LA Weight Loss - LAWL & Friends - February 2005

Hi Everyone. On the first of each month, we will start a new thread. I know it's Jan 31st, but started it now. If someone posted a question in LAWL & Friends - January 2005 please check that thread to see if your question has been answered. For example, Its-my-Life, I posted the Lemon info you requested there.

Newbies are welcome!

Please post your questions or suggestions, or just stop by and say Hi!

Sending skinny vibes to everyone trying to lose weight (and hoping to catch a few myself).

Sy

All right Sy, if you're so eager for it to be February! :)

Bumping my question from the other thread: Which exercise tapes (aerobic and/or weight training) do you guys like best? I know Walk Away The Pounds has been mentioned before, but I didn't realize there are like 400 of them! :lol: So not sure where to begin. Kathy Smith's Lift Weights to Lose Weight series has gotten good reviews on Amazon, has anyone here experienced them?

Thanks!

Fiona

Fiona,
I like walk away the pounds. I have one of the original sets with the 1 mile tape, 2 mile tape, and 3 mile tape. She uses some round ball hand weights on them but I'm just using regular hand weights. I got my tapes at Target. They were much cheaper there.

I just want to say hi to all of you and thank you for your support. Although I am new here, I have been checking in and reading your posts prior to actually registering and you guys have definitely helped me more than you know.

A bit about myself. I am currently in week 6 of LAWL and so far I have lost 17 pounds. I seem to be on a plateau right now because I have been fluctuating between 264.8 and 264.2 for the past 3 weeks. I lost 21 pounds by week 3 (281 down to 260) and then in 3 days went back up to 264 where I have been dwelling ever since. Aside from the juice (which I am not paying $24 bucks for) are there any other suggestions to kick start my body back into fat burning mode?

Thanks guys

http://www.3fatchicks.com/weight-tracker/img/bar098/slider-scaleyellow/lb/281/180/264.4/ (http://www.3fatchicks.com/weight-tracker/index.php)

PSUshorti: I wish I had an answer for you. Your doing awesome, so maybe your body is just adjusting after losing 18 lbs in 6 weeks. That is really a lot compared to most diets. Are you measuring everything. It gets really easy to try to eye our portion sizes after a few weeks and before we know it - a 1/2 cup is a cup and a small apple is the biggest we can find. So, if your measuring your portions, maybe try mixing things up. For example, if you save your starches for the evenings, try having them earlier in the day (I think Marcie said this last). I exercise after work, so instead of eatting my LA Lite in the afternoon as suggested, I wait until I come home from the gym because that is when I'm hungry and will over eat if I didn't have that to look forward to. I'm sure when the others read your post, they will have a few suggestions for you too.

Fiona: Sorry, I couldn't resist at starting the thread as I didn't think there would be too many posts this evening. Sorry I can't help you with exercise tapes as I go to the gym.

Mom2Skyler: How are things going?

I'm headed to bed. Hugs, Sy

I know Sy! :D

Shorti, that is a great start! Many of us on here use the Knudsen's brand "Simply Nutritious - Morning Blend" juice ($4 in the organic/natural food department of most grocery stores) as a substitute for the $25 LAWL juice, with good results.

Fiona

Good Morning Chicks,
I got on the scales this morning and was up a pound. That's ok though because today is the 1st and I'm ready for my challenge of staying OP for the month of February except for taking Valentine's Day off. I'll just look at it as 13 days on, 1 day off, 14 days on. Do you all think that will help... :lol:
My total loss for the month of January is 6 pounds. Hopefully I can do better in February.. :( I didn't get a chance last night to get on the bike but I'll be doing it this morning as soon as I get done posting.
Sy....Was it you that started doing the blue plan? How is it going for you?
Welcome to all the newbies and hi to everyone else... :D
I have to work with the manager again today so I don't know if I'll get a chance to post later or not. I'm off tomorrow so I'll be back then if not today.
Good luck to everyone.

Hi Karen: Yes, I just got switched to the Blue plan (Thursday will be a week).

It's going okay, but I'm only giving it 2 weeks to see if I get results. So far it's okay. You know, now that I have 3 starches, I'm finding it's really hard to get it in. I mean, how many pieces of diet bread and LF Triscuts can a girl eat? I cooked barley for the first time in my life last night an had a 1/3 c for my 3rd starch (can't tell you it was great, but it has fiber in it and no fat so thought it would be a good choice). Anyone have any suggestions on what to do with barley? I ate it plain with some CBINT. Saturday I cooked some bagged Great Northern beans with some onion and garlic. Used 1 c for my protein for dinner last night (that was a nice change). I'm trying to use more of the food list. Beware, barley and bagged beans take a really long time to cook. I figure I may freeze small containers so I can plan ahead and not have to do the cooking on work nights.

Hugs to all, Sy

Sy...I loved the 3 starches too. I used one of them for a lean cuisine. Do you ever eat those? Let me know how the blue plan works for you. :?:
I just did 20 minutes on the bike...WOOHOO... :cb: Now don't anyone :faint: I can't promise I'll do that much everyday but I do want to do it everyday. Talk to you all later.

Karen: Take baby steps when it comes to exercising. Before you know, you will be making it a priority (and liking the way it makes you feel). I didn't believe that it was possible, but after a couple weeks of forcing yourself to exercise - it will come naturally (and if you don't try to fight it, you will find that you really enjoy it and miss it when you don't do it).

Sy-
I usually take a serving of dry cereal to work and munch on it when I get cravings. It is a starch, but I get to snack while I work and that makes me happy. :lol:

Fiona-
I also have the original 1 and 2 mile DVD. They are both on the same disk. I got it off ebay for only a few bucks.

:coffee: New Thread - I'm here and accounted for...... ;)

hello all,

I've been lurking and reading, but haven't been posting. I'm still kind of negative, but am sticking to plan (both eating and exercising) and hoping for good things! Scale was down .4 yesterday and .6 today, so maybe the new plan is working....too early to get my hopes up.

Hope everyone is well and has a POP day,
Jen

Morning gals.

I'm really cranky today because all the going off-plan over the weekend is coming back to haunt me in the form of an extra pound I can't seem to shake...I'm just so ticked that I've wasted four days of my "challenge." :mad: Anyway, I'm back on the wagon and with you guys for the February challenge, except that my "one day off" will be the 18th (my birthday) instead of V-day.

I need to go find some fruit and nuke my bar. Breakfast of champions, baby. :strong:

Fiona

He's going to get the job!!! He's going to get the job!!!

Okay, it's NOT official yet, but DH got a message from the church's pastor that essentially said, "Thanks for your patience, the committee is trying to pin down one more candidate for an interview but I hope they give up soon so we can move forward with a decision, and I know it will all work out in the end."

DH said the "unspoken message" was definitely that they want him, they just need to go through the formalities. DH is going to call this afternoon "just to chat" and kind of reinforce in the pastor's mind, anyway, that he is their best choice.

We should have a DEFINITE answer by the end of the week.

:hat: :dancer: :hyper: :yes: :crossed: :cheer:

That's great Fiona!!!

hi all... sorry i've been MIA for a while. i traveled out of town this weekend to my niece's 4th birthday party.

weighed in yesterday and was down half a pound since last monday. my counselor gave me a challenge to get back to my 2 pound per week average. i don't have any major events coming this week, so i'm going to try my hardest. my program actually ends at the end of this month. has anyone ever gotten to the end of the program and not lost all of the weight? i know they say they'll continue to help you thru, but i was wondering if that's true. i still have 10 pounds to lose.

fiona - congrats!! how exciting!

Cici~ I have had to purchase additional weight loss weeks. That is always an option if you are determined to hit goal, but your body needs more time. I average about 1/2 pound a week. Stinks, but that is how my body is and I have accepted it, as have the counselors at my center. Now I have a silly amount of weight loss weeks (I bought them at the $3/week special they were doing over the holidays), but there should be enought to get me through the Marathon and then some left afterwards so I can focus on those last remaining few pounds. (or what I hope is just those last remaining few pounds but that time!) How was the date last week?

Fiona~ That is wonderful news! :)

I weighed in last night and was up a pound. I knew all that loosing was too good to be true. Although I did go out to dinner on Sat night and had some wine and beers.. but I also ran 7 miles on Sat, you that they woudl have cancelled each other out!

Wow, we need a link to the new thread or something, i couldn't figure out why you were all so quiet this a.m. Anyone know how to do that, or mind if I do? Think it'd be great for the newer ones to find us.

I've run out of bars and don't want to buy any cuz i'm getting my 2 boxes any day so i'm doing the Red Plus plan in the meantime. I'm feeling great.

Fiona~Woohoo for DH. That's just wonderful. Any news for you, you talked about finding another job. I got my W2 today and it bummed me out a bit, i'm considering finding somethin that pays better too.

I'm glad someoneo mentioned the substitute Take Off juice from Knudsens, cuz i couldn't remember. Do you all just do that once in awhile, or tell your counselors?

I haven't pursued the job hunt for myself too seriously. My mom knows a real estate guy at another company who, as she puts it, "would surely bend over backwards to help you out," so she was going to e-mail him on my behalf and set up a little introduction, and I'm hoping that maybe he's in the market for a licensed assistant or a buyer specialist or something that will give me a steady paycheck plus the opportunity to learn a ton. So I'm not really looking too hard right now. I did submit an online application for a receptionist job for another RE company (REALLY good pay), he called me back the same day but the commute would just be too much so I passed. :shrug: I'm sure the right opportunity will come along when it is good and ready - just like it seems to have done for DH. I'm willing to wait!

Fiona

~Fiona~

About the Walk Away The Pounds videos...(I have done almost every exercise video known to man-including almost all of Leslie's at one point or another...and own about 100 workouts.)

Here are a few of her good ones with explanations:

~"Walk Away The Pounds 10 Minute Tone Up"
Since most of the Walk Away The Pounds videos are aerobics with very light upper body toning-this is a supplemental 10 minute strength training video. It is short and sweet-but gets the abs, buns, legs, chest, back, and arms a bit more than her walking videos. You can use weighted balls or regular hand weights.

~"Walk Away The Pounds Get Up And Get Started 1 Mile"
This is a beginner level 1 mile walk video. It uses either 2 pound weighted balls or hand weights during the second half of it..but they are optional. It is about 20 minutes long.

~"Walk Away The Pounds High Calorie Burn 2 Mile"
This is an intermediate 2 mile walk video that is just abou the same as the one I just mentioned-but the walking gets a little bit brisker, you use the weighted balls/2 lb. weights for a little longer, and it goes for 30 minutes.

~"Walk Away The Pounds Evening Mile Plus Legs"
This is a 1 mile walk that is just SLIGHTLY slower paced and does NOT use hand weights. It is meant for evening exercisers-so you aren't getting so geared up that you have trouble sleeping. The walk is about 25 minutes, and it has a 10 minute leg toning section at the end.

~"Walk Away The Pounds Morning Mile Plus Abs"
This is a brisk "wake you up" mile walk that has a separate 10 minute abwork section at the end with a variety of crunches and ab exercises. The entire workout is almost 30 minutes long.

~"Walk Away The Pounds Super Fat Burning 3 Mile"
This one is a little more advanced-almost like the High Calorie Burn 2 mile-but it goes for 45 minutes for a 3 mile walk. It also uses the weighted balls/2 lb. weights for the last half.

~"Walk Away The Pounds Walk Strong"
This is a 2 Mile that you use a Pilates type stretchie band with. It has intervals-where you walk for a few minutes, then use the band to do all over body toning exercises for a few minutes-back and forth for the entire tape.

If there is any particular video of hers that you are looking into that I have not described...give me a title name. I only described a few here-she has a lot. ;)

Thanks for the info Aphil!

I am having a pretty good on plan week. Yesterday I was feeling a little bit yucky and missed a dairy and fruit, but I am feeling ok today. Not really sure what that was about. I am ready to finish up the week on plan and have a great WI on Saturday! WOOHOO

Anyone making any exciting valentine's plans??

Good Morning Chicks,
I'm off today, so I'll be around for the most part today. They are finally coming to finish the house. :cp: The head guy won't be here so I get to :coach: make sure it all gets done. If not, I won't sign off on anything. I am so ready to get this stuff done. It's been going on for months... :stress:
I have some running around to do before they get here. We are going to the cemetary on Sunday (it would be my Mom's 64th birthday) It's going to be another tough day.
Beverley...How are things going with you?
Star...I'll get up with you this morning before I head out the door... ;)
Well, I'm back down the pound that I was up yesterday. (I get so sick of this) :blah: I got on the bike again this morning and rode for 15 minutes. That's two days in a row. It's almost a record for me...
You all have been talking about these walking tapes. Did you know that LA has one too. I got one (but of course it's never been opened) but I'm going to the storage today and dig it out to see what it's all about. It comes with some kind of band too. I'll give you details on that later on.
Ok chicks, I'll be back later..

:coffee: Nine degrees, dirty snow and foggy...Otherwise it's a beautiful day...
Karen - :cp: :cp: - for working out.

I got my Luna Bars yesterday and that Chocolate Peppermint Stick is YUMMY! They were kind of frozen from waiting on my doorstep, but i put it in the microwave for about 15 seconds and it was really good.

So, can anyone tell me how they use the Knudsen juice instead of TO. Do you just do the Take Off program on your own or do you tell your counselor?

Michele - when I did TO last month, I did write "TO" in my diary. The counselor didn't say a thing about it, but I planned to tell her that I had a bottle of the juice that I had purchased before, if she asked. (They didn't have my old file at that point.) It just seemed like too much work to make up multiple days' worth of diary entries. :lol:

One thing to remember is that the Knudsens juice isn't as, er, goopy as the LAWL juice so you don't need to mix with as much water. I like a 2/3 juice, 1/3 water blend, personally.

I went to my yoga class for the first time in four months last night - yow! I couldn't believe how stiff and tight all my muscles and joints were! My hamstrings and shoulders especially. But within minutes of doing a few warm up stretches, I could feel my muscles "remembering" and loosening up. It was a great feeling! Interestingly, no one else showed up for class that night so I got to work one-on-one with the instructor. Quite a treat for my first class back! :yes: I signed up to attend the rest of the session (through March) and I'm going to make an effort to find the time and motivation to practice between classes, too. :idea:

Hope everyone is having a good day!

Fiona

Hello all,

Well, the scale has been down each day for the last three days at home, so maybe the new higher calorie plan is working. I'm cautiously optimistic! We'll see how it goes at WI this evening.

Michele-i just wrote doing take off in my journal, they never asked where I got the juice, but someone (maybe Aphil) mentioned to say you bought it from eBay or got it from a friend, I never told them I didn't use the real juice and they never asked. Some people buy it when it's on sale, so you could have stocked up a long time ago.

karen-Great job on working out!! I've been exercising pretty consistently about 5-6 per week and feel and sleep so much better. Keep up the good work.

Talk to you later...it's time for lunch and I'm starving,
Jen

I'm going to have to try the peppermint luna bars...so they are like thin mints, huh? That's what the chocolate LA Lite reminds me of (which i have every evening after dinner as my treat)

Ok, thanks ladies, but one more question. When do you do TO? When you need that umph in weightloss, or when you had an OP day, or? I felt great doing it, so i'm wondering if you could do it regularly, like once a month or something.

Michele - I thought I was the only person who more or less enjoyed doing TO! :lol: I think I've read that you can do it as often as every three weeks, although it's usually only "prescribed" after a longish period of no loss. Whatever you are comfortable with, I guess! I certainly wouldn't be doing it monthly if I had to buy the LAWL juice, but with the much cheaper Knudsens substitute, it's much more "doable," financially anyway! Let us know what you decide. :)

Fiona

Here are the nutritional facts on Skippy LowCab

Serving size 2 tbsp
Calories 190
Total Fat 17g
Sat. fat. 3.5
Cholesterol 0
Sodium 150
Total Car 5
Dietary Fiber 2
Sugars less than 1
Protein 7g

not much different than the regular skippy -- not sure about reduced fat?

Of course they took me off the blue and now i don't get the 1/2 protein and extra starch!!!!!

I did enjoy the TO juice and the program. I felt like it was a lot of food and i loved the drink.

Re: the PB. I got one that is 50/50 something.. It's for diabetics i think and low sugar.It's kind of grainy and really like just ground up peanuts. I'm not eating it very often because i'm afraid it's a trigger food, but i've had it on a slice of 40 cal. bread w/ some SF jam and it was eatable. Not like Jif or Skippy, but OK.

Hi everyone - I"m struggling and getting down in the dumps. THe scale is going up and not down. I'm exercising my brains out but the scale is stuck. I had my six month check up today and my doctor (female) said - wow you look great - loosing more weight I see - then she checked back from six months ago and guess what - I weighed exactly the same. She said well your shaping up because you look smaller to me. She said muscle weighs more than fat so it may take a while for the weight to adjust so I sorta feel better about that.

Then I get home and not only one box but two separate boxes of Luna bars arrived from Amazon.com. :dizzy: I guess I accidentally ordered them twice - lost out on the shipping though but still i got them for less than a dollar a bar.

For the most part I"m eating OP but I have a hard time not nibbling because I feel so free on this plan- Karen can relate I think. Oh well I 'm gonna keep chugging away. I blew the "perfectly OP until Valentines" today but not by much so I"ll keep at it.

Karen - exercising - you just amaze me girl - your doing great. Oh by the way I weighed less at the doctor's office completely dressed then in my underwear this morning- that was cool. It helped some. I just got to get out of these 180's. :mad:

But if I don't get control of my mouth I"m going to be seeing the 190's by the end of the month - help help!! :^:

I just finished walking on the treadmill- sitting here sweating so I think I'll find some other housework to do and then take my shower and relax tonight.

May do some reading up on the plan too. What I should do is write down everything I will eat in the next two days and see how that works. Have it made up - ready to go and thats it.

Hello to everyone else- thanks for all the advice girls- you rock and I appreciate it. Has anyone pigged out on the bars - :lol: After all I have 60 bars - just kidding - just kidding.

Have a great night.

Hugs

hi all.... i am going to have to try those luna bars... you can only get them on amazon? i like the LA lites, but they are expensive... and as we've discussed before, the counselors push their products... when i weighed in on monday i needed bars and she tried to push me to buy 10 single boxes... it irritates me because i'm not made of money, give it up already!

my date was good last week... he actually called me tonight so i am probably going to call him back later this evening... the whole "game" thing is stupid, i wish people were just honest and didn't play the "game"... what do you do though... :)

i weigh in tomorrow, so we'll see how that goes... i have been eating good and working out so hopefully the scale is nice to me. does anyone think it's odd that we weigh in multiple times during the week? i have always heard that it's not good to weigh in multiple times during the week and to just weigh in once a week.... i have gotten into a horrible habit of weighing myself every morning... oh well...

anyone doing anything exciting this weekend?

And the scale debate rages on...:lol:

Cici, I believe that how much weighing is "good" is really a matter of personal preference...I know there are some on here that much prefer to weigh in only once or twice a week, and I know other people who do the 3x weigh in but only look one day, and then there's me...I have a love/hate relationship with my scale but I find it much easier to stay on track (or get back on track) if I know exactly where I'm at day to day. :yes: Doing what motivates you is what's most important! (By the way, I hope the scale is good to you, too!)

Oh, and the Luna bars can be gotten at Target, Walmart, and some grocery stores as well as on Amazon.com.

I hope things go well with you and the guy! The only way I can think of to avoid the "dating game" is to do what I did, and marry your high school sweetheart...but then that tells you how much dating experience I have! (Not that I didn't date plenty in high school, but my single friends all tell me it's a different game once you are in the "real world!") :lol:

Have a good night everyone!

Fiona

Cici - you can get them at Walmart usually for less than a dollar each. Most only carry two flavors from what I've seen. There just alot cheaper on Amazon- 30 bars for 21.99 but you need to get 60 bars for 43 something so shipping is free - otherwise shipping is about 8 bucks. Mine was delivered in a box three times bigger than it needed to be.

Going to bed - fasting for blood test in the morning (ug).

Hugs

Jen-
The peppermint lunas are more like a rice krispy treat that tastes like a thin mint. :) They dont look very yummy, but I really like them. They are kind of "cool" tasting.

I never do takeoff...ever. And when they tell me to, I say ok, tell them I do it, but dont. :LOL: I hate the juice and the no carb thing gives me a headache. It is easier to lie than deal with them. If they try to sell me juice I just tell them I got some off ebay. I didnt even do it when I started the program this time and I lost 11 lbs in the first two weeks!! The first week is almost all water weight no matter what plan you do.

Cici-
The only place I can find Lunas locally is at Target. When I lived in St. Louis it seemed like they were everywhere. I think amazon is the cheapest...especially if you spend $25 and get the free shipping. They have a sample box of 3 different flavors...30 bars I think....for $21.99.

Still Cici-
In some older posts I think Aphil and others gave their opinion on multipe weigh ins a week. Some people like it for accountability, but I HATE it and I dont do it. I go once a week. My weight fluctuates too much during the week and it can be very discouraging for me.

Beverly-
My two boxes were shipping in a HUGE box too! I was like...what the heck is this!!

OK...so I had a great on plan week so far...and that included one meal out. Two great on plan days to go and then the moment of truth at weigh in. :lol:

I have been having a slice of toast, with PB and 1/2 a banana for breakfast about 3 times a week. It is sooo satisfying and keeps me from getting hungry for a long time. When I do my Wasa cracker, cottage cheese, and kiwi I am always hungry by the time my mid morning luna bar snack comes.

You cna get Luna bars at a lot of grocery stores. My Wal-Mart carries 3-4 flavors...my Kroger carries about 7 flavors. Some GNC stores carry them as well...
Like I said before-if you have a grocery store or Wal-Mart that does NOT carry them-speak to a manager. Kroger and Wal-MArt both have websites where you can go to the "contact us" section and ask them to carry something for you. They will carry something if they know you are going to buy it. :)

Good morning ladies,

I was down 2.4 lbs at WI last night....red plan is working!!!

Beverly-What plan are you using, perhaps you're having the same problem I was, not enough food for the amount of exercising you are doing.

Marcie-I'm with you about the juice...cannot stand it. I've done TO with Knudsen's but by the end of the 2nd evening I'm dying for furits and starches. I'm much better off with lots of variety...

Take care everyone,
Jen

CiCi- I'm game to talk about the scale debate :-) I think it boils down to personal preference and whether the scale motivates or depresses you. I weigh every morning (and sometimes in the afternoon and sometimes before I go to bed), and I weigh in 3x per week at the center. For me, if I'm up a little bit, it encourages me to stick closer to plan, make sure to weigh and measure my food. If I'm down, it makes me feel like all the attention to detail and all those miles on the treadmill are worth it and makes me want to keep going. Of course, when my scale wasn't moving at all, it was kind of depressing for me, but I didn't stop plan or stop exercising.

Hi all! :wave:

Went to WI last night and i was down 2.8 lbs! :dance: and she did my monthly measurements and i've lost 8"!! :cb: And.....i've lost a total of 13 lbs and that put me on the purple plan... So i lose a 1/2 protein and a starch i think. But it's OK, I can still do this. She asked me about doing the bars and i said yes i was doing them. She's looking thru my paperwork and says, hmmmm, that's odd, i don't see that you bought the bars.....i told her i got them on ebay. I hate to lie, but i'm not wanting to deal with them either and they've really been cool about everything. I WANTED to say and should have...if you would make the bars affordable i'd be happy to purchase them.

Anyways i'm really motivated and feeling good. Need to go change my ticker.

Beverley, don't give up dear. Your body will start responding soon i'm sure. Sounds like you hit a plateau? And i wonder if the exercise is building muscle or making you retain fluid? Just a thought.

:cp: - for Jen......

Bev - Give yourself some time to get use to the new plan, your body has to adjust. You are doing the best you can and your doctor noticed :tread: I'm coming over for some Luna bars......

Cici - Weighing at home for me is a check-point thing. Weighing at the Center is torture...... ;) Like Fiona and Jen said, if your scale is up you know what you have to do, if it is down you know your doing the right stuff. (And when you do it at home, it's between you and the scale).

BTW - I tried the Simply Jif and I love it - yummy. I also found it is only a trigger food for me if I avoid it. On the Blue plan I can have it on my toast every morning so now I'm use to it and don't over do it. :dizzy:

Karen - Where are you :?:

Hugs to everyone else.......

Good morning everyone.

I am STUCK at 152lbs! I just have 12lbs to go. I have lost a total of 78lbs so far. I refuse to do the Take Off. I went to weigh in on Monday; and I only lost .2lbs from 2 weeks ago. I did start my monthly yesterday so maybe after it's over I will be down a few pounds!

Everyone seems to be doing really well on this plan. I need the accountability that this plan offers. Not to mention, my fiance' hassles me if I eat a bite of something not on plan! Why are men so wishy washy? One day he says, "Eat a bite, it won't hurt you." Then the next he says, "What are you off your diet?"

I have done really good; although, I have eat a few small servings of things that aren't on plan. I have been on the program since April 2004. I crave some things when my monthly comes and that is the hardest time for me to stay on plan. I do not like chocolate or the LA Lites. My main weekness is just food in general, not any certain kind.

I have went from a bugleing size 18 to a size 8. With 12lbs to go, I wonder if I will stay an 8 or go down to a 6......

Have a great day everyone! Keep on keeping on.. plan that is!

Karen

Congrats to the big losers!!! Way to go Jen and Michele!!

Karen-
You have come so far! Way to go! I know you will get that last bit off!! Or...if your body is happy where it is, and you are happy where it is, maybe it is a good place to maintain?

Metalchic-Have you tried switching up what you eat and when you eat it? When I was stuck my center advised me to get some more variety and use more of the former limiteds...so for the last week or so I make sure to have one former limited starch and protien each day, like chicken and rice at lunch and then beef for dinner, or salmon at lunch and then chicken or turkey with a 1/2 potato for dinner. Also, my friend who lost 85 lbs on plan really struggled with the last 10 and she swapped her dinner and breakfast. had her protein for breakfast and lunch with a much lighter dinner...it got her through those last 10lbs. just some thoughts....

thanks to everyone for you kind words and encouragement :-)

Jen

Thanks Jen and Marcie...

This week I have tried moving my fruit to breakfast. A typical day for me is as follows:

Breakfast
1 Egg
1 Diet Bread

Snack
Fruit

Lunch
Chicken or a Carb Craver Meal
2 cups of Lettuce
1 oz reduced-fat cheese

Snack
1 oz reduced-fat cheese
Sometimes I add 3 Baby Carrots or 2 Melba Toast

Dinner
Chicken, Fish, Shrimp, or Beef
1 cup Steamed Broccoli
1 oz reduced-fat cheese
Sometimes I add bread, rice, or potato; depending on what I have left for the day.

I am on the purple plan; but it is modified. I eat 1/2PP, SS, VVVVV, F, and 3oz reduced-fat cheese (I don't like milk).

I eat the limiteds as they are except sometimes I don't eat them at all that week. Some weeks I don't even get a beef or limited seafood. I do take advantage of my limited starches. I do like the salmon, scallops, and dry beans on the once a week minimum list.

The protien limiteds that I eat are filet mignon, ground sirloin burgers, salmon, scallops, and dry beans. I eat plenty of chicken breast, whitefish, cod, flounder, shrimp, and canned tuna. My body wonders if it should cluck or swim... :lol:

The starch limiteds that I eat are potatoes, brown rice, and wheat pasta.

The only veggies I eat are broccoli, lettuce, cucumbers, mushrooms, green peppers, cabbage, and baby carrots.

The only fruits I eat are strawberries, apples, and they actually let me have bananas (but limited).

I always buy the lite buns or lite bread (40 cal) at the store. I was actually surprised that the Melba Toast was good!

I also buy the Kraft 2% Cheeses or the Reduced-Fat Sargento.

I do not do the LA Lites or the Take Off. Any suggestions?

Thanks!
Karen

Looks good to me! And it looks like you are getting quite a bit of variety. I cant come up with a single suggestion! Are you exercising at all?

MetalChik- JMO, BUT to me yours sounds like a real success story. You have lost 78 pounds since last April. That is almost 8 pounds a month, you should be the one giving the advice :?:

Do you mind if I ask your age? What was your motivation to lose the weight?
Also, dear boyfriend should consider himself very lucky to be with such a winner!

Okay ladies. How sick does this sound. I'm sitting at work and wanted to get my starches in (as I'm starving after not being hungry this morning) and I left my cooked barley at home. So, at work I have diet bread and All Bran Extra Fiber. Decided on the All Bran. Already used my dairy for today so instead of milk, I used hot tea and some Equal - I'm sitting here eatting warm mush while I'm typing. I figured that it would fill me up better than 2 slices of diet toast.

Metal: I have been playing with the last 7-9 lbs for months. They did switch me from Gold to Blue a week ago, and I have been changing things around as others suggested. I cooked some Great Northern beans this week, and have used that for my protein. It's a nice change. One night I added some Splenda to the warmed beans and it's like eatting Pork-n-Beans (minus the pork, LOL). I'm trying to switch when I eat certain foods, and was down 1.6 from last week. After reading what you eat in a day, I can't see anything to suggest to you. Are you getting in all your water? How about exercising? How much do you do, and what type? Are you measuing everything? I'm sure you've heard all of this. If you find something that works, please share it with us. We should be asking you questions since you have done AWESOME on this plan. I'm proud of you and it gives me hope that I will get to my goal sometime soon.

Hey, my center is having Open House on Friday and Saturday of this week. I was told that they will have lots of specials and food cooking so we can try a few things. I'm going back to the center on Friday and I'll let you know how it was.

I'll write more later - I have to read all the posts I missed. Hugs to all, Sy

Thanks chickies for the support!

I am 30 years old; and I have two kids. My son is 15 and my daughter is 13. I weighed 135 when I got pregnant with my son and 126 after I had him (BAD PREGNANCY). I think I weighed about 140 when I got pregnant with my daughter; I blew up like a cow to around 190 while I was pregnant. After I had her I slowly got up to 215. I split from my husband and lost down to 155, but I have no idea how...I did go to the YMCA for a while and worked out, but being a single mother the cost was getting to be too much.

Then after many many bad food choices and many many pepsis later, I got to 230! I had the doctor do tests on me and everything to make sure nothing was wrong with me. Then I decided, I had to get it off.

I have not been exercising; again, being a single mother, I cannot afford to do the weight loss program and the YMCA membership. I plan to get the membership after this is over and tone... But we will see....

As far as the water goes, I probably drink too much. I drink anywhere from 10 to 14, sometimes more, 8oz servings per day. I don't like diet drinks, milk, Crystal Light, tea, or coffee so water is my only fluid; therefore, I drink alot.

I know one thing I do wrong; but no matter how hard I try it still happens. I eat dinner late. Even if I try to start cooking when I get home from work, it is still 7 or 8 before we eat. I go to college at night on Tuesday so I don't even get home until 9. My finance' cooks for me most of the time but 9 is still too late. I try not to go straight to bed but 5:30 a.m. comes early!

Anyways, thanks and good luck everyone!

Karen
PS: Sorry, I started rambling....

Our center is having a Valentines day open house...with samples of products and on plan snacks. But it is on Monday and I only go on Saturday. : (

Hi Chickies!

I know I haven't been around, but things have been swamped this week. I have a ton of posts to read through!

I went to WI yesterday and I'm the same for about a week so I need to mix things up a bit. I know it's because I had family visiting from out of town and we went out to eat alot! :hungry: * :crossed: I should hopefully go down on Saturdays WI. :crossed:

How's everyone's week going? I went to the Center yesterday and found out that my favorite counselor, who was also the center manager, had resigned. :cry: I was really upset. :cry: She's the one that convinced me to try LAWL and I would almost always see her on my weekly WIs. :stress: :halfempty :headache: I'm really going to miss her. It's funny because I really looked forward to her encouragement and solutions to my downfalls. They brought one new counselor in and she's really nice, but really young! :bb: I don't know if I told you all, but the "Counselor from Hell" also left and I was excited about that one, but very sad about the manager leaving. :cry:

Thank Goodness for all you Chickies out there! :grouphug:

Well I have a lot to read...I'll be back

Diane :flow1:

Sy -You said "I'm sitting here eatting warm mush" :( Now that sounds like something that would actually make me stop eating,maybe I should try it :lol:

Diane- Sorry to hear about losing the good counslor/manager (see the good one's never stay), they have to make more room for the :devil: ones. hey I wanted to mention to you that there is a thread about "Brides to Be" don't remember but it might be under Chatter :?:

MetalChik - Sounds like you are one busy chick. I'm surely no expert on this but if you could just start walking (at the mall?) I bet it would boost your metabolizm & burn more calories. Regardless you have done awesome - congrats! And you weren't rambling - we ask. Your like the biggest loser we've had on here, we need details ;)

Congrats Michele- Way to go! :cheers:

I bet Julie has a tan by now........

Hello Chicks,
I haven't really had a chance to post today but wanted to come on here real quick and do it now. We are having computer problems at home but hopefully we can figure out what's wrong and get it fixed.
I finally started my calorie counting today (and writing it down) I just couldn't get moving with it before and some of my meal choices haven't been that great either. But, so far so good today and I did my 3rd day in a row on the bike this morning. I sure didn't want to do it but I forced myself to do 10 minutes. This is really a big accomplishment for me. I do want to continue with this. I just feel better when I do it. I also started taking vitamins and calcium. I sound like a professional dieter huh?... :lol:
But anyway, I just wanted to drop in for a minute. I'll be on the scales in the morning updating the the ticker.
I hope you all have had a great day.

Looks like I kind of messed up my own challenge... :( I'll just have to see how the rest of the month goes... ;)

Bride-to-Be, you made me laugh when I saw the picture with the pacifier. LOL! Sorry to hear that your favorite counselor left, but also glad that the one from hell is finally out of there as well. Staying the same is better than a gain anyday! Stay on-track and you will be at your goal in no time.

Metal, I'm with Star. Just making little steps in the exercising area will make a difference. Maybe you could get some walking in at work. Every little bit really helps. It snows lots here and normally pretty cold, but on the warmer days (okay, we think 30 is warm) we go for walks around our building a couple times as much as we can - just to get outside and get some fresh air. It's so refreshing. Don't know how you could get your dinner is earlier - but if you switched your dinner amounts with your breakfast amounts a couple days a week, maybe that would do it for you? It's worth a try?

Star, I bet Julie has a tan too. Julie - missing your posts.

Karen (Rusty), way to go girl! 3 days in a row in exercising is awesome! I knew your could do it and from your previous posts - I do know what an accomplishment it is for you! :bravo: :cheer: :tread: :sumo: That is how I got into exercising, baby steps. If I could do 5 minutes on the Nordic Trac, that's what I did - then moved up very slowly as I knew if I tried to kill myself, I would just quit. After 2 years, I'm still exercising - and I really enjoy it. I feel better and I sleep better. I never had a problem sleeping, it's just I feel more rested in the morning.

I have to tell you a story. My starting hours at work use to be between 7-7:30am and I drive the same way each morning. All of a sudden, I started seeing this heavy women walking every morning. Then, after a while - she started running. I couldn't believe that she could even run - I know I can't. Needless to say, she slimmed right down and looks really good. My hours at work changed to 6:30am and I didn't get to see her anymore (to check out her progress). So, today I was arriving to work about 7:00am (as I worked from home last night). So, who did I see - the runner and she now has a running friend. I'm so proud of her, and she must have inspired the person that was with her today. I felt like stopping and telling her how proud I was of both of them (figured she would think I was a crazy women and call the cops). So, it can be addicting - but what better thing to get addicted to.

Have a good evening everyone. Sy

Sy - what a great story! If I were that woman, being noticed and applauded (figuratively speaking) even - or maybe especially - by a total stranger, would make my day! :yes:

Fiona

p.s. everybody - tickerfactory.com has new spring tickers. :D

yikes... just weighed in... up 2.6 pounds since MONDAY.... and i've done really good this week. how discouraging!

Cici - I can relate to the dang scale thing - Most of this week I was in tears - then I get angry at the scale :mad: then I want to hurt it like it hurt me :stress: But we have to look at it this way - our bodies are stubborn and we just have to be more stubborn that our bodies so we can win the battle.

I'm on the purple plan and today was really the first day that I didn't nibblle that I stuck to it faithfully. I even have some foods to go but I'm not really hungry. I don't believe I exercise enough to have a problem not eating enough. I only exercise 30-45 min each day and at least once a week skip a day like today - :o

Had my blood drawn today to check the ole cholestoral - you know the kind that comes wth pre-menopause - at least thats what I was told. I rarely eat cheese or eggs and hardly any red meat - God forbid anything even considered fried in hot bubbly grease - :o oops I'm drooling. Actually I take that back - I think I would get sick if I ate something fried in grease.

What I did today was save one of my luna bars - the pecan one for my after supper treat and that did the trick - I was able to stop eating for the night but it was hard not to eat it at work - so I kept busy and just ate my apple.

Well I gotta get busy and balance my hubby's checking account - ug. I should charge him for that mess. Every month - same ole same ole. Forgets to write things down.

Okay I'm hoping for an even better day tomorrow so I'll talk to everyone then. Except Star - who can't on weekends - when you going to buy a computer for home girl????

Hugs to all ----- Karen -3 days in a row - you deserve a :bravo:

my counselor was actually a lot nicer about the gain than the last time i gained... she gave me a 3 day plan... drink lots of lemon water, no lunch meats, no frozen meals and no condiments... i only eat frozen meals about once a week... hopefully i am able to control this over the weekend!

I am going in for a consultation with LAWL tomorrow. I was curious, is it very pricey? I was reading what I could on the internet and I found quite a few sites that stated it is very expensive and not worth what one ends up paying. If anyone could give me an idea of what the cost is and let me know if those sites that are negative about this program are wrong or not, I would greatly appreciate it.

Aag118: The thing about this plan is that they want to you pay up front, and it depends on when you join. When I joined last April - I only paid $3.00. My plan was under $300 and I had 40-50 lbs to lose. If I was going to Weight Watchers, that was $12-14.00 at the time so to me it was well worth it. The do have 'products' they like to force some people into buying, the first would be their LA Lites which are expensive because at first they want you to buy them for a year. You can join the plan without them but you have to be the type of person that can say NO to a hard sales pitch. Wish you would have asked a day or 2 ahead of time because then everyone could have given you their opinion. The number of weeks you pay upfront are based on the amount of weight you want to lose. I was well worth the money to be because I tried many plans before coming to LA and this is the only one that I've had success on (since the pre-Points at WW). It's very similar to their old exchange plan.

Good Luck on your decision. Sy

:cb: :coffee: Can I drink coffee and dance at the same time? Watch me now - :dancer:

Karen - You are on a roll with the working out - keep up the good work! :tread: Before you know it you will be up to 30 minutes.....
I'm joining you today on the calorie counting. Ithink I might be eating too many snack type things. :cofdate:

Aag118 - What Sy said is all good info. They figure your weight loss weeks at saying you will lose 2 pounds per week. The program works if you follow it, like anything else. I would say go in and talk to them, see what you thinkk and tell them you need a day or two to think it over.

Sy - Great story about your stalking the jogger :rofl: I have a very similar story. I live out in the country, we have two early morning women joggers (don't run together). The one girl was also pretty heavy, the other lady is older than me and thin, I always slow down and wave at the lady one and she waves back. Well the heavier girl was getting thinner. I thought :idea:
she would love to hear a compliment, so one morning I slowed down rolled down the window and said "Your looking great" :shrug: She took her earphones off and looked at me like I was nuts, so much for my opinion, huh :?: So now, she can melt away to nothing and my window will stayed rolled up tight :lol: I guess I was just thinking, how I always love positive feedback..... Ofcourse they haven't been out since the snow, but they should resurface in a month or so.....and my mouth will be :ziplip:

Carrie - Glad you counslor was nice to you.....they need to realize we hare human and this plan isn't an exact sicence....Atleast according to my poll here. ;)

Bev- Hi girl.....hey we do have a computer at home. Our internet connection was one of the expenses we cut in order to save more money to retire. Besides I know you girls like the break from my :blah: :blah: atleast 2 days a week.......

Fiona - Any news on DH's job?

Where is Tams? You lurking out there - miss ya.....
Julie will be back Monday I think....hopefully with some wild tales of adventure.....

Hugs...

Thanks chickies for the advice. I will have to try some of your suggestions.

aag118: I paid $485 up front for a 90lbs loss goal. I do not let their sales pitches influence me either. I go to GNC or a discount store to buy my supplements. All you need is calcium, multivitamins, and EFA (essential fatty acids=omega 3 & omega 6). You can buy these ALOT cheaper than what they want to sell to you for. I do not use the LA Lites at all; but the ladies on this board that do have some less expensive suggestions to alternatives to the $14 a box LA Lites. I don't use the Take Off either; but again the other ladies on this board have a less expensive suggestion for you. The plan is worth the money; but you have to be dedicated to the plan, or you will be wasting your money. If you want to loose weight for you and your health, GO FOR IT! The plan really works. I have lost 78.2lbs so far and have 11.8lbs left before I reach my goal. I eat really well to be on a diet! Of course, I get cravings for other things; but if you only take one or two bites of that craving, it will go away and not much harm has been caused. I am scared if I do not take these small bites of my cravings that I will binge and ruin it all, kinda keeps me sain.

Some of the combinations that I use to help me with taste are as follows:

Mrs. Dash-wonderful spice without SALT!, I put it on all my meats.
Mushrooms and Green Peppers on my grilled chicken and filet mignon with reduced-fat cheese.
The CarbCraver meals are excellent!
I add reduced-fat cheese to my fish, shrimp, and scallops to enhance the taste since I cannot eat tarter sauce, which I love.
I add reduced-fat cheese to my brown rice, baked potatoes, and wheat pasta.
I use brown rice, wheat pasta, and whole grain breads to keep me full longer.
I do not use salad dressing either; I tried the fat-free salad dressings and really don't like them and now I am used to eating my salads with just lettuce and cheese or lettuce, cucumbers, and cheese (I don't like tomatoes).
The only free foods I use are fat-free cream cheese (occasionally), sugar-free jelly (occasionally), mustard, and ketchup. Some days I do not use any of the free foods.

I hope some of this helps! Good Luck everyone! :cheer: :goodluck:

Does anyone know if we can load our before and after pictures on here? You wouldn't believe the difference in my appearance.

Later, Karen

aag118-The general cost of the program is anywhere from $7-11 per week, which you would have to pay up front for the entire program. I had a coupon for $5, so they could have a deal or sale going on (I would definitely ask). I wanted to lose 74lbs, they divide that by 2 lbs a week, so 37 weeks, plus 6 weeks for stablization and another 52 weeks of maintenance for a total of 95 weeks for $475. then a few days later they bring you back for a Success visit when they talk about the nutrition bars they offer. The are $10 a box or so in bulk, and they want you to pay for those up front too. It would have been $1300 for my whole program. I bought all the weight loss weeks and stablization for about $800 and was told they often have bulk sales through the year to get the rest.

That being said you don't have to do the bars, you can still be successful. Also, many people on the board have used Luna bars as a replacement. If you don't use the bars you're not eligible to get half your weekly fees back at goal.

I too read all fo the negative stuff online and have a friend who lost 85lbs on plan and has kept it off for about 7 months now (earning part of her rebate). I just went as an informed consumer and only pay for what I really want. I don't buy their supplements, take off drink or other food products. I've lost about 48lbs since September and it's taught me to eat in a whole new way.

All of this being said, it's a personal decision....just make sure you're armed with enough info to make it.

Good luck and let us know how it turns out!
Jen

aag118- In addition to the GREAT advice you've already gotten, remember that before you make a decision you are welcome to come back here and ask any questions...we will be totally honest with you and not (ahem) skew our answers or talk in circles to make the sale. Also if you decide to go for it, these ladies are the most amazing support group you could find!

Fiona

Oh, and good morning to the rest of you, too! :D :coffee2:

So this morning I weighed myself and was up a pound....??? This is the first time ever that I've been POP and weighed more the next day! I don't know what the deal is (okay, maybe the two chocolate truffles had something to do with it, but not a whole pound!) so I'm just going to really watch what I eat today and hope it was a fluke.

DH's job: he got a call last night from "Pastor Bob" (the hiring guy) just to update him on the situation...they got ahold of the last guy they wanted to interview and he is scheduled for Sunday. (Sounds like the committee reviewed the resumes and decided up front that they wanted to interview these four applicants, and just refused to let that fourth one go - not like he was super-spectacular or anything.) Pastor Bob is going to be out of town on a missions trip until Thursday, so he said that a) one of the committee will let DH know their decision after Sunday, or b) at the latest Pastor Bob will be in touch next Thursday.

It's pretty obvious by now that Pastor Bob REALLY wants DH to get the job, and it sounds like several of the committee agree with him (apparently any time the subject of the search comes up between church members and the committee members, DH's name gets mentioned!), so things are looking REALLY good. And it's good to know that we're in the final lap of waiting!

I'm off to find some breakfast - have a great POP day!

Fiona

Good Morning Chicks,
I did it again. (4) count them...I was on the bike 15 minutes this morning. I hope I can continue doing this but I won't bore you anymore with my daily routine... :^:
It's official...My computer at home crashed. We just bought this computer in December and it didn't have a recovery disc with it. DH spent about an hour and a half on the phone with the computer people. But nothing he told him to try worked so they are sending us a recovery disc. Sure hope that will fix it. I hate being without my computer.. :(
I did really well with my calorie counting yesterday. Let's hope that continues too. :cool:
Our friends called and want us to go to Mobile for Marti Gras tomorrow. That should be fun if we decide to go...
Star...Hang on, let me do the Friday happy dance with you... :cb: :dancer: :cheer: :dance:
Now, about the LA program. I know it works too but you have to stick with it. There's alot of Chicks on here that are doing really well. I, on the other hand, failed at it and have wasted alot of money. I had 8.00 weeks and my cost was $416.00 plus 220.00 (I think it was) for the bars. I haven't given up on my weight loss. I just had to re-think it and give it another try..I would definetly tell them you want to think about it for a few days unless of course this is really what you want to do...Just don't let them pressure you into anything...I hope I'm not sounding to negative because there are alot of people that have had success with this. Even my S-I-L lost 75 and has kept it off for over a year. :cool:
Ok chicks...Time to get some work done. Be back later...

Ok Ladies, I have posted a pic on my profile that was taken 12/20/2004. I will find a before picture over the weekend to share with you. Remember, I used to weigh 230.4lbs!

http://www.3fatchicks.com/weight-tracker/img/heartbar/slider-hearts/lb/230.4/140/152.2/ (http://www.3fatchicks.com/weight-tracker/index.php)

THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH!
I appreciate all the info. I am getting ready for my appointment now, it is at 9 AM. I will post when I get back home and let you know how it went!

Thank you again!

Hi Karen: Yes, I just got switched to the Blue plan (Thursday will be a week).

It's going okay, but I'm only giving it 2 weeks to see if I get results. So far it's okay. You know, now that I have 3 starches, I'm finding it's really hard to get it in. I mean, how many pieces of diet bread and LF Triscuts can a girl eat? I cooked barley for the first time in my life last night an had a 1/3 c for my 3rd starch (can't tell you it was great, but it has fiber in it and no fat so thought it would be a good choice). Anyone have any suggestions on what to do with barley? I ate it plain with some CBINT. Saturday I cooked some bagged Great Northern beans with some onion and garlic. Used 1 c for my protein for dinner last night (that was a nice change). I'm trying to use more of the food list. Beware, barley and bagged beans take a really long time to cook. I figure I may freeze small containers so I can plan ahead and not have to do the cooking on work nights.

Hugs to all, Sy


~~~TORI~~ I am currently on the red plan and i get three startches too can ne one tell me the difference in plans i mean im sure different plans give you more or less to eat but what is like the order the plans go in thanks so much

Tori-Someone on here has the info on all the plans, I think it goes red plus, red, blue, purple, gold, green. There's also an orange plan for nursing mothers and teens (can someone confirm)?

Speaking of which, i someone has the orange plan info, would you please post it. My son has expresed some interest....

And the scale debate rages on...:lol:

Cici, I believe that how much weighing is "good" is really a matter of personal preference...I know there are some on here that much prefer to weigh in only once or twice a week, and I know other people who do the 3x weigh in but only look one day, and then there's me...I have a love/hate relationship with my scale but I find it much easier to stay on track (or get back on track) if I know exactly where I'm at day to day. :yes: Doing what motivates you is what's most important! (By the way, I hope the scale is good to you, too!)

Oh, and the Luna bars can be gotten at Target, Walmart, and some grocery stores as well as on Amazon.com.

I hope things go well with you and the guy! The only way I can think of to avoid the "dating game" is to do what I did, and marry your high school sweetheart...but then that tells you how much dating experience I have! (Not that I didn't date plenty in high school, but my single friends all tell me it's a different game once you are in the "real world!") :lol:

Have a good night everyone!

Fiona

~~tori~~ i have seen these luna bars but i didnt know i could try them on the lawl plan can you all tell me more about this thanks

Good morning everyone.

I am STUCK at 152lbs! I just have 12lbs to go. I have lost a total of 78lbs so far. I refuse to do the Take Off. I went to weigh in on Monday; and I only lost .2lbs from 2 weeks ago. I did start my monthly yesterday so maybe after it's over I will be down a few pounds!

Everyone seems to be doing really well on this plan. I need the accountability that this plan offers. Not to mention, my fiance' hassles me if I eat a bite of something not on plan! Why are men so wishy washy? One day he says, "Eat a bite, it won't hurt you." Then the next he says, "What are you off your diet?"

I have done really good; although, I have eat a few small servings of things that aren't on plan. I have been on the program since April 2004. I crave some things when my monthly comes and that is the hardest time for me to stay on plan. I do not like chocolate or the LA Lites. My main weekness is just food in general, not any certain kind.

I have went from a bugleing size 18 to a size 8. With 12lbs to go, I wonder if I will stay an 8 or go down to a 6......

Have a great day everyone! Keep on keeping on.. plan that is!

Karen

~~tori~~ 75 pounds is great keep up the great work girl!! if you dont mind me asking how long has it taken you to loss that amount of weight . thanks

Karen-(MetalChic) What a nice pic, you are a pretty lady. Hang in there, i know you'll lose those last pounds...

Okay Ladies here is what I was told:

I weigh more than what I thought I did, a little depressing, but oh well. It will take me 42 weeks to lose the weight. My total cost will be $710.10, I don't think that is too bad. She talked a little about the LA Lites and all, told me that those are optional, but those that use them lose weight 30% faster. She was very nice, not too pushy. I let her know that I researched them on the net, read reviews, and asked others that had tried LAWL, and those that are currently doing the program too. I told her I need to discuss with my hubby the cost and all before I could commit. DH is away at school right now, he is only able to call on weekends, so I will discuss it with him when he calls. The one thing she did tell me that made me SO happy is that I could still have 2 sodas a day. I know silly of me, but I love my soda, it is to me what coffee is to so many. I am sure I will have to wean off it completely, but still I was happy about that. I told her I had already cut it out and was only drinking diet when I do drink it.

I can't thank all of you enough!! I went in there feeling like I was ahead of the game if that makes any sense. A few questions though...How does this whole program work if I decide not to use there products? Do I get meal plans? I just don't know what to expect, any info would be so appreciated!

Hey aag - glad to hear it went well. In answer to your questions, if you choose not to use ANY of their products (or their grocery-store equivalents :shh: ) they will probably just put you on a slightly different plan to compensate for the calories and nutrients provided by the supplements.

As far as the plans go, it's all about servings - X servings of protein, X servings of veggies, etc. All the major food groups are covered although it doesn't look like your school-days food pyramid at all! You will get a little booklet or a card (depending on whether your center has the "new" plan or the "old" plan - but that's another discussion!) that gives you a list of approved foods for each of the food groups, and what constitutes a "serving" for each as well.

You don't get specific "planned meals" in that they don't give you, say, a week's worth of recipes and you just follow along. (Actually, now that I think about it, I DID get a sample meal plan when I started, but it had all kinds of foods on it I dont' like - seafood, ick - so I forgot all about it!) Anyway - you do have to do your own planning, which really is good as it gets you thinking (or at least it did me) about how you eat. There's a suggested "daily plan" of how you can arrange all your servings over the course of the day, and it's handy at the beginning while you are getting the hang of the program, but it's my no means set in stone that, say, you MUST eat a starch, a fruit and a dairy at breakfast. You know? I guess I'd say that this program offers just the right balance of structure and freedom.

And now I'm rambling! Sorry about that!

Fiona

Tori- Some people use the Luna bars in place of the LA lites and just tell their center they bought the lites from eBay.

aag118-I'm glad you went in feeling confident!! The only product they push pretty hard is the LA Lites...they will put you on a higher calorie food plan if you choose not to buy the LA Lites. 2 lites a day accounts for about 16-20 grams of protein and 360-380 calories, so they would probably put on a plan with an extra protein and starch each day. They don't provide meal plans, though they do give you a couple of weeks of sample menus to give you an idea of how you can plan your meals. They basically tell you how many of each protein, starch, veggie and fruit servings you can have each day and the serving sizes of each and it's up to you how to fit them into your day. The first couple of days after you sign up they put you on Express. They have you drink what they call Take Off Drink, eat unlimited green veggies (cucumbers, broccoli, green beans, etc.)and proteins (along with 2 eggs) for two days, during that time, no starches or fruits. It's supposed to flush out your system and get you jumpstarted. For me it got rid of my junk cravings...I was a big snacker, lots of chips, cookies, candies and a couple of days without any of really did help.

Fiona-I agree, Metalchic pic is great...gives me hope since it looks like we started about the same place and want to end up about the same place too!

Take care,
Jen

Thanks MitchyPoo....

Tori, I started April 4, 2004.

Heightest Weight: 230.4
Current Weight: 152.2 (As of Monday that is....)
Goal Weight: 140
Height: 5' 4 1/2"

So far...78.2lbs and when I was measured last at the center in December I think I was down 38". I was wearing a size 18 and needing a 20, I just went last week and bought some size 8! I haven't even changed bra cup sizes! I've had to buy new shirts, pants, jeans, and panties!

I put a December pic on my profile. When I go home, I am going to look for a before pic to put up for you chickies.

I'm entertaining Aunt Flo at the moment. I hope when I go weigh in tomorrow that I am down!

Later Chickies, Karen

http://www.3fatchicks.com/weight-tracker/img/heartbar/slider-hearts/lb/230.4/140/152.2/ (http://www.3fatchicks.com/weight-tracker/index.php)

Karen-You're actually at the weight I want to be...my original goal was 160, but depending on how it goes, I would like to go to 150. I'm nearly 5'10" so I'll see how I feel at 160. I haven't changed cup sizes either, though now I'm having a problem with being too large in the bust for some things that otherwise fit...I know, what a problem to have, right?

WOW....so many posts today that is is making me dizzy! I have nothing fun or exciting to report...just going to catch up while I have my afternoon luna.

They have shrimp on sale for $3.99 a pound and I am picking some up for dinner after work. YUMMMMMY!

Girl... you are almost 6" taller than me, I am sure 150-160 will look great on you!

http://www.3fatchicks.com/weight-tracker/img/heartbar/slider-hearts/lb/230.4/140/152.2/ (http://www.3fatchicks.com/weight-tracker/index.php)

Jen,

I didn't realize you were so tall - I bet you will look great at 160!
Star - (Feeling measley at 5'7")

Chickies,

Good luck and have a great weekend! :cheer:

I'm getting ready to get off of work; I won't be back on the board until Monday. I am so excited. I am going to a Bridal Show tomorrow! I hope planning my wedding will be as fun as I am imagining. My first marriage was by a old magistrate that you couldn't understand in Gaffney, SC, with total strangers as witnesses. I am really looking forward to a REAL wedding. It will be small, but it has got to be better than the first one.. ;)

See yall on Monday!
Karen
:dancer:

url=http://www.3fatchicks.com/weight-tracker/index.php] http://www.3fatchicks.com/weight-tracker/img/heartbar/slider-hearts/lb/230.4/140/152.2/ [/url]

Star...You should be down here where I'm at. Measley, measley 5' 1 1/2" ;)
If I were taller I could stretch some of this weight out... :lol:
I hope everyone has a great weekend as well...

Metalchic-
I got married less than a year ago...it was a truly fantastic day!!! Best of luck in the planning!!

Here are some pics from our wedding if anyone is interested:

www.geocities.com/jibbelle/weddingpics

Hey all,

I have not been doing too well on the diet. I think I have made it too complicated. The past 3 days have been terrible. I had lost 12 pounds but I am sure I am up now. I don't even want to go in to WI.

Metalchic (Karen) Thank you for telling your story. It has been a help. I am trying to lose 82 pounds. I am a 35 mom with 3 kids, 7, 5 and 10 weeks. Do you eat the lites or protein bars on the program? Also, I am on purple but my plan is a bit different. Why is yours modified? Why do you have an extra 1/2 protein and only 1 fruit? Also, did I understand that you did not exercise but just followed the plan and still lost the weight? Do you have the cheese about every day? I guess I am afraid that the cheese will make me gain. Also, did you use the LA carb pills with you CC meals? Do think the CC meals are better to eat than Lean Cuisine? I hope you don't mind all the questions. I could use the help.
If anyone else has some help, I would appreciate it.
Well, it was going so well, but I am just that kind with any diet. I was hoping this one would be different. I do great for 2 or 3 weeks and after that I hit a brick wall and start craving everything! I'm also not such a good "meat" cooker. I am much better with spaghetti or casserole eater.

Well, thanks for any help.

Carolyn

Marcie,

Beautiful bride and wedding pictures! What a nice wedding.

Carolyn

Hey everyone:

I'm 5.5 and shrinking I think (lol). Oh I wish I was taller too so I could stretch out the pounds. If I'm not mistaken this plan is very close to like WW but with me I have no one to check my weight but me - so I think it makes it easier for me to cheat (on myself). Did pretty good today - with three chocolate kisses and 6 pringles. But I skipped a fruit - I know thats not good. Thats why I'm considering counting calories too.

Karen - how many calories are you allowing yourself? I am really sick of protein too - I could live on fruit and veggies and cheese. But I'll weigh myself tomorrow and see how the week has gone :dunno: I'm gonna go shopping tomorrow just to check out the winter sales. I might even buy an outfit a size smaller than I am just to hang in front of me to encourage me to keep going and get to goal. I feel fat - more like bloated - hope thats all it is. Usually I always have a pretty flat tummy but not lately so that scares me some.

I wish I could be anorexic for about a month and then be normal again - what a thought huh - I'm desperate. I'm hoping this new exercise routine is kicking off some of the fat - I may measure later when I take my shower.

Karen - your after picture is WOW! you look great!!!!

The wedding pictures are gorgeous. I had a big wedding and get this - I weighed 125 when I got married - skin and bones let me tell ya and that was after loosing 60 pounds before meeting my hubby. Course when I fell in love I didn't ever eat. Then comes marriage and then comes pregnancy and then comes the ole weight that is so dang hard to get rid off - for me anyway.

OKay I"m gonna put the dishes away and I'll catch everyone later on . The forum is so quiet at night except for me :blah: Mostly me anyway.

Catch ya later.

Hugs to all - keep on a loosing girls! :cb: :jig: :dance: :dancer: :twirly: :cheer:

Hey gals - took my laptop in for a thorough going-over due to a wierd fritzy thing it keeps doing, they said it might be 2-4 days before I get it back! :faint: DH is very generously letting me use his - we'll see how long his generosity lasts! :lol: Also if my posts ever seem to be missing the "m"s it's because the M key on DH's keyboard is on the fritz. I'm pretty anal about my typing and I seem to have figured out the knack for it, so hopefully there won't be too many missing!

Anyway, I just wanted to check in and let you all know that if I seem to be around less than usual, it's lack of access to a 'puter (plus generally being busy!). Have a good weekend if I don't "see" you!

Fiona

GOOOOOOOOD Saturday morning to all! I am just having a quick breakfast (egg, toast, kiwi) while I check the boards. Then off to shower and head to weigh in! I am also going to the mall, petsmart, and kohls. Lots of walking today! It is going to be 60 all weekend, so I should be outside enjoying it, but sooo many errands to run!

I will post when I get back with the results. I am not feeling very "down" but we will see!

I am 5'9" and thankful of that since it does help hide some of the weight! In 2001 I lost about 60 lbs on LAWL....from 290 to 230. Long story short, I gained it all back. I need to dig up some pictures I took at my low, because the difference was huge and that would be a great motivator for me this time around!

Wow! Star, are you working this weekend? I don't recall you ever posting on the weekend?

aag118: Yes, you can do LA without the Lites. They have food plans for that, and they will choose the food exchanges that you can have in place of the Lites. You did great at going in the center and getting out without signing up. I don't think many could have done that - and those are the people that feel that they were ripped off. I forgot to include that when I purchased the plan, they were also offering a $50 off coupon when you had someone sign up and I had 2 sisters who started so that is another reason why my price was lower.

Went to open house at the center yesterday. I was up 1.4, up and down, up and down. It's driving me crazy.

At the open house they are selling products all at 10% off. I got to try all the snack items and the coffee drink - can't remember the name right now. Earlier they cooked pizza using pita bread and LF cheese, and turkey taco salad (they looked past their time so didn't try those). Oh, also tasted the chocolate pudding and they had the smoothies to taste as well. I got there at 4:30pm. The coffee stuff is Jet Start. It's really good, and I had to buy a 4 pack - just to try something different. I was told to stop using the high starches for a few days to see if my weight will get back down.

Marcie: Your wedding and engagement pictures are beautiful.

Well, gotta run - be back later. Sy

Marcie~those are beautiful wedding pictures. What a beautiful bride you were. Looks like you had a beautiful wedding...Now marriage is the fun part.

I WI yesterday and was down .8 from Wednesday!! :jig: I just can't believe how well it's going. I told my counselor that this is FUN! I am eating really well, not hungry and feel like i'm cheating sometimes but know i'm not if i fit a CC meal in, etc. I'm going to try and fit some exercise in this weekend too. We're having record-breaking highs in the area, so i should take advantage of it today. It will start to change tonight and Sunday.

I'm at work today until 1. It's awful but i really don't feel like working...... Oh, have to go change my ticker!

I just got back from weigh in.... *drum roll*

I am down 3.4 lbs for the week!!! WOOHOOO That is 18 lbs since the day after Christmas. I am soooooo proud of myself! :smug:

She said they would change my plan from red plus to red after I lost a total of 25 lbs. That means I will lose a starch, fruit, and dairy soon....but whatever it takes to keep losing is fine with me! I had a crappy counselor today. She was from another store and she made me mad. I only go in on Saturdays since I live about 35-40 minutes from the center....she she hassled me about that, then about buying lites from ebay (didnt even consider telling her they were really Lunas from amazon :lol:), and finally she went through 7 days of journal entries and checked to make sure I got everything in. Even though I told her I had a perfect week. I had to sit there for like 15 minutes while she went through the whole week and checked every food. Then she told me to be sure and write down my LA Lites in my journal....HELLO there are boxes to check off???? Why do I need to write it in? GRRRR...I am soooo glad she doesnt work at our center!!! *stepping off soapbox*

Michele-
Way to go on your loss and I am glad you are enjoying the journey!!!! Staying motivated is the hard part and you are doing a fantastic job at that!!

Thanks all for the wedding picture compliments. It truly was a beautiful day that I will cherish forever!!! And any of you in the planning stages...one word of advice...if you have ANY extra money in your budget, hire a day of coordinator. You wont believe how easy it makes things!!!

hi all... just got back from 1 hour kickboxing and 1 hour of weight training... it took a lot to get up early on saturday when i didn't have to, but i figured that i could relax this afternoon.... it is 60 degrees here today, so i'm hoping to spend some time outside!!

went to weigh in and was down 1.6 pounds... yeah.... i just finished my 8th week on the program and had a program review... has anyone else had this? they just had me feel out a questionnaire and then gave me a coupon for 25% off.... it off course expires in a week...

marcie - what beautiful wedding pictures!! i love the little bags that you put on each pew... i love looking at wedding pictures!

to join in on the height stats... i'm only 5'3"... beverly i'm with you, i think i am shrinking as well... i could have sworn at one point in my life i was 5'5", but now i'm not... oh well...

i plan to post a recent picture on my profile... it's from new years eve... i am about 10 pounds from goal....

have a great OP day!

Carrie-
Way to go one the workout and the 1.6 lbs gone forever!!!!

Gosh it makes me so angry to hear about these stupid counselors......and grateful that I haven't had one of them yet. :mad: I'm not sure how i'd handle it. Maybe not so tactfully as you all seem to. :lol: I'm sorry she did that to you Marcie, especially when you go in 1xa week because of the distance, like why would you want to go again? I would maybe suggest that you call and ask for the manager and then you could just diplomatically tell her your situation. I can only go once a week, why did she have to go thru your whole week so thoroughly, why couldn't she be postive at all, tell me why i should want to come back, why is she there, is this how you train your people, etc. As consumers, i think we have to let them know when they make us feel bad or uncomfortable. Just my 2 cents worth! ;)

Wow Carrie~2 hours of working out. Woo hoo for you. Someday i'll maybe be able to do half of what you did today! :lol:

There are 3 counselors that work on Saturday *usually* and they are all fantastic. One is my favorite though...and I will tell her what I think about the lady I talked to today. I think next time if it is my turn and I dont like the counselor at bat I will just wait for the one I want. It only takes a few minutes. Hopefully we wont ever see this one again...she can go back to the Raleigh store where she came from.

Marcie & Carrie - way to go girls - :bravo: your doing awesome - were proud of ya.

I agree with Michelle's two cents - Glad I don't have to face any counselors- I really have heard bad things about them it seems mostly.

What a beautiful day and what a deal did I get on clothes. Beautiful sweaters and turtlenecks were marked down to ridiculous prices. I went nuts I'm afraid - At Pennys' I got my GD a 50 dollar coat for 8. Its so adorable - it will fit her next year. Bought myself a very nice purse- I never buy myself anything this nice - especially in a purse - its very nice. Then I went into Christopher & Banks - awesome store - all the colors are so earthy, warm and not loud. And the clothes are just so natural but pretty. Anyway almost every beautiful sweater was 9.99 and all turtle necks were 2.99 in the most vibrant colors - I wish I could of bought some of top/bottom outfits but I want to buy smaller pants so didn't want to encourage my body to stay where it is. :o Anyway came out with two bags of clothes for 107 dollars. That was like a steal cause I'm pretty frugal most of the time. THeir sweaters were all $40 or more to begin with. I will probably put most of them away for next winter I think. I have a hard time wearing sweaters with these hot flashes :o

I packed a PB sandwich for lunch - had an apple at 2 and then I stopped at McDonalds and bought a $l.00 salad and ate that while waiting to go through the car wash - I was so hungry - People looked at me like "She's eating a salad in the car???" Yes I was. :lol:

I've been real good OP today - just had a LC for supper and a bowl of veggies with some spray butter. Now if I can just make it through the night with just the jello I will be proud of myself.

Tomorrow is the super bowl - I think I"m gonna find something else to do while the men rant and rave at the game. Suppose to rain all day so maybe I'll just cook and bake some healthy stuff.

Well I better get going - have a good night everyone.

Hugs

The treadmill is calling my name - Beverley - Beverley - we need to exercise!! Going to find a good movie to put in to pass the time while I walk on it.

Hugs again.

To all of you:

I can't thank you enough for all of your advice and for all of the information. I did talk to my DH when he called this morning about LAWL, he told me to do what I feel most comfortable with. Well I also decided I needed to speak to my Aunt, she has tried most diets, and for health reasons decided to have gastric bypass, she is doing great now.

I asked her what she thought about LAWL and she said that was one center she didn't know anything at all about. She did tell me out of every diet she ever tried that WW's was the best! She talked to me about it all for about an hour and I have decided to go with WW's. She said the point system is wonderful. She told me to remember this is a change for life, not just a change until I lose the weight. She also said that I am not past the point of no return and to please not let myself get to that point, she feels that is where she ended up.

So, I am going to go with WW's! I am going to go to my first meeting on Feb.15th and will start then. I hate putting it off, but have to because of finances. Have any of you had experience with WW's? Any info you could give would again be greatly appreciated! (Oh and I was reading all the posts about everyone's height, so I thought I would include mine ;), I am 5'7)

Thanks in Advance,
Athena

aag118: Yes, you can do LA without the Lites. They have food plans for that, and they will choose the food exchanges that you can have in place of the Lites. You did great at going in the center and getting out without signing up. I don't think many could have done that - and those are the people that feel that they were ripped off.



Thank you for that, it was hard to say no. She kept giving me all of these options, I kept telling her I needed to discuss it with DH first, that I would be upset if he spent that much money and didn't talk to me first. She said "I think he will be more upset if you don't do something about losing this weight." That was really the only comment that bothered me, otherwise I didn't feel she was too pushy, I have seen much worse.

Athena

i tried the luna bar chocolate peppermint stick, yum!! i also got the ranch mini cakes... not too shabby! what other flavors of the luna bars do you all like?

aag118: I've only had good luck with the old WW program before they went to the points system. For example, last Jan is when I decided to lose the weight. I was going to WW for 3 months, did the points and lost 12 lbs - I was not satified with the results and joined LA in April 2004. I'm not trying to discourage you, because everyone is different. Here is a great website for WW - which I still read and it's very helpful. http://www.weightwatchers.com/community/mbd/index.aspx - it's WW's free community message boards and it's very active. Lots of support. Good luck and stop back and let us know your progress.

Marcie: Glad you won't have to see that counselor again. Man, they get a bug up their butts about the LA Lites don't they.

BAS: I too went shopping this weekend. Not only were the sales great, but our county also had our annual 'tax-free' week (if you can image anything being tax-free in NY state). I too got some great deals. Bass shoes for $16, ankel boots for $16, two winter coats for DH - 1 for $14.99 and the other for $25 (most of these buys were at JC Penney's at the 75% off sale).

Marcie and Carrie, congrats!

Anyone have plans for the Super Bowl? DH wants to go to a bar where he's on a few boards and he promised that we can leave at 1/2 time (since I DO have to work tomorrow). I'm very thankful that finally a Super Bowl is being played on the East Coast so it will start at 6:00pm unstead of later like it normal is when it's on the West Coast. Starting at 6:00pm means if we want a seat we will have to get there about 4:00pm. Okay, what is there to do at a bar besides drink and eat? I will have 1 lite beer and I'm hoping to get a grilled chicken salad so I won't be snacking at the buffet table. After that 1 beer, they won't like it - but I have to switch to water because if I drink diet coke/pepsi - I'll never get to sleep. I will also be the DD - another reason for 1 beer limit.

Have a great day to everyone. aag118 - checkout the WW website, you will really like it.

Sy

Don't think I mentioned this, on Friday at the LAWL Open House, I tried a few of their products. I really liked the Jet Start, loved the flavor - it's the coffee drink. I purchased a 4 pack. I was told I could use it as a dairy and fruit, or an LA Lite. I used it yesterday for my dairy and fruit. It's really yummy. I think TAM said she tried them before. Just wanted to share.

Athena-

In 2001 I did LAWL and lost about 60 lbs in 5-6 months. After that...I got sick of the program and decided to try WW. I wasnt very good with my points. I made horrible food choices. I would eat a few high point foods instead of eating a bunch of low point foods. Then I would be hungry. So for me, the choices I made were not wise ones. I know it works, there are tons of people doing it, but it wasnt for me. I also HATED the meetings. The group meetings turned into a bunch of women who wouldnt shut up....they talked about nothing, but just kept going and going and going. I really felt like my time was wasted. I am sure there are good meetings and bad meetings...I just went to the one closest to my house.

Goooood luck! You just need to find the program that works for you and no one can tell you what it is!!! You will find it and do great!

Carrie-
I think my favorite is Nutz over Chocolate (has a slight peanut butter flavor and it dipped in a milk chocolate) and second favorite is S'mores (simlar to the above, but without the peanut butter taste...not marshmallow tasting at all). I just ordered some Pecan Pie and Lemon Zest. Cant wait for them to get here! I like the Peppermint (it is third on my list), but I do not like the Sweet Dreams...they are my least favorite so far. They are a dark rice krispy (like the peppermint) with oatmeal and not sure what else in it...dipped in a white chocolate (like peppermint). Maybe it is supposed to be like a chocolate oatmeal cookie or something? Not really sure, but I dont like it much. I like it enough to make it through the box of 15 though! :lol:

DH made a pizza last night and I just couldnt pass it up. I had one small slice and a bowl of cauliflower with some lf cheese....and some pineapple for dessert. I felt really guilty later even though I probably shouldnt have...it is on the carb cravers plan right? Oh well, whats done is done and I am back on track for this week!!! I want to see another 2 lb loss! If I can lose 2+ lbs a week in another month I will break into the 200s. WOOOOHOOOOO :smug:

Marcie, yes that would be on the CC menu, you'd count the pizza as a Protein. So don't feel guilty. You are still on program. I think you did great by having a vegetable and fruit with it. That's what i like about LAWL, it can fit into your lifestyle.

I'm running things at my church group tonight, which means I have to get up in front of the group and tell announcements, tell a joke, etc. I'm not very comfortable with public speaking but i've done it before, i can do this. I'm just hoping people show up with the Super Bowl on. Oh well, we'll see what happens.

Going to cook a turkey breast today. Got it on sale for .79 a lb. Just going to roast it and have turkey probably all week since it's only me. :lol:

Oh, i went to my "gym" yesterday after work since I was already in my workout pants and tennis shoes and worked on the stationary bike for 20 minutes. It was a start for me, i have to fit it in somehow and start going regularly. My gym is the workout room at a local hotel. My boss told me about it, you can use their pool and workout room for $75 a year. I couldn't beat that and really like it because no one is usally there when i go.

Have a great Sunday!

Michele-
That is a great idea! I travel a lot and there is never anyone using hotel facilities.

GOOOD luck tonight with your public speaking!

Thank you for the feedback, I really appreciate it! I will come back and let you all know how it goes. Hopefully this will work for me, but if not I will continue looking.

Marcie, I just moved to Washington about 9 months ago. I use to live in Fayetteville and at Bragg. Saw you were from Sanford. I miss NC.

Thanks Again, Athena

We must moved to NC from Missouri last March. BIG change, but so far we are enjoying it!

Hey everyone -

Michelle - I am also cooking up a turkey breast that I paid 1.19 for - you did good. So I'll be eating turkey most of the week too.

I also made some (low fat, low calories) oatmeal raisen cookies for the rest of the family - instead of one cup margarine you use 3/4 cup applesauce and 1/4 cup liquid "I can't Believe Its Butter" and of course substitute the white sugar with Spenda. They turned out pretty good. I also added nuts and chocolate chips too. I was amazed how big and full they stayed when cooked - never spread at all - what I put on the parchment paper stayed that shape. I had one so I will skip my LUna bar tonight to help make up for it. Otherwise I'm doing real good. Its turkey and sweet potatoes for supper with jello for dessert.

Not much going on - visited with my mom & stepfather for a while - son's GF is coming over for supper so I MUST make mashed potatoes too with the turkey. I went through my closet(s) and sorted out some clothes that I just know I won't wear no matter how thin I get. They are old fashion so have a basket ready for good will.

Thats about it - hugs to all.

Beverley

Beverley-
I have no idea why, but as I was reading your post I realized I still have a starch left for today! I didnt have one with dinner. WOOHOO Maybe I will have a rice cake for dessert. : )

Marcie - what kind of rice cake would make dessert?

Hugs

Hi chicks!

Missed you all, even thought of you one day (think it was Wednesday) and sent you all a virtual :grouphug:.

Got home yesterday about 5:30 - ordered in Chinese food - then fell asleep at 8:00 - and up at 3:00. . . I can see that I'll be back to my usual non-sleeping schedule soon.

Have not stepped on the dreaded scale yet - will tomorrow - because I MUST show in for WI on Thursday . .. and then just face the music.

About the cruise - alot of :hat: :dance: :burger: :eating2: and of course drinking - drank more in one week than I had in a year - but didn't have to worry about driving home.

Did get tanned - at least my face, shoulders and arms. . . missed a stripe on one of my arms with the suntan lotion one day, so had a bright red stripe about 2 inches by 6 on my right bicep - quite attractive :?:

Spent some time reading the whole February thread, and glad to see some new chickies join us.

Someone talked about WW. I like the WW plan - but got tired of the weekly programs. I did WW two times - and each time I joined, I lost weight, but never seemed to find the right level of support. I was also tired about being a face in the crowd, and no one really noticed if I was there or not. That was one of my reasons for starting LAWL - the individual counselors. I also did the web search on LAWL, and thank goodness, found this site. My fellow chickies don't know what I look like (since I haven't yet figured out how to post a picture), but do know what it's like to work the program and the agony and the ecstacy of the scale game. Also, there is a whole subforum on WW here on 3FC.

I don't think I can respond individually, but here's a few:

Michelle - you are doing so great chickie!

Marcie - WTG! (And in the new diaries there is a place to mark the bars - are you on the new program yet?) Loved the wedding pics! (my family are event photographers, and yours did a great job)

Carrie - glad that the fella called - that's a great sign. And down 1.6! I have not had a program review. . . that may be because you are so close to goal.

Beverly - I'm with you - I love shopping the end of season sales. And I love earth tones, too. . .You are the first person I 'know' that actually has used parchment paper. . .About the salad in the car wash - actually those people were thinking - wow, that's smart, much better than a Big Mac!

Athena - I paid for 100 weeks (weight loss, stabilization, and maintenence), and got the bulk rates on the lites. It was more money than I had realized, but at least I can be strong for the rest of the time. . . instead of having to face the prices each time I ran out. And I like luna bars, but I do like the lites - it's nice to be able to get a box or two when I go to the center, and not have to pay for them.

Karen/Metalchic - it looks like you are at about the same place I want to be, and that you started at the same place -I started at 228 - my goal is 145 - how old are you, if you don't mind? Also, I've driven through Gaffney, SC - isn't that where there is the water tower painted like a huge peach?

Carolyn - I'm with you - I've eaten more plain protein on this diet than since I followed a low carb diet - when you start craving things, is it a particular food, or is it just bulk? Or is it just that you really don't want to follow a diet? (been there done that). Can you figure out a way to try to have a cheat while still staying OP? About the CC dinners - I usually use Lean Cuisines when I'm craving rice or beans, and that fills the starch need pretty well.

Star - nothing measly about you --

Fiona - so happy about DH's new job :crossed:

Karen/Rusty - you are doing so good, girl, on that bike. . . Now, that i'm back, I'm going to get back on that stepper - I'm back in spring training mode (want to be one of the models for Star's new line of Daisy Dukes, although it's more likely to be something like 'what not to wear'. . ) About the program - I really do agree with you that each of us has to find the right way for us to lose weight - I like LAWLs program of exchanges, but not necessarily the idea of the same exchanges every day - this is something that I'm trying to figure out on my own. I did read Thin For Life (has lots of very thought provoking stuff in it) - the key to maintenence seems to be finding the right method for yourself.

Height wise - I'm at 5'4" - I could have sworn that I was 5'5" . . .

About the scale - I think I may have posted this before, but to me, stepping on the scale is the signal that this is a day that I'll pay attention to my weight, and what I eat. If I'm the same weight for several days, I'll start to mix things up. If I'm up, I'll think about what I ate the day before and see if I can figure out what happened. Or it's time for TOM. Or it's just my body holding on to fluids. But for me, the scale is sort of daily temperature reading -

Hugs to all, and glad to be back!

Julie

Beverly-
A Cracker Jack Butter Toffee rice cake?? :lol: They are my husbands, but I have one every once in a while as a treat. They are still very low in calories and no fat. :smug:

Julie-
I am not on the new program yet...our center will get them sometime this month. I cant wait!!! The counselors at our center seem very excited...but the one from hell (from the Raliegh store) said she "just didnt see how it work work" with "all those limited proteins and starches". Geez. What a great thing to tell a client! I am sooooo glad she doesnt work at our center. I would pull my hair out.

I am soooooo ready to try the new program. I really think the whole limited/unlimited thing is stupid. I mean, we know what we should and shouldnt eat 7 days a week. :lol:

Marcie-If it's any consolation, my center said that people actually lost more weight by ignoring the limiteds and using the new plan, so not only is the counselor negative, she probably doesn't know what she's talking about. She said that mixing up your food choices a bit keeps your body guessing and it works harder to get rid of it....they've even encouraged me to use carb cravers more often (since I only use them about once a month for pizza).

Well, I blew all my hard work the last couple of weeks by eating ribs and wings last night....oh well, today is a new day and I'm back OP 100%...of course, i feel kind of sick this morning for abusing my body (both physically and emotionally). My friend who had so much success with LAWL said even those big off plan moments are a good way to shake things up, the important part is to get back OP and not to let a weak moment turn into a binge. Good advice, huh? Okay, now I'm going to stop beating myself up about last night.

Someone mentioned WW, I tried that several years ago and had some success, but never felt like I learned to eat the right things. I think i would do better with the new core plan since it's so similiar to this program. Plus I couldn't stand the meetings...they would veer off into all kinds of topics, none of which interested me. Never been a did care for sharing my emotional pain in a room of strangers staring at me...plus, the meeting took way to long, by the time I got there a little early to weigh in and get a seat then an hour meeting, plus it wasn't flexible enough for me...I didn't like the idea of having to be somewhere at 6:30 every Tuesday...it messed up my dinner and exercise schedule. I got the the point that I would go and just WI and not stay for the meetings, then I just stopped going.

Take care,
Jen

Jen - I think you've summed up my experience with WW exactly - the meetings were not really that helpful, and there is sort of a 'revolving door' feeling about the participants.

Also, I think those awful Off Plan meals do shake things up - how many of us have posted a loss AFTER a bad Sunday?? The trick is to try to measure those off plan meals out - not count them as part of the normal program. . . say one a month??

About the new program, I had a similar question about what the focus was since they've removed all the limiteds. I got that they were moving from a low carb to low fat focus. BTW, the limited starches are now smaller portion sizes - 1/3 cup instead of 1/2 cup. But, when I started, I asked about adding more limited starches in a weekly basis, and the answer I got then was that the limited starches stay in your system longer and slow down the weight loss. I think the 'counselor from hell' was wondering why the plan had changed and what was wrong with the old info. (if that makes any sense).

Carolyn: I do not eat the LA Lites or any protein bars. My purple plan is modified because I cannot eat three fruits a day so they give me an extra vegetable and dairy. They put me on an extra ½ protein because I had stopped losing, I guess I needed the extra protein. I have not exercised, you are correct. I eat 3 ounces of reduced-fat cheese everyday because I do not like any of the other dairy choices. I was using the CarbEnders; and I found an equivalent that was a lot cheaper at Sam’s Club—I think it is called Carb Interceptor. I definitely would rather have a CarbCraver meal than a Lean Cuisine, but I do still eat Lean Cuisines from time to time. I don’t mind helping……. I have two teenagers myself. I am 30 and 5’ 4 ½” tall.

Beverly: Thanks for the compliment. :thanks:

Julie: I am 30. Gaffney, SC is where that water tower is painted like a huge peach. :yes:

Marcie: Nice wedding photos, thanks for sharing.

Girlies, I was so busy this weekend I didn’t even go and weigh in Saturday. I am going to go after work today. I went to the Bridal Show Saturday. It was great. I got a lot of ideas. I had homework to do yesterday so I didn’t have time to hunt for before pictures, but I will find some soon.

Hope everyone is doing great! :wave: :cheer:

Karen
http://www.3fatchicks.com/weight-tracker/img/heartbar/slider-hearts/lb/230.4/140/152.2/ (http://www.3fatchicks.com/weight-tracker/index.php)

Morning gals!

Nothing much exciting to report here. I picked up a killer of a head cold over the weekend so I'm going to put myself on the Orange Juice And Chicken Soup Diet for a few days - going to call my center and tell them not to expect me this week.

I read all the posts but none of them seem to have stuck in my head...must be from my plugged-up sinuses taking up all the room. :lol: So I'll just say a general "hello" and keep up the good work... :^:

Fiona

:coffee: WOW it took me awhile to get thru all the posts, love it! You all sound in uplifting moods, like success stories waiting to happen ;)

Congrats to all the losers -keep up the great job :cp: To all the girls on "stuck or hold" - keep up the good fight :cheer: ( The later would be my group).... :wave: I feel there is power in numbers....

Julie - So glad you are back....missed your posts and sense of humor ;) Thanks for thinking of us once :lol:

About me being 5'7", well I haven't shrank yet. I owe it to my working out, my doctor says that is very good for our bone structure. But my mom has lost some height, but at 82 otherewise in good healty.

Went up north this past weekend and had plenty of reading time. About the book "Thin For Life," I must tell you that it is a good read. Not only does it interview many successful losers, who have kept weight off for like 3 to 20 years. It also goes into great detail how they lost it, and how they keep it off. Many of them use exercise as their number one tool. I must tell you here, that a small portion of them don't work out at all :?: I have found the book to be very motivational. There is alot of things in the book being a life time dieter that I already know, for me I can't read it enug :dizzy: It shows that there are alot of people just like us who have gone thru this battle and won..... :cb:

Okay - I'll be here today, reading......Hugs Chickie-a-dees....

PS - Rusty - where are you today :?:

Hi ladies! :wave:

I had to go to dr. this a.m. to get a skin tag removed and of course they weigh you, and with my boots on (I never wear shoes at LAWL), i was down about another pound from Friday! :dance: but i'm going to WI tonight so we'll see.

Fiona, too bad you got that cold. That's no fun. Do you like herbal tea? Chamomile is a good one with a cold, oh and peppermint tea, especially if you have an upset tummy.

My goal this week is to go to the gym 2x this week. And I'll also do my circuit on Wednesday for PT, but i'm graded on that so I can stop my therapy.

Oh, Just a note about Rusty(Karen#1) - her computer crashed and she'll be back ASAP!

Hi -
Yes Star, I thought of you all once when I was at a bar called Fat Tuesday on the beach in Cozumel (jealous yet) downing my third strawberry daquiri, and then weaving my way back to the ship. At least I wasn't alone, my sister, and her SIL were with me, weaving. . ..

I also really liked the Thin For Life book. One of the things I noticed that most of the Masters ate the same way after reaching goal as they did to lose the weight. That reinforces what I've been turning over in my mind: that this is a lifestyle change, not a diet. . .Also, that it just takes TIME. And boy, aren't we used to things that are instanteous. . .

Julie

Oh, Michelle - congrats on being down a pound! And with your boots on, too! Thats terrific.

Julie~:lol: about your weaving Daiquiri story! :rofl: I had a cruise like that too.....a long time ago.

Sounds like i should check out that Thin for Life book...

Michelle - I know I was there, since I have a hat to prove it. . . but the rest of the day is a leeettle fuzzy . . .

Julie, Michele - Here's to those weaving days and nights :cheers:

Julie - We are in the practicing stages of becoming "Masters"
Michele- I recommend "Thin For Life" for all chicks that want to be just that... :lol:

How come it's so quite on here today?

Attention: Chicks, could we please have a moment of silence, I just ate my very last LA Lite Chocolate Crunch Bar and there won't be another purchase..... :cry: :cry: Can I get a :grouphug: :?:

I wondered why it was so quiet too?

Aw, Star, here's a :grouphug: for you......Are you going to try the Luna's? I forgot my bars altogether for work today and i'm missing them. I look forward to them at 10 am and 3 pm. Does that mean i can have 2 tonight? :lol:

:lol: at Star. I ate my last one this weekend. I am strictly a Luna girl now! :lol:

Next time the bars are brought up, or other products for that matter I'm going to tell them, "Well, if you would make them AFFORDABLE, i'd consider it." If all of us told them that, maybe they'd eventually get the hint.

Michele, Marcie - Thanks for the support.....I just started to shake thinking about never having one again........no telling what tomorrow will be like......
Actually I bought some of the Nabisco 100 Calories Snacks and had that this morning. That saves money and calories......
I'm thinking I will pick up some Luna Bars at my Walmart or Target. I'm gonna try and kick the 2 a day habit though.....My name is Star and I"m a Baraholic........or should it be Liteaholic???

Oh, Star, I feel your pain . . . here's a :grouphug: Especially with your addiction :D Are you a luna convert? what's your favorite flavor??
How are the braces going?

Michelle - enjoy every bite of those two bars. Although you really don't have to eat both of them . .

Julie - With the braces I had been putting the Lites in the microwave for 10 seconds for that soft textue....where the chocolate melts ever so nicely.....With the Luna's they seem to be harder on the braces and I have to break them off in tiny pieces. Maybe it's a blessing in diguise, I'm stronger than a piece of chocolate......lol
My favorite Luna is Nutz Over Chocolate......I just thought of the easiest fix, just drinking Hersheys Chocolate right out of the bottle.......hum? How would I measure 180 calories????
Well, I'm outta here for another day....catch you chicks tomorrow......hugs...and chocolate kisses.....

Hi Ladies: Sorry I was MIA today. I did get a chance to read, but not to post.

Let's see if I can remember everything.

Julie: Great to read your back. LOL! I couldn't have pick for you to think of us at a better place than enjoying a cool cocktail at a bar in Mexico. I have never been to Mexico, but in Aruba - I swear they make the best fufu drinks that are really, really yummy and very staggering after 3+. I swear, rum tastes so much better while on vacation. Cheers to having you back.

Star: I will have to get the book Thin for Life and read all those peoples secrets and success stories. I really need some motiviation at getting to my goal. I feel that I'm slipping and can't seem to bring myself back on-track 100%. Good to see your posts. Say Hi to Karen (Rusty) for me. Tell her to keep up the biking and we want to know her progress as soon as her computer is fixed.

Okay, I think I'm the only one left that is doing the LA Lites with the exception of maybe Julie (think she purchased everything up-front?). When I get to my goal, or get really bored with the Lites - I'll try switching, but I'm still okay with them for now.

Mitchy, I wish what you said was true, but you know - if they do go up and everyone stopped buying them - they would have to reconsider the price hike.

Well, went to a brunch with some girl friends that we have all known each other since kindergarden. Had a great time. Then, in the afternoon went with DH to a tavern to watch 1/2 of the Super Bowl. I think I over did my starches by having 2 too many Blue Lite drafts. OOPS! I'm back OP today and don't have another party to deal with until the Daytona Nascar Race on the Feb 20th. I'm going to try planning and bringing some OP foods for me and I have 2 weeks to plan so don't have any excuses if I don't.

Fiona: Hope your feeling well soon. Man, this has been a terrible year for colds and flus.

Marcie: Are you going to tell the center that you are doing the Lunas in replacement of the LA Lites as just tell they you purchased the Lites elsewhere? Keep us updated on that. P.S. Say Hi to DianeM1 for me! ;)

Metal: I just want to know how you got into the 150s - did you have any stalls along the way? I need something to get me over this hump and I'm looking for help. Any suggestions?

Well, I just got back from the gym and I'm kind of tried after have a few drinks last night - been dragging all day. Have a great evening and I'll try to post tomorrow.

Hugs, Sy

Sy-
I told them I bought a case of LA Lites on ebay. They didnt hassle me at all...until the conselor from another store showed up *sigh* She was little miss know it all and I wanted to punch her. I lost 3 lbs and she didnt even give me any words of praise....just ***** and nag. UGH. Some people. *off soap box* I wish Diane would post more here!!! For a long time (in like 2002) we were the only ones posting on this thread. Amazing eh? I get PMs from her occassionally. She has been so close to goal for a long time...I hope she really buckles down and makes it there soon! I know she can do it! :smug:

hi all.... happy monday! today was a little bit better of a day... i can't remember if i said anything last friday, but i got in a little fender bender... i was at a stop light and the pickup in front of me started to go and then stopped all of a sudden... i of course didn't have a very quick reaction and rammed into the back of him. he was driving a pickup, so i went up underneath him. my car has a bent hood and scratches, and his only has a few scratches... well, today i got a call from insurance, HE TURNED IT IN!! seriously, if it's that bad i'll just pay it and not go thru insurance and hike up my premiums!

my furniture that was supposed to be delivered december 1st was finally delivered today!! yeah!! and my new cell phone came today!! yeah!! finally a few things are falling into place!!

whew... and then... drum roll.... i lost 1.4 pounds since saturday!! yeah!! that's 12 total... 10 more until goal... yeah...

i tried the nutz over chocolate, smores, lemonzest and chocolate peppermint stick luna bars... i really liked them all... i think they are better than the LA lites! i have about a week and a half supply left of LAs, but after that, hello lunas!!

hope everyone has a wonderful evening!

Hey all - just catching up for the evening. :)

Sy, I'm still doing the lites with ya. I've never even looked into the Lunas...I guess I just reconciled myself to the cost of the Lites when I started the program, and it's handy to buy a bulk and then pick them up as needed. To each his own! :D

Thanks to the wonders of modern medicine (a.k.a. Tylenol Cold & Sinus), I've been feeling almost normal all day. I didn't eat too off plan today - maybe even under-ate - so I'm going to see what my home scale says in the morning and decide whether to stick with my week off or go ahead and weigh in. I wasn't very good again this weekend, what with feeling like I deserved all the comfort food I could get, but the damage wasn't as bad as it could have been, so we'll see.

Anyway, that's all for tonight - see you all in the morning!

Fiona

Good morning all!

I had the munchies last night and a few bites of several off plan foods while I was making dinner for DH. OOOOOPPPPPSSSSS! I had a moment of weakness I guess! :lol: I am back on plan today! I really want to lose my 2 lbs this week so I hit that 20 lb loss mark. Gotta work hard!!!

Have a great on plan day all....and drink lots of H20!

Good Morning Ladies:

I am here and accounted for - just reading and learning from you gals while I struggle with this weight gain :( I had to adjust the Luna Bars to once a day - THere too good and I can't stop eating them. I'm cutting one up right now into four pieces for work and see how that goes.

WHat kind of light or fat free cheese are we using? What Brand? I looked Saturday and all I could find was shredded stuff.

Hugs to all

Good News Ladies! :goodscale

I went and weighed in yesterday; and I was down 2lbs from last week! :cheer:

I am now officially down 80lbs! :cloud9: I have 10lbs to go…….. :crossed:

Sy: I followed the plan without the LA Supplements, LA Lites, or exercising. It took a lot of determination and self control! Tell me your story, maybe I can help. If you don’t want to publish your story, you can post me a private message; I will be happy to help. :coach: :cheer:

Good Luck Ladies! :goodluck:
Karen

http://www.3fatchicks.com/weight-tracker/img/heartbar/slider-hearts/lb/230.4/140/150.4/ (http://www.3fatchicks.com/weight-tracker/index.php)

:coffee:

Sy - If I won the lottery, I would buy a life supply of LA Chocolate Lites :lol:
Yes, you need to run out and purchase "Thin For Life"....it might be just he motivation you need. It also reinforces that we are doing all the right stuff (well, along with some of the wrong stuff from time to time :cheers: ). If we keep up what we're doing the payoff will be so worth our effort... ;)

Cici - sorry to hear about your fender bender. About two months ago, my stepson was staying with us for a temp separation from DDIL. I backed out of the garage right into the side of his truck in the driveway :dizzy: I guess I had forgotten he was staying with us. Thanks goodness the damage wasn't major, but we have yet to get my SUV or his truck fixed. SS & DIL have since reconciled and he went back home ;) :cp: For you weight loss, you'll be at goal in no time.

Marcie - that counslor from :devil: needs to be counsled herself. I can't believe she said nothing about your loss and was just such a bummer. For the past few weeks I have been weighing at home and the only counslor I have to deal is with the one in my head. She is very human, supportive and knows all the right things to say :lol: Your doing the right thing getting right back on plan, but you know what to do, your getting great results!

Fiona - Glad you are feeling better, it's awful being sick. It is also very hard to even think about staying on plan. You need some comfort foods to assist in your recovery. You know when to get back on track, way to go.

Bev - Cutting the Luna bars might be a good idea for you. My reasoning is that on 6WBMO you had no sweets at all, maybe your body will have to adjust to adding sweets back in :?: Another thing I was thinking about, since I ran out of Lites, I'm saving 360 calories a day right there. Can't help you on the cheese since I don't really eat any. Keep up that exercise and are you thinking about getting another new exercise outfit for the audience?

Hum, I guess Rusty hasn't gotten her computer up and running again. I'll have to talk to her in a minute here and get the scoop.....

Hugs.......

Good morning all,

Just checking in to say Hi

Metalchic-Wow, 80lbs...that's fantastic! Congrats!!!

Sy- I too am doing the lites, I bought all my weight loss and stablization weeks up front, but am thinking about mixing in some lunas for a change.

Beverly- I mainly use the shredded Kraft 2% cheeses, I saw they finally had some in brick form the other day. I know some people are using some single serve cheese, but I'm not sure what they are called....

Marcie-I with you on the off plan moment last night, but mine in the form of Smirnoff Apple Twisters....it was a terrible Monday at work and it was just what I needed to take the edge off :-) I skipped my light to somewhat make up for it.

Exercise plan is still going well, I'm walking/jogging about 4 miles a day at least 5 days a week, though some days I've started doing an exercise tape (I tape Gilad's Bodies in Motion from the Health channel). I also bought some resistance bands to take with me when I have to go out of town for work...anyone have any experience with these or advice????

Take care,
Jen

Thanks Jen! :thanks:

Beverly: I knew I forgot something…. :sorry:

Beverly: I buy the Kraft 2% Block Cheese. I get the mild cheddar; but they also have it in sharp cheddar. I buy the Kraft 2% Shredded Cheese most of the time; I get mild cheddar, mozzarella, and cobly-jack; or I will get the Sargento Reduced-Fat Mexican Blend. Kraft has sharp cheddar in the 2% too. I can only find the Kraft 2% mozzarella and cobly-jack at Harris Teeter. Harris Teeter also has some sliced varieties of Sargento Reduced-Fat Cheese. Lowes Foods, Food Lion, and Wal-Mart carry the Kraft 2% block and shredded mild and sharp cheddar. Wal-Mart is the only place that I have found that has the Sargento Reduced-Fat Mexican Blend. You have to look for it; usually they have only one row and it is mixed in or away from the regular fat varieties. The low-moisture skim milk mozzarella has the same amount of fat and calories as the 2% cheddars, and the 2% mozzarella has 10 less calories and 1 less fat gram. :cheese:

If you need anymore help, let me know.

Good Luck! :goodluck:
Karen

http://www.3fatchicks.com/weight-tracker/img/heartbar/slider-hearts/lb/230.4/140/150.4/ (http://www.3fatchicks.com/weight-tracker/index.php)

MetalChic - CONGRATS - you ROCK........

Jen - sounds you got that exercise plan down pat - way to go!!!! About the bands, I have used them on the 6 Week Body Makeover plan. Warning - if you attach them on a closed door, be sure it is locked, otherwise you can knock yourself in the head with one of the stablization balls. Possibly causing a knot on the head or death.....lol
Resistance bands are a good tool once you get use to them.....

Morning gals! Feeling MUCH better today. Scale was even down, as I suspected, allthough not all the way to pre-weekend weight. I'm going to stay OP today and weigh in tomorrow.

RE: cheese - DH and I buy the locally produced brand of cheese - Crystal Farms - in block form. My favorite is Provolone and I eat it on almost everything - Prov and CoJack are the two kinds you can ALWAYS find in our fridge. Usually I shred it on my salad or slice it for topping tuna melts (and sometimes both in the same day! :shh: ). I LOVE cheese, so it's a struggle to keep within the 1 oz. guideline.

Will post more later...

Fiona

I was only .2 down from Friday, but i'll still take it. I was down more earlier at the dr.'s in the early a.m. but that really doesn't count, i tend to weigh in the evening, so that's a more accurate weight for me.

I've gotten my cousin interested in LAWL, she was there having a consultation. She didn't sign up, the weekly fee has gone up to $11 a week and they thought she should lose 40 lbs., which is too much for her. So she's going to think about it.

MetalChic, Woo hoo!!! :dance: :cheer: Way to go girl!

Good morning, chickies!

Finally catching up on my sleep - funny, I can still feel the ship moving under me. . . :dizzy:

Did do the scale :goodscale this am - I think I'm up about 5 since my last WI - definately time to up the H20 cocktails, and get back to clean eats.

About cheese - on the new program purple is allowed 2 oz of low fat - I don't do it very often since I usually have yogurt with fruit - but I like the cabot 50% and the lite laughing cow wedges. . .The laughing cow is great on crackers. 2 are 1 1/2 oz and I usually just count that as my dairy.

Michelle - woohoo on being down. remember the turtle - slow and steady.

Diane/Metalchick - way to go, chickie! Nice to know it can be done - that's how much I want to lose. . .

Fiona - glad to know that you're feeling better. I have :crossed: that I won't get sick this year - never fun.

Carrie - sorry about the fender bender - that's why they call them accidents! Glad that your home is getting together - sounds like things are really falling into place for you - the stars must be in the right position! Oh, and congrats on the WL!

About Lites and Lunas - I do use them interchangably - I like both - although there are more luna's that I like than lites. I do really like the honey nougat and the cookie dough. I'm using the luna's to stretch the lites through maintainence (if such a thing ever happens). . .

Sy - I have to put a plug in for the Thin for Life book - there is also a book discussion thread going on over in the Maintainence Library forum - very interesting to lurk and read what people over there think about the book. It's also made me think of life after goal - how to deal with NOT wanting the scale to go down, but to learn how to keep it within a range. I've always found it much easier to lose 30 pounds than to keep it off. . .

Star, how is the new Princess?? How are you adjusting the plan without lites? Tell Karen/Rusty that we miss her. . .

Hugs and skinny vibes to all!
Julie

Laughing cow...that was the cheese! I too really enjoy the colby/jack, but have only found it at a store I don't normally shop at...figures...

Star-You crack me up! It would be just like me hit myself in the head...I'm not the most coordinated exerciser ;-)

Julie- welcome back from your cruise...those 5lbs will gone in no time once your back OP..sounds like you had a great time!

Fiona- Glad you're feeling better.

Michele- It's still a loss, so way to go!!!!!

Jen

Jen - Well getting hit in the head with the band stabilization ball happened to me and also to several other gals on that plan. It was really funny but could actually be really dangerous (blindness, etc)........Being a fan of free weights I never really wanted to do the bands but felt compelled to conquer them, I ended up :dizzy: After doing them for afew weeks the quest was over and done and back to free weights I went.... :lol: With them you can only lose a toe :lol:

Julie - That's not a bad trade for all the fun you had :cheers: You have the cure mastered......
Glow-worm/Angel-princess is fine. She is staying awake more now and is a good baby. David is 14 months now and his favorite toy (out of 50) is my celll phone or whoever's cell phone nearest to him.

Congrats Michele on the loss, we take whatever we can get ;)

Rusty is thinking she will be back tomorrow....

I'm hoping that these five don't take as long to lose as they did the first time! I do think that getting back on the wagon is the key, don't you all???? And that is a big improvement over my normal behavior!

Julie

Okay, that's wierd. I had a whole post written, and I saw it post and everything, and now it's gone.

Anyway -

Julie, I know those five will just FLY off if you do what you know how to do!

I haven't read the TFL book yet but have been reading the discussions in the maintainers forum. I really enjoyed the synopsis of chapter five, which was all about dealing with lapses and weight gain. Interesting, and very helpful. I need to get the book one of these days so I can see the big picture. :)

Fiona

p.s. my lunch was really lousy - my lettuce was wilty and my LC tasted funny. It's probably a good thing I don't have any cash on me today, as I'd most certainly be raiding the vending machine right about now. :nono:

Fiona, Star, Jen - as Joan Rivers says - from your lips to God's ears . . .
I do think that the way to treat vacations is as a LAPSE not a RELAPSE (I think that's right)
Thanks to all you chickies still being here -- it's really helpful to me to know that I've got buds practicing the same song.

Speaking of songs - have any of you done karioke? They had several shows on the ship, and I'm thinking of practicing . . . now, if I add some dance steps, that would be exercise, right?

Julie

Julie - I love to go and watch people sing karioke. BUT if I took the mic I could clear a bar faster than a police raid.....it's bad! I only sing in my house, sometimes DH will go outside....lol And yes, dancing is considered exercise.

Um, I think that with enough liquid courage I could do it . . At least the dancing would add entertainment value . . .

Julie,

Yes, I'm all too familar with that liquid courage. Several times it made me feel as if I were obviously the best dancer at the bar, wedding, etc......Only to remember the next day and go "Oh No." .......lol

Star - you've just destroyed the illusion that I AM the best dancer, singer. etc -- some things are better NOT captured on film (unless it's for americas funniest videos)

Anyway - out of her for the day - catch you all later!

Hugs, and have a good POP day!
Julie

Yay, my computer is fixed! I knew sort of what was wrong with it - some software or other kept making it crash - but I couldn't figure out which one. So I took it to the computer geek fixit shop, and they determined that the problem was...the touchpad mouse that came with the computer! :rollpin: I NEVER would have figured that out, so I'm glad I took it in and let them have at it. Hooray for happy 'puters! :comp:

Fiona

Hello everyone how was ur weekend? Tomarrow makes one week since I started lawl, Friday they gave me the fast tracker book along with the frozen meal list. All this weekend i have felt like i was cheating when i would eat a frozen meal. so i was a lil aprehensive when i weighed in today thinking this frozen meanls have either made me gain or not loss. so i step on the scale and i have lost 5.4 pounds in 6 days what a great feeling this gave me! i know i wont lose5 pounds every week but to start off my first week i feel great i havent been hungry havent even craved ne thing either which is strange by now, i have however had to try a different la lite when i 1st started eatting the bars i thought hey these arent bad now im like thinking man imma get sick b4 i can get it down so i got the vanilla shakes this time around. hope every one has a great week. ~~tori~~

Way to go TORI!!!!

No time to post now...gotta start dinner before I get toooo hungry.

http://www.3fatchicks.com/weight-tracker/img/bar055/fireworks01/lb/226.8/150/221.4/ (http://www.3fatchicks.com/weight-tracker/index.php)

trying to figure out how to use my weight tracker

Hi

Julie I think you did great only gaining five pounds and you know it will come off pretty quickly - it always does.

Star- you must be checking out my closet - Yep I bought another exercise top - this is so weird - me at my age going through the athletic department of JC Penny looking for something cute and comfortable to work in. I need about five outfits cause you have to wash them when your done - right :o At least I work up a sweat. Speaking of sweat - its running down me now as I just finished WATP tape - whoo - It will be a while before I can do the three mile without dropping over.

Well it worked out better today - I cut up my one and ONLY Luna bar into four servings and put it in a ziplock bag by my desk. I enjoyed having my treat about every 1 1/2 hours. And the calories you save by cutting down to one. THis way if I get really hungry I can legally have one more. I"m also trying not to have any carbs for my evening meal. I just have to see that scale move or I"m going to cry so much I will loose water weight that way.

I hit the all time high this morning - growled, swore, gave my self a "what the heck are you doing Beverley" talk to get this eating under control. Well it stuck with me all day and I'm doing really good. ALso saving jello for my sweet tooth after supper.

You guys loosing weight is just WOW - I'm very proud of all of you. Hopefully it will rub off really really soon.

Okay I'm busy making a chocolate cake with chocolate frosting for my son and soon to be DIL. This will prove to me whose in control by not eating that cake but some day hopefully soon I intend to indulge in such a treat. YUM YUM :nono:

Question - can we legally have a LC at our evening meals every night - that would be easier for me cause I come home starved but if not thats okay too.


Catch you all later

Hugs

problem.... little bit of emotional eating going on here.... my car broke down today and the window broke and now i have a plastic window... what do i do? go to mcd's and get a burger and fries... no!!! and then i get home and have ice cream... i've been doing so good, but nothing is going my way financially.... argh...

Hi Everyone! :wave:

This week has been crazy!!!! The wedding details are getting to me and why is it the the guys never want to be involved???? I was so mad at the DF today and I think it's just the stress consuming me! Less that 2 months now chickies! YIPPEE! I am looking so forward to Vegas and just having fun. We booked a dinner on the top of the Stratosphere, which is 800 ft. above Vegas and it rotates! It's going to be really cool! After the wedding and short honeymoon we're heading out to Montana for a week to spend with DFs mother and ill father. Unfortunately they will not be at the wedding, so we're bringing it home to them!

:faint: :yikes: I keep having these dreams about my wedding dress not fitting and running out of time, not making it to the wedding :fr: ...It's motivating me to stay on plan because if my dress doesn't fit I will be up the creek without a paddle! :yikes: My dress in the dream looked like a cow print moo-moo... :rofl: well maybe not, but it was hidious!

Julie - So glad you're back! Hope you had a fabulous time on your cruise!

There has been a lot of chatter about the Luna Bars and I bought a whole bunch from Amazon.com. :love: "Nutz Over Chocolate" :T is by far my favorite...and I also bought 2 boxes of the "Dulce de Leche", which I thought was to taste like caramel and they're just awful...as well as a box of the "Sweet Dreams" flavor. It's ok, but I probably will not buy that one again either.

Cici - Hang in there! You'll get thru the urges and if you slip alittle drink some extra water and start off fresh tomorrow. We've all been there and we're all here for you!

I skipped work-out 3 times now and I'm going to kick myself tomorrow if I don't do it! :tread:

Fiona - Any word on DHs new job yet? All this waiting must be driving you nuts!

Diane a.k.a Bridezilla :flow1:

I uploaded a picture of my wedding gown as my profile picture... :love: It's so pretty and I can't wait to get it. Check it out and tell me what you all think!


Bridezilla

WOW - its absolutely beautiful - your going to look gorgeous in it.

It sounds like you need a group :grouphug: One thing at a time - I can't imagine your nerves right now. Try either staying OP today or just do the exercises - you must be over whelmed with things to do.

Okay whew I am down one ugly pound this morning so cutting out one of the bars must of done something. I dreamed I was thin and so happy - I just have to make that happen while I"m alive!! (lol). By the way my Cholestoral check up was excellent. I"m on only 1/2 a pill for that. And only 1/2 pill for my blood pressure. Now if I Can just get rid of them entirely. I haven't lost any more weight since the last check up so it must of been all the exercising this time that lowered it. Geez will I be able to get my 80 year old butt on a treadmill in the future to keep it this way? :lol:

Ooh time for work - board reports today along with payroll - I love a busy day!

Hugs to everyone - Enjoy the day!

Bridezilla :lol:-
Your gown in beautiful!!!! I know how you feel about the wedding planning. I did it for a year and almost went crazy!! DH did almost nothing...neither did his family. My mom and grandma helped a bit, but mostly with crafty projects. I did most on my own with my wedding coordinator. I am soooooo glad I will never do any of that again!!!

Best wishes to you....gooood luck making it through the last stages of planning and preparing!!!

Well Good morning - can't use my icons for some reason :?: Oh there we go :coffee:

Tori - Congrats on the very nice loss! Isn't it nice to be able to eat those LC, they make staying POP much easier. Oh and I love your ticker.

Bev - Glad you are losing again. It must be all that working out. Doesn't having nice workout clothes make it just alittle more fun? And yes, we need several outfits becuz of the sweat factor, but sweat is a good thing ;)
If you could just ditch the apron alittle more, you could probably lose faster (just jealous cuz I don't bake-wish you lived with me). About exercise at 80, if we keep it up, we will be doing it with our canes... :lol: Sounds like you are making your doctor happy and yourself healthly....way to go!

Carrie - Hang in there, keep up the good job. Even MCD"s won't fix your car. Things will turn around for you.

Bridezilla - Your dress is so beautiful!! You are gonna be a knock out in it! Everything about the wedding sounds perfect. About DF not gettin involved, that sounds pretty normal - they are still men afterall.... :D About your skipping exercise right now - you can't do everything, give yourself a break.

Marcie,Jen, Julie, Michele, Karen, Fiona and anyone else I missed - Hi Chicks!
Hopefully Rusty will be back today sometime......
If any of you MIA chicks are reading - Miss ya - come back and say HI..

Hugs....

Diane - your dress is wonderful! Can't wait to see pics of YOU in it! :love: :lol:

Jeez, guys(gals?!) - I don't know what my problem is lately! I was doing so good yesterday and then screwed it all up at the end. I had a meeting to go to that was at TGIFridays, which is like LAWL Hell for me, 'cause I love everything they have and most of it is sooo very far off plan. But I tried to plan ahead, and ordered the "Atkins" chicken quesadillas, which were okay - not as good as the regular ones - and I was still hungry so instead of ordering a side salad or something good like that, I picked dessert! And now I'm BACK UP this morning, when I was so looking forward to being down! Why do we sabotoge ourselves like this??? :?: :?: :?:

That's my rant for the day. DD is home "sick" today - don't know what's going on yet, no fever, no apparent stomachache, but she was acting like she'd been up til 2 a.m. - just dead-tired, and now she's konked out on the couch. Hopefully a couple more hours sleep will perk her up...!

Catch you all later -

Fiona

Hi chicks,

I've got a terrible tummy ache today- :( probably should not have had the combination plate at Chevy's last night. And Ithought I was doing so well with only eating half of it. I must be more lactose intolerant than I realized - but ususally cheese doesn't affect me. . .

Tori - you are doing great, chickie! About the LCs- I've only had one a day - and usually for lunch. For me, I try to stay away from starch after about 4:00 if I can.

Fiona - those type of things are so tough! Can you make sure that you are not ravenous the next time? Also, sometimes I feel so virtuous :angel: that it keeps me on track.

Diane/Bridezilla - everything is going to be terrific! Your dress looks like a Cinderalla fantasy and you'll look terrific in it! If anything, it will be loose! (I do like the dulce de leche - but like I've said - I've hardly ever met a luna bar that I didn't like)

Carrie - the trick is to get right back on track - and to be a little gentle with yourself - just the things you've posted in the past week - sounds like your life is a little bit of a roller coaster. . .Lots of good things happening, some bad things - it'll even out soon!

Beverly - so great that you've made your doctor happy! And I think it's great that you're doing the workout outfits just for you. Now that's a gift I should give myself!

Star, Jen, Michelle, Marcie, Britt - hope you are all doing well! And what has happened to Sy :?:

Skinny vibes!
Julie

Chicks - DH and I are celebrating our 2nd anniversary Sat. My mom, stepdad and my sons and dil's are going to Bahama Breeze Resturant. I was wondering if any of you have ever been to one of their resturants and how was the food???

Afternoon all. I just wanted to let everyone know that I am back. Boy do i have some reading to do lol. I will try my best to catch up some today when i have time to read. You girls have been chatty! I called and extended the hold on my program on Monday one more week so i will officially be back to WI on Monday 2/14/05. I am going to try and get back on the program before then. I havent done to bad actually i think my weight has been bouncing around 2-3 lbs so im going to get back on my treadmill tonight if i feel up to it. I am extreamly tired and feel like i could sleep for days. I hope everyone is doing well ill check back in a little later when i have had time to catch up on things i think i have like 10 pages +/- to read lol.

Britt

Star - we don't have one of those yet real close to me, but it's a Darden restuarant (like Olive Garden and Red Lobster) - and you can check out their website at http://www.bahamabreeze.com/. The menu looks really yummy. . . Wish I could sit at the next table. . .

You are still newlyweds! Didn't know that. . .

Julie

Hey Britt, we were posting at the same time! Glad that you are still with us! My first WI after the cruise is tomorrow . . . And I am not looking forward to it. . .

Be good to yourself, chickie, you've been through a lot the past few weeks. . .

Hugs,
Julie

Julie - Thanks for the info, I didn't think to look on the web....duh
Yes, we are still newlyweds. We were married at a mass wedding during a Pistons basketball game, with 25 other couples. It was a hoot....

Britt - Welcome back-missed ya....

Thanks girls im trying to be. It sucks to stay up almost 48 hrs in a row. Just another sign that im not as young as i used to be lol. I guessing being at the hospital just takes so much out of you. The last several days are a blur really so not sure if i let you all know or not but my grandfather did pass away on friday. I dont recall being on the computer and posting since then but i could be mistaken lol. Like i said its been a long two weeks. I havent had time to read yet but i will be eating lunch here shortly and will try to catch up then. I want to read all about your cruise Julie cause im sure you have filled us in! GL with your WI tomorrow. Star how is the grandbaby?

Britt

Britt - not just being at the hospital, but all the rest, too. . . Not too much to report about the cruise - except too much sun, food, alcohol, probably too much time at the poker slots. .

Julie

Britt~my condolences for you and family re: your Grandfather's passing. :grouphug:

Julie - I was just thinking - we didn't really get any "details" about the cruise? But it sounds like overall fun! Just teasing - what happens on a cruise - stays there...

Hi ladies: Have been reading the posts but didn't have time to post until now. Got a break between 3 and 3:30pm so wanted to post. I'm working late and have something to start at 3:30pm so I'm in waiting around mode.

Tori, great job at being down 5 lbs. How exciting - and don't you just love that feeling.

Julie and Star: I'm with you with that liquid courage as far as Karioke - did that at a party after liquid courage kicked in and didn't put down the mike the rest of the night. It's on video and I refuse to watch it (because it was our friend's party and it was his father and me doing the singing). Yikes, I'm suprised that I'm not banned from the place. LOL! Had a great time just the same, just refuse to re-live it. LOL! As far as dancing, I don't dance unless I have a few drinks - and I actually don't care what others think about. Most people do okay with that.

Julie: Good luck tomorrow at WI.

Star: Did you have a snow storm yesterday? We are suppose to get between 7-14 inches of snow between now and tomorrow evening. It just started here about 2:30pm - so it should be a fun ride home.

Carrie, when it rains - it pours. Personally, I cry each time I have car problems. Goes back when I was 16 and had to use all my saved cash to fix my old clunkers (as Mom didn't like to drive us anyplace). It's a pain being without a car. I'm hoping your luck turns around quickly.

Britt: Welcome back and good luck at going back to the center on 2/14.

Well, gotta run. I'll check again once I get my work stated as I work with computers and the work I have to do is to get it started and sit and wait until it completed. Later, Sy

Dilemma!!! I have to choose between the two...Do I: A. watch American Idol at 7PM or B. Go to my Jazzercise 7:10PM class??? I unfortunately have no way to tape the show and I could treadmill after, but I know how motivated I am about using the treadmill, but I love American Idol!!!! OK, I already made up my mind, but I don't want to feel guilty! :fr: Anybody out there watching that "Celebrity Fat Club"? I've watched a few episodes, but I don't know who most of them are??? Well it's all Reality and I love reality shows.

I watched "The Notebook" today and I was uncontrolably crying :cry: at the end...and then DF walks in the room and started laughing. :lol3: It must of been quite the site to see me balling my eyes out under a blanket on the couch. :cry: I read the book many years ago and I remember balling through that as well. You need a good cry every once in awhile! (snif, snif) :cry:

Britt - Sorry to hear about you grandfather.

Diane :flow1:

Bride: Okay, you made up your mind - but I'm thinking you should go to the Jazzersize class at 7:10pm or at the least, promise yourself to get on the treadmill once the show is over with. I like American Idol too, but it's only the beginning when they are picking everyone and last night, they didn't show enough to really get interested in the show anyway. I doubt that you'll be missing much. Once they start the 'real' competition - then I would choose to stay home. Think of how much closer to your goal you will be by your wedding day if you do exercise. Sometimes I drag myself to the gym and once I'm there - I'm glad I went. Just MHO. Sy

So many friends at MIA lately. We haven't heard from Kristi in so long. Sammy, miss you too. And, where the heck is TAMS? I know there are others, but that is what comes to mind first. Miss you too Dianem1 ;).

Diane,
About your "big" decision...(lol) watch American Idol and don't feel quilty, evey Bridezilla needs to grab as much chill time as possible!

Sy - I can just picture you and pops entertaining. I always knew you a party girl. Too bad people have to get it on tape and make us have bad flashbacks.

Diane_Is your treadmill near the TV, maybe you could watch and walk. I usually start walking before the program that way by the time the first commercial comes on I'm about half way done....

I watch the tv every morning while doing the treadmill. I just have to TURN IT UP REALLLLLLLLLLLLLY LOUD........

Yes, it was really too bad that they got me on tape. It was a pre-marriage party for my husband's friend - who has since divorced and his children are about 6 & 7 years old. I never saw the tape (actually refused several offers), but heard about it everytime I saw his family. Yikes! How embarassing! :o Hopefully now that they are divorced someone in either family burned the thing. LOL! Haven't Karioke'd since. Can you blame me?

Great idea about exercising and watching the show! I didn't think of that because if you can image, I only have 1 TV in the house and it's in the living room (and I don't have a treadmill). :dizzy:

Britt: Sorry to hear about your grandfather. You are so right that visiting some people in the hospital can really take a toll on you. ~Sy~

Sy - the next time someone brings up the tape, just tell them "What ever happens at a party stays at the party".

Diane/Bride - the movie that always has me weeping at the end is The Color Purple. . . luckily I live alone, and no one sees the piles of kleenex.

Cruise details - well, it is true that the water in the caribbean is turquoise. It is absolutely lovely. And the food is varied - you can find something to eat any time of the day. And there is always music playing, and some sort of activity, like bingo, plywood horse racing, trivia games, plus of course the karioke. And there was a magician and a comedian. . We were lucky that the weather was really good; the only rain was at night. I am glad that I went with a group - not sure if I'd enjoy it by myself (unless fortified with liquid courage, since I can be a little shy. ) No fellas - most men seemed to be paired with someone.

Star - how fun to have your wedding with several thousand of your closest friends. . .Must have made the news. . .

Julie

Julie - sounds fabulous! I think I said, DH and I want to do a cruise one day - now I'm even more anxious!

Sy, I know how you feel - I agree that the tape should probably be destroyed! Too bad there had to be the father in it - that could be a memento to someone someday. :shrug: I know that I wish I could burn every picture of me taken in the last four and a half years, but my mom has threatened to disown me if I try it, lol! :lol:

No news on DH's job yet - I'm suspecting they are waiting to possibly talk over the last candidate with the pastor who is on the missions trip (gets back tonight, I think) or else they are just leaving it to him to contact us - er - their first choice candidate. ;)


As for me, I have another two open houses this weekend! :dancer: One is actually a repeat of last weekend, and one is a brand-new listing (both for the same agent). I'm refining my strategy a little bit every time I do one of these, and since we're on the leading edge of The Season, lol, I hope to have some good traffic and I can put my latest learned-the-hard-way lessons to good use. Keep your fingers crossed for me, too! :D

Oh, and about weeping at movies (etc.) - I just finished re-reading Little Women for about the fifth time - I cry all the way through, every time! It's ridiculous, and boy it didn't help that I started it over the weekend, right about the time my sinuses started acting up! No wonder I looked like a wreck for three straight days. :rolleys

Oh, and the fam went to Perkins for dinner and I was very good - bunless burger and a side salad, and only one of DH's onion rings. :cb: Hopefully it will show tomorrow.

Have a good night!

Fiona

The UPS guy just dropped off my Lunas! WOOHOO I got the variety box that has lemon zest, pecan pie and nutz over chocolate (my favorite). I am going to pack the lemon and pecan pie tomorrow so I can try them. YIPPPEEEE. Love those lunas!

29 degrees, snow on ground and my two joggers were out and running when I came into work :?: They deserve to be healthy and in shape just for being out there.....

Julie- Thanks for the details! I guess your sister would give us the more spicy details.....lol I have had friends that go on the single cruises and they say those are a blast.
About my wedding being on the news, yes it was on the 11 o'clock news. Well I had several courage cocktails and somehow they interviewed me :o I guess I told them how I knew I would marry my DH the day I met him :lol: Relatives and friends saw this on, I just wanted to die :o Oh and all our kids were actually there (celebrating with us). Ever since that, my consumption of cocktails is on a very guarded basis.
How the damage control going for you?

Fiona - Good luck at the open houses!
Marcie - I had a lemon Luna the other day. I don't really like lemon anything BUT the Luna bar didn't have a strong lemon taste and I loved it.....(I think it's the sugar I like).

Hey to all you other chicks......

Well I discovered the hard way that my CAT loves Luna Bars too........Can you believe it, the stinker got them off the counter and ate a bunch of them. I can't even find the box of chocolate peppermint's yet.......good thing i ordered 45 bars yesterday. Amazon has certain flavors again for $9.99. And I bought a single of Dulce de Leche and Chai Tea yesterday at a new store in town that I'll eat today. Thought it'd be better to spend more and try them before considering buying a box. Going to WI tonight after work.

Michele - Which color plan is your cat on?.....lol

:rofl:

Thanks for the tip on the luna bars...i just ordered 3 boxes. My husband and son like to occassionally follow the plan and use the luna bars (plus I've been dying to try the chocolate peppermint one :-)

Star-You crack me up...my cat should be OP....probably Red, she weighs a little over 20lbs and has diabetes....we give her insulin shots twice a day.

WI went well last night...down another .6 to an even 48lbs lost...really want that 50lb avatar, but have to go out of town next week for work and that's usually kind of hard for me, so that avatar might have to wait another week or so. But i'm going prepared to continue my exercise plan while I'm gone, got the hours for the gym on base (I work for the gov't), bought my resistance bands to pack in suitcase, recorded exercise shows to DVD (and am bringing portable DVD player), plus have a 5k map of the base so I can walk the route outside while I'm there if all else fails. I'll be in Georgia and it's supposed to be in the mid '60s and no rain...better than snowy yuck we've been having in OH lately...

Take care,
Jen

Jen - Way to go with the loss! The 50 pound avatar is soooo close. (Could you slow down just a tad - I feel green coming on..lol) Sounds like you really did all you can to have a successful trip; workout wise - you rock!!!!

Hi gals - just a non-update about DH's job...they called this morning, have narrowed it down to DH and one other person, and want both of them to come in for one more intervew ON THE 20TH!!! Over a week away! :rollpin: Geez, can they please drag this out for another month or two???

Fiona

Fiona: DH is in the R.E. appraisal business and it's been so dead for a couple week, now he's swamped so - your time is right around the corner. Everyone seems to want to buy and sell prior to the new school year. Good luck at your OHs this week.

Jen: Wow, you are doing awesome! Keep up the good work. Are you going to Atlanta for business or pleasure? In either case, have a great time and way-to-go at bringing your exercise stuff with you.

Star and Julie: Some girl friends wanted us all to go on a cruise - just the ladies. Although it would be a great time, I don't think it would be fair to DH as we have never been on a cruise together and if I'm going to be spending that kind of money - I think at least the first time should be with him. And, I think if your single - the singles one would be great. At least more interesting. LOL!

Gotta run, Sy

Can i just say that im soooooo tired of LEFT OVERS!!!!!!!!!! God bless the ones who brought us food but we had so much and so much of the same thing that i might just eat nothing but salad and chicken next week lol. Im ready to get back OP today is my final day of left overs i will not be eating them after today i just cant! I am going to do take off this weekend since i will be home mostly doing school work isnt that fun. Hopefully this will get be back into my groove. I havent done to bad i guess i have been floating around with 2-3 lbs that will hopefully go away when i do TO this weekend. I have to say that the two weeks i have been off plan and eating "non-plan foods" I havent enjoyed them really has anyone else experienced this?

Im so glad to see that everyone is doing so well. Im thinking about getting some luna bars and doing the 1 luna a day and 1 lite a day. I know someone here said that they do that. I think i have 10 boxes of lites left before i would have to get some more. Well im gonna go look at amazon and see what they have. I will talk to everyone later have a great day stay OP and drink lots of water! (Tomorrow i will follow that advice!)

Britt

Star-Thanks for the encouragement and I hope you're right! But of course, you always are :-)

Sy- I'm actually heading to a little town about 90 miles south of Atlanta (Warner Robins) for work. We lived there for about 10 years so there are still some old friends in the area that it will be nice to see again, but I'll be pretty busy while i'm there.

Hi Chickies!

Well, at WI was up 2.6 pounds - up to 203.8 at the center - so that's not toooooooo bad after being away for close to 3 weeks! Hopefully, I'll be back down by this time next week. :crossed:

Britt, what a great reason to go back POP - tired of left overs! (I may steal that one. . ) I do the one luna/one lite a day thing - it works out pretty well.

BTW, found out I still have 61 boxes (7 count) left in my program- that's about 30 weeks still, so I should make it through pretty well (especially with the luna bars)


Sy, there were some gal pals that went on the cruise together - I think they had a blast! Don't know if it's true for all couples, but it seems that the ones in my crew did a little sniping at each other after a few days. Not real pleasant to live with.

Star, yes, must watch the courage cocktails! I'm also not a luna fan, but like the lemon zest luna.

Jen, gosh, it sounds like you've got the exercise all together! I'm envious. And being so close to 50, and wanting it so much - I bet you'll do fine. My old experience with working at military bases - if you can get into the cafeteria, I'm sure you can find something OP.

Fiona - I'm sending you and your DH good luck vibes!

Marcie - I really like the pecan pie luna's - hope you like them, too.

Michelle - I think you should contact the Luna company - they may want to market a mini cat treat luna bar. . .

Someone mentioned that they were going to try the Chai Tea luna - could you let me know how it is? They haven't carried that in my stores yet.

About cruise prices - if you go for an inexpensive cabin, and book early, you can get a room for about 700$/person - and then figure about 3-4$ for any type of alcoholic drink that you buy. . There is shopping on board, but pretty high end (too rich for my pocket) - and there is shopping of course at the various ports - but you don't have to buy anything. There is also gambling, bingo, etc. . The food is pretty much all included, as well as all the coffee, tea and non-bottled water that you want. The shows are all free. So if you're happy with not gambling, and don't drink much - the cruise is actually a pretty good deal. (Of course you have to GET to the embarkation port - for us that was Fort Lauderdale) There are a lot of tours, etc that you can sign up for - but if you go with a group, you can get tours off the ship at the dock for a cheaper price. We went on a trip to the Mayan ruins on Cozumel, saw the turtle farm in the Grand Cayman, and the waterfall in Jamaica - and people actually WALK UP the falls. Anyway, it's well worth doing once, and then decide if you want to go again - there is nothing NOT to like. . .

Hope this falls into more detail for you chickies with enquiring minds - and yes my sister could probably give some more spicy details, but she and my BIL were doing a little of that sniping. . .

Hugs to all,
Julie

Here is my luna review for the day. :lol:

I am not a big lemon fan...but I really liked the lemon zest. It is good for my mid morning snack. I think I still prefer the chocolate ones though...but I am a chocolate junkie. :lol:

I tried the pecan pie this afternoon. It was good...had some cinnamon which I didnt expect, but I liked it.

I think I still like Nuts over Chocolate the best, but the lemon, pecan pie, peppermint, and smores are all yummy! Not a big fan of the sweet dreams...but still better than the LA Lites! :lol:

I forgot who said they bought the chai tea and another flavor...but get us a review after you try them!

I'm the one who was trying Dulce de Leche and Chai Tea today. I liked them both. The Dulce de Leche was kind of like caramel but nothing like the LA lite caramel one. It was sweet and i liked it. The chai tea really tasted like chai tea so a nice treat b/c i don't order real chai tea anymore...that's my take on it.

With all the talk about the Luna bars, I just may do the 1 Luna and 1 Lite a day thing too. I'm not sure yet, but I'll check out the Luna's - give a couple a try and see what I like better. I hope they keep me as satified as the Lites do.

Julie, the info on the cruise was perfect and just what I wanted to know.

It's hard going on vacation at times with other couples. Someone is bound to get grouchy or edgy - especially if no one can decide what to do next. Some people have to have everything planned and can't deviate. I like to take it as it comes. Don't think I could go on a relaxing vacation with SIL and BIL. She would be in tears the entire time (very sensitive) and I would have to finally have my say to BIL. It wouldn't be pretty. I normally have a great time with DH unless of course I haven't got much sleep, then I'm the BEAR! Went to Antiqua. Got up at 3:00am at home to catch the flight to JFK, was suppose to leave about 7:45am and didn't leave until 11:30am (due to a broken windshield on the plane - okay, I didn't mind them fixing it - LOL). But, that made us miss our flight to Antiqua from San Juan, and did arrive in Antiqua until 11:30pm that evening - hotel was on the other side of the island, and didn't get there until about 12:30am. Needless to say, a very long day. I was hungry, and beat, and all I could do it cry I was so tried. Not a fun way to start a vacation - and I think that DH wondered what he got himself into. LOL! After a good nights sleep, I was rearing to go and have a great vacation.

Well, I have some work I have to do from home, so I'll try to check back later. Hugs, Sy

Sy-
The lunas are larger and thicker, take longer to eat, and keep me not hungry for longer periods of time. IMHO

GOOOOOOD Friday morning all!! I am sooooo glad Friday is finally here. It has been a crazy week. Between work and school I do not know if I am coming or going half the time. : ) I am trying to talk DH into helping me paint the dining room this weekend. My parents will be here to visit in May and I want the house to look nice....plus I am sick of looking at white walls everywhere!

Good morning, chicks!

Finally, my stomach flu seems to be gone -- thank goodness!

About the cruise - if anyone has any questions, I'll be happy to try to answer - I understand that things are slightly different on the various cruise lines, but I expect that most things are similar --

Marcie - do you want to come up here and paint MY walls - happy to pay you in Luna's or Lite's. . .

Michelle - thanks for the info on the Chai Tea Luna's - I may order some off of ebay.

Sy - about traveling with couples - I think that's it - with all the togetherness, things are bound to come to the surface. And the travel arrangements just add to the tension. On our flight down, it was snowing here, and the plane took off 2 1/2 hours AFTER the departure time - It was supposed to leave at 9:00 - we got to the airport by 6:30 - DS and DBIL picked me up at 5:00, (white knuckle drive to airport on snow covered roads) - then the airline (TED) didn't feed us or give us anything to drink while we were waiting, and then the plane didn't leave until 11:30 - we got to Ft Lauderdale around 1:30 - then shuttled off to the ship very quickly. Thank goodness. But was VERY tired the first day. I think all of us where too tired to do much besides wave to the people on the shore as we left port (which was fun) and eat dinner. Even the cabin steward said I looked tired that night. . .

Skinny vibes and good POP day, everyone!
Julie

Morning gals!

Not much exciting here - just a plan to stay POP or better today as we are going out to eat for my parents' anniversary tonight. I already know I'm having the filet mignon with mushroom sauce ("Diane style" they call it) and these wonderful cheesy potatoes, and salad of course - I guess fruit for breakfast and a salad for lunch will be the order of the day.

My mom is going to FREAK OUT when the limo arrives tonight. She's got a big horse show or clinic or something starting tomorrow, and has been running around like a crazy person all week getting everything ready. Boy, does she deserve a night out! :cheers:

Hope you all have a great POP day, too!

Fiona

Fiona~Have fun tonight, woo woo.......a limo!

I had a gain of .6 last night at WI but i didn't totally freak out. The counselor was great, never mentioned it, was totally positive. I said, didn't I gain? and she said, ya, but not even a pound. Like don't worry about it, just go on and that's what i'm gonna do. I think i need some variety in my choices and i'll work on that over the weekend. I'm considering buying that cookbook too, but w/everything so expensive there, how much is it? Like $150.? I should just ask.

Have a great Friday!

Michele - sounds like you have a great counselor! BTW, the cookbook is in the 25$ range (I think). . . I got mine for free - I was having a bad week and the couselor that signed me up handed me one. . .Of course, they were changing the program so they may have been trying to unload them anyway. .

Fiona - what a terrific surprise for your DM. Did your DF get the ring done that you were talking about in December? Sounds like you've got the eating planned for the day; you're inspiring me. .

Julie

I have no idea if my dad got the ring fixed - I really hope so, though. I did e-mail him a while back and suggested it, but I figure, he's a grown man, he can handle it without me reminding him!

The cookbook at the center is $30 or $35 I think...I got mine on ebay for $15 plus shipping. There's only one up for sale right now and it's at $18 something, but includes a new box of the Lite chocolate shake mix.

Someone on here has the cookbook on CD, though! I love that idea. Where did our recipe queen go? :queen:

Julie - funny, knowing that you are being inspired by me is inspiring me to stay on plan! :D

Fiona

I was wondering about our recipe queen, too, when the cookbook question came up.

Fiona - that's the key about joint inspiration, no?

Okay, where is EVERYONE today??

:coffee:

It's Friday.....I'm here....waiting for the day to be over with already...... :(

Fiona, Have fun at the celebration tonight. I know your mom will love it. I'm crossing my fingers that your dad remembered.....

Julie - Geez, I don't remember you saying you had the stomach flu? Hope it is better, did you get it after or on the cruise? Thanks for the details on the vacation! See if I hear enuf details I can daydream about me being there :lol:
Traveling with a group always brings along situtations. I know when we go on a long motorcycle trip with friends, you just can't make everyone happy. I always have to say I'm just going with the flow and having a good time. We have one couple that liked to make all the plans all the time. DH is very nonconfrontational so we ususally do whatever "bossy couple" wants too.

Michele - Your counslor sounds wonderful but very different from any of the one's I've had.... Speaking of counslors, when I weighed at home this morning my inner counslor said "whatever."

Well chicks have to run and do some work....check you all later....

Star - not sure if it was stomach flu or if I've suddenly inherited my mother's lactose intolerance(started Tuesday night) -have always had some sort of problem with large quantities of good icecream, but this time it was mexican, and thought it might now be cheese. BUT - did sit on the same aisle on the plane coming home that was complaining of a stomach ache - so it may have been that.

BTW - at least you WI at home - when I don't thats the first sign of a relapse.

I'm halfway thinking of an all lite day, soon . but trying to stomp that devil. . it's a holdover from the holiday.

Julie

happy friday everyone! i weighed in last night, up 2.6 pounds... but's that to be expected especially after my mcd's incident and a few other things! i am determined to get back on plan though and get those last 10 pounds off my bod!

question.... what was the juice that has been talked about on here that everyone substitutes for the TO juice? and where is it available? i might give that a whirl this weekend to get my motivation back on track.

hope everyone is having a wonderful day!

Carrie - it's the Knudsen's Morning Blend juice. There is a banner across the top that says something like Simply Natural. . .I find it in the natural foods section in my grocery stores.

Good luck with it - I'm thinking about next week.

Hope the past few days have been better for you! (like in Hows the fella)

thanks julie.. i really appreciate it... the boy is ok... i'm thinking there's not too many sparks there though... he's really nice and everything, but i'm just not physically attracted to him...

the only plan of the TO juice that i've done included eating only protein and green veggies... is there another one where you are able to eat LA lites?

also, the counselor tried getting me to buy supplements last night, TriMax and FB. has anyone ever tried these? i didn't get any cause they were close to $100!! but i have seen them on ebay and was wondering if anyone has had any luck with them.

Carrie - the other juice plan is two lites a day, 6 oz of cooked protein, and I think 2 cup of green veg - although I don't count the veg.

Rare is the man that can give you fireworks in your mind AND in your body (um, trying to keep this G rated).

I don't use the supplements - they are too expensive for me. What I've done is take the supplement info and try to find info on the web - but that's been a long time. When you joined did you get the cards with the ingredient info?

Hi everyone. Sorry I have been MIA.. my life has just been hectic lately. My roommate is getting married.. so I have been busily helping her plan a wedding in 6 months! I never knew all the stuff you had to take care of! Then I have met someone new. I think I told you all that the BF and I broke up after the new year. Well, I guess those things happen for a reason, like to find someone better! So I have been spending a lot of time with him.. which as you know means a lot of dinners out and nights spent over drinks. Not so good with the WI's. I am only up 2 pounds overall. However, with this wedding coming up in July, I would really like to get at least 10 more pounds off of me. Sometimes I just think my body looses when it wants to, and sticks to the same thing +/- one or two. It really annoys me. Then there is the running thing. I am up to 25 miles this week, working my way up to 40 miles a week in April. I am going to have to work with the counselors to figure something else out for then. I will need more than 3 starches a day. I might have to put the plan on hold as the marathon gets closer. One great thing about new BF is that he also loves to run, so we went running last weekend (8 miles), and he is going out with me tomorrow for 12 miles. I really enjoy that!

Way too many posts to reply to everyone in the time I have been gone!

Julie~ Welcome home. and only up 2!? that is great, you know it will be off in no time at all!

Cici~ I took the supplements the first few months I was on LAWL.. then stopped, I do not notice a difference at all. I think it is a commission thing for them! Plus, if you are on birth control.. they interfer with it.. not a good thing! I agree, the physical attraction is not something that you can make happen! How many times have you gone out with him?

Fiona~ have fun at dinner tonight!

Star~ It's getting cold here as well. I have been running inside on teh dreaded treadmill this week. kudos to your cold mornign runners.. I can't do that.. too chilly for my lungs!

I think the recipe queen was Marcie?!?!

Ok, must get back to work! Have a wonderful OP weekend ladies!

Hugs..

Hi Meegs - I'm a little surprised too ;-)

Just curious -are there any non LAWL sources for what you should eat while doing all this training? Seems to me that you need a lot of calories so that you don't go into starvation mode? Also, are you interested in a pound number, or in a dress size? The inches may happen before the pounds. . .

A little non-LAWL - has your roomie found a wedding photographer yet? My family does this - I'll send you the website if interested. . .

Julie

Meegs, you AMAZE me!

Did a quick weigh-in - scale said 204.2 but since it's been over a week since I last weighed in, I can't remember if this is up or down??? :rolleyes:

Fiona

Julie - You know all good LA girls go for that magic number, right or wrong....
Meegs - I have to agree with Julie, you might need to bypass LAWL counslors while you are training for the marathon (otherwise new bf might have to carry you across the finish line) ...lol
Fiona - About your weight number, since you can't remember and I surely can't - let's say it's down.....

Hello every one how was your alls week? Im so ready for the coldness to go away so i can get outside it was 19 degrees this morning burrr. went to my lawl meeting today and i have lost a total of 8 pounds in 8 days woo wooo. they also changed my plan from the red and now i start the purple in the am oh now they are taking away 1/2 protien and my beloved starch lol but im sure i can manage. I have now been doing the la shakes since the bars make me wanna umm how do i say BARFFF! lol. I bought their cook book today and think i may make some beef stroganoff. i will catch you all next week this weekend imma finish cleaning so i can move in my new place on the 18th bye bye ~~Tori~~

i need to update my siggy those weights are from my atkins phase lmao what was i thinking there. ne way here is my updated one

Fiona: Hope your limo suprise for your Mom is a big hit! Dinner sounds yummy to me.

Julie: I guess lots of people have hassels getting to their destinations when flying, but why doesn't that happen on business trips and not our vacations. LOL!

Michelle: Nice to get an understanding counselor at LA.

Had to work earlier today, then took the rest of the day off. My Mom visits her sister in the hospital everyday she is not watching my nephews (and she doesn't drive). I visited with my DA for a short time, then asked DM if she wanted to go shopping with me (as my other DA who lives with the sick DA - stays up at the hospital each and every day and won't do anything else). DM and I had a great day! Took DM to places that I knew she would like, and doesn't get to go to.

Tori: Your doing great, 8 lbs in 8 days is just awesome! I think you will do just fine on the Purple Plan (that is the color my sister is on).

Needless to day, I didn't get to the center yet this week. I know I could go tomorrow, but you know - this will be the first week I missed since last year's vacation in June and for some reason - I don't think I will make it tomorrow. I feel like such a loser, but not in the weight department. Don't know what is bothering me other than I can't get the last 8-10 lbs off and I'm getting sick of getting weighted and being up and down the same few pounds. I need a kick in the you know what to get me going in the downward direction again. What has happened to me, I use to be so positive and able to keep up the motivation? I need some inspiration.

Hey, about the cookbook. My Mom got the cookbook at a Resuce Mission store for $3.00. So, if you have a thrift shop in the area, you could also check that out before spend whatever it costs, it's something like $28.00 isn't it? I have read the cookbook, and there are a few good recipes, but overall - IMHO, not worth the purchase.

Carrie and Star, and anyone else who wants to join in. Maybe we should brain storm to see how each of us can get to our goal or lose 10 lbs by April 1st or you all pick a date (that would be 5-6 weeks) and whoever made it first would get something. Well have to think of that together. We can make some type of pack so we stay OP, drink all of our water, write everything down in our diary, get in our exercise and made sure we measure everything - no excuses, no slip ups. I've done it in the past, I can do it again (can't I?). When my sisters and I were all doing it together - not that it was a competition - but it sure made me stay on plan much better than I have been lately. There has to be something or someone that can motivate me again - can't there be?

I'll be watching to see if anyone wants to join in on the 10 lb pack. To be fair to everyone, we would start on Feb 15th as some of you may have eatting plans for Valentine's day. I told DH - no food, no out-to-dinner and no candy for me! I got some king crab legs for dinner tonight and that will be my Valentine's celebration.

Hoping someone will join me. Take care and have a great weekend for those who don't/can't post over the weekend.

You know, I was just about to sign off - and thought - I'm going to tell the center I'm going back on the Gold Plan. My feelings are that if I was on the Gold Plan and slipped a little - it would be what I should be eatting on the Blue Plan. Now that I'm on the Blue Plan - I get an additional 1/2 protein and starch - and if I eat everything on the Blue Plan and slip up - it would be more like I was on the Purple Plan and at my weight - I wouldn't be losing just maintaining. Does this make sense to anyone??? I think I have given this Blue Plan long enough to test it out and it's just not working for me.

Hugs and POP vibes to everyone (including me). ~Sy~

WOW there are way more posts from today than I have time to read...but I did see a recipe request!!!

What do you want...I got veggies, I got desserts, I got breakfast treats, I got meats, I got eggs....hehehehe

Recipes for today:

Pork Tenderloin and Peppers
1 Protein, 2 Vegetables

4 ½ or 6 ½ ounce pork tenderloin
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
1 clove garlic, crushed
1/4 cup water
½ medium green pepper cut into 1/4 inch strips
5 green onions, thinly sliced
1 tablespoon cold water
1 teaspoon cornstarch

· Mix thyme and garlic; rub over pork. Place pork in baking pan. Bake in 325" oven until internal temperature of 170".
· Remove pork; keep warm. Combine water, green pepper, and onion; cover and simmer until vegetables are tender. Mix cold water and cornstarch; stir into pepper mixture; cook until thickened.
· Cut pork into strips add back to vegetable mixture. Heat through and serve.


Tangy Glazed Pork Chops
1 Protein, 1 Vegetable

4 ½ or 6 ½ ounce pork chop
1 cup zucchini, sliced
1 tablespoon ketchup
½ tablespoon low sodium soy sauce
1 tablespoon water
1/8 teaspoon ground ginger
Dash of garlic powder

· Spray skillet with Pam. Cook pork chop over medium heat for about 10 minutes or until meat is tender and no longer pink.
· Steam zucchini for 5-6 minutes or until crisp-tender.
· Mix ketchup, soy sauce, water, ginger, and garlic powder together. Pour over pork chop in skillet; cover and heat through.



Vegetable-Stuffed Sole
1 Protein, 2 Vegetables

5 or 7 ounces Sole fillets
1/4 teaspoon Morton Lite Salt
½ teaspoon dried dill weed
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/4 medium carrot, cut into strips
½ medium green pepper cut into strips
1/4 cup dry white cooking wine


· Preheat oven to 350". Mix together Morton Lite Salt, dill weed, and pepper; sprinkle over fillets.
· Divide carrot and green pepper strips among fillets. Roll fish up with vegetables and place seam side down in baking dish. Pour cooking wine over fish.
· Cover with aluminum foil and bake until fish flakes very easily with fork.


Baked Stuffed Fish
1 Protein, 1 Starch, 2 Vegetables

1 portion of unlimited, low-fat fish
I Can’t Believe Its Not Butter Spray
1/4 cup lemon juice

Stuffing
1 teaspoon onion flakes
1 slice diet bread toasted and cut into cubes
1/4 medium carrot, shredded
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon dried marjoram leaves
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 cup fresh mushrooms, sliced
1 clove garlic, finely chopped

· Cut fillet into 2 pieces
· Stuffing: Spray skillet with Pam and saute onion and mushrooms until tender. Gently stir in remaining ingredients.
· Spoon stuffing on top of 1 fillet. Top with remaining fillet.
· Spray fillet with butter spray; sprinkle with lemon juice. Bake uncovered in 350" oven until fish flakes very easily with fork, about 30 minutes.


I anyone wants me to email them the word files of cookbook recipes I can. The entire thing is about 550kb. Just PM me you email addy.

Also...tomorrow is weigh in and I am scared. I have had a pretty good week as far as staying on plan goes...but I just dont feel down. We will see. I have lost 7 lbs in the last two weeks, so I guess a week of nothing would be ok. :lol:

sy - i'm all for a challenge... i think having you guys to check up on me all the time would help me out and then i'd have to report in too! the 15th as a start date sounds good... i'm in!!!!

Hiya chickies!

Carrie - don't worry - that extra weight is just because of the extra sodium, etc --- it'll fall off again real quick (I'm speaking from experience here)

Fiona - of course you've lost weight! We want deets about the dinner and limo last night. Sounds like fun!

Hi Tori! Sounds like you're doing great! Where in WVa do you live? we're almost neighbors. . And the purple plan is livable - I use LCs when I need a starch fix. Sounds like we've got about the same weight range in mind.

Sy - if the blue plan is not working for you, how about letting the nutrionist look at your diary. :?: Let LAWL do some work for YOU. Also, how are your measurements doing? With all the exercise you get in, you might be losing inches even when the scale isn't going down?

Marcie - do you WI at home? is it staying the same? Also - 7 pounds in 2 weeks is JUST AWESOME! If it doesn't come off today, it will next week.

You know, I'm wondering if LAWL shouldn't have some sort of plan modification for the last ten pounds. . . I think WW used to do that a long long time ago. There must be some help SOMEWHERE on how to get the scale to move when we are that close (although I still have a long way to go!)

Hugs to all!
Julie

Hello Chicks,
I just wanted to drop in and say hi while I had a few minutes. My computer at home is still down. They said we should have the disks to fix it by next Thursday. Then, here at work, the owner has been in town so it's been him the manager and myself. I don't think they want me playing while they are here.. :lol: I'll be able to get back to posting on Wednesday when I'll finally be here all by myself. I will be here tomorrow too. This is my weekend to work.. :(
But anyway, I've been on plan for the most part, although I've been straying here and there. No weight loss to speak of though. I just need to get going with this but I think I'm giving myself too much freedom with the calorie counting. I don't think I really want to go back to LA but I won't say I never will. They called me and left a message the other day. Our new plans are finally there. I'll be going back to get that for sure.
Ok Chicks, I hope everyone has a great weekend. I'll talk to you all later.

Julie-
I go to the center once a week to weigh in. My home scale is cheap...crazy...and cant be trusted! hehehehe

I skipped with in this morning because I had sooo many errands to do. I will have to wait until next week to see my progress. I finally made it home at noon for some lunch. I still need to get an oil change. UGH.

WI this morning went well... down a pound!! i also went to the store and got some of the Knudsen's morning blend juice... do you mix it with water the same as the TO juice? also ordered some Luna bars from Amazon... i'm ready for the challenge!!!

CiCi....What plan are you on?

Hi everyone.

Karen: Glad you posted. We were wondering about you. How is the bike riding going?

Julie: Thanks for the advise. Maybe I should switch centers? There are a couple more in the area. Maybe I'm just use to the center and what they will say because I know them all and they know me. I'm sure they start to give up on someone like me who has been at the close-to-goal for several months. I don't think it's them or the diet, it's just me - I can't seem to stick to it 100% like I did for so long.

Not blaming it on DH, but if he would just start watching what he ate - it may help me along. The only good thing about my house as far as food goes is that I don't buy goodies (only the Lites), DH doesn't want them in the house either (which is very cool). Since there are no kids to feed, they are not needed in the house. It would be that I'm just sick of the snow and cold weather that I'm just bored with the whole thing lately. It's probably just SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder). After all it is February and I believe this whole winter things seems to start getting to me by then. I'm still searching for an answer. I have been reading the WW Community Boards "Less to Lose" - many are having the same problems. Nothing seems to get that spark back in me yet. :?:

Sorry for all the blabbing - just feeling very frustrated and needed to vent. I think I remember Kristi going through this too, but she hasn't posted in such a long time - can't ask her what she did to make herself get back on track and make it to her goal.

Thanks for listening. ~Sy~

Got the HUNGRIES today!

I think it's the first week on the diet hungries, if you all know what I mean -

Karen/Rusty - was worried that you'd dropped us, chickie! Hope everything is going well with you. Please do get the new plan - it is much more liveable and may give you the leeway you want. . .

Marcie - you've reminded me that I need to get the oil changed, too - on the list for next week.

Sy - not sure what advice to give you, except to stick with it! (sure that doesn't help very much) My suggestion was just that a nutritionist may have better suggestions about how to mix up your eating than we can give you. When I was going to a nutrionist for WL (a long time ago) - I was stalled for three weeks - not cheating, exercise, doing all the right things - she looked at my food log, made some suggestions for different foods - hers for me was to add more fish, since I was eating mainly chicken - and it seemed to break the plateau. And that is part of why we paid the LAWL people the big bucks! Who knows - they may have some secret plateau buster that is a corporate secret :D But, I also understand SAD - I always get cabin fever in Jan and Feb - can you get away to someplace different for a few days? :cool: Don't let the center give up on you - you've invested too much time, energy and money to do that now.

Anyway - I've set myself a Feb challenge or two - get the water cocktails back up (very hard for me in the chilly weather) and since this is 2/12, and there are another 16 days in this month- to rack up 300 minutes of exercise by March 1st. (now why don't they have exercise tickers?)

Sending POP vibes to everyone! (I really NEED them today!)

Julie

Hi Julie: I know what you mean about having the hungeries - but of course, since you recently returned on vacation - it's got to be hard getting back on the band wagon. Come on girl, you can do it. The only reason why I thought that another place may be better is because my center will probably tell me to do a Take Off (with their juice). It always seems to be their answer to everything. Last time I mixed things up, they told to go back to just chicken and stop using the 'old limited' starches - just use diet bread and/or lf triscuts. I did that, and I don't think I've lost a pound since (that was last week). I'll give it a try. I really should go in on Monday as they will probably scream at me for missing this week. Let's hope not. :(

Finally got out of the house this afternoon, went with DH on an apprasial (the house was empty - it's the only time I do get to go with him). It was a foreclosure - a camp like home over looking a near by lake. It was small but nice and perfect for a summer home (it even has lake rights). Years ago I use to babysit for a guy with the same name as the owner, he died about 6 weeks ago, he was very sick. Wonder if it was his summer home? Some of the foreclosures I've seen have been dumps - I mean - really totaled - everything broken and torn up and junk left everywhere (from furniture, clothes, pictures, books, full contents to just plain junk). This was clean, no it was spotless and well cared for. In either case, too bad it happens to people!

Well Julie, sending POP vibes to you too! I'll be on again. Take care, Sy

Hey gals - can't chat long as we are having company any minute, but wanted to check in.

Last night was great! My mom was totally surprised by the limo - it was perfect. Then dinner was okay - they were swamped because of V-day weekend and didn't have the au gratin potatoes I was so looking forward to, but I had rice pilaf instead, which was delicious and probably a better choice anyway, and the steak was perfection! :hungry: We rounded out the evening with a champagne toast, then back to my mom's house in the limo - all in all a great night. I was up about half a pound this morning, probably from the two cocktails I had with dinner, but was OP today so hopefully back down tomorrow.

And my open house today was great! In particular I had one couple who are moving here from California - new job or transfer, not sure which - and they just happened to see the open house signs. They don't have an agent yet and were very friendly and interested in learning about the area, so there's a strong possibility I will have the opportunity to represent them when they are ready to buy! Which reminds me, I need to shoot them an e-mail yet tonight.

I can hear people upstairs, so I should go. Have a GREAT night everyone!

Fiona

Karen - I am on the red plan.... I was on the gold plan in the very beginning but they didn't factor in how much i worked out.... i went in and told them i was starving!!! so then they switched me to red.... it seems to be working ok, except i have trouble getting all of my veggies in... not a big veggies fan.

Sy - Do you want to start some sort of challenge? It might help you get back on track... just a little bit of extra motivation to help us both get things going again.

Hi chickies!

Still have the hungries - the best reason to take those H2O cocktails, right?

Sy - I think that you do need to go back to your center - (have they ever yelled at you?? Thought you had a pretty good one) - explain that you've done the chicken and triscuit thing, you've done TO within the past two weeks and the SCALE HAS NOT BUDGED.

So sad to hear about the foreclosure - it could be the people you used to know, esp if they had high expenses for illnesses, etc. I imagine a summer home would be the first thing they would stop paying for if they had to choose. And so sad - that they didn't have a chance to try to sell it before that. (Not that I understand anything about foreclosures. . .) I think you and DH should buy it for yourselves. . .

Fiona sounds like it was a wonderful dinner! And only .5 pound up is terrific - could even just be the sodium in the rice pilaf :D And it sounds like you're getting the open house routine down pat.

Carrie - I have the problem with fruits that you have with veg - if I don't have at least one with yogurt every day it gets really tough . . I'm pulling for you on your challenge! The only reason I'm not with you is that I still have so much to lose I'm not quite in the same trouble as you - Although it is about 6-7 weeks, and for me 10 pounds would be good!

Hugs and skinney vibes to everyone!
Julie

Julie: No, the center has never yelled at me, but I have never missed a week before - so I'm feeling a little unsure of what they will have to say to me. That's all. I will go in and ask for some suggestions. I know part of the problem is me. I'm going in tomorrow and see what they suggestions they can give me.

Fiona: Glad your parents suprise was a good one! Too bad about the potatoes, but like you said - the rice was probably a better choice? Hey, did DF remember to get the ring fixed?

Cic: I would love to join a challenge. I don't have plans for V-Day, so whatever we come up with - we can start on Tuesday. How does that sound?

Marcie: Thanks so much for the recipes! You rock!

Later, Sy

Sy - YES he got the ring fixed! And what was great is that my dad had to go pick it up on Thursday, and when my mom (who you'll remember was in the middle of getting ready for this clinic) asked where he was going, my dad actually said, "well to be honest, I'm going to go pick up your ring that I had fixed" and clearly it didn't register because she was so surprised when he pulled it out at dinner! :love: It was very sweet, even though it didn't fit because she hasn't worn it in about 8 years. :lol:

Well I blew it last night, a few of our friends and I went to Perkins at midnite last night and even though I only had the quesadilla appetizer, the scale blew up on me this morning, so I think it's TO and chicken for me for a couple days! :(

Fiona

Fiona - glad that your DF got the ring fixed -wish I could have seen your DM's face - it must have been priceless! The whole evening must have been terrific!.

Also with you about thinking about TO, but since TOM is due this week, I'm thinking about putting it off until next weekend.

Good for you on getting back on the wagon! You rock, too!

Sy - I'm sure you won't be the first client that's missed a week! Don't think of yourself as a problem child!

Hugs all around!

Julie

also been experimenting with Fitday - seem to be around 1500 cals a day - seems a little high to me, but I'm sure Aphil would say that's just right. . . Funny how those days with 1200 cal as the maximum you should have stick with you.

I've hit a bad spot. I was up a little last Friday at WI, and it really affected me, it was like, oh who cares, and i've had things off program. I'm not sure how to get back on, except, maybe just do it... I'm having a hard time finding the Knudsen juice, but i'm gonna keep trying.

I haven't exercised this weekend...............geez i'm totally blowing it. :(

Michelle - don't give up the fight! You're doing so good - this is just a blip on the process! Don't worry about finding the juice - just promise to yourself (and the rest of us if it helps) that you'll be POP tomorrow. And then let Tuesday wait. You are certainly not the only one of us who has had a bad weekend. Fourteen pounds since January 4th is quite an accomplishment!

One thing that was helpful to me today (since I've had a hungry, munchie weekend)was to look in the maintainers library at the Thin For Life key on Positive Self Talk. . . sometimes I'm my own worse enemy - I call myself things that I'd never calll anyone.

Hugs!
Julie

Fiona: So happy that DH got the ring fixed and DM was so suprised. I'm sure getting it fit to her finger will not be a problem. TOM always puts on about 3 lbs for me - so just drive your water. Hey, do you know why water is so important? It's because the helps the liver process your food quicker - so drink up and get that cheese out of your system.

Michelle: I think it's normal to do what you did after showing your first gain. Same thing happened to me. They told me I was up .4 or something so small - I ate 1/2 jar of peanut butter. Yikes. Don't know why we do this to ourselves - when we should be doing the opposite? :dizzy:

Julie: I'm going to have to get the book "Thin for Life" because I could sure use some help with the self talk as well. I hope there is only 1 book named "Thin for Life" so I get the right one.

I didnt' have a bad day. My hairdresser sister told DM that she would come in on Sunday to perm and color DM's hair and if I brought her, she should cut/trim mind. Sounded like a great idea to me. That is how I spend my Sunday. I did pretty good as far as sticking OP. I eat a few too many grapes, but didn't eat my protein for lunch - so I'm using that as a wash. I still have my Lite bar to have in a few minutes.

Anyone get any early Valentine yet? Nothing here. DM said today that she wishes she had a Valentine - I wish she did too.

I got DH 12 year old bottle of Balsamic vinegar for Valentine's Day. Not very romantic but I know he will love it! I don't think there are many men out there that would get excited about it - but him and maybe Emerle. LOL!

Hope you all have a great Valentine's Day.

Hugs to all, Sy

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY to everyone! Can't find a Valentine smilie to put here, Fiona - where did you get your's from?

Hi chicks!

I'll chime in with Sy - happy Valentine's Day -

Sy - the book Thin For Life is by Anne M. Fletcher. It is very interesting as it is not a diet book - it's really a complilation of interviews with weight loss masters.(there is sort of diet plan in there, but that's not the main focus of the book). A master is defined as someone who's lost over 30 pounds (I think) and maintained the loss for three years (once again, I think). If you have a chance look over in the Maintainer's Library - there are discussions on each of the chapters for the past 6 weeks. I got mine at a Waldens for about 12.00.

One of the things that struck me was that many people did their final diet and changed their mindset and habits to maintain their loss. How many times have I been on a diet, and dreamed of the day I was off it? And that is one of the things I've been working on since January, mentally, how do I change my lifestyle to keep the weight off - including the life happens events? I think it's a matter of balance - allowing those things, but then eating lighter for the meals surrounding it. And truthfully, also making the right choices during those life happens events.

Anyway -can you tell that I'm back to Monday Morning Philosophy???

Hugs and skinney vibes!
Julie

Sy - you mean the smilie with hearts for eyes? The smilie is :love : (without the space). :love: :love: :love:

Morning everyone, by the way!

Fiona

Happy Valentines Day. Hi to everyone. I have not read many of the posts. I am sure behind, but I hope everyone is hanging in there, especially in this holiday of chocolate!

It has been a busy morning :dizzy: with trying to get my daughter out the door for school. She had so many things to bring to school: valetine cards, giant heart that she decorated for a school contest, fruit tray for her class party, and homemade flowers for her teacher (we made them with those plastic beads and melted them together in the oven). I think she had everything.

Well, I have lost about 2 pounds more since I last visited this site--this makes 15 pounds with 67 more to go. However, I am still working on keeping up my motivation. It is not easy.

Julie - thanks for the help on page 8 about trying to figure out my cravings. I do need to find a way to stay on plan during that time.I think sometimes I want to eat foods off plan because it is more "enjoyable" than doing laundry (which never ends in any household) or cleaning bathrooms and doing dishes..

Karen (MetalChic) - Thanks also for answering all my questions (on page 8). I especially appreciated the advice on the Carb pills at Sam called Carb Intercept. I went and got some and at $8 something it sure beats paying the LA price! This was a huge help!

:?: (ALL) Does anyone know of a way that I could eat "hot chicken wings" and still stay close to the plan or at least not gain. Maybe it is not possible, but I have some in my freezer and have been trying to figure out a time to eat them. Maybe I should not have any starches or fat that day? If anyone has any ideas about it I'd appreciate it. Thanks.
Carolyn

http://users.bigpond.com/cutecolorz/2110/setlove/cutecolorslovefence1.gif

Happy Valentine's Day! Enjoy your hunnies! I have a guy that i dated awhile ago who lives in ND now as a US Customs Agent, he sent me a Valentine and a gift, it was very thoughtful.

Thanks for the support, i do plan to jump back on today and be POP! I'm glad to know i'm not the only one to hit those tough spots. I don't want to WI today, but i think i should anyway and really let them counsel me today too.