LA Weight Loss - LAWL & Friends #77

Our thread was getting long so I took the liberty of starting a new one. :) I hope everyone is having a great day. I go weigh this afternoon. I'm thinking about starting with the Carb Cravers. Sounds like it might be just the thing I need to get thru some difficult days. Right now, I'm gung-ho, but there will come a day when I'm sick of eating and want something like a PB&J sandwich!

Hope everyone has a wonderful "on program" (OP) day!

Janie

Hello Everyone:
Tab I am glad to see you are back, its hard when you get off track isn't it. I've been back and forth with what I want to do, I still have time left at LAWL and I still weigh in once a week, but I have not been following plan and of course not losing either. I have two years of maintenence that I never ever got to.
rann91 whenI am following plan I really did not have a 2 pound weight loss, I think as long as you are doing well that is what counts. Good Luck
Hello to all the new comers. Good luck
Diane

Well I'm two weeks into it and 6lbs down. Wow! It seems like such a long way to my goal but I'm shooting for small goals. I just have to remind myself of that! :dizzy:

Diane, you are so right! When you get off track it is so hard to get back on track! I'm trying to stay ahead of the game, keeping food and stuff made up. My daughter told me last night that she wasn't going to let me quit this time. That's a big thing coming from a 12yr old! I suppose it's accountability!
Tab and Diane, hang in there! It'll come off!

I have a history of being a slow loser so I have to really stay focused! It's hard when you have kids, job and everything else plus are going in 50 different directions everyday! Sometimes I just want the world to stop spinning and let me off! ;)

Hope everyone has a great weekend!

Janie

Hi Janie:
I am also a slow loser so to lose weight I have to really stay consistant, if I don't thats when the yo-yo stuff starts happening. Congrats on the six pounds thats great!
I have thought about quitting lately but did not have enough nerve to say anything to my husband so far I just keep going.
Diane

Hey Diane,
Don't quit! You can do it. I know the frustration you're going thru. I have only been at this for 2 weeks and already I'm so sick of chicken! Especially if it's not cooked right, I just can't stomach it! But I have a little turkey breast in the crockpot so it'll be good for the week! Go back to your earlier food diaries and see what you've done when you were successful. That always seems to help kickstart us!

Good Morning Everyone...

Just wanted to post and say hello to everyone. Yes...it is soooo very hard to get back on track. But what is making me soooooo mad is that I have lost this weight and now I am slowly gaining it back. Everyone tells me that I am gaining muscle. Well I know when you start lifting weights you will gain weight because yes I know muscle weighs more than fat...but....my body is changing and my clothes that I wore this time last year are getting tight in my butt. Just in the butt area...I think maybe since l started lifting weights 2 months ago that my body has done a transformation. I am changing body shape. I know that sounds weird but I think it is happening. I am weighing my self 3 times a week. And I am not losing and I am not gaining. I am just maintaining....but I want to lose. Ok Ok...thanks for letting me vent my fustrations...I will not whine anymore....*smile*

Diane....Don't quite...you will be more disappointed with yourself if you quite. If I can do this soo can you...cause believe me...I feel like quitting everyday. We can do this. We just have to stick together and try and make the best possible food choices.

Janie61....I admire your enthusiasm...I remember when I just started I had it too. And it was sooo exciting when the weight was coming off. Congrats on your 6lbs...that is so awesome. Now that I have lost the weight on LAWL...went through stabilization and then onto maintenance...something happened. I don't remember what it was I don't reallly think it was one thing...I just kinda fell off the wagon. I am slowly getting back my eating habits. I never lost the exercise habit because I love to exercise...I run 4 to 6 miles a day and lift weights 4 times a week...I have no problem with that part of my lifestyle just sometimes your right...I want that PB&J sandwich and unfortunately I do eat it. Where as when I was losing weight I would not. So I just have to readjust my lifestyle and make better food choices. These last 8lbs or soo that I keep gaining and losing will come off and stay off. Soo keep up the good work. I love hearing your success...makes me strive to be successful too.

Welll everyone have a great day and I will check back in later...bye for now

Kim....You still around????

Hi Tab:
I am not giving up, I am just feeling frustrated becuase like you I did lose the weight but I gained more back than I wanted to. Did you ever try the carb craver from LAWL before you left, I think they probably will still let you buy it. They actually have peanut butter and jelly sandwiches on there menu now.
I enjoy the exercise also its just this food thing that gets me. I love doing step workouts and I also do some weights in between.
Kim is still around she went to Colorado I think she said she would be gone almost a month. I will be gone for a week to Florida. My only plan for there is to try to stick to plan and to stay away from the junk food if anything.
Have a great week everyone
Diane

Hi everyone

I've been on LAWL now for almost 4 weeks. I have lost 15 of my target 48 lbs, but gained back 1.5 almost overnight just by overdoing it on Chinese food - water retention, I guess. I'm feeling the urge to undereat for the next couple of days and am chugging down lemon water.
It's good to know that there are others around to talk to besides the counselors at the center who keep trying to push products. I did give in to buying the FB500 today becuase I was so disappointed in the weight gain. Anyone have success with that?

Jenni

Hi All,
This is just what I needed. I just joined LAWL on Wed3/31> I lost 3 pounds so far. I am still trying to understand the program. But I think it is one that will fit my needs. I will apologize now if I start asking to many stupid questions. But this time I will succeed.

I missed the new thread at first and then I went on vacation. I didn't stay on plan during vacation, but I only gained 2 pounds. Which is good. However, i haven't lost a single pound for the previous 16 days before vacation. I was starting to get fustrated anyway. Now just to get back on plan after my break... Does anyone have any tricks for getting back into the swing of things?

Tab- that is great how much you exercise. I can't quite get in the habit and stay there. I have access to a treadmill, home gym, and countless videos. I just can't get the habit started. I do really well for about 4 weeks, but then something comes up and time gets tight. Excuses! Excuses! As long as I keep trying I will finally succeed at getting the habit started. I enjoy it once I get there. It is just getting started.

Lynettejax- How are you doing? You should be just about through your first week. I hope it is all going well. What do they say- the only stupid question is the one not asked- or something like that. I would ask away. There are a lot of good ideas that you can get from other people.

Tomorrow- I get back on plan!!!!!!

Hello Everyone....

I have to say that I been hanging in there. I guess I am maintaining. I am not gaining and I am not losing. That is depressing because I am trying to lose. So I need to do something...just haven't figured out what it is yet...*smile*...Have someone sew my mouth shut so I can not put food in...just kidding...but hey it might work.

Diane...We have come to far...we just have to find what works for us..I am still searching. I asked the center about the carb craver menu and they told me since I was on maintenance that I pretty much can eat what I want so it would not help me. That is pretty much why I did not buy another 52 weeks of maintainece for $100. If they can't do anything for me than I can weigh myself at home. I say that now...but I am weighing with my husband...and that has helped. Some....
Thanks for the info on Kim...I hope she is having a good time.

Jenni...Wow...that is awesome...keep up the good work. You will reach your goal weight in no time at all. Yeah..that sodium and MSG in Chinese food will get you everytime. You are doing the right thing hot lemon water and getting back on track. You will see a difference. Yes...this board has been great for support. I never bought any of the supplements...sometimes I want to but I just don't know if it will help. Well keep us posted on your success.

Lynette...Welcome to the program and the boards. Just let us know if we can help. Not that I am doing so great at the moment but I did have a time when I was losing. Hoping to be there again soon. And remember no question is stupid.

Rann...Once you make exercise a habit it becomes easier. I pack my gym bag every night when I get home. The good thing is that I have to drive right past the gym to get home. So really I have no excuse not to stop. I do not have kids soooo...I really have no excuses. They say it takes 2 weeks to get a habit started soooo maybe just try and see what happens. You done it once you can do it again. Only a 2lb gain on vacation that is great. I know that sounds weird but just think of how bad it really could have been. I don't even wanna think about what I gained when I went to Vegas...ick...but that was back in October and the sad thing is I am still trying to lose that extra 5lbs. But hey I will get there. Not going to beat myself up over it.

Well everyone have a great day and I will check back in later to see all our you successes.

Have a good one

Hello Everyone:
Well I did not lose any weight while I was away but I did not gain anything either, I am very relieved I did not come back gaining the 5 pounds that I usually always do while I am on vacation.
Tab with that kind of answer I don't think I would have bought another year of maintence either. As long as you keep being honest with yourself I am sure you will be fine.
Janie61 I am sick of chicken but it got me through vacation plus I did not always have it the same way and it was warm so I did not mind the salads to much.
Hello to all the new comers.
Diane

I am SOOOOOO thrilled to find you guys!!! I am a LAWL gal, too... here in SC! I had committed, after YEARS of loosing and gaining tons of weight... to do it the old fashioned way..... the way the doctors say is best for us.... 2 pounds a week. I knew diet and exercise was the way to go, but I just NEED the accountablity! I found it at LAWL! The program goes hand in hand with what I knew I needed to do. After years of fanatical losses so fast... my "mantra" was "I am OK with loosing ONE POUND a week, I am OK with loosing ONE POUND a week!" lol I have to say it until I believe it because this is such a QUICK SOLUTION society! The problem is that my problem needs long term correction ... that other programs couldn't offer me.....

I am going on way too long! I just wanted to say HI, and hope it is ok if I join in!

:-)

Good Morning...

Welcome Jan2002...How long have you been doing LAWL? Looking forward to getting to know you and tracking those loss of pounds...*smile*

Well I hope everyone had a wonderful Easter. Of course this is a hard holiday for me because of the candy. Yesterday, I passed on Easter dinner at my aunts house which was you normal dinner with Ham and all the fixes...why did I pass you ask??? I passed so I could eat the candy...I know isn't that sad. I need help with curbing this sweet tooth of mine. So I was in candy shock all last night and then about 9:30pm I just dropped. It is a horrible feeling and I hate when I do it to myself. Just cant seem to control myself around that kind of stuff. I was supposed to weigh myself this morning but I couldn't bear to face the scale. I will weigh on Wed....I plan to be extra good for the next few days.

Well ladies it is off to the gym for my morning run. I will check back in later. Have a great rainy day. Good day to just stay in bed and read.

Bye!!

Hello Everyone...

Actually where is everyone...*smile* Just wanted to say a quick hello and say the easter candy is almost gone. Gone...because I am eating it all. Not a good thing. The weather here has just been so gray and nasty. Not very motivating to workout. Last night after work I went home and took a nap. I just couldn't get moving. Well I hope everyone is OK.

Have a great day!

Hi Tab:
How about just throwing the rest of that candy away, you can do it. The weather is the same hear. Are you doing O.K.? you don't sound yourself.
I had a tough weekend but I started the begining of the week positive.
Take care
Diane

My husband helped me out. He put all the candy in the downstairs freezer. That way he can bring a little bit up at a time for our daughter (2 years old), but I won't see it and want to eat it. He is pretty good that way. I went away for a long weekend last week (palm sunday weekend) and I just can't seem to get back on track. I was saying I will just get back into the swing after easter, but that isn't working. I am not eating horribly, but I am not on plan. Today I have some plans that won't really allow me to get back on plan either. I guess I will just try and get back on plan tomorrow. Try and try again until I suceed! WE CAN DO THIS. You all are my inspiration!

Tab you have me convince I can get a workout habit started. So hang in there. The weather will brighten and you will get back on track.

Diane- How much weight have you lost with LAWL? I am reading some past posts for ideas. It sounds like the plan has really worked for you.

Have a great day everyone!

Hi rann91:
I orginally lost 74 pounds on LAWL, I never did the maintence part to it, I got myself into trouble and gained 30 pounds back. I did not gain it all back at once, vacations came up and then I started adding old habits back in. Its been a struggle trying to get back the motivation that I had, sometimes I can't actually believe that I really followed the plan for so long. I've had so many re-starts without following through. I get so bingy sometimes. But on a postitive note I have been doing much better lately. When I keep things so restrictive thats when I get into trouble.
Probably more than you wanted to know, but the plan really works when you are in to it, its just hard when you get yourself into trouble. Like Tab working out was never a problem its the way I eat that gets me into trouble.
Did you get back on Track?
Tab how are you today?
Diane

Would you all tell me a bit about the program? I have been hearing wonderful results of people working at radio stations who seem to be losing a good bit of weight.

I have about 175 pounds to lose and am looking for something that is workable. I'm open-minded (I think) and am interested in what you "veterans and new folks" have to say about the program and how it works.

Thanks much!

Hi everyone. I'm new to LAWL. I'm glad I found some people to ask questions about this plan. Does anyone have any ideas of what to eat for lunch and dinner. Any recipes so the choices do not get too boring? ~Joanne~

Diane- Thanks for the information. It was exactly what I wanted to know. I am having trouble getting back into it still. I think reading your post will really help me. I had lost 6 pounds that first 4-6 days, but then I stayed pretty level after that. So for 2.5-3 weeks I wasn't losing. Then my vacation and easter came up and I was rationalizing that the plan wasn't really working anyway. I was thinking about quitting, but now I think I will stick with it. I was feeling so much better eating on plan and my body itself was working much better. Through my fustration- I may have started to get too restrictive as well. Maybe that restriction was just adding to my fustration. Thanks alot for the information and inspiration.

One of my favorite things to eat for lunch.. I take my half a whole wheat pita and separate it. I then use it as the top and bottom bun, add a turkey burger, and some tomato and mustard. I put carrot chips on the side like potato chips. It tastes pretty good and I am usually so full that I don't notice that it isn't a regular burger and fries. I just thought I would share that in case any one else found themselves craving burgers.

Hello All,
All your post are keeping me going. I have been on the plan about 3 weeks and have lost 7 pounds. But I have a question for you. My daughters graduation is coming up and she wants to eat Italian. What should I eat there? Everything is cooked in oil or breaded. I love this program but they are vague in some areas.
Lynette

Have they given you the Carb Craver's paper? It will explain what you can have as far as pasta items that you use in replacement of a protein? If they haven't, you can ask for it - or I can write and give you some ideas that are on my list. Beware that they may want you to buy their carb blocker item when you put them in your food journal. My center said that if I was doing full carb craver's I should purchase these blocker, but said that I may be able to find them else where for less them their price of $ 19.99. ~Joanne~

Carb Cravers huh? I have not heard about this. My center is fairly new and we are all learning together. I will have to ask them when I go in on Wed. They kinda leave out some important stuff there. Thank you for the info Joanne. I can use all the help I can get.
Lynette

Lynette:

You may choose from the Carb Cravers meal selections one time per day, each day of the week. Carb Carvers choices do not count towards your limited foods each week. Continue to use your limited foods for variety and remember to be practical with your food choices. Carb Cravers meals do not count towards free food either, except as listed on some Blended Meal Suggestions.

Here are a few examples, each of these choice will equal 1 PROTEIN:

Example 1: Fresh turkey deli sandwich: 2 slices diet white, wheat, oat, or rye bread, 2 oz thinly sliced turkey (low sodium and low fat), 2 slices of lettuce, and 1 tsp deli mustart or light mayo.

Example 2: Pasta with light tomato saucs (white, wheat, or spinach, and variety) - 1 1/2 oz raw pasta, cook with 1/2 cup light tomato sauce.

Example 3: Cavatelli and broccoli - 1 oz raw cavatelli, cook, mixed with 1/2 cup broccoli and 1 tsp olive oil; season with fresh herbs.

Now that I'm typing to you, I noticed that this is for the GREEN, GOLD or BLUE plans.

I'm on the GOLD and I have no idea what the other plans are? My sister is on the PURPLE plan, which is fairly similar to the GOLD, she may get a few more ounces of protein, and maybe 1 additional veggy.

Hope your on a plan one of the 3 plans listed above. :?:

I was hoping that I found a message board that was active enough to stay interested. I love the WW message boards, there is always someone there to talk to and is very active. Wondering why this place isn't as active? Maybe LAWL is not as well known as WW? I'll be checking back to see if there are any updates. I'm pretty new to LA, so I'm very interested in suggestions, recommendations, what works best of you. :?:

I just figured I would check in and see how everyone was doing. I really don't have anything new to report. I went to a workout center (I think it is similar to Curves) with my sister last week. I liked the program- just not the expense. I live next door to my mother and we have set up a workout room in her basement. It has a treadmill, bike, Ab Rocker (Body By Jake), and a home gym. So- I have access to all the equipment, so spending another $29-$49 a month isn't justifyable. However, I did come up with some ideas on how to change my workout around so that maybe I won't get as bored with it.

I haven't gotten back on track, but I haven't gained more than the original 2 pounds from my vacation.. So that is good. Knowing the program though, I have still made better choices than I normally would. I have been eating more chicken and turkey. When I eat bread or crackers - I choose from the unlimited choices. So I am eating a little better. The big thing with any diet I have ever been on is the time it takes to plan my menu and to prepare the food. My husband does most of the cooking in the house, but he can never prepare foods for a diet. So- I have to premake most of my food and eat something different than the rest of the family. Oh well- as long as I keep trying, I will eventually suceed!!! I only fail if I give up!

Hello all. I came across this forum while looking for more information on LA. I have been on the program for 14 weeks now. I have lost 56.8 lbs. I have lost from 254 down to a new weight of 196. I am finding it extremely hard to lose the last 19. I have been walking almost everyday. LA is a good program just expensive. It does work. My mother got me into LA by paying the initial fee. The program has worked well for me. It has been hard to say the least. I don't miss the soft drinks which I figured that I would. I drink water most of the time and every once in awhile I will drink a tea. I got stuck once at about 203. The put me on the buster which was 80 oz of water ther first two days with no frozen foods, free foods. I did this for about 4 days and lost 4 lbs. I am down to 196 and I am kinda stuck again. My body must be getting used to what I am eating. I am sticking to the plan real close but I think I might be stuck again. I get confused about LA sometimes, I wonder if it's low carb or low fat or both. I want so bad to finish this up to get to stablization. LA is a good sound program, I got a friend at work trying it also. I told him what to eat and he has lost 13 lbs in 2 weeks. Anyone that is doing any diet please remember it took a long time to put it on it takes some time to take it off. I recently visited a plant that I service in NC they hadn't seen me since I start the diet. They were shocked when they saw me I never saw so many jaws drop it made me feel real good. I had only lost 43 lbs then. What made me want to start dieting was my co workers saying to me (hey there little fat buddy) I know they didn't mean for it to be mean but it still hurt my feelings. I don't see them very often cause they work at another plant. I don't see them very often. I only talk to them on the phone. They haven't seen me since I started the diet. They still make the remarks over the phone what they don't realize is that I am not that fat anymore. I can't wait till they see me!! Sorry for the long post just wanted to share that with someone. Good luck to all and I am glad I found this forum. :)

Hi Rann91 and arimus:

Arimus, your doing great. And I enjoyed your story, and can't wait to hear what your work buddies have to say once they see you after losing all the weight. Wish I was a fly on the wall to see their expressions. That will be an awesome None Scale Victory (NSV - got that from the WW board).

I'm new to the plan - 3 weeks in and down 9.3 lbs so far. I'm doing better than I expected. I had a total of 33 lbs to lose to get to the weight I thought I would be comfortable at, of course that may be lowered once I see how that weight feels. One day at a time.

How do you guys like the center you go to?

Do any of you have any recipes or things that you could share to add something different to my things to eat. I'm kind of stuck on turkey and chicken because I get to eat 5oz of either. I was going to have steak - and realized that I get 3.5ozs, and after cooking it would bring it down to 2.5 ozs. Man, I can't live on that. If it wasn't for the LA Lite bars I don't know what I would do. I haven't tried one that I didn't like, and I look forward to both of them each day. Any other diet I have been on, I stayed away from the sweets.

Well, take and I'll keep checking back...

Hi again, there server has been upgraded here, so was just checking to see if the conversion had been completed. It has been...

You all may have more ideas then me (since I haven't been on this plan long), but tonight I made my own turkey "sausage" which was a yummy change from plain ground turkey. I took the ground turkey (about 1 lb), added fennel seeds (about 1 teaspoon), added some garlic powder, onion powder and some dried onions (as much as you think you'll need for flavor - I didn't measure).
Blended and make into patties. It was awesome. I ate for dinner with asparagus, and will have it tomorrow for lunch. The fennel seeds really makes it taste like 'sausage' without all the added fat or whatever they put in it so we can't eat it.

I'm not sure if you all have the same problem, but no matter how many times I take a look at my food plan (I'm on the gold) - I keep finding things I can have that I didn't realize we could have. I didn't know we could have pasta once a week until my sister mentioned it to me yesterday. Wow...

Tomorrow night I'm having ground chicken and will spice it up to taste as if I used taco seasoning.

Anyone have any other ideas of how to give these meats a different fling? I heard that they have a cook book. Does anyone have it? If so, does it give you any ideas for different ways to cooking so things aren't as boring?

What do you do for your birthday? Mine is this week, my husband wanted to take me to dinner and I told him that I will wait until maybe next month - maybe not. Losing weight it more important to me right now. My center has been out of food trackers since I started so I don't have any idea what types of suggestions are in that. Have a good week. I'll keep checking back. ~Joanne~ :^:

I actually don't go to a center, yet. I am sort of short on cash and a friend of mine has had great results with the plan. She is about the same size as me (or was when she started) - So I got some information off of her and then searched the internet for more. I use the balance bars as a replacement for the LA lites. They seemed really similar in the nutrients and I really like their taste. Plus I don't have the negativity that some people have experienced with the centers. I do have my friend review my meal plans. I will say does this fit and follow the rules. That helps. I still have the accountability that way. Of course, when I save up the money I do want to go to the center and get some more information.

Joane- I don't know if I could do the gold plan. I would rather workout more so that I could eat more. I am starting on the red plan. I don't even want to drop to the purple plan. But one thing I found out about recently is the carb cravers menus. I am sure it is probably better if you don't use it all the time, but they have some pasta options and things on it that might give you a variety. See if they have that brochure at your center. My friend got the cook book and she really likes it. Also, if you are really desparate... check out ebay for the food tracker. I have seen ones on there once in a while.

Arimus- I liked your story as well. I can't believe that people say those things (even if they don't intend to be mean). But the sense of accomplishment you must have. You should be proud. I have been on one diet or another for close to two years. I always drop the same 10 pounds and put it back on as soon as I falter. So getting beyond that would be great for me. I am 5'2" and I weigh 210. I always just break the 200 mark (for like a day) and then I go back up. As you can see from my posts though- I got off the plan for about 3-4 weeks. It is the same for every plan I ever try.

I am back on plan today though. It has taken a while, but I am determined. Not just for the weight thing, but I have felt better and more energetic when I eat this way. I also have a lot less indigestion. So- I think that proves that this is the plan my body likes. I have tried Atkins low carb and did well on it the first time, but every time I have tried it since then- I get dizzy and real tired. So- that is out. I actually had to leave work and go home once. Not good! I never get full when I eat low fat (high carb). Plus I found I am border line hypoglycemic. So I don't think a high carb option would be good for me. The LAWL plan has done reall well for me. I am not tired and I am full on most days. Those Balance bars are great too. At least I am not going for months or weeks without sweets. So I like it.

My friend said something about plateau's and her counselors could almost predict the plateaus according to your height. If anyone has that information- I would be real interested in what the plateaus are for someone 5' 2" My friend is about 5'4" so I don't know if the plateaus are the same. That might keep me from getting as fustrated. Maybe this 200# mark is a natural plateau or something. Maybe that is why it is so hard for me to break it. Well have a good week!

R. Ann - I have never been offered any other plan. I told them from the start that I exercise 5 days a week, at least 40 minutes of cardio on the ellipitcal and 3 days of weights. They still put my on the Gold Plan - I didn't have a choice. No wonder why at times I'm starving, I have to save my LA Lite for after the gym on most days - otherwise I wouldn't be able to stick with it.

I have a theory about you not getting past the 200 lbs mark. Maybe your just not ready. I think it's something like self-sabotaga - I have been on several diets the past few years, each time I had success I would start back eatting the way I did. As soon as I started feeling like something was working, I start eatting again. I think it's something in my mind (almost like I was afraid to lose the weight). Sounds strange, but I know the feeling. Also like when someone has lost a lot of weight, they have 5 more lbs to get to their goal - and give up. I read about that on the WW website. You'd be suprised how common it is. I'm determined this time. Hopefully I will keep up this mood for the rest of my life, but for now - it's one day at a time.

Good Luck because we "all can do it!" ;)

I'm going to ask about the cookbook at weigh-in. Thanks for the tip on the Carb Cravers, I do have the paperwork on that - but I can't allow myself to try that until I see how the regular plan works. I don't want to mess anything up.

I'll keep checking daily so if you need some encouragement, I'll be here... :^:

Joane- You are probably right about the self sabatoge concept. The biggest thing for me is to want to lose the weight more than I want to eat the food. The sad part is from dieting so often lately, I don't even crave the foods I am not suppose to have, I just hate saying no when they are right in front of me.

I read back through after I posted and I did see that you had the carb cravers paperwork, but I am like you- It doesn't seem as though that would work the same and I like to stick to the regular plan until I build some momentum. I am trying to get my husband to follow the same diet as i am, but that isn't working either. He was following my supper requirements (the only meal we really eat together), but he kept complaining about not having steak. So I felt guilty.

I didn't want to take food with me on vacation so that I could stick to the diet (we stayed with family). So I went off plan for the weekend and never got back on until today. (That was over palm Sunday weekend). It was the same thing - I didn't want to make the people I was traveling with or staying go to any special effort just for my diet.

I look at some of the old posts from this forum for ideas. I don't think the plan has changed that drastically and it makes up for the times when the board is slow. Did you try that diet coke and ketchup to make barbeque sauce? My husband even liked that. I think Diane mentioned it a while back.

Thanks for the encouragement. Reading the posts really help. It keeps things fresh in my mind. Have a good evening!

I'll try the diet coke and catsup to make some BBQ sauce - I'll do a search to find out the details. I accept all tips so I thank you. I don't blame you for not wanting to be a killjoy while you were on vacation. Visiting family can be the worst when your dieting or trying to eat healthy - my mother, I love her dearly but she is a food pusher. She loves to cook and wants to share it with whoever stops by. After refusing several times, she started making salads when she knows that I may stop by - and she even has 'fat free' dressing for me.

Today is my 48th birthday and my husband wanted to take me out to dinner, I told him that it's way to early in the plan to do something like that. I told him that it's only food and I can live without the nice thought, and that food was what got me to where I am today - so I made a deal with him. His birthday is in June, I told him we would go out in May for both or our birthdays - he thought that would be great. He's trying to lose weight as well, but he likes the low carb diets so he's trying that again. He did great last time - he lost 40 lbs in a short time. Hopefully he can do it again. The Atkins diets don't work for me, it did the first time, and after that the stricter I got without eatting carbs, the more it didn't work for me.

I forgot to ask to see the LA cookbook last night at WI, but will on Wednesday when I go again. I'm down 11 lbs in 3 weeks so the plan is actually working!

Oh, they finally got some Food Tracker's in - it gives you ideas of what to have if you are going out to dinner. Of course, it's only for chain resturants, but it's a nice reference. I need all the help I can get. I don't eat out much, but I will on vacation in June so I will be prepared.

Take care,
Joanne

Hello all! I am gald they finally made the change of the forums. Plateaus are very hard it's like your body just quits losing and you know your doing everything right. I had gotten stuck at 196 well friday I went to weigh in and boom lost 3 lbs down to 193. This past weekend though I splurged overly. My step father doesn't seem to think about me being on a diet and cooks accordingly. I know it's my choice to eat what I want. I weighed in again on monday and I had only gained .8. I figured it would be more. I got stuck once at 205 and they put me on a plateau buster which was 80oz of water the first two days, no frozen meals, no free foods, no limiteds for 5 days. So I just ate chicken, green beans broccoli. It was hard to do but it did work I lost 4 lbs that weekend. She told me that when my body gets used to the things I am eating I need to change it up. I eat alot of the unlimited frozen foods. It was so hard. The kewl thing is that I think I need to buy some smaller pants again lol. The goal they have for me is 177. I am so close but it's definately the hardest. They tried to push the carb cravers on me also but I told them that if I couldn't lose it without them then I didn't want to have to take pills the rest of my life. I am afraid if I start them that I will want to use them all the time. Oh well I have done pretty good today so we will see tomm when I weigh in :)

Well- hopefully when I weigh in on Thur morning i will at least show a 1 pound loss from the beginning of the week. I did kind of mess up today... They ordered food at work. I ordered a grilled chicken salad. Not bad, but it comes with french fries and they didn't have diet dressing. So I tried to limit my dressing and I only ate a few of the fries. It filled me up so much that I didn't eat the rest of my snacks for the day. I usually split things up into 3 meals and 2-3 snacks a day. I work as a computer programmer and it is a lot of changing things running the program and seeing how it turns out. During the wait while my computer is processing I tend to get the muchies. Leaving my veggies and fruits as snacks throughout the day really helps keep me on track. Today I was catching up on my documentation so there wasn't as much waiting time. Before I knew it the day was over and I ended up bring 2 baggies of carrot chips, 2 apples and my originally planned turkey for lunch all home. Oops! Still I think it shouldn't be too bad.

I think if I would have gotten back on track a little sooner- I may have broken this 200 plateau. That is my goal. By June 7- I want to be 199... That is about 8-10 pounds in 6 weeks. I think that is a very fair goal.

Arimus- Your stepfather story reminds me of my step mother. She offers me food and candy every time I stop at their house. She always says one piece won't hurt.

SyracuseNY- I think it was 1 part diet coke to 2 parts ketchup. I just mixed it until it looked right to me.

Well- good night. I am going to bed early tonight. I do best on my diet when I get my rest. Good Job everyone!

Just a note-- I didn't get a good night's rest. My daughter woke up about 2 am not feeling well and it took me about 45 minutes to find the tylenol. So I guess it was good that I had my lunch packed from yesterday. Have a good Day everyone!

It was snowing when I woke up this morning so you can image how cold it was - right? Well tomorrow's forecast the temp is suppose to be up to 80 degrees. Can you believe our weather in central NY? The good news is - the snow didn't stick. More good news for me, I'm taking a vacation day tomorrow to do some yard work - started trimming the hedges this past weekend and want to finish them up.

I'll write more tomorrow... Have a good evening...

Hello all,

Well I weighed in yesterday and this time I am back on track lost 2.4 lbs. That puts me at 191.4 I have now lost over 61lbs and about 24 inches. It was kinda funny the girl asked me if I wanted to be in the paper about my weight loss. I said no I really don't. I mean yes I am proud that I have lost the weight but why should I advertise for them for free. I mean the program is so expensive and I have a hard time recommending it to anyone because of price alone. I tell people it's expensive and leave it at that. Now I also tell them that it does work. The girl then proceeded to tell me that the candy bars were on sale again in bulk only. I told her once I get to my weight that I am coming off those candy bars. I can buy comparable ones at wal-mart for alot less. Anyway I was tickeled to lose but I still have alot of work ahead of me. I hope everyone is doing good today and remember stay on track after all when you cheat your only cheating yourself out of a healthy life style. Have fun :)

arimus - WOW! You have lost a total of 61 lbs, your awesome! Glad to see that you were down 2.4 lbs! That must really encourage you to stay on track. Besides my sisters, I haven't told anyone that I'm going to LA. Some still think I go to WW which I stopped in the beginning of April.

They even wanted to put you in the newspaper! That is so flattering! :coffee: Here's to you!

I have to agree with you - I wouldn't give them the give them free advertising. And, myself - I don't think I would want 'everyone' I know - knowing that the amount of weight I lost. I mean I would tell people - but wouldn't want it in a newspaper.

I should have gone to the center today - I will go on my way home from work tomorrow.

I took a vacation day today, went to the gym this morning, then started my trimming my hedges about 10:30am and stopped about 4:00pm. I'm not done, now I have the clean up to do but I can't do it all today. Wish our town would pickup the branchs so I could just put that stuff to the road. I have to take them to the 'yard waste' recycling center. That is a bigger job than the trimming. Won't be able to get back to it until Saturday.

I'm beat so I'll be back tomorrow to see what is new.

Take care, and Arimus - I'm so proud of you!

~Joanne~ :D

Arimus- I agree that is awesome. I don't think I have ever lost that much weight in my life (thought I need to). Way to go!!!!

I had yesterday off as well. I ran errands all day while my husband and parents (we live next door to each other- long story- but it isn't a bad thing) did all the yard work. It was a lot. No hedge trimming. Mostly because of what you said Joanne. It doesn't take long to trim, just to clean up. We have a "fire" bush. The branches from it will cause the tractor to have a flat tire if we don't get it compeltely cleaned up. We keep it because it blocks the view from our back yard to my parents back yard and vice versa. A little privacy is needed by all.

I misseed my work out on Tuesday so I was going to do two workouts yesterday while I was off to make up for it. I didn't do any. The morning flew by with the errands and by evening I wasn't feeling well. I won't beat myself up about it as long as I get back at it tonight. 5 out of 7 days is still better than 0 out of 7.

I know that it is expensive, but I would really like to be able to afford to go to a center. I will have to admit the pressure to buy something every time you go in is a little bit scary though. Once I save the money for the program ( I will feel guilty for even spending that) buying alot of extras would make me feel worse. I will just have to see. I really haven't lost much weight on my own-- that accountability is just so important.

Have a good day every one. I'm off to get my first 20 ounces of water!

R. Ann, I know what you mean about the time flying by when you have a day off. I knew if I didn't go in the morning - I would never feel like going after I started in the lawn. Also wanted to give my neighbors a break and not start at the crack of dawn. Our bushes also block us from seeing the junk my behind neighbors puts behind their shed. My husband is freaking out because we can also see cars go by on the street behind us. We have lived there for almost 20 years and have never seen that before. LOL. They needed cutting so badly, I wanted to do it before the leaves got on the hedges. Makes it easier to see what your doing. They look horrible, but within a month or two - things will be back to normal. We have decided to rent a truck or haul the stuff away. Don't know why we didn't think of it before.

I go to weigh-in on my way home from work. Wish me luck! I have been staying on program - but don't feel any thinner.

I don't blame you for wanting a little privacy - and good for you for living so close to your parents. It can be hard, but it seems like your handleing it well and have a great attitude.

As far as working out, 5 out of 7 days is great. I only do it 5 days a week, and for the summer - I'm cutting it back to no more than 4 times. There is too much other work that needs to be done. I will consider mowing the lawn as my exercise for the days I don't go to the gym.

The price of LA is not really that expensive if you get on the special of $5.00 per week. If you go for a year, it's only $ 260.00. Weight Watchers would charge you at least $ 624.00 per year (and I'm using $12.00 per week, I'm not sure what the weekly fee is since I am a lifetime member and only had to pay $10.00 per week). You don't have to buy the bars - all you have to do it have the boldness to say NO! The first week they give you 7 to try (as part of your fee). I like them because it gives me something to look forward to, but others have found cheaper bars with the same amount of calories, etc...

I have the nutritional facts on all their bars if you want me to send them to you? You could start looking for alternatives before signing up.

Your right about being accountable. It's hard to do it on your own. I tried for the last 3-4 years and I just gained additional weight each year. This year I said forget it, I'm worth it and I'm going to find something that works no matter what. I was so sick of being tried, and nothing fit me - I kept blaming it on quitting smoking in 2000 - then I said I was peri-menapausal - and you know - since this is working, it was none of those. It was me eatting too much for my body.

Just keep coming back to the board, and if we share ideas and cheer each other on, we will do it together! Have a nice weekend!

~Joanne~

I started back on LA today. I stopped Dec 02, when I found out I was preg. and have not been able to start b/c I am nursing my 8 month son. LA said I could go back now since he is taking more solids. I have 8 more weeks that are prepaid and then we will see how is goes. Does everyone weigh in 3 times a week? I am going to have to get used to that one again.

Welcome back. Is that is a picture of you with you new baby, how cute! I started going to LA April 6th. I was going 3 times a week. The last 2 weeks, I have only made it twice a week. I think that going in the middle of the week is a waste of time, really. I like going on Monday and Thursday/Friday. If they don't give me too much of a hassel - I will stay on that schedule.

I saw that your from Charleston, SC. What a beautiful place. I love that center of town market. My sister and I and some friends go on an 'just the girls' vacation to Myrtle Beach, SC the past few years. The year before last - I talked them to a day trip to Charleston. Very historic as well. My sister-in-law from Virginia sends me a subscription of Southern Living for my birthday each. This month's had an article on Charleston. It was funny, I looked at the pictures and said to myself - Hey, that looks familiar - started reading and it was about Charleston. It was cool.

We are traveling to Myrtle Beach again in June. Maybe I can' talk them into travel back to Charleston. The only bad thing is that the bridge to get into the city from the North. My sister and a friend were in tears because the bridge was so high - it freaked them out. It may be a problem getting them to go back... LOL :^:

Syracuse: I love Charleston, born and raised here, except for 10 years in La. My dh is from here as well. MB has some great outlets and shopping. Too many good places to eat, that is why I am trying to lose the weight. I am going to try to do the T, Th, Sat weigh ins. I work part time on M, W. Sat is such a hard day to get motivated to go. Good luck with the plan. I am on the Gold Plan. Started this morning.

I went to the center last night. Down another 1/2 lb. Got measured and in 3 1/2 weeks lost 8 inches total. They said 4 inch on my wasit alone. I can already feel my clothes getting bigger. Nothing to make me rush out and get anything new yet - but I'm on my way. Has anyone purchased the cookbook? It's $28.00 - but I'm not sure if it's worth the price. I asked the person if she could think of anything new I could try. She saw that I ate a lot of ground turkey and ground chicken. She said that there were a couple of receipes in the book, and I looked - and the ones in there I have already tried (without seeing the book). If they are basic receipes that I have already thought of, I can't see buying the book.

She did tell me that I should eat beef or pork once a week to shake things up a bit so things are not so boring. I'll give it a try this week.

Make turkey meatloaf this weekend. Here is what I added:

ground turkey
crushed garlic
onion flakes
onion powder
chopped green peppers
grated zucchini

Next time I will add garlic powder - I put 4 cloves of garlic in the batch and it's killing me... LOL And, probably everyone that I talk to after lunch.

Meltin, we stay in Surfside, SC (not actually Myrtle Beach) when we visit SC so Charleston is only about a 1 hour drive. Hopefully they'll want to visist there again this year. If not, maybe I can talk them into going up to Wilmington, NC for a day - I have been to Wrightville Beach, but not into the city of Wilmington. From searching the web, it also looks interesting.

I'll be going back to the center on Thursday or Friday, I haven't decided yet. Good Luck everyone. Remember, if you think of something new you tried that is on program - please share it. Thanks... ~Joanne~

I weighed in today and I am down a pound from start. I think I will just keep a weekly tally on Saturday to see the overall improvement. I have been starving and they put me to the red plan today since I am nursing. I think it is more feasible. The only LA lites I can take are the bars and I told them that I was not going to get two in a day. They really did not say much, they are suppose to promote the Lites. But we can not live on them forever. One day will be better for the transition at the end and the cost of the bars. My center is doing a special of $3 per week. I have 8 left, so I think I will get another $10, since they make you pay for all of that maintenance up front. I would like to lose 30 pds then I will see how my body feels. I am finally ready to get this weight off.

Joanne - Good for you on the loss. I bought the cookbook. I would not waste the money. The recipes are pretty much like any other light cookbook, but you use only the LA foods. Just my input. I will have to try the ground turkey.

Melinda

Melinda - I have to tell you a quick story. I went to Eckert Drugs tonight to pick up some eye drops at the prescription counter. The girl who waited on me said, "Hey, you've been to Charleston?" I said, yes - how did you know. She said she could tell by the charm that I had around my neck. It's a palm tree charm that I picked up at the market in the center of town. I have worn this charm for the past 2 years and I have never been asked that before. Just thought that was funny since I was just talking to you recently about Charleston - then this. She is spending the month there this summer - and of course loves it there too. Just wanted to share. Take care, Joanne :lol:

Contratulations Joanne and Melinda on your losses. That is great! I haven't tried the ground turkey in a meatloaf yet. I might like that. It would certainally shake things up a bit from chicken. I take a bag of those chicken breasts and cook them with carrots for my whole week's worth of food. The first couple of weeks or so it was easy. Now, it isn't so much. I think that is what I run into for any diet. I get sick of preparing my food. We just have to do what needs to be done though. Have great day!

Joanne - I think everyone has some kind of connection to Charleston. It is really cool.

R.Ann - I am with you on the chicken. I went to Costco and bought frozen flounder, mahi, and tuna in bulk. Hopefully that will change it up some.

I weighed in today and up two pounds from Tuesday. I hate going some many times a week. My weight fluctuates so much and it just makes me discouraged. I will just count on my weekly weigh in as the real loss.
Do you like the ladies at your center? The one I spoke with today seemed unknowledgable, or maybe I was just mad I had a gain.

RAnn, I know what you mean about getting bored eatting the same thing night after night. I suggest that you only cook a few of the chicken breast, and mix it up by eatting it one time for lunch, then next day for dinner. So, on day 1 you have cooked about 3 meals. Then, on day 2 - cook something else so you an interchange. Day 3, have a piece of steak or pork with the rest of the family. I also eat 1% cottage cheese with 5 scallions for much some days - to give me something different. I have eatten the low sodium tuna - it's okay - well, actually I have to hold my breathe when I eat it because canned tuna sometimes grosses me out. I also put the 5 scallions in that - and what I do - it may not be legal - but I do it anyway. Instead of putting only 1 tableshoon of lite mayo, I purchased Just 2 Good Mayo, it's new to our area. It's lower in fat and calories - so I use double the amount (use 2 tablespoons) of this so the tuna is not so dry. Otherwise I would never get it down. The scallions cover the taste that I don't like. The only people that may have a 'real' problem with this is the people that I have to speak with after lunch... LOL.

Meltin, I only go to the center twice a week. 3 times was getting me discouraged as well. As far as my center - I don't hate it, but it's probably the least friendly center around here. People come and go all the time and move on to the center where my 2 sisters go. No one smiles, they look bored when reviewing my journal - what is the this called encouragement. My sister's give me that. The reason why I stay is because it's working and it's on my way home. They have had regional managers and other visitors there - everytime I see someone new and they are smiling - I tell them how suprised I am because it's the only people I see smile. I'm sure they are getting the hint that there is something wrong with the people at my center. On the other hand, they are not pushy on their products. Yes, they always want to make sure that I have enough LA Lites - but don't push the other things much. I just tell them no, and they leave me alone.

I have read some other people who have great people at their center. So, there is always hope that someone nice will show up to mine center and actually stay for more than 2 weeks.

Weighing in tomorrow, wish me luck! I'll write again.

I just re-read my message and some of the wording does not make sense. Sorry about that, I will have to get better at proof reading my text before sending... :o

Welcome to LAWL and Friends #78!

Joanne - Good luck with the weigh in. I don't mind the low sodium tuna in can so much, mayo definitely makes it better, try some eggs as well. What plan are you on? The switched me from gold to red, since I am still nursing. I got the caramel and cookie dough bars on Thurs. They are not so bad. My weigh in is tomorrow.

Have a great weekend!

I subscripted to www.mywebopinion.com - this is a website that you can read and/or enter your opinion of all different things. It's a good place to get an idea of what the plan is all about. Here is the most recent post that I got yesterday (and an signup using your email address and whenever someone sends in their comments - it sends you an email).

Thought you all may enjoy this one:


Review Alert!
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LA Weight Loss

Description: L A Weight Loss Centers is a weight loss/management franchise operation and their site explains their program.

All Customer Reviews
Average Reviewer Rating:

Number of Reviews: 308

Very Healthy Program...I love it!
Reviewer: Anonymous West Virginia May 06, 2004

I have to begin by letting you all know that I have lost 23 pounds in 12 weeks!!! I work twelve hour shifts, sometimes with only a 15-20 minute break the entire day. I have despaired of ever being able to lose the extra fourty pounds I put on after having my daughter 13 years ago! I have tried low-carb, zero carb, starvation, etc. L.A. has given me a great way to loose the weight without hunger.

To those of you who have had bad experiences with the counselors in your respective locations, I am so very sorry to hear of it. My experience has been wonderful. They have all been very helpful and supportive in my location. Especially a new girl who just moved here from out of state. She did the program herself and has been a VERY great help to me. She even spent the time to find out what foods I like and plan out several days of menus for me!

The snack bars are a bit expensive, but worth every penny! I feel like I'm having a treat twice a day every day. So, I don't feel deprived and want to cheat. I will admit that I have been out with some girlfriends and ate a couple of things I shouldn't have, but the ladies at the L.A. center helped me adjust my food choices for a couple of days after to recover from it. Considering all of my experience so far, I would highly recommend the program. It is a well-balanced diet, you don't have to starve, and it just plain works. Find a counselor in your location that you click with. See only her if you can and lose the weight! I know I will never regret losing the weight. Be prepared to change some eating habits (no, you can't skip breakfast...eat a little something and break your fast ;)

Considering all the money I've spent over the years on diet pills, fat clothes, slim fast type products, exercise videos, etc., L.A.'s cost is a drop in the bucket and well worth it from my experience.

In the end...whatever you choose to do, do it and loose the weight! I put off seriously working to loose it for too long. I wish I could share how much better I feel now with everyone! God Bless You All!

Joanne - Thank you for posting the website. I should have a better attitude about the center. They are letting me have my weeks from pre-preg and I got a flyer in the mail for $3 for additional weeks. It is good to know the lites are not mandatory. They are good for me once a day, but twice is too many sweets. I understand they are not making any money with me coming back. Overall, I think it is a good plan. I just need to make myself accountable.

Hope you had a great weigh-in. Tomorrow am for me. Do you exercise with the program too?

Hi everyone. Weighed in again, and down another 2 lbs. I didn't expect that - but I'm sure doing the Happy Dance! I started the Gold Plan on April 7th so in a month's time I'm down 13.8 lbs. This plan is working.

Hey, I have something else to share that I made tonight and it was really yummy.

Portabello Mushroom Pizza (my version - modified from a South Beach diet book that I read at the hair dressers yesterday).

Wash and cut off stem of 2 large portabello muchrooms. Spray non-stick pan with pam and put muchrooms in the pan, I keep flipping every few minutes (they start getting wet the more they are cooked so you don't have to add any liquid). While the muchrooms are cooking, I turned the oven on broil to get it hot. While the mushrooms are getting tender, I sliced a clove of garlic and put it into the same pan as the mushrooms. Took the garlic out so it wouldn't burn and set aside. Then, sliced a small tomato and put in the slices in the pan with the mushrooms. Flipped the mushrooms and the tomatoes until I thought they were done enough. Placed the cooked mushrooms on a flat pizza pan. Sprinkled with basil, put on pieces of garlic, then the tomatoes - and topped off with 1 oz of skim mozzarella cheese on each mushroom. Put in broiler for about 1 minute or until the cheese browned. That's it! I counted it as 1 dairy, 2 veggies.

I don't mean to hog the message board, but wanted to write while I had a few minutes. Weekends get pretty busy - especially with Mother's day on Sunday.

Happy Mother's Day to all of your lucky mothers!

~Joanne~

Hi ladies. Am I the only one who doesn't have a life? LOL Guess I better find something else to do - I'm off to the WW website, that place is always active and lots of support... You know I will be checking back... :lol:

Hi Ladies

I have just joined LA and am looking forward to seeing some results. I met with a counsellor that I really like and we did this great visioning exercise. Normally I don't like those sort of things but this one really helped me get focused on my goals. I am starting with Take Off tomorrow...
I look forward to getting to know all of you in our journey to lose the weight!

Nancy

I love your screen name seeing where your from. Welcome to the message board. It does not appear to be very active - but I do check daily for new messages. Good Luck with LA! Keep us updated, and if you have any hints or tips you get from your center - please share, I will do the same.

Thanks Syracuse

As I mentioned, I am on day one of my Take Off and then will start on the purple plan on Thursday. In total I would like to lose about 40 pounds - but my first goal is to break 200 pounds (and that is 8 pounds away).

I was so impressed with how nice and very sincere my counsellor was. She took me through a visioning exercise - in brief she had me visualize what I look like and feel like when I am at goal weight... then had me visualize how I look and feel right now. The difference is very black and white and should create and remind me of my strong desire to lose the weight.

You see, I always get "gung-ho" for the first week or two and then my intentions start to fade.

I hope you all have a great week.

Frosty, I loved the Take Off days. I loved the juice that we had to drink and looked forward to every drop. The unlimited protein we did those 2 days - wish I had a few more of those days... :)

I have a total of 33 lbs that I want to lose.

I'm on the gold plan, my sister is on the purple plan. It's not too much different. I have no idea how they chose who is on what plan. Be thankful, because the little extra you have in the purple. Some days I could use a little more to eat.

I bet you break the 200 make by the time you weigh-in after being on the 2 day Take Off. I lost 8 lbs and could not believe it, and it has stayed off so far.

From your note, I can see that you have an awesome person at your center. You are very lucky! Wish the people at my center were at encouraging - or at least smiled once in a while. I'm not there for them, I'm there for me - so I put up with it and it's on my way home. If I had other choices of centers - I'd be there for sure.

You know, that visualization may be just what you need to stay on track. They say that 1/2 the battle is to believe in yourself and visualize your goal and you can do it... Self talk, and all that stuff. I believe it!

Once you see the results, I think you will stay with that "gung-ho" attitude. I was the same way with other weight loss programs, and you know - this time it's really working.

Hey Meltin, I have to tell you - this Monday when I weighed-in, I was up .6 lbs. I was so upset, and determined to get it off by the end of the week. I stayed OP so there was nothing that I could have done differently. The center told me not to worry about it, that I was still averaging over 2 lbs/week. It must have been something that I ate. Even my husband said it was probably sodium in something I ate and not to worry about it. It still bites when this happens. So, I'm also one that goes up and down. Doesn't make it any easier, just wanted to let you know your not alone.

Have a good week, and as always - I'll keep checking in.

Just wanted to say "hi". I was falling behind in keeping up with the messages. I did pretty good today. I stayed on plan. Finally. Alot of slips during the "Mother's Day" weekend. My parents are divorced and my grandparents are still around. I spent Friday, Saturday and Sunday eating Mother's day meals. It was nice to be with so much family though. I was close to plan yesterday. And right on track today. Still struggling. But as long as I keep trying - I cannot fail!

Frosty- I am about the same place you are. I was doing really well for about 3 weeks. Almost ready to break that 200 plateau... Then I went on vacation and used it as an excuse to skip about 3-4 weeks. I undid everything I had done. So I am back at it again. The plan really works. I lose when I stick to it. I have just been really bad at sticking to anything lately.

Joanne- You are an inspiration!! Averaging over 2lbs/week. You go!!! I think your hubby is right... Just a little extra sodium before weigh it. You will probably be down that .6 + more next weigh in.

Hi R Ann, I can totally understand being around family for an entire weekend and celebrating Mother's Day. You deserve a weekend of celebration!

If your not in a hurry to lose the weight - and you keep trying - you will suprise yourself and get the extra weight off. I was at 199 when I started WW in January. I almost died when I got on the scales at my first weigh-in at WW. I have never been that high in my life. Stayed on WW and it took me over 3 months to lose 12 lbs. That was too slow for me!

Before getting more discouraged, my sister's and started talking about dieting and what we could do. So, we started looking for something different as I didn't want to lose my determination! In the past 4 years, I have tried Low Carb, No Carb, WW on my own, and I thought I was doing good - the weight did not come off. Other times I'd given up to easily - if that wasn't true, I wouldn't be here. I want this for ME, not my husband, not friends, just for me, and you know - I WILL DO IT!!!!!!!!

My sister's Carol, Stanne, and I started talking about LA, and we decided to do it together. It makes it easy at family events when you have support and the right foods to stay on plan. Going the to center also helps be accountable, and that is what I think makes the difference. Stanne and I go 2-3 times a week, and my other sister Carol lives the farthest away from the center only goes once a week. It's working for all of us - so far!

Last year was my year to get into exercise and I have to say, I have continued that for over a year. That alone was a HUGE accomplishment for me. I also thought that by exercising, the weight would come off. It didn't. Yes, I'm in better shape, but at this age - I still need to cut down the food and exercise in order to see any type results. It sucks getting older.

R Ann, take one day at a time. You can do it, we can do it together.

;)

I am so happy that I found this board. I appreciate all the advice and encouragement you have offered so far. I hope I can do the same for you.

SyracuseNY - do you mind me asking how much you have lost so far? It sounds like you have done so well! By the way, my counsellor told me I can do Take Off every 2 weeks if I want to. So far, I am really liking it too so I just might! I have my 2nd visit at the centre today and I plan to go in on Saturday morning

R Ann - let's break 200 together! I agree with Syracuse - the important thing is that you are back on track. Just take things one day at a time...

I leave later today for a couple of days on business. I will really have to work hard at making the right choices - but I will!

Take care

Hi again. Frosty, you will do fine when your away on business. Just continue with your visualizations and positive self-talk. I always try to tell myself that it's only food! The food will be there when I'm thinner and I can wait until then. When I'm thinner, I will decide then if it's worth eatting. Hopefully I will have better eatting habits by then. I love the feeling when I'm thinner, I just have to remind myself that it's NOT only a period of time - it will be a way of life if I want to stay that way. Others do it, why can't I? I should say, other do it so can I!

As far as my weight, since being on LA I have lost almost 14 lbs in about 5 weeks. Since Jan 5th, I have lost 25 lbs. I have at least 20 more to go. And, if you can belive it - people are just starting to notice. I'm 5 feet 7 inches tall, so I'm not a short person.

I don't tell anyone what I'm doing. I don't like being questioned or monitored by people I work with. I just tell them I'm watching my calories, and in a sense I am. The gold plan is about 1200 calories/day.

Everyone have a great afternoon, I'm at work so my lunch is over and I have to get back to work...

Have a great week everyone!

;)

Thread is getting long. I tried to start a new one, did it work!

I am still here! I was completely off plan for Mother's Day. I was very suprised when I was down 1.4 on Tuesday. They told me that I needed to up my intake of food and that they expected a gain on Thurs. Also I usually work out before I weigh in and they said that your muscles are tense so you weigh more. Tuesday I weighed in mid day and did not workout before. It is really tough to gauge. I will go tomorrow morning.

When I was on plan before baby, there was a thread with the recipe for the Take off Juice so you would not have to buy it. I did not make it, I tried Take Off once and only lost 1.5

Syracuse - I don't tell anyone about my program either. I figure if they notice great! Too much pressure when someone knows you are on a diet. But I really don't remember when I was not on a diet.

I have about 30 more pounds to lose. I have lost 74 pounds since the baby in August. I was retaining so much fluid, so that weight came off easily. My goal weight is 155.

Hello, Frosty and Janie! I hope we can keep this board active. I need the support.

Meltin, my sister found the receipe for the Take Off juice on the internet, it's at home so I will cut and paste it here for you tonight. I didn't see a new tread started, so I will continue to post here. If you don't want to page through the entire thread, just click on the last number ( i.e., 5) and it takes you to the end. You may be doing that now.

My goal weight is also 155. After I get there, I will see how that feels and if I think I want to continue - because I could actually go to 145 - but one accomplishment at a time...

Meltin, I don't remember when I wasn't on a diet either, guess that is why they say "Its a way of life..."

Last week I decided to cut back going to the gym because of the yard work and other things that need to get done. Well, because I was up .6 on Monday, I decided that I will only cut 1 from the gym. Can't afford not to exercise if the combination of that and LA is finally working. The gym I go is small, and it's on the second floor of an indoor soccer field (2), they say it air-conditioned, but I don't believe it. The outside temps were in the high 70's the other night, and it was so hot in there. It will be tough to keep this up in the summer. I just started at this gym in Sept so didn't know what to expect. I put this huge fan on my when I was doing the ellipitcal - it did help a lot.

Meltin, WOW - you have done great at getting the weight off since August. You should be proud! We will do the rest together.

You guys know that my 2 sisters are on the plan with me. Well, my younger sister invited us over to her house for Mother's Day. She cooked a turkey, a pork roast, gravy, stuffing, potatoes and veggies. That way, everyone would have something to eat. She took summer squash, zucchini, green onions and some celery and sliced it thin and cooked that for our veggies - she put Bell's Poultry seasoning in the squash dish to make it taste like stuffing for us. It was a cute idea. Was it good? Well, it was okay - but it did the trick for us. We did stay on program by having the turkey, squash 'stuffing' and 1/2 of a potato. We just have to be creative.

I'll share something else I made. I took 12 egg whites (or 1 1/2 cups of egg beaters), 6oz of low fat cheese and 1 package of frozen spinach (thawed and drained). You can add whatever you want as far as spices or veggies. Mix together. I have a muffin tin that cooks 12, so filled the 12 muffin tins evenly - and baked in the oven about 350 for about 20 minutes. I guessed and they came out fine. I let them cook on a cooling rack and packaged them 2 to a ziplock bag. Then you could freeze if you don't think you will eat them right away. I wouldn't leave in the refrig longer than 5 days? Makes a quick breakfast for on the go, or to have for lunch. I count 2 of them as 1/2 protein, 1 dairy (low fat cheese) and 1/2 veggie. They only take a few minutes to whip up. You could also use 12 whole eggs and then you would count them as a whole protein (and they would probably have tasted just a little better that way). The days I have this for breakfast, I have 1% cottage cheese for lunch.

I'll check back again. Take care, and good luck everyone! We can do this together! ;)

Hi Ladies:
I have been struggling lately, I think I have finally gotten myself back on track.
Meltin apparently the new thread did not work, what happened to the new thread button.
Sy I cut my exercise also just because I think in was interfering with my weightloss, I want finding I was getting to nervous and edgy all of the time.
have a great day all
Diane

DS has a cold so I don't know if I will make it for a weigh in today. I will get there this week.

Sy - Good to know we are aiming for the same goal. I think you are bit closer than I am, but we can do it.

When I was at LA before, they did not really stress the exercise until a couple of weeks into the program. I have been doing walking, pliates, and yoga. Once I have lost a little more, I am planning on getting back into aerobics, toning and weights. We will see how that works.

Diane - I have been getting headaches at the end of the day, but I have pushed myself to workout and I felt a little better. My body must be in shock. Get back on the wagon girlie, you can do it.

I am going to try to start a new thread. Come join me if it works.