Weight Watchers - Let's support each other on our weight loss journey!

Hello to you wonderful people!
I am Linda from NH and am looking for some people willing to chat and support each other while on Weight Watchers. I am making a challenge to stay on program as best as you can, drink your water, exercise!
What I would love to see here is posting every day, if you can, to this thread and cheering each other on. But, if you "slip" true confessions here as well, so we can help and work as a team.
Starting weight eight weeks ago 162.4
Current weight at this week's ww weigh in 154.2
Totol loss 8 pounds
Goal weight 136

Hi Linda! I'm with ya! Count me in.

I'm 33, married with an almost 3 year old son. I have about 75 more pounds to go to goal. I'll be here awhile!

Welcome all.

Chach

I'm here with you Linda and Chach. Hope the rest of the gang and the old gang and some new members join our gang.

This weekend will be another challenge. Going to the racetrack on Sunday with our son and daughter-in-law. We go a few times during the season here and then out to a favorite restaurant for dinner. I am trying to be on track today and tomorrow so I can induldge on Sunday. But I really want to get back on Monday as if it is the first day again. Planning on getting back on the treadmill also. How easy it is to let it go.

You all have a good weekend. See you later.

Great to see you guys here!
I really am proud of myself that I ended the day using JUST my points target and no flex points. I did a half hour body sculpting tape (boy am I sore today!) and my usual 20 minutes on the treadmill. I am still UP two pounds since my ww weigh in on Tuesday and really have to be very good before next Tuesday rolls around.
My 13 year old daughter, Jamie, just started on ww last week. I need to set a good example for her as well. I'm very proud of her for taking this step.
We just ordered on line a video game called Dance Revolution for her for her X Box game. It comes with a foot pad vs. a hand controller. In order to play the game, you have to dance! So, I hope she likes the game and gets some exercise. I'm a bit dissappointed in her this week as she is already not exercising as she said she would, but it's only two days and she needs to adjust her life style - which was totally opposite. At least she fillled in her journal last night!
We are supposed to dine out tonight with friends and I have requested that we go to a place where I can order something point friendly. I also offered to be the designated driver! No way will I be drinking and adding all those points this weekend!
Hope you are all successful.
Would be great if we could have several people committed to supporting each other on this thread. Dotti and Chach are great people and we would love to share our successes and failures with you. I think sharing the failures is just as important as the successes. No one understands better than us. And, with a group like this "true confessions" are totally the right thing to do. We know, as we've been there and are STILL there!
I would like to challenge you all in the upcoming week.....
Take some time to do a special thing for yourself, a true treat that is not food related! Make it something you will enjoy, like a manicure (if you are into those) or finally buying those new towels you want to finally match your house, but you didn't want to spend the money on, etc. Go for it.
Also, try some mental visualization. If you are feeling stressed. Stop what you are doing. Sit down and picture yourself in a special place that you love.... like a beach at sunset, etc. Take five minutes out of your stressful day and give yourself some peace. Then, drink a glass of water and move on.... Try it!
Linda in NH

i would like to join your group-i re-joined WW (meetings & e-tools) on June 1. so far down 7.8#, but this week has been crazy...today is the first day since tuesday I have eaten at my target points range. last night I had an all out binge. travelling for work wed & thur made it easy to go overboard....
feeling discouraged and stressed (wedding planning & the wedding is still over a year away!)
so this type of group is exactly what I am looking for!!!!

Jenn, welcome and WE are the ones who totally understand! I have a book that I am going to type a segment from, later on, when I have a bit of time. It's actually a book on menopause (and you don't sound that old to think about that for years!!!!) but it has some really good information called something like "The Ten Commandments of De-Stressing your Life". I read it, and nodded my head in total understanding.
Jenn, you and I have the SAME, exact, goal weight! We are both at a stage in weight loss, I think, where the pounds come off very slowly. We can help each other.
If you blow it one day, just take a deep breath and do your best to get right back program the next day and just forgive yourself. I do think that we much remember that if we stay on program, overall, for a large percent of the time, that is what will carry us. A few "indescretions" aren't what will be our downfall, our downfall is not giving up. Dotti, a wonderful person I know from this web site always says "I only fail if I give up" - She's got the spirit!
As for me, I went out last night to dinner with friends. We went to a place called The Muddy River Smokehouse, which was voted Best BBQ in our state! Truly, this was a great place and I could have gone totally wild in there. Here is how I did:
1. Researched the menu on line, knowing full well that if I was confronted with the smell of BBQ and a menu, I'd be in trouble. Really good thing to do!
2. Had only ONE alcoholic beverage and it was a wine spritzer, where they take a shot of wine and mix it with seltzer and lemon and lime twists. Cut's the amount of wine and still you are participating in the spirit of things by having A drink. Then, I went to ice water after finishing that one drink.
2. We all split a plate of nachos at the beginning, I only have TWO! They were awesome, but two was good.
3. I ordered the BBQ chef's salad with fat free dressing. It was really hard not to have BBQ,there, but I did! My husband took pity on me and gave me two of his baby back ribs, so I got the taste, etc.
4. Four people shared one piece of rich chocolate cake. We ordered one dessert and four forks. So, it was awesome, but I only had two bites! (goodness knows what amount of points that would be - I'll give it 3 I think!)
So, I survived. I planned ahead and stuck to what I had planned. I did find that I felt saddened when all the heaping plates of BBQ arrived and it smelled awesome and I had a salad. But, once I started eating, I was ok and my salad was truly delicious!
So, I made it through the day didn't go wild, which is my usual dining out behaviour!
The most important part about this web site, for me, is checking in every day and sharing what is happening in my life as well as sharing what is happening in other people's lives. If we get a few more people joining us, we can be a wonderful weight loss support group/team. We can share the good and the bad, and there will be bad. We can offer understanding and support.
I consider this web site like a mini ww meeting for myself. I go to their weekly meetings and I almost feel liked I get "hypnotized" to make good choices and be all psyched to stay with this. But, I stray during the week and having a group on line is just the thing for me!
Take care and happy Sunday to all.
Please do report your weekly WW weigh in here, post daily to let us know how you are staying on program, share good recipes of low point and wonderful things, etc.!!!!
Linda in Plaistow NH, age 49, two kids, married to an ice creamaholic who never gains a pound!

Starting weight eight weeks ago 162.4
Current weight at this week's ww weigh in 154.2
Totol loss 8 pounds
Goal weight 136

Hi everybody, I like this thread and as I am just returned from my sunny spanish vacation, I need all the help I can get. I think everyone is doing so well,
Linda, you are doing great, and if Jamie can stick with WW for just a couple of weeks, she will soon see that it's worth doing, and that you don't have to avoid everything that we enjoy so much.

I was dreading my holiday, only for the food reasons, I was looking forward to the vacation itself so much, but could not bear the thought of spoiling all my hard work over the last few months. I was careful though, and really enjoyed every minute of my hols, plenty of salads, and running up and down 3 flights of stairs to our apartment should have helped - I hope! The sangria was plentiful, and very tasty, but I tried not to go overboard, although I wasn't actually counting points while away, I found it quite easy to make 'informed' choices at meal times. (Avoiding too many french fries helped probably, the only night I decided to treat myself to some, there were none on the menu!) I'm hoping that I haven't gained more than a pound or so, but WI isn't until wednesday night, so I have got a few days to sort myself out.

I began WW in Jan 2004, weighed 181.5, and so far have lost 32.5, making my pre-vacation weight 149 pounds. I have yet to decide my final goal, but expect to lose around another 21...preferably before Christmas!
I am English, living in Derbyshire, England, a beautiful part of the country. Weight watchers works just as well this side of the Atlantic as it does your side!

Anyway, I'll sign off for now, be back soon though!

Dawn x


If it ain't broke, don't fix it!

HI everyone! Hi Dawn-is Derbyshire anywhere near New Castle? I was there about 3 years ago for a business trip. Our company has an office there. It sounds like you are doing great. Congratulations.

So far today I am still feeling like I am on the verge of a binge. I have 5 points left. I haven't binged yet, but I still feel like it can happen at any time. I was even thinking about heading over to the Panera Bread and getting a cookie or something, but I won't. That won't make me feel any better. and with WI on Tuesday, I really have to watch it, esp. after this last week. I have a feeling I'll maintain this week, or possibly have a .5 or 1 pound loss, which I wuold be happy with! I made it thru yesterday on target w/o a binge! Exercise today-45 min of cardio.

ttyl
jenn

Hi girls, I feel pretty good this morning, I only used 15 points yesterday, and I still went to bed feeling full to bursting! This is a good sign I think, cos I'm on catch-up with all the extra points I must have used on my hols.

Hi Jenn, We are nowhere near Newcastle I'm afraid. It's quite a bit further north than where we are in Chesterfield. I've never been there, but I know alot of people who go there for the fantastic nightlife! I think my clubbing days are long past now, my little AJ (nearly 3), wouldn't stand for it!

Anyway, I'm off for now, see ya
Dawn x

If it ain't broke, don't fix it

Dawn, nice to hear from you. So glad you are back safe and sound from that holiday of yours. Sounds wonderful, and it does sound as if you did "ok" regarding ww during the trip. Even if you did gain a bit, taking a wonderful trip like that is perhaps a once in a lifetime experience that you should truly enjoy!
Jenn, welcome!!!! Did you journal your 15 point day? I would love for you to share, if you don't mind, what you ate for the day that allowed you to go to bed feeling "full"! I think I need to copy your day! Plus, very soon I will pass under the 150 pound mark and have to go from a points target of 20 vs. 22, and I worry if I'll be able to handle that. You do realize, though, that ww suggests that in order to lose weight you really should eat all your points for the day. They say that if you eat less, the body will hold on to the weight as it will think you are in starvation mode. If you eat your full points for the day, your body will recognize that it's not starving, etc. However, I do feel that need to be "under" myself once in awhile if I have to make for going out to dinner, etc. now and then.
I did pretty well yesterday, but I couldn't resist my husband's offer to go out for ice cream after dinner. It was such a lovely evening and it was a great treat. However, I had the SMALL (though there small is large to me, oh well) soft serve chocolate cone. Did anyone realize that soft serve ice cream is made with 2 % milk vs. cream? It's actually less fat and a better choice than frozen yogurt, unless you have the fat free and sugar free FY.
I was not a good girl earlier last week and saw the scale move up two or three pounds after my weigh in last Tuesday. However, I just weighed in this morning without clothing at 151, which is only one pound more than I weighed in last Tuesday morning. I think I can "fix" that one pound today by working out, extra, and being totally on program today, drinking tons of water and also having asparagus (a natural diuretic) at dinner tonight. I have these really nice ham steaks I was thinking of having for dinner this evening, but will be heading out to buy something else, was well, as I don't need that sodium the day before my weigh in! I'll save those for tomorrow night! I'll be happy if I weigh the same, even, after the indulgences! Tomorrow will tell!
I did something for myself yesterday, I bought a sound machine at Radio Shack, it makes nature sounds that can be relaxing to help people fall asleep at night. We moved to this house in December and it's on a busy street. We were on a dead end street before and both my husband and I are having trouble sleeping at night due to traffic going by, and noisy neighbors. Now that school is out for the summer, the kids across the street our outside until 9:30 at night, running around! We go to bed early as my husband gets up at 4:00 am each day. At any rate, I fell asleep last night to the sound of gentle rain, it was kind of nice. I'm not sure if it will help or not, overall, but it was a treat for us! So, I fulfilled my own challenge for the week of doing something nice for myself.
What are YOU all going to do as a special treat? It doesn't have to cost money, it can be something as simple as taking an hour out of your schedule and creating a candle-lit bubble bath with classical music, making your husband take the kids away, etc. so you can really have yourself a special time.
You go girls! Indulge yourselves!
Linda in NH

I mentioned yesterday that I was going to type in the 7 commandments of stress-proof eating for you all. Several people react to stress and it makes all us all overeat from time to time. I really loved this, when I read it. It is quoted from the book, "Everything you need to know about Menopause" put out by Prevention magazine. Again, some of you are not old enough to worry about menopause, but these tips really are helpful and can apply to anyone, no matter what their ages.
Hope they don't mind me sharing one tiny bit of a really huge book with you all!

At any rate, here goes:

Eating right when we're harried, under pressure and generally stressed-out is particularly important because stress affects how we use what we eat. When you're stressed, your body absorbs fewer nutrients even as it excretes more, thus increasing your need for the vitamins and minerals found in nutrient-rich foods. It also ensures that we have the ammunition we need to fight their energy draining effects. Not only can a well-balanced diet help during periods of stress, but how well we eat BEFORE a stressful occasion also plays a role in how we handle that event.
When you're frazzled, you might feel like you only have time to guzzle down a cup of coffee in the morning, while chocolate smothered in chocolate sounds like an appealing lunch. To avoid putting any more stress on you with complicated lists of nutritional guidelines, we've developed the following 7 commandments:
1. Thou Shalt Forgo Coffee. Caffeine only aggravates stress. Just a cup or two of coffee, or any other caffeinated beverage can escalate feeling of anxiety because caffeine directly affects the brain and central nervous system.
2. Thou Shalt Not Skip Meals. When you miss meals, you deprive yourself of the essential building blocks you need to function at your best. For example, if you deprive your body of iron, you may become irritable and tired because an iron deficiency decreases the amount of oxygen going to your tissues and brain.
3. Thou Shalt Eat Breakfast. It's arguably the most important meal. You've just awakened from a long period of fasting, starving your brain of the glucose it needs to function.
4. Thou Shalt Strive for Balance. Research shows that when we eat meals with a high carbohydrate-to-protein ratio, we increase the amount of tryptophan available to our brains. Tryptophan is an amino acid required to manufacture serotonin, a brain chemical that has a calming influence--a plus when we are under stress.
5. Thou Shalt Choose the Right Carbohydrate. To get the right building blocks you need to function at peak levels, the focus should be on complex carbohydrates such a whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. Sugary simple carbohydrates, such a candy and sodas, provide little in the way of nutrients and are really just wasted calories. Also, as sugar intake rises, you enter dangerous territory because vitamin and mineral intake decreases, increasing your susceptibility to the negative effects of stress.
6. Thou Shalt Not Ignore Fats. All fat is not "bad" fat. In fact, our bodies actually require some fat in order to survive. But the type of fat you eat is important, especially when you're stressed. Saturated fats (found in red meat, full-fat dairy, and other animal products) and trans fatty acids (found in processed and fast foods, usually in the form of partially hydrogenated oils) can suppress your immune system and raise levels of stress hormones such a cortisol. So when you're stressed, focus on healthy fats, like monounsaturated fats found in olives and canola oils and the omega-3 fatty acids found in cold -water fish such as salmon and mackerel. These fats won't aggravate the stress response, and the omega-3s may even boost your immunity, a plus during tense times. Still, that's not a license to overindulge. Fat should made up on 30 percent or less of your total calories.
7. Thou Shalt Get the Right Vitamins an Minerals. The top three stress fighters are vitamin C, the B-Complex vitamins, and magnesium. Vitamin C, by boosting your immune system, helps you fight back when stress hits. The best sources of vitamin C are dark green vegetables (like spinach and broccoli), strawberries, and citrus fruits. The B-Complex vitamins provide added energy to help fight battle fatigue. B-Complex vitamins include thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, and vitamins B6 and B12 are found in a wide variety of foods, including poultry, whole grains and some vegetables. We tend to lose magnesium when we're stressed, and foods high in magnesium, like nuts, beans and whole grains, can help replace lost supplies.

So, that's it gang. This info is from 1 1/2 pages of a 423 page book that is packed with tips on how to deal with menopause, which we all will face or have faced at some point in our lives. I highly recommend it to any of you who are "there" and certainly many of you probably know that Prevention magazine is really quite the publication and a great source of healthy information to us all. No affiliation, just a very long term subscriber.
Sorry this was so long, wonder if any of you have read to this point? : ) A great deal of typing for me today!
Linda in NH

Hello everyone. I'm back from a crazy weekend. DH and I visited a friend Friday night and came home in time for bed Saturday night. Then I went to my mother's yesterday and got home around bedtime. So, there was a lot of eating out this past weekend. I tried to make good choices, but it is difficult when you don't know for sure how the food will be prepared. Like, I got the Santa Fe salad from Arby's for lunch yesterday (no time to research, just ended up there after church). When I got home and was journaling last night, I discovered that it is 12 pts! More than twice the other two salads I had to choose between! Oops!

Luckily, my mother was cooking from her garden last night, so I had fresh tomatos, cucumbers, green beans, squash. All yummy in the tummy!

Linda - I hope Jamie enjoys the new game. Maybe I should find DH one. He would be active and learn how to dance!

Although I am just now catching up and didn't know about the challenge, I did treat myself to something special anyway! My mother does my hair and I finally went for the shorter cut and new color that I wanted. It is about 5 inches shorter and still below my shoulders, but it is the shortest it has been since I grew hair! I LOVE it. It's bouncier and very cute! I'm definately enjoying it.

Well, gotta work...

Later...

Melanie
230.5/119.8/150ish
:dance: :dance:

Hi Melanie, Isn't it just a nightmare when you get home after a fab meal and work out the points values, especially when it's a salad! Good on you with the new image too, I keep trying to sort out my new style to go with my loss, but I never seem to look any different to me. I guess a big shopping trip would sort that out!!

Linda, my journal for yesterday and my 15 points was pretty straight forward. I very rarely use as few points as this, usually, I'm struggling to stay within my 20 points, although I have to say that when I dropped from 22 to 20, It wasn't half as hard as I expected it to be. My leader told me that to start with, not to worry if I occasionally went a point over, but I never really found it a problem. Of course, some days I think I could do with about 50 points instead of 20!
So, my journal yesterday, breakfast=40g crunchy nut cornflakes with skimmed milk 3.5pts
small glass orange juice 1 pt
lunch = 6 x melba toasts (yummy - my favourite snack at the mo)
half a tiny tub of extra light philadelphia cheese .5pts
6 slices wafer thin ham .5 pts
a small apple .5 pts and a small cereal bar 1.5 pts
Dinner = small amount of chicken 2 pts
a few tiny potatoes 1pt
salad with tomatoes 0pts
WW mayo 1pt
Snack = 1 bag of Spudz 2 pts I think thats actually a total or 14.5 pts, so less than I thought, but I certainly didn't skimp on any food at all. I also drank 5 glasses of water. I do try to get to 8 a day, (really I do!) but hardly ever manage it. I'm sure that the water helps alot in the weight loss, but I really have no idea why! Is it just because it fills us up, or maybe helps our bodies function better? Who knows! Either way, I miss it when I don't have it now, so it must be doing something.
Anyway, that's quite enough typing for today, I've spent all day ironing and washing all the clothes from the holiday, are there any bonus points in ironing? if not, there should be, I'm shattered! (do you call bonus points flexi points? The one's from working out and wearing ourselves out!)
Ok, I'm off now once and for all, See ya,
Dawn x ;)

Dawn, thanks for sharing that 15 point day! I may "need" a day like that after today's ww meeting and weigh in. I'm kind of dreading it, but I need to "face the music". Last week was myu 20th wedding anniversary and the "celebrations" just kept on to a week-long thing vs. just one day, I'm afraid. Also, there was a party at a quilt group that I go to, I kind of "lost it" during the week and really tried to make up for it, but I think I will have a gain today, sadly.
In the last two or three days, though, I was on the treadmill, stayed in my points range and drank tons of water. I felt good, but the scale has NOT cooperated, oh well. It's going to all come off for next week's weigh in, I think?
I often think that what I am eating this week doesn't really show up until the following week as far as my weight is concerned. Oh well.
Will post after the weigh in later.
Linda

Good luck for the WI Linda, I haven't much to report today, except two very welcome comments from my patients, one liked my longer hair, which made me feel better about my dodgy style, and one from a patient I met in the street, who said I had lost weight, that one made me feel alot better! It's compliments like that that make it all worthwhile, and keep me going!
Anyway, got to fly, little AJ has come home from nursery with a temperature and needs all my love tonight!
See ya later
Dawn x

Sad to report (knew it truly before going) that I did gain this week, but only .4
I hope I can take it off, and then some, but with a holiday weekend coming up and we are going away - who knows?
I am planning to bring along some food of my own. We are going to my in-laws, who live down by the ocean in Rhode Island. Should be fun, but I don't have total control over what I'm being fed on occasions like this.
Linda

Linda,
don't worry much about that small gain. you'll have it off again in no time!
I am dreading my WI this week because #1, i didn't do too too well last week, and #2 it is PMS and I am bloated already!
I am going either tomorrow or thursday night. i usually go tonight but i had something else so I couldn't go....the extra day or two might help! i hope to lose at least .5.
i am on track so far this new week! had 24 points today (used 2 flex.)
didn't make it to the gym this morning, def. going tomorrow!
talk to you all soon!
jenn

Jenn, maybe that extra day will help you out? Quite frankly, I was thinking of trying to hit an extra ww meeting this Thursday to pysch myself for the long holiday weekend, but time will probably not permit it.
Hey, congrats on getting married! I gained 5 pounds on my honeymoon, whatch out! But, all the fun and relaxation is worth it and you'll have a wonderful time.
I am about ready to start my workout and am really gearing up for a very GOOD workout to get myself about 3 points extra for the day!
Take care,
Linda

Hi, sorry about the gain, Linda, but only a tiny bit, it'll soon come off again with a bit of sweatloss! It's my WI tonight, but I think that after the vacation, I'm not too hopefull. I felt really positive yesterday, today, not so good. I have done very little all day thought, no exercise to speak of at all, because little AJ is poorly, and I've just been attached to him like a limpet all day. But it's one of those things. We'll see.
If I earn any extra points during the day, from exercise, I hardly ever use them up. I just count them as an added bonus that as long as I use up most of my usual 20 points, the exercise is likely to have more beneficial effect. The fact that after exercise I usually want to devour the whole contents of my fridge is beside the point.

Well, I'll go and psych myself up for later, and try and remove my little clingon, as his extra 25 pounds won't do me any good at all on those scales tonight!

I'll post later and let you know how I've got on.

Dawn x

Can you Guys stand another Dawn and and another person from Pittsburgh area? :dizzy: Is this a omen or something? ;)
I have recomitted in May to get this weight off again and keep it off this time. :D
I'm a lot older than the rest of you but have the same problem weight
I have been going to another site but it has changed. I like to have possitive talk around me. Helps.
Every one have a nice day. and have a OP day.

Hi everyone, ok, so the WI was pretty much as expected after the hols, 1 pound gained unfortunately, I will completely blame it on the sangria. So I've got to get back on track now, and to do this I'm using our meeting's journal for the next week.
This is a journal which can be used by any member for a week if they feel they need a bit of extra help, instead of filling in our personal journals, and to press, the losses by people borrowing this journal have been fantastic. I assume that it's because everyone is extra careful because others will see what's been eaten and you can't cheat, cos if you gain you've probably not filled it in truthfully! We'll see if it works for me.
Ok dinnertime awaits, Hi to the other Dawn by the way, I think I'll become Dawny so everyone knows the difference(it's what everyone calls me anyway!) thats if you can't tell my Brit accent in my typing!
See ya later

DawnyX

Welcome to the NEW Dawn and Hi to the "old" Dawn!
Glad to have you both abord!
To new Dawn, I'll bet you not all that much older than the rest of us. I'm 49... having problems with menopausal weight gain, but it used to be post pregnancy weight gain. Always seems like I blame it on something instead of what it really is.... me eating more than I ought to be eating!!!!! Now, I am really keying into that problem I just can't seem to shake.
I've been doing some planning for the weekend. We are going to my in laws in Rhode Island this weekend and there will be lots of family, fun and food - the dangerous
"triple F's"!!!
I'm checking out my WW cookbooks and looking for hors d'ourves (is that how it's spelled? I'm an awful speller, as you may have noted) as my mother in law will lay out a ton of hors d'ouvres around 5:00 and it's coctail and chat time. I'm in big trouble when that happens and whatever she puts out is always especially wonderful and I am always starving.... they eat dinner later than we do. The 18 family members who are usually there on holiday weekends are like vultures when she puts out the special goodies. Well.... I always bring something and she put me in charge of this special coctail time. So, off I have been going madly through the ww cookbooks and making shopping lists. Tomorrow is payday and off I will head to the grocery store to buy tons of things to make up all my special stuff! I do plan on a big platter of veggies with a low fat dip, so I can eat lots of the zero point veggies. I'm going to come armed with bottled selter, lemon and lime. I may make a few low point cookies or something like that in case I get crazy and starving!
I plan on walking and swimming this weekend to help make up for any extra eating. I also am saving up ALL of this week's flex points for this time!
I hope to do well. Being prepared is half the battle, I think!
Some of you are from England and probably do not have a holiday this weekend, especially as this is our Independence Day! Do forgive us USA people for declaring our independance from the UK!!! At any rate, we do get a holiday weekend and for that I am quite grateful!
Do you all have any special holiday tips for family gatherings?
Linda in NH

I'm back from outer space so to speak. Having computer problems and wasn't able to use it for several days. My son had to take down everything and re-install it from scratch. Did a few other things and it seems to be much better. He still has a few more things to do this weekend. Hopefully it will recover.

Welcome, Dawny, Dawn and Jenn. And a big hello to Linda, Chach and Melanie. I hope Heather and Michelle find this thread as I see they have posted on the old one. Sorry to not answer each of you separately but being away from here for a week there is too much to read to catch up with.

Well I am starting today as a new beginning. Have been fooling around with those added pounds and not using the treadmill as I had. So this is it (again). As some of you know I don't like to journal but will make sure I do. Did use the treadmill the past two days but not for as long as I had been. How hard it is to do it when you haven't been on it for awhile.

No plans for the big weekend. Thank goodness. These past two months have had more get togthers for us and I can now focus just on me. Any big plans for any of you. I see Linda is having a weekend away. Have a good time with your family. The snacks and drinks before the main meal is always my problem. That has been one of the issues for me these past few months. I can control the meals but its what served before that gets to me.

You all have a good day. See you all later.

Yippee!!! WI last night. I as dreading it because I had been eating out so much this past week (you can never be sure of the points). However.... I LOST 3 lbs!! :cb: That deserves another dance... :cb: :cb:

Not to brag, but I am really proud of myself. I don't remember ever doing this well before. 13.3 in 4 weeks. It definately helps that DH is avoiding the junk also. He lost 1# since his last WI (2wks). Last night I was reading the new WW mag & started picturing my photo in there with the success stories!

I'm going to my Dad's house for the weekend. I plan to be sipping fruit smoothies by the pool until someone forces my hinie up. I'm also trying to plan some healthy choices to take with me. If you think southern cooking, you have to think fat, fat, fat. I love my stepmother's cooking, but it's time to change. Does anyone have a good recipe for kabobs? I know we will be grilling and maybe I could get some veggies on the grill.

Have a fabulous day!

Melanie
230.5/217.2/150ish
:dance: :dance:

Hi people, it sounds to me as if you are all going to have a great holiday weekend ahead of you, and it all seems as if you are really planning ahead to be very 'good' at the same time. It can be very difficult when it's family around you, because they don't always seem to understand that although the gateaux looks very inviting, (very, very inviting!), it is just a no go area, lets hope Linda, that the fact that you are planning the cocktail part of your weekend, that everyone else will be enjoying eating healthier, not able to 'encourage' you to eat too many bad things, and all will have a great time together. The rest of the holiday may well be trial and error, but good luck and happy holidays!
We have a few holiday weekends here in the UK, our next one though, is not until the end of August, I'm not sure what it's supposed to be celebrating, probably just to enjoy the last bit of the summer, although it usually rains anyway! Either way, I've plenty of planning time ahead of that one!

If I don't catch you again before the weekend, have a fab July 4th, don't eat too much, don't drink too much, and if you do enjoy yourselves a little bit too much, then save a bit for me!

Have a great time to one and all,
love Dawnyx

Hi All!

I just wanted to pop in here and let you all know I was going to bow out for awhile. I think you are all a great group of women and want to wish you all the best and much success.

My life is very busy and quite overwhelming trying to just keep up with everything. I’m going to go back and only post on my original thread under Support Groups. I have a hard time trying to post with that one, so trying to keep up with both of these threads is almost impossible.

My focus right now is on my program and my upcoming surgery. Any free time lately that I have seems to be devoted with reading up on not only WW stuff, but also with doctor visits, etc.

I hope to “lurk” once in a while and try to say hello when I can. To all of you who I’ve been with from the beginning, I’ve really appreciated all your support, help and friendship. I know you all will be so successful! I wish you all luck and much happiness!

Take Care!

Chach

Chach - one thing to say.. :goodluck:

Awesome job Melanie!!!!!! Great loss and I am totally jealous! I hope to do well for next week's weigh in, but we'll see with this holiday coming up! I know what you mean about Southern cooking and the fat. We are in the Northeast, but have Cracker Barrels up here. I met my sister for lunch a few months ago and looked up their menu on line to make "healthy choices" ahead, as I often do. I ordered, as one of my sides, lima beans figuring they would be full of protein and low in fat and filling. What a surprise I had when the lima beans arrived with BACON cooked in with them and swimming in bacon fat. Well.... I was hungry and ate them, but I was a bit angry that the menu didn't indicate how these beans were prepared. When you think about it, what if I were a vegetarian and would object to that kind of cooking and to have bacon staring me in the face when my food was delivered. At any rate, I do know that Southern style cooking can really defeat one's weight loss journey.
As far as shish ka bobs, I don't have any recipe. I sometimes marinate the meat (mostly I use chicken, but do use beef and seafood sometimes) and put the items on skewers and cook.... they are a family favorite. I use cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, zucchini, small onions, and green and red peppers with the meat. When you think of it, thos are all low point items and really are quite the healthy choice for BBQ. Good idea!
Dawny, sorry you don't have a holiday weekend coming up really soon. We'll think of you when we are all relaxing this weekend! But, you will probably come out ahead with your weigh in next week, though!
Chach, I will miss you, you are so "cool" and have added a brightness to my life in terms of weigh loss support on this threat and other threads. I hope to hear from you again and wish you luck!
Linda

Hi, Chach, good luck, hope everything works out for you, and your life is all you hope it to be.

Melanie, You had a great loss this week, I can't remember how long it is since I lost that much in one week. My losses seem to average out at 1 pound a week, I guess I should be content with that, but some weeks, whenI've been 'Really Good', it would be nice to have just that little bit extra.

We may not have much of a fun weekend here, but at least we are going away next weekend - 2 whole nights without little AJ, he's staying with the in-laws, so we can get some serious sleep in. We are off to Whitby, which is on the north east coast, and is a lovely fishing town with a beach, and is the home of Bram Stokers Dracula. Always seems a strange location, I always thought he came from Transylvania!!!

I'll sign off for now, that southern food sounds smashing, if a little point laden, but have a bit for me, see ya later
Dawnyx

Dawny, the Southern Food is "smashing", especially the "to die for" bisquits! Some of our regional specialties in the Northeast USA are really wonderful as well.
However, I love what is called Sponge Pudding with a warm custard sauce as well, one of your UK specialties called "Spotted Dick"??? I think that is what it is called anyway! That is truly a "comfort food" for me and I would imagine a great deal of your local specialties are just as good.
However, none (sadly) are as low point as I ought to be thinking about.... this is what get's me into trouble! Oh well.
I've been in the kitchen all afternoon, am just taking a bit of a break. I have a few items all prepared to take along for the weekend already, just about ready to make a few more.
Linda
I have a friend

Hello everyone. My last post before the holiday weekend. I am sooo bad. I'm at work but all I want is to go home! I want to start my weekend!!!

Yum... Cracker Barrell. The bacon grease is the magic spice for country cooking. The dish I have made that DH raved about the most was when I fixed fried potatoes with onion and bacon chunks. yummy... but bad, very bad. I should ask my boss what his wife thinks about the bacon in Cracker Barrell's veggies. She's a vegetarian.

My DH and I are preparing to attend bible college in Michigan in a couple of years. I have declared that I will be taking a case of self-rising flour with me when I go. I have heard that you can't find it in those yankee areas. :)

Dawny - I am happy with my loss, but I know it will taper off when I get my butt in better shape. The bigger they are, the faster they fall... at first. My body is just still in shock that it hasn't seen a cheeseburger in more than a month!

Linda - Not tasting as you go, are you??? :fr: I have a bad habit of that. Particularly when I cook with fresh mushrooms. YUM.

Tonight I think I will get my activity points by walking to the town square where the Louisville (big city) orchestra is going to be performing. I could use a little culture today. :snooty:

And DH has promised to take me on a picnic and fishing Monday. My workout will be paddling the canoe. His dad makes them and we borrow them. Wierd... first time I have looked forward to a Monday!

Have a wonderful weekend ladies!

Melanie
230.5/217.2/150ish

:dance: :dance:

I wish a great weekend to you all, forget the points for once and enjoy!

HELLO!!!! My name is Terri and I just joined WW today....I used to participate on this website and when I signed in I was shocked to see that the last time was December or 2002....I didnt realize it had been that long.....

Since I just joined WW today, I thought I would jump in here to have support on my journey. I was really glad to see this was still going strong.

Everyone have a great Holiday weekend.

Hi everyone, I thought seeing as I don't have a holiday weekend, that I'd better post as usual, not that I'm feeling sorry for myself or anything, but I did eat a bit like a little pig yesterday. I don't think that I particularly went over my points, but I ate so much dodgy stuff that I feel as if I did. I feel stodgy this morning, and a bit guilty.
I think my downfall was, and often is, my little AJ's leftovers from dinner. He had veggies (which he ate), french fries (which I ate) and Yorkshire pudding with sausage(which I also ate). Yorkshire pudding, if you don't know, is like a light batter which puffs up in the oven, sometimes it may only be 1 point, but I've got a feeling that this particular one was a bit on the greasy side. Very tasty, but guilt ridden.

I have landscapers coming in today to start work on my new deck in the garden. I can't wait to be able to sit out on warm summer evenings, get out the bbq and enjoy some healthy grills. I think we are due rain for at least the next week or so, so I hope he can get it finished before our real summer kicks in. Much better if we can be out in the fresh air, and away from the fridge! The fridge gets alot of use on long rainy days, it's the boredom that kicks in, and sometimes it can be difficult to think of other things to take my mind off food. What does everyone else do to divert their attention away from the goodies in the refridgerator?

Anyway, welcome to Terri, there are a great bunch of girls on this thread, you will get all the help you want, whenever you want it, good luck with your first WI, was it WW that you followed last time, if so, what made you give up, and what made you decide to give it another try?
I think it's always worth keeping in focus the reasons that we all joined WW, It can be easy to forget after a while. While ever we remember why we joined in the first place, I think it keeps us motivated and trying hard, even when temptation lies in our path. I have to remember how uncomfortable I was on last years summer vacation, and then how un-glamorous I felt at the Christmas parties, when everyone looked so stunning. The health issues with being overweight were also kicking in, so if I remember how I felt a few months ago, and know that I don't want to feel like that ever again, I think I can keep going until I reach goal.

Anyway, enough of my waffle, I'm only filling spaces whilst no-one else is posting at the mo, so I'll go and wait for my gardener to arrive - and hope the rain holds off for a while at least. :flow2:

See ya later,

I found y'all!

This weekend has been a bad one food-wise (gained 3 lbs in 3 days-- ACK!!!). Stress eating like you would not believe. DH lost his job on Wednesday (quite suddenly). His supervisor literally gave the department the notice and told them to clear out ASAP. His job was outsourced to Korea. Long live free trade! :-(

So, I will no longer be able to afford WW meetings-- the $10/ week is just far too steep when we don't know if we'll even be able to afford health insurance after the end of this month. I'm going to be doing it on my own (along with checking in on here) . . . also am signing up online for a meal plan/ "diet" through
www. spark people. com (no spaces)

It's only $9.95 for the *year*, gives you sample meal plans to follow based on your nutritional needs/ health goals, designs a workout plan based on your goals, has a calorie counter/ charting system, and message boards/ live support as needed. Once I get my paycheck on Friday, I'm going to sign up right away, and then my fees will be done. :-)

But, I will still check in here. Their food plan sounds similar to WW, and I plan on calculating my daily points based on their menus to see how it compares to WW.

:-)

Anyway, I had best run back to work. Take care, all.

Hi Heather, good to hear that you are going to try to stick with it even if you can't go to meetings now. We are all here to support each other on our weight loss journey, so you know where we are!

I've not had a bad couple of days, I'm hoping to have lost maybe a couple of pounds by tomorrow nights WI, but time will tell. I think I will be disappointed if at least 2 pounds aren't lost. I have been good, and have found some fab cookies for only 1 point each, and are quite filling so I don't need more than one! Ideal inbetween snack. :angel: :cookie:

I hope everyone had a great july 4th, I hope to speak to you all again very soon.

See ya later,

Hi everyone!
We're back from our weekend away and I went early this morning to my ww meeting. I weighed in with a .6 loss! Yippee! A loss! I was so relieved!
I did "ok" over the weekend, did have a doughnut (but relished every single last bite of it!!!) but managed to be very "slim-dependant" for the holiday!
Melanie, I can buy King Arthur self rising flour here in the states, it's available! Don't know if it's in Michigan, though. I make sponge pudding with it!
Welcome Terri! I am a "return" ww person as well. I made Lifetime about 8 or 9 years ago and then put all the weight back, and then some. I've been on again, off again, for several years.
Have to admit that I was really on track until 9/11/0. I dropped out of WW and kind of out of my life for awhile. I'm sure all of you can relate! I went into "comfort food" mode and it's really taken me all this time to get back to the person I was before all that happened. I even started grinding my teeth at night, and have had to wear a mouth guard at night due to my own nervousness. Now, I am not wearing the mouth guard, I am aware of the world and it's horrors, and I am striving to re-gain the person that I was before. I want to set an example for my daughter, who is now going to ww with me. I have to show her a better way to eat and to live than what I've been doing these last few years. We're working together!
She lost a pound this week at weigh in and as I lost .6, we made out ok for a holiday weekend!
Dawny X, I keep busy in long rainy days by sewing and quilting. I love to sew and quilt and find that satisfies me when I would normally turn to food. I make a cup of tea and enjoy a chocolate rice cake - helps me satisfy the urge for chocolate and the tea gives me a little afternoon "lift". Then I get creative. Sometimes I sew utilitarian things, sometimes art type of things. I started quilting when my daughter was three years old. I dropped her off a nursery school and headed to quilting lessons! I have been somewhat addicted to the hobby ever since. Keeps my hands out of the cookie jar for sure! I highly recommend a busy hands kind of project/hobby!
I absolutely love Yorkshire pudding and make Popovers, which are very similar sometimes. I do love them in winter, when the weather is cold with soups or stew. The popovers, themselves, are pretty good, it's the butter that I want to put on them that is a bad thing! I, also, when my kids were small found that snacking was really hard. Little kids need snacks and I found myself snacking right along with the kids. What they didn't finish, was popped into my own mouth! I learned to throw things away, to freeze leftovers and to give myself something zero or low point when they had snacks that were really not appropriate for me.
Danwy X, I know exactly what you mean about focusing on exactly why you joined ww to begin with. I am 49 now, and just went through what I would call a "health crisis". Coming out of it with kind of a "warning" of bad things to come if I don't straighten up and "fly right". Plus, I was about to burst out of my clothing. I could either get in shape, spending the money on ww and healthy foods or go out and buy all new clothes, the next size up. I am determined to get my life back and look in the mirror and see a healthy and thinner person!
Heather, so sorry about your husband's job. I've been there, kind of. My husband was unemployed about three years ago for four months, and again this winter for four months as well. To top it off, he lost his job 5 weeks after we purchased a new house. It was a nightmare, but we made it - and you will too!
Keep on posting here for support and don't give up. I do find, however, that healthy foods can sometimes cost MORE, so be very careful. Luckily, it's summertime and produce will be getting more and more cheaper. I will keep you in my prayers in hopes that your husband finds another job really soon.
We are all here to support each other, that is the reason I started this thread - as I need just as much support as everyone else!
Linda

Hi everyone, just a quick note, just got back from WI, down 3 pounds!!! :dancer:
It was only the other day that I commented that it seemed ages since I had such a good week, I think I will try it again ... It seems ages since I lost 4 pounds! Wishful thinking maybe.

Anyway, I'm really pleased, I just wanted to share it.

I'll be back tomorrow, off to celebrate. :cloud9:

Way cool Dawny x! Three pounds in one week sounds great to me! But, I'll take ANY loss! Wonder what it is you are doing to be so successful? Maybe you could share a typical day in your life for us all? I'm ready to copy you!!!!
I blew it today, had two slices of pizza for lunch. I was out all morning and arrived home, starving, with moments to spare before having to go out and drive my daughter someplace. On my way home, rusing, I talked on the cellphone with my 16 year old son, I told him to order pizza for himself and get a salad with low fat dressing for me. Well, the pizza place delivered and forgot my salad! I ate the pizza, I was starving, out of control and out of time! They called, of course, as the last bite of pizza was going in my mouth (boy did it taste great, have to admit!) to say they forgot the salad and would run it right over. As I pulled out of the driveway, my son was opening the door to MY salad. : ( Oh well, it's now in the refrigerator.
At any rate, now I don't have to make a salad to go with dinner and I am about ready to hit the treadmill to make up for my extra points!
Take care everyone!
Linda

Heather - sorry for the hard times. But, no emotional eating, Young Lady! I can't afford the WW meetings either, so I am in an accountability group at church and doing the points system on my own. But, I can tell you as a budget shopper that eating healthy does raise the shopping bill. It can be done, but takes some planning. If I'm going to cook it, all left overs will be eaten! :hun:

Linda - Great work with the loss. :cb: How did Jamie do? Is she still making the effort?
I understand the pizza because I too, must confess to a Pizza Hut trip. DH, me & his dad went canoeing and fishing Monday morning. At about 10 a.m., a little voice started saying, "... pizza...pizza..." So, we left about noon, cleaned up and met for lunch. I had planned to try the new "healthier" pizza, but opted for a fully loaded version instead. Okay... the good news is that I had a big salad first and water to start filling me up, it was thin crust, and I only had 2 1/2 small slices. I feel no guilt. NONE I TELL YOU! :devil: And, we had healthy baked fish for dinner.

Dawny - :bravo: Great loss. Hope it works for you again.

I have WI tonight. I'm skeptical. I still have plenty of FP left over, but the scale at home has not moved. I guess I'll just see what happens. I'll report in later. :drill:

:cry: Well, the WI didn't go great last night. Almost all of us had gained over the holiday. I had gained 1.6#. I really don't understand it. :shrug: I had flexpoints left and exercised at least 3x. Maybe I'm lugging around some water, or maybe gained some muscle (did toning exercises last week). Whichever excuse I want to use, I hate it when I gain like that. :mad: But, what can I do? I'm gonna keep my butt in gear. :jig: I will drink more water this week. :cheers: I will pass by the :cookie: and intend to :strong: I declare war on that 1.6# :sumo:

But first, I must finish :coffee:

Gotta love those smilie guys...

Melanie
230.5/218.8/150ish

Hi everyone. I had a good day today, my friend at work told me I looked as if I had lost more weight, I only saw her last friday! Ego boost for sure.

Melanie, Hi, sorry about your little gain, put it behind you though, look forward and just remember that you had a great weekend, and tomorrow is another day.

I fancy pizza for dinner now.

Linda, my typical day is probably not that different to yours. I drink plenty of water and I think that helps with my days that go a bit to excess. We don't have flex points here, only bonus points to earn from exercise, so 20 is usually all I have to play with unless I have been very good. So I never ever go over my allowance amount, and this also obviously helps, but I do also usually use all my points, very rarely having any extra to carry over.

I really need pizza now. Why is it that this thread always makes me hungry?

Ok, I'm going to contemplate pepperoni, See ya later.

Well, I've been back on plan for the past two days . . . . and lost the 3 lbs I gained, plus 1/2 a pound. If I stick with the plan, it works . . . it's just the STICKING with it that is tricky! :-)

And-- miracle of all miracles-- DH found a new job. It's not in his field (he'll be working in maintenance at our apartment complex) and is a pay cut, but with the rent credit, no 40-mile commute to work, and lunches at home, we'll be at the same level financially as we were before his layoff. He starts Monday-- so he's only been without a job for 1.5 weeks. Since he gets a 5-week severance pay check next Friday, essentially we've been spotted a 3.5 week bonus. Yahoo!

As a treat, along with signing up for that sparkpeople.com thing this weekend, I'm also going to purchase Winsor Pilates. I've heard great things about it. Hopefully that will step up my workouts. I need to make it a point to work out every day. That's my sticking point. And, I find that when I DO work out, I eat better. Exercise has to become a priority.

Sorry, Dawny, that we made you want the pizza. However, there are many worse things you could eat! Trust me, I know them well.
Emerald and Heather, sorry you can't afford the meetings. I hope you can in the future, but consider us your meeting here. I will try to share some good points from the meetings I go to in the future, that might help?
By the way, this week's meeting was kind of a "think outside of the box" meeting. They encouraged us to try different recipes and ingredients and experience new ideas. I offered some suggestions such as using bacon bits with lettuce and tomato on lite bread with a tiny bit of mayo to get a very good "substitute" BLT sandwich. Bacon bits are virtually no points and one can achieve a very good BLT that satisfies the urge for one without all the bacon. This, with ww garden vegetable soup for lunch is quite satisfying. I add one slice of cheese or a laughing cow lite (one point) cheese wedge on the side to get some protien.
Jamie lost one pound this week at the meeting, she is now at 1.8 pounds loss in two weeks. Not bad. She's taking this seriously and I am proud. We all know how hard this is, and to be a teen and work at this must be even harder. She'll get there, I am confident! I think she looks happier, better and seems ready to stick with this. Some people lose weight in their faces first, and I can see it there. She looks prettier, and she is a very pretty girl!
At this week's meeting they put a recipe on the board for us to copy if we wanted to. I copied it and made it yesterday..... it was totally awesome and my husband ate it as well and said it was "good enough to serve to company"!!!! I'm going to share it with you all, below, so you can try it. It's just great! A wonderful dessert with only 2 points per serving! Way to go!
So, here goes:
"Snickers" Bar frozen dessert:
Mix:
One pint softened fat free chocolate frozen yogurt
One 8 oz. container of defrosted lite cool whip
One Sugar free package (not made) of choclate instant pudding'
1/3 cup grapenuts cerial
1/3 cup chunky peanut better
Mix welll and freeze in an 8 x 8" pan. 1/8th of the pan is a serving for 2 points. It is totally awesome!!!!!

Now, guys, I am heading north this afternoon to visit my mom and dad and have a property association meeting to attend tomorrow morning up that way. If the weather is good (questionable at the moment) I may stay up north an extra night. You all might not be hearing from me until Sunday afternoon. Keep up the great work and hang in!
I will be eating out tonight and tomorrow night, but am armed with my ww materials and feel confident that I will find something on the menus that I CAN eat that will not blow my weekend and points totals completely!
Plan on trying to walk or swim as well, depending on the weather.
Linda in New Hampshire, where it is presently raining and humid and feeling "tropical" - hope tomorrow gets nice!
Starting weight 162.2
total loss since April 8.2 pounds, at last ww weigh in
goal 136
Weighed in this morning, at home, at 150! Haven't seen that number is over two years! My scale is "off" and usually ww scales weigh me in as much as three or four pounds over what I weigh at home, and this was without clothing, but it felt so good to, even if momentarily, see that number that ended in a zero!

Dawny - Thanks for the pep. It is great to have someone notice your loss. I have lost almost 15 lbs., and only my mother has noticed. I occasionally make DH tell me he notices, but the headlock takes away from the sincerity. Not really, but I do tell him to tell me. Did you get the pizza? That's what I loved about WW. You can plan for it and have it - so long as you don't go overboard.

Heather - Strange. I've found that's true to. Following the plan works vs. Eating a pie doesn't work. :dunno: I'm glad your hubby found a new job so quick! And virtually got a bonus! :cheer: That is very good news! Are you going to start meetings again, or continue online? I did a pilates video last night that I borrowed from a friend. It's not my cup of tea, but she really enjoys it. A better video may help. I found it kinda dull.

Linda - I am soo happy to hear about Jamie's loss! It is hard for a teen to lose weight the "right" way. The new recipe sounds great. I'll have to give it a try for the next church potluck. I would appreciate any tips you could pass along. I scavage the WW website every few days to get the new free articles and recipes. But, you have to be a member to search the recipes or do other things. I hope you have a good visit with your family. I may go visit my dad's swimming pool... uh, I mean visit my dad. :s: I do the same thing you did. I know that I cannot really find out the accurate loss this way, but I sometimes weigh myself in the mornings just to see the happier number! It won't be long until 150 will be old new for you!

I did step on the scale this morning and I don't remember exactly what it said when I weighed at home one morning last week, but I do now it was at least 3# different. So, I really think I was having some PMS issues at the last WI with a gain.

Have a great weekend everyone!

Melanie

Just one quick post before I head up North. Just HAD to check in! You guys are addictive!
Wow, Heather, our posts must have crossed and I didn't see that your DH got a new job right away! Sounds ideal with no more commute and all that. There is a saying that the Mother Superior used in The Sound of Music that comes to mind here. She said to Julie Andrews (Maria?) "When God closes a door, he always leaves a window open somewhere else". I love that saying and often think of it when things are not looking up for me. Another day will come, and sometimes it brings something even better along!
Melanie, if you want pot luck recipes, maybe I can find something for you in my cook books. I own several ww cook books, plus don't overlook your local FREE library! I take low fat and ww cookbooks out all the time and copy the best recipes.
Pot luck suppers can be very bad for a ww person, can't they? Wonder if we can come up with some survival tips for each for this kind of thing, and buffets!
Certainly, bringing a crock pot with a clear broth veggie laden soup might be a great idea, then you know there is something healthy and low point to fill up on before you "cruise" through the rest of the buffet!
Well, I am off now for real and will be looking forward to checking in with you all when I get back!
Linda

Hi girls, just a quick visit tonight, I'm off for the weekend too, up north to Whitby, staying in a traditional English pub with very traditional English food to enjoy and gain pounds with, I wonder if they do salads?

I managed to avoid the pizza, only because no-one else fancied it though, I ended up with chinese instead, still, not a bad alternative, and still not over points.

Linda, glad Jamie is doing so well, I bet she's thrilled that she's losing, and that you are seeing a difference in her already.

Heather, great news about the job, I've seen the Winsor pilates video, looks good, quite expensive over here, but I guess it's cheaper than classes every week, or a gym membership!

Anyway, gotta go and iron for the weekend ahead, I won't be back until monday. You are right linda, it is addictive on here, I shall miss you for a couple of days everyone.

See ya soon.

Well, looks like everyone kind of took the weekend off. Hope you all have done better than I have as far as staying on program.... I was a "bad girl" this weekend, no excuses, just gave in to temptation!
Now, it's back to work on the food, exercies and water! What have I done?
Wonder if all the effort I have made this week will offset a day and a half of not being a smart eater? I did walk, workout and swim, though, maybe that will be a way to equalize?
Hope you all have been better than I, like I said!
Linda

Hi all.
I've done really well over the weekend, it probably helped that I had a lot of studying to do so I didn't go out. When my exams finish, I will have to be extra strict with myself, it's so easy for me to over-indulge in alcohol! :o
This is probably the first time I'm on a diet and I'm actually very happy with it, rather than being miserable and nervous. A long path to walk, but I WILL walk it this time! :)

Oh, Linda. You sound like me. I ate it because I wanted to... :p But, I think you will be okay if you are back on track now. We all need a wild day now and then, as long as they are not too often.

It is strange. I'm using a church program for accountability, but the church keeps planning all these counter-productive activities. Yesterday we had a cookout and next week is the Pie Festival. I made a corn salad for the cookout and brought turkey hotdogs, so I think I narrowly escaped that one. For the Pie Festival, several of us are bringing healthier options. I figure if I skip dinner and just have the pies, I should be okay. :) What a sacrifice!

Happy Monday!

Melanie
:dance: :dance:

Melanie, unfortunately in a group setting like your church, there are people from all walks of life who are in all stages of weight control, or lack thereof! My own church has an elaborate coffee hour social thing each Sunday and I avoid it nowadays as I am hungry when church is over with and can't control myself. I miss the social interaction, but that is my only way to keep in control! Some of the best cooks I have ever known, I have known through my church! Good luck with that!
My own church had a program once called "losers for Christ" or something like that. The people seemed to do well and then, abruptly, the program was cancelled. I heard rumors of why, and I made me a bit unhappy, as the people who were in it were doing well and were happy with the program. Had something to do with the actual beliefs of the person who developed the faith centered program, I guess. I kind of like my non-denominational ww program, I guess, after that! New England churches can be very puritanical, think of the Pilgrims and how the early colonies has such strict rules, some of the churches around here can be much like that, still. Love the church still, but some of the people running it need to lighten up once in awhile.
Sugar Cane, welcome aboard! Hope you get through the exams and get past that celebration time period where alcohol can be a real temptation. I'm at the age where if someone dangled a "drink" in front of me or italian bread slathered with butter, I would probably go for the bread! I'm an eater vs. a liquid refreshment person, thank goodness! I mean liquids of any kind, not just alcohol - as we all know juices, soda and that kind of thing are high in points! I like drinking water, so I spend all my points on the FOOD! I even grocery shop nowadays with points in mind, I look at calories and fats, etc. and then decide is that item I want WORTH spending my points on????
Love my carbs, guess that is why WW is better for me (and working so far) in comparison to any of the Atkins or So. Beach stuff. Their version of carbs (package pancake mixes and that kind of thing that are VERY expensive) are a mere shadow of the goodies I like! With WW, at least those items are not forbidden and I can work them into my day, if I am really climbing the walls!
Linda in NH

Thanks for the warm welcome! :)
I think I'm doing fairly well, I had to eat out today, but I went to McDonald's and only got a Grilled chicken caprese sandwich and some diet coke, so it wasn't bad. Hope you all are doing fine! :)

Hello, all.

Linda- I always have my point slide card with me at the grocery. Sometimes I see a yummy snack item but after I find out the points, it doesn't look so good. The hardest thing for me to pass by is the doughnut section - which is conveniently next to the yogurt and cheeses! Gotta stand right next to those tempting little goodies every week! Once, to my shame, I got one and left it in the car until DH went to work so I wouldn't get caught. :no: That was sad.

Are you finding more healthy foods that Jamie likes? I made some yummy 1 pt peanut butter cookies last weekend. And I actually only had one with lunch yesterday! Which was good because we went to see King Arthur and I refuse to sit in the movies without popcorn! But, no butter and we split a small.

Sugar - Sounds like a good McD choice. When I know I am going to eat out, I like to go in prepared. I always have my cheat sheet of Mexican & Chinese dishes in my purse (particularly for Sunday lunches). One day I was thrown off by going to Arby's after church. The salad I thought would be a good choice was 12 pts!

Good luck with the exams! Remember - be good during the celebrations, and you will have something else to celebrate - being a loser!

I'm actually kinda looking forward to tomorrow's WI. I am sure that I knocked off the 1.6 I gained and then some. Of course, due to timing, I may decide to bloat at the last minute. If the rain holds off, I may get DH to go for a walk tonight.

Have a great day!
Melanie
:dance: :dance:

Ok, back from the little weekend away, and very nice it was too. Little AJ behaved perfectly for my mother in law, which was a blessing, (but why does he not do it at home?) I ate loads, 3 course meals 2 nights in a row, and I don't know why I bothered, because I was ill with a bad head cold and could not smell or taste one thing! A complete waste of an excellent meal!!! Anyway, 4 million points later and I think I'm avoiding this weeks WI, but I have an excuse - tomorrow's my birthday and more eating out! I will then have a week to catch up which I think I can manage with. Usually I wouldn't dream of missing a meeting, or would find another as an alternative, but this week I don't feel that I will lose the plot and am confident I can get straight back on track.

Birthdays, why do we bother? I will be 35, not really in the mood for celebrating it at the moment, and to top it all, did I mention that I'm to become a granny in November!
Yes a granny. Or a step-granny to be exact. I don't want to look or feel like a granny though, although maybe a bit of knitting wouldn't go amiss! I think that if I can stick to the programme, then at least I won't look like my AJ's granny by November, but maybe just a big sister! Wishful thinking maybe.

Well, I will go and see what delights I can have for dinner tonight, I think I have about 10 points left so something yummy sounds on the cards.

Welcome Sugar cane, stick with the plan, it really works!

Melanie, a pie festival sounds fab, can I come? Is there really such a thing as a healthy pie, unless it has very little filling and no pie crust on top? Sounds nice either way.

Have a good day all.

Help!!! Pms Monster Is Attacking!!! M&m's Just Invaded!!! No!!! Must Eat Broccoli!!!! Maybe The Green M&m's Are Like Vegetables?!?! Aaaauuhhhggghhh!!!

Welcome Sugar cane, stick with the plan, it really works!



Yeah, I'm pretty sure it does!! :) Today I used a couple more points than I'm "allowed" to, but it's only a couple so I don't think it's a big deal. I'm weighing myself tomorrow, I hope I lose some more. I try not to get depressed about my weight loss. I'm so thrilled that I lost 10 lbs. my first 2 weeks, but when I think about the amount of weight I want to lose, it feels impossible. But I try to go one day at a time rather than look at the big picture. I understand that I won't lose 5 lbs. every week, I'm just happy that I lose and not gain! Phew, take care all! :)

~laughing With you ladies and giving Linda a wee wave~

yes derry dahhhhh-link i read your thread as well ~winks n grinz~ thought i would pop in with a couple of recipes for you ladies...... and girlie friends remeber this is Weight Watchers, there are no NO-NO's anymore...... ~laughing~ there is a recipe for any and all cravings that are points friendly to the lips AND hips!!

here you go Em's give the Pie fest peeps a slice of this...... after you have 2 ~wink~

Fresh Strawberry Pie - 1 point
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1 quart of fresh strawberries
1 pkg. Jello Sugar Free Cook and Serve Vanilla Pudding (chocolate)
1 pkg. Jello Sugar Free Strawberry Jello
2 cups water

Slice the berries in a 9" pie plate sprayed with Pam.
Prepare the Vanilla Pudding according to package directions but substitute water for the milk. When pudding is cooked stir in the Jello. Pour over the strawberries - chill and serve.

Makes 4 servings - 1 points each.

74 cals/0 fat/3 fiber.......... ( toss on a dollop of FF cool whip with a strawberry wedge for presentation, taste sensation, but not a wasit inflation.......~smiling brightly~)
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another yummy.......

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Oven Fried Peach Pies 1.5. pts serves 10

1 cup canned peaches, packed in extra-light syrup, DRAINED WELL and diced
2 Tablespoons sugar, divided
3/4 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon, divided
10 Pillsbury Buttermilk Biscuits (1 point each)
Butter flavored cooking spray

Drain peaches and dice. Mix with 1 tablespoon sugar and 1/2 tsp cinnamon.
Open and separate biscuits.
On a lightly floured surface, roll out each biscuit into a 4 inch circle.
Spoon one rounded tablespoon of peach mixture into center of biscuit circle.
Lightly brush edges of each biscuit with water, fold over and seal edges with a fork.
Place pies on a ungreased cookie sheet and spray with butter flavored cooking spray.
Take remaining Tablespoon of sugar and 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon and mix. Sprinkle on tops of pies.
Bake at 375 for 10 minutes or until browned.
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blow there minds Emerald a Pie is a Pie........ right?........ and they didnt say what KIND of pie, just bring a Pie...... ~with a twinkle in her eye and a mischevious grin she copies and pastes this one too~ give them a gasp, a giggle, and a grin babes!!

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Spinach Pie....... 1 pt = 4 big servings.


1/2 cup FF cottage cheese ( i use the FF with chives, gives it that extra lil omph)
3 egg whites
4 TB parmesan cheese
10 oz frozen chopped spinach

Defrost and drain spinach ( a minute in the micro does fabulous). Mix with remaining ingredients. Spray 9 inch pie pan with Pam. Pour and bake 400 degrees for 40 min.

I serve it with chicken or fish .
Hope you enjoy it! its one of my favs!
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bursts out laughing at the PMS monster~ i have posted this recipe so many times.... i am a choccie-holic too!! dont be confused by the name ( this messed Cachee up all the time......~laughing~ its a copy cat recipe ......cook this yourself and you will have ~drum roll please~............

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NO PUDGE BROWNIES *AT HOME * 16 servings, 2 POINTS each


( cachee always thought she had to go and buy them ~laughing~ shilly chit...... thats what she got for not reading. at the bottom you will see how you can make just 1 at a time too.)

1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa
3/4 cup all purpose flour
1 Tbsp cornstarch
1/4 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1 1/4 cups sugar
2/3 c fat free vanilla yogurt (or use plain yogurt and 1 tsp vanilla extract)

Mix all ingredients together until well mixed and glossy. Bake in an 8x8" pan sprayed with Pam. Bake at 350 degrees F for 30-35 minutes. Top with FF Cool Whip.

Individual brownies: 2 Tbsp cocoa mix and 1 Tbsp Fat Free vanilla yogurt. Stir together until glossy. Microwave 1 minute on high.
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good luck ladies and if you ever need a recipe for anything....... just whistle ~winks n grinz~

sincerely,
sassy

ooooooooooo and what to my wandering eyes should appear...but a birthday, a birthday, from one who posts here!!

~clears her throat and sings~

Happy Birthday to you......... Happey birthday to youuuuuuuuuuu......happy birrrrrrrrrrrrrthday dear DAWNEYDWwwwwwwwwwwwwww........ Happy birthday to youuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu!!!

~ oooooooo wait sassys not in kansas anymore....... sings it again in Austrian~

Zum Geburstag viel Glück......... zum Geburtstagggggggggg viel Gück...... ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZum Geburrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrstag Liebe DAWNEYDWwwwww....... Zum Geburstag...viel glück!!!!!

have a great one babes!!

sincerely,
sassy

OOh, Sassy, what are you on, so early in the morning too! (Well its 9.30 am here)
I'm looking forward to a great day ahead, and if I can have a bit of what you have had then I think I'll be happy!!!

Melanie, did the m&m's do the job? I hope you had some and that they really hit the spot, sometimes a girls gotta do what a girls gotta do! Its my week too, and I've found some yummy strawberry shortcake cookies for only one point each, and I've had 3 this morning already, well it is my birthday, so I guess I can today!
I'm off out to lunch with my sis later, to a little pub that does WW pointed meals. So I will feel as if I have been good, even if I haven't.

Anyway, I'll probably be back later, See ya

i am an hour ahead of you Dawn and 6 hours ahead of the EST girls...... besides all of that Austria has the bestest coffee in the World!!

Emerald, I asked for an extra point slide card to keep in my purse yesterday at the ww meeting, so now when I grocery shop, it's with me! Way cool!
I like what you said about having your "cheat sheet" in your purse all the time. I think I should write up some "recommended" meals that I would enjoy at all the places we dine out at and put them in my wallet on a small paper, that might help! ;)
I weighed in yesterday at my meeting .4 pounds UP. Knew I was in trouble, but that is the way things go with me sometimes, seems I gain every other week and lose on the other weeks, but usually lose more. Don't know quite why that is for me? Maybe the gains make me work that much harder and when I have losses, I get lazy? Must think about that! :?:
Dawny, Happy Birthday to you! Loved that Sassy joined in for a song as well, Hi Sassy! You are so welcome, and good that you are back with us! You have been so very missed!
Loved the recipes and I may try some of them. I need stimulation, particularly of the chocolate variety! I also love spinach and the pie sounds great!
Dawny, 35 is a VERY young granny, so you will not have to feel old! I'm 49 and not a granny yet, and am in NO rush! How old is your AJ? My guess is that your husband is a bit older and this "child" is from a previous marriage? Don't worry, you can still look VERY young and THIN!
You know, I would still go to your meeting and avoid weighing in, perhaps? I find the meetings so important in terms of my mindset. It's kind of like a weekly hypnosis.
Do you have a "no weigh in pass" in the UK? If so, go and use it this week! Enjoy your birthday and then resolve to start anew the next day - the day after a birthday is probably the best day of the year, even better than New Year's, to make a resolution!
Oh no! PMS and M+Ms!!!!! Emerald, what are we to do???? Wonder if we could market chocolate coated broccoli? Hmmm.... Wonder if chocolate covered raisins would help you? I like those, actually, and I would think they are less points and certainly the raisins have the iron you need right now?
Try, also, the ww hot cocoa or a sugar free hot cocoa mix (usually one point) it can "kill" a chocolate craving without doing too much damage. Also, I am quite keen on the chocolate rice cakes, they aren't quite "real" chocolate but I get the flavor and taste and they a large and only one point each! I usually have a chocolate rice cake with a cup of tea every afternoon. I plan on this for the points, it's "my" time of the afternoon where I de-stress. I sit with my tea and usually read the newspaper or a magazine and take a few moments for myself. So important for us all!
If worse comes to worse, go for the M+Ms, forgive yourself and move on..... been there, done that!
Sassy, one day, you must tell me how you ended up in Austria. I think you really ARE from Kansas, aren't you?
I'm smiling this morning after reading all the posts from you all. I'm having a good time staying on program (for the most part, anyway!) and communicating with you all!
Linda in raining NH, where the rain has kept me from doing the detested weeding in the garden - most procrastinated job of all

I have just had a lovely lunch with my sister, chicken in an Italian 'style' spicy sauce, with pasta and salad, and it was pointed on the menu as 7.5 points. It was very enjoyable and I wish that more restaurants would consider pointing, it would help so many of us avoid the guessing game, and usually underestimating.
I'm not sure I quite fancy chocolate broccoli! Chocolate peas maybe. Or chocco sweetcorn.
Linda, I am intending to be a very glamourous granny, the fact at the moment that I feel thinner for the first time ever than my step daughter is an added bonus! She is 22, my hubby is 42 and it was a previous marriage for him, he keeps telling me that he was a child bride! My little Aj will be 3 in september, so he will make a young uncle figure, but he's quite impressed and will tell anyone who's willing to listen. He's asleep at the mo, I think going for a meal with him straight after his swimming lesson was a bit tiring for the little mite, lets hope he wakes in a good mood, as I'm off out again later! I therefore can't go to my meeting tonight, and we don't have any kind of pass here to let us in without a WI, unless we've already been weighed at a meeting that week beforehand. I'll be ok. I think I could easily have put a pound or so on over my indulgent(sp?) weekend, but who cares. I had a great time, and I'll sort myself out tomorrow.

By the way, my cousin who lives in NJ has just had a baby, the first American baby in our family! I'm sure little Sam will do just great over there, I can't wait for them to come home for a while for us all to see him!

Ok, I'm going - I find it hard to keep away at the moment. See ya later.

It is so odd to hear about your lunch when I just finished a late breakfast! I feel so clever. I got an Egg McMuffin (7 pts) and removed the yolk - so I cheated it out of 2 pts! :smug: Which I used on my cappicino, but I still feel good about it.

I did have the M&Ms, but only about 8 of them. And although I really wasn't in the least hungry, I had a scoop of low fat ice cream on a cone late last night. Small slips, and I'm just brushing them off. I was really fighting the urge to EAT yesterday. But, with the gain last week, I am determined to be good. I want that 1.6 gone with several of its evil little friends!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DAWNY!!!! You will have to think of a clever name for the baby to call you besides grandma! You are just a pup yourself! (The closer I get to 35, the younger it seems) Sounds like you had a great lunch. I wish more restaurants would join the points system too. The only one that I know if is Applebees, and I have not heard great things about their selections.

Linda - Too bad about the little gain. But, that small of an amount could have been that you needed to shave your legs or trim your nails! -I'm not sure I'm on board for chocobroccoli, although they are two of my all time favorites, I'm just not sure they should blend. :) I have FF pudding in the fridge at home, but the M&M's are closer. :wink: -I hope Jamie had another loss. I really am excited that she has this opportunity to get such good training early in life. Way to go MOM! She is going to benefit so much from the things she learns through WW and watching you make good choices.

Sassy - Thanks for the recipes! I am a new recipe fiend! DH never knows what dinner is going to taste like until it hits his mouth.

I made this one last night and served with corn tortillas, FF refried beans, and a salad. You get a huge serving for so few points:

Spanish Rice
servings | 6 estimated POINTS per serving | 5

1 lb LF ground beef
1 green pepper
1 cup salsa
2 cups beef broth made with boullion cubes
1 cup raw "real" rice (not instant)
1 26 oz can chopped tomatoes
dash Tabasco sauce

Brown ground beef slowly in a deep skillet. Chop green pepper and add while browning meat. When beef is completely cooked, pour into a colander and rinse with hot water (wipe any remaining grease from pan).

Return meat and peppers to pan with raw rice, stir while adding beef broth, salsa, and canned tomatoes (undrained). Season with Tabasco to taste. Bring mixture to a boil.

Cover and reduce heat to a simmer, and set timer for 15 minutes. Check for rice doneness (might need another few minutes), and remove lid to let excess liquid evaporate if necessary.

Notes: I added onion when I put in the pepper. The original notes suggested adding garlic or shredded zucchini. I think I found it on the WW website, community swap.

Oh, and I never really like the refried beans from a can, so I started adding a little salsa and it was a big improvement. Plus, it makes it go farther.

Well, I had better work for a while now. We had a big storm last night and I just feel awful this morning. I guess I didn't sleep very well, and ended up on DH's side of the bed, which just doesn't fit right. I am tempted to leave early today and rest, but we would be short-handed then. Oh, well. I'll just think about it.

Have a good day.
Melanie
:dance: :dance: (expect another one of these guys after WI!)

Hey guys, I was feeling strong today working out and decided to change my "Avatar" to something new! Hope you all like it! Dawny, hope your son wakes in a good mood and I just know you will get back on track! Enjoy your birthday!
Melanie, thanks for asking about Jamie! She had a 1.6 pound loss, I was proud of her in comparison to my own slight gain. Her total loss is 3.4 pounds, now, in 4 weeks. She was very pleased yesterday and was all smiles last night!
I hope I can match her loss by next week, I'm trying hard!
Linda

:cb: Good News :cb: Had a fun WI last night! Down 3#! That means, I made my first mini-goal of 15# (15.1 to be exact). Yep, Happy Loser. :cb:

The bible study that we are doing lasts another 4 weeks. I need a new mini-goal. I am thinking 8#. That would be my 10%. Do you think that is too much?

Linda- Like the avatar. I had never bothered adding one, but finally did yesterday. Great job for Jamie. I bet she is getting excited. If she keeps this up, she will have fun when school starts back!

Dawny - Hope your birthday was tons of fun!!

Later,

Melanie
230.5/215.4/150ish
:dance: :dance: :dance: (told ya there would be 3!)

Hi, well a great birthday was had by all, far too many yummies to mention, and no I didn't go to last nights WI, the first I have missed, and probably just as well!

Sounds as if other WI's went a bit better than mine would have,
Melanie, terrific! You are doing so well! I think 8 pounds in 4 weeks is a managable goal if you are willing to give it a go. Staying focused for all of that time should do it, carrying it out is another matter, but if you are really wanting to go for it...then go for it girl!

OH, better go, AJ's bathtime awaits, back later

My exams are finally over! I kinda celebrated today by ordering a DVD and treating myself to a new lipgloss! :D
I'm a little hungry right now, had a couple of dried apricots but I have my mind fixed on a sandwich! I'll try to drink litres of water to forget about it...

Hey guys, you are all doing great!
Melanie, I do like your avatar as that butterflies looks "light and airy" like we all will look soon!!!!!
Sugar Cane, dried apricots? How many points are those I wonder? Will have to look them up. I love them, but haven't had them in awhile. That sweet, but tart, taste makes me think I'm having candy, but it's good for me!!!!
A couple of low point sandwich ideas are needed here if you had the apricots and really wanted a sandwich, though!

Linda's "special" grilled cheese:
Take two slices lite bread (1 point) and spray ww butter spray (0 points) on one side of each. Then put one, sprayed side down in a non stick frying pan. Then put one slice of lite or ff american cheese (one point) on top. Add sliced tomato, a tiny sprinkle of bacon bits (0 points) and put the other slice of bread, sprayed side up. Grill on both sides til lightly browned and squish down a few times with a spatula! You get a wonderful grilled cheese with tomato and bacon sandwich for only 2 points! Combine that with the ww garden vegatable (0 point) soup and you are having "something" of substance that fills you up and makes you feel as if you've had some "real" food!

Also, if you fancy BLT sanwiches..... toast the lite bread this time (the crunch makes you think you are truly getting more food!!!) put on 1 tsp on lite mayo (1 point) and then add lettuce, tomato and a sprinkle of bacon bits. Another 2 pount wonder!

A tiny sprinkle of bacon bits is not significant enough to count as a point, but use your ww point finder, the brands differ and you might have to use a point.

Any more low point sandwich ideas? We need all need them!!!!!

I also use bacon bits with omlets using egg substitute, low fat or fat free cheddar cheese, etc. and it makes them taste so much nicer!

I am trying something new this week and I hope it's going to work like a charm! I keep hovering near 150 and can't seem to break through and get under into the 140s. One week I gain, the next week I lose. I am maintaining quite well, but that is NOT the objective here. I hope when I get to maintenance that I can remember how to eat to maintainm as this seems to be "it" for me! At any rate, for over 150, my point range is 22 per day, but the last two days I have decided to eat as if I WAS past that point I can't break through to. So, I have given myself 20 points a day, and if I exercise I am giving myself the extra points as I have always done. So, maybe this will help me to break that barrier? The weekend is almost here and I tend to have weekend problems and really break into my flex points. But this week, so far, I've not used one flex point. So maybe this week will do it for me, even if I splurge on the weekend. I "feel" thiner, but that darn scale is not budging!
I am going away for a week's vacation the week after next (will miss you all totally and want you to keep this thread going while I am gone!) and surely will be overeating. I really need, emotionally, to break through that barrier before going!
Linda

Wow. Mixed feelings. Friday is here. Yippee, the weekend is almost here :D But noone will be on the thread to play with. :(

Dawny - Thanks. I think I will try for the 8. I know it will be hard, so if I don't make it I won't be too bummed. But if I do, Yeah! I don't blame you for skipping the WI. Consider it your b-day present to yourself. And next week, you will do great.

Linda - Thanks for the sandwich ideas. Good luck with your plan. Do you think that the exercise may be firming your up, thereby making the scale misbehave? I like to tell myself that sometimes. :D

Sugar - Congrats on finishing the exams. And on your little celebration!

Well, gals...got any big weekend plans? DH has a photo assignment tomorrow morning, but so far I have lucked up and he doesn't have to work that evening. So, I will finally spend the X-mas $$ I have been hoarding and we will be going to a play to see Barefoot in the Park. We will probably be going out for dinner also. Maybe Cracker Barrell. I am checking their menu in advance.

Later!

linda not sure if you knew this about no stick spray ( double check with your leader) but its only 5 one second sprays that equal no points any mre then that and you have to add points doll. this info does not change the fact that thats a yummy low pointer still.

have a great weekend all

sinserely.
sassy

I am not doing well! All I wanna do is eat,eat,eat!!! Why is this I wonder, when so far on the programme I have really had no trouble getting over those little pangs of tummy rumblings? I know its the time of the month, although, usually it doesn't effect me too much, I'm not going over points, and I'm drinking loads of water, but I feel as if I'm over indulging! I feel bloated, big and not very happy today. I've got a healthy dinner planned, with some chicken and ratatouille(?) but I feel that I'm gonna struggle over the weekend. I don't think it's even that I really feel that hungry, I just feel greedy. I thought I'd come on here, take it out on everyone else, and try and get it out of my system. Hopefully, by the time I've finished typing it might be passing, and I'll feel like me again. Don't I moan alot! Sorry people, but I'm sure you know how I'm feeling.

I think I will just take a deep breath, go and drink another pint of water, and then go in the garden and water the flowers before the rain does. :rain:

I hope you all have a great weekend, I will be back tomorrow. Hopefully not too many pounds heavier than today!

See ya later. :stress:

Dawny - I completely understand. TOM came to visit me this week too. Tuesday, I wanted to eat everything in site. I resisted for the most part, and the good news is that the next day my hormones were back under control. I think what helped me to say no to the food was knowing that my WI was the next day! If the cravings get really bad, sometimes I will be naughty and exercise just for the sake of those extra little points! Good Luck!

Hello, I am back.....just dont get the time to get online like I want to.....I have WI tomorrow morning so keep the fingers crossed...should be ok tho, now that TOM is over.....will check back in tomorrow. have a great weekend everyone..

Sassy, thanks for the "heads up" on the ww butter spray, but I don't think I use that much, just a light amount is all you need! It is still a good sandwich, though, even if it would end up being another point, you are right!
No big weekend plans for me, so I will be here to post with you all! It's next weekend that we are going away and it will be for an entire week. I really will miss you all and wonder how I'll make it through a week of vacation without my contacts here. You guys all help me keep under control!
Dawny, don't despair! I think having your birthday celebrations was kind of like an alcaholic going "off the wagon" or something. I find that certain foods, for me, trigger a binge. Do any of you have that trouble? I'm totally in control most of the time, but then one thing will set me off. So, maybe the celebration made your body crave what it's been missing, after getting a little taste of "the past"?
I might be in trouble tomorrow evening as lobster is on sale - I know I will have butter if we have it!!!!! However, I have not had a single flexpoint all week, so I guess a little butter won't set me off, totally..... Maybe I will try avoiding lobster? Here in New England it's summer and when lobster is most plentiful. We pay up to $8.99 a pound off season and it's $4.99 a pound this week, but only until tomorrow and then the sale is over! Gosh, one MUST take advantage????
Oh well.
I shall maybe do some more yard work tomorrow and will certainly do my body sculpting work out tape and get on my treadmill. I shall conquer that lobster and butter! I could be active all day and then be justified in having it????
Melanie, I have heard so many different opinions on the theory about muscle weighing more than fat. Sometimes people say that is true, other times people say it's a myth. I don't know. I am so much firmer and I am truly shaping up! I use weights, doing bi-cep and tri-cep and also deltoid exercises. I do sit ups, leg lifts and work out my "gluteus maximus"! I do all the inner and outer thigh "killer" work outs as well as push ups! I get sore, but I continue. Is this making me heavier? I don't have a clue - but it's worth doing! I don't just want to be thinner, I want to look right. I wish the tricep exercise were helping the flabby area under my arms from elbow to shoulder - hate that part of my body! I do the exercises for it and use my weights, but nothing seems to be happening there, at least not anything noticable!
Linda

I feel a bit better about life this morning than I did yesterday, I think you are right Linda, and the birthday thing just topped the balance for me and made me 'need' the naughty stuff. However, several pints of water later, a lovely dinner last night and a good nights sleep have helped me feel on track again. I also have a stinking head cold which is probably not helping at all.
I have to say, I'm not the best exerciser in the world, last year I was pretty strict and quite enjoyed it, going to the gym, weights, treadmill etc, but now I can't seem to get my head round it at all. I know it helps, but at the same time, I had the problem last year of good weight loss until I joined the gym and then it sort of stopped. I wonder if sometimes we take advantage too much of the extra points we score by doing exercise, and eat them all up, instead of just burning away the calories, and being happy with that? Plus of course, there are the dodgy tummy wobbles and under arm bits that never seem to shift no matter how much exercise we seem to do! I don't know. I'm no expert. Exercise obviously helps us get healthier, fitter and feel better, tones our butts and stuff, but if we eat too much, it still upsets the balance and we can feel as if we're getting nowhere.

Time to go for now, be back later I hope, Lunch time awaits!

Hello everyone. Just wanted to check on everyone before I head across town to shower. My plumbing is still clogged to the tub (since last Thurs) and the landlord is here now working on it. Of course, it would have been too easy to just call a plumber to start with. DH left early this morning to work, but mostly to get out before LL got here. Oh, well.

I got in my Sat. morning walk, though the sky threatened to rain on me. Everything was very still this morning and made for a good escape, uh, I mean walk. Now, after a nice brunch, I am ready to pack up my shampoo and destink.

Linda - Have some Lobster for me too!! I don't mind no butter! Or light butter! Being landlocked, that is a rare treat for me. As for muscle vs. weight, I don't know if it weighs more, but my thinking is that instead of losing a little part of Melanie, it is just shifting around to something else. Therefore, no loss. But, like you said, there are many theories out there! Opinions are like butts. Everyone has them, but some are more outspoken. :)

Dawny - Glad u are back on track. Birthdays are tricky little devils. A holiday with a cake named after it! Geez!

Terri- Hope the WI went good as you expected! Let us know! We like good news!

I'm in danger myself tonight. DH and I are going on a long-awaited date. He has suggested my favorite restaurant - an out-of-way authentic Italian place. Call me Canoli Butt, I just have to go! I'm thinking that if I order a starter salad, divy up my meal for leftovers as soon as it arrives, and just have 2 bites of his canoli, I just might make it without too many flexpoints.

Well, time to shower before the flies find me. :D With luck and blessings, we may have our bathroom back tomorrow!

[Hi Linda. I have returned to Weight watchers this summer. I am always returning and I do well for a while, and then I hit a bump and quit. I do well in the summers and then I fall apart the rest of the year. I am doing ok this summer, but every 3 weeks or so, I gain 2 or 3 pounds. I did this past week. So, I feel terrible and then I eat the wrong stuff. But, I do get back on it and usually can lose those extra pounds and a little more by the next weigh in. I really need the support because I have sooooo much to lose. I only lost 16 pounds since the beginning of June. I was hoping to lose more by now. I have been picking at things and I know this adds to points. I need to really be strict this week. I will be glad to support you also. We all belong to a special "club". I hope you and I can be successful helping each other. Have a great day today!

Mrs. Katz, welcome! I, too, go through what you are talking about. However, since April I have only lost 8 pounds, so you are doing lots better than me! I am trying this theory of eating in the lower points range now as I "hover" one week a loss, next week a gain" just above that range and so far, this week, it seems to be helping me. Maybe I will finally break through this barrier?
We never had the lobster last night, but what we did do was probably worse! Oh well. I have been so good all week and not once used a single flex point and I blew 13 of them last night! We went out to the movies and I had buttered popcorn, but with a diet soda at least! Then we had take out for dinner. I skipped my usual ww ice cream dessert after all that, with guilt!
This morning the treadmill will be calling my name in a few minutes to make up for some of last night's indulgences. Even if last night makes my loss (and I plan on a loss!) this week less than it might have been, I firmly believe that one must live one's life and not be in a constant state of denial of what one loves. If the denial is constant, then one feels "punished" and then that leads to failure.
Mrs. K, think of that, as you sound so much like me. I have rejoined ww so many times, I've lost count. Only now do I feel, strongly, that I can succeed. I have finally accepted this lifestyle change thing, I think. I realized that it has to come from within me and not from anyone else. You can do this too! Also, have to admit that it seems to be helping me that my 13 year old daughter is on ww too, I have to set the example and cook for her as well! I am more keenly aware that SHE needs this, especially at her age. Being about 30 or 40 pounds overweight for a teen is just so hard. I hope she can return to school feeling lots better about herself. I do worry, though, how I am going to make her lunches to bring to school that are "on program". Any ideas for that?
Melanie, wish I had seen and responded to your post about the Italian place yesterday afternoon! I have a few tricks that truly help eating out Italian. Hope you were successful!
For future reference, when you get there order Minestrone or some other clear broth soup if they have it. Have salad with low fat dressing as well, or ask for oil and vinegar and make that oil only about a teaspoon and add salt and pepper to make the salad paletable. Then, no matter what you've ordered (hopefully not in a cream sauce!) you will be nearly full when the time comes. I allow myself bread at these places too and often order fish in a tomato and vegetable sauce or chicken done the way way. However, I always end up taking most of it home with me. Then, I allow my darling husband to eat what I take home the next day! I have a side of pasta and it often goes untouched. If I order a drink, I order a wine spritzer, as that is wine mixed with seltzer, with a twist of lime or lemon. I still feel happy to have participated in the evening's festivities with a drink, but mine is so much lower in points! Also, not being a huge drinker, that is really all I want anyway and the seltzer adds a nice sparkle.
Well, today, I hope to be "on program" and will be working out soon. Can't do what I did last night for sure or I'll blow it for the week!
Linda

Just one more thing.... Dawny, I didn't see your post before as it appears on the previous page! Just so you know I think you are probably right that many of us, including me, take far too much advantage of the extra points earned by exercising.
I may try not counting those, however I am doing that already, in a way, as I dropped to the lower point range in my effort to acheive that range, those 2 points a day are exactly what I usually earn by working out!
Glad you are getting back on track!
Linda

HI everyone, well the weekend is almost over again, and have we all blown it with using extra points going out? I hope not. I think we are all doing really well on here, despite the occasional pitfall here and there, I figure that as we are all sticking together that we are helping each other through the bad days and coming out the other side just a little bit lighter than we were before.
Melanie, I hope your Italian meal was fantastic, they usually are, Italian is my favourite, and unfortunately, although I manage to keep points low if I cook it, when I eat out, I always struggle to keep points down. What did you have? By the way, I do hope that you have a shower in good working order by now, dodgy plumbing isn't any good for any of us.
Mrs Katz, welcome, stick by us, you'll be fine, 16 pounds since june is great news, it sounds as if you think you may be struggling some weeks like the rest of us, but the weight is obviously dropping off so you must be doing something right!
Linda, hi, I'm glad Jamie is feeling that her loss is taking effect, of course going back to school will be awkward for her, with her friends eating all the junk in the state around her probably. It's hard to know what to give to take for lunch, as she will obviously want to appear to still be fitting in with what her friends have, and not be just eating celery and carrots every day. Would it be worth allowing her more points for her lunch so she can have more of the things that she enjoys when around her friends, and less points for evening meal, on school days at least, then at least she's spreading the points and still having plenty to eat. Also, if she's eating more at lunchtime, she may be less inclined to feel hungry for the rest of the day, which could encourage her to binge on chips etc when her friends have them.
Also Linda, do you have your own treadmill, it sounds as if you do. It must make that bit extra exercise so much easier to fit into your day with the machine to hand. I wish I had room in my little house for one, maybe one day when my mansion materialises! I really must try to do a little more exercise than I do. I try quite a bit of walking, but the weather this summer has so far been rubbish, and I am definately a fair weather walker! I must try harder - new resolution.

Ok I'm going to get off for now, we've been putting up a garden hut for my mum today, and I'm shattered. At least the rain held off for a change! See ya later.

Hi there!
Dawny, yes I do have my own treadmill. A few years ago, we had an outstanding income tax refund come our way. My husband took $500.00 (about 750 pounds?) and gave the same amount to me, and to him, to go out and splurge with. I was going to join a gym and pay the one year membership, but then got this idea that a treadmill would be a better choice. With a gym, I always am really enthusiastic at first, but then drop off. Then, at the end of one year I might not have had enough money to renew my membership, so where would I be?
I love that this treadmill folds up and doesn't take much space. It's in a corner of the bedroom and really isn't that huge. I may buy a privacy screen to go in front of it, one day, to hide it's unattractive appearance. I have my TV set up on a bureau right beside it and watch it while I treadmill, makes the time go by quickly and I love to watch news, home decor shows, etc. I took a video on furniture reupholstery out of the library this week, as I want to learn how to do that and my make an effort to do a few chairs that were my grandmother's, and the last two mornings I have watched segments of that video while walking. Really cool to learn and exercise at the same time! I used to also take out books on tape from the library and listen while walking. I listened to the entire Harry Potter series while walking!
This treadmill has electronics that measure one's calorie consumption, time elapsed, miles, and takes pulse and heartrate. One can interface it on the internet to program personal trainer programs into it, but I am not that computer literate to figure out all of that. I do my own thing! This morning, I was on the treadmill for 40 minutes, earning me two points! I saw that I worked off something like 280 calories and went over two miles. I don't run on it, it's too exhausting for me. I vary my workout by using the incline feature for the second five minutes (after five minutes of warm up, gradually increasing speed) I am on it increasing my incline, lately to 7, and it goes up to 10, and then cut down my speed for a few moments and then bursting into a higher speed for about another five minutes. I try to go in five minute intervals and then have slower "rests" in between these bursts. I read that varying the level of incline and speed create a more "efficient burn". We'll see!
I love that I can be on my treadmill in my underwear and sneakers and no one sees me! I generally treadmill and then hit the shower right after. I have an air conditioner in my bedroom, so I don't get quite as hot, but I sure do sweat! I find having it right in my own bedroom (though it is ugly) really helps me! There have been times, over the last few years that I have literally just dusted the treadmill and hung clothing on it, and I wondered why I invested the money in it, but nowadays, I am so thankful to have it!
I live on a busy street with lots of traffic and no sidewalks, people "fly" down the hill in front of my house and I think it would be dangerous to go out walking in my own neighborhood. Of course, I am a wimp as well and hate hot, humid, weather and also hate the cold in the winter. Having a treadmill is a smart choice.
By the way, if I ever bought another one, I would look for a used one. After buying mine brand new and paying about $600.00 for it (went over budget a bit from the $500.00 I was "allowed") I have seen them advertised in the paper for really cheap money. Seems that many people buy them, new, when they are motivated, and never use them. They decide to get rid of treadmills, and other exercise equipment, in frustration. Good deals are out there!
I'm really going to be looking, still, for ideas for Jamie's lunches once school starts. Sure wish ww had ready made lunch packs, not just the frozen meals that are very point friendly, varied, healthy and filling! They are missing a great financial opportunity! Dawny, I do like your idea about allowing her higher points at lunchtime, perhaps. She needs to take part in the decision and we need to work all this out before the end of Augest when school starts. She is really enjoying the ww frozen entrees that are so controled for points. After she loses a bit more weight, we are going to have to "talk" about learning to eat WELL and not rely on the frozen entrees so much. I use them too, but can create meals without relying on these frozen foods. I think that is when true learning exactly how to eat well for the rest of one's life comes in. I know a few people who have used products like Slim Fast, for example, and have lost lots of weight. However, as soon as they go back to "normal" eating, they gain it all back as they never truly learn how to eat properly.
Linda in hot and humid NH

Hello everyone! It has been a good weekend for all of us, I think. I just put my WW coconut pie in the fridge to set for tonight's Pie Fest at church. I'm making a sugar-free chocolate pie later this week for home. :)

Thanks, Linda, for the Italian suggestions. I did pretty good last night. I had my salad, but they don't have LF or FF dressings. So, I had the Italian and just dipped instead of pouring. I also had the stuffed flounder w/ baked potato and we split a canoli for dessert. This would have been bad, but since I had a late breakfast and no lunch, I had 16 points. I counted the flounder as 10 since I wasn't sure of the stuffing and had lots of butter on it. I only used a couple of FPs. Unfortunately, changing the entree to fit my lifestyle is not an option at Mario's. Did you ever see the Seinfield episode with the "Soup ****"? If so, you can imagine Mario's view on his cooking. You humbly order from the menu and are gratious with what you receive. Special requests could get you home early! He is a really sweet man, you just don't cross that line.

I also must rely on the weather for my walks, so I try to go early morning on the weekends and late evenings in the week when the weather is cooler. Fortunately, we have not had a lot of rain this summer. And, I have a good neighborhood to walk in.

Well, just checking in. I'll try to think of some good lunch ideas. But for now, DH is wanting some attention.

Just popped in for a quick note, I've weighed myself this morning, never a good idea I know, and I think I could have gained a pound. Not impressed!
I'm seriously gonna consider a treadmill, I'll have a look on ebay or somewhere I think.
My sister, who is also on a permanent diet (although I heard yesterday that she has now lost 72 pounds!) has just given me some of her jeans cos they are too big for her! Not impressed with that either, as I've always been smaller than her. I am so proud of her though, she has done it all on her own, no programme to follow, just lots of visits to the gym and sensible eating. I am glad, however, that the jeans are also too big for me. :lol:
Anyway, gotta go shop. Back later.

Yeah Dawny! So glad that the jeans were too big for you as well! That, at least, must have been a very good feeling! A few ww people have always advised to get rid of the fat clothes as it is all to tempting to allow yourself to get back into them! I kind of agree with that, but think it would be fun to keep one or two huge things to prove that you actually did it!
Emerald, it does sound like you did well eating out! Probably better than I did with my take out food on Saturday evening and movie popcorn. Weekends are always the biggest problems for me. Focus is what I need! When confronted with a menu, it's like a little bell goes off in my head and I can't control myself as I can at home. Watch out with vacation coming up!!!!!
Yesterday, though, I ended the day using only ONE flex point, not too bad for a Sunday. We had pizza delivered and I had 13 points left at the end of the day. I had two slices of 5 point pizza and a side salad with l.f. dressing, one point! I only used about half of it as well. But, unplanned, were croutons on the salad and I ate them. Still ended the evening with my ww ice cream cone, I love those! So, one FP for me, but still not too bad a day for a weekend.
Tonight, though, it's the night before weigh in and I have to get really serious! I plan grilled chicken wit asparugus and couscous. I try to always have asparugus the night before weigh in as it is a natural dieretic, and I love it too!
Today, I get my hair cut as well, that will feel especially good, as if I have a new lease on life! With vacation coming up next week, a fresh haircut will be nice as I plan on swimming lots and having hair in my eyes is no fun!
Wish I could come up with some new hairstyle idea, but so far nothing brilliant has come to mind.
I do appreciate you guys putting your minds together to come up with some good lunch ideas for Jamie, if you can. I'm thinking too! She's starving in school, has to get up really early and doesn't have much of an appetite in the mornings before heading out the door. The school bus comes as the uncivillized time of 6:30 am and she, last year, didn't get to eat until 12:30 and wasn't allowed any snack time all day. That is one very long time to go without food or drink if you ask me. I always take the time to make my kids lunch as well, as they say the school cafeteria food is totally awful and the lines are very long, one generally spends the entire lunch period waiting in the line to get a lunch and often has to toss the lunch in the trash, never having time to eat, when the bell rings and it's time to head to the next class. Such a shame schools are so regimented. At any rate, if I provide them with a lunch, they can sit down and have a chance to eat while others are in line. So many busy families, with working moms nowadays don't have time to make their kid's lunches, so the kids HAVE no choice but to eat the school foods. Sad case.
I'm glad I made the choice to be a stay at home mom, I see so many differences in how my kids lives have been different from those of their peers. But, I am a rarity in today's world.
Oh yes, Dawny, if you do buy a treadmill.... remember that they are large and VERY heavy. Plan on three or four adults to pick up and move it (mostly drag it) if you buy a used one. I can't move mine by myself.
Linda

I wish I could get a treadmill too Linda!! It would be great to have one of these at home, cos exercise is the one thing I don't do.
Well, Sunday didn't go very well, I had steak and a few baked potatoes for lunch and dinner, and didn't count points, cos I'm sure I overdid it. Anyway, back to normal again.
About Jamie's lunches, sorry if it's been mentioned before, but why don't you make her sandwiches? With lots of veggies and some turkey ham for the protein. And maybe some chopped up fruit for dessert.
Well, that's all from me. My weigh-in is on Wednesday, fingers crossed for all of us!! :)

Hi all! Such good news for me this morning. Just got back from my weigh in and I lost 3 pounds!!!!! I am psyched, this makes a total of 10.2 pounds since April for me. This is the best week I've had since I joined 3FC and WW!!!!! I'm so glad to have acheived this and it proves to me that I totally CAN succeed.
You can do it too!!!!!
I do think that cutting down to the next point range, for me, caused this break through. I really tried to be good this week. I worked out every day, except one, I drank plenty of water and only used 15 flex points for the week. I'm glad to have this loss now as we go on vacation next week, I could very well gain it all back, but at least I'm off to a great start! Just want to say that I ate very GOOD meals this week, I didn't starve. I even had movie popcorn and take out food this Saturday night, a cheeseburger, fries, etc., and still have a good loss. That is where the flex points came in!
Linda

Wow Linda!! That's great!!! :D Good for you! Keep it up! I'll probably weigh myself tomorrow morning, I have my fingers crossed although I don't really know how much I should trust my scales, it's a bit off. Maybe I'll have to buy some new ones.

Linda, That is fantastic news, I know that you have been trying so hard to shift those 3 pounds, you must be really 'chuffed'(a Derbyshire term!) When things have been a bit up and down for a few weeks, it makes you feel really proud of yourself when things finally start going to plan. It does appear that dropping to the fewer points must have done the trick, and at least you will start to get used to lower points long term, does this 3 pounds drop you officially to your lower points level now? How long is it until your vacation? Where are you going? Somewhere lovely and warm and a good escape from normality I hope. :flow2:
Sugar, hope your WI tomorrow goes as well. Home scales are always a mixed blessing I find, good to keep on track, as long as they always placed on to the same floorboard! But my leaders scales are constantly 3 pounds above mine, I think mine are correct, of course, but at least hers are always 3 pounds different so I can't blame them too much on bad weeks.
Melanie, I hope the pie festival went well. Did any healthy options creep in there or was everything far too yummy and full of points, to even consider the healthy stuff? When is your WI, should be anytime by my calculations, hope it goes well. :goodluck:
I'm trying to be very good these past few days, my cold in no better in the slightest, my sinuses are now in jeopardy of collapsing, and the old saying of feed a cold seems to be constantly in my mind. I've tried it though, and it does no one any good but the grocer! My WI is tomorrow night and I'm not too optimistic, I think that after the past couple of weeks, just to maintain my weight would be a bonus, but I can't see it happening somehow. We'll see.
We have actually had some sunshine today, although now the clouds are black and its beginning to rain. Some summer this is turning out to be. How do you all manage, in all that heat, I would love to find out for myself! Oh, for a bit of sun and warmth to be able to spend some time in the fresh air! Oh well, maybe one day.
I'll be back tomorrow, probably before WI though as it isn't till 6pm, and I will report when I have the news I'm dreading!
See ya later. (sorry for the waffle, I can't help it!) :blah:

Great news, Linda! That should be a good incentive to not get too out of control on your vacation, but have fun with it!

Dawny - hope you get rid of your cold soon. I was home yesterday suffering from bad allergies. But am better now. My WI is same as yours - Thursdays.

Sorry this is so short, but my lunch break got cut short and I have to prepare for a hearing tomorrow. Off to dig up dirt I am... :devil:

Well, I weighed myself again today and I've lost 4 lbs. I'm really happy, although I don't know how much I can trust my home scales. I haven't lost anything last week so I'm happy to see a loss again. I hope your weigh-in has gone good. Take care!

Natalie

Hi guys!
Sugar cane, if you weigh yourself on the same scale all the time and show a loss, I would presume your loss would be accurate, but maybe not your weight? Good girl having a 4 pound loss! Our group support thing seems to be helping us! Some scales are "off", supposedly, from the calibrated ones at ww or at doctor's offices. Yet, if they are different by a pound or two, they are probably not fluctuating, therefore if you show a loss, even if the numbers aren't quite right, on the same scale, week after week, I would presume that you would be able to know you, at least, were losing? Hope that makes sense!
As Dawny said, my own scales are usually about three pounds off from the ones at ww, wonder why it's usually three pounds? I can weigh myself here at the house immediately before going to a ww meeting and find the number different, yet I've not done anything to change the weight, input or output!
Sorry your cold has been so awful, Dawny, wonder if you have a sinus infection now? They do seem to drag on, though, for what seems like forever. Hope the weather and your sinuses clear!!!
Here are my official "numbers", and no I am not in the next point range "officially" yet, but I only have a teeny bit left to lose beforehand!
Starting weight, April 20th: 162.4
4/27: 160.6, loss total 1.8
5/4: 159, loss total 3.4
5/11, 157.6, loss total 4.8
5/18, 157.2, loss total 5.2
5/25, 156.4, loss total 6
6/1, 156.6 a gain of .2, loss total 5.8
6/8, 155.4, 1.2, loss total 7
6/15, 155.8, gain of .4, loss total 6.6
6/22 154.4, loss total 8
6/29 154.8 gained .4, loss total 7.6
7/6 154.2 loss total 8.2
7/20 151.6 loss total 10.8
Just had to share this as I really feel it shows a progression. There were "bad" weeks when I gain, but I have persevered and stayed committed.
We are not leaving, now, until Sunday and have decided to stay behind to wait until our 16 year old son can travel with us. He has to work on Friday and Saturday nights and was going to meet us. But, he is suffering from depression, common in teens, and will be starting meds and we want to stay here and watch him carefully before we ALL travel together. I am so worried about him, but he will hopefully perk up. I really questioned weather or not it was a good thing to start him on this medication, however, I think it is best after we met with our doctor and he talked of breaking down alone in his room every night and how he's been hiding his depression from us for a long time, etc. He'll be monitored quite carefully by us and the doctor.
But, in the meantime, it is no time to leave him alone at the house for a few days.
We are heading North to a cabin on a small lake up near the White Mountains of NH. My parents build this small cabin over 50 years ago, before I was born and it is a "safe haven" for our family. We swim, boat, eat well (whoops, will have to work on that part a bit!) and enjoy the lovely scenery. Now this place belongs to my sister and I and we hang on to it by the "skin of our teeth" trying to scrape together funds to pay taxes and handle the upkeep of the place. But, it's ours!
If I do lose control over vacation, I am glad to have this group to come home to and also will be getting right back on track with WW. I accept that I could "lose it" and gain a bit of my weight back, but I will have fun and it's only one week!
Linda in NH where the sun might shine for a change today?

Hi all, not had todays WI yet, but just had to pay you guys a visit. I'm still not too optimistic, I only need .5 to get to 35 pounds lost, and my special 'silver 7', but I still think that its more likely to be .5 on instead of off (at least!).
Linda your vacation home sounds out of this world. You have to make the most of these mini paradises, especially when they are all yours. Its worth small sacrifices in other areas in order to keep them I think. I'm sure that you will have a wonderful time, plenty of great food, and if a little pound or so goes back on, it will only be temporary, cos you are doing so well. We will help you shake it off again - anyway, with extra walking, swimming etc, whos to say that you will come back heavier, you may even lose, so lets be optimistic. Either way, it's a great way to spend time with your family. Sorry to hear your son is having a tough time at the moment. You are right though, teens do seem to have periods like this, I'm sure he'll work through it with the support of his great family. Hows Jamie? looking forward to going away, I bet. Lets see how she copes with the WW programme whilst away.
Natalie, good to know your name now, 4 pounds off is fab news, stick with it girl, who cares about the scales, you feel great, that's the main thing.
Anyway, better be off for now, my mum's calling round in a minute, and I have all on typing at the best of times, let alone when she is chatting at the same time. Back later.

Well, things have calmed down enough around here that I can take a minute to catch up!

Sounds like everyone is doing well. :cheer: Great loses for Linda and Sugar! Good work!

Dawny - hope things go better than you expect. Don't forget to think light thoughts when you weigh. And maybe trim your nails or skip the undies. That might be worth .5#. :D Some weeks I would swear I loose a pound just by shaving my legs! :p

I'm a little nervous about this week's WI, but I know that I have done fine. I have about 20 FPs left, but I have not exercised like I should. I was home sick Monday and last night I could barely stay awake long enough to eat dinner. The heat index here is 100 today and will be 110 tomorrow. It affects my sinus and makes me soo sleepy. I slept 8 hours last night and have still be drozy today.

Well, the case that I was preparing like crazy was rescheduled at the last minute :mad: so, I'm going to clear everything off my desk to start again in a few weeks.

Have great OP days!

Hi guys!
Sugar cane, if you weigh yourself on the same scale all the time and show a loss, I would presume your loss would be accurate, but maybe not your weight? Good girl having a 4 pound loss! Our group support thing seems to be helping us! Some scales are "off", supposedly, from the calibrated ones at ww or at doctor's offices. Yet, if they are different by a pound or two, they are probably not fluctuating, therefore if you show a loss, even if the numbers aren't quite right, on the same scale, week after week, I would presume that you would be able to know you, at least, were losing? Hope that makes sense!


Yeah, I was thinking about that too. My weight might not be accurate, but I've surely lost some weight! Thank you all for the great comments. My vacation is in 20 days from now, but I'm a bit worried about sticking to the diet cos I'll be visiting a lot of relatives and that means delicious lunches! Oh well, better not get paranoid about it so early. :)

Hi guys!
Just a quick post. Thanks for the thoughts about my son. I am really worried about him and we may cut our vacation a bit short to come home earlier with him, when he has to work. He was going to drive home Friday morning, as he has to work on Friday night. We weren't coming home until Saturday afternoon or Sunday, depending on the weather. We'll see how he is during the week, and make a decision.
Jamie is doing well, she's now lost 4.5 pounds so far in 4 weeks, just about exactly right on ww. She has a great attitude today as she got her hair cut two days ago and thinks it makes her look "hot" ,as the kids all refer to what we used to called "cute" in our days. She put on make up and wore a shirt that is more form fitting than she's been wearing for a long time and went off to her band program for the afternoon. She is in a teen program called "making the band" where she and several others are making a rock band. She loves it and they were having publicity photos taken today, so she was especially careful about her appearance.
Quite the opposite from her brother in terms of attitude this week. With my teens, if it's not one thing, it's another!
The kids are not looking forward to going up to the lake, though, oddly enough. They tend to get "bored" up there, but we plan to keep them occupied by playing mini golf, bowling, swimming, fishing, and site seeing and that kind of thing. I'm getting extra funds out of the bank so we can just have some really great times. We have tickets to an off broadway show as well for Thursday night, which we will all enjoy!
If the weather is good on Wednesday, we plan to drive up to the White Mountains and maybe drive up Mt. Washington, which is the highest peak in the Northeastern USA, maybe even in the USA - not 100% sure of that part.
I'll miss you guys so much, though, as I have no computer up there. That is one of the reasons my kids get bored up there. Being in this generation, I feel that there are times when their electronic amusements consume their lives. I can be happy not having a computer or even tv for a few days and find things to do, when they don't have their electronic "fix" (partly responsible for Jamie's weight gain, I think) they go nuts! But, we are truly going to occupy them, so we'll see! We are also bringing a DVD player up there to leave there this trip, we upgraded at home and now they will have something like that to amuse them! We'll buy a few new DVDs, perhaps, or rent some for the evenings when we are sitting around, perhaps? If it rains, in particular, we are "covered" with something to do, then!
Also, you all may have heard about the Democratic National Convention in Boston this upcoming week. My husband works in Boston and it is our objective (as well as half the population that commutes to Boston in MA and in our state of NH) to get as far away from Boston as we can, this particular week. We are betting that all the places we go to will be a mob scene next week as just about everyone we know that CAN take the week off is doing so! Patience is going to be quite important. Plus, of all weeks, there is a huge Winston Cup race at the NH International Speedway and they expect something like 75,000 people to come up to NH for the race this weekend. The race is the day before the convention starts in Boston and they are only about 1 3/4th hour ride from each other - what were these people thinking when they planned all of this???? Have to say that all these extra tourists coming in to our area will be welcomed, and they are having (seriously!) "be nice to the tourists" ads on our local tv stations. Interesting that they feel that have to tell us all to be "nice". Yikes! Traffic and lines at amusments and eating establishments are going to be long and there shall be cranky children everywhere!

I have to admit, I will welcome being far away from Boston as possible as I am concerned about potential terrorist attackes. One of the reasons I failed last time I tried WW was that I reached my 10% about a week before 9/11. After 9/11, I just couldn't keep on track, I wanted comfort foods day in and day out, that was about 20 pounds ago..... wonder if those people knew they would make Americans FAT causing us all increased stress - bet that would make them happy! But, it's NOT making me happy and I won't allow something like that (if it ever happens again) to come between me, my goals and my health!
Sugar Cane, I know what you mean about dreading the trip in a way, considering that all the people you visit will want to FEED you, as that is what entertaining and hospitatility is all about! I am entertaining while we are up at the lake as well, as my in-laws will be coming up for a few days. I am trying to figure out fairly low point breakfasts and lunches so I can have a bit extra in the evenings when I will either be cooking REALLY yummy feasts or we go out. There will be desserts as well..... hard to resist for me! I will totally be working out, swimming and walking, though!!!! If I gain, I will need you guys to be here for me when I am back! Keep this thread moving!
I've got more days here before going, though!
Linda
Linda

Linda, I know you're concerned about your son, but depression is I think quite common in adolescence. Believe me, I was a teenager a couple of years ago! :D I went through periods of depression and melancholy (possibly because of my low,low,low self-esteem). Just be there for him and give him space. Be aware of his situation and try to stay close to him but don't "choke" him, you know what I mean. I totally understand your children about being bored in the lake without computer. I will miss my pc terribly the days I'm away, not to mention watching films. I'll get a couple of books with me though. I'm really dreading the trip in terms of food. I know my mum won't be able to cook properly there, so I guess that means a lot of fried things and eating out. Aaah, I really want to enjoy the trip, it's my mum's birthplace and I have the greatest memories from holidays there when I was little and I haven't been there for more that 5 years, but I really don't want to put all the weight back on. I'd be devastated if that happens. Sorry for the mini-rant, had to get it off my chest. On a more positive note, a friend of mine who I went out for a drink with commented that I look thinner. :) :)

Anyway, that's all I guess, take care all!

Natalie

Happy Thursday to you all!

How was that WI, Dawny? I hope you knocked off that .5 you needed for you mini-goal! My WI was kinda strange. DH decided that he would cook dinner last night and had it ready when I walked in the door. Considering he rarely does this, I was very thankful. However, we got into a tiff when I said I would probably eat after I got home. He thought I was being ungrateful, and I thought he was being unsupportive. He doesn't understand in the slightest the importance of the WIs. So, I ate before I went to WI. But, I weighted before I ate and before I left the house and there was a 1.5# difference. My official WI said I had lost .8. So, I am guessing that I have actually lost about 2#, if that makes any sense.

Linda - I think it is unfortunate how kids (and my husband) focus on electronics for entertainment and can't enjoy being out of the house. If they allow it, they might just surprise themselves and have fun. Sounds like you have some great ideas for the trip. I would definately travel with son. Most meds like what he is taking won't be really in effect for a couple of weeks. It was almost 2 weeks until the Celexa I was taking took effect. And it was miserable coming off of it. I took it for about a year and decided to see how things would go without it. Especially after I got married because if I were to get preg, it could cause defects. Things are going well now, just a sad day every few weeks. But, if he isn't in counseling now, I would suggest it. I took the meds due to chemical imbalances. If he is dealing with real live issues, the meds won't take them away. Sounds like Jamie is doing very well. Did you ever find that dance game for her? I was curious about it.

Natalie - Good luck on your trip. I recently went to stay with friends and was surprised to find that I had lost when I got back. When we ate out, I picked what I thought were healthier choices and I noticed that they were getting a bad for me breakfast, so I picked up a couple of bagels to have. Would you mom be offended if you came in with a little bag of fruit and bagels to start your day on the right track? Yippee on the compliment. That is fun.

Well, back to work with me!!

Melanie
230.5/213.5/150ish

:dance: :dance: :dance:

Hi all, not good news on the WI front i'm afraid. Unfortunately, but expected, was .5 on instead of off. I think if I had been weighed last week it would have been worse, but I am determined to make it 35 pounds total by next weds evening.
Hi Melanie, why is it that one little meal befor WI can make so much difference? Some weeks I hardly dare eat that day for fear of appearing to destroy all the hard work that I've done all week. I think it's probably silly, but I don't want that extra pound that isn't really a pound, just because something still weighs heavy in my tummy. Congrats on your loss though, I bet you can really feel a difference now, have the clothes gone down a size yet?
Natalie, don't worry too much about your vacation, do as well as you can before you go, then it won't matter too much if you indulge a little with your family. You can always make it up later.
Linda, what day do you go, is it Sunday, you will have a fab time, we'll miss you while you are gone.
Oh well, only a short post today, so much to do and so little time! See ya later.

Hello everyone! Do you mind if I post in your thread?

I have only just joined this board, and today I started at Weight Watchers.

My name is Fiona, and I live at Lincoln, England. My weight has always been bad, but after a strained back injury four months ago, it has spiralled out of control. I have been reading your thread for a while, and you have all given me the inspiration to get along to a meeting. My weight shocked me, its the heaviest I have ever been, but I finally feel as though this may be it! Hence my user name!

Anyway, as ever, at the moment I am full of motivation! Thanks to all of you, even though you had no idea what you were doing! Have a good day, everyone!

Fiona

start date: 22 July 2004
start weight: 206.5

Shucks, Dawny. Darn .5# Phooey. You will definately get it next week! Thanks for the understanding on the dinner. How could a turkey hotdog and an ear of corn weigh 1.5 pounds!? Oh, well. DH is right, the exact number doesn't matter as long as I know I am losing - but it sure is motivating to see that number go down. I don't think I have gone down a size, but I sure can tell a difference in the way I feel. My clothes were getting too tight and they are a little loose or actually fitting! I can't wait to have to go closet shopping with all my "skinnier clothes" that I have boxed in the back of the closet. I think I even have a size 12 jean, though I don't know which leg I ever wore that on!

Fiona - Welcome! I'm glad you have enjoyed sharing in our posts. Congratulations on starting the program. Have you done WW before? This is a great website to get help and tips on the program.

Has you back mended completely? Although exercise certainly does help, it doesn't have to be anything strenous.

And, shucks. Don't worry about that number you saw on the scale today. It will soon be gone to be seen no more!

Oops! Still at work. Gotta go!

Well, I was wondering, does anyone know how much weight you have to lose to go down a size? Roughly that is, as it probably depends on the person.

HI guys!
Natalie, you'll do fine on your trip, I think. You might put on a pound or two but you have the long term desire to keep losing! Try to exercise, walk and watch your portions and drink tons of water or diet soda! If they come up with something that is way too many points, say you aren't hungry!
Thanks for the advice about my son, hearing it from you helps. He seems a bit more cheerful today, at least. Thank goodness! I was getting to the point where I didn't want to leave him alone at all for any amount of time!
Oh yes, don't apologize for your "mini rant" as that is what this forum is for, in my mind. We can help rationalize together and work things out. I really think that people overeat due to stress, as we all know, and having an outlet for that kind of thing and getting support is what it's all about!
Melanie, I know exactly what kind of situation you had with your husband regarding him cooking and you not wanting to eat before the weigh in! I had a somewhat similar thing happen when I was going to make a recipe from Cooking Light Magazine. I had all the ingredients laid out and was going to follow it exactly, so I knew what the points would be for it. It was THAT night that he decided to be nice (he cooks perhaps 6 times a year, if that!) and cook dinner. So, that was good, I was supposed to "relax". Yet, I saw him glugging the olive oil into the pan to saute everything when the recipe said one teaspoon, I made a remark and we ended up fighting about it and I just left and let him cook. In the end, it was really good, but I knew it wasn't made as per the directions and I "blew it" for the day. I should have been thankful for him for cooking, but instead had a lousy night as I was not happy with the type of preperation, etc. Boy, they are right when they say marriage is a give and take thing and constant work and compromise are totally necessary!
Dawny, yes I do go on Sunday morning. Will probably make a post here Saturday evening or early Sunday morning, not 100% sure! Will miss you all so much!
Welcome to you Fiona! We wish you success and if we can help, great! It's so hard walking in that door the first time going to WW, but you can do this and it get's easier!
So glad you posted and joined in after you've been "lurking" for awhile. Love your "this is my last diet" name! Think I should have used that too!
Goota go, but I do know one thing..... I've not gone down a size and I've lost 10.8 pounds...... but another person who lost the same might go down a size, so I don't think there is a set number, even an approximate??? I do know my clothes are fitting better and I can breath at least now!
Linda
I totally agree about not eating right before WI! I won't go to the meetings later in the day for that reason, or if I do, I go in earlier if I can and WI! I go to the meeting having just had a piece of lite bread toasted, usually, and skip my fruit or yogurt. I then eat something else AFTER the WI!

I totally agree about not eating right before WI! I won't go to the meetings later in the day for that reason, or if I do, I go in earlier if I can and WI! I go to the meeting having just had a piece of lite bread toasted, usually, and skip my fruit or yogurt. I then eat something else AFTER the WI!


I totally agree. That's why I weigh myself first thing in the morning, and have breakfast later.
Well, I've lost roughly 15 lbs. but I highly doubt if I'm down a size. It's vaguely noticeable since I've got about 5 stone to lose! Wow, that seems like a lot when written down, good thing is I'm about 5' 9" so it doesn't show that much... I'll try to walk and drink loads of water during my trip, hopefully I won't put on more than 2 lbs.
Take care all!!

Natalie

Hi Melanie and Linda! Thanks for the welcome :)

I went to WW once before a few years ago. However, at that time I was only about 170 pounds, went with a friend and was very half-hearted about it. I just looked forward to going out for the drink in the pub afterwards! This time its serious!

My back is doing ok, I get a few twinges now and then, but I have started doing a bit more walking and exercises to get the muscle working again. I desperately want to go swimming, but just haven't found the confidence as yet to show off my body!

Thanks for your kind words. I have just got ready for work, and prepared everything I am to eat for the day, and pointed it. Not sure how long this dedication will last, but I'll go for it while I can!!

Have a good day everyone!

Love Fiona

Fiona, you are on the right track, so continue. Also, keep up posting with this group, I really feel that having this forum has helped me out tremendously. I am kind of talking myself into staying on this program every single day. It takes constant diligance and committment. I have days when I am just not into it and then I just get right back on and try again the next day!
I get waylaid (sp?) easily and the temptations of food in our society are amazing. Almost every day, I hear on the news or read about the problems of obesity in our society. Hate those photos of people with big butts and guts walking on city streets, not showing the people's faces..... yet it proves a point! No more butt and gutt for me, though! I'm working HARD against "the enemy". The enemy is NOT food, it's inside me and faces me every single day. This enemy is constantling wanting the things that are not the best for me. It loves those things, yet I have to beat that enemy and learn to live respecting myself and what I want. We have to eat to live, but we should not be living to eat! Love that saying! Life is so much more than just food.
A hundred or more years ago, people just didn't have the varieties and tremendous amounts of convenience foods at their fingertips. Think, also, of the eating establishments that exist and constanly barage us all with ads about how wonderful their foods are. Years ago, families travelled and stopped along roadsides for picnics, you hardly ever hear of people doing this, the highway stops include supersized everything, practically dripping in cholesteral! Think also about transportation and how most people have vehicles and can, at a moments notice, hop in the car and head out (in a very short drive) to get whatever they desire as far as food. Here in America, pizza places, McDonalds (not meaning to pick on them, but there are all the others right around the corner as well), ice cream, chinese and everything is at your fingertips..... lots of places even deliver, so one doesn't even need to burn any calories in transit to go get the stuff! So, we are all enticed with this. It is FUN to eat out or not do the work in preparation. It's enjoyable and social. But, you CAN really go out, make wiser choices and still enjoy the experiences, but not have the butt and the gutt!
Even refrigeration is amazing, the frozen food industry is booming. No wonder our society is vastly overweight and our anscestors, for the most part, were not. We have to find ways to take advantage of the conveniences and enjoy what our society offers, but we have to recognize that our food addictions and attractions and the way our society works are a health hazard. If I eat at Taco Bell tonight, do I have to have the new largest size taco thing they are advertising? Interestingly enough, the ads talk about the people indicating they are "finally feeling full" with huge smiles! They are not showing hugely obese people saying they are full, but healthy robust smiling people (actors who probably don't have those huge things!). If I eat there, I do have resources. I can refer to my ww materials which do include Taco Bell ahead of time and eat a lower point option. I can refer to their web site, which probably gives nutritional information, or I can just not be a pig!
For me, it's all been a rude awakening. Weight Watchers and my reading has taught me so very much. I can't believe that I have allowed tv commercials and the bright cheerful signs on our main roads to lull me into a state of obesity, yet I have, and those things are still "calling my name". It's a daily choice, and a hard choice it is, at least for me, to NOT supersize my fries (maybe I go, but get a salad, which I now do!), to NOT have the entire pizza, but have one or two slices and a salad. I still dine out, I still even get food delivered, but I stop and THINK before I order food now. This is something new to me, the temptations, probably much like an alcaholic has to take a drink, are still there haunting me every single day. I may never get over those temptations, but I proudly proclaim every single GOOD choice I make to you guys!!!!!
Yesterday, I walked into a local doughnut shop. I go there on my way to my quilting group and buy a coffee to bring along with me. The smell of those doughnuts and all the other pastries in there was intoxicating to me. I resisted (a NSV - a new term I learned called a "non scale victory") and left with my coffee. AND that coffee had milk instead of cream in it and Splenda instead of suger. It still tasted great and I had the pride of knowing that I didn't have the doughnut, or two, or three!!!!! IN the past, I'd have brought an entire dozen doughnuts to the meeting and probably had at least two, myself. I felt badly not bringing them for the group, though, but next time maybe I'll plan ahead and bring some veggies or other low point snacks?
Don't want to put my local doughnut guy out of business, though, so maybe I'll just buy a few more coffees now and then from him! He's a nice guy. When I go there, he recognizes me and we chat, pleasant person - not his fault that I have an addiction!
Linda

Welcome aboard Fiona! I'm a newbie too and all the people here have been really warm and they instantly made me feel part of the community. Good luck with your effort, stick with the forum it's really supportive! :)

Natalie

Linda - Much food for thought (pardon the pun). Your DH sounds like mine cooking. On the grill, he does ok. But, I had rather keep him out of the kitchen. He doesn't understand that it is not really benefiting me when he cooks if I have to clean up pasta that I find over a 2 month period afterward! :dizzy: But all is well today. He just called because someone he works with was giving away tickets to a play in the larger city near us. Yippee! Two Saturdays in a role that I get a dressy night out! :cp: That town as an Applebees, so I plan to ask him to have dinner there so I can try out the new WW menu. I've heard mixed review on the quality of the food. But, I want to try it because I think it is amazing that they are offering it! I wish more would follow their example.

Fiona - Sounds like you are on the right track. I was a bit wierd the first time I joined WW. I lost about 11 pounds, then I met DH the first week of February. Instead of trying to continue and look good for my man, I completely got off track and had gained that back with some more by the time of our wedding. Why I didn't get in gear and drop some pounds before the wedding, I just don't know. But, now for some reason, I am more determined to stick with it. It is difficult when you know you have so far to go. This has to be a lifetime commitment to eat healtier, but I won't reach goal for many months. I just have to think of the mini-goal I have set to be at 10% by the end of the Bible Study I am doing. 6# is much nicer to think about than 60!!! :eek:

Hi Natalie & Dawny! Have a great OP Friday!!!

Hi everyone, wow, there are alot of posts to read tonight! I seem to have missed something somewhere along the line, have I missed a day or something? Anyway, glad to be back if I have!
Fiona, Hi there, glad to see a fellow Brit on here! I'm not a million miles away from your neck of the woods, so your accent in your typing will be a bit like mine! Good luck on the programme again, I've found everyone on here such an inspiration, and an addiction I have to admit, and it does seem to make life just a little easier knowing that there is always someone around in the same boat as myself. I have a great WW leader that is always on the end of a phone for me, but I feel that I have new friends on here, and don't want to lose that!
Hi Melanie, I think what you said about not sticking to previous diets to please your man just goes to prove that things only work out right if you are doing it for the right reasons, that being just for yourself and yourself alone. Trying to lose weight for any other reason just doesn't work. You have to be totally committed, and in the right frame of mind to start any type of diet, and as long as you have others around to support you, then you are half way there. Oh, and I think all fellas must be the same in the kitchen! My hubby is following WW too, not going to meetings, but following the points and even writing everything down. He has lost about17 pounds. However he does use the excuse that he doesn't know how to cook low fat etc, and I don't think that a decent meal has come from his hands at least since Jan 04 when I started WW! Something that I suppose I'm gonna have to live with. He isn't gonna change after 12 years of marriage now, so I'd better not bother trying.
HI Linda, are you almost packed and ready to go? One more day of posting and then you will be away!
Natalie, I don't think that amount of lost pounds can equal a particular amount of lost dress sizes. I have lost 34 pounds and have gone down 2-3 sizes. But I'm only 5ft1 so a little titch like me has every pound showing, and every one that is lost also seems to show, I'm glad about that. My sister who has lost about 70 pounds has gone down 3-4 sizes, so only and extra size and a heck of alot more weight lost. She's also little like me, so you just can't tell. Every one is so different. I wish it were more simple than that.
Anyway, I'm off now to look at my new decking that's just been completed in the garden, the sun is shining - Yippeee! - so i'm off to make the most of it. See ya later.

Evening guys!

well my first day of the programme has been a success... only used 18 points - so am ready to sit down with a glass of wine and a small bar of choc for the evenings viewing of Big Brother!

Plus, because I have really been careful with what I have eaten, I've had loads! Once again, thanks for the encouragement - i just know its gonna be a big help, as I hope I can help you guys too :)

Dawny, hi! LOL at us typing the same accent, but I'm actually from London! Couldn't you detect the southern accent? Maybe I should type "Cor blimey, guv!" :lol: BTW, your weight loss is fantastic!

Hello Everyone, My name is Dale. I've been "lurking" here awhile. I've gotten alot of support and encouragement.By just listening to you guys talk to each other(you know what I mean!).I joined WW 5/10/04.I belonged to TOPS years ago.I've been in this "battle" all my life,being the "fat kid" in school.This time it's more important to me.I had my first and only child at 40 years old.I want be able to enjoy him and watch him grow up.So I need to work hard and get healthy.I got Toximia? When I was pregnant.He came at 32 weeks.The diabetes went away instantly.I kept the high blood pressure.My dream is to be able to out run him when he's 10. I'll be 50.So 1/7/04 I decided to lose 43lbs. by my 43rd Bday.Which is 10/29/04.So far I've lost 25.5.I lost 10 lbs with WW between 5/10/04-6/7/04.Then did the yo-yo thing for 5 weeks.You guys kept me hanging on. Thanks.You guys are really great and I hope you'll let me join in. I had read other threads and forums, but this one is the best. :bravo:I think I broke my yo-yo.It looks like 3lbs. or so this week :crossed: I was doing more aerobic type exercise(biking, walking). Started doing crunches and strenghth training. WI is Monday evening.Everybody :crossed: for me

Something really tragic happened. My best friend's brother has just died in a car accident and it's been **** for 2 days. I left home yesterday at noon and didn't come back until 4 in the morning and today it was the funeral, and I've been crying a lot and trying to support my friend. God, it was really horrible. I've screwed up my diet a bit, I haven't eaten since yesterday noon, and I just had some rice with cheese and a salad, but right now I want to eat everything in sight, I'm starved and exhausted.
Sorry to tell you guys this as it's not forum-related, but I've been talking about it for 2 days with all my friends but I really wanted to get it off my chest.

Oh Natalie, that is such a terrible thing to happen. There aren't the words to say how sorry I am that you have to go through this. And your friend's family must be distraught. Just shout if you need to, we are here if you need us. What more can I say. Don't worry too much about the food thing for now, but you may find that it takes your mind off of the more important things just a little bit. Good luck Sugar, with the coming days, you know where we are.

Hi Dale, welcome to our little world. Good to know that you have found WW and are sticking to it. As you say, some days are a complete nightmare, some are really easy. We all have the same problems. Sticking to the plan does work in the long term though so it is worth it. These problems seem so small though when you think what some are going through like Natalie above. My friends sister is only 31, and has just been diagnosed with ovarian cancer. She has 2 small kiddies, and I feel for them so much. Everyone has their problems, I guess the sizes of them varies, but they can all seem like mountains to climb for us at times. Sometimes the smallest thing can seem like the end of the world can't it. I suppose we forget others at times and our own little worlds can seem so awful. I'm not sure where all of that came from, just feeling sorry for Natalie I think.

Linda, in case I don't get you again, Have a great vacation, 'speak' to you soon.

Melanie, hope you have a wonderful night out. Can't remember the last time we went to the theatre. Sometimes getting a babysitter can be difficult can't it. Enjoy while you can!

Fiona, Hi, couldn't detect the London accent! Lincolnshire must be growing on you.

Anyway, off for now. My thoughts are with you all today.

Sugar Cane, darling, don't apologize for something not forum related.... my goodness what a horrible thing to have happen. I feel so badly for you, and your friend, and her family. What a horrible shame when things like this happen to young people. And, to be honest, I think very much that life's sorrows and stresses ARE forum related in terms of getting support from others who are posting here. When we are sad and feeling terrible about something like this, or just being generally depressed as I was after 9/11 (and still am to some degree), we all tend to lose track of healthy habits. You will get back on track, but totally forgive yourself if you indulge in comfort foods and the like for a few days. I'd be heading straight for chocolate, with no turning back, and probably a few glasses of wine to help me to relax and get some sleep. Take care of your friend, and do what has to be done, leave the weight related issues for a later time, a few more days or even a week from now. But, try to keep in mind that eating well/healthy can help you feel better, when depressed, and don't overlook taking a walk, it does sooth the soul. So sad for you and those who share this grief, my dear.
Melanie, I did try some of the Applebees food and was not awfully impressed, however, I would go again and try something else on the menu. I hear their chocolate cake, though a small portion, is very good. Wish I had some now, in fact! I had some kind of tortilla thing with chicken, I think, and it was more spicy than I liked. I also had the onion soup. It was "ok" but very salty. I really applaud Applebees, as a company, for working with WW, though, and making these items availalbe to the public. I will try other things there when I go again.
Also, Melania and Fiona, each of us hits "rock bottom" at one point or another with their weight. I hit mine, for sure, and don't want to go backwards now that there is progress. So, why we each allowed our gains to go as far as they did without making any effort towards control all along, is totally beyond me. But, we all know when we've hit a point of "no return" and sounds like that is what is necessary in order to begin to work at it!
Dawny, actually, my husband is quite a good cook. He likes to cook Italian when he cooks, but he just doesn't have time to do it very often, sadly. However, he likes to do his own thing, not follow recipes, so a low fat recipe in particular would be perceived as "not good" to him. Yet, I have made this recipe before, following exactly what it is and it is really superb. It's a Greek shrimp scampi with linguini from Cooking Light magazine and it's really amazingly good. It has tomatoes and feta cheese as well as healthy veggies in it! Yum! Getting back to him, though, his X girlfriend, before meeting me was VERY Italian and taught him how to cook. I didn't like her at all, but do like that she taught him!
Dale, welcome! You are certainly welcome on this thread and it was really cool to read that you were inspired by us, as well as thought this was, by far, the BEST one! Whoopie! Thanks guys, as it is everyone here that makes it that way! Sounds like you are doing quite well and are very ambitious! I hope you reach that 43 pound goal, in a very healthy way, though! I will keep my fingers crossed for all of your weigh ins this coming and week and a HUGE fingers crossed for my own and my daughter's weigh ins when we get back from vacation. Have to admit, I'm a bit scared.
I'm saddened by the forecast for the next couple of days here in the Northeast USA. I don't want to be sitting at our summer camp in soggy, muggy weather, but it looks like that might happen. Time to think of some indoor fun activities - but NOT eating, I could get into big trouble guys! But, I know you all will be here, understanding, and helping when I come back!
I will try to post again before we leave, but if I don't, keep this thread alive without me and I'll be back in a week!
You go girls!!!!!
Linda

It's me again, just to say that if we can't post much more on this thread, ( it does say its the last page!) then we'll start up a new one with a similar name, Just in case this happens while Linda is away and can't find us!
Natalie, I do hope you are ok. I've been thinking about you this afternoon, and just wanted you to know I'm here for you. Probably said that earlier, but wanted to remind you. Try and get plenty of sleep too. It's very rejuvenating when you feel rubbish, but can be hard to achieve. speak later.

I just got online. Thank you all so much for your kind words. They honestly mean a lot to me, it's reassuring to know there are genuinely nice people in this world. I'm feeling really sad, you know, a deep sadness in myheart. He was such a great guy, very athletic and so very young, just 23 years old. And it wasn't even his fault, the other guy made an illegal turn, he's currently held up in jail, probably there'll be a trial. I'm feeling so sad, and all of my friends do, and I can't even begin to imagine how his sister and his family are feeling. I cannot believe this has happened, I wish it was all a lie. His dad in the funeral this morning was such a devastating sight to watch, they're all wrecked. I have his face in my head all the time, he was so nice to me, knew that I'm best friends with his little sister. You know, you hear about road accidents all the time in the news, and you are sorry, but it doesn't really touch you. I never thought I would deal with it in such a young age. You expect your grandparents to die, later your parents, but I didn't think something like that could happen so soon. Sorry to sadden you with these things, I really needed to get it off my chest. It's such a pity, it really is. Sorry for the long post.

HI everyone! I just started a new thread, same title with the roman numeral II in the title. It's appearing right above this one on the ww general page!
You can just continue right along with the new thread, same format.
I subscribed to that thread, so will be notifed, as I am with this one if any new posts are made! I love that feature, by the way!
Sugar Cane, Sadly, I have been touched by the deaths of several friends over the years that have been by accident and very untimely. Always such a shock and so hard for the people close to these individuals and their families to cope with.
One time, when I was about 20, a young man I knew very well was killed in a motorcycle accident. He went right through the windshield of a car that hit him, the driver was a young girl, age 16, who are partying with friends. I had kind of a crush on him and it was devastating. I can still see the faces of his family at the funeral, in my mind. I still think of him and what a waste his death was as he was just so wonderful and special, not only to me but to everyone who was close to him.
Time passes and you will remember this person fondly, the sharpness of the grief will dull and you will be able to think of it less and less, but it will still be with you.
The first unexected death you experience, particularly when it is someone so young, is probably the worst you will go through. None of it ever gets much easier, but I still think the first is the worst.
I hope this upcoming week is one where you find a bit of peace. I will think of you and keep you and this family in my prayers.
In the meantime, please keep in touch with the others and talk this thing through, it will truly help. I found buying a plant right after that particular funeral good for me, for a very weird reason. I just wanted something "living" to remind me of this guy to take care of.
At any rate, this could be my last post before leaving, maybe a tiny one tomorrow morning. Take care and do use the new thread!!!!
HUGS,
Linda

Hi Ladies,

I am also trying to be a good girl. Eat my veggies, exercise, and drink more water than Diet Coke.

Started on ww again on Monday. I have three girls 9 and under. I live in Massachusetts.

Will be in touch. Does anyone else love the ww bars.

Bethee

Hi Bethee!

come and join us in the new "Lets support each other, Part II" thread! This one was getting too big! (I know the feeling :lol: )

Nice to meet you! Well done on getting back into WW, good luck.

Fiona

Closing this thread as a new one has been started :)