How do I handle the stress? I used to eat:) Now I just want to eat but try to find something else as an outlet like cleaning, journaling, exercising or blogging.

I've been an everyday weigh-er. Now I think I'm going to try doing once a week. I am getting close to my goal...actually at this weight if I lost inches I would be okay with the scale. And once I"m at goal I want enough accountability to keep me on track but not a slave to the scale everyday (I always used to get discouraged by the fluctuations...and I think I haven't been as excited about my losses as I see them almost everyday in .5 lb increments). So here's my plan...stay with my exercise/Metabalance plan until end of Feb (I do plan on going off plan for one meal on Feb 3 when we go see Dave Ramsey-I want to celebrate:). Weigh in once a week. Wherever my body is at the end of Feb is where I want to maintain (I think). If I stay the same, I stay the same and I'm fine there. If my body loses (which it should), then great. Then it's on to stabilization then maintenance...and of course getting my running back up.

I have arthritis in my knees...At 200 lbs it was debilitating. I couldn't get on and off the toilet without severe pain (at age 30!). I asked the doctor if losing weight would help. He said they were so bad it wouldn't. I could only walk like 5 minutes at 2.5 mph on the treadmill. And I told myself if that's all I could do, then I would be happy doing that. 5 minutes became 10 then 20. I got down to 185 and could walk 60 minutes and even jog some. Now at 161 I am able to run 30 mintues (my lungs are a little out of shape now). The weight made a HUGE difference! Just had to share.

nwcgina,
I'm very glad to hear that your arthritis is better with losing weight. My joints are killing me right now! I have arthritis in my knees, ankles and feet. My husband and I are doing Tae Kwon Do together three nights a week and we come home in serious pain. I try to walk on the dreadmill or do Just dance a couple of times a week too. I'm hoping with more weight loss it will get better and better. So far I'm down a total of 65 pounds and am able to do things I couldn't then, but till have a ways to go. Oh yeah, it also doesn't help being an old lady!
Chickadee

Stress
 

what really helps me with stress is focusing on this diet plan - at least i can control the food i put in my mouth! walking helps me the most and hugging the daylights out of my three furry children :-) they are my best walk partners - they are also good listeners. i am so behind in work it's crazy (helping to take care of MIL and doing paperwork for FIL) to get them in an assisted living. so today i'm tackling a to do list a mile long but i can do it! with a jug of water by my side. i have been doing meal replacements when i don't have time or feel like eating. a yummy dark chocolate shake is more appetizing to me than food. the strawberry yogurt protein shake w/ frozen strawberries for lunch. (all from Diet Direct).
Camaswa, good for you w/ getting into the 12's~! the pants i had on yesterday kept falling down and i was tripping over them - they were so long!
Congratulations to everyone that even if you are stressed and gain a little, sounds like everyone is addressing that right away and getting the weight right back off.
Gina- for your doctor to tell you that weight loss wouldnt matter (to ease pain in knees) is just crazy! glad you ignored him.
i've been at the library alot lately and really get lost in good books - that really helps get me to sleep. my DH laughs and says everytime we rent a movie, i fall asleep on the couch! then i have to watch it again - so i told him when i'm asleep on the couch- let me sleep - at least i'm catching some ZZZZZZZZs
keep focused ladies - we have all done so well, so no backsliding. let's lose some more fat and gain some muscle!! :dancer:

Good morning! Woke to MAJOR snow (very unusual here) so I'm staying home! Yay!

I have been letting the fluctuations bug me, but I do think I still need to weigh everyday for now. One suggestion I read somewhere was if you do that, add them all up at then end of the week and divide by 7. Over time you would start to see your true weekly loss.

Does anyone ever browse around on the rest of 3FC? There is a forum for long-term maintainers that is nothing short of inspiring. Everyone who is close to goal should look at some of those posts! In a nutshell: it never stops! It must become a life change. I still feel far from that. But closer than I once was when I would not check my weight for months at a time because I was afraid to find out.

Bigdog, a few years ago, I went through **** with my parents: dad was dying, mom was in a wheelchair and demented, I had to move her into assisted living, dispose of all their stuff, try to be there for him as he worsened In a Hospice center, plan his funeral, help her cope - all at the same time. It was surreal. I was dieting when it all started and I found that oddly it was comforting to me to have that control of what I ate. I stayed on my plan. It was so surprising to me. So I think I know what you mean. Hang in!

and i bet you were working full time during all this too! we are so strong, it is amazing what we can do and survive. went through that 2 years ago w/ my family (mom's death and dad's dementia - happened right after she passed away)...i felt like a robot and somehow got through it. huge family so that really helped.
W/ my in-laws- we are the only family livng here so it's been a real challenge but know we'll get through this too. the funny thing is when i lost 2 lbs a couple weeks ago, i still did my happy dance!!
my main stress is trying to keep up at work (i'm in sales) so when i'm not my happy little self, kind of hard to sell. but i can do it!! my OB/Gyn tells me that she has seen me bounce back after bad things happen and tells me i'm amazing. it's like what the "Help" says in the movie "The Help" to the little girl- you are smart, you are strong, you are beautiful, etc. i said that to myself headed to a sales meeting last week!! haha. taking it one day at a time and i know things will get better or at least more manageable! one thing i've realized, i'm not gaining this weight back and will work on being as healthy as i can. so whoever is going to be taking care of me when i'm old, it will be easier on them!! :-)

Tamikl, camaswa, patzi, Jen - you are all such an inspiration to me. Patzi - I admire you for continuing to journal your food. It's interesting how things can affect our bodies... mine is just a smidgy-bit bite of something off plan - usually a few almonds or something. I don't know if it's the water or not but it usually causes a stall or a gain for me.

Jen - I know I'm not on maintenance or stabilization yet... but I agree about stress. It has such a huge impact on me. When I'm stressed and lose sleep (even just an hour or so) my weight usually goes up as much as 2 or 3 pounds. Granted, it comes off after a period of rest, but it sucks. The thing that works the best for me is Zumba. I love the exercise and feeling energized with the class. Also, spending time getting lost in a good "chick flick" or scheduling a dinner date with my hubster usually snaps me out of it... I know work is stressful and alot of times it's something we can't escape, but we can try to leave it at work (the best we can) and do something awesome for yourself... just a thought.

Tonight is going to be a late night...one of those nights when I just have a lot that I need to take care of in the quiet of the sleeping house (mainly getting stuff ready for class tomorrow). Ususally this would be my time to nibble while I work and I knew I would struggle, so I made a quick trip to the store to get some sugar free jello...and was tempted to buy a bottle of wine, which of course goes well with chocolate...but alas, I was a good girl and stuck to the jello. Now for the long night ahead sans the not so good for me food and beverage options.

Hi ladies!

Had a great day...had my 10 yr. old daughter with me today at my WI because she had to miss school to see the Orthodontist. I was not only down 3 lbs from last week,:carrot: but got to sign the 50 lb board finally!:dancer: The best part?? My little girl, who has been my biggest fan, signed it for me :) I will treasure this memory forever!!:val1:

Just had to share...very exciting. Hit my goal and got the next menu for Stabilization all at the same time! LOL I also apparently won a "drawing" for a free HNS box of my choice! I never win anything!! Very cool...

Keep it up ladies...it is worth it. YOU are worth it!

TAMI-Big wooooooooo hooooooooo! The first thing i noticed was your ticker at "reached your goal!" That is so awesome. You did it. You did it! You did it! You did it.

Tamikl

Tami....
I am so happy for you... You are working the program and it has worked for you... Be proud of yourself, you are doing a great job.

Patzi

Congrats Tamikl!!!!!!!
I'm elated for you! To share that moment with your daughter is AWESOME! GREAT JOB! :hug: :carrot:

Thank you, ladies! So awesome having you all to share these milestones with:) Your support and words are priceless!

My journey continues...

Congratulations Tami. You must look and feel fabulous!
Chickadee

Something I've been thinking about...the areas where I always felt restricted because of my weight...and how I'm losing those self-imposed restrictions as well. One is for a long time I felt because of my weight I wasn't feminine (I didn't have a concept of curvy:)) so I dressed in frumpy clothes...in high school and college always mens clothes. That idea of being feminine has developed a bit but I realize now how I thought weight=not feminine/beautiful. Luckily my husband saw different:)

The other thing is I always thought because of my weight I couldn't do certain things...I remember running for student council my freshman year of high school and narrowly lost...and I thought it had to be because of my weight so I never ran again (a few other opps like acting I thought I couldn't do because of my weight). Looking back I think if I would have run again I would have won. But I had a severe lack of self confidence in asserting myself (especially since I work in the health field, I didn't think I could be taken seriously). I have more confidence and on Monday proposed a wild idea to the department head at the college I teach at...it would really help my career and be a bit trailblazing for that school...I don't know if I would have had the confidence before being successful with the weight. It's not the number on the scale, it's knowing I can do something and knowing my value. And guess what? The idea is flying and they love it.

I am going to spend more time identifying things like that...pant size and the number on the scale only motivates me for so long. Eventually a snicker bar is just going to be more appealing, but if I heap on the benefits in my head, making the right choices will be part of who I am.

Sorry I've been MIA..just trying to catch up here but did see that Tami signed the 50 lb board! WOOHOO..that is SO awesome! My little girls are my cheerleaders too. They remind me (often, whether I want them to or not) that I need to watch my "diet". :) I have clothes I bought last spring I've been wanting to fit into and my 9 year old reminds me of that ("don't you want to wear those blue pants Mommy?"!

Congrats to all the losers and sorry to those going through difficult times right now. Keep up the hard work. it will pay off.

I'm up several pounds after my weekend away to Orlando and Sea World. I ate whatever I wanted and while it was liberating in a way to not *worry* over every bite, it was a major letdown to see the scale yesterday morning. I didn't feel good eating that crap and I don't feel good now 4-5 lbs heavier. I'm totally back OP today and hope to FINALLY get into the 130s by the end of next week (or 2 weeks from today to be realistic). I think I'm at 145, but was afraid to weight this AM..

Have a great day everyone!

Tami that is so great! Proud of you girl. Keep up the great work.

Tami - Congratulations! What a great experience to share with your daughter and to be such a great example!

Gina - I know what you mean. It is a good idea to associate those feelings with weight loss ... I struggle with that myself. One of the things I'm focusing on is more positive outlook and "talk"... I didn't realize how negative my joking about my weight could be, not only to me but to my 9 year old girl. I want her to have a positive self-image, no matter what her size (she is a little fluffy) and I'm working on mine to hopefully help her.

testing my ticker

So Today is Day 1 for me. Starting on the Yellow menu, and I have such a headache. Can't believe how addicted to carbs I am. Had half decaf coffee this morning with no cream or sugar. That's unheard of. I need to stay motivated cause this is really hard for me.

Way to go Tami. That's GREAT! Good luck with maintenance.

Danielle-switching to decaf was hard for me...it made me laugh that i was brewing "wide awake coffee-decaf". These first few days are the hardest...but stick with it. I was sure I wouldn't lose...and I have. I thought I would die and seriously...only half a tortilla shell??? I didn't die (obviously) and have gotten used to this way of eating. Hang in there.

Congratulations, Tami!!!! I'm so excited for you. :cheer:

Today is the first time in 15 years that I got on the scale and saw a number that did not start with 2. 199 even!!!! I bought a pair of size12 jeans the other day that are a bit snug but I could button and zip them--so pumped and excited about this program and meeting goals that I have set for myself year after year! Finally getting it done

I weighed in this morning and gained another 1/2 pound.. Now I am 5 pounds under goal, where I was 6 1/2 under goal. I am not happy about this, as I don't know the reason.. My consultant thinks it is the steroids I took 1 1/2 weeks ago for fluid in the ear... Could be.. We will see what Tuesday brings.. We went over my journal and no reason I should have gained other than the meds.

Wishing everyone a great weigh in and congrats to all those that lost.

Patzi

Patzi, I hate it when there's no reason for gaining. It's been my downfall on many programs over many years. I think you just have to know that you did everything right and that your body will respond when its ready. You don't sound like the kind of person who will let this sidetrack you, but hang in there!

fatburningmama, that is so great! I am getting closer to that magic number too and can't wait. Like you, it's been many, many years since my weight started in the ones. Keep it up!

Chickadee

Good Morning!
I weighed in today and I'm down another 3 lbs.! :carrot:
The center had me pick a number to win a prize and I won $25. I NEVER win ANYTHING! :cb:

Edit: And I signed the 10 lb. board. :D

I have been a long-time reader, but this is the first time to actually post. I just wanted to let you all know what an inspiration this board has been to me. My journey started back in October and I've lost 35 pounds on the program so far. Your tips, tricks, recipes, good days, bad days - have been wonderful to read about. I hope to be able to throw some things in there more often. What an awesome support system!

** I tried the Turkey Meatballs the other night and LOVED them! Don't know why I waited so long. **

Fatburningmama-that is awesome!! A well deserved number:)

Katie-hope to hear more from you!!!

I had a little movement up in the scale (I wasn't going to step on each day, that lasted 2 days:))...pretty sure it's because i got too comfortable with how things were going and started taking a bite of something I shouldn't here, a nibble there...so I've been back to being strict with myself and it always takes a few days for the losses to start again. Once again, lesson learned the hard way. That and I started exercising harder (especially running and heavier weights) and that leads to a little fluid gain for me. But I really wanted to regain muscle and start shaping up my smaller body (yet why do I sometimes look in the mirror and see size 16/18, not 12 almost 10???)

AWESOME!! WOOHOO>>You go girl! How amazing is that? So happy for you!

Sorry Patzi..let us know if you figure it out..hopefully it IS just the steroids, but seems strange that it was 1.5 weeks ago. I know that can be so frustrating when you're doing everything right!

Awesome girl! Keep it up! Yay on the 10 lb board

Welcome Katie..You've done amazing! Look forward to hearing from you more! Tell us some of your favorite foods, and/or secrets to success!: )

Congratulations on all the losses this past week!! wow, what a bunch of losers you all are!!!! :-) Way to go Tami on reaching your goal and woo hoo Fat Burning mama for seeing the 199 - that number will keep getting lower, just wait and see - i never thought i'd lose this weight and took it day by day.
Gina, you go girl!! that is so cool that you pitched your idea and they went for it - woo hoo! i know what you mean about wearing men's clothes - i'm always grabbing my DH's fishing shirts and sweatshirts and wearing them..even wear some of his cargo shorts...they are so comfortable but i look huge in them...am trying to wear more fitted stuff...wore a tight sweater and form fitting jeans the other night and was prissing all over the place..haha. i am still uncomfortable wearing fitted clothes all the time but i'm trying!
hope everyone has a great weekend!

This is one group of losers that I am VERY proud to be a part of. Reading everyone's posts just keeps it real for me everyday and that I'm not alone on this journey. Proud of everyone for making these changes in their life no matter what the scale says each day (if you have a habit like me of weighing each day) Just know that you are makingchanges today for a better tomorrow, next week and next year!

as soon as i weigh in and if it registers a loss I immediately want to post on this forum and change my ticker! haha! even before i text my DH. i don't tell anyone i'm dieting to avoid stupid comments and me having the urge to slap someone :-) so you guys are my sounding board and support. i did tell my DH this time since he's a Chef (his job) and prepares most of the food and he's been supportive. he does want to eat out all the time which is annoying but i just have to plan ahead and keep on plan... love being part of this losing group!!

Jen B.!!!
 

Jen, i opened up the paper and there you are!!! you are in the Savannah, GA's paper in your hot red dress!!! i'm cutting this ad out and putting on my bulletin board for inspiration. So cool!!!!
(attached a copy of the ad from the paper)

Hi all,

It's been a long time since I posted but I've tried to keep up with the lastest. It sounds like you are all doing well. Congrats.

Jen B- I saw you in our local paper in Vancouver, WA SUPERSTAR!!!

Patzi- Question about maintenance? I went through stabilization over the holidays and didn't lose any so I don't have a "cushion" right now. The center said I shouldn't go backwards on my menus, but I think I've read that you have. Should I go back to green to lose a few more pounds. I've uped the exercise but the scale isn't moving. I'm glad I'm maintaining, but would like a little wiggle room. Any advice is apprecieated.

Cherry Jello Pudding
 

i just made up this recipe for Cherry Jello Pudding. i had some SF FF pudding mixes in the pantry and didn't want to throw them away so mixed w/ my cherry FF SF jello and Greek Yogurt. (probably not on plan but it's 8 servings and only 22 calories!) and i needed a dessert today!

i made the jello w/ two cups of water as directed, then added the vanilla pudding mix, another cup of water and greek yogurt. (could prob. add more greek yogurt for more protein) and add berries if you are eating for lunch dessert. Whisk all together and chill. It's so good!

Ingedients:
Jello Sugar Free Cherry, 2 cup


Jell-O (Jello) - Pudding & Pie Filling - Instant Vanilla Sugar Free & Fat Free, 4 serving (8g, 1/6 package)


Chobani - Plain Non-Fat Greek Yogurt, 2 oz


Per Serving:

22 calories

3 carbs

0 Fat

1 protein

188 sodium

0 sugar

Oh wow, Bigdog, thanks for posting the link to Jen's ad. It's so great to see! I'm trying to figure out if I can save it to my phone for future inspiration!

I haven't changed my stats (denial?) but Wed. I was up 2 at my WI. Went back today, Saturday, and am back down 1. I have been perfect with food but- yes, you know where I'm going: wine. I had several glasses over the last 3 days. Clearly, at this stage of the game, I can't get the results I want if I drink alcohol. I want to be stabilizing by march and I have 9 pounds to go. I'm going to ask the husband to stop offering, just hand me a sparkling water with lime and don't say anything. He isn't trying to undermine me, I just think I confuse him by sometimes saying yes and other times no. I think he thinks he is helpful by asking.

I'm sitting at a Starbucks right now with a totally pulverized breakfast wrap I'm front of me. I havent had breakfast and I thought I had a creamy in my purse- turns out it was a fiber drink. Yuck. So I ordered a wrap and ate a couple bites of the starch, then dissected out the egg white. Luckily I am by myself! Waiting for nordstrom to open- I need new parts for a work event. I am hoping the 12s aren't too tight. I never want to see 14 or 16 again!

I agree on the more fitted clothes- baggy and boxy actually makes you look bigger! For so many years I chose what I wore based on how well it hid my shape that this is a big adjustment. I love What Not to Wear, they demonstrate this time and time again. But when it comes to dressing myself, I forget "the rules.". Oh- and for any larger- chested ladies, the rule is "divide the real estate!". V necks, scarves, necklaces, wraps. Not crews or turtlenecks. Try it- you will look longer and leaner.

Where to eat in mid-town Atlanta?
 

I have to go there again on business. Staying at the Georgian Terrace. Is anyone from Atlanta who could advise on a nice place where it won't be too hard to say on plan? No grits and all that good cheesy or fried southern stuff!

camaswa-I'm going to be your butt kicking reminder pal that you want to hit your goal by March...that's my goal too. I have 11 pounds to go. I was cheating with taking nibbles of things and I"m like "If you're going to hit goal you need to knock it off...no nibbles!" and for you...no wine! Let's hit this together. We'll get there. Hope the 12's fit. I just bought some today...some 12's are tight, some are big, most are perfect! My big thing is I"m short but petities are too small so I often have to get alterations. I did find a pair of work pants (khaki's) and a pair of jeans at a nice consignment store today...$12 for both of them! I figure I may be in 10's once I hit my goal, but I need some pants that aren't falling off. I've been still wearing my 14's that only stay up since I've been wearing long johns underneath plus a belt:) The end is worth the 6 weeks without wine. You can do this!!!

Hey Everyone,
I'm pretty new here. Just started last week (again). Lost 2.5 lbs so far. Yay. I did two days on the yellow menu, and told my counselor I've been pretty hungry, so she switched me to a new menu that I've never seen before. It's called META-Protein (phase 2). She said I can do this menu until I reach my goal weight (55-60 lbs to go).
Anyone familiar with this menu? I think it's new.