So thought I would join you. Looks like a supportive place as we travel down this road together. The holidays were OK. Lost my dad this year and after felt my pants getting tighter and tighter. Was able to maintain my weight and start better habits over the holidays. Hunkered down the week after Christmas and have been without sweets for 4 days!

I read recently that the most powerful tool in the weight loss game was managing your emotions since I am an emotional eater that struck a cord with me. Boredom, anger, frustration and anxiety have me eating sweets. Not eating sweets for 4 days has me trying to do other things. I keep reminding myself that I just have to get through today. I need to keep busy and do ALOT of self talk when thoughts of putting something in my mouth is so very loud.
I can't do this alone, I need to make myself a priority and I need to develop new ways of coping . I need to understand that this will take time and recognize the small victories.

Thanks for listening

Pat: Welcome! I hear you on the sweets. Today i am trying to keep them low on the totem pole - as in I am now finishing my 99th oz of water. I do hope after dinner and kids to bed to go cycle. But those sweets - I guess I have always turned to them when stressed or sad. And though in general my holidays weren't super stressful, it was working through more loss at this time of year from a few years back. As I have said many a time, there is no rhyme or reason when it rears it's head and says hello. It's time though that I found different ways of dealing with it all.

Also, I'm sorry about your dad's passing.

AM: Done well thus far, I am only 5 over for calories but still hope I can get to cycle and burn some of those off. My water is up = also yeah! Now, if I can just keep with this and ignore those darn sweets when my mood is blah.

I also hope I can settle my hip down in the next week, nothing is worse than not being able to move easily or without pain, some days it stinks getting older, and I am only 1/2 over in age. I can't imagine what 50 will be like - hopefully a thinner me by then and the aches a thing of the past

Happy evening to you all. More to launder and clean. It's a start to a new year, might as well tidy the house on up to reflect the newness. It might just last 24 hours with my little whirling dervishes.

Hey all!!

I posted here late in the summer but fell off - I'm back! Weight loss has continued, but has slowed down significantly. The holidays are a doozy! Trying to tighten up my eating now (who isn't?!) as things got more and more lax as time passed. The last of our company just left, so tomorrow will be grocery shopping and getting back into good habits! I can hear my kids complaining already.... (and myself too!)

My Fitness Pal told me the other day that I have logged in for 200 days in a row - I think tracking is going to be my reality from here forward, even if I'm not 100% accurate - I have to have the accountability. It's kind of nice that it's an easy habit, but frustrating to feel like this (eating, weight) is something that will never 'go away' for me.

Lemon - WTG with the water!! I am so so bad about water intake. I need to set some goals and get drinking.

Picture: sure I remember. You're the gal with a bunch of LOs. Good for you for jumping back in. Hopefully we can all shed this weight. Post away!

AM: I need to share. I went and cycled for 45 mins. I got 13 miles in and burned 300 calories. And my hip strangely feels lots better. Woot! So I got a few of my minis started and in earnest today. I cheated and hopped on the scale before bed. It looks like tomorrow may be a bit closer to what my ticker still says. Here's hoping!

We can all do this!

Good morning everyone, thanks lemon thyme for the warm welcome and picture frame for getting back on track good for you.

Wtg on the bike LT. Pain is certainly a de motivator but I agree I usually feel better when I get finished. So my plan is to keep busy today. Reworking recipes to make them lo carb. I do hope to do some snow shoeing today. And keep using my Fitbit it keep me accountable...

Have a great day and thanks for the support

AM: Scale moved down! Woot, almost back to where I was pre-holidays. YEAH! I plan to go this evening again to cycle my fanny off. It'd be nice if it would just fall off, but I know there is work that has to be put into it.

Does anyone have any recipes they'd like to share? I have been making foil pocket meals, which has been nice so I don't have the pan cleanup. They have been chicken heavy with veggies. Last night I did add brown rice, just for something different, but I have to be mindful of those crazy calories associated with it. What is one of your go to meals (mind you I have LOs, so I need to make sure they are in agreement w/the meals served too).

Ok - off to down my water for the day! My FIL seems a bit bent out of shape when I show up w/my camelbak bottle, but I just say it allows me to be mindful of how much I am actually taking in. Pishposh on his views, its not like he's svelte right now, I need to do what works for me.

Happy new year and good luck with keeping to your motivators!

Pat: Is snowshoeing hardwork? I am in the upper midwest, and it's been something I long have been interested in, however whenever I look at the max requirements of the shoes I am perplexed because evidently women shouldn't be heavy or tall. Besides, I might as well make use of the snow that is so prevalent each winter. What all does one need to accomplish a snowshoeing outfit? I have land I can go to at the ILs. Fill me in, maybe it's something for me to look into.

Les: How are you? Have you lost more weight? Did you try on a slim line pant/jean yet? I don't want to because I feel my hips look way out of proportion in those, but maybe some day. I keep picturing audrey Hepburns cute look of old, it always looked classic to me and frankly pretty simple.

Picture: How are you doing today? Did you say you homeschool your kids? How do you fit all of this into your day?

Welcome 1fralick! I'm very sorry to hear about your loss. Emotional eating can be tough, but keeping busy is a good strategy. Tracking everything I eat has also helped me. It's hard to eat as much when you see it all written down and added up. Good luck!

Welcome back, picture frame! I think tracking will be a life long thing for me as well, even in maintanence. It's super helpful to staying on track.

Lemon, good for you for dropping down and for the cycling and water! Way to go, these are all great! Hopefully you can keep this up and find your scale continuing to go down.

I am doing ok, got a nice drop this morning, but still almost 2 pounds heavier than I was at Christmas. I will just keep on and hope for the best. I did buy slim jeans in a women's size 12, which is totally crazy to me seeing as how I was wearing an 18 or 20 the last time I had to buy any women's pants. My clothing and progress photos show me each day how far I've come. Feeling pretty good overall, even with holding onto this extra holiday weight.

SO good morning all!

LT- I bought my snowshoes at SAM's club. Just need to make sure your boots go above the ankle so you catch the binders... Great workout as the snow make you lift your legs. Some place may let you rent them so you can try before you buy.

Les.. the scale is heading the "right" way thanks for the welcome and support

Off to the treadmill

everyone have a great day!

Have you ever woken up in the morning to find that your body aches horribly? That's me today. I sat and looked kind of weird, but I was doing a self massage on my arm that's been plaguing me. I found a video on youTube and thought what the heck. The arm feels a bit better, it feels like I have a king sized knot. Not fun at all.

Today I have to sprint clean the house as it didn't get finished this weekend. DH was too into football (he doesn't like to clean in general) and I found myself incredibly tired. I have to get it picked up as we are to have company this evening and I don't want them to walk into my families mess. Besides, I long for clean which is never 100%, my family is constant movement of mess.

Weight - didn't hop on scale today, but did well with water and kinda of ok on food (ILs meal was not diet friendly, but I tried to keep my protein level higher than my carbs). Will keep it working, that's all I can do.

I still aim to get out of the 230s. It'd be nice if it were sooner than later. I will have to see about adjusting my calories on my app and see what might be doable. As in, do I find I am still hungry on too few vs a bit more and feeling full and good the whole day, but sill being enough to take off some weight. What did we ever do before all the apps in this world?

Les: Good for you on the ladies skinnies! That's a great accomplishment. What is something you have your eye on in the future? I was a size 11/12 all through junior high - college and then for a smidge in my 20s. I became a size 20 as a mom. I'd sure like to see the 1-in my triple weight digit and I sure would be happy to be a 12 once again. I don't suspect I will go under that, but it'd sure be a nice surprise someday.

Pat: now that you mention it, I think I just saw some the other day. I think there is a nature place within an hour of here that promotes snowshoeing, I should look into it and see if I am right. I am not usually a big fan of winter, but perhaps that could be something different to try.

Picture: What are you doing for exercise? How and when do you fit it in w/your LOs? That's been my issue. I always used to be the get up at 430 to go swim, but since my kids, 630 is kinda pushing it most days. I am contemplating just setting my alarm and going early. Any help would be great.

Happy day Violets! Anyone want to try a mini-goal of 5 lbs? I have hosted such small events and myself never been successful - Les has been good with it as has Mam, but maybe we can pick a date in this month and shoot for 5 off? Let me know. We can cheer each other on and perhaps all be svelte by summer!

AM: Hi ladies!! Another day done. Today was super busy for us - kids had dentist appointments at 8am (What was I thinking?!) and then did a workout, took kids to martial arts, picked up my wedding ring (had to get it sized DOWN!) and delivered a photo shoot (I do some photography for fun). Came home and had some freaking delicious organic beef patties with carmelized onions and blue cheese on them - oh my stars, best dinner.

Busy week this week - I’m behind on Bible study and can’t find my workbook ( I didn’t look very hard) so I am relaxing instead. DH just took the kids up for bed (hallelujah!).

Didn’t get to weigh in today, woke late and had to scramble for the kids appointments. Hoping for good news tomorrow!

Lemon: Way to go biking!! Do you have a stationary or bike outdoors? I do homeschool my kids - I’m not sure how we get things done, but we seem to! I thrive on routine and structure - that works in my favor. For exercise - I was running, but thanks to an issue I was having with the impact I am taking some time off. Lately I have been doing workouts from YouTube videos and it has been great! I do some from Fitness Blender, some from Body Workshop, and even some good ol’ Sweatin’ to the Oldies. I have a heart rate monitor that I use, and that helps me know that I’m getting cardio in! I also used to do Jazzercise (and LOVE it), but right now the videos are perfect because they can be done so quickly, no prep, no driving, etc.

Are you feeling any better? Waking up sick sounds awful. I feel like I stalled out in the 230s - time got me out of them, and now I’m stalled again. So frustrating when it feels like you’re doing the right things and nothing is moving.

Pat: Snowshoeing sounds like a FUN workout!! Is it?? I love having a fitness tracker - keeps me motivated, which I need.

Les: WooHoo for a drop!! Isn’t it irritating losing the same pounds for the 2nd (3rd, 4th, etc.) time?!?! UGH. I’m doing it too. I’ve lost 209 and 208 3-4 times in the past month and they keep finding me! They will be gone soon, for both of us. Size TWELVE!! Celebrate, girl!!!

Would love to go for a 5 lb Mini-Goal this month!!

Good morning all,
LT how is your arm?
Picture Frame awesome about the ring needing to be sized down! woohoo snowshoeing can be fun it gets you to see things that you don't see from the house or road..
Les how are you?
Any way, I have ordered a food scale... As I have been using the fitbit food tracker I am amazed at how much food I was consuming.. it is a wonder I didn't get heavier than I did. The food tracker is also helping me understand when my "bad" times are. This is also time consuming and I really have to spend some time actually thinking about myself also unusual..

So anyway have a great day. It is minus 10 degress out..

Pat: I have a food scale - it's a big help when it comes to figuring out the grams of food vs a standard measure. Even that can be kooky. Yes - the weight loss journey is all about investing in yourself I am finding. Sometimes that gets lost when you put others before yourself.

Picture: Do you do photo sessions with families? Or specialize in one area like babies, weddings or senior portraits? I can't imagine home schooling. I like to do all sorts of things with my kids, but frankly, I do like it when they are at school a bit. Biking - I am inundated with snow here - so it's a gym - I am using a recumbent bike for less stress on my hip. It helps and I don't feel the creepy crappy bursitis as much. I pedal and pedal and get absolutely no where!

Les: hope this finds you 2 lbs down! Good for you on all your loss. I wish I could say I am 100% committed to logging my meals, I am not this week, I try and fail at least once every other day. I know - an important step in the journey - may it grow on me quickly then it's been.

Mam: Hope you are doing well! Please feel good to jump back in - I want to hear new Marley&You stories!

Fire: how is the loss going? Did they like your handmade gifts?

Amber: Where did you go again?

Hello Violets!

AM: Went to the dentist today, no cavities. Love when my teeth are clean and smooth feeling. I will begin my royalty procedure soon - yes, I require a crown, but I've been putting it off for two years due to monies. So this year I will once again be royal! HAH! I really am not a fan, but I'd rather keep what I have in place and not have to venture to dentures, partials etc.

Weight - holding steady, didn't get to bike last night as company left later and DH had a meeting. Tonight I aim to go and do well again, but increase my interval length and work speed for at least half the ride. Then I hope to hop on the elliptical. Will see if that works. As for my arm - it's not my shoulder, it's about 4-5" down from and I have a problem lifting up. Of course my babes were never light so I chalk it off to that. But - what area should I be looking to read on? Anyone have an idea? My doctor appt is not until May and I'd rather not go in early, I want to loose a bit more weight

Happy day to you all - it's suppose to be freezing next week - as in below zero weather and windchill here. I can't complain winters been fairly mild to this point. But it was best summarized by Calvin and Hobbes - when you go out in that type of weather - the phrase being "Don't you hate it when your boogers freeze?" I love the faces he made for Calvin as he experienced such! Enjoy your day Violets!

Violet's MINI Challenge January:

For those of you interested I will put forth a Shrinking Violet 2 week challenge that would begin on Thursday 1/7 this week. On that day post your start weight and what your coveted goal weight for the challenge will be. 1/21 will be our final weigh in. I think 2 weeks is good - if you figure a 2 lb loss each week which I believe is safe for all without being horribly daunting. I can't offer a prize more than cheering you all on.

So hopefully you will join me on Thursday and hopefully we'll all be 5 lbs lighter in 2 weeks time and perhaps find that this helps each other out.

Good morning all,
What does AM stand for?
LT - I am up for a challenge.... I am wondering if you have a tendinitis. Which is a pain no pun intended. Have you tried an anti inflammatory and alternating heat and ice packs?
LT, PF and LGF- you all have really had success in your journey what did you find worked for you?

So I am involved is minute to minute mental gymnastics as my old way of thinking struggles to stay alive. Shifting the thought process from food being a reward, coping mechanism and best frenemy to just nourishment. Reframing how I cope.

Anyway off to fight the fight... Everyone have a great day

Pat: AM stands for And Me - I picked it up in another forum and it's just stuck with me since. For me what seems to be working, counting my calories and logging them on my phone w/the Noom App, I use the free version. It also allows me to log exercise and any recipe I want calorie help with. I tend to set mine towards the cheetah for loss - which is about 3 lbs a week, if I am good, and IF I log everything. But I have 2 LOs under 8, so somedays I find I just grab what they are having to snack on. I also find that the exercise helps a lot. I have a better frame of mind when I do go and move the next day my spirits are generally up.

I think if you make changes, start smaller and add up. I started counting calories but plateaued early. Here people encouraged me to slowly drop some and when I did the weight started to move off. I generally have times where I lose about 5 lbs and then I stall or in other words have a good time eating and forget to log. I am finding I am one of those that needs to account for what goes in.

Hello Violets!

AM: Back to where I was before = 233.8 this am. YEAH! See if I don't reintroduce soda for a pick me up when traveling, or decide that I need to have more than 1 cookie, I do kind of ok. However, I am finding too that I have to remind DH when he just wants to do take out, its generally not a good thing for me. Good thing we live about 1 hour from most of those type of places and what might be hot when he gets it is cold and not good reheated, so we don't do that.

Biking - got it in again last night - did 13.5 miles but not as high on the calories. I was about 20 short, which means I didn't pedal as fast last time! Gym - ok, am I the only one who meets freaky people when they are at the gym? Mine is a community one run by the old folks home. You pay a monthly and can go 24/7 but patients during day time take priority. Any who - this is the third time I have been there with people who are a little odd. Odd being - wearing two sweatshirts and a t-shirt with the hoods on and long pants. I get it - I went to high school in the 80s when the wrestlers wore the sauna suits for dropping weight before a meet. Which mind you IS NOT WISE. Is this the new trend in exercise, to sweat to death and then think you lost weight for good? Or just a quick fix to make you feel happy when you look at your scale? I would guess it just puts more stress on your heart, throws off your electrolytes and other balance in your system and in the end the weight comes back fierce. I'll stick to my t's and yoga pants. Oh and then the men that are there - trying to bulk up -lifting too heavy and grunting and making weird noises as they lift. then the whole gun show. . . I need blinders on!

Challenge weigh-in tomorrow for all of you who'd like to encourage each other to shed 5 lbs, even if you are off 2 lbs, that's better than gaining 2! Besides then we can all commiserate about pounds not moving, food challenges to our days etc. I have my LOs birthday this weekend. I am making an angel food cake, we can all eat a bit lighter at this house!

Wishing you all well!