and flex I don't lose much. We'll see though. And hey, it was 1/2 a lb! Anything lower than last week is a good thing, right? :flow1: keep going chickies!! :flow1:

Derry: Just remember, today is a new day. Evaluate what you ate and then move on. Don't think about it, don't guilt yourself. Move on!

Morning girls. Happy Monday :)

Just got back from Wal-Mart. I had to get something to wear that fits me. Almost everything in my closet is still small and I got rid of my fat clothes last year. I picked up some Danskin pants. I don't want to spend a lot of money on clothes that will be too big soon. I have jeans that I should be back into soon.

I've been staying on plan but still not exercising. I need motivation to get out and move. Maybe I should look at the Wii fit that you all are talking about.

Derry hope you had a better day.

I picked up the WW bagels, pita and english muffins. Like those at breakfast.

Now what's for lunch?

Thanks for the support. The last two days have been a bit better. I'm not sure how weigh in tomorrow will be, but I'm going and will deal with whatever...
I bought a new pair of pants today at K Mart, they are meant to be lightweight and be something I can wear to my meetings to weigh in. I feel lighter and I kind of like them. So, I can wear something besides jeans for a change.
Clydegirl, I know what you mean about not wanting to buy too much if you think you'll be smaller. I hope you are smaller soon. : )

Today, I did better eating and hope that made up for some of my indiscretions on Saturday.

Considering that I do weigh myself each day as a habit that I've given up trying to break, I had to say that today's weigh in might actually be a good one. But, I shall wait to see what happens later on today.

Today's eating plan: 21 points

Breakfast:
Vita muffin: - 1
WW yogurt - 1
sliced apple - 1

mid morning: WW bar - 1

Points remaining: 17

Lunch:
Boca Burger - 1
WW cheese - 1
WW toasted English muffin - 1
summer squash - 0
SF/FF pudding - 1

Points remaining 13

3 tiny meatballs - 5
whole wheat pasta - 3
marinara sauce - 2
Parmesan cheese - 2
salad - 2 tsp EVOO and Balsamic vinegar

<1>

WW ice cream cone: 2

Total for the day <3> flex points

Keep your fingers crossed for weigh in today!!!!!

HI!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Linda~ Goodluck on your weigh in today!!!! hope you lose a bunch!!
Clydegirl~ I've been checking out those danskin pants at wallyworld infact we bought my DD a pair of the capris and she really likes them,lol she said she was ready to start working out now,so they must just "put you in the mood"!! So I may go buy me a pair or 2!! especially the capris,I love capris!
Princess,Paige,Briza and all you other chickies? How are you guys? hope you are good...and being good!!LOL!!
As for me...we visited some friends we haven't vivited in a while last night and I was telling her about this site....then I got intriduced to her eliptical machine,I had never seen one in person and I tried it and liked it,she also has the treadmill the bike a bowflex....I told her I was officially making her my new BFF....but she has an awesome place to walk also,and her driveway is so steep you feel like your nose is going to scrape the pavement right in front of you walking up it!!,so that's a work out in itself just walking to the mailbox,lol and it's just like 50 ft long so imagine that!!
I guess I'm just somewhat desparate for aa workout buddy here locally,I talked to my neice about walking here at my house,I told her we'd just turn DS loose and we'd just chase him around the circle here,instead of walking we's be atleast jogging,he's fast and he so keeps me on my toes,so I look foward to a little warmer weather,speaking of which it was 70 here yesterday and today is supposed to be 75 or better,so I may take me a stroll later or something,I need to do my sit ups,(I keep forgetting) and I got to go grocery shopping I'm still making due with "junk" so I know weighing this week will probaly be a disaster...and I'm thinking about not weighing,but today I feel lighter even though I've not done anything to cause that feeling except just eating 1/2 of what I normally would eat because what I've had is not good stuff....I really gotta get to the grocery..... So I'll go and get ready for work,gotta work my but off today because yesterday I didn't do anything even though I was over there....I bet MIL coulda killed me.....Bye and I'll talk later!

Derry: That sounds like a great plan for the day! Even if the weigh-in isn't great, just move on and keep going. We all have bad weeks, the fact that you're still here shows you are soooo committed!

Shelby'smom: I can't WAIT until it's that warm here! We have been warm.. Yesterday we were in the low 40's. Today is mid-40's. Tomorrow should be around 48.. then on Thursday it's only going to be 28!! :(
But that will be the only super cold day, I hope, this week!
Sounds like your friend has some pretty cool stuff! As for exercising, just find something that you really enjoy and find a way to do it. I really enjoy my wii fit, so I do it. Make it enjoyable!
I also got my Wii Fitness Coach, I will be setting it up later today! I'm really excited as that means some harder cardio workouts. The Wii Fit has some awesome strength and yoga and balance work, their cardio is that great. The Hula is the only real heart thumper! I think I'll do the fit cardio for warm up. Then switch to the coach for some tough stuff, then go back to fit for the strength training! That will make for a very thorough work out!

Oh, and I was telling DH.. since in the past I have had some really bad hip pain. There were times when I could barely bend it hurt sooo much! Before I used to take pain medicine every night before bed in order to sleep.
Now that I've been using the Fit and strengthening my muscles.. I've really been focusing on my legs, hips, low back and ab's for strengthening. I can say that my pain is almost gone!
When I wake up in the morning my hip feels a little stiff. But once I get moving, especially when I exercise in the morning, my hip is fine for the rest of the day. Then usually when I get into bed, my hip really doesn't bother me at all before bed! I told DH that if this was the only benefit to getting the fit and doing WW then I am absolutely THRILLED!! :carrot:

Otherwise... Sunday we went to some friend's house. It's a couple that's about 20 years older than us, they have 4 kids. They are an awesome family! But I made a nice salad and she made some homemade pizza that, minus the full fat cheese, was pretty healthy. She made one with pepperoni, which I didn't have :) and one with green peppers, onions, mushrooms and green olives and she didn't use whole wheat flour.. but that's "okay".. Dessert was a brownie with some ice cream and whipped cream. I took a small brownie, a little less than a serving of ice cream and a bit of whipped cream (it was homemade too!!).. Overall, I didn't do too bad. I still enjoyed the night and had a lot of fun!!

Yesterday I did very well, I stayed within my points. And at the end of the night instead of using my last couple of points for just chocolate I had some warmed up sauerkraut and a little bit of sliced deli ham! I did have one square of dark chocolate, but it was 0pts for just one square. I enjoyed it, without milk! :)

Anyhow, I'm off, I'm sure I'll be back around to check in and see how everyone else is doing!! Later chickies! :flow1: Keep up the good work! :flow1:

:carrot::dancer::dancer::dancer::dancer:
Just want to share that I weighed in down 2 pounds!
Will post more tomorrow, off to watch American Idol now.
I feel so happy about this.
Have been working hard and not seeing results but this is great and makes me want to keep going!

Derry: Congrats!! It feels so good when you start seeing the scale go down doesn't it???? :flow1: Keep it up!! :flow1:

Thanks, TDI, It was so nice to have a good loss for a change. Not every week will be that way, but this truly helped my motivation.

I hope all is well with Paige and Briza.... where are you?

Trysh, hope you got in your work out and got some work done.
We talked about activity at yesterday's meeting. I need to step up to the plate with that kind of thing. Today is a cleaning day here at home. I want to vacuum and dust, so will be getting in movement. Plus, I have to go to the mall later on and I plan on walking the mall a bit while there. I have a challenge later on, as I am heading to my daughter's college to see a musical program she is in and taking her out to dinner afterwards. I hope we find a place that I can get a WW friendly meal at. I'm learning how and what to order at various places.

TDI, congrats on doing well when you went to visit your friends and ate with them. Sounds like you tried and maintained decent control.

I'm going to my in laws this weekend. That is always a challenge for me and I vow to write down everything and try really hard. I hope to get in a few walks as well.

Take care, everyone!

Derry: Every time we have a victory, it just makes us want to work harder! :)

It took a lot to not go all out there! I saved my flex points, but only ended up using about 5 extra. I ate a big portion of salad before I had my pizza. I soo wanted more ice cream too! LOL! But, I know that I'll be glad that I stuck with it and didn't lose it all!

Derry, with the in-laws just take one step at a time. Don't forget to still enjoy the weekend!

I can't weigh in today as my youngest has a doctor's appt in St.Louis. I will go to the meeting tomorrow. I was down on my scales this morning but will wait until the official one.

I'm still mad at the Biggest Loser last night. So many things annoyed me.

We are going away this weekend which will be a challenge. Middle daughter is going to state with her poms team. We will be in a hotel from Friday until Sunday. I will have to be very careful what I eat.

Derry well done 2 lbs :carrot:

I don't watch the biggest loser, have seen the show once and felt it was just a bit over the top with the "drama". They make getting on a scale a 4 minute ordeal for people and spin the numbers with dramatic music and I found myself rolling my eyes. Though, I must say that I am proud of the folks who have lost so much weight. The one time I saw it there was this young man who had been working really hard and I felt that he needed to be there more than anyone else and he was the one sent home, it was kind of sad to me.
What happened that made you mad? I'm interested.
We, too, are going away this weekend, Clydegril. Where will you be off to? We're going to my in-laws that always spells danger for me. My MIL is a great cook and she enjoys feeding us well. I've got to bring my journal and write it down and also fit in some exercise.
I've not been good about exercise lately, I need to step up and get things done. No excuses, and I have found every excuse in the book.
Last night, I ate out with my daughter and we did go to Applebees. I was kind of disappointed with the WW menu choices and nothing there appealed to me.
I ordered what I thought was a side salad to start off with and I should have been more careful, it came loaded with cheese, bacon bits and croutons. I wish restaurants would ASK if you want that stuff instead of assuming everyone does want it. But, it's up to me to take responsibility, and I will learn more and get that done. I ordered their 7 oz sirloin steak and a baked potato and I was surprised when I asked that Applebees didn't have margarine as an option. I'm even thinking of writing them about this. Here they are promoting healthy eating by offering WW friendly choices (which I take responsibility for not ordering) but one would think you could at least get margarine there? Even Longhorn Steakhouse gives margarine upon request.
So, here goes my eating plan for the day:

Points Target: 21

Breakfast:
Vita muffin top: 1
WW yogurt: 1
1/2 banana: 1

Snack: WW lemon dream bar: 2

Points remaining: 16

Lunch:
Sauteed summer squash in non stick spray with onion
Boca Burger: 1
Lite English Muffin: 1
FF American Cheese slice: 1

Total remaining: 13

Snack: very important to bring to art class. The gallery is beside an ice cream shop and everyone wanders over for an ice cream break halfway through. I will have my own WW friendly snack with me! I'll be prepared.
2 points allowed!

Dinner:
Leftover (from freezer) pasta with asparagus and ricotta cheese: 5
Extra parmesan: 1
Salad with EVOO and balsamic vinegar: 2

Points remaining: 3

WW dessert: 3

I hope to get through today without using any flex points as I have used more than I would prefer so early in the week. With us going away for the weekend, I'm going to have to really be quite careful today, tomorrow and after I get back.
Take care, ladies,
Linda

Derry: Your meal plan sounds very good! I used a few flex points this week. I shouldn't have yet.. but I'll make sure I save some more!!
Still have fun with the in-laws. Do the best you can, record everything and you'll get there! Just try your best, have some fun. When you get back just get back OP. Don't let it set you back too far! You're already lost 10lbs!! That's awesome!! Oh, and don't weigh yourself the day you get back! Wait for a few days, even until weigh-in! You can do it chicky!! :flow1:

I weighed in today and was down 2.8lbs :carrot:

Derry we are going to the University of Illinois in Champaign. We will be in a hotel from Friday until Sunday. Friday we are going to Outback. Usually on Saturday they got to a buffet place for lunch and at night the parents are bringing food for everyone. The hotel provides breakfast so that will be OK. I willl take snacks and water and will have my WW stuff.

On Biggest Loser one of the contestants was behaving very immaturely. I didn't like the choices they made.

So I am still not exercising. I really need to work on that.

hello all...I got started on ww from a friend...I got a bunch of online resources, but never joined...but I did start using the system...although I can not afford to buy ww food and feed my son and bf....SOOOO I have to be very creative...and careful..with food...

Last time I was on the plan I got down to 181! I am hovering at 188 now...I really want to get at least back down to 150 this year...I am turning 30 in september! And I am blessed to have a young looking face..and to know alot about antioxidants and herbs..but my body is telling ON me...

ever since my son was born-I have STRUGGLED..with weight...

I keep telling myself..as I get older I want to get BETTER.

i HATE organized exercise..don't like gyms...don't like video tapes...I DO LIKE DAnce Dance Revolution and walks outside on a beautiful day...

I also love weight training, but I bought these exercise bands...and I am put off by them..I know they are good..but I can't get myself started!

Please let me join and keep me motivated!

Clydegirl, awesome job on the weight loss! Keep up the great work. Are you planning ahead for the places you will eat to see what would be the better choices? I like doing that if you can find menus on web sites. I hope you have a wonderful weekend.

Welcome Jendiet! Good to have you here.
I never had trouble with my weight until after I had my two kids as well. Something changes with a woman's body after that, plus I hate to say it that turning 30 (now I am 54) also changed things. It was after that certain age that when I did try to lose, it became very difficult.
I have had good and bad times in the last 20 years or so, but it's been a very long time since I was at my goal weight. One thing I caution you about, that was one of my biggest pitfalls was snacking when my kids snacked. Little kids need extra food for growth and even if the snacks were healthy ones, I needed a strategy where I didn't snack right along with them.
I also dislike exercise and can totally relate. I vowed I would yesterday and I didn't. I have to really try harder as that will help me to get back in control.
I have had an emotional few years. I was almost at goal about 3 1/2 years ago and doing so well and then my dad got really sick. He died of bone cancer and I lost control, food was my drug of choice? Then, 4 months after dad died my mom suddenly passed away. I blew it. I went from 145 to 171 and rejoined WW a little over a year ago. I tried for awhile and dropped out, sick of it and sick of trying. My weight wouldn't come off and I was wasting my time and money going to meetings when I just was not in the right place, mentally, to make it work.
No, I am back again and I think I am past the stage of really being bereaved about my parents and maybe I am in a better place, mentally. I hope to be able to do it this time.
It's really hard, though, and a constant struggle. Have to admit that I am basically lazy and don't want to do it, I want to eat all the yummy foods and enjoy them, but I am trying to get in control. At my age, keeping extra weight on could lead to high blood pressure, diabetes, cancer, and I want to be around and enjoy my life. So, here I am.
I need you all to keep me on my toes. I need someone to answer to on a daily basis, weekly meetings aren't quite enough for me.

hey derrydaughter! Wow, I'm so sorry for your loss. I lost my dad in 2006 to a sudden heart attack...really sucked...

I am a snacker at heart..I prefer it over big meals...so I do snack with my son...but I give him healthy food. I caution him about his eating habits...because most of the people in my family became overweight when they hit puberty...so it is a real fear of mine for him...right now..he's active and thin and happy...

but, I watched my brothers turn from active, thin, happy boys..to overweight, hormonally imbalanced young men..I also NEVER put on any weight at all--I was a little stick--until I hit puberty...then it was like whoa..I started to gain weight..just wasn't overweight really until after I got pregnant. But i battled with eating disorders...

You are doing well! I weighed 160 something when I was in my lower 20s...I always tell myself there are 40 and 50 year olds in better shape than me..that motivates me!

Real quick got a lot to do. We are decorating the bus this morning then seeing the girls off.

Derry you have us to answer to on a daily basis :) enjoy your weekend. Hope it's successful.

Welcome Jen, lots of support on this forum.

yay! I actually felt motivated today...don't know how long it will last...I printed out a weight log I had made 3 years ago where I was 20 lbs lighter than I am now..still trying to lose weight..and i put it on the fridge!!!

Then I printed out the Prevention 15 minute plan..I really like and can stick to...

only thing is the weekend's are my colon cleansing time...I am doing a liquid fast/colon cleanse because I do believe that a nasty gunked up colon causes hormonal issues and weight gain...

I'm going to work out anyways though...I am probably also going to use a metabostix after I work out to prove to myself...30 minutes of areobics DOES do something...

Hey guys...just want to stop in quick; have to go get dd off the buss in a few.

This has been one tough week, but not food wise. I got a call earlier in the week from my mom; my brother (he has cystic fibrosis) took a huge turn for the worse. He went into the hospital over the weekend for the flu/dehydration, and just went downhill, ending up in ICU on some respirator. Anyway, my mom called to let me know that he was doing really bad, and the hospital was flying him to the hospital at UNC and would be reactivated on the lung transplant list. I actually just got a text from her that said he could receive the transplant as early as Sunday. It is just a really scary time right now; he and I have always been close, and I can't help but still think of him as how he used to be, not how sick he is now.

So with all of this going on this week, I have completely lost my appetite. NOT something usual for me! I even had a cake to make this week, and didn't want it. I am afraid of what is going to lay ahead for him; it's going to be a tough road. And I'm torn...I am praying that he receives nice, healthy lungs so that he can live a longer, better quality life...but then I realize that means I'm basically praying for someone to die so that can happen. That could be someone elses brother...how is it ok that someone else has to lose his life so that my brother's will be saved?

If you don't hear from me in a couple days or so, know that chances are I probably am not going off plan....I'm kind of on "stand by" here right now. When I get word that there are lungs available for him, I am off to NC.

Omg, bless your heart! I understand your feeling torn over this...I pray that God will heal his lungs and that he will improve dramatically IN JESUS'S NAME. Amen...

I'll keep you and your brother in my prayers Paige...Be careful..

Well..I did it...I drank about 23 pts...well, one more glass--so 25 pts.

I also worked out with d/d/r with my son for 40 min! yay me!

hope you all have a good night..

Jen, I am so sorry about your dad as well. Believe me, I know how difficult it can be. I am also a snacker, but I am what I would refer to as a volume eater. I'd snack all the time and also will eat large portions at mealtime. I have to always be thinking, always be thinking, always be thinking.... it's got to be my mantra.
Like you, I tell myself there are 60 - 80 year olds who are in better shape than I am. In fact, I get winded easily and I blame myself for this. I need to develop an exercise plan and stick with it. I'm a failure when it comes to that.

Clydegirl, hope you enjoy your excursion. How did you decorate your bus and with what?
Thanks, you are right I do have you all to answer to and I make it a point to come by here and chat at least once a day. Keeps me focused. If I tell you all I will do something, I feel a sense of obligation to actually do it and report back to you all about it. The day I told you all that I vowed I would get on my treadmill and didn't, I felt badly about it. That motivated me to actually do it yesterday and I was proud that I made time for it.

Jen, tell us all about the Prevention 15 minute plan. I've not heard of it and would love to know. Also, is this colon thing advised by a doctor or something else? What are you doing?
Paige, I shall keep you and your family in my prayers. I totally understand your concerns. I have chatted with two people I know about their own transplants and how they feel. We must understand that people have free will by God's grace, and along with that will comes accidents and terrible things. If I were to die (heaven forbid!) I would want my healthy lungs to go to your brother and I would feel better knowing that my lungs would help him survive and live a longer life. I hope all goes well. Be at peace and when he is given life saving surgery, pray for the family of the deceased person and give thanks for what was received. Hugs to you. I can so understand your lack of appetite, considering what's been going on. If I were in your shoes, I'd be eating non-stop. It's funny how we each react differently. Do keep us posted on how things are going.

As for me, I'm getting off line after this post and getting read for our trip to RI for the weekend. We are visiting my in laws. Usually that means being fed good foods and alcohol. But, I vow to swim and walk and write everything down! I promise myself that I will do that. I'm also bringing some hand sewing down with me to keep my hands busy and away from food.
My in laws have a indoor lap pool at their house and I can swim in the morning and will time myself to about 20 minutes of activity. I hope to walk on the beach (they live near the ocean) this afternoon.
Tomorrow afternoon, after we get home, my husband and I have made a pact to do some much needed yard work. Here in NH, right before Christmas, we had a terrible ice storm. We were without power for 8 1/2 days. Now that the snow has melted (yeah!!!!) we have a tremendous amount of sticks and branches and junk all over the yard. So, tomorrow afternoon we shall get to work. It is supposed to be temps in the 50s, so it will feel good to be outside and working. I hope all the activity will balance of whatever extra foods I take in.
So, everyone, have a great weekend and stay safe.
Paige, you and your brother are in my prayers.

Hey all. Haven't visited here in quite a while. I got down to 146.6, went off plan for a month and gained 14.8 lbs. back. Last weekend I weighed in at 161.4. Today I weighed in at 155. The big gain was likely partly water weight. Now back to the real work. I have 20 lbs. to go until I reach my goal.

Hey there! wow..what a loss..and then gain??? But you've lost again catho chick! great job catho girl!

Derry...the colon thing is of my own volition..it is because I get pretty stagnated during bad food choices...and I am well aware that absorption and lack of absorption of nutrients occurs in the intestines..if you have buildup and stagnated feces..you will have problems with this...also..I have symptoms of hormonal imbalance...and again the colon not being able to sufficiently excrete built up hormones also aggravates this...

so I do a colon cleanse about every other week...I HAVE NOT been vigorous about this...I just take 2 pills on the weekend..and let my body do it's thing...I stop on Sunday...don't want to be using the bathroom alot during school hours...

the fasting comes from the fact that so much of our bodies energy is expended on digestion..and poor digestion or sluggish digestion only drags the process out...so if you cut back on food and or solids..(most people recommend juice, but milk and soy milk keeps me sane)...then your body can tend to other important functions such as clean up cellular debris..repair, and restore....I have been feeling like my thyroid is quitting in the last 2 weeks...so I did it to rev up my metabolism again...

This never fails to rev up my metabolism...and give me more energy...

The prevention plan thing is from January 2008 Prevention magazine..it was a 10 minute workout solution...basically the author "Christ Freytag" determined a weight loss workout plan of 10 minutes anywhere, anything...is actually effective for weight loss. It was based on research that that these types of workouts are more effective than traditional half hour workouts..

the research said that women who did this lost 30% more fat than those who exercised in 30 min chunks 3 times a week.

the women 31-57 who did 3 10 min walks/day lost more inches than those who did 30 minute sessions.

I will be happy to post more about the recommended sessions, if you want that info...

My gosh, Derry all of that sounds like fun!

Paige, I pray for rapid healing of his lungs...whichever way that comes..I pray for restoration of HIS own lungs most of all! I also pray for a safe trip and comfort for you!

Clyde girl, hey there! I hope you are having a good weekend!

Wow, I dropped 3 lbs in one day. I drank 25 ww pts worth of calories. and the colon pills haven't worked yet..wonder where the weight came off of???..I average my weight though..so I won't move the ticker til after a whole week..we'll see!

Well, I started this WW journey in Jan. 08 and I'm on the last push to get to the top range of a healthy weight for me. I use Weight Watchers online and go once a week to get weighed, I find I need the weekly weigh in for accountability. I'm going to Vegas in June for my 40th and vowed to myself I'd have myself "back together" by then (I've been pregnant and/or fat since 2005) Anyway, I'd love to join in discussions/encouragement as I try to get the last 30 odd pounds gone!

Leesa..heh on the "fat or pregnant" that is soo awesome that you are doing so well and I think having such a close goal date...will keep you motivated!

I do weight watchers online...and then weight myself everyday and take the average for the week..then I plot it on a graph....I am a data freak though...

I've only been here a short while..but welcome!

Ok so far today...

1 glass soymilk 2.13
1 fiber one bar 1.53
2 egg rolls (non fried) 4.3
1 boiled egg 1.8

Hi all! It looks like a lot has been going on this weekend for everybody!!
:welcome: to the "newer'' members! I look forward to seeing you guys progress.

Derry: My mom is in the same boat, well kind of as you. My grandmother died last May. Before that my mom had done South Beach and had lost about 80lbs. She looked amazing!! Then when my grandma started getting weaker, my mom started eating more. Now she is quite depressed and has gained a lot back. On top of that she has a lot of health problems and has medication that only adds weight :( I'm really trying to encourage her to try again.. We'll see! Keep up the fight!!

Paige: How old is your brother? I'm very sorry to hear that he isn't doing well. I hope that everything goes well for you and your family. These are very hard times to be living in, let alone dealing with sickness. You really shouldn't have to make that type of decision. :grouphug:

We have been very busy here. We move in exactly 3 weeks!! We're excited but very very busy. Oh and I've decided to make my weigh-in day Monday's... That way if Saturday I goof off I have a day in between to recover a bit. Today I didn't too bad and this week I didn't use too many of my flex points. I've found that just using my activity points is generally enough. I have 20 pts left for the week!
Off to bed, tomorrow will be another long day! Later chickies! :flow1:

hey all I started off the day heavy on the food--I have already eaten 9.5 pts!

I'm going to stick to my green tea...and a egg roll for lunch...then one of my tortilla pizza's for dinner...so at least I have a recovery plan!

hello princess..thanks for the welcome..moving is such a pain...

Derry-hope you are having fun..

Paige- I hope that your brother is doing better..even a little!

Jessica, I'm glad you have decided to get back on program. I know what it's like to really be down there and then blow it. I hope we can help you stick with this.

Jennifer, hey whatever works for you. I'm way confused by what you wrote. What kind of pills are you taking?

Welcome Leesa! I wish you success and I would say that you need to be at a good "fighting weight" before that Las Vegas trip. I hear they have huge buffets there. I would find that difficult. I hope we can help you out!

TDI, I know what your mom had been through. I still sit here shaking my head and wonder how I could allow myself to go from the 140s to my all time (non-pregnant) high weight of 171. At one point, I weighed more than my husband and I was too embarrassed to tell him. I shall never tell him I weighed that much. But, when someone is dying and you are dealing with the emotions, I guess you do whatever.... I ate out a great deal and drove back and fourth from my home to the Laconia NH area a few times a week. It's about an hour and 20 from home, so I would get drive through breakfast, drive up there, spend time with mom and dad and eat lunch out and then drove home, often with a large iced coffee (cream and sugar) in the car. When I was getting home late and had been out all day, I'd be calling for pizza delivery. Weeks of doing that while dad was so sick took it's toll and then after he died, I comforted myself by eating all of dad's favorite foods. I look back on all this and feel as if I was almost punishing myself?
Now, I try so much hard.
But, this weekend, we visited my in laws and it was my father in law's 75th birthday. I won't get into what I ate but I used 30 flex points in ONE day.... not good. But, on top of it I took a 20 minute walk, a half hour swim (did 300 jumping jacks in the pool, 100 cross country moves as well as jogged in place and swam laps) and then came home and worked outside picking up debris in the yard and raking for over and house. So, at least I have done some activity to hopefully balance it off? Not enough, though.
Tomorrow, I hope to be on my treadmill again and will drink extra water. Tonight, I have a WW chicken and artichoke recipe cooking and I shall try to really portion control my food.

I am thinking of using my no weigh in pass on Tuesday, we'll see what happens.

Derry: yeah, my mom had been at 250 for a long time. Then she got down to 180. At our wedding, she looked stunning! Over the years she had tried many different ways of losing weight.. WW, LA weightloss. Nothing worked, or she didn't stick it out, until South Beach. And that was because she tried for the gastric bypass. The doctor's guidelines are that all of his patients do South Beach. 1-too see if they can stick to a diet and 2- if they lose enough, they won't need the surgery. My mom lost enough! And today she is back where she was. It's hard because I don't really know how to encourage my mom sometimes. I just try my best and hope something works. She needs to get that determination back! That "I'm going to lose it all!" mentality that most people need in order to lose weight! Her Primary Dr. is very concerned. We'll see, I'll keep trying my best with her..

Derry: You did a very good job keeping active. It may not have outweighed the eating, but that's how it goes sometimes! :) You already seem to know what you're going to need to do to move on! keep up the fight!! :carrot:

Otherwise, I did allright this weekend. I used a few extra points yesterday. Today I didn't keep tract. I know I had 20 flex points left anyway, so I'm just going to count those as used and start tomorrow. I've finally picked Wednesday as my WI day. I think the midweek will be the best for me. That is the one nice thing of doing at home WW, you can pick whatever day you want :)
I'm off to search around and relax with DH before the crazy week begins tomorrow! Stay health! :flow1:

Derry-you asked me what kind of colon pills I take? Also you asked if doc prescribed them. No, they are not prescription.

The pills are "Colon clear". you are ACTUALLY supposed to take this stuff for 2 weeks or so...but I don't have that time to spend in the bathroom...:)

so I take 2 pills in the morning on a Friday...usually after 2 weeks of being stopped up. And let my body correct itself over the weekend.

REASON I take them is ( for short) because they clear old food out of your colon...and help you absorb nutrients better.

were you confused about the prevention exercise plan too? That was kind of long...sorry..


__________________________________________________ ___
well, I got through today. I did well on pts...I am exhausted and sore...because I DID really well on the exercise! I hate being sore though...

wow, my mom went through the same thing but it was on the atkins diet...she lost so much! she worked at a health food store..and ALWAYS has been a nutrition guru and was a body builder--though she never was small...she could bench press something else!

The only plan that caused my mom to shed her huge muscular build was the atkins diet...she not only got to the lowest size ever...she was wearing a size 2!! She's 5'9" and was always about 200 lbs my whole life...then she found out she had a liver disease...she had to go through treatments...I never saw my mom so skinny...then she got a very bad infection...she was hospitalized...and she got through it...but afterwards she started to gain the weight back ...I was so sad for her.

and she gained more fat...that is because it is harder for the body to build muscle than it is to store fat...and those low carb things...cause the body to utilize protein as an energy source..and so they break down muscle too...sadly...so when you gain the weight back..you gain back more fat than before...

It is really hard to watch our moms and dads go through weight issues...and then to realize that is going to be us in a couple of years..if WE don't do something...

sometimes I wish I could lose the weight for my mom!

Oh, I'm one of those people that need the "all or nothing" motivation...I give up EVERYTIME I lose less than 8 lbs in 3 weeks...everytime...

I'm more determined than ever now...and I have moved the scale down 4 lbs in a week already...

my motivation is my 30th coming up in September...i DON'T want to be 30 and in school and fat...bottomline!

DERRY- I think staying active and having fun is the key while you are away....do you do much weight training?

Kudos on all the activity!

Hi and :welcome2: Leeesa and Cathochick to our part of the neighborhood!!
You guys will love it here....
I read posts Friday and and this morning and gosh ya'll have been busy!! So anyway it's Monday and here I am...thought I would drop a few lines before I get over there and slave for awhile,I can't believe that I gotta build...yes I said build them side boards for that boat by myself...Lord if i screw it up DH will kill me...lol...!! Then I have to recover them...but on a positive note I'll hopefully get that boat done this week..can't wait...
I have a problem.....I was Tom was supposed to be here,I thought Friday,I was crampy and crabby all last week like I usually am before TOM well Friday came,nothing,Saturday,nothing again,but I cramped and my back and legs ached me all day same thing Sunday...they ached so bad that I took tylenol and motrin....but still today I haven't started...I have been "fixed" or "spayed"lol,but I was just wondering if any of you guys have experienced this before,DH says I can't be pregnant,because I have been PMS big time this month...LOL bless his heart....I thought maybe I'm stressed,I have been as much as 2 weeks late before,that's happened to me twice in my life and it was scary....wondering if I was prego,but this time is different..I'm achy today and dread working....but anyway here's my stress situation..DH wants a truck....a diesel 4 door honkin' big truck and payment........that I'll probably have to help pay just to get it paid off quickly just because he doesn't like payments.....we want to pay off the house and we've got it down to where we almost can get it paid off except for about 5k,which brings me to my car....my precious mustang cobra,that I said I would sale,because I love DH and I want him happy...he deserves a truck...but we gotta get the house paid off first...so...it all comes back to my car....I love that car.....but right now it's the only thing really that I have to offer...if it sales...his mom is putting some money on our house....I disagree....that is stressing to me....just so she can say ONCE AGAIN that she has more money in our house,no let me correct that DH's house than HE does....but anyway we've got till Friday...she has a CD coming due and she said she wasn't putting the money back in for 1.5 % interest when we're paying 5.5 % interest on our house...DH'S house...I really don't think she should put any more money on our house she gave DH 15 k when we built this place to finish it out,it was the deal I didn't know about when we got our loan,it was to keep us from borrowing so much to build the house,and now she wants to put 12k more on it....she says no strings attached....but then later on down the road.....I'll just be waiting for it... she done already said last night that we,including her,were just gonna have to cook out alot this summer,which we do anyway..in the summer....and tighten out belts and not go out to eat which DH enjoys...I think she just wants to run our lives and this last money she gives us will be the humdinger.....can't wait,can't wait....that's my stress in a nut shell....but I still can't help but worry about TOM not coming yet,I'm so crabby I could just ring someone's neck (like DH's for excepting his moms money knowing how I feel about it) .....................and I can't help it,that's just how I feel and I can't stop crying....it's like someone has turned my water on and forgot to turn it off...........Lord help me.... well I'll go and eat my cereal,get ready,go work,to the tanning bed,can't wait for that either,coz I know I'm gonna catch *&$^% from MIL because I haven't started and I "just might be prego" more stress.....

hey there shelbysmom...just because you are pmsing..doesn't mean you are not preggo...However your TOM could just be delayed because of ALL that stress...no real way to tell without knowing exactly when you ovulated. But if you know WHEN you ovulated..and you are late compared to how long it takes you from when you ovulate and when you get your TOM..just take a hpt. I know you are scared because of all the financial craziness, but worrying about that on top of everything isn't helpful...

it sounds like MIL is trying to help in her own way....as far as "the no strings attached" well...that WILL NEVER HAPPEN. So if you can afford to get by without it...do so...but if it will genuinely help..take the help. This is going to happen for the duration of your marriage in some form or another..so don't sweat it.

Take care, and be careful.

TDI, one of the best things you can do for your mom is to keep saying complimentary and encouraging things, I think. Just say how proud you are that she lost that weight and is doing so well. Also, another great thing you can do for her is, at family gatherings and eating out times, order accordingly and also provide foods at gatherings that are safe. Nothing is worse (like this past weekend) than sitting around where everyone else is eating indulgent things and feeling like you can't have anything, then you end up blowing it.
Jen, I just hope those pills are safe. I guess they are if they are a non-prescriptions product. I will look for them next time I'm in a store that would have them to see what the ingredients are. I'm wondering if they are laxatives or high fiber products? Interesting.
I was kind of confused with the Prevention thing you mentioned, but it sounds like it's working for you, so go for it!
As for me, I think my next exercise plan might be tackling the immense yard work that needs to be done here. I am not one to enjoy gardening, but it's good activity and it will save us from having to pay someone to clean things up a bit. The ice storm that rendered us without power for 8 1/2 days before Christmas certainly left it's mark on property in this area. We spent over an hour outside yesterday and put barely a dent in it.
At least it's good for me and I am saving money, so that will be my special plan. Maybe I'll be inspired to do a bit of gardening as well this year. I need to plant things for a privacy screen in my back yard. Our neighbors, that we strongly dislike, took down every tree on their property and left an eyesore. I will never understand their motivation, they left tree stumps and mud that has now turned to weeds when there were beautiful mature trees, even an apple blossom tree that we could smell in spring. Ah well, there are idiots every where.
Trysh, relax, that is the key. I, sadly, no longer get TOM and I miss it. Some women say I have to be crazy, but I miss the cycle of life as I would refer to it. When it stops, you feel like a dried up old hag... oh well. Plus, in menopause your body really changes and losing weight is so much more difficult. Getting back to your situation, you are surely late. I had my tubes tied when I had a c-section with my daughter and I am thankful that worry was gone. But, even then a few times when I was as much as a week late, I'd wonder. It's normal and it makes you tremendously anxious. But, just go about your business and it will surely come. By the way, menopause happens at all different ages and some women have it happen very early and others really late. If your TOM starts to be very irregular and you even skip a month here and there, it could be the beginning of the end. You could be entering what is called perimenopause. You might want to do some reading about that. But, please relax, and if it still hasn't come in a week or so, you might want to give your doctor a call.

As for me, it's got to be a day of good eating. I want to counter balance the over eating I did over the weekend. So, here is my meal plan for today:

Points target: 21

Breakfast:
oatmeal made with calorie countdown milk: 3
1/3 banana: 1

Remaining points: 17

no in between meal snacks allowed, will drink an extra water in between, though.

Lunch:
Boca burger: 1
Fat Free cheese slice: 1
Lite English Muffin: 1
ketchup and pickle
Salad with Oil and Vinegar: 2 for the oil


Afternoon snack: 94% FF popcorn, water: 1

Points remaining: 11

Dinner:
Broiled fish: 5 (will buy haddock or flounder?)
brown rice: 3
Asparagus with butter spray: 0


Dessert:
WW ice cream: 2

I am planning the day with one extra point unaccounted for as I may have a larger portion of fish or I may not be able to get through the day without an extra snack somewhere along the line.

oh good plan Derry! I do the same thing when I overindulge...make up for it!

yeah, the pills have psyllium husk (high fiber, to brush the colon) and lots of other herbs...and enzymes and good bacteria...

The prevention plan works for me...cause I don't have to commit to more than 10 minutes of exercise at any one time--HOWEVER..I end up doing more than 10...and I realize it wasn't that much of a chore!

got lots of studying to do! uggh..think I will just do a 1 minute toner today..i'm not as sore though.

Derry: I have been doing that lately, when I go over there, I try to bring healthy things and encourage her. In the end its her decision. I just hope she gets the motivation back soon!
Good work also getting back on track. That's all you can do! I will generally do that after going over points, the next day I stay within my 22pts. Even if I have some activity points, I don't use them. I also will try to get in more fiber and just make it an overall healthier day or 2 afterward.

i don't use the activity pts either..because sometimes I go over the daily limit...

Jendiet: When I'm getting back on track I don't. However, when it's my normal routine, I find that I do better if I count my activity points instead of flex points. I find that when I use the flexpoints, I'll eat more points. When I know exactly how many points I can have then I stick within it. Generally each day I'll get about 3pts extra activity points. When I'm "detoxing" my body I try to exercise a bit more, although it really depends on my time restraints for the day. I try to stick to only using flex points on the weekend and I try for having 20 or so extra leftover. During the week I might use 5 or so, then Saturday and Sunday I'll generally use 5 each. This past weekend I didn't do very good. I didn't exercise and I ate like crazy. We were very busy and all over the place and yesterday I just didn't care. So today and the rest of the week, I just get back on track. I didn't go over in flex points at least!

princess, that is wonderful...i am glad you are finding what works for you...

I found out last year eating 28 pts..kept me at 188. which is funny..because that is what I was when I started ww again...

I am now below 188 and I am trying for 26 pts daily...I know I have activity pts and flex pts...but it's best for me to not know I have slack..I tend to use it all up...and go over! what in the world makes me do that dunno? but when I counted calories religiously--i was like a little imp planning my next snack every 15 min...so I could "use up" those calories.

Hi girls.

We had a good weekend at state. :cheer2: They won first place in pom and second place in pom dance :cheer2: Those girls work hard and we were very proud of them. I'm not sure how I did eating wise as we were in a hotel but I was fairly happy with the choices I made. Will see when I step on the scale.

Today I went out with a friend for lunch, a fellow weight watcher. The place we wanted to go to was closed so we went to O'Charley's instead. Never again. If i had known we were going there i would have checked out their points online. We picked what we thought was good choices and it ended being 20 points. We avoided the brocoli and 3 cheese soup which would have been the lowest points and got the salad and sandwich. 20 points total aagghh. Live and learn.

Jen: That's what I love about WW. We all can find our balance and what works the best for our bodies!!

Clyde: Congrats on the girls doing so well! Did you at least enjoy the salad and sandwich? I hate when I think I'm making the right choice and then find out later that it was one of the worst!! Although, since I have my iPhone with me I can always try to check quick before since I can go online. But, there's times I forget! And like you said "you live, you learn" and I always add "you move on!" Keep up the determination! :flow1:

Otherwise, I did my exercising today. It wasn't the rigorous cardio that I normally do. I did a little slower tonight. I want to get myself back into the groove of exercising again. Last week I did good until Friday. Then I didn't exercise for another 2 days :( So, now I'll just keep moving on! :)

Jen: Psyllium, I think, is what is in the Metamucil product, it's a fiber laxative then. Ah ha.
I have seen ads on TV for a product called Colon Clens and when I was in my local pharmacy yesterday I looked for that specific name and didn't see anything. I'm intrigued, but now that I know the main ingredient, it's actually something I own. I used to take the Metamucil to boost my fiber intake, I need at least 25g of it per day. But, with the way I eat, I think I get that on my own now.

For those of you who don't use your activity points, how many points are you getting in a day? I see Jen is getting 26, lucky you.
I feel like I am desperate for the food, so I do use activity and my flex points. I get 21 points per day and almost dread going below 160 as I lose yet another point. I have no idea how I will survive on 18 points a day when I reach goal, so I'm going to have to make activity part of my daily life when it comes to that, I think. Maybe that is their ultimate goal anyway, sneaky?

Clydegirl, I hate when plans suddenly are changed as far as eating goes. I am thrown off at places I am not familiar with and I try to look up menus on line lots of the time ahead. One time, quite awhile ago,we ended up at a Betruccis at the mall. I ordered an oven roasted vegetable appetizer and had it with soup. The soup was a paste e fagioli, but it ended up having lots of cut up sausage in it and seemed greasy, it had beans and potatoes in it too as well as pasta. I think the soup alone had to be about 10 points. I had a roll and dipped it in oil and the biggest surprise of all was that the veggies arrived absolutely swimming in oil. The menu should have said "bowl of oil with veggies swimming" rather than oven roasted. I held each of the veggies up with my fork while the oil dripped off each piece before I ate it, but I left that place feeling discouraged and still don't know how many points that meal was. I would have been better off with a few slices of pizza and a salad with oil and vinegar. Life and learn. I thought I was doing the better thing when I ordered.

The good news for today is that my friend bailed out on my lunch plans. I was concerned that I was going to have a heavier than normal lunch and it would affect my weigh in today. However, she bailed and now I can have a very controlled lunch at home. I'm relieved.

I am excited about a new "find" at the store yesterday. Quaker is now making an oatmeal pancake mix that appears to be about 3 or 4 points for several pancakes. I'll figure out the official points and report back to you all.

Here is a link to the product:

http://www.quakeroats.com/products/more-products-from-quaker/content/specialty-items/oat-pancake-mix.aspx

I'm going to make it for breakfast. I haven't had pancakes in ages and it seems almost too good to be true that these might not be all that bad. I can put sugar free maple syrup and butter spray on them. I hope they are good. Will give a report back on them.

Derry: If you're getting enough fiber in your diet, you really shouldn't need the colon cleansing stuff. Just in my experience...
When I've behaved myself, I use my activity points. I get 22 points each day and generally end up with 3 activity points.
One thing is that once you're in maintenance, then you find the balance at which you keep your weight the same. You may use 18pts to get there, but once maintaining you may end up using more each day.
My plan once I hit goal is to slowly increase my points to figure out where I should be eating. I'm dreading going under 150, but at least I'll still have 21 points LOL.
Yesterday I didn't end up using my activity points. I was going to but then I was exhausted when DH got home, so we just basically went to bed LOL. :)

I already got my main exercise in today! I did 30min cardio with the Fitness coach and then 20mins of strength. If I have time later, I'm going to do some more fit.
Later chickies! :flow1:

Morning girls :sunny: It's a beautiful morning, the sun is shining and it will be warm.

Princess you know the sandwich wasn't even that good. So why did I eat it :dunno: Enjoyed the salad.

I may try and get out later and walk when I get home. So far I've not been doing any exercise. I need to step it up. In the past when I exercised I never used my activity points. Although I never got to the point when I was on a low number of points.

Enjoy the day.

Clyde: I'm sorry that the sandwich wasn't that great LOL. Sometimes what I'll do when I'm not sure about a place, I'll just eat half the sandwich, or whatever. Save it for another day to break up the points..
Although, DH and I went to Tim Horton's today. I got their 12grain bagel and low-fat cream cheese... yeah 9pts!!! I'm down to 9 pts... plus 3 activity (if I choose to use them) for the day. It does have 6g fiber. I think next time I may ask for the cream cheese on the side, that might help.. Or next time, I just won't get the bagel!! I'm going to research some better options for next time at Tim Horton's..

Derry I have to check out those pancakes..but my staple is fiber one bars for the morning...I love the Quakers version. They are a bit more expensive than store version but i read the ingredients AND they are nothing alike!

They have 9 g fiber. I am usually munching a fiber one bar on the way to class...I like the oats and dark chocolate...

Well, I ate 28 pts yesterday..but I was very active..the scale registered a 2lb difference this morning...so I tested it...

my fat % went down 1 and my water went up...which means it is TRUE water weight gain from the workout because of my muscles..so I'm not tooo bummed.

ok weight watchers ppl? where are ya?

I worked through my soreness yesterday.and stuck to my pts!.I am having a stressful day today too though--usually when I mess up. I am armed though.

have a good day!

Good morning all....
Well, I kind of knew it. I weighed in with a gain of 1.2 yesterday. I'm not giving up, I did go away for the weekend and now it's time to get back to work.
By the way, those pancakes were really good but I won't be having them all the time. Nice for a change, though. But, in the end, two 4" pancakes were 4 points. I had those for breakfast and didn't have fruit with them or anything as it would have been too high in points for my normal breakfast. I used butter spray and sugar free maple syrup and I enjoyed every bit, though.
I have so many veggies yesterday that I didn't have to worry about missing a fruit with breakfast.
I'm carefully planning today's menu to allow for 4 points of snacks at a meeting. I know I will have them, so I really need to plan that as part of my day.

Points target: 21

Breakfast:
fresh pineapple: 1
WW yogurt: 1

Snack:
at meeting, allowing 4 points

points remaining: 16

Lunch:
My WW version of a grilled cheese sandwich, 2 slices of lite bread with butter spray, one slice of FF American cheese. It's 2 points and pretty good.
WW garden vegetable soup: 0

Points remaining: 14

Afternoon snack: popcorn or WW 1 point bar

Points remaining: 13

Dinner: ?
no official plan yet, but I have 10 point allowed. I will use 3 points for a WW dessert later on.
I might cook a ham steak that I have and have brown rice with it and broccoli?

Have a great day! I challenge you all to 20 sit ups today!

Morning girls.

My weigh in day. I will let you know how I get on.

Jen whar sort of scales do you have?

Be back later.

Jen: Good job sticking to it yesterday and getting some moving in with the soreness! Just keep it up and on stressful days, take it one step at a time. You'll get there. You said you're armed? What kind of planning did you do to prepare for today?

Derry: With the gain, you did good considering the whole weekend. It's a good thing you kept some activity in there. And you're doing it right, just getting back on the WW Wagon!! Your meal plans today sound very good. Thanks for letting us know about the pancakes! I think I'm going to have DH use up what's left of the "bad" pancake mix and then buy new stuff, or find a healthy recipe to make them with.. Maybe make up a bunch of batches in dry mix and then it'll be ready to go.. We'll see!

I like you're challenge BTW!! You're on! I'll see you're 20 sit-up's and raise you.... 20 lunges/leg! How about that! ;)


As for me.. I did my hard cardio this morning. I didn't do any strength. I'm going to try later in the afternoon! :carrot:
Yesterday, I soo wanted some of DH's sugar cereal, today I had some for breakfast. I know it was a waste, but it tasted SOO good! I kept it to a serving and should be set for a while.

So far: 3pts cereal, 2pt milk, I'll be adding an apple 1pt...
so there went 6pts! LOL...

I have... 16pts plus 2 activity left.. so 18!! I'm good!

Hope everybody else has a very enjoyable day! I'll be around to check in later on, but only after I've completed our little challenge.. and if anyone wants to see our challenges and raise, until someone folds LOL.. make it a little poker game? :)

ha...My armory against falling off my plan:

Don't GET hungry (I'm a binger)
Keep low point food in sight and high point food out of sight.
If Bf wants to go out to eat..at least know calories of what I am eating so I can stay within points..I calorie counted for years..so that is pretty easy.
Keep reminders of what I am doing in front of my face
Write or speak outloud what is stressing me.

I use a body fat% scale made by Taylor. It sends an electrical signal through your body so it can measure how much water you are composed of..from there it calculates fat percentage. I needed one to keep my sanity...and it works really well.

Ooh..I wasn't planning on doing ab work today, or lunges, but I guess I will do them...I am going to do ddr later with my son. nice challenge.

Oh Derry good planning. you can do it..you were very active--I wonder if your 1 lb gain is muscle?

Hi girls. I'm back.

I lost 0.4lbs this week which I was happy with. It was a good meeting. One of the girls got to goal and told her weight watcher story. Very emotional and nice to hear how she did it.

Good Afternoon Everyone. Is it ok if I join your group? I've been on WW since November 2008 and have been looking around for a board to post on and the one I started posting on kind of went away. I think, for me at least, if I can post and be active the better and more focused I'll be.

A little about myself ~ My name is Laurie and I've been on WW since November 2008. Before that I was on LA Weight Loss and lost 36 pounds on it. Then they closed their doors in December 2007 and as a result I gained back 15 pounds. I sort of floundered around trying to lose weight on my own but I have discovered that I need the accountability of going to an actual meeting and having to weigh in. So that's when I decided to do WW. So far I've lost all the weight I gained back and am trying to get the last 15 off now. So I'm back to where I was in December 2007.

I'm 52 years old, have 2 kids and 5 grandkids. I work full time in an office for a labor union and I live with my SO. I take care of my dad (he has multiple myeloma) and try to stay active every chance I can. Some weeks it's better than others but at least I make an effort. I give myself points for that considering I used to never get any extra exercise or movement in.

Sorry this is so long. I really didn't mean to write a book here. Just wanted to hop on and introduce myself and see if you'd like one more in the group. Have a good evening and always remember to be good to yourselves.

Hi Laurie..wow your plate is full..I know what you mean about the accountability...

I have been losing the same 10 lbs for 3 years! isn't that ridiculous...finally I realized I need others to motivate and egg me on...and support me...

in a way I feel accountable to those watching my progress!

well, I didn't get much activity in, but I was active...I shopped for 3 hrs today...and walked to class..that's something..I haven't done ddr because I was too busy shopping...

I am going to do the crunches and lunges though! I vow too!

Well so much for that! I only got walking in yesterday and only because I went shopping..I meant to do crunches and lunges..but bf and I were tired once I put my son to bed..and we cuddled each other and went to sleep! heh.
well, the scale didn't mind...184.4 this morning..still I avg my weights at the end of a week..can't wait to see what it is!

I have to start off with my confession. I blew it yesterday, it was a binge and I feel terrible about it today. But, it's too late to go back and recreate the day. I lost control and I was like a crazy person. I have no idea why or how I managed, but I did some serious damage.
Why?
Here, you all deserve honesty. So, I have to come clean and confess my sins. So, with that, I have to get back on program and put yesterday behind me. But, I am on complete and utter rigid control now and through the weekend. Usually I save all my flex points for weekends, but I have got to just suck it up and move on.

At least I did do the sit ups that I challenged everyone else to yesterday. I accept the sits ups for another day and will also accept TDI's lunges, and will do the 20! Sounds good and I sure need it after yesterday.

Clydegirl, good job any loss is a good loss! I would have been thrilled with that.

Welcome Laurie, we are glad to have you. I'm 54, so we are close in age. I'll bet the issues that I am facing (not yesterday's binge, but aging and metabolism) are quite similar to yours. I hope we might be a good example for each other and find a way to make it work. I'm having such a hard time.

Jen, me too, I've been gaining and losing the same 10 or 20 pounds over and over. I just want to be over with it all, get to where I need to be and maintain and be careful for the rest of my life. I get so bummed when I lose control and I sure did yesterday. It was like someone turned of the good girl/WW switch in my head. What set it off is those darn Girl Scout cookies. I think I am going to bring the other unopened box to a food pantry today. I just cannot stay in control. I had one, then it was 5 or 6 and then later on it was a number I don't recall, but many. Then it went into French Fries later on and I even violated my personal lent thing and accepted a piece of chocolate someone offered me. What have I done?!!!!?
So, today is back to the drawing board day.

I know it's a cop out, but I am going to start a fresh journal today, a clean slate and I just have to forgive myself. What else is there for me?

Next year I think I will give the Girl Scouts a $20.00 bill and tell them I love them and support them but to take their evil chocolate mint cookies and serve them at one of their meetings. Those are the most evil cookies ever. I truly know what an alcoholic must feel like when they take that first drink and wake up the next day in the gutter wondering what happened. No more. Girls Scouts of America, I am a former member and I love and support you but give me no more of your evil chocolate and sugar concoctions!

Happy Hump Day!!!! I love saying that!!!
Well I see all is well.....:welcome: to the thread chiquita chickie!! believe me,you will call this place home...I wouldn't want to be anywhere else except here!!
Linda~ Sometimes I think diets were created to "blow" notice the diet has the word die in it..lol!! " I'll do it or die trying" DO IT.....DIE IT...... sometimes I wish diet was a person so I could kick it's butt.........I on the other hand am hopeful this week....I kinda feel skinnier...and people that see me "everyonce in a while" see me and say " YOU ARE LOSING SO MUCH WEIGHT" even though my scale doesn't say so or my clothes,maybe I'm just losing it all in my face!!.lol! Can hair lose weight too?!?!?!? Anyway I have to be positive about it or I just might lose it again....
Yesterday was a bad day for....OH TOM came by Monday....so Tuesday was ughh and yesterday blowed 3 times....so today I hope is better.I'm about this close(hold my fingers an inch apart) to getting that boat done,DH is in Arkansas with a boat....he'll either be back ,hopefully Saturday,but it more than likely will be next Wednesday :mad: and I wanted to get that boat done before next Thursday,because we're leaving for Pigeon Forge to go camping on Friday the 27th....and I need my money.......:(
Well I think.....think I've sold my cobra....my nephew is tryng to get his finances together...I'd much rather see him get it.....he'll take care of it and that takes aload off my mind....plus I'll get to see it every now and then..lol..
and DH has found a potential truck in Nashville,he said when he comes back through and the car lots open he would stop and look at it....Then the Yukon is mine again....I likw the yukon but DD says I drive like a grandma in it where I drive like a maniac in the cobra LOL!!! :lol3: :rofl: she doesn't want me to get rid of the cobra..because she wanted it,she told me last night...if my nephew bought it that meant his DD or step DD would get it,and I could here the sadness in her voice...I wanted to cry... but everything will be fine.....especially after we get the house paid off,I'm going to pay abig honkin' bunch on it tomorrow than all we'll like is about 5k,and if I get a couple more boat jobs I'll be able to get her paid off by the end of summer...than I'm shopping for me an FJ Cruiser or a 4 door jeep wrangler..than life will be right again....I guess...;) so I'll go sorry this was so long...maybe if I came by every day my posts wouldn't be so long!!LOL!!!!

omg! Derry. Girl Scout cookies are a trigger for me too...I was grocery shopping right after I restarted the weight watchers...and I saw them sitting out there with the table...I was telling myself no the whole time I walked up to the table...THEN...I said to them..I really want to buy a box of cookies but i"ll eat the whole box, and i am trying to diet..and the lady said "well, you can donate them overseas."

I couldn't believe it..so I bought a box and put it in the donation box!!! It felt so good...I could at least control that..

but no, I can not eat just one or four or six girl scout cookies..i have to eat the whole darned box and hate myself about it! But...you are right..

today is a new day...think about it this way Derry...It is time for you to finally BREAK THROUGH those 20 lbs...

As I am getting closer and closer to the 180 mark where I always in the past gave up..I have the food journals and weight logs to prove it! ...I am determined as **** to get past that point THIS TIME...

It may take a little more than what I was putting in last time..but i have those failed attempts as a guide to see where I went wrong..and that's it..

So..NEXT time..you know you can't eat just one...don't buy them..or DON'T open the box.

Good job on doing the exercise..you did better than me in that aspect!

oh yay! Shelby..I totally hope your nephew gets the cobra..THAT will mean you can see it and ** drive** it whenever you get the urge...heh.

Hi again..and hope you are having a good day!

Trysh, best of luck with all your endeavors. You seem to have so much going on. I'm glad friends are complimenting you, that is a huge NSV! (non scale victory).

Jen, thanks for our encouraging words. I wish I had purchased the cookies from a group at a table and that there was a donation box available. That would have been a great idea.

I just finished my 20 sit ups and 20 lunges a few moments ago, time it took was only about 2 minutes. You can do this!

Fair warning to all.
Later on, I shall restart the thread and post the link here. It's something that has been done in the past. When the thread starts to get too long, some people with dial up and slower connections have trouble.
Plus, by restarting it, it encourages newcomers to join in and I think some are fearful when we look like an established "clique" and we are far from that.
As you all know, anyone is welcome here. Some come and stay and some drop in and out. I here for the long run and I'm also here to help anyone.
By the way, one day I would hope to lose enough weight to become a WW leader and be able to keep my own weight in control and teach others. I hope I can reach that goal. I sabotage myself sometimes, though.
But, this morning, I am picking myself up off the floor and I move on. I started a new journal with resolve.
The grim remnants of whatever plan I made for yesterday are laid aside. I will plan. I will try again. This journey sure has it's ups and downs, but I cannot allow those down days to ruin what I want.
Love and hugs to all,
Linda

One more thing, forgive me for being so chatty today but I feel I need to do this. I challenge you all to write some obtainable goals for this upcoming week.

For me:

-plan each day's meals and stick with the plan
-make use of the WW booklets, re-read them and figure out what has been going wrong
-get in some real activity
-personal, but makes me feel good about myself and when I feel good, I do better on my WW plan, pick up the house, get the laundry and ironing caught up, vacuum and dust and get those bathrooms sparkling. A clean house is a happy house!

What are your goals for this week?

Thank you all for the welcomes!! I may not be on here every day but I'll be on here as much as I can.

Linda - I've had to restart a journal the day after I've eaten off plan. In fact, I'm doing that just today. I normally WI on Monday's at my meeting but I've just been eating like a pig the past 2 days. Don't know why. Just am. So I talked to myself and decided that today is the day that I'm sticking to plan. So far so good.

I absolutely cannot eat Girl Scout Cookies. Once I open them and eat one I'm gonna eat the whole stinkin box!! I buy them and then give them away or bring them to work and leave them on the counter. The people around here will eat anything I tell ya!!

I'll think of my goals for the coming week. That is actually a good plan of attack. And I think I'm going to set mini 5 pound goals instead of looking at the big picture right now. Maybe that will help me get my head around this weight loss frame of mind.

I better get busy. I'll check back in later. Remember - be good to yourselves today!!!

Man am I behind... :)
Laurie: :welcome: It looks like you do have a very full plate! I look forward to seeing your progress!

Jen: I'm glad after your long stressful day, that it ended well ;)

Clyde: good job on your loss this week! Keep it up!! :carrot:

derry: Just get back up and try again!
I like the goal idea! My goals for the week:
-Try to use as little flex points as possbile.
-Eat all my fruits and veggies before having any treats!
-exercise everyday!

Shelbysmom: Sorry to hear that the cobra is going :( DH and I sold our sports car this past summer. We had a 2005 Mitsu. Lancer Evolution, it had about 400hp... He proposed to me in that car and 130mph!! We miss it, but it was for the best!! :)


Anyway ladies: I did the situps and lunges! I felt good about doing that little bit extra! Today I weighed in at 2lbs less!! So I officially have 11lbs before goal!! I'm Uber-excited!! I can't wait to get there!!! Although, soon I drop one more point :( But that is a good thing! Keep up the work chickies!! :flow1:

:(...I was going to do the sit ups and lunges again..but now I have to get to class...ugh.

I AM GOING to exercise today...

Maybe once you get done with class you'll be able to! Even just parking further away, taking some stairs is exercise! Little things do help!! :) You'll get there!!

OK Ladies. I just looked at the calendar and discovered that in 8 weeks my daughter graduates from law school and then I leave for vacation the following weekend. I am going to challenge myself to lose 5 pounds in 8 weeks. I know it doesn't sound like much but I have thyroid, menopausal, hormonal, metabolism issues. Please keep me accountable and kick my butt when needed!!!

Laurie: Congrats!! I bet you're super proud of your DD!! With your motivation and our support from the forum I think you'll be able to get there!!
:flow1: :grouphug: :flow1:

wow Laurie that is an awesome accomplishment for your DD...

I think your goal is wonderful and I will be cheering you on...you can help me get past this stubborn set point of 180...170's here I come!

We'll all just cheer each other on and if needed, we can morph into a drill sargeant and kick each other in the rear!!!

There we go! For some reason, I started to exercise and I didn't feel very well. I think my body needs a break from it today. I'll pick up tomorrow morning at my usual 730am start :)

oh yeah..I did the lunges...well I did "clockwork" which is forward lunges, squats, and back lunges..and I did crisscrosses (side to side crunches), roll ups..(full sit ups) and side planks.

Then I did 30 min of pretty high intensity ddr!

Ladies, here is a link to the new thread:

http://www.3fatchicks.com/forum/showthread.php?t=167237

We will just pick up where we left off, but it will be much easier. See you there!