General Diet Plans and Questions - Doin it the Old fashioned Way #11

Continued from #10 . . .

Time for yet another thread!!

For anyone new, this thread is basically for those counting calories, or fat grams or weight watchers points, or doing something like Richard Simmon's Deal-a-Meal... anything along those lines :-)

Feel free to join in or just lurk... the gals here can be very motivating!!


Christine

Good morning everyone :)

Well, today is my first day of being 'good' again.. or so I hope! So far so good.. breakfast was tea and cheerios. Lunch will be frozen pizza (not the healthiest but within my 350 calorie allowance for lunch!) and dinner I'm not sure yet.. will have to figure that out!

Unfortunately I am up a pound again today! I am assuming its all PMS water-retention.. we'll see. But, reguardless, my official beginning weight for this run is 154.5.. and on my way down!

I hope everyone else is doing well today :)

Christine
195/154.5/130

“A year from now you may wish you had started today.” -Karen Lamb

Hello everyone!

First of all, CONGRATULATIONS to tryin' hard!! That is so great!! Any suggestions to the rest of us on how you kept your motivation up and how you lost the weight? Any advise would help me! I love hearing the success stories because it helps to keep me going.:)

Nola- I'm glad that the BLF is working for you. I lurk on the BFL site from time to time and they seem to have success from the program.

Christine- that book sounds pretty interesting. I like the way it has divided the calories througout the day. That would help with any hunger...I may have to try that! As for the weight gain, I'm sure its water weight. I was having the same problem a couple of weeks ago and its just now starting to come off (again for the 20th time):lol:

Holly-It sounds like you are doing great! Congrats on your previous loss! Sorry I'm just now getting around to acknowledge it!:o

Sounds like everyone is keeping on track!! I've been keeping up with my walking and hope to have a pound loss by Saturday. I even did some light weights last night for my arms. I went shopping and found all of these cute sleeveless sweaters. Talk about motivation! Maybe in a couple of months I'll be able to sport one!

Everyone have a great day!

Christine...that quote is so true. It seems like I have always been the one to say..if only I had done this way back when...

Not anymore though. No time like the present right??:)

Way to go Tryin' Hard I am so happy for you. That must be the most awesome feeling. You have come so far. Sometimes I feel, like I'm sure we all do at times, that I will never reach my goal. Your success is a true inspiration.

Nancy, I hope your trip is going well.

Pamela, If your out there, just say hello so that we know you are doing ok.

Everyone else, keep up the good work. I am still struggling with getting back on track, but I haven't given up. Having you all here is a big help.

Have an awesome day,
Melisa

Hi everyone! Thanks for all the congrats! Now the hard part--keeping it off!
My only advice is to find what works for you. For me, it's walking at 5:30 a.m. and finding a low-cal bread that I like. I also save calories for dessert every night and I've learned to say "I don't eat that." That phrase is very empowering. Yesterday there was entenmann's "super crumb" cake in the school office. But, I don't eat that kind of stuff anymore, so it was so easy to say that I don't eat that.
You can all do it. I know you can. If I can keep this weight off, you can keep losing. Lots of positive self talk in the morning helps a lot too. That's what I do when I'm walking. It's amazing I haven't broken my arm from patting myself on the back, but DARNIT--it's tough to get out of bed and go for a walk!!!
Once again, thanks to all--you are all very special.

Went away for the weekend, then worked last 3 days, so hard to write.Still trying to keep the calories down with the right choices. I know I am eating a lot better and certainly know all the food I could have eaten. Only have lost 3 pounds in 2 weeks. I am not the pleased until I try to be rationale about it and know slow off, stay off. I do know I probably didn't always make the absolute best choice, but don't want to get in that deprived frame of mind either. I have used the treadmill or walked every day and that alone is an improvement. Just would like to see the pounds leaving a little faster-just like everyone else I am sure.Everyone sounds like they have lost so much and I have so far to go. You all deserve a pat on the back. I hope I get there, too. :^:

Hereicome,
Maybe this will make you feel better. I started my new lifestyle change last April. So it's taken me a yr to take off 57 lbs. I started off kinda slow. I gradually increased my physical activity. I didn't really start to do better until October. It can be frustrating, but some day soon, you will be able to say OMG I lost ____ lbs. Did you get a chance to read the quote that Christine wrote? It is so true in all of our cases. I'm glad I started a yr ago. Look how far I've come and you can do the same. I know a girl on the web that has lost 100 lbs in a yr. Just take it a day at a time. If you aren't perfect everyday. It's ok. Just stay focused and try again to do better. We are all here for you and we know what you are going through. You can be a big loser just like us. :p

Have a great day,
Melisa

Hereicome~I completely agree with Melisa. I just try to take things one day at a time. Try to think of this as a lifestyle change rather than a quick fix. With that in mind, you may not reach your goal in 5,6,or 7 months..but if you keep at it, you WILL eventually get there.

When I don't show a loss on the scale (which is quite often these days:^: ) I try to look at it as..I may not be lighter according to the scale but I am healthier than I was yesterday, last week, or last year. Like I say eventually we will all get there!!!

It sounds like you are doing a great job!! I truly believe that exercise is the key. Walking has helped me to maintain a loss for several years, so what you are doing now is definitely going to help you in the long run! Good luck and stick with it!! Soon you will be seening the results of all of your hard work!

Everyone have a great day!

hello... guess what !!!!!!!! i went back to ww tonight. It felt so good to get back onto that scale knowing that next week it was comin down :) i love going to ww ! i weighed in at 180.2 so i will post next week my weigh in.
i am so excited. I am so ready to do this.
I am so glad i have found all of you.

I wanted to update my mini goal with the right weight :)

:wave: Good Morning everyone!

Christine - Thanks for the new thread! Good luck with the "new day". I'm sure you'll do well. Is your mom coming soon to visit?

Hi Jacklyn - I like the positive thinking that even if the scale doesn't reflect it, we know we are healthier than the day before.

Dawna - good that you are so pumped for ww! That will motivate you.

hereicome - you are doing so well to treadmill or walk each day. Exercise is truly the key.

Melisa - I am also in struggling mode this week. For me, it's my husband and son suggesting to eat cr*p that they know I want to keep away from. I hope it's just a temporary phase because they've been supportive in the past. I think it's the summer season and the associated food treats - hotdogs, chips, ice cream that's driving them crazy :p

tryin'hard, I really like the phrase "I don't eat that anymore". It certainly does empower one!

I have been able to keep up getting up at 5:30 to do a tape, but haven't walked in about 4 days. I've got to get back to that....And I've been doing evening eating, like bowls of cereal, piece of toast...have got to cut that out too :^:

Today's another day!!! I'll give it my best shot.

Hello to Kanola (how's your Dad?), the vacationing Nancy, t-girl, darmha, hockeychick, and we haven't heard from Pamela nor Sprite - we hope you are just busy, and ok!

Holly
176/164/160 1st mini-goal

Good morning all :)

Well, yesterday was better than Wednesday but I still didnt do 100% or near that. I was doing well until we had evening errands to run and wound up eating at McDonald's! What I'm doing for today is going up to the 1600 level (broken down like the 90/10 plan does it). I have to ease into this so if I do 1600 and can stick to it a while, then I can maybe drop down to 1400. We'll see how that goes today.

My mom arrives tomorrow night. Then Sunday we are invited to my in-laws for lunch so I dunno how well I'll do Sunday but other than that, hopefully I'll behave!! :)

Hope everyone has a great weekend!

Christine
195/154/130

Hello everyone!

Dawna~ that's so great that you are so motivated! It's exciting to think of the progress you'll have in the next month!


I've been doing okay lately. Kept up with my walking and have actually started to alternate some light lifting into my program. I've been alternating each night from stomach crunches, weights for arms and lunges. I'm hoping that building some muscle will help me to reach my goals! Wearing jeans today and they are actually a little big! So that's a good feeling:)
I've got my big weigh in tomorrow. Hopefully I will see a pound loss...but we'll see.

Everyone have a great day!

Such goods words of encouragement I got from all of you. I,too, have to think that no matter what weight I lose, I am eating healthier. I did drop 2 more pounds, so 5 in a full week:) I know better than to go on the scale too often, but I can't help it, I need to see it. I tried "fake" hotdgs today, yuck, are they bad. Thought I would try some tofu stuff, but hope it all doesn't taste like that. I had read on this site that they were good?:?: Ive bought a few other sampler things, hope I find something a little better tasting.I'm going away next week with 3 other girls to the Bahamas. We snorkle. Kind of concerned about the alcohol and fried foods that will tempt me. I have to go on the idea of the better choice rather than carte blanche. I am trying to make this a way of life, not a diet. Bought some slim fast I can try taking. Never had that before. I guess even if it just is 1 or 2 meals, its a help. Thanks all for sharing and listening.

:angel: hereicome wtg on the 5 pound loss.

and have fun in the Bahamas :)

hello everybody!!! Hereicome, congrats, thats a huge loss you had!! Well I had my first Prof massage, and it worked wonders!! I was bloated cranky and plain miserable this am . It took alot of that away! I am op, and hope the same for everyone, Increased my weights so I dont think ther will be much of a loss tom, will post it then, well tty l, ttfn take care.

Holly, I can fully understand what you are going through. My family wants to eat junk too. I try not to be a bummer though. I used to just eat a Healthy Choice meal or something similiar, but lately...............
I did do better yesterday and even better today. Now if I can just get back into my exercise routine, I'd be all set. I'm just not a morning person and I can't get myself out of bed in the AM. I'm just going to have to work out after work like I had been.

Hereicome, I drink slimfast ready to drink cans. My favorite thing to do is to put it in the freezer for about a half hour. Kinda like a shake. I don't care to much for the strawberry, it seems to be clumpy no matter how hard you shake it. :eek:

To everyone else, hang in there and keep up the good work.
Melisa

PS After my 5 days of binging, I finally decided to get on the scale to knock me back into reality. I gained 3 lbs :ink: but it is less than I thought it was going to be.:)

Hey everyone!

Way to go hereicome on the loss!! Have a wonderful time in the Bahamas...I'm sure you wont have a hard time accomplishing that!:)

I had the big weigh in this morning and no loss:( I have been lifting weights this week, doing the lunges and the stomach crunches and I'm pretty sore this morning, so hopefully that will begin to pay off.

I've kept up with my walking this week and have walked a total of 30 miles since last Sunday, so although I dont get to change my weight, I can at least add to my mileage. :)

Hope everyone has a great day! I've got to go get my walk out of the way so I can move on to my daily errands. I'll check in later!

Hello all!

Great to hear that most of you are doing so well. I love the way the motivation around here seems to be up all the time.. even when some are not losing, they go go go!! :)

Well.. i'm down 1/2 pound again.. but this is no big deal as im just fluctuating all over the place lately! Yesterday I was pretty good! I think I went over the 1600 limit i gave myself by about 50 calories.. that is pretty impressive compared to lately! :D

I'm still motivated to continue trying. Unfortunately, that TOM has still not arrived.. I'm feeling PMS symptoms so it has to be around the corner but alas, its going to wait and drive me nutso! :lol:

Anyway, I'm off to finish preparing for my mom's visit.. she arrives late tonight. Hope everyone has a great weekend!

Christine
195/153.5/130

Hey everyone!

I just finished my walk a little while ago. When I'm out there I do a lot of thinking. Since I'm walking now over an hour at a time, that's a lot of thinking to do!!:)

I was thinking about how hard I've been working and haven't seen any major results (I've been doing this for over a month now). But then I started thinking that if I can just keep it up, watching my calories, fat intake, exercising 6 days a week, etc....it HAS to work. I mean eventually it will pay off. If it is just 2 pounds a month...that's 24 in a year!! So again...I am just trying to take this one very slow day at a time, and hopefully I will see some results.

Anyways, just trying to turn some of my frustration around into positive thoughts! Thanks for listening!:)

hello all, weigh in went like thought, but not hoped to be, i have gained .5 pounds this week, I sat down and figured that it must be muscle mass, because I did do more weights last week and was pretty sore.

How is everybody this weekend, Hope all is well and OP, !! I am doing good today, no slip ups, got tae bo in early and was really pumped, well ttfn everyone:)

I know what everyone is talking about. There comes a time when the loss slows down to a crawl and its very tiny steps downward. I'm sure my turn will be here soon. I heard some one talking once and said to think of the 1/2 pound loss as a 1/2 pound of butter. Now, thats impressive I think.I bet keeping a journal would help in those times of small weight loss. But, I know I'm suppose to be doing that now. Looking at the end of the day might give insight as to how you might have eaten something that probbly wasn' t the best choice. I can't seem to get motivated on starting one. I walked on the treadmill today. I am still shocked at myself still doing it after 2 weeks!Went to a cookout, I knew I would venture into new territory and new foods. I mentally planned on having some food I wouldn't normally have. All in all, I did ok. Certainly would have done worse a few weeks ago with these choices I made. Thats what I am trying to concentrate on this time, Not a diet, a way of life.Something I can live with forever. ;)

hey everyone, should try this, it is excellent www.fatfreefoods.com,, love it!

Hi all,
Glad you are all doing well. I see no one is having any major set backs. Me neither : ) Have a safe and happy holiday.
Melisa

Hello everyone!

Jacklyn, it is a sure thing that your body is getting smaller from the consistant, lengthy walking and now the weight work will accelerate the tremendous good you are doing for yourself!!!

hereicome, you said exactly what I want also - not being on a diet for life, but making changes that help us and will slowly let us lose fat and get fit. Hooray for the upcoming Bahamas vacation!

t-girl, your massage sounded great!!!! Glad to know you are OP and motivationg us too!

Christine, hope the PMS'sy symptoms don't drive you nuts! You sound on-track. Hope you have a nice visit with your mom.

Someone spoke of the "fake" hot dogs - were they tofu or soy? I've only tried Healthy Choice fat-free dogs, but have liked them. I also found a brand of whole wheat hamburger buns that have half the calories - that's a help.

I've been totally good at work, not eating anything I shouldn't - which is good, 'cause it's when I come home that I've been making the not-so-good choices. I've got to remember that I lost 12 pounds by eating less and eating better. Just because someone brings something tempting into the house doesn't mean I HAVE to eat it. I sure want to, but I also LOVE feeling my jeans all loose in the butt. I like that alot better!!!:lol:

But I am keeping to committing to some kind of exercise each day, and I tell you I am feeling some toned muscles in my waist/sides (obliques, I think) which is very cool and motivating.

Have a nice evening, and I hope you all get tomorrow off from work!:)

Holly
176/164/160 1st mini-goal

Oh yes - my time came to measure again; not anything huge, but at least I think I lost 1/2" or so from waist, and same from flabby upper arms!!!!!

Hey everyone! Quick update on my Dad…. His surgery was delayed a week!! There is a reason I am not on an airplane to Canada eh? We were all pshyched up for it, it was just a practice for next week. Which is this week already!! Crikey time flies!!

I am still on the Body for Life, starting Week 3…. I had a bit of a blow out on Friday and Saturday when I did not hit the gym, but that is ok, dusted off my bottom and now I am back on track with my Monday gym trip out of the way, clean eating all day and here we go again.

The bike is awesome still… getting in a few more km’s. Work is insanely busy, and hubby had a knee scope done on the weekend, which means he has not fixed my buggered up pute with the virus on it…… YET!!!!

It is getting to be winter here in Melbourne, a bit windy, chilly and RAINING! I am not complaining after 30 years of the frozen Canadian North! Seems funny to read the posts about spring, seems like it should be spring here too….. it will be awhile until I am used to it!

Take care everyone, stay on track!!

Hello all, Hope everyone is OP on this Memorial day, I took a day off from working out, and doing good:) Well ttyl!! Take care!!

Hi everyone! I hope you all had a great weekend!
Jacklyn--you are my inspiration with your walking! I did 9 miles this weekend, myself! My new thing is to figure out with dh what our plans are, and if possible, I walk to wherever we're going and he meets me there! Granted, nobody probably wanted to sit next to me in church, but the 4 mile walk there was great!!

I got a new set of wheels--rollerblades! Yesterday was my first day. We found a great rail trail--freshly paved and not crowded! Once I got the hang of it, it was great! I did 7 miles, and have to admit, I'm a little sore today! But, I want to get back on them!

I hope everyone is doing well--keep up the good work!

Hey everyone!! Hope everybody had a great holiday weekend!:)

Tryin'hard~ Way to go with the walking! And on top of that the rollerblading! I've heard that rollerblading is excellent for the legs. I'd like to try but I'm scared of falling on that pavement.

I've been on track with my exercising but I cant seem to get my eating under control! It seems that I'll do fine for a couple of days, then I blow it. I dont necessarily go on an all out binge, but I eat enough to slow down my efforts.

On a good note, I feel like walking is definitely becoming a habit for me. I checked my calender over the weekend and saw that I have been walking steadily for a month and a half. So at least I am sticking with something! Its funny though, I dont even think about it anymore, its just something I do now. Hopefully, my eating habits will slowly adapt as well.

Hope everyone has a great day! I'll check in later!

Jacklyn--you may be needing more calories since you're walking so much?!? If you go to a website (there are several) you many need to indicate that you are exercising "strenously" and see what your daily calorie range should be. You may be, without intending to, not giving your body enough. Just a thought! Keep on walking!

Thanks tryin'hard. I may check that out. Unfortunately, I'm afraid I have screwed my body up from the years of yo yo dieting. I'm afraid my metabolism is probably a bit off. That's one of the reasons why I am starting some light weights. Hopefully building some muscle will help raise my metabolism. I dunno...we'll see. Wouldn't it be nice though if I actually needed to eat more?? I'm sure that would be a challenge that I could readily take!!:lol:

:wave: Hi everyone!

WTG tryin'hard with rollerblading! Like Jacklyn, I also shied away from it from fear of scraping the pavement. Not like when we're little kids, is it?:lol:

Kanola, it must be so hard to try to schedule your visit to your dad when his dates get changed. I hope everything turns out fine for you both. Hooray for you and your motorcycle riding! I am still in baby-learning stage. My husband says I've got to just bite it and go faster. I'm getting there, I'm getting there...!

Jacklyn, I think of you now as I take my almost daily walk. It's so great that it is now just an automatic habit with you.

Hi t-girl, Christine, Melisa, Dawna, hereicome, and how are Sprite, Pamela, hockeychick and darma? And a big hello to the vacationing Nancy.

Have a good night!

Holly
176/164/160 1st mini-goal
I might be 163 - I'll check again in a couple of days :)

Hello everyone! It's been a slow couple of days for posting so I hope everything is going okay:)

Its the same old thing with me. Still walking and still eating. I am going to take the day off today from walking. I haven't had a day off in 9 days and I was really feeling it last night. It was probably the hardest walk I have had in a while. My entire body was just so tired!

I'm going out to eat with coworkers tonight, so I'm going to try to be good. The thing is that I really have not been hungry at all lately, but I am still eating like I would normally. I haven't checked out my calorie range yet (like tryin' hard suggested), but that is still on the agenda.

I'm going to try to do some soul searching this weekend and try to figure out what is going on with me. I feel like I am in a major rut when it comes to eating. Hope everyone is doing okay, Holly I hope the scales are good to you. I dont think I am going to weigh in this Saturday, its been too depressing :( and I refuse the let that #!### number get me down!!:)

Everyone have a great day!!

Hi everyone. I hope you are all doing well. I've noticed a lot less posts lately :) That's a good thing. That means we are off the computer and doing more physical things. :)
ttyl,
Melisa

Hey everyone, Im Op hanging in there been preparing for my big move in July, but not slippin, started walking again had been slackin on it, but why, it is the greatest, and I can think and just get energized for the day, well hope all is well, ttyl :)

:wave: Hi everyone!

Melisa's right - it's a good sign that we're too busy to post!

I'm not going to weigh this week, due to TOM - but I am anticipating that I'll be pleased next week.

I'm still doing great at breakfast & lunch; could shave some more calories off dinner, but am really not feeling deprived so I might just keep on as I am. It's when I feel deprived that I go overboard!

Am also keeping as my personal mantra "just because it's there, doesn't mean I have to eat it!"

Also, when not wanting to get out of bed early to exercise; I could spend the same 30 minutes just putzing around; or do something that will burn calories, rev the metabolism, give strength to muscles, energy for all day long, AND here's proof positive of health benefits - I donated blood today, and was pleased to have my heart rate at 63 bpm; and blood pressure 120/70. The technician gave me a thumbs-up!:)

Everyone keep busy and moving!

Holly
176/164/160 1st mini-goal

WTG Holly & Latisia .You both are true inspirations and motivators!
Thanks!

Glad to see no one is posting still ;)
If you think that's mean........ please see earlier post :lol:

I forgot to mention earlier that I lost 2 lbs and am feeling great.
ttyl all,
Melisa

Congrats, Melissa! Great job on the 2 pounds gone forever!!
Holly--way to go with the blood donating! Great blood pressure, too!
One of things I promised myself I would do when I reached my goal was to go have a thorough physical. I hadn't had one since I was pregnant with my 9 year old! Well, I went last week and the Dr almost fell over! I had not seen him since I had lost weight and he was almost speechless! He then went through my chart with me and every occasion that I had to see him previously was weight related--chest pains, leg pains, acid reflux. My blood pressure had been borderline high and now it's 120/72. He also took the time to talk about maintenance with me. He gave me the American Diabetic Association's 1800-calorie diet and said it would be good to try. He also sent me for blood work and I'll be curious to hear the results of that next week. He then took me over to the BMI chart and showed me how deep into the 'red' zone I was and now I'm in the green! I was doing a happy dance, for sure!!
Well, ladies, I hope you have an amazing weekend! I hope to hop on my roller blades and get these legs looking good!

No...I have not fallen off the face of the earth...I will say though, Sprite and Vermont are the only ones I recognize.
To all of you other ladies, I started this whole thing about a year ago with Doin' it the old fashioned way #1!
To all of you I do know, I have been away for about 3 or 4 months now...I am glad to finally be back.
I am a council person at theForce.net on the costuming and props boards, and have been extremely busy with the Celebration II convention the beginning of the month and with the opening of Attack of the Clones...I can finally breathe again. I didn't have a life except for my sewing machine for a while...
I am glad to meet all of the newer people, and am glad the thread stayed alive in my absence-good work ladies!
Let me introduce myself to the ones I haven't met-I am 26, a stay-at-home mom who makes costume and prop replicas from sci-fi movies in my spare time, as well as craft and paint...
I have a great husband, a 3 year old daughter Jasmine, and a 1 year old son Raiden.
If any of you are interested in what has been taking up all of my time lately-the costumes I made for the world wide competition are here:
www.afansview.com/2002/starwars/sw05a0013.html
We are the tow in the top two pictures, I made all of the costumes except for the shoes-even the hat, headress, and belts.
And yes, we are nerds...but the fringe benefits are great!

:lol:
Have a good one everybody!
Aphil

Hello all :)

Hello aphil, I actually arrived on this thread before your disappearance but only shortly before. I think it is so neat what you do with those costumes! I just watched Star Wars: Episode II last night and I was thinking throughout the movie, how great it would be to dress up in the costume of Senator Amidala. But alas, I could find no good reason to go through that effort but it appears there is more than just Halloween for such things! :lol:

On the diet front, I have not been doing well. My mom's visit was exactly as I suspected.. my brain has said 'vacation' and i have eaten as such. Hopefully I have gotten it all out of my system for a while. Of course, my TOM is still late.. over 2 weeks now.. so I dunno what to think of that. Its normally late but not this late. Time will tell I suppose.

Hope everyone is doing well.. I shall be back with more next week I'm sure, as my mom leaves tomorrow.

Christine
195/153/130

:wave: Hi everyone -

aphil, welcome back!! You were the 1st to invite me to this thread; and that was the start I needed and now have met so many great ladies. Those costumes - oh my gosh - look totally professional. You must have put so much work into them! The convention must have been a blast.

tryin'hard, what a surprise your doctor must have had! I'm so glad he then took the time to give you maintenance resources, and positive reinforcement in showing your past pains were weight-related. He'd probably like to use you as a "poster child" - on the benefits of weight loss! And WTG with rollerblading!

Jacklyn, did you take a much-deserved day off from walking? If you feel you need to, you should. I was thinking of you this evening as I did a 4 mile walk. It was beautiful out, and I enjoyed it so much.

Christine, I'm sure you will eventually get back into "diet" mode. Do you wear your new size 10 jeans as a constant reminder of how much you have lost, and how much smaller you are now? And remember the pic of Shania Twain!:lol:

Melisa, now I only "allow" myself to post IF I have exercised for the day! (I can be brutal to myself sometimes) And CONGRATS on the loss!

Have a great night/weekend!

Holly
176/164/160 1st mini-goal

Hello everyone! I just finished my walking and it is HOT outside. I was dripping in sweat when I was done. Thats good though because I actually feel as if I accoplished something when I break a sweat.:)

Aphil, its good to have you back! I was only a lurker when you posted previously but I do remember you as a great inspiration and I need all the help I can get!:lol: Those costumes are something! I have trouble sewing on a button so I am envious of your talent!

Tryin'hard~ that is so great about your doctor. You know the thing I hate most about going to the doctor is the weigh in! It would be nice to have the doctor actually be impressed with my progress!

Holly~I took my day off and enjoyed it:) You sound like you're right on track...hopefully I will be too soon.:)

I didn't bother to weigh in today. My eating hasn't been too good and I feel like I've gained about 10 pounds in water weight. After my walk, my hands were all swollen and puffy...it's been a while since that has happened. I am getting ready to do my weekly visit to the grocery store and I plan on loading up on salad stuff and fruit. Maybe then this water weight will come off!

I've got errands to run, so I've got to go but I'll check in later! Hope everyone has a wonderful day!:) :)

Welcome back Aphil! You may not remember me, but I do remember you. :)
Awesome outfits by the way. You have a great talent.

Tryin Hard, I loved hearing about your Dr.'s visit. That is so cool. I do hope that those 2 lbs I lost are gone forever. We all know how frustrating it is to lose the same 2 over and over. This is my second time this month at this weight. I better work hard to get that needle on the scale to move more to the left. It's TOM right now so I think I should have no problems. I'm ususally good for a 5 lbs loss when it's over. I retain lots of water and I think it all settles in my belly. :mad:
Jacklyn, Keep up the good work! You are doing so great with your exercise. I need to get back into the swing of things. I haven't done any since Mother's Day. :(

Holly, That's an interseting little tid bit about your posting. I like it. You'd think I was MIA if I followed that rule lately. :0

Christine, I'm sure you'll get back into the groove once "vacation" is over. I remember that Shania pic too. I never did figure out how to do that. Maybe I'll ask my daughter to do it later.

To everyone else, hang in there and keep up the good work. I hope you are all having a fun filled weekend.
Melisa

Hello everybody, and welcome back Aphil, I wasnt here when you were, but your work does sound like fun,!!

Hope you all are having a great OP weekend!! I did my weigh in today, and I am pumped, workin it.. lost 3.5 pounds this week, cant wait to be outta the 30's even if it is just . that next week, that is my goal!! Well I did walk again and lift some light weights, and I feel awesome! I am blessed, !! I hope all is well, TTFN:)

WTG LATISIA!!! :)

You are really doing good. Keep up the positive attitude. I know you will be out of the 30's in a flash. We are all rooting for you.

Melisa

Hello everyone!:)

I am happy to report that I actually had a good day yesterday! I stuck to my plan by going to the grocery store and loading up on fresh fruit and veggies. I ate entirely "clean" yesterday and I feel pretty good today. Tonight is the night that we normally go out and I have my cheat night however since my entire week has been full of cheating, I'll probably go easy tonight.

Tomorrow I am taking off early from work and we are going to the lake for the afternoon. Hopefully if that becomes a habit for us this summer, that will keep me motivated. Good news from this morning. When I was beginning my walk my neighbor asked me how much we were walking. I told her I've been doing this for about 7 weeks and hadn't dropped a pound. She actually seemed suprised! She said I and my husband looked like we had dropped weight. So at least other people are noticing!:) even if the scales won't budge!

Well, I need to get started on cleaning this house. Hope everyone has a great day!

WTG Jacklyn!!! Doesn't it feel better when you stay on track all day? I know I feel wonderful.

I just have to vent and then I'll be done. I went to my MIL today. I don't go there that much because generally they are all crabby and I get enough of that at work. Anyway, me and my Brother-in-Law kind of got into a little arguement about my weight loss. He said that I lost all my weight in like 2 months and that I must be on some kind of drug and that I was going to gain it all back when I went off them. :mad:
I told him that it took me a year to lose the weight and that he just never noticed it before now. I admit that I do take herbal supplements on occasion and that I do take Xenical when I feel like I ate to much fat (like when we go out to eat), but Geez!!!!!
I worked hard to lose the weight. I do step aerobics 4 times a week at the Y and I watch what I eat, I cut back on drinking beer and I make an effort to drink more water and to eat more smaller meals instead of my old large 2 meals + snacks at night. The most I've lost is 2 lbs a week, I've hit the dreaded plateau for weeks at a time. It just burns me up that he thinks all I did was pop pills. I'm on a mission to reach my goal and stay there just to go up his butt!!! :devil:
I guess I got the kick in the rear that I needed. :lol: Thanks Bob! (My BIL who drives me nuts all the time, but I love him anyway)

Thanks for listening,
Melisa

Melisa,
we all have family like that.
When I lost the 50 pounds after having my fist child, I cut my hair short after I hit my goal weight.
My MIL said-"Boy, that haircut really makes your face lok thinner!"
(She had never once commented on my weight loss during the whole process) I said, "No, I think it was the 50 pounds"...
She never said another word...ha ha ha
Aphil
:devil:

I'm still reading!! I finally got over the morning sickness and I am hungry constantly! Yikes! I've been trying to go for at least 1 15 minute walk a day (I get winded really fast), and I've been doing good with that. I'm trying to eat healthy! Really...

Aphil, glad to see you back!!
In Christ,
Pamela

:spin: well I am sorry i havent posted lately we went on a lil vacation and i just got back :)
i went to my weigh in last week before we left and i lost 2 pounds !
I am really hoping for a 3 pound loss this week so i can get my ribbon :)
my family is the same way about weight they never say anything except you girls are all gettin as big as your mother ! which my mother has lost alot of weight due to diabeties. but i know how you feel now my husbands family are all always very supportive.
my family just isnt big on compliments but when they do it means alot :)

Been on vacation for 5 days. Thought I did ok with food until on the scale...up 4. Didn't think I did that bad, plus lots of excercise walking and swimming. Back to better choices today. Talk about reinforcement for a diet....Could hardley buckel the seat belt going and couldn't do it on the return. Plane was a 8 seater, totally embarresed and wouldn't ask for an extension, so flew with nothing. Even had to tell weight for seat assignments. :o. Flying agin in October, so better fit :mad: hereicome

Hello all :)

My weight.. not dropping.. BUT, i have an excuse... :D
I have apparently followed in Pamela's footsteps here . . .
Yes, I am pregnant. About 6 weeks along I believe. I'm feeling a little crampy and I'm all paranoid about it. I cannot go to a doctor yet either, because I have no insurance (oops?)... we're getting the impression at my husband's job that they'll let him add me to insurance though.. so everyone keep your fingers crossed!!

So, if everything is healthy and well.. it appears I won't be losing weight for a good long while.. but I'm not going to disappear tho.. I'll just sit here and be jealous that everyone else is losing.. but wait, thats what I've been doing all along anyway :lol:

Hope everyone is doing well.. :)

Christine

:) Hello!

Been super busy the past couple of days - but have been exercising and eating right in-between. Hooray!

t-girl - CONGRATS on losing 3.5!!! You are super-dedicated!! Your clothes must be so loose - you must be dropping sizes like crazy. Keep going!:D

Melisa - I would have been so steamed at someone insinuating that drugs were the reason why I was losing weight, not due to hard work and discipline...You are certainly the better person to be able to put a positive spin on it and "thank" him!:dizzy:

Jacklyn - I am sure that you and your husband are looking so fit, with all that walking. Yeah for you!

aphil - gosh, I don't know how I would have responded to my MIL making a lame statement like that...I guess we all have to grin and bear it sometimes, huh?

Dawna - hooray for you to lose two pounds before vacation! I hope you get your ribbon!

hereicome - I'm sure that the 4 pounds is largely due to retained fluid - we eat differently during vacation, and that probably put you out of whack. Just go back to being on program, and it should disappear soon.

Christine - CONGRATULATIONS! We all wish you a healthy, easy pregnancy and healthy, beautiful new baby!

Pamela - hi! Glad to know you're doing well, and that your appetite is back :dizzy:

Hello to the vacationing Nancy!!I think she's due to get her U.S. haircut soon . ;)

I'm glad to report that I've gone down another pound - thought so last week, but waited and checked to make sure it "stuck".

Holly
176/163/160 1st mini goal - which finally seems in reach now! I can now think about entering the mythical land of 150's - woo-hoo!:)

Christine :) Congratulations and good luck!!!!
How exciting for you and hubby. Just a word of advice about the insurance. Make sure you are covered before you have the baby. My dopey Dr. didn't submit any bills to my insurance until after we had our daughter. Come to find out, we weren't covered any longer. I had to pay the whole thing myself. If I had known ahead of time, I could have made other arrangements. Oh well. She was and still is worth every penny.

Holly, WTG on the pound lost. You will be in the 150's before we know it.

Hereicome, Don't sweat the extra pounds. I gained 11 lbs on my 7 day vacation to Disney. We walked so much and I didn't think I ate that much, but sure enough I gained. Good news though. I lost it all in a week. I'm sure the same will happen to you. Just get back on track and don't get discouraged. You deserved that vacation. Don't beat yourself up.

Dawna, How did you do on your weigh in? I hope it was what you were hoping for.

Pamela, I'm so glad to hear that everything is going well with you. Make your you keep posting every once in awhile. We miss you.

Aphil, I'm glad that your back posting again. Your comments always made me feel good.

To everyone who is MIA, hope you are doing well and keeping on track. As for me, I haven't lost a lb, but somehow have gone from a 16 to a 14 in like 2 weeks. (?) I'm not complaining just confused. I just bought these 16's and they are already baggy. I'm wearing my daughter's 14's. She's not to thrilled with that, but she'll just have to deal with it. I can't afford to buy new clothes every few weeks, but I love the idea of it. ;)

Melisa

Congratulations Christine!! Just wanted to say that first for sure,!! Well I had an op day, did all my workouts( walking and weights) I am doing pretty good, How did everyone do today??Gonna bake some low fat bread, and have a good one tomorrow too, my hubby ate up all the bread, and i was trying to stretch it out, nothing new,. well take care everyone, TTYL

Congratulations Christine! You must be so excited!

Everyone seems to be doing really well! I've been doing okay. My eating is slowly but surely getting better. Hopefully my weigh in will reflect that. This is short and sweet but I have to get back to work. Things are very busy here but I will check in later!

Have a great day!:)

Congratulations Christine! You must be soooo excited! Refresh our memories--is this your first? I hope you will blessed with a healthy pregnancy! It's such a miracle, isn't it???

I have some new groceries for you to look for: Cafe Twists. My local grocery store sells them and I've seen them in specialty stores. They are like sweet pastry twists and they're only 40 calories! Look for them and I think you'll like them!

I haven't gotten on the scale for two weeks. I had really bad pms and that usually correlates to a lot of water retention. My TOM will be gone by the weekend so I think I'll see what the number is then. I don't think I've gained anything other than water.

It sounds like you're all doing well. Jacklyn--I love your "miles walked" in your signature! You are my hero!

Have a great day!!

Hello all...

Thank you all for the congrats... this will be my 2nd child. My daughter will be 4 in January, the same month this child is due. My husband (who was not my husband yet when our daughter was born) did not want any kids. Then he decided one was enough.. but surprise! :lol: He's kewl with it though (except for the insurance thing).. keep on keeping your fingers crossed as we havent found out for sure yet if I can get his work insurance. I am fearful about it because when he signed up originally we were told he could not add me for a year.. well, its only been about 6 months! But, the woman in charge said he could add me any time.. i just fear she is confused... i should tell him to clarify the whole deal to her and if she's still agreeable, sign me up quick before she changes her mind!! Heh

Anyways, I've been eating like crazy because I have morning sickness and the only way I can deal with it is to eat every hour or two.. yikes! I feel like I"m gonna gain 100 pounds. I dont want to undo everything I've worked so hard for!! In my last pregnancy I only gained 24 pounds total.. I'm hoping I can keep it under control again!! (I started at 175 pounds last time.. this time I'm considering my start weight to be 153)...

The hubby will be home for lunch any minute, so I'm off.. to eat, yet again! :lol:

Hope everyone is doing well...

Christine

I'm back after my brief posting earlier today:) I am starting to write a food journal to help keep me on track. Hopefully it will give me some insight. I am really trying to make what I eat full of vitamins and make healthier choices. Been eating alot more fruits and veggies and drinking LOTS of water.

Went to the lake on Monday and felt pretty good. I haven't shown a loss in a while but I am definitely more comfortable in my body. I am also slowly beginning to accept ME rather than the idealistic 120 pounder I would like to be. Its funny how a little bit of excercise can make you feel good about yourself :D

I am really going to focus on eating a well balanced diet the rest of this week and remain within my calorie range. Then...the results will be in Saturday! I would love to break back into the 40's again! It's been a long time!! Hope everyone's doing well! Pamela its good to hear from you! Glad to hear you are doing better!:)

:) Hey everyone -

Sounds like we're all doing great! Melisa, how cool that your pants are bagging out after only two weeks!!! What a great feeling!

Jacklyn, keeping a food journal will probably be really helpful. You've got the walking down to an ingrained habit; focusing on good food choices will make you so in-shape.

I'm one to preach - my weakness is drifting towards a bowl of cereal or anything I can scavenge...but I'm trying!

Have a great night to all others!!!

Holly
176/163/160 1st mini-goal

HI friends,,,,

Well a quick post to say hello to everyone and hope all is well.

We had a safe trip to Illinois,,,2800 miles from our front door to my sisters in Illinois. (my butt is so flat from sitting) it has been great so far,,cant wait to tell you all about it.

We will be heading on to Texas in about 2 weeks, then Colorado and then home to Canada. We should be home about mid-July.. Ill be able to write more and read the posts when I am at my sons house.

I hope everyone is doing just great and and feeling good.

Got my hair cut yesterday.....feels so good to have a nice haircut again... I think I may have even lost some weight from that.... :lol:

Take care you guys,,,,,keep smiling :) I miss you all...

Nancy:wave:
ps: We have been eating out way to much.........UGH!!!!!!

Hi,
Thanks everyone for the warm welcomes...now that I read through, I do remember a few of you...glad you are all still here and that you appreciate the work I am doing...
Congrats on the baby! Is your morning sickness really bad? My mom is a nurse, and she said most women who have it REALLY bad usually have girls...because the added female hormones on top of the excess you have being pregnant anyway...that is why some people get queasy when they start birth control or hormone replacement thereapy also...it held true for me...I was sicker thana dog with my daughter, and I took like 6 tests for my son, because I felt great, and could not fathom I could be pregnant! :o
One trick I did learn-is to cut up a lemon adn keep it in a ziploc bag-take it with you! Open it up and smell it if you get queasy in public-it overpowers any food or smell that is making you sick!
I am getting back into better habits slowly...with all of the stress of the past few months, I was pretty much an eating ogre...
I am trying to balance my new duties at TFN with a healthier life...I am a stress eater by nature...
I am still busy with costuming...not just with SW but others as well-Dragonslayer, Harry Potter, Ever After, etc...
I have done reasonably well the past few days-here are some of my diet faves for the sugar addict....I have no problem avoiding fried foods-it is the sugar I have the problem with...
Popsicle brand sugar free fudgesicles...only 40 calories, and do not taste sugar free at all!
Diet root beer
WW frozen fiesta chicken
Wonder Light bread-wheat-only 40 calories a slice, and lots of fiber!
frozen bananas-peel some, put in ziploc bags whole-YUMMY!! 100 calories, and a fruit serving-a great sub for ice cream
tropical fruit salad-pineapple chunks in juice with a sliced banana mixed in...
Well, better go! Have a good day everyone!
Aphil

Hey everybody!

I did my food journal yesterday and stuck to my plan. YEAH!!:) The only problem is that I didn't eat enough calories. I ended up eating below 1100 for the day. I had saved up so I could have a snack in the evening. I was going to eat an apple with some peanut butter on it but I sat down on the couch and next thing you know...ZZZZZZZZZZ

I know that I need to eat at least 1200 per day. I definitely don't want to slow my metabolism or set myself up for a major binge:^: Good thing is this journal is helping me keep track of the things I eat. For example I know that I need to get more calcium so I have been attempting to make little changes. It'll pay off eventually, right??

Hope everyone is doing well. Check in later!

Good morning everyone!:)

I am happy to report that I will begin day 3 of my journal and healthy eating. It has really helped! I haven't gone over my calorie range and I am definitely making healthier choices. I have made an effort to snack on fruits rather than "empty calories" and I have been able to pull it off. It really helps to see in writing what I am eating and where I can improve.

FYI, I dont know if any of you read the Shape magazine, but I have a subscription to it and July's issue is pretty good. It has an article about "how to lose fat and gain muscle in your 20s, 30s or 40s". It breaks it down through the fifties about what exercises are best and what your goals should be. For example, in your fifties, the major stress is on bone and muscle loss and shows you some moves and tips to prevent it. Pretty interesting stuff and steers you away from just weight loss by looking at the overall picture of your health.

This summer I'm thinking of backing my walking up to 3 miles a day and adding some other excercises. My friend does the Firm tapes and swears by them. Have any of you heard of any other tapes that would be good?

Better get back to work! Everyone have a great day! Nancy, it was good to hear from you! Have a safe and happy trip! :)

Hello all :)

Jacklyn, sounds like you're doing great! You'll be in the 140's in no time! (and ill be jealous :lol: )

Aphil, thanks for the congrats.. my morning sickness is bad in MY opinion but from what I've heard, its actually more on the tolerable level :D I feel nauseous daily, worst in the morning but I don't actually get sick. When I was pregnant with my daughter (who is almost 3 1/2 now so i dont remember so well anymore) I only got sick like 3 times so I consider myself lucky in a way. I heard about lemon helping.. lemons, lemon candy, lemonade. Also heard ginger helps.. ginger snaps and ginger ale.. I'll have to stock up on it all at the grocery store and see what helps! Last time it ended after the first trimester so I hope this one follows that pattern. I've heard of poor souls who have m/s for the ENTIRE pregnancy.. I'd die! :lol: Unfortunately, in order to keep myself feeling okay, I've been having to eat every 2 hours or so. Last pregnancy I only gained 24 lbs... at this rate, this time it'll be twice that.. yikes!

Hope everyone else is doing well...

Christine

:) Good evening all!

Jacklyn, how great that your food journaling is so helpful. I guess it really does help to see it all in black and white, instead of what we might hazily remember having.

Hey, Nancy, great to hear from you!! Gosh, I guess I didn't realize your trip was going to be so long. We miss you!

I had two boys, so I guess I had it "easy" with the m/s. Except when I would go into work (restaurant) at 6:00 am, and have to smell the veal stock which was simmering all night - HORRIBLE!

I'm a little apprehensive that I haven't been walking like I was about a month ago - it's dwindled to 3 or 4 X a week instead of every day. I have been doing my exercise tapes daily, however.

Jacklyn, a great website for exercise tapes is www.collage.com - you can preview and read reviews of the tapes to get an idea of them - they also have a super catalogue you can request. One of my faves is the Gilad Step and Tone, but it's long - an hour. I save that for my days off - my regular routine is only 30 minutes. That's the one I do at 5:40 a.m.

Aphil, I remember when I first came to this site - I didn't even know how many calories to go for. You so helpfully broke it down into meal and snack allotments. Now it's so automatic to do.

Well, I should go for a nice long walk now - I know I won't have time tomorrow, as I'm working a double (stashing some cash for my leather jacket - the motorcycle riding progresses s-l-o-w-l-y, like my pounds off!:lol: )

Take care and have a great evening!

Holly
176/163/160 1st mini-goal

Well ladies I gained .4 of a pound ! I want my 5 pound ribbon. But i know I am gonna have to work for it. I need to stay focused so far so good , we are going to Frontier City tommrow (which is like Six Flags) so send me some willpower!
good luck to all and stay :strong:

Hello everyone!:)

Thanks for the info Holly, I'll definitely check that website out!

Hope everyone is doing okay. I was doing fine until last night. Stayed within my calorie range all day, then went out to eat last night and had a couple of beers (still within my calorie range) then WHAM....next thing you know I'm stuffing a chocolate covered, cream filled doughnut in my face!.....among other things. I dont drink very much but I am thinking about cutting it out entirely not only because of the empty calories but it seems that if I drink just one or two drinks, I lose my will power easily.

We are going to a party tonight and I am not going to drink anything alcoholic because if I do...next thing you know I will have pulled a chair up to the layout of food and graze all night:^:

Gotta get started on my day...check in later!

Jacklyn, I hear you about the beer. I used to drink and then come home and eat an entire meal after already having my dinner hours earlier. I'd honestly say that I lost 75% of my weight just by cutting out alcohol almost completely.

Dawna, that's not a bad weight gain from being on vacation. Good for you. I bet it will come off very easily for you.

Holly, I hope you get that leather jacket that you want. You've worked hard and you deserve it.

Christine, If you feel better eating every 2 hours then go for it. You are wiser this time around and I'm sure you'll make the right choices in your food intake. Let us know how you make out with the insurance issue.

Nancy, I didn't realize that you'd be gone so long either. I hope you have a great time and keep in touch.

To everyone else, hang tough and keep up the good work.


As for me, I'm absolutely in awe. I can't believe I'm this far down in weight. A yr ago I never would have believed I could achieve so much. If I can do it, anyone can. Once I get back into exercising again, I should be doing even better.

:wave: Hi ladies -

I had to post a "victory over ice cream" - my husband and younger son were "dying" for some dessert - they went out and bought a half-gallon of ice cream. As nicely as I could, I declined and went for a walk instead. I know the ice cream is still there in the freezer, but I'll repeat my mantra - "just because it's there, doesn't mean I have to eat it!"

Speaking of ice cream, my husband worked for Ben & Jerry's for 10 years - and believe it or not, employees get to take home 3 free pints of ice cream a day! Unfortunately, we did take advantage of that for a long time...we have a big upright freezer and for a time it was STUFFED with B & J's, all varieties...that's as bad a situation for a sweet-lover like me as having free liquor to an alcoholic. No wonder I gained weight hand-over-fist (or spoon-to-mouth). We finally had to just agree for him not to bring it home - if we wanted ice cream, we would buy cheap store brand. Besides the weight, the thought of the cholesterol was too scary.

As I have tomorrow off, it's the day I do my long exercise tape - one hour. But I feel so virtuous after doing it!:D

Hello to

Christine (how are you feeling today?), Melisa (you have lost 61 pounds - you are amazing, inspired, dedicated, the adjectives go on!) jacklyn (good luck at the party!)Dawna (keep plugging away, results will show soon!)t-girl (how are things with you?)tryin'hard (you must be busy with end-of-school-year stuff)Kanola (I hope your dad is doing well)Pamela (hope you're feeling great with baby #2) the travelin' Nancy (think of your hard work you've already done, and keep going!)aphil (thanks for the low-calorie ideas) and Sprite are you still with us?;)

Whew! Have a great evening and a super Sunday!

Holly
176/163/160 1st mini-goal, hopefully soon

Hi Everybody!

Glad everyone seems to be doing so well. I am way behind reading these posts and hope someday I will have the time to do it. Holly thank you for remembering me in your posts even after all this time, it helps. I lost 3 pounds the first week of school and have kept that off but have not lost any since. I am so tired after school that I do not have the energy to exercise.

Take care everyone and will write more when I have time.

:) Hi everyone

Good to hear from you, Sprite! You must be so busy. Don't get too worn out!

Hope everyone is having as gorgeous a day as it is here. Breezy, warm, big puffy clouds against blue sky - winter is now just an unpleasant memory.

I did my l-o-n-g Gilad tape this morning; felt good. I can tell a difference in how I execute the moves, from four months ago - I can do them with MUCH better form and control, and that's a good feeling.

Have a great day/evening!

Holly
176/163/160 1st mini-goal

Holly, MMMMMM Ben & Jerry's chunky monkey!!!! That's my favorite. I used to eat it all the time. I used to reward myself with it for every 10 lbs lost. That was the last time I lost weight. Not this time. This time I reward myself with non-food items. It's working out much better. I did have some chunky monkey about 2 months ago and you know what..........it wasn't as good as the feeling I get when I see the weight that I lost. Plus it took me a week to eat it instead of a day. Too bad I didn't learn to do that sooner. 3 free pints a day!!?!! That would have been dangerous for the old me. I'd have to try all the different kinds........and then start all over again. I bet I could have ate a pint a day :moo: seven days a week. Good for you for passing up ice cream and going for a walk. All that nice stuff you said about me.........Right back at ya!!!

Sprite, It is good to hear from you again. I hope you will be posting and sharing as soon as school is out.

I hope everyone else had a great weekend.
Keep up the good work.
Melisa

:ink: Ice cream memories - I would eat a pint of it at a time. Just sit down with a spoon, the full container, and the TV - it would be gone in 10 or 15 minutes. :ink: :ink: :ink:

I'm glad those days are over!!!!

Have a good night!

Holly:)

Hello everyone!

I am really beginning to loathe the scale. Ready to toss the thing out the window. :mad:

I have been pouring over my past Shape magazines and decided that I need to shake things up. I am going to try to focus on adding more fruits and vegies...I know I've said that before but they recommend something like 7 to 9 servings a day. I know that seems like alot but I figure if I eat all of that I won't have room for all the other junk I have been comsuming.

I am also going on some previous advise from (I think) tryin' hard and actually increase my calories by about 200. After some heavy thinking this weekend I came to the realization that I am just not losing on the calorie intake that I am at right now. I KNOW its mainly because I DO NOT stick to it on a regular basis. I'll do fine for a couple of days or even a week and then binge...major binge. I also realized that this is not a plan that I can or want to maintain in order to keep a loss. So I am going to go ahead and increase my calories. I know it will be a slower loss but maybe this will be a loss that I will be able to keep off..rather than gain back in a couple of days. I read that a good plan will allow one pound or even half a pound a week loss. Anything more than that is water and can easily be gained back. So I am just shooting for 2-4 pounds a month. I know that is slow but considering I haven't lost a pound in about a month...that'll be progress.

I am also going to get serious about lifting weights and stretching. Maybe that'll kick start something.

WHEW....enough venting. Hope everyone else had a wonderful weekend.. Back to the usual grind for me!

Jacklyn, I'm glad you aren't giving up. I think we all need to find out what works for us. Shaking things up a bit might be just what you need. Look at the bright side. You went through a month without gaining. At least you know what to do to not gain weight. That's a good thing right? Now is a great time to introduce more fruits and veggies into your diet. There are so many varieties out now. Hang in there and keep up the good work.
Melisa

Hello! I have been lurking 3FC for about a year but have been on this group since about a month before Aphil left. This is my first post. I am 55 years old, married to a wonderful guy for 30 years, have 2 boys and 8, almost 9, grandchildren. I am an RN in a LTC facility because that is the job available, and I like it and the group I work with, but my first love is pediatric homecare. I am 5'7" and presently 160 lbs, down from 174lbs. I hate counting calories but just try to concentrate on fruit, veggies and whole grains and limit fats and sugar. I do grab the occasional cookie at work. My job is an evening shift and I am on my feet and on the run for about 7.5 hours of my shift so that helps me. I eat most of my calories at breakfast and lunch, then try to take fruit for dinner, or fruit and cottage cheese if I need more protein. If faced with a less good choice of foods, like in a restaurant, I just try to eat a small portion. Because my cardio exercise is mostly lower body (walking, eliptical trainer) I have lifted weights 3 times a week since January for upper body strength and it is really paying off. I can feel the muscles in my arms and shoulders and my body is a bit more forgiving if I overeat on occasion. I want to join in because I am losing only about a pound a month now and don't want to give up as I only have 10-15 lbs to go. I know, this is pretty long. What can I say? kewi

Kewi,
Welcome to the boards. I'm glad you decided to come out of lurking mode. It's sounds like you live a pretty healthy lifestyle. A pound a month loss isn't so bad. I know it seems slow going, but a yr from now, you'll be right where you want to be and you'll have new habits to keep you there. You probably didn't want to hear that. We all want the quick fix, myself included. It took me over a yr to lose 60 lbs, but because it took so long and I've learned so much about my body, I doubt I'll gain it back.
Melisa

Hi everyone, been trying to get back to 3FC, but haven't been posting for a few days now. Jacklyn, I have read a book called Picture Perfect Weight Loss, by Dr. Shapiro.Some tv people on the View talked about it last month. Its all about the right choices to make rather than a "diet". Its working for me 1 month now, lost 6 pounds. Lots of pitures in the book about calorie content of your choices compared to other choices you might have made. I've also been leaning toward some of the new soy products that are available at the supermarkets. Its a new way of eating for me and its exciting trying new foods. Also been on the treadmill 4-5 times a week. I have 80 pounds to loose and I will. So, 160, hereicome :cool:

Thanks for the info on the book. I'm going to the library on Wed. I love reading books like that. You'd think I'd be an expert on weight loss as I've been doing this for over 20 yrs now, but every time I read a book or come to read this message board, I learn something new. :)
Thanks again,
Melisa

Thanks hereicome! That definitely sounds like something I would be interested. I am really trying to get away from just the weight loss (since I am virtually not experiencing one!!) and am trying to look at this as making myself a healthier more fit person. Congrats on your loss!! That is huge!!I would love nothing more than to be 6 pounds lighter by the end of the month. But like I said earlier, I am going to focus on a pound a week and see how that goes.

Welcome Kewi! Hope everyone else is doing great!! :)

Thanks for the welcome. I was off work on Sunday and Monday and I always seem to eat a bit differently on those days, if my hub is off also. But, that's OK because I eat smaller portions of the things that are borderline. I didn't exercise yesterday except for my weights routine but did work in my garden for 2 hours so I hope that is a fair substitute. Question-How do I do the "highest weight/current weight/goal" thing at the bottom of my posts? kewi

Welcome Kewi! Just click "profile" at the top and you follow the directions for editing your profile. You put that information in the "signature" box! Glad to have you aboard!
I'm doing pretty well with my maintenance. I decided to truly watch the scale during my period, knowing that I was not going to freak out over the number. I gained SEVEN pounds! Of course, it's all gone now, but man! that's a lot of water! My newest goal is to work on drinking more water (again!) and I'm going to see if that makes a difference!
Hope you're all doing well! Make it a great day!

Thank yooou, tryin'hard!!

Hey everyone!

I actually had a pretty good day yesterday. I have increased my calories by about 200. I have been adding fruit to both breakfast and lunch and an afternoon snack of yet another fruit or vegie. It really does help my level of hunger from getting out of control. Felt pretty good about my walk as well. Hopefully eating a little extra during the day will help me to keep from that occasional binge that seems to hold me back. I am also eating enough to where it is liveable. I'm not thinking in the back of my mind....okay, if I can just do this for 6 months..then I can start eating again!! I know...bad me:devil:

But anyway, I do feel that this is something that I can stick with, and that's what we are looking for right? A positive lifestyle change that we can stick to. Like I said, eating a little more will slow down the process, but I was not able to stick to the lower calorie diet. So hopefully this will work!

Hope everyone has a great day!

This sounds like a very sensible approach to me. Now, just give it some time and let your body adjust. Of course, who am I to give advice? I ate great yesterday and exercised but succumbed to 6 Hershey's kisses. Not horrible but not necessary. I hope you are having a great time, Nancy, if you are checking in. I always enjoy your sense of humor!

Kewi, You can give advice too! We are all armchair quarterbacks here lol. Don't beat yourself up about the Hershey kisses. You shouldn't deprive yourself. 6 kisses is way better than 7 or the whole bag :) If we don't eat what we want, eventually we binge and do eat the whole bag. Keep up the great work.
I hope everyone is doing well. I miss our funny girl too. Hi Nancy!!!

Melisa

:jig: :jig: I did it I got my 5 pound ribbon tonight ! I have worked so hard. I almost cried lol ! Now onto the 10 pound star :)

Hurrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrraaaaaaaayyyyyyyyyyyyyyy yyyyyyyyy Dawna!!!!

Hello everybody!

Way to go Dawna on the loss!!:)

I'm staying on track so far. Still walking and eating healthy! Hopefully I will see results soon!

thank you :) and you will see results

I am new 3FC's but I have been working hard to loose the extra baggage that i have been carrying around. The trick to it is to stick to it. I was weighing 225 last September and now I am weighing 208 with the help of Slim Fast and with determination. I don't have a weight goal however I would like to get past 200 and then work from there.

Good Luck!:wave:

:wave: Hi everyone!

Busy week for me; some days I didn't even turn on the computer!

Been doing well - think I'm down at least another pound. The digital scale had the hiccups from 159 (!) to 162; I'll take the 162!

One of my benefits of my labors is that I can now wear T-shirts without being self-conscious about my upper arms. I no longer have the amount of fat hanging down above my elbow that I so hated! :)

I haven't bought any new jeans lately because I so love the baggy feel of the size 12's.

Welcome, kewi! You sure do sound like you have a great program going. I know a pound a month doesn't sound like much, but it's still losing, isn't it. And you're doing it in a way that you can live with, right?

Welcome also Kina! Hope you enjoy it here.

Congrats to Dawna!! Your hard work has shown! I'm sure your success will help you towards the next goal!

Hello also to Jacklyn, tryin'hard, Melisa, Christine, aphil, t-girl, Sprite, Pamela, Kanola, and the vacationing Nancy!

I was looking in our separate freezer for some chicken to defrost, and saw that we have eight loaves of bread in the freezer - it's been so long since I've been eating bread like I used to, it's just accumulating! In the past I didn't think that I could drink my morning coffee without at least one piece of buttered toast, and usually two - now my nonfat yogurt/Kashi/fruit is just my accepted breakfast routine.

Have a great evening!

Holly
176/162 160 ist mini-goal

I've been being midful of what I eat the past month. There certainly is a good feeling to know I've been eating healthier. I have been really enjoying the soy/tofu products that I find at the store. The "Vegi Slice" cheeses are really enjoyable. My hubby is even liking them. I've used the soy crumbles is soups and spaggetti sauce and don't mind it a bit! Fruits and veggies have been the main source with some protein. I did really think I would just have the weight drop off, but it still is slow. Haven't done the treadmill the past 2 days and that can easily become a habit. Wish I could just not watch the scale so closely.

Wow, Vermont, I remember when you were first starting this journey. Look at how many pounds are gone!! Don't you feel good about sticking with it? You should. You mentioned something that really helps me and that is having the same breakfast each day. Not exactly the same, but I always have a serving of either Kashi "Good Friends" cereal or shredded wheat with NF milk and a piece of fruit sliced on top. I don't have to think about, at least I have eaten healthy for 1/3 of my meals and it holds me until lunch. It is a strategy that works for me anyway. Congratulations to all of us!!

Hi everyone!

hereicome, I goofed and didn't have your name in my last greeting!:o I'm sorry!

You are to be commended for being adventurous and trying the soy products. Are you doing it for vegetarian/animal kindness reasons or for reduced-fat reasons? Either one is commendable. It's especially cool if your husband/family is open to it also. Makes it easier for you not to prepare two versions of a meal, and healthier for everyone.

Thank you kewi!!! I do so remember my beginning here, feeling so "end of hope" and "I just can't do this". These new (good) habits I now have have taken months but I am so glad I started then. I just hope I have the inner fortitude to keep it up as a way of life.

You are right-on about the same breakfast, in that it is much easier for me to just accept that my breakfast is the same each day, and that's one less thing to decide/debate.

I have a new small triumph in the motorcycle riding; actually got up enough speed to do the "lean to turn" aspect and did it! It was so cool. Then I saw a car approaching; I slowed nicely to a stop, and tried to put on my turn signal; instead I accidentally hit the horn and beeped at the poor lady. There I go reinforcing the "bad biker" image! :D

Again, I have to blab about feeling so good about being able to put on a T-shirt without feeling self-conscious; and just being able to pick up a pair of jeans and wear them without thinking "oh g-d, I look so terrible, these are so tight, I just don't want to go out"....If anyone is lurking here and possible putting off 'til tomorrow making good changes in your life, please just start right now. Get the support and friendship you need here, and start on your way to feeling so much better about yourself and life...

Holly the Preacher is done! ;)

Have a great night everyone!

Holly
176/162/160 1st mini-goal; and thinking about sizing black leathers for cycle riding!

Thanks for the personilized greeting "VermontMom". I've been trying the soy products just for a alternative to animal fats. Believe me, I still have my share. I am trying to make little steps to healthy eating so that I may make this a way for the rest of my life. I am just shocked at the good tasting cheese products especially!! Mixing the "crumbles" into soups or macaroni is a good step forward. Doesn't seem to change the taste. This week, I am having some regular food mixing with the "diet" stuff. I think I don't want to burn myself out on going without. I really want to stick to a plan even if it means only a few pounds a month. I want to pick the healthy choices without feeling dprived. Hope it works.

Reading my owm post of last night put some encouragement in my day-like a journal. Just don't see the scale moving and I find it troublsome to me. No reward visually, but trying to remember the "healthy word".Lost those initial 6 pounds and thats it. Guess I will have to cut down on the fruit portions and measure. I just wanted to do it on the "honor" system :lol: Didn't want to be hungry. I know there has been lots of food I have pasted on this month. Oh well:^:

I saw an idea on another thread, "Is anyone doing their own plan?" that made sense to me if one is counting calories so I am passing it on. The author said she counted her day's calories starting at 4pm so a day is 4pm-4pm. That way she has the largest part of her calories, her dinner, included in her total FIRST instead of the bulk of her calories to fit in/pare down at the end of the day when willpower is lower, for her. I thought this might help some of you counters. What does it matter when you start your 24 hours for counting calories??? Kewi

Food for thought:dizzy: :lol: :lol: :lol:

I have never understood calorie counting. I have been working on moderating what I eat as opposed to what I used to eat. Trying to get more veggies and fruits into mydiet. Also that exercise daily is a great key. With that I have lost weight and just weighed in this morning and I am down to 206.5. I am really excited about that I am so close to my goal.

Determination will get you everywhere.

Bye, Kinarina;)

:wave: Good Evening everyone!

hereicome, we understand the frustration of being "stuck" at a certain weight. It's so predictable for me to say, but just keep at it; and the loss will occur.

Interesting concept about counting calories from the different "starting point", kewi - makes sense. As long as one is keeping track of a 24-hour period, what does it matter what time one starts? Sounds good! Yes, the evening is a hard time for lots of folks, including me.

Congrats to Kina for being closer to her goal! So glad to hear of another exercise believer.

I have a non-diet related victory - I took my first solo motorcycle ride on a public road! It was a big step for me just to get it out of our steep gravel driveway; then onto the road. I was exhilarated! (and careful!)

Actually I guess it IS diet-related 'cause I told myself I wouldn't even entertain the thought of learning to ride unless I shaped up for the strength I thought I would need to ride.

Have a great evening! I hope everyone who hasn't posted lately is just being busy and involved and doing great!

Holly
176/162/160 1st mini-goal

Way to go Vermontmom. I would never be brave enough to get on a cyle even if it were just for the ride.

I hope everyone is doing well.

:) Kinarina

:) Thanks, Kina!

I did feel like a total 21st century woman today; made bread and desserts at work; came home and gassed up the cycle and went for a ride; came home and mowed some lawn; then cleaned up after supper (which husband made, lucky me) then made a tiny batch of cookies for son/husband. I like being both traditional and non-traditional woman!

Hope everyone's doing GREAT!

Holly
176/162/160 1st mini-goal

Hey Holly! Way to go on the cycle riding!:cool: You have guts! It's amazing what a confidence boost shedding some weight can do for you. I bet you never would have even thought you could ever ride a motorcycle when you were at your beginning weight. That is so great!

Kina you are doing so well, keep it up!:)

Hereicome I love those soy products as well. I make my son (5) Veggie dogs and he cannot tell the difference between it and a regular hot dog. I also make chili and spaghetti sauce with the TSP (textured soy protein) Not only is it low in fat and calories, it's cheap as well.

Hello to everyone else!

I was doing so well until just this past week and then BAM! I cannot stop eating. I guess it's the stress of my finals? I'm not sure but I can't wait until the end of this week so I can get back on track.

Take care everyone!

I know how hard it is to pass up food when those cravings are so strong to over eat. I just try to keep busy when that happens to me. I either go on the treadmill or decide this is a good time to go do errands in the car. Yesterday, all the fast food restaurants seemed to be calling my name. but I didn't go. Then, to the grocery store and I heard the deli calling my name. Publix makes the best sandwhiches:devil: I did manage to say no. Sure wish that scale would have shown my determination-not one budge of the weight :( Try to keep eating, healthy no matter what the weight does because I do want to live and being fat is not the route to a long ,healthy life and thats what I am here for :smug:

:wave: Hi everyone!

Thanks, Sprite - that's true; I really needed to shed the weight to feel confident in myself and my capabilities. I'm a MUCH happier, assertive person when I'm not in excess poundage.

I've really got to try the soy/textured veggie protein for replacing ground beef/turkey in some meals, esp. spaghetti sauce. Where in the grocery store do you find it?

Let's see if I can correctly say hi to all of us here, especially ones we haven't heard from in a bit -

Hi to Sprite, Pamela, Christine, the vacationing Nancy, Melisa, tryin'hard, jacklyn, kanola, aphil, t-girl, Dawna, hereicome, Kewi, and Kina! We had Darmah here a month or so ago - are you still with us?

Sprite, I hope your exams go great and the stress will lift; then you can be back to your good routines and on your way to that 125 goal! That is super-slender!

hereicome, good for you in not listening to the evil voices calling you to fast food! And then they tried to lure you at the deli! I know when one craves that salt/fat fix it is really hard to resist. Saying no makes you that much more in-control.

I went for another ride today (again, exhilarated/scared/same time!) and some kind of flying insect slammed into my neck and stung - it REALly hurt, but I told myself not to let the tears come to my eyes 'cause that would affect my vision! Is that crazy or what?! It stopped hurting after a couple of minutes, and is just a red welt now. I will be sure to button my jacket up to my chin next time!

Have a great night and a super day tomorrow! Keep pluggin' away and good things are gonna happen!

Holly
176/162/160 1st mini-goal

In my grocery store, I find the soy products in 2 places. One is where the tofu is, in my store it is where the vegtables are. The second place is where the boca burgers and veggie burgers are ,in the frozen food dept. I am just shocked at the good taste. I never even saw these products before until I looked for them.

The soy products, I guess, are the same as the veggie and tofu products? I might be wrong...either way they sound like they are yummy. I might give them a try. I wonder if they price them high since they are nutritional.

I stepped on the scale and it read 206. I guess those 2 extra laps in my routine plus the added 2lb weights really helped.

I don't know if I had mentioned it but I am in a weight challenge between me and some of my family members. Whomever loses the most weight by September 1 wins 750 BUCKS! I really would like to win but it seems my muscle that I am building is going to sabotage it all. Since June 8, I have come down from 210.5 to what I am today. I would like to get to 200 by the end of the month. Any pointers or tips that any of you might have up your sleeve. I know I can't have instantaneous results. But I need something to balance the muscle weight to the weight on the scale. I have been drinking my Slim Fast, although some of you may be against it, it has worked for me. I usually just substitute my breakfast for my shake because any milk spoils my stomach. I drink the shake that has soy.

I wish you a successful day.
Kinarina:)

Hello everybody!!

I have been so busy lately I have not posted in a while, but I'm still at it!!:) I have shortened my walks but have added some exercise tapes to my routine. Yesterday I did the Firm tape and I am hurting today, but its a good kind of hurt. I also spent about 3 hours working on our yard, planting flowers and spreading mulch. Spent alot of time on my knees, getting up and down to get things, so I am probably sore from that as well.

Kina~I dont know what to tell you about the muscle gain vs. weight loss. I have not budged on the scale in a while and it is so frustrating! But I know that it is working because my clothes fit looser and I can actually see muscle definition, especially in my legs from the walking.

I read somewhere that for each pound of muscle you gain, you burn an extra 35 calories a day! So that will add up eventually. And you'll be alot firmer! Good luck on the bet!

Hope everyone is doing great! I'll check in later!

Thanks Jacklyn. I will try to look at it that way. Actually I have noticed that my clothes are fitting a bit looser. Which makes me feel really good about myself.

Keep on going.
Kinarina

:wave:Hi everyone!

hereicome, thanks for telling me where to find soy products in the store. I really will check that out.

Kina - congrats on the pounds lost! I really don't know how to advise to accelerate your loss, because you are already exercising daily, I believe - and you even added laps and weights, which is what I would have suggested. I think your shake is fine for one meal; obviously it is working for you.

It sure would be fine to win the $ in September, but I would also keep in mind that even if muscle weighs more, it takes up less space than a pound of fat. So that's where the smaller size shows. And yes, firmer. So it would be a bummer if you "lost out" to someone who lost more poundage, but you would be the "winner" because you were smaller and fitter!

Jacklyn, good for you for doing the Firm tapes! I tried one or two, and I think they are quite challenging. You also did alot of yard work!

I think I am now at 160 - the silly scales still blip back and forth but they haven't blipped over 160, so I believe that is what it is! I really don't know what to put as a next goal - I mean, I remember being less than 140 when I got married 22 years ago, but don't know what I should be now. I think I'll be like Kina and say "And then we'll see...":D

Have a great night, keep exercising, eating right, drinking water, having fun!

Holly
176 2/02/02
160 6/22/02
going for lower - ?

Hi, everyone. Thanks for the words of wisdom. I have kept at my routine. I have come up to another challenge and hopefully will over come that hurdle soon. The problem is in the powder room:o . I have not been so regular and since I have gained a pound. I have increased my water, and added more fiber to my diet. I just hope it passes soon.

I have to say I am very proud of myself. I mark my calendar daily a check mark if I do my exercise and an X if I don't. I have a check mark on every day of last week. I was so happy. I hope to do the same this week. I really think that this exercising thing has become a part of my everyday life.

TTYL. Bye.
Kinarina

Hello everyone! Hope everyone is staying on track!

Me...unfortunately its the same thing. I still exercise on a daily basis, but I cannot get my eating under control!! I dont really binge or anything like that but I overeat to the point that I know that I will not ever lose weight if I keep this up. Help!!

I dont know, tomorrow is a new day right? Hey some good news, I added some interval running/jogging to my daily walk and feel pretty good about it. Maybe that'll rev up the metabolism! Everyone have a great day!

Haaaaalllllloooooooooooooooooo everyone. You are definitely correct Jacklyn. Interval training is a sure way to get theat metabolism pumped! I do interval training with Denise Austin and feel fired up afterwards. I also do the interval training with my walking/jogging as well. It is really good for the heart also.

Bad eating habits...hmmm:?: I know exactly how you feel. I used to have those bad eating habits and would you believe we went to the movies the other day and I said no to popcorn, pickles, candies, well I did sip on sprite but I was thirsty. I think next time I will take water in my purse. But you know I think it is within ourselves to make better choices. I used to eat an amount like you I knew would never amount to any weight loss. But then I made a deal with myself. I won't give up any foods as long as I don't over eat at any of my sittings. I still occasionally eat pizza, hamburgers, fries, and all the other NO NO's. I just don't eat as much. I still fulfill the craving and my tastebuds but I know if I want to lose weight I am going to have to give in somewhere other than exercise. Otherwise I would have to exercise around the clock to knock off all these added calories I am eating. Talk to yourself let yourself know what you want and find out together how you are going to achieve the things you want. Call a truce like I did and everybody will be happy. I know I like myself a whole lot more now that I am not playing tug-o-war with myself.

I know I sound like a mad woman but it has helped me alot. It cant' hurt to try it. Lots of Luck to you.
Kinarina;)

:wave: Hello everyone!

Kina, thanks for posting your photo! You look too young to have 4 kids! Very nice photo.

Our vacationing Nancy posted her photo a couple of months ago; and I posted one of me on the 'cycle; but they're the only others of our group. Oh yes - and aphil's wonderful costume photos.

Congrats to you for the daily exercise, You're right, if it is a habit now that is fantastic. Just like brushing your teeth - something we have to do.
I really like your phrase of "calling a truce" about settling cravings for no-no's . How true. I have a single Drake's coffeecake (single serving size) that I have been eating on for two days now. And I have a smidgen left for tomorrow to go with my morning coffee. Just having the taste if fine for me now, instead of engulfing one and wanting 3 more.

Jacklyn, it's probably so hard for you to not see the scale drop even with all the exercising you do. Do you need stern reminders from someone, like your husband - or would that make you say "hey! I'll have it if I want it!" (that's what I would say, I think :o ). Or is it the thought of restricting yourself that makes you want more? Can you try having a filling green salad before your lunch or dinner; would that help? It does for me. I've also become the green bean queen - they're low in calories, have vitamins, and are bulky and fibrous. Oh yeah, baby!

I bought a package of "Smart Dogs" (soy) and a pound of textured veggie protein in a tube at the store - my husband was so suspicious. I had to reassure him that I would let him and our son know if I sneaked any of it into our meals. Ha!:devil:

I realized that it was time for me to measure, and even though it's difficult to measure yourself accurately each time, here's what I've lost since Feb 4 and finding all you great people:

From 176 to 160 - 16 pounds
Bust -2 1/2 "
Waist -2 1/2 "
Hips -1 1/2"
Thighs -1" each
Upper arms -1" each
Calf same-oh well

And strength gained! I had a close call with almost dropping the motorcycle today, but held it with help of stronger arms and thighs. Yah!

Have a great night and a terrific day tomorrow!

Holly 176/160/160 1st mini-goal
next goal - ? maybe 155?

Oooh, do be careful with the motor cycle Holly. My dad is a big man and he had a motor cycle over power him and it fell on his leg and punctured his calf. I was a little girl when it happened so I couldn't do much for helping. All I remember was sitting next to him and asking if he was okay. Ever since I have the highest respect for motor cycles and never have gotten on one. Just be careful.

You know you asked great questions about the eating habits. I hope that these pointers will help you Jacklyn. But I think Vermontmom has this weight loss in control a whole better than I do. I was up 2 pounds this morning and have been dwelling on it all day. But it is a good dwelling because I watched what I ate and have been doing my exercises. As a matter of fact I have a date with Denise Austin to get 3 workouts 1st session a bun overhaul, 2nd get those arms pumping, and 3rd session hips, thighs, and buttocks all rolled into one workout. I don't know whatelse to do to get that scale going in the right direction. But I have to say something positive before I go...even though it seems like a lot of exercising none of it feels like a chore not anymore.

TTYL! Kinarina

Hello everyone! Thanks for all of your advise on the eating issue. I really think that I just need a firm kick in the butt! The good news is that my husband has decided to go back on his diet so maybe that'll help. My biggest problem is that I'll be doing fine then we decide to go out to eat and WHAMMO! I eat what ever I want. Although the hubbie going on a diet will surely help, I really need to learn to deal with this! What am I supposed to do...never go out to eat again?? Yeah, right.:p

And I have stopped listening to my body. Like last night...I was completely full but my mind kept wandering to the twinkies in the kitchen. Needless to say, we are now one less in the box.

Today I am doing good so far. I did my 3 mile run/walk and did it in about 45 minutes, so a pretty good pace. Then after about an hour rest I did my Yoga tape. Tonight I am going to try to lift some light weights for my arms. They don't seem to be showing any of the positive effects from the exercise so I am going to try to focus on them. I would really like to lose 1 measly pound this week!! If I can just stick to the program for 3 1/2 more days until my weigh in on Saturday, I am hoping that will get me back on track.

I'll check in later...I know I've been bad about posting but I get so tired of writing....well, I screwed up again. So my focus is to be able to write a positive post tomorrow. Wish me luck!!

Oh yeah...Holly Congrats on your loss!! Your dedication is really paying off!

Hello everyone!

Happy to report that I actually did okay yesterday! Didn't do that late night snacking that I have unfortunately gotten back into the habit of doing.

I did however, begin to get a pain in my back and neck last night, which kept me up pretty much all night. I must have pulled something when I was doing my yoga. I don't know when I did it but I am definitely paying for it now. It was hurting so bad this morning that I skipped my walk and work out tape. It started feeling better after I got up and moved around but at that time it was up to almost 90 degrees here. So my hubbie said that he would walk with me later on tonight when it cools off. I did do some stomach exercises so I could say that I at least did something!

Hope everyone is having a great day! Check in later!

Good going Jacklyn. Now you need a motivational tool. I like to mark my calendar with check marks when I have succeeded in my day. You make it to fit you. So if it's your eating habits then you would make a happy face or sticker on that day showing your success and put it where you're likely to see it. I put my calendar in the kitchen. Another thing I put my scale in the kitchen to keep me focused with my goals. Believe me it has helped me a great deal. I make alot of trips to the kitchen but I usually just pace that floor looking at the cupboard where the goodies are and then looking at my scale and/or my calendar...that usually gets me out of there. I have to admit I do that a few times in the evening and now it has become a good habit. Give it a try.

You are doing good. I am very proud of you. Keep it up!
Bye. Kinarina

Thanks Kinarina, I think I will try the calendar thing. I am willing to try anything. I have started reading "Simple Abundance" which gives day by day inspirational thoughts and stories and I have found that helps as well. I was reading on some past posts and you had recently said that the only problem that you were having was in the bathroom. I dont know if that is still an issue but I did want to recommend the Kashi Good Friends cereal. It's got only 90 calories a serving and 8 grams of fiber! I have been eating about 2 servings a day so I will be sure to get the fiber in and believe me it helps! Now I will admit that its not as good as some other sugary cereals but its pretty good for a diet food.:)

I am having some major trouble with my back. I dont know what I have done but it is really painful!! This morning I woke up and the muscles between my right shoulder blade all the way up to the top of my neck are visibly swollen. It's been bothering me for over 2 days now and it is not getting any better. I did walk last night and felt like that loosened it up but this morning it was back and worse than before. My mother said that I may have to go in and get a shot of cortizone (sp??). Apparently she has had the same problem in the past and that is what they did. I dunno. I'm going to give it a couple more days to see if the swelling goes down. Luckily after I get up the pain is usually more manageable. It has definitely put a kink in my exercise routine though!

I am happy to report that I had yet another day of good eating! I was even able to have a snack last night because I wasn't up to my daily calorie intake! Hopefully I am slowly getting back on track! Sore back and all!:)

Hope everyone has a great day!

Thanks Jacklyn. Another friend suggested the Kashi cereal and I went straight to buy it. I like it. Everything seems to be back in order now. But I had tried everything under the sun. I ended up taking a mild laxative Correctol. It did the trick. I just didn't like the mild discomfort of cramping. But I feel so much better. Believe it or not I was at 210.5 then lost weight so I had gone down to 206.5. I was doing really good, that is when I had the bathroom problem. That caused my weight to go back up and finally all is back to normal. After I was able to get back to myself I weighed in at 206.5. This morning I weighed in at 206.

Thank you for the insight. It is good to know so many people believe in Kashi. Talk with you later. I hope the rest of the group is doing well.
Kinarina:)

Great posts the last week and a half! Very sensible. I have been AWOL because I got a bad cold 2 weeks ago and did nothing but sleep, eat a little and drag myself to work. I am feeling better this week but kinda got off the exercise bandwagon. Yesterday my hub and I went for a 2.5 mile walk around one of the lakes here and it was a workout-semi-improved trail with lots of ups and downs and climbing over tree roots and fallen trees. I want to say that my initial weight loss, 174-160 (then I gained 4 lbs back) was by doing what my mother has done for years. "Eat what you want but limit the quantities". She looks great! I am at 160 lbs and stand 5'7 1/2". I wish I could eat that way all the time but do occasionally just lose it over something. Like yesterday when we bought a bag of kettle corn and I ate 4 cups of it! Kettle corn is popcorn done in a way that it comes out very crispy, slightly sweet and slightly salty. I couldn't stop. My mother would have taken a half cup and walked around the house telling herself with each kernel that "it is good but I can always have some more another day and this is enough to satisfy me for now and I am stronger than popcorn." You get the picture. Some day I will be that strong. Sometimes I eat too much but 90% of the time I make healthy choices to overeat on. I love fruits, salads and veggies. For those of you experimenting on soy products please try Boca Burger's All American Classic burger. I absolutely cannot tell it from a real beef patty when it is in a bun with catsup and mustard, tomato, lettuce and onion. Juicy and tastes grilled. I always keep a package in my freezer for a quick lunch-90 seconds in the microwave and its ready! Good luck to all today and thanks for the inspiration!!

HELLO - hello, hello, hello. Hmmm echoes----- empty. Guess I'll try again later.

I think everyone is on vacation Kewi. It has been very empty in here. I hope you are doing well.

Bye.
Kinarina:)

Hi everyone! I do hope that everyone is on vacation. I would hate to think that everyone has left this thread!!
I am doing well. I have not gotten on the scale in a couple of weeks, but my clothes are all fitting fine. When my TOM is over at the end of the week, I will get on and see what it says!
I just have to tell you all that I am having a summer like no other in my 39 years! I am actually wearing a 2 PIECE!! and my stomach is tanned for the first time EVER! I have always loved the beach, but this year I am so comfortable! No rash between my legs from my thighs rubbing together and no funny tan lines from my double chin!
My eating is going well. I am really loving the plan that someone suggested where they start their day at 4 pm and count from there. I went to a friend's house the other night and had a lot of steak and then yesterday, I just ate really light for the whole day. I didn't feel deprived and I didn't feel guilty. Wow! What a thought!
I hope you're all having a great day and some people post today!

:) Hello hello hello!!!

We had severe thunderstorms last Wednesday; our house received a direct strike of lightning and fried ALOT of our electronics; also knocked out our two phone lines; so that's why I haven't been here!!!

Insurance will cover the TV; VCR; satellite receiver; airport hub; but my husband works from home with the use of computer, modem, fax, etc; so it's been a frustrating week for him (and hence for me!:dizzy: )

But I have been eating/exercising right along, and doing good. When I have something rich /sweet (like my son's birthday cake - chocolate/chocolate, yum) I make sure to cut back on other stuff so to keep things in check. I'm psyched to report I'm down to 158 now; the mystical 150's!!!

Jacklyn, so sorry to hear of your back/muscle pain. Does Ibuprofen help? That's supposed to help swelling in muscles. I sure hope you get relief soon.

Kina, I just saw a new Kashi cereal yesterday, and bought it; it's a Cinnamon Raisin crunch. I had a 1/2 cup this morning with vanilla nonfat yogurt, and it's yummy! I have absolutely no problems in the "powder room" and it's probably due to Kashi everyday (and lots of water, & fresh veggies).
I appreciate your concern about motorcycle safety; I have thought carefully about it, and follow all safety precaution; am enrolled to take a State-approved safety course in August; and wear protective clothing (and am going shopping for leather today).

Hi Kewi; how ya doing? Your mom sounds inspirational! Has she always been like that, or has she lost weight and this is her new way of living? You and I sound very similar body-wise; except you are a 1/2 inch taller.

Hi tryin'hard!!! We are SO thrilled for your comfortable-ness with your slim self!!! What a feeling not to be self-conscious or uncomfortable. And a tanned tummy!!! Good for you!!!:) :) :)

It is going to be a very warm and humid day here today; in the 90's (which is unusual for Vermont) and I might venture to swimming at the lake; it's always an exercise in thinking "everyone's looking at me; everyone looks better than me" - well, I hope I can overcome that by knowing I have worked hard to lose 18 pounds; and am still working on making myself better; and we all deserve to put on a swimsuit and jump in the water and enjoy summer!!!

Have a GREAT day everyone! And if I'm sporadic in replying it's only because I have to share phone line time with my husband until the other line is repaired (maybe tomorrow).

Your friend, Holly
176/158/150

OK!! I am glad I am not alone here. I have to hop in the shower and go to work early today.
Holly, way to go! 150s. If you are close to me in height then you must be close to goal. I am a pear with broad shoulders which has always saved me. My bottom is scurvy but my bust is small. Oh, well, at 55 at least my boobs aren't below my waist! LOL!
Tryin'Hard-we are all so happy for you! What a great reward, to enjoy your summer so well, after all your hard work.
To all the rest- "eat more(of the healthy stuff), move more, lose more". Remember, healthy is the goal, weight loss is a welcome side benefit.

Hey! Everyone is back. Great. I knew I would find ya'll. It is great to hear everyone is doing so well. I am still working out trying to get that scale to move. But I think I am building muscle. I had my husband take a couple of pics of me since it had been a couple of weeks since the last time. Sure enough my legs look leaner and more firm. Yet the scale does not want to move. It's okay. I am feeling a whole lot better about myself even though I am still in the low 200's. I will get there. I just want to get to 200 and then I will shoot off like a rocket.

Talk to you later. Keep up the great work.
Vermontmom sorry to hear about your house. I hope things get rapaired. Take care.
Kinarina

Hello everyone! I am still here just out of commission for a while. This back thing is killing me!! I am actually thinking about breaking down and visiting a chiropractor...something that I have never believed in but I have several friends that have seen one and swear by it! So we will see. Needless to say I have gone easy on the exercise but am eating okay. I am going to try to walk tonight when it cools off a bit. I haven't walked in about 3 days which is definitely a record for me since about March! Better jump back on the wagon...quick!! I am also going to try to do some more yoga later on. I am hooked on it! Holly congrats on your success and tryin hard WAY TO GO! I know that many of us have lost weight before and we all know the real trick is to KEEP it off and you are doing it!! You are truly an inspiration! Hope everyone has a great day! Check in later.

Hi! I just have to share this analogy with you...
When I was heavy and not feeling so great about myself, especially in a bathing suit, my husband said, "Sweetie, the beach is like golf--there's always someone who is worse than you."
Have a great day everyone!!! Enjoy the holiday, but remember where you want to be when you wake up Friday morning!

Tryin' Hard--Your hubby sounds like a "keeper" What a sweetheart!!

:wave: Hello friends!

Jacklyn, so sorry to hear you're still in pain! I know people also who swear by their chiropractor. I hope you get relief soon. What kind of yoga do you do? I have never tried it, but hear it's great for flexibility and relaxation.

Kina - hooray for firmer, leaner legs! And yes, you will "take off like a rocket" soon because you will have new healthier habits in place, and with the exercise, it will all come together.

Hi Kewi! You made me laugh out loud with the droopy boobs comment. Nature sure doesn't let them stay perky for long...:^:

tryin'hard - it is so great that you worked hard to get the weight off; then have successfully LIVED life and maintained that loss and are enjoying the benefits. YaHoo!!

I had to use my strategy for exercising in extremely warm, humid weather today; it's taking a quick, cold shower in my exercise clothes (short T-shirt and shorts); slightly toweling off, then doing the exercise in front of a fan or the AC - brrr! The wet clothes are super at cooling you.

Everyone have a safe holiday - and for those who have to work (like me) have a great day at work!

Your friend, Holly
176/158/150

I have to ask this question "tryin hard". How the heck did you do it? Going from 250 to 154! My goodness. I must know because I need the inspiration at this point.

I am so glad to hear from all of you. Today is my little girl's 6th birthday. We'll be celebrating tomorrow. As young as she is she wanted her outfit contain some kind of flag. So she has Power Puff girls shirt with a heart colored as a flag in the center. Then she has denim shorts with a heart rhinestone flag on the back pocket and a rhinestone flag buckle on her belt. So to complete the whole outfit I bought some patriotic ribbon for her hair and extra to sew bows onto her socks. And she doesn't even know it will be 4th of july. I guess it is in her blood since she was born so close to the day. Go figure. But we are very proud of her to think of her country on her day.

Talk to you later. Bye
kinarina

:) Hello everyone!

Kina, your daughter's birthday outfit sounded so cute. I missed out on being able to dress up a little girl with fun outfits, as I had two boys!

You said you needed inspiration - are you feeling discouraged? You have already made the tremendous step of realizing what you want, and are taking steps towards it. The pounds will come off, and you will get leaner and healthier! It is a drag that it takes so much longer than to "put it on", but that's just the way it is. We are all pulling for you!

Speaking of "all" - where are our original "old fashioned way" ladies? We know Nancy is driving across the States; but where are our other friends - aphil, Melisa, Sprite, Christine, Kanola, t-girl, Dawna, hereicome - ? Say hello to us so we know you are out there!:)

Hello to kewi, jacklyn (how's your back?) and tryin'hard, who is enjoying the fruits of her labor!

I'm a little miffed because it doesn't seem that enough people I run into have commented on my loss - it's almost 20 pounds now, yet only 2 people have commented. I guess there's always the thought that you don't want to insinuate that the person was overweight to begin with, or looked not-so-great before compared to current. Oh well. I am doing this for myself; and I am the only person I really need to please first.

Have a great Saturday night; and a great day tomorrow!

Your friend, Holly
176/158/150

Hello everyone! I know its been a while but I have just been taking it easy. I plan on starting my walking again tomorrow (yeah, yeah I know that's what they all say :) ). My back is actually getting better, slowly but surely. But I have to admit I have been taking a break from the whole diet thing, and the good thing is that I haven't gained any weight, so maybe once I get back on track it will just fall off!! Yeah right:p

Holly~ you had asked about the kind of yoga I do. I do the Kathy Smith New Yoga video. She says it is different kinds that they have combined for the purpose of the tape. I like it though because she does a pretty good job of having a hard pose followed by an easier one so you dont feel like you are killing yourself in the process. Hopefully it will improve my flexibility. I'm not too good at stretching before my workouts so I often feel really tight afterwards.

Well, I am hoping that everyone is having a wonderful day. Hope the others will join in again soon!

Hello Everyone!!!!!!


We made it home safe and sound last night at 10:30pm (pacific time).We put 9,573 miles on the car. It was a longggggggggggg trip but It was so nice to see my family and friends. My little grandson is a sweetie. He did not take to me right away but he did to Grandpa. And of course with me giving him his very first haircut made it worse. He obviously thought Grandma was a bad guy :).

I am so tired from all the driving(and riding), I know it will take a week to get back to normal.
We we gone 45 days and here is the scoop on my weight....I gained 9 pounds,,,,yep....being away from home for so long really played **** with the weight loss. There were many times that I was perfect and many more times that I was bad and ate way too many carbs for sure. My body feels like a toxic waste dump!!! I am so looking forward to getting back on track with eating right.
First thing in the morning, I am off to the grocery store to get all the right stuff to get me losing again. I did not have a chance to get to the store today as our front and back yard looked like a Jungle and the hubby and I spent almost 6 hours mowing, raking and weedeating. It was a mess, but looks so pretty now. (And also the exercised was something that I needed).

I hope everyone is doing well,, I was trying to read the past posts and there so much , its hard for me to catch up. Maybe some one can give me a mini refresher on whats happening.

Hello to all my old friends and Hello to the new ladies also.

Holly~~~you are doing awesome with your weightloss.. I am so happy for you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Tryin hard~~~~ Way to go on your two piece swimsuit, you must feel wonderful!

Jacklyn~~~ I hope your back is feeling better!

Kina and Kewi~~~ Hello to you both!

So where is everyone else??? Sprite? Christine? Nola? Melisa? T-girl? And anyone else I have missed...come out , come out where ever you are.....

OK ,, I am outta here for now.....but Ill be back tomorrow for sure.....
Night all.....


Nancy :wave:

Hello all! I hope you all had a great weekend!
SNOWEY--WE MISSED YOU! I am so glad you're back. Those 9 pounds will be history before you know it! Good for you to go shopping and get all your good stuff back in the house!!
Kina--I've done it "the old-fashioned way"!. I limit my calories to about 1400 and I walk 2 miles a day. I have truly changed my life and my lifestyle. I have found lots of tools along the way that work for me and this website has done wonders! I get so much inspiration from everyone here. I'll go into more details if you want, but just know in your heart that you can do it. Be your best friend, not your worst enemy!
Have a great day, everyone!

:wave: Hello everyone!

HI NANCY!!!!!! Welcome back! We sure did miss you! Wow, almost ten thousand miles!? What a trip!

You know, 9 pounds gained on such a long trip really isn't that bad - and because you know just what to do, and are going to start doing it right away, it will melt off really quickly.

We've all just been going along, doing our collective things - but there are a few friends we just haven't heard from in a couple of weeks.

Have you met Dawna, hereicome, Kina and kewi? I think they joined us just about the time you were leaving.

I was out of touch for a few days last week, as we had severe thunderstorms and our house was struck by lightning and fried lots of electronics, including our two phone lines. It took Verizon 7 days before we got the phone lines repaired, so I was "out of it" for that long!

I remember when I was SO very apprehensive about returning to work, regarding all the goodies there; and Nancy, you were so supportive of telling me that I would be fine - and thanks to that positive reinforcement, I have been super-good there! Maybe a little nibble of something sweet now and then; but that's it. And it's so easy now to just have some protein and veggies and just a tiny amount of some kind of starch for lunch.

If anything, it's in the evening at home that I might eat something that I really don't need. The "hubster" still isn't on my wavelength about getting in shape, so there is junk around sometimes. I just hope something "clicks" for him soon.

I'm still slowly and carefully going on practice rides on the 'cycle. My longest trip so far was on a quiet country road 13 miles to the next town and back. I think about 6 cars passed me! Going 48-50 mph wasn't fast enough for them, I guess. Oh well! At least on a motorcycle I can give cars plenty of room to pass, if they want. And I'd rather not have anyone behind me!

I splurged and bought a GORGEOUS Harley-Davidson leather jacket - it's buttery-soft, yet is made to protect. I'm usually not a clothes-shopping-type of person, but I spent almost two hours trying to decide between 3 jackets. Next I have to find leg covering, either in the form of pants or chaps. Boy, pulling on leather pants is something I NEVER thought I would try!

Well, I haven't exercised yet so I had better do that. Just HAD to say hello to Nancy when I saw her name!:)

Have a great day everyone!

Your friend, Holly
176/156!/150?

Welcome back! I love to travel but your trip surely was a long one!! Yes, I DID join the group about the time you left although I had been lurking for a long time. I betcha your weight will drop pretty fast once you start your regular routine.
Jacklyn-I think it is great that you were able to maintain your weight while not strictly OP. That's what it is all about after the excitement of seeing the scale numbers going down - having it be your way of life and getting on with all the other things there are to do.
I've had a sore knee since hiking around the lake a few weeks ago and so the only exercise I've had is mild walking and going to work(where I am on my feet for 7 out of 8 hours walking and standing and stooping and squatting) It's no cardio workout but at least I'm moving. Ibuprofen is my best friend right now! I have kept up with my weight lifting though. My body can take much more in the way of food indiscretion with the extra muscle on me, even if it is only my arms. I'm afraid to NOT do it. I just started doing squats holding 24 pounds of weight too. Not a lot but after 3 sets of 30 I am a bit sore the next day so it's enough
to make me work!
OK. Gotta run some errands this morning so time to get it in gear. Everyone "eat clean" and your body will thank you. At MY age healthy is the goal, looking better is a nice fringe benefit!

Hi everyone!
Holly, you must look so gorgeous in your leather jacket!! Good for you!!
Kewi, I love the notion of "eating clean." That is such a powerful thought in my head lately! I love the feeling at the end of the day that I've only put good stuff into my body. One thing I've noticed--food tastes better when you "eat clean." I love to cook, but I have recently noticed that I am cooking so much more plainly than before. I've stopped using barbeque sauce--grilled meat tastes better to me without it, and salad dressing has become a mix of balsamic vinegar and herbs. So, thank you for the idea! It helps!!
I hope you all have a great day!

Tryinhard>>>>>>It is great to know that it is was all determination and strength that got you to lose the weight. And in just a year, girl, that is terrific. Everytime I feel a slump I am going to think of you. Not that nobody elses success stories are amazing to me but because your weight and mine were about the same when I started. So it is a great motivator. Keep up the great work.

Kewi>>>>>>>>>Amazing story about the hike and especially about that weight training. Are you doing the weight traning to build muscle or to build a little in order to have the muscle burn the fat so that you can lose weight? I hope your knee gets better. There is nothing like an injury to slow you down.

Vermontmom>>>My husband could lose a few pounds himself but I don't push anything on him. But I have noticed how he seems to be a bit grouchy when I invite him to go out to eat. I guess he is noticing how much we eat and eat out. Eating out sure can add alot of pounds...quickly. Keep doing what you are doing the rest will follow.

Snowey>>>>>>Hi. Welcome back it seems. I just joined in June after you left it seems. I have been enjoying my time on the thread. Lots of great people with so much support all the way around. How could i not be encouraged to do something about the extra weight I carry.

I will stop here. I didn't get to all of you but i don't want my post to be so long that everyone will pass it by. Keep up the great work.

Hugs to all. Kinarina:strong:

Hello everyone! This is going to be short and sweet. I just wrote a very long post and of course it disappeared...dont ya just love it when that happens??

Anyways, hope everyone is having a great day. Welcome back Nancy! I have missed your upbeat posts!

Good news for me! I stepped on the scale and saw that I have finally gotten back into the 140's!!! It has been such a long time that I have sat at 150. I just hope that it is not a muscle loss due to my lack of exercise lately but I'll take it for now! I'm slowly getting back in the groove of things though. I just have to be really careful. It seems like my back will be fine and then WHAMMO back to square one.

Well I've got to get going, glad to so many posts recently! I'll check in later tonight!

Congrats to you, Jacklyn! I know how hard you've worked to get into your new "decade!"
Hope you're all having a good day! Keep up the good work everyone!

Hi all!

Yes, big congrats to you, Jacklyn! Here's to a new "decade"!!!!

Another good day for me - I'm just incredulous that this is so easy now. It took 5 months but the changes are now habitual. Yeah!

Your friend, Holly
176/156/150?

So many of us are"in the groove". Don't you just love it when things are effortless and you just eat healthfully out of habit? Kina (I love your name) I do a simple arm exercise that I got out of Prevention magazine last Dec or Jan I think. I started mid Jan this year. It exercises all the major muscles in the arm and shoulder. I started it because I felt I was losing the strength to do my job. (nursing) When I began it was with 5 lb weights, 2 sets of 8. Now I do 12 lb weights and 4 sets of 12 every M-W-F. I can definitely see and feel the difference. And I am starting squats too. I used to do these so I could lift an 8 year old with severe cerebral palsy when I was doing pediatric home care. I started noticing a few months ago that when I overate one meal or a few days, then got back to eating better that my weight would not have increased. At 55, that HAS to be the added muscle because I am not doing anything else different. I love it-my own little insurance policy. And some of my clothes are just a little looser, so even though the weight is the same, I am losing a little. I hope I answered your question. I am not going for the buff look or competition stuff, just free weights and minimal work at home. Still, I have been rewarded. K

Hello everyone!

Kewi~that is awesome about your arm exercises. That is a real problem area for me. You would think that that would be an area that I really work on, but instead I do other things that I feel that I will definitely show some progress in. I have always had flabby arms...even when I weighed alot less. Oh well, just another thing that I need to work on....

I really appreciate all of you guys cheering me on. Its funny how I dont know any of you personally, yet you know one of my most personal secrets...my weight!! Have been doing okay the past couple of days. Not even gonna bother to weigh until next week. Hopefully then my water weight will subside. I have been feeling a little (a lot!!!) bloated!!!

Thanks for everything!!

Oh yeah....Holly I wanted to mention that I think that it is so great that it is habitual for you now....unfortunately it is still a struggle for me everyday.

I remember a couple of years ago when I lost a good portion of my weight...I had a "click" in me...in that I was ready to eat healthy and do what ever it takes...no matter what. Unfortunately, I dont feel that now. I am just going through the motions. Hopefully I will get inspired soon and do what it takes to finally reach my goal!!

Anyways~dont mean to be a downer:?: Hope everyone is doing great!!!:D :D :D :D

Well I am reporting in bad news. I fell down the back porch steps today. The steps were slippery from all the rain and my feet just went up from underneath me. It was horrible. I have never fallen in my life. I hope I don't feel any worse tomorrow. I feel bad right now. I just hope it doesn't get worse. I went over to mom's and walked on her treadmill at a steady pace. Then I got onto her bicycle and rode on that for a few minutes. Then went over to her stair climber for a few minutes. I figure if I just do something without over doing it the pain won't be so bad and I will get better quicker. I don't know. I am just praying I don't feel bad tomorrow. It's my head that has been hurting. I didn't hit my head but I jerked it pretty hard. My back is aching but not as bad as it looked when I fell. Ouch.

Well becareful around the slippery spots people they are a killer. Bye. Kinarina

Hi all,,



Kina,,, sure hope your alright after you fall.. Do take it easy.


Holly,,, so good to hear that your doing great keep it up. You are going to be one hot little biker chick !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I am with you Jacklyn,,,, I am struggling to get back with it since I have been home from vacation. I sure hope that I can get the groove again before the 9 pounds become 20!!!!!!!!!! But you are doing great being in the 140's

Once I can get that motivation back I know Ill be fine...its just getting there.....UGH< UGH< UGH>>>>>>>>>>>>>:(

Kewi,,,, good for you that you are doing the arm exercises.... My arms are something that I just hate...I dont think that there is anything to help them except surgery,,, and I would not do that. I was doing good with the weights also before vacation,, but of course I need to get into the habit of that once again also.

Ok so who wants to give me a kick in the butt and get me jump started??????????????

See ya all later......

Nancy:wave:

Hello everyone!

Kina~ I'm so sorry you are hurt! I will have to say that I am one of the clumsiest people I know. I can walk through a door and slam half of my body in the door frame....ouch!! Of course it only happens when there are at least 5 people around to witness it! I know that when I have hurt myself from one of my big graceful doings, I take lots of ibuprophen. That helps with the swelling and keeps you from being so sore. That's what seems to work for me anyways:)

Nancy~maybe we can help each other...I'll kick your butt if you'll kick mine!:lol:

Anyways, my husband and I have decided to start up a business at home. I am going to still continue to work at my regular job but my contract is only 210 days out of the year...that leaves alot of time on my hands. It seems that when I have a weekend off or a vacation, that is when I start slipping back into my old eating habits and regaining the last 5 pounds I have already lost 20 different times. So hopefully this will help keep me busy, as I will be the one doing the majority of the work (my husband already has his plate full with his job) and it will help make a little extra money on the side. Maybe this way I will become more excited about something other than when my next meal will be!!

Everyone have a great day! I've got to go check ebay now! (Another addiction I have acquired over the years!:s: )

Kina, I am so sorry you fell! What a scary thing.
Jacklyn, you made me laugh. I am ALWAYS walking into door frames or bumping my butt on a door knob. I am the family klutz but of course I do it a lot at work, too.
It's a beautiful day here in the NW, blue sky, 75 degrees expected and a light breeze. We are taking the ferry over to Bainbridge to have a BBQ with friends on their deck which looks out over the water east back toward Seattle. OK, stop salivating you guys! Have a good one!!!

I just posted; then had to edit because of the other posts I hadn't seen...

Gosh, Kina, so sorry to hear of your fall! Yes, I would say that lots (well, the proper amount) of ibuprofen would help - and a nice long soak in a warm bath is soothing for both hurting muscles and shook-up spirit! Wet wood certainly in slippery. I sure hope your feel better soon.

Jacklyn, your post wasn't a downer! I should clarify that sometimes I surely do want to have a huge supper, or about 10 pieces of hot buttered toast...I was having an extra-good day that day; I shouldn't have been sounding like "I got this thing covered". Each day will present it's own challenges.

Isn't it funny about that little "click" that is the deciding factor on our attitude...I hope that the click stays for all of us;and if the little bugger decides to bug out, that we have our new habits in place to take over.

Congratulations of the home business! Keeping busy DEFINITELY helps me keep on track. I have felt the same way EXACTLY - "okay, when's lunch?"

kewi, you are so cool to be aware of the benefits of weights - I think it's so great that you did it initally to help you have strength and endurance in your work; and now see that it has helped in metabolism and weight loss! Kudos to you!

Hi Nancy! Thank you for the encouragement - and you will be back in the groove, burning the few vacation pounds, getting smaller and smaller!I couldn't imagine what loads of work you had to do on your lawn when you got back - must have been like the Amazon!

Well, it's 6:30 am; I've done my half-hour of exercise and had my 1st cup of coffee; now it's time for Kashi/yogurt, another java then get ready for work (on my list today; fruit crisp for 52 people at lunch; lemon sponge pudding for 80 at dinner; 8 loaves of bread for French toast; cookie dough for tomorrow; slice 2 flats of strawberries; peel apples for 6 pies - I love my job!:)

Have a great day, everyone. You are great to be cyber-friends with!

Your friend, Holly
176/156/150?

Hi Everyone. I am feeling a whole better than expected. I think it is the yoga that has helped me from feeling so horrible. My back is sore but not in pain thank goodness. I love yoga I am feeling it in my abs in just 2 days of effort. AMAZING! I can't quite keep up with her towards the end but I still do it even if I am a step behind her.

Jacklyn>>>>Lots of Luck on the at home business. I can't stay home the voices start calling from the fridge. Although I can't say that I am busy other than chores when I am home. So working is different. so many benefits to staying home.
Snowey>>>Don't we all just need that kick in butt ever so often. We all have our slump days. But just remember you have to come here to post your dirty laundry or brag about your excellence for the day. Be accountable. You can do it.

Well good luck to all for a Good Choice day. bye.
kinarina "Corina"

Good Morning All,,

Summertime must mean that everyone is vacationing and such, as our thread is sure slow. I do hope that it starts hopping soon and all the missing in action are back with us once again.

I am trying real hard to get back with it. I have been living on Watermelon this week.. filling and low cal...but after a month of having alot of carbs ,,,its hard to break free from that. I am trying and I will succeed eventually. I cant give up not now,, not ever!!!!!!!

Kina ,,, glad your back is feeling better.

Holly,,, you must have tons of willpower to be able to make all those yummy foods and not be tempted!!! You got the power!!!!!

Jacklyn, Kewi and all the rest ,,, I hope you are having a great day.

See everyone later.....I need to go to the store and buy another watermelon.........:lol: :lol:


Nancy:wave:

Hey everyone! Hope you guys are doing okay!

Just to let everyone know I am going to be out of town until late Wednesday night. My husband and I are taking off to the beach for a couple of days. I am still struggling with my eating and my exercise is definitely slacking. I am hoping that this break will leave me refreshed and with a new attitude to get started again! I will check back in in a couple of days....have a great one!

Hi everyone!

Okay, a couple of days ago I was whining that "nobody has noticed that I've lost weight" - well, today I saw a woman whom I haven't seen since last year; she bellows out "oh my god, you must have lost like 50 pounds!" Hmmm, I guess I'm glad that she noticed a loss...:lol:

Today I volunteered with our local Fire Department, to help with their BBQ fundraiser. I found that I was SO much more relaxed and able to chat with all the members (who are men) because I feel confident and comfortable with myself. Not any flirting! just talking in a friendly way. I used to be too self-conscious to do that.

I also rode the 'cycle to the event - and enjoyed the double-takes and surprise from everyone!:D

Jacklyn, I hope you have a nice break and renew your energy and commitment. I am sure you will be back on track soon!

Nancy, hoping that your able to adjust from being back from vacation. Yes, watermelon is so good and good for us. You can also use one as a free weight :lol:

Kina, hope that you're healed up from your tumble!

Kewi, hope you had a nice Sunday.

I have to water my outside flowers now; so have a good night and a great Monday!

Your friend,
Holly
176/156/150?

Hi all.....

Today is an awful food day for me.. I have ate about everything that was not nailed down!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I wasnt hungry, I just did it out of boredom. The hubby went fishing today and I was alone. I should have worked on some crafts or something,,but nooooooooooooooooo!!! I was too busy shoving food in my mouth:eek:
Could I feel any worse??????????????????????

I know that Monday will bring renewed motivation and hope for a skinnier healthier me!! I have to get back on track and quit my vacationing ways.

Holly~~~ So happy that you finally got your well deserved compliment. You have come a long way baby!!!!!!!!!!!.:) I think that sometimes alot of people(ok, mostly women) do notice a weightloss but are envious and dont give compliments.

Right now I am sensing a little competition from my SIL, she went on vacation the same time as we did and she said she gained 2 pounds and has since taken that off and another 3 pounds. She got back on Monday, so she is saying in 5 days she has lost 5 pounds...well I wonder how that happened, as we were at her house for dinner and I seen what she ate...She has also been making comments on how her diet is what works...well she does the Dr Atkins thing... I wont do that.. I dont think it is healthy. She also drinks alot of alcohol....well anyway, I am noticing the digs at me about how I gained 9 pounds and she didnt....UGH.....I hate crap like that!!!! I know what it takes to lose weight and I know that I am successful at it also...I just have to get my butt moving again.....ok enough of that.....(thanks for letting me vent)

well I hope the rest of the gang is well and staying strong, focused and motivated!!!!!

See ya all later...
Nancy:wave:

Snowey****I can imagine how frustrating that can be. What I would do is use that frustration in a positive way to your advantage. Get up and do something and while you are doing it think of the crazy things SIL says. Some may not agree with me but I think sometimes anger can be a positive thing.

Vermontmom***I am doing wonderful thank you. How wonderful it must have felt to recieve a compliment. I get compliments from my kids and my parents. DH hasn't said anything but then he isn't a vocal kind of person. So it will take me getting to 150 lbs for him to say something. I won't see that until December if I work hard. But I bet you look beautiful in your new figure. :spin:

Jacklyn****have a great time on your break away from reality. Everyone needs one of those now and then. At the same time you will probably get to see some young ones wearing slinky bikinis. At that point you will have a choice do something about it or eat everything in sight to get your emotions under control. Do the right thing for you whatever you do. Have a great time.

Kewi****Ouch becareful with those doors and things. So anyway since you started your weights for your arms have you seen a change for the better? I need help in my arms also. I have been using 2 lb weights along with a workout with Denise Austin and boy are my arms shaking towards the end of each of the reps.

Well enough said. Best of health to everyone.
kinarina

Well today was a better one then yesterday. And tomorrow will be even better.

Kina~~~ you are so right about using my anger in a positive way. Maybe if I stay a little p'd off, Ill stick to my diet more.

How is everyone else doing today? Summer must be keeping everyone busy lately as we sure are slow here.

Holly~~~Kewi~~ how are you both today?

Jacklyn~~~even though you are on a mini vacation,,, we are still thinking of you and hope you are relaxing and enjoying your self.

Were the heck is everyone else??? T-girl, Chiristine, Nola, Sprite,Melisa,Tryinghard and anyone else I may have missed,,,,,geesh I get back from vacation and everyone is gone!!!!!! Hope everyone is well and comes back soon.

Have a great evening everyone......

Nancy:wave:

:) Hi everyone!

Nancy, how crummy for the SIL to make digs like that. We know that you know what to do...and everyone has to have an "eating everything in sight" day once in a while. We know you have it in you get back in the groove, and shake your skinny butt in SIL's face!:D :D

Kinarina, you are certainly working your arm muscles if they are shaking at the end of the reps. That's such a tough part to work through. But you are burning calories and building long beautiful muscle strands for lean arms - yeah! It is so wonderful that you hear compliments from your kids and parents. I understand about husband not being vocal about noticing, but I'm sure he does.

I know we won't hear from Jacklyn until at least Wednesday evening, so I'll just send positive happy thoughts to her;)

Hi kewi! Hope you're doing fine!

Have a great evening!

Your friend, Holly
176/156/150?

Hi Holly. I usually dismiss the compliments from my kids and my parents because I feel they are just being kind. When I am walking around I feel like really gigantic. I guess that could be why I dismiss the compliments from my kids and my parents. So I try to feel good about myself and think positive. Not worry about what others see when they see me but be more aware about how my clothes are fitting and how I am feeling inside about that one little pound I lost. Because when I see the scale move in the right direction I am on top of the world and I don't care about how people see me. I feel really good about myself.

Thanks to all of you for support and your own stories of successes and struggles.
bye. kina

Hi everyone! I've been reading, but not posting. Sorry...
Nancy, it's so great to have you back. YOu are the foundation of this thread and we sure missed you!
I've been doing well. I am maintaining, but I've decided that before I go away to the beach for a week, I'd like to loose 5 pounds in three weeks. I realized that while maintaining, I've been doing a little more "picking" and that has to stop. I find myself grabbing a handful of pretzels once a day and if I want to loose the five pounds, I've got to get back in the groove of "eating cleanly." I also know that I've got to limit my alcohol. I used to allow myself a glass or two on Friday and now that summer's here, Friday has turned into Saturday and Sunday! I better tame this animal before it gets out of control!
I've been very interested in reading all of your posts about comments from family members. You know, sometimes they should just keep their mouths shut, but even then, they can't win. Now, I have just lost 96 pounds and my SIL has not said A WORD to me. I have lost before and gained it all back and maybe she's sparing me the embarrassment, but it's pretty funny that she has not said a word to me. My mother in law actually gushes with praise, often in front of SIL, but still, she remains mute. Pretty interesting, huh??
Well, I hope you all have an amazing day. You are all in my thoughts as I try to work really hard at being in control today. Thank you all for being there!

Howdy all.....

Tryin Hard~~~ so good to hear from you!! I bet you will have those 5 pounds off before you hit the beach!!! 5 pounds in 3 weeks is "doable" for sure!!! Hey maybe we should get our SIL's together and send them up on the space shuttle! Oh but wait, that may not be a good idea,,,my SIL would probably come back and rub it in my face how she weighs so much less in space!!!!!!!
:lol: :lol: :lol:

Ok,, I figured out a way to lose weight...eat something you should not eat and pull a tooth out....Yep...I must admit I ate a piece of candy today and I pulled my crown right off...so I spent 2 hours in the Dentist office (my first visit to a dentist here in Canada) and they were able to put it back on temporaily,but now I am sheduled all the way into October for dentist appts. I have to have the crown (the one that came off today) replaced (its over 25 years old) and I need a crown lengthing procedure done :eek: plus I have 3 small cavities..so that should keep my mouth busy for a while...tee hee!!!

I am seriously thinking about joining Weight Watchers...what do you guys think???

So how was everyone elses day?? I hope it was a good one for all...

Nancy:wave:

Nancy, sorry to hear about your mouth. But you're right, it's one way to keep it busy--fill it with cotton and have someone ask you questions!!
It sounds like you've already decided to join WW. I know you've been struggling since you got back from vacation, and maybe WW will be the extra support/encouragement/accountability that you need. I know you'll be successful doing whatever you decide because you are very committed.
Have you all discovered lavash bread (the stuff they use for wraps)? I bought the whole wheat ones and they are 220 calories, the same as a cup of pasta. I am really enjoying them filled with a big salad and turkey. Last night I made a big salad (DH says he can tell how hungry I am by the size of my salad!), mixed in some kidney beans and grilled turkey breast and put it all in the wrap. It was huge, delicious and very satisifying.
Well, I hope you're all having a great day. We all owe it to ourselves to treat our bodies well!

Hi, everyone! You haven't heard from me because I have been out of town for a few days. My son, DIL and 4 grandkids are arriving Saturday morning so now I am running around trying to get everything ready and still work today and tomorrow. I have been keeping up with the posts but you just won't be hearing from me until the first of August. Talk to you later, Kewi.

Hi all,,,,



Kewi~~~ enjoy your visit with your family, we will see you when you get back.


Jacklyn~~~Are you back from your mini vacation? I hope you had a relaxing one.

Kina~~~ How are you today? Is the back doing alright now?

Holly~~~ How is your week going?

Tryin'Hard~~~ Where do you find the lavash bread at? It so hard to find tasty things for a diet way up here. They sound so good!

Well I am doing so much better eating wise. I think I may even brave the scale next week. I am finding things to keep myself occupied. Right now the hubby and I are going to start painting the bedroom and I am refinishing the dresser. SO that will keep my busy for sure..In between I am working on Christmas gifts(tole painting), and also I have to do the kitchen. (We are going to put in new countertops and sink) I purchased some wall paper border while I was on vacation in the states and am so anxious to get the kitchen done. My Kitchen is in a country style "rooster" theme.
The weather here is nuts... the highest it has been since we have been back from vacation is about 65 degrees and it rains, rains, rains. It is making me crazy. It sure makes it difficult to work on the dresser when the weather does not cooperate. (I have to do it on the patio).
Well I better get busy, I think I see a break in the clouds.. I may be able to get a drawer or two done on the dresser.
Have a great day everyone,,,Ill see y ou all later.

One more thing,,, bought another watermelon last night. How many calories are in Watermelon anyway??????????? This is the 3rd one in two weeks!!!!!!!!

Keep Smiling everyone:)

Nancy:wave:

woo hoo! The summer is nearing the end for our kids. They will be returning to school next Tuesday. I can't wait.

I will going to register for my classes on Monday. I can't wait for that. I love being in school. I can't wait to start working as well. I think I am on a natural high. I got on the scale this morning and it registered 204.5! I am too happy about this.

I haven't done my yoga for a couple of days. I have a kink in my neck that hurts no matter which way I turn. So I have just been doing my stepper and twister daily. I want to do the ab roller but I am afraid to strain my neck. So since i have been able to be as active as I had been I started eating my salads daily. I make this one big one and it sets me up for the next 3 days. That way when I go to look for something to eat...my salad is sitting there ready and waiting.

I hope everyone is doing well.
kina

Snowey I think I have the answer you are looking for about the watermelon. All I know is that watermelon is high in sugar so it is bad if you are a diabetic. I know sugar is bad for like in soda and stuff like that. I don't know about fruit. But I found this website some time back and I use it to create my salads within so many calories. It is easy you just enter the item you want calories counted on. then you do your thing. So here is the web address.... www.caloriescount.org/cgi-bin/calorie_calculator.cgi
I hope you find what you need.
Kina

Hello everyone! I got back last night about 1:00 in the morning. We had a wonderful time!! And like I had hoped I am ready to get back into the swing of things!:) It must be seeing all of those skinny girls in the bikinis. :lol:

I am still trying to catch up on the posts but it seems like everyone is doing pretty good! I am hoping that I can get back on track. I am not gonna lie...I pretty much ate what I wanted on vacation. And wouldn't you know it, my stomach was killing me the whole time from all of the trash I was consuming. But do you think that stopped me???? No way. :^:

Anyways, I start back to work on Monday and I have started this home business thing so hopefully that will take up my "empty" time at home, leaving me with little time to snack around. If I can stay on track I would really like to get down to 145 by August 1st. I actually think I can do that if I will just actually do what I KNOW I need to do. Wish me luck. I am going to try to catch up on the recent posts and I'll check in later! Have a wonderful day:)

Welcome back Jacklyn. I wish you the best of luck.
I figured those girl's in bikinis would get you motivated. That is exactly what i had said on one of my post right after your last post about you going away. Well glad you are back.

kina

Good morning all!
Welcome back, Jacklyn--glad you had a good time away. I think you and I are in the same place--that last little bit of weight to come off is very stubborn! I am very proud of myself for eating very "cleanly" this week. I recommitted myself Monday morning, and with the exception of being really grumpy at night, I've done really well. The scale has been good to me. I have lost a pound since MOnday. I just needed to 'psych' myself all over again and do a lot of positive self talk. That really works for me.
Snowey--I found the lavash bread over by the deli counter in the grocery store. Or if there's a place near you that sells wraps, ask them where to buy the bread.
I made a very refreshing salad last night. I cut up three cucumbers in chunks, a couple of tomatoes, chick peas, red onion slices, a little bit of feta cheese and a few olives. Then I made a dressing of grated cucumber, a little garlic, salt, pepper and cayenne pepper and mixed it all up with some fat free yogurt and poured it on the vegetables and let it sit in the frig for a few hours. Boy, was that refreshing on a hot day! I served it with some grilled chicken and pita breads that I sprayed with Pam, sprinkled with oregano and a little salt and grilled them just so they got hot. All of that for about 450 calories. Not bad!
Well, I hope you all have a great day. Don't forget the positive self talk--you've got to be your biggest fan!

Hi everyone,,

Hope the day was great for all!

I had a good day today...ate very healthy and I am proud of myself!

Tryin Hard~~ your dinner sounded great! I am on a portabello mushroon kick..I grill them on the George Foreman after I marinate them in Italian dressing(low cal of course) and garlic. They are so good and quite filling.

Holly~~~where are you hiding at????

Hope everyone else is doing well,,, have a great evening !

nancy:wave:

:wave: Hello!!!

Yikes, I didn't mean to be out of touch for so many days! I still don't have my email account on "my" computer since our lighting strike last month; so I have to share with hubster's computer; and since he does his actual work on the computer, I have to wait 'til it's convenient, and not interrupt his "creative flow":rolleyes:

Kina and tryin'hard, congrats on the lost pounds!! tryin'hard, as our veteran at maintaining, special kudos to you for recognizing that even a handful of pretzels a day can add up. It's so scary, but true.

jacklyn, glad that you are refocused and on your way! I'm sure you will be able to reach your goal by Aug. 1.

Nancy, you ALWAYS find something funny in our posts to make us laugh! The thought of mean-spirited SIL's drifting away into space was hilarious. It's too bad that your weather is not cooperating for you to do outside stuff - but the inside work sounds like it will be keeping you busy.

kewi, hope you have a nice visit with your family.

Well, ladies, it's true that my big news has to do with my new toy, the motorcycle - I've made lots of progress in the past two weeks; all built on small successes each day that bolster my confidence. I rode to my work for the first time today!!! 23 miles each way! And the last 3 miles are on a rutted dirt road. My co-workers were all pysched for me, as they have all heard from me that I thought it would never happen.

It's such an exhilarating feeling, driving along the gently curving highway, with the beautiful scenery; and me saying to myself "I'm actually doing this!!"

And I think I have dropped another couple of pounds, as (believe it or not) I have been too occupied with work/lawn (cutting the dang grass like every 3 days)/riding to obsess about snacking as I used to. As usual, my two scales say something different, but I believe I'm at 152 now. Woo-hoooo!!!

Again I feel I owe it all to the support of my friends here, because it sure wasn't happening on my own. The power of women and friends is incredible!

My best to all!

Your friend, Holly
176/152/150?

Oh! Does anyone want the "honor" of starting a new thread?

Holly, Holly, Holly~~~~You are doing so wonderful with your weight loss!!!! Way to go!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
You have to be feeling awesome. And it also sounds like you have your motorcycle riding down pat. You are a determined woman!

Today was a good day for me..the weather was absolutely perfect! I got my dresser all painted and sealed. It looks professional ( I must say so myself).

The hubby went out on the ocean fishing today and brought home lots of fresh crabs. So I made steamed crab legs for dinner(without the butter of course), it was a nice treat. We had so many (as usual) that I gave some to the neighbors. So todays eating was right on track for me today...YIPPEE!!

Tryin hard, Jacklyn, Kina , Kewi and all the rest of the gang...I hope your day was a good one and that you post soon!

Ciao for now....

Nancy:wave:

Good morning everyone! I'm starting a new thread - Number 12! See you there!