Ilene made her brilliance into a whole new thread .... http://www.3fatchicks.com/forum/showthread.php?t=85213

:yes: We'd plan anyway, wouldn't we? I still have to plan what I take to lunch, I just chose apples instead of cookies and salad leaves instead of chips ;) I plan to do the shopping, I plan when we go out to the cinema, so I also plan when I can get to the gym. I plan when I'm going to do some work so I plan when I play. Also like (I think it's wyellen) says, it's like paying the bills/accounting - I plan to pay the bills so I don't get red letters, I plan to eat healthily so I don't get fat again. I don't like paying bills, and sometimes I don't particularly like eating healthily, but I do it for the overall benefit.

With a bit of practice, you should be able to do stuff on the fly, like going out for meals - yes we plan to go out for meals, but I plan to have the lowest calorie/healthiest thing on the menu!

Thanks for the encouragement girls! I KNOW I can get to my goal weight and I KNOW how to do it. Better yet I think I know why I haven't been doing it.

I started losing weight for me and me alone. I was unhealthy and unhappy and I wanted that to change. I have a wonderful support system here at 3fc as well as in my "real" life. I started to veer off track a few months ago. It was about that time that I had several friends jump on the shape up bandwagon. I suppose because I had lost so much weight already (some of these friends don't need to lose weight, just tone up what they have) I became the go to girl for advice, questions, etc. of our little group. Quite frankly, it became a lot of pressure. All of a sudden I felt responsible not only for MY weight loss but theirs too. I think, on a subconscious level, I started eating more and working out less to prove that I wasn't someone they could count on. I realize that the pressure I felt from them and the responsiblity I felt for them was 100% self imposed. I can certainly support my friends in their journey to improve themselves without having to be a perfect example myself. I felt selfish maintaining the whole "I'm in this for me" attitude so I just gradually dropped out all together. Does any of that make sense?

At any rate, I've come full circle. I'm making good food choices and exercising because it feels good and will get me where I want to be. Not because I feel an obligation to set a good example for anyone else.

Thanks for letting me vent. All this has been floating around in my head for a few days and it is a weight off my shoulders to finally let it out. Hopefully that is going to translate into weight off the rest of me too! Now, I'm off to read Ilene's post...it must be a good one!

I must say when I came to the site this morning I didn't expect to cry! I honestly don't know what I'd do without 3FC and you wonderful ladies. :grouphug: Kleenex for everyone. lol

I've done some soul searching as well and I think part of the reason why I haven't made any progress since March is guilt. Another lady and I started losing weight around the same time and became supports to each other. As my weight approached hers (she didn't have near as much as me to lose) it became more and more difficult for us to be supportive of each other. She was getting super frustrated and I felt guilty reporting my losses to her. I'm over that now and ready to reach goal. The last two and a half months have been a great learning experience though. We'll call it a trial maintenance. ;)

Today marks 1 year since I started this journey. So in the last year I've lost 73 lbs, and went from a size 22 to a 10. Not bad at all for one year. :cool:

Gaylyn

Happy Anniversary Gaylyn!!!

73 pounds!!! What an accomplishment!! You should be VERY proud of yourself!

Way to go Gaylyn. I remember those pics you posted and you have come a long way baby! Happy Anniversary

We'll all put a candle in our low fat lunch to celebrate Gaylyn's awesome accomplishment! That is impressive work!

Wow Gaylyn, I didn't realise!! Way to go :high:...

Happy Anniversary Gaylyn!! You'll have those last 12 pounds off in no time. Congratulations!

:cp: Well done Gaylyn, what an acheivement! :D

I went to the gym last night and did about 4 machine exercises for chest and tris - the free weight area was packed with sweaty men chatting! :lol: I decided to leave them to it and get on with some HIIT! Well it's the first time I've done HIIT BfL style. I'm VERY impressed! It felt so good! I wanted to do it on the treadmill, but they were all taken, so I had to settle for the stationary bike, it was FAB! I had to visualise strutting my stuff in a bikini on a beach to get through my 4 minutes of 9s, then I just thought about lying down in front of the TV for my 10! :rofl:

I've got double kickboxing tonight, which I'm really looking forward to, then belt test on Saturday :D I was trying to have a private lesson on Friday, but I think I might need the rest!

Eating's ok, scales down about half a pound but those pounds I lost last week are back on again! :tantrum: I don't know why I do it to myself! Hopefully there will be less stress over the next few weeks and I'll be able to concentrate on scooting back down the pounds! ;)

I'm off to get cleaned up and go get my 3FC book! Oh and since Coles is in a mall ......
Any way, have a good day everyone. If you don't see me for a while, it's because I've got my nose in a book.

I was FINALLY able to move my ticker today. I'd forgotten how good it feels to move that sucker down.

2frus~~Best of luck for your belt test. I'm sure you'll do well!

Susan~~Enjoy your book!

Thanks to eveyone for their comments!! Have a great day.

Gaylyn

I am enjoying my book! I'm on page 5. It's the funeral pants story!!

Maybe I should order the book too! I've just sent for a load of stuff from Amazon though, and I probably won't have time to read it! I bought the BfL book! And a book called Why Do You Overeat When All You Want To Do Is Be Slim? Which I flicked through in a bookshop and thought I could get it cheaper on Amazon!

:yawn: I'm sleeeeeeeeeepy and I've got a bit of cold - I feel achey but in a good way. When I get home I'm going to sleep and sleep and sleep!

At Ilene's suggestion I'm reading Burn the Fat, Feed the Muscle by TOM Venuto. It's an ebook so I'm only printing off what I can read in one session. I'm terrible for skipping the intro stuff and just skimming the food and exercise parts :D
So far it seems to be about "the other thing". We all know how to lose weight, right? But in order to be shapely and stay that way, we need "the other thing" ... that little something extra ???
I think I'll get in touch with Ilene and see what she thinks about a thread to discuss this one.

Oh and yes, I've still got the 3FC book on the go. It's fun! Like rereading notes from old friends.

I think I'm going to take a look at the Tom Venuto book too. Thanks for the suggestion.

I think I may just be at my *GOAL*....I have not been formally "dieting" since February and have stayed right about 160 so I am officially changing my goal weight to 160. I have also had most of the people that I know tell me that I look FINE/GREAT right where I am. So if I drop a couple more pounds no biggie, but if I dont that is FINE also.....woohooo I MADE IT!!!!

55 pounds! That's amazing! Congratulations!

Congrats :D

Susan - BFFM is it worth the $$$? I always thought it felt like a bit of a scam, but now I know about Tom I think it might be worth it. how much was it if you don't mind me asking, and is it worth it?

:balloons:Congrats Gonnaloseit!!!!:balloons:

I noticed something yesterday that made me sooo happy. I actually have muscle definition in my legs!! Thigh and calf. Woohoo!!!!! I knew that my arms were coming along nicely and now so are my legs. Next up I want to see some abs! Thank you pilates!!!!

Gaylyn

The ebook to down load with tons of extras right now is $39.95.

Muscle definition?? Yahoo! Gaylyn you do good!

Where is everybody? Reading? Isn't it awesome!

I'm having computer problems. Everytime I am about to submit a post the darn thing over heats.:mad: At least it is still under warranty.:)

Anywho, I've tried to congratulation Gaylyn and GonnaLooseitagain several times over the last couple of days. So, a little late, but CONGRATULATIONS you two!

Gonnalooseitagain, I'm glad you were flexible enough to change your goal weight. I think all too often we get stuck on reaching a certain number and don't take the time to look up to see where we actually are. I imagine a lot of us reach our goal body much sooner than we reach our goal weights.

Gaylyn, sounds like you are transforming yourself into exactly what you want to be. Good for you. Keep up those pilates, they must be working!

I'm doing great - food is perfectly under control and exercise has been awesome. Two days down....a lifetime to go!;) We have a birthday party to go to today. It is a pizza party and I'm really looking forward to it. I'm feeling so in control and I know I won't even be tempted by the goodies. I love when that happens because it really helps build my confidence for future social situations when I might not be feeling so secure.

I don't like reading self-help/weight loss books but I am definately going to pick up the 3fc book. The pool opens today so I'll have a chance to read while the kiddie's swim. Ahhh, I love summer!

Keep up the good work everyone!

Last night I was wrapped up watching Dr Who, then today I have been green-belted ;) Ooooh Matron! :lol: and they gave me a nice big trophy for being "Student of the Year" :hyper: :dancer: I celebrated with a shop at the cheapest shop in town £2 T-shirts and £10 dresses, that's $1 and $5!!! :D And I bought myself a Subway, I was very restrained on both counts, I have been known to spend £80 on millions of clothes in the cheap shop, however I spent just £16.50 and in Subway I resisted the cookies. Just didn't want one! I even bought Phish Food to celebrate and it's still in the freezer... Very strange! I might have a bit later, but I'm not hungry now having just had bacon and eggs and mushrooms! :T

I am going off to read my funny "You are addicted to food and must have one or all three of the following, Hypoglycemia, Candida and Food Intolerances" :rolleyes: I'm sticking with it, I'm sure there's some gems in their somewhere, even if I don't THINK I'm addicted to food (esp sugar) and I'm probably not hypoglycemic or have candida or food intolerances :rolleyes: We'll see!

Have a lovely bank holiday weekend everyone - I'm bridesmaid shopping tomorrow! I have a lovely outfit that I want to wear too, I'll take some pics! :lol:

Student of the Year! :) We're proud of you!

I want to go shopping with Jenfrus! It's lovely and hot here today. I went through all of the shorts in my cupboard and only one pair fit! Oh I have stretchies for biking etc but only one pair good enough for 'town'.

It's a double edged sword really. I'm happy as blazes that everything is too big but ...

Oooo the clothing thing again!! I have to go to church and there's a potluck after. I'm hoping that in the next 15 minutes or so ... something I forgot I had will jump out of the closet.

And as for my experiment yesterday .... DO OVER!
I was trying to get my calories in/calories out close to the same (with excellent percentages) and then make the deficit with cardio and weights. But I ate too much.
I was doing fine, eating every couple of hours, until about supper. My percentages were not good and it never pays for me to try to 'eat to correct' and I was restless.
So I'll perservere today, even through the potluck, and I should have a better report tomorrow.

Wow! Student of the Year? That is AWESOME! I'm not surprised at all. Just reading your posts makes it clear that they would be hard pressed to find anyone more dedicated to kickboxing than you. Good job, 2frus!

Susan, experiments usually to boil down to trial and error. You'll get the details worked out! And I hope a long lost outfit jumps right out at you! But, even if you have to wear something that is too big...there are worse things that could happen. It is certainly better than facing a closet full of clothes that are too snug.

We had a great day at the pool yesterday. My oldest son finally gave up his mask and snorkel and started swimming with plain old goggles. All of this stems from his little brother accidently going under, realizing it wasn't so bad, and asking for some goggles. As soon as he put them on he was underwater swimming like a fish. Big brother got a little jealous of all the attention so he stepped up to the plate and started swimming freestyle. They are both going to have a lot more fun this summer - they are already making up diving games and racing for quarters at the bottom of the pool. Their sister is still content just to sit in her swim ring and watch the show. Anyway, all that to say that what a work out I got! Now that they like going under I was their raft - they would hang on and I would have to swim them across the pool. I was sore after my workout at the gym the other day but it is nothing compared to how my arms felt this morning!

I noticed something interesting yesterday at the pool. My idea of what constitutes a "good" body has seriously changed. I've suspected that my standards had gotten higher but swimsuit season leaves no question as to just how high. There are women at the pool who, last year, made me think I want THAT. I saw them yesterday for the first time since last summer and thought I want BETTER than that. They haven't changed and I'm not judging their physique - they still look fine. But now that I've practically got what I wanted last year I want more! It is very motivating in that I feel so confident that I can have the body I want if I work for it. I don't think I was 100% convinced of that this time last year.

My calories have been spot on for the past three days and exercise is right where I want it to be. I feel sooooo good. For the first time in a while I'm actually making a conscious effort to lose weight. I've had weeks here and there recently that I felt good about my efforts but in the bottom of my heart I knew I was trying to fake it until I made it. Well, I think all that faking has finally paid off!

Have a great day everybody! Keep up the hard work!

Congrats 2 frus!!!!! WTG! Student of the Year. That's awesome.

Susan~~Good luck with your experiment today. Have fun at the potluck.

lucky~~I know my body perceptions of other people have changed too. My best friend to me now looks a little chunky and I always envied her body before. It's amazing how things change. How old are your kids? My dd is 7 1/2 and can swim on her own. It makes life that much simpler at the pool.

Well I'm proud to report that I didn't gain an ounce this weekend! Looking forward to moving my ticker into the 140's hopefully this week.

Gaylyn

Gaylyn, my oldest son is 7 1/2 and our youngest son and daughter are 5 1/2. I can tell already how much easier this summer is going to be now that I have two swimming on their own. Our oldest was doing it last year but didn't like taking off his mask since it covered his nose. He finally figured out that water doesn't get in unless you suck it up and that even if you do suck some water up it isn't THAT bad. It is funny that you say you see your best friend as chunky now. It is my sister (whose body I have aspired to for as long as I can remember) who made me realize how much progress I've made. She isn't chunky weight wise but she definately needs to hit the weights and do some ab work. In fact, I was thinking yesterday that my body, although about 20 pounds heavier than hers, looks better because of all the weight work I've done. And, again, I don't mean that as an insult to her...just that I've always wanted what she has, now I think I'm close if not there, and I STILL am not done yet! But next summer....watch out!

Well, girls, I just got back from bathing suit shopping. It was a much different experience than say, two years ago. Not nearly as traumatic!

Have a great day all!

My computer was doing that overheating thing yesterday! So annoying!

I'm trying to get caught up a little before I go to work. Have a good day everyone!

Well, I'll be darned. I'm actually doing it! The scale is moving in the right direction again. It is usually easier for me to lose weight in the summer. There is just something about wearing a bathing suit so often that keeps me in line. Plus, it is so darn hot here it is hard to eat anything too heavy. And I drink a lot more water which tends to keep my mouth occupied so that I don't have a tendancy to snack as much. I am really hoping that I can lose 10-15 pounds before this season is over. That is only about a pound a week which I think is realistic even at this stage of the game. Of course, I'll have to stay focused and really buckle down. But, I can do it!

This was supposed to be the weekend that I took my little retreat to the beach. I got sidetracked and didn't go but hurray for DH. Turns out he has a ton of vacation days he needs to use up. So he's going to take a whole week off and keep the kids while I go vacation alone. Now, I love my family dearly but boy, oh boy, could I use a whole week's worth of "me" time! I can't wait!

How is everybody doing? I know summers are busy and most of us don't get to post as much as usual. Check in when you can though!

:wave:

Wow you guys, you are AWESOME! Lucky, well done on getting going again! Susan - you need SHOPPING and Gaylyn you're at goal! :grouphug:

I dived into some Ben & Jerry's yesterday. :doh: I'd feel bad about it, but I can't keep going on berating myself for things that I decided to do on the spur of the moment. I just know that today I won't make the same mistakes. Next weekend I have the weekend to myself, so hopefully that will kickstart me into the 11 stone somethings rather than being just over 12 stone, which is where I am after my little all you can eat fest with my parents a few weeks ago!

I went shopping with my bridesmaid yesterday - she is gorgeous! And the dress I chose suits her very well and she's happy with the choice, which is great because the other girls were happy with my choice, she was the only one that needed convincing! :lol:

Morning! I'm still pecking away on the college boys laptop. DS#1 has the other apart and is blowing 10 pounds of dust out .... so I may have a little nicer surf later today.
Tuna, salmon and chicken breasts are on sale this week. I should run and do that this morning. I have a four hour inservice this afternoon (paid, yes!). Maybe the dinner fairies will make supper and I'll go biking later when it cools down some.

Gaylyn and Gonnaloseit -- Congrats :high:

Jen Frus -- Student of the Year!! Cool :cool:

Lucky -- What kind of bathing suit did you get? I don't mind shopping for Bsuits half as much as I did a few years ago...Anyone who has 3 kids or more deserves a week of alone R&R yearly :yes:... Have fun...

SusanB -- Glad you're enjoying the BFFM book... I have it too and am rereading it, I love the first chapters where he more or less says, :censored: or get off the pot!! :lol:

I had a difficult weekend food wise but I ran a 10k race in Ottawa on Saturday with my running gals and we stayed in Ottawa for the night and we had a blast... There was wayyyy too much food we each brought our favourite junk and beverage for after the race ... Yesterday and today have been good though...

:frypan: I'm having trouble. :frypan: :kickbutt: Someone help!

I asked the student to buy me Pepsi Max at lunch, he brought back Pepsi. I drank it. I ate my Creme egg treat straight after lunch, and closely followed by my afternoon snack :frypan: THEN I think there might be pastries in the kitchen. I :love: custard pastries - I AM kickboxing tonight... :tantrum: :frypan: I might even have calories left for pastry... :frypan: :frypan:

OK Frus.... :nono: SLOWLY STEP AWAY FROM THE SWEETS AND NOBODY GETS HURT! :fr:


Here's some :dust: for you! Good luck!

Frus, even if you have calories left for pastries DO NOT HAVE THEM!! Take something healthy and eat that instead and you will be feeding your body healthy foods with no chance of a sugar craving because you ate the custard desert....

:coach: STEP AWAY FROM THE SUGAR!!

I am sending you positive vibes YOU CAN DO IT!! YOU WILL DO IT!!

Well that solved that! There are no pastries! Wahey!

I don't have anything healthy, that's the problem. I still haven't been supermarket shopping and I need PROPER FOOD! :tantrum: I will buy some melon or something from the petrol station tonight. I might get some yoghurts too. That will help! :D

No no no JenFrus! Print off a few pages of BFFM and take a glass of water some place quiet!


Ilene ... I wonder about those first few chapters ... I wonder if that's why I feel so strongly that that book is sooo perfect for us 'almost there's. I'm gonna think on that and maybe start a thread in LWL ... if that's OK with y'all.

Great idea Susan!!

Frus, I'm extremely happy that the pastries are gone and you didn't have any :p ... :lol: