Zelma- Happy Birthday (a day late!). I checked out your site, and just wanted to say how inspirational your pictures are. It's a truly unbelievable transformation. Congratulations.

For everybody else who commented on my chocolate stash - I hope I can convey just how much it's NOT willpower at work there. I am trying this new tack precisely because I've ultimately failed at every diet I've tried over the past 27 years. I've had great periods of success over exhilerating months of weight loss only to do a slow fade back into my old ways. I've had plans that were working implode forever in one unexpected moment with a flat out binge that was at once a profound dissapointment and a sweet relief. I've lost hundreds and hundreds of pounds on diets. In the end, I dieted myself up to 400 pounds - a number that still stuns and humbles me even though it's 70 pounds or so in the rear view mirror.

I quit a 10 year pack a day smoking habit cold turkey 16 years ago on my second try. I have been strong in many difficult situations in my life, and accomplished things that require focus and commitment. I have demonstrated poise and restraint in situations that have brought others in a similar place to their knees. In short, like all of us, I have all kinds of dependable discipline and grit outside of my relationship with food. Despite this evidence, for 27 years, I thought every diet failure resulted from some fatal flaw inside me, some gross deficit of character and 'will power'.

The ideas of a woman named Sheryl Canter who runs a website and support group espousing the principles of 'normal' eating invited me to think a little differently about this. She says "People don't eat compulsively because they're insane or masochistic or lack self-control. People eat compulsively because it fills important needs that they don't know how else to fill. It's not reasonable to expect to be able to give up something that's filling key needs for you. That's why diets don't work - you can't just decide to live without having your needs met. The pressure from internal distress eventually causes you to fill the needs in the only way you know how - eating."

I will be 40 this year, and I think it's been 35 or so years since I've used food mostly for fuel. I've used it for many other things, and that has left food and the act of eating shot through with emotion and guilt and loss and failure. In reality food is just food. It's just fuel. Outside of it's nutritional value, it's not bad or good. It's just food.

Almost without exception, we are born with the inate ability to know when we are hungry and to stop when we don't need any more food - like babies and animals. Because I started using food for reasons other than fuel when I was just 5 years old (and perhaps earlier) I completely lost this as any kind of a compass for guiding what went into my body. Normal or intuitive eating is designed to get people back in touch with their inherent 'body wisdom'. It guides you through a process that strips food of all it's meaning and associations and power outside of it's value as fuel for your body.

So my chocolate stash is working for me. When chocolate is just chocolate, and I have a heck of a lot of it, I can serenely assure myself that I can have as much as I want of it without judgement now or in 10 minutes or in two hours or tomorrow, and I will listen hard and learn to hear the happy whispers of the physical mechanisms designed to regulate my food intake again. My body never ever wanted an entire bag of Hershey's kisses, or two huge bags of chips and 4 containers of dip, or an entire box of 24 Turtles, or enough McDonalds food to feed three men. Some other need was making those requests.

A funny thing happened when I took the time to mindfully and slowly savour a single Hershey's Kiss without a drop of guilt or self judgement. I realized that as delicious as it was I neither needed or desperately wanted another one right then. There was no need to wolf down a whole bag because there was lots and I could have another one again later or tommorrow when a touch of sweet would go nicely with a meal or a snack.

I'm just taking baby steps right now, experimenting with different hunger and satiation levels over time and really, really trying to listen to my body. I don't log calories, I log hunger and try to observe how my body feels when I chose one food over another or one amount over another. I don't deprive myself of anything and there are no foods that are off limit. Portion control flows naturally. I don't eat when I'm not phsycially hungry, and I ensure that I have a lot of food choices around so I never feel deprived and I can positively respond to various cravings. I feel zero guilt when I almost always choose a snack of crackers and cream cheese over fruit and veggies for example. It makes sense that I am gravitating to calorie dense foods because a very large body has a much higher demand for energy than a smaller one.

It is a grand experiment, and I'm only about 7 weeks into it. I lost almost 50 pounds on a diet in the late fall and early winter, and blew it and binged 10 pounds back in the early weeks of 2007. I've lost about 30 since mid February as I begin to try to learn how to eat normally. The whole approach needs to be proven over time. Will it continue to show results on the scale? Will it continue to keep compulsive eating out of my life? Will it lead over time to solid nutritional choices almost all the time as my physiological needs evolve as my body evolves? Time will tell, but I've very excited about this for me.

I am a passionate cheerleader with deep admiration for those who diet successfully on he great feelings that come with accomplishment and solid nutrition alone, but in learning to develop compassion for myself I've acknowledged that the history of my relationship with food means I need to take another path. It's a great leap of faith to trust the body that looks like it's betrayed me so deeply, but it's exciting and empowering as well.

I just got back from my first post-op appointment...all good news! I am on the soft food phase for only two weeks then it is automatically onto the solid food phase. NO MUSHY STUFF FOR ME...imagine that; I actually get to skip a phase! I am also scheduled for my first lap band adjustment on May 7. As of today I have passed the 30 pound mark, 32 to be exact. I thought some of my clothes I hadn't worn in awhile were fitting differently! I certainly feel a lot better; that I know for sure.

Happy Birthday Zelma.

Sharon-I think you’ve lost weight, you just haven’t “lost” it yet.

Emily-you are so close to finishing, that I’ll bet you just can’t wait, but can’t believe it at the same time.

Donna-I used to live 2 blocks from the beach in St. Pete. I’ll bet it is really lovely there now. We have about half a foot of snow on the ground, and I need to go shovel. Of course, we don’t have hurricanes here.

Nancy-The feeling of hunger and fatigue are so close together, that was probably the reason for the overeating.

Brenda-Sodium is just a killer isn’t it.

DJCJRun said: “I just have to say too, that I may have only lost 20 pounds so far, but I was so easily convinced to get up and dance in front of the whole restaurant! I feel so good about myself…”
***FANTABULOSO! Isn’t it GREAT???! I vaguely remember that feeling. When I read something like that, it encourages me so much to continue on this mission myself. Thank you for sharing your joy and enthusiasm!

ZELMA, I hope the last of your schooldays before the holiday are going smoothly. You give so much to so many, to us, to your students, your family, and others you encourage and inspire. I’m sure I’m just one of many, many people who wish they could help, but at the least, we’re glad to listen and send you cyber-hugs! You’re a brilliant teacher. Even in my riding lesson plans, I think of things you’ve said or ideas you’ve shared, and that’s the kind of teacher I want to be. I know you’ll be back on top of your game in time, and I’m glad you’re taking steps in that direction, with Neil there as well.

PEGGY – I feel your chocolate pain – I have the central desk in my department, and guess where everyone thinks the chocolate supply should be? I’ve fought back by buying the candy and filling the jar myself – with rootbeer barrels or lemon drops or something else that I can actually pass up. Chocolate is a killer! – Hey, GREAT job on loosing that 40 pounds! Awesome!

Thanks much to Annie, Sharon and other who’ve missed me. It means a lot! I’ve been riding a lot, and even when I’m not on a horse, I’m coaching, cleaning or something around the barn. It’s, like 25 degrees out today tho – the SNOW hasn’t melted yet – UGH! So I may skip it tonight. I’m having a laundry, kiss-the-dogs, hunt for a job on-line kind of day.

There’ve been at least 4 gold finches (or something like that) out at the feeder all day. Spring must be coming!

I’ll keep trying to get back here. I find that the more promises I make, the more I fail at. So I”ll just say that I’ll TRY HARDER! Weight has been holding steady, but it really is time to start making progress again!!!

Hugs, everybody!

Hi Everyone! I've been so busy at work this week, that I just haven't had a chance to post. Today was weigh in day and this week, I lost 3.4 pounds for a total 4 week weight loss of 18.3 pounds. I am excited that I am continuing to make progress, but I am a little concerned because my amount of weight lost per week is continually going down - 6 to 5 to 4 to 3. The doctors say that women on this liquid diet lose an average of 2-3 pounds per week. I hope I don't go any lower than that.

So far, I've stayed on the program pretty consistently, although I snagged a few potato chips today. I'm really going to be challenged this next week because I have to go out of town on business. It will be very difficult to stay on the liquids, particularly since everyone will be eating out and will want me to go. I talked with my support group today and they gave me some tips. I know I can do it if I just set my mind to it, but I am going to be bombarded with food, and I just don't want to have to face that. It will be hard.

Anyway, I'm preparing and thinking of ways that I can stay on the liquids during the trip.

Sharon - 500 calories per day????? OMG!!!! That seems really low. I am on 800. I wonder if your body is fighting back because you are on such a low calorie intake. I'm sorry you have been feeling bad, and I'm even sorrier that you are not losing weight this week. I know that must be so frustrating. It is hard enough to be on liquids, but to do that and not lose weight is hard to take. I'm sure it is a temporary thing. I don't know how much you have lost so far, but maybe you are at a mini plateau. From what I understand, that is common. DON'T GIVE UP!!!!! You'll do fine. Just stick with it.

Well - Hope everyone is doing well. I've gotten totally behind on reading the posts this week, so forgive me for not sending personal notes. I may be out of touch a lot of next week too, but I'll try to pop in when time permits.

Take care, everyone!

Lisa

Hi everyone! I finally lost another pound. My body seems to do things in spurts and jerks instead of consistently, so I am going to say goodbye to that pound forever. As Catherine would say, another pound I will never have to see again!

Really this thread is on fire, but I guess they all are. Everything here is great.

I am swamped, in a good way, helping my daughter’s 7th grade class get ready for their Wizard of Oz play. It has been really fun. We got permission to rummage through a local high school costume room, me and the teacher had way too good of a time with that!

I just wanted to download some mushy feelings I have been having lately about weight loss and my kids. This time around I feel I have a whole new attitude toward weight loss. Really, truly, healthy. I have changed not only my eating habits and all of the food in our home, but my kids habits too. The change around here is incredible. My girls are all slimming down sooooo fast!

They are kids, so it is a much more natural transition for them, and with those kid metabolisms, whew, they are rockin’ it. Their food choices have improved and they seem almost relieved not to have to eat high fat foods all of the time. We have always eaten from all of the food groups. In fact our downfall was that I was raised in a family with two chefs, both of whom believed everything was better with cream and butter. Needless to say they are both VERY overweight. Anyway, my point is that I have simplified the food we do eat. Our fridge looks very different and so do my kids. I am soooo happy.

Well, thanks for listening to my rant. I just feel so positive today and a lot of the credit goes to ya’ll. Thanks for being here everyday.

Now for some personals!

LAnne- Wow that is a lot of money, but well worth it if you feel great about it! Congratulations are in order! More weight loss, good for you!

MissLeeLee- Six carrots dancing a jig for your six pound lighter self! Congrats.

Catherine- Hear, hear! Those corn dogs at the state fair do rock pretty hard. You are so right about making the cheats worth it though. I have been trying to do that as of late. It works pretty good. But honestly, I have kept it down to a minimum, I really don’t think my willpower is up for a true test yet.

As far as the competition thing, wow I thought I was the only one who noticed that. I am inherently NOT that way. Growing up, my brother, my only sibling, was so competitive it really put me off from that stuff. Now, as an adult woman I realize that it is second nature to a lot of people. Really sort of frustrating for me. I am a natural supporter of others so it really surprised me when I finally came to the conclusion that most folks were out for themselves. Anyway, enough with my silly rant! At least we have this group, all support no BS!

Andrea- Your post had me laughing, there are definitely parts of my family I would ignore if I could! I can understand your lack of desire to make a drive from Oregon down to Austin. Most of that drive just isn’t very pretty. I have heard wonderful things about Austin though. I heard the greenway on the river is incredible.

Your vacation plans sound amazing. I thought Iwas the only one who had kids that could handle a car ride like that. Good for you. Your tub story had me laughing out loud! I like the idea of touring the family through the bathroom after, and the comparison bathroom, you are a super genius!

Zelma- Wow, HAPPY BIRTHDAY! You deserve the best day, with or without your goals. Even better with them though.

Kymberly- Congrats. 3rd place out of 50! That is great.

Sharon- I hope your belly starts feeling better and your scale starts treating you better. You are doing great, just stick with it and it WILL pay off.

Emilymay- Congrats on your professional goals being met. You are doing incredible. Your exercise routine is outstanding too. You should be very proud of yourself. You go girl!

Donna- Wow Florida, it sounds so nice to have a little tan! I am glad you had a good time. A little time off can make everyday life seem a lot easier. Welcome back.

Nancy- I am sending you some strength and love for everything you are dealing with. Just do your best and give yourself a break. Make the best choices you can and love who you are. Except for that bum knee, I hope it feels better soon. I can relate, if I wear some odd, but always attractive, pair of shoes, my feet completely rebel for a whole day! Hang in there, this too shall pass.

Branda- Sorry to hear you are feeling bad. Sleep, sleep and more sleep if you can manage it. Get well soon.

MetaChick- It sounds like you have the zeal and zest to give intuitive eating a great healthy try. Good luck to you and keep us all informed of how you are doing with that.

Valerie- Thanks! It is moments like that, when you don’t care what you look like because you feel soo darned good that keep me going too. I need every one of those moments that I can get!

Lisa- Great to hear from you! Congrats on your 3.4, it sounds like the liquids are working their magic. You just hang tough this weekend. You can do it!

Well, I am off to the school for some more Oz fittings. I hope each and every one of you has a wonderful day, no matter what the scale says!

Carolyn

DJCJ-We only had one chef in the family, but I often describe it as the all bacon grease Okie diet. I’ve actually had a lot of fun learning to make the same things in a much “cleaner” manner. I thought I had gone too far with the baked hush puppies, but they ended up tasting better than the fried ones. I watched a lot of Kathleen Dalhman’s show, and something she said really stuck with me. It was to put your fat right on top where you can really taste it, and make it a quality fat. A few slivers of a really good parmesan cheese tastes better than half a can of the pre-grinded mystery cheese, or one really good truffle tastes better and is more filling than a pound of M&M’s. I have eaten stuff before where I couldn’t hardly taste what I was eating. I just kept eating. If I eat something that has intense flavors, I “taste” it, and it is so much more filling.

Lisa-just do your best while you are gone. These are the kinds of things that make sticking to a certain kind of diet so hard. We want to be able to eat like normal people.

Valerie-I have some snow up here just in case you run out too soon.

Hi guys
Feeling better today although we managed to get a computer virus. Myaybe I was having sympathy pains I have been cleaning like crazy today. My inlaws are coming on Sunday for the day and staying for dinner. I'm cooking although I have no idea what but I do know that it will be diet friendly. His dad is diabetic so they are used to healthy cooking. Other than that, no much is new. Going to finish cleaning and completing the last scan on my pc. Everytime I think it is gone, it comes back... If I disappear for a few days, you'll know why!

Brenda

Have been to the beach today for a glorious day out with kids and hubby, took a picnic and instead of focusing on food as I would have, focused on how much walking we could get done, did 2 hours of beach walking which was hard work! We are all sunkissed and shattered now! Tomorrow off to see my grandparents, so I have just baked a cake, victoria sandwich a piece of which I shall enjoy, guilt free, tomorrow! The sun is shining and to be so out in nature and see the sea and sky etc was just wonderful Hope you all have a lovely Easter weekend xx

First full day on actual F-O-O-D! OK, it is the softer stuff, but it beats Jell-O and strained creamed soup any day This morning, it was scrambled Egg Beaters and a small bowl of oatmeal for breakfast, two ounces of tuna and egg salad and a banana for lunch, and some fat free Fig Newtons for a light snack. I'll probably have more of the tuna for dinner or maybe do a cottage cheese salad. Phew...thank goodness this is only for two weeks. LOL.

CATHERINE – Gee thanks for the ‘more snow’ offer, um, but, no thanks! I can’t believe this stuff is still coming outa the sky!!!

LANNE – I’m a little behind since I’ve been gone, but I take it that you’ve been doing a 2 week liquid diet, by choice not because of illness? I’m sure it’s a great jump start to boosting your weight loss. Are you following a specific plan/menu and could you tell me where you got it? I’d be interested in looking at something like that. I’m one who doesn’t do too well with little changes. Something drastic, all-or-nothing, to get me started, then modifying from there, works better for me. Also, I LOVE my juicer and would like to put it back to work again. ***EDIT: Oh, I just checked out your link - I get it now!!!

Doing good today – Work was absolute heck, but other than that, I haven’t blown my eating for the day (but it’s only 3pm); the girl I work with is talking like she may take a job where she used to work, which would leave a full-time position open for me <BG>; I just got my internet bill reduced from $40/mo to $15 a month; and DH just said something about splitting the tax refund – which is great, cuz the silly accountant filed us joint this year, so I wasn’t expecting to see any of it. Now, if TOM would just get this ax out of my lower back (and the temperature would go up 35-40 degrees) everything would be splendid! (Some people are never happy )

not a good day today food wise... i will be back on track sat! hope everyone has a great weekend and Happy Easter

ive been busy reading thru all these threads they are great =] i had a plateau in feb/march...and this week i happily had my 3rd out of 4 losses in a row...and a nice healthy 4.8 pounds i lost which was really pleasing. i basically follow the weight watchers points plan, have bought new cooking books lately some low fat ones and been busy doing lots of healthy cooking. My aim this week is to exercise everyday. When i get home from work today (yes working easter saturday - it should be outlawed) i am going to do the 1 mile walk on the walk away the pounds dvd. I hope everyone is having a lovely weekend

congratulations everyone on the lossess!