I need a new start. Monday evening I was craving chocolate real bad and not hot cocoa, but something that I could sink my teeth into. So had more than my share of cookies and pastry bites. Now, that I ate all of that I have no more chocolate cravings, but feel terrible that I caved in. I had been doing so well lately too!

Terrific Tuesday is a new day. A day where I plan to eat healthy and drink my water too. Maybe even get in some exercise too!

Reassure me that I am not the only one who caves into chocolate.

lbsbgone

Hi! You are certainly not the only one who craves chocolate!!! I would have no problem with sweets if it weren't for that. I just threw away some caramel that was old, my dh didn't like it, and I just don't care for it! But that brown stuff just doesn't stay around long. But you know a small amount of dark chocolate is good for you. But the key word is "SMALL AMOUNT". And I just can't do that.
However, I use the chew to get my calcium, and I buy the chocolate. I have one at breakfast and one at dinner. That satisfies the craving most of the time. I also use the no fat/no sugar jello pudding and that is good. I use skim milk to make it.
Today has been a good day, for me. I have been so busy that I had to make myself sit down and eat lunch. And I stayed with what I posted on my menu for the day. We went to our youngest grandson's basketball game and my dh ask if I wanted to get something to eat on the way home, and I said no! But it was a temptation!
So tomorrow, we will start a new day...one little slip up is not going to hurt, if you get right back on you program. Don't beat yourself up. You realize what you did and have the right attitude about tomorrow. I know you can do it!!!
It's been a long day and tomorrow will be to, so will say goodnight.
Wanda

Schedule for surgery 22 of February. Be there at 5:45 and surgery at 7:45. Same times as when Garret was born, except a day late.

My supervisors husband died Saturday. Complications of throat cancer. She is a strong woman, when other are around. Please keep her in your prayers.

Sherri and everyone hope you are diong well

Well this part could get long, but I hope I don't bore you all.
Tops meeting was great last night. We did some communicating about ourselves. About self-esteem. Why we aren't making goal. What is holding us back. Something is. We wondered is it the fact that we are afraid of the outcome, that we are sabotaging ourselves? We all decided it's up to us. We have choices, which is true. We can do any program we want. We can allow ourselves to cheat, or not, it's up to us. But then I got to thinking this morning about a comment I made last night. I've tried everything. I've lost 80# on a doctors order of 1200 calories a day diabetic diet. That’s when I just finished high school. Borderline diabetic. I then some years later lost another 80# doing the old fashion weight watchers. (basically the same as the diabetic program way back when), then I lost about 30# doing the points system at weight watchers, then most recently 65# going to tops, and just watching what I was eating and writing it down. Ok here's my thought. Each plan was successful, as long as I gave my self the limitations. When I told my self I couldn't have it, because I’ve gone over or will go over I stopped, or if that one particular Item wasn't allowed. I didn't have it. I didn't give my self the choice. I didn't let the food control me, I controlled the food, when I knew and accepted the limit. If I keep choosing to let my self choose to have what I want, I fail. If I don't set the limit. I fail. Almost like a kid with a schedule, "Sherri", you can relate to that. Most of us can. As long as that child knows the boundaries that he/she is allowed she is ok. And most kids do better and function better with a schedule, and with boudaries. Shoot, I do on everything else that's for sure. I'm sure some of you have thought about this in the past. About boundaries, Choices, schedules, but, saying to ourselves, "I can have that because I can choose to have that" could be what is sabotaging us. I remember always saying to my husband. Don't tell me I can't do something, cuz that's when I will do it. But think again. We may talk it, and think we are walking it, but when it comes down to it, we will consider the "hubbies" point of view. It will stop us, and make us think. And for the most part we won't do it. I'm sure it's not because he said we couldn't, but because we took the time to look at the consequences of the action. Maybe we aren't thinking ahead of the out come of the consequences of our actions. Maybe we are looking "to briefly in the moment" for some quick satisfaction. I did my best work on the "food chart" guidelines. Weighing, measuring, and setting boundaries, and stopping. I challenge myself, and whom ever wants to, to set boundaries for myself, and you. Plan, count, chart, and take the time that is needed. Whatever program you want to do. But stop at the limit. Don't go any further and don't tell yourself "that it is ok", (I can understand an allowance of something that you have allowed, and accounted for), but if we continue the thought that this little slip up is ok, it could start an avalanche, which in my case, I think is the problem. I keep telling myself it's ok, it's my choice. Well my choices aren't working anymore. So apparently I don't have a choice anymore.
So since today is a "new week for me" and I don't have anymore "mint chocolate chip ice-cream in the house, It's time for a new me. It's time to think about me, want for me, and to finally make goal for me. It's time to set boundaries, and schedules. It's time for a clean up.

Good Morning Ladies,
Seems like the theme for today is "a new resolve"...I'm feeling the same way. I think it's ok to "start over" sometimes. What might have worked for awhile doesn't also continue to work. Exercise is like that, so why not things with our minds?

lbsbgone: Ok..you gave in. You have been dealing with a lot of changes in your life. Just go on..we have all done this and the worst is done...so just go on...we are here with you..on that same road.

Wendy: Thanks for sharing what you talked about at your TOPS meeting. It is so much of what I've been thinking, and I've got my mind set in the right direction again.

Who else is with us? Who needs to start over?

Susie

Wendy,

I am with you girl. I have been busy getting on a routine or not doing one. That I have allowed myself to cheat as well. Cheating isn't getting me where I need to be. My scale is up today and I will have a gain tomorrow but it will be the last one. I am going to write down what I eat like wanda said. You bite it you write it. I do great on plan and losing when I write down everything I eat.
I also called and put in a free ad today in the paper to start a weightloss support group for free. I know what it is like not to have the money to do this when you need it. To me it is important to help others reach their goals while they are helping me. Hopefully having this group will help me keep on track as well. I plan on getting here daily and reporting how I am doing. I did get in a lot of exercise yesterday which was a good thing. I have more planned for today. Things are going smoothly here at home. I have my house in order and I am spending time with the kids.

Lbsbegone,

Don't worry about the slip up like wanda said. As long as you get right back on track today you will be fine. One night of eating doesn't make us gain weight. Do extra exercise today to make up for it. You will be fine. Like Wanda said it is better to allow yourself to have a small portion a few times a week so you don't get the cravings then to go so long then just eat out of control. This way you won't feel deprived and you will still lose weight. You can do this. The worst thing to do is to get down on yourself for what you did. It was your choice. Yes it was a bad one but it is done and over with. You can't undo it. So accept it and move on. When we beat ourselves up over something silly like that we are carrying that stress with us which will cause us to gain weight. Let it go and you will be fine. You are human girl.

Susie,

Climb on board with us all. Yes today is a great day to start heading towards our goal. What plan are you doing anyway? How is work going?

How is everyone else doing?

I will be back.

Sherri

Hello Again,
I was in such a rush this morning trying to get ready for work and trying to catch up on the board.

How did everyone do today with "starting over".

Sherri: You asked what sort of plan I was on. I go to TOPS meetings for the weekly inspiration and for the accountability. As far as my way of eating goes, I just try to stay around 1,500 calories a day (I've found if I do, I loose somewhere between .5-1 lb a week) and just use moderation with the servings and try to make the food choices "balanced". With my IC, I have some trouble getting in the vitiams I would get from fruit, because I can't have fruit due to the acid in it..but hey it balances out, I can't have chocolate eithier!

I'm looking forward to reading tomorrow's posts and see how everyone did. Remember "As slip up, isn't a reason to give up!"

Susie

This was all great! Sounds like we are on our way! I am so glad to hear that eveyone is so motivated...I am so proud of you all.

Wendy, thanks for sharing. We need more of that! As you said, "The Choice is Mine!" I will chose to be successful or to let something get in my way! It doesn't matter what program we are on, whatever, just stick to it! And schedule a time to exercise. You are doing this for yourself!
Will keep you friend in my prayers. And for you...on your surgery day.(as always)

Susie, this is a new begining...we are all together, and with the support we give, not only will it help others, we will get benefit from it, too.

lbsbegone, hope you have had a good day. Remember, one day at a time!

Sherri, how has your day been? Hope you are having a good week!

More tomorrow...
Wanda