Yes, I have to agree...I don't think the actual pounds are any harder or easier to lose, it's just that it's harder to be motivated. When I had a lot to lose, I was motivated by my health, by wanting to lessen my varicose vein problems, by looking bad...etc. When I was at my WW goal, everyone said how wonderful I looked etc and I felt like I "deserved" treats. It's a slippery slope.

Anyway, I'm still doing well...I was very hungry while cooking dinner last night, so I probably sneaked too many BLT's (bites, licks and tastes ) but I didn't go off plan. I dug out my pedometer and am wearing it today. I'm already up to 3500 steps and it's only 10:50. But my walk this morning helped with that.

Time to go clean up and get working on my list.

Angela

Yes, that's exactly what I meant, Angela. Thank you. I know you realize how difficult it is to maintain.

Although when you're at or close to goal, it's impossible to create the calorie deficit that's necessary to lose. If I wanted to lose a pound a week, I'd have to drop my daily calories down below 1000, which is unhealthy and something that isn't recommended. Someone who has much more to lose can easily create a 500-1000 daily calorie deficit and still have plenty to eat.

Sometimes it's even hard when you have a lot to lose to remain motivated. It's not easy to keep plugging away when you know you have 120 pounds left to lose. I still have all the same reasons to do so that I always did but sometimes I just feel like it's impossible.

Kathy, not everyone who is overweight is eating so many calories that they could afford to cut 500-1000 calories from their daily diet.

Hi everyone.

Angela and Kathy, I so agree with your comments on it being easier to committ when you have more to lose. When I started back in Sept 2004 it was so easy to stick to plan and lose consistently. When I finally made lifetime the following June, I was actually at 170 - 4 pds below my goal. Now I'm 5 pds above it and it so incredibly hard to stay on plan. I still am in my size 12 clothes, everything still fits, and I do like the way I look. UGH, why can't it all be easy! I keep having issues with committment!

Vickie - how is Cassie? I hope better, any word from the vet? The mamogram was just so much fun -- as long as I don't hear anything by tomorrow all is good. That is not a job I would want to do - can you imagine if that is how you spent 8 hours a day - squishing boobs!

Weclome Tina - jump right in. Its actually very easy to join in the group, I'm a more recent member. Congrats on your loss!

Well, I had my weekly meeting with that sort of boss who gave me greif last week --- And what did he have to say as follow up?? NOTHING! Absolutly NOTHING. I'm glad there wasn't any additional confrontation, but jeesh, could you sort of acknowledge what an A$$ you were? I did not send the email I drafted and now I'm just not sure if I should send it. I have a meeting with my "boss" on Friday. I do plan on just asking him how he feels my committment has been. UGH............

Sarah is doing much better, she is 1/2 way through her prescription and her cough is almost gone. She still isn't eating the way she should, but maybe the amoxicillan is throwing off her appetite. She is drinking and eating some, but just not her usual. Oh well, not going to worry about that. Sooner or later she'll get hungry.

For me, I'm doing better foodwise. I was tied up at noon and wasn't able to wi, per my scale I'm still holding my own. Which is OK for now.

Well, got to get back to work. I'll check in later.

Vickie, I sincerely hope you don't take any of my comments as criticism of YOU in particular. It is not intended that way at all. There are people (hello, lurkers!) who are interested in Core and we have to make sure they have all the facts. I have been contacted by people who have specific questions, and very often those questions are about things we discuss here. It's important to discuss them thoroughly (and will also cut down on the number of PMs I get with such questions).

I fully realize that not everyone who is overweight eats enough calories to cut 500-1000 daily. However, when someone who has more to lose figures their daily maintenance calories, it usually is high enough to allow for the cut. The calorie deficit is the only way to lose, whether created through more calories burned or less calories consumed. If it takes a cut of 3,500 to lose one pound per week, which is a cut of 500 per day, and someone has a daily maintenance of 2,000, there IS room to cut 500 per day. That's not true for someone whose maintenance is 1,200 calories.

I don't know how else to explain it, so I'll stop trying.

Paula, I'm glad that Sarah is feeling better. I agree that this guy could have owned up to being a jerk. He has nothing to lose and lots to gain by just saying he was sorry.

Okay, back to work. No matter how much I cross my fingers and wish, these lessons aren't fixing themselves.

I feel that there is no other way than for me to take it personally. I am one of the people of whom you speak. I am following the Core program which does not require me to consider calories, but rather to eat specific foods and to monitor my level of satisfaction. Similarly, the Flex pogram also does not require calorie counting but rather the counting of points.

I don't agree that it would be any easier or more effective for me (or others at my weight) to cut 500-1000 calories. WW gives me more food at my weight because I burn more just by being fatter than you. I'm told NOT to cut my points below what is designated for my weight when following the Flex program. I choose to follow WW's guidance because I don't want to deal with calorie counting. When I am on program and exercising, the program works for me.

Since Core doesn't require people to track calories, I would think that it would be more confusing to people trying to learn about Core to talk about calories and maintenance levels here.

Hi All:

Well, finally I finished those student papers (only to get more on Monday!) and can get a little rest. I was really, seriously worn out and giving in to those #%* cookies at the office. But, today I've been really good and feel strong.

Too bad about the conflict with the wedding time Kathy, but I understand. I sent you and Sandra my arrival date; I bet we can find a way to get together.

Vickie, I hope Cassie is better today. That's a sweet husband to take the rug to be washed. We have had one in the trunk of the car about a year NOT taking it to be washed! :freak:

You know the restaurant thing is interesting. Sometimes I can go and be sooo good. Then, kaput! It's the bread that gets me. I guess I really like baked goods! But, I have been doing better with it since I came onto this board...in fact, I've been doing better with everything...THANK YOU.

Tina, congratulations on those losses. Very good job!

Rhonda

OK, :freak: should be

I'll learn someday!

Vickie, believe it or not, the Core list of foods isn't a magical combination that will automatically combine to create instant fat loss. Calories still DO count. It IS possible to overeat on healthy foods. Whether calories, or points (and in case you didn't know, points are based on calories so YES, CALORIES DO COUNT) ... you must create a calorie deficit, no matter what foods you eat, in order to attain a loss.

I'm done trying, though. I'll concentrate my efforts elsewhere.

Hey all...just got home from work and I'm SO tired. We had a "spa" night for the clients and it was good.

I wanted to say thanks Vickie for your sweet words. I really appreciate your encouragement. In fact, that goes for all of you. It's really nice to express what I'm feeling and be encouraged and not told that I'm crazy. Well I mean, I am crazy, but you know.

I hope that you're all having great op weeks.

hi there, chickies. looks like the boards have been busy today. we've been busy today, too. flung some arrows, practiced some w a, shopped some stores, walked a bit at the ranch, and are now chilling in front of the tv. looks like i will go to ww in the am. sure am hoping for a loss.

vickie, we've been eating out daily since we got to texas. curtis and i have both made mostly wise choices but have faltered a bit every now and then. you're right. we can lose and eat out. i am hoping i made enough good choices this week. we'll see at wi tomorrow.

tina, i am proud of you for sticking with the plan. you should be proud of those 4 lbs. that's impressive. i know what you mean about trying to get to know everyone. when i first came here, i printed out everyone's core-profile and even did some studying. you're right. this is like a family here. welcome aboard cuddin.'
first time i joined ww was october 1968. i'll bet you weren't even born then. i couldn't tell you how many times i have rejoined. i did finally get to goal in 2000 and stayed there about 15 minutes.

rhonda, i doubt that anybody at the wedding reception (including curtis and me) won't even know a mistake if one happens. you and doyle will do fine. just think how all of us will be smiling with joy and probably a few tears while watching. we will be in canton shooting a tournament november 18 but will be around the rest of the time just waiting on you two to get here.

kathy, i'm ready for sunday, too. ain't it going to be fun!!!! darn!! i just saw what you told rhonda about the wedding. now that is a bummer for sure. i understand that family comes first, though.

all i have to say about losing weight is--if it were always easy nobody would be overweight.

paula, sounds like your boss isn't going to apologize or even acknowledge any wrongdoing. that's the pits.

rhonda, you're 100% correct. you get an A+. this board is a great motivator to help us all do better. i am so glad we have each other here. okay, now you and doylie boy hurry up and land at dfw.

melissa, howdy, podna!! i've been called crazy more than once myself but i'm perfect now. i'm glad you were able to get here today. i always miss you when you're away

we're still at the ranch but are leaving in the am and won't be back till sat night. i'm doing laundry right now. it's 86* now and we're both in shorts.

i went to wi this am and almost fainted. well, not really. i did have to look at my ww card several times. i lost 3.4 lbs. and that was after eating out every day this past week at least once.

vickie, you are right. it can be done. i made good choices most of the time. right now i can only think of one meal that i went haywire.

Sandra, that's AWESOME! You go!!

Knowing what to do, and then actually DOING it, are two separate and distinct things. Looks like you've got a firm grip on BOTH!!

Hey chickies,

Crazy busy day at work and almost time to go home - thank goodness!

Angela - how's it going? Hope the BLT's don't get you (try a stick of chewing gum while you cook - prevents you from putting other things in your mouth!)

Vickie - I must confess I am sometimes one of those that does use going to a restaurant as an excuse to eat poorly - this is not a good thing. If I am in a good frame of mind I will (out of guilt?) make better choices - as I did the other night at East side mario's. My first feeling was well they probably don't have anything healthy/core I can eat so I'll just pick something else - but then I found the whole wheat pasta/tomato sauce/grilled shrimp - and felt compelled to order that - the lesser of several evils?

I am always impressed Vickie with your commitment when you eat out as I know you order very very carefully and make your wishes known - good for you!

Kudos to you Sandra for making good choices when eating out - maybe a bit easier if you are eating out a lot of meals - you are more motivated to choose carefully than if it's a one time special treat!

Tina - fabulous loss - good for you - I think you will see that Core is definitely a healthy way to eat and you will feel fuller longer - keep up the good work.

Kathy - I remember once getting down to about 138 lbs and freaking out - yes I was on WW - but honestly I had to eat like a bird and exercise like a maniac - certainly not something I could easily maintain. Yes it could be done but at what cost?

My current goal would be closer to 150 - not exactly the right weight for my height - but given my body type and lifestyle at least I know I could probably maintain that without going crazy. Sometimes those last few pounds don't want to come off for a reason!

Rhonda - how's the dancing going? I am getting very excited for your wedding? When is the big day? (I forget) and the cruise!!!!!!

Yesterday I stayed home - bit of a headache/backache and just didn't feel like going to work! Bad froufie. Unfortunately being at home meant eating all day long - and going to bed feeling awful - not sleeping well - and feeling tired all day (with lots of meetings to boot!). Sure wish I had a couch in my office for the occasional nap!

But tomorrow is the BIG DAY - going to the Elton John concert and I am going to be sick with excitement - I know all the songs, I know all the words (okay except for the new cd which just came out and I don't yet have!).....and I will be GRINNING from ear to ear for 2.5 hours. I will be wearing my Elton John sweatshirt to work tomorrow (please god let it still fit!) in anticipation. Have to get there early early - so I can suck up the atmosphere and buy a t-shirt or program? Maybe dh will bring his camera and take some pics!!! (I have great pics from last concert - 3rd row seats - just amazing!).

Yes the tickets were SUPREMELY EXPENSIVE (more than the Wicked prices Vickie!) - but for me worth it - luckily he only comes here every 3-4 years and as I don't go to many concerts I feel I can justify it? (ya right).

Okay time to pack up and head home! (LO froufie roast for dinner)

Frouf

Kathy, I guess I'm guilty of wanting to have at least one more word on the subject. Of course calories matter. That was never my point.

I'm not stupid. I understood what you were saying in your first post. I have chosen to follow Core/Flore and do not want to deal with calorie tracking and the stress associated with it. That is why I opted to follow the WW program.

I'm very well aware of the fact that there is nothing magical about the Core list of foods. I understand that I must not overeat and that calories count. I also understand that it is possible to overeat healthy foods, hence the emphasis on monitoring the satisfaction level. I also know that the points are based on calories, approximately 50 per point. The Flex program as developed by WW did the work for me so that I don't have to worry about it. I choose to believe that WW did sufficient testing on the Core program and believe that it can and does work when I apply all of the principles.

Now I'm done trying to defend the Core program and myself.