For me, the hardest part has been figuring out what I needed to do for me. What worked for other people was never really a good fit. I would last for a while, but then I would go back to my old way of eating which would bring me back to my starting point. A few years ago I decided that I would rather stay fat than to lose weight only to gain it all back. So, I've stayed fat. Now, I am realizing that whatever changes I make I will need (and want) to live with. From what I have read on this site, the maintainers work hard at maintaining. They continue working their plan after the weight loss. It is a way of life. And that is something I never realized. Anyway, you and I are in the same boat, and I look forward to being successful with you!

I'm starting out at the same weight you did, congratulations on the pounds lost so far!!...i will be happy whenever i start to see the scale moving downwards...Funny thing...i didn't realize how fat I had really gotten until I ordered some aerobic exercise videos and started out doing them and then I realized how out of shape I really was...its strange how I decided to be in denial about it. I use to tell myself I would never let myself go over 200lb but I got to that point where alot of people get and stopped weighing myself and just didn't care. But that is all going to change. :) Once I am determined about something I know i can do it and I am determined to start making changes. Life is too short to waste anymore time thinking about being in shape!

Hey all, I agree, weekends are hard. I am going to weigh in on mondays I think just to keep me honest on the weekend, but then I am also nervous that if I do badly, the poor number will make me say to heck with it all and really throw it away, so we'll see.
Today is a take it easy day. I went hiking with some friends yesterday in the Adirondacks. 3.3 miles to the summit and my right knee and hips are very sore today.

I can totally relate tirtaz..My hubby, 2 kids and I just got back from our week-end getaway and from Wonderland, my oh my I didnt eat healthy the whole time.I dread getting weighed in tomorrow too.I probably put on the weight that I lost already. What do you do when you live in real life like going on vacations, or get togethers? Herbal Magic won't be happy with me and neither will I tomorrow. I think I'm gonna do some excercising tonight to make me feel better atleast till tomorrow.

Congrats to all the one that lost.

There's always tomorrow for the rest of us that didnt too well this week-end

Isabel :carrot:

What a freakin' weekend!
Aunt Flo decided to drop by for the first time in a couple of months so I'm already feeling like a blimp because of that .... and THEN my dear sweet Tom decides that today would be a good day to use a Papa John's gift card and coupon we had -- buy one XL specialty pizza, get a large one topping free. I got the large with a whole wheat crust, light sauce, light cheese & pineapples so it probably wouldn't have been TOO much damage .... but I ate far too much of it! Tomorrow night (well, technically tonight) I weigh in so we'll see how much more damage I have to make up for. One of these days I'll get on track and stay there!!! At least for a few days ;)

Breakthrough
 

Well, it was a tempting weekend for me, too. I've been ready for it, though. I didn't think I would "kick" being an emotional over-eater in two weeks. So yesterday, I wanted to munch all day long. Just hungry, irritated, hungry, agitated, hungry, frustrated. One of the commitments I had made to myself was that I would write down everything I ate, even on bad days. Journaling when I am on target is fun, but facing reality when I'm off isn't as great. So, yesterday, while it wasn't a perfect day, I simply used 10 extra points that were in my "points" bank and all is well. No big huge disaster. This is a first for me....being a self-proclaimed all or nothing girl would have meant going crazy yesterday. Not only would I have stopped caring, but I surely would have stopped counting my points. I went off track, but stayed in control. That is seriously something for me to celebrate. :)

Hey everyone:hug:I have been just exhausted and am now just catching up with all of you. We had a blast with VBS, but 16 kindergarteners can wear you out! They were so sweet, except for the morning after the full moon--they were so ornery that morning. "we don't want to do that/this/whatever, we just want to color". The theme of the day. But the next day they were back to normal. It was the whole group not just one or 2 kids, and since I have 2 boys and a husband with ADHD I am well aware of the full moon thing in my own house!

I did weigh on Friday and it was awful, again. Back up 3 lbs:p I did work 2 evenings, didn't get to go to dance class Wednesday, and maybe all last week threw me off more than I thought. Did notice some water retention Saturday, then spent most of the weekend recup-ing. I was good yesterday, and have started out good today, so I am proud of that for the day. Picked up the new issue of Prevention's "Outsmarting Diabetes", and they have 2 more weeks of their Diabetes Diet in the issue, so I will have to read that this week so I can use it the next 2 weeks.

Hi to everyone that is new:D.

Check in later. Kathy;)

Not really in the mood to post mich - but down #1.4 this week. I'll be back on later when my mood is better.

I am totally feeling beaten up today - work stuff - and just want to cry and cry and cry. I am writing this as a note to myself: Do not eat because you are sad, eat when you are hungry, and when you are hungry, choose well and eat well.

Family dinner tonight and the beach tomorrow. Some things to look forward to. Onward. Thanks for being here for me.

Eny and 362, hope your Tuesday is much better.:hug:

Kathy;)

Well what a week-end..We went away to my hubby's aunt and uncles in Burlington and then we went to Wonderland, I was good and bad, that wasnt even the worse. We ate supper lastnight, pork chops and baked potato at 4 :30 and by 7pm I was in majour pain up near my ribs, we thought it was heartburn so I took 3 rolaids and then a few minutes later I vomited then drank pepto and a few minutes later vomited again(pain still fierce as ever) and then vomited again. I was on my hands and knees in major pain so then I knew it wasnt heartburn. My hubby took me into the ER and the dr did his exams and said its definately not heartburn its your galbladder.I have to have a xray within the next few days to see if it needs to be removed.He gave me demarol and the pain was still full force so he gave me more then I was higher than a kite*L* and feeling NO PAIN!!! I'm exhausted today and didnt go to work(I'm the boss there) so that helped. I have to wait to see if I need surgery or not.I remember my mom had the same thing she had hers removed a few years ago, she told me today that my grandma(her mom) had hers removed too and one of my brothers told me today that he had to have his removed too, so it runs in our family. I dont feel like eating too much but I have to to keep up with my herbal magic diet.Oh btw I lost .6lbs over the week-end only because of all the vomiting I did due to my galbladder, so thats the only good thing that came out of it all.

Sorry so long... keep up the good work ladies, we can do it!!!! :hug:

Isabel :carrot:

I had my gall bladder out about 10 years ago. It had gotten to the point where they HAD to take it out when they did because it was already causing some funky stuff to go on with my liver (and yellow really isn't my color ... especially when it's my skin!). It wasn't too bad, though, when all was said and done.

Speaking of not being too bad, I did end up gaining this week -- 2.2 back on BUT my scale also measures Body Fat % and it said I dropped that a little so I'm hoping the weight was mostly water retention and will fly right off! Wish me luck!

I've walked away from the scale and all challenges except this one. I was starting to feel out of control and overwhelmed. That leads to major binging and that leads the scale back up.

I am not weighing again until at least the 4th of July. I am going to work really hard at planning everything every day up to that point (with regards to water, food and exercise) and I will hopefully be back on track by then!

36 have a great beach day!

Karen- good luck!

Kathy, welcome back!

Morning gang! This is Day 104 of plan for me, and no, the novelty of being in the triple digits still has not worn off!! :)

Yesterday was my official weigh in day and I'm not down 46.2 pounds in 14 weeks. Basically, I know what I need to do each week and I'm getting it done. I'm not currently having too many emotional struggles with food, with is a tremendous relief for a binge eater like me, and I hope things continue like that!

Things are plugging right along for me. We had my nephew's birthday party on Sunday. I stayed with in my calorie range, and even enjoyed a small piece of cake and a couple bites of ice cream. Afterwards I hit the pool for soe water aerobics. I used to think counting calories was too much work, but I it really isn't and I love the flexibility. I have also learned if I eat a little more I should exercise a little more. Maybe I am catching on to this whole diet and exercise thing...it only took me 42 years!!

3 pounds gone this week!!

:hug:Good morning, girls. I am doing better than last week, and have started this day as planned. Seems I am dumping some water weight again, so that is good. Maybe the Friday weight will give me something positive. I just am feeling trapped, I guess. It seems that things only go right if I am "perfect", and as soon as I am even the slightest off-track, I pay in a big way. Maybe I will figure it out by Christmas. It is a tough journey any way you look at it.
I like your attitudes, Josephine and KateB. Hope I can catch it!
Everyone have a good day.:D Check in later.

Kathy;)

Hey girls - today's better then yesterday. I couldn't handle all the emotions of yesterday - but I still managed to keep the food under control. :)

Today's good - although i've slacke don the H2O intake.. but I have a 16 oz glass in front of me now... and that's all I'll be drinking tonight :)

26 weeks & 2 days left! And I have #31 left to lose! That means I'm still on target if I lose #1.2 every week. :D I was happy to be down yesterday, even with TOM looming around. I'm going to keep going! I CAN DO THIS!!! I'm starting the exercise weekly goal again - 30 mins 6 days a week. and keep around 1500 calories. I know I can do this! Just stick with me girls!!! :elf:

I think there must be something in the air today because we all seem to be in such better moods than yesterday! Even I'm feeling particularly awesome about the way things are going right now and I feel like I a solid footing on what needs to happen and how to do it. Well ... food-wise, anyway. I'm still working out the kinks for exercise but that will come!

Going to the beach is exactly what I needed! Playing in the sand and just breathing in the ocean air was sooooo good for me!

Ate well today, and walked to the grocery store tonight with the kids. Felt good to walk instead of drive. Normally, after a day at the beach I am too exhausted to walk anywhere, so my energy level must be going up. That is very exciting!

Isabel, how are you making out with the Dr? Is everything ok now?

Karen, It does sound like everyone is feeling better about this.

I am up in water again, trying to stay on plan and not get bummed.
I just keep telling myself I am worth it!

Kate, I agree, 42 years to get this right but we can get it right!

Josephine, I keep striving for where you are, I will get there!

OK all, I know I missed some but I don't mean to, we are all in this together.

Gotta go get ready for work.

Does anyone have a pedometer or a heart rate monitor? I am considering both. If you do, are you using them at all? Pros? Cons? Suggestions?

Good Morning Everyone-

Lets hope the good moods continue through the week!!! we have been having beautiful weather i Minnesota and I know that has helped my mood in a big way!!

Yesterday I walked to the bank and post office for work, it is about 9 blocks one way. I decided they don't pay for my gas driving all over, so I can walk and get a little exercise in. Then I had to pack up the camper. Our family's annual trip to the Rodeo in Clear Lake, SD. The boys went out ahead of the rest of us. Daughter and son's GF have workissues and can't leave until Thursday. But I noticed something really cool. It used to be when I packed the camper I would put a laundry basket in the kid's old wagon, fill it up with what needed to go out there, pull it to the camper and then load it in the camper. That way I made less trips out to the camper, and I didn't have to carry anything. This time I made several trips back and forth, carried everything and was never out of breath. OK maybe the old was a bit more efficient...but who needs efficiency when you are in shape!!!!

Rodeo poses it's own set of obsticles. I am planning meals carefully. I am making the tradional family camping favorites, but then also tweaking things so I am eat something similar, but still staying on plan. We packed the bikes so Ican get some riding in, and there will be plenty of walking. I don't care if I don't lose this week....I just don't want to gain!!! And YES...I plan on having ONE s'more by the campfire. I will work it into my calorie count for the day.

have a great week everyone!!

Hi all!!

Mmavis...i understand what you mean about feeling overwhelmed with all the challenges. I am feeling challenged out. I'm not hitting any of my goals...heck...i'm not even getting remotely close to my goals. Actually, i am going away from my goals as opposed to going toward them. I think i should just focuse on one goal or two. I think i'll stay here with the christmas one..and just focus on the Memorial Day Challenge.

36...I love the beach. I'm glad you and your family had such a great time. I wish i could walk to the store when i needed something but i live sort of in the country...nothing close to really walk to. So glad that you are feeling more energized these days.

Whoopsie...I agree. once you get the food down pat, you can start working on the excersize. thing. I gotta get to work on them both. lol.

Enygirl...i got faith in you!! You can do this. Just hang in there.

Ok. I am ready for today. I am planning to eat healthy today and at about 1200. I think i'm going to do 1200 one day 1500 the next and so forth. That way it will keep my body guessing. One day i'll actually add in some excersize too. Last night i didn't excersize but i spent from 7:30 to 10:30pm on my feet cleaning my house. I cleaned out my bedroom closet, which took alot of work, i vacummed my room and washed dishes and cooked dinner. I was so glad to lay down last night. I didn't eat much for dinner. I actually ate at my bf's before heading home. I had 2 hotdogs, no bread. And a half cup of cherry vanilla icecream. That's it. So...yesterday was a bagel, a grilled chicken salad with cheese and vinegarette dressing (more vinegar than oil though), half a donut, 2 hotdogs (no buns) and half a cup of icecream (130 cal). Not so bad, i don't think. Today is a bagel, a can of tuna with pickles on 2 slices of white bread, a banana and a yogurt. Maybe a 100 calories snack pack...I don't know about dinner yet. Maybe thaw out some chicken breast strips...not sure.

Lumi - how are you doing on your goals? You never seem to update your tickers so it's hard for me to keep tabs on you! :D

Whoopsie - how about you.. you still truckin' along to our Christmas "Overweight" goal? I know that I'm working towards it! NO BINGING BEFORE WEIGH IN!!!! :santa:'s coming sooner then we'd like!

26 weeks and 1 day left!!!!

Eny....I'm ashamed to say i never update my tickers because i'm not doing anything. Not losing weight, not doing much excersize...~~sigh~~. But it's going to change starting today. Or yesterday. lol. I am not getting the excersize thing in right now because i can't afford to go give the gym my money...and it's so hot outside to try to go running after work. (My excuses). But...I'm going to definately be working on my food. When i get paid again, i'm switching back to Healthy Choice for lunch because it comes with the veggies i don't seem to be bringing to work for lunch. I'm drinking my water now. Just finished off one bottle, about to go refill and grab a cold one out of the fridge. Should have second one done by lunch time. Gotta drink a total of at least 4 bottles a day.

How's your family challenge going?? I see your sis has lost 5 pounds already. Wow...she's on a roll, huh?? Come on girl...I'm rooting for you to win that gift card!!! lol.

My sister's cheating! She's under a TON of personal stress and unlike me - she loses weight in those instances. Right now I'm more worried about her stress level then anything.

Lumi - that's ok - just stop making excuses to not do stuff and make excuses to DO IT!!! YOU HAVE TO!!! (not that I'm any athority or anything :) ) Is there anyway you could run later in the evening? I know that right after I get out of work it's really hot - but It's not so bad around 7 - 7:30 so when i walk outside that's when I go. I'm trying to get BF to go with me today. He's in that "I want to lose weight, but don't want to do anything about it" phase... we've all been there. All I can do is keep asking him right? I told him that I'm going for a walk in an 1/2 hour and I'd ask him again then...but I'm thinking it'll be another night walking alone (DD usually rides her bike, but she's at my dad's). It doesn't bother me really - I like reflecting on the day, and listening to music. I'll be SO happy when I hit the 1/2 way mark and reward myself w/ a MP3 player! It'll be AWESOME! Only #9.5 more to lose until that pont. :D

mothermavis... thanx for asking still waiting on an appt for an ultra sound or x-ray on my galbladder and then my dr will decide if it comes out or not.

I'm down though, struggling with the dieting and stuff.I'm losing weight and inches still, just .2 or .6 at a time now but its depressing and I'm not eating too good at all times. Since June 11th I started at 184lbs and down to 176.6 now and 9" down, but I'm struggling. Hard not to eat bad exspecially when summer is here and we like going on picnics with take out after a long day of work.

Congrats to all the "losers" way to go!!!!!!! proud of yas :hug:

Isabel :carrot:

Hi Everyone~Today was not a good day. I cried most of the day. I got official papers from my lawyer saying the divorce is final, done, ended. I have been an emotional mess all day. I have done no exercise, eating has been okay, not great, but certainly not bad. I seriously doubt I will lose weight this week. I need to get a hold on my emotions, stress, and depression so I can get on with my life. Life DOES NOT end where divorce begins. I need a major dose of courage and determination. I will be okay in a few days. Thanks for listening. Pat

Pat, We are here for you. :grouphug:

Pat:hug:Don't beat yourself up too much. You still need to grieve-that is a major loss in your life in spite of it all. And the papers are a shock, even when you know it's coming. So take care of yourself for a couple of days, and ease back into it. We're here for you.

Isabel:hug:the waiting is awful, isn't it? Only seems to make matters worse.

Losing weight is such a struggle, no matter what. I get along fine for awhile then WHAM--something knocks me off track, and makes a big mess, and I give up. So far, I am having a good week, but I think it is all of you keeping me on track. Guess I feel like I have plenty of ears and shoulders I can count on this time.:)

Enygirl, you still doing good today?

We'll see how much the pasta tonight threw me off, but since my blood sugar was good this evening, I am more concerned about that I guess.

Have a great Thursday everyone. Working tomorrow, so I will check in later again tomorrow.

Kathy;)

Dixie- I COMPLETELY UNDERSTAND!!! My divorce was finalized on Monday. And although I wanted it SO badly - it still brought back all of the feelings of failure, doubt and not being good enough :( I wish you and I could sit down have a cup of tea and just cry it out! :hug: All I have to say is that it will get better. I know that Monday i was a wreck, but I just stuck to my guns and thought about how different my life is now, and how much better it is. I've learned so much about myself since we separated, and I found myself again. Remember - we're here!

Tapp- I am still doing good. BF went for a walk with me last night (for the first time EVER!) It was GREAT! we did about 2.5 miles, and we went slower then I usually do - but it was So worth the time together. Eating's on plan for 7 days now, and exercise for 3. Still going strong!

Hi Everyone~Enygirl, I really wish we could sit down over a cup of tea to talk and cry it all out. I believe we would feel better. I feel like I just flushed 35 years of my life down the toilet. I went to court on the 16th we got divorced. But the assets have not been divided yet. It seems like a nightmare or dream that just won't end. I can't wake up from it, I can't get away from it, it follows me everywhere I go. Maybe after the assets are divided I will fill like I have some closure. I hope so, this grieving is awful. I was already grieving over loosing my Mom, then my black lab, now my marriage is dead too. I know there has to be life after divorce, I have a journey to find out who I am again. It is a road of recovery and discovery. Thank you for your understanding and kind words. I wish you all the best of things that life has to offer.

Mother Mavis~Thank you too. This is a wonderful group of people that are not afraid to reach out to each other. THANK YOU ALL Pat

Were here for you :hug: I haven't been through a divorce, but my parents were when I was real young. I couldn't imagine what your going through, but I'll still be there any time.

Isabel

:DEvening all! What's going on this evening?

Went on a hunt in the avatars and found one that is part of my life. We own condos on the Caribbean side of Cancun that we rent out, and the picture reminded me of our place on the beach. Was there actually in April, checking up on the "spring break damage". Not as bad as last year, although one condo was out of comission to re-do the bathroom. What gets left, broken, or stolen is always interesting! :joker:

I have been working on my signature, and where it is, I haven't a clue. :( Anybody else seen it? Send it my way if you do. Thanks.

Here's hoping that tomorrow brings good numbers for all of us. I am eager to get off this plateau, if you can even call it that. More like I am sitting in a puddle of crazy glue.

See you in the morning:crossed:Keeping 'em crossed for all of you.

Kathy;)

ps: dang! it just popped up out of nowhere. tomorrow i'll have to figure out how to edit it!

It's been a crazy couple of days, but an okay kinda crazy and I've been doing really well staying within my WW points AND not using my points for only junk I shouldn't necessarily be putting into my body to begin with! A little junk, yes ... but nearly as much as I'm capable of!

:crazy:

I have the next two nights off (Friday & Saturday) and am hoping that I can find some good recipes I can make with the stuff I have on hand with my crockpot so I can stockpile some decent meals. Because next week is a holiday week I'll have Thursday, Friday & Saturday off next week! I'm a little worried because normally the more time I have at home the more I slack off on doing what I should .... which is a big reason I'm hoping to have some stuff already stashed.

Ah well, time to go finish watching this week's episode of America's Best Dance Crew online (my friend Jon is in SuperCr3w and they're rocking the competition so far!) and then get working on that recipe hunt!!!

Hope everyone who weighsin in the morning has great success ... and that the rest of us don't go overboard before we weighin!

:grouphug:

I am so sorry to hear of your pain. I have been through a divorce, and it is a loss and you do have the right to grieve. I'm still discovering and recovering, and I can't be more grateful for the opportunity (as bad as that word is). I'd have never have known myself as well as I do if I never had gone through that.

Hang in there seems so inappropriate, but I empathize. It will get better.

*Hug*

<<<<<hugs Dixiemae>>>>>>>

I'm so sorry you are going through such a rough time.

Oh boy, have I been busy the last week or so. I'm currently working two part time jobs because I can't find a full time one right now, and I picked up extra hours as a tutor. Not great money, but it's fun, and it keeps me on the campus so I still feel somewhat "studently."

I've discovered a hiking trail less than an hour from my house. I've gone twice so far, once with my father for about two hours (I was rather impressed with myself, really), and once by myself for about an hour of actual hiking time. It was hard to estimate since I lost my phone in the creek, but I was gone for almost three hours.

I broke my goal of 1000 minutes yesterday, a few days early, which is probably a good thing since it's raining here already. And the scale moved a notch. An aunt that hadn't seen me in a while said, "Oh, look, the weight's just melting off isn't it?"

I told her definitely not, but it was so nice to have it noticed.

That's my good stuff. I've decided the bad stuff is trivial and doesn't matter.

I'm new to the boards and was wondering if I can join this challenge? I'm hoping to be at goal by Christmas and need something to help push me a little harder. This challenge might just be what I need.

Welcome bluuuskies, of course you can join us! :)

bluu - the more the merrier! It's a great group!

Earth - WTG on the compliment AND breaking goal early! That's awesome! Maybe for next month you could add 100-200 more minutes to keep challenging yourself. :)

Whoopsie - I'm watching you! :mag: Stay strong this weekend -= and we'll ROCK the scale come Monday morning!

I'm at home today - which always poses a challenge for me. Not eating wise - I'm over that hump - but right now it's SO beautiful outside it's HARD to sit in the office and work instead of going outside and playing w/ DD and such :) *sigh* Just have to suffer through it - or at least complete enough to fake it for work :D

Have a GREAT day girls!!!!!