Hey, Kathy, take advantage of whatever motivation you have. I know I'll hear you in Chicago the day you get on the scale and it says 149. I'll be that loud when I step on the scale and it says 199. I haven't been in the 100's in many, many years! Unfortunately, even that is very, very far away.

Happy First Day Of Summer!
 

I think all that "off track" eating was due to a change of season - right? I'm sure we can all get back on our plans for the "summer"!

Melissa - I feel for you and understand how you are feeling - once you get that "taste" it is sometimes hard to get back to healthy eating. I don't know if fasting is the answer - maybe more water and small snacks instead of meals? (all core of course!). Hang in there!

Angela - poor you - hope you do not get any worse and are feeling better soon. Have fun at the museum!

Vickie - can't wait to hear the results from your appt on Thursday - good luck w/the hair. I have an appt on SATURDAY and can't wait as my hair is too long and unmanageable and takes soooo long to blow dry! Good luck w/your eating plan for the game and dinner - take it ONE MEAL AT A TIME! (you can always just ask for oil & vinegar and make your own dressing?)

Kathy - the incredible shrinking woman! Wow - you are on a roll and I can see it's very motivating - keep up the good work!

As for all those coke products - I'm sure you realize we have none of that up here! We do have the "silver" can diet coke and I am shocked to hear of a splenda version - and of course it will probably be years before we see any Coke Zero here! :lol: (I did find something new the other day - diet pepsi w/lime - pretty good). I am sure that on my upcoming trip to the sunshine state I will be able to find these exciting products and will definitely try them out! (dare I smuggle some across the border? :o )

Had just fruit at my "dessert party" last night but was hungry before bed so I had some milk and cereal. So I'm in the kitchen and notice dd EATING MY LUNCH I HAD PACKED FOR TODAY!!! - she smiles sheepishly and says do you want to the rest? Like no - it's half gone! I was so CRANKY - but tried not to freak out. Of course my first instinct was to feel bad for myself and just forget about it - but I knew that would be trouble!

Found 4 hb eggs in the fridge so mashed those up w/lf mayo for a vat of egg salad. I am able to buy a tossed salad downstairs as a "side" and that should do it! (but I really had my heart set on the pasta/sauce/chicken leftovers!)

I am also finding it hard today as my first instinct was muffin and coffee - but I stayed strong. Hoping to walk today - maybe at lunch (altho it's supposed to be around 30 degrees!) or if not later tonight when it cools down.

Anna - welcome back and glad you had a fun and busy holiday!

Cindy - hope you are enjoying your long vacation! Any plans?

LindaNH - I am impressed with your "creativity" - let us know how your recipes turn out!

Well almost lunchtime and I'm starving!

Later,

Froufie:)

Frouf, you sound VERY strong today. Tha's good! DD sure loves to yank your tail, doesn't she?! Could she possibly have NOT known that she was eating your lunch. I probably would have been a very bad Mother and freaked. The egg salad sounds good though. I might make some for myself today. I'm afraid that my cooked roast turkey has been in the freezer too long. I might need a plan "B". I'm very proud of you for not indulging in the muffin. Good job! I bet they will have oil and vinegar. Jim is suggesting that we bring an ice chest to put my teeny tiny cup of salad dressing in. I don't know how I managed to get such a great husband. Gotta go get on the treadmill. I promised him I'd get on while he was out shopping! He's been gone since 10:00!

good morning, girls. i'm ready to be a core maniac. if food had been drugs, i'd have od'd yesterday. but--i did get my fruit and veggies eaten. that's a plus. today i'm re-dedicated. i've been enjoying reading your posts this morning. that's very "calming" for me. just knowing you're all in this with me helps tremendously. but i know ya'll already feel the same. good place to be, isn't it?

frouf, congratulations on responding instead of reacting to your lost lunch. that's very important. egg salad sounds good, too. i'm out of eggs. i'm also out of diet cokes. it's definitely time to go to the store.

kathy, what % of our bodies is water weight? i can't remember but i do know it's a large %. i'd take a water loss anytime. congratulations. you're very dedicated. have fun tonight at the party.

lindanh, let us know how the recipes come out. after yesterday i may have to wait awhile to try them. i'm thinking of cutting down on the carbs (cept for my fruit). i have to have fruit in the summer.

angela, does your sister work there or are ya'll all meeting there for an outing? i hope your neck feels better. i had to get an ortho pillow. (i'm old.) it sure helps me.

linda, it's good to see you. are you still eating basically core even though you're counting pts?

cindy, thank you for asking about the soup recipe. i think i'll try it today. i have all the ingredients.

got to go. i need to start lunch. the soup sounds good. that's on the menu for today for sure. i'll be back later.

No, dd did not eat my lunch on purpose - and as you know this has happened in the past, so I guess I should be extra diligent and put my name on the tupperware (and something like "KEEP OUT OR ELSE") so there are no misunderstandings.

So co-worker tells me it's around 22 degrees outside - so I'm thinking I really should be OUT WALKING - this would be perfect walking weather and even tho I"m STARVING I can walk and eat later. So out come the runners, walkman and off I go.

After the first 2 minutes I realize there is no way it is 22 degrees - definitely WARMER but there is a nice breeze so I continue. Of course at the 20 min mark I am expiring and had to slow down the rest of the way - came in pretty red and hot! But I am proud to say I did get my 30 min walk in already so this takes some of the pressure off.

Had my vat of egg salad (I ate 4 eggs - isn't that absurd?) and bought some cut up veggies (celery, carrot sticks, brocolli, cauliflower) and just finished 4 huge slices of pineapple and I am stuffed. But not having much luck w/my water so need to increase that for sure!

Vickie - I bet you could even bring your own "oil & vinegar & spices" concoction and that would not need to be refrigerated? (as we normally would not keep oil or vinegar in the fridge?) Do you have one of those insulated lunch bags? That would work w/the small amount of dressing in a container w/a small ice pack? But I'm sure you will figure something out as we all know you are very determined!

Thinking of making that mexican bow ties casserole thing for dinner - I think I have most of the ingredients and can "fake" the rest!

Frouf:)

Go Froufie, Go Froufie, Go Froufie!!!!! Huge Congratulations on starting AND finishing that walk that you really didn't want to do. You could have turned back but you didn't. I believe you will be rewarded on Saturday with another loss. Be sure to have some water to replenish what you lost on your walk. Can't wait to hear if you like the Mexican bow ties casserole. I am determined in the next couple of weeks to try some new recipes and that one is definitely on my list.

Sandra, always good to hear from you. You sound good and strong and back on program. What's an ortho pillow?

Speaking of Orthos....I'm so annoyed. I had my MRI last Thursday so I called to make an appointment and my Dr. isn't back in the office until July 5th. Sheesh...now I have to wait 2 weeks to find out if I have a tear and to find out if NOW he'll give me a cortisone shot! Let's drag this out a little longer.

My subdivision is having a garage sale on July 8th and 9th. I'll be participating in that. I've been adding to my pile for a while now but need to go through the house to see what else to add. My Niece always does it with me (although neither of us did it last year) and we have a ball! Kind a a dying thing now that Ebay is so big but we enjoy it anyway.

Well, it took me until noon to actually get on the treadmill but I did it. Now I'm stinky and I need to go shower. I'll talk with you all later. I bought some fresh strawberries and am going to make a crustless strawberry pie tonight. My Niece tells me it isn't Core but I'm going to make it anyway. I guess the SF cook and serve pudding isn't Core. I don't get it because one serving is less than the SF/FF instant pudding. I don't think this will be an abuse food for me.

Hi everyone:

Sorry I had to disappear again for a while, but the computer they loaned me died, too. I just got it back and, of course, where's the first place I come.

I had a shock at WI. My scale at home said I was a bit down, but the "official" one put me at almost 2 pounds up. I about cried. I'm not sure what I did to deserve that, except be close to that TOM.

So, I had to pull up my socks this week and see what I could do to get back on track. I've been feeling a little sick with a sore throat and a nighttime cough, so maybe I was slacking off a little. I've been trying to stay pretty strictly core this week and have fruit for snacks, instead of popcorn. I'm also taking advantage of the kids' camp schedule to do half an hour on my exercise bike in the morning after dh has them out the door. I have a really nice Lifecycle with some good workout programs and it's basically been a coatrack for the last few months. I also have some time to walk before they get home, so I'm hoping that will help. Basically, I was thinking this morning that I really can't let every little thing throw off my plan--there's always going to be some monkey wrench thrown into the schedule.

I sure am clawing my way under 150, though. You'll hear me, too, when that happens at a real WI.

The kids liked their first day of camp. Dd has already said she wants to go back next year. Slow down kid. Ds's group is going to go bowling today, which he should love, since throwing things--preferably things that can do a lot of damage--is a particular favorite.

Afternoon girls! We had a nice trip this morning. The museum was interesting, and the kids got a kick out of it. My sister lives in the same city as the museum, so we swung by her place and had lunch. She'd made a nice big salad for Mom and I (who are both on Core) and ramen noodles for the kids (their favorite), so that was nice.

My brother tagged along too, as he isn't working for a few weeks here. He just found out last week that he has mono. I'm really hoping I don't have it too - I did have it about 10 years ago though, so shouldn't I be immune now? I've just been exhausted lately, and that one gland right below my tongue is really in a lot of pain. Weird! I did get a Dr appt for 3:30 this afternoon, so I hope that'll help me sort everything out.

As far as Core eating, I've done pretty well today. I have no idea what we're eating for dinner. Maybe leftovers, maybe a frozen pizza... :D I promise I'll be good though.

Great job those of you who exercised and/or ate healthily today. :cheer: for you!

I'll let you know how my dr appt goes...

Angela

Good luck, Angela! I don't know about being immune though ... I had it about 10 years ago too, right after I broke my jaw and had to be wired for 7 weeks. I got strep throat while wired, which went to mono, then to a long-term viral thing that lasted for about 2 years. It was a bad time. Anyway, it reactivates from time to time and I have a bottle of Famvir (antiviral) that I keep on hand for such times. I just go in and get the bloodwork then they call and say yep, start taking the medicine. :( I hope you are okay.

(We won't make jokes about you kissing your brother, though. That's just gross.)

:rofl:

Ewww! :p Yeah, my brother had his first real girlfriend this spring, then broke up, and now he has mono. Hee hee. I joke with him all the time about it (being the "kissing disease" and all), so it would just be poetic justice if I happened to get it again. (By the way, it can be spread by sharing drinking glasses and stuff too, just in case no one knew. :D )

Kathy, 2 years??? That's crazy! I feel for you... So your mono reactivates every now and then? Because that's what this feels like, I swear. Hmmm.

Angela

Yes, it does. Whenever I get rundown (hmmm ... wonder when most moms are NOT rundown???) or very stressed is usually when it comes back.

I think I got mine from someone in the hospital, but of course there's no way to prove it now. I was more concerned with AIDS at the time, because I was bleeding all over the place and nobody was wearing gloves -- I guess they were trying to hurry and get me stitched up before I lost too much blood. Nowadays that wouldn't fly in a hospital but they didn't seem too worried about it.

Hey Kathy,

GO SPURS!!!!! The game the other night was the best game Ive seen in a while so im hoping tonights games will be just as good.


Having a good day on plan today.. I just really need to get back down. I know mine cant be water weight to blame since my pants dont fit. I have to get on top of this. I was thinking about switching to flex next week. I dont know what to do. I guess if I stick to something it will work. I just think how I lost 30 pounds in 6 weeks on flex. I really need a loss like that again.

Oh yeah! It was great, even with the late overtime! We have to go somewhere tonight but I'm hoping to be home by 8:00 to watch it.

Oh Angela - I sure hope you are okay and do NOT have mono again - what a bummer that would be! Hope the dr's appt brings some good news. Sounds like you all had a fun time today.

Vickie - thanks for the exercise encouragement - I am now glad I did my walk cuz it is "spitting" out there now and looks like a storm is blowing in - the good news is at least it should help w/the hot and humid weather and maybe cool things down a bit.

Cher - sorry to hear about the uncooperative scale - and I'm sure TOM had something to do with it - hang in there and I hope to hear your "under 150" holler way up here!

A consultant we hired here to do a training course (which I was "visiting/supervising" today) found out I was going to Disneyworld and she has a timeshare there so she brought me this AMAZING folder full of information and maps and restaurant guides! I am so excited to get this home and review it...it sure makes the trip seem more real. It's only 2 weeks away but I don't think the reality has hit me yet as kids are still in school. Will soon need to start the packing and trip preparations!

It's so funny cuz I do love to travel and dh is more a homebody - actually a bit fearful of air travel and "bad things" happening to us. I of course am able to balance this with my naive yet optimistic view of people in general - hopefully between the 2 of us we will survive. Of course mostly concerned about safety and comfort of kiddies and making sure nothing bad happens to anyone!

...and yes I have already written to the airline to see what type of meals will be available for "purchase" (can you believe that?) on our flights - at least I can try and plan ahead as much as possible.

Heading home now!

Froufie:)

Hi all,

Vickie, I'd count the pudding as core. Seems like a pretty minor thing that the cook and serve pudding is different from the instant. Hope the pie turns out good.

Kathy, I had chronic fatigue (same family of virus as mono, Epstein-Barr). It was pretty horrible. I couldn't do much of anything for nearly a year. I got better as a result of a kind of miracle. One of the pastors in my church annointed me with oil and the next day I felt better. I went to my doctor that week and the bloodwork came back in the normal range. I hope yours stays dormant forever. Such a miserable thing to deal with.

Angela, be careful. You are not immune. I don't think there's immunity for this kind of thing.

Cher, congrats for rediscovering the Lifecycle. They do make lovely coat racks though. ;) ;) Here's to getting under 150.

Frouf, you might want to pack some snacks for yourself. It's nice to know you have it if you need it.

Yesterday was a kind of weird day. I ate most of a jar of salsa and some almonds - then later a half cup of lf PB and chocolate ice cream. That was dinner. I also started my TOM, so maybe that explains a little. Of course tonight is WI, and I'm frantically drinking to try to get rid of the water bloat (strange to drink to get rid of water). I had many temptations this week that I deftly avoided, so I am hoping that WI isn't disappointing. :^:

Come on ladies -- start blinking for me. I know it works!

There's something in my eye.....
 

;) ;) ;) ;) ;)

There you go - hope that helps! Let us know how it goes!

Frouf:)

It's just a virus, get plenty of rest, drink plenty of fluids, $10 please... :lol:

The dr did a strep test, because he said my throat looks really bad, and it came back negative. He said I most likely don't have mono again, but even if I did, the treatment would be the same...rest, fluids etc. He said he could prescribe me some pain meds if I wanted, but I'd rather just take Advil.

So I cancelled my guitar lesson, am telling dh to get something for dinner, and I'm going to bed early.

Later!
Angela

frouf, i'm impressed that you did your walk in the heat. you rock, girl!

vickie, it's a pillow that i got at a surgical supply store. it has a big depression in the middle. it's hard to imagine that it could be comfortable, but it is. i haven't had a neck strain since i got it over a year ago. i'm sorry you're having to wait to get relief for your feet. i went grocery shopping today with my new orthotics on. they worked well. i do still feel like i have a bad bruise on my left heel, though. i go to the doctor tomorrow. i don't think he'll do anything but say for me to keep on keepin on.

cher, i'm snacking on fruit, too. i overdid things eatingwise yesterday and am trying to get back on track. tom is prob what caused your weight gain. hang in there.

anna, why don't you do the basics of core for a bit. that's what i'm doing. i got the idea from kathy who's doing a low carb. i'm trying to avoid the pastas, potatoes, etc....

angela, i'm glad you don't have mono but be careful. strep is bad, too.

terry, i ate that much pb yesterday, too. i was eating it out of a spoon with nothing else. i hope you get your water retention taken care of before wi.

dh and i are watching the 2nd installment of lord of the rings today. we're about halfway through it. we're using subtitles so we can find out what's happening. we saw all 3 episodes before but are rewatching them now with the subs. i'm having a blast. be back later. have a terrific tuesday evening.

Hey chicks, not nearly as much to catch up on here as I would have thought!

Today was another stressful frustrating day, though not as bad as I was away from the office a good deal today. Still overall just kind of depressed and frustrated. Really difficult to control my eating today. I didn't stay op but I didn't do really badly either. DH had his meeting today with the pastor and associate pastor re: the job, and he said things went well. We should know SOMETHING by Thursday next week probably.

Angela, sorry you are not feeling well. I hate it when I go to the dr. and he can't tell me what's wrong. That's just not right! I hope you got to rest tonight and are feeling better soon.

Sandra, you sound very motivated today. Good for you! I'm glad you are getting back on track after "our" bad days yesterday.

Frouf, congrats on your walk. That is so great. And it sounds like you did pretty well considering your lunch was consumed by a teenager! :D

Vickie, way to go getting on that treadmill. Better late than never right? ;) I want to try some new recipes too. Told DH that I wanted to go get a library card so I could check out some recipe books like you suggested.

Cher, you sound positive despite being up at w/i. That's really great. You seem like a very determined person, and you'll get 'er done! :D

Terry, ;) ;) ;) ;)

Oh I have to share a NSV with you all. Last night we met friends at Starbucks whom we haven't seen in probably a couple of months. The first thing the woman said to me was "You look like you're losing weight!"!! I said, "I am, thanks!!" :lol: Made me so happy, I'm still thinking about it today. :D

DH and I rented a movie. I'm going to go drown my sorrows in Edy's light ice cream (better than the junk I wanted to get) and watch the movie in bed. :lol: Night girls!

Hi All!

Angela, I'm glad you don't have mono but strep would be awful too. Hope you are resting now and feel better in the morning.

Cher, it sounds like you're getting back in the swing of things. Hang in there!

Anna, good luck with whatever you decide.

Melissa, I was wondering where you were and I was a little concerned. You do sound a little better. Big cyber party when Aaron gets the job! Enjoy your movie.

Sandra, it's actually my elbow that is bum but I do have a heal spur that I'm ignoring! :o I could use an ortho pillow. I think I'll check them out. My neck is always sore. Maybe because I have such awful posture.

Kathy, you have had one unbelievable life so far girlfriend! I've heard that viral infections really never go away they just go dormant. How are your MS symptoms? Did the Doc decide to do tests or just wait for another episode?

Terry, glad that you are well now! Don't fret. You'll do great. I can tell because I can feel ;) ;) the twitching! ;) ;)

I just popped in before I make my strawberry pie. It'll have to chill for 4 hours so I won't be able to have any until we come home from the ballgame tomorrow. I really don't need any more food tonight. I feel like a bloated blimp. I'm going to have a great time tommorow and I'm going to be as good as I can but I know all the choices won't be Core. Ugh. Also trying not to dread Thursday's weigh in. It is what it is and I'll have the benefit of starting a new week. I'll try to get some extra exercise at the ballpark.

Talk with you all tomorrow!

well, I decided not to use the cook and serve anymore because the first ingredient is sugar and I don't want to unintentionally derail core. THe strawberries don't look good here anymore anyway. Hope everyone is feeling better by tomorrow. I live in FL and got in a 30 minute walk today after 8 PM and it is still hot.
Vivian

Vivian, the recipe calls for SF cook and serve. There's no sugar in it. Congrats on your walk!

melissa, enjoy your evening. i'd be stressed, too, waiting to hear from dh's new job. they're really dragging this out, aren't they? i know you're ready to find out. again, enjoy your evening. we're going to lose this weight. we're focused.

Froufy, I love Disney. were hoping to go in August. I hate that the kids will have to miss school, it just starts so early here. Can you believe they got out may 18th so they have to go back on AUg 4th. Good thing they are young so a day or two wont be too bad. Thomas' best friends parents(who he adopted as his own in highscool) live down there so we always visit them once a year and take a day for Disney. My kids love going down there to see their wela & pap pap

I think im going to stick to core for a few weeks and see how I do first before switching to flex. I really like Core and the gain isnt the diets fault it's mine for not following it.

Hey, chickies! I'm home from my work thing, have fed and watered and pottied the dogs. I need to clean up the kitchen but am sorta pooped, plus I'd really like to watch basketball. Little DD just left and said she wasn't sure if she was coming home tonight, so it's another one of those sleepless situations for me. I think I'll take the cell phone upstairs and have her call me if she's staying over at the place she's headed to. It's the not knowing that bugs me -- like did she try to come home and have a wreck on the way, get kidnapped, etc. or did she decide to stay? Yes, that's what I'm going to do. Just talked myself into it.

I did very well at the party tonight. I had one hamburger patty with a piece of cheese melted on it, four little cubes of cheese, a spoonful of salsa, and about 2 spoonfuls of guacamole. I also drank a 32 oz. bottle of water, a 32 oz. bottle of Sam's Choice sparkling ruby red flavored water, and a diet A&W Cream Soda. It felt good to be in control of what goes in my mouth. After all, if I don't watch it, wonder who I think *IS* going to? LOL!!

Angela, I'm glad it's not as bad as it could have been, but don't you just wish they could give you a definite answer sometimes? Well, do what they said and take it easy.

Melissa, sounds like your day was a teeny bit better than yesterday. I'd be a ticking time bomb if I was waiting on news as long as you guys have had to wait! Good grief, make a decision already!

Vickie, so far so good with the symptoms. That crackpot neurologist wasn't too enthused about ordering the MRI so if he doesn't care, neither do I. I'm not going back to him anyway so if they symptoms come back, I'll get my PCP to refer me to someone else and go from there. Meanwhile, I'm hanging in!

Spurs are on and I've already missed quite a bit. They need me, so I'd better get in front of the TV and help out. :lol:

Nighty night to all -- and don't forget, today ends at midnight. Tomorrow's a new day! Yay!!!!

Good morning ladies, and gents if there are any... are there?
I posted yesterday morning about my idea for a "cheesecake" crust and I tried it yesterday and it was just awful. I'm bummed out as I thought it would be good, but it's NOT. I do think I went too far with sweet ingredients such as sf maple syrup and Splenda in the same recipe. Perhaps one or the other and I found the maple taste not pleasing at all, so that is now "out". I'm going to try it again, if I get brave enough. I might add "butter buds" and maybe a bit of salt. I think I shall sweeten it with Splenda and use evaporated skim milk vs. SF maple syrup to make is pliable and to be able to stick together a bit. These things need "time" but my "dreams" of a CORE cheesecake still exist and I'll keep trying. I was writing down things as I went along so I would have a real recipe with measured amounts, but literally tore it up after I was done, it was sooooo bad! I also want to adapt the recipe for a simple crumb pie crust to use in a yogurt based quiche recipe that I have, it's wonderful and it's really only the crust that isn't core if you use plain ff yogurt.
I weighed in yesterday and stayed the same, which was better than gaining, at least.
I wish I had used more self control when I dined out over the weekend, but this is not a race, it is a lifelong learning experience and I have to find a way to deal with all the temptations in a satisfactory way. Not sure what that is yet, but I shall figure it out. :?:
Dining out is a huge trigger for me. :devil: When we go to special places to eat, I get "upset" thinking "I hardly ever get to come here and I really love their _______. I just have to have it tonight". Then, I spiral out of control. For some people, it's drinking, for me it's special foods at various places we dine out at that make me lose control all the time.
A nutritionist once told me that people would not be overweight if there was only ONE dining establishment everywhere as boredom would set in. Let's fact it, you drive down the "main street" of just about any decent sized town in America (or probably in the world???) and see a line up of all the various "chain" places to eat. We ALL pretty much know the places, what to expect there, etc. Their brightly colored signs and "fun" looking buildings invite us in with open arms to sample the high fat and other enticing and highly advertised foods we've been coaxed into wanting during our tv watching, etc. Are these ads subliminal messages? Just had to say that!
At any rate, I didn't eat at a chain fast food place this weekend, but I sure think about them. We went for more expensive and "nicer" places, which was even more of a trigger for me. We eat out all the time, yet I always find myself getting enticed by a wonderful menu and the thought that "eating out is a special occasion" and it's NOT special, we eat out every weekend, it's part of our regular meals. So, I need to figure out a way to learn how to deal with that. I know all the tips about filling up on clear soup (sure, when it's 90 degrees I'll really be wanting that soup!) and having a low point snack before leaving, but what if you've been away from the house for a long time and haven't been prepared? Ideas? Thoughts? Sympathy? ;)
Linda in NH, wrestling with a "lifetime" eating plan

Mornin' just checking in.....will read later.....I have my day 'planned' with what I am having and without tonights penciled in 'snack' it 16 points so far......Take into consideration what is Core and it's 1 pt.
So I am making good choices.... I just HAVE to keep it in control and portions. I am all about measuring and weighing, guess I just have to, do not trust myself to depend on the full/satisfied.
I actually took the breads and Wow chips away and substituted those for Asparagus and 1 slice FF cheese......so I am good to go....but I have to have to weigh and measure....but look at the better choice I made... I am not AGAIN expecting a loss on Saturday but I do feel better knowing I am not depending on MY understanding of "am I full or satisfied" Guess one could say I am Floring :D
Well time to get ready to leave......see you back here later...
Hope all the Tues and Wed weighers have a good weigh in.....Lj

LJ, one thing to consider.... something I've heard in my WW meetings before is "can you live the rest of your life this way". I, too, am wrestling with that issue. I can't spend my entire life weighing and measuring. I doubt I can stick with CORE my entire life, either, though perhaps my own "version" of it? I need the proper balance to energize me, maintain and healthy weight and to help me lose at this time, but then to maintain. I'm not there at all yet.
I don't want to be weighing and measuring, I do miss breads (even lite breads) and things like that. Where is the happy medium?
Linda, with no answers but not giving up on the quest in NH

Morning Girls!!!

I did well yesterday including a trip with DD15 to Fazoli's for dinner - they have the WW penne and I got it with the spicy Marinara and grilled chicken...yummy - the portion was huge and I brought some home.

I bought a new water bottle yesterday, but don't like it :mad: . Kinda wierd to be picky about water bottles....but I know what works for me to drink a ton and this isn't going to cut it.....I need a squeeze bottle type.....and can't seem to find a nice one.

I am cleaning today getting ready for the onslaught of my small family to celebrate my parents 50th for the weekend.......so between my walk (shortly) and all the cleaning today, I should be good in the exercise area.

I am also headed to my first meeting tomorrow in about 10 years.......why didn't I just keep off this freaking 10 lbs???? My friend wants my support and that was my goal while I was off this summer.

I am making one of the 5 can soups you all suggested for lunch today....Have a great day everyone!

NH Linda, I eat out ALOT and I sympathize. It is nearly impossible to stay Core without planning ahead unless you are willing to eat dry baked potatoes and veggies, which I am not. I also carry my salad dressing, Smart Balance, and FF sour cream in containers to restaurants. Even today, I'm packing my salad dressing in a cooler with ice because we are going out to a restaurant after the ballgame and I want to be able to have a salad and I'm not crazy about oil and vinegar. As the other ladies here know, I'm a nut about eating out in restaurants. I interrogate every server to make sure my food has no added or non-Core oil. I ask for things to be prepared a special way and if they don't have Core food available then I don't go there. My friends and family now know that this is how it has to be for the next 3 years. When the subject of dining out comes up they usually say, Vick, where can you go? Now I'm not implying that you should do this too. I just wanted you to know that I understand how you feel. Obviously, I like to eat all those yummy dishes too, which is how I got to be 307 pounds. It's just that I LOVE to go out to eat and didn't want to give it up while I lose these darn 150 pounds. I also didn't want to slow down my weight loss any worse than it already is (about a pound a week) by treating myself. I do feel deprived once in a while but I try to tell myself that at some point, I'll be able to eat Core most of the time but go out to special places and eat special non-Core meals once I get to my goal. I'm sure it's harder for you since you are way closer to your goal than I. Maybe you could save all of your points for restaurant visits and just eat all Core/no points when you are eating at home?

Linda, you go girl! You WILL find the magic formula that will work for you. As long as you don't give up you will be successful. Don't give up hope on the Saturday weigh in yet!

Cindy, great job at Fazoli's! Wish we had one closer to us because I'd eat that once a week. I understand being picky about a water bottle. I always heard that Eddie Bauer makes a great one. Maybe when Terry gets on she can tell you where to find a great one. Since she's a runner, I'll bet she's tried a few. I don't use them because I never feel like I get them clean enough. I'm a kookoo bird about some things! Cindy, you might find that the meetings will help you get off those 10 pounds.

Gotta get ready for the ballgame today. I woke up at 5:30 with a VERY upset stomach. I don't think the pineapple/yogurt combination agrees with my tummy. This is the second time it's made me queasy. Poor Jim is at Walmart now getting me Pepto Bismol since he's afraid that I won't be able to do to the game. I don't think I'm going to walk on the treadmill. I'll do a couple of laps at the ballpark later if I feel better.

Terry, here are few extra for good measure! ;) ;)

Hope you all have a great day. I'll be with great friends all day watching my beloved Chicago White Sox!

Morning everyone! I felt terrible yesterday, and told dh to go out and get whatever he wanted for dinner. I really just wanted comfort food. He did great - he came back with Chinese, and my favorite ice cream for dessert. I certainly wouldn't eat that way all the time, but it was so comforting, and I actually felt much better after eating a small serving. I'm back on track today, as I have weigh-in tonight. We'll see how it goes. :) My throat/neck is still really hurting, but I got over 9 hours of sleep, so I don't feel so run down at least. I just really hope my girls don't get this - it's NO fun!

Angela

Angela, I'm glad you're up and about. It's also really good that you're learning how to have just a bit of comfort food without going overboard. Signs of a true Lifetime Member! I'll keep my fingers crossed for a good weigh in for you and that your throat and neck feel better soon! You do NOT want to have your girls sick again.

Good morning! I'll be back later but I thought I'd pop in and post this picture from last night. Someone took a bunch of pictures and uploaded them so they'd be available for us to see this morning. I thought that was pretty thoughtful -- and fast! I'm talking to one of the Air Force guys here.

http://pic18.picturetrail.com/VOL923.../101636568.jpg

Look at you, drinking that water at the party... :D Way to go! You look great, by the way. In fact, you don't need to lose a thing... :lol: (I know how you love it when people tell you that.)

Angela

:D I felt pretty good about drinking all that water -- although I added it up and I had 76 oz. of liquid while I was there. No wonder I was in the bathroom all night!!! And thanks for the nice words. We can just be glad I wasn't sitting there nekkid ... you would NOT be saying I don't need to lose more!

I think if you were sitting there nekkid at a work party, there would be more wrong with the situation than trying to decide if you needed to lose a few pounds! :D

BTW, I feel the same way...sure, you stuff me in some clothes, and it looks all right. But in all my birthday suit glory, it's scary! But I'm not sure losing anymore weight would help with me. I think it's all saggy, damaged skin from being pregnant and close to 200 pounds for a couple of years. Oh well, the kids are worth it, right? Right??! Maybe I shouldn't ask you parents of teenagers, huh? :lol:

So as I was hanging up clothes on the clothesline just now, something went out in my back, and now it's excrutiating to move or turn quickly. Argh! What else can go wrong? I'm falling apart now that I'm 30. :)

Angela

Your parents should have bought the extended warranty on you!! :lol: I hope your back is better quickly. I think you need some good drugs (I'm sorry ... medication) and more ice cream. :)

The kids ARE worth it, but only when they're very young and very old. It's those inbetween years that are the killers! I can deal with my son now that he's up and out and I don't have to worry about him. The girls ... that's another story entirely. Paying for 8 years of college for the older one, and trying to get the little one to grow up is about to drag me down. My happy day will be when they're situated in life and self-sufficient!

good morning, ladies. and i think that's all that's here posting. there might be a few gentlemen lurkers, though.

lindanh. we're all sending you blinks, vibes, and whatever else we can to help you come up with that cheesecake recipe. i know what you mean by eating out causing problems. we eat out a lot, too. one of the things i usually do is decide before we get there what i'm going to have. the other day we changed plans and i wasn't prepared. i think not being prepared mentally was the trigger for my binge. oh, well, live and learn. i'm open for suggestions, too. i could use some help.

linda, sounds like you have a winning plan there. you're "good to go". going to goal that is.

lindanh and linda, i'm with you girls. we need a happy medium. right now, i'm having to think "diet" a little more than lifestyle. if i don't make some assertives, i won't lose. i'll just maintain, and i'm not at a place for that. what i'm thinking is when i get there, i can add the breads and things. but this is just me. i'm older than the rest of you and have problems losing. if i'm not careful, i even gain.

cindy, i congratulate you on going back before gaining more than 10 lbs. i think that's amazing. if you get finished cleaning, would you come clean my place? no? i don't blame you. guess i could use some exercise cleaning anyway.

vickie, you're so wise. i have to tell you i look forward to your comments. i like it, too, that you have a date in mind for reaching your goal. that's very important. i haven't set a date for mine but will do so when i get offline. thank you for the idea. i hope you're feeling better today and get to enjoy your game.

angela, i hope you're feeling better. you needed that comfort food. congratulations on getting back on track today.

kathy, you are a babe! i knew you looked good, but i didn't know you were this gorgeous. thank you for sharing the photo. not only did i enjoy getting to put a face to your posts, but i got inspired to try harder. thank you again.

angela, what next, girl? try lying flat on the floor. maybe that will help. (but if i did it, i probably couldn't get up.)