Hi everyone! COngrats to all of you "Losers"!!! Man--two pounds here, two pounds there--do you ever wonder where it all goes (have you seen a pic of my sisterinlaw lately??? Haha!)
Now, this is probably not the most welcomed advice, but I tried it last month to overcome my TOM moodiness, weight gain and constant hunger, and I have to say, it worked! I doubled my exercise for the whole week before. I felt so much better because I felt like I was beating myself at the whole game. I'm going to do it again this month, hopefully with the same results.
Holly--how are you feeling today? You are so amazing! I am so proud of you in your eights!!! Have you been doing a lot of clothes shopping? SOmetimes it's hard to resist buying something when it's a small size! WHen we were on vacation, I saw this cute little tank top and the store only had it in a small. I figured it would never fit, but tried it on yesterday. Well ladies, I wore it yesterday!!! I never thought I'd be a small! It's so much fun!
Aphil--thanks for the recipe--that looks yummy!
Nancy--you are so back in the zone! You are so motivated and motivating! Congrats to you and hubby for making all of your changes together!
Well, I hope you all have a super day! Keep it up!

Vermont Mom-Honey, you need to change your mindset a bit-if you are a size 10 or under, YOU ARE SKINNY!!!!! Jennifer Lopez wears a size 8, Drew Barrymore wears an 8-10, Kate Winslet wears a 10-we want to look good like them, not be scrawny sticks like Calista Flockhart-EEWWW!!!!
:D
Aphil

Hello all.

I am feeling a bit sluggish..think the dreaded TOM is approaching fast. I would rather take a sharp stick in the eye then have to deal with this every month :lol:

Still 100% completely on track. Now if I could just be on track 100% with exercise...UGH!!!

Tryinhard' ~~~ Dont you feel just wonderful to be in a size small???? Way to go !!!! :dancer:


Have a great evening friends!



Nancy
203.5/199/???

Hi all!:)

Nancy, you made me gasp with the "sharp stick" reference - yikes! Do you do any creative writing? You are so descriptive!

I'm in the middle of TOM, but have only had passive cravings for salty stuff. Been able to resist except to have some peanut buttery crackers, which REALLY tasted good. :p

aphil, you're right - I do have a rather distorted sense of how I look. I keep seeing how I've been, not as I am now. Though I did catch sight of myself in a storefront window today, and said outloud, "okay, I have slimmed down pretty well". It'll take time I guess. It sure was a surprise to learn of the superstar ladies' sizes!

tryin'hard, wow, a size small tank! You are there, girl! Or rather, have been there for a while!

I haven't done any major clothes shopping yet - I'm definitely a second-hand store shopper, and usually it's just for jeans and T-shirts - except for the 3 pairs of 8's I bought new last week :D

I also admired tryin'hard's strategy of doubling up on exercise the week before TOM - sounds excellent. I will try that next time.

Kina, how are you doing? Your schedule sounds rough! I hope you get enough rest.

Have a nice evening and a great tomorrow!

Your friend, Holly

Thanks for asking Holly. Things are getting rough. We were told to not make plans for this weekend. We will be working Saturday and Sunday as well. I can't complain the check will be very interesting. As it turns out my husband is also going to work the night shift the rest of the week as well. So our kids will not be seeing mom and dad for a while atleast for this week. Not something I like but we all make small sacrifices. Luckily my evening job is temporary and ends as soon as all the cotton has been tested. I think I can manage. And thank goodness for my mom and dad. I have certainly made an impact in their free time. They are used to going out to the movies every evening. I feel really bad but they insist on us not worrying. I guess they know we aren't out there having a good ol' time; we are working and trying to improve finances. I wish I could say thank you enough times to show my gratitude but it will never be enough. DH and I decided we would buy them movie bucks so they won't have to pay out of their own pockets. It is the least we can do they won't take money from us.

I am at a stand still of 197.5 on the scale. Just as I had expected but who knows what will happen the weekend isn't here yet. And my evening job sure gives me a great workout every night.

This weekend is going to be a miracle in the making DH is going to have to buy the groceries. UH OH. I think I better make the time for that one otherwise the kids will be too happy to see all the junk food. LOL

I have to go and get some shut eye. take care and talk later.
Kina

Hi,
Well ladies...I am embarking on another birthday party for a child in a month...I swore this time I wouldn't stress myself out and make it such a big deal...the last one we had a rubber ducky floating in a sea of blue punch, a teeny duck swimming on a sea of blue iced cake, and a huge rubber duck pinata in the doorway.
Well, my daughter decided she wanted Disney Princess...and when I saw the cute plate and napkin design-I envisioned the staircase and fireplace mantle swooped in pastel tulle of pink, lavender, yellow, and blue, and my daughter dressed in baby blue satins like Cinderella-my husband is going to kill me. He says I am not happy without a project-which is true.
If I am not making a costume, planning an event-or crafting something I feel useless...I thrive on stress!:dizzy:
Needless to say-I have the Cinderella costume pattern, and I will be looking for suitable fabrics tomorrow-hee hee hee...
I am holding at 201-but I am not going to weigh in for a while-I am on birth control pills to straighten out my cycle-and I had to recently skip the "blank/reminder/TOM"pills-and start a new cycleof active ones-so I am beginning to bloat-and I am sure it will be like that for a couple weeks-no sense disappointing myself when I know what the problem is if I gain a pound!
Well, congrats on everyone doing well-we are all doing great! Let's everyone work on our exercise-and think about how great we will look at the holidays this year to the people who haven't seen us inch down the scale slowly-it isn't near as noticable to those who see us every day, ya know!
Aphil

Hi every body! Have you ever started to talk to your friends about this forum and they have no idea who you're talking about??? I feel like everyone should know you guys!
Aphil, I was inspired by your shrimp recipe and made a good one last night. Just browned garlic in about a teaspoon of olive oil and sauteed the shrimp with salt and pepper. Right before it was done, I tossed in a whole lot of cut of tomatoes from the garden and a handful of basil. I served it over pasta and it comes out to less than 300 calories for the whole bowl! (1 cup of pasta). It's my new favorite!
I am starting to stress about the new job I am taking and how it is going to affect my life. I have decided that I may need to ask my dh for some help and even have him make dinner once in a while. I am very controlling when it comes to the kitchen, so this is going to be a tough one. I know I can count on all of you for support!
Yesterday, I was really stressing about the job and I was constantly munching--I never realized how much I was bothered by stress that way. I would love to tell you that I didn't give into it--let's just say the movie popcorn was yummy!
Well, here's to a better day today! HOpe you all have a good one!

Hey everyone!! I haven't posted lately but I've been reading and everyone is doing such a great job!! I have been able to stay on track due to the fact that I am so busy right now. It's been helping me to stay out of the kitchen! I just need to get my butt out there and walk...notice how my mileage isn't changing???? Gotta work on that.

tryin'hard~ I completely know what you are talking about with the eating out of stress thing. The other day, something happened to stress me out(cant remember what now...shows you how important is was)anyways..something happened and I was at home alone. I went from not even being hungry to suddenly craving the chocolate chip cookie dough in the frig. Of course the cookie dough is no longer present in the house...I was lucky I didn't devour the wrapper...probably wouldn't have had as many calories though :lol:

Anyways, I do realize that it is a trend with me (eating out of stress), hopefully I can substitute it for exercise eventually. Everyone seems to be doing well! Talk to you guys later!

Jacklyn-I want to see those miles gong up again! ha ha
Tryin'Hard-I am a stress eater too-try baby carrots-hardly any calories, and you can crunch away the anger-and I mean-come on, you can only eat SO many carrots...
Aphil

Hey girls,

A busy day here for me.. was up early and cleaned and went grocery shopping, picked up a few dvd's to watch this evening. FIL is coming for dinner soon. He wont even know that the Cranberry Chicken that I am making is WW recipe!!

Kina ~~ Hang in there,, your scale will move for you real quick. Dont get discouraged you are doing so well!

Trying Hard~~Hope your stress will ease up soon. And hey it wont hurt the hubby to do some kitchen duties. I felt that way with mine at first. But I kind of like the break when he does things. We just have to get over the old way of thinking " that the woman belongs in the kitchen" :lol:

Aphil~~ You are one busy woman, sewing costumes and planning b-day parties. Such energy you have!!

Jacklyn~~ Good to hear from you and hope your stress eases up also. That cookie dough can really be a temptation for me too!!

Holly~~ Hope you are having a great day !!

Gotta run,, have to start steaming the veggies for dinner... have a great evening , see everyone later.

Nancy:wave:

PS,,,,, Did you all see that the site will be down over the weekend???

Hi all! I had to do some computer work tonight and decided to check out 'our' page!
Made another great dinner tonight--the souvlaki chicken salad from the June Cooking Light magazine. Very refreshing in the 95 degree weather we're having!
Thanks for reminding me about the carrots, Aphil. I just may start hopping soon!
Well, it's time for bed. Read you all tomorrow!

:wave: Good evening all!

Kina - gosh, a rough weekend coming up for you! Thank goodness you have your parents to watch the kids. I'm sure they are happy to do it for you; but the tickets sound like a great way to thank them. Yes, sometimes in life we've got to make the sacrifices to try to get ahead.

tryin'hard - I'm sorry to hear of the stress you're suffering due to the new position. Definitely ask for help from family! Your DH might do a chore differently than you would, but as long as YOU don't have to do it, that's something. Can the kids be delegated to maybe do something that ordinarily you would have? Anything to help relieve you.

aphil - you party planner! Wow! My kids are lucky if my husband and I get our act together for a small birthday party! Your kids will have such great memories of the fantastic parties their mom did for them!

Jacklyn - hooray for being so busy with the at-home business! I'm sure you'll get your mileage pumped up again when you can.

Nancy - yum, cranberry chicken sounds so good! And right, NEVER let folks know that it's a lower-fat, better-for-them meal. :D You are doing so well with the WW program on your own - heck, you should head a group in your area!

Is the TOM monster not being too terrible?

Ladies, we bought my husband a motorcycle today (used) so now we can ride together for the first time in our 23 years of marriage! It is such a blast to be able to do it together!

Our younger son went to a friend's house for a sleep-over, so we decided to suit up and ride to Montpelier (our capital, about 23 miles away) for dinner. It was great! I "saved" calories all day so I splurged on dinner - first a glass of white wine, then sea bass with Tuscan couscous, red and yellow beets, and fantastic chewy bread with baked garlic cloves smeared on it...oh boy!!!!!!!!!! But no dessert - I needed to be alert for the ride home, and not logey/sleepy:lol:

This is where I am loving to be - I am no longer self-conscious about being anywhere; confident to talk to people I know or don't know; and it all comes from losing the excess weight that was dragging me down. I know I am the same person inside that I was before; but now can express myself so much more freely because I have that confidence. I am feeling so good!:) :) :)

On that UPLIFTING note - have a great night and tomorrow the same!!

Your friend, Holly

Nancy - thanks for the note about the site being down - did I read it right that it's from midnight Friday til Monday?

hey where is everybody at ??????????

I was gone all day , shopping with a friend. The hubby is out on the ocean (hopefully catching some halibut) but know for sure he will be bringing lots of crab home.. Now to find a WW recipe for crab cakes !!! Still going strong with being OP 100% but am starting to feel the effects of the approaching TOM. I hope I can remain strong and not give into any cravings for chocalate!!! :eek:

Dinner last night was a hit , that cranberry chciken was great. I will be sure to make that one again...and so simple to make.

6 boneless skinless chicken breasts
Marinade:
8 oz of Fat Free Catalina dressing
1 envelope of Lipton Onion Soup mix
I can Whole Cranberry sauce

Mix all the ingredients together and marinate chicken for a few hours. Remove from marinate and bake in oven for 45 minutes , use rest of marinate to baste breasts. I dont know the calories but on WW points it is only 6 points(so I figure that is about 300 calories) We had baked potato(3 points) and steamed Cauliflower and Broccoli (0 points)..so the whole meal was only 9 points and I am allowed 27 points a day. It doesnt get any easier then this :) Am having fun with these new recipes.

Holly ~~ When reading your post about loving where you are in life , it made me smile and I thought that even though we have never met in person I am just so proud of you and happy for you with all you have acheived these past few months. Keep it up girlfriend!!!!

To the rest of the gang....I hope you are all doing fantastic today and remember to keep on smiling!!!!


Chow for now...

Nancy:wave:

How very odd.. I was getting no notifications in email that people were posting here.. I was wondering why nobody posted in such a long time .. then I got one today saying Snowey posted and when i get here there are a couple pages of stuff I hadn't read yet! :shrug:

Has anyone seen the 'peanut butter, jelly' site with that little dancing banana guy? :cb: I saw it about a month ago and when I got here and saw that guy in a the posts I had to laugh.. I can post the website later if anyone hasn't seen it.. I have to find it first though...

So, in the past week my weight seems to have jumped 2 more pounds.. yuck.. I was really hoping to keep it at 1lb/week max!
I got me a pregnancy pilates book from the library.. Im in the middle of reading it.. hoping I can get into some sort of workout .. I feel so lazy! I also need to start walking on that poor, neglected treadmill again... I was good and got salads and fruit for this week, but unfortunately I also made brownies today.. I'm so bad! Even though I logically know this is not a free pass to eat whatever I want, I don't seem to be able to keep the control I was before! (not that I was in complete control even then.. :lol: )

Anyway, just thought I'd check in.. don't think I'll be able to catch up on all the posts today but tomorrow I'll go back and read them.. Helps to keep me in that mindset!!

Christine

:) Hi everyone!

Nancy, thank you! It's such a nice feeling when someone is proud of you! You are doing awesomely, also. Like you said, how much easier can it get when you can make yummy food that is well-allowed in your plan.

Hi Christine! I don't know about the peanut butter/jelly deal, but the dancing banana guy is so funny. How are you feeling? I commend you for reading about pilates during pregnancy. I remember really not being able to control what I wanted to eat during pregnancy, feeling that "ticket to overeat". And boy, did I pack it on!:o

This afternoon I had a "baking marathon" with my fire department auxiliary members at the fire station - we made over 300 pieces of pastries to donate at a block party, to raise funds for our historic town hall restoration. Whew! Too bad we did it on an almost 90 degree day!:devil: hot! I didn't eat much during the day, so I got to have two pieces of pizza for dinner and two of the yummy cookies we made. :T

Well, time to go to bed! have a nice night!

Your friend, Holly