Kelly, I think you are going to love the SB Diet. Make sure you read the whole book first though. I also recommend the small paper back book for SOUTH BEACH DIET called Good Fats, Good Carbs Guide. It specifically names the good and bad foods. I am on my 3 week now. I decided to do Phase 1 an extra week. I have not posted my loss yet, but I had gained a pound, but I have lost that pound plus one. Just make sure you read ALL labels!!!!! You will be amazed at everything that has sugar in it! Even spices! I am happy to say that I feel great and my cravings are gone too. YOU CAN DO IT!


Karyn, your pedometer probably does need new batteries. I bet you are walking much further than you think!

Way to go Andrea on the 2 pound loss! It is so fun to find out that you are doing better than you thought. I too use my morning weight. And I am like you, I don't want to change my weight tracker till Monday. I believe I lost the pound I gained plus one, but I am not dare posting it yet. Who knows what kind of tragedy will happen before Monday!!

Well, I have gotten in lots of water today and did my walk. I have some veggie soup for dinner, so hopefully I won't get the munchies too bad tonight. I had them bad last night. Not really hungry...probably just bored.
Off to the store! Stay motivated ladies!

Well, I did yoga, and then I ate an apple. After I had 1 Tbsp. peanut butter and 1Tbsp. blackberry jam on a single slice of whole multi-grain bread, with 3/4 cup of 2% milk. Yummy!

As I was getting the kids dressed for a walk on the beach, I found Annie, my four year old, in the kitchen with scissors, cutting off her hair! I freaked. A couple of years ago, a friend's little girl cut Annie's beautiful hair all the way to the scalp in back and in front, leaving the sides long and curly. It was heart-breaking to me, still in late pregnancy with my son, and very emtional to begin with. Well, she didn't do as much damage today. Her hair was in pigtails and she cut a small chunk out of one of the pigtails. To me it's noticeably thinner on that side, but luckily, her hair is curly and the cuts blended pretty well when I brushed it out and put the pigtail back in. Most people wouldn't notice, but I was SO upset at her. She was already on restriction from the crafts scissors, because she has been using them innappropriately, trying to cut things other than her craft paper. I guess now I have to hide them and have my older daughter, who is very responsible with them ask me when she wants to use scissors. Sheesh!

We finally made it out the door to the beach, and as we approached the wind was much stronger and I could see storm clouds with rain, but I hoped that if we walked North, we'd miss them as the wind blew them behind us--WRONG! We got hit hard! Here I am with my 22 month on my back, my 4 year old in the stroller and my 5 year old walking along side of me--oh and the dog too, and we got drenched. We just went with it, though, since we were already a quarter mile down the beach. Since the wind was at our backs, we just kept going North. It was kind of fun, until we had to turn around after another 1/2 mile or so. I figured the trip back was going to be pretty bad and we were getting farther and farther out. It was bad, and when we turned, we faced strong gusts of wet, cold wind, and that's when we got pretty uncomfortable. My 4 yo cried, but actually fell asleep in the stroller! Poor Stella stayed dry in her coat, but her legs were soaked. Since she had shorts on underneath, I had her take off her sweats. She was more comfortable after that. Not I! With no shorts on under my capris, I walked the whole way home with cold, wet cotton clinging to my legs. Ick. Still, Stella and I laughed and made the best of our little adventure. My son just tucked himself cozily on my back and went to sleep too! Unreal. Anyway, when we got home, I made Dulce de Leche decaf tea and let them all have a tea party with tea, milk and cream.

Since the kids had lunch before we left for our walk, I was able to cook something special for myself. I had sea scallops rolled in flour and sauteed in a little olive oil, garlic and parsley and served over brown rice. It was D-licious. I had a spinach salad with it. Yummy!

For a snack this afternoon, I made the kids a fruit salad with cut up fresh fruit (apples, bananas, strawberries, grapes and kiwi fruit) squeezed with lemon and mixed with 1/4 cup sour cream and a tbsp of sugar. They've never had fruit that way, and they liked it. It was kind of a treat. I had just fruit without the sour cream, which was good, too.

Well, I guess this is turning into sort of a play-by-play of my day! Ooops! Guess I'm feeling chatty.

Hope your days have gone well!

Andrea, bless your heart. Just reading your post made me shiver! What a trooper though. Sorry to hear about Annies hair! I have a 9 year old daughter with long blonde silky hair. She has never attempted that. I would freak!!!! How did Annie like her haircut? Did she think she did a good job? Reading your stories are like reading the latest edition of the newspaper. You never know what will happen!!!!

Hi everyone!! I was looking around the forums tonight and stumbled upon your group. My name is Paige and I just turned the dreaded "40" a few weeks ago. I have not handled this very well and I think it might help to explain the motivational roadblock I have hit lately. I have been married to a great guy for almost 12 years and we have a 6 year old son and a 4 year old daughter. We went through 4 years of infertility treatments until we got the good news.... During those 4 years my weight got out of hand. Then once you have these wonderful additions to your life they consume every moment.
I am also an Asst. Principal at an elementary school and then I spend my evenings running around to dance...swimming...soccer... My husband says I need a hobby, but who has time. My kids are at the age when they are noticing who is skinny or a "babe" as my son says. I don't want them to know me as a fat mommy. So I started a WW group at my school and we started with 21 members but we really only have about 6 of us that have really committed to this. I have lost 35lbs. since the end of January.

Up until this month I have been the motivator for everyone else. Turning 40 has hit me hard. On top of things I have gained 4 lbs. this week for no reason!! Nothing has changed except I have broken out with hives, my hands and feet are swollen and TOM is late. So I am really trying to regain the motivation I had before April. I have been reading all of your posts and it is really encouraging to see how so many of you are making time for yourselves but yet still managing to be a mommy and all that goes with it!!!!

Paige

Hi Kim! You're still here! Wow...I'm usually the only one checking in at this hour, because of the time difference between me and everyone else. Nice to "see" you!

Sheesh, the walk was cold and wet, but I got a good one in, so that's good! Good for you for getting your walk in as well. If you get the munchies, try sipping some hot tea--if you like tea that is. Of course there are all kinds of herbal tea too, that you might like. Tea has really helped me satisfy late night munchies. No, it's not chewing, but it's ritualistic and cozy, so that helps.

By the way, where are you going for your mountain vacation with your hubby?

Hi Paige! You are so welcome here in our little group! Like you, part of my motivation to lose weight was my kids. Knowing how they copy everything I do, and not wanting them to learn unhealthy eating habits (too many servings, eating in front of tv, etc...) I wanted to set a good example for them. I also didn't want them to have a fat mom who couldn't do fun things with them as I got older.

I'm 38, so haven't hit the big 4-0 yet, but I've been anticipating it, and that's been part of my motivation, too. I knew it would get harder and harder if I didn't start now. But, as I'm sure you know deep down, and despite of the impact 40 has had on you, that it's definitely NOT too late to take care of yourself and lose weight. You can do it!

Good for you for being a motivator for others. That's fantastic! You know, though, it sounds like you need to take a little time to nurture yourself some. We've been talking about soul-searching and such lately here in this thread. Perhaps you should try to get some time to yourself to ask yourself what is really bothering you about being 40 and what you can do about it. Perhaps motherhood and work has taken up all your energy, and you've not pursued other interests that you have. If that's so, then I say find a way to MAKE time for yourself--your little ones are getting a bit bigger and Dad can take them an afternoon and evening a week or so, and you could spend some time doing what you like, whatever that is. (I'd LOVE it--I'd go hiking, I think--really move my body like I never get to do with 3 kids in tow!)

Anyway, I'm glad you're here. Hopefully you'll stick around and tell us just how you achieved your 35 pound weightloss!! That's AWESOME!!

Paige--I didn't remark on your odd symptoms--hives, weight-gain and late TOM, but it sounds like stress. Are you just stressed about turning 40, or could it be something else?

Andrea, I llike whoppers too but big macs are my all time favorite. Last time I went to mcdonalds (cause my son wanted a happy meal) I got one of their salads and went to the drive thru not to smell it. Anyway I do weigh myself and I too see what your talking aobut. Today I was up and yesterday I was down. its nuts and I have to stop weighing myself but I do. I bought a new pedometer this one does steps, miles and calories. It was only a few buckss more then the batteries so I went for it. the batteries forced you to buy 3... and it was one of those little round ones..ugg... Any way I did not walk today or exercsie except for some running around. I did buy myself a new water bottle that holds 32oz, a yoga strap (for my backcare yoga) and the brick for the yoga tape your doing if I ever get back to that one. I am going to go do my backcare yoga now and then off to bed. its already late.

later ladies!

Karyn

WElcome Paige. Congrats on the 35lb weight loss! I think you deserve a change to go get a massage or a manicure or pedicure for the day or something for just you. Andrea is right, have hubby take the kids for an afternoon and go get pampered or just go shopping for some new spring clothing.

As for most of us here at this thread we are at home moms (me ofr now, looking for a job) and so we try to do for ourself but I know when I was at goal (on ww) I was working and would pack my daily stuff it was so much easier then at home.

Well I just wanted to welcome you.

Hi Paige! Welcome to the group! for losing the 35 pounds. My weight fluctuates too. I don't know what it is but it drives me crazy. Your weight gain is probably water weight from your TOM. I have been swelling some in my hands and they itch like crazy and turn red. I don't know if it is period related, or allergies. Yours could very well be stress. Anyway, I am a scale freak. I have done pretty well staying off of it every day, but it is there and I want to step on the darn thing!!! You should be proud of yourself! A 35 pound loss is great! Congrats to you! I will be 38 in August and I know that 40 is going to be a hard one for me. None of the rest have really bothered me. Girlfriend, your life seems extremely full. The others are right.....take a Day to pamper yourself. If you work at a school ( I am a PTO mom that is at the school alot. I don't see how you or the teachers do it!) you really DO need a little pampering! God bless all of you!

Andrea, it is 11:40 here in MS right now. I am such a night owl. My kids have to get up at 5:40 in the morning to get ready for school. I hate mornings! But I can't make myself go to bed either. I think I enjoy the nights cause it is my quiet time. My hubby works till 12 or 1 in the morning, so he is here in the mornings. This is my only time to myself. Maybe I should get some tea. My neighbor says that sometimes she feels hungery and she is really thirsty. She gets something to drink instead of eat and she is satisfied. Maybe sipping on tea would help. hmmmmm. I hope that you have a very beautiful day tomorrow. You really do deserve it!!!
Oh, my hubby and myself are going to the Smoky Mountains. We will be in Gatlinburg, TN. It is beautiful there. I can't wait!!

Karyn, glad you got a new pedometer. I can't wait to hear if the other one was off and by how much. Sounds like the things you bought are good items to take care of you!

To all you moms..........WE CAN DO IT! WE ARE SOOOOO WORTH IT!!!

Oh, one more thing before I go to bed (not sure if I told you about my dad and the fact that he just had cancer removed from his colon in Feb, but anyway)..........I talked to my mother and she said my dad is not doing well. Apparently the chemo (he just finished his first treatment 2 weeks ago) is already hitting him harder than we expected. I haven't seen him about 2 weeks. She said I will be shocked when I see him because he looks so bad. He is only out of bed about 3 hours a day now. He is sick and the doctors are running tests to make sure there is no infection in the colon. My mom sounded worried, and she doesn't get upset very much.

One more thing.....I am making a Blues Clues cake for a lady and it was all I could do NOT to lick the bowl. I ALWAYS LICK THE BOWL!!! Tomorrow I will decorate it......another trial. The icing!!!!!!! UGH! Anyway, I have done good and I am NOT going to blow it!

Just had to get those 2 things off my chest! I will shut up now.

Kim, I am a nightowl, too, but I like mornings as well. Because I've been reading that not enough sleep affects weight loss in a bad way, I've been working on going to bed by midnight, instead of two in the morning! It should help with my ability to be patient with the kids the next day, too!

As for teas, I recommend Good Earth Herbal Tea. I should have gotten some this last time I was buying teas, but I couldn't resist that Stash Tea sale. Anyway, Good Earth Herbal Tea won't dose you with caffeine, and it's spicy sweet. Has cinnamon and other spices in it. Somehow I'm thinking that cinnamon is a bit of a hunger suppressant--has anyone heard that before? I think I'll Google that tonight!

OH! and I'm so jealous! The Smoky Mountains are SO beautiful! I hope you have a wonderful trip...and reach your goal weight for the trip, too!

I'm sorry to hear about your dad. That chemo is tough. I feel for your mom, too, since it's hard to be with your loved ones when they are going through so much pain. She must be stressed out. Do they live far from you? You must be so worried. I hope he perks up soon.

Girl, you've got super will-power if you didn't lick any of that cake batter left in the bowl! Good for you. Good luck with the icing tomorrow!

Hey Karyn! I want to hear how that new pedometer works, too! Let us know! And I'm so glad you are enjoying your yoga for back care. That's super that it's helping you!

Good morning ladies! It's been a bad week and I've done some emotional eating and gained a pound. Oh well Hopefully it will be gone in time for weigh in on Mon. At least it was only a pound and not 2 or 3! I came here for insperation and thanks to all your posts I've gotten it. I can't spend as much time at the gym until I find out what is up with my knees. That will slow down the weight loss but hopefully not for long. I'm going to do my belly dancing DVD at least without moving my knees too much.

Kim I'm sorry to hear about your Dad. My father is also sick and it can be stressful on the whole family.

Andrea, hope your day today is better. Kds can sometimes put you over the edge!
I have 3 of them also and my 3yr old is driving me nuts. Every five seconds he's doing something else. Writing on the walls, dumping my 2.5 gallon jugs of H2O all over my kitchen floor, flushing my keys and everything else down the toilet. Got the picture?
And my 1 yr old is following right behind him. It's constant!
I wish I could walk outside with my kids. We have a bad bear problem around here and I don't think it is safe.

Welcome Paige. I know you will find the support you need here. I know I have.

Well, I can tell sonny boy is up to no good!
Gotta go!
Joan

Good morning and Hello everyone!! Welcome to our group Paige!! Sorry I'm a little late posting this morning. As you may or may not know it is National Crime Victims week and around here we wind up the weeks activities with a breakfast so I had to get up extra early this morning (I hate early) and try to find something to wear and get ready! I work in an office but it is really casual, (lucky for me) so I usually just wear jeans and a t-shirt or sweatshirt. Anyway I behaved myself at breakfast even though there were some yummy looking muffins and bisquits w/gravy. I had a slice of cantalope, some scrambled eggs, 2 sausage links and a small piece of ham, a glass of apple juice and some coffee I love coffee, but I only drink a cup in the mornings occasionally 2.

No exercise yesterday but my walking buddy is back today and ready to go!! Yeah!! Plus I have two hours of softball practice with Leiren's team tonight.

Joan, sorry you had such a bad week and that your knees are giving you trouble. Do you use your knees alot in bellydancing? The story of your son makes me remember once when my oldest was about 5 and he got it in his head that if I couldn't find my keys I couldn't leave to go to work. So he hid them, but when I was looking for them like a crazy person he would always pitch in and help look I finally went and had copies of all of my then-husbands keys made. Later found my others and he confessed ornery little guy!

Kim, ok I was going to ask if you'd been to the Smokies before but then I looked at your post again, duh. I went through TN on my way to Florida years ago and thought that it was really a beautiful place. You will have to take lots of pictures and upload some for us to see!! We can all have a mini vacation. I am also sorry to hear about your Dad. My sister, Monica, was diagnosed with breast cancer at her six week checkup after having her 3rd child. (that was 6 years ago) but it was a tough time for all of us, especially her since she had to have a masectomy one week later (she had a very aggressive cancer that grew 2cm in one week) and couldn't hold her baby for a while after that. I really think that staying positive and keeping a sense of humor helps. Sometimes laughter really is the best medicine, it can't hurt. Hang tough and hope for the best. You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Karyn I'm glad to hear that you got a new pedometer, because I agree with everyone else, something must have been going wrong with the other. I can't wait to find out how far you've really been walking.

Andrea, wow, kudos to you for getting out there and braving the yukky weather I also catch myself staying up later than I should and I think it is because everyone is in bed and it is finally a quiet time when I can slow down and just relax and have some time for me. Oh No, Annie's hair well at least you caught her before it got really bad. Leiren has a sixth grade tee coming up so we went out and bought her the most beautiful yellow dress for it (a traditional style semi formal dress) She has dark brown hair (3 kids and not one with red hair!!) and is just strikingly beautiful in this dress. Her best friend came over the other day and told her that she didn't like the dress and thinks it is ugly. Now Leiren keeps mentioning wearing something else.

well I'm going on and on so I'll check in later.

Good morning everyone! (At least it's still morning where I am--10:10 am) Hope you are all doing well today.

I just finished with yoga and I feel good, though my hips have been a bit sore the last couple of days. Workout and stretching sore, though, and that's good. I've had my breakfast of a poached egg on half a whole wheat bagel with 1/4 of an apple and I'm drinking some water now. It's too rainy again to go out and walk, but perhaps it will clear a bit later today. It's been pretty changeable weather here lately! I"m looking forward to summer.

Joan, it sounds like you know EXACTLY what I'm going through with 3 little kids. My youngest likes to flush things, too! I've said this before, but for new people, like Paige, I'll say it again: I have 3 kids--a girl, Stella, age 5--another girl, Annie, age 4--and a boy, Evan, age 23 months. They keep me busy for sure! I think they are great kids, though, and we have fun. It's just that for the past year I am primarily alone, since my husband is living and working 3 hours away and we only see him about every other weekend or so, sometimes more, sometimes less. I'm just needing some regular breaks for myself. At least I'm finding things I can do right here at home, like yoga, and taking walks with them.

Oh, and I'm so glad you're feeling inspired again Joan. You sure pulled out of that funk quickly! Go girl! I'll bet your knees will feel better once some of the weight comes off. My hips were bugging me, but feel much better now that a few pounds came off--though they are sore today from my approx. mile and a half walk yesterday! Hopefully the doctor will have all good news about those darned knees.

Val, aren't kids just SO charming sometimes? I hope your daughter decides to stick with the dress. I'll bet it's beautiful. I thought of Belle in Disney's Beauty and the Beast when you described her hair and the dress--though I'm sure she's lovelier than any cartoon could ever be! By the way, has anyone else see Val's picture that she posted with her profile? She's so pretty! And looks just as warm and fun as she sounds on here!

Well, my kids are climbing all over me here. Gotta go!