Goneforgood- Check out the thread titled Does the carb blocker work? See the post from the 3FC moderator. Some people do seem to think it helps but she quotes some medical sources that suggest otherwise. You have don't great without it!

Boredom eating can be a killer for me too. Try sparkling water with a clear HNS, really cold. The bubbles make me feel full long enough to get over the urge. The worst thing is when I just take a little nibble of so
something, especially if it is salty. Then I can't stop. Hang in.

[QUOTE=Rocki;4097386]Elizabeth,
Happy Anniversary (my hubby and I just celebrated 15 years in September). You're close to my height and starting weight. How long have you been on plan? You're doing awesome! Are you @ 114lbs now, or 120? Either way, that is amazing! Do you have any pictures we can see? 115 is my "ultimate" goal (I'd love to stay around 120, but really want to see what 115 looks like on me)..Do you have any advice for sticking to plan or special meals that help you stay on program? Congrats on your success so far!



Rocki:
Thanks! I had my initial consultation on April 30 and started pre-conditioning on May 1, So I guess I've been on program for 6 months. I actually weigh 113 in the morning now, but I use the center's weight as my "official" weight and it's usually a pound or so higher b/c it's after work and fully clothed (maybe I should rethink this)! So according to my last weigh in on Thurs, I weighed 114.5. No, I don't have any pictures, but have been thinking I need to get one taken! I don't know if the center would give me copies of my before/after-I haven't asked-but you can definitely see a difference! Unfortunately, my husband is actually the cook in the house, so I can't help with meals, etc! When I first started, we seemed to just rotate grilled chicken/grilled fish (the frozen Mahi Mahi you can get at WalMart is my favorite-my daughter prefers the Tilapia) and ate red meat (usually a steak) once a week! One thing we do that is pretty good (reminds me of a porkchop) is buy those turkey breast fillets and we marinate them in liquid smoke and a little olive oil and spices--then we grill or sometimes broil them-YUM! He was good to stick to what I could eat (it doesn't hurt him or my daughter to eat more healthy!). I've always been one who can eat the same thing week after week and not get bored, so I guess that helped me somewhat. I still eat the exact same thing for lunch every day: Baby spinach, cucumbers, blueberries (frozen ones that thaw during the day), a little bit of feta ( I know, not OP, but I just use a TBS or so for the flavor and it hasn't caused me any trouble!) and some fat free or light Raspberry Vinaigrette dressing. For my protein, I add that canned white meat chicken or white tuna and occasionally deli turkey. Delicious!

Oh, and my favorite "treats" in the beginning were: blend the vanilla pudding HNS mix with diet root beer and ice-like a root beer float. And, blend the hot chocolate HNS with diet cream soda and ice-to me, tastes like a Wendy's frosty!!

Starting out again, so glad to have found this board! I have previously lost 120+ #'s, currently only need to get back down around 25-30 max. I know I can do this, my health counts on it! You all are so inspiring, I am gonna need all of the motivation I can get. Last time, a few yrs back, seemed so easy, now I am 42 yr old, and everything has changed for me physically since then, and seems no matter what I do, I am not getting very far. So, I am determined this is it! I have got to do it this time for good!

I made it through the scrapbooking weekend without giving into any temptation. It is usually a time of sweets and eating out (fatty, carby food)...but I packed enough stuff on the preconditioning menu for 2 meals, then planned 2 meals of having salads at a restaurant. I never eat out much so it won't be much of an issue most of the time, but I did find it hard to find a GOOD salad that also had the right stuff on it (and the not right stuff not on it). So glad I packed my stuff. Pizza is my weakness and at the last meal they ordered pizza and garlic bread...I still had a meal of my own left so I ate that, and really didn't feel tempted by the pizza at all. I knew success was worth it more. I have never been able to have that in my head fully before...that eating right really does pay off in the end (i.e. I've never seen results before).

Got my HNS's in the mail (I'm doing the MRC @ home program since I live too far from a center). I'm supposed to start the yellow plan on Monday. Yikes, that doesn't look like a fun four days....but it's only 4 days of my life.

**************
camaswa-social drinking doesn't often tempt me anymore...except around my family. That is when I always have done my worst with drinking and going overboard with food (they do go hand in hand for me). I won't see them again until Christmas (which is usually a big food time), but my parents are doing MRC so hopefully we'll have some good choices. The other issue will be a work party (like you described)...I'm going to have to go in with a great plan and motivation...luckily that's about a month away.

Hi ladies!

I tried the "mock mashed potato recipe." Very good! It is made out of cauliflower...this might work for the upcoming holidays!

Knowing ahead of time about our challenges (especially over the holidays) is huge. We can have a plan in place, and all we have to do it stick to it, right? LOL We can do our best....certainly having that plan will help.

I usually make my goal during challenging times to be to "maintain" my weight. I have taken a couple of trips during my MRC journey, and now the holidays coming...to be realistic and to avoid putting too much pressure on myself, I try not to focus on losing weight during those times. This mindset may or may not help some of you

Right now, I have stayed real good and strong with the kids' Halloween candy. Not even a real temptation this year...but the pumpkin seeds...well, not as strong with those. I asked my coach if they are OP and she said no...so I asked "how about Snickers??" LOL I guess the seeds are the better of the two if I am going to cheat...haha

Well, stay strong ladies! Right now I see it as we have a couple of really good weeks ahead of us before Thanksgiving to lose, lose, lose!! Then we can pick up where we left of for another few weeks in December! For those of you that plan to lose during the actual holidays, hats off to you

I'm new, but I have been diligently reading through the threads. I just wanted Jen to know that I'm sorry for your loss. I also would like to congratulate you on the spokesperson nomination. A well deserved recognition for all your hard work and thoughtful inspiration to others.

Thanks for the information! My highest was 172 and I got down to 124. I wanted to "see" 115, but never got there. Now I'm back up to the high 150s..(haven't weighed in a few days) .. I would definitely go with the 113, and we need to see pictures! I'm sure you look amazing. Esp some before/after. That would be so motivational!
[QUOTE=Goneforgood1128;4097603]

Hey everyone!

My first week working 2 jobs went well. I was exhausted on Friday and it showed it at WI - I was up 0.5. I was able to sleep in Saturday but then worked 12pm-8:30pm - but hoping I burned a lot of calories because I was on my feet that entire time, except for a 30 minute lunch and I was moving around putting fabric away and just moving in general.

I went to Fashion Bug yesterday and actually bought pants from the "Skinny" side of the store!! XL's! There were a couple outfits on my "normal" side I liked so I bought the matching pants in 0x and the tops in 2x. I also had to buy a new bra.. so went to Lane Bryant for their 40% off sale. Shopping is getting easier but still frustrating because I still have to buy larger tops. Can't wait to shop on the "skinny" side for everything!

I was worried about the holidays coming up - but now I'm worried about something else. I'm taking my mom back to Pensacola for foot surgery. We'll be gone from 11/13-11/24 then I will work at Hobby Lobby on Black Friday & Saturday, which I've done before. Then 2 weeks after that, heading to Orlando for a sales meeting. I've traveled while being on program.. but not 3 weeks kinda back to back. I will WI tomorrow and Friday but then won't WI again until the 25th. I'm thinking it may be time for me to break down and buy a scale so I can monitor myself in Pensacola.

Anyway...
Jen: So sorry for your loss and I hope your little one is feeling better.

nwcgina: You should be so proud of yourself! Fighting off the temptation is a hard thing to do and it sounds like you did it beautifully!

Fluffy in Florida: Congrats on the weight & inch loss! Amazing!

I know I have missed a few people and I'm sorry but work calls! Welcome to all the newbies!

Just started and it looks like I can do this. Just found this website and so excited to be part of your thread. Also go my fitness pal and its awesome too. Some really great tools to attack my weight with. Good luck to you all!

Happy Tuesday everyone.. I started back on plan today. I had some blood tests done and couldn't eat until after 10am, but I had my oatmeal, cheese stick and apple, along with my chocolate truffle protein drink. Now if I could just get my water in and figure out what the heck I'm going to have for lunch and dinner..ugh. I weighed in @ 159 this morning, sad to say. I had recently gone down to 146 and just can't believe I let myself gain that 13 lbs back. But, not again. I'm here to stay!

I hope you're all doing well!

I had maintenance weigh in today and am down 1/2 pound, so 5 pounds under goal.

My experiment this week was to eat out Sat. night with my daughter and friends and eat and drink what I would like. I even had dessert.. I did take a food and carb blocker, and when I got on scale next morning, I was sick. I got back on green menu Sunday and Monday and strickly OP and I lost 1/2 pound today. I had gained 2 1/2 pounds after eating out Sat..
It can be done, if you work it and indulge in moderation. I wanted to try it as I have some parties coming up the next two months . My meal Saturday was fine, but I had three glasses of wine throughout the night and some dessert, which I usually do not do. Needless to say, I was sick most of he night heaving, as I do not eat like this. But I did enjoy it when doing it and that is fine. That is what maintenance is all about..

Jen, my thoughts are with you.

Congrats to all the losers, and welcome to the newcomers.
Patzi

Question...can you mix up the HNS with water ahead of time or does it get gross? With work picking up I want to have as much possible prepped ahead of time. I know that mixing in the HNS to water isn't a big deal, but when I have limited time, I'd like to prepare ahead if possible.

Patzi-I like hearing the maintenance stories. It's refreshing to hear that OCCASSIONALLY I'll be able to enjoy some social times with food once I reach my goals...its all about learning how to adjust to stay at maintenance...right now I'm just in total focus mode so going off plan isn't even a consideration right now.

Well - since signing the 100lb board on Tuesday, I went up .5 on Friday and now up another .5 today My counselor did a body comp to see if there was something wacky going on but everything was the same, my water weight, muscle mass but my body fat % was down 1%. So since 10/25, I have lost 3.5lbs and it has been pure fat, which is a great thing but getting a little frustrated. She reminded me to keep my chin up and think about the big picture and she seems to think that the change in my schedule is throwing my body off. I was so consistant with my meal times, bed times and all that kind of stuff and now, I'm eating dinner later 3 nights a week because of my 2nd job and my bed times are thrown off.

I also asked her about buying a scale to take to Pensacola with me and she said No. She doesn't want me to buy a scale until I go into stabilization. She thinks that if I had a scale, I would become obsessed with it and stress about it if I don't show a loss and then that stress won't help me at all... which, she is right.

So I'm going to move on and try some plateau busters.. she doesn't want me to do MetaQuick but she wants me to eat more fish, raw veggies and berries. And also take 3 Trace minerals instead of 2. I will let y'all know how my WI goes on Friday.

I do this all the time - it doesn't get gross. I usually use the concentrates and buy the little 8oz waters and just drink a sip from it then pour in the concentrate then put it in the fridge but if I don't have a fridge, I just keep it in my purse and pull out the bottle, when I need it. For the powders, I like to mix those with more water, so I will get the 16-20oz bottle of water and drink about 5oz or so from it and then add the powder. It's better if the water is at room temp with the powders because it mixes better or I also use a shaker bottle. At work, I have 2 shaker bottles and mix the powders in and stick them in the fridge for lunch and a mid morning HNS. And I do this on Fridays and leave them in our work fridge over the weekend.. they taste just fine on Monday.