Good morning!

Diane - The dry needling sounds deeply unpleasant. I am glad you are getting treatment, though. Also very glad you're here and that you're still progressing toward your goals. And thank you for your kind words. They always mean a lot, but especially when I am struggling. I am hopeful that your PT will work both quickly and well.

Carter - Scale progress is not totally linear, but you are still making great (and fast) progress. I am so glad to see it! And I love that your posts seem to indicate you have taken on the rhythm of long-term weight loss and maintenance. Pretty chill about things that might trigger a freak-out for a newbie, but definitely focused forward. I also appreciate the patience with my whiny posts. It makes so much difference.

I did not want to run yesterday. I have a brief due -- my first brief in federal appellate court -- and I wanted desperately to just stay at work and pound it out. I kept getting interrupted all day yesterday with other issues, and the afternoon sort of slipped away. I never leave on time, but I committed myself to doing so and drove straight to the gym, where, to my relief, all the treadmills were taken. I just did not want to run. But I decided to change into my work-out clothes and wait five minutes before giving up. After I had changed, two treadmills had become available. And you know what? Despite my attitude, I could still run. I had committed to 4.75 miles steady state running, and allowed myself to pace at 5.0 mph instead of 5.2 mph. Once I got to 4.25 miles, I decided it would be ridiculous to quit just .25 miles shy of 5, so I committed to do 5 miles. Then, I decided to do a bonus .25, and cranked the speed up to 6.0 mph for the last minute. I ran 5.25 miles in 62:46, with an average pace of 11:57 per mile, or just slightly more than 5.0 mph. If I can maintain that pace for 13.1 miles, I will finish my half marathon. I still have a little over four months to train to be able to increase my mileage. This is starting to look more than just possible. I might even call it likely that I will do this.

Food was also way, way better yesterday. Maybe part of it was that my period ended. Whatever it was, though, it was much easier to make better food choices.

I am relieved that I seem to be on slightly more solid ground now. At least, the hooker in my head isn't telling me that I have always failed at this and will always fail at this. Today will be focusing on staying on course. Today is a lifting day, but the gym that I use when my kids are in judo is being painted, and not only would I have to deal with the paint smell, but some of the equipment will be unavailable. So, I am going to try to escape in the early afternoon to lift, and may just decide to work well into the evening, which means I will not have inappropriate food available to me. I also have been eating almost no fruit or veggies lately, so I am going to try to add some of that back into my diet. I have spinach, sugar snap peas, and blueberries at my office now.

It's gonna be a good day, y'all.

Good morning :coffee: :coffee: <-- I feel I will need a second cup today before I even get to work.

Laurie: Your running stamina impresses me (even has me a little envious). I hope yesterday went according to plan, that you got your workout in and stuck to your eating plan.

I'm very frustrated with my old fat body this week. I had to cut my strength training workout short on Wednesday because my knees wouldn't bend - too much pain and stiffness for squats, and I did not even try lunges. It made me miserable. Yesterday was supposed to be a running day but I was short on time and truthfully still frightened by how recalcitrant my knees had been the day before, so I just did 30 minutes on the elliptical. Today is supposed to be another strength training day and I'm afraid of what I will find when I try. I used to be so strong. I'm built like a wrestler and I used to be strong as an ox. :(

This weekend I have a houseguest. When this particular friend visits we usually cook together, but this time, we have tickets for a music event on Saturday so there might not be time for cooking. Which also means there might be a lot of dining out for me this weekend, which will be challenging. I'll have to keep my eyes on the prize. It also means there will be no time to work on my writing project, which I have been too tired from my day job to work on much during the week (as I usually am) so I'm a little itchy about that as well. I do enjoy houseguests, and I enjoy visiting with friends, but I also do get cranky about the disruption it tends to cause in one's routine!

I wish good luck, good strength, and a good weekend to all.

Carter - I know exactly what you mean about social engagements! At the time I make them, I'm always so excited. But as they approach, I start to worry about the time commitment. It sounds like it will be lots of fun, though, and as challenging as eating out can be, I also know you have the tools and the commitment to tackle it, if that's what you choose. Of course, indulging for a meal or two is also a valid choice. I'm super curious about your writing project. I also relate to the injury concerns. I often don't know when to push myself and when to back off for fear of injury. Hopefully, your recalcitrant knees stop being so stubborn.

Diane - Hope PT is going well and that the stiffness is going away / is gone.

Mandy, Uber, Trazey, Bookmark - Hope you have a fantastic weekend! Mandy - Can't wait to hear about your inaugural run in those supa fly shoes.

Yesterday was not strictly on plan, but was not a disaster either. I stayed at work until 9:30 before finally getting to the gym, and then only did some half-hearted lifting, so it wasn't a great day for exercise either, though I did hit my 10K steps. I haven't missed hitting 10K steps since January 2, and that was because we took a 16-hour road trip that day. I feel good about that.

I think I am going to tighten up my food starting today. I started integrating more carbs/fiber into my diet (vegetables and berries), and I want to make sure I have those available. I am going to stop the Fiber One treats. They are delicious, but I have started eating too many of them. I am going to run today. I am going to do the intervals - 18 minutes running/1 minute walking x 3 and increase my pace back up to 5.2 for the running intervals.

Hope everyone has a fantastic weekend.

Lol. I'm ordering my treadmill today. I'm running nowhere though, until this sinus infection leaves. But the shoes are crazy comfortable and feel like they belong on my feet. I wore them for an indoor aerobics workout a couple days ago and they felt pretty good!

Hey all. Not much to report. Busy day at work, too....

Still not working out, but hopeful that the dry needling on Monday is a good thing. I'm getting a little tired of this constant pain!

Good morning :coffee2:

It's been a funny weekend with respect to eating and plans. I was expecting a houseguest. Long story short, she canceled, but not until after we'd planned to cook a ridiculously indulgent breakfast on Sunday - that would be today - and I went and bought the ingredients. But I'm not making the indulgent breakfast this morning without her, and that makes me worry a little less about the weekend as a whole.

Let me tell you all about the breakfast we planned: It was halwa poori, a North-Indian and Pakistani breakfast made up of three main parts: fresh poori (you might be familiar with this fried bread), channa masala (chick pea curry), and halwa (the south Asian kind, made from semolina flour and sugar and lots and lots of ghee). It's amazing. Well, my friend is going to try again to visit next weekend, so I will plan for the halwa poori then. I may not eat anything else that whole day. :dizzy:

What else? Laurie asked about my writing project. Well, after years of sticking strictly to essays, film criticism, and occasional cultural criticism for my side projects, something put a bug in my ear last year to try to write a novel. So, I'm writing a novel. It is the strangest, most vulnerable experience I have ever had. I have no idea whether it's any good, and I feel completely, utterly stripped naked and exposed when I show pieces of it to anyone - or even talk to anyone about it - in a way that even my most personal essays never made me feel. Oh, but it can be a seductive escape from reality's near-relentless buffeting.

Anyway, I wish you all good luck, good strength, good healing, good exercise, and a peaceful day.

Funny story you guys: Remember my snarky MIL who got me the shirt that was clearly too small and she hoped I could wear it some day??? Yeah, she saw a progress photo, and sent me a $75 gift card so I could buy a new outfit. Crazy woman. But I used it for new sports bras, so the running will be easier. :D

Starting to feel better, but not 100% yet. Hoping when January leaves it takes all the sickness with it.

Have a great Sunday!

Mandy - Yay for the treadmill! That must mean that you shed those extra two pounds then? WOOT! You are rocking this. And yay for your MIL sending you a card. People can be crazy, but it's good to have her in your corner for whatever amount she can be. Sports bras are a great investment. I will run in just about anything, if I have limited options, but I won't run without a sports bra.

Diane - Yes. The pain needs to just be done for you. Dry needling does not seem all that pleasant, but I hope that it's effective for you.

Carter - A novel? That is fantastic. I have often imagined writing a novel, and have even gone so far as to plot one out. But to move from that to actually doing it is incredible. The breakfast sounds delicious. Hopefully, you get to make it next week and enjoy it, but balance it out so that you keep moving forward. I have no doubt you'll do this successfully.

I went to the gym on Saturday morning for my weekly fitness class with a couple of my friends. They are just starting a new fitness regimen, and so the videos we select are typically not very challenging. So, I decided that since I was at the gym, in my gym clothes, that I might as well make up the run I missed last Monday. So, I did. I decided to challenge myself by increasing the speed ever so slightly (5.0 to 5.1 mph), and seeing if I could increase the distance. I surprised myself by running 6.3 miles - officially finishing my 5K210K program early. 10K, baby, in the books. And I only took a single breathing break. I don't know why or how I was able to break through struggling to even finish a mile at the beginning of January (though I did run my "graduation" 5K on January 3) to having some decent endurance now, but I will take it.

Food was good until yesterday, and it was pretty disastrous yesterday. But I am on track this morning. I seem to struggle whenever I hit milestones, which I think is odd. I weighed in yesterday morning at 163.6. In April, when I restarted all of this, I had gotten up to 263. So, to celebrate my 100 pounds lost, I guess I decided to try to gain it all back yesterday.

Today is good so far, though. I quit my FiberOne treats, have small portions of veggies and fruit stocked at work, as well as lean protein. And I have a gap in my afternoon schedule when I can go for a run. I am going to try to increase pace today. I am going to run 6.0 mph, but do walking intervals.

Hope everyone is having a great start to a beautiful week.

Just a quick note. I should write more, but just not much to say. Just dealing with my back/neck. I went in today to see about the "needling". The guy that does it said that he thought we should try traction first. So, I was hooked up to this traction device. Then, he did some deep massage that has me sore right now. I go back on Wednesday for more torture. So over it.

Good morning all. :coffee:

Well it has been a wild few days, scale-wise. Up as high as 197 for no discernible reason, then back to 196 (I've been living between 195-196 for pretty much two weeks), then this morning, suddenly down to 194. (Oh, my period started last night, I am sure that had something to do with all of this.) So I get to finish up January with a number that pleases me tremendously.

So, since Jan 1, I have not had a single binge. I have overeaten at a couple of meals, but not outrageously so, and always with awareness and deliberate choice. I have twice had two drinks when one would have done fine. And I've lost 8 pounds, which is not a total I can ever expect to see in a month again but is great fun for a first month back on plan.

How was your first month of the new year?

What really puzzles me is that I don't know what changed. I struggled and struggled with binging and overeating. I kept thinking I wanted to get it under control but I kept not actually getting under control. I don't know what switch flipped on Jan 1 that made it possible for me to just stop binging. That's all I did, I just stopped. Very strange.

Well, as one of my professors used to say, moving forward ever onward.

KayG, welcome to the thread. I understand wanting to make sure you're really in it before standing up and saying hello. I thought I had done the same thing, but I looked back recently and saw that I resurfaced on Jan 4. So much for keeping a low profile. :dizzy: Anyway good luck and good strength going forward. You got this.

Diane, ouch ouch ouch. I'm so sorry you are still suffering with this. NO fun at all. :(

Laurie, congratulations on the 10k milestone. That's really superb. I also have a feeling you've done yourself a favor by ditching the Fiber One bars for now. I struggle a lot with snacks that are too tasty, even if they are "good" snacks with lots of protein and so on. It's just too easy to eat them for entertainment, and not really be honest with myself about whether I'm really too hungry to just wait until mealtime.

Mandy, I love the equipment collection you are putting together. Get better fast so you can get to using it all!

Diane - I looked up dry needling. It does not look like fun. The traction device sounds challenging as well. Deep tissue massage can be great -- but it can also be pretty painful. I do not blame you for being "so over it." It's just one of those things where you go and do it because there's not any other good option, and I genuinely admire you for just going in and doing it. But I hope something works, and that it works quickly with a minimum of pain.

KayG - I am so glad you decided to post! You're in good company -- I think all of us have had lots of setbacks and restarts. And we're all still in the fight. But I think we're all around 50 pounds (or more) down from our highest weights, and most of us have maintained those losses for some time. It's something I like to remind myself of when I get into a "Why am I doing this? I will never win this war." Thank you for your kind words about my loss. I'm good at losing fast, but I'm also good at gaining fast. That's actually why I love this group. None of us see someone else's loss and assume it will be permanent. We all know the work that goes into maintenance. So glad you've joined us! And congratulations on your 47-pound loss! (Assuming your ticker is correct.) That's awesome.

Carter - I, too, find these things a bit mystical. I don't understand how some days, things just click and it feels easy, and other days, it's all I can do to stop myself from consuming the kitchen sink. I am so glad that you've found the formula for now, and that you're eight pounds down from your 01/01 weight. And a month of no binges? So. Awesome. February is a shorter month, so maybe two months in a row binge-free is in the cards?

Running is still going well. I ran for 5 minutes at 6.0 mph, then did a second (not impressive) interval of 8 minutes at 6.0 mph where I took a couple too-long "breathing breaks," followed by a final 5 minutes at 6.0 mph. I then did random intervals to make it at least three miles, which included a minute at 7.0 mph and three concluding minutes at 5.5 mph. I am feeling good about the running.

I ate too much last night, but I did well with food during the day. I miss the FiberOne treats, but am surprising myself with how much I am enjoying the added fruits and veggies. Gonna try to go to bed early tonight, both because I had very low sleep last night and because I don't do well with food temptation when I am really tired. I am also scheduled to lift tonight. Whereas I have been making good progress on the running, I have really let the lifting go. I am going to recommit to hitting the weights hard this evening. I have loose skin everywhere. Though I know lifting is not the "solution," I also know it helps, some. Plus, I like feeling strong.

Today's going to be a good day.

KayG: Welcome! Glad you are joining us! This is a pretty special group that benefits me greatly.

Carter: That's so good that you are finishing up January in a good place. You've done well this month! You should be proud. Sometimes it just finally happens and you don't binge. Sounds like you hit your stride!!!

Laurie: Your running is impressive! You're doing so well with that! Glad that it is clicking for you!

For me, I kind of had a mini-meltdown this morning. I am just so tired of constantly thinking about my back/neck and how it is stopping me from my goals. I had asked the doctor if I could try going back to workouts. He said to wait until after our appointment tomorrow. Sigh... So, it kind of got me this morning. I can tell that it is affecting my moods, my energy level, my weight... But, the good news is that after I got through the initial meltdown this morning, I do think it is better. I feel like something loosened up (in a good way), so maybe the traction is helping. I'll do more tomorrow at the appointment. I'd like to get the pain to subside much more, too. I am just shocked at how much this has taken me out of my routine.

I will be back at some point though. :)

Hi all!!

So, my weigh in this morning put me at 270.6... SIXTY POUNDS down. :D And holy cow, 15.8 for January.

I don't know what to do with myself. I feel really good, finally. And like I can keep the ball rolling. Maybe not as fast, because where did that come from?! But I am definitely more motivated than I have been. And I'm only slightly congested now, so when the treadmill gets here tomorrow I can set it up and christen it immediately!

SO EXCITED for the next few months of this weight loss endeavor. I can do this. I'm gonna rock it and knock February right out of the park!

Good morning!

So much good news on this page today.

KayG - Yay for January restarts and for (hopefully) hitting super stretch goals. And yay for the restart being when you are still thirty pounds down. This is why you are winning. And, like Mandy said, we are going to rock February. I'm impressed that you gave up sugar. I had a no-sugar January planned, but only completed about a week and a half of it. I think maybe you've inspired me to do a no-sugar February. Sugar is really, really hard for me to quit. But you gave it up, in addition to alcohol and coffee. You have no shortage of willpower, ma'am. Wow. Just wow.

Mandy - Could it be any better on the weight loss/fitness front for you? Excited for you to christen that new treadmill and those fantastic shoes. Hopefully, it gets there on time and setting it up goes smoothly, and that your winter ick is gone for good. And essentially "starting" something new and exciting, when you have reached a milestone of 60 pounds down. There is no stopping you now. That hideous MIL shirt is going to look great on you.

Diane - Sorry about the meltdown. You have more than earned it, but it sucks that circumstances pushed you there. Glad that you are feeling a bit "looser" and that you have another appointment today to hopefully get even better. I don't know if you find venting helpful, but I hope you feel like you can just let loose here with any frustrations you may be feeling. Doing my best to send healing energy your way. I hope this whole thing quickly becomes a story about how you continued to triumph despite this persistent issue.

Carter - Here's hoping February surprises you by resulting in even more weight loss than January did.

Rethinking my eating issues. The problem is that I eat too much sugar. I am too often attracted by my own version of the "Twinkie diet," where I restrict calories but have to do it by eating hardly anything nutritious because I am "making up" for bad food choices. My "no sugar January" did not work out well, though it did provide a needed boost. I feel ridiculous when I struggle at the gym to burn calories, then somehow, justify eating back all of those calories with a 10-minute binge. I can't do that anymore, nor can I continue to deprive my body of needed nutrients (micro and macro) so that I can feed my sugar monster. I can't even say "enjoy a cookie" because I don't really enjoy that cookie.

So - trying "no-sugar February." Ground rules - I am no longer allowed the FiberOne treats as an indulgence, but can have unlimited fruit and veggies. I am allowed to have Arctic Zero "ice cream," which does have sugar, when everyone else at my house is eating the sugar snacks. The ban also extends to high-carb, low-nutrition foods like chips and popcorn. 28 days. Starting with today. I can do this. (I am exempting the cookie I ate this morning. Because it's too late to choose not to eat it.) (Thank you for the inspiration, KayG.)

Running today. Glad that I have one area where I am genuinely feeling successful, though one of my calves felt a little bruised yesterday. I think I am going to try to make today my "long run" day, and I am going to try to push my Personal Best just a titch to 6.55 miles at 5.1 mph. That would be exactly half of the half-marathon. (I ran 7 miles in 2008, and that's my all-time personal best, but that can wait for my next goal.

Hope everyone has a fantastic day.

KayG - You are a great addition to this group! Thanks for adding your comments and positivity! Here's to a great February. The traction I am doing is while I am laying flat on a table. The machine pulls my head for 45 seconds and then rests for 15 seconds. It lasts about 10 minutes, I think. I have thought the same thing about those things where you hang upside down. My luck I'd be stuck there for hours!! Ha!

Laurie: You can do the 28 days of no sugar. With February being a shorter month, I know you can do it!

Mandy: Wow! 60 pounds is such a great milestone! You have done so well and you are so inspirational to us all! Can't wait until you get to try your new treadmill. I'm sure you'll love it!

For me, I went back to physical therapy this morning for more traction. I do think it is helping. I told him that I still have a little pain, and he worked on some muscle stretches that just about floored me... But I do feel hopeful that there might be an end to all of this. I am going to avoid the weights for right now, but I am going back to the gym tomorrow. Even if I do nothing but walk on the treadmill, I don't care. I need to just get back in the routine. So, hopefully good news is on the horizon for me, too.

I have to get back on a good food plan too. I've been off track for a while now and have gained weight because of it. So, I need to get back to good habits for the month of February. That will be my goal for the end of February. Getting back on track with food and getting back to doing what I was doing before at the gym. Hopefully!!

KayG - Wow! 16.8 pounds in one month is insanely good. Congratulations! And I know exactly what you're saying. Even when I agree to allow myself a "cheat meal," I often decide not to do it when things are going well. That's where I need to be again. As Diane said, you make a fantastic addition to this group! Hope you are able to maintain your rate of loss through this month. More likely, it will slow down, but it seems like you are aware of it and ready for it. You are just rocking this thing.

Diane - Your description makes me think of Greek mythology and the beds they used to stretch people out to fit exactly. Even though it sounds as though it's unpleasant, I am very happy that it seems to be working for you. And I agree with the commitment to just get in the gym, even if you're not able to do all that you want. Hopefully, this neck/back thing is just about done driving you crazy.

I did so well yesterday! And I know it was all about making the commitment in my head. I had promised to make cookies one last time before the official cookie moratorium takes place (I made them Friday, Saturday, twice on Sunday, and Monday -- that's not good for anyone!). I get so tempted by the cookie dough and the freshly-baked cookies as they are coming out of the oven and people are devouring them. But not last night. If I got dough on my hands, I washed it off. When one batch was baking, I cleaned to keep my hands busy. And I did not have to endure the instant regret or the feelings of sickness. I can't do it every day, but I gave the leftover cookies to our guests to take home, and feel like no-sugar February is off to a good, and important, start. I also ran 5.3 miles. Not my planned 6.55 -- I just ran out of time -- but I still feel really good about the day as a whole. Yay, February!

Today is a lifting day. They are painting the gym, and it is unpleasant, so my husband and I have been walking instead of lifting. But today is super cold. I am going to try to be a bit tougher and to actually use the gym. However, I am also going to plan for a disruption to those plans, and I am going to do some "at work" exercises, including some planks, push-ups, wall sits, etc.

Hope everyone is having a great start to the last full month (hopefully) of cold. Soon, we will be outside running! (At least, more regularly - I know you, Carter, are better at braving the cold than me.

FedEx is thwarting me.

http://www.3fatchicks.com/forum/5299134-post37.html

Just grr.

Good morning everyone. :coffee:

Still holding at 194. I really can't complain about that. Upcoming food challenges include: (1) A super-bowl themed party at my office this afternoon. My company's food-service contractors do these events for us about a half dozen times a year and they are really quite good - excellent treats and snacks. I think this time I will just skip it entirely. It seems easier to stay in my office than to go down there and try to just eat a bite of this and a bite of that. (2) The friend who was supposed to come last weekend is now supposed to come this weekend, which means the dining out and the halwa poori breakfast are at hand. More reasons to skip the party I mentioned in (1).

Mandy: Oh no, how rotten about your treadmill. I guess it's good that they asked if you wanted to accept delivery rather than just dropping it off and saying "see ya!"

Laurie: Great job with the cookies and the commitment. I am glad you are feeling better in your head about it.

Diane: Definitely a smart idea to keep going to the gym in your routine, even if you can't yet do the exercises you'd like to be doing. If you stay in the habit of actually going and setting aside time in your day for it, it will be that much easier to get back up to speed when your back heals.

KayG: I know just what you mean about skipping the planned treat when things are going well. It's one of the ways success breeds further success. It's frustrating to forego treats when you're not getting anything out of it, but after an awesome loss like you had in January, it can feel easier to stay on track. Oh - about the drinks - my drink of choice is a martini, and believe me, one is really enough. :dizzy: Also when I'm watching what I eat, the alcohol hits me quicker and harder.

Good choice, Mandy. Such a disappointment, but a very good choice. It's a huge purchase. You don't need something that has been so blatantly mishandled. Even if you can't see the damage immediately, it is almost certainly damaged in some substantial way. You've been waiting so long for the shoes and the treadmill. It's gotta be frustrating. Yet, it's another testament to your determination.

Carter - The "skipping it entirely" is a strategy I almost always employ for our company-wide potlucks. Though I'm guessing that your part might contain even more deliciousness, the company-wide potlucks here are insanely excessive. If I go, I focus on what I have decided not to have. And it sounds like your planned breakfast is going to be super-super-delicious.

I have been very irritable. I announced my cookie moratorium, and told everyone that I would not be playing Settlers of Catan last night. I let myself be wheedled into doing both. As a result, I got far too little sleep last night, and I did eat a few cookies -- just enough to make me sick. I came downstairs this morning after deciding "Screw it. I'm eating cookies today." But then, I did not eat the cookies. And I have claimed the day for myself. I have work deadlines that are making me crazy, and I need to run today. So, I will focus on work, and stay late, and run, and go to bed early, even allowing myself to take some OTC anti-anxiety meds. I have arranged for people to cover my kid responsibilities and told my husband he is on his own tonight. I am really excited about the focus, and acknowledge that my "me day" feels a little too adult-ish for my taste. (Okay - old-ladyish.) But neglecting responsibilities gets me edgy, so it's reasonable for me to address those needs.

Mandy: Yeah, smart choice in sending it back. Those things have so much electronic stuff on them, I would be shocked if it isn't severely damaged. I can imagine your frustration when you've been looking forward to it for so long.

Carter: I think that's also a smart call to skip that temptation at work. I count calories, so it is always a burden for me when I go to those things to try to figure out how many calories I had anyway. Typically, I just don't record it and you know what a terrible decision that is!!

Laurie: Ugh, cookies. I would have trouble with saying no to them. Glad you are reclaiming the day for you! Another smart choice!!

KayG: Congrats on the 2 pounds! That's great! Quite the walk you had yesterday!!!

For me, I did make it back to the gym. I only walked on the treadmill, but it felt good to be back there. It was time. I realized I had been pouting a lot about not being able to do what I want to do. That doesn't help. So, I'm just going to do what I can. We also have a step challenge at work, so the least I can do is rack up some step points for my team!

It made me regroup a little, too. I went back and listened to the song that I have quoted in my signature. This time I'm going to be stronger and, no, I'm not giving in! Day by day...

Thank you all for justifying my irritation! Ugh. I will be getting the replacement on the 8th (Wednesday) so almost another week to wait.

I was so grumpy yesterday that FedEx was thwarting my training plans, that yesterday afternoon I went downstairs and crushed a 45 minute cardio workout. It's a setback. Not a dead end. I'm not letting this send me off the rails.

My husband being home and on vacation and tempting me with all the yummy foods he wants? That's the hard part.

Good morning all. :coffee:

Quick check-in this morning. I managed the weekend with the houseguest - a couple of meals out, and a couple of nice meals cooked at home. I think I might have been fighting off a mild sickness, because my appetite seemed a little curbed on its own. I'm grateful for that, although not so much for how tired and aches I was yesterday, so that when I had a few hours to write, I wasn't really able to.

But anyway, the stars aligned for me well enough, and I showed a loss this morning, down to 193. I'm pleased.

I have attached pictures of the two meals that my friend and I prepared - dinner was butternut squash paneer, potatoes & eggplants, okra, rice, and raita; breakfast was, as planned, halwa poori and channa. (The dinner isn't so dangerous as long as one doesn't overdo it on the rice, and pretty typical of food I often cook. The halwa poori is definitely special-occasion stuff.)

Have a good day, all. Back into the salt mines today. :dizzy:

Carter - That looks DELICIOUS. Glad that you were able to "indulge" without it being a setback. Glad you were able to enjoy your houseguest's visit. Sorry that you're feeling under the weather, though. Hope it's a quick blip, and you are fully engaged in writing mode soon. Yay for your continued scale domination!

Mandy - Woot for channeling your FedEx frustration into crushing a 45-minute cardio session. These are the healthy ways to deal with frustration. I need to channel you next time I am presented with a setback!

Diane - Way to dominate your step goal! Really glad you got back in the gym, even if you are not able to do what you want to be doing. I am going to listen to your song, too. I could definitely use a little musical inspiration as well.

KayG - You, my love, are on a roll! Check you out - down two pounds already this month AND walking 5.56 miles. I am LOVING seeing you succeed so thoroughly. You are a great addition to this thread.

I was very productive at work Friday, but I admit to too much vending machine garbage. I was here until about 10, and made bad food choices. Ah well. I struggled a bit on Saturday, but was able to get back on track, and had a great day on Sunday. And, I ran eight miles yesterday at 5.1 mph. I feel like I could have gone farther, but I had a post-gym commitment and had to stop to make it. I think my next goal will be 9.3 miles - a 15K.

I may or may not run today. I have to finish a brief, as I am out of the office Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. I am headed to a warmer climate, so I may get an opportunity to run outside, though. That would be fantastic! For today, head down, focused on grinding it out until I can hit the goal.

Have a great week, everyone!

Mandy: Yay you! Killing it even through the frustration! That's awesome!

Carter: Sometimes you need to have those special meals. I'm glad you were able to have some! It sounds like the weekend was successful.

Laurie: How nice for you to be going somewhere warmer! You'll be ready to run when you're there and to be outside would be great!

KayG: Dang it! Scales are mean. Don't be discouraged though. You'll get it back down and then some!

For me, went to the gym today and did more treadmill. I did some stretching afterward and I realized how stiff I am right now. It will take some time to undo some of the lack of flexibility from being stagnant too long. I have physical therapy tomorrow. Hope it helps.

I'm also restarting. I recognize some names from when i was on here 6, 7 years ago. I lost 100 pounds then and did great for a while but then what with one thing and another... Well, you guys all know very well how it goes. Or comes back.

I've actually been (re)losing for 2 months but I remembered how great 3FC was for inspiration and support so I dug up my old bookmarks, actually remembered my password (!) and I'm back.

I'm pretty excited to be losing again and be back at 3FC.

Hey Everybody! Dropped in, made a comment, dropped back out, and now I'm back! Thank you all for the warm welcome! Trazey! I remember you! Vladadog! I remember you too! mandy, diane, carterLaurie

So, I've read everybody's comments, and Diane I thank you so much for your perspective on the WLS. I've been hesitant/skeptical about it for a long time. I used to work as a women's health NP and I took care of a lot of women post surgery and I saw a lot of people who were miserable with complicated health issues that no one seemed to know how to manage. Now my doctor tells me times have changed and that the newer procedures are better-- but I remember them saying the exact same thing when I almost got the Lap Band seven years ago, and now they don't recommend it at all!

That being said, I'm so big right now that I can't fly without a seat belt extender... and since I do have to travel for work sometimes, that is NO FUN!!!!! And there are SOOOOO many things that I would like to be doing that I can't do right now due to my weight! :-(

So, here is the world according to UBER right now.

1. I'm returning to the tried and true calorie counting and exercise that has allowed me to lose weight before a)record calories b)keep exercising c) get support here
2. I'm going to pursue the very low calorie medically supervised diet and hold off on considering WLS for now.
3. The hardest thing for me is the first 50 lbs... I can get down to around 250 and I feel a lot better than I do at 291, but it's hard to push below. When I get below 230 I start to see real dividends in terms of smaller clothing, more energy, etc. So I'm thinking that a medically supervised diet might help me push past that first 50 a little faster.

Right now, I'm in the HARD first few days!

Hello to all!!! And I'll try to keep up better now!

xxoo Uber

KayG: Congrats on the long walk!!! I hate it that you kind of have to pay for it the next day. Shouldn't there be a reward the next day?? Ha!

Vladadog: Welcome back! This is such a good place for encouragement! Glad you are joining us.

Uber: I think you have a great plan! Good for you! It is funny how what you said regarding the actual numbers plays along exactly with how I feel about my weight. 250 was so much better for me for how I felt than when I was 294. But getting below 230 is key for much better fitting clothes and sizes. When I actually made it below 220, I was amazed at how my body was transforming. Then... I gained some back. But, just gotta keep working.

For me, still going to physical therapy. I do think I'm doing better. I just want to be done, though. I have one scheduled for tomorrow, and I don't know if I'll have more after that. I'm going to tell him that if it is just a matter of time, I can do that on my own. I did go to the gym again today, and walked on the treadmill. So thrilling.....

Hello folks :coffee: <-- fresh cup of decaf at this hour

Things are going just fine on the weight-loss front - I really can't complain. Even after a slightly indulgent weekend, I am all the way down to 192 today - that's a full 10 pounds since Jan 1 - and I'm still not finding it too difficult to stick to plan.

Work is on the busy side. I skipped the gym this morning because I had nearly solid meetings today and needed the time to prep for one of them. Tomorrow there's a snowstorm coming which means a work from home day and probably not a great deal of exercise either. I'm sure I can take a trudging walk through the snow but that's the best I will be able to manage. It's fine; my knees have been complaining so a day off exercise isn't such a bad thing.

Laurie - working late is brutal for staying on plan. Dinner time rolls around and it can feel like it's either vending machine or order in - if you're getting stuff done you don't want to stop to hunt down a proper dinner. Also, I am pretty much in awe of your 8-mile run.

KayG- My weight-loss pattern always includes a small bounce after every whoosh loss, followed by sitting in the same spot for days and days. It's an incredibly regular pattern - I do not know why, that's just how it is, even when I've not strayed from my plan by a hair. So sit tight and those 2 pounds will wander off again, I promise.

Diane - It sounds like you are slowly on the mend. Hope it keeps getting better.

Vladadog - Welcome back! I remember you from some previous 3FC go-round or other. I'm glad you're losing again and glad you're here on the regainers' thread - we know how to slog it out.

ubergirl - It still makes me so happy to see you here. I know you've got what it takes, and it sounds like you have a plan to help bring that out in yourself. Since I got lots of insight from browsing your old posts a few weeks ago, I suggest you go do the same. ;) Remind yourself of your thoughtfulness and awesomeness!

I hope things are going well for all of you.

Wow, so many names I recognize. Which is nice to know I'm not alone with the regaining but sad because I wish none of us were back at this struggle. But we did it once, we can do it again!

Slashnl said: 250 was so much better for me for how I felt than when I was 294. But getting below 230 is key for much better fitting clothes and sizes. When I actually made it below 220, I was amazed at how my body was transforming.

which is soooo true. I'm down 40 pounds and my old jeans are literally falling off me and new clothes are fitting so much nicer, but I don't think I actually look any (or not much anyway) thinner. I bet my co-workers really don't notice much difference yet (although they sure will if I don't pull these stupid jeans up and find a belt...). But i know from before that another 10 pounds will really start to make a noticeable difference. Right now I'm in that "how can i lose so much weight and still be so fat" phase.....

KayG: Yay for the feeling of accomplishment.... Ha! Should be better than it is! And, yeah, I can see that I'll want to give up the exercises they've shown me, but I'll try to stick to them for the most part.

Vlad: Oh boy. I know that feeling. You work and work and work to lose weight, and you do lose it. But you still aren't where you want to be. So frustrating. But just think back to where you were! You've done great!

Carter: It is always good to have a rest day once in a while. I'm so happy for you that your weight loss is coming along so well. That's awesome!!

For me, I went to PT today. I do think I'm doing much better now. I still have a few issues, so one more appointment next week for sure. Maybe that will be it then. I hope!

Good morning threadies. :coffee:

I am pleased that it is the weekend. I've got a lot to do at work these days but right now I'm not at a stage where I have to work during the weekend. And now I have weekend stretching before me without much planned - I might see a friend, if the weather permits, and I have a chore or two to do around the house, but mostly I plan to do research for my novel, and write a little too.

Next weekend, which is a long weekend, a friend of mine has arranged a wee retreat for the two of us, in which we will hole up in a cabin in the woods and write. I suspect that will be a bit of a challenge, food-wise, but project-wise, it should be delightful.

As for weight, I was all the way down to 191 yesterday but have, not surprisingly, bounced back to 192 today, so I'm leaving my stats where they are. KayG, I mentioned my whoosh-bounce-hold pattern, and I think I'm entering a hold now. I'll let you know how long it lasts. It usually is anywhere from 5-10 days, depending upon my current weight (the less I weigh, the longer it takes). But I'm glad you're seeing those two pounds come off again. All the hard work you are doing will pay dividends, even if they don't show immediately - all the miles you put in this week do count, even if the many other factors that determine your weight at the 0.4-pound level are conspiring against you right now!

Diane, keep at it - so glad you are starting to feel better. I am looking forward to hearing about you fully healed and shredding your workouts.

Vladadog, I remember when I first lost from 275-225, which took nearly a year from 2009-2010, I was so frustrated by how little it showed. There's a story I have told on 3FC a few times, where a guy from my team at work lost exactly the same amount of weight at about the same time, and everyone was fawning over him, and I got almost no notice at all. But a switch flipped about 10 or 20 pounds later - my whole body suddenly changed, and I looked really different. It's weird how it works, isn't it?

Be well everybody. I'm going to go take a walk out to my favorite coffee shop to write in, about a mile and a half away. I have to get there early because it's right next to a university and fills up with students by midday. ;)

Hey Guys,

Well, I made it through the dreaded first 3 days which are always the hardest-- hungerwise. The first night it was so weird that I actually woke up in the middle of the night because I was hungry! (that's a new one for me!) I had developed a really bad pre-bedtime food routine-- I guess my stomach was just shocked that I was asleep and it wasn't full. I'm not being super-strict on calories. I was really in a bad food bingeing mode and so just cutting the crap and sticking the healthy meals is a good start. Luckily, the scale rewarded me this am with a 2lb drop.

KayG Ugh. So frustrating when you should be going down but aren't. And weird how we all have these patterns. At least for me, knowing that I the weight drops never feel logical helps to move past it. You're doing great!

Diane I think I missed what was going on with you. Injury? Glad you are doing better!

Vlada So terrific that you are down 40! I know what you mean about people not noticing though. I reminds me of my daughter who just cut her but length hair to just below her shoulders and nobody noticed. She was all disappointed-- but I think it's because it was still below her shoulders-- even in a foot shorter! It seems like it's like that with weight too-- people really don't notice until you're just half yourself!

Carter Holing up in a cabin in the woods sounds divine! I know myself that when I'm really immersed in work I usually eat less... Distracted!

Hope you all are having a great weekend!

KayG: Oh, those scales. It is enough to drive you crazy. Keep going and I think you will be rewarded soon!!

Carter: Wow! Getting away in the woods would be so awesome! It may be just a time that you sacrifice in terms of food to benefit in terms of writing. How cool!

Uber: I totally get that. Just getting to where you are breaking bad habits is a good way to start. Then you can look at cutting calories. I think it is a smart approach. So you know, I had a back injury and it has been going on for a few months now. It has knocked me out of my workout routine completely, so I'm very much over it.

For me, I am doing much better. I was able to do a lot over the weekend, and got a lot done without lots of pain. I think I'm finally in recovery. I have an appointment on Wednesday, but I'm going to ask if that can be it. I really don't want to keep spending the money, either.

I had planned to go back to spin class today, but my daughter's car is still in the shop. I needed to get her to work, so I skipped it. I am going to skip my Body Pump class tomorrow, just because I want to make sure I'm ok to go back to it. I don't need a set back. So, this week isn't my week to get back to it all, but I can see the time coming, so that helps.

Good morning, everyone!

It is so good to be back and checking in with y'all. I suppose I could check in with my phone, but I never seem to, and I don't really use my personal laptop much anymore.

Uber - I am so glad that you are checking in regularly now, and super excited you made it through the 3-day crunch. It is really, really hard to move from binge mode to on-plan mode, and I am probably 1000-to-1 in my unsuccessful-to-successful attempts to do it. But you know what? So long as we keep getting up, we are always winning, and you are now winning! I am doing a version of a VLC diet, and it is both tough and very helpful, as being at a lower weight makes it easier to exercise regularly and remember why going low-calorie is worth it. I would also second Carter's sage advice. If you get discouraged, you should read Uber posts. I know I do, from time to time. They are insightful, encouraging, and can really help me stay on target.

Diane - Glad that you're still on the mend. Sorry that you're on the treadmill work-out regimen. Ugh. But at least you're in the gym, and you're healing. Super impressed that you have the calories under control. You know as well as the rest of us that the scale doesn't always necessarily register progress. But it can be super frustrating nonetheless when it doesn't. Thank you for your continuing encouragement in my running. Can't wait until you get back to yours. I have long been inspired by your fitness zeal. Oh - I just saw that you ninja'd me! SO happy to hear that you're feeling like you're in recovery, even if scheduling has brought challenges.

Carter - A writing retreat sounds heavenly! I don't know about your friend and what she tends to eat, but that is actually an environment where I can thrive. So long as I have sufficient healthy(ish) foods available and not a lot of junk around, I do pretty well about focusing on the project and staying away from the crap. But when I have to negotiate someone else's food needs, it gets a little trickier. I am so thrilled for you, though, on your fantastic rate of loss and your continued stay in "honeymoon" mode. Maybe it will last until you've shed all of the weight, and sticks around well into maintenance mode.

KayG - Check you out with your lots of walking and your absolute determination to stick to plan. No wonder you're having so much success, even if it's accompanied by a bit of soreness. I failed on my Sugar-Free February goal, but I am going to do a three-day sugar moratorium starting today. It should be easier now that my guests have gone and I am back on routine. But I am going to think of your example when I pass the brownies that my coworker very kindly brought in, and know that I don't need that brownie. Not today. There will always be brownies if I ever really need one. Right, Carter?

Vladadog - Congrats on the huge progress you've made on your restart! I know exactly what you mean, though. I had lost about fifty pounds before anyone noticed. Then, it became the only thing people wanted to talk about. Both are frustrating, IMHO. Also - get rid of the jeans! (You'll find I'm a bit bossy. But I never take offense when people blow off my unsolicited advice.) It feels so much more comfortable (and makes it easier to walk for longer, etc.) to just go to a thrift store and buy clothes that fit. Or at least fit better. At 227, I imagine you'll have way more options at the thrift store than I did at 263.

Just got back from a little get-away with the hubs. Overall, it was a great trip, but I am worried the weight loss thing will cause conflict forever between us. I wanted to run outside, and he balked at either going with me or giving me the time to do it. He gets a bit insecure and talks himself into believing that I want to exercise to get away from him. But guess what? I don't ever like being with anyone 24/7. I need some space for myself sometimes. Then, he wanted to eat at very expensive restaurants, and after two days of this, I couldn't do it anymore. I don't eat enough at a single meal to justify a $50+ price tag. Finally, he told me that my boobs have gotten too small and my butt is now bony. Ummm.... when is a D cup "small?" And my butt is so disproportionately large (and always has been) that I always have a waist gap between my pants and my waist. And you know what? By our third date, I had told him that my weight has always been variable, so if he needed his significant other to be either fat or thin, he would need to be moving on because my weight will never be any of his business.

Okay. Sorry for the rant. Glad to be back! Glad to see everyone is doing well (or at least improving). February, baby. Soon enough, our days will be filled with glorious sunlight!

Hey everybody

So, down 3 to start. I'm doing pretty well. Not bingeing and not obsessively counting calories, basically working on the reset to break the fact that I was really just in a bad place before.

Carter and Laurie How funny that you read my old "uber' posts! It really is weird because I genuinely did think I had a handle on the whole thing between 2008 and 2012 and then things really came apart for me.

Laurie and Carter You guys both inspire me a lot!! I got to where it just seemed so hopeless and like I had FAILED and that failure was a permanent state-- so it's fantastic for me to see you guys fighting and WINNING.

Diane Sorry to hear about your back! You are so diligent about working out-- it must have been so frustrating to be injured! Glad to hear that you are almost better.

Laurie - funny you mentioned the jeans. I always wear Levis 560s (classic mom jean types, high waisted, uncool but after trying so many jean brands and styles these are the ones i like best and I'm comfortable in my uncoolness...). I had ordered a "new to me" pair off eBay. They fit tight but wearable (3 sizes down from my other pair). But i definitely had the muffin top happening, too. So I ordered another pair this time only 2 sizes down and they fit dandy.

I got rid of all my fat jeans and intermediate sizes back when i lost all my weight the first time but as i gained weight back i saved the jeans i was wearing at my lowest. I look forward to wearing them again. And I sure hope to someday trade them in on an even smaller pair!

I was only down 1 pound this week but at least i was down!

You guys inspire me! We can do this. And make it stick this time!

Good morning! So glad to see this thread so active!

Vladadog - Woot on new (to you) jeans that fit! And I love that you have ones that fit now, and two sizes that will fit (one soon, one a bit later). I actually got really tired of going to the thrift store, and just bought two sizes of black pants (my work uniform) and jeans so that I didn't have to worry about trying to get to the store when the current size got too loose to be comfortable. Yes, it's an annoyance to always have to buy new clothes because they just keep getting so loose. =) JK. It's a terrific problem to have, and I hope you and I continue to have it until we park at the perfect weight, never to gain or lose another ounce.

Uber - I'm almost embarrassed to admit how often I read old 3FC posts. It's usually when I'm in the mindset of "this is impossible," or, almost worse, "I am the only one who struggles." I know both of those things are lies, but it doesn't stop them from being overwhelming. Thank you for contributing your wisdom and your struggles to the collective knowledge. So glad to hear you've made it through the first day struggles and that the scale is rewarding you for it.

KayG - You so hit the nail on the head with the body issues. I was a DD before, and I'm really okay with having shrunk to a D. But I need good bras because I got a whole lot of stretch marks and some sagging going on. And the boobs aren't the only place it is happening. My stomach, my thighs, my upper arms -- lots of extra skin. I hope that as I continue to weight train and as my body gets used to the new weight, some of this will resolve itself. But I am absolutely planning on getting a tummy tuck, as I have had the stomach overhang ever since I had an emergency C-section, and I have always hated it. I have lost over 100 pounds in the last ten months or so and am appreciating the new sizes (normalish), my "hourglass" shape, the things my body can now do, etc. But I will never be a swimsuit model, and don't need to be. But I also don't need anyone (especially the only person who sees me naked) talking about my physical imperfections. And a pox on those yellow Reese's eggs! But at least they're only seasonal! A twist on Carter's mantra - You only have to fight them for a few months. Sixty days, to be exact. (Is that helpful? I'm not sure it's that helpful.)

I am trying to get caught back up at work, so I didn't leave for my afternoon run yesterday. Instead, I got in early, worked through lunch, and stayed late. But it was so nice outside that I couldn't justify complaining about the treadmill for so long and not taking advantage of the weather. I have a route by my house that hooks into a gorgeous walking trail, but involves a pretty steep, sustained incline about 3/4s of the way through. I decided to run it. I turned on my Charity Miles to track the run, turned on my timer, and started jogging. I could not believe how much I did not want to do it. I actually decided to turn around, but only after getting the steps I needed to meet my 11K/day step goal. It was not nearly as physically challenging as it was mentally challenging, but I did it. I ran 4.27 miles in 49:57, a pace just under 12-minute miles.

I also finally did an "official" weigh-in this morning. 161.2. A little commitment plus a little luck, and I will soon be under my ticker goal. I was actually advised to try to drop about fifteen pounds below where I wanted to maintain, and I may try that, so I still have a lot of weight to lose. I may revise my ticker goal to 140 or so, then again to 125ish. Right now, I think I want to maintain at about 140, but I also don't know what I will look like at 140 or how I will feel or what it will take to maintain that, so it's just a random guess. It's just crazy that I am, after so many years of losing and regaining and losing and regaining, close to hitting the ticker goal that I set four or five years ago.

Have a great day, everyone! We can do this, Vladadog. And we can make it stick this time!

Laurie: Glad you are back! Missed your posts! And congrats on the new low weight! I'm very proud of you and your commitment.

Vladadog: I am with you on getting the higher waist jeans. But, I am a mom, over 50, so it is all ok. :) You'll be at those smaller jeans before you know it!!

Uber: You're doing it! Getting back on track!

KayG: My Easter nemesis are the Cadbury mini eggs. Cannot buy those little gems, or I will eat the whole bag...

Doing well with my back and I'm looking forward to going to the PT appt. I'm thinking that I'll be done, so I hope I'm not disappointed. :) I didn't go to the gym today. I woke up with a raging headache, so I'll skip it now until Thursday. Hopefully back to doing my regular workouts. I am so anxious to getting back to my routine!!

hiya Vladadog! I remember you! and you're right, this really IS the best place to get re-motivated!

I'm happy to report I'm down 15 of the 17 regained and feel back on top of things. It helps that a group of people I know do a "no sugar challenge" starting New Years Day, we all put in $$ and the last person standing wins it haha if it's a competition i'll win it !! I can go longer without sugar than they can without booze LOL

thanks for all the motivation everyone, I love reading what everyone has to say!

Good morning!

Trazey - You came. You fought. You won. Congratulations on having your slight regain well under control!

Diane - Are you kidding me with the headache? You deserve to catch a break on the physical challenges. Really glad you're continuing to heal, though. Can't wait until you're tearing it up again.

Celebrating my husband's birthday, so there will be cake this evening. But -- I feel good about acing the rest of the day, and then enjoying a small piece of cake. My Fitbit died during my workday, so I had to run last night instead of strength training to get my 11K step goal. I have not failed to hit my 10K (which I raised to 11K about a week ago) since January 3. I wasn't going to mess up on that streak. So, I only got in a bit of strength training.

My goals today -
* Do some minor strength training throughout the workday - like some push-ups, wall-sits, planks, etc.
* Do intervals at a higher pace.
* No sugar until the cake

Hope everyone has a great, productive day!