Hello Everyone.

Weekend was a bust. I think my weight loss attitude has a lot to do with other aspects of my life. I am an emotional eater. I can truly admit it, and say it is true for me. I start a second part time job tonight at Kohl's. Tonight is orientation. I am NOT looking forward to giving up my weekends.

Today is a new day and week. I am motivated to try hard at this moment, I hope to keep that attitude throughout the day. It is one day at a time, for me, today, it is one minute at a time. I am having a hard time getting control of my eating. I want to continue SB AND count calories. I think eating OP is great, but too much OP is bad.

Nan - Glad to hear your son is feeling better. Congrats on the 2lbs down. Take it anyway I can get it, is my philosophy.

Susie - Thanks for the hugs and for the pep talk. HAPPY ANNIVERSARY and hope you had a great evening with your DH.

Girlie - Its hard to tell on teh bloated or full thing, other than if it makes you not want to eat - YEE HAW. Your wedding pics are beautiful.

Holly - I, too, am thankful for the chickies. I couldn't wait to get in here a read posts to help me along the way.

Heather - I think we were in the same boat last week, and ate everything that didn't eat us first. New week woman, new outlook......

Jodi - Hope things are going great for you.

Welcome aboard to Teri, April, and Jill - This is a great place for support also a great place to vent. I know all the chickies on board have helped me out tremendously.

Non-scale victory today! I can get into my size 22 jeans (no elastic)! I can't sit down in them or I'll cut off all blood flow to the lower half of my body, but I'll take it!

Annie - I certainly hope you like your second job at Kohl's. I have a friend who works there and she absolutely loves it--especially since when she's there, she's too busy to eat.

Holly - How do you keep that much activity so organized? I'd have gained 15 lbs. this weekend in your shoes. YOU GO GIRL!!

Jodi - Keep the faith! You are so right about the scale moving! I stall out and then drop a few! It's not the nicest cycle, but as long as I continue to lose, it's all good.

MyChoice - I do the same thing with the choices too! On Friday after running around all day getting my son's prescriptions and paying bills I realized that I hadn't eaten all day, so what did I choose - 500 calories of Russell Stover's Carb Free chocolates. But I got right back on track and feel good about it.

Jill - Welcome! Glad to have you here! Everyone is different in terms of what diets work for them, but I've found a good deal of success on the Atkins plan. I did induction for 4 weeks instead of 2 and that seems to have paid off for me, but we're all different. This site has some great information on all the different diets, you might want to try checking there.

Heather - New week - new tude - new losses! Just stay the course, and you'll get there!

April - Welcome aboard! Just consider this thread as a positive, motivational bootcamp where we keep ourselves honest and on track.

Girlie - You probably did lose some, I know when I've had alcohol of any sort (beer, wine, champagne) I tend to bloat and hold onto at least 3 lbs of water. Drink a bunch of water, and stay on track and you'll probably lose 5 lbs. by your next weigh in!

Well gals, I'll be back later. My 3 year old wants mommy and Danny time.

Nan

Hi Everyone,
I just got back from lunch. I ate at Big Boy with a friend and I had a huge salad..and I made sure it was a lot of lettuce, then I did have a pumpkin pie...it sure was good!

I've got so much to catch up on...here and at work and I better do it quick because when things in my life get behind, I don't focus on my weight loss plan.

Holly: I'm glad you are having such a nice holiday.

Nan: It won't be long and you will be able to sit down in those jeans! Doesn't it feel good!

Jodi: You are so positive today! Thanks for sharing your enthuisam.

Annie: I'm sure you don't want to give up your weekends, but let's look at it another way. You will be making extra money. You should be getting a lot of exercise with all the standing and moving clothes around, and you will also see all those cute clothes in smaller sizes..let that be a motivator to you. I hope that helped!

Ok..back to work for me!

Thanks Susie, you are so right. I love your positive attitude.

Minute by minute. Isn't that a doobie brother's song?? Anyway, I have made it to 1:30 today, all OP, 22 minute walk at lunch, and only 345 cals for the day. Now, Lord please be with me the remainder of the day. Thank you chickies for your support in this troublesome time for me. You are awesome!!

Hello all!!!

WELCOME to APRIL and JILL!!!!

Nan - whoooo for the size 22. Isn't it interesting how our bodies are so different? I'm in a size 18/20 and weigh 230 or so...You weigh much less than me and now have made it to 22. I think it's neat how different our bodies are. You will make it to the "teens"! Just keep going What a great inspiration!

labchick: I hope you are right. Oh wait, I weighed in before I drank that day...arrgh. I'll just have to keep treking on.

Sorry everyone for the quick post...the day went by so fast and now it's time to get out of here for the day. I'm SO glad this Monday went by quickly. I went to bed late, around midnight and still got up at 5am to head to the gym. I did 50 minutes of cardio, 20 minutes on the bicycle and 32 minutes on the elliptical machine before heading to the showers. I'm not stretching properly like I should...that is the downfall of going to the gym in the mornings...having to be in a hurry because I have to go to work. I will try to get the stretching in tonite. I MAY do my 45 minute WATP video to try to make up for the terrible food I've had today. After the gym I was running late and hungry...I got orange juice and stopped at McDonalds for DH and I...we both got hotcakes and bacon. I ate my bacon and half the hotcakes and let Dh have the rest. No butter, half the syrup. That held me through to lunch which was bad...fried chicken, two pieces, and a biscuit. I also had a handful of candy corn and that's it for the day. I need to get in a couple veggies tonite and may make a salad. So I feel guilty about the chicken. I only had something deep fried ONCE last week, friday night DH and I got some home cut french fries. I am a fool for deep fried foods so that was very good for me, just once.

OK, gotta run. Take care all and have a great evening! I'll send personals tomorrow!

Girlie

Good Morning Everyone,
I had a busy weekend and didn't have a chance to check in. I caught up on all the posts and would like to welcome all of the new folks. It is a very supportive and motivating group you all have chosen. Catching up on several days all at once I notice that many of us are struggling a little with the food thing. Even my die hard heroes on this thread are struggling. I'm wondering a few things:
1. Is there a reason? Seasonal changes? Stress? Too busy to focus? Holidays coming? I'm not trying to get personal here. I'm curious to see if there is a trend. For me, I think it is stress eating. I haven't really been on track for a while and I know I eat when stressed as sort of a reward/relax thing. With the holiday season approaching, I feel stress also.
2. What can we do about it? Is there one thing we can do for ourselves today that take us closer to our goal? A group challenge? An exercise that might motivate us? I read in a book somewhere an exercise where you list 5-10 things that we like about ourselves, 5-10 things we hate about being fat, and 5-10 reasons we deserve to lose weight and be healthier. Does something like this interest anyone? Maybe each Monday we can all participate in something like this exercise to kick start us.

Just a few thoughts above to try to get us on track together. Sort of a Rah Rah, let's go team!! We can do this and the only way is to stick together.
Have a great day everyone and let's hear your thoughts about what we can do as a team to get motivated.
Suzy

Hey gals! It's so encouraging to come here and see that we all have days of success and days of struggle. As long as the successes outnumber the struggles, the weight is bound to come off!

Girlie - I'm with you on the fried stuff. I love it. Our church has been serving dinner every Sunday, and they always have fried chicken. But I try to peel off most of the skin and eat lots of the corn, greens and green beans. Probably not the best meal, but it could be worse.

Annie - So how did your day end up yesterday? Also, what does OP stand for? I'm still getting used to these abbreviations on here.

MyChoice - It is the time of year for pumpkin pie, isn't it? As long as we keep a handle on our indulgences, I think a treat now and then isn't so bad.

Lab - Congrats on getting into a smaller size! I have a suit at home that I'm looking to fit into again; size 24. That will be my big achievement. Hopefully I can fit it by Christmas. Right now I'm in 26/28.

Holly - Just curious...where do you live? It's interesting that you're having Thanksgiving in October. And yes, you are the queen of organization, my dear!

Jodi - Just keep telling yourself that scale is going to move! Stick to your plan and it's bound to happen.

Greenlass, April28 - How ya doin' today?

Sorry to miss anyone. Make Tuesday a success!!

good morning girls!!
well i knew it was coming and yes last night it happened, i had an all out pigfest, i knew better than to plan pizza for dinner but i was in a rush and thats what we had, i did good at dinnertime just 1 piece with a salad, but after the lights went out before bed i ate 2 more and topped it off with peanutbutter on a chocolate rice cake. why do i sabotage(sp?) myself?? i don't know!! well i have a theory the darn scale wont go down and i get to feeling sorry for myself. on the upside i did hop on the stairmaster last night for a few minutes. i don't think i did too much damage the scale was exactly the same this morning. ok now that i told on myself i am moving on. the day is all planned out and i AM going to stick to it!!!

hevron keep trying to make good choices and that sz 24 suit will fit in no time. by the way OP means on plan. have a good one!!

suzy that's a great idea, maybe it will help some of us understand why we're struggling. i'll start what i like about myself?? 1)i'm a good wife and mom. 2)i am a beautiful person inside. 3) i am good at my job. 4)i am a good friend. 5)i try to be helpful and kind to everyone i come in contact with.
what i don't like about being fat?? 1) the clothing selection is not that great. 2)i can't run around and play with my kids. 3)somedays everything i do seems like a chore. 4) i don't feel beautiful on the outside. 5)i hate to look in the mirror at what my body has turned into.
why i deserve to be healthier? 1)so i can be there for my family for many healthy years to come. 2)to boost the image i have of myself 3)so i can play with my kids before it is too late!!! 4)because i am a good person and i am trying so hard to to be healthy. 5)because deep down somewhere i love myself and i don't want to hurt myself with fat anymore!! wow that was harder than i thought it would be. thanks for the suggestion though i am feeling a little better now that all of that is in perspective.

girlie- you are right about the size thing. it has alot to do with how tall you are and how your weight is distributed. i am 5'7" and 230 and in a 18/20 too.

annie how'd you end up yesterday?? keep on trying!!!

mychoice- good job on the salad for lunch yesterday!!! it is fine to treat yourself to dessert. hope it was good!!

labchick great job on loosing a size!! keep up the great work!!

hollyhock you must be totally turkey'd out by now!!! hope your holiday was super!!!
well if i missed anyone sorry but i got to get to work, hope you all have a great day!!! and p.s. thanks so much for listening to me!!
xoxo

Hey, I Thought I Would Jump In And Give This
A Try. I'm Not Very E-savvy. I Have Just Read Thru A Few Posting and Thought I Would Give It A Try. I Have Not Been under 200 In 7 Yr. I Started Out 2004 @ 300. I'm Currently @ 264.
I Changed To A More Active Job. But Now I Have Not Lost Any In A Month, I Am Going To Try To Increase My Activaties, And Thats Not
Easy On A 49yr Old Body

GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOD MORRRRRRRRRRNNNNNNNNNING!!

Alleluia!!! I did it. I am back on track. Walked yesterday and only had 325 cals for the day. Not on purpose, and I know not good for me to do that, however, by the time I got home from my 2nd job, I was too tired to eat and went to bed. Then laid there for an hour before I could go to sleep. But no energy to get up and eat. AMEN! Was a little wired and brain would not turn off. Then alarm went off this morning, and Bella, my jack russell, decided it was time to get up, and attacked me. Tried to lick my face, til I got up and let her out. Was early into work this morning. I actually feel good from not eating. Maybe I needed it. Babble babble.

Heather - OP = On program. Feel good today, going to kick butt today.

Suzy - You have some great thoughts about all of this. A group challenge sounds good. Listing items we feel good/bad about ourselves, yes.

Girlie - You are kicking butt on exercise. That is great. Maybe you are eating a little more because of all the exercise. Try to stay OP with your eating, it won't be as bad when you eat too much. Easier said than done!! I am a great example of that one.

Hello to all, have a great Tuesday, stay focused. Come on ladies, let's do this. Anyone as tired as I am of carrying the "extra" person around with them?

HUGGSSSSSSSSSSSS Annie

Hi Ladies,
I can see everyone is coming back around and getting on plan. You know, there will be days and sometimes hours that we get off, but the one thing that we have to do is to keep working the process to get back on plan.

If you overate at one meal, that doesn't mean you have to do it the next meal, or the next day. If you didn't exercise one day, you can do it the next. Just don't give up!

I have so much work to get done today and it's hard to keep my mind focused because all I want to do is to study for my first Accounting test which is this coming Thursday! YIKES!!! I'm trying to remain calm about it. I have to, or my IC will kick in full force and I need to feel good to concentrate on the material. So, any prayers you have to give out are welcome!

I like the questions that questions that Suzy asked and I think it's a great idea to try something of that sort every week. For me, this weight loss thing is a battle of mind over matter!

Here are my answers to the questions:

List 5-10 things that we like about ourselves: 1) I'm have a talent for singing and it brings joy to others when I sing. 2) I'm a go-getter type of person 3)I'm a loyal friend. 4) I have a pretty smile 5)I like my hair..I get a lot of compliments on it all the time 6)Despite difficult circumstances I usally try to make the most of everything

List 5-10 things we hate about being fat: 1) The fact that doctors won't look at a health problem that I might have without factoring in my weight--what are they goining to blame them on when I'm thin if those problems still exist?
2) People always tell you that you have a pretty face 3) It's hard to find workout apperal 4) I feel sexy with my clothes on..but with them off..that's another story! 5)Feeling uncomfortable in a bathing suit


List 5-10 reasons we deserve to lose weight and be healthier: 1) So that I won't be held back from new things and opportunities! I might be holding myself back from some of them, but then other people judge your abilities for things based on your body size. 2) I want to see the words "obese" and "overweight" disappear from my medical charts! 3) I deserve to shop in any store and find something that fits! 4) I deserve to be able to put on a bathing suit at the public pool and get in the water with everyone else! 5) I want people to say you have a pretty face and a fit body!

Wow! Answering those questions really makes a person look inward! What a great exercise for the day. Everyone, give that a try!

I'll try to check in later gals.

Today...just for today...let's be successful in our race to 199! Give it your best effort....just for today. Today is The Present...give it to yourself!!

The things I like about myself:1-I am hard working, 2-I am well read,3-I have a good sense of humour, 4-I am a fantastic cook, 4-I am a devoted mom&wife, 5- I am always looking to better myself, 6-I have a beautiful smile,7- I am strong,8-I am diligent
The things I dont like about being fat 1- being judged by others, 2- looking like a lump,3-my big squishy belly, 4- not wearing a bathing suit at the beach,5-it is starting to make me look older than I am, 6-I WILL end up having health issues
Why I deserve to be healthier 1-I just do!,2-I want to be around for my kids and grandkids,3-I want to wear a bathingsuit a the beach next summer, 4- I want to look as good as I feel

You rock Suzi!!

Hevron~ I live in Southwest Ontario, Canada. Our Thanksgiving is in the peak of our harvest season. I love it!

Jodi~ great control at supper. Now if we could only get the bed(bad)time snacking under control!

Annie~ Yeah, Hooray!! try to a few more cals into ya today, girl!

Susie~ hope your studying and test is stress free!

I am feeling recharged today. The holiday was delightful. The house is still clean. There are 4 kids here right now.I will have a new family starting in November. I will have a few more weeks of parttime. My soul needs that. I am going to focus on scrapbooks and photo albums!!
I am planning on doing WATP and yoga today( i am really stiff).
Have a great day!

5 things I like about me: 1) I use my talents to help my church and saving souls, 2) I'm usually a positive-thinker, 3) I love my hair, especially when it's cut short, 4) I am good at my job, 5) Most people tell me I am pretty.

5 things I hate about being fat: 1) Can't fit into amusement park rides, theater seats, etc. very easily, 2) Looking at full-length pictures of myself or pictures of myself while sitting (eee-yuck!), 3) Out of breath when I take one flight of stairs, 4) Have yet to meet a man who looks beyond my weight, 5) I hate buying such big clothes.

5 reasons I deserve to lose weight/be healthier: 1) I want to live long enough to fulfill God's purpose for my life, 2) I don't want my weight to be a health risk, 3) I want to look good in a swim suit!, 4) I want men to do a double-take when they see me, 5) I don't want to have to look for fat-friendly rides, seats, booths or anything else that is hindered by my weight.

Ok, there it is. You guys are right; this is an interesting exercise and really makes you take a good look at yourself. I should probably add more to each category and post it where I'll see it every day.

I thought I would check in since I have not posted anything since joining this thread. My first few days of Weight Watchers did not go very well! I joined Thursday night, and was aiming to go to the grocery store Friday morning but my oldest son was sick, so I never made it. We were out of nearly everything, so I did horrible that day. Hot dogs for lunch, and I don't even remember what we had for dinner. Then Saturday, my daughter was supposed to have a football game (she is a PeeWee Chearleader) but the game was cancelled at the last minute. We had spent the entire morning getting ready for it, and by the time it was cancelled DH was soon to be home. So once he got home I had to have something fixed for him. The only thing I could find was mini corn dogs. Everyone ate those except for me. It was not hard to do without because I really do not care for them. DH said we would all go to the store together, but then he and my oldest son got busy playing the PS2. (Playstation 2). That is their "together time". I suggested numerous times that I could go alone, but DH said he wanted us all to go. (We try doing everything together because he works so many hours, and goes to bed so early we do not have much time for each other). So by the time they were finally at a point they could "save" the game, it was after 6:00. We left the house, and I was starving! The rest of the family was hungry too, so we stopped at Taco Cabana and ate. BAD. So I planned on starting Sunday. Then Sunday came around, and everyday after Church we all meet at my Grandmothers house, and everyone brings a dish. I ate blackberry cobbler their, and tatertot casserole. It was late Sunday before we actually made it to the grocery store, but that day was already shot for me. So MOnday morning, I woke up and ate eggs. (I am doing the Core plan). Then we had a conference with my youngest sons teacher ( I try to conference with each of the kids teachers after each 6 week period). After the conference my DH and I and our youngest daughter went into town. DH talked me into having lunch at Jason's Deli. I had a very healthy lunch, but it was not all core and i had no idea how to count it. I had the spinach wrap with fresh fruit. Then for dinner I only had 30 minutes to fix something, so I just made hamburger patties with some soup. I had to leave to go take the children I drive for to Karate, and ate when I got back. By the time I got back my DH was already trying to find something else he could eat ( he is trying the CORE plan with me). He popped some air popped popcorn, which I had a small bowl of, and he had a margarita. I declined the maragarita. By 7 I was hungry again, so I ate some red grapes and a banana. Going to bed I still felt slightly hungry, but I felt so good because I had successfully completed my first day OP. My only problem being that I do not know how many of my flex points I used for lunch, but I know it was not many. MOst of the lunch was Core foods.
Now that I have put everyone to sleep.....I will list the 5 things I like, dislike, and deserve.....

What I like about myself 1). I am very kind, and I do not judge others. 2.) I am a good mother 3.) I am a good wife to my husband. 4.) I am finally working towards accomplishing some of my goals, and working on changing my bad habits. 5.) By eating healthy I am setting a good example for my children.

What I dislike about being fat 1.) Clothes are hard to find, and more expensive. 2.) I feel self-concious constantly! 3.) I do not want my chldren to ever have to feel embarrassed about their mother. (My daugther had a friend tease her about her mom being fat. 4) I never take my children to water parks because I am embarrassed of myself. 5.) I always feel like the oddball at my daughters cheerleading practices and games, because most of the other moms are all thin.

Why I deserve to lose weight 1.) So that I can always be here for my children, and I will live to see my grandchildren. 2.) So I can go out to eat with my husband and really dress up and feel SEXY! Never again will I dread the company picnics or Christmas Parties! 3.) I can go into any store and find something in my size. 4.) I will be able to wear lingerie for my DH, and not feel totally humiliated! 5.) I will be able to undress in front of DH with the lights on.

Hope everyone is having a wonderful day! I will have my first weigh in on Thursday. I doubt I will have lost anything since I waited so many days to start, but it would be so nice to see some kind of drop.

Good luck y'all!!
Teri