Welcome to the discussion group, support group, Diet Coach group, Diet Buddy group relating to the two books by Dr. Judith S. Beck:

The Complete Beck Diet for Life
and the first book
The Beck DIET solution: train your brain to think like a thin person.

The Beck Diet Solution is a psychological program, not a food plan. It provides a step-by-step program to learn specific techniques to stay on our diet, lose weight, and maintain our weight loss for life. The program is based on Dr. Beck's clinical research in Cognitive Therapy (CT).

The Complete Beck Diet for Life expands the earlier work and includes a food plan with suggested menus. From the cover:
With The Complete Beck Diet for Life you'll discover the 5 stages of successful dieting and maintenance. You'll learn how to motivate yourself, give yourself credit for every change you make, create time and energy for dieting, and handle hunger and cravings. Dr. Beck eases you into changing one step at a time. You'll master one task before moving on to the next. And you'll learn techniques to deal with challenging situations, such as sticking with ou plan at celebrations and dealing with "food pushers." With Dr. Beck's skills, you'll achieve a lifetime of healthful eating and lifelong motivation.

This is a place to discuss the Beck strategies and our daily efforts, to receive and provide support, and, for some of us, is where we serve as on-line diet buddy (coach) to each other.

If you’ve arrived from a search engine, you've landed at the site of 3 Fat Chicks (3FC), a remarkable place for those interested in a healthy life style, including mindful eating, exercise, and weight loss. More about the site, including how to register so that you can post, can be found here.

The books are available on Amazon through the 3FC store by clicking their names above; buying through 3FC helps to cover the costs of running this site.

You can find the list of previous (or more current) monthly Beck threads here on 3 Fat Chicks via:

List of Monthly Beck Threads for Support, Discussion, Buddy/Coach

Diet Coaches/Buddies - A new experience at the pharmacist. There were three active stations for picking up prescriptions but only one pharmacist assistant fetching them. The new part was a new screen for ME to fill in my name and date of birth instead of being done by the assistant. When the screen became a swirling circle saying "We're now looking for your prescription," it wasn't the data base being searched, it was both the data base and the assistant doing the standard gig of searching the three shelves and counters. When he showed up with the stapled bag, he signaled "Next" before I had time to open the bag to verify it was correct. I was a cog the factory scene in the Charlie Chaplin silent film, Modern Times.

When stopping at the library I faced the threat of imminent rain. Looked liked any second the downpour would start. Not a problem, I'm wealthy enough to pay 25 cents to park underground to avoid rain. But then the IDEAL parking space appeared. Tension! It's just not possible to pass up the ideal parking space. I decided that I could run fast enough to beat the rain. And so I did. And I won.

Eating was on plan with no daytime snacks, CREDIT moi. Dinner was inside due to slow rain that gladdened the heart of my gardener DW. It was a purchased-frozen vegetarian lasagna with enough veggies to justify nothing else served on the plate - just the chunk of lasagna. Was quite good. And I get to call myself a vegetarian for the day.


onebyone - Congrats for a triple sale of the same print - that's someone who really likes it. Aquafit class will be fun.

maryann – So rewarding to check off that many to-do's. DW did mention to me that the first donkey in our sanctuary will only need 15 minutes to eat every one of her native plants to the ground - not a good thing.

curlyjax - LOL that a good therapist makes you work instead of just talk. Sounds like you've found a winner.

Readers -

I handled a trying client well yesterday. She can be quite rude and demanding to folks. It helps that I now know she's having some cognitive issues, and I don't take anything she says personally. Some good interactions with various folks which made me feel valuable as a worker. Somehow I was craving ice cream and stopped at my favorite place for a quick bowl, then once again scoured the house later on. Ugh. Today we get free food including sweets to distribute and I'm making the choice NOW to not bring any home.
I had the house to myself at night and was going to be productive, but started watching tv and that was it, although at least I hopped on the exercise bike a bit. It's my last night/day having the place to myself for weeks, so I decided I would just enjoy not being interrupted. Tonight I do need to start working on some paperwork though for the lawyer etc.
Bill-that pharmacy experience is interesting. I don't love the idea of using screens where folks can see your info, but I guess its no different than them hearing you spout off your phone number etc.
Maryann- good idea to use up the food you have. I need to shop out of my freezer too.
Onebyone-the fruit is wonderful now. Peaches and cherries have such a brief season, they are so good.

Coaches

I'm really pooped tonight so I'll keep this brief.

This morning I headed to Newmakeit to load the big kiln with everything my class has made so far. This was great because now I know I'll have it!

After kiln loading I picked up lunch for DH and me and drove home. I didn't want to get up off the couch for Art Day. After a few texts from my art friends and DH strongly suggesting I go to Art Day, I went.

Made a sketch ig a Shoebill bird. They are unbelievable.

Drive home and vegged out

Then DH joined me for some tv, bringing a cooked frozen pizza. He offered me some and I ate it. I don't really like frozen pizza. Next time I'll say no.

This morning weight was down (7 since Monday) and bs was down.

Bedtime. Goodnight.

Diet Coaches/Buddies - I spent some quiet time finishing Ernest Hemingway's . Should acknowledge that I knew that it was about the Spanish Civil War before I picked it up. I had assumed it'd be a thriller about a guy who's assigned to blow up a bridge on the side of the established Second Spanish Republic against the General Francisco Franco Nationalists - that's on the cover. But that's a bit like picking up Moby Dick to read about fighting a white whale. The horrors of war are hard to wade through. Reminded myself that war novels just aren't my thing. Warning: folks die in war novels the gruesomeness not disguised by elegant Hemingway writing.

Accomplishment was scheduling two appointments. Scheduled a brief checkup visit with my eye doctor who likes to look at my eyes every six months or so just to see my looking back. That was a win because his schedule is tight. The bigger deal was scheduling a visit with our lawyer for a "Legal Checkup" reviewing our "Estate Plan" - where Estate Plan is a grand phrase for 'will' justifying a large fee. Not cheap, but I have the concern that the hoops that it jumps through to give my kids the best deal against taxes will change as tax laws change.

Lunch was a cherished homegrown tomato sandwich. I begin to drool for this as soon as the tomato plants go into the ground each year. Recipe: slice of whole wheat sandwich bread covered crust-to-crust with a thick slab of homegrown tomato sitting on mayonnaise, a touch of salt added while your cardiologist isn't looking. The king of Spain can eat no better.

Eating was on plan with no daytime snacks, CREDIT moi. Dinner taken outside on the patio despite needing to wear a long-sleeved shirt to fight the chill. Dinner included a small serving of pasta salad; I take a CREDIT moi for leaving part of the pasta after picking out the red peppers because I rarely leave food on my plate.


onebyone - Congrats for making all your appointments despite feeling tired. Everyone needs to see a Shoebill - (Balaeniceps rex), also known as the whale-headed stork, and shoe-billed stork. Would take some courage to approach a bird nearly five feet tall.

curlyjax - Such a skill to be able to handle someone who can be quite rude and demanding. Does everyone get more rude and demanding as they get older?

Readers -

Busy day at work. Credit for not eating sweets at work, but then I got into the sourdough like bread I brought home, and later some ice cream.Went to the bank to start paperwork to get myself on my aunt's account as a POA. took a nap at home then didn't feel like doing anything. I did cancel my Y membership as I haven't been in months. I'm thinking of trying another place that is closer and seems to be group strengthening classes only, with more time flexibility. They get excellent reviews. I'll have to wait a week to try it out but I really need to do something to be more active. I got into another big fight with DD at night- she gets too hungry and then is just awful, and I can't deal with it as well at night. I sobbed for awhile and then even dreamt about it all, and how hard it was when she was little, although at least DH was here then.
I'm going for a walk with collegebud this am, and then off to a little garden party dinner with my chatty friend and people I know from church, including one of my favorite little old ladies, so that will be very nice. In between is the dump, laundry etc.
Bill-no, everyone does not get more rude and demanding as they get older Some people do if they are in pain, get dementia etc, and then some people are their same lovely selves they've always been. Some people have always been rude and demanding, or a "mean girl" and it doesn't change when they're older.
Onebyone-that is quite a bird indeed! Glad you went to Art Day.

Good Morning, Coaches.

Yesterday I traveled the 2 hours with my buddy to get my haircut. She is from the remote California area that is little talked about. It is poor and very hot. She has an inspiring story. Only 2 of the six children in the family graduated high school. Her Dad was invariably in prison and then died of alcoholism. We visited her sister her lives in government housing and pays $200 a month rent and her mom who also lives on government subsidies. I was happy these women were being helped by the system. I was a little overwhlemed by their vulnerability. Both my friend and I drove home extremely grateful for our lives.

Having said that i am feeling pretty despairing about my weight. It was up 2 pounds and the only unplanned item was a frozen yogurt. Sigh. 2 pounds for a frozen yogurt. I am going to start attend an OA meeting today. I am so resistant to it, but what can I do? I am out of ideas.

Wave to all.

Diet Coaches/Buddies - The library book that I picked up from the library the other day was by Andy Borowitz. I expected to look it over and maybe get a chuckle from this popular political satirist. Didn't get a chance. DW peeked at it and then couldn't put it down. Best part she says is the quotes by others about the politicians of all persuasions. Warning: It's very political; regardless of which party you support, you'll feel it's the one being attacked more. Not for the sensitive.

Attempted to complete a minor plumbing issue that's been waiting until I can get DW to help. It needs one person under the sink and one person above. A more agile person would go under, go over, go under, go over the bunch of times it's needed. Much easier with two people. It got delayed until later this morning. I need it off my to-do list.

Eating was on plan with no daytime snacks, CREDIT moi. Lunch was, again, a garden tomato sandwich. It's the time of abundant harvest. I've been urged to eat more cukes; we're giving them away. My next career will be to design garden vegetables that produce slowly all summer.


maryann – Thanks for the reminder of the vulnerability of some people. Such a challenge for them to feel hope with so little resources to make changes.

curlyjax - Power of Attorney (POA) gives enormous power. Hope you're able to get it since it will make everything you do for her so much easier. Sourdough bread calls my name; glad it's not usually around.

Readers -

Great walk with my friend yesterday morning in the perfect summer weather. I was pleased that I didn't have to stop and kept up a decent pace. I was hungry and feeling a bit shaky so did grab some takeout on the way home, but watched the calories at least. A trip to the library which in the new fiction section had a lot of romance novels i'm not interested in, plus stories about younger folks. I really enjoy fiction about folks closer to my age which can be a challenge to find. Home for a few hours to putter and have a better interaction with DD, then off to the garden party. I ate too much but had a nice time. It was a collection of folks from church so nice to see everyone, but I remembered some of them who drive me nuts too. Still on the fence about going back. The community is nice, but then you also get asked to serve on committees etc, and I have done that for years. I have a lot of family stuff going on and i'm not doing anything in my spare time that isn't fun, frankly. Anyhow it was a nice evening and lovely to see one of my favorite older ladies.
Today is things like mowing the lawn, business discussion with my brother, and prepping for our trip to the cape on tuesday.
Bill-good luck with the plumbing, I can see how that would take 2 folks. It is starting to be veggie abundance time for sure.
Maryann-will be interesting to hear about the OA meeting; I could see attending something like that myself.

Diet Coaches/Buddies - Exercise was chasing the (5 yo) DGD to the playground. She works the climbing structure and slide over and over and over again. For reasons I don't understand, on this trip she asked me to lift her while she swung on the overhead ladder. Last visit she swung herself from one end to the other no less than ten times. I don't yet understand the mind of this kid. On the way back she demanded that we stop to look at the house under construction - the one that bothered her because there were no steps. She was satisfied that all was in order.

Fixed the plumbing problem under the bathroom sink. The overflow pipe had become disconnected. It worked with DW underneath and me above directing the pipe to its resting place. It wasn't the getting up and down; it was that hands had to be in two places. DW then asked me to look at a light in the linen closet that no longer worked. I installed that light decades ago; hadn't thought about it since. Not surprised that a bulb might have worn out. I won hero's award by mucking about until I found the onboard switch that had gotten mysteriously turned off - the light is controlled by a wall switch. All fixed.

Eating was on plan with no daytime snacks, CREDIT moi. Dinner outside was just splendid. We live twelve months for our one month of lovely outside weather.


curlyjax - Good to be reminded how much fun it is to browse a real library. Which reminds me that it's on my bucket list to read a Danielle Steel novel to see why she's sold 800 million books.

Readers -

Not a lot done yesterday. Puttering about, squabbling with DD at one point. We drove to get food from Cava which has very tasty offerings in various bowls. Kicking myself that I didn't get lamb meatballs, a rare treat. I was surprised that DD liked the food as the chicken had spices, but glad as that means in theory when I make things that have a little more taste to them. Too far for frequent outings but good to know about. I finally found my favorite watermelon popsicles at a store and went overboard on them but at least they're not fattening. Exercise was mowing the front lawn. The back still needs to be done at some point but probably not today.
I slept poorly with a bunch of wierd dreams , ugh. On with Monday.
Bill-yay for getting the plumbing fixed. We have had such lovely weather recently.

I had a busy week last week. This week should be slightly less so.

I went to my eye doctor for the annual appointment. There are early signs of both cataracts and macular degeneration. But they haven't changed since last time. In fact, my eyes are so stable right now that she doesn't want to see me for two years! Weird to think that I'll be on Medicare the next time she sees me.

I was at the dentist twice taking up emergency appointment slots. The new crown on the new implant was loose. Fortunately, the implant itself is solid. At the first appointment, she went with the tried and true method of removing it and putting it back on to see if that would help. It did -- for about four hours. At the second appointment, she took it off to send back to the lab for a repair. She's pretty mad about it and hasn't charged me anything for all of this since it shouldn't have happened. I'm back to having just a cap on the implant, leaving a gap where the molar is supposed to be. This was how it was for several months while I waited for the jaw to heal after the implant, so not too difficult to live with.

I went to my final PT appointment with everything feeling good and came out with a plan for the future. I'll do strength-training a lot more often with a lot more variety and a lot less emphasis on heavier weights, because that's what my body likes.

We played with the kiddos (four of them, age 3 to 9) for a couple of mornings. DH took out an audio recorder and made a fun little edited recording for them. That was a hit. My contribution, after we exhausted more creative options, was to encourage them to watch the stage production of Frozen, recently released to Disney+ from a recording that was made of the West End production. I actually liked the depth of characterizations better than the original film.

I'm slightly above my maintenance weight, so August is about losing a kilogram so that I can be at the low end of that range.

Exercise: 60, 180/1800 minutes for August
Weigh-in: 83.1, goal for August is 82.1

Good Morning, Coaches.

I had quite an emotional weekend. I worked through some blues and then reluctantly checked out some online OA meetings. I have been in and out of OA for 40 years. My experience has been varied. After checking into 5 different very small meetings with people who were very over weight, I finally found a meeting that had 20 participants with people of various sizes. I felt guilty hopping out of meetings with people who visually "didn't have what I wanted." I know. Big time judgment but I likened it to walking into an AA meeting with people who were drinking. This is superficial but it was just where my head space was. The meeting I stayed was ironically back in the hometown of my old high school in So Cal. A few women made outreach calls to me and i am going to follow up today.

I had a big fight with DH but we worked through it and took a Sunday drive to Napa Valley. We ended up with a lovely day and I was grateful we both have enough willingness to work through old issues to get back to love and gratitude. Food was within fasting windows.

The scale number is high today but I have a plan.

Curly: Glad interactions with daughter were better.
BBE: and DW said, "Let there be light."

Diet Coaches/Buddies - Spent a bunch of time adding and moving appointments on my desk calendar. I fail to tend to it with the consistency required. So I'm now caught up. Did discover an almost-conflicting pair of appointments on December 2nd. Seems so far away to be worrying about. But won't seem far away when I wake up on that Tuesday morning. "Almost-conflicting" means that the dental hygienist has to get done in the allocated time so I can get to a class. Like many medical situations, 'running late' at the dental practice is considered OK by them.

Eating was on plan with no daytime snacks, CREDIT moi. Dinner on the patio was grilled, fresh sea scallops. The previously frozen ones had been cheaper but DW gave Whole Foods a chunk of the grocery budget for the fresh ones. YOLO. Green salad, again, contained garden cukes and tomatoes.


Joy (gardenerjoy) - Good news that your eyes are so constant that you don't need a checkup for two years. It's a painful stage of life when "no further deterioration" is considered good news. I'm there. Also good news that the implant is solid even though juggling the crown is a pain.

maryann – My admiration to you both for being able to work through 'stuff'. I have fond memories of driving through Napa Valley.

curlyjax - More spices offers so much variety to the same basic foods. Certainly is the weather for watermelon popsicles.

Readers -

Good day at work followed by a nap at home, and then a squabble with DD.I really need a break from her but won't have one for a long time as she's having some follow up surgery next week and then home recovering for weeks.I should have more empathy for her but god its exhausting. I actually started a talk with chat GPT and it came up with some good scripts for me. I may turn to it to vent occasionally if i'm in the middle of something-its like having a therapist when you need it, except it does start repeating itself.
We're off to the cape today- hopefully its fun. I should be able to spend some time by myself anyhow.
Maryann-I've never been to an OA but I'm tempted to find one now. although like you said I would want one with various sizes too. Yay for making up with DH.
Gardenerjoy-sounds like you guys were excellent babysitters! Yay for such a dedicated dentist.
Bill-ooh, fresh scallops are worth the money. I've never grilled them-wondering how they would be in the air fryer.