Losers and Friends - July 14 - July 20
 

Morning ladies..

Up and at 'em and back on track!!

The weekend wasn't TOO bad, but Liz and I both lost some momentum.. Not sure why this is happening, but I'm getting tired of it...

Still waiting to hear when and if I'll be shipping out of state to fires burning out west... That poses its challenges when it comes to being on plan, but I was able to stick to it fairly well last year, so this year shouldn't be too hard..

Have a great day and make it a great week!!

Morning everyone!!

Nicole- Really missing you chickie!

hey everyone. just thought i'd check in for the day.
i've got to get busy planning DD 5th bday party. it's on saturday.

i'll check back in later. hope everyone has a good day. :)

Good morning all...hope everyone is psyched up for a GOOD week!

Myself...not sure how this happened, but I spoke to my oncologist's office last week and had her email me all of the weigh in weights that I had for the last two years. I actually maxed out at 237 lbs. instead of 224. Even though I started LAWL at 224, I've changed my ticker to reflect the larger weight. Apparently I had already lost a few lbs prior to joining LAWL!!

When you are out shopping etc., what do you guys do to make sure you don't miss a meal/snack?? Any good ideas? This seems to be my struggle.

Thanks!

OMG...my ticker says 1743 lbs gained 1810 lb to go. Don't give up!! Going to see what's going on!!!

Good morning!
 

I've been not paying attention to what I've been eating for the past week. A good friend passed away over the 4th and somehow we just got through last week in a haze. I've never thought about it, but there's a lot of food and drink related with such an event! And honestly, I just didn't care. Well, I'm back to caring and even though it is really hard getting back on the wagon, that's where I'm planning to stay. I'd really love to lose another 20 lbs. by my birthday in October. I'm using that as motivation! It's either up or down and I'm choosing down.

Everyone have a great day!:)

POP Camping weekend!
 

I cannot believe I actually had an on plan camping weekend. I had to really concentrate on my goal to not give into chili cheese dogs and smores. I am super proud of myself and hopefully the scale will be kind to me tomorrow for my WI. I had lost 8 lbs so far on Friday and tomorrow makes 2 full weeks on program. I am feeling pumped for another great week!

Great job Erin!!! That's what we call a NSV - "Non-scale-victory"... Isn't it a great feeling.. Those are the kinds of things we use to catapult us to the next level... Way to go!

Gosta.. So sorry about your friend.. It's NEVER easy when dealing with any kind of loss, to maintain "on plan".. But here's the dirty little secret.. The way this plan is set up, when all is said and done with your weight loss, stabilization and finally maintenance, your body will be better able to cope with times like that, when emotional eating or simply the lack of good choices are the norm rather than the exception.

Now, all that said, I'm going to say something that may seem mildly harsh, so please don't take it that way.. When you're in any kind of emotional situation you obviously have many more important things on your mind than weighing your food or making sure you get all your veggie portions in.. However, you still have power over what you eat, or more to the point, the amount.. It takes little effort to make sure that you're not eating too much of any one thing.. And that's really what this plan is about when all is said and done.. half scoops of caseroles and one roll instead of two can go a LONG way in making sure the scale doesn't move too much, epecially when you're (very understandibly) not in a place, emotionally or physically to weigh your portions or have control over the kinds of food in a house...

Dan, not harsh at all! And it would probably feel good to have control over something. Well, I'm back in the saddle, but very grateful for the words of wisdom...

Hey, everyone, it's been awhile for me. I lost my job and have been doing horribly as far as my diet goes. I was so used to taking my lunch and snacks to work with me and that was all the food that was around me for the day. It sucks that I'm home all day with my kitchen a few feet from me. I am back on track as of today. I felt so guilty about not being on plan, I haven't even posted on here for awhile. I'm counting on everyone to hold me accountable from here on out. Good luck to everyone and I'm back to stay this time!!

Oh Julie.. That sucks!! I'm sorry to hear about your job... Any prospects on the horizon?? What kind of job are you looking for?

As for being close to the kitchen, see my advice above.. You have the ability to control the amount you eat.. Also, as always, make sure your pantry is free of offending foods.. You have the power - you just have to be "there" mentally in order to tap into it..

Keep posting!! It's easy to get embarrassed about falling off the wagon, but don't forget the purpose of this site is not only to keep us on track but to also offer support when it's needed... Never be afraid to vent!!!

Julie, You can do it! Look at how far you've come!

Dan, Motivation waxes and wanes.... but I don't believe that you are likely to ever go back. Remind yourself regularly about how much better life is now. What that junk food actually cost you.

I bought a new mountain bike last weekend, and this weekend we went on a glorious ride. I ate just a smidge over plan, due to the 3 hours of sometimes quite intense biking. We were at the base of Mt St Helen's and it was really beautiful. I finally did a ride like that without having it morph into a food free for all.... As you really do need to eat a bit extra if you are going to burn lots and lots of calories... then I went home and crashed hard.. got up the next morning, went to spin cycling class, where we had a substitue who was brutal.. went home and crashed again. Yesterday was really hard to stick to plan, but I think I did a decent job of it..... although this morning, I just didn't have another spin class in me... so tonight I think I will do one of my tapes, as I need to mix it up a bit. It is so weird that after all the spin classes that the only part of my legs that are sore is very high on the thighs.

Happy Monday everybody!!

For the first time in a long time (I mean over a year) I went away for the weekend. I went to a horse show to help my former trainer with the horses she was taking. I used to show but my guy is too old now and he is retired and happily getting dirty every day and doing nothing but chow down in the pasture. He will be 27 in two weeks. The show was an Arabian Morgan show. We had a lot of fun. I am exhausted but it was still fun. They did really well and the horses were just about perfect in all their classes. Getting up this morning for work was a challenge and a half but its over now and I can go to bed early tonight. On my feet all weekend lugging, walking, scrubbing and cheering from the sidelines - so hopefully a few calories burned!!!

That's my news for the day so far. I hope everyone had a great weekend and has an even better week!!

BTW - I don't think I've seen a challenge for labor day on here yet...anyone interested???

Hello :)

We went for our weigh in today and Dh lost 9.2 lbs, and I lost 6.8lbs on take off/1 day of plan.

We are stoked and are looking forward to seeing the numbers drop!

We packed a cooler today with pre-measured snacks and meals and didn't go off plan all day @ the hospital. And DD was a trooper and everything went well:)

What a great way to end a day

awesome job to you and dh, jess! :)
keep up the great work!

Do you still ride horses? I used to have 3 of them. 2 have passed away and I donated 1 to my old school when I wasn't giving him the attention and riding he really needed. I haven't ridden in years ... I used to even teach. I miss it sometimes.

As for a Labor Day Challange, I am always up for a Challange. I do The Biggest Loser Challanges here on 3FC, but that ends in the beginning of Aug and I need something to keep me motivated until the next TBL Challange, which will be with the show starts ... anyone know when the next season of TBL starts?

Kelly, I don't know when TBL starts again, but I was just wondering last night about that. I find it inspirational, even if they lose insane amounts of weight so quickly.

I posted a new profile picture of me on my bike next to Mt St Helen's. It was so pretty. Also an avatar picture of me in my bike pants, which are not the most flattering thing ever.

I just am feeling a bit discouraged today. I was off plan there for a bit a few weeks ago, and I thought that being back on plan for a bit I would be feeling thin again, but not so much. Oh well.... Any weight gained can be lost again, I will just have to stick with it and be more diligent.

Wow!! Great losses!! Glad to see it went really well.. It's amazing how much this plan really flushes your system right off the bat.. What the TO does is put a shock to your system, telling your body that you're about to start going in the right direction and it better shape up!!

hey everyone. just checking in for the day. i ran some errands today and that's about all i plan on doing today. not much else to report, other than i lost another pound...finally. :)

hope everyone is having a good day!

ps barbara--your profile pic is so gorgeous!

Barb- Wow! Great pictures. What a beautiful place. Don't beat yourself up. You are still an exercising fiend, you can't be in that bad of shape weight wise.

hey katie, we were posting at the same time! how's your plan coming along? did you ever reveal to us what you've been doing?

hi friends :)

I am back! And boy oh boy..........do I ever need you guys now!!! I have been oh so naughty!!! I have much to tell, but so little time!!! I am back OP in the a.m. I am afraid to WI, but I must. I really do need to see those numbers change in order to stay OP until my clothes begin to bag. You cannot even imagine how much food I have eaten over the last two weeks. It's just gross.

We traveled straight through from Duluth MN yesterday. It took us just under 12 hours. The kids were soooo good!!!! I am a bit tired, but doing ok. I do have to get some housework done........but I couldn't wait to check in with you all. I see a few new people......and a whole lot of peo-le missing.

Katie.....thanks for missing me :) Have you checked in with the flylady lately? I so need to check that out................

Ok, everyone.........have a great day. I will check back in later and read what I missed last week :)
XOXO

nicole, i was just thinking about you and how your trip went!
glad to see you back! can't wait to hear all about it.
and get yourself back on track, girlie!

Nicole, You are back! I missed you too!

Katie, Thanks... I needed that. I have to put this in perspective. 2 years ago I would have been besides myself with joy to be the size I am now. So the fact that size 8 is fitting a bit too snug... well not that bad... still really just one of those things where you have to sit back and think, what have I allowed to slip in... The answer is the ever present free food offered in my office. We have added constant candy to the stuff always available. I was so good for so long, but somehow was rationalizing my red vine habit.... got to stop. Oh.. and those gummy bears.. not condiments! No matter how much I want to count them that way... So just don't count candy as condiments and your maintenance may go smoother than my creative accounting has...

Oh and Jess... great start! That is just the beginning!

barbara--i'm addicted to strawberry twizzlers. wish they could count as a free food! :)

Jillian- I had to stop doing it. I have been going through a lot of stuff lately, and I just could not handle the emotional swings that my new plan was giving. I am still trying to find my best fit, diet wise. I have some good ideas, but I think that I still have some core beliefs holding me back, telling me that I can't do it, fat is herditary in my family, and stuff like that.

Nicole- Yahoooo! So glad to see you back! Sounds like a fun trip. I have kind of laid off on flylady for the summer. Since my kids are home and I have them do quite a bit of chores for allowance, it messes with flylady. This fall when they all go back to school, I will get cracking with her again.

Barbara- Yeah, gummy bears really aren't condiments, LOL.

I'm up for a labor day challenge! I've got a friend coming (haven't seen her in 3 years) in September and then a trip to disneyland in November and I'd sure like to see at least 10 more pounds gone.

That's the spirit! Gotta have goals... You can get 10lbs gone by labor day, no problem!!

Heck, I might even join in on this one...

Dan- I just saw an article about Rush I thought that I would share with you. Maybe you have already seen it, but here you go!
http://tv.msn.com/tv/article.aspx/?n...2897&GT1=28103

I just posted a labor day challenge. Any and all feel free to join in!!

Nicole - missed you. Glad to hear you had a good time. Did the whole family go including the beautiful new addition???

Today was ok. I had a lean cuisine for lunch as I was in a hurry but it did the trick. Tonight I have some chicken just about finished in the slowcooker and having some broccoli and brown rice with it.

Work is nuts as we are short a person this week. Typing this as I speak from my kitchen table on the work laptop. I don't ahae to do a lot tonight but likely will tomorrow and thursday.

I'll check in later...have a good night everyone!!!

Katie!! You rock!!! Thanks for letting me know.. I don't normally watch the Colbert Report so I'm really glad you posted that.. Wish they were playing one of their new songs rather than an old one, but I'll take what I can get...

I encourage all of you to tune in for some musical mastery!!!

On another subject.. I found an AWESOME peanut butter cookie recipe yesterday and tried it out last night.. I'll post this in the recipe thread, but thought I'd share it here too...

Protein Power PB cookies...

1 cup of creamy PB (can be reduced fat)
1 cup of sugar (or Splenda)
1 egg
1 tsp. vanilla extract

mix ingredients in a medium bowl. using a teaspoon, drop portions onto an ungreased cookie sheet (I covered my in Reynolds Release Foil) or roll into teaspoon portioned balls. use a fork to create crisscross patterns, pressing lightly.

Bake in an oven preheated to 325 for 10-12 minutes or until golden... Let cool...

Ok.. A couple of suggestions... All we had in the house was regular PB, so expect the reduced fat PB to be a little tougher to mix due to its thickness. ALSO (and this is important).. I recommend using the Baking Splenda rather than normal Splenda. I used regular and the cookies came out tasty, but crumbly.. Not dunk-worthy, or they would have fallen apart...

Since there's no flour, there are fewer than 5 carbs per cookie and they are PACKED with protein from the egg and PB... I got about a dozen and a half cookies with one batch..

At the risk of going against what the COD would tell you, I'd use a couple of these cookies with a small glass of milk in place of a Lite Bar snack...

I just realized that someone had already posted a recipe very similar to this one, so I won't bother doing a new thread... In the dessert file, look for "A Protein cupboard cookie"... Basically the same thing..

Morning everyone! It is only 8:22 and I am already thinking about beating my kids. Ugggghhh! On a crappier note, I am waiting for the septic tank guy to come out and pump out our septic tank. Our back yard started getting yucky. They were nice enough to come right out this morning, so that is nice. And crappy.

Oh no, Repo! That IS crappy...and not a good thing to deal with 1st thing in the a.m.

Dan, the cookies look awesome. I didn't know there was a baking splenda, but I'll look for it, as I have noticed that the regular splenda does change texture a bit. I wonder what they'd taste like with the brown sugar splenda? Hmmm.

We're more smoke-free than we have been in weeks (from the CA fires) and it's finally nice to see a blue sky! If it stays this way, and cools this evening, it'll be time for a nice walk.

Oh, something I've been meaning to ask you all. Have you noticed that everything seems saltier? I've stopped with the frozen meals, commercial soups, etc., because they all seem to be WAY too salty. Is this normal?

Yep! That's one of the biggest perks this plan gives us.. The ability to taste the salt already in things, rather than have to pour on extra.. I remember the first time I ate a McDonald's burger after being on teh plan for about a month... Being mindful of salt, I didn't add any, but when I took my first bite, I almost choked on it.. It was SO salty...

Because real salt is so fobidden in this plan, we become really sensitive to it. I remember almost getting sick to my stomach last year while attending a luncheon meeting... A lady sitting across from me had a sandwich and fries.. After her sandwich was gone, she proceeded to dump salt all over the fries until there was literally a layer of it on the bottom of her plate... Salt addiction is a very real problem with some people...

This is why frozen meals and commercial soups are REALLY not a part of the plan.. Sure, a frozen meal is ok once in a while as a convenience (or at least it used to be on our colored plans), but if you want soup, it's best to make it yourself.. Even the "low sodium" brands have a TON of salt in them.. Become religeous about reading labels at the store.. It's a must...Same thing goes for lunchmeat..

If you really want it, seek out Boar's Head Brand.. They have a roast beef that has something like only 50mg of sodium per serving and it tastes GREAT! They have lower sodium turkey and ham, both of which are better than the stuff you find in the lunchmeat aisle. Plus, Boar's head isn't full of additives like the other deli meats are.

OMG :lol:, Katie..........you are killing me!!!! :lol:. I hope your day gets a little bit better....:lol:.

And Dan.......I could just kiss you...........I spent the morning figuring out how I could possibly do this plan with some sort of lites, but I can't tolerate soy products........and I want a lite that tastes good...........and it is almost as if you read my mind!!!! I am going to plug your recipe into fitday and see how it should be done to sub as a lite. Also, how do you think brown sugar splenda might be? I am getting sooo excited! I have been longing to bake......so this will help me out in two ways.

Ok, so..........truth time. Barbara.....maybe it is the time of year too that makes us relax a bit with our food........I don't really know..........but......I am at my all time high this a.m. DH has been on atkins since Easter, and for whatever reason, I have just refused to join him. Don't tell him, but I weigh more than him now. When we met........yeah........he weighed 80 pounds more than me. WTF?????

I have been thinking of all of the different things in life that have worked for me as far as WL over the years.......and I discovered that I truly am a professional dieter. I have had success with any plan I worked at. So, there are no excuses for me. It is time to kick it back into gear. After reviewing all of my options, I do feel LAWL is one of the most nutritionally sound plans.......so..........I am going to give it my all. I am going to forgive myself for all of my mistakes lately and start fresh today and every day for the rest of my life. I want to feel good.......energized...........hopeful..........cu te......etc. Now is the time. So, for me.......I am starting FF for two days. I WI this am at 224.2. My goal used to be 140, but I am fine with 155. That means I need to lose 69.2 lbs. At roughly 1.5 pounds a week, I should be to goal in 47 weeks, which is right around June 10, 2009. I ought to be down to 189 by christmas......and that will feel pretty darn good :) I am already starting to get excited!!!

Ok, time to get DS his coffee......yeah that is waht I said....:lol:. I will be back :)
XOXO

If I were to weigh today, I would probably be right about where you are Nicole. I am so lost right now.

Nicole.. Not sure how the brown sugar would work, but it's worth a shot.. Try one with and one without..

As for being lost, Katie.. I'm sure we can all relate.. I've always said that for this to work you have to be mentally "there" to get it to work.. All the best intentions in the world are useless unless your concious and subconcious work together...

That said, not "being there" mentally is no excuse to go back to bad eating habits.. Remember kids, this is a lifestyle change.. Can you honestly tell me that you can just go back to buying packages of cookies and bags of chips? I can see not caring about portion sizes and not ordering the best choices when you eat out, but at the same time, even if you're not "on plan" you can still make small decisions in the right direction..

:hug: I feel you! It is going to be ok. I know you are constantly caring for those around you.....and that those demands have been quite high lately....but it really doesn't take that much time to care for you too. I know it is hard. Even if you are not ready to jump in full force today, do yourself a small little favor. Take 15 minutes today.......whether it be in one chunk, or three fivers.......and take care of you. Make yourself one healthy something to eat.......take a short walk..........do your nails.......even just meditate. Take a few minutes to feel your life this day........even if that means you have to cry. Not taking enough time to care for yourself can make you sad, and you don't even know it cuz you dont' take enough time to feel it. Just 15 minutes. You and I both know you can find those minutes, you just have to make yourself important enough. And.........here is the best part..........you don't have to feel quilty about it! All of those people who depend on you need the best you.........so not only do you owe it to yourself.........you owe it to them. I screw up all the time.......but I never quit al ltogether........and I know that about you too..........not the screwing up part necessarily......but you never quit trying..........so don't lose faith........you will get through this :) I believe in you!!!!
XOXO

hey everyone. just thought i'd check in for the day. seems like a lot of good things--advice, thoughts, recipes being thrown around here lately! :)
i wish i had something great to add, but i don't.
not much going on with me..just becoming bored outta my mind and stressing myself out about DH's homecoming..since i have no exact dates, etc. it's really starting to wear on me.
anyways..that's about it for me..for right now.
i'll check back in later.