[LADY WINDSONG]

Although I advocate that Health is our goal and weight loss is our gift, we need to be PROUD of the weight that we are shedding.

Even the 1/2 pounds add up over time.

The gains are only an indication that something is standing in our way. And it is NOT a permanent door, only a window.

I started "dieting almost 3 years ago when I was at my heaviest. 190 pounds and on a 5' 1" frame I was a Rollie Pollie!

I was still my usual fun loving, carefree self full of vim and vigor, but down deep I was not happy with the ME that I had become.

Many times I asked myself WHY? But at that time I did not care......about ANYTHING! Food was my friend and a very close one at that.

What changed?

I saw the Dr's Hellers on many TV shows and their weight loss plan seemed very dooable.

I bought the book and began my journey.

I had GREAT success.
Until I had a colon scare and I went off the "salad" faze as this was the only thing that I had added into my "diet" that may have been the culprit.

I NEVER could bring myself back to eating lettuce. This was my undoing, BUT I kept 22 of the 30 pounds that I had lost off for 2 years until I found SBD.

I had seen on the news that the Clinton's were on this diet and that they looked healthier and slimmer.

I got on Victoria Grace and did some looking around. I found the Prevention site, but the chat boards were TOO much!

I remembered that I was once a member here at 3fatchicks and found much to my delight thta they had a special place for SBDers.

I was among the first to be here. And I still am.

I do wonder if I overstep from time to time, but........

I started SBD at 168.5 pounds on July 14 (a friends birthday,) of this year. I have lost 16.5 pounds and am eating three meals and 2 snacks a day for the FIRST time in my life. I even enjoy breakfast.

I know I rambled on, but there are days when I want to share a bit of ME with you.

I keep Dolly with me and remember why she is here.

CELEBRATE your numbers. They alone belong to you and will change, UP or DOWN, but your attitudes, feelings and fortitude are here forever.

Be proud of all that you have and are doing.

I know that I am PROUD of you all.
It takes a big woman to share, talk and do.
Big is good!

Have a great day, my Beach Beauties.

Ellen, this Grandma loves you.

Marcie

[frannymae]

Grandma Marcie, you are doing so well! I am so very proud of you and your accomplishments! You are right about the numbers....we shouldn't let them be the "be all and end all," but they can be ONE way to measure our progress! And you, dear Grandma, have made remarkable progress in so many areas!

Your picture is so on the money...and too, too cute! I talked a bit about "mirror magic" the other morning in the boot camp thread...about making friends with what you see in the mirror, changing your perception of yourself...and the picture says it better than I ever could!

Since I started SBD in June I have lost 22 pounds (give or take!) and a ton of inches. I am just thrilled to have discovered this healthy WOL that I can sustain forever! I am happier, and more active, than I have been in a long time! If you want to see where I was at the beginning of the year, I posted my "Then" and "Now" pictures on the Ladies Who Lift MSN site:

http://groups.msn.com/3FCLadiesWhoLift

You can just click on pictures to see the different albums.

It was a really tough move...They aren't exactly flattering pictures. BUT they remind me all the time of how far I have come...and that is a GOOD thing!

I hope you all have a wonderful day...and rejoice in your victories!

[Ruthxxx]

Yes, the numbers are great but not the be all and end all. I often say to folks who fret about gaining a pound or two that our weights are not tattooed on our foreheads!
On the other hand, they do help us measure our progress. I have put back a bit of weight since H's stroke and am proud to have changed my stats. It was only two pounds and I've come a long way.

[Snoozin]

Good morning beach buddies,

I'm not usually posting this early, but I have to take my mom to a doctor in Chicago today. Traffic is usually fierce in the morning so I plan to leave soon. Just wanted to say hi and tell you how much I enjoy this site. Two of the people I work with started SBD so that helps to stay on track at work. So far, I'm doing ok, lost 8 pounds on Phase I and just started Phase 2.
I've done Atkins and WW in the past and although WW is a pretty good plan, I have a hard time counting and/or weighing everything I put in my mouth! SBD seem pretty doable to me.
Anyway, I enjoy all the insights you have on life and the encouragement you give to all of us.

I hope you all have a wonderful day.

[ellis]

Good morning!

Marcie, how well you've done! Good for you!

Franny, thanks again for sharing your photos with us. You look fantastic!

And Ruth, congratulations on only gaining two pounds... that is a BIG deal with all the stress you've been coping with!

It's a lovely, rainy day. I'm going to diddle around the house...

love and hugs to all ...

[ellis]

Sue, I hope your Mom's appointment goes well!

[Lizziepie]

Good Morning everyone: I'm actually here in the morning. I can hardly believe it.

Marcie: Thank you for your journey. I'm sort of a match to you in a way, except now you have done much better than I haave. But you have been on SBD longer, so I have something to look forward to in the loss dept. At my highest weight, abaout 4 years ago, I was 196. I'm 5'4' now, Used to be 5'6', but thanks to Osteoporosis have lost a bit of height. Went to a dietician, lost 35lbs and then stalled. Went to WW and got down to my then goal of 160 and lifetime. Then the numbers gradually started going up on maintenance. I gained back 17lbs and then met SBD. So far I have lost 5. But now my goal is to get below the 160 number. And I know I'll make it this time.

Thanks to all of you for your support. Whenever I come here to read, it is like coming into a converstaion with friends.

Have a great day on the Beach. Lizzie

[Ms24Gal]

Mornin...your right..everybody is doing great with their weight loss. I use to fret over only losing a 1/2 a pound, but that adds up. Pretty soon we'll all be reaching our goals weights and we'll keep it off.

[miata1997]

Hello SBd ers..I am MIata/Kathy and just started sbd yesterday, so I am on phase 1 and day 2. Day 1 was great. I weight yesterday and my starting weight is 190. I have about 50 plus lbs to lose. I am a carb over eater and I know this diet is for me. I can't wait to start communicating with eveyrone.

I live in Calif, married to Jim, 2 grown kids, one in Louisana and one here in Calif.No grandkids yet but hopefully within a year or two.

bye for now..
Miata

[Ruthxxx]

Welcome, Miata. This is a great spot for support.

[Deets]

Marcie, thank you for sharing your journey with us today. I am so proud of all you have achieved. You are a very special lady.

Finding SBD and returning to 3FC site to meet all of you has turned into a wonderful support system for me. The greatest part is that we are all here for each other 24/7 with encouragement and information when needed. I count this as one of my blessings each day.

Franny......your pics are amazing! You are my hero to strive for.

Ruth.....2 pounds is not much! You have had such a lot on your mind lately with DH.


Snoozin......good luck with your mom's Dr. visit.

Ellis.....I love rainy days in Fall. Makes me feel all cozy!

Lizzie.....I agree with you about it being a "gathering of friends" when you come here.

Miata......Welcome to SBD. We are so glad you joined us!

Ms24....sounds like you have a great attitude.

Have a great Thursday, everyone.
~Sharon

[Snoozin]

Hello again buddies,
Just got back from the Dr. visit with my Mom. Made great time traveling to and from Chicago. My folks are getting older and get confused easily, so it's the time for me to step in and help out some. Mom is fine, though she had a scare with some lumps in her breast, but everything is ok. She was so prepared for the worst, it made us all nervous wrecks! I like to keep a positive attitude going and only really worry if I really have a reason to. Life is too short wasting time on needless worry. I was hoping to rub some of that off on her, but she see's things differently. Thankfully, we can all chill out now, cause if you've ever heard the saying "When Momma ain't happy, ain't nobody happy," that's it in a nutshell for my family!
Thanks for the good vibes.

My Dad wanted to take us out for a nice lunch following the Dr. visit and said I should forget the diet today, and let me tell you I was mighty tempted. While driving I was silently thinking of all the places we could go and what I would really enjoy. Visions of my favorite food (french fries), were almost too much. But then I thought about all I've worked for in this past 16 days and didn't feel like throwing it down the tubes. We ended up at McDonald's (not what my Dad had in mind), and I had a grilled chicken salad and didn't even look at what my folks ate. I kind of envy folks who say they have lost their cravings for certain foods, I still have mine, but am keeping focused on what I want for my body, not my mouth! AND I thought of you guys here and the support we give each other, then I enjoyed my lunch.


Miata, Welcome to the Beach. This flock of chicks is really friendly and caring.

Frannymae, I looked up your pics and you have done so well! Your dedication to this WOE is really impressive. Thank you for making your progress available to us.

I look forward to all the encouraging posts, it really keeps me focused.

Have a great rest of the day!

[frannymae]

I just wanted to pop in and say "welcome!" to Miata!

Snoozin'-talk about a major NSV (non scale victory)! Resisting all the nasty option and CHOOSING to stay OP! WTG!

Gotta run...I forgot I have to make a salad for the PTO's Teacher Appreciation Luncheon Tomorrow! Toodles!

[Lizziepie]

Welcome Miata. You will find this is a very friendly place. Lizzie

[LADY WINDSONG]

WELCOME WELCOME WELCOME Miata

Come join us on the DAILY, the Just Chat and The Boot Camp threads.

Lady