Weight Watchers - Lets support each other on our weightloss journey again...

Hi everyone,

I thought it was about time to start a new thread, our old one was just getting a little bit too long, I think.

For those that haven't come across us before, we are a little group of 'losers' who follow the WW programme, mainly flex (or full choice here in the UK), who need all the help we can get. We have been chatting here about our weightloss issues and life in general for about a year or so now and have realised that this support is invaluable in our great journey to be slimmer and healthier. The thread has been a little quieter than usual recently, some family problems are present and for the time being some of our regular posters are absent, so I think its a great time to get a bit of new blood, a few new ideas and any advice at all to help us all on our way.

Just a bit of info about myself for anyone that hasn't read my 'waffling' before. I'm 36, married for almost 13 years and have a little boy AJ who will be 4 in September. I began going to WW meetings in Jan 04 and reached goal finally in March '05, losing 56.5 pounds in total. The difference its made to my whole life is astounding and I would encourage anyone who has any weight problems, or health problems relating to their weight to give it a try. To feel 'lighter', slimmer, better in my clothes and above all full of life and energy is worth a million dollars. So good luck to anyone who is just starting out on this life changing journey. Its worth it!

Ok, got to go now, a little walk beckons with AJ, have a great weekend everyone. Take care.

Hey girls.

Just a quick post to let you know that I found the new thread. Sorry I've been absent, I'm having problems with my connection. Food and exercise is ok, could have been better though. Take care all!

Hi Nat, glad you are ok!

Hi!!! Sorry I've been absent a few days. Thanks for starting the new thread, Dawny!

Okay, I'll give a little introduction too. Great idea! I started the WW way of life in June '04. I don't go to meetings, but get encouragement/accountability from my weekly church group. I've lost just over 70# so far. I'm 29 and have been married for 1 1/2 years, no kids. A few of us (that I consider GREAT friends) have been posting together for a long time now, but we love new friends too!

Well, I've really been enjoying my YMCA membership. I've been everyday since I joined Tues. I'm quite proud of that. I took my first class today, mat pilates and will definately do that again. I'm also planning to try the Yoga Flex class next week. The rest of the time, I've been using the cardio equipment and trying to hit the goals set by the trainer. That accountability is a great addition. I know that several people in my Wednesday night meetings are members, so I'm about to turn the screws to get them to go with me!

I am in love. And, it's not with my husband. It's a chinese restaurant! I learned that one of our restaurants in town have a "diet menu" and will steam your dish with sauce on the side! How great is that!?!?! Excuse me, but anyone living in the southern half of the US will understand that this is rare! That's what I had for dinner last night and finished for lunch today. Yum. and so healthy too!

Well, my meetings start back next week after about a month off. I think I will be pleased with the WI, but I am trying to keep in mind that all the exercise I have done the past week or two is sure to add muscle as well as burning fat. All the results won't show on the scale, but I will see them.

NSV! I was in a store last night trying on some workout wear since my old stuff is falling off. It was late and I really didn't feel like talking to anyone (you know the mood). It turns out that dropping 70# is a great way to be by yourself. I looked right in the eye of someone I know and they didn't even recognize me! tee-hee. I know that's not very good of me, but I got to go about my business, which I really wanted to do. :p Twice last weekend DH had to introduce me to people I know! I think it's hilarious, but I wonder what all those people I wave at think! :o

Nat - Glad to see you back. Hope you get the connection problems worked out!

Later!

You guys are having so much success I think I'll join you!

I joined the Chicks site many years ago when I first joined WW in 98 and lost 70lbs. Then I hit a plateau, figured I could do it on my own and gained it all back. So I'm back again and trying to get back to my good habits (such as posting on this board again!) Its been very slow this time, but I'm still going to meetings and I haven't given up!

My inspiration is my best friend who, when I asked her what she wanted for Christmas said "a WW membership!" That's what she got and 7 months later she's lost over 60lbs and is only 30lbs from goal. So with her example, I'm keeping up on the things I've been lax about (water and exercise being the two major ones) and have already been seeing results.

I'm 41 and been with my fiance for 11 years now (its a very long engagement!) So here I am! :bubbles:

Hi, Elaine! Welcome! You're off to an excellent start! Keep sticking with it! Remember, each day is a brand new opportunity to start new healthy habits. Water is a tough one sometimes. I keep a jug of spring water in my fridge at all times, but weekends are tough. I just decided that tomorrow I will challenge myself to get in at least 8 glasses. Wanna join me?

Well, I have a full tummy. Nice big, juicy burger. Okay. Here's the catch. It was a buffalo burger from Tumbleweed. I've found out it is very lean. And yummy. I opted for the grilled veggies instead of the fries I thought I really wanted. It was a great option.

C-ya later.

Hi everyone.

Welcome Elaine, it looks like you are off to a good start...again! Yep, we've all been there! This time, the committment will be forever! We'll help it to be! If you think that there is anything that you are struggling with, post here, one of us will surely have been there and done that! By the way, nothing wrong with long engagements!

Melanie, good to see you back, missed you! I reckon this gym membership is going to be the making of you. You know when you quote the numbers of what you've lost it hits home just how well you have done. I sometimes forget how near to goal you are now. I remember when you were breaking the 200# barrier and what a milestone it was for you, I'm really proud of you! By the way, buffalo burger? Is that really what it is? Is it really quite ok for you? Sounds scrummy anyway, can I have some next time? They just don't have the same stuff over here, our menus really do sound so boring sometimes.

Anyway, time to go again, just a quick visit today, AJ is plaguing me to go on the net and look at some 'mummy lions' on whatever site I can find some. Wish me luck.
Back later.

Thanks, Dawny. It is great to be nearing the "finish line." I do think the Y is going to be a great thing. I definately need to tone up while I lose. And, yes. The buffalo burger was actually that.. buffalo. I knew it was lean, but when I checked on-line, I discovered it is leaner than chicken! If I can figure out how to share, I certainly will!

Well, I'm keeping it short. I spent more time at the in-laws than I planned and now have to get to my workout so I can accomplish a few things at home. MIL is our group leader and she is recruiting me and SIL to help liven some things up. The brainstorming was great, but now I have more projects!

Later

Wow Melanie - great stats there! Definitely an inspiration. And your post reminded me I have a place that sells buffalo here. Great stuff as long as you stay away from some of the items on their menu. ;)

Dawn, here are some comparisons between different meat: http://www.gemfarmsbuffalo.com/nutrition.htm

Good morning!
Thanks for starting the new thread Dawny. I see some new people in our group and I am so glad!
Sorry I've been absent for awhile. Things have been hard with my dad and we went away for the last week. Times have been busy and certainly upsetting with dad's situation.
I am starting over today.... wish me luch guys.
Snowy Owl from Boston, we are close to each other! I'm about an hour north of Boston in NH! Love your photo, I am a huge snowy owl fan!
Linda

Well I have just been reading every one's post. I would love to join ya'll little group. I am new to this WW thing. I joined WW back in May of this year.
Let me tell ya'll about me. I am 41 years old. I have been married to the same man since I was 17. We have 2 great kids. Our son (the baby) will be going off to college after this school year. I (too) am in school! This is my senior year in nursing school. Being a nurse was always my dream but life caught up to me. Now that my life has calmed down, I will be able to reach out and grab that dream.
I once lost over 60lbs. I did Somersizing to loss those pounds but once you stop eating according to food plan the weight just jumps back on you. I also did not learn to eat small portions. Now I am going to get rid of those pounds again but I am going to keep them off this time by watching what I eat and exercising.
Peach


http://www.3fatchicks.com/weight-tracker/img/bar070/bee01/lb/206/155/179/.png (http://www.3fatchicks.com/weight-tracker/index.php)

One for every 5lbs gone!
:encore: :encore: :encore: :encore: :encore:

Welcome Peach!
I hope you do well, my oldest son is starting his senior year in high school this year, so I know how fast time goes by!
Everyone, I am re-committing myself today.... just had a CORE breakfast. This doesn't mean I'll be permanantly on the CORE plan, but I found that for re-starting myself on WW that this seems helpful to me. I have a hard time getting back into journalling and just going with the core plan seems quite helpful to jump start.
I've been BAD having been on vacation mode as well as trying to deal with my dad's illness causing all sorts of emotional upheavals. Have had no control.
But this is MY week to get back on track.
Am heading off the the treadmill in a few minutes! Grocery shopping this afternoon will give me a chance to select GOOD foods and make healthy choices. Will try not to eat out all week this week so that I stay on track.
How are things going? I've not had a chance to read back all the past messages, I know I've missed a great deal.
Linda

<waves to Linda up north> Glad to meet you. And keeping focus while dealing with real life is something we can all relate to. So having something you can control, like the plan is a good start. So keep that up and we'll be here to cheer you along!

Hi Peach - you've done a great job so far, and the best part is that you've recognized what can be the pitfalls and how to keep up with the success you've had. This is a good way to do it!

Hi everyone!
I am glad to report I was on program yesterday for the most part. I will try again today. One day at a time! I bought a "new" video on Pilates (sp?) at a yard sale about a week ago. Can anyone tell me what that is all about? I've heard others talk about it and know it's kind of a "craze" nowadays in exercise and I do wonder if it will be too much for me? I'll give it a shot, at least.
Today is going to be HOT here in the 90s, thank goodness for AC!
Linda

Good Grief, Linda! It’s so good to hear from you!!!!!!!! I’ve missed the dickens out of you! I’m sorry things are still difficult with your dad’s situation, but I’m glad you are here with us. And, it looks like you are starting back very well. Pilates?? Well, I took a class on Saturday morning at the YMCA – which is my big news you missed. I finally joined up! Got my YMCA membership last Tuesday and I’ve been every day except yesterday was my off day (isn’t Monday always?). Pilates works out the body’s “core” – focusing on trunk and breathing. It reminds me a lot of Yoga. It was a great workout for my abs and glutes, but my arms and legs were a bit like jello too. I plan to make it a regular Saturday workout.

Welcome Peach! Great work so far! Keep it up!

Hi, Elaine! How’s the water going?

Survey: I was wondering the other day if RC (Royal Crown Cola) is a popular drink nationwide, or just in our area. What says Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Georgia? Anyone for a moon pie and RC cola? And, have you ever put peanuts into a soda bottle to drink/eat together? Or is that a local thing? Just wondering.

Well, it’s been a crazy week at work. Oh! Wait! It’s just Tuesday! It seems like it has been a week already! Friday’s case was concluded on Monday and I had to work over the weekend, take home work last week and last night, and today I just can’t get much done. I’m just looking forward to a nice quiet/productive lunch at home and then my hour at the Y after work! So nice.

My group starts back tomorrow night. The first WI since sometime in June. I think I will do pretty well. I still remind myself that the muscle will not show up on the scale yet. I might have lost more fat, but gained muscle. I’ll let you know!

Hi girls, Linda, sooooo glad to see you back, and getting straight back into things by the looks of things. I know that when a few pounds creep back on that the urge to lose again can be instant, sticking to it though after a few weeks off is another matter entirely, so big hugs and load of luck with that. I've been wanting to try pilates for a while too. Just haven't gotten around to it. I think if I bought a video, it would just sit in a drawer for ages, but you never know, AJ might enjoy joining in with it with me for fun, however, when I tried that with the tae bo video he just got in the way and nearly ended up punched! One day maybe I will get my act together.

Welcome Peach, looks like you are doing great so far! And well done you on going back to school. Its a brave move when you've already done the family thing, and concentrating on losing weight at the same time won't always be easy, so loadsa luck!

Melanie, is it just me, or does putting peanuts in soda seem a little weird? Don't you choke to death on them? And what on earth is moon pie? I reckon I'm missing out a little on some of your delicacies!

Ok, so, despite me being well into the programme again the other day, I'm now well and truly off track again. I can't seem to stick to things for more than2-3 days at the moment. I've been walking a bit though. 30 minutes for 3 days in a row. Rest day today as I've been at work, and on my feet all day as it is, but I will make the effort to go again tomorrow. Its the eating thats the problem. What will I do. Ok, so I could make more of an effort to avoid the yummy bread rolls that I have in the kitchen, that weren't bought for me anyway. And maybe, just maybe, I had no need of 3 tortillas yesterday, when one would have been plenty. I think its just a case of greediness. Pure and simple. I need my butt kicking or I will have pounds extra on it before you can say moon pie!

Ok, I will go for now, go and wallow in this fat day I seem to be having. See ya later.

OMG, Moon Pie and an RC!!

Lawd haf mercy, I'm comin' home!

I don't live in the South anymore...and I don't cook Southern (except for holidays and I don't do pecan pies anymore...sigh) -- but my soul is Southern... raised on Moon Pies, Goo-goo clusters and RC...

Natasha, here. Currently living in San Diego where I think we'll finally stay. My husband is a professor and we've travelled all over the world going from contract job to contract job... (even spent 3 years in sunny England!)

Married 12 years (this Saturday), 2 cats. I'm back in school part-time for an art degree. I'm a self-employed henna artist right now and would love a second part-time job for a more steady income. My husband just got tenure so we don't have to move again!

I'm new to WW meetings. I did the online thing last year for about 3 months and lost 10 lbs...but then I got lazy and stopped logging my food and lost my job and my beloved cat and started eating again and gained 15lbs... So just before my 42nd b-day I joined a local meeting and found 3FC. So far I'm not gaining and I've lost 2.5lbs since I started. I only lost 8oz last week -- that was disappointing. But at least I didn't gain.

Just trying to watch my points and exercise at least a half hour for 5 days a week.

--Natasha

BTW, a moon pie is a soft graham cookie with marshmallah fluff on it covered with chocolate. Mmmm. mm.

Goo-goo clusters (made in my hometown of Nashville) are peanuts, marshmallah fluff, caramel and chocolate...

Count Ga in for the moon pie and an RC cola! Those two things, along with putting peanuts in coke are very southern traditons indeed!!
Hey I have a question for ya'll, how many caloires (points) do you normally consume on a good diet day? I know the guidelines say that I can have 24 to 27 points a day but I don't feel that I am lossing any more weight. I guess the scales are at a stuck point. I have been cutting back to about 20
to 22 points at least 3 or 4 days a week.
Peach

I know of RC Cola, but don't think it's a New England thing. And posting a picture of a moon pie would probably be considered food porn, so I'll abstain from that! ;)

Linda, funny you should mention pilates, as I've just started doing that myself recently. I live in a second floor apartment in a house where my downstairs neighbors work nights, so are still in bed by the time I get home from work. This can make any kind fo exercising difficult, so when I was in the Discovery store, I picked up a set of resistance bands, figuring it would be a good quiet exercise I could so that would also be portable for when I was on business trips. I was amazed at how hard it was to do some of these - or how out of shape I was, is more like it!

Then I picked up a box at Costcos that had an exercise mat with a DVD and booklet. That one really gave me a workout and I only did half the DVD the first time I tried it! Boy, I felt that! I figure that it will at least give me some toning and muscle work especially where I need it - the mid section. ;) So if you picked up something, try it and see how you like it. It is a lot like yoga, from what I've been reading, as you concentrate on breathing and deliberate movement. Which I personally think is harder than bouncing around doing my aerobics DVDs.....

Uh-oh. Maybe I shouldn't have mentioned the moon pie! It's just what I think of when I think RC cola! And, no, the peanuts aren't really a choking hazzard. It's a challenge to get them out of the bottle though!

Just checking in. I'll hang out more tomorrow!

Hi girls. I think I'm going to have to check out on the net to see a moon pie.. I really am intrigued now!

Welcome Natasha, more new guys, this is great. So you spent a little time in sunny/rainy/hot/cold England then? Which part? It's not so bad over here, is it? :rain:
You are doing good with WW so far, and yes, don't be discouraged by the fact that you only had a small loss last week. Better off than on, I say, and even if it goes on a little bit from time to time, this is a journey that we really should be on for life now, so we have to take the rough with the smooth and stick with it. We will all have times where the scales really don't behave themselves the way we would like them to, and anyway, the slower it comes off the more likely it is to stay off, isn't that what the experts say? Good luck, come back soon.

Peach, hi, If you are finding the scales sticking a little, you are more likely to find that they will move again if you eat all your points rather than eating too little. I know that sometimes it feels as if we really are eating too much with our points allowance, but they are calculated for a reason and it really does work better if we eat them all up. Here in the UK, we are not allowed as many points for some reason as you guys in America (and other places too). Before I reached goal, I was only on 18 points per day. With no flex points to play with either. Yeah, it felt tough some days. After reaching goal my allowance went up to 24, which really was too much for me, 18 to 20 seems to suit me better, on the days I can stick to that, that is! I seem to be fluctuating by a few pounds at the moment, but I will settle in the end. I was hoping to go to tonights meeting, as I haven't been for a couple of weeks, but DH is working late again, so it looks like I have another weeks grace!

Elaine, keep going with the dvd's, it looks like I will have to try out the pilates thing, once and for all!

Melanie, hi, glad you're not likely to choke any time soon! :spin: Don't work too hard today!

Ok, well, I'm really tired now :yawn: , only had about 2 hours sleep last night as AJ was up all night throwing up. :fr: Nice! How come with little kids, they can be fine all day, then the minute you collect them from nursery, they start feeling ill, then bedtime arrives and blurrrhh!!! Two sets of bedding later, and spending half the night on AJ's floor, I feel rubbish and AJ is full of beans again. Thats life! See ya later! :dizzy:

<Food porn warning!>

Ask and you shall virtiually receive: http://tinyurl.com/7cc2y

And all sorts of varieties here: http://www.favoritesof.com/products/moonpieframe.html

Don't say I didn't warn you! And I hope you got some sleep!

Hey Dawny,
We lived in Keele -- yes, near the KFC just off the M6 -- hubby was doing research at the Uni -- it's sort of in between Manchester and Birmingham. It was a lovely time. I got to meet my British rellies (they started out in Manchester but now live mainly down South). Did lots of walking. I miss Boots and Sainsbury's. And Balti houses -- the garlic naan breads the size of a house! Maybe y'all have fewer points allowed because yours are bigger -- kind of like British pints are bigger...miss Boddington's and Banks's Ale, too...

Oh Snowy! Oh my! Double decker moon pies, did you see?!!

I was good today and stayed just shy of my allowed 22 points.

Wow, this place sure is busy!! :D

Welcome Natasha, Peach and Elaine, hope you'll find yourselves right at home! :) A bit to introduce myself: I'm 21 years old, a student and am doing WW at home for a year now. I've lost 50 lbs.

Linda, glad to see you're back on track, it takes everyday struggle, but you can do it. :)

Mel, congrats on joining the YMCA!! I don't know exactly what it is, but I guess it's a gym right? ;) I'm thinking of joining one too, but I'll start considering it seriously in October.

Dawny, hope you're doing better today. It's hard to eat healthily and "little" when you're happy with your weight, I know it's gonna be for me, but you can limit yourself and try to remember what you've accomplished. Take care!


As for me, I'm not counting points. It's not as bad as it sounds, I'm on track, it's just that I'm fed up with points and I need a break. I'm trying to eat in moderation, it could have been better, but at least it's not out of control. As for exercise, I did the Cindy Crawford workout. I know it's ancient but it came free with the newspaper, so I thought I might as well try it. I found it very hard, I was sore the day after, so it must be good. I think I'll do it again later today.

I'm going on holiday on Saturday, for a week. I'll talk to you when I get back. Take care everyone!!! :) :)

Thanks for the great welcome back, Melanie!
What? RC cola and peanuts? Hmmm.... must be regional, all I could think about was what if you drink the soda and choke on a peanut, or do you grind them up?
We do have RC around here, but Coke and Pepsi are the biggest in the area, though Dr. Pepper seems to be making kind of a comeback. I hate it, though, and think it tastes like medicine personally.
First WI since June, Melanie? Wow, hope you do well. I haven't been to a WW meeting in about three or four weeks. I'm feeling really "down" on myself and have totally failed to be honest. I feel fat and bloated and my weight is back up. But, I am back here and willing to try again, at least.
I blame myself, not the situation with my parents. Their aging and failing health has sent me over the top on an emotional binge thing and I knew exactly what I was doing with each and every mouthful, but it didn't stop me. I just seemed to NEED all those foods, it was silly and I have no excuse. Yesterday, I blew it again but the day before I was really on program. I had all the best intentions yesterday, but I ended up having two doughnuts and then Chinese food. Does that sound like a person who is "trying"? NO.
The Pilates video tape is still sitting there, I've not tried it, but I did get on the treadmill two times this week, so I am at least making an effort there.
By the way, I've never had a moon pie and have never even seen one! So, that photo session was an eye opener for sure. Guess I'm missing something? I certainly don't want to start a new bad habit though!
Now I wonder if there are foods up this way that you all don't have around you as well? I know in the UK Dawny has different things and that is expected, but the USA can be VERY regional, I have learned.
Welcome to Natasha, ooohhh a henna artist! I saw people hand painting henna tattoos a week ago at the beach on vacation and it was very interesting. I didn't see a selection of anything I wanted on my body for a few weeks, but I like the concept as regular tattoos are painful and permanent, the 2 P's that I just don't want to deal with.
Snowy, you are a considerate neighbor if you try that hard to keep your noise down. I wish I had someone like you when I used to live in an apartment years ago. I think the "elephant family" lived above me!
Nat, have a fun vacation!
Linda

I'll be back later. There's lots of posts! :D I just wanted to post my WI. Drum roll please.... Down 5 since our break started!! Yippee! My goal was 155; I didn't hit it, but I sure as heck got close! (patting myself on the back)

Way to go Melanie!!!!! Wow, I am so impressed that you could continue without the weigh ins!
Linda

:encore: Thank you :encore: Thank you. I am quite impressive, aren’t I? :smug: tee-hee. Let’s hope this is a sign I will be okay maintaining for the next - oh, say, lifetime! Hope I’m as impressive this time next week! :spin:

Dawny – Hope AJ is feeling better! Of course, he is. It’s not bedtime yet! Oh, the joys of parenting! Wonder why I’m stalling… :lol: Are you having a good, OP day? Do you get to go to WI this week? I wonder if not going to meetings has affected your progress? Might be making it harder to stay focused? Great job on the walking! Keep it up!

Natasha – Hope I didn’t make you home-sick with all the food talk! I still live in KY and haven’t had a moon pie in years! I’m sure my dad has eaten my share too, though. I might have to get some peanuts soon though, if I can find a dt coke in a glass bottle. That’s the only true way to do it, ya know. BTW, I’m less than 2 hrs from Nashville. It’s where we go for a big night on the town (2nd Ave) or for shopping.

GA – How long has it been since you’ve had a loss? I agree with Dawny’s words on the points. Careful dropping in points too soon. Most people need to eat their points, or their body will think it’s not getting enough food and try to hold on to what it’s getting! Sometimes, especially when exercising, the loss doesn’t show much or any on the scale. I usually eat my min 22 points and about 30 FPs each week and I continue to lose. A lot of people are afraid to eat all their FPs, but I don’t think I could do without them. :T

Elaine – Wanna join me tonight for Yoga? I really liked the pilates class taught by the same instructor. I thought about buying a video set, but DH informed me that I don’t match the people on the video I have, so I think I need a live instructor that can say “Hey! You in the back! Butt down! Shoulders back!”

Natalie – You’ve been counting points for quite a long time now. I understand if you want to take a short, controlled break! Enjoy and at least maintain! Great job on the working out! Sore can be good.

Linda – Yep, today is another day. Not just another day. It’s THE day! The day you can be OP and on track! So, you had a doughnut for each hip. That was yesterday. You’ve done this before, so you know you can do it again! I believe in you!

Well, today is my first live Yoga class. I am anxious for the day to be done so I can go. I wish I could talk DH into going, but chances are zip. I hope to get some cardio time in too. I am hoping that with the extra exercise, I will be able to hit goal by the end of this 10 week bible study. It will be tough, but not impossible! I want to be goal by the time I have to buy all new winter clothes!!

Well, waaaayyy to long. Gotta go. Let's be OP and drink that water today!!!

My name is angie i live in sumter south carolina my hubby is in the airforce here we have one son who is almost 17 months old i have pcos makes gaining weight easy and losing weight hard . i have been on weight watchers from about the time my son was 6 weeks old i have lost 89lbs counting points the past 2 weeks i have been so awful :s: I dont know what my problem is i have been eating everything in site i have 64 more lbs to lose until i make it to my goal weight we plan on starting to try for another lil one in march and i would really really like to get some more of this weight off of me before we strt trying. my starting weight was 278 my current weight is 189 and my goal weight is 125 for a total of 153lbs to lose i try not to look at the big picture so far I have lost 89lbs which i feel tons tons better but, have quite a road yet to go what do you do when you feel like cheating or you have a terrible sweet tooth or pizza is calling for you.. lol.. I need some support and encouragement to lose weight and would like to encourage and support all of you through your losses.

Melanie! WOW! You go Girl! :dancer:

You know, if the commute between Boston and Kentucky wasn't so long of a drive, I'd join you in that class! Though lord knows, I'd end up as a pretzel, I think! lol

Angie, glad to meet you - and give yourself a pat on the back! Look at what you've acoomplished so far!!! In fact, I'm jealous! :T It can be hard, but you've come such a long way - the rest is all downhill from there. As for those temptations - taking a look at what's pushing you for something (ie, sweet) might show you something else. For me, I try to go for fruit to get rid of the sweet cravings. You can make a dessert out of it with fat free cool whip! And then there are some great recipes for stuff that will fill that need but be low in points. And, if you find you really are craving something - have it. Just don't go overboard - you can have anything you want, just as long as you do it in moderation.

So between hanging out here and posting away, you'll help yourself get down the scale. :cp:


Glad you all liked the moon pies. At least they're virtual, so that means 0 points, right? ;)

Hello everyone!!

Welcome aboard Angie! Good job on losing that much weight, I bet you look and feel tons better. Hope you like our little thread, we'd like new people! :)

Mel, I bow before you.... Great job girl, you're unstoppable aren't you?! Huge congrats, keep it up!

Linda and Dawny, hope all is going well. :)

Elaine, the moon pies look delicious! ;) You're naughty posting these things here!! ;)


Well, I weighed myself today and my official weight now before the holidays is 163.6. So, I'll weigh again in a week, hopefully there won't be much damage during the holidays. I'll try to drink a lot of water and do some walking, since I won't have total control on the meals. I'll try to limit the snacking as well.

I'm leaving tomorrow, so take care everyone and see you again in a week!! :D

thanks for the welcome looking forward to getting to know you all. :D well back on the wagon today iwalked 2 miles this morning and im sitting here having shredded wheat cereal and fat free milk for breakfast for 5 pts. i think one that is hard is my hubby well not its not such an issue but, everytime i would start a diet he would bring home food that i couldnt have or shouldnt have ice cream cake whatever just as i would start to lose and that would be the end of the diet he hasnt managed to do that to me with this diet but, i think its because of wanting to get healthy for my lil boy that is keeping me on the plan well all but, the last couple weeks when i've been just eating everything in site not sure what the deal is but, today is a new day a fresh start ;) so we'll see how things go today and just take it one day at a time my goal right now is to see 150lbs by march or less i hope i can do it this summer my goal was to be in a size 16 and I made it there whoo hoo :)

Yeah, well, ya know... :D I do hope "unstoppable" is the correct term. I still am amazed that I got up at 5:30 TWICE this week because I was afraid I wouldn't get to workout in the evening! I hope to go to my dad's tonight. I will definately be bringing some healthy snacks with me, because their cabinets are, well, not WW friendly.

Natalie - Good goal for yourself! C-ya when you get back! I'll be expecting a great report.

Angie - Hi! You have done awesome! It can be a long road. Yippee to you for keeping with it!

Elaine - I wasn't too much of a pretzel last night. However, I was on my tummy, hands holding ankles, head back; and the instructor said the cutest thing… “This is really healthy.” Yeah – right! Not from my view! And, can someone please tell me why the weird, older lady with the loose legged, short shorts is always in the front of the class? Mystery I would like to answer! There is no shame. Otherwise, I really did enjoy the class and plan to make it a Thurs habit. I definitely need the flexing and relaxation.

Well, another weekend. Hope everyone has fun, healthy plans! I will be going to my Pilates class again in the morning and will try to recruit other victims… uh, I mean friends, to go with me.

Later!

HI - can't stop, need to get off line as waiting for the doc to phone, AJ has just been fetched from nursery poorly - again. Just high temperature this time, but can't seem to shake it off. Just wanted to mention the moonpies, I know what they are, and we call them wagon wheels! Maybe we don't get so many varieties, but perhaps they aren't so regional after all! Yum! Back later!

Well, a quiet weekend for all of us losers by the looks of it. I've just eaten like a little pig, and today its time to take stock and get myself in gear. I've got my journal out again, (i've been slacking in that department for a week or two) and salad in the fridge for lunch later. It's certainly not helping as I've not been able to get to my meetings for a little while again. I don't know how Melanie has coped with the holiday in her meetings, and still managed to do well. Well, I guess I do know really, she's a star, thats all there is to it!

AJ is better, thank goodness. Some horrible virus as usual, just brought to us to keep us on our toes (and out of our beds!)

And now, the sun is out, I'm not working today, and all looks well. I'm in a good mood this morning, now I've decided to get back on the wagon with my eating. I'll be back later.

Welcome Hunter'smom... keep trying and you will succeed. We've all had tough times and have done well.
As for me.... I have an "occasion" coming in September I have found out about! I will be going to NYC for a black tie thing and boy do I need a dress and boy do I have to look good. More details to come, but think THIN thoughts for me as I figure out what to wear and what will happen.
Yikes, I feel frumpy!
Linda

Hi! Monday morning and my car is in the shop again. However, I am in a surprisingly good mood. I guess it was from a remarkably good weekend. DH had planned a surprise date for us Saturday. He packed a bag and didn’t tell me until we were almost there that we were going to an “aquatic park.” Which is a HUGE swimming pool, HUGE kiddy pool with funny fountains, and a water slide. I got to bask in the sun and then act like a child. Perfect date complete with snow cone! Of course, I will try to remember this when DH leaves his dishes three inches from the sink or leaves coins in his pockets for laundry day. :love:

Dawny – Thanks for the vote of confidence. I must say that any secret to my success is prayer and shear stubbornness. I WILL overcome! And, you will too! It’s got to be difficult to make good decisions when you are drained from caring for a sick youngster. Sounds like you are ready to be back on track. ATTACK!

Linda – Ooooo… Soooo mysterious! I can’t wait to find out what you’re up to! Maybe this will be a great motivator as you get settled back on track! Definitely sending you thin thoughts… :goodvibes:

Hmm… you have given me an idea. I think I will talk to DH about planning a super special date night when I reach goal. Give me a chance to get all dolled up in a new dress! Hopefully, before winter!

Its me. :ink: Naughty me. Naughty, naughty me. Ok, so I've just been stealing AJ's dinner, and it was sausages. Yum. For once, for some reason, they weren't even LF ones. I've been so good all day too. I just have to do it. I must stop. I must stop. I must stop!!! :nono:

Linda, hi. This sounds like just the incentive you need at the moment, a glamorous night out is enough for us all to hit the lettuce leaves! Enjoy the thought of the night to come, my skinny thoughts are on their way to you as I type! :comp:

Melanie, a watery weekend for you then. Sounds great fun. Even more so when its a surprise. A glam night for you when you get to goal is again something to aim for, a strapless little red number, perhaps...good music, fattening food and loads of wine...I think I'll come too! :cheers:

Ok, guilt for sausages is taking over me, I'm going to go and walk them off, :tread: see ya later!

Darn, I typed in this message and then went to look for something to refer you guys to and lost my message. Hate when that happens! I should learn.
Firstly, I drove over 5 hours yesterday back and fourth to see my dad and then running errands around home. What an exhausting day, no time to eat right and no time for exercise. But, today will be a better day!
Now, the black tie thing. First of all it's a bit indefinate right now, but there is probably about an 80% chance our family will be going. As I may have mentioned before, DH is opening a new business in NYC. The grand opening will be Sept. 18th and will be a posh event, black tie. We are thinking of ALL going down there as a family, which would mean taking the kids and pulling them out of school for a few days. But, how many chances would they get in their lives to attend something special like this.
As a person who sews and quilts, I've been embarking on a mad internet search for sewing patterns and came up with two Vogue ones that I have ordered, figured I would show you all so you could think about what colors, fabrics might be nice. I plan on a marathon sewing week, next week, if the patterns come on time and if I can find the right fabric. If I don't go to this event, I'll have some fun and have a totally awesome new dress at least! Here are the patterns that I ordered:

http://store.sewingtoday.com/cgi-bin/voguepatterns/shop.cgi?s.item.V2610=x&TI='V2610'&page=1

http://store.sewingtoday.com/cgi-bin/voguepatterns/shop.cgi?s.item.V7642=x&TI='V7642'&page=1

The first is a reproduction of a vintage dress from the 1940s, a style I always have loved. I'm partial to that one, but the other is more figure flattering, I think.
Next week we will be on vacation in Rhode Island all week, and I'm thinking of bringing my sewing machine and everything I need to make a dress along. I won't have the interruptions there and maybe I'll accomplish something!
What do you all think?
This new company is going to be launched during fashion week in NYC, we'll be around designers, top runway models and the press. Can't look like a country frumpy lady, even if I am that all the time! My "uniform" is jeans and a T shirt lately.... time to spruce up. Might even have to do my nails for a change, yikes!
Time to get my hair highlighted as well and, of course, time to work out! No room for flabby thighs in these dresses!
Linda

dawny ,
glad aj is feeling better those awful bugs can play heck on our lil ones.

Melanie,
the water park sounds like so much fun. i hope you have a great time.

linda,
that sounds like so much fun I would pull the kids out of school like you said this only comes once in a life time for most. I'll check out the dress patterns as soon as I get a chance what a great motivater for losing some more weight so you can look fabulous for the even :)

dawny,
i have the worst time with that feeding my hunter and the next thing i know i'm picking stuff that he wont eat and stuffing it in my face arrggghh.. I did get out and walk my 2 miles today didnt get to the last 2 days because it has poured teh rain . hunter really loves the walk he is starting to point out everything. So here I am trying to start over yet again today dh sabatoged me this weekend with red velvet cake and ice cream grrr!!!!! dont know why I ate it i swear when there is something bad i the house it calls my name.. angie angie come eat me please you know you want to.. .. lol..

Hi all, DH is working late tonight, so must keep away from the fridge, it seems to attract me when he's not in like no other time.

Angie, hi, how old is your little one? I forget, please forgive me if you have already mentioned, I really do have a memory like a sieve!
Great job on the walking. I'm a bit of a fair weather walker too. I can do plenty around here when its fine, but a couple of raindrops and I prefer the warmth of my house. Unfortunately, we get far too much rain here and it somewhat deters the exercise programme!

Linda, hi, this night out sounds like it could be such fun, and the whole family must go to remember it. Make the most of it. I will check out those patterns. I have to say though, that a bit like my cooking, sewing is really not my thing. I blame my mom! Not exactly a domestic goddess by any stretch of the imagination. I can have a guess about colours etc though, and as I know what you look like, that will help no end! We have to have you looking your best! (which you do anyway! forget the couple of extra pounds) Good to hear you are going away, the break will do you good, but I'll miss you!

Anyway, I'll go, as AJ's bathtime beckons as does his little snack that he's munching on....I will stay away, really I will!

Hi, I am fairly new. I have posted on some other threads. Still finding my way around. I am on WW and lost 45.6 pounds and have about 20-25 to go. Been struggling with the last of the weight for a year now.

Glad I found this support group. Everyone seems very supportive and nice. :)

Hi Everyone,

Sparklerose, I am fairly new here too and finding my way around. I have been on different food plans and have decided to come back to Weight Watchers because it works.
I started the with the 20 point Jump Start on Sunday and so far, so good.

SCMinew

Well, what a long day I had. My daughter and I went to "the mall" shopping and both of us left discouraged and recommitting ourselves to weight watchers. All the clothing looked bad and we just felt awful. How will we go t NYC when we feel like we look awful? Now, I am deeply worried about even thinking about making one of those dress patterns as what if I go to all that work and expense and look terrible?
Tomorrow is another day and working out and the treadmill are first on my list of things to do!
Linda

Hi, Sparklerose!!! Welcome to this forum. I'm very new myself (new to 3chicks and WW), and it's great to see other new names pop up! IT sounds like you've had excellent success in WW so far, and that is tremendous encouragement to me ;c)

SoCalMinew - I've never heard of the 20 point jumpstart, how is it working for you?

Linda - I'm so sorry you're feeling discouraged!! The only way to feel better is to start making a change! That way, even if you still aren't happy with the way you look and feel, at least you know you are doing something about it - and that means alot! You'll do great tomorrow on your treadmill, and you'll have a great time in NYC! A trip to New York sounds so exciting!

Hi, just popped in this morning for a quick catch up before I have to take my little cat (pipkins -yeah, great name!) to the vet. Her little claws have gotten too long and are stuck in her paw pads. Its because shes a little ancient now, and doesn't get out much (like me, really).

Welcome to all newcomers! Erin, sparklerose and socalminew. Glad you found us, stick around a bit, and become as mad as us!

Linda. I know that mall feeling, when nothing looks good, and nothing seems to fit right. Been there and done that. I feel for both you and Jamie, as I know you were both doing so well recently, and its so demoralising to be back in that position. But, come on, you have a goal in mind now, something to aim for, You CAN do this, you know you can, I know you can, we all know you can. Get that treadmill working for you, get your journal out and stick to your points (or try core again, I know that sometimes gives you a bit of a boost.) because that helps a little! I wish I could take some of my own advice sometimes, I am, yet again, eating like a pig. Today, I will try again. I will NOT let the pounds creep up on me. I will be slim and healthy for always now. We will do this together! Take care.

Anyway, better go and catch the cat! Back later.

Hi!! I hope it's ok if I join in. I'm actually rejoining WW today. Just back from the beach and am ready to recommit.

My name is Lisa. I live in Pittsburgh and am a HUGE Steelers' fan. :) I'm 35 and single, currently living with my 3 kitties, but will be moving with my boyfriend SOON.

Hello to all the new posters! Glad you’re joining our journey. If you look at the posts on page 1, you will see some intro info on several of us, in case you missed it.

Linda – Too bad about the mall, but good news too. Good because maybe it got you headed back in the right direction. You can either decide you’re a frump and wallow in it; OR (and we know this will be better) you can decide to change your frumpy butt! (just sayin’. I haven’t even seen your butt. Maybe not frumpy. Just repeating you!) I loved the patterns by the way. You can be totally ravishing in either gown by September! Especially #2. I agree it would be more figure flattering with the wrap style front that we love to camouflage our tummies.

Dawny – Are you going to this week’s meeting? I forget. Hope you get to start back soon.

Well, I’m not expecting anything wonderful on the scale tonight. My weight at home has gone up. A combo of more exercise and TOM. I’m not concerned, but not excited either. Of course, it could be back down by tonight. Never can tell.

I’m really disappointed with my weekly meetings right now. MIL asked me and SIL to help with planning and running part of the meetings. I was really excited about it and had some ideas, but then the meeting time was moved up and I just can't come that early. It would mean giving up 30 of the 45 minutes per day I have with DH when he works nights. Just don’t wanna do it. Not gonna do it. The way everything has happened has just made me really unhappy right now and don’t give a rip about going to the meetings. There was a mistake made in purchasing, and we are planned to have 15 min on weightloss, 30 min Bible Study, then watch a 55 min video! That’s almost 2 hours on a Wednesday night. I just think it’s too much, and I’m being a baby about it. Oh, well. I will try to finish this session, and then I might not go back. I hope thing change, or at least my attitude does.

Well, gotta go track down the boss to answer the phone. Later!

hunter is 17 months old on the 15th :) growing like a weed way to fast for this mommy

sparklerrose that is great 45.6 lbs you can do it I'm just getting started here on the boards but, feel like I have found a great group of ladies to help get through the battle of the buldge with. :)

Well, this morning started like "the old days" when I was more successful with a workout and time on the treadmill. Then I also have journalled all day, something I've not done in probably about 5 weeks. I'm feeling more in control.
Now for the big decision.... a perm or a highlight? I have an appointment in less than an hour and still can't make up my mind!
Linda :?:

EEK! If in doubt... DON'T PERM. That's my suggestion, anyways. I really didn't like my last perm and really regretted it. I say, go crazy with the highlights. They can always be covered, or you can perm later. Especially with a big event, I vote go safe!

Oh, and congrats. :bravo: on returning to old habits!!!!!!!!!!

SoCalMinew - I've never heard of the 20 point jumpstart, how is it working for you?

I'm only on day 4 but it's not bad. Basically, it's eating 20 points a day for 2 weeks to jump start your weight loss. I'll let you know on Monday how the first week went. :wave:

Minew

socalMinew

what kind of things are you eating for your 20 pts a day how did you hear about the 20 point jump start?

I'm not sure about this 20 point jumpstart thing.... is this a Weight Watchers sanctioned thing or just something someone told you to do? I'd be careful. One thing I have learned with WW is that you really should eat your points each day and not try to eat less. What happens is that you end up creating an aura of starvation and your body wants to hold on to the fat instinctively. Be careful.
I went to a WW meeting last night and was apalled that it had actually been since 6/28 since I had been and I had put on 6 pounds in that time period. I have had great stress with my dad's illness and putting him in the nursing home, as well as have gone on vacation, but I am still upset with myself.
I just edited my signature line and tracker and am not feeling awfully happy with myself. But, what I am feeling positive about is that I went, I journalled, I exercised and drank my water yesterday. If I can keep this up, I'll do ok!
Melanie, I chickened out on the perm and got highlighted. My stylist did make my hair curly for fun, though, and we loved how it looked. But, when I shower and shampoo this morning, all that will be gone. I am still thinking about a perm, but like a body perm. Now that I have a highlight, though, I would have to wait awhile before getting the perm anyway. I'm going to buy electric rollers today, I think, for fun. Why not? Could be interesting to have a totally NEW me, and hopefully a skinnier me as well.
I'm sore from my workout yesterday and it is a GOOD sore, though. I needed to get back on track for sure.
We are going away next week to Rhode Island and I am hoping that I will be able to maintain my wieght loss efforts while we are away. Send me good vibes!!!!
The best news of all for me, though, was that Jamie came back with me. She has been in denial about her weight and gained it all back. She hasn't come since March. She needs to regain her perspective and I welcome her renewed interest with open arms. For those of you who are new, Jamie is my 14 year old daughter who has a wieght problem. I did best on my weight loss efforts when she was doing it with me. Perhaps this time we shall finally make goal and do this together?
Linda

linda,
i wish you and jamie the best of luck on restarting towards your goal I know you can do it and you are going to look so great when you go for your special function. :) YOU CAN DO IT :)

I walked my 2 miles this morning i did greaet eating yesterday until last night i have major pms and I want to eat everything dh brought me cookies arrrgggghhhh.. mad at myself so here I am today starting another day so got my walk in and had my cereal and banana this morning. what is your favorite breakfast food? do any of you have a recipe for the weight watchers choclate fudge i used to have one and it was 2 pts a piece adn i tell you it was wonderful very satisfying and I could stop after one piece cause it seemed really rich. anyone have a favorite weight watcher crock pot recipe? do any of you buy the weight watcher frozen meals to help with your eating lifestyle change ?

I am also returning after a few years. Ihave been offline and haven't had much support at home. You know the old I like you as you are bit. The thing is I don't like how I look or feel and want to do something about it. I am so glad I found you guys again. I feel this is where God sent me and so I hope to be around for a while.
HAPPY LOSING ALL
Aunt Doirty

I'm in the midst of a large document and had to take a brain break! Hi everyone!

Well, since I didn't run home and post my WI, you could probably gather that it wasn't much to mention. It was up .4, which I expected considering the extra exercise and TOM. I expect, however, to see it go down next week! Considerably!

I was thinking the same thing as Linda about that jump start. I know of some other programs that have kickoff weeks like that, but never heard of it with WW. They very much stress not eating below your calorie level. That's enough of a challenge, anyway!

Linda - Glad you're enjoying your new hairdo! And WONDERFUL news that Jamie went with you to WW! It should be an encouragement to you that you have a partner in the house. I know you seem to struggle with pressure from the family to eat certain places or have certain foods in the house. And, you can help each other on vacation! Will your Rhode Island place have a DVD or VCR that you could use for an exercise video? Maybe I watch too much tv, but starting your day with a mother/daughter yoga video or something seems like fun.

DH wants us to go away somewhere for a few days in a month or two. I need to start planning that. Gotta find some place CHEAP, but interesting. Maybe just a roadtrip and stop when we wanna. Map some interesting sites. Pick up axe-wielding hitchhikers for excitment. :yikes: We'll figure out something.

Well, I start Phase II of my 12 week program at the YMCA tonight (I have done 4 weeks in less than three. Super me!) Part 2 starts using the weight machines. This is something I really need. I've asked DH if he wants to join me so he can check out the weight machines, but I have to wait until this evening for his answer - after he gets some time to rest. Unfortunately, I had to schedule my meeting with the fitness instructer during my Yoga time, but I plan to pick back up next week and I will be taking the Pilates on Saturday. I like adding flex training to my routine.

Well, I think I will slip to the soda machine for a dt. soda. I have craved one for 2 days, but didn't want the sodium, so I resisted. Then, back to work.

Later!

Angie - I was posting just as you did! Yes, got tons of recipes. I will look for the fudge. Check the recipes under the WW General section here. There are lots, and lots of good recipes and lots of crockpot recipes. I always keep a couple of frozen dinners on hand for emergencies, but usually I try to cook enough dinner that I have a healthy, fresh leftover lunch. I don't rely on the frozen dinners, but have one or two a week, maybe. I also recommend Reduced Fat Chips Ahoy. If you can eat just one or two and stop, it's a great snack. They are 1 pt each. And, I LOVE Sugar Free French Vanilla International Coffee. This is permanently in my cabinet. It's 0 pts for one serving and MMmmmm... BTW, tell DH some good alternatives. If he still brings in bad options, I suggest you stuff them in his ear!

Welcome, Aunt Doirty! Hope we can help. I know the ladies here have been a great support to me the past year! It's great to be liked just the way you are, but you have to agree with the crowds. If not, there's work to be done!

Hello Ya'll,
have been away a few days due to a rabbit show and my father-in-law's surgery. Everything turn out great with father's surgery :) . I stuck to my diet for the first 3 days that I was out of town but the last 2 days I fell off the wagon BIG time. I brought home 4 extra pounds. Those same 4lbs I had just dropped from the last diet slip up!! I am so mad at myself.
I had set a mini goal that I will not be able to reach now. I had hoped to weight 170lbs by August 22, but I won't be seeing that mini goal any time soon :ink: becuase of my piggish eating.
I guess I have never really shared why I want to get rid of this fat body that I live in. I wanted to get thinner for myself but also because I will be doing on a camera interview with PBS in the next month. Well the interview date has just been moved up to August 25 :yikes:. I guess I will just have to deal with the fact that my fat *** will be on camera for all the world to see. I feel like just drowning my sorrows in food, but I know that is not the thing to do.
I am off to go rake the yard.
I really feel like I have failed at everything that I have touched here lately.
Peach

Peach: :nono: Stop that attitude right now. You have not failed at everything. You had the good sense to get back on this board and talk about what's going on. That shows you still want to improve. So what about tv?!? I have to look at my big ol' 230 # self in every wedding photo around my house! Blech. You will do the interview in the new outfit you are going to buy yourself, with the new hairdo you are going to love, your manicured nails, and just look ravishing! Oh! And make sure you report to us when it will be aired! ((Gosh, I'm bossy today!)) Please, don't look at a bump in the road as failure. Just reason to get mad at doughnuts and recommit. You've done great with 25+# gone. Remember what you've accomplished, not what you haven't.

I'm here for scoldings any time. :drill:

Huntersmommy, (from here on known as HM so I don't have to type that much!) thanks for your vote of support. Yesterday was day 3 of being totally back on program, journal, water, food, exercise, doing it all. It felt good. I resisted temptation and was really focused. I have not used any flexpoints, either, in all this time - unheard of for me! I even measured my portions! We leave on vacation tomorrow (sure wish I could take YOU ALL with me for support, we'd have fun!) and I am determined not to totally blow it. I will be good today and have saved up all my flex points knowing that especially when we eat at my in-laws house tomorrow night there will be blueberry pie and who knows what for food. I'll be watching my portions and trying to behave and I will either swim or walk each day, I promised myself!
My mother in law has an indoor pool (a lap pool built into the foundation of their house) and I will have no excuses, rain or shine!
So, how are the rest of you doing? Not many posts, hope that means you are too busy exercising and not eating!
Linda

Hi girls. Welcome to Aunt Doirty, stick around with us for a while, you will soon be feeling alot better about yourself, and even on days when you don't feel so good, Melanie will usually have a good joke to cheer you up!

Linda, hi, You are going to have such a great vacation, don't OD on blueberry pie though, (I never have tried that, not a traditional pie here, but sounds real good!)
Get in plenty of swimming, walking and not so much eating, we will have you back down your weight tracker in no time!

Melanie, you are doing so well with your exercise programme. Be careful with the weights, you have to be extra careful not to do yourself an injury. Glad you aren't over concerned with your little gain. TOM is naughty to us all, and we can blame him!!!

I didn't go to this weeks meeting...again. Just can't seem to get there at the moment, I want to go every week, but no one to watch AJ, and its just a complete nightmare trying to take him with me. He always seems to get an extra burst of energy and talkativeness just when the meeting is about to start, but still, I feel in control again at the moment, although we do have the weekend to cope with now. Hopefully I won't overindulge on yummies, as DH is working all weekend, so no-one to keep me in line. I'll cope. I'm journalling again, and will do it!

Got to go for now, take care, have a great weekend all.

Finally, get to be online abit. Still trying to find my way around. I feel silly, but I forget which threads I have posted on. :dizzy:

Peach - I am glad your father-in-laws surgery went well.

Melanie - Do you like Yoga? I tried it a couple of times. I feel like you have to be a pretzel to do some of the exercises :lol: Having a rough time with it.
Keep up the good work with your exercise.

Went to Curves this morning and doing some laundry and vacuumed. Boring, I know. :lol:

Had some chinese food yesterday and I am holding water today. I didn't overeat a whole lot, but it was enough to make me hold water. Makes you feel yucky. :(

Have a great weekend.

socalMinew

what kind of things are you eating for your 20 pts a day how did you hear about the 20 point jump start?


The 20 point jump start came with the Fast Track kit from Weight Watchers. It has a higher carb plan and a higher protein plan so that you can use the one that's best for you, and includes a DVD with a sample of the 3 workouts in it. They gave us these in the meeting after New Years last year and I just love the workouts. You get to eat very healthy foods with fruit, veggies proteins and grains. I have lots of energy when I eat this way. Also, it's easy to add 2 or more points to the plan when you go back to regular Flex Points.

Minew

do any of you buy the weight watcher frozen meals to help with your eating lifestyle change ?


I love the WW frozen meals but my leader told me to be careful because they have to use a lot of salt in the processing of them. They are a life saver though when my husband wants something for dinner that would cost me more points than I want to use.

Minew

Hey Peach we all have those days.. where you are the worst person on earth, but you know what you got to pick yourself up, dust yourself off and start all over again. Hey if laverne and Shirley can do it so can we. After all look who then had to answer to LENNY and Squiggy. LOL Besides 4 pounds is bnothing in this heat and humidity. It is probably caused by water buildup from the humidity. Don't ever give up look at all thise marks you have for the weight you lost so far. YOU GO GIRL. I am Proud of you.

Morning everyone! Well, it's off on vacation this morning and I'll be back in a week. I am hoping to be a huge success and try very hard during the week! Vacations have a way of making me overeat, so if I come back even the same, I guess I should be happy with that.
Sorry you've not been able to get to your meetings Dawny. Hope you find someone to watch AJ! When my kids were young, I started a babysitting co-op among other moms for things like appointments with doctors, dentists, meetings, haircuts, grocery shopping. It was great, no money changed hands and we all helped each other. Maybe you can put a notice up someplace or in a local paper? AJ would make friends as well!
Linda

HI, little NSV this morning, (non-scale victory for the uninitiated!) I was going to have french bread for lunch, and at 4 points per piece not a particularly wise choice. I did still have the bread, but I very nearly had two pieces instead and stopped myself at the very last second. That would have been a disaster. So, although not a low point lunch, at least it wasn't a very high point lunch, and I'm still on target for sticking to my 18 points for today. So far so good. Lets see if I can keep it up!

Well, the rain is really coming down today, not the best or warmest summer's day I've ever seen! I'm hoping to get out on a little walk later, I can't really drag AJ out in this wet stuff though, so pray for the sunshine for me please!

Sparklerose, hi, I just lurrrrve chinese food too. But it does have this little water retention problem. Even a little bit seems to pile on the water pounds. Hopefully if you keep drinking plenty then it will be gone in no time.

Huntersmommy, I also enjoy the WW frozen meals from time to time. When I first started doing WW I would have them fairly regularly, my cooking is really not the best, but as time went on, as I learnt what I could eat that was even better, and sometimes quicker than the 'meals', I 'weaned' myself off of them. I will usually keep one in the freezer for an emergency, but otherwise, I rarely have them now. I agree with Socalminew, the salt content is just too high, more of the water problem unfortunately!

Socalminew, hi, We don't have the 20 point start over here, although I do remember my leader once telling me that we could do something similar. Didn't sound as structured as yours, but to go to 18 - 20 points when you first start out, or for a week after Christmas or a vacation to get you off to a good start. I suppose in the short term it can't hurt too much, but careful not to stay on it longer than a week or two, as your body will give up losing and want to hold on to every pound it can - not exactly the desired result!

Peach, please don't beat yourself up about these extra pounds. Its just one of those things. Sometimes we gain weight. At least you know why. Just put it down to experience and learn from it. Look at how good you have done so far and move forward. It will be gone in no time. Start journalling again straight away and get back on track... you will be fine!

Linda, have a great time!

Righty-o, got to go, back later!

Hey girls! :)

Well, I'm back from my holiday, had a great time. I found a pool in a hotel nearby, so me and my sister went there for swimming and sunbathing. I'm all bronzed now. :) Food was not that great, and I've had a few cocktails as well, but I hope the damage isn't big. I'll weigh myself on Monday, keep your fingers crossed for me!!

I've just finished reading all the new posts, many new faces, welcome to everyone!! :D Linda, hope you have a great time in Rhode Island and that you manage to stay on track!

Dawny, good job on the NSV!! :D

Hope you're all doing well, I'll post later, as I'm a bit dizzy and tired from the trip. Take care everyone!! :)

Welcome back Nat, sounds like you had a great time, where did you go?
Hopefully by the time you WI monday, you will have corrected a little of the damage, although I'm sure it isn't too bad anyway. Good to see you back.

Hey guys,

Been swamped with work lately, and haven't been posting. Then when I go to look, the boards were down for maintenance. Go figure! Welcome to the new (and not so new but returning) people out there!

Melanie, you have the right mind set - with all of that exercise, a small gain like that is nothing. My WI is tomorrow, so hopefully I'll see a loss. Off to go do my pilates - haven't been so good at following it, with all the hours I've been doing at work. So hopefully all of the running around I've been doing there will count in my favor. ;)

First off, hello to everyone! Nat - glad you had a good trip. No matter what the scale says tomorrow, we're here for ya!

Elaine - Hope you enjoyed the Pilates class. I have been the past 3 Saturdays and I really enjoy it. And the yoga class I'm taking. I hope I have a good mindset this week also. I just stepped on the scale and it stayed the same. Official WI is Wednesday though, and it's been a CRAZY weekend!

Let me tell you what I've been up to! DH and I were talking about taking a trip soon. We looked at a place called Charit Creek Lodge in a National Forest about 2 hours away. When we saw the cost and that it was quite rustic, we decided to drive down yesterday and take a look-see. So, the plan was to leave here about 1 yesterday; drive 2 hours; hike 2 miles to the lodge (only way to get there); then drive home. Well, we got back about 4p today! The directions seemed simple. 2 miles N of Jamestown, turn onto... Well, we learned that there is a Jamestown, Kentucky and a Jamestown, Tennessee - both on the same highway, an hour apart!! Of course, we went to the wrong one! Laughing when we were corrected by a kind citizen, we drove the extra mile to the Park. Once in the park, you have to drive about a half hour to get anywhere, the visitor's center was closed, and it looked like rain. After having driven over 4 hours, we were not going home without getting to that lodge! So, we decided to call and cancel our Sunday morning events then find a cheapo hotel to stay in. We happened to stop at one of the main lodges to pick up a map and some local info. After striking up a conversation with the owner, he cut us a great deal on the rate just to help us out and fill a room. Yippee! He even fixed us breakfast this morning, though the restaurant was closed and fixed me an egg white omelet. yum. Then, we finally did our 4 mile hike. The place is beautiful. Well worth the effort. It's a bit expensive ($60 per person per night) for possible shared bunkhouse and 2 meals, but I really want to stay there. We can do plenty of hiking, reading and just get away to ourselves. Well, the navagationally challenged people managed to make it safely home... until... DH hit a bump around the corner and his muffler (yes, the entire thing) fell off in our driveway! :rofl: After driving EVERYWHERE in 2 states for 2 days, we drop the muffler in our drive! We have just enjoyed a great laugh.

So, my little excursion cost me about 12 FPs, but I should have worked them off laughing and hiking.

My NSV... (BTW- great report Dawny), I survived an up-hill 2 mile hike! DH (Mr. Hiking) was doubled over at one point, turned to me and said "Hey, this is supposed to be you, not me." :D I've been working out. :D The last time we took a day pack hike, I was 200# and thought I was going to die. This time, I was winded, but blowing out rainbows. It really was a wonderful day.

So, I hope you enjoyed my little story. I'm exhausted and plan to wash the nature out of my hair and go to bed!

:rofl: :rofl: :rofl: Melanie, you just crack me up!!!

I really shouldn't laugh, because we are no better with our directions - although we are worse when walking, rather than just in the car. The last really bad 'loss' was a couple of years ago, we went to a place called Cheddar gorge (where cheddar cheese comes from - if you get that!) the walk looked a nice stroll through beautiful countryside, well signposted too. Should have been about an hour, took 5! Ended up stranded in a field with a bull. Not nice. Somehow, eventually, we just ended up back on the right path. Don't know how we missed it really, but thats us - blinded by the beauty of our surroundings! Or maybe we just walk with our eyes shut - thats more like it!

Anyway, can't stop for now, thanks for the giggle, back later! (got to look on ebay for a new vacuum cleaner - my dyson just blew up!)

I'm famous for my "let me go around the block" which ends up being a 10 mile detour somehow... (if you've ever driven in Boston, you'd know why.)

However, I'm also the one who got lost on the road from Tipperary to Wickford once, so I can't say its an uncommon occurrance with me. ;)

Weigh in was Sunday and a .2 gain - I seem to be playing with the same bit back and forth - but as this is a PMS week, I'm thankful that's all it is!

HI guys! Surpirse, I'm on line for a short while as my husband's laptop is here and he is not currently using it this moment, went out to make a fax and left it on for me! Cool, I'm on line while on vaction. I hate typing on laptops, as the keyboard is different so forgive any spelling issues.
Well, I've not been an angel so far on this vacation, but I've not been as bad as I could have been at least. I have walked every day except one, so far, and hope to do something like that today as well.
DH has been tremendously busy with work, this is truly a working vaction for him as the new company opens on Sept. 18th and this time period is way too close to the opening for him not to be working. Today, in fact, I think he'll be taking a train to NYC for a meeting and I will have to "entertain" the kids. Try "entertaining" a 17 and a 15 year old who miss their friends and consider everything I suggest "boring". Hmmm.... we'll figure out something I guess!
The weather has been hot and so far pretty nice, thank goodness. Today is supposed to be hot so maybe we'll hit the beach?
I've not been perfect with eating, but have met my own challenge every day except that one (was sick to my stomach) by walking or swimming every day. If I am lucky, perhaps I'll at least maintain my weight by the time I get back?
I miss you guys!
Linda in Rhode Island instead of NH!!!!

Just popped in quick, and Linda, what a surprise, sounds like you are enjoying yourself, even if DH is buried in paperwork alot of the time. Just keep walking when you can, and when you return, we'll work on the rest! Enjoy the rest of the vacation, miss you too!

Hey Linda,

Hope you survive the trip.... the walking is good and it will keep you from the entertainment demands! ;) What other motivation do you need? Though at their ages, they can pretty much entertain themselves, really!

Just a quick drop in for me. There's a storm a' brewin'. WI was tonight. The group scale was broken! Everyone gained and althugh my scale at home said loss of 1#, the one at group was up almost 2#. We're replacing it this week. So, unofficially, I have lost 1#. :yes:

Hello everyone!
First to Emerald, thank you for you words of encouragement. I was feeling quite bummed but I have recovered.
There is nothing like shopping for new clothes!! I have shopped for 3 days in a row and I have yet to find anything that I think would work for this interview. I swear everything that I saw in the stores was either too young looking ( way too much skin showing!!!) or too old looking (great big giant flower prints!!). I plan on going out to search again today.
Peach

Peach - I know the feeling. I found one favorite store that actually sold non-frumpy plus sized clothing. Keep trying. You’ll find just the right outfit. Maybe shop on-line? But that is a bit risky for fit.

Well, it’s finally Friday! And I have been busy so far this morning. But, I’m also daydreaming about the weekend. I'm planning lasagna and salad for dinner. Yum. Can't hardly wait. But, with lean meat and FF cottage cheese. Not too bad. I think tomorrow I will see if DH wants to go shopping for our camping gear we will need whenever we take our vacation to whereever. We have a lot of stuff, but need a new backpack or two, new hiking shoes for me, canteens, and some cooking items. Hope we can still keep it as an inexpensive outing! But, all this stuff will be investment items, since we really enjoy hiking and camping.

Well, back to work. Just wanted to drop by.

Hey guys!

Well, I'm a little frustrated at myself. I gained 3 lbs while on vacation, so much for controlling myself. :( I did have a lot of cocktails, so I should only blame myself... Now, here I am, still 2 lbs away from my pre-vacation weight, and it doesn't seem to shift. I'm trying to be extra-good, but the weight is more stubborn than me I guess! I had TOM though, so that may explain it. Anyway, I just needed a bit of a rant.

Hopefully you're all doing better than me. Good job Mel on the loss! Linda, hope you have a great time away. :) GaPeach, I wish you're feeling much better by now.


Talk later!

Sorry you're struggling right now, Natalie. Just stick with it and you will take off those pounds.

Well, I'm struggling tonight. I found out that my boss was diagnosed with a subdural hemotoma. He was taken to the hospital a couple of hours away and will probably have surgery tonight. I'm anxiously awaiting news. He's more than just a boss. I've worked with him for over 8 years and I love the guy. He's one of my dearest friends and almost a second dad to me. Our humors mesh and it's a joy working for him. I hate sitting here not knowing what's going on. I hope to find something out in the morning. Until then, I'm really fighting the urge to hit the ice cream carton. Dh went for a walk with me. I know that eating won't help anything. I should go to bed, but I just don't want to. Everyone please pray from him, and that I won't give into the food urge.

Well, I'm going to tinker on here a bit longer and go read a book until I doze off.

Hopefully, I will have something good to report tomorrow.

Well, just finished catching up on your lives for a few minutes before making my post. Sorry about your boss, Melanie, hope all goes well. Life is really fragile, this I have learned with my dad's situation.
Peach, I hate shopping for clothes as well, there seems to be no happy medium for "real" people out there, either Junior clothing that appeals to teens (which my daughter loves but has a hard time fitting into) or frumpy old lady clothing that just looks like you don't care what you look like, and also that awful "look" with polyester, big flowers and what I generally refer to as "tacky". When I was young (combines my sewing and art interests) I really wanted to be a fashion designer, maybe in my next life? But, I would really like to make clothing for women who are real people who want to look decent, not spend a fortune and perhaps emphasize the positive and deemphasize the negatives?
Now, for the BIG news....I'm officially back from vacation and it's time to get really serious about dropping weight. Wanna join me?
I was totally off over vacation and fearfully got on the scale this morning before my shower.... the news was bad.
But, today is a new day and the new beginning.... vacations are OVER, school starts next week for the kids and time for me to get my widening A____ in gear!
So, for today, here is the plan:

1. Ate a smart choice breakfast of a WW bagel (2 points) and had FF cream cheese on top. Also ate one apple. That breakfast total is 3 points. I get 22 points a day with WW and if I exercise (40 minutes), I get two more points.
2. Then, I did my body sculpting work out tape and then 25 minutes on the treadmill. I feel good, but when I looked in the mirror, I thought I looked awful. Oh well.
3. Lunch will be a good choice, not sure what yet, but it will be intelligent.
4. Snacks for the afternoon will be popcorn (94% FF) as well as maybe some fruit?
5. Will be going shopping after lunch and figure out something good, filling and healthy for dinner.
6. Dessert will be a WW dessert.
I shall do this, one day at a time!
Linda

Where is everyone? Not much action here at all. Hope all is well... perhaps you guys have been so busy working out and doing all the good stuff that you haven't had tiem to post? Surely, you haven't all been off EATING???
I had a good day yesterday, really stayed on track for a change. I swear I imagined that my scale was way up, couldn't possibly have lost 7 pounds since yesterday, could I have? I weighed myself yesterday morning and was in a state of shock that the scale was up to 164, a new high for me. This morning it was at 157, something I am not proud of but can work with at least. Where did 7 pounds go in one day? I know I was a good girl yesterday, but that is impossible, isn't it? Was it all fluid or something? I don't recall eating anything super high in sodium either over the last few days. So, any ideas? Maybe the humidity made the scale "stick" or something? Maybe I wasn't really up that high after all?
Wish weight would really come off that quickly!
Today, I plan on being a very good girl and sticking right to my WW program. I need to get this weight off and be looking good for New York City in September! I want my husband to be proud to introduce me to his new business associates and contacts. I don't want to be the one they look at and say "What does he see in that heiffer?".
So, it's fast track here for me and I plan on being an absolute angel right now. I can do this.
Linda

Hi, Linda! I'm here. But, yes - I didn't have time to post this morning because I was at the gym. :yes: Then, had a cappucino and bowl of cereal. tee-hee Kinda feels counter-productive.

Sounds like you had a great day yesterday. Congrats on being back on track. As you said, one day at a time. Dunno about the scale. Just accept it!

Well, today should be crazy with my boss still being in the hospital. People have been calling all morning to check on him, besides all the calls it will require to reschedule the next couple of weeks. He's doing well, though. They are monitoring him for a few more days to decide if surgery is necessary. It could be a couple of weeks before the comes home. As long as they fix him, we can wait!

And, with all the added stress, I'm being super careful not to let it push me toward bad food decisions. Getting fat won't help anything. I preach it; I better practice it. I did go overboard on Saturday (8 FPs), but that's just because we were eating out on a budget, not stress. Tonight, my SIL is cooking, but I'm sure it will be low point since she's doing WW also.

So, that's what's up with me. I'll check back later.

Glad to read that your boss is doing better and I guess he will be ok?
Yes, time to practice what we preach! Amen to that!
I had a really good breakfast: egg white omlet with one laughing cow lite cheese wedge and fresh tomato with a peach, only three points and yummy!
Then a 2 point snack, those 100 cal packs of chocolate chip cookies, do you all have those?
Then lunch was thin /n trim roast beef (3 points) and a low carb pita (1 point) with green beans and a diet soda.
I'm on track!
BBQ pork loin for dinner with brown rice and summer squash, 9 points and I'll still have enough points for some late afternoon popcorn as well as a WW dessert after dinner.
Also, did my work out tape and 25 minutes on the treadmill this morning!
Feeling good, feeling happier with myself!
Hope you all are doing ok?
Linda

Hi girls!

Linda, I'm so glad to see you're fully back on track, with such a positive attitude!! You're doing fine, dunno about the scales, but if you continue this routine, I'm sure the weight will move! Great job, and also you have a great goal to keep in mind- NYC! Keep it up, you inspire me! :)

Mel, hope your boss will be fine. You're also doing well, so I should hang my head in shame...

I'm still 2 lbs more than my pre-vacation weight, I weighed myself this morning and nothing's gone. I shall try harder, there's no other way I can think of. However, vacation also had a positive result. I had a long talk with my sister (she's 2 yrs older than me and overweight, struggled a lot with her weight over the years, but it's really uncontrollable right now). So we talked, and I talked her into starting eating healthily. I love her more than anything, so I was sad to see her not being able to move easily or run, and to see her depressed about not having anything nice to wear. So, she's started WW unofficially, and I'm happy to report she lost 3 lbs in her first week!! :) I'm really pleased with her, she's so beautiful, and the whole image is "ruined" by her weight, if you know what I mean. So, hopefully, we'll inspire each other and start losing again!!

Take care everyone!

Natalie - That's wonderful news! I'm always so happy to hear when some has decided to get healthy! But, um, ya don't suppose she gave you 2 or her pounds, do ya? That would be something a sister would do! I should know, I am one. :devil: Now, you have an extra insentive - you have to be a good role model for big sis! Keep us updated!

Linda - good job on the day! How's Jamie doing? Back on track also?

Well, I happen to know that my boss has an unattended drawer of candy. :devil: I thinks I must spend a point on a small peppermint patty. :devil: Don't tell :sssh:

Hi all!
First of all, I posted a new thread just for journalling - I really NEED to be held accountable. It's kind of a one week challenge thing to help me get back on track and stay there and stay motivated. Join me?
http://www.3fatchicks.com/forum/showthread.php?p=940059#post940059
It's not meant to be a support thread like this one is but an accountable journal that will MAKE you think about what you are doing as you must be honest! : ) I'm looking forward to seeing what people do with it!
Nat, such good news about your sister. This will truly help you stay motivated as well. There's nothing like having to set an example for someone else to keep you "in check"! Hope your English is good enough to know what "in check" means? If not, ask! I always seem to forget that English is a 2nd language for you as you write it so well, but there are "sayings" that might not be understandable sometimes?
Jamie is doing "OK" right now, she and I both lost control over vacation last week, but coming home to the reality of life has helped us both. Next Monday she starts school for the year again (wow, didn't summer go by awfully fast?) and she is very aware that she's put back all her weight and is really uncomfortable going back to school and being "seen" by all the other teens. So, she's working hard. I do wish she would exercise, though, as she would see amazing results. She's so young and it's so much easier to take off weight when you are younger.
As for me, at age 50, I work really hard for each and every tiny ounce, sadly. I have put most of my weigh back on and now am determined to get back to where I was. I hope I can do it. The situation with my dad really took it's toll on me, and I have grown adjusted to the idea of losing him and his situation for the moment, I guess? I'm still sad, depressed and very unhappy that he is so ill, but I have decided to take back my life. Of course, I know this could all change. I surely did my share of comfort eating, though. I don't want to be controlled by the food!
Well, that's it for me for this morning, I guess. Hope you all have a great day.
Linda

Hello!

Thanks for sharing my optimism about my sister, I really hope we can do it together! I sneakily weighed myself this morning, finally, the scales seem to be moving towards the right direction! Hopefully, I'll have good results to report on Monday.

Linda, I understand "in check", I think. You mean to set an example will help me be in control and careful. Or am I getting this completely wrong? :dizzy:

Btw, I can totally sympathise with Jamie, she must be dreading going back to school. Hopefully, this will give her the right motive to start working hard again. About exercise, isn't there a pool nearby? Some kind of sports she'd enjoy doing? Even walking?

Talking about exercise, I'm thinking of joining the pool. It's virtually next to my house, a minute walk away, and I guess it would be a nice exercise, to do a few laps couple of times a week. What do you think? Do you think it's better to join a gym perhaps?

Anyway, I've found my motivation again, have a great OP day everyone!!

Hi again!
The pool sounds like a great idea to me, as long as it's nearby. I find that I am sometimes defeated by having to travel some distance to do a work out, I do better at home. I bought my treadmill with money I was going to use to pay for a year's membership at a gym. It's been my treadmill now for about three or four years and I find it greatly helps me to have it right here in the house. I can walk no matter what the weather is like and I like that. I hate cold winters and icy roads and I hate insects and heat and humidity, seldom is the weather "perfect" for me to want to walk outdoors, so my treadmill has become my best weight loss buddy!
Being "in check" is what you refer to Nat, however it is also using a phrase from the game of Chess. By putting the King "in check" it is a warning that you are about to lose the game and are a target. Keeping yourself "in check" is a way to pronounce that you are really watching yourself harder than usual and "on warning" that you can't step out of line. I'm definately "in check" this week!
Well, off for a very "good girl" breakfast and then my workout! Today I shall be a total success!
Linda

I know what you're saying Linda, I'd rather have my own treadmill at home, but I can't make my parents buy it for me as they're really expensive here. So, it's either the pool or a gym. I'll think about it.

Oh, and about the "in check" expression, I should have known it's from chess, since I remember "check mate". Am I right?

TTFN!

Check mate is right. I'm a lousy player, but DH and a friend has been sitting up all night on Fridays playing. I hear "check" for hours until I go to bed.

Pool or gym? Depends on what you think you are most likely to do several times a week. If your gym is miles away and when being honest with yourself you know you're just not gonna make that trip 4 days a week - I would say pool. But, if you know you're going to soon be bored using the pool all the time and crave variety, I would say gym. I'm fortunate because my gym has a pool. There are some workout centers in town that are very limited in what they offer. I love the YMCA because I can take all kinds of different classes, do weights, cardio machines, cardio/resistence, swim, lots of variety to keep me coming.

My boss is being released from the hospital today! I don't have all the details, but it seems that he's doing well and the doctor figured he can have a headache at home same as there. It's definately a good sign.

I do the same. I completely forget that English is Natalie’s second language! That should be a huge compliment to ya! Um, hope it’s not a touchy subject… but are there any news updates about your Italian test/class. Seems I remember you anxiously awaiting a grade.

It’s almost lunch time and I’m tossin’ some stuff in the crockpot. Love that thing.

Linda – I’ll check out the other page in a while.

Time for lunch! A healthy one, of course!

Can't stop girls, just to let you know I'm still in the land of the living, just busy, busy busy. Will catch up on the posts later and be back in the morning. See ya later! Take care!

A quick post from me then I'm off line for the night!
Good to hear from you Dawny, I was getting worried!
I went to my meeting today and weighed in .6 less... not a huge loss, but I consider it a victory as I was on vacation last week. I think doing all the walking really helped.
I bought fabric today to make my special dress to wear to NYC, definately a good enough reason to continue to work out!
Linda

Good morning all, I'm not going to respond to all the posts I read, there are quite a few, but Linda, well done on the loss. The numbers are down thats the main thing, and it will hopefully give you even more incentive to keep going, although, it does sound to me as if you are ready to roll, and the weight will just drop off now! What fabric did you go for in the end for the dress? And which pattern did you decide on? Can't wait to see the photos when its done!

I have had a lovely few days. AJ stayed at his grannys so DH and I had a child free zone for a couple of days. peace and quiet like I had forgotten existed! Then on monday, we took AJ to Warwick castle, a massive medieval castle about 1hr30mins from here. It rained, obviously, but it didn't spoil the day, and AJ spent the day walking around with his little sword, looking for dragons to slay! Didn't see many, I have to say, but the 'jousting' with knights was good fun!
The food situation hasn't been good again the last few days. Out for a meal on saturday night, with the largest piece of chocolate fudge cake you ever saw! But now that DH has decided to start WW programme again, (he'd gained pretty much all his weight lost last year again!) then it will give me the incentive to keep going again now. We are both journalling in earnest, and I will just pretend that I never got to goal I think. Its not helping me that I don't have a target to aim for now, so I will just choose a figure, a little below goal, not too much, so I have something in mind. It will also allow me a few extra pounds leaway incase I gain a little bit here and there. That's my excuse anyway, and I'm sticking to it!

I have to stay in this morning, waiting for a little man to come to see if he can mend my freezer. Not only did I manage to blow up the vacuum cleaner a week ago, but now the freezer has gone. What's next? nothing expensive I hope! I just hope he can mend it, I can't find £150 at the moment to replace it.

Anyway, I will go for now, I'll call back in later, see ya!

Good to catch up with you, Dawny! That chocolate cake sounds really good to me and the visit to the castle even better! You are doing so well, I just looked at your numbers and really am impressed. Don't forget that there is a recommended weight "range" for you and I am sure that if you lose a bit more that you will be in really great shape. Having your DH working along with you will make a huge difference in your ability to maintain your weight, I think. I really feel that aside from my dad's health issues that have wreaked havoc on my weight loss I have had to contend with a DH who can eat ice cream every night of the week and never gain an ounce. It's really hard to have all that stuff he eats around me and feel so deprived. If I had him working along with me and eating what I eat, I would be in better shape, I think.
However, the power to do this comes from within.
Ah... what dress, what fabric? I selected the dress pattern that is a reproduction of a 1940s dress and bought a silky black brocade fabric to make it. I sure hope my sewing skills are "up" for this challenge. I have many things to do and will surely be working hard towards getting this all done.
I love sewing, but it's VERY hard to set aside time in my day to day life for it, it seems.
Time management is a skill that I sometimes lack, however maybe if I have a deadline that will help?
Linda

Just one more thing....
here is the link to the dress pattern I am making:
http://store.sewingtoday.com/cgi-bin/voguepatterns/shop.cgi?s.item.V2610=x&TI='V2610'&page=1
I think I am going to make it a street length dress vs. full length, as I like that look better. I wonder if I can find "stockings" (love to call them that vs. pantyhose - seems more "delicate" somehow?) with a seam up the back as they had in the 40s?
I figure if I can't really compete with high fashion models with my age/weight/image, then I should just go for a "look" of classic elegance and this dress, I think, gives me a personal feeling of a time where things were simpler and women dressed up more for day to day living vs. bumming around in blue jeans all the time with sloppy T shirts.
Do any of you take the time to dress up regularly or do you all wear jeans most of the time? Those of you who work are probably dressing up more, but businesses are so much more casual.
I wonder if dressing up would make you work more towards your weight loss? Certainly for me, the very idea of maybe having this dress up occasion to attend has peaked my own interest!
Linda

Hey!!

Dawny, good to see you back. It's great your DH will start WW, I guess it'd be easier for you to be in control, the same with me and my sis. :)

Linda, the dress looks so elegant and sophisticated!! Wow, i'm really impressed you have the skill to sew this dress, I bet you'll look like a million dollars. :D I hardly dress up, I live in jeans and t-shirts, being a student I don't have many occasions to dress formally. Btw, great loss!! Good for you!!


Mel, thanks for complimenting me for my English, I really like it, I've been studying it ever since I was 4 yrs old. As for my Italian exams, no news yet. I'll have news in the middle of September. I'm dreading it.... Good news for your boss! :)


I'm doing ok, been really good with food, hopefully I'll have a good result on Monday. Nothing much to add, take care everyone!

This is me = :angel:
This is me searching my closet for something that fits = :tantrum:

I spent a strenuous 20 minutes trying to get dressed this morning. I have pants that fit, but no tops. My favorite skirts all hang like bags. It's almost fall and I'm dropping more weight, so I don't want to invest much money. Yes, Linda. I do try to dress up for work, but dang it's hard! A lot of law offices have dropped on their dress codes, but not mine (thankfully!) I think it's tacky and unprofessional myself. Someone comes to us because they are going through a terrible time and we can help fix it - I think they do care if we look proffessional.

Anywho, the closet thing has me in fits. A couple of shirts I did have were victims of laundry disasters or tomato sauce accidents. So, now I'm struggling. I've decided to break down and find some clothing. TODAY. I just went to the consignment shop near work, but they are mostly stocking autumn/winter clothing. But, I did luck up on a rainsuit for a 10% of the price I would pay new! I need it for our upcoming camping trimp (if we ever that that thing planned).

Linda - CONGRATS on the loss! I know it was "just" .6 - but isn't any loss an awesome thing after vacation?!?! And, it shows you really are back on track! Keep it up!

Dawny - Sounds like you are having a lovely time. The castle sounds like fun! Of course, if I was there, I would have joined the battle!

Well, thanks for listening to me whine. Let's hope I can benefit from some back to school sales!

Nat, I think of your English as truly just as good as the rest of us! Perhaps you've thought of a job as an interpretor? Airlines? Travel Agent? United Nations? Teacher? I think you definately have a knack for language, it shows in your writing.
I hope my sewing skills are not too rusty/outdated, it's been awhile since I tackled something like this, but I think I can do it! I just hope I have the time to get it done!
I majored in sewing in high school and started sewing my own clothing when I was about 9 years old. I love to sew and find it relaxing as well as helpful in decorating my home. Always a great skill to know.
I may try to make an effort to dress up now and then. Perhaps we should start a new trend called "dress up day"? In business, nowadays, they have casual Fridays and make a big deal about people not having to dress up in offices. Why not pick a day of the week to always be our "dress up day" and then we can all try to make a special effort to dress better, even just not in blue jeans - which I live in. It might be fun and make people wonder what we are doing! I love to make people think!
But, having to dress up one day a week will accomplish something, I think, it might make us more aware of our appearance and how we fit in our clothing?
Just an idea.
Let us know, Nat, when you find out about those exams. I'll bet you did a great job. Why does it take this long?
Linda

Melanie, our posts crossed each other. I'm glad you have to buy new clothes! That is definately good news, even if it's hard to find something to wear right now. I was just talking about sewing and perhaps you can have some of your stuff altered? Also, don't be afraid to wear a very loose shirt over top of a tank top or something else and make it look like a "jacket" or something. Just an idea!
My house is smelling great, by the way! I made a crockpot full of chili this morning and it's nearly done now. It smells great, Jamie keeps asking if it's time to eat! It's only 5 points a serving and I would be glad to share the recipe if anyone wants it.
Also, was just going through a WW cookbook called WW Meals in Minutes and I think I might just have to break down and buy my own copy. Our WW leader has a "travelling cookbook" and every week she allows a member to go home with it and they return it, then it goes to someone else. This one has some very appealing recipes in it. It's out of print, but she said it can be found used, particularly on e-bay.
I'll bet there are some bargain WW cookbooks out there if we look!
Take care,
Linda

Hey girls!

Well, it's been quiet here... I'll just ramble a bit on my own. :D

Linda, thanks so much for your kind comments. I'm glad you all think my English is good! :) Sewing must be a very useful skill, I bet you'll make the dress and you'll look fabulous! :) How did the chili recipe go? Oh, about the exams, they take long cos they're from an Italian university and they travel to Italy to be corrected. I'll have to be patient I guess!

Mel, I know it's frustrating, but at least you don't fit in the clothes cos they're too big and not too small!! ;) I'm sure you can justify another trip to the mall.... :D


I'm doing ok, I'm being extra-good all day. I couldn't resist and I weighed myself again this morning, it looks good. Hopefully it will stay that way or even go lower for Monday's WI.

Take care everyone!

Only a very quick fly by post here from me this morning, I am driving North to visit mom and dad today and have to get rolling.
Nat, the chili was way too spicy and I will be making it again with much less chili powder, I think!
Gotta go,
Linda

Well, I went to visit mom and dad today and got back a little while ago. I am pleased with myself that even though I was on the road all day and in kind of an emotional situation, I stayed on program. I have eaten exactly all my points and nothing more today, though at the moment I would really love some "liquid medication" in the form of a nice glass of wine or something. That would perhaps relax me a bit?
But, NO I will not have it as I want to do this.
Stopped in at a discount shoe store on my way home to give myself a break from the road (was driving about 4 hours today in total) and found a darling pair of shoes at least and they were on sale! So, that is my reward, not food!
Linda

Hey gang - sorry I haven't been around. I work at a university and classes start in a couple of weeks, so my job is like working in bedlam at the moment. Been so tired most nights I haven't even bothered to turn the computer on.

Congrats, Linda! You took a difficult situation and turned it to your advantage. And shoes are always a necessity!

Melanie, is it worth cutting down the skirts sot hat they fit better? Sometimes it's just easier to go out and get something inexpensive that you can coordinate with other clothing. It can be a challenge when you don't want to spend money for something you won't be wearing for long. Years ago on the chicks board a group had a clothing exchange going on - not sure if anyone's still doing it, but it might be something to do. That way you can have nice clothes and when you don't need them anymore, pass them along to someone else. It's a thought, anyway!

Hi ladies, just a quick visit by me.

WI today, .5 lbs down. Not bad, although I was expecting something better. Anyway...


Nice to see you back Elaine! :)

Take care everyone!

Congrats on the loss, Nat! You've worked so hard! Any loss is a good loss as far as we are concerned! My weigh in is tomorrow, I'm hoping.
Elaine, which university do you work for? I live so close to Boston, it's kind of fun to picture in my head where you might be!
I like the idea of a clothing exchange for those who are in the process of losing weight.
Perhaps some of us have stuff that others can use that is now too big for us? I won't give up my smaller clothes, as I am surely planning on wearing them!
I'm watching CNN news right now and keeping track of the hurricane. Sure makes my little worries seem unimportant.
Linda

Greetings! Sorry I’ve been absent for a bit. With my boss still out and all the church stuff I got going on, I have been super busy. Plus, I’ve had a nagging stomach bug for about a week. I feel constantly queasy (don’t know how that word translates over seas!). If it persists, I’ll have to go to the doc, but it’s not bad right now. Just don’t feel up to par. I didn’t feel up to bending and twisting in Pilates Saturday, but I did 2 miles on the elliptical and 2 miles on the treadmill. So, it’s kinda weird.

The clothing swap is a great idea. I’ve been doing that with some ladies at my church. But, now I’m at the point I actually want to keep most of my larger clothing. I’m going to box some things up and save them for when we decide to start a family. Might come in useful then. If not, I might can sale some things to buy maternity. I’m guessing we might start trying in about a year. But, we are also talking about starting the Bible Institute in the Fall 2006, so we’ll have to pray and see.

Congrats – Linda, on your NSV, that I’m sure will show up on the scale!

Congrats – Natalie on the loss!

I think we are finally going to have a new scale at church this Wednesday that will be our “official” scale. Mine has shown a 1# loss, but I’m waiting until the usual time on Wednesday to actually declare the drop.

I did manage to pick up a few things at Old Navy over the weekend. I LOVE that store. They have great deals sometimes and I wear a size 10 there! I’m wearing one new pair of slacks today. Everyone kept telling me I forgot to take a sticker off… but I wanted to make sure everyone saw the size first!

Well, I'm going to review my menu for the week. I think I might we dumping anything with peppers.

Melanie, have to laugh as the first thing I thought of when you mentioned the stomach bug thing was that you were pregnant! Then, in the same post you said something about saving your fat clothes for that time period. Hmmm... In all seriousness, I do hope you are ok. My DH has had a stomach thing the last few days as well, I think there is something going around the coutry as I have a friend in Rochester NY and both she and her husband have been sick, they have fevers as well.
Stay well! Stomach bugs are pretty awful and NOT the way you want to lose weight.
I am not sure if I blew it or not today, I had lunch with a friend today and had broccoli and cheese soup. I am not sure how to count it, so will look it up in my WW materials and see what they say. I guess I'll count it at whatever they say and accept it at that. I have no idea how many points it truly was, but it was Stilton Cheese in the soup, which is like a Gorgonzola or Blue Cheese type. I just loved the soup and I had a slice of "homemade" carrot and lemon bread with it. We went to a place that is a local soup/salad/homemade bread place. You pick up your own food cafeteria style and it's just great good and a nice local establishment.
Linda

Hey ladies! I just wanted to say hello and see if I can join your group. I started WW today. I went to my first meeting Sat. and will be weighing in on Sat. I am really excited about this and just can't wait to start losing the right way! I have been working out with a trainer now for 5 weeks and doing 6 days a week cardio. I have not lost a lb so I know it is my eating that is keeping me from losing. So here I am, pumped up and ready to go. I may be bouncing back and forth between core and flex, but hope I can join you as well!! You all are doing so awesome!!

Welcome Marcie! Always fun to have more along for the ride!

Melanie, I hope you start feeling better. And queasy does translate over here. ;) The only good thing about feeling sick sometimes is that you end up losing weight in the process - not that it's the right way to lose, but it's always nice to have some sort of a silver lining!

Linda, I work at MIT. The freshmen have just shown up this week and the whole area is sinking about 10 feet as the students all pile into town. I always joke about how much nicer it is when the students aren't around during the summer, but of course, if they didn't come back, I wouldn't have a job! So I can't complain too bad.

I do want to crow a bit, as I posted last before my weigh in, which is on Sunday. I had been grousing as a lot of the scale movement for me has been +.2, -.4, etc. Nothing worth posting, since these trackers don't do increments. But preseverance paid off, and I had a 2.4 loss this past week!

Now the next step is to get back on the exercise bandwagon - I've been so tired when I get home that I just haven't had the energy to do it (with all of the running around I do at work, it must count for something. I really need to find my WW pedometer!)

But I need to get back on top of things, so my goal for this week is to start back up again. I'll let you know how it goes at the end of the week!

HI girls, well, I'm doing good so far this week! We've just had a long 'bank holiday', or a holiday weekend to you guys, so I've not been at work since friday, and won't be back until thursday this week, so I've had to try to be extra good. Well, lets say I haven't exactly been 'extra' good, but quite good. we perhaps won't count the chinese takeout we had last night, or the bag of crisps (chips) sunday lunchtime!
I was quite good sunday actually. Me and my mom were getting rid of some old stuff and instead of dumping it, we decided to do one of the great British traditions, and do a car boot sale. I don't know if you have them in other parts of the world, but they are like a yard sale, or garage sale, or something like that. You take your car, park in a huge field with lots of other 'sellers', and display your wares and get as much as you can for your junk. Its amazing how some people will always want what you want to get rid of! My nsv for that day is that despite being parked within 20 yards of two vans selling hot dogs etc, I didn't get even one. The smell was a nightmare, but we survived!

I'm glad everyone else seems to be going strong still. Welcome to Marcie, we love newcomers here, stick around, we'll help you all we can!

Elaine, looks like you are starting to get things moving a bit now, keep going!

Linda, forget the soup. Its one meal. You seem to be back on track now, so move on to the next day and don't worry. It can't have been that bad. Although I wouldn't have touched it with a bargepole, I can't stand stilton cheese!

Melanie, queasy must be a universal word. We all know you obviously were feeling baaaad! My first thoughts also, like Linda, were of the 'p' word, but I guess you are the only one to know for sure! Sometime soon, though, we will be celebrating here with you!

Anyway, my tummy tells me its lunchtime, so I will love you and leave you, and be back later, take care all!

Well today is it, weigh in day later on this afternoon. I'm nervous. My own scale doesn't seem to reflect the hard work of the last week. I'm hoping that I have a loss. Surely something? :?:
Marcie, welcome and we are glad to have you. I'm sure the weight will start to come off when you combine all your hard work on exercise with some dietary changes. It's not an overnight thing, we all know this. Don't we all wish there was some magic thing that would make it all go away in a very short time, I do mean a magic thing that is healthy, not some of the fad diets and other drastic measures people take. I do have to wonder about some of the stuff I see advertised.
The magic is the hard work and devotion and the effort you put into it. That is what will pay off. No one ever told us it would be easy, but no one ever told us to overeat by thousands of calories each and ever week while we were happily packing on the pounds.
I'm really loving the new WW commercial that is on TV, by the way, with Cher singing. Have any of you seen this? Probably not in the UK, Dawny, though. They show a very heavy, but attractive woman at a party and the caption reads (as if her thoughts) "I'm the fattest one at the party" and her face show her unhappiness. It's really in the end an uplifting commercial and shows that we are not alone and we can find help if we try.
Gosh, one day, if I EVER get the hang of all this I really need to be a WW leader, I am so very much supportive of them. I just need to get it right and stay at goal for awhile. I think I would have to be at goal for at least 6 - 9 months before I would feel comfortable working for them to make sure I've got it right, finally. One day, I hope to really do this... I keep having these detours along my lifelong path. I will get there, though, I just know it.
Snowy, my dad (the one in the nursing home now) worked for MIT for 35 years and was on the faculty there. It's a great school. That was a long time ago, it's been about 20 years since he retired, I doubt a soul there would even know his name now. I still remember him bringing home something called "Tech Talk" where he got cars for both my sister and I when we were old enough to drive, students would buy cars while there and sell them really cheap at the end of the school year, it seems.
At any rate, I have fond memories of my dad working there.
Linda

Thanks for the welcome you guys! I am glad to be here!! I am really sticking to everything. I just don't think I realized how many calories I was actually taking in. I would say...well I hardly ate anything...well guess what...you ate more than you thought. I got up this morning to make dinner for tonight since I go and workout after work and don't get home until about 6:30. I made a tuna casserole that I figured to have 7 pts per serving. Hopefully it is tasty.
Congrats Elaine for your loss! I know it must feel good!
Dawny-What an inspiration you are! WOW! You are awesome!!
Linda-Looking forward to hearing your weigh in...you are so right when you say that no one said this would be easy and there is no quick fix...I am in this for the long run and I know it will probably take a good year to get it off...but that is ok....if I had kept on at the rate I was going...I would be 10lbs heavier next year. I have hear about the commercial but have not seen it. Someone asked if it was Cher in our meeting on Sat. and everyone said that they thought so. I will be looking for it.

I live in Lake Charles, LA which is about 3 hrs from New Orleans and I tell ya ladies....it is devistating from Hurrican Katrina. Please keep the folks in New Orleans, Mississippi, and Alabama in your prayers. We have a friend whose father and grandparents tried to ride it and last time they heard from them water was rising so fast in their house that they were going up to the attic. We haven't heard anything since yesterday and neither has our friend. It is truly so sad. So any prayers for the folks would be great.

Hope you are all having a great day!
Marcie

Marice, my prayers are with those who are in the area where this hurricane hit. I'm so worried and I don't really have much family down there, though some distant relatives.
I hope they are ok too.
I go to weigh in about an hour!
Just so you know, I am donating blood tomorrow, I made an appointment for the afternoon. I wonder if I can add a few points to my day to make up for the blood loss? I shall ask at my meeting today.
By the way, I don't know for sure that the song in the ad is Cher, but I presume it is - her voice is so recognizable! Gosh, I'm old, I remember Sonny and Cher's first ever big time "hit record" in the 1960s! I was probably in 3rd grade?
Linda

I'm bummed out.... I weighed in today and only lost .2 and yes, I know it's a loss and I should be glad (and I am at least I didn't gain) but I really worked very hard this week and really expected better than that.
Oh well... I'm not giving up!
I truly did everything "correct". Even eating out over the weekend was within the program and I ended the week with 14 unused flex points. I'm going to succeed at this, maybe all the work over the last week will show up on next week's weigh in?
I find it interesting that no one really knows (I've asked at meetings) when "being good" actually shows up on your body, same as being bad. I know there are some immediate things that affect us all, but in your real weight when does it show up? I know sodium can really make a person retain fluid and actually weigh more, but that can be temporary. I find myself wondering if the week prior to this week of being really on program is showing up NOW? I was on vacation and really misbehaved!
Hard to know.
Linda

Linda, we must be twins - that's what my weigh ins were like for the longest time. I was really ticked off last week as I had been super conscientious and thought I "deserved" more. In fact, I walked in this week weighed in, sat down and facing me was the flipchart with a note that said "I worked darn hard, and it didn't reflect at the scale!" with a drawing of a person having a tantrum. It was deja vu to my week previous! I had to laugh and told the fill in leader (my regular leader was on vacation) that the drawing could have been me the week before.

So she asked "what did you do about it?"

I told her I promised myself I wasn't going to get mad, but I'd get even - by doing well a second week just like I had done the last. And it worked. I had a great weigh in, and it brought home to me what my leader is always saying - your body doesn't lose in a 7 day cycle, so don't let what the scale says derail you from your efforts!

Also enough of those .2's add up and that's what counts, right?

Marcie - my friends down south are definitely in my thoughts, and it's good that you were far enough away from the devastation. I hope you'r friend's family are okay.

Hey girls!

Welcome Marcie! Always nice to have new ladies join us!! :)

Mel, hope the stomach bug has vanished and you're feeling better. :)

Elaine, good job on the loss!! Hard work paid off! ;)

Linda, don't worry about the small loss. It's been like that for me for months now, I know how frustrating it is, esp. when you'ver been extra-good all week hoping it'll all pay off in the end. But, I do believe that being good will pay off in the long run, if not this week then the next one. Don't get disappointed, that's the secret.


I'm doing ok, sneakily weighed myself this morning, the scales are moving. I have a small party to go to tonight, booze and food will be there, but I guess I'll have time to make up for it till Monday's WI. My uni exams start on Monday, italian results are due in 2 weeks' time, I'm a bit stressed at the moment! Anyway, take care girls! :wave:

Elaine, you and I need to stop worrying, I guess. But, I have to admit I am deeply worried, I have this black tie thing to go to and has myself convinced that if I was really, really good that a significant amount of weight would just drop off, yet the scale hovers. Life is not all about this one special occasion, but I would so love to be about five pounds or more less than I am right now. I'd just feel better about myself for this event.
Usually on a week that I am this good I will experience some kind of loss, at least more than .2 , but maybe next week?
Nat, your small losses really do show me that it is all possible. I just looked at your number of smiling angels or whatever those things are with wings you have for each 5 pounds you've lost and you have done an amazing job, you really have!
So, for me, it's back to work at it all today and working VERY hard. I want results next week. It's going to be harder as this weekend is a holiday weekend and we are going away. I always get messed up by that.
Perhaps we can all brainstorm about some ideas for me. We'll be eating out for probably two nights... what kind of restaurants would you all choose if you could pick and what would you order? The problem, of course, is that there are other people with me and I may not be able to make the final choice of where to go.
But, it might be fun to run through an analysis of each kind of place and come up with a recommended meal? This way, I'll feel empowered and have a choice in my head when I walk into the place. Does that make sense?
So, let's think....
Chinese? Italian? Steakhouse? Pizza place (different from Italian to me), BBQ place?
What would you all select at each place to get the most food for the least amount of points?
Linda

Hey ladies!
Linda try not to stress too much on the small loss..next week you'll probably be down 3lbs...as for restaurants...they are my weakness. I am so scared to go to a restaurant right now. I'm afraid I am not much help with that. I do know what you mean about feeling better about yourself for the black tie event...you will look great though! That is great that you are going to give blood. I am curious too if you get extra points for that.
Natalie-Hope you aren't too stressed out...by the way you are an inspiration for me. I am starting a little heavier than you...but you prove to me that I can get to ONEDERLAND!!! Keep it up!
Elaine-Thanks for your thoughts and prayers for my friend's family. She was able to see pictures of her father and her house on this link-http://parishphotosafterkatrina.blogspot.com/
Her father is the bald man out the window and her house is in a few of the other pictures. So sad-they still have not been rescued.

Last night I went to the Civic Center, where we have over 2000 evacuees, and brought donations of baby items, snacks, and drinks. I ended up staying till 10:00 helping unload cars full of items to be donated. It was truly amazing. I just cry when I think of all of those people left with nothing. We all should count our blessings.

Hope you all have a fabulous on plan day!!

Absolutely, Marcie. It is certainly humbling to think of what nature can do when she puts her mind to it.

Linda, forgot to mention, I had to laugh at the MIT connection. And maybe I need to pick up a copy of Tech Talk and see what bargains they have in it these days! ;) Small world, isn't it?

As for the weekend --- plan, plan and plan again! Plan to do a lot of walking - earn those extra APs! And if you know what places are around where you're going, look them up on Dotty's site and check for food on the menu that will fit in your point range (www.dwlz.com) That place is invaluable. And even if they don't have the same restaurants, you can look at the same types of foods and at least have a good plan. My problems are going into a restaurant without one, and the next thing I know, I shouldn't have walked in the door! ;) But if I know what I'm walking into, I can plan accordingly, and still do well on program.

You can do it too - just have to think about it! ;)

Hi girls, can't stop I'm afraid, just popped in quick.
Wanted to send my thoughts, prayers and sympathies to all involved in the great tragedy in the south. I hope none of you are too much affected by events of recent days, the whole world is with you.

As for food, not doing too bad at the moment, we'll have to see how we are when we get to the weekend again, always a bad time for me lately. I can go through the week with great intentions, then it all falls apart by the time friday night arrives. I suppose it helps me keep at maintenence so I really shouldn't complain too much, but I'm sure I have a couple of gained pounds to get rid of, so I must try harder!

Ok got to go for now, off to my mums tonight for a while, with some of her friends. There are usually munchies there, we all take something 'nice'! I will take WW little apple pies, and as my mum and one of her friends are also following WW, there should be other 'diet-friendly' stuff there too. I will be good, I will be good, I will......

See ya later!

Talk about a day of challenges - my brithday is on Saturday and someone at work who knew I was taking tomorrow off for a little longer weekend got a cake. It was huge. Even sharing with my department still left me with more than a third of the cake. Ugh! So I brought it home and promptly cut off most of it to give to my brother next door. Dangerous stuff!

Will need to do more exercise, as even looking at this thing is likely to add about 10lbs.... ;)

Hope your girl's night out went well, Dawny! At least you are with a group of WWers!

Hi everyone!
Thanks for the ideas about eating out this weekend. I'm not doing any planning and it all seems so insignificant compared to the horrific events going on down South. Marcie, I wish I was close enough to help as you did, it must have felt so good.
I have donated blood and cash, but wish there was more I could do to help locally. I'm sure there will be collections of items and all sorts of organized things in the near future, it's just too soon and we are being told that cash is what is needed most right now. Keep up the good work, my thoughts and prayers are with you and the people down there. I have been glued to the TV, watching every development.
We had a telethon all day yesterday run by the local TV station in NH and raised $1,143,257.00 million dollars in one day, pretty good for a small northern state!
All these funds were going directly to the red cross to to hurricane victims.
Some people in NH are offering their homes to victims, they have very big hearts for sure! I hope today's news brings more GOOD news about people being helped.
Again, my efforts seem insignificant in comparison to all of what is going on, but I have to say that I have been totally on program the last two days, but not exercising. It's been busy and I have to admit that when I do have a moment, I've been glued to the tv watching all of this.
Take care and stay safe everyone,
Linda

Hello all! Sorry I’ve been missing a few days. The bossman is still out recovering from his illness and we are swamped as we each pick up a bit more responsibilities. And, adding gym time to my day leaves me happily short on time.

Linda – Sorry you’re having a rough go of it. Of course, you know that the results do not always immediately show on the scale. If only we could command when it will! Just keep at it and you will see it soon. You’ve been down this road before and you know you can conquer it! Food ideas? Mmmm… my favorite topic. Most all Italian places should offer a fish dish. Order marinara sauce instead of any heavy cream sauce. Maybe something vegetarian? At pizza places you can usually get a salad. Fill up on that first and then have a slice. Steak houses should have a small lean steak or chicken option. With a salad and baked potato or grilled veggies, that wouldn’t be a bad choice. Chinese? Egg drop soup. Seafood. Ask for a special order with sauce on the side. Our local restaurant does that and I get basically steamed chicken & veggies and drizzle about 2 tbsp of the 2 cups of sauce they give me! Most importantly, just go in with the mindset that you are not going to cave. You are going to look for the healthy options on the menu and not consider what everyone else is having. You are eating for You, no one else! Oh… and, I’m NOT pregnant. The bug is gone. But since I had been feeling puny and drained for so long, and I happened to have a test in the cabinet, and three people a day asked me, I went ahead and confirmed what I knew. No bun in this oven!

Dawny – Hope you had fun on your girls’ night. Since you mentioned the weekend is your downfall, I’m issuing a challenge that you report back on Monday with glowing results! Make this the weekend you beat the cycle!

Marcie – Hi! Great to have you on “board” pardon the pun. I’ve been, of course, watching some of what is happening in that area. It is tragic. But, a blessing to have people like you helping out. I’m sure someone was touched by your efforts. As for the restaurant fear, my biggest trick is to go in with my own menu. I research the place I’m going and have a few good options with their points written down before I go. That way, I don’t even have to really look at the menu. I have my own items to choose from. Then, I can kindly offer DH knowledge on the calories and fat he’s ingesting. He usually doesn’t appreciate my research though. :dunno:

Natalie – Yippee! The scales are going down! Keep up the great work. And, stay calm about the test results. Isn’t it funny how we get upset over such things? The work is done. Worrying will not change the results that have already been calculated. But, I’m sending you good vibes.

Elaine – Great job on getting rid of the cake! I’d much rather my brother get chunky than me! But, I’m a true blue little sister. And HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Well, I think that about has me caught up on the posts! As for me, I’m doing something quite difficult. I’m bumping up my weight listed in the signature. We finally got a new scale at our meetings. The old one was always about 1.5# lower than mine at home. The one we have now is about 1.5# more than mine at home. So, it showed a gain when I really maintained or lost .5. Anyway, that is now my “official” scale and I will change my listing. I will try to remember that the number doesn’t really matter. The fact that I’m gonna get it to go down is what counts.

I’ve not been doing great the last few weeks. I’ve been eating my daily pts and all my FPs, but no APs for the past 14 months. Since I’m not making much progress at this time, I’ve decided to cut back the FPs by 5 for a couple of weeks. What do you think? Would this be the right change?

I’m also trying to up the exercise. I’m in attack mode. I want to get these last 18 pounds off me!!! Gone! For good! Since it’s a holiday weekend, I will have plenty of time to hit the gym. I will go for at least a couple of hours tomorrow, an hour or so Sunday, and a few hours on Monday. I wanted to go to my Dad’s Saturday, especially since it’s my hometown’s festival weekend. But, with gas prices what they are, I’m still debating whether I want to make that 30 mile trip.

Well, that the summary of me. I got up this morning and hit the gym before work. I’m rather chipper actually… but I’m mad at Fat!! Anyone else?

Hi there, wow Melanie, what a long post, you certainly made up for lost time! Thanks for the mini challenge. I will certainly try to be extra good this weekend. So far, I've been good all week. I was even good last night at my mums - only ate one of the ww apple pies that I took with me, nothing else, just drank loads of water. I've now got to decide what to have for dinner tonight, I have chicken but don't know what to do with it tonight. I'm sure a herb or two wouldn't go amiss, but you know me and cooking, I'm never quite sure what herb goes best with what. I really must buy myself a cookbook for idiots. One that includes the WW points already worked out!
Now Melanie, I'm going to issue you with a challenge. I'm sure its achievable for you. You have 18 pounds to go to goal. I say get rid of every last one for the Christmas holidays and you could just have yourself the best Christmas pressie ever. I can't comment really on whether dropping the quanitity of fp's will help much or not, seeing as we don't have them here, and I really don't get them that much, but if you keep up all that exercise, its got to be off to a great start. Unfortunately, I've always found in the past that when I've exercised loads, during a time of good weight loss, my weight stabalises and I stop losing. I know the reasoning behind most of this, but it just stops dropping, even after a while. Maybe, psychologically, I start thinking that I can eat just a little bit more than before because of what I'm burning off, but not taking the extra food into account, I don't know, but just keep on keeping a good track of whats going in the mouth!

Elaine, happy birthday for the weekend. Good on you for not eating all the cake! Its my little AJ's birthday on wednesday 7th, and his party is this weekend, so cake all over here too. Wish me luck!

Linda, keep going, you are doing great.

Oh, got to go, AJ screaming, back soon, take care.

Thanks Dawny and Melanie - So far I've resisted the fridge. If necessary, the rest can go over to my brother's as well. Better him than me, I say!

Melanie, they say the hardest part is the last bit that you have to lose. Sometimes, it's just taking a look at what you're eating and cutting something out, like breads. Or if you haven't been eating your APs and do a lot to earn them, perhaps you should be eating them - it may give you a kick start you need. Good luck with the effort - you're so clos, I know you can do it! :cheer:

Hi. I'll keep this post shorter than the last! :lol:

Thanks for the support! And, Dawny - I accept that challenge! Goal by Christmas! You heard it here first!

I know that exercising and building muscle stops the scale from dropping sometimes, as I'm building muscle as I lose the fat. In a couple of weeks I'm going to do my measurements again. I really don't mind what the scale says, if my clothes tell me I'm skinny!

Elaine - thanks for bringing up the APs. If dropping 5 FPs doesn't work in a couple of weeks, I'll try eating more instead of less. Gosh, that would be something to dread! ;)

Later!

Hello ladies!

Linda- How is your weekend? I hope you have a great time. Did you pick something nice and healthy in the restaurant? I'd suggest protein with salad and avoid anything creamy or with lots of sauces. Anyway, hope you have fun and enjoy your weekend! :)

Marcie- I've been watching the news, and it's so devastating. I'm so very sorry for all the people who died and all those who are suffering. Good for you for helping, I'm very very far away, but I'll pay attention to see if there's anything I can do from here.

Elaine- Happy birthday!! :D Good job on resisting the cake, but since it's your birthday, I guess you can have a small piece, right? I've read somewhere that on your birthday everything is calorie-free!! ;)

Dawny- Happy birthday for AJ!! How did the party go? I bet it would be hard to resist the treats, how did you do? A house full of kids though sounds like good exercise! :D

Mel- I'm right with you in the attack plan. I'm sick of plateauing and really want to shift some weight and go from there. You're really close to goal, I bet you can do it, your motivation sounds promising!

Well, Im doing ok. I decided to start counting points again, as I took a break from it for a month. But, I'm starting counting again from today, I need all the discipline I can get. I'll do some exercise today and tomorrow, and walking on Monday. Hopefully, I'll have a small loss on Tuesday.

Uni exams start on Monday, wish me luck!!

Hi everyone! Lots of great posts to read from you all! Melanie, you are doing great! Dawny, we don't have WW applie pies over here... tell us all about them!
Nat, you are doig so great, counting points again will be a good motivation for you.
Snowy, keep on trying!
Did I miss anyone? If I did, forgive me!
We modified our plans for the weekend. We're going to head up North for just a day trip tomorrow, we are all really tired and I have to admit that I feel like I am coming down with something, sore throat, swollen glands, tired, achy and all that stuff. I hope I can fight it off! I need my energy.
Last night, Jamie and I were on our own for dinner and we had Chinese food... sorry to say that I used 7 flex points in one day, but my journal ends tomorrow and I still have 11 of my 35 left this week. So, essentially, I was on program, but I would have preferred to not have had the Chinese, so much sodium. I really didn't eat that much, as I was worrying about the points. But, yesterday was a 29 point day and I usually have 22 points each day. I hope to do better today, not sure what we'll be doing for food, etc. as DH just got home from New York last night and we've not had a chance to chat. My entire household is exhausted it seems, though, with him travelling and the kids starting school this week. I think that whatever we do, it will be quiet.
I'm taking an independant poll here....
What are gas prices in your areas now?
Plaistow NH, average price $3.32 per gallon
What about where you live? I'll bet Dawny is the highest... pounds are roughly 1.5 of our dollars, so $5.00 would be 7.5 pounds, I think???? Goodness knows what Greece has for currency and how that transfers to dollars, are you gusy Euros?
Linda
Linda

Great decision, Nat! I don't know how I would do it without counting points. Especially with school starting back, it would be very easy for you to lose track. Let us know if you are surprised about your quantities when you start counting again.

Linda - I understand that tired feeling. I hope you get some rest to avoid any illness. And, I wouldn't worry too much about one high point day. I think it can actually be helpful to keep your body guessing about what it's getting.

Gas prices in South Central, KY spiked up to $3.09 per gallon on Wednesday, but last night most places were $2.87. I decided to go ahead and fill up last night, and found one station was out at 5p, the other that I stopped at said they would be out by 8p. That made up my mind that I'm not going to my dad's today. I don't think it would be wise for me to use half a tank without knowing what's going to happen in the next few weeks.

In fact, I'm going to call my in-laws today to ask about borrowing a bike. I would rather save my gas for trips to my parents, and drive it to the grocery and Y. But, there are plenty of places I can go on a bike. The weather is good, and I've cleared a parking situation with my boss. Should be good exercise too!

Speaking of exercise, I better start getting ready for my pilates class!

See ya later!

Gals! News! Bike riding is FUN! WWWHHHHEEEEE!!!! I like going down hill better than up! After a wobbly start, I got the hang of it. And, I figured out that it will actually be faster than driving because I don't have to park and walk! But, I must admit... I'm sore in special places.. :o

At the grocery today I picked up some Starbucks Frappuccinos. MMMMmmm... 3 pts of goodness! About what I would use on a snack or dessert.

I always thought those Frappuccinos were higher in points. 3 doesn't sound so bad!

Natalie - I only wish that calories don't count on your birthday! But with weigh in tomorrow, I figure I don't want to take a chance that is true. ;) Would that it were!

And good job on the exercise - I always have the best laid plans and the worst execution of them. That's the thing I really need to focus on for this upcoming week.

Feel better Linda! I've seen gas prices in the Boston area anywhere from $3.09 to 3.90. It definitely caused me to change my own plans for this weekend as well. Better to stay home (not get tempted by restaurant food) and save the money!

Good morning all, off to the vets again shortly with my little cat, still poorly, so can't stop.

Petrol prices here are all in litres, haven't used gallons here for years, its around 90pence a litre here, so I think that works out about £3.40 per gallon if I remember the calculations correct. Our petrol is usually so expensive compared to the America, not at the moment though, for obvious reasons, although we have been told to expect it to go up quite a bit more.

I ate chocolate last night. Far too much of it. So much for being good all weekend. Still, I'll report more later... got to go and catch a cat......

Elaine - I'm not sure about the Frappucinos that you get at the Starbucks cafes, but the bottled ones in the grocery are just 3 pts. And worth every one!

Dawny - If the chocolate was your only lapse, maybe you are on your way to beating the weekends. At least, I will think that.

Well, I'm recovering from my bike booboos. Still feel like I spent a weekend as a cowhand on the open range! But, better. I didn't ride to work this morning because I woke up with a whopping headache that I went to bed with last night. It's TOM, and I'm hoping I won't have this hanging around all week!

I found out over the weekend that our town is preparing a recently closed elementary school to house 150 or so of the hurricane victims. It should provide pretty good facilities, actually. I rode out to the school and saw that the class rooms all open to the outside with a porch. Of course there will be a cafeteria/gym too. Almost like apartments. I've already started going through my closets to find clothing and things to donate. It's right down the street from me, so I'm planning to be there helping as much as possible. Scrubbing floors and windows ought to be good exercise too.

Well, gotta get to work.
C-ya!

Hi everyone!

Linda- hope you're feeling better and that you avoided the illness. :) Did you have fun at the trip?

Mel- Good for you for helping the hurricane victims. It's really devastating to watch the news coverage about it, all these people suffer... Very sad indeed. On a different note, good job on cycling, I love it but I haven't got on a bike since I was about 10 years old! :lol: Anyway, bottled frappuccinos sound delicious!!!

Dawny- Forget about the chocolate, at least it wasn't something worse. And my best wishes for your cat!

snowyowl- hope you're doing great. :)


I'm doing ok, I've binged on Sunday and on Monday, so it could have been much better I guess. I'm back on track today, I'm counting points and I'm determined to succeed this time. I'm going out for lunch this weekend with my mum and sis as it's my mum's birthday so I will try to save some points for it. My sis is doing great btw, she lost 7 lbs in 3 weeks, I'm so happy for her!! :D At least someone in the family is losing weight... ;) :D

Oh, as for gas prices, I think it's 1.10 euros per litre. I don't know anything about gallons, sorry!
Exercise-wise, I did a 30-min walk yesterday and 10 mins weights and light CV this morning. I'll probably go for a short walk in the afternoon.


Take care girls!! :)

Hi, just realised I miscalculated about the petrol prices, I got the cost right, but I was thinking that £3.40 was the same as $3.40. Obviously not. Please excuse me, I've had a busy week!
AJ had his party at a nearby pub. I did consider having 15+ kids round at my house - briefly - then sanity kicked in and I changed my mind! So not too much organising or running around earning AP's.
Melanie, great job on the 'hurricane' shelter. So much needs to be done, but how does one go about doing it? Its times like this I'm so glad I live in little old England, where we don't get storms like this. Hope your butt feels better too! I once went on a 30 mile bike ride after many years of avoiding cycling, I felt like I had a tennis ball in my pants for days! (too much information, maybe?!)
Natalie, Glad to hear you are back on track. You will get over this plateau, maybe the little 'points break' you took will do you good.
Oh, by the way, regarding the weekends chocolate, if you had seen just how much chocolate I ate, maybe you would be shouting at me and telling me I had been very naughty, not telling me not to worry about it, lots and lots of points worth, me thinks!

Anyway, I have to go now, AJ's birthday (officially) tomorrow, so more cake around, I will try very hard, I am being good, even though the scale doesn't seem to be moving much. See ya later, take care.

Well Dawny, in that case:

:rollpin: :rollpin: :rollpin: ;) :D

Hi all,

It's just terrible about the devestation that Hurricane Katrina has caused.

Gas here in my part of the town, Newfoundland, Canada it's $1.48 a litre. So that would be about $5.92 a gallon. Not very good. Things could be alot worse though considering what people are going though from the Hurricane.

TTYS

KIM

Hi guys!
I'm very behind on e-mail and everything else in my life it seems. Hope all is well with you guys. I haven't read all your posts, but will maybe later?
I have my weigh in about an hour from now. Not sure if I lost anything again, but I am going nontheless. I've been on program, though, and SHOULD have a loss, but I just don't know.
The hurricane situation has been eating up lots of my time, I'm afraid. I'm kind of obsessed with watching the reports on tv and am so concerned for all those poor people. I'm glad to say that 500 of them are coming to an air force base right near me and I am going to get busy collecting items for the people, as they are coming here with little more than the clothes they are wearing, poor things!
Believe me, NH people will do everything we can to make them feel welcome and get their needs taken care of. We love them all!
Sad news on my dad, he was officially placed on hospice care as of yesterday, I was up there over the weekend visiting and he's really taken a huge turn downhill. I wish there was more I could do.
I'm feeling stressed, but so far it's not affecting my food intake.
Linda

How was the birthday, Dawny? Wonder if we should start a new tradition of a birthday vegetable vs. a birthday cake? Doubt it would catch on with kids for sure!
I weighed in last night and was down .6 to a total of 159.6. Sad to think that last spring I was much lower than this and how I lost control over the summer. Don't let me do that again everyone!
Last night's meetings was a good one. We were read a story about "Judy" (whose hame could have been Linda for sure) who went out to eat with friends. The scanario was as if if was me! It was interesting how "Judy" asked her friends to go to a place that was a good WW choice and was outvoted (happens to me all the time) and then was swayed by peer pressure and ended up with a really high point dinner, ate repeatedly from the bread basket, had appetizers, had a couple of glasses of wine and also ended the meal with dessert. Then "Judy" went home and actually felt almost ill from overeating and was depressed about how she lost control. How many times have we all gone through this same situation? I sure have.
We all need a battle plan for sure.
By the way, while we were away over the weekend, I did order a bit more sensibly at some places, though lost control and had Chinese food on Friday night. I didn't eat as much as I usually would have eaten, though. When we dined out at a Steakhouse, it took such self control for me, but I had a club soda with lime vs. wine. I had grilled chicken "Santa Fe" with had salsa over top of it and it came with a spicy rice (which I actually didn't eat much of as it was too spicy for my liking - a good thing). I passed on dessert and had only one slice of bread. My salad had lite dressing on the side. I wanted filet mignon, or prime rib with a huge baked potato piled high with butter and sour cream but I didn't give in! But, I still overate a bit and went seriously into flex points (but they are there and I still ended the week with 11 leftover).
On Sunday evening, we were at a diner. I actually ordered a cheeseburger and fries and then thought better of it and changed what I ordered to a ham steak with mashed potatoes and corn. I don't know how many points I saved with this change, but I felt better about what I ate at least. I also had a cup of minestrone soup before the meal, whiich is low point and may have filled me up so I didn't overeat.
Eating out for an entire weekend is hard to do and I think I did ok and am thankful that I had a loss. I wonder if I would have had a better loss if I had chosen something other than ham steak on Sunday evening, due to the sodium? Maybe next week's weigh in will be better as a result? Will seriously try to not have any high sodium items in the days preceeding my meeting!
Do you all try to plan any high sodium foods that you might eat in the "early" part of your week right after wiegh in, or do you bother? Or, are you being so good that you are not having high sodium foods at all?
Linda

Hi, well, I just spent ages typing a good long message, and then forgot to post it and lost it all. Typical. Oh well, not going through all that again, so to be brief, AJ is having a lovely birthday, although we still have his main Thomas the tank engine birthday cake to cut into, and I'm determined not to have even a small piece. I like the vegetable birthday cake idea Linda, although a birthday Carrot cake sounds the best idea, don't you think?
Linda, it sounds as if your 'eating out' weekend was lovely, and you even got a small loss too, so even though things are still slow, they are at least moving in the right direction, well done!
As for the sodium foods, I have to say that until I found this board I didn't really bother either way. Now, I tend to try to be careful most of the time, also, not adding extra table salt to my meals. Then, if I have a chinese meal for example then I don't panic so much. I know I feel the difference when I've had a high sodium meal, so now I avoid when possible. (there has to be something I'm an angel at, this is probably one of the few things that gets me there! Oh, that and taking my supplements, can't fight off a cold without them for some reason.)

Righty-o, got to go and play pirates a while with the birthday boy, see ya later.

Sounds like things are going well, Dawny, but I think I couldn't resist that birthday cake. I think I should build something that looks like a cake out of veggies or something to signify and look like a birthday cake just for fun.... perhaps make something out of sf jello with fruits mixed in in a jellow mold and then maybe make some kind of "frosting" for it out of sugar free whipped topping or something like that, then it could be "decorated" with pretty fruits on top and then have candles? : )
OH well, wish I had time to play in the kitchen today, but today is definately not the day for that - gotta go!
Linda

Hey ladies...I took off on a last minute trip home on Friday and just got back late last night. I missed my weigh in on Sat. MY FIRST WEIGH IN! What bad timing huh? I just needed to get out of here and DH was going to work all weekend..so DD and I took off and went home to see my parents. I did really well considering all the food that we had. Fortunatly it wasnt too hard to make good choices. My mom had a lot of fruit and we had good chicken...breakfasts were good too...and lunches were sandwhiches..so not too bad. Could have been much worse!! I will weigh in this Sat....and pray for a loss. I am still trying to catch up on everyone...hope you all are doing ok!!

Marcie

Gosh, Dawny! 30 miles! I would be dead! But, I am getting more comfy on the bike. Just do NOT like traffic from that viewpoint. Oh, and what a bad influence you are… I’m eating chocolate! Just a 1 inch square, so it’s not evil. Just oooohhhh so good.

Linda – Sorry about your dad’s decline. I’ll definitely send up some prayers. And wow! on having a weight loss after a weekend trip! When was the last time that happened?!?! Great job. But, I have to reject your birthday cake idea. DH’s birthday is Sunday and I think he would be quite upset if I served him a jello slice! Nope. There is ice cream cake in my near future. I’m saving points for the event and planning to get the low fat ice cream cake (he has never been able to tell the difference!).

Welcome back, Marcie. Sounds like you had a good trip! Update us after WI!

Well, I had a .5 loss last night. Not great, but I’ll take it! And, do better next week.

Like I said, DH’s birthday is Sunday. Unfortunately, he has to work. I’m planning to cook him a big breakfast and a special dinner (or maybe take-out). Those, I can both eat healthy for. However, for a treat, I think I will get him a piece of his favorite Triple Chocolate Cheesecake from a restaurant in town. Only one slice. For him. Only. Then on Monday night, we will probably have his ice cream cake that I will share. I plan to be better for his birthday than I was for mine!

Later!

Hey girls!

Sorry I've been absent, I'm really busy with exams and stuff. I'm still here though! ;)


Linda, very sorry to hear about your father, hope you're doing well and he's receiving all the care needed. Thinking of you. :)


Mel, happy birthday for your DH!! :D Hope you have a great Sunday, and beware of the cake! ;)

Marcie, good luck for WI! Hope you're doing well. :)


Dawny, happy birthday for AJ! Hope you're doing fine! :)

As for me, I'm ok. I did an hour workout on Wednesday, which felt great! Yesterday I walked for 30 minutes and also did 100 crunches. Food has been good too, I hope to have a good loss on Monday although TOM is here so I'm not getting my hopes up.


Take care everyone!

A very quick update. Dad is in really bad shape, it's probably going to be a matter of hours or days here. I was up there all day yesterday. No time for weight loss stuff for sure.
If I am out of touch for awhile, you'll know why.
Linda

Can't stop. Just wanted to say prayers with you Linda and all your family. We are all thinking about you at this difficult time.

Oh, and just a quick mention about the petrol (gas) price problem. Apparantly it was in a national tabloid newspaper yesterday that the cheapest petrol in the whole country is now on sale about 1/2 mile from my house - hows that for lucky! (I'm sure it won't last though.)

Right, off now, take care everyone, back after the weekend.

Thinking of you, Linda. It's a tough thing to deal with a sick parent. <hugs>

Marcie, how was your weigh in? I think you did well, getting away and not having a lot of control over food. But it's real life, so we deal with it and make the best choices we can, right?

Natalie - Good god woman, you're an exercise maniac! Keep that up!

Melanie- Good idea planning for a big event like your DH's birthday! Planning is always the key. Good for you, and hope it works out well for you.

Haven't been around this week as it was the first week of classes at school. I worked 4 days of double shifts, and most nights didn't even have time to stop for dinner, even if I was hungry on those nights. Most often ended up coming home and going straight to bed. By yesterday I was limping - I don't think my body appreciated all that standing and running around all week.

So today and tomorrow are recovery days, and by next week things should move into a normal schedule. Hopefully weigh in will be kind - last week was a gain, but this week will hopefully be back down. But during times of busy stuff going on or stress, you tend to put these things onto a back seat and pick up when you can focus on it.

I'm so happy!!

*drumroll*

I passed my Italian exam!!!
:bravo: :cb: :cp: :dance: :dancer: :cloud9: :encore: :cheer:


I'm really excited, as I was terribly stressed about it. But yesterday my professor called me and told me the good news. Which means I can get my diploma and start learning a new language. I'm thinking Spanish. :D

So, all good news from me. :) I'll write back later, sorry I don't have time to read all the posts. I'll be back with weight report.


Take care everyone!

:woo: Congrats, Natalie! I'm impressed! I took French in school many years ago, and all I can remember is what was in my 7th grade book. I did take Gaelic adult ed classes once, but it's not a language you find a lot of use for around here... ;) So anyone who can speak any language has my utmost respect.

Way to go!

Hello girls!

Linda- I'm terribly sorry to hear about your dad, I just read your post today. Thinking of you, hope you're holding yourself together well. Big hug. :grouphug:


Elaine- thanks for the congrats!! :) It was a really hard exam, only 26 out of 169 people passed it, so I have to admit I'm pretty proud with myself! :D Hope you're doing well. :)


Well, WI today, .2 down. :rolleyes: :rolleyes: Going at this rate, I'm sure I'll hit target by the time I'm thirty. :fr: :censored: :rolleyes: Anyway, it's a loss so I'll take it, although it's getting frustrating. I'll be exercising this week, I wish it could make a difference, this week having TOM and all.

I went out for dinner on Saturday, my mum's birthday. I think I did fairly ok, a few starters and steak for main course which I didn't finish. Only 1 glass of wine and I skipped dessert. So, it didn't go too bad I guess.

Well, I'm off to exercise. Take care everyone! :)

Linda - soooo sorry to hear about your dad. My prayers are with you. WW and points will be here when you get back. You just do what you need to in taking care of yourself and your mom.

Natalie - Didn't I tell ya!?!? Of course you passed! You're Super Natalie! Really, congrats! And :yes: exercise probably will help the scale go down.

Myself, I'm pecking away at the keyboard with one finger on the right. Did it again. Grabbed a hot skillet handle. I think they are taking up a collection at work to buy me some oven mits. I was sleepy and making breakfast for DH's b-day yesterday when I did it. It's not horribly bad, but might cut out Yoga this week. I still managed a candlelit dinner for DH's b-day last night and had about 3/4 of a slice of his b-day cheesecake. Still should have plenty of points for his big b-day cake tomorrow night (small piece for me).

Well, better go. Everything is taking twice as long as I try not to get ointment on any documents!

Hi girls.
Natalie, well done you! You were obviously born to speak to the whole world! Good luck if you decide on the spanish. My AJ likes Spanish. Picks up counting and stuff off 'Dora the explorer'! I just like Spanish holidays! ;)

Melanie, what are you like? You always seem to have one injury or another going on. Glad its nothing too serious, you'll be on the mend soon, and at least you got to enjoy DH's birthday! Hope you didn't get too much ointment all over him! :devil:

Elaine, I'm sure your next wi will be fine. Like you said, the stress always has some kind of toll to pay with weight loss, but if you've pretty much been sticking to plan, you will benefit in the end.

We went out for lunch yesterday, a 3 course meal it turned out to be, which we didn't expect, but very nice, and apart from the plum crumble afterwards, not too bad points wise. Obviously the dessert let the day down somewhat, but I enjoyed it. ;) I seem quite stable weightwise at the moment. I am about at my goal weight now, whereas a few months ago, I got a pound or two below goal, which is where I prefer to be. But, if its steady then I guess thats the main thing. I think the way its staying steady is that I have over half the week really sticking to points, then a couple of days going over, but I guess if I had a couple of weeks OP then I would lose a pound or two. I'm ok for now. I still haven't had chance to go to any WW meetings for a while, at the mo, its not a problem, but I must make the effort to go soon if I can. I still haven't met the new leader!

Anyway, take care girls, thinking of you Linda at this sad time, back soon.

:lol: Dawny- Too true. I have been thinking the same thing today. Non-injured, pain-free days are truly something for me to celebrate! I think that a part of it is that I'm always trying to manage doing "a bit more". I couldn't just fix DH breakfast, I wanted to fix a breakfast feast at 5:30 a.m. right out of bed! I don't just ride a bike; I ride until it hurts! I've started jogging for bits on the treadmill. I guess I'm an over-acheiver without the talent to be one!

If you're close to goal, that's great! It would be almost impossible to keep at one exact number! Our bodies change so much day-to-day! Keep up the good work!

Hey everyone! Well Ilost -1.8 on Sat. and that was for 2 weeks...so not too bad I guess! Aiming for 2 lbs this week...gonna work really hard on it.

Linda-Your father, you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers!

Natalie-Great job on your test! WAY TO GO! :bravo: Don't get too frustrated...I exercise a lot too and feel like it is taking forever...but we will do it!! TOGETHER!!

Dawny-AWESOME on being at your goal..you sound so in control..What an inspiration! :cheer:

Melanie-hope your fingers better soon!! :hot:

I am trying to stay so positive with this weight loss journey. I am sure you all have had times when you have gotten into a funk. I am going on almost 2 months of working out and weight training and I am just ready to see some results. Of course I just joined WW so maybe I should just look at it like just getting started instead of 2 months into it.

Hope you all are having a great day!

Marcie

What does DD mean? What about DH? I see lingo on here that I don't know how to decipher!

Good morning all. Irish molly, DD stands for dear daughter, DH is dear husband , MIL is mother in law etc. NSV is 'non scale victory'. Thats an important one to us here on this thread, meaning any little victory we have, such as avoiding the passing round of cookies for example, that is 'diet' related but not weight related. Dropping a dress size is a good NSV that we all like to achieve, I think we need to hear a few more NSV's on here lately, give us all a much needed boost. It does help us all when someone has achieved something like that, makes it all seem worthwhile.

Marcie, great loss this week. Keep it up - all the exercise will keep showing the results if you stay with it.

Melanie, thanks for your encouraging words. Sometimes I don't feel in control at all, but when I stand back and look at how I'm working things at the moment, then look at the scales, I do feel that I'm managing to stabalise things a bit. The good days outweigh the bad, thats how I look at it. However, never one to go for very long without a mini pigout, I just took AJ for a 'snack' whilst on a shopping trip, and we had a scone with strawberry jam and clotted cream. If you don't know what they are, they are a little cake, quite heavy with raisins in, the clotted cream is very thick and sweet, you don't need much, usually comes from Cornwall and is a traditional dessert there. Very naughty but very nice! I only had half though, so I guess I saved myself a little bit there, a small NSV maybe? Of course, I probably would have eaten the other half if AJ hadn't eaten it, so maybe not a real NSV at all!

I'm waffling, I'm off. Back later.

joined ww about 5 years ago when I gained 40lbs after quitting smoking... I lost 30 lbs on WW....weighed in monthly for 2 yrs after that...stopped weighing in because I felt dumb doing it and because i was less than goal for a long time.I'm now up 10 lbs from my lowest WW weight and want to get on track again.I quit smoking using an online support site...that worked so i thought i would try this.

Welcome, Corsica. Hope this site helps! I know it has helped me!

Marcie - Stick with it. I'm sure you will start seeing results.

Dawny - That treat sounds yummy. I agree it is a NSV to only eat half. I am a strong believer in treats! It's moderation we have to keep a fierce eye on.

My SIL came over for dinner last night. She manages the scales at WI. Tonight she asked fiercely how I could possibly be losing weight! Last night I served hamburgers (lean), fries (oven baked), and we had ice cream cake for DH's b-day! Well, I told her that it's not always like that and I sweat at the gym!

WI report = .8 down! My mind translates that as a pound. :yes: I'm happy with that!

Hey ladies!

Marcie- Great loss!! :bravo: If you stick with it, you'll see results, that's for sure. We always seem amazed at this when it happens, but WW does work! :)

Mel- Hope your finger is better, and yes, oven mitts sound like a great idea for you! ;) Also, well done on the loss, you're unstoppable! :cp:

Dawny- Good job on being at goal, don't forget how far you've come! A little slip now and then won't hurt you, you've accomplished so much! Hope you're doing well. :)

Linda- Thinking about you. Lots of hugs. :grouphug:


Well, as for me, I think I'm doing ok. Had a major binge on Tuesday, but it's all behind me. The scales look good and I'll be good today.I walked for 45 minutes yesterday, I don't feel like exercising today though. Anyway, we shall see.

Hopefully I can have a proper real loss on Monday, it's been so long!

Take care everyone!

Just a very quick post... dad passed away on Thursday night. I'll be back here chatting and working along with you all, but now is not the time for that.... give me a few days.
He is at peace, finally, with no more cancer and no more pain.
Linda

Linda - So sorry about your loss. Take care of yourself and the family. I'll look forward to hearing from you in a few days.

Linda, so sorry about Dad, I know that words can't always help a great deal at these times, but remember that we are all here for you when you are ready. You and your family are in our prayers, look after yourself and we'll talk soon.
xxx

Linda, I'm very sorry to hear about your loss. Hopefully he's in a better place now. Take care of yourself, and we're looking forward to hearing from you again.

It's a bit sad on here right now, but I'm sure Linda would want us to carry on with WW business and support. You are constantly in our thoughts and we are sending you our love, but not our doughnuts. :p

I had a pretty good weekend. Not toooo many treats and lots of exercise. DH went walking with me last night, but got huffy when I walked too fast for him. :D But, now I hurt a lot in a lot of places. :o I'm pushing myself just a bit more with each workout but trying not to overdo. I think I will start a new class tonight. Bosu Power Pump. I really am not sure what it is, except it involves weights and a bosu ball. But, uh, I don't know what that is either. Hmmm... Maybe I should investigate before I walk in that class!

I took a different Yoga class this week because I couldn't make my usual class. I didn't enjoy the new instructor's style as much, but gosh did she work my legs and hips! I'm still feeling it!

Hope you gals had a great weekend away from the sweets!

Me again. I found out what I'm getting myself into. A Bosu (for those who don't know) is like a Pilates ball cut in half and placed on a platform. You stand on it while lifting weights or doing a tone of other exercises. Trying to keep your balance gives you a more total-body workout. I've seen these at the Y, but didn't know what you called it. Of course, I should have figured there was something other than, "that half-ball thingie."

I'll let you know what I think of it, if I live to tell!

Hey girls!

Mel- great job on the exercise! And good luck with your new class! :)

Well, WI today, 1.3 lbs down, a nice change I must say! :D I was extra-good this week and I exercised so I expected a good loss. I'm pleased. :) Weight loss has really slowed down for me recently, so my next goal is 10 lbs by Christmas. It's not a lot, but I'll be happy if I can do it cos it's more difficult now.

Hope you're all doing well, take care!

:woo: Excellent WI, Natalie! :woo: You can definately hit that goal!

Hey gang,

Life must be getting easier - I'm not exhausted and it's a week night. Will wonders never cease? ;)

Linda, when you do come back, check your in box. Left a little note for you there.

Dawny, you were right - good weigh in, though back to where I was 2 weeks ago. I seem to go up and down for a while before stablizing at a weight, then up and down until I drop a little more, etc. As long as it goes down, it's a good thing, but it seems to be this rollercoaster while it's going on. I'll take the down and see if I can get more active now that things are getting into a regular schedule.

Marcie, keep on moving, that will show you results you're looking for. Just takes time and preseverence, but you'll get there in the end. ;)

Natalie - Great weigh in! Keep that up and you'll get to your mini goal before long! :high: You deserve a high five, so here you go!

Welcome, Corsica!

I WANT A HOT TUB!! Oh, My, Gosh! Bosu was a good workout! Today, I have a slight ache over most of my body. Not pain, just dull ache. I think I will use the pool as a part of tonight's workout. Maybe it will soothe some muscles. Last night's class was a combo of a lot of different props: weight sticks, hand weights, mats, steps, ball, and of course, Bosu. I believe I am properly tuckered out. Though, if I keep up this pace of working out, I will soon either be dead or healthy. Hoping for the latter.

Hmmm... I'm really liking the pool idea. I'm gonna look forward to that all day!

Otherwise, things are good. Busy as usual, but good. Hope things are well with everyone else today!

Hey ladies...sorry I haven't posted in a couple of days...I weighed in on Sat.and what do ya know...-4.8 lbs. YEA!! I was so excited!! I almost cried. Now gotta keep it up!

Linda-You are in my thoughts and prayers. Looking forward to seeing you back.
Natalie- WHOO HOO! Great weigh in! Doing great!
Mel-Sounds like an awesome workout...we work on that thing at the gym...but my trainer has me do some ab routine on it. Know what you mean about a hot tub!
Elaine-Glad you aren't exhausted...would you like to borrow my 2 year old for a week b/c I AM EXHAUSTED!!! She is flat wearing me out :)

Hope you all are having a great week...Happy Tuesday!!!!

Hi girls, sorry I've been missing for a few days, AJ had this tummy bug thing, (again) and I've been so tired, just catching up on missed sleep. Why is it that kiddies are always ill in the night, yet full of beans and fit as a fiddle during the day? I'll never know.

However, it seems there is some good weightloss going on here...Marcie, fab loss, you see, it always comes to those who wait!
Nat, you too, have waited ages for any significant loss, and there you are, better late than never! Exercising is obviously doing it for you, so keep up the good work!

Melanie, I don't know how you are fitting in all these classes etc at the moment, around work and all the other commitments that I know you have, but it must be making you into one lean, fit machine! If we ever get the chance to meet up, then for goodness sakes, don't stand next to me, you will make me look so floppy! I guess I really should be making more of an exercise effort again. Someone challenge me something for Christmas! No gyms,please, no time, (or cash) but walking maybe or stuff in the morning on the living room floor maybe? I need toning up for a stunning Christmas party outfit that I'm determined to have!
OH, and I've never even seen a 'bosu' ball, let alone heard of one, maybe they haven't caught on here yet?

Ok time to fly again, no peace for the wicked, I have dinner to prepare, a lean turkey thingy, with some stir fried vegetables and some brown rice. Yum. See ya tomorrow!

:lol: Dawny - I don't think I would shame you very much. I still have a ways to go before I am truly lean and toned! But, I plan to keep working at it. Hope AJ is feeling better.

Well, I think our new "official" scale is bad. My weight was the same at home as it was last week, same with another lady. But, the "official" scale said I was up 1.4! Not so! I have FPs left and worked out like crazy. So, I have decided that my home scale will now be my official scale.

NSV! I took my rings to be sized last weekend. They kept trying to escape my hand! And, I have lost 2 ring sizes! My shoe size has went form 9 wide to 8 1/2 regular. So, I guess I have skinny fingers and feet! :D

Well, gotta get ready for work. The boss is still out recovering. One co-worker has been laid off, but that actually made the workplace more pleasant. But, it's stressful. I have to learn her job now and I keep finding horrible grammar and proffessional errors that make me want to scream. Oh, well.

Later!

Marcie, I'll pass on the offer of a toddler - kids are a four letter word to me. ;) I think I have an allergy to them or something.

Melanie - Foc on that NSV and the heck with what the scale says! It's how you're feeling and how your clothes and jewelry fit that shows you the progress. And I'm with you on the poor grammar - I usually end up fighting myself to correct my boss' spelling mistakes -- and that's just in his email! ;)

Hey girls!!

Marcie- FAB loss, well done girl!! :bravo:

Mel- Great NSV, I wish my feet could shrink a little!! ;) Don't worry about the scales, and keep up the workouts! :D

Dawny- Hope AJ is feeling better now. About exercise, how about buying an exercise dvd? There are a few cheap ones, especially in places like amazon.

Elaine- I know what you mean about weight going up and down. I've been losing and gaining the same 3 lbs for a few months, it's really frustrating. However, the weight seems to be shifting again now, so I say the key to success is preserverance and exercise!

Linda- Hope you're doing well. Thinking about you. :grouphug:


Well, as for me, WI is tomorrow, I'm keeping my fingers crossed. I was very good this week, the schedule was hectic and I didn't have a lot of time to eat, plus I did some walking so I'm hopeful. My birthday is tomorrow as well! :hb: :D So, I'll be celebrating on Wednesday or Thursday with my friends, food won't be that bad but alcohol will be, but hey, I'm allowed! ;) I also have a christening to go on Saturday which will be followed by lunch, but I'm sure I'll be alright.

On non-weight issues, I successfully passed 2 uni courses!! I'm happyyyyy!! :D

Well, that's all from me, I'll post tomorrow with my results. Take care everyone!! :)

:hb: Have a virtual birthday cake, Natalie - the best kind, because there are no points! ;) And congrats to you on your uni classes.

I figured to keep things moving here, I'd post my exhaustive exercise trip from yesterday....

There's a little back story to this one. Basically, my niece begs me on a regular basis to take her to see shows when they come to Boston. This one, I wanted to go to, though - the new tour of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Starring the little brother of David and Shaun Cassidy, Patrick. Having been a fan of Shaun's from when I was younger than my niece is now, it's a nostalgia thing.

Then I found out that Ticketmaster now has a <cough> "convenience fee" of $10 per ticket. So, after choking on the price of tickets on line, I was determined to save money by going to the box office. Thus, the exercise.

I parked at work and we walked from MIT across the river and down to the theatre. Save over $30 by doing that. Proud of myself, I suggested we go to the Boston Garden to get the hockey tickets that a friend wanted (to take her kids to a real hockey game, which they've never been to.) So we walked from the Colonial Theatre across town to the Boston Garden. By that time, my feet were giving out on me. But I realized that I was closer to Cambridge and where my car was parked, so it was easier to just keep on walking.

So back across the river we walked and cut across campus to where the car was parked in the garage. I just mapped it out on Google maps what we did, and found out it was over 5 miles that we walked yesterday afternoon.

Man, I'm exhausted! But I saved $30! ;)

Hi everyone. My name is Liz, I'm relatively new to the site. I started WW on my own about 3 weeks ago, but officially joined online on friday. I find the points tracker way easier than writing everything down. My weight loss goal is to be 125-130 lbs by May. Which I calculated is about 2lbs a week from when I started.

I'm currently In hair school and i'm finished in February. I really enjoy it but in the beuaty industry theres alot of expectations about how someone is supposed to look. I don't want to call it shallow, but the atmosphere tends to be more superficial than normal. Being overweight makes it tough, but I've learned not to let it bother me. When i was younger I always thought if I lost weight I could get a boyfriend, more friends, respect etc. I have a partner now who loves me for who I am, no matter what I weigh and instead of losing weight for other people, I'm losing weight for myself. I want to be healthy and happy so I can live my life longer and to the fullest. This whole thing is so exciting. Sometimes I find that WW and weight loss is all I talk about.

The thing I'm having the most trouble with is getting my veggie servings and drinking my water. Mostly because I'm absent minded and will go through and entire day and realise after that I've only drank one cup of water. Oh well, I know it will get easier. My grocery bill have gone up significantly ever since I started eatign healthy too. Has anyone else noticed this? Being a student it's hard to spend 6 dollars and a small thing of low fat cheese, but I'm making a point to spend less in other areas and budget accordingly.

Ok enough rambling, I hope everyones doing well this week :)

Drumroll please!!!!........................................ .................................................. .........

I lost 2.6 lbs this week!! :encore: :encore: :cheer: :cheer: It is unbelievable, I haven't had such a good loss since last spring, I'm soooooooo thrilled!! It's the best birthday present! :D Yay!!

Elaine, thanks for the cake, I ate it all! ;) And wow, you did some serious walking, it really is good for you plus you saved all that money, so it's extra-fab! :D

Welcome LizK, hope you find the board helpful. :) Good job on starting WW, we all love it here! ;) Looking forward to reading your posts. :)

Well, I guess that's all from me. Oh, forgot to add, I'm also very thrilled for my dear sis: She's lost 11.2 lbs so far, isn't it great? :D
Ah, I'm so happy right now! :cloud9:

Hi All!

I was just reading through the thread, and thought it'd be great to join you in your support of each other!! I just started WW and tomorrow (Tuesday) is my 2nd weigh-in. I lost 2.6 lbs last week.. Can't wait to see what I lose this week. I'm taking it slow, though, recognizing that I'm not going to lose 56 lbs in a month!!

Elaine- I went to college in Boston and I started gaining once I moved away and bought a car!! I didn't realize just how much I took advantage of walks! I used to walk EVERYWHERE!!

Now I'm in grad school and I'm soo sedentary. I work during the day (8 hours) and then I go to school 3 days of the week (for another 4 hours), so I usually only get to the gym on the weekend and maybe a Tuesday or Friday night, if I'm not too tired!

I went to the mall this weekend and bought shoes, as usual (In the past, I didn't want to upset myself by trying on clothes). But THIS time, I felt better about clothes- I'm not quite ready to try any on, since this is only my 2nd week on WW, but I'm positive that I'll be able to buy jeans again!! I haven't worn jeans in over 3 years!!

:^:

Yippee for our student, Natalie!! Great work! And HAPPY BIRTHDAY! What a gift to yourself!! Most Excellent WI!! Have fun with your celebrations, but don’t return your present!

Great exercise story, Elaine! I bet you had fun with it too. Five miles is quite a trek!

Liz – Welcome, and I understand about the grocery bill! It really is a matter of balance for me. I try to use recipes that will let me splurge a bit on one, but the other will be simple and cheap. Keeps things interesting. My mother is a hairdresser and I’ve been to the conventions, so I know what you mean there too. But, my take is that most these ladies just THINK they look good. Personally, I want to rip out a few weaves and scrape off a layer of makeup for most of them. Less is more people! :p My only requirement is that I don’t want someone doing my hair if theirs hasn’t even been fixed yet! I hate that. Oh, and another thing I wanted to comment on. I have come to realize that getting married allowed me to finally conquer this thing. When you are searching, it seems that there is just sooo much more stress put on the looks thing. After I was married and I knew he wasn’t going anywhere, it made it much easier for me to stick with the plan. For me. Have fun with it!

Welcome, Froggie! Bet you’ll be in jeans in no time! Hang in there with us!

Well, I’ve been a bad girl this weekend. I haven’t been to the gym since Thursday! I’ve been tracking my points though. I’ll hit the Y tonight. Honest. Guess I just needed a short break to avoid burn-out. I think I’m going to take tomorrow off work so that I can have a day with DH. He’s been working weekends, so I’m almost starting to miss him. :lol:

Hi girls, sorry I've been absent, so much going on at the mo, but back at last! Can't stop now long either, bathtime for AJ awaits.

Welcome to Liz and Froggie, I think you have both made a great start by joining WW, keep it up, we're here if you need us, or if you just need to get rid of any other 'baggage' off your chest - we all get bad days and if you get them out of your system, sometimes, just sometimes, it stops you hitting the refrigerator!

Nat, well done girl, thats a great loss for you, hopefully now you have well and truly beaten that little plateau, and will go on to much greater losses. Fab news on the courses too, although it goes without saying that we knew you could do it anyway!
'happy birthday to you' too, I sing with wonderful soprano tones....I have just returned from yet another birthday party, so I'm in fine voice! (yeah, really,ha!)

Melanie, hi, get down that gym now! Only joking, sometimes we just don't get chance, or really feel like it, but you know it makes sense, you have done so well with the exercise thing up to now that you must not let it slip! Lecture over. You've done great!

Anyway, got to go, its a nursery day tomorrow, so early bed and bath for one little boy I know. Back soon,

Hey Melanie, I'm with you with some of these people who overdo it so much with the makeup - I had a woman visit once who had a whole separate suitcase, just for her hair and make up. Being one to hardly wear the stuff, I was in shock at seeing how much she lugged around with her, just to be "beautiful." Ugh! Just can't be bothered, myself. ;)

Welcome Liz and lpngfrg - you'll have to give us a name to call you by! You'll find a fun group here, as you can tell from the messages.

Natalie! WTG, girl! :encore: Congrats! Keep that momentum up - you're an inspiration!

Just worked a 13 hour day and am looking at another 5:30am bus ride tomorrow, so the only exercise I got was walking to/from the bus today. I am so not a morning person. Blech!

Have a good day tomorrow!

Well, the word for the day was Sloth. I had the day off. I made it to the Y (thanks for the pep talk Dawny) but other than that, we had a great lazy day inside. Played 2 board games and snuggled in the bed for hours. Ahhh... Great reminder why we don't have kids yet! I'm enjoying it while I can.

So, not much new to report. Made a GREAT shrimp creole recipe I got off Food Network. Raves from DH and friend that came over. Now I'm ready for a sip of coffee and more slothing. :D

Thanks for all the kind words ladies. Today was pretty good. Went to a movie and ate a bag of baked lays which isnt that bad but after we went to a pub and everyone was eating wings which i LOVE but I ordered a plate of veggies and hummus instead. I was really proud of myself, except I ate 3 wings from my boyfriends plate. It wouldnt have been that bad if it wasnt so late at night. I need to stop eating after dinner but sometimes I find it so hard to eat all my points before then. Oh well.

I cheated and weighed myself yesterday and I'm at about 195.5 which is almost a 3lb loss so far. Maybe by friday (my official WI) I'll have shead the last .5 and I can make it an even 10lbs since I started. *crosses fingers*

Hello everyone! I joined WW Monday evening and thought I could use some online support also between meetings.

My name is Donna and I live in Texas with my husband and two of my three children. I'm not working at this time but very busy with my DD who will graduate this next May. I want to be able to lose weight and feel good by next summer.

There is a lot going on this week and my dedication will be tested to the limits because of it. I passed the first two tests yesterday. Went with mom to her ladies club meeting at an Italian restaurant and only had salad and tea. Last night went to see Journey (concert) with DH and out to eat. I told him it had to be at Applebees and I had the steak/shrimp kabobs and choc. cake desert (ttl. of 11 pts.) with diet Pepsi. Of course he sat across from me and had a combo platter with all kinds of food on it and a couple of beers. I did great at the concert and only had a bottled water. I had a great positive conversation with myself on the way home from everything. This coming weekend will be the next test and I may have to use my 35 extra points but I really didn't want to my first week. At least I know it is okay if I have to.

I'm glad to be able to have you all to check in with; I believe it will really help me.

Donna

CW: 238.8
GW: 135

HI girls, can't stop long, just popped in to see whats happening.

Welcome Donna! Sounds like you had a fab weekend, don't worry if you have to use your FP's, in fact, you will probably lose more if you do! I know it always seems a strange thing to say, but the closer you eat to your allowed points total, the better you will usually lose weight. Call in to see us anytime, we'll try to help.

Liz, hi, I haven't a clue what 'baked lays' are, but they sound good and not too unhealthy, so good on you for having them (if they are something discusting, you can keep them though, LOL :lol: ) I'll keep my fingers crossed for you too for your mini goal, little targets are nice to hit, and give you something within your grasp to aim for. Good luck!

Melanie, Well, it sounds to me like you had a pretty good day yesterday! Make the most of it while you can! I know DH isn't home at the same time as you all that often, so enjoy him while you get the chance! (At least you didn't indulge in a bed picnic, which is fatal, Unless you get to burn off the calories later! :devil: )

Well, some news over here today, the government have announced that from next september all schools will not be allowed to serve garbage for lunches any more, in an attempt to get kids to eat healthier and cut obesity levels. No more cheap burgers etc, and no more vending machines selling crisps, high sugar drinks and chocolate. I think its a great move, and the timing will be great, as just in time for when AJ starts full time school. It isn't very often that I offer praise for the people in charge of our country, but this is one time I will - well done! :cp: (and about time too!)

Well, time to go again, just don't seem to get the time to do much at the moment, oh, and I will probably have to have a few days off line soon as I'm changing to broadband(at long last) and the connection wires could take me ages! So, whenever it is in the next couple of weeks, don't wonder where I am, I'll be back before you know it. See ya later!

Well, I weighed myself today and im at 194! I couldnt beleive it! I feel so good today even though I spent 11 hours at school I still got to go shopping at the Bay with 150 dollars in gift certificates. I got a really soft sweater (XL not 1X or 2X!) a pair of shoes, 2 pairs of tights, 2 bras and some undies.

yay! what a fabulous day. :)

P.S
Dawny, baked lays are Lays brand potato chips that are baked instead of fried. They are 5 points for a smallish bag, aprox 60g. They arn't great for you but the plains ones are soo good with salsa.

Hey girls!!

Thanks everyone for the nice comments and the birthday wishes!! :grouphug:

Lpngfrg- Welcome! Phew, what a difficult name! ;) Great loss btw, well done and if you keep trying I'm sure you'll fit into jeans in no time!! :D

Mel- I hope the word for the next day should be Action. :p ;) Just kidding, glad you enjoyed a lazy day, they're essential!! :)

Dawny- That's a good government policy for schools. In fact, I was watching a documentary "Super-size me", which btw I recommend to everyone who loves McDonalds, and in the film they kept saying that garbage is being served at school cafeterias in the USA and that vending machines are everywhere. So, healthier food seems definitely the right thing to do as children should learn the basic codes early on.

Snowyowl- Hope you're doing well. :)

LizK- Wow! Great NSV (non-scale victory) in the pub!! Good for you! Seems like you had a fun day shopping! :)

Donna- Welcome! Sounds like you had a great weekend, good job!! :)


Linda- don't know if you're reading this, hope you're doing well. :)

Well, I survived my birthday party! Yay! Foodwise, I had chicken fillet with a little rice and a baked potato and I didn't even finish it!! :D I had a few glasses of wine but not too many, so I think I did very well!!

I'm back on track today, no exercise though this week except from 1 hour walking on Tuesday and some dancing yesterday. I'll be joining a pool soon though, so I'm confident I'll be fit in no time! :p

Take care girls!!

Hey everyone!
Thanks for the welcome! I am so glad I discovered this website. I've always been big- actually, my GW is healthy for my height, but I've never been that small. I’m on Week 3 and I’m so excited about the prospect of losing weight. In the past 2 months, I gained 10 lbs! So I went ahead and joined WW.

Since I started WW (on my 3rd week), I’ve been so happy with it. The support on this site has really been helping me. I’ve learned to plan my meals. I’ve saved so much money by buying salad bags, fruit (apples), and the Smart Ones meals or Lean Cuisine meals (when they’re on sale, which is almost every 2 weeks). LIZK- I thought it would cost more to eat better, but since I’m not spending $$ on take-out and restaurants, I’ve saved a lot. And I’m on a *strict* budget. Big time. I make sure to shop during sales.
Natalie- congrats on the loss. You’re so close to your GW!!
Melanie- I go to the Y, too!! I love it. There are so many different people there, not just hard-bodies. I usually make it on Tu, F, Sat, Sun. I’m training for a 5K in April- so far, doing 2 miles in 20 mins. (Looking for a strong sports bra! Anyone know of any brands?)
Dawny (and others with kids)- you are such an inspiration! To have children, work (out or in the home) and all of the other commitments and STILL have a big goal like that is amazing. Dawny, congrats on your loss and I know you’ll do well on the maintenance!
Donna- congrats on not going nuts while eating out and paying attn to your points. I’m going to a wedding this weekend and need to make sure that I’m OP too!

Well it's the end of my first "official" week on WW. (I'd been doing it for about a month on my own before) Todays WI came to 192.5 lbs!! I'm down 6 lbs this week! How this is possible is beyond me, but I think It has to do with the water weight lost after finishing my period. I feel so awsome its not even funny!

lpngfrg - I'm joining the Y tonight too! I can'tm wait to take aquasize. I just bought a really good sports bra with underwire and its a WonderBra Plus Sport. Got it at the Bay for 20 dollars off. I wore it today to school and it needs some serious breaking in. the underwire was realy hurting me by the end of the day, but i think after a few wears and a wash it'll loosen up.

Sugar - Wine's supposed to be good for you anyway, right? I hope you had an awsome birthday.

Have a great weekend girls!

Hi girls, everyone sounds like they're doing great this week!

Nat, glad you enjoyed your birthday, if you can't do it on one day of the year, then when can you?

Liz - what a loss! 6 pounds in one week is just fab! I know that alot probably will be water, as you said, but even so, 6 pounds worth of water less in our systems is obviously 6 pounds less of it than we need, and I'm sure some of it must have been not water and would have been the 'nasty' stuff! Well done!

Mae, (glad to know your name, the lpngfrog thing was faarrrr too complicated to remember!) I'm pleased you are happy with WW. It made such a difference to my whole life you can't imagine. Keep drinking your water, loads of it, thats my tip of the day. It'll help keep your body working to the maximum and burning off loads of cals as well as keeping everything flushed out! Ok, so you might get a few extra trips running upstairs to the little girls room, but think of the extra exercise it'll give you!

oooh, got to go, someone at the door, back later.......

Hi girls, how is everyone doing??

Mae- you sound very determined and motivated, good for you! Hopefully the wedding went well and you managed to stay on track. :) WW is really a great way of eating, and you're right about saving bucks from eating out and takeaways. It's more economical to cook.

LizK- Congrats on your loss, you're doing so great!! :bravo: And good luck for the gym as well! ;)

dawny- hope you're doing great! :)


As for me, I'm doing ok. No exercise though I'm afraid, but I'll be joining a pool this week so that should be solved. I'm thinking of going there 3 times a week, 1 hour each time. Food is ok, WI tomorrow, I'm keeping my fingers crossed!!

Take care ladies!! :grouphug:

I think I will join in all this success! You guys are doing so well! I joined WW at the end of July. I hvae since lost 10.2 lbs. I was off plan for about 3 weeks, and gained and lost back and forth. I started off like gang busters...I don't stick to stuff too much. I eat out a lot and I have a lot of tempation...I want to lose another 25 lbs to get to 145. I really need to be under 140, but I am being realistic. I want to reach my 10% by Halloween (another 7 lbs). I think I can do that.

Good luck ladies!

Cher

Welcome Cher, and Donna, since I haven't posted recently. Good to have you join the gang. Sounds like you both have a great attitude for getting started with the program, and I know for me, mindset is very important. I can be doing everything right, but if my head isn't in it, I can be spinning my wheels in the process. So kudos for both of you!

Liz - WOW! What a great way to start off your official WI! Even with keeping it realistic, it's nice to see that sort of jumpstart to keep you motived. You keep that up!

Dawny, there's been a move towards getting junk food out of schools here in the States as well. Part of the problem is that a lot of schools get money from the vending companies for having the machines in the schools, so they're loathe to be rid of them. Another problem here is that the kids hardly have time to eat. Here in the Boston area, they've had so many kids in the schools that they're starting the lunches earlier - to the ridiculous time of 9:30 for some students. How anyone can think that's lunchtime is beyond me. No wonder kids don't eat right! And even when they have the time to eat, they either spend most of it standing in line so they can't eat what they've bought, or they are told to eat at a time that they're not hungry. Most kids don't even bother, or eat out of the vending machines. By the time they're out of school, they're ready to grab the first handy thing they see. So we need to work on better nutrition and rethink the whole process if kids are going to learn to eat healthier.

As for me, WI was kind today, so I lost the lb I gained last week and another 1.2 (though looking at my booklet, I realized that they did the math wrong and I really lost a total of 2.4.) My MO tends to be hovering up and down, then down a bit, then hovering around there for a few weeks, then down, etc. Slow going, but better than the alternative of not doing the program (ie, gain. Yuck!) So I'll take what I can get.

Has anyone heard from Linda? Hope things are settling down and that she finds time to drop us a line when she can. Linda, if you're lurking, come back and here and get us up to date!

Helloooo!!! :)

Welcome Cher! :) I'm sure you'll be right at home here, we're a lovely bunch of people here, if I may say so myself! ;) You've done really well, we're here for support and motivation!

Elaine, great WI!! :bravo: Well done girl! :D


As for me, WI today, 0.9 lbs down! :encore: Finally the plateau is over!!

Take care everyone!!

Hello all. I've lurked for a couple of days, but didn't have the time or energy to post! I'll try to catch up soon. Looks like everyone is having great WIs! I don't know how mine will go. It will depend on me being a very good girl the next couple of days. The wedding went good. I only had one bite of chocolate cake and one bite of white, so i count that a win. But, there were no really good options served and it was the only thing available for dinner, so I had to eat the yummy crab cakes and such. I'm sure I more than worked it off, though. I didn't sit until the ride home.

Well, work beckons. Maybe I can catch up later!

Hi everyone!

Melanie- good job on the wedding eating- I tried to save up my points for wedding cake this weekend and it turned out that they served sheet cake! It was disgusting, as was the food. So I actually did really well. I brought along a small bag of raisins and walnuts and nibbled on that throughout the day. When the wedding was over, DB and I got some bbq, and I didn't go crazy! Just ate until I was satisfied, not full!!

What a great success, Natalie! I hope you celebrated!

On the issue of unhealthy eating in schools: it's great that some places are getting rid of soda machines and other sugar-y things. When I was in HS, we had a soda machine, a juice machine, a cart filled with candy, PLUS hot lunch. I often had a soda and a twix bar for lunch (like others)... and wondered why I had such a headache every day after school!! This was 10 years ago! It has taken me a really long time to realize that sugar is not supposed to make up a major part of my diet. Cake is not dinner! :nono:

Hi there, I'll catch up on the posts later, but I'm now back online and have broadband, so now I'm a superfast, world wide web whiz! Yeah, really! At least I can load up these pages a bit faster than before, thats a start, huh?

Anyway, I'll pop back later to read up on what I've missed, see ya later!

Hi everyone! I hope you are all having a great week.

This week has been so so for me. I think im beginning to plateau/gain and i'm not very happy bout it. MY weight fluctuates anywhere from 3-5lbs a day so midday I'll weight myself and I'm at 193 and then in the evening i'll be at 196! It's rediculous. I haven't been at 192 since the day of my weigh in whihc makes me think something was funny that day. The worst part is that I've been exercising like crazy and I havent seen any results. *sigh* I know i need to keep positive and for the most part I have, maybe I just need to stop weighing myself everyday.

On a happier note I had the most amazing lunch today, I just had to share it. I've been obsessed with roasting veggies recently and today I made a roasted veggie sandwich on multigrain bread with light veggie creamcheese.

Points break down.
2 slices multigrain bread - 2
1 tbsp Philidelphia garden vegetable cream cheese - 1
Roasted Red Pepper, Artichokes, Carrots, Garlic - 0

3 pt lunch! Oh yummy!

LizK- you should read this, it's Why the Scales Lie: http://www.primusweb.com/fitnesspartner/library/weight/scale.htm
Excerpt: "From water retention to glycogen storage and changes in lean body mass, daily weight fluctuations are normal. They are not indicators of your success or failure. Once you understand how these mechanisms work, you can free yourself from the daily battle with the bathroom scale."

It's a pretty interesting article. I never weigh myself on my own- I don't want to get disappointed. I only WI at WW. Plus, it's like giving myself a gift every week if I lost!

HI,
Liz, I hardly ever weigh myself now, just now and again, which I feel is quite an achievement for me. For the whole time I was 'losing', I would just have to weigh myself at least once a day. The fluctuations were just as you described too, Liz, pounds different at night than at day. The best thing I found, if you really can't stay away from the scales, is to only weigh yourself once a day, at the same time of day that you have your official WW weigh in. That way, at least its consistent. Of course, it can vary from day to day too, but its more likely to be reliable. Are your scales weighing the same as the WW ones? Mine, and several others I know, always weigh 2 - 3 pounds different from the official scale, so that has to be taken into account too. I can't imagine that you are into plateau land just yet, that usually comes quite a bit later during your weightloss journey (unfortunately!) Its probably just one of those weeks that your body wants to concentrate on something other than losing weight. Of course, if you have been exercising like mad too, then your body will be wanting to repair tired muscles sometimes more than it wants to lose weight - lets face it, if it was that easy to lose weight, we would all have done this long ago! Don't worry too much yet, it'll come, you'll see. I have complete faith in you as you are trying so hard. Keep drinking the water, watch the portion sizes and journal your food intake, it will come off when the times right.

Ok, lecture over girls, hope you are all ok, and Linda, if you are lurking from time to time, we are still thinking of you and missing you, hope you are coping ok!

Back later.

Good evening ladies (and gents if there are any). It's been three weeks tonight since Dad died and I finally might be able to face my life again. I never thought I'd be such a mess, but this is really the hardest time I've ever gone thought in my life.
For those of you who have your parents living right NOW, tell them you love them and give them a hug.
Now, as far as weight loss efforts, I've done nothing, I've not worked out and life has not been all about that recently. You guys will say that is ok, and I know it is. There have just been more important things than this for a long time.
But, quite honestly, this evening I began to think of how my clothes are feeling tight and how I need to get back here with you all. Plus, I absolutely MISS you all and my "normal" life, whatever that is and will be.
But, I have to admit I am a changed person. Life will never be the same for me, but I can move on. I think I am more sensitive, more religious and more sympathetic than I have ever been in the past. I am acutely aware of the fragility of life and how we are all here for a specified time, and that is it. Beyond this world, there is something else for us all, I know it and I hope to be reunited with my dad again. It's odd that watching this process and being so close to it make you less afraid of it. Life does go on, I am proof of that. Yet, it's a more aware life. Each time I look at a beautiful thinkg such as a blue sky, I think of how my dad would have appreicate it and it is bittersweet. Yet, we all share the same destiny, we all have a life of our own to do whatever it is we want with. We can make this life as good or as bad as we want to, it's up to us.
So, with that, I'm here guys. I haven't read any of the older posts but I hope to be back and try to improve my life, helping you all and allowing you all to help and support me.
Linda, daughter without dad

Hello!

Linda- I'm so glad you're back. I can understand what a difficult time this is for you. You do seem like a changed person already, things like that affect us deeply. Big hug from me, you can get back to WW when you feel like it again. :grouphug:

Mel- Good job on the wedding! How did the WI go?

LizK- You should listen to what Dawny and Mae said, really wise words. No need to get disheartened about a number. :)

Mae and Dawny hope you're doing great.


I'm not doing so well, TOM is here and I've been eating more. :( I'm afraid I'll have a gain on Monday, but with uni starting and other stuff on my mind I can't be that bothered with gaining, I know I'll try harder next week. I'm also joining a pool, hopefully it will speed up the weight loss.

Sending thin vibes to all of you!! :)

I see a few new names here, glad that there are newcomers and I hope to get to know you all well.
Nat, sounds like you are going great, and by the loos of your numbers, even if you have a slight gain this week, due to TOM, you will be ok.
As for me, I had chocolate chip pancakes for breakfast, not exactly the best choice to start off my day, is it? I'm still having my issues for sure, but at least I am more aware and trying to be more aware.
It's cloudy, humid and icky here in NH this morning, we are supposed to have a nasty weather period from tonight into tomorrow, remnants of "Tammy" about the millionth hurrican/tropical storm this year. Hard to be motivated to exercise when the weather is this muggy, but maybe I'll try a little bit.
Linda

LINDA'S BACK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :cb: LINDA'S BACK!!!!!!!!! :cb:

So glad to see your post!

Unfortunately, that's all I have time for. Work is killer this week. I've worked over 2 days so far, and next week will bring more of the same. Our bankruptcy laws are changing soon, which has created a made rush and we are short-staffed! :eek: But, I will survive. And, I'm trying to eat well, but taking is getting challenging!

Later!

HI,
I can't stop tonight either I'm afraid, but wanted to say to my friend Linda, so pleased to see you back! I've missed you so much! Accepting now that you have your life to get back into is tough, and it can only take time. It will undoubtably take a while to get back into the WW routine of things, but you have made the choice to make a start, that will at least, maybe, give you something else to focus your mind on.
I won't harp on about Dad, you've already been (and still going through) every emotion going, but I'm absolutely positive that if you haven't already felt him around you, you will very soon, and that will be a comfort to you.
Thats all I'm going to say today, so I'm going, things to do, people to see and all that...

Back soon!

I just have to say that I love looking at your tickers and signatures, ladies! It is especially inspirational to see those of you who have lost 30+ pounds! It shows peserverence! Perhaps I can learn something from you!

Hi friends.

Looks like we've had a quiet weekend on here?

Anyway, maybe I can ramble a bit, give you something to think about? (Or at least I could help you sleep with my waffle if that helps?!)

I have, quite simply, eaten like a little piglet this weekend. Ok, so its my wedding anniversary today, 13 years and counting, and, as we can't go out tonight, we decided to have some good food at the weekend. DH cooked. He never cooks, so I have to take whatever comes. But, it was good. He did pork, with apples etc, made some potato wedges and some nice sauce to go on top. Then we got a WW dessert, like a cheesecake, with choc chips in and choc sauce on top. Quite nice, but a bit on the small side. Just as well, considering the quantity of expensive red wine we consumed! But it was good, relaxing and very tasty! Far too many points to count!

We made up for it a bit yesterday. AJ and I went for a 3 mile walk to our local canal, saw some baby swans (who are now as big as the parents) and AJ was shattered when we returned. Then in the evening, we all went to a local town where they have lots of 'lights', what they call the 'illuminations'. They light up the town and along the river, then, lots of little rowing boats sail down the river, with fancy lights on them, like a fairground ride, an aeroplane or a pirate ship. It was lovely. Not exactly lit up like Vegas, but nice to see all the same.

Anyway, hopefully now you all feel very relaxed and sleepy after reading about my weekend, I hope you are all ok, back later.

Oh wow, it's been awhile. I've been at my parents place this past week, which hasn't exactly been the greatest for points couting. (as in, I haven't really been doing it) We ate out alot whihc made it hard to count, plus it was thanksgiving weekend which means lots and lots of food. My mom was great and let me plan the whole meal, using a few WW recipes and low fat ingrediants so I felt better about eating a big plate of food.

I had my official weigh in on friday and I gained .5lbs. I'm not so concerned about my fluctuation anymore and just want to focus on curbing my junk cravings and getting my weekly exercise. I have a feeling im going to start plateauing right away, so I need all the will power I have!

Thanks for the great comments ladies. Nathalie, I recently joined a gym and have been doing aquasize and stuff and it really helps, I have way more energy than I used to!

Well girls, I bit the bullet today and joined the pool!! :encore: :p Damn, that was hard! I was really self-conscious at first, swimsuit and all, but noone ever notices you in these places so I was alright. I stayed for 1 hour and I swam 10 lengths in an Olympic-sized pool. Do you think it's a good workout or should I have done more? It was really hard, my heart was beating crazy and I was out of breath but I really pushed myself to do 10 lengths and not give up. So that's a NSV for me! :D I just really hope the exercise helps with WW, I need a boost.

LizK- Good job on the weeken, as you had some control over cooking it can't be that bad. 1/2 lb is nothing, it's hardly a gain, after a pee you'll be fine! ;)

Dawny- Congrats for your anniversary, lovely food you had there! :T

Mel and Linda hope you're doing well. :)

I'm off, sending :goodvibes to all of you!! :grouphug:

HI all!!

I am new to this web posting thing. But I had to participate. You all are the most inspiring group. I am back to WW after about 9 month. Luckily, I came back weighing less that when I stopped but I have gotten the excercise rountine down. That's the only reason. I have lost 30 lbs. I have about 64 to go. I am doing the points system. Good luck to all! :)

Hello all. Just a quick report before I get to work! It has been a busy, busy time the past few weeks. They decided to lay off one of my co-workers, so I'm helping pick up some of the slack. And, last week and this week one of the other co-workers was on vacation. And, I did a skit at church on Sunday (which was a smash hit!). So, not rest for me!

Unfortunately, the change of weather and changes at work have knocked me out of going to the gym for about 2 weeks. Good Lord willin', I will be there this afternoon.

Welcome Dega - Glad you found our site! Hope you keep coming back.

Dawny - HAPPY ANNIVERSARY! I keep wondering how many years I will let DH live. Maybe we can make it to 15 one day. :p

Nat - Great job on joining the pool! And, yes, 10 sounds good to me. Just listen to your body. If it was a challenge, then I say it's good.

Liz - wish I had some control over the holiday foods. But, with my family, NEVER gonna happen! Great job to survive with only a .5 gain. Bravo!

Well, gotta run. Duty calls. Later!

Good evening ladies. I've been swamped. It's kind of amazing to thinks that when a person dies it generates tons of work for the family - but it does.
I've not been doing well with any weight loss efforts, but at least I did check in here tonight. That is a step in the right direction.
I've been off line for a few days while having my living room painted, had to dismantle the entire place! But, a fresh outlook is what I need.
Linda

Hi Emerald. I am so happy to be here! I am looking forward to getting to know you all and supporting you as well as getting some for myself. I haven't weighed in this week. I have been out of town with work for the last couple of days. But I am not giving in I am on this for the long haul.

Hi Derrydaughter. I am sorry for your loss. That can be a very trying time. But just the fact that you are focused enough to check in here amist all that you have going on says a lot about your commitment level. I applaud you!! :cp:

Good evening ladies (gentlemen to if there is any ;)). My name is Tracy. I just started back on WW flex plan today! I have been recently diagnosed with prediabetes. So I have to tackle that problem before it attacks me. :)


Anyway, I little about myself.... I am a 32 year old stay at home mom of 3, and happily married. If you go into my site (link below) you can see pics of my family. I am 194.8 but I want to get down to 125 in time. Meetings are to far away for me so I am a WW online member.

Anyway, I just wanted to jump in and introduce myself. I am going to try and read some of the many posts on this board now lol. :dizzy: It is great to see so many people with the same goals and plans. It helps a lot that way. Glad I found this board.;)

I broke through my plateau!! 3lb loss this week! eheheheeh. I'm soo happy!

Welcome to the board tracy, our weight goals are very similar and I'm also an online member. I hope you find this board as fun and encouraging as I have. Good luck on your first week!

LizK.......... Congrats on your loss and thanks for the warm welcome! :) I do like it here! I enjoy and get more from 3FC then I did on the WW boards. These are much easier to do too! :)

Hi girls!

Can't stop I'm afraid, off to MIL for the afternoon - what a fun day that shall be! (sorry, sarcasm is the lowest form of wit. Can't help it today, pre-menstrual. Thats my excuse and I'm sticking to it!)

Just wanted to say welcome to Tracy. Stick with us, we can be a mad bunch sometimes, but we'll help you along your way. Anything you want to ask we'll try to answer. See ya later!

Ok, gotta fly, back later.

Dawny, thanks for the welcome! I felt the energy in your post haha. You must have been walking in place while typing that up lol. (Not being rude lol, just making a giggle lol) I hope you had a good day with MIL. I know something those days can be hard lol. Also... congrats on your weight loss!!! Your stats are awesome! :)

Hey girls!

Welcome Dega and Tracy, good luck with your goals, stick with us, it's a really supportive and sweet thread. :)


LizK- Wow, amazing loss!! :bravo: Well done, you're doing great!

Dawny- Hope you survived the afternoon with MIL ;)

Mel and Linda, hope you're doing well. :)


I'm doing ok, I've been to the pool twice this week, I'll go three times at least next week. Food is ok, could have been better though. I'm a bit stressed at the moment, lots of uni work and Spanish classes are still on the air, but I'm in control. :)

Hope you're all enjoying the weekend! TTFN!

Hi all!

This week has really been a struggle. I didn't get to go to my meeting. I had to go out of town with work for a "staff advance." That was a challenge in itself. I actully work at a place that exists on fitness and healthy habits but doesn't necessarily implement that on a daily basis. In other words the food at the advance NOT the greatest choices. Donuts in the office. Bagels(the big ones with all different kinds of cream cheese spreads)! Need I go on! I guess because of missing my meeting I have been struggling this week. I am only in my third week. I am hoping this is gonna get easier with time. I am scared because I have lost 50lbs on WW before. But I was so strick on myself that it came off quickly, which means when I slipped alittle it felt like I had completely failed. Then I fell off the wagon and I am starting over worse that I was before! You know the routine. Not to mention I moved to a different state and All my support is 10 hours away! :(

Sorry ladies I will try not to whine so much. It has just been a really hard week!! :stress:

Degachick, I feel your pain. Just don't let one mistake (missing the meeting) throw you off and derail your progress. You are in a better position now than other people that are just starting out because you have already done it before. You know it can be done, while some people have doubts about whether or not they can lose weight. As far as the 10 hours away thing goes, you have support two seconds away - here :). Also, your meeting is full of support. I know you can do this (we all can). Good luck and let me know how your next meeting goes.

Hi all,would ya mind if I joined you guys? I'm doing WW on my own,I have all the stuff I need(slider-thingy,book w/point values) but really want the support to get me thru the tough times. I promise I'll do the same for you!
I'm 51 yrs old and need to drop 65lbs.Wow, I just realized that's the weight of my dog!! Anyway,I started back on WW last Wednesday and so far,I'm doing good,the jeans are looser all ready!!

sweet2th,

Good morning and welcome! Don't look at the total weight you have to lose!!! That might make your journey seem harder and longer. WW says to make 10% goals. Each time you hit a 10% goal then you make another one then. Just do your current weight minus 10%.... then subtract that number from your current weight. There is your goal. It will help. I try not to think about the full goal. It is seeming to help. :)

Anyway, welcome again and good luck to you! :)

Hello everyone on this busy little board! Sorry I've been absent for a bit. Just piled up at work and home right now. Granting little time for the gym, I'm afraid and my lack of progress is resulted. No gain, but no loss. I did get to the gym yesterday though, so that's good news.

So, I've got two big challenges coming up. (1) DH and I are going to quit smoking soon, probably Thursday. That date, because DH will be going back to work and it will be easier for him than if he is sitting in the house all day. And, I have more sense than to try to stop with a smoker still in the house. No loss of love for other smokers, it's strictly a financial decision. I cannot justify spending that kind of money on a bad habit anymore. It's particularly the right time because we have to purchase new insurance and (2) I'm starting to fold on the baby issue! DH and I have been talking more about it. Over the weekend I decided we would start "trying" in the spring. Last night, I was questioning whether to refill my birth control. I really want to lose another 10-15#, but also ask, what's the point if I'm just going to get pregnant!

So, I see an ex-smoker on here and I know there's plenty of moms. Got any advice? Should I wait and drop the extra pounds first? I expect it would make for a healthier pregnancy and wonder if it would be easier to drop the weight if I started at less. I losing any particularly harder after pregnancy?

Well, I would love to talk about someone else besides me, but gotta get to work. C-ya later!

Melanie,


First.... congratulations on making the decision to quit! The hard part is sticking to it! It does not matter when you quit smoking... whether your skinny or over weight... your going to gain weight reguardless. :( Better to quit smoking right off the bat though! Why worry about getting healthy by losing weight if your only going to kill yourself by smoking?

I am not trying to be rude to any smokers out there! I was a smoker for about 20 years! I tried to quit many times!! But once my mom was diagnosed with lung cancer that was it! Then a month later Peter Jennings got lung cancer!! Then not long after that he died!! :(

It is not easy to quit smoking!! But it IS so worth it! I have been a non-smoker now for 5 months!!!! I feel better and I for sure smell better!! :)

I did it with welbutrin (from the doc) and the patch. However, I could not afford it!! I only had the patch for 1 week... and that is only because it was what was left from my mom. I didn't buy them. As for the pills... I only used them for about a week as well. They are still sitting here!!! Why try and kill one habit just to pick up another? Cold turkey... much better. :)

Throw all cigerettes, ashtrays, lighters and everything away! Scrub your house and cars!!! Burn some candles..... spray some fragances.... whatever! Get the smell out of the area! STAY AWAY FROM OTHER SMOKERS!! Do NOT go out to eat in public!!! I just recently went out in public to eat. It is fine now... but at first it was hard! I cannot be near a smoker smoking now! It makes me sick! After someone gets done smoking... I can smell them a mile away! It is nasty!!! Makes me gag.

YOU CAN DO IT!!!! The first couple of weeks are the worst! I did it when I could sleep a little more then normal. That did help a little. :) Good luck to you.

Thanks for the pep talk. I know it will be difficult. Especially, since I don’t really want to. I’m just bored with it and want my money back! :p But, I have faith in a higher being and I know that scripture tells me that I can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me. But, I know that DH has been a real butthead in the past when he’s tried to quit. The hardest part, I think, is knowing you “can’t” have one. It becomes an obsessive thought. I just have to wrap my mind around the fact that it is like chocolate cake. I “can” but I “won’t”.

Hope your mom’s doing well with treatment.

AMEN!!! That is an excellent way to think of it! Don't let your husbands struggles stop you from success! If you follow thru, eventually he will too. :) We learned by Christ's example (so to speak) and maybe your hubby needs you to be his strong example! :) Plus, it would really suck (for lack of better words) if he had to smoke outside instead of in the house and car!!! ;)


You can do it! Just keep up your faith. If I can you can to. :)

My mom's treatments are almost done. Hopefully she won't have to do them again. They (chemo and radiation) has made her really, really sick! She has one more treatment... I beleive near the end of this month... and then we will see if it is gone. We are hoping and praying.

UGGG! I overate so much today.*cries* i felt gross and bloated but I coudlnt stop. It was like my WW consience shut off as i stuffed my face with over 10 points worth of food in like 1/2 hour. They weren't terribly bad for you, but it was still wayyy to much.

This is the part of me I knew wasn't completely gone but hoped wouldn't surface and hasn't until now.

I feel asolutely horrid.

*edit*
I just got back from the gym. I got myself out of the food induce fatigue and did 40 mins of good cardio. I feel alot better now!

Melanie - I quit smoking a year ago and It took me 3 years of quitting on and off before it actually stuck. My lungs are still really damaged because of smoking for 10 years and hving asthma, but everyday I dont have a smoke I know i'm closer to being healthy. I found that in order to really do it, I had to want to quit with every fibre of my being. I wanted those toxins out of my body perminantly and i made myself quit cold turkey. I was chewing gum and yelling alot for the first 2 weeks but it got better with time. hehe good luck

Melanie,
As for the smoking.....I too am a "reformed smoker" ok, it has been three years for me so I guess....I really mean NON smoker. Coming from someone who ENJOYS smoking....but hates the smell and price I feel your pain too. It does get easier. You wont be thinking about them day after day either...I go weeks and only think about it once in a great blue moon (usually when things are VERY very stressful) however, I tell my self all the time how nasty it is and how good I smell. (sorry to all you smokers out there but I do alot of *****in about it too....nothing like having to walk through a wall of smoke to get into the mall and such - and my kids...well they had ear infections constantly that quit when I quit...ok I am rambling) You can do it and will succeed. As for the baby issue....I say continue doing what you are doing........and not think about it........after you find out you are pregnant....just eat your good and healthy choices (although you wont want to LOL my staple was mini powdered donuts with my first) and maybe up your points by 10 points (like nursing mothers are to do while on WW while exclusively nursing) but dont be so hard on yourself if you gain a little more than you wanted. Continue your exercising the whole time (although you will be tired too when you do become pregnant BUT it helps with delivery too). I think it is just like everything else.......of course ideally you would want to lose that 10-15 lbs before getting pregnant.....BUT I say just continue what you are doing. If you are planning on nursing...you may also be one of those women who just MELT the fat off.
Good luck and keep up the good work. You inspire me!

Kellyjo.....


I second all that you said about smoking! It really upsets me to walk thru that smoke to get into stores and stuff! And it seems to happen every dang time! I often think about complaining about it because I looked to see where the smoke is coming from and it is most always from an employee out on a smoke break! I think it is rude!


I smoked instead of ate! I loved it! But I don't want to be around it anymore!!! With everything it does to you (not even thinking of what it does to the bank accounts) it is not worth it.


And yes.... you have got to WANT to quit seriously for it to actually happen! That is the key to quitting successfully! ;)

Hey, gals! Thanks for the positive words. We made our final decision last night. I will not be reordering my pill. We’re not going to be hanging upside down or taking temperatures, just let nature take its course and see what happens. :D

For now, I’m just going to continue the route I’m on and try to drop that extra 10-15 before it’s time to gain again. And, I plan to count points during the pregnancy too. Of course, it could be months or years before I have any reason to redecorate the spare room anyway!

Tsk, tsk. Let’s not hate on the smokers too much. I know it’s bothersome, especially since you’ve quit. But, remember you were where they are not so long ago. It’s quite annoying for them to not be allowed to smoke in the mall, restaurant, or any other public place. Let them have their 3 feet of sidewalk in freezing or blazing temperature. You can even smile and gloat as you walk in. But, there are some posters on here who still smoke, so let’s be kind. :angel: That being said, I plan to ask DH tonight to confirm if we are quitting tomorrow, Friday, or Monday. It’s my idea. I’ll let him set the perimeters.

Liz – Congrats on quitting and on picking yourself back up after yesterday’s slip up. Sounds like you are doing great!

Geez. I know I act as though I’m not in any hurry here, but I’m dying to go buy a crib, blankets, cute clothing, bouncy thing, etc. Maybe I just want to shop… :D

I do remember quite well what it is like to be a smoker in a non smokers world (so to speak with all of the non smoking places now). It was only 5 months ago! I am not trying to be rude to smokers by no means with my previous (or any) posts! However, I do feel if your going to smoke you should do it away from public entry doors. I mean.. what if someone was going in or out that is on oxygen???? They cannot tolerate smoke!! It is just respect and courtasy (sp?) thats all. People can still smoke... I just wish it would be away from doors entryway doors.


I have been on both sides of this fence... recently... so I do feel that I can actually comment on this. Being that I have been on both sides... everyone should realize (I would hope) that I am not by any means trying to be rude at all. I am sorry if anyone has taken (or does take) my posts as rude. I am not trying to be like that at all.

Hey girls!

Sorry for being absent, I'm terribly busy with uni courses at the moment. I've read all your posts, so welcome to the newcomers! :)

Melanie, good luck with quitting smoking and trying for a little baby, I wish you all the best!

Food has been ok, maintaining though. I've also started swimming as you probably remember, I've gone 3 times this week already, hopefully it will make a difference. I'm enjoying it too, so all the better! I'm planning to go again on Saturday, I'm pretty amazed at myself for commiting to this, I woke up early yesterday and it was raining but I still went! That's highly impressive as sleeping is my favourite hobby and getting up in the morning a killer! That's a real NSV for me. :D

Hope you're all doing great, LizK, don't worry about the little binge you had, hopefully you've put it behind you and good job for going to the gym! :bravo:

I'm a smoker TMunday, but I didn't take offence from your posts, although you're typing with big letters and I thought someone was shouting at me for smoking! ;) I like smoking and don't have any intention of quitting for the time being, I know I will at some point though. I smoke about 10 a day, but I don't feel the need to quit, and I'm always careful about signs and other non-smokers.

Anyway, I gotta go. TTFN!! :)

Bored... bored... bored... Just don't feel like doing what's on my desk. Bored...

I've been trying to call and wake DH - who felt talkative at 2a - to reap revenge. Unfortunately, he sleeps through the ringing. Hmmm... must be some mischief around here... Hmmm...

I'm a smoker TMunday, but I didn't take offence from your posts, although you're typing with big letters and I thought someone was shouting at me for smoking! ;) I like smoking and don't have any intention of quitting for the time being, I know I will at some point though. I smoke about 10 a day, but I don't feel the need to quit, and I'm always careful about signs and other non-smokers. :)
Sorry about that. Does this really look like I am shouting??? I have been writing/typing big because it is easier on my eyes... and I thought it might be for others too. If this looks like shouting I will definetely change it right away!! I had no idea. I use this font and size in emails. But it is probably different in emails verses the boards. Please do let me know everyone if you feel I am shouting by using this size font!! Again I am so sorry if I am appearing this way. And I will make a change after this post. Thanks for letting me know. I really had no idea.

I thought you might have been shouting, so I looked at your earlier posts and saw it was the normal font you use. If it's easier on your eyes, you don't need to change it.

Oh! I think I will go check out my boss' candy drawer while he's out! He had some good looking peppermint patties before - 1 pt. :devil:

Thanks for getting back to me on this. I have been using this for awhile because I got tired of the headaches and taking ibuprophen from trying to read the small print. I wish I could change everything to make it all bigger lol, but I can only change mine. I will see if there is something else I can do so it does not appear as shouting, but it easy on the eyes. :)

Hi everyone again. I was just wondering if this size font looked better to you all? Does this appear to be less like shouting? I really do not want to come across as shouting. Please let me know when you can. Thanks again for pointing this out to me. :)

Its definitely easier on my eyes.

Looks great to me.

Awesome! Thank you both for helping me see this! ;) I didn't realize how it appeared before. I do appreciated you pointing this out. It is so easy to come across the wrong way online. I am so glad to know how this appeared before and now. :)