Well, I am going to the U.K and Spain in 2 weeks. Chris's grandfather passed away last night and so we are going back to be with his family. I am excited when he told me but the first thing that ran through my head was, "How am I going to diet!?!?"

Has anyone been over seas? I have never been out of the states. How can I make this experience be a good one without gaining 20 pounds while I am there but still enjoy myself?

On Sunday I decided once and for all I am goign to lose weight and I went online seraching for support and that is when I came across this site again. I looked through in March but I guess Iwasn't ready to commit but all bets are off with my belly/butt/thighs etc.. I am ready to say goodbye to 190 and hello to 140. I started Monday morning and have been going strong. I am challenging myself like I have never done which makes me think that this time is different. Yes I sore and yes I am getting a little frustrated with what I should eat but I am going to finish. It especially motivates me to read all your goals and successes.

welcome Red!!!

I have been over seas a bit. My advice is to try and do the same as you are doing now, only eat until you are full, choose healthy options when you can. Basically just go into damage control really, and try and enjoy the trip (as much as you can when someone has died)

hello ladies!
I am so excited to let yall know that i am no longer in a slump! I just started WW. I lost 2.4lbs! i am so excited! Thanks for all your support and encouragement!

Wow - that did sound kinda bad. As I am excited to go to Europe for the first time I am sad it couldn't be under a better situation.

Welcome, A Red Head!

Congrats, Kam!

Taylor - Right after I lost some weight the summer after my sophomore year (got down to 163-ish), I studied abroad in Milan for 4 months, and lost 6 more pounds without even trying. Which is pretty much unheard of for me. I did find that a lot of the food was lighter, fresher, less processed, smaller portions, etc., but also, the attitude about food there is different. I had a roommate who was in Spain at the same time, and said something similar about it there. Basically, I would suggest doing what Iconised Ghost said, and you should be fine. Goodness knows you've worked hard at maintaining some really good habits. I bet you'll do great. My condolences to your fiance's family.

Taylor, I'm not sure about UK but I know in Spain, people walk everywhere and also use public transportaion so you should be able to get enough work-out. Like other ladies mentioned, remember moderation. And also condolences to his family...

:congrat: Sweetkam! I used to be on WW and although I could do online version only, it's a great program!

:welcome: Red, I think 3FC is another motivation. Check out different challenges, as it will help you to keep going, too. :)

Taylor -- Though it's sad that his grandfather died, it is very exciting to be able to experience a new culture. I agree with what others have said -- only eat when you're hungry, stop when you're not hungry anymore. Also, just get out and enjoy Spain!! It will be so different from life here that you'll want to see everything. After meals try and take a walk around where you're staying, and make sure you bring lots of water with you all the time so that you won't be tempted to buy some other beverage when you're thirsty from all the walking!!

Kam -- That's so exciting...keep up the good work!!

Red -- WELCOME!! We have similar goals/heights/current weights (though I started higher..) We can support each other!! At first I just tried to make good decisions for myself, but I'm finding it UNBELIEVABLY useful to track my food at DailyPlate.com. I was at a plateau for a while and as soon as I started using it, I saw results. I originally committed (to myself) that I would do 2 weeks really faithfully, then if I didn't like it I could stop, but I love it and have no intention of stopping!

So I was staying at the beach from Sunday until yesterday and it actually went really well. I didnt count calories or anything but I actually ate alot less because I had other things to do and I walked on the beach and things like that. I have a family thing all weekend so hopefully that will go well to. I also felt pretty attractive this week which was nice. Also I've seen people putting when they are out of the obese zone and things like that, how do you determine that? Thanks

So yesterday my tooth started hurting little bit...but it was bearable. Now, I can't stand it. It was kinda okay even this morning but now... OUCH!
I actually called the dentist today bc it was getting bad, but the only one I can make isn't till next Thursday! I did make the appointment but I really will have to call tomorrow and see if I can get in soon...like TODAY! If not, I may have to call different dentist and see if I can go there..

I can't even bite into anything and even if I put food in my mouth, I have hard time chewing... It's the one front tooth that's hurting and it's not sensitive or anything like that. It's just when there's pressure, it hurts. So even when I move my mouth, it hurts. My nose and right eye also hurt along with the tooth.... At least I can drink water...so that's good.

I joked around today and told my BF that maybe I won't be able to eat bc it hurts so bad and I will lose some weight. :P

ouch that sounds horrendous! I hate it when things go wrong in my mouth >.< If you get really stuck for a dentist you could always go to your local hospital...over here they do things like extractions cheap and on a first in first served basis

Ooh, I wish! Hey, maybe my tape measure is wrong? ;)

emc - Congrats on doing so well lately! I think you are referring to people trying to get from obese to overweight or from overweight to "normal" based on the BMI charts. These charts are generalized for the entire adult population, so of course they are not accurate for everyone, but they can provide nice mini-goals to strive for. You can find lots of BMI calculators online. Here's one: http://www.nhlbisupport.com/bmi/
Hope that helps!

Tara - Hope the tooth situation gets worked out soon! :hug:

Good night all! :)

Today was a good day for me. Oddly enough according to the daily plate I ate exactly the same amount of calories as I did yesterday....to the very last number. I thought that was cool. (God, I am such a dork)

I also want to leave for Europe with the least weight I can. We leave in 2 weeks and I want to loose 4 more pounds. I think I can do it! I had another excellent day working out and eating today. I am also going to stop eating my 100 calorie packs and add fruit when I eat lunch to maybe help it along.

I hope everyone is having a good week!

Taylor, replacing 100 calorie packs with fruits is a great idea. It will give you "good carb" and also fiber, which should help you. :)

I got to go to dentist today! They did x-ray, didn't find anything wrong in the root...The just grinded my tooth so that there won't be much pressure on it. (it's not my real tooth..so lol) I still can feel it but hopefully it will get better. If it doesn't get better, I gotta go back so we can decide if we want to replace the crown... sigh... I have like $100 left to pay from the last one...and now this. It feels like it's always one after another... :(