Oh Hey Paige you must have been in cyber space while I was posting!!! I am glad you are back. Yu are doing great too!

Happy Wednesday all! It is not such a nice day here...icy, snowy..yuck. It seems like the work gods are against me every week; I only work three days a week, and it's not good when I have to call in because of weather. We are supposed to be getting at least a 1/2 inch of ice today, and that's not something you want to be out driving in.

Did anyone catch the Biggest Loser last night? I signed up for the Pound for Pound challenge they mentioned. It was so sad to see how heavy everyone on the show this season is. BTW, if you have a Wii and are looking to purchase Jillian Michaels game, don't do it! I had asked dh to get it for me for xmas, and it doesn't work; I can't believe Jillian Michaels even let her name be associated with it. You do all of the motions, but nothing happens with your person on the game...it's SO frustrating. And the game was $50! SUCH a waste of money!!!!! I wish I had read reviews first; it seems like everyone is having that problem.

What is on everyone's menu today?

Breakfast-
Oatmeal-2
Lunch-Smart Ones meal-5
Snack-Popcorn-2
Dinner-homemade pizza-10
veggies-0
Snack-100 cal pk cupcakes-3
Total-22/27

Hope everyone has a great, op day!

Hi everyone. We did not get the ice here but a little snow. I think north of us got the ice. I just got my hair cut today and brought it back to my natural color. NO highlights...It looks so strange I have not seen my hair like this in 6years. My boys just look at me like oh no moms losing it. But I thought new year new start they can always be added back in so why not!

My menu htis far.
Break- my shake
snack some lf cheese
lunch cup of that spicy soup, walnuts and red peppers with humus
snack..an atkins bar...NOt to happy about that but I was hungry and at a store and was not going home and that was the only thing that looked like it would hold me over. It was a drug store so not much choice.
I also snuck 3 chips..bad bad bad
dinner..huge salad with loaded veggies and chicken
snack homemade hot coco. with only good stuff in it.

Have any of you tried truva I have an like it...

Caht later Barb

TGIF!!!!!!
196....that's the story of my life....I think my body really likes that number!!lol!!Anyway I'm not going to change my ticker because next week I will....will be 194 at least!!! I really gotta get into gear...my niece was wanting to walk here around my neighbor hood..and I'm all for it...but it's so dang cold outside and she's been finishing her basement while her fiancee is "IN THE MOOD" so maybe here in the next month or so..but until then I'm going to start excercising here in the house and maybe go do a little walking with the senior citizens over at the mall....
Well I wanted to ask..Is anybody else upset that Goody's is shutting it's doors? I am ......that's kind of my fave store,and fashion bug..atleast I still have fashion bug...but they don't carry Levi's...we had Dawahares...but they were a little high,and didn't carry plus size,but I still used their layaway plan,lol, for purses and I shopped there for DH occasionally... and now Goody's then I heard on the news that Macy's is closing some stores...before you know it they'll follow suit.but you know what? I was in there before Thanksgiving and like to have fell over at their prices...it was too rich for my blood..so now all we have is JC Penny,Belk Simpson....Fashion Bug...and Maurices..which they did finally start carrying plus size..but I still have never set foot in there since I was 22........sad....that's how long it's been since I could wear regular size clothing........well actully....no that's right cuz then I got prego...and I was 23 when I had DD...then I was a 22 at age 23!!LOL..But I'll go and figure out whether I'm gonna work today or not.....BYE...

Now Shelby's mom, why would you think we'd come back only if you stayed away? People staying away truly has nothing to do with your presence, please don't feel that way.
I think we ALL suffer from lack of motivation and we have peeks and valley's in our weight loss efforts. Sometimes, I know, we ALL get sick of it and we kick up our heels and revert back to our old ways. It's like we are in a constant tug of war.
I'm like that, and from sitting in years of WW meetings, I know I am not alone. This thread, this web site is the same, I think. The same old people all come back, eventually, as we ultimately do with WW meetings and I am so glad that we have this connection to pull us back in. I'm not saying we are failures and there are some who "get it" to totally, lose their weight and we never hear from them again (or they fail and we never hear from them again?) and I wish them well. We need to keep away from the failure word, we are living our lives and it is a GOOD thing if we come back here as we know when we are in trouble and we know where to find each other and find support.
As for me, I lose control. I want to eat all the good/fun foods that cause me to gain weight. But, now and then, I put a stop to it al and here I have a place to return and then I find you all again. Hugs to all!
I have often compared myself to an alcoholic who has gone off the wagon. One or two binges lead to more binges and I keep thinking I can do it on my own and I'll be OK, then I come back here another 4 or 5 pounds heavier. I think most of us tend to be that way. I keep thinking, when I stop being here or stop WW meetings that I have finally "got it" and go off on my own. I do well for awhile and then I find I need help and support, yet again.
Traditionally, this time of year, post-holiday, the majority of us tend to get on that scale with closed eyes, we scrunch up our faces and open our eyes carefully while holding our breath to see how much damage we actually did. Regrets, yeah we have some, but did we have fun and enjoy family, fun, celebration? Yes. Did we feel nostalgic about times of old and over indulge to make ourselves feel better emotionally? Yes.
So, here we are in January. It's a new year and we have new beginnings. People coming and going from here is definitely not you, or me. It's the cycle we all go through with this struggle in our lives that is as fault. I'm just as bad as the next person.
So, here I am. I actually wrote down what I ate for the first time since about August this morning. So, I'm ready and willing to get back on track. I've been having the best intentions for days and weeks and each day, slipping. So, beginning to write it down, yet again, is recognition that I need control in my life and I need a plan. So, will I return to a WW meeting? Maybe.

Paige, darling, I'm so glad you are here and I am up about 7 or 8 pounds. I actually got on the scale this morning and it dipped below 160 for the first time this week so I felt a little more secure. 160 is my absolute danger zone.... when that happens my back goes out and my clothes feel incredibly tight. It's get serious mode. Maybe I'll join you in going back to meetings. How did you like the new plan?
I will copy and try your potato recipe, it sounds good.
Welcome back!

Barb, you are doing well! Hang in!

So, after the big, long posting, just want to add that here is today's eating plan for me:

Breakfast:
Omelette:
sauteed in 1 tsp olive oil, onion, pepper and diced tomato
3/4 c egg whites (the kind in the carton)
FF Mozzarella and about a tsp of grated Romano

Lunch:
WW Garden Vegetable Soup
salad with deli ham, turkey and lite Swiss
1 tsp olive oil, 2 tsp balsamic vinegar
1/2 whole wheat roll grilled with WW butter spray and garlic salt (like garlic bread)

snack:
apple or pear
popcorn 94% ff micro

Dinner:
Grilled swordfish
pasta with lite margarine (counting points for the margarine) 1 point
peas

Dessert:
WW ice cream sandwich, 2 points

Linda, trying again!!!!

Hey everyone...

The last few days have been...ehhhh. Yesterday, I did pretty well eating wise, stayed op. Today I'm doing ok, but just don't feel like "doing it." I'm really bothered about work, even though I'm trying in "real life" to brush it off like it doesn't matter. The cafe where I've been at now for over a year, and thought that I really had the opportunity to grow at is doing really bad financially. Things have been really odd between my boss and I for a good month or so now, so I knew something was up...yesterday she told me that the only way that they can keep me on is by only having me work two 5 hr days a week. I completely knew it was coming, and had already kind of figured things out in my mind. I will actually LOSE money by going to work; my dd's preschool goes up in price if I have her there less than three days a week, so by the time you take out for that, gas, wear and tear on the car....it's not worth it. It just sucks. I really, really love my job, and I love the people that I work with. But if people can't afford to spend $$ on going out to eat, let alone going out to eat and also purchasing a high end dessert....I can't blame my employers for needing to let me go. Today I had so little on my to do list that I was done by 11:30! It used to be that I had to plan to stay an hour late, and even then I could of stayed a few hours later to finish up more. This economy sucks!!!!! It's like...I just spent the last three years working my tush off to get a degree, now I have it, plus thousands of $$$ in school loans...plus our mortgage went up...where can I apply for a "bailout plan?!"

Anyway, so I totally don't feel like being op today. I ended up meeting dh for lunch; we went to Arby's and I got a Marketfresh sandwich, and we split a thing of fries. I have a baby shower to go to tonight, so I am really going to try to be good. It's bring a dish to pass, and I made something that is pretty healthy, so at least I know I can eat that. I was back down 7 (!) lbs this morning, so I really don't want to mess it up.

Thanks for listening....hope you all are having a good day!

Linda~ I didn't mean when I'm here ya'll aren't....what I meant was kinda like a watched pot never boils...and I was here a few time through the holidays and I figured everybody was way to busy with shopping,cooking,family,travel.....so when I didn't get on here for a week and like before I was getting on here everyday and nobody.....anyway that's what I meant....make sense? probably not..I didn't even understand!!LOL
Paige~ Things will get better I really don't know what this world is coming to,DH just went back to work after being laid off for 2 weeks,but we welcomed it with open arms because he's used to being off through the holidays ,but at this new job he was only supposed to have Christmas Day off and New Year's day was pending I think,he's definitely working for a bunch of workaholics now.......You know if you can afford it...I don't know what I wouldn't do up a few business cards and do it for myself instead of someone else.... I do Upholstery...in my MIL's basement....and even though it is nice having a job where you get a weekly paycheck,but sometimes it's better to be your own boss.........if I can make 500.00 in a week recovering a couch compared to 8- 10 bucks an hour recovering that same couch...I think I'll take the 500.00. But I know you gotta count your materials...but once you make a name for yourself...imagine the possibilities......you know?
Anyway I've said my peace and I will go,but I hope I didn't step on a toe or anything...but if it's something that you love to do.....you might as well go into business for yourself....

HI everyone! Paige sorry to hear your about your job! Things just have to look up in this economy. I t really stinks for a lot of people. So far we are ok, but you never know.

Today was great!!! I am down about 6 pds and tom is my official wi. I feel great and had some cravings yes but today so far so good. I made a great dinner last night. Deep dish squash pizza. The squash was thge crust. Yummy but different. That is my dinner tonight.

I have been planning my meals out ahead of time and it is working for me. I need to write them down this week. I also made soup for my lunches and that is helping me a great deal. So I will do that as well for this week. I really have not had any carbs well bad carbs and it is working for me. I am not really wanting bread either.. The coco at night is actually holding my choc addiction and I have worked out this week. So Things are looking good. I just hope and pray I can maintain this.

My meal for today.
Brakfast...shake, turkey bacon
snack- almonds and string cheese
lunch-applebees salad-shrimp and spinach with lc dressing and a tom soup
dinner- left over squash pizza and salad
snack....hot coco

Thart is it girls chat later Barb

So sorry to read about your job, Paige. I can understand your feelings and we all recognize that times are tough right now. My husband's company is down about 30% in business and he had to lay off two people this week. It hurts all of us, the one doing the laying off and the one laid off. Then morale in the office suffers dreadfully afterwards and people have to work harder.
So, what can we all do as individuals to make things better? I'm not sure but I did like Trysh's thought on going into business for yourself. If people are not eating high end desserts right now, what are they eating? They ARE eating. I know lots of people are staying home and not eating out, but how can that be marketed on? Maybe there is a twist on this that can be something that works.

I don't know, but we need to ALL put on our thinking caps here, Paige is a dear friend and we need to help.

Barb, wow 6 pounds down, great job! I'm still hovering and being really lackadaisical about my efforts. You are inspiring me today! I need to get to work.

Hey Paige, are you still making birthday cakes for kid's parties privately? If not, perhaps you can place a small ad or two in local papers or make flyers to hand out as parents are exiting the school when they pick up kids to do parties for them in their home? If the economy is tough, they maybe are bringing the usual Chuckie Cheese or bowling alley party to their homes and perhaps it would be a big relief to have one of your cakes and maybe you can expand upon that idea and make goodie bags to order?
I'll keep thinking!
In the meantime, I absolutely PROMISE to get on the treadmill today and to journal.

Hi, Yep MY official wi and down 6! I just made some of that good refried bean soup with the black beans so I have my soup fopr a few days. I worked out yes in a class and I am sooo sore today. It is a good sore but no way could I workout today.

Derry that sounds like a great idea..I know for communions and the like I always order my cakes from a lady that does it at home since I hate the cakes in stores. I love homemade cakes. Paige I hope something works out for you.

I will caht later Barb

Hi all...

Working for yourself when you are in the food industry is so much easier said than done!!!!!!! Believe me, I've gone over it in my head a million times. In NY (and in most states) in order to sell items that are baked from home, you have to have a completely seperate kitchen from your every day use. Our house is on a very small lot, so we don't have room to build on; we are using all of our bedrooms, and we only have a crawl space for a basement. It is a huge, huge, huge, HUGE risk to do things like place ads, or even sell to people that you don't know. If the health dept ever came knocking at my door....or WORSE, someone decided to sue me over something, it would be putting my family in jeopardy. I can't incorporate my business if I don't have the properly licensed kitchen. HOWEVER, I have been toying with an idea for a little while, and now I think may be the time to jump at it. I am thinking of starting a dessert truck! It would be similar to an ice cream truck or a "roach coach," but I would sell items like cupcakes, cookies, pastries, muffins, coffee, etc. I could get a used mobil kitchen that has my oven, workspace, etc and license that. I have a call into the health department to see if that would fly, but I don't see why it wouldn't. I personally think the whole dessert truck is a great idea. I wouldn't have the overhead cost of a regular bakery, and if I go to a location that isn't profitable, I just go somewhere else. With a bakery you have to rely on people coming to YOU, but with a truck, YOU would come to THEM! I was also thinking of trying to sell some items wholesale to a few eateries in town that don't have a dessert line. So the problem with starting any business is...where do I get the start up cash?! Again...where can I apply for a bailout plan?!

I'm trying not to be too worried about everything; things always seem to work out.

I have definitely had a lot of odd feelings floating around in my head, though...my eating was off yesterday and today. I'm not going to let it be an excuse tomorrow, though...I'm going to be right back on track.

I'm glad you are thinking, Paige. A dessert truck could work in some places, it's so hard to know where, though.
I remember that NY state law, when we lived in New Windsor NY, years ago, the man who purchased our house actually built a separate kitchen into one half of the two car garage and kind of sealed it off from everything else in the house. He added an in-wall AC unit for hot weather.
I guess it worked out OK for him.
I'm trying to think about where a dessert truck might be a success and the only place I can think of is a well populated public park of some kind where people go for lunches or to walk dogs and things like that? Baseball games? Community events like fairs, craft shows, etc.

I wish you the best, Paige.

I am trying to have the same kind of attitude that you have, Paige, that it has to all work out, somehow.
Another thing that could work for you if you want to try to stay where you are a little longer, maybe just the two days a week that was offered is a babysitting co-op? Maybe there are other moms like you out there who can't work part time jobs with hours that have been cut as they child care is more than they make, so something like that could work if it's the right person and you feel comfortable.

Now, as for me, I started yesterday with a positive attitude. I did go on my treadmill and I started a journal for the first time in ages. Yet, it all fell apart by the end of the day.
I need to get back to it again today and try.
One of my problems is that I can't decide what I want to do right now, the old CORE or the old FLEX. I've yet to go back to a WW meeting to get the new program, so what I have is the older ones. I just don't know what to do, but I know I want to do something.
I'll get there. Coming back here each day and talking about it is a very good start, at least. It reminds me that I want to do this, even if I fall off the wagon by day's end.

Hi all....Paige...since you're thinking mobil.....have you thought about fairs and festivals? People will pay anything at those!!LOL I know I do when normally I'm kind of a tight wad!!LOL!! anyway I gotta go I can't concentrate..my dog is barking,my DD keeps asking me questions, DS is whiny,and DH keeps wondering why I'm typing so much.......sometimes I wonder...You know I'd like to just go away to a spa....by myself for a whole weekend....... like atleast 1000 miles away.....LOL!!!!:D

Happy Monday to all. I thought I'd give you all an update as to my daughter's plight in a college dorm. You all may recall that she was going to WW meetings with me and I was stressing about her weight for a long time. I've had to let go as she lives away at college. Yet, while she has been home over this semester break, she's kind of had an epiphany of sorts? She's really put on weight since going away to school, it was really heartbreaking for me to stand by and keep my mouth shut, but I did for the most part.


My daughter and I purchased a book for her called "The Dorm Room Diet"

http://www.amazon.com/Dorm-Room-Diet.../dp/1557046859

She has read this book and is feeling so much better and there are some fantastic ideas there for her. She has been very unhappy with the food choices offered at the cafeteria in her school. As a freshman, she is required to buy the "full" meal plan at her school, so she is kind of required to eat there all the time. Yet, the food is poor and choices are often high fat.

We are going back to the college on Friday to move her back in as semester break will be over with. We are "armed" with a few different thoughts to help her this time, we hope.
One thing she learned from this book is that she has to kind of think outside of the box when it comes to eating dorm food. But, it's something we can all learn from, I think, which is why I decided to share this today. She had a "light-bulb" moment when she read an idea that she could order "side orders" to make up her meal. Often the fruits, veggies, cottage cheese, side salads and things like that are there but you have to order a meal to get those things, but you CAN order them all as sides. She could have three or four sides instead of one high fat meal. So, if you go into a place and see that you want certain foods, try to find different ways to get what you need. This is probably something we all have kind of known, but for her it was an eye opener.

We are teaching her to shop in the cafeteria. To go there with her meal plan debit card and a tote bag. She can pick out individual yogurts, fruits, bottled water, and things like that to bring back and put in her refrigerator. She is also going to make a request at the college (they allow anonymous index cards with ideas on a bulletin board which is good, at least) that they make fruit and veggie trays as well as offer low fat yogurts. We hope they will try.

We bought her a small cutting board, a paring knife and zip lock bags so she can go to a grocery store and buy veggies and prepare snack size bags of them. We will shop for individual sized cans/containers of fruits and veggies and things like that. Also I'll buy her the Laughing Cow lite cheese, which I know you all know about. She can have low fat crackers or Melba Toast with those cheeses and get fruit and a side salad from the cafeteria for a very good choice. I'm going to see if they have low fat salad dressings, if not we'll buy her a few of her own.
Also, my WW leader once told me that she was in a pinch for a meal while out shopping for the day. All her choices were "bad" fast food and pizza places in the area. She was starving. So, she went into a grocery store and purchased one of those bags of pre-cooked boneless chicken (Perdue) and a bag of green salad (already washed and prepared). She found some low fat salad dressing and happened to have plastic forks and napkins in her car. She added the chicken and dressing to her bag of greens and sat in her car with a very healthy and filling lunch. Where this is a will, there is a way! My daughter could buy the bag salad and chicken too for her dorm, why not?

So, there are ways we can cope with being confined to small spaces like dorms and not having the ability to cook. I brought that part up as we are all often just busy and not having time to prepare things, many have jobs and need to make better choices. We have to think different. I was thinking about how when I used to work people passed around menus from various places and had food delivered. It was all too tempting and it was so hard to deal with. Imagine being in a dorm with tons of young people and the junk food that shows up there. Yikes!

I sure hope my daughter does better. I don't want to have to buy her more plus size clothing while she is away at college. She needs to get control of this on her own as I am not there to prepare her meals and look after her. I feel this book educated her a great deal. She is happier and looking so much better already from when she arrived home before Christmas. I hope she can carry on some good habits in the next semester. She has to want this for herself.

By the way, she is embarrassed to use the wonderful gym at her school as she says "all the jocks" go there and she is embarrassed. I find that sad as we pay a great deal for tuition and she should feel comfortable taking advantage of the great things her college has to offer. I hope she finds other ways to get activity. She mentioned organizing a few dorm floor "dance parties" and that was fun, so I hope she can figure out other ways to get in activity. I think if she can go with a few other friends perhaps it will not be so daunting?

Hugs,
Linda in NH

Hi all Happy Monday.....:dizzy: dreading today...I have to go and TRY to get this couch and chair torn apart...today is supposed to be high 30's and that's the warmest for all week...I think by Thursday they said we would have "ARCTIC AIR" coming in and the temp is going to be in the negatives....Tuesday and Wednesday is going to be in the teens..........Lord do I dread this week...atleast I have that awesome Ready Heater to keep me warm,but also to give me a blasting headache,I guess because of the kerosene,plus it's loud....if you close your eyes you can almost imagine being at the rear of jet or rocket getting ready for take off!!Anyway...I wish I had someone here to help me get it done and in a hurry so I could be in the basement tomorrow cutting all the new out...........Sometimes I wish I was Sabrina the witch,then I could just wiggle my nose and it would be done!!LOL!! Anyway it's late DS just got up and I better get my sorry butt over there!!talk later!

Trysh, I hope that heater is safe. Your description of it sounds scary to me! I'm sure you would check it out to make sure before using it, right?
Just so you know, I have a small heater that is fabulous and supposedly energy saving. It's electric and looks like an old fashioned radiator and it oil filled. I love it and feel safe when I use it. Perhaps you might want to look into those?

I wish I did live near you as you might be able to give me guidance to reupholster two "wing" chairs I own that used to be my grandmother's. They are in need, but I am afraid to start as I am the master when it comes to UFOs (Unfinished objects). Oh well.

At least, all the activity you describe sounds like physical work and it can contribute to weight loss? That is a good thing!

Hi everyone.. Derry, I remember those days in the dorm. I never ate that food. It was gross and I moved out the next year because of that. However I was not a big eater back than either. I remember one thing we use to do so we would not continue eating.. We would dump a bunch of salt on on meal so we would not sit and eat while chatting with our friends. It helped and was not being wasteful we were just trying not to eat a bunch of the junk. Once you start it is hard to stop.

I also need to wing chairs done.... I was wondering if it was even worth it to take in or cheaper to buy new???

Worked out today!!!!! Have ANOTHER cold ARGHHHH I worked one week and I am sick again.. I swear I was my hands so much that by Thursday they are raw.. I think next year my immune system should be built up. I am at a preschool so I am catching it all.

So far so good for the diet. Yes I made some no knead bread.. OMG it was easy and delis.... I had to try it!! Sop I did have carbs.. It was made with ww flour nd water, salt and yeast that was it Yummy... Paige I have a ? regarding yeast. I need to get the recipe though and than ask you.

Today meals
break- shake
snack
string chees and almonds
lunch-- with DH chicken on salad
dinner --Soup

chat later Barb

Barb, I want to hear more about the no knead bread, so you need to post the recipe here and then ask Paige!

I did a bit better yesterday. I got on the scale and almost dared to think I might have dropped a pound. Will re-weigh myself today to see if it's really true.
I took the time to look up WW meetings on their web site today and maybe I will go, we'll see.

Very cold here this morning, I have to watch it as that always makes me want comfort foods.

Hi everybody and happy Tuesday!! Well we were supposed to get a atleast a hazing of snow here last night and it didn't even rain!!lol! It must have dried up and fizzled away by the time it got to Somerset!!....
Anyway if it's gonna be this cold I want some snow man!!!!!!!!!
Linda~The Ready Heater I use is safe I know you have seen them...they look like a tube,red in color,the kerosene tank is underneath the tube that produces the heat, some of them are on wheels and you have to tilt them up to roll them....we got it when DH used to trim houses out for a guy he worked with because it always seemed it was in the middle of winter when it was time to do the trim...which is usually the last thing...but it is awesome just loud and a little annoying........we thought about getting a kerosene heater to use after I got it warm in the garage with the Ready Heater...them stupid things are outrageous........And on the wingback chairs this is goes to djmommy too!! You'll probably need about 6 yards per chair of fabric...add a yard if you get a fabric with a pattern on it like stripes,plaid(here alot of people use plaid on these chairs for some reason,but it is pretty) Or just any print that would have to be matched up or lined up on the chair!!
Recovering is really easy...it's just having the right tools to take the old off and put on the new....plus usually there is usually sewing involved also...I didn't take classes...I just started doing it and I marked every single piece that come off as in what order it came off the furniture.....now I usually just mark the right and left sides and which way is up...and usually on the new fabric you put on needs to run the same way because some fabric shades plus the patterns on some fabrics that have to be matched.....I wish I was there too to show you or you were here but the couch and chair that I'm doing now is getting vinyl back on it so I don't have to worry about it matching or even shading so I could actually turn it anyway I want there's usually less waste on vinyl because of that ,well I'll go,and talk later!!

Good morning ladies!
Trysh, thanks for the info on upholstery. Maybe I'll get brave one day. These chairs are family heirlooms, and I don't want to destroy them.

Now, here is good/bad news, but I just adjusted my tracker UP, but the confusing part is that it really is a loss that I am reporting......

So, here goes....
I bought a new scale a few weeks ago. It's one of those clear glass ones that you tap your foot on and it reads digital numbers and gives .2, .4, etc. like the WW scales do.
I have always noted that when I weighed in at WW meetings that I could weigh myself at home and then go directly to a meeting and get weighed and be approximately 3 pounds higher.
So, now I have a new scale and I've been weighing myself with both of them side by side the last week or so. When I got the scale, I was 159 on the old scale. When I got on the new scale, I was (gulp) 162.8. So, my weight was higher, all along.
But the good news is that I have a loss to report as of today, I am now at 161.2. The old scale shows me at 157, so I know it's a good loss.

I want to give you all nothing but my honesty, and I do feel that the new scale (the old one was about 30 years old) is the accurate one and I need to use that one even if the initial news was not good.

Today's weight 161.2, since a week ago, I lost 1.6 pounds!!!! So, the tracker moved up, but I moved down. Really odd thing to say, but honesty is so important. If I go to a WW meeting (never had time to do yesterday as I thought I would) I won't have surprises anymore.
The money spent on the new scale was worth it. I would love to weigh in exactly what I weighed at home for a change.

Now that is over, I feel good and I did lose weight!

Here is a recipe I made last night, it is CORE if you use the leanest hamburger. It's a meatloaf that has oatmeal in it instead of the usual breadcrumbs that are often used. The entire family loved it!

OATMEAL MEATLOAF

1 lb. hamburger
1 egg
1/4 c. ketchup
1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
2 tbsp. finely chopped onion
2/3 c. oatmeal
1/2 c. stock or water
Salt and pepper
Poultry seasoning

Mix egg, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, onion, salt, pepper, and poultry seasoning. Stir in stock or water. Mix in hamburg and oatmeal. Pack into a well greased loaf pan. Bake about 1 hour at 350 degrees.


Take care and stay warm!

One more thing on the meatloaf recipe. To make it more healthy and get a bit of a milk serving in (somewhere I seem to always fail, though I take calcium supplements) I used FF milk instead of stock or water in the meatloaf. It was really a nice, comforting, recipe on a cold night. :shocksn::)

Well Yee Haw!!! :bravo: on your weightloss!!! I hope to have a tiny bit of a weight loss Friday...I do kinda feeeel lighter but who can tell 'till Friday???
I've done pretty good this week....I think I'm starting to get back into the routine of things and not think about eating so much,and it's starting to leave my system.....I'd really like to lose atleast 10 lbs by my dad's birthday,which is March 29...and that is so doable......if you're on the biggest loser.....all I can do is try....and I so wish I had a treadmill....but you know what? My son is so much more active than my daughter was at that age and I truely believe he can help me!!LOL!! And I really think that's why my MIL and I have lost some of our weight!! My sister wants to borrow him for about a week!! I told her when I nee dto go to Florida again,he's all hers......
Well I guess I better go and see where DH is...if he's even close to getting home...he had to go to Ohio today to work on some boats,and he was hoping to be home at the regular time...and I need to find out when to start dinner.....Soooo.....I'll gab later!!

Trysh, hope you do have a loss on Friday, I'm routing for you!

We had Fajitas for dinner last night and I feel it was a very good choice. We had whole grain tortillas with them as well and low fat sour sour cream. Everyone enjoyed them.
But, I blew it at lunch and had Chinese food with my son. I got way too tempted and I feel badly that I did that this morning. It could ruin any results that I might have had this week, but that doesn't mean that I am giving up. Seems like Chinese food is my weakness, it's so hard to resist when other people have having it. Do you all have one food or food type that is very hard to pass up?
I'm going to have to search through my WW and other cook books, or on line, to see if I need to dig up some Chinese food that is lower points to make at home.
It's SO cold here, only 5.2 degrees on my thermometer, ouch! I have to go out this morning and take my poor cat to the vet this afternoon. I hate taking him out in this cold, he is an indoor cat and I don't think he's got a winter coat of fur. Poor thing!
So, ladies, keep warm and I wish you all success this week. Try to find some healthy fruits and veggies in your diet today to keep you from getting one of those winter colds!
Also, a bit of a challenge from me below!

This weekend, you are hereby challenged to do (can be a few at a time over the two day period):

50 sit ups (can do modified or any style you want)
50 leg lifts
10 push ups (they are harder)
50 jumping jacks
at least 20 minutes of walking, each day of the weekend!

I'm going to try, will you?

Good morning. Well, it's -5 here thought my time/temp thing that appears under my signature is not saying that. Guess it's warmer somewhere else where they get their info from?
With this cold weather, it's hard to stay on track.
What might YOU be doing to help with that today and over the weekend?

TGIF!!!!!!!!!!!
Welllllll.......I'm bloated...I didn't weigh today....Good ol Auntie Flo really dropped the bomb on me this month....I went talk to John (use the bathroom) lastnight and when I wiped there she blowed!!!!!!!!! I gasped,I was in so much horror!!!! and said to DH "I'm going to be hurting upstairs and downstairs tomorrow" See today I went to the dentist to have some work done,which didn't happen////postponed 'till next week or the week after I guess....can't wait... :( ..So that's the course of my life in less than 24 hrs.....Isn't it lovely? I bet you're all jealous..admit it..:D
BUT.......I have to say I did weigh last night which is totally not when I weigh,but I was just curious...and it said 199(GASP) :tantrum: :faint: It has....HAS to be because of TOM ,because I have been good this week.....not great but good,better than any other week!!LOL.So next week I really need to buckle down, Hair.... more like get out the strappimg harness!!LOL!!! Well I got go and check the goods..Maybe I'll talk later.......

Hi everyone! Sorry I have been missing in action but I had that dang cold and I was just so tired after working and doing homework with the boys.

Congratulations Derry! Trysh You know better than to weigh yourself during that time. Just wait a few days and see what happens. I know I do the same thing.

I lost 2 pds this week. So 7 in 2 weeks. I was disappointed a bit since the first time I did this I lost 16 pds in that time. But I did have carbs and cheat a little here and there so a 7b pd loss is good. I must say I do feel better and am ready to follow this plan. This week I start to add things back into my diet. I am going to start with berries and maybe a high fiber bread. But I really do not miss my sandwiches or toast in the morning, so I am going to try to continue salads and soup for lunches. My breakfast will be the shakes...love them...Dinner is hard but I have been managing , I just need to continue to plan ahead.

It is my bday this week and dh and kids want to take me out. I am very nervous and can pick where I want to go! But I do not have any idea since I do not want bread. Since the seafood scare a while back I rarely eat it out! But I will cross that when that road comes. One day should not kill me. I just will not have pasta!

Derry I love chinese as well. LOVE IT! I try to stay with the brocc and chick but still high sodium, and have to have an egg roll.

Trysh, thanks for the chair info. I have done dinning table chairs before with a friend....I am nervous about doing those wing chairs though. They are singing the blues though, along with my couch! The chairs are an emarld green and the couch has huge flowers all over it....totally a 90,s thing. I need family room couches first before I even think about changing those ugly pieces!

Derry I will get that recipe for you, it is upstairs and I am to cozy to run up there and get cold again. I also have a great mexican one as well. That would be a recipe. NO carb of course. Yummy!!!!


Plan today....
breakfast...shake
lunch....bocco burger on greens
snack ...plain yogurt w jello flavor
dinner, soup..salad
snack ..roasted chick peas

No exercise again today toooo cold o go!!! maybe make it later in the day! I will chat later BArb

Ok so I wake up this morning and I am down more! I am so proud of myself but..... My family takes me out tonight for my early bday dinner. I looked over the menu and kinda decide what I am going to order. ...Well By the time I get there I am somewhat focus but than have 1 glass of wine and forget it. I had some calamari, a salad which I really truly forgot to tell them to leave the dressing off, and to put it on the side...I ate about 3/4 th of that....( too much dressing )and I had this wonderful WHITE bread dipped into this amazing oil combination of something that just PULLED you in for more.( Which Is a HUGE NNONO) So by this time I switched up my selection on the stupid menu and ordered the special... OMG It was a rissto that was kinda like a crab cake..it was so good with aspagus and scallops, and roasted red peppers. I was sooo full I ate 1/2 the rissoto and 3 scallops and that was all. I did bring it home but I drank the wine:) we order a bottle! than I had 2 pieces of choc when I came home. I am confessing and I am soo mad at myself but it was my Bday dinner and I so enjoyed it!!! we laughed and just had fun! So I am mad that I did not make better choices but is this not the way a diet goes. Tom I pick up and eat really good to make up for special occasions. Than move forward. I have to admit it was really bad when I got there because I was complaining that I wanted to stay within my diet( I was almost ruining our night out with the fam) and my dh was kinda like...Barb we are here to enjoy... tom you get back on track, go workout and be careful the rest of the week. He reminded me that all diets say you need one day where you eat whatever...in my case one day a month!!!!

So Here I am confessing so that tom I am good and PLEASE help me through the week!!! I still have people who may want to do things but I will have salads and I have to eat cake if MY kids buy it for me:(... I will not worry and just move forward! This is the year for me and I need ot lose this weight so nothing can stop me... We will have our ups and downs and this is just the way life goes!!! Right????

Sorry to complain I just needed to get it off my chest.. Chat later .. Barb

Hey everyone....

I have not been op at all this last week. The whole job situation has really thrown me, even through I've really tried not to let it. It's not even that I've been stressed over it; I have just had this overwhelming sense of sadness, worthlessness, and not knowing where to turn. This is the first time ever that I've not had anything going on. Before when I was a SAHM, I was also in school, and had that to focus on as well.

Tomorrow is a new day. We decided today that we are going to drive to see my sister over my dd's spring break in April. She lives down near Orlando, so that gives me a new focus for losing weight. Plus, if I'm going to be home, there is no reason for me to not exercise!

Hope you all are doing well...chat tomorrow!

Good morning.
Firstly, I was being such a great inspired person. I even was on here at the end of last week proposing a weekend challenge for exercise. Well, I didn't do it and I kind of blew eating all weekend long.
Why can't I get on track and stay on track? Guess that is a message to myself that I need to finally haul myself to a WW meeting after all this time? I keep thinking I can do this on my own, but I guess not?

Trysh, I have always said that slow and steady wins the race and you are a prime example. So, you are up a few pounds and so am I right now. But, remember that we are here and as long as I am coming back here and doing something, something is better than nothing.

We went out to my favorite restaurant on Saturday night. It was kind of a family celebration. My husband did get a Christmas bonus this year, though it was half of what it has been other years, we still got one. It was the last night before my daughter was returning to school for the next semester and, for a change, my son was home and didn't have to work. So, I did have a few extra foods and two glasses of wine. Being up a few pounds after something like that does make me feel badly, but I still enjoyed my evening. I did, at least, have oil and vinegar on my salad instead of the blue cheese dressing I crave. I ordered broiled scallops instead of the huge surf and turf that I would normally have there. So, baby steps were taken. I did have dessert, though. I'm not proud of that.

Barb:
Firstly, Happy Birthday! I think you were entitled and you knew it all along. On my own birthday I will dine out and enjoy a fine meal of some kind and I hope not to feel any remorse. My problem is that both my son and I have birthdays (2/16 and 2/18) two days apart and it truly becomes a "birthday week". But, like you said, you have to get right back on track the next morning. I did that yesterday after our special meal out on Saturday night. I dragged myself in and used the treadmill. I tried to eat a bit more reasonably. I have to admit to even losing a bit of control yesterday at lunch. My family is a very bad influence, but I love them and so enjoy meals with them. It's like a tug of war.
Tonight, my husband and I will be alone. DD will be off at college and DS will be at work. I'm going to propose fish, always a better choice. Years ago, when I was first in WW, they had a program that was set ups to you got something like 3 proteins, 3 starches and unlimited fruits and veggies and 3 fats per day, period. I kind of liked that plan, you didn't have as many decisions to make, but I think cheating was more frequent as people got frustrated really easily. At any rate, when they had this program, if you had fish you got double the protein servings you were allowed. It was interesting that they promoted fish so much and I wonder why they don't nowadays? It's available, but they are not lecturing people to eat more.

Paige, I feel for you and I am so sorry. I kind of know that feeling of worthlessness as I used to feel that way (as a stay at home mom) when my kids went off to school. Now, I am so busy I don't know what way to turn. I do a great deal of volunteer work with my quilting. I make quilts for the homeless and other things like that. I feel rewarded by the work I do. Too bad what I do is not a paying job, but still I am "paid" in how good I feel.
Maybe you could think about some volunteer work for now with your church, meals on wheels or an area shelter? I have to say that I have made the best friends of my life doing this.
Also, are you anywhere where Plattsburgh, NY? I found this web site for you:
http://www.homebistro.com/Default.aspx
Maybe they have some job opportunities?
Hang in there, Paige, I have known you long enough to know you are one of those people who makes lemonade out of lemons! I know you will weather this storm.
You are far from worthless, don't ever forget that!

Also, I copied, cut and pasted this from a yahoo weight loss group I am in and though I cannot take credit for writing it, I think I will also do this this week!

"My goal this week is to go thru my fridge/freezer/cupboards and rid them of all foods that I have problems with. That is a huge start for me. I am going to start measuring and counting my points again (I am doing the FLEX plan). I am hoping with the help and motivation from the members of this group, I can be successful again and get to my goal weight."

So, like she hopes for help and motivation from members of the other group I am in, I also hope for this from all of you!
I will also mark points in sharpie on the side of everything I have in the cupboards, that always helps remind you when you are hungry and rummaging for something. Seeing points kinds of brings you back!

Let this be the week that I start to really try again!

Hi all. Thanks Derry for the words of encouragement. I was very upset last night and was mad at myself for getting to that point. I had a great time and have to realize that this happens every year and I need to just have fun on my bday celebration. Sounds like you will have some challenges as well.

Paige please do not get to depressed... Just take it day by day... things will turnout for you. Your vacation sounds wonderful. Something to look forward too and a good way to refresh

I did workout a bit today.. I was dragging due to the wine last night. I am just not use to that anymore. I did weigh myself and I did gain a # but not a big deal. I am still focused on losing 3 more # by the end of this month. Than I have met my goal for the month...10 # Than I need to set a new one for Feb.. Maybe just 5 or 6 that month!

Today my menu is
b- my shake and almonds
lunch- Panera bread...salad and soup minus the wonderful roll.. I did have a bit though
snack- jello and lf cheese
dinner-crock pot stuffed peppers with turkey...I hope they are good... with a salad
snack...hot coco sounds good.

so I am back and hoping for success


I will check in later. Barb

Barb, I hate to see you denying yourself the "wonderful roll". Remember that denying yourself things that you want can lead to a binge later on when you finally get sick of all the denial and give in to it. I would have had the roll, but made sure I did some form or exercise and made up for it somewhere else. The luxury of a roll at a place like Panera is something that you deserve. Just my humble opinion here.
Your stuffed peppers sounded good. Care to share what was in them? I stuff mine with cooked brown rice, lean ground beef (cooked, drained and rinsed) a bit of chopped onion and pepper and sometimes kernel corn. Then I put marinara sauce over top and some low fat cheese and bake them until bubbly. I love that it's kind of an all in one pot meal. You get protein, starch, veggies and a big taste. Then, I heat up beef broth (Swansons) and add a can of diced tomatoes and coarsely chop up the leftovers the next day and make stuffed pepper soup. I enjoy the soup more than the original stuffed pepper meal and often serve it with a biscuit or corn bread. Yummy and not all that high in points!
So, today I have good news. The scale moved down.
This morning was 160.6, so I am down from the 162.8 that I was two weeks ago, down 2.2 pounds! I'm so glad to see better numbers again, it's been awhile. Maybe, if I am a very good girl I might go below 160 by next week?
Tonight I am alone for dinner. Husband is travelling, daughter away at college and my son has to work. I look forward, sometimes, to days where I am alone as I behave much more.
Today's meal plan for me, which includes a "cheat" of some flex points used, but I shall plan for it and not make a huge deal out of it. : ) Planning is a good thing.

Breakfast:
oatmeal made with part 1% milk and part water
Skipping my usual fruit with it as I want to shave points for snack at my meeting

morning quilt meeting: 1 brownie, 3 points

Lunch:
Garden vegetable soup
laughing cow lite cheese, Melba toast
apple

Dinner:
fish, broiled
brown rice
spinach, sauteed in a bit of EVOO

Dessert:
SF/FF frozen yogurt (1/2 cup)

Hi Linda.. Thanks for the idea of the peppers. Those turned out yucky.. My dh did not even like them and he will eat anything! So I was thinking of something I could do with the rest of them and that is what I can do make soup.. I will throw something together with it.

No-Knead Dough

3 c all purpose flour
1/4 tsp instant yeast
1 1/4 tsp salt
corn meal or wheat bran as needed
large bowl. combine flour yeast and salt. add 1 5/8 c of water stir until sticky. cover bowl with plastic wrap ...let rise for 12 hrs better 18 hrs at room temp @70 degrees

dough is ready when the surface is dotted with bubbles. lightly flour your work surface , place dough on it: sprinkle with a bit more flour and FOLD it over on itself once or twice. Cover loosly with plastic wrap and rest it for 15 min
use just enough flour to keep dough from sticking to work area or fingers gently and quickly shape dough into ball. Generously coat a cotton towel...Not terry cloth... with flour . wheat bran or cornmeal. cover with another cotton towel and let rise for about 2 hrs. When it is ready dough will double its size and will not readily spring back when poked with finger.

@ 1/2 hr before dough is ready preheat oven to 450. Put a 6-8 quart heavy covered pot( cast iron, enamel, Pyrex or ceramic) in oven as it heats. When dough is ready move pot from oven. slide hand under towel and turn dough over into pot, seam side up/ It may look like a mess but that is fine. Shake pan once or twice if it is unevenly distributed..it sraightens as it bakes. Cover with lid and bake for 30 min. then remove lid and bake for another 15- 30 min. until browned... cool on rack.... enjoy!

That is the yummy recipe I think you will enjoy it... If you use wheat use about 3 cups white and the rest wheat. Someone suggested that to me..I have yet to try that

As far as dieting goes...well i am just going to say bday weeks are hard.. we went out to eat on Wed and than again tonight. I am focusing but not like I want. I just told my dh that I need to get through tonight dinner and than Tom will be smooth sailing for a bit...or so I hope.

I am still only up a # so that is good...I did do kick boxing today so should feel good tom. And I plan on working out as well tom.

Sorry not being on this too much this week.. Next week should be bettter, Have a great day BArb

Sorry about the birthday week blahs, Barb. You'll be back on track again next week.
Paige, are you out there? How are things?

As for me, we're really worrying about finances. Things are not looking good for DH's job/company and we may be facing an 18K a year pay cut. Ouch!
So, we are not eating out this weekend, for sure. I am thinking of looking for a job. My schedule is such that I can't imagine squeezing a job into the equation, but I am going to really think about it. We can't afford to go down right now, with two kids in college. We are at the stage in our lives, 50s, where we need to really start saving for retirement and having less to live on will keep us from saving. So, I'm pretty bummed out today.
But, with loss comes opportunity. I have to think of ways to cut expenses and I have to think about what I can do to reverse the outflow of cash.
Can we talk about foods that are still good choices for us that cost LESS money?
A good example is that last night we had a roast chicken (not a huge one, it cost roughly $4.00) and DH will have one leftover chicken leg at lunch today and I plan on making chicken soup with what remains, I guess.
So, I'll recycle that chicken and it will stretch our dollars.
I like making a 2nd meal out of leftovers, like making stuffed pepper soup out of leftovers. Though, Barb, if you all didn't like the stuffed peppers in the first place, I worry that a soup made of them might not be so good, either?

Well, I need to get on with my day and my treadmill is calling my name.
Take care

Oh Derry sorry to here about the cut. Ouch but I think you can do it. The pepper soup I think I will like.. I love peppers just not these with Turkey. It was a new recipe and I would never tell anyone about it.

Derry try the bread recipe it is a $ saver. We have been cutting back as well. Although we go out to eat way tooooo much. We need to cut that out as well. If I think of any good $ saver ideas I will share what we do. We do the chicken thing often, Than I make pot pies with the left overs and or chicken ala king...Kids love it and it works for me. I also buy a lot of things on sale and just kinda write what I have in meat, place it on our fridge and cross out what I use. This way I just plan my meals to what I have. I also go online to get sales at the stores and cut coupons. It is time but It works...We also have lots of home made pizza and soups and pastas...

It is tough but manageable... Hard sometime to cook healthy on a budget but can be done.

Worked out yes and I am sooo sore today.. Did not workout today but plan on it tom and Monday....Glad you are and staying on plan... we can do this.

wondering where everyone is?? Our old site was so busy I would love more people to visit us here. It was fun to meet people and learn some new ideas... Maybe more will join us..

need to go oh by the way one of the biggest losers this year is my dh 3rd cousin..small world .incase you watch it it is the brown team. I hope they can make it!!! chat later Barb

Happy Monday .....How is everybody? I feel like......well,crap..I feel like crap..I weighed last week...still at 194...can't seem to get past that "bump" in the road..this week probably won't be much better....I have to have some dental work done today at 2:00 and I am dreading it.....I think that's why my stomach is so tore up...but anyway...I had a "bad weekend" food wise....today is DD's birthday,she's 10,so Saturday we had her a birthday party...I made her cake...made the frosting and decorated it,not in exactly what she wanted,which was tinkerbell,that really didn't make sense considering I've never heard her mention tink before....so it just said Happy Birthday Kortney Ashtyn......she liked it anyway!!plus I made a heart shaped cake with the left over batter and made chocolate frosting for it which was pretty good:devil: I know shame shame, everybody knows my name!!Anyway so I'm ready to be OP now except for the dental work,which will resort me to chicken noodle soup for awhile...."SODIUM"!!!!!!!!!!!!!! and a boat load of it.......I've already made up my mind that I'm not weighing Friday,but I will anyway!!LOL.....
Linda~ I know what you're going through...DH hasn't took a paycut yet,but who knows?right? he's already heard that the company he works for filed bankruptcy back in November and his foreman already told him that these 3 boat shows will either make them or break them,so everybody is praying and has their fingers crossed...we have been cutting back on the eating out,especially on Fridays because DH doesn't get home 'till 5:30,and all the restuarants are busy by the time we get there....he used to get home at 4,so that's a big difference...plus when it's so cold outside,brrrrr,we would much rather stay in anyway...a couple Saturdays ago all we did was sit around in our pj's and watch T.V. so DH asked me when w were gonna do that again,he really enjoyed it...I can't really give you any pointers on conserving,because when I cook here it's mostly crap,because DH is such a picky eater...the other night we had spaghetti.....with his moms freezer corn(he won;t touch corn he says it makes your poo polka dotted) good reason id you're a weirdo!!LOL and we had green beans,which he will eat on occasion,if he's in the mood....but this family is almost the exact opposite of veagans or vegetarians or whatever you want to call them,I told DH they would have coronaries if they say what he ate.....just meat and taters,and that is about it....I have been trying to incorporate chicken more into our meals,but he always manages to slip in a beef product now and then!!LOL!!!On your retirement....I know right now it's probably hard and CD's aren't bringing alot of interest,and I'm no banker or financial advisor,but cd's are what my MIL and we do...the interest is like 3%or less right now,and hopefully that will change soon,and you probably already have cd's but that is about the best way to go,it is tied up for awhile but it's also money you won't touch for piddly things,that the way I look at it...we just let ours rool over and don't touch it..out of sight out of mind,of course until the bank sends you a reminder that it's due...but that's when we just let it roll over....
well I think I've talked too long...but tit least it took my mind off of later......dohh..........well I guess I'll go.....wish me luck..........

ok...I had update my ticker...has it been that long since I lost any weight? 80 days? reaeaeallllllyy????????????anyway it says the same thing.lol....

Good afternoon.
I went back to a WW meeting today. First meeting for me since Aug. I feel like I need to gain control.
I had reported that my weight was down, but I guess I'll have to use the WW scales, which is very depressing.
So, I have a huge gain to input here and I hope to have a loss next week. I have not spent much time looking over the new program yet, but it seems to be much like flex of the past to me?
I'm pretty bummed out but have purpose and hope to stay on track. New weight today was 164.4 almost back up to my all-time high. Time to get to work.

Just here to report that yesterday went well in the end. It was the first day in a very long time that I filled in an entire page of a journal and actually did everything right, even staying in my points range. I did activity, earned 2 points and was an "angel" as far as WW goes.
So, I have given myself a kick in the pants and I hope to get down to "fighting weight" sometime soon.
I will plan my menu for the day and I will make it my business to work at this.
How about you?