Hey folks! Well, I'm at work and will be here until around 2. Then I'm definitely going to finish the decorating, take some pictures, blah blah blah. The only other things I have planned are boring things like water the houseplants (I have like 25-30 of them so it takes a while) and clean a little. I'm supposed to be off next Friday -- probably will work anyway for 4-5 hours -- and then my parents and brother/SIL will be here on Saturday, so I have a little bit of preparation for that. Tomorrow I *might* make some sugar cookies.

The scale said 150 this morning. I am just really disappointed in myself because I know I can do better. Monday morning I guess I'll have to adjust my ticker if it's still up.

Oh, Kathy, you're at work....bummer!

Italy, as follows is the Science of the Core Plan from the Weight Watchers website. Hope this helps.

How Does the Core Plan Work? The Science Behind the Plan
By WeightWatchers.com | 2/15/2005

When you first learn about the Core Plan, you might think, "How can this actually work? It sounds too good to be true." Well, it does work – and there's sound science behind it.

About TurnAround
First, it's important to understand the big picture: TurnAround™. Weight Watchers has put its years of experience and scientific study into learning what works, and TurnAround is the result. With TurnAround, you can achieve healthy weight loss using an approach that incorporates your own needs and preferences. TurnAround offers two food plans: the Flex Plan and the Core Plan. Both the Flex Plan and the Core Plan help you make wise choices and eat nutritiously. Both plans enable you to reduce calories — the key to weight loss, and deliver healthy nutrition and livability.

How does the Core Plan work?
Weight Watchers has tested the healthy-eating strategies that support weight loss in both of our food plans. These strategies include:

Choosing foods that are low in energy density

Selecting whole-grain foods instead of those that contain mostly refined carbohydrates and are low in fiber.
The Core Plan provides you with an approach to healthy weight loss that supports the selection of low-energy-density foods as well as fiber-rich ones by using a list of foods that have been specifically researched and tested for weight-loss benefits.

What is Energy Density?
You know a cup of ice cream has more calories than a cup of broccoli. That, in a nutshell, is energy density – the number of calories in a given volume of food. Foods with a high-volume/low-calorie ratio are low-density foods. So for example, most vegetables have a low energy density; most high-fat desserts or fried foods have a high energy density.

Why is the Energy Density of a Food Significant?
Why not just count the calories? Because foods that have a low energy density will be more satisfying, and you will feel fuller after meals. And if you eat more of the foods that have a low energy density, you'll still be able to enjoy the occasional treat in moderation. Filling your daily diet with low-energy-density foods increases eating satisfaction with fewer calories because these foods are usually higher in water content, lower in fat, and in some cases, higher in fiber.

Filling Up on Fiber
Choosing whole-grain foods, such as whole-wheat pasta and oatmeal, improves eating satisfaction and often provides more nutrients. For example, a cup of whole-wheat pasta contains more fiber (which helps protect against diabetes, heart disease, and certain types of cancer) and is a better source of nutrients such as zinc and vitamin B6 than regular (white) pasta. Oatmeal contains more disease-fighting fiber and far less sugar than many low-fiber, high-sugar breakfast cereals.

Nutritious Eating with the Core Plan
The Core Plan works by focusing your food choices on a group of wholesome, nutritious foods that are lower in calories and provide eating satisfaction. Foods that are not on the Core Food List include those that provide "empty" calories as well as some that can trigger overeating. The foods that are on the Core Food List fill you up with fewer calories than other food choices. Eating from this list of foods ensures the reduction in calories that is needed for weight loss — without tracking or counting. And, if any of the foods on the list trigger overeating for you, it's a smart idea to choose these foods sparingly or not at all. On the Core Plan, you'll find that eating primarily from a list of wholesome, nutritious foods makes weight loss easy.

Morning all. Had a good time last night, although I ate too much! But, as I always have to add, not as bad as I would have done at one point in my life. We didn't have time to stop for something to eat on the way so of course I was very hungry, which didn't help. Anyway, I'm getting ready to go do some shopping with my mom, but just wanted to say hi.

Vickie, I'm sorry that you aren't feeling well today. I would definitely stay away from the dairy if that will help!

Kathy, that is a very nice rack indeed. Sorry you are at work today. Have fun decorating! Oh, and I know that you can make your goal. You really are doing good.

Italy,

Frouf, hope you are enjoying yourself and learning lots of info that you can share with your chickie friends.

OK, mom should be here any minute so I better go!

Italy, there might be info out on the web (perhaps a Google search or something like that), but your best bet is to see if there are WW meetings nearby you and join. If there aren't, you can always do the WW@Home or WWOnLine programs. You'll get all the info there.

There are certain legal restrictions that keep us from laying out the whole plan. Articles, like the one Vickie posted for you above, are fine because they're out there for everyone. But the finer points ... the nitty-gritty details ... are WW proprietary and are designed to be gotten from your meeting leader (or the program materials if you choose to do the @Home or OnLine versions).

If you have any general questions, feel free to ask and we'll try. Here's a link to the official 3FC statement about sharing the Core plan:

http://www.3fatchicks.com/forum/show...12&postcount=1

Good luck and welcome!

Well, I ate like a pig at work last night. I had really good intentions when I got there. Everyone ordered Pizza Hut and there was tons left over. I ate that first, then the homeade bread and fudge showed up. I'm sure you all get the picture. I've got that Sunday school party tonight. I've decided to make Nestle Toll House Cookies. I'm just going to do the best I can, but I'm going to quit worrying about it so much. It's so hard this time of year. Here's a little humor...
Holiday Eating Tips
1. Avoid carrot sticks. Anyone who puts carrots on a holiday
buffet table knows nothing of the Christmas spirit. In fact, if you see
carrots, leave immediately. Go next door, where they're serving rum balls.

2. Drink as much eggnog as you can. And quickly. Like fine
single-malt scotch, it's rare. In fact, it's even rarer than single-malt scotch.
You can't find it any other time of year but now. So drink up! Who cares that it has 10,000 calories in every sip? It's not as if you're going to turn into an eggnog-aholic or something. It's a treat. Enjoy it. Have one for me. Have two. It's later than you think. It's Christmas!

3. If something comes with gravy, use it. That's the whole point
of gravy. Gravy does not stand alone. Pour it on. Make a volcano out of your mashed potatoes. Fill it with gravy. Eat the volcano. Repeat.

4. As for mashed potatoes, always ask if they're made with skim
milk or whole milk. If it's skim, pass. Why bother? It's like buying a
sports car with an automatic transmission.

5. Do not have a snack before going to a party in an effort to
control your eating. The whole point of going to a Christmas party is to eat other people's food for free. Lots of it. Hello?

6. Under no circumstances should you exercise between now and New
Year's. You can do that in January when you have nothing else to do.
This is the time for long naps, which you'll need after circling the
buffet table while carrying a 10-pound plate of food and that vat of
eggnog.

7. If you come across something really good at a buffet table,
like frosted Christmas cookies in the shape and size of Santa, position
yourself near them and don't budge. Have as many as you can before
becoming the center of attention. They're like a beautiful pair of
shoes. If you leave them behind, you're never going to see them again.

8. Same for pies. Apple. Pumpkin. Mincemeat. Have a slice of each.
Or, if you don't like mincemeat, have two apples and one pumpkin. Always have three. When else do you get to have more than one dessert? Labor Day?

9. Did someone mention fruitcake? Granted, it's loaded with the mandatory celebratory calories, but avoid it at all cost. I mean,
have some standards.

10. One final tip: If you don't feel terrible when you leave the
party or get up from the table, you haven't been paying attention. Reread tips; start over, but hurry, January is just around the corner.

Katpo,septembersgoal,Vickie,thanks for the help...I really wants to go WW meetings,but I`m from Lithuania and there aren`t WW meetings...I just hope that soon will be...

Yep, well I can see where that might be a problem! If you can go to the WW website and then look for Weight Watchers Online, you might be able to sign up there and can go ahead and get started without actually having to attend meetings. The cost should be about the same; you'll just have to weigh yourself.

Again, welcome! I hope you like it here! Just jump right in and make yourself at home.

Melissa, that is great! I love it!

Good Luck, Italy! We'll help as much as we can.

Melissa, meal to meal! That's all you can do is try to be as good as you can at each meal.

Same for you Kim. Put yesterday out of your head. I'll be making Nestle Toll House too. I'll be making a double batch since they're Jim's favorite cookie and I only make them twice a year. I'm only making a couple of my specialties that everyone begs for like Scottish Shortbread, lemon squares, and the toll house. My Niece will be making her fabulous klotchkies (sp?).

I'm supposed to be wrapping. Talk to you all later.

Morning chickies,
Vickie I guess I missed the post of you explaining what you had,,sorry. I hope this medicine works and if you can tell what food causes you more pain thats good! ((hugs))
Well I started baking today and the house smells good enough to eat.haha taken a few nibbles but nothing else. Ate my oatmeal first so I wouldnt be hugnry and so far so good. Im going to stop for lunch too,,,Im trying hard to stay op.
Its still snowing here but its so pretty...looks like a christmas picture outside the window.
Kim, I dont think I would have had the willpower to resist that ....way too much temptation there. You have a great attitude though,,,,keep up the great work.
Welcome Italy,,,you found a great place to find help, these gals are great here.
,I better go before something burns..haha
will check in later
have a great day

Hey all,
I am at a loss for Christmas presents for my office mates.... I was thinking of the amyrillis (sp?) in a box, to force the bulb - from WalMart? but was thinking, is this too cheap? Maybe bubble bath stuff or a pointsettia? -- They both helped me temp-to-fulltime, so I want to give something appropriate without totally blowing the bank!
Help!

I like those things! There are some really cute ones too, that have glass bowls instead of the white plastic one. Or how about the cookie mix in a jar thing? Or Yankee candles?

Well, I declare, I don't think I've EVER seen a slower day. I wrapped about 18 presents today and cooked dinner. My food was not very satisfying today but I stayed Core with the exception of some points that I used. I'll be taking a pain pill tonight and going to bed soon. Haven't had a very good day physically either. I'm starting to keep a food journal so that I can learn what foods are bothering me and avoid them. The Doctor says it can also be stress so I'm trying hard to get my stuff done early so I can rest easy. There is still a long way to go.

Patti, I hope you were able to avoid temptation.

Steff, I like Kathy's ideas, especially the candles. I'm a BIG candle girl and most women are. Yankee candle really has some nice scents this season. The cranberry chutney is a favorite of mine.

So what are the rest of you up to? How's the eating going?

We had that turkey veggie chili (Judd made it) and it was sooo good! Other than that, I'm not too hungry today. We finished the tree and the other decorations; Erin and Shaun are upstairs watching TV, Judd is in the family room watching something and I'm in the bedroom hiding out.

Darn right this is a slow day! I hope tomorrow is better because I am b-o-r-e-d!