Okay, so another thing about being single is that it can be easy to get into an all-work pattern if there's no one prompting you to have a life outside the office. This week I got a taste of what the next several months can be like if I don't really take control of my time and choices. I've been working late, and sleeping into my exercise time...and wanting to much from stress after dinner. I'm already figuring out how much time I can put into work this weekend....arrgh!

Ashley, I think that gadgets are a good reward, especially if they're connected to exercise and health. Although you can put ice cream in your blender for a milkshake :devil: . No, seriously, congratulations on diong so well.

Applecake, I have skinny clothes that I've never worn, since I was "just a few pounds away" from being able to wear them six years ago! I have been ditching everything that is too roomy. At my size, though, a dress size is a lot more than 10 pounds, and right now I have 22s that are tight and 20s that fit me well, so go figure!

judy

That is way too much credit. I'm trying to redirect my ice cream urges, but do have lapses fairly frequently. I no longer allow myself to buy a container of ice cream. If I absolutely must have some, I've been getting an ice cream cone from McDonalds. It's 150 calories with 3.5g of fat.

I hear you on the work/life balance issue. With nobody at home to nag at me, I can end up working way too much. Then it becomes tough to get in a workout or even to eat properly. It's a vicious cycle.

Clothes sizes are really funny. I was a thin 130 pounds in high school and wore size 10s. Now I'm a much heavier 185 and wear size 14s. They must have resized the clothes at some point.

I've read that because women are so vain, sizes are definitely mroe generous than they used to be...and vary widely by the company that makes them.

I hope everyone has a good and healthy weekend--step away from the ice cream!

judy

Sorry I haven't been posting. I've been sick with a wretched cold. My only accomplishment has been moving from the bed to the couch and back again. Hope to be back again within the next day or two.

Ashley, I hope you're feeling better today!:getwell:

I had a good weekend, not as prodcutive as I hoped, but that's normal. I have been better about not snacking at night, hooray, and thanks to a dual-alarm strategy, I got up early enough this morning for 60 minutes of cardio.

I've been thinking a lot about whatever mental barriers I have that keep me from using all the tools I know when a craving hits...I've pulled out a book that I read a while ago, The Solution, by Laurel Mellin. I like how she breaks down the internal issues without a lot of psychobabble. The book has several writing exercises that I think I will try over the next few weeks.

I'd love to hear if anyone else is doing something similar.

judy

That book sounds good!

I've somehow convinced myself to have fruit or plain popcorn when I'm feeling nibbly. I try to have good-looking fruit around often so it's easy and enticing.

Hey, good for you, figuring out how to appease the nervous crunchies! An apple can do it for me, or sliced carrots with hummus. My absolute favorite is combining crunchy, salty and sweet, so I can go crazy on carmel corn or kettle corn. But alas, that lets the wild monkey out of its cage, and sets me on a snacking binge.

I have been pretty much on program and working out this week. I'm out of town Thursday-Saturday, so I want to be as "good" as I can while I'm on my normal schedule.

Hope everyone is feeling good!

judy

The only good thing about this cold is my sense of taste seems to have disappeared so I have no appetite. I'm still not feeling well, and have to leave Thursday morning for a business trip.

I've found my solution to the nibbly munchies is to never feel hungry. I eat small amounts 5 or 6 times a day rather than just eating 1-2 big meals. The part I struggle with is keeping the right food on hand for the small meals. Eating high-calorie food 5-6 times a day is definitely NOT the way to go.

I'll be back next Tuesday. Have a great week and stay "good"!

Wow, I made it through three tough days without strangling anyone or ordering a pizza, so I think I'm doing well this week :devil: . Although I've been a bit testy, it's helped that I've found some time to work out a little everyday, and I've been eating mostly on program.

Tomorrow I leave town for just a few days. I tend to stay closer to my normal program when I check in at 3FC, so I will try to stop by and say hello every day.

Ashely, I hope you're feeling better and your trip goes well! And I hope that some of you other eager singletons speaks up soon....

judy

It's Thursday... one more day and the weekend is here...

how was your day? We had sunshine here... nip in the air but the sun out- that was a blessing. When we mentioned being able to go outside for recess, the kids cheered... we haven't been out all week with the rain. Kelli, the teacher I work with was out today. She's had a sick child and been sick herself this week... when it comes to subs, I end up teaching the class and the sub works with Madison... it's easier because I know the routine, how things are done etc... Madison cried at first this morning... but she settled down to normal!

This evening, Theresa stopped by when she got off work and we went for a walk before she headed home... my tummy is not happy at all with me right now... I sure am ready to find out what's going on...according to the nurse, my HIDA scan was normal from last week... and I sure figured I had gallstones from my system...

It's Thankful Thursday:

I'm thankful for:

the sunshine
laughter of kids
hugs from kids
friends
family


What are you thankful for?

Hey, hope you are all doing well this weekend! I haven't been able to be on line for more than a minute until today, but just thinking about checking in on the site has helped me remember my goals while I'm on the road.

Rebar, I missed Thankful Thursday, so now it's Satisfied Saturday. While I'm disappointed that I haven't lost weight at a faster rate these past two years, I'm satisfied that I'm firmly on the path, that I have professional and social support, and that I'm a lot smaller than I was when I started.

mind if i join you?
 

Hello, I am a single person too. I'm 42yrs. old and live alone. I have been posting on the 300+ threads but I have a hard time keeping up with them. There are just sometimes when it is that I don't feel like communicating. I don't know if anyone understands that. But I do find inspiration in other people's story of success no matter how small. Being here does help, Since November I've lost 38lbs. I guess I'm looking for a place where I belong and can relate to the conversation more. I think this thread is a great idea.:)

Whew.... Hi everyone, I'm back from being MIA for the past 3 weeks or so. We just started a new semester at school, so I've been spending way too much time at work getting things ready for my new students, plus I'm taking a class right now toward my masters. (I should be writing a paper right now but I'm posting instead!) I've done MUCH better with not eating out as much lately, but I haven't been excercising either. My weight unfortunately has stayed the same and I'm BEYOND sick of it. One thing that I did do today is I went out and bought a food scale, so I could measure my portions more accurately. (Now I just have to USE it!) I also set up an account on Fitday.com to count my calories. I plan on creating a 'menu' later on today after I'm done with my paper so I don't have to stress about what I'm eating later on in the week. Hopefully everyone is moving towards their goals. I'm trying! And I'm going to start working a bit harder too! My goal this week is to go to bed earlier and wake up earlier so I can get in a short 20 minute workout in in the morning!


Aubrey :dizzy:

Hi, Colleen :welcome2: Congratulations on losing so much weight in the past few months, how did you do it?

Aubrey, I hope you spent the rest of the day hard at work on your paper! But if you have to procrastinate, checking in here is probably better than rummaging around in the kitchen for a snack:D .

I got back from NYC late last night. Overall I did okay with eating while I was away, but I didn't work out at all those three days. I was up and out really early every morning, and the days were long and tiring. It felt great to sleep in my own bed last night, and to get up this morning and do an hour of Turbo Jam. I leave again Tuesday morning, for five days in Chicago and Milwaukee. There should be only one day when it will be impossible to work out in the morning or in the evening, and I'm determined to fit in a little sweating. I bought a couple of apples, clementines and ZonePerfect bars to take with me, and I'll pack some Kashi shake mix (and a little plastic bottle) for breakfast.

Hope everyone is having a good weekend!

judy

Hey Judy! Sometimes hotels have a pool or weight room, so bring your exercise clothes. But you might be too busy to make it when they are open.

It's cold here and I want to eat heavy food to keep warm.

I always pack workout gear if I'm going to be gone longer than one night, but last week's schedule was too crazy. I had a good workout this morning, but my first flight out tomorrow is at 7AM, we won't check into a hotel until after 8PM...but that hotel has a fitness room that I will be visiting most days after that. Most Manhattan hotels (or at least the affordable ones) don't have workout facilities. I usually get my exercise there by walking, but it was brrrr cold last week, we just jumped into cabs or took the subway everywhere.

I want to eat pot roasts and mashed potatoes when the weather is cold like this...

Congratulations!! That's a lot to lose in just a few months! I'm so glad this thread has caught on!

7am-8pm in transit, what a long day! Manhattan is a great place to eat healthy! I'm vegan and when I'm there I eat so well.

Mashed potatoes...sigh...

Actually, it's a lot of hurry up and wait! We fly through Chicago for a meeting in Milwaukee, then back to Chicago tonight for a few days of meetings. Right now I'm coolinig my heels for a few hours, wating for the meeting to start. I've been walking around alot, and avoiding the Cinnabons and other fragrant junk foods in the airports. n So far, so good!

Happy New Month! I hope everyone is feeling good about what we accomplished last month. I think I got off to a good start for the year--now come the time where the intitial energy begins to wear off, and I'll be surrounded by chocolate kisses and hearts....

The trip is going well, I'm just tired. I've mostly made good eating choices, but being cooped up in the hotel so much (and out of the fresh air and sunlight) is making me munchy. It's very, very cold in Chicago so it isn't very pleasant being outside when the high temperature is 21 degrees. I have been in the hotel's fitness room, which was little shabby but the cardio machines worked.

How are the rest of you guys doing? Any hot plans for Super Bowl Sunday?

judy

Hello everyone:wave: Nice to meet you all. I've been eating less mainly and not pigging out. Well, I'm a binge eater and I know how to control it but it's not always easy. Sometimes I've been following the weight watchers flex plan.I was a member several times but I hated the meetings. So I'm pretty much doing it on my own.:)

Hmmm super bowl sunday plans..... Im not doing too much. I'm actually going over to a friends house to do my laundry (I don't have a washer or dryer in my apt. and I'm cheap and don't really use the laundramat!!) She's watching what she eats and stuff too, but we made a decision to kind of 'splurge' today cause its Super Bowl Sunday. I am proud of us though, we usually make a Hormel Chili and Cream Cheese dip to eat with tortilla chips. Well I bought turkey chili and the low fat cream cheese and baked tortilla chips. Plus we're doing hot wings and wheat-tortilla pizza! It'll be fun, its a snacky kind of day, but at least we made the effort to make our snacks a bit more healthly!

Aubrey

judydc, Glad your trip is going well! It always seems more difficult on the eating front when you are on a trip (of any sort), but it sounds like you are still doing well :)

colneen, first, welcome! lol I hear you on not particularly enjoying the Weight Watchers meetings. I was also a member several times, but I rarely made it to the meetings, and eventually gave up (though I don't really think that had anything to do with the meetings). Congrats on the weight loss!

KCWMU, honestly, don't blame ya on not paying to do your laundry. It adds up quick. I do mine at my mom's weekly because I can't afford $1.50 to wash and $1.50 to dry. Sounds like you had a fun Super Bowl planned!

- - - - - -

Sorry I've been gone for a bit. My semester started on the 17th (two nights a week, 3 hours each of those nights) - a bit exhausting and getting adjusted to. Plus January was such a fiasco, especially going down hill on the 17th. Between losing my bank card, not receiving it, having to reorder it, etc. to just a bunch of other odd ends that (you feel) go wrong, and just make for an over all bad month.

I'm currently sitting in a freezing 59 degree apartment while it's about 10 outside (something is wrong with my heat - gotta love this place, can't wait to move! Shame I have to wait until the end of August...).

In between, well, did pretty well beginning of January, but started struggling a bit half way - end, but not horribly.

I have really noticed a change since actively trying to lose weight. I've become more irritable (but that could be from school as well, and a few stressors at work), but I've noticed a large increase in my anxiety. Wednesday night/Thursday morning, I kept waking up in a panic/panic attack, so I only had slept a couple of hours. I have an appointment tomorrow with my therapist, and I want to bring that up (I've always noticed a large increase in anxiety when trying to lose weight since I was about 16 or so).

I've also noticed that, weight loss/food/exercise is becoming a very strong focus, perhaps too much. I've already missed a class because of it (was extremely stressed and was gravitating towards food/comfort/coping).

In 2003/2004 when I was in school/working, I pretty much stopped both all together eventually because all I wanted to do was stay home to exercise, etc.

One good thing is that I finally have a membership at a gym - My mom and I were doing the discovery health national body challenge, and we ended up getting a good deal at bally's (she pays $36, I pay $17, 3 year contract, 3rd year is free). I'm actually enjoying it a lot. I've only been going a few weeks, but it's definitely been quite enjoyable.

Spunker, I'm sorry it's so cold up there! I was in Chicago last week, and boy, that was no picnic. It's colder than usual here, and our office is so cold we were wearing gloves this morning. I hoep your therapist gives you some insight into the anxiety issue. Food really can be a mood regulator, but maybe you can switch up what types of food you eat, when.... folks on the low-carb diets often complain about irritability. Working up a sweat at Bally's will certainly help! How cool to have your mom as a partner in this.

Coleen and Aubrey, soudns like you're both making good choices. I was too tired to do anything special for the Super Bowl, just vegged out....

I wa going to have a big salad for dinner, but I think I'll nuke up some leftover stew instead.

Be well--judy

Wowzers... these past few days have been killin me. I live in southwest Michigan, and I haven't had to work yesterday or today, and its TOUGH. (The school disctrict that I teach in has closed the past 2 days due to 'extreme low temperatures'... wind chills of -25)

Anyway.... I look forward to the workweek because it is easier for me to stick to my healthy habits when I'm not surrounded by food all day. I'm going to try my HARDEST to make healthy decisions today..... Hopefully I'll do well!

Aubrey

Hello, I'm finally back to join the group. I went on a business trip, then managed to get sick with a nasty sinus infection. Been on some good drugs for the past week and am finally getting my strength back.

Wind chill of -25 = brrrrr. We dipped below 30 last night and that's all anyone talked about in the office this morning.

Ashley, a sinus infection is a major drag! I used to get them a couple-three times a year, especially after longerer plane flights. But I haven't had one since I eliminated wheat from my diet in November, and I've been on at least five round-trip flights since then. I'm a believer!

Aubrey, how are you doing at home? I used to have the same problem on weekends, until I stopped turning on the tube during the day. If I'm moving around other parts of my apartment, doing chores or talking on the phone, I don't find myself gravitating toward the frig. It's harder when it's cold, though, I just want comfort food.

Spunker, have you bought a space heater yet :o ? You've been dealing with a lot lately, at least you could be comfy in your own home.

I have been doing mini-workouts this week, 'cuz I'm still tired from the past tow seeks and feeling the need to catch up on sleep. But I'm on program with food, so I'm satisfied with that for now.

judy

I really hate Valentine's Day. First, I have no sweatheart in my life so all the romance really stinks. Second, there is way too much candy hanging around everywhere I go. I made Valentine's "care packages" for my daughter and her college friends. I put lots of other stuff in the packages, but also bought one package of candy to add to the baskets. Then sat down and ate a whole bunch of the left-overs. Finally had to just go to bed. Brought the left-overs into work and left them in the break room this morning.

The only good news out of this is that the "old" me would have eaten every single piece of the candies. The "new" me ate about 10 pieces, which was still way too much, but could have been way worse.

Ashley,

I join you in the sentiment of hating Valentines day... so far I haven't bought anything... we'll be having a party at work for the teachers and staff on Monday and of course parties in the classrooms on Wednesday....

Reba

I'm doing a bit better now that I'm back to work! I'm eating a lot healthier and I'm not overeating as much. Plus on Tuesday I decided I need to get back to working out every day. Since Tuesday I've seen the scales start to gradually creep down (a scale that shows tenths is WONDERFUL!) So of course that is giving me more motivation to stick to it. Not to mention I decided on the spur of the moment that I'm going to take a Friday off at the end of the month and fly down to Florida to visit my grandparents for 3 days. Which is of course a bit more motivation than my France trip. I mean, my France trip is motivation, but it still seems so far away that I find myself thinking 'oh I've still got time.' Now I've got less than a month to make some sort of a difference....so it keeps it right there in my thoughts all the time. And now I'm blabbering on and on.....haha.

Good Luck everyone! I'll have a new update soon!

Aubrey

I had a really fun day today. The "Whad' ya know?" show from National Public Radio was taping here and I had tickets, so went with a friend. Had a lot of fun and then went out to lunch. Still stayed within my daily goal range of 1500 calories though.

Aubrey - congratulations on your downward creep. It's so exciting to see a change when you've been stuck.

Reba - I think being around a classroom on Valentine's would really be tough. Do you have a game plan to avoid eating the sweets?

Judy and others - hope your weekend is going well.

Ashley, I love Whadda Ya Know, the host craqcks me up, and the band is great. It must have been fun to see a live taping. Congrats for putting the brakes on a binge. Fall down six times, get up seven...

Aubrey, a long weekend in Florida sounds like a great motivation to me!

Reba, it must be hard being at a school on 2/14. I hope you come up with a good strategy to deal with the temptations. I don't mind Valentine's Day anymore. I buy cards for my Mom and Grandma and try to avoid all the chocolate. Having a sweetie is no guarantee for a lovely, romantic day, believe me! I've had a nice time, and I've been miserable--at this point I jsut don't let the hype get to me.

I'm still in San Francisco, where it's been raining non-stop. But looking at the crazy snow some people are getting, I can't complain. I'm all over the place with my eating, and I did something to my back so I haven't been working out. But I'm trying to get my act together--I don't want to gain any weight back on this trip.

judy

Hoping I can settle in here
 

Actually, for me, there will probably be more temptation Monday at the staff party... I'm on the commitee for this one... I'm taking strawberries and dip... Wednesday won't be too bad... Our school system is actually pretty careful about what we have at parties and such because of the new federal regulations... we will be having a pizza party- so I won't eat lunch and eat 1 or 2 slices of pizza- we will probably order cheese or pepperoni... and then we'll have cupcakes- no candy planned at this point. Now that doesn't mean a kind hearted parent wont send some.... but I'm usually busy helping the kids and have to feed the little girl I work with....so that helps too...

I know not having a sweetie isn't the end of the world, it's just hard sometimes for me... for other reasons, this is a difficult time of year for me... and I have to fight not to binge just to because and to push some feelings down.....

Reba

Hi, Samantha, you live in one of my favorite places! I lived on Chicago's far north side for 16 years. I can relate to your comment about sabotage. Losing a lot of weight is definitely about more than dieting and will power.

Reba, I love chocolate-dipped strawberries...or chocolate dipped anything! I hope you're able to enjoy the day as a singleton.

I've come down with a sinus infection, which is a real drag because I'm still on the road, and supposed to fly again this evening. I haven't worked out since Sunday, but I have been eating more or less within my program. I'm off to find drugs, if not an urgent care center. I'm afraid to fly with this much congestion...

Judydc - I just got over a sinus infection and the flying was not any fun. I hope you can find something to help you feel better before you get back on the plane.

Reba - we had a staff breakfast on Monday that drove me way over the cliff on calories. I do much better if I'm completely on my own regarding menu choices. Put it in front of me and I'll eat it.

Samantha - Welcome to the singles thread. We certainly have some challenges that are different from those with families. I enjoy hearing how other singles are coping with weight loss.

Aubrey - hope things are going well for you. Did you end up going down to Florida to see your grandparents? When is your trip to France?

Everyone - have a wonderful Valentine's day tomorrow. Just STEP AWAY from the candy.

possibly doing too much exercise - any ideas?
 

Samantha - Remember that if your body is sore, then its telling you that you need a break. Maybe when you do the yogalaties, take the next day off and give your body some time to recoup!!! That would be my idea for you!

Hmm lets see...whats going on with me... I haven't gone to Florida yet, I leave on March 1st (I'm gone March 1st-4th) then I go to France July 8th-19th!!!!! I'm down another pound, which is always exciting. I've been sticking to working out every day as well as eating a lot better. I haven't eaten red meat in WEEKS, its been all turkey, chicken and fish for me and I can completely tell. I had pizza yesterday, and it made me sick, which is always FUN!!! Well, the sick part is not fun, but I'm excited that my body doesn't like pizza anymore! =)

Good luck everyone, I'll keep everyone up to date!

Aubrey

I'm happy to see this thread picked back up!

Aubrey - is this your first trip to France? I was there a couple years ago and had a fabulous time.

Samantha - I feel sore the second day after going to cardio classes, but it's more from the muscles tightening up afterwards. I just push through the soreness and find that once I'm warmed up, the soreness goes away. Like Aubrey said, skipping a day is a good idea. If you want to work out on the in-between day, try to find something that uses a different group of muscles.

Colleen - isn't it annoying when you can't find a thread back? I bought myself some Valentine's candy, but limited it to a little box of those little candy hearts with sayings on them.

I'm off to Ft. Lauderdale tomorrow for a business trip. I have a very difficult time staying on program when traveling. Too many group meals with poor food choices and too much emotional eating. I'm going to try really hard this time, though. I'll be back on Weds.