Hi Peepers!
All went well yesterday OP wise. If felt good to be back in control. I think I gained 6 lbs thru my binging, so I have to work on that to get it down to where my ticker says.
I was thinking Christmas was going to be so hard because my son won't be around. My hubby insist on having at least gift cards for them here if they happen to show up, I just don't think they will. But anyhow, I have to realize the reason for Christmas is to give and that I still have family here with me. I'm very joyful for that. I can't let him not being here spoil the holidays. We just have to approach them in a different way. So I know it will be hard, but I think I'll be ok.

Zelma, that poor little boy. My heart goes out to him. I hope that his parents understand what he's going thru. It's a shame that his father is moving away, which makes it even harder for the little guy. Boys need their dads so much. I hope he has a better time of it when he meets his new teacher and gets to know them better. Bless you for taking such good care of the little guy.
Yes, Little Debbies are little cakes. Yum!! and not that many calories but full of fat so they aren't any good for anybody. Just tasty at the time.
I've thought about Dad telling my son to have his wife quit sending the cards, but then like you said, it is an update on how they are. He still works in town, but from what her cards say, they moved south of us, but I have no idea where, so if he quits his job, that will be the end of seeing him. With gas prices going up so much, he is probably trying to find a job that is closer to where they live now. It's a shame it had to come to this. Hopefully he will see her for who she really is and come to his senses.

Sharon, you DO look maaaaaaaaaaaaaavelous in that outfit. 84 lbs...wow..that is alot of weight to lose! What a wonderful feeling knowing you did that and can continue losing. Just inspiring!!!

Story, glad to hear you got out and did a little walking. Hopefully it will loosen up those muscles and you'll have a better time of getting around. Take care.

TooFat, hi, glad to see you back!

Annie, I didn't want you to think I didn't read your post. I have seen those sun lamp thingies on one of the tv shows. Men In Trees, the cop lady has one. I never thought it could be the weather depressing me as I've always liked the cold, the wind and the snow. The heat really gets to me and I feel good for nothing. I think it is all the stress of trying to lose weight, the dil and son issues, and money. I'll get it sorted out and be fine. I bounce back quickly! Thanks for your idea and concern though.
So are you all ready for the big day?? I bet you will look wonderful in your new clothes....pictures...we need pictures!!!

Have a great day!
Debbie

On one of the other threads, someone was asking how many calories they should be eating to maintain their weight, so they could know how many calories they should eat to lose weight.

So I did a little bit of research because I thought it would be interesting to find out how many calories I should be having to lose.

According to the calculator I used, it said for my height, weight and age, I should be consuming 2467 to maintain, and 2440 for fat loss. That doesn't seem like that much of a difference in calories to be successful at losing weight.

I've upped my calories from 1400 to 1600 now.
What do most of you consume?
Just curious...
Debbie

Sharon-I wanted to tell you something while I can actually remember it. The conference we were at this last time had a neuroscientist from England who’s an autism expert. He kind of switched careers when his grandson was diagnosed with it. He was very excited about a new website for autism that is reliable and for both scientists and family. I wanted to make sure you had heard about it as it has just been up 9 months. It’s called the IAN project for the Interactive Autism Network.

Annie-Get rid of them. You won’t need them again. Don’t forget to check in with us after you become a busy working girl.

Brandnew-Colds really screw up my meds and everything too. Hope you feel better soon.

Battle-Everytime you pick yourself up, and start again, you’re a winner.

Jeanne-I’ve had plateaus of 6 months and 18 months, so just hang in there, and let it pass. Waking up with energy is a great feeling.

Rat-I just read an article that wearing those kind of bicycling clothes are good to exercise in when you’re overweight. Think of it as a sports bra for your whole body.

Debbie-Llamas, are you kidding me!? You’d think they’d notice something that big when it went missing.

Carol-My amazing life is knee deep in dirty clothes and ironing right now. I’ve got to get it unpacked, washed, ironed, and all packed back to go back on Tuesday.

Zelma-If you can be around the walking toxic dumps that little kids are without catching something, that is really something.

Well, I’m off to type another lesson up to send off. I spent an hour one way on the bus to try to find the material I want for a new coat I’m going to make, hopefully this weekend. The only color they had on the discounted coated supplex was obnoxious orange. At least I won’t have to worry about not being seen in the cross walk.

Ratkitten: I hope your cold goes away quick. Maybe eat some extra vitamin c and some Kiwi! Congrats on the weight loss and the clothes fitting! What a terrific feeling.

Debbie: I'm so glad that you are feeling better. Hugs. I would gladly post pics but, I don't really get how to do it. Ammi has told me before and I managed to do it but then I somehow did it wrong the next time. I will try again.

Carol: I will be rooting for you to reach your December 14th goal! My parents will not be coming up for Thanksgiving. It will just be my Sister in laws and my Hubby Joel. We always have fun together and we have tickets for a Christmas light show and cruise on Lake Coeur d Alene that ends in fireworks. It should be fun. Maybe it will snow and we can get some sleds too.

Zelma: You are so sweet. I hope that little boy does much better soon. Thanks for the info on the Kiwi's.

Sharon: Hi ya.

Patti: hugs to you.

Storey: I hope the Dr. appointment goes well. Congrats on your weight loss.

Catherine: The clothes are GONE! I dropped them off today. I'm glad you are home and getting ready for your next adventure.

Well, I managed to spend another $170 today at Costco. UGH! I was out of protein powder and I ended up buying 2 new beds for my furbabies along with some other stuff. I need to stop the spending now. lol.

I got up early this morning and cleaned both our bathrooms and dusted all the rooms and put flannel sheets on all the beds. So. I am going to go vacuum all the bedrooms and then tomorrow morning all I'll have to do is vacuum the livingroom and dining room. My house is usually pretty clean. We'll see how that goes once I start working.

I had an appointment today with the sleep apnea clinic and got a new and different type of mask for my machine and some new filters and tubing etc. I am going to plug that puppy in. They also turned it down 4 more degrees. Hopefully that will be enough for me to be able to sleep okay for a while more.

Well, I hope you are all doing okay.
Blessings,
Annie

Hi everyone,

I owe a lot of personals, but most of them are not going to happen for now. I'll catch up as soon as I can.

I've had a couple of good days, so am back on track. I'm in one of my several week holding patterns, I can see. The weight is up between 1-4 lbs. and has been for a couple of weeks already. Even though I've had some very bad days, I've done reasonably well overall and so this stupid holding pattern drives me batty. If all goes according to pattern, in another week or two I'll be stuck in the bathroom tinkling for a couple of days and then the scale will finally give me a result. Argh. At least I'm not freaked out by this the way I was earlier on in the process.

Gggirls: would love some names of ice wine.

Debbie: I eat between 1600-2000 calories a day, but most days it is right around 2000. If I am hungry I eat more. than 2000. I never, ever go hungry. And this is the most successful I've been in years at weight loss. In years past, I'd severely restrict calories, lose weight quickly for a while, then fall off the wagon and gain it all plus some. Eating too few calories for my body size and makeup was as dangerous for bingeing as eating trigger foods. They both cause the same reaction, eventually. The low calories and diving off the wagon did a number on my metabolism, and I'll be paying for the rest of my life.

This time around I've done a lot of research and reading on the board, and came to the conclusion that the best approach was to eat as many calories as possible while still losing weight. I want to keep my metabolism running as high as possible, and this plus exercise is the way to do it. I cannot believe how much I can eat and not have to suffer from hunger or deprivation.

It is amazing to me that I can lose almost the same amount of weight by eating 800 to 1000 more calories a day than previous times. I can have treats if I want them and fit them into my daily calorie total. There is enough play in the total for me to get full nutritition plus have some play. Most days it works beautifully.

This to me is the way I will always be living. I truly get that this is not a diet for me, this is a lifestyle. I'll be eating this way always (and will most likely always struggle with bad days and the compulsion to overeat).

When I read of members eating a low number of calories, I feel concern for them based on my own experience. I know there are many ways to accomplish our goals, but my own personal experience has taught me that for myself, low calories spell trouble in the long run.

Deb,

I eat about 1700-1850 calories a day. There are days when I consume a little more and days I have a little less. Like Battle, I don't deny myself a treat if I want one. There are no bad foods, just bad choices and amounts. Writing things down keeps me accountable. I find it absolutely amazing that I conveniently forget that I ate something earlier. Right now, it's hard for me to distinguish real hunger and emotional hunger. I'm looking into intuitive eating and trying to find the balance between that and reasonable amounts (cuz I intuitively wanna scarf it all down hehe).

Hugs,
Ratkity

Hi All

Debbie - I gotta ask - don't llamas spit? I remember going to the zoo and them spitting all over us. Glad to hear things are better for you. The caloric intake issue always makes me think and reconsider if I should eat more calories.

Zelma - I do love summer. My hubby had actually planned a 3 week vacation to Australia for us this year in December/January to celebrate my 50th birthday. I wimped out and said I wasn't sure I could be away from home on Christmas. We haven't been to Mexico before but will be doing a cruise to 3 different ports. We have a cabin with a large balcony - I plan to relax and read while soaking up some sunshine. I'll let you know how we like Mexico.

Sharon - yeah for having internet service for two consecutive days. You know until I read your 6 stones = 84 lbs I had never fully equated stones to lbs - thats a bunch of stones.

Story - yeah on the 5 minute walk to the dentis. Baby steps are big steps sometimes.

Catherine - where are you off to next week? You are one busy lady.

Annie - the Christmas cruise sounds like fun - I love fireworks in the cold. We have a Christmas on the River celebration - the colder it is outside the better the fireworks are. Makes me not mind being cold for once.

Battle - your comments about losing as much on 2000 calories as on 1000 hits home - I'm always afraid the more calories will lead me to a binge - I don't count calories every day but monitor a few times a week and am always under 1500 - normally under 1200 - I try to eat healthy and feel my body. I don't really feel like I'm depriving myself of anything but more calories could be a jump start to my metabolism. Maybe I can take more protein since that seems to be a craving of mine right now.

I had been experiencing the stupid scale syndrome - not moving and I was working my tail off. It has decided to slide down a bit for now - I was in that last decade of numbers for much to long. I am really going to push through this set - I have too much weight to lose to not be losing a little faster now at this point. I know the most important thing is changing my eating habits. I truly feel I'm on that path - when we go to a restaurant I am trying to choose wisely - but if I don't it's not the end of the world. Just get right back on as soon as that meal is over.

Hope all are good, enjoying the day.

Hugs,
Carol

Annie, glad to hear you got your sleep machine fixed. I hope it works out for you. I bet your furbabies are really going to love you this winter with the new beds. Sounds like your house is all ready for your guests to arrive.

Battle, thank you so much for your input on the calorie intake. I hope by upping mine, that I will start to lose again. Maybe I was not eating enough for my body to work right. I always felt like I was cheating when I went above the 1400. I know I have to eat more veggies which is hard for me. I have been eating smaller meals thru out the day though. So hopefully that will help too.

Ratkity, So it looks like I'm on the right track to finding out how many calories I should be eating. I write down everything I eat and how much water I drink...everyday. I still don't get what intuitive eating is. So if you could explain, it would be appreciated. Thanks for your input too.

Carol, yes they do spit but for some reason I guess, they just didn't. The first time they were here, there were three of us and I think they felt surrounded and started heading for the woods. So the next time, I went out by myself and they just sorta ate and looked at me. The one in the pic though, I think was getting pissy, because his ears were back and he just stared. There were 5 of them this morning. I didn't even know the neighbors had that many. We've had horses run back here, coyotes roaming around and an abundance of bunnies. Ya just never know whats going to show up next.

I had to check my bp today because I was feeling woosie. It was down to 110/68. Way low for me! I guess I will cut my half a pill in half and see how that goes.
Well, off for another small meal. Lo fat cottage cheese and some peaches...yum!!!
Debbie

Hi Everyone~


Sharon~ No, you didn't miss anything. I'm still at the drama factory. It's so pathetic. But, today, I just don't care. Hopefully I can keep that attitude and not let office politics get the best of me.


Sorry no other personals. I'm just kinda emotionally pooped out.
I am keeping up on most of the posts.


Hope all have a good evening and remember, tomorrow is FINALLY

Hello ladies!

No time for personals tonight, as I'm over at Jed's, but I will try and catch up with you all later. I just wanted to wish everyone a happy Friday and a lovely, OP, active, and fun weekend!!

congratulations Annie on getting the job what will you be doing i think i missed that while i was gone

Debbie -- When I was losing, I ate 1800-2000 calories/day (more calories at first). I successfully lost over 100 pounds, though my weight loss slowed at the end, I did up my exercise. Now I maintain on about 2200 calories/day.

Hey all! I was AWOL for a few days so am hopelessly behind. I'm just going to hit the high points:

Annie - Congratulations from the bottom of my heart on your new job. Your dream job! So many wonderful changes for you this year. Please keep us posted about how it all develops.

Battle - Your new avatar is absolutely beautiful. I love your look. You should feel pretty everyday.

Debbie - Sorry you hit a bit of a low point earlier in the week, but glad to see that you turned yourself around. There is not one of us long term folks on here you hasn't done the binge thing several times over during this process. I have learned to think of these episodes as part of weight loss and just more information about myself and my vulnerable times that will be useful over the long haul.

Catherine - Glad your trip went well. Thanks for sharing the pics and the snails. Ice wine is yummy.

Rat - I hope you find some value in your study of intuitive eating principles. I love it! I know others like Nancy and Battle have mentioned that they have found ways to blend ideas from that discipline and traditional dieting to their benefit. To me it's a lot about stopping the fight with food and discovering your ability to trust yourself and your body most days. Much good has flowed from those things for me. Good luck with it!

Thinking of everybody, and looking forward to catching up more slooowly sometime this weekend. I officially have less than 100 pounds to lose! Feels like a milestone of sorts.

Hi girls! Well WI was yesterday - no loss, no gain! But, I'm ok with that! It's been 5 weeks in a row! I have not been that desciplined though!

gggirls -Do I ever tire the smell of chocolate?I could only wish!

ZedAus - Leslie Sansone!!!!! Oh my goodness! I love her too! I have anything and everything that she has put out there! She is from a little town, New Wilmington, PA - which is only 15 minutes from my hometown. Actually, my cousin works for her! Thats how I got started with her. My cousin invited my friends and I to her studio a couple of years ago! I usually work out with her. I just happened to stumble across my old Richard Simmons VHS tapes!

Debbie - love your avatar!

Well I better scoot! I'm at work, I just couldn't wait till tonight to see what everyone was up too!
Tomorrow is our Holiday Open House! It has been a rough two weeks getting ready for it! I have 2 stores and one mall kiosk! I may add they are beautifully seasoned and ready for tomorrow. From Christmas lights to Poinsetta's to snowmen to yes............holiday CHOCOLATE!!!!! And much more!

Have a wonderful weekend everyone!