Hey Judy what ever works for you newspapers etc. I sometimes knit and that helps last night it was a houseful of grandkids and helping one with homework. Boy I thought I was done with that stage of my life how wrong I was! I do enjoy helping out I used to be a teaching assistant before I decided to go back to school to further my own education. So I still have some good teaching skills in me and it was nice to use them. I am not sure if my grandson felt the same way I really pushed him to do his very best. At anyrate an hour or so later we finished and I hadn't picked on anything. In fact even forgot my evening snack. I did think about having a small bowl of ice cream at 9 but talked myself out of it. I have to do my wt. on saturday we'll see how its gone then. I did make it to the gym yesterday before work I really enjoyed it the less folks there the easier to get the equipment of choice. I do need to get there a bit sooner so I can have a more relaxed time. I was a bit rushed but went to one of my sites close to the gym right afterwards so I was only 5 min. late . I am sure during the week I have put those 5 in already somewhere. I ran in to my little man again and we said hello. He is an inspiratation of growing older and keeping yourself up. My intake yesterday changed for dinner I made homemade sloppy joes and had one on a roll nothing else. I should of ate some veggies. Otherwise on schedule except forgot to eat my snack at night. Judy see I am one of those raised in the country girls work in the city! But I enjoy the outside very much and we are going to do lots of camping this year. We bought a little used popup last year. The grandkids and my kids love to get away. So lots of that this summer no real vacations except my long weekend planned in May with the girls to Toronto. Next year Hawaii to see my son and his wife I need to start to save for that.
You sound like your really getting into the swing of things with exercise and having a positive outlook on things. Good for you! Keep up the good work.
Rollmdl hope your enjoying your friends and having some great laughs. You sure deserve a break!
Julie hope you come back soon as Judy said we miss your smiles and insights on life and those wonderful tips you give us. Hope your doing well!
Tiredoffat hope life is treating you well we miss you too!
Intake plans= one walk after work I have a meeting today no gym workout!
Breakfast= 1 slice Italian toast w/ jam
Kasha cereal
Snack= yogurt
Lunch= 1/2 subway veggie sub, water
Snack= 1 apple
Dinner = grilled chicken , asparagus w/ lemon pepper little butter, 1 baked potatoe small, water,
Snack= 1 cup of cantalope fresh
Yesterday I did much better with my water intake. Today I will try to improve even more.
cc

Today I am going to do my preplan of intake on paper then adjust it as my day goes on. Yesterday I changed it around and also will get back to adding my calories. This morning I am going to exercise before work. I will only get in 3 times this week. I came down witht he virus everyone had around me, cold symptons, tired etc. So I am going to work but we will see maybe only put in a half of day. There are a few things needed to be done this morning that can't wait. Hope everyone is doing well.
cc

Yaay, it's Friday! And the sun is shining again today! And I didn't eat anything but a little fruit and my almonds at a meeting this morning, despite a bad case of the fidgets and a buffet with pastries and muffins!!! I had to leave home very early this morning, so I didn't have time for a real workout, I danced around doing fake Tae-Bo for 20 minutes before hoping in the shower. Had cantaloupe and kefir for breakfast, a salad w/turkey and an apple at lunch, and a protein bar this afternoon. The weather is lovely, so I'm going for a long (50 minute) walk on the way home.

Carol--I hope that you're feeling better. Drinking more water will help with your weight and the virus! It's so cool that you can help your grandkids with their homework. My grandparents weren't terribly literate (Southern rural schools for black children in the Depression, what can I say?), so all they could give me was moral support. My mom stays on her own grandkids about their homework, though, and is always thinking of books :) flashcards :( and other things to help them.

This weekend I have to tackle my taxes. That will be the true test of how I'm doing with stress eating!

judy

Hello! Well seems though we have lost a people here? Judy maybe we need to start a new thread but I am not sure how to go about the process? Do you know how? Maybe we could find out and make sure that our friends can find us when their ready to? What do you think? This one is quite long and Tired had thought in the past about doing a new one? Well let me know I am game for anything but don't want to lose touch with the girls we have had here.
Sorry I haven't ck'd in I was a bit busy. I haven't even done the scale as Tom has been hanging around a bit extra this time around. I can't wait until he takes a hike! At any rate I think I am doing okay and clothes are looking better. I am trying to find a new dress or fancy skirt for a wedding a couple of weeks. No luck they fit fine but just not me. I will ck again tonight after work. I feel better still a deep cough but not too bad. I didn't sleep well last night though so stayed in bed a bit longer this a.m.. No workout. I will workout before work on tues. , weds, fri. and hopefully fit in a walk on sat. I am shooting for 4 times this week.
Well I will ck in later with my intake at the end of my evening. Otherwise a few things seem to slip in or out of my journal. Take care and keep up the good work Judy and avoiding those snacks take some fruit to your meetings. I am gald you said cantalope I am going to take some for lunch.
CC

I'm Back
 

Hi All,

Sorry to have been gone for so long. The friends and week off were fun
but I don't have a success story to share about how I kept my head while others were eating everything in sight. I gained a few pounds and am feeling physically uncomfortable. That's enough to get me inspired to get back on track.

Reading your posts this morning has been like medicine for me(good medicine, not castor oil). Judy, thank you for reminding me of the benefits of being out of doors. It really is mood altering to work in the garden and it's something that I've been depriving myself of for quite a while. It's hard to eat nachos with gardening gloves on. :lol:

Carol, you share a lot about keeping your hands busy at night. It makes a lot of sense. I used to sew a lot and, once again, I was always too lazy to wash my hands after eating a greasy, messy snack, so I just wouldn't do it.

I appreciate the ideas you present and your sharing what works for you.

Here's my plan for today:

Breakfast: roast beef and tomato sandwich with pesto spread on flax bread

lunch: fresh pineapple salad

snack: orange

dinner: chicken portebello mushroom salad

lots and lots of water. I think I'm retaining water from all the salt in the junk I've been eating.

I feel like I need to detox.

Thanks for being here and listening to me while I start all over again.
I apologize for disappearing so much.

Love to you all,

Roll

:gossip: :gossip: :gossip: :gossip: :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: :gossip: :gossip: :gossip: :gossip:

Well, no star for me today. I did very well by making it to Curves before work on the first Monday after the time change. I love springing ahead, but I take a few days to adjust to waking up earlier. I didn't have time for b'fast, though, so I ate it late (kefir and blackberries), was starving and ate lunch early (Lean Cuisine beef and broccoli, and an apple) and also ate my snack early (protein bar). Alas, I succumbed to four Girl Scout cookies later this afternoon, so no treat for me after dinner. This happened to me on Saturday, too. When I'm off schedule my stomach goes into crisis mode and I have a hard time talking myself into staying on program.

Hey, Roll, good to hear from you! I was just reading this weekend about the 80/20 theory, that if you are "good" at least 80% of the time, you will succeed at losing weight. That means if you are doing pretty well most of the year, but once every few months your house is overrun with guests or you're on vacation, you'll still come out way ahead. So do not despair! You're doing the right tihng--eating well, drinking water, and thinking about getting out into the garden...Go, Roll :cheer:

Carol, I guess the way to reach out to folks is to send around private messages, and they'll receive email notes from 3FC saying that there's a message for them. Otherwise, we can send much love to anyone out there lurking and encourage them to hop back in, we miss them :listen: I haven't given up on the whole thread, though. Anyway, I hope you are feeling peppier today! It's a drag when you don't feel good enough to work out. I hope that at least you feel up to walking a bit. Who's getting married?

gotta run--see you tomorrow! :wave:

judy

Judy and Rollmdl nice to hear from both of you. I know sometimes its hard to be good especially when goodies are around. I have that same problem I think the devil makes us eat those things! Sometimes we have to work hard at beating him off! I did the stairs alot today and walked to and from the parking lot several times too. I didn't do to bad in the food choices. But ate breakfast at 7 and lunch at 12:45 a bit late for me. I had kashia, milk for breakfast and a banana
Lunch 2 1/2 meatballs a little sauce, 1 yogurt and 2/3 of an apple
Dinner= black bean soup spicy, 2 slices garlic bread and homemade custard tapioca pudding.
Kind of a stressful day today was. Very busy lots of meetings etc. I am going to work out in the a.m. because on tues. I have a late appt. on the otherside of town. So I plan on going to work out earlier before work. I will shower there and go off to work.
Rollmdl I need to get my water intake going thats for sure. I hope Tired and Julie find their way back to say hello and ck in soon.
Keep up your good efforts and Rollmd I am glad you feel comfort when your here thats the way it should be.
cc

Quick check in I am off to the gym soon and then to work. I am working on doing some better planning to fit in my 4 days a week workout. This is what I have planned tues., thurs. friday at the gym and wed for a walk its suppose to be a lovely day. I went to bed with the chickens last night. I crashed at 8:30 the time change kills me for a couple of days. I did read for 1/2 an hr. Hope you girls are all off to a good start this spring morning. Yesterday I noticed that my intake lacked in veggies and fruit so today I will try to do better with fitting it in also the water thing too! Everyday that we change a little for the good we are one step closer to making lifestyle changes which will help us longterm reach our goals. Support is a wonderful thing an together this is reachable! Lets go girls!
cc

Good Morning All
 

Super Quick Check in:

I did okay yesterday with my food intake and went for a walk with a friend. I have a pretty busy day today -- lots of driving my daughter around-- a car schooling day. I plan on going to the water aerobics class tomorrow morning.

Today:

breakfast:pineapple and yogurt

lunch: tuna sandwich

dinner: salmon and lots of vegetables

snack: grapefruit

Thanks for being here. Just touching base----Nothing fancy.

Roll

Hi All
 

Thought I'd check in before going to bed. This is a hard time for me. It's when I want to soothe myself with food. Reading and eating. I stuck with my plan today and ended up at 1700 calories. I try to stay between 1500 and 2000. I'm going to bed now so I can get up early and go to the water aerobics class.

I made a thai salad dressing tonight with lite coconut milk, curry, cumin, ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil and splenda. We had it on a chicken salad with coconut, pineapple and toasted pine nuts. It wasn't as confusing tasting as it sounds.

I'm really tired so I'll be sleeping before I hit the kitchen like a zombie from Night of the Living Dead. :fr: :fr:

Thanks for being here. Keep up the good work.

Roll

Rollmdl you hang in there girl your doing just fine. Jumping back in is never easy but as you know in the long run in a few days your going to be glad you did. Good for you going for a walk and planning to fit in the exercising. That salad made me hungry! I am going to look for a recipe similar sounded like something new I'd like.
Judy hope your having a good week.
Yesterday I did make it to the gym in the a.m. it wasn't easy going so early. But I showered and dressed for work there and then its only less than 10 min to work. I did have a crazy day and if I would of waited until after work to exercise it wouldn't of ever happened. At any rate I found a dress for the wedding in April. It fit really nice and showed of my hard efforts of trying to get in shape. So of course no matter what the price I had to have it . But it was only 24.99 at TJ Max.
Today I am going to my friends dad's funeral so I took the day off vac. day. He was a lovely guy and lived with them next door for a few years. Afterwards I am going to work in the yard if it doesn't rain. Her dad used to say my yard had the best flower beds on the whole Rd.. He will be missed.
My intake yesterday was about 1400 cal. and I exercised for 50 min. I tried the eliptic machine finally the sweat just rolled of my temples wow! So from now on I am going to start on that machine for 15min. then switch to the treadmill for 15 and then do wt. resistance the rest of my time. I love the gym in the morning so many less to deal with no waiting for machines. I do have to leave the house by 6:45. But on a normal day I'd be home by 5. Not so bad. I am trying to either go for a walk or do the gym later on today.
Tak care and have a great day! Eat lots of variety and don't forget the water! I finally started to be better with that. I bought a case to leave in my car.
cc

Hi All
 

Just got back from the water aerobics class. What a blessing. I don't have very much energy now but I know that after a while I will build up stamina and will feel better. I really notice a difference when I exercise.

I am going to keep this short. I have a lot to do right now, getting my daughter to her Biology class and I have some phone call to make.

Plan for today
Breakfast: (a done deal) 1/2 whole wheat bagel with egg salad

snack: grapefruit (I bought a case, I hope Julie is reading this)

lunch: tuna salad with pine nuts

dinner: hamburger, onion and red pepper scramble

That's it.
Carol, your workout sounds awesome. Do you listen to music while you exercise?

Talk with you all soon. Keep up the good work.

Love,

Roll

Rollmdl I don't always listen to music in the a.m. there is usually a t.v. on with the news etc. But its okay. I catch up on the days events and happenings. I do need to get some batteries for my cd player its on my counter awaiting my services. I am glad your feeling better keep going it gets even better. Before you know it your clothes will be fitting better and you will have more energy. I have been taking some vitamins that seem to help me. They are Now Daily Vits. w/ ginseng in them, also take a vit. B complex. These seem to be helping me out. Ck it out!
I stayed right around 1400 or so calories yesterday. I will ck in later I have been working on my water intake.
tAKE CARE i AM OFF TO THE GYM! bEFORE WORK!
CC

Good Morning All
 

I'm actually logging in before noon.

I felt so much more focused after the water aerobics class yesterday.
Thanks for the supplement recommendation, Carol, I do take supplements. Sometimes I forget to take them, though.

Yesterday I forgot to eat my grapefruit snack. I really like those Texas Ruby grapefruits. I feel like I'm getting away with something.

I don't have time to go to the gym today so I'm going to fit in some free weights at home. My plan is to take a several small breaks from the work I need to do and do a little lifting and then get back to work. I'll let you know how it works out. It's kind of the same idea as having snacks throughout the day instead of 3 big meals...I like my workouts to be entertaining when possible . :cb: :strong: :hat: :dancer: :cb: :strong:

My eating plan for today:

breakfast: 2 poached eggs on half a wheat bagel

snack: grapefruit

lunch: thai chicken salad

dinner: burger egg vegetable scramble

Judy, thanks for reminding me of kefir. I had forgotten all about it and how satisfying and yummy it is. I may pick some up tonight for a treat.

Talk with you all soon. Hope you're having a good day. Keep it up.

Thanks again for the encouragement, Carol.

Roll

Getting better and better!
 

My browser just ate my long message to you, so this one will be short. I've been EPP all week so far, and have been working out every day.

Roll, you sound like you're doing great. Good for you!

Carol, congratulations on going to the gym in the mornings! I'm not a morning person, but I love the feeling of accomplishment I get, which stays with me all day.

Keep up the good work, ladies! This is how we do it....

Hi all,

I'm back and have a lot of catching up to do. We have a new computer. It seems I've regained my energy (lost it for a while - busy life). I can't wait to hear how you are all doing. I've gained a bit in the last month or so and weighing in at about 175. Now I'm starting part II of the journey.

Goals: 160 by end of June! Bike in a triathlon at end of June! Whole triathlon by end of July!!! I really can't do it without a support group. I hope you are all well. Missed you.

sw210 (8/04)
cw175
gw150 (by 9/05 I hope!)

Hi all again, can't wait to hear how you are doing and what life has brought you in the past month of so.

I'm ready to go again. Thanks in advance for accepting me back and bearing with me while I catch up.

I have to start tracking my food intake and exercise again. It's the only way I can stay on track. Plus when I share it with all of you it makes me accountable and that accountability really helps me get on track and stay on it.

Have you discovered any new weight loss secrets or habits in the past month I should know about? Any successful tips you can share? Hope you are all well. - T

Tiredoffat I am so glad as everyone else will be that you have come back! I missed your input, support and friendship! I have started to get serious about my exercise and now try to get it in a bit in the a.m. hours. I have found that I need to preplan when I am going to fit it in for the week. I will do my scale thing on saturday. I picked that up from you I think. That way I stay a bit more focused on friday. I am looking forward to losing some more wt. but I know that I have lost inches. In May I am going away for a little weekend shopping trip to Toronto. I have to say without this site I am not sure how I would stay focused. I am glad you got a new computer and will be with us now! Remember when you said we should set goals. Well that does seem to help I don't always reach them in the period of time I'd like but it makes me work harder.
Judy thanks for your input and what is kefir? I don't really know and maybe its something I should be having in my diet? Yah never know?
Rollmdl I also enjoy the red grapefruit. In ww they used to put cinnamon on them and put the halfs in the broiler for a few min. I never tried it. I like them just plain. Keep up the good work.
Now all we need is Julie back! I am sure she is really busy but someday will return.
Intake yesterday= 1550 and workout a.m. 50 min. with sweat coming down my temples its that new machine I am using! Water intake was up.

Good Morning All
 

Tired, I'm so glad to "see" you. I've been on again off again so I'm now, pretty much at the same weight you left me at. I'm also on the same page you're on as far as being in jump start mode. I have to say, after eating healthier meals for four days, I feel so much better, energy wise. I had Kashi cereal with strawberries, pecans and yogurt for dinner last night. It was kind of late by the time dinner rolled around and I really had a sweet tooth. It was satisfying and less calories than my planned meal.

During my starting back week I've been weighing myself every day. It's the period when weight drops quickly and it's gratifying to see it go. After the week is gone, I plan on going back to weighing once a week. I started this week at 171.2 and I'm at 167.4 today. Monday will be my weigh in day.

This thread is so much like other parts of life. Somebody goes on vacation or is really busy for a time and we don't see them for a while. When they get back, there is history and we don't really have to so much get reacquainted as get current on where they are at the moment. I feel like whenever I disappear, I am welcomed back with open arms. Tired, I'm so glad you have a new computer and are back on track with your program. You were missed.

My eating plan for the day:

breakfast: strawberry shake

lunch: chicken salad

snack: baked grapefruit with cinnamon (thanks Carol)

dinner: burger meat with vegetables

I'm going to work out at the gym before my daughter's PE class. I play cards (Quiddler) with the moms during the class.

Thanks for being here.

Love to All,

Roll

:gossip: :gossip: :gossip: :grouphug: :gossip: :gossip: :gossip:

Hi all. Thanks for the welcome. It feels really good to be back. Great advice. I think I'll go back to the Saturday weigh in starting tomorrow. I also liked hearing about how you felt after four good days - I know a period of good days will really help jump start this. Pretty good eating day. No junk!

As far as exercise goes. I had a few weeks there where I really was very, very good, but then I got exhausted so the last few weeks I did it about twice a week. Right now I'm trying to ex for about 30 minutes (aerobic), then strength - I do the kaiser machines, then another 15 of aerobic. Breaking it up seems to work right now. We've had a couple sunny, warm days here which does help with motivation.

Have a nice weekend. Any plans? I'm going to a High School play today - lots of my former students are performing. Tomorrow - errands, shopping, etc and my son's 14th b-day. Sunday - low key. Thanks again for being here.

breakfast - special k w/banana, coffe (300)
lunch - salad with cottage cheese (300)
snack - (hungry time!!!) smoothie and almonds (600)
dinner - turkey and sweet potato (300)

Well girls I have to say its been since the 5th of March I did my scale thing.






Girls I did it! Down 4.0lbs!

I am very happy to say the least its been a long time since I can say I was at 169.5. I am 5' 7'' and bigger boned than the other girls in my family. I would never share my wt except on here with my good friends. But I have to say its been a lot of hard work and effort to get to where I am. For some it might not seem like much but to me that is ! After Christmas I was back up to 178 or so. Not a good place for me to be. I think my success is due to the support from my friends here on this site. I look to you all when things are down or up or if an eating spree comes my way. Its been a way for me to express myself with people who know what its like to binge or overeat or want to lose what wt. they have thats extra bagage. THANKS GIRLS FOR ALL YOUR HELP AND SUPPORT I WISH YOU HAD SEEN MY FACE WHEN I GOT ON THAT SCALE!!!!!!!!!!!!! That is the most I have ever lost at one time . Of course I haven't done the scale thing in a few weeks. Maybe that was gopod? But I knew I felt better and the clothes were fitting better. Tiredoffat you were the one who said do the saturday scale thing! Also to write out my goals and I did and it worked. Thanks! I must be a person who has to see it on paper. I have written in my little journal the wt. for today and my future goal which is to be down to 165 by the end of April. If I keep it up I will reach my goal of 155 by the end of July. I would like to maintain that wt. I will work hard to continue to exercise and count calories and belong to this site!
Rollmdl I am so happy for you losing and sticking to the plan. You know I don't always watch every little thing and some things slip in. I do think that if you really want something special you should have it just plan for it and add it in. Thats the nice thing about doing calorie counting verses other plans. Keep up the good work!
Tiredoffat I have been mixing my exercise up at the gym. Lately I have been doing the treadmill at 4.0 and the incline at 4.0 then using the elipitical machine for a little while. That new machine is a killer. Then add in the wt. resistance stuff. I like it but it takes a bit out of me which is good I guess. One of the guys at the gym said to make sure I the weight resistance equipment its the best. I also read to eat a yogurt or other cal. before or after a work out it builds more muscle which in return raises your metabolism.
Judy hope your doing well and we will catch up soon.
Good luck everyone and again I couldn't of done it without all of you and Julie!

Great job Carol. You must feel great!!!! I'm sure you look great too. I bet that all those nice colorful spring clothes look great on you.

I bet that we're about the same size. I about 5'6'', 5'7'' and I'd like to weigh 155 - that would be perfect. You're an inspiration. I've really got to get back on track. I having trouble finding the momentum. Hopefully I'll find it today.

Take care and congrats.

Tired, welcome back! After so many years of losing and gaining weight, I'm finally beginning to accept the fact that this business is not a lateral progression, but a wavy line that isn't always straight. As long as you keep bringing yourself back to center before too much time has passed, you will still reach your goal. It sounds like you are doing what you need to do to get back on track. No worries ;) And I appreciate the computer hassles. I don't post as often on the weekend because my home computer and dial-up connection make it a bit of a chore.

Carol, congratulations on seeing those numbers jump down! Good luck reaching your goal weight by the end of this month. I'm down another half pound, but I'll wait 'til tomorrow's weigh-in to change my ticker, maybe it will be a bit more....Kefir is kinda like yogurt, more tart and more liquid. I love tart things (lemons, yummy!) and kefir has protein and probiotics like yogurt, but less milk sugar.

Roll--you're doing great, too! It sounds like you had a Seinfeld dinner last night. I always noticed how on his show there was always a large collection of cereal boxes lined up in the kitchen.....

On Sunday I will try to finish up my taxes :( and mentally prepare for another stressful week at the office. I'll come back and say hello if I can, otherwise I'll see you on Monday!

Thanks girls for all your praise and support. I will keep on trying to lose and to make a healthier lifestyle. I have to say I do feel better these days.
Tiredoffat we are most likely on the same wave here thats for sure. Thank God for the extra height he has given us. At any rate I am happy that you are back on board with us all. On this site we have all found each other and will continue to support one another to each reach our goals and then to maintain them. I couldn't of been this far with out this site. It has given me a place to post the good and the bad. Thanks again everyone. Tired keep on moving forward. The little old guy in my gym said to me your are what you eat and exercise and boy was he right. I think of his statement often.
Judy thanks for your input. Hope you are having a nice weekend. The sun is shining and I am going to work in the yard today. I also am going to visit the gym and the health food store. I will ask about kefir? I also like tangy stuff so I am willing to go for less sugar. It is sometimes hard to pick a yogurt out because of sugar content. Thanks for the info.
Rollmdl hope your weekend is going well maybe your out in the sunshine somewhere?
Todays plans= blueberry pancake and syrup little, coffee
Lunch= salad w/ fresh veggies and protein jalopeno salad dressing 1 T.
yogurt
Dinner= scalloped potatoes and ham and pickled beets and salad w/ homemade dressing olive oil and ving. and spices
Snack= almonds, soy crisp w/ salsa
cc

Hi Ladies,
This is going to be total self pity so just skip it if you'd like, but I have to let it out. I am so so so low today. I can't remember the last time I was so low. I keep trying to climb out of it and then something else happens. I just can't seem to achieve a thing! The kids are all putting one obstacle after another in my way - one wants this, another wants that. Plus I'm absolutely drained from my job and from being a mom. My husband is away on a business trip, and because I work so much I hardly have a friend left in the world. I'm so, so, so, so, so low! I know I'll make it through this, but I just had to put it down.

I lost so much weight and have tried so hard this year to do a good job and now I feel like the block tower I've built with weight loss and professional work is crumbling around me and I am left with only me a disaster. Thanks for listening. Please forgive my self pity - I know I have so much more than I deserve. Any advice - I'm open.

Hi All
 

Carol,

Way to go!!!!! You are an inspiration. Your shopping trip is going to be so great!!! You can probably go shopping in your own closet.

I have has such a hard time getting myself to the gym for weight training. I'm doing the water aerobics class but only twice a week. I know that diet and exercise are both huge components of good health.

Wellll I'm going to the water aerobics class tomorrow morning and my intentions are to do weight lifting on Friday and Sunday.

My eating has been good this week so far. I haven't gone over my ceiling of 2000 cal. I've been averaging about 1750.

Tired. I have horrible periods like you are having. Sometimes nothing feels fair and I feel like I'm working for nothing. I think that giving into those feelings is a good idea (not with food or anything self destructive).
I've tried to "help" myself by watching movies that will make me cry. Once, MANY years ago, I was really depressed and I watched a double feature of horror movies---The Omen and Scanners. They were really bad and scary. I felt pretty good about my life when they were over.

There is also a meditation that I did in a workshop that was pretty helpful. What we did was to focus ---meditate---on "bad" feelings, not try to change them, just to witness them. What happened for me was that they shifted. It was a helpful illustration about the quality of mutation that is inherent in our feelings.

Judy, uggggghhhhh Taxes. I feel for you. I just payed my property taxes and did my taxes. I'm always so surprised when tax time rolls around. It's like it's new every time I deal with it.

Today I had chicken gumbo for breakfast--I had a meeting in a coffee shop and hadn't eaten breakfast

steak sandwich on rye

kashi-pecans-yogurt snack

for dinner I'll have a warm chicken spinach salad

Keep up the good work.

Tomorrow is weigh in for me.

Love,

Roll
:flame: :goodvibes :flame: :goodvibes :flame: :goodvibes :flame: :goodvibes

Good Morning all. Roll thanks for the good ideas. I can feel your positive energy all the way to the east coast. I appreciate it. I like the idea of just being with the feelings. That might work for me.

Judy, I appreciate your "not a straight line" idea about weight loss. That's confirmed in everything I've read. Being on this site really helps me.

I also like hearing about everyone's positive lifestyle changes/efforts. Today I'm going to sign my son up for an extra hour of day care so I can fit in a workout after work while my husband is away.

To loose the initial weight I had to really work at carving time for myself to do what I needed to do to lose weight. I lost sight of that in the last month so I'm going to work at that.

I'll check in later today with eating.

Have a great day everyone. Thanks so much for being here.

Tiredoffat I am glad your expressing your feelings because when their bottled up there it isn't good for you or anyone else. Sometimes just clariflying them makes a world of difference. Your the one who started me on making goals and a exercise schedule. Just get started slow even if you can't get to the gym take a 25 min walk any exercise will be helpful and you will feel better. Have you ever tried yoga its suppose to be relaxing but good exercise at the same time. I haven't tried it only read about it. See I am kind of in a different time of life than some of you I had my kids young and so I can be selfish now and take time for myself to exercise etc. That wasn't always the way for me either. I do try to get home at a reasonable hour as my hubby being disabled from his illness is here all day. Now I have different demands life is always interesting putting us through hurdles. Tiredoffat you did it before reflect back to it and take some baby steps then add on don't take too much at once your balancing alot with work, kids, home and yourself. Good luck and I am here as everyone else if you need us. That is the great thing about this site.
Rollmdl thanks for your input. I am taking one day at a time. I think that one thing that has helped is this site. It helps me feel that I have support and knowing others too have struggles with wt. etc. I think sharing ideas sure is a blessing too!
Judy thanks for the kefir idea. I am having right now my kashia cereal w/ plain kefir and a little vanilla flavoring and cinnamon. It is very good and seems filling. The flavored stuff looked good but a few extra calories maybe next time.
I went to the gym yesterday for an hour then pruned the apple orchard only 6 trees. So I sure felt like I had an extra work out. That new exercise machine at the gym is killing me. I only can do it for 20 min. and the last 5 I didn't think I'd ever finish. Oh! Then I finished off with wt. resistance about 7 machines with varied wts. I find that different exercises require different wts. . I had to get off one machine and reset the wt. I couldn't even budge it. I hope no one was laughing but it had to be kind of funny. It was the chest press only can do 60lbs. and I tried 75 no way! I couldn't so that one at all. water intake sunday good around 100 oz.
Intake Plans= breakfast kefir and cereal, coffee
snack = 1 sm. banana
Lunch= 1/2 wheat pita, 2 oz. grilled burger, feta, greens, red onion, tomatoes,cuke and red onion mixed w/ plain non fat yogurt
Snack= 10 almonds
Dinner= out with the girls

Hi Carol, thanks for the wonderful words. Your success is great to read about and inspiring. I can tell that you're really motivating and it's helping me. Thanks for sharing! What machines are you using - are they the kaiser machines (strength training)? I use those at our gym. Years ago I used them a lot and really had success.

This site is powerful. Everyone's efforts are starting to infiltrate me and make me want to get on board. I appreciate it. Have a good day all.

Hey, Tired--I hope that you are feeling better today! :sunny: I've never had kids, and I can't imagine what it must be like to have to be 'on' all the time. Even when I've lived with a partner, I've really appreciated having time to myself. To have to be there for someone day in and day out, no matter what's going on in other parts of your life (or in your head), no wonder it gets to you sometime! I would be a wreck. I do hope that you're able to carve out more time for yourself somewhere, to renew your spirit....until then, feel free to unload here when you feel you need to.

Carol, way to go with the weights :strong: Can you tell any difference in your muscle tone yet? What I like most about Curves is that it's all hydraulic weights, so you don't have to fuss with settings. If I switch from Curves to another gym, I would pay a personal trainer to teach me to use the universal gym in my apartment building.

Roll, congratulations on a good week! I hope your weigh-in went well.

I've had a pretty good few days, lots of exercise and eating per plan. Yesterday I just did yoga stretches and meditated instead of working out. My legs especially really needed the break, and I feel much refreshed today. I had a berry smoothie for b'fast, went to Curves, had an apple and almonds for a snack, a small salad and a frozen "egg scramble" for lunch, and a protein bar this afternoon. I'm having a large salad w/chicken for dinner, and maybe a cup of soup.

See ya tomorrow :wave:

Hello everyone!
Tiredoffat your really back now I can hear it in your message. I use the treadmill at 4.0 speed and 4.0 incline, elipitical machine of that is the killer did 20 hard min. the other day. The wt. machines are chest press and ab. machine, row machine and the leg presses 2 different ones and the machine where your lift above the shoulders. I have weak shoulders according to a male friend how works out. He said thats why such a difference in wts. from one exercise and another. Oh well I will have to strengthen up I guess. Judy I have lost inches but I don't know how many. I see the difference in my legs, arms and face actually all over I guess. But if I go out to eat like tonight it won't last long. I only ate 1/2 of my dinner took the other 1/2 to my mom. Then I ordered the hubby a halfmoon cookie and couldn't talk myself out of that brownie. I ate 1/2 and froze the rest. I told myself when you lose a few more lbs. it can be my reward awaiting! I figured it was one way to look at it. The rest of the day went well as planned. I plan on working out in the morning as I have a busy day on tues.
Judy I enjoyed my kefir and it did keep me filled up.
Rollmdl hope your having a good day! Talk to you all soon.

Good morning everyone,
Well I am up and ready to get my day started. I am going to try to eat better today no slip ups like yesterday. But every once in awhile you need to have a special treat I guess at least thats what the devil told me yesterday! Today is a new day and I am starting my day off with a healthy breakfast and a trip to workout. I am working a bit later tonight.
Tiredoffat are you off next week for break time? My 5 year old grandaughter said she wants to go on a trip. I think she hears all the kids at school talking about their vacations. I have been thinking I will take a vac. day to do something special with the kids. Have you heard of the Strong Museum in Rochester? I was wondering if its worth a trip? It is around 1.5 hrs. from me. Well let me know if you have any info. When the weather gets warmer we will be going camping with the little ones they love it. As they get older I'd like to take them each traveling to see my son. Of course one at a time it would be a little costly.
Intake plans= Breakfast= cereal 190 cal. and 1/2 c.kefir 50cal. w/ cinnamon, 1 banana 70 cal. =310
snack= yogurt 100 cal.
lunch= 1 whole wheat pita pocket 150, jalopeno hummus 100, cukes, tomatoes, spring greens. 300 cal. tog.
Snack= dried aprcoits 100cal.
Dinner= turkey tenderloins marinated in thai sesame sauce grilled w/ veggies and a salad w/ almonds 350 cal.
Snack= smoothie Total= appox. 1400 cal. exercise 50 min.

Hi all, thanks for all the positive encouragement. Judy, thanks for the empathy - you're right it is sometimes hard to be there for someone all the time. Roll, how are you?

Carol, I am reminded of what a thoughtful grandmother you are. I've never heard of that museum. My mom, after hearing that I was down, down, down called and offered a night of babysitting. It's a rarity. I took her up on it and now I have something to look forward to - a night of just my husband and I doing things that adults enjoy - probably dinner and a good movie. That will really help to start the vacation in a good way.

I'm reading everyone's intakes and exercising - good work!!!!! Tonight I'm hoping to fit in a short run with my son - we'll both be doing the triathlon together in about 8 weeks. Thanks all for being here.

Good Morning All
 

I lost 2 1/2 lbs last week. I think it would have been more if I'd been moving my body more. Slow and steady wins the race, right? I have a busy day today so I know that I need to plan my eating before it starts. I kept under yesterday----1700 ----but didn't plan and it felt uncomfortable, like I wasn't sure about how I'd do. Today I have a plan:

breakfast: beef patty and egg

lunch : chicken salad (out)

snack: grapefruit

dinner: chicken sandwich

snack: another grapefruit

Eating fruit really satisfies my sweet tooth if I eat it before I get a
craving.

Carol, your workouts sound awesome. I did the water aerobics class yesterday and it was such a pleasure. A friend wanted me to give her a ride to work (she was dropping her car off at the mechanics) and I told her that we had to be on time because I didn't want to miss the exercise class. She was 1/2 hour late (not an emergency) and SHE would have been on time had I helped her, but I would have missed my class. I waited in my car and decided that I had to come first. This kind of thing is hard for me but I have been letting everything come before exercise, taking care of my body. I told her it was too late for me to help her. This kind of thing feels harsh but I was clear about my "boundaries" before the fact. Soooo I didn't give her the ride. I asked her to call me and she sounded a little annoyed when she left a message. I just read, the other day, that when we feel guilt, it is usually when we take care of ourselves rather than doing for someone else. I hope that one day, this kind of action will become easier.

Tired, I'm so glad you're getting a night off. I trade childcare with friends sometimes and when we have a sleep-over here, I try to make it a 24 hour chunk of time so that there is a big expanse of time for the parents to kick back. I imagine that they're having a mini vacation.

Judy, your plan sounds like it's really working for you. I think that stretching and meditation are really effective in helping to stay on track. I have a friend that lost 100 lbs. going to FA (food anonymous--a stricter form of OA) and one of the things that her sponsor had her do was to sit for 1/2 hour doing nothing everyday. I guess the idea is that it's nourishing to spend time with yourself without props. It sounds kind of luxurious to me---scary too. I didn't have much problem doing that as a kid.

Well, I'd better get going. Busy day---piano, ceramics, swim practice----drive drive drive.

Have a great day, everyone.

Roll

Hi all, Great thoughts today. Roll, I'm with you. My sister reminded me of the Dr. Phil book I read this winter. When reading the book I was really able to see how I put so much before my needs. I too feel guilt when doing this. In the book "Thin for Life" it talks about how weight loss and lifestyle changes impact your whole life and even changes friendship sometimes. I guess this journey means making choices for the future - your health and happiness. That's not always easy, but it is important.

OK eating day
breakfast - bagel w/little butter (350)
lunch - cliff bar (230)
snack - popcorn/pear (300)
dinner - taco salad (300)
planned treat if I want it - smoothie (300)

exercise - correcting papers (just joking, but that's what I'll be doing!)

Tiredoffat your are right on girl. Remember those ideas Dr. Phil had they weren't selfish but if you don't take care of your needs you surely can't help others. I too have found myself in the past and sometimes now doing so much for others we forget our needs. Thats why I have to pre figure my exercise times so I make sure I get them in. I worked 9 hrs. yesterday but because I exercised early in the morning I still fit it in. Today I will get out a bit earlier and maybe go to the gym or for a walk it looks really nice out. Thanks for the gram thought! I do enjoy those little ones. Tonight they all come over while mom and dad go for groceries its their big night out. The kids can ride their bikes an we can go for a little walk in the woods. Keep up your good work. I am glad your mom put one foot forward for you!
Rollmdl you are doing great 2 1/2 lbs. I think is super! Don't you get a bit surprised when those #'S MOVE? At any rate keep up that good work and good things will happen. Sometimes we have to be straight out for others or they just don't get it. By doing what you did with your friend just shows you are really serious and motivated this time. Keep it up! If she is a true friend she will understand and back you 100%.
A younger girl in the office is getting married in the summer. She has a few health problems and its hard for her to lose. Yesterday she told me when she is shopping that my voice comes to her and tells her to buy healthy stuff. Lately she started working out with a friend and is feeling the difference. I think this is contagious! Hurray for everyone who gets this disease. We all need to take care of ourselves no one else will do it for us.
Judy I am enjoying my kefir and have passed that on to others. Your workouts sound interesting maybe I will try to fit that in too! For a change of pace. I need to keep my exercise as a variety just as I do my intakes not to get bored. If I am bored I will be giving in a lot easier to the devil as Julie used to call it.
Intake yesterday I didn't have my turkey dinner but will tonight. I actually had chinese but only ate 1/2 and stuck to the plan the rest of the day. Skipped my smoothie. I did work out for 50 min and did the 20 stairs 4 times at work. So I think I did okay.
Intake today= Breakfast with a friend= 2 poached eggs, pumpernickle dry toast, potatoes. 450 averaged out.
Snack = 1 banana
Lunch= wh. wt. pita pocket w/ tuna salad, celery, red onion, greens
dried aprcoits
Dinner= turkey tenderloin grilled, w/ veggies and a salad
Snack= popcorn w/ cooking spray and parm ch. and garlic 2 cups
Have a super day!

check in
 

Hi all,

Just got back from the water aerobics class. We did underwater (foam) weights. I think my face got as much of a workout as did my arms and stomach. I like the teacher--she's knowledgeable and not too cutsey.

I have a lot on my "plate" (nyuck nyuck) today: Charter school contact meeting, grief group, my daughters biology class and my office is in chaos (nothing new but it needs to change).

I have the day off on Thursday. Another mother is taking my daughter to the zoo and then for an overnight. I'll be on my own for 27 hours!!!!!

Tired, how was your respite? I hope you had a good time with your "boyfriend".
Thanks for all your feedback on the saying no issue. It turned out, as it usually does, that my offer wasn't that important and she was pretty much unaffected by the absence of my help. She was over it the moment I said that the offer was off. So much for the necessity of discomfort.

Carol, it's so gratifying when someone is affected by your positive example isn't it?

My plan:

breakfast: plain chicken----- fuel-----it's a done deal

snack: grapefruit

lunch: egg salad sandwich

snack : non fat greek yogurt

dinner: chicken vegetable soup

I clocked in at 1500 calories yesterday. I'm feeling pretty good right now.

Talk with y'all soon. Hi Julie. You're in my thoughts.

Love,

Roll

:goodvibes :goodvibes :grouphug: :goodvibes :grouphug: :goodvibes :goodvibes :grouphug: :goodvibes :goodvibes

Great Job Carol and Roll with the eating and exercise. All is well here. I'm getting my strength back (emotional and physical). Your healthy choices are making it easier for me to get on track. I'm getting closer to being there, hopefully by week's end I'll be ready to get an honest weigh-in (I'm afraid I've gained quite a bit) and start a healthy routine. I can't do this without you. Thanks.

Me again. I was just thinking (on the other site I post) of all the reasons I want to lose weight. Here are some:
- bathing suits
- ability to run without all that weight
- feeling good
- longevity
- wearing stylish clothes
- my 25th college reunion
What are some of your reasons for sticking to this journey? Just curious.

Just to let you know that I haven't abandoned you. I'm swamped at work, but I'm eating pretty well, and managing to work out somehow most mornings. I'm stressed, and tomorrow will be worse, as I am struggling to make several deadlines. I barely had time to read what you've posted, and I don't have time to respond, since I really need to get home soon (so I can come back in early tomorrow, arrgh!). But this too shall pass, hopefully by Friday.

Thanks for sharing what's up with you. I'll try to do the same before the end of the week. In the meantime, you're in my thoughts--keep up the good work, ladies!

judy :wave: