Hi there,

I just joined WW 03/18/02 and I love it!!

Kinda slow losing but staying OP

This is my first week on WW, though I am doing this program independently (can't afford the weekly costs, etc.). I'm counting points, using lots of the info from the web about point values of food, etc. I don't have a scale, but went to the doc last week and weighed in at 245. I wear a 20 pants and want to get down to a 16 by September. I think I'm doing something wrong, however. I feel sluggish and headachy during the day. I try to save my big points for the dinner meal with my family is home and they want to eat non-diet food. Any suggestions?

Redneck-
I know that many people like to save their points for later in the day, but that would never work for me, I would end up eating everyithing in sight because I was lightheaded and knew it was from lack of food and proper nutrition.
Shortly after I started this program, I mentioned to my MD that I get shaky between breakfst and lunch-her suggestion is to eat some protein for breakfast, and save some food from breakfast for a snack before lunch. It turned out to be great advice-I now eat protein with every meal almost every day and it really helps. You are in a higher point range, given your weight, so it should be easy for you to spread your points over during the day and stay satisfied. In the beginning, it is difficult-it's like we are learning a new skill.
Good luck-I would suggest also trying to get some information from some people who have been going to meetings, so you can learn some other information about the program.
Also, make sure you drink LOTS of water-it helps during those 1st few weeks when you feel completely deprived.

Redneck-
Forgot another piece of advice-try not to achieve a certain amount of weight lost or size changes by a certain date. If you follow the program and lose weight, you will be better off than if you never started at all. And if you don't reach your goal by that date, you will feel like a failure. I am guilty of this very thing-lose 10 lbs in a month, etc. Then when I lose only .6 a week, I feel like a failure. Any loss is a good loss and even if you don't lose, but your clothes feel looser, you are loosing inches.
Best of luck to you!
Keep us updated!

Hi. Good to hear that you have started your weight loss journey. Like you, I did not join weight watchers, but chose to follow the ww plan. In the last 10 months I have lost 60.25 pounds and am presently 5.75 pounds from my goal weight. Here are the things that helped me along the way.

1. I committed to weighing myself every week. Even if you have to make an extra stop at the dr. office once every week, try to weigh yourself on the same day each week at about the same time. I find that myweight fluctuates during the day and also different days of the week, so to get an accurate reading on weight, I weigh on Fridays at about 7:30 am.

2. Commit to writing everything down. I bought a daytimer at the local office supply store and faithfully write everything that I eat down. Sometimes when I didn't think that I had lost enough weight, or I had gotten into a rut, I was able to review my food journal and figure out how to make some small adjustments. Also, when you have a bad day, it is sometimes enough to put you back on track if you HAVE to write the over points down.

3. Drink all your water and more if you can. I find that drinking water all the time takes cravings away. I discovered this by accident one weekend when I had not been drinking enough water. About 2 weeks later, I read an article about keeping hydrated. The article said that people often suffer with cravings because they are dehydrated. Most often, they try to satisfy the craving by eating whatever food it is, but because they don't correct the dehydration problem, they don't satisfy the craving, consequently binge. I have tried this on many occasions and it does work. Also, one of the fitness instructors at the college that I work at advised that afternoons are a particulary difficult time for many people. She said that between 2:30 and 3:00 in the afternoon, most people become very lethargic and tired. To prevent this, drink a lot of water in the 1/2 hour before you know this is coming on. Part of it is the dehydration problem again I generally drink a lot of water in the afternoons, anyway, so haven't experienced the tired feeling.

4. Vary your points everyday. You may think that eating at the low end of the points range will produce better results. WRONG! Your body decides that you aren't giving it the regular amount of nourishment, so to counteract the reduction in food, your metabolism will slow down. Consequently, your weight loss will be slower. I usually eat at the top of the point range right after weigh-in, then gradually drop to the bottom of the range for the rest of the week, so that I am eating at the minimum point range just before wiegh-in. Then quick boost to the top again (after weigh-in) to get the metabolism revving. This has worked for me, but you will need to make adjustments that work for your body. If you want more information on this, another plan is called the Wendie plan. It actually goes beyond the allowable points range one day per week, but for some people, they lose better that way. It didn't work for me, so I adjusted to my own.

5. I can relate to you about wanting to eat well with the rest of the family in the evenings. I call that being stingy with my points during the day. I usually find that I have only eaten about 5 or 6 points for the day (I'm on a range or 18 - 23 points) so psychologically, I feel like I have lots left for the end of the day. I eat something low in points for breakfast (usually low fat bread and sugar free jam), and lunch (garden vegetable soup (0 pt.), fruit and a salad with ff dressing) and drink lot of water in between. If I feel a need to snack or am getting headachy or lethargic, I alway have carrot sticks or chopped veggies to munch on during the day. It has become such a habit now that I find I am short of points at the end of the day...just have to have those cookies before I can go to bed.

5. Cook low fat and diet food for you family. Now, don't get me wrong. I am in the same position that you are in, where the family don't want and don't need to diet. Well, that doesn't stop me. I utilize low fat cooking methods in my preparation. When we have hamburgers for supper, I eat mine in low fat bread, rather than a bun, and prepare a veggie burger, rather than beef. That's not much of a change in preparation and it satisfies your food plan. Also, check out a lot of the recipes on the WW thread here. Things like the cola chicken, smothered chicken, etc. are a hit in my home and they don't even know it is diet food You can do it, and have your family eating healthier without them even knowing.

Hope some of those suggestions help you. It's a start, anyway, and you will develop some of your own strategies. Good luck on your journey. You can do this, with some planning.

Thank you so much for all of the help...and I love the quote (Titanic and Ark). I have heard about the need for water, but water is like medicine for me... I really hate it. I like the Fruit2o's, but I worry about what all of that Splenda stuff will do to me. I try to limit myself to one bottle of it a day. I've eaten enough carrots to turn myself orange, and I should be able to see better now. Believe it or not, I was a vegetarian and a body builder for years before meeting my husband...and then I ate a Big Mac. It was as if every fat cell in my body took control and I've not been able to turn it off since. My husband needs to diet, but won't admit it. He has a "redneck 36"-inch waist...if you sling his belt low enough below his belly.

It is very hard to cook for my family as they are very picky. My husband doesn't help as he is a meat eater and really loves fried foods. Honestly, I just don't have enough willpower to fry food for the family and then just sit and eat rabbit food.

I eat a large salad each day at lunch time and I do add some form of protein to each. I have found that I do better if I eat some protein in the AM rather than just eating the carbs, so I am cooking a real egg each AM and eat it with a piece of toast sprayed with that spray butter substitute. Is caffeine free tea considered a water? If so, I can handle that for my water requirement as I do love to sip on tea all day.

I've read of people "banking" their points...is that a way of saving them for a special occasion?

This being my first weekend on the diet will be crucial for me as the family will be home eating all weekend long and I'll be tempted to snack right along with them.

As for my goals, I primarly want to get into regular sizes, not women's sizes. My issue has never been with weight, it's always been with size. I want to go to the rack at the Misses department and be able to pick out nice clothes that fit well. I also want to be alive for my kids and my grandkids, whenever they arrive. Another 20 years just won't do; I'm going for another 40 years!

redneck - I know where you are coming from. I don't like water very much, either, but I have been drinking the flavored waters for some time now. I can't get any that are flavored with Splenda (which, by the way is made from sugar, not aspartame), so I drink the ones that are made from aspartame. I did do quite a bit of research on the 'aspartame' thing before I started and the jury is still out. There is lots of documentation either way about the health risk. I guess I also look at the diabetics that don't have much choice. They have been using aspartame for 30 years and there is no research to indicate that it is a health risk. Anyway, enough of that subject.

Also, on the family eating stuff, I don't in any way suggest that you eat rabbit food when the family is enjoying a hearty meal. If you did that, you are a stronger person than I am. What I am suggesting though, is that if the family is having hamburgers, you have a veggie burger, or if you really want the beef (sometimes I just can't handle another veggie burger), eat half a beef patty (or if you make your own, make a full patty with half the beef). If the family is have smokies, you have a ff weiner, either grilled or microwaved. That way you are having the same meal as they are, just not the same calorie or fat content.

Also about the frying. That's a real problem. I don't fry very much stuff, mostly because I have had a Jenn Air for the past 25 years and we have become accustomed to grilling indoors. I am just replacing it with a cook top that does not have a built in grill, but I am planning to invest in a stove top grill that I can do my meats, etc. on in the house. Before I made the decision not to have a built in grill, I checked out to see how much they were and if they were any good. Some of the ladies on this site have purchased the George Foreman grills and are very happy with them. If your family still likes the fried stuff, then fry theirs, but do yours in some other fashion - eother baked, broiled, or grilled. I know it is extra dishes, etc., but it will be worth it in the long run.

You may even want to do something like cook 6 chicken breasts up, eat one for the supper meal and freeze the rest. Then, even if the family is eating a big beef steak, you can still have something that is similar - your protein, your potatoes, veggies, salad, bread and perhaps a couple cookies for dessert. I don't worry about whether I am eating beef when the family does, only that I am not depriving myself of something that is enjoyable. I couldn't eat a salad when there is meat on the table - I just love meat waaaay toooo much.

Also, try to make it a family obligation to make sure that you have your things cooked and served a certain way - ie: I don't eat fried foods anymore, unless they are fried with a bit of Pam, rather than a dollop of butter. I can remember a few months ago, DH was dishing out supper because I was busy. He asked how many potatoes I wanted, and I replied, about 1 cup. Well, when my dish arrived at the table, there were 3 little 1/3 cup pyramids of potatoes. He had actually taken out the measuring cups to make sure I got exactly 1 cup of potatoes.

I also don't expect the rest of the family to give up their sweets and desserts, but when they have coke, I have diet coke, when they have cookies, I have tea biscuits, when they have nachos, I have toasted pita bread and salsa, when they want ice cream sandwiches, I eat my graham crackers with frozen cool whip between. I try to match the snacks that they have with something that is similar, but within my weight loss program.

However, I do make compromises that fit with my final destination. The family consumes less fat than we were a year ago, simply because I buy "light" foods now rather than full fat. If the family doesn't like them, we have 2 in the fridge. A small jar of something for me and a family size jar of the real thing for them. Most of the time when I make stuff with light cream cheese, or light mayo on sandwiches, lower fat margarines, etc. they don't even notice. When they do, I buy for them what they desire, but don't indulge myself.

Hope you are able design a program that will allow you to follow you weight loss plan AND keep the family eating what they want. I know what a big adjustment that is, but it is doable. Just persevere and come to a workable solution that benefits both. You can do it.

Hello, Something else that you might try is eating your points starting at night.I tried this several weeks ago and have lost 42 lbs this way, If your family is having the largest meal at night this might work. I count from 5 pm until 5pm the next night. I know its a mind game but then I have what they are having. On the boards they call it night eaters and for some strange reason this has helped. Just a thought....

Sound like wonderful ideas--All of Them! What is a tea cake? I remember them as being light cookies made with lots of butter and not much sugar. I also like the idea of counting points starting at 5PM, but I just know that I'd never make it from noon until dinner. Today I made myself an iced coffee for my afternoon pick me up. I used instant coffee, Equal and poured some nonfat milk in with it with a drop of almond extract. Tasted great and got me through those critical two hours after school and before dinner. Are there any sample eating plans out there? I am really stoked to lose this weight and don't want to lose my momentum at this point. This web site is helping SO much and I really appreciate all of the encouragement and the great suggestions.

WW says points in a 24 hour period. Maybe you should try from noon until noon the next day????

I finished my first week on WW and I am feeling really good about my efforts thus far. Yesterday I had a really hard time eating up all the points allowed so I went to bed with 10 unused points. Can I eat them today? I felt so stuffed yesterday and still felt that way last night. Kids wanted McDonald's last night, so while everyone else ate fries and big macs I had a McGrill with no mayo (7 points). I refilled my diet coke once and then we went to the mall and did some walking.

The first two days of the program there was a chocolate cake in the house. It had a beacon on it calling me, so I threw it down the disposal. I finally told the kids last night what I had done, and while they were upset that I had lied to them, they understand that it is hard for me to resist those kinds of foods.

I would like to thank this website for all of the great information and support. Everytime I feel the need to get a snack, I sit in front of the computer for a while and go straight to this website. If it keeps me busy for even 30 minutes until the craving passes, it's working for me.

I don't have a scale at home (for years I have refused to have one), but I plan on going out for one this week. For this first week I don't care what my weight loss is...I'm just so happy that I was able to stick to the plan for a week and not feel deprived. It took 20 years of living life to the fullest to pack this weight on and I don't expect to take it off overnight.

We're closing on a house here in Granger on 5/20 and hubby has said that we'll buy some exercise equipment for the basement! You see, he has also had a good time with food and he has put on considerable weight. Combine that with his layoff last summer when he spent 5 months unemployed and he has gained 70 lbs since we got married. He is starting to show some interest in "doing the program" with me, but when I told him the real coca cola would have to go, he was quick to change his mind. Maybe my success will change his mind; I certainly hope it does.

Have a really good week, everyone....you're all losers (weight)...and I thank you.

Redneck-
Sounds like you are doing all the right stuff. Best of luck to you!
As for your husband, possibly he can drink regular coke, and just count the points. Maybe after awhile, he will not want to use so many points for coke. The other thing that may work is to gradually decrease the amount of coke and replace it with diet coke.
Another bit a advice-I know many people like the George Foreman grills. However, I read a suggestion from these boards and I'm glad I did.
WalMart sells a grill, made by GE. It is exclusive to WalMart, and the best part about it is that the grill parts come off and can go in the dishwasher!!! The GF grills don't have that capability. Also, there is a drawer that fits under it to catch the grease. The GF grills have a little tray, which if it is not in the right place, can cause a mess. I don't use my grill often, but I do use it to cook foods for the whole family. Also, it was cheaper than GF, only about $69.95.
Have a great day! Keep up the great work! Day by day, you will get there!

Hi everyone,

Donna - Like your suggestions about coke. You are right...just because you are following a weight loss program, does not mean that you must give up everything that you enjoy, whether it is chocolate cake, or coke. The whole philosophy is that you plan, within your point range to have those things, and to eat them in moderation.

I have a real weaknes for things like chocolate cake, etc., so when I have it in the house, I cut into individual size pieces and put into the freezer. The rest of the family can still enjoy, but they are not so tempting for me. I have to stop, consider if I really want it, then wait for it to thaw before indulging. Often, that is enough to prevent me from wanting it.

Also, you are right about the grill. When I started to look at the grills, I was partial to the one at Walmart. For me, being able to put the parts in the dishwasher is a major factor. I had actually settled on that model instead of the George Foreman grill, partly because of price, and partly because of the convenience of clean-up. I haven't purchased it yet, but if any one can has one, I'd like to know how you like it.

redneck - How did you WI go? Was hoping that you would post the results this weekend. Let us all know. I am glad that you were able to get through the first week without feeling deprived AND a bonus of not using up all your points one day. Woohoo!!! It will get easier and as you adjust and become accustomed to journalling and eating the proper way, you will find it even easier. Keep up the great work.

Hope everyone has a great week. Mine started at 6:00 am at the gymn I have hubby working out, as well, so it is becoming easier to get motivated in the morning. On the mornings that I don't feel like going, he's pushes me and vice versa. By 7, we are finished, have a nice shower at work (cuts down on the water consumption at home, too), then stop at the cafeteria for breakfast. Starting to get to be a routine. It is such a shame that we have not taken advantage of the fitness centre at work before, but I guess we just got a bit lazy...then, of course, when the kids were home it was more difficult. Things have changed.

Cheers,

sweet tooth-

How old are your kids? Mine are 15 and almost 13, and I fear the worst is still ahead, although getting to this point hasn't been much fun either.
It's great to know there is light at the end of the tunnel.

Hi Donna - I know what you mean about the getting to the teen stage. It was really difficult to get the kids to that stage, but when they hit high school, they felt they were ready to make their own decisions. I think, for us, the two main things that worked was to discipline them with something that was meaningful for them as individuals, and the second was to expend the energy necessary to impose consequences.

When our children were small, we had a friend who grew up with 6 girls in the house. Since there were only 3 bedrooms in their home, she shared with 2 sisters. She told us that every evening she acted up at the end of dinner because her father's favorite punishment was to send them to their room. She loved that punishment because she had the room to herself, and she got out of doing dishes. We thought about the value of grounding our children when they were bad, and decided that we would utilize consequences that THEY valued, not that were easy for us. Our oldest daughter loved to go to church - she was big into volunteerism there, and her life revolved around our church. Soooo, you can imagine, when she was given something to do, or chose to be bad, she knew the consequences attached to her behaviour was that she would have to miss church. Our oldest son was heavily into sports, in particular soccer. His consequence was to miss practices or a tournament or something like that. Our youngest son was the social butterfly of the family, so when we needed to punish him, grounding, or sending him to his room were viable options.

The other thing that we found, was to ensure that you impose the consequences that you use. Often, it is more work and energy to impose the consequences than it is to either do the chore yourself, or ignore the bad behaviour. As my husband says, you can even give a woodpecker a headace. However, when kids start to realize that they must suffer consequences for bad decisions, they start to make better choices.

We also started to encourage our children to make their own decisions and become independent as they were capable. When they were in high school, we didn't have curfews for them, but expected them to be reasonalbe. Reasonable was set out in guidelines, but were flexible if we received a call and knew where they were and what they were doing. On the other hand, we were diligent about letting our kids know where we were all the time, calling them if we were going to be home late, and respecting their time, also.

Our middle son, the soccer player, was probably the most difficult to manage of all our children. He has a hearing impairment and along with some of that goes a behavioural problem. Although he felt that we were unfair and horrible parents when he was growing up (we were constantly being told that we were awful), he often comments now (he's 26), that he appreciates the discipline that he received and he learned valuable lessons from it. He also says now, when he compares his growing up years with those of his friends, that he wouldn't change anything.

Although you are heading towards a time where you might as well acknowledge to yourself that you are the stupidest thing to hit the face of the earth , it does get better. Family is most important in our lives, and raising responsible, self-sufficient adults is a task that requires a lot of sacrifice, a lot of understanding, and sometimes not being the most liked person in your child's life. There is a light at the end of the tunnel and someday you will look back and say that it wasn't so bad. While you are going through it, though, it seems like it will never end. But remember to enjoy those times, too. They slip away far too fast.