Hi Everyone,
I really missed all of you! I hope you are all doing well. How are you doing on your plans? It was a struggle to stay OP while I was gone. I didn't get a chance to workout. Well, I didn't make the time to workout. That's really the truth.

I didn't overeat so I'm hoping that today when I weight-in I will have stayed the same, but I feel like I might be up a bit.

I did relax in the evenings, well, I had about an hour after I got back to my room to wind down and hit the hay! so I read my Fitness and Shape magazines. I found some really exciting things that I'm hoping to get to share with you later today.

I can really relate to the "Maybe I'm scared to be thin" conversation. I haven't really worked through that for myself but I know that I need to.

Ok..time to get to work. I'll be back later.

New Day
 

Hi ladies! Today is a new day, and I'm feeling pretty good. Thanks for all the encouragement and advice as I tackle this weight thing.

Labchick, Jodi - Great job on losing 3 pounds, Labchick! I went to the Health Services center on-site at my job yesterday and had them check my blood pressure. They said the numbers were "borderline" - not too high to be seriously concerned, but to keep an eagle eye on it to make sure it doesn't go up. So I'll go back there again in a week for another reading. In the meantime, I'm walking and eating better than ever! My goal of 17 pounds lost by Christmas is within reach...what a great gift to myself. :gift:

Holly - You have some great things going for you! Because you are so giving to others, you definitely deserve good health and a thin bod. Like Jodi said, do this thing for YOU. :queen:

Greenlass - Great job on resisting ice cream and doing laundry instead! Who would've thought if you kept working on a household chore, your sweet craving would go away? That's a win-win for sure. :sunny:

Looking forward to another great day. Take care!

Mornin' ladies!!
Thank you so much for the encouragement.
Yesterday i kept thinking about a book I had read when my daughter was a newborn. the Heart of the Soul by Gary Zukav. it is the workbook that goes with The Seat of the Soul. I had trouble putting it to use at the time. Too much baby stuff going on.My son was just 22 months.
Anyhow~ I pulled it out and started reading and EVERYTHING made my say, aha!!
I had a conversation with a friend just last week talking about how I haven't felt joy in a long, long time. I had wondered if it was about being almost 40,having kids etc and it was a new phase of life.
I have realized that everything i do ,feel, that I am good at, is all exterenal.The eating is a way of filling a void inside of me.I need to truly feel that internal, love,acceptance.
I will start to do the exercises in the book and see if I can unblock myself.

Best wishes to everyone! Hope your day is happy and OP!

In my earlier post I told you that I had found some good things in my Fitness/Shape Magazines.

One is a formula to help us buck the trend of gaining weight over the holidays and to drop a dress size-a full 10 pounds, in six weeks.

1. Subtract 10 pounds from your current weight, then multiply this figure by 4.4.

2.Calculate your height in inches than multiply this figure by 4.6

3.Multiply your age in years by 4.7

4. Add up the answers to numbers 1-3 and then add 655. Round up or down to the nearest whole number.

5. Multiply this number by an activity factor:
1.2 if you sit at a desk all day, are unable to workout due to any injury or are too tired or too buys to exercise on a daily basis.

1.3 if you walk your dog twice or more daily, take the stairs whenever you can or exericse moderatley for up to 2 days a week

1.5 if you exercise for 1 hour at least 3 and up to 5 times a week.

1.7 if you are a hard-core runner, train 2-plus hours a day or have a physically demanding job.

Your final number equals your daily calorie limit to lose 10 pounds in six weeks.

I thought this might give us something to work for towards the end of the year.

Labchick: HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Labchick, Hollyhock and Jodi:
We are all around the same weight - let's motivate each other. To the 220's we come! Just around 30 pounds to get to 199! LOL...it sounds so easy huh? We can do it.

Kylesmommy:
Hi there and welcome! I love foods like fried chicken and mashed potatoes. Good for you for not giving in. When I eat fried chicken now, I will have it, but skip any potatoes and make veggies instead.

Hevron:
Welcome back. I was talking to my nurse doctor last night after my healthy heart class. I told her that a few months ago I used one of those blood pressure tests at Wal Mart and it said my PB was very high. The nurse said they are often inaccurate. PLUS, she said the only way to accurately test BP is not during the day, but as soon as you wake up. She said BP tends to vary, especially if you are at work and running around and a little stressed, you could get a whole different reading in the morning. She suggested to get an at-home tester, $30 or so, and test for five days in a row as soon as you wake up. Then take the average of those five tests to get an average blood pressure. I may do that. I don't see how I could have a random testing at my doctor's and be fine and have dangerously high BP a few months later at Wal Mart.

Wal Mart is stressful to me anyway lol!

Jill:
You are SO close to 199! :)

I'm doing okay. My body is a little sore from slight changes to my exercising, but I've gone to the gym to do my elliptical Sunday, Monday, Tuesday and today and I'm rather proud of myself. I plan to go tomorrow, Saturday and Sunday as well. We get our water heater installed on Friday so we'll see if I can keep up the gym even when we get hot water back!

Bad me, I've been eating a lot of cake lately since we pulled out our wedding cake and groom's cake from our wedding a year ago. So, it's just been around and i'll take bites off of one of them a couple times a day, thinking a bite is better than a slice. It's SO good! It's funny though that when foods like that are not in the house, I do not crave them. I'm not a huge cake fan because to me, cake is cake...except for my wedding cake was very exceptional, so it's hard to resist. At least I don't like icing :)

I haven't had great breakfasts lately. Usually consists of a roll or biscuit from the night before. Dinners are okay...last night I grilled fish, steamed broccoli and warmed up leftover baked potatoes. It was yummy and I felt full and satisfied...not that "heavy" type of full, but just very satisfied. I love that feeling when I eat a nice healthy meal.

OK so I went online and visited the website for "the Biggest Loser", that show. They show bios for each person and some of them write down what they eat each day. I noticed that Aaron, the guy who was voted off this week and who had lost the most weight of any of them...he drinks a TON of water each day. Granted the results are not realistic, I'm sure the water has a huge impact on the weight loss. I think he lost 36 or so pounds while on the show, and after he was voted off, he lost another 25 or so...very inspirational that he continued on his own. His food journal says he would drink 9-15 bottles of water a day! Geez, I only drink 2 or 3 16oz bottles if I'm lucky. I'm going to try to drink a lot more, whether it's water, crystal light, sugar free iced tea or any other low calorie beverage. I make a lot of crystal light during the day and drink it at work. At home I usually drink water. I've also been buying low cal frozen grape juice to mix with water...it still has 50 calories in a glass, so I only have one glass a day. Crystal light only has 5 calories per serving.

Hope you all are well!

Girlie

hello everyone!!
holly that is fantastic! good luck on the exercises, i hope they help.

mychoice- did you get a really high number when you did this for the calories? maybe my math was off but it said 2713 i'm afraid if i eat that much everyday i'll blow up. lol i'll grab a calculator and try again. i'm in for the loose 10 or so by christmas challenge though!

labchick- happy birthday woman!!! hope you have the best birthday ever!!

girlie- i'm in, we can hop over the 199 line all together!! i'm the same way about sweets, i love them don't get me wrong but if there is no cake around then i don't need cake!! happy anniversary by the way!! you are lucky your cake still tastes good. ours was awful by our anniversary, we had a tiny bite of it for good luck and then had to ditch the rest. great job with the gym!! keep up the good work!

hevron glad you spoke to someone about the BP great job with the changes!! your goal is certainly within reach. was it you that was looking to wear a red outfit by christmas? if not sorry. what i was going to say though was pull it out cause you are on your way!!!!

if i missed anyone sorry, i'll check back later!

:gift: Happy birthday Labchick!!!!! I was looking for a carrot smilie or something healthy :dizzy:

Hope your day is filled with joy!!


Happy first anniversay Girlie. Glad it was special!

I would LOVE to aim for the 220's.Let 's do it!!

Hi Chickies
 

Well, another birthday has come and gone. The only good thing about is that I'm lower than I've been in over 5 years. One more pound and I'll have lost 80 lbs total. That part feels good. But I did cheat on my birthday. I don't feel bad though because it's not my usual routine and I still kept the calorie count well below 2000 which is what the least amount I would burn on a regular basis anyway. Overall, this is probably the worst birthday I've ever had. No one in my extended family even remembered, which isn't so bad except that they have fits if I don't remember their birthdays by noon. Oh well, at least I don't have to deal with that for another year.

Girlie - I'm so glad you had a great first anniversary.

Heather - I'm glad you checked your blood pressure out with a nurse. She's right about checking it first thing in the morning, but it's also important to get readings in the middle of the day. Borderline isn't so bad, but it can quickly get out of control. Just take care of yourself. Not trying to harp on it. I just worry about those kinds of silent issues.

Susie - I was flabergasted by your calculations until I realized that this was over 6 weeks. It's less than 200 calories lower than my basal metabolic index. That should mean that I'll lose more if I stick with my 1200 per day diet. Thanks for the information though. It helps me to see where I'm headed.

I'm off to bed,

Nan

Good morning ladies,
The "diet gods" were good to me last night at my weigh-in. I stayed the same. I really thought I would be up because I haven't exercised in a week, but I was able to dodge the bullet. I know this means that I've got to get on the ball. I made the first step by going to the Y and taking a 45 min walk. It felt good to get my body moving.

I wanted to comment on the formula I gave you to loose 10 lbs in 6 weeks. I'm not sure it's correct. I checked it to be sure that I didn't type something incorrectly; I didn't. I get a really high number. I'm going to email Fitness and see if I get a response.

I'm not sure that I can loose 10 lbs by Christmas, but I"m going to try. My actual end of the year goal is to be under 235. Any one else setting a year end or Christmas goal.

Nan: Happy Belated Birthday! and Congrats on the 79 lb loss! You are doing great! I'm sorry that your extended family didn't recognize your birthday. :(

Holly: How are you doing? What are some of the exercises in that book you are talking about?

Talk to you later on in the day.

Susie

Here is the first exercise(mental not physical) from Heart of the Soul

Take an Inventory

Consider every activity you do all day.Ask these questions for everything you do or have:
Do I do or have this to survive?
DO I do or have this to feel more secure?
DO I do or have this to feel better than others?
Do I do or have this to feel better about myself?
Do I do or have this to feel safe?

For every YES ask yourself, "how could I see things that I do or have differently."
eg Instead of eating to make myself feel good,or to feel more secure, I eat so I can take care of my body. or Instead of having a husband to feel more safe,I am with my husband in true partnership.
Make this a habit:before you do anything,ask yourself, "what is my intention for doing this?"

Last night the insurance guy was coming to drop off a new policy. I wa racing aroudn feeling super *****y tidying. I stopped and asked myself why I was doing this. It was because I wanted him to think we had a nice tidy home. I stopped and sat down,cuddled with hubby and watched Survivor with hubby.

In the aft I was pacing looking for munchies. I ate 2 celery stalks because it nourished my body.
I have had a pleasantly quiet moring. Just my 2 kids. My son is off to school.
I really want to spend some one on one with DD. She had been coming out with some mean ideas.Ah, the joys of kindergarten. Stuff like," i dont want to be your friend" or "this is MY club you cant come in". Definitely not okay!!
I just have the 3 girls today. The sun is actually shining although it is below 0 c.
We will go to the egg lady.

My big goal for today is to be joyful and mindful in my activites.I will also eat food that nourishes my body.

hello everyone!!
so far so good here today. still staying OP. the scale was down today yahooo!! i am at 225.5. i guess all the bloat and water are now gone from my last week of cheating and TOM. i'm going to try my hardest this weekend to stay with it. my end of the year goal is 215. i was going to revise it to reflect the gain i had but since i am now a little lower than i thought i would be i'll just go for 10 off of that.

holly very interesting exercise i hope it helps!! i do the "food only for nourishment" thing alot it really helps. i eat alot of the same things everyday also that i know are good for me and that i like. ex. oatmeal, skim milk and banana everyday for breakfast. that way i don't even have to think about what to eat on an empty stomach. good for you relaxing with hubby last night.

mychoice i bet it felt great getting back to the exercise!! keep up the great work.

labchick sorry to hear about your birthday, hope you did something nice for yourself at least!!
have a great weekend everyone!!!

Ladies,
I had a melt down today! I had access to some Oatmeal cookies and I ate and ate them...6 of them! and now I feel exhausted, my stomach feels bad, my head hurts and I feel itchy!

I have no idea why I binged. I think it's because I'm tired? I'm really worn out and I have no idea when I'm going to get some rest. Wait, yes I do..I'll get it when I decide to take it right? I mean so what if there is housework, and clothes to wash, and letters to write and homework to do. I need to rest! Ok..now I know what's important but how do I put all that off? It drives me crazy not to have those things done. But I feel weary...and now I feel sick.

Holly: I think I need to read that book! But right now I'm not sure when I would find the time? The exercise you posted is interesting. I'm going to try to practice it. I need to nuture myself internally also, so I don't feel voids with food.

Jodi: I'm so glad you had a loss. Doesn't it feel great? I know you can reach 215 by the end of the year.

Just a few more minutes and I can go home for the day. I just want to lay on the couch. But I know I'll do some sort of housework. Maybe I'll compromise and just get the kitchen cleaned up. DH can run the sweeper and I can leave the dusting for tomorrow. I cleaned the bathrooms this morning.

Ok..binge is over. I'll get back on track, by not continuing to overeat tonight.

I'm making a promise to myself and to you guys.

Have a good evening.

I have a question about those tickers some of you have.
 

I tried to include on of those tickers in my signature. I was able to go to the web site and make one, but I wasn't sure URL to copy and paste. I tried them all, but it didn't show up in my signature. Can you help me out?

(((((hugs Susie))))))

click on my ticker,fill out the stuff and then highlight the first box, cut and then paste in your signature...that's what i did and I am NOT savvy.

I decided to go shopping for me. it was really nice.I left after supper.I browsed Old Navy(never been in it before) then Winners( never been there either). I needed a bra, tried on 14. I found 1 that was okay. Standing half naked under florescent lights is a eye opener. I noticed rolls I didn't know i had.It didn't bum me out.It reinforced my new initiative.I bought some skin care products. my skin has been awful I am looking my age(yuck).We are poor and that is one thing I gave up to be home with my kids. Right now I have a toning mask on and I bought a good quality cream.
Today I walked outside and said hello to a little bird, I sat by the window with the warm sun on my face and as I got out of the van I sighed with pleasure at the clear sky and beautiful stars. aaahhh
I recognize this person!

Oh yeah, Susie, check out www.zukav.com I love the questions part.

Hurray Jodi!!!!! You look Marvelous darling!

evenin' all
 

I woke up this morning and decided it had to be a better day than yesterday. So far, so good. I'm fasting today (I allow myself as much in the way of drinks as I want, but no solids) out of neurotic tendencies because of my overeating yesterday. I hate this roller coaster ride sometimes. But tonight was an awesome night. I got to see my son play on the varsity football team in the quarter finals of the state high school championships! It was so much fun. The best part is that they WON! Now they will play in the semi finals in the Metro Dome in Minneapolis next Saturday. I'm going to ask for the day off. I have to see my son play in the dome. It's just too cool for words.

Susie - I couldn't figure out that ticker either. And I'm a computer science major UGH!

Jodi - I'm very happy for you that you're back on track and motivated. YOU GO GIRL!

Holly - That inventory is really good. I'll have to try that one.

Girlie - I hear ya on the bad me! Last night I ate 6 of those bite sized candy bars you pass out for Halloween. I felt so stupid right afterward, but I haven't had anything that good in a long time.

If I've left anyone out, please accept my apologies. I'm bushed and need to get my sorry butt to bed. Gotta work tomorrow!

Nan

good morning everyone!

labchick- congrats to your son and his school!!! we are big high school football supporters over here also, so i know how proud you must be. good luck in the final rounds!!!

mychoice- take some time for yourself this weekend and do something special just for you. sorry about the binge, get your rest and do your best to stay focused!!

holly- i am so impressed!!! keep taking care of yourself girl! doesn't it feel good? so nice to hear you had such a nice day!!

i went out for dinner last night with dh, i was so good, i just kept thinking nourising foods (thanks for the reminder holly) i ordered a side order of broccoli and angel hair. i had a few bites of dh's salad and 1 piece of really good bread. i was very full when i was done too. i had a coffee later on but no evening snack since i was still full at bedtime. tonight is dinner out again birthday celebration for dd (15 on monday oh gosh where did all that time go?? and dh's bday is tomorrow) i am going to practice the same portion control and make healthy choices. thank you all so much for your congrats on my loss, it means the world to me to have a support system as wonderful as you are. lets hang in there ladies!!! we are going to leave 2004 a little lighter, a little healthier, and a whole lot happier!!! have a great day everyone!!!

Good morning ladies,

I haven't binged in a LONG time and now that I did, I remember why I worked so hard to stop doing that sort of thing. Physically it felt horrible and emotionally too! But it's over and done with and it's a new day!

My DH helped me with the house cleaning last night. I didn't want to have to do it when I got home from work today. I want to be able to relax this afternoon and to be in that state when we go to have dinner with some dear friends this evening. So, with the house in order and I also worked on a budget last night (I get real cranky when I feel out of control and I felt that our money situation was getting out of control--yep, I'm sort of a control freak, but I don't feel bad about it anymore!) I feel much more focused.

I picked up that Food and Exercise journal again and I'm committing to write in it everyday until December 31. At that time I'll decided if I want to continue journaling . It's something I always want to do then I don't carry through with it. Well, it's time to make a decision on that, and I need to really give it a try and see if it's something I want to do, or something that I think I should do.

Jodi: You are doing so well. It really is a matter of choice isn't it? Thanks for sharing how you are chosing with us. It helps me to get back on track and stay there.

Labchick: How exciting for your son! I would take the day off from work also. This is something that you just can't miss! How are you feeling after the fasting?

Holly: Oh wow! I loved the way you spent your time shopping. It sounded so relaxing and empowering! I'm going to check out the link you gave me and I'll try that ticker thing again. Thanks for the help.

Ok ladies, let's work really hard this weekend to stay on plan, to nurioush our souls and emotions.
_________________

Jodi~ Love you closing sentiment! Great dinner choices. Very exciting. Glad to hear you so positive again.Wow, your baby is turning 15.
Susie~nice of hubby to pitch in!I like all my ducks in a row too but have let some of that go. I live with 3 others people a few animals. It was just too draining.I have to be careful not to become complaisent now.
Labchick~Very exciting for your son and you!! Hope you feel balanced out today!

I stayed up late( my fav thing to do) and slept til 8:30.mmmmmmmm
I watched Joan of Arcadia. I cried rivers through the whole thing. It was such a good release.
I feel happy this morning ,ready to face the day.We have NO,that's NO plans today.Yippeeeeeeeeeee!!!!
Go out and feel some sunshine on your face today!

good morning everyone!
we had a very nice dinner out last night and went to the movies. dd was very happy to see "the polar express" we started reading this book together every christmas eve since she was just a little girl so that was her choice this year. i can't believe she is already 15 years old. the time really does fly by doesn't it? we got her an artists kit and some canvas for her birthday, she is very creative and loves to paint. my grandma is ill and in the hospital so i spent the better part of the afternoon there yesterday.

holly- i hope you were good to yourself all day yesterday! isn't it a great feeling with no plans for the day?

mychoice- sorry about the binge, at least you remembered how awful it is and hopefully that will keep you on track. it is nice to get things in order i am a bit of a control freak myself lol so i can understand!

well i hope you all have a beautiful sunday! be good to yourself!!

i had a great day yesterday. A friend come out for a haircut and i had him teach me how to burn Cd's. I was a major rocker chick back in the day and have tons of old cd's.I never listen to a whole one now so I made several mixed cd's of fav songs all day long !!I did a minimun of housework. DH and DS played video games all day. DD puttered around. I had 2 good meals yesteday. breaky at 11 and dinner at 6. I had afew rice crackers and hummus at 11.
My SS kids sang this morning at church.A funky kumbaya.Went GREAT!!
I made weiners and beans for DH and kids and they are off skating.I made baked pita chips for me, with hummus,cottage cheese and some avocado. I need to have fruit for a snack!! I bought a whole whack of celery to cut up and have available.
I am about to make 10 lbs of scalloped potatoes for the ham supper at the church tonight.
I'll be rockin though.
i really must vacuum! I have been such a rebel!

Jodi~ gald you had a good time out. Hope your Grandma is on the mend.Take care.

Hello,
I just got back from the Y. It was my first "real" workout in over a week. I felt really good once I got there but I didn't allow myself to overdue. The important thing is that I go back tomorrow and do another workout!

It was a little hard getting there today. After I finished with my 2 hour tutoring session for my Accounting class, I just wantd to lie down and go to sleep for a while, but I didn't; I got dressed and went to workout. I'm glad I went and that it's over with!

I did journal today. Feels good to have done that also.

We are headed to some friends house to have pizza and watch a movie, that should be a nice relaxing time.

Jodi: I want to go see Polar Express. It sounds like you had a nice time with your DD. They do grow up fast don't they? It seems strange when I see little ones who have reached there teen years. I don't seem to age as fast as they are growing up! I'm sorry to hear that your grandmother isn't well. Grandparents are such an important part of a family. They have all the history. It's nice that you spent time with her.

Holly: I haven't burned a cd yet, but I'm going try it soon. When my computer crashed my brother put in a CD burner for me. I want to make cd's that I can take with me to the Y for my cardio workout. So, now that you are a pro at making them, if I have any questions, I'll know where to turn.

Great job on being the rebal and avoiding the vacumming for a while. I know that can be tough when you think you "should" do it. My life has always been full of things I "should" do. You know as I get older I'm learning to say "I should, but I don't want to!" and it feels great when I can do that!

I'll see you all tomorrow.

Susie

Weekend was OK
 

I don't normally check in on the weekends because my computer doesn't like this site. :comp: So here I am on Monday at work, reporting in on my weekend.

I went to Curves on Friday and have lost a little weight since my last weigh-in (our "official" weigh-ins are only 1x/month, but I check my weight on Saturdays, too). Not alot, but anything is something. I have a goal of 17 pounds by Christmas; this brings me down to 14.5 to go!

Nan - Thanks for checking up on me and my blood pressure! I'll be checking back in at Health Svcs later this week just to see how it's going. In the meantime, I'll be walking and watching that food! Hope you had a great birthday, despite those who forgot it.

Holly - Sounds like you have fun w/your church! I'm in the same boat there. Feels good making a difference for others.

Jodi - Way to reinforce that artistic talent in your daughter. It's so important for parents to recognize that in their children and show them that they can achieve great things, no matter where their talent lies!

MyChoice - I'm with you on the journal thing. I found a great web site where you can journal electronically for free...fitday.com. I've found it's a GREAT tool for keeping track of your food, plus you can also record your activity for the day and generate some reports on activity level, calories burned, etc. It's very cool to see that stuff in charts and graphs!

Everyone else - How was your weekend? Success with food and activities? I've been doing OK on all that. Need to be more active, but I've started walking with a friend at work every day which will certainly add to my calorie burning. Hope everyone has a super week! Don't get discouraged, no matter what you do this week. Pick yourself up and try again!!

:sumo:

Good morning,
Just a fast check-in this morning. I'm feeling very positive today about life. It feels good to feel that way. I've found that exercising really helps my outlook on things.

I'm going to a new doctor this afternoon. He's a Uro who specializes in IC. I've been doing really good with my symptoms lately, but I still want to have a second opinion on my care. I'm also hoping that he might have some input on the "intimate" side of my life that IC can put a damper on.

If you wouldn't mind saying a prayer about my appointment for me I sure would appreciate it. I thank God everyday that I'm feeling so much better these days and I ask Him to continue to bless me as such.

Hevron: Congrats on the weight loss. You are doing great and I have every bit of faith that you will reach your Christmas goal. Isn't it going to feel great to start the new year knowing that in 2004 we did something (at long last for me!) about our weight and that in 2005 we will be under 200?

I'm glad to see that you found a walking partner. My workout partner is so important to me getting in my workouts. It really helps to know that someone else is counting on you to be there.

Everyone, have a geat day! It's your day to do what you want to do with it!

Good Morning,

Hevron~ Congrats on the loss. You are doing so well.

Susie~Glad you are feeling positive!! What a nice way to start the week.You will be in my prayers.It is great that you are following through on your care.

I made 10 lbs of scalloped potatoes for the church ham supper and then I helped cleared tables and do dishes for 300 people.Another SS mom and I were the only "young" people helping. Lots of others were there eating??!! She was quite perterbed. we have about 40 people come out every Sunday. we have 900 in our town.
The irritating thing is some "town" folks have a LOT to say about anything this other Mom and I do yet we are the ones DOING the work all the time. I struggled with this quite a bit earlier this year, wondering if it was wirht it.I ahve decided it feels right to me to do the SS stuff so i continued. I really have to shut out the complainers. it really is THEIR problem.

I got home late and then watched TV. I am tired today. Started my period too. I am super puffy. Gotta get some water into me.

Here is what I ate yesterday. I wasn't hungry but it was sort of odd...I think.
Breaky~ 2 5 in banana pancakes w syrup, no butter,2 coffee w skim milk
Lunch~ 1 baked pita 1/4 c hummus, 1/2 c cottage cheese,1/4 avocado, apple
Dinner~ 2 slices keilbasa, apple ( iwas thinking I would eat dinner after the church stuff)
Snack, 1 bread and butter 2 slices keilbasa
I had NO veggies!!!
I didn't really feel any hunger all day. I will cut up a bunch of celery and have it ready for today.
The house needs a LOT of tidying.

Good morning all. Icky Monday.

I am glad to hear you are doing the best you can.

I was up a pound on the scale yesterday. Not good, but I don't feel too bad. At least I am exercising. I talked to the nurse who runs our Healthy Heart program that I'm in and we were talking about poly cystic ovarian syndrome, what I have. She told me it's a metabolic syndrome and that I shouldn't focus on my weight because much of that is out of my control...but she said to work on being "fit".

That is rather disheartening...I understand what she is saying...but I don't want it to sound like it's my destiny to be overweight. But I do understand that I should work on being FIT. Just because I'm overweight doesn't mean I can't build muscle and continue to do my cardio. I know I am bettering myself.

On a lighter note, we have hot water! Whoo!

Girlie

Hi, ladies...It was so nice to read all your posts and catch up on what everyone's been doing. I was a BAD girl last week and when I got on the scale this morning, I paid for it. Up 4 pounds! However, today is Monday and today is D-Day! I just got done walking five miles and I have been measuring and journaling today. I am back in the groove. Had a very nice weekend, though. I watched Cold Mountain on Fri. night and enjoyed it very much. Jude Law is very cute. Then on Saturday night I watched This is Spinal Tap which brought back my rocker chick days. I ate lots of bad things and just was a couch potato, but it was nice to veg out and have nowhere to go.

Heather-looks like you are well on your way to meet your goal by Christmas!

Susie-I will pray for your doctor's appt. I hope they are able to improve on your care and help you feel better.

Holly-In the 80's, I was very into rock & roll. I've made several cd's to walk to. I'd love to get an mp3 player for Christmas, but I don't know if the funds will be available. Keep up your hard work at your church. There are always plenty to complain and too few to help, but you are doing the right thing.

Labchick-Hope your fast went well.

Jodi-sounds like you had a great weekend. My oldest ds is 13 so I know how you feel about your dd birthday. Was the Polar Express good?

Well, gotta go to the grocery store and clean the house. Take care!

Jill

Hello
 

Well, so far so good! I went up 8 lbs over two days and knew it had to be water weight so I just stuck to the plan and now I've lost 5 of those today. At first it really freaks me out to see the scale go up 3 lbs a day for two to three days and I get all bummed out, but then I remind myself of my weird patterns and get hunkered down to see if it's just a blip. I can tell I still have more water weight because my bra never fits right during that time either. Now to get back down to business and start losing real weight. I really want to be below 200 by early Spring. That's when I get out more and go to my son's baseball games and it's just so nice when you come out of the woodwork and feel smaller for the new season of shorts. :D There are about 5 of us moms who all sit at the games together and it's always nice when we can look at each other and compliment each other on getting rid of some of our holiday fat.

Jill - Take how you feel about the 4 lb gain and turn it into anger. Let that anger motivate you to stick to plan and burn it right back off. (I'm talking about good anger here, not the ugly "let's put a hole in the wall anger" ;) )

Girlie - I'm so glad you have hot water! That's always a nice thing to have in your own home. I don't know alot about PCOS, but I'm pretty sure that an endocrinologist can help you with that. I found one by calling the University of Minnesota's Research Department and got a listing of the MD's that do both research on obesity and work in a private practice. It may be worth a look. (Sorry, I'm not trying to be pushy. I just hate it when practitioners paint a bleak picture when it comes to weight loss and weight control.) I believe that as long as the body is warm, there is hope!

Holly - You are my hero! I probably would have been sorely tempted to throw the potatoes at them instead of scooping it on their plates. This way they'd have a legitimate reason to complain. ;)

Susie - I hope your appointment goes well and options open up for you in terms of treatment. Considered yourself "prayed for" :D

Heather - YOU GO GIRL on the weight loss. That's awesome! My birthday had a huge silver lining. The people I work with bought me lunch on Saturday and then a few of the day crew (I used to work days) took me out for dinner. It was so much fun.

Jodi - Was the "Polar Express" good? I want to take my youngest to see it the week of Thanksgiving.

I'd better get back to my classes.

Nan

Hi, all...Had a great day today-stayed under 1000 calories for the day and exercised.

Girlie-I have never heard of PCOS>>>Is it painful? How did they know to check you for it? I'm sorry if I'm being too nosy-I'm just curious. I agree with Labchick on the checking into other scources of medical info. But it is also great to concentrate on being fit. Yea for the hot water!

Labchick-I hope you lose all you want by spring. My ds plays baseball too and it's been awful to go to the ball field the last few seasons wearing bigger and bigger shorts. I'm joining you on trying to get back into my smaller shorts.

Well, chickies, good night and sleep tight!

Jill

hello everyone!!
late check in for me tonight. work was so busy i didn't have time to check in at least the day went by quickly. i'm still plugging along. i did get some exercise in tonight free weights and calestenics (sp?). "the polar express" was fantastic, they had to add alot to it to make the movie but i think they did a really good job. tom hanks is good in almost any movie. i reccomend it to everyone. my grandma had surgery today to put in a permanent feeding tube. she made it through the surgery ok and hopefully the tube will work they are not sure yet. she has been in a nursing home for the past 2 years with alzheimers and dimentia, she has now lost the ability to swallow. i am taking this all fairly well considering the circumstances. i really just want to see her not suffering anymore. i did good on the food today, i drank plenty of water and i am feeling good from the exercise (even though i really hate it deep down inside lol)

holly- keep up the good work at church, there are always those "talkers" in any situation don't let them get to you. do what you want to do for YOU. i have a hard tme getting my veggies in also everyday. good luck with the celery.

my choice can i ask what is IC? good luck at the dr. i hope it went well for you. i will keep you in my prayers.

labchick girl your patience is astounding to me keep the great attitude!! i have such a hard time during the "bumpy" times. just keep looking forward!!

greenlass hello glad you had a great day! good job getting all the walking in! you are so close keep up the good work!!

girlie- i really know nothing about PCOS but we are all here for you!! keep looking forward and making positive changes for your health. don't get discouraged by 1 persons comments. you are doing a good job exercising etc. just stay on a good path. oh yeah and thank goodness for hot water!!

hevron great job on the loss!! keep up the good work!!!

i better get my butt to bed, so tired tonight! hope you all have a great day!

Girlie you doing great by keeping up the exercise. There is a pcos group in the threads somewhere. do you go there for support too?
Hooray for hot water!!!

Greenlass~ you rocked today!!

labchick~ I want to be under 200 by spring too. I am aiming for under 230 right now.I seem sooooo stuck.

jodi~ glad you popped in. Hope you are having a peaceful sleep!!

I ate the whole bunch of celery and cabbage salad and some carrots today!!

I am more of a meditating, chanting ,yoga kind of Gal but Sunday School has been great for the kids.When our friend was killed earlier this year I heard my then 5 year old explaining to other children how God was taking care of Ben and he would be okay. I knew for certain going to church was the right thing.
It is a nice sense of community for me.

Hope everyone is happily snuggled in for the night.

Happy Tuesday!
 

Hi all and happy Tuesday! Yesterday was a busy day for me, but I managed to get in a workout at Curves. Went there right after work, ran home, changed clothes, ate a quick Lean Cuisine and was back out the door for prayer at church. YIKES! What a busy day.

When I came home, I was craving sweets something awful! I had a couple of frozen fudgie bars (1 should've been enough...) when I walked in the door. Not the best thing to snack on, but it's better than the tub of ice cream I used to keep in the fridge! They're not too bad in calories or sugars, but there are better choices.

Holly - Re: SS and those complainers, you just keep doing what is right, and you will be duly rewarded. There will always be people who are never satisfied, but don't let them stop you from being a blessing to others! :angel:

Jodi - I'm sorry to hear about your grandma's situation. Alzheimer's is a very stressful disease for both the individual and the family members. It doesn't help when they are in the nursing home. Just hang in there and try to interact with your grandma as you always have. She's probably as mentally frustrated with her situation as you are. Oftentimes people with Alzheimer's know something isn't right but they just can't do anything about it. It will help her to know she's got you in her corner no matter what. :cofdate:

Jill - Good job staying under 1000 calories, if that is your goal. Just be sure you are not "undereating", as that can mess with your metabolism and put your body into starvation mode. I'm no health expert, but we want you to lose weight AND be healthy! :eating2:

Nan - I've noticed the fluctuation in my weight too. It can be irritating, but it's so hard not to weigh yourself every day! I weigh myself every time I workout, but I only count my weight on Saturday mornings, before breakfast and before working out! :tread:

Girlie - If you work on being fit, your body has no choice but to get in line! Maybe do some research on metabolic conditions and see what things you can do to lose weight despite that. I have to believe that when your weight comes down, your metabolism may start to get more consistent. :goodluck:

Hope everyone has a great day today! See you later,

Mornin',
I am feeling peppy.I have been staying up too late at night and the alarm is shocking me out of deep sleep. I need to back it all up an hour.
I have DD and a 18 monther here today. It is sunny and 10*C.I got out and cleaned up my veggie patch. DD is still sick. I tried to talk her into getting dressed so I could buy some garlic to plant. maybe after lunch.
I had a revelation out digging in the dirt. I realized I had shut a part of me off because I felt guilty about my family life going back to normal shortly after our friends funeral and his family's not.BUT what I realized that we will be forever changed by knowing this person and experiencing his death and our realtionship with his wife and kids will continue. I talked to her yesterday and mentioned that we were going to have a new years party. She sighed with relief and said that she was worreid about being alone over the holidays and exctied to be spending new years with friends at our home.Now she felt some peace with it. It just all felt so right.

I am bloated but I am eating well and drinking lots of water.I doubt I will show a loss tomorrow night.

I am still asking myself why and if I am truly hungry before i eat.......
It has made a difference.

Hevron~those fudge bars satisfy a sweet craving wihtout all the junk.It wasn't a completely bad choice.Your day seemed busy but happy!!
Hope today is pleasant too.

Am I too late to this group? Hope not! An introduction.
 

Hi, all:
When I saw the name of this group I jumped for joy because I knew it was THE one for me. I need people to check in with, and I'm hoping you're all not so far along in your journey that it's too late for me to join you. Briefly: I'll be 55 in a few weeks and never, ever thought I'd consider getting below 200 to be a great goal. But now it definitely is. The weight's been creeping on for years and years, and I've tried various things (WW, Tops, Dr. Phil, etc.), but the bottom line is I've gone up, not down in any kind of permanent way. Lately, when my size 20W pants get really tight, I get a grip and try to begin doing something about it. But I usually let the plan kinda just fade away after about a month. When it started happening again over the past few weeks, I broke down and weighed myself yesterday: 235. This is my highest weight - EVER. Wow. I can't make any excuses for myself. I'm not particularly stressed, have a good life, great husband, two great sons, two great grandsons. Maybe it's all just making me too lazy, too complacent. Anyway, all I can do is get over the shock and move on. This is the plan of attack I wrote for myself and keep in my PDA. I thought you might like to read it. Let me know what you think. I really appreciate knowing you all are here:
MY CONTRACT TO MYSELF
I will adopt a diet and exercise plan that works with my lifestyle and my personality. No one else knows me better than I do and can come up with a better plan. I know what to do. That's not really the issue. The issue is having the INTEGRITY to do it. What possible reason could there be at this stage of my life to not put myself #1?
I will reward my successes at end of ea month.
I will track total calories: about <1200 during the work week and <1700 Fri-Sun. This would mean an overall average of 1400/day.
I will minimize bad carbs and emphasize protein, fiber and veg. If this plan leaves me hungry, I can add in vegetables.
I will make one, 750 ml bottle of wine last Mon-Thurs, and another one last Fri-Sun.
I will exercise 3x/week
I will not weigh myself obsessively -- if I'm doing everything according to plan, the weight will follow. I will weigh on 15th and 30th of month.
I will take a multivitamin every day.
The only goal now is to be <200 and fit comfortably into 18W pants. That will mean about a 10% improvement overall.

hello there loosinit welcome!! just jump right in we are all in different stages here so it is never too late to join the race. i really like the contract you have made for yourself, it helps to see things there in print. it looks like you have covered all the bases too. maybe i need to borrow your idea and spell it all out for myself hmmmm. thanks for the great ideas. check in often!!

hevron your choice was not bad, sometimes we just need a sweet! keep up the great work!
holly- you seem to be on such a great roll of self discovery this week. keep it going! it was so nice of you to think of your friend and invite her over. the holidays are really bad when there is no one to share them.

welcome loosinit
 

Wow I Really Loved Your Contract. I Can Relate With The Complancy. I Read Thru All The Post Reguarly. But I Get Too Lazy Sometimes To Reply. I Think This Is Just Another Excuse For My Failures. I Dont Weigh Often After Years Of Obesity I Am Quite
Scalephobic. I Need To Get My Rear In Gear. I Vow To Do Better Constanly, But I Have Never Put It In Writing In A Form Of A Contract. I Am Going To Give It A Shot

Hello!
 

BAD ME! VERY BAD ME! I actually had potato chips last night UGH! When will I learn! I'm grateful though that I still lost some of that water weight, so now I've got 1 lbs left to finish that part off and start losing again. OH well, at least I'm back on track today.

Losinit - Welcome! Hope you are able to lose all the weight you are wanting to lose.

Holly - I hear ya on the stuck part. I would really love to be below 230 by the end of the month. It's a small goal but it would mean so much to me. That means I have to lose 4 lbs in two weeks. We'll see if it happens.

Heather - don't beat yourself up. There are also much worse choices like my potato chips and beer last night.

I know I've missed some of you and I'm sorry. Gotta make dinner quick so we can all sit down and watch "The Biggest Loser" tonight. Even my hubby is getting into it.

Nan

Thanks so much!!
 

That's what I love about this site...so much support. Thanks to all of you for the encouragement about those fudgie bars! I need to be able to satisfy my sweet tooth and I've found those are a pretty good substitute for Edy's, cookies, etc.

Nan - Don't worry about the chips, girl! At least you didn't gorge yourself on a whole pizza or something like that. Pick yourself up and start again. :smug:

Debbie - Stay in touch! We ALL know what it's like to lose motivation, believe me. We're pulling for you! :strong:

Jodi - How's it going today? :wave:

Losingit - We're glad to have you on board! You'll find this is a great place to vent, find support and get back on track. LOVE the contract idea. Certainly brings on self-accountability, which is necessary in this fight. You can do reach that goal! :hat:

Holly - Isn't it funny how housework and stuff like that can make you think about yourself and things in your life? I find that same thing when I do crafts. Sounds like your friend's wife needs some people around her during the holidays to help her get through it. Having her come to your party might be just the thing to help her get back on the mend. :grouphug:

Greenlass - So how was your day yesterday? :bubbles:
Girlie, MyChoice - Where are you, ladies? We miss you! :gossip:

Everyone - Treat yourself well today. See you later.

Hi, chickies! I'm feeling very up and positive right now. I have been eating much better this week and that helps immensely. I didn't do so well yesterday with the journaling, but I know I did much better-i.e.-no cookies, chips, candy, sweet tea, etc. like I was binging on last week. I've been trying to keep a big container of ice water with me all day and that helps a lot. I'm back to the journaling today.
I watched the Biggest Loser last night with my ds who is a bit on the chunky side and it motivated me so much. I almost cry when they get on the scale. I know just how they feel! When they lose it makes me so happy!

I did yard work all day yesterday, raking, hauling, weeding-that was my work out for the day. I went to Kohl's and found a pretty sweater. I also found some Lee dress/casual pants on the clearance rack for $6.00! I love finding deals! Well, girls, gotta go to the library and run some errands.

Heather-Sometimes a girl just needs a treat. Doesn't sound like you did too bad with the fudgie bars. I'm bad about letting myself get too hungry and just walking in the door and shoving food in my face. Fudgie bars are much better than the oatmeal cream pies I usually go for! (But not this week, so far! :))

Losinit-Welcome! You're in the right place for inspiration and support. Good job on the contract.

Hello, to anyone else I missed! Have a wonderful day!!

Jill

Hi Gals,
I didn't get a chance to get here yesterday and I sure did miss it! Life is always very busy for all of us, but it's still important to remain true to what we want to get out of life and what I want is health and to be happy. That, for me, means being under 200 lbs and living a well rounded lifestyle. Getting here is an important part of that process.

The reason that I've been so crazy is that I've been interviewing with another company for a position with them. The position would use my communication and organizational skills, but it would take me out of the "front type" desk position. There is an increase in salary and I'm excited and scared! This company interviewd me 4 times! I told them that I would make my finally decision on Friday. I asked to be allowed to come into the company on Friday and observe the department that I'll be working in and they said I could! Anyone else surprised about that?! Hopefully that will give me a good idea if I would enjoy the position.

My current job knows that I've had an offer and they are wanting to talk to me also. I'm not sure how this is going to go.

I've been with my company for 11 years and I enjoy the industry. But I'm just not sure if there is a future here for me. In 11 years they have given me more jobs and more money, but I've not changed postions.

What do you all think?

I'm doing pretty good with not "stess eating" during this process..but it sure isn't easy!

I want to welcome all the new people and I want to continue to encourge all of us. You all have been a great encourgement to me. I hope to address each of you individually today or tomorrow.

(((Hugggsss)))
Susie

Susie, check your PMs
 

Hi Susie! Didn't want to inundate the board with my reply to you, so I just sent you a private message about your job opportunity. Be sure to check it out. In a nutshell, I say GO FOR IT.