Hi all.

Judy – There’s something about Twizzlers..... They aren’t my favorite either, but when they’re around I just keep eating them. Sounds like you had our beautiful weather from a few days ago. We’ve had mostly rainy days, but no one is complaining since we need the rain so badly. Good luck with the observation today, although I’m sure you’ll do just fine.

Kelly – I’m glad to hear that Rita didn’t bother you much either. Congrats on the new puppy! I’ve never had a puppy, so I have no advice for you other than hang in there. Company certainly can be disruptive to our diets. We want to have goodies and good food for them and our schedules get all thrown off. Just jump back on track and you’ll be doing fine. I don’t do core, I do flex along with the meal plan my dietician gave me. I wouldn’t call it low carb, although it’s less carbs than I would probably eat on my own. It’s more like controlled carbs. Switching to core right now might help you in a couple of ways: first, it might be a bit easier to get back on track and stay there, since you’re eating until your satisfied, etc. Secondly, it usually means a nice first week loss for those who go on it. I would just suggest you plan out some meals and a grocery list first.

Rachel – Yay for the exercise. Boo for the starving all the time. Are you eating your activity points? If not, sounds like you need to. Country mountain breakfasts sound so good. And I do love biscuits and gravy. I like to enjoy big breakfasts when I’m on vacation too. And the good thing is that I find I need very little, if any lunch, so it all kind of balances out. I’m sure with all that hiking, etc. you’ll do fine. Have a great time!

Lynne – Yay for that pound staying off. I hope your baby is feeling better soon. It’s so hard to see the little ones sick.

Kari – Eating out is so hard. I hope your husband’s schedule settles down soon.

I had an ok weekend, although food-wise it wasn't the best. It could have been worse though. At least I stayed out of the microwave kettle corn that John and Ana bought from the boy scouts. I went into the city on Friday to meet a friend for lunch and did a ton of walking, so that was good. Today is supposed to be a day off for me, but I'm going in to work as we have a lot to do this week. I'll walk there (after walking Ana to school), so at least I'll get some exercise in.

Have a great day.

Carla

KellyJo - Having family come to stay can be tough on staying OP but that kind of thing happens and the most important thing is to get back on track once your FIL leaves and in the meantime, do your best. Try not to beat yourself up - we all slip. I've never had a puppy so I have no advice other than to enjpy the little fluffball. I've been following core and really loving it. It's sort of a lowER carb diet - really, it's eating good food, whole grains and really limiting the empty calorie stuff. I find it really good because when I eat mostly core foods, I don't feel all snacky in the evenings. The key with core is to eat as much as you want but only until you are SATISFIED AND NOT STUFFED. Eating all that good food also helps me to feel fuller with what I guess is less food 'cause it's been working. As for the amount of carbs, I think it's eating GOOD carbs 'cause you can have any fruit and as much as you want and I know diets like Atkins limit that.

Rachel - You know, I guess I'm really a NYC kind of girl because I can't say I've ever had biscuits and gravy although it does sound good! I agree with Carla, when I have larger breakfasts on vacation, I often don't have lunch 'cause I'm still full. Way to go on all that exercising! If you're starving all the time, maybe eat a little higher on your points or try core. You may be burning off lots of points and putting yourself below your minimum.

Tchrnow - I hope your baby is feeling better soon. Way to go on getting rid of the pound from your sneak peek!

Thereisnotry - you aren't alone on eating more when hubby is busy. When my DH used to travel for business, I always had a hard time. The key is to forgive yourself and get back OP. We all slip. My leader says that if you count the points, even if you binge, you are still OP. Sort of makes sense, right?

Carla - We have your rain tonight. Actually, we have the remnants of Hurricane Rita - some wind and rain but thankfully, not much to speak of. Hey girlfriend, could have been worse for the weekend is still a victory. I suppose the Boy Scout kettle corn wasn't the 94% fat free variety! Way to go on the walking.

The observation went well this morning and although the asst. principal and I didn't actually sit down for the "feedback" - that will be Wed (I have an all-day mandatory seminar at grad school tomorrow - blech, I'd rather be teaching!). she did say that it went "very well" with a big smile on her face. Phew! Glad that's over. I didn't do anything exercise wise today except some basic stretching for my back this morning but I don't have to get up early tomorrow and plan on doing some kind of a workout in the morning before the seminar. I don't know if we'll get to see a Yankee game tonight but if we do I'm planning on some lf popcorn and fruit to help counteract the close race nerves.

Have a great one!
Judy

Judy - I knew it would go well! I bet your an awesome teacher. What grade are you doing your student teaching in? Popcorn and fruit sound like great snack ideas. I love popcorn. But the Kettle corn sits untouched. And no it's not the 94% fat free kind. Fortunately, I guess, I'm coming down with a cold, so it doesn't appeal to me. We're going to sit down and have some spicy gazpacho that John made this weekend. Yum.

Until tomorrow.

Carla

Carla and Judy,
Thank you for the encouragement! I stayed OP today and started using my excerball (I have reynauds syndrome and can't do much activity on my feet, but I can do floor exercises and recumbant biking, which I do as well). I am going to try to check in here every night, that way I have to "report" to someone. Thanks for being here,

Hi Long Lost Friends...

Still alive and starting to think that I should try coping with work stress some other way than shovelling food into my face at every opportunity. There is light at the end of the tunnel on the work front. Life should become somewhat normal by the end of the year.

To make a long story short, I've gained 15 lbs this year, and HAVE to get it (and all the rest)off. So here goes. I've been journalling in my FitDay software since yesterday, did some upper body weights yesterday, and WILL walk on the treadmill when I get home this evening.

Hi to everyone I haven't met yet...I've been a long time poster on this thread, but absent for months.

Talk to you all soon...

Karen

Ladies, the scale is not my friend this week!!! It shows I am UP by 3lb!!!!
Can I cry????
Here is what I think has gone wrong, in a nutshell. I have been exercising much more, and no, I haven't been eating my activity points, I have been scared to. But I have also been really really hungry! And two nights last week I had some late night snackathons and went WELL OVER my points. Probably wouldn't have happened if I had eaten the activity points. So this week I will eat them and see if it helps. I feel so discouraged, but I won't give up. I am just really upset, I have been working really hard. But I do have to admit my diet has been slipping because of the hunger. I have to get it back on track.

Sunday I rode my bike 4 miles, last night went to the oh-so-fun latin aerobics after work and this morning to the gym for some strength training and of course more cardio on the elliptical. I can tell I am in much better shape because the class last night was so much easier than the first time I took it.
I know I look better because everyone keeps telling me. SO I just have to keep going. Thanks for listening.
Gotta go up to the school, I am working at the book fair today.
I'll check back later!

Carla - I'm so sorry you're coming down with a cold. Did it just start? I've been having good luck with this stuff called Airborne - it's a fizzy tablet developed by a teacher - they have it at Trader Joe's. Anyway, I hope you can fight it off. Mmmm, I love spicy gazpacho! I'm teaching in 3rd grade for another week and a half and then I go to 5th grade. After my student teaching ends Nov 10th after which, since I can't get a job yet (certification letter won't be until Jan) I'll be volunteering in a 1st grade classroom with a reading teacher at the school who was excessed and then given a 1st grade classroom. I figure it's good experience, I need to get into a lower primary grade and it will keep my face at the school.

Kari - You are most welcome! Good for you for staying OP and using the excerball. I like to try to check in every day but since student teaching, where I don't have an computer id at work anymore, it's hard. I'm going to do my best though because I think it really helps.

KAREN!!!!! I've missed you!!! Yes, you are right, there are better ways to deal with stress than shoving food in our mouths although we all do it at one time or another. Way to go on the weights and the treadmill. Sigh, my back has been bothering me for the last 3 weeks or so - I was just carrying too many big teacher edition books back and forth so I've been doing mostly yoga in the morning to stretch my back. I HAVE to get back to doing some upper body weights though - I can certainly do some biceps curls and the like. Thanks for the inspiration! Have you ever thought about yoga? I know it might be tough to get to a class, but there are beginning videos, and well, I find that it helps me deal with stress a lot! Back when I still worked in corporate and would come into the house ready to kill, Tony would ask me if maybe I would feel better if I did some yoga ;-) Hey, you'll get those 15 pounds off and then some. Stick around, girlfriend - it's harder for me to get online these days so I don't check in every day anymore but I know that coming here helps me.

Rachel - sorry about the gain but I do think that you haven't been eating enough of good food regularly with all the exercising you've been doing. Maybe you don't have to eat all of your activity points but if you are earning more than 1 or 2 a day, you should eat some. Otherwise, your body will start thinking "famine" and hold onto the weight AND you'll be setting yourself up for more bad snacking. I would suggest that you have a fruit (bananas are great for energy) right after you exercise too. Hey, even with the gain (which will be gone soon) I think you should pat yourself on the back for getting in so much activity - it is soooo good for you!

I had that all day seminar today - not bad - it wasn't as much a waste of time as I thought it would be. I did a half hour power yoga this morning but sitting all day in bad chairs really wasn't good for my back. As I said to Karen, I really have to get back to doing at least a little upper body strength - if I'm careful it shouldn't bother my back. Another Yankee game tonight - popcorn and fruit is on the snack menu.

I have class tomorrow night - blech - so I doubt I'll get a chance to get on tomorrow. Have a great one!
Judy

I am so excited!!! I am finally going to follow through this time and lose all of this weight that I gained from being pregnant. My daughter is a year and a half old, and I have yet to lose the sixty pounds I gained. I weighed myself yesterday when I woke up and I weighed 225.1 pounds (I have a WW scale) and I am 5'11" and 22 years old (my goal weight is 165 pounds). I could not believe it when I weighed myself this morning (I know you are supposed to weigh yourself evey week, but I was just curious) and I weighed 220.1!!! How can I lose 5 pounds in a day??? Actually, I know this sounds grose, but it was because I pooped it out. I have had a severe constipation problem since I got pregnant, and I rarely go to the bathroom (an obvious reason for the weight gain). If anyone has any suggestions to cure constipation (other than drinking water and eating fruits and vegetables, which worked yesterday) that would be greatly appreciated.
Also, does anyone need a weight loss buddy? I would love one (or more than one ) if anyone is interested. I have lost weight before on WW, but that was mainly due to the fact that I had to be held accountable by weighing in every week. Now that I am not going to go to the meetings (I am a full-time student at UF studying Industrial and Systems Engineering and I am a single mother, so I do not have the time or the extra money to pay every week) I would love to help motivate, and be motivated by someone. Thanks for listening, and I look forward to talking to all of you guys.

I fell off the wagon...big time. It wasn't even intentional which makes me even madder. There was a get together after school yesterday with my coworkers and I had too much to eat. I'm sure it was from the alcohol and not paying attention to what went in my mouth. I feel bloated this morning. I'm not discouraged and feeling like I'm quitting....just mad at myself that I was stupid and probably undid what I've been working at the last couple of weeks. I'm working out tonight after school and cutting back today a little on my points. Here's to regrouping and starting over!!! Have a great day, all.
Lynne

Good Morning (middle of the night, actually - insomnia strikes again)

Judy - thanks for the welcome back; it certainly is nice to be back again. Sorry to hear that your back has been bothering you - hope it's okay again very soon. Thanks for the yoga suggestion. I'll see if I can find a local class early in the evening or find a video. I'm excited to hear how close you are to completing your student teaching. Good going! Mike & I have some exciting plans in the works to permanently de-stress; we're building on our property and will soon be moving away to the country! I so can't wait.

Carla - I've been reading back through some old threads in effort to catch up, and wanted to let you know how sorry I am about Luigi. I'm sure he had a grand reunion with Trotsky. Our geriatric kitty is having some health issues, and won't be with us for too much longer. I hope your cold goes away in short order.

Rachel - I'm sorry to hear about your gain, but I think Judy is absolutely right about the activity points. You're certainly getting in tons of exercise - way to go!

UFSeniorGirl - Congratulations on your loss! Large first week losses are typical and exciting, but they generally don't continue past one or two weeks, things slow down a lot. The first week's loss is mostly water loss. As for constipation, it sounds as though the water and fruits and veggies are taking care of that for you. Exercise helps a lot too. Being constipated can have your weight up a few pounds, but won't cause obesity.

Lynne - climb back on the wagon. Those social outings can be killer. I find it helps to drink water between the alcoholic beverages. Maybe pre-planning a strategy for next time might help.

I've got two solid OP days under my belt, which feels good. I think the most I can ask of myself right now (and maybe ever) is one day at a time. Mike & I preplanned for the week and are well stocked with lots of pre-cut veggies, which helps a lot. Yesterday morning I did 45 minutes on the treadmill. We're heading up to 100 Mile on the weekend to winterize the trailer, and will be spending the night at Mike's cousin's place. She likes to cook up a storm when we visit, and she's a wonderful cook. Lots of willpower is in order for the weekend.

Have a great day.

Karen

Hi Karen, welcome back and good luck with that willpower for the weekend! Can I have some of that willpower? LOL. Good for you on the 45 mins on the TM (I have one and need to get on it today after a two week "hiatus").

Lynne, Today is a new day...you didnt undo everything you have been working for so just buckle down today! Continue on.....you will see. Girl you are doing great!

UFseniorgirl, I agree with Karen, Constipation will put you up a few lbs but not cause obesity.....as for the preg weight....WAY TO GO! It is so easy to put on but when it comes time to get it off.......well, that is a different story huh? As for buddies....you have come to the right place. These girls are so great at support! You will find yourself here more often! Welcome too! I too worked hard and just have finally lost all of my preg weight! (after 5yrs....I finally am down to prepreg weight and then some) My highest weight was 265. I am now down to 203.5 (I was in the 100's again after sooo long but undid it when I slacked BIG TIME the last two weeks with my FIL in town (who eats MAJOR junk and therefore had it in the house) and no exercising!
Keep it up....that waterloss in the first week is an AWESOME way to start huh?!

Rachel, Well, how was the scale this am? I know you stepped on it! If it is down I say take that! (but then again I AM OCD with my scale!) Keep up that exercising! Your body will get the idea and catch up!

Carla, I hope you are feeling better and that cold doesnt keep you down! I have never had gazpacho...but sounds great (I have sontemplated making it but I know it wont get eaten here ) and I can TOTALLY relate to the kettle corn sitting! We have some here that even as I have been blowing it......I havent been eating! Get well soon!

Judy, I am glad the observation went well! I am so jealous...I should get off my fat butt and do something with my life! (meaning school....I do have kids and therefore have excelled in that LOL )

Kari, welcome and check in often! It helps to have other people to talk to. Keep up the good work!

Well, I am gonna report on my own weightloss....or lack there of! I gained 5lbs while my FIL was here. I am gonna follow the core plan (but still follow my points) and stay away from bread and grains for a week. I am trying to lose as much as possible due to a formal next friday (which I will NOT be worrying about points that night and will be drinking it up!). I did get a dress for the formal and it was a 20 due to the chest all the other ones were 18 which made me feel good. I have yet to get on the treadmill but I WILL do it today! So here is to a great OP day!

Thank you so much, Merrylegs and Kellijoii! I can tell you two are so friendly and I cannot wait to get to know you two more. As far as the constipation causing obesity, I don't think it does either, but it does cause one to be overweight if it is an extreme case, like mine was. I had like one small bowl movement (smaller than my daughter even makes) a week for two years. I am by no means discounting the fact that I have eaten crappy food for a little over two years now, which causes weight gain, obviously. I do know that a good percentage of my excess weight is in fact feces. Think of it this way...I eat and eat and then do not extract that food from my body. The food still has to be in there....it doesn't just vanish. Elvis Prestley died with fifty pounds of poop in him (I don't think I have fifty pounds worth, but still). And yes, I have been losing water weight and it does feel great (and so does pooping out weight as well..LOL) . Please note: sorry to the readers of this for making you lose your lunch!!!
Congrats, Kellijoii, for losing that pregancy weight! I cannot wait to be able to say the same. Do you have any words of advice on how you did it, other than following your points target? That would be greatly appreciated. One last thing, how much did you actually excercise a day and what did you do? Thanks so much!

Carla----good for you for avoiding the kettle corn. Boyscout popcorn is THE BEST so I know how hard you are working to keep away from it! Good job!
Good for you for getting all the walking in!

Judy----you have got to try biscuits and gravy girl!! Not by any means healthy, but sooooo good. Although you do have the NYC pizza to contend with!

Karen---welcome back, I am new since you have been here. It's nice to have more people on the board!

Lynne----we all have weak moments so don't give up!!! One day doesn't undo everything. Just ask the rest of us, we all fall off the wagon!

Kari--welcome and good job staying OP!

I am writing to say goodbye cuz we are leaving in the morning for our trip to NC. I'll check in next friday when we get back!! Good luck everyone staying OP!!

Hi all.

Karen!!! - I'm so glad to "see you again. I've missed you. Sorry to hear about the weight gain. I know all about stress eating. Being crazy busy at work means not only the stress eating, but a lack of energy and desire to shop, prepare healthy meals..... I hope things settle down by year end as you indicated. Anyway, it sounds like you're back on track. Good for you. How cool that you and Mike are developing your property! Do you have a timeline for moving up their permenantly? How's Jen? Thanks for your kind thoughts about Luigi. We miss him a lot.

Judy - I'm glad to hear the seminar wasn't so bad. My cold never got worse. I've just been kind of sniffly. John on the other hand has been sick and is on his way to another bout with asthmatic bronchitis, I'm afraid. I'm with you on needing to get back to upper body weights. It's probably time for me to take up with Bob Greene again.

UFSeniorGirl - Welcome. It certainly sounds like you're one busy woman, what with school and a baby. Glad to have you aboard.

Lynne - Alcohol is a killer when it comes to being judicious about what food goes into your mouth. Don't beat yourself up. Just keep plugging away.

Kelly - Gazpacho is one of my favorite foods. If you get a chance to order it at a restaurant, do it! Sorry to hear about the 5 pounds. But, I'm sure you'll get it back off in no time.

Rachel - I know you're probably not going to read this, but enjoy your vacation!

I lost 1.8 pounds this week and am in a new "decade". That feels pretty darn good. One major challenge this weekend: a dinner party. Other than that, it's smooth sailing. It's been a busy week at work and I've worked every day. I'm pretty tired. I haven't heard from the neurologist re: my sleep study, so I'm going to have to call him on Monday. And now it's time to pick up Ana (and get in a little walk at the same time).

Have a great weekend.

Carla
287.6/279.2/145

I'm glad to see you too, Carla! Hooray for you getting into the new decade! I hope the dinner party goes well. Jen is doing great. She's living in Suncheon in South Korea, teaching English at two elementary schools. She's been there since mid August and is absorbing everything around her. There was a lot of "culture shock" for the first week or two - I'll pm you her blog site if you're interested. I miss her, but am used to her living away from home. Christmas will be tough without her, I'm sure. I'd like to go over in the spring to visit, but don't know if I'll be able to get there. As for the move, any time between November and spring time. We're getting this place ready to sell (like I need another stressor). F-I-L who lives with us has failing health and we're going to need to put him into care soon, I think. (more stress) He has renal cancer, and due to his age and frailty, it's not being treated. Fortunately he's not in any discomfort yet.

Rachel - enjoy your trip!

Kelly - Sorry to hear about the gain. Having an event to look forward to is a great motivation for staying on track. :nod:

I packed a great lunch for work today...nice ham and cheese sandwich, ff yogurt, fresh veggies and fruit - I forgot it on the counter when I left. I turned around when I got to the end of the street, and by the time I got back into the house, Jasper had taken it off the counter and eaten everything except the fruit and veggies. I ended up buying a sandwich at the deli!Have a good weekend!

I'm out of here for the weekend. We have the truck packed up, and all we need to do in the morning is get dressed, gather up the dogs, and head north.

Have a great weekend.