Weight Watchers - Supporting Each other on our Weight Loss Journey

Well, it's been a tough haul. As for me, I'm really back and trying again very hard. I love to hear other people's stories of inspiration and also pitch in to offer suggestion of ways to help when someone is down.
:hug:
We're here to help each other on this thread and a few of us have been hanging out here on 3FC for a very long time but we always welcome newcomers. We re-start the thread now and then when it just gets too long and now is time to begin a-new. In fact, I feel with spring's arrival that it's a good time for a fresh start! Hey, bathing suit season is coming!
This thread is about having people who totally understand what you have been through and how tough it is to stay on track. A few of us have made it to goal and struggle to stay there. A few of us (like me) were almost at goal and then some major life stuff (2 deaths in the family) happens and it set me off on a huge binge and now all the weight is back on. We also have a member who lost a ton of weight and now is pregnant. She is "on hold" and here now and then to get support and update us on how things are going, but after baby arrives, she'll be back and working hard to get off those baby pounds!
As for me, my goals have to be focused on at this time. There are peaks and valleys in life and I hit a huge valley, now it's time to work my way back and be among the living!
So, join us to chat about what is working? What are you doing for exercise? Did you blow it and need to re-start your engine?
Join us for support!
Linda in New Hampshire ;)

Just a quick post to update everyone on my progress. I've been such a "good girl". For the last two weeks, I journalled every day except for three. I've tried hard! I have exercised probably 5 or 6 times and am proud of that. I'm back!!!!
The scale has not decided to reward me yet, but I feel "lighter" today and that is a good thing. I think perhaps tomorrow, if I am a "good girl" it might reward me.
I've got a wedding to go to in July. I have a lovely dress I started making for myself last summer as I was supposed to go to a black-tie affair in NYC with my husband. My dad got really sick and then passed away and I didn't finish making the dress and the event was no longer important to me after that. The comfort food was really there for me, though. I even became kind of obsessed with enjoying ALL the foods that my dad loved to eat as a way to "bring him back" to me. That was kind of weird, but it did make me feel comforted.
Then, in January, mom died, and again (but not as bad as when dad passed on) the comfort food yet again was there. I had stopped exercising completely. I think my weight was about 147 last April, right around the time dad was diagnosed with bone cancer and now it's at 165. I've been really in rough shape, you could just about scrape me off the floor.
But, suddenly, this wedding invitation is coming and I figure I owe it to myself to finish making this fabulous dress. Having to dress up in public always gives me extra motivation! I want to look GOOD and not like some plump old lady.... so can I drop all the weight and quick? I doubt all of it, but I sure am suddenly more motivated than I was before, at least.
Having a special dress up event gives me something to look forward to!
Do any of you have something like that?
But, for me, it's not all about a wedding or special event. I've been wallowing in self pity for a long time and I feel suddenly better and ready to move on a bit. My mom and dad are gone, nothing I can do will bring them back. But, I definately CAN take care of myself and fully be back on track.
Linda in New Hampshire

I was slender up until the time my first child was born, when I was 24. My mother died while I was pregnant; she was only 50 years old. She was very weight-conscious and always made remarks that I had fat legs and large rump, even though I only weighed about 120 lbs. before pregnancy. I lost all the weight at a diet-and-exercise place after my daughter was born, and again after my first son was born. Then we moved while I was pregnant with my third child, so to get the excess weight off, I joined Weight Watchers. This was in 1984. Gradually, as my marriage soured, I gained weight back, until I topped out at 180 lbs. I was scared to death I'd reach 200. My first husband, I am convinced, has an eating disorder. All throughout our marriage, he'd gain a lot of weight, then crash diet it off and get really skinny. He was in a skinny phase when he announced he didn't love me any more because I was too fat and wasn't the right woman for him; in fact, his superiors in the church (he was a ministerial candidate) told him he was anorexic. He was so skinny that his skin was literally hanging off of him. He'd have puffed wheat for breakfast with skim milk and an apple for lunch. After he moved out, I began following Susan Powter's "Stop the Insanity." I walked every day and got down to 128 lbs. Some people told me I looked too thin. I gained a bit back and then settled in for a long time at a comfortable weight for me. However, this year I turned 50. My metabolism has slowed and I have been forced to go back onto Weight Watchers to get the excess pounds off. My goal is to try to avoid the diabetes that plagues my mother's family and the knee problems in my father's. The weight loss is slow, but I have lots of time. I really just want to be healthy and look good. Oh, and I remarried, to a man who appreciates me and doesn't put me down because I have a few excess pounds on me.

Hello. It’s me. The Pregnant One. Eating up the Fat Free blueberry muffins as I type. Hey! They’re FF and the kid likes ‘em.

Thanks for starting the new thread Linda. For some reason, it seems to have become your “job.”

I am definitely doing better with my eating lately. I still splurge, telling myself that if I can’t now, when can I? But, for the most part, I’m making better choices. Exercise hasn’t really been what it should, but my house is very clean. I don’t know if it’s nesting, spring fever, or trying to make up for months of only wanting to sleep. Whatever the reason, my house looks good and I’m sure I have burned some calories from it!

Okay, back to food. I do NOT have a health-nut living in me. This kid has me craving cheeseburgers. Not just little whimpy burgers. No, I mean $7.00 thick, juicy grilled burgers with bacon and cheese. Places I would never order a burger from before because of all the other wonderful items on the menu finds me sitting there with my burger! And let me tell you… moms can remember… that burger is heavenly when I bite into it. We’re talkin’ ecstasy! Luckily, it’s only about once a week. Sigh… I’m getting’ fat over here!

Great job with the journaling, Linda. I’m glad you’re getting back on track. I was worried about you for a while. I thought about that trip to New York the other day and what a bummer it was that it couldn’t simply be rescheduled. Go ahead and make your gorgeous dress! But, make it several sizes smaller, so you can wear it in July!

Hi, Thinfor5! Do you have another name to go by? That’s kind of a mouthful! Sounds like you’ve had a rough road but are doing well now. Looking forward to getting to know you!

Well, gotta go for now. I’ll just say 27 more days until my ultrasound! I really want to know if I can buy pink or blue!!! It’s killin’ me!

Sorry I am from place called Corning, New York. I have always lived here~ Im trying to get back on track of things. I did manage to go walking last night

Cryket, they say everyone has a twin, so you'd better stay away from New Windsor, or they will start calling you by someone else's name!
Thinfor5.... I can totally relate to what you said. Sounds like your first husband was a jerk and I'm glad you have someone else now! I am 51 and also worrying about the diabetes that runs in our family, etc. I need to do a much better job.
Melanie! That little one inside you wants iron and calcium judging from the cheeseburgers you are craving! I wonder if you tried raisins, spinach and other foods high in iron if you would note the red meat cravings get a bit less? The cheese part you can do without the huge high calorie burgers. Even by having lean red meat, like round steaks or sirloin can be better if you eat it in moderation.
I'm a carnivor, no doubt about it. I just LOVE my red meat in particular. I keep saying to myself that it's not all that good for me, but I eat it anyway.
Today, I am feeling good... first time since last fall the temperatures have gone over 70. It's just delightful here in New Hampshire today, totally awesome. I just got back from running a few errands and everyone has their sunroofs open, windows open and tops down. It's just a good to be alive day.
I went on my treadmill this morning, by the way. I'm proud of myself!
Glad the new thread is working and a few people found it already!
Linda

My new husband is younger than I am, very handsome, very health-conscious and fit. Meanwhile, my "old" husband is in his "fat" phase, has remarried, and my kids tell me his new wife doesn't treat him very well. And it seems he married for money rather than looks, because she is wealthy and not very health conscious at all. So I guess God or the Universe or Whatever you believe in does believe in cosmic justice, after all.

I kind of believe in cosmic justice, thank goodness you did well for yourself. I've learned that money sure isn't everything. It truly can't buy happiness.
I just finished a really "good" dinner, it was tasting good and good meaning healthy! I did break down and snack this afternoon, but it was only a 4 point snack. I have 8 or 9 flex points left and start a new journal on Sunday.
I can do this!
Linda

Boy do I understand your plight! I had my daughter 6 years ago at age 32. Up until then I was a size 5 (I'm 5'1" tall). I'm a whopping 163.4 right now and a size 12/14. I've tried many diets and lost a little, gained a little, lost a little, gained a lot. I just started WW 4 days ago. I'm hoping I can stick with it and make it my "lifestyle". We'll see. I'm not looking forward to my 1st weigh in next week.

Good luck!!!

Hi guys, found you!

Well, for those that don't know me, (and as Linda said, we've been around here for around 2 years or so now!) I'll fill you in with a bit of info.

I'm 36, married, have a little boy - AJ - who is 5 in september and due to start school then too. I began WW in jan 04, weighing in at around 181#. by April 05, I finally got to goal, having lost 56#. Since then, I've hardly been to any meetings, not sure why, although time has had alot to do with it (I really need to make more time) and the weight was pretty stable for a while and now I have about 6 or 7 pounds to lose to get back down to goal weight. I'm determined for it to come back off, as like mentioned above, the diabetes thing could well rear its ugly head (I had gestational diabetes when pregnant with AJ and this makes it much more likely to recurr.)
My most recent incentive is my annual vacation coming up in May, Gran Canaria for 2 weeks and 2 new bikinis to squeeze into. I haven't owned a bikini in years so this year I'm determined to look like a cool mom on the beach instead of some stranded whale!
Anyway, 'nuff said about me, glad to see Linda back on the straight and narrow, keep it up girl!
Melanie, stay away from those burgers - you know it makes sense. And keep cleaning that house of yours, if nothing else, it'll help for after bambino is born, It was weeks after AJ came along that any part of my house saw a duster!

Right, got to go for now, back later, take care everyone!

Still counting down here. 23 more days until the ultra sound (and my next WI).

I had a great weekend. I went to visit my mom and we did a make over. I got my hair cut the shortest it's ever been and I love it! It's just over my shoulders, but that's SHORT for me. And, I went to a makeup counter and got a new look there too. She really pampered me and I loved it! I really needed it too. I was getting stressed out and feeling frumpy. I have a renewed desire to primp and be girly, which helps me feel more energetic, so I feel like eating healthier and taking care of myself. See, I'm not completely off topic today!

Dawny - Better you in a bikini next month than me! Maybe next May, though.

I really do plan to get in gear ASAP after the baby comes. I have a (hopefully realistic) goal of getting back into my old clothings by May 2007 and then be at goal by July or August.

But, I'll cross that bridge when I get to it. Today, I'm just going to try to stay sane and not an emotional wreck of a pregnant woman. My hormones are making me nuts!!

Melanie, your hormones are supposed to make you a bit nutty! Its one of the benefits of pregnancy - you can use it as an excuse for virtually anything under the sun! Can't wait to know if I'm an Auntie to a girl or a boy, I wait in anticipation! The Makeover sounds fun, we should all do that from time to time, we should all have some good old fashioned girly me-time occasionally, and when we have huge bellies (for good reason of course) then there's no better time. good for you. We wait for goal next year, but there's plenty of time to think about that, running about after bambino will take care of that one!

Gotta fly for now, AJ needs to play, see ya later!

Boy what a busy couple of days. Sorry I've been away. How's it going?
I was too busy and lost my momentum in terms of eating and excercise. I promise to do better today!!!!!
Where does the time go? Don't you all wish there was an 8th day to the week and a day with nothing on the schedule?
I should try to have one day each week with nothing on the calendar maybe?
Linda

I signed the kids up for a season pass to daycare this year so that I could have more time to ski and get stuff done around the house. My DH works at a ski area and for employees it is only $650 for unlimited daycare November - April. It is also a great daycare. In a lot of ways I have had a wonderful winter. I have been up there at least 2-3 days each week. I drop DD (20months) of at Kinderkamp, take DS(3) skiing for 3 hours or so. Get lunch or a coffee and then come down the hill.

At the beginning of the season I was so out of shape that it felt like I was going to have a heart attack packing the kids up the hill from the parking lot. And I had to stop several times each run because my legs were about to give out. Now at the end of the season I can run up the stairs, I don't get winded. And I can ski all day only stopping to ride up the next chair.

I was going somewhere with this... the concept of "one day a week with nothing on the calendar". My hope was to send the kids up to KK one day each week so I could stay caught up at home. Well, today is it. This is only the 3rd day all winter that my DH has taken the kids up on one of my days off. And since KK closes on Sunday, it will be my last until next winter. Other than kinderkamp, we don't have the kids in daycare. DH gets so pouty about the whole thing, whining, doesn't want to be late, it takes so long to lug them up the hill, etc... This morning I had to feed them, dress them, pack them, load them, and start the car (I had them ready to go 15 minutes before he is usually out the door) and he still was complaining. Sometimes I think he has no idea that I do that every morning when I take them places.

Here is to my day off! I got the house spic-n-span yesterday, so today I am tackling gardens. They have all been severely neglected since having DS 3 years ago, but I am going to make a thorough effort. I have to wait for the frost to melt first though.

Welcome Morrigan, so sorry time went by and no one responded. I didn't get my usual e-mail notifications and it's been a very busy time period.
BUT, I have good news! The scale went down, will change my signature thing to reflect it, but I'm happy.
I have been trying not to worry about journalling the last few days, it's been just too hard for me. But, what I am doing is working so far, I'm trying to step up to the plate with exercise still and also am really trying to not snack as much between meals. My meals have been healthy and balanced. I've stayed away from big desserts and have been having the WW chocolate ice cream bars that are big and only one point each. I do love those.
So, let's keep posting guys! I miss you all!
Linda

hi everyone.. My name is Lynn... here is my story.
I'm 42, married for 22 years, with two girls, 20 and 17.
I've always had a weight problem, always struggled to lose weight and I'm sure that will always be an issue. I am a binge eater. I eat till I'm down right sick.
In 1999, I lost 50ish something pounds, was almost to goal, then I kind of fell off the wwers band wagon and stayed pretty much at that weight. Sept 11.01 (that dreaded day), I got a phone call from my doctor stating that they found a 4mm mass in my left breast. I gained 20 pounds in one month. A biopsy found it not to be cancerous, it was left alone and till this day I still go for mammo's every six months.
I lost the 20 pounds on my own with alot of walking. In '04 they found a tumor in my left eye and that was the downfall till now, I had surgery in november of that year, my surgeon said that my lacrimal gland that produces tears did not have a tumor but it was an inflammatory disorder. I was relieved but the roller coaster ride had just begun. To shrink the inflammation and the 'mass' which was labeled an orbital inflammatory psdeuotumor, I had to take huge amounts of prednisone. I became this person I didn't know, I had oily skin, I was grouchy and nasty and I gained over 60 pounds.
My doctor slowly weaned me off the prednisone and the weight never budged. My left eye to this day is blurry, with instense burning at times, it is swollen and drives me crazy everyday of my life, hense I eat. I figure that is the only thing that helps me.. is too EAT! I have gained so much weight...
I have had three md opinions, since my worst fear is that I will go blind. I live with that every day. I have to be healthy, I want to live a normal life. I have since started hyertension meds because of the weight, I want to be off of them!
My mother had a stroke last year and another stressor with more eating issues. She is on the road to recovery and now I have to put myself first...
Thank you for listening to my story... for today I will be binge free!
Lynn

I got the result of my cholesterol check back today. Actually everything else, blood sugar, thyroid, etc... was fine. My cholesterol was 210 with 40 (good) and 144 (bad). I shudder to think what it would have been if I had it checked 3 months and 25 lbs ago before I started dieting and exercising.

So now after eating really healthy for the last three months, I have to ask myself - What More Can I Do? I looked up lots of info on the internet - and actually I don't have much fat or cholesterol in my diet right now.

Here are the changes I am going to make.

Start Drinking Coffee Black
Add back a glass of red wine for the creamer (usually whole milk) points
Change my daily oatmeal for breakfast to oat bran
Attempt more consistant heart-pounding exercise. I am good at skiing or hiking all day, but not good at getting to the gym.
Eliminate butter - I am not even going to buy it. The kids can have jam on their toast.
No Eggs (even though I am in charge of deviled eggs for easter)
Ax the red meat and stick to chicken, fish, and soy products - although I only eat red meat once every few weeks anyway
Make little changes each day - like today I looked at how much cholesterol was in the egg noodles (27%), and swapped them for beans in my soup instead.


On the other hand, my grandma, her sister, and my mom's little brother (he's 46) all had cholesterol in the 400+ range before taking daily meds. So I am kind of relieved I am not in that pile of genes.

those are great choices. I too have hight cholesterol in my family. My mother is a vegetarian and she had a stroke at age 65, she was eating soy when people said " what is that", her dad died at 50 and her mom had a numerous amount of strokes. My cholesterol is 190, I can just imagine what it will be when I get to goal weight! I too drink my coffee black, I use egg beaters when I can. The little changes are what make large success'.. good luck

Morrigan - good work! You've set up wonderful goals for yourself!

I have to do the blood test next week and I'm not looking forward to it. I had some good news yesterday though. Went to the dermatologist and they checked my blood pressure and it was 124/86! I know it's still high, but for me it was the best reading in years!!!

You guys are doing great with all your efforts! Way to go!
I have worked hard to lose and at times I have given up, depends on what is happening in my life. Curvy, things can really set me off as well.
I was almost at goal before 9/11, I didn't have bad medical news on that day as well, but I put on almost all my weight back on within the next three or four months after 9/11, it was all about the comfort food.
Then, I was almost at goal again and my dad got really sick and died of cancer and then mom died 4 months later. I just blew it all over again. I'm really trying to get back on track again.
Something else is happening as well and it has let me to make a concerted effort to finally make some changes. I have bad arthritis and I am reading about how to eat better in order to feel better. I'm willing to make certain canges in order to stop being in pain.
Let's keep working!
Linda

Well, here I am after the cheesecake, pie, chocolate and bad food binge.... not a good girl over Easter. Shall be begin anew?
Today I will try again, I will put this behind me.
Linda

Oh dear, I think we have all disappeared. I've been waiting for more posts to read, but no one's here. Anyway, I've not been good. I was doing so well, then the Easter bunny came! AJ's chocolate eggs just keep creeping over in my direction, its not good at all! I just love Easter eggs. I can't seem to get out of the pit I have dug for myself, once I start going downhill I just can't help myself. I must behave, I really must, I'm off on vacation in less that two weeks now, and I've got to feel good in my new clothes.

Anyhow, it seems looking at Linda's last post that I'm not the only one who struggled with Easter, hope you are back on track better than me!

Melanie, how are you doing, have you had that scan yet? I want to know the minute you have been!

Right, got to go, I have a man coming to value my house, going to put the house up for sale and move to the next town. It'll be nearer my work and AJ's school when he starts in September. Wish me luck, I need as much for this as I can get!

Back soon, take care all!

Dawny! I've been lurking and waiting for someone else to make a post! So glad to hear from you. Watch out trying to sell a house and also moving, that is a time where take-out food and comfort food as well as baking to make the house smell nice for showings take over. Good luck!
I've fallen off the wagon in the last week or so. I need to get back in my "groove" of exercise as well as eating better. It's so hard when all the good food is around. It was Easter last weekend and even though it was a sad holiday, the first after losing both my mom and dad, there was chocolate and extra food, etc. around here.
Then, Friday was my husband's birthday and we had cake. We had doughnuts, we had a few special meals. The scale edged back up a pound and I have got to get back in control. Why is it that exercise always seems to fall by the wayside when I am not eating right too? I keep wondering if I really WANT this all that bad as I don't seem to be able to be on top.
Wouldn't it be nice if these was a safe magic way to lose weight and do it quickly. I keep thinking that if I was down to a better weight that maintianing it might be easier than losing.... but then again every time I've been lower, maintaining has not been easy either.
Linda

Hello! I'm here. Just not checking in as often, since I'm off the wagon! Luckily, the baby's new favorite foods are reduced fat original pringles and slushy drinks (kiwi/strawberry or decaf frappucinos). Not too bad, if I don't eat the entire can of Pringles!

I second Linda's warning about fast food! I know I was amazingly tempted when we moved over a year ago. And, being pg and tired, I'm less likely to eat healthy. Frozen pot pies have become a staple in my house. 50 cents and good, non-nauseous food - but gosh - the fat grams!!

Linda - you are asking a very good question. How bad do you want it? That's what I always asked myself. Usually, I would decide that I want one or two bites of something sinfully yummy and then continue to my goal without a major down fall. But, not everyone can do that. Good luck.

The big ultrasound is 1 day and 19 hours away!! That's a total of 43 hours. At least 18 of them, I will be asleep. Probably 3 more hours eating. So, that only leaves 22 hours to think about it and anxiously wait!!! I'll definately update you when I know!

Well I am back after a rut ~ I havent weighed in, in 2 weeks~ Well I have paid for it and its my own fault~ I gained 8 pounds~ But i am looking forward and get back on track~ I am not sure what is going on ~ Alls I know is I dont wanna gain back all that I have lost. After weigh in I cried.

I wish everyone luck on there weight loss~ Will help as much as I can~ I also need help

Awww... cryket. Sorry you have not been doing so well. But, you can start again today. Every morning is a new opportunity to be the person you want to be. Today, you can be a model WW eater/exerciser!

Update: 22 1/2 hours until my ultrasound! :hyper: :bb:

Hi, I know about the fast food thing and moving - our house isn't even on the market yet and we're pigging out. With only 10 days until vacation, that is not good news. The bikini may well be hidden by a very large sarong at this rate!

Linda, hi, its tough. we all know that. If it was easy there would be no need for sites like this to exist. No need for WW and no need for us to worry about every 0.1gram of fat in every morsel we eat. Still, we keep plodding on. At least we are aware of what we are doing, even if we don't always do it right. Many people have no idea why they are overweight (alot of denial there, methinks!) At least we know, and we know what we have to do to put it right, whether we stick to that or not is our choice. And we know we can't really blame others all the time for our dilemma. We do ourselves choose what we put in our mouths, no one forces us to eat cookies and chocolate and chips all day! Anyway, hope you enjoyed your DH's birthday, and the cake of course. Lets all plan for a stick thin summer and next birthday eat carrots instead!

Melanie, I can barely stand the suspense. As I'm typing this, you must be almost ready to go for the ultrasound. I hope they can tell you what you want to hear - i know sometimes the naughty baby is facing the wrong way, I'll keep my fingers crossed for you...I foresee a boy or even a girl!!! I never get it wrong!
Let us know the instant you find out!

bye for now,

I have been in the lurking-but-not-posting camp since I have not had a good two weeks (up 2 lbs at weigh in last week). I have been thinking a lot about my behavior ... and don't actually have much insight as to why I go off the wagon.

I have, however, thought of some stratagies to get me through this.

- planning my meals in advance
- no snacking after dinner
- cut my extra points to be evenly divided up (35/7=5 per day) so I don't use them all up during the first two days of the week, and then not be able to stick to my diet the rest of the week
-stop trying to eat my minimum (24 points) because if I do I feel deprived and end up eating too much

It Wenesday and i am doing good so far getting back on track~ I have done my treadmill every morning so far for 30 mins. Eating what I have preplanned. And drinking my water. I am hoping the weight gain I had is a turn around point for me~

Morrigan I also try to preplan my meals for the week, if I do this than I am more apt to stay on track. I also try to eat my max points thats what our leader told us to do otherwise you will feel starved. The extra 35 points I try not to use unless i really need too. Few other things i have done that seems to help too is i try to eat at same times every day~ I also do not eat after 8pm. hope i havent made you upset by butting in but wanted to share some of my tips too ~ I also didnt post for last 2 weeks~ than I weighed in Monday and gained 8 pounds over 2 weeks, i know i have to look forward and move past that~ I had my cry after weigh in, and now im moving on~

Hello...my name is Chrissy...and I too have been a lurker but not poster because of my bad eating habits. My confession....I haven't journaled a whole week in over a month. I'm embarassed to admit that because I know when I journal I tend to stay on program. It's when I don't that I fall off. However, I also know that I don't journal because I've fallen off. It's the whole egg and chicken thing. :) But I'm back. My challenge to myself is to journal for the rest of this week (I can't remember everything I've eaten the last few days) and to journal consistantly for the next two weeks. I know that if I do that then I'll start being consistant again. I'm thinking I need a 'treat' for myself if I win my challenge...wait....WHEN I win my challenge. Any non-food related suggestions?

Chrissy, I decided yesterday that every step I take in my goal. (Every 30 minutes of exercise for me!) I'm putting $5 aside this month. So for every 30 minutes of exercise in April awards me $5 towards a shopping trip at the end of the month. I haven't put a limit on my shopping, I can buy books or purses or clothes... but it gives me something to aim for.

Not WW related: but I have news - It's a GIRL! Well, probably. We didn't get a great view, but the doctor told me I could go shopping (just keep the reciepts). I will get another one next month to confirm. Most importantly, she's growing right on target and all the parts are where they should be! :D

MtaTJac, Someone on 3FC (and I'm sorry I can't remember who) is paying herself $5 for each pound lost and so much for each 30 minutes of exercise. When I saw this I decided it was such a good idea that I was going to do it to. I pay myself $5 for each pound I lose and a penny for each minute of exercise. So far I've 'made' about $125 that I'll use on my day of shopping when I reach goal. My girlfriends are going to take me out shopping to celebrate. I'm really looking forward to it. :carrot:

I personally believe that it's good to find something that motivate you. Some people do a spa day or shopping or some other non-food related treat. I like that. It gives me something to look forward to. I think for my journal challenge I'll go get a spa treatment or something...maybe a manicure or pedicure. Something I don't do very often. :)

Chrissy, I like that idea! I hadn't thought of an in general! I just thought that this would help get me through the first month! I't so neat to see what works for everyone to keep them motivated!

Emerald...congrats on your girl!! Is it possible to be excited for someone you don't know? I hope so because I'm excited for ya!!!

Can't stop...Just wanted to say congratulations Melanie, a little girl will be gorgeous, I bet you can't wait to start dressing her up!

right, gotta fly, back soon, take care all!

Off on vacation for 2 weeks tomorrow, lots of sun, sand and sangria. Back soon, take care everyone,

Melanie! Sorry I've been absent for awhile, congratuations on the new young lady who will soon be smiling at you during diaper changes! What wonderful news. Have fun with all the shopping!
Dawny, have a great vacation! We'll see you when you get back and are working off those vacation pounds.
Welcome to our newcomers and to those who've been lurking for awhile. We need you and we need you to post!
My situation.... a bad few weeks here. Two of my friend's lost their moms and I spent time consoling, visiting and dealing. Seems like we are losing a generation all at once. It's so hard.
We had a busy weekend here with a giant quilt show that I worked on. My in-laws visited from out of state and we ate "well", meaning pigged out. It's really time to get myself in gear.
I decided, as of this morning to re-boot myself with the WW core plan for the next several days. I am excited about it as I just am failing with the points program and the idea of journalling and staying on track with that is just more than I can handle right now. I think Core is a good approach. I don't think it's for me to stay on for ages and ages and I can't be that restricted, but maybe this will help me to feel full, satisfied and stay in control?
Keep on posting guys!
Linda

Hi girls, I'm back! Good suntan, bleached hair from the sun and about an extra 7 pounds added to my waistline! Not so good. Actually, why is it that when we go on vacation, certainly here in Europe, that all holiday resorts seem to sell is junk food. Any decent food costs a fortune and is very hard to track down. Still, we had a great time. Back to reality now.

Not many posts on here recently. Linda, how's it been going with core? Or isn't it? I think we really must all get our acts together and pledge to get these excess pounds off our butts. You know, maybe I will try the UK version of core for a little while to try and kick things into action. I will have to read up a bit about it again, I only ever tried it once for a week and didn't get very far. I will see how it goes.

Melanie, how's that baby bump doing, is my little girl behaving herself for you? You must be getting so excited now, what date have you been given? I forget. Actually, talking of babies, my cousin who lives in NJ is expecting again. The first baby she had to have IVF, but this one's a natural apparantly, and a girl too! I'm so pleased for her. They are moving back to the UK next month so I might be able to get to know them a bit better again!

Anyway, I digress, (what's new? hehe) I had better go and put some cream on my shoulders before all the tan peels off before anyone gets to see it!
Back soon,

Hi there Dawny! Glad you are back and someone else finally made a post!
It's been an absolute nightmare here. I live in Southern NH and our house got flooded just over a week ago with over 12" of rainfall in a 48 hour period.
We have considerable damage to our home and have spent lots of time cleaning up and dealing with all these issues and our insurance company refused our claim. I am really upset about that.
So, during this disaster, we went to junk food and take out food, what else? I'm not happy with myself for that, but I maintained my weight during this time (such as it is) as I was getting much more excercise than normal.
I've regained control a bit of the last couple of days and plan on getting to a 9:00 am WW meeting on Wednesday or a later afternoon meeting tomorrow, I think.
I've been away from meetings for awhile. Not sure if they are helping or will help me again.
I sure wish I had the magic solution to all of this.
At least I chose a pear last night instead of even a WW ice cream treat! I chose salad with lite dressing when we had pizza delivery last night, I only have one tiny piece of pizza, about 4" square with my salad.
So, better choices over the last few days have helped me regain my confidence.
Being back on CORE lasted about two or three days before the flood, then all efforts to do anything righ were lost.
Back on track for me this week!
What are you doing to be on track yourself Dawny?
I hope more people on this thread in the past come back!
Linda

Linda – sorry about the damage. I had heard that your area was getting a lot of rain, but I had no idea it was that bad! Hope things are calming down.

Dawny – Glad you had a good trip. We’re hoping to have a short getaway before Chloe arrives.

I go back to the doctor on Thursday. I don’t think I’ve gained as much this month as the past couple, but I haven’t been especially good either. I’m just sitting back and enjoying the experience. I’ve been feeling more kicks the past couple of weeks. It cracks me up. David is SO excited, it’s cute. He gets a twinkle in his eye when he sees a baby anywhere.

A lady at church has 4 month old twins and we both got to cuddle one yesterday. Great practice kit! I have a baby shower in June and one in July, then I will feel more ready for the baby. The nursery is still a yard sale waiting to happen at the moment!

I’ll keep you updated! And, I'll be back more regularly after September!

Melanie, what is your actual due date? I've forgotten.
I have been very well behaved today... sure wish I could keep this up!
Linda

Yah! for Linda and good behavior!!

My due date is September 2, but I keep telling everyone the end of August because I don't want to wait longer than necessary! ;)

I'm waiting for my e-bay purchased Leisa Hart's Prenatal/Postnatal/Mommy&Me videos to arrive. See! I have good intentions!

LInda, HI,
Sorry about the 'water problem'. Its bad. Especially when the insurance won't pay up. We're lucky here, at the top of a hill, so flooding doesn't tend to get us, but many over here get it annually, its not fun. I may decide against core after all. Can't stand all the hard work you have to put into it. I'm too stuck in my old ways I think. I've just got straight back into counting the good old points. I will be good, I must - my clothes are tight, some don't fit, so I have no choice.

Melanie, I love the name Chloe, and september isn't too long to wait. AJ was born 7th september so its a great time! He was two weeks early - I was induced. I can't wait for you!

back soon,

Linda, I wish I could keep this up too. It just so easy to get one great day, then a good day then a bit of a dodgy day then it just all falls to pieces again. where has our will power gone? I reckon thats just what it comes down to. My will power is so short lived lately. I'm in need of some real motivation to keep it up for more than a few days. of course, the tight clothes really ought to be motivating me...and it does for a while, but not really for long enough. Oh dear, it can be so depressing always trying to lose weight. Then doing it, then putting some back on, then trying to lose it again, etc. etc. etc. Never ending circle. I'm sure there are much more important things in life to worry about, but some seem to pale in comparison at times, don't they?

By the way, completely off topic, I would appreciate no mentions of the American idol winner which will be announced later today until after friday if possible, when we get the programme over here. I get obsessed every season, regardless of the talent. We have a celebrity version of Simon Cowell's X Factor show starting next week, that should be fun! Sharon Osborne is one of the judges on that, she's just great!

Anyway, I better go for now. One of our neighbours is about to move today up to Scotland, so I ought to go say our goodbyes! Bye for now!

Dawny - I will say nothing of American Idol, except it doesn't really matter since Chris left!!!!!

hehehe, I missed that one while I was away!

After another peek yesterday, it is confirmed – I’m having a girl! Pink, lace, and frills - here I come! I also gained about 5 more pounds since last month. Oh, well. Not gonna care. Just gonna focus on having a healthy girl. The weight can be dealt with later!

I did, however, start my prenatal exercise DVD. I liked it. Now, to make it a habit.

Oh, and Dawny – AI finale was fantastic! Enjoy the entire show, if you can! But, especially the last 15 minutes. The final surprise performer….

I love the name Chloe! Good job!

My kids have plain names because we couldn't agree on the interesting ones.
William (Wil) and Anna. We didn't have much choice on the William. My DH has Williams going back 13 generations to Caithness and Halcro in Scotland and his older brother didn't have boys so he is taking up the tradition. His dad was married 3 times and DH is the oldest of wife #3, so he sort of considers himself firstborn and just robbed of the rightful name anyway. The oldest brother is a real loser and in jail for being a creep - at least he doesn't go by that name, he goes by his middle.

Hi,
Melanie, Ok, I've seen the American Idol finale at last! Not quite sure what I think of the result, I enjoyed it, and all the performances though. We drank lots of red wine whilst we watched and had a chinese take-out, so not a great night foodwise. Still, back on the wagon today. Don't you worry about that 5#, it'll be gone soon enough anyway. Having a baby is a great way to lose alot of weight in a very short amount of time, shame about the wobbly bits were left with afterwards, but its worth it!

Hi Morrigan. so your DH has Scottish roots eh? My friends have just moved up there this week. Its a long way from here, so I don't think we will be seing them too often, although they still have family around here, so maybe now and again?

Right, off to phone the estate agents - want to go and look at a new house! Our house is now for sale, I want to move NOW! (never was too patient!)
bye for now.

Hi guys!
I've been absent and not doing well. Here I go again. However, you'll all be proud of me. I went back to a WW meeting today. I weighed in for the first time since a week and a half before mom died, four pounds heavier. However, I am glad to be back and hopefully going to a meeting will help?
Melanie, congrats on the girl.
So, I'm back to meetings, here I am guys!
Linda

Well, here I am again - no one is posting here and I'm kind of sad about it. But, I take responsibility as I was an absentee for a period of time.
Well, all, I weighed in on Tuesday and I've been completely on track since then, a perfect WW gal - tracking, exercise, water and everything!
This is the best I've been since probably a year ago.
I'm back, I'm really back this time!!!!!!!!
Linda

Hey, Linda! Great job! I'm not working the system right now, but I'll post! I just check in every few days to read what's new right now. Other than working on collecting as many secondhand baby items as possible, not much new with me. Baby's still growing happy and healthy. Bumping me more everyday!

Keep up the good work Linda! You've been down this road before. You know the ropes! You just have to demand success!!!

Melanie! When is your due date again? I've forgotten. It must be soon.
You shouldn't be doing WW now, but surely you can be getting ideas and inspiration for after you deliver. Nursing moms (not sure if you plan on that or not) can be on WW too, you just get extra points. How is your weight gain going, by the way? How much have you gained during this time?
I gained over 40 pounds with each of my pregnancies. I didn't care at that point in time. I think I was delusional or something as after I had my son, I got on the scale at home expecting that all the weight would magically disappear. It sure didn't, but by 6 months after he was born, I was down to my pre-pregnancy weight. It took a great deal of healthy eating and walking with him in the stroller (which was fun and I met other moms that way) to get that weight off. After my 2nd pregnancy, the weight didn't come off as easily and it was then that I joined WW. As you get older, losing weight is harder.
As for me, I've done very well this week. I'm still journalling and I am still making good choices. I'm proud of myself. That _____ scale has not budged, but what do I expect? It takes awhile and weight doesn't come off easily for me.
I am about ready to head into my kitchen and make the WW garden vegetable soup. By the way, that soup is very filling and good and you could make and eat that during pregnancy as it is just so very healthy for you.
We're still working hard here to clean up after our flood and I am at a standstill as far as work goes on that right now, sadly. The tile guys ran out of adhesive and it has to be special ordered and won't be in until next Wednesday.
Linda

HI, Linda, great to see you back again, and back on track too! Thats fab!

I'm doing ok, but just ok. It does seem to be one day on, one day off but at least the days on are better than none at all? maybe, but I must put in some effort, the clothes are still tight. I am back to journalling, but I really must remember to write down the bad stuff I eat too, not just the good, low point things. That way, I might realise what I'm really doing and start to kick my own butt back into action again.

We have our house for sale at the moment and the stress is really kicking in. We have had no one come to look at it yet (its only been a few days, so I shouldn't start complaining yet) but we've seen a few houses we really like and don't want to miss out on all of them if we can help it. The area we want to move to is not far from here but a more 'desirable' location, and the property sells really fast there, by the time we have sold this there will probably be nothing in the area we want for sale that we can afford. Oh well, I must try and stay calm, stress only makes me want to eat more and that won't do at all!

The sun is out today (first time in ages!) so I think a light salad for lunch will go down nicely, eat it out on the deck and get some fresh air. I need it to clear my head!

Back later, take care!

Good to hear from you Dawny. Forgive me, but I think you are entering what I might refer to as a dangerous stage. I've been there and now I have all that weight to lose again. Keep trying, go to meetings, that is my best advice to you. Journal.
I'm still on track this week and have about 15 flex points left and I will get weighed in on Tuesday. So far, I haven't noted the scale has moved. I'm a bit sad about that, but I am not giving up.
That scale and I are NOT friends.....
Linda

Oh... the heartburn! One of my fun symptoms! Everything, including water, starts the heartburn now! Only 3 more months. My due date is Sept. 1. Then, I will definately be back as a nursing mom. DH could use the help too! He's definately gained some weight with me!

Good luck with the house, Dawny! And, Linda's right, ya know... JOURNAL!

Linda - I have gained, gulp, about 45 thus far. But, that was partially holidays, stop smoking, and too tired to exercise! I'm doing much better now. I'm NOT going to stress about it. I have high hopes that breastfeeding will help shed some of those pounds, and since I'll be working only 2 days a week, I WILL make time for exercise!

Congrats on staying the course! You WILL see results. Just stick with it!

I miss Natalie. Wonder how she is...

Hi everyone.... boy what a lazy group we are lately. Maybe I can be more chatty and get the rest of you back on track?
I weighed in today and lost another 1.2 pounds, that is 2.2 pounds since I went back to meetings two weeks ago. I'm on a roll!
Question..... I forgot to ask at my meeting. Maybe someone knows? We are supposed to have 2 servings (1 tsp each) of healthy oils each day. I wonder if taking a fish oil capsule (with omega 3,etc.) would qualify as one of those oils. I take that for my health, otherwise. I wonder if I could count that?
Tonight I made "lite" meatballs and had them with spaghetti. It was kind of a celebration for me as far as losing 2.2 pounds. I used eggs whites instead of whole eggs, ff milk and baked them in the oven with non stick spray rather than fry them in oil. To me, they tasted about the same. I was really happy!
A huge breakthrough today as well, my daughter asked me to take her back to WW with me! It's been MONTHS since she tried or cared. I'm delighted.
I hope she comes and begins to try again. She's only 15 and she really could slim down and be absolutely gorgeous.
So, that is my post for tonight. Hope things are going well for you all.
Melanie, you'll take off the weight afterwards and we'll be here to help you!
Linda

Well, gang, it's been awhile and still no more posts from the rest of you. Should I give up on everyone?
I'm still here and still trying.
Linda

Hi, Linda! I'm still popping in, but not posting much. I do miss everyone. Hope the posts pick up again!

Looks like you're doing great! And, wonderful news about Jamie asking to go! I wondered how she was doing.

I'm still growing. Tons at a time, it seems! Otherwise, things are pretty good. A bit of disconcerting pain over the weekend, but doctor says it's fine. Just something mommy must deal with.

Keep checking in!!

Melanie, good to hear from you!
I had a weigh in yesteray and was sad to have gained back 1.6 pounds. However, this was a late afternoon meeting vs. a morning meeting that I was at last week, that always makes a huge difference for me. I hope to show a loss next week as I plan on attending the same meeting.
Jamie came along and she was pretty shocked that she put on so much weight since Sept. 8th, which was the last time she'd been. I think (she didn't share her weight with me) it's probably about 25 pounds? She knew this was coming and I hope she works hard, maybe harder?
I have a challenge this weekend as it's my 22nd wedding anniversary. We will be eating out and I am going to have to save up all my flex points and also plan ahead as far as ordering strategies.
I hope to have a good week and be smart in my choices. I am actually contemplating the CORE plan again, maybe just for a week, but with the anniversary this weekend as well as the 4th of July coming up, I'm not sure if CORE would work for me until after the 4th celebrations and cookouts.
Melanie, you must be getting so excited! There was a mom at the WW meeting yesterday with an infant that was about 2 - 3 months old. She looked pretty overwhelmed and I hope she does ok. I know that nursing mom's have different guidelines. I was able to drop pounds easily while nursing, so I hope this woman does.
By the way, Melanie, one of the mom pitfalls I got into was snacking when my kids snacked. Be aware of that when the time comes and plan your own snacks or chew gum when you are feeding snacks to your young one. When I nursed my kids and was starting to wean them, I substituted a snack for a feeding and we started with cheese, small bits of fruit (soft) as well as Cheerios. Of course, I love these foods too and each time I put these things on the high chair tray, it became a "one for me, one for you" scenario and I began to put on pounds. After that, the stroller became my best friend and baby and I did LOTS of walking.
Linda

Linda - sorry about the gain. I'm SURE the change of meeting time did it.

I'm glad Jamie went back. Hope she sticks with it this time.

I am getting VERY excited. At my check-up yesterday, I was told that we would switch to 2 week appointments now! That hit my brain as "IT'S THAT CLOSE!!!" I have my baby shower in 3 weeks and then I will finally start to feel ready, surrounded by baby things!

I think the breastfeeding guideline is 2 points earned for each feeding, with a max of 10. I plan to start back with the plan 4-6 weeks post partum. No slouching! DH has said he wants to get me a jogging stroller, but that will be for next spring.

Wow, things are getting close! When is the due date again?
I can't believe you KNOW when your baby shower is! Do they tell people nowadays? Usually those things are surprises!
Tonight is a big challenge for me. It's our wedding anniversary and we are going to my favorite place to eat, this is a place that truly is "fine dining". I just went over the menu on line and pre-selected what I might order. I hope I can do my best and stay on track. I've only used one flex point all week, so far, and I am hoping to enjoy the evening. But, I love this place and we will be spending a great deal of money there. I want to enjoy my meal.
Whatever happens, I'm going to have a good time, I hope.
Take care, and I home of our other people decide to post, it's been awhile.
Linda

Hi guys, sorry I've been missing, I do miss you when i can't 'pop in'!
Things are hectic, we sold our house within a week, found another one to move to and now are enjoying ourselves hunting for new furniture when the time comes to 'up-sticks' and actually move in. I don't know about where you are all from, but over here the moving process can just take so long. Nothing is ever definite until contracts are exchanged which can be weeks into the process. Now I've found where I want to move to, I just can't wait. i'm like a kiddie in a sweet shop (candy store?!) with looking for new dining tables, bed for AJ, sofa etc.

Anyway, back to business. Linda, sorry about the little gain. And happy anniversary. I do hope you had a great night, you can work on getting rid of any excess today from your lovely meal out. I'm pleased that Jamie has made the decision to head back to meetings. Lets see if she can stick it this time (listen at me, I've no need to talk!)

Melanie, that little bambino will be there with you in no time at all, I can see you now, jogging around, baby bouncing around in her pram wondering whats going on, puking up her breakfast down her lovely little pink dress...sets a beautiful scene doesn't it? hehehe No seriously, you must be so excited, and at least you are thinking positively about what to do with the extra pounds you have gained afterwards. Don't rush it though, I know well enough that it can be so hard to make time for yourself when there's a new baby in the house, but it will be worth it - but when you and your body are ready to take it.

Nat, not seen you around lately, hope you are ok, and if you are lurking and just reading posts and stuff then just pop and say hi.

right, I'm off, my feet are cold and my socks are calling me - where is this thing called summer I've heard about?

Ok guys, this is it, I'm going back to WW meeting tonight. Its months since I last went and I really need to get back into gear. I'm over my 5# allowance for my free WI, so I'm gonna have to pay, but I need to do it. With the stress of the house move, all I want to do is eat. If I don't tackle this now I will be back to square one, which is one place I swore I wouldn't go back to.
So wish me luck, I sure need it at the moment.

Linda, how are you? Have you been back to anymore meetings? I hope you are feeling back 'on the wagon' yourself now too.

Nat, hope you are feeling ok. Not heard from you for a while. Is the party animal still partying?

Melanie, hope you are ok too. Hope that Chloe isn't putting you through too much heartburn, backache, tiredness, sickness,....the list can go on and on. I'm sure she's treating mom very well now, in preparation for making her big entrance!

Well, take care everyone, hope I'm not chatting away to myself here!

Back later,

Well, I've done it. I finally went back to a meeting, and I'm so glad I did.

I need to lose plenty, about 16 or so pounds. But I think, and this is just my theory but I'm sticking to it, that because the excess weight has only been on this time for a short time, it really ought to be much easier to shift this time. Time will tell, but I'll keep you posted.

At least now I feel like I've broken down one barrier and faced up to things before it got too bad. I'm quite proud of myself, even though I feel a bit sick to my stomach at the same time that I let things get so out of hand in such a small space of time.

Right, off to make a nice salad for dinner.

take care, happy eating all!

Dawny - So proud of you for getting back to meetings!! At least you caught it early on and can jump back in. I'm sure it will just make you more committed to keep it off this time!

Yes, I am especially looking forward to the gross honors of motherhood. Actually, I placed an order for a baby that doesn't cry, leak, or explode; oh, and she will do dishes. (Well, I can dream.) Actually, my back is aching today and I think I've been sitting too long, but nothing bad today.

Hey, Dawny, welcome back! Good for you getting back to meetings.
I was absent for a little while here as we were away on a mini-vacation and I had fun, but from what I saw the scale didn't go up at least! I tried to control myself a bit while away and it was hard.
The wedding anniversary was ok as well. I didn't overeat but did have some wine, hey I'm entitled after 22 years of marriage! : )
I journalled for half the day today and got lazy, I missed my regular meeting as there was our July 4th holiday here yesterday and today I tried to get back on track before attending another meeting, so Jamie and I will go tomorrow. Jame is doing so well, her motivation is much higher than mine. I hope I can keep up and having her on WW at home here is really helping remind me to behave.
We went out to Pizzaria Uno last night and instead of having a really gooey pizza with "bad" things on top of it, I had tomato soup and a salad with decaff cofee instead of beer or soda! Yeah for me!
By the way, if you want a beer, Beck's Lite beer is only 64 calories (not you pregnant Melanie!) and only one point! That is fantastic to only have one beer for one point!
At any rate, I also broke my toe yesterday. Not sure if this will impact my treadmill time, but I will give it a few days and try again!
Linda

HI,
Well, still on track, still journalling, still drinking my water and hopefully losing a few pounds in the process - got until next wednesday evening now to find out for sure!

Linda, glad you had a great time away (and some scrummy wine on the anniversary!) I'm really pleased also that Jamie is feeling so motivated right now. It must be really tough for the youngsters to get into gear with stuff like this, whilst at the same time not get over obsessed with it all - you hear so much now about anorexia and similar. She's doing it the sensible way and I'm so pleased for her.
How on earth did you manage to break your toe? Hope it wasn't the after effects of that wine! hehe I'm sure you will be back onto that treadmill in no time.

Melanie. Hi, I put in the same order for one of those kind of babies, I got AJ. Complete opposite. But worth it just the same, just a bit more tiring thats all! Hope the backache passes. I don't know what the advice is in the US, but certainly over here, good old paracetamol is perfectly safe to take during pregnance for the aches and pains, whether its strong enough is anyone's guess.

right, off for now, back soon, take care everyone.
xxx

HI, well, 2 days until WI and still on programme! This is the longest I've stuck to it for months!

Linda, did you go to WI with Jamie? How did you both do? Hopefully July 4th didn't damage anything too much!

Well, AJ went to school this afternoon for a couple of hours. It was the first time he's been, other than a quick visit, ready for him starting there full time in September. He's really looking forward to it - although it was strange for all us mum's! I went afterwards with some of the other mum's for a nice cup of tea at a local bar and had my first NSV for quite a while - I declined the offer of a lovely scone with jam and clotted cream! (if you have no idea what these are, they are little buns, quite solid with currents in, that you split and add jam and the cream, what is often referred to over here as a cornish cream tea! Absolutely gorgeous and packed with zillions of calories!) They were served warm and smelt delicious and still I declined. I felt quite proud of myself and am looking forward now to this weeks WI.

Incidentally, when collecting AJ from school, we were given the sample menus for school lunches. On a monthly basis, they are only served chips/fries once, and instead get pasta, rice, potatoes - a whole host of healthy stuff that kids would normally turn their noses up at. I'm quite pleased that finally the schools here are recognising the need for healthy food for the children to help cut down on the immense problem of childhood obesity.

Anyway, thats been my day, hope you are all ok, back soon,

Can't stop, birthday tomorrow and lots to do! Just to let you know that my first WI since entering back into the WW fold went well - 3# down! Really chuffed! Good start, just got to keep it up now, yesterday was tough while shopping, I could easily have bought loads of yummies that I really shouldn't have, but I resisted.
anyway, back soon, take care all.
xxx

:carrot: Wonderful WI, Dawny! Congrats! You are off to a great re-start!

I'm just reporting in. 6 1/2 more weeks until I post the eviction notice! I had the baby shower last weekend. It was WONDERFUL. I was truly loved, blessed, and spoiled. We now have most all the big items we need and a bunch of wants. I'll keep you updated!

Good to hear from you Melanie. we don't really have baby shower's here. we do of course get lots of gifts etc but I think it must be something of an American tradition that we haven't generally pinched yet!

I've not had a fantastic weekend actually. It was my birthday on friday (37 is too many candles in my opinion!) We went out and ate too much. And drank too much! Saturday, new page, still ate too much and sunday, much the same at a family barbecue. So today, yet another clean page and I've been very good. Made a lovely fruit smoothie with AJ with my new gadget I bought and I'm having salad for dinner later.

The sun is shining here, hotter than many parts of europe apparantly - thats a first! I feel happy in the sun and don't want to eat too much in the heat, that always works for me!

Take care everyone, back soon.
xxx

Hi, just got back from WI, lost another 1.5#. Thats amazing considering how much I ate over the weekend and its TOM too! Really pleased.

You know, it seems strange to be posting after so long about WI's again. Its over a year since I got to goal yet I feel like I'm back at square one - although with a shorter journey ahead of me this time.

Still, I know that I can come here anytime and just holler for help if I need it. Hope you are all ok, back soon!

Great WI!!! I like checking in to see that kind of good news.

Me, on the other hand, have been managing to avoid seeing the number on the scale for the past several doctor visits! I will not look at it until the first of October when I can do something about it!

Other than being a grump, things are going well. Had another check up yesterday and passed with flying colors. Just over a month to go!

Hi all..........I'm new here, so here's my story...

My name is Paige, I live in Rock Hill, NY. I'm 26, a sahm, and also a culinary student, double majoring in pastry arts and pro chef. I also have a little side business making cakes and other baked goods. I've always had trouble with my weight, and lost a significat amount of weight in high school, only to gain it back when I got married and then got pregnant. I've started and re-started WW so many times, so I'm really hoping this will be it.

Looking forward to getting to know all of you!

Hi, Paige! Welcome! Ooooo... WW for a culinary student!!! Ouch. That's gotta be a challenge. I hope posting here will help. It certainly has been wonderful for me.

I started WW (at home) in June '04. I lost about 75#, then got pregnant! I'm due in about 5 1/2 weeks!!!!! I still check in here a couple times a week to keep in touch with friends and to keep in mind that as soon as possible, this weight is coming back off!!

Can't wait to get to know ya!

Congrats on the baby! I've been *thinking* about wanting another one...I'm missing the feeling of holding my little babies! I'm so busy with school and the two that I have now, though, so I don't think another little one will be coming along (plus dh does not want another one!!!)

So far yesterday and today are going well. I stayed within my pts yesterday and went to the gym and had a really good workout. I had a wedding cake client schedule a tasting for tomorrow, though, so today is a baking day and will be a challenge. I've never been able to make a cake and not "sample" the pieces of the cake that I trim off (even though I KNOW what it tastes like...no real need to sample! LOL!) So I am challenging myself to not eat any of it. We'll see how it goes! I also have a big 25th anniversary cake (3 tier plus two side hearts) due on Saturday, so the whole week looks like it's going to be tough! Oh well...I love it; baking is my favorite thing to do, so I'm just going to have to make a consious effort to keep my weight loss goal in mind.

Hope everyone has a successful day!

Hi there Paige! Wow, baking and weightloss, hmmmm, not sure I've heard those two mentioned in the same sentence before! Only joking, I'm sure that if you are in right frame of mind this time you will do fine. Keep that mini goal of 10pounds in mind and think of a great, non-food, treat to have at the end of it to keep you going.

Glad you found us here at 3fc, we'll help you along the way if you need us to. Some of us don't post as often as we used to - so much going on lately, but we're still around, just holler if you need us! (by the way, I may be dim, but what is a sahm? )

It'll be my WI again tomorrow evening. Not quite sure how it will go. I anticipate maintaining or a tiny loss perhaps. Although I have stuck to the programme all week and stayed within points, so we will have to see. My mom is doing great. she's been at a bit of a plateau for a few months now, she had a replacement knee in December and was a bit immobile for a while. now she's going great guns and hopes to reach her 42# loss very soon. (thats 3stone to us Brits!) For someone who was convinced she could only lose weight by starving herself, I think she's done pretty good. And the fable of the hare and the tortoise is very true in her case, slow and steady really does win the race!

Righty-o, I'll go for now, Hope everyone else is ok, Linda? Nat?
Take care
xxx

Dawny- sahm = stay at home mom

Ok Paige, told you I'm dim! Never was too good at these abbreviations, just give me good old English anytime! I'd love to be a 'stay at home mom', but I'm a working one. Saying that, my AJ will start full time school from September, he turn's five two days afterwards. That will then give me a couple of days a week whilst he's at school to do some stuff for myself. I only have the one kiddie, but its amazing how we do forget how to do things just for ourselves instead of always for other people all the time, don't you think? I think this also counts for weightloss. Some people lose weight (or try to) assuming that its the best thing for their relationship, or that other people around them want them to do it, rather than really wanting to do it for themselves. Also, I think if we don't make time to concentrate on our 'diets', then they don't work out so good either. We need to make some time to journal. Make some time to plan our menus and make some time to exercise. Yeah, I know its easier said than done, but it makes all the difference. And lets face it, if it comes down to the 'nitty-gritty', how hard can it really be to find two or three 30 minute slots a week at least to do a bit of exercise? In a week we have 168 hours. (I think, my math is rubbish!) surely a tiny bit of that can be for ourselves?

Oh, I'm off waffling again, sorry, gotta go now anyway, off to dentist this afternoon, I'm REALLY looking forward to it - I'm sure you can imagine!
bye for now!

I almost made it through yesterday's cake making without sampling! Oh well...I only had a little bite, and I accounted for it in my points. I am really proud of myself, though, for staying on track these first few days. Usually I say I'm going to start counting points (and add, "No, for REAL this time!) and then don't. I think what is helping me is that I have been starting my points at dinner time. Night time is always my hardest, and that's where I always go over in points. So by starting my points at dinner, it keeps me in check a little better because I know I need to save enough points for the next day. Also, I usually have a hard time in the afternoon with snacking, but doing it this way, I know that if I can hold off a few hours, my points will renew. DH is doing well tracking his pts, too. We both did WW last spring and really stuck to it...of course, I didn't lose anything, and he lost about 40 lbs. UGH!

I think I might try to go to the gym this morning, too. I know I won't be able to the next few days, so I had better get it in. The gym has a babysitting room, so that really saves me. It is virtually impossible to exercise here at home with my two dd underfoot. Plus, I know that if I drive the 25 minutes to the gym, I will stay there and workout hard, otherwise it's just a waste of gas!

Hope everyone has a successful day!

Hi, well WI wasn't too bad last night, .5# down, not a huge loss but better off than on, I say! I stayed to the meeting after WI which I haven't done in the longest time. I enjoyed it and you never know, I might stay to another one very soon!

Paige, hope you got to the gym. I agree, trying to exercise at home with the kiddies around is just not worth even starting with. I tried a few time to do my tae-bo video with AJ under my feet. Didn't work. He tried to join in which was very admirable but I was scared of kicking him in the head. Not a good choice! We do sit ups, hand weights etc sometimes in the morning before breakfast, he enjoys helping me do that, and of course he can always do twice the repetitions that I can, but its fun for us both and it does make him realise now at an early age that exercise can be fun and healthy. (pity I don't always follow my own advice!)

Anyway, got to fly now, AJ's not been too well today at nursery, probably the heat we have at the moment - its been so hot for weeks now and we're just not used to it! Plus, It looks like we're about to get a raging storm so off the pc I go before I get blown up!
See ya x

I didn't end up making it to the gym yesterday. :( DD had an upset stomach from the shots she had at her checkup the day before yesterday, so we stayed home.

I have been doing really well with eating, though. I think I'm down a few lbs already. WI isn't until Sunday, so I'm anxious to see where I'm at then.

Today was a huge cake baking day, and I only had a small nibble, which again, I accounted for! Usually I would eat the entire plate of trimmings! It's so hard; cake is my absolute FAVORITE thing to eat.

Hope everyone is having a good day!

Hi there, quiet on here again, the last few days. Never mind. I'm here to waffle anyway.

Had my WI last night, no loss (or gain) to report this week. Can't say I'm surprised really. Sunday after an argument with dh I pigged out for the rest of the day. Not good. Monday, I took AJ to our shopping centre and went to mcdonalds. I had a chicken salad sandwich and small fries, but even so, there's probably more points in the sandwich than in a big mac! It wasn't even that nice either. So yes, I regretted that one. So, this week I'm doing the no count programme, (for those of you that don't know, its the UK version of Core.) I have shopped wisely in advance, I have planned out the majority of the weeks menus and am ready to kick the scales butt! I think I have been counting points now for so long I'm really ready for some kind of variation of my 'diet', some different food, to get things really moving in the right direction again. I'll keep you posted how it all goes.

Right, got to go, off to my Mum's tonight (there are usually loads of 'munchies' there, cookies etc, but as most of us now are trying to lose weight then many now take fruit - strawberries, cherries etc to pick at. Much healthier than a double choc chip cookie any day! yeah, I am joking!!!)

Bye for now. xxx

Just checking in! Linda - Where are you?!?!?!

Paige - hope you're still doing well.

Dawny - Great confessions. Now, time to move on. I hope the meetings will continue to inspire you. I'm sure it is a bit like starting from scratch. I know I will have to go back to beginning tactics when I start again in a few months.

Only 4 more weeks until the due date, but I'm still hoping for something sooner. Today, mostly because I want to get away from my office and co-workers!!! I keep telling Chloe to go toward the light, but so far no good.

Hi there Melanie, LOL, hehehe. Your time will come, my girl. If there's one thing for sure, one day, and one day soon, little Chloe will be on her way and then the really scary stuff starts.

I've been really, really good the last two days. I feel a bit like a fruit bat to be honest, I think I will end up either looking like an apple (hopefully not the same shape!) or a lettuce leaf. But I've had chilli and brown rice for dinner tonight and I feel much better now! We have to see if the no count programme will work enough by next wednesdays wi to see if its worth all the effort. we will see....

Dawny - Any WI news to report? Hope the fruit paid off!

I'm still hanging in, and so is Chloe. Hoping to report some news any time now.

We're waiting to hear too Melanie - of course, I could be off line soon when I move so just in case the date coincide - I will pick up the info eventually!
WI is tonight, I predict a couple of pounds loss all being well, I will report back tomorrow.

Me again, yep, 2# off at WI. chuffed to bits!

Hey guys! I'm here... I think something is wrong with my thread subscriptions as the last time I posted, I got nothing as far as e-mail responses and kind of felt you all deserted me.
I guess something went wrong and I will have to do a better job of checking back in here as you guys have been here and have been posting. I'm glad!
I've been going to meetings, working out and have lost a bit more since I last updated here. My daughter is coming to meetings with me and she is down something like 8.8 pounds.
It's hard to stay on track, I went on vacation a few weeks ago and re-gained 4 pounds, but have since lost it again.
I'm going away next week to Rhode Island for the week, so won't be able to be in touch, but we don't leave until Saturday.
I've missed you guys and wondered about Melanie's baby/pregnancy and what's been going on with Dawny and everyone else.
My clothes aren't feeling as tight any longer, I'm working hard again.
I'm still not recovered from the death of my parents and that set me back a great deal, but I have to realize that I can't let that overshadow efforts to be healthy.
Take care everyone,
Linda

Hi Linda, I did wonder where you had disappeared to! Glad you are well and seem to be on track. Jamie too - she's doing so well again.

I have to say, I wish my clothes were feeling less tight, after now losing 7#, they feel as tight now as they did before. The new stuff I bought for my vacation in may and fitted fine, feels awful. But I'm on track and happy to stay on No Count for another week. I do feel like its more like a 'diet' than when I'm counting points, but I feel well (apart from the chest infection I currently have!) feel healthy - the extra fruit and veg seems to be working wonders for my energy levels.

Right got to go, back soon, take care. x

:carrot: :carrot: Yippee!! Dawny & Linda are doing great!! I love seeing losses on here!!

Linda - Wonderful to have you back posting! And, it's great news that Jamie has started back. When does school start for her? Hope that doesn't cause her problems with staying on track. Have a great trip!!

Dawny - Sorry you aren't seeing the difference yet in your clothing. Hope you do soon. It's funny to hear that the program is called "No Count" there. We have a regional saying, "That ((whatever)) is no count." Meaning good for nothing, doesn't count for anything, etc. That name would not work here! :joker:

Everything is going pretty well for me. People keep asking how I feel. I answer, "9 months pregnant in 100 degree (F) weather." I'm okay, but tired, achey, and ready for this to be over! I don't even care how she gets out! I had to walk across the street to the courthouse yesterday and stopped 3 times to catch my breath! The days are okay, but in the evenings, I just get fed up. (whine, whine, whine) but, it's all for a good cause. I told DH I was really gonna be mad at him if I didn't like her! :dizzy:

I hadn't checked out the smilies in a while! They are hilarious: :frypan: :lifter:
Me in a few months: :belly:

Hi, Melanie,I felt like that with AJ. I wished he had been born at about 4 weeks, just before the sickness and everything else kicked in. Just think though, the big tummy now and the extra weight, how tired you are etc, is it even near what you weighed before you 'discovered' WW? And you know this time alot of it will go in a few weeks time. The rest you may have to work on for a while, but that little dancing 'minnie' will be you in no time at all.

I'm still being good. Lots of fruit still being consumed - fruit and yoghurt for lunch and a fruit smoothie for breakfast. Not tonight for dinner though. Pork steaks, potatoes and veggies I think. Hmmm, a nice apple sauce with the pork maybe? my culinery skills never were much to write home about, but I keep trying, thats the main thing, right?

Ok, I'm off, have a great weekend, and Linda, a great vacation if I don't get back here before you go.

Take care. x

Hi... I'm new to this particular board, but certainly not new to WW. I am a *recovering* lifetime member who not only regained all the weight lost in 1978, but had two children (now grown and left home) and then gained some more, just for good measure ;)

I just turned 50 at the end of June. Lots of stroke and arthritis runs in the side of the family I most take after, so am determined to maintain my mobility, improve my overall health and just get feeling better.

I have been at the gym for just over 2 years and have noticed a HUGE difference in my stamina, posture, and overall sense of well being. I've recommitted to 3x week for the next two weeks and then 4x-5x from then on (like I used to).

Additionally, I dug out my 2 food journals I had stashed away because I can't weigh in at my group this week or next, but am committing Aug. 22 to that. In the meantime, I restarted program on Wed. and am now on Day 3. It seems that if I can get thru the first 3 days, I am on my way. I have just always let my family and work commitments take priority and left me behind.

*brushin dust off self..... no more ;) Me first for a long while.

Nice to meet everyone.

Welcome Judomom! Sounds like you are on the right track. Hope you stay with us and keep at it!
Dawny, I wonder if the no count thing you are on in the UK is the same or similar to CORE in the US? I think CORE can be very good for some people (not me) who can totally grasp portion control and live without bread and chocolate.... issues for me.
Melanie, hang in there. I remember the situation you are in so very well. I felt like a beached whale and remember my husband having to pull me by the hands once in awhile to get me off the sofa or out of bed. I just wanted it all to end, and it finally did, thank goodness! I also remember not being able to sleep on my back for a very long time and after my babies came, laying on my back to get to sleep was pure luxury!
You will feel so light on your feet, believe me, afterwards. Pregnancy is surely a teaching time. If woman can make it through those 9 months, they can handle anything, and you'll breeze through this. I hope the weather cools off and you are a bit more comfortable.
As for me, I was not as successful today, as I used two of my flex points. I had vowed not to use any flex points until after we left on vacation, but my husband and daughter "dragged" me out for ice cream. I had a soft-serve cone. Soft serve ice cream is considerably less points than regular ice cream. It tasted so good. So, I ended the day using 2 extra flex points.
I starved myself, practically, all day. I wanted a sausage and pepper sub sandwich so badly for dinner. I compromised and had chicken Italian sausage (3 points each) with peppers and onions sauteed in olive oil and only half of a 5 point sub roll. The entire meal was 9.5 points. If I had eaten the entire huge sub roll, it was a full five points. I have grown used to the chicken Italian sausage rather than pork, which I still cook alongside the chicken as my husband will not eat the chicken kind. The pork sausages are smaller, but much higher in fat, and something like 6 or 7 points each. So, I had what I wanted, it tasted good and I was still ahead of the game. Two of those big chicken sausages are 6 points, then 2.5 for a half roll (one sausage I ate without the roll on my plate and it was fine) and one point for the olive oil I sauteed the peppers and onins in. It was sooooo good!
I am worried that all my good progress will be ruined on vacation. I'm hoping that I can hold on and make some wise choices. I would love to have a loss over vacation vs. the usual gain. I feel like I am forever gaining and losing the same four pounds, which I have been doing for a very long time.
I've been back to WW since around April, I think, and still have not (according to their scales at least) lost over 5 pounds. If I go by the scale here at home and when I truly started back trying to lose weight (before I went back to meetings), I have lost 7 pounds - I like my numbers better.
So, we leave tomorrow morning and I am bringing my work out tape, my exercise mat and some weights as well as my WW materials. Maybe I'll be smarter this time?
Linda

Good to meet you, Judomom! Good luck with your efforts.

Linda, Looks like I probably missed you before your vacation, but have a great time, I'm sure you will be able to make some good food choices at least some of the time. Enjoy yourself, maybe the break will do you good. Full of fight for your return to 'normality' and ready to beat those scales once and for all!

I had a bit of a pigout yesterday actually. Not too bad. It was the bread. I'm trying to avoid it most days whilst doing the No Count programme, it uses too many points out of my weekly allowance of only 21. But I had some. It really filled me too. Hopefully now I've let myself have some, I have got it out of my system for a while and will be good from now until WI on wednesday evening.

It looks like we're in for another change of leader shortly at our meetings - I'm only just getting used to the one we've got now after my lapse of going to the meetings at all. Hopefully this new one, whoever they may be, will be full of new, good ideas and inspiration. Time will tell.

Right, off to pack a box or two for the house move. Still no official date for it yet, but I'm ever the optimist, and hope for sometime this millenium!

Bye for now. x

Oh yeah, meant to mention Linda. I think from what I've learned on here that our No Count plan is very similar to your Core. Very healthy eating. Some differences are bound to be there somewhere, and at times I do feel like its more like a 'real diet' than when I'm counting points, as I don't eat this and don't eat that. Whereas when I'm counting points then I eat what I want basically, but its so much more limited due to the counting. Anyway, its ok for now, and giving my metabolism the jolt it needs to get losing those pounds.

I'm sure the Core and No Count plans differ as to what foods are on the "free" lists, since we have different regular foods for the areas, but probably basically the same. I definately like the structure of the points, but I'm glad WW recognizes that different things can work for different people.

Well, another doctor's visit yesterday. Just thought I would update you. Monday night, I had contractions every 7 minutes for 4 hours. Then, I went to sleep and nothing else happened. At my check up yesterday, I was dilated 1.5cm, so at least that's some progress!

Oooh, Melanie, things are getting close for you now, you must be starting to feel the reality of it all now that the twinges have started kicking in! Just in case you don't get close to your pc for a while, good luck, take care of yourself and let DH pamper you as much as possible!

I lost 1# at this weeks WI so thats a total of 8 pounds lost in total. I'm pleased. This week I'm going to count points again but follow some of the basic rules of No Count. I like what I've been doing, but need a bit more flexibility of a couple of extra foods - like bread for example. A life without bread just ain't worth living as far as I'm concerned!
Right, got to go, back soon.

Hi everyone!
Well, I didn't gain (according to my own scale) over vacation. I won't be at a meeting until later on in the week, though, or next week. My daughter is in a play this week that runs each day.
I did walk a few times over vacation, but was kind of ashamed that I didn't do all the exercise I wanted to do and thought I would do. I got lazy, but I guess vacations are kind of all about that.
Melanie, I'm getting so excited for you! What did the doctor say about your official due day and if it is "on target"????
Linda

Emerald - can't wait to hear about the new baby - it is so exciting.

Hi to everyone else. I haven't been even lurking around much this summer. I just post my food sporadically and then run away to hide. I keep resolving to have a good week, and then stocking foods I can't stay out of in my house.

Like last night - DH brought home skinny cow ice cream sandwhiches (at my request). Two at a time and they are now all gone. Yummy though, but still gone.

The start of fall/school seems to be a good time to renew our weight loss focus. Mine is to eat within my points, exercise each day, and get out of the 180's.

Hi, good to see you back Morrigan, Skinny Cow ice cream is just scrummy, shame they've all gone already, you could have had one for me!

Linda, hi, sounds like you did well on your vacation. You enjoyed it, thats the main thing. Hopefully its recharged your batteries and you are raring to go....If you haven't gained then by the time you go for a WI, then you might even get a loss!

My WI is tonight. I'm not too optimistic this week. I've been counting points this week, and to be honest, I haven't stuck to it half as well as I did with the NO count programme. I think I'll go back to that tomorrow. So not expecting a loss, a 'maintain' would be good I think.

Ok, off to pack a few more boxes.

Hi Morrigan and Dawny.... Morrigan, it's hard when you lose control, but just get right back in there and keep at it.
One time at a WW meeting the leader was coaching us on and telling us that if we are "good" at least 85% of the time, we will probably have success. If we fall, get right back up and try again. But, when we are bad it becomes so hard to get right back up and try again... it gets discouraging and you feel defeated. I usually eat something that I think I just HAD to have and then feel sad and think that the points I used up were just not worth it and the item I craved just wasn't as good as I thought it was going to be.
I've been having is easier staying on track lately, other than on vacation. I was even better than usual on vacation. I keep trying to examine WHY? I don't know, but I am happy that I have been having an easier time staying on track. I do think that having my daughter going to meetings with me has helped, I think she inspires me when I am tempted to cheat. I also feel kind of a "peer pressure" thing from her to keep at it.
Ah, Dawny, packing boxes, eh? Well, I hope it all goes well. When is your official move date? I hope you are on line when Melanie posts with her big news, and it should be soon!!!! Don't forget to number your boxes as you pack, the lower the number the least essential the items in it! Even if you didn't start doing it at the beginning, you'll know that the numbered boxes were the latter of the items you packed. I've moved several times and it is so helpful.
I'm going to a meeting this afternoon and wondering if I should change my clothing to "lighter" things before I go. I don't think I will this time. I've been weighing in with capris pants on lately that are lightweight compared to jeans. BUT, fall is coming and I can't keep up wearing those each time so I may as well take the "hit" on a week that I am just back from vacation and could show a slight gain anyway?
I remember other years with weigh ins that I actually had a special outfit I wore to WW meetings so I could track my weight loss easier. Even the same underwear each week. I've not been going that far... plus I am afraid to say that my official weigh in outfit doesn't fit me anymore. At least I admit it.
Taking all the time off after the death of both my parents and all the emotional eating really took it's toll. But, now I am hopefully really back on track these days. Gosh, if only the scale would go below 160 into the 150s... I'd be so happy.
I'm on hormone replacment medication now as well, I do wonder if that is something that causes weight gain? I am also on a drug for acid reflux called Previcid and taking lots of prescription strength Ibuprophen for arthritis. I actually went as far as to look up what medications can cause weight gain on line and found out that almost everything I end up having to take causes weight gain. I wonder if I stopped everything if I would be healthy and not in so much pain from arthritis. It's interesting that they say when you lose weight your acid reflux gets better and your arthritis gets better. Then, the medication they prescibe ADDS weight.... a vicious circle??? : )
I might try an experiment for a few weeks and stop all the medications (maybe switching to asperin for the arthritis?) and see if I note a weight loss? I do really wonder about all of that. Certain medications I take are to improve comfort and quality of life vs. keep me alive, so I do wonder if my life quality would be better by just stopping it all? My pocketbook might be happier as well!
Do any of you take medications that can contribute to weight gain?
Linda

Just thought I would check in to say: no baby yet. I'm impatiently waiting. And, I'm an emotional wreck. I will be soooo glad to start getting back to my old self! 8 more days until the "official" due date. Maybe I should swallow a calendar so Chloe realizes how close it is?!?!

Glad everyone seems to be getting on track! Morrigan - glad to hear from you again! Keep on trying! I will need people to lose with when I get back in about 4-6 weeks!

Hi can't stop long. AJ is having his birthday party today (his 5th) so a hectic day to come. His birthday isn't until the 7th Sept, but with the housemove looking like being on the 8th and he starts full time school on the 5th Sept we thought we'd get the party out of the way in plenty of time!

Melanie, good to hear from you. I wish you all the luck and love in the world. The last few days are always the hardest - I hope little Chloe doesn't decide to hang around after her due date, thinking its far too warm and cosy where she is.

Linda. Medications I think do alsorts of things to the metabolism and cause weight gains all over the place. I'm not 'on' anything at the moment, so, touch wood, all is ok. The fact that I was eating for England yesterday I cannot blame on anything in the form of little pills - just tiredness, stress etc.
I'm still packing boxes. I have already been marking on them in order of importance, which rooms they need to go in etc. Its my first house move since I got married almost 15 years ago, and DH's first in 20 years, so we're a little out of practice. If all goes well, we'll be in on the 8th, but how long I will be off line for remains to be seen. My broadband connection will take a while to be set up plus it could take me an age to remember how to re-wire the pc!
Anyway, gotta go, party things to organise, back later.

Still waiting... :preg: 5 days till due date...

Hi there!
Melanie, so close... I'm thinking of you. :hug: I hope you are one of those woman who delivers with a fast labor (but not too fast!) and gets right back on her feet. Everyone is different. Don't be overanxious and push yourself too soon to lose weight, as well, after delivery. Your body needs time to recover, so listen to your doctor.
I would think eating the WW CORE plan after delivery would be great, especially if you are nursing, though the doctor might recommend whole milk in your diet, at least for awhile?
I can't wait to hear the news for you!
As for me, I never made it to the meeting this week. A long story, people were supposed to call me and come to pick up furniture, but no one did. I waited all that time and no call, no meeting.
But, I'm still doing a good job and am staying in control. I looked at a pair of black pants that I haven't been able to fit in for a very long time yesterday and thought to myself, wow - I should be able to wear those pretty soon!
I will too!
Linda ;)

Melanie, we're waiting with you. I can see us now, pacing the corridors of the hospital awaiting the happy news. I'm really excited for you - I love being an honorary Auntie!
Linda, I know about the waiting in for 'men' to come and then they never arrive. Its a worldwide problem and we always end up missing out on something important whilst we wait in. In your case, WI. I'm sure it would have been a good one too. You are doing great at the moment, I wish I could keep up! I can't get to my meeting for the next couple of weeks. I'm just so busy with the house move that travelling there is just something I can't squeeze in. But I will be back there as soon as I can. Actually, we are due a new leader this week, If when I do return I don't like her then I think I will look for a new meeting closer to my new home. There are a couple in the town I've heard, so should be more convenient, depending on their time.

righty-o, gotta go. Gotta watch tv - a friend of mine is going to be on soon and I don't want to miss it (she's an exotic animal 'freak' - in the nicest possible way - and is going to be 'demonstrating' them on the show. Should be fun!)
Bye for now, and Melanie, Get a move on!!!!

Well, here we are pacing the floors at the hospital and still no baby.... did I at least pace enough to earn some exercise points? Ha-Ha!
I hope all is well, Melanie, and that you maybe even now have your beautiful new baby in your arms and haven't yet had time to get on line and let us know. We'll forgive you if it's a few days, for sure.
I weighed in today, stayed the same. That is an accomplishment considering I had heavy jeans on today. I had a large lunch today as well. I went out to lunch with two of my high school buddies today, haven't seen them in ages. I figure my lunch was 15 points, so getting weighed in right after that was hard to do. So, between the big lunch and wearing jeans this time, I figure staying the same was really an accomplishment!
It's starting to get chilly here, almst feels like an early fall here this week. I turned on the heat once today and let it run only once - then shut it right off. Gosh, with the price of heating oil, I can't afford to have an early fall!
Let's hope we get some warmer weather!
Well, no more news here.... time to relax.
Take care and my thoughts are with you Melanie!
Linda

Can I join in here? I'm thinking that a checkin would help me along until I'm able to get to a meeting. Can't join until Sept 8th

I'm 47 soon to be 48 and live in Mid-Michigan. I have spent the last 6 years being a soccer mom and totally forgot to take care of myself along the way.
I work as a legal assistant full time and part time as a receptionist at a funeral home to make ends meet. The cost of gasoline for a 70 mile round trip commute is killing our budget. I stress eat so needless to say, I've put on quite the number of pounds. Late last winter, I started getting headaches that wouldn't go away. Finally in April I went to the doctor (see I'm always last in my priority list) and after many tests, I found out I had two large hematomas on my brain. Large enough ones to compare that people have died of. I somehow just kept plugging along and taking tons of Advil for the pain. Through a series of insurance/medical mix ups, I was scheduled to see a neurologist surgeon at U of M in early June. In the meantime, my reg dr and the local neurologist put me on complete rest except for my desk job. No more soccer mom. No more meetings. No NOTHING! I finally took time for me but however, in the middle of all that I also did NOTHING but eat. My weight bloomed to 204 as an all time high. My head hurt, my clothes didn't fit, and I felt like crap all the time. I felt guilty cuz I couldn't work the 2nd job for a bit (it put a crimp in the budget). I felt guilty cuz I couldn't commit to my soccer mom duties. I ate, I ate, I ate. By the time I got to the surgeon, the hematomas had resolved on their own. Thankfully as the surgeon said I needed brain surgery early on but he guessed it turned out okay. In mid June, I got clearanced to go on a once in a lifetime trip to Hawaii to visit my son who was stationed at Pearl Harbor. We ate our way through that trip too. I had pictures taken of myself that I hadn't had taken in years (I was always behind the camera, not in front).

I just got those pictures developed this month. That and a series of other pictures showed up this month. It was a huge mind opener along with the ugly truth at the scale.

I woke up. I realized I didn't have to spend the rest of my life looking dumpy and fat. I matter. Anyway, sorry for the long post but that's what brought me back to WW.

I'm an old veteran of WW - I have my original weigh in forms somewhere and I believe they are from 1989 back before the points program. Believe me, I have tried it all and the only one that works for me is WW when I stay on program.

Melanie - I've enjoyed your posts and I hope your baby comes soon!

And Derrydaughter and everyone else - glad you're here. I hope to post and keep up the support and gain support from all of you.

Hi, Rose! Welcome! Glad to see a new face, and to hear you are doing so well. My boss had a surgery for a hemotoma last fall and it took many months to recover. For an on-the-go attorney, it was difficult to watch him slowly heal. Plus, I’ve been here so many years, we’re like family. Glad you caught it in time and didn’t have to go through that painful surgery! Also glad you have decided to invest the time in caring for yourself!

Dawny – Geez! It seems to be taking forever for you to get in your new place! I bet it seems like that for you too!

Linda – Congrats on the WI – with heavy pants even!!

Sorry to keep you gals pacing the floor, but it IS exercise! At my doctor’s appointment yesterday I was told that they will schedule an induction whenever I want. Even as early as today! I panicked! I wasn’t ready to hear that! I feel like a crazy woman, but I’m waiting one more week. If she doesn’t come on her own by Tuesday, I’m being admitted on Wednesday to induce the labor. I have read that induction increases the odds of a c-section by 30%, plus increased risk of tearing and epidurals. Those are the trinity of things I want to avoid. So, I’m trying to be patient and wait. However, that is very hard know that all I have to do is reach over to the phone, dial one number, and get to meet my daughter! Oh, well. At least I have a definitely deadline now!

HI Rose, glad to hear you are on the mend. Just holler if you need us help get you on track!

Linda, great WI. In my books a WI with jeans and no gain means a real loss. Well done.

Melanie. I had to be induced because of the gestational diabetes, it was not nice. I was induced on the wednesday and AJ did not appear until the friday at 5pm. Plus I was linked up to machines the whole time as I wasn't well and ended up with an epidural (which lowered my bp dangerously low) and a c-section too. Nope, not a great day - until 5pm when my little cutiepie popped out. It really doesn't matter how you get there, at the end of the day, if they, and you, are healthy, just enjoy the moment for what it is - a real miracle. (even if it is a bit painful! hehehe)
Oh, yeah, sorry the house move tale is going on a bit. Things always take a long time to move over here. 12 weeks is average depending on how many people are in the 'chain'. But yippeee, almost there, still hoping for end of next week, so Melanie, have that baby before then, I need to know you are both ok!
Right, AJ's bathtime, back soon. x

Welcome Rose! I hope you are ok and get control. Let us help you. I was hoping that we'd have some new people in our group this time I checked in and there you were! Cool!
Melanie, I've had two C-Sections, no matter what it will all be OK. The end result is a beautiful baby! If I lived near you, I'd volunteer to babysit for you to get to meetings, I hope you can get out once Chloe comes.
As for me, I made the infamous WW Garden Vegetable soup this morning and got on the treadmill, both huge accomplishments for me.
I am making a grilled chicken salad for supper with lite dressing, how good is that? I'm being an angel, sure hope these pounds get the ____ off my body!
Well, off for dinner. Can't wait to watch Project Runway tonight! Do you guys see that show? I used to want to be a fashion designer when I was in high school and this is feeding my intersts!
Melanie, I'm thinking of you... it will soon be over and you can sleep on your stomach if you want to again! That was the BEST feeling ever to just sleep without having to wake yourself up to turn over in your sleep as you were hauling around a watermellon!
Linda

Any news people?
Linda

Any news people?
Linda

Nothing new with me. It's 1 a.m. and I'm wide awake. My next doctor appointment is tomorrow and I will probably be having the baby tomorrow night or Wednesday. I'm now 3 days past due.

Thanks for the support, Linda. I'm sure all will be well. And, I will soon have no excuse for cereal at 1 a.m.!

Dawny is probably missing due to the move and disconnecting the computer. Hope you don't get too lonely until we get back! You are doing great!

Melanie, thanks for the update! I will keep you in my prayers over the next few days. I woke up early this morning (before 4:00 am) and have felt "crampy" and "sore" down in my lower abdominal region with thoughts of YOU. Hmmm.... sympathy pains? I'll just bet the next message we hear from you is that you are a mom, officially and VERY tired!
What has your total pregnancy weight gain been? If I'm prying, don't tell me! But, I'll bet you are not heavier, with child, than you were before you lost all the weight. It will go away fast and in a healthy way. Lots of nursing moms show up at WW meetings, with tiny infants in their car seat carriers or in strollers. You will be so happy to have your baby and then be able to be active again. Of course, give it some time, before you do any exercise and follow doctor's advice.
As soon as you are able to put that little darling in a stroller and start walking, you will be very happy!
I'll be thinking of you and praying for a swift and easy delivery!
Linda

Hi, I'm not MIA yet, I will be (hopefully) from thursday onwards. Maybe by then there will be some baby news. I hope so, I can barely stand the suspense.

Sending everyone loads of happy thoughts, I'll be back soon!

Thanks for all the well-wishes! I honestly do not know how much weight I have gained. I have refused to look at the scale. I don't plan to look until October! Then, I can actually do something about it. :D

:grouphug: Ok, I'll be offline from tomorrow (7th Sept) for who knows how long! Moving house on friday and could be without a pc for 2-3 weeks (they take forever to set up broadband!) I will, no doubt, miss the happy event and can't wait to be back to check the news. If I do get access to a pc somewhere I will check in to get the updates and news on Chloe! If not, I'll be back soon guys, take care of yourselves,
lots of love
Dawny xxx

No news is good news! I keep checking back. I figure Melanie has the baby and is now too tired, busy or whatever to get back to us - which is totally OK and we understand. Posts may be very rare in the next few months, each time you have a moment, you need to sleep! :hug:
What a good girl you have been, Melanie, not to look at that scale during your pregnancy.
As for me, I blew it this weekend. My husband and I went away overnight on Saturday night, without the kids... wine, dinner out (fabulous) and even dessert. Whoops. But, we had a nice time. :devil: :devil: :devil:
I sufficed with an Ultra Slim Fast this morning for breakfast, I have resorted to those once in awhile in desperation right before a weigh in. They are 3 points and have enough bulk to fill me until lunchtime. I dare not mention these to my WW leader, by the way, as she would probably scold me. But, the scale hopped UP two pounds over the weekend. I know I have to LEARN to eat right for the rest of my life, right? Who am I kidding, but I so do not want to have another gain this week at my meeting.
Tomorrow is weigh in day.
Last week I had gained a pound and was really mad at myself. I had eaten (and counted the points and exercise, etc. throughout the week) Chinese food and Japanese food (my weakness) over the last week. So, even if I behaved myself, counted the points (using flex points for for these foods) and was on plan the entire week, I gained a pound.
So, I should have been extra good, but I blew it.... what the heck is wrong with me? I should know better.
I hope to be extra special good today and tomorrow to at least get back where I was so I can weigh in without hanging my head in shame tomorrow. What have I done? :?:
Linda

One more thing.... I sure wish the people who read our postings would communicate and join in. Our thread could be so much better if more poeple posted. There are really three of us who post here regularly, we'd have some drop outs (who might be eating themselves into oblivion right now for all we know) and the more people that join in to support each other, and make friends with us, the better. I do wish we have a few more of us.
I saw on the thread that my last posting was read over 1900 times - so where are those 1900 people! Say HI once in awhile please! Tell us what is working for you and what isn't!
Linda

Hi, I was just lurking around. Could you give me an idea what you guys are doing, i.e., is everyone on Weight Watchers? Are you doing flex or core? I'm trying to find a forum that fulfills my WW support needs.

Thank you!

Hey Linda and the others,

This is the first time looking at your thread and I had to post because Linda said so....LOL;) . I love to talk to other people and I've just been going to a couple threads and decided to add a few more. When you only go on a couple it takes so long before you get to talk to anyone, so I'll go back and forth between those and thins one. I try to put my two cents in whereever it counts...LOL

Welcome txlawchic and nibs!
Yeah! Someone to chat with! In the group, we all have been doing Weight Watchers, mostly flex. However, I have dabbled with the CORE plan and from time to time switch back and fourth. What we have done is mainly cheer each other on and also we brainstorm with recipes, what is working and what isn't working. We also have sympathized when someone blows it, as I did this weekend.
I really NEED support. We had 5 or 6 people who were "regulars" here and were posting and then they dwindled off - I hope they found success elsewhere, but I worry that they are just eating their way towards more and more pounds. You just never know.
We've dwindled down to three regulars, myself, Dawny (who is in the process of moving and not on line and is struggling with maintenance) and Melanie (who may have had her baby just a day or two ago and got to goal and was doing well and then got pregnant - she continued to chat with us and will be back on here and really working to get off that baby weight now for sure.
Then, there is me - the idiot. Yeah, that is me. I am a lifetime WW member who achieved it all and then blew it, thinking I could stay there on my own. That was a lesson to learn. I've been struggling for years and have gotten almost down to goal several times and then blew it. I was doing really well over a year ago and my dad got really sick and then he died. Then, I ate my way through grieving for him. I finally had gone back to meetings and then was trying again and my mom died, 4 months after dad. It's been a crazy nightmare and I learned that when something really bad happens in your life, it is not the best time to lose weight. So, I am back and more forgiving of myself, but I will not give up trying. I'm going through menopause and fighting the inevitable weight gain from that, too.
I really need people to "yell" at me when I blow it, but in a kind way. I need to be asked and reminded how I am doing. I need to get cool ideas for what to eat that will alleviate my boredom. I get bored easily as I first was on WW about 14 years ago - you would figure I'd have learned by now?
At any rate, that's about it for now.
Hope you guys stay!
Linda

I haven't posted in here lately. I've been trying to keep up in the goal threads. I know I've read these posts before, so I thought I'd pop in and say hello.

I'm on Flexpoints (now that I've been to my first weigh in). I started back on my WW program on 8-23 but went to my first mtg on 9-7. It was too hard to stay OP without a mtg and an official weigh in. It really helped me stay OP this weekend too. The cool weather has also helped motivate me. Thank you for small victories.

Linda,

I am sorry for your losses. Bless your heart! It is very hard to stay focused when things like that happen. This is my 3rd time doing WW. The first time was about 7 years ago, when the point system began and the second time was last year when CORE was introduced.

My problem w/WW is that I either get bored and/or get cocky w/my losses, so I think that just eating whatever for a few days is not a big deal. Big mistake. Something that turned me off last year, was that I was losing pretty steadily and then I began working out, although my clothes got looser, I didn't necessarily lose lbs. The look of sadness and disappointment on the weighter's face on those gain weeks were discouraging and I just stopped going although I knew I was losing inches.

I am now going to a new meeting, b/c although I know what to do, I need accountability and I came to terms that I can not do this on my own. How great was it that at the first meeting the leader told us that we needed to measure ourselves and track those measurements, b/c the scale was not the total measure!

What is going to help me is to prevent boredom (I research recipes and make new one for each week), bring my food into work, track my food and points, exercise and go to meetings. These seem to be very obvious things to follow, but these are things that I have faltered on in the past.

I have always loved this site and the suuprt it offers and this has helped in the past!

I look forward to moving forward!

Hey derry, Thanks for the welcome. I'm really sorry for all the low things that has happened to you. It's good to see your feeling up now and trying to become healthy again.

I have joined Weight Watchers at least a million times and I'm not joking....LOL. I am doing the Flex program and find that works for me. I don't like being told what you can and can't eat. I am the type of person that can't live without potato, rice, and pasta. Also it can't always be whole wheat either. But I still may try it one of these days just to see...you never know.

I can get very bored with the program and my willpower can get very low. I try to imagine myself then with the weight off and it kinda helps me along. The thing that is really helping me right now is the fact that I can actually see my collar bones again...LOL;) . Whatever works right.

I am going on a trip or cruise down south this easter coming and I am determined to have this weight off by then ....before really. And KEEP IT OFF!!!

It was nice talking with you and I'll certainly keep coming back.

Kim

Welcome Rose, and others! So nice for you all to join in.
I just typed a nice responce and then the site went nuts and it got lost, I hate that kind of thing!
At any rate, I'm now running out of time.
I did want to add that I get bored as well. Maybe we can think of low point things that are less boring and more exciting as well as filling!
Linda

Sounds like a great idea derry.

I just finished exercising on the elliptical for 40 minutes and I may go for a walk after supper if I'm up to it.

I don't get bored often or don't stay bored for too long but it does happen every now and then. Some days I feel like saying the **** with this but I try to grasp it before it is too late.

Hopefully everyone is having a good day and stay OP.

Kim

Linda's (derrydaughter) post has drawn this lurker out of the shadows, lol;) Hi, everyone. My name is Vicki, I'm a 36 year old stay-at-home mom of two (boy and girl). This is my second time on WW. I joined January of 2005 and did pretty well until my dad had a heart attack and was hospitalized for several months. Rather than motivate me to get healthy, the whole situation made me just want to eat more and more. I gained back my 10% in no time and quit WW in embarrassment. On August 25 of this year, exactly one year to the day I quit WW, I went back. This time I am extremely committed to sticking with it come heck or high water! So far so good. In my first two weeks I've lost six lbs. It'll probably come off slower from here on out, but thats fine with me.

Linda, thanks for your post.:hug: It was just the little kick in the butt I needed to join in. I promise not to lurk anymore.

Vicki

Vicki, Welcome and I'm glad to have kicked you in the rear a bit! Sounds like the situation I was in with my own dad, in a way. While he was in the nursing home (he had bone cancer) I survived on chocolate doughnuts, ice cream and wine.... not the best solution, but it did help through the crisis. I need to stay focused and realize that food will not bring me comfort, now or any time in my life.
What can comfort me is a healthy lifestyle, losing the weight and finally fitting back into the tons of clothes I can no longer wear due to the excess pounds. It's pretty sad to have a closet full of clothing of which about 1/5th of it fits. I don't dare admit to my husband that I need clothes as he would say, "Why, you have a closet full of them". He'd be right, I do have a closet full of them, but so much of them won't fit. It's time to fix this before the small amount of stuff I have left won't fit any longer either!
I'm going out to a 9/11 memorial this evening and I must say that I am so upset that I don't know what to wear. The occasion calls for something sincere and I don't want to be in jeans or sloppy. Those who have died deserve my respect, if that makes sense. I'll figure out something, I guess....
At any rate, I'm off line for the evening to create an early low point meal and be off to this memorial. Have a safe and healthy evening to all!
By the way, dinner is:
Grilled boneless turkey cutlet, asparugus with margarine spray/spritz stuff
and bread. I'll eat and get on the move for the night.
Linda

Today was a good OP day. I stayed within my points, drank my water, and done 40 minutes on the elliptical and 40 minute brisk walk.

now to make it until bedtime....:dizzy:

Kim

Kim, sounds like you had a very good day yesterday. I had a good day as far as points are concerned. I'm having a very hard time finding time to exercise as well as finding motivation for it.
I'll try to do better today!
Linda

As long as you keep the eating in check the exercise will come. I find I don't have the energy to do it but I kinda kick myself in the butt to do it because I have NO excuse. Especially on the days I'm off from work.

Keep up with eating OP and if you have time exercise if you don't ...don't beat yourself up over it.

Kim

Great news for me, weigh in went well and I lost a pound! I had gained this pound last week and now it's gone again. I hope to keep this up. This week, I don't know if I ate all the much different, but I did avoid Chinese food. I think the sodium or MSG is hard on my system.
I am meeting a friend and going walking this morning. I hope to keep up more exercise this week.
I decided to put a gold star on the calendar for each day I exercise, maybe seeing all the stars will motivate me a bit?
I need ideas for how to get my healthy oils in, any new and different ways?
Linda

So far so good. I'm on day seven of my first "official" week of WW. 3 birthday cakes at the office and I can't believe that I wasn't even tempted. I had some good alternatives that sound and tasted good to me. I'm in awe as in the past that certainly would have been my downfall. I'm trying really, really hard to pre-plan, be rested and have a good mindset. I'll be checking in here and other threads to keep the momentum up.

Thanks guys for being here.

Rose! Great choices!
Just a reminder to all: 15 weeks until Christmas.... think of all the eating for Halloween and Thanksgiving in between... then there is New Year's right afterwards. We need to plan ahead!
Linda

I did it! I finally got off my big booty and exercised! :carrot:
I am the world's worst for finding ways to avoid exercise, but today my dh suggested taking a walk and we ended up going a little over two miles! I know I will be sore and I know that this is just the first baby step but dang, it feels good to finally "Just Do It"! Also its my third week on the Wendie plan and I've lost 10 lbs. so far. :dancer:



Vicki

Congrats Vicki, great NS victory getting off your butt...LOL and also on the 10 pounds on the Wendy Plan.

Hey, what's up Rose? How are things going?

I agree with you derry, it's time to start thinking about all those holidays and start planning for them. I don't know how I will handle Christmas and New Years but I will have a plan.

I wanted to exercise for 40 minutes when I got home tonight from work but I was extremely tired so I only did 30 minutes on the elliptical. But exercise it still was...Anyway better get off to bed. Another early morning and long day at work tomorrow.

TTYL
Kim

Vicki, I'm envious. I planned on walking with a friend yesterday and I waited around for her to call (called her twice, even) and she didn't call me. I ran out of time, and shouldn't have allowed someone else to determine my exercise and time for me, I guess. Sadly, I was really looking forward to having someone to walk with for a change, would have made the exercise more enjoyable. But, if it has to be solo, then I should just make it the first priority of the day and do it.
So, tell me about this Wendy plan.... think I heard about it before. Is it switching off between CORE and Flex plans every other day or something like that? Or, is it every other week?
Tell me more!
By the way, last year we had NO Trick or Treaters at this house! I live on a busy street and I guess it keeps kids from coming. So, I think that this year I will not buy candy at all, but get some snack sized bags of pretzels and popcorn to hand out if anyone shows up. I bought a few bags of candy last year and guess who ate them all!

Linda

I'm nervous - it's weigh in day. I keep doing the self talk that no matter what the scales say, it's all about a lifetime change and improving myself. It's just been so long since I've been committed to weight loss for this long (since 8-23) and stuck with it.

I'm buying snack popcorn packs myself derry - I coupon like crazy so I can get boxes for about .50 to .80 a box - we didn't get many trick or treaters last year either but we're toward the end of a dead end street too - Candy always becomes my downfall

DRUMROLL PLEASE!!!!!! 4 3/4 POUNDS!!!!! YEA!!!!!!! What a great start and much, much better than I expected. It worked, it worked!!!!!

Sorry your friend let you down Linda. I have tried finding a workout buddy in the past, but couldn't find anyone who had the same schedule as me. I only exercise with my DH occasionally. He has to slow way down to keep at my pace and it makes me self-conscious. He eats everything and never gains. It must be from all the physical training he did while in the military.

This post explains the Wendie Plan better than I could : http://www.3fatchicks.com/forum/showthread.php?t=60078
I am in the 31 point range right now. My Super High Day (you'll understand after you read the post) is on Friday because that's when my morning weigh-in at WW is. I've found this version of the WW plan very easy to follow and sort of freeing in a way. I don't feel hungry at all, even on the lower point days. I also no longer feel like I have to deny myself an occasional goody. I just save the goodies for Friday. For me a goody might be an extra piece of dark chocolate pumpkin cake with some fat free cool whip before bed, though. I can't go for anything full fat or any type of fast food on my SHD or I'll fall off plan big time.

Its strange about the Halloween thing, isn't it. We didn't have any around where I live either last year. I guess parents are being more cautious because of all the craziness in the world these days. I do hate seeing the big bags of candy. I have a weakness for M&Ms and the mini candy bars like Snickers and Three Musketeers :drool:

Vicki

Good morning people!
I'm a bit worried today as I am having lunch with my cousin and my sister, will I be too tempted and stray, or will I behave? I have got to try!
I was on my treadmill for over a half hour yesterday, and will try to get in at least 20 minutes before heading out of town.
Breakfast was 2 point instant plain oatmeal and an apple. 3 points to start the day.
Linda

Good luck Linda with lunch! Do you know where you are going? Can you plan what you will get ahead of time and figure out how many points you are willing to spend? The other thing I do is to plan ahead and eat some protein before I go to take the "starvation mode" off. Some tuna, cheese, oatmeal, anything that will help that starving feeling.

Vicki - that sounds like a great plan to have your extra points right after weigh in. As long as you don't overdo it and that gives you license to not care the rest of the week. Chocolate pumpkin cake? that sounds yummy - is that recipe here somewhere?

Nibs? How's the week going? When's your WI?

Oh, you better believe I don't overdo it, LOL! I learned that lesson my last go around with WW. I don't over indulge in fatty or high sugar foods. I try to keep my extra point choices mostly fruit and veggies with a few low fat treats here and there. I've figured out that anything high in sugar and fat will send me on a binge. Its strange, but sugar seems to increase my appetite.

The Dark Chocolate Pumpkin cake is partly from a recipe I found on another WW board and partly my own creation.

Chocolate Pumpkin Cake:hungry:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1 box of choc cake mix (not the pudding in the mix kind)
1 15 oz can of pumpkin (just pumpkin, not the type containing pumpkin spice)
1/2 Cup of water

mix together, it will be stiffer than normal so you may need to use a handmixer. Spray 13 x 9 glass pan with pam and spread cake mixture evenly into pan. Bake at 350 for 30-35 minutes or until toothpick comes out of center of cake clean. Cut into 12 pieces, 1 point per piece...top with fat free Cool Whip and enjoy!
freezes nicely

I made it dark chocolate by choosing the Moist Deluxe Dark Chocolate Cake Mix by Duncan Hines. I also used a standard 13x9 nonstick cake pan instead of the glass dish and it came out just great. The cake is extremely moist and a little fat free Cool Whip makes it the most heavenly dessert! My DH and my kids beg for this cake. I tried it with Spice Cake mix and it was just as yummy. I bet it would work with carrot cake mix, too.

Vicki
:ebike:

Yummy!! Thanks for the recipe Vicki!!!! I had an awesome Raspberry Soda Cake at meeting yesterday that was 2 pts - it was a celebration of a 100 lb loss for one of the members. It was so inspiring to see that celebration as I have never seen someone actually lose 100 lbs at a meeting.

Ooooh! That chocolate pumpkin cake sounds really yummy! I've heard of that cake before and will have to try it.
Well, I didn't obey the "rules" today, but it was a tough day for sure. I don't feel guilty, though. I read about the Wendy Plan on 3FC and I am enthralled and totally agree with the philosophy behind it. In celebration, I decided today would be my very high point day, tomorrow I will behave and be a low point day person.
I copied the points range for me below:
POINTS TARGET - 22 (Weigh 150 -174 lbs)
Day 1 - 22 points
Day 2 - 27 points
Day 3 - 23 points
Day 4 - 37 points Super High Day (SHD)
Day 5 - 22 points
Day 6 - 26 points
Day 7 - 24 points
When I read the write up about the Wendy plan, a lightbulb went off in my head and I said "Oh, that's me" when I read the thing about how this woman was a good points and journalling person and was doing eveything right but on this horribly long plateau. I can so identify. I have gained and lost about the same 4 or 5 pounds for months... I'm really discouraged and sick of it. WW people kind of give me "the look" when I re-gain that same stupid pound back and fourth as if I am not doing it all right, and I truly am most of the time.
So, I think I should try this for a change and just see if it helps. Why not? I've been doing the flex plan for ages and I am not seeing the results I would like to see. If I try this for a few weeks, and it doesn't work, well I will know.
Linda

I think the Wendie plan really simplifies things. When I was just following the regular plan I would actually find it hard to use any of the extra 35 points for the week. I somehow thought I'd do better if I didn't eat them, even though the scale :shrug: proved me wrong over and over. Since the Wendie plan incorporates all but 8 of those extra points in its formula, I don't have to stress about it anymore.

I think you'll really love it, Linda. Have a great weekend!

Vicki
:ebike:

Hey guys,

Just noticed there's been no one around for a couple of days. Not since Friday night. What's up with everyone and are you staying OP?

TTYL
Kim

Actually, I blew it. I'm not sure if having a high point day got me into a bad trend or what. I would have been ok just having the high point day on Friday, but last night we went out to dinner and I lost control.
Maybe it's best if I start a new week on Wendy plan and plan on Saturday (the day we traditionally eat out) as being my high point day.
I'm out of flex points and there are still two more days this week in my journal. I blew it.
But, losing this battle doesn't mean I am giving up on the war.
Linda

I've stayed OP, but I haven't exercised since Thursday. Friday I took my kids to my parent's house for a visit. Saturday I slept late and then went grocery shopping. I'm going to get back on the bike this evening...really I will...;)

Sorry about your slip Linda. I think changing your SHD to Saturday will help a lot. I plan my eating out for my SHD, too.

Okay, I'm going to go brew some green tea and sit out on the porch swing for a while.
I love Sundays.:bubbles:

Vicki
:ebike:

i'm still on program and only used a fraction of my flex points so far. I got scared on Friday cuz I was well into them for that point of the week but yesterday and today so far have been on track and good.

I'm trying to get those extra steps in our leader was talking about at meeting on Thursday. Extra trips up the stairs and moving more. But Saturday I crashed hard. Don't know what tired me out so bad but I was out of it until mid-afternoon. Working a bit today and then I'll be going home.

Have a good Sunday and write when you bite

Wow! Where can I start? I've been heavy my ENTIRE life! I can remember being 12 years old and telling my grandpa that I've lost 5lbs, 12 years!! I just kinda quit dieting until I was 24 (12 years later!) I did it the unhealthy way. I was working all the time, hardly eating. I did lost 60lbs, but they came back on as quick as they came off, that's so unhealthy!

After I had my first baby, Sean. I found WW. I lost 27lbs. Then I became pregnant with my secon baby, Sara. After I had her I ate like I was still pregnant! :o Now I'm back for good! I bought myself a hypnosis CD, and I've become really consious about what I've been putting in my mouth. The first week POP (perfectly on program) I lost 6.5lbs! I can't wait until next WI!

Thanks for letting me introduce myself!

:welcome2: pgray1229, Nice to have you here. :bravo: on the 6.5 pounds you have lost. Doesn't it feel great.

I have been off plan since Friday but it's back to it tomorrow. I had a party Friday night and my nephew's 2nd birthday on Saturday so that didn't help me. Today I just could get back to it so I am kicking myself tomorrow. Actually it won't be a problem. Already have my lunch packed for work with all my points for the day.

Hey Rose, tweedle, and derry, what's up?

TTYL
Kim

Good morning everyone! Welcome PGray1229!!! Great job on your first week.

Well the weekend went well. This is a great time of the year to get all those veggies in. I hope it gets to be such a habit that it isn't difficult when produce isn't so plenty

I'm looking for the 1 pt bran muffin recipe. Anyone here have it? It's very similar to the 2pt 30 day one but you don't add all the extra stuff like dates, orange marmalade and raisins in it. It's a really old recipe too. Wish I would have kept it in my binder . . .

Hope everyone's Monday gets off to a good start and you have a plan of action in place!!!!!

I added steps to my life this week, how about you?

So many new people! Well, for some of the older folks (just meaning you have been here a while!) I just let you know that Chloe is here and we are doing fine. She was born by c-section on 9/6. I would have posted sooner, but it has been crazy, and I am recovering a bit slower due to a Urinary Tract Infection.

I already feel better just having the baby weight off. I'll be working on the rest very soon.

I'll try to set up a link to some photos soon. Right now, sleep prevails!

Love to you all!

Stay OP!

HELP!

I didn't know where to put this, but I saw support and click on! I am having a bad few days and have not been on plan. Intellectually, I know that this is a minor bump in the road, but emotionally, I am on the verge of freaking out!

A little background - this is my 3rd time on WW, this is my 4th week. I've lost 5.4 lbs. so far, however, on Saturday I had a .4 lb. gain. I know very small, but I was expecting some sort of loss, I've been drinking 100+ oz. of water a day and on Friday, I broker down and had a couple of vodka and sodas (2pts.) and totaled about about 64 oz. after those. As far as my food has been concerned I am doing the Wendie plan and there we 3 days that I was below my pts. from anywhere from 1 to 3 pts., I just couldn't eat more (which is weird for me!).

Also, I logged in 16 activity points from interval running, Turbo Jam and weight training, I had to miss three workouts, though. This is way more activity than i have been doing.

I'm just trying to figure what is going on. I think I'm doing everything right.

To add to the drama, my cousin and his wife were killed in an accident last week, so I spent time with the family dealing with that. I'm stressed about the weight thing and not sure where I went wrong.

This weekend, I ate whatever I wanted and journalled nothing, in the hopes of upping cals. and then going back OP today for a possible big loss. However, I just had my 1st meal of the day and this is typically time for meal #3. I just can't get it together, and it's not like I'm hungry, I just am discouraged, drained and confused.

Could anyone please advise?

txlawchic - your emotions are getting the best of you right now and you can eat for the wrong reasons. There is absolutely nothing wrong with that. You need to get yourself in a stable position before you can regroup. Keep OP the best you can and when you are able, start to do the basics all over again. We all run into these obstacles. I've joined and quit WW at least 3 or 4 times now (I lost count). The worst thing I ever did was to compare myself with others and not to allow my body to do what it needs to do. Sometimes it adjusts early and sometimes later. If you are doing all you can to stay OP, just give it more time. Alcohol helps your body retain fluids so keep that in mind. This program does not say do not drink alcohol as it wants you to be normal as normal can be. Just know what it does to your body and realize it can be a factor.

Exercise can help your body keeps those fluids also. Not that anyone would recommend not exercising but your muscles need the fluids to work correctly.

I hope some of what I said helps you understand where you could be at. Just stay the course. You could see another good dip in weight loss next week. It's not a science. It works - just differently for different people.

:welcome3: Patience and txlawchic!

Patience, you're off to a great start, congratulations! :cb:

txlawchic, I've been in your shoes. The only advice I can offer is to stick with it and don't worry about the scale #'s so much. I know that is easier said than done, but seriously...everybody, I mean everybody, on WW goes through plateaus eventually. No matter how faithful you are to your plan and exercise, sometimes your body says, "Uh, nope not gonna lose it. You can't make me.:nono: " Its just like a kid throwing a tantrum. If you don't give in and just keep on keeping on it will fall in line. Now, that might take a few days or a few weeks. You've got to give yourself some slack. You should be so proud of yourself for all you've accomplished. I envy your commitment to exercise!

Melanie, Hi! I'm one of the newbies. Congrats on the birth of your dear dd!

Rosegarden, I'm not sure if these will help you at all but I have two recipes for 1pt bran muffins. One is just a regular muffin and one is a chocolate bran muffin. I've tried both and they're tasty!:drool: Kashi Fiber Friendly (1 point) Muffins
(from the recipe page at kashi.com)

Ingredients
• 1 cup whole wheat flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1-3/4 cups Kashi Good Friends cereal
• 3/4 cup skim milk, rice or soy milk
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 egg whites
• 1/4 cup unsweetened apple sauce
• 1 medium ripe banana, mashed
• Non-stick cooking spray
Directions: Preheat oven to 400F. In a small bowl, stir together flour, baking powder and salt. Set aside. In a large mixing bowl, combine Kashi Good Friends cereal and milk and let stand for 2-3 minutes. Add the egg whites and beat well. Stir in apple sauce, banana and honey. Add flour mixture and mix only until dry ingredients are moistened (over-mixing will produce rubbery muffins).
Fill sprayed muffin tins. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until lightly browned.
Counts as 1 point per muffin! (makes 12)

Nutrition Facts --- Serving Size: 1 muffin: Calories 100 /Fat cal 0 /Total fat 0 g /Saturated fat 0 g /Cholesterol 0 mg /Sodium 240 mg /Total carbs 22 g /Fiber 3 g /Sugars 11 g /Protein 3 g

Chocolate Fiber One Muffins - 1 point

Points 1
Servings 24

Ingredients
1/2 c unsweetened cocoa
3/4 c all purpose flour
1/4 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp table salt
1 tbsp baking powder
1 1/4 c sugar
1 tsp vanilla
2 c water
3 c Fiber One Cereal
2 egg whites (or 1/4 c egg beaters)
2/3 c chocolate chips

Directions:
Put cereal in water and set aside.Mix all dry ingredients with a wire wisk.Combine cereal, dry mixture, egg whites and vanilla and mix well in a mixer. Fold in choc.chips. Put batter in 24 reg size muffin cups with liners. Bake at 350 for 18-20 minutes.

These have been put through the recipe builder and the points are accurate. I found that they will release from the liners easier if you spray them with a little Pam. Enjoy!!
SOURCE: found on the Healthy Exchanges Recipe Board




Alright, now I'm gonna kick my own booty into gear and ride the recumbent bike for a while.

:hug: to everyone!

Vicki
:ebike:

Hello, thought I'd join the thread. I just registered on 3fc this month and am excited to get started.

Txlaw Chic, I am so sorry for the tragedy your family has had to go through. Those are some rough emotions you are having to deal with and it is time to take a deep breath and take care of yourself as well. That means taking a step back, realize that you are doing the right things, and that the scale is not that important.

As stated above, muscles need water to recover and rebuild. Therefore whenever you increase your amount of activity, you will increase the amount of water your body retains. This is temporary and once your body is used to the new level of exercise, the excess water will leave. The same thing occurs to people who have to sit still for a long period of time (like long flights). Fluids pool in the legs and it takes a while to lose the excess water.

For myself, it's a cool day here in Oregon, but I went on a little walk with DH while I was waiting for my stuffed butternut squash cook. Perfect on a day like this! I plan to head to the gym for an hour on the elliptical. I'm nursing a calf cramp that will just not go away so I'm taking it easy on long walks for now. Have a great afternoon everyone.

Cynthia

Welcome Quest 2 Be Thin - you have great advice for Txlaw

And Tweedle Dee - yummy for the Chocolate bran muffins - I'm making those when I get home tonight

:welcome2: to the board, Cynthia. I've never been there but I've heard that Oregon is a beautiful state. I hope your calf cramp eases off. I get those myself and they're a booger to deal with.


Rosegarden, I'm glad you could use one of the recipes. I love those chocolate bran muffins dearly. They're good for us and yummy, too.

Vicki
:ebike:

Thanks for your kind words, Vicki, I did slip, and really didn't do too well today either. But, I do think planning ahead for the SHD is best if anyone is really going to succeed on the Wendy Plan. To launch into it mid-week and using it as an excuse to pig out was a very "bad girl" thing.
Rose, glad you've been so good. Getting in those extra steps will surely help. I need to try that too.
Welcome Patience, sounds like you are on a roll. I think many of us have been there with the diet that takes off tons of weight and then you put it right back on... and know you were not doing the most healthy thing! Glad you are back on track now.
By the way, I tried a diet once that was supposed to let you lose 10 pounds in 7 days... it really wasn't a very balanced diet and I can't believe I tried it... but I still secretly have a copy of it someplace - hidden away.
Kim, I'm so impressed by you packing your lunch ahead and figuring out points - you go girl!!!!!
MELANIE!!!!!! Congratulations on the baby!!!! So sorry you ended up having a C-Section, but it's all over with now and I'm sure you are recovering. So good to hear from you! We have several wonderful newcomers who have great enthusiasm, so that baby weight will come off and you will enjoy their great stimulation and ideas!
Txlawchick.... so sorry about the deaths in your family, how awful.
I want you to know that I have been through something like this. I lost both my mom and dad in the last year, 4 months apart from each other. It hurts and sometimes eating just takes over and I find comfort in it, or at least I think I am finding comfort at the time and then when it's over with I cry and wonder why I am doing this to myself.
Take it easy, even if you just try to maintain for a few weeks, it might help.
I am in an on line grief support group and would be glad to give you information on this if you send me a private e-mail. It helps to know you are not alone.
Forgive yourself. Again, so sorry!
Whew, I think I got basically caught up a bit.... I missed a day or two posting, got really busy and sidetracked here. But, I am trying. I went grocery shopping today and bought some really healthy choices and hope to get my act in gear.
Again, Melanie, I'm so glad you are back and can't wait for a link to see some photos! Take it easy, sleep when you can and we'll all be here to help you when you are really ready to get on the move!
Linda

Good morning, everyone!

I want to thank you so much for all of your advice and kind words. Everything that was said has definitely been catalogued in this brain of mine. I must give myself slack and remember that this is a journey, not a race.

I decided yesterday that I would make this a CORE week, b/c for me, food because less of a thought on that program, b/c the variety is not as large as in Flex. I just need simple no brainers for this week. A list of the basics and that's it.

I'm just going to take it easy the next few days, w/o giving myself license to go back to my old habits.

Next week the plan is to get back on the Wendie (Flex) Plan.

Thank you all for addressing my concerns and ranting. Your support is precisely why I am here!

txlawchic - that sounds like a great plan! Keep us posted!

Good evening, everybody. I just wanted to check in. I've been able to stay OP, even though the last few days have been stressful. My ds is very active in extra curricular activities, which means I have a lot to keep up with...bake sales, band and speech team practices, ball games,and fundraisers. I've been so exhausted lately that I've been tempted to just swing through the drive-thru on the way home. But I haven't...and I won't. I've also tried to change my thought pattern about food. Even though I stay within my points consistently, if I do have a treat...even one thats not so bad, I feel so guilty. I just put myself down and think that I can't possibly be satisfied hunger and craving-wise and still lose weight. That's completely my warped opinion and I know that WW says otherwise. I think that crazy thinking is what led to my screwing myself up in the past. I would just let the negative self-talk drag me down so far that I'd just give up. Thankfully, I'm paying more attention to my inner triggers this time around. WHEW! I think I'm going to make it this time!

Vicki
:ebike:

Thanks for the welcome, everyone.

I finished my first full week on WW and I lost 7.5 lbs! (I had lost about a pound or so before starting). It felt great to be in control again, bad to realize how after all of these years I am still in denial about portion sizes!! It just stunned the bejeezus out of me when I started counting again after all this time, and I should know better. I guess that's why I'm someone that will always have to journal, I haven't a clue otherwise.

Today I got in 60 minutes on the elliptical and I think I'll try a walk tomorrow afternoon. The calf is feeling much better. I am glad I have something like the elliptical trainer to go to, though. Otherwise I'm not sure how I'd start getting my cardio going.

Does anyone here ski or snowboard? I'm looking for some good weight training exercises to get ready for the season. Nothing like a fat old lady going down a mountain on a snowboard, :D . Junonia has great ski pants so I'm okay on the clothing part.

Vicki, if I couldn't have treats I don't think I could do WW. I view them of proof that I AM doing the right stuff; that I can have my Godiva icecream and still lose weight gives me more confidence and allows me to look at the program as a lifestyle.

Hey guys,

Just checking in to see what's up and how everyone is doing.

Welcome Quest_2B_Thin. Great job on the weight loss and keep up the good work. it's nice to have you here.

Tweedle-dee you will be fine and you will make it. Positive thinking.....

Rosegarden your attitude is wonderful. You are doing so well and I'm so proud of you.

How are things txlawchic? Stay with us. Don't wander too far.

Hey derry, we all have slip ups. I slipped up for 5 days but I'm back. You will be fine also.

pgray1229, where are you? I haven't seen you lately.

Emerald, Congrtas on your new baby girl. Looking forward to getting to know you when you start back.

Have I forgotten anyone? Let me know if I did and I'm sorry.

TTYL
Kim

I forgot to say Congrats to Emerald too!!! CONGRATULATIONS!!!!

WOW such great posts from yesterday!!!! I could relate to each and every one of you.

Tweedle Dee - you and I have lots in common. I don't know if you saw my post about being a "soccer mom" and a full time working mom and losing track of me and who I am. I had a health issue last spring that put me on a rest cycle where I had to give up all those extras. I spent months going to work and coming home and doing nothing but trying to get healthier. It made me really look at how crazy I had let my life become. Somewhere along the way, I got my picture taken a few times too. YIKERS!!!!! It was a huge slam and reality check. Take the time for yourself. This program is all about you and there's absolutely nothing wrong with that. I have stepped back into my busy self and it's my youngest son's Senior year. Life is crazy. But I take one day a week to let me regenerate and to plan my week. Then a couple of nights a week to make sure I'm still on track. I make a BIG batch of the veggie soup and the BIG batch of bran muffins every week (I've been back to WW since 8-23 but officially mtgs on 9-7). The Veggie soup gets put into individual containers and frozen. The microwave is a lifesaver. I bought some Healthy Choice dinners for those nights that I have to eat quickly and no time to fix a healthy full meal. I found some recipes for some crockpot meals that have been pretty good and I froze extra leftovers into individual containers and wrote the pts right on the top of the lids. There are ways to fit this program in. When in doubt, try the Core plan. I have heard raves about it for busy moms. I agree - those sweet treats are what keeps me OP! I just count them and keep them within reason. Good luck!

Quest 2beThin - you're doing great!!!! I'm proud that you've incorporated exercise right away! That is something I'll have to find a way to do more of. I'm still getting the food part down and plan to incorporate the exercise (somewhere in my busy life) in the next couple weeks. I am parking up one level in the parking ramp and walking up and down the stairs.

Nibs - glad to see you back OP!!!! Let us know how it's going!

Derry - come back to us and post more. You're an inspiration!

Txlawchick - how's today going?

pgray1229 - where are you?

Have a great Hump Day everybody - keep up the good work!!!!

Good Evening everyone! Well, today is a better day. Just by posting about how I was feeling yesterday made me stop and think before I could go off plan. I journaled last night for the first time in months. I feel a lot better.

Kim (nibs), thanks for the positive thoughts. I hope you're doing okay.

Rose, thanks for the advice. I'm definitely going to try the things you suggested. In fact, your post caused me to have a light bulb moment. If I am going to make a commitment to getting healthy, I have to put myself first sometimes. I can't expect it to work, if all my energy is going to take care of everyone else. Seems simple, but I was too close to see it. I'm also guilty of wanting to be Super Mom :rolleyes: That's an idea I have to let go!
Thanks for helping me "see the light."

Quest2BThin, great job on getting in that exercise time! Also congrats on the that 7.5lb. loss! :bravo: Thanks for reminding me that treats are not an evil thing, lol. For too long I've had the mindset that in order to successfully lose weight I have to be starving and feeling deprived.

Hey pgray1229 and txlawchic, hope you're both are doing okay. Give us an update when you have the time.

Sending positive vibes out to everyone:wizard:
Thanks for the support. You're all wonderful!

Vicki
:ebike:

Wow! You guys are inspirational! I was feeling so down yesterday about not doing the right thing as far as my slip ups, but today I feel better and, in particular, after reading what you've all been up to.
I'm bored, bored, bored.... that bears repeating. I've been doing WW for so long and not seeing results and then cheating/slipping off it and then I go to meetings and wonder why I'm not losing.
By the way, I don't ski or snowboard. I know I'd "kill" myself out there, I am not flexible and I've broken three bones in the last few years, all on my feet. I should check in for a bone density test, I guess, as I am menopausal. I do eat dairy (WW helps me with that, at least) and take a multivitamin and calcium, but I keep wondering if it's not helping enough. Gosh, If I went out there and tried to ski, I think I'd be in traction for 6 months!
I do need to find some way of keeping in control and also some kind of physical activity that I find enjoyable, again the boredom is really with me.
I get all pumped up and enthused and vow I'll be trying harder and "I'm back!!!!" at a meeting and then go home and by three days later, I'm cheating and being lazy.
You guys are helping, keep telling me what you are doing. I want to be able to report success to you all!
Linda

One more thing.... just to report. I actually got brave and got on my scale here at home and it didn't go up, at least. Though, it surely didn't go down.
I skipped my WW meeting this week as I was fearful that I'd have a gain and I'm so sick of that part. I'll be able to face it now.
Isn't it silly to be afraid of getting on a scale in front of those people who weigh you in and finding an increase in weight. The fact that you were brave enough to drag yourself in there deserves a "high five" or something...
Linda

I have so been there in the past Linda! That's what happened to me the last time I was on WW! I finally quit because I felt like I wasn't losing, I was bored and I was obsessed with food. I needed the break. Well the break lasted 7 years!!!! I put all that weight back on and then some. This time when I weighed in, I was at my all time high in weight. I do not want to be put into an extra large casket when I DIE an early death. This body I see is not the body I want nor should have.

I keep asking myself "How did I end up 47 (soon to be 48) years old, this big and this out of control???"

Keep your chin up and listen to other stories and find the incentive. To back to meetings. Find a new leader if you need to. It'll get better.

Today is WI. I'm feeling pretty bloated. Not sure what that is about. TOM was early last week. So we'll see what today brings.

Linda - it sounds like aikido is for you dearie. It is a martial art that uses your opponent's strength against him/her. The best part is it teaches you how to fall! I'll be trying it again after I've dropped about 30 more pounds :dizzy:

I think I'm finally learning patience. One thing I'm doing that's now WWery is weighing myself every day, and keeping track of my 5-day moving average. I do this because it's easy to lie to myself about "oh, I really didn't eat that much", and I want to see how things affect me. The last two days have had a 1/2 pound gain each day, and I've been really good staying within my points (I do eat my APs), getting in my exercise and water, and all those good things. In the past that would have really bummed me out, but for the first time it doesn't bother me. I know I'm doing the right things and eventually the scale will tell the tale when it's ready. Meanwhile, I keep doing the healthy thing for me (because when I don't it means at least a 20 lb gain) and trust in physics. Now off for a walk.

Hi guys, can't stop, just to let you know I'm online again - finally - and looks like loads of stuff, and new people to catch up with, I'll read later, but first things first - Melanie, CONGRATULATIONS!!!! I'm so glad you are both ok, take it easy, I'm sure you are learning that from the c-section. (I told my DH that it was against the law to do ironing for up to 6 weeks after having one - and he believed me! I told him the truth after a couple of weeks though, I couldn't bear to watch the pain from him any longer! hehe) Enjoy your little one, even the tired bits. And sleep does eventually return to your life, just takes a while thats all.
Take care, back very soon,

Oh, Linda, I can so relate to how you feel about seeing a gain when weighing in at the meetings! That is exactly what caused me to chuck it all when I was on WW the first time. It bothers me sometimes to think that if I hadn't quit I would probably be almost to my goal weight by now.

This time around I've made a promise to keep going no matter what the scale says. I know deep down that if I just stay OP and keep trudging along, eventually the scale will catch up. Its something I have to work on everyday. I've got to argue with that little old demon :devil: that tells me to grab a donut here or a hamburger there. The sneaky little booger just hasn't gone away yet and he knows all my weak spots by heart, LOL!

Linda, you can do it. I know you've probably heard that a million times, but the fact is that it is absolutely, positively TRUE. We all can do this. It isn't going to be easy and we will screw up sometimes, but if we just don't stop....:grouphug: we'll reach goal. I'm sending you all the good vibes I can! I hope you have a great weekend and get back to those meetings. They help a lot!

:hug:

Vicki
:ebike:

Thanks for the support.... I know I can do it, but will I put the time, effort, and strength into it all, finally, and make it work? I get so bummed out. I kind of blew it yesterday, but attribute it all to a super high points day and today I plan on being better. So far, I've been an angel.
I allowed myself peanut better on lite bread for breakfast today. That's a big deal for me, peanut butter is like a luxury food as it's so high in points. I skipped fruit with breakfast and figure if I give myself the luxury food, for once, maybe the cravings for other stuff will be better? Makes sense to me as I am not starving and fixating on what I can eat right now and It's very near lunch.
Weigh in is in two days... and I have about a dozen flex points left for the week, even after having a super high day yesterday. So, must be doing something right????
Dawny, welcome back, glad your move is over and you are unpacked enough to have your computer set up and on line. We have some very wonderful new members that are really encouraging!!!!!
Linda

Hi everyone - I just posted my downfall day in the September goal thread. I won't repeat it here. But I will say that I found out the hard way that even with careful planning, temptation will hit when you have the least expectation of it.

I'm picking myself up and not using any more flex points this week and trying to plan other strategies

Rose, sorry about the downfall days. I've been there.
The only thing we can do after something like that is to pick ourselves up off the floor and keep going. If we all gave up each time we had a bad day, we'd really get nowhere.
I'm actually looking forward to weigh in this week. I want to know if my philosophy of kind of giving myself a bit of looser control is helping. The Wendy plan thing I read really made me do some thinking. I'm not being perfect on that in terms of keeping with the exact point ranges that have been recommended on it, but it's kind of taught me to rethink what I am doing and I have allowed myself a few high point days for the last few weeks and balanced those off with some decent low point days where I was really doing well.
I like the idea that you can fool your body into thinking it's not being starved so it readily releases a few pounds. I"ve been less stressed out due to this about my eating and maybe that is the key?
My next weigh in will show me if this philosophy will help me or not. I am still very much on program, but I am allowing the indulgences.
I think my own person key to success if that I do not get bored and I do not feel like I am being starved on top of being bored. I can't take the boredom any longer, I will fail if that continues.
So, let's get off our butt gang!
Linda

Yep Linda I think that is the key.

I'm not considering yesterday a failure but a learning point - dusted myself off, made a big pot of veggie soup for the week and starting all over again

Good afternoon! Its been pretty dull around here this weekend. I went to the local Barnes & Noble to take a look at some low-fat, healthy cookbooks. I was inspired by some of the recipes I came across. I'm going to try to come up with my own variation of WW Zero Pt. Soup that doesn't include cabbage. I'm not a big cooked cabbage fan. :no:

Rose, I'm sorry that you had a run in with temptation. :bravo: for just getting right back on track!

Linda, its great that you're figuring out what works for you. The one thing that I've heard most successful WW followers say over and over again is that they had to work the program in a way that worked for them.

:hug: everybody!

Vicki
:ebike: :lifter: :running:

Hey Tweedle Dee

I made myself a binder and pulled recipes from here, the Weight Watchers site, amy's adventure, dotti's weight loss zone and others. I try them, I mark whether they are tasty or not and make sure the points are accurate. That way I can keep coming back to the ones I like.

I have the Homestyle Weight Watchers Cookbook and a Pasta one and several others. I love to try new recipes

Tweedle Dee!!!! THANK YOU!!!! That Chocolate Pumpkin cake is fabulous!!! All I had was a pudding in the mix cake mix, but the pkg had the nutrition facts for 1/12 of the cake mix w/o ingredients. It's a 3 pt cake this way but still that is really decent for 1/12 of that cake w a dab of FF Cool Whip. Yummy! I see why you like it so much!

Hey guys,

Haven't been around in a couple days. How is everyone doing?

I'm getting myself back OP today and staying there. This losing and gaining the same few pounds is really starting to get to me.

Stay OP!!!!

Kim

Good Luck Nibs!!!!

Yesterday was a good day. I'm thinking that the real secret to staying OP for me is to get my rest and to feel "up to" the challenge of planning and eating correctly. If I'm tired, it's just way too easy to fall back on my bad eating habits.

Rose, we think along the same lines! I love those same websites that you mentioned! Especially dwlz! If I hadn't run across those sites I would've had a horrible time trying to come up with WW friendly meals that I can feed the whole family.

I'm glad you like the chocolate pumpkin cake. It is a lot easier to stay OP when you can have something that tastes sinful, but doesn't leave you feeling guilty! :eating2:

Kim, hang in there! You will get that scale to move in the right direction! :goodluck:

Vicki

:ebike: :lifter: :goodscale
If I put forth the effort, I will reach my goal!

My kids have been eating the cake and haven't got a clue that it's made with pumpkin - he he he he

Thanks for the kind words of support Vicki. It's nice to get those every now and then to keep you going.

Rosegarden, don't you love deceiving your children like that...:devil: I do it all the time with my son. If I told him half of the stuff I put in things he would never eat it.

How are things derrydaughter? It's been a couple days since we heard from you...everything alright?

How is EVERYONE doing? Post and let us know. We all care.

Kim

Kim - if they only knew the bran muffins were so good for them and that the Shrimp Alfredo was low cal and healthy. DS asked me last night if I would make it again! He wasn't as fond of the wheat pasta but he said it was good.

Where is everybody???? Check in people. I know Monday and Tuesdays are big WI days here!

Let us know how you're doing, even if you're struggling. Maybe we can help. Let me know what you're doing for exercise. I'm just getting back into it and could use all sorts of ideas.

Hello, everyone! Wow, it's been a whole week since I've been here. Can't do that anymore, I hope everyone is well!

I am doing much better than last week, however, I have no clue if I lost b/c I couldn't make it to my meeting on Saturday. After my venting, I decided to get on plan as close to normal as I could last week and i found that I was less freaked out, b/c I decided not to punish myself by going on CORE. Don't get me wrong, I did CORE last year and was very happy with it, but I associate the plan with dieting AND I don't feel that much that way with FLEX. I've decided that eating well is not about punishing myself; right now, Flex is helping me.

On the activity front, I am having to re-evaluate my workouts, b/c after ignoring the pain in my knee, i finally went to the doctor. According to the X-rays, I have cartilage damage/loss in both knees (they kept asking if I was a cheerleader or gymnast in high school, hahahaha, no); wow, my knees must have looked horrible! Anywho, the thought is that either I've torn something or I have early onset arthritis. I have an MRI scheduled on Thursday to find out definitively what is going on.

in the meantime, I can no longer run. They suggested swimming or biking, hmm, funny, i have a stationary bike in living room, maybe I'll use it! ; ) i've decided to re-attached the pedometer to my hip and walk as much as possible, do the low-impact modifications in Turbo Jam and pick up Callanetics.

Almost forgot, although i haven't stepped on a scale, I did do my 2-week measurements and I am down 5.50 inches - yay!

Okay, that's it for me! i wish everyone a wonderful evening! Again, thank you all for your words of support!

Rose, I always wait until my dh and kids start raving about something I've cooked and then I tell them its WW. My family thinks WW is the best thing to ever happen to them, LOL!

Kim, you sound like you're feeling better. Hope everythings going good for you.

derrydaughter, Kim's right, where are ya? Drop us a line.

txlawchic, sorry to hear about your knee. OUCH! Congratulations on the 5.50 inches! :woo: My leader stresses that we should all take our measurements because sometimes that tells you more than the scales do.

I've gone down another two lbs. I expect them to show up again by my weigh-in Friday because AF just showed up today. :rolleyes:

Now I'm going to sit back and enjoy some Smart Pop Popcorn and the season premiere of Gilmore Girls.

Take care of yourself!
Vicki

:ebike: :lifter: :goodscale
If I put forth the effort, I will reach my goal!

Hey guys! I'm here. My ____ e-mail notification that there are fresh posts here doesn't work anymore and I have to REMEMBER (duh?) to check in here to see what you guys have to say. I don't know why it doesn't work, but it's been doing this for awhile.
Ta-Da!!!!! I weighed in yesterday and was down 1.4 pounds!!!!! You know, I feel better, I feel more energetic and I am happy! I'm officially, according to WW, down 5.4 pounds since June. But, they aren't counting the weight I lost before going back and I am on my counter that is here on my signature line. I'm so pleased. I am down to the weight I was, 163.4, the week before my mom died last January. Finally. When mom died, I went straight to the refrigerator and I had lost my dad last September and during his illness and after his death I self medicated with food. Seemed like each time I went to visit him in the nursing home or hospital it necessitated a trip to Dunkin Doughnuts for a chocolate glazed doughnut on the way. I needed chocolate and high fat content in order to "brace myself" to visit him?
I had gone back to WW around November 1st and had lost a few pounds by the first of January, even through the holidays and then, boom, mom died so unexpectedly that I was off track all over again. I rejoined WW in June and now I am finally back to where I was last January. I have a ways to go, but I am glad that I have erased all the bad eating from that period and have to work harder to erase all the bad eating during dad's illness and death. I was down to something like 148 before they diagnosed him with bone cancer.
I gave up for awhile.
I just wanted to share that all with you guys. I sure am glad to have people like you all supporting me and helping me survive this.
Now, as far as eating goes..... yesterday I made a very healthy pasta sauce with 93% lean hamburger, olive oil (tiny bit), veggies, etc. It was tasty and great last night. While I was cooking all of that and chopping veggies anyway, I also made a WW chili recipe that my leader had given me in the crock pot all afternoon. I took a tiny taste and it is good, so that is for lunch today! I have enough pasta sauce and chili in the freezer now as I made huge batches of everything to last for several meals. I love when I can do that kind of healthy cooking. So, when the busy days come, there are great things to microwave.
I also purchased all the stuff to try those Fiber One chocolate muffins.
Someone refresh my memory on the chocolate pumpkin cake recipe, please! I think I might need that!
Linda, feeling more positive

OH yes, I'm in my skinnier jeans, not the skinniest of all but the ones I couldn't wear since last April!!!!!!
Life is good today.
Linda

Congrats Linda!!!! :carrot: WAY TO GO!!!! It sure does help to have back ups in the freezer for those busy days. That's what I'm going through right now. DH said he'd bring me home dinner cuz I work both jobs today and I said "NOPE, NOPE - It's already cooked and in the freezer" And that felt grand!

Chocolate Pumpkin Cake is 1 box chocolate cake mix w/o pudding (it is 3 pts w/pudding), 1-15 oz can pumpkin (plain) and 1/2 cup of water. Mix and pour into a 13 x 9 cake pan. It will be thick. Bake 30 minutes or until tester comes out clean from center. Cut into 12 pieces (these are nice size pieces) 1 pt per piece. Add a little fat free cool whip and Tweedle Dee is right, it is a piece of chocolate heaven.

I just did that big mistake of bite before you write or in the alternative, I didn't figure points before I ate it - gggggrrrr. Someone brought in Panera bagels. Now I knew that each plain bagel would be 5-7 points and I have plenty of points to enjoy that so I did but I put on cream cheese and added another 6 pts!!!! YIKERS!!!!! There goes all the rest of my "unplanned" points for the day. Now if I eat my 2 frozen meals for lunch and dinner, have my SF LF Yogurt and apple, I'm DONE FOR THE DAY!!!! Water glass here I come. This really stinks.

Rose, 6 points for cream cheese? Are you kidding?????!!!! I buy the whipped Philadelphia brand and use sparingly for one point per serving, the Panera stuff must have been the "real thing", I guess. Oh well. I've never had Panera bagels or gone to one of their locations, but I hear they are good. So, you must go back 3 giant steps.... which means park at the back of the parking lot today no matter where you drive, go up and down the stairs (if you have them) about five extra times, journal and forgive yourself my dear.
I'll bet the bagel tasted like heaven.
I'm on "count down" for lunch, I know what you mean about water. I just drank a glass to hold off until lunch.... it's 10:54 am and too early for lunch and I've figured out all the points I'll allow myself today and no snack is allowed for me until mid-afternoon. Darn.
I almost feel like I have the shakes from being so hungry. I can do this, you can do this....
Well, onward with my day, good to hear form you.
Linda

Hey derry, Congrats on the 1.4 loss and getting into those skinnier jeans. It's just like going shopping and buying something new, isn't it! I'm starting to fit into some things I have in my closet and by Christmas I will have a whole new wardrobe with things I can't fit into now. Can't wait. Alot of it has never been worn, I just wouldn't let my boyfriend buy a bigger size so I have never even had it on.

Hi Rose, what's up? Don't get yourself down over the bagel and cream cheese thing. Drink more water and try to get in some exercise so you can use your AP and maybe a few flex...I have never tried pumpkin in my life but I may try the pumpkin chocolate cake you are talking about....Maybe even get the son to eat it...:devil:

How are you doing Tweedle-dee? Great job on lossing 2 pounds. Smart Pop popcorn I think is the greatest invention...LOL I was never a popcorn lover but since I have been watching what I eat (I won't say dieting) I have learner to like it very much.

5.5 inches txlawck!!!!! Great job. I haven't measured myself so I don't even know what I was before I started this thing. I should do it now becasue I still have 20 or so pounds to lose so it will still be good to do it.

I wasn't feeling very well this morning when I got up so I haven't done much yet today. Wasn't planning on it anyway because I have to work tonight so I kinda lay low during the day when I work nights. I had a headache and a sore throat when I got up. I had a little nap, coffee, and a small bagel and I feel better. I am going to go and get on the elliptical for a little now and hopefully that helps me get through my day and night.

Take care and stay OP.

Kim

YEAH I KNOW - 6 PTS!!!!! I got it from their website - YIKERS!!!! Who'da thunk?

Do you have 1 pt that you could have a cup of SF cocoa? It counts as a milk too

Hey everyone.....Just wondering how all are doing? Post to keep us informed.

I am doing great, OP and staying there!!!!!!!

Kim

BLEECCCHHHH - I'm not in a great mood. WI and it was pretty dismal. I know, I know, a loss is a loss but BLECH! I didn't go over my points yesterday even though I was STARVING by 9:30 p.m. I drank another huge glass of water and went to bed. Crap - this losing weight is really, really hard

Hey, everyone! Sorry I didn't make it on yesterday. It seemed like it was the day of small disasters, lol. First my dh's car conked out and I had to run him to work, then my son called from school to say he was extremely sick (flu) and needed to come home, and last but not least my mom called frantic saying my dad wasn't feeling well and she needed me to take her to her colonoscopy appointment! YIkes! By the time I picked up dh from work, got home, cleaned the house, fed the family, got the kids to bed, and rode 30 minutes on the exercise bike while watching Biggest Loser, I was trashed.:tired: Then just as I was getting ready to drift off to sleep my dd crawls into bed because of a thunderstorm and I spent all night hanging onto the edge of the bed half asleep with her and her dad snoring their heads off, LOL! :dizzy: Fortunately, it's funny to me because usually my days are extremely dull. Days like yesterday are rare, thank you God!

Linda, congratulations :carrot: on fitting into those jeans and that 1.4 lb. loss. Your post about the pasta sauce and the chilli made me hungry, lol. I think I'm going to have to make a trip to the store so I can whip up some WW Chilli myself. I bought the WW crockpot cookbook this week and I'm dying to try it out.

Rose, dang those Panera bagels, lol! We just had a Panera open where I live and I've been trying to stay away from it. Bagels, breads of any kind really, are a weakness of mine. I could eat bread all day everyday. Don't let it get you down though. Just pick yourself up and chalk it up to a lesson learned.

Kim, I'm glad to hear you're feeling better. I think we all have those "blah" days. I usually have them whenever its overcast and /or rainy. It just makes me want to curl up with a cup of coffee and a good book for the whole day. I am a popcorn convert myself. I hated it before I was on WW, but then I gave up potato chips and popcorn became my salty addiction. I have to hide me a couple of packs though because now my kids are hooked on the low fat stuff.

I'm off to finish the laundry. I'm hoping all will remain calm so I can relax and catch Survivor and Grey's Anatomy tonight. :crossed: I probably just hexed myself, didn't I? Oh well, LOL!

Vicki
:ebike: :lifter: :goodscale
If I put forth the effort, I will reach my goal!

Vicki, I smiled about you hiding popcorn. I remember hiding chocolate bars so my daughter wouldn't eat them in the past, when I was gaining all my weight. Now, I have the distinct temptation to hide those tiny WW cakes so I can get a few before they are gone. I know where you are at!
My daughter, Jamie, goes to WW as well and she is doing a great job and looks really good as well. I'm awfully proud of her, but I can't keep those WW desserts in the house, especially those ice cream cones.
I didn't do awfully well yesterday and after my truly triumphant loss on Tuesday, you would think I'd have been very motivated. But, I had a stressful and busy day and totally blew it.
Time to get back to serious work today, though it will also be stressful and busy.
We have to cling to our goals, we have to keep working at it, we will have success!
Also, what network runs that biggest loser program? What day/time is it usually on? I would love to see it, saw it once about a year ago and have never found it since.
Linda

NBC Linda - and I want to say 9 p.m.?? Can someone else verify? I work on Wednesday nights so I don't get to see it

Linda, I finally figured out the perfect spot to hide a couple of bags of popcorn....in my sugar free instant oatmeal box, LOL! Nobody, but me goes near that. The WW fudge ice cream bars last about three hours at my house. I raved about them so much that my dh and my ds tried them and now I'm lucky to get one. The only time it really gets my goat is when I'm PMSing. If I can't get my chocolate fix then somebody might get hurt!:bomb: The Biggest Loser is on NBC from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m on Wednesdays. Yep, it's 2 hours long, but the time flies by because it's so inspiring.

Thankfully, last night was super quiet, lol. Today was weigh in and the two lbs. I lost earlier in the week didn't show up again. I thought for sure AF was going to add five pounds this week. I'm going to fix up that WW Chili for the crockpot and make another chocolate pumpkin cake this weekend. My dh promises me that we'll start Christmas shopping Saturday. He usually drags his feet, but I want it over with before Thanksgiving. My nerves can't take the mobs in the stores from the day after Thanksgiving till Dec. 24th! I've seen people fight over toys at Wal-mart at that time of year! There is absolutely nothing in Wal-mart that I'd fight for...okay, maybe the last box of Smart Pop popcorn...:o

Hope everybody has a great weekend!


Vicki
:ebike: :lifter: :goodscale
If I put forth the effort, I will reach my goal!

Hello mind if I join your Group? my name is Lisa I live in KS I was on WW about a year & 1/2 ago I lost 39lbs but gained it all back + 7 more. I am now going to meetings ( I did online before) I think I like the human contact a little better. I have met alot of nice people, I did good with online but I didn't make the life time commitment. This time I have the attitude this is it this is my new way for life!!! I hope I can make some friends here and over support along with receiving support. Lisa

sorry I meant offer support.

Welcome Lisa, of course you are welcome here! I know where you are coming from and it's a tough road, but we can go down that road together!!!
Vicki, do you have a large separate freezer or a freezer just with your refrigerator? If you have a large freezer, you could wrap up some of those fudge bars and do the same kind of thing you are doing with the popcorn and the oatmeal box. It's really hard when people sabotage your efforts!
Last night, my husband and I ate out and I was bone tired and had been working hard all day and just wanted to relax. I almost blew it and ordered a fried calamari dinner, which is truly what I wanted, with those yummy fries and cole slaw. But, I had baked haddock and shrimp with mashed potatoes and butternut squash and felt really glad I made the lower point choices. My food was good and I didn't leave there feeling awful and bloated from overeating. I did break down and have some wine, for which I am not feeling sorry, it relaxed me and I slept like a baby last night!
Today, though, we are heading away overnight and I am unsure as to weather I can keep my resolve or not for this evening. I shall try and will be walking a great deal today. There is a huge antique and classic car show in Wolfeboro NH that is always outstanding.
I'll be back tomorrow and will report on weather I have made smart choices or not!
Til tomorrow my friends,
Linda

Hi guys,

Welcome dunwthfat! Always nice to see new people here.

Hey derrydaughter, you made a very wise choice last night when you went out to dinner. I wouldn't sweat it too much if you don't make all the right choices when you go away today. Just think what you did last night gives you the choice to have a little something IF you want when you go away. If you would rather eat healthy and don't want to treat yourself any than GREAT don't. You have a little room to work with that's all.

What's up tweedle_dee?

Kim

Thank you ladies for the welcome. Have a great weekend all!

Lisa (dunwthfat), :welcome2: !! Your experience sounds a whole lot like mine. I joined WW for the first time in 2005. I lost my 10% and then hit a plateau and just let it get the better of me. I quit WW, gained all the weight back and on August 25th of this year I went back to WW. I realized that I had done myself in last time. I didn't have the right attitude and I wasn't really committed. This time, I've got my head on straight, LOL!

Linda, thanks for the idea on the ice cream bars! I've got a nearly empty whole wheat waffle box that'll do the trick. ;) It is great that you were able to make healthy choices when you went out to dinner! It can be so hard, but then it makes you feel so in control and confident. Great Job! I hope you enjoy your trip to Wolfeboro. It sounds like so much fun. My dh is a classic car nut. His dream is to fully restore a '57 Chevy.

Kim, Hi! I'm doing pretty good. I made myself a promise starting this past week that I would exercise for at least 30 minutes every day and I've stuck to it. I am really surprised at how good just 30 mins. can make me feel. I'm even sleeping better. I haven't had any problems sticking to my points these past few days. Some days I'm eating my activity points and some days I don't. The best thing though is that my dh is starting to look at me with real admiration again. We went walking last night and I really pushed myself. He just kept smiling at me and saying how proud he is of me. I'm really doing this for myself, but it sure feels good to have him notice my progress.

Take care of yourselves!

Vicki

:ebike: :lifter: :goodscale
If I put forth the effort, I will reach my goal!

Hi guys - sorry I haven't checked in for a few days. Life has gotten hectic again and I've had no time for the computer. Homecoming and all those events, marching band event and then dinner with the ladies.

I can report though that I was very successful even though I knew the couple of days would be crazy. I planned and thought out in advance all the problems I "might" have and did possible outcomes. I came through with flying colors. I had a wonderful dinner with friends last night that included chicken parmesan, caesers salad, spaghetti, and ice cream pie. I had eaten less than 10 pts before dinner and I ate one portion of everything within the guidelines of WW except the chicken breast was about 5 oz instead of 3 or 4. I really don't know how to figure out the points on that meal so this is my strategy. I haven't eaten any extra flex points and do not intend to eat over my 24 pts for the rest of the week and hope I have a good outcome.

What would you do? any thoughts or experiences where you don't have a clue how many points for an item?

I'm just so proud of myself - especially after being so disappointed with my "only" 1/2 lb loss last Thursday. I feel thinner this weekend (go figure) so I'm really hoping this week is a good one.

Rose, great job! :cheer: Life got a little chaotic and you were able to stay OP and you didn't let that last weigh-in get you down! :bravo: You should reward yourself! You deserve it!

The strategy you're using for handling the points from you dinner with your friends sounds good to me. I did something similar and even ended up having a loss.

Again, way to go! I hope that this week is a great one for you!

Take care,
Vicki

:ebike: :lifter: :goodscale
If I put forth the effort, I will reach my goal!

Vicki, what a wise choice with the 30 minutes per day of exercise. I seem to have zero motivation when it comes to exercise lately. I feel tired, blue and just unable to get my rear in gear.
Rose, eating out makes it awfully hard to count points. I don't have answers but your meal sounds yummy and if you don't eat like that every single day, you'll do ok. It's when that kind of meal becomes the "norm" that is when we all suffer the consequences.
I lost control over the weekend, I haven't got a clue how many points I had. We went away and I was with family and it was fun and I blew it.... I have weigh in this afternoon and haven't journalled since last Thursday. I'll probably have gained back the 1.4 pound I lost last week. This is what I do, this is why I am not doing well. Do I have answers? No.
But, I shall continue to work, I shall get a blank journal out this morning and I shall start fresh and not beat myself up over this. I need to learn from each experience.
Eating out about 4 times over the weekend and entertaining... what do I expect?
Linda

It has been over a month since I've even checked in here. Ugh. Why does losing weight have to be so stinkin hard?! I've been having a really tough time and really need a lot of support. It seems like every night when I go to bed I think, ok, I just need to suck it up and get it over with...just lose this weight already. Then I get up in the morning and that is all out the window. Ugh. It is so hard not to get so down on yourself through this process.

Yesterday dh brought home a video that my mil had taken at my dd's bday party in July. I hate watching videos of myself or looking at pictures of myself (I have a rule that any picture of me must be taken from the neck up!) I just hate that sinking feeling...OMG, that's how I really look?!!!

So I'm back on the wagon again, and I'm going to try a different approach. Before I've always looked at the big picture...maybe it was too overwhelming, and maybe I put myself on too much of a time crunch. So my goal this time around is short term. I want to be in ONEderland by Christmas...I don't care if it's 199, as long as it's under 200. That is going to be a huge accomplishment right there in itself. Ever since I've had my dd's, I get no lower than 215ish and just can't seem to get further. I think I set myself up to fail, too...maybe I tell myself that I'm not going to get past 215, so what's the point?

This Christmas I want to be in the pictures with my dd's and not be scared to look at them! I also want to fit into this black dress that I bought a few years ago for dh's Christmas party (it didn't fit then and I loved it so much that I wouldn't send it back!)

Ok, so those are my goals.........I need a lot of support!

Paige

You've come to the right place Paige! Stop in frequently. That's the key. Somebody always cheers you on here and you may get a helpful suggestion from someone that you never thought of or maybe have forgotten.

I found out a long time ago that I cannot dwell on that large number. I need these small goals. And I also have to remind myself that I may not always meet my mini goals. But as long as I stay on the path, I'll get there

Hi,

Newish here. After looking at my wedding pictures [I got married just a year ago], and getting a not-so-great cardiac lipid profile test result, I decided to return to WW.

So here I am. I would LOVE to look back at this years's Christmas pics and not cringe. I'm turning 50 {:yikes: } in July and have decided this just can't go on. That said, I'm trying to get my plan together for the day so I have half a chance at success. Breakfast was OP. But what happens is I get to work and trust that the hospital cafeteria will have something I can use as an OP meal. Wrong-O.

I guess that's MY responsibility, huh? Today's goal is to pack a lunch and 2 snacks and to start on my water. Glad to meet you--I'm looking forward to this being The Last Battle for me and I'm here to get and give support as I go.

Ipa

Good morning!
Is there room for another here???? I have been posting here for ages ( on another board), and I am on WW. My meeting day is usually Wednesday, and I am on flex. I've lost 25 # on WW, with the last 10 seeming to be such a struggle (all in my mind, BTW). Perhaps some fellow WW'ers can help inspire me.
I'll check back in later. I'd love to get to know you here.
Ginny

There's always room for more! Welcome, welcome, welcome!

We're all here because of one common goal (and enemy). We want to be healthy and lose weight. This is a great place for support and ideas and to share your support with others.

ECmom - let us know where you think you need help. Are you writing down everything, drinking your water, 8 Healthy Guidelines, exercising? If you give us a baseline, we'll try to help you on any issues your facing. It can be something as simple as variety of food or lack of planning.

Ipanema - sounds like a good plan for the day. I try to get a rough plan of what my food for the day will entail and then work around that. Sometimes I totally change it but I have better success if I at least have a rough plan.

Rose, thanks for the welcome. I do just fine planning, tracking, water (gee, I swim to the potty all day!). My biggie? Darned late nite stress eating. If I could conquer that, I'd be lifetime, plain and simple. Are you on core or flex? Do you attend meetings?
Take care and thanks for the welcome.
Ginny

I'm on flex and attend meetings. Believe me I've started this program a few times. The only time I'm ever successful is when I attend meetings. This time I'm in it to goal and maintenance and Lifetime. No matter how long it takes

Yep. This is IT for me too. I'm determined to make this happen and make it stick. All I want this time is a modest 1 pound/week loss and I will get to goal.

RoseG--I like the way you broke down your goals. Food for thought!

Today has been OP so far and I'm still sitting on 5 points. When those are gone it's a hot cup of green tea or go to bed!

Whatever it takes!

Ipa :D

Hi all..........

Well, first day back op went pretty well. It goes to show how much I've been overeating lately because I went over 5 pts yesterday and my tummy was grumbling when I went to bed last night! I didn't beat myself up that I went over, which I would of in the past. I tracked everything and kept myself accountable. That is going to be the key this week. I have a lot of baking to do for a church bake sale on Saturday, class tonight and tomorrow (I go to school for pastry arts & pro chef...great majors for someone who is trying to shed some lbs!) and I'm having a birthday appetizer lunch for my mil on Sunday (we're big football fans, so she wanted to do it during the game.) I think as long as I keep myself honest about what goes into my mouth I'll be ok. And just keep remembering that video I watched of myself the other day...ugh!

Morning!

Rose- I am with you 100%. Whatever it takes......we can get there together!:carrot: What day is your meeting?

Ipa- well.......how did you spend those last 5 points? (found myself in the same boat last nite, and made myself 2 smoothies made w/water to keep myself OP). I use green tea too, for the same reason.

Paige- gotta journal all those BLT's (bites,licks and tastes). I time that that can be a challenge. Good luck with all the baking.

Yesterday I ended up right on my points allowance......and got a workout in.
Hope today goes ok. I am excited about posting here. Hope you will put up with me! Have a good day.
Ginny

ECMom - my weigh in day is Thursdays. I usually go at the noon hour but tomorrow I'm having lunch with friends (another one of my goals was to never give up an opportunity to socialize because of food. I create a plan going in and still go for it). I won't weigh in until 5:30 p.m. Now that makes me nervous but like I said, I'm not giving up an opportunity to see my friends. Life is just too short and food just isn't worth it. Now I need to go online and find out what's on their menu so I can plan accordingly.

I'm going in a minute to get my first water of the day. I'm a little behind. It gets hard to get them all in when you start late - I'm going to have to work on starting earlier as I have to pee all the way home and I commute 35 miles one way to work. Now that's a long time in the car with a full bladder.

That commute reminds me. In years past, I had an issue with being starving when I got home from work. I had a leader tell me to freeze a bottle of water and leave it in your car every day. It would be unthawed by the time you get off work and nice and cold. Leave enough points to eat a healthy snack on the way home and both of those should buy you enough time to prepare a healthy dinner. Also, the crockpot is a huge lifesaver.

My helpful hints for the day. I hope everyone stays OP and if you just can't, that you make great choices

Hi everyone! I'm sorry I was a no show yesterday. I was on the run all day and just tanked when I finally got home. I mean that diet-wise and body-wise.:rolleyes:

:welcome: Ginny, Ipa, and welcome back Paige!

Linda, I wish we lived near each other. I'd love to be able to take a walk with you. It's so hard to motivate ourselves sometimes and having an exercise buddy can really help. Just know that I'm thinking of you and sending you all the the "love and forgive yourself" vibes your way that I can muster!! You're gonna get back on track....you are, you are, you are. :hug:

I didn't do very well with my points yesterday. I just felt starved too death for some reason. I didn't go hog wild, but I didn't make good choices either and I ate when I wasn't really hungry. This morning I woke up sick...think its the flu. Maybe that is why I fell off the wagon. Anyway, today I have NO appetite at all. Yuck, yuck, yuck!:tired:

Sorry, I can't say more, but I am ready to crash. I'm going to try some herbal tea with a little ginger in it. A neighbor of mine swears by it for colds and viruses.

Hugs, love, and :dust: for everybody!

Vicki

WELCOME newcomers! I'm so glad you've come to us so we can help you and you can help us! The more people the better in terms of helping each other past whatever barriers are in our way.
I was pretty good yesterday, felt good being back on track. I used 23 points and felt comfortable yesterday in terms of not feeling like I was starving all day. One of you mentioned feeling like you were starving all day and my suggestion is to take a serious look at WHAT you are eating and have something that is truly filling. Popcorn always works!
Today is a higher point day, but not outrageously high, I went to a meeting and was the one who supplied the snacks, so I tried to have a variety of things that appeared like higher points, but were lower. I succeeded!
We have a bakery near our area called Superior that makes mini eclairs, they are quite good and deceptive with the dark chocolate frosting on top and they are truly only 2 points each! Look for them, but I think they are very local to us and you might not find them. I've not seen eclairs that are under 5 points other than the frozen WW ones. But with these being two points each, they are such a treat!
I didn't end up going to my meeting yesterday, not because I was bailing out of it, but because my daughter had to be at a rehearsal for a play she is in and we couldn't be at two places at once. We're staying on track this week so far and I'm not worried about missing a meeting as my motivation is "up there" at the moment. I did lose control over the weekend, but we were away and kind of "partying" a bit.
I'm still tired and lazy about working out.... gosh will one of you come to NH and kick my butt? : ) Vicki, I do wish you lived near me as I would truly have you walk with me, I really need a walking/exercise partner very badly.
Rose, if you are worried that having lunch out with friends on weigh in day will falsely throw off your numbers - give yourself a break and maybe use one of those WW no weigh in passes for the week??? Also, eat asparagus the night before something like that. Asparagus is a natural diuretic, it's good for you in more ways than just the nutrients you get. It purges your body and it's a very good thing to eat when you are in PMS mode!!! If you eat a nice sized portion of it the night before weigh in, it probably helps you eliminate some fluid. If you did that and then ate out, perhaps the two things would balance each other.
I find when I go to morning meetings and weigh in, my weight is always so much lower. But, an afternoon meeting is so very hard. I find that I am starving myself and not even drinking water for fear of it messing up the scales. I usually bring a huge bottled water with me and immediately after weigh in drink it down fast as I am sooooo thirsty.
I torture myself on weigh in days, weighing out underwear in my hands as well as shirts, pants and things like that to see which of my clothing choices are the lightest in weight. Silly? I tend to wear almost exactly (if it's clean) the same outfit each week to weigh in with so I can really tell if my weight is dropping or not.
Well, it's off to make dinner and drink some more water...
Linda

Linda - I wore the same outfit 3 weeks in a row and decided to change it up last week with a different shirt and skirt. Same outfit different colors LOL

Hi all...gotta write quick...need to be out of the house in 45 minutes for an 8am class, and I still have to get dd's ready to go (oh and myself !) I barely ate yesterday. I was busy in the morning making loaves and loaves of pumpkin bread and a bunch of struesel topped pumpkin muffins for Saturday's bake sale. I left for night class at 4 and didn't want to eat when I got home at 9:15 (plus Lost was on last night, so that was much more interesting than eating!!!) So I ended the day with 14 points left. Oh well, it is what it is! I weighed myself this morning, and the scale says I'm down 4lbs, but I'm not sure how much I believe that!

Linda- When I used to go to meetings, my leader suggested that we have our "Weight Watcher uniform." And that's what everyone did...wear the same thing every week! It was kind of interesting, too, because you could really see how other people were losing weight from how loose their clothes were.

Anyway...gotta run...check back in with you all later!

Have a good day!
Paige

'Morning!
Gotta be short today...I have a crummy cold and lots to do.

Paige/Linda- at my usual meeting there is a "lifer" who attends wearing normal clothes, until she gets there. Then, standing on line, she strips down to bike shorts and a sports bra. It's pretty funny.........no I am not advocating that, but I agree with the WI uniform. Paige- gee, I hope your scale is at least close to correct! A 4 # loss would be awesome!

Linda- funny you mention the WI torture thing. I do pretty much the same.....you are not alone (0thers at my meeting do also). Dittos for the am or pm meetings too. Every few weeks I go to a much closer (but not schedule friendly) meeting in the pm, and just congratulate myself for getting to a meeting. If the scale is up, I assume it is because I have been eating/drinking, and figure that it is a bogus gain. Sorry you missed your meeting. As far as working out.....I have a buddy here at 3FC, who even though she lives 500 miles away, inspires me. I try to think of her sweating it out at the same time as I do (we usually do workout at the same time of day)and hope that when I check up with her online I find out that she also got her workout in. Sometimes that helps shake my can....;)

Vicki- hey, we all have good days and bad........isn't that what the 35 additional points are for? Hope you are back OP today. Thanks for the welcome!

Rose- today is WI day.......hope the scale fairy was kind to you! Enjoy the lunch, just eat sensibly.

The darned cats woke me up early, so I got on the treadmill at 5 am.
Yesterday I was good......stayed right on points again. WI tomorrow....
Thanks for the welcome! I am really happy to be here (my former board was unfortunately lacking in support)
Have a great day!
Ginny

Sorry about the title, LOL! This is my second attempt to post. The first time I hit the wrong button and "BAM" my post was gone. That's so frustrating, LOL!

Anyway, I'm back on plan. I really didn't have to try too hard because being sick left me with no appetite at all. I think I have a cold rather than the flu and for that I'm grateful. I can handle a cold much better.

Linda, I'm glad you're feeling better and were able to get back on plan. I may have to miss my weigh in tomorrow if I still feel bad. I don't want to make all my WW ladies sick.

I had an interesting horoscope today. Now, I'm not big into astrology, but I do read my horoscope daily, mostly for a laugh because they're usually so vague and offbase. I think you'll understand why this particular one stopped me in my tracks.....

Aquarius(Jan.20-Feb.18): The stars align to remind you that you're eating in order to live more fully, as oppposed to living in order to eat more fully.

That just stopped me cold! I'm going to add it to my siggy to remind me on the bad days what this WW journey is really all about.

I hope everyone has had a great day and will have a great evening. You're all in my thoughts. Take care of and love yourselves today and EVERYDAY!

Vicki

Weigh In tonight. I hope it goes well. If not, oh well. Next week will be back to "normal". I know I haven't eaten over my points this week but I am a tad nervous waiting until evening to do weigh in.

I'll report in either late tonight or early tomorrow. I have a FULL schedule after work tonight

Rose- hope the scale fairy is kind to you! If not, there is always next week. You sound focused.....and that always pays off sooner or later.

Vicki- gee, I love that horoscope. Perhaps your WW leader wrote it?;) A moment on the lips forever on the hips.......aw, there are a million of those sayings! I hope you are feeling better for tomorrows meeting. What time is your meeting? (mine is at 10, I attend in between work hours).

I have been good today.......ate wisely and the double batch of diet jello is chilling to keep me out of trouble later.
Have a great nite!
Ginny

Vicki, I'm an Aquarius as well, so that is also my horoscope. How interesting. When is your birthday? mine is the 18th of Feb.
I would love to be down to 150 by my birthday and am hovering at 163 right about now. I can't make the usual Halloween, Thanksgiving or Christmas challenges, those are too soon and difficult for someone like me, I think?
The saying "you need to eat to live not live to eat" comes to mind with that particular horoscope. We all must be mindful.
I did well yesterday and ended the day using exactly my allotted points and I actually did the same the day before. I'm thankful that I have been able to do that for two days straight. My frozen WW chili in portion controlled sizes has been helpful as it is comforting, filling and yummy, so lunches have been something I've been looking forward to, but low in points! This chili recipe uses ground turkey and bulks up with chopped zucchini and summer squash. I made it differently from the leader and added a bit more beans so instead of counting it for a 1 point for one cup, I count it as 2 points. I also just dumped it all in the crock pot (not according to her recipe either) and let it cook all by itself.
Paige, wow four pounds.... I wouldn't count on that being permanent if you just had a busy day and ate hardly anything, yet wouldn't it be grand? Though, all the weight loss books, etc. say it's not healthy to lose weight at that rate, but we all secretly wish it would happen. I'd love some kind of magic "pill" (we all know they really don't exist, at least ones that are healthy) that you could take that would truly work. Hard work, exercise (I'm still guilty of NOT doing that lately, you guys need to really bug me) and all the stuff that WW preaches to us is what it's going to take.
I've not been as good about making all those healthy food choices like the oils and milks and veggies lately, either and getting in all my water. I'm really going to have to shape up! But, the fact that I am at least staying in my points ranges consistently is a plus for me lately.
Ginny, diet Jello, hmmm.... just doesn't "cut it" for me. I make it once in awhile but generally find it not exciting enough to keep me happy. Do you do anything interesting with it?
One time, I did make diet Jello and put it alternating with lite Cool Whip and strawberries in tall champagne glasses, making pretty parfaits. I need to do interesting things in order to be satisfied. I get bored so easily.
Oh yes, any excuse to SHOP here.... I might try the next time I'm in a department store to purchase a very lightweight special weigh in outfit! : )
Wouldn't that be a fun thing to do, what kind of clothing is warm enough to get through a New England winter and lightweight?
Linda

The scales were good to me!!! I lost 1 1/2 lbs. I stopped by here real quick last night and posted the Shrimp Fetticine Alfredo recipe in the October thread and went to bed.

I was so happy!!!! Doing fine today. Everyone is having pizza/subs compliments of the company I work for but I brought my frozen lunch that I fixed myself instead. I just didn't want to waste my points on either of those today. They still don't sound good. I'm waiting to indulge when I want them.

Wow was it cold last night. Sun today and tomorrow so I'm getting a couple of brisk walks in. Gotta go dig out my pedometer -hmmm, wonder where it got buried. I'll have to call DH and ask him to make sure my Ipod is fully charged for the walks.

ECMom - thanks for having faith in me

Linda - you sound like your doing well. Glad you found the crockpot too. It's been such a lifesaver for me. Post your chili recipe. Sounds good!

TweedleDee - Sounds like you found some motivation. Hope its holding for today. Let us know. You're doing so well!

Paige - I hope all that bake sale stuff is out of the way. That would be torture for me to have to smell all that yummy baking. 4 lbs! Wow that's great but generally, I stay off the scales until weigh in. It gives me way too much of an emotional roller coaster ride. It's better for me to do it once a week or okay, maybe I'll admit that I have checked it mid-week once or twice.

Have a great Friday and stay OP everyone!!!!

Sorry to be short...a big whopping .4# loss here! (don't blink, ya might miss it!)
Well, I was wearing full jeans today as opposed to capris. Had to switch to winter weight stuff sooner or later. so I am sure that accounted for a #.

Rose- WTG on the loss!!!!!!!!!:carrot:

Linda- glad you had an OP day.........sorry I do nothing fun with the jello except eat the stuff! Keeps me from being a very bad girl.
Back to work.........sorry to be brief.
Ginny

Hi everyone, I just typed the entire chili recipe and LOST it, how annoying. I'm out of time and will type it in tomorrow or the next day. Sorry!
I'm going away for the day tomorrow so might not be able to do it until Sunday.
Linda

Hi all...I think this is the 5th time I've tried to post...keep getting interrupted!

I've been doing so-so the past few days. It's kind of one of those things where you just get so busy you don't get a chance to eat all day, and then when you do, you are so stinkin hungry you overeat. I also had two pieces of apple pie today...opps. Oh well...it is what it is.

Just wanted to check in with you all...hope everyone is doing well!

Paige

Paige, I know where you are coming from. I ate a chocolate chip cookie yesterday, and had a beer. What was I thinking? It was the weekend, I am usually sidetracked on weekends. At least it was a lite beer and I did have flex points for the day and used them.
I'm going to start a new thread for us, will be back here to post the link so we don't lose anyone. This one is getting so long that I think it's affecting postings!
B right back and I'll also post the chili recipe!
Linda

Here is our new thread link:
http://www.3fatchicks.com/forum/showthread.php?t=95535
I hope this post works, I think we are full here postings are not coming through!!!!
Linda