Tiffany--great idea to tell what keeps us "on track".
I agree--the Skinny Cow ice cream sandwiches are what I can look forward to having at night after a day of making good choices. Here's my list:
1. diet rye bread--my store brand is the best. 100 cals for 2 slices and it's just like real bread.
2. mustard--a good mustard makes eating fat free cheese possible!
3. apples--a nice tart granny smith apple with my lunch gives me a crunchy, healthy treat
4. frozen dinner in the freezer--for "those' nights when you just don't have the energy to do it for yourself.
5. crystal lite lemonade--I love it.
6. Cafe twists--my grocery store sells these pastry twists that have only 40 calories. They're yummy!
7. carrots--for when dinner isn't quite ready yet. sometimes dipped in a little bit of hummus.
8. kashi cereal (kashi to good friends) lots of fiber, good once I got used to the taste, I really enjoy it for breakfast.

Well, there's my list. I think this is a great idea to give others some new thoughts.

Keep up the good work!

Well, there are some really great and motivational posts on here today, and I can really use it. Yesterday was the first weak day I had in three weeks. I managed to scarf down a total of 2200 calories, while that's not really a scale breaker, it still makes me feel a little self conscious today. After my little binge I marched right to the book store and picked up a copy of "Fit for Life" I started reading it and there really are alot of good ideas in the book. He talks about doing a cleansing of you system periodically and I think I just may try it. Maybe one day a week. I have to complete the reading though, only half through the book.
I've decided NOT to beat myself up about yesterday, it really wasn't too bad of a day. And I'm only human, I actually think it did me some good to have a mini day off. Today, I am back on track and still feeling good, thanks to all the wonderful information you have all shared with me. Thanks Ladies!

:)

Hello. Quiet time here. My two boys are watching a movie. They are 5 & 10. Past naps. The two I'm watching today are napping, they are 2yr & 4 months. I can't imagine having 4 kids all the time. I know people do it, but ek, it's hard. I think this may be my last week babysitting. My boys start swim lessons next week and it's just getting too hard with the extra little ones. I quit work to make life easier for the family....it's not easier w/4 kids. It was just the one extra, then she had the baby. Babies are a lot of work. Not like I didn't know that after having 2 of my own.

Lots of good food ideas girls! You all listed most of the things I try to have around. I'm ready for the summer time farmers market stands to open. Fresh fruits and veggies taste so much better from them. Do any of you do a garden? I usually plant tomatoes and cucumbers, but haven't this year.
Great walking Tiffany! I plan to get out for some good outdoor walks next week when I'm not babysitting.
Talk to u all later! :D

A garden??? BwaHaHaHa!!!

Me and veggies don't get along. I am a dieter's nightmare. I hate ALL cold veggies. All of them. No carrots, no broccoli, no cauliflower, every single bean known to man. Hate them all.

Now, I DO eat spinach, canned of course to lose all their nutrients, and corn and an occasional baked potato. I do like fruits though. But the garden would be a joke, I can't even keep my cactus alive. *sigh*

Hey another thing to add to my list, someone PM'd me to ask about it...I TOTALLY forgot about it, thanks Gardenia! The syrup for my pancakes. It is by Maple Grove Farms, called Cozy Cottage and it is sugar free and no fat. TEN calories for a 1/4 cup. Holy Mackeral, you could drink from the bottle! Great with those fat free waffles and/oatmeal!

I agree about the Kashi cereal. I think 90% of the girls on this board eat it. And it was all the rage while I was in WW. I eat the "Go Lean" it is really good. Kind of like Sugar Smacks.

Grapes are my "keep em close" snack. When I travel, and I have a few trips coming up this summer, I take them in a bowl in the ice chest, and if I get stressed going through Atlanta to see my Dad, I will start eating them like M&Ms. :^:

I also love the frozen dinners too. Summer is an awful time to be cooking.

Just me, good to see you chilling out about the 2200 calories. I found information in a book on fat and calories that says...to find out how many calories you need, you take your weight, (to maintain) or your desired weight (to lose) and take that times 13 if you are sendentary and get no exercise, 15 if you are moderately active, 17 if you are very active and 20 if you are a big fat liar and say that you are EXTREMELY active. :rolleyes:

Soooo.....my goal weight is 150 and I am MODERATELY active so 150 x 15 = 2250. So, I can eat 2250 a day and still lose. I don't some days, some days I have only had 1200 and other days 2400, but I average out.

They say that people often UNDERestimate the calories they need to lose weight and then we all go into that dreaded starvation mode where our stubborn bods hold onto all that fat and we lose muscle instead.

Oh, and an interesting side note. Not that I am watching my cholesterol, but some people do. If a package says Cholesterol Free, that simply means the product itself doesn't have any cholesterol in it, but look on the package for Saturated Fat. If it is Cholesterol free but has Saturated fat in it, your body turns Saturated fats into cholesterol, so you are technically still getting cholesterol in it. It can be misleading. Hope that made sense!

Ok, off to hunt some recipes.
Tiff

justme, who is the authur of 'fit for life'? are u like'n it? i find reading a health/diet book helps me keep on track even if i don't end up following that particular program. i even tried listening to andrew weil's 'eating well for optimum health' on tape in my car! trying to brainwash myself! maybe i should try a headset when i'm sleeping....

Hi there,

Thanks for all the great ideas! T.V. dinners are a god-send on some of these evenings. I grew up always having "dessert" after dinner, so I always expect something sweet after my evening meal. I get those fat-free pudding snacks. 1 satisfies my sweet-tooth and I don't have to figure out how much is a serving, since if I get ice-cream, I figure my typical serving is about a quart!

Justme, I'm so glad you're not beating yourself up for one weak day and just moving on. And how great that you were able to keep it to 2250! I don't count calories much anymore, but I know when I used to, I could go well-over 4000 on a bad binge day.

Well, back to work. Love this site!

Jen

Sounds like everyone is having an "up" day so far. I agree with everyone else Just, I am glad you are not beating yourself up over the extra calories. I am not counting anything for that exact reason. I getted stressed when I have to count anything and that is why I couldn't do weight watchers. I read an article in a magazine a few years ago and I also have a book that talks about learning to eat like a slim person. That is what ultimately will work for me I am sure of it. And that is what I am doing. I don't restrict any food and I swear I feel FREE. I don't sit around thinking about eating cheesecake and banana splits anymore and believe it or not I don't even crave them. I do agree with Tiff about keeping the healty choices in the house. It makes things a whole lot easier when you have them available.

Well, I just got home from work and I'm exhausted as usual, considering that I usually get up between 4 & 4:30 am I guess that is to be expected. At least I did manage to get on the treadmill this morning for 15 mins and I feel like I accomplished something for today. I guess saying it this morning made it so.

Have a great evening everyone..........

LJ

i just lost my whole post, i will check in tomorrow,:mad:

have a great night all.

Just a question
 

I was doing some reading this morning and someone mentioned that because they weren't drinking enough water they were retaining. I know it is important to drink enough water, but if you aren't drinking anything but water, just not enough will your body retain what you are drinking?

Since my initial loss of 15 lbs the scale hasn't moved. I know that we all hit plateaus and I wonder in my case if it is because of not drinking enough. I'm probably only getting in 4-8 oz glasses a day and now that I think about it I do drink coffee in the morning.

Are there any water experts out there? ( I would put a smilie here if I knew how to do it!)

Have a great day everyone!

LJ

water
 

I'm no water expert, but from things I've read...coffee w/caffeine causes your body to rid itself of water, consuming too much caffeine can lead to dehydration. So, if you are only drinking a few cups of water...add to that some coffee...your body may not be getting enough water.
That said...I drink coffee. I cut back sometimes, even switch to green tea occasionally. DH drinks it, and I have a hard time staying away from it. :dizzy: But, I do get in a good 8 glasses of water a day.
Hope that was helpful info.

morning all:) i am having a great day so far, a lean protien healthy breakfast 3 cups of water done and excercise done, i dug out an old susan powter tape, boy i would have to be nuts to overeat after that workout.

as far as the water thing goes for me, i know it is healthy for our insides to work properly but honestly i dont notice a weight difference whether i drink alot or a little. i dont mind water, because there really isnt alot of other liquids i drink. i know i get in at least 7 or 8 cups in a day, if i am thirsty i will drink more. i drink it because it quenches my thirst but i am not a fanatic about it. if i get in 8 fine , if i dont i dont. i am really trying to get in more lean protiens as they do keep me satisfied and not wanting to eat more of them. like if i have white carbs. i have a lot of whole grain carbs in the house and i am hoping to choose to eat them instead of the white carbs that send me into an eating frenzy.

hope everyone has a good day.

Huntress, when you want a smilie....look to the left as you are typing and there is a rectangle with all the smilies in it...just click on the one you want and it will put it right into your post! Easy as pie. Let's see those smilies now!

Ok, well, this comes from a long-time water hater. I don't drink it. Almost ever. Ok, well sometimes. When it is SUPER hot, and I am SUPER thirsty I will drink it. With spicy food, I will drink it, because I have to wash down the fire and I don't care what I drink then. When I am working out, doing a step tape and my mouth feels like I'm sucking on a brick, I'll drink it then. But as for getting in 8 glasses....:^: Not gonna happen. When I was in WW, my leader said I could drink 4 of my 8 glasses as Crystal Light...which is wonderful! But I have never noticed whether the scale moved or did not move because of it. Although, there are some HEAVY DUTY water advocates out there, and they will GET IN YOUR FACE about it.

I do believe my skin looks better with more fluids. But then I pee all the time. So...what can ya do?

Will, you are the BOMB. I HATE mornings and just can't get motivated that early. I love my evenings. I know it IS better to exercise in the morning, but I am grateful to do anything at all, so I won't fuss. But you truly are an inspiration. :dizzy:

Grrrr :mad: I was mad last night, I went to the Junior High about 8:30 to walk on the track and the soccer team was there practicing on the grass in the middle of the track, so I went home and went back at 10:15 and there were 2 guys out there with flashlights doing something, and since I didn't feel like getting raped. (Oh YEAH, like THAT would happen :dz: ) I went ahead and went home. I didn't want to walk around our neighborhood, there is a busy road there, and I wanted the flat surface of the track...so I just didn't do it at all. BUT, I will get it tonight, and I may walk on Sunday now, even though it is my day off, just to make sure I get all my walking in.

Well ladies, I have a job interview today. Don't get me started on this. When I was thinner, even just 50 pounds thinner, I don't think there was job that I applied for that I was ever turned down for...but now, I am CONVINCED that my weight is an issue. I am/have been an office manager/secretary/receptionist/office assistant.....any and all of those things. I have incredible skills and experience and NO ONE will hire me. I think that when it comes down to picking the person that sits in the front position and represents your company, and they have to choose between me and Cindy Crawford who can't type..... :o
So, anyway, I have done this diet thing for 3 weeks now and my confidence is soaring, so I will go in there and WOW her, and if she hires me, fine...and if she doesn't....FINE, I have things to do this summer and work will only interfere anyway. :lol:

So, think good thoughts for me, I am putting on my finest and marching in there to kick butt and chew gum and I'm ALL out of gum.

Talk to you gals this afternoon some time!
Tiffany

hi tiffany, you go girl, i will be crossing my fingers for ya. you are oozing with confidence and it will come through, that is such a great asset. although although alot of people wont admit it, i totally agree with you on the , heavy person or cindy crawford thing, of course i dont speak from experience, i have worked with children most all my life and you just have to love them take care of them and keep them busy, doesnt matter the size , although i was young and thin when i started at the daycare center, i just never had to worry about the kind of job you have, i wont wish you luck, you wont need it.

boy you really did try to excercise huh?? good for you. at least you tried. most people wouldnt have even tried to go back. what determination. you will get far with that.

i had a great day, stayed in control.

hope everyone else had a great day.:)

Thanks for the info on water. I've always known how important it is to drink it, but like you Tiff I've always hated the stuff. I am a hard-core Coke addict (coca-cola that is) I would drink it from morning until bedtime if I could get away with it, but with these hot humid summers in Houston I guess the water is best. I also like crystal light especially if I add just a little more water to it than it calls for because I don't like the aftertaste.

Good luck on your job interview Tiff, you definately are more than qualified and I'm sure you will get something soon.

Willbe, you really are going to do it this time I can tell from your posts that you are really motivated and doing well. This time next year I bet you will be looking like a goddess. For that matter we all will! Right ladies!

I just got home from SuperWalmart and boy am I tired, I swear I got a workout just from pushing that cart all over the store. Then when I came out there was a thunder and lightning storm!

I gotta go take my daughters friend home and then it's off to bed, boy am I ready for the weekend. My kids and I are going to the beach Saturday and I'm looking forward to getting away.

Goodnight all!

LJ

Again with the water...
 

Ok, my last thoughts on the water situation. Here is what this week's issue of Women's World has to say...

We've all heard how celery has so few calories that chewing it actually burns more calories than you take in. The jury is still out on that one, but experts say the effect DOES hold true for ice water. Scientists have now proven that when you drink it at 40 degrees or cooler, you actually burn calories digesting it.

"That's because your body has to raise the temperature of the water to 98.6 degrees, and in the process, it burns about one calorie per ounce of water," explains Selene Yeager, author of The Doctor's Book of Food Remedies.

So, if you gulp down eight glasses of icy water a day this summer, you'll burn about 430 extra calories a week!

Well, I don't know about you girls, but hating water or not...that is a good enough reason for me to guzzle some!!

:T
Off to walk, dang soccer kids better be gone, and no loonies lurking at the track either!
Tiff

morning ladies, yes huntress, i got a feeling this time too, we will all do this. the beach, great, i love to go . i have a chuck e cheese party and then we are going back to the house for a bar b que, i have to stay in control on sat. so i wont be going to the shore this weekend, have fun.

tif, hope you got your walk in, now i can drink the water but i cant drink it ice cold, so whatever it does for me it does for me, i cant make myself crazy over it. in my case the eating is more important to take control of anyway.

hello everyone else, i hope you all are doing well.

well, here is another positive post, i dont know if any of you got this from my posts or not, but i have been trying to incorporate somersizing, into my lifestyle plan. and yestereday i was in such control of my eating, just by eating more protiens, and eating different carbs. like whole wheat pasta and a fruit. i did so well, that i am gonna try it again today, i gonna take it one day at a time and see how long i can eat this way. sat will be a challenge but i know i can do it.

feeling great today and hope to stay in control again.

hope everyone else will have a great day too.:)

Hi Everyone,

I decided to post 1st thing in the morning today. Yesterday was not a good day for me, as far as food and excersize go. I just got myself into a funk and didn't go walking. Instead I stayed home and ate. I didn't go too crazy, so I don't think I did a lot of damage. One day is usually O.K. for me, unless I eat until I'm sick. I know, that sounds just gross, but it's the way I am. Anyway, back OP today and expect to hear from me at least once more today. I think I'll just "check in" right after work when I begin to think about eating dinner and supper and dessert and dessert and dinner and more dinner! Gen, I needed to hear what you had to say. Today, I'm just going to make different choices. Yeah, I wish I could magically snap my fingers and lose 100 pounds, but unfortunately it doesn't work that way. I know, I think I've tried every stupid lose weight quick scheme I could afford!

Tiffany, I hope your interview went well. I've been at the same job for 16 years and it may well be time for a change, but I HATE the job-search process. It's too bad that our society does have prejudices about body-size, (among other things). You sound like you really have a handle on it, though. I love your attitude! Well, gotta head to work. TGIF!

til later,
Jen

I'm an airhead, it must be early
 

Well, can you tell I've got two threads going! Gen is on the other one. Have a good day!

Jen

hi jen, i am learning to not let the bad days get me down, cause when they used to , it just sent me into an eating frezy. good attitude starting fresh today. hang in there. and no it doesnt sound gross overeating, i am sure we have all been there, i cant even begin to tell you what i eat on a binge day. i just dont stop, it is like i am a bottomless pit. it is scary to feel so out of control.

but i am working on that, and i believe the different food choices i am making will help me stay in control, they are just not foods i want to pig out on.

lets all hang in there, we can make it.:)

Hey Jen, good to hear from you! Glad you have a handle on yesterday. Not a big deal. Here is my thoughts on this...(like I don't ALWAYS have thoughts on SOMETHING!!) :s:

This whole "change in the way we eat" is like being a baby again. We are learning something new and it will take a while. When a baby learns to walk, he pulls himself up, falls down...crawls a little bit and then tries again. Pretty soon, he takes more steps and only falls once in a while and then before you know it...he is running and never looks back! I guess right now, we are still in the infancy of our new way of eating. Nothing wrong with that. We will all fall down, but we won't lay there and wait for someone to pick us back up...we will do it ourselves! No doubt about it.

I am so proud to be here in the presence of such strong, awesome women. We are finally getting smart about our own bodies and know that we know what we need to be able to stay in control...we will have no problem getting to goal. Yes, it may take a while...but patience is a virtue and good things come to those wait!

I love the way we are taking bits and pieces of this plan and that plan and making them work for us. Smart!!!! Before, I would try something and if it didn't work, I would just give up until the next thing came along. Now I have to realize that my life is not getting longer, it's getting shorter and I want to spend as much of it as I can being healthy and thinner of course! So, I am starting this and will continue to do it, mistakes and all, until I am where I want to be. I know I am looking at a good year to a year and a half to lose this weight and I am ready to commit that time to something so important. I know you guys are too and that's why I love logging in and seeing the good news and the not-so-good news, because it means we are REAL. Struggles and all. I love that.

Well, off my soapbox now...the interview went well, and I should know next week. I'm almost tempted to waitress again, so I will be on my feet running around instead of sitting at a desk for 8 hours, but I'm a sucker for the M-F with weekends and Holidays off, you know?

Hey, I DID get my walk in! I am going to have to write off the track, cause I went at 9:00 and the kids were STILL practicing. (They have lights there)! So, I went back home and walked my neighborhood, I walked 1.3 miles, and that takes me a half hour, so I am slower than snail snot, but I will get there! Rome wasn't built in a day!

Well, cruddy dud. I guess I should clean my house today. With three girls running around here, there is always something to do. Maybe I will sweep and mop the kitchen and then vacuum the house. That should burn off my Egg Beaters and toast!

Check with you all later,
Tiff

Laughing
 

Tiff, you comment
'slower than snail snot' cracked me up.. Keep at it girl you are always one day closer to your goal and with every step you take you will get stronger and stronger. I'm proud of you for taking that first step! I'm proud of all of you, you are doing what I'm trying to do take control of your life, all of it.
I always say that my job is not my life, it is what I do so I can have one. My new saying (stolen from somewhere lol) is
'EAT TO LIVE, DON'T LIVE TO EAT'

I'm just full of em today aren't I? LOL Have a great weekend all and when you stumble on this rocky road, pick yourself up, brush yourself off, and move on down the road.

Peace
*Judy

hello all, tif very well said, about the baby walking thing. probable applies to all of us.

i went to friendlys for dinner with my daughter i ordered a chicken ceasar salad, i took off the croutons. while my daughter was eating cheese quesadillas and a hot fudge sunday, my mouth was watering i wanted it so bad. now i am irritable . i am full and glad i stuck to my plan, which should make me feel better, but i just want to go eat some french fries. dont worry i wont. i know i will feel better tomorrow for staying in control. now i have to do it again tomorrow, got some challenges with birthday party.

hope everyone has a great night.

TGIF
 

I am SOOOOOOO glad it is Friday and the weekend is here! YEA!

Willbe, don't you worry about those quesadillas and french fries, just remember a year from now when you have reached your goal you will look back and realize that all the struggle has been worth it. That is why I decided to make this year the one that counts, finally. Year after year I say to myself, you know if I'd just stuck to it I could be there now. You will be glad you did.

Tiff, I am glad that you were able to get your walk in. I hope that you are able to find a good place to go, one that is safe!

Jen, we all slip up sometime......just keep plugging along, you can do it!

Just, it is good to see you again. Hope that you are doing well.

I am amazed that I've been posting so much, the most I've ever done was once or twice and then went back to lurking. You guys are the best and I hope that we can keep it up for a long time to come.

I wanted to share a thought with all of you that might help in your struggle. A few years ago I was invited to go to Las Vegas by some friends and while I was there I started playing the slot machines in the casino we were staying in. I was having so much fun that I didn't realize until I was starving that I handn't eaten in like 5-6 hours. I hadn't even thought about food in that entire time! Now for me that was like unbelievable..........I thought about food and dieting ever single waking moment of the day for as long as I can remember and as time went by I realized that this also was happening whenever I did anything that I truly enjoyed. My New Years resolution this year instead of saying I am going to lose weight was just to become a happier person and then it began to click. It hit me like a brick! Whenever I am happy and my mind is occupied with other things that I wasn't thinking about food. That is when my lifestyle change started to work and the weight started coming off. Now I wonder if I was just making myself miserable worrying about what I could ear or what I couldn't, thinking about my weight constantly and maybe it should have been the other way around.

I'm sorry this has been so long, I guess all I'm trying to say is, shouldn't we all think more about just having happy lives, not to imply that you all don't, but if we are truly enjoying life, being active and loving our bodies, won't they follow along with us?

So if you think I'm nuts it OK............have a wonderful weekend!

LJ

LJ, I don't think you are nuts at all. I was sitting here thinking about a couple of trips that I have coming up. One is next week, I leave Friday morning and will be back Monday night, so you girls keep this thread going, cause Lord knows Monday night I will be writing a book! Anyway, I am going to Georgia to my father's. His birthday is on Father's Day, so I am killing two birds with one stone!

Problem is....they like to EAT. And they like to FEED people! Dad will throw some steaks on the grill, and Step-mom will be in the kitchen going crazy. They will take us out at least once, which will be good, cause I can try to make a healthy choice at the restaurant at least. I will ask him to throw a potato on the grill and I will eat that with some salt and pepper...and maybe a piece of chicken if I can convince him I am trying to give up red meat. He will think I have went insane.

Soooo...I will try to stay healthy and eat sensibly and bring my own snacks to snack on during the day.

The other one is to Branson in July, and that won't be a problem, cause we will be busy from sun-up to sun-down. White Water, and Silver Dollar City, etc...
So, I know what you are saying about doing something that you love and then food won't be the primary focus.

I guess I just need to be busy all day and night. For the rest of my life. LOL....

Well, I am off for my walk now, I will catch you gals later.
:cool:
Tiff

Okay. I'm new. Just read all 5 pages of this thread! You all are so inspirational! I can't do individual "shout outs" because I can't keep straight who's who right now. Y'all are all swarming around in my head! :lol:

So anyway, it's been 2 weeks since I started my own plan. A little about me, if you care. I am 31 and single. The whole thing about wishing I could be "that fat" again... in high school I was a 10 when all my friends were 6's and 8's or less. I had issues. But then my mother, I do love her dearly but she missed the boat on my weight and still misses it, DRUG me to WW when I was a 10. Okay, the issues began. I remember a high school friend's mom saying, in front of all my friends, "Elizabeth, there's a great Overeaters Anon meeting at church you should go to." IN FRONT OF MY FRIENDS! :?: Issues continued... So as the weight came on, my parents tried harder and harder to get me to do something. The harder they tried the more I resisted. Geeze, who was I hurting but myself! 2 weeks ago, I was resting at my all time high, 190.

Now, 2 weeks ago yesterday... I had worn a particularly yucky looking outfit to work that day. Eaten my usual poptarts and diet coke for breakfast. Can't remember what, but some hideously fat laden take out lunch. On the way home from work I said to myself "You should go walk." (oh and I NEVER exercised... inactive!) I started listing off excuses in my head. Then the same self voice that said to myself that I should go walk said back "You will ALWAYS have excuses, every single day. You have to start some time. Why not now?" So I came home, changed and went walking. Something happened on that walk. My mindset changed. At work they are joking about the new me. But that day I decided I would take control of my life. And I have not waivered at all since then. I've been eating well. My mom has "trained" me all my life. I know what it takes but rebelled and never did it right. And I've exercised every day but 1 or 2 in these 2 weeks. Even did it twice this past Wednesday. I am loving working out! Been mostly doing a Susan Powter interval training step video I acquired some time in the past when I thought I'd do this. I thought she'd be irritating as heck... but I love her. I want her to come be my personal trainer!!!

I know this will work this time. I realized that something "clicked" during that walk 2 weeks ago. 7 months ago I quit smoking. I had started when I was 14!!! I had tried so many times over the years. Never did it. Well, one Monday morning I just said, "I quit!" I gave away the half a pack I had and never looked back. The biggest difference this time than any other was that I knew I was going to do it and I WANTED TO DO IT! I said from day 1, "I quit smoking!" In stead of "I am quitting smoking." The latter left room for failure. The former said "I have done it."

Sorry this is so rambling. I am just so glad to have folks who understand because they are there! I think I've lost about 5 lbs but what I really like is how I look, how I feel and what folks are saying. Had a client today ask how much I'd lost and when I told her she said "I would've thought a lot more!" I am carrying myself better. My skin is shining... unlike a lot of y'all, I LOVE WATER! Drinking much more and only 1 diet coke a day (okay 2 sometimes... but only rarely) has made a huge difference there! I love the new me. I love how I feel at work all day when I've gotten up early and worked out with Susan :) I love it all!

I am going to San Francisco to see my brother and his girlfriend for the 4th of July. I cannot wait to see them and for them to see how great I look.

Thanks for letting me join in... y'all are awesome!!! :D

Welcome Lizzo!
 

You are more than welcome to join us! Congratulations on your new lifestyle change! You can do it.........you just have to let go of all the negative stuff from when you were young. I too was in that same situation having started WW when I was in sixth grade, taken there by my mother. I've heard all the same things.........you would be so pretty if you would just lose some weight. I finally had to let go and just decide to do it for me.

I look forward to hearing more from you

LJ

WOW!
What wonderful posts from all!
Welcome Lizzo. Congrats on quitting smoking. And the whole lifestyle change. I quit smoking 4 years ago and my body finally settled into the weight I am now, I decided it was time for that to change too. Haven't had my walk yet tonight, so I guess I'd better go before I can say, "Well, it's too late now."
Bye all

Jen

Hi Lizzo...

GREAT post!!! Your positive attitude and desire to win are very welcome here!!! Love what you had to say, and you really have a way with words. Your exuberance comes through in your writing!

I have a mom with issues too. She is ALWAYS commenting on my weight...but she is overweight too. Go figure. I had on sweats the other day, cause ALL us fat people wear sweats!!! (no constricting waist band when you eat!!:lol: ) Anyway, she looks at me and says, "When you're as fat as you are, you really shouldn't wear sweatpants." So my cattiness got the best of me and I said, "Well, Mom, when you have nothing pleasant to say, you shouldn't open your mouth." :devil:

She looked at me and I looked at her and we both started laughing...so I guess I am at the point now where I can take what she says with a grain of salt. I know why I was REALLY wearing those sweats. I like feeling them getting looser.

Lizzo, like you, I haven't been doing this too long...a little over 3 weeks for me and I am one year older than you, and I would kill to jump on the scale and have it say 190 tomorrow!!! BUT...I will get there in my own time. I did this to myself, now I can work hard to get it off. What is it they say? I did the crime, now I can do the time? LOL

Well, on a positive note, Michael Skakel was found guilty of the murder of Martha Moxley today. For those of you that aren't familiar with him. He is a scumbag who just happens to be related to the Kennedys. He also murdered Martha in 1975 when she was only 15 and they never convicted him. Now he is 41 and they actually found him guilty. I was thrilled to see his smug little face looking all surprised when they announced the verdict.

Ok, that is my dirty little secret. I LOVE court TV and Law and Order, and Forensic Files and all those true crime shows. :eek:

I just get all up in arms about those things.

Well, before my blood pressure shoots up, I had better hit the hay. I did get my walk in tonight and I feel it. Shins are hollering at me. (they are saying things that would make a sailor blush)

Nighty Night girls. Tomorrow morning is weigh in for me. I dread it since I had my Chinese and that family potluck thing this week.
I'll post the news in the morning, good or bad.
Tiff

Okay so it isn't even noon yet, not even 11 am... But so far I'm having a GREAT day! Woke up early today. Wasn't too long ago I would've thought that was awful on a Saturday. :o Practically across the street from my house is a local farmer's market that is only open during the summer. Today was the first day it was open. So I went there and got lots of goodies. Got some canteloupe and watermelon and peaches... love fresh fruit! Got some potatoes to do what with, I don't know yet. Got some fresh corn that I'll cook on the grill probably. And got some tomatos! Pretty excited. Came home, ate a healthy, protein filled breakfast and a banana. Then lounged a while (gotta do that some still!). Then got off my behind and did some workin' out with my new workout buddy, Susan Powter!!! :D On about my 4th glass of water already! Was hoping the local library would be open today so I can go see what books and/or videos they have, but so far no answer there. HATE living in a small town! I'm a city girl! (I'll explain later how I got here and how much longer I have if y'all want to know!)

Doing good here
 

Just got back for a 3 mile walk! It was nice to take a different route and look at everyone's flowers and landscaping. Before I knew it I had gone 3 miles... afterwards I clocked it with the car just to be sure how far it was for future reference.. lol Took me 50 minutes so tomorrow I'm gonna try for 45!!

Lizzo, and Just Cuz...you two are making me look like a slug.

Just Cuz, I am in AWE. I can hardly do a mile and a quarter without looking like a parched man crawling across the desert.

Lizzo...those veggies sound good. I think tonight, I am making a low fat pizza. Fat Free Mozzarella and marinara sauce. Ground turkey and turkey pepperoni and TONS of veggies: peppers, onions, mushrooms, etc...
If I make it right, one nice piece will fill me up!

Ok, this is hard for me......:( :( :( :( :( :cry:

I got on the scale today and it still said 252. That was what it said last week. I know I shouldn't be disappointed, especially after I had that Chinese food and the potluck that day, but I guess I was still a little sad. I mean, I DID eat healthy for the rest of the week AND exercised. I can't help but think about the way I USED to eat when I would eat a Whopper and large onion rings for lunch and then have tons of Mexican food for dinner and a bag of candy throughout the day. That was after having about 6 Twinkies for breakfast and tons of regular pop too.

So, I feel like overall, I did well, but still didn't lose. There can't be one single person alive that doesn't feel that little pang of sadness when the scale doesn't move....but.....

I know that I have to look at the bigger picture. This is my bodies way of holding on to the fat, (they have been friends for a LONG time!) AND I have been exercising and doing a little weight training, so I know I am building muscle. I can tell when I put on my clothes, that they are a little looser, so I guess I can't be upset because I didn't lose. THANK GOD, I didn't gain!

Anyway, I'll work hard this week and hopefully things will start moving again.

Keep on Keepin on!
Tiff

Good morning (for a few minutes longer, anyway!)
Tiffany, I'm sure we do all know what it's like to not lose a pound when you've been trying so hard and mostly doing all the right things. I'm glad you get to notice how your clothes are fitting. And remember, lean muscle weighs more than fat, so you're definitely doing some good. I'm almost afraid to do the weight-training because it could slow down the actual weight loss. But I really need to do it, because, as we all know since we've been learning and working at this for years, adding muscle also helps to burn more fat!

A couple of years back I watched Chuck Norris selling the Total Gym on TV. Finally I decided to go for it. Imagine my disappointment when the shipment arrived, I opened the box and Chuck Norris was nowhere to be found! I still have the excersize equipment, though, and used it for a short while. Then I lost my motivation. I WILL start again.

I stepped on the scale this A.M. and wasn't at my goal weight. What a drag. Of course, it's pretty hard to lose 97 pounds in a week! I was hoping, though. I did lose 3 pounds and need to acknowledge that as a success. So..to all of us.. losing, maintaining, or even gaining a bit, we are successfull if we just hang in and keep working at it.

Type at ya all later. Have a great day.

Jen
238/234/140

OMG Jen, thanks for the laugh! Yeah, Chuck Norris didn't come with my total gym either. What a rip off.

I also had to laugh about getting on the scale and not being at goal weight. I thought I was the only one who hopped on and said, "Ok, today I will weigh 160!"

Been busy today, so far at least. Took my daughter and step-daughter (ages 13 and 14) out looking for a new bathing suit. I figured there may be some good sales. Sears had some good sales, but then we went to Berners, and their tops alone had been marked down to $56 and that was originally $70 and that was just for the one piece. So, I marched them out of there and headed for Walmart.

For crying out loud, for over $100 for a complete bathing suit, it had better do more than just expose my rolls and make me feel gross. I can't WAIT until I reach goal weight. Maybe then, just maybe I will spend that much money on a fabulous suit. Next year, girls!!

Well, off to Subway. It's too dang hot to cook...
Tiff

Lizzo....I am so jealous! I love fresh fruit and veggies and would have to drive halfway across town to go to farmers market. I love summertime when there is an abundance of everthing that is good for us.

Tiff....don't be too discouraged, who knows maybe when you get on that iron monster next week it will show a HUGE loss.

Jen....I didn't get to my goal either this week, but I did get quite a surprise when I got on the scales. When I looked down my immediate reaction was "oh my gosh, how did I gain that much weight in 2 days!" then I realized that middle number one had been replaced by a 0 and boy was I excited. I must have been delirious from too much sun.

I have lost another 2 #'s this week and have gotten out of the teens. 208.5 to be exact.

We did go to the beach for a little while today but it was just too dang hot and decided to come home after a couple hours, but then my daughters car had a flat and we had to stand outside in that burning sun for another hour getting the flat fixed. Fortunately a nice kid helped us since it was all girls and we made it home ok. I am fair skinned and didn't intend to get any sun today, spent most of my time sitting in the back of the Explorer with sunglasses and my hat on but still ended up looking like a lobster. I am going to go take a nice cool bath now have some dinner and maybe watch a movie.

LJ

Life is good
 

Hey everyone,
I got on the scale this morning for my weekly weighin and I lost another pound!! woohoo measured and lost another half inch in my hips! (I was up 4 lbs before I started my monthly thing on Monday so technically I lost 5 lbs this week, LOL but hey that doesn't count so I'm not counting it!!) I'm down 1 lb officially.

If I lose a lb a week, which my dietician says is acceptable (she had a stroke when I was losing 5-6 lbs a week in January lol)
I'll be to my goal before I know it.

Started at 278 in January, down to 228 now, and my ultimate goal is 160 so I have a way to go but I'll get there, slow but sure.
I'm told by the medical people in my life (see them all a lot due to the constant contact because of the diabetes) that people that lose slow keep it off!!
That's what I want to get to 160 and keep it off. I'm 5' 9" so 160 will actually look thin on me I think, I weighed 155 in 5th grade (age 11) so I won't know how to act... lol maybe my old catholic school uniform will fit me again huh? Oh some guy might have a sick fantasy about that though so never mind !!!
:lol:

Have a super Sunday.

Congrats to everyone on the losses! I weigh myself tomorrow. Tiff, if your clothes are fitting better then you did great! Don't let the number get you down. This time I am also doing measurements, and I think that will help me when the scale doesn't say much. I can tell already that I've lost some size in different areas! Haven't measured yet. Got a spreadsheet from somewhere linked on this site, can't remember where. It tracks it all for you. Tells me to weigh-in weekly and measure every other week, so I guess I'll do it that way.

Last night I had a Boca burger, got the roasted onion ones... yummy! And some fresh corn and tomatos. Should've let the tomato ripen a little more, but it was okay. This morning I made myself a fruit medley (watermelon, cantelope, banana and strawberries) and toasted an English Muffin. Tasty!

I am about to go change and do my video. I have always avoided exercise. Now, I am actually looking forward to it! I think aliens have invaded my body! lol... In reality, I just thought of something as I typed that. I don't think I had really tried to get on an exercise regimine since I quit smoking. I bet since it's easier to breath and such, the exercising isn't as bad and that's why I am not avoiding it as much. Things that make you go hmmmmm....

Forgot who said that about being jealous about my farmers market being so close, but ... One thing that kept me going last summer when I was adjusting to living here was all the wonderful stuff I could get over there, and so many co-workers brought me tomatos and squash and stuff they grew themselves. I loved that. But, that being said, I cannot wait until next year when I move to New Orleans.

I finished grad school in social work last spring. I had some financial help with school under a federal grant that obligates me to work for the State of Alabama for 2 years. Just past one year, so I am on the home stretch now! I had an interview in this county and really liked the folks in my interview and got an offer right then. I had several jobs before grad school where I hated who I worked for. I knew that working for people I get along with was priceless. So later that day I called and accepted. While I really don't like living here, I love my job so it is not unbearable. I tell them all the time, if I could move the job with me to a big city, then I would. I love it! But I am a city girl. And I've always wanted to live in New Orleans, so that's where I'm headed. Gotta be healthy before I move there though so when I fall to the temptation of all that great food in that city, I can handle it!

Okay, enough from me for now. On to join my "friend" Susan Powter for a workout! Have a great day everyone!

Just Cuz, CONGRATS!!!! Good for you hon. Makes you feel awesome and really reinforces that desire to lose weight doesn't it!!!

Lizzo, I admire all those veggies and fruits you are getting in. I tend to eat the canned stuff. I am a convenience freak. (I know...canned veggies are gross compared to the real thing, but... :) )

I saw you mention Alabama. My grandmother lives in Foley and we travel down to Gulf Shores every summer and then skip on into Biloxi to do some gambling!!! Whoo Hoo!!!!


Here is my big news for the day. I KNOW we are not supposed to be scale watchers, but hot dang, it takes a big person not to hop on it every now and then. Ok, every day. Actually, I have ONLY been weighing in on Saturday, but not having a loss ticked me off, and just for grins, I hopped on this morning and low and behold, I was 2 pounds lighter. Of course, IT DOESN'T COUNT. I have a chart that I made on the computer and I had to put a big 0 under the weight loss column for Saturday, but it makes me feel AWESOME to know that there will be a loss next week! I will actually be weighing on Friday, early...cause I am headed to Atlanta to visit my father, so I want to weigh and get that charted and be on track when I leave! So, before I hit the road that morning, I will log in and update and then you won't see my hiney until Monday night. Whatever shall I do without my friends?????

Well, Lizzo, you have made me almost want to go out and get Susan Powter's video. I saw a picture of her recently and she is GORGEOUS now. Hair is a little longer....hold on, I will link you all to her pic...

Oh, heck, I will just post it here. I am not a computer genius!
I attached it, let's see if this works!!!

Off for my walk gals. DH is playing golf today and I am home with my 13 year old slug. I will see if she wants to go with me. Can't wait to hear the excuses!!!

Ta ta!!
Tiff

Wow she looks good. But, I've kinda gotten used to the cropped do! :dizzy: I want to buy some of her other videos but am strapped for cash until after I go to San Francisco. Might ask my folks to do it. One advantage to their obsession with my weight, they'll likely get me almost anything I ask for since they are so excited I'm doing this!

The video is getting easier. Not easy, but easier. I'm used to the moves and changes and stuff. So today I turned down the sound on the TV and put in a cd I love and cranked that up. That was a big help! Might work on a mixed work out cd and burn that. The slow songs weren't helpful... lol

Tif! I am going to Atlanta this weekend too! My dad and I are meeting in Birmingham Friday afternoon. We'll go to the Braves game on Saturday night. They're playing the Red Sox. Should be fun. Not sure what else we'll do.

Okay. Time for lunch. Not sure what I'll have. Hmmm....

Lizzo

Hey Lizzo, guess what? I just bought Susan Powter's Lean and Strong (I think that was what it was called) video off Ebay for $2.25!!! So, when I get it, I will check it out and see if I like it!!!

Check Ebay out for her other videos. You may just get a deal!!!!

Whoo Hoo!!! I'm pumped. Another great day! I made a GREAT pizza tonight. A Boboli thin crust with fat free marinara on it, and fat free mozzarella and some turkey pepperoni...veggies...I was thinking about making it for days and finally did, and although it wasn't ALL THAT compared to Pizza Hut, it did satisfy my craving for Pizza and that is all that matters.

I had some fat free Mandarin Orange Sorbet before bed tonight and that was yummy. Cool and tart on a warm summer's evening. Makes me REALLY want a cold piece of watermelon...YUM.

Feeling strong. Got a mile in tonight and I am headed to my neighbors house to swim before bed. They are on vacation and asked us to watch their pool. Oh, I'll watch it alright! :s:

Later girls,
Tiff

hello all
 

i had such a busy weekend, i hate not coming on here, i just finished reading everyones posts, and i am not good at the individual shout outs either.

thanks for the susan pic. i had ordered her plan years ago, but havent heard anything new on her, just thought she faded out with alot of other eating plans.

congrats on those who lost and even those who didnt cause we are all trying so hard.

welcom lizzo. you sound so upbeat and very motivated, thats the attitude to have.

i have been doing great. although i slipped into temptation yesterday when my dd wanted to go to mcdonalds, i know there are stuff i could have orderded that would have fit right into my eating plan, but i just wanted the fries and chicken fingers more.

well today i am paying for it, my weigh in this morning was 187, that is a 3 lbs loss, i am happy , i will take it. but know i could have made it more, if i didnt slip yesterday. well at least i am out of the 190's and now it is moving ahead all the way. oh yea, i am still a scale hopper too, but only count the mon morn one, cause when i peeked yesterday it said 185, then i went and ate those darn fried things. dont know why i did that, you would think, i would be so happy to see 185, that i wouldnt sabatage myself, and think i could cheat, cause i had been doing so well. next time i will be stronger.

lets all have a great day.