Hi Ladies: I have missed you all! I told you that it was going to be a stressful week and I was right. On Tuesday 35 of my co-workers and friends were let go. There were another 90 field sales people let go.

I was not let go. I think it's a good thing and then a bad thing as well. The bad is because once we are let go we can try and go back to the company that sold us (believe me...this is what we all want to do...it's a HUGE company and pays very well!), but we have to be let go without cause before we can try and do that. I guess I'll see if any or my former co-workers have success with it.

I have kept my eating well and I've walked every day for 30 min but that is it. We were told that the layoffs are over for a while (we are guessing until the end of March) so my plan between now and then is to use that time to get back to working hard at my weight-loss. That is my plan, work hard when I can and when I can't just maintain. It's better than dumping it all.

I didn't watch BL yet...I will watch it over the weekend. Tonight is my 1st TOPS meeting for the year so I will then have my offical number and can start taking the pounds off based on that number.

You will see me around more and I look forward to you all posting. It really helps to keep me motived when I read your posts and I also post!

Ladies,

I have been MIA for a little bit. I see you are doing really well.

I have not binged..... but I am sooo hungry. I was last night and I am today also. I am writing my food down and being very careful to not binge, but I hope this passes soon!

Hitting my 1500 calories everyday. SOmetimes I am squuezing them in later at night, but I'm getting them. Working out everyday at school. It is a different mix of people everyday. Did 30 min. Cardio Max and then jogged for 15 min.

Tomorow is weigh-in. It would be nice to see 177, but I'm not holding my breath. Things just don't seem to be working.

Susie- At least you have a job. Sounds like craziness. Hang in there. Have fun at TOPS. Hey, walking is something. Good for you.

Lady hold that binge off. you can do it.

Hee hee hee... Had my girls over last night to gossip. I pulled out all the candy, chips, snacks, etc. that I got from Christmas and dumped it on the coffee table... they all had fun nibbling at the goodies. It got rid of most of that crap and I am so relieved. I just can't have little baggies of chips and junk in the house.

Hi! I am so looking forward to the weekend; it will be a long one for me as we get Monday off. I am going to go to Walmart on Monday and find some workout DVD's to do at home. I'm looking for 30 min routines...any suggestions?

The scales were ugly last night but as I said before it is a starting number and I will go down from there.

I have ignored my Beck system for a couple of days so I'll get caught up on that.

Exercise should kick up this coming week; I don't have a lot to interfere with it.

Mindy: How did the scales look? I think it's a good idea to workout with different people...it keeps you working harder at least it does for me. When I'm with a new instructor I don't know where to cruise or if someone different is standing beside me working hard I can't let them outdo me!

SCraver: What a good idea to get get of the extra tempting goodies!

Ladyrider: Great plan for keeping that binge at bay!

I'll be around this weekend.

Did BL last chance workout last night...That's a good one Susie!! Walkd the mall for an hour today (about 5 miles). It is officially mid cycle so of course I'm up. 179.6. Can't seem to get anywhere these days. Crap!!!

Susie- I just bought Valerie Bertenelli's new DVD. Haven't done it yet. Anything Jillian is good. She kicks your butt.

Hi guys.

Susie, I am glad to hear you still have your job. I am sorry about your colleagues that were let go. That's tough.

Mindy, just keep waiting for that whoosh!

Hi Tammy. Good job avoiding the binge monster. I am doing the same.

Hi Scraver. You made me laugh.

I have forgotten when I updated last. Workouts have been good and eating is on plan. No movement on the scale, though. Trying to keep it together through the long week-end. We're having new carpet installed in our basement and having it painted as well. Stress, anyone?

Hi-I'ma looking forward to going to the Y today for my workout. I will do 30 min on the treadmill and then free weights for upperbody and I hope I have time for lower body as well.

I'm doing well with my food this weekend. I'm such a "routine" person and when the routine is not in place I can get off track easy. I have not had a chance to get caught up on my Beck program but I will do that today and tomorrow. We are off tomorrow for the holiday and I can't wait to go and check out and buy a couple of workout DVD's. Thank you for the suggestions Mindy.

Ward: Just think how nice your basement will look when it is finished. It will be bright and cheery.

Mindy: Let me know what you think of your new DVD.

Looking forward to seeing posts from the new members as well and Kelly!

I'm doing ok this week. Workouts have been good, but I still can't get my eating under control. I do great throughout the day, but then I get home and can't stop eating. It has been a stressful week at work, and I know that is contributing to it, but I need to learn how to stop soothing my stress with food. Next Thursday Mindy and I start a new BL contest at work. I know that will be good for me. I always do better when there is competition involved.

Susie--Any of the Biggest Loser DVD's are great. Like Mindy said, all the Jillian ones will kick your butt. I also like some of the 10 minute solution ones. We have done Kickbox Bootcamp quite a bit, and I really like it.

Scraver and ladyrider--Glad to see you are doing well. Good job getting the crap out of the house!

Mindy--That crazy body of yours...that's all I have to say about that.

Ward--Good luck on the stressful days. Don't stand in the pantry while the carpet is being installed!:lol:

180.2 today!! Really???? WTH????
Called my doc today to see if they would check hormone levels with my bloodwork. Nope!! Just thyroid she said. Someone want this body?? I'd trade.

Mindy--It doesn't sound like your doc wants to listen to you. Maybe it is time to go doc shopping.

Kelly - You sound just like me. I do so good dring the day (mainly b/c I eat what I bring to work, so I can ONLY eat what I bring) but then in the evenings (and on the weekends) I like to "unwind" by eating, snacking, nibbling... I have been doing better, but it is hard. I started first by eating my healthy dinner and then popping a bag of light or 94% FF popcorn and nibbling on that. Then I slowly weaned myself off of the bag of popcorn. I distract myself with work, scrapbooking, cleaning my house - whatever!

Also, for a while there, I was eating an apple while I was driving home from work - that way when I got home, I wasn't starving. Hot Tea has been helping me curb my appetite in the evenings (and late afternoon!), too.

Sorry - not that you asked for advise - but I thought maybe something might help!

Hi--I've been thinking of getting here everyday--as you can imagine with that many people being let go at my work, I have more to do now. But you know...we are all busy so I just need to find the time...make the time. I keep much more on track when I get here everyday.

I have been getting my workouts in everyday and that is helping me to feel better and stay on track. I did buy one of the BL workouts DVD. I"m going to try it this weekend. Thanks for all the suggestions.

Ward: How is the remodling going and how are you dealing with it?

Kelly: I do the same thing sometimes then I get it under control but then something that feels really stressful comes along and I'm looking for comfort from food--I'm trying to learn to ot do that usig the Breck system...but it is only as good if I use it. I have found that keeping blow-pop around helps me to not go overboard with food.

SCraver: I've done the apple thing on my way home as well and you know it really works well..thanks for that reminder.

LadyRider: We miss hearing from you.

Susie and Scraver--Thanks for the tips! Anything to help move me away from the fridge and pantry is appreciated:D! Susie, how was your TOPS weigh in?

Ward--Hope the painting and carpeting hasn't driven you to the dark side.

Mindy--I know how you have been (sort of), but you haven't been here to post in a while. We all look forward to hearing from you.

Lady--hope things are well.

I am kicking butt this week. I am down about 2 pounds since Monday, and I am on target with my calories every day. Workouts are going strong every day. I feel like I am getting stronger, my clothes feel like they are looser, and I feel like my muffin tops are shrinking:lol:. Apparently my family thinks I am the weight loss guru because my cousin from Florida e-mailed me today asking for tips on how to lose weight. I told her everything I know, and told her to come join us on here! Hopefully she will find us and get some support for her journey!

Have a great Friday tomorrow everyone!

My name is Angela. I am just starting this latest weight loss journey and hoping it is the last. In starting, I called upon my cousin, Kelly for advice because she has done a great job in the last couple of years and I thought "If she could do it, so can I." So that is how I found out about 3 Fat Chicks and I am excited to proceed.
My starting weight is 226.5-UGH!!! My goal is to get to 150. I know it will be a long journey and am ready for the challenge. It's time to trade in the sweets and unhealthy snacks for healthy ones and get my butt and the rest of my body) moving.
I'm looking forward to getting to know all of you through this forum.

Hey Angela! I am glad you found us! You can, and will do this! Coming here and posting every day helps keep you accountable. You have to tell everyone if you slip up, and that is good motivation not to slip up!

I'm doing pretty well today, girls. We had a half day of school so, of course, everyone wants to go out to lunch. We went to Red Lobster, and I had a piece of grilled chicken, a grilled shrimp skewer, and a small bed of rice. I thought it was a pretty good choice. Mindy and I went to dinner with a friend of ours tonight at Applebees (wow, what a day of eating out) and I got a steak that was on their Under 550 calorie menu. For eating out, I tried to make good choices. Scales were down to 167 today!!! Woo Hoo! My goal is 165 by the end of January, so I have another week. I think I can make it!

Hope everyone is doing well today!

Angela- HI!! I am Kelly's BFF. She just tole me at dinner (about 30 min. ago) that she told you about us. Welcome. It is very helpful. Come and talk, post as often as you can. It is helpful.

Kelly- Bite me!! You know I'm still stuck.

We brainstormed a bunch of ideas tonight at dinner. I'm seriously confused.
1. take a break
2. up cals
3. workout less
4. check out proportions of protein, carbs etc.
5. stop counting cals.

My head is spinning. Would someone just pleas tell me what will work and I will do it.

Good morning Ladies. In the mornings I'm usually running around like a mad woman to get ready for work and picking up the house. This morning I thought to myself-that can all wait...I'm taking some me time.

I have a loss to report on the scales last night. It was a small one .75 lbs but a loss and I know that I worked for it. As you all know I want to loose 100 lbs this year but I really feel like it will be about 60--I just sort of know my body. So, instead of a poundage goal that I'm tracking this week I'm going to (at least for the next 3 months) just track if I had a loss each week. Really my goal for the year is that my TOPS weight tracker will have no red on it, just black. What I mean by that is that every week when we weigh-in if we loose or stay the same the number on the scales goes in black if we gain, it goes in red. I want a all black chart this year.

I am also happy with myself because this week I made all my workouts.
So, I feel positive going into the weekend and I'm going to use that to keep myself on track. Weekends can be hard for me because of the change in routine.

Kelly: Good to see you hear and to hear that you had a great week!

Mindy: I don't think you should take a break but maybe look at the percentage from where your calories are coming from and see if you have more protein than carbs..I read that is important.
I think when you and Kelly start the Biggest Loser Contest again it will help you get going at the rate you want to.

Angela--Very nice to meet you. I'm looking forward to this journey with you.

Ward, SCraver and Lady Rider: I'm looking forward to your post.

Remember, we are all here to celebrate when we loose and to comfort when we don't and to inspire to get back at it and keep going!

Good morning! I have made it through the carpet, painting, and mammogram. Workouts have been good and eating is on plan. Now to stick to it over the week-end!

Hi Angela! I am glad you found us, and I hope that you will stick around and post often. :)

Hello, Everyone!

It has been several months since I have posted on this site. I started my own type of diet 7 months ago. I never weighed myself at the beginning. At my thinnest weight ever which was maybe 6 years ago I weighed 45 lbs. less than I do now. I feel thin right now...and thought I was only 10 lbs. away from my origninal "thin weight". I am so disgusted this morning. I'm sorry that I ever stepped on the scale. :(

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After much research and soul searching I am going to try upping my cals to 1600-1700/day. Looking at many different BMI calculators, my BMI falls anywhere from 1500 to 2000. They say you should stick close to your maintanence number and the exercise will do the trick. What have I got to lose?? If I start gaining rapidly I'll know it's too much, right?? Worth a shot I guess.

Susie- I just read last night... 60%carbs, 25%protein and 15% fat. Good job on making the workouts.

Ward- Great for keeping on track.

Jenn- We have all been there.

Kelly- Just noticed you posted right before me. Keep truckin girl. Thanks for the shoulder to cry on.

Hi-I'm up early this morning. We have a funeral to attend. A very good friend of mine lost her mother this week and the funeral is today. When I get home from that I plan on a nap....and then cleaning the house and watching my new workouts DVD's to see what one I want to do tomorrow. I take Saturday's off from working out...I figure the 2 hours of house cleaning are worth something!

Yesterday was a very tough day at work for me (again), more layoffs...watching my friends go. I'm thankful for a job but I really want to find one where I feel safe and they are in the hiring mode instead of letting people go. I had a thought this morning as I was paying my bills and I thought that at least I have a job and don't have to worry about paying my bills and the Serinity prayer came to my mind, you know the part that says to change the things I cans, to accept what I can not change and the wisdom to know the difference? Well...I really see that applying to my work situation and to my weight-loss situation. I will do what I can when I can and when I can't I will accept it.

Mindy: All you have to loose is the weight you want to. I'm proud of you for researching and soul searching and trying out what you found out. We are right here with you...all the way!

Ward: Look at you...no binging and on track all throught those things you couldn't control or change...you did what you could and that was not letting yourself binge and going to work out. I'd say you are right on track.

Jenn: The scales can make us feel so badly. :hug: But you know what? If you don't like what they say, YOU can change them. Join us in our journies to change that number on the scales.

Ok..I've got to go get dressed. Have a great Saturday everyone!

First, thnks ladies for the lovely welcome!
Okay, I didn't make it on here yesterday, but I think it was a productive day. I went shopping and got a BL Workout DVD and a Hungry Girl Recipe book, as well as lots of great healthy foods. I've been keeping to my calorie counts each day (actually below)based on the 7x your weight. I'm not completely sure what else to keep track of? Counting fat, carbs, protein and where they should be, but I'm sure I'll keep learning more as I go.
I've lost 4 lbs. since starting Monday, just by being more aware of what, how much, and how often I eat, so I'm happy with that as a start.
Tonight will be a test because it is our monthly girls card night and there is always a ton of food-snacks, dinner, and dessert. I'm preparing though by having some fresh fruits and veggies, and I'll have a small portion of lasagna, make a salad, and stay away from the bread, and for dessert I made myself some fat-free, sugar-free pudding. It's not a perfect solution, but I think it's the best I can do for now.
Keep up the good work everyone!
Until tomorrow...
Angela

Hi girls. So, Mindy jinxed me. After going down on the scale last week, I am right back up to where I started last weekend. Granted, I went out to eat way too much over the course of 3 days, but I thought I was making healthy choices. Oh well, I guess I just start again tomorrow, because I will not give up!!!

Mindy--I hope the new plan we talked about goes well. Something has got to give!!!

Angela--Awesome job on the 4 pound loss this week! I knew you could do it! Are your mom and dad supportive of you? Did you try the BL workout? Which one did you get?

Susie--Just keep on getting back on track. Don't let food be your comfort during these stressful times. I know you can do it!!

Ward--Awesome job keeping on plan through the chaos. When is your triathlon?

Jenn--Welcome! Don't be afraid of the scale. Let it be your starting place, and it can only go down from there! We are glad you are joining us!

Scraver and Ladyrider--What has been going on with the two of you?

See you all tomorrow!

While doing my research I went to the bookstore today also. Looked at flat belly, 1600 cals a day. Another diet said weight times 2100, to maintain. then subtract 200 if you want to lose 25-50 pounds. Lots of different info, but the one thing they had in common is higher calories.

I plan on sticking to 1600-1700 a day for at least a month and see what happens. One diet also said weight times 10, that would be 1800. Why can't there just be a simple, concrete answer. I could deal with that.

180.2 today. Walked the mall for 45 min.

Well, I thought I was being pretty good last night, but getting on the scale this morning proved not so good. I gained 2.5 lbs. But, Im just starting so I'm not going to get upset about it, just getback on track.
I've been looking over lots of recipes and picking out some good ones to try. It seems I've got lots of great go-to snacks and breakfasts are good. It's dinners with the family that are tough. I might just have to make my own separate meals, like I did this morning. While everyone else had scrambled eggs and bacon, I made an egg white omelet with low fat mozz. and mushrooms. I will not give up or give in!
Tomorrow I try out my new dvd-Last Chance Workout, and hopefully Wii is fixed soon so I can get back to the Active Workouts. Also, A neighbor stopped by to order some Avon and she was looking for a working partner, so I'm psyched to get my butt moving!
I looked back at last years thread to get to know everyone better and I will start writing personal notes soon.
That's all for now.
Angela

Ugh. Something funky showed up on my mammogram so I have to go back again on Wed. I am alternately freaking out and convincing myself that it's nothing. It has happened to me before, and it was nothing. Sometimes it's no fun being a girl.

Eating and exercise are still on track.

I did the Last Chance Workout DVD today and made good food choices. I also made it through my first week of this journey! :)

Angela- One day at a time. One postitive choice at a time. They all add up.

Ward- Good luck. I am in the proecess of scheduling mine right no.

Day 5 at 1660-1700 cals. Still 180.2. Never did get back to the 177's this month. Must stick with it. Did Valerie Berinelli DVD tonight. It was rather lame so threw in about 20 min. of walk/jogging with some sprints.

Yeah, Mindy, I have to agree...Valerie Bertinelli DVD was pretty lame. Maybe the second section is better. It is definitely not up to the same fitness level we are used to. Still up a bit on the scale today. 169. Ate great, though, and hopefully tomorrow it will show.

Ward- I am so sorry to hear about the mammogram. Stay positive. I have also had weird stuff show up and it turns out to be nothing, too. I'll be thinking about you.

Angela--Good for you for doing last chance workout. It is a tough one! Congrats for making it through this first week! I am glad you found a workout partner--I couldn't have done it without my workout partner: Mindy!!

See everyone tomorrow!!

Complete and total "off the wagon" for the past two days....I will not give up and I'm see the wagon circling around for me and I'm jumping back on.

I packed my workout bag and will be in the 5:30 Total Body Conditioning class at the Y tonight.

Ward: Fingers crossed for a good report on the mammogram--I would be freaking out too so I understand.

Mindy: It is confusing all those different formulas...you do wonder which one is right. But like you said they all indicate a higher calorie count than you were doing so it's a place to start and see what turns out right for your body.

Kelly: How are you doing now? Tell me more about the Valerie Bertinelli DVD. I thought about buying it but it doesn't sound like a good one?

Angela: Good job on week one!

Took a 30 min. walk last night-hopefully the start of a nightly routine. Did a workout on the Wii today. Keeping my calories down, maybe even too low, but I leave room for dinner, because I'm still working on finding some good recipes to incorporate.

Ward: Sorry about the mammogram. Hope it turns out to be nothing.

Mindy: Hang in there, and don't drive yourself crazy with all the research.

Kelly: Love you and thanks for inviting me to join here. I think it's really helping.

Susie: Just catch that wagon and hop back on!

Thanks, ladies!
Angela

Hi Ladies: I'm back on the wagon and part of staying on is posting everyday, so here I am. ;)

It's been 1 day (yesterday) since I binged and ate for comfort. That is what I need to overcome. I do great with exercise and water and even counting calories but when I need comfort I will eat/binge and I need to break that habit. That is what my Breck program is about and I just need to work the program...I am back to it.

Watching the Biggest Loser last night I totally saw me in the Green Team...the daughter...who doesn't cry. I rarely cry...because when I do, I don't stop easily..so I just don't let it start. Well like the daughter instead of letting it out in tears, I push it back down with food. I really saw myself in her and from now on...I'm going to cry when I feel like it, scream when I feel like it, laugh when I feel like it. I'm going to quit denying myself feelings and deny the food instead. Does that make sense to anyone but me?

Susie, good job getting back on the wagon. We're with you, girl!

Way to go on your first week, Angela. :carrot:

All clear on the mammo today. :) Thanks for the good thoughts.

Hi, January buddies!

I've been going up and down in my weight for years, but, hey, it's 2010!

I gave myself a break during the holidays of 2009, and subsequently gained a bunch of weight.

I told myself, "2010 is it. I'm sick of this. Come January, I am going to DO IT."

I also promised myself I would start on the 1st, but, it just didn't happen. I was very unmotivated at the time.

I actually had to buy myself a pair of "fat pants" to go to my boyfriend's late Christmas work party. ( It was at the beginning of the month, don't remember the date. ) They're size 18. I can't even remember the last time I had to purchase a pair of size 18 pants, which is why I didn't have any in the first place, I guess. All of my normal jeans were getting tight, uncomfortable, and causing some major muffin top. I was pretty livid with myself, and shopping was depressing. I ended up buying a pair of jeans, a halter top, and a 3/4 sleeved top to wear over that. I guess I bought myself a whole new "fat outfit." Ugh.

Well, come January 25th, Monday, I made myself start caring.

I've been doing low carbohydrate/low calorie eating. I've already lost a few pounds.

It's only been a few days since I started, so, I'm still super motivated.

I tend to run out of steam after a few weeks, though, and I think that this forum, and all of you lovely people will help me to get through that!

So, here's to 2010. The year that I will lose this weight! I am excited!

And, to everyone who's on this journey with me, congrats! We're going to do it! :hug:

Well, ladies, after essentially gaining back everything I lost last week due to weekend eating out, I am now back down where I was last week. My goal to get back to 165 by the end of January is in sight. Today I am 166.5. Tomorrow is the first weigh in for the BL contest at school. This time there are cash prizes to the top three winners each week. I don't think I will be one of them this week, though. We have a lot of people who tend to binge for a while before the contest starts and then drop a bunch of weight the first week. I am not willing to do that (on purpose:lol:).

Mindy--Howz the high calorie stuff today?

Ward--Awesome news on the mammogram!:carrot:

Angela--Love you, too, girl! I am so glad you have joined us and I am so proud of you for taking this challenge on!!

Susie--I am glad you are back on the wagon. I know the comfort eating all too well. You can kick this bad habit!

Techno--Welcome! I am sorry to hear about the "fat outfit". I still have my fat outfit in my dresser drawer and I try it on every now and then just to remind myself how far I have come. Each time I marvel at the fact that I was ever big enough to fit in it! I'm glad you have decided to make the change!

See everyone tomorrow!

Ugh, don't you just hate that? I can't stand how easily one can gain weight over such a short amount of time, as opposed to how long it takes to lose any. I swear, just one weekend can make you want to crawl under a rock and die.

LOL, I sound much more depressing about it than you do, however. I guess it's not a super huge deal when you're already so close to your goal weight. You go! :hug:

Thank you for the welcome. You made me laugh about the whole "fat outfit", so, thanks for that, too! :D

Hi Ladies: I'm just finishing up my lunch and meeting a co-worker to walk the building for 30 min. I'm trying to do this every day in addition to my Y workouts or my home workouts.

I walked on the track at the Y last night for 30 min and I also did the hour yoga class.

I won't be going to TOPS tonight; I am in the Easter drama/program at church and we have choir practice tonight. I only have one other Thursday that it will interfere with TOPS and that isn't until April.

Techno: Welcome! I promise if you come here every day we won't let you loose your motivation..and we are looking for the motivation from you too, so I'm looking forward to your posting every day. I'm happy to hear that you have already lost some weight--that helps the motivation! Tell me a little more about making yourself "care". What did you do to get yourself started?

Ward: That's great news!

Kelly: Good luck on the weigh-in.

Thank you for the welcome! I will indeed be checking this particular thread as often as I can, and I know how good everyone here is about being supportive, so, yay!

Well, like I said, I had wanted to start all of this at the beginning of January, but, I was still enjoying being a total and complete piggy from the holidays. I just didn't feel ready. I wasn't motivated. I wanted to just keep eating whatever I wanted.

I kind of unofficially started a week before; Just cutting back on my eating, and drinking a lot of water, and buying a bunch of fruit. I was still eating badly, though. ( TV dinners with the boyfriend. Ugh. Still drinking regular soda here and there. )

But, I put my foot down on the 25th, and I've been on the ball since then. I just had to make myself do it. And, I have to make myself keep doing it! :carrot:

By the way, you sound like you're doing really well, making yourself walk, and exercise! You rock!

Ooh, I also just went back and read that you're doing yoga! I really want to start learning yoga. Probably not in class, though. I think I'm going to start out by following some beginner videos on YouTube, and then going on to probably purchasing a DVD! :D

Hi guys! Sorry I disappeared. I was trying a new diet this past weekend. I call it "stomach-bug-from-son's-daycare". You get to lose 6 lbs in only one day! I started getting sick Saturday and only just yesterday I am starting to get back to normal.

I will read everyone's posts later when I have a moment to get caught up! I just wanted to peek in and say hi!