Unfortunately, people aren't used to seeing people who look thin. Keep up the good work! You are doing great!

Thanks. I have experienced a few people who didn't recognize me. I have people telling me that I'm wasting away. I just ignore them. It does feel good. We were at Lego and yesterday and I kept thinking how good I feel to get in rides, walk around, have energy all day. I will never go back.

That is so nice to hear. I feel the same, I can't wait to ride rollercoasters again... of course nothing near where I live so means a VACATION hopefully some day soon. I find I love walking everywhere now, of course I still drive but I walk a lot more now. and it so much easier.

I thought of you yesterday when I was standing in line for the big rollercoaster... We had a great time. I updated my mini photo album (link in signature).

have a few more rides for me.... I can't wait to see your new photos, but will have to wait until tonight... for some reason they are blocked at work... which kind of makes me laugh because this forum isn't blocked but every other email and blog is...

Had to laugh at this post- because this exact issue has been making me a bit crazy. Women who know me and are familiar are very closed off to me now, women who haven't seen me in awhile exclaim and exclaim while absolutely grilling me about everything that is required to lose the weight OR tell me I'm too thin, that I look gaunt, sick or anorexic. I find this difficult to believe because I'm eating better than I ever have in my life and I eat regular full meals it's just that now those meals involve primarily vegetables and protein whereas before they were primarily fats & carbs. But it is tiring to be on the receiving end of people's own negative self image- when they see me it is a choice either I am too thin or they are too fat- most will choose to paint me with the too thin brush than accept the latter and the decisions that need to go with it...

Well, I think I flunked the first week of the maintenance challenge It's my first time since being on IP that I haven't followed the rules to the letter and it's made all the worse for not following along with the challenge. But, I have to say I did really enjoy my weekend and while I did have more than one day where I had something that wasn't allowed I did still feel in control of my choices which long term I expect to be helpful as well. It was a very good friend's wedding so we went away to Manitoba (we live in Alberta) for it and left our little ones at home with grandpa. Great weekend for the spirit- not so great for the diet... Am back at Phase 1 today and went to step class this morning which I have to say is a lot more enjoyable now that I'm quite a few pounds lighter Hope everyone else had a great weekend...

yes...it will go away. promise I can't remember why that happens, but it happened to me a lot. maybe it's just the fat melting away and the body feels colder as a result, but hang in there and you'll warm up soon...i'm sure one of the senior members or someone with a better memory than mine will chime in and give us the right answer!

Thanks Sunnymae, I look forward to warmer days!

Finally getting around to posting my normal Phase 4 food day.

Breakfast: nonfat greek yogurt, strawberries or blueberries, and 1 oz Special K Protein cereal

Lunch: 5oz fajita beef or chicken meat, raw cauliflower and broccoli.

Snack (usually betw breakfast and lunch, but sometimes between lunch and dinner): Pure protein bar or nashua nutrition bar.

Dinner: grilled steak or chicken (or if ther's no time or desire to cook, El Pollo Loco chicken or KFC grilled chicken), grilled veggies, homemade lowfat muffin

Snack: a crunchy snack from nashua nutrition

This diet keeps me at about 1400 per day and allows me to lose whatever I gained on my cheat day(s). Also, it's so low that if I wind up having a few extra calories at lunch or dinner, I don't worry about it affecting my weight.

Hey everyone...just checking in. I am finally going to do it...Have a shopping spree. Hubby is taking me to a big premium outlet mall this weekend to purchase my reward. I have been on maintenance for over four months and I am actually down about another 10 pounds since then...so I feel confident that I can splurge.

Don't get me wrong...I have made plenty of clearance purchases, but I am going to purchase some items I have really wanted like a nice suit and some great designer jeans.

I am currently either a size 6 (NY and Co, limited, Express) and maybe an 8 (a few other pants I have tried on) or a junior 7/8 (Maurices). So this should be a fun time.

I have been buying shirts and jackets in smalls or mediums depending on the style.

I have avoided the scale for 2 weeks...this is the first time in over a year...I had to "Stop the madness and obsession". Well, I plan on stepping on it today or tomorrow and then again in another week. I will only weigh in weekly for now on. I have to relax. This journey has been super crazy and most crazy since maintenance started in June.

I have a feeling that even more challenges lie ahead as last year's holidays I had phase one for comfort.

Have a good day ladies.

Darbs I am so happy for you. Have a great shopping trip... can I borrow your husband when I decide to go shopping... just kidding of course... won't have much left to shop with but I will make do.

Darbs--How exciting! Have fun shopping. You picked a great weekend...lots of Columbus Day sales!

Good Morning.

I need to report in on my first challenge week. I got home from the hospital yesterday and I can't figure out how to report my first week on Fatsecret. Even when I go back on the calendar, it asks me about the second week.

I did follow phase 4 guidelines of no combining fats & carbs. I have to say, I was pleasantly surprised at how much I liked eating a big salad at lunch and good carbs at dinner. It wasn't that hard and my husband bought into it and we cooked together using veggies from our garden. I found eating veggie protein (like veggie sausage or veggie burger) and fat free cheese kept the fat down at dinner. I did post at least 1 full day of meals but I need to do better this week on tracking.
Determined- You were right about the hospital food. There was a menu that listed the carb content of the foods! Eating there was easy.
I took 4 pilates classes last week.
So...on to week 2.

Have fun shopping Darbs! I'm so sure you will- there is nothing as thrilling as being able to pick things on style rather than fit- cause everything will fit! I think a weekly or bi weekly WI is a great idea, I could see how this might help with not being as stressed- you can be the guinea pig?- and let us all know how it goes...
Hope all your tests went as well as can be expected woolberger and great job staying so on point all week- that's so admirable!
bigpassport- thanks for the food update! I love reading what other maintainers are eating during the day(s). Actually picked up a meal from woolberger that I really enjoyed- the veggie hot dog with whole wheat bun and whole food chili. So yummy and filling and it was a great change up from the everyday...
I will be making vindala beef for supper tonight. There is a vendor at the local market that makes the absolute best whole food indian sauces and the vindala has no cream/ dairy so I think it should fit in nicely. Still getting the husband and kids used to the curry but they're coming around slowly (and bribing them with a bit of low fat naan bread helps)...
Hope everyone has a great day!