WELCOME !!!!

We are a group of people who are working together to lose our excess weight.
We are on different plans and are of different sizes.
We want to invite everyone to join us in our journey.
We share laughter and tears.
We share what works for us and what doesn't.
We recently started a Topic of the Day.

Monday........Motivation Monday
Tuesday.......Tuesday Tips
Wednesday.....Wednesday Weigh ins
Thursday......Thankful Thursday
Friday........Friday Facials, Fingernails and Fun
Saturday.......Sit-up Saturdays - any physical activity
Sunday.........Soup and Salad Sunday - recipes

These are not required topics ...just ideas to share. We have found them very helpful. We also share heartaches and fears...joys and celebrations.

Please feel free to jump right in with us.
And be sure to check if there is a "second" page.
We don't want anyone to miss any posts.

I had a WONDERFUL day at the lake. The weather was gorgeous and we ate at a nice Mexican Restaurant. I ordered a specialty type Fajiatta (sp?) and it was pretty good. It was variety of meats and veggies. Only ate till I was satsified and that made me VERY HAPPY AND PROUD !!!!
In the past I would always eat till it was gone. It didn't matter if I was full... if it was there... I ate it. Portion control is something I am really trying to watch. To "learn" it is okay to leave food on my plate. I brought home enough for another meal for myself. I feel good about the entire meal. I made good food choices and ate moderately. As old Martha would say... "This is a good thing". LOL

LYNNE... good to hear from you again. I bet you are excited about that wedding. I sure wish we could all watch over the internet. Hmm.. any entrepneurs here?... I bet there is a market for that now.... weddings over the internet. LOL. Anyway... we want LOTS of pictures. Do you know how to make your own web page??? I am getting excited just thinking about it.

Andria... you sound so much better each time you post. I am so glad to see you getting back to your old self again. I have eatten applesauce with redhots and it is good. I have never tried it with lemon jello. Sounds good. I am going to post a jello recipe myself later. Mine is good too.

Taz... you had me rolling on the floor laughing.
Anyone thinking of me as organized.
Then I realized it was the "group" you were talking about, not me. LOL.
We would LOVE to have you join in. I am in a MAJOR modivation mode right now. LOL I really feel good about my food plan choice and my progress I am making. I too am low carb. I LOVE IT !!!! You are doing great!!! 45lbs is quite an accomplisment.

Thinthinker...Isn't it amazing what a difference it makes when you journal. The awareness it creates. I have my fingers and toes crossed for your weigh in.... I know you will do great tomorrow. Your xmas trees all sound so nice. I still don't have a single decoration up. My hubby put up the outside lights last weekend and I am still procrastinating..... no surprise there. I did get my fall decorations put up don't forget. LOL

Susie... you are an early bird today. Sorry to hear about that one pound. You are headed back in the right direction and will be in tip top shape before you know it. Just think.... remember all those times we only lost one pound. THEN we think it is nothing. LOL
Just look at how far you have come with those baby steps. You have inspired me to keep going.

Well... it is time for me to head out the door for Missouri to see my parents.
I had to start this new page so it can be FULL by the time I get home. LOL
I just love all the newcomers here and some oldtimers returning.!!!
Today I get to find out my November total. I am a little anxious.
I don't want to be greedy.... but I want a 4lb loss BAD.!!!

Oooppss... Monday Motivation !!!
I almost forgot.
What is my motivation for staying on program.???

1. I love feeling some sort of control. I never had that before.
2. I had this control a year ago and threw it away. Now that I have it again... I am hanging on for dear life.!!!!
3. I want to live my next 50 years able to take care of myself.
4. I want to be able to dance at my daughters wedding. I don't want to be too fat to walk down the isle to my seat.
5. If I continue drinking this much water.. there is no room for the food. LOL PLUS if I drink this much water... I "NEED" to be able to walk to the bathroom FAST !!!!

Good morning all,

Thanks 2cute, and yes I was talking about the group.

So this is motivation Monday, does that mean that I state the things that I'll use to stay motivated or that I share something motivating? Since I'm confused on the issue I'll do both. I figure I can't go to far wrong doing that.

For this week I plan to:

1. exercise everyday
2. keep a food journal
3. come to the board everyday or as often as it takes to keep me motivated to stay cheat free and OP
4. I want to be able to buy solid colored clothes from a regular store and not have to wear so many prints from the fat lady stores.(Who ever thought fat women liked prints anyway)

A little motivation statment:

~~Allow yourself~~

What will you allow yourself to achieve today? What fears will you allow yourself to transcend? What actions will you allow yourself to take? What new things will you allow yourself to learn? What positive, empowering thoughts will you allow yourself to live by?

It may seem comforting to blame your limitations on situations beyond your control, and yet the truth is that those external limitations are insignificant compared to the limitations you place on yourself. Yes, those external limitations are very real and very powerful. But you have the power to overcome each and every one of them when you allow yourself to do so.

You are designed and destined to do great things, if you'll only allow yourself to live out that destiny. Today can be filled with value if you'll allow yourself to see that value and to live it.

Why would you want it any other way? The opportunities are there. Allow yourself to seize them. The experiences are there. Allow yourself to live them. The joy of living is yours. Allow yourself to be filled with it.

Today is a precious treasure, and it is yours. Allow yourself the joy and fulfillment of living every moment.

-- Ralph Marston

I hope this is the way motivation Monday goes.

Peace

Good morning, good morning, good morning! My WI was wonderful!! I am here to tell you I am down 7#!!! Yes, you heard right, 7#!!! Here I am doing my happy dance

Tazmani: WOW! I think you figured out Motivation Monday!!! How powerful! Thank you.

2cute: I am glad I was sitting down. A real live recipe! Woohoo, you HAVE come a long way!! * Hope your WI goes well. Thanks for the crossed fingers and toes.

Andria: Glad you're getting back on track! The recipe sounds great. I will add it to my collection to try.

Susie: Sorry about the pound. You'll be back with it in no time. I've gotta say, journalling was definitely worth it!!

Where the heck are Michelle and Jen and the rest of our friends???

I'm afraid my Motivation Monday isn't as profound as Tazmani's but here goes: My WW leader had a gain last week after Thanksgiving and was really bummed out about it. A friend said to her, "Now Angie, if you spill milk, do you continue to spill more milk, or do you clean it up?" So here is my thought. All of those little gains are just spills and it is time to CLEAN them up!!!

Well, girls, I need to run. No jobs today so I need to finish my Santa room and get my gift lists organized. You all have a great day!

"Age is not a handicap. Age is nothing but a number. It is how you use it." - Ethel Payne

TT: 7#!!!!!! Wowwwwww!!!!!! Me too please.

Taz: I don't know if you read my post from the last thread, but I live in Detroit (eastside).

2Cute: Congrats on stopping when satisfied. I definitely need to work on that.

Day 1 is going so far so good. I have eaten 15 points, and have had 10 glasses of water (and used the bathroom 3 times already).

I am not sure what dinner is going to be yet, but since I have 19 points left, I probably will do Healthy Choice hot dogs and Wow chips and my 2 glasses of milk. That will be 13 points and give me 6 to treat myself or bank for tomorrow. I am going to ride my bike too, so that means an extra point or two there too.

I think that I will insist that my husband eat the left over pizza from last night, so it won't be a temptation to me. Out of sight, out of mind.

Talk to you all tomorrow.

Thin I am here...just have been indulging in chocolate and christmas cookies that were brought into the office today. I am out of control!! I did have my WW entree for a 4pt lunch today...I need to get ahold of myself. Congrats on the 7 lb loss...that is so motivational!!! I just wish it were me!! And it will be once I get over this compulsion to eat everything in sight!!

I need to get ready to go do the bank deposits so I will try and catch up to you all at home tonight! I still have tons of stuff to do there but I will take a break and log on!

In the meantime, have a great day!! I just wish I had the determination I had a month ago!!

WOW THIN, !!! 7 POUNDS GONE FOREVER!!!!
I'm happy for you. Give me some idea of what you are doing and eating on a daily basis. Forget about Mike, I want to be like Thin.

MichelleK: Sorry to hear that you are on a binge. I know how controling those craving can be. Try hard to pull yourself out, stay on the message board day and night if you need to. When I get the urge to over eat that's what usually helps to pull me out. You'll get past this too and your determination will be back. Do it one minute at a time if you have to in order to regain your contol. You are not a slave and food is not your master. I have faith that you'll be out of this real soon. {{{{{HUGS}}}}}}I know you don't know me but I know all too well where you are at right now, so I thought I'd post this. Hope it is okay.

Susie: Do you ever get together with other Detroiters? Have you ever met anyone in person?

Well I'm going to go for now, I'll check in later tonight.

Peace

Thin... WAY TO GO !!!!
You should have warned me ... I fell right off my chair.

Well I wish I was coming in here to tell you all about the 4lbs I wanted to lose... but alas... I am not. I only maintained. It was a HUGE disappointment but I am not detoured from my determination !!!!! I know I have followed program and I know that if I continue to follow program it WILL COME OFF.

One thing I am learning this time is that I have to change MORE than just the food.
I have to change my ATTITUDE.

In the past after such a disappointment I would say "What the he**" I would return to my old habits.
Or I would say... "I am going to just eat today and start again tomorrow". But tomorrow seldom came.
On a few occasions I would say " I am never going to eat again".
But that is not a realistic solution either.

TODAY I am just going to continue with my game plan and eat my on plan meals.
I am not going to cheat "just today".
I am not going to throw in the towel.
I am not going to cut my food in half either.
I AM GOING to drink my water, be more active, feed my mind good thoughts and wisdom by reading and posting and most important...
I AM GOING TO REMAIN ON PROGRAM FOR LIFE.!!!

I have NEVER felt so good as I feel on low carb.
I have NEVER been so happy as I am on low carb.
I have NEVER had so much control of my eatting as I have on low carb.
Why would I give up all of that SUCCESS just because on a given day, at a given time, I did not weigh what I wanted to weigh?

But.. keep an eye on me. Because I will lose those 4 lbs before the end of the year.

Michelle.. that determination is still there. It is just patiently waiting for you to grab hold and never let go. It is a HECK OF A RIDE !!!! I don't plan to let go of mine EVER again. It only takes a tad bit... just pass on ONE treat... that alone is a beginning to a lifetime of change.

I wish I had time to address everyone.... but not now.
Ladies... "I AM DETERMINED" I am not going back to where I came from. I am going straight forward.. no matter how long it takes.!!!!!

Wow I leave for the day and look at all the posts.

I went into town and tried to finish my shopping. Bought myself a new pair of Jeans (size 20), some sweaters, and a nice skirt.

I'm real proud of myself I went to Olive Garden and didn't order any dessert. I ate a low fat meal.

way to go Thin 7 #.

2cute you will lose that 4 pounds I know you will.

Taz my DH is from Bay City.

Hello Susie

What motivates me, smaller clothes. I can't believe i can get in a size 20 jeans with a zipper no less
I will not give up on this I will lose this weight.

245/215/160

Hey. I didn't read any posts yet, cuz I'm pretty tired and drugged right now. I'll try to catch up tomorrow. Just wanted to let you know I was alive....just barely. I spent the day in the ER today. All my stress and HORRIBLE eating finally caught up with me. I have a major ulcer, my gall bladder is malfunctioning, and my liver functions are elevated. I am supposed to go see a specialist, but not having insurance doesn't make that really feasible. Talk about stress....that's what I'll have when I get that ER bill. WHY ME!!?? Anyhow, I guess it's a VERY big sign that I need to get with it and quit eating so much crap. I'm very very tired so I'm going to bed now. Talk at ya later,
Jen

Jen... I am so sorry for you.
It seems like when it rains it pours.
Hang in there and IN HERE.

Tomorrow will be a NEW DAY... A NEW BEGINNING.

HI all

Jen sorry your sick. I know all about that gallbladder stuff. I had to have my out last year just before christmas. Take care of yourself. My prayers are with you.

Good morning all,

I'm as happy as can be. I weigh every morning and When I steped on this morning I am down 2 POUNDS!!! I think exercise makes all the difference and if I were to do my best with my exercise program I would do lots better with my weight loss. I'm making a new commitment to myself today to do my absolute best everyday on my exercse and food plan. This was just the motivation I needed to really kick my butt into gear. LIFE DOESN'T GET ANY BETTER THAN THIS!!! Isn't it funny how something so minor can make you so happy. 2 little pounds has made my day.

I'm so sorry to hear about your illness Jehari. I wish you a speedy recovery. I'm offering my prayers that you can remain comfortable and pain free untill you are all better, which I know will be very soon.

Have a good day everyone, make the best of it!

Peace

yeah for me.... I stayed OP yesterday. I drank more water than required, I exercised for 33 minutes, I ate only 27.5 points, journaled and banked 8 points for the day!!!!!!! I am doing pretty well today too. Boy I hope I can keep this up for the rest of the week.

Taz: I have never met anyone from Detroit online before, so I haven't gotten together with anyone, but would be willing. Congrats on the 2# down!

Jen: Sorry to hear about your health problems. Don't stress about it though, because it will make it worse. Prayers coming your way.

Grannie: Congrats on the size 20. I can't wait to get down to a 22/24. I can sometimes squeeze into a 24, but I want to be in a loose 24.

2Cute: Good job on the maintain. I wish I could say that I have been doing that. Maintains are good.

Michelle: I hear you girl. I am just starting to get back OP as I have been gaining the last few weeks. It is hard to diet, but we can do this together.

Well, my break is over, but I wanted to keep to my pledge and post more often.

Take Care.

Mornin' everyone!! Woke up with a heck of a headache this morning, but not so much pain in my gut. I think maybe I was a bit "hung-over" from the drugs. They had me on an IV and gave me demerol. I've got codine to take at home, as well as an anti-nausea medication, and prilosec for the stomach acid. As I said yesterday though, this is a BIG 'ol sign that I've got to stop eating the way that I have been. Never having to feel that pain again is pretty good motivation. Of course, my life is still a major stress disaster, but I'll get through it eventually. My husband is officially property of the US government now. He ships off to boot camp in February. WAH!!! I'm a little freaked out about that. For the past nine years we've been together, we've never been seperated for more than two days. Now I won't see him for 5 MONTHS!! It will be just me and the kids. ANyhoo, I'll quit babbling about my life now.

I'm glad to hear that you all are doing so well. I really try to get back to posting regularly. Thank you all for your wishes and prayers. Talk at ya later,
Jen