LA Weight Loss - La weightloss #56

I guess it depends upon your center, but buying the lites are part of the La weightloss plan.

I agree. I know the plan is expensive, but it works. I took an early retirement and am not working so I don't throw money away, but as my husband said, :I don't care if it costs thousands if it works". My health is worth every penny. That is why i use the lites. I also think they are part of the program and if you didn't spend it on the lites you'd be bying other bars or Heaven forbid-POTATO CHIPS !!!!!

I posted the info on the bars because I wanted to shed the light on the subject that if you are told you MUST by they bars you are being lied to. It is a nice way to make a few bucks (which they do off my because I like them), but if you are strapped for money you should know you don't have to buy the bars!

As for merging with this new forum it seems so big and I am not sure that I like it. I liked the intimate one that we all had. Oh well, things change and I'm sure I'll adjust. I hope you all find this one okay.

Erin, that's so right. It is a way to make a few $$. Not only that, but the counselors there work on comission. I had considered taking a job with LA after college, went through all the interviews, etc... and I found out what a high-pressure seller they expect you to be. I was told that in order for me to work for them, I needed to start taking the pills, otherwise I couldn't sell them in good conscience, could I? LoL. So I went elsewhere for the job.

I don't like this board either. We are going to get lost in the shuffle. Why did they change us and not Body for Life.?

I agree it was hard to see where we were.

Hope everyone is having a great Monday!


I lost 1# when I weighed in on Friday and it was a stretch. I am positive and OP today. I bought over the weekend Denise Austin's Pilates and Power Yoga tapes. I thought that would be good for the days I don't want to go to the gym. I read that they were good. Anyone tried them?

I have to get rid of the remaining Halloween candy! The weather was bad so we didn't get as many kids, and I have left over candy. I think I'll send it to my husband's office. Better on their behinds than mine!

Hannah

Hey everyone, I agree...the merge with this board kind of sucks. Oh well, we'll just have to make sure we're so active that they give us our own board again.

I was horrible this weekend. I drank alcohol both Friday and Saturday night, ate fast food, and stuffed myself at a dinner party. I don't know what came over me. I'm not even a big drinker, but once I got the alcohol in my i was like....might as well blow it big time. anyway, I started the two day take-off on sunday to get myself back on track. I was the same at weigh-in today, so maybe i won't gain from my weekend. i hate the two day take off!!!! this sounds funny, but the out of control feeling i had this weekend really spooked me. it's the first time i've felt like that since i started LAWL. i have to focus on the program again before i get too cocky and regain all i've lost.

sorry for the rambling, here's to a great LAWL week.

Hi all,

What's up w/ this merger? I hate it! Miss our little corner on the web, this is confusing!lol

Well, I still haven't been doing well. I haven't been to my center, in like forever. I'm back on track today though. I'm in the diet zone mentally so I know I won't be messing up for a while!

I didn't do the take off like I wanted to this weekend, instead I ate donuts, pasta, soda, icecream, cake, etc, you more than get the pic. I'm so bloated it's not funny!

Kathy
184/?/130

Kathie, i'm on the Gold Plan as well. I read your description in a past post about what your allowed to have for weekends off, did you try it this weekend?

Anyone else try the weekends off?

Kathy

I am on the Gold plan too but have not tried the weekends off. I have 2 questions maybe someone an answer. The people at my center told me that if you increase your exercise to more than 5 hours a week that they increase your plan. Has that happened to anyone? Next question is, what supplements from the center are you taking?

Monday is almost over! :D

Thanks
Jen

hey Jag, i think your info is right as far as the diet plans. I work out around 7 hours a week, and they have me on the red plan. of course, it also takes into account how much you weigh now and how much you want to lose. as for supplements, i take my own calcium and multivitamin, but i take LAWL's EFA, FB500 and Trimax. i think every little bit helps, and i can tell a difference in my cravings when i've been taking the trimax. i'm not convinced that the fatblocker works though.

I chickened out on trying the weekends off. I think I'll do it this next weekend because it will be my 30th anniversary on 11/11, and I don't want chicken at my dinner !!!

Hi, I would like to introduce myself, as I have been reading this board today and would like to get to know you guys!

My name is Pennie and I joined LAWL last week, but just started the diet yesterday. I am on the Red Plan since I am breastfeeding my 10 month old. I didn't do the Jet Start part because of the nursing, and they won't let me eat the bars, so I am doing the hot choc. and the shakes. I am finding the lack of carbs so hard!!! Of course they got my money before they let me see the diet. I also found the $$ part tough and them very pushy. They really make their money on the Lites...... just a scam. However, I did it because I need their help! I am hoping the 3 times /week visits will keep me honest. I need to lose 60 lbs! I hope I can keep my milk with such a restrictive diet!

Congratulations to all of you, you all sound like you are doing well!

Pennie,
Hello! I just wanted to let you know that I am still nursing (at night only) and haven't had a problem with my milk supply. And the diet to me is great (except for the carbs) . Other than that you actually get quite a bit of food to eat and healthy foods that will definately keep your milk supply up.

I agree with the payment stuff. I think they are very pushy. I think that if they re-vamped their program to not be so pushy about the bars and the money the reception would be bit better. Luckily though since I'm still nursing they really can't push anything on me so I don't feel too pressured at all!:lol:

Good luck with your plan! It's worked wonders for me so far! 40 lbs. gone since August! Now if I can just get all this Halloween candy gone I'll feel much better! :o

Kris

Morning all!

I did great all day yesterday until I got to the dinner part. Boy did I enjoy myself! Well I finally got up the courage to go back to my center and I found out that I gained 7# in 4wks! So i'm so disgusted w/ that figure that showed up on the scale this morning that I doubt i'll be cheating again.

They did give me the info on the Weekends Off plan so i'm going to read up on that and I might do it. It's worth it since the weekends are so hard!

I also bought a box of the chocolate biscotti's, haven't tried it yet but i'll let you know what I think of it when I have it at lunch time today.

Well Pennie! I know how desparate you feel about really needing to loose weight. I started LAWL needing to loose 60# and i've lost 30# of it so far (well minus the 7# that I just gained back!)! You can do it and it will be worth it in the end. I also let them talk me into getting the lites because they were so pushy and I was so desparate to loose weights. Well 3mths later I HATE the bars, can't stand one more of them, so I kinda stay w/ the soups. I may try the hot chocolate next. This is a great board, we all help one another, again, welcome!

Kathy
184/164.2/130

hi guys, just checking in. welcome pennie, i'm glad you started posting & especially glad there's another Tennessee girl here. i'm curious though, why can't you use the bars if you're nursing??? is there something in them that's bad for the baby? i'm on the red plan too, and most of the time it's plenty of food after you get adjusted. i agree that limiting the carbs is the hardest part.

i'm having a hard time this week. i did the two day take off on sunday and monday after having a bad weekend. i'm back on my regular plan today, so i'm hoping i be more motivated. it's my TOM and it's raining, not a good combination for my mood.

anyway, good luck today everybody. WE CAN DO IT!

oh yeah, sirk, your stats are amazing.

oh yeah, i talked to someone at a local LAWL center. we are going to get the weekends off program, but the centers are still waiting to get all the materials. it always takes longer for us the get things in the South. AARRGGGHHH!

Hi Ladies:
welcome pennie.
Gringa I did not get the weekends off info yet either they are supposed to have it this week.
What does everone have if they are not eating the lites?
Kathy glad you are doing better.
Diane

Hi for all of you who don't have your info on the "Weekends Off" material at your center, i'll post what's on my plan. I'm on the Gold plan all week then Sat and Sun I get to have:

4oz protein; 3 veg; 2fruits; 4starches; 2fats; 4ozskim milk; 2lites

Some unlimited starches added to the menu s choices per day:

Jello Sugar Free Pudding, made w/ pudding 1/2c=1st
Rice Cake unsalted=1st
Truscuits (reduce Fat)=1st
Whole Wheat Pita (small)=1st

Starches limited 2 per day

Animal crackers 8cookies=1st
cheerios 1c=1st
chips ahoy (reduced fat) 3cookies=1st
corn or flour tortillas (6"dia)=1st
couscous (cooked) 1/3c=1st
*eggo waffles (lowfat) 1 waffle=1st
*fried rice (veg or chicken) 1/3c=1fat & 1st
fritos corn chips (regular) 34chips=2fat & 1st
ginger snaps =cookies=1st
goldfish-style crackers 45crackers=1fat & 1st
graham crakers (regular) 2 sheets=1st
guiltless gourmet tortilla chips (any flavor) 1oz=1st
*1 Hostess light low fat twinkies light=1st &1fat
italian bread 1 thin slice=1st
*reduced fat oreos 3cookies=1st
***pizza 1slice=1/2protein &n 1st &1fat
pringles right chips 16chips=1st
okra 1/2c=1st
Ore Ida Baked Frinch Fries 10fries=1fat &1st
Rice Cakes (any flavor) 2=1st
sun chips (any flavor) 1oz=1fat & 1st
sweet potato 1/2 med=1st
wonder light hot dogs or hamburger rolls 1roll=1st

New proteins for the weekend: Remember only 4oz of protein
t-bone steak 4oz
white clam sauce one time per weekend
peanut butter 2tbsp one time per weekend
boca burgers 2burgers
dry cooked beans (any variety)2cs
fajitas(chicken, beef) 2 fajitas=3limited st/1pro/2fats
healthy choice roast, beef, turkey, deli slices 6slices=2fats/1pro
Hot Dog (reg) 1=2fat/1pro
hot dog (reduced fat) 2=2fat/1pro

Soups:
Egg drop soup 1c=1/2pro 1time per weekend
hot and sour soup 1c=1veg, 1pro

Alcohol=2 servings per weekend
Hard Alcohol 1oz=1limited start
Light Beer 12oz=1 limited st
wine (red or white) 3oz=1 fruit

Fat
Amonds 6-8nuts
Avocado (mashed) 2tbsp
cremaer half and half 2tbsp
light cream cheese 2tbsp
light sour cream 3tbsp

Also we can have soy milk 4oz & diet snapple 12oz 2x a day

Free foods
barbeque sauce 1tbsp
cocktail sauce 1tbsp
cool whip light 2tbsp
far free croutons 1/4c
jalapeno peppes (chopped) 1/2c
light chocolate syrup 2tbsp
sugar free maple syrup 2tbsp

These are just some of the foods for the weekend that caught my eye and I thought that you'd want to know. Now this I can handle! I'm so looking forward to this weekend!

Also, we have the usual foods that we are allowed during the week w/ these as additions.

Oh, you also get to double up on starches so now we can have 2starches in one meal so we can have a sandwich.lol Keep in mind it's still the diet bread though. We can have 1c of pasta counted as 2st also 1c of rice counted as the same. This so much better! Fear not, help has arrived!lol

HTH,

Kathy

Hi to everyone. I was on the red plan and exercise 5 times per week, so was moved to the purple plan. Had some blood pressure problems (out of the blue) and so haven't been exercising as much and was moved back to red. I do lose better on the red plan, but miss the extra card allowed on purple.

I feel lucky about my center after hearing what several of you say about yours. They are not pushy at all, and haven't even mentioned any supplements except the day I joined. I do like the lites, as they keep my sweet tooth in check.

I don't know if I will do well with the weekends off plan. That is what was a problem for me with WW - too much choice. Pretty soon I am eating everything in sight and too much of it! Scary.

Welcome Pennie. The program works if you just do it. Easier said than done, I know. This board and the ladies are very supportive and helpful.

Hannah

Thanks for the welcome! One of you asked why no bars when nursing, they told me that it was too much of a "protein hit" for the baby at one time.

I think I was not eating enough protein. I just actually weighed some turkey, and I was eating 1/2 of that! Maybe that will help... I have cheated a little every day, (like yesterday I had a Jenny Craig bar - from Jenny days, yes another failed diet), and a handful of peanuts! It is so restrictive though. I love the 'weekend off' menu, but I assume that they will want me to lose some first. I go today for my first visit post starting the diet.

I need menu ideas..... what do you guys eat for breakfast?? I just do not want a hunk of meat in the morning!

Thanks and I am so jelous of you all, you have lost so much weight and are doing great! I want to be like you!!

Hi Pennie, I eat one LAWL breakfast bar; non-fat yogurt and a cup of coffee.

Kathy

hey kitkat, thanks for the info. now i really have something to look forward to. i think the weekend's off program should work for me, i like the idea of having a bit more variety on the weekends but still not going wild. woohoo!

pennie, i usually have either cottage cheese and fruit and toast for breakfast or sometimes eggs/eggbeaters. since you're on the red plan too, i would recommend having a whole protein in the morning and then having your half protein at dinner. i switched mine around that way, and it helped with my weight loss, i guess just because i was having more of my calories earlier in the day. there's also a good recipe in the LAWL cookbook for some blueberry bran muffins. a serving counts as 1/2 protein, 1 fruit and 1 starch. sometimes i make those for when i'm going to be on the go and have to get my half protein in. hope this helps.

oh...i'm considering changing my minigoal. right now i'm trying to hit 220 by thanksgiving, but that ends up almost three pounds a week. i'm going to be traveling a lot, so i'm afraid i'm setting myself up for failure...what do you guys think? i'm going to see how things go at my weigh in tomorrow before i decide

So...I just tried the hot chocolate and the biscotti, LOVE THEM! Thanks Diane for suggesting them. I really enjoy them. They hit the spot for my chocolate cravings today.


Thanks Gringa, pizza is back baby! lol

Kathy

And so....I made it through the day at work, staying out of the cookie jar and so forth, but when I got home....all bets were off! I had a hearty dinner that I regret so much and all i'm craving for breakfast is big fat donut! But I held off and had my yogurt and LAWL breakfast bar instead. God this is hard!

Anyone else?

Kathy
184/164.2/130

Hey Kathy, I'm with you. I just finished my very nutritious on program breakfast, but I'm starving for something sweet. i think i may eat one of my la lites to stave off heading for the candy jar. WE MUST BE STRONG!
it's my TOM, and i'm retaining water horrible. i was down at weigh in this morning though, so that's a plus. still a .25 away from 25 pounds!!! arrrggghhh.
oh, i talked to one of the counselors about the weekends off program. she said that my center doesn't really want to do it because they think it will encourage people to cheat during the week. so, looks like it will be a while before i get some legal pizza.

Hi Gringa,

I jumped at the chance to do the weekends off. I understand what your center is saying but it has to be the clients choice! That's horrible! I didn't realize the centers have a choice on whether they allow certain programs or not. I thought it was an overall deal for every center. Are you sure you spoke to the right person or was that person just giving her opinion?

I made it this far w/o cheating. Just had an LA lite soup. Does anyone every have snackwells? I asked my center about it and they ask me "what are snackwells?" Argghhhh!lol

Gringa- I've got my TOTM as well, so many that has a little something to do w/ the extra 7# i'm packing. lol Congrats on being down to almost 25# gone! come on .25! lol

Kathy

Hey Kathy, i may have misspoke about my center and the weekends off plan. They are going to do it, but they just got the material and started reading over it this week. they are going to implement the plan, i just don't get the impression that they are going to be in any hurry about it. i made it clear to the counselor that i'd like to look at the material before i made any choice about whether it's something i would want to try or not. as it is, i doubt that it will be offered at my center until the end of the month or early december. double arrrrggghhhh!!!!!

I hear ya Gringa (or read ya. lol) that sucks that your center is taking their sweet ole time w/ this. It's very exciting. LAWL was starting to get old for me and I would have quit if not for the money i've paid in advance. Having the weekends to be flexable is going to be just what I need.

Where is everyone. lol

Kathy

It is so predictable that we are going to have the problems staying on the program at times, especially around the holidays. I maintain that it all has to do with what frame of mind and mind games we are playing with ourselves at any given time. When you are very motivated and focused the eating plan seems to just fall in line.

We just have to know that there are times we are going to have trouble, and plan for it. I have to get the foods that I call my red light foods, out of my house. Otherwise, it just gives me too much opportunity to dive into them when I am in a weak or craving mode. For instance, the Halloween candy is leaving my house today. Yesterday after lunch, which I planned for and had OP, I got into the candy. Go figure!

I am also on the red plan. I do better to divide my protein out so I get some at every meal. I usually have eggs or eggbeaters, toast, yoghurt for breakfast. About once a week I have oatmeal or cereal. Lunch is often a salad with a little protein.

One thing that I did when I started the program that has helped me is I got a journal and wrote why I wanted to lose weight and how I thought it would improve my life. I also journal some of my thoughts on good or bad days throughout the journey. When I am needing a motivation boost, I go back and read the entries, and it helps me to refocus.

Sorry about the rambling. Hope everyone has a great day.
Hannah

You guys seem very dedicated...... I want to be, but it is only my 4th day! I went for my first visit yesterday and was down .5. I didn't get to do Jet Start, so I hope that doesn't hold me back from a good first week.

My baby was sick this morning (vomiting, she seems to have the stomach flu, YUCK), so I didn't get breakfast at all. I ate OP at lunch. I am finding nights to be when I want to snack the most...

Hi Pennie, I find that nights are my worst as well (practically all day) anyhoo, I find that a cup of coffee helps me after dinner.


Kathy

I laugh when I look at my post about weekends off, and how it would be so good for me....blah...blah...blah. You should have seen me this past weekend....pizza, taco bell...donuts (I'm pretty sure they are not on the weekends off card):dizzy:

I was so mad at myself, and I knew it wouldn't end on Sunday (had to get that last piece of pizza in on Monday), so I dragged myself to LAWL to assess the damage. I gained 2 lbs in TWO DAYS! That stinks. It takes soooo long to take off, but it goes back on so quickly.

I'm back OP and exercising like mad. I lost the 2 lbs that I had gained (okay, so they were easier to take off than I think).

My counselor might ban me from weekends off! :o I might try it one more weekend and if I just can't control myself, I will have to stick to the regular program....

Hi Everyone,

I am kind of new here...I posted a question to all of you a couple of weeks ago. I was a former WW person and I have recently joined the ranks of all you die hard LAWL people. After reading your posts for several weeks, I think the bunch of you helped me make the decision to just get up and DO IT!!

So here I am, just completed my second day OP and will be happy when I don't have to eat so much protien!!!! I feel stuffed and uncomfortable and that's with only eating about 5 ounces of meat or fish per meal. My counselor said "eat healthy portions", well after these three days, I think I will welcome the restrictions (for a little while at least) :lol:

I want to loose at least 60 pounds, which I managed to gain in the last 8 years.

The center that I joined seems to be very easy going (so far). There was no pressure to buy bars or supplements. In fact, I wouldn't join until they showed me the entire plan. So they pulled out all the "cards" and let me go through them and then I wanted a calorie count on the plan that she thought I'd fall into and that sent her to the phone. She had to call corporate to answer my question, which I thought was strange...but I did get my answer. Then I refused to put the entire amount down at once, so they are letting me pay in two installments. She was not going to let me walk:lol: :lol:

Anyway sorry for rambling...I am excited to be on this journey with you and hope that I achieve the results you are.

Nice to be with all of you~~~~~~Meg

Hi Meg :)

I had to pay in installments, too, but thankfully it's all paid now. Now all I need is to get that money back when I finish losing! (pleasepleaseplease!!) Welcome! Sounds like you've got a good center!

I've been OP for the last 6 days, and I feel pretty good. Job/school are stressing me out horribly this week, but strangely I haven't felt the need to overeat. I think I'm too busy :) I have 9 days until this comedy show that a lot of our friends are going to at this greasy chinese restaurant. I don't really know what I'll do that day. Right now, I'm just acknowledging that it will be a cheat meal, so I am trying to stay OP until then. The Weekends Off program allows chinese food, I hear, but I'm not sure how much :) We'll see.

Good luck to everyone :)

Good Morning all,

Well last night was the best night I've had in 4wks. I didn't exactly make it all day at work without dipping in the cookie jar but it wasn't that bad. I did have some plaintains w/ my salad and chicken breast for dinner but at least it better than the burgers and fries that i've been living off of.

So today I fought the urge to have a donut for breakfast and I won! Boy the road back is so hard, but the road off is so good!

Cheer- the weight you gained is probably just water from all your good eaten on the weekend. A couple days of cardio and i'm sure you'll loose it.

Hi Meg, like you I am a fellow ex-WWer, but plan to go back on it when i'm done w/ LAWL, I need to continue to be accountable to someone for the rest of my life. Slip ups are so easy to do. I also came to LAWL needing to loose 60# and i've lost 30# of it so far, well just gained back 7# but that's another story in itself. lol Welcome! I'm glad your enjoying the program, it's hard but effective.

xYTx- good luck with your cheat meal. You can do it. And having the extra advantage of the "weekends off" program, should make eating the chinese food a little easier. Are you eating it the day before your weigh in?

Kathy
184/164.2/130

Hey's guys there's a exercise challenge before thanksgiving a little further down on this board. I joined it and it really helped me get off my butt last night and workout cause I knew i'd have to post what I did.

Come join us if you think it will help you get off your but too! lol I think the creator's name is Semo.

Kathy

Wow. it's great to see so much activity on our thread. Welcome to all the newbies! I feel much better today than I have for the last couple. I went to an awesome yoga class last night, and it changed my whole attitude. I usually just do yoga twice a week on my lunch hour, but this new class is addictive. Plus, with my family hurtling toward Nashville at this very moment, I figured I needed all the relaxation I could get. The next few days are going to be quite a challenge. I head out tomorrow driving my mom, grandma and sister up to a wedding. I think it'll be hard to stay on track, but I'm determined to do it. Luckily, my mom is on a diabetic diet and so she's very supportive about eating right. I guess it's just the idea of a road trip ... something that I associate with fast food and potato chips ... that had me worried. Anyway, good luck with everyone for the weekend. I probably won't post again until Tuesday.

Hi girls, and hello Meg! I am new too, this is my 5th day on program, but I skipped the Jet Start. Did they not pressure you to buy the lites?? The lites are what make me angry, those things add $112 a month to the cost!! I still can't believe I paid that for 7 packets of hot chocolate and 7 yucky shake mixes...

Anyway, on to the positive!! I did ok yesterday. My babies are both sick, and my 10 month old, Belle, has to have a little surgery on her bottom tomorrow (she has a mole that needs taking off), so I am stressed and already worried about what I will eat tomorrow morning. We have to be at the hospital at 6, and she is having general anesthesia, so I will be a wreck I am sure.

Thanks for the little tips you success stories give. Kathy, the coffee after dinner is a great idea and helped me. I have to lose 63 lbs! But I was down on my scale today a few pounds. I was supposed to go to the center to weigh in, but with 2 vomiting babies, I can't go until Sat.

Did any of you see Oprah yesterday? It really got me thinking about my issues!

Hi Everyone:
Cheer you got me a little nervous about the weekends off, but I think I will still try it.
Meg at one point I did lose 60 pounds until I started fooling myself that I could eat anything, but its a great program I am glad I did it.
Kathy where do the dounuts come from are they at work?
Pennie I did the jet start and I did not lose much at all, some do really well with it but I only lost 1 pound, I lost the rest doing the program.
They won't tell me about the weekends off until tomarrow I guess they are afraid I might do it earlier.
Trying to stay on track it gets a little easier as each day passes.
The councelor was great today she let me exchange some of the summer drinks I had for the Hot chocolate.
Well we have another new manager I don't know how she is yet, I hope not to pushy.
Have a great day
Diane
210/153.4/135or140

Hi all,

I'm eating lunch right now. So far so good! No cheating, no dipping into the cookies jar, nothing! Thank God for the biscotti's and hot coco. Thanks Diane!

Diane- we have complementary cookies here at work, 8hrs a day. When ever the tray gets low one of the kitchen ladies promptley changes it! so we've got cookies all day long! I'm staying away from them though. No donuts are from the truck down stairs, but i'm ignoring that too!

Diane- I'm so glad that your back on track. Everything is getting easier and easier to do. I'm also glad they let you change those funky shakes for hot coco. lol

Pennie- i'm so glad the coffee helped. It really takes away my snack attack in the evening.lol I'm so sorry your kids are sick. Hope they get better soon. Congrats on the 63# GONE!

Gringa- good luck on being able to keep OP when you take your road trip. I often associate road trip w/ yummy food to.

Kathy

Again, come join me in the November excercise challenge if you need the extra boost to get your exercise in!

It's in the general diets, close to this theard. Hope to see you there!

Kathy

I read the exercise challenge threat...er, thread, and thought about joining. The problem is i'm traveling a lot...and i do mean a lot, this month. i'm gone approximately half of the next month. so, my goal is just to get some sort of work out in five days a week. even if it's only doing some stretches and ab work in my hotel room.

Come join us Gringa, we'd love to have ya. . something is something, whether is be a stretch or a bend...my goal is only 30mins of something a day. Now matter what it is as well. So if you want to we'd love to have you!

Kathy

Thank you all for the welcome,

I am off to the center right now...This is the 3rd day of my "Express Diet" and let me tell you...I have not been in the bathroom other than to get rid of all the water...right now I am feeling like a bloated cow!! Did any of you gain weight the first three days? I am up 4 pounds!!!!!!! Boy talk about getting discouraged right away!

Well hopefully once I get on the plan I will get some relief and the scale will come down.

Pen...hope those little darlings of yours are well soon! And NO they did not pressure me into anything...of course I am a seasoned dieter, so I was prepared for that and I told them right up front not to bother:lol:

Glad you guys are here...I don't think I could do this without support and hugs.

Thanks again!!!

Meg

Good luck Meg!

Hay Meg, Are you doing the take off thing with the juice?? I am just starting (AGAIN). And the first time I did this I didn't have to do the take off thing. I am a little antsy about it. I have heard some scary things on it. I think it's a lot of drinking on this. I mean 20oz of this stuff?

Well if it works then I will be happy. Anyway I start it on Sat so I am eating up a storm. God I am nervous about this. I know once I get on plan I will be much better.

Karen

I broke down and bought the cook book. We tried the apple chicken this evening and it wasn't too good. Has anyone tried any of other recipes.

I was wondering about the cook book! I am having a hard time coming up with meals for dinner. It has only been 5 days and already I am sick of chicken!!!

I hate to hear that the first recipe you tried was a bust!

Hello All,

Funny you should mention the cookbook...when I went to the center yesterday they told me I could buy it for 20% off, making it $23.00. She said it was great and I said I will put it on my Christmas List. With that said, the price went back up 20%:( I guess you could say that was a little bit of pressure:lol: I was thinking that before I purchased it I would check it out with all of you that have been OP for awhile. Do all you die hards have the book and how do you like it??

Well when I weighed in I was only up 1.5 pounds not the 4 that I originally thought. But what a bummer since the they said I should of lost 3 to 5 pounds!

Kmabry...yes I did the three day thing with the juice and it messed up my plumbing something awful. They told me that is the reason for the weight gain instead of loss...I just can't do all that protein!

Well today I start the "Red Plan", we'll see how that goes.

Have a great Day everyone!~~~~~~~Meg

They gave me the cookbook when I joined. I only tried one recipe-the stuffed peppers. They were good and filling. I used lite Velvetta (not lite cheddar) and melted it in the rice/beef mixture along with the tomatoes(rather than putting them in top). I'm going to try some of the shrimp recipes next. Will let you know.
Kathie

I don't use the cookbook myself, but it's more because I have so little time to prepare meals. Lunch and dinner have to be eaten at work, so I prepare them ahead of time. I just boil up a lot of veggies and use the Foreman grill to grill a bunch of chicken or turkey at one time. Or I'll boil a dozen eggs and just use them as I need them. I used to cook for both my boyfriend and I, and it was almost IMPOSSIBLE making the both of us happy. Luckily, I started working the night shift ;) He hates green food!!!

Meg, I also don't do so well with a lot of protein. The Take Off juice always makes me feel a little weird when I do it. Kinda dizzy. I hate it.

I'm down 1 lb according to my scale today, so I'm back to my lowest point before ruining my Halloween goal :) I see light at the end of the tunnel. LoL

Good Morning all,

I didn't go to weigh in today. I just know it's not going to be good so why bother!lol

I ate bad for dinner last, and I ate a donut this morning. I don't know what's wrong w/ me! I just can't seem to get it together. Well, just cause I messsd up this morning doesn't mean that I have to eat bad for the rest of the day.

I'm going to go on w/ my day and see if I can keep it together all day long.

Have a great OP day all.

Kathy

I was discouraged when I started LAWL because the 3 day Take Off made me sick to my stomach and I didn't lose very much weight. When I started the program, I was losing over 2 lbs a week. I have settled into around 1.5 lbs a week. They suggested that I do the Take Off again, but if it didn't work the first time and made me sick, why bother?

I love the cookbook! I have made the chicken in wine sauce, the chicken marsala, sesame chicken...all very good. I don't see why I can't bring the book in and just post the recipes for you guys.

There was also an egg bake with cheddar and broccoli that was VERY good and the broiled eggplant is good as well.

I also didn't like the chicken with apples and the turkey sloppy joes and barbecue turkey were NOT good.

I weigh in today....what is everyone's pre-weigh in ritual. I usually drink all my 64 ounces of water at work. On weigh in days, I don't know whether to drink or not to drink!!!!

Let's keep it up girls!!! Think of how great we can look by Summer!!

Cheer

169.5/155.5/140

I usually weigh in Friday nights, but am planning to go in tomorrow morning. I really hope I can have a weight loss. I haven't been doing so well the last few weeks. Have lost only a little or stayed the same. Too much off program. Can't work if you don't do it!

I have the cookbook and have tried some of the recipes. Liked some and not some like most cookbooks. It does give you some ideas. I get somewhat in a rut with my food plan and this helps.

I would like to lose 5 more pounds by Thanksgiving. This could happen if I eat on plan like I should. My family is coming home and I would like to have about 20 lbs off.

Hannah

Goodmorning skinny girls!

I did ok yesterday until after dinner, then I kind of lost it when I was cleaning up the kitchen. I had 1/2 a cookie and 2 slurps of my husband's milkshake, then 3 crackers! I also cooked my chicken and veggies with some soy sauce, so probably that sodium didn't help me.

I am going to weigh in tomorrow. I felt so stressed last night, they cancelled my daughters surgery this morning because she has had the stomach flu and also has a sinus infection. I think all together it just got to me and I kind of went crazy.

I guess I need the cookbook, I am finding it really hard just eating plain ole chicken and veggies.

I weigh in on Saturday mornings...before I eat or drink anything. I am also good about wearing the same thing each week so my cloths do not throw things off.

Everyone at my center loves the chicken parm from the cookbook. One of the girls there also suggested placing the skinny cow swiss cheese and spinach in a chicken breast, roll it up, put seasoning on top and cook it.

My new favorite has been to cook chicken in the sauce you buy to go with tacos. I was going to do the powder but it had a lot more sodium.

Has anyone reached the point where they do not feel like they are losing pounds but losing inches instead? I just started really working out and I wonder if it is building muscle that is doing it to me. I know it has more weight than fat.

Another question...how much water is everyone drinking? I get about 225 ounces in a day... Can you drink too much water?

Hope you have a good weekend!
Jen

Jen-

Thanks for the chicken tips. That's what I live on, so it is great to try something new!

I was told, at my center, that you COULD drink too much water, any more than 80 ounces and your body could retain it. Then, a different counselor told me that, as long as you are working out, you need the water. Who knows!!!

I have the same problem as you. I work out a lot, so the scale really doesn't move as much. I have, however, lost 9 inches in 2 months and am down 2 sizes. Plus, EVERYONE is telling me how they can't believe how much weight I have lost. I guess the muscle just firms up and sucks in...so even though you are not "losing weight", you are shrinking!!!

Keep it up!

cheer

Hi all, i'm having a pretty good day so far. I've managed to stay clear of the cookies, i'm looking forward to my hot coco this afternoon.

I ususally have about 80-90oz of water a day, plus 24oz of crystal lite or diet soda. and 10oz of coffee.

Kathy

Meg, and the rest of ya'll, thanks for the info. I start it tomorrow morning. I hope I have something good come out of this. I told my boyfriend that if I am *****y tomorrow then that's why:)

Karen

Hi All,

Have I told you how great you all are??:) Thank you for posting replies about the cookbook!

Cheer...when I was on WW I started a "recipe" thread, it's in the "Depression" Forum. Most of them are from WW and some are mine and other WW people's creations. Suzanne had no objections to them and I think as long as the credit is given to whomever, it's pretty legal. So I would say if you have the time to scan them in...I for one would love to try a couple that you approve of:^: That is a very generous offer:^:

Well today was the first day on the "Red Plan". Talk about challenging...I was out all day Christmas Shopping with my mom and cousin. So on the first day, I had to try and figure out how to eat at a restaurant with two women who kept asking for MORE HOT CRUSTED ITALIAN ROLLS:( and using olive oil and garlic dipping sauce to make things worst!!

I got through it! I ordered 3 ounces of grilled chicken and had it sliced over a small garden salad, with balsamic vinegar. The two of them had pasta, broccoli, mushrooms, spinach, in a garlic and oil sauce...OMG, it smelt soooo good. I wanted to slap the two of them:lol: :lol: But, this is life, and I have to learn how to deal with this on a regular basis. I was very proud of myself!:D

The only problem I had...as you can imagine was my water. I hate to stop to use the ladies room in every store:o (I know where they all are) So I drowned myself when I got home.

My center gave me a sample box of the biscotti instead of the bars. I asked how much they were, but I was told, "try them first and we'll discuss the price later". Oh ya, maybe another subtle pressure tactic:lol: :lol: They were sooooooo good, what an awesome treat! I bet they are very pricey????

Well enough rambling for one night....I hope all of you have a great weekend! Stay focused and think thin. For those of you that are way younger than I, do this for yourself NOW, don't wait until your life passes you by. You are worth it and so am I!!!!

Thanks for being here for me!!

Meg

Sounds like everyone is doing well. I have not posted for a few days because our computer was "sick", but it is feeling much better--$100 later.:)

I am off to the center to weigh in. I was up 3 pounds this last time so I am hoping that it was a fluke and I'm back down again plus some. I hope.

Thanks for the cookbook info. I am asking for it for Christmas as well.

Well, I'll check in later with my latest weight.

Hi All:
Karen good luck with the three day.
meg do you know if the biscotti are a limited item, I keep forgetting to ask at my center? They are either 5/$25.00 or $6.00 a box at my center anyway.
Did anyone have luck with the weekends off or did you find it to hard to stay OP?
Diane

Good morning all. I have been lurking lately as things have been a bit crazy. I have been SOOO busy with work and school and I have not been staying on plan. When I went to weigh in today I was up 2 lbs and that was the last straw!!! SOOOOO....I am back and going to work really hard.

Have a great weekend all.

Hi all,

I made it through last night, only picking here and there instead of just eating everything in site like I have been.

Diane- Nice to hear from ya! Glad things are going ok.

Jibbelle- Sorry about the weight gain. Welcome back to diet land, keep us updated on how it's going throughout the week. I'am also having a heard time getting back but i'm doing it.

er130- glad your computer is feeling better. lol Sorry your up a few pounds.

Meg- congrats on making good food choices in the face of temptation!lol My center sells the biscotti's the same as Diane's. it's so worth it. At first I thought it was but they really have helped me through some rough patches. lol

karen- good luck w/ the express. Keep us posted!

Kathy

Do the biscotti's count as a LA Lite or are they starches?

Hi Marcie:
The biscotti count as a starch and a fruit. I like the vanilla ones with some La lite Hot chocolate.
I am glad you are back. You've kept me posting through the good and bad, thats what we are all here for to help each other.
Diane

Biscotti and hot chocolate sound like a great afternoon snack or evening dessert!

Well, I tried the juice this morning and it tasted nasty. I had washed my shaker cup and I must have not rinced it all the way and it tasted like soap......EEEEEEEEEEEWWWWWWWWW!!!!! I don't know if I am really crazy about the taste though. So I took it home (because I was at work) and threw it in the dish washer. So now I am ready to use it. I will keep you informed

Well I went and weighed in...... It has been a week tomorrow since I started. I was down 3.5, so Woohoo!!

Then dh and I went out to lunch, and although I swore I was going to get grilled fish, I had a burger and fries...... So today, was a bust!

But tomorrow, I am back on! Only 64 more to go! :lol

Good luck to all!

Way to go on your weightloss. Keep up the good work.

I am so hungry. I want to go into the fridge and get a loaf of bread and eat it all. lol Although I did cheat and had a chai at work today but it didn't taste good. I know that by tomorrow it will be all over on thr cravings. I have been though this before so I know the drill. And it does pass. So I have to keep that in mind.

My little boyfriend took me to a steakhouse and I had a steak and a salad while he had the steak with the bread and potato. I so wanted the bread. It was killing me.

Well I will let you know how things are going tomorrow.


Karen

I weighed in today at was back down to 171 which was where I was before I put on the 3 pounds. I was finally introduced to the weekends off program. We'll see how it works for me. I was telling my hubby that I was going to buy oreos and his response was (and very smart may I add). "hon, you didn't buy oreo's before why do it now." So true, I didn't spend the money to have them in the house before so why bother with them now." I may just pick stuff up when I know I'm going somewhere where everyone else will be eatting the "regular" stuff. We'll see. I have a very astute (sp) husband!

Hi All:
I am finding the weekends off hard. I am trying to stick to the portion size but I know its there and want more. Even though there is more food variety, I am finding that I am not feeling full or satisfied. I am looking for more to eat.
Erin did you try the weekend off plan?
Diane

It sounds as if it will take some time to get accustomed to the weekends off plan. Good luck all!

I had a decent day yesterday, but I didnt do well today. I was at work from 8-12 and I got the munchies and ate candy from the candy jar....not just candy but chocolates! ARGH!!!! So...I am trying to forget it happened, having a healthy (but light) lunch and dinner today. Back on track tomorrow!

We got invited to a Bat Mitvah testerday by my husbands co-worker. It was a luncheon, but they served a full dinner. To top it off, it was our 30th anniversary and my husband made surprise plans to go to our favorite restaurant with friends. I did discuss the possibility of 2 dinners in one day at LAWL on Fri. and we decided I should follow the regular plan. I did have some appetizers and a baked potato at lunch and then I had a crabcake and sweet potato for dinner, but what the heck-it was a special occasion. How long before all of this shows up on the scale? Does anyone know?

Well, I'm still OP. Thank god. 5 more days to go until that Chinese dinner, so I'm trying to stick to my exercise plan in the meantime. Maybe I can stave off the water weight gain if I keep my fluid intake where it should be that day :)

I had Subway today. They can make any of their sandwiches into a salad, so it's just like the sandwich with no bread! That was always the hardest part of eating at Subway -- remembering to only eat half the bun as per the FastTrack booklet. I hardly even miss the bread when I get the salad.

Kathie -- I usually find that the weight shows up the morning after. This sounds kinda gross, but I've gotten used to (ahem) evacuating my bowels every morning before working out or weighing in. I hate weighing before I've done that. If I overeat, it throws my system off and I won't work that way, so it often makes it seem like I've gained even more weight. Usually, after a cheat day, I will see myself up a pound of "real weight," or even just stalled at the same weight after all the water (and bowel) weight has gone through my system. Just dust yourself off afterward and keep going.

xYTx Thanks for the words of encouragement. It did not show up this morning on my scale - maybe it won't show up on theirs. The mgr. had told me a while back, that sometimes eating something different (or even a larger amount) kicks your metabolism up a notch. I don't think anyone really knows..

Dianem1 (sp)- I did try the weekends off and did well keeping on track. I did what my husband suggested and did not buy cookies, chips, anything like that. You see that was not my down fall before I started on LA. I never kept things in my house so much as just over ate other places and also didn't cook healthy meals. I think I will like the plan. What I did do was eat pizza, but rather than ordering a whole pizza and being tempted to eat more I went to Fazzoli's where you can buy by the slice! Trying to be smart.

We'll see if I'm down any more Mon. I sure hope so. I've been in the dolldrums lately. :p

Good morning all. I am going to try to stay on plan today. I packed my lunch and brought a liter bottle of water. And...I am staying away from that darn candy jar!!!!

I just keep telling myself, one day at a time.

My grandmother told me my mom wants a new Christmas tree skirt, as her is hers is 10 years old and she is bored with it. So I told her I would make one...the needlework should keep me busy in the evenings when I am not doing anything else. If I can stay busy, I dont eat eat eat.

OK...time to get to work. It is going to be a hectic week!

Oh no! I never saw that about only eating half the bread at Subway!!! Oops! I've been happily eating my turkey on whole wheat, and having both sides of the bread. I wish I had my fast tracher with me...where does it say that????


cheer
169.5/154/140---halfway there!!!

Good Morning all!

I went to my center today and i'm down .8# well it's better than gaining. I'm going to ignore all the sugar/sweets/chocolate cookies around me and continue to do my exercise and eat my salads and protein and see if I can loose that .2# by my next weigh in on Wed. Then that will make 6# that I have to loose after regaining.

Thanks to the November Exercise Challenge, i've been able to do my workouts and not just sit on the couch which I was becoming accustom to. lol

It's nice to see all of us coming along here. Getting back on track and continuing to eat right.

I have a question for all of you that did the weekends off, how is it coming back to your diet this morning? Is it easy? Are you hungry after you've finished your breakfast and want more food? I did a half weekends off and half on the program this weekend and want to be prepared for next weekend when I do the weekends off. I promised myself if I didn't cheat all week and did dip into the cookie jar at work I could do the weekends off.

Kathy
184/163.4/130

Hi Kathy:
I feel good getting back on normal plan today, just because I struggled yesterday with the weekends off plan. I did fine the first day but yesterday I felt edgy yesterday, I wonder if I could to the weekends off for one day.
Penny I hope all is well with you, did you make it through the storm alright? I hope all your family is safe.
Marcie I am with you, good luck with the needlework, that what I need to do my sister keeps bugging me to make some sweaters.
Have a good day all
Diane

Diane-

I was considering doing the weekends off plan only on Sat maybe that might work well for you? I thinking about but I just might do the whole weekends off. I'm glad you don't have a hard time today getting back OP.

Kathy

On Saturday my center told me that you have to do the weekends off for both days. They also said that you are only allowed to do it if you have a PERFECT week.

We all know that is not me this week...far from perfect. Since I have been OP, I have cheated 3 times. Once on my birthday, once for a slice of pizza and this weekend. Saturday I got into some french fries. I do not even like french fries! Yesterday I ate 1/2 piece of cake and some stuffed mushrooms at a baby shower. Oh well...back on track today. I went to the gym at 5:30 this morning.

Today is my first day on the pupel plan...I went up form the gold because of my exercise. I guess I will see how I do...

Have a good day!
Jen

Yes, Diane, we made it through the storm ok, but do have some limbs down in the yard, thanks for thinking of me!

I did ok yesterday after falling off the wagon so big on Saturday. I am disappointed because on my scale I wasn't down, but I did cheat on Saturday. I was hungry when I went to bed last night. I guess I am getting more used to that feeling in my stomach.. do you guys know what I am talking about? I think I was so used to feeling stuffed, that this is really noticable.

I am trying to decide whether my nerves can handle going in to the center with both of my kids (3 and 11 months). My center is 25 min away, and by the time we get there they are balls of energy and drive me crazy.

Everybody have a good day!

Pennie good luck on your weigh in, I also hope that the kids behave. lol

Jag- thanks for the info. My center never told me I had to have a perfect week to do the weekends off. Good to know. lol

Kathy

My center never said anything about a perfect week to do the weekends off either. They also told me you can do only 1 day,instead of the whole weekend. I wish they would be consistent!!!!!

I guess I will see what my center thinks about the one day or two of the weekend off plan.
Diane

90mins left of work and I have not had one cookie! WOOHOO! To be honest I didn't think I was going to make it. I'm so happy. One day at a time, right ladies? lol

Hope everyone is having an OP day!

Kathy

I weighed in today and it was the same as Friday. Great! Being that I had a wedding to attend and a Sunday buffet.
You are great motivators. I got home from work and class and wanted to get in bed, but after reading the post I got a burst of energy to take a walk.
Thanks for the suggestions on the recipes. I will try them. I am having a hard time finding all of the lower sodium items in my local stores though.
I have been on the program 4 weeks and lost 6.6 pounds. They are really pushing the 2 pounds a week. The carb cravings have not ended. When does it get better?

Hi Ladies! I am down 21# total now!!! Yeah. I broke that 20 barrier. I never thought it would happen, but it did and I have a new sense of motivation. Also, weekends off work! Just wanted to let you know. I did it and lost weight.

I had lost 60 pounds on my own and then joined LAWL. I feel their initial speech is misleading as you are not told about any additional costs, such as the bars. Then they told me I had to buy two boxes per week at some astronomical price unless I purchased them in bulk. After four weeks, I told them to forget it, I was doing better on my own with less restrictions. I do, However, love the bars and went ahead and stocked up on them to last for awhile. I hope everyone else has better luck than me. I feel they are pushy and told them so. They dont let you see what the plan is and then they have several hundred dollars of your money and it may not be workable for everyone. Thanks for letting me vent.