Good Morning everyone,
Linda, I just read your post as I was eating my morning cereal (had no intentions of journaling it until I read what you said). So, I grabbed my journal and tracked it, thank you! I'm not sure what's going on with me. For one, I've been very busy and the whole weight loss thing (even despite me leading two meetings a week) has been low on the priority list. We're so busy on the farm, that eating and food becomes, running in the house and grabbing whatever, whenever, not good I know. Even when I say to myself, OK today is the day to get back in control, I start out pretty good, but then by the end of the day, I'm over my points, not tracking, and just not caring. It's like the stress of the day is just released as I eat foods that aren't WW. I don't know. It's just crazy around here. We harvested our Garlic yesterday for about 6 hrs. Now I have a whole pick-up truck load of Garlic staring at me, that needs to be cleaned and hung up to dry. The second cutting of hay is being done now and then we'll start the wheat harvest. I sell a lot of wheat at our pumpkin farm. So I try to cut as much as I can before the combines come through. So that has to be done too. Then we'll start our sweet corn business. In the midst of all this, I'm placing all of these orders to stock our retail store for the fall. Ahhhhhhhhhhh!!!! And my husband can't understand why I'm stressed?! Thanks though, for thinking of me.... it makes me feel like I'm not alone in this......

Well, it's Monday and it's usually a day of repentance for me. However, today will be a bit different. I am going to a local Cracker Barrel restaurant later today to meet up with some of my cousins that I have never met before. They are driving from Indiana to Newfoundland and I will meet them while they are passing through the area. Cracker Barrel is a nice chain, and I will have to look carefully over their menu on line in a little bit to see what choices are good ones for me. At least they have an on line menu. The wife's grandmother was my grandmother's sister. I didn't know she existed until my aunt passed away in January and we both posted on line condolences on the newspaper memorial site. I found her then and we have been in contact ever since. She lives in Indiana with her US born husband and family but is on her way home to Newfoundland, where she grew up, to visit family. She grew up in the same town my family came from.
I blew it as far as tracking goes over the weekend, but I was away and had little control over what was served anyway. So, even if I am eating out later on, I will start a new tracker and begin anew today. I wanted to go to the gym, but I don't think I'll be able to as I am waiting to hear from my relatives while on the road. We shall see.

Erica, our posts "crossed". I have been worrying about you so much lately, thinking lots about you even when I am not on line. You know, everyone, that you are all such a part of my life, even when I am not here posting, I think of you all. If certain things happen during the day, I might be reminded.
I was at a farm in RI this weekend and I thought of how busy you are, Erica, as I was with my MIL selecting corn on the cob to go along with our dinner. I know this season is hard.
I had an idea when I was reading about your days and how you start off each morning with good intentions, but you are busy and running in to grab this and that. Why not, before the day truly begins, plan each thing you will eat, including snacks, and have it all laid out (either on the kitchen counter on pre-made in the refrigerator, even something as boring as a peanut butter sandwich can be made ahead of time). You then leave nothing to chance? I see from reading everything that you are so busy and it's crazy. You are starving, you have little time and you just dash in and grab at things.
One thing I did learn a long time ago is that, even on your busiest of days, you need to take a BREAK and sit down to eat, for example. Your body needs to FEEL as it is had a meal, not grabbing and running off with food.
So, no matter how crazing things are, try to take a few moments to sit and eat and RELAX during that meal. Don't exist on many snacks, take 15 minutes, even, and SIT.
But, if you figure out in the morning that lunch is a certain thing, plan it and make it and set it aside. You can look forward to it throughout the morning. If you need a mid morning pick me up, wear something with big pockets and tuck an apple or 2 point bar in there. Don't forget to drag a water bottle around with you throughout the day. I envision you are in action all the time, your activity level is high, but you need to plan through it all.
I hope that makes some sense?

One other thing, Erica, it almost sounds as if you could make very good use of a crock pot at this time of year for dinners. They aren't always all about soups and stews and winter type of foods. I shall pull out my "Fix it and Forget It, lightly" cook book while I am having breakfast in a few minutes and try to come up with a few "dump and dash" recipes that will help you out.
Last week, for example, on a busy day I used a pasta sauce that had already been made from the freezer (roasted tomato and garlic - a WW recipe) and added fresh onion, peppers and mushroom and then cut up large pieces of boneless chicken breasts. I left it on low all day and just cooked up some pasta to go with it when it was dinnertime. I turned out like a cacciatore and we enjoyed it. It was "done" when I got home late in the day and all I had to do was toss pasta on the stove. Lately, when I make pasta, I make tons of it at once. Then, I have containers of it all cooked in the refrigerator. I can microwave it (saving electricity and heating up the kitchen) and the kids can have it as well for lunches, etc.

Hi everyone!

I just weighed in and I'm down 2 more pounds. This time I'm not disappointed at all. Last night I had a steak dinner (4 oz tenderloin BBQ'd by DH) with a baked potato and veggies and a glass of really fine red wine. This is a lifestyle I can sustain!!

The digital scrapbook project is finished ... if you want to take a look it is at:

http://picasaweb.google.com/erika.re...ey=OYHWoJg5As8

My parents don't know about it yet (Shh!) I'll let them know on Sunday when their actual anniversary occurs. I'm going to get it printed out at Shutterfly.com in one of their cloth-bound albums. What a fun craft!

So back to running today ... probably on the treadmill because it's supposed to rain this morning. Then I will work on the program notes (Anyone know anything about tango??) before my tenor shows up this afternoon.

Linda - i actually don't have any recordings right now ... there is one of a recital I did in January but it is stuck on my friend's minidisc player. I will bug him to get it transferred to CD for me so I can share. I love all your recipe ideas and I'm so grateful that you share them with us!

Great job on your water workouts!! vacations are so hard. I will soon be away at the in-laws in NF for more than 2 weeks! Aggh~ fortunately MIL is a health nut and always has good options around. (As well as bad ones, grr!)

Indiana to NF is a seriously long drive! We drove there from here once... probably never again. but the flights are expensive too so I can see the reason for doing it.

Ginny - sounds like you had a busy weekend, how did it all go??

Paige - How was the BBQ??

Briza - Hope you had a terrific weekend away with your friends.

Amomoftwo - I love those lattes too! 2 points for the sugar free version right? Great job on your weight loss!!!

Kittie - I know what you mean. Usually no one notices my weight loss until it's quite drastic. 35 pounds is totally amazing though and just keep plugging no matter what anyone says!!

haylo - Congrats on your loss! WOOHOO!

Ann - LOL, if you know any nice places to run around here, let me know! j/k, there are a couple of nice trails, but mostly you have to drive to stuff and I don't drive. There is a track across the street from my house though, and I often run there ... saves wear and tear on the knees.

Cathy- Welcome! I want to take my hat off to you for quitting smoking and going on a weight loss journey at the same time. That is a big endeavour! Fantastic. Looking forward to getting to know you better!


Erica - Wow, you sure are busy and I would be stressed out of my mind as well. You have done such a great job losing 29 lb and you're so close to goal ... so I feel your frustration! When does the high-stress period end at the farm? does it go in cycles? I think Linda had some terrific suggestions!

OK everyone - off to get breakfast for DD. Have a great new week!
cheers
Erika

EriKa (thought I'd try to capitalize the K or C to clear in my mind which of you I'm speaking to!) that scrapbook is just awesome, I know they will love it.
EriCA, here is just two simple recipes that I found for you to try this week (if you own a crock-pot and I'll bet you do!).

Gone-All-Day-Dinner, by Susan Scheel

1 cup uncooked wild rice, rinsed and drained
1 cup celery (I'm allergic and would omit)
1 cup carrots, chopping
2 4-oz. cans mushrooms, drained
1 large onion, chopped
1/2 cup silvered almonds (sounds yummy to add a nutty taste and satisfying crunch?)
3 beef bouillon cubes
2 1/2 tsp. seasoned salt
2 lbs. boneless round steak, cut in bit-sized pieces
3 cups water
1. Layer ingredients in slow cooker in order listed, do not stir
2, Cover, cook on low 6 - 8 hours
3. Stir before serving

Per serving 300 calories, 10 grams total fat, 4g fiber
I figured it on my points finder and it's 6 points a serving. Everything (meat, veg and rice) is included. All you need do is walk in, stir and serve! My kind of cooking! Not sure if wild rice is kid friendly, as I know you have younger kids, but you could try this with brown rice probably?

Super Easy Chicken
by Mary Selelstad

4 frozen boneless, skinless chicken breast halves
1 pkg dry Italian dressing mix (I presume they mean Good Seasons)
1 cup warm water or chicken stock

1. Place chicken in slow cooker. Sprinkle with dressing mix, pour water over chicken.
2. Cover. Cook on low 8 - 10 hours, or until juices run clear.

Per serving, 100 calories, 3 g total fat, 0 fiber
It comes out to 2 points per serving when I figure it out, but I'd go with 3 as that is what our WW food companions tell us to count for a chicken breast that is skinless, however this does truly figure out to 2 points.

You could put potatoes in your oven and set the timer so they would be baked and ready when this chicken is ready, then walk in and toss a quick salad and dinner would be on the table! Having a baked potato with low fat margarine makes the meal 7 points, if you add 2 tsp. olive oil and some vinegar or lemon juice to the salad the entire meal is 9 points, not too bad.

I will post a few more ideas later on if you think you would try them!
There is what appears to be a very good looking stuffed pepper recipe that used both ground turkey and ground beef that I would like to try. I love stuffed peppers and having them cook all day in the crock pot would smell great.
I love planning and having meals all set up ahead. My cravings end up being directed towards what I smell cooking all day in the house!

Good Monday morning everyone!!!

I'm feeling like I'm in "back to business" mode as all of my events are now over (thank goodness!) Dd's luau was Saturday...dh and I can throw one heck of a bday party! There were so many people here; I did so much running around through the day that my entire body was on fire by the time I finally was able to crash into bed. My cake was a huge success, too. I think I ended up getting 6 potential orders from it. It was a pretty awesome cake.

My weight seems to be doing really well, too. It was way down yesterday morning, but I didn't exactly watch it yesterday so it was back up just a little this morning. It is still at a "low" though. I have been so lax on planning out menus because things have been unpredictable, so right now I have my notebook out and I'm getting back to it. It feels like a relief, too, to be getting back into control.

Erika-Congrats on the 2lbs down! It is nice that you can still have the steak, potatoes and wine, isn't it?? My MIL brought me a bottle of the BEST white wine on Saturday (unfortunatly I didn't discover it till Sunday morning...boy I could of used a glass on Sat night after everyone left!!!) She has the nack for being able to find the most delicious, but incredibly inexpensive wines.

Erica-I feel so much for you. The only thing I can think of to tell you is to try to have your home stocked with the healthier ww options, but I know how it is. When you have worked your tush off all day, and not just any kind of "work"...farm work is one of the most labor intensive jobs you can have... I'm sure it is very hard to stay afloat in the ww world. Just do the best you can and remember how hard it was to take off those 30lbs; you don't want to have to do it all again!

Linda-Your suggestions are always the best! Just what you said, that is what I think I would do if I found myself in that situation. I think I would take one day and prepare three or four meals, and then just have to heat them up.

Also, Erica--I'm not a huge fan of the Smart Ones meals (because of the sodium content) but maybe keeping some of these on hand would help with lunches?

momoftwo-I'm so glad that you are feeling back on track. This journey isn't an easy one, but it is so rewarding at the end when we have reached our goal. So even when you are in the "valley" don't give up! Good job on only taking a small piece of bday cake. I love cake. That is the one food that is impossible for me to turn down. If I'm making a cake, I don't have a hard time resisting it, but if it is sitting on my counter, ready for us to eat it...whoa, watch out. I finally had dh throw the rest of dd's bday cake out last night because I knew it would be too much of a temptation today!

Cathy-Welcome! Congrats on quitting smoking. I was a "closet" smoker until last fall (but seriously, who was I fooling?!) What was the turning point that finally got you to quit? Mine was that I just felt like such a hypocrite, telling my dd how terrible smoking was, and then I would do it in secret. Where in TX are you visiting? My best friend lives in Austin. That is really great that you have been able to stay op while being on vaca. I have been in vacation mode for TOO LONG now! Good luck on your wi!

Hi Ann! How was your weekend?

Haylo-Congrats on the loss!

Hello to anyone I missed! I have no plans for today, so I probably will be checking in again today. Have a marvelous Monday everyone!!!!!

Hello everyone, well as usual I got off track this weekend, but that is to be expected.

Cathy: Welcome

Erica: Wow, sounds like you are really busy. I am glad you were able to post a little bit. I am sure all that work you are doing is burning off some of those calories.

EriKa: congrats on the 2lb loss

momoftwo: congrats on being down

ann: thanks for poping in

paige: glad you feel like you are in that mode again, don't you love that feeling when you feel so motivated to do something.

derry: those recipies sounds good!!!

Is anyone else having trouble with this site locking up on them? I can't leave a post. It locks up horribly! Hope everyone is ok, and that this post goes thru.

I found something you guys might be interested in you may have already tried them.

Dryers All fruit bars (the skinny ones) they have some made with splenda they are 30 calories, 0 fat, and 1 fiber so they are a 0 point ice cream bar. I just happened to pick them up at the store without realizing they were 0 points and guess what, they are delicious.

They also have dryers all fruit (skinny ones) that are not made with splenda and I calculated those to be 2 points i bought some of those two I haven't tried it but I have heard they are good.

Ecmom: No I haven't been having problems posting, glad you stoped by.

Ginny, I have been having trouble as well with the site. If it locks up and you can't post, click below where it says "go advanced" and try that, it always works for me.
This site has had it's share of issues lately, I must say. I posted yesterday afternoon and it never appeared, yet I know I did. Oh well.
Paige, you said my suggestions are "always the best", thanks. I sure wish I was better at following my own suggestions, though. I met my cousins for dinner last night and totally blew it. Ah well, today is another day. I know I'll have a gain today at weigh in. That will be the second week in a row, I've really got to stay focused and get back on track. I may go (if I have enough energy left as I got up about 4 AM today, couldn't sleep) to the gym after dinner tonight. I don't want to go earlier in the day and ruin my weigh in.
EriCa, Paige mentioned Smart Ones and that might not be a bad idea of these busy days you keep having. They are so "controlled" and maybe that is what you need right now?
By the way, all, at least for this week, I have chosen to go back to FLEX. I have way too many things going on where I will be eating out and CORE is just not going to work for me this week. I may switch back to FLEX next week again. Vacation looms the week that begins the 28th for me. That means that eating will be totally out of control, possibly. I've got to get back on track and maybe have a loss for next week, as I know I'll probably have another gain over vacation. I don't want to ruin all the progress I have made.
Cathy, also a congrats from me on quitting smoking. I am also a reformed smoker, but it's been at least 20 years since I quit. Every now and then I get the urge, but I have stayed away from it. Paige, good for you quitting and setting a good example for your daughters. I'm hoping that my own kids never start, so far they seem to just hate cigarettes. My husband smokes, though. Due to my wishes, he never smokes in the house and always steps outside for a cigarette. He must be tremendously addicted as he will even go outside in below zero temps to have a smoke. I can relate to his lack of will power when it comes to quitting to my own food issues. He is always in control with his food, yet I am not. I guess we all have our vices?
Haylo, I've never heard of Dryers all fruit bars, but will have a look for them. I'm generally of the opinion that any frozen treat needs to be chocolate or it's not worth having, though. Isn't that bad of me?
Though, I have been craving custard lately. I think it's the consistency of it that I want or something. I should see if I can find some kind of low fat version of custard? Though, it's really not a high point food.
Well, goals for today and the week for me are:
1. Grocery shop: healthy foods, fruits and veggies and, especially, stuff to make garden vegetable soup!
2. Plan ahead each morning what I will eat for the day, leave nothing to chance and have no surprises. I'm having lunch out tomorrow and I'll check the restaurant menu on line and figure out what I will have, exactly, ahead!
3. MAKE time to get to the gym, and don't get lazy!
4. Enjoy the journey... this is life that I am supposed to be living and enjoying now. It's not all about the "One day I will do..." kind of thing, this is IT for me. I hope that is understandable, not sure if I said it right!

I wish you all a healthy and happy day!

Hello everyone.
Linda it makes total sense to me, but I wouldn't go by me as I can't even figure out what normal would be (relaxing maybe). You had great suggestions for Erica, you have a way of finding solutions for everything...yeah you! This thread is awesome having such supportive people in here....thanks to everyone for sharing themselves.
Ginny, I have had problems posting and I do what Linda suggested and it seems to work. I know it seems worse when I am busy and only have a few minutes to post and it seems to act up then. I do hope all is well with you.
Erica, welcome back. I have missed you. Isn't it funny how when we get busy we go into a survival mode and all control seems to go out the window. I do hope you find time to plan and that your days are enjoyable. You are one busy lady. Take care of yourself.
Erika, what area, in the city do you live? There should be nice places to run. You just want to run inside, I don't blame you with the weather some days. At least inside you don't have to worry about it. Your book is awesome. You are very talented.
Paige, hello. I had a great weekend. Busy but fun. My son wants me to take him to a place called the Enchanted Forest in New York. I took him last summer and he thought about it this week and now he keeps asking when we are going. He had a lot of fun there. It was great for his age. He just woke up and asked, "When are we going to the water safari." Too funny. I hope you are enjoying your summer and your dd's.
Tech, how are you and where are you?
Haylo...how is our walking coming along. Mine is going well. Those fruit bars sound good. I will have to try them. I bet they are good on hot days. How are you doing? Where are you going on vacation next? Have a great day.
Sorry for not responding to everyone. I have to go as DS wants to cuddle and I am not passing up a chance to cuddle with him.
Have a wonderful day everyone.
Ann

Ann, I wouldn't pass up a chance to cuddle either, soon enough he will be 19, have his own car and a job and never be home. I know from experience!
Well, I'm off to write out a reasonable 20 point day for myself where I won't be starving. I'll plan a decent meal for dinner and figure out what is best to eat throughout the day!
Wish me luck!

Good Morning all,
Paige- you said something that really hit home to me.... how hard I worked to get rid of 30 lbs., and that I don't want to have to do it all over again, you're absolutely right. If I went to my weigh-in tonight (I'll be there anyway, b/c tonight I am the leader there!), I bet you I would weigh 170, just guessing at what my home scales say, so sad, so sad. Now if you look at my ticker, umm yeah, I've gotta get my butt in gear.

Linda- Thank you so much for the suggestions- I am definitely going to try one of those today. I went to the grocery store last night and really stocked up on some things. Last night at my Monday night meeting, a member said something to me after I had suggested making it a real point to go to the Farmer's Market and really stock up on whatever they have. She said, "Yeah, if you come home with armfuls of fruits and veggies, ya gotta do something with them!"

So you guys are the only ones that I can truly confess things to in terms of weight loss, b/c I know you'll all understand. Reasons why I'm gaining weight:
1-I started drinking beer again when I had totally given it up during hardcore weight loss mode (I only drank white wine, and I counted the points!)
2-I have not worked out since April! I go on occasional walks, and just count my busy daily life as exercise, which obviously isn't working. The workouts kept me focused, the busy life is stressing me, and causing me to eat more!
3-I am back to bad habits, like grabbing handfuls of choc. chips when stressed.
4-I haven't been cooking healthy meals like I use to.
5-Linda's right, I'm sabotaging myself in some way. Next week is my last night of being a leader in this 10 week series that I've been doing. I'm thinking that I'm going to start weighing in every week again until I get to my goal. I was 3 pounds from goal in May, unbelieavable! But that is all behind me now, time to move on, not worry about what damage I've done.

Linda-something that you always mentioned to me before that I think I'm going to try (I've never done it before). I'm going to journal out my entire day, this morning, and stick to it no matter what. I'm scared to do it, but I've got to try something new. I've got to get back to the entire "journey thing". Somehow, I really lost sight of it..... thanks for the reminder.....

Ann-How are you doing? I forgot to look at your ticker....

Right now I'm not going to cause further stress to myself by going back and reading tons of posts.....
Haylo-are you back from vacation? How was it?

My commitment to the WW train has been renewed and I hope to be back on it with the shade up (not pulled as it has been). You ladies are the best!
Linda, I like you quote!

Erica-Just wanted to say to you really quick...I think journaling your menu each day is the way to go. It seems like that is the only way that I am able to keep myself on track. Even if I don't stick to it like glue, you better believe that I will at least stick to the point values that I have set for each meal. For example, today I have planned to have a salad. If when lunch time comes around that doesn't appeal to me, there is a very good chance that I won't use more than the points that I have alloted for that salad. If I do, that will throw off my afternoon snack and my dinner. I keep a notebook and track that way...for me it is just easier to devote one page to each day and do a "menu plan" and a "menu actual." I make sure that I plan an afternoon snack, and I also make sure that I give myself some breathing room (leave a few points for "incidentals.")

It sounds like you completely know where you are going wrong. I really believe that if you were to plan out your day's menu that would help you to get back on track. Oh, and throw those chocolate chips out!!!!! LOL!

I have to take dd's to the allergist this morning. I'll write a complete post later! Have a great morning everyone!!!!!