Thanks, Iwillbe and Val! I'm glad things are a bit slow -- it's hard to come in on one of these long threads.

Iwillbe -- the 7 pounds will go quickly as soon as you get back to normal!

NoLifeWithoutHorses -- I teach history and art history, grades 9 through 12, at a small private school. It's a lot of work to prepare, but a dream in the classroom. Please post more "toss the chicken and green beans into a container" story. That's one of my biggest challenges -- I use the "no time to cook" excuse way too much.

Hi ladies,

I chose to sleep in this morning instead of getting up, exercising and posting. Must have been the thought that it was snowing hard and I was really hoping it was Saturday. Too bad it wasn't.

I looked out the window this morning and saw a coyote trotting across our pasture, through the fence and down our driveway. And the horses could have cared less. That is the second time I've seen a coyote that close to the house this winter. Two weeks ago, I backed out of the barn, looked to my right and there stood one just on the other side of the pasture fence. Less than 100 feet away. And he or she wasn't too concerned either. He better watch out or those coonhounds might get him. I might have to put my money on Dixie and Daisy; they can be downright mean to each other.

During DH's visit with the Doc yesterday, they talked about South Beach. Someone actually knew what it was about. She was adamant to him that we not do Phase 1. I'm okay with that. I feel like crap on Phase 1. But it was good that she was very supportive of Phase 2 and 3 because DH will be more likely to stick with it with me if the Doc approved it. :rolleyes: So he's primed. She had also said for me to follow it too to help get rid of the hormonal belly fat. Damn white bread and potatoes.

Today, I have been stress snacking. I've spent the better part of two days doing someone else's work that is apparently now mine and not doing what I really needed to get done this week. :mad:

One more holiday dinner to get through tomorrow. I am going to have to stay out of the kitchen area to keep the snacking under control. Actually, I've seen the menu and I don't want to eat anything that people have been asked to bring. Its the same old food that we've been eating for years. Seriously, nothing new is on the list. Blech. Now to just remember that sentiment tomorrow and I will be okay.

Val - I have some cheese and a few pretzels for a snack in the afternoon. It helps. I would go for the outdoor arena too because I didn't like being in the indoor with the dust and dirt. However, considering I haven't got to ride in four weeks now because of the crappy outside weather, indoor would look pretty darn good - dirt or no dirt. I wouldn't trade having our own place for the indoor though. Have a good visit with your dad and step mom! Come next week, we're both headed back to the Beach with a vengence!

Bloomer - Welcome back. Of course you can jump on back in. How's that for good grammer. :lol: Good luck with WW Onlilne. I do like their website.

Ruth - I am so ticked off at the scale myself. I checked earlier in the week and I was holding in there at 258. But this morning its jumped up to 265 and I have no idea why except for the Christmas ham. I didn't think I ate that much. So very annoying. Better get chatty and help keep us humming along.

I better scoot.

:wave: to all!

Well, it's Friday and it feels like Monday? I hope everyone enjoyed their holiday whichever you celebrate! I actually got in a mile walk with the Leslie Sansone tape this afternoon and have had 2 healthy meals in a row! Breakfast and lunch and I think I have dinner lined up as well! Yippee! If I can just get a couple of days of positive eating and exercise, I'm hoping I will get back on track.

Does anyone count calories or is everyone on some sort of plan? Just curious. I haven't posted in a couple of weeks, so I will refrain from personals until I can catch up with all of you busy bee's!

Stay Healthy!

Hi everyone, I'm Helen, 43, and the last time I checked.. back in September I was 450.
I'm having a very difficult time... I know what to do.. I know how to do it.. I just can't seem to do it. I've been overweight most of my life, and now, my body is paying for it. I'm pretty much in constant pain, have a very difficult time with exercise, and I can't even do housecleaning... my kitchen is a wreck, and I hate to cook in a dirty kitchen. Geesh.. that is just a tiny bit of my problems, and already, I'm ashamed.. and embarrassed. My cousin told me about this site, and she has been very supportive, and you guys seem to be very helpful and supportive, it is just so hard these days to even get myself started on a diet.. lifestyle change.. whatever.. I'm just so tired of failing.... I'm just tired.. period... Ah well.. thanks for listening. Helen

Helen,

Welcome to the group! You've taken the first step and that is to seek assistance. We're here to help, listen, encourage and support. I know its easier to say than to do, but you have to conquer that shame and embarassment. As Dr. Phil would say, you've got to get "right thinking" going. You can do this. Forget the past and focus on what you can do for yourself today. Looking forward to getting to know more about you.

:welcome:

Karen - Good to see you peeking back in. I'm basically trying to do South Beach Phase 2. However, I have to keep track of what I eat or else I "forget" what I've already consumed and take in too many calories. Although I don't do the calorie thing on a strict basis. The best "plan" for me is to plan ahead and have the right foods in the house for our plan.

DH and I just made a layerd salad for tomorrow. He's prepping dinner. Its Friday night and I'm tired!

:wave: to all!

:hug: Hi Helen, I am in the same boat. I have the knowledge and the skills and the know how of loosing weight, but just getting that part of me to nudge in the right direction is so tough. On my initial weight loss journey with Weight Watchers about 30 years ago, I had a male leader, and his mantra was...I just got sick and tired of being sick and tired. I know that is a phrase that is common today, but 30 years ago, it was quite motivating and oh-so-true. I hear the pain and frustration in your words. Try not to be so hard on yourself and maybe pick one teeny tiny goal to accomplish for one day, or even one hour at a time. I, too, have been away for a bit, but am planning on giving it another go. We have to keep trying, we are worth it after all....aren't we? Good Luck and BIG HUGS to you! :hug:

Terri...Layered Salad? Sounds DELISH!!

Sure is quiet around these parts!
 

Where is everyone? Away for the weekend? So far so good with my eating and exercise. Thats 3 days in a row! I'm done now, right! LOL! It seems like such a huge undertaking when there is soooooo much weight to loose. I guess I can't look at the BIG picture and just have to take in baby step at a time. I see some wonderful things happening on the message boards and am so proud of all the big loosers! Congrats to them all. Very inspiring.

Wishing everyone a good week, try to stay positive!

:wave:

Thanks everyone for the welcome... I am doing pretty good right now... being concious of what i am eating.. and not beating myself up if I don't make my mark for the day... exercise is going to have to wait... for now... I am in no shape for anything except maybe a short walk each day.. but.. luckily I have great hubby that has said he will walk with me. Everyone have a lovely New Year!

Hi Helen! Welcome! I saw you on the other thread but didn't have a chance to post. I just got back from a holiDay visit with my dad (and two days of great food - and sabatage - by my very dear step-mom) and I really need to get to bed - like, an hour ago! I'm glad you're here tho, and hope we'll chat later!

Friends, I think next time I go to dad's, I'll pack my own food. Step-mom always serves sandwiches, pies, white potatoes, various rolls and special breads - this morning I woke up to the smell of fresh baked banana bread, and it was my only food option until after noon. She's a great cook, but always stuffs me so full of carbs that I'm insane for days afterwards. It might offend her a little if I show up with my own food, but she really does want to help me, and if she sees what I need, I bet she'll be more helpful after that. We'll see. I just can't keep going there and having all that stuff to knock me way off track.

It was a wonderful visit, anyway. I just took one of my dogs. The doxie has made himself unwelcome up there in a couple of ways, so he stayed home with his Aunt Barb. Max was in heaven, going on a road trip with BOTH mom & dad, getting all the meat fat trimmings without competition, TWO bones to chew on, and having the farm to run on. He even slept on the bed with us, a luxery that Simon doesn't usually share. Max looked so happy all weekend!

I'm so late for bed! Tonight I had hot cocoa, tomorrow I start back on 'no refined carbs.' OMG! I'm gonig to pay the piper for the next few days.

Have a great week! See you on the next thread!