Hello you wonderful ladies,

Just a quickie to say hi as I am Pooped! We've almost got the room finished. I scraped wall paper and primed yesterday and put the colour coat on this morning. I almost started to bawl because it looked so horrible but then I calmed down and prepared myself to wait to do the second coat later in the day. Well it's done now and I think it turned out swell considering I've never painted before. All we've left to do now is buy baseboards and put up the border and some cheapo furnishings and my sun room/sitting room will be done. I promise to try and post a pic of it. Thanks for suggesting yellow Cathy it looks great.

I've fallen off the food wagon utterly this past 3 days and am just pissed with myself but will regroup and start tomorrow anew. 3 days does not undo 20 months of hard work so I will suck it up, take my lumps on the scale and get going again.

Cathy, a hug for you and hopes that this flight will go smoothly. Just keep envisioning that little bundle of joy and you'll be just fine.

Terry, 24 lbs??? You rock! I am so, so proud of you. I knew you'd lost but I didn't know you'd hit this much already. Continued success to you darlin'

Meg, you feel better soon.

Grandma G, Dahlia, Emily, Colleen, Painter Woman and the rest of you, a big hello and warm thoughts your way. This little painter is off to bed as I'm back to work in the morning.

See you all in the morning,

Pam

Hi everyone!

Just thought I'd do a midweek check in. The weather here has been GORGEOUS this week....not the usual too hot and too humid that Indiana is famous for in July. Too bad I'm imprisoned at work all day....

Though I have managed to sneak out early twice this week to hit the bike trail. Did seven miles on Monday, and ten and a half today. Not too shabby, if I do say so. Eating is pretty much on plan. I suppose I could go lower calorie wise, but, well, I don't wanna! I'm managing to still eat some of the "bad" stuff I love a time or two a week, while still losing weight....I'm afraid if I get REALLY hard core on the eating, I'll feel deprived and start bingeing on god knows what. So...I try to make sure I get the exercise, so at least I'm revving up the engine, right? Husband and I lifted weights Tuesday, as is our routine, and I'll go again after work tomorrow..have to miss the regular noon time because of a meeting....ugh.

Happy trails...

Colleen

Colleen,

Not too shabby?? thats bloody marvellous Well Done! and you're right you've got to keep that 'engine' revved up mine needs a complete overhaul been up since 2am sick of tossing and turning so i thought i would come online and see what's up.

Pam..i bet your little study looks lovely..yellow is such a soothing colour..hmm wonder if i can get the airline to give the interior of the plane a quick coat with it before i leave? the tix arrived yesterday so thats one thing less to worry about and now its suggested that you check in at least FOUR HOURS before your flight leaves! what a drag..at least i'll get friendly with the barstaff during that time BBL

Morning!!

Pam, you finished painting already?? It always looks so different when it's wet. I can't wait to see it, and I just wish I could enjoy it with you . But, hey, just think of me sitting in a corner with ya reading a good book!

You know, it's not "starting over" just because you indulged a bit too much in food choices you don't normally make. That term always makes me think of wasted efforts. Think of it as just getting "back to business" then you won't feel so guilty. Every now and then we all need to do that so that our "wiser eating habits" don't become boring. And, nothing sabeutages (sp) a weight loss program more than boredom. So please don't get too down in the dumps.

In fact, I just saw an ad on TV for a new sundae they have at Dairy Queen and I promised myself that I will indulge in just one before the summer is out and they close for the season. And, when I do, you bet I am going to enjoy every mouthful -- probably lick the dish too .

Colleen, thanks for checking in and awesome job on all that exercise. It's great that your husband lifts with you too. Russ will take a walk with me and that's about it. Keep up the good work, lady .

Cathy, a few drinks on top of a valium and you may not even remember boarding the plane . John's probably going to have to carry you on .... thank goodness your tickets arrived. This time let John hold them!

I made reservations at a B&B in Florida but purposely didn't book an air flight yet for Florida just in case I changed my mind about flying (they have a no cancellation policy). Seriously, I am actually toying with the idea of a train -- might be fun too. It leaves in the morning and arrives in Tampa the following afternoon. October is a ways off so I have plenty of time to decide.

Cat, how long did it take to drive all that distance, and how many hours per day?? I am not a very good long distance driver as I get pooped after 4 hours --- at that rate I figured it would take me 6 days to drive to Tampa .

Meg, I hope your wrist is better -- a waitress needs one!

Morning Emily, Dahlia, Carol and GG .

Looks like we are in for a rainy weekend -- nothing planned so that's ok. Katie is coming home for a few days next week and I am looking forward to it. I can't believe tomorrow is August 1st -- Chris leaves for college in 4 weeks. Even though he's only going to be 15 minutes away and living on campus, I am still going to miss him. Not his big mouth though .

OK, time for me to get a move on --- have a good day ladies

Hi Ladies,

Just a quick check in - I walked my 15 min. this morning, going a little faster and it seemed easier, almost continued longer but decided not to rush it.

Colleen, great job! You are amazing. Keep up the good work

Terry Congratulations on the weight loss - You are doing fantastic!

Meg, hope your wrist gets better soon!

Cat, I hope you have a great time on your trip and see all your family, especially that grand baby - Just focus on seeing them and don't think about how you are going to get there.

Pam, I'll bet your sun room is beautiful and I know you will get back on plan today. Just get some rest - today is another day for a new beginning. I know you can do it! I've got faith in you. You have been my inspiration all these months!

Emily, painterwoman and anyone else I missed - Have a great op day. It is such a beautiful day here in Northern N.Y.

I hope it is just as beautiful in your piece of the world -

Walking gives me a great start to the day - I feel like I am doing something good for myself. Further and faster every week!

Morning Grandma -- I love your attitude today!!

Hey, wake up everybody!

It's a rainy morning here in Connecticut and it was great to sleep in late. I'm going to miss that when I go back to work. Weekly weigh-in was today and I am down a pound. We ate out 5 times this week so I am surprised. Even though you try to make wise choices, sometimes it's hard. Lately, I have been asking for steamed veges with my meal rather than the potato, rice or pasta. And, I have been limiting myself to only 1 piece of bread.

There's this one restaurant we go to quite often and we've gotten to know the owners in the process. I usually order a glass of wine with my meal and lately Russ has been getting a strawberry daiqueri. Andy has been making me a small daiqueri each time too -- I take a few sips and then when he's not looking dump the rest into Russ' glass! I don't want to hurt his feelings by refusing the drink. Besides, if I drank that and the wine, they'd carry me out .

Meg, hope your wrist is better.

Hope everyone else is having a sparkling day ....

Time for coffee!

Always, T

Morning Ladies,

T..send that booze here to help with the plane boarding
Seriously tho', i can't believe i have'nt had a panic attack yet and i'm not worried about going i'm looking forward to it i do keep visuallising boarding tho' and although i can do it in my "head" i'm wondering if it will be different in real life if i'm gonna see a doc for some meds i suppose i'd better do it today. CONGRATULATIONS on losing another 1lb 25lbs total!!
That's Smashing!!! You're going to be a babe at the wedding!!!

Is anyone else guilty of having a major spring clean before they go on holiday? for the last few days i've been cleaning like a nut and making sure everything is in its place and i don't know why? do you think i want the place to look good in case a burglar thinks its a mess? or is it in case the alarm goes off and the security guy comes around to check it out? i don't really want it to look like a palace because that will entice my stepson to do lots of entertaining up here and i don't need that! the last time we went away when i came back i found beer bottle tops in plant pots..down the sofa and everywhere! KIDS!

Still got to pack..but i have sorted through everything and put all thats going to the front of the racks..just got to throw it into the case tomorrow.

I forgot to mention the trip it took me 9 days of travelling and i usually drive 8-10hrs per day or 500-600mls per day..only stop for gas and a pee and a hotel room although my rad blew in Texas so that held me up for 2 days there and i spent 10 days in Vegas a girl can't drive through there without stopping can she?

Happy Friday, everyone.

OK, I'm going to be a big fat whiny baby.

Had a dr appt today, and you KNOW the first thing they do is stand you on that dang scale. So the nurse compared today's weight from the last time I was in , about three months ago, and do ya know what the grand total lost was?

Seven pounds.

Seven pounds in three months.



I feel like I've been working SO hard, and dang...it's not enough. Story of my life....whatever I do, it's not enough.

I am just SO discouraged right now. I suppose I could reduce the calorie count even more, but I'm hungry all the time as it is.

The only good thing is that my BP went WAY down, from about 140/90 to 110/80.

Just wanted to come here and pout.

Colleen
who isn't changing her sig line. Eventually it'll be right!

Hi Colleen

Just a quick post here.....What is your calorie count now, how much are you working out and have you been taking your measurements? I just thought maybe we could help out with ideas if we (I) had a better idea of where you're at now? These are just things that I always had to keep in the front of my mind when I hit a bump. I know you're discouraged after working so darn hard but I think it's fantastic that you are not up in weight at all. I know it may seem like a small loss to you but really I think you're doing great. The slower it comes off the more likely you are to maintain it for life. Please keep your chin up and know that we're here to support you. These gals were a lifesaver for me before I finally got my poop together.

Hang tough and great job on lowering your numbers for your BP.

To all of you other ladies that I've not said hi to; know that you are in my thoughts and I"ll catch up with you all tomorrow. It's like 90 degrees in the upstairs tonight so it's too hot to sit in my little office with the computer on.

DH just came in and told me to go look at the sun set. I kid you not the sun is pink/red tonight. It's the coolest looking thing I've ever seen! I think maybe it's the haze from the heat and perhaps some smoke has drifted in from the big forest fire down south but whatever is causing it, it's really a beautiful sight to behold. If the picture turns out I'll post it later.

Okay, I'm off now, Hugs to you all,

Pam

Not taking measurements, but I think I may want to.

I am working with a trainer, who said to keep it around 1900 calories a day. The dr said that was kind of a lot, but according to the info I plugged in at fitday that's still about 900-1000 fewer than I am burning each day.

Exercise: 3 X a week I do a weight circuit for 20-40 minutes.
Once a week fitness yoga class (lots of sweating.....this isn't "slow and mellow yoga")

2-3 times a week, cardio for 30-60 minutes....varies from biking if the weather allows to elliptical/treadmill and sometimes I'll walk.

Typical day of food: Special K with soy milk for breakfast. (about two cups of cereal)

Midmorning snack of grapes or 2 granola bars

Lunch is usually a sub from Subway or a blend from the gym

Might have grapes/granola bars or half a Clif bar in the afternoon.

Dinner is dinner....chicken, steak, rice, salad....the usual dinner stuff.

Skinny cow for dessert.

The obvious thing is to cut calories, but where? Right now I am constantly hungry. It ranges from "I can't stand it any more I am STARVING" right before dinner to "now I'm only a little hungry" after I finish a meal. I feel like if I feel any more deprived it's going to trigger a binge.

Colleen

Wow girl, you are doing yourself a dis-service to not be taking measurements when you are working out that hard. I can guarantee you that you have built muscle which weighs more than fat but takes up less room in the body and that's why you appear smaller than your weight indicates. Holy I need to be as dedicated with the working out. You are a welcome inspiration.

As far as your typical meal goes, I think you are right on the money about not wanting to cut anymore calories. The only suggestion that I might make is to try increasing your protein and limiting your refined carbs (white rice, pasta, white bread, granola because it's usually flavoured with honey etc.) For myself I noticed when I started adding protein in at breakfast and a mid morning snack, I felt alot more satisfied. Just my two cents and I really hope you're not thinking I'm being too pushy. I just want to encourage people the way that everyone helped me figure stuff out.

I lost my 55 lbs. following the WW Points system but have recently been trying to lower my refined carbs and adding healthy protein in. A typical day for me would be:

Breakfast: 1 egg, 2 egg whites and a slice of back bacon. I may or may not have 1 slice of Whole Grain bread. Sometimes I will have a small glass of tomato juice instead of the bread or will have a cup of strawberries too instead of bread or juice.

Snack is a 1/2 cup of cottage cheese and an apple.

Lunch is some kind of meat in a whole wheat pita with romaine, mustard and a V8 juice.

Snack is a flavoured coffee and veggies with hummus or perhaps a plum or something. Now and again I'll have a small serving of almonds.

Dinner is usually something grilled and a salad or I'll take zucchini and peppers and brush them with olive oil and grill them.

Just a sample. My range in WW points is 20=25 and I've been able to stick with it now that I've added in the protein and filled up more on the veggies and salads. I had maintained at 150 - 152 for 6 months but when I switched it up to adding more protein I lost 4 lbs in 3 weeks. I've also found that I am way better now about getting in my vegetables, dairy and fruit than I was before. I was wasting alot of points on Refined carbs like Special K snack bars, instant oatmeal, cereals that weren't so great on the fiber side and other stuff like that.

A book that Terry recommended to me was the South Beach Diet Book, it really makes alot of sense as far as explaining refined carbs etc. and a healthy balance between protein and good carbs.

Anywhoo, this has turned into the novel of epic porportions. If you're still reading, hats off to you. I'd be bored silly with myself by now if this wasn't one of my favourite topics.

Please take your measurements, I know you will be gratified when you check them in another 6 weeks.

Hope some of this helps and gives you something to mull over.

Pam

Not pushy at all! Helpful! It's reassuring to see you don't think I necessarily need to cut more calories...and I think you are on the right track with the more protein thing. I low carbed a few years ago, and that did a good job of controlling the hungries--the thing is, I'm playing with calorie count, so I think I'm falling into that "low fat/high carb" trap.

Sigh. I just thought that with such a DRASTIC lifestyle change, I'd have a quicker start to things...I mean, I went from Taco Bell for lunch most days and no physical activity to what I described above....I thought initial results would be more encouraging.

Thank you SO much for the advice. Really! I need it.

Colleen

Jeez Colleen, i would be P.O'd too if i was doing all that and the weight was'nt dropping off of me as well i'm surprised that the dr said that the cals were high does he know how much exercise you get? and if he does'nt maybe you should tell him and see what he thinks then..you should be losing more than that maybe its time to start thinking thyroid problems? at least if he checked it and it was fine then at least you'd know that it is something else I know when i stuck to W.W. faithfully i lost 7lbs in the first 2 weeks! I'd talk to the Dr again

Pam..i read all of your post without getting bored WOW, who are you? its like listening to a fitness guru not our Pam who did'nt really even want to go for a walk with the dogs once upon a time BBL