well, I've been on plan for the past 3 weeks and I lost 6 lbs!, but then my birthday hit (along with the cake and alcohol). I put on 4 lbs in one weekend and it hasn't come off! I'm getting really frustrated with myself, because I really wanted to be down 10 lbs by the time I went back to campus, but it doesn't look like its going to happen I know I just need to push myself to keep going and i'll break through, but I just feel so hopeless right now. The gym is calling my name after work, and I'll answer, but I'm just a little upset right now.

Thanks for the rant.

Rachel - it happens to the best of us. I know it's the beginning of a long journey, but it was your birthday.

The thing I've noticed with alcohol is that you may have an initial gain, but it typically comes off pretty fast. Don't throw in the towel, just remember that next time you want to party.

Also, depending on your plan there are a lot of lifestyle alternatives (i.e. mixers that are better than regular stuff, etc) that you could look at drinking instead.

Happy belated birthday though!

I think too you have to find a balance when you go out. I still eat out but I don't let it be a free for all because you can EASILY put away a few thousand calories when you go out.

Don't stop, learn from this, and keep plugging along- you didn't eat 14,000 calories- a good portion is water retention. Just drink a LOT of water