Krampus--- I couldn't resist those treats either! (sounds like an amazing night with friends, by the way). I don't think denying yourself completely is a successful long term plan, anyway. Just have to try your best not to eat too much portion wise, and then make up for it the next day with more physical activity and hydration. Keep going!

DoraUK--- Sending good vibes your way...take care of yourself!

Checking in with you all. I finally had some movement on my scale down to 128 even though I didn't start calorie zig-zagging until yesterday so I'm pretty sure that I finally worked through my plateau- maybe. Just to be sure, I'm going to zig-zag for the next few weeks, and up my cardio as previously discussed.

Then today, for added motivation, I cleaned out my closet and bureau of everything in sizes M and L, and sizes 8 and up. I have been doing this a bit here and there, but had left loads of "safety" clothes. I now have nothing that is more that is too big for me, though I kept some sweaters that are roomy but look ok. This made me realize how much money I've sunk into my wardrobe over the last decade - I have some really sharp, nice suits and work clothes. I don't have the heart to give them all away; so I think I will be looking into some area consignment stores.

I'll try to check in again later. Have to make dinner now.

Hallelujah, someone somewhere loves me. Weighed in at 58.0 kg this morning which is actually a bit less than Friday's morning weight! I also "went" twice and feel nice and light.

neurodoc - I'm SO HAPPY to hear you're busting through that plateau! Tossing out the safety clothes is a good idea. I'd like to do that, but all I have right now are safety clothes.

warning, rambling ahead ha ha

So my old ring size was a 4.5. My wedding rings are way too big now, like falling off my hand on their own big. My shoes are too big too. I was wearing a 7.5. It's crazy all the things that change.... I really am tiny under all this. I used to get made "fun of" because my wrists are so tiny, and I have a feeling that will be coming back I guess that's the negative thing for me, is when I make it to my goal weight, some things won't be all that great. But it will be worth it! My boobs are finally a D, so I hope they shrink to a C or even a B (fingers crossed!)

I did another weight training work out today and was surprised by how much better I got from just the 1st session last week. I'm so excited to get stronger. I can't wait for yoga tomorrow night.

I'm also hoping this week I'll be able to fit in 1 glass of wine. I rarely drink, so just 1 glass will put me over being tipsy! Ooo maybe wine, candles and a bath would be so relaxing

DoraUK, . You sound like you're doing great, but don't be afraid to come around if you're feeling down. We're not just fair-weather friends, you know!

Krampus, glad to hear about the movement on the scale and other places, too.

Neurodoc, way to bust that plateau! Patience pays off.

FPSJ, on your first 5K! Way to go!

Kat999, congrats on the shrinking pants!

Pinkflower, I'm lifting tomorrow -- hope I feel strong too!

Kwinkle, good to see you. How's the school year going?

Oneoftwelve, nice NSV's!

And I had an NSV today... 10K, 51:49. A good 4 minutes faster than I thought I could do. Usually I go out slowly b/c I'm afraid I'll tire out and have to walk. Today I decided to go out fast (for me), and who cares if I finish slowly or have to walk? So what? I wanted to see what I was capable of... Mile 1, 8 minutes. Mile 2, 17 minutes. Mile 3, 25 minutes. I don't remember the rest of the splits, just that I never tired. I felt amazing!

YAY! That's awesome! I can't wait to get faster

Random question... what does NSV stand for?

Happy Monday Feathers!

I am SO happy for everyone and all their victories and major congrats Neuro for being patient and getting past the plateau! That really is a true test of your dedication and it seems to be paying off Also, Amy, congrats on your amazing time on your 10k! You are always such an inspiration with your running!

I, unfortunatley don't have good news to report. I went into the weekend full heartedly saying I will NOT go out or drink - I really wanted to get into the 120's by the end of the weekend and it was very feasible if I didint go out. Thats a big IF. I ended up going out Saturday night and not only drank but ate taco bell at 3am. Then yesterday, we went to Kobes Japanese Steakhouse for my sister's birthday. I did well but I had a small peice of the cake which I told myself I wasnt. Then next weekend when her actual birthday is (14th) we are going out! Ugh the holidays are such a hard time for me - so much going on. I went from 130.8 saturday morning to 132 this morning. I know the majority of it is water weight - I am assuming I will probably be at 131.4 after the water weight is gone. Its very annoying when I mess up like that. Its like 2 steps forward 4 days set back! Argh. I dont think I will reach my Thanksgiving goal of 128 but I am still shooting for my 125 goal by Christmas. I am NOT giving up. Its a new day

Have a wonderful week feathers!!

You are ALL inspiration to me.

Chelsey, your progress is amazing, setback and all. You and I started around the same weight, at the same height and you have far surpassed me. I am at 136.6 today and holding on to that for dear life.

Amy and oneoftwelve and some others here are quite motivating with the running. I am sooooooooo painfully slow even when I am running regularly. It is almost like a fast walk with some bobbing up and down. But I feel the exertion and I bask in accomplishment when I actually do it, so what the heck is the hold up of why I don't get out in do it? It's a mental hurdle for sure.

My diet has been - in the big picture - pretty darn good. I think that has finally sunk in. I'm still not great when I'm away from home, but oh well. Live and learn (hopefully!)

My plateau has been ever so gently sloping down, with lots of small bumps up & down. I earned my -15 lbs chickie back today, so that's good news. It has taken more than a year to earn her, though. <sigh>

I am going to dial things up a notch, really count calories to make sure I am not messing up, make sure to meet my exercise goals and see if I can get close to my weight goal by New Years. A symbolic "new beginning." I want to start thinking like a maintainer, not constantly trying to lose a few lbs.

Anyone else hoping to reach goal or changing anything by New Years Day?

Wow, I hadn't really thought about a New Year's goal--but what a great idea!
I guess my goal for New Years is to enjoy running more.
You see, I run twice a week, but it takes me FOREVER to psych myself into it. I ran in middle/high school with my dad and sisters, who were way more physically fit and lean than I was. Running for me became a painful experience both physically and emotionally--I always felt like the fat, ugly one.
Now that I'm in shape, my brain hasn't caught up with my body--I still fear hurting or going super slowly or having to walk. A recent NSV has been that the time it takes to psych myself into going has gotten shorter, but it still takes quite a bit of self-talk to get myself out there.
So my New Years goal is to have the attitude "Oh goody, I get to run today!" This is always how I feel about 1/2 a mile into my run EVERY STINKIN' TIME, but it takes me quite a while to get myself to that point.

Hey everyone!! This is a really inspiring thread and i just thought i'd join in as well! I have about 15 lbs to get to my goal weight! I was stuck in a rut but having read all your loses motivates me!

I'm right there with you all.... those weekends are just killer. It really is surprising how many calories hide in alcohol alone, never mind the additional food we consume. Couple that with my tendency to want to just lie down... and bam, you have a caloric mess.

It's a new week, a new day, and a new opportunity to be mindful. We can do this!

Emma - Thank you very much for the weight loss recognition! That means a lot! I felt myself starting to slack and fall off wagon a bit in the past week but I am NOT letting it happen. Back to being super motivated and getting back on plan 100%.

New Years goal? Under 125!

Welcome Lose!!!! These ladies are very inspirational!!

Forgot to mention my NSV! Yesterday, when I was walking up to my friend in gym clothes, she asked if I lost weight. The really good part about this was she said my LEGS LOOK SMALLER! What!? Its always my stomache that looks smaller and my stomach that people notice where Ive lost. But she noticed it in my legs! She said they just look more "fit"! I guess the running really is making a difference. Talk about motivation to keep it up!

Also, I wanted to point out something I noticed that could be a positive way of looking at "mess ups". I have read at least 5 different times all over 3fc about how people were stuck for weeks at a number even though they were eating perfectly on plan. And how they were dumbfounded when the scale moved after a really bad day off plan. I really think the best way to kick a plateau is to veer off your perfect plan. I believe full heartedly that our bodies get used to the plan we've made and gets comfortable. Then when you shoot your calories up it throws it off! I think that is why I havent really had a plateau (even though I consider 2 days at the same number one ). I generally eat on plan and very clean. But I mess up probably on average 4 times throughout the month. Now I am not advocating going off plan and blowing the diet, but I really think its those mess ups that keep the body from getting too comfortable. I dont know - maybe I am just being overly positive today lol But its just a reoccuring pattern I have noticed on 3fc and with everyone's experience - and my own (although its very little).

Ok Im done ranting!! Yes Ive had a ton of coffee again today - woooooooo!

This could very well be, Chelsey. When I was losing, I would be on-plan usually 6 days a week and then have one day anywhere from 400-600 calories higher. (usually 1600ish on plan and 2000 or a bit more on my off-day). Overall, it was still a deficit, so it worked for me! In maintenance it's a little trickier. If I eat maintenance calories 6 days and over one day, well, then I'm just plain over. I'm in the process of mentally adjusting to eating about 100 calories under per day so I can have one over day per week (so I can go out to dinner, or have a yummy coffee drink, etc).

Keep up the good work, Diane! I too thought I'd never see smaller thighs, but once I got running my body had nowhere else to take extra energy from--so it FINALLY took some of that extra stored energy (read--fat) off my legs! They're not stick skinny, but they are so much more toned than they used to be!

Amy - I often think about how I will maintain. I keep hearing how hard it really is. My current plan for maintenance (when I get there) will be to eat the same way I do now (on average 1300 calories) but allow my self to eat out and drink a few times a week. I feel like the deficit I normally would have will be made up for with all the extra calories from when I indulge and drink throughout the week. Not sure how well this will work. We will see when that time comes

Oneoftwelve - Thank you for the encouragement! I know I will probably lose last in my legs - that is why I am running because I know the muscle gained will show faster than the fat lost. I am guestimating that I will start to really see a difference around 125. Then I think the last 5-7 pounds will finally give me the leaner legs I used to have!! Oh its been so long since Ive seen those! Did you ever mess up REAL bad on your weightloss journey? Like a 3am taco bell run mess up?

How are you doing with maintenance?