[bethbland]

Hi gang, its been a while. Have been really sick and part of this cold still wants to hang around,and ribs hurt like the dickens. l have put some of my weight back on, but am getting back on track and pretty much starting again.
Jill l have both machines and for the money the elliptical is the better bet, you get a better workout with it than the gazelle. The gazelle is okay but l don't feel like you get as good a workout on it.
Have missed you all terribly, welcome to all newcomers.
Last week was really nice here just like spring, turned a little cold this weekend, but l can live with that.
My brother in England has lost over 75lb, l am really proud of him. It has been a battle for him with his weight and with heart problems and having had bypass surgery and almost dying, l know he will be here a lot longer with us.
l need his willpower and resolve?
Bye for now everyone.
Beth

[meowee]

Good Morning, all . . .

Congratulations for everyone who has had either a "scale victory" (SV) or a "non-scale-victory" (NSV) since last we talked.

A great big welcome for you dollidot. You've certainly covered a bit of the world. I think you'll like it here and we all look forward to getting to know you better. How many cats do you have? I have three.

See you later, gang. Hope you all keep finding us. We miss every one of you when you go missing for a little while.

[flsunbakd]

Hi 50-Chickies!

WoW! Busy board this weekend and lots of newbies! WELCOME! We're so glad to have you here with us! Isn't fun to have such a diverse group from so many places!

Fun weekend for me ....HH was off on Friday & Saturday and the weather was sunny and 80 here in Central Florida. We rode our motorcycle both days ....one day we rode over to the beach and yesterday we rode through the Ocala National Forest. Nice days! Stayed on-plan the first day, but was totally bad yesterday. It was the first time since Jan 2 that I've gone whacky on my Sonoma plan. Had a chicken taco salad and couldn't resist that damn fried bowl it came in. Ate the whole thing.

I'm back on-track today tho.....and HERE'S THE BEST NEWS!!!! HH bought me the top-end Gazelle Power Plus yesterday with the piston resistance and training tapes. Beth, thanks for your input...but HH really wanted a "glider-type" piece of equipment since we had one before and he loved it. SO......I will have NO EXCUSE for working out each day! We are turning our extra bedroom into our Gazelle Room. I'll have my Pilates mat in there too. Guests will stay in our little guest-bunglow next door. It's cute, cozy, and just a few steps from our house.

Here's a pic of me on my new Gazelle.....see what happened to me just thinking about being on it??!!

Have a Happy Sunday & Enjoy Yourselves today!

[Trinessa]

Hello, I am a "newbie" on this site. Started with a new lifestyle, Somersize a few days ago. Can't weigh myself until Tuesday, but I am hoping for results. I am 57, 5'5" and weigh 170 which is more than when I was pregnant 23 years ago! I am not a thin person, but would like to get down to 150 by my birthday on April 6th. I have tried several diets, but this time with the menopause and slower metabolism, it is really tough. Don't really like to exercise 'cause I don't have time. In the summer I am active outside with my yard and garden. Divorced about three years ago after almost 30 years of marriage which resulted in hypertension, depression and stress. I was left to fully support my (I no longer say our) son in college and work only partttime as a teacher in an alternative high school. Love the job, money is tight, but basically now I am happy with my life. My X's loss is of no concern of mine, he can live with his half-biological "sister" while I have a good relationship with my son. Okay, that's me in a nut shell. Just feel I need some support with this.

[flsunbakd]

Originally Posted by Trinessa

.....Okay, that's me in a nut shell. Just feel I need some support with this.....

You've got support here, Trinessa!! I lost 40 lbs with Suzanne 3 years ago. It's a fun and easy plan. I did do Pilates while Somersizing and I think it was part of my success.

Learn from my huge mistake tho....I thought I was invincible once I reached my goal weight and ate like I was 22 again. BOOM. Gained back all but 5 lbs of that ugly fatty fat fat. So....here I am today to tell you to stick with us here to maintain once you lose it! That's MY hope and dream for THIS (last) time. I'll be 55 on April 22, through menopause and I know it will be so much harder to get to my goal weight this time. If I had been more realistic & deciplined when Somersizing I wouldn't be having to start all over again! I so wish I would have had a great support group like 3FC and I know that having this group of people here with me this time will be the big difference!!

Thanks, Chicks!

[Cheryl120]

Morning to you all!

Beth....So happy to hear from you. Sorry to hear you have been sick. Hope you are feeling better real soon.

Trinessa and Dollidot.....WELCOME!!!!...Look forward to getting to know you better. This is such a great site, so supportive and a good place to vent when we need too.

Jill...I did good all weekend too, until yesterday when I forgot that I had bought Girl Scout Cookies from my niece out in Oregon and the mailman delivered them bright and early. You know, they are just like potato chip, you can't just have one.... It was more like 10 Next year I'll buy, but I'll tell my sister to let my nieces eat them.

Well it is finally starting to warm up, not as frigid as it has been the last couple of days. I'm going to head my sewing room and work on my quilt and listen to a little smooth jazz. Chat with you all later.

Cheryl

[CurvesALot]

Hi, gang, and a big to the newbies like me -- Donna, Barb, jrnyc, itsforme, Dollidot and Carla (hope that's everyone). I apologize for my absence. I don't even have any good excuses for disappearing other than when the board was down prior to the new server. I was just wallowing in self-pity and couldn't bear the fact that I was not keeping my word with myself when most of you were doing so well and staying with your programs.

I wasn't spending all of my time wallowing, however. I've been doing a lot of "purge and toss" projects here at home and reorganizing things. To assist in my weight loss efforts, I emptied a lower cabinet in my entertainment center and turned it into an exercise center with all my DVDs, VHS tapes, stretchy bands and weights. I also rearranged the furniture in my living room, making lots more space for working out and also in the dining area so that I would feel better about sitting at the table and eating (as is recommended) versus eating on a TV tray in front of the TV.

I want you to know that this morning I went back to page 29 of this thread and read forward to catch up on all that I've missed. I have several comments but first want to thank those of you who tried to help me when I posted that I was having trouble with portion sizes. I didn't mean that I didn't know what portion sizes were supposed to look like. What I meant was that I was having difficulty CONTROLLING them. LOL

In my time away, I went off all programs and got almost zero exercise. With only four weeks until my vacation to Mexico, I am trying to get a grip and get back on track. I realize that it will be best for me to participate here regularly and get the support I need. I do take motivation from you guys and find you all so interesting and fun too. I can't believe what an international group this is becoming!

Okay, here goes:

Donna: I can totally relate to your concerns about having to tuck in your shirt. I also would try to blouse it a little and forget about a belt. I like the accessory idea to detract attention. Maybe some interesting earrings to make people look up higher and away from the "problem area."

Hyacinth: I am so proud of you for sticking to the Atkins Induction, even though you haven't felt that great on it. It shows you have what it takes and could stick to anything you put your mind to.

At one point you mentioned that you're "not a cook or kitchen-enjoying person." That is so me! I like to bake but hate cooking! I can do it but have done it so seldom that I feel like a beginner. One of the most embarassing cooking moments I had is when I went to make breakfast for someone, and he laughed at me that I looked in a cookbook to see how to make scrambled eggs.

Freda: So sorry to read about your problems with the epidurals! Good thing you had that reaction where you did rather than later at home.

Jealous that you're in a Size 6, but WTG!

Jill: Thanks for the fake chocolate mousse recipe. Yum! Also, congrats for being able to get into smaller pants. I'm just starting to work out on one of those exercise balls. I've suffered from a lot of sciatic in the past. Did sitting on the ball really help you with that?

Lillygrace: Sorry to hear about your foot problems. Sounds painful. Hope your new orthotics help. Hope you're staying warm. I'm the Chicago area too and am spending the whole weekend indoors. Brrrr!

Elyn: Your home is gorgeous! Also congrats on officially moving from obese to overweight. I know it sounds funny, but that it quite an achievement.

Lisa: Welcome back from your cruise. I don't think the weight gain is bad at all considering all the eating opportunities that are offered aboard ship. Thanks for sharing your photos. I too liked the sparkly dress but think the black and white one was very elegant and classy.

Itsforme: I know how hard it is to lose weight with thyroid disease and insulin resistance. My thyroid is not quite bad enough for meds yet, but it's on the lowest side of normal, and I fear that I also suffer from insulin resistance. I mentioned this to my doctor, but she didn't offer any type of supplements or medication for it. May I ask what your doctor recommended?

Cheryl: on losing 11 pounds since 1/04. You're an inspiration!

Congrats to all who've had a loss or whose clothes are fitting better and encouragement to those of us who are still struggling.

[Bobbolink]

Hello everyone and newbies!
TRINESSA.........glad to hear you don't exercise, either do I. I'm very active in the summertime doing yard and garden too. In the winter I shovel snow and my hubby and I cross country ski. I do a few back exercises for my bad back and thats about it.
DOLLIDOT.........I was surprised to hear about the modern location you live in. I see the middle east as a desert with lots of backward ways, oh I'm so ignorant. Do you also have access to groceries that we take for granted like diet jello, fat free products, etc?
BUNTI.......I was the one asking about the Quick reply, never did get a answer. I know how to change the colors and fonts on e-mail, but I don't have access to it on this site. Anyone know how to correct that?
WVLADY......Make a deal with yourself and put that stubborn streak of yours to work. I'm also stubborn, just ask my hubby! I have sweets in the house for him but I'll be darned if I'll touch them. I also weigh myself everyday and post it on the refrigerator. I have a graph made up with my highest weight on the left hand side and the weight going down, just opposite of what normal graphs show. Across the top I have everyday of the week for 3 weeks. It's very motivating to see my daily posts go down, down, down. I also keep one serving of carbs for nighttime snacking. If you like salty, crunchy and sweet, try the 100 calories per bag of Orville Redenbacker's Kettle Korn. Oh, It's so good!
Anyone like oranges on their boring salads? I made a ORANGE POPPY SEED DRESSING yesterday and it's awesome. I do have to tweek the recipe a bet, it's quite thick.
4 teaspoon cornstarch
4 packets Splenda
6 Tablespoons cold water
1-1/3 Cup frozen orange juice consentrate
4 teaspoon honey Dijon mustard
1-1/2 teaspoons poppy seeds
1/4 Cup white Vinegar
In small sauce pan, combine cornstarch and cold water till smooth. Stir in thawed juice, vinegar, mustard and splenda. (Original recipe called for honey)
Bring to a boil; cook and stir 1 minute or till thickened. Stir in poppyseeds and salt. Cover and refridgerate till chilled. To tweek, either add a Tablespoon or two more water or cut back on the cornstarch. Or you can just make it as is and dilute it with warm water before pouring on salad.
Calories are 29.2 calories per ounce or 2 Tablespoons. It would be less calories if you cut back on the cornstarch. I put all the usual ingredients in my salad plus a whole orange sectioned up.
JOKE FOR THE DAY: AN ELDERLY WOMAN DECIDED TO PREPARE HER WILL AND TOLD HER PREACHER SHE HAD TWO FINAL REQUESTS. FIRST, SHE WANTED TO BE CREMATED, AND SECOND, SHE WANTED HER ASHES SCATTERED OVER WAL-MART. "WAL-MART?" THE PREACHER EXCLAIMED.
"WHY WAL-MART?"
"THEN I'LL BE SURE MY DAUGHTERS VISIT ME TWICE A WEEK"

BOBBI

[Craftinmom]

Originally Posted by lillygrace

I can't begin to tell you the frustration of having to start again ... having done so throughout my life, only to add the weight back, and more. But over 50 is killing me ... I went on a diet recently and actually gained two pounds on their "phase 1"! So, I'm trying to figure out whether being involved with something like this would help me. I don't know ... I have done WW and CURVES and Jenny Craig ... with accountability all over the place. I don't know whether this would be any different but thought I'd give it a try.

I will be 55 in January and have struggled with weight since I can remember ... my mom taking me to a doctor when I was 10 to get amphetimines! And the struggle continues ... I have another friend who is committing with me to do South Beach with the hopes that it can help even women over 50. We'll see.

Want to join in?

HI! I found this while searching for something else and yes...I WANT TO JOIN YOU! I will be 50 in June. I have started with what is, I guess, Perimenopause and it does make this whole weight thing harder. I've been overweight all my life, did the diet pills at 13 (mom is still so sorry for letting me do that!), I've done WW on and off since 13...needless to say, none of it ever worked...untill the year 2001. In Jan of that year I got on the floor to help my son, then 5, with a toy and couldn't get back up. I had to 'knee walk' over to the chair to boost myself up. It hit me. Hard. That was my "ah-hah" moment, as Oprah says. Two weeks later I was at WW where I proceeded to lose 78 pounds and make 7 of the greatest friends I've ever had! But that was part of the proplem...for all of us. The WW meetings became more of a social hour, followed by a less than 'legal' lunch. Then our fantastic leader left and it was downhill from there. We all stopped the meetings but not the socializing and slowly all started to gain. Most of us put back on 10-20 pounds! (We were all fairly big losers!) I gained back 22# and some self hate. Anyway, we're all still wonderful friends and meet weekly for lunch and get togethers with husbands, etc. But...we all still struggle with our weight. Each of us is trying weight loss in different ways and support each other wholy. Anyway, to get to the point (finally), I've done SBD, Phase 1, for about 10 days and have lost 9 1/2 pounds! I've lost my horrible sugar cravings and have tons of energy...and I'm scared. I'm afraid that once I hit P2 I will either stop losing or blow it! I don't want to. We are going on our first cruise in June, a 50th birthday celebration and I want to feel comfortable in the warm caribbean weather. I want to wear a bathing suit. I want to weight 140 when this is all done. I am now 190. I know I can't drop that all by June, but another 25 would be nice! 140 will still be about 10-12 pounds too much for my 5'0" size, but for me it will be just fine. I've never been thin and I'm big busted, so I'm being realistic here! ) I hope you're still out there...I want to join you!
Luanne

[surfdreams]

Hey welcome Luanne - great weight loss - you can do it again!!

Love your joke Jill!!

Today is a weird day - don't know why, just weird. Maybe because I haven't exercised!! A gazelle? I thought I knew all of the machines - what is that Jill?

I'm making a chicken tortilla soup today. Smells great as I sit here and type.

Just a BIG THANK YOU to all the women on this site. I often feel isolated. But I know that I can come to this site and get support - just for being alive!!

[flsunbakd]

Originally Posted by surfdreams

A gazelle? I thought I knew all of the machines - what is that Jill?

There's a pic of it on my post below....and the BEST buy on one is on Home Shopping Network right now. It's kinda fun to watch Tony Little demo it on there if you can catch it! He's kinda corny, but people seem to love his motivational DVD's that come with the Gazelle. I've read all the reviews and info on this and it seems like lots of people have had great success with this....plus it's low/no-impact, so easy on the back and knees.

http://www.hsn.com/cnt/prod/default....attr=&ocm=sekw

[itsforme]

Hang in there Luanne! Going to be 50 in September also. Am only 5'2" m'self and have to lose yet another 37 ( by my son's wedding in June ) Seems we have the same goals. Been on South Beach for 6 weeks now and lost a total of 12 pounds. I am insulin resistant w/thyroid disease.

I've often wondered if I'm becoming afraid of food also, as I have been so successful to date. I'm "testing the waters" here and there before I take any big leaps into Phase ll.

Stick together. We'll do this...you've done it already!

Susan

[Bobbolink]

South Beachers......I lost 14 pounds a couple of years ago on the SBD and it was so easy except for the terrible migraine headaches that seem to go along with the diet. I was apprehensive about Phase Two also. But you don't have to go unto the second phase is you don't want to. I just gradually added some foods and if I started to gain, I went right back to Phase 1. I think we're all afraid of not losing so quickly when moving to the next level. Good Luck
Bugsy

[girlieyorkie]

Hi everyone~
WOW, our thread has been very busy. A very warm to all the newbies ~ I dare not write the names, 'cuz I know myself when it comes to names (my memory is practically non existent), and I really don't want to miss mentioning anyone. We're all glad you've found us.

Haven't been posting 'cuz I've been feeling lousy. I caught DH cold, which is unusual for me, as I'm never sick. I wonder if being on a diet somehow lowers the immune system just a little. Anyway, I've been reading the posts daily just didn't have the energy to post.

All the recipes that were posted sounds delicious, but I'm not so culinary inclined (maybe I was too easy on myself) ~ I'm lazzzzzy, and I really do hate to cook. So I go the easy way. Now that I'm on a diet, I buy those soy chocolate dessert ~ I love them They are made from soy milk which I love as I have been a vegan in my younger days for more than 7 years. In those days, I weighed 97 lbs, I've actually added more than half my size by being an omnivore. So lately, I've been toying with the idea of going vegetarian, but I think it will be tough since DH is a meat and potato kind of guy.

Jill~ How are you doing with your gazelle? I hope you'll enjoy working out in your gym room. We have converted one of our spare rooms into a gym many years ago, but I usually work out in the living room with an exercise video. However, I have started to occasionally ride the bike and walk on the treadmill ~ I hope you'll do better than me

Freda~ So sorry to hear about the awful reaction you got from the epidural steroids. It is a little strange that you didn't get a reaction from the first round. Did you get a larger dose? It's good you did seem to recover from it real fast and did not go into anaphylactic shock.

Marsha~ Glad to have you back. and for the compliment on our home. It is quite difficult to be consistent and persevere, but all we can do is to try our best. You have rearranged your home and made it exercise and diet friendly, so you obviously have good intentions. If others are able to do it, then there's no reason why we can't.

Bobbi~ When you click "Go Advanced" you'll get the options to change fonts, clicking the downward arrow beside the underlined A will give you options to change colors, clicking on the [More] under the smilies will give you more smilies,etc.

I haven't been exercising for a week because of my cold, but I'm feeling much better now and I think I can start again today. I have gained 1 pound this week however it is TOM for me, and I usually gain a good 3 lbs so I'm not moving my tracker down as I'm pretty sure it is not accurate.

Have a great day everyone~

[the slim me]

Good Morning All, Today is my weigh in day and I have to report no loss. I'm not surprised, I haven't exercised in several day. At this point I know I can't lose just by diet alone, I have to exercise. I guess I could cut more calories but I'm not willing to do that. I think maintaing a healthy diet is important too.

to all the newbies, So glad to see all of you here! I know you will find lots of support here.

Also glad to see a few of you back that haven't been around in awhile. I know I can't do this alone, I need all the support I can get. I know I can get it here. And I know that after i get to goal I can count on these ladies to help me stay there! That is a big problem for me. I've lost the weight before, like some of you, and gained it all back! I don't want to do that again! It's too hard. I am no longer dieting. I am "Eating Helathy" Dieting means that after you finish you go back to what you were doing. Well, that's what made me fat in the first place! I can't go back there. This is a life style change.

We are getting such a wonderful mix of people here, from so many interesting places! But we all have a lot in common.

Have a great day ladies, Freda

Remember, nothing tastes as good as being think feels!