Hi, everyone! This sure sounds like a supportive, fun group. I've posted my bio and would like to be one of you! I've been through a lifetime of what I'm sure most of you also have. I've lost weight and re-gained weight for years and am now at my all time high weight. I am determined to change my lifestyle in order to get healthy. If I lose weight along the way, all the better! Last February, my husband decided to make a change and he has lowered his cholesterol, lowered his high blood pressure, and lost 60 lbs! This is going to be my year! Thanks for listening.

Hi everyone! I'm back. Dinner came, then Desperate Housewives. Now I actually have a minute before I turn into a pumpkin. My goal is to get in bed by midnight all this week. I did last night and by golly, I'm going to make it tonight too. I've got to reset this internal clock of mine one way or the other.

Marcie: Thanks for the info about how the green tea comes. I will definitely have to look for it. I've been making Syn's Chai Tea Mix (see recipe thread) up by the quart jar full. I had given my mom some last year and she gave me the empty jar back as a hint she wanted more. That whole scale thing is sooooo depressing. When the scale doesn't move we get it in our heads that this way of life is useless and tend to slack off. My WW leader would always say "stick with the program 1 more week and you'll get results at the scale". She was usually right. So, STICK WITH IT! I'm sure you'll have better readings at the scale next week for all your efforts. * Good job missing the candy bar at the grocery store. One of the chains near us actually has a "candy free" lane. I'm sure it's meant so that moms don't have the kids bugging them as they checkout, but I like it because I don't have to be tempted.

Terri: Ok, Terri, your turn! "I need to quit procrastinating on doing my pilates and conditioning exercise this morning." SITTING ON THE COUCH IS NOT AN OPTION!!! Get up off you're butt and get MOVING!!! How'd I do? Did I sound like you? ..........Guess I was too late with my You did get up off the couch and move that tooshie today! Good for you and I bet you feel better because you did it too. I'm going to leave the original part where I played Sarg, just so you know I can!

Qadira: Sometimes I think the drinking water part is the most important part of ANY plan. It flushes all the fat out of us. I stick to 6 glasses a day because years ago when I did Quick Weight Loss they used water to break plateaus. Just always seemed to work pretty well, so that's what I do now.

BarbPA: You must be off in your quiet space. Hope Jeff is doing better. You must be getting ready to start your IVF again pretty soon, aren't you?

2cute: Your post sounds so upbeat and fresh. I'm glad to "hear" it. Babysitting the girls has got to be a handful. But I'm sure you and DH have a wonderful time with them. Your new space sounds delightful. If Honey and I keep working on this office, I may actually be able to show everyone at Fling! Don't hold your breath!

Leanne: That sounds like a great plan, having a day to yourself to celebrate YOUR way once you're feeling better.

Barbg: That new plan that you're on sounds like it fits right in with what you and Alvin are doing. You are such an inspiration with your consistant trips to the gym.

Mary: Glad to have you back. Forgot to ask if the seminar was out of town or overnight. Since you're a "big wig" in the organization did you have to speak? That's always fun!!!

Iwillbe: Welcome to our little corner of the world! We're glad to have you with us. Post often so we get to know you and you us. CONGRATS on the 7 pounds! You're off to a great start! * I do WW, the old regular Points Plan. Didn't get real results from the Flex Points and haven't seen the new one they have out although I hear that it's core foods and you don't really have to count much anymore. I bought the South Beach book and want to read it as I know Terri's husband has had good results keeping his diabetes in check when he's following it and that would be good for me as well.

Blissful: "I have tried WW about 10 times and never stick wilth it for more that 3 months, all the weighing gets to me eventually!!!" Have you tried any of the "eye-balling" tricks for weighing? Like a cup is about the size of your fist. Or an apple the size of your fist is one fruit serving. Or 3 oz. of meat is the size of a deck of cards. It's real important to weigh and measure everything at the very beginning, but once you've done that for a bit and paid real close attention to what a cup of this or a 1/2 cup of that looks like, it's easy to eye-ball it. Also, Walmart has a really nice set of long handled measuring scoops for a really reasonable price. They're metal and I figure you need a scoop to serve your veggies or stuffing or rice or anything else for that matter, you might just as well use the measuring type scoops. They've really helped me.

Kerri: See previous about the measuring scoops, they may be just what you need to feel a little freer about whatever plan you choose.

Debk: Welcome! We're glad you're joining us! Your husband has made huge progress in his lifestyle. I'm sure that it will be easier for you to follow suit because he knows what you'll be going through and can be the cheerleader you need to stay OP. Check in often. We love newbies!

Well, my dears, it's 7 minutes to midnight and I promised myself that I would turn into a pumpkin (Cinderella reference, in case you haven't gotten it) at 12:00 so I will say goodbye until later. Love ya bunches!

Well ... here it is after midnight... so it must be time for me to post. LOL
I have been on the go all day again. Watching the Golden Globes and Desperate Housewives at night. I am happy they won best show... I think as a comedy.

Marcie.. Hang in there girl !!! I am PROUD of you for not buying that candy bar. Those mini victories add up to many victories, which add up to SUCCESS !!!!

Iwillbe ... WELCOME !!! I too have difficulty standing any length of time. There are several Sit and Be Fit exercise videos out there. And of course... water exercise is the best for those of us with mobility problems.

Debbie... WELCOME to you too !!! We love newcomers. Yes... this can by YOUR YEAR !!! I plan on making it my year too.

Terri... No more procrastinating girl !!! You failed to add horseback riding and walking the dog on your list of exercises. Variety is the spice of life.

Qadria.. what does LWL stand for?? Your plan sounds GREAT !!!

Blissful ... CRAVINGS !!! Aren't they the worst !!! One reason I love low carb is the elimination of cravings... (99% of the time).

Kerri... I think Weight Watchers now has a plan that you don't have to count points or calories. You might want to check that out.

Barbg.. Your plan sounds very WISE !!! Every show I watch says Salmon is the BEST thing to eat ... followed by other fish choices. They also said blueberries were the best fruit.
I must tell you.... you are REALLY having a POSITIVE affect on me. Your actions are affecting my willingness to CHANGE TOO. Thank you. {{{ HUGS }}}

Thin... Decluttering is the best thing you can do for yourself. It was HARD to let go of stuff when we moved... but I am soooooo happy I did. Now I WANT to let go of more crap around this house. In the past I usually hung on to things to sell in a garage sale... but now... I just want the JOY of it being gone ... so I am donating my clutter.
Congratulations for getting off the computer by midnight. You have been in bed over an hour already. Good job.

I never finished cleaning in my office. I want to clean out the closet too.
It will probably take me all week at the rate I am getting stuff done.

For Share my Success Sunday... I am still following my food plan. I am making a conscious effort to improve my relationships with family. I am being more productive than in my past. I am grateful for my life.

For Monday Motivation... I want to say how much YOUR SUCCESS helps me succeed !!! ... and in turn.... my success helps someone else succeed ... which in turn helps the next newcomer to succeed.... on so on. Pay it Forward as they say.

2cute i have made the same decision. i have been reading a book called " weight watchers weight loss that lasts break through the 10 big diet myths " by James M. Rippe, MD and Weight Watchers . Dr. Rippe is a cardiologist and the things in the that the book talks about is enough to get me in to gear . i have been overweight all of my life and never realized just how many health problems that i am facing if i do not lose weight . Oh i know all about the high blood prussure and of the type 2 diabetes but the book also says that you could have a stoke and also several forms of cancer are linked with obeseity

MaryB-
I took an oncology/cancer biology class in grad school and it scared me to death! There are several cancers that have been associated with obesity...not to mention a ton of other conditions. That should be motivation enough for us to get fit!!!

Wow, tough crowd last night. Sheesh.

I did bundle up like Charlie Brown and walk the dog last night. So

I've taped Desperate Housewives but haven't watched it.

The Discovery Health Channels National Body challenge starts tomorrow night. At 7 pm I think.

Its going to be cold again today but not as frigid. A whopping 23 is predicted. I think DH is coming over for lunch. We'll probably share a sandwich at Jason's Deli. Then its shrimp night for dinner. Shrimp, share a potato, and a big salad.

I got up early this morning (5:20) to exercise. After last weeks debacle, I'm making up for it this week. When its TOM, I just don't feel like being physical - at least for the first few days. This morning, I've done 60 minutes of pilates, stretching and ab work on the stability ball. Oh and did I say earlier in my post?

Motivation Monday: Start slow with exercise. Just start!! Start slow but be consistent. Start with 1 pound weights. Start with walking around the house. Whatever as long as you're moving the body.

Deb - Welcome to the group!!! Your DH has done a great job. You can do it too!!!

Marcie - on your choices!! It can be done!

Okay, I should get ready for work now. Have a great OP day and get moving!

I almost forgot. Its weigh-in or report-in day for our first 2x2 challenge. Report your progress and I'll talley them up towards our goal of losing 300 pounds this year.

I've lost 2.8 since 1/3.

I've lost a total of 10 pounds this challenge. (9 the first week, 2 this week)
No time to say more!!!

Barb

I lost a total of 11 for the challenge! (6 week one and 5 week two). WOOHOO

hey everyone, sorry I can't post much - and haven't been posting much lately.. just been trying to focus on all of this school choas and what not.

I hope you are all doing well, and I welcome all the newcomers.

I have some goals for this week hoping to start a-new with a schedule and little small steps. I shall be around more soon though! Hopefully

Love you all! Have a great day.

And congrats on the big loss jibbelle!!

Qadira Do we need to drag out the picture of fat and muscle? I'm sure you've seen it but if you haven't I sure someone can find it for you.
You have been working out 6 days a week, you are making muscle..Muscle weighs more that fat. (I'm really good at this speech, caues it's been used on me many many times) But seriously, hang in there and you will soon know if it's paying off. How are your clothes ? Notice any difference? How bout your energy? any difference there? You are doing all the right things, so just keep it up.

Hello everyone, I haven't been a part of this group long enough to post my weight loss to help your numbers, but I have lost 7 lbs since the 5th of Jan. I thought maybe another lb. but when I stood on the scales this morning, no!

Quadira, Don't feel so bad about the weight numbers on the scale. I bet you have lost weight. Can't you feel it in your clothes and just in general? Everyone says measuring yourself is a good way to tell when the scales aren't doing it for you. Something I think I might need to do also. We can get discouraged when we don't feel we are making progress and that is not good.

I have been reading back through the posts and everyone seems to be doing a different plan. My thoughts on that are, if it works keep doing it. I have been thinking about trying to do South Beach. I am not sure how long I would last because I love my bread! I will just hang in there for now with what I am doing. I REALLY want to lose this weight!

Thanks for all of the welcomes. I will be around. Iwillbe

Hi all, popping in for a quick post! Got tons of work to do here at work! Doing well on eating today... had a tortilla with ff jalapeno crm cheese for bkfst... packed a turkey on wheat sandwich, banana and ff pudding for lunch... gotta get my veggies in sometime today! GAhhhhhh!! Packed in a hurry, though... was freezing cold this morning here in TX and had to scrape ice off my windshield. Funny how well your name badge for work does at scraping ice.... ... it's never cold enough in TX for a real scraper, so improvise cheaply.

Qadira-- I don't have a scale either! My only means of showing any progress is to get measured at Curves because their scale doesn't work on me and the lady hasn't been there all week who measured to do it again... But hang in there! And don't get discouraged if nothing's changed after all that work! Since you haven't weighed starting, when you get the scale, just add 20 to what you are now and make that your highest wt ~teasing~ No really, just think without the scale you've had a jump start at hopping on it everyday to watch the numbers not drop as quick as you'd like, and in the meantime, you've been making yourself feel better and healthier and haven't been worried about the #s since they aren't there to haunt you!

Thin and Terri-- Desperate Housewives!! I am so addicted to that show and last night's show was incredible, Terry... so go watch it before someone spoils it for ya. That show always has me rolling hysterically at something happening on it. And the details of last night's show that we've all been getting hints at, there were so many more insights to what the HE$$ is going on there! I love it love it love.

Marcie-- I know just how ya feel! Saturday we hit Wal-mart to grab a few things we needed and we were all famished. DH grabbed a kit kat, DD grabbed another one, and they both looked at me like, "Is this ok? What are YOU gonna get?" I didn't see anything I should eat on that candy rack, so I said, "Nothing. I'll wait'll we get home." But I did end up finding a LF/ low carb peanut chocolate bar to munch on, so I grabbed that, but doesn't it make you feel good to make the right choice??

2cute--thanks for the WW tip. I'll be checking that out. Problem is I NEED to count and weigh and measure... I need to break into that self-discipline. But small things add up to big successes, so I'm still just inching along doing what I can to better my health.

AND I STILL HAVE NOT HAD ONE SODA (regular or diet) SINCE NOV. 1... 2 1/2 MONTHS!!!

Hi Everybody - wasn't there a sticky for the 2 x 2 challenge? I can't find it. Anyway, I have lost 5 pounds in the last two weeks. Hooray.

I feel bad about not keeping up with postings, I am swamped at work and just can't read much. If I choose to sit at the computer, it takes time away from other things that are vital to my weight loss success: daily workouts and making meals at home - my biggest weakness is not planning and fixing meals, then running out for restaurant food. So I don't know if I will get back here often. Maybe I'll just keep up with the weekly weigh-ins.

I hope everyone did well with the 2 x 2!! -Ruby