olehcat That soup sounds yummy! Thanks! I will try it!!!! BTW, I love IF! Good luck.

LOVE IT!!!!!!!

Morning All,

to Kelijpa and all (about the positive thinking) : I started this thread.... a few folks are stopping by to post now. Just reading about other people's positives helps me to remember more of mine!
http://www.3fatchicks.com/forum/40-s...-me-today.html

As for alcohol - I have AS (cousin of rheumatoid arthritis) and I take shots for it weekly. No mixing with alcohol AT ALL. So, choice made for me!

I have decided that that inner meanie that lies and tells me bad things to hurt me can also tell me 'fibs' to help me!
Sadly, I am allergic to almost everything. As in - I am allergic to antihistamines. So, in effect, I am allergic to my allergies. Sigh. So...
Hubby and I were at the grocery store and he pointed out something to eat. I shook my head and said, "Nope, can't eat that." He said, "Why? Are you allergic?" Hmmm. YEP. I am now! So I tell myself I am allergic to cookies, chips, whatever junky food it is. It kinda works! I've been saying it for a couple of weeks now. Kinda like affirming that I don't eat that stuff anymore. Nor will I in the future...because I'm allergic! And, truthfully, the way I feel after eating crap - kinda does make me feel physically sick.

Gotta run ladies, I'm out of spinach, tomatoes and berries.

Hi Ladies -
I hope some of you remember me. I was here last year, during the first half of the year, and lost 35 pounds. Then for some reason I decided to stop trying so hard, and in the last 6 months have gained 10 pounds back. The new year has made me realize I need to get back on track, so for the last week I have back at it. I'm a calorie counter, and 49 years old. NE Mom, You and I seem to have a lot in common - similar weight loss stats, and we're both using an e-cig, although I've had mine for about 3 years now. (yikes!) It's my crutch, and I admit it - but it helps me not eat so much, so I'm keeping it.

I have found a solution for the nightly wine I seem to think I deserve. I tried flavored seltzer water in a wine glass. It seems like for me, part of it is just the ritual, so drinking a non-sweet drink out of a wine glass seems to satisfy me while I watch tv or play online in the evenings. And it's zero calories!

I'm looking forward to rejoining the group and to weight loss success!

I joined this gym I belong to because they offer early morning classes. I have to be at work by 7, so I'm limited on the classes I can take. I find that the A.M. classes are great for me because they motivate me to get out of bed and get my exercise in early. Without a class, I usually talk myself out of getting out of bed to exercise before work.

I didn't have to work today, so I did a "dry run". I went to the class, got ready for work and drove to work just to see how long it would take. It will be doable, but I'll have to leave the class early.

I forgot to weigh myself this morning, but the gym scale has me up 2 more pounds from yesterday!! Now I'm 6 pounds above goal. I hope my scale proves theirs wrong. I'm devastated. The scale is going the wrong way. I'm disappointed that even after a week, I haven't been able to get myself back down. TOM came along, but sadly my gain was too early to blame TOM. Plus, the most I've ever gained/lost as a result of TOM is 2 pounds.

I know that at this point I need to fast, or go back to my Yoli diet, but the timing is bad, and I'm not prepared to do either. Perhaps next week.

I got your PM NEmom. I'll write you back there. WTG on keeping your calories down! I haven't been so good at that.

Sum, I'm so glad you had your whoosh! That Progresso soup idea.... YUM!

2fatcats, love your new allergies! LOL! I've used allergies as an excuse before, for those nosey types who pay too much attention to what I'm eating, or not eating.

Welcome back Linda! I think it's great that you let things go but didn't gain a whole lot!

lindaWw I do that too - put sparkling water in a fancy glass, it definitely feels like a treat!

twinie sorry that you're possibly going the wrong way... Hopefully the AM classes will help.

Thank you everyone..I went back to the doc and he has me on meds that will knock me out for two days. ugh..my house needs cleaned..oh well. I can still eat salads! YAY! I haven't added meat back in because I am not sure going so long without meat would be the best thing to just toss back in there right away. Still making my yummy homemade soup. He isn't sure why I can't eat without pain. He is assuming my ribs are so bruised that the stomach is putting pressure on them when I eat. OR I have an ulcer from all the stress the last few months that was aggravated by the seat belt that really wasn't causing issues But I would assume that would have shown on the CT scan...as long as it goes away I will be happy.
My poor daughter had a panic attack driving the first time to school by herself a truck like the one that hit us came up really fast on her at a stop light and she said in her mind she heard the whole wreck again and then her head hurt like she hit it again during the accident. The guy didn't hit her but in her mind it was the accident all over again. Poor thing...The doc said this time was OK but if it keeps happening she might need some counseling.

Sum-4 lb loss!! GREAT JOB!!!!!!! I was thinking since I am already not eating I could go to a slim fast diet...

Olechat-Congrats on the weight loss..

NEmon-My dad quit smoking cold turkey when he heard that second hand smoke was what was making me sick. You know back then they weren't sure it was really doing anything. He would say all the time up until his death that he still wanted a cig after dinners or when he was stressed. Regular gum, carrots and celery helped with the wanting to having something in his hand to put into his mouth. and thank you...We went to a lawyer in town that is one of the biggest firms and has a very good reputation. WOrking at a bank I met the owner...he treated everyone well when he was at the bank. They have really good reviews. We didn't want to go with one of those that are "you were hurt in an accident CALL ME.." people on the commercials. And of course all the ones I called to ask about how they worked for accidents that were also local firms they all begged us to come in. They know they have a case and it was more like "money money money!!!"..the firm we went with was more "let's just have a chat...and then you tell us if we can help you and if we are right for you."


I hope EVERYONE has a great day and if I have massive typos and posts that make no sense (or at least less sense than normal) I blame the meds

Hi, I am new here......I am almost 50 and have gained about 30 lbs.....it is so hard to even lose an ounce right now, even strictly watching what I eat, counting calories, and working out for 40 minutes a day......I am going through peri/menopasue, and it really is tough!!!!!! Any thoughts or ideas to get this weight loss started other than doing what I am doing?

Hello all! Can't believe how many posts I got to read just from this morning!

Congrats on the loss Sum!
2FatCats~love the allergy thing, I've done that myself, I'm allergic to that, it makes me break out in fat...lol also, I do enjoy that positive thread you started, it's great, thanks!
Onmiwei~hope the meds help you heal, what a trial you and your family are going through.
Welcome back Linda! That's really not a bad gain, DH has been griping about his 5 lbs. he gained at deer camp and kept on through the holidays... it's great to have 3FC to come back too.
Binders~welcome, a big difference for me is making sure I drink enough water, and trying to find ways to add more veggies, I've been reading alot about plant-based diets. I'll never be a strict vegetarian, but definitely see benefits of more veg. good luck to you

best to all

Made a wonderful spiced red lentil soup tonight. Kind of had the spices of chili, but not the heaviness. I was shocked when my 13-year-old asked if he could taste it, and the even more shocked when he liked it. Hooray!

Learned a new trick tonight. Frozen tomatoes are great for soup making. They are a cinch to peel, and so easy to dice! I never would have thought to freeze tomatoes, but I got a bag of them in my winter CSA, left over from the summer harvest. What a delight!

Have a good night, everyone. I'm struggling to keep the munchies away tonight...

Okay, in about 36 hours H will have his heart monitor. We had a long talk on our walk today...he is nervous about what it might find. He also is concerned with having a pacemaker put in. I can't blame him, but I am here beside him. We'll get through this TOGETHER!!!
Ate well. Plenty H2O. I even got my walk in this evening at the mall. Not my favorite place to walk, but when it's too dark/too cold. I'm going to be able to walk on my favorite path tomorrow AM, because I don't have to be at work at the crack of the freakin' morning. UGH!

newleaf123: That soup sounds awesome. Is it really spicy? How much sodium (thinking of H---he LOVES chili but it's load with sodium)? Also thanks for the tip about the tomatoes!! Munchies? Have you tried chewing gum? That can sometimes help.

binders: I hear ya about the menopause. I seem to be on the verge of that. It does make it harder to lose weight, but you can do it! You may want to check with your dr. that everything is in order health-wise. That your hormone levels aren't all out of whack or that you aren't lacking some vitamins/minerals/etc. Can't hurt, right? Just don't give up! I was stuck for nearly a month, I was about to toss my scales in front of a speeding semi! Good luck!

onmiwei: I hope things improve, sweetie! I feel so bad for your daughter! Give her a big hug for me! I've had panic attacks in the past & those ARE NOT pleasant at all!!! Yes, if she does continue to have problems with what happened do get her help & make sure your lawyer knows...it can become part of a victim impact report. Make the bonehead who hit you pay for her help!!!

twinieten: I'd love to join a gym, but $$ is too tight & there's not one open 24 hrs. to make it easy for me to make use of it with my whacked schedule. Oh, well....hope you enjoy it!!!

LindaWW: Welcome back! Hope we can help you reach your goals! Love flavored seltzer water! It really helped me kick the soda habit. I used to have like 6-8 per day...not now! Love that seltzer water.

2FatCats: Thanks for the new thread....I'll check it out next. Inner meanie...great discription! I have one of those, too. She is a mean little WITCH! She lies to me, she makes me think so little of myself, she also tells me I'll NEVER make my goal & the list goes on. I just wish I grab her by then hair & then kick her like a hackysack!!! (No, I don't know how to use one of those but I know it involves a lot of kicking!!! )

Okay, I'm going to go check out 2Cats new thread. Then probably head to bed. I'm sleepy...not used to going to work early. I'm a night owl, but actually I'm also part early bird. So they are constantly at each other. hate it. Anyone else like this? I do well as long as I get at least 7-8 hours sleep, which I didn't last night. ZZZzzzzzzz...

BE HEALTHY! STICK TO YOUR PLAN! REMEMBER WE ARE ONLY 1 WEEK INTO THE NEW YEAR! 2013 IS OUR YEAR, LADIES! LET'S GET TO IT!

Good morning all!
The juice fast went well. 2 days is plenty for me! I was reading about a 5:2 program, where basically you eat regular 5 days and then on 2 non consecutive days eat 500 calories for women or 600 for men, I'd say a different kind of IF. When we do the juice fast we do the days together, I think next week I'll try throwing it in on two non-con days just to see if it's more tolerable. Also, I always go back up a little when I start eating, wondering if splitting it up will change that...

We aren't super strict on the juice fast, we allow ourselves coffee or tea, I use almond milk in my smoothie...just not chewy food...lol...

Newleaf, the lentil soup sounds great, supposedly lentils once a week helps lower your cholesterol, so that could be a bonus, I love lentil soup, never made it with the red.

MrsTryingAgain best of luck with the monitor and pacemaker, sounds like you guys are working together well to make the best of it. Congrats on getting the walk in in the cold and dark, that can def. be a challenge this time of year!

best to all

Guys, I'm having one of those discouraged moments. I've been in the 140s since last January at this time. Not once in all of 2012 did I get back down to my "usual" for the past 7 years or so, which was mid 130s (which is still too chunky for me, really). I would throw a party right now if the scale would just go under 140. Now I feel like I've made that so far away by way overindulging over the holidays. I've made it right to 140 a few times, but then it's like my body wants to bounce right back up to the mid 140s again and if it had its way (if I wasn't constantly freaking out over my weight), I would probably end up to 150 or so (whcih was my high in late October).

I NEED to be at about 135 to technically be a healthy weight for my height. That's about 10 pounds at this point, so discouraging. It takes SO long to lose 10 pounds, especially when you're not terribly overweight.

Anyway, just needed to whine a little. Thanks for listening!

By the way, I love IFing because you don't have to think so much about every little thing that goes in your mouth all day long. I hate thinking about food and eating and counting every single thing and obsessing. I love that all I have to worry about is my salad at lunch and then one meal in the evening, no snacks. And it's the ONLY way I know where I can live with a low enough calorie amount to lose weight and still be satisfied. Confession: I HATE most traditional diet foods. I hate low-fat/no-fat yogurt (like the real stuff), I hate skim milk, I gag on steamed broccoli and chicken breasts. Whole grain bread blah blah blah , being a negative nancy here! Thanks, I just HAD to get that out in a big confessiony whine.

Intuitively, I just feel that for me, losing weight has to be done by figuring out a Me Diet, something that works personally for me and might be a bit out of the conventional wisdom box.

@kelijpa - I've thought about that 5:2 fasting, too. Right now I'm just sticking to a version of Fast 5 because I eat a light, light lunch with coworkers (so I don't have to explain why I'm not eating, really, lol) and then I eat my main meal as an early supper (around 5 if possible). I don't eat before or after or in between. The every other day one sounds intriguing, too. I might switch things up and do that some time, too. Originally I was plannign to do the one meal in the morning, but digestive issues didn't allow that after the first day, so I switched!

@MrsTrying - good luck today with your husband's heart monitor!

@newleaf - I LOVE lentil soup! And That's great to know about tomatoes!

@omniwei - I just hope you'll be feeling a lot better soon! No fun to be in so much pain!

@LindaWW - haha, I have tried that seltzer water in a wine glass thing! Sometimes it helps me to add a squeeze of lime juice and a splash of vanilla! It makes me feel like I'm drinking something special then, at least.

@2fatcats - like your method of saying you're allergic to yourself! Hmm...must try that!

@sum38 Thank you!

That's all the personals because when I go back a page, it deletes what I've already written sometimes! So anyway, hope everyone has a good day!

Mrs. TA No, the soup wasn't really spicy, as in hot spicy. More just flavorful spicy. You could certainly make it as spicy as you want. Mine had no added salt, so the only sodium was what was naturally in the (whole foods) ingredients. I got the recipe off of the website/blog Your Health Is On Your Plate. Here is the link. http://drsukol.teachmed.com/ I skipped the kale. I love kale, but just didn't like the idea of it in this soup. Good luck to your husband...

All If you are interested in the soup recipe, or just a great "healthy eating" blog, see above.

Have great days, everyone! I'm off to the gym.

First the good news: Since I started getting serious about weight loss again, I have worked out for one hour every day so far. Even on busy days, where I had to break it up into 2 half hour segments to get it done. Since I use a BodyBugg to track my exercise and record my calories daily, I know I have been at a calorie deficit of 800 or more for the past 5 days.

Now the bad news - yesterday I came home from a busy day and was so hungry that I just went kind of crazy, and started eating whatever I could get my hands on. I knew dinner was only an hour away, but I still managed to shovel in about 500 calories before I got hold of myself. I was arguing with myself that I could just go crazy and call this a free day, but I made myself stop and only had a salad for dinner. Then I went and got back on the treadmill and did another half an hour at 12% incline to make up for the craziness.

And I've made it all week without any wine! The evening seltzer water has been doing the trick! However, we're going to a wine tasting with friends on Friday night, so that will be tricky. But tickets are expensive, so I'm going to enjoy myself and get right back on track the next day.

Thanks for welcoming me, and making me feel a part of this group!