Thanks ladies, for the kind words. And a big WOO HOO to you for doing well.

I did good again yesterday, and today is going well, too. I'm really craving something crunchy, so I'm going to change my evening snack to triscuits to get that out of my system, while still staying OP. When there's a will, there's a way, right?

Day 4 for me...down and good. I didn't even want my morning or afternoon snacks today. I had oatmeal for breakfast and had forgotten how that stays with me longer. Then I got busy running around this afternoon and missed that snack. For dinner DH wanted pizza, so I took a hint from Jane. Biiiiggg salad and 1 piece of pizza. It worked just fine. I did have my 40 calorie sugar free fudgesicle for an evening snack. AND I did WATP since it rained. I laid off the fruit some today but I bought a nice Indiana cantaloupe to cut into for tomorrow. And I bought celery and baby carrots...good to go for a few more days. If I can get through days 5 and 6 I think I will be celebrating on Sunday with a little extra something. (maybe a margarita)

Good job Marti and Jane. Maybe we should write a cheer for our pep club! We can be our own cheering section!!

Three out of four days accomplished. One more day and I've succeeded.
I'm already trying to come up w/something for next week. Make it more "specific"

Ok....gotta get ready for work!

Okay, so I am a little behind...

JANE...thank you and WTG on staying OP and to your NSV!

MARTI...WTG on day 3! Woohoo!

SUE...you too are doing GREAT!

Keep up the good work ladies!

I can't remember when I posted last...I think I just missed WED & Thurs. I did get in my ItFigures Wed and also a 1 mile walk. Thurs I took a free day since I had so much going on. So that means a Sat. morning walk for sure. Today went to It Figures and got in a mile walk again so I am doing great with the exercise-4 days out of 5 so far. Now the food is a whole 'nuther story, lol. I don't think I am doing too bad, but then I'm not doing so great either, not like I know I should. One thing at a time though, one thing at a time-for me anyway.

Sue - hey, I'm glad the big salad helped keep you OP. I also use green beans and tomatoes to fill me up when I'm having a small portion of high calorie foods.

Marti - you are doing just great! Any ideas what the challenge will be for you next week? I'm thinking exercise for me, now that I have the food under control.

Cristi - you are too, and I wanted to say that you're doing what your challenge was, so maybe you can work on the food next week, but still, you're doing what you said you'd do, so it's all good!

I went to Evansville today, and took a sandwich - chicken on whole grain bread - with me. Then, I was there so long, I needed a snack, and went to Sonic and had the fat-free yogurt strawberry smoothie. I had the small one. Well, they only have "regular" and "large", so it's was regular. I'm on my way to their website next to look up the calories for it. I have a printout of lots and lots of restaurants, but this is a new item. Then I'll adjust my evening snack, if I need to.

So, yeah, I'm OP and feeling great!

One more thing - since I didn't need to replace the sweeper after all, we're buying a treadmill this weekend.

Hello Sue, Marti, Cristi, Jane, Lana and all.
What day does your challenge start? I saw that you had one day to go. Let me know so I can start with you all.
Lana, we met on the buddy thread but I couldn't remember the other ladies we talked with. They moved the posts to support groups and I couldn't find them. Could you tell me their online names so I can message them?
Thank you all for the great hospitality.
Norma

Norma - we start fresh each Monday, so please join us!

I lost 1 1/2 pounds more, which makes an even 7 now. Since I'm pretty sure I've got food under control, I think I'll concentrate on exercise next week.

Hi ladies...

JANE... to another loss! Woohoo, a new treadmill!

MARTI & SUE...how are you ladies doing?

NORMA...hope to see you Monday for the challenge!

Okay, so I wanted to walk longer but it just didn't happen. I did get in a mile so that is definitely better than nothing and did make my 5 days of exercise. I may do another later depending on how I feel...darn allergies got me down.

I do think that I will work on the food for the next challenge...need to get something together over the weekend.

Yesterday ended up being just okay...I didn't go overboard, but did digress from what I had planned. I had a shake..yes, a shake from Mickey D's. So, I cut back on dinner, calorie wise and ate more raw veg. I walked 2 miles late in the evening and was kind of shaky when I came in, so I had a snack. It was really too late for a snack, but I didn't know what else to do. I am sure it is not going to "break" me...but hey, darn it. (I wouldn't have even worried about the snack if I hadn't had the shake, so that taught me!)

Today, so far, so good. Oatmeal for breakfast and a lite turkey on wheat with tomatoes for lunch. Bought some of the lite ice cream when DH bought his good stuff...just to keep from being deprived. I will eat it sparingly. I know I will get in a walk later as it is positively beautiful here today.

As for Mon. I think I will continue to do a food challenge. I need the most help with that as I have done pretty good with exercise. I have been looking over a 1500 calorie eating plan that I was given a few years back by our Lifesteps rep. I think I will try to do that and see how I fare counting calories. If I remember right I did lose a few pounds on this before, but 1500 calories sounds high to me. Should I cut out another 100 or so calories? Anyone?

Good afternoon Jane, Marti, Sue and Cristina,
Did you all have a good day? I'm right on track watching my calories. I'm enjoying good and cold cantaloupe on these hot Arkansas days. Nuts are great for my snacks to keep my entergy up. I've pre-weighed 1 oz portions so I can't cheat. I use FitDay everyday (I even bought the program to use at home). So what's the problem? I'm having a tough time exercising. I'm so over weight that jumping jacks and situps are not possible. I do ride my stationary bike but I feel I need real exercise. Do you all have any advice for really heavy people exercising. I'm thinking of getting a treadmill. I don't know what to look for. Any input? All advice accepted.
I'm looking forward to the food challenge. I am a baker and I used to own a bakery so bread is my evil twin. I will give up bread for a week (at least I will try)
Norma

No exercise...no excuse. But I did finish up with a good eating day. Chicken and veggie stir fry for dinner.

Norma, have you tried the WATP walking tapes? You just walk in place in front of the video. Then such things as side steps and front kicks. Nothing real demanding. You can start out slow and go at your own pace. When she gets faster she always say you are to go at your pace. Look for Walk Away The Pounds videos. There are 1 mile walks, 2 mile, etc.

Trying to be good tomorrow and I hope the scales show a loss Mon.

Yo Sue: What does WATP mean? I'd love looking into those videos.
Message me when you can.
Norma

Norma- The videos are Walk Away The Pounds. Sorry I didn't get back to you sooner.

I feel real good about last week. I think the main thing I learned was that I didn't NEED potato chips or chocolate. I ate small meals and never felt stuffed, but not deprived (too much) either. This next week I am going to try counting calories. I am also going to try to walk/exercise some each day, but once again I think I need to conquer the eating.
Now, the scales might be a different story tomorrow. I had gained..so was above my normal weight and would be happy if I just lost the 3 pounds to put me BACK down to that. (I call 175 my normal weight now as I have lost and gained 5 pounds either way for over a year..and always come back to 175.) My goal right now is to get into the 160's....not a huge goal you would think, but it has eluded me for so long.

Sue: Do you believe in pre-destination? I saw your WATP yesterday and didn't know what it was. My Daughter in law called from Germany just to talk and I told her about 3FC and my need to exercise. She said that I should get Walk Away the Pounds by a person named Sansone. She had the video and loved it. While shopping at Walmart this evening, I happened to notice the DVD on the movie rack. I bought it. I haven't opened it yet because I wanted to check my emails first. Boom. I had a message from you about this very same video. It was like a light bulb coming on. I was supposed to ask the question. I got positive re-enforcement and I bought the video. Kismet! I love it here. You are so very thoughtfull for the response and to get the ball rolling. Here's hoping that 160 is right around the corner for you!
Norma