Hello Ladies!

Miss Uber *never give up* is BACK!!! Miss Loud, Diane, and Toasted, I'm so happy to see you guys still working it. Hello to anyone who doesn't remember me.

So, you all may remember that I live with my mom and my dad as well as two of my kids and my DH commutes back and forth from the other coast. My dad died in November and I thought I was coping for a while there but soon enough, I went completely and thoroughly OFF THE RAILS.

Yes, I have regained. But it could be worse as I have been exercising a lot more than before, so I'm in a good position to start up again.

The main thing I have to face it that I've gone back to a previous bad habit of nighttime eating. For years, I never ate at night. Then I started about eighteen months ago because I was under a lot of stress. I broke the habit until after my dad died and now I'm back at it.

I did weigh in today-- fully clothed, so I have an idea of how much damage I've done, but I'm going to do an "official" weigh in and change my ticker tomorrow.

Uber its so great to see you back!!! Fighting the good fight is hard but you've started and that's the hardest. Loosing your dad would have left a huge whole, I'm still trying to find my way after my brother died and thats coming up 2 years! Hugs to yah

I'm still plugging away, I haven't lost anything since Christmas, just gained and lost the same 6 pounds - for some reason I keep shooting myself in the foot. I'm back at my lowest so I'm hoping a bit of scale action soon. But of course I had a bad day yesterday foodwise!! We had a day out with the kids and I kept it in check but a potluck tea sent me over the edge, had to try everyones right? And dessert, oh and 3 ciders ;) so who knows what the scale will say! Back on track today and a fast day tomorrow, which I have promised myself I will stick too. I know I shouldn't put so much sway on good scale numbers but I need it at the moment

Okay so its not about me lol

Now Toasted Wordys not the only one to think maybe Mr can I run with you might be just using it as an excuse cos he likey likes you ;) just saying. Although I'm with you on the exercising alone thing its seems to be the only time I get a quiet moment with 2 little boys and I crave that. Bumped into my mum while I was out waking Hank and I was a little disappointed because I had to listen to an hour of weight loss tips and you can do its instead of the birds in the trees and the river *sigh* I did get in an hours sewing though :) happy days.

Oh what did I say about it not being all about me lol!! You ladies really are doing awesome though who needs me! I'm going to ride on in on your coat tails xx

Hi all. Didn't make it on here yesterday. It was a busy day yesterday, with a lot of workout stuff. I ended up skipping running on Friday, because the weather was just too bad. I had planned to go home (since I forgot my running stuff anyway), and then go back into town to the gym for some treadmill running. Well, being home was too much of a good thing, so I decided to just stay home. Yesterday, I made up for it. I went to Body Pump, and then Body Flow in the morning. They were great workouts and I felt so good. Then, did the running around, groceries, etc, and went home to do laundry and stuff. I knew I kind of had a hangup with running on the treadmill at the gym, so later in the day, I grabbed my stuff and went to the gym just to see how I could do there. The thing is that the last time I tried running there, it was a disaster. That was a long time ago, though, so thought I'd try it. I'll tell you, it was amazing this time. I started kind of weak, but then got into my groove. The treadmill reset itself part way through, so I'm not completely sure of the exact mileage, but it was somewhere around 3 miles. I felt so good to be able to keep running the whole time. I was sweating like crazy, but I didn't feel like a fool out there, I actually felt like a runner. Ha!

Admittedly, today I'm paying for it all somewhat. My legs are very tired. I had a little trouble last night with sleeping since they were sore. But I'm glad I got it in.

Uber: So glad to see you back here!!! I knew that you're dad had died, and I figured that it was a lot to deal with, and I understood why you took a break. But I also knew you'd be back. At least I hoped you would be back!! You can now start working on getting back to being on plan, and breaking those bad habits! It's so hard to avoid them!!! But, I am so happy to see you!!! :)

Wordy: Good for you on your exercise! I read something a while back that was explaining that running doesn't necessarily have to hurt your knees, but that it can actually keep them stronger. But, you have to build up your time/distance slowly. So, I think you'll get there. It will probably take some patience, but you're doing so well!!!

MissLoud: Oh, I totally get you on the scale obsession. I can't leave it alone either. I try to just keep to two times a week, with only one of those being the official weight. Even though you might have been off plan for food one day, it sounds like you are getting right back on track. That's a great attitude!!

I am back!

Hi, Everyone:

To those of you who don't know me, let me introduce myself. In 2009, I lost about 55 pounds; one of the things that helped me the most was the support I received on 3FC. I gained the 55 pounds back, plus about another 20 pounds. I came back to 3FC off and on, and last year found this lovely group.

I posted here for a few months, but really could not find my "mojo" I would lose a little, gain it back... I was struggling. I think my last post was right before I took a quick trip with my daughter in early November.

At the end of that trip, shortly after my daughter and I landed at the airport, we went to dinner with my parents where I proceeded to pass out. When I came to, I was pretty disoriented. I went to the emergency room, and fortunately, they could not find anything wrong with my heart. A follow up to a neurologist hasn't uncovered anything serious either, which is good.

Since November, though, I gained an additional 14+ pounds (making my total weight gain since 2010 a whopping 91 pounds, which is hard to believe). I honestly just let go. I stopped coming here for the most part, although I did read some of the posts occasionally. About a month ago, I finally felt like I was at the point where I could and must do something about my weight and, more importantly, my health. I am happy to report that I have lost 13 of those 14 pounds in the last three weeks and am feeling motivated. Based on my past experiences, including my most recent struggles, I know that motivation comes and goes and the trick for me is to keep going even when I don't feel motivated.

I am happy to see so many of you that were here months ago still plugging away. You continue to inspire me! Uber, I am so glad to see that you are here again as well. I am sorry about your father.

Well, that's all for now. I am happy to be back!

LotusMama

Wow look at everyone coming back to the fold! So lovely to see you back Lotus sorry to hear about your health scare, it would have given you a real fright, and yay 14 pounds!

Geez Diane you are really killing the running at the moment, go you. I have a serious aversion to gym so much admiration to yah. And just look at your ticker sooo close to the teens exciting ;)

So good day yesterday, foodwise and excercise, yummy venison for tea. Its the roar so dad has filled our freezer with venison - yay free food! I'm not surre whats its like where you guys are but everything seems to be getting dearer! We are on one income and we struggle, if I didn't have a big garden and home kill meat I just don't see how we could eat healthy. I'm the queen of cheap eating lol

I think my funk is lifting, I'm going to book in for a hair cut this week to to see what they can do with this mop. From my research, dr google, looks like the hair loss is from the quick weight loss last year, I had it after I had the boys too - just seems to be my bodies way of dealing with stress, great ;) Its growing back so maybe I shave it.

Thanks, MissLoud--it is good to be back. This is such a great group!

Glad to hear that your funk is lifting--keep on keeping on.

Hey guys, I'm so excited uber and LotusMama are back!!! Squeeee! Awesome! My weekend was... o-kay, I suppose. I'm still struggling with gastritis-like symptoms, feeling a burning in my stomach when I don't eat, and then feeling nauseated for hours and overly full when I do. And one of my favourite things in the world, meat, seems to make my symptoms worse. So you'd think the rational thing, "oh it must be really easy for Toasted to stay on track because she can barely eat anything comfortably." Ha. If only! Comfort eating, galore! And then wallowing in discomfort later. #sigh I'm doing okay with exercise though. So there is that! I'm taking joy in the little things. Something is ALWAYS better than nothing so I'm grateful that I'm doing something with exercise and still trying with food!

Wordy: Yay with the running even in the unpleasant weather! You're doing excellent! But you're probably right to take this slow and build up to where you want to get to even if you feel you can do more. Praying hard that your body cooperates and before you know it you're back running miles! And yay the scale! Rock it Wordy, rock that scale! Also great job sticking with you recommitment plan even in the face of infamous Chipotle (infamous because I've never had it myself but I've read several American modern ode's to it's black magic yummilicious addictiveness). You're a rockstar! Keep going!

Uber: I'm so glad you're back. I wonder about you often and I'm glad to know you're okay. I'm so sorry about your dad's passing and I can only imagine how hard it must be and I think a regain under the circumstances isn't bad. And with exercise already up and running, you're already back on the horse a bit. Something is always better than nothing is my mantra. Nighttime eating is a beast. I had to give myself a "do or die" eating cut off time to overcome that... I know you have this though. The one advantage of being a reloser is knowing that we CAN be successful... it's just the putting it together that's hard.

Kelly: I'm so sorry you ran into your mom and had to undergo the unwanted weight loss lecture. There's very little worse in life than an unwanted lecture, but when it's about something sensitive like weightloss, nails on a chalkboard! You made it through without screaming so yeah, #winning And I know there are are some virtuous people who can turn down dessert, I admire them greatly even as I wonder at them, but I'm not one of them so I get it. Yay on being on the low end of that dreaded 6 lbs, you can do it! And btw, losing and gaining the same 6 lbs is MUCH better than gaining several bunches of 6 lbs. My 20+ lb weight gain (not followed by a subsequent re-loss) in 6 weeks last summer proves this and that's not even tackling the 2013-2014 20 lbs before that! But I get you about never wanting to see those 6 lbs again. Also I totally agree about weightloss making your hair fall out. I shed like a cat when I average 1200 calories. AND I have fine hair too. Hairstylists can work wonders so please let us know how that works out. My dream is to have a commercial micro farm and grow herbs and micro veg and berries- things that we don't grow normally where I am and are usually all (uber expensive) luxury imports... forget that I have a brown thumb that kills basil, in my mind, I'm going to have my green houses and do this one day. So I'm filled with envy and admiration that you grow stuff that actually feeds your family! That's amazing!

Diane: You're a runner, fitness warrior par excellence! I won't have it said otherwise! Even on the weekend! Two-a-days?!!! I'm in awe as always! Go you go!

Lotus: I'm so glad you're back and also that your health scare turned out to be nothing too bad! But so scary! And what a wake up call!!! And 13 lbs down from the highest is more than on your way! Motivation is a fickle master and something I struggle with definitely and this group definitely helps me. Just being around you guys pushes me if not back to the motivation train, to at least not completely go off the rails. In real life, I do this by myself and it's fine, but I doubt very much I could succeed without you all.

Alright guys... I was super late to work today #tsk because I skipped my run because I felt indigested but last minute decided to do a HIIT workout video and that through me off. Anyway, I feel like I need to put in at least another couple of hours into the day for fairness' sake even though it's nearly 5pm... I hope everyone is having a fabulous on-plan day. Be blessed guys!

Hi all! So good to see some friends returning to the thread!! That’s exciting! Had a good weekend, and I registered for the 5K race on Saturday, so I’m committed. We’ll see how it goes. It is a benefit race, raising money for a baby girl who was born with a heart problem and needs surgery. So, not super competitive, and I shouldn’t be nervous. So, why am I nervous? I guess not having run a race before is getting to me a little. It is definitely something I’ve wanted to do for a long time, and I’m glad I’m doing it. I don’t know that I’ll do it again, depends on how it goes. I went to Spin class this morning, but I’m altering my running this week. Normally, I go running on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, but I’m going Tuesday and Thursday this week so I can prepare for the race. I think that once the race is over, then I’m just going to work on increasing speed first, and then maybe add distance later. I think that I need little goals to keep myself going. I know that the running has helped with weight loss, so that keeps me going anyway, but I need to look past the scale occasionally. I guess that overall, things are clicking well for me again. It took so long to get it back together after letting myself slide a little over the holidays. I can’t let that happen again.

Lotus: I am so happy to see you again!!! What a scare you had! I hope that everything continues to go well for you, congrats on the 13 pounds already. Nice way to get it rolling again!

MissLoud: Glad to hear that your funk is lifting. It just takes some time to work through all of that! My family is big into hunting and fishing, so I have some elk and trout in the freezer. I really like having it on hand since meat is so expensive most of the time. For other meat, I try to just watch for sales. So, yep, I know budgeting and economy issues!

Wordy: Good job on the 7+ pound drop! Your recommitment is working well. I think that walking can be really beneficial, so if you are race walking, I'm sure you are really getting your heart rate up! I am not a fast walker, so that would be a struggle for me! Way to go!

Toasted: Sorry you are still having the gastro issues. No fun at all! Sounds like you are still staying in the game, though. Proud of you!

Thanks for welcoming me back! I have really missed everyone here.

Toasted: Sorry to hear about your gastro issues. I also struggle with them from time to time. In never really had gastro issues until the last year or so and they really are miserable. I hope that you can get some relief.

Wordy: Wow! Congrats on your weight loss! That is definitely motivating! And, great job on your workouts. Sounds like you are really hitting your stride.

Diane: I admire your consistency; you are so steady in your approach to weight loss and it has really paid off for you. I am also excited to hear about the 5K this weekend. Good for you for signing up! I have always wanted to do one as well.

Hope everyone is having a good day!

Hi Everybody! Thanks for the welcome back!

Diane A 5K! How exciting! Glad to see that you are still going strong with all of your workouts.

Wordy Nice to meet you.

LotusNice to see you again! Passing out sounds really scary, and gaining 91 lbs since 2010? I get that. But being down 13 is also FANTASTIC!

Kelly Glad you're getting your hair done! I know I lost SO MUCH hair with my 3rd pregnancy (I have four) and it never completely grew back the way it was-- mine was super thick and way to curly so honestly I like it a little better this way.
Toasted Thank you for the welcome back! Sorry about the gastritis. My daughter has the same problem and she really struggles with it. Hope you find a solution for it soon!

Well, as for me. I was really back to my old ways-- night-time eating, eating candy... and I am frankly frustrated about the whole thing. I wish I was the type to lose and then creep up... but honestly I have a real awful boom and bust cycle. I maintain a good amount of discipline and lose but eventually some life drama breaks my concentration and the next thing you know I'm not just not DIETING but you would think I was on a mission to gain weight. Then finally I reach a point where I just can't take it any more and I rope it back in.

You know what inspired me to get with the program? I got a Brazilian blowout for my curly hair and I was so excited about my pretty smooth locks that I didn't want to be fat anymore.

Feeling pretty good and ready to go AGAIN.

Uber--I am so happy to see you back! :hug:

I love Brazilian blowouts. I get them occasionally even though my hair isn't curly--it makes it so manageable and I tend to have a lot of good hair days when I have it done.

So here i am avoiding the chocolate hot cross buns in the kitchen ;)

Uber I have a time when the kitchen is shut for the day - 8pm so I go brush my teeth lol. I feel your boom and bust pattern though I'm definitely and all or nothing kind of girl ;) you can do this, you've done it before just look forward and don't think if only.

Toasted I'm so sorry your gastro is giving you jip. I hope it sorts itself soon

Diane you've registered for the race! Super awesome, are you doing it on your own or with someone. You'll smoke it!!

Wordy oh my from what I've heard Chipotle is awesome, me I had a craving for good old KFC hot and spicy - I know all class ah.

*Sigh* everyones exercising is making me feel incredibly lazy! I have great plans but I'm always beat by the end of the day, one of my friends is looking after my little one tomorrow morning so will go for a big walk and row tonight. Weigh in tomorrow dun dun dun .....

So greatful for a busy thread!! Laurie where are you?!

Hey guys. So yesterday went alright. I more or less stuck to plan and I had a good digestion day so I'm pretty thankful about that and feeling hopeful about today. I went running this morning even though I woke up feeling so tired like "no, not today." It's true what they say, I never come back from a workout feeling like "yeah I should have slept the extra hour instead." Tomorrow is "Weigh In Wednesday" but I'm not too hopeful. I'm super sore from my HIIT workout yesterday. I hadn't done jiump squats and burpees in so long, my knees and back are all "girl, you've lost your darn mind, what are you thinking!" In my mind though, one workout in with a few squats and my bum looks perkier so I'm not too whiney. Obviously, I know this is NOT true but still #mileycyrustwerk #orsomething

Diane: Wooot signing up for your race on Saturday! I totally get the nerves. It's one thing to KNOW you can do it, it's quite another to know you're ACTUALLY do it! You're going to be great though! I'm so excited for you.

uber: Yay Brazilian Blowout for bringing you back to us! I think that's great motivation. We're all to awesome to be limited by something we can change really! That's why we're here. Working on it. Because we kind of rock. And in some cases, have great hair as well!

Lotus: I've struggled with stomach issues for a bit but mostly latent issues that I don't notice if I stay away from trigger foods. It's only this year that they've become... well.. a pain! I empathise with you completely. Gastro problems are really the pits!!! But they won't still my joy! I'm also hopeful for relief. Staying on plan helps... but if staying on plan was easy, I'd be a skinny mini by now... #tsk How's your plan going?

Kelly: You have little people you're corralling. There's NO WAY you should feel lazy. I workout for like an hour and the rest of the time I literally (in the literal sense- because literally has a different meaning in the modern way) sit or lie down and only get up for snacks and toilet breaks. And I like it. I'm incredibly lazy. I'm the sort of person who lies 5m from the tv remote control and imagines inventing some kind of telekinetic system that floats the remote over into my hand... You look after your kids, walk pets, AND look after other people's kids sometimes too. You're amazing! Your "go" is all day. Everytime I babysit little ones, it reminds me how lazy I am.

Anyho... here's wishing you guys a fab day! Blessings to all!

Hi Everybody Thank you for all the welcome backs! I did the dreaded weigh in and it was (gulp) 273.:( I can't believe that I packed on 25-30 lbs (I was holding at about 248 before the regain) I didn't go up a size... but what I've noticed is that now (I'm 53 and post-change of life) that instead of gaining in my stomach butt and hips, I gain in my upper body-- arms and neck. YUCK.

So, a few reflections.

1. I've decided to focus on not bingeing instead of really focusing on losing.
2. I'm exploring mindfulness meditation as a way of working on my stress.
3. I'm considering looking into medication. I know that there are some new medications that are supposed to help with cravings.
4. I learned some anti-bingeing mental techniques that do seem to help me get the binges under control-- they work until I abandon them, but I'm working them again.
5. I am really SICK TO DEATH of this roller coaster

So, umber's current plan.

1. work on stress reduction techniques.
2. exercise daily for enjoyment
3. eat three healthy meals a day
4. No eating after dinner. Eat at meals. No eating alone. No buying foods especially to binge on.

Hi all. Well, I weighed in today and am exactly the same weight as last week. I'm ok with that though. I had a big loss last week and I was afraid of going up this week. I prefer to see the losses, but I really don't need any regains. Had a surprise TOM, so that made me nervous too. I'm not very consistent with those anymore. I wish they'd completely disappear, but that's not happening.

It felt kind of strange last night, not running. But I'll go tonight. I went to Body Pump this morning, and it was good. I'll have to be careful at lunch today. I didn't pack one, so I need to go get something. That can be dangerous.

Uber: Well, you have the weigh in out of the way now. You can move forward! I like your plan and I'm sure you'll do well with it!! I'm just glad to see you posting!!

Toasted: Yay for you, going for a run when you weren't sure you really wanted to get out of bed! That's the way to be! I used to use an avatar on myfitnesspal that says "You're only one workout away from a good mood". It is so true!

MissLoud: I agree with Toasted... you have a lot to keep you active with having a little one. Don't be too hard on yourself!! As for my race, I'm doing it alone. I had a friend that was going to do it with me, but she hurt her back and hasn't been able to get back to it. That's ok, I'd kind of like to do it alone.

Lotus: So good to see you posting!!

I guess since I was a regainer I should join y'all, right?

I'm excited and super pumped to get back on this lifestyle that is so rewarding in so many ways!

This is... oof, I don't know what attempt number. I've been trying to get back on eating healthy since late January but I was so tired with the new bundle of joy, and still in so much pain after a surprise C-section, that the last thing I wanted to do was to control what I ate. Anyhow, all these failures also made me realize what I was doing wrong and hopefully now I'm on the right mindset, like last year, to take it one day at a time, or even one decision at a time.

So... yesterday I think I was at my highest (or close) since I had the baby, at 202.2. This morning I had a peek at the 190s being 199.0. I can't wait to see what kind of love the scale will show me tomorrow! I know that on this high protein diet this week is crucial because I'm pretty much detoxing myself from eating carbs and when my actual weight in day comes around, on Monday I'll be a lot lighter. Can't wait!

But I need to slow down... and take it one healthy choice at a time.

:broc: :broc: :broc:

That's what it takes for me to regain control.

Hello! I'm a chronic regainer so I think I belong here. I feel like I've been dieting my entire life only to lose weight and then gain it back. This time I'm going to keep it off for real. I was doing really well for awhile and then got off the wagon and gained everything I had lost plus another 10 back! Don't you hate that? This time I'm not going to let myself quit. I have to see this as a lifestyle change, not just a temporary diet.

Hi Paulitens & kailpea, your preaching to the choir here! Until this time I have bounched around loosing and gaining the same 10 pounds. So here I am plugging away. You will find a lovely bunch here with awesome support.

Right I think the funk has officially lifted :) bit disappointed by the scales (just on a pound) but at least its down right?! and I got to change my ticker for the first time in an age! I'm hoping the loss wasn't bigger because of my upping my exercise, back on the rower and in between the kids both needing pee brakes and fighting over popcorn I managed 1/2 hour and 1km so was pleased managed a big walk with Hank today (in the rain :( ) fast day went well too. So yeah feeling good. Now if only I could work out how to change my mums record about the whole weightloss thang!

Diane: bummer the scale gods are being stingey at the moment! !!!

Uber: that sounds like a good plan - some sound a little familiar ;)

Toasted: eek jump squats, nope won't get me doing that, oh hang on I said that about running too - and what do you know I had a little bit of a skip around the bush track with Hank, and it didn't kill me. I am officially building the courage to go swimming too, lookout world aaarrrg

Right I'm off to bed cos I'm hungry :)

I liked what you said there -- I think the reason why I was doing so great even through half of my pregnancy last year was that it was my lifestyle. A lifestyle with one free day in which I could indulge in eating a donut, or eating a slice of pizza, drinking soda, etc. Last year I didn't view this "dieting" (I hate that word, by the way, because it implies a goal and a means to an end... and when you reach that goal and that end, then, what?) as "being on the wagon" and failing as "falling off the wagon" but as my life. The only life I have. There's no falling off of that. It took me a while to get there, and I'm working on getting back on that mind frame. I think I need to continue losing weight and being on this very strict high protein diet for a while to get the weight loss wheels in motion. I hope you're able to make this into a lifestyle.

:carrot:

OMG! YESSSSS! So... after I had my baby I was something like 195 or so. I was super excited because I was halfway down to the 180s (this is me being my usual optimistic self). And so I started dieting thinking I could magically resume where I left off last August or so. Well, turns out you need to get your little mind in the right healthy lifestyle kind of gear to make it work. In late January I tried for a week, I ALMOST made it to the 180s, and bounced back. Tried again. Bounced back. And I went like that for a few weeks until I figured I was just way too tired to put this on my plate quite yet, so I gave it some more time until baby boy would sleep through the night. Of course, knowing me, I couldn't wait until that happened because it made me feel like life was passing me by! Gosh, I hated it. So I tried again. Week after week. 5 lbs up, 5 lbs down between 195 and 200. Mid-March came around and I kind of gave up on the whole deal and my weight went up to 202. I thought about all the the mistakes I had made in all of my attempts, and why I couldn't get myself to make healthy choices like last year. I lost 40lbs last year! I never did that before in my life! I sure as heck could do it again. I know I have it in me. But it's not magic. I still have to work to make conscious decisions, to consciously make this into a lifestyle...

Anyway... yes. Sorry, I feel like I have so much to tell everybody! LOL. I'm just excited to be back.

And last night I ended up going to bed like at 10 too because I didn't want temptation to creep in. :lol: Those things usually happen at night.

Hey guys! Welcome Paulitens and kailpea!!!

Okay so today I failed at getting out of bed to workout. I kind of lay in bed and meditated instead. Mostly because I had a repeat of Monday's HIIT workout planned and I was scurred!!! And sore (still walking funny)! But mostly scurreeeed!!! Sigh. If I get home early enough, I'll do a walking dvd for half an hour or something. I don't want to spoil the week's workout trend. Yesterday's food went well, till I fell upon some soft-baked GF Salted Caramel Cashew cookies at about 9pm... which kind of spoiled things a bit. But I was a "normal person" about it. I had 2 (which is a serving). And wanted the rest of the packet. But just had 2. Yesterday and today so far have also been good digestion days so even in the general slippage from plan so I'm thankful for that and feeling really blessed. I'm on track for staying on calories today if I can just give cookies the side eye and stick with peppermint tea as my post-dinner treat! #sigh #digestiveteasarentreallyatreattho Maybe I'll do it up and put some non-dairy creamer and Splenda (yes I know but noooo!!!!!!!!) and it will almost be like peppermint ice cream... that isn't cold... or anything at all like ice cream. #sigh

uber: Sorry about the disappointing weigh in. At least now you know and have made your action plan which sounds great and is as usual well-thought out and reasonable. The best thing about falling sometimes is learning more and getting more information for our next battle and our triggers so we can have a better fight when we get up.

Diane: You're my workoutspiration of LIFE!! I read your post and I was like I NEED to do something, anything(!) today because you're so on it! What did you end up doing for lunch? I struggle with having the option of outside food too.

Paulitens: Congratulations on your baby!!! I think it's awesome that you're here AND that you're already so on it with getting back on track. I think sometimes we're hardest on ourselves but if you think about it you're doing great. It sucks losing the same lbs again but in a sense, that's that maintenance life and that's a lesson and an experience in itself! I struggle A LOT with this re-loss with maintaining the discipline of the lifestyle I had when I lost weight initially. I don't know why. It's not like I did anything except calorie count and exercise- but I don't know for some reason, maybe because I know what it takes, it's harder for me to be as much on my "best behaviour" as I used to be. And maybe that's fine because I'm learning real life lessons and no one... well most people aren't on their "best behaviour" forever.

kailpea: Yay taking the first steps to relosing. On the plus, you know what it takes and so you've already got your warrior boots and badges. The hard part is the figuring what you can stick to in the long run and what you can become a lifestyle. I think that's true for all of us here though. What's your plan of attack right now?

Kelly: Yay the scale! 1 lb is great! #HalfBreadIsBetterThanNone #ThingsMyGrandmaAlwaysSaid Ha about your skip with Hank! We'll have you running with us yet! #closetedrunner #intrepidswimmer #LookOutWorld lol. I need to do that thing with you and Paulitens where I go to bed early when I'm nightime peckish instead of "having just a little piece" which turns into a serving (or more :o)


Alright guys, so I've got to go. It's already gone past 6pm here and I'm hoping I can slink out of the office before I get tapped up for a last minute meeting or something. I have the oddest craving for cooked spinach or collard greens and yellow cake today. Not together obvs but I've been daydreaming about that all day. I saw an instagram post about protein microwave mug cake and I've got veggies at home so if I get home in time... #nomnomnom I hope you all are having a great on-plan day. We are so powerful, we can do anything we set our minds to guys!!! Wishing you all a happy and blessed day!!! HUGS!

Hi, Everyone:

Welcome to Paulitens and Kailpea--nice to have you join us. This is a good group, as you probably can already see.

Uber: Glad you got the weigh in out of the way. I was so disappointed when I got the nerve up to actually weigh myself after not weighing for awhile. But, that is behind you now and you can focus on moving forward. And forward you shall move.

Diane: I have to agree with Toasted, your dedication to working out is such an inspiration. I have to get back on it in terms of exercising; the last time I lost a significant amount of weight, it was the eating well plus working out that did the trick for me. I have to get back into that rhythm and your dedication may just be the thing that pushes me do that.

Kelly: Glad that the funk has lifted! A pound is a pound, plus look how far you have come already. I always have to remind myself when I am losing less/slower than I want that this is not a race. I remember when I lost a lot of weight in 2009/2010, there would be weeks that I was 100% on plan with my eating and my exercise and I would drop a quarter of a pound. It is hard not to get frustrated, but everything you lose adds up.

Toasted: Can I just tell you how much I enjoy reading your posts? You are both wise and funny. You asked a couple posts back how my plan is going? It is going very well and I am feeling good. Tomorrow (Thursday) is my weigh in day. Did you make the protein microwave mug cake? I am interested to see what you thought of it.

Has anyone heard from Laurie? Right before I posted here again, I read through some of the posts that I missed in my absence. There was a post where she said she missed some of the people who weren't posting and mentioned uber and me. I hope she is still around because I miss hearing how she is doing. I am also anxious to hear from some of the other frequent posters as well--there are so many good people here.

I hope everyone is having a good day!

Paulitens I couldn't have said this better myself. Really there should be no end if it's a lifestyle. Of course there will always be adjustments to the lifestyle depending on the circumstances. And you're totally right, Its so hard just to jump back to wear you left off! The mind needs conditioning!

MissLoud congrats on the loss! Any loss is an accomplishment and is a step in the right direction. Even if it;s not as much as you had hoped, its still not a gain.

toastedsmoke Ohhh, I know the feeling.... not wanting to get out of bed to work out. Its so funny because I hate the thought of working out. I hate actually doing the workout, but then after I'm finished I'm like, "yeah that was awesome!" Of course, the next time I have to workout its like trying to get a teenager out of bed for school: Impossible. It been tough for me to give up the ice cream and cookies. But at least you're exercising control. I don't think I could have stopped with the whole bag. My new favorite thing to combat and ice-cream craving is a frozen banana dipped in dark chocolate and then refrozen. You can also add whatever toppings you like to the outside. I added salted cashews this week. But you could add some peppermint extract to something like that. . . I don't even like bananas usually!

So right now I'm just trying to count calories but mainly eating a balance diet. I'm also trying to get 3 days of cardio in a week with two days of strength training. I just started nursing school and if its one thing I have realized is that I am a WEAK little duck and I need to gain some muscle if I am going to make it in this field. But I like it, it's such an active job and I've only had desk jobs for most of my life. I had clinical today and I loved the fact that I was moving for all 6 hours of it. But man, after my clinical shift ended I was famished and super thirsty. I forget to drink my water when I'm working with patients. Mostly because I don't have time to stop and think about it.

Hi everyone!

I haven't been around much because my mood has been off... just really frustrated all the time because I feel like there's something I need to remember, but can't... plus I'm hungry all the time, but end up not eating like I should, because literally NOTHING in the house sounds good, and if it's not the food I want, it's not a food I'm going to eat.

Trying to get back to my positive self, but it's tough. And I'm also having a hard time reminding myself that a little weight gain right now is NORMAL. and IT'S OKAY. I've spent so much of my adult life worrying about the pounds, that I'm stressing over normal weight gain. I'm supposed to have gained a couple pounds. That's all I've gained. I know some women who have gained 10-20 pounds by this point. I've gained 2-3.

Grr. Venting. Sorry.

Happy to see so many people back and active!

I've decided that since I can't focus on weight loss right now, but I have the energy back to do it, I'm going to focus on getting 3-4 miles on my FitBit daily (either walking outside or with Leslie) because I need to keep my fitness on track over the next 6 months.

I hope you all are having a great day. :)

Hi all! Running was awesome last night! It was a really nice day and it just felt so good. Had a little bit of weirdness at the parking lot afterward, but overall it was good. An old, scruffy guy came up to me afterward, wondering if I had any cigarettes. What I wanted to say was that he might try hanging out somewhere other than a running/walking/biking trail if he's looking for a smoke. Whatever. Went to spin this morning and it was a little tough after running last night, but just this week I've moved my running nights. So, just a different challenge.

Mandy: So happy to see you back! I was missing you! And, yes, you are doing very well with your minimal weight gain. I'm sure it is tough to see any gain and be ok, but you just have a different goal for now. Hang in there!!

kailpea: Welcome! Glad you are joining us. I'm sure that with nursing, you do have to be strong! Sounds like you have a good plan in place.

Lotus: Yeah, I agree with you. Just eating well doesn't do it for me, I have to have the exercise part too. And, once I made it past the really hard part of getting going, I know that I can't stop now. I would really miss it.

Toasted: Sounds like you are getting better and better with your stomach issues. Oh, and I ended up getting some rolled tacos. Not the best choice, but also not the worst. I stayed away from the bakery, so that's a win.

Paulitens: Welcome to the group! I think that with you taking it one step at a time, you are setting yourself up for a big win!!

MissLoud: Good for you for losing the pound! That is a great thing!

Thank you all for the warm welcome and the good wishes! I love 3FC, I've been around for a while but I've never joined this particular thread. I didn't even think about what the title meant. :lol:

Now I might be about to face the biggest challenge yet (since I started, three days ago :lol:): I go to school on Wednesday evenings so my husband usually orders pizza or something for dinner. Before I got into this healthy lifestyle, I would be all for it (duh, it's pizza!), and even if I was "watching" what I ate, I'd still take that break. Well, that's no more. But my husband still got me a Domino's chicken and bacon sub. One of those scrumptiously greasy subs of theirs. I opened the fridge to get me a protein shake and there it was, in all of its glory. I hope he takes it to work tomorrow, the sub, and all the leftover pizza. I don't care what he does with it (he got a gastric sleeve so he can't eat that stuff himself). I don't want it at home and when I told him I was back to eating healthy, I totally mean it. I'm not upset that he bought unhealthy food to treat himself and the kids while I was gone. I would have been totally fine if he bought just enough for them. But, bless his heart, he bought me my favorite sub because he knows how much I love it. And his expressions of love usually entail some food, just like this.

So... anyhow... I hope he takes it, or does something with it otherwise tomorrow is going to be TOUGH! Although, honestly, I don't crave it either. Like, I saw it in the fridge and didn't think much of it other than "ugh, if the thought gets in my mind that I want to eat it, I'm gonna have to fight it." Completely different mindset as my usual "Oh, there's pizza. I love pizza. I've got to have it." :lol:

I'm rambling. I've got to head to bed.

Hi, Everyone:

Just a quick post before I have to leave for a meeting---I lost 2 pounds this week. I am happy with that!

Mandy--good to see you post and congratulations on your pregnancy! How exciting!

I will try to post more later today or tomorrow.

196.8 this morning. Not too shabby considering I'm in my TOM.

:broc: :broc: :broc:

Well, the wellness challenge at work is over, finally. I won't have to wear my pedometer anymore. I'm still going to do some of what we had as part of the challenge, but at least I won't have to keep track anymore. Not sure who won yet, but I am pretty sure our team didn't.

Went to Body Pump this morning and I'm going running after work tonight. It might rain, so I might have to go to the gym. I hope not, I really prefer running outside. I had a meeting this morning, and they said they'd have breakfast. So, I didn't have my usual. Bagels and mini muffins. So, no protein, just lots of calories. Ugh. I restrained myself, but now I'm starving. Oh well. I'll know next time to just bring my own stuff.

Lotus & Paulitens: congrats on the weight loss.

Arg I'm ready to throw my scales out the window!!!!! Up 1.5 pounds today - how pray tell do you do that over night. I'm feeling light too so its weird and very frustrating when the scales are being painful. So I think this is officially a plateau right?! **sigh**

Some great losses though lotus and paulitens - jealous much lol

I was wondering how your wellness challenge was going Diane, does it show how you are individually - you would be rocking it!!

Well its a long weekend this weekend, last one til after winter, Its ANZAC Day tomorrow - which I guess its like US memorial day?! Remembering the fallen and marking New Zealand and Australias joint efforts in war and peace keeping. Don't think we will go to Dawn service, little kids and keeping quiet don't really mix ;) Off to get my hair done today so the funk lifting continues, I really wish the scales would comply - maybe a week of food logging would help, ive been excellent at fasting days and I thought pretty good on normal days but maybe I need to really see whats going on, erg I hate logging my food. Waiting for a whoosh ladies ;) xx

Hey guys, I just wanted to check in quickly. I started personals at work then got some bad news that my mom's childhood best friend/cousin died so I had to go be with my mom. Today started of not great with exercise but it's not been too bad with food and digestion. I was feeling a little self pity about not getting the exercise in (even though it's totally my fault since I get up early enough but don't get my act together) but then life is short, you either do or don't do and then you move on with life accordingly and try to do better at the next time. At least that's what I'm telling myself now. I'm still going to be a whiner in general. Probably. Just not today. Tomorrow tho for sure, I'll get my workout on! Y'all hold me to that okay? Stay blessed everyone!

toastedsmoke -- Ugh, I agree! When I thought it was time to start taking care of what I ate I thought "eh, I did this last year, I know how to do it. Piece of [low carb, sugar free] cake." But I was SO wrong! My mind wasn't in he right frame so mistakes were bound to happen. I made several realizations along the way but the most important was that I needed to be 100% committed and not have any splurge days for a while to kick myself into gear. I think I'm finally doing it. There's pizza in the house and I haven't as much as eaten a few pieces of Alfredo chicken off of its top. :cheer2: Today I was bored and thought I was hungry but I talked myself out of it. :cheer2: :cheer2: We shall see how I manage when the night comes. That's when all the cravings kick in.

Hi, Lotusmama! It's nice to meet you! :hug:

Kailpea -- Conditioning! Yes, that's the word, Kailpea!

Last year I did calorie counting with LoseIt! and I loved it. I still do, although my diet is SO restricted right now that it's pointless because I know all I eat is about 1000 kcals mostly of protein. Eventually I will get to the point where I can take it a bit easy and incorporate fruit, whole grain bread, etc., and I'll need to count. I think it's a great method to keep tabs on what I eat. But it can drive you bonkers if you're busy and aren't used to it. :dizzy:

Hi FeraFilia! I know that feeling of anxiety and craving something specific, and I hate it! :( But I hope that keeping track with your FitBit works for you. I love mine.

Slashnl--I hope so too. :carrot: Slow and steady wins the race! Last year when I started my first diet ever (really, I always started and when hunger and cravings set in on day between days two and seven, I quit), I learned to remind myself to look at the process day by day. One of the things that defeated me in the past was looking at the end goal and thinking "ugh, I have so much to lose, and I want it to happen right now!" and when it didn't, I caved, hated myself for it, and let myself go again. :mad:

Hi, Everyone:

I had a long day today. Glad it is behind me.

Paulitens: Way to go! You are starting it off right! I so agree with what you said about feeling like you have such a long way to go and then caving. I was feeling that exact way tonight (but I didn't cave). You are right--weight loss has to be day by day. Sometimes it seems so overwhelming. Getting past the mental sabotage is as much a part of this whole journey as eating and exercise, I think.

Kelly: Sorry that the scale didn't cooperate with you today. There is no way that you gained it in one day. It will turn back the other way soon. Have a lovely holiday weekend!

Toasted: I am sorry to hear about the loss of your mother's friend. If anything, times like these remind me just how precious life is and how important it is not to take anything for granted.

Diane: Are you getting excited for your 5K this weekend? I can't wait to hear about it.

Well that's it for me; I need to sleep!

Hey guys! Okay so my mom is doing okay with the shock now that the reality is setting in and therefore today is better than yesterday. I went running today as i said I would and I think things also look shinier and better and more possible when we keep promises to ourselves so that's good as well. My digestion is going well and my calories are staying within range and whilst I haven't lost any extra weight from last week, I've held steady at 172 lbs and I'm wearing a pair of H&M bell-bottom jeans that I haven't worn in like 2 years because my thighs wouldn't fit them anymore so don't quite cry for me, Argentina; April has been good to me, weight wise, by my slow-losing standards.

Lotus: I love your posts too!!! And yay the scale!!! Go go go!!! It's awesome when the on plan and scale stars align!!! Well done you! I ended up not making the mug cake because I didn't get home till after 11pm that day in the end AND probably unwisely, I'm baking an actual cake tomorrow but it will happen at some point, I know and I'll report here first if I'm a budding protein mug cake maven. Thanks for your kind words also. AND I hope you get to have a chill weekend.

Alright everyone, so I don't have definitive workout

Mandy: I think you're doing awesome with the minimal weight gain! You're practically Hollywood vixen pregnant with only gaining so little weight at this point! AND just think of all the miles you'll log working on your fitness the next few months, by the time your little one is here, you'll be game ready to zip around with your little one and chase after them when they're older! It's going to be awesome! I'm so glad you checked in. I've been wondering how you're doing!

Diane: I'm glad running is going well leading up to the race! That bodes well! It's going to be good, I'm sure. And as for still getting in your other workouts, AMAZING! I can't believe the wellness challenge is over at your work, it feels like you just mentioned it not that long ago. How do you think you did? I know you wanted to read more etc, were you able to do that? What parts of your challenge will you keep up with do you think?

Paulitens: Yay resisting the food temptation and talking yourself out of not great food decisions AND for the scale cooperating ESPECIALLY with TOM looming! #wooooot that! That's awesome! Well into onederland now for sure!

Kelly: I heard an earth quake hit NZ and I'm hoping you and your family are alright. I'm sorry the scale was being foolish! I had a similar thing happen midweek but I knew I wasn't getting enough water in and so I did better in that regard and the scale back down- maybe it's water. Your whoosh will come. Keep plugging away. The 230s are a real meanie to everyone! (My body LOVED 235, you'd think it wanted to marry that number on the scale!) You'll make it through!

So I don't yet have definitive workout plans for the weekend. I'm thinking I want to go running again in moral support (from a distance) of Diane and then maybe do the HIIT workout that laid me down again. Other than that, my plans all involve food. Which isn't ideal. But I'm hoping that by planning ahead, I'll make it work. I wish you all a happy and blessed weekend!

Well I blew the calorie counting with an impromptu lunch with my husband. Not sure how bad it was but I'm guessing pretty bad considering roast beef panini (I only ordered half so that was okay) and the fries. Maybe it won't be as bad as I thought. My husband and I love trying new places (Urbanspoon is our favorite app) and we went to try a little whole in the wall sandwich joint. It was okay, but not enough to blow my diet over. I should have gone with a salad but I'm always feel like I'm not really getting to enjoy the restaurant if I'm ordering a salad that I could make at home in two seconds flat. So I did an estimate in my fitness pal of what I might have consumed and I have 91 calories left for the day. I guess I should hit the gym after work! Afterward I'll come home and do most of my cooking for the week and I'll make my taste testing my dinner.

Hi everyone! Well good fast day yesterday, fully kept to below 500 calories but have promised I won't get on the scales - to demoralising. Also did my big walk again, and I don't know if we have esp but I bumped into mum again :) weird. This time she was prattling on about my sister inlaw, her other favorite subject. Got my hair all chopped off yesterday (looks awsome! No hiding behind a ponytail anymore) and a quick spot of shopping had me bag some bargains - a couple are a little tight but are going to look super cool when they fit. So great day. Although I've done something to my foot, its the same thing I did last time I pushed it alittle too far, hopefully will just take a couple of days to sort itself.

Diane good luck with the race! You should be so proud of yourself.

Toasted so sorry about your mums friend, I know if that happened to me I would be lost without my girls xx Yes there was a earthquake - nothing new around here I'm afraid (they don't call us the shakey isles for nothing) it was too far away to affect us, and was in a low populated area so everyone is fine. And well the 230s have been fun I feel like the scales are just laughing at me - come on whoosh where are you jokes over

Boys are up early so we are watching cartoons in or pjs ;) husbands still asleep. Time for a coffee me thinks. Have a great weekend ladies

Went to spin this morning, but I had to leave a little early since I had to go to a class. It was a little unfulfilling to have to leave early. It feels like cheating even though I only missed about 10 minutes of class. Oh well.

Then, just have the race tomorrow. It might be raining, so it could be a little challenging. I'll let you all know how it goes.

Gotta run now, though.

LotusMama -- Yes... the mental sabotage is everything! This is such a psychological process. And I don't know you guys but last year when I did this, I learned so much about myself! I was actually kind of amazed.

toastedsmoke -- I'm feeling kind of "meh." Next week is my last week of class and then I have to write a final paper. As usual around finals I don't feel like doing what I'm supposed to, and I feel a lot like eating. Today I was feeling that way and I ate a serving of crunchy peanut butter. Splurge of splurges for this gal. My diet is based on lots of protein shakes and it gets old not to eat solids as much, so I felt that I needed to eat something. And something yummy. And something with protein. So PB it was, with a spoon because I'm classy like that. :lol: That made everything better and I carried on with my day.

Kailpea -- you'll be surprised how a splurge like that doesn't do anything by the time the next weight in comes around! That's why I'm always good one day of splurges. They work for me; not right now but down the road when I'm well into this weight loss thing, I'm planing on having them. And they also serve as emotional and psychological relief because they help you feel like you're not absolutely depriving yourself from everything you like eating. :)

MissLoud -- makeovers and bargain shopping! I love that stuff! I can't wait till my body is changed enough that I'll need to buy smaller sizes.

Slashnl -- Good luck on your race!! :broc::broc::broc:

Hi all! Well, I did it! I ran a 5k. Well, mostly ran. Since I've been planning on this race for months, I was pretty nervous yesterday. I was just ready to do it finally. But... it rained. And it rained a lot. Did I mention that this "park" has a dirt path.... not gravel, dirt. So, it was a muddy, sloppy mess. And it rained the entire race, too. So, I ran when I could, but there were areas that were difficult to even walk on, with all the slipping around. At first I was a little miffed because it definitely wasn't what I had pictured for my first 5k. But after awhile, I figured it was just fine. I slopped through the mud, and finished. There are worse things that could happen, and since it was a benefit for a baby girl with a heart ailment, then I can certainly run through the mud. My husband was out there supporting me, and that meant a lot. I finished, not a fast time at all, but I finished. I went to the gym afterward just to shower, since I still had to go to get groceries and I live about 15 miles from town. It felt so good to just stand there in the hot water!!

Anyway, I'm glad I did it, I'm glad it's done. I don't see that I'll do too many of these races though. I like running by myself, on my trail near the river. The people at the race are very sociable, and that's just not who I am. But, proud to have done it. I'll just keep running, just for me now!

Paulitens: Are the protein shakes just to get you started on losing weight? Or is that just a part of your normal plan? I can imagine it would be tough just having liquids! I couldn't do it, I need lots of choices, so I just count calories without restricting too much. I tend to eat healthy foods, but if there are those days I want pizza or something, I just make sure it fits in my calorie goal. We all have to find our own way though, so I'm glad you found something that works for you!

MissLoud: Hope your foot is doing better! That doesn't help to have any kind of injury when we're trying to do well with workouts! Maybe you can get a walk in without your mom this weekend!! Ha!

Kailpea: Yep, sometimes you just have to live and enjoy life with your husband. Just get back to being on plan the next day!!

Toasted: Hope your HIIT workout didn't kill you!! Oh, and if you were supporting me, I hope your run was a little better than mine! You had asked about the challenge at work. I didn't do as well with getting in some reading, but I did cut out a lot of TV time after work. I will definitely keep up with the workouts, taking time to walk during the day and also going for walks after work. I just won't track it quite as much. My boss said that we're going to let it go for May, but she is coming up with something else for June. Should be fun!

Lotus: So how is your weekend going? You had said you had a long day, so hopefully the weekend is treating you well!

Well, now I'm resting until Monday. I feel pretty darn tired!! Some of it is just the relief of having the anticipation over. I'm way more relaxed now than I was last night. Have a great weekend.

Diane--Yahoo! I thought about you this morning. Congrats on running your first race! If you ever decide to do another one it will likely be way easier than running in mud. What a great accomplishment!

Congrats on your race Diane - bummer about the rain and mud.

Now I've been very lazy this weekend my foot is still sore and its raining so just not motivated! I'm doing good on the food front though, although I just have a feeling the scales are going to be mean... need to get over it though right?! My husbands dad and wife are over from Oz this week, so will be great to see them but I know it will mean social drinking and eating again :) will stick to plan. Right need to do some baking for tomorrow as I'm looking after my friends kids again - 3 2year olds and 2 4year olds, you'd be amazed at what they can eat!