December Chat
 

We have made it to December. The year is almost over. That is so hard to believe.

Last year at this time I was 196lbs. I was obese and my parents were both in intensive care. This year I am overweight and 158lbs. Today I ran 10 miles and fit into size 8 jeans for the first time.

I hope everyone is doing well planning for their holidays. This can be a stressful time of year. Be good to yourselves! :hug:

Hi Melissa. Wow! 10 miles! That's incredible! :carrot: :carrot: Someone gave me a ride home from a class the other night and I had to walk up two medium hills. We were talking and I was so out of breath I finally had to stop and rest for a minute. :dizzy: Time for me to get serious about exercising. Yes, we've hit "temptation alley" the period of time between Thanksgiving and New Years when goodies are constantly flung our way. So far, no boxes of See's Candies have shown up at the office.:) Our office Xmas lunch isn't till the 20th and I'm trying to stay clean until then. I had planned to go off my program a little during the holidays.
Looks like we're both in better places than we were last year.

Can I join the chat? I'm glad you can both look back on this year and see that you've made progress. That's a really great feeling.

What are your health goals for the coming year? Mine is to have a healthy baby, to not overgain during the pregnancy, to avoid postpartum depression afterward (my doctor and I have a plan mapped out for this) and to be a successful nurser for as long as my baby wants to nurse.

Looking back on this year. Last december I was 247, having vicious mood swings, and not understaning why it was so hard to take the weight off. Over the year I was diagnosed with thyroid issues (causing my mood swings) and high cholesterol. I later found out that these two conditions can go hand in hand. So I re started my weight loss journey in november, and so far (fingers crossed) it hasn't been too bad. I am seeing some results in the scale, and am feeling better just moving everyday.

The two big hurdles I see this christmas season are the big family dinner on xmas eve, and a party on New Years Day. I am going to push the exercise so I can feel better about myself when talking to all the relatives.

DH and I booked our cruise (first for both of us!!!), so I have more incentive to work out!! Enjoy your weekend!!

Good morning, girls! :wave:

Melissa, you must be so proud of yourself, hon. You've come such a long way. You're practically a whole new person! :hat:

Rosetta... you and me... exercising, okay? :drill: Melissa is our inspiration. We want to be just like her. ;)

Unholy, of course you can join us, hon! Do you have a nickname we can use for you? Something you can "sign off with" so that we can be more personal with you? :)
I LOVED nursing my babies. I nursed our daughter exclusively (no food) for a year, and she thrived! Our son was twice the size, and I had to start him on food at about seven months, but I breastfed him for two years. It's such a special time between mom and baby. :love:

Upswife, you're doing it, girl! :hat: You can get through this season... I know it's difficult.
How exciting that you're going on a cruise! Great inspiration!

I'm off to help my sister clean her house. It's going on the market soon, and they are CRAZY busy with their new baby.
Gotta run... hugs to all... :grouphug:

Last xmas I was 128-130 stopped getting on the scale and this year i'am 208,going to kick it up a notch this January. great job everyone,
Michelle

Good luck, Michelle!

Ellis, my name is Mel, I'll put it in my siggie. Not sure how to change names yet, etc.

It sounds like everyone has good goals and ways to reach them. Can you believe it's almost 2006? Eek!

Mel, so nice to meet you. We all have those down times, the reall hurdle is getting through them! This site is awsome these ladies have helped me fell so much better about myself, they are always so positive! THe best way to handle those time is to talk with someone, or posting here, I know that if I am typing I can't be eating :D (although, I wish I had three hands so I could ;) )

Huggs ladies I have to run

Thanks, UPSwife...your daughter is beautiful!!! Oh, what a little sweetie!

Michelle, here's to a great year for you, and for all of us! :hat:
You can do this, hon. :hug:

Mel, 2006... I know, I know. It doesn't seem that long ago that I was being amazed while reading "1986" in high school. :lol3:

Upswife, your daughter is such a little sweetheart! :love:

I'm seeing my pschiatrist this morning, then I think I'll get started on wrapping some gifts. DH and I did a lot of shopping on the weekend, and I think we're just about finished!
I'm hoping my car will start... it didn't yesterday. It starts in the freezing cold or pouring rain, but there's a little window of weather it doesn't like... slightly cold and damp. :rolleyes: Otherwise, I'm going to be walking to my psychi's, which I suppose would be good a thing if it wasn't TOM...

We've got an election coming up (what a great time of year for an election. NOT!), and I've just committed to doing some canvassing. What was I THINKING!? :lol:

What's everyone else up to? :wave:

Just a short note before bed. I stayed relatively op today. My daily goal is to keep under 2000 calories and if I keep under 1500 that is just an added bonus. Today I had 1630 (DH bought egg nog at the store and I just could not pass it up) Work went pretty well today, although I did find out that the doc I work with will be quitting at the end of the month. I don't know if one of the other docs will be taking her hours, or if they are just going to cut them for the time being. If they cut them I may lose some time, but I am not going to push. I just started back during the week in Nov. But so far it has been hard on hubby to get home in time to watch the kiddies. So, maybe it will all be for the best.

I just realized today that we have to get my son's teadher a x-mas gift. Does anyone have any ideas??? DH and I were thinking a gift card??maybe?? I am so new at this. I was home-schooled for most of my primary and secondary education, so I am not quite sure what is expected.

Well, off to bed for me, I have to get up early to exercise. I have a ton on my plate tomorrow so wish me luck that I don't go nuts with the kids in the car for so long. (Have to drive into Chicago then do more running):dizzy:

Hey ups, my daughter is not in school yet so I haven't had to deal with that. I did get a tote bag for her gymnastics teacher, but we love her to pieces. I think people usually go with an ornament, mug or snacks. I bet a $10/$15 gift card for Bath and Body Works or something similar would really be appreciated though. I bet they get a lot of stuff they can't use. Good luck.

Hi, all. Been extra busy at work for a change so haven't had much time to pop in. I'm doing ok. Cheated a little last weekend but still lost about 3 lbs. :) upswife - I understand about the eggnog. I'm going to treat myself to a Starbucks eggnog latte once this season and forego my usual eggnog ice cream. Sigh.
ellis - elections. Ugh. We had one last month caused by the Terminator. He called a special election and lost on all his points. Cost the state a bundle. They can be annoying but can't imagine if we didn't have free elections. By the way, saw your pic on the forum home page. You look just the way you come across in your posts - warm and friendly.

Rosetta, you're so sweet...thank you. :) I hate that picture. I look about 300 pounds (okay, 200. heh heh), and like I have no eyes. There's a picture (with eyes) of me in my profile...
The Terminator... :lol: Should he have stuck to movie-making? We have some bizarro politicians, don't we? We've got an astronaut running here in Quebec. :)

Upswife, I'm with Melissa... the gift certificate is a good idea. :yes: I come from a long line of teachers, and contrary to popular belief, they are not interested in a cookie-filled mug. :lol:
Chapters is always a good one, too.

I managed to get on the treadmill last night... let's see if I can muster up the energy to get on it again this evening... :wave:

Well all, just a short note, I have to get up and exercise tommorrow. The last two days I have been feeling so cruddy. I have a ton to do, so I really should get up early so I CAN exercise and do all the rest of my errands.

I really blew it today. We got some snow and I just could not get motivated, so I orderd pizza and beef sandwiches. I really have to control more of what I am eating. I ate 4hrs ago and I still feel stuffed to the gills. Well, tomorrow is another day. Hopefully I will be so busy I will not have time to eat. ;)

Mellissa and Ellis thanks so much. I was thinking gift card, but I never would have thought of Bath and body works. I think That is what I will do. I just remember my mom getting x-mas trees filled with hershey kisses for my brother's teacher. I just could not give that, there is enough sweets out there at this time of year without me contributing to it.

Hi everyone
 

I have gone from 200 lbs to 175, so I am happy this Dec. 2005. I have about 40 to go, maybe by Dec. 2006 or before I will hit goal.
Shirl:hug:

Where the hoodle doo is everyone?! :wave:

Shirl, congratulations on your progress! Keep it up, girl!! :cheer:

Upswife, I hope you're back on track, hon. :hug: It's easy to hunker down with food when the weather is lousy. :(

I'm having a pretty good week. The gifts are wrapped, the decorating is done, and I'm starting to plan our Christmas meals.
We went to TWO Christmas parties on Saturday night! PHEW! Difficult for someone as anti-social as me. ;)

Hi all!

Thanks Ellis for the encouragement. It was just an awful night, we were not even supposed to be home, then it started snowing. I had nothing planned for dinner and was just not ready to cook. (It too DH 4hrs to come home~53mi)

I am doing better so far, but it is really tough. Hitting Mid-cycle and I just want to eat everything in sight. But, I know that if I can control my stomache and keep exercising, it will be better in the long run. Keep your fingers crossed, I am 2lbs away from my chrismas goal!

Dh's job is really stressful through the holidays and there has been some crossover. (he does't mean to, but he brings it home with him) I just have to keep reminding both of us to take it one day at a time and soon Christmas will be over. Don't get me wrong, I love the holidays, but it has been difficult to enjoy them that last couple of years. The only thing I look forward to is Midnight mass. It is very comforting to be in the church with all the candles lit and listening to DH sing with the choir (plus the kiddies sleep through it so I can actually pay attention) Well, I have been a tad long winded so I will sign off. Tomorrow is another day! Have a Great week Everyone! :D

I have a question,,,,

when you joined this group...did you find yourself more emotional? By that I mean,,,you were thinking of what your eating is doing to you/family?
I have lurked on here for over a week and came in and posted a couple of days ago...and since then have had this place on my mind since...my emotional eating has caused me alot of pain. Both emotional and physical. Im over 280 lbs..5'6. I wasn't always this big...and hate that I am. Which makes me eat more,,which makes me hate more,,,blah blah blah
I am a control freak,,,I grew up in anything but a controled enviroment. It was total chaos. And at 17 I ran, got myself an apartment,,finished highschool. And did well for myself. I am still like that,,,needing control, neat and order in my life. And find if I can't have that I am flundering,,,and of course I eat.
So Ive felt pretty emotional this past few days. Just wondering if I am the only one who has felt this way? I don't think so but would like reassurance

:D Happy Holidays everyone! Its been a while since I posted here but I always enjoy reading the posts for encouragement. I am trying to keep myself on a 1200 cal diet and exersize everday and hopefully make it past 5 days with no binges so far I'm on day 2. I have read every book and peice of information about binging I can lay my hands on but have not found a real sollution yet. I know that when I binge for myself it is usually emotional so I'm trying to talk myself through them instead of eating. Any suggestions?

Janis

Yes, Angie, I did experience an emotional upheaval when I first joined this group. :yes: I'd never before identified myself as having an eating disorder, and it was a real shock to discover that there were other people out there just like me. A LOT of other people! :(
I think the discomfort you're feeling is a very good thing. It's easy to fluff off the issues behind over/under eating. Eating is such a quick comfort for us. Feeling uneasy about what you're doing to yourself is a big step towards the healing. :hug:

Upswife, I'm sorry the holidays are a stressful time for you. :( I'll be saying prayers for you and your family.
Many of us (myself included... big time!) have certain expectations for the holidays, and when we're not able to fulfill them, we feel that "something isn't right". :shrug: If only we could learn to relax and enjoy what we have...
Sorry, hon... :lol: ... I wasn't relating that to YOU! I was just thinking of myself, and how I have so many plans and too little time. (and money)
Good luck with the two pounds, girl! :hat:

Janis, welcome back! :wave:
One thing you could try is making a "comfort box". I learned about this in day hospital. ;)
Find or make a box, and put in it things that are very special and meaningful to you. Photos, a candle and matches (or a pretty lighter), a little container of nice-smelling hand cream, a favourite book of poems, a cartoon that makes you laugh, a letter, some special little gift given from someone you love... etc.
Get it out when you're feeling "out of control", and remind yourself of who you are. Remind yourself of how special you are... to yourself and to others.

Do as I say, not as I do... :lol: I'm just thinking of my own comfort box... I haven't added to it in ages, and it's not in an accessible spot.
I'm going through a real binge period, and I'm so mad at myself. :mad: I'm going to get on the treadmill right now...

Hi, all. Sounds like we all have holiday emotional issues. I know I have. I've been cheating a bit on my fast. In my program, we have to fill out a form every week stating the number of calories in, number out (exercise), the projected weight loss, our weight and whether or not we've strayed from the fast. Well, I've been lying on my form and not fessing up to the extra calories. I figure as long as I'm losing (about a lb a week) I don't have to put up with the doom and gloom. But of course this is a game I'm playing with myself, who is the one that's being cheated. I had pre-planned to go off it during the holidays a bit, but haven't told the group leader yet. Will have to do so next week because I'm going to the office xmas lunch on the same day as my group meeting and weigh-in. Sigh.
So the truth is, Angie, it's a constant struggle for all of us.
Ellis, I'm sorry about your binge. Can you somehow talk yourself out of it?

Ellis what a clever idea...I like that. I have a heart shaped box..Im a trinket junkie and love having them near.

As much as I hate to say this,,I really am glad Im not alone in how Im feeling. As weird as this seems Ive always would raither face my demons,,,and know who my enemies are then to hide and worry. So ok this Emotional Eating (EE) has to be controled,,,and to know how to do that is my self discovery.

Hi.. I thought I would pop in and say hello on the monthly thread.

I haven't made an real change since this time last year - so coming into the New Year it was the reason for me to address that I have an inappropraite relationship with food.. this whole year just feels like one enormous struggle with my weight and emotions.... sorta glad for it to be done and to think more positively towards the next year.

:thanks: Thanks ellis what a great idea. Well I made it through day 2 with no problems. I have been reading a new book on overeating and some "food" for thought for everyone "Who says that our bodies are less than idea? By who's standards do we judge ourselves?" I was thinking about when we start to loose confidence in ourselves, at what moment does that begin? Then I started thinking about our children and how they might think we're beautiful and when the find that we don't see ourselves that way the start to doubt their own self image. Thinking about where I was last year at this time, I was knee deep in an eating disorder with my resolution being to get into a normal relationship with food/myself. I can say that I have made progress but I'm not "there" yet. Sorry to ramble Janis
http://www.3fatchicks.com/weight-tra...7/130/145/.png

Originally Posted by mamabridges:
... Then I started thinking about our children and how they might think we're beautiful and when the find that we don't see ourselves that way the start to doubt their own self image.

That's so true, Janis. :yes: A couple of years ago, I was talking about my diet in front of our children. My then 7 year old son started crying. He gave me a big hug, and said, "I don't want you to change. I love you just the way you are."
It was so sweet. It reminded me to be happy with who I am on the inside, regardless of what I look like on the outside.

Marianna, this is going to be a great year for us! :hat:

Angie, when the name of this forum was changed from "Eating Disorders" to "Chicks in Control", some of the members didn't like it. :shrug: But I think it's something we have to face up to. Yes, we may have an eating disorder, but we are capable of being in control. Not constantly, perhaps, but we don't have to "give in and give up". :)

Rosetta, thanks for your support, hon. :hug: I think I'm starting to move away from the binging.
Sweetie, mark those extra calories down! You may be still losing, but if you stop, you need to know why. Don't try fooling yourself... you're too smart for that, girl. Sending you hugs and strength... :grouphug:

I'm having a coffee with my mom today, then am going to pick up some beading for an evening wrap I'm making her. I found the most fabulous fabric for it...

I hope everyone has a good day! :wave:

Good morning all! I just got done shovelling Snow/ice/sleet from the driveway. I had a really slow wtart this morning, but eventually got my behind up. :) My next move is to get the girls all bundled up and go apply for my passport. It is not required, but DH has a hispanic last name and wants to make sure that we get back in the country after our cruise. I am so excited, but now I am starting to worry about packing and all the little details that go into a big trip like this. We have never done anything like this before. This will be our first big trip without the kiddies (grandma is watching them) :yay:

I know i am rambling on, but I have to keep my mind on something other than the fact that next week is going to be really rough. DH has been working 13-16 hr days and things are expected to be BAD next week. But I did find out some good news~the whole family on my dad's side is going to my aunt's house for Christmas Eve! This is the only party I look forward to for the food (traditional Polish meal) I can't wait. And the kids like getting together with all the cousins.

Hope everyone has a great day!

Oh I like Chicks in Control better then eating disorder.
I joined Weight Watchers 2 montsh ago and have so far lost 10.8 lbs I of course wish that Ive lost more. But I see the light at the end of the tunnel with feeling more in control. I have a journal that I write everything in,,,and I have a tracker book from WW. I find that when I don't track my foods,,,my mentality gets to be like,,,what food? So I will be writing everything down along with my feels and such in my journal.
My best friend who made me join with her,,,asked me what I liked best about WW,,,since I was new to it,,,and I said,,love the control Im in. I think the control is based on that tracker book though. So need to control the tracker. And the food will follow...geesh I sound like Field of Dreams.
Upswife,,,oh to be going on a cruise,,,lucky you. Pack a lil first aid kit,,,anti nausea..pepto, advil. Pack an extra bag. And lots of film!

Angie~It hadn't dawned on me to bring that much of a first aid kit. I was just thinking pain killers and bandaids, but I think you are right. I will start more planing a little into January.

I am going to have my hands full. I am watching my Three youngest Siblings for three weeks while my mom and sister are on theri trip down under. So I will have 3 boys and 3 girls(b-11y, 8.5y and 5.5y~g-6y, 3.5y, 2.5y) full time for three weeks. I must be nuts! Although my dad will have them on the weekends. But still I am not going to get anything done. My sisbs are home-schooled so I will not even be able to send them off to school. the only one that will be gone is DS he goes to half day kindergarden. Well, I just keep rambling, I have to go start dinner.

Upswife,,,may want to start talking them drugs now...6 kids for three weeks..yikes. I have a girlfriend who has 6 children...but its different when they are all yours...ya know what i mean?
I only have 2 boys,,,but they always had 1 or 2 friends over all the time. so there were alot of times where there was 5-6 wild kids in the house.

Well I need to go and get myself ready,,,have a root canal appointment...oh joy!

Good evening all! Today has not been too bad~except for a sllloooow start. I just couldn't get up and moving this AM. So far today 1020cal and 64 oz of water. I am a little parched so I am going to push to see if I can get another 32oz in before bed. Just a little exercise(some situps/chrunches)and some stretchs. Well off to spend some quality family time with everyone.