Lizzie-I am an American temporarily living in Australia.

Welcome IrishAnn!! I think it is similiar with me too. As I get closer to my goal, my motivation dies down. Maybe because I am so close that I think I should be able to get there. However, I haven't reached my end goal yet. Congratulations on losing 2 lbs this week!!!

Renee-Too many temptations for me too. I plan to start with the New Year and give it a jump start in the right direction once again.

Still maintaining here. Looking forward to the new year and a new me. Hoping Santa will bring me a FitBit. It tracks your steps, distance, calories burned, and stairs climbed. I think it will keep me motivated

Have a great week everyone!

Hi Everyone!

Finally managed to steal a day for myself and am hiding from the rest of the world! Just need some me time.
Baby and parents are all united, and will be staying here until Boxing Day (Dec. 26), then flying back to a big debut with the families back in France.

I too am having a hard time with all the Christmas goodies leaping out of nowhere and calling my name!!

I weighed yesterday at the doctor's - was at 151, which is up a bit, but I think I have been going up and down within a few pounds for the last couple of weeks. Very strange, I also seem to have grown back an inch to 5'8", which is what I used to be. Maybe my posture has just improved since I lost weight?

IrishAnn - Welcome, and good job on the loss!

Looks like it will be maintaining for me til after the holidays, then back at it.

Have a great week, everyone!

Start 1/20 @223.1# & Target = 198.1
9/13 = 207 = -16.1
9/29 = 206 = -17.1
11/17 = 203 = -20.1
December 6 = 201.6 = -21.5
12/13 = 201.1 = -22

Good work Aida!!

Looks like those two pounds are sticking. Too bad. Onward........

Have a successful week folks!

Headed out to a work luncheon today. I started off the day good. Just need to continue to make wise choices. My brain knows the right foods to eat. Now I just need to continue to listen to it. Easier said then done.

I did eat a few crackers with cheese earlier to help me not to over indulge during the meal.

Skinny secret! Oatmeal helps you blast off belly fat. In a study, people who ate whole grains like oatmeal as part of a diet lost more around their middles than people who ate refined grains.


Honey-Pecan Oatmeal With Raspberries 300 calories

Prepare 1 packet plain instant oatmeal with hot water, according to package directions. Top with 2 teaspoons honey, 2 tablespoons chopped pecans, and 3⁄4 cup fresh raspberries (or 3⁄4 cup frozen unsweetened raspberries, thawed).(www.health.com)

Hi gals!

Corinna, That oatmeal dish sounds great! I may substitute Stevia for the honey though, I'm a big fan.

I've lost a pound and a half in the last two weeks, and am committed to lose more before 2015. Most of my friends talk about dieting after the New Year, but I say why wait? I have a couple of parties planned and just intend to "sample" the foods that are indulgences so I don't feel like I'm missing anything.

We're having an office party tomorrow and the foods sound quite rich - so I'm bringing a beautiful salad and will eat that FIRST.

Congrats to Aida - slow and steady does it! Also congrats to those who are maintaining...it's a tough time of the year to do so.

Andi

Hi Andi! Congratulations on your loss!!

Skinny secret! Crack an egg. Eating protein in the morning will make you feel fuller all day long and help you lose weight.

Fresh Tomato and Feta Frittata 300 calories

Whisk together 1 large egg, 2 large egg whites, 1/2 cup chopped tomato, and 2 tablespoons feta cheese, crumbled. Cook the egg mixture over medium heat (without stirring) in a small skillet coated with cooking spray for 4 minutes or until eggs are firm. Flip and cook other side for 2 minutes more. Serve with 1 slice whole-grain toast with 2 teaspoons trans fat–free margarine. (www.health.com)

My version is to make an omelete with 2 eggs, dash of milk, some chopped tomato, onions, spinach and mushrooms. Yummm!!!

I took a peek today at the scale and it was scary. Guess I will wait until the New Year and then officially weigh-in to start. Good luck to the rest of you on your continuing efforts.

Skinny secret! Capsaicin, a compound in crushed red pepper, ups the calories you naturally burn after eating.

Black Bean, Steak, and Avocado Salad 400 calories

Sauté 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper and 1 teaspoon olive oil in a skillet for 1 minute. Add 3 ounces steak, thinly sliced, and cook for 5 minutes. Add 1⁄4 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained; sauté for another 3 minutes. Toss with 4 cups mixed salad greens, 1⁄4 diced avocado, 1⁄4 cup canned no-salt-added corn, and 1 tablespoon Italian dressing. (www.health.com)

Skinny secret! Beans contain resistant starch, which triggers key appetite hormones that make you feel full.


White Bean and Basil Penne 400 Calories

Cook 1⁄2 cup whole-grain penne pasta according to package directions; drain and set aside. Return pot to heat, and add 1⁄2 cup canned white beans, drained and rinsed, 1 cup chopped zucchini, and 1⁄4 cup spaghetti sauce; cook for 7 minutes. Stir pasta into sauce. Top with 1⁄4 cup chopped fresh basil and 1 teaspoon toasted pine nuts. (www.health.com)

Not a good weigh in....my will power has flown out the window
I need to focus on 2015...it will be a year of positive thinking and healthy eating!

Have a wonderful week, everyone, and Merry Christmas