Hello Ladies,

Well, it looks like I am going to be able to get home tomorrow...but there is no power, so this will be it for me until I get power back in Bermuda. I am so looking forward to getting home, but I am sure that it will be tough going for a while. All the schools are closed this week, so I shall be playing on the beach with the kids most of the time...what else can we do??? Anyway it will be nice to see my friends.

I had a bit of trouble today on the diet. I got so cranky with my kids, because I was feeling so hungry. The main reason is that I was not eating enough because I did not buy groceries because I am leaving and did not want to have food left over....so I ended up eating two chocolate chip oatmeal cookies and a glass of milk. I felt great after and stopped being hungry and calmed down. I have decided that I should allow myself to have a cheat day once a week, does this sound like I am going off track? But I just thought that if I had a cheat day, then I could save all my cravings for that day during the week, like if I really wanted a cookie, I would say you can have one on Friday, and then when the day came I would allow myself some special treats. What do you think? You must lose weight if you are very good 6 out of 7 days of the week? And it is more likely that I will be able to continue eating in the new way for the rest of my life if I could have one cheat day a week. It is so hard to diet, there is so much of life that surrounds food. So much socialising, and it is so hard to have to say that you can not go out to lunch or dinner because you are on a diet. What have you guys found helpful???
I know I am sounding like a winge bucket...but really, I am not talking about gorging myself, just having a desert once a week.

I got some new scales this week, and they weigh more than my old ones so even though I have lost 5lbs on my old scales, I am not the weight I thought I was on the new ones!!! So I am not 145lbs, but 148lbs. The new ones are more...which is good, because I hate it when you think you are a certain weight and then go to the doctors office and find that you are 10lbs heavier on their scales. The new scales are great they measure your body fat as well, and are digital, and give you your weight in .2lbs increments. I love them, even though they are a bit of a shocker.

Anyway enough of my rambling. I will e-mail as soon as I have power, I will still check the messages at my husbands office.

Have a great day...

Nancy.

Hello ladies-

Jana- I had to blush when I read your post. I don't think I would EVER consider myself stunning. But I thank you for the compliment. And about you being off program. Like Michelle said you are a strong woman and I know you'll pull through it. We all have our days. I know sometimes my days turn into weeks, sometimes months! Just know we are here for ya. And we all have confidence in you.

Michelle- Fall is my absolute favorite time of year. It always feels festive around here and the leaves are gorgeous when they turn colors. There is this place called "Silver Falls" it's about 50miles or more from where I live and it's about a 10mile trail that you can walk around with 7-9 different water falls as you walk along. James and I have gone a few time in the fall and it's an amazing experience. The leaves fall all around you, the colors of yellow and orange (and of coarse the brown ones too)are falling from the sky... it almost looks like it's snowing... Absolutely beautiful!!

Nancy- glad to hear that you can go home now. The idea of spending time on the beach sounds real nice!! About your crankiness. I experienced that too when I started my program a couple of years ago, and I was at work. Boy, no one wanted to work with me. So I had to step back and look at myself and think the same way you did, that I have to have a "anything goes" day. And I did. Every friday, I ate what I wanted. I didn't necessarily binge eat, I just ate what I wouldn't normally eat while trying to lose weight. I still watched the portions, but I had lasagna, cheese cake, and even cheese rolls! And I did that for 6months and I lost weight. I lost 25lbs. The woman who started this program said that you should never deprive yourself of the things you love. Otherwise you'll end up going overboard and you tend to lose control once you start binging. So I think you should go ahead and have your "cheat" day. At least try it.

Oh yeah, about getting your husband to lose weight. Maybe if you told him that you would like the whole family to start eating healthier rather than say "hey, we need to diet" it may sound better. And just start preparing dinner that you know is healthy and that the whole family will enjoy. But you gotta make it fun for the kids! My daughter who is also 9, loves my snacks. Her favorite is sliced apples with melted peanut butter. She gets her fruit and protein!

Well, I'm doing pretty good with what I eat. I've trimmed my portions considerably. Amazing when you measure and look at whats on your plate and think: "was I really eating that much more??" And I'm doing great with the water. Sometimes I think my bladder is angry with me, but eventually I'll get used to it.

Today the Schwans man came by. I completely forgot that we ordered stuff. And let me tell you, he had an arm load of stuff!! I couldn't believe it. So I put it all in the deep freeze and the stuff better last the rest of the year!!

Ok, I gotta get myself going and drink more water! I need to finish whats left in the bottle and thats it for the day!!

Have a good night
Marti

Hi everyone!


Jana- Don't give up on yourself, you're such an inspiration to us all! Just remember how great you felt about yourself and your life when you were OP, but if you slip a little, don't beat yourself up about it. Remember, this comes from the person who is so off program that I can't even see the program and I still managed to lose weight.


Marti- Jana is so right, you are a knock out! I love the food from Schawn's, but they have such delicious ice cream and goodies that I almost hate to see him standing at my door. Silver Falls sounds so beautiful. I wish we had somewhere scenic like that around our town.

Michelle- regarding that swift kick, assume sent and expect same. I'll keep your mom in my prayers. I always feel soooo good after I leave the chiropractors office, I always ask mine if I she will use the massagig pad, electro shock thing on my back. Her nurses look at me like I'm nuts when I tell them how high to set it. If only I could talk th dr into selling me one! I love the fall too, just don't like the season after it! Hmmm, being paid to be a student, don't think it will happen.


Nancy- I was watching my daily dose of CNN the other morning, I thought of you when they were talking about Fabian and showing pictures, hope your family, friends and home are right as rain. I don't think there is anything wrong with cheating once a week as long as you don't go overboard. You're much more likely to succeed and stick to the plan if you allow yourself to have a treat once in a while. As far as the going out to eat, if there is nothing on the menu you can eat, just ask the waiter, most resteraunts are willing to work with you, rather than lose your business. My DH isn't over weight by any means, but he is starting to get love handles as parts of the body migrate south (gravity is cruel to us all) and he complains about not having energy so I just suggested that he try eating healthier to see if it helps. Still haven't talked him into working out on our home gym with me, but he does walk with me every night. I would try suggesting that (if you walk) and tell him you would like it as a way to catch up on what's been happening during the day. Could you pleas tell me what a winge bucket is? I don't think I have ever heard that phrase.

Angie- Another play! I don't think I would have the patience for it either, especially not Jesus Christ Superstar! Such an elaborate production. I've seen the movie but would love to see it on stage.

Btw, Jana, DH and I do not eat popcorn, neither of us likes it at all. I know, we're unamerican but what can I say.

Still didn't work out today, I was just way too exhausted after work. The manager and I were the only ones working in front today and we were busier than a one armed paper hanger. I'm off to bed now, hope everyone has a great day tomorrow.

Ta ta, Mel

Hello all
Popcorn? I could live on that alone,,,,I remember when I would make some every day for a snack.
Nancy hope things are ok at your home. I too would be stressed about seeing everything and everyone.
Jana, don't think about the yesterdays go forth the tomorrows.
Michelle, I have alot of time on my hands, Im not working, since the last case 3 weeks ago, I have been thinking its just not for me anymore. And so Im job hunting but I need something thats not strenuous since Ive hurt my shoulder pretty bad. See the specialist in 2 weeks. I saw the new gyno today, she was great to talk with and very understanding of how things had been for me, she gave me two choices. And after reading about both have decided to go with the one. Which means surgery.
She had to do a procedure which was so painful, brought on cramps and bleeding. I barely left her office before I broke down crying. 6 hours later Im still crampy and exhausted.
I was hoping to start working out tomorrow but if I feel the same way Im staying close to home.
Better get to bed,
night all
Angie

Hi ladies,

Well now, aren't we the chatty bunch?? I love it!!

Michelle - gee I love a whole post dedicated just to me, lol. Yes, this is the first time since 5/24 that I have been off program. But it won't be for long. Thanks for the heads-up about Health magazine. It sounds like it's worth a look. Your momma will be in my prayers - I know how worried you both must be. Glad you like your classes.

Nancy - so glad you will be able to get home now. Like Dorothy says, there's no place like home. I prefer to call my extra food day a "treat day" instead of a cheat day. On Sundays, the kids come home for Sunday dinner, and I have a few more points that day. (of course, lately, I've had more points EVERY day!) But a person has to have something to look forward to, and I personally would never make it at all without the Treat Day. With the way WW is set up, it is very do-able. We will miss you until you get to post again!

Marti - thanks for the vote of confidence! Your bladder will get used to all the extra water and will calm down before long.

Mel - I DID feel so good when I was OP and now feel very guilty! I use the one-armed paper hanger comparison, too! My kids think it is funny.

Angie - hope you're feeling better today. Sounds like an awful procedure! Try to just pamper yourself today, okay? What kind of job do you think you'll look for?

Well, I found out that my fam is planning a Surprise birthday party for me on Thursday. My nephew let the cat out of the bag without meaning to. But I don't know where it is being held. I have never, ever had a birthday party with anybody other than my immediate family, and have to admit I'm really looking forward to it.

Have a good day ladies, and I'll chat at ya' later!

Jana Banana

Hi Ladies,

Boy haven't you been busy bees around here. I guess that's what happens when you don't check in for a few days.

Jana, I know you will get back on track. You have come too far to even think about quitting. I don't think the word quit is in your vocabulary?? Sometimes we all need a break from it too, I know I did a couple of weeks ago. I too felt like quitting but I regrouped and got back on track as I know you too will do. Sending some good vibes your way. : : I also agree with you about treat day rather than cheat day. I know if I cut out all the foods I love I will only end up binging big time so with WW you can eat what you want as long as you stay within your points, and believe me I do treat myself. I hope you have a GREAT surprise birthday party! That sounds awesome.

Nancy, glad to hear you will finally get to go home. Not sure how to get the hubby to lose weight. My dh seems to want to do everything with me (when he's actually home) so he joins in. We also go on walks together (AGAIN, when he is actually home) bike rides so maybe if you can get hime to do stuff like that with you. He has a beer belly as they say, but it definitely ain't from beer! We don't drink often, maybe a glass of wine or a margarita once a year.

Marti, I definitely agree with the others about you being stunning, and you say that's not the best photo! It is absolutely gorgeous because YOU are! And Cocoa is not so bad either, I love the name and your little doggy, sooooo cute!

Michelle, I will keep your mother in my prayers. And when you find someone who will pay you for being a fulltime student let me know because I will be there too! Silver Falls sounds absolutely beautiful! I love the fall when all the leaves are turning. A place we like to go is in the Ozarks (Arkansas) it is beautiful there, but those curvy roads do a number on my head, absolutely worth it though.

Angie, bummer, your doctor visit sounded horrible. I do hope you get to feeling better soon.

Did someone mention popcorn?? That is my all time favorite treat of all time. I too had it for a snack almost every night, not good. Now I have discovered Healthy Choice popcorn, which isn't half bad and I have it for a treat maybe twice a week. How could anyone not like popcorn? I can smell it a mile away when we are somewhere where they have it, mmmmm.

I have been OP since Monday, Saturday and Sunday were a bit messed up because we were out and about but I tried to watch what I ate. I didn't even bother with trying to figure out the points, just started over Monday morning. I hope it didn't mess me up from making my first mini-goal Friday. I am definitely being strict this week except tomorrow when we go to the fair, that is if we go, it is supposed to rain, go figure. But I am going to use my flex points for tomorrow if I have too so I should be fine. I definitely have changed my eating habits and am more conscious of what goes into my mouth since doing WW. When I buy groceries I read labels more than I ever have.

Well, this is getting a bit long so I better end it ladies. I hope everyone is having a GREAT Tuesday. Take care ladies.

Good evening ladies
Still sore, but liveable. Spent the day working on 3 cases,,,no danger other then not getting caught by the target. Went shopping with my SIL and actually started x-mas shopping. So far I am done 3,,,wahooo for me.
Jana, Ive got a really good friend who once apon a time weighed 245 lbs and at 5'2 was pretty big. She took close to 5 yrs to lose it all and this weekend will be in her first body building contest. YAY Marie! She did lose most of it the first year but the past 4 was toning and well muscling up. She turned 46 this past May also. Did she fall of OP yes she did,,,but she got back on and went full force as you will too.
Id love to go back to school too,,,but its a matter of just doing it,,,and what to do? I keep changing my mind which at almost 35 you would think I would know better.....
well better run
ttfn
Angie

Hi ladies-

Just wanted to drop by quickly and say that I'm doing pretty good so far with staying OP. Or coarse, it's not all that perfect. Snacking on some "no-no" foods. But, I quickly put them away and drank my water.

You know, the ladies at the 21day challenge have commented on my picture too.....I'm not used to all the compliments. (well, I can't say that,,, my sweetie compliments me often) but you know what I mean. You ladies make me feel good about myself and I thank you.

Well, I gotta get going,,, I will post more tomorrow.
Goodnight

Marti

Good morning ladies!

First off, make sure you all read Suzanne's new sticky, okay?

Cristi - thanks for the good vibes! Yay for you being OP!! Have fun at the fair, if you don't get rained out.

Angie - thanks for sharing Marie's story. It was very encouraging. Glad you are feeling better.

Marti - Yay for you being OP, too. And for handling the no-no foods.

Kat and Carree - where are you??

I fixed a very nice lunch for 2 of my buddies yesterday. We 3 have been friends for eons and we take turns furnishing lunch. It was lots of fun and we laughed and laughed remembering the old times.

I will be back OP on Friday. I have promised myself that once I get through my birthday, I will be strong enough to do it again. And I will weigh myself a week from Sunday and report to you the results at that time. Also, my knee is a lot better, so there is no reason to put off exercising any longer. I wil do my WATP today.

Laundry beckons - I can't believe how much more there is now that Fern is living with us! Not that I am complaining, just making an observation.

What's on your agenda today?
Jana

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JANA!!!!

Hope your day is filled with love and warmth from you family and friends...
hugs,
Angie

I know I can't even come close to trying to go OP during the month of Sept...we have a dozen people born during this month in my family alone,,,cold cold months 9 months eariler...lol
Anyways today alone is Brandon's hes now 16,,,*sigh and a dear cousin and a nefew. Tomorrow is another 3 birthdays including mine, and it just keeps going,,,arghhh I hate cake by the time this month is up...lol
anyways better run,,,
ttfn
Angie

Happy Birthday to both Jana and Angie!! I'm a day early but I wasn't sure if you'd be to busy to post tomorrow so I thought I'd say it now.

Angie.... I know all about birthday after birthday.....James always tell me that my birthday is difficult.... First we have Christmas, then it's my birthday and soon after is Valentines. Sweets every month!! I don't mind.... I just need to remember to not go overboard.

Holidays used to be the worst for me. I'd eat constantly. But the last few years have gotten much better for me. Last Christmas I was 135lbs. and feeling sooooo good about myself. I'm hoping to be close to that this year. Knowing that I've lost the weight and look and feel good, keeps me from munching all month long.

I haven't ate much today at all. Doing poorly in fact. Not drinking a lot of water either. Had a bad day. But I'm working on it. I realized that I can't beat myself up over one day. Just keep trying. And try to keep the smile on my face while I'm doing it.

Well I need to get going

Talk with you later

Marti

Just a quick note to wish Angie and Jana a very Happy Birthday!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JANA & ANGIE!

Hope you ladies have a SPECIAL Day!!

Happy Birthday Angie and Jana!!!!!

I hope you both have a great day!

Hello & thanks for the hearty welcome to the boards.

I am just beginning (again) on my weight loss journey. Three years ago i managed to hit a wonderful comfortable weight/size and have steadily managed to increase and return to where I started five years ago.

I know it is possible I did it before so, I am looking forward to getting to know you all and fighting a losing battle together

I'm from Ontario Canada, work full time, have kids and pets.

I am allowing myself this weekend to eat whatever I want. Then, on Monday the journey will begin for me.

I love the positive attitude here and hope look forward to your help, friendship and hope I can return the same.

Once again, thanks

Robin