Age 50+ - General Weight Loss/Maintenance Chat

Hello all, :wave:

I'm curious which weight loss program each of you are doing, and wonder how it's working for you? Personally, I had been on Weight Watchers, but am now counting calories. So far, so good.

Also, what are your special challenges? Mine are family dinners, controlling evening eating, and getting enough exercise.

Please share! :)

I am counting calories. Its working great! I feel like the pounds are just falling off. I did body for life a while back and lost but I didnt count calories and I def didnt lose weight like I am now. It was REALLY slow, which is ok, if you dont thrive on instant results like me. haha.

I am a student and I dont work or anything so my biggest challenge is getting off the couch. Midnight snacking also tempts me nightly so now I plan for it and make sure I have calories open and something healthy available.

Good luck and stay strong! =)

I'm doing calorie counting trying to keep between 1200-1400 calories a day. Family dinners are always a challenge but I try and keep those days as a free or treat day and that's working quite well if I don't go overboard and eat everything that's not nailed down. Potato chips are my big nemesis. Can't even smell them and I've stopped bringing them into the house. I've been known to eat the biggest bag known to mankind in an evening and not have any lining left in my mouth the next day and still look for more.

I find that using fitday or even just using a notebook to log everything I eat is a big help. And I menu plan for the whole month so I'll always know what I'm having for dinner. I've got menus done until Christmas. Retired One is my name and I have lots of time to do that.

I love calorie counting because I can make room for any food within certain moderate guidelines. But I find that I like to make every mouthful count so I'm slowly but surely changing my eating habits--more whole foods, less processed, more fiber and large amounts of light calorie foods to feel satisfied. I measure or weigh most foods to keep on track. It's amazing how far 1 tablespoon of peanut butter can go.

Hi Jane,

I made it here. I'm new to this group. I am doing a combination of Intuitive Eating and Low carb which is probably more whole foods. It is actually beginning to work for me. I look forward to getting to know everyone.

Retired One I used to do the same thing with large bags of chips. I have actually bought chips for my kids lunches when they were little and eat them while they were at school and have to go get a new bag so no one would know. DH loves chips and we have them in the house for him, but he like the Lays plain and I hate those. I always loved Ridges. So I don't ever buy them. Don't even look at them in the store.LOL

Girl that is great how organized you are. I do well to plan one day at a time.

VernDern - having those healthy snacks sure comes in handy. Right now I'm into tomatoes, cukes, and sugar snap peas with lite ranch dip. I think I like the crunch of the peas.

Retiredone - I got a chuckle from your potato chip visual, haha, but I feel the same way about them! When the cravings become too strong to ignore I have a single-serve bag once in awhile. I'm a menu planner, too, but only a week at a time.

Trish - glad to see you made it here! More and more, I'm shopping the outside edge aisles of the grocery store. No chips there!

What helps you stay OP? One thing I've noticed is how much better I feel if I have a serving of protein at every meal. I also don't get so hungry between meals.


To all - this is an open thread for anyone, so please bring up any weight loss issues/discussions you'd like to talk about. :)

I'm pretty new to the group, still getting my feet wet, but I do love that I can just lurk and still be part of an amazing group, who like me, have food issues.

Right now I'm calorie counting, before that was WW meetings I did very well for about 2years, lost 88lbs, then it just starting to creep back on. Did not change a thing, exercising daily, staying within my pts, but would gain/lose the same 5lbs for about 6months....so I tried tweeking it, that did not help, so very long story short, tried to document everything that went into my mouth, and added, to my daily tracking, sodium and carbs, I was tracking before, calorie,fat,fiber and protein. I also added serious weight lifting to my routine 3X's a wk, that really is helping. I've found now I feel better, and the weight is again, going down.

I also have some protein at each meal, and try to limit my soduim to less than 1000gms a day. It's an eye opener just how much salt is in just about everything, just because it's low in calories and fat, does not mean much, when the sodium is so high. At least for me, maybe once this monthly thing is over and done with it will be better.

Does anyone else have a sodium sensitivity? Or maybe it's something else?

I'm a calorie counter too. But I also try to eat healthy. Mostly fresh and lots of grain and high fiber. I do have treats sometimes though. I don't think I could stay on any diet where I couldn't have the things i love. I just have them occasionally now, and they are planned

My own "devil" is corn chips. I eat them untill i'm sick. So, since I know I have no control, I don't buy them.

I try to exercise every day, but I don't beat myself up if I miss a day here and there. This is a lifetime commitment, not a diet for me. I lift weights too, which I think makes such a difference. It makes me feel strong and it helps me stay focused.

I plan my menus for a week at a time also. I like to know that I don't have to think about food constantly, I know what my next meal is going to be. My sales papers come out on Tuesday and I plan my meals around that. So, dieting doesn't have to cost more either. I take advantage of the sales, and try to buy local in the summer time.

Institches - About salt usage, I liked the convenience of some of the "diet" frozen meals, especially for lunch, but I gave them up after checking out the salt grams. Also, most of those meals aren't really very healthy anyway, with soggy white pasta, very little veggies, and additives. Kashi makes a couple that I will turn to in a pinch, though.

the slim me - you are so right when you said dieting doesn't have to cost more. Buying fruits and vegetables in season cost no more than the price of the cookies and chips that we used to buy. Some of the healthiest things we can eat are beans and legumes, and they are downright cheap per serving.

I'm confused about water. Used to be, they said "if you can't rinse you hair with it, don't count it as water". Now all sorts of beverages count toward our water. I guess I'm just lucky that I love plain old water.

Pattygirl, I've done the same thing with chips. So sad thinking back. I've also done it with ice cream. DH loves both chips and ice cream and I've had to replace his stash. But, hopefully we've put those days behind us. He's a bit more constrained than I and can't understand how anyone could eat so much at one sitting. I don't even buy the chips for DH now and he's ok with that. I'll get him a bag for Christmas and wrap it up in pretty paper so he'll know it's a special treat.

Slim, corn chips can do me in too. I picked up a package on Thursday when I was shopping. I just looked at them longingly, then checked out the calories (don't even mention how many from fat grams!) and put them back in the bin. :lol:

I had my free day today and had carrot cake with cream cheese icing and ice cream. I'm going to freeze most of the remaining cake for another treat someday in the future unless DS and DIL come and eat it.

Jane, I don't count any beverage for water. It has to be pure water to be water in my books. I know all about the conflicting information but I'm on the only water is water side.

Hey there Ladies.

YES! I have found the same to be true. Healthy eating does NOT have to cost more! I have learned to be much more flexible in what I am buying produce wise. I buy whatever is fresh and ON SALE! Also, I am making my way through my bulk bins at the Farmers Market. I am into the 6-grain cereal, steel cut oats, Quinoa, brown rice, Millet, and all sorts of lentils. Super healthy can be done on a budget!

I am a calorie counter. I have done many programs in the past--meetings, meal deliveries, etc.

Oh, and man I SO know about binging things I shouldn't--mine is cereal. Guess what I did? I have a huge piece of furniture in the library. It has several doors on it and there is a beautiful skeleton key that opens them. Well, LOL--I locked my temptations up in there! LOL. My hubby hides the key and ONLY opens it when I am making kids lunches. It is horrible it has come to this but I am of the mentality--WHATEVER IT TAKES!!!

Slim Yep, I could do the corn chips thing as well although potato chips were my favorite. Now I only eat chips when I make taco salads. I like tortilla chips instead of the taco shell. I don't those much any more because of the salt.

Jane & Retiredone I drink a lot of herbal teas, but I also think of water as water.

Jane I also find myself shopping the outside edges of the store as well. There are some isles I never go down any more.

After MANY years of "dieting" and MANY types of diets, I now am back to calorie counting. Because of type 2 diabetes, I keep my carbs low & limit them to low Glycemic Index.

Lynn

Hello ~

I had the most success when I was calorie counting. I worked a different shift then and it seemed easier to keep up with it all. I am floundering now but need to do better. My health is on the line ~ it sort of has been for a while (high blood pressure). But now the dr tells me I am prediabetic. So, I need to make a better effort to do something and make some progress.

Junk food ~ chips and stuff, but especially sweets are my downfall. Sometimes, I just feel hungry ~ like I just can't get filled up and want to eat and eat and eat.

I have some days that I do better than others. Somedays I do the same thing that had worked on another day and this day it doesn't work :dizzy:

As you can see by my join date here ~ I should have gotten to my goal long ago. I don't have much self discipline. I don't know what the answer is for me.

Being able to come here is a comfort because I know I am not alone in my struggles and people are so helpful to each other.

Take care

I love calorie counting, it gives me the freedom to eat whatever I want. I get this funny high when I stay within my 1200 calories by the end of the day. I've never had trouble losing weight, that's the easy part. KEEPING IT OFF IS MY NEMESIS! The key to losing weight for me is keeping my fiber grams over 40 daily. It keeps me full, I could easily skip lunch because I'm rarely hungry. If I had a dollar for every time I've mentioned Fiber One cereal, I'd be rich. I don't vary my breakfast much, I eat yogurt and fruit over Fiber One cereal daily. I have a yogurt maker so making it costs very little. I eat whatever fruit is in season over it, right now the pears are really delicious over my cereal. I also make either boxed or scratch sugar free puddings, top with fat free Cool Whip, sprinkle 1/2 serving of dry Fiber One cereal on top. It makes the pudding taste like pie with the crunchy cereal on top. For my treat at night I eat a large bowl of popcorn made with no oil, just Pam butter spray in the popper.
If I have a sweet tooth, I sprinkle cinnamon & Splenda on top. I have powdered extracts I use sometimes too, like Coconut, Vanilla, hazelnut. Kernel Season's makes a popcorn Spritzer Butter spray that I spray on my popcorn so the seasonings stick but don't make the popcorn soggy. I love it, they also make all kinds of seasoning to put on top. You can google it if you don't have them in your area. I have one call chocolate marshmellow, not my favorite. I like the Ranch seasoning the best. Garlic and Parmesan comes in 2nd.
Good Luck everyone!

Hi all,

retiredone - I allow extra calories on Sundays, but include specifics when I write out my food the night before. The extra treat keeps my morale up. Does the cake freeze well when frosted?

ThighsBeGone - you are one smart lady to lock up the temptations. I agree with you - whatever it takes!!

Trish - how are you doing today?

Lynn - seems there are many of us calorie counters here!

Gayle - as you see by my join date, I should've made goal by now, too, so don't feel like the Lone Ranger. I came close before, but regained. I suspect many of us can say that, too. I, too, feel different on some days about what works, and make changes, if I need to, within the calorie limits.

Bobbi - thanks for the tip about Kernel Seasonings not make popcorn soggy. I'll look for it. You have lots of good ideas to help us stay OP!

I made it through a family birthday party last night with no problem. I think planning ahead, and taking calorie-friendly foods with me helped immensely. The dinner was at a cabin my son rented, and it's easier for me to stay OP somewhere else, than when I'm at home, preparing everything, and dealing with leftovers. Plus, I just tend to make too many types of foods, wanting to be sure I have everyone's favorites, you know?

Well, I'm headed out to stock up on more fresh produce. Who knew I could get so excited about spaghetti squash, lol? I'll look for Kernel Seasonings, too.

Hugs,

Another calorie counter here.
In addition I:
Eat 6 small meals
Eat a mostly whole foods vegetarian diet
Balance my eating (40/30/30 every eating occasion) as much as possible
Exercise moderatelyCalorie counting works best for me because it is flexible. There is never an excuse to go off-plan. Traveling, social occasions, work conferences, etc. present challenges, but with planning - I can adjust and still stay OP.

It took me a while to find my correct calorie level for maintenance. My body didn't want to settle into one weight until I hit about 120. Now - It has stayed within a 3 lb. range for the last 12-13 months.

Hi Everyone,

A quick fly by a busy day. I usually watch my carbs, but you girls make me want to count calories. I know that I can do both as I've done that in the past. It is really cold here in SC and I love soups, stews, beans etc. when it is cold weather. Trouble DH doesn't. But with just the 2 of us now, that is easy to handle.

Bobbolink I loved your suggestions and tips. Thanks for sharing.

Gayle By my join date, I should have made it to goal too. I got close a few years ago, but didn't got off my plan and never was able to get back to it for very long. always feel if I keep trying that I will eventually make it.

CountingDown Actually it is your statement of "Calorie counting works best for me because it is flexible" is what made me rethink calorie counting. It fits anywhere.

Jane Saving extra calories for Sunday. If I remember right when we did the old WW plan years ago, weren't we allowed to save calories for special occasions? Actually, the old original plan was so much easier to lose weight on for me. Wish I still had a copy of it.

Well, girls I've got to get ready for Bible study.

Everybody else: :wave: Y'all have a great Sunday evening;

Hi everyone, I just turned 50 a few months ago, so I guess I belong here.

I have had success with Weight Watchers in the past, but like many of you I now count calories. Actually, I have been really bad about writing them down lately, but I am still losing so I am kind of experimenting with how long that will last. I guess I am kind of in a rhythm, and will just go with it for now.

My biggest challenge is getting back into exercise. Each week I say I am going to do it, but it never happens. I used to go to the gym faithfully every morning before work, but then a couple of years ago I had a foot/ankle problem and I got out of the habit. Plus I now start work at 8:00 instead of 9:00, which is no excuse, I could still do it. I still pay for my gym membership every month, but just don't make use of it. Kind of stupid.

As far as eating I find that protein and fiber keep me feeling full. And staying away from sugar and junky carbs greatly reduces my cravings. I still get the cravings during that time of the month (yes, I still have the joy of that!) but it is not nearly as bad as it used to be.

Well, nice getting to know you ladies. Continued success to us all.

Well, I made up my mind today to count calories for 2 reasons. 1 to get portion control and 2 so I can be sure I'm not eating more calories than I should. It is so easy to do that with low carb. I like the idea of getting plenty of protein and fiber so plan to work on that one as well. Just want to make sure I am getting more quality, healthy carbs. Got my plan started for tomorrow and ready to go. Going to start my exercise again as well. I got away from exercise when I was going to the chiropractor last year and he told my I couldn't exercise for a while. I've done it from time to time but not regular. I will start that back tomorrow. I am 66 and have to go kind of slow because of back etc, but I am going to do the 1 mile Walk Away the Pounds by Sansone and then I have some exercises the chiro gave me for my back, shoulders and neck. Maybe if I start all that at once, I can get into a routine.

Catch y'all tomorrow.

I am doing WW Works good for me so far, no meetings just books that have been passed down 21 pounds so far in a month YAY ME! and to add quit drinking pop, (MT DEW) *LOL* so the weight has just fell of now I feel like I hit a flat spot..not loosing so fast..Got to switch the game up a little..anyone have any ideas if you have been on ww please let me know..

I'm 53 and was having trouble maintaining my weight after years on WW. Finally tried South Beach last year and promptly lost 27# in about 3 months. I limit my grains to whole ones and only eat 2-3 servings a day, but I eat much more vegetables (4 1/2 cups a day). I also use more fats (2Tbs. olive oil and a nut serving daily). I find it really freeing to not count points or calories anymore and am maintaining well as long as I follow this plan. I eat no sugar or white flour in anything, eat fruits and veggies more than I have in my life. I kind of feel like I'm a whole foods person now. I really read labels which has been a real eye opener for me.

My challenges are eating at family/friend get togethers when most if not all the food is not SB compliant. I sometimes try to sneak some of my own food in somewhere, or just try to eat very little of what is served. I have been able to maintain my weight with occasional off plan splurges, but I always feel so much better, less bloating, etc. when sticking with SB. I have been able to drop my cholesterol (which all of a sudden shot up with menopause) down 30 points since eating this way.

When I was in weight-loss mode, I didn't follow any specific plan. I cut out junk food, watched portion sizes, and limited carbs and fats (emphasing lean protein, nonfat dairy, lots and lots of veggies). I also exercised regularly. When I hit plateaus, I made adjustments and eventually over a year, lost the weight.

It wasn't until I had been in maintenance for several months, that I started keeping a food diary and counting calories. I had LOST weight successfully many times before, it was keeping it off that I struggled with. Over time, I have learned what my daily calorie "budget" is and I have continued with the food diary as a way of staying conscious about my eating. I also exercise daily.

If I ate whatever my tummy wanted, I would absolutely regain everything. I still really like carbs and junk and sweets and the rest. I have to watch, and measure, and weigh, and will probably have to do that forever. Sometimes I get tired of it, but most of the time I do think it's all worth it.

Welcome to 3FC, Stylist83. Sounds like you have a plan in place. But don't expect to keep losing large amounts after that initial loss. We'd all like that to happen but it doesn't. A slow loss of 1 or 2 pounds a week is actually really good. So don't feel discouraged if you don't see big losses like you first did. Just keep on plan and you'll soon know if it's working.

Hi all,

Stylist - :welcome2: to 3FC, especially this forum! Retiredone is so right when she said losing slows down after being OP for awhile. It also slows down with age. Not fair, lol. But if you've hit a plateau, you might want to shake your WW points up a bit, eating an average of the same, but a few less one day, and a few more the next. Add in (or beef up) some exercise and I think you'll see better results. Please keep posting here, and tell us more about yourself.

Counting down - congratulations on your success!!

Trish - I think you'll like counting calories with your lifestyle. Seems you have a great plan in place for food and exercise, both. YAY!

Judy - :welcome2: to you, too!! Sorry about your ankle/foot problems. I have plantar's fasciitis, and a knee with arthritis, so I have to be careful what I do for exercise, too. A recumbent bike, stretch bands, and weights are what I use. (Not often enough, though.)

Anne - congrats for your success with SB. I often eat the protein bars for my afternoon snack. I like the taste of the fiber bars better, the the protein ones give me energy.

MBN - boy, you said a mouthful! Maintaining is much harder than losing. I'm embarrassed to admit it, but my success story (along with many, many others') was written up in the the 3FCs book, "3 Fat Chicks on a Diet", and then I gained the weight back. Btw, I'm thinking that's you in the avatar, and you look Great!!

I've got a family issue going on: one of my DGDs has been diagnosed with H1N1, and it's possible her siblings have it, too. If those of you that believe in prayer will pray for Makenzie and siblings, I'd appreciate it. On a lighter note, I haven't used this stressfulness to overeat. I know that if I do, then I'll have 2 problems, instead of just one.

It is very nice to come here daily and check in with you ladies, and read about your weight loss, and everyday lives.

Hugs,

Jane - prayers ascending!

Jane, prayers for your grandchildren.

Jane ~ prayers for your grandchildren from here too :hug:

I just sent prayers your grandkids way and one for you, it's hard to see your kids sick.

one of my DGDs has been diagnosed with H1N1, and it's possible her siblings have it, too. If those of you that believe in prayer will pray for Makenzie and siblings,

Well today was not a good calorie counting day. Ate out today and did fine at restaurant, but didn't do well when I got home. I tried eating carbs I don't usually eat and it got away from me. I know I can't do that so it was a learning experience. Joined fitday and like some things, but I think it is easier for me to count calories with pencil & paper myself. Will just make today an off day and get back OP of low carb/calorie counting tomorrow.

Jane Prayers going up for the grands and family.

Jane- thoughts and prayers for you, and your family. That's a good idea, not to stress eat, but I know it's so hard, old habits are easy to fall back into, specially when your mind is on other things. Stay Strong!!

Stylist-Welcome to our happy thread, much success, and hope you visit often.

pattygirl- hey, it happens, tomorrow's a new day, and sounds like you know what you need to do, great plan of action.

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[B]MBN - Btw, I'm thinking that's you in the avatar, and you look Great!!
<snip>
I've got a family issue going on: one of my DGDs has been diagnosed with H1N1, and it's possible her siblings have it, too.


Jane, yes, that is me. Thanks! :D

Prayers for your family -- hopefully they just end up with a light case, if that. I believe that both DS#2 and DH had the virus last month (it's going around all over here right now). They had all the symptoms, but weren't tested so we don't know for sure. Neither DS#1 nor I caught it. A coworker who sits next to me WAS tested and diagnosed last week - she had a mild/atypical presentation so we never even thought that was it. No one around her has caught it (yet at least). Most people I know have had reasonably light cases, nothing worse than the seasonal flu. We hear about the low percentage of cases that are quite severe, and that's what we worry about. Hopefully that will NOT be the case with your family. Wash your hands and get plenty of rest! ;)

Good morning,

Thank you for all the thoughts and prayers for my little ones. I appreciate your kindness so very much. :grouphug:

Trish - as institches said, today is a new day! I like using good old school paper in a 3-ring binder, too. Keeps my hands busy, lol. We'll all help each other here, ok?

Institches - I've recorded messages to myself on a tiny voice recorder. The idea came from the Beck Solution, but instead of index cards, I use the recorder. So, when I feel the need, I just settle in with my earbuds, and listen to all the reasons I need to stay OP. I don't know how long this will be effective, but so far, so good.

MBN - same situation here - many light cases, so hopefully the girls will be fine. My DD Mary is making sure they have enough liquids, rest, etc. as with any flu, and the children are on meds, of course.


I've got to take the stray puppy (Lucy) that we took in, to the vet today. She looks healthy, but needs shots and an appt. date to be spayed. I'll also have him check for a chip, since she was a stray.

What's on your agenda today?

Hello Everyone,

Institches & Jane - Thanks for the encouragement. Maybe yesterday was a last fling with all that stuff. It is amazing how impowered I feel today. I've got my plan for the day with my calorie count for the day and I feel really good about the day and myself. Back to healthy eating again.

I'm 66 yrs old. Are there any others of us here? You guys are a great inspiration. I'm looking forward to this group.

Have a great one.

See ya later.

Good Morning,

Up early getting ready to go to BSF meeting this morning. I'm not usually up this early so thought I would pop in and say hello. I had a great OP day yesterday. I was really pleased with the way my day went food wise. I've got to get the exercising going now. Not really faithful with that, but I have to work on that one. Guess it is one day at a time: one step at a time. Hopefully once I get a routine going all will be fine.

Jane - How is everyone doing in your family?

Y'all have a great day!

Hello,

Trish - the kiddos are much better! Glad you had a good day yesterday. Suzanne the admin recommended Kathy Smith's Lift Weights to Lose Weight dvd for me, so I ordered it at Amazon this morning. I went ahead and got the 2 volume set. Suzanne said it has different levels of intensity, and that's important for me. You are so right about us taking it one day at a time!

Today I'm making soup and zucchini bread to take to Mary's tomorrow. Neal is going to stay there and have soup with the 2 girls while I get Mary out of the house for a nice lunch and a little shopping. She has to be so ready to get out for awhile and I will surely enjoy her company.

Have a good one!

Jane- enjoy your day with Mary and hope you have a fun day shopping. Funny I just started weight lifting, very surprising I really love it, hope you will too. So happy to hear the kids are feeling better.

pattygirl63-Super, that your had a wonderful OP day, I Love when it all falls in together, makes your day so much better, that you made that choice, and far as exercise, you're right, one step at a time. When I started back into exercise, I had to force myself to push play, but once I started I was glad I did, took me about 2wks to make it a habit. I'm happy to say, it's something that is just part of my day, and I really do enjoy it.

Temptation is everywhere, but I do it mostly to myself. After all, who buys the donuts, cookies, candy, and chips? Moi, of course. I do it because I have 2 teenage boys with hollow legs who can eat everything in sight and stay skinny because, well, they're teenage boys! DH can eat it all too and stay in a normal weight range. Me, I just look at it and gain 5 pounds. <sigh>

We have apple pie in the fridge right now, leftover from Sunday's Sr Hi youth fundraiser lunch. DH had pie with ice cream last night, and oh man, it looked so good. It made me cranky. This morning I actually lifted the lid on the donut box this to sniff them. Put them back ... not for me!

I'm just feeling whiny today. I've been VERY good: no junk food, no candy, no sugary sweets, no white bread/bagels/pasta/rice - since Labor Day. I know better than to go there, because it will kick off a cycle of carb cravings that just kills. I'm far better off to avoid that stuff altogether. I gained a few pounds during my August vacation and I'm bound and determined to get them off by my first race in mid-November. I'm back down red-line now (yay!), and want to get back to mid-range - just 2-3 more pounds to go.

But, boy, some days this self-control business just gets old. Thanks for listening, I know you understand!

MBN, we understand. :hug:

MBN, I struggle with this too. I have gained 2-3# in the last few months. Not sure why. I eat the same way as usual. Must be I need to move more. I have gone to the gym twice this week. Did weights yesterday. Yeah for me! I loathe weightlifting. I used to like it when I was younger and I know it's really important as we age. I can tell my upper body is much weaker than when I used to lift in the past, but I do so hate it. Put me on a treadmill or bike any day. It's something I really have to force myself to do.

I work in a newborn nursery so I got my H1N1 flu shot Monday. Pregnant women and all nurses who care for them and their babies are first line to get the shots at my hospital. I wish I could get one for my son in college. I'm not worried about getting this at all, but I worry about him. We have had several mothers here giving birth that have it. Not real sick, but we have to put them and their babies in isolation so it doesn't spread on the unit.

MBN - Boy do I understand!!!

Yesterday was not one of my better days. Too many carby stuff. Today is going better so far.

Jane - I think it is so sweet of Neal to stay with the girls while you and Mary go out for some time together. I know you miss her since she moved. Glad they are close enough to visit. I sure miss my kids.

Hope everybody is doing well.

I'm just popping in to say hello. It's been a very busy day, and I'm worn out. I'll be back tomorrow all bright eyed and bushy tailed. Well, ok.... I'll be back tomorrow, but not sure about the rest, haha.

Hugs,

Just checking in to say hello to everyone.

Y'all have a great week end.

Hello,

InStitches - the only way I've ever worked with weights is to just mess with them while I watch a tv program. Not very structured, lol. What's your favorite dvd for them?

MBN - I sure do understand! Temptation is everywhere we turn. :dizzy: I used to say the same thing about my son when he was a teen - that he had hollow legs. He was a football player, and could really scarf down the groceries. lol. Wow, you've really come a long way since Labor Day, not having junk food. That's something to be proud of.

Anne - aww, I think working in a newborn nursery would be great! I've wondered about volunteering in ours. About the weight, I think it's sort of normal to have fluctuations after you reach goal, isn't it? Have never reached my final goal, I wouldn't know!

Trish - you know, I've found that refined carbs make me sluggish and even sleepy. How did you do today with them? Yes, it was sweet of Neal to stay with the kids, and he enjoyed it as much as they did. When I get down about them moving 45 minutes away, I have to remember how many grandparents have families much,much further away.

I'm doing very well with food. Tomorrow is weigh-in day, and I'm actually looking forward to it.

Yesterday was busy, and today has been, too. I went to Lowe's to get some chrome wire roll-out cabinet baskets, but whoo-wee, they wanted an arm and a leg for them. So I settled for Rubbermaid ones instead and got 4 for the price of 1 chrome one. Nobody but me can see them anyway, and they seem nice and sturdy.

Hugs,

Jane-I wasn't really interested in weights either, did do a few light weigh reps with my TurboJam DVD's, but I saw an informercial for ChaLean Extreme, and I was hooked, had to get it. I'm so happy I did, so right now it has to be ChaLean Extreme.

MBN-Yes, Love the sweets and now with the holidays right around the corner, and the kids putting in their orders for "Full Fat" goodies, that I only make for them at Thanksgiving and Christmas, and they promise to take the leftovers, I will get through it, once again. I make sure there is something for me to enjoy, so I won't be tempted. My problem is when I'm alone, if it's a group I'm very good, don't want anybody to watch me cheat, but I'm a hoarder, and my old habit was to hide some of the goodies, and when I'm all alone, eat until I'm sick. I'm very happy to say, have not done that in 2yrs.

Well so glad it's the weekend, hope the rain holds up a bit today, so I can get outside, we had 3 upper 70's days, this week, was tempted to take a happy mental health day, but saving them for just in case, snow days. Then planning on dinner with Dylan, 6yr nephew, oh-yes and his parents too!!

hope everyone has a great weekend-may the sun shine bright for all of you

Me, reporting my weigh-in. After staying OP all week, I lost a whopping .6 of a pound. Hopefully, the rest of the loss will show up next week.

Institches - I'll be glad to get my dvd and start in the correct way with the weights. Hmmm... I'll have to check out the ChaLean Extreme. Your kids sound like my kids at family dinners. They'll ask, "This isn't DIET, is it?!?" I have to admit, at times I've alluded that certain dishes were regular, when in fact, they were a lightened version. Like you, I send leftovers home with the kids. Have fun with your nephew this weekend. And the parents, too, of course.

DGD Madison is spending staying over with us. She helped me make a tied-edge blanket (see the crafter's thread for a photo) and is my little cooking helper, too. We had the turkey club wrap from the Healthy Girl Cookbook. Some of those recipes are hardly considered healthy in my book, but this one is.

Have a good Saturday! :)

I weighed in this morning too after staying on plan all week and never lost anything. So Jane, your 0.6 pound sounds good to me. :lol: I thought I'd have lost over a pound as I was doing some challenge exercises from the biggest loser thread but not to be this week...sigh... But I have the satisfaction of knowing it was nothing I did wrong.

Jane-enjoy your time with your Madison, they are so much fun, and sounds like you had a wonderful time. I know it's not much, but it is a loss, and I'm sure the scale will be much nicer next week.

retiredone-I know that darn scale, next week will be better!

Well heavy sigh...I thought I was done with my monthly visitor, but NOOO...but I still had a great day, did my CHX and was able to stay OP, even with the tempting pizza and lemon pie on the dinner menu. Did not get to do any yard work, due to a very rainy day, the temps were in the low 70's but too hard to rake in a downpour, maybe tomorrow.

Hello all, :wave:

retiredone - you are so right when you say at least we have the satisfaction of knowing we did nothing wrong to prevent a better weight loss. That's something, at least. We can hope for a bigger loss Saturday.

Institches - what a great job you did, passing up the pizza and pie! Sorry about your monthly visitor. I don't miss Aunt Flo one bit, lol. I checked my email for notification about shipping of the dvd I order, and it said not until the 29th. :dizzy: Glad I checked, or I'd have been looking for it tomorrow.

Trish, MBN and others - hope you're having a good day.

Today Madison and I have been making s/f finger jello, using cute miniature cookie cutters, and playing board games.

Will any of you have a challenge getting through Halloween? I live so far out in the country that the only trick-or-treaters will be the grands, so it isn't a problem for me.

Later,

Pop-in to say hello, and I hope everyone had a great weekend.

We were busy with church activities all weekend. Thankfully, I was able to walk to many of them, so I did get in some exercise. And I found time for a weight workout this afternoon :)

I'm off to finish cooking for the week.

Laurie

My biggest downfall at Halloween are the miniature bags of chips that come in huge boxes. I always buy 3 or 4 boxes to give to the kids and end up buying more because I've eaten so many I don't have enough to give out. But this year I bought individual rice krispie treats and the box isn't even open. I like the rk treats but not enough to open the box and indulge.

I've had a very quiet weekend as DH has been away for work. Looking forward to home being home in an hour or so. Also looking forward to watching the finale of "So You Think You Can Dance Canada" tonight as one of our local girls is in it (and we know her family), so it makes it more exciting.

I had a pretty crappy week eating wise. No sooner did I post that I was cruising along on auto-pilot and doing well and the cravings hit and I was awful all week (and have a 2 pound gain to prove it :( ). This week it is back to basics of writing everything down. We have a vacation coming up to Mexico in a couple of weeks, and I want to be down as much as possible before that.

I only buy Halloween candy that I don't particularly like. Usually it is the big mixed bag of sour candies. Those don't call my name at all.

I've had a very quiet weekend as DH has been away for work. Looking forward to home being home in an hour or so. Also looking forward to watching the finale of "So You Think You Can Dance Canada" tonight as one of our local girls is in it (and we know her family), so it makes it more exciting.

I had a pretty crappy week eating wise. No sooner did I post that I was cruising along on auto-pilot and doing well and the cravings hit and I was awful all week (and have a 2 pound gain to prove it :( ). This week it is back to basics of writing everything down. We have a vacation coming up to Mexico in a couple of weeks, and I want to be down as much as possible before that.

I only buy Halloween candy that I don't particularly like. Usually it is the big mixed bag of sour candies. Those don't call my name at all.

Judy Lynn You are not alone. In fact I almost decided not to write anything and I saw your post. I did great the first part of the week and I blew the whole weekend and I too have gain a couple of lbs this week.

I'm hoping to get back on track tomorrow with diet and exercise and shoot for a good week and weekend.

Hope everyone is doing fine.

Hello,

Laurie - what a great time of year to enjoy outdoor walking. I bet the leaves are just gorgeous up in Michigan right now.

Retiredone - great Halloween strategy! I don't care for those store-bought rc treats, either, but the homemade ones are a weakness of mine. I don't even make them anymore, but will sometimes pinch a piece at a church carry-in.

Judy - how did the local girl do on the show? Hope she won! Anytime I've thought I can just wing my eating plan w/o writing it down, I've gone completely off program, so I sure understand your thinking with that. Mexico - how fun! What part will you be visiting? I've only been as far as Tijuana, but had fun shopping there.

Trish - we've been friends for a long time now, and I just know you'd tell me that today is a new day, with a clean slate, so I'm telling you that, too. ((hug)) All of us here will help you stay OP. Just keep coming back to the boards for encouragement, ok?

I had a good, OP weekend, and am ready for this new week. We have walnut trees in the backyard, and I want to rake them today. There are so many, a person can barely walk through. That will be my exercise today.

What have you planned for the day? Whatever it is, have a good one!

Trish, C'mon let's get back on track together TODAY! I have already had my healthy breakfast, and written down the calories. How are you doing?

Jane, Yes! Our girl won! She is so cute, and a fantastic dancer. My son played hockey with her brother, so we don't know her that well but her family is very nice. Her mother is a single parent and they always had to struggle, so it is very nice to see her win the $100,000 and the car.

We are going to Cancun with our grown sons who now live on the other side of the country. I am looking forward to spending a week with them of R&R.

Have a good day everyone. And let's make this week a good one!

Trish, C'mon let's get back on track together TODAY! I have already had my healthy breakfast, and written down the calories. How are you doing?

I'm with you Judy Lynn. I wanted to start The Metabolism Miracle Diet on January 1st because Step 1 is for 8 weeks. I headed for bed early this morning after writing you guys and thought, "why wait?". We have company coming for the holidays and that had been my reason. I got my calendar out and found out if I started today, that I would be ready to start Step 2 the Monday of Christmas week. I don't know if I will lose much between now and then, but it would be nice to lose something between now and then. Carbs are limited to 5 carbs every 5 hours for 8 weeks and goes up to more during Step 2. So this morning I got up weighed and measured myself and I am not supposed to weigh again for 8 weeks and can measure in 4 weeks. I will probably weigh when I measure in 4 weeks. I notice on the MM site on a low carb site seem to do that. I took the first day plan out of the book and made a few adjustments on the allowed veggies and had an OP breakfast and I have my plan for the day written out. I also decided to start day one with my exercises and I've done that already as well. It takes about an hour to do so will probably do it 4 days a week M,T,Th&F with a shorter one thrown in on Wednesday and Saturday. It is time to get serious about this and JUST DO IT.

Jane You are right. That is exactly what I would have said to you dear friend. Thanks for reminding me of it.

Y'all have a great day.

When you've had a bad day or week, that's the most important time to post about it. Something about typing out what the week was like is almost medicinal and curative. It certainly helps me.

I'm hearing you Jane, on the homemade Rice Krispie Treats. I've been known to put my head in the pot and lick it clean after making them. :D

I'm glad to say that I've had a good 1st day OP. Have had a headache off and on this evening, but that is part of the 1st 3 days detox period. I have my plan for tomorrow already written out so I'm ready to go. Planning ahead and writing it down definitely makes things easier.

Till tomorrow.

I was sorta-MOP for the weekend, if that makes sense. I took a vacation day yesterday to make a long weekend (I have some days to burn, and we have to use-or-lose them by the end of January). For some reason it's much easier to stay on-plan at work, than at home, with the kitchen and refrigerator SO handy. And I tend to eat to avoid getting started on housework. I did avoid the junk food and ate all on-plan food, just too much of it. <sigh> I don't think I exceeded my total calorie burn, but I didn't manage a deficit either. You'd think with all of the running that I do, that I would lose weight - but I can out-eat ANY amount of exercise!!

I was good with exercise, with a 5 mile run on Saturday, a 16 mile long run on Sunday, and another easy 5 miler yesterday. I TRIED to go to the gym for lifting class Saturday morning - waited 20 minutes for the group ex instructor -- only to be finally told that they weren't going to teach that class at that time anymore, so sorry! grrr. Then I tried to go to boot camp class yesterday morning (since I was off), only to find out that THIS instructor had just called in sick and couldn't find anyone to cover her class! GRRR. Twice in a row! :mad: So I did the next best thing to avoid housework AND refrigerator - I went shopping! :p DS#2 needed some dress clothes and I had a list of errands to run anyway.

Back totally on plan today ....

I had a good first day back OP yesterday too. Just over 1300 calories, which is right within my range. I have some food prepared to take to work today, so I am set. I'm with you Trish, Just Do It!

Have to run and get ready for work. Have a great day everyone!

Good morning,

Judy - bravo for being back OP! How exciting for the girl, and for the whole town, that she did you all proud. The extra money will mean so much to her. Cancun sounds heavenly! The best part will be time spent with your sons.

Trish - yw ((HUG)) YAY for you, having a successful 1st day back OP. I think checking in here daily will help each of us stay OP, especially if we aren't feeling very strong.

retiredone - haha, thanks for the funny visual of you with your head in a pot. I love your sense of humor! I've scraped the pot with a wooden spoon so hard to get the last of the RC treat out of it, that it's a wonder the finish didn't come off.

MBN - your exercising is impressive! Guess you just weren't meant to lift or go to bootcamp yesterday. Shopping is a good way to get our minds off of food - I've done it many, many times and have had an empty wallet to prove it, lol.

I went nearly 300 calories over yesterday, from just feeling too hungry last evening. Might have been from raking the walnuts, and doing extra work in the utility room, I'm not sure. Anyway, I feel strong today, and have my plan in place.

It's dreary here today, so I have extra lights on. Not very "green" of me, but the lights help keep me cheerful.

Have an OP day!

I had a good first day back OP yesterday too. Just over 1300 calories, which is right within my range. I have some food prepared to take to work today, so I am set. I'm with you Trish, Just Do It! Have to run and get ready for work. Have a great day everyone!

Great Judy Lynn I am proud of both of us. You have a great Day 2.

Hi Everybody.

I had a great day yesterday. The plan I'm on is supposed to give my pancreas and liver an 8 week vacation and then teach my body function better with the carbs as they are added in slowly. Have to eat the meals and snacks using allowed carbs at the right times and keep the metabolism stoked as I train the metabolism to function properly again. Best way I know how to explain. Have to do 30 min exercise 5 days a week. The neat thing too is that the program I'm on now has it's own support group online so I'll know if I'm doing the plan correctly or not.

Since I have back, knee and neck problems, I am doing my 1 hour Sit and Get Fit dvd's by Michael Horn 4 days a week hoping to strengthen them. Also have a dvd called Zookinesis for seniors that I plan to work in on Wednesday and Saturday as it looks like it would be good for my knees.

My day has been great so far today. I can't remember who it was on here that stressed the importance of planning ahead writing everything down, but you were definitely right. I am a routine person any way and I know that once I get the routine down that I will do fine.

Jane I read somewhere that many times when you have a busier day that your body does ask for more food. So you probably worked off more food than you thought that you did. I bet you will find it works in your favor. It is good that you have kept going OP. And I agree that having this place to come and encourage each other will help us stay OP.

Hope everybody has an OP day.

Trish - how did the rest of the day go for you? I think several of us mentioned planning ahead. In the past, anytime I haven't written down what I'm going to eat, it has lead to a problem. Since I plan our menus a week ahead, planning my daily meals is fairly easy.

I'll be out of town tomorrow and will be having a lunch out with my sister. I'll let you know how it went.

Ack! A co-worker brought the giant Costco muffins to work today for the communal table in the kitchen. When someone brings something for the table it is for sharing. Lord give me strength.

Yesterday went pretty well, not 100%, but better than it has been.

Have a good day everyone. Jane, have a good time with your sister.

Hi Everyone,

It has been an interesting day. I had BSF today which means I get up really. I had to go to the store after the meeting before I came home. On the program I'm on, I eat 5 g carbs for breakfast then a snack before lunch and then I have to eat 5 g every 5 hours during this 8 weeks. I forgot to take anything for my snack. I couldn't have eat it until after the meeting on the way to the store. By the time I got home for my next 5 g carb, I was really feeling bad. I think not being able to drink my water during the morning didn't help either.

Actually the first 3 days are the detox days and it could have been worse. I am actually happy with the way things have been going.

Jane Hope you had a really good visit with your sister.

Judy Lynn Things happen. No one is 100% all the time. In fact, I realized yesterday when I got ready to put dressing on my salad that I couldn't have it because I would end up with 11 g carbs instead of 5. Then I realized that my 1st day was not perfect. So I went online and asked the people on the support group, if I should make yesterday Day 1 and start over. They told me "No" They said I wasn't far enough a long and just keep on keeping on. I think as long as we get back OP the next meal or snack is what counts and it is what will work for us.

Hope everyone has had a great day.

Well, I made it through the work day muffin-free. :carrot: Yikes! At almost 700 calories and 38 grams of fat I am sure glad I didn't indulge. Imagine a half a day's calories in one treat!

Trish, that program sounds interesting. Do you also eat protein? I would imagine you must. After the detox stage it should get easier. It will be hard to stay off the scale for that long.

Today should be another 1300 calorie day for me, so Yay! I am finding posting here helps me, so thanks! :D

Have a good evening, talk to you tomorrow.

Hi all,

Judy - YAY for you, besting the muffins. That's quite a coup!

Trish - sounds like you're doing fine! Can you take water to the meetings?

Two of my sisters ended up going, and I stayed POP at lunch, having a salad with cottage cheese, tomatoes, cucumbers, beets, a tad of shredded cheese, and some baked chicken thrown in. :carrot: It wasn't even difficult, because I know how much better I feel when I eat healthily. I only hope this determination lasts.

You know, the magazines are full of recipes for low cal/low fat holiday foods. I've been known to sneak in some lighter fare but generally make the same foods with traditional recipes for the family for T'giving and C'mas, and try to practice portion control. Just wondering - how do all of you handle holiday food cooking?

I've had a great Day 4 OP and I've done 3 hrs of exercise so far this week. Will do another hour tomorrow. Only have to do 30 minutes 5 days a week, so I'm ahead.

Jane I just found out today that the 5 g carbs every 5 hours is optional in Step 1. So I just need to be sure and take me some nuts and or a cheese stick with me next time I am going somewhere after class.

Judy Lynn Great job passing up on the muffin. :carrot: That gives you a victory you can build on next time. You know if you did it once you can do it again.

Hope everyone has had a great day.

I had another good day too eating-wise. :) The darn muffins were still there, and now there is an open dish of peanut brittle too! Now that exercise thing is another matter; just can't get back into it.

You know, the magazines are full of recipes for low cal/low fat holiday foods. I've been known to sneak in some lighter fare but generally make the same foods with traditional recipes for the family for T'giving and C'mas, and try to practice portion control. Just wondering - how do all of you handle holiday food cooking?

I am about the same. I lighten up where possible, but just use portion control. I figure it is just one day. We have already had our Thanksgiving here in Canada.

Have a great evening.

I try to keep the vegetables as fat free as possible. Anyone wants butter or margarine on theirs it's on the table to use. Then I can eat a large servings of cabbage, carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, etc. That really fills up the plate. Then I take it easy on the potatoes. But it is only one day so I'll usually cancel all that out with the dessert...sigh...Anyway, I don't have to worry about that until Christmas as I too have already done Thanksgiving.

Good morning,

Trish - well, that's good about the carbs being optional! I see you're planning ahead for next time. I think we all do so much better when there is a plan in place. I just love cheese sticks, and can make them last awhile.

Judy - peanut brittle would not be safe around me, lol. You're doing great so far with avoiding these temptations. Keep it up! I hear you on the exercise. I really, really don't like to do it, but have made myself get on the recumbent bike, do outdoor walking, and just got a weights DVD in the mail. I'll try that out before my shower this evening. I think as I lose, it will be easier for me to exercise, and then I'll do better with it. Btw, Happy Belated Thanksgiving!

We took the new dog, Lucy, in to be spayed yesterday, and she's back home, and resting. I fixed her a scrambled egg, which she thoroughly enjoyed.

I've have a good week, food-wise, and hope the scale is kinder to me tomorrow than it was last Saturday.

Toodles,

Judy Lynn Don't worry too much about the exercise. You'll do it when you are ready. You might just start out with just moving around more instead of formal exercise right now.

Retiredone I also like a lot of veggies myself. I've been thinking about making a low carb cheesecake using the freebie foods on my program so I can have a desert for Thanksgiving, if I need it. That way I will still be OP. Plan to eat only protein and veggies otherwise.

Jane I am really enjoying this way of eating. Even enjoy making my meal/snack plans ahead of time. I only planned two times for the 5 g carbs since I have the option choice.

I had a really good day today. Didn't exercise formally, but did move around a bit more. My back has been hurting last night and today, so thought I might need to give it a break since I really feel it in that area when I exercise. I may decide to do the other hour tomorrow unless I decide that my back can only do 3 days a week right now. I am required a minimum of 3 hours 5 days a week so one hour for 3 days is already more.

All the cravings and hunger is gone. I have eaten less today not because I intended to but I actually forgot to eat everything today. It has been a looooong time since I forgot to eat. lol

Have a great evening!

Trish, glad to hear you are over the hump and have no more cravings. That is great! Sounds like you are rocking that program. I will have to read up more on it when I have time. What is the website for it? Thanks for your words of encouragement about the exercise. The thing is I used to be a regular exerciser, went to the gym five days a week without fail. Well, had an injury and got out of the habit, and just can't seem to make it happen. It is crazy. Every week I make up my mind that I am going for sure, but just don't. I think part of it is that I have gained so much weight I don't feel like I fit in there any more. Stupid, I know. Maybe I should just start doing my videos at home again. Or bite the bullet and buy a treadmill. I have kept paying for the gym membership because I keep thinking I am going to use it. :?:

Jane, I hope you had a good weigh in. Isn't it amazing how a machine can validate that we are doing well? What kind of dog do you have? We have a little cocker spaniel that is a very sweet dog. I am not much much of a dog person normally as we didn't have pets growing up (sister was allergic), but this dog has me hook, line & sinker.

retiredone, hope you are having a good weekend. I visited Newfoundland as a child, but about the only thing I remember is that there were a lot of trees! Being from the prairies, that is what left an impression on me. lol!

:haphal: I will stay out of the treats if you will!

Hello,

retiredone - that's the same I do with veggies - add the butter on the table for anyone that wants it. Dessert and ham will be my 2 most challenging foods at T'giving. We can draw strength from each other, right?

Trish - I am so happy that your craving and hunger is gone! What a milestone! Refresh my memory: do you have family in for T'giving? There will be my kids and grands, for a total of 16 of us here. Not sure if they will all be here at the same time, though, since they all have other places to go, too.

Judy - yes, it is amazing how much control the "iron monster" has over us! Sometimes it makes me happy, sometimes in makes me frustrated. The new dog we have is a dachshund, beagle, coon hound mix, according to the vet. She has the muzzle of a dachshund, but is taller than that, and has the coloring of a coon hound. Cocker spaniels have a special place in my heart - we had one years ago that was so sweet. Btw, I also have a dog, Molly, that is about 12 years old. She is in my avatar, and is the best dog I ever had.

Carree - hope you join our group here. I've missed you!! :hug:

The scale showed a 1.6 pound loss for the week. :carrot: I'll tell you, it isn't as easy to lose now as it was 20 years ago.

Stay out of the Halloween candy!

Hi Everyone,

Hope all of you are having a great weekend.

My kitchen floor had become sticky and I have cleaned and cleaned trying to get it clean. I've got a swiffter and I would clean change the pad and clean and clean another section and just could not get it up. It was almost like a film build up on it. Finally, last night I decided I had to get down on the floor and clean it with Comet and water by hand. This is something that is very difficult for me with my back and knees. Boy did I feel it when I got through. What was even harder was getting up.:dizzy: I showered and took one of DH muscle relaxers something I don't like to do because I don't like the way medications like that and pain relievers make me feel. I take Advil for my back all the time, but no prescription. Today I have really been dragging. I made it to church and going back for Bible study in a little while. The problem is that when I feel so tired and dragged out, I want to eat, eat, eat. I've done well so far though because I keep a lot of my legal snack foods and they are so easy to pick up that I have been OP. However, the struggle is there. Slept a lot today and should be back to normal after a good nights sleep tonight.

Jane Tony's DD and her family will be here for Christmas and his DS and his family will join us the Sunday after Christmas. Tony's deceased wifes sister, her husband and son are supposed to be here for Thanksgiving, but I haven't heard from them to know if that is still on or not. I plan to stay OP even if they come. I saw a recipe for cheesecake on the MM support board that I think I can make into a Step 1 freebie or at least a 5x5 that I can have. I think I can make it plain for me with strawberries on the side to be added for those who want it. So I have my plan whether they come or not. I will start Step 2 the Monday before Christmas and I need to start seeing what I can have at that time and plan my meals for when the kids are here. That will keep me busy so I won't be eating. ha

Hope everybody has a bless Sunday evening.

Busy day for me, but I'll chat with you tomorrow. :hug:

Hello,

Trish - I'm back, all rested up, and ready to face the day!! Are your back and knees better today? I hope so. I'm not sure which kids will be here for which meal on Thanksgiving. Katie's in-laws never know what time they are having holiday meals. Neal's brother Paul will be here for the evening meal.

Judy - the treadmill is my absolute favorite method of exercise, but I've been banned from it by my foot doc and family doc since it makes my plantar's fasciitis flare up. I think the others at the gym would be proud of you for going, and not make judgments, yet I totally understand your hesitation.

I made it through the family dinner yesterday, and enjoyed my allotted one slice of Texas chocolate sheet cake. Since the kids didn't want to take it home, I ran the rest of it down the garbage disposal this morning. I warned Neal last night that if he wanted anymore he should get it PDQ, because I can't have it in the house. He is so understanding about these things.

It's time for my teeth cleaning at the dentist's today, and I am stopping by the market for fresh produce. The sun is shining, and it's nippy and brisk outside - a real beauty of a day.

Have a good one!

Just a quick flyby to say I'm still here. I can't give up weighing and am up about a lb from where I was last week. Back on my original plan this week eating less food. Still low carb, but hope to eat less because will be eating less often. My back was a little better yesterday. I took ibuprophen off and on through the day. Haven't taken any today and it started hurting again while doing some light housework. So need to take some in a few minutes. Plan to go walk around Walmart so will need to take it before I leave. That will also be my exercise for today as I always do close to an hour of walking around that place. Got to do some Christmas shopping while there. DH keeps reminding me that it is coming soon.

Everybody have a great Monday.

I had a long post for here, and lost it! :( Maybe I didn't hit the "submit reply" button??

Trish - I hope your back is even better today. Mine has been hurting in the mornings when I get up, if I've been sleeping on my back. Not sure why. You are right that we can get a lot of walking in at wally world, especially as I did yesterday by forgetting toothpaste until I was all the way on the other side of the store, then had to go back for it. It was even on my list, lol. Your DH is right - Christmas is only 53 days away. I have a count down on my calendar for when the grands ask me about it, lol.

Judy, MBN, ritiredone - how's it going?

I'm doing well with food, only so-so with exercise. Today I'll be doing some scrapbooking of my DGD's first day of kindergarten photos, and that will keep my hands busy, lol.

What are your plans for the day?

Hello Everyone,

Jane I guess my back is good after our talk I did some cleaning in my kitchen and doing laundry. That is usually rough on the back, but seems to be doing well right now. I'm sooo glad since I need to quit taking the ibuprohen as it causes the ringing in my ears to be worse.

I'm having a pretty good day food wise as well. My exercise today will be housework.

Hope everyone is doing well.

Patty - I'm so happy to see you've joined us on the Crafters thread, so I'll just see you there. :)

Hi All! I am finally, finally seeing daily weigh-in numbers back within my maintenance window more often than not. It's been a long, hard slog from Labor Day to lose those 7 or 8 summer vacation pounds. I'd like to lose a couple more to get to the low end of my range and have some wiggle room for the holidays! The good news is that I'm back to my optimal weight range for running, in time for racing season. My first half-marathon is the 15th!

It's been 8 long weeks since any sugary sweets or junk food or white carbs. Sometimes I torture myself by watching the Food Porn, er, Network channel. Am I the only one who likes to watch the Food Challenge shows, and the cake decorating shows ... drooling? Knowing that I can't have any. (OK, choose not to have any.) I think I have a masochistic streak somewhere in me. :D

Hi everyone, I am doing the Happy Dance this morning as my scale is down the two pounds I gained plus one more. Hopefully it is not being fickle and playing a nasty joke on me (and be up tomorrow). It has been known to do that. Only two more pounds until I reach the 30 pounds lost mark, but with a vaction coming up next week, that may take a while.

MBN, Congrats on getting those vacation pounds off. I really admire you with your running. I was all inspired to start running a few years ago and started the C25K program, but my knees did not like it. I don't watch the Food Porn Network, I find that those shows make me want to eat. Good luck on the race!

Jane, have fun scrapbooking. I have to work today, but I get to do something fun after work (go for a pedicure.)

Trish, glad you are feeling better, but sorry about the pound. Look at it as a learning experience and move on to what you know works for you.

Well, I should really get some work done. I am feeling really unmotivated this week, I think because I am already gearing down to vacation mode. You have no idea how much I am looking forward to seeing my boys. I haven't seen them since July.

MBN - congrats on your success! You are doing so well! Yes, I've seen some of the shows on the Food Network and have had to hurry and change the channel a couple of times. Paula Dean is the worst with all the butter she uses. I heard her on Oprah, I think it was, when questioned about using all the butter, she said, "I'm your cook, not your doctor!" haha. I've seen some of the cakes for the competitions, and some of them are fabulous! I have trouble just making my frosting look decent on a birthday cake.

Judy - yay for the pounds lost. I hope the scale stays kind to you. If you mentioned where you're vacationing, I forgot. Refresh my memory, will you?

I was out of town today with a friend for her birthday, and overate at lunch. Dinner was back on track, so hopefully I didn't do too much damage.

TTFN,

Jane, We are going to Cancun, Mexico. :beach: :D

MBN Congratulations on the scale coming back down and on your running accomplishments. I used to watch Food Network, but don't watch it any more. I used to love to watch them make all those beautiful cakes etc. I also know how that white stuff can call my name more than I would like.

Judy Congratulations on your 3 lb loss. I too hate how fickle my scale can be. I think it has a lot to do with salt for me. I bought a roasted chicken yesterday and I think they must inject it with salt. I've heard some where that they do that. I am always up about a lb when I eat it. I was up 1/2 a lb this morning. I know it will go back down tomorrow, but it isn't any fun to see it go up even when I know why.

Jane Good girl. Congratulations for getting right back on track the next meal. That is what we have to learn to do. We need to learn that everyone... especially thin people eat off from time to time, but if we watch them we will notice that they get back on track the next meal. So you actually ate "normal" the way "normal" weight people do.

I was off a little bit late last night althought not a binge. I know it was just because I was up too late and too tired. I was back on track this morning. We ate at Ryan's today. I didn't overdo. I ate only about half of my food because the meat was too tough and I didn't like the seasoning of the veggies. I did enjoy my dessert which I always get, but it was a Reward Meal and allowable. So I am OP today and very pleased with my day. Have the rest of the day planned including a snack just in case I need it.

Y'all have a nice evening.

Hi all,

Kris - Cancun sounds wonderful! If I lose (a lot) more weight, will you take me in one of your suitcases, lol?

Trish - it's hard to think of myself as a normal eater, since I never have been one, but I'll try! Salt will do a real number on me, too, Trish, and it seems the older I get, the worse it is. Yay for you, having a plan.

Ouestion - some of us are posting at this thread, and the Age 50+ Quilters and Crafters thread, too. Should we try to combine the two? If so, what should we call it?

I'm going to (hopefully) finish my Christmas shopping today. Then this evening, Neal and I are going out with friends for dinner, and a stop at the club. He wants to go to Denny's and get a breakfast meal, but I'll order chicken from the senior menu, where the portions are small.

Have a good Friday. :)

Good Afternoon

A quick flyby. Spent most of morning on the phone with my Daddy and then called my aunt (his sister) for her BD tomorrow. I knew the talk with her would be long as it always is, but didn't expect my call with Daddy to go as long as it did. He was unusually talkative today. I love it when he is like that. So I need to get busy.

Jane You and Neal have a nice night out with friends. Combining the 2 threads doesn't matter to me. Whatever everyone decides is fine with me.

Hope everyone has a great week end.

JudyLynn - have a wonderful time in Cancun! We took the boys to Club Med there a couple of years ago and had a wonderful time. It's a beautiful place.

I don't mind combining the threads, it is less to keep up with!

Hello everyone.

I love watching any food show. As a matter of fact I'm always thinking of food and planning what to eat. It's uppermost in my mind. You know how they say men are always thinking of sex well I'm always thinking of food.

Tonight I ate 6 potato chips. I've never only eaten 6 before in my life. It's usually the whole bag or nothing. I'm beginning to think I'm not me.

Hi all,

Trish - what I'd give to have a nice long chat with my Dad. He passed in '79. Neal and I did have a good time last night with Kathy and Rick. They are thinking about buying a Wii for their grands, so I invited them over for dinner the 19th, then we're going to show them how to use our Wii. It is so much fun!

MBN - since it seem to be ok with those that have mentioned it, I think I will start a new thread soon combining the two. No idea what to call it!

retiredone - hahahaha on your comments!! :rofl: I, too, think of food all the time. What I'm going to eat, how much I get, how long until I get to eat it, blah, blah, blah. Kudos for you being able to eat 6 potato chips. That's wonderful!

I had a gain today, but I'm not surprised. It's amazing, though, how just a couple slip ups in an entire week of otherwise being OP can throw a wrench in the whole thing.

Have a good weekend. TTFN :wave:

retiredone 6 potato chips... WOW!! That is great. I've eaten 10 before when counting calories, but I don't think I've ever eaten just 6. I remember hearing a preacher once who said his wife could take a bite of a candy bar, wrap it back up and lay it down forget it and come back a day or two later take another bite and wrap it up and leave it a few more days. He said she could make a candy bar last a week. He just couldn't understand it as he said he had to eat the whole thing right now. I guess if I could do that with anything, I wouldn't have a weight problem. haha

Not much going on today. Just a nice quiet Saturday.

Have a good week end everybody.

Please don't post here.. go to the new thread Quilters, Crafters, and Chatters for Weight Loss where I have combined the crafters and chatters since so many of us post in both threads. See you there!!