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!

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.

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!

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!

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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

Jodi - How's it going today?

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!

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.

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

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

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.

Oh Susie~~ very exciting. Before kids, I worked in service industries, directly with the public for 15 years.I loved it but it was also exhausting.When I think now of going back to work once DD is in school fulltime, I stop and realize that part of my life is done. I LOVE the idea of a behind the scenes job. I firmly believe that change is good. It is not about the $$ but about your personal growth.
It must be confidence building to be so in demand!!!

Greenlass~ yuo sound like you are in a great groove. Keep the momentum going.

Labchick~ great about the water loss. Start back fresh today!!!

Hevron~hugs

Losingit~ Welcome!

Debbie~ we are always here for you. Glad you pop in to read.

Jodi~Deep down I think "exercise" is stupid. I just think the movement in our daily lives should do it. Of, course that would work if was Laura Ingles and worked a farm by hand. Arg!

I am off and running this AM to do errands and visit Sis. i have 1 little guy in tow. I start a new fulltime family on Mon and will be way more tied down.
I really must get into the shower. PU.lol.

Thank you all SO much for the welcomes. It's always easy the first few days: commitment high, hunger low -- but I need to figure out a way to hang in for a much longer haul. I admire all of you who've hung in for so long. THAT'S my problem. I absolutely cannot focus on an ultimate goal right now, so check out my new signature (on Day 3!), which is pretty hilarious compared to most of you more comitted ones! Holly and Labchick: WE CAN GET BELOW 230!!!!!! TOGETHER!!!!

SW 235
CW 233
GW - who knows and who cares at this point!
IG (interim goal): getting below my previous highest weight ever, 229!

hello everyone!
i am doing ok, the food has been good, the water execllent, the exercise? i don't think i was meant for exercise. i have an excellent excuse for not exrecising last night, the cable guy was out repairing a line in our house and he did not leave till 10pm, there was no way i was exercising with him in the house and by the time he left i was ready to go to sleep! tonight for sure i am doing SOMETHING, ANYTHING!! grandma made it through the surgery ok so i am feeling better about that. having a not half bad week at work but busy sooooo busy.

mychoice good luck with the big decision, it is scary to try new things but sometimes you just have to go for it!

holly- i'm with you i think exercise is awful1 i know some people enjoy it but to me it is a chore lower than toilet scrubbing lol. heck if i had to work for my keep on a farm i wouldn't be in this fat perdicament in the first place right? lol

loosinit- just keep looking forward and stay focused, this group and all of 3fc have kept me on track, and, pulled me back on track many times since i started. you can do this!! good job with the loss!!!

i know i missed a bunch of you i will check back in tonight it is time to go home YAHOO!! have a good evening everyone!

Good Morning Fellow Chicks. I Just Started
My Second Load Of Laundry, Before I Go To Work For My 12 Hr Day. I Finally Got The Nerve To Climb On The Scale. And I Have Lost
5 Lbs. I Hope This Small Loss Help Me Get Back On Plan. I Wanted To Tell Everyone About
A Web Site I Found Several Months Ago. Its
Fitday.com. It Is For Tracking Your Food Intake. It Breaks It Down To Fats Calories Ect. You Can Also Track Your Activities. There Are Chart For Tracking Your Weight. Its A Useful Tool. Better Go Washer Has Stopped.
Everyone Have Blessed Day. Current Wt 257 Goal Wt 160

I made an appt to go to the Dr tomorrow morning. I still am having sinus pain and wheezing from last month's virus.I also have allergies to lots of fun stuff I am around every day so I am looking for a way to treat it better. This is a new Doc. Mine retired. We have a huge shortage here so I was lucky to get in with him!!
I was down 3/4 at TOPS.
I have the new kids here for a trial today. So far so good.I will have 3 fulltime day kids now, 2 parttimers and 3 schoolers(including my 2).We need the bucks so I will not complain. I have hand picked these families and kids so hopefully I wont have any issues.

Dh goes for a job interview tomorrow that would change our lives signaficantly in a good way. Not more $$ but better in every other way. He applied 5 weeks ago. What a process. Anyhow cross your fingers and toes, pray, meditate and wish him the best!!

Debbie~5 lbs is HUGE loss. Good for you!! You are a motivated chick with laundry before work!!!

Jodi~ I am soo happy for you that your Grandma is stable!!!