[Tiffany123]

Amen to moving away from the stagnant parts of ourselves. Our lives and fat both.

I am feeling a little more confident in my decision. Although last night I sat there thinking about lesson plans and my first day in front of a class and the student teaching... And I wanted to grab a burger. A big greasy one with all the trimmings. Instead, I ate an apple and some fat-free caramel dip.

This morning, I snuck up on the scale and hopped on. I was down to 238/239...it kept flickering back and forth. Needless to say, I was thrilled. I had been at 241 before vacation, then came back and had gained 2, lost those 2 and felt like I was retaining water and getting fatter by the minute....but apparently I am hanging in there with the best of them. I walked again last night and have had my eating in control again for the last few days or more, I would have to check my food logs.

Anyway...I also signed up with a temp agency today, I think the plan is now, do some clerical work, get a little money set aside and then start school in the spring. This fall is a little too quick. Most courses are full and my financial aid wouldn't come through quick enough. But I can start now planning for the spring. So, that is my plan.

Of course, that changes daily. LOL

Glad everyone is hanging in there. It is SO dang hot here I am cranky and moody and it's 4 in the afternoon and I have only had a Lean Cuisine Bowl for lunch. That was it. I felt kind of icky and with the heat, I haven't wanted to eat. I guess for dinner, I will have an Egg Beater omelet with fat free ham, for 2 points and then have my fat free waffles on the side (whole wheat of course) with my sugar-free fat-free syrup for another 2 points. And maybe 2 pieces of light bread for 1 point. 5 points total for a breakfast smorgasboard!!!!!!!!!

I love this way of eating.
Life is good.
Tiffany

[brighterdays]

Hi Everyone,

I have conquered my internet connection problems and have actually been able to read some of the posts this evening! Thanks for all your welcomes a few pages ago....I'll try to keep up from this point on.

I have had a bit of a stomach problem but it's getting better every day and I should be able to back on track tomorrow am. I love the banana gang and all the funnies!



Hope you all have a great weekend!

Now, isn't this fun!!!!!!

190/188/135

[Jello]

So you guys notice how those little bananas never miss a beat? They all keep perfectly in time. It's quite mesmerizing.....

Ooooh, little bannnnaaaannnnnaaaasssssss.......

Sorry. What I was thinking is why can't I be more like those little banananas and never miss a step and keep perfect.

OK. That's not really what I was thinking. I was thinking about how I'm craving a banana right now. But I think the not missing a step thing is a bit more intellectual. Wish I could be perfect and never trip up. I'd like to get through just one perfect day, for cryin' out loud!

Anyway, I talked to the guy at the gym about the weight loss program. It sounds like a really good program. You have to fill out all sorts of forms before you start about what you like to eat, what you don't like, what time of day you eat, if you like to snack, what kind of exercise you prefer, etc. (My answers: everything, nothin', 24/7, oh yeah, remote control pressing.) Then you check in weekly with a "trainer" who helps you plan a menu for the week, plan your exercise, talks about problems or feelings or what's working and what's not. It's a 10 week program and sounds very structured. I'm thinking that may be what I need.

He says most of the people in the program are losing 1.5 to 2 lbs. a week. And it sounds like they teach things about nutrition and what exercises work best with which body areas, etc. They weigh you each week and take measurements at weeks 1, 5 and 10. It all sounded really good to me. And then....

...he told me the price. 300 bucks!! Holy $$##!!!! One of the reasons I stopped going to Weight Watchers was because of the $12 a week. Doing this, it'd come to $30 a week!!

So now I'm stuck. Do I do this or not? I told him I'd have to sleep on it. Rich seems to think I should wait at least until we get back from vacation in Scotland. We're also going to a local annual festival known for its food in 2 weeks and he says I won't be able to indulge if I'm on this new diet plan. But I'm thinking that maybe it'll keep me in line more. I mean, I'm the one who's always saying that it should be about being with friends and having fun and seeing sights and hearing music and, well, you get the idea, and not just about EATING. So maybe I should see if I can go to the "food fest" and go on vacation and still stay on program.

I'm rambling and I'm sorry. I'm really leaning toward starting this now because I'm feeling really "gung-ho" at the moment but all that could change. Maybe I should jump on it and strike while the iron's hot. But what if I'm just throwing away 300 big ones?? (And I don't mean pounds.)

I'm off to make a pros and cons list. Yes, I'm a list-maker. Obsessive. Anal. It's what I do. Any of you guys have any input?

I apologize for this "me me me" post. But I know I can (buttering all of you up) come here for great advice from wise and wonderful women! Hoping to check in again later today. Boss is on vacation!

Have a great one!

[Tigerlily]

First, mark me down for another day of exercise! Dragged my butt out of bed and did 3 mile walkaway video! That's 3 days plus a measley 10min yesterday.

Jello, I don't know about the gym thing. Do you know who you would be working with? A trainer you know and like? Do you know anyone else that has done this program? Or maybe they could give you a couple names of people who have done it? I think I would want to talk to a satisfied customer.

I think having to weigh-in infront of someone else would be a good motivation for me. I've never done WW, haven't weighed infront of anyone since...hmm, can't remember. Maybe I'll ask DH to watch me weigh on Monday mornings before he goes to work. Ekk, maybe not. He doesn't know how much I weigh to begin with. hmm, who could I weigh in front of?

Tiff, It's terribly hot here too. I only hope it can curb my appetitte!

It's haircut day for me and the boys. Oldest son is getting his first haircolor. He has dark brown hair and wants blonde tips. Hope I dont regret it. I really like the girl that cuts my hair, and dont think she would let him look silly. The girl that does my hair is an old highschool friend. She isnt' rail thin, but I still dread the "seeing how I've gained" syndrome. Another reason to loose....So hairstylist says, "Have you lost weight?" LOL She sees other people we went to school with....she could spread the news!

[Cafe976]

Okay, if you guys haven't got the picture that I'm full of opinions...

to Jello-

No one can make this decision for you, gal, but here's what I see as your options (okay only listing the ones I like).

Well you have 5 weeks before Scotland. You could really hit it. Can you put your program on "hold" during the time you're gone and do the 2nd 5 weeks after you come back? Like the newspaper and the mail? They may be willing to negotiate.

Alternatively, you could choose to do the program when you come back and STILL work hard for the next 5 weeks to get conditioned and get a jump start on the program.

Thirdly, you could step back and evaluate what makes the program different and whether these factors are worth the money to you. Is the 1-on-1 dialog and accountability going to be more motivating than a WW meeting? Do you want someone to tell you exactly what to eat? Will that make it easier or harder than counting points? Same with working out - is a real person better than reading Bob Greene? You are definitely worth the money. If the added input and a program that's ONLY about YOU is what will do the trick for you than the money is no object.

On the flip side, it IS possible for you to become the expert - if you will really DO what you tell yourself to do. Sometimes being the coach AND the team at the same time is really hard. Eventually you will transition to this anyway, realistically you won't pay someone for the rest of your life. The question is are you ready and are you willing to keep coaching yourself through months of ups and downs.

If you've already made your decision but you're tripping over the money just think about all the other things you've wasted $300 on that didn't matter. 6x eating out sit-down with H if we have adult beverages & dessert - that's down in the sewer the next day! It's only good for one thing - spending. Of course, NOT spending on your electric bill and your phone bill can have consequences...

Back to the important topic - ME. I'm wearing some loose pants today that feel mighty good compared to a month ago. The scale was REALLY making me mad this morning. While H was in the shower it showed an unprecedented 2-3 lb. loss - regardless of how I jumped up and down, bounced and stood on my head on it. Then H was getting out so I ran away and came back later - to to show a disappointing but still good 1 lb. loss when the air was not humid. And no, I did nothing that would make it change in the meantime. I'm throwing that puppy away and getting a new one but I'm still counting the 1 lb. since today is weigh-in day. Makes me feel a little better about being a major slacker with not going to the gym all week.

HEY, should we all make a pact to have an on-plan weekend???

EDITED to say: hmmm 3.5 envious check marks for Tiger, and HI THERE to Lizzo!!

[Tiffany123]

Well, I think the talking to a satisfied customer is a good idea. I am a bit of a rebel when it comes to authority. If someone tells me what I can eat for the day, I would probably be sneaking what I really wanted and then feel like I blew the $300. On the one hand....you KNOW what you need to eat. One the other hand, it would be nice to have someone plan a menu for me.

Ok, I am no help. I guess if it were me, and this is only because I am not rolling in the money, I would wait until after the trip, keep going to the gym in the meantime and keep eating healthy. And use that $300 to buy me something REALLY nice in Scotland.

Well, I ate very well again yesterday. Called my boyfriend at work about 6 pm and invited him to a movie. Austin Power's Goldmember was playing in our theater. I think it is scheduled for full release today, but we were one of the lucky ones. LOL...

I know, I know. Goldmember? How juvenile. But that's me. I love Austin Powers. "Yeah, baby!"

The movie was typical. Had a lot of cameos by great people in it. Too funny. I was actually wiping away the tears of laughter. It was just what the doctor ordered.

Boyfriend....Ok, I will just call him Mike. His name is Mike. So from now on when you see the name Mike, you know I am talking about my love slave.

Anyway,
Mike ordered a medium drink and a medium popcorn. Extra butter of course. I concentrated on my diet soda and pretended like there were roaches in the box and that was why it was so crunchy, and I didn't eat a single kernel. WOO HOO!!!!

Did I want some? You betcha. But I was still motivated from my sneak-a-peek at the scale.

Well, I am off to the store. I'm already out of Sour Cream and Cheddar Baked Lays and fat free ham. And about 6 thousand other essentials.

Cafe, let's do that. I count my weekend as Sat and Sun...so let's all see if we can be OP for those two days at least. That is food AND exercise. Bonus kudos for those that get that water in too. Winner gets worshipped by all of us lesser pee-ons.

Humming the Austin Powers theme,
Tiffany

[Cafe976]

I'm with you on the money issue - with H in school full time (not working) and me making slave's wages as an admin... 'nuff said. For me it would be impossible.

However, I think I would have ALSO thought $300 was impossible when we were both working - and I have to say that my my eyes have been opened seeing what we can get by (albeit barely) on. Heck, this is 40% of our former income - sure we sold the truck... but I digress.

The point is, NOBODY thinks they have enough, but it's all relative. And some people have savings, LOL. But seeing that it's so worth it to have H in school and a typical 12-week course is costing us SO much more than $300... Besides, it's Jello!

Okay Miss Tiffany, you've convinced me that I'll have to get my butt moving this weekend just so I can be in the "on plan" group. I'm going to try to come and check in, too.

[Tiffany123]

GREAT Link. I did a search for recipes that were low in fat, low in calories and high in fiber. This even gives nutritional information and there are over 400 recipes.

See if this works.

http://web.kraftfoods.com/knet_fridg...rce+of+fiber**


Click and enjoy.

Tiff

[Tiffany123]

Crap. It didn't take me directly to the page. Go down and click on Nutritional Goal...then go from there. We are all ed-u-ma-cated women, we can figure it out. LOL

Tiff

I am THRILLED with the site. There was even recipes for Crystal Light beverages...Yummy. Explore.

[Tiffany123]

Ok, you can even do a personalized meal plan based on your weight. OMG, they had Crystal Light smoothies, and BLT pitas, I love it. Woo Hoo...someone to plan my meals for me. And it was free and I didn't have to pay $300!!!!!!

Ok, I will shut up about it now.

[huntress]

Good morning all

It is finally Saturday woohoo! Didn't get on the scale this morning, its that TOM. I am doing well on the eating and still exercising. Have been reading some info on strength training and I have the equipment so I'm going to work on that today. I would like to firm up some of this saggy 40'something skin as I lose the weight. After gaining lots of weight with my 3 babies and nursing, well you can just imagine. I need a tummy tuck and a boob job!

I went to the store last night and got lots of fresh fruit, veggies, lean turkey breast, lite whole wheat bread. I WILL stay OP this weekend if it kills me.

Have a good weekend.

LJ
225/202/150

[Tiffany123]

I hear ya about the tummy tuck and the boob job. If I ever strike it rich, I will be first in line. But, I figure, as long as I get down to a size 10...I will cram all of that loose skin into my bra and into my pants and never get naked for anyone. No one will EVER know.

Bwa hahahaha!!!!!!

Well, here is to two perfect days of being OP. It's 9:30 in the morning and so far so good. LOL...

Trouble for me will be the water. I guess I had better start now.

Ok...since Weight Watchers lets us count Crystal Light as half our water intake....will you ladies be as kind? I HATE water, but will gulp down 32 ounces of it today, IF I can chase it with my Rasberry Ice.

I did walk again last night. Woo Hoo. I am doing SOMETHING. I need to get back to doing my step tapes. Last time I lost weight, that was instrumental in firming me up and it really builds your endurance fast. I just have to do it.

Well, off to lounge in bed and read the paper before Mike's kids come home tomorrow. Then....relaxation is NOT an option. With three girls in the house...someone is always pissed about something.

It's a miracle, with all the stress, that I don't weigh 450 pounds. I am definitly a stress eater.

But...I AM getting better. Anyway, chat with you later!
Tiff

[GeTtInG_ThErE2]

GUESS WHOS HOME!


Hi girls!!!!
Well! it looks like you all have had too much fun while i was gone! caveman diets and banana dudes! lol.
Well i had a BLAST myself! i have SOOOOO MANY stories!
Me and one guy i have known for a few years (i think i talked about him before: Ryan) we had like.....a HUGE talk about a whole bunch of things and i was just balling by the end of it and he like...grabbed me and hugged me and i just sat there and cried on his shoulder for like.....half an hour! but it was an amazing chat and i was SOOO happy we talked about everything! were really close and i can tell him anything and i told him just about all these things that were happening and happened back a couple months ago....and he was so supportive and understanding. I love him to bits and pieces!!!!
hes 3 years older than me but is still an awesome friend.

anyways...the kids were so great! i had an absolute blast with them! i got a whole bunch of letters and stuff from them on the last day.......its just an amazing feeling when there are sooooo many people and you know that they are looking up to you.

we had mostly goood weather but a few storms! nothing too serious. one night around 12:30...i had just gone into my cabin...the kids were already asleep and Ryan came and got me and we walked down to the beach. it was pitch black and we sat in the sand and faced the water and everytime it would lightening you could see the water.......and there was a gentle breeze and the water was moving really softly........it was so beutiful!!!!! Its little moments like that.....when friends are just together enjoying something beutiful, that makes life so precious.

anyways! im being such a sap! so yah! well i hope everyone is doing awesome!
ill talk to you all soon!!!

luv ya'll~!
Kayla

[Tiffany123]

Oh Kayla, Kayla, Kayla.

I can't even think of anything to say. It sounds like a scene out of a romance movie.

Well...today was great. I did my step tape. ALL of it, for the first time since I started this diet. It was tough, but I did it, and I feel great.

I ate OP all day, of course the night isn't over, but I am a few points below my minimum for the day, so I have something to fall back on.

Drank my daily requirement today. Peed all day long.

Other than that, nothing going on. Jumping on the computer ever so often to check and see if anyone else doesn't have a life. LOL

Nighty night,
Tiffany

[GeTtInG_ThErE2]

It WAS like something out of a romance movie! hehehe.....only he is too much of a big brother for me to ever fall for hime! lol. but it was perfect!!!!