Wanted to say goodnight, girlies, and that I got that second (of the week) 2-mile walk in this afternoon, right before dark. Kept the calories at around 1600 today, so I'm happy.

Sojourner, I did indeed try a couple of Amy's entrees, and they were very good, but I just hate to spend twice as much as I do for LCs on sale! A friend had recommended them to me. :)

Dolly, so sorry your holiday is being ruined by "the unwanteds." :mad: So often, what should be a cozy, comfy family day is turned upside down by tension in re-configured families. :hug: to you ... I know it's difficult. At least you enjoyed your massage ...

Stacy, congrats on forgoing that popcorn last night! It's SO HARD!!! When I go to the movies, just the smell of the popcorn kills me, and I want it SO BAD! :devil: Good luck with your weigh-in tomorrow.

Snow, you sound like a wonderful Thanksgiving guest ... bringing all those good things for dinner! Maybe you'd like to visit my house, as well ... :D

Have a good night, all!

This darn weight-tracker!
 

Just testing a little to try to figure out why my slider isn't moving to show my loss! My two trackers were fine, went into change my weight, then the slider showed the weight loss on one, but not on the other, and I'm doing them exactly the same! YIKES!!!

Well I splurged a little yesterday. It was the youngest's birthday the big 12 and she wanted stroganoff. I make the best stroganoff. So I had a big helping and then a second but I put it on the smallest plate I could find, a dessert plate, and then only put it in the middle third of the plate. I only had a 1/2 inch sliver of cake. I like the stroganoff better anyway. This morning I am at 210. So my weight is going back down slowly. Thank goodness. I will not cheat again, I will not cheat again, I will not cheat again....

Markie - congratulations on the 3 lbs. I don't do frozen meals just because I have to cook for everyone else and my dh is very picky, he will not eat anything packaged. He also hated the stir fry from wed and the stroganoff yesterday. I swear he only eats the most unhealthy foods. This is probably why I have so much trouble losing weight. After I've spent so much time cooking it I want to eat it.

Snow - I'm glad you are going to be talking to the doctor. And it is great to hear that you are sticking with your plan and doing so much. I wouldn't worry too much about thanksgiving, I breezed through it. I let myself have a little more than I normally would have but didn't go crazy. I know that you can get through. And like you told me, it is only one day so how much damage can you do. Even with the several week binge I did, it was only about 12 lbs and some of that was water weight. I am only up 7 from my low on this diet of 203. Even if you do a little damage it can be reversed. Worrying about it will make it worse, so just relax. Go for an after dinner stroll or picture yourself even thinner when you see these people at Christmas while you are eating, I know you can do it. Bringing stuff there that you don't normally eat so you don't have to deal with the leftovers is also a really good idea. That way you can have a limited splurge.

jcatron - sorry about the power loss. I know it is awful. glad we don't get weather like that around here too often.

40 - It can definately be a trying profession. Some days you just have nothing left at the end of the day. Other days kids just energize you and they say the cutest things. we have 7 regular staff and I really only get along well with one of them, there are 3 more that don't bother me very much very often but there are two that i would rather kick than look at. They should not be working in a day care.

get n - great going on resisting the popcorn. Keep up the good work!!!!

dolly - I really sympathize. My dh's family is like that. At any point in time only 3 of the 4 siblings are speaking to each other. Since I have been in the picture it is his brother who is not in the loop. But I always invite them when there is a family thing going on. His sister has a fit and says she won't come or she won't talk to them. I tell her to grow up. Then his cousin' who lives very close to us, anyway, his wife had an affair and left him. We all told him it was better for him and how we didn't like her anyway, bad move, he took her back. so that is all very uncomfortable for them, us, everyone. Family, you have to love them, but you don't have to like them all the time. Don't stress too much, you can't change the people or the attitudes. But you can be the bigger person and feel better about yourself, because at least you tried.

Well off to work, have a great day everyone. Happy Friday!!!!!!

Good Morning Chicks,

I woke up this morning with the a great attitude and that Sunday's Thanksgiving is going to be great and I can make everyone happy but I can still have a great time and enjoy their company. Thanks card and markieposter of the words of encouragement.

So this morning the elliptical I normally use, the ones that move your arms too were all full. So I had to use one that has no arms and I just could not get into are routine. Getnhealthy, which one do you use? I felt like I would lose my balance if I didn't hold on, but then I would not up the intensity if I held on with both hands. I ended up sorta holding on lightly with one hand, but still felt uncomfortable. Did some upper body weights as well today.

card: Your stoganoff sounds really good! You did fine, it wasn't that bad of a splurge and you were real concious of the dessert you ate! Also great news on your weight going back down!

markieposter: Another 2-mile walk, way to go!

Sno & Sojourner: I am going to have to try these lean cuisines and have them in the house for a fast meal. I always keep a can of progresso soup in the pantry to heat up when I am in a hurry or don't have any other ideas.

Hi all, and might I say TGIF:carrot: I've had three good days in a row and still aiming for a full seven without any cheating. It took me a day or to to get motivated but feeling strong going into the weekend. I've had a pretty busy week and will do all sorts of things around the house to catch up after taking it easy the last couple of weekends. I'm an avid gardener and have three large gardens to winterize. I've roped my children into helping (I love my kids:D ) but it will still be quite the job. My problem on the weekends is getting involved in "little" projects, forgetting the time and forgetting to eat so goal for the weekend is to eat properly and not over do it.

Stacy you go girl. The cooler is a great idea. Your eating plan is right on track:bravo: . I've got some salmon kabobes in the freezer and I'll just have to have them for dinner now that you've reminded me about them. I've decided to weigh in Monday as it took me a few days to get on track. May be cheating a little but I'd rather set myself up for success.

Dollypie goodluck with your weekend. Hope everything goes well and family tensions don't interfer too much. You can choose your friends but not your family yada yada is so often true at times. I'm a bit of an emotional eater and in your situation I'd be coaching myself about letting the tension roll off me without triggering a stress reaction.

Sounds like a tuff environment to work in Card. There are some people who aren't ment to work with small children and it can definately be a downer for all involved when you have to deal with the negativity day in day out. I guess I'm lucky because I get to hand pick my kids and I have only one employee who is awesome. Sometimes parents can be my biggest problem, but if I keep it professional and commmunicate clearly with them from the beginning most issues resolve themselves.

Way to go Markie.:cheer: Hearing about everyones success is really helpng me stay on track. I'm going to have to try some of the Lean Cusine entrees they sound like a great way to deal with the no time to cook nights.

Have a great weekend ladies.

Nina

Hi everyone!! another great day! My paradise is full of children today. I have to get my house ready for a birthday party (my nephews) and with 3 kids under 4 its not an easy task. My weight hasn't changed since last week, but with everything that has happened I think that is about right.

Have a great weekend!

Hello all. Hope your Friday is going well. Mine started off kind of funky. Got on the scale for my weigh in and i was down 1 pound. I stepped on again (i always do this for some reason) and i was the same as last week. So now i am :mad: . So i paced the house..what to do, what to do? So i decided, i will step on one more time and this is the weight i am going with...okay, down 1.4 pounds. So i am happy with 1.4, although i was hoping for more...but i just feel like i am cheating, taking the lowest weight the scale showed. Oh well though, i guess i wil just stick with that number since i will not be weighing in next friday...will be at inlaws...and defintely dont want to weigh as soon as i get back after thanksgiving, so i will probably skip a weigh in, so i guess even if i take the lower weight, no harm done right? What do you all do when your scale acts funky?

I can start upper body weight tomorrow again...FINALLY. :strong: I am so excited to get back on the stick with my full exercise regiment.

Nina- BIG TIME TGIF. I needed the weekend bad. I am looking forward to sleeping in a bit tomorrow, til 8:3-9 anyway. Good for you for getting that momentum going with 3 days in a row. :carrot: Glad i gave you an idea for dinner. I get in such a rut sometimes...it is so nice when someone on the board reminds me of something i havent had in a while.

Dolly- Oh my goodness, i am extremily picky about my ellipitcal. There is a certain kind i LOVE and HAVE TO have. Like you, i have to have the ones where the arms move. But then too, i have found that since i have done this machine so long, my legs have a certain path, i guess you would call it, that they are used to. The one i started on back in 2003 was the kind where my legs go sort of like a bicycle standing up, there are some that feel like you are sliding down a hill and constantly trying to keep up...does that make sense, like they go in more of a slanted up and down than a round pattern. Well when i get on one of them by mistake, it is like my legs just cant find their rhythm. I just cant do them long or efficiently. But my goodness, doesnt it feel good to get back in the game with your regular routine. :cb:

Card- A splurge is good now and then...keeps you from binging, or it does me anyway. Happy B-day to your DD. :gift: Nice going on small helpings and small piece of cake. I need to eat on smaller plates too.

Markie- Good job on the 2 mile walk, :running: it feels so good once you start getting some of that exercise under your belt doesnt it.

Sno- Good job on sticking with the walking and exercising this week. :exercise:

Ok, i have just over 9 pounds to lose before New Years. It is really stressing me out. I was doing SO good at the beginning of this challenge. Now with surgery, T-day, then Christmas, and sons bday...i am really sweating it. Tell me i can do 10 pounds in 6 weeks. :coach: Sounds so simple. Gonna go bust it at the gym tomorrow and get in as much exercise as i can before we head out of town. I really appreciate this challenge, i think if anything can keep my eyes on the prize though what seems like endless holiday food fests, this challenge can. Thanks again sno for getting this show on the road. :thanks:

Wish me luck chickies... its going to be a tough week for me. My sister and family are coming into town tomorrow from Denver and will be here all week staying with my parents. This means I will spend most of the week down there and my parents eat a terrible diet. My mom is extremely overweight as is my other sister and they tend to try and sabotage my weight loss efforts (not the visiting one... she is thin). I will also be away from the gym and my normal routine. :( Will be bringing some food with me and also my dog who I can walk everyday for some sort of exercise. It is really going to suck trying to stick to my program while everyone is gorging all week. My husband has promised to stick by me and eat Lean Cuisines with me if it comes to that.... what a sweetie! Of course he is already in amazing shape and doesn't need to worry. I am still going to aim for losing something this week but we will see!

Finally Saturday!!!! Time to catch up with the housework. I'm feeling a little cranky today so I'm going to be extra careful to watch my eating.

Dolly - keep up the great attitude. Just don't let it get to you if everyone is not having a good time. It is not your problem if they can't be happy. Your only problem is your happiness, not theirs.

40 - great sticking with it. I am jealous with the gardens, I have to winterize mine in October. and I miss them already. I finally talked to my boss about one of the women. She either needs more training or else she has to go. So hopefully my boss will deal with it instead of ignoring it as she usually does. I suggested several courses of action for her to follow after stating the problem and providing additional witnesses so my fingers are crossed this time that she will actually follow through.

jcatron - hope the party is great. and i agree, it's hard to do anything with that many short people running around. At one point in time we had all 5 of my dh and my children living with us (I have 2 and he has 3) We had 2 eight year olds, 2 six year olds and a 4 year old. Now we just have my two and his youngest. 16, almost 14 and just turned 12. Not to mention the assorted friends. So I can really sympathize. I love them dearly, but boy they can be a challenge.

Get n - my weight tends to bounce around alot too. Time of day, alignment of the stars etc. So I usually just do a general weight. Most days I only get on the scale once because I know if I do it the second time it may be different. Not always but sometimes. I was thinking about investing in a new scale but I might not if I am not the only one having this problem. Glad to hear you will be getting back to your full routine soon. You are doing so well, keep up the good work and you can do it.

Sojourner - repeat after me "1 slip does not break a diet. 1 slip does not break a diet...." Keep as strong as you can. Plan as well as you can. Give DH an extra big hug for being supportive. But if you do slip a little you can recover. Don't spiral down like I did. It is not worth it. Now I have to take off the same 7 pounds that I already struggled to take off instead of the one or two from the original binge. Don't let a little slip up do you in. And good luck, just remember some people don't like for you to lose weight because then they may have to do something about theirs. You are doing this for you not them.

Morning Hug To All!
 

:grouphug: to all my buddies here! I didn't check in last night as I was a bit annoyed with myself. We had work going on here at the house yesterday so used that as an excuse for not walking, then instead of keeping my calories to 1800, I was more like 2250!!! :mad: (I'm not so good when watching a hockey game!) But I'm still at 216 this morning, 3 lbs. down, with two days before weigh-in, so I must really toe the line until Monday morning (and my friend is bringing a non-diet dinner over tonight! :( SMALL PORTIONS will save the day, I tell myself!) I do intend to walk today, as well!!!

Dolly, I so agree with what Card said. In relation to your guests, I hope you just do what you know is right, relax and enjoy yourself (well, as much as you can while working your butt off! :D) .... and it's up to your guests to make themselves happy. Don't worry about it ... you have a wonderful attitude, and it's so nice of you to invite everyone. Have a wonderful dinner tomorrow.

Sojourner, I really feel for you. I think whenever we gather with good friends and/or our families, food is such a big part of the occasion. So you're fighting history and instinct, and the way it's always been. Just take it one hour at a time, eat the lighter thing rather than the heavier thing (like I'll try to take a very small slice of pumpkin pie rather than a honkin' big piece of pecan pie, like I usually would!) If you're like me, you know you will eat SOMETHING ... just drink a lot of diet/hot beverages with your food and/or to keep something in your hands, eat VERY slowly ........ and try not to talk about it. That way, maybe you won't get too much "unwanted encouragement" (to eat, that is!") :dizzy: This little talk is also for myself! We'll all be sending willpower vibes your way! :hug:

Card, good luck with your work situation. I hope at least part of your problem there is on it's way to being solved. It sounds as though you have a fun and busy household of kids though I know it's tons of work. Christmas must be wild at your house. I came from a big family and there's lots of rewards there. :)

Stacy, many years ago, before I could actually afford it, I bought a weighted scale (like a doctor's), and 37 years later, it still weighs me perfectly every time. Unfortunately, it hasn't done anything magical :wizard: for me ... like keep me from getting too chubby, but it is always accurate. Don't know what they cost now ... But, really, as long as you're losing a wee bit each week, you know you're going in the right direction, right? Glad that you can get back with your exercise ... And YES, you *can* lose 9 lbs. by New Year's Day. That is six weeks from now ... I'm trying to lose 7 lbs. in that time. But it will be very difficult for me because of the holiday season. I am going to TRY VERY HARD, but just take it one day at a time. We'll do our best, Stacy ... :hug: The important thing is, even if we slip and slide a little here and there, not to get mad at ourselves and binge. If we lose only 5 lbs. by New Year's, that will still be good, right?

Regarding the Lean Cuisines, girls, if you like Asian food at all, go back and look at my previous posts to see the entrees I mentioned. If you use extra soy sauce, Chinese vinegar, hot sauce as condiments, they really are yummy, and a nice change!

GO 'CANES, GO!!! My guys have won 4 of their last 5, we're only 2 pts. behind Atlanta, and playing those girlie-men from Dallas tonight! Nina, your Leafs will have a bloody battle if they try to wrest that Stanley Cup from the Canes this year! :D BTW, so happy to hear your enthusiasm in getting back on track. It is contagious, and we all help each other that way, don't we? :hug:

Snow, I hope you are having a good Saturday, and that your eating and exercise are going well. Have you decided what to take to the Thanksgiving dinner?

Jeni, have a great party!!! You must stay so busy with your little ones. Sounds as though you've done well with your weight lately, all things considered. That birthday cake would tempt me ... so I'll try to send you some *willpower.* :)

Going to grab some brekky, girls. You all have a wonderful weekend! :cheer:

Saturday!
 

HI all:

I had the car repair day yesterday so I was too busy to post--love to hear how everyone is doing!

Thursday night I overdid it and I counted my calories--2367! Then yesterday I was still feeling pretty hungry but did okay. I hope I did not blow it for monday's weigh in!

Exercise continues to be good. My doc says there is nothing I can do about my immune system except exercise! Even when I feel crappy I should go ahead unless I just cant get out of bed. Shes doing a bunch of tests to make sure but it seems like that is all I can do. Oh well.

Thanksgiving :thanks2: seems kinda stressful but I am going to try to relax and have fun. I need to keep my eye on the ball--wanting to see that scale move down rather than eat everything in sight!:dust: I am doing lots of dust in the post to help me and everyone else!

I think I am making cherry pie and pecan pie for the dinner and bringing two kinds of bread and organic butter. That is it. I was toying with making a casserole or two or a noodle salad but my in-laws dont really appreciate that kinda stuff anyway--I'll save it for my family at Christmas.

Sunday: Walk 30 min, 25 minutes stretching and calisthenics
Monday: Walk 30 minutes, 15 minutes stretching
Tuesday: Walk 30 minutes, 25 minutes stretching and calisthenics
Wednesday: Walk 30 minutes, 2 hours housework, stretch 15
Thurs: Walk 30 minutes stretch 15, 15 minutes calisthenics
Fri: Walk 30 minutes, stretch 15.

Markie: wow--congrats on the three lbs down--you are doing great and not even all the way to your weigh in--you will definitely make your new years goal!

Sojourner: it is going to be tough week for all of us--I dont have any people coming, but just thinking about Thanksgiving is enough to make me want to overeat. Good luck and :dust: :dust:


Stacy: dont worry about the whole scale thing--the main thing is that you have been working really hard and you definitely are losing. I know that the rest of the year seems hard to lose weight in--I feel the same way--we just need to stay focussed on our goals and manage that stress! Your workouts will definitely help. :dust:


Jeni: have fun with the party!

Nina: Great job with 4 days no cheating--I know you can do it! :dust: I love gardeing too--I have some major projects to get going in my yard--if I get the energy--wish I had some kids to help!

dolly: have great thanksgiving--let us know how it goes.

Card: great job--thats three pounds down in just a few days right? :carrot: :carrot: :carrot: That is really good. I know it is hard to get back on the wagon after some wandering around but just keep it up--you will feel better if you do. Stress is always hard when you are losing weight so make sure you have some fun this weekend--I get cranky sometimes when I have a bunch of housework. And the challeges of cooking for Dh sound difficult. Just hang in there--it all can be negotiated!

Okay everyone--keep it up and we will survive our upcoming feasts!!

:dust: :dust: :dust: :dust: :dust: :dust:

Third 2-Mile Walk .... DONE!!!
 

:flow2: I did it! :flow2: Okay, that's three for the week. Now if I manage another one tomorrow, that will be 4 days of exercise for the week! :)

Snow, so sorry your doctor can't do more for you. I saw Mark Messier on "Imus In The Morning" the other day, talking up something that all the hockey players use to fight off cold & flu, etc. It's called COLD-fx, and apparently available at U. S. pharmacies now. Canadians have used it for years, and it's supposed to be an immune-enhancer. I don't know much about it, except that it's supposedly all natural ingredients that probably couldn't hurt you. I was thinking of recommending it to my son who seems to get more than his share of colds. Just a thought ... :)

I would like you to I.M. little pieces of those pies to me when you get them made! I'll test them to make sure they're okay for everyone else to eat! :D

Happy Saturday, all! :flow1:

Hey ladies:) . Hope everyone is having a great weekend. I've got day 5 under my belt. Only two meals so far today but blood sugar is feeling good.
Didn't quite get to the gardens today but all other jobs caught up on so tomorrow the hedge pruners come out and they're coming down.
Stacy the scale does the same for me so I try to just step on once especially when the first reading is OK now if I don't like what I see I step on again. You can do those last 9lbs. There is still 6 weeks to go so keep it up. Get back to those weights but pay attention to your body and don't over due it in the beginning. Canadian Thanksgiving was in early October so I don't have the feasting to worry but I'm having house guests all weekend so i'll be cooking all next weekend. We tend to go a little crazy on gourmet desserts so a dark chocolate fruit fondu might take the bite out of the calory count.

Markie 4 days this week is awesome:carrot: :carrot: :carrot: :carrot: Sounds like your teams is on a roll too. My Leafs need to get back in it And I'm :cp: for them.

You sound like your really dealing well with your immune system problems Sno. Exercise is always my key to feeling well. I'll remember you next time I'm complaining to my physiotherapist about the pain shes putting me through. I'm an avid internet researcher and often look up health issues. It takes a bit of time but can often yields interesting and helpful info about health problems especially alternatives to traditional medical approaches. Food sensitivity can often screw up our immune systems in strange ways and when combined with stress lead to serious problems.:getwell:

Sojourner you've got your work cut out for you so heres some:dust: It's great that your hubby is supporting you. Mines great as well. He's in great shape. He lost about 25lbs last year and has been keeping it off by regular exercise.

Jeni hope you had a great party and I hope you put yor feet up and had some mommy time today. Thirteen years ago i had three under four. They were adorable back then but I can remember feeling pretty tired and longing for a little mommy time. A little foot spa went along way.

Card I hope you took some time too. My housework piles up until the weekend and sometimes by the end of saturday chores I wish it was monday just so I could take a scheduled break. I have to give myself a pep talk and make myself remember to remember me. Have a great weekend.

Cheers:hug: to all,
Nina

Okay one Thanksgiving dinner down and one more to go tomorrow. This is the stressful one with my Father. I did well today at my Mom's and then even made it to the gym tonight for 40 minutes on the treadmill. I am finding more and more that exercise is a stress reliever for me...who knew, I thought it used to be Ben and Jerry's Cherry Garcia...hahaha.... So tonight I have cleaned the house again and have started on some of the dishes for tomorrow and then a log is thrown on the fire. Some friends called and asked to stay the night at our house b/c her parent are have the carpets redone and the beds not out. Okay I can handle that. Then my brother and his wife have decided to stay at Target all night to get the new Nintendo game system (they are crazy) and will be at my house shortly after 7am to shower. Okay that's wonderful...the more the merrier....right. How am I ever going to make it to work on Monday. I think I will probably crash early on Sunday after cleaning everything up tomorrow. Great thing is only two days to work next week. Everyone have a great Sunday!

I want to tell everyone they are doing great with planning for the holiday by thinking about what we are going to eat and trying to incorporate exercise. We can all make it girls. All of you are such a great support to me. Remember we didn't put on the pounds overnight so it won't come off overnight!

Happy Sunday, Ladies!
 

:turkey: I'll just check in with a short post, and say hi to all, considering my ridiculously-long post yesterday! :p I must confess that I was not at all good last night, probably ate twice what I should in one evening!!! I'll blame my friend's bbq'd roast and her broccoli salad, the best broccoli salad I've ever had. Then my potatoes were fine, but eating too many was NOT! :devil: Then there was the wine, and the piece of candy ... :mad: Why do I do that, and the weekend before Thanksgiving? Because someone suggested it, and I didn't have the grit to say *no, I don't want to splurge this close to Thanksgiving!* Even though I have leftovers, I will not touch them, and it's back to the grindstone today, with my weight still holding at 3# down.

Dolly, I hope your dinner and your day go really well. Thinking of you!

Nina, we'll be playing your Leafs here mid-December, and I will be going to the game! Better warn your guys that there's a STORM happening that night ... :D Our guys are tied with Atlanta for first in our division now ... YES!!!

Jeni, hope your party was lots of fun.

:grouphug: to all you ladies. Have a great day ...