I kinda got summoned to work this morning and took off without food. The best selection in the cafeteria was an egg salad sandwich! I'd feel a whole lot better now if I coulda spread those cals out over a few more hours.

I've had some oatmeal since I got home but I'm still at 52% fats!!

Morning all! Thanks again for being so open to new friends! This is going to really help me stay motivated to keep within my calorie limit since I'll report in every day.

Yesterday I consumed 1294 calories - 54g fat (biggest culprit was half an avacado I smashed up and ate with some garlic and tomatoes in a whole wheat pita), 130g carbs, and 86g protein - 40%/32%/28%. I had 32g of fiber. According to fitday I burned 460 calories doing two twenty minute exercise show segments and walking four miles.

Today's menu shows 1285 calories. I will stick to it!!!

Kara

Good evening everyone! :)

Today's calorie counts were high to counteract two 1000-1100 days.

Calories: 1798 (this includes my after-dinner snack that I haven't eaten yet).
Fat: 23%
Carbs: 55%
Protein: 21%
Fiber: 20

I am having such a hard time with sodium counts. Carbs were also very high today; I had to take the kids I nanny to lunch and of course they picked Larosas. I had a salad and half a Philly Chicken with no sauce. I also ate a lot of cereal today- it's my weakness.

Tomorrow should be a pretty average day, about 1400 calories.

Ohhkay - I'm a nanny also, and the boys I sit for can be bad influences, too, haha. We also went out to lunch today, and they chose Chick-fil-a, one of my FAVORITE places! I just couldn't resist the chicken nuggets, so I got a kids meal 4-pack. Tomorrow we're going to the movies, and I'm already worried about the popcorn! I only have one more week left with them though, and then I start teaching, so it should be easier for me to stay on track, then.

Brittany: I'm also going to school to be a teacher. :) Two more years to go. Yes, the girls I watch like to snack snack snack, and Larosas is their favorite lunch out. We don't do the movies (thank goodness) but even the foods they have at their house are hard to get around. I have to really think and search to prepare a low cal meal. And speaking of Chick-Fil-A, we have one in the food court right across the store I work in and it's SO hard to resist!! Luckily I've made it past Chick-Fil-A to Subway each day that I've had to work, but it is DEFINITELY one of my favorites!!

Evening all -

Wednesday, August 2nd:
1524 calories
26% protein, 17% fat, 57% carb, 54 g fiber, 2460 sodium

It's amazing how much sodium there is just in grocery store items like cottage cheese and canned beans! I usually think that I'll be fine as long as I'm making my own meals and not eating processed foods, but sometimes I can go over the recommended amount anyway.

Today was funny because when I put my food plan into Fitday, the number of calories seemed high, so I did some tweaking, taking out this and that, going down to half a banana etc., to get it down to a little over 1600 calories. Then when I got to work I realized that I'd accidentally planned and packed an extra snack! So I ended up eating everything that I had brought, and my late afternoon snack became dinner, and when I got home I just had some fruit salad.... I wish there were a way to group foods together in fitday, so that I could see how many calories I had per meal/snack. That's how I used to plan my day in an excel spreadsheet, and it was easier to keep track of everything and not leave anything out.

I found my 'before' photo.

I was looking at old photos taken the first week of June and there is one of me and brother at his graduation. I am smiling and happy but I have a huge double chin and 19.6 (i want 20 so bad) extra pounds. Its HORRIBLE. A HUGE double chin and a stomach bulge. Its not full length but when I hit my goal I will use it as my before. Its sooo embarrassing!

Calories were low today and I am really tired. :/

Tonight ended up with dinner out yet again. Normally I love to eat out but not when I *have* to, kwim? Still, I did pretty good on overall calories but I do just estimate on dinner out most times, just figuring 1000 cals for the whole meal. Some of them will be less, some more, and it all works out in the end as long as I don't pig out.

I'm posting my numbers for today (it's 7:31pm here) because I feel like eating chocolates and ice cream and if I've already made my count public, then there's no changing it. Right? Someone tell me that's a rule or something! Ugh. Hormones...

1288 calories - 35g fat (28%), 149g carbs (39%), 108g protein (35%) - 31g fiber

I did three exercise shows on the computer because it was just too dog-gone hot to walk down to the gym. Tomorrow I'll get in some good running on the treadmill, though.

Kara

Yesterday's total was 1347 calories, 43g fat (28%), 165 carbs (48%), 79g protein (28%).

RocknRoll, I hear you on the "before" photo. There is one of me taken a few weeks ago at my brother's wedding and I'm in this hideous bridesmaid dress to begin with...but the fat rolls are out of control. It's a very embarassing picture... and I definitely use it as my motivation! :D

We are going camping tonight with a bunch of friends so hopefully I can stay on track. I sent DH out last night to get camping food and he came back with baked lays and Weight Watchers snacks! He's not a lost cause after all...

Good morning!
I encourage you all to make sure you have a before picture. We are terrible judges of our own progress.

I think Anna should keep that dress and show us pics in about 50 lbs! ;)

my counts for yesterday
1,125 cals (low cal day)
sodium was 3,355 WOW....what is your sodium supposed to be because that seems crazy!!!!
fat: 27g (seems high not sure what that is supposed to be either)
protein 52g (again no idea what its supposed to be)

I count usually only my cals and they were under yesterday...I am trying to have some low days to get ready for my baseball game on sunday which will be a high day :(
does anyone know the calories in a neocitron I couldn't find them anywhere but I really needed one to sleep last night. I am still sick as a dog and tired as anything. I hope I am better by game day we paid 50$ for these tickets and my inlaws are coming who...are germaphobs :( they even told us not to bother paying our rent to them until we are all healthy which is sorta nice to have the extra days lol. I am at a plateau already this is my third week dieting and I am still stuck at 211 I lost 7 the first week and now...2 weeks of nothing its so frusterating. I know its probably a mix between my sodium level, me being sick last and this week and eating out more :( but I have stayed within my calories the entire time!!!!! ugh

GOOOOOOOD Morning and TGIF!

Tinky ~ if I figure it out I will sure let you know. HEHEHEH! We all have to do it at our own pace but this is a real scare to me because my BIL passed away at the age of 32 of a massive heart attach and for DD to have high blood pressure already is just crazy but it could have been the fact that she was at the doctor, DH has that problem. They take DH's blood pressure twice first time its high, second time its normal but DD and DH are really starting to scare me.

Brittany and Kayla ~ Nanny's, I couldn't do it. I have always told everyone that I work not only for the money but a break from my kids. I admit, I love them but need that time away to be a good Mom.

Brittany ~ Great job on your choice. When I go to fast food restaurants I always choose the kids meals because they are a real serving size and I am always amazed at how full I am when I am done.

Kayla ~ I really like Subway. I actually at Subway for supper last year for 4 days and lost weight. I can't explain it other than its the right combo of carbs/veggies/protien for me.

Sara ~ I am always amazed at the sodium they put in everything and then they wonder why Americans have high blood pressure. I usually by sodium free veggies and they also have some new things out that the veggies come in a bag and then you just poke holes in it and microwave it and WHALA, fesh steamed veggies. They are really good but I have only found green beans and asparagus. The down side is they are a little pricey.

Rocknroll ~ I think we all feel that way about our before pictures, know your not alone. Yes, I see my pictures and I am smiling, double chin and all but inside I realize I look like heck and feel everyone is stairing at the fat chick.

Diane ~ Eating out is a challenge. I have gotten good lately at it, well didn't on vacation but normally I am. Instead of appetizers, I get a salad and dip my fork in the dressing. I also chose the healthiest dish I can find that sounds good. Used to be I just order without calories in mind.

Kara ~ Yep its a rule, HAHAHAHA! Just curious, are all three of those little ones yours? They are all so close in age I have to ask because that is a lot of work having three so young! I can hardly keep track of DGS, matter of act, he ended up in the horse pasture one day because I turned my back on him and he had to of headed right for it. He loves the horses and thank goodness he chose the pony pasture and not the horse pasture (my horse weighs 2100 lbs and DGS walks under him YICKS) walked on and smacked my pony on the rear because he is gentle and wouldn't hurt a fly. All my pony did was step forward and turn around in look and keep eating. Your little ones are cuties.

Anna ~ That is so thoughtful and caring of your DH. Mine does the same things. That is one of the keys, finding alternative lower cal stuff that is similar to what you used to eat so you don't feel deprived. That is what I do. Even hot dogs you can find healthier versions. Still not a staple but I love them so I have them on occassion I just get turkey or Healthy Choice.

Brightside ~ Weekends are always a challenge for me. I raised my calories when I restarted this weekend after being off for a month and I think I will actually have a successful weekend. We shall see.

OK, so I can finally get my pants that I haven't been able to fit into for over a month back on just from a week of being good. I am so lucky that its coming off as faster than it came on. I know it won't keep up at this pace but I love it. I am hoping to report a nice loss come Monday and then I will reveal my real weight from Sunday.

If you are looking for a good magazine with tips to read on weight loss this weekend I suggest First magazine. I bought it when we were on vacation and found two very good articles in there.

I have always been sluggish no matter what I do. I read the article "Tired all summer?" and it clicked because all these ladies symptoms were similar to mine. The lady was always tired and drained and went to the doctor and no matter what they tried she wasn't getting better. Finally she to the right doctor and they suggested she take magnesium and potassium. Now, she is energetic and athletic and so happy. They say more than 80% of woman don't get enough of magnesium. So I bought magnesium and potassium and amazingly after two days I am feeling a change. Could me just me so I will keep you posted to let you no what happens.

Another article was "Maximum Metabolism". The research was done at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. They discovered the drinking different temperatures of water thru the day can actually help us lose weight and cleans our body. I can't do the article justice but I have been doing it this week and the weight I gained while off the last month is melting off of me. I won't claim its all the water but, well I guess I am revealing where I was early, to go from 199.7 on Sunday to 191.8 this morning is a huge drop. I realize its mostly water but at least its less that I am carrying around and I can fit in my paints.

Well I better get going and get some work done while I can. Soon, the slave driver will be in and then all my real work will have to be put aside to do his job.

Irishfairy ~ Are you drinking enough water? Your right, you do retain water when your sick, why I have not a clue but drinking water might help flush your retention. I know, that sounds odd. Oh, I have my fair share of germaphobs in my family so I hear ya and will send healing prayers.

Forgot to post my calories and such.

Calories: 1738
Exercise: 20 minute walk, Curves and 2 hrs cleaning horse pasture again.

Lara, they are all mine. Connor is five, Kadyn is two, and Avery just turned one two months ago. Life is crazy now, but they're fun. Neither of the girls were planned but I'm so glad we have them!

Your grandson is adorable! I loved the pictures!

Kara

Oh this picture is just about ten shades of AWFUL! I will keep it secretly hidden on my computer until 50 lbs. or so later.... does anyone remember that board game, Candyland? It made me look like the cupcake princess....:fr:

Grammy, I think you are right on about finding similar things that are low cal so you don't feel deprived. Once I figured out that it was calories in vs. calories out, and not about no carbs, no sweets, no whatever (all the stuff I LOVED), but everything in moderation and that I could make healthier choices while still enjoying the foods I love, it just sort of clicked for me.

Yeah before pictures are good! Ummm kinda, last year I was looking at the body for life stuff and went so far as to take pictures of myself and make a poster of it. I ended up deleting the pictures sometime in the last year of NO progress but still have the poster of me in a bikini and two others that were success stories similar in size/stats that looked good then.

So I have it hanging behind the bathroom door for me to look at lol, didn't work but now I have a truly terrible before picture I can scan into the computer! I think I am gonna have hubby take my picture when I reach 20 pounds lost just as a comparison to what I was at 202.

The worst part about having it though is that I put it in my bathroom so that no one could see it, our bathroom is small and tucked in the back of the house through our bedroom. One camping trip I was talking to my SIL about pictures and we were saying how hard it is to see ourselves in them. I told her I had a bikini pic I had hung up for motivation and my BIL!! says oh yeah I know I saw that.

I almost died right there, ugh he saw my bikini pic, dated from a year ago with no change?! I almost tore it down but decided not to since I was 1 month into this and decided I might want the before lol.

Have a great weekend all!

HAHAHAH! Anna ~ I used to make my Mom play that game all the time with me when I was a kid. I bought if for my girls but it was like pulling teeth trying to get them to play it with me. I thought the cupcake princess was cute!

Kara ~ Enjoy your little ones while they are little. I know they are tons of work and at time irritating but let me tell you I now appreciate them that small because I have a 20 year old and a 16, almost 17 year old. They are just so mean and nasty when they get older. I didn't believe people when they said it to me when they were little but now appreciate their advice. They lose all that cuteness to say the least and become a pain in the toosh. My grandson has brought a new outlook to life and what is all about. I love seeing him experience the newness of life. Like the funny faces when he tries something he doesn't like the taste of, standing in awe at trees that are tall, from fear to excitement about riding fair rides, that type of thing. My fav was when he discovered mud puddles and dirt. His Mom doesn't allow him to get dirty or be a boy. We pick him up clean and unscaved. Within a few hours later, dirty and by the end of the weekend at least one bump, scrap or bruise. We let him be a kid.

Anna ~ I found alternatives to a few of my favs. I buy baked chips and the low fat chips. The low fat are cooked in oils or whatever the stuff is that is undigestable. I found a soy ice cream that is absolutely delicious and is much lower than regular. I think it was 130 cal a serving. I know there is lower but I have yet to find it. Then there is the hot dogs. I have always loved the turkey franks and I just use a slice of light whole wheat bread as my bun, much lower in calories. I see finding alternatives as a challenge and really enjoy it.

edzard ~ OH MY! I would have been speachless, red and had my mouth hanging open. You pour girl! Could have been worse, I was caught naked by one of my DH's coworkers. I was in our bedroom and he came back to use our bathroom. Was that ackward.

Another TGIF from me! (although I agreed to an extra 4 hour shift this afternoon)

I have home made pizza on the menu for dinner. The dough is rising and ingredients for the sauce are ready on the counter. Go me! LOL I can't believe I've turned into my mother. (Thank god!)

Friday, August 3rd
1883 calories
13% protein, 28% fat, 59% carb, 35g fiber, 1638 sodium

Hmmm, not such a good day. I packed a great lunch and snack, but then it was hot in my office, so I went to Borders to work and forgot to bring it with me. I need to come up with a better plan for Borders because there's an item there that I really like that's not too healthy. I should either figure out something better to get there or a good snack to bring with me...

Although the day was not too successful overall, I did have one small success - it was still hot after work, so I went to see the Harry Potter movie, and I got some frozen yogurt there. When I asked whether they had sugar cones, and the cashier said yes, but then she went into a cupboard and moved aside many many cups to get at a box stashed in the back. So I was thinking, how stale is this cone going to be? I wanted to say, no I don't want it after all, but it seemed rude to say that after she'd just put all that effort into moving everything.

When she went to scoop the ice cream, she said, "The frozen yogurt is pretty melted, can I just give you the regular?" (same flavor) and moved as though she were about to scoop the regular ice cream out. I felt like everything went into slow motion - in my head I was like, "Nooooooooooo...." - after my earlier snack, the last thing I wanted was regular ice cream instead of the frozen yogurt. I was on the cusp of saying yes to the ice cream, again not wanting to cause trouble (there were people behind me who'd been waiting patiently while she retrieved the sugar cone), but then I realized that this was a golden opportunity to avoid the possibly stale sugar cone, so I asked her to put the slightly melted frozen yogurt in a cup instead! Two birds with one stone...

Calories: 1,505 :carrot:
Fiber: 22


I'm quitting counting carbs and slowly introducing healthy carbarific foods into my diet. Do you guys think I will gain weight back while slowly introducing carbs? I'm going from atkins to south beach because I am sick of my fat intake being SO HIGH!!! I am also sick of smart balance buttery spread, mayo, and eggs :barf:

Also: Do you think at my doctors appointment I can tell them ' I weighed myself and I weighed ___ lbs. I don't trust your scales."

Is that silly of me? I just know my cross country coach looks at all the weights and even though I have lost all this weight this summer I am still one of the heaviest girls on the team

I had a good day but had trouble getting enough calories. Funny how some days, you can't eat enough and, other days, you're eating enough for an army, isn't it? :dizzy:

Total: 1161
Fat: 23g, 19%
Carbs: 203g, 55%
Protein: 71g, 26%
Fiber: 52g

Sarah, great job at the movies!

Rocknroll, I do South Beach and I found I had to introduce the carbs back really slowly so I could figure out which grain causes cravings for me. Wheat seems to be a huge problem in isolation, like Tricuit crackers by themselves or with a cup of yogurt. But I can have half a cup of whole wheat pasta with a cup of sauce mixed with soy "meat" crumbles and not have any issues. So I'd introduce the grains back slowly at least. I have no problem with veggie or fruit carbs.

My numbers for today:
Total calories: 1299 (plus the lick from the brownie batter I made for my husband)
Fat: 53g (37%)
Carbs: 140g with 15g fiber (YIKES!) ( 39%)
Protein: 77g (24%)

Not the best day, but I was proud of myself because we went out to dinner and I ate before and then did not eat at the restaurant. Had no clue what would be on the menu.

Kara

Happy August 4th!
I need to change my beginning ticker weight to 152 because I've gotten off track and gained 3 pounds from 148. Whaaaaa....
Well, my goal is to be down 10 pounds by 9/1
When I was losing (before I got off track) I was doing 1200-1300 cal./day
Increase my protein and fiber intake, lower fat and stay away from those sweets.
Exercise!!!! I haven't been to the gym in 3 wks because I got sick. Will aim for a cardio and weight workout 4-5x a week
Take drastic measures to reduce my stress level.
Oh, and drink lots more water. I never drink enough!

Congrat's Tinky! My scale isn't budging this week, but I'm hoping next week I'll see some results.

Friday's numbers:

Cal: 1544
Fat: 23%
Carbs: 55%
Protein: 22%
Fiber: 22 g.

I honestly cannot seem to lower my carbs!!!!

Today's numbers:

Calories: 1541
Fat: 21%
Carbs: 62%
Protein: 16%
Fiber: 19 grams

Saturday, August 4th:
1756 calories
16% protein, 34% fat, 50% carb, 39g fiber, 1524 sodium

Saturday:

Total: 1704
Fat: 64g, 35%
Carbs: 233g, 47%
Fiber: 41g

Fat went high but that's because this was a planned family movie & pizza night. Oink! It'll all balance out with the days I'm low. Fiber wasn't as high as I like, either, but I'm sure I'll live. LOL

Hi everyone! Hope you don't mind if I start posting here. I've been counting calories for about 3 weeks, so far I've lost about 7 lbs. Here's my numbers for Saturday:
Calories 1425
Fat 38g 25%
Carbs 214g 49%
Protein 92g 26%
Fiber 43g

Bridgette.

Kayla, if your carbs are coming from vegetables, fruits, and whole grains, you really shouldn't worry about that number. Remember that carbs aren't all bad. If you're eating Wonderbread with cinnamon sugar then you've got some work to do but otherwise you should be fine.

Welcome to the chat, Bridgette! Congrats on the great loss! Seven pounds in three weeks is tremendous!

Kara

Saturday

Calories 1431
Fat 37g 24%
Carbs 229g 58% ouch!
Protein 65g 19%
Fiber 29g
Sodium 2400mg
water 64oz

30mins of aerobics and 20 on eliptical