Tamikl posted...
.Well ladies...don't take your weightloss nor your efforts for granted...today taught me that forever I will have to pay attention and be careful. The weight can and will come right back on otherwise .

Tami, you have it figured out.. If you mess around with your weight challenge then you will never get stabization right, and maintenance will be a failure.. I saw two of my friends start MRC same time I did,go off program whenever it suited them,made excuses why it was ok,as it MRC was desgined just for them, and when they got to maintenance could not make it.. Soooo, you know what you have to do ,so go on to today. You will be fine and will make it. Please do not beat yourself up.. No need for that. You came to a great realization, and that is the KEY...

Camaswa... Congratulations for seeing the 160's.Happy for you.

Darcy & Big Hog.. Congrats on loss.

Wishing everyone a wonderful day and a great weight loss.

Patzi

I survived another Christmas party yesterday (will they ever end??:)) I didn't eat OP...and someone even brought some roasted venison so I got to have something different but OP. Ahhhh! Feels good. Scale stayed @ 169.8...am so afraid I'll see the 170's again. Got rid of a whole tote of clothes at consignment yesterday...that way I don't have them to fall back on and hopefully I'll have a few dollars to be able to buy clothes when I get down to the next size.

weigh in and another pound lost!!! woo hoo! might even reach the 160's before Christmas :-) Stayed ON PLAN for 2 days and no protein bars! ((i'm usually OP but will maybe add a couple things that aren't on plan) amazing that if i stay on plan that the pounds drop off...Yippee Yay!! yum, this boiled egg and cheese toast sure is good!

Hi Ladies! I posted this in the maintainer's thread, but wanted to get your help/opinions, too:

I need some help in the creativity department. I want to start a food/recipe blog, but I can't come up with a title that isn't weird, lame, trite, or already being used.

I have had so many friends, family, and new acquaintances ask me how I lost the weight... and now they're all asking me how I'm keeping it off, what I'm eating, etc. I had 2 friends tell me (after I posted the spaghetti squash recipe on facebook with my changes) that I should start a food/recipe/healthy eating blog. I think I want to do it. :)

I may eventually incorporate exercise information into it, too (more like, "what am I doing now for exercise" updates), but it's going to start just being a food blog. Some of the food ideas/recipes I put up will be my own creations, but many will come from other food blogs I have followed or recipes I have found and adjusted, so I would link to the originals and then include my adjustments (usually to make it healthier or yummier).

Help! Several of my friends suggested "Natalie's Nibbles" (my name is Natalie) but I hate that. It's cutesy, and I am most definitely not a cutesy or girlie person.

Here are a few that I'm considering (I don't like them all, but I'm keeping them on the list of possibilities since they aren't already being used by someone else):

Seven Parts Full ---Based on Chinese dietary adage: eat only until you are '7 parts full' (70 percent full).
My Own Taste -- with this quote as the tagline: When baking, follow directions. When cooking, go by your own taste. ~Laiko Bahrs
Cooking Skinny
Delicious Flavor
A Bite to Eat
Grab a Bite
On a Silver Platter
Healthier Taste
Gastronomical Rex
Taste Tester
Taste Test
Teacherlady's Test Kitchen


ETA: Gastronomical Rex was my husband's suggestion. I like it and think it;s kind of funny, but I'm not sure if it's too much of a mouthful or if it makes it sound like I'm eating dinosaurs rather than that I'm a "Cuisine King," LOL.

[QUOTE=teacherlady79;4138888]Hi Ladies! I posted this in the maintainer's thread, but wanted to get your help/opinions, too:

I need some help in the creativity department. I want to start a food/recipe blog, but I can't come up with a title that isn't weird, lame, trite, or already being used.


Great idea!! Cooking Skinny by Teacherlady (successful MRC loser)

include MRC somewhere because when people do a search of MRC, they will be able to find your very helpful suggestions and you know we all need help !! :-) to stay on plan. the variety of food and meals that is suggested on this forum is the ONLY reason i've been successful. make sure you let us all know what you decide on!

Teacherlady-I think it sounds like a great idea. i like the first (7 parts full) and the last one (teacherlady's test kitchen)...it's hard to come up with a good blog name. The content is really most important, but you also feel like you want to start with something good that encompases what the blog is about...Look forward to reading it no matter what you name it:)

Natalie..
This idea of a blog is a wonderful idea... So glad to hear this .

Patzi

I have a great sucess story for everyone... A friend of mine just made maintenance with 4 pounds under goal, She was 210 pounds when she started and today she is 140, making it a 70 pound loss... There is something more to tell that makes the weight loss special.. She is off all diabetes medication and off high blood pressure medication.. I think this is just a spectacular accomplishment. Just had to share this. She is so excited about buying her skinny outfit for New Years Eve. She really worked this program and stayed OP the complete time, and I am so happy for her that she made it. A new person, indeed.
Patzi

Hey BigDog, I think your post is actually proving what Patzi is saying! I really need to take that to heart. Yay on your pound!

Hi everyone
I don't post much, but just wanted to say how helpful reading everyone's posts is to me. I agree that this time of year is hard, but as so many people have pointed out, it's way better to be on track this time of year than gaining weight to worry about later. I work in a school and have been given quite a few mugs filled with chocolates and baked goods. I haven't touched any of it, in part thanks to reading this thread!
As we said in the '70s, keep on truckin'!
Chickadee

Right on Chickadee! :D

I was going to say basically same thing....coming here to read everyone post has helped tremendously with keeping me on track. I am not losing as fast as others and still doing meta balance, but I am able to stick to it and am feeling good. I was actually down 1.5 pounds when I weighed in on Tuesday. I met with the counselor that signed me up whom I really like and I feel she understand me needs. She mentioned the possiblity of switching to meta protein if my weight loss stalls. I made a appointment to see her again on Saturday. I like the idead of meeting with the same person each time I go in so I don't have to re-hash my struggles each time (plus I there is one counselor that I don't care for - just wants to push the pills).

Originally Posted by Chickadee

Hi everyone
I don't post much, but just wanted to say how helpful reading everyone's posts is to me. I agree that this time of year is hard, but as so many people have pointed out, it's way better to be on track this time of year than gaining weight to worry about later. I work in a school and have been given quite a few mugs filled with chocolates and baked goods. I haven't touched any of it, in part thanks to reading this thread!
As we said in the '70s, keep on truckin'!
Chickadee

Hi..
Want to say, good work, not touching any of the goodies... Be proud of yourself for the discipline, and it will all pay off at the end. I just told one of my empoyees to get away from me with the Christmas candy before I hurt him.LOL. So now they are in back having all the goodies, candy, cupcakes and you know all that "stuff". There was a party at one of the shops in center here, and they went while I stayed put.
Nice hearing from you Chickadee and please post more often..

Patzi

I needed some good news this week and I got some today. First, my cat is hanging in there. I know her time is short, but I'm going to do everything I can to help her and live with no regrets that I didn't try it all.

Next, I can now say I weigh less than I did on my wedding day! I don't know what made me do it, but I weighed myself on my wedding day so I would always know what that number was...147. At my weigh in today, I was down to 145.5.

Oh, yeah, and they asked me to be in a local tv commerical for MRC. ;)

Jen...
Glad about the kitty... and my goodness, look at you at 145.5.. That is such an accomplishment.. I am so proud of you and what an honor to do the local TV commercial.. You will be an asset to MRC for sure.. Be happy and be proud of yourself. What an inspiration to this group.
Patzi

Awesome!!!to JenB72

I have two holiday parties this weekend but am feeling confident I'll be ok. I just have to remind myself of the bigger (or in this case, smaller) picture. :)

WI this afternoon was down 3 from Tuesday. Mostly water weight I am sure but moving in the right direction.

Teacherlady - FWIW.....Natalie's Nibbles is cute and catchy but I like Cooking Skinny best. Plus, it will generate better results in organic search. If you're looking to make some part-time income with the blog, Cooking Skinny would be the best selection. I also like bigdog's idea of adding 'by Teacherladay (successful MRC client)'. If you add that to the title, it will help increase your relevancy in search engines for MRC recipes.

Teacherlady....I love this idea of yours about blogging about your food and recipies. I actually loved the idea of calling it seven parts full. Please make sure once you have this blog up and running to post a link here so we all can read it. I am dying for more recipies that are fun easy and fabulous. And don't require the supplements from the center. I also agree with Big Dog you should put in a tag line about MRC and your weightloss...that way its searchable.

Hi, I'm new. I've been on the MRC plan for 4-1/2 weeks now and have only lost 9 lbs, but spent $1279.95 (no wonder I'm having a hard time paying my bills). Every time I go to the center they tell me I need another product to get better weight loss. My finances have had it and I've about had it too. I've stayed on program faithfully. Any advice out there. I'm thinking the so-called protein drinks have too much sugar (under the caption of fructose - but as an RN I know that the body doesn't distinguish. Sugar is sugar and the calories are the calories. I'm desperate. Sorry this is such a downer, but I'm at wit's end.

Fantastic, Jen!!! can't wait to see you on TV! i bet it is so much fun buying new clothes - you look incredible!~

Burlingtonlady - just tell them you can't buy anything else and make sure you get every penny worth! find a consultant you like, show them your food journal and get them to help you w/ your weight loss. ask them for advice on everything and congrats on the 9 lb. loss!!! i lost an average of 1 to 2 lbs a week (Metaslim) and was happy with that..lost 3 lbs a week a few times but not the norm for me. .i didnt take any of the supplements, just the HNSs... since you already bought the supplements, i would use them..
Good luck!

Hi BurlingtonLady-- and welcome!

First, let me start off by saying that 9 lbs in approx 1 month is actually very good for this plan, and it sounds like you're actually doing a very good job following the plan. If you want to lose more weight quickly, it starts to get unhealthy and more difficult to maintain.

Secondly, let me say that THIS PLAN WORKS. I am proof of that. I lost 70lbs in 9 months, and then lost another 12lbs over 3-4 months of my maintenance (while I was trying to find a balance between gaining and losing). HOWEVER, I am not a big supporter of all the supplements they sell (sometimes in a very pushy way). They are overpriced, may/may not work, and may even be dangerous for some people to take. While I lost the majority my weight, I did it with the menu plan, the protein drinks, and my own multi-vitamin and fish oil supplement. The last month or so of my plan I stalled out for a while, so I did take the phentatrim supplement and it seemed to help me lose the last 10lbs so I could go on maintenance. But other than that, I was supplement free. The plan works without the supplements, but the center makes more money off of selling them, I think, than anything else. It's frustrating, because it's a good plan, but I also understand that it's a business, too.

That being said, don't take any supplements you don't want to. You seem to be doing well on the program with your weight loss--stick around with this community and the menu plan, and re-evaluate in a month or so. Make sure you give it a solid chance to prove that it works. If the consultants continue to try to sell you supplements, just tell them "I'm broke," or "Maybe next paycheck," or "Let me see how I do for another week or two, and then maybe I"ll try that," or "NO. NO NO NO NO." ;) Usually my first couple of reasons were sufficient, but there was one consultant with whom I had to be extremely firm. Also, if there's any particular consultant(s) who are extra-pushy with selling the supplements, then just try to find one who isn't and request them for your weigh-ins. You don't have to weigh-in with anyone you don't feel comfortable with.

I hope you will stick with the program a little longer, as well as stick around this board. We're all very supportive and full of ideas and suggestions--and I wouldn't have survived 9 months on plan if it weren't for these ladies!

Good luck!

I will absolutely post the link once I get it up and running! Right now it's a 3-way tie between 7 Parts Full, My Own Taste, and Cooking Skinny. Also, my husband threw in a new one: String Beans and Skinny Jeans! ;) Hopefully I'll make up my mind by this weekend.

Oh, I love String beans and Skinny Jeans, Teacherlady!!

And Burlingtonlady, if you spend some time scrolling through these MRC threads, you will see many, many posts on the topic of the supplements and how hard some centers push them. Stay stong! It could get outrageously expensive and you really can do it without all that. I'm sure you know that what really counts is the protein. And a decent vitamin. You're doing great! Any more than 2-3 per week and you risk muscle loss, which you DON'T want to have happen. Keep coming to the boards!

Jen-that is awesome. You are doing so great...and soon to be local celebrity:)

I am down to my lowest weight EVER! I know in 5th grade I was 110 and by high school I was 190, so somewhere in the middle school years I passed through the 160's. I saw 168 today...half way there in less than 2 months. Unbelievable. I'm noticing a few unhealthy things...like when I got home at 10 last night I hadn't had supper and was really tempted to just not eat. I knew that was an unhealthy road to start traveling down. I also had to go buy new bras yesterday as I noticed the girls were not as happy:o I'm waiting until I'm at my goal weight and can maintain it before I splurge and buy some expensive ones. I want to hit 167 before we leave for our trip next week and if I can maintain through the trip, that would be awesome.

OH! And last January I set 3 goals (not resolutions, goals). 1. Pay off our debt by the end of the year (looks like we will do it). 2. Run the Warrior Dash in June (did it, loved it, doing it again this coming year). 3. Weigh 170 or below. I had them posted at my desk at work. When I quit in August I threw the paper away as I had not lost any in 8 months so I figured I wouldn't get there...and wow! I got there:carrot:

I agree that's a lot of money. You do have to start saying "no" to the supplements. My mom is running into the same thing, everytime she goes they get her to buy something else with the promise it will help her lose faster. Then the next time she goes the next counselor will tell her something different, ask her why she's taking "THAT" and switch her to something else. I told her she needs to find one counselor she likes and stick with it. From the start I told them I didn't know if I could do the diet b/c of the money...and all they've ever asked me to buy is the HNS. They highly recommend a multi-vitamin and fish oil, but she was perfectly fine with me using my own. I also started using a B complex to try and help with energy and hunger.

As for the fructose...yes, all sugars are basically treated the same in your body. And this diet doesn't fully cut out sugars...you get fructose in the fruit you eat. But the HNS are mainly protein...but your body does need some carbohydrate to use the protein properly. Don't be afraid to use your medical knowledge to ask questions and be a little cynical so you make sure you are getting good answers for "why".

Awesome job on the 160s Gina!Woohoo bigdog..You're welcome on the chocolate truffle. I just ordered another bottle (went through mine super fast). I have a big package from DD being delivered today. Super excited. I love to get their stuff. I ordered the Twisted Cherry in place of the Fuzzy Navel..we shall see but it was delayed and won't be here 'til Monday.

So sorry about the gain Tami, but at least you learned from it. I don't relish the fact that I have to eat this way forever, but I DO enjoy thinking about how great I'll look & feel all the time. I know this is a lifestyle change and I lost focus of that last time I did the plan (3 years ago). I'm totally committed this time to making this a forever change. You'll be able to splurge occasionally, but we'll have to always be careful and mindful of what we eat. You're doing great. Keep it up!
Love the Seven Parts Full (only b/c you told us what it meant).. :) I will definitely check out your blog when it's up and running. LOVE new ideas.

Awesome job for your friend Patzi! That is so wonderful to hear. I hope she does great on maintenance. So amazing that she's off all those meds. My dad is diabetic and was just put on another pill b/c his fasting sugar was 168 last week. I keep trying to tell him to eat right and he doesn't listen. I worry for him and hope I can help.

Way to go Jen! Glad to hear about your kitty and so awesome to be at a lower weight than a past milestone in your life! It's funny how we remember those kinds of things. I was around the same weight as you when I got married :). And OMG..so cool about the commercial. Are you going to do it? That would be so great. You could post a link for us if you do it! :)

BurlingtonLady:

I know how you feel. My center is almost all pushy sales ladies, but my consultant was told on my consultation that I am working Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University (pay off all the debt) and this didn't really fit in the budget. My contract money was several gifts of christmas money from several people and the HNS' would be hard enough purchasing. Cher really does a good job...I think this would help...here's how much it cost...check and see if you can but we understand if you cant. Everybody else is right that you don't want to lose more than 10 lbs a month or you risk losing muscle weight, also find a councilor you like and let them in on the fact your on a budget. Make it quite clear that its your way or the highway. You always have the option to do call in's. I'm not too sure how that works, but you can weigh yourself at home and call it in. They can pressure you all they like over the phone, but your not going right by the cash register on your way out....Hang in there...we're all here to help.

TeacherLady...your husband is so creative...I actually think I like his new suggestion the best! I would totally read a blog called string beans and skinny jeans.

Keep it up ladies!!! I go in for my weigh in in about an hour...I have 1 lb to hit before my first milestone. (FINALLY!!!) And it's been a little less than a month. Had a good night last night at work...no cookies, no chilli con carne with fritos...just had my two chicken breasts. One with sugar free mandarin oranges and one with hungry girl foldit flat out sliders. I've gotten really sick of my vegetables lately so I haven't cooked any in two days. I know that is completely bad of me, but I only know how to steam frozen vegetables in my pans I have and I don't know how to cook squash or any of the other veggies we can have and I love. Need some good veggie recipies ladies!!! HELP! Gotta go my puppy Punky Brewster is jumping on me...that's a lets play mama! Hope everybody has a great day full of success staying OP and losing weight!

Personal Update..I hate to mix it all together b/c I like to post to people individually too. :)

I weighed in today @ 146 (down 1.5 more from Tuesday). Super excited as I had a holiday breakfast yesterday and managed to do pretty well with it.

I have a ton of stuff coming from Diet Direct today and I'm very happy about that b/c (unlike a lot of people) I really like to use the proteins to cook with. I can do it without, but it makes it easier for me to get them all in. I like to get 3-4 a day and I'm not a big fan of just drinking them. This way I cook with them, or have a pudding or chocolate drink and I can get my 3-4 per day. I ordered a Twisted Cherry supplement that will be here Monday. Can't wait to try it. I hope it's better than the Fuzzy Navel.

I had a great long talk with my center manager today (SHE IS AWESOME). She looked up restaurant menus for me for all the places I'll be going to for different holiday get togethers over the next week. She helped me pick out stuff and I'm so glad b/c I was really worried about what I would eat at these places. Since she does this all the time she was able to give me a TON of great options.

Also, my center does not have the super chocolate fruit replacement (they don't carry it anymore) and she said that I could use the chocolate pudding instead. I'm trying to figure out how to make that brownie you all talk about! Suggestions please.

Okay ladies...I hear Rocki and BigDog talk about protein drinks from Diet Direct, so is it just any protein drink will do for a HNS or does it have to have some specifications. Cause I am looking for stuff I can use while cooking..that way I don't have to do yours and mine anymore. (Also it helps get my husband a little weight loss too.) Plus, the boxes of HNS from the center are ridiculous!!!! When I have the money I try for the ten for 100, but who really has $100 laying around every month at exactly the right time for this? Not I!!! I'd still get my cocoa from there but that's about it.

Also, don't know if anyone has shared this yet, but my centers Manager shared a great additive to the cocoa that's totally on plan (as long as its once per day) and you can still feel like your getting your starbucks. Take a Nescafe Instant Coffee packet...play around with them find some you like..their the to-go packets and it's a mocha. For me coffee has always been too strong, gives me a stomach ache so I really had to be jonesing for some caffeine before I would get some, but this is fabulous...smells really strong like coffee, but is really super chocolatey. Almost don't taste the coffee. Last week I was at the store and they had dark roast, french roast, and just regular instant...I think to change it up I may try the french roast. Hope this was helpful to someone!

1.5 down today! 2 lbs down for the week. Just shy of my goal (which is 2.5 lbs for the week) but I'm pretty proud of myself. Down 15 total now.

I've been thinking a lot about my ultimate goal. My MRC goal weight is 140 but my ultimate is 130. The lowest adult-post-four-babies weight I've ever been is 138 and I felt great there but felt I could lose 5 more pounds. I was a size 4. Since, then I've had a breast reduction, permanently removing 3 more pounds, and then I'd like to lose a few more for leeway. But I'm not sure I really want to be smaller than a size 4. I'm not tall and I'm not small framed, either. I've got big breasts (well, not so big anymore!) and big hips and I really do like my shape without extra weight on it. How did you all decide what your goal weight should be?

They have WonderSlim, ProtiDiet, and BariWise drinks on their site. I'm pretty sure any of those are okay. As long as they don't have extra starch in them (pasta, oatmeal, and such). I really think some of them are made @ the same plant b/c they're exactly the same packaging, just the name is different on the box. Double check the nutritional values. They're boxes go on sale for $9.99 sometimes, which isn't cheap, BUT there's always a coupon code that is 10-20% and they are stackable. For example, I spent around $180 but got to use one code that was $15 and one that was $16 off. So that brought my total back to 150 and I got a TON of stuff. I got bars, 2 jars of protein mix, soups, and puddings.

Cassie-like you, we are following Dave Ramsey's babysteps...should complete step #2 this month!! It has been a long road, which is part of the reason it was a hard decision to do MRC since we live on such a tight budget. I used some birthday money and clothing money for the sign up fee. I upped our grocery budget by $120 per month as that is about how much it is for me to have 3 HNS's per day (some days I do, some I don't). And if I factored in what I was saving since I'm not hitting the vending machine, drive thru, etc, I'm sure its more like $80 more a month. But DH and I both decided it was worth it and the time was now. He has been so supportive. I'm keeping all my MRC receipts so if I feel like I want to back slide I'll just look at the money I spent, that's motivating for me. I haven't used diet direct, others have so they would be more helpful. If you want to try a different protein supplement, it needs to have very close to the same calorie/carb/protein/fat amounts. I do use a cheap walmart (Body Fortress) kind that for half a scoop is the same as one HNS. It's nice when I need a break...and something I would use once i"m done with MRC.

1bighog-I honestly had no idea where to set my goal. I am at my lowest now, so I have no idea what any other weight will be like. I don't even know size wise where I will feel most comfortable. I want it to be a weight I can maintain with healthy eating and exercise (I like to exercise, already looking forward to training for some races this summer). A healthy BMI for me is 145, but I did a calculation using my body fat to see what weight would be healthy for me at a given body fat...and that came up with 161. So I just kinda guessed at 150. If I get there I definitely would want to stabilize a while before trying to lose any more. I may want to stabilize at 155...I honestly just don't know:) Size wise I'm shooting for 10's and medium tops, but that's all still just a guess.

I based mine on what I thought I could maintain, remembering back to the last time I was this weight.

My MRC goal was initially 191. They told me we could re-evaluate that and I could go lower once I got close to that weight.

At first, I set my personal goal weight at 195. The last time I weighed 190 I felt great--I had lost the 40lbs I put on during college, was exercising and physically fit, and liked how I looked--even though I still felt I could lose another 10lbs or so. However, that was also when I was new to teaching, and once the school year started (I lost the weight during the summer before my 2nd year of teaching), I found it REALLY hard to maintain. It was hard to fit in the exercise after work (I'm not a morning person) with all the grading, extra-curriculars/supervising, and helping students that I had to do. Also, schools--like hospitals--are really hard to eat healthy in, as you never have time to have a decent meal and everyone brings lots of unhealthy treats to snack on. Gradually, my weight crept back up.

This time, Once I hit 190 (by accident--it was after our Alaskan vacation where we were very active and eating lots of fresh fish and crab, so I lost 5 pounds) and I realized it wouldn't be that difficult to lose a few more pounds...so I did. I got down to 187 and (and the start of the school year) thought, "That's cool. I'll try to stay here." Then I started training for a 5K and got down to 180lbs.

I am a size 14, I still have flabby upper arms and upper thighs, and I still have a gut. I could probably get rid of that if I lost another 10-20lbs (and would probably be down to a size 10 or 8). But I've been maintaining right at 180lbs since the start of November, and I'm happy here. I'm very fit (yoga 2-3x/week, running 2-3x/week) and can still indulge here and there, and THAT is what my goal has always been. If I *happen* to lose more weight during my yoga certification attempt or training for a 10K next spring, great! But I am comfortable and feel good where I am and am very happy with the lifestyle I have right now.

This was a very long answer to your question, but I hope it helps!

And whoever asked about prepping veggies. Here are a few things I do:

Have cut up green peppers, tomatoes, spinach, cukes, celery...the ones I like all ready to put in a salad. I can then also sautee the pepeprs, spinach, or celery as part of a recipe.

Veggies I sautee in a pan with a little olive oil (or can roast in the oven): peppers, zucchini, summer squash, green onion, spinach (I don't like that as much), green beans.

I try to have broccoli that is steamable in the bag on hand if all else fails:)

Spaghetti squash has been my newest try...I cut in half (not an easy task), bake it in the oven at 350 for 45ish minutes (you can also do it in a crockpot), then use a fork to take it out of the shell. It should be stringy like spaghetti. Some people then use it like a noodle in a pasta dish or soup. I like just to put a little ICINB spray with either salt and pepper or splenda & cinnamon. My newest love. After I cooked it I put it in 4oz portions...I think I had 7 or 8 from one squash.

Kbobs are another creative way to prepare veggies with protein.

1bighog...I have a question. When you started is about my weight range. I started at 270 and that was down from what I originally weighed at the first of the year at almost 300. (Not a good moment for me.) But now your at 177 which is the range I want to get to. How long have you been working the program? How much did you exercise? Did you take any supplements? Did you stick completely on plan?

My 1st month anniversary will be on the 20th and after my weigh in today I am still hovering at 261. I can't get the last pesky pound to come off. But I have had my OP moments. The sweets still mess me up or eating a "bite" of an off plan food. And I don't really exercise more than what I normally do. I used to think I had a sedentary lifestyle, but it was pointed out to me the other day that anyone in the hotel industry doesn't have a sedentary lifestyle. When your at work for 75% of the time your walking, running, or doing something that keeps you active. But, if that's my normal than I want to add other stuff in. I just kinda feel like a failure right now. (It's not a really good day...maintained at my weigh in, no loss. Found out my dad had a heart attack this morning and I may not be able to get out of work to go be with him in the hospital.) I am proud of myself for losing the 9 pounds I have, but I kinda wanted it to go a little faster.


NWCGina...Dave Ramsey is my hero!!!! I really think if my husband and I hadn't started this plan, we'd be divorced, broke, and homeless. We're still working on babystep #2. But the end is in sight...if we get gazelle intense it'll be a year, if we continue on just budgeting it'll be two-three years. He says he's gonna get gazelle intense and than it never materializes. It's great to know that someone else is out there working the steps and doing MRC too...I don't feel like I'm cheating the steps so much now. (Thanks for the veggie prep!!! I asked and that helps alot!)

Sorry for the rant ladies...it's just been one of those weeks.

Hey, Cassie! I've been on MRC for exactly 5 weeks now and I'm down 15 pounds. I lost most the weight during pre-condition and the first week; I lost 8 pounds then.

I have not exercised AT ALL. I do have 4 kids and a 2 story house and I rarely sit, but no formal exercise program. I actually do like working out and plan to start up at the end of the month...I plan for it to be a big part of maintenance for me, but for now I'm scared that it will just make me hungry.

I take a few supplements. I take the multivitamin and krill. I also got a bottle of MSM because I bought a starter pack that came with something else that I didn't want and they let me trade it out. I bought Fat & Carb blocker because I planned on going off program during Thanksgiving week due to traveling and all, but I don't take it very often.

I was super strict with the program in the first few weeks and that's when I saw the most benefit, obviously. I have cheated the past couple of weekends and while I have still posted a loss, it's not as much as it used to be.

Also, I just want to point out that you are half a foot taller than I am! :) I'd look freaking amazing at my current weight and your height (probably even too thin!) :D

I have posted the fat -fighting pancake recipe on the maintenance forum.
Take a look see, if you are on stabilization you may be able to have this.
Not sure.. I know there are programs that are different than the Meta Slim I was on.

Patzi

Second go 'round
 

Hi all! I joined MRC in Feb 2010, and by May, I had lost 30 lbs. I loved the plan and felt great.....THEN we went on vacation to Louisiana for my DH's best friend's wedding. It kind of all went down hill from there. I slowly went more and more off plan and eventually gained all the weight back plus a few lbs. I am excited to start back today, but nervous about doing it on my own. I know it is well worth the money, but since I have all the tools, I can't bring myself to spend all that money again. I just have to have the will power to do it...no matter if I go in to WI or do it at home. I am also excited to try the 100% Any Whey Protein as my HNS.

MRC is a great program, and I am hoping it works for me the second time around!

:carrot:

Good Morning!

i survived last night's Christmas party and had planned ahead :-) i took a bottle of diet tonic water w/ me, had a little bit of vodka for the first drink w/ lemons and limes and then refilled w/ tonic water the rest of the night. they had diet cranberry juice so added a splash of that to a couple of drinks.
i did sample some homemade turtle candy but mostly stuck to the cut up fruit, celery and cheese. they had ham biscuits and spinach dip, etc. and did have a bite but it was so rich and nasty to me (YAY!) i really like to eat "clean" now. i did have my tight jeans on. :-) to avoid overindulging. i noticed people getting louder and louder -(as they drank more) i was like wow, hadn't noticed that before LOL!
next is a Sunday Dinner Brunch w/ the inlaws @ the Country Club - guess i'll pile up on the veggies and seafood and just have one small dessert. i'm planning on drinking 4 HNSs tomorrow and no carb for b-fast and no fruit for lunch. i'll have to have wine - it's a necessity to survive the inlaws.:hat: i'll jump on my exercise bike for a few days besides walking to burn that off!

Regarding ordering from Diet Direct and Nashua, i get the Protidiet Pink Lemonade (clear HNS) and Hot Cocoa creamy HNS) Large Containers. i also like Syntrax choc. truffle and am going to try the lemonade. i've also bought Walmart vanilla protein powder - the Protidiet and Bariwise is the same cal and protein (15g) as MRC HNSs. The Syntrax brand is 100 cal. so i use less than one scoop. (has 23 g. protein)- the bars are a little cheaper too. wish they had more of the Protidiet flavors in the large containers...
i have alot of the pudding/shakes left and trying to find some cookie recipes to use them in. i can't get them to set like reg. pudding...some of the shakes are too sweet. i do like the Strawberry yogurt shake...

Rocki-- did you like the Syntrax Cherry?

Also, not really on plan but i've been making SF jello and having that for dessert daily. it's 10 cal and no sugar. has weaned me off the protein bars which i was eating like candy!
Diet Direct is offering free shipping!

Cassie T: Do you add the cocoa to the Nescafé? Is this the Hot Cocoa creamy HNS they sell at the center or another cocoa? I am so excited about this. I miss my Starbucks terribly. :coffee: Thanks for the info!

sounds wonderful! i mix the Cocoa HNS to my lite coffee every day - it's so good! i also mix a little cold left over coffee w/ the vanilla or chocolate protein shakes - mocha is always good!

you can do it! you have the plan and just post your weight loss on this forum (like a virtual weigh in). it's funny but as soon as i lose, i immediately run to the computer and change my ticker :-) i like seeing that number getting lower and lower and it's motivating to me! i feel like i'm accountable to the ladies on this forum (they have wonderful advice and tips on losing) they are super cheerleaders! :cheer3::cheer2:

So, it's ok to have some caffeine on the plan? Or should I be looking for decaf? Do you use Nescafé or something else?