you can stay strong flora.

everything in moderation. you don't want to cut it out completely I'm sure, but again don't go eat the entire box of chocolates either!

Anyways that's my plan, moderation. There is no way that I'll be able to make it through and continue to lose if I don't allow myself some treats. (Because if I would- I know myself too good, once I get to goal I would definitely over indulge in the things I had been denying myself)

Flora,
I feel for your predicament. I would say sample a little bit of everything, but I know when I try that, it only gets me started. So you know your body best. If you can handle a lttle, try that. Just add whatever you do to your daily calorie intake. Here is what Dr. Laura said yesterday to do while dieting: (she's a radio psychologist) "Eat no junk food while dieting, except for once a week. Then you can have a treat." Of course, I don't know if she is talking about Christmas time.

I do, however, tell my hubby to hide his treats from me. He doesn't have a weight problem, and he is good about hiding them. When I don't see them, I'm not tempted.

Good luck to you, Flora. We're all rooting for you.

Kandice, thank you for rooting me on. Every little cheer makes me stronger!

(Hugs),
Dena

Thank you Kandice and Dena. Great suggestions! Moderation has got to be the key. How come I keep forgetting this basic fact? Total deprivation may work for a little while, but eventually I cave in and end up eating more than a reasonable amount.

When the Holiday goodies start arriving, I think I’ll try this: I’ll allow myself a small treat every day after supper and work the calories into my daily count as best as possible. It just makes sense. If I try to avoid the goodies entirely, I will end up slipping into random unconscious eating, which is my biggest downfall. When I’m in unconscious eating mode, I have a little bite here, a nibble there, and before I know it, I’m halfway through a bag of chips, and I don’t even realize it.

So, thank you both. I’m feeling more in control already.

Florafae

Good Morning, Everyone!

Well, I promised to eat less cals and I did... 760. I didn't weigh myself this morning, because I know how my body fluctuates, and I love this feeling of being in control and strength. Plus, I feel better physically. I've been reading how omega-3 oils are excellent for our bodies, so I am eating more fish, something I never thought I would do. I'm so glad I'm back on track after Thanksgiving, and it took a whole week to feel strong again!

Bonnie, I love your attitude and tips. You are right... I must take responsibility for everything that goes into my mouth and deal with the consequences. How do you handle times of stress? That's when I forget my responsibilities to my body.

Gals, maybe we can talk about this... Emotional eating. I'm doing okay now, but whenever I am super stressed, I seem to run to the refrigerator. At least, that's what I see happened in the past, and I want to break that habit. Any tips on how to avoid this?

Florafae, I'm so glad you came up with a good plan. Have your cake and eat it, too (in moderation). I know too well that feeling of a nibble here and there, and then self disgust. Let's not go there this year. We can stay strong together.

OK, time to get moving~~
(Hugs),
Dena

Emotional eating. Now there a tough one. Here’s something I’ve been doing that works a lot of the time--but not always. I’m a serious tea drinker. There is a type of tea that is very expensive and very delicious. The silvery leaves are hand-rolled into tiny balls and slowly unfurl during brewing. It’s a real treat for the both the eyes and the taste buds. Because of the cost, I only drink it on special occasions.

I’ve found that when stress and emotions drive me to the kitchen, I can often “fill the void” by making a big to-do about preparing a cup of my luxury tea. I even make a point to use a good cup, not one of my every-day mugs.

I know most people aren’t gourmet tea drinkers, but I suspect the basic theory would apply to other items. The trick is to find something that is extravagant, feels like a reward, and isn’t too high in calories.

I’m interested to hear what strategies the rest of you are using.

Florafae

That's a great idea, Florafae. What's the name/brand of that tea. It sounds like it would relax me, too. I need to be more relaxed.
Thanks for the info.

I just came back from the Fashion Show Mall, a beautiful mall here in Las Vegas. I saw a fashion show and a Christmas show for free. What a wonderful way to start the holiday season. They even made real snow flakes fall from the ceiling. Very pretty and festive.

I treated myself to a salad for Lunch at Norstrom's. Kandice, there were no carbs. I'm learning from you!
(Hugs),
Dena

Good Morning, Gals!
Just a few days before our weigh-in Monday. Let's all be strong!
Here's to a wonderful weekend.

Bonnie, thank you for all of your wonderful information and insight regarding emotional eating.

Sorry, I don't have a lot of time to write. Hubby iis waiting for me to take our morning walk. We do that on weekends.
(Hugs),
Dena

Good Morning, Everyone!

Bonnie, congratulations on getting those 5 1/2 lbs. off! What an accomplishment after Thanksgiving! I think that holiday threw a lot of us off. So you getting so close to your goal during the holidays is fantastic!

Somehow I managed to lose the 3 lbs. I gained over the holidays and then an extra pound, making that 4 lbs off total. I'm soooooo happy! I really want to keep that off and go for a few more pounds before Christmas. I just did my Richard Simmons video and plan to burn some more cals before the day is done.

How did everyone's week go? We want to hear from you whether you gained, maintained or lost. We all could use each other's support. If I didn't come here when I gained the 3 lbs., I wouldn't have tried hard to lose them. I would have just given up, eaten more and gained more weight. Luckily, coming here made me get more determined to take those extra pounds off. It was like wiping the slate clean and starting over.

Only 19 days before Christmas!

(Hugs),
Dena

congrats Dena! sounds like fun eating out!

I think I've finally discovered what a plateau is- and no, everyone's right, it's not fun. I'm eating good, exercising 5x a week still and I haven't moved (up or down) in 2 weeks. I'm happy where I am, but it's not "good enough" still have 30 lbs left! I'm going to work through it... (with all your help and support!)

not diet or exercise related- I'm so excited for Christmas now... Long story short- Christopher wanted the terrain twister for Christmas- Hot toy of 2004... well of course no one has them- believe me I checked everywhere! so on friday we finally confronted him and asked what else was on his list because the twisters are all sold out- maybe for his bday in feb.... what a disapointed kid! I hated to do it! well, this AM I was playing online and checked walmart.com (I had checked there before) and they were back in stock! YAY! 1 hour later they're out of stock again- but I got my order in and it'll be here sometime between thursday and next thursday. I'm so excited to see his face Christmas when he opens it and he's not expecting it at all!!

And I got Chris a leather jacket that I KNOW he doesn't expect. I made him get rid of his old one when I came in the picture- it was very 80s- with the "pouffy" shoulders and all. he's tried it on a few times but never got it because the $$. but the "balck friday" it was on sale- so I got it!

Can't wait to see their faces!!!

Good going everyone.

Bonnie: Congratulations on your tighter, firmer middle, and for conquering Thanksgiving,

Dena: Four pounds! Fantastic. You’ve inspired me to dig out my “Sweatin’ to the Oldies” from the bottom of the closet.

Kandice, you may not be losing, but you’re also not gaining, and that’s good news anytime. I’m so glad you found the Twister for Christopher. I’m sure he’ll go crazy when he sees it.

Here’s my weigh in news: I lost the pound I gained over Thanksgiving plus another pound and half. So, I’m down 1.5 pounds since our last official weigh-in two weeks ago, This brings my total to 9 pounds lost since I started the challenge! It is so unbelievable to be losing weight during this time of year, rather than gaining it.

Dena, the tea I was talking about is called Jasmine Downey Pearls. It’s a loose-leaf green tea. I buy it at Peets Coffee & Tea, though it’s probably available elsewhere. There are so many wonderful teas out there. I’m always trying new ones. Not only are they delicious, but they’re calorie free.

May we all have a good week,
Florafae

Hi all....been busy and not able to check in lately but glad to read all the wonderful inspiration. Congrat Den and Flora on your weight losses! I'm still at a standstill but I did have to deal with TOM...Kandice, I feel your plateau pain! It seems sometimes the harder you try, the worse the results are. But I'm not giving up. Here's to a losing week for everyone!

[QUOTE=tobaccygirl]

Girls, when you say you want to drop X-number of pounds during the holidays, what do you mean exactly? For example, I am going to diet through December 21, hoping to get off another 2- 1/2 lbs. by then, then relax and not worry about my diet until January 2 (I don't mean "pig out", but just eat without counting), when I will start to be strict again. Are you girls planning to be strict all the way through New Year's? [QUOTE]

ugh- I was thinking about that. I'm going "home" to Maine from Dec 26th- January 2nd. My parents EAT and more important eat CARBS. I'm extremely nervous. part of me knows they're my parents and they'll accomodate me, but I still kinda feel like a guest in their home now and don't want them to do special shopping or anything for me.
I'm going to TRY to stay within my diet, but if I eat 80 carbs a day (instead of 40-60) then oh well, tomorrow is another day right? no sense beating yourself up about it. Basically I think about it right now- that I accomplished my Christmas goal and I'm working on my March goal. so anything from here till Christmas is "extra". That's probably not the way to think about it but it does keep me motivated during my weight stall... like "I'm not losing, but you know what- I already met my goal- a month early, so it's ok... "

I'm going to post a new thread about plateaus- I've heard everything- eat more to jump start, cut back carbs again to jump start... I need to know what works. I'm trying to cut back carbs right now and put more into exercising. Today I have 32 total carbs figured for my meal plan today. and I'm going to Curves at lunch time.

Enjoy the rest of the week everyone!

found this on an inspirational quotes and stories thread but thought it was worthy of copying and bringing here:

When you've eaten too much and you can't write it down,
And you feel like the biggest failure in town.
When you want to give up just because you gave in,
And forgot all about being healthy and thin.
So what! You went over your points a bit,
It's your next move that counts...So DON'T quit!
It's a moment of truth, it's an attitude change.
It's learning the skills to get back to your range.
It's telling yourself, "you've done great up till now.
You can take on this challenge and best it somehow."
It's part of your journey toward reaching your goal.
You're still gonna make it, just stay in control.
To stumble and fall is not a disgrace.
If you summon the will to get back in the race.
But, often the strugglers, when losing their grip,
Just throw in the towel and continue to slip.
And learn too late when the damage is done,
That the race wasn't over and they still could have won.
Life-style change can be awkward and slow,
But facing each challenge will help you to grow.
Success is failure turned inside out,
The silver tint in the cloud of doubt.
When you're pushing to the brink, just refuse to submit.
If you bite it, write it...But DON'T YOU QUIT!!

Good Morning, Everyone!
I'm sorry I wasn't here yesterday. Lots of stuff going on. In fact, I've got to get ready for a meeting now.

Bonnie, I know what you mean about certain days being hungrier than other days. but for me, I think it's stress-eating, which acts like hunger. My problem is that once I overeat one day, it's harder for me to get back in control. And I have to start over again. I have about 15 lbs. left to lose to where I feel I look great. (I've lost 30 already.) It seems the closer you are, the harder it is to maintain or lose. So, I'll pray for you to have strength, if you pray for me.

OK, have a great day. And now that I've written that I have made some mistakes these last few days, I feel more determined to fix them.

Let's keep at it!
(Hugs),
Dena

from the prodigal! I can't even remember the last time I posted here and I apologize for neglecting the challenge. Hope you will welcome your prodigal w/open arms! Life has been, well, ! We ar dealing w/several stressful family situations so say a prayer for us. DH lost his job-blew us out of the water-wayward adult son is sleeping in our living room and DH is dealing w/accepting a diagnosis of being bipolar. Whew, I'm tired just thinking about it all!

I let life knock me off my eating right and exercising wagon but am back on board 100% this week. Been staying w/in my points and exercising everyday. Monday-35 minutes cardio, 25 minutes weights. Tuesday-55 minutes on cross training maching. I thought I was gonna pass out but I pushed myself through it.

Kandice-thanks for the poem. I've printed it off and posted it on my desk! I think I'll make some copies to post around my home as well. Hoping you'll soon break your plateau. I agree w/Bonnie-I think it's just your body adjusting to all the changes that are going on. When you lose weight, you change not just your appearance but a lot of physiological things as well. Hang in there!

I am maintaining, which is proof that miracles do still happen. Will weigh in again on 12/13/2004. Good luck, ladies. I'm going to have to go back and read the posts in order to get caught up on everyone! Thanks for welcoming me back into the fold.