MRC May Thread
 

Let's try this again! ;)

Welcome May!

Low sodium diet soda
 

Try Hansons. It's allowed. And they have a root beer! Sold in the natural foods sections or the soda aisle. I love the ginger ale.

Welcome May..

I had maintenance weigh in and lost the 1 1/2 pounds I gained from eating bagel and creme cheese, so now I am 5 1/2 pounds under goal. I have added to this on the maintenance forum

Patzi

Yay for May!

WI on Saturday... lost another 1.5 pounds for a total of 74.5! Whoot! Whoot!

Then, promptly fell off the wagon with a dinner with my husband and kids... not entirely off-plan, but not great either. Not beating myself up about it though, added some extra cardio to help stave off some of the damage and we're moving on. On-plan, on-point, on-target...

On the diet soda, I agree about the sodium. For me, it is also a trigger food which makes me want to eat more (as is chocolate, dairy, and sugarfree gum).

I'm looking forward to hitting my goal this month! Yippee! I'm not sure how much time I have left in the program before stabilization, but I don't think I'm going to buy extra weeks or anything. I'm happy with my looks - except for the jiggly bits that I'm working on - and I'm in a size 9/10, which is what I set out to do in August...

How many of you stabilized with a few pounds left to goal? Don't they say that you'll lose some more on maintenance? If so, how much did you lose?

Thanks, guys! Happy losing!

rachels77

Congrats on the total weight loss. That is a great accomplishment.

I did not lose during maintenance or stabilization.. Before I started stabilization I insisted to the center I wanted to be 5 under goal for a security blanket, and I am so glad I did.. However, teacher lady is one that lost during maintenance. Go to the maintenance forum and she talks about it. As a matter of fact she has lost 100 pounds. Isn't that something?

Keep up the good work.

Patzi

Just another soda comment - I find that either the aspartame or caffeine makes me crazy hungry. But also, for some people, caffeine can contribute to insulin resistance. Track your food/exercise and then try a few days with or without the soda and see if it makes a difference. I have heard about the Hansons - no caffeine, no aspartame. I can't wait to try it!

Hello everyone! I just started the yellow menu today and I'm really stoked about the journey I'm starting on! Any tips for a beginner to help get me in the right mindset?

Agree! I had a counselor try to stArt me on stabilization at 6 pounds from goal and I just got confused. I wasn't expecting it. Also, the next time I went in a different counselor said my bodyfat was still way to high and didn't recommend I stabilize yet anyway. Boy was I confused and I ended up kind of going off the deep end and gaining 5 pounds. But once I got a grip and refocused it has been good. I no longer have a weight goal, but a bodyfat goal of 32% max. We will see where that putsme,weight-wise. Bottom line: I suggest you get where you want to be, THEN stabilize.

my confession
 

I WI Saturday with a loss of 3 lbs. I was/am so proud of myself!! :carrot:

Then last night, my DH went out for a while with his brother. I saw this as my chance...I totally finished off a bag of Golden Flake potato chips that my college age kids left behind this weekend. It wasn't just a few chips either, it was about 1/4 of a bag. :( I don't know why I didn't throw them away Sunday night when they left. Part of me thinks I was sub-consciously planning to eat them. This is my confession. I have told noone else. I do plan to confess at the WI tomorrow. I am not looking forward to it!!

My stomach hurt for the rest of the night, and today I feel horrible. :barf:

Do tell your counselor. A good one will help you think about what made you do that and what you could do differently next time. For some of us, there will always be stuff like this- part of the program is learning how to overcome it. I marvel at the people who never eat off plan even once, those who are not emotional or unconscious esters. I'm not like them and know I will always have to work on this. I hope you have a good counselor who can help you. Also, go to the Connections classes if you can. They talk about stuff like this. Good luck.

Sots Mom - I know what you mean. It's good that you are confessing - I think everyone has done it.... overeaten for whatever reason. I did this a few times but I always remember how craptastic I felt the hours/days after the off-plan. It seems to help me maintain some control when I mess up again.

Remember, you are human. Those are human emotions - you can talk to your counselor about what triggers your eating and what you can do. Everyone makes mistakes and it is common - learning from them is what makes the difference... just a thought.

I went to WI after week one of stabilization. I was the same which suprised me that the addition didn't cause any gain. I guess that's the whole point of adding things back slowly. On to week two.

Camaswa.. Such a great statement(get to where YOU want to be then stabilize.. That is so true. I bucked the center and insisted I was not ready and when I was would let them know. I am comfortable with the decision I made.

Patzi

So far it looks like a good week for everyone. Lost 1 lb. and visited with counselor about refocusing - I was in "coast" mindset with 10 lbs. to go and started adding more of the :devil: carb to my diet. That is my "trigger" - salty, crunchy as well as good bread.

Galadreal - hope you are recovering.

Wish all a good rest of the week

I don't know what it is about Tuesdays but my last 2 Tuesday weigh-ins I've only managed to lose 1/2 lb. That's with sticking with the plan 100% too! UUGGGHHHH. FRUSTRATED. Any suggestions on making it go faster?

Also, anybody taking idodine (kelp) supplement or b-complex vitamins and noticed a difference on the scale? my counselor did an iodine skin test on me today and it was pretty much gone after about 6 hours. so i'm pretty sure i'm deficient in it. i know it helps with thyroid function and metabolism. if anybody could share their experiences with iodine or b-complex supplements that would be great!

I've only lost another .5 in the last few days, but hopefully it'll all catch up with me. I recently bought a six pack of Hansen's root beer...it's actually pretty good! I drink one if I'm having a massive sweets craving and it hits the spot.

Carbs are the stinking Devil!
 

An innocent looking box of baby Swiss Cheez-its are the devil in disguise:devil::devil:

For some reason I felt like I could eat those cheesy devil crackers and fudge all weekend and not gain! Back to work today and those new black pants were tight tight tight! I normally would not weigh in till a few days after vacation but felt like I'd better get my fat arse on the scales and face reality (thanks to you guys on this board because that's what you do!) Stepped up the water and did a fast power walk twice this am before work. The Cycle Classic was this evening downtown so had another power walk this pm to check out the race...everything else I ate this weekend was on plan. We did go out to eat once and I had the fish taco grilled and didn't eat the tortilla. I did have some sweet potato fries though and a mich ultra. Walked the beach, rode our bikes a lot so did get a lot of activity in.
Food festival this weekend downtown. I'm volunteering at the beer truck ;) one for them and one for me. Haha! Seriously I will make sure I take some water with me. The good thing is that we will be slammed so won't have time to drink and eat! Love reading about everyone's success! Way to go Rachel on reaching your goal!

Weighed in today, down only .5lb. Oh well, still headed in the right direction.

Met a friend for lunch that I hadn't seen since I started MRC. She noticed face thinner and shoulders. Made me feel good. Lunch at Panera, chose a salad with chicken and the apple.

I already feel like getting out of the house more with an 18.5 lb loss so far. I've been hiding at home and it was so nice to visit, laugh and have an all around great time.

getting started
 

I found this forum while trying to do research on MRC online. You have all inspired me to give MRC a try. I'm so glad to have found an online support group! I'll let you know how my consultation goes tomorrow. Wish me luck!
:woohoo:

lovetofishandrun - Thanks, going back to the doc this morning. Cough HACK! I tried to go to work yesterday but the sent me home saying I sounded contagious. Trying to stick to plan but don't want to or can't eat anything. Plus happy days are here again (and water weight is never my friend). It has been over a week so I need to go to weigh in and see what the damage is, but I am too tired and sore this morning to care. Hubby is making poached eggs and toast. But you know breakfast has not been the problem, it is those bedamned chewable foods later in the day :)

Bigdog- Beer Truck? "Lead me not into temptation, I can find it well enough on my own." That sounds awesome. Hope you have a great time.

Congrats to everyone on the losses, even a small loss is still a loss. Now I am off to avoid looking at the scale.

bzetti - Welcome. I really love this program. It is great. Good luck.

My mom came to town last night and we went through a bunch of clothes. I knew some of them needed altered but I also needed someone else who sews to help with the pinning. I have not mastered pinning on myself yet. Anyway, she took a whole sack full of clothes back with her that she is going to take in for me so I can wear them now. I'm very excited to get them back. It will be about 3 weeks before I see her again. It will be like a whole new closet. I also have another bag of clothes that need to be cleaned. I haven't been able to wear them in about 10 years. They are all classic styles that still look great. And most of them are summer clothes so that is even better.

I agree with the statement about getting where YOU are comfortable and stabilizing. I was out of time but I am also comfortable where I am right now. I was ready to stabilize.

Congratulations on all the loses. Remember the 1/2 pounds add up to whole pounds which equals a smaller YOU!

Plan, plan, plan!!! Plan your meals, plan your drinks, plan your grocery shopping trips. Plan everything. I did worst when I left things to chance.

Also, if you can, stay involved with this forum. It's an incredible support system and those who stay active seem to do very well.

Good luck on your journey!

Galadreal - I hope you get some better medication and kick this sinus thing to the curb!

I am back, and over-medicated. Got more (different) antibiotics, some heavy duty cough syrup, some evil nasal stuff, and prescription Musinex. Now I am heavily dosed and going to bed, but wanted to share. Weighed in this morning after Dr. appointment and signed the 20 pound board. I lost 3.5 pounds since last Monday. Which I was worried about with being so far off program, not being able to eat, eating canned soup, not getting enough water, and having happy time. I figured I gained 5 pounds. Yay to be wrong. Now going to sleep before the loopyness sets in.

I weigh myself first thing in the morning, and some days I get out of bed, feeling so THIN, and before I get on the scale I'm sure I must have lost about 5lbs. But it was only .5. I'll still take it.

Welcome newbies!

Galadreal, I hope these new meds help you feel better soon.

As for tips, I agree with Jen. You have to plan. And I always have extra things on hand that I can eat in a pinch. Tuna. Individually frozen and precooked chicken breast. Frozen veggies. So if something comes up, I can just grab something that is quick.

This week has really been tough for me. Late saturday night we had to have our 14+ yr old dog put to sleep. We got him from the pound about 13 yrs ago and he has been my shadow ever since. I have struggled to stay on program and have had several slip ups. My cat had to be put to sleep last year and it's so overwhelming to have such a quiet house. Never being able to have kids they were my babies. I know I've got to stay focused because sliding now will be detrimental to me but I just can't get motivated to plan this week. Hopefully I can pull out of it soon.
Sorry for the downer post...had to confess about the off program eating somewhere before I WI later this week.

Tomorrow I am finally starting my program. I have been on pre-conditioning but tonight I have my classes and officially get started. So far on pre-conditioning I've lost 4 pounds. I will weigh in one more time tonight and get started. I know the weight is going to come off. I feel like someone who has won the lottery and I am just waiting to turn the ticket in! I know being at my goal weight is just a matter of time now that I have the tools to get the weight off.

Good luck Kimmy...this program is great.

Fluffy, that is so sad about your dear dog. it's a big loss in your life. Get outside as much as you can and breathe fresh air, and even if you eat off program, try to also eat beautiful fresh foods that make you appreciate being alive.

Fluffy..No need to ever apologize for being down. We are all here for you.
I am so sorry about your dog. I have had to go thru that 3 times and each time it broke my heart.

I see you live in Florida as I do. Are you anywhere near the beach? That is so healing if you can walk the beach, smell the fresh ocean air, and just try to make yourself feel better. If not, Camaswa's suggestion is great.

As for eating on program, just do the best you can.. You will be fine. Sometimes if make a menu up for about 3 or 4 days that will help me stay on program.

Again, so sorry.

Patzi

Fluffy - I'm so sorry to hear about your dog. Pets are such an integral part of someone's life (mine included - we have a golden retriever that we just love - he's the son we never had and is such a big part of our family). Allow yourself time to heal - try not to do too much but allow yourself time to get out and about and vent. It's a hard time, but you do need to take care of yourself. If it helps, when I've had tough time, it helps me to eat on "auto pilot"... not having to be too specific but switch to my "go-to" meals... i.e. tuna, chicken, steamed veggies in the bag, Melba ... lather, rinse, repeat and all that.

Galadreal - sounds like you're on the road to recovery! Enjoy the medication!

Kimmy - great attitude! Just trust the process and continue to plan. You'll do great!

Well, for me, I'm not able to make it to weigh in mid-week, so it'll have to wait until Saturday. Hopefully all will be okay. I just couldn't weigh in earlier because I had to take time off work for my sick kiddo. She's much better, so that makes it easier for this soft-hearted mommy... trucking on!

Fluffy, I am so sorry about your dog, and your cat. I know what it is like to lose my fuzzy little children and you have my deepest condolences. Many virtual hugs at you.

Fluffy, I am sooooo sorry. If you remember, I had to put my 17 year old cat to sleep right before Christmas. I hate that you have to go through this. To be honest, I didn't deal well with it either, program-wise. It's ok if you're not either. There will come a point where you will want to but if now's not the time, then it's not the time. We're all here for you if you need to "chat." :hug:

my confession, part 2
 

Well....today I went into the center for WI, and I was right. Up .5 lb...MAN, I knew those potato chips were gonna get me. But, I confessed and my counselor and I came up with a plan from keeping this from happening again.

On the positive side, I'm down 24.5 total inches, which include a total of 6.25 inches from my hips!!!! I almost cried!! The staff at my center (Auburn AL) are AWESOME, and keep me motivated.

I AM GOING TO DO THIS!!!!

Sots- are you kidding? 16 pounds resulted in 6.25 from your hips??? That's unbelievable! Wow,

Hello All!

Last year about this time I joined MRC and loved the program. I had lost about 20 pounds when my husband came home from overseas and I discovered he'd had not one, not two but three affairs while he was gone...one with a 30 year old he was going to leave me for. Me being an emotional eater...well..thats when I gained most of the weight back that I lost. I'm not here to whine..I'm strong and I WILL get through all of this. I just recall the positive and motivational support I would read/get when I would come on this forum.

I began following the diet again without the suppliments. Right now my budget will not allow the high costs of them. So far I've lost 3.7lbs of the weight I gained back.

I do hope you guys will allow me to hang out and share in your accomplishmnents. What I read from you guys is so inspiring!

Susie

Thank you all for the warm words of encouragement to get through this. After lunch today I felt so sick and now I know if nothing else my eating has to be watched. My dog is buried at my moms right by his best friend (our kitty). I sat out there today and felt a little more at peace. Again thank you all. It means a great deal.

Susie, welcome and most definitely you are welcome here. Sorry to hear what happened to you. You do sound strong and there are many people here to help you with whatever questions you might have. Good luck and welcome back.

Fluffy I am so sorry to hear about your dog :( but 14 plus years is a long happy life for that lucky dog (to have such a great mom). We rescue German shepherds and they are our babies. I couldn't have children either... Our first rescue passed away two years ago and we immediately went the next day and got my little baby boy GSD. We know we can take care of three dogs and so many need good homes. Our oldest girl is 17 (lab/shepherd mix), middle child is 7 and the baby is two years old. He has a lot of the same characteristics as our first girl (loves his baby pool, obsessed with tennis balls, follows me everywhere)
I know everyone is different but I think you need to go to the shelter and rescue a dog and a cat too! Our first girl was amazing! Rescued her at 9 mths and she lived a long happy life. She was ready to go and knew we would continue rescuing dogs. She trained our next two rescues. We still talk about her every day and she lives forever in our hearts....we go camping all the time just so we can take our "children" with us. My DH and I both have streessful jobs and they make us laugh daily. Great walking partners and hey they eat the leftover bread that I'm not eating anymore!

In order to stay focused on this diet I make mini goals that are attainable in a relatively short amount of time. I woke up early today, headed to the scales and YEAH I met my goal to get under 260, I am at 259.8. I needed to tell someone, it is 5am and everyone else in house is asleep so I am so thankful to have this group so I can get the word out!!! Next mini goal is passing under 250, here I go!!!

Congrats to the losers.

Best wishes to those who have had stresses/sadness in there lives.

Congrats on hitting your goal Rowdy! I wouldn't call them mini goals, they are just as important as your final goal weight. Come on 250, you will be there before you know it.