Lindy: I know how you feel about the 900 calories. I was there for awhile, and trust me, it's not where you want to be. Soon after I did this (unintentionally), I ended up getting sick and since I wasn't eating enough calories, it took me longer to get over my illness. Hopefully the stress will pass soon, Good Luck! Great work on the 4 miles a day!! I wish I was able to do that!

Burgandy: CONGRATS ON THE 10 POUNDS!!!! What an accomplishment!

I weighed in today (as I do every day...can't help it) and I was down another 2 pounds, which now makes 19. I'm hoping to make it to 20 before my weigh in on Sunday, but we'll see. I'm thrilled!

Ladies, have a great night!

Well this isnt weight loss related but I just wanted to share my husbands birthday cake. He is a star wars fan so I had a local gourmet shop make these for him, they were so cute and yummy, so now I have to exercise it off.

http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w.../chriscake.jpg

Thank you ALL for all your support.
I am up for trying out the Jillian Michaels. I need something to get me going, that kick start may be what I need.
I got an ipod for xmas from my husband and found an app that helps log your daily intake of food I am going to try that, and hoping that it will help that I have to journal what I intake!! And with trying to add a work out dvd in hopefully I can get that boost, an once I start working out I hope I feel better about myself. Lately I just have that bloated feeling like I ONLY want to wear sweats, loungewear!! I can't wear them to work. My tummy is hard and feels pushed out. I have not been on the scale again, as I don't want more bad news.

I am so jealous of all of you with your lose!! LOL :D

Congrats to all of you keep it up!! (I wish I could say the same)

Kity, things will change. Everyone has their hills and its just taking you so extra time t overcome it. Also, sometimes people are not in the right frame of mind or have too much going on in their life to diet. So, try taking abreak, working out a strategy and go in full steam ahead (when your ready).

Maddiesmom - I am so excited for you to be at almost 20 pds lost. That is amazing. I too am 3 pds. away from losing 200 and I am ecstatic. I can't wait to "officially" weigh myself on Saturday. I am doing a 5k walk on Saturday, so that might work in my favor?

Burgundy - side note. That is such a cute cake. I love it.

I am down to 203 as of this morning and am very happy. Ill check in later.

Take care.

I've been at a standstill for the past 3 days despite eating well and being active. I don't know whats wrong. I guess I shouldn't expect a loss every single day. At least I'm not gaining.. I'm not going to give up though. Just gotta stick it out. I have 2 weeks until I have to lose 4 pounds to reach my goal. I need to get the quick fix out of my mind. Slow and stead wins the race..

I'm so tired. I just got off work. I have another 12hr shift tomorrow and then I'm off 5 days in a row. I have my surgery on Monday which I'm nervous for.. but I will also be happy once it is over with. My dad is having surgery on Monday as well.. weird I know. He's having the lap band done. He's been going through the process for a year now.. He really keeps me motivated.

Well.. I'll check in tomorrow. Maybe I'll have a drop on the scale in the morning. Heres thinking good thoughts=)

Hey Neesy!

Good luck with your surgery, in fact Ill say a prayer for both you and your dad. (Not holier than thou, just believe in praying when its needed). I'm sure prayers aren't needed but you will definately be in my thoughts. I am officially 1 pd. away from meeting my goal and I really think I'm going to get there before Sunday. That being said, I made certain milestones for myself and one of them was 20 pds, once I got there, I promised myself new sneakers. So, guess who's going shopping this weekend! :) Oh, by the way Neesy, I love your pic (so pretty). Is this with your recent weight loss? Because your face sure looks thinner.

Anyway, I am doing a 5k walk tomorrow, which I am looking forward to. My next goal is doing the Disney Marathon. I know, its crazy. When I first started my journey, I never had plans for a maraython but now, more than ever, I am doing a lifestyle change and I am SO inspired to push myself harder and harder.

Well, I hope everyone else is doing well. I want to point out to everyone since we are all creeping up on our first mini goals that - we will plateau. Its a given, its just the facts. DON'T GIVE UP. It will last for a few weeks (I'm sure) and then your body will start to accept your weight loss plan again and you'll start losing again. Just allow yourself that time. I KNOW that once I get under 200, in fact, probably the next 2-3 weeks, I will more than likely not lose anything and I am ready to accept that, I'm ready to accept that challenge. :)

Ill touch back later, see ya.

Hello Everyone.

All of you sound like your doing great! I am inspired ;-)

Lindy - Congratulations on 203, you are really close to breaking the 200's!!! I know that will be an amazing feeling. 5K in Orlando? I hope it goes well. I have been wanting to do something like that, but not in good enough shape yet. I was thinking about the Breast Cancer walk in Octoboer maybe.

Kity - Good Luck on Jillians tortore DVD....lol. I have it, but don't think I am ready to tackle it yet. I actually bought the set of all of them, and also need to get a stair stepper too. Anyway, good luck. You WILL burn calories!

Neesy - Your doing great. Your not gaining and will body will catch up in a day or so. Maybe shack it up a bit with a change in workouts or foods. I too am at a standstill........ugh!

OK, I'm stuck and and haven't lost, but I think it is now due to my hormones......yes, the dreaded word......menapause. My cycles are really strange, weird and are really keeping me guessing from day to day. Anyway, I haven't notice my 'shape' is starting to change a bit. I have always heard that women's mid section carries different when they go through this - LOL - great, like I need to have a belly now on top of a fat rear-end!! LOL Oh, well, I am walking today to see if I can 'shake it up a bit' and break my plateau.

Oh, my husband is now trying to lose. Two weeks ago he asked for my help and I have been monitoring his calories and sodium. Get this - he is down 14lbs!!! How unfair is that! He also hasn't started working out. MEN!!!

Hope all of you have a blessed day!

Sandy

blog - www.mygritsconfessions.com

Hey guys!

Thanks lindy for the prayers and compliment! It's an old picture. It was a year ago, though I was about 220 in that pic. I can't find my usb cable to upload new pics.. But believe me.. once I hit my goal.. I will be flaunting the before/after pics! You are so motivated! Doing a 5k tomorrow! I'm inspired. That is awesome! Go you! You definitely deserve new sneaks!

Hey Grits! Thanks for the encouragement. Don't you just hate how men lose so quickly... not fair! Let's break this plateau!

So.. I just got out of work. It was another hectic day. At least I got my exercise. I don't know if you guys know.. but I'm a nurse and we just moved to a new unit. It is twice as big.. which means twice the running around. Which is good for me. Whatever exercise helps. I'm SOOOOO glad to be off work for the next 5 days. But my schedule is crammed already. I have plans with my husband, aunt, and mom this weekend. AND guess what! They all involve going out to eat. Jeez. I'm going to go and just eat grilled chicken wherever I go. I never realized how many family functions/events all surround food. It's just another thing to test us. I can do it. I really want to see another pound gone before my surgery on monday. Talk to you all later!

Wow, reading my last few posts compared to what this will be-big difference. First of all, I think TOM is on the way...ugh! That would definitely explain my mood swings (usually downward spiral), my out of control eating and just feeling plain ole' blah. I know it's a poor excuse, but it is what it is and I just have to go with the flow.

I have a 3 day weekend for the holiday and I plan on doing my Jillian DVD each day. I HAVE TO! I also have a friend that wants to take me to a new walking trail today.

So, as usual, I've had another revelation....I HAVE to log on here every day so I can keep focused. I haven't been here since last weekend and I had a horrible week. We had a birthday food day at work Tuesday. I ate like a starved animal that was stuck in a tree for a week. And all before lunch time. I didn't eat anything else till the evening and it was a pack of peanut butter crackers. Then last night, I craved something bad-didn't matter what, just as long as it was bad. Does anyone else ever feel like that? I know there are cravings for certain foods, or just to eat, but to want something that you know is bad for you and will set you back? It's self-destructive and I don't know why I wanted to 'hurt' myself like that last night.

Kity - I am up for quitting together. I have a couple others here that want to quit also. I have to remember what it is like to be able to breath and what the smokes are doing to me. I also think that is why we both seem to be having ups and downs with our weight loss. With each others support, I think we can kick it! If you want, you can send me private messages through here about this so we don't bore everyone else...hahaha!

Tiff - You are doing great! So nice that someone noticed. You will look awesome by the time your wedding day gets here.

Neesy - First - love the pic! Second - I think you have the most stressful, hectic days compared to most of us, and you are still making it through. And on top of that, you now have a live-in weight loss buddy. You will do fine this next weigh in. And if it's not what you want to see, I'm sure next week will catch up and blow you away! As to eating out the next few days, if you happen to go to O'Charley's I can highly recommend the terriyaki chicken with pineapple over (brown?) rice and steamed broccoli (500 cal/6g fat/600 sod) - very yummy. Also, we will be thinking of you and you dad Monday. My aunt had lap band and she has lost lots of weight since August, I think about 50-60 lbs.

Sandy - Darn you husband! LOL! It's great that you also have a live-in weight loss buddy. He should keep you on track and you will lose even more.

Lindy - 5K walk?!?! Wow! I hope I have half your energy once I get my butt back into gear. You are bound to get under 200 after that. Sweet!

Vicky - :crossed: on your 20 this weekend! But I know you don't need it, you will do it!

Burgundy - 10 lbs...YAH!

OK, now that I'm caught up and seen everyone's progress, I feel like I can take on the world. Yes, I HAVE to come here every day or I just lose it (that is, my mind not the weight...LOL!).

Hey Chickadees!

I am in a GREAT MOOD TODAY. I did my 5k walk this morning and boy was it invigorating. I did not weigh myself today, because I decided to just hold off till tomorrow. I usually like to weigh myself first thing in the morning, once I am out of bed and havent eaten anything. Well, after my 5k, I had a BIG breakfast, so I figured, lets just hold off a day. On a separate note, something very interesting is happening to me. My body is rejecting A LOT of fatty, greasy foods. Last night I went out to the Ale House with one of my friends. I ended up ordered the sampler appetizer for my dinner because I couldnt make up my mood. WELL...I didnt want to finish even half of the food and some of it was SOOOOOOOOOOOOO greasy, I didnt even touch it. Needless to say, there was plenty left over, so I told my friend to pack it up and take it with her because I knew I would not want to eat it at home either. So, this is very exciting and gratifying. In addition, I did not drink soda when I had the opportunity to do so, so once again...yay for me. :)

Neesy - enjoys your 5 days off (minus the surgery), it sounds like it is some much needed rest.

Mgrits - ugh, I really hate men sometimes. My husband has cut back on his eating habits and he has lost 15 pounds in like 2 weeks. And I would normally say its water weight, but you can see it in his stomach and face...grrrr. lol. Its good that you have the support though. Good idea on your thought process of "shaking things up". The key is to trick your body and keep it guessing, so it sounds like your right on track. So, whats the deal? Did you finally lock up Martha in your closet? lol, I havent heard many stories about her lately.

Takeadeepbreath-good luck with your Jillian DVD. Aside from our forum, Ive heard a lot about this DVD in other forums and how it works. I personally am not a DVD person, no matter what it is, I get bored easily, but I wish you good luck on trying to accomplish it (apparantly it is very hard).

Well- I'll be checking in tomorrow when I weigh in. Hopefully I can put down a goal number (FINGERS CROSSED FOR 200). Good luck to everyone else and HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!

Maddiesmom-I hope you make it to 20 tomorrow. I need to get my butt in gear and catch up with everybody

Kity-I was thinking about starting a food journal so I can keep track of what is going in too. My sister does that and she said it really helps her out a lot. Havent tried my Jillian DVD yet, but I will soon, maybe I can do it tomorrow. I just know it is going to kick my butt

Neesy-your standstill will be gone soon and you will start losing again, you are doing an amazing job, I wish I was down 25 lbs already. I know 10 is great but it would be nice to be down even more. Good luck with your surgery, you will be in my thoughts.

Lindy-you are amazing, 5k, so proud. I want to work up to doing something like that. Keep it up girl. :D I hope you make it to 200, or 199!!!!

Kelly-let me know how you like the Jillian DVD. I wish all the snow was gone here so I could go hiking. I want to get outside. I want to ride my bike. Hopefully I can lost the next 26 lbs and be under 200 so I can get a trampoline.

Everyone keep up the good work. I am still at 226. I want to lose 6 lbs, but my body is just doing it very slowly, but that is ok. Any loss or maintaining is fine with me.

I weighed this morning and have decided that I will use my 1-free pass to skip weigh-in this week. :devil: This is a self-proclaimed pass and any of you are free to use it 1 time if you wish...:D

As I said yesterday, I really screwed up this past week. I will not beat myself up for it - I will accept it and move on...and use my 1-free pass...:rofl:! I have also declared that I will not go to the bar and drink OR play my precious golf game for 2 months so that I can save money (this of course does not apply to someone else getting the tab..:lol:). I will also come here every day to read, be motivated and stay on track. I will track my food each day in a notepad that I will keep in my purse and later post it on my blog. I hold these truths to be self-evident....oops! I'm getting carried away. You get the point...

Yesterday I did the same circuit of the Jillian DVD that I did last week. Kicked my butt, but not as bad as last week. Today I did a different one. It wasn't as difficult as yesterday's, but I was still sweating when I was done. I didn't get to walk with my friend yesterday, but I think we will today. And since I have tomorrow off, I can plan a good week's worth of meals and try to do it 'on the cheap'.

I can't wait to hear from everyone today, especially Lindy and Vicki! I just know it will be good.

Takeadeepbreath - your post is so funny, I was laughing out loud while reading it. Thanks for the giggles, we really have a fun group of ladies in this forum.

Anyway, now...the important thing, I weighed myself today and was at 203. Its a bummer but in the same token, I knew I was quite bloated today and Im pretty sure that if I weigh myself on Wednesday, this number will be lower. Yesterday, after my marathon, I had biscuits and gravy and a side of hash, so it was EXTREMELY salty. I am going to take the 3 pds though because it is 3 pds. less from my last weigh in from last Saturday. I just thought it would be more because my caloric intake was significantly less and my exercise has jumped 3x as much. Oh well, I'll just think of Neesy...slow and steady wins the race. Besides, my goal is 10 pds. per month and I have two weeks left to lose 3 pds, so in actuality, I'm right on track.

Ill try and check in later. I'd like to see if others weighed in today.

Hi Ladies

I have a ticker! I feel like I am official now! I belong! LOLOL......... Actually I was looking forward to my ticker buddy so I could be accountable to it moving in one direction or the other! LOL :D

Neesy, - Yes, when it comes to weight loss - men suck! It isn't fair they lose so quickly and don't have monthly cycles to mess it all up. It's like they can breathe and lose a pound. :devil:

Lindy - Way to go on your 5K, thats awesome. You weight should fall off tomorrow as is probably was the BIG meal...lol, and I know it tasted sooo good too! My husband does that though if he has sodium, he body really tries to hang on to all the fluid.

Takeadeepbreath - Too funny, can I get a pass too? I need one. I claim it for today! Can we buy them too if needed? ;)

Tiff - I am really proud of you, you are doing great! I too love it when someone notices, as it makes it 'real', that your body is changing. Good for you! :carrot:

Neesy - Your doing fantastic! Remember how long it took to put the weight on, so be patient, your body is adjusting and catching up.

Well, ladies, I have been extremely busy and slacked where I shouldn't have. I haven't seen Martha is two days, even though she hates me! I haven't walked in two days, plus I have been eating at night. Yes, emotions running high lately due to finances, but I have to tell myself, EATING AND GAINING IS JUST CAUSING ANOTHER PROBLEM I DON'T NEED RIGHT NOW!! I have enough other 'life' things going on, I don't need to create another one to the list. SO, today is a new day, and I will stay focused! There! :^:

Hope all of you have a terrific Sunday!! Be strong!

takeadeepbreath-this is a funny post. Passes, yay! I could use on of those every once in a while.

Lindy-you are doing a great job, i maintained today too, so we will lose soon.

Mygrits-your ticker really shows your progress, you are doing an amazing job. I dont really look at the weights under the avatars and didnt realize you had lost so much. WOW!!

So like I said, I still maintained at 226. Once I start my food journal, I will hopefully start losing more. Sometimes I think that its that I am not getting enough calories. Writing it down will help me a lot. My hubby is taking me out to a fancy restaurant tonight, so wish me luck in making good choices. Dont really know what they have. Maybe I will go to the website and decide what I want now. Talk to everyone later. Have a great night.

Hey Everyone! Hope everyone had a good v-day. So, I went out to eat 3 times this weekend. I went to breakfast with my husband yesterday. I was good. I got an egg white omelet with tomatoes, mushrooms and peppers. With a side of fruit and english muffin. Then I went to dinner with my mother at apple bee's. I got the weight watcher's steak & portabellos. I don't know what the points mean.. but I figure if it is weight watchers.. then it must be light. Plus the portions were tiny! Then today, I went to lunch with my aunt. I got a grilled chicken ceasar salad at O' Charley's.

So, overall.... I don't think I did too bad. I'm just SO scared that I will start gaining like crazy for some reason. I have this fear hanging over my head that I'm going to slip and I will just relapse.. like a drug addict! haha.... Sorry. Just had to vent. Anyway, I weighed yesterday at 213.0.. So, I'm happy with my progress so far. I'm ahead of schedule. But for some reason.. it feels like it's not enough. I have to just keep reminding myself that I am on track. Oh yeah.. everyone has been commenting about how thin I look. Mostly, everyone has just been saying I look thinner in my face. But, I want to look thinner in my waist and hips and legs! Oh well.. it'll get there. I definitely feel good about myself. Maybe I can talk my surgeon into doing some lipo while I'm under tomorrow. HA!

I'm so impressed with you ladies! You are doing great! I have definitely noticed a difference when I use this site and when I try and do it on my own. I definitely need you guys!

Well, I am completely amazed! I got on the scale this morning expecting to see a gain, and I actually lost another pound! That's a total of 20 for me now. Thank you ladies for all the support!

The reason I am shocked is because I made my hubby homemade chocolate chip cookies on Friday, and I've been sneaking them for the past few days. Then, I had Chinese food for dinner last night. I didn't eat all of it and it wasn't the brown sauce or fried rice, so I guess it was ok.

Lindy: Congrats on the 5K. I am determined to run a 5K by next spring. I'm sure you will show another loss by mid-week, as soon as the salt is out of your system. It's amazing how long that salt sticks around!

Neesy: Good luck with everything tomorrow...my thoughts will be with you and your dad. Congrats on eating so well when going out! I try to avoid eating out as much as possible, but I know I can't eat at home forever!

Burgandy: I think the food journal is a great idea. That's what I have done since the very beginning, and by measuring my food, I got a good idea of the portion sizes I should be having. I'm hoping it works for you too! :hug:

Take a Deep Breath: Too funny about taking a pass on the scale. I think we all feel that way from time to time. It's better to take a pass than to be too hard on yourself. Slow and steady, that's my new motto.

Sandy: I'm sure Martha's going to be extra hard on you since you haven't seen her in a few days! :devil: Watch out! Husbands definitely suck! I can't believe how easy it is for them to lose weight than us. We have to deal with PMS, bearing children, AND we have to have a harder time to lose weight?!?! I mean, come on!! :D

I was kinda disappointed on Friday night. I went out shopping with the hubby (I have a 2nd interview tomorrow and needed another suit) and I was really hoping to be in a smaller size. Well, I wasn't. My normal size (a 22, down from a 24) is a little baggy, but the 20's were just too tight (not by much, but I want to impress tomorrow, not look like a stuffed sausage). I guess on the bright side, I'm losing weight from everywhere, rather just in one spot. I guess it's better that way?

How about you ladies? Are you losing in one particular spot, or all over?

YAH! I got my walk in. It was actually more hiking. I love hiking, but I was unprepared for this. Well, first let me say that we ate breakfast/lunch RIGHT before this, so that was a mistake. Also a mistake was sitting at the bar, having drinks and smoking.

It's a set of trails running through wooded areas around several subdivisions. They all connect in one way or another. The longest is 1 mile from start to end AND they are all up and down-very steep. I can walk a mile on my treadmill, but this whew! We did a total of .6 mile and I had to stop about 5 or 6 times to get my breath. I went at it with all I had while my friend was saying slow down, just stroll...what! Are we here for the scenery or to exercise?!?! I told him, that if my heart rate didn't go up, then I wouldn't burn calories and to shut up and let me do it my way. It also pissed me off that he was smoking while we did this and it didn't even phase him....GGRRRR!! I told him if he lit another cigarette near me while I was trying to get oxygen that I would kick his...you know. (not sure if cursing bothers anyone or if it will get my comments removed. Not that *** in itself is a bad word, but in a phrase...anyway) But all in all-I loved it! Can't wait to go back and conquer my little KY hills. :lol:

So after my Jillian workout this a.m. and my butt-kickin hike, the inside and back of my thighs are SCREAMING! Ouch, boo hoo and all that other whiney stuff. So now I'm trying to get my laundry done cause the machines are in the basement and my clothes are on the 2nd floor and I know this will hurt more tomorrow. No sense in making it worse for my day off. I guess I will have to work my arms tomorrow and quit the legs for a few days of recovery.

Lindy - Kudos for the 5K and getting through it. Awesome! Yes, the salt will do it to you, so next week will be a good weigh in. 3 lbs in 2 weeks-cake walk for you!

Sandy - You have the right thought on this one, no need in adding more problems. Hey, Martha wanted me to ask you if you can come out and play-she misses you!

Neesy - Great job on eating out! It is so hard to do. It's OK to be scared of slipping, it think it keeps you on your toes. If I get to comfortable with what I'm eating and what not, I tend to mess up.

Vicki - :congrat: 20 is so sweet! Now that I've pledged myself for each day, I intend on catching up with you and neesy! Good luck with the 2nd interview, I'll be sending good wishes your way!

Maddiesmom - CONGRATS on yor 20 pds.! THAT IS AWESOME!!! Who's a rockstar?! Your a rockstar! (this is my favorite saying if no one has figured it out yet-lol) Good luck on your interview, fingers crossed you get the job.

Neesy- congratulations on your good eating habits! It is amazing that you can eat out all 3 times and each time, you made an excellent choice. It is destined that your going to get past your plateau and once you do, you will be rockin and rolling again and there will be less thoughts (and fears) of giving up. Keep up the good work, you are such a pretty woman and losing the weight is just going to make you an even bigger bomb shell. :)

Mygrits - wow, I must be on another planet because until you put up your ticker, I didnt realize how much you have lost. I have commented on Neesy and Tiff losing the most weight (which they have lost a lot and I am so proud of them for doing so), but you by far have blown us all away - so you very much deserve credit (and an apology). You are doing GREAT!!!

Burgundy - good job at maintaining. I think you and I are definately having the same issues, we are not eating enough calories so when we do get an appetite, even if it is under our normal calorie count, boy does it either pack on the pounds or just keep us at maintaining. Lets hope this pattern changes.

Takeadeepbreath- good job on your hike. I too know how you feel with your thighs. Although I do 4 miles a day (and break it 2 miles in the am, 2 miles in the PM), my thighs were definately feeling it this morning from my 5k.

Well, I have a question for anyone/everyone. It seems like everyone has very supportive husbands and I thought I did too, but it seems like my husband has become majorly annoyed with me exercising so much. He has been making snide remarks and it has really started to drive me nuts. I guess its not a big deal, but it really does make me self conscious about going out at much, but in the same token, I'm feeling better than I ever have from walking. It is as second nature to me as brushing my teeth. I just thought I throw that out there and get others thoughts/opinions.

Well, take care ladies.

Lindy, I would talk to your hubby. Maybe he is feeling neglected, or that he has taken a back seat to your healthier life style? Maybe suggest that he walks with you in the evenings and this can give the two of you "together time" where you can talk about your day, etc.

I too am nervous of the prospect of that happening. I'm home full time right now so I am able to do all my exercising/meal planning while he's at work. But, if I get this job (and I really hope I do), I will have to change everything around. We had a talk about it the other day and he came up with the idea that when the days get longer and warmer, we would exercise together by taking our daughter on walks and play with her in the park.

I think your hubby just needs a reminder that this is something that you are doing for yourself, but it should make him happy that you are happier. Good Luck!

Hi Ladies - Welcome to a NEW Monday!

Lindy, thanks for the compliment, but the loss has been years in the making. Actually I was down to 180 two years ago, and do to a very hard 2008 year, the pounds came back, which is why I came on here. I knew I needed to do something quick before it all came back on! So, I do miss being lighter, but know why I gained 40lbs back, as I am an emotional eater and do to all the stress - I ate my way through it in 2008...as did my husband.

Regarding spouses, when I did lose my weight my husband use to make comments, and in some way try to be an enabler with goodies in the house. I finally talked to him and told him I really needed his support, as losing this weight meant so much to me. He did back off of the enabling with food, and was more supportive, but on occasion I would hear a 'comment.' I think honestly he felt left out, possibly fearful of where I was going with my appearance and looks, fearful of how strong and independent I was becoming, fearful of his own weight issues and appearance. Men have testosterone - ego's and possibly it affects them when they see us becoming attractive, independent and strong......Just my two cents on the subject...LOL

Well, I ate homemade bread last night, which blew the day. I have too get a handle on this night eating. I WILL do better today.

My goodness, I am PMSing like you would not believe. All day yesterday I was STARVING! I could not get enough foos for the life of me! And worst off, I'm craving salty foods. Yesterday, I went to Taco Bell (evil Taco Bell, gets me everytime) and had 2 tacos AND a mexican pizza. Then 10 pm rolls around and instead of going to bed, I scarfed down 6 (yup 6) pieces of tukey bacon. So, I thought to myself, "ok, your done, you had a bad day and your entitled to one, get back on track tomorrow", so, what do I do this morning....first, I can't get sushi out of my head, mmmmmm.sushi, ok-focus, back to this morning, I eat a whole flippin bag of cheese its and boy were they good. Its 10 am, the days not even close to over and I am still starving. God help me today. Lol

Sorry for my tangeant rave, I am just so tired and unfocused and starving and well, its just a rough couple of days. Any pointers would be helpful. Ill check in later.

LOL Linday - Yummmmmm I used to love those Taco Bell Mexican Pizza's! I love all the melted cheese - delicious! I hope today goes better for you, but that PMS is a controlling, evil thing and used to get me every month! Now it's the evil Menapause thats worse - she's stays forever!!! :devil: LOL

Well, I did good with walking yesterday - 2 miles, and didn't over eat, but the scale stayed the same - go figure. I think I need to reduce my calories intake by 100, which I will start today.. :yikes: I will visit evil Martha and workout some muscles since that seems to burn fat longer....

Hope everyone's day is good - STAY STRONG! :strong:

Hey Girlies!!
I just a have a few minutes, Great job to all of you sounds like everyone's doing well!! I am soo jelous. I am doing ok I have lost a pound or two again, nothing to brag about. I am just trying to get enough sleep right now, I just worked my 65 hour week and am still recooping from that. I am starting to feel good about myself and in the state of mind for building my confidence up then I am going ahead full force. I think it was Nessy when I first started that said something like if you do nothing for two months the two months will just pass by so try. (sorry Nessy, I think it was pretty close, lol) anyways one month just flew buy and I barely lost at all so I need to step it up. I want this more than anything. I know deep down I can do this. I just need to work harder

Gotta go sorry so short I will be back on later tonight, I hope I have to work again tonight, I am soo tired of working. I was not able to catch up on everyones msgs I will though.

Kelly: I am still panning on quitting March 1st will that work for you.

I SO wish I could sit here and type that I concurred HUNGRY (think orange fuzzy guy from Weight Watchers commercials-thanks Tiff), but I SO did not. After binging on cheese its this morning, then sushi (yup, I did it, I went for sushi), THEN a big bag of hot tamale candies, THEN spaghetti and meatballs, THEN goldfish crackers, THEN....ok, it stops there, I got ahead of myself. This has been the WORST binge day ever, since I started my diet. I dont know what the heck happened, but I do know that tomorrow is a new day and I REALLY need to get back on track and step up my game. On a separate note, I did try to make up for my actions by doing 6 miles today. So, I feel slightly redeemed.

Anyway, I hope everyone else is doing better than me. I also hope that I dont hop on the scale on Sunday and gained weight from this god awful binge day.

Ill touch base tomorrow.

Take care!

Hey Lindy. Don't feel bad. I've had a bad couple of days too. I had breakfast at a restaurant yesterday complete with bacon, eggs, potatoes, and french toast. Then today I went to Olive Garden and ate a ton! Oh.. and I finished the day off with 6 pieces of turkey bacon also! I don't even want to weigh myself for a few days. We'll get back on track. I'm starting over tomorrow. Clean slate! As I say this.. I'm looking at a quote I have on my wall....

"You may be dissappointed if you fail, but you are doomed if you don't try."

We'll get there girls. Let's not give up quite yet. Let's keep trying for it.

Talk to you guys later!

Lindy, don't feel bad. I had an off day too (I guess we're all psychically linked) :) I went to Chipotle today, which if you aren't aware is HORRIBLE for you. I haven't had it in forever, as they aren't close by my house. But, I saw a new one today and I ate an entire steak fajita burrito (I didn't have breakfast, which is my fault, but I was STARVING by lunch). It was sooooo good. Honestly, I really didn't feel bad afterwards, but I am sure I'll feel horrible if it affects my weight this weekend. I still have a few days to balance it all out. Guess you and I had Mexican food on the brain!

Also, on a good note....I got the job I wanted! I start March 2nd...I am so thrilled and it's a pretty big jump in pay in comparison to what I was previously making. So I got to go clothes shopping today (they are business professional every day, and all my clothes are business casual). It was fun, but I'm excited for the new opportunity.

Has anyone heard from Tiff? It's been awhile. I thought of her today while watching The Biggest Loser. Tiff, we miss you!!! :)

Congratulations Maddiesmom! That is great! I'm so happy for you!

I haven't heard from Tiff. I was thinking about her too. I hope she didn't leave us! I know I always fall of the wagon when I don't have you guys. Tiff, how are you?!!!

Hi Everyone,

Ok, FINALLY I had a good day and didn't snack at night - YEAH! I cut off my eating at 8pm and went to bed at 11pm. However, I was so hungry I had a hard time going to sleep, but finally dosed off around 1am. I was prepared as I know until my body adjust it is difficult to not go to bed stuffed. I also visited 'Martha' yesterday, and it wasn't too bad, but I only saw her for 20 minutes of Pilates. It was a enough to burn a few calories and give me sore ab's and butt checks today! LOL Today I once again am staying focused and doing my 2 mile walk, and again, NO eating after 8pm. I WILL do this!!!! You all have inspired me!!!

Lindy - It's OK, you will get back on track. Possibly your hormones are out of whack, or your body is craving the foods its be lacking? Have you been walking? I know your great at that, and maybe go for a walk tonight which will make you feel better, but exercise can also help your hormones or system balance.

Maddie - Congratulations on the job! Thats wonderful. I have been contemplating going back to work myself. It is slim pickings here in Deland (small town) and the closest city where there are some jobs is Daytona. I too would need to get some office attire. I used to have tons and when I quick working years back gave my clothes to Goodwill.

Kity - 65 hour week? Wow, that alot of work! Hope you get some much needed rest over the next few days.

Tiff - Where are you?? We miss you!

Maddiesmom - CONGRATULATIONS on your new job. Once I got the job where I am now, I started to feel complete. It was like all the pieces of the puzzle feel together and once they did, I have been quite successful with everything else, including my weight loss journey. You'll have to keep us posted on how your first few days are going, those are always stressful at first, you know, new people, new surroundings. Oh, on a separate note, you'll have to have an affair with your camera and post some pics of your new outfits. :)

Neesy - hows your dad doing? Thanks for the words of encouragement.

Mygrits - I think your spot on with my hormones. Yes, I am still walking daily and yesterday I beefed it up to a 1 mile run and 3 mile walk at night, plus I did 2 miles of walking in the morning. It seems like those 2 days were an isolated incident because I feel great and focused to sticking to my plan...whew...thank god I did not have to battle hungry for another day, he's a slick little sucker, lol. Anyway, congrats on overcoming your hill of eating at night and evil martha, I think your secretly growing to like martha...common, you know you LOVE martha - haha, lol.

Anyway, yeah - Im missing Tiff. Im asuming with tax season and just coming back from vaca, she may just be overwhelmed, hopefully we didnt lose her.

Ill touch base later. Thanks for the support ladies.

Hey Lindy! Thanks for asking. My dad is doing great. He's not having any pain, nausea, or anything else. He says it feels like nothing even happened. Though he says he doesn't feel hungry at all. So.. it looks like it's working. I can't even picture my dad being thin. He's been 300+lbs my whole life. He weighed 475 in august. Before the surgery, he weighed at 405. So he lost 70lbs so far on his own. We are all really excited. Thanks for the concern=)

My surgery went really well. My doc removed 5 uterine polyps.. one of which was blocking one of my tubes which my dr says was causing my fertility issues. So.. my husband is all happy and ready to go have babies. I'm not quite ready yet anymore. I want to lose another 40lbs first. But... we'll see. Sorry for rambling on

Lindy: I CAUGHT YOUR HUNGER BUG!!! Yesterday wasn't a good day for me...Chipotle. Then today, I went to Chili's for lunch and had a Buffalo chicken salad (which was really good, but I know it wasn't good for me). Then, I took Madeline to our Mommy and me class and ran around for an hour. After that, I saw a lady with a DQ blizzard, which I love and haven't had in years, so I had a small blizzard as well. Boy, did I fall off the wagon for a couple of days.

I'm not going to let this affect me though. Usually I give up after this point, but I'm not doing it this time. I'll be back on track for dinner tonight and going forward. Everyone needs a little splurge here and there. I weighed myself this morning and I'm still down the 20 pounds, so I'm maintaining. Not so bad...better than gaining.

Neesy: glad to hear all is well with your surgery and your dad's. When you decide to have kids, I'm sure it will all work out for you. The bonus side for me getting pregnant was that I only gained 20 pounds total, and after I had Madeline, my weight was lower than it was before I got pregnant. Very strange.

Talk to you all soon!

Maddiesmom- That is strange! If only I could be that lucky! I doubt it though. By the way, your lunch sounded delicious. We're allowed cheat days every once in a while.

My doctor really started my diet. I saw him at the end of November and was comfortable at my 241lbs..Crazy! He said.. he would only want me to gain 10lbs during pregnancy at that point.. which he said is near impossible. He said that if I did get pregnant.. I would likely get near 300lbs. At which point.. I said to myself.. forget that! I completely freaked out at the idea. I would love to get down to 175 before we actively start trying again. But you never know what will happen..

Neesy - so glad to hear everything went well with you and you dad. keep up the good work and you will be trying to get pregnant before you know it!

Kity - yes, March 1 is still good for me. the more i think about it, the more nervous I become. this past week i had a couple of days where i only had 4, but then the rest were the same. i swear, it's just like trying to lose weight! constantly thinking about it and having battles in my head...what if,...but, and so on. i tell you one thing that seems to help. when i want one, i drink water instead. i can't chew gum cause it makes my jaws hurt and swell.

Vicky - YAH! congrats on getting the job. i have an idea for you. going into a new place with new people, make sure you pack your lunches and keep healthy snacks at hand. this way, maybe you can attract others who are doing the same and keep the ones who go out to lunch a lot from possibly starting a bad habit for you. and if you have any 'meet the new girl' lunches, they should let you pick where - then you will be sure to stay on track.

well, at least i'm not alone. i have messed up left and right for more than a few days. but now i know why - TOM showed up. also i had a filling done at the dentist yesterday and i forgot to eat before i went. then i had to wait for 2 hours before i could eat and my left jaw was still numb. the novocain made my mouth feel swollen even though it wasn't and i was afraid of biting the inside of my mouth. so i hooked up with my friend and we went to stake and shake. you know it-i got a shake. but i got a child size. i'm not crazy about shakes, but it was easy to drink/eat. i also got spaghetti cause i needed 'comfort' food with the way i was feeling.

so today wasn't too bad. had yogurt, apple w/LF cheese stick, can of soup (more sodium than i would like) - aw crap! i just remembered my trip to the snack machine...argghh! when i went to the store monday, i didn't buy the right stuff. i mean, i got good stuff, but forgot snack stuff. cause after lunch, i like to munch on something for a bit. poop! well, anyway, i've got a stouffer's lasagna in the oven. as long as i eat 1 serving and have some steamed veggies or something with it, it should be ok.

i haven't been writing my food down like i said i would. i've just been stressed, tired, sore, depressed and generally blahhh. i will have to blame this on TOM, cause it does me that way sometimes. i'm just gonna try to hang on until this weekend and jump back in. i am drinking my water, so that's one thing to help for sure.

holy crap! sorry i rambled. it just came out of me...haha!

Hey Neesy - glad to hear your doing so well. For some reason, I was thinking your procedure was AFTER your dads, which is why I didnt ask about you right away. Nonetheless, I'm so happy to hear that you are re-cooperating so quickly. Its ironic, the same thing that happened to Maddiesmom happened to me. AFTER I had Gabriella, I weighed less. Maybe because I was breast feeding? I dont know, but it was strange. I ended up gaining so much weight because of my career. It was not going in the direction I wanted it to and I was miserable. But enough about misery, things are better and this is just one more step to improving my life.

Maddiesmom - we are TOTALLY on the same page. I LOVE the buffalo chicken salad, in fact, one of the girls from work today asked if I wanted to go to Chilis today and after my sushi saga yesterday, I turned her down.

Today I did better. I had a couple of pieces of candy today and some BBQ chicken on top of my 2 turkey burgers, so I definately went over my range again, but not nearly as bad as yesterday. I'll get back on track 100% once my monthly friend is gone. My hormones are just going nuts this month.

Im going to call it an early night, have a good night everyone.

Hey everyone, I havent been on in a couple of days. I see everyone has had a few bad days. Me too but the last 2 days, I have gotten right back to it. Its TOM for me so I am not weighing, maybe by sunday I will lose. I have been doing the 30 day shred for the last 2 days. It really kicks my butt, but I want to stck it out for the 30 days. I am still using my wii fit a lot too. Just have to keep it up. I get to go grocery shopping by myself tomorrow, my hubby doesnt want to go with me, so that will cut out buying a lot of snacks and cut the bill down, both great. I need to do something to get my energy up. I know lately its because I wasnt eating as many calories as I should have. But today I think I got it to a good lever, I was right around 1300. Think that is a good range? How many calories is everyone else eating?

Neesy- I am glad your surgery went well and your dads too. Hopefully you will be having babies when you are ready. I really need to go see a Dr and find ouut why I am not able to conceive.

Maddiesmom-20 lbs. I want to catch up to you. that is great. Congrats on the job and you will be in a size 20 comfortably in no time.

Kelly-good job on the hike. I want to hike. We got more snow today so I dont know when I will be able to go outside.

Lindy-you should talk to your husband. My hubby still eats sweets and snacks but he doesnt try to get me to eat them and he is very supportive of what I am trying to do. I really wish he would do it with me but at least he eats the healthy meals I make for dinner. Hungry is always there we just have to try to ignore him. But I think you are doing great. Walking 6 miles is a real accomplishment.

Mygrits- I maintained as well but we will get there slow and steady!! I do that too, I dont eat after 7. Sometimes it is hard and I want to snack right before I go to bed. But you get used to it.

Kity-You have got to be exhausted working so much and losing weight.

Hope we hear from Tiff soon, she is probably pretty busy right now. Have a good night everyone. I have to get to bed soon, gotta get up at 4 in the morning to keep my cousins baby while she works.

Neesy - Glad to hear you and your Dad are doing well. I too didn't realize your surgery was at the same time.

Maddie - Ymmm DQ Blizzard, now your talking my language. I am a DQ fan, even with their delicious burgers.......dang, now I'm hungry! LOL

Take a deep breath - I can so relate to TOM. I go wacho the week before, and then all is calm when he arrives....except of course for feeling like a water balloon! LOL

Lindy - Glad to hear your getting back on track. We all need to endulge now and then, otherwise it would be a 'diet'. I have been up and down for years, but overall am slowly going in the down direction.......

burgund - I try to keep my calories at 1400 on non workout days and 1500-1600 on workout days. If 1300 is working for you and you don't feel deprived or weak - go for it! Just make sure your not burning muscle.

Well, today was good. I did get my 2 mile walk in, and then walked again tonight with the dog. I did good on my food intake as well. Now, the challenge, not to eat anything else tonight......UGH!

I was just looking at everyone's ticker. We are all so close to being in onederland, especially Lindy! How exciting! That motivates me even more. I'm so close I can taste it!

I have a question for everyone.. Just to see where everyone has been and where they are headed..

What was your weight?
1yr ago
3 yrs ago
5 yrs ago
7 yrs ago?

For me:
1 year ago: I was 240lbs (I dieted and got down to 217 in about 1.5 months, then quit and gained it all back)

3years ago: 220lbs

5years ago: 195lbs

7years ago:160lbs


Putting it in this perspective... I can only imagine where I would be in another year, three or five if I didn't start this diet... CRAZY!

First off, Neesy...everyone is close to onederland?!!? I guess I must be out of the club for being away so long. Because I am NOWHERE near onderland unless you count 125 lbs close ;) just teasing.

Second, you all were right. Tax season is kicking my butt. I haven't even had time to read the thread since Monday (i think). In fact, I don't think the word busy properly describes what I have been doing. I feel like all I do is work, go to the gym, sleep, and repeat. Oh and I didn't go to the gym for five days in a row this weekend and boy could I tell yesterday when I went back for my weekly biggest loser session. I did awful this weekend and ate way too much and didn't exercise at all. It all started with the fair thursday night. Can you say funnel cake? At least my fiance shared it with me. Just pure junk food from thursday night til monday night. I have been staying away from the scale pretty much, but I weighed this morning and I was at 324 (up 2). But I have been back on track two days and hopefully will stay there for a while. I should at least stay on track until I get out of the 300's.

To answer Neesy's question:
1 year - about 330
3 years - about 280
5 years - about 220
7 years - about 170

well at least I was pretty consistent in my gain :( lets just hope I don't take that long to go back down.

Well I have to get to bed. I will make my best attempt to check in at least once a day, but I make no guarantees considering.

P.S. Thank you all for your concern and missing me. Does that sound weird? Thanks for missing me? lol.

Unfortunately, I believe I was always in the 200's...since leaving for college. Freshman 15? I got that beat! I think I gained 25 at least.

I met my hubby right outta high school, and they say that as soon as you found your significant other, you tend to eat more.

But I think this is my time line: I was heaviest right before I signed on to this site: 274.4 (yucky!)
1 year ago: 260ish..I had just had a baby via c-section a month or so before
3, 5 and 7 yrs: I was probably in the 225-240 range...not positive, I didn't have a scale.

What I do know...is that this is the first time that I have truly put myself first as far as eating better and wanting to lose weight. I would always talk about it...but wouldn't do anything about it. I would get depressed and eat. This time it feels different.

Take a deep breath: Thanks for the advice on the meal plans when I start the new job. I hadn't really thought about it, but we know that everything food related with us has to be in our minds.

Have a good night!