[THE POP THING IS ACTUALLY GOING OK, WHAT U GUYS CALL "TOM" I CALL "AUNT MARGARET",,, EITHER WAY I HAVE SOME COMPANY I WISH ADAM HAD ATE THE APPLE!

AMMI: I ENJOYED THE CHAT YESTERDAY TOO, GOT TO PICK UP WHERE WE LEFT OFF "SHOW ME SOME STAN" LMAO. I HAD THERAPY THIS MORNING, I SWEAR I FEEL WORSE AFTER THERAPY. I DONT THINK IT IS GOING TO FIX ANYTHING,,,,BUT I AM NOT THE DOCTOR......???


I THINK IT IS A GREAT IDEA FOR THE CLOTHES EXCHANGE, SORRY CANT REMEMBER WHO SUGGESTED THAT???? GOOD IDEA THOUGH!CHRISTNEU I THINK?

YOUR FRIEND,

CROCK

Hey Chickies!

Well, I did two days in a row of aerobics. I'm telling you that the exercise goal was a great idea because it's making me get up and work out! I love it! Have been doing pretty good on program this week and it showed...down 2.6 pounds! That made me happy this morning!

I found a website where you can get some really awesome recipes. It's www.tasteofhome.com. I get the magazine but they have tons & tons of searchable recipes on the website. Just put in whatever you're looking for and the recipes pop up. They have nutritional information for a lot of them and many are low fat, lower fat, low carb, etc. You can even print them out in recipe card sizes. That is way cool!

I have got to get better about getting on here and checking to see how everyone is doing. Please know that you're always in my thoughts, even if I don't post to you each individualy, and I am proud of each and every one of you!

Hugs,
Sarah

Too many posts...and I have a bunch of stuff I wanted to say to people..so I will try to remember.

First off...I'm down another 2 lbs..so my official 1 year WW total is 88.6 lbs. I feel so good right now

2nd...Jason told his roommate tonight about us getting engaged and that he wants me to move in and for her to move out..and she was cool with it!!! We are all going to sit down and discuss a timeline next but YAY!!!

Jilly...the Tomato Basil Pizza burgers are to die for...so are the herb grilled chik'n flavor if you can find them. They used to make a spicy tex mex that I LOVED.

Luan: I weigh at the Northridge center on Wednesday nights, but there is one on Sherman Oaks on Moorpark and Van Nuys. It is a nice center and they have some really good leaders. Not sure where the other Valley ones are...except for further west.

Giving up "pop" or soda or whatever you call it. Identifying that you have a weakness or even an addiction is a tough one...I decided not to go cold turkey on caffeine in any form...but the deal I made with myself is that I do not get anything else to drink in a given day until I have had at least 64 oz. of water (2 of my bottles). I was hooked for a while on the Crystal Light stuff and also on the Lipton Green Tea blends..and then it got boring and I decided that water was water. So I still allow myself my diet soda fix (COKE ZERO) and my FF/SF lattes....but water comes first.

I really think I wanted to say something else to someone but I am toally blanking right now. Florist appointment tonight...ooh boy.

Anyone offer me any advice, I had ibs for years and had to rush to the loo every morning but now I'm food combining its gone!!! Sadly though I now eat more fruit and veg than I ever have, I can't 'go'. Are there any healthy foods which can make you 'go' any tips at all?
I don't want to take pills or potions, I drink about 2 pints of water and 6-8 mugs of herbal tea per day so I know its not the fluids.

thanks, in anticipation,
sharonxxx

Hello everyone! It is so cool there is so much activity here. I just wanted to share my little success last night. It was after dinner and I was done with my calorie allotment for the day, but I really wanted something else. It took me a few minutes and I realized that what I was craving was a bowl of brocolli with lots of black pepper. Part of my brain went, huh? "That's not the kind of stuff you're supposed to crave - you are supposed to want ice cream or chocolate, not brocolli". So I fixed myself a bowl of brocolli while my BF ate cake and ice cream and it was just what I wanted.

I know there were lots of other things I wanted to say, but I need to get back to work. Hopefully I won't fall asleep so early tonight and will have time to check in later.

JuleeCeeS: I gave up Sweet pop/soda ie: Dr. Pepper.. However NOT the caffeine, I will be drinking Un sweetened Iced tea with sweet-n-low, and water,water,water,,,, I am trying to dont drink any diet pop/soda either, even though it has no carbs,,,,,just needing to break the whole pop/soda thing,,,,,,,, I drink my coffee in the morning too........ I never went off caffeine ,, when I was on the Carb diet before and I did fine.......


oh,, try corn,or new potatoes,,,,,,,, for the "go " issue,,,, I dont know what diet you are on, or if you can even have this food,,,, good luck and I hope you find your answer.

your Friend,,

CROCK!

My DH has IBS and a better diet hasn't really helped him. Surprisingly to me - his Dr. has him taking Metamucil 3 x day! I thought it was just to make you go...but apparently fiber has the effect of making things better in either case. My DS has had the opposite problem, chronic constipation. At least diapers were easy.

As for foods, these are the ones I know:

Prunes (Duh!)
raisins
plums
Apricots
Dark Karo Syrup! (Mom's swear by this.)
For DH, chocolate is a killer

Things to AVOID:
Bananas
pumpkin
cheese
too much milk
too much red meat

I know there are others. Hope this helps.

Kaylee - I hope I did not sound bossy to you. I just get all torked up about size discrimination and all the stupid shame that we take one because of it. It is just like TOM and all the shame associated with the female smell and all that which makes people rich off of unecessary hygiene products. If we were meant to smell like flowers we would pollinate. Dont get me wrong, I all for showers and everything but you know what i mean...feminine spray and this and that and douches all the time which causes yeast infections and stuff. It is all about shame being assigned to women which we dont deserve and shouldnt take on. Of coures, as you all know, I am perfect. I am also highly medicated so I am in the perfect position to offer advice...HA!

Great way to go for everyone who had losses and there were several of you too. That is mahvelous, simply mahvelous!!

Ammi - I was wondering how much weight have you lost on WW? I have been considering giving it a go if i get fed up with South Beach.

About trying to go - my family has always believed in Milk of Magnesia. I personally believe in enemas when it gets down to crunch time. When I was having trouble that way nuts seemed to trigger a response. High fiber is supposed to help too...bran, beans..such as that...metamucil, citracel...

Congratulations on moving out the roomate and moving yourself in and being engaged and everything...that is just super!

Well, I love ya all but I am le tired. Did not sleep at all last night. Had a nap around 10:00, I think I am ready for another one.

Heather - I really like South Beach...once I allow myself to go onto phase two, I know I'm going to love it, since I'll be able to have SOME fruit and grains again! So I hope you enjoy it! Expect weight loss your first week! Congrats on your 2 pounds for the week! I'm looking forward to seeing how adding exercise has helped me out!

Lilion - I think that's another reason I couldn't be an actual attorney...I'm way too SHY. So I'm just going for Paralegal. Maybe as the pounds come off, so will that shyness. I can only HOPE! I'd never heard of the cake before, but sadly I can't have it, cuz of the cake mix I'm sure your hubby will love it though!

Valerie - "The sun is shining, my hinny is shrinking, life is good." That made me laugh so much! lol! Congrats on your "loss"...hehe

Sharon - I almost bypassed your post! You definately weren't being bossy! I really do need to ACT more confident if I don't want people to keep making fun of me. My health class is in the same room as the self esteem class...and it's right after it as well, and there were two students that were in it, since they are also in my health class....one was a VERY pretty girl...very slim. She said that she has such low self esteem, that she obsessively lifts weights and works out. It all happened after she modeled...lingerie no less, so you KNOW she's got a body! But I was actually SURPRISED when she told me this.

Ammi - I can't believe your ex called you REPULSIVE! That's HORRIBLE. You are so pretty, and you are making changes in your life! At least you have a GOOD MAN now! I hope she's able to get the support (and YOU TOO!), since it would definately come in handy now that I'm in college. Well, I'll never be "slim"...lol! I don't wanna be. I'd like to be curvy. Around 170-200 would be FINE with me! Andrew doesn't want me to get super skinny, either! Jelly hearts! That's adorable!

Christine - We do indeed have a Big Lots...about 15 minutes away. I haven't really looked in their food section, as I figured they wouldn't have much I could have! I'll have to look next time I'm there! The book would be fantastic, if you don't mind parting with it...I always feel awkward accepting things...I'm so weird like that! lol. And I think that the clothing idea sounds fantastic! I think I would much rather help out all you wonderful chicks than sell off my stuff for a VERY small amount! Count me in! (Even though, I have like NOTHING to get rid of right now! hehe)

Crockett - Looks like we BOTH have 117 pounds to lose! Just random...lol

Jill - I've heard such great things about those veggie burgers! I just don't know what the carb count is on them...maybe I'll have to check it out next time I'm at Walmart...I'm always looking for quick and easy meal options!

Sarah - Thanks for sharing the website! I'll have to see if they have any low carb! Congrats on sticking to the exercising. It feels so good to KNOW you are really trying!

Julee - Congratulations! I hope I'm able to have as much success as you are having!! Woo hoo on moving in together! Are you really excited? I'm glad that his roommate wasn't all mean about it or anything.

Nancy - I think it's great about your craving! I've had that before...I just wanted a piece of grilled chicken SO BAD!

Felicia - I was worried you were one of the people who wasn't posting because of all the action! Please do keep us up to date, and post when you can! It doesn't matter if you can't answer everyone! There's times I can't either...just when I have the time, I do! You are doing so great! Keep it up, chick!

Garnetfairy - You definately weren't bossy! You were just speaking the truth! I hate how people make money off of TOM, too...it's ridiculous. I mean, yeah, obviously, there are SOME things that should be made...lol...but some of it is just s*%$! Hope you get your nap in.

Well, I got home from class, and did another 16 minutes of working out! I know it's not much compared to the rest of you, but I haven't built up my stamina yet! hehe...I did 10 minutes of my dvd, and then 6 minutes on the treadmill! And I'm feeling GOOD! Going to have a salad for dinner, and I've been doing good all day! You all have inspired me to give up pop....again! lol. I gave it up for about a year once, and then got hooked again! I'm going to allow myself one can a night (diet of course...that's all I drink!), and going to have Crystal Light type drinks and flavored water! Need to increase the water intake!

Yep Looks Like It Kayley, Didnt Notice This Before,,,,,

Anyone Ever Heard Of "the Three Hour Diet?"

Christine - that clothing exchange sounds pretty cool. I don't suppose I would be much good for it though because if I wanted something from the US the postage would be crazy, and then customs would charge when the clothes got here. I had a friend from there send me some second hand clothes, they were expensive and to insure the parcel she had to put what they would cost to replace. So it was $200. When the parcel arrived I had to pay $100 customs charge, so they were the most expensive second hand clothes I have ever had lol. That said, if there are any UK people who want to give away any clothes I would be interested. As for my clothes, I live in baggy t-shirts and trousers, not what I think many people would want.

Glad to hear the Biggest Loser inspired you to work out, I feel like that after coming here. I have missed exercising today, but will get up early to do some in the morning before the family wakes up.

I have never though to look on eBay for bras, I will have to have a little look see later.

Crock - I am happy to hear that you are coping OK without the pop. I wish I could get my daughter off the stuff. I don't buy it, but her dad gives her pocket money which she spends on sweets and pop. Fortunately she's got a lovely little figure, but all that cola can't be good for her.

I hear you on the therapy, we will have to compare stories next time we chat

Jill - glad you found something so tasty for lunch, it's nice when we are dieting and there is a food that is just soooo yummy. My fave food for the week is fresh crusty bread rolls with a low fat cheese slice and turkey ham. Talk about delicious. I look forward to lunch on the days I have that, mmmm.

Sarah - on the 2.6 lbs weight loss! You are doing so well. If I keep hearing about everybody's weight loss I am going to be jumping on those scales myself to see if I have lost anything.

Good on you for doing aerobics two days in a row. Do you go to a class, or do it at home?

Julee - another one of our ladies losing weight, well done on the 2 lbs lost. 86.6 lbs lost in a year, that's something to be so proud of

oooooh I didn't know your Jason had a female room mate, I don't think I would have liked that, but then I am a jealous woman I am glad that she has agreed to move out though, and that you will be able to move in. I hope she doesn't take too long deciding to make the move.

Have you decided what flowers you want for the wedding yet?

Sharon (voodoo) - why don't you try Senokot drinks, they are a natural, gentle laxative, and they work well for some people. It can't hurt to try. Other than that of course there is good old prune juice.

Nancy - girl are you sure you aren't pregnant that was a pretty weird craving??? Seriously I am glad you made such a healthy food choice while your BF was enjoying icecream and cake.

Felicia - WONDERFUL to see you posting here, see, there's no need to make individal replies, it's nice just to check in.

Congrats on being able to walk 15 minutes at .3 of a mile faster AND not hold onto the side bars of the treadmill. Before long you will be sprinting hands free on the thing

Garnetfairy - I have always lost between 20 and 30 lbs in about 3 months on WW. My only problem is that my motivation disappears, especially when after 30 lbs lost nobody including me could see a difference in my size. This time I am going to keep motivated because I refuse to put back on any weight I lose, and I am going to whiz past that 30 lbs barrier that I always hit!!

Kayley - oh yes my ex was definitely a horrible man. Calling me repulsive is just the tip of the iceberg to the things he used to say. Oh well, as you said, I have a GOOD man now, and he has certainly healed all those raw mental wounds. Now if only he had the power to heal my physical ones and keep them healed and I would be a very happy woman!!

I am the same as you, I don't want to be slim, I would be more than happy being a size 14/16, just a nice normal size where I can shop wherever I want, sit comfortably on all chairs, fit on rollercoasters and not be held back by my size. Who wants to be skin and bones, yuck

Ok I am going to turn my messengers on now, so anybody who wants to chat you know where I am Take care all,

Hugs,

Ammi

I think I saw the shakes/bars at Meijer once, but I don't know how/if it works...

I'm just popping in for a minute -- much easier to read than to reply but I wanted to add my $0.02...

Kayley, who knows where you'll end up or what you'll end up doing?! I never talked to anyone when I was growing up and spent much of my time alone. I was so painfully shy and didn't know how to make friends and was afraid of looking foolish. It got worse and worse as I got older -- thru high school, I was pretty much totally isolated and suicidally depressed. Fortunately, I had two big things going for me. First, I'm insatiably curious, and couldn't stand the thought of "not seeing the end of the story" by prematurely ending my life. Secondly (and I'm only just realizing this), I'm pretty persistent. I try something, fail, lick my wounds, eventually (this could be years later, mind you), try again, etc... Another thing I've done that with is being shy and relating to people. So, even though for many years, I couldn't talk to anyone and thought the only thing that was positive about me was my I.Q., now I have this fancy schmancy management job . And, sometimes I still feel like **** and totally inadequate and like I should just crawl in a hole. The difference now is that I know that is just a feeling and it will pass and it isn't reality. If this doesn't resonate at all for you -- sorry -- I just wished so hard when I was in the **** as a teenager & young adult that I had a glimpse of what life would be later so I could decide if it was worth it to keep going. I'm going to be 45 this month, and honestly, my life is so much better now than I could have ever imagined at 18 when I really didn't think I'd live to 21.

The other thing I wanted to comment on before I dash back to work is multiple pound swings in weight in a day. I weigh myself 1-2x/day (my unofficial scale at home every a.m. and the official scale at the gym when I am there and remember). The good thing about weighing that often is that I've learned that TOM, eating an off plan meal, or just randomness can cause 3, 4, or 5 pounds differences on the scale. I get a sense of what's "normal variation" that way, so I don't freak out. I tend to get excited the first time I see a new "low point", but not too excited until it happens 2 or 3 times. I figure that maybe for a 125 pound woman, 3-5 pounds is a lot to get excited about, but for a 300+ woman, it is maybe in the noise .

Ok, back to work. Have a great OP day all!