Hi Dana! Welcome! I also live in Maryland - are you near Baltimore by chance?

Hello, not too far. I live in Frederick.

another new beginning
 

Hi there,

I'm starting IP again after a long break. You're all so inspiring. Thanks for being here!

ahhh! I've been having so many cravings this weekend but I haven't caved in! All I want are sweets and salty things, so chocolate drinks and white cheddar crisps have been my saving grace! Hope you all had a great weekend!!

I'm from Baltimore too !!

Well folks, I've turned a corner! First, switching my snack to the afternoon from the evening has taken away the feeling that I want to kill someone by supper time. I was so hungry and emotional before and its all gone. And I'm not hungry at night.

Also, I went to a lovely brunch today with homemade waffles with fruit topping and whipped cream and I drank my tea and didn't feel resentful. I hope this new feeling lasts - I really wasn't sure If I could do two months of anger (I'm usually very calm).

Week 4 update
 

Week 4 - down 6 pounds for a total of 19 pounds.

I had decent weight loss, but I am not getting any dancing broccoli because I screwed up last week and ate two extra restricted packets when I was really stressed out one night. I was ravenously hungry and really miserable for the next week (e.g., headaches, dizzyness). Not suprisingly, I have decided that was a really dumb move on my part. :( I am going to try not to sabotage myself again any time soon.

I noticed that there is a hair loss main thread. Are any of you having hair loss? It looks like my hair is thinning and I started with fine, thin hair. At least it is winter so if I lose much more I can wear a winter hat and not have to put sunscreen on my scalp.

Also, I tried the new garlic and herb cracker packet (blech). I love garlic and I love herbs and spicy things, but I really didn't care for them. My husband likes them so he gets the three packs I bought for this week.

Anita

Can I call you WOFTCar? Your name is a bit long ;)

I know it is a while since you posted this, but I thought I would throw in my own 2 cents. I have been buying sliced baby bella portabello mushrooms and grilling them on Sunday night for my salads for the week. I also add green peppers, scallions, crumbled hard boiled egg and use really good basil olive oil and lime juice for dressing. It is pretty decent.

If I liked chicken I would get grilled chicken on my salad. I tend to get blackened grilled shrimp or fish on my salad when I am out for lunch or dinner.

My husband suggested we go to a pizza place over the weekend and I really bit his head off. I told him in no uncertain terms that I have a limited amount of will power for the week and I didn't want to use it all up trying not to eat pizza in a pizza place where I could smell it and just reach across the table to take a bite.

I would have had a hard time at the Cheesecake factory. You might have to lie to yourself. Sometimes I imagine that there are worms in a really tasty looking dessert or that the sauce/crust is actually mold/dirt. If I focus hard enough then I really don't want a bite anymore. It is not the most fun mental game ever, but it usually works for me.

Good luck,
Anita

Congrats on all of you starting the program and seeing results. I am going into my fourth week and have lost 13 pounds. The loss has motivated me to continue. I am glad to meet you all and support each other. I hear that maintenance can be tricky and keeping it off.

Zepher, I see that you and I are similar in weight and goal …. I too just went bra shopping :)
What an ordeal …it's been a long time since i've done that but I finally felt like I wanted the 'girls' to be supported properly and to look cute under my t-shirts:o

It's fun to be a big LOOSER!:carrot:

Week 5 WI tonight and I'm down 3.6 after being up 2 last week! Woo hoo! It's amazing to see all of this willpower pay off! I started on the first notch of my belt and now I use the 3rd! I can't wait to keep this up and see how far I've come next week!

Week 3 and down 10
 

I absolutely LOVE this meal plan. It fits my lifestyle and is easy to follow. I am SO thankful my doctor started it. Can't wait to weigh in Friday!

Perhaps we can have coffee sometime - I love that area!

Can you PM me your info and we can arrange a meet-up for coffee. :)

I was able to wear a belt on the last hole instead of the first hole, today! I also realized my footless tights are a bit too big for me - YAY!!!!