300+ And Ready to Try Again #997
 

Just wanted to ask everyone to have a look at my Santa thread ....

http://www.3fatchicks.com/forum/show...35#post1395135

Huggies all!

Sorry everybody about my failure to number the thread snaffu. I woke up at 2 am and after 2+ hours staring at the wall I figured I'd get up and make myself useful. At least I cleaned the kitchen.

Yeah, WTG on knocking those pounds right back down SHARON! Thanks for your support! I know what you mean by "it lost it's appeal." On the flip side, there's a lot of appeal to all the things we'll be able to do with the weight off, like riding, and playing with little ones, and being there to see them married and have little ones of their own. Not much appeal to looking at myself in a mirror ( and don't even SAY naked) or carrying this wt around any longer, or dying young.

MISTI, Thanks for all those recipes. I wanna try the chicken/sour cream/salsa one, especially. I made a pot of chili last night, but after the rest of the household hit it, there was only one bowl left. I guess if I want "leftovers" I better start over.

ANGIE, Sounds like you're doing Great! Go, girl, go!!! :carrot:

HEATHER, I understand TOTALLY about the bread basket deal - an important aspect of control. As for not having junk in the house, I don't have much choice. I don't buy it, my girlfriend/housemate does, which means I have to learn to deal with it. I've taken to putting the breads in a cupboard, because I just can't keep walking past or sitting next to them, at least until I get that garbage out of my blood stream, which will take a good 2 weeks. She's constantly baking junk for this party or that meeting, and I've told her not to bring any leftovers home, but she still does sometimes. Yesterday after she baked & left the house, I pitched the can of leftover frosting into her bedroom - it was too seductive sitting on the kitchen counter. (Don't worry, I journaled my crime.:( ) She liked my perfectly OP chili, but wanted to put it on NOODLES! (I think she's TRYING to kill me.)

Anyway, this isn't a temporary battle - a 'diet.' Like we've said over and over, it's a lifestyle change. But I thought I'd made that change a year ago, and somehow I changed back, hence the fear. From October through January I had no fear. I felt SO solid in the changes I'd made. I was craving the exercise I'd begun, and even my 'cheats' thru the holidays were choices, not chaotic face stuffing, and I still lost 1.5 that month. Since then I've had days where I feel TOTALLY on track and in control, followed by days of despair. I want that to be over!!

I must have changed something long term though, because even through all that I haven't gained it back. I CAN do it. Isn't it weird to feel both the invincable confidence of success AND the griping fear of failure at the same time??
:balloons: :grouphug: Thanks to everyone for holding me up through the past months, and for pushing me forward... and downward, now.

Thanks NIGHTKATT - You've obviously gotten it together since you left the shop :carrot: down 20 pounds and ready to break a "00"! Keep it up!!!

Well, given my lack of sleep last night, I should sleep like a rock tonight. It's 6 am and I'm already thinking "NAP!" But it's off to work out instead, then job hunting really gets under way.

oh my, yes! you nailed it!

I think you're onto something with the whole "i lost the edge but didn't gain all the weight" idea. I get the feeling that most people end up going through something like that.

I keep getting scared about the long term nature of this journey. I'm not too worried about the end of this year, or next... but what about 5 years from now? Or 10? I bet at some point in the next decade, something will happen that throws me off-kilter and send me off plan and/or away from exercise.... an illness or crazy life stress... And then, I will have to rely on my knowledge of what to do AND that I CAN do it to get back on track. It's like the yin and yang of weight loss/maintanence... the fear and the knowledge...

Okay, that probably makes no sense, but I haven't had my coffee yet and am a bit fuzzy!!!! :)

Good morning everyone! It's back to work. Oh well.

Forgot to share an NSV I had yesterday. At church a woman I had not seen for several months came up and was amazed at how much I have slimmed down. It's still hard for me to see myself as not so fat so it was nice to have it confirmed.

Hope you all have a great day. Stay OP!!!

And yes, Heather... that makes sense. Bet most or all of us have those fears.

Just another quick post. I have a very hectic week this week, except this afternoon. I thought I would have AGES to catch up on posts and actually write some individual replies, but people have been VERY busy and I have only just finished reading all the posts and it is now time for bed.

I am finding that I am tired again lately and I am worried that it is low B12 levels again, which means that the shots didn't last as long as they should have I don't think. I go for the colonoscopy/gastroscopy in a few weeks, so that could shed some light on things. I could also just be tired due to the hectic times we have at school lately. I may have to relax a little with exercise when work gets so busy. My body may not like me working out so much at these times. I'll have to think about that one. I kinda panic if I have too much of a 'rest' from exercise, but it is something I have to do now and then. Mind you, lately my 'rest' days (one day a week) have only been rests from formal exercise at home. I still walk to/from work and sometimes do daily fitness with the kids. I have to get a grip on my fanaticism (sp?) with exercise. AAAAHHHH!!!!! Well... that may not have been a solution, but it sure helped.

Anyway... off to bed with me. I'll write more soon. Maybe I'll just have to set the kids off with some quiet work and post something then. Yeah right... they may be gorgeous kids, and I could easily get them to work independently, but I'm not sure that would be entirely professional. I have student teachers in the room Wednesdays and Thursdays, so I can't even post during recess and lunch breaks. Oh well, I'm sure I'll cope. I just have to 'suck it in' and live with it.

I seem to be rambling. I may be more tired than I originally thought.

Night all... or good morning... wherever you are.

Take care,

Zelma

Hey everyone~ Wow this thread really moves! Not much to report here. I am really having a hard time making myself work out! Its frustrating because one minute I feel pumped and ready to do it. And then I just don't. I know I have to just make myself get up and work out. I think its more a mind thing than a physical thing. Also I have not lost a pound this past week. BUT I really see changes in my stomach shape. So that is nice. I have yet to get a tape measure. I will as soon as we go to the store again. I bet my measurements have changed even though the scale hasn't.

Well I hope you all are doing good! Have a good day!

Michelle

Good morning ladies! I'm behind (have to leave for work in about 10 minutes..AHH), but had to do a drop in. Not much to say on my end except that I'm hoping for a good day- so far on track.

Ammi- :bravo: you went on vacation and still you are down 3 pounds!!! Give yourself a pat on the back- that's how you know you've made a lifestyle change, not a "diet"

Sharon- Yeah!! just 1 more to go and you're 100% on track! It was probably mainly water weight anyway!!!

Valerie- boy do I understand what you mean about confidence and fear. This time around I feel like I've really got my head on and I'm so determined. But at the same time, I can't help but think what if this doesn't work either? I can't focus on it, as it makes me numb. I just focus on my ticker that is moving slowly but surely. Even a ticker that stays put is good enough, as long as it doesn't go up!!

Misit- :cheer: what a great compliment!! I can't wait to get where you are and get real true satisfaction from all my work- NSVs everday!! You go girl!!

Xena- Oh hun, sorry to hear you aren't feeling great! Make sure to take care of yourself, and if that means missing a little excercise, than miss it. I know you don't want to lose the habits you've gained- but excercise when you need rest won't do your body any good. Take care!

Michelle- I know how you feel about being pumped to work out and then losing it. I've gone through that too- even yesterday, I just wasn't in the mood- but I made myself- and afterwords I was so excited about how well I'd done and how good I felt. Go for it- you'll be proud of yourself, and that will make you feel so great, it'll be worth the push it took! Oh- and definetly get a tape measure- you want something to fall back on when the scale won't budge!

Chaio everyone- gotta go (2 minutes left!) Have a great day!

Michelle -- If it helps, I often feel the same way. All pumped up and nowhere to go. For me, this is where having the minutes goal really helps. "You won't get those minutes done if you just sit here!"

Also, don't forget that weight loss takes time. You won't necessarily see any scale changes every week, and I've heard recommendations to take measurements more like once a month. This all happens slower than we would like. It's not a sprint, it's a marathon.

In the meantime, how has your eating been this week? Do you weigh and measure your food to keep track of how much you're eating? If not, you may be eating more than you think you are.

Hey guys! Hada great day yesterday. Got all my painting done and even went for a power walk last night. Pretty much stuck OP too even though it was movie night here :) Had some blueberries, carrots, sliced peppers BEFORE I got into the pretzels that hubby was eating. Only had a couple of handfuls and had lots of room calorie-wise so I think I did OK. I was down another lb this am so I know I didn't do any damage.

Today we get to put the porch/hallway back in order. Right now everything is in the kitchen. Its not rainnig so thats a bonus. I'll be able to get a walk in today too. Think we will BBQ and have corn on the cob tonight for supper. YUM! Better get at it! I"ll stop in later for some personals Its already 10:30 here and I have done nothing but catch up on here *L* I love lazy days off :)

Brenda :wave:

Kim~I will for sure get the measuring tape. I really can see a difference in my shape just not the scale. Which I happy with either result! lol

Wyllenn~Yeah the minute goals do help. It keeps me focused more than I would be on my own. And I hate how the mental part of the weight loss is getting me. I feel ready and know I need to lose this weight. But I can't figure out why I start to go against the changes. It almost feels like I am sabotaging my own self! Like you and Kim said I just have got to just get up and do it! As far as my eating I have been eating between 2000 and 2500 calories. I had a day or two where I messed up. But I think what is getting me the most is I am not working out like I should be. Thanks for pointing out the calories though...I may be getting more than I think. I just need to start writing down what I eat!

Have a great day!

Michelle

It was a rather bad weekend for me. I got sucked into a game (Neverwinter Nights), and well, I let myself get so caught up with playing that I made some bad decisions. For one, I didn’t exercise for several days, and two, I kept playing and only stopped to eat when I was SUPER hungry and ended up making a few bad choices. I think the best thing to do right now is just move on. However once again I realize that I need to find a way to either play in moderation or I will have to not play at all. Gaming is where my addictive side really comes out. Even right now I feel exhausted from the experience (like a junkie come down off a high) and yet part of me wants to go right back to it. It is tough! Thank goodness the workweek started again. I need my routine back!

I hope other people had better weekends.

nancy i know the feeling those addictive games lol. i wa so busy playing mine i forgot yo eat breakfast lol!

i've had a pretty bad dieting week, oh well, back to it today, i'll see how much damage i did tomorrow.

on the bright side exercise this weekend was good, we went hiking and did a mountain bike trail.

kate

Ammi hope you soon get enough rest. i am sure you are still tired from yout trip too.!

Hello ladies.

Ammi- your pictures look great! I also think you are looking super slim :) keep up the good work!

Ok ladies i am off to school now

Nancy -- I think you're right. Move on, but try to figure out how to address the problem for the next time you game! I think figuring out how to deal with our triggers is an enormous part of this journey -- hard part is, to really deal with them, we ahve to sometimes put ourselves in the way of them to see what happens. All you can do is try again!

Ammi -- I'm exhausted just READING about your morning!!!! :)

Hey all. Just checking in. I've been sick and unable to keep up with the posts. I am down another 5 pounds though! Yay! I hope everyone is doing good!

GOOD JOB SABRINA! Sorry you're sick. I hope you feel better soon!

I'm just peeking in to report exercise minutes and look up one of MISTI'S recipes. I'm excited to finally have a chance to join a 6-week challenge @ Curves. There's some additional education and free stuff (that you pay for up front of course) but having a set time frame and specific goals and things to do will be great motivation. I like motivation.:D :D :D

Have a wonderful OP day, my friends!

Good afternoon! Doing a quick check-in. So lunch today- nutisystem lunch looked so gross didn't even open. Instead I had a turkey wrap and salad. Not perfect- but I think a good substitute choice. We had (3) birthdays today- and (3) birthday cakes. In the spirit of not being anti-social I went to sing, congratulate etc, but before I could be tempted left so I wouldn't eat any cake. Very proud of myself. I will have to walk past it on my way out of here- but if I've resisted this long, I really should be able to survive a last walkby!

I've been thinking that i should really set a date specific goal- I'm thinking to have lost 40 pounds by November 1 (thats 22.5 pounds from today- so almost 2 whole months) do you think that is doable? I don't want to shoot to high- but I want to give myself to be reportable to- and I think preholiday is best- so that I can have a surviving the holidays goal as well. Any suggestions would be helpful- but that's my goal, unless someone thinks I'm setting myself up for disaster :)

Ammi - awesome job not gaining but LOSING on vacation!!!

Brenda - i just have to say, you look so happy in your pic, i know its not a brand new pic, but you definately look awesome!

heather - same to you

Valerie - its good to see you arround here too :)


so its been about a year since ive started here. ive seen lots of people go, and lots of people come. its a great resource. i think about you ladies all the time and its so awesome to know im not alone in the struggle. even my friends that are doing WW, sometimes i feel like i cant talk to, but i always know i can come lay it out here and everyone will be supportive. thank you so much for that.

Luan

AMMI- Love the Pics!! Everyone time I look at them I think- She doesn't way 260-no way! You look great! I can't wait to be down there in the 200's!!

Heather – Thanks for the nudge. You know, that is what I always say to other people. When I started to think about why I just wanted to move on instead of going back and doing some analysis on the situation I realized that there is definitely a wound there – something that part of me recoiled from examining. I think it has a lot to do with the reason why I let myself get taken up by games. It is a similar escapism to binging with food.


I also just wanted to mention how useful it is to write about our troubles as well as our successes. Sure, it is great to get confirmation when we are doing something right, but from my perspective the value of feedback when things don’t go so well is even more valuable. I mention this as a reminder to us all (myself definitely included) to never feel like you can’t share your troubles. There is no judgment, just people like you wanting to help. I know most of us know this, but sometimes it is a good reminder.

good for you Sabrina !

Oh yeah . . . how can I not mention . . .
Ammi - You are looking so good! It looks like you had a great time too. That is so fabulous you lost as well. :dancer:
I remember loving the London Dungeon when I was a teenager. So creepy and yet so fascinating. I also loved the pic in front of the ferris wheel. It totally reminded me of Dr. Who (that is the same one, isn't it?)!

I just had to do a quick jump in with an NSV- as I was walking out of work i realized my pants are getting quite large. I bought them just before I started, I had already started coming to this site. i could just barely button them. Now they are so lose i'm going to need a belt and on the legs I can grip a good inch or 2 of fabric that used to be tight to my legs! I can't believe I'm already seeing such a difference in my clothes- just a mere 17.5 pounds down!!

Nancy- you are so right about sharing what we do wrong- I know I do- 1) it makes me feel better when i've messed up to hear that what I did wasn't unusual or horrible and 2) to get advice on how to deal with it next time. It also really helps to see what other people have struggled with, so you can try and avoid it. I love this place!

Well class is in 15- was just to excited, had to share! :D

MISTI, The salsa chicken was great, and SO easy. DH is having some for dinner as I type.

Getting back into the workout routine is really something. I'm hurtin', in a good way, in places I'd forgotten I had. A few more days of it and I should be feeling better. At least I know I'm doing something!

I still only hit 1200 cals today, and I started at 4 this morning! Just busy and not so hungry. With the sugar & starch finally considerably reduced from my bloodstream ( although not gone entirely) I'm a whole new person. I did eye some favorite chocolates at the store today, but only briefly before making my escape. ***EDIT: a big glass of milk just pushed me over 1400 - see, I AM trying.

Off to the barn. It's starting to rain, but I didn't get there yesterday, so I NEEEED to go there today. Maybe I can even get in a few more minutes of something resembling EXERcise!

Hello all,
I've fallen so far behind in keeping up with the posts! Congrats to all the losers!! Great job!

I'm not feeling well at all today. Ugh, don't know what's got a hold on me, but it's kickin my butt! Got my walk in, though it was slightly abbreviated.

Hope you all have a great evening!

Luan - I have a feeling that I TOTALLY missed your birthday. I had so many threads to catch up on and I thought I had posted a birthday wish, but now I think a little more about it I have a feeling that I only 'thought' about posting a birthday message and it didn't actually happen.
HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY!!!!
I'm glad that you had a good day. I hope that the year ahead is full of happiness and many, many wonderful moments.
Are you still going to Sydney at the end of the year? (I think it was you who was going with a friend) Hubby and I are going there for a few days in a couple of weeks' time for the competition. If I get any good ideas for things to see I'll let you know.

Ammi - I have to second (third, fourth??) what others have said and tell you that you look FANTASTIC in those photos. I know that you probably can't see yourself looking that great, but you truly are looking good. You carry your weight very well and I would never have guessed that you are over 250lbs. You also look so naturally happy, not just smiling for the camera. I'm SO glad that you had such a good holiday.
Sorry that you couldn't get all the treats from the candy shop, but if there are ever chocolates or whatever that you would like from Australia (just as a treat) please let me know and I'll happily send them over to you. Although I have a feeling that you probably still have family over here who can do that for you huh? I can't remember where they are though.
Isn't it wonderful to realise that you have made a 'lifestyle change' and you made lots of good decisions while you were away. I know that I won't be able to eat the healthiest things while we are in Sydney for 4 days, but I also know that I will be looking for the healthiest things I can find, and that is the best thing I can do. I will also be walking HEAPS, which should help. The great thing is that I know that my body won't react well to some of the fattier, more sugary foods, so I just don't look at them anymore. I know that I could EASILY devour them, but I would pay for it later and I'm not willing to do that.

Val - You sound SO happy to be finally off the truck. I know that this comes with its own set of problems, but you are definitely focusing on lots of the positives about the situation and it seems as though you are ready to go full steam ahead. Just the thought of being able to join a long term program at Curves is a major bonus. I had never seen any Curves around here and just in the last couple of months they seem to be showing up everywhere. I'm not sure whether they have always been there and I've never noticed them before, or whether they are new. It seems like a great concept. I'm not sure I will ever make use of them, as I am not a 'gym' type of person and prefer to do my own thing, but I will certainly recommend them to others. They seem like the perfect set-up for people who are just starting out on an exercise program.

Kim - Congratulations on the NSV! Looser clothes are always SO exciting. I used to love pulling them out to see how much looser they looked. I also just LOVED shopping for the next size down. Wearing more fitted clothing definitely shows the weight loss more and gives you a buzz. People started commenting more about my weight loss as well when I finally stopped wearing my old, baggy clothes.

Nancy - I can SO understand the concept of getting hooked into games. I used to have opposite problem to you though. I liked snacking while I was playing, which certainly didn't help. I haven't played a computer game in AGES. I am not sure when or why I stopped, but I think I got stuck into some really heavy school work and just didn't have the time. That was enough to break the cycle for me. I am glad you are going to try to work out a better routine for you and the games.

I just read back through this and it was interesting that I wrote that I could easily devour fatty and sugary foods, but I don't because my body wouldn't react well to them. I would have thought that I wouldn't even want to look at less healthy foods after not having them for a couple of years, but I still look at them and can 'taste' them after all this time. I think my problem all this time is that I LOVE the flavours of all sorts of foods. I never really had to be 'full', but I was constantly wanting different flavours and could easily have cookies, cake, pastries, chocolates, crisps, etc. all in one day. I just loved the mixture of the flavours. I don't deprive myself sweet foods, but I have changed what they are. I have my licorice and my low-fat icecream. I know that I don't NEED chocolates and cookies, but I am surprised that I still find myself looking at them and thinking that they would still taste delicious. I also then immediately just tell myself that I don't need them and am not even tempted to buy them. It is a weird mix of feelings. I have the strong understanding that I won't buy them or eat them, but am puzzled at my continued interest in them. Oh well... just something else for me to think about.

I know I have missed answering many posts, but I wanted to get a few in before heading off to work.

Take care all,

Zelma

Thanks Luan :) Almost time for some new pics :D
Brenda :wave: