Seems like everyone is doing ok. Congrats to everyone who's lost weight. I just started, but i am excited, and ready to get this weight off. Thanks for your welcomes to the board, Sil and MW. My dh is a big support to me, also, so that helps a lot. Talk Later. Shirley

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Shirl.

Holly - Congratulations on the great loss and on all your planning. The program really does work when we stay on it. Don't let the guy from work spoil your celebration. Some people will never understand how easy it is to gain and how hard to lose. Way to go not turning to food. Darrell's grandma was always making little comments about my weight and why didn't I just quit eating so much! I know there were many nights that I let her comments get to me and ended up eating. The eating sure didn't help and even after I lost the weight she still thought of me as fat. When MIL (her daughter) mentioned how good I looked, she said she hadn't noticed I'd lost any weight...I'd lost 40 lbs!

Judy - Keep guzzling the water and you'll get to the 5 lbs this week. Way to go realizing why you were eating and stopping before going way over points. I'm trying to find a picture of a swimming suit I like to picture myself wearing on the beach.

Carla - Good job getting in some exercise. I just picked up the issue of Self and have been thinking about doing the Self Challenge too. I started last year and then got a really bad cold about a week and a half into it and quit.

Liza - Way to go getting in the exercise. Good idea to watch the messages you are giving your daughter about dieting. For a while my 17 yr. old was very concerned about not eating any "bad" foods, but fortunately she has realized that she needs to balance the good and bad.

Jan - Glad to hear your back is feeling better. Hope things slow down for you.

Shirl - Welcome to the boards.

I had a good day with the food, but still no exercise. Work was stressful, but I used the 20 min rule and it kept me away from the cookies.

Talk to you later.
Pat

Thanks for the welcome, Pat. I weighed in 190. What can i expect to lose on average, a week. Would be nice to lose a couple of pounds a week. I am exercising, so hope that helps too. Chilly 39 this morning and messy rain, so may have to exercise inside today. Ready for the sun and nice weather. Take care, everyone. Shirley

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Shirl.

Carla – I hope your fast was an easy one. Way to go on effectively using the 20 minute rule. It has been very helpful to me too – thanks! I’m glad you got some exercise in but please be careful. Don’t try to do too much or you’ll end up setting yourself back. What has the doctor/physical therapist/whoever said about taking a longish walk (like to the train station)?

Liza – Sorry about your bad news (being up from your lowest) but don’t beat yourself up. The important thing is not giving up and you’re not. Way to on having two weeks of menus and exercising. I agree with you about the “public effort” and your daughter. My aunt was very heavy and constantly dieting and her daughters are very obsessed with weight – don’t get me wrong, it’s good to be concerned about it, but they are beyond that.

Jan – Congratulations on your maintain. Being out of town certainly makes it hard to stay OP. You’ll have those 2 pounds off next week. I’m so glad that you are feeling better. That has to be a real relief!

Holly – Hey, forget that guy at work – and WAY TO GO on not “chowing down”. That is a very BIG deal and will certainly help you to be successful in our new healthy lifestyle!

Shirl – We’re glad you’re here! I think the amount of weight you lose each week varies by person and for one person varies from week to week. For women, TOM/PMS often shows up on the scale. Overall though with WW the weight loss is slow (not 5 pounds every week) but it’s real weight that comes off and not water weight as in so many quick fix diets.

Pat – Sorry about work being stressful. You’ll get back to exercising especially as it starts getting warmer. I am REALLY ready for spring! Way to go about keeping away from the cookies. Isn’t the 20 minute rule helpful?

I had a good day yesterday overall. Work was pretty stressful so when I came home I did a whole bunch of exercise and wiped out my deficit plus some. Lunch was yummy but the points added up so I had a fairly low point dinner (Tony and I like having cereal with fruit for dinner once in a while). I definitely had some sweet and salty cravings (it’s PMS week after all) and at one point found myself annoyed at Tony and proceeded to munch on some popcorn but I knew I was doing it because I was annoyed and didn’t dive into something else. Between the 20 minute rule and picturing myself in the bathing suit, I did OK, and ended up with a point in the bank!

Well, my boss’s new boss was announced last night. The people selection process will be moving forward over the next few weeks – stressful times indeed. I’m going to do my best to be sure that I handle the stress with exercise and yoga, not with food!

Have a great Think Thin Thursday,
Judy

Good morning :-D

Shirley - Welcome! I second Judy's advice that you can expect to lose up to 2 lbs a week. Although, I think a lot of people have a big 1st week loss when they haven't been doing anything before starting (you can lose a lot of water weight, plus your body's shocked it is not getting what it is used to!) My 5 lb loss this week should be considered a 1st week loss. Although I've been here a while, that was the first week I followed the program completely for 7 days :-D

Pepper -- You definately know what I'm talking about having to deal with your Grandmother in law. 40 lbs and she didn't notice??! That's when you have to laugh it off cuz a person like that is not going to change. My Mom's parents -- Dad in particular -- always made weight comments that really affected her. Ha! I just thought of the motto of a lady I work with "Why should I be the only one upset?" She applys this when someone acts like a jerk to her (instead of internalizing the anger). I hate to say it, but it works like a charm!

Cece - Are you a fellow Catholic? (wondering from your comment that you would be fasting).

Anyone else observing lent (Catholic or otherwise)? I'm Catholic, and am very bad about getting to Mass. Ever since my son was born, I just got out of the habit (excuses, excuses). I promised myself to get back to church over the lenten season. I am feeling bad that my son is not getting the church exposure that he needs. I don't want to all of a sudden put him in religious education classes when his family hasn't been to church in ages! I also think it would be nice for him to grow up knowing that attending church is just a regular part of our week, not something Mom makes him and Dad do on occassion. But I digress...

Keep up the good work fellow lifestyle changers!
Holly

Holly, yup, I am observing Lent, one of those church going Protestants. My sister and I go regularly to church, have been since day one and it is so much easier to take the 2 year old with another adult. DH is a heathen, as I call him, but supportive of me once he learned how important it is to me. Our message this Lent is to practice quietly what we preach and not to wear our sack cloth like a banner or fast with a frown. I do like the ritual and am lucky to have a great little congregation to participate with.

Program is going along very nicely, a little concerned about the upcoming weekend as I have been able to be able to lose 4 1/2 up to today (of the 5 pounds from the long weekend)and feel somewhat anxious, unusual for me so I assume I feel like I am really in the groove. But I have scheduled, as in marked in the calendar, when I am going to jump on the ski, (before the tax accountant appointment) and what I am going to eat.

I really, really want to start losing some of the "older" pounds if you know what I mean.

Whatever happened to the phrase, "If you can not say something nice, say nothing at all" Amazing, maybe he meant something else at your support group, maybe he was talking about something else. Anyway, move on, and someone who does not notice 40 pounds is either too wrapped up in themselves, or needs glasses.

Shirl, welcome to this wise words of wisdom forum, if these people do not know about it, it does not exist. I have found so much help here and most of all support.

Jan, glad to hear you are doing so much better.

Liza 195/190.5/140

Hi everyone.

It's good to see this thread so active!

Jan - Good to "see" you again. Sorry to hear about the gain, but yay for the maintain. Being out of town is hard. Glad to hear your back pain is gone.

Holly - I'm sorry that guy made such a jerky comment to you. But how great that you didn't let it send you on an eating rampage. I think you've heard the "click" in a big way. Looks like you're lectures to yourself are sinking in! Yep - I'm a fellow Catholic, although I'm a convert, not a "born and raised" Catholic. My husband, who was baptized Catholic but never made First Communion or Confirmation and ending up going through the RCIA process with me, and I were never regular church goers until several years ago. I started teaching pre-school REP five years ago, so during the school year we're pretty consistent in our attendence. But when REP's not in session it's sometimes hard to get out the door.

Pat - Sorry to hear that work is still stressful for you. Good for you for using the 20 minute rule. Are you with me for starting the Self Challenge on Monday? I figure that's about the only way I'm going to make myself get some exercise.

Judy - The fast wasn't too bad. Used several points in juice. It really helps one learn when hunger isn't hunger, just a craving. I'll be careful with my exercise, promise! Actually, I haven't seen a doctor since my ER visit when I first sprained my ankle. I think, though, that if it continues to feel "off" into next week, I better get myself to one. For now I think riding my stationary bike would be less stress on it. I know that it's extra stressful knowing that your company is making their staff selections, but I'm sure it will be relief just to know where you stand, regardless of the outcome. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it will work out in whichever way is best for you. By the way, doesn't your little guy have a birthday coming up?

Liza - I sure do know what you mean about wanting to lose some of the older pounds. Unfortunately, I have quite a few "re-found" pounds to lose before I get into unchartered fat territory. But, I won't dwell on it. Sending you postive vibes for the weekend.

I've strung together three good eating days so far - a record for me lately - and am well into the 4th day. I'm hoping to see some positive downward movement on the scale on Monday.

Have a great day everyone.

Carla

Shirl - Welcome. We're glad to have you aboard.

Hi -

Holly, have been reading your posts last couple of weeks and it fits me to a tee. Going through the motions, not planning meals /snacks. Real motivator. I hope your co-worker meant that he didn't realize your challenges and recognized how far you have come. Was a Catholic and changed when I married to Lutheran. We were regular goers as the boys were growing up with. They were in youth group and are still friends with those folks. Besides the religious side, I think there are a lot of skills/experiences for kids to gain in church and the right kind.

Judy, oh, that work uncertainity stress can really grind on one. I admire how you are rising above it and thinking about how you are going to handle it. And yes, I plan to have that 2 lbs off by next week.

Shirl, welcome nice to have someone just starting with fresh ideas. Come to CA for sun and blackouts. Actually, went out and bought some wool slacks because it is so cold at work.

Liza, I think I am verging on some of those older pounds and thats why I'm fluctuating.

Pat, good for you staying away from the cookies. I need to start using that 20 min rule. It's amazing how we forget some of these simple things that can really benefit us.

Yesterday, I wrote down everything that went in my mouth and that really slowed me down. Also, had a Subway Veggie Delite for dinner which helped me.

Well, I plan to go home and make jello for a snack. Forgot that really helps me. Also, watched my skinny future daughter-in-law the other night eat - she eats very slowly instead of chowing down. I think I am going to learn some good things from this gal. And, yes, the wedding is in July and it would be nice to be a tad thinner. Jan

Shirl - I'm really looking forward to some spring weather too. I do much better when I can exercise outside.

Judy - Sorry things are going to be so stressful for you for a while, but at least things are moving forward and you'll know where you stand soon. Good luck.

Holly - I like the lady's motto. I need to use it at work. Sharing a job with the boss' wife can be really stressful...especially since she only does a very small amount of the work on her days and leaves the rest for me.

Liza - Sending positive vibes for the w/e. You're off to a good start by planning.

Carla - Great job stringing those good eating days together. I'm with you on starting the Self Challenge on Monday. I think I need the structure to get back to the exercise. I was talking to the friend that I sometimes walked with. We both realized that after our stretch of bad weather we weren't even thinking about when we could work in our walks. Need to get back to it.

Jan - Way to go writing down your food. That 20 min rule has been helping me...makes me think about whether I really want the food.

I'm a couple of points over today, but plan on eating light tomorrow. Nothing planned for the w/e so I'll have to be extra careful.

Pat

Hi everyone.

Jan - I did the exact opposite of you - baptized Lutheran, converted to Catholicism. My mom, like you, went in the opposite direction. And it's pretty much been back and forth like that throughout my family. Good for writing things down yesterday. I, too, like to observe the eating habits of the naturally thin. I once had a roommate that could make a bag of M&Ms last three days. I'm lucky if I can make them last three minutes!

Pat - I'm with you - I'd much rather be outside walking than in my basement on the stationary bike. But alas, I think I'll be confined to the bike for awhile. I'm glad I have a Challenge buddy. The exercise part will definitely be key for me.

I'm still going strong. I haven't necessarily stayed within points, but I'm tracking everything and have really controlled what's gone into my mouth this week. Next week I'll really focus on staying within points. I'm really looking forward to seeing some progress again and getting a few good days under my belt has really helped motivate me to continue.

Have a great weekend everybody.

Carla

Liza - the fact that you have planned when to jump on the ski machine says to me that you will do just fine this weekend!

Carla - Way to go on your 4th good eating day - congratulations! I'm sure you will see some downward movement come Monday. I think the exercise bike would be perfect - that way you're not putting weight or additional stress on it. Yes, I will be very glad to know where I stand and the more that I realize that I haven't been happy there in a while, the more I think I want a package. My luck (here comes my glass is empty outlook) they will decide they want to keep me! You must have the most amazing memory or you wrote down Anthony's birthday - yes, he will be three on 3/21. I can hardly believe it. I think we'll be seeing him and my step daughter this Sunday. We'll be having the family over for his birthday the weekend after his b-day. I'm sorry but making a bag of M&M's last 3 days is just not in me - the best I can do is plan on the indulgence point wise!

Jan - way to go on writing down everything you are. I find that if I can force myself to do that when I'm having a snack attack, it really slows me down. Jello, hmmm, it's been ages since I had that - I think I'll pout the s.f down on my shopping liest. Thanks for the suggestion! Yes, eating slower is a goal for me - it's hard too because my husband wolfs things down!

Pat - I know that spring will be a big help in getting you out for your walks. Will you be doing run/walk intervals again? I'm going to start again because I want to do the 5K Race for the Cure again in the fall and I want it to feel easier than last year.

I've had a really good day so far - I woke up and decided I needed a "mental health" day - after all, they took away a week's vacation and gave us some sick days and I decided to use one! I've relaxed, watched TV, done a ton of exercise (aerobic intervals and weights) and my eating is OK. I went over my points by a couple yesterday but I earned them back plus some with the exercise today. The strength work I did was with heavy weights and I hope that won't affect my weigh in tomorrow. I've heard that you can retain a little water when you've done heavy weights the day before but it felt good and I'll just have to be sure that my snacking is in control tonight (20 minutes rule!) and I drink a ton of water. PMS is still here but I feel like I've worked out the stress. My sneak peek this morning was good and hopefully that will show up tomorrow too. My challenge for the weekend is that I'll be baking humantashen (sp?) )a pastry baked for the Jewish holiday Purim) with my Mom tomorrow. I have to be sure to plan a couple into my day since I'm bound to taste a couple after they come out of the oven!

Have a great weekend everyone!
Judy

[This message has been edited by JudySP (edited 03-02-2001).]

Hi all! It's Friday -- the weekend challenge :-Z. I think I'm getting in a groove, though. I need to start some mental rehearsing of how I'll handle those not so easy to count dinners out, etc... I'm in that anal stage where I want to know the exact pts. for everything I eat, and dinner at a restaurant that I have no pts. for is a scary proposition. 9 days OP so far! Whoopee! Each day that I stay OP, is a great motivation for not wanting to break my streak :-). It makes me think of the quote from Oprah that you find motivation by doing your program day in and out -- you don't magically start with it.

I am now going to drag my tired and headachy body over to the Playstation to play with my son (being left alone with a book in bed is what I *really* want!)

Have a great weekend -- and keep up the great work!